Author's note: Thank you all for your reviews, follows and favorites. Also, for the kind messages concerning my mental health. I am feeling much better and my muse has returned with a vengeance XD

DISCLAIMER: I don't own Vampire Knight

Chapter 6

Zero shook his head in disbelief. This had to be some kind of sick joke or a nightmare that he couldn't wake up from. Ichiru wouldn't do that, couldn't do that. Ichiru had died right before his eyes. Or had he? The memory of his parents lying on the floor with glassy dead eyes was clear as daylight, but Ichiru… It was foggy, his vision had been blurring at the time. His twin had been standing by Shizuka, frightened for his life. Zero was sure of it. But why was his brother smiling?

Zero turned his face away from the Headmaster and his master. He was going to be sick. How could he have been so blind? Where had he gone wrong? He had taken care of his younger brother, had given him all the attention in the world. Why hadn't that been enough? Why hadn't he been enough?

"Where are they?" The Level D asked through gritted teeth.

"We don't know." The Headmaster answered with a sigh.

"What does it matter?" Toga inquired. He didn't like where this was going.

"I'm going to kill him." Zero replied, his anger replacing his feelings of helplessness. He was lost and hurting. He wanted to take his anger out on something and his vampire nature was begging him to rip Ichiru's throat out with his teeth.

"You will do no such thing." Kaien reprimanded. "You will return to your room in the sun dorm and get a good night's rest. Tomorrow a transfer student will be arriving and I expect you and Yuki to give her a tour of the school."

Zero put his hands in his pockets with a snort. Of course the Headmaster wanted him to forget about this. Forget about the woman and brother who had ruined his life and left him to a fate worse than death. The Headmaster wanted him to move on and enjoy what little time he had left. Well, Zero couldn't do that. He couldn't let this go and he was infuriated that Kaien would even asked that of him.

"Whatever." Zero spat his usual reply when he was tired of a conversation and left the office. He could wait. He could play it cool for a little longer, but he would kill that woman and when it came to Ichiru… he didn't even know what he would do, if he even had the nerve to kill his other half. Chest tightening as his thirst for blood flared at the thought of the blood of his brother, Zero ran to his room with his vampire speed. He didn't feel safe and he didn't want to jump the first person he saw.

Kaname kept his expression neutral as his gaze drifted over the colossal room – if you could even call it a room – that was the library. The last time he had visited it, it had been through the eyes of a child. He was inwardly amazed that it seemed just as big. The library consisted of four different stories, three above this entrance level and one beneath it. It was a trove of knowledge with what seemed like never ending rows of bookshelves, even going as far as having bookshelves from the floor to the roof against all the walls. It had been constructed during the time he had been in his self-induced coma. It contained the most vast and oldest knowledge on all things vampire, hunter and human.

The Pureblood turned to look at the Head Librarian as she approached, wearing a simple gown that would have been suitable in the 1800s. She bowed deeply at the waist and welcomed him, "It is an honor to have you grace us with your presence lord Kuran. My name is Ino Kurenai. If there is anything I can help you with please don't hesitate to call me."

"Thank you." Kaname replied coolly with a hint of a smile and descended the stairs into the rows of bookshelves, Seiren close behind him. The Pureblood acted to nonchalantly peruse the books as he walked away to get out of anyone's hearing range and said, "Seiren, I want you to gather any books concerning the joining of two bodies and souls in the Hunter section."

"Of course, lord Kaname." Seiren replied and disappeared into seemingly thin air.

He would search through the Kuran lineage history to see if there was any mention of Lysandra and perhaps track through her own lineage, the Namikaze line. Every aristocrat family descended from a Pureblood. Of course, there had been many more Purebloods back in the days before the Great War.

It had taken just under five hours to collect all the books, manuscripts and scrolls that might lead to the answers the Pureblood was searching for. Often he had to move from one floor to another and although no one approached him, he could feel the stares that watched his every move.

He climbed onto the elevator that would take him to the hotel above the library that would be his accommodation for the night. Vampires were free to enter and read the books, but under no circumstance was anyone allowed to leave the building with anything they found in the library. Thus, the accommodation that was provided which one could stay in for months at a time, which some scholars actually did.

After setting down the books in his suite, he turned to Seiren and requested, "Seiren, please will you have some food sent up for both of us. Anything you like will be fine."

"Thank you, lord Kaname." Seiren replied with a smile that was only ever seen by him. She had been with Kaname since they were children. Her family had sworn a blood oath to protect the Kuran bloodline until every last one of her family members died. Seiren was grateful for Kaname's good nature. She knew other Pureblood families treated their protectors worse than dogs.

