Shadow of Blood

Author's note: Thanks to blueicefireNINJA4, Psycho17 and BlueAngelofDarkness for reviewing. Well here is chapter 3. This is not really what I had originally written, but my brother accidentally closed the Word document I was typing on and I hadn't saved the chapter yet, so I lost all of it. I tried to rewrite it by memory as best as I could but it's not the best chapter ever. That is part of the reason why I didn't update sooner. I wrote the last bit in Toga Yagari's POV on my iPod touch so I had to e-mail it to myself and then I had my beta-reader Cherry Blossoms 1991 edit it for me. I tried to make this chapter longer to compensate for updating so late. There are three POVs in this chapter and one flashback sequence that is in italics.

Also, don't forget to check out the poll on my profile concerning the pairing of this story. Would you want this story to be Zero/Aya or Aido/Aya? Or do you have someone else in mind entirely.

Disclaimer: I am not Matsuri Hino so I don't own Vampire Knight.

Chapter 3

"Headmaster is she going to be alright? Is her memory of the incident completely erased from her mind?" I asked as I watched the young girl sleeping peacefully on one of the beds in the infirmary. She looked calm as if she hadn't been kidnapped and almost killed by a Level E vampire.

"Yes, she will be just fine. Although her memory was just altered not erased." Headmaster Cross announced in a serious tone, his usual goofy nature erased. He looked different when he was not acting immaturely. "She won't remember having been abducted by a vampire."

"But how will we explain to her how she is here. And to the police once they arrive." I asked.

"Her memory was altered so that she will think that it was a human who kidnapped her and brought her this far. She will think that she managed to escape and collapsed by the gates. It will be obvious that she was searching for help and this Academy is the closest place for miles." Cross explained as he cleaned his glasses with a small gray cloth. "That's where you and Zero come in. I will tell the authorities that the two of you were fulfilling your responsibilities as members of the Disciplinary Committee when you found the girl unconscious."

I nodded, understanding the plan. Zero who was standing by the window looking out at the night sky remained silent throughout the whole time. He hadn't said a word since we made our way back from the warehouse. As soon as we had arrived, Headmaster Cross and Kaname Kuran were already waiting for us. Kaname was the one who altered her memories since his powers were the strongest being a pureblood vampire. I had to admit I was amazed by his power but I didn't let it show. After he had done so, Kaname had left leaving us with the young girl. Headmaster Cross had then immediately informed the authorities, who'd be here soon. It was going to be a long night.

"Don't worry too much, Aya. Everything will be just fine. You should be proud of yourself. You and Zero saved her life." Headmaster Cross told us as he gave me a reassuring smile. In spite of his words, I still felt a bit edgy. Zero and I had discovered each others "dirty little secret" and this wasn't very comforting. I felt vulnerable knowing that someone else now knew I was a half-breed.

Out of the corner of my eye, I watched Zero. By the look of it, he probably felt the same way and really I couldn't blame him. He was tense by how he stood and there was a shadow looming over his eyes, so to speak. He even looked slightly paler. After this was all over, I knew we had a lot to talk about.

I felt my stomach turn uncomfortably. This was one conversation I was not looking forward to having but I had promised to talk after we had gotten the girl to safety.

I looked down at my hands and realized that I was still wearing Zero's coat which he had lent me at the warehouse when we realized that my clothes were slightly torn and covered with the strange scent of my blood but not enough to attract the attention of the vampires on campus, I hoped.

I had been so preoccupied when we'd arrived that I hadn't bothered changing but now I realized that I would have to because otherwise it would raise questions. I excused myself and went back to my dorm room to change into my uniform before the police came.

On my way back to the infirmary, I found myself face to face with Aido. He looked tense at the sight of me. I couldn't exactly blame him, after all our first meeting hadn't been the best. After all I had threatened him with my gun. Well at least he knew not to mess with me. Then I noticed that behind him stood two men dressed in business suits. The expression on their faces was serious.

"Oh here you are, Aya. These officers are here to speak to Headmaster Cross. Kaname told me to escort them." Aido said sounding calm even though I knew that he probably was probably nervous about speaking to me. I felt slightly smug for some reason.

"Headmaster Cross is in the infirmary with the girl. If you would follow me, I'll take you to speak with him, officers." I said respectfully.

