Yuu versus Yuuki. Who shall win...?

XxXxX

Silence greeted Yuuki when she woke up from one of her longest dreams. Her head ached after sleeping for so long, it felt like ages. Her fingers rubbed the same spot to ease the pain. It was probably the after effects of sleeping without a bed and a pillow. "That's the longest dream I ever had." Eh.

Dreams? Have I been sleeping all these times? Then, what happened before...

Then, she realized where she was! It was pitch black, the ground was bottomless and it was oddly quiet. Why, she wondered, why am I here? Where am I? Her questions were aimless as she stood and looked around. There was no one there. The only thing that she heard was a dash of wind flowing from the north. A closer inspection revealed that there was a sound of streaming water. Ah! "If there's a river in the north, then...!"

Wasting no time, she followed the path toward the source. "Please! I hope this is not a dream! It's feels like a nightmare!"

However...

As soon as she reached there, expecting to find the rich source of water, it was hopeless. There was nothing, not even a drop of water, only the darkness wrapping every inch of the bottomless ground. Rejected, Yuuki couldn't understand what was happening! "Who's toying with me around?" she demanded.

"I am."

The declaration forced Yuuki to turn around and see who was there, but...!

XxXxX

Previously...

Hana returned to the Kuran manor for what she would call perhaps the hundredth time of the day alone. What was she to do? She couldn't stay inside the Kuran manor, facing that little imp of a brat telling her that she could join the war but everyone else knew better; Yuuki was useless. So she left the place.

It surprised her when Yuuki declared that no matter how much they hated one another, their link as the ancestress and the descendant would never be cut. It's strange, her muse told her, for someone that I called pathetic more than three times would accept that I am one of her elders. It's ridiculous.

She placed her palm against her head, realizing one thing. It was not because Yuuki was an idiot, a naïve one or a ridiculous person (again?). If she was, she wouldn't be a Kuran. She was a human until very recent. Her entire life has always been the fragile, the ways of the humans. The ways of the weak.

Her kindness was born through her human life. A vampire never learn to be kind, they were beasts, they kill and be killed to survive! Vampires that have seen the ways of humans, realizing their potential into continuing their survival in the world would have thought of the word 'kind'. Until then, it was only a hopeless wish, something that no vampires would be able to achieve. We must have been the lowest of all creatures, killing others for our own sake.

When vampires tried to do something kind in his or her belief, they would be questioned by the society. Of course, despite killing others to survive, there was a term known as the brotherhood or sisterhood; a special bond created between vampires. No one liked to be divided or separated or be enemies.

I was never a human. That's why I never know why she has deep attachments to many things around her. Even if my entire life has always been about me, her life was about helping others, it was always for the sake of others, she's selfless. At least, when it concern her, she may change... like what's currently occurring.

Would there be someone else like her? Someone who would do anything for the sake of the others, even if it may hurt that person itself?

But... "This is so strange. Yuuki is mama's rival for papa's affection!"

She shook her head, even if there was someone like Kuran Yuuki, it was none of her concern. In fact, she shouldn't even bother with the likes of her! Hana slapped her cheeks with her two hands, telling her that she's not here for Yuuki! It's for Kaname's sake as well as her mother's, that's her only reason.

"That's it, Hana. Forget about the unnecessary matters, focus on one goal."

She landed on the ground, about six miles away from the Kuran manor, it was necessary, she told herself. The distance was enough to cover her view of the entire area, and if anyone wondered how she managed to do that, there would be no answer. Until Kaname's return from his battle against Touma, she would remain as the leader in charge and keep the responsibilities she held, even if it meant having to return to the Kuran manor every half an hour.

"It's the right time for the others to return to the Kuran manor now, both vampires and hunters. All I need to do is wait for Kaname to return home. It shouldn't be long now, when he returns I can go back as well... Eh?" her voice became alarmed as she noticed something moving along the mountains.

There were two of them, one a female and another was a male. The scent was faint but Hana figured out the one leading was the female, the male was only a follower, it was evident on his face. "What a familiar smell to the point it is disgusting! Hmph...! Shirabuki...?" she murmured, turning to take another look. "Indeed. I may not see the man himself but it's foolish not to recognize his descendant. I must say, she is beautiful but a vain woman."

How dare she used this method to reach the Kuran manor...?

Hana drove herself to the trees to hide her presence. It was possible for Purebloods to hide their scent, considering that even the woman hid hers, it's fair if both sides didn't know the presence of one another. "I need to know her reasons of coming here in secret. I need to know... before I kill her...!"

Her palm touched the bark of the tree and it shattered. Curses!

"Should I... Should I even try...?" her breathing huffed. "I need to leave."

Before she lost her composure, she received word that Kaname has returned. Glancing a last look at the unknown enemy, she breathed, "I believe we will meet again when you arrive at the Kuran manor, Shirabuki-san. Still, it would have been better if you just shut up and never show up when I'm around!"

She jumped from her hiding place and fled away, leaving no trace of her tracks.

XxXxX

She couldn't blink her eyes at the sight in front of her. "You..."

"Is it surprising to you that I looked like you..." the voice asked with a smile, and she added a chuckle, "...or that you actually looked like me? After all, you are the present generation while I represent the past time. Our names and our appearances are similar but our age, there seems to be a difference..."

Yuuki was confused at the moment, if everything was a dream as thought, why was she here, facing the one person she feared the most? "Yuu...?"

"...Who else, child?" the voice asked, adding sarcasm to her tone. "It appears that you are confused, did you not remember anything prior to your arrival here? Don't tell me you hit your head and is having amnesia. It's a pity to your poor head but... I don't."

