Ominous Hours, a Vampire Knight fanfiction. Written by atemu-mana, otherwise known as Kiyu Yuu. The story is set right after chapter 46. Pairing set is Kaname and Yuuki. Zero will appear, somehow.

Full summary below:

Zero and Yuuki separated with Yuuki following Kaname to proceed life with the one she truly loved while Zero continued his life as a Vampire Hunter. He swore he’ll kill her if they meet and she’ll hide from him to give him a reason to live. Time passed, Yuuki and Kaname had a family of their own but situation was in the brink of madness within the vampires’ society as Kaname was labeled mad by almost all the vampires for killing the Council of Ancients. Kaname and Yuuki hid themselves and with some trusted companions, they managed to gain control of the situation. Will they succeed in the end to gain peace that somehow refused to appear? Will Kaname and Yuuki survive this new journey of theirs?

-----

.—Kaname, the Ancestor—.

I remembered the time when Haruka and Juri would laugh together with their daughter. They were always so protective of their young child for they have lost their eldest child earlier. Kuran Yuuki was kept hidden from the preying eyes of her enemies who wished to use her for their own benefit. Haruka and Juri, being the parents of their only child, refused to let anything happen to her. They do not wish for the same thing to repeat and bring disaster to their lives. Thus, their deaths were for the sake of their child. For Yuuki's sake.

I am able to remember the scene. It was something I could never forget. It has taken a deep spot in my heart, in my head, and in my body. Something that I knew that no matter how much I refused to admit, their deaths were a bit of my fault.

It was my fault. And my existence was the sole reason.

--

Yuuki held her hands tightly, trying hard to ignore the impossible truth that came out from his mouth. His confession was still clear inside her ears. She could hardly believe what he said. "I am the Ancestor of the Kuran family, and the first of the kind."

When he mentioned the first of the kind, he didn't state whether it was the Kuran family or for general vampires. However, he pressed the words strongly, 'first of the kind' and it was as expected, the first vampire of all vampires. It was possible that Kaname was the most powerful creature of the world and that feared Yuuki.

Kouki leaned against the wall and sobbed. "What the hell is this about?" he asked, angry with the revelation of the secret. "You're the Kuran's Ancestor, father? What is that suppose to mean? What does that mean to us, father?" he questioned, bitter as usual.

"You're the ancestor and mother is your descendant. If you think about it, it's nothing wrong but--" he paused. "What about me? What am I supposed to be? You're the ancestor and mother is the descendant, what am I?! I'm a child between the first ancestor and his descendant?" he asked. "Goodness gracious, I don't understand. Am I even your son, your child, your firstborn? Or is that only because of the body?"

Kaname was silent even when Kouki was yelling questions at him. He didn't dare to answer. It wasn't as if he doesn't know the answers, he knew but he was afraid to talk about it. He wasn't afraid of Kouki's demand but the woman he loved, the woman he desired and the woman he claimed as his. If Yuuki refused him, everything would fall apart and became useless. Simple as that.

"Father!" called Kouki, his eyes filling with tears. "Just answer it. It's my only question, nothing else." He held back his moan and slammed the wall.

A single nod answered his question. "I am your father, son. Never doubt it. This body and this soul, it's the same. Nothing else is different, except the clear fact that I am the ancestor. Yes, I am your ancestor but I am also your father."

Yuuki sniffed and looked at him, pissed. "Then, the truth about my brother. Do I even have a brother or is that just your story to deceive me?" she asked. "Sometimes I wonder if you're even my brother but I don't know now! You made me believe that I'm your sister but we're never even siblings! What did you do to my brother, if he existed before?!"

"He died. Rido took him and ended his life," he answered, hurt by the word 'death'.

Yuuki glared at Kaname and felt her tears on her face. Gripping her hands, she yelled at him. “Why?! Why do you replace my brother? Why?! Why?!” she asked, stomping her legs. “Why did I even marry you? Why am I so stupid?!” she cried.

Kouki went to stop and calm his mother but there’s no point in doing so. Yuuki has the right to be angry at Kaname, she has the right to question him of her brother’s death and possibly his death has something to do with Kaname’s appearance. An ancestor of a certain family could never exist by themselves. Usually they would be reborn but it required a lot of blood in exchange of the process. Rido?

He looked at his father’s hurt face and guessed by himself. “Father, who awakened you?” he asked. Kaname looked at him and looked away. “Was it Rido?” he asked.

Yuuki gapped and looked at her son. “What are you talking about? This has nothing to do with him! You’re done with your question, leave! Right now, leave!” she ordered, pointing her finger to the door. “Leave, Kouki!” she cried.

“Maybe I have no right to say this but this is for your own good, both of you. Father, you were given another chance to fix your past mistakes. You didn’t answer my question but I know Rido was the one who has awakened you. Your story started after Rido awakened you and I cannot say anything about the blood he used but the important thing is, you’re no longer in the past, and you’re in the present now.” He continued. “Yes, you are the Ancestor of Kuran but you are still some sort of his reincarnation. You are not the ancestor in the past, you’re recreated again in this time. You have no memories of your past, thus you cannot be the ancestor of the past.” It was confusing even to Kouki but it was the only thing he could say.

“Mother, I know you’re hurt, but please listen to father. Try to understand why everything happened like that. Listen to his reasons, his explanation and to his words. You cannot deny that even if he’s the Ancestor of Kuran, he is still your husband. He is still the father to your children; the father of Yuuto, Haruko and I. You cannot deny it all.” Kouki looked at his mother, although knowing she wasn’t looking at him.

