Ω

She had to do something—something to help, something to change the outcome, before it was too late. In Yuuki's bewildered mind, there lived hope. The ultimate hope was to see Kaname awake and alive. She couldn't keep quiet and wait by herself. She wasn't sure what she was waiting for exactly. Takuma had ordered guards to lock her up in her office. He had completely expelled her from Kaname's location.

While it was her right to be next to her husband, Yuuki felt she couldn't bear the idea of watching him slip into death. The entire concept of his death was exhaustingly unreal. No pureblood could be daunted by an attack like Kaname endured.

So what made him so weak? The magical shackles that absorbed his powers and energy? Or because he hadn't fed?

Yuuki hurried to the territory, burst into the forest like a gazelle, running, jumping over logs and tripping over stubborn roots. She dashed inside of Haru's cottage, screaming, yelling at the front door and penetrated his home where she charged into all viewable doors.

"Oji-san!" Yuuki shrieked. "Where are you?" She darted inside the bedrooms, rounding back to the kitchen. "Answer me! Where are you?"

Haru had returned from the forest and appeared promptly outside of his front door. His frame hugged the entrance, leaving no room for Yuuki to step out.

"Help me!" Yuuki cried, latched onto his jacket desperately, "Help me, please!"

His widening eyes fell to her clenched hands, "What has happened?"

"Bring Shizuka-sama back. Call her!"

"I...I'm afraid, I can't."

"You have to!" She screamed, shaking her head, "She can help him, please…oh god, please…call her!"

"Shizuka won't come back here any more, Yuuki." Haru brushed her shaking head, "Why are you despairing?"

She clung to the front of his jacket, face buried against her knuckles. Yuuki sobbed, "I…I…" She pushed him back and darted outside.

"Yuuki…?" Haru gaped after her worriedly.

Near desperation, Yuuki returned to the palace. She couldn't stop to think, couldn't bear wasting a second. The chestnut doors of the Lord's office hung open. She slipped through the narrow opening. The sound of her running steps and ragged breathing hurled into all corners of the somber quarters.

Lord Kuran had been analyzing some documents at his desk. Leaping to his feet, he gaped at the pale queen, staggering against his table.

"Please, I beg of you…" Weeping, Yuuki collapsed on her knees in front of the Kuran. "Help Kaname. You're his grandfather, please, save him!"

"What is this? What are you saying?" The puzzled pureblood circled the table, preferring not to eliminate his physical distance from the bowing girl.

"He was attacked in the Elders Council. He isn't reviving, Kuran-sama."

"Rev…?" The Lord stirred from his spot and closed their distance for once. "How is that possible? Kaname is a pureblood. He can't be harmed easily."

"Then why isn't he reviving?" Yuuki shrieked, "WHY?" She beat the floor. "I thought purebloods were invincible! Death doesn't come to you so quickly. You're all supposed to be strong—what's going on?"

Stonily his ruby eyes flung to the walls of his office. "I…I can't understand it any more than you." The Lord uttered in half amazement. "Being the youngest of our clan, Kaname's blood is stronger, more dominant than ours combined. That is why he is King!"

"Then tell me—" Yuuki slurred murderously, eyes shooting sparks of pitch-black anger, "If he is the strongest why isn't he recovering?"

Lord Kuran sturdily gripped his fists, his dark brows angled almost furiously over his blazing red eyes. The furniture of the room trembled in their places.

"Why?" Yuuki demanded.

With each reverberating bellow, the cabinet contents flew from the seams of their comfortable arrangement and clattered over the floor. Curtains shredded into dancing ribbons. The couch, chairs skidded over the floor and slammed simultaneously into walls. Diamonds rained over the Lord and the queen, fragile drops winking and flickering in the air from the swaying chandelier.

Lord Kuran swept two steps and grabbed her by the arms in a strangled grip, his astonished eyes blazed into hers. "STOP!" He shook Yuuki. "Stop yourself."

She wheezed, shook her head and sobbed even more. "I…can't…" Yuuki howled, slipping to the floor. "I can't stop!"

If he hadn't snapped her from her trance, all of the walls of his office would have been torn, never mind the furniture and shattered windows. Yuuki cried until she couldn't see clear, until she couldn't overcome what had been happening and landed, from her outburst, unconscious on the floor.

The Lord gazed at the devastated woman with a mourning glow in his eyes. He brushed the arm he had gripped tightly, noticing the hallow bruise branded on the pale flesh. "I was wrong about you." He conceived her grieving heart for the first time. "I'm sorry."

He looked up sullenly at his destroyed office. Both of his eyes absorbed the vigilant silhouette by the door. Arisu and her father didn't breathe a word, nor stifle a movement from their place. Two perfect sculptures drawn by the tempest of Yuuki's agony, their cool expressions were molded to reflect the destruction her pain had incurred.

Arisu broke the stillness; her heels stepped over the splinters and glass. The material of her skirt glided softly and stopped. In a moment, she hovered Yuuki and the Lord.

Her menacing red eyes gleamed upon the unconscious woman. "Step aside, and let me do it already." Hatred drilled her order; her eyes hadn't drifted from Yuuki. "I've been waiting for the grandest of opportunities, having many of them gone and never to return. I won't lose anymore!"

"Arisu." Lord Kuran glared at the pureblood. "Don't be fooled."

"Fooled—it is you who is being fooled by a preview of her emotions!" She accused. "Give her to me."

"Do you know?" The Lord grounded his feet and straightened. His elegant frame and height towered the slim woman. "That Kaname's life is in danger?"

Arisu averted with an impatient growl, "Why should I care? He scorned us for that trash."

"Kaname!" The Lord shouted over her sneer, "Is our king."

"It's best he dies." Her eyes flashed. "Do we need a king who can't model laws set by our ancestors in his actions? Do we need a king who lies, favors things like that—?" A sharp claw pointed at Yuuki. "He scorned you too, ignored you, and said he'd test us to see who is on his side. Us— his own blood, his family!"

"Kaname is still a good boy." The Lord hissed.

Arisu beautifully cackled at the statement. "Don't spurn logic for emotion, Lord. Did he listen to you? Did he plea and reason with you? Did he tell you what he was doing for the past year? He turned his back on you! Why are you helping him?" She shouted impatiently, "Give her to me or else."

"I will not hand her to you." Lord Kuran reverted to Yuuki and knelt by her head.

