Important author's note below!

The end of his time... But it has just begun...

XxXxX

The war lasted for five centuries, day and night the vampires fought against their own kind who betrayed their trust, and only now that the peace has been achieved. The war erupted after the death of Yuu, the consort of the King of Vampires, Kuran Kaname who then ordered a full attack against his enemies who have chosen the lowest and worst method to weaken him through the death of his Queen. Yuu has died, not as a result of suicide or accident, but a murder by the enemies who have chosen to sacrifice their flesh and blood, enabling the humans to create a weapon preventing a vampire from healing thus ending his or her life. Yuu became the unfortunate victim as she played no role in the raging dispute between the two sides of the vampires society.

Her death was unforgivable for him. Her death was not accepted by him. She was innocent but her life was taken away forcefully. How dreadful!

Kuran could not let that pass. He could not forgive the people who planned her death. He would avenge her and it would be a sweet, merciless revenge.

It would be easier to accept her death had it been an accident but a murder was not something that was easy to slip by. It was even worse when the ones behind her death turned out to be his own enemies, the people who were once his friends when they were young but after joining separate factions and began their angry dispute, everything changed. Friends became enemies and enemies became friends. Has it always been like that?

Time was moving, clock was ticking and day was not waiting for anybody. The war has stopped for now, but there would be no word of when the next war would erupt. When that time come, everyone would be ready to kill and survive. It was not a war between vampires and humans, it started with a war of vampires versus vampires before it slowly turn into a war between vampires and humans, which according to the history, occur a couple of centuries later. It was the battle between those who supported the Great Elder and the seven Pureblood vampires and those who opposed the eight vampires greatly.

XxX

The small house belonging to the Kuran family has changed in the past five centuries. The house was now larger, with more grounds covered and more rooms even though the occupants were only two since Yuu's death. The original part of the house remained the same, including the secret passageways and underground rooms. Kuran has no idea why he wished to keep the underground part of his home but he felt that it would be useful in the future.

Hana was strolling along the corridor of her home but found herself standing against the door of a room. Her father was inside the room, doing who-knows-what alone. She heard sound of metal clanking but she didn't dare to open and peek. Since her mother died, her father has focused on the war against the vampires. He spent little time with her but she knew that deep inside both of their hearts, when she was asleep, papa would come and kiss her forehead, wishing her sweet dreams. She smiled at the thoughts, her father loved her, always.

"Daydreaming, princess?" A voice asked from the left side of the corridor.

Hana fidgeted and gasped at the voice. "Shoutou-sama, it's you!" she said, sighing in relief.

Shoutou laughed at the young woman. "Who is going to come and attack the great home of the King of Vampires? Hmm, except for me?" he teased.

"Shoutou-sama, enough with your teasing!" she said. "Why are you here, if I may ask? I am after all, the daughter of the King of Vampires."

"You still have to call me 'Shoutou-sama', huh?" he questioned her. "Your rank is higher than me, it is not necessary to call me Shoutou-sama."

Hana stared at the vampire who self-proclaimed he was her father's best friend and the only one who dared calling her father as Kaname instead of his surname, which was a custom by the vampires who were taught to address a leader with the appropriate suffix. In a sense, between the three of them, Shoutou was the eldest (with Kuran in the middle and Hana the youngest) but he was one of the youngest Pureblood (with Touma and Kuran) if they consider the remaining four Pureblood vampires (this does exclude Touma) before them. As the time moved on, the Pureblood vampires were getting older thus Shoutou, for once being respectful with the terms, called Ouri and Hanadagi with the suffix 'Lord', otherwise, it were 'Ouri-dono' and 'Hanadagi-dono'. Shirabuki and Hiou were still known with '-san' at the end of their names. They were younger than the two older Purebloods but were not that old compared to Touma and Shoutou. However, that leave Kuran at the end of the list but he was the King of Vampires, calling him 'Kuran-sama' was enough.

Or in such rare cases, calling Kuran without any suffix at the end was relatively normal.

"Why, sir? Do you expect that I call you only Shoutou, without suffixes to support your name? In the same way that my father's comrades including yourself call him without any suffixes attached at the end of his name?" Hana asked, adding that due to her age, it was also her sense of respect to the older ones.

"I do not mind that." His reply was full of amusement. "You won't know my real age but alas, five centuries is not a big deal."

Hana sighed at his attempt. "My father call you 'Shoutou', nothing less and nothing more. Do you think it is possible for me to have the right to call you in the same way my father like to call you? I am younger than you, if you remember what I said earlier. It is against my conduct if I go beyond this," she said. A waste of ten minutes later, Hana was busy explaining why she couldn't call Shoutou without the proper terms and what were the terms suitable for this.

She spent her time talking endlessly while Shoutou studied the changes in Hana. She has grown up, her beauty inherited from Yuu and spirit from Kuran, no doubt about that defiant personality. The only oddness was her hair, which curled at the end of the tips. Five centuries ago, she was the timid, easily frightened and small vampire. When Yuu died from the storm, it was difficult for anyone including Kuran to get Hana to speak about the event. The tragedy struck her heart too deep and it was harsh, harsh and sudden. While everyone else seemed to give up with Hana's refusal to speak, it was only Kuran who didn't give up in his daughter. He was busy launching and ordering the movements of his soldiers but he never forget his duties to his one and only child.

