-1"Yuuki. Hey Yuuki, are you almost ready? "

The young brunette didn't need to open the door to know that her best friend Yori was standing outside her door, waiting to see what the dress looked like that Yuuki had picked out for the dance. The prefect had kept it a secret up until then, and the only other person who had seen it was Kit. Yuuki tucked a bit of hair behind her ear, smiling at her reflection in the vanity mirror. The dress suited her perfectly, she just hoped that Zero would like it.

"Oh Zero, I don't think Yuuki's ready quite yet. " Yori's timid voice was easy for Yuuki to distinguish through the door, making her blush now that she knew Zero was waiting for her as well.

"She always takes forever to get ready, doesn't she Yori? " Zero grinned to the girl as he leaned against the door frame to Yuuki's room, watching as Yori smiled some herself.

"I do not take forever! " Yuuki stamped her foot as she opened the door, her arms crossing afterward. She huffed as she looked from Zero to Yori, quickly losing the anger she had from the look on their faces. "What? Don't you like my dress?"

"Oh Yuuki, it's beautiful! " Yori giggled as she took her friends' left hand and giving it a squeeze, watching with interest as Zero continued to stare.

Beautiful was an understatement. The knee length stain dress was dark blue in color, but was accented on the trim with gold and silver linings. The sleeves only barely covered Yuuki's shoulders, giving Zero a view of her neck that made it hard for him to breathe. His bloodlust was in check, as he had fed from the brunette that morning, but Yuuki was just stunning. He couldn't even avert his eyes when Yuuki waved a hand in front of his face. It took a light prod in the chest from Yuuki for him to come back to reality.

"I take it that you like the dress Kit helped me get?" Yuuki tilted her head and smiled softly up at him, fixing the tie that Zero wore. He hadn't dressed up, but she didn't expect him to.

"Yuuki, words can not begin to describe how beautiful you look in that dress. " Zero ran a hand down Yuuki's arm, making her shiver as she noted that his other hand was behind his back.

"Zero, what are you hiding? " Yuuki grabbed the hand that was trailing up to her shoulder, giving it a squeeze as she eyed him.

"Just a little something. " Zero chuckled as he brought his hand from around his back, showing both Yuuki and Yori a flower that had been specifically cut and placed onto a corsage. The flower was nothing like neither of them had ever seen. It was shaped like a rose, but it was not colored like one. The inner petals of the flower were a pale blue that was almost white, giving way to the outer petals deep purple. Yuuki gasped as she looked at it, in awe at such a rare and delicate flower. Zero smiled as he watched Yuuki's expression, pulling her close with one hand, the other carefully placing it on her free wrist. He leaned down enough to place a kiss on her shoulder, mumbling softly, "On Kit's errand the other day, she went to the edge of our realms and brought this flower back for me to give to you. She knew you'd like it. "

The words were whispered against her ear so that Yori could not hear, but they made Yuuki blush and smile wider. "We must thank her for everything that she's done for the two of us later. "

Zero's smile faltered as his mind reminded him that he was to meet Kit in a few hours, but he shook his head as he knew he wasn't suppose to give anything away. " We will when we see her. She said she was going to be busy for a while during the dance. "

Yuuki tilted her head at Zero's words. Though he was smiling now, she could've sworn she had seen him frown for a second. "Must've been my imagination.. "

"Well are you two going to stand there all night and miss the dance or what? " Yori looked over her shoulder at the pair, grinning as she waved at them.

"We're coming Yori, wait up! " Yuuki smiled brightly at her friend, taking Zero's hand in hers and giving it a light tug. To her surprise, Zero had resisted and was still standing in the same spot. "Zero, come on!"

Zero only continued to smile as he pulled the hand he held in his own to his lips, giving it a small but loving kiss. "No rush Yuuki, we'll get there. " Zero had pulled her back effortlessly toward him, still holding her hand to walk side by side with her. The action was small, but it made Yuuki's cheeks flush with color, causing her to squeeze his hand softly. The night had just started, but Yuuki knew that it was going to be one to remember.

----

"Yuuuuuukiiiiii you look amazing! " Chairman Cross had spotted the pair as they walked towards the hall in which the dance was being held. With tears in his eyes and a smile upon his lips, he ran up to his adopted daughter and gave her free hand a light squeeze, not daring to pull the hand that was connected to Zero away.

"Thank you Ch- ah, Father. " Yuuki blushed and giggled, looking up at Zero who was chuckling lightly. She gave his ribs a light nudge, making the silver haired teen quickly control his amusement.

"You must dance with me later. Promise me, promise me! " The Chairman had that look in his eye that told Yuuki that he would end up in tears if his beloved little girl did not dance with him.

"I-I will later. " Yuuki sighed as the Chairman squealed happily and ran off into the hall. The bespeckled man had opted to play security for the night so that Yuuki and Zero could spend some time to together, so he was busy checking things periodically.

