Author's Note:

Okay, I suppose it is quite obvious how this story will develop. Unfortunately, my lack of imagination means I could only start it off this way.

Anyways, new chapter! And do leave constructive comments on how I can improve!

Also, I do not own Vampire Knight

Anju: But you do own me, right?

Me: How'd you just break the fourth wall?

"A new student?" Anju shot a questioning look at Chairman Cross. It was the lunch period for the Day class, which meant there was enough free time for the prefects to meet with the academy headmaster.

"Yes." Chairman Cross nodded while sipping his Oolong tea. "Her name is Misaki Shiba and she will be joining the Day class effective tomorrow."

"We'll manage." Leonardo Cassidy said. "Tonight's watch will be under the Third year's tonight. I'll inform Ishida and Yura about this."

"I appreciate the concern Leo..." Chairman Cross folded his hands. "But there is actually something else I would like to mention." At this, he took out a letter. "I received this letter from Ms. Emi Aidou from the Night class."

Isabelle frowned. "What does she want to do with us now?" Ichigo merely stood with his hands in his pockets as the Chairman placed the letter on the table.

"Perhaps you all should read the letter yourself..." He said. Everyone in the room crowded around the table to get a look at the letter. The more they read, the more their jaws fell open.

"What!" Isabelle screeched. "She wants to personally invite the new student? And join us on our prefect watch? Not to mention she wants Anju and Ichigo to be there too?"

"This makes no sense..." Komoi, a second year prefect commented. "Why would a vampire as influential as herself be so interested in skipping classes? I see no reason in this..."

"Emi Aidou also carries the title of prefect in the school grounds." Chairman Cross replied. "I see no reason to forbid her from joining your own duties once in a while. Besides, with regards to her classes, she tells me that she already made plans to cover for her absence. Besides, she seemed really enthusiastic about meeting Ms. Misaki."

"Did you actually get all that from a letter?" Ichigo frowned.

"She has a very good way of putting her emotions into words." The Chairman smiled. "Well, there you have it. Be at the school entrance you two." He said while looking at Anju and Ichigo. "Remember, this girl is going to be classmates with you for the next few years. Might as well start getting to know each other early."

"Oh! One more thing!" He said just as the prefects were about to leave. "I should inform you that Ms. Misaki is a trained vampire hunter." At this, everyone tensed.

"Wait, vampire hunter?" Anju blinked.

"So she's trained to kill those monsters?" Ichigo frowned. This got him a smack in the head from Leonardo.

"Rest assured, she will not bring problems to the school." Chairman Cross said. "However, I think you have an idea of what kind of role she will be playing the minute school hours are over."

"Great." Isabelle groaned. "More babysitting."

Night had fallen. The prefects now made their way through the courtyard of the academy and to the main gate. Sure enough, they soon saw the alabaster uniform of Emi Aidou.

"Good morning!" She said. "Oops, I suppose it's night now. Haha..."

"Good evening Emi." Leonardo greeted. "Punctual as usual."

"Evening senior Emi." Yura Kohaku greeted. "You seem awfully cheerful."

"Of course!" Emi smiled, showing her pearly white teeth (and fangs). "I am so glad she's coming here!"

"Do you know Ms. Misaki by any chance?" Isabelle asked. "I don't see how you are getting so fussed up about just one regular human girl."

"Misaki and I have been friends for a long time." Emi explained as she followed them to the gate. "Let me see, if I'm not mistaken, we've known each other for about nine years now."

"Nine?" Anju gasped. "Um, Emi, how old were you when you met her?"

"Hmmmm, let's see..." Emi placed a finger on her chin and looked with a thoughtful expression. "Soon enough I'll be an adult so, I guess I was ten?"

"That little?" Anju gasped.

"Don't forget, vampires grow in a different manner that humans." Isabelle said. "It's possible that Emi looked a lot less like a child back then compared to Misaki."

"Oh. Right..." Anju nodded as Ichigo shook his head in disbelief.

