Kaname.

XxXxX

You do not have the right to claim him as yours, return him to me now!

Yuuki gasped as she woke up from the nightmare. "What... What...?" she asked, her heart beating faster than normal. Her eyes looked at the door connecting her room to Kaname's, wondering if he could feel her fear and come by her side to comfort her. "Kaname... I need you," she whimpered, pulling herself and the sheet together as she cried against her knees. "I'm scared."

He never heard her at all through the night.

XxXxX

"Where is Kaname-sama?" Aidou Hanabusa said to the crowd gathering at the Kuran manor.

Most of the guests were his family and the branches families, as well as the other families. They were formerly known as the anti-Council vampires. After the demise of the Council of Ancients a year ago, they tried to reconcile with the pro-Council vampires in an attempt to have their support with the new rule under the Kuran family but most of their attempts failed as the pro-Council preferred the other Pureblood families to rule the vampires.

It was difficult... but not impossible, Hanabusa said.

"Hanabusa!" Sir Aidou called out to his denial in distress son. "We are already inside the Kuran manor, flocking at his home without care, the least you can do is be quiet and behave yourself! We are not the ones who are stressed by this trouble, it is Kaname-sama and Yuuki-sama!" he scolded, pressing his glare at him.

Hanabusa sighed at his father's words. "Forgive me, father, but I am worried of everything. I didn't see him after he took Yuuki-sama away after that incident with the Pureblood... Touma. I know it was my responsibility to protect her and I failed to do so because I was careless, I... I fear his wrath."

He never tell his father the time Kaname slapped him a number of times due to his stupidity. It was something he was shameful of and he rather not share it with anyone.

Fortunately, their long wait ended when Yuuki was seen coming down the stairs to greet them. "Everyone, thank you for coming to the Kuran manor. Hello Aidou-san, Aidou-sempai. I'm sorry I cannot provide any entertainment but in this situation–" she hesitated to answer. Everything moved so fast, it was hard for Yuuki to handle it alone.

Kaname, where are you?

"Do not worry, Yuuki-sama. We are aware that we're in a critical state, there is no need for you to provide more that what you have done for us. We have invaded the peace of your home by gathering here, there's nothing more we can say... but a thank you," Sir Aidou explained as he smiled in the end, as well as the visible smile from others.

Yuuki bowed to return his kindness. "Perhaps some tea...?" she offered.

"That will be fine, thank you. Most of us prefer blood but... I think we're good enough without some, right?" Sir Aidou asked as the others agreed. In this situation, they should curb their bloodlust and focus on what's ahead of them. A few minutes later, "Do you know where is Kaname-sama? Hanabusa wishes to talk to him," he prompted.

She halted on her way to the kitchen. "Ah. Actually, I didn't see Kaname-oniisama at all today. Well, not yet considering that it is quite early."

"Eh? Why not?" Hanabusa asked, wondering if something happened between them during the time interval. "Did something happen in the last few days?"

She shook her head, weakly smiling. "Kaname... doesn't seem fond in sharing any of his plans with me."

Sir Aidou looked at his son's gaze and then returned to Yuuki, "Never mind then, Yuuki-sama. I'm sure Shoutou-sama is with Kaname-sama right now. If you notice, he's not here as well. In fact, it is Shoutou-sama who informed us about this meeting and it will seems strange that he's absent. I have the feelings that they are somewhere around."

"Indeed. Then, shall we wait...?" Yuuki asked.

"Yes. Everyone, please make yourself comfortable. This meeting won't start until both Kaname-sama and Shoutou-sama return from wherever they are from."

Everyone resumed their act as usual as they waited for the return of the two Purebloods. Meanwhile, Sir Aidou went close to Yuuki and whispered; "Also, Yuuki-sama, do expect the arrival of the other Purebloods as well," he whispered to her ears. "I am not sure how many or from which families but a few will soon arrive here."

"Eh...?"

XxXxX

Your guilt... Your contradiction...

"This is where Hana stood by when Touma began his invasion against his own kind and the humans. Her hands held the Artemis firm as she waited for the moment to run after him and end his life. She managed to defeat him but he was wicked, therefore even though he lost the battle, he managed to escape and hid himself to this day. Hana was crushed when he did that. It was unfair to her and everyone else. Yet, a vampire would always be a vampire. You couldn't play by the rules even if you wanted to."

Isaya listened to Kaname's words as they stood at the edge of the clift. "You were never there in that battle."

