Sunrise

You posted chapter 12 twice, dear. :b

Also the paragraph that starts when Rima visits Yuki, you put "Ruka" on accident, I believe.

...Yuki better not be turning evil.

 

This is really good...
I can't wait for the next chapter...

 

I'll add the rest of the chapter later on: hurt my hand and typing's a *****.

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Chapter 13

A dim light sets over the landscape. The snow blankets the ground lightly, hiding how deadly the cold is by appearing soft and light, like wool or fleece. As the sun's last rays carve into this snow, it changes into colors of purple and red, blending into pink before slowly disappearing behind the horizon, as the moon rises opposite, its twin sister.

The ground now appears to be laid out with crystals, each sparkling it's like light. In a few hours, this land will be covered with blood. Some human, some vampire, but does it matter? Blood is blood, it cannot hold a family together or a lineage apart from the rest. Sooner or later, everything falls.

* * * * * *

Ruka watched the sun set, her eyes gazing into the distance. Rima sat next to her, her eyes golden colored as she also stared at the last rays. “What are you going to do, Ruka?” the smaller girl asked quietly, tying her hair back, electricity sparking around it. “You're too sick to do any real good.”

Ruka winced slightly, then sat down as the world swayed before her. “I'll get everything ready for after.” She murmured, leaning her head back against the wall. “There's going to be an after, no matter what happens.”

She sighed. “I don't even understand how it's come to this.”

“It's come to this, because Kaname and Yuki are pure blood siblings.” Seiren entered the room, quiet as ever, and leaned against the doorway. “And when pure blood siblings fight, everyone around them is dragged in.” Rima shivered, and Ruka knew she was remembering the last fight of a pure blood family, and what it had cost them.

“But Kaname loved Yuki. So why would he fight her so easily?” Rima murmured, calling sparks to her, and releasing them into the room. It was a simple game, but it amused her, while letting her think.

“Because of what Yuki did to Ruka.” The room filled with silence after. They weren't stupid, all three females. Vampires didn't get sick, they didn't die from illness, at least not the aristocrats and pure bloods. So when one was sick, it was poison, or....

Rima swore, then started pacing the room. Ruka would have laughed at the younger girl's language, if she hadn't felt so dizzy again. Seiren sighed, closing her eyes. “So it's not just become a battle of the wills. It's become a battle of the rights, for those two. Yuki crossed the line.”

Rima looked up. “So then why is Kaname presenting her at the ball?” Reminding herself of the ball, she began to put the finishing touches on her dress. She looked over Ruka as well, then helped the other girl up. Seiren smiled a little and held the door open. “Because Kaname wants to try to control Yuki. He's never been able to do what she did, and a power like hers must either be controlled or....quelled.”

All three girls knew what it meant, and as they each checked over each other's hair and dresses one last time, there was an indistinct bond between the three. They had been friends for years, they each didn't want that to end now.

* * * * * * *

I gently pull my hair off my neck and slowly curl it in on itself, giving it the appearance of a rose. Tying it back, then pinning it, I admire the effect, then pull out a few strands, to frame my face. Better. Turning in a circle, I smile at the effect, my pointed incisors showing.

The dress itself is not what I would have worn as a human girl. It's made to attract attention, not to deflect it. The color is of a bright healthy red, the same as blood that's just been spilled. It's fitted tightly around my waist, curving up to wind around my neck, leaving my back bare. The lower part swishes with every step I take, and has an underskirt of darker red, almost black. This underskirt shows through a cut V-shape of the overdress.

I smile, drain the last of the glass, and set it down, inhaling deeply. My wrists are scented with a lily of the valley, as well as my neck. It adds to what my blood already must smell like, almost too enticing. Since I am alone, I lean against the wall, my lashes brushing my cheek. I'm so scared, my heart beating seems to fill the room. The vampires have to accept me as Kaname's sister only, or I won't live to see the battle.

Taking a deep breath, I try to think clearly, not letting the fear in. They have to see a cold and cruel pure blood. If they see that, they'll content themselves with what I am not. Then I'll only have Kaname to deal with. I must not lose sight of my goal. I have to be able to be with Zero, in the end.

