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 8

Dakara, Dareka Go Watashi No Te O Koto Ga, Sore Wa Daijobu Da Oshiete?

(So won't someone take my hand and tell me it's alright?)

Zero

His actions puzzled him greatly. Why had he told her it was okay to be friends? He didn't need friends. Being alone was just fine. So why had he said it was okay? Zero let out a frustrated sigh and fell backwards onto his bed, his arm strung across his face.

'You're wrong, I want to understand you...Zero?'

'I...will become Zero's friend!'

"Yu...uki." he whispered, rolling over until he was facing the wall. He closed his eyes and clenched his fists together.

'But you don't seem okay, Zero.' the ex-sun guardian's light voice echoed in his mind.

"Yuuki." Zero said again to the wall. His eyes were wide open; sleep just wouldn't come. Zero reached into his pocket and withdrew the little box that held his tablets, holding it up high in the air and staring at it with hatred.

'Regret what you've become...'

'It's fine with me if you become a beast without reason.'

"Ichiru." Zero muttered with a frown, crushing the empty tablet box in the palm of his hand. He shut his eyes closed as he remembered his twin's final moments. He had watched his own brother die in his arms in order for him to live on. Zero felt a pain deep within his chest and clawed at it feebly. Voices started sounding off in his head to match memories from the past.

'That's probably because I want you to be able to smile too.'

'I just don't want Zero dead!'

'Promise me, you'll fight until the end!'

'I'm always going to stand by your side.'

Why was fate so cruel? Zero wondered. Fate had taken everyone he loved away from him, leaving him with nothing. Fate was indeed a cold hearted bitch and his suffering seemed to amuse her. As

Zero continued thinking about fate, he slowly drifted off into a troubled sleep filled with terror and nightmares.

Willow

I awoke to the blinding sunlight that was pouring into my dorm room. What time is it? I wondered, groggily reaching for my clock. It read 9:09. Only nine? I thought, flopping back down onto my bed. Wait, rewind. NINE! Gah! This is all Zero's stupid fault. I bolted upright and out of bed, tripping on my sheets in the process and falling flat on my face. Scrambling up, I charged into the bathroom to take a shower and wash my hair. Damn my long hair. I really needed to get it cut. The time I wasted, washing and drying it...not worth it. I quickly dried myself off and changed into my uniform; shoving my notebooks into my messenger bag. My hair was still wet by the time I left my dorm.

Stupid Mira! Stupid Zero and his pathological need to be antisocial! Evil alarm clock! I cursed. I rounded the corner and ran straight into something hard and solid.

"Ow!" I exclaimed angrily. "Watch where you're going!"

"Me?" asked the voice "You should watch where you're going, you ugly, flat chested girl."

I looked up and glared "Oh, it's you."

Kira grinned and I rolled my eyes. I picked myself up and gave the boy a cold look.

"You wound me Sakai-chan." he said mockingly, propping his elbow against the wall.

"Move." I growled. I was late for class. I didn't want to get a detention. I was hungry and tired. I wanted him to get away from me, now.

"Don't feel like it." He replied lazily, propping his arm up against the wall. He looked down at me with an amused grin.

I curled my hand into a fist and aimed a punch at him. He caught it with no problem and smirked. I tried to yank my hand back, but his grip tightened.

"Let go." I ordered with a scowl.

"Don't feel like it." He said again in a bored tone.

I continued waving my arm up and down rapidly, but it wouldn't come free. This was getting no where.

"Aww how'd you hurt yourself Sakai-chan?" Kira cooed mockingly when he noticed the cast on my wrist.

"Hmm... Why. Don't. I. Show. You."," I said saying each word with every tug and finally I managed to rip my hand out of his grasp. I quickly made a fist once again and decked Kira in the face as hard as I could. The brown haired boy stumbled backwards in surprise. Ha! Bet he didn't see that coming. Willow: 1. Kira: 0.

Oh my god, ow that hurt!

Kira looked at me coldly (like I really cared), his dark orbs narrowed dangerously. "You're going to regret that." He hissed, putting a hand to his cheek. Ah ha, his true colors were finally showing. I knew he was faking being all nice and adorable.

I sent him a cocky grin "Ooh, why don't you make me."

He gave me one last glare before quickly walking past me and down the stairs. I watched him until he disappeared behind the doors. Focus Willow! I ordered myself. I shook my head, remembering that there had been a reason I was running. I started tearing madly down the corridor, charging straight through and into the entrance of the English classroom. Everyone, but my damn english teacher was startled. Some of the students slowly sat back down in their seats, looking at me warily.