Again she looked at the person but she turned her gaze away. It's difficult! Every time she looked at Yuu, it was like seeing her own reflection, only... it didn't feel like her. It felt more like the weakling meeting the stronger one while both of them shared the same face and name. "I didn't hit my head," she stated.

"Of course, you didn't hit your head. You must have forgotten some things." Yuu walked toward Yuuki. "This place is sad, isn't it?"

A question. "Sad...?"

Yuu nodded, walking around her. "Yes. It is sad because there is nothing inside here. It's gloomy and dark." Her hand lifted as she tried to grasp something but it was nonsense as she failed. Yuuki didn't understand, there was nothing floating around her. "You heard the sound of the river, didn't you? Even the softest touch of the wind that makes your skin giggle in laughter?"

Yuuki nodded, not knowing what else to say besides the metaphor she just heard. "I heard them all. I felt them on my skin."

"You came looking for the river but didn't it occur to you, while the sound is there, there is nothing to see, absolutely nothing?" she asked.

It prompted Yuuki to look at her surrounding again. Why didn't she realize it just now? Everything...

"You are supposed to be dead." She blurted it out, knowing that she didn't mean it. It felt so strange, as if she uttered the same sentence before.

"Dead...? I am aware of my death, the question is you."

Eh. "What did you mean?" Yuuki asked, alarmed.

A chuckle answered her question as Yuu opened her arms wide and asked, "Where are you now, Yuuki-san? Does this look like home to you? Is this a dream? Oh wait, let me see what else you are thinking. Aaah, am I real? After all, I am supposed to be dead, as you said earlier. Goodness, how amusing!"

She is reading my mind but how...? Hana... It's just like Hana!

"My dearest daughter visited you, didn't she? It's written clearly on your face, the sudden fear that developed whenever you see one of us nearby even though it's strange because we never meet at all. While Hana wasn't a big threat to you, her constant mention of me made you curious and... pitiful. "

Indeed, they never met but it felt as if they did before. Lately, there's always a voice inside her dreams. Could that person be Yuu? She was certain the voice was similar to Yuu's but why did she do this? Yuuki was surprised at the last word. "Pitiful? I am not pitiful! Or pathetic like Hana called me!"

"Of course, you're not. Really, dear. You are different than I initially thought. I actually thought you would turn out like me, demure and calm, not like this."

It was enough to ignite the flame inside her head. Who said that Kuran Yuuki could not get angry when people bullied her to her limits! They better take their words back! "Shut up! I had enough with Hana's rude remarks to the point it is stressing me and I would not let you, of all people out there, to taint my name simply because I am close to Kaname! You do not know me at all, you have no right to say things about me until you truly know me! I mean it!"

Ah...! I remembered now! This isn't a dream, she tricked me!

Yuu was silent as she listened to Yuuki's outburst. "Wow. I thought you would never reveal this side of you to public's eyes! It is indeed surprising!"

"Hah! Now you know that I–" she bragged.

"Foolish little child."

"–Eh?"

Brushing her hand along her hair, "What makes you think that you are better than the others? Unlike you, I am a loyal person. My heart remains true to him, from the first time I met Kuran until the day I die! You are significant to him because when he looks at you, he'll remind himself of his guilt towards me, not because he loves you! It's your decision to believe it or not but I'll remind you, you bitch, that another word of claiming Kaname as yours–"

"He's mine! Listen well, you, Kaname belongs to me! Until I figure out how to get out from this loophole, I stand firm with my words! Say what you want!"

"–and indeed, you are a nasty little girl. An arrogant and naïve child!"

"Say whatever you want!" she dared her. Hana bullied her and it hurt her pride. If her 'mirror' tried to tarnish her reputation, so be it, she didn't care!

Yuu calmed down, Yuuki's reaction encouraged her to fight but it's useless. "Fine! You wish to escape this place but look over there–"

Turning her gaze to the exact location that Yuu pointed out, Yuuki gasped in surprise. "Kaname!" It was terror in her voice as she ran toward him. "No!"

"He is dying and nothing you do will be able to save him. I assure you that."

She tried to lift Kaname but it was useless. He was bleeding! "Why? You said you loved him but you are killing him! I'm not going to let him die! No!"

"Of course, my dear, I love him. This is the only way to prove my love and make sure that I have the end of this story. I want you to lose, that's all."

A lone tear escaped from Yuuki's eyes as she stared in horror. Yuu smiled, she was near to her victory against the battle for Kuran Kaname.

XxXxX

Previously...

The last thing Kaname remembered after he made sure of Touma's demise was one: his journey from the mountains' gorge all the way to the Kuran manor located at the mountains. His body ached all over, it hurt just thinking about it, but he had to be there. He promised Hana, he told her that he would not hurt her with false promises. Holding to the promise, he didn't intent to break it just to fulfil his selfish needs! He's a father, his daughter would be the first.

"I am home," he murmured, trying his best to smile but he had to bear the pain. The wounds were caused by a vampire and not the hunter's weapons, those blasted weapons were a fancy idea but foolish. He would heal but it would take a long time. In silence, he hoped that it would heal soon but sometimes...

...he might as well die.

The balcony doors were open just as he expected, "Hana ordered that, I'm sure of it." He noticed Seiren was nearby and proceeded to alert her but he was too weak. Falling to the ground, he noticed the droplets of blood. Red... against white. "Ugh. Don't tell me it's already–"

The door opened and Yuuki came running for him. "Kaname! Oh, thank God you came back!" she cried, running toward him.

"Yuuki–" it was the only thing he said until he collapsed. He was too weak, he's losing blood in a rapid manner.

