Satomi's POV

Today is starting off quite badly. It's been a few weeks since I drank Akahina's blood. So far, there's been no signs of her changing, but I know it's inevitable. She's going to become a vampire. There's no stopping it. Akahina will become a level E and it's all my fault.

The idea of her going berserk at any moment terrifies me. All I can do is sit back and wait. Akahina is busily copying my Algebra classwork. Me? I'm fidgeting in my seat. I can't help but glance at Zero, look at Akahina, then turn my attention to the door. I'm almost certain that Kaname will walk through those doors with the Headmaster to drag my sorry butt to the Senste to face punishment for my crime. Who would protect Akahina in my absence? No one knows of this except us two. I hope to keep it that way.

"Satomi! For crying out loud, what is it?!" Akahina hisses. She must have noticed my fidgeting. She doesn't look up and continues to work. She's only on page three of the five-page packet.

"Sorry..." I whisper. I can't tell her what's got me freaked out. I do t need her to be scared as well. I want her to live happily while she can. But there's still a problem. I glance at Zero, he's not paying any attention to us. I fish my hand in my pocket for a special black box with the school's logo on it. I slide it across the table to her.

Akahina stares at the box. She glares, knowing the contents inside. "Blood tablets? Why the hek are you giving me these?!" she demands quietly.

I have to tell her. At least this much. "They're to help with your bloodlust," I tell her, straightforward. I can't sugarcoat this. She's has to be aware of the danger she poses.

"Bloodlust? You can't be serious." I can already tell she's not going to take this well. She looks at me, desperate to prove me wrong.

"Yes, I'm dead serious. I wouldn't joke about this. They will help you when you have the urge to drink a human's blood," I advise, "They taste almost exactly the same."

Akahina looks absolutely appalled. "How can you say that I'll become a vampire!?" she asks in disgust.

"Because it's true," I admit, "As a pureblood, I have the ability to turn a human into a vampire. It just happens." I can't lie to her. Not telling her would do no good. She needs to know.

Shakily, she takes the box and stuffs it in her jacket pocket. She looks so frightened. I don't blame her. I'd be scared to if I was in her situation. It doesn't matter. I will protect her. Even if that makes the Senate my enemy.

"How did you even get these?" Akahina asks after a moment of silence.

"I lied to Kaname, I told him I ran out," I reply, "So, he gave me that package."

She replies with a smile, "Oh, ok!"

That smile helps me to relax a little. But a quick side-glance at Zero causes me to bite my lip. Zero enjoying killing vampires. He hates them all, especially purebloods. He poses a serious threat to Akahina and I. I don't know how much he saw. But there's no way he knows anything. Zero would have put a bullet in me by now if he knew anything. Let's keep it that way...

I can't get away with biting anyone else on campus. I can't make my mistake into a habit. I'll have to be careful and control my emotions along with my urges.

"Thanks for letting me copy your work," my bestie whispers, returning my packet and snaps me out of my daze.

I stammer, "Oh! Uhhh... no problem."

Akahina hisses, "You're doing it again!"

"S-sorry... I guess I spaced out..." I apologize.

"You never space out," she says, putting her hand to my forehead, "You feeling okay?"

I nudge her hand away. "I'm fine," I deny.

Akahina gives me a concerned look. She's buying my lie just as much as I am. I can't bring myself to tell her about the new enemies she will have to face in the future. I just want her to feel normal and untargeted for as long as possible. I will be the one to worry, not her.

"Whatever, Satomi..." she sighs a little disappointed. She knows I'm not going to tell her the truth. It sucks that I have to hide this... It sucks that I have to hide things from my best friend.

I avoid her stare and sneak my iPod out of my bag. I plug my earbuds in, listening to my music on shuffle. I sit next to Akahina in awkward silence for the rest of the class.

The bell rings and Akahina and I rush down to hand in our math packets. As I turn to walk back up to the door I whack straight into Zero's chest.

"Oww!" I complain, clutching my now sore nose.

"Sorry..." Zero apologizes. I then took notice of the cut on his hand. It is bleeding.

My mind starts to panic as the scent hits my nose. "Y-you're bleeding!" I exclaim. My eyes tremble as I watch a few drops seep out of his skin.

"It's just a paper cut. Don't worry about it," Zero says, passing in his packet. The scent of his blood is in my nose. I book it past him and out the door, forgetting my bag at my desk. I cover my eyes in the halls so that no one sees them glowing red. My desire to sink my fangs into a meal is almost unbearable. I've got to get away from the Day Class students!