A sudden movement makes me whirl around, but it's only Zero.

“You clean up nice.” I murmur, smiling a little shyly. He's supposed to accompany me as a bodyguard, but it would be clear from the way he dresses that he is much more to me. It's a basic tuxedo, black overcoat on white undershirt, a bow tie at his neck. But on him it looks much more dashing then it did on the hanger.

“You're scared.” He replies, his eyes never leaving my face. I feel uncomfortable, discussing feelings, so I look away. He can have that satisfaction. “I just want to get this over with. I've never seen as many vampires as these.”

He's faster then me, I know this much. Especially when he wants to be. Next second he's holding my hand, and actually smiling. “It won't be so bad. They're like dressed up humans who drink a lot of red wine.” He leads me out of the bedroom, down the hall. “It'll be easy, once you get your high up face on.”

I smile a little, then watch where I'm stepping. Even the unnatural grace of a vampire hasn't helped me get used to high heels. Zero stops, and below, I can hear the chatter of dozens of vampire aristocrats. Zero must go now, to appear behind me once I make my entrance with Kaname. I inhale, trying to memorize his smell.

“Zero....if you don't want to do this, it's okay.” I murmur, trying not to hyperventilate. I must be calm. I must stay calm.

He smiles, then tilts my face up, brushing the strands of hair I worked so hard to curl around my face, away. “You saved my life, Yuki. I'll do whatever you need me to do.” Moving with that supernatural speed, even for a vampire, his lips press to mine, and he's gone.

All I can do is press my hand to my mouth, and close my eyes, trying to hold that moment here for a bit longer.

 

* * * * *

Rima scanned the ballroom, a look of boredom on her face. The normal retinue of vampires had turned out, all in their evening best, but there was a tense charge to the evening. Even so, they all tried to act as if this happened all the time, though none fooled the other.

She sighed, taking a small sip from the champagne glass, then turning her head to look at Ruka. The other girl looked semi pale, and was sitting down, but she was otherwise normal. Seiren was nowhere to be seen, having to attend to Kaname. Yuki was nowhere as well, but Rima knew the girl was close. She would have to be, because Zero was attending as well, looking tense. His face was blank, but Kiryu had as much on his mind as anyone.

She shook her head, then almost jumped. “You look wonderful this evening.” Her father had come up silently behind her, carrying a glass of the blood colored liquid. Rima managed to smile up at him. “As do you, Papa.” Her father always looked good, especially in the tuxedo that was tailored just to fit his form. Rima herself was dressed in a black dress, with a gray underskirt. The dress itself had red birds embroidered on it.

He bowed to her, then clinked his glass with hers. “My daughter, your grandmother has had word you are spending much time with Shiki's family.” Rima kept her eyes averted. “She wishes for you to marry otherwise.”

It didn't come as a shock, but it still hurt to think of no future with Shiki. Rima implored her father with her eyes, and he smiled. “I just want you to be happy. However....that might best be done outside of this family's influence.” Taking her hand, he kissed her fingers. “You have three days left at the school. Use them wisely, Rima.”

After he left, she was alone again. Drifting into a corner, she gazed across the ball floor, where couples danced with each other. A soft breeze indicated that Shiki was behind her. Her fingers twined around his, and she smiled back at him, though her lips trembled slightly. “Three days.” she murmured, looking back at the floor. His fingers tightened their grip, but he said nothing. “Three days.”

* * * * * * * * *

Kaname entered the room, Seiren at his side. Her scent was so familiar, it was like he couldn't breathe without it. A strange thought, and one he put away for later use. The ballroom talk quieted, and the guests all bowed. Except for one. Kiryu met his eyes over the crowd, the challenge clear in them. Then he slowly made his way along the sidelines, disappearing into the shadows.

“My guests, you honor me with your presence here.” It was amazing, how much turmoil he could feel inside, yet his voice remained calm and steady. “I have come here for a reason, though. You have all heard rumors of a vampire, one who is also a Kuran, raised secretly.”

