Hello Everyone! Wow, thank you all so much for the lovely comments. I've been going through some rough times and reading those make my day every time. So now I will address the comments that were shown to me at this time. If I didn't get to your comment or question, then I am sorry and I will put it in the next chapters. Thank you so much. ^^

Rogue Reader: Thank you so much for liking this story. I love how sweet you are with Mei wanting her to be happy. Though, I am curious. What do you think that Kaname is going to do to ruin her plans? Also, thank you so much for waiting so patiently for these upcoming chapters. I hope that I am doing this story justice for how amazing you have been waiting.

Wolfgirl232323: Mei with Kaname huh? Hmmm, I don't know. She does have a lot of people that could be shipped with. Zero, Takuma, Shiki, and maybe even Aidou. We will have to see. Thank you so much for this loving this book and I'm updating right now lol.

Flowergirl (guest): I did see your comment but for some reason, it does not want to show up on here. Thank you so much for loving this story. And that comment about my writing getting better warms my heart. In a previous chapter, I said my grammar has been the biggest struggle so writing these chapters helps exceptionally. Now, your question about Zero x Mei x Kaname. It is still too early for a ship to happen in this story because of the chapters I want to create. But I'll think about that.

Lastly, thank you, everyone, that has recently followed and favorited. Enjoy guys.

By the way, should I do retouch up on the previous chapters? If so were at and when to end? Or if I should leave it and it's good enough lol. Sorry, I'm a perfectionist.

I do not own Vampire Knight

Chapter 17

I remember watching her near the cherry blossom tree. The cherry blossoms dancing in the wind with some petals getting caught in her hair. Her tears seem to be a part of her face every day. When she saw me, her tears would increase. I would question why she cries this much from the sight of me? When my memories of Anastasia returned, I began to question why she was out so early in her cage? She did not run away from this man yet so why? Why is she crying?

Who are you Shizuka Hiou?

Many questions were left unanswered by her. I thought her return would give me the chance to ask them. However, she vanished without so much of a word. The clear devastation was evident in Ichiru's voice and face. My unspoken questions will remain unanswered again.

Now, this vampire is telling me that she is kidnapped. A pureblood vampire being kidnapped by Zero. This is a joke, right? This vampire being in fear of my weapon works for the council of ancients or council of elders for their society. The same council that is being led by Asato Ichijo and the Shiki family. The same ones who wouldn't be in power if it weren't for Kaname's grandfather yielding in being king. They are the ones that hide their true motives and him.

"Explain to me, dogs of the vampire council. How did you get this information about Shizuka Hiou being kidnapped by Zero Kiryuu?"

The man gritted his teeth from my insult.

"Why should I tell you?"

My anger intensified with this vampire. His lack of awareness for almost hurting a human is a taboo against the hunter association. If I were to report this to them then he would find his execution. It was idiotic for Yuuki to leave the school grounds without anyone with her. My attention returned to the vampire fixing on that later.

"May I remind you that you almost hurt a human? A guardian none the less? This is a taboo among the Hunter Association for any vampires to attack humans."

The man seems to get the message. His pale face was in a cold sweat. His vampire nature calms down and the murderous aura was lifted.

"Now if you don't want to experience your execution, I suggest you tell me who gave your information?"

It was quiet between us. The only sounds were the electricity that surrounded Apollo. The vampire's glasses hid his eyes from me.

"...A young boy."

"A boy?"

"He told us that someone from this academy has sent him. He was to inform us of the kidnapping."

"What are you talking about? No one sent a young boy-"

A flash of young boy smirking hit me. It was only for a short second but I could see that smirk. He was facing his back towards me in this dark brick room. The flashes would go to him then appear behind the henchmen. One of the flashes would have the young boy behind the vampire. The other flash I saw was a young boy in front of two coffins next to each other. One of the coffins held the missing Shizuka. Wires were coming out of her arms that flow into the other coffin. The flashes were drawing me closer to the second coffin. Next thing I knew, the coffins and the young boy were replaced with blue and red eyes connecting with mine.

"No..."

The sound of glass breaking was coming out of Apollo. The weapon broke into shards of the bow and return into the ring. The burning on my hands of Apollo's electricity disappeared. When this happens, it means that my feelings are being conflicted. Another reason for Apollo being a hard weapon because it rejects any user who is unsure about what they want to do. Unlike other weapons, Apollo will reject anyone if it doesn't find it worthy. This wasn't the first time Apollo returned to the ring because of my feelings and actions.

"You saw?..."

The vampire's frown turned into an evil grinned. He began his attack on me but two figures from the front and behind appeared. One grabbed the man's claw-like hand while the other point his sword at his neck. The sound of hurried feet came closer to Yuki. I spotted another savage henchman heading at her.

"Yuki move!"

I pushed her out of the way for this vampire's sharp nails inches away from my face.

"Mei!"

"Die..."

