MIKA'S POV

Mika stood in the doorway and watched as Narumi assisted Yuu with his sword stances. Since Crowley's warning they had all decided to train together and work on perfecting their teamwork daily for the last few weeks. With Narumi and Shinya here now, they also needed to arrange new squad formations that included them.

"Good Morning~" A voice behind her said as she felt arms snake around her waist. The arms tightened as her smile grew. She longed for this moment every morning as she gingerly turned around.

"Good Morning, Shinya." She greeted him back as his brilliant blue eyes looked down at her. "Are you and Yoichi leaving soon?"

"Nn~ as soon as he's ready." He said as he started to lean in.

"Shinya are you ready?" Yoichi said as he approached. They separated before he came into the room.

"Yes~ I'll see you later, Mika." He said with little wink.

"Bye Mika!" Yoichi said as he followed behind. Mika waved as they left to practice their long-range techniques. They've been going out together for the last few weeks as well. Yoichi would chat happily about it each night with the others as they discussed formations.

"What are you smiling about Mika-chan~?" Shinoa asked appearing behind her.

"Hm!?"

"HaHa~!" Shinoa smiled mischievously. "So~ Mitsuba and I were thinking we should have a slumber party tonight!"

"A slumber party?" Mika repeated.

"Yup! Just us girls!"

"Don't do it Mika…" Kimizuki whispered as he walked by.

"Hey! Don't be mean!" She frowned at Kimizuki before turning back to Mika waiting for an answer.

"Uhm okay." Mika said.

"Yeah!" She said as she squeezed her. "Alright! Let's get back to training!" They followed Kimizuki back outside as he sipped his water.

Each day they took turns sparing with her. Her speed posed a needed challenge for them. It helped her as well, if Crowley was right and things were going to get worse between vampires and humans soon, they all needed to be prepared.

"Mika slow down!" Yuu said placing his hands on his knees as he caught his breath.

"Stop whining Yuu-chan, a vampire isn't going to slow down just because you asked them too." Mika said as she lunge at him again. He barely blocked her strike.

"If this were a real fight they'd already be dead." He said. Mika rolled her eyes.

"Hey! Don't roll your eyes at me!"

"They really do fight like brother and sister." Mitsuba said as she and Shinoa watched from the side.

"Watch your head Mika!" Yuu said he brought his sword down.

"Watch your feet, Yuu-chan." She said as she ducked down grabbing his ankle and pulled up. He landed on his back with a thud.

"You two let's head inside. It's getting late." Narumi shouted over to them now standing beside the girls. Yuu grabbed Mika's hand as she pulled him back to his feet and they walked inside together.

Shinya is still not back…

She entered her room and unclipped her belt setting her sword against the wall. She had showered and was just finishing up getting dressed when there was a knock on her door.

"Hi~" Shinya greeted her as he finished off a piece of toast. She let him in closing the door behind him.

"I see you found the jam." Mika said with a little smile.

"Mhmm~ So, are you heading to Mitsuba's room soon?" He asked. Mika nodded as she leaned against the door.

"Mhmm, soon. How was yours and Yoichi's day?" She asked.

"It was good, he's improved a lot over the last few weeks." He said as he stepped a little closer. "How was yours?"

"Good."

He combed his fingers through her hair. "Mika, are you thirsty?"

She shook her head. His sweet scent was so tempting. She had recently drank from Yuu so she really wasn't thirsty but…

I still want him…

"Your hair is still wet." Shinya said in almost a whisper as he started kissing her softly. Mika inhaled deeply as she held onto his sides and pulled him in closer. Pressing her firmly against the door. She could feel the hardness of his abs beneath his shirt as she moved her hands up. His hands cradled her face as he lightly bit her lip between kisses. She could taste the strawberry jam on his lips…

There was a knock on the door making them both pause.

"Mika are you almost ready?!" It was Mitsuba on the other side of the door.

"Yes, I'll be over soon." Mika responded. After they heard her footsteps fade Shinya placed his forehead against hers and they both softly laughed. The last month had been filled with training and secret rendezvous like this. She enjoyed it.

"Goodnight, Mika." He said after another swift kiss. He released her and she went to Mitsuba's room where she and Shinoa were waiting.

"Finally!" Mitsuba said as she entered.

"Sorry I'm late." Mika said and hopped on the bed next to Shinoa.

"Mika your hair is still dripping." Mitsuba said as she tossed her a towel.

They talked as Mika sat on the floor while Shinoa brushed the knots out of her wet hair for her.

"Too bad we don't have a TV or a movie to watch. Or even a phone to prank call people haha!" Shinoa said.