"You've been around them for so long and you never knew that?" Ichigo groaned. "What the hell..."

"Hey! You don't have to be so mean!" Anju protested. Isabelle, fully knowing the sort of verbal argument about to take place, quietly placed her fingers into her ears, hoping to shut out as much of their voices as possible.

Emi didn't really mind. She just skipped to the main gate where a car had already pulled up.

"She's here!" The vampire exclaimed with excitement. Everyone followed her to the gate where a beautiful girl had just stepped out with her luggage. Anju stared at the black, wavy hair that ran halfway down her back. She looked around at the unfamiliar school, most likely wondering how life here was going to be like.

This girl is a vampire hunter? Anju wondered. She looked way too innocent to be. Then again, the same could be said about certain vampires.

"Misaki!" Emi called out, waving her arm as she ran to the front gate. Misaki turned and saw the source of the voice, her lips breaking into a smile.

"Emi!" She cried out just as the vampire came close and drew her into a hug. "I knew it! You'd definitely be here! It's been too long!" They finally released the hug and stared into each other's eyes.

"You've grown." Misaki smiled. "I still remember you from nine years ago. Even if it isn't much different, I can tell."

"Of course! I'm a vampire, but that doesn't mean I don't grow up! And look at you!" Emi beamed as she walked around her friend. "Finally attending high school! It seems almost yesterday you were in elementary!"

Emi finally walked toward the academy gate. "Well, now that that's out of the way, Misaki, I welcome you to Cross Academy! Oh, and before I forget, here are a few students you should get to know!" At this, she now pointed to the prefects at the gate.

"These guys are the Day class prefects! The tall one in the back is Leonardo Cassidy. He is a third year and one of the best prefects around. Isabelle Dunois and Yura Kohaku are second years. Yura is a little soft-spoken, so don't mind her too much. Isabelle may sound pushy, but she's really nice when you get to know her!"

Isabelle frowned while Anju and Ichigo merely gave each other blank stares at Emi's description of their de facto prefect squad leader.

"And finally, Ichigo Kitsuke and Anju Cross! They are the same age as you, so I bet you'll be talking to them a lot! Get to know each other okay?" Emi smiled as she went off. "I have to do my rounds, so I leave it to you guys to get her settled in alright?"

"No problem senior Emi!" Anju nodded. "Hi Misaki! I'm Anju Cross! I hope we can be friends!"

"Me too Anju!" Misaki smiled. "Though honestly, I think we already are!"

"Hehe..." Anju chuckled. "C'mon Ichigo! Introduce yourself!"

But Ichigo was already walking away. "I'm going on my rounds. Get her accommodated and settled in would you?"

"HEY!" Anju moaned. "Why are you ditching me?"

"Eheheh... Not the friendliest eh?" Misaki chuckled.

"Hope you'll enjoy your time here Ms. Shiba." Leonardo smiled, extending his hand in welcome.

"I'm thinking I will." She said, returning the handshake. "And just Misaki is fine. Hope to be friends too Senior Yura, Senior Isabelle!"

"Yeah." Yura nodded, showing a peace sign. Isabelle merely nodded. "Sure. Now if you'll excuse me, I have a punk to wrangle back."

Anju and Misaki watched as the rest of them headed back to their dorms or their rounds. She eyed Ichigo in the distance, studying him closely.

"So uh, want to go get settled in now?" Anju asked.

"Huh? Oh, sure thing!" Misaki replied.

"Huh? You knew Senior Emi before you came into this Academy?" Came the voice of a Day class male student.

"Yup." Misaki nodded. "We've been friends for the past ten years. Often we would send each other emails or text messages just to keep in touch!"

"Really? I'm so jealous..." Came the voice of another Day class student.

"So Misaki," Anju asked. "Um, what we want to know is, how is it that you know Senior Emi?"

By this time, Misaki had become the latest buzz in just the short three days she had been here. Word had spread like wildfire on how she had known one of the most popular Night class students and now, even senior students crowded around her, asking for more on Emi. As of now, following Anju's question, many students crowded around the table they were seated at, all abuzz on the background story of Misaki and Emi's friendship.