Not a whisper perforated the ballroom's silence, and not one eye met his. He cast one more glance over all of them, then silently inhaled. A small hand touched his back lightly, then pulled away. He smiled. Seiren would stick with him.

“My honored guests, the rumors are true.” This time a quiet gasp moved the crowd. “I present to you, my sister, Yuki Kuran.”

On cue, Yuki entered the ballroom, her incredible eyes alight, a small smile on her red colored lips. Zero walked beside her, his eyes on the crowd. Even her presence changed the guests. They all inhaled instinctively, drinking in her scent. He himself couldn't stop himself from doing it.

She didn't speak, only watched, her red brown eyes gazing upon each one. They bowed, or curtsied to her, as was her station. “Thank you.” She murmured, but even her murmur filled the room. “I look forward to becoming a full member of your society.”

No one said a word, probably because no one knew what to say. Yuki descended the steps, then began to move among the crowd, Zero at her side. She smiled to one person, complimented another, and soon she was surrounded by all the eligible families, and their sons. Kaname was likewise ensconced, as soon as he followed her, by all the daughters.

Somehow, she managed to slip away. He meant to follow her, but a light hand touched his shoulder, followed by a lily-of-the valley scent. “Sara-sama.” He smiled as he turned to her, gently kissing her fingers. “Kaname-sama. You have brought a surprise with you this time.” She nodded in the direction Yuki had gone. “It was clear to me, if no one else, that she is not interested in marriage.”

Kaname could only shake his head and smile, then lead Sara into a dance, twirling her around. “I'm surprised you attended.” She tilted her head.

“I wanted to get a chance to see you. And the new Kuran.” She lowered her voice. “Kaname, I don't care what reason you have, but do not chase that girl. She means trouble for us all.”

Startled, Kaname looked down at her, her light blue eyes watching him. She smiled slightly. “I saw the way you looked at her.”

Changing the subject, she gently twirled again, then rested her hand on his chest. “We are in a cage, we pure bloods. A pretty, gilded cage, but a cage.” She sighed, lowering her eyes to their feet, watching them move. “Kaname, there are two ways for us to gain freedom. To kill ourselves, and go to whatever end we have, or to break free, and hopefully stay that way. Like Shizuka-sama.” she looked back up, then curtsied as the music ended. “I hope you find your way.” She murmured, then kissed his cheek.

Kaname could only watch as she slipped away, back to the glittering world where they had been born into. Something was off....and then Seiren was pulling him away into a secluded corner. She reached up on her toes to whisper something in his ear, something that made his eyes widen, and then he left with her, out to the balcony, over the fence, and off into the night.

 

Epic epic epic 8D that was awesome, I'm really excited for the next chapter now. xD Perhaps its true that longer chapters really are more effective. :b

I really liked the descriptions of all the clothes, but maybe that's because I'm going through a phase of being obsessed with dresses. The ballroom scene was executed perfectly, in my opinion. I don't ever remember a Sara before though? Is she an OC?

^ this seems slightly contradictory.

 

Chapter 14

Gently stepping through the snow, I watch as the stars shine over head. Everything is so peaceful and quiet, and yet.....a shot screams through the night, to hit the tree next to me. Kaname, newly appeared, glares at Zero, behind me. I turn, and for once, fear moves through me. I'm between them, always between them. Kaname steps forward, and Zero aims his gun around me, his eyes cold.

Closing my eyes, I clench my hands. “Did it always have to come to this?” I whisper, feeling the snow gently breathe frozen kisses on my hands, my shoulders, my head. There's a rustle, and Seiren appears opposite me, her eyes fixed on me. Her fingers twitch, and I move my hand towards my leg.

Someone hisses, I don't know who. All I know is that I felt a brush of air, and Zero was in front of me, blocking Kaname. Seiren moved then, towards Zero. I didn't even realize I moved until I had Artemis up in front of Seiren, the electricity crackling along it. Waves of power make me shiver, and I realize I'm not the only one using my gift.

