Chapter 2

Rose walked into the Headmaster's room scanning for the man himself. He said he wanted to talk to her and assumed it was for another job. She turned and caught him staring at the window. "You wanted to see me?"

The Headmaster turned away from the window and held an envelope in his hand." I'm not sure if I should tell you about this or not."

Rose stared at the envelope and wondered what was inside. Whatever it was she needed to know. "What could be in there that is so important?"

The Headmaster sighed and handed the contents to her. "We found a lead."

Rose's eyes widened as she nearly ripped the paper from his hands. She opened the top, quickly read its contents and turned for the door.

Yuki was gathering some supplies with her friend Yori when she found a small child grabbing onto her leg. He appeared to be crying. "Help me find my mommy."

Yuki smiled at the boy and told her friend to go on ahead. The boy led her to the end of town, and stopped at what looked like to be an abandoned building. She looked around, questioning his choices. "Are you sure you're mommy is in here?"

The boy nodded his head in joy and smiled, revealing that he had two different colored eyes, one red and one blue. "Thank you so much miss!"

He then moved towards her face and kissed her cheek. Yuki smiled at this until she could feel her eyes closing.

The Headmaster placed a folder on his desk and looked up at Zero. "This is a request from the hunter's association. They want you to monitor a small ball for vampires in the area. It shouldn't be a problem."

Zero nodded his head in understanding and took the folder of his desk. "I understand."

Kain and Hanabusa walked up the steps to the ball when Kain noticed something unusual. "Hanabusa, why is Yuki Cross lying on the ground?"

Hanabusa looked over his shoulder and did indeed find Yuki Cross, unconscious on the floor.

Just then, Kaname appeared behind the two and stated. "Troublesome girl"

Yuki awoke in a strange room. She sat up and looked around only to find Kaname sitting beside her. "What a relief, you managed to come to rather quickly."

Yuki blushed and rushed to sit up. "Kaname, I'm really not...I'm sure how this happened."

Suddenly she felt dizzy and lost her footing, only to have Kaname catch her. "Thank you."

Kaname looked up at her in question. "I thought you hated me?"

Yuki blushed once more and stood up out of his arms. "I just meant that ummm….you stop suspecting Zero...then well...I"

Kaname's voice rang out smooth and clear. "I already told you, I have no intention of turning Zero into a criminal. However, until we know for sure who the real murderer is, Zero is someone I can't rule out."

Yuki smooth out her trench coat and sat down on the sofa. "I guess I do understand that."

Suddenly a knock could be heard and Takuma entered. "Yuki, you're awake. You gave me quite a scare seeing you on the ground. What happened to you?"

She thought for a moment, trying to retrace her steps. "Well I was helping this little boy find her mother, and then he kissed my cheek to thank me."

Takuma put his hand to his head and sighed. "It must have been a child of one of the guests. You see, a vampire child has the power to suck out your life energy. Right now you are at a mansion under an old abandoned building owned by the Adiou family and tonight they are hosting a ball for many aristocrats in the area. "

Kaname had told Yuki to stay in the room no matter the circumstance until the Headmaster came to pick her up. She gazed at the room and thought to herself. A room without windows, why does it seem so familiar?

Suddenly a flash of a woman appeared in Yuki's mind and she gasped. Who was that?

Just then the door opened in front of her and the small boy from before smiled at her. "Miss, I'm sorry for what I did before."

Yuki smiled and walked closer. "It's ok, did you find your mother?"

The boy smiled and started to walk away, causing Yuki to chase after him.

She lost sight of him and moved towards the blinding light in front of her. She walked onto a balcony and realized that just below her, was the vampire ball. So many vampires gathered in one place.

She crouched down from being seen and watched the scene unfold.

Everyone gasped when Kaname descended the staircase. They all looked upon there pureblood prince and the entire room began to bow.

Kaname smiled at the group and raised his hand. "Sorry to interrupt everyone. Please, enjoy the ball."

Everyone began to stand but still gazed at Kaname in awe. Hanabusa's father stepped out from the crowd and smiled. "Lord Kaname, thank you for putting up with my son."

Kaname nodded in agreement. "Thank you, for inviting me tonight, Lord Aidou. I'm not comptable at swares so it seems that I hardly attend them."

Hanabusa's father smiled at the prince. "Please, don't worry about it. If I could impose on you, we have a special favor to ask."