Akahina's POV

Zero looks troubled as we watch Satomi tear out of the classroom like a bat out of hell. "What's wrong with her?" he asks me, putting me on the spot. Because I would totally be the one to know.

"I'm not sure... but uhh... she must be feeling queasy. She... doesn't like blood..." I state. My lie sounds terrible. I just hope Zero believes me.

"She was fine when you were injured that time..."

"I'd better make sure she's not puking in the bathroom. Later!" I run out, quickly grabbing our bags before searching for Satomi. I have a feeling she didn't go to a bathroom. I speed past a closet, but double back when I notice the door is cracked. Checking to see if anyone is around, I slowly open the door a little. I found her, but she's not in good shape. All I can see through the pitch-black is her eyes, glowing an unsettling scarlet.

Satomi's POV

I decided to hide in a supply closet to wait until the human students were asleep in their dorms. Through my panic attack, I ripped out my two ponytails, letting my hair go wild. My bangs covered my right eye now. I shiver in fear as my hiding place is discovered.

"Satomi?" Akahina pokes her head into the dark, "Are you alright?"

I let out a warning growl. My eyes remain scarlet. "Stay... back," I hiss at her, baring my fangs as another warning. I shake at Akahina's scent.

She takes an uncautious step inside. "Come out of there. We can't stay here all night," Akahina frowns.

I feel pinned, which agitates my instincts. "Don't... come any closer, Akahina," I warn, panting heavily.

Akahina reaches to take my hand. "Satomi, please! Come out," she pleads.

I just want to be alone. "I SAID, STAY BACK!" I yowl, baring my fangs as I lunge at her. Akahina jumps back and stares at me in shock. I hiss at her before pushing myself further back in the closet.

"You just tried to bite me!" she exclaims in anger.

I stare at her, feeling like crap that I had to do that to get her to back up. I hide my face against the wall, not being able to look into her face anymore. Tears of fear and confusion drip onto my hands. I don't feel like myself anymore and it kills me.

Akahina's POV

Sure, I'm a little angry that she tried to attack me again... but her eyes. Her eyes were so sad. It bothers me to see my best friend in such pain and agony. I gasp as I notice that I'm shaking as well. I am scared, scared of my own best friend. I've never seen her like this. I don't know what to do. I wonder if Kaname can coax her out. I don't know who else to go to...

I shut the door and leave Satomi. I have to help her, before she hurts someone or even herself.

Satomi's POV

At last, my friend gives up. She closes the closet door, leaving me to despair alone in the darkness. Sobbing quietly to myself, I cuddle my knees to my chest.

Akahina's POV

I squirm through the waves of fangirls, screaming their voices hoarse, all the while avoiding the sights of Yuuki and Zero. Like last time, I trip as one crazed girl shoves me. This time, my feet slip out from under me completely and I take a nosedive for the concrete. Yet, my face doesn't connect with the ground. Someone caught me?

"Ryo? Are you alright?" Hanabusa asks me as I look up. Of all people to catch me... it had to be him. Just. My. Luck. He helps me regain my balance.

I nod quickly. "Sorry, I'm a little... uhh... in the middle of something..." I state, looking around for Kaname. Once I spot him, I weave through the flow of Night Class students, many muttering about the annoying squeals of the other girls.

Kaname smiles calmly at me as I approach. He notices Satomi's absence and his smile fades. "Hello, Akahina. Is Satomi not feeling well again?" Kaname greets me with fake warmth. I can't tell if he's worried or upset.

Instead of retaining my composure, I panic. "Kaname! There's something wrong with Satomi! She's holed herself in one of the supply closets. She refuses to come out!" I grab his arm. "Please, help me! I don't know what to do!" I cry in desperation.

Kaname places a hand onto my shoulder. "Alright, just show me where she is," he reassures. With him in tow, I return to Satomi and her hiding place.

Satomi's POV

I quiet my sobbing as I hear the knob turn. I tense defensively. I know Kaname is there. He won't be too pleased with my behavior.

"Satomi... I brought Kaname," Akahina murmurs while she opens the door a few inches. I can sense her fear. She's scared of me. But I guess that's the true nature of a vampire, to strike fear in humankind. Because we are scary beasts that feast on the blood of humans.

I inch back to no avail. I'm as far back as I can go. I bring my trembling hands to my face. "K-Kaname...?" I don't want him to come near me now. I'm terrified of him at the moment. I know he despises all vampires that attack humans.

Akahina turns away, most likely facing Kaname who I cannot see. She questions, concerned, "Do you think you can get her out of there?"

"Hopefully," he answers. Kaname takes a few steps inside. He towers over me who's sitting on the floor in the corner.

