A/N: Okay, I don't know from where to begin… First of all I'm so sorry for taking so long to update! I have no idea why it took me so long (when I was writing every single day!). At least tell me if the waiting was worth it. And Again special thanks to everyone who faved and/or alerted and/or reviewed. You are all amazing! Also I'm sorry if I have grammar mistakes. A small part of the plot (New Orleans) is borrowed by the American TV show The Originals. Enjoy.
Warning(s): Might contain violence, curse/bad language and sexual content. Also Zero is a girl.
Rated: M.
Declaimer: Disclaimer: Vampire Knight © Matsuri Hino. I don't own the Vampire Knight. Matsuri Hino does. However I do own my OCs and story
For the love of the Queen
"Tell the truth, or someone will tell it for you." ― Stephanie Klein, Straight Up and Dirty: A Memoir.
Chapter 10
"Don't get so bossy, Cross!"
Today wasn't a good day…
"KYAAA!"
Definitely not a good day…
"Will you shut up?!" Zero yelled not being able to have enough of this.
"K-Kiryuu w-we were j-just-"the poor girl tried to explain, fearing the glare the other prefect was sending her.
"No! Just shut up and go back to your fucking dorm!"
"Zero?" Yuuki touched her shoulder gently and asked concerned about her sister as some of the Day Class girls were running away.
She sighed, "I'm fine, Yuuki."
Slowly the Pureblood approached with a gentle smile towards Yuuki, "I hope they don't give you hard time."
Yuuki's eyes widened "N-No I-I" she took a deep breath and tried to calm herself, "Don't worry it's my job as a member of the Discipline Committee to keep them away from the Night Class." She explained with a sweet smile and Kaname patted her head.
Zero clinched her fists, trying not to give into the anger she was feeling; her day had already started bad, she had gotten in another fight with Kol once again.
An entire week had passed since Dean had lost his diary to Shizuka's room, the green eyed vampire had made up for her by stop smoking for three days which accorded to him was pure torture.
The whole week was almost the same; go to class, skip patrol, see Kol and return back to the Academy. Someone would think that it seemed fine but it wasn't. Yuuki was always asking her questions like where she had been, Yagari for some reason was giving her the cold shoulder and on top lately she was fighting with Kol. The subject was always the same; secrets.
The dark haired boy had told her how his mother had died and few years later his father had killed himself but other than that he hadn't told her anything else about himself which made Zero very suspicious.
"Kiryuu. You're finally being responsible?" He asked innocently but Zero could see the anger behind his reddish eyes.
"Shut up Kuran!"
"Zero!" Yuuki scolded her and smiled apologetic at Kaname, "I'm sorry for him Kaname-sama."
Kaname observed the hunter for a second, the boy had been skipping patrol for a while and the Pureblood was wondering where the boy had been going. It seemed as if he was handling his thirst quite well and even though he would never admit it; Kaname was impressed. "It's alright Yuuki."
Zero glared the short girl, "I'm not a pet Yuuki!" and started leaving.
"Zero!" Yuuki tried to stop her but Kaname shook his head saying that the other prefect would be alright.
Zero really liked horses; it was something she had inherited from her father. Her father would always say that horses were the opposite of people, kind and most importantly; loyal. Zero couldn't disagree with that.
White Lily was a beautiful horse, but was also feared by the Day Class students of Cross Academy due to her short temper. Zero had nursed Lily when she was a fowl and though Zero was a vampire, White Lily didn't fear her. In fact she seemed to adore her.
White Lily's stables were one of the places Zero would disappear when she would skip patrol and would go out, If Zero wasn't sleeping under any trees, the last place to look, was the stables.
"Zero…" He tried to approach Zero which wasn't an easy task; not because Zero doesn't let her guard down, but because White Lily would guard Zero like a loyal bodyguard, whether the girl was asleep beside her or not.
Zero turned around as she heard the familiar voice of her sensei, "So are you not giving me the cold shoulder anymore?" She raised her eyebrows and White Lily stepped in front of her as if she was trying to protect her master. "It's okay Lily." Zero patted the horse.
