A/N: HAI! It's been a while, huh? I blame writer's block ^.^'

Warning: It's a bit... descriptive in the beginning, if you ask me. So uh, yeah XD

Shiomi: This idiot here, who decided to put me through all THIS, doesn't own Vampire Knight.


Chapter 7

It's dark.

I couldn't see anything behind, above, below, or to either side of me. I blinked, rubbing at my eyes furiously before taking in the dark surroundings again. I reached out, trying to grab onto anything tangible. I could faintly, very faintly, see the silhouette of my pale arm before it became engulfed by the shadows around me. I quickly pulled it away and to my surprise, the darkness became even darker.

Somehow I remained calm.

Somehow I didn't lose my sanity.

But I didn't know about what was in store for me in the next couple of minutes.

I decided that since I was stuck here, why not explore, right? I straightened myself out and took a step forward before pausing. Nothing. I exhaled the breath I unconsciously held and continued cautiously into the darkness.

I walked around for what seemed like forever before giving up. I abruptly sat down and sighed irritably, crossing my arms over my chest and heaving. Suddenly, an eerie chill crept up my spine and I froze. I felt a small tingling sensation in the back of my throat before it quickly started to burn furiously.

What felt like flames lapped up the inside of my throat as I grabbed onto my neck. I coughed up nothing as the sensation continued harshly. I fell over onto my side as I continued to vigorously cough. The right side of my body was aching from the hard impact as my head hit the dark floor with a loud thud, but the pain in my throat made me brush it off. This sensation was all too familiar.

Bloodlust.

No, it wasn't just any regular bloodlust. It was the kind that made any and every vampire go absolutely insane. The same feeling a Level E dying from lack of blood feels; the one that makes them go on a rampage. Why was I feeling this way? Why am I in so much pain?

My lungs began burning along with my throat while I tried so desperately to gasp for air. Every intake of oxygen stung the inside of my throat and made my lungs feel as if they were about to explode. The pain racked through my entire body and I shook uncontrollably. My fingers twitched violently as I grabbed the front of my white dress with my left hand while my right hand desperately reached out in front of me for something - anything to make this pain stop. The shadows began to engulf my vulnerable form as I felt something crush my entire body.

I let out a scream as the bones in my body cracked and broke through my skin from under the enormous pressure of the shadows. The scream didn't reach my ears; it was inaudible. I clamped my mouth down onto my tongue as my fangs ripped through the muscle and my eyes closed tightly. Blood filled my mouth as the weight on my form continued to crush me. I choked on my own blood for a moment before spitting it out as another round of violent coughs shook my now limp body.

Not again.

Oh, no.

Not. Again.

The last thing I asked myself was why it was much worse this time, before I felt the shadows letting go of me, its tendrils brushing against my exposed, bruising skin. The torture ceased. I felt so numb. I was soaked, covered in my own sweat and blood. My hair was matted and coated with the partially dry, crimson liquid. I tried to sit up, but pain shot through my body during my attempt. My healing abilities refused to kick in and soon my arms collapsed beneath me. A terrifying familiar cracking sound echoing throughout the darkness again, and I grunted from the impact. Laying there helplessly, my breathing began to regulate as my tear-stained eyelids slowly closed.

It finally stopped - how wrong I was. My eyes shot open as I felt something slowly slice into my shoulder. Thick blood spilled from the wound as more cuts started appearing down my arm, then my other arm, and eventually my whole body. My eyes widened as I clenched my fists. My whole body was seeping more and more blood from the new multitude of wounds and I felt a large pool of it begin to form underneath me. Dark tendrils lashed into my wounds, reaching for my soul. They ripped into my body, as if they were trying to tear me apart. My body writhed in agony but I remained emotionless.

I was too tired to scream.

I was too tired to fight back.

I gave up.

I was in so much pain.

I felt one final slash into the front of my neck, almost beheading me as the blood filled up my lungs, drowning me. I felt my consciousness slip away slowly. Was today the day I finally lose myself?

I closed my eyes as I mentally prepared myself for the death of my soul and consciousness. I began experiencing an oddly warm, comforting sensation wrap itself around my body and felt myself being lifted up. I furrowed my eyebrows as my wounds healed rapidly, the pain subsiding and the warmth grew more soothing. It was… reassuring, loving. Just like a mother's embrace.

"Rise…"

The airy voice faded away quickly. My ears wear pounding as blood rushed through my veins. I didn't really feel like opening my eyes; I was just too comfortable. Maybe I was being lazy, but still. A bright, blue light shown through my closed eyelids as I slowly rose from a spring mattress, finding myself surrounded by silky sheets.

Wait a minute…

I looked around, a bit confused as to find myself out of the darkness. I breathed a sigh of relief, knowing I was still alive in my own body. Everything in my room was silent and I could faintly hear the sound of my steady heart beat and the small ticking sounds coming from the clock on my bedside table. I looked at the clock, the time reading at about 6:30. The sun was beginning to set; which meant class would be starting sometime soon. I pushed off the covers and placed my legs on the side of the bed before standing up. My legs were wobbly and I struggled to maintain my balance, but I quickly found it before straightening up. My mind was still cloudy a bit from the events that occurred earlier, but the memory of what had happened was burned into my head.

