That day, time seemed to drag on longer than usual. Cross Kaien was indeed absent all morning and afternoon. Zero paced aimlessly throughout the house but soon grew tired and restless and ventured out of doors.

Much had changed at Cross Academy since that fateful day when the battle between humans and Vampires had threatened complete destruction. Though the students at Cross Academy had prevailed, much damage and loss had already been caused and it took much sacrifice and effort on everyone's part to rebuild. Zero never quite understood the purpose. For though this academy had been the home for many of the pupils, he knew that most if not all had families of their own. Why had they not returned to their homes instead of remaining here? But

Zero well knew the answer, he need only look inside himself; Cross Kaien had done so much for his students in the past and over the years. His time and investment, in the end had nearly cost his life and what honorable student wouldn't wish to remain and somehow repay the debt to this man; though it could never have been done, Zero well knew.

Perhaps it is living a life of service to his cause; a life of peace and an effort to work for peace that they feel they can show their gratitude…but surely it will never be enough. For all that he has given up and sacrificed…it will never be enough.

Zero's thoughts drifted over the years he spent at Cross Academy; the memories since his first coming there. Many students had always seen Zero as strict, unapproachable, discontented and angry. But little did they know how much he truly loved that school…and its benefactor. True, there was a time when he'd held great resentment towards Cross Kaien for his attempts to have humans and vampires coexist in harmony. Zero hated vampires with every fiber of his body; they had killed his parents and eventually his twin brother's life as well was lost to their cause and the thought of having to coexist with these monsters had been more than he could bear. But despite himself, he soon saw the validity and the fruits of Chairman Cross' labors and efforts. Many of the vampires had come to greatly esteem his ideals and dedicated themselves to carrying them out. Perhaps even some…like Kaname Kuran, came to desire with all his heart that this would mean a brighter future for those of his kind and desired to do all he could in making it possible.

And yet…

Suddenly, Zero's thoughts were interrupted by the sound of the town bell tower. It must be late into the evening by now and Zero knew that Cross Kaien would be returning at any moment; he must be home before then for the old man would worry if he wasn't.

When Zero reached the front step of the house, Cross Kaien arrived just a few seconds after, hurrying through the courtyard gate and across the yard, he carried a rather large bundle in his arms. "Zero, hurry, open the door!"

Zero did so and Cross Kaien brushed past him in a hurried flurry. "Why are you so flustered, Chairman? What's wrong?"

Chairman Cross did not answer him but only returned outside. Zero rarely saw the old man this anxious and he grew slightly concerned and his curiosity was pricked. Cross Kaien returned with another load of smaller bundles, placed them at the dining room table and once again, returned outside.

"Is there anything that I can help you with?" Zero called after him.

"Oh uh…no no, everything is being taken care of Zero."

This time, Cross Kaien did not return to the house for over an hour and Zero's concern and curiosity heightened. He glanced at the clock above the fireplace mantel. Ten o' clock; it was getting late and darkness was approaching fast. Zero grabbed his coat and was just about to head out the door in search of the Chairman when the door flew open and Cross Kaien's form stood stiff in the doorway.

Zero paused, for some reason his heart was pounding furiously in his chest as he stared at the Chairman. Then his eyes caught sight of another form…a small slight form standing close to the chairman. He squinted his eyes but could not make out any particular details save that it must be a small person wrapped in a blanket.

"Zero…this is Taka. Her parents were found a few days ago…murdered."

Zero gasped.

"They…they suspect it was vampires."

Zero's eyes grew wide and his face paled; sweat stood out on his forehead.

"Taka was found alone in the house in a small closet. Her parents must have known the danger and hidden her there. She was alone for at least three days until some villagers discovered her. I'm taking it upon myself to take care of her. I know how you might feel considering the circumstances but I hope that you will understand and support my decision."

Zero was silent. He still hadn't absorbed the initial shock. He had missed something. For two years, they had lived in peace without any incidents with bad vampires. Perhaps everyone had thought as he had that the terrible nightmare was at last over but this young girl…she had brought back the horrible hellish reality in the death of her own parents and now, a shadow of darkness that had been dormant for two years…once again awakened.