Kaname sat down a chair that was in front of the low-lying table they had placed the books on and took the first book within reach. It was a somewhat recently published book – recent for vampires anyway – that claimed to track back the Kuran lineage to a few thousand years. A quick glance through the pages revealed the author had greatly over estimated his own work.

And so the search went on. The two vampires only taking a small break to eat the food once it arrived and drink some blood tablets. Kaname eventually found some texts referring to the Hooded Woman whom had been the creator of the Hunters. This the Pureblood already knew, so he sent the books back to the library as he finished them one by one until Seiren interrupted his search, "Lord Kaname, I found something that might tie in with what you're searching for."

"What is it?" Kaname asked, sitting up straight. They had been reading for hours and had found nothing of interest.

"It is called 'The Curse of the Twins'." Seiren answered, showing Kaname the cover of the book.

"Oh?" The Pureblood remarked with a raise eyebrow. This all seemed to be coming back to the hunters again and again.

"It talks about the gene's that created the Hunters and how it modified their bodies to the point of how the pregnancy changed from normal humans." Seiren continued, opening the book to specific page. "Like some normal pregnancies, one egg could be fertilized and split into two or two eggs could be fertalized, both cases would form twins."

Kaname nodded at the basic biology, but waited for Seiren to continue, knowing she would reveal something she thought he didn't know.

"But because Hunters are also predators thanks to the slight amount of vampire blood in their system, the twins never survive. They try to eat one another in the womb which mostly ends up with them killing one another and the mother giving birth to stillborn children or only the one twin survives becoming an only child. Thus the name 'Curse of the Twins'." Seiren went on, flipping to the next page. "However, there are some cases, very few, where both twins are born alive."

"Because they somehow do not eat one another?" Kaname interrupted her explanation with a question.

"No, the one twin does start to eat the other, but for some reason stops. They call it the soft-hearted twin. Then when the children are born one is stronger than the other. The second born is usually frail and sickly, never being able to fulfil the duty of becoming a hunter. The book then states if the stronger twin was then to somehow consume the essence of the weaker twin during the course of their life, their power will merge when the weaker twin dies, resulting in an extraordinarily powerful hunter." Seiren ended, closing the book and placing it back on the table.

"And does this book state whether this is just folklore or a definite reality?" Kaname inquired.

"There are recorded cases within the book. The latest one being of Kaien Cross." Seiren answered with a solemn face. She didn't know whether she liked the idea of the Headmaster being such a powerful Hunter.

"I see." Kaname said, absentmindedly, his thoughts racing through the endless possibilities of what this information could mean. It would make sense as to why Kaien had known his parents before he had become the son of Juri and Haruka and stilled looking to be only thirty. It was possible that this merging could give the Hunter the strength, speed and lifespan of a common vampire. Kaien was called the greatest Hunter of his time, but Kaname was also aware that this book was out of date. There had been one more case of Hunter twins that survived and that was Zero and Ichiru Kiryu.

"Did you find anything else along those lines?" Kaname asked with a sudden serious expression. He didn't know how, but this twin thing somehow connected to that prophecy.

"Hunter charms that may have the same effect." Seiren answered, pointing to a small pile of books.

"Hunter charms that would merge power or bodies?" Kaname inquired not believing that there was a Hunter charm strong enough to accomplish such a feat.

"No, lord Kaname. These charms are used to tie someone's life to another for a very short period of time. It's used when someone is injured and on the brink of death just so that they would survive long enough to get medical attention." She explained, disappointed that she had only found one thing of value for the Pureblood.

Kaname took the last text on the table. It was a scroll that seemed it would crumble from age at any given moment. The Pureblood immediately recognized Lysandra's handwriting and waited for Seiren to leave to return the last of their books before reading the content.

My beloved Kaname,

If you are reading this letter than I have acted upon my plan to create weapons for my Hunters. I am sorry. Sorry for all the heartache and pain my death wrought upon you. I am sorry my responsibilities fell upon your shoulders.

I need to tell you that it was an accident. The war that started between the humans and the vampires was an accident. However, it is too late to stop it.

Help the Dark One. He knows everything. He will help stop this war that will become endless.

You hold my hearts deepest affections. I have provided a way for our love to be born again. Look for me, Kaname.

Your beloved,

Lysandra

Kaname stared at the scroll in disbelief, confused on how to feel, torn between his old self and his current self once more. He loved Yuki. He had devoted his entire life to her. She was the only thing he truly cared about. But on the other hand, Lysandra had been his bonded partner, the one he had wanted to spend his eternal life with. She had taught him, nurtured him and fulfilled him in a way that no one else ever had. She had taught him how to be strong while keeping his heart open to the things he cared about, but her death had shattered his heart and mind.