"One of these days maybe he'll calm down. " Zero ran a hand through his hair, tussling it slightly as he looked down to Yuuki. She only shook her head to answer, but shuffled her feet nervously. "What's the matter Yuuki? "

"Zero, do you think Kaname will be here tonight? " The brunette lifted her eyes to look at the much taller male's silver eyes, worry in her own deep brown ones.

This was the second time she had brought up the subject today, and she had asked the same question every day since she had confessed her love for the half-breed. It made him groan and sigh, mostly with anger that she still seemed deeply worried about the whole thing, though she told him each time he had asked if she was certain that she had made the right choice. He really didn't know how to answer the question. Kaname's mind was not something Zero cared to try and understand, let alone wonder if the pure-blood was alright. It was however, a valid question. Kaname had not been seen since that day, and Aidou had even told Yuuki that he wasn't allowed in the dorm leader's room.

"He shut everyone out and hasn't come to classes or anything since then, " Aidou had explained after the second day Kaname had not come to class.

Now, Yuuki's eyes were pleading for answers from him, making Zero wish she would just realize that people, even vampires, need space after they've been hurt. "I don't really know Yuuki. He may be here and he may not, but what does that matter? "

Yuuki frowned and looked down at his words, knowing she was starting to annoy him by asking the same question again. "He's still my friend.. at least I think he is. I just want to know he's okay. " Yuuki's eyes had begun to fill with tears as she spoke, her small hand shaking in Zero's.

Zero grumbled, knowing his own thick headedness had made the girl upset. With what little restraint he had left for the subject, Zero pulled his hand from Yuuki's to rest on her shoulder, his free hand taking the same place on the opposite side. He turned the young brunette to face him, leaning down to place a kiss atop her hair. " Yuuki listen. I don't like Kuran, but I know you.. you still care about him. I'm sorry alright? " Zero took a moment to draw a breath, using his right hand to lift her chin to look up at him, brushing her tears away with his thumb. "I really don't know if he will be here though, but if he is, go say hi to him okay? "

Yuuki sniffled softly, noting that although it was a touchy subject for the two of them, there was understanding in Zero's eyes. In the last few days, she saw a change in him that she had not even witnessed in the four years that she had known him, and it made Yuuki wonder if it was due to the limited amount of time he had left. "Are you sure it's okay Zero? "

"What kind of person would I be if I denied you friends? " Zero shook his head and leaned his chin on the top of Yuuki's head, sighing lightly. "I'll just have to watch him in case he tries to seduce you or something. "

Yuuki rolled her eyes at Zero's comment, knowing that he was half serious. " Somehow I doubt that will happen Zero. "

"We'll just have to see won't we? " Zero turned to face the hall, reaching to take the hand that he originally been holding before he had upset Yuuki. With a smile, he looked down at her. "Ready to dance Ms. Cross? "

"Ready and very excited Mr. Kiriyu. "

----

After coming onto the dance floor, the night passed unbelievably quickly for Zero. He had shared all but one dance with Yuuki, at which point she was taken by Chairman Cross. Watching the pair made Zero frown and his heart ache. These precious moments were to be over soon, and the teen wished they would last forever. With a sigh, Zero watched as Yuuki bowed to her adopted father and giggled as she ran back over to him, nearly tripping over the blue heels she had picked to wear to match her dress.

"Jeez I didn't think that would ever end. I always feel so awkward doing things in public with him, especially dancing! " Yuuki's cheeks were flushed both from embarrassment and from being warm, the dancing she'd been doing with the Chairman being the major cause.

"Well your father can't help but dote over you, though I do admit he does go overboard.. like always. " Zero shook his head, placing a hand casually in one of the pockets of his prefects uniform.

"Yea well, he could've at least waited until I had used the bathroom. He caught me on the way there and wouldn't let me say no, so now I've really got to go. I'll be right back Zero, sorry! " Yuuki turned on her heels and bolted toward the opposite end of the hall toward where the bathrooms were, leaving a dumbfounded Zero standing where she had left him.

"She could have said it a little more quietly, damn. " Zero's eyes looked around him at the couples that were dancing around him, making the half breed more then slightly aware that he was all alone. Slipping his free hand through his hair, Zero strode over to the left side of the hall, leaning against the wall to watch the groups and couples. He had scanned the room several times before starting to dance with Yuuki, looking for the one person that could ruin his night, but Kaname was no where to be seen. Now as he looked, Zero found that the pure-blood was still not in attendance. Relieved by this fact, it was still somewhat odd. Kaname Kuran was always the first one to try and ruffle Zero's feathers by doing things with Yuuki while the pure-blood knew that he was somewhere nearby or even right next to her.