He scowled at the sparks of energy flaring through her fingertips. Every so often, a restless struggle pinned and quaked Yuuki's unconscious limbs and arms. The forceful energy crackled and revolved around her palms, into a pool of steaming fire.

Lord Kuran touched her hand and felt a burst of energy ignite between their fingers. "There is something terribly wrong here." Agitation ruled his voice when he pulled back. "We need to examine her."

Arisu stood unwavering and said, "You won't kill her?"

"That had been my intention in the beginning." Lord Kuran said apologetically.

"Not anymore? Hmph."

"I believe she may be the reason why Kaname can't revive."

Arisu glowered at Yuuki. "Don't help her, don't try and save her. Kaname doesn't need her!"

"I have to argue, Arisu, what you said may actually not be true." Lord Kuran studied Yuuki thoroughly.

"You're making a big mistake." Arisu snarled, "Let her go!"

"She is your queen, Arisu!" He rumbled. "Listen to me when I tell you something!"

Instinctively Arisu flinched at the soul-invoking order by her elder. Her head lowered in grudging consent, but the deadly glare of her eyes sharpened on Yuuki again. "I can't promise to help you keep her alive, Kuran-sama." She reminded. "There will be a time where I'll have to speak and do what I believe is correct. Her living among purebloods is not."

"And there will also be a time, Arisu, where everything will change and purebloods marrying non-purebloods will be common. You can't control someone's heart. I've witnessed the harshest lesson of watching my son wither to that kind of ordeal, believe me."

Ω

Kaname was hurt. I couldn't do anything. I didn't do anything to help. I didn't know. How could I not know?

Why wasn't I—Why?

Kaname, please, come back. Please, wake up.

How could I not do anything? How could I have not known? Why was I too late?

He always came through for me. Why couldn't I be there for him?

Chased by the restless nightmare from her sleep, Yuuki awoke to the feeling of steaming coal being poured down her throat. The blanch bedroom ceiling swarmed into flickers of gray and blue, twining into bright red.

Induced by the nightmare, her scream echoed with wiry exhaustion and fatigue, until she grew hoarse and not a sound was able to fall if she tried. That nightmare had followed her out of her dream, but she had run, tried to block it as far as possible by burying agony, only to be imprisoned by its enormity in her reality.

Takuma rushed inside of the room, the door hung open as he scampered toward the bed. "Yuuki-sama!" He grabbed her, "Wake up!"

She was crying again, dropped her head in her trembling hands and sobbed. Suddenly her head jerked up to observe Takuma. "I have to do something, I have to do something! I can't stay here!" Shoving him out of the way, she leapt to the door.

He seized her around the waist and carried her back to the bed. "No, you mustn't. Stay here and calm down, please, for your own safety."

She kicked, wrestled in Takuma's arms. Finally a clawed hand flung in front of his eyes and cut the pale skin across his forehead, nose and cheek. Blood seeped and dripped down the slope of the nose and between his green eyes.

She didn't seem aware of its flaring colors and pushed Takuma. Another extraterrestrial force abounded and cast him across the room and through the closet wall.

Panting, Yuuki gaped at the debris piled around the fallen Right Hand. Her bloodied nails clumped on the sheets. She started with an astounded stare at her fingers, webbed from dark blood. The scent belonged to none, but Takuma.

"What have I…?" Yuuki stammered. "I-I'm…wh—"

Coughing in the snow of dust, Takuma managed to crawl into the light. Yuuki bit her lip and approached him, but he put up a hand as means to indicate that she stop. Whether she wanted to listen or not, Takuma wouldn't have any of it. He pointed to the bed. Yuuki bit her knuckles and gravitated toward its edge obediently.

"Yuuki-sama…" Takuma panted from across the room, on his knees. "You have to control yourself. You aren't the only one suffering. His family is going through pain like you, but they have the aptitude to keep their feelings and powers from hurting anyone."

"I…I…" She searched the rug helplessly, hands clenched in her thick hair, "I'm sorry."

Takuma wiped the blood on his face. "Your outburst will be pronounced dangerous to anyone who comes in contact with you. Do you hear me?"

"I…" Her lips quivered as she looked up, "I can't….stop it."

"Try and stop it!" Takuma shouted a little impatiently. "It's within your control, but you don't want to accept it."

Yuuki dropped her hands to her sides, her knuckles blanched in its tight grip on the sheets. "I know." She gravely uttered with a throbbing throat, "But…But!" Now her voice shook and sobs penetrated its steadiness. "I can't just stay here and not do anything! I have to do something! We have to find out what's wrong with him!"

"We will." Takuma assured.

"Let me out of here, Ichijou!" Yuuki cried.

"Kuran-sama found it appropriate that you rest here until we find more updates on Kaname's condition."

"I can't wait…" She shook her head, "No way, I can't just stay here and not—"

"You have no choice." Takuma silenced her.

Loathe gleamed in her eyes as they angled on the Right Hand. "Ichijou…" Yuuki growled.

He looked away, "We're all uneasy. We want to find out what's wrong, but we need more time."

"You don't even let me go near him! What're you hiding?" She snapped.

Steadily he met her glare. "Yuuki-sama, try and understand that we are doing the best we can."

"I wish I could." She whispered, "But I'm desperate."

He stood up carefully and retrieved a handkerchief from his pocket to wipe the residue off his face. "I should tell you the foremost cause of your being locked here is because you're affiliated with the condition Kaname is in."

Her eyes turned to slits, "How?"

Takuma leaned over Yuuki from above and took her bloodied hand. He wiped the digits and nails gently. "Your sudden accumulation of energy is unusual for a vampire of your class. There were times Kaname told me certain things he couldn't tell anyone. Like your aversion to take his blood until you were cornered and submitted to the hunger inside of you."

Yuuki pulled her hand away and clenched it on her knee.

"He also told me he never gave blood to anyone but you."

"Didn't Sara-san and he…?"

"She craved him, yes. But they didn't reach the point of exchanging blood."

"Oh…" Yuuki stared at the ground for a moment. "What does all that matter?"

Takuma sat down on her left. "When you confessed to the Royal Family, he was very upset—"

"I know."

"The spell he put on you to know if someone drinks your blood, or harms you, Kaname would be the first to know." Takuma analyzed Yuuki's hunched posture and downcast profile. "He wants to protect you."

"He is ridiculous." She slurred with blinding frustration, "Protect me, what for? He is having a harder time than I am. Why does he do it all of this for me? There's no point. He should look after himself."

