Please, don't do this.

I spared you when you saved his life, but now because of you, he's gone!

So Taira, do yourself a favor and die!

"Auska! Wakey wakey!"

Auska jumped out of bed, shocked by loud bagging and the sudden wake up call. "Time to get up. Today is an important day!" Kaien said cheerfully, holding a pan and wooden spoon.

Auska tiredly rub her eyes. "Isn't it Sunday?" She said irritatedly as her head landing back onto her pillow.

"Yes, but like I said, today is an important day for the discipline committee." Kaien replied, grabbing Auska's uniform from her closet, hanging it on the bedroom handle. "Your siblings are already up and waiting for you in the living room so is best to get ready now."

"Okay..." Auska dreaded, slowly lifting herself back up.. "I'll be out in a minute."

"Splendid!" Kaien cheered gleefully, skipping out of his daughter's room.

Auska sighed at her father's flamboyant actions. She quickly got of bed and packed her bed neatly. As she did, her thoughts went back to her interrupt dream.

There it is again She thought, stopping what she was doing That same scene keeps playing in my head. Who were they. Who is 'Taira'.

Auska shook her head and continued folding her blanket. I shouldn't think to much about it. It's probably not a big deal.

As she went on to tie up her hair, the black-haired girl spotted her amethyst necklace on her desk. She realized that these pass few weeks, she has not been wearing it. Even as a toddler, she made sure that she wears it out. "Maybe it's a sign I'm moving on." Auska joked to herself, picking it up.

When Kaien revealed she was adopted, Auska used the necklace as a means to discover more about her family lineage and find her real parents. Of course, that was before she was told about her birth mother's tragic demise. However, despite visiting every jewelry and pawn shop in the area, nothing about the necklace's history was uncovered.

Well, it wouldn't hurt to put it on once in a while. She though, putting on her necklace before exiting her room.

-0-

"Here's my own tuna carpacio with marinated tomatoes and a pinch of parsley." Kaien said cheerfully as he place his dishes onto the dinning table.

"I also made my beef filet and vegetables in a lovely cream sauce!"

The three discipline committee members, with deadpan looks, stared tiredly at the array of dishes the headmaster made for them. They are still unsure why Kaien woke them up so early in the morning. And on a Sunday no less.

"He woke us up at the crack of dawn for this?" Zero growled irritatedly as he picked up a potato with the edge of his chopsticks.

Yuki, not entirely bothered, picked up a baby carrot and plop it into her mouth. "Saying these are his own creations is a bit far fetched." She commented.

"That is not want I meant." Zero added, giving Yuki a weird look before looking at Auska. "And you. You look like an insomniac."

The black haired girl sighed. "I know, I just want to go back to bed."

Kaien then came back with a camera in his hands. "Okay, everyone. Say cheese!"

Yuki and Auska forced an awkward smile on their faces while Zero covered his face with the potato on his chopsticks. Despite their reluctance, Kaien remained cheerful and took the picture anyway. "Uh, what is with you today?" Zero asked irritatedly. The two girls were thinking the same.

"Yeah, what is the occasion?" Auska added.

"What you asked? Today is special." Kaien explained, lowering his camera. "Today, you would not perform your duties as guardians buy a full fledged members of the discipline committee, making it a day to commemorate!"

"Huh!?" The discipline committee gave questionable looks at the headmaster. What special day could the Headmaster be talking about?

-0-

"I'm sorry but that is confiscated."

Auska said sternly as she grab a bunch of folders and placed them in a trolley outside one of the dorm rooms, all of them labelled with the names of the Male Night Class students.

The female day class students cried as their precious photos get confiscated. "Wait, you can't do that!" One of them cried. "Why do you have to be so mean!"

"Oh I'm sorry but this is orders from the headmaster himself." Auska glared at the girls irritatedly, a dark aura floating behind her. "If you keep them, I'm sure he has no problem expelling you two."

"The school has been pretty overcrowded with Gremlins like you."

Upon hearing Auska's tone of voice change drastically, the fangirls backed up slowly into their dorm room and quickly close their door shut.

The black haired girl grumbled in annoyance as she walk down the hallway. They are such a pain in the ass. She thought. Her gaize then shifted to the huge pile of pictures of the Night Class students she confiscated.

Auska secretly admits they are rather beautiful to look at, especially since they are all uphold more beauty then any other human she knows.