My eyes flash red and sparks of electricity gather around my hands. I bare my fangs and angrily hiss at him, acting much like a cornered animal. Which is exactly how I feel at this point. "I will electrocute you! Don't make me hurt you, Kaname!" I growl.

Kaname seems unamused and is not slightly deterred. "Satomi, knock it off. You're acting like a child, I thought you told me you weren't a child anymore," he chastised. It's not a good idea challenging him, he can do just as much damage to me as I can to him.

Still, I press my back further against the wall. I hiss again, threatening to fry him inside and out.

"Kaname!" I hear Akahina cry out from outside the doorway, "I-it's like she doesn't recognize us."

Kaname keeps his eyes glued on me. "You wouldn't know this... but Satomi has done something like this before-"

"SHUT UP!" I scream. I never want Akahina to hear this story. I'd locked it away in my mind for so long. It was the one secret I had to keep from Akahina. It is better for her not to know. She doesn't need to know!

Akahina steps a little more into the doorway. "W-what do you mean, Kaname?!"

"KANAME, DON'T!" I plead.

He ignores me and enlightens her, "Satomi once refused to drink blood. This was during our younger years, before you came along. She had grown attached to a human she met. So, she stopped drinking blood offered to her. Out of hunger, she attacked another vampire child. She almost killed the child. Out of guilt and self-loathing, she locked herself away in her room for a long time."

This was back when I had a girly crush on Kaname. He had watched me suck the life out of that vampire. A young, stupid child, his best friend, she almost murdered a playmate of theirs without even blinking. I hated myself for that... I still do. I will never forgive myself for the sins I've committed in my lifetime.

"So, you're saying that... she's hungry?" Akahina asks, confused.

"In a way, yes. Satomi gets like this with her short temper or when she is stressed to her breaking point. This is her outlet so to speak. She loses control of herself, but her mind tells her to stay away from everyone she could possibly hurt," Kaname explains. He stares at me intensely, "Satomi, you need to calm down."

Akahina's POV

I watch as Kaname's attempts to get Satomi continue to fail. I think back to what Kaname had just said.

'She almost killed the child. Out of guilt and self-loathing, she locked herself away in her room for a long time.'

Satomi never told me that. Instead of being angry at the fact that she hid something from me, I understood why she never revealed this story to me. I bet she didn't want me to become afraid of her and leave her alone. I look at my best friend with sad eyes. Oh, Satomi... why do you always beat yourself up for the mistakes you make. You have to understand that no one, human or otherwise isn't perfect.

Satomi's POV

Kaname's tone changes. He sounds much more gentler now, "Satomi,please come out. Tell me what's wrong. I only want to help you."

I slide out of the shadows, but not enough so that Kaname can grab me. "I... don't wanna hurt... anyone..." I whimper, holding back tears.

Kaname squats down, coming to eye-level with me. He holds out his hand. "You won't hurt anyone," Kaname softly encourages.

I shrink back a bit, just enough to stay out of his reach. My voice finally cracks as I squeak out, "N-no... I... I w-will!"

Akahina's POV

My eyes widen at the sound of Satomi's despairing voice. I can tell she'd been crying. I didn't think she was able to cry much anymore. She hadn't shed a tear in front of me... not since her parents' untimely deaths. I think she was trying to take on more responsiblity than she could handle. I'm sure my childish behavior in the past didn't help her either. I must have caused a lot of trouble for her...

Kaname's POV

I've almost won over Satomi. She only needs a few ore words of encouragement. I have a feeling as to why she has been acting so out of character as of late. I have an idea that its more than just hunger.

Satomi's POV

"No you won't. Now, come here," Kaname smiles. A welcoming smile I remember so well from my childhood.

I take a breathe in and slide in front of Kaname's outstretched hand. I stare at him, hesitating once more.

"Good... now, take my hand and we'll go out," Kaname murmurs.

I nod and accept his hand. He guides me out of the closet, much to Akahina's pleasure and relief.

She pulls me into a hug. "Thank God, you're okay!" I hug her back.

"So, are you going to tell me what happened?" Kaname asks after giving us a few seconds.

I look to my feet in shame. How can I tell him? What will he say if I tell him?

Akahina puts a hand on my shoulder. It feels so reassuring. I guess she's silently letting me know that everything is going to be alright.

I confess, "I bumped into Zero... and got bloodlust... from his paper cut. So, I ran out. The scent lingered and I guess I panicked when my hunger got worse. I only lunged at Akahina so I wouldn't hurt her."

Akahina's POV

'I only lunged at Akahina so I wouldn't hurt her.'

