Thanks for all the readers and reviewers! *Gives hugs and high fives*

~Chapter 21: Experience~

Krystal P.O.V.

My eyes flew open as I just woke up from a horrible dream about being surrounded by a whole bunch of Level E's while I was holding a bloody injured Zero in my arms. I couldn't defend myself for some reason and we were probably screwed.

My fast paced breathing slowed down so I was breathing regular now. Stupid nightmares…

I felt pretty well rested and as I tried to move, something was holding me back. I moved the red blanket off of me to find Zero's arms around me, so that's who it was then.

I turned around to face him as he woke up. When he open his eyes he said, "Morning sunshine. You've been out for two days, did you sleep well?" He asked as he winked. I averted my gaze from him because my entire face was red.

"Good morning." I replied with a bright smile. "Wow, I've must've been pretty tired. A lot did happen in the past few days." I looked back up at him. "Were you here the whole time?" I asked.

He shook his head. "I had to meet with the council yesterday about Shizuka's death. They acted like they had sticks up their asses but hey they always did. Anyway, it's all taken care of now. Other than that, and going to hunt, I've been here with you." He sat up and I did too.

I looked at what I had on; it was a short red mini gown with spaghetti straps. I picked up a note that I saw on the edge of the table and it read: "Hey girl! I picked that gown out for you to look hot for my brother even though you were knocked out haha." It ended with a wink and I sweatdropped anime style.

My stomach growled loudly and I decided to hop out of bed, as soon as I took a step I fell face first. I picked myself up. I rubbed my legs as Zero came to help me up. "Guess I gotta get my strength back up." In a few practice sessions, my legs were working fine again.

I fully took in Zero's room. The main colors were black and red with hints of grey. He had about six large windows, each with great views of the outside. The black curtains were tied to the sides. His bed was King sized with red and black comforter and sheet set including the pillows. At the foot of the bed was a small black couch with red pillows.

On the left side of the room was a set of double doors that led to a nice sized balcony. Infront of those doors were cute small table and two wooden chairs. He had two walkin master closets and his bathroom could be another room.

His bathroom included its own large shower, bathtub, sauna, dual sinks and even a refrigerator that was black. He had large glass stained windows in there as well.

He showed me how to work the shower knobs since there were so many. Afterwards I did my hair and gotten dressed into a simple pair of jeans and pink and green t-shirt. After brushing my teeth, I cleaned up and went back inside his room.

He had brought us both a full breakfast. Which consisted of scrambled eggs, biscuits, bacon, and pancakes and orange juice. We were sitting at the small table in front of the double doors leading to the balcony when he said, "Krystal, what happened to you after you're fight with Shizuka? You looked freaked out about something after came to." He looked worried but serious at the same time.

I almost choked on my bacon but swallowed it. "I saw this horrible version of me, I was standing on a pile of dead bodies with bloodied hands. You all were on the bottom of the pile and other people were too. I was laughing cruelly." I shook my head to clear my thoughts. "Then after coughing up more blood I saw my evil reflection again and she just stared at me. She said "Two more to go and I'll be waiting.." and then she laughed again." I was done eating and had eaten most of it when I stood up to go look out of the window.

Zero came and stood behind me as he grabbed my hands. He chin was placed on top of my head gently. "Hey, sorry if I ruined your appetite back there. I just wanted to know what was troubling you. You know you can tell me anything right?"

"It's okay, and yes which is a good thing." I replied. "You're whole family is being so kind to me." I turned around and leaned up to kiss him as we had a romantic moment to ourselves.

When we finished up, he went to go take his shower as I explored his huge closets. He had like forty pairs of different kinds of shoes. And had several outfits which included high qualified suits and stuff in there too. Then I found his Bloody Rose gun on a hook. I didn't see any bullet cases anywhere and figured it was unlimited ammo.

I picked it up just for fun and aimed it at the wall. I didn't know Zero had came out of the shower until he wrapped his arms around me. That freaked me out as I accidently shot the gun, but the bullet hit the wall infront of us.

"Don't get use to using that anymore. Thank god it wasn't aimed at me. That would hurt like hell." He said taking the gun from me. As I turned around to look at him, my face went red as a tomato, he was still wet as the water dripped down from his hair. His towel was wrapped around his hips.

"E-Excuse me!" I said quickly as I ran out of the closet and closed the door of the closet for privacy. He opened the door anyway but this time he was fully clothed. I couldn't get that image out of my head for the rest of the day.