“I do not wish to interfere in your problems. I’ve received my answers; I do not need to know further. The fact that the twins and I are father’s children; it’s enough for us to understand the rest. However, your life is different, mother. You are safe from being a child from the ancestor and his descendant but your partner is that ancestor. It’s a different feeling,” told Kouki as he smiled bitterly. He stepped to the door and left the room quietly.

-

Outside the door, Kouki gripped his hand and bit it. It hurt and blood spurt in rage but he restrained himself from doing anything further. It was more than self-control, he had to stop himself before making something he would regret in the end. No matter how much he wished to kill his father for lying earlier, Kaname was still his father. There was no way it would happen, not even begging would be enough. After a while, he pressed the wound and felt the sting. Yet, it was better that way. The hurt would occupy his mind for a while.

This mess, only his parents could solve it.

-

Yuuki gasped when she heard a soft groan from outside the door. Thinking it was Kouki, she went to the door but realized that her husband was behind her, still sitting on the bed, unmoving and his face as pale as death. Well, he’d better be dead! She took the handle, thinking hard of all the years they spent. It was so real, it was impossible to believe in the truth. She could accept that he killed Shizuka to protect her and he killed Sara to protect her (although it was for Kouki’s safety for being the bait). He even mass murdered the members of the Council of Ancients because of her.

It was all because of her and Yuuki could accept it because for all these years, she believed Kaname as her beloved brother. She wondered again; does Kaname even know about the childhood memories they shared? Or was it only a fragment of memories with his actual brother who was dead for so long. And why Haruka and Juri didn’t tell her anything about her brother’s death. The important question of all, does she even have a brother? His words when he told her about her brother, it was like another lie.

Another lie to save his stupid, sorry arse! As if that would happen!

“Kouki told me to listen to you, so you may start your convincing story. I doubt I’ll understand and believe in it,” Yuuki said, starting harshly because she doesn’t want to be deceived anymore. She has been a bit of a klutz and always the last of everyone else. Not this time!

Kaname started his story. He wasn’t expecting me to trust him and I was glad. I don’t need to trust him because he’s a convincing liar. A very tricky, sly liar.

To say I have little memories of the past, it was a bit untrue. I remembered a little bit of my past but it wasn’t everything. I do not know how I existed that time. I simply existed and I was already a grown-up. All my days were spent with traveling, looking at the destruction of the world. I do not understand why. There was too much sand, too much rain, too much everything. I do not know who I met, who I talked to, who I made enemies with, I do not know. I don’t even remember if I even have a family. Do I have a wife? Perhaps I should have one or two, or three. If I have descendants, that must have meant I mated with others. It was so faint, I do not know, I do not know. I don’t remember anything. Then I died. I fell into deep slumber.

Until someone awakened me by force. Seeing his face, I realized that he was my descendant, or so I believe at first. Yet, I wonder where that personality originated from. I do not know how twisted Kuran Rido, my own descendant could be. There were lots of reasons that I do not know yet but I know, if one of my descendant or more could have such twisted personality, then it could have originated from me. I am the Ancestor of Kuran, I am the first of my kind, and everything originated from me.

Rido awakened me for power but he was unable to control me. If it was possible, if I was able to be controlled by him, this world would have probably died. Rido was a completely, complex bastard. He wasn’t evil as everyone thought, only a bit complex and hard to understand. He’s a child who needed attention and care but he never received it. A simple manipulation and he would be obsessed in getting what he wanted. I wasn’t able to end his misery, I was unable to kill the person who has awakened me from my slumber.

I do not know that when I was awakened, Rido has stolen the child of his two siblings, Haruka and Juri. I do not know what he had done with the poor child, my other descendant, but I know he killed the child. For revenge? For the exchange of my awakening? I do not know. But if he was the scape goat for my existence, I am the one to blame. I killed my own descendant, unintentionally, without knowing. I cried in my heart, the death of my own descendant, another generation of Kuran family, I was sad with the disappearance of the potential one.

Eventually, I ended up residing at Haruka and Juri’s home, posing as their dead child, replacing their offspring. The name Kuran Kaname was given to me. I do not know if the name belonged to the actual child or whether this was a completely different name solely for me. It was the first time I have a name of my own. I wonder, do I even have a name when I was still the ancestor? I doubted so. My name was probably Kuran and the family started to take my name as the family name. It made sense like that somehow.

Haruka and Juri were so kind to me. They treated me as their own child although the three of us knew that we’re not blood-related. I am their ancestor yet I am the person who killed their child. Ignore Rido, his attempt to steal his own siblings’ children perhaps led to my existence and I am responsible in everything. Still, none of them would blame me. They loved me just like their own child. I replaced his existence and they do not mind of my existence. Why?!

Then you arrived to the world. You filled the life and joy of Haruka and Juri. I saw their eyes filled with shining tears and sparkling laughter as they cuddled you together. It was beautiful and they were blessed by their actual offspring; you, Yuuki. Do you know why you were kept away from the eyes of the world? You were their child, their only child after your brother but they refused to let you know the world. They do not wish that you see the terrifying world of vampires where anyone would do anything just to reach us. They also do not wish the same thing to repeat and rip their lives again. We are Pureblood vampires. Our blood was enough to do everything that others normally couldn’t do. Having our blood in their hands, it could sustain their life force, let them live longer and be stronger than usual. However, the quality of our blood was higher than normal, not everyone could stand the force from the blood.