Hana needs me and as much as I am dealing with this mess, I can never betray my promise to Yuu, Kuran has said those words before. I promised her.

Shoutou has asked that one question: What are you going to do now? Without Yuu, your only heir is Hana and she's a female. The Kuran life is finished.

He remembered Kuran's reaction. He sat there, appearing to be thinking very deep. He then said, I am willing to do anything even if it may appear wrong.

Then? Are you telling me you're willing to go as far into bedding your own child, your own daughter for the sake of continuing your family line?

Kuran rose from his seat and walked toward the door, completely ignoring Shoutou's question. I am not that stupid to taint my own child, Shoutou.

Then?, he asked once more, not satisfied with the answer. How do you get a child unless you sleep with her? She's...

"I am ready," Hana said, ending Shoutou's remembrance of the past. He blinked and looked at her, specifically her face, searching for what she was talking about before she said the three words. "I am ready, father said so and I think I am ready myself," she explained. "My body is suitable to breed my own children even if the seed comes from my own father. But we're not humans so it is alright."

"Alright? But it's your father... I mean, it's Kaname's seed." Shoutou couldn't help but mumble but Hana didn't hear him. "Are you...? I..." he wanted to ask whether she would sleep with her father for the thing to happen but he didn't dare to ask her. First of all, Hana was still a child in his point of view. Second, she was Kuran and Yuu's daughter, for goodness sake! Third, they're not humans but it wouldn't hurt to think of the negative aspects.

Even if the mother is Hana, the child from this 'relationship', it's still Kaname's. His grandchild is his child, that's...

Hana looked at him with worry and asked, "Is everything alright, Shoutou-sama?"

Shoutou immediately returned his gaze at her and pretended everything was normal. "N... No! Ah! I mean yes! Nothing's wrong at all."

"Really? I think I heard you mumble but I didn't hear it clearly. Is there something you want to talk to me about?" she asked. "Your face is pale and I think you're sweating. Shoutou-sama, are you sure you're okay? I can ask father to talk to you if it is what you like. That is, if you're shy to talk with me, which I find it rare if it's like that since you're not the type to hide secrets."

Shoutou politely declined her offer and stated he was there to visit Kaname. Smiling sweetly, Hana excused herself and walked to her room, leaving Shoutou alone at the corridor. He stood in front of the door where Kaname was inside doing who-knows-what but he turned his eyes towards the path the corridor took Hana a moment ago. "Hana... I wish I can talk to you about that but it's just..." he decided to forget about it and opened the door, wondering if Kuran was doing anything surprising in whatever purpose this room served.

"Ka~na~me!" Shoutou called cheerfully. "What are you up to?" he asked excitedly although the excitement turned sour when Kuran appeared to be ignoring him, or so he thought. Shoutou walked toward his best friend in an attempt to surprise him but he stopped when he saw the blood trickling down Kuran's arm. "Blood?" he said, not understanding what Kuran would be doing with his own blood. And then he saw a long cut mark along the arm...

It reminded him of the time Hanadagi cut his own flesh to create a creature and it scared Shoutou because it was...

"Kaname? What are you doing?" he rushed to him but he regretted the decision!

Grabbing the bloodied arm, Shoutou released his anger towards Kuran and said, "What the HELL do you think you are you doing?"

Kuran didn't answer the question. He kept himself still and the blood flowing down his arm. When Shoutou shook his body demanding for an answer, he didn't move at all nor did he say anything to defend himself. He was quiet, as if he was a child who was caught red-handed by his parent for troubles.

"Why are you keeping your lips shut?" Shoutou questioned. "Who do you think you are? Do you think I do not know what you're doing? Cutting your own flesh, dripping your blood into that and thinking that you can get away without anybody noticing? Kaname, what's wrong? Who influenced you to do this kind of thing? This is a foolish thing, do you know that?" he yelled at him.

"It's none of your business, Shoutou. I only made one of this type weapon and I didn't use anyone's flesh and blood except mine. I knew that using this method is wrong because this knowledge is the reason why Yuu died but if I don't use it now, how will I be able to ensure my family's safety? The Great Elder said that I am familiar with weapons. I am using my knowledge to create a new, modified version of this weapon. I have nothing else in mind. For example, the humans' weapons have handles and covers to hold the weapons but mine, it has none of that," he explained.

Shoutou gripped his fists, prepared to give a wonderful punch on Kuran, something he never thought he would do but after seeing the stupid things in front of him, he didn't care anymore. Best friend or not, Kuran Kaname might be the King of Vampires but his brain circuit was definitely broken and there was absolutely no way that Shoutou was going to let this kind of things to slip by easily. "You are a fool, Kaname. FOOLISH!"

"I am sorry if you think I am but if you'll excuse me, I will complete this weapon for you to see what I meant."

"There is no need. Get rid of these stuffs and stitch up your wound. No one will question your 'wound' because you'll heal it. Hurry up!" he ordered.

Kuran shook his head, pulling his arm away from Shoutou's clutch. He turned his back and continued on his weapon. "You don't understand, Shoutou."