Eventually he said we had to start my hand to hand combat training for this Immortal stuff. We were resting in the grass after a long session.

He said he wanted to go easy on me for the basics but after that, it was hardcore. He said the real battles are going to be nonmerciful. I agreed. "That was a pretty good session, just got to take it one day at a time." He complimented as he ran his fingers through my hair as I lay on his chest.

"Thanks, this is gonna be so freaking hard I bet. But nothing in life is easy. Do we have to go to school tomorrow?" I asked not wanting to face the crowd of people who hated my guts.

"Yes, we are going and I'll be with you the whole time. I have adjusted my classes to get the same as yours except gym. Zoey got that one, although I wouldn't mind seeing you in bathing suit for swimming." He smirked as I punched him in the arm playfully on his arm.

"Zero, I have less than six months to live.." I suddenly blurted out as his eyes showed concern. He sat up so he could hug me as I leaned into him. "I don't know what to do, but don't tell my mom or my sister please. The cure was lost but maybe if I can get these last two tattoos it'll go away." I said as I had found a bit more confidence.

"It just might work, you've got to keep hope. So you have about four months right? With our help you can do it! I won't stand by and watch you go through this alone alright." He clarified as he leaned in to kiss me again but I was pushed back by him as something flew down at high speeds right at us.

It landed right infront of me and I gasped at what it was. It was a tall black scythe. I reached out to touch it as a bolt of electricity shot through me. I stood up and twirled it around it my fingers as if I knew how to use it already.

"Finally, that's your Vampire Hunter weapon. You can also use hand to hand combat, but that will do the trick of killing them even faster. Now how about another real practice round with a few random Level E's?" He asked as I nodded and we went into a nearby forest.

After all, I needed to do all the training that I could no matter how sore or tired I was. Zero wouldn't stop at nothing and I had to learn to do the same thing. I have to become more confident in my abilities and become stronger so that I can defend myself as well as my friends and family.

"So..Ichiru..is he back to normal?" I asked trying to choose my words carefully.

"For now he is, and he is doing fine. But I can't help but think he has something else that he is hiding from us. He's doing things in the dark, and I'll talk to him about it later." He said adjusting his school uniform; I guess he likes to wear it rather than his royal clothes.

Ichiru P.O.V.

I was in the forest as well and just so happen to overhear Krystal and Ichiru talking about me. Yes, I was back to my normal self, but I had some things going on and Zero like always, always knows I have something to hide.

I have found out from mother and father that that girl is training to become the Immortal. Wow, what amazing power and strength she will have one day. In other words she will be the youngest queen in over a thousand years or so. I can sense her hesitation at her newfound destiny though.

Hell it would scare me too. Over the course of being somewhat under Shizuka's control, I had trained to strengthen myself every day. I used to be jealous of Zero but now we are nearly equal.

I wasn't the weak, and always sick little brother anymore, and was glad of it. Zero had already inherited the necessary skills as a Vampire Hunter and I wanted that so much I ended running away with Shizuka.

At that point when she nearly killed my family, I didn't really care anymore, but Zero was still worried about me then, even though I did nothing to help. I had grown up and learned that if I had lost them, they wouldn't be here today.

I needed them, all of them. Our adopted sister Zoey was the coolest one of us all. She was a pretty good match to go against me in a one on one fight. She was a smart aleck at times from what I've seen and heard.

But nevertheless, she cared and didn't despise human beings like her friend Krystal. She was going to help her reach her goal as well.

Zero would find out sooner rather than later what I was up to. And I'm sure mother and father had their suspicions even though they welcomed me back with open arms. I was glad to be back. I was pissed that I had to freaking go to school with the rest of them though. Damn. Oh well, at least it'll give me something to do.

I sighed as I left the area, and headed in the direction of my room to continue my plans.

The Next Morning

Krystal P.O.V.

As planned we all met at the huge front doors of Huntington Academy. It was Zoey, Ichiru, Zero and I. I was nervous and my hands were shaking.

"Hey," Zero said as he grabbed my hands and led me up the stairs and put his hand on the door. "If they ask about us, I'm not denying anything because we are together aren't we?" He asked with a sly look on his face.

"Okay and yes we are and I'm excited about it!" I cheered as the others went inside to head to class.

"Great because after school we are going on a date, it's good to get your mind of those bad things." He pulled a box out of his pocket. He opened it and showed it to me. It was a cute diamond butterfly that looked really, really expensive and he placed it on the perfect spot in my hair where it would be visible to everyone.

