Hello! Here's another chapter! Hope you like it! And thank you all for the reviews etc. They're great help!
Night 17
It was so quiet these days since everyone had left to go back at their homes. Me, Yuki and Zero were enjoying every minute of it, especially the hunter since he didn't have to see the Night Class for a while. I was happy about him. The only thing that bothered me now was Yuki's strange behavior. The past few days the girl had closed up to herself, not letting even me know what was bothering her. I've tried many times without luck but this time I wasn't going to let her be. I knew that it was something serious and I was sure that it had to do with her past. Every time around holidays she would be a little sad but she would always forget about it for a bit and have some fun. Now it was totally different. She wouldn't talk much nor even smile like she used to. It was making me worry. But at some point I understood her. She never met her parents or rather, she didn't remember anything about them. It was only natural for her to wonder what had happened to them. Or if she had any other relative. And mostly, I knew that she was somewhat jealous over the fact that she didn't have anyone waiting for her for the holidays like every other student.
I could understand her pretty well at that. I was a bit jealous too. Even though I remembered my parents and had lived with them for nine years, I still couldn't accept the fact that I lost them. I knew that there had been some years since then but still... It felt so unfair not knowing what exactly happened to them too. In fact, I didn't know anything about them in the end. I was certain now that they associated with vampires and with a certain pureblood for the matter. But why didn't they ever told me? Why did they hid it from me? And mostly, why Kaname didn't want to tell me? I had the right to know. They were my parents. I even thought about asking the chairman but I knew that he wouldn't tell me anything again. Not to mention prevent me from finding out myself. He had done it before when I once asked him what happened on my parents' last mission. But I didn't care. I was determined to learn the truth about them with or without his or the pureblood's help.
I took a deep breath as I reached with my hand the doorknob of the big door that led to the pureblood's room in the Moon dorms, hesitating a bit before opening the door a little. Even though he was away, the familiar wave of his powerful aura washed over me freezing me in my spot but I shook my head a little. I was here now, I wasn't going to back away. With a deep breath, I entered the room quietly, closing the door behind me being extra careful as to not make any other sound except of my light footsteps. I hadn't seen the blond vampire since I came here but I wasn't sure if he was here or somewhere else, pissing off Zero. Which I hoped was more likely happening, knowing that he would kill me at first sight if he found me here.
I took a quick look around me at the familiar room, having every single memory of spending my free time here with the pureblood and Takuma fill my mind but I blocked all of them as I focused on my task. I knew that I shouldn't been doing this and thinking about him would only add more to my guilt so it was best if I would just do what I came here for. I decided to search his desk first for any clue or anything that he was hiding. I didn't bother much with the scattered papers on the furniture's surface since with a quick look I knew that they were from the Senate and for now I didn't care about those beasts. Instead, I focused on his drawers, opening them and searching inside, moving around things before putting them back on their places, closing the drawer and moving on to the next one. At first I didn't find anything which only got irritated but at the last one my eyes fell on a single photo he had inside covered with some other papers so that only the corner of it was visible. I removed the other papers and took it in my one hand, bringing it closer. My stomach clenched tightly when I got a better look at it. In the picture was me and Yuki around the age of nine, with my small arms wrapped around her as she laughed, none of us realizing that someone, probably the chairman, was taking a picture of us. I stared at the picture for a little while, biting my bottom lip before sticking the photo back between the many papers inside the drawer but as I was ready to close it, my eyes caught a glimpse of gold in the corner. I furrowed my brows questionably as I grabbed the small thing and pulled it out so that I could take a better look at it. I quirked one eyebrow at the small vial in my hand which had golden thin lines on the glass matching with its fully golden top. But what had captured my attention was the crimson red liquid inside. It seemed like...blood?
The door opened and I alerted my widened and full of fear eyes from the small object and towards it, knowing that my end was coming. But he left only a few days ago! They wouldn't be here for a couple of weeks! What-? I didn't hesitate any longer as I placed the small vial back to the drawer and shut it before hiding under the desk. Which was stupid, I knew, but a couple more minutes of life weren't bad at all. Oh, he would kill me! I knew it was a bad idea! I knew it! And yet I had to be stubborn for the millionth time in my life and do what I wanted to-
"Come out now. I now you're here." My eyes widened more at the sound of that voice. No, it wasn't the pureblood. But no relief came as I recognized the slight annoyed tone that belonged to a certain blond vampire. My blood run cold, knowing that I was dead for sure. Kaname might have let me get away with it, maybe a small punishment which I would avoid anyway but Aido...He was worse, much worse.
