Yuuki.

XxXxX

"I am back."

Closing the door behind him, Kaname placed his trench coat over the chair as he walked toward the bed, hoping that Yuuki has awaken after three nights of sleep. Her sleep consisted mostly of her healing her injuries and relieving herself from the trauma after that sudden attack from Touma. Kaname has indicated that she would be hungry as soon as she open her eyes and he prepared himself earlier in case the occasion arise. Yet... he was hungry as well.

"Kaname...?" Yuuki's weak voice answered him. "You are home."

Kaname placed himself at the edge of the bed, bending down as he softly caressed her cheeks. "Good evening. I am home, Yuuki. How do you feel right now? Still feeling fatigue?" he patiently asked, his hands still caressing her face. He liked touching her face, it was always soft whenever he touched it.

Yuuki weakly smiled as she returned his caress. "I am okay, I guess. I feel a bit light-headed at the moment but I should be well after resting for a couple more hours. How long, if you know, oniisama... have I been asleep?" she asked, yawning for a second. Her eyes showed her tiredness and Kaname noted.

"Three nights," he murmured.

She wasn't surprised to hear that. Usually, she healed her injuries at a short time, remembering the time she hurt herself while swinging around a tree to scold the Day Class students who broke the rules at the academy. They broke their curfew for trying to spy on the Night Class students. "That... long, huh? It must have hurt a lot that I slept more than usual. I wonder if it's normal that I couldn't feel the pain at all? I'm so strange. So weird," she said.

Kaname smiled. "You needed the rest as much as possible, so it is okay. Anyway, do you feel a bit different when your consciousness returned?"

She wondered what was different and yawned again a few minutes later. "Tired."

"Since you are tired, perhaps... later?" Kaname asked.

Yuuki lightly shook her head. "No, oniisama. Please tell me now. It will make my head happier if you don't leave me in suspense, that's how my brain works. Your face... it seems to be in pain. Ugh, damn it. Why...? My head, oniisama... it hurts... Aaahn," she moaned, trying to absorb the pounding pain.

"You are hungry, aren't you?" he whispered slowly, his eyes glowed. "I figured that you will be hungry as soon as you're awake... so I prepared myself." Since her head was still on the pillow, Kaname lowered himself to allow her close to his neck. "Drink as much as you like, Yuuki. I do not mind, for now."

"Onii..." she looked at him in disbelief. Her arms snaked to circle his neck, pulling him closer to her. Caressing his neck, she opened her mouth and...

Kaname whispered once again, "I need... I need to tell you something."

Yuuki ignored his words as bloodlust took over her instincts. "Nnn."

Blood dripped on the bedsheets and both didn't care to that little mistake.

XxXxX

I told her. I told her everything that needed to be told. It was difficult but it was the only way to solve my inner demons; the demons that taunted and haunted me. Hana was correct, I shouldn't let the secrets took over me until it was impossible to control them. I should have let them out earlier than now, face them with brave heart instead of hiding with my mask of fear. It was stupid to hide anything from Yuuki, stupid! Like Yuu, she would be one curious cat, wanting to know the small little things and her interference would give troubles on her later on. It would be my fault if Yuuki's hurt...

...in the same way Yuu was killed because I was ignorant of her. I left her thinking all would be well but even as vampires, we're weak too.

In a strange but delightful way, although it hurt a lot to speak the truth honestly saying, I was happy with my decision. It was troublesome deciding which path to choose when there's doubts and questions surrounding both paths but I knew, despite the insecurities inside my head, I decided to beat them up and do what I must do, and I did. It was difficult but it was possible. It was not easy but it was not impossible.

Hana, once again I am happy, again, that you are my daughter.

The only thing haunting me now besides the demons; Yuuki's reaction.

XxXxX

Yuuki listened intensely as Kaname poured out every bits of truth about himself. When he asked her to meet him after she was able to move around without help, he told her everything. It startled her when he rushed to tell her the truth but she was able to grasp the important details. His past. His future. His present. It hurt her to see his look of pain whenever he blurt everything out but she forced herself to become strong. She would never become weak in front of him, her lover. Kaname's face expression changed everytime she showed fear and she refused to see that!

If Kaname could accept the blur pasts that haunted him for so many years yet alone for centuries, she could accept him the way he was. When he told her the events of eleven years ago, it struck her deep inside her heart. Her brother whom she thought was her real brother wasn't her real one. Her brother whose name was also Kuran Kaname died while he was a baby and she never had the chance to know him. Her parents... never told her of her brother.

Tears streamed down as she mourned his death, eleven years too late!

"Why didn't you tell me? Why didn't you tell me that my real brother is dead?" she murmured, sobbing at the news she just heard. "I never know him, my own brother. All these years, I thought you are my brother but you are not him! Oh, what does he think of me now? What an ignorant sister. Stupid sister!"