Then, another thought ran her mind that really bothered her. How this a thing worth celebrating, father?

Earlier*

"The first ever dorm inspection?" Yuki repeated their father's words.

"You said it correctly my dear, today will be Cross Academy's frist dorm inspiration!" Kaien said in a flamboyant tone.

When he lean close to the table, his voice was then suddenly toned down into an almost whisper, more serious than earlier.

"As you guys may know, many of the Day Class students like to take pictures of the Night Class students. And all of them don't know about their secret." Kaien explained. "If this continues, their might get exposed

"Which is why I'm sending all three of you to inspect the dorms and confiscate anything can lead the Day Class to discover the Night Class are vampires." He added. "Can you do that?"

The three members nooded their head firmly in unison. "Understood."

"I also like the three if you to inspect the Night Class dorm room." Kaien continued. "I may trust them but I have a feeling some of them might be keeping some shady stuff."

Present*

Auska sighed again as she walked through the corridors. An hour has already pasted since the discipline committee started their inspection.

She, Yuki and Zero have decided to split themselves up when inspecting the girls dorm rooms. She would cover the West wing of the dorms while the other two covered the East wing.

So far, Auska has confiscated many files containing photos of the Night Class students at there very 'best'. She could handle it herself but wished either Yuki or Zero was with her so that they could restrain her if she ever flares up at the Day Class students. Especially since everyone in the school know not to get on Auska's bad side.

As she made her way out of the last corridor of the West wing into the East wing, she finds Yuki and Zero confiscating files from the female Day Class students.

Auska watched as the girls start wailing in sadness along the corridor, not wanting to let go of their precious pictures. Knowing that they need help, she walk towards Zero and Yuki.

"How are things going on your side?" Auska asked Zero, who is just as annoyed as she is.

"Just as bad." Zero sighed.

Before they could carry on a conversation, Auska was already yelling at a group of girls trying to sneak away with a folder in their hands. The Day Class students wailed in sadness as her precious photos got confiscated. Irritated, harsh words flew out of Auska's mouth like before. Frightened, the students gave in and retreated back into their dorm rooms fearfully.

From behind, Zero stared in shock. He knew the black-haired girl has been patient with the Day Class students for a few months now but he has has never heard Auska say such things to them. However, he quickly brush it aside and continue with their work.

After an hour, the discipline committee members were finally done. Auska sighed as she pushed the almost filled cart, slouching over tiredly. Yuki did the same but quickly recovered.

"One down, three more floors to go." Yuki stretching her arms. "Come on guys, we can do it!"

-0-

"Uh! Mission complete." Auska grumbled, leaning against the giant sack of folders. "A few more I could have lost my cool completely."

A few hours have passed sinced they started and they have finally finished confiscating every photo of the Night class the can find in the Sun dorms. They discipline committee met with some speed bump but soon manage to get past the insults and resisting female students.

"Seriously though.." Yuki sighed, looking at the photos in her sack. "Well.. It's not like we don't understand why they took these secret picture."

"They are so beautiful, after all.." She stared at the photos in envy, knowing she could never uphold the same beauty or level as the mystical creatures.

Auska notice her sister's saddened expression and made her next to her. "You okay?"

"Uh.. I'm fine, really." Yuki assured her, shaking the thoughts out of head and gave a forced smiled. "Well then, let's go bring these to the attic."

Auska nodded in agreement. The girls made their way up the stairs but quickly stopped when Yuki stared out of the window. "hm, What is it?" Auska asked.

"Zero is slacking off again." Yuki sighed, unaware of the situation.

She leaned her head and looked out of the window, noticing Zero lying on the ground while leaning against a tree. His vampire state must have acted out earlier. She thought.

Yuki was about to walked down the stairs to confront Zero when Auska grabbed her hand, stopping her. "Let it go, Yuki. I think it's best if we let him be for a while."

Her sister faced her, letting out a pound and stared back suspiciously. "huh, that's weird. For someone who is incredibly strict about such things, your surprising lenient to him."

"Well..he did wake up much earlier than either of us today.. And had more loads to carry" Auska lied. "Maybe we should let him rest a little."

Yuki continued staring back in suspicion. "hum..If I recalled, even if he was tired, you always scolded him for not doing his job properly."

For the pass month since Valentine's day, Yuki noticed that the black-haired girl has been treating Zero a lot less stricter than before. She did not what caused the sudden change but she has a few suspicions. The black-haired girl tried to defend her actions again but Yuki beat her to it. "Or could it be..."