"Come on, Cross. I won't hurt you. I owe you anyway, remember?" I curled my hands into fists as I tried to fight the slight tremble of my body and take calm deep breaths. I knew he was talking about that night with Maria and normally I would brush it off saying that it was nothing but if it was a good way to save my life then I didn't mind one bit. A hand was offered towards me and I jumped a little, not realizing that he had moved closer to me and was now standing in front of me. Yet, I couldn't see his face since he was standing and I was still under the desk, shrinking against the dark wood. Should I trust him? I didn't have a choice in that matter. Besides, I couldn't stay here forever. Kaname would be the one to find me, if I did...and my back was starting to ache. Letting out a shaking breath and masking my face with a cool expression, I accepted his hand and he helped me to stand up. I avoided his gaze as I brushed my clothes, taking my time as I did so. Eventually, I couldn't ignore him any longer and I managed to meet his gaze with a sheepish smile on my lips. The vampire raised his eyebrows at that.
"What were you thinking? If Kaname-sama or someone else finds out you were here, you'll get into big trouble."
"But no one is here except you." He just let out an exasperated breath as he run his hand though his spiky blond hair.
"Your scent is everywhere! And it's easy to realize its yours!" Wow, I hadn't thought about that. And I knew I was forgetting something... I shook my head a little as I crossed my arms in front of me, staring down at nothing in particular as I felt his icy blue eyes on my form. "What were you doing here, anyway?" He asked as he walked towards the door, nodding for him to follow him, which I did without hesitation.
"I... There are some things I wanted to know-"
"That Kaname-sama wouldn't tell you." He continued for me as he closed the door behind us. I fixed him with a curious look as I nodded slowly. He didn't return my gaze as he glared at the floor but I could see a hint of hurt in his eyes too.
"Why were you there? 'Cause I know it wasn't because of me. " I said as I studied his face carefully. The vampire tensed a bit, clenching his fists tightly at his sides. He raised his gaze from the carpet and looked straight ahead of him, not sparing me a glance.
"Don't do anything reckless like this again. Next time you won't be so lucky as to have me find you...And keep away from that room. It will take a few days for your scent to disappear." Without another word or even better an explanation he started walking down the long corridor, leaving me behind staring at his back in slight surprise and confusion. Why was he behaving like that? He caught me sneaking in Kaname's things, his pureblood king and the person he respected the most. So why wasn't I dead yet? Not that I wasn't glad that I was still alive but still it was kinda weird.
"Wait!" I shouted stopping him in his tracks. He didn't turn fully to face me but stared at me from above his shoulder in question. I gulped nervously, feeling my mouth go dry but I ignored it as I spoke again. "Why are you so good to me?" The vampire remained silent for a few seconds, his eyes studying my face before he let out a deep breath.
"I told you before. You're not as bad as I thought." I find myself smiling a little and he kind of returned it with a ghost of a smile on his lips but it soon disappeared as he focused in front of him again before speaking again in a quiet tone that I barely caught had he said.
"And I know that he is hiding something..." He didn't wait any answer as he continued on his way, never looking back at me.
Later, I returned back at the chairman's still a bit confused and annoyed at the fact that I was once again prevented from finding anything about my parents, even if it wasn't intended. I let out a frustrated sigh as I opened the door to the kitchen to find Kaien and Zero making dinner. At the sound of me entering the room both of them turned their attention to me and the chairman beamed while Zero gave me a faint smile. At the sight of it, I felt my anger melt away as a warm feeling washed me over but I tried not to show it since the chairman was here. Instead, I settled with a small smile of my own.
"Oh! Angel-chan! Dinner will be ready in a few minutes! Can you go fetch Yuki? She is in the bathroom."
"Yeah, no problem." I turned and left the room only to be joined by the silver-haired who stopped me in my tracks with a hand on my wrist, closing the door behind him. I gave him a questioning look but he ignored it as he pulled me closer and placed a soft, lingering kiss on my lips. I sighed in satisfaction as I responded to it tenderly before he pulled back a little.