XxXxX

Yuuki shook Kaname's body with the hope that he's alive. "Please, don't die!"

"How long are you going to fool yourself? He's going to die, I told you so."

She snarled at the woman, "Don't be a fool! He is going to live!"

"You'll hurt yourself if you insists on that thought, Yuuki-san."

Shaking her head, she cried, "Don't pretend to be friendly with me! You are a devil! I can't believe I pitied you for Kaname's loss! You deserve to die! I hate you, Yuu! You are a heartless person, a demon! A fool!" She pulled Kaname tight, crying on his chest. "He hurt so much, you never understand!"

As Yuuki continued to sob on Kaname's chest, Yuu watched in silence. Despite the feelings of anger and jealousy throbbing inside her heart, she didn't do anything serious toward her. After all, Kaname's going to die, all she needed to do was wait for his life to end. It's in the matter of minutes. Right...?

"I'll do anything to save you, Kaname, I love you! I love you! Please, stay strong with me, Kaname, I promise you we will lead a happy life as husband and wife. A life with our own family, our children, together! We've gone through so much... I don't want you to waste it just because of your past!" she pleaded.

Nothing responded to Yuuki's plea, not even Yuu who watched the scene in silence. "Yuu!" she snapped. "If you love him, please save him! I beg you!"

Should I...?

Yuuki was at the point of hysteria. "Come on!" she gasped.

Perhaps I should...?

"Yuu!" she scream at the woman.

Why should I...?

XxXxX

The letter since a few years ago remained on the mahogany desk, untouched and unopened. It was written after the success of the Peace Treaty of Vampires and Humans, except the recipient for the letter was no longer there in the world. He couldn't witness the peace treaty but he wished he could.

Unfortunately, he died.

It was difficult to move on despite the support from everyone who knew her. It hurt to even think about the events because his departure from the world left a big hole inside her heart. No one could replace him, or make her forget him. She couldn't even forgive the lies made by those two wicked liars. Ugh!

The tears slipped down her cheeks. "I miss you, I really miss you."

XxXxX

Previously...

He knew he wasn't dead, at least, not yet. He would die soon, feeling the presence of the reaper waiting for his final words to his loves ones. Amusing, he thought. The ground wasn't soft, at least, it wasn't soft as he wanted. He was outside the Kuran manor, lying on the cold ground of snow. "...Snow."

"Kaname, are you awake?"

He recognized that voice, moving his eyes around, he saw her. "Yuuki..."

"Thank you, Kaname," she told him. "Thank you for staying alive for me."

He could manage a smile, a weak one if she actually realized it. "I love you."

"What...?"

He coughed, and said it again; "I love you, Yuuki. I love you for you, not as a replacement or a significance to someone else. There are so many things I wanted to tell you but I feel that I am short of time. I'm sorry if there are many questions in your mind, I wish I can tell you but–" he coughed again, blood came out from his mouth. "–I don't think I'll survive this time. I'm tired, I can't even lift my arms, haha."

"At least you still have your humour intact," she told him with a laugh, kissing his head. "You must be strong to be able to come back home. You promised me you will stay by my side forever, no? You must live, please, I can't go on without you, Kaname. Please, tell me so that you'll fulfil your promise to me."

"I wish I can but I know my limits, Yuuki. I can't go on like this. I don't want to hurt anyone else. Even the Purebloods that entered the slumber after I did know their own limits. Vampires don't live forever, always remember that. That is why in the end, the only way for us to die is to kill ourselves. The end."

Perhaps the only thing that can kill us is ourselves; I will never forget that, the Great Elder.

"Your promise...?" she murmured, holding to the last hope between them.

He gave a weak smile, again. "I have to fulfil my promise to Yuu before I consider the others. In the past, I gave my word to fulfil my promises but soon I realized, it became empty promises. The hopes of the people I've sworn to help became a disaster; they didn't trust me at all. They turned their back not because they hate me... but because I betrayed them first. If I want to restart myself, I have to start from the beginning; Yuu's promise. I have to do that."

"But she's dead..." she said, trying not to say it out loud. Hana was sensitive over her mother, no doubt as her husband, Kaname would be hurt as well. The least she wanted to do was hurt the heart of her beloved. Kaname's weak at the moment, he needed his strength to heal, not protest over her words.

"I know, but I am responsible for her death even if I didn't cause it. At that time, if I listened to my heart instead of blindly following orders as the King of Vampires, perhaps I could prevent her death. If possible, I wished to return to that time and do the thing I didn't do at all. I promised to protect her."

I didn't protect her as I promised, Yuuki. I destroyed our lives.

"But...!"

"Please, I beg you, no more resistance. It hurts to know how my decision will hurt you but I have to do it before I hurt more people. Two people in my life have suffered due to my misdeeds, I do not want any more pain from anyone else." He touched the end of her hair, stating, "You are stronger than you look even if people say you are weak and useless but in order to realize your true potential, you must be confident with yourself. Be strong for yourself."

Yuuki protested but he hushed her.

"You can be independent without me, Yuuki. I am not the greatest person in this world, I am just a vampire, like any other. There is nothing special about me, I don't get to live forever and I don't have everything I want. I believe in you, if you want to know. I know you can do it because you can. Always trust in yourself and the others. The people around you are your loyal supporters. Remember that you are not just a vampire, you are also a human inside."

He added, "You are one of the rarest people who live in dual roles in their lifetime; one as a human and one as a vampire. Your human side has completely disappeared but the memories remained in your heart. Your experiences as both sides are useful for the peace treaty. I am only a representative for the vampires but you are the true leader in the peace treaty. The vampires will learn of your potential and they will be thankful when it is a success."

