C H A P T E R - Three – Vacant Soul

R A T I N G - T - Some mild violence/bad language

P A I R I N G S - Zero x Yuuki

N O T E - Don't own Vampire Knight

He couldn't breath. He didn't know what to think when she pushed him away like that. Something in him felt like it had become cold and his throat was sore. One hand attempted to touch her, but that only proved more reluctance. Her large eyes spelled fear. He knew that he wouldn't be able to convince her that he was a vampire, that she was a vampire who was destined to marry her own flesh-in-blood. That it was decided the two of them were meant to subsequently meet and have him kill her. But not like this, not when she was in such a venerable state. The memories of her humanity overlooked thoughts of vengeance. A decision was placed on his heavy heart.

"Forgive me," he swiftly ran his hand across her shoulder and pressed against the nap of her neck. Her unconscious form fell into his ready arms. He noted how unusually warm she felt. This whole time he was under the impression that all vampires were cold as ice. He stood to full height whilst lifting her in his embrace. The side of her face soaked into his coat. The rest of her body stayed limp, making it difficult for Zero to balance her out as he walked off into the night. He walked slowly. Despite the uncanny surroundings and the tempting sent of blood that mingled in the air. His mind was elsewhere, reminiscing on the almost forgotten memories of his and Yuuki's first meeting, first conversation, first school day together, first everything. His stomach hurt.

The door of the garage flew open.

Isao came running. "What the hell took you so long? You usually last only about an hour or two, this time it was for—" He noticed the small girl in Zero's arms. He grinned impressed. "Well, well, what do we have here? You're sleek Zero but I'd never have expected you to be a ladies man."

"She needs a room."

"Isn't she goin' sleep with you?"

The hunter glared. "She's an old…cohort."

"I see. That's what they all say." He winked. The Isao led Zero up the flight of stairs and into a vacant room in the attic that not even the hunter knew about.

Yuuki's sleeping figure was placed onto the mattress of the bed. She appeared serene. As Zero watched her he could only contemplate what kind of dream world the young princess was dwelling in right now. He wondered whether her mind was blissfully detailing a beautiful surreal world filled with adventure and no problems or a world filled with despair and darkness—a nightmare. The innocence of her small state made him cringe. It had been a long time since Yuuki ever looked like this. Sure she had the look of a child, but it was more than her physical aspect that made Zero think if he had found the human Yuuki once again. He wanted to know if she had come back to him in some wicked and strange way—having been bit by a rogue vampire in the middle of some alleyway, in the dead of night. He wanted to realize that something that he'd lost so long ago had returned to greet him again. Absentmindedly, his face bent down towards hers.

"Hey Zero is something up?"

Zero slapped his palm to his face. What am I thinking?

What was he thinking? Even if she had returned to "normal," Yuuki was still afraid of him. Just reminiscing of the incident that occurred after she had been attacked still plagued his thoughts. He didn't want to be the enemy. He didn't want to harm her. He didn't want to hate her. All he wished for this whole time was to have the old Yuuki he trusted and loved back here and smiling at him and calling him a "jerk." That's what he missed most.

Isao began to leave. "Are you going to stay here with her?"

No answer.

He took it as a yes and closed the attic door behind him. Returning to his work he discussed in his head what the girl was to Zero. For as long as he has known the hunter, Isao has never witnessed Zero smile, cry, or show any sense of remorse or worry for anyone. He was a stone cold killer. No emotion, no love and no fear in his eyes. There was no key to open the book—unless this girl who he miraculously came across has something to do with Zero. Isao pondered. Maybe she will be the key to the hunter's book. Maybe she can make him elated or shed a tear. She could do something that Isao or anyone else cannot. She can bring him back to life. Isao wanted nothing more than to see his cohort and friend transformed into a person who has been touched by an angel. Even someone like Zero, a cold and nonchalant shell could become something he's not. Something that would make Isao happier than ever.

Isao rubbed his glazed eyes.

"Zero, I hope that girl will save you from yourself."

Author's Note:

WOOOOOOW! So how long has it been? Over a year since I stepped foot on updating this story. Life sure gets in the way doesn't it? Well anyway Merry Christmas to all, and take this update as a token of my apology to any who have stuck by this story since the beginning. For newcomers I hope you enjoy it anyway :) Review for more!

PS- Yes I realize this chapter is shorter than others. I've decided to make them shorter because I honestly can't muster the amount I used to do. Forgive me but if I am ever to update another chapter then this is what will be done.