"I wasn't there. I was never there. I ran away before the battle. I was a coward, actually," he confessed, smiling at that truth. "But I am not ashamed of it though."

Isaya returned his smile. "I was in the similar situation as you too, Kaname-san."

"I see. Once in a while, we became our weak selves, not knowing what to do besides doing what was expected of us."

Isaya shrugged at his words. "Are you anticipating this war, Kaname-san? I have called the people that supported you for all these years and they've gathered at the manor."

"Thank you. This war... isn't really a war, Isaya-san. Between Touma and I, it was more than a war, it was our personal hatred toward one another. He challenged me to a personal battle and I accepted. He never declared the war against the humans and the vampires, it was only my words to manipulate all of you into thinking he's evil."

Isaya was not surprised to hear the declaration coming from Kaname's mouth. Touma was evil, it couldn't be denied. He smiled to himself, since he heard of his existence, he was often curious about Kaname. He was the son of his dearest friends as well as his respectable mentors, Haruka and Juri. The father has been kind to give him advice as one of the senior Purebloods while the wife, although she was the blaze of the sun and sometimes her actions were hyper like that of a human, Juri was an admired one.

He missed them both when he heard the news of their death. It was even worse when he found out, like everyone else, that Kuran Kaname was not the actual son of Haruka and Juri, instead he was the Ancestor of Kuran. The only similarity between the two; their names. Kuran Kaname. The name of the first Kuran and the youngest Kuran male.

He swayed a bit. It has been a while...

"Isaya-san, while I have no doubt that Touma may harm the humans according to his original plan, I still need you and everyone else–" he halted.

"Who is Isaya...?" a voice asked, surprising Kaname in return. "Where... Where am I?" he asked, hissing with a heavy headache.

Kaname turned around and stared suspiciously at the man in front of him. It was Isaya... but he was not acting like Isaya at all! It couldn't be! "Shoutou?" he called.

"Eh, Kaname? Kaname!" Shoutou cried in amazement, his 'headache' disappeared in the instant. "You are alive? I thought you are still in your slumber!" he cried.

He blinked a couple of times, knocking the truth inside his head. "How...? Shoutou, you are not in the past. This is the present time, the time of our descendants. You are not inside your body and I am no longer in the deep slumber. You are inside the body of your descendant, Shoutou Isaya. Now, tell me how you managed to exist in him?"

"What are you talking about? Are you saying-" he asked, looking at his own appearance. Long hair. Normal clothes. He gagged in horror. "If this is the present and I am not inside my body then why on Earth am I here?" he cried in disbelief. "What happened to me? Where's my hair? It's long!" he was terrified with what he noticed of himself.

The author failed to mention that the old Purebloods have the tendency to keep their hair short... unless requested not to.

Kaname sighed. "How should I know? A moment ago, I was talking to your grandson and suddenly you're... here. If you ask me, I should be asking you instead!"

The two Purebloods exchanged their versions of shocked expressions. "This is weird, Kaname. No, it is ridiculous. I am definitely sure I am dead; both soul and body! I can understand if I suddenly by accident took over my grandson's body but my soul should have been destroyed thousands of years ago! I died in the Great War, Kaname!"

"I know! Hana told me about it!" he protested to defend himself. Strange, Kaname thought, it was as if they returned to their young, foolish selves. How amusing.

"Hana? Hana's here?" Shoutou asked.

Kaname shook his head. "She existed only as part of my memories. I am unsure if others can see her if she doesn't make an appearance but she did... appear in front of your grandson and Yuuki before she completely disappeared, much to my dismay. She's the only connection I have to the past and now she's gone... forever."

"Why is Hana here and who is... Yuuki?" Shoutou asked. "Her name sounds oddly familiar to Yuu-sama, you know."

"Since Isaya-san is your only living descendant as the rest passed away, I too have my own descendants. Yuuki is the youngest of the Kuran family. As for Hana, she's concerned about me. I have been in this time for quite a while and she's not pleased with my decision to stay here and live instead of choosing a better method: death."

Shoutou began to understand his reason of existence in this present world. "You never died?" he asked. "Not once, never?" he added. "Since you woke up from slumber?"

"Never. Except... I turned myself into a baby once more to regain my powers so my growth was a bit abnormal. I'm too weak after thousands of years without blood."

Thus... I might hurt my own descendants because of the lust of blood within me.

"No wonder why you looked young. Hana's concern of you is quite evident, Kaname. That child, she appears strong but she is weak without you. Always remember that she is the only one with no one to depend on after your apparent death. She raised her children by herself and died after the Great War. If she's upset, it's definitely your fault."

