Haruka and Juri. And Touma...?

XxXxX

It has been three days since the event. Yuuki was resting after she was attacked and wounded. It wouldn't take long until she regain her consciousness.

The man carressed her cheeks, wanting to say something but the only thing he did, "Sleep well, Yuuki. I will return soon. Until then–" he kissed her forehead before slipping out from the bedroom. He managed a glance behind him, making sure that she was safe then closed the door quietly. "Seiren."

His loyal servant appeared at the end of the corridor. "Yes, my master?" she asked. Her head low, waiting for his next orders.

"I am leaving to attend a business. I trust you to protect the manor and Yuuki safe from dangers. If the intruders are familiar people, including the Aidou family, tell them that I am busy and ask them to leave a message. I will return the visits when I return from my appointment," he said, nodding.

Seiren nodded. "If I may ask, where are you going?"

"I am meeting a long lost friend. Touma, specifically."

Seiren raised her head, disbelief in her eyes. "Touma...? That Pureblood child? Why, Kaname-sama? He was the same person who wounded Yuuki-sama and you were there earlier to return the favour!" she asked but immediately realizing her mistake. "Forgive me. I shouldn't have ask."

Kaname dismissed her apology. "I understand your concern. I've punished the boy but it is not him I wish to see. I did say a 'long lost friend', remember?"

Seiren stared at Kaname in disbelief. "He is still alive."

"Indeed, he is. I am not surprised if others who survived the Great War shall resurface on this world once again," he said.

"My lord. The Hanadagi family will only return after 400 years."

Kaname took his coat as he walked toward the front door. "So be it. There are quite a number of us, Seiren. Just like before, we didn't even know how many of us were out in the world. When one of us found the others, we were united but after a while, greed and desire took the best of most of us. We have divided, even now, in this time. So many years have passed, too much forgotten histories, even I don't really remember except my own blood."

"But–!" she tried to protest.

"Watch for our enemies. I am counting on you," he silenced her, opening the door and turning it shut when he was outside. "Seiren. Forgive me."

I have to do this. For the good of me, Yuuki and everyone else.

Seiren remained still as she watched her master went to the enemy's side. Even if it was only a meeting, she didn't feel right. Never!

"Kou. Watch after him, please."

XxXxX

Kou was a bat. He was twice the size of a normal bat but it was understandable as Kou was a familiar created using Kaname's powers. He was not a natural bat as a result. He has the ability to communicate using his so-called bat language and Kaname understood him as his creator. At times, Kou was able to transform into different creatures although he was not the wolf Kaname has assigned to protect Yuuki during her trip outside, unfortunately.

The wolf was nameless, a complete mirror of Kaname, created for Yuuki's sake.

Kou was a creature created a long time ago and has been Kaname's loyal and faithful familiar. His role was to protect.

Between the two, in the wise mind of Kou the bat, he's much better than the nameless wolf!

"Master!" the bat cried, flying toward his master.

Kaname sensed Kou's arrival but didn't turn around. He continued his walk but when he was close, he said, "I didn't ask you to come."

"Seiren told me to come!" he answered. "She's worried of you."

Kaname sighed. "I'm not a child. I know what I'm doing. Go home."

"Definitely not! I am your familiar, remember!" he defied his master.

He looked at the bat. "I do not come to their residence to fight. I am going to talk with them, so go home and watch the house. Your role is to protect. I never state who you're suppose to protect so protect the house, for now, not me because I can take care of myself. Please, Kou."

Kou ignored his master and placed himself on top of Kaname's head. "In contrary to what you said, Kaname-sama, I do not think they will welcome your arrival. After all, it was a drastic move earlier! You may not plan to see the young boy but his grandfather will never welcome you. That is a fact, master! I have to be by your side to protect you from unplanned events!" he explained. "Seiren has the house secured and you trust her more than you trust me!"

"Touma isn't even a child. I do not imagine such a thing happening."

Touma, a Pureblood vampire whose age was approximately more than centuries of years old although no one really knows how old he was. Despite that, he remained in a body of a child. Most vampires grew until they reach their early adulthood and their growth rate slowed down. Thus, it was a wonder on how he managed to remain as a child. However, Pureblood vampires know quite a number of spells. He could have used a spell to retain his youth.

Vampires never get old, especially Pureblood vampires, though.

"Oh, come on!" Kou tried to appeal with his master. "I want to journey with you, master! The Pureblood Princess travelled with the nameless wolf!"

Oh, so this is what it's all about? Kou's jealous of the wolf? Give me a break.

Kaname sighed once more. "Very well. Just be quiet. It's not as if I never know your jealousy towards a nameless wolf who cannot talk. Silence yourself or prepare to have your ability to talk removed. It's not that... hard," he threatened and the colour drained from Kou's face.

Hmm, that should be enough. Not. Not with Kou, the stupid bat.

"You are not taking the train?" the bat asked. "Or transport with us?" he added, referring to Kaname's other bats. "You are walking?"

Kaname looked at the bat, not amused with the bat who couldn't register the threat his master threatened earlier. "Is it surprising that I prefer a casual walk... alone?" he asked, hissing at the end of the word. "Go home, Kou. I understand Seiren's concern but I am not Hana. I am me. That's all."

"Still!" the bat tried and tried but alas, he understood. "Very well."

Kou opened his wings and fled away. "Be careful, Kaname."

"Thank you for understanding."

He waited a moment before revisiting his early thoughts before Kou's arrival. He appreciated the bat's good intention but he needed a moment alone and out from the house away from the beloved people near or far from him. Too much things were inside his mind, he couldn't think of anything anymore!

Though... Kiryuu Zero arrived at that moment. He's a hero... Eh.

"As expected of a pawn to protect my beloved. You will never betray her despite your words, Kiryuu-kun, as long as the bond remains."

Ah... What am I saying...? It feels as if I am losing her.

Your precious ones are always by your side but it feels as if you are losing them one by one as time passes.

"Haruka... Juri..."

Kaname closed his eyes, opened it and closed it once more. He sighed and leaned against the wall. "I don't think I can hold on."

"I'm scared, I am. I don't know if I can keep this secret anymore."

XxXxX

When both of you found me...? What was I...? Was I a child...?

I never remember; Haruka, Juri. I never remember any of it. Not even any pieces of memories.

That was why, I want to thank both of you for your kindness and willingness to accept me as part of your family.

Yet, I wondered was it necessary to accept me... when all I could give was nothing. Your deaths were part of my responsibility.

Yuuki's destiny... it changed because of me.

I'm sorry. I am truly sorry.

I am not suppose to exist in this time. I have existed before after all.

I don't belong here. None of this should ever happen.

I...

XxXxX

Kaname arrived at the old yet grand mansion. Everything was quiet. It tasted like death, nonetheless it was a pleasant sight for vampires.

He walked toward the steps and knocked on the door. After several minutes, the door creaked open, revealing an elderly servant. "Strange," he said, eyeing suspiciously at the uninvited guest. "This is the residence of the Touma family. How may I help you, my lord?" he inquired with a calm tone.

–The House of Touma–

"Is your master inside?" Kaname asked. The servant immediately knew whom he was talking about and slowly nodded. "May I see him?" he added.

"Please come inside, Pureblood master." He entered the house, following the servant who walked with a steady pace. "The master is inside there. He'll be delighted to accept your appointment with him. However–" the elderly servant paused after he pointed the door of a room. "Good evening, young master."

Kaname noticed the child. "I didn't expect you to be up with that kind of injuries," he murmured.

"What are you doing here? You've done enough that time, save it for another time," the boy replied as he glared at him. "You are wicked, Kuran. You went so far only for such a helpless girl. If was good that the hunter came there at the precise moment, or else, the girl's finished instantly. You were quite lucky."

Kaname turned his attention toward the door, ignoring the child "I do not come here to fight with you, Touma. I come here to see your sire, not you."

"My sire has nothing to do with this. Why are you crossing over the limits?" he questioned, clearly showing he has no intention to give up.

"It is my personal business with him, you are not included. Sir, do you mind sending your young master back into his room so he can rest?" he requested.

When the servant proceeded to take the young Touma back into his room, the Pureblood protested him. "Why did you listen to him? I am your lord!"

"It won't take long. Just a brief meeting and I am out of here. Do not blame your servant, he deserves nothing from you. Your wrath is nothing... compared to mine. Thank you for showing me the way, sir. It is unwise to keep your master waiting when he's expecting me. Good day," he carried his polite tone as he opened the door and went inside. The door shut by itself as Touma and his servant looked silently.

"Did he state why he wished to see grandfather?" Touma asked, not exchanging glances with him. How dare he!

The servant shook his head and answered Touma's question. "He only requested to see the master. The master is expecting the arrival of the Pureblood. That's why when he's outside, I let him inside and lead him to the master's chamber. Young master, this is a matter between the Pureblood and your sire, it's not wise to interfere in their confrontation." The butler placed his hands on Touma's shoulders and led him back toward his room. "Is there something?"

"Why did Kuran wish to see grandfather? I don't think they've met before, at least not in my knowledge."

The servant replied, "They met once in this present time, young master. They knew each other well during their time as leaders in the past."

When they reached the stairs leading upstairs, Touma stopped and said, "Oh. I did not know that. Has it been that long ago?"

"Thus, do you understand why it's not about you? It's about something else and it is between the master and the Pureblood master."

"Very well. I'll ask grandfather when Kuran's out of the house. Inform me when he does. I'm going to sleep. The pain he gave me is killing my back, damn!"

The butler didn't say anything about the timing. It was almost night time and the young master wished to sleep. Alas, it might be his injuries forcing him to rest despite the desire to stay awake during nightfall. He bowed and said, "Good night, my lord. I shall awaken you when the Pureblood leaves the house."

"Thank you very much." Touma walked upstairs toward his bedroom. Soon, Kuran... Very soon and we shall meet once more.

XxXxX

–The House of Touma : Secret Chamber–

As Kaname opened the door of the chamber, the flame of the candle died. "You are well, I believe?" he asked, clicking the door behind him.

Silence. "Welcome, Kuran. It's been a while since we last met. How many thousands of years have it been, I wonder?" the master asked.

"You knew how long it has been," Kaname answered, not moving from his spot. "Do you not teach your grandson to rest for his injuries to heal?"

A chuckle came from the master. "I wonder why? Do you want him to heal faster and resume his attack on you? How bold!" he said.

"Always the amuser but I thought you hate amusement, Touma?" he said, stepping toward the Pureblood. "My love is resting for three nights and her injuries are healing but your grandson is up and about, complaining on his injuries. It's unwise for the child of my enemy to be imbalance in our battle."

"Imbecile!" he roared, Kaname stepped a few steps behind. "The boy did minor wounds to that child but you gave him a deathly blow! Dreadfully unfair!"

Kaname sighed before smiling. "Despite that, he is alive and well. It's a warning, Touma. If your grandson lay a hand on my beloved, he'll pay for it."

Touma breathed in and roared, "You associate yourself with the bastard enemies, Kuran? The damn humans who killed your wife and the destruction of your own descendants! They are the people who stole our precious blood! They used our blood to enhance their weapons and skills! They used our blood to prolong their life! They used us as their little toys and discard us when we have done enough! Those blasted vampire hunter weapons, damn them."

"That hunter, his eyes said the truth: his hatred towards us vampires are absolute in his mind. He's working with you, isn't he?"

That same hunter who rescued your little love is the descendant of the hunter that corrupted your own, Kuran. Do you not realize this?

"No," he said, shaking his head. "I wasn't expecting him at all."

I know nothing of this, Touma. Even if he did corrupt my descendant, it's only a small thing.

Touma laughed. "Oh, really? Did you inflict pain on that hunter just as you did on mine?"

Don't be stupid, Kuran. He was a human before he met your descendant. That child was a fool. She gave her blood to him as a token of love! He never return it!

A small thing, you said? Don't be a fool and pretend you are one! After what he'd done, the strength of the vampires hunters increased greatly! Who died...?

Your own descendant! Your own blood! They were killed by the vampire hunters who took your blood...!

"Your child was planning to kill her not if he didn't come to save her!" he answered back. It was bitter to say those words!

Were you alive during that time? Were you there when that happened? You were in slumber when all of this happened, the same as I!

Chuckling, "You didn't expect his presence, right! You planned to rescue her but you're a coward, too late! You are afraid of your enemies!" he cried.

I wasn't there, of course. But...

You saw that dream sequence, didn't you?

Kaname froze at the question. How did Touma know of the dream he had earlier? Staring in disbelief at his old friend, he murmured, "How did you...?"

"I wonder, too." Touma closed his eyes. Despite thousands of years have passed, he retained his youth. "You looked young, though. What happened?"

Too young, if I must add. It is as if you became a baby and grow up again.

You are the same, Touma. As old as you are, you never change from your early 30s look.

Kaname was silent. He wasn't willing to share the events leading to his present life with his enemies but at the same time, Touma was a friend before he was an enemy. Thus, there was one thing to do. Tell him everything he was willing to share. "Yes. I turned myself into a baby and grow up once again. It was the only way I could survive in this new time without causing other people's deaths. I did not take any blood during my period of slumber and when I was forcefully reawakened, the lust of blood suddenly came to me. We are vampires, Touma, the desire to have blood can lead us to commit murder. I was ready to do that when I was awake. Kill someone and take their blood but I kept my sanity intact. I did not wish to cause the deaths of my descendants."

Touma listened to Kaname's story with deep understanding. "How grateful your dearest descendants must be, Kuran. You spared their deaths."

"I had to do that. My revival in this time caused death to an innocent child who knew nothing of what his uncle has planned. A sacrificial child."

Touma rolled his eyes in curiousity. "Sacrificial child...?" he asked. He heard none of this despite being alive since a few decades ago. He heard of the deaths of Kuran Haruka and Kuran Juri as well as the news of Kuran Rido but never about the sacrificial child. "What is this about? Do tell me, Kuran."

"Rido used his own nephew's life to awaken me by force. That child was innocent, pure and unknowing of his uncle's evil thoughts. He was only a few months old but died as a sacrifice. Realizing this, I knew I cannot end the lives of the parents who found themselves without a child so I took the risk and placed myself in their hands. It was the only thing I could do but I never forgive myself since then. When they died to protect their daughter and myself, it added more to my guilt. My existence here have given them nothing but pain and sorrow and questions on their daughter's future."

Finally hearing the secret from the source, Touma began to have mixed feelings. "I'm sorry for the death of an innocent child, Kuran."

Kaname remained as he was as Touma continued his words. "I understand why you are worried over the life of your love. But–"

He fidgeted. "–that is no excuse. I have one request, though."

"What...?" Kaname asked.

A devilish smile flickered across Touma's face as he stated his request. "A war, Kuran. A war between vampires and humans."

.

.

.

"You are a fool, Touma. I've signed a peace treaty between vampires and humans. It's impossible. I cannot do that, I am not willing."

This is not the past, Touma! Humans of that time do not know anything but humans of this time...!

"Oh...? Who says you cannot? It is not impossible until it's proven you cannot do it. I haven't state the conditions, yet. Your refusal to give the opportunity to begin a war may cause the death of your beloved, Kuran. As you can see, my grandson attacked your little love because I wanted to see how far you can withstand my assaults before giving a death blow to my little boy. Apparently, the wounds he gave her couldn't move you at all, so–"

Kaname interrupted. "You will try to hurt Yuuki again?" he asked.

Yuuki... How interesting, her name is exactly like Yuu.

"Why, if it's necessary, why not?" Touma laughed.

"You bastard!" he rose from his seat. "I told you! Lay a hand on her and you will pay for it!"

The Pureblood continued his hysterical laugh. "Therefore, your threat will make me quiver and run away? Fool! I am far more experienced than you," he roared. "I may have lost against your daughter but... she lost as well. Think about it, Kuran. You... Are you willing to live like this...? No war, no fights, no bloodshed; absolutely nothing. Why do we have to follow the law of humans when we are losing ours? We are not tame animals. We are beasts, Kuran."

"Beast...?"

"Have you forgotten...?" Touma asked.

Kaname was speechless. "No. Not. Never."

"Then...?" the Pureblood get down on one knee and said, "Are you willing to forgive those humans who called us beasts, monsters and whatnot? We lived with them, Kuran. Our homes were just a few miles away from the humans. We carefully hid our lust for blood from them. We did nothing wrong to them, it was for our survival. Without blood, we would cease to exist."

Kaname dropped his head, dismayed. "We killed them."

Again...?

"What have the humans done to you...?"

Nothing.

"If nothing is what they have done to you, why are you like this...?"

It is wrong, Touma. We have no right to kill them. They deserve to live and die when it's their time.

"You become humane...? Are you insane, Kuran?" Touma shook his body. "Snap out of it, you fool!"

This isn't the way it's supposed to happen, Kuran! You've become weak! Weak like a human!

Kaname shook his head. "It is wrong, that's why I won't let you have this war, Touma! Never!"

"GAAAAAAAAH!" Touma screamed, slamming his fist toward Kaname.

.

.

.

Kaname stood quietly outside the door of the mansion. Touma banished him from his home after the painful hit. For an old man, his strength remained.

If that the decision you have chosen, Kuran, then you are giving me the opportunity to destroy your little happiness. Do all you can but it won't succeed.

You have chosen to side with the humans...? The descendants of humans who plotted against you...? The ones who killed your wife...?

The ones who called you monster, Kuran. Them...? And not us...?

The words left a powerful scar inside Kaname's mind as he left the mansion. "Why...? I never understand it at all."

XxXxX

Contradictions...? What was that...?

"Haruka... Juri..." Kaname murmured.

He stopped walking, his eyes staring at the earth beneath him. "What should I do...?"

I will leave Yuuki in your hands, Kaname. I trust you to protect her because you are the only one she has from now on.

We wish to give a different future for Yuuki. Even if it cost our lives, we do not mind as long as she is able to lead a life of happiness.

Both Haruka and I believe in you, Kaname. You may not be a child born from my womb but you are very much my child. Our love to you is genuine.

We never blame you for what happened that time. What brother did... it was unforgivable for any of us. Do not blame yourself for it because it was not your fault.

Thank you, Kaname. Thank you so much from the bottom of our hearts. We will always be by your side.

The flashback ended and Kaname sighed. "It doesn't solve anything, Haruka, Juri. Yuuki's life is in danger when I refused Touma's offer for a bloodshed. Of course, both of you do not think humans are bad, well, most of them but... how am I supposed to protect Yuuki from someone like him? Touma isn't like Shizuka or the Council of Ancients or like anyone else. He's not even like Rido. Both of them are different."

"I have known Touma for a long time. His vision to see the destruction of the humans and the glory of the vampires have always been his objective. He would kill to ensure the survival of vampires just as humans would kill their own kind to ensure their own survival in this world. Yet, we have no right to determine who should live and who should die even if they are not our people. We share this world with them, thus we have no power, that's why!"

Contradictions...? Again, what's that...?

"Papa." A lone figure stood in front of Kaname.

He blinked. He couldn't believe his eyes. "Hana, is that you...?" he asked, reaching for his daughter.

"Papa. I hate to see you like this. You are so weak, frail like a human yet you are the most powerful vampire in this world. What happened?" she asked.

Kaname gave up and sank to the ground. "I don't know what to do, Hana. Touma threatened to kill Yuuki if I choose to deny his request of war."

"What did you tell him? What did you choose?" she asked.

He shook his head. "I refused his offer. I didn't know what I was thinking. He has no right to toy with humans' lives but I'm putting Yuuki's life at stake as a result. I promised to protect Yuuki even if it cost other people's lives but all I could think about are the lives of the innocent people. I cannot let them die."

"So, you refused his offer and he's free to hurt her? You are going to let him do that, pa?" Hana questioned. "It's not the end of the world yet. Kou-san."

Kou arrived at Kaname's location as soon as he was called, "Kaname-sama! Hana-sama! Why are you here?"

"Long time no see, Kou-san." Hana waved at the bat and he returned the same affection. "Hey! Any idea how to make father gain his confidence?"

Kou stared at the young mistress with a puzzled look. "Confidence? Ah, Kaname-sama! What happened?" he asked, flying straight toward Kaname. "Is everything all right? Did that person do anything to you? Goodness, you looked so pale! What happened, Kaname-sama?" the bat asked again.

"Nothing."

Kou turned his attention to Hana and realized he was lying. "Don't lie. You're not good at it."

"I see but what's the point? Touma is going to kill Yuuki, then he may as well kill me too."

Hana stepped forward. "Papa. I wish I can kill you now. In fact, I wish I can stop that person from reawakening you. I'll do it if I can."

"Then, do it now, Hana. I'm losing all hopes."

Hana sighed. "Very well, pa."

Kaname's heart lightened up. "For real? ACK!" his words stopped just then.

"Yeah, for real! Get a grip on yourself and wake up! This is reality, Kuran Kaname!" she scolded her father after the kick, much to the surprise of Kaname and Kou. "I'm upset with you! I am dead, unable to do anything in this present time and you are wasting your time contemplating about your future? Honestly, I am tired of looking at you like this! The only reason why I appear in this time is because of the family bond we shared!" she cried.

"Pa, the memories you saw in these last few days, it's my doing. The dream sequence is my doing as well. I want you to know. I want you to remember. The memories are not that bad but the dream sequence, it is something shocking, both to you and I. But pa, I don't want to see you as frail as this. This isn't you. This isn't the way you accept things as if it's the end of the world. Pa, I want you to have your courage back. I know that you are not strong as before but you cannot give up. What Touma said, it hurt you a lot. You wish to protect the humans even when you are not a human yourself."

Kaname's heart sank as he heard the truth. "What should I do, Hana...? I don't know."

"Have you told her the truth?" Hana asked her father, her voice gentle.

His grip on her arm tightened. "What truth?" he wondered, his eyes blank.

"You are not from this time. You are the Ancestor of Kuran. Her real brother whose name is Kaname as well died at the hands of Kuran Rido. Have you?"

Kaname let go of her arm and scooted behind. "Why...? I don't want to tell her. Not yet!" he said, his voice weak.

"Pa. Kaname, listen to me. Touma did this on purpose. Look how you turned out to be right now. Weak, frail and ridiculous!" she said, patting his head. "He's playing mind games with you, a game that you are familiar with. He's trying to force you into a corner and make you think you have no choice but to accept his proposal of war. He threatened to hurt Yuuki but he's not that stupid to announce it like that if he's intelligent. If he hurts her, you can hurt his grandson as well. I know that this is pretty much a fool's game but if you give up now, he'll win."

"I already lost."

"Yuuki is still alive, pa! She's alive, well-protected by Seiren! Pa, come on!" Hana shook Kaname's body. "Don't be like this. Don't do this to me."

"If I tell her the truth, she'll be upset. What's the point...?" Kaname asked his daughter, defeated.

Hana smiled weakly. "Oh, pa. If she's upset, isn't that what you want? The only time you be upset is when she accepts it as if it's nothing."

"I don't want her to hate me. I'm... a monster, Hana."

Hana hugged her father close. "We all are, pa. We are monsters, beasts, strange creatures."

"Then...? Even if I want her to be upset, I don't want her to hate me. I'm scared."

Hana remained silent as her father stayed quiet in her hug. You have no other choice, pa. You must tell her or you'll die.

.

.

.

"Mama's death is no one's business except yourself, papa. If no one can respect her death, the only one I can trust is you. Oh, do tell her, pa. She needs it."

Hana stepped behind and quietly faded. She smiled as she disappeared.

I'll be inside your heart, papa, and I shall wait for your return to both mama and I.

I love you.

XxXxX

Kaname returned home after walking through the entire journey, accompanied by Kou of course. Seiren welcomed his return and told him that Yuuki was still sleeping. He dismissed her and Kou, stating he would wake her up. Haruka and Juri could not provide a solution for his denials but Hana did, his daughter helped him realize one thing. Running away from the truth wouldn't clear anything but add more into your troubles. He nodded at that.

"I will tell her the truth. It will hurt but it's the only thing standing between me and my objective."

Opening the door to her chamber, he called out her name, "Yuuki. I am back."

My promise to Haruka and Juri, I will fulfil it until my death. Until then...

Protect her, Kaname. Only you she has from now on.

XxXxX

(TBC)

XxXxX

A/N: There's little of Haruka and Juri's references but this chapter title is for them. I did say each chapter is intended for someone. Next is Yuuki.

How's my surprise with the Ancestor of Touma? Also, let's imagine that Kou the Bat existed in the Ancestral Past. I never intended for him to appear in this story because he first appeared in Ominous Hours but oh well, I feel that Kaname need another familiar who can talk. I don't think Wolf-san can talk so far.

From this chapter, I learn that depressed!Kaname is difficult to write, like any other of his personalities. Daybreak is a difficult story.

Read and review! Just a number of chapters left to write! HINT: There will be war.