"That horse seems awfully protective of you." Zero rolled her eyes at her sensei's remark.
Letting out a breath she crossed her arms and asked sassily, "What do you want?"
The jet-black haired hunter eyed the "boy" in front of him, "You should really stop wearing that little necklace of yours."
Zero gritted her teeth, "What the hell do you want?!"
Yagari raised a pile of papers which he had in his right hand, "There's your chance."
Taking the papers from him, Zero frowned, "Chance?"
"To prove whether you're a vampire hunter." He reminded her.
Her heart was beating faster as she was looking through the papers, Zero found some photographs of… Kol?
What the…
"What's this?" She asked quietly.
No, no, No!
Yagari chose to ignore her question and shook his head, "I knew there was something odd about that boy."
Kol is…
Zero closed her eyes, "So what do you want me to do? Kill him?"
a Pureblood.
Yagari sighed and tried not to look at the girl with pity, after all Zero didn't appreciate being pitied. "You'll know what to do." He told her and decided to leave, to give her some space.
Zero sat down and looked through the papers, trying to remain calm.
Characteristics:
Name: Kol Vive
Race: Pureblood Vampire
Age: 21
Height: 186 cm (6'1")
Gender: Male
Eyes: Hazel
Hair: Dark Brown
Status: Alive
Relatives: Rosemarie Vive (mother-deceased)
Michael Vive (father-deceased)
Powers: Unknown
I'm such an idiot. Zero thought sadly, trying hard not to cry. She was better than that she wouldn't waste her tears to- Oh who am I kidding? It was too good to be true. Her eyes welled with tears.
The last time Kol Vive was seen was after he had left America, in England; he stayed there only for few months for unknown reasons. He disappeared after that…
Zero frowned, America? He couldn't be in New Orleans, right?
I hope you enjoy them, love. –K
It was worn by a princess; almost as beautiful as you. –K
Did you know that witches are heroic examples of individualism and nonconformity? They are self-claimed keepers of natural balance. Goodnight, love. –K
Zero's eyes widened as the realization hit her, K is for Kol! I'm such an idiot! I'm even worse than Yuuki!
So K is Kol which means he knew everything the entire time. He had visited New Orleans which means he must have met me. Zero narrowed her eyes at the papers.
Does that mean he had met me before?
But then I would remember him… Unless…
Gasp!
That bastard!
If he erased my memories then he must also be the reason why I'm not thirsty. He must have done something, but what…
Zero's eyes darkened; Yagari was right; she knew what she was going to do.
Forgetting "Bloody Rose" behind her, Zero got up and headed out of the Academy.
"Sebastian, prepare the car." The Pureblood ordered as he was sitting on the brown velvet couch drinking a glass of blood.
"Where will we go?" Sebastian questioned as he came and stood close.
Kol took a sip, "To visit the witch." and chuckled humorlessly.
The Pureblood sighed; he was right not to like vampire hunters.
Zero paused as she opened the door which wasn't locked; it was as if the Pureblood expected her. Maybe he did.
Zero had been in Kol's house – or more like in Kol's mansion many times. The mansion was decorated with old fashioned things that actually made it seem modern.
Passing the kitchen, Zero headed towards the room with the black door; it was the only room that Kol had asked her not to go into. Like a good girlfriend Zero had nodded and said she wouldn't go in if he didn't want her to.
Opening the door slowly, she took a deep breath trying to calm herself which was stupid because nothing would have prepared her for this.
The room wasn't particular big but it wasn't small either; the walls were a lovely brown color and there were many candles around it. The only thing that's missing is a coffin and you have the room of Count Dracula thought Zero.
The silverette shook her head and closed the door behind her, and went near the table that was in the middle of the room.
She carefully took a look of the photographs and her eyes widened in shock and disbelief, "Oh my God".
Photographs; million photographs were in front of her. Pictures of her; one year after she arrived in Cross Academy, others when she was visiting New Orleans, others when she was out with Yuuki for groceries.
But what shocked her more was one of the pictures was of a young version of her and a boy holding hands with a happy smile.