His father then gestured a young girl in the back to come forward. "I would love to introduce you to our daughter, Tsukiko. It is the hope of our entire clan that you take a fancy to her Lord Kaname."

Hanabusa rushed forward and tried to explain himself to his friend. "Father no! That is not my wish. Lord Kaname is already…."

His father brushed off his comment and continued. "Yes we have heard rumors but none of them have been proved true. So we humbly ask you take a fancy to our daughter."

Kaname looked at his daughter and gave a polite smile "I shall keep her in mind."

When he said those words everyone swarmed the prince asking him to take a look at there daughter. The desperate pleys begging to be part of royalty. Responses like "My daughter is very beautiful", "Take a look at my daughter Lord Kaname." and "My daughter will do anything you ask Lord Kaname" could be heard from all around him.

Then, suddenly everyone became quiet and froze as they saw a beautiful red bird fly through the ballroom. It flew above the crowd and landed on Kaname's shoulder. Everyone was stunned to silence, only a few whispers could be heard.

"It's a phoenix."

"It can't be…."

The phoenix opened its wings to reveal its bright red feathers, burning into its skin. One woman spoke louder than the rest.

"That phoenix is a familiar. It is part of a pureblood….which means…."

Everyone realized who the bird represented as they all fell to the floor, in a bow. Whispers should be heard through the crowd. "Lady Adeliade."

The entire Adiou family was hypothesized by the bird's fiery beauty. Hanabusa's father took a shaky step forward. "Lady Adeliade? Is that really you?"

The bird turned its head to look into his eyes and Hanabusa's father knew. He stumbled to find the words. "I apologize for my earlier behavior Lady Adeliade, I didn't know you were present."

Kaname turned to the Adiou family and smiled. "It's quite alright. Thank you for your apology."

Watching from above Yuki was entranced by the bird. It seemed powerful and even though she was a human, she could feel its aura.

The phoenix turned to crowd and bowed its head. Then it turned around and flew out of there sight.

The entire room lifted their heads and began to whisper about what had just occurred.

Yuki hugged her knees in the windowless room. She shouldn't have gone out there because now she knew that Kaname was out of her reach.

As she was thinking the door behind her opened to reveal the man she was thinking about. She moved aside to let him pass. "I told you not to leave this room, didn't I?"

Yuki avoided eye contact in embarrassment. "Umm...I'm sorry."

Kaname grabbed his arms around Yuki and whispered. "No Yuki, an apology is not enough."

Then he lifted her up and brought her onto the sofa. He moved over to her and fell ontop of her. "Until I forgive you, stay with me a little longer, just like this."

Yuki blushed at his head on her chest and slowly smiled. The she grabbed her arms around his head. "Yes of course, I'll do anything for you, Lord Kaname."

He lifted his head when he heard her breathe in deeply and found her crying. "I know you're out of my reach, I keep trying to tell himself that…"

She lifted her head to expose her neck and Kaname felt the blood pumping through her veins. The pull was indescribable. His eyes turned crimson and he moved closer to her neck.

Yuki's eyes widen in shock as she felt his tongue lick the side of her neck. She tightened her hold on his coat as he looked down at her. "Humans are fleeting beings, there lives rushing through what is only a moment for vampires. Will you become a vampire? Will you become a monster that drinks human blood? And live the long flow of time with me, Yuki?"

He head moved closer to her neck once more as he waited for her response. She grabbed onto his head and whispered. "I will."

He opened his mouth and Yuki prepared for impact when she heard the door in front of them slam open.

Kaname stood up in annoyance to find Rose putting on a fake smile. "Hello! I'm here to pick you up Yuki."

He nodded his head in understanding and sat up. "Of course, thank you for coming at such late notice."

Yuki began to stand up and Rose leaned against the door frame. "No problem, now Yuki, the headmaster's waiting for you, I'll be out in a sec. I have to go steal some of those little hot dogs before we leave."

Yuki chuckled a bit then nodded her head and left the room. When she was gone Rose dropped her smile and hissed. "What the hell is your problem?! We are so close and you almost ruined everything."

Kaname lowered his head and knew she was right. "I know. I lost myself."

She closed the door behind her and walked closer to him. "I know that I know because if I hadn't kicked down the door then who knows what would've happened."

