Rose grunted as she was thrown into the deep abyss that was her prison. She quickly looked around and raced towards the exit to find it locked. Slamming herself against the bars an electric current flew into her body and she moaned under the pain.
Suddenly a new hand was there, digging into her chest before leaving four slash marks. She screamed and fell to the ground as the blood loss started to take hold.
Realizing her eyes had turned crimson the minutes turned into hours, which had turned into days and Rose didn't know how long she had been under this torture. Her throat longed for relief at any cost but nothing was able to quench her thirst.
Her primal hunting instincts took hold and sniffed out a source of blood but found none. She was slowing going insane over her own lust and didn't know if she could last much longer.
A couple more days had past and Rose smelled a human presence enter the room. Hearing the cage slowly open a new stranger had entered into her territory. She could vaguely make out the man's jumbled words before stepping away. "Be careful. She is extremely dangerous right now. Just drop the food and leave."
His words registered in her mind as his scent disappeared, leaving her alone with his newly dropped off package.
The human squirmed and tried to sit up but Rose was too fast, pinning him to the floor. He looked at her in utter terror and cried out. "Please! Don't hurt me! I have a family! I don't want to die,please!"
His words stopped her insanity for just a moment to realize what he was saying. A soft voice whispered in her ear and she knew its owner.
Rido's warm breath cascaded down her ear as he send his words of encouragement. Do you really think you are better than me Rose? I made you who you are. Now, do it. Unless you want to make that boy like us?
Rose growled at the very thought and knew what she had to do. Her hunger was driving her insane and knew she had to relieve it somehow.
She roughly grabbed the boy and sunk her fangs into his skin, drinking him mercilessly. He cried out in screams for a couple minutes before his body went slack in her arms.
Once she was done she quietly pulled away from him and all of the realization of what she had just done crashed upon her.
Carefully she used her shaking hand as she touched the boys body and let out a choked sob. What had she done?
Then she collapsed onto of him and mourned the loss of the boy she had murdered for her own pleasures.
Rose sprung up out of bed in a panicked scream. She looked at her hands for any traces of blood and then around her bed for the boy but found nothing. It was only a dream.
Then she shook her head rapidly and placed her head in her hands. No, it was a memory.
A memory of the terrible things that she had to endure at the estate. It was supposed to strengthen her mentally but she couldn't help but think of all the people she needless murdered in her state of insanity.
She could see a bit of sunlight peek through the curtains as she kicked her legs off the bed. She needed some air.
Carefully,she dressed herself in a simple sundress and snuck out the doors of the Moon Dormitory. What Hanabusa didn't know wouldn't kill him.
Immediately she was hit with the blinding sun which felt warm on her skin. It had been awhile since she was able to experience the sun.
Rose strolled through the woods until she came upon a very familiar fountain in the center of the academy.
She walked closer before settling down on the edge of the stone and sighing. She always felt so at peace here. Almost like she was a human.
Taking her hand, she carefully rubbed the soft stone and remembered when she told Zero about her past, well a part of it anyways.
He was so understanding back then and it made her heart flutter at the time. Of course now he probably wouldn't believe I word she said and rightfully so she supposed.
She wanted to see him. She wanted to see him so bad with his usual black uniform and smug look, just like everything was normal.
Suddenly she heard a noise to her right and sharply turned at the ready when she paused. Standing there was the very boy she had wished would have appeared.
Not knowing what to do she just stared at him awkwardly until he spoke. He sounded annoyed. "What are you doing out here? You aren't allowed to be here."
After realizing she had to say something she tried her best not to stutter. "I couldn't sleep. Just needed some fresh air."
Zero seemed unamused as he took a step closer in a threatening manner. "That isn't an excuse. Go back to your dorm."
His look made her heart break a bit but she tried to keep a strong face. So instead she changed the topic of conversation. "I've missed the sun. It always made me feel, I don't know, normal I guess."
He looked at her confused and fired back. "Well you're not normal,vampire."