Yuuki denied his words, every bits of them. "Thankful...? None of the vampires trust in my potential, I shall fail! I am a Pureblood but I... I don't think I can!"

"Hush! You must try and believe in yourself!" he told her, his voice weakening but he tried his best to say all the words clearly. She has to know because he couldn't guide her any more. "I'm sorry, Yuuki. I wish I can stay, be by your side but... thank you. Thank you for being by my side, for staying strong for me."

With the last smile he gave her, he closed his eyes and laid peacefully on her lap. There was a smile curved on his lips, a meaning that was unknown.

Tears fell on his face as Yuuki sobbed. He couldn't die...!

"It's time. You should let him go now." Hana stood against her, watching her in her worst moments. Her father finally died in peace.

Yuuki's eyes widened at the voice and she looked up. Hana! "No! He's mine!"

"You'll get hurt if you resist my orders, Yuuki-san. He's gone now. Let him go."

Yuuki shook her head, harder than usual. "I said no, it means no!"

"Even after all of this, you are still with your decision? Even after his death, all you can think about is possessing him as if he's a lifeless object who needs an owner? Why do you not understand what I've told you? This isn't just about you, this is about Kaname! If you only care about Kaname, how about those people up there? They are your friends!" Hana questioned her. "How about you? You need to move on after this! Kaname belongs to the past!"

"They are not as important as Kaname! If he dies, I want to die too!" she told her, clutching Kaname tightly. "He belongs to me, no matter what you said!"

Hana reached pass her limits. In anger, she pulled Yuuki and slapped her. "Don't be foolish than a fool!" she cried. "What did you know about his past besides the fact that he's the King of Vampires and the Ancestor of Kuran? Did you even know how he suffered after mama's death, all the accusations he received from the people he trusted the most? He lost his sanity because he was guilty for indirectly causing mama's death! Everyone suffered because of him. You didn't know any of that! I'll show you the deepest part of his memories, the memories that he wiped away because it's killing him!" she declared, pressing her palm against Yuuki's head. "I certainly hope you will realize what you are putting at stake, Yuuki-san!"

Yuuki tried to free herself from Hana's grasp but it was impossible. A shock came through her and she screamed!

XxXxX

A few days passed. She entered her bedroom expecting to rest but her eyes were on that letter. The letter to Kaname.

How long would she try to escape from facing her fears? Even Aidou-san told her that she should read that letter if she didn't want to burn it away as he suggested. She refused to burn it even though it's the best decision she should take but... it was written especially for him, to burn it was impossible. It was the only thing that connected her to him. Vampires didn't have any graves, even if they did, it was only to remind the family and friends of their existence. "You should open and read it, perhaps he won't come back for you but the feelings when you wrote that letter can remind you of him."

She nodded, perhaps Aidou-san words were true. Kaname wouldn't come back for her but perhaps reading her letter for him would suffice. She missed him since his death and it would comfort her heartache. Taking the letter, she opened it with the letter opener and took the papers inside. "I guess it's the right time. Three years have been too long, I suppose. I just hope I can bear the words I've written for him. You are supposed to read this, Kaname."

Dear Kaname,

If humans have graves, it is unfortunate that vampires do not have such privilege. I hope that vampires are given the opportunity to lie in their graves instead of simply disappearing in dust when they die but it's not possible, at least, not at the moment. I understand that vampires do sleep in coffins but when we die, the coffins will still be empty. What's left behind is our dust and there's no point of having a coffin in the end. Your opinion may vary however.

I've written this letter to inform you of the success of the Peace Treaty. At first, it's difficult to get the responses from both sides. Humans were fearful of vampires with the stories that they suck blood and kill their victims (I wish I could say something to defend the vampires but unfortunately, the stories are right, I just have to admit it!) and the vampires refused to curb their thirst of blood, stating that instead of the humans dying, they would die as a result. We didn't give up even when we received those amusing responses, it made us feel more energetic in making this dream a reality. With hard work and continuous support from everyone, we managed to change their views.

After discussions from both sides, we did a lot of meetings to settle the things down, it's all done for the sake of the treaty even if it's hectic. We tried to fulfil the humans' needs while they tried their best to fulfil ours. It was difficult, such as figuring out how vampires could control their bloodlust without increasing the number of human victims, but we managed. We went through various pharmaceutical companies to gather their views on the blood tablets. Some were reluctant but some were excited just as we were. When they improved the quality of the blood tablets, instead of requesting volunteers to test it out, we took the liberty to test them ourselves. Oh, I wish you can see the looks on Aidou-san's face when he tried the improved versions of the tablets, he choked!

There were a lot of trials and errors but the tablets didn't kill any of us. It nearly kill Aidou-san but he survived, fortunately.

Kuran Y.

She folded the paper, that was one of the many letters she wrote for Kaname but didn't send it because the letters did not have destination to go to.

That was three years ago...

XxXxX

Previously...

Yuuki woke up with a start but the sudden sharp pain resulted in her falling back. "Ugh. Damn you, Hana! She didn't have to press my head that hard!" she

groaned, rubbing the same spot in circular motions. "Even if she's smaller than I am, her strength is without a doubt, it's stronger than I know." As she groaned in pain, a sudden realization passed through. Her eyes widened at the sight before her. "A ceiling...? Ah! This place...!" she said, looking behind her.

A bed. An old, stinky bed with an old, stinky pillow.