Oh. So that's why she did that. I frown. I was so upset with her because I thought she'd tried to bite me again. I didn't realize she was only trying to protect me. I'm so stupid. I shouldn't have jumped to conclusions like that.

Kaname's POV

'I guess I panicked when my hunger got worse.'

I have a feeling why Satomi's hunger was so intense this time. She's starting to become very troublesome. It seems as though history is repeating itself. I sigh, a little angry with her foolishness. "Satomi, you must be more careful next time," I advise, "Now, both of you return to your dorm. It's late and your curfew is almost up."

Satomi's POV

Kaname brushes past me and hands me a black box from his pocket. He leaves us, without a word. I feel uneasy all of a sudden.

"D-did he just-" Akahina exclaims.

I interrupt her obvious question, "Give me more blood tablets, yes. I think he's onto me..."

"I don't understand..."

"Hmm?"

"You're a pureblood. How come you lost it like that? I thought only level Es go crazy."

"I think it's because you're the 1st human I've ever bitten. I don't know exactly... I'm scared... I could seriously injure someone... even kill them!" I pause, "... And I haven't been taking my blood tablets as often as I should-"

"YOU WHAT?!" she howls.

"I haven't been taking them as often... not since the night Hanabusa tried to bite Yuuki," I disclose.

Akahina completely blows up at me. "WHY NOT?! THAT WAS SO STUPID OF YOU! DID YOU REALLY THINK THAT YOU COULD GET AWAY WITH THAT?! YOU ALMOST KILLED SOMEONE THE LAST TIME YOU PULLED THIS STUNT!" she explodes. Akahina clears her throat and crosses her arms over her chest. She sighs, "Satomi, you can't forget, you are a vampire. If you don't take your tablets the way you should, you could cause some trouble for the academy. You'll lose your cover if you pull anything else."

I nod, agreeing. "Sorry..." I apologize, "I've just been worried about other things other than taking them."

"Oh yeah? Like what?" Akahina asks, tapping her foot.

I glance nervously around to make sure no one is snooping. "Zero..." I answer after I feel the coast is clear.

Her expression softens, perhaps she understands, "Oh..."

After a brief period of awkward silence between us, I manage to squeak out, "I'm sorry I scared you..."

"Don't be, you... you were protecting me," she mumbles in return.

I look at her, not fully forgiving myself for the crap I've handed her in the past few weeks. I give her a huge frown.

"Don't give me that look! It's really ok! I. Forgive. You."

I give her a weak smile.

Akahina grins and starts to tickle my sides by poking them. We're both extremely ticklish on our sides. "Come on, Satomi! You can smile better than that!" she urges, poking me at a more rapid pace.

I giggle and squirm around, avoiding her fingers. I can't help but laugh. I try to go after her as well, but she keeps wiggling out of the way. I enjoy this moment. It brings back memories of the old days. It shows she's beginning to trust me again even after my attack. She's beginning to move on.

Then, I get the feeling we're being watched. I catch the scent in the air. I immediately stop laughing, nudging my best friend away. My eyes inadvertently meet his, I pale at his presence, leaning against the far wall, scoping us out. Zero... why is he here?

Akahina catches my nervous vibe and looks over at him. She grows silent. I bet the guilty look on her face is an exact match to the face I'm probably making right now.

We all stare at each other in silence, though I feel as though they can hear my heartbeat. Zero's cold eyes cause the color to completely diminish from my face. I can't bear to stand here for much longer. I might just pass out.

"Let's go," I whisper, "He's making me uncomfortable..."

"Me too..." Akahina agrees, linking her arm with mine.

We bolt in the opposite direction, taking the longer way to our dorm room. I lock the door when we are safely inside and shut off all the lights. Time for Akahina to go to bed, I'll get us set for class tomorrow. Still, I can't imagine why Zero was in the hall just now. The Night Class students were being taught in a separate wing. So, why?! What was he doing?

Zero's POV

I remain in the hallway after Kaneshiro and Ryo took off. No sense in chasing them down. No, I want to investigate. Why were they still in the building even after curfew? Why did Kaneshiro freak over a small paper cut? Something tells me Kuran was here as well. He wasn't in the class when Yuuki and I first began patrol. There's something going on between him and these girls. I check the closet there were standing by, but there's no usable evidence for me. Just regular items you'd fund in a supply closet. I huff in annoyance, "Those girls... they're hiding something... and I'm going to find out what."


AliceMarieSwan and I want to let you know because of the length of chapter 5, it will be split into 2 parts.
Happy reading! And don't forget to review!