New chapter! From now on I’ll be posting on the weekends. I might surprise you by posting some other time but expect them now on Friday, Saturday, or Sunday.

Natsumi’s pov

Broken branches surrounded the area. My breath came in short pants. Sweat dripped down my face. My muscles ached. After Zero went to get a shower, I left. Just because I’m living here now doesn’t mean it’s a vacation. I won’t let those monsters get the better of me again.

I’ve been in the small forest for some time now. The sun was just beginning to rise. It’s probably around 6:00 or 6:30. School doesn’t start till 9:00. I have plenty of time left.

I was exhausted. My training techniques push you far off your limits. The only thing that keeps me going is that image of my parents and Zero lying in our house, Ichiru standing beside that filthy pureblood. My hands clenched around my bow.

“I won’t give up. I’ll kill her and everyone of those creatures.” I sneered.

The breeze cooled me down a bit. The rustling leaves fell off the limbs and floated to the ground. I’ve been getting this strange feeling something’s going to happen soon, something I won’t be able to stop. I’ll keep my eye out for anything suspicious. I should get ready.

Zero’s pov

A pill dropped in the sink, the water turning it to red. Damn blood tablets, they aren’t doing a thing. My body’s rejecting them. It won’t be long before I do something I’d regret.

I need to get to class otherwise Natsumi will be alone. When I stepped through the doorway to the classroom I was surprised to see my sister handing out chocolates with a smile on her face. The guys were blushing and wouldn’t stop thanking her. She even gave the girls some.

“I just thought I’d give them to you today since I have guardian duties tomorrow. Anyways, I figured the guys didn’t get any chocolates cause of the night class.”

The class stared at her with admiration. It’s the first time she’s tried to fit in with them and her mood is different. Her head turned my way and she smiled.

“Zero!”

In less than a second, she had her arms wrapped around me. I balanced my weight so she wouldn’t tip me over. She’s really hyper for some reason. It’s odd to see her like this, it reminds me of the times when she was little.

“Come sit down beside me.”

She led me to our seats and wait for me to get in the row first. After everyone went back to what they were doing I whispered quietly to her, “What going on? Why are you acting like this today? It can’t be because of Valentine’s Day tomorrow.”

A giggle left her lips. She rested her head on her head. A content look crossed her face and her eyes softened.

“Not at all, believe it or not I can be like this when around humans. You’ve only seen my bad side so far but I want you to see what I can be like relaxed. Valentine’s Day does have me a bit more energetic than usual but this is the real me. I won’t let those stupid vampires ruin my mood. Don’t worry so much, I’ll get serious when we have to guard the night and the crossover.”

She pulled out a small package and set it in front of me.

“This is for you. I made your favorite chocolate from scratch. I’m really glad I found you.”

Without another word, she got up and went to Yuki’s desk, most likely to give her a present as well. My eyes landed on the square box. Is this how she acts regularly? I hope this means she’s forgot about last night. It was that same look in her eye she had before she left. The never ending fear of being alone, it wasn’t very pleasant on my side either, but at least I had someone to take care of me. Natsumi was on her own. I didn’t think she’s become a vampire hunter. I wonder how she handled all of it.

“Zero.”

A hand waved in front of my face. Yuki and Natsumi were there in front of me. Everybody was gone from the room.

“You must have something really important on your mind. Class is over and it’s lunch time. We have to go see the head master before we eat.” Natsumi explained.

“Let’s get this over with.”

Yuki lead the way to the office. Natsumi smiled and grabbed my hand. I squeezed her hand back and a small smirk played on my mouth.

I don’t know what happened during the years we were separated. Still it’s nice to have my little sister by my side again.

Natsumi’s pov

“Tomorrow will be Valentine’s Day and you three will have to be more alert than usual. Is that understood?”

“Yes sir” Yuki saluted.

I smiled with a nod. I told Zero and myself I wouldn’t let the vampires get my mood down. Aido will be a handful but I think I can handle it. No vampire will make me angry.