Kaname tried to reassure Yuuki that her brother would never think of her that way but she ignored him, continuing hysterically. "You should have told me! Instead, you lied to me! Father and mother too! What in the world did all of you think? He's part of the family, too! He's related to me, he shared the same blood as me... but! All of you discarded him like that! My own brother!" she cried. "All of you made me think that I have such a happy family but it's all lies!"

"We never throw your brother away!" Kaname protested. "Calm down!" he said.

His words startled Yuuki, her eyes widened as she stopped crying. "Why...? Tell me why!"

"Your father... Haruka found Rido... with your brother. He killed him because he needed a sacrifice to awaken me. I am... the Ancestor of Kuran, Yuuki. I am... the reason why your brother died. He died because of me...!" he said. "Rido used Kaname's flesh and blood to awaken me by force. He thought he could control me when he used your brother's blood, the blood of a relative but he was a fool! It was not enough! It was not enough!" he cried.

Yuuki gasped. "No!"

XxXxX

A few days passed. Inside the mansion that belonged to the Touma clan, the young Touma quickly stepped down from the stairs heading toward the secret chamber that Kuran Kaname visited a few days ago. Banging at the door impatiently, he shouted aloud, "Grandfather! Someone is here! It's a woman!"

The old Pureblood opened the door and murmured, "Knock the door instead of banging, young one. I am not old that I am deaf, I can hear you very well. Shouting won't make me respond at you, it will only make me irritated." Looking at the direction his grandson came through, "Someone from Shirabuki?"

"Shirabuki...? That blonde woman?" he asked, surprised that his sire was able to guess the visitor. "I thought I smelled a Noble with her."

He chuckled. "We can always hide our scent, Touma. Sometimes when we have lower level vampires staying with us for a long time, we can take their scent as ours because it mixed already. Very well, let's greet the girl. I wonder why she comes here. We have nothing to do with her and she has nothing to do with us. Perhaps... our target is the same?" he asked. "We never participate in any public events therefore it must be for that reason."

"Kuran? She fancies him, Kuran Kaname, that weakling?" he asked, sucking breath. "She must be a fool, the very same sort like Kuran. What sort of Pureblood adores another Pureblood unless there's reason beneath it? It's bullshit! She is probably using him just like we are trying to make him, no?"

With a nod, the old Pureblood agreed. "Like us, too; we failed."

"Ugh. There she is, grandfather. I must say she must have a lot of time to manage a mess of hair. That one is wickedly long," he commented. "Women."

He listened to his grandson, smirking at his comment but did not reply because it would be rude to comment on Touma's own woman. She looked like a child despite being older than her looks, in a similar case with Touma, she too, stop ageing. "Lady Shirabuki. Welcome to the House of Touma. It's a grand thing that our residence has called you to pay us a visit. Thank you. May I know the specific reason, milady?" he greeted her, a gentleman's way.

"You are...? The same as Kaname-san?" she asked as a reply to his greetings. There was something she know about the Touma family; the head of the family was a young boy. A boy as the head of the family was a definite lie, especially to families that have been hiding for centuries. For something like this to happen, something has to happen and for it to occur naturally, it would of course, a lie. "Where is that girl? The one that is always with you?" she asked.

Touma started to answer but he was denied by his grandfather. "It is none of your concern, I believe, Shirabuki-san. Answer my question, milady! Why... are you here? As I recall, we have nothing in common. Our families dislike one another just as your family has no interest with any remaining six families which exclude yours. I am a quiet person, I don't mingle with anyone, not even the now deceased Council of Ancients. I remember that you and several others decided your eyes on the Council after the monarchy was abolished?" he asked.

Sara nodded. "As always, the very old families like the Touma and the Shoutou are dead to the real world, even the Council while they are alive have no interest in both of you. I am unsure if I should add Hanadagi in as well but both of the families are hidden from everyone, even us comrades. It's a wonder why it's surprising when you made your appearance, the Ancestor of Touma!" she hissed at him. "But... we do have something in common. Kuran Kaname."

"I agree with you that the only trouble in front of us is Kuran but... I'm afraid that is all, Shirabuki-san. Your ways and motives are different than mine and my grandson's, so if you come here to negotiate into working together, I am afraid I have to decline. I am sorry but we don't like strangers interfering us."

Especially the ones whoM I have a hard time believing even in the past. Shirabuki played no role, he was an eyesore. Why should I help you now?

The smile on her face disappeared. "Why...? I thought you decided to go against Kaname-san because you wanted his powers? He's the only Pureblood with authority over the entire vampires population because the Kurans were the only rulers of vampires before they abolished and the Council of Ancients took power!" she stated, annoyed with the outcome. "Because of the Council, we Purebloods were placed under their watch. How annoying."

"I shall ask you, Shirabuki-san; why do you want to kill Kuran Kaname?"