Kaname glared at his old friend who returned with an expressionless gaze. /What's that supposed to mean anyway?/

"Enough. I'm guilty as it is. I have been slapped, yelled and kicked by my only daughter. It hurts all over; both physical and mentally. Yet, I am grateful for her actions. She gave me the chance to remember the memories that have been frozen deep inside my brain; the memories of my life as who I truly am, the memories of us working together as a big family, the memories of living with Hana and the memories..." he paused. "I suppose I deserve all those slaps, yelling and kicks by Hana after all."

Shoutou moved forward, two feet behind Kaname. "You have forgotten about Yuu?" he asked.

"Tell me, should I be ashamed of myself?" the question came out of his mouth.

Shoutou shook his head. "I do not know, Kaname. Honestly, you should be ashamed of yourself. I thought when you went inside your coffin to embrace your slumber you did it because of Yuu; no one else. Her remains were inside there! The last person to see her was you, not Hana, never her! It was you; her husband, her lover, her friend, her master, her everything! You didn't even care about Hana back then when Yuu was no longer breathing; in your eyes, Yuu's death has taken everything away from you. There is no reason to live when your most beloved has left you forever! But... how could you forget her existence after all these years?" he questioned, shaking Kaname.

"I never meant to forget her!" Kaname cried in response. "So many things happened, naturally I forgot everything! I didn't mean to wake up! I didn't plan any of this!"

"What do you mean by that?" Shoutou yelled at him. They were no longer the King and his loyal subjects, they were equals and equals yelled at one another.

Kaname coughed. "My... My older descendant, Kuran Rido forced me to wake up from my slumber. He... He used the flesh and blood of his nephew to forcefully awaken me. He... He tried to devour me for my powers but it was impossible since I forced him to his death but I was too weak... I could not end his life. Therefore, I decided to take the place of the poor child who knew nothing about his uncle's deceit and died for that reason!" he explained. "Shoutou, I have no desire to be alive in this new time. Never!"

I didn't know how he was able to break the barrier I have placed around the chamber. No one was supposed to know its existence! No one was supposed to enter!

"You wished to die?" he asked quietly. The calm before the storm.

"Yes. Yes! I wished to die!" truthfully, he shouted the words out.

"Then, why didn't you?" Shoutou cried at him.

"Rido wasn't my only descendant, Shoutou. He had a brother and a sister. The child he sacrificed was the son of Haruka and Juri. I could choose to die right away but in doing so, I am harming their safety. As you always know, vampires won't die unless they commit suicide or is killed by another. I do not kill myself even if that's my greatest wish. I did have a thought; a dangerous train of thought of letting Rido has his way and take my powers as he wished to. Then, a thought rushed in, telling me if I let Rido take my powers, he would destroy this world. I always remember the Great Elder's words; my powers should be used for good, if misused, it might lead to nothingness."

Shoutou sighed. "I see that's your interpretation of the Great Elder's words. It is something inside his blood. His blood has the incredible power than none of you have. I fear that if Evil finds this child and strips him off of his powers, we shall all perish. His powers are strong but will the vessel be able to restrain the powers from destroying him? I wonder if that power inside your blood is able to resist the boundaries of your body, Kaname?" he asked.

"You remembered...?" Kaname asked.

"Naturally. I have always been close to the Great Elder besides Hanadagi, of course. It doesn't matter, you have no interest of remaining in this world, I believe?"

Kaname looked beyond what he was able to see at the edge of the clift. "Once, I had a thought that what happened to me that time, it was for a reason. Perhaps, there's a good thing behind Rido's wrongdoings even if it hurt those that were close to him. Perhaps, I could do something to help the people of this time because I couldn't do anything for the people of the past time. I was the King of Vampires but I was a useless one. The time where our people needed us to be united, we did not and we separated. Our brotherhood no longer exist. Brother fought against brother, brother launched his hatred towards the other, we were divided and we hated one another."

"What else could the Great Elder do...? He couldn't do anything anymore. When we were little, he raised, protected and taught us about our responsibilities. Then, we grew up and we decided that what we thought was right would always be right. We didn't care what the Great Elder said because we were not his children, we didn't know that but in the end, we know. We were all strangers to one another, we believed that the Great Elder was our father figure and he was...!"

"But because we were different... we couldn't..."