"Oh Shinoa…" Mitsuba said shaking her head.

"Ahaha~ I know… We know who Mitsuba likes but what about you Mika~" Shinoa leaned over her head peering at her with one eyebrow raised.

"Eh?" Mika got quiet as Shinoa giggled.

Mika quickly stood up looking at the ceiling.

"Mika, what is it?" Shinoa asked with a confused look.

That sounds like…

"Foot steps." She said as she dashed out of the room back to hers grabbing her sword. It wasn't just one person, it sounded like three. She entered the lounge area to find everyone still out there as the door was flung open.

"Hey humans~" It was Crowley. Not just Crowley but…

"Miiikkaaa!" Chess launched herself across the room landing in Mika's arms making her stagger back. "This is where you have been!?"

"Chess!" Mika said surprised. Chess released her as Horn approached.

"Hello Mika." She said as hugged her. She looked elegant as always.

"Hey princess~" Crowley said. "It's been a while."

"Hey! I remember you all!" Chess said finally noticing the humans across the room watching her with their weapons drawn.

"Oh sorry." Mika said. "This is Horn Skuld and Chess Belle. This is Yuu-chan, Yoichi, Narumi, Shinya and Kimizuki. And here's Mitsuba and Shinoa." She said as she gestured to each of them.

"More vampires…" Kimizuki mumbled.

"Where have you been? It's been almost a month." Mika asked.

"Same as before, more battles with humans. Kyoto may be theirs soon." He said nonchalantly.

"What?" Mika asked surprised.

"It's getting pretty bad! The humans are out of control!" Chess added.

"There aren't any humans or vampires around here besides you guys so you shouldn't have to leave soon." Crowley said as he adjusted his sword.

"Speaking of, we should be leaving Lord Crowley." Horn said.

"We just got here Horn don't be in such a hurry!" Chess whined.

"We have orders Chess." She said.

"Horn and Chess wanted to check on you but we do need to go." He said. Mika looked at them sadly. "It wont be long until we're back Mika. We should be finished tomorrow night."

"Thank you, I know it was so far out of your way but I'm glad you came." Mika said. She didn't want them to leave so soon but she understood.

"You should come back with us to Sanguinem Mika!" Chess said.

"Chess I-" Mika started to say.

"It's fine if she's here Chess, for now." Crowley interjected.

"Mika isn't ever going back there." Yuu said.

"For your sake it would be better than Ferid coming here…"

"Enough Chess. Lets go." Crowley said. The three vampires gave Mika another hug and left as quickly as they came.

Ferid… come here…

The thought had Mika's stomach in knots as she and Shinoa returned with Mitsuba to her room. She couldn't help but feel the abrupt visit was more of a warning from Crowley than just to say hello. She had spent enough time with him to understand he rarely does anything on impulse. It worried her.

Another warning…

"Mika… what's wrong?" Mitsuba noticed her spacing out.

"It's nothing, I just… hope we're prepared for whatever happens…"

"Don't worry Mika, no matter what happens, whether we run or fight… we do it as a squad. As a family, K'ay~?" Shinoa said. She wrapped her arms around Mika and Mitsuba and the three hugged.

As a family…

"Mitsuba…." Shinoa said as she looked up at her.

"What?"

"Did you…?" She pinched her nose making a face.

"No! Stupid Shinoa why do you always say stuff like that!" Mitsuba swung a pillow at her. "You're like a boy with all your pervert and bathroom jokes!"

"Ahaha~ I'm going to tell everyone!"

She laughed as Shinoa continued her torment on Mitsuba. The three of them had become close over the last few months. Close with everyone really. They were all together everyday and she quickly grew to care for all of them. It wasn't long ago she had no interest in even learning their names.

Yuu-chan was right. I do like them and I will protect them. My family…

SHINYA'S POV

"So, now three vampires know where we are." Kimizuki said as they all sat down again shortly after the vampires left. Yuu looked deep in thought.

"They don't seem like bad vampires." Yoichi said. Always positive.

"Yuu, what's wrong." Narumi asked. Yuu looked up at him.

"I need to get stronger. If I can control my demon's possession I'll be a lot stronger."

"Yuu, that's the worst idea you've ever had. Who knows what could happen. You could become completely possessed and lose your humanity." Narumi said.

"That's what Mika said but I've been thinking, what if we use that shed in the back. If I'm chained up I can't hurt anyone." Yuu said.