"Again, why...?" Sara asked him. "Power, of course. I swore to myself that one day I would crush Kaname-san and become the Queen of Vampires. I tried to seduce him but he reacted nothing. When I learned the existence of the youngest Pureblood who joined us recently, Kuran Yuuki, I thought she would be a frail little thing; easily crushed and easily disposed. I never thought that he would treasure the love of his life, his own sister, how beautiful. Since he refused my suit and Ouri-sama died recently, I decided... I will be the Queen and there's no need for a consort. Pureblood men... they are worthless."

Touma twitched. "What did you say?" he growled at her.

"Pureblood... men... are... worthless, Touma-san." She laughed. "I would consider you when I learned of your existence but you... in that state, I wouldn't even want to be close to you. After all, even if I do, you would simply brush me away because your beloved stands in my way, the same way Kaname-san would act!" She brushed her fingers along her long lock of hair and sighed, "I know I am bluffing myself. Kaname may be old mentally but he's not that old physically, but you stopped ageing, didn't you?" she asked, and continued, "The look of a child, what a joke, hah!"

The old Pureblood silently smiled, then he spoke, "What a lame objective. You desired to become the Queen of Vampires, thus you would kill Kuran because he rejected you? Such a silly idea, Shirabuki-san!" he said, sarcasm intended. "Do you wish to know why I wanted Kuran dead, soul and body?" he offered.

"Grandfather, why do you want to tell her...? We aren't working with strangers!" Touma warned him. "Shirabuki Sara, I don't care what your motive is but I have no desire to work with you. I must agree with my grandfather, your idea is worthless compared to ours. Leave this mansion, now!" he ordered her.

I have no desire to see someone who mocked her own kind, even if we are of the opposite genders.

Sara glared at him in return. "I will leave after your sire asks me to. I wish to know your reason, the Ancestor of Touma. Tell me what your heart desires."

It would be useful if he reveal something... interesting.

"I desire power, too, Shirabuki-san. However, I am unsure if you are thinking in the same way as I am, considering that my time period is the period of your own sire, Kuran and the ancestors of the others. You will never understand because my grandson never does whenever he asks me about it. You see, he's not the only one I have in mind. I am thinking of destroying..."

Sara dropped her parasol when she heard the dreadful word. "...humans."

"What...?" she asked. "You wished to destroy the humans...? But!"

He raised his hands, silencing her. "As I expected, you will not understand. I heard that some vampires and some humans learned the existence of each other and realized that despite the differences in race, they are still creatures who deserve love and care. Shirabuki-san, your wish is to become the Queen of Vampires but how come you never think of becoming the Queen of Everything, including the humans and the animals and all? Also, why keep the existence in this present world? Why don't we simply destroy them?" he suggested.

"You are mad," Sara murmured. "I... I never think of eradicating the humans!"

He whispered, "Why not, Shirabuki-san? Are you afraid of the imbalance of the world? Should we care if such a thing happened? Humans lost most of its population when we took over them! We changed them from a mere human into the slaves of the mankind. It was only after a few thousand years later that the population slowly increased. We have been hiding in secret for ages and we are still hiding...? We cannot mess with the humans because there's a Peace Treaty between Vampires and Humans? Only fools will agree to such treaty. We are not humans, we are vampires."

"The Kuran family is a family of fools. I asked him earlier to start a war towards the humans but he declined, stating the existence of the peace treaty prevented this wish from ever happening but you see, I don't care a damn about it. Whether he likes it or not, I shall force him to give me the right to start a war between the humans and the vampires. He cannot stop me, I assure you, I will restart the Great War that began those years ago in the past."

He walked toward Sara, brushing her shoulders as he said, "That is why, Shirabuki Sara, you are young and know nothing about my beautiful visions thus you will not last longer than an ant with a piece of pastry on his head. Why do you think the others who craved for power died in an instant? They're fools."

"Please leave this mansion because there's nothing you can do to stop me, Shirabuki-san. You may warn him if you want but I don't think you will do so. Your heart is never pure. You wished to kill Kuran but trust me, I will fulfil that one request. Those kind of wishes are the wishes made by annoying brats like the vampires of your age. You are a fine lady and you are older than you looked but you are just like anyone else; a fool would never change no matter how much you tried to change yourself. Survival is the fittest, having bright ideas but no ideas of how to approach them, all would be for nothing"

With a bang on the door as the young Touma and his sire left the building, Shirabuki Sara was left inside the mansion, alone. Fear. Wrath.

XxXxX

"You couldn't leave him even if you wanted to, right, Hana-sama?" Kou-san asked, flapping his wings as he talked to her. Hana was hiding inside one of the spare rooms in the Kuran manor, away from Kaname's views. "You promised that you would remain in his heart but now, you are not inside him," he said.