The sound of skin being pierced froze everyone who was here. The vampire stopped in front of me surprised. He made a pained noise then became dust. His clothes were the only thing that remained of his existence on the floor. What killed the vampire was a tall slender man with fair pale skin. His hair a dark black and his brown eyes would have reached the black color scale. He was wearing a long dark cloak that was hiding his figure. Finally, the weapon in his hands were two dual swords with one covered in blood. His dark eyes could have seen right through me.

"Are you alright, Mei?"

My voice shivered from his deep and alluring voice. I don't know this person. He isn't any of the original characters in Vampire Knight. Could this person be someone who never existed until I showed up? The one question remains though.

"How... how do you know my name?"

His serious composure was replaced with a sad smile. My eyes widen from that smile directed at me. Did he know me when I was born?

Questions were going to be for later because of the rest surrounding us. One was going to attack the mysterious man but a bloody whip went through his body. The sudden attack startled everyone for all of the night class to appear. I felt relief when I saw Shiki using his weapon.

"Shiki."

"Are you hurt Mei?"

My response was only the shake of my head no. I felt grateful for his help. However, the rest of these vampires still believe that Zero kidnapped Shizuka.

"The council of ancients has consented to attend this school. It was already an inevitable matter to have that woman hunting for Kiryuu-kun."

The prince of vampires entered the scene behind Shiki and Rima. The henchmen bowed in worship of being in his presence. It was moments like this that Kaname's pureblood states show who he is.

"However... the pureblood 'sacredness' and for the sake of protecting it, why must Kiryuu-kun be taken in as a criminal?"

One of the henchmen gulped before speaking in a hesitant voice.

"Kaname-sama... If a pureblood noble such as yourself stand in our way, we would be unable to fulfill our duties. We would like you to leave with your honorable school friends."

These men were full of shit. They don't realize the serious offense that was being done on these grounds. Not only was this a taboo among the Hunter association but Kaname promised that the council will not be doing anything reckless. Their actions embarrassed a pureblood that they worship.

"I thought I had made special efforts to warn against dishonoring this academy with any foolish behavior, even from the dogs of the council of ancients."

Kaname's vampire eyes glow a bright red in anger. He used his power to remove the henchmen's arm into bits. His power has gotten stronger than usual. This is strange because he wouldn't have become this strong unless he drank Shizuka's blood. That can't be though since I stopped him.

...

"If that's the case, then don't expect me to treat you the same as before." "I'll find one way or another to let this game run the way I want to." "You need to go back Kuran-sama."

I reached for my pocket but recalled the vials of Shizuka's blood was in my dress. It couldn't be that the reason he didn't let me go was to grab a vial of her blood. No, he couldn't have known that she gave me her blood. They vanished while informing us they were going to report to the council of ancients of Kaname defending Zero.

Kaname walked up to Yuki and Zero but I focus my attention on this new character. Ichiru moved next to my side taking caution of any attack.

"Who are you?"

"Who do you think I am, Mei?"

"If I knew then I wouldn't be asking in the first-"

"You're a smart girl Mei. I believe you will figure it out."

This new character opened his cloaked for black feathers to fly towards me. The feathers surround his body until nothing was left of him but the black feathers on the ground. My eyes widen as a certain crow with similar feathers came into my head.

"Yamato!"

I ran to the spot that he was thrown at. When I arrived, the only thing was a bloody feather on the ground. It all made sense for that man to smile at me sadly. I couldn't recognize the one creature that has helped save Shizuka, Ichiru, and Zero. Yamato is a mysterious one but at least I know he is okay.

"Mei are you okay?"

I faced the person who asked seeing Shiki. He came forward to pat my head in concern. It has been a while since he has patted my head like this. I've been so busy that I never did take time to see him.

Shiki and I introduced ourselves to the Headmaster office for first-year registration. I've seen Shiki and Rima in magazines before and I've always been a fan of theirs. They were undoubtfully beautiful. There were times I forgot he was Kaname's cousin but that doesn't change what I think of him. He is nothing like his Father. Shiki is a person that has helped with school, training, mental, and physical state of mind. We were able to tell our lies and secrets when we met and I think we bonded well with that.

I was going to answer him but the look of his eyes stop me. They weren't the usual blue-grey eyes but he had one eye the color red.

"You saw?..."

This whole thing was to tell me that he captured Shizuka Hiou. That he is living and aware of the acts that are happening. In his usual scare tactic, he does not seem thrilled with me. I lost my composure with Apollo because of him. The game with Shizuka has ended but a new game is being created by a mad man. If that is the case, then I'll have to say goodbye to the person who I've thought of as a sister. In truth, I don't want to let her go. I'm terrified at the fact that he is going to make an appearance. He took Shizuka without us noticing. Yamato isn't a bird but is human? Or a vampire hunter? I never knew how terrifying it is to know nothing.

There was also the fact that Kaname showed up being more powerful. Did he steal a vial of blood from me? Could I be lying saying I don't know his plans anymore?

I felt myself breaking. I took a couple of breaths before answering Shiki's question. His eyes returning to the usual color.

"I am fine Shiki. Luckily Zero, Ichiru, and Yamato were able to give you guys enough time to aid us in this situation."