"I haven't seen you at all today." I smiled at the somewhat disappointed tone in his voice before I pulled him into another short kiss.
"Well, you never get up before noon. And to my defense, I did try to wake you." He chuckled as he leaned his head closer to my neck and nuzzled his face there, a weak feeling growing in my stomach. "Besides, the chairman sent me and Yuki to town today to buy groceries." Zero only hummed before he started caressing my neck with his lips, nibbling and biting softly a particular spot that always left me breathless. I gasped, my hands finding his arms and grabbing them desperately as I tried to catch my breath but with no luck.
"Why are you always doing that?" I muttered breathlessly before I let out another gasp. I felt his lips curled up in a small smirk before he continued his ministrations.
"Do what?" He muttered before he bit again softly at the certain spot. I bit my lower lip as to not give him the satisfaction to hear yet another gasp escape my lips while feeling my annoyance growing at his teasing.
"You know what! You're always leaving marks on my neck. It's difficult to hide them anymore."
"Then don't." I rolled my eyes. I bet he would like that, having me walk around with those things on my neck, proving to everyone that I was his. But I couldn't help but find satisfaction in this kind of possessiveness he had over me.
"You know, I think everyone get it that we're together now..." And who wouldn't when both of us were not bothering to hide it. The hunter froze for a little before he started sucking harder on the soft skin, pushing me back until I hit the wall gently with his body preventing me from going anywhere.
"Not everyone..." He growled. I let out a sigh rather exasperated than of pleasure. I softly pushed him away from me, causing him to look at me with his full of want lavender eyes and yet I could see a hint of jealousy too.
"I have to go get Yuki." I said simply as I made to walk around him, avoiding any eye contact with him but I was stopped as he slammed his hand on the wall, blocking my way. I rolled my eyes, feeling my annoyance building up with each second but I mastered all my strength to look back at his narrowed eyes with a blank look on my face. That seemed to anger him more as he closed the small gap between us, pinning my body against the cold wall behind me with his warm body.
"Please, don't tell me it's about him again." I said exasperated. Zero's eyes narrowed more as he curled his hands into fists against the wall at each side of my face.
"It's always about him!" He hissed. I stared at him dumbfounded, feeling my jaw drop.
"You can't be serious..." I said, expecting him to just crack a small smile and tell me that he was just messing with me. But seeing the jealousy in his eyes growing, I felt my anger taking the best of me. "You've got to be joking! Seriously, when will you stop being so jealous of him?!"
"When you stop giving me reasons to be!" I stared at him like he had grown a second head or something, still not believing that he was serious about it. My blood boiled in my veins as I started shaking with anger.
"I never did anything like that-"
"Do I need to remind you? Just think how I felt when I saw you more than willing to follow him to wherever he was taking you, waiting for you more than half an hour to show up again, knowing that you were all alone with him and then have to smell him all over you! And don't think about denying it, Angel! I know something happened between the two of you!"
I stayed there for a moment, staring at him silently and trying to wrap my mind around what was happening, all the time feeling my stomach twist painfully. Even though I wanted to, I couldn't explain to him what happened. If I told him that he was right about the pureblood or about his offer I would make him furious. Well, more than he was already...
"I told you, I was looking for Yuki-" I started weakly but he cut me off as he snapped at me.
"And you said she had already left! So what were you doing the rest of the time up there?!" My blood run cold as I remained there, staring at him helplessly and feeling completely lost. It took me a few minutes to gather my thoughts and find the strength to even speak but my voice came out weak again.
"I would never do anything that would hurt you and Yuki-"
"But I'm not the same with her! Or have you forgotten? You consider us the same but she is your friend and I'm more than that now! Yet, you don't seem to realize it!"
"Or perhaps this is what we should be." I muttered softly before I could stop myself. He froze in his spot as he stared at me with slightly widened eyes, probably taken aback at what I said as much as I was. Yet, none of us lowered our gazes, his eyes searching mine desperately.