"Auska, do you have a crush on Zero?"

A stagnant pause filled the air as the sisters stared at one another. After processing Yuki's seemingly innocent question, Auska start to bush heavily.

"EH...Wha..what made you say that Yuki?" She stuttered, waving her hands. "Of course I don't, Zero is more of a brother to me...I don't like him that way."

Yuki rose an eyebrow. "Well, then we shouldn't hesitate to tell him off." The short haired girl dropped everything she was doing and grabbed Auska's wrist. "Come on."

Meanwhile, Zero continued to sit underneath the tree, his body facing the sun. He takes in a deep breath as a strong wind blew, calming his body. Sunbathing was another habit Zero developed over the years to counter his thirst for blood. It seems to work, but only temporarily.

As he continued sitting in the spot, the silver-haired boy stared at his small box of blood tablets. For the pass month, he has taken Kaien's advice and tried taking them. However, no matter how hard Zero tried force himself to take it, it ends with him regurgitating.

"Zero!"

Upon hearing Yuki calling out to him, Zero quickly hid the box of blood tablets back in his uniform. From behind, the said brown-haired girl and Auska ran towards him as he got up.

"Why are you always slacking off?" Yuki added irritatedly. However, she stopped running when she notice Zero place something in his uniform.

"I'm done already." He replied in his usual scowl, walking away from the two girls.

As he walked away, Yuki continued staring at him, wondering what was it he put into his uniform. And to her, it seems like something he does not want anyone to know.

Realising her sister staring at their male friend, Auska grab her hand gently. "Hey, what's wrong."

"Huh." Yuki shook her head. "oh, it's nothing. I thought I saw Zero place something in his uniform when we were running towards him."

From her grip, she could feel Auska tense up a little. "You saw something."

"Yeah." Yuki turn to her. "Auska, do you happen to know something about it?"

the black-haired girl bit her tongue, not knowing how to answer her. "I.. don't know anything about it." She finally answer. "Sorry."

Despite Auska's answer, Yuki was not convinced. Before she could ask one more time, Auska released her hand and started walking. "We should hurry and give our report to father." She said, turning towards her sister. "the discipline committee still has to check the Moon dorm's, right?"

"oh, right." Yuki replied lamently, tailing from behind. However, her mind is still on what she saw earlier.

-0-

It was the Night Class's turn to have their dorms inspected.

After giving their report to the headmaster on the previous inspection, the discipline committee made their way to the Moon dorms. As they walk up it's steps, Yuki and Auska staring in curiosity while Zero walked silently beside them.

"We're never been into the Moon Dorms before." Yuki commented nervously as they stood in front of the open gate, turning to her adopted siblings. "I'm a little nervous, are you?"

"Just a little." Auska replied, griping onto her bow tightly before hang it around her shoulder. Zero, however, remained silent, walking through the gate first with the girls following behind him.

Behind it, an old man jerk up upon the sound of visitors. "Uh hi." Yuki greeted, stunt by the man. "We're the discipline committee."

"We're here form the dorm inspection." Auska added.

"Go ahead." The gatekeeper grunted.

Without hesitation, the discipline committee made their way to the grounds of the Moon dorms. It was a lot bigger and fancier than the Sun dorms, almost resembling a medieval castle. As they walked closer to the building, Yuki stared silently at Zero. They haven't talked since inspecting the Sun dorms when she caught him hiding something under his uniform. And it seemed that Auska knows something about it. She has to get to the bottom of it.

"Alright.." Yuki ran infront of Zero and Auska, her arms on her hips. "Before we inspect the Moon dorms, take out whatever it was you struck in your pocket." She said sternly, facing the white-haired boy.

Zero's eyes widened in shock. He swore he made sure neither Auska or Yuki saw him put his box of blood tablets into his pocket. Nonetheless, he remained silent. Auska, on the other hand, stared at him in concern.

"You are hiding something are you?" Yuki accused him, getting angrier by the second.

"sis, that's enough." Auska stopped her, placing a hand in her shoulder. "Don't jump into conclusions just like that. Maybe you just saw wrongly."

However, her sister still remain unconvinced, pulling her arm away. "I know what I saw Auska. Don't defend him." Yuki then turn back to Zero. "As a member of the discipline committee, you shouldn't break school rules..."