"It isn't just hurting someone Yuu, Narumi already pointed it out but you can lose your humanity. Until there's only the demon left." Shinya added, thinking of Guren. Yuu got quiet again. He must have thought of him too. He reminded Shinya of Guren a lot, which worried him during times like these.

"Look, I can't believe I'm going to say this but… we may need to make some sort of alliance with Crowley and those other two vampires. We know they're obviously loyal to Mika but we don't know about us. If there were a battle soon, I wouldn't mind knowing that he will have our backs if and when we need him. Or that he at least won't be trying to kill us too." Kimizuki said.

"I agree." Yoichi added. Shinya, Yuu and Narumi also reluctantly agreed.

"What are they doing?" Yuu asked looking back towards to rooms. Shinya could hear Mitsuba yelling and both Shinoa and Mika laughing.

"HaHa sounds like they're having fun." Yoichi said. "Oh, something just broke."

"Women are dangerous…" Kimizuki said.

As Shinya lay in bed that night, he couldn't sleep. Their conversation earlier had him thinking of the past again. He wondered how Guren and the others were. What was happening in the JIDA now? Crowley seemed in a hurry and less… smug… from when he first met him. The true vampire had come out. The one built for battle. He didn't like Crowley but for Mika's sake, he hoped he'd be okay. He rolled onto his side as his thoughts drifted away and he slowly fell asleep.

When morning came Shinya met up with Yoichi again. They watched everyone practice before they left as well. Shinoa and Mitsuba looked tired from their little party last night but of course Mika looked perfectly fine as she dodged their attacks. He envied that trait vampires had of not needing much sleep. He and Yoichi waved to everyone and left for their own training.

"Slowly exhale and release…" Shinya said as he watched the mountain ignite a bright green. "Perfect Yoichi."

"I hope if… when we do have to fight I'm as good as I am now." Yoichi said as he lined up his bow for another shot and released the bowstring.

"It will be more difficult. These targets aren't moving or trying to kill you~" Shinya said with a little smile. Yoichi sighed. "Remember what we did in Nagoya, just relax. We will back everyone up and they will also support us."

"Yes, but this battle will be different. I don't know whose side we fight for anymore." He said as his shoulders slumped a little.

"Then just protect your squad. That's who we fight for now." Shinya said. Yoichi lowered his bow and smiled.

"Right! Thanks so much Shinya!" He said as he hugged Shinya almost knocking him over.

"Aha~ Of course! Okay, a few more shots and then we should go back."

"Nn!"

They arrived back to find Crowley was there again. This time without his aids which had returned safely to the vampire city according to Shinoa. He didn't reveal any details of what their mission was, saying only it was 'vampire business'. He understood but he was still curious. They all were.

Shinya went back to his room to change out of his old uniform and into more casual clothes. He returned to see Crowley lying on the couch talking with Yuu alone. He wasn't sure where everyone else was. He decided to go find Mika since he hadn't been able to spend much time with her. And Crowley was distracted.

He knocked on her door and went in. She was reclined on the bed reading.

"You're not going out to see Crowley?" He asked.

"No, Yuu said he wanted to talk with him alone."

"Must be important~ Whatcha reading?" Shinya said as he sat down on the bed beside her.

"It's a murder mystery about this detective who get's set-up for the murder of his partner. I have a suspicion it's the police captain…" She said snuggling up beside him. It was moments like these he felt like they were a normal couple in a normal world.

Being with her made him forget about everything. The war, humans, vampires… all of it.

"We should all do something fun together for a change."

"Nn."

"Shall I come back when you're not so busy~?" He teased her. She gave him a sly smile as she put down the book and pulled him on top of her.

"Aha~ so you did miss me today?"

"I always miss you when you're not around." She said looking up beneath him. "You never leave my thoughts…"

Mika…

He buried his face in her neck.

"How could you like someone like me…?"

"It's simple, you've always seen me for me. Not as a vampire. Not as a human. Just as me. It doesn't sound like anything but… to me it's everything. You are precious to me… Shinya."

"Mika…"

Her scent drew him in deeper as he moved her hands above her head before capturing her lips. He kissed her gently at first but it gradually deepened to reflect his feelings. He felt her tongue as it traced his lips. He tasted it as it met with his and immediately wanted more. As their kiss grow more passionate he felt her body arch up into his.

Damn…

"If you keep enticing me…" Shinya said as he slid his leg between her thighs.

"You'll what…?" She said with a suggestive smile as she claimed his lips again. He leaned his body in against her and she felt his growing desire press against her. He released one of her hands and firmly grabbed her thigh in response to her dare.

Someone cleared their throat and they both looked over saw Crowley leaning against the doorframe with his arms folded. No emotion on his face.