Sadly, fate refused to deny it and the same thing happened. Haruka lost his life from battling his own brother, Rido. I tried to help but it worked nothing. Juri ended her life by casting a spell to turn you into a human. She wished that you stay as a human, be a happy child and be free. Your parents died for your life, refusing to let you lost to the people who would hurt you. It was my fault again. Rido awakened me that time, I should have ended his life, but I was unable to do so! My failure led to the death of the two people who protected me at all cost, despite the fact that I, Kuran Kaname, killed their firstborn! I robbed his life. It’s my fault. It’s my fault. It’s my fault.

Juri trusted me to take care of you. In exchange for all the care, I swore I’ll protect you until the end and so I did. I did not bring you to my place because it was the dangerous place of all. If Juri wished for a happy world for you, then a happy world you got. I gave you to Cross Kaien, someone I can trust and he was a human. Juri wished that you live in a happy, human lifestyle as she adored the special creatures so much. It was hard to part with you, I pretended I was a random vampire who saved you and sent you living with Cross. Hoping that he would manage you for my sake, I am glad you grew up to be a happy, a bit silly of a human. Hiding you away, making you become someone you’re not supposed to be, I am glad I put you away from the danger.

I do not blame you for loving me. For the first time I saw you when you were a tiny, frail creature, I already fell in love with you. I do not know when the last time I fell in love. With who? When was it? I don’t remember. You attracted me, Yuuki. You were innocent and you were what you are. Haruka and Juri were both different in personalities. Juri was more of the loud one while Haruka was the silent type. You were the mix of both. At first I thought I loved you because I am doing what your brother was supposed to do. You liked to follow your parents’ footsteps and Haruka and Juri were siblings. You adored their love and even though I am not your brother, I am still your brother. I thought it was for that reason, because I’m your ‘brother’, I must be with you but it felt clear for once, I fell in love with you because the inner I fell in love with you. It wasn’t because I pretended I was your brother, but because I wanted to love you. I loved you. I loved you.

When we had children of our own, when we go through many battles, I am happy to be by your side. I truly am in love with you, I cannot ignore these heavy feelings in my heart. I kept this secret from you because I am afraid, I am afraid you would hate me. Yuuki, you believed that I am the gentlest and kindest vampire in the world. I tried to change that view but it would break your fragile heart. Thus, when you believed that I am what you described, there was nothing else I could do, except from believing in your words and try my best to become your ideal man. I am sorry for not telling you about this. I am truly sorry.

-

SLAP!

Tears appeared on her face. It appeared earlier but stopped once Kouki left but it returned once again. It was impossible to believe in his story. He blamed himself for most of the events. Her brother’s death was his fault. There was no doubt that Rido killed him for his blood. Haruka and Juri’s deaths were also because of Kaname. Even if it was for her sake, it was his fault. He should have killed Rido before but he didn’t! How many more has he killed? He killed Shizuka-san, because he wished for power to protect her but to kill Shizuka was too much! Then he murdered the members of the Council of Ancients, and they were only doing what they believe! Lastly, Sara. Yes, the Queen that declared that both of them were mad but Sara has a good reason for that and she died as well. So many people died. Why..?

Yuuki climbed onto the bed and on top of Kaname. She faced Kaname who was the same as always, the same as she last saw him thirty minutes ago. Today was the happiest day of everyone but it was the worst day for Kaname. He picked the good moment to reveal the truth. At least he decided to tell the truth. Certain people, when they were afraid, just stupidly ignored the existence of the truth, led their life to their own lifestyle and die when they have to. The truth just disappeared by itself.

Her hands circled his neck as she pressed her hands harder against it. She wanted to kill him so much, she doesn’t care of the consequences. It was good that he had spoken the truth, it was better now or later, if he revealed it too late, it doesn’t have a meaning and if he revealed it too soon, she wouldn’t understand it. The time was perfect and she kissed Kaname for his intelligence of finding the right time. She wished to kill him but that doesn’t mean they couldn’t have one last pleasure with each other.

Their hands slapped each other’s bodies as Yuuki dominated Kaname, better than before, better when she’s on top of him. Kaname was lifeless enough not to respond. He was a perfect lover, his body fitted nicely with hers. It was sad that he didn’t respond to her. Yet, it gave her the sense of victory. He was always the one in lead and now it was better to defeat and destroy him once and for all! She swore it in her heart.

She grabbed his shoulders and strangled his neck. Her face was close to his face, she gritted her teeth and said it aloud, “I hate you, Kuran Kaname!” Her eyes were filled with tears of hate as she pulled his body towards her, she cried it out loud. “I hate you! I hate you! I hate you!”

Kaname rested his head on Yuuki’s shoulder. He wasn’t moving or talking, his hands were circling her back, hugging her close to him. He knew she would say that, that was why he refused to talk about the biggest mystery of all. Yet, telling her was a relief. He doesn’t feel the pain anymore. In fact, he felt at peace. He could leave now. He has no more tasks to do. Kouki would take care of everything. If he needed help, he could ask Aidou, or Kain or anyone else he trusted. Kouki, his son, doesn’t need him anymore, right? Everyone’s free now. Even Yuuki. They could take care of themselves. He believed in all of them.

Kaname stopped breathing. His arms slowly dropped to the sides. His head flopped on the base of Yuuki’s shoulder. He stopped moving. Thick, red blood trickled along his arms and puddle at the bed sheets. His body went limp and pushed Yuuki deeper. Kaname was happy. He was in peace.