She blinked a couple of times to make sure that she wasn't dreaming. "What in the world...?" she asked but the sentence died as she looked around her surrounding. It appeared that she was resting on a bed inside an almost empty room. There was a wardrobe with a broken door, and the glasses of the windows were shattered. Next to the bed was a small bedside table, with a half full glass of water. Other than that, everything just screamed: vintage.

Pulling the sheets away, she got out from the bed and went directly to the window. Opposite of her location was another row of old buildings with crumbling stones falling out of nowhere, broken doors and windows as well shattered glasses and broken flowerpots. Soon, it would become ruins at this rate. Sigh, she didn't understand anything about the current events. She remembered clearly that she was standing in front of the Kuran manor but now... she's here.

"Did Hana has the power to transport anyone or anything into another time? I didn't think that's possible. Purebloods can do almost anything but time travelling sounds pretty wacky to me. In fact, if she's responsible for this matter, where the heck is she...? Perhaps I should go out and explore this town? It doesn't seem to hurt if I do, especially since this place reeks of the smell. Eww, and dust too. It's definitely an abandoned building."

And so she went down the old staircase, faced a number of rats along the way and went out of the building. "Phew. That's an adventure but honestly, I don't think anyone's here, Hana. Where is everyone? Don't tell me they left this town and migrate somewhere else? If that's the case-" she paused.

CLANK. CLANK. CLANK.

Immediately she turned to her left, wondering of the sound she heard. "I hope it's not the rats, I can't bear it after a moment ago. But... If I remain here, I won't know why I'm here, right? So I have no choice but to follow the sound. Please protect me, Kaname, I wish you're here. This is ridiculous, Hana!" she said, pushing herself to run. She glanced left and right, discovering new things along the way. At first, she wouldn't recognize the town because of the appearance but a thorough look revealed that it was the same town located near the Kuran manor. Then...

"That means the Kuran manor is somewhere here but where...?"

It was that moment where she witnessed the two vampires running over the buildings. "Those people...! Wait!" she cried, running after them. Those two looked awfully familiar but if they're the only ones existing in this time, it would do to chase after them instead of let them get away. "Wait! I need to ask some questions! Where am I? What time is it?" she asked along the way but they didn't hear her. When they reached a secret alleyway, they stopped.

"What's going on...? They can't hear me? Can they even see me?" she asked endless of questions but what she saw after that silenced her cold.

Impossible...

A few seconds later, everything shattered into fragments as Yuuki fell deep into the loophole.

XxXxX

"I shall save him if you step aside!" Yuu declared all of the sudden, standing next to Yuuki.

Yuuki was surprised as she wiped her tears. "But you said that..." she hesitated, remembering the words she said at the woman's face. A devil!

"Did you not trust yourself? I am you, remember?" she said, pulling her away from Kaname. "Stand over there. I'll take a moment to finish this."

Without noticing it by herself, Yuuki was already standing far from Kaname. "Eh...? How did you make me stand here while you are still there?" she asked.

"This is a bottomless dimension. I want you to stay away from both of us since this may get bloody and you are a scaredy cat. That's a true fact."

Embarrassed with her accusation, she countered, "I am not, that's a lie! Why did you say this might get bloody? You're not going to– AAAH!" she screamed in horror when Yuu cruelly stabbed Kaname's deep wound, resulting in blood spurting out from his weak body. "Kaname!" she cried, hands over her mouth.

"Oh, yes, I am, Yuuki-san. I told you I'll help him, didn't I? This is how I am helping Kuran, I just made him die faster. Soon he'll be mine, very soon."

Yuuki was glad she didn't take back her words! "You devil! How could you do this to him? I wanted him to live, not seek death! He has to do so many things that requires him to be alive and well! You cannot take him with you now! Give him a chance to fulfil his needs! Please, Yuu, if you truly understand him–"

"You are the one who never understand!" she screamed at Yuuki, fresh blood on her hands. "I understand him; his needs and his dreams. What nonsense are you sputtering on giving him a chance to fulfil his needs when he has no desire to live in this world? Did you think he choose to be awakened after the long period of slumber if it's not because of your uncle? He has no desire to lead a second chance in life because he lost everything in his first chance. He's dying in his second chance and now you're ordering me to save him so he can lead another chance in life? A third chance, with you? Is that even possible?"

Yuuki countered once more. "It is possible! I don't know how but I am sure he will survive a third chance in life! You must save him!"

"Then why did you ask me to rescue him if it's your wish? Do it yourself with your own strength but no, you have to seek me for help. We are Purebloods, aren't we? If I can do it, so can you. If I said I want him to die at this chance, he will die at my words but if you choose to go against me, then, you may do as you wish. However, I shall warn you first, Yuuki-san. Even if you succeeded in saving his life thus allowing him to continue to a third chance in life..."

XxXxX

Another letter.

Dear Kaname,

It's two years since my first letter. I wish I can send it to you but it's impossible, as always.

There has been rapid progress since the installation of the Peace Treaty of Vampires and Humans, thanks to everyone for their strong supports. Everything seems to go in the smooth direction, although a year and a half ago, Shirabuki Sara caused havoc during our annual meeting. After your death, she came to pay a visit to the Kuran manor, along with Ichijou-san. They learned of your demise and Shirabuki-san offered her condolences but I couldn't feel honesty in her words. It were bitter, as if she were happy that you were no longer in this world. I felt like snapping her beautiful neck but I didn't dare, considering of her powers, I decided to let it slide. Ichijou-san was saddened over your death. It surprised me to see the two together but I thought, that was all.