"You're not thinking clearly-"
"Yes I do." I cut him off even though my voice was barely audible. "I can't take it any longer. And I know you can't too. I guess, it was a mistake for us to be together in the first place..." As the words escaped my lips only one thought was in my mind. What the hell was I saying? But indeed it was too much. His jealousy was too much for me to cope with and I knew I was to blame at some point. But not having him trust me was making everything even worse. Zero continued staring at me while his features fell more as the minutes passed, a hurt look making its way on his face. I couldn't stare into his broken gaze as I lowered my eyes and pushed him away softly, his hands falling lifeless at his sides. The sickening feeling in my stomach worsened as my throat went dry and my vision blurred with unshed tears that started gathering at the corner of my eyes but I didn't let him see as I walked around him.
"I'm going to get Yuki-"
Yet, he didn't let me finish as he grabbed my wrist and forced me against the wall again, with him pinning me against it almost painfully. His lips soon crushed against mine in a fierce and hard kiss, bruising mine in the process. I stayed there letting him do as he pleased, moving my hands to his hard chest, feeling his warmth and losing myself in his embrace as his hands wrapped around my waist tightly. His lips soon left mine, giving me the time to breath but they quickly attacked my neck with the same hunger, moving up until they reached the shell of my ear.
"I waited for years... I..." I felt my heart beat painfully hard against my chest at the slightly broken voice of his and I couldn't find any strength to say anything. He sounded so lost just as much as I felt while he clung on my numb form desperately. "I'm willing to change so don't-"
"But I am not. And I don't want you to change either."
"Angel-"
"You're still here?! Dinner is ready!" Both of us jumped and Zero let go of me at the sound of the chairman's voice as he exited the kitchen. He took a moment to study us carefully and I quickly begun walking down the corridor and towards the bathroom, not wanting to let him see my slightly red eyes while I was hoping that the other hunter wouldn't follow me.
As soon as I entered the restroom, I closed the door behind me, leaning against it and taking a deep, shaky breath to calm my nerves but with no luck. It shouldn't have been like this in the first place. I should have just push away both him and the pureblood from the beginning. Now, things were going to be bad not to mention awkward, mostly between me and Zero. Like I said, maybe I shouldn't have gotten in a relationship with him. I should have just ignored my feelings for him and act like everything was normal while keeping my distance from him. The more I thought about it, the more logical it sounded to me. But then why didn't that sickening feeling leave me alone...?
A loud scream that I recognized as my sister's came from the bathroom and without a second thought I ran towards the door and barged in as a frightening feeling took over me. Inside I found Yuki in the bathtub curled in a corner and staring at the water with a look of pure horror in her face while she trembled uncontrollably. I quickly grabbed a towel and run to her, wrapping her with it as I took her in my arms, trying to sooth her but she was still shaking like a leaf.
"What happened?" I spoke softly as I helped her trembling form out of the water since she seemed unable to move on her own, almost supporting all her weight on me. As soon as she stepped on the cold floor, she curled herself in my embrace, one hand clenching the towel tightly around her while the other grabbed the front of my shirt in her fist as she buried her face in my shirt. "Yuki-"
"There was blood everywhere... too much blood..." She whispered in fright as her hold on me tightened more. My eyes widened a little but I didn't want to frightened her more as I pushed away the worried look on my face and replaced it with a soft one, running my finger soothingly through her nub hair.
"Shh...it's alright...you must have fell asleep without realizing it-"
"I saw it! The bathtub was filled with blood!" She shrieked, her shaking now worsened and from the way she spoke I knew that she was crying. I rocked her back and forth placing a small kiss at the top of her head.
"Shh... I'm here now." I muttered softly but the girl didn't seem to relax at all. She only started sobbing hard, wetting my shirt more but I didn't payed it any attention as I tried to calm her down.
"Why is it always happening?" She squeaked among her sobs. "Why every time I try to remember my past I see these things?!" I didn't say anything as I stared into nothing in particular, a look of slight shock and confusion on my face. Did she see illusions like these before? And was she really trying to remember her past? Why didn't she tell me? I knew that she was curious but forcing herself to find out about it...
"I want to know, One-san! I want to know what happened before that night!" I froze in my spot and my moves stopped for a bit as I thought about it. I knew that one day she would want to know her life before the night Kaname saved her. But what if her past was something she should better live without knowing? What if it would be too much for her to handle? I shook my head a little. Then what I was doing here after all? I would do anything to protect her. And if she couldn't handle the truth then I'd stay with her and give her my support.