Rose sharply turned to him and gave him a sad smile. "Yeah, I know. But it's nice to pretend sometimes."
Zero was really confused by her statements. It seemed like the words she was using were not ones of a pureblood vampire, but instead ones of the girl he used to know her as.
He watched her stretch her arms into the air and yawn slightly before standing up. "Well, it's almost sunset. I suppose I should get back to the dorms. Don't want to set a bad example as the president and all."
Rose looked at him from the side before heading off in the direction of the dorms.
It was a couple days since Kazuki's and Rose's encounter in that alley and unfortunately that's all the aristocrat could think about. He always thought that Rosabella was just another bubblegum princess but after their encounter a few nights ago a new and interesting chapter opened up.
He saw her walk into the classroom as the other students stood respectfully and just stared. What other secrets could she have been hiding?
His brother glanced at him from the side and noticed his staring before carefully asking. "Hey Kazuki? What's up with you? Everytime I look you're staring at Lady Adelaide. I thought you hated her."
Kazuki jumped back and tore his eyes away from her before letting out a nervous laugh. If he told Jun about what he knew he wasn't sure if he would believe him. "Oh believe me, I do. But she seems up to something."
Jun sighed visually and opened his notebook. "Maybe you're just paranoid?"
He refused to answer as he heard a couple people behind them talk about the latest gossip. It seemed like Lady Adelaide was close to choosing a Vice President for the Night Class and everyone was eager to know who would be offered the position. It was the highest honor among vampires to be able to serve a pureblood.
Jun listened to the conversation before whispering to his brother. "Who do you think Lady Adelaide is going to choose to be her vice president? It's still odd to me that Lady Yuki or Lord Kaname didn't take the position."
Jun was right as Kaname and Yuki had both turned down the position. They just wanted a nice quiet school life, nothing to crazy, which Rose had respected. But then the question was, who would she choose?
Kazuki smirked and shrugged his shoulders playfully. "Don't know,don't care. Almost seems like a curse to be chosen by her. I'd much rather live my life as I choose."
He turned and waved at a couple giggling girls in the corner as Jun rolled his eyes. His brother could be so immature sometimes.
Honestly he secretly wished that Lady Adelaide would choose him for the position. He was certainly loyal enough to the pureblood line.
After a couple hours past everyone got up out of there seats and turned to leave. Jun closed his book and turned to his brother once more when a new voice entered there bubble. "I was wondering if I could borrow Kazuki for a moment?"
He turned to find Rose smiling at the two of them sweetly as she put a light hand on his brother's arm. He was going to flatout reject her but then Kazuki remembered their encounter in the alleyway and knew he had to know more.
Kazuki forcefully shook her hand off of him, which got a couple unhappy stares, but quietly agreed before following her out of the room.
Once they were free from wandering eyes Rose became the first to speak. "Did you tell your brother about me? You know, my past life."
He caught up to her fast paced walking and shook his head. "No. Why would I? He wouldn't believe me anyways."
Kazuki watched Rose's lips curve into a soft smile before nodding her head. "I suppose that's true. I knew I chose right."
Chose? He wasn't sure what that fully meant. Although he knew there was one question he had to ask "Is it really true? Are you Rose Belcourt?"
Rose stopped walking before turning to him, carefully leaning against the wall. "What do you think, Kazuki?"
He stared for a moment and concluded that she must have been telling the truth, even though it seemed impossible. "If you are, then why did you become a hunter?"
She stood silent for a moment before kicking herself off the wall and changing the subject. "I noticed that you are one small incident away from getting kicked out of your family. It would be helpful if you became friends with a pureblood."
Kazuki stood in awe at her words when he felt someone watching him from behind. He sharply turned to find Hanabusa watching his every movements with narrowed eyes.
What did she mean be friends with a pureblood? She was trying to manipulate him just like every other pureblood he had met. She wasn't any different. "So, what? Are you blackmailing me into being your slave?"