Shiki was satisfied with my answer for him to pat my head more. His constant pats turned into rubbing and that made my hair in a mess up bed head situation.

"Shiki stop that!"

He listened to me but only for his arm to be put around my shoulder. Shiki forced me to return with the trio. It wasn't until I was standing in front of Kaname that he let me go. He moved his face closer to mine with a disappointed expression.

"Have your forgotten Mei? I know when you're lying to me."

...

There were a few stares in my direction. Some stared at me concern while others stare at me worried. All I could do was stare at Shiki surprised. He knew the turmoil was going crazy inside me. What can I say? Can I break down in front of them? No, I can't do that.

"...I... I have to go."

I ran away. He was right. He was right. He was right. I was lying to all of them. I don't know what is going on anymore. This game of finding answers to unasked questions is tiring. Every time I think I'm getting closer to my goal. Where I think I'm 5 steps ahead of him. He moves me 10 steps behind.

There is one question that can be answered. I hope that my theory was wrong on this one.

I ran towards my room for the vials. My dress was spotted on the floor beside my bed. One vial was seen on my dress but the second one remained unseen. I searched for the second vial at every corner in my room. It was gone. He did it.

"Kaname... took it..."

A breeze grazed me with a foreign yet familiar presence entering my room. The man stood in front of my open window with that sad smile. His dark brown eyes watching my mind swirling with questions. I've had it with all of this mystery!

"Who are you?! What are you?! Are you Yamato?! Where's Shizuka? Did Rido sent someone to capture her?! What is going on-"

"Ana."

My voice got caught in my throat from the nickname. For 16 years, I haven't heard anyone call me by that name. That name holds so much meaning to me but should I get attached to a name if I died as Anastasia? She doesn't exist in this world so why are my tears falling?

"Please... please tell me... Who are you?"

He reaches closer to me for his arms to be wrapped around me. He was much taller than my 5'9 stature. It was strange to be in the arms of someone I didn't know but feel so warm and safe.

"Call me whatever you like Mei. I am a friend who will protect you. I'll be the one listening to your sorrows, worries, fear, and happiness. If you wish for my name to be Yamato then it will be Yamato. All you have to do is call for me. I will be your familiar."

"A familiar?"

The way he talks bring me more confusion. A familiar is suppose to be for the vampire society. They are humans beings turned into vampires that choose to devote themselves to a specific vampire but I'm human.

"You want to be my familiar but familiars are for the vampire society. I'm not a vampire."

"That is true. You are human but I do not care."

I stared at Yamato in shock for his eyes to glow red. There were questions that he wasn't answering. Again, I am left in the dark of something I don't know.

"How do you know about my past's life name?"

"Mei, I know this is hard because your mind is swimming with questions. You recall the life of Ana and that gives you an advantage. However, your presence has made drastic changes in this world. There are new characters in this world that you must take caution. Some lives are fated to die are alive. Relationships won't be the same as before so the people who you think will be together may not happen. Here is some advice. Keep what you know and do what you plan on doing but be careful of how you do it. I cannot tell you how I know your name because I am not the one to tell you. I'll come again to check up on you. If you are in danger, please call my name."

The feathers from his coat surrounded us but the feel of his heat disappeared. I was left alone in my room with the feathers on my floor. His warning echoed in my head and I fell deeper into this story than I intended it to be.

"Mei!"

"Mei!"

"Meimei!"

The twins and Yuki were calling my name outside my door. If I didn't answer now then their shouting would get louder.

"I'm here."

I open my door facing two worried faces and an angry Zero. He seemed to be angrier than usual when I do these things. I can tell there was a lecture coming up.

3

2

1

"Are you idiot?! We called your name for the past 20 minutes! Why did you run like that? You had all of us worried!"

If he thought that I was going to let him get away with calling me an idiot. He had another coming because I was not going to back down from this.

"You don't need to shout at me Zero! My head was messed up and I wanted to be alone!"

"Why don't you talk to us?! We are supposed to be a team, aren't we? Don't you and Yuki keep telling me to communicate!"

"Don't give me that bullshit Zero! You don't communicate with us at all! You pushed us away every time we get closer to you!"

"I do that to protect you!"

"I don't need protecting!"

Our voices were rising in volume. Yuki and Ichiru were perplexed on what to do and who to stop first.

"Well, obviously you do! It seems like your the one that is always in danger! You continue risking your life to save me! To save all of us!"

"Of course I would risk my life to save you Zero! How many times do I have to tell you?! I care about you idiot!"

At that statement, Zero pulled me out of my room by my hand and our red faces close together. We stared at each other angrily in silence for a few seconds.

"What am I to you Mei?"

A question that was meant for Yuki was asked directly at me. All of the anger I felt was replaced with shock. It would seem that tonight was more eventful than I thought it would.

"Relationships won't be the same as before so the people who you think will be together may not happen."

What have I done?

Zero is in love with me?

And cut! Wow, there were a lot of things that happened with Mei. It is late and I worked on this chapter for many hours. Please leave a review, favorite, or follow.

Also, please don't be afraid to ask any questions and I'll do my best to answer them.

Until Next Time