Zero pushed the thought of his mind, closing his eyes as he leaned his head back against the wall. The music that was playing was soothing to his ears, relaxing him as he stood there, waiting for Yuuki to come back. "At least things have gone good so far tonight. " Zero mumbled to himself under his breath, surprised that he had enjoyed himself so much. "Then again I was Yuuki the whole time.. "

Zero's thoughts were interrupted by the chiming of the school's bell, making him jump slightly and look at the clock that hung in the hall. The teen cursed under his breath as he glared at the hands of the clock. It was time for him to head to the Moon Dorms to meet Kit, and Yuuki was no where in sight. With a growl, Zero pushed off the wall with his foot and strode toward the back of the hall where the bathrooms were, looking around him carefully for any signs of the brunette. He spotted her just as she exited, quickening his pace toward her.

"Oh Zero, you didn't have to come find me, I knew where--"

Zero cut off her words quickly, taking her hand in his. With a nod of his head the pair made their way to where he had motioned, one of the many terraces that adorned the hall. Breathing heavily, Zero shut the doors behind him, his eyes lowered to the floor.

"Zero, what's going on? What's this about? " Yuuki's voice sounded panicked as she took a step toward him, lifting a shaky hand to reach for one of his. "You don't need more blood do you? "

Zero shook his head furiously, struggling with himself to keep from breaking down right there. He couldn't find the right words to say to her in his last moments, and it was driving him crazy. Releasing the handle to the terrace door, Zero moved toward Yuuki, scooping her up carefully in his arms. A light sob escaped him as he buried his face in her shoulder, trying to capture her scent in his mind. "Yuuki.. "

"Zero.. please tell me what's wrong. " Yuuki's fingers were gripping the back of his uniform jacket, trying to pull him back to look the tall teen in the eye.

"Yuuki.. I have to go. " Zero's voice cracked as he mumbled the words against her collar bone, lifting his head a little to place light kisses against her neck and ear. "I don't want to.. but I have to. "

The words were making Yuuki more and more frightened by the minute, slowly coming upon the realization of exactly what Zero meant. She began to shake as it sunk in further, clinging to him now, tears flowing freely down her cheeks. "Zero.. no. I-I promised to stay with you. You can't go. "

"You can't be around me now Yuuki.. I'm sorry, this is goodbye. " Zero lifted his head finally, using his upper body strength to shift Yuuki's position in his arms to the one he had used to carry her back to her the day she had confessed. His arms were tight around her, not wanting the last moment to end.

Yuuki could no longer hold anything back; she broke down and flung her arms around Zero's neck, pulling herself even closer to the man she knew for sure she loved. With a sob, she tilted her head upwards, catching the half breed's lips in one final kiss. It was almost too much for Zero to handle, but it was the one thing he had come to cherish the most the last few days. Zero held the kiss until he heard the final chime of the bells in the distance, his body shaking uncontrollably as he bent to set Yuuki on her feet, breaking the kiss slowly with tears in his silver eyes. "I'm sorry.. "

Yuuki sobbed, watching Zero jump off the edge of the terrace to the ground below, heading off through the school grounds. Standing slowly, her eyes strained through tears to follow him through the trees, the darkness making it even harder. Yuuki wiped her eyes on the back of her hand, leaning against the iron railing of the terrace to try and see better. To her surprise, Yuuki could see Zero running toward the Moon Dorms. "What in the world.. Why would he be going there? "

Turning around quickly, Yuuki pulled open the doors to the terrace roughly, peering through the crowd for signs of the Chairman. Unable to see due to her height, Yuuki grabbed a chair from the wall and stood on it carefully, somewhat wobbly from the mixture of her shoes and having just been crying harder then she could ever remember. Yuuki gasped when she spotted her adopted father; he was directly across from her talking with Kaname. Hopping down from the chair, she pushed passed several couples, accidentally knocking down one Day Class girl.

"Father, Kaname! "

Chairman Cross' head whipped around at the distressed sound of his daughter's voice, moving to meet her as she made her way passed the last few couples, "Yuuki? What's wrong, where's Zero? "

"He's.. Zero he.. " Yuuki gasped for breath, gripping the Chairman's jacket for support. She hadn't ran far to get to him, but it felt like she had just ran a mile. It didn't help that her body was still shaking from the ordeal and she hadn't quite stopped crying. "Please.. we have to.. Kaname.. "

Kaname's eyebrows lifted as the breathless Yuuki spoke his name, turning back around to face her and the Chairman. He hadn't intended on talking with Yuuki tonight, the wounds that she had dealt him were too fresh, but there was something in the girls' voice that beckoned to him. "What's wrong Yuuki? " Kaname bent down to be eye level with her, his hands moving to grasp her shoulders to help support her further.

Yuuki all but collapsed into Kaname's arms, leaving the Chairman to watch by the pure-blood's side. She sobbed softly, lifting her head to look up at the tall brunette, her eyes pleading. "Zero left me on the terrace just a minute ago.. He said it was time to leave.. B-but he headed for the Moon Dorms. "

Chairman Cross nodded to himself, knowing full well why Zero was headed there. "Yuuki.. It's best if you stay here. You don't want to go to the Moon Dorms tonight. "

"Yes I do! I need to be there for Zero, I don't care what's happening. " Yuuki had almost screamed the words at the Chairman, just barely remembering that there were people around before speaking.

"But Yuuki, I can't leave the dance. I have to make sure things stay orderly. "

"I'll take her. "

Yuuki's eyes widened when she heard Kaname speak once more. After all she had done to him just days before, and here he was, willing to take her to see the one she was in love with. Yuuki's hands trembled as she slipped them around Kaname's neck to hug him.

Though it surprised him, Kaname sighed and returned the soft embrace, his eyes closing a moment. Standing carefully, the pure-blood patted Yuuki's elbow to get her to release him, looking down at her sadly. "Let's go before it's too late. "
"Thank you Kaname.. "

"I told you that I wanted you to be happy, Yuuki. " Kaname's smile was, if possible, even more sad now then it was before, tugging on Yuuki's heart strings. "Now come on. "

"Alright, let's go. "

----

"God damn that gate.. Had to go and cut my hand on it since I was in a hurry. " Zero looked down at his bleeding hand, lifting it to his lips to lick it clean. His blood was not nearly as enjoyable as Yuuki's was. "Yuuki.. How I'll miss you.. " Carefully, Zero made his way around the Moon Dorms to an entrance that Kit had told him about previously. She had told him that it was almost never guarded and always unlocked, therefore perfect for him to sneak into to see her that night.

The door was unlocked as he was told, but creaked slightly as he pulled it open. "Of course.. Tonight of all nights. " Grumbling to himself, Zero slipped through the small gap he had made, not daring to pull it open farther. He didn't know if the old watchman would be on duty or not, but it was better not to chance it. The room was dimly lit by the moon that shone through the windows, showing to Zero the staircase that lead to the second floor where Kit's room was. Of course, he didn't need to moonlight to see that the staircase was there. Zero stepped quietly through the foyer, his head turned to watch the front door where he knew the creepy old man sat. There was no movement from the door, allowing Zero to sprint the rest of the way through the room and up the stairs.

Once at the top, Zero ran through his mind exactly where Kit had told him her room was. For whatever reason, he couldn't remember. Kit had told him that morning where it was and now he was drawing a blank. "Great.. Last day alive and I blow it by being late. Freaking late for my own funeral. " Zero grunted as he took a few steps forward, pausing as his ears picked up sound. It was faint, but it was obvious to him that it was Kit. He followed down the hall to where the sound had come from, looking in the two directions that the corridor split.

"Alright, I'm ready. "

Zero picked up the sound of Kit's voice again, turning down the hall on the left to where it came from. As he neared the room, Zero realized his heart was hammering against his chest. Kit had been talking to someone when he heard her speak a moment ago, which meant she needed help to take care of him? Gripping his tie to loosen it, Zero set his free hand on the doorknob, turning it slowly. He hoped this would end quickly.

"What the hell? " Zero's voice was oddly loud in the mostly quietly room, save for the faint slurping sound coming from directly across from him. He focused his eyes on the figures in the darker the usual shadows, gasping at what he saw.

There in the darkness was Kit, held limply in the arms of a tall, dark and slightly curly haired, male. His lips were against her neck, and it didn't take Zero long to figure out why. The teen's hand slipped inside his jacket, fingers curling around the gun holstered there as Kit raised a hand. She knew he had gone for his gun. With a smile, Kit closed her eyes, allowing the vampire that held her to continue to drain her.

"Kit, are you mad? Do you even realize what's happening? " Zero took a step toward where Kit and the unknown vampire were, only stopping when he realized his body would no longer move. That's when he saw them. The eyes of the vampire that was drinking Kit's blood. Their crimson depths pierced into Zero's mind, holding him in the spot to which he had moved to.

"Zero! Zero where are you? "

Yuuki's voice broke the trance that the dark haired vampire had started to put Zero into, making the silver haired teen shake. "No Yuuki, get away. It's too dangerous. " Zero's voice sounded small to his own ears, knowing that it was all due to man across from him.

Rounding the corner to enter the only open door in the hallway, Yuuki stopped when she saw Zero. He was standing just barely inside the room, and it looked like he'd just seen a ghost. Running up to him, Yuuki jerked his sleeve, tears streaming down her cheeks. "You jerk! Why did you leave me like that!? Why did you-- " Yuuki noticed that his eyes were still staring straight ahead, not even once moving down to look at her. "What's wrong? "

"Blood.. But who's? " Kaname had finally caught up with Yuuki, the young brunette having ran the rest of the way after being told by the pure-blood which way Zero had gone. His eyes narrowed on the darkness, making the windows on the far end of the room rattle. "Well this is unexpected.. "

"What do you mean Kaname? " Yuuki turned her head in the direction that both Zero and Kaname were starring in, unable to see what their vampire eyes could. "I don't see anything there.. "

"All of this noise and distractions.. I'll be surprised if we get done in time.. " The voice that broke through the darkness startled Yuuki, causing her to cling to the Zero that still hadn't moved. It was male for sure, and had a husky drawl to it that she knew came from a vampire that was feeding. Yuuki had heard a similar tone from Zero once or twice when he had just finished drinking from her.

"A.. a vampire? "
"My dear, if you don't mind.. I'm trying to finish here. " The vampire stepped out of the darkness and into the dim light that shone through the windows to his left. Yuuki couldn't believe her eyes. Kit was being held by the dark haired male, blood trickling from the fresh wounds he must have just made. Instinctively, Yuuki reached for her Artemis rod, only to realize that she hadn't brought it with her to the dance. With a huff, she side stepped to get in front of Zero, slipping a hand inside his jacket to grab the Bloody Rose.

"Release Kit, vampire! " Yuuki's voice shook as she spoke, most of her strength being used to steady the gun.

"Yuuki, don't. " Kaname's voice seemed strained, but he made no move towards the young prefect.

Click.

A shot rang out in the darkness, echoing in the vacated halls of the Moon Dorm. Much to Yuuki's astonishment, the effect of the Bloody Rose was shimmering directly in front of the vampire that held Kit, being held back by a dim green light.

"Thank you dear, I don't think my barriers can hold those off while I'm holding the two behind her. " The vampire looked down at Kit, smirking at her as the red head's eyes fluttered open.

"Finish.. quickly. " Kit's voice was weak, but the command that she spoke was not to be ignored.

"What of the girl? You won't be able to put up another barrier and she may interfere again. " The vampire's eyes lifted to look at Yuuki, making the brunette shiver.

"Yuuki.. It's fine.. stay there okay? " Kit turned her head to watch Yuuki, the all too familiar smile spreading over her lips. Yuuki nodded in obedience, her own fear partially keeping her from moving.

The vampire watched Yuuki for a moment before looking back down at Kit, lifting her in his arms slightly. His head dipped to the spot that he had previously bitten, baring his fangs and sinking them back in slowly. Kit made no sound of protest, no sound at all, but tensed slightly. Her left had moved to grip the sleeve to the long flowing coat the vampire wore, her right hand hanging at her side.

Yuuki could hear the sound of Kit being drained, even with her normal human ears. The vampire was drinking deeply and quickly, and it made Yuuki remember the first time Zero had bitten her. The dark haired vampire was much cleaner about it, but seemed just as ravenous in how he was drawing the blood from Kit's limp body. The thoughts and sight in front of her made Yuuki's eyes well up with tears. She was unsure of what was happening, but she could tell that the vampire was not going to stop. He was starting to breathe heavier now as he drew from her, his grip tightening slowly as Kit's back arched. Her hanging hand clenched momentarily into a fist and within seconds, was limp again.

"No.. no you didn't. " Yuuki murmured as she watched Kit lay in the vampire's arms, the color gone from her lips and cheeks and her eyes void of the happiness the young prefect usually saw in them. "What have you done!? "

The vampire lifted his head from Kit's neck, licking the blood from his lips and fangs as he set his gaze on Yuuki. The stare he gave her made her blood run cold. "I did what I was supposed to do. "

"You were suppose to drain her completely? Kill her? " Yuuki was quickly becoming hysterical, taking an unsteady step toward the dark haired male. From beside, Zero finally regained his ability to move, grabbing hold of Yuuki's arms before she could move again. "Zero..? We can't just let him do this can we? We have to stop him. "

Zero shook his head with a frown, his eyes moving from Yuuki to where Kit lay lifeless in the vampire's arms. "Kit told me in my mind before you came in that everything was going to be okay and to wait.. But.. I don't see how her dying is suppose to help.. " Zero clenched a fist as he stood there, growling at the vampire across from him.

"Maybe you should do as she said and wait, Kiriyu. " Kaname had apparently regained the ability to move as well, taking a step forward to stand on the other side of Yuuki. "Something's up. "

Zero and Yuuki both turned to where the vampire was standing, noting that he had carefully laid Kit's body on the floor. It was then that Yuuki noticed that she was wearing the dress she had showed to her, the one that she was going to wear to the dance. "She never even got to dance in it.. "

Zero tilted his head to Yuuki as she spoke, not understand what she meant until he looked back to where Kit laid.

"You are all jumping to conclusions. Perhaps you should be patient, and I advise you shield your eyes. " The vampire had moved away from where Kit was on the floor to a small desk, his back to all of them. At first, the group didn't quite comprehend what the dark haired vampire had meant by shielding their eyes. After looking at each other in turn for answers, they found out quickly that the 'shield your eyes' was because of what was happening on the floor. Kit's body was being enveloped in a bright white light. As ordered before, the three covered their eyes with their arms, waiting for the okay to look again.

Despite having covered their eyes, Yuuki, Zero and Kaname found that the light was far too strong to be shielded with how they were trying. Reluctantly they turned their backs like the vampire had, keeping their eyes closed as well. It was then that things in the room began to shift and push against the walls, a few papers being blown right passed Yuuki's head. She opened one eye slightly to see what was happening, quickly closing it again when she how bright the room had become. After a moment of listening to shifting objects, Yuuki was startled by the groan that came from both Zero and Kaname. She heard them fall to their knees, their cries of pain resonating in her ears. Yuuki did not dare to try and see why, but she could not hear anything that would have caused them such pain.

After what seemed like hours, Yuuki listened as Zero and Kaname released a labored breath, panting as they sat on their knees.

"What.. What just happened? What was that sound? " Zero gasped the question, still not opening his eyes.

"A super nova. "

Yuuki could not believe her ears. She turned around quickly, eyes opened, not even caring if the light was gone or not. Kit was there, standing in the spot she was laid down in, smiling as she always did.

"I'm sorry about that, it's all part of the process, but you can look now. "

Zero turned this time at the familiar voice, very much surprised to see Kit alive. Rubbing his ears, Zero stood carefully, bracing himself somewhat with Yuuki's help. Kaname had stood as well, dusting himself off as he looked to where the red head stood, an eyebrow raised. "What exactly happened? " The pure-blood did not seem pleased to have been subjected to such ear splitting torture.

"Oh I'm sorry. When Nova Foxes die, we rebirth, much like a Phoenix rebirths. The only major difference, and the most painful one as Kaname and Zero have experienced, is that we rebirth in the form of a super nova. Bright white lights, slight distortion of space and a sound that is only heard by keen ears, are characteristics of a Nova Fox super nova rebirth. More likely then not, the horses in the stables had a near heart attack, along with every animal within a five mile radius. It's not something I can control though, so sorry about the pain boys. " Kit smiled lightly at both Kaname and Zero, taking a step toward the group in front of her, only to lose her balance. The dark haired vampire caught Kit before she fell to the floor, making Yuuki sigh with relief.

"Thank you dear. I suppose I'll have to go back to rebirth every five years. Waiting ten years makes it harder for my body to regenerate. " Kit looked up to the male that held her, smiling warmly at him.

The vampire smiled in return, pulling her up to stand carefully. "Well it's also been a long time since we've had to perform this specific task. "

"Um.. Excuse me? Who exactly is he? " Yuuki peered timidly at the male vampire, still somewhat unnerved by his presence.

"Oh my, forgive me. I'm still not quite all here. Dear, start filling the bottle alright? " Kit nodded toward what looked like a wine bottle on the desk by which the vampire stood while Kit had rebirthed. He nodded his reply, picking up the plastic funnel and setting it in the neck of the glass bottle. "This man, Yuuki, is Hokaiju Tsugara, my boyfriend. "

Hokaiju lifted his eyes to the group and grinned, flashing his fangs as he lifted his wrist to his lips, biting down softly to draw blood. The sight made Yuuki wince, but she was intrigued too much to avert her eyes. The dark haired male moved his wrist carefully over the funnel, tilting his wrist so that the blood dripped down and into the bottle.

Zero's throat constricted as he watched Hokaiju's blood fall into the bottle, the noticeable signs of bloodlust starting to rise at the smell. There was a sweet hint to the blood that he could smell from the air, something that made him hungrier then ever. Kit's eyes caught the look that Zero gave Hokaiju as he stood there, blood slowly dripping down his wrist.

"Zero, restrain yourself for a few moments, or I'll do it myself. "

Yuuki looked away from where Hokaiju stood to Zero, noting that his breathing was labored and that he was clutching his chest tightly. His eyes were unlike the other times he was being over come by bloodlust, however; his pupils had dilated and his irises were a darker red.

Kit swore under her breath as she strode over to Hokaiju, grabbing his wrist from the side to lift to her lips, piercing the holes that were already made and dragging her head to the side, only making the holes bigger. "We don't have much time dear, he's got minutes left at the most. " Kit's attention turned quickly back to Zero, who was shivering where he stood, gripping his throat now. "Kaname, I'm sorry, but could you hold him for a moment? "

The pure-blood blinked as he was addressed, thinking that he had been forgotten up until now. Though it wasn't exactly what he wanted to do to the half breed, Kaname agreed and slipped quickly behind Zero, his left arm moving over Zero's left shoulder to grip his neck, the other quickly pulling the silver haired teen against him, restraining his upper arms.

Yuuki blinked at the way that Kaname had so easily agreed to help, figuring that the only reason was to get some satisfaction out of hurting Zero a little. It upset her slightly, but now was not the time to worry about trivial things. Something was wrong with Zero, and it had to be fixed fast.

"Finally. This should be enough blood dear, thank you. " Kit took the funnel out of the glass bottle and set it aside, reaching to the side for the wine flute she had put there earlier. Lifting both the bottle and the flute in her hand to eye level, Kit poured the contents of the bottle into the glass, careful to not spill any. As the deep red liquid got to a spot she had marked near the top, Kit ceased pouring and handed the bottle to Hokaiju, who had just finished licking his wounds clean. "Make sure that's sealed good okay? "

"Of course dear. Careful though, you know how they react. " Hokaiju placed a cork in the glass bottle, eyeing Zero warily.

"I know, I just hope we made it in time. " Kit strode from behind the desk over to where Kaname had Zero in a death grip, her head tilted to the side. Out of the corner of her eyes she could see Yuuki, scared and nervous. " Don't worry Yuuki. This isn't what you think it's for. " Kit smiled at her softly, placing a hand on Kaname's wrist that held Zero's throat.

Kaname closed his eyes and released the silver haired teen, practically dropping him on the floor, standing back a little. The pure-blood turned his back to leave, sighing when he realized he realized that Hokaiju was watching him. Turning to meet the dark haired vampire's eyes, Kaname waited, feeling as though he had been asked without a word being said.

"Here Zero, drink this, but try not to spill it. " Kit pushed Zero down by the shoulder, carefully tilting his chin up. Her eyes were steady as she watched the teen, panting heavily and shaking from head to toe. In his state, Zero could barely keep himself up. With a smile, Kit made a motion with her mouth that signaled for Zero to do the same, the half breed obediently complying. Carefully, Kit tipped the glass against Zero's open mouth, draining the contents slowly so as to not spill a drop. Famished, Zero greedily swallowed every drop of the liquid, knowing that it was blood. Taking a few steps back, Kit handed the glass to Hokaiju, both keeping their eyes on Zero as he licked his lips.

For a few moments the pair waited, watching every little movement that Zero made, looking for any warning sides. Yuuki tilted her head as she watched Zero as he continued to sit on the floor, his labored breathing still having not ceased. She opened her mouth to say something when Zero collapsed to the floor, writhing in pain.

"Zero!" Yuuki dropped on her knees to his side, shaking him slightly. "Zero! Zero answer me! "

"Yuuki, move away from him, now! " Kit screamed at her, the red head's eyes full of fear as she watched. "Kaname you need to move her, she'll be killed! "

Without a moment's hesitation, Kaname scooped Yuuki off the floor, keeping her restrained in his arms as she thrashed to try and get away. His eyes were on Zero, watching in horror as the teen twisted and contorted, gasping in pain the whole while.

"What did you do to him Kit, you're killing him!" Yuuki sobbed as she watched the teen on the floor, reaching out to him sadly. "Let me go Kaname, he needs help! Let me -- " Yuuki shrieked as she saw Zero jump to his feet, growling loudly. She had seen his eyes before he got up, and they looked like the eyes of a monster.

The Zero that stood there narrowed it's eyes at Kit, crouching slowly before leaping at her and pinning her to the ground, his fangs dripping saliva. Kit laid where she was, smiling softly at the monster Zero, watching as it tilted her head to the side roughly. It moved to lunge for her neck, finding that it was stuck. Growling angrily, the monster Zero tried to break free of the invisible bonds that held it, eyes glaring down at Kit. "Zero, awaken from your nightmare. The light has made your path for your future and it is time to move forward. " The words were spoken softly, barely audible, but they sounded almost like music lyrics to Yuuki's ears.

"Wh-wh..at? K…i.. t? " Zero's eyes slowly began to focus on the red head as she laid pinned under him, just smiling at the teen. Embarrassed and unnerved, Zero sprang to his feet, finding that he had no balance and fell to the floor on his back. Zero blinked, confused and somewhat dizzy. "Wh..ere am I? "

"Zero! " Yuuki broke free of Kaname's grasp as he loosened it, kneeling beside Zero's head and running her fingers over his silver locks. Fresh tears were falling down her cheeks, landing on his forehead. "Oh I thought I lost you completely! I saw you turn! "

"Yuuki? " Zero looked up at the brunette as she sat crying over him, rolling onto his side to try and sit up, finding he still didn't have any strength. "What do you mean turn and why do I feel so weak? "

" He didn't turn Yuuki, that was a reaction to the --"

Kaname cut Kit off, crossing his arms over his chest, " -- blood wine. "

Hokaiju moved to stand beside where Zero laid on the floor, kneeling to look the teen over carefully. "So you've heard of it have you? "

"It was a myth that was spread a few hundred years ago by an old crazed woman. She claimed that she had acquired a drink that looked like blood and when she gave it to her sickly son, he was fine, but she said he had also become a monster who craved blood. " Kaname closed his eyes as he spoke, sighing somewhat softly. "I'm assuming this is not a myth? "

"Not entirely no. While the facts aren't completely right, the truth is blood wine does exist. It's terribly hard to make though. " Kit motioned to the bottle that sat on the table, shaking her head.

Yuuki stroked her fingers lightly through Zero's hair before standing, fixing her dress a little. "Well.. What is required to make it and what does it do? "

Kit drew a slow breath, tilting her head a little. She shifted her position from one foot to the other, thinking about how to explain. "Well for one thing, you need two kinds of blood. You need the blood of a Nova Fox and one other type. "

"Blood from a pure-blood? " Kaname shifted his gaze to Hokaiju, raising a brow as the vampire shook his head. "You can't tell me you're not. You're part of the family of pure-bloods that went missing hundreds of years ago, before the Kuran family came to power. The Tsugara family. "

"Well you're partially right Kaname. " Hokaiju stood, fixing the cuffs on his jacket as he did, his head turning to look at Kit.

"You see, Hokaiju is a pure-blooded vampire, but he's not just a vampire. " Kit looked down at Zero and then to Kaname, grinning at them both. "Yuuki do you remember me telling you that night about the races in my realm? "

"Mostly, why do you ask? "

"Well, do you remember that I said that vampires also belong to other races, not just ones in human form? "

Yuuki cupped her mouth, looking quickly to the dark haired male, blinking in disbelief. "You mean, he's from the Realm of Mythology as well? "

"Blood wine takes two kinds of blood to make. The blood of a Nova Fox and.. " Kit looked to Kaname as she spoke, smirking. "The blood of a dragon. "

Kaname stared quietly for a moment, his arms unfolding as he moved forward, standing directly in front of Hokaiju. The pure-blood stared menacingly at the dark haired vampire, his cold brown eyes boring into the deep crimson ones. "This.. Is a dragon? "

"Dragon in human form yes. Though it's through years of training under Kit that I learned how to shift into a human form. My dragon side is much scarier. " Hokaiju wiggled his fingers mockingly at Kaname, chuckling softly. The pure-blood glared angrily, turning and leaving the room quietly. "Not much of a talker is he? "

Yuuki looked up at Kit, holding Zero's head now in her lap, absently stroking the strands from his eyes. Zero made no movement to get up, but laid where he was, enjoying the affection from Yuuki. He didn't think it would make much difference anyway as he still felt like he had no strength. "Kit, is Zero okay? " Yuuki's voice was soft, but the worry in it was plainly obvious.

Kit smiled and shifted the dress she wore to kneel beside the young brunette, resting a hand on her shoulder. "Zero is fine Yuuki, in fact he's better then he's been in four years. "

"What did you do to me? " Zero opened his eyes to look at Kit, his head tilting a little to the side to better watch her expressions.

"Well, as part of my second task, I was to take care of the Level E accordingly, namely you Zero. " Kit motioned to Hokaiju and took the wine bottle as he handed it to her, pointing to it with her free hand. "This blood wine, will dissolve the blood in your body that makes you a Level E. That's why you were in such pain when you drank it. The wine works by combining the full amount of the blood of a Nova Fox, which has natural restorative powers, and the blood of a pure-blood vampire dragon. The vampire dragon's blood works as a boosting agent to the blood of a Nova Fox, and also replaces the Level E blood coursing in your veins. " Kit turned to her left, setting the bottle down carefully. "By drinking the entire bottle, you will effectively become a Level B vampire, with no chance of ever falling to insanity. However, I must warn you. I have marked the flute that you used previously for the amount that should be taken. You should never drink any more then that, and you should not drink any less. Also, you will come to me when it's time to drink it. "

"Will what happened before happen to him every time? " Yuuki looked down at Zero, smiling sadly as he looked back up at her.

"Unfortunately yes, it will happen every time and the incantation I spoke as he was about to attack is required as part of the process. " Kit placed a hand carefully on Zero's chest, her free hand turning in the circular motion that she used for spells, mumbling softly. Standing after a moment, Kit offered her hand to Zero, who took it without hesitation to help himself up. "Come to me around this time every night for the next week. By the end, you'll be cured. " Kit smiled softly, reaching with her free hand to take Hokaiju's, the dark haired male having stood there quietly while Kit explained.

"Kit.. I don't know how to thank you.. Especially after how I acted toward you initially." Zero's face flushed with color as he recalled the things he said to her, making him regret each and every one.

"You can thank me when we're done Zero, for now there's a dance waiting for us, and I'd really like to get my first dance in. " Kit looked to Hokaiju with a grin, giggling as the male groaned. Kit grabbed Yuuki's hand as she walked passed the brunette, causing her to grab Zero in process, dragging all three of them out of her room and back towards the party. "I think it's time for fun anyway. "

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A/N: I'm sorry this is so long, but it's the second to last chapter AND the most important one. Lots happened here, so I hope you were able to keep up and that you enjoyed. Also, I'm technically altering the end of Vampire Knight, and not keeping to what may or may not happen in the actual manga. If anyone has problems with that, I'm sorry! Forgive meh.