A small smirk appeared on Ryuzaki-sensei's face as she said "Ooh, how nice of you to join us Sakai-san."

I frowned while walking down the isle and over to my seat. Ryuzaki looked way too happy and not the good happy. I scanned the class, there was no sign of Mira or Zero (no surprise there, he usually skips class anyways)

"Where's Mira?" I causally asked Rika, leaning over and tapping her shoulder.

The auburn haired girl shrugged her shoulders carelessly and turned her back to the board. I let out a sigh, shuffling through my bag and pulling out my english notebook.

"Since Sakai-san thinks it is okay to show up whenever she likes, lets ask the tensai on her thoughts about this quote. Ryuzaki said, smirking evilly.

"I believe that imagination is stronger than knowledge - myth is more potent than history - dreams are more powerful than facts - hope always triumphs over experience - laughter is the cure for grief - love is stronger than death."

~ Robert Fulghum

"Well Ms. Tensai?" she asked with amusement.

I turned my attention to the black bored and examined the quote. After reading the quote several times to myself I finally answered, "Think outside the box? Uh anything is possible?" I wasn't sure, but I liked my answer; it sounded intelligent. I don't know, she asked me what I thought about the quote and this is what I thought.

The black haired teacher looked at me, a devious smile forming "Consider yourself lucky Ms. Tensai." she said with a smile that said 'I really hate you'

I could see that annoyed vein pop on her forehead which made me want to laugh. Oh dear god, you do not want to cross this woman.

The class continued, but I hardly paid attention. I was too busy wondering where my petite Russian friend had disappeared too. It wasn't like her to just ditch class- at least not without telling me. Her behavior had changed ever since yesterday when that jerk arrived. Mira was a lot more jumpy and unusually on the edge. She didn't even drag me over to see her beloved Ichijo. Oh Mira, what's going on with you? I thought sadly.

"Oi Willow!" I hear a voice call my name.

I come to a halt and do a 180 to see my orange haired ass of a brother stalking over towards me. Strangely enough, Kazu isn't with him.

"What?" I ask annoyed. Classes were over for the day and it was only eight more hours until the ball. I was just about to go into town and hang out at the local bookstore- I was beginning to run out of money.

"Have you seen Mira?" Kyo demanded.

I made a face "No. What am I, like her keeper or something?"

Kyou brushed off remark and asked "Do you know where she is?"

I rolled my eyes at my dim witted brother "Probably hiding from your ugly face." I say with heavy sarcasm, but apparently my brother plays deaf to my comment. He continues to look at me expectantly and I snap "Look if I haven't seen her, then why would I know where she is? Huh?" I exclaim.

"You two are practically inseparable." Kyou retorted hotly. I look at him and roll my eyes again, asking in a more sympathetic tone "What do you want from her anyways?"

His pale face turns a slight shade of crimson.

I chuckled "You haven't asked her yet?"

"I was gonna, but every time I went to talk to her she was busy!" he says.

Poor Kyou. Mira has her eyes set out on something unobtainable.

"Why don't you check the girls dorm? She could be there. All girls are getting themselves ready for tonight." I say and then take off out of the Sun Dorm and down the dirt path that led to the road that went into the town. As I exit out into the somewhat gloomy weather and down towards the main gate, guess who I see prowling about? If he was trying to be discreet, he was failing miserably, what with the way he was lurking about.

"Kiryuu-san." I shout, giving a friendly wave. Zero snaps his head in my direction, takes one look at me and promptly turns around. I was ignored! I ball my hand into a fist and stomp over to him, saying through gritted teeth "Ko-ni-chi-wa Ki-ry-uu-san."

"Hn." he responds, his violet orbs focused over towards the moon dorm.

"Don't ignore me." I said indignantly, rising to my full height- sadly Zero was still a head taller.

"Hn." Zero grunts, still not looking at me.

"You know, the polite thing to do when some says hi, is to say hi back." I tell him in one of those 'know-it-all' tone of voices.

Finally he looks at me, an unreadable expression on his face "Hi."

I glare halfheartedly at Zero, who glares back at me in return. This was getting no where, that wise ass jerk. I'd get him back. A hilarious idea suddenly popped into my head causing a wide grin to break out on my face as I stared intensely at Zero.

"Weren't you going somewhere?" Zero asked coldly, a scowl appearing on his face.

I shake my head, my grin still big and wide "Just to my job, but I'm not in a hurry."