Rose narrowed her eyes in confusion before giving him a concerned look. "Blackmail? That wasn't my intention. I simply wanted to offer you the Vice President position to become in good social standing with your family."
He thought she had gone insane. Why in the hell would she offer him that kind of job in the first place? She must have been after something. "And why do you care so much about me? What do you want in return for being ever so gracious?"
The last past of that sentence came off overly sarcastic and Hanabusa didn't like the tone he was using. "Watch your tone."
Rose put a calming hand to his chest and pushed him slightly back. "I don't want anything in return. I just want to help. I admire you Kazuki. You are like the person I wish I could be."
Kazuki blinked a few times before taking a cautious step forward. "But wouldn't that be using your status for my own wellbeing?"
She looked down in understanding and smiled sadly before locking her eyes back on him. "If I can be of use to you then that's all that matters. Besides, you wouldn't be the first. I'm on a tight leash but thankfully I can do this much."
Then she lifted out her hand and took a step forward. "So? What will it be Kazuki Amano?"
He thought about it for a moment before slipping his head into hers and shaking it. "Fine. But don't expect us to be all buddy buddy."
Rose laughed quietly and nodded her head. "Of course."
Suddenly Rose heard a noise behind her and turned to find Yuki standing there awkwardly. "Umm could I talk you to Rose?"
A bit confusion by her appearance Rose was honestly interested in what she had to say so she quickly said her goodbyes to Kazuki and followed Yuki to a new hallway.
When they turned the corner Yuki raced forward, grabbing Rose's hand and speaking loudly. "Teach me."
Rose looked at her hand and tried to back away but Kaname's sister was persistent. "I'm sorry?"
Yuki gripped on tighter and leaned forward secretly. "I want you to teach me how to fight."
Once the words had registered her brain, she quickly shrugged Yuki off of her and looked at her like she was crazy. "What are you talking about Yuki?"
Yuki balled her firsts in determinations and answered. "I have my artemis rod now but I have no clue have to use it anymore. Rose, you used to hunt vampires. Teach me how to fight!"
Rose blinked a few times in confusion before answering Yuki plainly. "No."
She turned to leave when Yuki blocked her path and slightly whinned. "Why not?"
Throwing her hands in the air Rose turned her head sarcastically and stated. "Other than the fact that Kaname would probably kill me?"
Kaname had made it painfully clear that he wanted his sister to take no part in any kind of fighting and Rose agreed. She didn't need Yuki to be introduced to this life.
Yuki angrily brought her fists down and turned her head to the side. "This is my decision not Kaname's."
Rose watched her for a few moments before shaking her head and turning around. "Yuki, I can't. I'm sorry."
She was able to walk a few steps before Yuki grabbed her arm again, this time pleading. "Rose please! I wanna be able to do something! I can't just sit back and watch the people around me do everything. I want to be able to help, so I can protect what matters to me."
Rose remained silent as Yuki continued. "I just don't want to be weak anymore. Have you ever felt that feeling that you are useless and can't do anything? I don't want to feel that anymore."
Her words cut Rose deep as she knew perfectly well the feeling she described. In this moment she remained her of a younger version of herself, pleading with Cross to teach her as well.
Maybe a couple lessons wouldn't hurt. Just so she could be able to defend herself.
Rose turned around slowly before sighing. "Alright. But only the basics for self defense. Meet me at the old dormitories tomorrow after classes."
Yuki's face grew in excitement as she leaped forward and hugged her new teacher. Rose tried to wiggle away but found it pointless under her grip. Kaname was going to kill her for sure.
The next day passed quicker than expected and soon Rose was walking towards the old dormitories to meet Yuki.
She paused when she heard a rustle and turned to find Zero moving towards her. She thought that the universe must have been playing a trick on her for having them meet so much. "Where are you going?"
Rose glanced towards the old dormitories and crossed her arms. "Why, are you worried? It's not against the rules to roam at night. You're not my mom Zero."