Goodbye, Yuuki. I love you.

-

She knew it was a dream, but the feelings were real. She wondered why he wasn’t moving since that time. They had been in that position for a long while and she wondered why. She wanted to move but he was heavy and seriously cold. She touched his back, feeling for his heart. There was nothing, absolutely nothing. Soon, she noticed the red puddle on the bed. It was not her blood and the smell belonged to... Kaname?!

She pushed Kaname aside, cradling his head with her bare hands. She looked at his condition, he was pale, really pale. It was more than before, it was even paler, even whiter and possibly, really dead. Her eyes’ widened. Impossible. If he died, he would turn into sand, like any normal vampires. He couldn’t die yet, right? He couldn’t, right? He could not. No. No. She shook his body again and again, there was no reaction.

His body was limp and blood continued coming out from his head. The tears fell out a lot more than usual, dripping on top of his chest; his shirt wet with her tears, red stained with his blood. Yuuki’s body was shaking as she looked at her dead husband. She cried and it was the loudest one she’d ever made. “KANAME!!!!” she yelled.

Kouki stormed the door and saw his mother crying on top of his father’s body. He rushed to her side and asked what happen, only to realize the truth when he saw blood on the bed. He shook his head, knees on the floor, his hand touching his father’s dead body and he choked at the image of his father. Yuuki rose to see her husband’s face and continued to cry. She looked at Kouki and saw his hand touching Kaname’s body and quickly slapped it away.

“Mother?” asked Kouki.

Hysterical, Yuuki cried. “Don’t touch him! Don’t touch Kaname! He’s mine and mine only!!” She glared at Kouki and it brought chill to him.

“Mother, calm down! There must be an explanation. What happened earlier?” he asked, stopping his mother from clawing at him asking him to leave. It was too much that Kouki slapped Yuuki to snap her out from her hysterical cries. “Enough already, woman!” he roared.

Yuuki looked at Kouki and felt her wet tears. Sobbing, she said, “I killed your father. Oh, I killed him! How will he be able to forgive me, Kouki? He told me of his story, how he appeared and how he replaced my dead brother. He was sorry and blamed himself for every death that happened. And I... I blamed him more.” She continued to cry. “He was afraid that I’ll hate him but I thought I wouldn’t say it, but I did say the word. I told him I hated him, but—”

“But what?” asked Kouki. His voice was stern yet it was full of concern.

“I was nothing but a coward. Kaname’s hurt yet I pushed him to the limit. I said he’s a killer yet I—” she paused. “—I too am a killer. Oh, what have I done?!” she asked herself, wailing as the tears continued lingering on her face. Her face was damp and wet. It was too much. Too much.

--

.—Six Months Later—.

Ever since the event six months earlier, she has been visiting the port to see the setting sun. She always came there an hour before the setting sun and sat on the bench, staring at the colours of the sun, admiring the quiet atmosphere around the port. The only sounds she heard were the horns of the ships setting sail or ships that just arrived. Sometimes she would see couples sitting together, cuddling each other and enjoying their own moments. It was wonderful yet so sad. Because of her, she would never experience such joy anymore.

She realized she shed her tears and wiped it quickly. There was no point in regretting the incident that time. What was done was done. It was too late to fix anything thus there was no need to do anything. Only mourning for his death, who died because of her and only for her who couldn’t understand the pain he has been through.

“If only I could stop the time and change the past, if only I am able to do that, I wouldn’t be sitting here alone,” she whispered to herself, hugging herself as she cried silently.

Unknown to her, someone else was watching her every time she came to visit. Holding his coat, standing still on the stairs, he watched his mother looking at nothingness every single evening. It was painful; she was probably in the state of madness if nothing was to be done. Yet, interfering with her unstable mental health, it could worsen her condition, thus he didn’t do so. Every evening he would followed her from behind, standing a few feet behind her and watched her until she left by herself.

I could tell her the truth but I don’t think she would believe in my words. The chances were only ten to fifteen percent. Mother was headstrong, she would never listen to anyone, not even to her children. Her world only revolved along her time with father and in her state of mind, she ‘killed’ father and suffered from the consequences.

Kouki remembered the time his mother suddenly threw tantrum a week after his father supposed death. She went to her knees, begging at him asking to be punished. In a rational state, Kouki would never punish his mother for his father’s death. It was simply a misunderstanding but it was hard to explain to Yuuki the truth.

Father didn’t die yet. That time, he released his own blood to regenerate himself. However, he did it when mother was half-hysterical with the shocking truth and when she saw blood on the covers, she thought father died. That was a simple misunderstanding but that was also father’s own fault; he didn’t move at all, his eyes closed as if he’s dead and his breathing stopped. Knowing mother, her own husband died in her arms and she doesn’t know what truly happen. Of course she would blame herself, emotionally.

The sun finally disappeared, only a thick line was available. Kouki’s eyes glowed, it was the night of the hunt, and it was the time to be prepared for any sudden attacks, not to him but to his mother. He stood and waited until Yuuki rose from the bench. She walked rather slowly and poorly since the incident. After she was away from him, he followed her quietly. He doesn’t feel like bothering his younger siblings. They were ten and eleven months, entering eleven years of age, thinking rationally, they wouldn’t be allowed outside at this hour.