I think I was beginning to scare him with my smile. Zero was looking at me with a 'what-the-hell-is-wrong-with-you' kind of expression and I don't blame him. I'd be creeped out too if someone was staring at me with a crazed maniac look- like the mad hatter from Alice in Wonderland.

"Hey Kiryuu." I said "Want to go to the dance with me?" Yes that was my brilliant idea. It's so funny right?

Zero's eyes look as if their about to bulge out of their sockets. His face expression is priceless, god it was worth it. Bet he wasn't expecting that which is sad since I heard loads of girls had asked him. Do I not count at a girl or something? He opens his mouth and then closes it, imitating a fish.

I laugh "Well I am a girl and you are a boy and you don't have a date- at least not to my knowledge." I said, stating the obvious.

He narrows his eyes at me and asks with suspicion "What are you planning?"

I let out a comical gasp "Why on earth would you think I was up to something?" I feign hurt.

"Go away, you're annoying." Zero states bluntly, turning around and heading towards the main gate.

"Wait." I trotted after him and sent him a genuine (rare) smile "I was only joking around. Don't take it so seriously."

Zero still looks at me coldly, but remains silent. Finally he breaks the silence and says: "I don't want your pity."

I gape at him, my jaw dropping. How the hell did he get to pity! "Pity?" I echo, confused "Kiryuu-san, I don't know how the hell you thought I was pitying you." I say with full seriousness "I was just joking around, it's what friends do." I explained.

Zero only frowns harder and continues to walk away. I run after him once again "Don't be mad." I say as I catching up to him- man he's only walking and I'm running to keep up. "Last night, did you think I was joking around about being friends with you?" I asked the silver haired prefect with some uncertainty. Did he not trust me?

"Hn." Zero replies.

I look at him sadly "Kiryuu, I may goof around and act like a total spaz and stuff, but I would never kid about being friends."

Silence engulfs us as we stand still.

"I know." Zero eventually said in a childish tone.

I looked at him once more, did he know? One thing I could tell was that this boy doesn't trust easily. He's built this cold wall around him, separating him from the rest. I shake my head and all depressing thoughts away and beam at Zero. If Zero said he knew, then I'd take his word for it.

"Good." A small playful smile forms on my face "You never did answer my question. Do you want to go with me?"

Zero scowls and I start howling with laughter. I gently pat him on the back and then run ahead of him while saying "I'm only joking. Geez lighten up. Anyways since it looks like you're going to town too, let's go together?"

"Hn."

I rolled my eyes, "I'll take that for a yes, Kiryuu-san."

I fell into step with the enigma prefect, chattering non stop gibberish to him. I talked to Zero about many things, such as my thoughts on tonight's big evening and how I didn't like my employer. I also talked about how much I really didn't like Kira and he grunted in agreement. We walked down the long bridge and then down the dusty road into town. I turned around for a second and Zero had disappeared.

"Jerk!" I yelled, causing many people to stare at me. I'd have to teach Zero about manners and the rules of friendship. He can't just go and ditch me the second I take my eyes off of him. That's not fair.

"Ahh Willow, help me!" Sakura wails, dashing into my dorm room.

I turned around to look at the petite pink haired girl and raised a brow "What?"

The poor girl was nearly in tears "A-a but-t-ton f-fell o-off m-my d-re-ss." she sobbed. I gave her a sympathetic pat on the back "Sorry, but there's not much I can do to help. I know Rika's good at sewing." This piece of information seemed to cheer Sakura up greatly because she suddenly stopped crying and took off like a mad woman screaming 'Rika' at the top of her lungs- she's extremely

loud.

I let out a sigh as I walked over to the shared closet and grabbed the dress Mira had picked out for me. It was a little too short for my liking, but all the other dresses Mira had picked out were ridiculously short. Mira said that the dress showed off my legs and I retorted with who cares. She had whacked me upside the head and told me to keep quiet. I hung the dress in front off me- I really didn't want to wear it. Purple was not really my color. And highheels, are you kidding me?

"Wow, Willow you look so pretty." exclaimed Sakura, her pink orbs glowing in admiration.

I blushed "You think so?" I was having trouble going down the stairs. My balance was totally off! Any moment I expected myself to trip and fall flat on my face. Most the sun dorm girls were huddled in this one massive group, whispering excitedly amongst themselves. I hobbled over towards Rika and company "What's everyone waiting for?"

"Nothing. Everyone's just too scared to go first." she said with a shrug.

"That's pathetic." I commented.

"So then why don't you go first." Rika suggested slyly. I glared at her "No way!"

