No Warmth

Chapter 15- Withered Roses

Yuki stood up and pulled out her Artemis Rod. "Please, stay back Zero."

Zero did not lower his gun. "Stay out of this, Yuki."

"I can't do that because I want you to be saved!" Yuki stood in front of Shizuka. "I promised to let her drink from me if she gave you more of her blood. I'm a little scared, but it'll be fine. That way...I'll be able to save you."

Zero took a step forward. "Even if your blood could save me...I can still beat you within an inch of your life, Shizuka."

Zero gently pushed Yuki aside. "You're not going to get in the way of me killing a vampire are you?"

Yuki grabbed his arms. "I don't want you to do this."

"Why are you trying to stop me? She should..." Zero paused when he noticed Yuki's sad expression.

"This girl has tamed you." Shizuka stood up.

Zero's heart raced and he looked up in surprise.

"I am back in my real body, so my voice has the power to bind you." Shizuka said. "This is convenient...keep holding Yuki."

Zero's eyes glazed over and his grip on Yuki's arms tightened.

"Zero, let go." Yuki tried to pull her arms back. "You don't have to force Zero to do this. I'll let you drink my blood without any resistance."

"I'm afraid your blood won't be enough to sate my hunger. For four years, this body starved..." Shizuka's fangs punctured Zero's neck.

"You've tortured him enough already! Why are you being so cruel to him?" Yuki cried out.

Shizuka stepped back from Zero. "I won't deny that. However, aren't you being cruel yourself? Yuki, your choices make Zero suffer...even I can see that."

Yuki smiled sadly. "I thought if I was with Zero...things would be okay. Will he forgive me someday?"

Shizuka pulled Yuki away from Zero.

"Don't..." Zero muttered as he wrapped his hand around Shizuka's neck.

"You won't be able to squeeze those fingers around my neck." Shizuka remarked.

Zero gritted his teeth as he shot his leg. Then, his grip on Shizuka's neck tightened as he aimed his gun at her and fired. "Don't take anything more away from me!"

Shizuka's eyes widened as two bullets pierced her chest.

"Zero, stop!" Yuki clung to his arms.

"You actually managed to shoot me." Shizuka laughed. "However, this isn't enough to kill me."

Zero aimed his gun at her once more. "I kept living just for this day."

Suddenly, a katana impaled Zero's arm. He grimaced and looked towards the door.

"Lady Shizuka, how long are you going to keep playing with him? He's hunting you isn't he?" Ichiru entered the room.

Zero pulled out the sword. "I thought you were dead, Ichiru."

"Should I be happy that you still remember me?" Ichiru removed his mask and stood in front of Shizuka. "I can't have you die, Lady Shizuka."

Shizuka sighed. "Zero and I have unfinished business. Don't worry, I have no intention of dying here." She began to walk towards the door.

"Wait, Shizuka!" Zero walked towards her.

Ichiru held Zero back. "It hurts that you'd ignore me, Zero. I would like to chat with you for a while."