Realizing her mistake right away by calling him by his first name she tried to backtrack, covering her face with her long hair so he couldn't see her blushing in embarrassment. "I mean.. Kiryu."
Zero looked at her which such curiosity that he made the other other party feel slightly uncomfortable. It was almost like she had two different modes which switched on and off when he talked to her. He remembered the hateful words she had said a year ago and tried to regain his senses. "You called me by my first name…"
Rose jumped back in surprise. He had noticed. Flustered she tried to remain cool but found it hard when he was staring at her like that. "N-o I didn't. Shut up."
Then before he could say another word she fled into the woods, away from her embarrassment.
He called after her and without thinking grabbed her arm to see she her. She kept hiding it from him.
She slowly turned to him for a moment and she could see her face clearly. A light blush graced her cheeks as she looked away from him and pulled away.
Rose looked down and tore off towards the dorms all while ignoring his staring. She was so uncool.
Realizing she needed to get her head on straight she slapped her face a couple times before taking a deep breath and continuing on.
When she reached the old dormitories she found Yuki waiting for her at the front gates. She seemed way to overly happy about learning how to fight which was extremely naive for her.
They carefully stepped into the main lobby and Yuki sprung to life, taking out her artemis rod in the process. "Alright! I'm ready to lean! I want you to teach me the same way you were taught!"
Rose blinked a few times before shaking her head and dismissing her. "Yeah, well I'll spare you the constant physical and emotional abuse part. Remember we are only learning the basics."
Yuki paused for a moment and tried to process her words. Was that supposed to be some kind of sick joke? Because either way it didn't seem funny.
One look from Rose confirmed it wasn't a joke. "Abuse?"
Rose glanced at her with a deadpan face before it twisted into a sarcastic laugh. "We aren't here to talk about my problems though. Let's see that weapon of yours."
She waited a couple seconds to confirm that Rose wasn't going to talk about it and slowly pulled out her artemis, readying it for attack.
Nodding her head Rose eyed the weapon before transforming herself into the teacher. "Now, the most important thing to know about fighting is that you need to find a center, something that makes you want to fight. If you ever go into battle without a center then you are as good as dead."
Yuki nodded her head quickly to take in the information before wondering something herself. Something she wasn't sure she wanted to answer to. "What's your center Rose?"
Rose froze in place and looked down at the ground before answering halfheartedly. "It's not important. What's important is that you find yours."
Not believing her she tried to press on, which only brought another question in her mind. Her voice grew deathly quiet as she whispered. "Is it Kaname?"
The ex hunter looked up at Yuki in shock before slowly shaking her head. "No."
At those words a hot ball of anger rose up in Yuki and all of the jealously she had felt for her brother's fiancee came pouring out. "Why? Don't you love him? Because he loves you."
Rose wasn't ready for this kind of confrontation so instead she tried to brush it off. "Yuki we are getting off topic. I thought you wanted to learn how to fight."
Kaname's sister ceived at her words and lashed out, taking a dangerous step closer. "Answer me."
She looked and Yuki for a moment before sighing loudly and answering her demand. "No. I used to, but now, it's complicated."
This didn't ease her answer at all and Yuki found herself pointing her weapon at Rose in anger. "Complicated? You know what's complicated? Watching my brother fall in love with someone that doesn't even care about him."
Rose put her arms up in defense as Yuki came barreling towards her. This was different then the times they fought before. She felt determined.
She dodged her attacks as she listened to even more hate. "I love him. I love him so much but he won't even look at me. I just want to protect him!"
Yuki's words sweeped into Rose which caused her to misstep and she felt a sharp pain in her cheek.
They both pulled away and Rose carefully touched the slash on her cheek that was already starting to mend itself. "Looks like you found it, your center."
Yuki froze for a moment before looking at Rose's injury and knowing she was right. Her center was to fight for her brother and to protect him.
