Chapter 9: The Truth…
Naomi stared at the vampire who loomed over her. She was scared of him.
" N-No, it was just a fluke. I don't know anything! " She cried out.
" Then, touch me. "
She looked at him, shocked.
" I-I can't do that because I… " Naomi trailed off weakly.
" Why? "
He gripped her shoulders tightly.
" I just can't! "
Without warning, he grabbed her hand.
" No! " she gasped as the memories of the memories of Zero's past was transmitted into her mind.
You lost your eye because of me…
I'm sorry…
People like me and the members of the Kiriyu clan…We, vampire hunters, exist for the sole purpose of destroying vampires….
Why do vampires have to hurt humans…?
Vampires will always be the enemies of mankind…
The poor girl had enough. With the last remaining ounce of strength, she wrenched her hand out of his grip. Gasping for breath, she struggled to stay conscious.
" I'm sorry, Naomi. "
Something cold dropped onto her cheek. Feebly, the sixteen-year-old looked up.
He's crying…
Somehow, I've hurt him…
I've caused him much pain…
I've to comfort him somehow…After all, he was always there for me…
But, in what way could I comfort him…?
She reached out to wipe away his tears but hesitated.
I have to comfort him…!I must and I will…!
I'll control my ability…!
Almost defiantly, she touched his cheeks and gently brushed away his tears.
No images…!
I've learnt how to control my ability…!" Zero, I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to burden you with my problems. "
He covered her hands in his.
" Please Naomi, I want to know more about you… "
Naomi gazed into his mesmerizing eyes and nodded, finally giving in.
" I-I can read anyone's mind when my hands come into contact with the other person's skin. The reason behind my constant fainting spells is because of this. My energy is simply being drained away… "
" You mean memories of people's past? "
The girl nodded sadly.
" Do you know about my own? "
Almost immediately, Naomi looked up at him. She did not reply. Zero knew that she knew. He sighed and turned away.
" You must think that I'm a freak now huh? "
" No! I-I didn't mean that, " the sixteen-year-old stuttered.
" I have become the one thing that I hated the most. "
" Zero, please. You've got to understand yourself. I know what you're going through because I've been trough several things myself. You can't hate yourself! "
The vampire froze but did not face her.
" You've got to try. Zero is different from anyone I've met! You have been protecting and saving my life just like… my parents. Everyone who knows me would shun me away or simply avoid me. "
Another fresh wave of tears threatened to spill over as Naomi sank to the floor.
" B-But you're the only one who was there for me after the death of my parents… "
The exhaustion was so overwhelming that the poor girl fainted.
" So, how is she, Zero? " Yuki demanded as soon as he appeared from the room.
" She's okay. But she's asleep now, " Zero answered.
" That's a relief. "
" So, have you informed the Chairman yet? "
" Uh-huh. He told me to go on first while he filled in for the both of us, " the student councilor replied. " So I came here on my own. "
" And Kuran? "
" Yup, Chairman is also doing that. Uh, Zero? "
" What is it? " he asked.
" You like her, don't you? "
The vampire did not reply.
" I know you do, " Yuki said, answering her own question. " It really is about time that you liked someone! I know that you aren't willing to admit it but it is clear from the way you've been acting. Why don't you tell her about your feelings for her…? "
Just then, Chairman Cross and Kaname Kuran arrived. The question lay unanswered between the two of them.
" What happened? Is Naomi going to be all right? " The chairman demanded, looking concerned.
" She fell off the roof but Zero managed to catch her. Now, she's going to be just fine, " Yuki explained patiently.
" The roof? What was she doing there in the first place? " Kuran asked.
" Sleepwalking, " Zero replied, shortly.
Kaname glanced at him.
" I noticed that you've been skipping your Night classes, Kiriyu. "
Luckily, Yuki and the Chairman were engaged in their own conversation to take notice. He did not reply.
" Is it because of that girl? "
" I don't think that's any of your business to know! "
Kuran chuckled.
" It really is a wonder that you transferred yourself to the Night Class after she transferred herself here… " The Night class leader pointed out.
" I'm going to check on Naomi. "
Zero turned his back to the pure-blooded vampire and walked back into Naomi's room.
How did I get here…?The foggy hallways seemed to hold secrets of which they would forever not divulge.
Just where is the exit…?
Cold mist swirled around her legs in a thick fluffy blanket. Fear was evident on her face. The whole place was desolate.
What am I doing in a place such as this…?All doors and nothing else…
But I've been to this place before…!
She tottered forward, each step filling her with uncertainty. She had this disturbing feeling that someone was watching her.
" Naomi… "
She gasped and looked about wildly.
" I've been watching you for the past few weeks now… "
" Wh-who're are you? What do you want with me? " She murmured.
" It's really that simple. I want to reclaim the Gift back… "
" Why do you keep doing this? " Naomi cried.
" Give it back or else… "
She noticed the voice had a warning tinge.
" I'll be waiting… "
With that, she awoke and found herself face to face with Zero.
" Are you alright, Naomi? I heard you talking in your sleep. "
Wordlessly, she nodded although fear was clearly visible on her facial features.
" If you're absolutely sure then… I'll go. "
The vampire turned to leave but Naomi grabbed his hand in a feeble grasp.
" No! Please wait! D-Don't go, please don't leave me here! "The girl begged, looking at him, her green eyes beseeching.
The warning was plastered firmly in her mind.
Zero's pale mauve eyes softened and he held her small and trembling hand in his.
" Sure, I will. Now go back to sleep, okay? "
" Uh-huh. "
Naomi smiled softly as she closed her eyes and thankfully, fell into a dreamless slumber, her hand still in the vampire's.