'C'mon, tell us!', 'Shhh! You might scare her like that!', 'Please, how did you two become friends?' Were the kinds of things that now flew around. At these words, Misaki's eyes grew hard.

"You really want to know?" Misaki asked everyone she could speak to. "Because if you do, some among you may think very differently about the vampires in the Night class."

Silence now hung in the air. Anju scooted next to her, a cautious look in her eyes. "What do you mean?"

"I mean, you should all be prepared for one hell of a scary story." Misaki said. "I met Senior Emi in rather, dark circumstances. If I tell this story, your opinion of her might change for the worse."

Whispers now ran through the huge crowd. Some students even gave each other hesitant looks.

"Misaki, tell us, please..." Came the voice of Hibiki, one of the shyer students among the Day class. "I, I want to know more about her..."

The Day class students were now starting to nod and some even acknowledged that they weren't scared of Emi and would never be. Misaki sighed, succumbing to their desires. "Alright. Here's my story. Rather, our story. It was nine years ago I first saw a vampire. It was during the month of June that I finally saw them."

"Them?" Anju frowned.

"Anju, what I'm about to say might just shock you." Misaki said as she continued. "When I said 'them', I didn't mean vampires."

"What I meant, was that I finally saw the Vampire Knights..."

Ten years ago, Hamburg; Germany

"Mom, when are we going to go back to the hotel?" Misaki complained. "My feet hurt."

"Now look Misaki, you are the next heir to the Shiba family." Her mother said. "You know what is expected of you."

Misaki sighed. "I know. I'm supposed to grow into a skilled vampire hunter. But is it really necessary for me to follow you out this far? I mean, uncle teaches me loads of things about hunting vampires and all back home."

"Yes, but you'll also need the experience in the world to use that knowledge." Her mother replied. "It is only best you see how we work."

"And if a vampire attacks us?" Misaki groaned. She knew from her uncle's lectures that vampires were just like any animalistic predator. They'd go for the weaker ones before anything.

"Just relax. There are over five hunters here. A regular vampire wouldn't bother just coming here and taking on a fight he can't win, unless he's crazy..." Despite her mother's reassurance, Misaki still couldn't fight the gnawing feeling that she would be in constant danger no matter what.

"Hey hey," One of the hunters sounded. "What the hell are they doing here?"

Misaki turned her head and saw a strange sight. Five incredibly beautiful people were seated at a table outside a nearby cafe, two girls and two guys. Her mother suddenly tightened her grip on her. She glanced up and shot a questioning look. "Mom? What's wrong?"

"Hmmm, I dunno..." Emi frowned as she looked over the cafe's menu. "If I went for the Blackforest cake, I'll get the wonderful sensation of blueberry and chocolate and not to mention the cherry, but then again the Cheesecake does have a good feel to the mouth. The Baumkuchen also looks good, but so does the Strawberry Chiffon..."

"Good lord, is she still trying to decide?" Ganju groaned. "We've been here for like fifteen minutes..."

"Well, Emi is quite picky when it comes to sweets." Gabriella chuckled as she popped another medicinal pill into her mouth and washed it down with tea. "Okay, next one's only due in four hours."

"Oh, darn it all! Fine! Waiter!" Emi raised her hand, drawing the waiter's attention.

"Yes madam? How may I help you?" The waiter said as he took out a small notepad, ready for her order.

"Give me one slice of every cake you have!" Emi said with a huge grin. Instantly, Gabriella did a double take, resulting in her tea going down the wrong way and a huge volley of sputters and coughs. Ganju remained shocked for a split instant before immediately rushing to his lover's side and patting her back. The waiter merely resorted to dropping his notebook.

"Emi," Shinji replied. "If you went and spammed all our cash on cake, we'd get ourselves an earful from Grandmaster Kiryuu. Just settle for one, 'kay?"