"The Hunter's Society's reports." I blurted out. The girl tensed a little as she pulled back a bit to stare at me. I furrowed my brows in thought as I continued. "I remember my parents telling me once that in the Hunter's Society's headquarters were some documents that consist every information about vampires and humans. If your parents were hunters then there will be definitely information about them there or even about the accident that night."
The girl stared at me for a few seconds, seeming lost in her thoughts before she gave me a small nod with a determined look on her face, her shaking was long gone. I took in a deep breath before giving her too a curt nod. Then it was settled. All we had to do was go to the headquarters. The only problem was that since I've never been there I didn't know where it was. I only hoped that the chairman wouldn't deny us that little favor...
The following day, me, Yuki, Zero, the chairman and Yagari were all heading towards the headquarters. Yuki had made up her mind and asked the chairman herself if he could take us there and surprisingly he accepted. However, he hesitated a bit to allow me to go too but since Yuki said that she wanted me with her he couldn't do anything else but to accept. And for some unknown reason Zero and that annoying hunter were stuck with us. Well, as long we were going there the rest were unimportant. Except of course of the fact that the air between me and Zero was tense. Everyone had noticed and last night after staying in my room and not attending dinner, Yuki came to my room and I told her everything...or rather the fact that Zero and I were no longer together. She wanted to know why we broke up but I only told her that we didn't get along so well. I don't know if she believed me but she didn't question me any further. She just kept me company until late at night when she left to get some rest.
My sister opened the door slowly and she froze in her spot as she stared at something across from her in the corridor. I sent her a curious look and got off my bed, making my way towards her only to stop dead in my tracks when I saw what had caught her attention. Sitting on the floor across from my door with his back leaning against the wall was Zero. I couldn't see his face clearly since his bangs covering his eyes, but from the slow breaths he was taking I knew he was asleep. My heart skipped a few beats at his sight and I could feel something melting inside me as my features softened. Yuki too gave him a pity look before sending me a pleading one.
I let out a deep sigh as I returned inside my room and walked towards the wardrobe, opening it quietly and fishing for a warm blanket. After finding one, I closed the wardrobe and headed back to the other two, clenching the blanket tightly against my chest with both my hands. Yuki smiled a little while the sad look never left her face but she didn't say anything as she motioned for me that she was heading back to her room. I whispered quietly to her 'good night' and watched her retreating back until she disappeared in the dark corridor. I turned back to the hunter who was oblivious to our presence and kneeled next to him, covering his torso with the blanket carefully not to wake him up. The silver-haired stirred for a bit as he mumbled something incoherent in his sleep but I heard clearly one word that escaped from his lips.
"...Angel..."
I bit my bottom lip as I raised slowly my hand towards him, caressing his silver bangs before standing up. I stood there for a long moment watching him sleep with that tired look on his face before hesitantly turning my back on him and entering my room again, closing the door behind me softly.
I let out a deep breath as I forced my gaze ahead of me when I once again caught the silver-haired from the corner of my eye stealing a glance towards me. It has been like that since we woke up this morning. He would always try to catch my gaze or even corner me somewhere where we were alone but he didn't get his chance since I made sure that Yuki or the chairman and sometimes even that hunter were close to me. I even forced Yuki to walk between the two of us but she always found ways to slip and put me in her place until eventually I gave up.
"Are you sure about this? It's not the kind of place I recommend..." The chairman broke the heavy silence between the five of us as he walked behind us with Yagari at his side. Zero let out a deep sigh before he responded with what it seemed to me a tone that betrayed his rising temper and yet he tried to remain calm.
"If Yuki wants to find out herself then yes."
"But I'm more worried for you than Yuki. You're in a very sensitive situation right now."
"They wouldn't kill me the moment I walk in just because I'm a vampire now."
"That's right but-"
"Why are you two following us anyway?! This isn't a parent-child entrance exam!" Zero snapped at the two of them causing all of us to stop. The chairman sweatdropped at that but the other hunter remained unfazed at the boy's outburst. I had to admit that he was right. It wasn't necessary for them to come since Zero was here. The chairman raised his hands in front of him in defense as he laughed nervously.
"Well, we are a bit worried, that's all...right?" He turned towards the other man who rolled his eyes as he looked away, choosing to ignore him once again. Kaien pouted at that before he turned back to Zero, who was glaring daggers at them. "Besides, I wanted to see how things are between you and Angel since your last night's fight."