What happened a year and a half ago revealed her true intentions. Since her last visit, the Hunters were uneasy over her activities but we didn't know much until she caused troubles to both sides, much to our annoyance. While she agreed with the treaty, her intention was different than ours. While we chose not to harm the humans, she decided to go against it, using innocent maidens as her little soldiers, a term she described. When we realized that young girls went missing, our investigations led us to her. It took us by surprise when she launched her soldiers to destroy any chances of the Peace Treaty.

Both sides had difficult time dealing with her since her charms resulted in several organizations and groups supporting her actions instead of condemning her acts. We fought against her anyway; blood with blood, death against death and destruction versus destruction; we lost several lives but we defeated her in the end. Thanks to the remaining Purebloods as well as Isaya-san's assistance, we locked her away, far away if you ask me. We didn't end her life although many requested that we do so but I felt that instead of wasting an important figure of the society, we kept her alive.

She's not mad, besides her ideas are brilliant even if it's leading towards the evil path but we figured, if she can help us, we'll let her live.

Besides that, I've been walking around to observe the development of the treaty. It turns out that the humans are now comfortable with the vampires and there's a lot of vampire-human marriages as well as children born from the connection. Some of them wave and greet me when they see me, I am happy to see their cheerful faces. It makes creatures like us happy to be vampires instead of feeling rage towards the humans. Everyone is nice when treated as one.

I am happy, Kaname, but that doesn't mean I never miss you at all. It's been several years, I refuse to count how many years have passed.

I love you.

Kuran Y.

She folded the letter, placed it under the two thick books and picked her coat. Winter was coming. Aidou-san, along with everyone else invited her for tea at the nearby café. She took her bag and a wool hat, walked out from her room and proceeded to her destination. "Warm tea and sweet treats, delicious!"

XxXxX

Previously...

The loophole was endless as Yuuki fell deeper into it; her screams echoed but no one heard her. The broken fragments were crystal clear but now each one of them showed different images of the past. Were these the memories that Kaname wiped away because they were killing him – the memories that Hana told her before she 'snapped' her head – but why...? She could saw many things but there were so many, she only remembered these six...

One; Kaname's destiny as the King of Vampires. An old man, known only as the Great Elder brought young Kaname to his home as his mentor.

Two; Kaname's meeting with Yuu by the river bank. As they were young, both were shy with one another but their love blossomed leading to Hana's birth.

Third; Yuu's death by a weapon capable of halting the healing process of vampires, bringing the rage in Kaname's heart and the destruction of the world.

Fourth; Kaname and the lost sanity, the pain in Hana's heart and the creation of the Artemis.

Fifth; Kaname's farewell to the world, his wish of death, Hana's rise as the Queen of Vampires.

Sixth; Hana's battle with Touma, the separation of the vampires leading to the Great War, Hana and Shoutou's deaths while others entered slumber.

The memories that he wiped away... or the unforgettable memories that wouldn't fade away...? And were these really Kaname's memories...?

The last one is definitely Hana's memories, not Kaname's.

She woke up and the story began from the beginning of the chapter.

XxXxX

"...he will not recover his memories from the second chance in life nor the memories of the first chance in life. These memories will simply disappear. Is that what you want from Kaname? He may be the same person that you know but he will not remember you or anyone else. Everyone will become a stranger to him, friends can become enemies and enemies can become friends. Besides, are you willing to watch him grow up once again?" Yuu questioned her.

Yuuki was silent, not expecting the result to end like that. "He won't remember anything...?" she asked, disbelief washed through her.

"Even if he remembers, it will only cause pain to him, Yuuki-san. He's not satisfied with his first chance in life and he's definitely not satisfied with the second chance. Even if you succeed in bringing him to a third chance in life, when he remembers everything and learn of his failures, it will hurt his mental progress. Yes, I said he will not recover his memories but actually, those memories do exist, except..." she paused, taking her time, "...when there are too much to the point that the mind cannot contain it no more, the early memories will disappear. In other words, only time will tell when the memories are gone."

"Everytime you create new memories, the old memories will soon fade. It works on that principle. Vampires live long but just like humans, our mind have its limits. It cannot remember everything, that's why there's death. I'll remind you that vampires die when it's their time. When you die, it resets everything and the mind is not burden by the memories, if we do get a chance to be reborn, most of the time, we can't. In Kuran's case, since he never die, the memories of his two chances are actually combined. If you add another chance for him..."

"...the memories of that time will add up with the memories of the two chances," Yuuki finished for her sake. "That's what you want to tell me?"

Yuu nodded. "May I ask you a question? If you understand the risks, why are you planning to go ahead?"

"Why...? I know I am selfish, but I don't find it's fair that in the end, he must die! There must be a way for him to lead a happy life," she said.

Yuu answered in return; "Even though he is not satisfied with the two chances in life doesn't mean he is not happy. Yuuki-san, if you are doing this for the sake of his happiness, do you know what he desires the most? Having lead a life in two chances, the only thing he wishes is death. As Purebloods, a long life isn't a blessing. Sometimes it is a curse if you end up not doing anything to fulfil your needs. If you truly love him, please fulfil his wish of death."

"No. I am firm with my decision!" she said. "There is always a way to get out from this problem! I will make sure of it."

"Even if I said his death is the only way?" she asked.

Yuuki nodded. "Even that, Yuu. Honestly, be optimistic. Death isn't always the answer to everything."

"That's true..." she remained silent. Every time she said something that contradicted Yuuki's thoughts, the girl would say something else to support her statement. A stubborn child, but it was not a big matter. "No matter what I said, you will remain with your opinion. As much as I disagree with you in regards of what's best for Kuran, I respect your firm belief. Since there are no other way for me to convince you otherwise, I suppose this is what I can only do."