Pushing the bladed stick forward, Seiren and I move away from Kaname. She breaks away and circles, her eyes on mine. I wait, sitting on the balls of my feet, the dress rustling around me. I want to look at Zero, want to make sure he's not the one who's hissing in pain.

Seiren leaps at me, and I block her hands, sending more power through them, burning her. Her skin crackles like glass, making her whimper. Backing up, she eyes me, then moves again. I block to the right, realizing too late that she feinted, then feel the breath whoosh out of me, as her strike hits home at my chest. Falling back, I sit there, gasping.

Seiren stands over me, then grabs the Artemis stick I must have dropped, ready to strike the final blow. Something sends her flying, and stands over me, panting. “Yuki, your skills disappoint me.”

Kaien Cross helps me up, smiling as he hugs me. “I wanted to see my foster daughter fight better then that.” I smile back, hiding sudden tears as his smell envelops me. “You shouldn't have come.” I whisper, backing away and brushing my tears. “Give me a moment. I need to fix this dress.”

He grins, then whips around, his hand grabbing Seiren's wrist and tossing her over his hip. She hooked her leg under his as she flew, sending them both tumbling.

I quickly duck behind the fountain, and rip the skirt off. I quickly rip the tight fitting underskirt, and tie two knots on each side. This should hold, for now. The top of the fountain cracks, and the head of a woman comes crashing down to rest inches from my hand. Looking up, Zero has Kaname pinned against the fountain, and is trying to level the shot at his head. Kaname pushes him away, and they tackle each other, rolling away.

I run after them, only to be stopped by Hanabusa. His eyes grim, he flicks his fingers, and I duck as ice shoots toward me. “Please!” I try not to beg. “No one need die here!” The thought of any of them dying brings an ache to my heart, even if they are my enemies. The ache is gone as my vampire self takes over. They deserve to die, they are your enemies. They want you caged. I blink through the sudden headache, then roll to the side as more ice shoots at me.

“It has to be this way.” He murmurs, almost tonelessly, then runs at me, ice slivers following him in the dozens.

* * * * * *

Rima looked over at Shiki, driving the car. Looking back, she smiled as Ruka rested her head on Akatsuki's shoulder, her eyes closed. Rima looked back at Shiki, then put her hand on the armrest between them. Without looking down, Shiki took her hand and squeezed it, his other on the wheel. She smiled, looking back out the window.

“We're out of it.” She murmured, still facing the window. Shiki tightened his grip on her hand. “Out of it forever.” He promised, pressing the pedal down. The car revved forward, into the future. Ruka would have to have her baby, and Akatsuki could play father. In time, they would have to tell the baby the truth, but that was a long way away. Rima and Shiki would have children of their own as well, outside the influence of the vampire world. They could grow up to learn to have compassion for humans, to hide from them, and to help shape the world.

It will be alright.

* * * * * * *

I hide behind a tree, gasping. My staff lies in the clutches of Seiren, who is wielding it against Kaien, just as he uses his own skills against her. Kaname and Zero are locked in struggle, unable to see the outside influences as they battle closer to me. Hanabusa is coming closer as well, his eyes looking for me, the little ice shards floating in the air around him.

Turning, I press my back against the tree, trying to catch my breath. Kaien's appears by the tree next to me, hiding from Seiren to catch his breath as well. “Yuki..” he begins, but doesn't finish. Something hisses through the air, and I have enough time to turn, seeing Hanabusa behind me. As I take a step back, the ice shards around him shoot toward me, and I realize I have no time or room to dodge this time.

Is this the end?
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Sara is mentioned in book 3-6, one of those. She attends the same ball as Kaname, with both Yuki looking on from the balcony above, and Zero below, attending the party.

 

Is this the end?

^ haha, I feel like such a goof for thinking of Crisis Core.

Ah, this explains why I do not know of Sara then. I shamefully have not read the manga.

I always look forward to your updates now :'D Its so easy to read, and you project the characters so flawlessly. Your fight scenes always have the right mix of action, description and inner monologue (in a sense).