“Why don’t you just band the holiday? It’s a waste of time.” Zero muttered.

“Now Zero, doing that will cause a riot. Of course the Day class will fawn over the Night class cause they’re so beautiful and naturally skilled. They would be a great resource if they trusted us.”

A glare formed on, not only Zero’s, but my face also. Vampires and head master isn’t a good combination for my nerves, especially when the head master brags about those beasts.

“ ‘Don’t talk about such awful things in front of me’ that’s what their glares say.” Yuki translated for us.

“They have always been monsters in the form of humans. Times have past and there are some vampires who want to coexist with us. Someday you two will understand my philosophy.”

“I doubt it.” Zero whispered.

“Never in a million years would I befriend a creature of the night.”

No way would I be their friend. I made a mistake back then but I cut my bonds relating to them. It’s not like vampire hunters and the ones they hunt could talk happily together. That’s just how it is. The stiffness in the office became more apparent. It felt like it was engulfing everyone.

“Um….father, I have a present for you! Here’s one for you and Zero too.”

A piece of paper was shoved in my face. The mood instantly lightened when master Cross heard his beloved ‘daughter’ call him ‘father’. I opened my present and saw a coupon for a girl’s day out. It was really nice of her to do this for me. She’s a sweet girl but very naïve. It’ll be her demise in the end.

“Lunch time is almost over, we should go.”

Yuki pushed Zero out the door and before she grabbed my hand I took a step back.

“I need to talk to the head master about something. You guys go ahead.”

Yuki nodded and pulled Zero away. He looked back at me with concern and I smiled to comfort him. I’ll have to tell him later about it.

“I assume you know why I wanted to talk with you, head master.”

“Does it have to do with Zero’s past, particularly 4 years ago?” he hinted.

He for once was serious and so was I. Yuki said he knew what happened years ago. This must mean he knows the truth.

“Do you know who I am?” I asked.

“It’s hard not to notice the resemblance. You’re definitely Zero’s little sister. You were just a baby when I first met you. When we couldn’t find your body at the crime scene I got worried. Then you show up here 4 years later.”

“Thank you for saving my brother. Until today, half of me thought he was dead. You’ve taken good care of him and he’s turned out quite well.”

“I’m afraid we can’t say the same for you.”

The comment confused me. The sad tone to it wasn’t right.

“What do you mean by that?”

“You aren’t the same Natsumi. Did you really plan on being a vampire hunter? I don’t think you would. I bet you would agree with my philosophy if the murder didn’t happen.”

I turned my head avoiding eye contact. My bangs lowered trying to show as little of my face as possible. My hands bound into fists.

“Well we can’t change that can we? I’ve tried so many times to forgive and forget but it’s a lot harder than it sounds. Please don’t remind me of that night.”

“Alright, I won’t speak of it again. You’ll have to face it eventually though. I bet some are starting to figure out you and Zero are too much alike. If you want no one to know your secret then you must be careful.”

“Understood, if you don’t mind me asking, have you told the vampire hunter society about my appearance?”

If they found out I was alive they would recruit me. I work alone and it’s always been that way.

“No I have not which is why you should keep a low profile. I know you won’t like hearing this but you are also considered my daughter. This place will always be your home if needed.”

During his talking he had walked over to me, he lifted his hand and gently rubbed my head. A tender smile had replaced his worried look. An embarrassed blush ran across my cheeks. One quick kick to the side made him remove his hand. He lay on the floor with tears pouring down his face.

“Don’t say stuff like that its stupid! I’m not a child anymore, I’m leaving.”

I slammed the door on my way out. That old man is a weird one. It’s hard to believe he was once the best vampire hunter ever. A smirk showed its way on my face.

“This place will always be your home if needed.”

I’m glad to hear I have a home with someone like him.

Yay this chapters done! Now on to the other stories I have to do -_-“ I’m sorry if this one was a little dry but the next is the actual Valentine’s Day. I hope you liked this one! J