Before she can continue, Yuki stepped forward and loss her balance on the steps. In the heat of the moment, Zero catches his body, but both teens ended up falling onto the ground together.

Auska flinching as she heard the loud thud. "Are you two okay." She asked concernly, running to their side.

Realizing Yuki was still lying on top of him, Zero tried to push her away. "Get off me, you ido-."

When Yuki got up, a smile emerge from her face as she waves the item she grabbed from the the white-haired boy's uniform. It was the box of blood tablets. "I got it." She cheered. Unbeknownst to her, Auska watched from the side, her entire body tensed up.

"It's this... medication.." Before she could fully inspect the box, Zero quickly got up and snatch it away from Yuki's hand, shocking the young girl.

"It's none of you business." He growled angrily, glaring at Yuki.

Zero placed his tablet box back into his pocket and turn around angrily, making his way out of the Moon dorm grounds. As he walked away, Auska cannot help but feel guilty. She felt she should have done something to prevent it. Yet, she was unable to. However, she also felts the slightest of relief that Zero's secret was not revealed. She cannot imagine what could have happen if Yuki found out.

"Wait Zero!" Yuki cried, chasing after him. However, Auska quickly grab her arm, preventing her from moving any further.

"Yuki, I think is best if you leave him alone." She said.

Despite her effort to hold her back, her words went unheard as Yuki pulled her arm away from Auska's grip effortlessly and started running after Zero. Instinctively, Auska followed her from behind, unaware of the figure watching them from the Moon Dorms.

Then two chased Zero until the Academy's main gates, where the teenage boy has already exited and is making his way to town. "Zero wait!" Yuki cried as she and Auska stopped at the gates. "You shouldn't leave school grounds without permission."

As they watch him walk further away, the sisters stared at each other, unsure of what they should do. "Yuki, you should go back and tell father about the situation." Auska suggested. "I'll go to town and find Zero, make sure he dosen't get into trou.."

Before she could finish, Yuki has already started running down the steps. "Yuki, wait! Let me finish."

"I'll find Zero and bring him back." Her sister stopped and said. "You go report to Headmaster. Don't worry, I can handle it myself."

Without giving a second thought, Yuki continue to make her way down the step and toward town. Meanwhile, Auska remained at the school gates. She slump her body against the walls and face palmed to herself. Damn it, Yuki. Do you know what you have gotten yourself into.

"Auska."

The black-haired girl removed her hand from her face when she heard the familiar voice in front of her. She quick stood up from her position and turned to greet the elusive Moon Dorm President. "Big brother Kaname." She bowed respectfully.

"I notice you and the others exit the dorm grounds earlier. I figured there was some thing wrong so I followed you three." Kaname explained. "Speaking of which, where is Yuki?"

Auska's eyes widened as she heard her sister's name. That's right, I have to find her. Before she could exit the school grounds, she felt the vampire's hand grab her shoulder, stopping her from going any further. "Auska, where is Yuki?" He asked once more.

"She is looking for Zero." She replied, facing him Kaname again. "Zero got angry at her and then he went to town to calm down."

Kaname closed his eyes and sighed. "I know, I saw what happened earlier."

Auska turned, ready to head out again but was stopped once again. "Big Brother Kaname, let me go! I have to get Yuki before she reaches town. You know how she gets when she is all by herself."

"I'm not letting you." The vampire said sternly. "I case you weren't aware, there has been a few sightings of Level E vampires in town. The Vampire organisation has yet to sent out hunters to kill them."

"Then that is a bigger reason to go!" With a finally tuck, Auska manage to free her hand from Kaname's grip. "I'm a Vampire hunter after all. It's my duty to protect anything and everyone against such beings."

"Even with you set of skill, you haven't fought a Level E before." Kaname retorted calmly. "And I know Yuki wouldn't want you to get hurt because of such business. I'll get her and Zero in your place."

"I DON'T CARE!"

Kaname's body tensed upon hearing Auska's sudden change of tone. "I swore an oath to you years ago that I will protect Yuki, and I also made an oath to myself that as a Vampire hunter, I would protect every innocent being against those who harm them!" She argued. "I know what I'm doing. I have been training for incidents like this for years. I also have my weapon with me, I'll be fine."

Seeing there is no other words or movement of protest from the vampire, Auska quickly turn and ran down the steps before Kaname can stop her again.

Kaname smirked, his eyes now glowing. Kaien, you really raise two stubborn daughters.