I felt all the blood leave my face as all set of eyes were glued on me and the silver-haired who turned to look at me too with the same sad and full of hurt look he was giving me all day. My mouth went dry at that and I quickly turned around, grabbing Yuki's hand and started walking again. Soon, Zero was by my side and the three of us walked in yet again awkward silence. But this time I didn't dare to look anywhere but down at the road in fear that our gazes would meet again. Truth be told, I was beginning to regret this... how pathetic I really was. We broke up yesterday night and I was already missing his touch, his embraces, his kisses... I tensed a little when I felt him closer to me than normal, his hand brushing lightly against my own before he took it in his hold, his thump rubbing the back of my hand gently. I couldn't think straight, feeling the warmth of his skin on my cold one and the flattering feeling in my stomach.
"Here we are!" The chairman exclaimed happily and I quickly let go of the hunter's hand, causing his face to fell a little. I avoided any eye contact with him as I focused my attention on the large building in front of us. We walked though the huge gate and made our way inside. As soon as we did, all its residents turned to look at us, studying each of us carefully, their eyes lingering on mine and Yagari's weapons that were the only ones visible. Many of the hunters smirked but others were focused on the silver-haired, probably feeling his vampire aura. Yet, he seemed unfazed at that as we continued walking further inside until Yagari stopped, causing all of us to do the same.
"See ya." Without another word, he walked away from us, leaving the rest of us staring at his retreating form.
"Is he going to see his girlfriend?" The chairman asked playfully.
"Impossible." Zero muttered as he shook his head. We started walking again until an older man stopped us, a small smirk on his lips as he stared at Zero. It made my blood boil, knowing that he was going to say something about him being a vampire.
"Huh? The building has a spell to repel vampires. Are you already domesticated?" His eyes fell on Zero's neck where his tattoo layed and his smirk widened. "Oh yeah, you are branded." That was the last drop as I felt my temper rising to the full.
"Just hold it there old man! Who do you think you are to speak to him like that?!" The man stared at me for a few seconds, a look of realization passing through his features before a real smile made its way on his lips.
"So the cute girlie is the master?"
"What did you call me?!"
"I think that's enough." A calm voice was heard and we all turned to look at the newcomer. I raised an eyebrow at his strange attire, him wearing a dress and generally dressed like a woman but I brushed it off. The chairman's smile fell from his face as he put a professional look on while Zero had stopped chuckling with my outburst and was too staring at the person with a serious expression. "He was born into the excellence Kiryu family and with his vampire powers he will be a valuable ally in time come." The person continued while walking towards us until stopping in front of Zero.
"It's been a long time, Society President." That man was the president? Well, he looked weird. Very weird. Not to mention the uneasy feeling that was growing at the pit of my stomach at his sight even though I didn't know why I felt this way.
"My, how you've grown Zero. Oh? And who is this?" The man leaned forward a bit to examine carefully Yuki who sweatdropped at the close proximity. I quickly grabbed her arm, pulling her back towards me causing the man to focus his attention on me.
"We've come to take a look at the Society's reports from ten years ago." Zero said causing the man to move his gaze towards him again before looking back at me.
"Ten years ago?"
"I'd like to add my request too." It was Kaien who spoke this time but the man didn't spare him even a glance as he continued staring at me. I was beginning to feel uncomfortable but didn't let it shown as I returned the gaze with an unfazed look on my face.
"These reports are closed to the public. But I guess I can make an exception for Cross..." He stopped for a bit as he moved closer to me as if to take a better look. "And mostly because I never thought I would see the Masuno heir here." He placed the other end of the fan he was holding under my chin, tilting it up a bit.
"Such resemblance..." He muttered. I resisted the urge to roll my eyes at that, knowing that once again he was talking about my similarity to my mother. "And yet there is something different about you." I raised an eyebrow at that only to cause the weird man to chuckle. "And there is your father in you!" I was ready to snap something to him about taking that thing from under my chin but an arm wrapping around me and pulling me back against its owner prevented me from it. I turned with a thankful smile towards my rescuer only for it to drop at the sight of the silver-haired hunter being the one holding me. Yet, he didn't spare me a glance as he looked only towards the President.