He sighed, "Yes, that sounds best right now. But even in his current state, you're his first priority. When he was imprisoned, he began discarding pieces of his energy and powers. You were in the public eye and the council's attention was on you, he worried for what was about to happen.

"By taking advantage of the blood bond you share, he quietly began sending those powers to a new host. He did it all to make sure you aren't hurt, so you can protect yourself when necessary."

"Me…?" Yuuki croaked, disbelieving her ears, "He sent them to me?"

"How could he not?" Takuma said, "Could he wait around fidgeting in the cellars knowing the Elders were plotting against you."

"But I have guards, I have you—"

"They can easily get rid of us, Yuuki-sama. The Elders Council is comprised of the oldest, legendary vampires of our society. Kaname's pureblood powers are capable of standing up to them. We're nothing in comparison."

"I don't want it." She brutally argued. "I don't want it, take it back!"

"It's too late."

Yuuki wheezed and a strangled cry slipped in air. "All because he thinks I'm so weak, because I can't stand up to the Elders Council. He can't have faith in me to do my best? You said he trusted me!"

"Don't you understand what a risk and how significant it is for a pureblood to let you borrow his powers?" Takuma grabbed her and literally shook her until she swayed back and forth in his grip. "He went into an indefinite coma to give it to you—he trusts you that much!"

She snatched herself out of his hands. "No…no…" Yuuki shook her head, "It's not right. I want him to live without worrying about me for once. I was proving myself to him that I could save him!"

Takuma yanked to his feet, eyes measured on Yuuki's weeping face. "We've sent experts to help him. It's not death we're worried about. It's what will happen if he does regain conscious. Will he be the same? Along with his powers and life force, his memories, personality and subconscious went." Takuma called her alertly, "You would've known about it when the time came. He trusted you'd understand he wanted to help you in his own way."

Sullen eyes peered at Takuma. "I wish this didn't happen."

He closed his eyes and nodded. "So do I. The attack wasn't anticipated. If he hadn't slowly shed his powers, the attack would have no affect on him. I'm more concerned about these impudent councilmen who dared to conjure such ideas to bring the both of you down!" His shaking fists were colored in red within moments.

Yuuki gaped at the dripping blood on the rug. "Ichijou."

"I want to hurt them, Yuuki-sama." He admitted, on the verge of tears. "I want to crush them for ever thinking of hurting Kaname. This heart of mine is not good. Now it suddenly wants to inflict the entire council…and…" Vengeance shimmered in his eyes. "My own jii-sama!"

Yuuki leaned forward and gathered his hands.

"I can't forgive him." He uttered, as if possessed. "How could he stoop this low?" His green irises hardened. "You have to continue what you planned. Kaname would want you to keep going. Don't hesitate and become distracted. He'll come back."

Her small hand brushed back a strand of blond hair from his eye lid. Yuuki's frown darkened, "Stay close to him in my place. I won't let a single tear drop from my eyes and finish my duties with the council first. Then I'll go to Kaname myself."

Ω

Startled out of their chairs, Kain and Ruka looked up at the open doors. Two figures crossed the threshold. The taller of the two steered to the left hall with a wave, and the other continued toward the main doors where the pair awaited.

Their disconsolate expression whirled into a look of silent question.

Yuuki turned around. "Let's go to the Elders Council. We have lots of work to do."

Ruka's austere glare flashed over Yuuki's form and fell away to the floor. "You look rather well for what's been going on."

"That's because I made a promise to someone that I'll help him put an end to the kernel of this disaster. Hearing you speak jealously makes me sad, Ruka." Yuuki admired the slender blond gazing away. "I thought you'd put your efforts in taking control of the situation and fire away at the hellions who touched Kaname."

Ruka's clenched fist lifted and slipped inside the pocket of her coat, coolly she looked back at Yuuki. "I'm restraining my temper the best I can, I can't say more." Peeking fangs hanging from the roof of her mouth cut into the bottom corner of her lip, an angry vein protruded over her forehead and sank somewhere inside of her scalp.

"When the time is right," Yuuki murmured, slipping through the palace doors outside, "You can do as much damage as you please."

On the ride to the council, Yuuki speculated Takuma's words spoken in confidentiality in her room. The distressed Right Hand couldn't dissipate his uncontrollable anger. For one so gentle and softhearted, it was surprising, but at the same time understandable to find Takuma having a hard time coping. In certain lights, the two of them were shockingly alike, Yuuki admitted.

He was fighting a war with himself to remain loyal to his friend, but the gage of loyalty also leaned toward his family—Asato. Takuma was torn in the middle. At the moment, it was wise he stay next to Kaname whose life was on the balance. As for Asato, Yuuki had a feeling it wouldn't be too soon for Takuma to call out on his jii-sama and contend for righteousness like she had planned.

She knew where his heart lay. A kind soul like Takuma's wouldn't sway to Asato's vindictiveness, not now or ever. Nonetheless, the mental scars were impenetrable and indelible. His father was engaged in a replica of differences with Asato like Takuma currently was. Not wishing to impose danger and hatred on the royal family, Takuma's father took off and vowed never to return to Japan.

Furtive ideas lurked in Asato's mind since. Secretly he stole Takuma and blamed his son, Lord Ichijou, that he wasn't anchored to fatherly duties and neglected Takuma all of the time. If laws took the side of the wrong people, then it surely did in this case. Takuma and his father lived separated for all of his life. He couldn't remember a wink of his face if he delved his memories, and any remaining photographs of his father were destroyed.

"I've been observing everyone shortly after Kaname's imprisonment. Do you think it's new to find things like this traipsing in the council? No, definitely not." Takuma said, "I've heard one too many conversations of attacking and plotting against the hierarchy for ages. I linger around in the afternoon when most of the councilmen are gone. That afternoon I was sure there'd be a hidden get together somewhere because of your meeting with the Cabinet earlier. They'd have something to criticize about you."

Yuuki watched him drift toward the window and lift the curtain. Guards and maids circulated the palace parking lot.

"I visited Kaname regularly in the cellar. He was growing weak, I kept trying to persuade him to take blood but he wouldn't. My first thought was it was because of the energy-absorbent bonds chained on his body. Seeing someone so magnificently strong getting worn out just by breathing was alarming. Right there, I knew something was wrong.

"It was bizarre how there were no guards that night. I was the first one there. Two councilmen were torturing him. For human or vampire, it's normal to react and fight back. Kaname didn't, it was like he had no energy to protect himself so he took the blows. I killed the two councilmen immediately." Takuma rubbed his fist against his temple.