Shoutou decided, enough was enough. "Enough. This isn't the time for you to remind yourself how broken we all are at that time. We are fools, admit it." He walked toward Kaname and pulled him away even though Kaname refused to walk away from the cliff. "I didn't ask that question, Kaname. What is your decision now? Do you wish to remain or to die in this world? Hana came and haunted you, didn't she? Did she succeed in changing your mind?" he asked.

"Yes, she did." Kaname was quiet as a scolded child as he was dragged away. "When you did this, I always felt like the time when we were little, Shoutou."

"Is that so? The precious memories of your past life, have they returned?" he asked.

"Not everything but... they are returning. I wonder if that's a sign."

Shoutou turned around, facing Kaname. "What kind of sign?" he asked.

"...Touma," he murmured.

Shoutou suddenly became alert when he heard the bastard's name. "What...? Touma... Touma is alive?" he asked, eyes widening. "Wait... Is that why... Is that the reason why I am suddenly in this timeline for absolutely no reason at all in the first place? Kaname, what's going on before I exist a moment ago? What is Touma planning to do now? He launched the Great War and it killed many of our people, including the Great Elder! He waited this long... to do the same thing as thousands of years ago?"

"Reason for your existence...? It cannot be! Hanadagi is still in slumber at the time we are speaking right now, I sent my people a few months ago to check it out and the servant said it will be for another four hundred years! It cannot be, Shoutou! After all, Touma's objective is to kill me and no one else." Kaname stepped behind, his thoughts contradicting his words. No, Kaname. Touma will kill the humans and the vampires after he is done with you!

"I find that your statement is hard to believe, Kaname. Never forget that I can read your mind just as well as Touma can read yours," he said, implying that thoughts would always be the truth, not just words. "It didn't matter even if the servant said that Hanadagi would continue to sleep for another four hundred years or more or less. If I have forcefully entered my grandson's body to host my soul without a specific reason, then I believe, Hanadagi would do the exact same thing. In fact, the same thing would occur to our brothers. Where is Ouri, Shirabuki and Hiou?" he questioned. "While I still believe that Hanadagi is on our side, the other three are not?" he pressed.

Kaname hesitated but he answered anyway. "I do not know but... the Shirabuki and the Ouri families were once connected through an engagement between Lord Ouri and Shirabuki Sara but... the recent events resulted in the death of Lord Ouri, therefore, I do not know the rest. As for the Hiou family, they have been quiet since their daughter, Hiou Shizuka has been called mad. Her distant family, however, the Kurenais has been in regular contact with the Aidou family."

"She died...?" he asked.

"Yes. I... killed her."

"Surprising... but you have your reasons, I suppose." Shoutou did some calculations inside his mind then murmured, "It's negative for Ouri and Shirabuki then but may be positive for Hiou. As for Hanadagi, believe me Kaname, that man will make an appearance at your doorsteps. Now all that's left is obviously our beloved enemy, Touma."

Kaname was confused seeing Shoutou's actions. He was no longer the old him, he was a responsible person now. A respected leader. "You seemed cheerful."

"I am not. I don't know who's been pulling the strings by forcing me back here but I believe, it's all done to help you defeat that person once and for all. I'll help you, Kaname."

"Thank you, Shoutou." Kaname weakly smiled, thankful that his old friend came for a purpose: to assist him in dealing with Touma.

Shoutou began his movements as Kaname slowly followed from behind. He knew the path to the Kuran manor so Kaname didn't have to show him the directions. Shoutou was at the cliff with Hana before so if he knew how to get there, then he knew how to return to the manor again. As they walked to their destination, Kaname felt the strange, odd feeling gathering around him like lice. It was suddenly cold but it was probably because of the snow. It was suddenly dark but it was probably before the sunrise. Then...

"Rido!" he gasped, turning around as his eyes roamed around to look for the origin. No, I already have Touma as one of my problems! I don't want another one, please!

"Kaname, the dark thoughts are weakening you. That man who killed his nephew, scared his niece and gave you fear is dead. He's just a shadow lurking in the blackness of your heart. He's never there, open your eyes and fight your fears. I came and decided to help you but if you are scared by the images of the dead, I don't know if I should continue my offer because you are not just a vampire! You are once the King of Vampires! Yuu died because you are careless so do something to erase that mistake!"

"But...!"

Shoutou hushed him and declared, "Kuran Kaname. Enough. Be confident with your strength, intelligence and strategy. This is not a war, Kaname, this is a personal battle. Your words said that Touma's objective is to kill you, not kill the humans or the vampires but your thoughts contradicted yourself because we all know that Touma never save anyone's life. He will kill the humans and the vampires to create a new world and if he learns that you are in this weak state, it will not be a fair battle. You have lost."

