Not my best work honestly, but as you can tell I'm trying really hard not to disrupt the normal plot right now. We also get to see Rei's true personality in this scene so, yay! But anyways this one was eh for when I wrote it. It's been a while since I read vampire knight so all of this is by memory for me. Although I did find one of my older manga so...

Night Three

Inside his dimly lit office, Headmaster Cross leaned forward, his countenance etched with profound concern as he discussed Rei's sudden reappearance with the seasoned Hunter, Toga Yagari. Zero had delivered his report and departed, leaving Cross burdened by anxiety. The presence of a Blood Empress within Cross Academy troubled him deeply.

Cross broached the sensitive topic with caution. "Your daughter, Hitomi, is she still under the Hunter Association's care?" He was well aware of the delicate nature of the matter. Hitomi was no ordinary Blood Empress; her mild temperament did little to ease Toga's anxieties. She remained confined, under constant surveillance due to her unique status. Toga took a drag from his cigarette before responding.

"Yes, I visited her a couple of weeks ago. The kid was engrossed in some new book on Calculus or something of the sort. It flew right over my head," Toga replied, his concern surfacing beneath his calm demeanor. His thoughts, however, had shifted to Rei's unexpected presence at the academy.

Toga's worry crept into his voice as he asked, "Are you sure Rei is here?" He might not openly show it, but he held genuine concern for her well-being. He had unknowingly contributed to her training, oblivious to her true identity as a Blood Empress.

"I trust Zero on this. He seemed on the verge of breaking," Cross replied, his usual joviality replaced by a serious demeanor. Toga sighed, scratching the back of his head.

"We can't even contain a Blood Empress. The only one who might stand a chance is that damn Kuran brat, and even then, it's a long shot." Toga's frustration was palpable as he contemplated the challenging predicament they faced. "And your daughter won't stop asking questions."

Cross addressed the underlying issue. "Yuki arrived just in time to sever the blood bond between them. We both know, Toga, that the Hunter Association shares some responsibility in this. Blood Empresses are usually housed in the Empress Mansion. I've tried researching the night of Rei's disappearance, but I've found nothing. Something isn't right." Cross had been perplexed for a while about the circumstances surrounding the Kiryu daughter. Blood Empresses typically received more respectful treatment, as neglect often led to situations like the one they now faced with Rei.

Toga, still searching for answers, voiced his uncertainty. "I understand you called me back for this, but I'm not sure what you expect me to do." Dealing with his own daughter was one thing, but Rei's situation seemed to have deviated from the standard protocol for Blood Empresses.

Just as they were discussing the matter further, the office door swung open, and Seiren appeared. Cross had seldom interacted with her, as she was usually silently by Kaname's side. "Can I help you, Seiren?" Cross inquired, and her gaze shifted to Toga. "I can assure you he can be trusted," Cross added, sensing her wariness.

"I've come to inform you that my mistress is currently sleeping," Seiren said. Cross was taken aback by the term "mistress."

"Mistress?" he questioned, and Seiren nodded. "What mistress are you talking about, Seiren?"

"A young girl by the name of Rei Kiryu." The revelation shocked both men in the room. Toga jumped up, about to head out the door, but Cross stopped him.

"Seiren, would it be possible for us to speak with Miss Kiryu when she wakes up? We have some questions for her," Cross gently inquired. He understood the strong bond between an Empress and her servants.

Seiren scrutinized Cross, assessing his intentions. "I would advise you to wait until she awakens," she replied.

"Of course, but is she a threat to the school?" Cross asked. Seiren shook her head.

"No, in fact, I think you'll find her more agreeable after a day's rest. But I must get back, as she seems not to sleep well without me." With that, Seiren turned on her heels and left the two men alone in the office.

"Well, we know where she is now. You're not going to inform the Hunter Association, are you?" Toga asked, already expecting the answer.

"No, there's something strange going on. I might have to have a new dorm constructed for her and Seiren, but until then, it might be best to have Kaname keep an eye on her." Cross was puzzled. Rei's arrival seemed orchestrated, though he had no idea by whom.

"You sure the Kuran brat can handle her? Even though I didn't train her long, she should still be more than a match for him, thanks to her status as a Blood Empress." It wasn't worry for Kuran, but concern for his two former pupils, Zero and Rei. Rei might have become his daughter-in-law if she had met Hitomi. It wasn't uncommon for two Blood Empresses to become romantically attached to each other. Toga was also considering the possibility of bringing Hitomi out to a new dorm once Cross finished constructing it. He no longer trusted the Hunter Association. Something was amiss, and it drove him to reach for another cigarette. Cross narrowed his eyes just now realizing that he was smoking.

"Toga Yagari, I know you aren't smoking in my office." It was a warning. It was still somewhat goofy, but there was a seriousness to it that made Toga's hand stop. He coughed embarrassed.

"Right, sorry, I forgot. Anyways, I guess we'll just wait for night to fall." Toga said, looking out the window. Both men were concerned. They had no idea what night would bring.

Inside Zero's Room

Zero hunched down by his bed, head in his hands as memories played through them. Back on a snowy night when he was a child.