As she ran through town, she cannot stop worrying, mostly about Yuki. Ever since they were children, Yuki has been afraid of being alone or surrounded by unfamiliar people because of her childhood trauma. Unless she is meeting someone in the area, she must be accompanied by someone else or she might have a panic attack.

As for Zero, Auska is worried that with a Level E in town, there might be a chance that the scent of blood of their victims is still lingering. That will trigger Zero's vampire abilities and might end up loosing control. Knowing his current state, Auska cannot allow him to keep falling. She cannot allow him to be like them. A Level E.

As she turn to another alleyway, the black-haired girl halted as she felt a burning sensation around her neck.

That weird. what is that feeling. She thought as she touch her neck. When her hand landed on her necklace, Auska flinched her hand back. It was coming from her necklace. She carefully picked up the amethyst gem and realized instead of its usual violet colour, the gem was now red.

What the..how did this happen. Auska's eyes widened and trembled. Is this some sort of sign. Though she did not understand, Auska immediately felt that something was wrong.

Instinctively, she grabbed an arrow from her quiver and hook it to her bow before running again. I can't let this bother me too much. I have to find them.

However, as she ran further down, Auska did not realize the gem slowly turning into a darker shade of red.

-0-

"Na..ka..ma."

Zero's blood boiled up upon hearing the word. He stared angrily at the Level E vampire, pointing Bloody Rose at it, ready to end it's undeserving life.

However, he was beaten to it when an arrow flew toward the vampire, aimed into it's head and killing it instantly.

As the Level E disintegrates into dust, Zero turn to see Auska lowering her bow. "Are you okay?" She asked, running towards him. "You didn't get hurt, did you?"

"Auska..." Zero whispered her name. When his eyes fell to her neck, he saw that the once purple gem was not blood red in colour. Zero was about to question it but the two weren't done yet. In front of them was another Level E, a little boy of twelve years or less.

Upon laying his eyes on the dreaded creature, Zero's eyes froze in horror. A memory flash through his mind. "Ichiru?" He whispered.

Before he can react, the young Level E laughed hysterically and ran up and into the building behind him. From it, a loud and familiar scream flew out.

"Yuki!" Auska cried while Zero gasped.

She quickly grab another arrow and ran towards the building, jumping over the broken bits of the door. Before Zero can keep up to her, Auska was already running up the stairs to the highest floor. When she reached it, Auska saw her sister being cornered to the wall as she tried to fend of the Level E. As it tried to reach for her neck, the vampire scratched her hand, causing blood to ooze out from her palm. Upon seeing the blood, the huntress's eyes narrowed and she released her warning shot. The arrow brushed across the vampire, nearly missing Yuki's face. Shocked by the arrow's sudden appearance, the Level E fell backwards onto the ground.

"HEY!"

Upon hearing a newcomer, the Level E shot and angry glace at her and ran towards her. However, Auska block it's attack with Ninigi and kick him, sending him flying to the other wall. She quickly ran in front of Yuki, shielding her from the creature. "Are you alright?" She asked, her sight never leaving the Level E as she reached for a new arrow.

"Hm." Yuki replied softly, regaining her composure and stood next to her sister, her Artemis Rod in position. "Sorry for running away like that."

"No hard feelings."

Just as Auska diverted her gaze from the Level E, the creature started climbing on the walls, trying to give a surprise attack.

Noticing it, Auska released her arrow again. However, the vampire quickly dodge it and landed onto the ground. She fired another one as the two tried to get out of the room but the Level E tried attacking again, this time aiming towards Yuki again. In defense, the girl swung her rod towards and attacker but it dodged once again and jumped onto the wheel. His wheight caused it to turn, triggering the bell to sound.

As the bell rung loudly, the sisters dropped their weapons and covered their ears from the stinging sounds of the contraption. The Level E laugh hysterically, thinking they have gotten the upper hand.

Damn it! Auska cursed to while Yuki closed her eyes.

However, when the sisters looked up, the vampire's eyes were wide open. It's body froze in fear upon laying eyes on the figure standing by the window. Their body blocking the sunlight that shown.

"How pitiful, that you have fallen so far." Kaname said in his usual calm voice but with a hint of anger.

As he walked closer to the Level E, the creature slowly backed away in horror. Knowing what he was about to do next, Auska grabbed Yuki's hand and hugged her tightly as she herself faced away from the unfolding scene.