"Use his powers, Yuuki-sama. He gave them to you with a responsibility: to protect yourself, the monarchy and our people. We don't know how long he'll stay in coma. We don't know when he'll wake up, or what to expect next. He has been taken into seclusion where experts are trying to bring him back." Takuma studied Yuuki.

"Like any power, you have to learn how to use and control it. Your emotions have been erratic lately because of the news. Try to compose yourself better in the future. But I do warn you, where you visit everyday no one is trying to look out for you. Behind every corner, there are vampires carrying stakes in their pockets. One wrong turn, and it's over. So move with caution and wisdom. Your greatest resources are the support you accumulated.

"Expect the Right Hands to be there. Confide in Ozawa-sama from the Cabinet. Masaru-sama, who came to help you, is very crucial in this game. The elder from the Council of Ancients doesn't judge you. He's prepared to listen to everything you have to say. So say it, don't leave a thing out. As for my jii-sama…." Wearily he sighed. "Whatever punishment you have planned, I'll be the one to execute it. That I must request."

"Fine." Yuuki whispered.

"Good luck, Yuuki-sama."

"You…Watch over him, promise me you will?"

"I promise I will."

Yuuki stared at her hands intently. There was a faint buzzing in her fingertips. Light but sharp at the same time, if she were to touch material objects it's molecular structure was within her control, completely qualified to change shape if she desired. She grabbed the door handle, watched her fingers squeeze and burn away the surface. Smoke flew and burned her eyes, Yuuki pulled back to examine the imprint.

Ruka was watching rather concernedly, but decided to leave questions aside and wait for Yuuki to speak herself. The brunette didn't, only folded her arms and stepped out when they reached the council. On her way out, Ruka grazed the melted portion of the handle and flanked Yuuki's side.

Kain had been riding in the front seat, also aborted and followed the women closely.

Zero and Ichiru waited in Yuuki's office. Both in selected corners, continued to ignore each other's presence. The party entering the office met their reluctant stares. Yuuki welcomed them and sat down behind the table. Kain promptly closed the door while Ruka hovered by the window, checking the perimeter.

"You came here without any problems?" She asked Ichiru and offered him a chair. "Sit down."

He folded his arms and refused. "Yea, I was welcomed very generously." Ichiru mocking grunted with a skeptic glare at his twin.

"Zero-san, is Ichijou-sama the one behind Kaname's attack?" Yuuki wondered.

For a still second, he hesitated to answer as all eyes fixed on him. Moving away from the corner, he dropped a manila envelope in front of Yuuki. "I don't know who was responsible any more than you." He answered. "But you may want to take a look at that. We all received one."

Yuuki ripped the seal and peered at the contents. Her eyes drawing large with each sentence until she raptly stared between the brothers, then at Kain. Ruka had been perusing over her shoulder, shifted back and folded her arms.

"This is good news, no?" Ruka murmured.

Yuuki closed the letter. "The Elder already has his own assumption on who was responsible. We don't need to elaborate whom he suspects." She twiddled with her fingers, thoughts scaling from one possibility to another, "Moving the court date to tomorrow is good for us. Are you ready, Iti?"

Lavender eyes hooked onto Yuuki's determinedly. "What do you want me to say?"

"The truth about what happened when onii-sama and you went riding around the palace."

Ichiru rubbed his eyes. Slowly he slipped in a chair and leaned forward, arms grasped around his ribs. "It's taken me years to push it from my mind. Now you're telling me to talk about it. It's hard to revisit it."

"He'd want you to speak up, Iti." Somehow Yuuki had glided to his side, rested a hand on his shoulder and the other stroked his silver locks. "Due to Kaname's attack, all eyes are trained on Ichijou-sama because it's believed councilmen attacked him. He isn't in a good position. If you proceed to divulge the truth, half of our work will be done."

"Half?" Ichiru scoffed. "What about the rest?"

"Iti…" Yuuki's fingers paused, "Ichijou-san, is willing to testify against his jii-sama. He is having a hard time too. All of it is to expose the hidden truth. There's nothing wrong about doing this."

"I know." His voice broke, suddenly grabbing his face, Ichiru cowered. "I've lived a nightmarish life trying to hide what happened to Kaoru-kun."

"You don't have to hide it any more. Let it go. This will help all of us move on like we need to." Yuuki glanced at his motionless twin who had reverted back to his corner. "Then Zero can also think of starting a new life, away from the council."

Zero glared sturdily. "I'm done here." He lurched toward the door.

"You should tell him." Yuuki whispered as his sleeve brushed against her shoulder.

He didn't look nor react to the statement, Zero opened the door. "I have nothing to say." He slammed the door in the lock.

Yuuki patted Ichiru's shoulder. "I can't say more than this. Zero should tell you the rest."

Ichiru's eyes had reddened from tears when he inquisitively stirred, "About what?"

"About why Zero is tied to the Elders Council against his will." Yuuki avoided his eyes. "In exchange to keep you and me alive."

Astounded, he shot to his feet. "What?"

"They are using Zero to do dirty work. Ichijou-sama has designated Zero to kill me because Kaname didn't. In a matter time, he'll be forced to do what he was ordered. He hates to think about it, much less actually point Bloody Rose at my face and shoot me."

"I always knew we couldn't trust him." Ichiru coldly hissed to himself. "He turned his back on Haruka and Juuri-sama. He sided with the council when Kaoru-kun was killed. Now he's ordered to kill you? I just knew it."

"That's not the point." Yuuki cut in.

"He wasn't protecting us. He was following orders like a puppet, Yuuki." Ichiru rebuked.

"I don't believe it."

"You better start to believe it. He isn't trustworthy, and I don't think you should be telling him your plans. What if he tells Asato, huh?"

She shook her head, "No, he won't."

"How do you know?"

"I trust him."

"You'd rather believe him than me? He didn't even mourn your parents death!"

"He sacrificed a lot for us."

"You're too kind hearted, Yuuki." Ichiru cried. "Don't trust people so easily! Stop being so naïve!"

"I have no reason to think badly of Zero." She shot back.

"Well, you may not now, but you sure will later." He was already striding to the door.

"Just listen to what he has to say, damn it!"

Ichiru looked back over his shoulder. "I'll be here tomorrow for the trial."

Yuuki slumped in her seat when the door banged shut.