I felt so tired. This was the most my energy has ever been drained. I glanced down at my pale body. Where the wounds once were, new pink skin replaced the cuts. Most of them healed up along my arms and legs in a few seconds, and the gash in my throat only needed a couple more layers of skin before being fully healed, but my regenerating abilities were definitely slowed. I could barely even feel my own aura.

After brushing my teeth, I walked over to my closet, swaying a bit with each step, before opening the door and grabbing a uniform from the hook. I set the uniform down on my unmade bed and let the thin straps of my dress slip off my shoulders.


I pulled the laces on my left boot tighter before tying the two ends together. Standing up from my bed, I walked over to the door and pulled it open, coming face to face with a familiar blonde-haired, green-eyed aristocrat. Takuma's arm was raised, ready to knock on the door. A huge grin was stretched across his face as he greeted me warmly.

"Are you ready to go to class, Shiomi-sama? It'll be so much fun!" He paused before a worried look washed over his face.

"You look so pale, even for a vampire. Why can't I sense-" I ignored him and combed through my hair with my fingers. Sighing, I walked past him and into the hallway, cutting him off before he turned around and began walking beside me, a confused expression plastered on his face.

We continued our way in silence to the top of the stairs. I stopped and placed a hand on the railing then leaned against it, boredom clear on my face. Down in the living room area, all heads turned up to look at Takuma and I. Takuma turned around, his grin returning as he beamed.

"Kaname! Did you sleep well last night?" Takuma patted the pureblood's shoulder as Kaname smiled slightly in return to the blonde vampire's greeting. Kaname's gaze shifted over to me before he raised an eyebrow in curiosity. He can't sense me either. I frowned slightly before Takuma leaned in to whisper in my ear.

"That's a scary face you're making, Shiomi-sama."

I gently nudged him away before grunting, my glare on Kaname never wavering. Kaname gave me an amused look before speaking.

"Good evening, Shiomi." I fumed silently as I reluctantly replied.

"Kaname." I seethed through my teeth a bit too harshly before someone at the bottom of the stairs spoke.

"How dare you speak to Kaname-sama with such familiarity, especially in such a rude tone!" The room turned cold and I turned around to meet a blue-eyed glare. A pretty-faced, golden blonde aristocrat with messy waves that were styled to perfection rose from his seat, fists balled and eyes flashing with anger. I heard a deep voice utter "Hanabusa" before I hopped over the railing to meet the blue-eyed aristocrat, a smirk playing on my lips.

I landed in front of him, my face inches from his as he looked down at me. Electric blue eyes widened after picking up the scarce Pureblood aura forcefully emanating from me. I rose on to the balls of my feet, my nose almost touching his as his cool breath lightly tickled my face.

"Because I can." I whispered playfully before taking a step back from him, returning to my normal height. Takuma soon found his spot beside me, placing a hand on my shoulder before awkwardly chuckling.

"Shiomi-sama…" Before Takuma could continue any further, Kaname strode down the stairs calmly and spoke.

"Why don't you introduce yourself, Shiomi." Takuma removed his hand from my shoulder and gently bumped it against my hand, gaining my attention before I spoke up.

"… Touma Shiomi."

Sapphire eyes widened slightly in realization as Hanabusa placed a hand over his chest and bowed down lowly.

"My apologies, Touma-sama." I scoffed lightly before crossing my arms over my chest. I guess I couldn't blame the guy for not realizing I was far more superior than him in every way because I was in my current state. So I shouldn't mind it, right?

As if.

I reached out and took a strand of his hair, surprising him. I twirled it around my finger absentmindedly before letting his soft locks slip out from between my two fingers. He stood up straight, a slight blush dusted over his cheeks before they went back to their regular pale shade. I turned around to face Takuma, whose mouth was open, before I corrected Blondie behind me.

"Shiomi."

"W-what?"

"I want you to call me by Shiomi."

"Bu-"

"Don't question me." My eyes flashed red and I turned around sharply, stopping him. He nodded silently, his lips pursed into a thin line.

Kaname made his way to the door, a woman with pale violet colored hair not too far behind him. I remembered her name to be Seiren, the one Kaname instructed to erase the memories of the two female students I almost snacked on. She wore an emotionless mask and looked straight ahead, paying no attention to anyone besides the Pureblood before her.

Kaname pushed open the large doors and turned back to look at those who began to gather behind him. His gaze landed on me as he spoke.

"Let's go."

The living area flooded with light as the Night Class began filing out. I shielded my stinging eyes from the harsh sunlight, groaning mentally as I hesitated to leave the dorms. The only reason I didn't turn around and head straight to my room was because of the fact that Takuma placed his free hand on my lower back, pushing me past the other side of the doors.

The sun's rays were blinding. I felt dizzy from the brightness, even though the sun was slowly setting. My energy was still depleted from my "dream" and my legs felt heavier after each step I took.

"It's such a lovely evening, isn't it, Shiomi-sama? It's so nice today!" Takuma smiled brightly, gesturing with his right arm as he held his books in his left. I gaped at him slightly. What kind of vampire enjoys the sun?