"No matter what, keep you eyes closed." She whispered in a stern tone. Yuki nodded and did as her sister said.

"But..." They heard the vampire hiss as his eyes admitted a sinister glow. "You have hurt my precious person."

Soon, strong winds blew through the tower as screams from the Level E fill the building before everything went silent. All was heard was the soft breathes of Yuki and Auska.

Feeling that everything has been done, Auska removed herself embrace from her sister. However, it was quickly replaced by Kaname.

"Ka..name." Yuki said timidly as she felt his embrace tighten. Unlike Auska's, she felt safe and secure in his hug, reminding her of the day she first met him.

"I'm happy that you're okay." Kaname said calmly, removing himself as the three individuals watched the dust disappear into oblivion. "Don't worry, it's over."

Yuki looked confused. "Th..that boy."

"A Level E." Kaname started, taking the liberty to explain to the girl. "They are a type of vampire."

"But.."

Before she could say anything, the said vampire pinched and cup her cheek. "You such a troublesome child. Injuring yourself coming to such a dangerous place alone.." He then looked up and face Auska. "You worried both your sister and I."

As Kaname lift her injured hand to his mouth to heal it, Yuki quickly retracted it and covering the wound, flustered by his sudden gesture. "I was...looking for Zero."

"I see. He has already returned to the dorms." Kaname lied. "I'll escort you two back." He offered, mostly directly at Yuki. "The scent of your blood is too dangerous."

"I'll stay hear for a while longer." Auska interjected. "I want to patrol the area a little. See if there is other Level Es."

Kaname stared at the black-haired girl suspiciously. At the same time, he notice the gem on her necklace was a mix of red and purple. His eyes widened a little in surprise. There was only one known gem that could do it. That necklace. Is that what I think it is...If so, how did I not notice it years ago.

"Alright." He nodded, giving in to her request. "I'll return Yuki home then. Stay safe, Auska."

Auska returned a reassuring nod to the both of them as she watch Kaname hold Yuki tightly to his chest, causing the girl to blush heavily. In a blink of an eye, the two disappeared out from the window.

Once they were out of sight, Auska glanced down at her necklace. She no longer felt it burning her neck like earlier. When she lift the gem to her eye level, it has returned to its usual violet colouring.

It's back to normal. Her eyes widened, shocked by the strange phenomenon. How strange. When the Level Es were present, it turned red. Now that their gone, it's back to normal.

Maybe this is not a normal gem after all...But what..

Auska shook her head. There is no time for such detours. I should head back before it's late. Since Kaname said Zero has gone back to the dorms, I should trust his words.

As she grabbed her fallen bow and and made her way out the building, Auska's eyes started to tremble. In truth, that was her first encounter with a Level E vampire. She has only heard tales of their gruesome nature from Kaien. Their appearance and their behavior is a complete contrast from the vampires she has come to known. Granted, they have ruthless attitudes but was nothing close to the Level Es'. Now that she has encountered two, she fears more for Zero's sanity. With his attack occurring more often than usual, she is afraid that on day, Zero will lose control and fall to their level. Despite that, Auska still has complete faith that he will overcome it one day, even if it takes years. Nothing will please her more than to see Zero fighting along side her, protecting the innocent and feeling contented with life.

As Auska exited the building and disappeared through the alleyway, she unknowingly ran passed Zero, who was leaning against the tower's wall, clenching his throat. His cloudy eyes stared towards the black-haired girl as she ran. Now you know, Auska. Now you know why we must never be close to each other...I'm sorry.

-0-

Night has fallen and it was about time for the discipline committee to do their nightly patrol. However, Auska was not in the right mood to do so.

"Auska dear, how long are you going to lie down for?"

Upon hearing her father's concern voice, the girl lift her arm from her eyes and stood up from the couch with an emotionless expression. Since she came into the headmaster's office, Auska had an emotionless expression on her face. When she came into his office, Kaien told her Kaname had brought Yuki to the office earlier to report about the earlier incident and get Yuki's hand bandaged. However, even the good new about her sister's well-being was not enough to brighten her spirits.

Though it was not the first time she had barge into the office with such an expression, it was the longest Kaien has see her hold for. Not only that, normally she would tell him about it. But instead, she remained silent till now.

"Sorry...I should get going." As she was about to exit the office, Auska felt her body being turned around and engulfed in a tight hug.