"Will you take us to where the reports are?" Zero asked only to receive another long look directed to both of us before the man nodded and turned around, walking away with us following him close behind. He lead us down to a long corridor, while he exchanged a few words with the chairman. I watched both of them as they were ahead of us, feeling more suspicious towards the strange man.
"The president seems to be very important, doesn't he?" Yuki asked me as she walked on my one side while Zero was on my other. I only nodded at her, not taking my eyes from the said man. "How come the chairman knows someone like him?" Both me and Zero turned our attention on the girl before we shared a knowing look the two of us, for the first time today our gazes meeting longer than a few seconds.
"You really don't know, do you?" I asked her and she stared at me curiously before she shook her head. I let out a sigh. Clearly, the man was trying pretty hard to leave his past behind him so that he could achieve his ideals about the coexisting world between vampires and humans. But before I could say anything we stopped in front of a huge double door.
"Here is the archive." The President said as he sent each of us a quick glance, his eyes lingering on my form a bit longer before opening the double doors and stepping inside. We all made to follow him but before I could enter the room, I felt a shiver run through my whole body causing my skin to crawl. It felt like someone was watching me closely. I turned to look behind me only to freeze in my spot at the figure a few feet away from me. I couldn't see their face since the person was wearing a white cloak with a hood covering almost their whole face, only their lips being visible. But from their posture it seemed to me that the person was a woman...
"Who are you?" I asked her. A small smile appeared on her lips and she let out a soft chuckle. I parted my lips to speak again but I was cut off by another voice.
"Angel?" I quickly turned back towards the door to find Zero standing there. "What's wrong?" He spoke softly with a worried tone in his voice as he stared at me with a gentle look on his face.
"Nothing. I just-" I begun as I turned back towards the woman again only to find her gone. My eyes widened a little at that as I scanned the whole corridor for any sign of her but I found nothing. She couldn't have disappeared in only a few seconds. It was impossible...
"Angel..." I tensed as I snapped my head back towards the boy, hearing his voice closer to me than before, only to find him inches away from me. I found it impossible to look away from his lavender orbs that stared down at me with so much pain. I didn't even react when I felt his arm snake around my waist and keep me close to him while he nuzzled his face at the side of mine. "I-"
"We need to find Yuki. We're here for her." I muttered as I hesitantly removed his arm from around me and took a step back, creating some distance between us. I focused my gaze on the floor and for a few seconds no one spoke until I heard him letting out a deep sigh.
"Lets go then." He muttered as he step away from the door, allowing me to enter the room first, following me close behind until we reached the other three. The president studied us carefully before his gaze lingered on Zero, his fan covering his lips.
"Zero, you come with me. We'll check the uncategorized data over here."
"What?!" I hissed as I fixed the man with a hard look. The others turned to look at me weirdly but I ignored them, never breaking eye contact with the strange man. He looked at me with a blank look on his face before he lowered his fan, revealing the ghost of a smile on his lips.
"I promise, your boyfriend will be safe." I narrowed my eyes more as he turned his back at me and walked towards another door. Zero made to follow him but I grabbed his hand, stopping him in his tracks while he sent me a confused look along with a hint of hope in it.
"Just don't let your guard down. There's something weird about this man." He eyes lingered a bit more on my face before he closed the distance between us, placing a soft kiss on my forehead, leaving a pleasant tingling on the skin as he followed the president inside the other room and closing the door behind him. I let out a sigh, staring the closed door for a few more seconds before I felt a comforting hand on my shoulder. I turned to look towards its owner and found my adoptive father smiling warmly down at me.
"Come on. We need to find the right section with records from ten years ago." I only nodded, giving him a faint smile that didn't reach my eyes as the three of us scattered around the huge room, searching carefully all the bookcases that held million reports. Great...
I didn't know how long we were searching but eventually, the chairman found the right section and provided Yuki with huge books, all of them containing reports from ten years ago. So now, my sister was looking at them carefully, as the chairman searched for more books while I was slacking off, wondering here and there, not really paying attention to the sections I passed by. And how could I? This room was huge! Finally, I sat down in a chair at a corner near a huge window, leaning against the cold glass tiredly. In reality, I wanted to go to the room Zero was just to make sure he was alright... I shook my head. I was the one who ended things between us and now I had to keep it like this. I shouldn't even let him touch me like that earlier. Despite the fact that I liked it...