"Is that what you want...?"

XxXxX

Shoutou and Kaname returned to the Kuran manor. Sir Aidou greeted their arrival as Yuuki greeted them next. "Kaname-sama, Shoutou-sama, welcome back."

"Do these people know that I am not who I think I am?" Shoutou asked Kaname, surprising the others inside the house. "I am not Shoutou Isaya. I am his ancestor."

A shriek of surprise and utter shock came from the guests. "Ancestor... of Shoutou-sama?" Hanabusa asked, shooting a glance at Kaname to confirm the truth.

Kaname sighed at Shoutou's sudden declaration. Forget about him being the responsible leader, he was still the same, Kaname thought. "This is the Ancestor of Shoutou but for some strange reasons, he resides inside the body of Shoutou Isaya, his grandson. Please remain in calling him as 'Shoutou-sama' instead of 'Isaya-sama', thank you. Aidou-san, have they arrived?" he asked Sir Aidou.

The older man whispered to Kaname's ears. "The Hiou family is here, Kaname-sama. They are over there," he said, pointing at one corner.

"Oh. I see them now. Thank you. How about the others?" he asked.

"I doubt that the Shirabuki family will ever come when their heiress has no intention in working together with you. As for the Ouri family, there's still no words," he explained.

Kaname nodded, "Never mind then, thank you again, Aidou-san. Shoutou, do you wish to greet the Hiou family?" he asked, clearly forgetting Yuuki's presence nearby.

He left the house without telling me but Aidou-san, then he returned with Isaya-san who ended up hosting the soul of the Ancestor of Shoutou. Could this person be... Kaname's loyal friend and his trusted advisor during his past life? They seemed so close and Kaname even forgot my existence inside this house. Why, Kaname...?

Kaname was already heading toward the Hious while Shoutou paused a moment to glance at Yuuki. "Kuran Yuuki?" he called. When she responded with surprise, he said, "I see that there is more than just a relationship between siblings but it is a pity because despite the similarities between you and her, his heart has been taken away."

"What...?" Yuuki was speechless.

"Pardon me." Shoutou dismissed himself and followed Kaname's steps, leaving Yuuki shocked while Sir Aidou was confused with the statement.

The people from the past did not give me any chances at all. Kaname, you allowed them to do this to me? You said you loved me and I loved you.

XxXxX

"Hmph, Kuran Kaname," that was the first sentence that came out of the Pureblood's mouth.

"Hiou-san, everyone. Welcome to the Kuran manor. I believe all is to your comfort?" Kaname asked, smiling sweetly. It lasted a moment before they stopped pretending.

Both of their eyes glared sharp at one another. Shoutou could feel the tension coming from both parties; well, Kaname against the members of the Hiou family. He wished to know more besides the news that Kaname killed Hiou Shizuka, the daughter of the Hiou family. He failed to mention that Shizuka was once betrothed to Kuran Rido. Hmm.

"We are only here because we wish to support you but there is no such thing as forgiveness for what you have done towards our daughter. That act will never be forgiven."

"I do not expect anything from you at all, Hiou-san. I did what I am supposed to do, I would kill to protect my family just as she would kill to protect her own. It is fair."

Even if that person was her lover, it didn't matter, right Hiou-san?

A voice broke the tension but it did not surprise Kaname, neither was Shoutou. They have been waiting for this moment after all. "I told you he will come out, didn't I?"

"Shut up, Shoutou." Kaname waited patiently. "Very well, if this has proven your theory then I suppose we will have a small reunion after all."

A chuckle greeted them. "Have you two been making plans behind my back? How dangerous that thought is, in my humble opinion. Kuran, Shoutou, long time no see."

The sight of their old friend brought memories to them. "Hello, Hiou. Have you chosen your side? Is it me you wish to support or our mutual enemy?" Kaname asked.

Hiou led both Kaname and Shoutou toward the sitting room as his family remained behind, watching them with caution. "Hold your breath, children. He means no harm to me, I trust him. Please go and enjoy yourselves with the rest of the guests. Take all the time needed before we have to stop and continue with our objective of coming here."

A slight nod and the group dissolved on their own. "Forgive me if the children seems hostile towards you, Kuran. After what you've done, it's impossible to believe in you."

"Strange that you never think less of me after what I have done towards your family," Kaname murmured, sitting across Hiou as Shoutou sat next to him.