Ω

The Council of Ancients Elder summoned the parties the following day. In a traditional criminal court, there would be Saiban-in's designated to assess and reach a verdict, but the final settlement belonged to the Elder. His satin eyes regarded the plaintiff toward the defendant. This would be a private trial but the public was able to watch it over the television.

Yuuki arrived with Takuma on her side. Her Right Hands weren't permitted and like the rest of the public, could watch the proceeding from the outside. Asato sat alongside his attorney, another recognizable and esteemed councilman whose sage dark eyes lanced Takuma and Yuuki briefly and returned to the Elder seated on the higher level at the far distance of the room.

The four Saiban-in's sat on the bottom row, two on each side, observing the parties.

"In this criminal case, the defendant is found innocent unless proven otherwise. Let us clarify what evidence is legally plausible and hold weight to prove the defendant as guilty. Any article related to the case, such as weapons, documents, clothes, blood specimen, and witnesses." The Elder announced, not once did his gaze stray from Yuuki. "You are Queen, but your title and power hold no authority in this room from this moment on. The evidence you provide and all insistent allegations that brought you here today will be used to judge the case. Magic will be repelled from the proceeding. You are standing in a pure room where integrity, and probity will bring the justice you seek.

You are sworn and treated as the plaintiff who stands today to present proof to why the defendant must be charged with guilt."

Leaning forward, the Elder examined Asato. "I must relay that your powers also will not be in affect in the court room. You are believed to be innocent until factual evidence is presented by the prosecutor."

"Yes, Elder." The councilmen on Asato's left answered.

"Plaintiff will begin the presentation of evidence then." Ordered the Elder.

The Saiban-in directly transversal to Yuuki gestured her forward. "Proceed, Kuran-sama."

"Thank you, Saiban-in." Yuuki modestly bowed. "I firmly hold my ground today that the alleged party committed a crime so satanic for years and has managed to get away by using powers entitled to him as the Head of the Elders Council. I have with me a complete analysis, documentation and further proof of his crimes in the last few decades. His acts are eye widening but his insincere intentions are still questionable."

"Plaintiff, show us the evidence." A Saiban-in requested.

"First, I'd like to begin with these items here." Yuuki handed the folder to the bailiff. He examined it before rendering them in the Saiban's possession. "These transactions are dated over seventeen years ago, and all of them belong to the Imperial Guards. Some remain in position, and the reason why the others who disappeared is no longer a mystery."

"I must interrupt." Asato's attorney rose instantly.

The Elder held up a hand from him to wait. "Continue, Kuran Yuuki. What is the purpose of the transactions?"

"Thank you. Purpose? Bribery. Our Imperial Guards have sworn to protect the Kuran Royals. You may sort to the last and first date of the transactions and see that the bribery began for a long time. Buying their support and using our guards as tools was to the advantage. The advantage was complete access to the palace. Like I said, some have disappeared. Their profiles are right here." Yuuki held up another folder. "These individuals all have the same death date: September 23, 1994. These guards were bribed by the defendant to do a particular task."

"That is a lie!" Snapped Asato's attorney from the other end. "There was a territory breach at the palace, they gave their lives away to protect the palace!"

"On September 23, there was no territory breach, Lord." Yuuki replied, unwavering and tacit. "Our Household Records have no proof of that happening. Something else was written instead. In the Council's library I also found that the death of an important councilman and civil leader happened on the same day. His name was Kursou, Kaoru."

"His death has nothing to do with me!" Asato hissed.

"Adhere to the Evidence Code, Asato-sama." Interrupted a Saiban-in. "Do you have anything to reveal to us that the man's death wasn't related to you?"

"His councilman will speak eagerly for Ichijou-sama." Replied his attorney, touching the buzzer on the desk, he spoke into the intercom and asked someone to enter. A councilman stepped through the doors confidently. "Witness Jun will tell you what happened on that day."

One of the Saiban-in gestured him a to a chair and asked, "You are about to speak before the law, speak with wisdom and honesty or you will be held with contempt."

"I willingly speak nothing but the truth." Jun swore.

"Tell us what happened on September 23, 1994."

"The day one of our councilmen, Kurosu, Kaoru was said to have died. There were no clues behind his death only news spread through the Elders Council."

"Where was Asato Ichijou on that day?"

Evenly Jun replied, "He was at this office."

"Objection." Yuuki called out.

"It's not your turn, Kuran-sama." The Saiban-in warned. "Councilman Jun, did Asato Ichijou leave his office at all during the day?"

"Not until the evening, when the rest of us left for our home."

"Thank you, Jun." Asato's attorney bowed to the witness. The councilman bowed and stepped out of the room promptly. "Elder and Saiban-ins, you've just heard from a witness the whereabouts of Ichijou-sama. He heard the news of his fellow council member's death like everyone else here."

"Objection!"

"Kuran Yuuki," The Elder impatiently glowered at the woman.

"It's a lie." Yuuki spat. "Everything is a lie!"

"Under what conviction do you say this?"

"Asato Ichijou was accompanied by the Imperial Guards he bribed and followed Kurosu Kaoru in the day."

"He was at his office." The attorney countered.

"Do you have something to support your statement, Kuran-sama?" The Saiban-in gestured.

"Kirrin-sama was close to figuring out what the Elders Council were doing all this time. His research and investigation led him to believe the Elders Council was responsible for the murder of Kaoru! For years they've been secretly removing all members of the civil movement. Half of them are dead and most have left the country! This tyrant has been using and destroying the peace Kirrin and Sora-sama had worked hard to build!"

"Elder, that delusional woman is spitting nonsense because she has a grudge against the Elders Council! That Kurosu was her brother, and she'll do anything to put the blame somewhere!" The attorney yelled. "Why would Asato Ichijou kill his own council man?"

"Why? You ask?" Yuuki gritted her fangs in a challenge, "Because Kaoru and his supporters were about to abolish the Kurosu Curse. Asato couldn't let him win. The entire council couldn't stand the idea of a Kurosu being redeemed in the eyes of the Kurans!"

"You don't know that!" He roared.

"Silence!" The Elder's order boomed over the parties. "This is meant to be a civilized trial. Kuran Yuuki—"

"Hai." Yuuki firmly met his eyes.

"Do you have evidence supporting what you just said?"

"But, Elder, she is blaming out of spite from the death of her brother!" The attorney cried.

"Bring me the evidence!" His voice overshadowed the attorney's.