Yuuki waited for her next movement, this time she believed that Yuu would help her instead of breaking her heart. She knew that the woman must have loved Kaname in some ways. She couldn't remember the flashes of memories she saw while she was inside the loophole but Yuu's feelings were as strong as hers, and that's what they shared in common. She noticed that Yuu was staring at her, with a smile, she returned the gaze. "Thank you, Yuu."

"Correction. I don't love Kuran in some ways, I love him in every single ways possible." She closed her eyes and placed her palm over Kaname's wound. It hurt to do this, she told herself, I would not get to see you in the afterlife this time, Kuran. Did this girl's love overcome my love for you...? She sighed, she gave her word to Yuuki, might as well fulfil it. She wouldn't lose much except a broken heart... and a tarnished pride. "It's done."

"Oh!" Yuuki's face brightened up. "I'm so glad, Kaname. We can live in happiness now, no more painful past."

Yuu turned around to face Yuuki. "Remember all the warnings I told you, Yuuki-san. The only thing I regret with Kuran is, he never say 'thank you'."

Thank you?

"I see. Whatever," her reply came through.

You wouldn't understand anything, Yuuki-san. Unlike you, I never get a proper goodbye from him. I died without seeing my beloved nor did I hear him. The only one by my side was Hana but she's too young to understand my need for the one person I ever loved. Even worse, he never said his appreciation, not even a token of a 'thank you' to me. I envy you, my dear, for being able to receive the highest form of appreciation from the one you loved.

I wish that he'll do the same thing for me, even if I must wait for thousands of years.

The dark loophole and the bottomless ground slowly faded, even Yuu started to fade with a smile behind, leaving Yuuki alone.

XxXxX

That future...

"Hello everyone!" Yuuki greeted her companions; Sayori, Ruka and Maria when she reached the café. "Where are the guys? Don't tell me they're still not here? Aidou-san is the one who invited me in the first place." She sat down, next to Sayori and opposite of Ruka and Maria. "So, how's your relationship?"

Ruka knew the question was directed at her but she ignored Yuuki's attempts. "Akatsuki is trying his best. That's all I'm sharing with you."

"Aww, everyone knows you two are together. Just make it public!" Yuuki suggested, laughing when Ruka lashed her bag at her. "Sorry, sorry!"

Their laughter caught the attention of the guys, "Oi. This is a public place!" Aidou reminded them, taking a seat somewhere near Maria and Sayori. Takuma and Kain took their seats nearby as well. "Shiki and Rima aren't here yet? I thought they planned to come if they didn't have any photo shoot to do today."

"Too bad. They received a mail that there's a new project for the upcoming movie, so they couldn't come. It's a pity. We're almost completed!"

"Yeah, almost. I just hope– Shiki!" Aidou called when he saw the famous model approaching them with his beau. "I thought you couldn't come!"

"We couldn't actually," Rima told him and she added, "But there's technical difficulties at the office so they let us out for a moment. We have to go back if they call us though but both Senri and I don't really mind. We promised to come, so we came to the café. You guys just arrived, right?"

Takuma confirmed. "We're just about to order our drinks. What do you want? I'm getting the soy latte."

"Let us think first," majority of them argued, snatching the menus from the table. "Let's see. Ooooh, tasty pastry! I want this!"

Yuuki was quiet, looking at the window while the rest fought over what to order. Aidou noticed her discomfort and quickly hushed the group. "Yuuki, what's up?" he asked, the rest stopped to listen to her development. "The peace treaty is going smooth as cream, it's fantastic. Everything is all right? If it isn't–"

"No. It's okay. I've been reading the letters lately."

"Letters? What kind of letters?" Sayori asked.

Smiling softly, she said, "Remember that I went on writing spree after the success of the Peace Treaty? I actually wrote letters to someone, every two weeks or so. The last time I count the letters, there's about two hundred letters or more. But I stopped last year, writing those letters have been fun but..." she paused, hesitated to say more, "...the recipient is no longer in this world, so I thought, there's no point of writing besides remembering him."

"So you read all the letters you wrote for him?" Ruka asked. "How interesting. Who was this person?"

Yuuki was blank. "What...? Didn't you remember? I wrote it for Kaname. He died after the battle with Touma. I thought of telling him of our success since he couldn't get to see it happen for real. But it's strange, it's Kaname but you guys forgotten about him? It's only been three years, you know."

"Kaname...?" The question came from all of them. "We didn't know him. Was he your acquaintance?" they asked.

Surprised, "What...? He's our friend, and my brother, I mean...!"

"Your brother, Yuuki?" Takuma asked. "Guess he didn't stay long in our memories. Honest, I didn't know your late brother. I'm sorry for your loss."

When someone from the past finally dies after a long time of waiting, everything that relates to him will slowly disappear. The last person who will remember him before he disappears from the memories is you, Yuuki-san. In fact, it's just as if none of this ever happen in your lifetime. We will simply be gone.

Those words...

"Yuuki...?" Maria called for her. "Are you sure you are fine...?"

She couldn't remember who said the words to her, it felt nostalgic. "Never mind, then. I must be mixing things up. I'm sorry for breaking the mood!"

"It's okay! Let's continue with our union as best friends, forever!" they said in a toast, before one of them said, "Where's Kiryuu-kun? We need him too!"

It ended with a laugh.

XxXxX

When she woke up, Yuuki knew that she was in the present time. No more being transported into the past or trapped inside a bottomless loophole. It was enough as an experience for an entire lifetime, if she has to go through the same thing again, she swore she would kill the next person who tried doing that, at least, that's her initial plan. She was greeted with the snowflakes. Apparently when you're at the mountains, it snowed every time. "Beautiful."