Shoutou went to stand beside the table and slammed his hand flat against it. "I don't understand? It's you, Kaname! You don't understand!" he said. "The weapon you're making is dangerous to us! It can kill us just like how it killed Yuu-sama and our own people. Are you telling me this weapon is able to protect your family, the least of all? You want Hana to live with that? What can that thing do besides harming our lives?" he questioned him. "Is this what you've been doing behind Hana's back? Didn't you know she was outside there wondering what you were doing? And this... This!"

"I already told you but you never listen, Shoutou!" Kuran rose his voice. "I can't stand it anymore. I can't stand living in this world without her! I feel like dying but I cannot because deep inside me, I keep wondering if I leave this whole thing behind, will everything be safe? Will Hana be safe? Will the vampires remain to live? Will the hatred against vampires and humans continue? I... I don't know! I have a lot of questions, a lot of ideas to contribute but I don't know if I have the guts to do it. I'm afraid, I'm scared if I go wrong!" he stated, trembling with fear. "These five centuries did nothing to me. When Yuu died, I died too. Right there when I first found her. Her body was cold, she was no longer breathing and she seemed peaceful. The only reason why I am still here, alive and fighting is because Hana's here. If she'd die in the storm, I would destroy myself. This pain is continuing to sprout inside, Shoutou."

A sudden change filled Shoutou as he began to see a clear sight of what his heart was trying to hide from him. Kuran never tried to betray his own kind, it was his emotions he couldn't understand which led into the creation of the weapon. "But you have me. You have everyone else. Kaname, you're not alone. I'll always be here for you, you know that. Everyone else, too. We will stay by your side. You are our king, our friend and our brother," he confided him.

"That's before, Shoutou. Now, everything is different. You're already aware of the differences among the seven of us. What we think, plan and choose; all of them are different. When the war broke out, we chose different paths. Remember what you told me: I am hurt over Yuu's death, but that isn't a reason for me to kill everyone involved, innocent or not. I have to think and plan carefully because one mistake can destroy me. However, remember what Touma told me when I was about to launch the attack. He said: Go for it, Kuran. The enemies kill your wife, they should be destroyed. It's not your fault, it's theirs."

When Shoutou protested that Touma has different views than him, immediately the vampire said, despite the clashes in their personalities, it proved that there's no longer union among them. All of them have different views when the war broke out. Some supported and some opposed. Some said that it was Kuran's decision, he was the King of Vampires after all. Yet, some said that it was their decision.

They could have let Kuran go and launch the attack, in which he did but they could have prevented it from happening, in which they didn't.

It's their loss.

"That..."

"You're speechless." Kuran smiled and continued, "That is more like you. I cannot imagine you as an angry older brother."

"Huh? You're telling me I have to act younger and stupider than you?" he challenged, realizing the fact he was older than Kuran for... Nevermind.

Kuran replied the question with a round of laughter. "Well, you're often the laughing joke among us. It is hard to see you being serious. For once."

"Excuse me? I am being careful around you! Never forget, Kaname, you're still the youngest vampire between us!" he shot his anger, pointing his finger directly toward Kuran. "Still... Why are you making this weapon? It is an anti-vampire weapon, I am sure you put that in mind if you want to protect your family. It's harmful against vampires but it is still useful for the humans. They can come and steal it, then self-claim that this weapon is theirs."

"It won't happen," he said, resuming his work. "This weapon is incomplete so you cannot know the reason. When it is done, I will show and tell you why I don't think this weapon will be the target of our enemies and the humans. I make this weapon as a form of protection for Hana. I am aware while we live with a longer lifespan, we are not necessarily immortal. We can die, we just don't know when. This is why I fear for Hana's safety when I'm gone one day. I do not want her to be alone, fearing for her life even though I have confidence that she can survive on her own. She's strong, like her mother."

Shoutou leaned against the desk and grinned, "Yeah, she's strong and beautiful. It must be wonderful to have her. At least you're not alone, Kaname."

"Indeed." They were both quiet after that, except the sound of metals clanking. "Is there something you like to discuss with me about? Whenever you come to visit me, you have one purpose and it always end with me knowing your reason of coming and you getting the answer. What is the question for today?" he asked, his head fixed on completing the weapon. "You talked to Hana. You must have known about the time."

"Can't you... Can't you wait a little longer? She's still young."

Kuran shook his head. "It's the right time for her to conceive her children."

"But!" Shoutou gasped in surprise. "How... How can you think of doing this to Hana? She's your daughter, Kaname. Do that to anyone except Hana!"

"Your point is? Say it, Shoutou. I won't know what you think unless you tell me honestly."

Shoutou gripped his fingers. "I just don't like the thought when you... When you sleep with your own child!" he said it out loud. "There, I said it!"

Kuran's eyes widened and he stared at Shoutou with a blank look. "What did you say?" he asked.

"I won't say it anymore! It just... Can't you find someone else who'll father Hana's children? Why must it be you? You have to sleep with her.," he said.

"What are you talking about?" Kuran asked, his mind blank. "I am not going to sleep with Hana nor will I find anyone else to father my daughter's children."

It's Shoutou's turn to be surprised but it's no surprise to anyone, really. "But... You said Hana is ready to conceive children. It's understandable that unless you find another vampire to father her children, it's you who will become the father. If you are going to get her with child, you have to sleep with her!"