Since he was now the King of Vampires, leader of all vampires who approved of him, he was allowed to be anywhere he liked, even when it was a simple task of watching his mother in secret. Kouki didn’t bother hiring bodyguards. He loathed outsiders who believe they have the idea to manage his important people, thus when Yuuki slowly losing her mind, he decided that he would manage her welfares in secret.

-

Kouki entered one of the rooms inside his castle and saw his siblings and several other young vampires preparing for the upcoming banquet. Originally, it was supposed to happen after the peace treaty but on that day, Kaname ‘died’ and Yuuki ended up hysterically half-crazy to do anything in her state of mind. The promised banquet was delayed until the later week but it was delayed until half a year later, everything was because Kouki was in no mood to celebrate the signed treaty nor does he want to see his mother sad while everyone else was happy celebrating the peace.

He touched one of the cloth and sighed as he said, “What’s the point? It’ll be delayed once again anyway.” He left the cloth on the same table and sat on the couch. “You guys wasted your energy just to celebrate the banquet. It wouldn’t happen, I won’t permit it.”

Azusa looked at her future husband and sighed. “There you go again, sighing and complaining. You never ever help us prepare for the banquet. Believe in me, Kouki, it’ll happen this time. After all, your father will complete his regeneration soon. He’ll come back, return your mother to her actual state and we can all be happy again. Plus, this banquet wouldn’t start until next month. We have at least 3 weeks to prepare and the time for your father and mother to get back together.”

The twins nodded at their future sister’s words. “Come and help us, brother Kouki,” invited Haruko. “We needed to finish the preparations. Everyone’s lending a helping hand. You should as well, you’re the king. The most powerful of all.” The begged at him with crystal-cheerful eyes.

“You can dream,” he said. “I refused. It wouldn’t work, trust my words. Mark it, if you have to.” He rose from the couch and walked away. “As long as mother is in such state, there’s no way I’m hoping for something that may not be able to come true in the end!” he cried angrily.

The rest of the youngsters sighed and looked at each other.

“He would never listen, never. How can we do this if we don’t have his support?” asked the twins sadly.

Azusa calmed the twins and said, “The greatest gift that Yuuki-sama can have is the existence of her dear husband and your father. I’m sure when Kaname-sama has finally returned, he’ll cheer her up. Of course, Kouki may not approve of this but we’ll keep going. I mean, you’re not going to give up this important moment right?”

“But—” the rest said but quickly hushed by Azusa.

“Hey, remember that important things always come too fast, we don’t often get it at the right moment?” she asked. Everyone nodded. “Well, this is a surprise for Yuuki-sama and Kaname-sama but the one who we’re trying to surprise aren’t them, but to Kouki. This banquet is to celebrate Kouki’s first time as the King of Vampires and the representative for the signed treaty, which means, if he doesn’t want such thing, we’ll make a surprise for him.” She winked at everyone else as they finally got her meaning.

Azusa continued tying up the ribbons. It will work; I’ll prove you wrong, Kouki!

--

.—A year—.

Kouki grumbled as he inspected the room, supposedly the room expected to be used as the banquet hall for the event promised a year ago. He clenched his fists and said, “I did told all of you it wouldn’t work but no one will listen. You’ll try to prove me wrong but it’ll never reach the idea. Seriously, wasting all your time, money and materials are just wasting everything!” He scolded all of them, including Azusa who was the main contributor to the plan.

“I was sure Kaname-sama will revive soon, except I didn’t expect it to be a year. You said that he’ll awaken six months ago but he didn’t,” said Azusa, not looking at Kouki’s eyes, knowing how scary he’ll be. It’s like a curse!

Kouki touched and pinched his nose. “I didn’t mean it seriously. I didn’t know when father will revive. It could take a long time just for one revival. It could be six months or even a year, or a decade or one century!” he complained.

“How about your mother? It’s been a year! She has suffered a lot more than anyone else. Yuuki-sama blamed herself in the death of Kaname-sama! She kept on wandering at the port and at the beach. Every time I went to see her with my mother, she’ll keep mumbling and saying the same thing over and over again. She’s getting crazy and we have to do something!” she cried. “Don’t you have any care for your mother? You’re not letting her like this, aren’t you?”

Kouki stiffened. He went to the windows and said, “Right now, he should be there.”

“Who?” asked Azusa.

“Kaname.”

Her arms dropped to her sides as she went to the windows and saw what he saw. Slowly, she hugged Kouki and smiled at the scene they were about to see. Thank you. Finally.

-

The poem is written by David SmithWhite at PoemHunter. Thank you for the inspirational writing.

— In my own remembering,
I can see so many things.
Days of bliss were much too brief.
Longer nights of pain and grief.
In my own remembering,
all my sins forgive. —

She grasped the air to catch anything lingering to it, yet, the air was invisible; when she opened her palms, and there was nothing except the ticklish feelings from the memories she lost. She sobbed at the last memories of him. She remembered her moments with him. The only thing she wished she could have was the happy ending to their tale.

— Memory, can never be,
mere fact or history.
Memory, is more complex;
of mute agenda and subtext.
Memory, will flow and ebb,
according to one's mental web.
Memory, a visceral mix,
of deja vu and subtle tricks. —

He told her the truth. After a year feeling her loss, she could understand everything better and clearer. He was no longer there but that doesn’t mean she cannot figure out the truth. With no references and no one to talk to, she accepted her belief based on his words. His only, last words.