"These are research allocated by Kirrin-sama." Yuuki provided the articles to the bailiff. "Because every document about Kaoru has been altered in the Council library, I decided to use the original work of the late king to show you what he was gaining on before his death."

"It is recognized Kirrin-sama was murdered by Lord Shirabuki." The Elder announced.

"Indeed, Elder. Asato Ichijou has been unfaithful to the crown for ages. He has continuously committed crimes with other insurrectionists and have harmed the legacy of the Kurans, not only that but the Kurosu clan." She lowered her voice respectfully. "I'd like to call an informant, Elder."

The Saiban-ins waited attentively.

"Ichijou Takuma." Yuuki glanced at the man on her right as he gaited toward the higher chair and sat down.

An electrifying energy basked the individuals, flaring from Asato and ending on his grandson.

Yuuki stared at Asato pointedly. "Your grandson has been a prime witness of your actions over the years, Ichijou-sama. He is a loyalist who believes in the Kuran legacy."

"Ichijou Takuma," A Saiban-in began, "You are also a council man and the future Head of the Elders Council."

"Yes." He murmured.

"You will speak the truth only."

"I promise to speak the truth." Takuma echoed, head and shoulders even, not meeting eyes.

"Ichijou-san, you've watched Ichijou-sama at the council for years. Tell me what he is like?"

"Always a step ahead of others, very thorough and meticulous with his work. He usually works from his office, and it's rare to see him go anywhere. Half of the time he sends his personal league to get things done." Respect was demoted in the remark toward his jii-sama. "You see, he cast my father out of the country when I was too little to understand why he did, what he did. He was always a good man in my eyes. When I found out of the things he planned to do to the monarchy, and how obsessed he was with bringing a Sacrifice to the palace, I realized I was on the wrong side."

"What makes you believe he was obsessed with the Sacrifice situation?" Yuuki asked.

"For starters," Takuma coolly said, "There was a trial like this one years ago between Lurance Kurosu and my grandfather. As a result of victory, the Lurance Law can into effect—if there was a younger Kurosu daughter in the clan, suitable to become a Sacrifice, she wouldn't necessarily have to be one later. Not if there was an older heir, a live son who could protect her. He has been angry for losing that trial. And because of that, he decided to kill the living Kurosu son a couple years ago in order to bring a sacrifice to the palace."

The Elder abruptly glared at Asato. "Lurance Kurosu was my colleague. I knew of that man fairly well, and his sister, who would've been a sacrifice hadn't he stepped forward and challenged the council. Killing a Kurosu son…" His gaze steered on Yuuki.

"Yes, according to what we heard," Yuuki nodded. "Kaoru's death was planned on September 23. Thank you for your honesty, Ichijou-san." She bowed to the blond. As he returned to his seat, Yuuki said, "I'd like to bring another witness to the court, Elder."

"Proceed."

She called whom she believed wouldn't let her down. When the doors hung open, silence wove and slithered between the occupants. Then the entrance was flanked by a figure that passed inside and was escorted to a chair. Like the others, he was asked to swear before the court.

"Kiryuu, Ichiru, were you at the crime scene on September 23?"

Fists clenched, Ichiru nodded, "I was…"

"Was Ichijou-sama there?"

"He was."

"Did he receive help from anyone?"

Ichiru shakily drew his gaze on the criminal, he flinched and brutally slurred, "There were royal guards, his councilmen and spies. All of them ambushed Kaoru-kun! I…I…" Tears were suddenly streaming from his eyes, "I went riding with Kaoru-kun that day. He told me to get the horse, but I had a terrifying feeling that something was wrong. There was an arrow shot at us earlier. I returned and saw them, including Asato Ichijou…" He growled, "Ambush Kaoru-kun and kill him in front of me. He let me go, swearing he'd kill me if I ever speak the truth."

"What about the recent incident of the Kurosu clan?" Yuuki stepped forward. "Was there anything unusual before the clan was killed?"

"Spies." Ichiru said. "The entire household was surrounded with spies. I come from the Hunters Association, and they've investigated the death of the clan properly. The king sent his own men to watch over the residents. Unfortunately the same spies killed them. When we arrived at the residence, their bodies were all we found. I may come from the Association, but my understanding for as long as I've been with the Kurosu clan is that the Elders Council has been tracking the clan, their comings and goings. The spies wouldn't kill them without orders, and the only person we know who'll target the clan was Asato Ichijou!"

"Your brother, Kiryuu Zero is a council member but you aren't? Why not?"

Ichiru flinched inwardly. "I hate the council." He breathed, "They killed Kaoru, Haruka and Juuri-sama…I don't want to mingle with their likes!"

"As for the death of the Kurosu clan, Elder, it's believed the king sent a writ." Yuuki acquired the paper and examined it on her way to giving it to the Elder. "Do you smell a pureblood on this article? Elder?"

From a glance the elder could tell it was not Kaname's signature. "No." He firmly answered, now he glared at Asato and his attorney. "Head of Council, Asato Ichijou—come up!"

He obeyed quietly and waited.

"Did you send this writ to kill the Kurosu clan two months ago?" The Elder demanded.

Looking stoically back at the elder, he said, "No."

"Who did?"

"Ousama Kaname Kuran did. For his inability to kill his wife who is a sacrifice, he was left to kill the entire clan."

"Why does this smell of you?" The Elder asked.

He was not afraid of those intimidating eyes peering into his black soul. "The note must've been passed down through various councilmen. I was given to me to look at, which I did."

"Who gave the orders to your councilmen to kill them?"

"Ousama did."

"You may reseat." The Elder set the note aside.

A little impatiently, Yuuki turned around and retook her chair.

"Kuran Yuuki," The Elder called. "Do you have other proof?"

"I do."

Asato's eyes blazed murderously on the woman.

"I have one more witness, Elder." Yuuki gestured Ichiru to step out. "Thank you, Kiryuu-san."

"Another?" The attorney shockingly spat.

"Because of your evil, your councilmen can't keep taking your side, Ichijou-sama." She glared at the man on her left. "Your grandson and niece aren't helping you fight for you life, what're you going to do?"

Asato's green eyes darkened upon Yuuki. "You will not look down on me!"

Her clenched fist curled on the table edge. "Elder! I'd like to call on a current employee of the council, Kiryuu Zero to court."

"Heh." Asato smirked, "Kiryuu."

"Bring him in." The Saiban-ins permitted.

Zero had a feeling he'd have to testify. Yuuki made him no promise, only Ichiru that she would need his help, but not Zero. So when he waited outside of the room, eyes planted on the live broadcast, he felt a tingle of fear overcome him when she called him in as witness.