The children must had been in a meadow; the blushing little girl was wearing a green summer dress; looking like a small angel under the sunlight while the boy was smiling and his eyes were sparkling in happiness, he was wearing more formal clothes; almost making him look like a... prince.
"I look at you and I see an angel."
"Well, I would say the same thing about you but you look more like a prince."
"No." Zero stated out loud, "There's absolutely no way that…"
"You're supposed to catch me!" Hope complained as she realized that her friend wasn't running fast enough on purpose.
Young Kol laughed a genuine laugh and spread his arms open as if the answer should be obvious, "But If I catch you then our game will be over."
"I see you find them." A smooth voice stated.
Turning around Zero glared at the Pureblood. "You!" She actually growled.
Blood was the ruby red liquid with a slightly metallic smell that vampires desire; to them blood was more than just sustenance; blood could contain the emotions and memories of its owner. It was the link that connected two individuals. Among the vampires, it was said that the blood of a loved one was the only cure to quench their seemingly endless thirst. But more importantly blood was power.
And power was what she needed so he could be destroyed.
"Are you sure about this Shizuka-sama?" Maria asked worried as she watched The Mad Blooming Princess slitting her wrist and starting draining herself, "Does Ichiru know about this?"
Shizuka's eyes flashed red and she glared at the girl, "You're free to go Maria, you are no longer needed."
"But-"
A corn of a car suddenly sounded and Shizuka told Maria that they had come to pick her up. With a hesitant look Maria left, wondering whether it was good idea to leave the Pureblood alone.
After her relative left the beautiful woman continued her actions. Her plans had dramatically changed; at first she had planned to either, get the young human girl that Kaname favored and use her against him, the prince would be dead and she would have enough power to kill him then there was plan b which was much more likely to happen; she would get Kaname kill her and he'd kill him, but then she discovered Zero's secret and her plans took completely different turn…
The only reason Shizuka would let Kaname have her blood was because she knew that he hated his uncle with passion but then Zero appeared; powerful, smart Zero who held hatred towards the Pureblood and seemed to fit so perfectly for the role. The young girl had fooled not only Kaname and the entire Night Class but also the hunters which Shizuka found impressive and even if she wouldn't admit it, she held respect and a small admiration for the little huntress.
The Mad Blooming Princess dying by a suicide… How ironic. Thought Shizuka with a chuckle and continued draining herself.
She knew very well that the hybrid wouldn't willingly drink her blood, so draining herself and putting her blood in the small glassy bottle seemed like a good way to do it. She would later use a hunter's weapon which she held in her possession and then she could finally join her beloved.
However she would miss Ichiru, during the past few years they had created a mother-son bond but she knew that Zero would look after him. And she in return had given him her blood for the last time - after she left the Academy today.
Shizuka sighed as she started getting tired; there was only silence in the room and the sound of her blood leaving her body. And for a second she couldn't help but wonder what would Kaname think when he would read the letter she had left for him.
Shizuka never much thought about dying. One of the perks of being a Pureblood she guessed. It would be an odd thing to be here one minute, and next thing you know, you're gone. Rather terrifying.
But suddenly the memory of a brave handsome human came to her mind, and Shizuka smiled in bliss. My real eternity will start soon.
Memories are a strange thing, Zero decided. They aren't empirical evidence like a video tape or a photo. They are the only thing that remains the same, even when feelings fade and everyone walks away, they're still there.
Memories can be repulsive and cruel but also so beautiful. There are important for an individual's minds; after all memories make us who we are.
But can we live without them? Memories are what our reasons are based on. If we don't have them, then a part of us is missing right?
And what do you do when you find that part of you? That memory?
That was exactly what Zero was wondering.
What do you do?
You either embrace it…
Or fight it.
The silver haired girl clinched her fists and glare at him, "How- how dare you?!" She didn't bother hiding her aura; what was the point anyway? The room started shaking and a flash of fear flushed through Kol's eyes.
"I remember everything; everything you forced me to forget." A familiar fire was dancing behind her glare and Kol would now learn why you should never piss off a princess.
Zero clinched her fist and threw it forward with a force that knocked Kol backwards when it connected.