He stood up and slowly wrapped his arms around her. She sighed and stated. "You need to get yourself under control and face that you can't have her blood."

Kaname rubbed his head against her's and whispered. "Then can I have yours?"

Her eyes grew wide as Kaname used her weakness to his advance. He easily grabbed her hand and shoved her onto the sofa. Then he climbed on top of her and spoke. "You didn't answer my question Rose."

Her tried to break away but he grabbed her wrists and held them tight. She looked into his crimson eyes and thought about how long he had been without blood. He was probably starving. She normally would've refused in this situation but she knew she had to do something to help him stay in the game.

She looked directly in his eyes and whispered. "Yes."

Kaname was surprised by her response. He had always craved her blood but never wanted to offer herself.

Rose turned her head and restated her answer, "Only because you need to get you're head on straight and you can't do that when you're starving."

Kaname needed nothing else as he brought his face towards her neck. He could see where Zero had bit her and it was disgusting to him. She gasped as she felt his tongue sweep her neck and gasped again when she felt it. Kaname's fangs pierced her skin as he drank her blood. She could see his hands grasping her, telling him not to overdo it.

She tried to let herself get lost in the sound of his drinking when she saw it. Standing in front of her was not Kaname, but rather the monster that ruined her life. He circled around her and whispered. "You think that's Kaname piercing your flesh, but it's really me my flower."

She looked up to find the same eyes that haunted her dreams. She thrashed about, trying to get rid of the man when she felt a strong hand shake her. She heard crashing all around and a voice telling her to calm down. She blinked a few times and the man was gone, instead she gazed at a worried Kaname. He brought his head to cup her face and tried to calm her shaking. "Rose, Shh calm down it's ok."

Once she knew she was in no danger she looked around to find all of the pictures on the wall thrown down and ripped apart. "Did I do that?"

Kaname grabbed her head and rubbed it softly. "Yes. What happened Rose? You started to scream so suddenly, I became afraid."

Rose looked into his eyes and answered "He was here. I don't know how but he was. You turned into him."

He looked around in confusion. "Rose, there is no one here."

She slowly sat up and placed her head in her hands. "I'm sorry I guess it must be the family relation. I thought I'd gotten over this, I'm so sorry Kaname."

Kaname looked down in sadness knowing he was the one that caused her attack. He moved her head other to his and kissed the top. "I'm sorry. I won't ever try that again."

Then without another word he stood up and walked out of that windowless room.

Rose stepped out of the mansion and found Yuki waiting for her as promised. She slid into the car and could feel Yuki staring at her. "Umm Yuki? Why are you staring at me?"

Yuki quickly looked away and struggled with her words. "Sorry! Umm I just wanted to talk to you about something."

Rose was starting to become nervous but gave into cirusolty. "A few weeks ago, I heard what Shizuka said to you. Why didn't you tell me you're a vampire?"

Rose's mouth dropped as she tried to think of a logical explanation but found none. "Because it has to remain a secret. No one can know."

Yuki shook her head and leaned in closer. "But what about Zero? Does he know? Or Kaname? Or…"

Rose put her hand up to stop her. "Yes, Zero and Kaname both know but that's it. Please Yuki I beg of you. You can not tell anyone."

Yuki thought about it for a moment but realized that she trusted the hunter. "Ok, you have my word."

She smiled in relief until Yuki asked a follow up question. "So where you born a vampire or….are you like Zero?"

Rose dropped her eyes and looked out the window. "More like Zero."

Yuki scrambled forward in anxiety. "That means you could be a Level E also?! Well I won't let that happen, here take my blood!"

Rose laughed at her anxiety and pushed her arm away. "It's okay Yuki, I won't be a Level E. I can promise you that."

Yuki still looked worried and tried once more. "Okay but if you ever need some, don't be afraid to come to me."

Rose smiled at her gesture and put her hand on Yuki's. "Of course."

Hey guys so I'm proud of this chapter. Anyways I feel like I should explain why Rose had such a negative reaction with Kaname's biting her and not Zero. It's because Kaname is related to the person in question and therefore looks like him. Rose has had nightmares of the monster and because Kaname looks so much like them, she freaked. Zero is different because he looks nothing like the man in question, Silver hair and everything….ok time to write another chapter :)

Next is the Hannabusa one….ooooh that should be fun.