"The children do not understand the bond of family between the seven of us, Kuran. There are always complications and issues between us but we deal with it together. When a brother is in trouble, we will help him, remember, Shoutou? When Touma bullied you, all of us rushed in to rescue you from his attacks. It was amusing even though in the end, we were all scolded. Alas, it was only during our childhood. When we got older, the significance of family in our lives disappeared gradually. When we realized that the Great Elder paid more attention to Kuran, grooming him as the King of Vampires, Touma felt threatened by the situation. After all, as a young vampire, hot-headed as well, it's not surprising if he believed he would be the best of everything. A child younger than him meant nothing to him." Hiou managed a glance before he added, "The only thing Touma didn't know; he wasn't the only one. All of us felt threatened, especially the older ones. We lived longer but the youngest became the King."

"I did nothing to him, it's only the clashes of our opinions."

"That is true. He has waited for this day to come, Kuran, it's been a long way since then. He couldn't fight you because you disappeared and your daughter took your place. Hana-sama was a very strong fighter, she was only a woman but her determination was as strong as the rest of us. I respected her but... she lost so much, it hurt her soul."

Shoutou was silent as he listened to Hiou's words as Kaname exchanged conversation with him. It has been a while since he last met Hana. They died at separate places and time, one was right after the Great War and another was a while after the Great War. "Touma is being ridiculous. Someone has to end his life for good," he murmured.

"That is what Kuran is planning, isn't it?" Hiou asked. "But what are we waiting for? His declaration of war? What, is he going to come here and announce his presence?"

Kaname shook his head. "It's not a war, it's a battle. And we are waiting for Hanadagi's arrival. Shoutou said he's coming but I have a hard time believing in it."

"Oh? Hanadagi, our most respected senior. Ouri's the eldest but... he's nothing compared to Hanadagi," Hiou commented. "I am sure he will come but is it only Hanadagi? How about Ouri? The eldest of us, does he not wish to join this little war between you and Touma? Shirabuki, too. It's been a while since we even do a family reunion."

It's been a really long while, it's nostalgic.

Shoutou decided to interfere. "It's all rubbish. Shirabuki is taking Touma's lead while Ouri may as well follow those two. Fools, such fools."

"Are you that sure, Shoutou? After all–" Hiou paused.

The loud bang from the door halted the conversation between the three. Kaname quietly rose from his seat and walked toward the hall, wondering if the guest he expected has finally arrived. Giving a signal to his two companions, Shoutou and Hiou followed as well. As soon as they reached the hall where everyone was enjoying themselves, Sir Aidou immediately rushed to Kaname (even though it was unnecessary considering that Sir Aidou was not the host!). "Kaname-sama, it seems you have a visitor."

"I heard the door," Kaname murmured. "Thank you, Aidou-san."

"Kuran. What the hell is going on here?" Hanadagi roared in annoyance. "It's five hundred years, not one hundred years!" he said, trotting toward Kaname and the others.

Hiou and Shoutou's eyes widened at the sight of their elder. "What... happened to you, Hanadagi?" both of them asked simulateneously.

"I couldn't shave and cut my hair because of the three of you!" Hanadagi accused, his temper distrupted. "I will fall into slumber every five centuries. My servant shall awaken me on the last day of the fifth century and I shall be awake for one century to feed and manage myself. Once the one century is completed, I will return to slumber. But..."

They winced. "We... disturbed the cycle, didn't we?"

"Of course you did!" he roared, forcing the duo to step back. "I demand an explanation, right now!"

"Touma is coming, Hanadagi," Kaname said. "He wished to kill me."

"...Touma? That idiot or his descendant?" he enquired.

"Descendant...? You know about that child?" Kaname asked in returned.

The Pureblood denied the question and explained, "I have awakened a century ago, took a little stroll around the world and saw that descendant of his."

"Since it a century ago, I expected his appearance to be different. Judging from your words, if he's still a 'child', it should means he stopped aging."

Hiou interfered, "Wait... so Touma's descendant, despite whatever age he is now... is still in the form of a child?"

"That's the answer. Unless he's like Kaname, became a baby and grow once more!" Shoutou exclaimed. "Growth pattern would have been different."

Silence filled the hall as everyone watched Kaname in shock, as usual. He gripped his fists, making a mental note to self to kill Shoutou after all was done. Oh wait, the man's dead anyway, there's no purpose still... "What did he mean by that, Kaname-sama?" and "Kaname-sama... became a baby and grow once more? I don't understand!" were some of the questions. Aah, guilt. How long do you plan to torture me with the endless pursuits of questions?