What caught my attention, besides the glowing vampire beside me, was the distant sounds of… Screaming girls?

The Hanabusa guy squealed slightly as we made our way to the gates. I grimaced, feeling a headache starting as I heard the hormone-crazed girls go absolutely insane on the other side. I turned my attention to Hanabusa, watching as he barely contained his excitement.

"The fan girls are so energetic today! They're definately eager to see their beloved Idol." I looked to Takuma quickly as the gate opened in front of us. The Day Class girls lined up on each side as a familiar brunette stood in the center of the path, a silver whistle hanging out of her mouth as she stopped in the middle of her flailing. Hanabusa dashed out before the rest of the Night Class, skipping over to the girls waiting on the sidelines. The screaming started up again as the flirtatious blonde began blowing kisses and pointing a finger gun towards the girls. Many fainted, but the roars of the crowd just kept getting louder.

The Night Class began walking out, almost dramatically, as the fan girls shouted out various names of Night Class males. Scattered in the crowd were a couple of fan boys, but the majority of them were girls. Unfortunately, of course.

"Idol-senpai!

"Shiki-senpai!

"Wild-senpai, MARRY ME!"

"AHH, Kaname-senpai!"

"ICHIJOU-SENPAI, PLEASE NOTICE ME!"

"Aidou-senpai, SHOOT ME SOME MORE!"

"KYAAAAAA!"

The shouting got louder and louder, and I could barely hold myself back from attacking them all. Takuma greeted his fan girls warmly, smiling and waving at them all. Zero stood in front of a group of girls, glaring the shit out of them. They shrunk away, but the group Yuuki was handling was trying to tackle her to the ground.

"Hey, who's she?"

"OH MY KANAME, A NEW STUDENT!"

"She's so pretty!"

"WHY IS SHE WITH MY ICHIJOU-SENPAI?"

The screaming died down a bit as the girls began to notice me. They began crowding closer to me, trying to examine me while invading my personal bubble. In the midst of the crowding, a girl got pushed down, scraping her knee on the cement. Everyone froze, except for the fan girls, and all of the Night Class' attention was directed to the injured Day Class girl.

I bent down to face her at eye level, staring at her wound intently. My mouth watered slightly; blood was exactly what I needed to replenish my energy. And her blood smelled oh-so good.

"Are you," I paused, quickly sniffing the air and almost getting myself lost in the smell, "Alright?"

The girl blushed, looking up at me slightly, struggling to find the words to speak. She looked down at where I was staring and her blushing intensified. I felt a hand roughly squeeze my upper arm and pull me away. The screaming stopped abruptly as people curiously stared at us. His grip tightened and the silver-haired prefect growled lowly. The tension was high as I eyed him steadily until Takuma placed a hand on Zero's shoulder and smiled.

"Please let go of Shiomi-sama, Kiryuu-san." Takuma released his hold on Zero's shoulder as Zero's attention then directed toward Kaname, who was approaching us.

"Do we have a problem here?" Kaname spoke coolly. Zero scoffed as he unconsciously gave my arm another squeeze.

"Zero-baka! Let go of Touma-senpai! You, we have to get you to the infirmary quickly!" Yuuki helped the fallen Day Class girl up and led her away, bowing shyly to Kaname before leaving, as Zero's grip on my arm slackened. I yanked my arm away from him and straightened the sleeve of my uniform.

"Alright, get your asses back to the dorms already!" Zero glared at the group of girls as they quickly dispatched from the area, pouting and sighing as they walked back to the Sun Dorms.

Kaname nodded towards the Night Class. "We won't want to be late to class. Let's go."

"Hai, Kaname-sama," The Night Class responded almost robotically as they walked off to class. Kaname gave Zero one last look before leaving.

"Don't tell me you weren't tempted by that girl's blood either," I whispered harshly to Zero. I knew a lowly vampire like him would never be able to resist the fantasy of sinking his fangs deep into the milky skin of that human.

"Get to class, Pureblood."

He walked away from me as my eyes bore into his back. I clenched my fists as I saw his back retreating. Takuma grabbed my hand lightly and gently tugged me towards the direction of the main building.

"Try not to get yourself into too much trouble, Shiomi-sama," Takuma smiled at me. "Kiryuu-san isn't really fond of us vampires."

I scoffed.

"Oh, really? I couldn't tell."

Takuma's smile grew bigger as he led me off to class. I looked down at my hand, realizing his hold on it was still there. Our fingers weren't intertwined or anything intimate, but I still felt odd. I furrowed my brows, almost pulling my hand away.

But I didn't.

His hand was soft, oddly warm, and comforting for a vampire. It was inviting, and I felt content. I looked at the back of his head now, an unfamiliar feeling stirring in the pits of my stomach.

He held my hand all the way to class.

And I almost missed the warmth it provided when he pulled away.

Almost.


How was it? I MADE IT MUCH LONGER THAN USUAL :D

I had a sudden burst of inspiration, but I felt it necessary to end it here cause I thought it would be kinda cute :3

Okay, I'm done now. Peace out c: