Disclaimer: I do not own Vampire Knight or its characters.

Summary: I just recently transferred to Cross Academy. I've never been to a boarding school before and I still haven't adjusted properly. I don't like following rule and could care less of what other people have to say. LIstening just was never one of my strong points. Now that I'm at this academy, I can leave my past behind and start a new...sadly old habits die hard. I tried, but my curiosity got the best of me. Cross Academy was hiding something...that I knew for sure. I didn't know what, and I've tried to ignore my gut feeling, but it's not working. No one will answer me properly, so now it's up to me to get my own answers. There was one person who would be able to link everything, that stoic, unsociable, scary, emotionally dysfunctional person was going to be the key to unlocking the secrets of this academy. How would I get him to spill? By befriending him of course.

Chapter 3

Chikai Wo Tatete Ima Boku Wa Arukidasu

(I make a promise now and begin to walk)

A week had passed since my little trip to town with Sayori and Zero. Ever since then I tried to include Sayori a little more; inviting her places, asking her to sit with me at lunch, striking up random conversations whenever I saw her, sitting next to her in class. I was worried about her mental health- she was looking a lot paler than usual and I wanted to be her friend.

I let out a sigh, trying to distract my thoughts about Sayori with a letter I had received this morning.

To my dearest Willow,

So how have you been? Have you made lots of friends? Are you settling down okay? Is your brother looking after you? It's lovely over here. Everyone is getting ready for Christmas. Jin-kun and I found you the perfect gift. I just sent it yesterday. I hope you'll like it.

I am sorry for hurting you. I cannot tell you how sorry I am. I know that you're still furious with me (you haven't replied once to any of my letters) but you have to understand that I did what I did for a reason. Don't think for a moment that I wanted to leave you and your brother, I need you to understand this. I want you to know that I love you both so much and I'll never stop loving you, Willow. It might be hard for you to understand this concept Will because you've never had the chance to fall in love, but when you do, I hope you'll understand and have it in your heart to forgive me. I'd love for you and I to meet sometime and talk it out in person. There are so many things I want to tell you. Please think it over Willow. You'll always be my baby.

Love,

Oka-san

This woman writes to me every week. Every single week. And the content is nearly always the same. She ruined everything. I don't even know why I bother to read them. She just can't seem to take a hint that I hate her.

"Sakai-san!"

Startled I crumpled the letter into a ball and stuffed it into my pocket. I looked up to see the bloody iinchou towering over me with a frown etched upon his face. I gave a nervous chuckle and feigned innocence as I asked "Yes?"

He adjusted his glasses and cleared his throat "You were supposed to report to the ballroom fifteen minutes ago."

I gave a weak grin "I forgot?"

He snorted and handed me a large paper bag. I peered inside and found all sorts of trinkets and ornament things.

"What am I supposed to do with this?"

"Just go and help set up." he said in a tired tone, shaking his head and walking off towards the boys dormitory- probably to recruit more people to help assist with the decoration for the Christmas ball. I let out a sigh of defeat and adjusted the bag in my arms until I felt comfortable. I wasn't looking forward to helping out for the stupid formal, way too troublesome for my liking and I wasn't really looking forward to the ball either. I like parties, I just wasn't looking forward to this one because there weren't any available cute guys. I did consider Zero (you'd have to be a fool not to feel turned on by his looks) but he's too much of an emotional enigma. Ichijo is off limits (for Mira of course) and I don't like Aido.

The sun dorm girls have been yapping about it nonstop...I kind of felt really sorry for them. They all had to be completely delusional to actually believe they even had a chance with the Night Class. I thought it was fairly obvious most of their favorite idols were taken. The only ones that seemed single were Ichijo-senpai and Aido.

"It's about time you showed up." Rika greeted, snatching the bag from me and walking over to a group of people who were setting up by the windows. Mira came trotting over a few seconds later and guided me over towards her station which was occupied by my brother.

"What are you doing here?" I asked, astounded by his presence. He glared at me and grunted "Punishment."

I cocked my head to side and gave him an amused look "Punishment for what?"

"Piss off Will." he snapped, his cheeks turning slightly pink. Mira giggled and I got the feeling she knew exactly what he had done. Not wanting to anger my brother any further I turned to Mira and asked "So do I have to do anything?"