"And through that, I will have sex with her and get her with children? My own daughter. Is that how low your mind works, Shoutou?" Kuran scolded him.

"It's the logical sense!" he protested.

"It is not! Have you forgotten that vampires have a complex way in conceiving children?" he asked. At Shoutou's nod, he continued, "I am not going to sleep with Hana to conceive children with her! I will give her my energy so she can conceive children WITHOUT sleeping with anyone else, including myself, her own father. Have you gone crazy, Shoutou? I already told you I love Hana, why would I destroy her life by sleeping with her?" he said.

Energy? Wait a second, I remember...!

"Ah... AH!" he cried, suddenly realizing his stupidity. "Exchange of energy! What didn't I think of it?" he asked himself, slapping his head.

Kuran took a piece of a metal and threw it directly toward Shoutou. "Fool."

"I didn't know! I thought... I thought you have to sleep with Hana!"

"And you dare calling me a fool when you're a bigger fool. I don't understand why you are capable of having strange ideas."

"I apologize." Shoutou's weak tone came out as he dropped his head.

Kuran sighed at his companion's foolishness but decided it was better that way.

XxXxX

It was a success!

"Papa!" Hana called out. "We did it!"

Kuran turned and saw his daughter at the archway. "What is it, daughter?" he called out, asking her to come close.

"I... I think I am pregnant." Hana's face glowed with a flush.

Kuran dropped whatever he was doing with his hands and said, with a proud smile, "That's wonderful, Hana! You reminded me of your mother when she announced she was pregnant with you. Since that day, she was so happy, laughing with joy and couldn't wait for you to be born. Congratulations, dear."

"Thank you, papa." Hana sat on the couch and looked at her fingernails, her mind puzzled over something she couldn't describe. "Still... It is odd."

"Odd?" Kuran asked, noting his daughter's quiet tone. "Something is bothering you. Is it the child inside you?" he asked.

Hana nodded. "I feel as if I am betraying mama's trust. She told me to take care of you but it seemed as if I'm taking advantage of you! I... I..." she couldn't say anything else and forced her head low in disgust. "Who would've thought that we would go this far just to continue the family line. I... I'm so stupid."

Kuran placed his palm over Hana's head and said, in the calmest tone he has, "It isn't your fault, Hana. It is I who bind and force you into completing my selfish request, a desire of continuing my family line even with such wicked ways. I have taken away your freedom and your will, as well as destroying your future at the same time. I've given you a heavy burden to carry. You are young but you're given the task to bear the children that will continue our family."

"But!" she tried to interfere but her father knew best.

"I would have chosen an alternative way instead of doing this to you, if I have the chance. Your mother was too young to leave us. I was thinking of conceiving a second child with her but the humans got her first. Knowing that I would never get the son I desire so much, I am glad to have you, my daughter. Do you know why? Because male vampires cannot breed, only female vampires can breed."

"A son would be perfect. A son will not shame you."

Kuran lifted her chin and continued, "You are a daughter that have made me proud and I trust that you will make me proud no matter what you do."

"Papa." A tear slid down Hana's cheek. "What if they spread lies about us? I don't think I can bear it if they falsely spread rumours that we slept together to conceive this child. Oh, I feel like dying if they truly say that! We never... You never even see me naked!" she cried, blushing quickly over her words.

"I saw you naked before," he claimed, giving Hana the chills before he added, "When you're still a baby, if I may add."

"Papa!" she cried, suddenly annoyed with her father. "You saw me without any string attached when I was a baby, that's normal! But... I've grown up."

"And...?" he asked, taking her hands and kissed her knuckles. "If I see you naked now, your grown up body, I will desire you?"

Hana hissed in pain as Kuran's fangs tipped her knuckles. "What are you doing, papa?" she asked. "It... hurts."

"I want to know your answer, daughter," he told her, licking her blood as his eyes slowly glowed. His blood lust was alive and throbbing, wanting to get his hands on the quick source of blood in front of him. "In addition to that, if I am supposed to desire you, shouldn't you be calling me by name rather than 'papa', Hana?" he asked, pulling her hand closer to him so he could pierce her hands with his fangs. "Papa sounded so... innocent."

Hana's heart was beating so quick, she didn't know what her next step was supposed to be. When she asked the question, she didn't expect her father to act like this! Kuran was her father, he was no stranger to her but this man...! Seeing his glowing eyes, drowned in the lust of blood and his eyes looking at her with such amusement, it scared her. This man in front of her, nipping her hands and licking her blood, it was not her father. It's not papa!

Hana was trembling in fear until Kuran released her hands and his eyes returned normal. "I'm sorry, Hana. I went too far. Are you scared?" he asked her. When his daughter said nothing but nodded and her tears followed soon after, Kuran pulled her close and embraced her. "Forgive me, my child."

Her tears were spent on his shirt as she couldn't stop crying. Her mixed emotions were too strong for her to deny, what happened earlier added more to her guilt. If Kuran didn't stop himself, where could they be stopping next? He never touch her body, never... but if they didn't stop, he could have done it. He could have taken her clothes off, stripped his own next and the only thing she know, they're no longer a pair of father and daughter... but lovers.

And I will betray mother's love towards father!