Hana shook her head. "Forgive me, papa, but I need to look at you in a different point of view. He's really hurt, Kou-san. I can't believe she reacted like that! I understand that the loss of a brother stabbed her deep inside her heart but to accuse papa of murdering him...! She's too much. I didn't expect that to happen, I expected she to be a gentle vampire as she's often described as; too human for her own good. Damn it," she cursed.

But... a vampire was never gentle, right, papa?

"Still... It was logical, Hana-sama. He died because Kuran Rido used him to awaken Kaname-sama. In a way, it would appear that it was indeed his fault."

Hana grunted, knocking her head against the wall. "He's powerless at that time, too weak to do anything! She shouldn't blame him because of that reason alone. It's stupid, stupid, stupid! I wish I can go and explain to her, that stupid girl! I can't believe I told papa to confess! It's a stupid decision!" she cried.

Kou wanted to tell how frequent Hana used the word 'stupid' but he ignored it. "You can always go out and explain to the Pureblood princess, Hana-sama."

"Should I tell you what's the outcome if I go out there and interfere, Kou-san? She will freak out! That girl is naïve and slow! If you expect her to immediately absorb every single information given to her, you are expecting nothing," she growled angrily. "Damn, I am so pissed off right now. I don't think I was ever pissed off this bad. Kuran Yuuki, you... you!" she stopped, preventing the curses from making their grand appearances out of her mouth.

Kou shook his small head. "I don't understand, Hana-sama. You don't want her to accuse Kaname-sama in that way but at the same time you complain the Pureblood princess over her naïveness if she accepts it. It's unfair, I believe. I am sure she'll understand it but you have to pick a choice between acceptance or rejection," Kou told her honestly. "I am unsure if Kaname-sama expects rejection from her but from how I see him and his attitude, he's better at accepting that instead of having the Pureblood princess blindly accepts him."

"Kou-san."

"That's why, if you want to explain the truth to the Pureblood princess, do so because your father would never confess the truth of himself without you."

Hana calmed down from her sudden outburst. "It is true. Papa... is afraid, that's why he never confess to that idiot at all. I pushed him to his limits and then he forced himself to speak the truth. I guess he owes me now, huh?" she asked the bat.

"I believe that is correct, Hana-sama."

She sighed, "I cannot go to him even if I want to. It's true that I was the reason he finally decided to confess but if I keep helping him, he won't move on! In that final battle, I cannot be there for him because it's forbidden! A dead person should not remain in the world of living. Thus, I shall remain and hide."

"Hana-sama, he needs you."

She smiled, "That's why I will always watch after him. Mama never exist in his memories for reasons unknown. I know, Kuran Yuuki is the reflection of Kuran Yuu but as her daughter, I will never be able to accept that fact. My mother... is different than Yuuki. That is why I don't want papa to live in this world."

"His world... belongs in the past, with mama. He'll be happy when he's with mama, his true love and no one else."

Kou was silent as he heard the last statement. Hana-sama... Sometimes the past love can fade when he meets a new love. I doubt he will return to you.

XxXxX

An unexpected visitor appeared at the Kuran manor. It was not Touma nor was it Shirabuki but it was... Shoutou. He came early evening to their residence, hoping to meet Kaname but instead, Yuuki was the one who greeted him when he knocked the door. "Shoutou Isaya-san? What are you doing here?"

Isaya bowed, taking off his hat and coat when she welcomed him inside. When he sat on the sofa, he asked, "I actually come here to see Kaname. Is he... available?" Yuuki shook her head after he said, "It is something urgent and I must speak to him as soon as possible."

"Oniisama is inside his room. I shall call him. Please wait for a moment."

When Yuuki turned around to search for Kaname, she paused when he appeared. "I am here but thank you, Yuuki. Good evening, Isaya-san. How may I help you? I overheard that it was something urgent?" he asked, taking a seat across Isaya as Yuuki placed herself next to him. Since both men declined any drink, Yuuki remained in her seat and did not make any. As the host, it would be appropriate to make tea even if it was not needed but...

"I know the truth about you, Kaname-san. In fact, all the Purebloods seem to be aware of this. Unfortunately I did not come here for this. Have you heard of the word that Touma and Shirabuki are working together in a plot? I have always been a spectator for so many years and I thought... I should tell you."

Yuuki was clueless. "Working together... in what?"

"You are unaware? From the rumours, it seems like Touma and Shirabuki are working together to start a war against the humans. Oddly, I can believe Touma's capability to start a war since he has the experience but I am unsure with the Shirabuki family. They have always been the spectators, like me."

Kaname silently nodded inside. You have known this information from the history books and the memories that belonged to the late Ancestor. Touma's personality and dedication to his own kind was stronger than any other. He would kill to ensure our survival, even if it means destroying the humans.

Yuuki looked at him, waiting for his response. She could see in his eyes that it was a dangerous matter. Touma wounded her earlier and Seiren's note indicated that Kaname went to Touma during her rest to finish some personal business. She didn't know what happened then but from his expression, Kaname was clearly disturbed by it. After he confessed the truth to her soon after she was well enough, including why Touma wanted him dead, Yuuki began to understand why he was scared in the first place. One part of her was sorry that she raised her voice at him that time. It wasn't his fault.

He was weak and powerless when Rido forced him to return to life using her brother's flesh and blood. He tried to kill Rido, disgusted of his wicked actions, but he was unable to do so due to his weakness. What choice did he have when all he could do was turn himself into a child once more? That was all.

"Kaname," she called him, worried that he went deeper into space. "What is your opinion about this matter? It sounds dangerous when Isaya-san said it."

He snapped from his thoughts. "I... I expected it. Touma has declared war against the humans but he never state when the event would exactly occur. However, he isn't the kind of person to accept anyone's help unless needed. Also, by Shirabuki, are you referring to Shirabuki Sara, Isaya-san?" he asked.

"Yes. It is her, the one and only representative of the Shirabuki family."

Kaname breathed a sigh of relief. "While I believe Sara to be an extraordinary foe with her beauty, intelligence and wit, her objectives differ than that of Touma's. He has no interest in having powers only at the vampires' side, he needs more than that. Sara thought she know Touma well but she was wrong."

He continued to explain Sara's motives, comparing them with Touma's own objectives as well as Kaname's suspicions that Sara might be behind the death of Lord Ouri. "I have no proofs at the moment but any vampire who wishes power would kill others to ensure his or her own standing in the battlefield," he said. Kaname also added that without proofs, the Vampire Hunters Association would never believe any words spoken by him. "Their own people has been killed by one of us. There's a number of Pureblood vampires that attended the ball thus they cannot suspect Sara alone. In a way, I am also suspected." He then continued with Isaya's initial question, "As for their supposed cooperation, I do not believe any of it. As I said earlier, Touma isn't the kind of person to accept any offer of help unless it will benefit him. I cannot see what he will receive through this cooperation unless he has something up in his sleeves."

"Apparently you have been doing your own investigations, I believe?" Isaya asked, smirking at Kaname. "It is so rich with details, you must have been close with Touma during the years of your youth?" he asked, curious of Kaname's findings.

"Not exactly. I never get along with Touma, instead it was your great ancestor that has been my close companion. After my demise inside the coffin, he has been by my daughter's side, watching over her for my sake. However..." Kaname hesitated. He didn't exactly know what happened during his absence, Hana has filled him with all the details until her own death. The rest remained unknown and although he wished to know, he knew it would be impossible.

Yuuki returned her attention to Kaname when he talked about his daughter. He talked about his daughter when he revealed the truth to her a few days ago. It seemed like they have a close, strong bond that was unbreakable. The only thing Yuuki regretted: not knowing her name.

"Her name is Hana, isn't it?" Isaya asked. "I wonder if she's actually here."

Kaname was suddenly quiet, his eyes roaming around searching for his child. "Hana...?"

"She is here, your daughter is here?" Yuuki asked.

When Kaname sensed his daughter's presence, he called her out, "Just come out. I already feel your presence around here. Kou, return!" he ordered. The bat flew out from his hiding spot and joined together with Kaname. "You have chosen to follow her orders instead of I, your master?" he asked. "Why...?"

The door quietly opened and there she was, standing at the doorway, arms folded against her chest.

"Dearest papa, do not blame Kou-san for something he did not do. After all, Kou-san has a special fondness for the Pureblood princess, otherwise known as Kuran Yuuki. A princess, Kou-san? It's a wonder why I wasn't called a princess, I was known as the Queen of Vampires instead," Hana laughed.

"You are Hana...?" Yuuki murmured in a very low voice. She did not expect anyone to hear it but Hana did and she replied in a sarcastic tone.

"I wonder, do you think I am Hana?" she asked, smiling at first then it faded and it was replaced with a glare. A deep, intense glare. "What a wonderful time to meet. This is our first meeting but I have known so much about you, it's so wonderful when I think of it. Kuran Yuuki, I am Kuran Hana."

Kaname immediately rose from his seat, silently ordering both Yuuki and Isaya to remain while he settle this issue. "Hana, what are you doing here? You said that you would stay inside my memories until I finish everything but why didn't you?" he asked, scolding his daughter like she was a small child.

"Papa," she began, "I have something that required my presence. Do not treat me like a toddler because I am no longer one." She walked passed him, totally ignoring him and reached Yuuki. "Hello, again. I'm sorry that my father has been a hassle lately but he is always like that, over-protectiveness."

Yuuki shuddered when Hana's eyes stared deeply into hers. "Who... Who..."

"You figured that one earlier but you have forgotten it so fast? My name is Hana and I am your great ancestress, the only daughter and child of Kuran Kaname and Yuu, the founders of the Kuran family. I looked young because... I am only a fragment of my father's remaining memories. I am already dead. I never remember if I died as an old vampire or a young vampire because it has been so long time ago. Even so, as I may look younger than you, I am old."

Yuuki could not blink when she heard the statements. "I... I know."

Hana turned around as she faced her father, her eyes gazing Kaname's who watched her quietly. "How could you know, Yuuki? You didn't even know my name until Shoutou Isaya told you my name. Without his help, I would remain as a nameless Pureblood until I introduce myself. You didn't even realize that I... looked like you?" she asked. "Or... that you looked like my mother? In fact, even your names are similar. Yuu... ki. Did you ever wonder why?"

Isaya immediately forced himself off from his seat. "Why... What's with the ominous feelings coming from you? Both of you... are related! Ka- Kaname-san!"

"Hana, please. I beg of you, leave this place now," Kaname tried to plead but Hana simply ignored him. Do not do this to me, not after what you have done to help me. I am thankful for that but it's not like this! Yuuki is not your mother, do not blame her for what she is not. Give her a chance. Please!

Hana turned around again, walking toward Yuuki. "I will be honest, I never like you at all, Yuuki." She proceeded to choke Yuuki but Kaname caught her arm before she could attempt her act. "Papa!" she cried, glaring at him. "Release me now! Now, I said!" she struggled, trying to break free but failed.

Kaname shook his head, dragging her away from Yuuki. "Do not hurt her!"

"Why, because you loved her?" she questioned him, slapping him hard. "Betrayer! I'm stupid for believing in you because you're unbelievable!" She pushed him aside and ran outside with a loud bang greeting as she left the room, leaving the three... alone.

Kaname grunted as his head pounded crazily as Yuuki tried to soothe him. "Ugh! I... I need to get to her! She's losing control!" he said, hissing at the pain. Even for a vampire as strong as Kaname, being injured by another Pureblood vampire was painful. It was healing but the feel was still visible and alive.

"You cannot go! You are injured! Why... she's your daughter but she hurt you!" Yuuki gasped with worry.

Kaname shook his head, "I deserved it. Sorry, Yuuki, Isaya-san; I'll return soon!"

He left the room as well, running after his daughter.

XxXxX

Betrayal! Lies! Deceit!

"Hana!" Kaname called his daughter, chasing after her. She didn't run far and in the mountains, it could be an endless journey that has no end. "Enough, we need to talk. Like you said to me, running away won't solve anything, sooner or later we have to face our own fears. I don't understand, Hana, why did you act like this? You were the one who told me to confess to Yuuki and I did! She... couldn't accept it at first but I know, a moment ago when I talked... she could see in my eyes that I have the sense of regret and guilt. She... She understands."

Sniffing at her own stupidity; twice her outbursts took over her and Hana was ashamed of herself. "She's too human to be a vampire, yet alone a Pureblood! I regret giving my father such an idea because it's such a nonsense! I mean, I trust her to accept you but I don't want her in your life" she cried.

"It's not! I... I feel satisfied when I told Yuuki everything. All these years I have been hiding the truth from everyone, especially her. Every single night I thought of the consequences of hiding the truth and I couldn't bear it. No matter how many masks I have worn, it would peel off and reveal my true side."

Hana stared at her father, waiting for him to continue his wonderful speech but when he didn't, Hana took it as her chance to return his words, "It also means you wish to thank me for pushing you to your limit?" she asked. He nodded, and she replied, "There is no need to thank me because I do not exist."

"What do you mean? You are dead but you are alive inside me."

"That is the reason why I do not exist. I am already dead but I am only a phantom, I exist within you without a body of my own. I am not a soul but merely a fragment of you, papa. Did you ever wonder, why did I exist in this time? I am dead, my soul is somewhere and my body, obviously destroyed because I am not like you, I don't sleep in coffins. I died for who knows what the reasons are but I am dead, without a soul and without a body!" she cried.

Kaname paused, searching his thoughts, "Because..."

"There is no answer. I simply exist. I exist because you exist, papa."

"Hana. I don't understand you. What happened to my daughter?" he asked.

"She died, papa. The one that you are seeing now is the Hana that represents your fear. Why am I angry? Why am I upset? Why did I suggest that idea? You see, papa, I did not do anything, it was you all along. The decision to confess the truth, it was you who chose to do so. You were not expecting an easy acceptance because it was not easy swallowing every bits of truth. Your heart was happy that she yelled, screamed and accused you for things that you did not do... but at the same time, you wished that she could accept the truth when she did not!"

Kaname's eyes widened as something began to register in his mind. "No."

"What is 'contradiction', papa?" Hana asked. "I do not understand the meaning. I don't think you understand it!"

He shook his head, "I do not know, Hana. I do not know."

"It is fine. No one has to know the meaning. Contradiction is simply what it is, one shall not question why it is called that or why it is that because sometimes, something that is meant to be confusing shall remain in that state," she said. "You must never question its origin."