"Big brother," The soft voice of his sister questioned, looking up at Zero. She was cuddled between both Zero and Ichiru. Zero had been reading a book, and Ichiru was sleeping. Rei was just somewhat annoyed Zero had stopped reading. He gave her a soft smile.

"Sorry, where was I?" He was just about to begin reading when a knock came from the door and opened. Their mother stepped in, giving a smile at her three children.

"Rei, you're not bothering your brother too much, are you?" She questioned her only daughter. Rei shook her head.

"No, Mama. Big brother Zero was just reading me a story." She informed her mother. Their mother nods.

"You're father and I will be heading out. Zero, make sure you watch your siblings." She told him. Zero nodded. Their mother looked at Rei, biting her lip as if there was something she wasn't saying. She turned, gently shutting the door behind her.

Just as Zero was about to read again, he felt Rei snuggle up to him, her eyes drifting shut. Just before she fell asleep, she told him, "I love you, big brother Zero."

Seiren's Room

Rei awoke, a distant dream still playing in her mind. She looked around, finding that she was in an unfamiliar room. Just as she was about to get up, a door opened, and Seiren stepped in,

followed by two men. One was the headmaster, the other somebody she knew quite well.

"You look older, Uncle Yagari," Rei told him. Toga just watched her with his good eye. She tried to smile, but she still felt sad. "I guess you're here to return me to the Vampire Council?" she questioned them. At that information, both men's eyes widened.

"Wait, Rei, repeat what you said," Toga told her. She looked confused at him and wondered what was wrong.

"Well, I did escape from the Vampire Council. I assume the Hunter Association wants you to drag me back, right?" This information made Toga and Kaien look at each other.

"Rei, it's okay if I call you Rei, right?" Kaien questioned, and Rei nodded her head. "Okay, what do you know about what the Hunter Association does with Blood Empresses?"

"Don't you normally hand them off to the Vampire Council?" She was confused. Shouldn't they already know this? She watched as Cross's mouth turned into a deep frown.

"No, you should have been taken to an estate called Empress Mansion with the other Blood Empresses. It was decided long ago that the Hunters would be the ones to take care of the Blood Empress." That news shocked Rei, and confusion became even more palpable.

"Look kid, I know it sounds crazy, but my own daughter is also at the mansion. Whatever happened to you is something that breaks one of the treaties we have with the Vampire Council," Toga informed her. He really wanted to reach into his pocket for his pack of cigarettes.

"But if that's true, then those experiments..." She trailed off, face paling as what she had just said got all three of the people in the room to look at her.

"Experiments?" Cross muttered. He looked at Rei, but couldn't find anything on her pale skin that was visible. "What kind of experiments?" He asked her. Rei looked down at her thin hands.

"I… I was mistaken, Headmaster." She tried to lie, but when she looked at Seiren, she crumbled at the look of concern on her servant's face. She turned around, lifting her shirt. Past her bra, which the two men didn't pay attention to, were scars marring her milky white back.

"These are experiments?!" The anger in Toga's voice was heavy. "I knew that Blood Empresses were hated by the Vampires, but this is..." He tried to come up with a word, his hands shaking he reached for the carton he had in his pocket. No longer caring what Cross would say.

Rei shrugged her shoulders. "I mean, I also dusted some of them. That was a fun game to play." She tried to sound childish, but it didn't work. She couldn't put up that facade for now, too emotionally drained. Cross kneeled down in front of her after she lowered her shirt. His eyes were kind and gentle.

"Rei, I'm going to need you to tell me everything you can about what happened to you." Cross gently told her. Rei nodded, eyes fogging as she thought about that night.

"Mama and papa had just arrived back home. They brought with them some Hunters. Both my parents were arguing with them before they gave up. The men came over and told me they were going to take me somewhere special. I remember walking with them, my stuffed rabbit in hand as I turned to look at my family." She swallowed, the memories painful. "The men met with a black vehicle. It was inside that a wealthy Vampire had paid them, and they handed me off to them. Then..." She stopped, shaking her head.

Cross nodded, and then turned to Toga. "Thank you, Rei, you should get some rest. I have something to discuss with Toga." Cross left the room, Toga following beside him. Rei turned to look at Seiren, who had a dark expression on her face. When the door shut, Rei turned to look at her.

"Mistress..." Seiren said, anger clear in her voice, but she stops herself. "I should go get ready for class." She said, leaving Rei alone in the room.

Outside the Moon Dormitory

"Now we know that something is going on." Toga said, huffing in clear annoyance as he smoked. Cross ignored that he was smoking, a concerned frown on his face. "How soon do you think you can get that new dorm built?" Toga asked the headmaster. He did not trust Hitomi with the Hunters, and would gladly move her over to this location.

"Probably a few weeks. You aren't thinking of sneaking her out of the mansion, are you?" Cross questioned. Toga said nothing, keeping his mouth shut. The less Cross knew, the less he would get in trouble if Toga got caught.

"When it gets close to being complete, tell me. I'll be going on a vacation for a week. I might return with a girl." Toga said, and Cross could only sigh. Toga left him, while he looked up at the moon. Somebody had helped her escape, and somebody had broken a treaty. Kaine didn't like that he was in the dark. He was sure Kaname didn't even know about this. He sighed, heading back to his office. It was going to be a long night.

End of Night Three