Kaien slowly pet his daughter's head as he rest it on his shoulder, comforting her. "If there is anything bothering you, you can just talk to me. I'm your father, Auska."

Auska swallowed, unsure if she could voice out everything now that is bothering her. Before she has the chance speak, their moment was interrupted by knocks on the door. "Come in." Kaien answered.

As Auska freed herself from her father's embrace, Kaname entered the office. "Headmaster Cross, sorry to bother you. But there is something important I have to discuss with you."

Sensing that it was something important, the Headmaster's daughter decided to excuse herself. "I guess I should get going..." Before she could exit, Kaname stopped her. "You stay, Auska." He implored, surprising the girl. "This is something you have to listen too, seeing that you also know."

As Kaname got comfortable on one of the sofas, Kaien went back his table while Auska stood next to it. "So, what is it you want to talk about."

"It's about Zero."

Kaien's body tensed up a little upon hearing the chosen topic of discussion. He knew this day would come. Kaname was not an easy person to fool. He also understood why he asked Auska to stay, seeing that she is the only other person who knows Zero's secret.

"I knew you'd be the only person I could't deceive." He sighed. "You really are extraordinary, Kaname. That is needless to say about your kind.

The Vampire of vampires. The Purebloods."

"How long have to known, Big brother Kaname?" Auska asked hesitantly.

"Since the day I met him." He replied, his voice now with a hint of anger. "Headmaster Cross, I have remained silent up till now because I believe in you." Kaname said as he got up and leaned toward Kaien. "However..you and Auska continued to treat Zero like a normal student, taking only the barest minimum of precautions."

As his anger and concern build up, Kaname's fingers pierce through the headmaster's already broken table. "Do you intent to let your pacifist ideals be destroyed by Zero?"

As Kaien remained silent, Auska answered on behalf of him. "He wasn't given a choice." She started, clenching her hands together. "Zero..Zero was turned against his will. His family was killed by a vampire..He was the sole survivor of that ordeal...For the pass four years, we treated him like one of us because he is one of us."

"So please tell me.." She stared back at him with seriousness. "How could you expect us to such a cruel thing to him now?"

"But the one who attacked his family was no ordinary vampire." Kaname continued, leaning closer to Kaien. "It was a Pureblood..like me."

Auska's eyes widen in shook upon hearing the shocking news. She had thought that every vampire could turn humans into their kind. "Auska is too young to understand completely.." Kaname added. "However, you should understand better than anyone. You've witnessed the fates of many such pitiful humans in the past, correct?

"Ex-vampire hunter, Kaien Cross."

Kaien closed his eyes painfully as Kaname mentioned his much hated past. "It's an abominable fate from which one cannot escape." The vampire went on. "Humans who bitten by Purebloods... will transform into vampires."

Before either men could say anything else, Auska began to clench her chest painfully, feeling the same burning sensation she felt earlier. "Auska..what's wrong?' Kaien asked, crouching down to her level. When he lift her hand of her chest, his eyes widened as he realize the amethyst gem had turned blood red.

At the same time, Kaname sensed a faint but familiar scent through the school. Now he knows why the gem changed colour. "The scent of blood.." He whispered loudly, turning towards the door.

Kaien gasped as the vampire ran out of the office. "Kaname!"

Fearing the worse, Auska got up and ran after him, brushing of the unpleasant feeling around her neck. Zero...please don't let it be you. As memories with him flooded her mind, the black-haired girl ran faster than her legs could ever move. At the same time, she feared for the person's life. A bite from any vampire can be fatal. There is a chance the victim could die, or if they survive, be forever traumatized by this incident.

Come to think of it, it's impossible for students to be up at this timing Auska thought Besides me, there is Zero and... Her eyes widen in realization.

Seeing that Kaname has stopped by the school's stairway, Auska slowed down and walked up before the vampire could. However, before she could walk to the top, she stopped and her eyes trembled in horror. Before her stood Zero, his mouth covered in blood. In front of him stood her sister, covering her bleeding neck and trembling with fear.

Auska's worse nightmare has came true.

And that's it for chapter 5. So sorry for the long wait and hope this new update was able to satisfy you. Honestly, this year has been quite busy for me and I was not able to upload much on . From major exams to getting into new fandoms, i wasn't paying much attention to VK:S. However, a this story is a long time coming, I really hope I can complete this fanfic.

Once again, thank you for reading and see you on the next update. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

-Gi