Kuran growled as he tightened his hold on her. "Get rid of those thoughts consuming you, Hana. I will never think of you as anyone but my daughter. You're my daughter, the child of Yuu and I, nothing else and nothing more. The feelings I have for you, it is all the feelings of a father and your feelings to me, it's that of a daughter." He released her a while later, kissing the top of her forehead. "I treasure you, my child. I truly do."

"Papa..." she sobbed. "I'm sorry for my thoughts. I let them take over my mind."

"It's alright, my dear." He cupped her face and wiped away those tears. "Do not cry, Hana. Crying is not something we often do. People take advantage of you when your emotions are unstable. Put a mask and cover up your face. These tears do not belong here, we are vampires, since when do vampires cry?" he said, brushing his fingers along her hair. "I admit you're beautiful like your mother but I never think of you as the replacement for her."

"You never?" she cooed.

Kuran shook his head. "You are not your mother, Hana. You are her daughter, remember that. If I am a monster, in which I am not, yet, I would have done something worse than this. I am not a fool; I am sane and I love you. We're the only Kurans left and I'm worried, if we choose not to continue the family line, things may be horrible for the vampires. Lastly, I will never claim any of your children as mine, even if they are actually mine to begin with."

"You won't?" she asked.

Kuran nodded after that. "Close your ears, shut your eyes; listen and see nothing," he whispered. "The vampires will never question who is the father of your children because of our status. Even if there's any rumours circulating around you, pretend it never exist because it won't exist in my own mind. And yes, I will not claim your children as mine. I am simply a donating partner for our family survival, that is all."

Hana began smiling over her father's words. "Thank you, papa. Thank you for assuring me that all will be well. But children? Do you think I'm carrying twins?" she asked, giggling with amusement.

"Well..."

XxXxX

Kuran calmly breathed out. He made his final observation, deciding that the weapon was now ready. His weapon of creation was done. "Finally, it's done."

He didn't notice the presence of his daughter who stood by the door, watching him silently as he was excited with his achievement. When Hana decided to make her presence known, she coughed and asked her father, "What is done, papa? You are quite excited, like a child who've just received a new toy." She carved a smile and added, "Seeing you smiling for the first time in centuries, I am happy, papa."

Kuran turned around and greeted his daughter. "I never remember when was the last time I smiled."

"You stopped smiling when mama died," she told him. After Yuu's death, her father didn't smile unless he was told to do so. His heart was too broken to make a genuine smile for anyone, even to Hana. Hana noted that her father smiled only for her mother, so when her mother was no longer in this world, the meaning of that precious smile, it disappeared. Kuran could not smile without remembering the person he personally shared his smiles with. Therefore, when Kuran smiled for the first time in the five centuries after her mother's death, it brought happiness to Hana, even though it might seem small to others.

It has been several decades after the events that left Hana in fear about her father. While her father seemed like a loving man, he could turn into a completely different person. Hana was glad that she was able to see the other side of her father even though it was through that traumatic experience but knowing that her father was not the type of man who lusted for his own daughter, she was grateful for that. He knew what's right and what's wrong.

"I see," murmured Kuran. Has it been that long, he asked himself. "Ah, I have a present for you. Do you want to see it?" he asked.

Hana beamed and said, "Of course! Is it my birthday present?"

"Your birthday? Are you sure your birthday is around this month?" he asked, smiling with amusement.

"Ooooh, it can be my birthday! After all, you did say it's a present. What is it, papa?" asked Hana, giddy with excitement.

Kuran asked Hana to hold out her hands as he laid out the weapon he created several decades ago onto her hands. "Here you are, this is the Artemis rod."

Hana looked at her present and studied the rod intensely. "It's short, silver in colour and normal-looking... weapon?" she asked her father.

"I am glad you're able to figure out it's a weapon. Can you explain whether it's an offensive weapon or a defensive weapon?" her father asked.

Hana studied the Artemis rod once more and said, "It's short and has no sharp edges, therefore... it's a defensive weapon."

"Are you sure?" Kuran asked.

"Yes, I am. Are you saying it's an offensive weapon, papa?" she asked. "I don't think it's an offensive weapon since it won't affect the enemies at all."

"True, I agree with your statement." Kuran continued a few minutes later, "However Hana, there is a secret trick behind this weapon. You don't know about it but I shall demonstrate it for you so you are able to understand the general concept of Artemis. First of all, this is an anti-vampire weapon. When your mother died after her wound wasn't able to heal due to the dagger, I examined it and found out the special ingredient added into the creation."

Hana's eyes widened with curiosity. "What is it?" she asked.

"A vampire's blood and his flesh."

"Huh? A vampire's blood?" she paled. "...and his flesh?"

Kuran nodded and explained the reason behind it, "You've never touch a hunter's weapon so you didn't know what you'll feel when you touch it. In any minute from now on, I will return the rod to you and you will feel the shock from touching this weapon. Back to the subject, the humans used the vampire's blood and flesh to create an enhanced hunter's weapon. Adding the vampire's blood and flesh into the creation disables the vampires from handling the weapon unless he's able to counter-attack the weapon's strength."

"So... The dagger?"

Kuran continued, "Shoutou was the first person who touched it, he felt pain as a result. When Shoutou brought the weapon to me, I held it and was able to neutralize the strength because my blood was powerful than the blood inside the dagger. In other words, unless your powers are stronger than your enemies' weapons, it won't be a big deal."