"Oh no, everything here is nearly done." she said giving me an apologetic smile which then turned into a mischievous grin as she whispered "But you could go help Kiryuu-san."

I peered past Mira and saw Zero leaning against the wall making no attempt to help set up. I frowned and commented "What, pull the stick that's-" I never got to finish my rude statement because Mira gave me a disapproving look "Shh Willow-chan, he's not deaf."

I mimicked her in response and then said "Why are you so bold today?"

She blushed and mumbled something. I received a scowl from my brother, but ignored it. He's had a crush on Mira ever since I introduced her, but Mira's too wound up with Ichijo to notice. My gaze flicked back onto the prefect and I couldn't help feeling sorry for him so I decided to take Mira's advice and advanced cautiously towards Zero. Although why she would even mention him is a mystery to me.

"Oi Kiryuu don't be useless, help us out." I said loudly as I approached.

Zero flicked one eye open and gazed at me with annoyance, "I am." he stated simply.

"Standing by the wall and staying out of peoples' way doesn't count." I said sarcastically.

"I'm supervising." he replied.

I rolled my eyes, "Yeah, because we all know how tough it is to babysit a bunch of students."

"Hn."

"Hn." I copied Zero before breaking out into another big grin "C'mon Kiryuu-san, this is great opportunity to make friends." I said.

"I don't need friends."

I scoffed, but didn't press the matter further, "Yeah you probably don't but anyways just for the sake of helping, why don't you go and help."

Still he remained glued to the wall. I sighed, "Let me put it to you this way: If you don't go and try to help then I'm just going to keep talking to you." This seemed to motivate Zero to move. He stalked over to the closest group and they cringed in fear. Zero grabbed a streamer and handed it to Rika before storming back to his wall.

"Good job Kiryuu-san." I praised the prefect before returning back to Mira.

"What was that about?"

"Hmmm?" I looked up to see Kazuma Aihara- a second year student- with a large box in his arms. I gave a light shrug in response. Kazu-kun commented darkly "That guy is strange, stay away from him Willow-chan."

I rolled my eyes and snorted "Thanks Kazu-kun but I already have one annoying brother, I definitely don't need another."

He chuckled and ruffled my hair affectionately and I blushed slightly. Kazuma transfered here a few months before I did and somehow is able to put up with my stupid brother. I really like Kazu but he's my brother's best friend...I don't think it would be the best idea to 'confess' my 'feelings'.

I stretched my arms out and faked a yawn. Rubbing my eye, I tried my best to sound like I was tired

"Tired?" Kazu titled his head to the side, sympathy written in his sky blue orbs.

I forced out a tiny laugh as if I was embarrassed and nodded my head pathetically. "Yeah...I think I'm going to head back to dorm. Night Kazu-kun." I didn't wait for a reply, I just got up and left, not bothering to look back. I did hear him reply, but in response I just raised my hand.

"Oyasumi."

Okay I lied...I'm not one bit tired. To be honest, once I was outside, I didn't really know what to do. I wasn't going to go back to the dorms, but I couldn't stay outside either. The sky was pretty much pitch black...not a single star insight and the moon was hiding behind the clouds. I wondered how long it would take me to get busted...probably not long...so I decided I'd head toward the stables and go sit on the roof of the barn for a while- I'd doubt I'd get caught up there.

As I entered the barn I was greeted by a few whinnies from some horses. They tossed their heads happily and neighed, pawing the cobble stone ground with their hooves impatiently.

"Shhh!" I hissed, motioning frantically with my hands for them to settle down "Are you trying to get me in trouble! I don't have any food with me today you gluttons so just go back to sleep!"

They didn't take too kindly to being called gluttons and snorted. I rushed past the stables over towards the large bales of hay, easily jumping up onto the highest bale. The bales of hay were tall enough for me to reach the second level of the barn and from there I was able to access the broken window which ultimately led me to the roof. By the time I reached the roof of the barn the moon had completely disappeared...leaving me to grope my way around.

Once I felt that I safely in the middle I laid down on my back with my hands behind my head. My eyes were able to easily adjust to the darkness so I could just see the outlines of things. There was a mellow breeze blowing, gently rocking the naked and bare trees back and forth, causing the dead leaves to rustle and dance...the sound was very melodic to my ears. It was nice to have some alone time...at least I thought I was alone.