"But I can't decide!" Emi scowled. "They are all so good!"

"Here, why don't you try the Bienenstich? You've never tried a cake with honey and cream mixed together before right? Since this is your first time trying, I suppose it is special enough, right?"

Emi frowned as she studied the menu again. True enough, the Bienenstich caught her eye and she contemplated. Ganju and Gabriella pleaded silently in their minds that she would pick that. Emi finally frowned and closed the menu. "Well, I suppose you are right. Okay! One Bienenstich please! And could you also add a cherry?"

"Very good madam." The waiter said, jotting down her order and proceeding to submit it.

Whew. That was close... Ganju and Gabriella simultaneously thought. The last time Emi had decided to make a super order of cakes they were forced to babysit her as she - very, very slowly - savored each one. It was among the longest and most excruciatingly boring hours of their lives and they would rather not have another moment of it.

Akira glanced at Shinji, who merely shrugged back. However, his cousin now turned and blinked at the current sight. "Akira, seems we have unexpected company."

Akira turned to see five people eyeing them with suspicion. Among one of the was a woman who, at this time, was preoccupied with protecting a young girl. They were skilled in doing so, but Akira could already make out the small figures of weapons hidden in their cloaks.

"From the Hunter's Association it seems." He noted as Emi's cake arrived. She glanced at it with sparkling eyes and set forth to eat her pastry, chewing at it more and more with every spoonful. "It seems our business here is more serious than we thought..."

"Well, four attacks have occurred in the past two days." Ganju noted. "I doubt even the Association could turn a blind eye. But I suppose we could use extra eyes. Until Gabriella is able to use her abilities much more potently, we'll be stuck with normal patrols."

"Sorry..." Gabriella said. "I could get bats to help out, but I'm still learning how to control them more effectively in the daytime. The sun really saps my strength..."

"Oh my, it seems the hunters wish to have a word..." Shinji said as one of them, the leader it seemed, came forward.

"My name is Hide Amenosaka." He said. "May I ask as to what you lot are doing here?"

"Good day to you Mr. Hide." Akira nodded as he got up. "I am Akira Kuran, a new Vampire Knight initiate. These are my friends, Shinji Shiki, Gabriella Kurenai, Ganju Kain and Emi Aidou..." At that moment he paused. The remaining vampires turned to see Emi now attempting to nibble at the small cherry that came with the cake. It was quite a ridiculous sight that was embarrassing for a noble vampire in so many ways.

"Unbelievable..." Ganju moaned. He now really wished that he had made some excuse so that he and Gabriella could at least have stayed back at the hotel with all the time in the world to themselves.

Akira cleared his throat. "Well, anyways, we are here to track down some rather wild members of our kind. I assume you are here for the same reason?"

Hide turned to him. Whether the hunter was impressed with Akira's deduction or annoyed by it, it didn't show on his face. "I should warn you, we are not to blame if any of you get hurt whilst we are carrying out our duty." At this, Akira instantly knew that Hide didn't have a good opinion on the fact they were after the same objective.

"We shall keep that in mind." Akira nodded. "We will do our very best to not get in the way of the Association. After all, we are more than thankful for the support from you all in rooting our these hooligans. However, I too have a warning..."

"I would suggest leaving that girl in a safe place." Akira said, directing his attention to Misaki, who suddenly retreated slightly behind her mother. "Even with this many hunters, it is unwise to bring a child along. Vampires are known to be tricky, especially the ones we currently pursue. I doubt she will be safe even with this many of you present."

"Are you trying to mock us, vampire?" One of Hide's men snarled, brandishing a mace. Akira felt Ganju rise from his seat, but instantly Akira waved him down.

"Calm down Ganju." He said before redirecting his gaze to the hunters. "Forgive me, such was not my intent. However, please take heed to what I have said. A hunting ground is no place for a child."

Emi had finally finished her cake, wiping her mouth with a napkin. Despite the fact that most of her attention was on the delicious pastry, she had somehow followed the entire course of the conversation between Akira and Hide. This was evident when she began to speak. "Lord Akira is correct. You shouldn't bring the child. It only makes them more exploitive."