"But why did you make this weapon?" Hana asked. "It's an anti-vampire weapon. It's harmful to us while it has no effect on humans."

"Our enemies consist of the vampires and the humans. Humans are divided into two: the hunters and the civilians. I decided that the humans who assisted our enemies should be called the hunters because all their do is hunt us. I knew that Artemis has no use to anyone, not even you, Hana but when you see the full potential, you will be able to understand why I chose to create this weapon."

Hana stood there as she watched her father demonstrated the use of Artemis. She could see the jolt around the rod as her father resisted against it. "Why did you create this weapon if it resisted against you, its creator?" she murmured. "Why do you need the pain, papa?" she asked. She couldn't stand seeing her father doing all these things without any understanding from her. She didn't want this to happen to her father. "Papa!" she cried.

"A moment, my child. It'll hurt a little but it's worth it."

To you, it is but to me, it hurts!, Hana wanted to say that but she couldn't bring herself to say it out aloud.

"Hana!" he called, prompting Hana to look at him with worry. "Artemis is divided into three forms! The first form is when it's in normal state, this short rod. The second form is when you touch a secret button hidden inside the body of the rod and it'll transform into a longer rod! This is the defensive aspect of the Artemis, Hana. Thus, you are correct. Artemis is born without a handle nor a cover. If a vampire touch this weapon as an attempt to use it, they won't be able to hold it unless they endure the pain. Most of the time, they failed."

Hana was impressed with her father's demonstration. The weapon seemed useless but it wasn't! "The final form?" she asked.

Kuran held the weapon at one hand and said, "Before I teach you about Artemis's final form, I want you to understand one thing. I created Artemis to protect you and our family. Hana, I cannot remain in this world forever, even though I wanted to. You know that my heart is broken when your mother died. I have a feeling that if I stay here, I will go mad and I won't like this. The least I could do is make sure you're well-protected. Vampires are not humans, we can survive without the other and we're able to protect ourselves with our powers. However, my child, I fear for your safety. I fear for our family."

"You created Artemis for me?" she cooed.

Kuran nodded. "Yes. One day, when one of your children is ready, pass him or her the Artemis. In return, please ask them to do the same to their own children. Hana, this is our family weapon. I created the Artemis using my own flesh and blood as well as a special ingredient, your mother's last memento. You and the rest of the Kuran family generations are immune to this weapon. It'll hurt a little due to resistance but you'll be able to control it."

"Does that mean..." she paused, swallowing her sob, "You are leaving me?" she asked.

He gently brushed her long hair and said, "It is time, my child. I wish I can stay longer but..." He looked at the window, sensing the presence of the twins. "It is time for you to move out on your own, Hana. You have your children and your children will have their children. That is my only wish. They will protect you because you are their mother, the children will protect their parents because they are their parents. It's all about that, my daughter."

"Papa..."

He pulled her close to him for a final embrace, kissing her forehead. "Goodbye, child."

"You're not going to say your goodbye to the twins?" she hiccuped as the tears overflowed.

Kuran declined the offer. "They are too young to understand my reasons but they will understand that I am now leaving you under their care."

"Goodbye, papa." Hana raised her hand as she slowly waved at her father. "Take care."

"One day, if it is possible, we will reunite again."

Hana nodded. "It's your promise!" she said as Kuran went towards the direction of the study. Hana has chosen not to follow her father, knowing she has one more task to do. Her task was simple: distract the twins to let Kuran enter the secret passageway without making another mess. The twins mustn't know and Hana turned her heels and walked out of the house. Her children were walking toward her direction and she waited.

"Mama!" her eldest child, a son, called out. "We're back!"

Hana smiled warmly and patted her small son's head. "So where did you two go?" she asked.

"We play snow!" her daughter's eyes were shining with happiness. "Where's grandpa?" she then asked, wanting to enter the house but was blocked.

"Your grandpa... He's sleeping."

The twins' eyes rounded and asked together, "Sleeping?"

Seeing her children's adorable faces, Hana was almost to the point of slipping the truth. "Yes. Your grandfather is sleeping so we're not going to disturb him. Okay? If you promise to be good, I'll join both of you in your snowball war." At her words, the twins cheered and jumped around, intending to play with the snow at the courtyard of their house. Hana stood upright as she watched her children throwing snowballs at one another when both snowballs hit the twins' faces, she burst out laughing. The twins cried at her for laughing at them but she didn't care. It was too amusing to watch one's children with snow.

"Papa... I will watch over the children and I hope that the Kuran family will remain until the end of the world, even if I may not be here to watch it myself."

She closed her eyes, letting go of the last of her tears as she gripped the Artemis. "Goodbye, Papa."

And... Thank you.

XxX

It was just like five centuries ago. Except, Kuran was not carrying anyone inside this chamber. He's bringing himself inside the chamber. A deep slumber.

Opening the door, he whispered, "It feels like I'm entering my personal hell." He quietly entered inside, locking the door from behind as he walked forward.

Five centuries ago, the chamber was empty except for curtains and mirror – which was now broken. It was also the last place for Yuu before she was gone.

Five centuries later, there's a coffin and a few other things placed inside the chamber. It felt more like a personal chamber, a relaxing one.