"This is getting no where." huffed one girl, I think her name was Keira Angel, cousin to Sakura. She walked briskly passed me, her long metallic pink hair whipping me in the face as she went. All girls watched in utter silence as the girl dressed in lolita goth, marched out the doors.

"Well that's Keira for you. Always hotheaded." giggled Sakura.

Keira's rash action was the catalyst to get the girls moving. I used Rika as support while walking over to the newly designed and decorated recreation room.

"Whoa." I exclaimed, nearly tripping up over the step.

"Smooth Willow." Rika said, holding back a snicker.

I rolled my eyes. "Yeah wait until you trip, then we'll see who gets the last- whoooooaaaa." I nearly trip once again, but luckily someone catches me.

"I didn't think you had it in you to dress up and actually pull it off, ugly girl." came a snide remark from my savior, but only in a mere whisper. "It looks like you haven't filled up your dress in a certain area, flat chested girl."

"You!" I snarled, struggling to escape his hold. I failed.

"Kira!" an angry voice exclaimed. A woman with long ebony hair dressed in a very revealing top and shorts came stomping over. Kira immediately let me go, but I wasn't expecting that and so I nearly fell down again.

"Hello Arty." Kira said.

The woman glared harder at him.

"I was only playing with her." he said.

This did not stop 'Arty' from giving Kira the death glare. Kira let out a glum sigh "Goodbye Sakai-san." he said, all of a sudden his attitude changing to a nice one. I stuck my tongue out and watched him go.

"Willow." Rika grabbed my arm and pulled my gently inside. She dragged me over to a group of girls who were all whispering urgently with each other.

"Hey did you hear, Shindou-san is asking Kiryuu-kun to dance with her, again!"

"Kya! That's so cute."

"Demo, Kiryuu-kun is so scary!"

This was disgusting, I thought as I listened to them squeal stupidly. I scanned the room looking for that Shindou girl. She couldn't be that hard to find since she was the only girl to braid her hair in some silly school girl manner. I easily spotted her in a bright yellow dress inching slowly over to the corner where (no surprise) Zero was sulking.

'Akaku akaku akaku yurete

Yume no yume no hate e

Hanarerarenai'

The lights had dimmed considerably and girls began screaming again. I clamped my hands over my ears and yelled over the music "Why are they screaming!"

"It's the band On/Off!" Sakura yelled back, she too also caught up in the fangirlish cries.

'Mou nandomo akiramete wa oshikorosu tabi

Ikiba no nai kanjou ga me o samashiteku

Kegare no nai sono hohoemi zankoku na hodo

Tooi sonzai da to wakaru yo'

"They're so cool!" she added, jumping up and down with the rest of the crowd. "I can't believe they're actually here. I have to get their autograph!"

I sighed. I thought this night was going to be filled with peaceful classical music. Apparently that's what it had been last year. I looked around and noticed that very few of the Night Class members around. I turned my gaze onto Shindou to see how much progress she had made. There she stood, a few feet away from Zero. The stoic teen had his back up against the wall and his arms folded, frowning at the band. I looked towards them as well, interested to see how they had pissed him off.

'Ienai kizu Kokoro mushibamu dake na no ni

Yami no (Naka ni) Ima mo (Yadoru) Omoi o osaekirenai

Akaku akaku akaku yurete

Yume no yume no hate e

Deatte shimatta unmei ga mawaridasu

Dare mo dare mo shiranai himitsu

Ochite ochite ochite

Mou modorenai Tsumi o kizande mo Kitto'

The most noticeable trait throughout the entire group was their flashy crimson eyes. Was that a new trend? Glowing colored contacts? What were they trying to be, vampires? I wanted to laugh at the thought. Well I guess they were cause for extra effect they even had fake teeth with fangs. Guess all these new bands went all out. Their lyrics were creepy enough.

'Kodoku no fuchi aruki nagara sukuwareteita

Donna toki mo kawaranai REAL na hitomi

Demo hikari ga mabushii hodo umareru kage wa

Fukaku irokoku shinobu yoru yo'

Why did people like them again? They were so creepy. I moved closer to the punch bowl, trying my best to drown out the noise. I started playing with the ladle (that's how bored I was), scooping some punch out and then dumping it back in. Why did the punch have to be red? Couldn't it be blue or something? That stupid song was making me paranoid about the color red. Get a grip Will, I ordered myself, finally pouring the punch in a red plastic cup. It was a just a song and nothing more. Boy had I been wrong to think that.

I took a seat near the window and sipped my punch, waiting for the song to end. I wanted to go over and annoy Zero, but the music made that pointless.