"Since you know that I am something that do not exist, papa, I will not be there during the final battle. I am sorry but I cannot stay by your side when you need me the most. But... I will wait for you with mama because that's where you belong. This world... forgive me, it does not deserve you. It's time to rest."

"As for Yuuki, I have no pity towards her even if she's the last descendant of the family. She may as well be the end of our line because there's no other male Kuran besides you but I do not mind because her dreams may become a reality except... you won't be there for her. She needs to do it on her own."

However... if you think that you can make a decision, you can choose to be with her and remain in this world or return to us and leave our own lives.

It is your choice, papa. I have helped you choose what's best for you but this last one, I have to leave it in your hands.

I wish I can know your decision but I think, I let you know by yourself. I love you, papa, again and again.

Kaname fell to his knees, shocked. "No, not like this."

XxXxX

"I shall go home for today and return tomorrow morning. I will inform the Aidou family and its branches to come and meet both of you here the earliest. Is that alright?" Isaya asked before departing to his home. "I'm sorry about Hana, Kaname-san. She seems so attached to you, she could not let you go."

Kaname agreed with the arrangement. "It is alright. Thank you for your help. About Hana, both of us understand the meaning of deep attachment."

"You're welcome. After all, you and my great ancestor were allies before, it's wise that I continue his visions by helping with all I can. I have always been a spectator since the tragedies of my family, it should be the time where I do something in return. Haruka and Juri too, it is for them as well." He bowed, turned around and left the manor. "I shall see you soon, Kaname-san."

Kaname closed the door and turned to see Yuuki waiting for him. "It's late. We should get to bed. There is something I want to say before tomorrow."

Yuuki followed him into her room. Both sat at the ends of the bed and he spoke, "I'm sorry about Hana. She loved her mother and even after death, she believed that the only woman suitable for me was her mother. She was not wrong. My first, actual love was with Yuu and from there, Hana existed."

Thus, from there as well, the Kuran family is born.

"I am not angry actually. I understand her situation even if it's different than mine. When I didn't know that father and mother are no longer alive, I always thought; did they leave me because of a reason? Were they killed or commited suicide? Did they even love me? I keep having those thoughts until..."

"I know. It hurts but the memories that you wished to know, it's inside there."

Yuuki smiled, touching his face. "Thank you. I'm sorry for doubting you earlier. I should have think of my words instead of blurting it out like a fool. I guess... I can understand why Hana hates me. I can't decide on one path and follow it. It always turn into an odd maze, a complex one... that will trap me inside."

"You always think like that?" he asked.

"Is it wrong? I don't think it's wrong. I know that my whole life is influenced by humans. I can never hate humans because they are dear to me but I cannot hate vampires because I don't think they are bad although my actions speak differently than my words. Everyone is not born as bad... there are good ones. I know... I think I know that Hana never agree to the peace treaty because she finds it impossible but I don't think it's impossible! It's difficult but quite possible. And... if you wonder how I figure this one out, I just have the feeling inside my heart; telling me that the reason why Hana is upset with me not because I am stupid or too human as a vampire but because I try to do the impossible. I never know how... Yuu-san look like but when Hana said that I looked like her mother, I wonder... is that true?" she asked, biting her lips as she asked the question.

Kaname looked somewhere else. "A little bit. Not exactly the same but I think Hana meant your protective spirit. Yuu... died because she protected Hana from the blizzard while she was wounded by the Hunters. She died for her daughter and cared little for others, including myself. I... never believe that you are her incarnation because if I say so, Hana will never forgive me. Yuu is always Yuu."

"Yuuki is always Yuuki, she said that, right?" she asked him.

Kaname nodded. "I don't remember... but it was something like that. Hana isn't that bad actually. She dislikes you but that never mean she hates you."

"Then, will you let me join your battle against the Touma clan?" she said.

He turned to her attention, "Why do you wish to join such a dangerous battle?"

"I want to offer my help even if it's little, even if it means your death as well as mine. I just... I want to be wherever you are. You have done so much for me and I don't know how to repay you so please...?" she pleaded. "I never experience war before so this is perhaps a good chance to have the experience."

He hesitated with her question. "I don't want–" he started but Yuuki hushed him.

"I want to prove to Hana and everyone else that I am worthy of having you! If Yuu-san died to protect Hana then I want to do something too! I have been continuously mocked by the vampires and the humans for being... I don't know, a fool? All these years I've been protected by father, mother, Chairman, Zero... and you! I don't understand, other people can go and fight for all they care but I... I can't? I want to protect as well! I want to do that so much!"

"It's not that." His words died there as he rose. "I wish to be alone. Good night."

Yuuki tried to stop him from leaving her but she could not, her voice refused to come out and say those painful words. "Good night," that was all she said.

The door shut.