Daddy to the rescue :B

 

Chapter 15

The morning air is crisp and clean. The girl stands outside, inhaling quietly. She smiles, her pointed incisors barely peeking out of her upper lip as her nostrils flare, taking in all the scents. The light breeze stirs her hair, making the ends curl around her face and eyes. She ignores them, staring into the sunrise, as though it is imperitive to her survival. Not even the sound of a man coming up behind her makes her stir, not until he touches her. She starts, then smiles a little, looking back at him.

“Good morning.†Her voice is a whisper, almost too low to hear. He nods in reply, his own hair being stirred by the wind. “The funeral is in an hour. I thought you might want to...prepare yourself.†His voice is low as well, and rough from grief.

The girl's eyes lower, and she fights to hold back tears. Mastering that urge, she looks back up. “I shall not wear anything special. Just the dress he gave me. He would want that.†Overcome, she turns her head away, letting her eyes shut as tears tried to fight their way out. The man lays a hand on her shoulder, squeezing gently. “It wasn't your fault. No one expected what would happen.â€

“It's my fault, because I caused it to happen.†Though tears fight to escape, her quiet voice doesn't change. The man sighs, then gently tilts her head up, looking at the long scar that wraps around her throat. “An accident.†He gently murmurs, making that the final word on the matter.

Gently touching the scar, he touches his lips to it, gentler then a butterfly's wings. Shivering, the girl stands still, her eyes closed. When the man stops, she smiles, then takes his hand. “Let's go. He wouldn't mind if I was late to the ceremony, since he is....was so often late himself.â€

Her voice almost catches, almost. The man regards her with level eyes, then pushes his hair back with the other hand. “Alright then. But don't push yourself too hard, Yuki.â€

She smiles, her light brown eyes still full of sorrow. “When would I ever do that? He died because of my selfishness. It was cruel of me, to involve him. He loved me, and I....†she stops. “I'm going to go. He deserved more then what I gave him.â€

Gently tugging on the hand she still holds, Yuki pulled him gently toward the front entrance to the school. It is a somber sight. No students have returned, not yet. There is one more day of the vacation, but that seems so far away.

The inside is empty of both vampires and humans. The vampires left after the battle. Her hand tightens involunarily, and she inhales to calm herself. Control is everything, no matter what she might remember. Memories cannot be changed.

The man doesn't say a word, just watches. Her silent guardian...he was always there. She manages to smile, then walks on, down to her room. “I still can't believe he's gone, that they're all gone.†she murmurs. “Do you think peace between vampires and humans is still possible?†Gently brushing her hair back, watching the scar on her neck move with her every breath, the man sighs.

“After what happened....anything is possible.†Yuki rubs her head, then smiles again. “I suppose it is. I don't need to worry about hurting you anymore.†She smiles again, then turns and hugs him. In another swift movement, she closes the door to her room. “You can't come in when I'm changing. I'll be out in a bit.â€

The man is left to ponder. He rubs his neck, the tattoo/scar left there by the event that was his beginning, a half beginning of what had occurred. Now that Yuki was herself again, there was a danger to her safety, from him. He would never hurt her, but....no. They were gone. There wouldn't be any danger again.
-----------------------------

Sorry for the long ass wait, but stuff has just been happening so quickly lately. I'll try to get the next part of the chapter in this week.

 

* * * * * ** * **

I open my eyes, feeling nothing. The sky is overhead, the snowy ground cold against my back. No pain. Looking down, there's nothing piercing me through. But then.....I pull a hand to my stomach, to check, patting myself down. Only then do I stop, noticing the red hand prints covering my dress. The smell, stinging the air. The body lying a few feet from me, face down.

No sound escapes my lips, no scream. But inside my head, there is no word to describe what I hear. I rush to his side, turning over his body. Tears begin to fall now, flooding down my cheeks, too fast to even freeze, as I wipe off my foster father's face, clearing it of snow. I'm saying something over and over, but my voice sounds so far away.

His eyes open slowly, almost as if he is starstruck. Blood trickles from the corner of his mouth, but I have no urge to take anything. It's almost as if my vampire self is shattering slowly, as it shattered my human self a year ago.