"Emi, please don't refer to me like that. I've told you a million times by now." Akira said, turning slightly toward her.

"Hehe, sorry." She winked. "I tend to forget that you prefer no honorifics."

"At any rate, we will be going now." Akira said. "We should return to our duties. Come, let us go." At this, his companions rose from their chairs, but not before leaving the cash they owed the cafe for their services. Misaki watched the vampires leave. Her eyes caught Emi, who looked back at her and gave a wink.

Later that night

"Mom, can't we go home now?" Misaki pleaded. Her eyes were getting heavy and her feet ached. "I think I've learned enough for one day..."

"Hide, she's right." Her mother said. "It's about time I took her back."

"Alright." He said. "But you are not going back alone. Morisaki, please accompany them back."

"Yes sir." The hunter replied, falling in line with Misaki and her mother.

That was when they struck.

Suddenly, from out of nowhere, four shapes jumped down, encircling the hunters. Misaki felt her mother pull her in between herself and Morisaki and got into a fighting stance. Behind, the remaining hunters pulled out their weapons.

"Well well," One of the vampires said, his voice sounding heavily distorted. "Look guys, quite a few tasty morsels eh?"

Another one advanced on the group, licking his lips. "I smell a kid. Can I have a bite? Can I?" At this, Misaki, tugged her mother's leg.

"Mom?" She asked slowly as they advanced.

"C'mon boys..." The first one said. "TIME TO FEAST!" At this, they pounced. Misaki watched her mother block her opponent's attack and throw him into another one. But if anything, the vampires were intelligent. They weren't fighting with each other over the hunters spread out in front of them nor were they going berserk. Instead, they were somehow coordinating their attacks.

The hunters fought back bravely, but even they couldn't land a single blow on them. And with Misaki in the middle, everyone knew who the vampires were targeting.

Misaki watched as the vampire her mother fought swatted her sword away and sank his teeth into her arm, incapacitating her with pain. Misaki turned and saw Morisaki himself go down, a fresh cut on his forehead. Although Hide and the others now successfully brought down one, the other two managed to keep them busy, leaving Misaki at the mercy of the two vampires.

"Now now little girl..." Said the one who defeated her mother. "I wonder, how delicious are you?"

Misaki's forehead broke out in cold sweat and her heartbeat quickened, which seemed to serve the appetite of the vampires around her. She suddenly felt a pair of rough hands grab her shoulders. Although she tried to pull away, his grip was strong. All she could do was stare helplessly as they advanced.

"Don't worry precious..." He said, grinning. "It'll be quick, though, no promises."

Something whistled through the air. At once, a sickening 'THWACK!' sounded followed by a cry of pain. Misaki turned to see that the vampire who seized her had an icy spike impaled through his chest. His agonizing cries distracted the other vampires and hunters, who turned to see the source of the commotion.

"What the hell?" Came Misaki's other assailant. Before he could make a move, a thin slender blade was run through his chest. He stared down at it just moments before it was withdrawn, reducing his body to dust. Misaki now saw Emi standing right where the vampire once was, a cold look in her eyes.

"Come." She said, grabbing Misaki and speeding off, creating a huge wall of ice to separate the current battle and the two of them. "Mr. Hide! Please take care of those two! I'll ensure her safety!" Emi then dashed off with Misaki in her arms.

"Wait!" Misaki cried out. "Mom's back there! We have to help!"

"I can't!" Emi replied. "Back then, your presence would have hindered more than helped! Those hunters couldn't concentrate with you around and you can't do a thing. Saving you is the more wise option!"

As they ran, something hurtled down from above. Emi saw it too late before the box crashed into her, sending the two of them sprawling.

As Misaki struggled to get to her feet, she felt another pair of hands grab hold of her and lifted her up. She looked around, realizing they were in the mercy of two more vampires.