— In my own remembering,
unhappy themes remove thy sting.
Regret may prove the heart impure.
The loss of love must be endured.
In my own remembering,
all my sins forgive. —

It was too late to ask for change but that doesn’t mean that she cannot change her style of life. She suffered for one whole year and she hurt many others who watched her from behind. She closed her eyes; Kouki was the last to see his father alive with her. As their eldest child, the burden was a lot to bear. Kaname was the one who protected Kouki with his strength, shielding Kouki with his honour and the first to believe in him as himself and it brought trust to the people who approved him as their leader.

— Memory, will often be,
a twisted tale of mystery.
Memory, can be repressed,
or triggered by an idle jest.
Memory, is sure to vex,
unstring the mind, the bow and flex.
Memory, and core defects,
become combined in blind reflex.
Memory, is never proof,
to hold aloft or keep aloof.
Memory, is claw and tooth,
an ancient art and modern truth. —

I smiled at myself. “Aaah,” I sighed. “The days ahead will be much better now. I took a year just to recover but the memories will always stay, it will always haunt my days but it would never be a bad thing, just full of good memories. Yes, that’s it. That’s the one. I will live ahead, even with you existing only as my memories,” she said, ending her words with a soft cry.

— In my own remembering,
the myth of self's - a holy being.
Righteous faith is never wrong.
No doubt infects my public song.
In my own remembering,
I begin to live. —

As I cheered for a new found life, I heard a step from behind. It must has been Kouki, as usual, ever since I found out he has been religiously following me every single evening, watching me sitting at the port, I know that whoever that followed me would always be Kouki. I smiled and turned around. I thought it was Kouki.

I dropped my hands on the floor and blinked twice. It was impossible.

When he smiled, I returned the smile, my heart wrenched, my heart went sore. “Kaname—” I said, smiling cheerfully. “I thought—” I started. “I thought that something happened but I was wrong, it wasn’t a dream, it’s the truth after all.”

Kaname dropped to his knees as soon as he reached me. He cradled my face and kissed my lips. The same taste that I haven’t had for a year, oh yes; a year has been too long. I pushed myself to him and kissed him back. I missed his mouth, I missed his smell, and I missed everything about him. It’s just like Kaname, to be Kaname. Yes, my husband was not dead. I hugged him close and cried on his shoulders. He was alive, looking the same as always and I am truly... I am truly in love with him and would never regret that he has finally returned. Thank you, thank you, and thank you.

--

Azusa applauded happily as she looked at the success of the promised banquet. Everything was in order, everyone was there with beautiful clothes and styles; married people brought their cute children to the event and like expected the relationship between humans and vampires became stronger. Then, she spotted her Aunt Tsukiko talking with her husband and her son around her. She smiled; her cousin wasn’t enjoying being locked to her mother all the time so she went to rescue him.

“Aunt!” she cried. “Shuu should play with my siblings, they’re anxiously waiting for his arrival. Can you please let him go and play with his cousins, please?” she asked after hugging her aunt. She hugged her uncle as well.

Tsukiko nodded and waved at her son as the two left to meet their cousins. Shuu smiled and thanked his cousin for the help and Azusa simply said, “No problem! I’m happy to help you! It’s time to have fun with everyone! Talk with your cousins, other children and the human children as well. They’ll be fun!”

“Okay!” he said and there he went to play.

She clapped her hands and scanned around the place. Everything was well. She smiled and skipped towards her father’s side. She would wait for her husband-to-be then; she’s set with her plan. “Ha-ha!” she said happily.

-

Yuuki straightened Kaname’s ribbon as he in return tied the ribbons on the back of her dress. Laughing together, they shared a kiss. When she finished tying his ribbon, she went to the other side of his body, caressing him slowly and gently. Kaname chuckled and scolded her with her naughty hands. She replied, “Will you tie me on bed and punish me there instead? Now?” She winked at him and he hugged her.

“Later, I guess. We have guests to entertain. Once we’re done with them, then we can do more than just tying you on bed,” he whispered, kissing her smooth cheeks. Together, they laughed again and danced slowly.

“Okay, but that’s a promise, ‘kay?” she said

He nodded and hugged her close.

-

Kouki looked at the crowd from the stage. Smiling, he was proud of his woman’s work. “Guess she was right after all these months of scolding and quarreling with me. Azusa, you’re everything a man can ever ask for,” he commented to himself. Stepping down from the stairs, he walked towards his woman but stopped when he saw a familiar figure.

His eyes widened when he saw the silver-haired man again, but instead of being alone, he was accompanied with a woman and a young child. Seeing that the group was heading towards Azusa, Kouki hurriedly went to their side, waiting to stop any movements. Zero turned around and moved towards his direction; without thinking he forced himself to walk passed Zero, with a glare when their eyes met. Zero noticed the message and simply ignored him but stopped a few feet afterwards.

Holding Marika’s hand tightly, he said, “The spoiled brat has finally become a king. How typical, that father of yours. I should have known it’ll end like this.” As soon as he finished saying those words, he walked away, leading his wife and daughter.

“Humph, you’re the loser here, Kiryuu Zero. You failed to do anything to return your honor. Now, you have to work with us vampires and make sure the peace is intact. You must be aware that we will do as much harm as we could, the bloodier, the better it’ll be,” threatened Kouki, his face expression changing into a likeness of a monster.

Zero turned and looked at Kouki. “I took back about your father’s similarity with yours, you’re much worse that him. What an eyesore!” he said, glaring at the child.

“Aww, how scary. Just saying, you’re still my enemy despite the peace treaty successfully signed a year ago. I don’t see you there at all so I don’t expect you to listen to any treaty.”