'Akaku akaku akaku yurete

Yume no yume no hate e

Deatte shimatta unmei ga mawaridasu

Dare mo dare mo shiranai himitsu

Ochite ochite ochite

Mou modorenai Tsumi o kizande mo Kitto.'

At last the lights had come back on and the song was over. I was absolutely delighted when it was announced that they were going to take a quick break. I let my half empty cup of punch sitting on the table and slowly inched towards Zero- to annoy him of course. Shindou had disappeared so I'm guessing she was rejected.

"Hi Kiryuu-san." I panted, leaning on the pillar for balance support.

He casually flicked one eye over in my direction.

"So I see you didn't bother to change into something nice." I commented.

"Hn."

I rolled my eyes at his response "So what are you trying to say when you say 'hn' cause I don't speak jerk."

Zero shrugged his shoulders. His gaze had returned to the members of On/Off as they mingled with my classmates. His attention suddenly switched to the front doors and out of curiosity I glanced in that direction as well. Moments later the doors opened revealing the popular members of the Night Class. A frown formed on Zero's face as his eyes traced their every movement. The Day Class girls completely forgot about their 'precious' band once the Night Class had entered.

"Where's your friend?" Zero suddenly growled.

"Which?"

"That white haired girl."

"Mira?" I asked, surprised. "I don't really know..." I trailed off a sickening thought entering my mind. I hadn't seen my Russian friend since last night. In fact, no one had seen her today. I frantically looked around for her. No sign of her easily recognizable hair. That's when it hit me that she wasn't the only one missing. I didn't see Kyou either. Kazu was talking with some of his guy friends. I abruptly stood up and walked as quickly as I could in my heels. I heard Zero say something, but didn't understand what he had said.

"Kazu." I said, once I had neared hearing distance. His emerald green eyes caught my brown ones.

"Hey Willow-chan." he said with a smile.

I didn't have time to gawk at his cute smile. I gripped onto his arm and looked up at him "Have you seen my brother?"

A foreign expression formed on Kazu's face and his gaze was directed towards the outside. He then seemed to remember that I was standing in front of him. He bent down and patted my head comfortingly "Don't worry, I'm sure he's around here somewhere." he said with a hollow smile "A smile suits you more than a frown."

I shook my head. I had a nasty gut feeling that something was off. If only I had felt it sooner. I took a few steps backwards, unsure of what to think. No one had seen Mira and the last time I had seen my brother was eight hours ago.

"Willow-chan, I'm sure Kyousuke just dozed off. There's nothing to worry about." Kazu said, his eyes staring straight mine.

"Yeah." I heard myself agree.

I felt a sharp tug and suddenly found myself falling backwards into Zero's arms. I looked up to see Zero with a murderous expression which appeared to be directed solely at Kazu. I shook my head, what had I been saying again? Zero gave Kazu one final threatening look (I don't know why) and then dragged me off back to his little (emo) corner.

"What were you two just talking about?" Zero demanded, placing his hands on either side of me. I had never seen such an expression on his face. A mixture of worry and anger.

I blink slowly, my vision becoming clear "Who?" I asked cocking my head to the side.

"You and him." Zero stated.

I peered passed his shoulder "You mean Kazu?" I guessed, I didn't know which' him' Zero was asking about.

He nodded his head.

I looked at Zero oddly "What are you talking about? I've been here the whole time talking with you."

Authoress' Corner

Yay the next update ^^ I was actually going to spilt this chapter into two separate chapters, but oh well. I want double the reviews though lol. Uh anyways I don't think I have much to say. I don't think I'm going to update until I finish school- which is like a month and a half away. It's the fourth quarter and all- gotta put in my best effort. Oh yes ignore the detailed description of her dress, there's a picture of it on my profile. i just copied what it said on the site. Anyways the more people review the more motivation I have to write (I'm juggling three other stories so yeah I tend to get sidetracked) Hoped you liked this chapter. P.S. I haven't had a chance to re-read through this chapter so forgive any errors. I'll do it when it's not four in the morning. Now excuse me, I have to go write three essays...

Thanks:

Sayonara Yasashii Akumu- Oh phew that's a relief. I was soooo nervous that he had seemed too ooc. That chapter kind of wrote itself though lol, cause now that I look back at it, I can't help but wonder how things turned out that way- and I'm the author lol.

ShadowBlade7330- I have turned her annoyingness into a good thing, so hopefully she doesn't seem too annoying.

posted- I don't know and I don't care

edited- Aug 19th 2010

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