Rose nodded her head in understanding and carefully touched her head before turning away from her. "That's all for today. Good work."
Then Yuki watched Rose walk out of the old dormitories alone.
Once Rose got to her room her leaned against the door in frustration and sighed loudly. Suddenly she felt a presence next to her and jumped back to find Kaname staring at her angry.
He knew. Well of course he knew where she had been. It was hard to pull anything over his eyes. "I thought we talked about having Yuki fight?"
She nodded her head and ran her fingers through her hair. "We did, but she came to me a couple days ago practically begging for me to teach her."
Kaname took a step closer and threw his arm out. "So you tell her no."
Her nervous demeanor turned into one of anger. Yuki was only trying to be helpful, why was he keeping her on a lease. "It was only for self defense. Plus you can't keep her in a cage forever. What if something happens? How would see be able to defend herself?"
He knew she was right but didn't want to admit it. "That won't happen because she has us. She doesn't need to learn those things."
Rose threw her hands up in exasperation and cried. "For how long though?! I'm on a tight lease Kaname, I can't blindly give up everything for her anymore. I don't have that luxury."
They paused for a moment and he let her continue. "When I saw her face it was like looking in a mirror. That's why I couldn't say no. She reminded me of myself."
Kaname took a step close to her and let out a frustrated sigh. "You don't understand. She doesn't need to be introduced in this world of blood. I will make sure of it."
It seemed like her reasoning was lost on him which made her even more angry. "What don't I understand? The fact that she doesn't want to be a sitting duck? When I was in position I felt the same way! Why wouldn't you want her to defend herself?!"
His emotions ceived up at a small crack could be seen in the window behind him as he said his next thought without thinking. "Because I don't want her to become like….!"
The entire room froze as the words processed in her mind. An utter expression of hurt crossed her face as she knew what I was going to say. "Like me?"
Kaname was quiet for a moment before reaching for her hand, backtracking. "That's not what I meant Rose."
He knew the damage had already been done when she pulled away from him, listening to her voice crack slightly. "No, I get it."
She had always knew what he felt but actually hearing him say it hurt on an entirely new level. "You don't think I know how broken I am? Because guess what? I do know."
Rose crossed her arms around herself and spoke the feelings she had been holding in for quite some time. "I know the fact that I haven't been able to sleep for the past week and a half because I'm haunted by all the terrible things I've done. Nor do I forget the fact that you selflessly give me blood when I need it but I'm not able to provide when it matters. I also know that Rido's blood is inside of me and each day I feel more and more like him. So yeah, I get it. I wouldn't want Yuki to be like me either."
Kaname stood in silence at her words and honestly didn't know how he could respond to ease her pain. He always knew she was in a delicate state after he saw her cower beneath him after he took her blood. The fact that she was aware of it made his heart break.
Rose had been twisted by pain and suffering and if Rido was still alive, he would've killed him with his bare hands for leaving Rose to deal with these years of abuse. No one except him knew what was behind that smile. "Rido can't influence you anymore. He is dead."
She glanced at him sidelong and laughed bitterly. "I wish he was. I can still hear him every waking moment of my life because of the blood bond. That will never go away. Sometimes I feel like I'm losing myself to his influence. It scares me."
He looked at her with concern at this new information. He didn't know Rido's hold was still on her. "Why didn't you tell me this?"
Rose sighed as she felt his hand on her shoulder. "It wouldn't make a difference anyways. I'm a ticking time bomb. Might as well enjoy what I have left."
Kaname threw her closer to him to which she allowed for a second before pulling away. "I should get some sleep before classes start up again. I'll stop the lessons for Yuki, okay?"
He thought for a moment before nodding his head and placed a soft kiss on her forehead before leaving her alone. He knew that he had just taken one giant step back from her after that conversation.
Once he was gone Rose let out another frustrated sigh before opening the doors to her balcony and jumping to the ground. She didn't know where she was going but anything was better than this prison.