He strode calmly inside, sat in the offered chair expressionlessly and swore to speak only the truth before the Saiban-ins, the Elder, the parties and the rest of the world that watched through television.

"Kiryuu, Zero, thank you for coming today." Yuuki murmured. "Since you are a current employee of the Elders Council, can you tell me how your status came to be?"

Zero's eyes narrowed to slits. "Status? Heh."

"Yes, for how long and what made you come work for the council, tell us."

"I was recruited to the council seventeen years ago. I made the decision to come work here."

"Your brother has issues with the council and believes they killed his friend and family, do you think it's true?"

Narrowly his eyes skipped over Asato and attorney, falling to the floor. "I don't know what Ichiru feels. He and I don't talk. His business is his own."

"Zero-san, why were you recruited by the Elders Council only and not your brother?" Yuuki questioned.

His fists locked on his sides, jaw clenched, Zero glared at the ground. "I…I."

Come on, Zero…The truth—just the truth why you've been trapped here all these years. Please, I beg of you! Yuuki prayed.

"I was recruited as collateral for my brother who had witnessed the death of Kaoru Kurosu." Zero uttered.

"Collateral?" Yuuki circled her table and moved in front of her witness. "Were you threatened?"

"Yes. If I worked for the Elders Council, gave them resources and access to the Hunters Association, I could save Ichiru."

"You've been working here for seventeen years, Zero-san, what kinds of work did you do?"

Zero's jaw tightened. "I killed…people: councilmen, cabinet members, new or old, purebloods…" He recounted as if in a daydream, "Humans…friends and…friend's families."

"How would you describe the work that you did?" Her eyes had turned cold.

"The lowest kind of work a Head of Elders Council wouldn't stoop to do."

"Do you know if he sent the orders to kill the Kurosu Clan two months ago?"

"Yes." He whispered. "The spies were waiting for his orders. Ousama was busy working with the cabinet, but he sent a number of guards to protect them, somehow he sensed something was about to happen. His guards were poisoned, it's no wonder the spies were able to overpower them. The clan across the city was murdered before the next morning. The Hunters Association were sent to investigate the large number of deaths."

She pulled away, a little stiff, and faced the Elder. "This is a witness who has been trapped in the Elders Council working for them to protect his only living brother. Elder, this is sufficient evidence of how low and cruel the council have gotten under that creature."

"Hmm." The Elder contemplated Zero.

When Zero stood up from his chair, his body swayed but he straightened automatically. Yuuki's hand drifted on his back and shoulder in a comforting gesture as a gracious smile enveloped her lips. She nodded one last time and he strode back outside, feeling the door and walls blind his vision. He landed against the wall outside, panting and feverish.

Footsteps pounded across the floor, a figure transpired through his vision. He looked up at a pair of similar lavender eyes that turned cold as they reviewed his trembling form.

"You disgust me." Ichiru rasped, "To let that kind of creature control you."

Ω

The Elder and Saiban-ins went into deliberation. For two hours, the city waited anxiously for the decision. From the Royal household to the streets of Vampire City, wide-eyed citizens plowed through their work, mind numbed by the news and head echoing the words of their Joousama whose contempt for Asato Ichijou was beginning to sound reasonable.

When the Elder and Saiban-ins returned to the courtroom, the parties were already in their seats, patient and silent to hear the verdict.

A Saiban-in stood up and bowed before speaking, "Plaintiff has skillfully provided evidence that has beyond doubt put the alleged party into guilt."

The Elder assessed the parties. "The burden to present evidence was fulfilled, and the defendant must now serve punishment according to jurisdiction 974, the killing of innocents, usurping control over Imperial guards, using council's authority to make illegal demands to the Hunters Association, assuming the role of a royal and sending an unauthorized writ, creating spies and threatening clans, manslaughter, bribery, treason—in reference to the records provided by Kuran Yuuki, it says Kuran Kirrin was aware you were collaborating with Lord Shirabuki who had murdered him. Asato Ichijou," The Elder sneered at the vampire, "Have you any last words before I make a settlement?"

"Yes." Asato proudly declared. "It's not over."

The Elder settled back in his chair. "Because we now know that the son of the Kurosu Clan was killed, and his sister had to carry on the curse, it isn't lawful to force a clan into a torturous curse they didn't deserve. I, hereby, declare the sentencing of the Kurosu Curse and Sacrifice to be revoked—for the future generation and also the current live daughter of the clan, Kurosu Yuuki—" The Elder lowered his eyes. "You are not declared a sacrifice. You were forced into the role out of context, treason and the murder of your brother, it doesn't make you a sacrifice."

Yuuki hadn't moved from her seat, head bowed and eyes unblinking in her lap.

"But you'll be known as Kuran Yuuki, your rights and responsibility are still in play at the palace." The Elder's glare governed Asato once more in sheer rancor. "Yes…Asato Ichijou…For all of your crime, you will be held with contempt. You are stripped of your title as the Council Head and will be sent to spend an eternity in prison!"

The mallet thundered on the wood as the Elder came to his feet. The Saiban-ins followed him out. Takuma shackled Yuuki's arms and tugged her slightly out of her chair. She moved languidly, her steps overlapping one another, head bowed. Officers waited at the door for Asato with handcuffs, the same magical bonds that drained a vampire of his powers, the ones Kaname was apprehended in.

Her vision soared over the crowds of citizens cheering and waving the royal flag in her honor.

"Joousama!" They cried, "Our famous Joousama! Justice is her name!"

"Kurosu—Kuran! Kurosu! Kuran!"

She moved lethargically down the stairs and was pushed inside of the car. Takuma glided inside, Aidou opened the other door and threw himself inside before sealing it shut with another order at the chauffeur. Two security vehicles trailed Yuuki's vehicle, through the siege of people and into the streets.

"This'll brew a series of interviews and won't simmer down for months." Aidou said, eyes wavering over the window and never leaving the cheerful faces of the people. His bright profile did everything it could to conceal his inner turmoil.

His counterparts, on the other hand, let their troubles show. Takuma and Yuuki had positioned themselves on opposite window seats, heads averted. Their uncomfortable state of mind sawed Aidou's upbeat mood, who now dourly gaped at his cuffs.

"Stop pretending, Hanabusa." Yuuki whispered. "You want to see Kaname. You're afraid he is about to die. You can't stand what's happening to him."