"Zero." Cross Kaien's voice jerked him back to the present. "Taka has most likely been hidden away in that closet for three days if not more…please take her upstairs and see if you can get her a bath. Also, perhaps a bit of nourishment is in order…if she will eat. I must return to the village. I have a meeting with the officials and won't be back till early morning."

Before Zero could answer, Cross Kaien was out the door and across the yard to the gate. Zero closed the door securely behind him and locked it. He turned to where the girl stood not two feet away. Her face was mostly hidden by the mess of unruly black hair and her hands grasped tightly to the blanket that hugged her shoulders. "My name is Zero Kiryuu-kun." No answer. "Cross Kaien is a gentle man; it's good that he found you; there's no one that you could be safer with." The girl made no reply and for a moment, Zero was at a loss for what to do next. Then his mind flashed back to a time long ago when he had first come to be in Cross Kaien's care…and a young girl had taken it upon herself to take care of him when he was in need. Zero smiled at the memory and looking at the small girl, he knew what he would do.

Taking her hand in his, he gently led her up the stairs and down the hall towards the bathroom. "I'm sure you're tired from your long journey, yes? And you must be cold." They reached the bathroom and Zero slowly pushed the door open. The bath tub stood shining and clean in the glow of the light and Zero turned on the faucet. The hot water poured down into the bottom, steaming as the tub filled. "Now, a hot bath is just what you need. Is it alright if I take the blanket off?"

The girl made no response; her face still hidden by most of her hair seemed to be stone-like.

"Here, let me take that…" Zero took hold of the blanket and suddenly it slipped off in a flurry of folds. The sight that met Zero's eyes was truly terrible. Every last bit of clothing on her tiny form was ripped to shreds. Her little dress which came to about just above her knees was ripped at the side seams and gaped open, on sleeve was almost torn completely off as the top hung carelessly from her shoulders. The tunic pants she wore underneath her shredded to nearly nothing and her small thin legs were caked in filth; dirt, mud…Dried blood…?

Zero's eyes shot up to her face; she still hadn't moved. Carefully, Zero brushed her hair away from her face. What he saw made his legs nearly give out and he stumbled back.

"Y…Yuuki…?"

But no, it couldn't be; this girl's hair was ebony black. Yuuki's hair was dark but not black. But her face…her face seemed to resemble Yuuki so strongly that Zero could hardly convince himself that it wasn't her. Then the delicate black eyelashes flitted slightly as her eyes slowly looked up from the floor. Zero held his breath as Taka's eyes slowly came to meet his. Her eyes were a stark deep burgundy a color that was familiar to Zero as well.

K…Kaname…Kuran?

His thoughts whirled in confusion. The girl standing before him somehow resembled the woman he'd loved…and her lover he'd hated. How could this be? Perhaps he was much more out of his mind than he'd thought.

"Why are you looking so frightened…?" The little creature spoke and her voice was soft, barely above a whisper.

"I…I'm sorry, Taka." Zero resumed his task as he gently removed the shredded clothing. Taking a warm cloth soaked in hot water, he began gently rubbing away some of the filth from Taka's body. She stood so quietly and so still…but Zero could sense the subtle trembling in her hands and legs. When he was finished, the wash cloth was stained a dark muddy red. He shook his head and discarded it in the waste basket. "Now let's get you into the bath."

Lifting Taka up in his arms, he placed her gently into the steaming water. Taking up a fresh wash cloth he assisted the hot water in sponging away the remaining filth. Taka was mostly silent, glancing at Zero from time to time but looking away when he looked back. At length the bath was finished and taking a towel from the nearby rack, Zero lifted her from the back and onto the soft rug. He dried her off, slowly making sure not to startle her with sudden movements. Suddenly, she spoke again. "I wasn't in the closet for three days."

He paused, waiting for her to continue.

"I…I was asleep when…when they came."

Zero knew of the "they" she spoke of.

"At first, I didn't hear a sound. Then suddenly, mother burst into my room and scooping me up in her arms, she slammed and locked the door behind her. 'My Taka, my darling Taka you must be brave for me, alright? You must be very quiet and still, alright my darling?'"