"And you are?" one of the officers asked. He was older than his partner with graying hair and a mustache. He had a notepad in his hands ready to fulfill his obligation. His partner on the other hand was much younger who gave me the impression that he was not the serious type outside of his profession.

"I am Ayano Yagari, a member of the Academy's Disciplinary committee. I was one of the students who found the girl just outside the gates." I answered half-truthfully.

The older police man nodded and asked me to lead the way to the infirmary. The walk wasn't far and I guided the police in silence. In the infirmary, Headmaster Cross was placing a damp cloth on the girl's forehead.

"Headmaster, the police have arrived. They wish to speak with you." I said.

Headmaster Cross nodded and turned his attention to the officers. Zero still stood by the window. I walked over to him and handed him back his coat. He took it without saying anything. We stood silence while Headmaster Cross spoke with the two officers. The two officers also questioned us and we told them our version of the occurrence.

"Thank you for answering our questions. We'll keep in contact. The girl's family has been notified and they'll be on their way here soon. Meanwhile, we shall continue investigating the matter and capture that man." the older officer answered. Although there was no one to capture anymore but they didn't know that. "We will return to question the girl once she is able to testify."

"Of course, officers. This young girl will be safe here in this Academy while the investigations occur. I'll follow you to the gates. Aya. Zero would the two of you mind looking after this little lady while I escort the officers to the gates. I'll also have to inform the faculty about this incident so they can take the necessary precautions to protect the students from danger. I suppose we'll have to keep the school on lockdown for a few days."

With that Headmaster Cross left with the two officers in tow. I walked over to the girl. Her fever had not broken yet and she still was unconscious. I replaced the wet cloth on her forehead. I tried to do my best to take my mind off things. I still wasn't comfortable knowing that Zero knew my secret. But I knew I had to talk about this eventually. Might as well get over with this.

"Perhaps this isn't the best time to talk about this. Hell, I don't think they'll ever be a good time to talk about this but...I just want you to know Zero that I think I understand what you're going through." I began as I looked over at Zero with a solemn look on my face. "We both despise vampires with every fiber of our being. Although our reasons are different..." I said trying to find the words to continue. "You were bitten by a Pureblood and now you're turning into a vampire. Your family was killed by that same pureblood. While I...I am the daughter of a one. My father was a Pureblood."

Zero who had been looking out the window turned around to face me his eyes widened in shock of the revelation but he didn't say anything. I don't know what made me talk but I felt that I could trust Zero. He just stood there listening to my story.

"My father was a Pureblood but my mother was human. She was from a Hunter family-the Yagari family-but she was too sick and weak to become a hunter herself." I said as I looked away. "My father...he raped my mother leaving her pregnant with me. It was a surprise to everyone when it was discovered that my mother was carrying a child and not just any child but the child of a vampire." I said as I felt tears stinging in my eyes threatening to fall. "From what I've been told by the President, my uncle and others urged my mother to have an abortion but she refused. She loved me and wanted to have me despite the fact that I was the result of rape and that her pregnancy was draining her energy. She died a few days after giving birth to me. You see I killed her. I murdered my own mother because of what I am. A filthy half-breed. I'm a monster that doesn't deserve to exist!"

By then the tears were flowing freely down my cheeks. My heart hurt terribly. It was as if it'd been stabbed countless times. I felt my legs go weak and I dropped to the ground on my knees and cried. I had to get the pain I felt out of my system and compose myself. I didn't want the little girl to wake up to see me crying like this. It would frighten her especially because she would be waking in an unknown place with strangers watching over her. She would be scared especially after the ordeal she had lived through.

Zero held his hand out to me helping me up. I hesitated for a moment but took his hand. It felt warm to touch.

"Aya, I want you to know that you can trust me. I know we haven't known each other for long but you can trust me with anything." Zero responded softly.

"Thank you, Zero." I said as I smiled at him feeling reassured. I felt slightly better knowing that I could trust someone else. I finally felt as if I was finding friends who I could trust.

-xXx-

Aido walked back towards the Moon dorm in silence not really paying attention to his surroundings. Seeing that Disciplinary committee member, Aya had left him unnerved. Not that he was afraid of her or anything. Sure she had threatened him with her weapon the day she had arrived leaving a lasting impression of her in his mind. She was different from than all the other girls he knew. There was something about her that intrigued him.