“Fine. We’ll be enemies until the end of our lives. And you surely never listen to what you’ve signed before, what a shame,” snarled Zero.

“Kiryuu Zero,” he started.

“Stop calling my name with my surname, you mongrel. Do you have some kind of fetish or what?” he asked, growling.

Kouki chuckled. “NO. I just don’t like calling you ‘Zero’, you are after all, a zero hero. A nothing. It’s better to call you ‘Kiryuu Zero’ rather than ‘Zero’, you crab!” he shot back.

“Crab?!” He asked himself, WHAT’S WITH CALLING ME A CRAB?!

-

Kaname and Yuuki were already there at the banquet entertaining their guests; they arrived earlier than Kouki and a bit later after Azusa when she reached Aidou’s place. Both of them were wearing gold-and-red themed clothes, standing next to each other, even if Yuuki remained shorter than Kaname for almost 20 centimetres.

Yuuki was looking for Yori but failed for the time being. It was hard to find anyone within the large crowd, with dazzling clothes and full with chattering, not to mention her short height, she had to stand on Kaname’s shoes just to get a great view. Kaname had to pause his laughter not to break her bubbles.

“Yuuki, what are you doing?” he asked.

“I’m looking for Yori, Kaname. I wonder where she is. She said she’ll come,” she said, hugging Kaname tightly to prevent her from falling. When she moved her face across Kaname’s face, she noticed how tall Kaname was. Apparently, she was being lifted by Kaname to enable her to find Yori better. “I didn’t know you’re this tall and I’m at your height with your hands lifting me.”

Kaname looked at Yuuki and kissed the tip of her nose. “I just want to feel your bottom, ehehe,” he blurted the truth. Instantly, Yuuki blushed and choked herself. She punched his chest, her face still red from the truth. “Yes, I’m a pervert. I love you,” he said, caressing her face with his own. He slowly released her as her feet touched the ground.

Yuuki returned the affection, hugging him with all she could. After Kaname’s revival a month ago, the two have been spending time together with themselves. With Kouki managing the affairs of the vampires’ society, Kaname has more time with Yuuki. His Yuuki. They have been spending the time locked in their bedroom, playing with each other’s bodies, hugging all the time and kissing, like usual. The separation of one year was a constant hit on both people and they’re atoning it by doing their everyday things.

“Ahem, sorry to disturb. Kaname-kun, Yuuki,” called someone with a familiar tone of voice. Yuuki quickly turned around and her face brightened with the person who called for them. “Hello again. It has been a while. A year has passed since I last came here. How are the two of you?” he asked, still cheerful and tearful with the scene.

Yuuki hugged Cross and said, “We were fine. I was very sad when Kaname supposedly died but I was given another chance to atone my mistakes. I am glad that he came back alive.” She returned to Kaname and hugged her. “I don’t think I’ll live if Kaname’s gone for real.”

Cross understood her reasons and slowly told her, “True love is something your mother always believes in. She wished that you’ll become happy and live like a human but I guess that part of you will always stay intact. Your true nature as a vampire. It is hard to change what you’re born originally with.” Yuuki agreed with his words. “You are a vampire but you are a happy one. Juri-san said that often, she’s a vampire and she’s quite happy with her life, with her husband and her children. Every one of us wished to become vampires but Juri-san was the opposite. I adored her enthusiasm.”

“Me too. And Kaname as well. Kouki-kun quite adored his late grandmother even if they never meet at all. He always enjoys listening to mother’s story. Although sometimes he felt something was wrong that time but I’ll correct him myself.” Yuuki said with joy, not noticing a grumbling sound behind Kaien Cross.

Yuuki gasped and closed her mouth with her hand. “Kouki—!” she cried. Kaname hugged her from behind and said it was too late. You just have to deal with it, trust me; it’ll work in the end. Kouki can control himself when needed to. He won’t make fight against Cross.

“Cross Kaien-san.” said Kouki with respect.

“Kouki-kun, how are you?” asked Cross in return.

The sinister-looking feeling pierced through Cross and he felt the jolt of lightning at the same time. Sweating, Cross waited for the answer from the child of the daughter he has taken as his adopted daughter. Seeing Kouki’s expression changing into a happy looking one, it was a sign of relief and he slowly smiled but a sharp glance and Cross stiffened once again.

“Cross-san, may I ask you not to step in my family again? It’s pretty disturbing?” he asked, still growling. He accepts no answer besides a ‘yes’.

Cross nodded, weak. “Kouki-kun, you’re the King of Vampires but if your attitude is like this, the peace won’t work. You respected your grandmother, don’t you? If Juri-san can see good in humans, you can as well.”

Something cracked and Cross stepped back. Juri-san was the same the last time she was angry. Cross looked aside and said again, “But I mean it, Juri-san, although she gets angry all the time—”

“Enough already!” he cried. “Say one word of grandmother’s name and I don’t mind kicking you far, far, far away from this land!” he roared.

Yuuki cried and scolded Kouki with his threat. Kaname calmed his wife and carefully told Kouki that it’s no use to say something like that. Cross was only concerned with Kouki’s attitude. “You’ve never met humans, well, proper good-natured humans. It’s hard to change it now but you can start learning, no?” suggested Kaname.

Kouki stiffened ad flushed. “Fine!” he said and left the scene.

Yuuki sighed in relief and said, “I’m very sorry, Chairman. I didn’t mean what Kouki said.”

