A/N: Sorry for the super late update! I know it's been almost 2 years since i've continued this story. I was a bit lost on how to end this plot, so i apologize. anywhoo... the chapter you've all been waiting for. :3 And I'll take this opportunity to advertise my new story entitled Waiting Outside the Lines... A Senri x Rima Ficcie. please do read if you have time. DOMO! :D

Thank you my dear readers for giving me inspiration to continue, and dear reviewers XxNightShroudxX, Ari1027Nicole, GirlWhoLovesVampires16, SnowCharms, mulayhna, RimaLovesShiki,DaughterofPersephone, xCiciNx, kyoko sato, Lily Noir, RandomocityUnknown, yumealways, xUnKnownx, bloodyaztec, AuburnLove, Frost Merry Darkness Luver, niq31, Anlia, LalalalalLando, TifAlison33, maire 53, kuranlover7891, boss-master, gara, animelover and many others for pushing me to continue always. Many thanks! :))

I hope you enjoy this chapter.

DISCLAIMER: Few italicized lines are taken from the song Future by Roomie's Mify. an OST from Extravagant Challenger. Please do watch it if you have time.


Trial 26: Nightmare's conclusions

The beginning of the end,
the end of beginning.


When the moonlight cloaks betrayal,
do you or do you not feel the darkness?

When destiny is outside your door beckoning,
can you secretly trifle with it?

"What took you so long Daichi-san?" The low but commanding voice of Asato Ichijou welcomed.

"We had some mishap along the way." Daichi bowed his head in response.

"And the princess?"

"Don't worry. She's here." The young noble signaled his soldiers and showed the pureblood. "She's currently asleep."

Asato grinned. "As planned."

"As planned?" Daichi's eyebrow rose with confusion. "Isn't she supposed to be a sacrifice?"

Asato nodded in response and tapped the young vampire's shoulder. "Do not fear. Everything is going according to plan."

Doubt still lingered in his heart but he whisked it away. "Of course." Then he looked around in search of a certain female. "Where is Sara-sama?"

Asato grinned wider at the mention of the female pureblood. "Doing her end of the bargain." He raised a hand and ordered a servant to fetch Yuuki. "Don't worry. She'll be coming here with our guest any moment."

The noble vampire walked across the room and took a cup of wine. "As for now, we must prepare ourselves. Dawn is almost near."

Daichi nodded. He couldn't help but feel nostalgic at the thought.

"Nervous?" Asato taunted with a grin.

He looked away and sighed. "No, just agitated."

'Yes, just as planned.' He smiled wickedly as he eyed on Daichi.


"Where are we going now, Kaname-sama?" Ruka asked the pureblood as the car's engine started.

Kaname asked the same question himself.

'Where could Yuuki be?' He mentally sighed and closed his eyes. 'Yuuki… Yuuki.'

He felt completely useless at this moment.

He wanted to laugh at his weakness. He should have never let her go.

Just like how he should have never left his sister alone.

He mentally scolded himself. He should not compare the past with the present.

He would save his wife. He would not let anything bad happen to her.

He vowed those promises to her.

He would not let her down.

"Kaname-sama?" Seiren called his attention.

"Any news?" He didn't open his eyes and focused on calming down. He needed to be strong. Any sign of weakness was futile in times like this.

"Asato Ichijou is currently residing in one of his mansions in the outskirt of town. There had been no significant movements around the vicinity. Although…"

He peered and looked at Seiren. "Although?"

"The servants are preparing for a party."

"For the engagement?" Aidou inquired.

"It's already been cancelled Hanabusa." Kain answered his cousin as he drove the vehicle through the dark streets.

Kaname looked outside the window and took a deep breath.

"Where is this mansion?"

"Kaname-sama?" Ruka confusingly looked at the pureblood.

"Hai, I will guide the way." Seiren told Kain the directions and then eyed at the pureblood. "I'll investigate what the party is about Kaname-sama."

The pureblood nodded and closed his eyes.

"Kaname-sama, don't you think this is a trap?" Ruka's brows met at the sudden change of plans. "I think it would be better if we investigate first."

"It'll be alright Ruka." Kaname placated the female and smiled wryly. "I believe he expects me to be there."

"But Kaname-sama…"

"It'll be alright. I'm sure I have enough pawns in my hands."

"Yes. Kaname-sama. As you wish."


+Yuuki's PoV+

Kaname-oniisama run.

Don't come here.

Run!

I quickly sat up and opened my eyes.

I tried to catch up with my breath and calm myself down.

It seemed so real. What a nightmare.

I wiped the cold sweat off my forehead.

I shook my head and held my knees closer to my body.

Kaname-oniisama… please be safe.

"Awake I see."

Without glancing, I knew whom the voice belonged to.

"Stand up. Ichijou-sama is waiting for your presence." Daichi ordered.

I glared at him. But he just ignored my silent protests.

"Even if you kill me, you cannot escape." He walked closer and pulled the chains on my hands. "So, would it suit your taste if I simply drag you against your will or follow my instructions?" He threatened.