She didn't notice Hana was standing across her until the girl greeted her, "I suppose mama couldn't convince you to let papa go? It's such a pity."

"It's not a pity, Hana. This is something you should accept with an open heart. Your mother believed in my capabilities to save your father. She healed him."

"I see that's true but your stubborn nature isn't what I am fond of. You are a selfish, uncaring woman. There are many men out there you can choose from but you have to nab my mother's only love away from her. I've always thought you are a selfless person, doing good things for the sake of others but when it comes to your personal attachments, your personality changes. Our nature... to think that a descendant would steal her own ancestress' husband."

"I didn't steal Kaname from your mother, Hana. I don't know how to say this but she gave him to me. She believes in me."

Hana felt the warm tears from the corners of her eyes. "I guess you didn't, but I knew deep inside that you stole my father away from us. You won, Yuuki.

"I have little time left. I failed. Yuuki-san, even if you have my father with mother's permission, it didn't mean my mother gave up on him because she never let him go, you forced her to release him for your sake. You may have won now but... I want you to remember these words, when someone from the past finally dies after a long time of waiting, everything that relates to him will slowly disappear. The last person who will remember him before he disappears from the memories is you, Yuuki-san. In fact, it's just as if none of this ever happen in your lifetime. We will simply be gone."

Hana bowed and disappeared. "I assure you, Yuuki-san, this is something you shall regret."

The balcony doors that were open suddenly snapped, closing itself, surprising Yuuki but what else was new? She returned her gaze to Kaname's sleeping form, tracing his eyebrows as she formed a sweet smile for him. "Finally, our happy life is here, together. I know, Yuu said that you will not remain in this form but I do not mind actually. If you have to grow up again, I don't mind waiting for you, Kaname. I love you so much."

When her lips joined his, everything began to take place, one by one, as slow as possible.

With Hana's disappearance, Hanadagi and Hiou started to disappear as well after saying farewell to their families. Their time as the ancient Purebloods have finally completed, even without Kuran to return with them but they succeeded in ending Touma's life. It hurt Hana but what else could she do? She couldn't remain in this world, it's against the law of the Great Elder. The dead could not remain in the living world because their place was in the afterlife.

Seiren collapsed on the floor, much to Maria's surprise. The girl shook the assassin's body many times but there was no response from her.

Kou-san landed on the ground, too weak to even move. Even the wolf closed its eyes, waiting for its final resting moments.

The surprising thing; Kaname. When Yuuki ended the kiss, she realized that his body was breaking apart. "How did this happen...? The cracks... Kaname!"

The creatures and the servants attached to Kuran Kaname's soul disappeared as well as Kaname's body in the end.

XxXxX

It was all part of the plan, Yuu concluded as she stood in front of her daughter, watching the scenes. "Well, that's a splendid end to the story, isn't it?"

"Yes, mother. Honestly, I thought we're going to lose him but the fact that we didn't, it brought hope into me. What did you do actually?" Hana asked.

Her daughter was curious, "I gave my word that I'd help her rescue your father but I didn't exactly stay true to my words, dearest. I healed him but your father lost most of his will to live. I didn't realize it at first but when I heard his voice, I knew I had to do what I originally planned. Yuuki-san wished that your father live and stay by her side, but your father couldn't bear it any more. It's not because he didn't love her but... he feared of his memories."

"He didn't want to lose his memories again. He lost them once, retrieved it back but the guilt from the first life's memories haunted him. If he enters the third chance in life, both memories from the first and second life will double the guilt that haunted him. I can imagine his fear, it's a never ending cycle."

Yuu agreed. "That's what I told Yuuki-san but she brushed it off. There were so many things I said to her but she didn't really understand them."

Hana wasn't surprised at her mother's words. "She's a bit slow, she'll get it when she sees the effect by her own eyes. For the first few years, her memories of him will remain intact but after that, little by little, the small fragments of memories will escape from her mind until it is no longer there. When that time comes, no one will remember him and she will forget about him. It's just as if he never truly exist in this time line. He belongs in the past, mama."

"That is true, dearest. It sounds cruel but this is the only way for us to save her future from breaking apart. We have taken her precious love, in return for that, all her memories of him are no longer there. It is best that she do not know anything about the future. It's for her own good, that is all I am saying."

"But... if you expect her to love someone, will she ever fall in love with anyone besides Kaname?" Hana asked.

Yuu shook her head. "That is not my right to answer, my dear, therefore I am keeping it as it is. Fate knows if she will get a good future. I certainly hope so, after all, whether we like it or not, Kuran Yuuki is our remaining descendant. Even if she may be the last of us, it doesn't matter as long as she is happy."

Hana gave her last prayers, breathing the soft words of luck towards Yuuki. "I wonder where is papa now...?"

"Let's go look for him, Hana. Both of us, together!" Yuu said, giving her hand toward her daughter.

Hana smiled, took her mother's hand and they were off to search for Kaname.

.

.

.

THE END.

XxXxX

(TBC)

XxXxX

A/N: I guess I was right about extending the chapter to a new chapter because it's almost the same length as chapter eleven.

That's it, the end of Daybreak. However, I am back on the drawing board as I planned to explain every single bits of confusing notes in this story inside Miss K's journal! Besides, this chapter alone has several things that people may find confusing, like... why I choose to end my story like this? Be curious!

What's left now is the epilogue. Yuu and Hana went to search for Kaname. Where is he and what's Kaname's ending that I have chosen for him?

Read, review and enjoy! See you guys soon!