"Wandering out at night is strictly prohibited. State your name and class."

I sighed, already busted. Well it was a nice change that for once it was Zero who had caught me.

"Hai hai." I said in a bored tone, "Sakai Willow. Class 1-A."

"Return to you dorms."

"Hai Kaito-sensei." I said, but he was gone. Kaito-sensei was the other prefect of the sun dorms- no doubt to replace Yuki. I didn't think teachers were allowed to be prefects but apparently they could. I blindly groped my way back to which I had come from, slowly jumping back down onto one of the bales of hay.

As I drew closer to the entrance I somehow managed to trip. I didn't trip on an invisible crack. My ankle didn't randomly give way. The air did not trip me. I tripped over a solid thing...a very solid, alive, thing...a human being!

All of the horses whinnied...as if laughing at my clumsiness.

I scrambled to my feet and edged away slowly...not wanting to disturb it- I mean him. I would have walked away if it hadn't been for the odd sound he started to make. It sounded like a strangled cry mixed with a bit of panting and grunting. The silhouette of the person started tossing and turning a bit and I honestly thought I had walked in on someone having a 'private' moment. But the noises made weren't those of sexual arousal but excruciating pain.

I immediately flicked on the lights as soon as I realized the person was in pain and to my shock I discovered: Kiryuu Zero with his hand clamped around his throat. He wasn't strangling himself, but more like clawing? It was hard to tell.

"G-go...away!" he managed to say before he started having a violent coughing fit.

"You're in pain." I stated, staring down at him. He didn't reply as he was too busy gagging, but he did manage to glare at me.

I turned and went back to the dorm to fetch a glass of water for him.

"Here." I said monotonously, handing Zero a large glass filled with clear liquid. He glared at me yet again but accepted it. He sat up, popping some sort of pill into his mouth before gulping down the liquid, some of it tricking down and out of the corner of his mouth. Once Zero had drank every last drop, he set the glass down and laid back down with his hand resting limply on his forehead.

"Go away." he muttered, rolling over so that his back faced towards me.

"Are you okay?" I asked, ignoring his request and sitting down next to him.

"Fine." he spat, "Now return back to the dorms."

"Do you need help?" I continued on, not listening to anything he was saying. "Do you want me to get Kaito-sensei or the Chairman?"

"No." he snapped. "I'm fine, so go away...please." he stressed the last word.

"Okay, but only since you asked so nicely." I replied. I stood up, brushing some lose straws of hay off my uniform and exited the stables, turning off the light as I went. If I happened to see the Chairman or Kaito-sensei on my way back, I would inform them because Zero never said I couldn't.

"Hou." an amused voice spoke, and I halted in my tracks and turned around to see a Night Class student standing not far off. "Isn't it against the rules for day class students to be wandering around at night?" she inquired.

I narrowed my eyes "I was just heading back."

The girl advanced towards me and I took a step back, only to bump into something solid. I looked up to see Aido; holy crap when did he arrive? He was grinning "You know Sakai-chan, there are severe punishments for breaking such an important rule."

"Err...yeah there probably is," I said, "But there are also severe punishments for beating up someone."

Aido and the other night class student, Siren I think her name was, laughed.

"Oh I'm not going to hurt you Sakai-chan. I just wanted to thank you for the gift you gave me." the blonde said smoothly.

I chuckled nervously, "Oh you don't have to Aido...err Idol-senpai." I thought it best that calling him by his nickname might do something. "Anyways as Souen-senpai said, it really is late and I don't want a detention so uhh see ya." I squeaked before taking off. I ripped my hand away from Aido's icy touch and ran as fast as I could, not stopping to see if they were behind me. I'd rather they just laugh about how stupid I had looked then come chasing after me. I safely made it back to the dorms without encountering the pair.

"What's wrong Willow?" Mira asked as I burst into my dorm room.

I shook my head "Nothing." I lied. I locked the door behind me and then walked over to the windows and pulled the curtains shut before changing into my pajamas. I tugged my duvet tightly over my head and curled up into a tight ball. It took a while before I finally let myself succumb to sleep.

The next morning during first period, I was told that Chairman Cross wished to see me- no doubt about last night. I bid Kinomiya-sensei a mocking farewell and skipped merrily down to his office. When I knocked, I was greeted by Zero. I side stepped him and just barely squeezed through the narrow space.