He sighed, closing his eyes. "This is a long story... I wish I can explain further but we don't have any time, Hanadagi. We need to discuss the battle plans."

"Very well," he understood Kaname's need to hide that part of truth from everyone. He looked around for a while, those eyes watching Kaname as if he made a big mistake. It was true, lying to the entire vampires population was a big mistake... but no one was perfect, no one could escape the wrath of guilt. Kaname... was one of them. "Hana?"

Kaname stopped in his steps. "What about Hana? All of you are concerned over her, its strange and odd, I do not understand any of this!" he snapped.

"...It's nothing."

Kaname didn't believe his reason. "Enough. I don't want hear about that anymore. Hana was here a few days ago, she was always there inside my heart."

"I see. I asked because I thought she's here, again."

"Again...?" Yuuki whispered quietly.

The door barked open, again.

Everyone recognized that silver hair anywhere. Yuuki's heart pounded when she saw him. "Zero..." she whispered, her breath low.

"What... are... those... people?" Hanadagi quietly asked Kaname but his tone was more implied to the general while ignoring his dreadfully hideous appearance; unshaven and messy hair. "I think I see familiar people, hmm, not."

Kaname was quiet, then he said, "They represent the Vampire Hunters Association."

"Oh. We thought they're something but... WHAT?" his three companions looked at him in shock!

XxXxX

Kaname sighed at the results of today's event. He's busted for good. He's guilty as expected. The death stares from his three elders – it hurt just imagining yet alone returning their horrified and morbid gaze when they – in this case, the entire crowd – were told that it was Kaname who called for the organization known as the Vampire Hunters Association. A normal response came from the crowd for they were aware of them but for the old Purebloods – Hanadagi, Hiou and Shoutou – being informed of their enemies' arrival at the doorstep of Kuran manor...

"I refuse!" Hanadagi slammed his fist down the sidetable. "Whether you like it or not, they are the descendants of the people who destroyed our society!"

Hiou had to agree with Hanadagi with his refusal. "I agree, this is insane, Kuran. Have you forgotten that the Kuran manor is supposed to be a hidden location from the eyes of outsiders, be it humans or vampires? I'm aware that this manor is near the town but still, it doesn't mean you can forget the rules you made the last time!" he said. "They are not vampires, in fact, they're not harmless! Look at those weapons, those things came from our time!"

Shoutou has chosen to step out from this quarrel. He was not against Kaname's decision but he understood the response coming from both Hanadagi and Hiou; the old Purebloods and their radical views of the world, it was the unfortunate truth each one of them have to swalow. The hate toward their enemies lived longer than themselves. While the two continued their reasons on Kaname's 'poor' decision despite his defiance, Shoutou took the opportunity to observe the guests. He enjoyed his view of the vampire hunters until he spotted a certain someone staring at him. "What is it...?" he called.

Cross said, "Isaya-kun, it is you but... I don't know why I feel as if there's something different about you. The ways your eyes move, it seems different."

Shoutou took a glance of his appearance and realized, "Indeed. I am not him, unfortunately."

"Isaya...? I don't recall that being your name!" Hiou said.

"Because... it is not!" Shoutou answered back. Before he could answer in details...

The windows crashed.

XxXxX

It was a sign. It was time to start what they have been waiting for thousands of years.

Touma has arrived. He wasn't alone, his young descendant was behind him, waiting for the next step.

"Kuran, come out and let us begin this battle!"

XxXxX

Earlier...

"In your letter, you requested our assistance in protecting the humans because your enemy has decided that not only he will kill the vampires but the... humans as well? I find that hard to believe, Kuran Kaname, this is an absurb reasoning. What reason does this enemy of yours want with our people besides the fact that all of you mutually agree of this fact: we are useless?" Touga Yagari stated his reasonings, flat on the table. "Do you even have a proof that your enemy wishes to hurt our people because this isn't our fault, it is positively yours."

Kaname nodded. "He's been on a rampage since thousands of years ago–"

"That's where I have my doubt. I didn't understand your phrase of 'thousands of years ago' in your statement, surely you are not playing around with us."

Hanabusa snapped. "Kaname-sama does not play around!" he cried. "Stop cutting his words and listen carefully!"

Takamiya Kaito snickered. "His lackey make an appearance, hush!"

"You!" Sir Aidou calmed his son. "Pardon him but please, we didn't ask for this situation to occur and we need your assistance... if you care for the humans."

"Which means without us, you have no intention of protecting the humans, at all?" Kiryuu Zero made his question.