Buried in his own thoughts, Aido bumped into something or someone. He looked up to see Senri Shiki standing there looking a little strange.

"Oh sorry Shiki for bumping into you. I wasn't paying attention to where I was going." Aido said.

"It's alright, Aido. Just be careful next time where you're walking." Shiki answered absentmindedly. Shiki normally looked bored and uninterested but right now he looked different. Panicked somehow.

"Shiki, is something wrong?" The blond boy asked. "You look different."

"Oh it's nothing. I just sensed something odd that's all." Shiki answered, his expression changing back to his normal facade.

Aido nodded in understanding not asking anything else. He noticed that his friend had been acting strangely since earlier today.

"So where are you coming from?" Shiki asked changing the topic of conversation.

"I came back from escorting two police men that came to speak to Headmaster Cross. Kaname asked me to because he was with Yuki." Aido answered.

"Police Men? Here at Cross Academy?" Shiki asked not really interested but Aido didn't notice.

"Yes, they were here. I don't know why but I'm sure Aya knows. I saw her coming from the dorms. She seemed like she knew that the police was coming so she took them to see the Headmaster." Aido said.

The mention of Aya piqued Shiki's interest but he didn't let it seem obvious. He was still unable to shake the feeling he had when he'd seen her earlier today, crying beneath a tree.
He had been doing some research on his own about Ayano Yagari but so far his attempt had come up empty. It was as if everything pertaining to her had been concealed. The Senate must not want anyone to know whatever had happened with Aya's mother. He would have to dig deeper if he wanted answers. Shiki still couldn't understand just why he was so interested in that Vampire Hunter.

"You know what's weird though? I caught a vague scent of blood on her and it smelled different. I can't explain it." Aido continued. "I don't think it was her blood though."

"She probably went hunting for a level E. Ruka and Kain went hunting earlier but they returned just a while ago." Shiki answered as he walked away heading towards his dorm.

"I suppose you're right." Aido replied as he too headed towards his own dorm
room that he shared with Kain. He was not quite convinced. There was something about Aya that he couldn't shake from his mind. He wasn't sure what it was though. But one thing was for sure; Aya Yagari had certainly caught his interest and he wanted to get to know her more. That is if she didn't kill him first.

-xXx-

Toga Yagari was leaning on one of the stone walls of the academy looking out at the dark night. The moon was shining brightly but he really wasn't paying attention to the sights. Lighting the cigarette he had, his mind wandered back to earlier today when he had come face to face with his niece Ayano Yagari. The first thing that came to his mind upon seeing her was that she looked so much like her mother, his beloved sister, Emiko. His heart had lurched painfully as the sight of Aya had brought him memories of his sister. He had felt a wave emotion seeing her there in front of him. Emotions that he had fought so hard to suppress for years since his sister's death came tumbling out in that moment when his eyes locked with hers. He didn't know what to say to her. He didn't even know what to think anymore either. He'd just stood there frozen and he didn't even try to go after her when she had run out of the classroom.

"Smoking on school grounds is strictly forbidden." a voice said to him. Yagari didn't have to look up to know who it was. He knew exactly the moment he heard his voice. It was Kaien Cross, the man he'd looked up to as a child. He couldn't deny that he respected Kaien even if though the older man annoyed the hell out of him. "What do you want, Cross?

"Can't I talk to my own nephew without said nephew thinking I have ulterior motives?" Cross said in a chirpy tone that would drive anyone up the wall. It was the playful tone that never ceased to make Toga want to seriously injure Cross.

"If you're here to annoy the hell out of me well then congratulations you've succeeded." Yagari replied as he blew a ring of smoke. He hoped that Cross would take a hint and leave him alone but unfortunately for him; his uncle wasn't one to leave well enough alone.

"So, I heard from Yuki what happened in class today." Cross said in a not so subtle manner. It was obvious to Toga that he wouldn't be getting off until he talked about what had happened. Cross wouldn't let the topic go until he knew everything. "I must say Toga; I would have never pegged you for a cruel man."

"I don't know what you're going on about now and frankly I don't care." Toga answered hoping to get his uncle off his back.

"I'm talking about how you treated your niece after meeting her for the first time." Cross told him. "I am very surprised by all this.