I gritted my teeth and stood up.

"Good. You are learning." He mocked.

I prayed that my dreams of Kaname would not come true.

Koyuki, Kaname-oniisama. Please give me strength.

I silently hoped as I clenched my hands and held my head high as I walked through the long corridors.

Whatever the circumstances may bring. I will be strong.

I won't allow anyone to sacrifice themselves for my sake anymore.

That's why Kaname-oniisama, please escape from the threads of destiny that binds us.


Daiichi's mansion…

"Where is your master?" Sara sternly interrogated the servant. It had been an hour since she came in the mansion.

Thus, so far, there had been no sign of Daiichi's shadow lurking. She couldn't feel his presence inside the castle either.

Despite her fury, she calmly looked at the servant. "Well?"

The servant swallowed hard and bowed his head. "I apologize Sara-sama for the long wait. There are still no orders coming from Daiichi-sama nor Ichijou-sama."

She bit her lower lip and raised a brow. "Are you implying that I am to stay here until further instructions are given?"

"T-that is… I-I am not in the right place to answer such question, Sara-sama." The servant stuttered.

"Just answer my question then, where did they go?" She slowly sat up from her seat. "If you cannot answer that, then, I must be on my way."

But before she could fully stood up, the servant had blocked her way. She heard a click initiating that the door had been locked.

"What are you trying to do?" She inquired angrily.

"Daiichi-sama has ordered me to do any means to delay you."

"That bastard." She glared at the vampire. "Get out." She used her powers to control the man but then they were useless. "What is the meaning of this? You are not a vampire—"

The servant smiled. "Yes, I'm not." He took off his disguise and looked at her. "It's a pleasure to meet you Sara Shirabuki."

She smiled bitterly at the introduction.

"Sadly, I have been paid by Daiichi-sama to assassinate you." The man took out his gun and aimed straight at her.

Sara quickly moved away as he pulled the trigger. A cross was formed as the bullet hit the chair she was sitting on.

'A vampire hunter's gun. Damn it.' She silently cursed as she dodged his attacks.

But then, she miscalculated her steps and fell on the carpet floor. She glared at the human and wince in fear.

This is not how she intended to die. Not yet. Not in this way.

"Hah! No where to run, pureblood." He smirked and aimed at her. "Say goodbye bloodsucker." He yelled.

Before he could even pull the trigger, the door shattered.

"What the hell—"

Then before he could even react, his gun was kicked off his hand.

"You bastard!" The man cursed and took his sword out.

Two swords clashed with one another.

"Not bad. But I win." The assassin prudently shouted and attacked head on.

The newcomer defended with his sword before pushing the assassin's sword. Then when the assassin was aught off guard, he kicked the man's side and did a 180 degree turn, slashing the sword in his hand to the assassin's chest.

"No..." The assassin whispered before falling down on his knees.

Silence enveloped the two vampire for a while.

Sara looked at her savior and frowned. He was the last person she'd expect to save her.

He smiled gently at her and extended his hand. "Are you alright, Sara-sama?"

She slapped his hand away. "Just what are you trying to prove? Ichijou-san?"

Takuma sadly looked at the pureblood. "You're welcome."

She quickly stood up and fixed her dress. "You didn't have to barge in like that. I could have saved myself."

He snorted. "Yes. Falling down and glaring are very effective against assassins."

"Don't mock me."

"I apologize."

"You shouldn't." She angrily gazed at him. "After all I have done to you and that girl."

He gently stared at Sara. "It's not your fault. You were just used by my grand—him." He looked away and sheathed his sword. "We should get going. Yuuki is in danger."

"We?" Sara spoke coldly and chuckled. "You are mistaken, Ichijou-kun. Even if your grandfather and Daiichi have betrayed me, I am not going to save that girl."

Takuma turned around. "I'm not obliging you to. Although, it would be unsafe for you to be alone, there will be more assassins on the way. You should run now." He suggested and walked away.

Sara looked at the young noble and crossed her arms prudently. She hesitated for a while and sighed. She picked up the ends of her dress and followed his trail.


When the moonlight cloaks betrayal
do you or do you not feel the darkness?

"Welcome Yuuki-sama." Asato's cold voice sent shivers to Yuuki's body.

She glared at him knowingly.

"I'm sorry if we haven't treated you very kindly these past few hours. But you see, we are running late to our schedule. In a few minutes, it'll be dawn. You do know what it means don't you?"

She bit her lower lip to stop herself from trembling in fear. She looked at straight to the eye and bravely took a step forward.

"You won't get away with this."

Asato grinned at her courage. "We'll see that… but for now." He ordered his men to fetch her. "Please come a bit closer. I want you to see what we've prepared for you."

Yuuki involuntary climbed the stairs and walked closer to Ichijou. There she noticed a large black box—no, coffin. It was an antique coffin in the middle.

She looked at him in bewilderment.

"I suppose you know what this is?" He asked her in amusement.

"A coffin." She answered in a matter-of-fact tone.