Zero listened quietly, watching Taka's face.

"She pushed me under the bed and crawled in beside me. All the while smiling…but plain fear was in her eyes. She talked of the times when we would have picnics and play games of hide-and-seek with Papa…she smiled all the time, but her eyes were so…afraid…!"

"She was protecting you."

Taka looked at Zero. "Yes…she must have known what was happening…then…then that voice."

Taka shuddered and hid her face in her hands. "That horrible…dark voice that called out my mother's name! It sounded like…like a hellish demon's voice only worse; it was as if many voices called in unison…but they came from one person. My mother's eyes filled with fear but then, she grabbed me, crawled out from underneath the bed and shoved me into the tiny closet behind my bedroom door." Suddenly, Taka's legs gave out and she collapsed. Zero caught her in his arms and she rested limp in his lap.

"The last thing Mother ever said to me was… 'You must stay in the closet for a little while, Taka, yes? This is where you must hide alright? And remember our rules? No matter what happens, what you hear or who calls, you must never come out of your hiding place, you understand darling? Don't…No matter what you hear, you mustn't come out from hiding!' Then the sound of that terrible dreadful voice…then she…she…"

Taka's voice was barely above a frightened whisper. "She was gone…and Papa…and Oni-sama (Brother)!" Taka fell to pieces in Zero's arms. Tears streamed profusely from her eyes and her body shook with unrestrained sobs.

Zero's heart churned in anguish for her and his arms wrapped around her as he stroked her hair. "Shh…it's alright now Taka…you don't have to be frightened or hide anymore. You're safe now…you're with people who will protect you." Taka's cries continued for a while and Zero was content to hold her in his arms, rocking back and forth quietly.

That night, after Taka had been put to bed, Zero lay awake for most of the night. He couldn't get Taka out of his mind. The sight of her shredded clothes, her small body dirty and bruised, her face that reminded him so much of Yuuki and her deep burgundy eyes filled with so much sadness and wonder.

The next morning, Zero awoke with a start. Not forgetting the events of the night before, he arose from bed, dressed quickly and hurried out of his room and down the hallway to Taka's room. The door was closed and after a few light taps and no answer, Zero quietly cracked it open. The curtains were drawn over the window and the room was dark and empty. Zero stepped inside and waited for his eyes to adjust to the dimness. He suddenly caught sight of Taka's bed. It was empty. Panic seized him and he searched the room frantically. Finding nothing he paused and cast and anxious look towards the door. Suddenly he noticed a smaller closet door nestled just inside the larger closet entrance. He moved cautiously forward and pulling aside the few garments that hung loosely, he got down on his knees and slowly opened the door. Just as he suspected, there lay Taka, nestled on the floor in a tight ball with nothing but a single blanket pulled tightly around her.

Zero Sighed with relief and sitting back on his heels, he briefly glanced about the room. At length he felt a light tug on his sleeve and looked to see Taka's small little face and curious eyes, gazing up at him."Zero…what are you doing?"

Zero laughed lightly. "I might ask you the same thing; who's in the closet?" He tousled her hair playfully and Taka took hold of his hand, trying to push it away.

"Hey, you're messing up my hair…"

Zero snickered. "Your hair is fine…I don't think my tousling has made any difference there." Zero stood up as Taka crawled out of the closet. Standing up sleepily she rubbed her eyes, the blanket draped off one of her shoulders, dragging on the floor."The bed just looked too neat…and I couldn't have slept in it anyway…I guess almost three days in a closet was three too many, huh?" She plopped down on the bed; her black hair falling around her shoulders, into her eyes and down her back. Zero shook his head; it seemed too ironic how she resembled so much of Yuuki and Kaname.

"You're staring at me again, Zero…with that curious expression."

"Sorry…it's just you remind me of…" He looked away.

"I remind you of…? Is there someone I remind you of, Zero?"

He paused a long moment, then looked at her. "Yes, you could say that…from long ago."

She watched him for a moment but said nothing.