Kol was now doubled over, the punch had caught him off guard and he cursed himself, he got up and stood straight, eyes bulging with rage, and stared at his opponent; She was lithe, graceful and light-footed. Her wrists were powerful, and she was unbelievably agile. She would attack with flicks of her wrist and defend by slight deflections and quick dodges, a fighting style that involved minimal physical contact and maximum strike damage.
She attacked again, stepping forward and flicking her wrist out.
"I know you are upset but your parents forced me to do this. And the spell I did! It was only to keep you safe; we had a bond, I would drink and you could feel the satisfaction"
"I didn't want any satisfaction from you!" Zero yelled at him angrily.
"Hope-"He tried to explain but she cut him off.
"Shut up! You lied and manipulated me and stalked me for years!" Her eyes darkened and she clinched her fists as a dark blue light appeared in them. She slowly allowed her power to spread in the room; it was almost chokingly and consuming for the Pureblood.
Kol let out a dark chuckle, "But dear Hope, if I hadn't stalked you as you say then I would have given up. And our game would be over."
He grabbed her by her wrists and lay her down on the floor, putting her hand above her head. He grabbed her necklace and threw it across the room. "That's more like it." He said as his mouth got closer to her neck; she smelled like… lilies. Of course she did. That scent had affected him for years now. Did a witch invent her perfume? It was driving him insane.
Zero stared at him with a disgruntled look on her face, "Why did you do that?!" She asked as she struggle, trying in vain to get out of his hold.
Kol glanced down at her and smirked, "You're so much better like this, love!"
Zero's finger dug into Kol's the muscles of his arm, "Let go!" And with a powerful force she pushed him off of her, across the room.
His eyes widened in shock but he quickly got over it and he got up. His eyes grew a dark red due to his anger, "Fine, If you want to fight me. Game on." He grabbed a sword that was hanged on the wall for decoration it was a straight, double edged blade with a silver cross-guard and with it he attacked.
Zero used her powers and jump in the air, to avoid his attack, cursing herself for forgetting "bloody rose". The place was shaking and some candles fell down on the floor, creating a small fire which slowly became bigger.
Zero pushed him back with her force and managed to throw a kick to his stomach. He stumbled and staggered but recovered looking more determined than ever. They circled each other carefully trying to predict each other's move...
Kol took another shot and his sword tore the fabric of Zero's shirt and managed to cut her but not deeply enough.
The silver haired girl hissed a little and Kol froze as he looked at her wound.
Seeing him distracted, Zero kicked his sword with her boot and it landed on her hands.
Kol stumbled backwards and fell down, his face bloodied and if he wasn't a Pureblood he would be bruised. Looking up he saw the princess in all her beauty; her eyes were burning with rage but they were also glowing with power.
Zero moved the sword and held it against his neck, "It seems you lost, Kol." She told him, her voice now calm, the adrenaline she had felt was now gone.
Breathless Kol admitted, "It seems I did."
Fire was dancing around them and there was only silence which was broken by a worryingly voice, "Master?"
The silverette blinked and stepped back. Coldly she told him, "I never want to see you again. I spared your life, let this become your lesson."
She could only hope that Kol would respect her wish but she really doubt about it.
Life is a bitch, it lets you think that you're the one who's handling your fate and suddenly with a big smile she slaps you and changes your life the way she wants.
The word "why" is much more powerful than people think, it's a getaway to whatever forbidden knowledge you're searching for.
Although in most cases the answer is kind of obvious.
We just won't believe it until we hear the words.
There's nothing quite like having you worst fear realized this way and you're spending minutes, hours, wishing it wasn't true…
Nevertheless, no matter she refused to believe it, no matter how her heart was whispering the cold truth, no matter how her mind screamed to accept it…
But she couldn't…
There was still the question in her head…
Why did she have to die?
By the time she arrived at her destination, her wounds had healed. Zero was now shaking as she pulled her necklace out of her pocket and held it over the depths of the Bridge, she was having an inner battle with herself; a part of her didn't want to do this, after all it was the last thing she had from her…
"Hope I hate this as much as you do, I don't want to let you go either."
Without that damn necklace she wouldn't be able to pretend she was boy anymore.