"What do you expect me to do? Run after her?" Toga replied sarcastically but Cross chose to ignore that.

"That would have been a start. I know that you're still hurting over Emiko's death but imagine how Aya feels. Did you ever stop to consider that your sister's death has affected her more than you? She has been living all these years feeling guilt over something that wasn't her fault." Cross told the younger man. "She blames herself over Emiko's death while we both know very well that she is innocent. And you know what else; she thinks that she is a monster that has no right in living. Can you imagine the pain she's in? One day, she could just decide that she has had enough and disappear from our lives forever."

Toga remained silent not really wanting to hear Cross anymore. He knew that Cross had a point but it was difficult for him to accept it. He didn't know what to think anymore.
Deep down be knew that Aya was not responsible for Emiko's death and he also knew that Emiko would never forgive him if she knew how he had been treating her only daughter.

"I don't know how to get close to her. All these years, I've done everything I could to stay away from her. I didn't want to raise her or know anything about her. I've neglected her and I don't think that I can just come in her life and attempt to be her uncle. I don't think she'll accept me."

"You won't know unless you try, now won't you? Try to get close to her and you'll see how little by little, Aya will forgive you and only then will she be able to forgive herself." Cross replied, patting Toga on the back before walking off leaving his nephew on his own and even more unnerved than he had been before.

Taking a whiff of smoke, his mind went back to a couple of months before his sister died. It was early on in her pregnancy when she could have had an abortion to save her life but she had refused.

F~L~A~S~H~B~A~C~K

"Emiko, please listen to me. You don't have to go through with this. You could still have an abortion. No one will judge you if you do." a younger Toga pleaded as he held his sister's frail hand in his own. He was trying his best to try to convince her to abort the abomination that was growing inside her, sucking away her life with each passing day.

"You already know what I'm going to say, brother. You know that I won't kill my child. I can't kill my baby." Emiko replied serenely as she sat on her bed. She was dressed in a long pale pink silk robe. Her

"But that is the child of that bastard who raped you! That damned Pureblood hurt you and left you pregnant." Toga yelled. "You can't tell me that you've forgotten that? Not when I hear your screams at night when you're having nightmares about that night!"

"No, I haven't forgotten, but that doesn't mean that this baby that is growing inside me is responsible for what happened. This baby is innocent and I'm going to keep her." Emiko replied closing off the subject. She was adamant a d here was no one who could make her change her mind once it was made up. She was going to give birth to this baby even if her brother was against it.

"Her? How do you know if it's a girl?" Toga asked.

"I don't know but I just have this feeling that it's a girl. I'm going to name her Ayano or Aya for short." Emiko said with a smile, placing her hands gently on her stomach. Her pregnancy didn't show yet but soon her belly would grow as the months passed. She couldn't wait until she could feel her baby inside her. She also couldn't wait until she held her baby in her arms. She didn't want to think that her baby was the product of rape. She didn't want to tarnish the beauty of the life she was carrying in her. She looked up at her older brother who didn't seem to be sharing her happiness. "Don't look so glum, Toga. You'll see that everything will be fine."

"I'm not so sure, Emiko. The doctors said that there are alot of risks in this pregnancy. Something could go wrong." Toga said in a gentler tone that was reserved for her.

"There is always the possibility of there being risks in any pregnancy. The doctors could be wrong about their prognosis. Besides, you know that this could be my only chance to have a child. I've always wanted a baby but I had resigned myself because I was born weak and sickly. I'm sure that once you see your little niece, you'll change your mind."

Toga didn't say anything else. He just remained silent because he didn't want to take Emiko's illusion of being away from her. Her happiness was all that mattered to him. She was his only sister and he loved her.

E~N~D~O~F~F~L~A~S~H~B~A~C~K

"I'm sorry, Emiko. I failed you. I abandoned your daughter even after I had promised to take care of her. I hope that wherever you are, you can forgive me one day but you have to understand that this isn't easy for me knowing that Aya is that bastard's daughter." Toga said as he looked up at the sky as a solitary tear escaped his eye.

I'll show you a sweet dream, next night.

End Notes: I hope you liked the chapter. I hope to update in the next week or so, if not earlier. Hopefully the next chapters won't take me so long to write. Again thanks to everyone who read, reviewed and favorited. XOXO's to all of you.