He no longer cared about the world. He only wanted to destroy those who had wronged him and his bloodline. His life had become nothing other than revenge and Yuki. That's how he preferred it, or so he had thought. Now… he didn't know what he wanted and he was angry with himself for his indecisiveness.

Whatever Lysandra had planned all those years ago, the Pureblood was sure that it had something to do with Kiriyu and that fact alone put him at unease. Yuki was very attached to the boy and if Kaname ever harmed a hair on his head he was sure that Yuki would never forgive him. So he tucked the scroll into his bag. It had been written for him, it belonged to him.

Yuki and Zero stood in front of Headmaster's personal home on campus, waiting for the new transfer student to make her appearance. Zero was agitated and testy, his lust for blood hadn't left him, making Yuki worry about him. But after trying to start a conversation three times with no response in return, she had given up and waited in silence. Zero obviously didn't feel like talking and even though it hurt her to see him this way, she wasn't about to push his boundaries.

Zero had been pleased and slightly guilty when Yuki stopped trying to get him to open up. He wasn't thinking clearly. That bone crushing empty feeling from the day before had come back with a vengeance and Yuki was so close. The need to drink her blood was growing by the second. It was the only thing that would fill the hole in his chest, but he would be damned before he let his vampire nature forced him to hurt the woman he loved again.

The hunter was pacing, feeling the need to keep moving in order to keep his desires in check. He forced his thoughts away from the beautiful, innocent girl in front of him to the woman who ruined his life. His agitation quickly turning into raging anger.

He had yet to come up with a plan to complete his revenge. Knowing Shizuka was alive and knowing how to find the bitch was two very different situations. How could he track a woman who nobody could pinpoint for the last ten years? She had become a ghost but was suddenly resurfacing, and Zero didn't like that one bit. There was something wrong. Something bad was going to happen. He just didn't know what. And if he had to wait one more minute for this student, he would…

The thought was cut off as a black car pulled up in front of them. Zero forced himself to stand still at Yuki's side, watching as the driver walked around the car to open the door for the student. The ex-hunter froze in place, eyes widening in shock as the petite girl in a Night Class uniform stepped out with a small smile on her face.

"Welcome to Cross Academy." Yuki said cheerfully, taking a step forward and looking back over her shoulder when Zero didn't do the same. The silver haired boy stared at the girl, completed paralyzed for a moment. Fear and horror curdled in his gut. It was her, he was sure. The hair and the eyes were so similar in color that there was no way he could be wrong. Feeling the sudden tension within Zero, Yuki turned towards him. "Zero, what are you…"

But Zero couldn't hear her, his body moving of its own accord as he aimed his gun at the devil in human form. He would kill her. Right here, right now. His finger was on the trigger, but he stopped when Yuki stepped in front of the vampire, arms stretched open in a defensive position, "No! You pulled that gun on her for no reason. Why would you do that?!"

Zero struggled with himself, trying to break out of the trance he was under. He was sure that this was Shizuka, but the way the small girl cowered behind Yuki was so unlike the arrogant woman he remembered. He slowly lowered his gun, his voice raspy as he demanded, "Who are you?"

"How do you do? I'm Maria Kurenai." The vampire introduced herself, peeking over Yuki's shoulder. The ex-hunter snapped out of his trance and put his gun away. What was he doing? Why had he reacted like that? This girl was obviously not a Pureblood and she didn't sound anything like that woman. Zero looked off into the distance, slightly ashamed of his behaviour as Yuki apologized, "I'm sorry if he scared you, Maria. He's a guardian here at the Academy like I am. His name is Zero. He's my partner, but he generally doesn't take things this far. Well… not usually."

"Thank you so much for protecting me, Yuki." Maria thanked the female guardian, smirking at the silver haired boy. Zero scoffed and walked away glaring at Aido as he spotted the blonde on the nearby balcony watching them like they were the evening entertainment. Maria continued like nothing had happened, "You're nice. I like girls like you. You see, good girls like you happen to taste especially delicious, Yuki."

Hanabusa watched Yuki flush and brush off some remark the vampire made with narrowed eyes. He had been up here for some fresh air, taking a break from Kain and Ruka's bickering. He had been about to turn around and mind his own business when Kiriyu reacted like he had fallen into a temporary Level E state as soon as he looked at the transfer student. It wasn't common knowledge that the male guardian was in fact an ex-human vampire, but Aido could be quite perceptive when he wanted to be.

"So the library is this way, oh, and just up there is the room the Night Class will be using today. Do you want to take a look?" Yuki offered, lowering the hand she had been using to point in the direction of the venues she had been speaking of, but paused and turned around when Maria stopped following her.

"What's wrong?" Yuki inquired, noticing the slightly hunched shoulders and dejected expression on the vampire's face.