I don't want to hide myself anymore.
A tear slid its way down her pale skin and fell to the pavement as she released her necklace and watched it fall into the dark waters below her...
"I hope you're no thinking about jumping." a teasingly voice made her glance behind her, only to see Dean standing there.
As Zero sat down, Dean went and sat down beside her as well. The ball got cancelled much to the Day Class student's dismay and Dean had gone to search for the silverette who never showed up at the Academy.
"Hey, what's wrong?" He went and sat beside her. Taking her head in his hands, he forced her to look at him. Only to see tears running down to her face which shocked him because Zero wasn't a person to cry; especially in front of others.
"Hey." He tried to catch her attention, "What happened?"
Zero pulled out of his hold and wiped her tears, "From where should I begin? That Kol is a Pureblood who I had met when I was a child or that Mihoko is dead?"
Dean's eyes widened in shock, he sure didn't expect to hear that, «What? How? I mean-"
"Kol simply hid his aura; a witch's job," She explained, "And as for Mihoko, well I had Monica; a woman who I paid to search for her since I couldn't and she found her." She let out a humorless laugh.
"Zero…" Dean wanted to comfort her, he really did but didn't know how. One thing he knew was that if her ever saw the Pureblood he'd rip him apart.
The huntress hugged her knees and shook her head, "I just got so used to her being there. Even if I didn't know where she was I knew that she was somewhere. And now what? I'm supposed to just learn to move on without her? How do I do that when all I have is this sadness and this anger and…"
"Me. You have me." He squeezed her hand. "Look you were there for me when Isabella appeared." He reminded he. He hadn't forgotten and how could he? He had turned into a vampire for that woman and had spent years thinking that she was dead. When he found out that not only was she alive but she also didn't care for him, he really thought he was gonna die."And you were there when Anna had problems with her bloodlust. Sounds like you're always there for us. So, let me be there for you."
"Dean I- I…" She wanted to explain how awful she felt, "…I feel like I'm gonna die."
His eyes softened hearing her small voice, "I know you feel like the world is coming to an end…" He chuckled. "This town, this crazy-ass world we live in …" He shook his head, "Sometimes not being willing to accept that someone's gone is because maybe they're not; at least not completely."
Zero smiled sadly at him, "I'm just a girl who's wondering how life got so screwed up Dean, I'm miserable here. And you know what the worst?" She didn't let him answer, "That this isn't how our lives were supposed to be, Dean."
"You know that I'm not good at comforting someone, gorgeous. So, if you were in my position, what would you say?"
"...I'd tell you to hope for the best and that it's okay to have hope because sometimes it's all that keeps me going."
Dean smiled softly, "See? And if you're miserable here then maybe you shouldn't stay."
"You're right," She nodded, "I shouldn't stay here, and I won't. I'll leave on my own."
"Zero?"
She looked at him, "I need some time on my own."
He sighed, "I can't change your mind, can I?"
"No, not really."
Zero was walking on the streets while she was thinking deeply. After her chat with Dean she left to clear her head.
I could go to England… Although it's a little too rainy for my taste.
Dean would probable go to New Orleans since he didn't believe the Academy would be fun without her. But a small part of her was telling her that he had probable missed Anna, and to be honest with herself; Zero had missed the black haired girl more than she'd like to admit.
A sudden noise snapped her out of her thoughts, but before she could turn around someone had put a rag on her mouth and she suddenly felt sleepy and passed out.
As Kaname looked out the windows of his room, he spotted Yuuki walking by, fulfilling her responsibilities as a prefect by patrolling. Of course the damn hunter wasn't there letting the poor girl do the entire job.
I wonder where he is… The Pureblood wondered, if he didn't know better he'd think he was actually worried about the hunter but that was impossible.
Watching his sister patrolling, he wished she was by his side. He was alone he needed her company. Yet… even when he had Yuuki by his side, something was always missing. She was born to be his bride… he knew that, yet why did he feel a big emptiness in his heart?
Either way, despite the confusion in his heart, he had promised to himself, Haruka and Juuri that he's protect Yuuki and one day he'd kill Rido.