Kuran walked toward the coffin, brushing his delicate fingers along the edges of the coffin. He'd planned for this day to come and the day was today. He turned around, scanning the entire area of the chamber and his lips curved a smile. "This chamber has your scent, your smell, Yuu. This is our secret room that none of our descendants should be able to enter unless they're able to break the spell. It will be impossible, I will not be disturbed. And you, too."

I kept my hair long for you. One day...

He calmly entered the coffin, placing his head on the pillow. He raised his hand, twirling it around as he cast the spell.

"Good night." His eyes closed and the cover closed.

XxX

Vampires have gone mad!

"I didn't know you have curls at the end of your hair, Hana."

Hana turned toward the source of the voice and said sarcastically, "And I didn't know you have straight hair."

"Well." The man touched his hair and asked her as he walked toward her, "Why are you in this type of clothing? It is cold out here and you're in pants?"

"Got a problem with that?" she asked, smiling but not looking at the man. "Instead of asking me questions, why are you here then?" she asked.

The man patted Hana's head like he always did as he reminded himself that this girl was no longer the child he first saw five centuries ago, nor was she the young lady who suffered emotionally over the burden of bringing the future of the Kuran family nor was she the woman who was sad over her father's departure. She was different now, entering the third stage of her life. Without Kuran to protect her, Hana was forced to protect herself and her children.

She became stronger and colder.

"I'm curious of you. After all, when Kaname decided to fall into slumber and he did, you started distancing yourself from us. Don't you trust us? Especially the Great Elder? He's worried of you since you live quite far from the base. How about if you come and visit us from time to time? You are the Queen of Vampires, even if you don't act like one but to people like us, we need to see you often."

Hana shook her head. "Why should I? Even now, the vampires are breaking apart. We're no longer united after all these years, after papa has gone into slumber. If you ask me, not everyone is happy with papa's decision. Some think he's a coward, some think he's afraid to face his own enemies, and some think that he's a fool. So what if he's a fool–" she paused, sighing, the thought of her father always made her hurt inside. "–he's hurt, too much."

"I know that but please, you're here alone with your children and those who care about you, we like to see if you're well."

"I am well. So you can leave now. Thank you."

"Hana, please." The man went closer to her but she shoved him aware. "I am your father's best friend. I know you better than anyone else!"

Hana gripped her fists, hating the figure of this man standing in front of him. "So? So what?" she asked. "I can take care of myself. I do not need you!"

Shoutou grasper her shoulders before she could escape. "Listen to me! I need to warn you about something! It is true, we vampires are no longer united but this stage has gone worse. Even worse than you think, Hana. I need you to cooperate with all of us who still support you, we cannot let them use us and destroy us in the end. Work with me, please, I beg of you. The Great Elder needs your help and we're in critical stage."

"What do you mean...?" Hana's voice came out as a fear. "What's wrong with the Great Elder?" she asked.

"This is difficult but the Great Elder may not live as long as we thought."

"Don't tell me..." Hana's words stopped when they saw a big explosion a few miles away from their location.

Shoutou went forward to see the incident properly. "What the hell...?" he murmured, not believing his sight. It cannot be!

"Is it the enemies?" Hana rushed toward him. Unlike Shoutou, Hana didn't use her sight to see what happened in that few miles, she chose not to do so.

"No. It's vampires. It's... Touma."

Hana almost swear as she quickly rushed down the cliffs. "If the twins come out from the house, ask them to stay inside!" she warned, disappearing in the flash of seconds, too fast before Shoutou could say anything before she left. As she ran toward the location, her thoughts were mixed with a lot of things. Her father's words about her safety and the creation of Artemis. Kuran never told her in words on how to use the third form but she was definitely sure it dealt with using her own powers to manipulate the weapon. "Artemis, please!" she whispered, grabbing the rod strapped to her right thigh.

There was a reason why she wore pants rather than a dress when she was outside, it was easy to place and take the rod strapped to her thigh without the need to fumble with her skirt. It was inappropriate for a vampire whose status was fit for a Queen (in which she was!) but Hana didn't care. She might be the Queen of Vampires but she has no husband (thank God!) and her father was in deep slumber (although she didn't want him to leave her yet!), there's no one to control her actions and she was free to decide her path.

She was almost near the location and slowed her steps. It was Touma, definitely him.

Meanwhile, Shoutou wanted to follow Hana but he feared the twins coming out from the house when they heard the explosion. Unfortunately, they heard it and immediately came out with eyes bright and energy high. Shoutou saw them and murmured, "Great, am I seeing vampires or humans? Too energetic."

"Where's mama, Uncle Shoutou?" the brother asked.

"Mama has gone to the explosion site, brother!" the sister said, pointing to the location. "Over there!"

Shoutou panicked. "HEY! Get back inside the house, this is not the time for you guys to come out and play! It's dangerous outside."

The twins cried and their voice was loud enough to kill his brain. "Where is mama? Tell us, Uncle Shoutou!" they cried.

"I said you guys cannot come out from the house! Get inside already!" he cried, almost to the point of yelling but the twins were able to resist his annoying remarks and insisted they go and find their mother. "Seriously, are you guys unstoppable?" his defense was breaking down as the twins pushed him crazily. It was until the twins' guardian's appearance that they stopped. "Seiren!" he cried.