"Morning Rijichou, Kiryuu-san." I said, sauntering over towards the chair directly opposite of the Chairman's desk. I didn't need to be told to take a seat...it was standard procedure. Chairman Cross sat opposite of me with his elbows propped up against the desk and his fingers laced neatly together. I leaned back in my chair, crossed my legs and smirked. He let out a sigh "I've been told you were wandering about after hours. This is strictly forbidden Sakai-san."

I shrugged and asked casually "Why?" Cross Academy has all these rule set up for both Sun and Moon dorms, but nobody's ever ask why.

He shook his head and then randomly pointed to a tea set that sat on a table "Tea? Coffee?"

"No thank you." I declined his strange offer with forced politeness. He sighed, stood up and walked over to the dining table and poured himself a cup of tea. "Are you sure Sakai-san?"

I nodded my head; I wasn't a big fan of either drink.

He sipped his tea while staring out into the morning sky. "The reason why Sun Dorm students are not permitted to wander around during the night is because it's dangerous." He said solemnly, setting his cup down on the window sill.

"Dangerous how?"

"Monsters roam about during the night." he said, his back still facing me. I raised a skeptical brow and repeated "Monsters?"

"That is correct." he replied.

This guy was off his rocker. He turned about, with a big goofy grin plastered on his face "Just kidding."

I scowled and thought 'This is getting nowhere.'

"But seriously Sakai-san." Rijichou said, adjusting his glasses a bit and giving an 'I-will-make-you-suffer' smile "Please stay in your dorm room during the night."

"Fine." I gave another shrug. This was the last straw and since the Chairman basically blew off my question...he just added the reassurance I needed to know something wasn't right.

It was obvious that I wasn't going to get a straight or clear answer and I wasn't going to waste my time trying. I needed to come up with a new plan if I wanted answers. And I new plan I came up with. As I left my chair and turned around, I spotted my solution.

"Oh and Sakai-san." I turned my head "Hai?"

"I would also like to ask you if you would keep what you encountered last night, to yourself." Once again the rijichou flashed me a threatening smile. He must have been referring to Zero's odd seizure, fit thing.

"Hai." I had no intention of telling anybody that, but an idea occurred. I could (if I wanted to) use that incident as leverage (if I needed to) to get answers. Cross Academy was definitely hiding something and I would get to the bottom of it...piecing together the information I slowly gathered.

And Kiryuu Zero would be the one who could link everything together.

The question now was how. How was I going to get that stoic, unsociable, scary, emotionally dysfunctional person to help me?

By befriending him of course.

Authoress' Corner

Happy belated New Year's!

Okay before I forget I had a question. Those desks in vampire knight, in the class room, how do you describe them? Is there a type of word or something cause I've tried describing their classrooms and I can't describe those desks or how they're arranged.

Oh yes and another thing, my finals are coming up next week and all teachers are taking the term 'semester final' literally. The tenth grade sucks! Cause now I actually got the story to go somewhere and I have to pause in writing to study :(

Oh I changed the summary. Now I really know where the story is going. I slightly altered Willow's character at the end because don't you think it's a wee bit cliche-ish or mary sue-ish or over used for the OC to befriend ... for a good cause, to help ... out because OC pities ... ? I think it's more interesting that Willow's only befriending Zero for personal gain, but of course in the end it will be a ZeroXOC. I'm not saying anymore.

Thanks:

XxCatyXx- Glad you're liking the story.

rainy-lullaby- Okay well hopefully this chapter enough 'moments' It is hard though to get them to properly have moments because Zero is a very reserved, cold, fragile character and I don't want to me him seem OOC by making him talk and interact, because he doesn't really do that. But now I've set it up so that they will interact :D

Blue Paper Moon- Umm don't get your the first part of your comment. There's only Mira Petrov and Collin for non Japanese last names...I think. Anyways glad that you're enjoying the story. Like I just stated to rainy-lullaby, it will take time to befriend Zero properly without making it seem too OOC or mary sue-ish. I read your story Red Moon and really liked it :D

posted~I forgot the date

edited~5/08/2010

No Flames! Or bad mouthing this story!

Review if you want further chapters.

Thanks for reading!

ZTL