He turned away, still feeling Yuuki's gaze on him, even though he should be thinking of more serious matter he still wondered…
Where is the hunter?
"And why would you do that?" Little Hope asked her aunt as the blond haired woman was telling her one of the stories or more like adventures she had with her uncle and father.
Mihoko stroked her niece's hair. How many times had she asked herself the same question, Mihoko didn't know; however she did know the answer, "Because we are family Hope, and we stick together as one always and forever."
When Zero woke up she felt like she had been sleeping for a long time; her head felt heavy and her throat was hurting.
The sound of footsteps made her look up, only to see a masked man with a long coat.
After four years of tracking him down, deep down she didn't expect to see him again. "You look like a bad version of Zorro."
The masked man chuckled, "I see your sarcasm hasn't changed at all, nee-chan."
"Ichiru."
He took off his mask, and pulled out a gun; probable anti-vampire gun. Thought Zero "So, you remember me."
As if I could ever forget you.
Zero stayed still and raised her eyebrows, not fearing the gun that was in front of her, "Go ahead… What are you looking at? Shoot me!" She challenged him, "Come on, look at me in the eyes and do it you coward!" She was now screaming at him, "Do it!"
Bang!
"You missed." Zero pointed as Ichiru had shot the sheets instead of her.
"Perhaps I did." He said with a shrug, "You still don't understand, do you? You have no idea what it's like to be invisible, a shadow."
"You're right I don't. And I don't understand why you did what you did!"
"You can't imagine what it feels like to know you're not wanted."
Zero glared at him, "What are you talking about. You weren't wanted? Are you kidding me?"
Ichiru returned her glare, "I was always compared to you!" He shouted. After calming down a little he continued, "I slowly realized our parents had become more evil. Although I didn't care at all. Their intentions weren't good anymore… It was then that I made a deal with Shizuka-sama."
"..."
After a moment of silence Ichiru turned his back on her and darkly smiled, "You should thank me, you know. I was the one who told Shizuka-sama not to kill you."
"As if I would let a Pureblood to kill me." She rolled her eyes.
"You don't know her at all." He ignore what she had said. " Shizuka changed my fate, she made a promise to me and she kept it." His eyes softened, "She made me healthy…"
"I want to kill you." Ichiru lied, not wanting his sister to know how much he had actually missed her, "But I'll forgive you if you come with me."
"And serve Shizuka? Sorry but I refuse to become a Pureblood's little bitch"
His eyes darkened and his expression changed to an unreadable emotion, "Shizuka-sama is dead."
"Shizuka-sama!" Ichiru gasped in horror as he saw the beautiful Pureblood dying on the floor, "What have you done?"
He run to her side and took her in his arms, "Shizuka!" He shook her, trying to get a reaction from her. "Shizuka!"
The pink eyed woman opened her eyes, seeing her little boy. No, he's no longer a child. Before I've realized it, he had grown up. "Purebloods don't die easily." She stated as she realized that she wasn't dying as easily as she had thought she would.
He put her hand on his cheek, "Drink my blood! Just please don't die!" He cried out.
"No, besides it's too late." Every time a Pureblood develops attachment to someone… destruction always follows.
Tears were streaming down his face, "Please don't die! Don't leave me alone!"
Shizuka smiled at him as she was starting shattering into shards of glass, "You're not going to be alone." Her voice was getting softer, "You still have her."
And suddenly there was nothing in Ichiru's arms anymore, nothing but shards of glass.
Zero blinked in surprise, "Really?"
Ichiru lowered his head and nodded. Zero was tempted to ask how but she could clearly see that he didn't want to talk about it.
"Fine." The voice of his sister snapped him out of his thoughts. Looking at her, he slightly frowned. "What?"
"I said; fine. I'll come with you." Both of them had lost someone the same day, someone who meant the world to them. They knew they needed to move on, and not to break down but most of all they needed each other.
Ichiru looked at her in shock, not being able to say anything .He really expected to fight back or say something like "hell, no!"
Zero smiled seeing her brother's expression, "Believe it or not, Ichiru…" she looked everywhere but him, trying to avoid his gaze, "I did miss you."