Shit! Emi cursed. How could I have missed that there'd be more? Her weapon lay a few feet away and the vampire pinning her was strong, even for a former human.

"Not bad." He smiled. "A human girl and a vampire noble! I say our haul today was good!"

"Who are you working for?" Emi said as she struggled to free herself. "This many of you working together is unheard of unless you are taking someone's orders!"

Her assailant stared at her. "You really think you are in the position to say something like that huh? Little miss Sheppard?"

"Sheppard?" Emi frowned at his use of the term.

"Yeah. You vampires, protecting humans like a Sheppard protects his sheep from wolves. Whatever happened to that old pride you all used to have? Lording over humans as if they were livestock. How far you all have fallen." He snarled, fresh drool dripping from his mouth.

"What you speak of," Emi growled, her eyes turning blood red. "Is pure insanity."

The vampire snickered. "Well, if you are so adamant about us drinking that little girl's blood, then maybe we'll start with you?" Before Emi could retort, he leaned in and clamped his teeth around her shoulder.

Emi's scream of pain rang out in the narrow alleyway. Misaki could now see the agony reflected off the vampire's face as her blood gushed out of her shoulder. Her assailant lapped at it, his scarlet eyes flushed with glee. After a couple of minutes, he let go. Emi's head sank to the floor as she gasped in pain. Her blood now pooled around her head, staining her hair and dress.

"Not bad..." The offending vampire said as he licked his lips. "This is the first time I've drank a noble's blood... I must say, it has quite the refined taste...". Misaki quivered in the other vampire's arms as Emi's assailant leaned in again.

"C'mon, give me another taste of it all..." He said before biting her again.

"AAAAAAAAAAAGGGGHH!" Emi screamed once more. The vampire then reached for her head, forcing it down onto the floor. Emi squirmed, attempting to free herself, but even Misaki could see it was a fruitless endeavor.

"Stop!" Misaki begged. "Please stop! Don't kill her!"

At this, Emi's attacker looked up, releasing his jaws from her shoulder. The noble vampire slumped to the floor, drained of all her strength.

"What's this?" He said, wiping the blood from his mouth. "A hunter girl defending her prey? The hell's this world coming to huh?"

"Maybe she's a vampire..." Misaki said, holding back her tears. "Maybe I'm not supposed to be her friend, but..." Misaki breathed, wishing for all the strength to let out the words.

"She just saved my life!" She yelled, her tears now flowing freely. "So why wouldn't I want to protect her in return?" The two vampire assailants stared at her, incredulous at her courage and determination.

"Looks like some human needs education on how dangerous we vampires are." He smiled with glee, turning his scarlet eyes towards her. Misaki felt a lump in her throat as he stepped forward.

However, he managed only that one step before an icicle speared through his brain. At once, like a rag doll, he fell forward before disintegrating into dust. Misaki now saw the source of the icy weapon, none other than Emi herself. In getting up, her attacker had left her free to move, however limited it was, which gave her the opening she needed.

"You little bitch!" Came his partner, who now let go of Misaki and moved towards the weakened vampire. Grabbing Emi's collar, he hoisted her up to his mouth. "I'm gonna bleed you out so much you'll be nothing but a deflated cushion!"

Misaki saw her chance, grabbing the frozen spear Emi had thrown and plunged it into the vampire's back. He howled in pain as Emi kicked his legs out from under him. She formed another ice spear in her right arm and then drove it through his heart. Her blood dripped onto his face just before he disintegrated.

Emi stood up, panting as she dropped her icy weapon. Suddenly, she went limp, leaning herself against a wall and sliding down, her breath coming out in huffs. Misaki instantly went over, though she was at a loss on what to do. She merely stared at the blood stained on Emi's clothes.

"Ms. Vampire, will you be okay?" She asked, tears still spilling out of her eyes.

"You can just call me Emi." Emi replied. "And yeah, I'll be okay."

"Really?" Misaki said with unbelief. The vampire had already lost a lot of blood. Even with her fast regeneration abilities, she was still in mortal danger.