"I'll take care of the young master and the young miss, Shoutou-sama." Seiren grabbed the twins, one on each hand and brought them inside the house.

"Ah, thank you." Shoutou sighed in relief and turned his gaze on the location he saw earlier. "I hope I'm not too late to reach Hana!"

And he was off!

XxX

Hana managed to block Touma from proceeding with his actions. "Stop right there, Touma!"

Touma tsked and turned around. "If it's the Kuran's brat."

"You changed a lot over these years. Guess after papa left for his slumber, you changed sides?" she questioned, mouthing the word 'pathetic' at him.

He growled at her. "I never change sides. I still loathe the humans and the weak vampires. In fact, for your information, my Queen, your father is in that list of people I hate for being weak. I don't understand why the Great Elder feared for his powers when in the end, all he did was run away and went into a deep slumber. He's a fool and he's the King of Vampires? I can do better than that!"

"Shut up, Touma!" Shoutou's angry words came from behind. "Kaname is better than you as a ruler! If you'd been the King of Vampires, everyone's dead!"

"So you rather live in fear, running away from the increasing number of hunters who have increased the effectiveness of their weapons? You rather see us dead under their worthless weapons? Ordinary weapons that have no effect on humans but on us?" he questioned Shoutou, regretting that they stood together as a group of Pureblood vampires. Their personalities were too different! Even worse, Kuran trusted Shoutou more than anyone else, that bastard! "A lot of vampires died in the recent war. Kuran wasn't there to lead the army of vampires. We all failed in that war."

Hana cursed as she blamed him for being the useless one. "You said you're a better ruler than my father but you couldn't even lead an army without the help of my father? How pathetic did that sound, Touma?" she yelled at him, Shoutou quickly tried to calm her down. "You never know what my father dealt with throughout his life so don't go around saying words about him! What the hell are you doing anyway? Betraying your own kind? You're no less than our enemies!" she continued, cursing all over Touma's foolishness and the explosion he caused.

"Shut up, brat!" he retorted and out in anger, he pulled the daggers used to block his path and threw it back toward Hana and Shoutou.

"Fool!" and Hana deflected the daggers using the Artemis. She didn't have to use the weapon to deflect it but it was her insticts to use it at her father's last request. "If you wish to betray your own kind, don't even think of letting yourself free from my grasp, Touma. Stay right there and fight me. If you win, I'll let you free but if it's the other way around, you're not leaving this place alive."

Touma was surprised at the declaration but decided to accept the challenge. "Very well, let's see if the Queen has the abilities to defeat me. I much prefer battling with your father, though, my Queen. He'll be a better target to be killed and ripped apart, and then be eaten. If the Great Elder's prediction that your father has a power that one cannot imagine, I want to be the lucky person."

"Whatever, bastard." Hana held the Artemis firmly as she closed her eyes. Her father never taught her how to use the third form but she knew, deep inside, the method was already inside her mind. She released her powers and opened her eyes as the Artemis transformed. "To all of you, this weapon may not be useful because I'm a vampire. My powers are greater than this weapon but papa created this weapon with my existence in his mind, so I'm using this!"

She stepped forward and let her inner demons loose. Papa!

XxX

Touma wasn't the only one who has changed his way of thinking, no longer working in an organization under the Kuran royal family. Slowly, other Pureblood vampires decided to follow the same path that Touma has taken. They were Ouri, Shirabuki and Hiou whilst Hanadagi and Touma remained by the Kuran family as well as the Great Elder. Yet, the three Pureblood vampires who remained together lost their mentor in another great yet horrible war. The Great Elder passed away.

It was a great loss.

This was the end of the Ancestral Past.

XxXxX

Kaname stepped down from the stairs and went to open the door. There was nothing on the steps except the trail of blood. A familiar blood, Kaname thought. He shifted his eyes to the left side of the steps and noticed the wounded Yuuki, breathing heavily over the loss of blood due to the attack. Immediately he rushed toward her, lifting her gently as to not increase the pain from her wound and brought her inside the house. He summoned his bats to return to his side and closed the door quietly.

He laid Yuuki down on the couch, minding her head, noticing the wound she received. It was not deep but it was not done by a normal vampire. It was not created by a gunshot nor was it from a sword. It was more of... bats? It was easy to recognize the class of the said vampire, it was a pureblood.

"Touma..." he murmured, placing his open palm against Yuuki's wound. "Even after all these years... You still abhorred me..." he said, closing his eyes.

But hurting the one I love... I'm not letting you do this...

XxXxX

(TBC)

XxXxX

A/N: I am glad that this story proved to be confusing to some readers, thank you! I received a review requesting I draw the plot. The problem is, my dearest reviewer, one, your review is unsigned and second, you do not specify which part of the plot you are confused, so I cannot ask you exactly what you want. You see, the reason why I write is because I have no special talent in drawing. I can draw but only my brain knows how, my hands have no idea how to draw what I really imagined. I swear if I can draw and write, I'll do a doujin instead.

I rather not draw stick figures, it hurts just to think of it!

Read and review. And yes, this is the end of the Ancestral Past. Following the future chapters, we'll focus on the present timeline. No preview this time.

I've written down the questions and answers regarding the Ancestral Past. If you have any questions, ask by commenting the post or through reviews!

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