"We're meeting in the lounge. You both need to join." He said and left abruptly.

Mika covered her face with a pillow.

"Ahaha~" Shinya pulled the pillow away and kissed her again before hopping off the bed. He helped her up and they left the room to join the others. Crowley didn't look at them when they entered but continued listening to Narumi.

"We just need to know where you stand." Kimizuki said.

"So you want to form an alliance?"

"Exactly."

Crowley considered the idea. "I will defend Mika, Chess and Horn regardless. If it's against the humans I will obviously fight against them. However, once you involve the high-ranking vampires I will not be able to."

"Why not you're strong enough!" Yuu said.

"Little Knight, there are vampires who frighten even me. So just don't involve yourself with the vampires."

"What is with you and nicknames… Knight… Princess." Yuu asked.

"Haha, because you remind me of a young knight especially when you're around Mika, who is the princess." Yuu rolled his eyes at him as Crowley reached over and ruffled his hair. He swatted him away.

"Well, we appreciate any information you can give us in the mean time." Shinoa said. Crowley nodded in acknowledgement.

"If we're done I'm going to bed…" Mitsuba said as she got up.

"Same here." Narumi said. His room was next to Mitsuba's so he probably didn't get any sleep either with all their noise last night.

It was late and almost everyone had gone back to their rooms having made things clear with Crowley. Shinya was just leaving to go outside to be with Mika in the tower.

As he stepped out he felt something grab him and yank his entire body backwards. He was thrown outside into the garden and the impact from hitting the ground knocked the wind out of him.

"Foolish human." It was Crowley. He grabbed Shinya and flung him again with a mere flick of his wrist.

"What are you doing human." He asked. His voice was calm but his presence was full of rage. "Whatever you two are doing. It ends now."

"Aha~ am I sensing jealousy~" Shinya said as he pushed himself to his feet. Crowley backhanded him in the face knocking him to the ground again. Now he was getting mad. He quickly got to his feet and held up his rifle aiming it at the large vampire approaching.

"Back-off Crowley. It isn't any of your concern."

"Do you even think? Human. Have you even considered her feelings?" He asked.

"Always."

"She's a vampire." He said as he stepped inches from Byakkomaru's blade.

"I don't care if she's a vampire."

"End your little fling with her. Or I will."

"It isn't a little fling…"

"Oh? So tell me. If it isn't what is it Shinya?" Crowley said tilting his head in interest.

"It's between Mi-…"

"You humans and your casual way of treating relationships. Your short lives make it so there are hardly any consequences for your actions." He said cutting off Shinya's words as he took another step closer.

"It isn't something just 'casual'. Everything in this world is broken and desolate… even me… but being with her… she… makes me want to live… that I deserve to live even after all I've done."

"That's all sweet Shinya but human emotions are fleeting. You'll get over it. So 'back-off' Shinya…"

"I will not end it with her Crowley." He said firmly.

"Oho?" He brought his wrist up the blade in front of him, slit it open and held it out to him. Shinya watched as the blood flowed from the wound and soaked into the ground at his feet.

"Then will you join her in eternity and spare her the pain of watching you grow old. Sickly. Watching you die. Leaving her in this world alone?"

Shinya couldn't speak as he watched the wound slowly begin to heal. The image of her in his mind crying at his grave left him stunned. He couldn't bear to see her in pain. Not after all she's suffered. If anyone deserves happiness for eternity it's her…

"There is a reason why relationships between humans and vampires is considered taboo. Why we appear emotionless to you. Things like love open up weaknesses in a vampire and Mika already has that with Yuichiro. She abandoned her faction and turned her back on vampires, a move that could get her executed. If she weren't so valuable to the Queen she would be dead. At this rate, with you, she won't live to see her first century."

Shinya felt tears in his eyes as Crowley's pulled his wrist away. The vampire turned to leave.

"Are you in love with her… Crowley…"

"That is a question a man should only ask himself… Shinya…"

He was now standing alone in the garden motionless as Crowley's words replayed through his head. He couldn't hold his feelings back for Mika but he didn't want to cause her pain either.

A question a man should only ask himself…

The only feelings he had ever known were those that helped him survive as a child. Becoming friend's with Guren and everyone else had given him something real to fight for. A true meaning to his life and not just to be someone's mate. They taught him friendship, loyalty… love.

"Yo, Shinya. What are you doing? Stargazing?" Narumi said from the porch looking out into the garden at him. Shinya looked back at him.

"Ah uh… No." He said and walked towards him and passed by without another word.