"Heh, maybe not as okay as I thought..." Emi said, her vision suddenly getting blurry. "But you are alright at least. Right?"

Misaki crept closer to the vampire till she could smell the stench of fresh blood. "Why? Why did you save me?"

Emi looked up at the young girl and patted her head. "What else was I supposed to do? I saw you all needed help, so I helped. Do I really need a reason to save someone when I obviously could?"

Misaki stared at the vampire with wonder. Emi just smiled weakly before speaking again. "Besides, I'm training to be a Vampire Knight. If anything happened and I couldn't prevent it when I could, I'd just be a disgrace to my friends and family. And I could never forgive myself either..."

Misaki felt the tears come again. "I'm sorry. I'm supposed to be a huntress, yet, I couldn't do a thing! And now, I still can't do anything!" She wailed, despising herself and her own weakness. Emi gave her a reassuring rub on the head.

"There there, don't cry. It's alright." The vampire assured. Misaki just kept crying, burying herself into Emi's dress. "I once thought I was weak too. But my grandfather said people aren't born strong. They were born to become strong." At these words, Misaki stared up into her eyes.

"So become strong." Emi said. "I'm sure you will become a great huntress in future. And when that happens, I hope to be able to see it."

Misaki wiped the tears from her eyes and now faced Emi with a smile. "Yeah. It's a promise!"

Emi smiled, lifting her pinky. "It's a promise then, umm?"

"Misaki." She replied wrapping her own pinky around Emi's. "Misaki Shiba. A pleasure to meet you Emi."

Emi nodded. "Emi Aidou. A pleasure to meet you. So, Misaki eh? That's... a very... nice... name..." At this Emi, slumped, her eyes closing and her head lolling to the side.

No... Misaki felt dread grip her heart. No, no, NO!

"Get up!" Misaki shook the vampire, but her eyes stayed closed. "Get up! Please!" Still no response. "You can't die! We just... we just became friends right?" Silence.

"HELP!" Misaki cried out. "HELP! SOMEONE PLEASE HELP!" But her call went unanswered. Misaki stared down at the vampire again. What should I do? What should I do?

Suddenly, another shape dropped down. With a frightened squeak, Misaki held onto Emi's unconscious form, as if trying to protect the vampire with her own body.

"Relax. We're here to help." Misaki looked up, recognizing him as the vampire boy from the cafe whom Hide spoke with. She watched as three other shapes descended from the roofs above them.

"Emi!" Gabriella yelled, rushing over. Ganju went forward and took Misaki by the hand, leading her away from the unconscious vampire.

"It's alright." Ganju said. "Without you, we never would have known where she was. You've done all you can and for that, we are grateful. Leave it to us now."

"But, how can we help her?" Misaki asked, the tears once again gathering at her eyes. Ganju now turned to face Akira.

"What now Akira?" The tall vampire asked.

"Simple." Akira said, lifting up his hand. "My blood will be more than sufficient to heal her. She won't recover instantly, but at least her life won't be in danger." With his thumb, he made a small incision on his wrist, and a fresh trickle of blood oozed out.

"Emi..." Misaki sniffed. "Emi will be okay?"

"Yes." Akira nodded. "Alright, someone get her mouth open for me."

Suddenly, Shinji reached out, grabbing Akira's outstretched arm and placed his mouth to it. Akira watched as his cousin lapped up the blood flowing from his wrist. Walking over to Emi, he lifted her head to his and met her lips with his own, kissing her while giving her Akira's blood at the same time.

Emi stirred, her eyes opening to behold the vampire who now professed his love to her. "It takes this much for you to tell me you loved me... So melodramatic you..."

"Shush." Shinji said. "You're still weakened. Akira's blood will help, but you still need lots of rest."

"Akira, eh?" She said as Shinji lifted her up bridal style. She curled her head towards his chest, feeling his chin nuzzle the top of her skull. "Thank you, milord..." At this, she nodded off again, Shinji cradling her protectively in his arms.

