*Eren POV*

I reacted first by running over to get Zero, but this stranger seemed determined to help. The others led the way to our room, where we dropped Zero on his bed. Asuna was about to rush into medical mode when the stranger stated that it wouldn't be necessary, he had already done it himself and Zero just needed to rest now. We all stood in stunned silence, attempting to register what just happened. Except for Kirito. He gave us all dirty looks before turning to him "who are you?" his tone was far from friendly.

He smiled "nobody of any concern I can assure you" his voice was annoyingly calm and full of confidence. His dark eyes jumped around taking us all in "I found your friend exhausted in the forest, must have been in some kind of fight. He said something about friends before passing out. I did what I could before carrying him to find anyone, thankfully I was right in thinking that you were his friends."

"Thank you so much" Asuna smiled kindly. He only nods before focusing his gaze on Zero. "He should be awake by tomorrow, good luck" before we could wonder about the odd phrasing he used, he was leaving.

"You didn't actually answer my question" Kirito called to the man, coldly. He just chuckled and looked over his shoulder. For a fraction of a second I swear his eyes lit up red.

"Kaname"

*Time skip*

I awoke to the sound of Armin squeaking frantically. I turn over and watch slightly amused as little Armin tries to push a very aggravated looking Zero back down. I get up and walk over to them, letting out a cough to grab their attention. Zero stares blankly at me "tell him to leave me alone" I was surprised when I didn't catch a demanding tone. He just sounded tired. For some reason this made my anger flare.

"What the hell did you think you were doing?" I growl, to which he just rolls his eyes. My anger must be a calling beacon as Mikasa, Asuna and Kirito race to us.

"What the hell did you think you were doing?" Kirito asks in a tone that was way calmer than mine, but was scolded by Asuna. Armin takes a shaky breath "can you at least tell us what happened to you" he asked in a surprisingly calm tone. Zero at this point was staring at his hands, there was a long pause before he answered.

"I don't remember" his voice was distant. The fact he never spoke his mind always pissed me off and the fact he was doing it now after disappearing pissed me off even more. Before I could yell at him though, a screech was heard from outside. Surprisingly, Zero was the first to run towards it.

We burst through the door and found that the usual calm atmosphere had changed into panic. Rightfully so. A giant wall now encased the town, blocking the view of the fields and dividing us from the forest we were in just last night. "Is this part of the update too?" Asuna questioned as we turn to face the crowd of people surging towards what appears to be the only gate in the wall. "Why would we need such large walls?" It was more of a question to myself, but Mikasa answers "To keep the Vampires out?"

"Vampires?" Zero I think. The crowd surges again. It appears as if they can't get out.

"Surely the walls wouldn't need to be colossal just to keep out a few Vampires" Armin states.

"What Vampires?"

"Why is the gate closed?" Kirito stopped pacing to observe the crowd.

"What Vampires?!" We all turn to an annoyed Zero "you lot aren't still hooked on that stupid idea are you?"

"It's not stupid Zero!" I turn to him finally losing my temper with him "Why can't you g- Zero? Zero?" The anger had left his eyes and his face turned paler then usual. "Zero?" I reach out as his leg's buckle beneath him. Thankfully Mikasa catches him before he hits the ground and helps him sit against the wall. "You are right" he whispers "damn" he repeats over and over again. Before we can question a young boy runs past, yelling about big naked people.

What the actual fu-


Hello! Sorry this took soooooooo long but now that exams are out of the way updates should no longer take as long. Also sorry this chapter is so short, they will get longer again.

Until next time,

~Melieboo