Kaien gently reaches up to touch my face, wiping my tears. “I....promised your mother I would keep you happy, make you smile, protect you.” His voice is strained, not rising above a whisper. “I loved her, and wanted to make her happy. She made me promise, when the time came, that I would protect you.”

I manage to smile, my throat aching. He smiles back, the blood making a small trail down his cheek. “Now I see your mother. She's alive in you. But you have your father's eyes.” He gently brushes my hair back, and I close my eyes, trying to stem the flow of tears. “Papa, we'll save you. We'll find some way, just hold on okay?”

He would be okay, he could make it. He and Zero had always made it, always would. I look back. Hanabusa is nowhere to be seen, and Kaname has disappeared, as well as Seiren. Zero stumbles over to me, bleeding from his arm. I blink back more tears, then shake my head to will them away. Yagari appears, seemingly out of nowhere.

“You don't look good, Cross.” He finally says, gently prodding Kaien's wounds. Kaien starts to laugh, then coughs. I can only hover over him, wishing I could take the pain away. “You've never looked better.” he finally replies, lying back. I wait for Yagari's verdict, looking up at the sky. Zero lightly puts his hand on my arm, his eyes full of questions, but I refuse to speak now. I'll just turn to tears again.

Finally, Yagari sits back. “Kaien...” he sighs, and and clears his throat. “You know what tradition dictates.” I turn to watch him, curious. “What do you mean? He'll be fine, he only needs to get stitched up and some bandages...” my voice dies as he shakes his head. “He's been pierced by a vampire's weapon. He will die, it's only a matter of time. Tradition dictates that he either is burned, or shot with his gun.” Each word falls like stones to my ears.

It's all I can do to not shriek and cling to him. “Zero.” Kaien's voice, though weak, is commanding. “Give Yagari your gun. Then take Yuki.” I can't make a sound, though I feel the tears slipping down my face again. My fault my fault my fault. “Yuki...” he gently touches my face, then squeezes my hand. “No matter who your real parents were, I love you as if you were my own daughter. Use my body as the sacrifice. The book is in my right pocket.” He lets out a sigh, a very long, tired sigh. “Use your life well, Yuki. Promote peace. You now know what it is like to lose, now you must keep others from feeling this way.”

He closes his eyes, then smiles one last time at me, kindness overflowing. “I am very proud of you, Yuki.” Something wraps around me, holding me, pulling me back. “No no no no no no.” I struggle against Zero, trying to reach back to Kaien, my father. “No, let me go, Zero!”

He doesn't listen, only wraps his arms tighter around me and pulls my face into his shoulder. “Don't watch.” He murmurs, his voice quiet to mask the pain. I only struggle more, trying to reach Kaien before it's too late. “Zero, stop him!” When he doesn't move, I bite down on his shoulder, feeling blood flow beneath my teeth, mixing with my tears. He starts, but doesn't move.

There's a bang, and then silence. The will to move leaves my body, and I cling to Zero, letting the tears run their course. He shushes me gently, brushing my hair. I'm murmuring something, over and over. It's only when Zero relaxes his hold, and I crawl to Kaien, smoothing his clothing out, unfolding the creases, that I realize what it is. “Papa.” I whisper, the tears flowing like rivers down my cheeks. “Papa.” Then I press my face into his shirt and cry, letting the sobs rack my body.

* * * * * *

I wake in my bed, my eyes crusty from the left overs of those tears. I feel dry, as if there is nothing left. There is an overwhelming pain in my chest, as if someone has torn out my heart, but not bothered to kill me yet. I lie back, swallowing past the ache in my throat. Zero comes in, holding a small leather bound book. He gently places it beside me, then sits on the bed.

“Is that what we were fighting for?” he askes plainly, his eyes calmly watching mine. If one had not been looking closely, you would never have seen the red lines encircling his eyes. He too, had been weeping. I ignore that ache, and pick up the book. The pages are crackly, old and brittle. They protest my gentle touch, as I turn page after page. Finally I come to the last page, older and more brittle then the rest. It's thinner, and the symbols written are older, the ink turning yellow. I mouth a few of the words, then close my eyes.