"You see, Yuki. Transferring to this academy scares me a bit. I know that's hard to believe, but I'm afraid the other vampires aren't going to accept someone as frail as I am." Maria explained, shocking Yuki with her honesty. It was strange that a vampire would have such a human insecurity, but it warmed the brunette's heart anyway.

"See, I knew you wouldn't believe me!" Maria exclaimed, covering her face with her hands.

"N…no, I… I was just surprised. Listen, I really don't think there's anything to worry about. Both the Dorm President and the Vice Dorm President are really nice." Yuki explained, taking a hold of the other girl's hands before continuing, "And also, you've got me and the Headmaster on your side as well. We'll be glad to help. So you see, Maria, you're gonna be fine."

Maria smiled brightly, drawing Yuki into a tight hug before stepping back and tucking a piece of hair behind the guardian's ear, touching her gently like you would do with a lover. The vampire pulled Yuki into another hug to quietly whisper in her ear, "Yuki, I really do love being with girls like you."

She took a step back, smiling brightly and entered the class, leaving Yuki feeling uncomfortable in the hallway. The brunette suddenly got the impression that something was off about the girl. She was so quick to jump between emotions. It was like she had two extremely different personalities.

"Yuki." Kaname called her name as he made his way towards the classroom.

"Kaname, you're back." Yuki said with a bright smile, forgetting her troubled thoughts in the comforting presence of the Pureblood. Kaname smiled softly in return, his heart feeling full at the expression of complete adoration on the girl's face. How could he ever doubt his feelings for her? She could always lift his spirits with a simple smile. "What are you doing here, sweet one? Shouldn't you be patrolling the school grounds with Zero?"

"Yes, of course." Yuki replied, having almost forgotten about her duties, giving Kaname a quick hug before running off in the direction of the exit.

Kaname watched her leave, his heart feeling like it would explode. Yes, Lysandra was definitely a thing of the past. He schooled his expression to that of slight boredom, diminishing his presence as he listened to what was happening inside of the classroom. He was angry that Maria would dare touch Yuki or even say such unspeakable things to her.

Maria sat on the teacher's desk in front of the classroom, kicking her legs in a playful manner, drawing everyone's attention to her as she said, "This class looks like fun. Hey… shouldn't it have started already?"

"Who the hell are you?" Aido all but growled through gritted teeth, glaring at the transfer student he had seen earlier. He had seen the scene that unfolded between the Cross girl, Kiriyu and this girl, but he hadn't been able to hear much of what had been said, but he instantly couldn't stand her.

"The hell?" She repeated with a lifted eyebrow, her expression and aura darkening immediately. Maria stood up and practically floated over to the desk Aido was standing at. She gently took his face in her hands, leaning in as she queried, "Excuse me boy, you think you can talk that way to me?"

Fear unlike anything he had ever felt before, shook Aido to the core. This girl. This small, playful girl was expelling the aura of a furious Pureblood and the blonde was both captivated and shaking outwardly, afraid for his life. The spell over him broke, however, when Kaname stepped into the room, releasing the hold on his presence and stated, "I believe it's the new student's duty to introduce one's self to the class. Right, Maria Kurenai?"

"Oh…" She breathed softly, letting go of Aido and pulling in her aura as she floated over to the Pureblood, taking his hand to apologize, "If I've upset you, please forgive me. I'm sorry, lord Kaname."

Kaname's expression didn't move an inch as Maria rubbed her face against his hand in a catlike gesture. He didn't know what game Shizuka was playing, but he wasn't about to react to this childish façade. Maria squealed in delight and exclaimed, "I can't believe I finally get to meet a Pureblood. This makes me so happy."

"A pleasure to meet you." The Pureblood responded in a deadpan voice. If he had been anybody else he would have rolled his eyes at her antics.

"I'm sorry." She uttered, standing up and looking around the classroom as if only just noticing the deadly tension in the room. Maria frowned like a petulant child before adding, "I think I've made everyone a little uncomfortable. Perhaps it's best if I come back another time."

Kaname merely watched as she floated to the door and left, not making any move to stop her. He, of course, knew that it was Shizuka inhabiting Maria's body and he was reluctant to do anything that might upset her plan before she revealed it. Ignoring Takuma's curious, concerned gaze, he questioned, "Are you alright, Aido?"

"Of course, lord Kaname." Hanabusa stammered, hoping that Kaname wasn't mad at him for what happened.

"Then let's continue with the class." The Pureblood declared, taking his usual seat by the window as the teacher walked into the classroom apologizing profusely for her tardiness.

Author's note: So I hope you enjoyed this. I actually have another idea for a different story XD. But we'll see how it goes. Please let me know what you think.