Wandering for a couple minutes Rose came upon the fountain the center and slumped down in her usual spot. Why could she do anything right for once?
Placing her head in her hands she willed the world to go away and hoped no one would bother her ever again.
Katio roamed around the grounds for his weekly duties when he stopped as flash of white shone in the corner of his eye.
He turned to find the night class president leaning against the fountain with her hands covering her face.
Katio turned around sharply and walked a few more feet until he came across his partner and threw an arm over his shoulder. "Patrolling is done."
Zero shoved his partner off of him and answered. "Anything unusual?"
Shaking his head once he pointed towards the fountains and shrugged. "Not much. But your girlfriend is sitting by the fountain again. What is this, like the fifth time this week?"
Zero quickly frowned and looked towards where his finger was pointing. "She's not my girlfriend, and she's not supposed to be out at this time. Why didn't you say something?"
His partner smirked, not believing his words and playfully pushed his shoulder. "Sureeee she isn't. I must have forgot. Looks like you are going to have to tell her off."
Not knowing the game he was playing, he pushed off in the direction of her and winked. "Look, not to get personal but you really need to get a girlfriend. Maybe then you wouldn't be such a stick in the mud. So go on, tell her I say hi."
Zero opened his mouth to fire back when Katio took off running in the opposite direction. He then sighed to himself and headed towards the center of the academy.
Rose could feel someone approach behind her but she wasn't in the mood for putting on her pureblood face so instead she muttered in her hands. "Whoever you are I'm not in the mood. Just leave me alone."
A couple moments for silence progressed before she felt a weight next to her and looked up to find Zero staring at her.
She jumped away in fear at the surprise and put her hands out. After a few seconds her surprise turned into annoyance. "AHH! I mean, oh it's you. Are you here to tell me I can't be here again?"
He watched her face to find small red circles under her eyes and knew something had happened. "Yeah,and are you going to tell me you can't sleep again? Because you've used the same excuse five days in a row."
Rose thought about it for a moment before letting her mouth curve into a small smirk. "Touche."
Feeling the body heat radiate off of him she looked down at the ground for what felt like hours until he decided to speak first. "I can never understand you."
Her smile fell into a grimace as she brought one leg up to her chest in comfort. "Maybe that's a good thing."
He wasn't sure what she meant by those words but he also knew that she didn't make any move to pull away. "You know, I always feel so at ease here. More than I've been in awhile."
Zero glanced over to her and noticed she had her eyes closed which kind of made him smile to himself. Was it really possible for her to be as cruel as she claimed? He wasn't sure because in moments like this, she felt normal.
Suddenly he felt a weight on him and looked over to find that her head had lolled onto his shoulder. Had she really fallen asleep that easily? Maybe what she said about not being able to rest was true. But if that was true, then what caused her sleepless nights?
He tried to move a bit to wake her but Rose wouldn't budge. She was out cold.
Zero wondered why she let her guard down so easily with him when he could've easily ended her. Maybe she knew somewhere in her heart that he could never pull the trigger. He had loved her after all, maybe that same Rose was still in there somewhere?
Carefully reaching out his hand he lifted a stray hair and tucked it back behind her ear. What was this feeling that continued to haunt him everytime he saw her?
She muttered something under her breath which caused him to look at her in concern. Rose's brow narrowed, almost like she was in pain at the dream she was having which made him worry for her. Was this why she couldn't sleep?
He couldn't bear to wake her now as he watched her face return to normal and sighed.
Somewhere behind the trees Hanabusa watched the scene, ready to jump into action in case Zero tried to attack Rose but realized he was worried for nothing.
Tightening his grip on the tree he carefully pulled out Rose's journals and knew what he had to do.
OH BOY THIS WAS SUCH A LONG CHAPTERRR TO WRITE. But we got those Zero and Rose moments back which is cooool. Next chapter Hanabusa makes his move with those journals. Also can we appreciate that Katio (Zeros partner) totally ships the two of them together?