“It's the spell my mother used to turn me human. She used herself as a sacrifice. But it says....to make the spell permanent, you must use a human, and a vampire.” I open my eyes, blinking back tears. Papa.... “I can't command someone to give up their life for me.” I whisper, dropping the book. “Not again.” Zero moves to comfort me, but he's interrupted by a voice at the doorway.

“I will do it.” Hanabusa strolls in, looking as casually perfect as ever. “Don't ask why.” he interrupts me, as Zero moves to defend me, in case of a trap. “I will be the willing victim. Let's just get this over with.” I hesitate, then reach out, taking his hand. “Are you sure?” I murmur, my eyes locked onto his.

Aido looks away, then smiles, and chuckles. “He'll never love me. Not when he has you, and Ruka, and Seiren. I was a fool to try.” He looks back at me. “Yuki, I think you were always meant to stay human. I never think you should have been woken up.” He looks down now. “I am sorry for all the grief I've caused you.”

There is nothing to say, so I hug him instead. Zero has brought in Kaien's body, and he lays it next to us. Instead of stare at him, I close my eyes, and whisper the words. Aido's body goes stiff, and he grips me tightly, just as I fade into black.

This time, when I awake, I'm sore. My mouth hurts, and my head feels heavy. Zero helps me up, and gives me water. I drink it gratefully, then close my eyes from the sight. Aido, or what used to be Aido, is still on the bed, a heap of ashes. Kaien's body has turned to ash as well. Instead I look up at Zero, then smile. He gently touches my even teeth, the human incisors, then smiles. “Welcome back, Yuki.”

I hug him tightly, my mind dwelling for a moment. What has Kaname done, where has he gone? Then I banish the thought from my mind. I will take this school and make it my own. Zero and I will pursue the peace my father had tried so hard to attain. I smile at this thought, and turn my face up to kiss Zero.

* * * * *
Epilogue
* * * * *

Kaname looked out the window, his eyes unreadable, then banged his fist against it, sending cracks up the side. Pressing his face to the cold pane, he closed his eyes, letting the darkness enter his mind. Why had Yuki done all this? Why had she let Kaien be killed, and Aido sacrificed, and Zero become hers? He was better then Zero by far, and the one she had belonged to! Cursing under his breath, he sat in a chair, then knocked over the red king on his chessboard. “Well done, Yuki. Well done.” he murmured, pushing the white queen into place. She had shown herself to be an able participant in the politics of vampires. She would do well. As for him...it was time he left.

The door opened, and Kaname looked up. Seiren entered, carrying a basket of some delicacies. “Are you hungry, Kaname-sama?” she asked, watching him, as she bit into a small pastry. He shook his head, then sighed. “Not for that, no.” he murmured, looking out the window again. Seiren set the basket down, and perched on the chair's arm. “The hurt will pass.” She murmured, watching him. “In the mean time, you want to go find some new scenery?”

He smiled up at her, then gently touched her face. “Are you going to come along?” Seiren nodded, a surprise smile lighting up her eyes. “If you'll have me, Kaname-senpai.” Kaname felt his own lips smile in response, then turned to look out the window. “We'll make a new future for ourselves as well.” he decided, running his fingers up and down her arm lightly.

Let Yuki make a mess of her own life. He would make alliances with other countries, and one day exact vengeance. But not today. Today he would enjoy Seiren's company, and rest. And the future....well it looked brighter already.

End.

 

Hmmm.

The epilogue tied everything off nicely but I wasn't very happy with the first part of the chapter (your first post). It didn't really make sense to me, and I wasn't particularly sure what was going on. I also think you weren't very realistic with Aido's character- he was far too willing to just give his life away.

I like that Yuki became human again, I also like that Seiren and Kaname will stay together. Kaien's death was done well, it brought a few tears to my eyes. Congratulations on finishing the story, it was a pleasure to read. :3

 

I've seriously need to be more active...
I came on every now and then, but I never had enough time to read this.
It's been two months since I last logged on to KHV...
but hey, I'm here now and reading.
I loved this story.
I really enjoyed reading it!
Thank you for writting it!!!