I thanked him as he softly ruffled my hair. We were entering the last few months of school. It was already November and no snow had hit the ground, but at times a few chilly winds did sweep through the area.

"Remember, don't take any crap from no body. Ignore what they say and be confident in yourself. You can do it." He told me as we walked to class together. We sat in the middle next to each other.

Girls immediately flocked around his seat, but he completely ignored them, and I was growing kind of jealous. Suddenly something hard almost like a brick hit the back of my head. What the hell?

Zero didn't see it due to a bunch of fan girls in an entire crowd around his desk. I looked around to see what looked like a bully and went to confront him. "So you think you can just throw bricks at me? Why did you do it?" I asked with my hands on my hips.

He snarled and replied, "I hate your guts and you think getting a body guard is going to save you. What did you do run and cry to prince about your issues? Or did you—"

I cut him off as I replied angrily, "Why don't you shut up and stop assuming things. You don't even know anything about me you jerk!"

He hopped off from the table and his face turned twisted as if he may be transforming, but he didn't as he punched me in the gut. I didn't expect it at all, and I was trained for this crap, I didn't react in time because like Zero said, expect the unexpected all the times and keep your eyes sharp.

Before he could hit me again, I saw Zero step in and grab his hand and the boy screamed in agony as Zero began to slowly but surely fracture or even break it. I had seen the rage in Zero's eyes as he said, "If you EVER touch her again, I will personally make sure that you don't see daylight! Now apologize!"

"O-okay!" The boy whimpered completely scared of him now. The girls were in shock that Zero was protecting me as they continued to watch the scene. He made the boy get on his knees. He mumbled a weak and not-so-sorry apology.

Zero twisted his arm a little bit behind his back, "I'm sorry I don't think she heard you." He hissed as the boy began to cry. He finally said his true apology as Zero let him go and he scampered away in fright and sat in a back corner rocking back and forth.

"That goes for all of you! I don't give a damn about your status, you touch her, you'll have me to deal with! Got it?" He yelled to the class as they all nodded quickly in understanding. He was the Prince after all, he could pretty do what he wanted.

"So what are you two dating now? I mean you the Prince would fall for a lowly commoner like her? I don't see it lasting even a month. I'm sorry Prince Zero, but what the hell were you thinking?" She had the guts to say that and sneer, before Zero said anything, I had already go to her and smacked so hard her head spun.

"How dare you insult him? Last time I checked he was free to make his own choices! Yes we are girlfriend and boyfriend! Got a problem, well too bad! He doesn't give a crap about where I come from, because he loves me for me and we've been going out for about a month now for your information. So shut the hell up!" I glared as Zero pulled me away before my anger got the better of me.

The girl was shocked beyond belief as she went and took her seat far away from me and no one said anything else as we went on with the rest our day. I had never done that before, standing up for someone I mean, it was knew, and I felt great afterwards.

I wasn't scared to stand up to anybody anymore and even Zero had congratulated me for it even if I felt it was a little over the edge. I had even told everyone about us and didn't care for once what everyone was saying behind my back. They were just haters.

Apparently it spread like wildfire as the whole school was buzzing about us. Zero and I walked throughout the school, his hand intertwined with mine and we didn't have a care in the world.

That is until reality wanted to rear its ugly head after school. We were currently being pursued by a large group vampires. Zero said they aren't level E's and are about as powerful as purebloods so he suggested that we run like hell while trying to kill them.

We led them into the park where it was deserted. Ichiru and Zoey hadn't been with us when they suddenly appeared out of nowhere and wanted to kill us. They hated our guts apparently.

More and more came as we soon were surrounded by at least thirty of them. Their leader was the who appeared before us as we got out our weapons. I could tell Zero was as tense as I was about this whole situation.

I haven't had much training, but I knew how to hack and slash at least.

"So here we have Zero Kiryu, the vampire hunter and Krystal the young girl who is on her way to becoming the Immortal One. My name is Damon and this is my squad. I am nearly the match of a pureblood monster but I'm missing one thing and that's you're powerful blood missy." He grinned at me.

"You better back the hell off." Zero hissed as we stood side by side ready to fight.

"So I see you've developed a meaningful relationship, aww how sad it's all going to be ripped away so soon!" Damon said as he began to attack Zero and I was left with gang of high powered vampires who instantly charged at me with no hesitation.

As I twirled my weapon in my hands I sighed. On the bright side I would get some great experience but all the while I was thinking, F my life…