"You must be hungry, yes?"

She nodded. "I guess I am…I didn't feel much like eating yesterday, you understand."

He nodded emphatically. "Well when you're ready, come down to the kitchen." Zero left quietly and closed the door behind him.

Once alone, Taka looked blankly about the room. I suppose this is my home now...what a strange place. She walked to the window, rubbed the frost off with the sleeve of her nightgown and looked out.

The sky was light but slightly overcast as the sun had not yet fully risen. As she looked beyond the courtyard gate, she could see the outlines of Cross Academy. Parts of the outer walls were still under construction but the dorm buildings were all intact and Taka could see movement in and out of doors and in the courtyards. There must be more young people that live here? That must be the school that Chairman Cross spoke of when he brought me here. Those people moving about the dorms; they must be the students. How fascinating!

When Taka reached the kitchen, she discovered Zero already at work, cooking. She hesitated at the doorway; Zero turned and when he saw her, he motioned toward the table.

"Here, sit down; I'll bring you some soup."

Taka took one of the chairs nearest Zero. "Zero, you don't have to wait on me…I'm…perfectly capable of getting food for myself."Taka stood up, and reached for the stirring spoon.

Zero laid his hand over hers; their eyes met. "Taka…sit down."

She obeyed, returning to her seat. The two were silent for quite some time; each absorbed with his and her own thoughts.

What is it about her…something in her voice; her eyes…Zero glanced over his shoulder at her. She seems so lost…yet certain; so weak, yet confident; as if she senses the coming of a hope out of her tragedy…a future purpose in her destiny. Or perhaps it is just that…a hope. Zero served up a bowl of warm vegetable soup and placed it in front of Taka. She thanked him and began sipping tiny spoonfulls. He soon returned with his own bowl and sat across from her at the small kitchen table.

Taka paused and stared at him. Zero…what is it about him? There is something in him that…it's different but I can't quite pin point it. He's so sincere…but so mysterious; open but so distant…his eyes, there's something in his eyes…they look so sad…and angry.

"Now you're staring at me…what is it?"

"I…I'm sorry it's just…it's nothing." She looked down, stirring her soup aimlessly; Zero watched her.

"You remind me so much of her."

Taka looked up, surprised. "Who? Who do I remind you of, Zero?"

He didn't answer. Then at length, "This, this girl I knew…she…She use to attend here, a long time ago. She really was the only friend I ever had but…there was a time when she meant…more to me than that.

Taka hesitated and then asked quietly, "What happened to her?"

Zero looked out the window. His eyes were faraway bearing a hint of sadness…then he looked back at her. "She…she died."

Taka's breath caught in her throat.

"At least in my heart; her heart was claimed by another…and it devoured her soul. The girl I once knew and loved…she doesn't exist anymore; she is only dead to me." Zero's grey eyes had grown dark and stormy. His anger was betrayed in his voice, though he worked to subdue it. He gazed out the window for a long moment. Then he slowly turned to get up from the table when he caught Taka's eyes looking at him. He was stunned for her eyes glistened with unshed tears. He opened his mouth, but could say nothing. He watched her, waiting, and at a loss for words. The tears spilled over, running down her cheeks and dripping off her delicate chin. "Taka I…"

"I'm sorry! I'm sorry, Komen na sai…Komen na sai!" Brushing away the tears with the back of her sleeve she looked at Zero. "It's just I've always felt somehow…so alone. Even when my parents were still alive and my brother…I loved them dearly but…this is going to sound crazy; I often wondered if I truly belonged. There always seemed to be a piece of me missing, a part of myself…was incomplete! And even now, there's still a part of my heart…it's missing; it's like I don't really know how I am! Like a part of me has been stolen and locked away somewhere."

Zero watched Taka with intense understanding eyes.

"I'm so frightened!"

Taka struggled against the tears; Zero could see she wanted so much to be brave. "Taka…I don't know anything about you save from the last few days. But I can say that I can sympathize with what happened to you; I know exactly how you feel."

Taka looked up at him. "How can you possibly know that?"

Zero only looked at her steadily. "Trust me. I know."