I let out another sigh as I shook my head a little while looking outside the window, with a boring expression on my face. Until I felt it again. That strange presence I felt before when I was in the corridor that made me shiver a little. I quickly stood up, scanning the area around me carefully for any sign of that unknown woman. Maybe it was just my imagination. Maybe my mind was playing tricks on me since I was a little tired because of my lack of sleep last night. I took a deep breath, realizing that probably that was the case and made to sit down again until I caught a glimpse of white from the corner of my eye. I snapped my head towards that direction and found myself staring again at that woman. I shifted my weight on my other leg, crossing my arms in front of me as I gave her a questioning look but, like she did before, she just smile. With a single motion of her head that mentioned for me to follow her, she walked down between the many bookcases. I didn't waste any second longer as I hurried behind her, trying not to lose her from my sight. But after turning right and left on the big maze of books I lost her, causing me to curse under my breath before running a hand through my hair.
A soft laugh echoed around me and I searched for its source looking around me until I found her again. I took a few slow steps towards her, always being alerted for the worse as I brought my hands close to my knives on each side of my waist. But I knew she couldn't be a vampire or else she wouldn't be able to get inside the headquarters. Unless she had hunter's blood in her, like Zero. But still... The woman tilted her head to the side causing some of her locks that were tied in thin braids to spill from under her hood and fall past her shoulder, while her smile widened. Even thought I still couldn't see her eyes, I had a feeling that she was looking directly at my knives. Suddenly, she lifted a hand towards the dozens books that were next to her in the big bookcase, pointing towards one in particular. I headed towards the book, studying her carefully as she lowered her hand and stood there, her soft smile never leaving her lips. I turned my attention towards the big, black book, pulling it out of its place before turning to look at the woman again but there was no sight of her. I stood in my place for a brief moment, clenching the book close to my chest until shaking my head, feeling more tired from all this 'hide and seek' before walking towards a small wooden table and placing on it the heavy book. I opened it, flipping its pages while browsing quickly its contains. What was I searching for anyway? After a few pages I realized that the book's contains were the genealogical trees of vampires from all the levels.
I stopped flipping the pages as I furrowed my brows at the book. Why did she pointed it at me? What was in there that I had to see? I let out a frustrated sigh as I continued my actions. Some help she was... I lifted my form and sat down at the table, taking the book in my lap as I continued looking through the pages, losing my interest as the minutes past by with all the unknown names and families. I came across with some of the pureblood families, among them the Kurans in which I took my time studying their tree. Eventually, I reached the last name Kaname Kuran but I quickly turned to the next page, not wanting to think of him right now. Next, was another pureblood family Morimoto. Never had heard of them. There were currently only seven pureblood families and this one was not among them. Probably all the members of this clan were killed in the many wars among vampires and humans... My eyes moved from one name to another quickly not really paying attention but as soon as I reached the last one, having read only the first syllable Ya-, a crimson red liquid, similar to blood, was drifting from the book's middle. I let out a yelp as I tossed the book away from me when more of this liquid came out, creating a small puddle around the book on the floor. I stared at it in horror feeling my body freeze in its place. What was going on...?
"Angel!"
I quickly turned to look towards the person that spoke and soon I was enveloped in strong, secure arms, providing me with their owner's warmth. I clenched Zero's jacket tightly with my fists as I watched carefully the chairman who walked slowly towards the book I dropped on the floor, an unreadable look on his face.
"What happened?" Zero asked as his hold on me tightened but I didn't pay him attention as I focused on Kaien. I've never seen him like this. He seemed a bit scared and...angry?
"Where did you find this?" He spoke with a strong voice that clearly left no room for avoiding his question or even lying.
"I...I found it here. I was walking around here until I saw it and-" A loud scream cut me off and I recognized it immediately as my sister's since hearing it the night before. Before either of them could move, I had jumped off the table and run as fast as I could to where I had left her with the chairman earlier only to find her there but staring with shocked and frightened eyes an opened book in front of her covered in flames. I quickly pulled her away when the other two reached us.
"I-I begun reading it! And w-when I reached the page from that w-winter ten years ago...!" I held her closer as I too stared at the red flames that had turned the particular page into ashes. First the book I was reading and now hers?
What the hell was going on?!
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