Ichiru blinked and his expression changed from surprise to one of fake indifference, "Whatever." He said but you could clearly see happiness in his eyes.
The Headmaster of the school was passing by his adoptive daughter's bedroom and was astonished to see the bed was nicely made and everything was picked up. Then he saw an envelope propped up prominently on the center of the bed. It was addressed, "Uncle Kaien." With the worst premonition, he opened the envelope and read the letter with trembling hands.
Meanwhile in his office, Kaname took the letter that was found in Shizuka's room. The Mad Blooming Princess wasn't anywhere to be found and Kaname was trying to figure out what kind of game the pink eyed woman was playing. Unfolding the letter, he bagan to read;
Kaname,
You know that Rido refused to give me my freedom long ago, and in return you have refused to be used. Even if it's for good purpose. Shame on you both. But while you boys sort out your problems, I'll be far away. You've always been arrogant, thinking that you're ahead of everyone while in reality you are far behind.
It's not a secret that you were planning to kill me, and I'm sure you already know I would try the same. I kind of find it very strange that in the end this is how things turned out. The first time I met you, and you were a little boy, you desired the same thing I did. I wonder if you still do...
If you continue playing the way you do, only darkness will lie on your path.
Good luck,
Shizuka Hio
"Hope, dinner's ready." Little Ichiru told to the girl who was looking out the window, and holding the necklace that the "Mysterious woman" had given her.
"It's Zero, remember?" She corrected him, still not looking at him. Ichiru wanted to say wanted to say that "Hope" was her real name and she should keep it that way. But instead he remained silent.
He closed the door behind him and sat beside her; it has been a week since Hope-Zero came, both of them had developed a strong friendship. With his parents however, she didn't speak at all and neither did they, "You miss her don't you?"
Zero nodded and Ichiru squeezed her shoulder, "Let's eat something, okay?"
Both children got up and went downstairs, Akira; Ichiru's mother and Himoro; Ichiru's father were both sitting on the table, probable waiting for their son. Their looks was mixed between shock and surprise when they saw that the vampire girl was going to join them.
Nobody said anything as they were eating; Akira was observing both children as they were quietly eating while a smiling Ichiru was holding Zero's hand trying to comfort her.
Suddenly the smell of blood made Zero to look away from her plate , only to see that Himoro had cut himself and was now looking at her as if he was expecting something to happen.
"You should take care of it." She informed him with a blank look on her face and got up from the table, "I'm sorry, I'm not hungry anymore."
Ichiru looked as his new "sister" went upstairs, her sad look on her face didn't go unnoticed by him. He glared at his parents, "You're so mean to her!"
Himoro sighed, "Ichiru."
"No!" He cut his father off, and went upstairs to see whether Zero was okay.
"I'm sorry about her I-"
"It's okay." Zero got up and started packing.
Ichiru wrapped her wrist, "What are you doing?!"
"Ichiru let's be honest, your parents hates me." She told him and he loosed his grip. "I was thinking about going to live with my uncle Kaien , he's the Headmaster of a school and he already has one daughter so… Maybe, he wouldn't mind me staying with him."
Ichiru rushed by her side and started to throw her clothes out of her luggage.
"Hey!"
"No!" He protested, "You said we were friends and friends stick together right?"
"Ichiru…" She tried to argue.
"I'm sorru about my mom but… I will never do that!" He hugged her, "So please don't leave!"
Hugging him back, she stroked his hair and patted his back, trying to comfort him. "Fine." she gave in, "But promise. Promise that's we will stick together as one, always and forever."
"He smiled a bright smile and hugged her tighter, "I promise, always and forever, nee-chan."
Ichiru Kiryuu was driving with no particular destination ιn mind, he still couldn't believe that his sister had actually agreed to come with him. Every once in awhile he would check if she was really here and not part of his imagination …
But she really was really here, sleeping peacefully in the passenger's seat.
He smiled at her and turned his attention back to the road, feeling comforted at his sister's presence. Shizuka was right; he wasn't alone. I'm glad that after all this, always and forever still hasn't changed.
xLonelyDreamerx
