Chapter 3

Kamame Kuran noticed Zero Kiryu's change in behavior.

The ex-human stopped hanging around his dear Yuki, other than at change-over or attending classes the two aren't seen together.

The pureblood was pleased at first then grew curious why the usually overprotective hunter suddenly starts putting distance between them, believing it impossible for the prefect to abandon Yuki.

But every time the pureblood attempts to approach (to sate his curiosity) or look at Kiryu, the silverette would flee the area resulting in dull chest aches that he easily overlooked.

This went on for days irritating the brunette for unknown reasons.

Leaving during class (no one dared stop him) Kaname went to find the ex-human, feeling it the perfect time to corner him without witnesses.

Masking his presence to prevent the other from fleeing at sensing his approach, head to the stable where he found the silverette asleep beside a white horse.

The brunette stare at the hunter's relax expression (something he's not use to from his usual scowls and glares).

"Shouldn't you be patrolling, Kiryu?"

"Shouldn't you be in class senpai?" Zero counter eyes still close.

Silence reign for a few tense moment.

"I noticed you haven't been around Yuki much lately" he states.

Zero sits up releasing a deep annoyed sigh, raise one knee to drape one arm across, "so what if I'm not constantly around her anymore, is it a crime, my life doesn't revolve around Yuki Cross, he half opens lavender eyes but refuse to look at the pureblood, but if you must know why, Kuran, I've decided to focus on myself instead of chasing something pointless, he stand as the pulsing of their bond became more unbearable, fixing his attire to busy his slightly trembling hands while taking steady, deep unnoticeable breathes to lessen the pain, in any case you should be please about not having competition, he spoke evenly walking pass the silent pureblood, well I should get back to my duty as you've mention, have a pleasant night, senpai."

"Do you not care for her anymore?"

The question cause Zero to pause outside the entrance.

"No, I don't, but I will protect her if father request it" Zero replies calm trying not to reveal his inner turmoil.

The pureblood had caught him off guard, when he'd sense Kuran, it was too late to flee in a way that wouldn't draw the vampire's suspicion.

Being this close to each other the bond throbs agonizingly wanting to be complete again causing excruciating pain though Kuran would only experience phantom aches due to muting their connection to avoid suspicion (of feeling pain whenever they're in close proximity).

And Kuran's scent though not exactly the same as before was still the same, the way it invades and envelops his senses filling him with warmth just like before.

He's holding on by a thread fighting his instinct the close proximity not helping (it's the first time they've been this close for Zero to scent Kaname since he woke up).

Zero flees quickly when a sharp jolt shot throughout his entire being leaving the contemplating pureblood to his thoughts.

'If Kiryu's words are to be believe I need to change plans and find a new knight, the ex-human losing interest in Yuki never occurred to him, maybe something happened between them, though troublesome it could work in my advantage in pursuing the female prefect.' A smug smile graces his lips at the last thought then grasp his chest feeling a moment of sharp pain leaving him confuse and surprise.

Meanwhile

Zero rush towards the lake stripping when near raising multiple barriers simultaneously around the area then dives in. The lake surface freeze over instantly. Minutes later a four meters (small compare to actual size) white dragon burst through the surface releasing a loud roar, contain within the barrier.

The dragon makes its way to the bank, the closer it got the smaller it shrinks until a humanoid Zero collapse onto the frost covered grass. His hair had grown reaching his knees, a pair of curve crystal horns adorn each side of his head, lethally sharp claws tip each finger, pale skin littered with patches of scales that resembles snowflakes and a pair of crystal-like wings lays spread out limp onto the ground on each side that protrudes from between his shoulder blades.

"T-that was cl-close…, he pant out, I'm glad I reconstructed this body or that would have been dangerous but…I can't keep doing this, his eyelids flutters open exposing icy-blue slit eyes, especially now after transforming" he lays motionless breathing softly.

'It hurts, so much, sharp claws dig into the frozen ground at his head, seeing his face every day, tears well then fall turning into crystal gems that land on the frost covered grass, he sits up slowly using shaky hands, to hide my love for him, seeing the one I love pursue another, tears continue to flow, he broke our promise, he bite his lip to stifle a sob, sharp canine pierce the soft flesh drawing blood, maybe it would be best to leave, there's nothing keeping me here' he stares up at the moon, eyes full of sorrow.

Elsewhere in Kaien Cross Office

"There's a new transfer student I'd like you to show around" Kaien informs his adopted daughter who decides to pretend the earlier confrontation with Zero didn't happen.

"A transfer?"

"Yes, she was suppose to start earlier but reasons prevented that-, a knock on his door interrupted him, ah, that must be her, come in."

The door open to reveal a pretty light purple-grey hair female with pale skin and lavender eyes.

"Um, good evening" she greets.

"Ah, she's a night class student!" Yuki realizes shock.

"Meet Maria Kurenai, Kaien introduces, good evening, Maria, this is my daughter, Yuki" he gestures to the brunette.

"Nice to meet you" Yuki bows in greeting.

"Yes, nice to meet you too, Yuki" Maria replies with a friendly smile.

Zero back to 'normal' had redressed, fingering his long hair contemplating whether to cut it or not. With a grimace he chops it to neck length with a swift flex of sharp claws, 'it would draw attention at its sudden growth overnight.'

The silverette stares blankly at the severed hair in his grasp, eyes red and puffy, he watches it freeze and brittle then shatters into particles at the same moment as the barriers and surrounding ice.

'Ah like my heart, he smiles bitterly, how the mighty Rosalg have fallen.'

A gush of wind sweeps by, he lowers his gaze to the pile of gems at his feet then kneels to collect them for future use. The moon's glow illuminates his forlorn form.

The next morning Zero visited his adopted father requesting to leave the academy for 'reasons'.

Kaien had been surprise and curious yet concern at his sudden decision.

Zero gave the excuse of wanting to go on early break, needing to get away to clear his head (which is true) throwing in that he'll take the blood tablets (not that he needed to).

They came to an agreement (after some back and forth), Zero could leave but only after the school ball (as he couldn't have him missing the exams despite his good grades) and promise to keep in contact.

The silverette left the office displeased at having to stay longer at the academy. He could leave immediately but he didn't want to worry the male that cared for him thus far.

Though the male will be heartbroken (how he felt currently) when he realizes Zero wouldn't be returning. Ever.

Skipping class, the male prefect wonders the grounds deep in thought until he stops to sit under a tree off the path however visible to see passing individuals.

'Where should I go, he stares at the clear blue sky, maybe find a cave on a high mountain and hibernate in a heal sleep until Kaname's soul call to mine in its complete state one day or build a house somewhere and live quiet in comfort.'

Zero doze lightly against the tree minutes later.

To be continued…