Akira bowed. "I'm the one who owes you thanks for your bravery. Such selflessness prevented a terrible fate from befalling this town once more." After this, he turned to Ganju. "Take the child back to the hunters. Let them know of the situation. And Shinji, tell my uncle of Emi's bravery."

"Wait!" Misaki pleaded, causing Ganju to stop in his tracks. "May I, may I please know her phone number at least?"

"Oh?" Akira blinked. "Whatever for?"

"Well..." Misaki stared at her feet, wondering how to phrase it. "She's my friend. Don't friends keep each other's numbers?"

Akira, Shinji, Ganju and Gabriella stared, incredulous at what the girl had requested. For a moment, the wondered what exactly had just happened, the stillness of the night broken only by their sharp breaths.

Akira at last spoke. "Haha, you are absolutely right. Ganju, please fill her in as you return her home. I'm sure you can do that much right?"

"Wow..." Anju stared as Misaki finished her story. "That was incredible!"

"Yeah. I never knew how brave senior Emi was!" Hibiki said. "Alright, I'm so going to sign up with her weekend study club! I never did as I was afraid before, but now that I know her better, there's no reason to be!"

'Yeah! Let's do it!', 'Awesome!' Anju took heed to all the responses to Misaki's story. True, it was quite terrifying at first, but the fact that it culminated in a beautiful and lasting friendship made her realize that peace was something possible after all. It also proved correct what she once thought of Akira and his friends.

Still, something puzzled her. "Milord? Why'd Emi refer to Akira that way?"

"I'm sure you'll find out soon enough." Misaki smiled mischievously.

Something scraped roughly on the floor. Everyone turned to see Ichigo stand up and put his tray away. As he walked out of the cafeteria, he turned to Misaki. "Don't ever praise those scum in front of me. Ever..."

The Day class students surrounding them suddenly backed away as he walked off, surprised by Ichigo's hostility. Anju gulped, hoping that Misaki wasn't offended by his remark. To her utter surprise however, Misaki merely straightened her tie and stood up, preparing to return her tray.

Just as she did however, she turned to Ichigo's direction. "So Mr. Kitsuke, tell me, how long do you reckon you have left?"

Ichigo stopped and turned toward her, surprise coating his eyes. How does she...

Misaki merely stared back with cold, calculating eyes as she returned her tray.

As evening approached, the vampires got ready for class and the initial rush of their adoring fans. Emi took off her night gown as she prepared to get ready for class. She stared into the mirror, tracing her finger over her left shoulder.

"I'm coming in..." She recognized Shinji's voice. Not bothering to cover her naked body, she waited for him as he opened the door and strode over to her.

"What are you doing?" He asked, placing his hand on her waist. If it elated her that he was this close and touching her bare skin with his hand, she never showed it. Only Shinji would know how she truly felt and acted appropriately after that.

"Oh, thinking about some things." She replied, tossing her night gown into the basket. "Like the time I finally made a human friend, which also happens to be the time you said you loved me."

"I don't recall saying anything that night." Shinji retorted, keeping his hand on her waist.

Emi chuckled in response, her hand moving down to touch his. "Maybe not. But you were thinking it." Her other hand now moved upward to touch his maroon hair. "Well, go ahead, but I warn you, the others are going to start complaining about the state of the room and our laundry."

Shinji rubbed his nose into her right shoulder (Emi never let anyone close to her left). As he started, he asked one more question. "What'll you think Ms. Shiba will think if she could see this?"

"She already knows." Emi said. "She's a huntress after all. She knows everything about vampires from how they hunt, to what they can be capable off. And how they say 'I love you'."

"I suppose you are right."

At this, Shinji opened his mouth, revealing the fangs protruding from his upper lip. He breathed in hard, taking in the scent of the room, the furniture, the carpet underneath his feet...

...and the wondrous scent of the woman he held.

Slowly, he bit down. Emi didn't flinch at all. She merely closed her eyes, smiling as she enjoyed every second of that painful bliss.