Silence greet them as Sir Aidou was offended by that statement. "You people..."

"I admit it is our fault that this situation occured but it cannot be help that we are creatures that live longer than humans. We do die but it's not an easy task to accomplish as there's only two ways to die; murder or suicide. As you can see, here are the three of the oldest Purebloods, the ancestors of the vampires of this present generation; Hanadagi, Hiou and Shoutou. They are the root of the vampires and they know the people behind the creation of your weapons. Our ally-turned-enemy, Touma, is one of the old Purebloods, but instead of making sure that humans and vampires can live together in peace as promised between the seven of us, he has a different point of view regarding world. Touma's ideal world is the world where fools and weaklings do not exist! It apply to humans too!" Kaname stated. "He has been asleep in slumber, waiting for this day to begin so he can kill the ones he believe as fools."

Kaname's eyes shifted elsewhere before he returned a sharp glare at Yagari, saying the harsh but the proof he needed. "He considered... I as a fool and a weakling for running away from that promised battle. If he has no reasons to be afraid of ending my life; he definitely has no problem in destroying the lives of the petty humans! I can always regenerate if I am lucky but the humans...? You live once and that is all, you don't survive against us monsters."

Silence choked the hunters for the truth in Kaname's words. "...I wouldn't ask for your help because I have thought of this response earlier and I have actually considered asking the vampires to protect the humans themselves because this is our problem, then it should be our responsibilities to ensure their safety, that's what you would say to my face. However, I didn't find that as fair because out of all people, the Vampire Hunters Association is not informed of this matter, it's ridiculous. All of you have been eager with if we break the rules, it's farewell to the Peace Treaty statement because none of you believe this can be done, except for the Chairman, the origin of this train of thought. I assure you, even if you refuse, we have our own people to do this. After all, we helped the students of the Cross Academy therefore, it would not be a problem to do the same. We are perfectly fine."

Yuuki gave a sigh of relief. Kaname didn't forget that one important aspect, thank God!

"Kaname-kun, you went this far to actually do this. Thank you," Cross said, smiling with tears. "Yuuki, I brought someone here for you. Do come in, please."

Her eyes widened at the sight of her best friend's appearance. "Sayori... Yori-chan!" her bubbly self resurfaced.

"Yuuki, after a year–" Yori started, tears filled her eyes.

XxXxX

The raven flew fast across the mountain, its eyes staring deep toward the visitors as it watched every movements created by them.

It was then it noticed ahead, the grey and black, puffy smoke coming from the town. A closer inspection revealed a clear view to the raven, but, oh no! Immediately, it turned around flying toward the Kuran manor as fast as it could – as fast as its wings could take it there. The Toumas have started their invasion... by burning the town without mercy. Cries of pain, horror, anguish and sadness; it came together as one and the raven shrieked in distress!

Kaname, it has started! The battle has started!

Meanwhile...

"Sara-san, where exactly are we going?"

"Shh, Takuma. I am tracking them so you must be quiet. They have denied me their cooperation but that doesn't mean I won't stop pursuing them!"

Thus...

Old Touma and his descendant have began their invasion while Shirabuki Sara (and Ichijou Takuma, unfortunately!) was rushing after them despite the clear reasonings that the Toumas worked alone. Kuran Kaname and companions were at the Kuran manor... but the crash on the windows alerted them of the events of war. It has finally begun and each one of them were more than ready to begin!

"Maria-san, is it possible to let go of your owl to foresee the events out there...?" Kaname requested.

Kurenai Maria who has been sitting quietly responded immediately, "Ah. Yes, certainly!"

"Good. Seiren, go ahead. Hanadagi, Hiou, Shoutou; it is time to go. Let's crush Touma..."

"...for once and for all!"

XxXxX

(TBC)

XxXxX

A/N: More OOC awkwardness, then again, you can't expect the old Purebloods to be cranky all the time!

As for why Hiou joined the crew of those who supported Kaname and opposed Touma, the reason: Maria. I noticed the connection between the Kurenais and the Aidous and realized that the Kurenais surely supported the Kurans, even though it's not known whether that's true or false. Also, I am aware that the Hiou family and the Kurenai family are distant but who cares. I am also aware that Hiou acted more like a jerk to Kaname in the ancestral past but with thousands of years as the distance, people can change, so that is acceptable. As for Hanadagi's appearance, feel free to imagine it!

The next chapter is the final with an epilogue to wrap the story. I think I should have the actual summary in my mind now.