XxXxX

Lying on his bed, Kaname stared at the ceiling of his bedroom, wondering the outcome of the tomorrow. It was only a few days ago that Touma issued the challenge: a special one-to-one battle at the open field around the mountains. The very same field, as Hana stated in her memories, the same place where she fought with Touma and barely won because he tricked her. She was the Queen of Vampires, losing to another Pureblood would be child's play!

"Hana..." he murmured. His daughter was the only person who defeated Touma and lived to tell the tale while others died in the Great War. He knew she was somewhere inside the memories, hiding from his sight to lick her wounds as a result from his own stupidity. When she told him she could not be by his side during the final battle, it shattered his trust in ever defeating Touma. "I may be the strongest but I am also weak. I've never engaged in a battle with Touma before and I do not know if he will use any dirty tricks during our battle, Hana. I wish to be able to defeat him... but," he paused, still staring at the ceiling. "...do you wish for that to happen?" he asked her.

There was a long silence and Kaname sat up, looking down. "If I defeat Touma, this world shall be save and I will be able to live in peace with Yuuki. We can start a family to preserve our family line; three children, at least. We can assure the progress of the treaty to go smoothly but... why am I not happy?" he asked. "The peace treaty has the potential of happening despite the upcoming problems but... why?"

He sighed, leaning against the pillow as he stared at one spot of the room while meditating. He needed to be calm before tomorrow, before he face his future and perhaps, death. If that was what Hana wanted from him, then his death, it should be her biggest wish. It was done... for Yuu, as well.

"Yuu?"

I miss you.

XxXxX

Yuuki took a warm bath before going to bed, her daily routine since they lived in the mountains. Her head was full of many things which consisted mostly of Kaname. She learned a lot of things about Kaname even if some of the matters were quite confusing but she decided to wait until the time was right before she could ask about it. She learned about his past; his past life, his past family, his past friends and of course, his guilt.

She sat on the bed and wondered what he was thinking inside his room. Their rooms were next to each other and there was a connecting door between the rooms. That was how Kaname left her room earlier and went to his own to think. If given the chance, Yuuki would want to go there and console him but recalling his request to leave him alone, she hesitated and changed her mind. He was not requesting, Yuuki told herself, it was an order.

Yuuki pondered once more, "What will you decide, Kaname?"

"I do not want to lose you but... I feel sorry for Yuu-san and Hana."

They are dead, forget about them!

Kaname belongs to you, Yuuki. Do not let him slip away from your sight!

Letting him go will only make you suffer. If he dies, you will be lonely. Forever, remember that!

You need him as much as he needs you, he told you that, didn't he?

You are the sun for his grey life, Yuuki. Yuu is only a dull memory, she never exist in this time!

Hugging the pillow, "It doesn't mean she never exist in the past."

XxXxX

(TBC)

XxXxX

A/N: Blame writer's block for the lateness!

I realized; attempting to rewrite the scene that Hino-sensei has portrayed is suicide mission. I have to rewrite the first scene, wondering if Kaname should be a biatch and drink from Yuuki or should he be a gentleman and let the woman has her what... dinner? Also, when they talked about being powerless and all, I'm like, how should I write that so it doesn't seem awkward when it comes to Yuuki? Besides, knowing the memories through drinking blood is rather complex. In my daydream stories, I have this method of using cameras that can show me any scene from the past. I like to jump into the past.

Shoutou and Kaname's scene is tough, IMHO. I tried to minimize Shoutou from looking like an Aidou!clone while at the same time making sure that Kaname does not act like he knows it all while I, as the author does know it all thus I am superior, heh. I wanted to include Aidou but it means too much drama because he would ask questions related to the Touma incident and I have tons of drama for now. Never ever let Yuuki and Hana sit together in one place!

Now, believe me, Hana won't make any future appearances after this. I also figured out how to explain Hana's appearances because chapter 6 is just some random chapter and chapter 7 seems to be related to the previous chapter but what happened inside there ended up being the subject of chapter 8. Thus, it concluded that Daybreak followed whatever that seems logic into my mind. The only thing I planned, the ending, hehe.

I guess my writer's dilemma is: the war itself. I will give you guys some hint because expecting me to write such elaborate war, negative.

First, the Hunters Association will be making an appearance, see, I'm biased with Kaname, everyone must be left out!

Second, as Shoutou said, he will inform the Aidou and its branches families, so expect people to flock at the Kuran manor.

Third, we will be playing snow at the mountains! Even though yours truly have zero experience with snow since she lives near the equator.

Fourth, the battle is actually close to the Kuran manor, I believe, even if I never state where Hana / Touma battle occurred, it's near her home.

WOW. That's a long author's notes! Anyway, read and review and do give some love to my newest VK story, Bellflower. At the moment, I'm still blank over it.

Ps: Who do you think will win Kaname in the end? Yuuki or Yuu?