Cross shook his head and said, “I’ll get used to it anyway. He’s still young, no problem right? He’ll rule your people and as time passed, he’ll get to know the humans. Just like Juri-san a long time ago. That’s how I met her, although I clearly didn’t give her the good first impression. I found out she’s a vampire and set to hunt her but I was defeated by her with such small force.”

“Wow. Mother must be very powerful that time,” exclaimed Yuuki.

“Purebloods are powerful, Yuuki. As long as they know how to control their powers, no one can defeat them. It’s useful, that’s why we Purebloods move alone every time during the hunt,” explained Kaname. He smiled at her and made her smile as well. Cross smiled as well.

It was a short moment but it has a meaning after all. The couple continued entertaining their guests and Kaname noticed a familiar figure, not alone, but with a beautiful child. He smiled when their eyes met.

-

“Ichijou,” Kaname greeted his old friend. “Certainly has been a while.”

Takuma nodded and said, “Yes, it has been a while. The healing process took a bit longer than expected. I just can’t believe ‘your’ healing process was shorter and faster than mine. But I guess it’s better than having to suffer all the time.”

“Ichijou-san! Oh my god, what a beautiful child you have. What’s her name?” enquired Yuuki as she shook hands with the child next to Takuma.

Takuma laughed and said, “This is Misa, Yuuki-chan. Misa, this is Yuuki and this is Kaname. He’s my old friend and they’re the ones who saved me.”

“Pureblood king?” asked Misa, her eyes staring deep into Kaname’s.

“Ah.. Well, it’s his son who is the king now, Misa-chan but you could say that Kaname is still the one and only Pureblood king,” said Takuma plainly, making Misa laughed at her father.

Yuuki patted Misa’s head as she asked how old Misa was and she answered with such pretty voice. “Eleven years old.”

“You’re older than my children, that’s something. Haha, well, you’ll meet with my children, they’re twins and they’re a bit identical. You should go and play with them. Okay?” invited Yuuki. Misa nodded and hugged her. “Awwww, how cute, Ichijou-san!”

Yuuki left with Misa to find the twins, leaving Kaname with Takuma as they began their actual talk.

“A very beautiful child, I see. Guess the beautiful gene in Sara existed in her child. The Shirabuki clan may have disappeared but the line will still continue under the guise of the Ichijou clan after all. Still, status and classes have no meaning in this time. Kouki-kun denied the existence of such classes so now, we are equal. Such a good news, I guess?” said Kaname, smiling.

Ichijou nodded. “No more Council, no more difference of classes, everyone’s equal. That’s good news, Kaname. I’m glad. There’s no need for such unnecessary burden anymore. We can all live in peace, forever and ever. Now I see you’re smiling all the time. Guess love really made the best of you, huh?” he asked.

Flushing, “Guess so. Yuuki and the children are a blessing. They always make a large stupid mess and I have to solve it all the time. Plus, I have no reason to return to the world where I feel as if everyone’s pointing at my mistake. It was simple but the burden was heavy. Even if I leave, no one will let me go. No one will. None.” Kaname shook his head and looked at the sky. “Mistakes happen, but that time, everyone’s been hating one another, blaming each other and not knowing if what they did was right or wrong. It’s cruel and crazy.”

“I understand. It’s pressure. When people want something, they’ll try to take it from you. I understand your pain, although I was wondering, why were you easily attracted to Yuuki? I mean, I know you’re attracted to her even more before I see it clearly in Cross Academy but there must be something going on in your past. Could it be—”

“Hush,” said Kaname, grinning. “I don’t remember anything, Ichijou. If what you think ended up being the truth, then I supposed no matter where I go, she’ll go as well. Yet, I love Yuuki the way she is now, no matter who she is, no matter what she is. If she’s a different person in that time, then I don’t care. I was given a second chance to fix my mistakes and although I remember bits, I’ll never ask for more. This is my destiny. My very own.”

Takuma nodded in silence. “It’s your life, Kaname-kun. Your own life, treasure it.”

“How about you? Not finding someone special?” asked Kaname.

“Misa is my special one. I’ll take care and protect her until she find her own special one. Kaname-kun, thank you for telling me Sara’s last wish. In the end, her heart was still with our daughter. The least I could repay her was to give Misa the name her mother intended to give. Thanks a lot.”

“Your welcome.”

Kaname closed his eyes; every scenes flashed inside his mind, past to present and present to past. Everything seemed to make sense to him now. Some of the scenes weren’t clear to him, yet it was a part of him. Breathing slowly, his mind flashed to the image of Yuuki. Yuuki when she was a baby, when she was a toddler, when she was a child, when she was a teenager and when she’s an adult. There were a mix of emotions on every image he was seeing, yet it referred to his one and only love.

And that’s the end to the tale of Ominous Hours.

-----

(TBC)

A/N: *breathed in* I wonder if you like that ending. Well guys, this is the end of Ominous Hours. I don’t know how long it took to finish the whole chapter. I’m stuck with Kouki/Kaien part. If you’re wondering about the lack of KoukixAzusa story, don’t worry, the special chapter will be about the couple and Azusa will question Kouki’s hatred towards humans. Let see how he answers it.

Well, now that’s OH’s done for good. I can continue on Advar de Lucia as well as two or three new stories to make. I planned on a Kaname-centric story, 11 chapters planned. The other is just a simple oneshot based on a KxY fanart I saw. The fanart was beautiful, so y’know, random ideas popped out without any reasons. Heh.

Enjoy and hopefully y’all review!! *hugs and kisses*