"Shut up!" He shouted, the blue irises dark and resplendent with pain. "Stop talking!"

She felt she was staring into her own reflection, and a faint smile tickled her lips. "Oh, Hanabusa…" Yuuki touched her forehead. "Go with Ichijou and see him."

"He ordered me to stay with you." Hanabusa growled.

"I want you to go see him, relieve your mind a little." She replied. "Please?"

A fang glinted in the flickering light through the window. Aidou glared outside at the noon sky. "Stop talking like he is dead. He is a pureblood. He can take care of himself."

Yuuki smirked at her hand, "Not when I have his power." Takuma fidgeted on her left. "Thank you, Ichijou…For staying with me in there." She weakly breathed, her gaze morose and ill, "You never hesitated. The final thing you wanted to do, you may do it now. He will be imprisoned forever. Not long from now, the Elder will take and imprison him in Rome. You know what you have to do…" Her warm hand brushed over his wrist.

Takuma was too preoccupied with the window, he hadn't turned to indicate he heard Yuuki or noticed Aidou. He wouldn't be himself, Yuuki knew. She wasn't entirely herself either. The second she left the court room, the world spun. It was a happy moment for her family, however, she couldn't bring herself to shout and sway like the rest of the city celebrating the punishment of Asato, whose crimes were uncovered.

Yuuki merely moved because her Right Hands told her so. She sat down because they said she should. Her hands were shaking and her supple eyes were immersed in tears.

What's wrong with me?

An hour after returning to the palace, Yuuki visited the mausoleum. She dropped in front of the altar where their urns sat. Then let tears chock out of her lips for hours. It was a happy moment. It should be a happy moment. The burden her family carried was gone. The creature that hurt them was being punished.

Then why? Why am I crying?

Yuuki sobbed in her hands before her parent's ashes. I did this for you! I want you to be in peace!

Ω

She was able to recover herself a short while later. Lord Kuran called her to his suite. Yuuki opened the door and closed it soon after. His silhouette shifted from the window once the door clicked in the lock.

"Come in." He welcomed, opening a curtain to shower the seats with color. Yuuki's crimson eyes flinched at the brilliance, but she followed his gesture and sat on the tatami mat.

"You were valiant today." Lord Kuran tipped the kettle and poured tea in her cup.

Yuuki only accepted the drink and sipped it in meek silence.

"There shouldn't be anything strange about calling you here."

She didn't look up or down, too absorbed in her own distance Yuuki set the empty cup on the table.

"Have you sensed the energy brightening in your body?" Lord Kuran murmured.

"Energy…" Yuuki mouthed skeptically, glancing at her arms.

"He did it for a good reason, or he wouldn't." The Lord assuredly whispered. "No one could understand Kaname when he was young. He kept everything to himself, was hard on himself, but to me it seemed he felt insecure, like he couldn't show his true nature."

Yuuki lifted the kettle and poured tea in his cup then her own.

"You're the first woman he responds to in this way. I understand some of his loneliness and confusion. This palace is a maze to everyone. Whichever path we think we gravitate toward, in the end, it's the path we don't want. I heard he was close to your brother."

Her eyes drank the pureblood elder across the table.

"Everyone thought little of him, but my son didn't. Kirrin loved your brother, so did Sora and Kaname. I didn't know why. I couldn't bring myself to understand why. Perhaps the closeness Kaname felt toward your brother as a friend, he found another feeling of familiarity when he met you. Feelings aren't time-sensitive, but they augment if the heart is clear. When Kaname met you, his heart felt lighter and clearer, and he was able to give it to you."

Chirping birds fluttered past the open window.

"Naturally we are cold. Wide-eyed emotions and revelations die quickly and time slows. You lit his heart for the first time, and that fire consumed him." The Lord stared longingly into space. "My second son happily married and had a beautiful son. My first son is what pains me.

"The truth is we can't figure ourselves out like humans can't. Purebloods are meant to be bursting with power, wickedness and hatred for them. I'll tell you a little story. My first son loves humans more than the average vampire. He loves them so utterly that he…also fell in love with a fragile creature." Lord Kuran gazed at the birds chattering on the balcony rail.

"He was enchanted by her. Who would've thought, a soft, fragile little woman could subdue a pureblood? His love was obsessive: follow her everyday, laugh when she laughed, smile when she smiled, but he was too powerful to feel pain like she did. So when he touched her, she trembled. When he put his hand on her arm, she trembled more from pain and fear. When he grabbed her throat, she couldn't scream…tears fell. There are two ways feelings become what they are. They shrink or they grow. He thought hers would grow."

"But it didn't." Yuuki suspected, examining her tea.

Lord Kuran searched her downturned face. "No…it didn't." He whispered. "His love was devastating. She killed herself instead. He called it a disease then… love, trust, surrender…a disease that took control over him and also what made her kill herself. I didn't think her death would hurt. Like how maddening his love was, his ache and torture was equally detrimental in her absence. He lost control." Lord Kuran drank his tea.

"Purebloods live for a long time, it's easier for us to turn mad, lose sense and morality. All in all, everything we thought was true and special at one time means nothing later. Time changes us. Either we become its victims or we become blood-lusted perpetrators. It's one or the other. My son became the latter. He used his powers of persuasion, slept around for years and killed people. I saw he wasn't suitable for the crown, but if he ever had an heir, it would put him on the crown. I arranged for him to marry into a prestigious clan. He complied, and it made me suspicious. Many years later, I learned that an heir was impossible. His wife already found a lover."

"You know…" Yuuki quivered with disbelief, "About oji-san?"

"He lives not far from here. She must've grown tired of his antics that she fell for a human and turned him into a vampire. It's sad…because my son knows that the second she turned her lover into a vampire what anguish would befall the two. He had done the same with his human lover."

"What happens to a human turned vampire?"

"If he drinks the blood of his master, he will be fine for the time being." Lord Kuran answered. "My son's lover didn't drink blood. Didn't want his blood. Didn't want to be a vampire. She killed herself…"

Her tea had grown cold. Yuuki pushed the cup back on the table. "Thank you for the tea, Lord Kuran."

"You…" The Lord speculated their cups on the table. "Need to reach out to him through his conscience. Use your blood bond. His energy coursing through you is linked to Kaname. Reach deep, and you'll see what's there."

"I'll take my leave then." Yuuki bowed her head and stood up. She leaned against the door outside, her hands mechanically clenched around her waist.

Ω

© Nur Misurr

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