"Yes. A coffin. But do you know whose casket it is?"

She shook her head.


"Stop right there you blood suckers."

A loud stern voice stopped Takuma and Sara in their tracks as they eyed on the silver haired male standing in front of them with a gun.

"Zero Kiryu." Takuma greeted. "Yuuki is not here, if you're wondering."

"Where is she?"

"I don't know. But-"

"That girl behind you, she's an accomplice isn't she?" Amethyst eyes scrutinized Sara.

The female pureblood frowned.

"Where did your comrades drag Yuuki?" Zero inquired.

"How rude." Sara softly said and hid behind Takuma.

"Answer me you bloodsucker." Zero gritted his teeth with frustration.

Sara smirked. "That girl... she's probably facing her end."

"What?" Takuma stared at Sara with bewilderment.

Zero walked towards the two vampires and pointed his gun at Sara. "Where is she?" He snapped angrily.

"If I tell you their whereabouts, will you grant me something in return -E-vampire?"

Sara smiled wickedly as Zero put his gun down to his side.


"This belonged to the most powerful vampire the world has known." He proudly told her. "The first pureblood vampire. The ancestral blood of the Kuran."

She looked at him in confusion.

"Yes. This is the coffin of your ancestor. Two decades ago, your uncle—Rido Kuran—tried to awaken this man using your brother's flesh and blood. But failed."

She felt her stomach churn at the thought of her dead brother's body.

"Your brother's life was replaced by another vampire—a vampire whom we cannot distinguish. Perhaps, it had been a trap set by the owner of this coffin. That whoever disturbs his sleep will fail."

He surveyed her. "We had tried again using another pureblood but sadly, the end is the same. It's either the pureblood sacrifice dies or become unconscious—a living corpse."

"So what's the use if it's the same result?" She taunted him.

He chuckled. "Yes. But you see, you are a Kuran, a direct bloodline of the ancestral vampire. You have a great advantage amongst other purebloods."

"And I should be proud of that?" She mocked.

He nodded. "Of course, and unlike the past… we have deciphered the last words of the ancestral vampire and found the right method to awaken him. Science and technology definitely plays a big part in this generation."

She tried not to roll her eyes at his statement. She wanted to get over it as soon as possible but he was taking his time. She knew that he way simply buying time. It was only a few minutes before the sun rises up.

"And now… the time has come for you, young Kuran. To fulfill your prophecy, the purest blood of his kin shall awaken him from his sleep. Only then, shall the reign of vampire will be at the pinnacle."

She glared at him as he took her hand.

"Now, Daiichi… the dagger." He ordered. "This is the same dagger he used to kill the first woman who became the forebear of the vampire hunters."

Daiichi took out the dagger from its gold sheath. He went closer to her and placed the dagger at her right wrist.

"Perhaps, this is not the right time. But I want you to know that Koyuki always wished for your happiness." She whispered softly to Daiichi and sadly smiled.

"Koyuki is my happiness." He simply replied and wound her.

She bit her lower lip as red liquid gushed out her skin.

Daiichi led her closer to the coffin and poured her blood onto it. "In exchange for my sister's life is your death."

Then, the coffin started to open. She could see bottomless darkness inside it.

She swallowed hard and felt her heart tighten as the coffin opened wider.

"In your vein flows the blood of your parents, your uncle, and your brother." Asato spoke with enthusiasm. "Together, it makes the purest blood of the Kuran." He laughed maniacally.

Pain surged deeper within the wound. Her blood continued to flow like a faucet. She closed her eyes. Fear crept slowly in her heart.

Her heartbeat hammered against her chest loudly before coming to a halt.

Her senses became numb and her vision blurred.

'Am I losing too much blood? What's happening?' She asked herself as she lost her vision of Daiichi and everything around her.

The coffin had disappeared along with Ichijou and Daiichi. There was only darkness.

'The pain is disappearing as well.' She mentally thought. 'No, what's happening?'

Panic stroke within her as her senses faded.

"This is the beginning of end, the end of beginning." She heard Ichijou's voice from far away.

"No!" She wanted to scream but her voice disappeared as well. She could only make a silent protest as the darkness slowly engulfed her body.

'Kaname! Kaname!' She screamed as loud as she could. But they were futile; she was already lost in the darkness.


When destiny is outside your door beckoning,
can you secretly trifle with it?

Kaname suddenly felt his body became cold.

Then, he heard a scream coming from inside the mansion.

"Yuuki!" He shouted and quickly entered the mansion without hesitation.

"Kaname-sama! Please wait." Ruka tried to stop the pureblood but failed.

Kain and Aidou swiftly followed the pureblood and hoped everything would be fine.

Dawn had arrived.

Kaname hoped that this would be the end of their long nightmare.


A/N: Sorry for the short chapter minna. :) but I've decided to end this chappie with with a cliffe. hehhe.. I'll update the next chapter next week. okay? :) it'll be a lot longer. heheheh... anywhoo...

ja mata nee. XDDD