Disclaimer: I do not own Owari no Seraph (Seraph of the End). I write this for your enjoyment only. This story is an alternate version of the bus trip scene between chapter 47 and 49 of the manga which has currently not been animated yet. Instead of stopping by someplace for the squad to simply use the restroom, Ferid and Crowley stops by an abandoned hotel so Shinoa's squad can rest for the night. This particular scene takes place after the squad's discussion on whether or not they can trust Ferid and after he reveals to them what really caused the apocalypse that wiped out the majority of the human race eight years prior. This is a continuing sequel to my other fem Yuu and Mika fics 'Only if For a Night' and 'Trust and Betrayal' so I suggest you read those first before reading this one.

Shameless Temptation

Yuichiro Hyakuya looked out the window of the bus and sighed as she watched the sun beginning to set in the horizon. Although Ferid's drug had worked in suppressing her demon and stopped her from going on a deadly rampage, the after-effects made her tired and weak for the last few hours. Mikaela knew this and insisted on taking the seat beside her where he could protect and make her comfortable. For the last few hours, Yuu found herself leaning against her lover's chest, relishing the feeling of his strong arms around her, making her feel safe because she knew he would die himself before he let anyone harm her.

Not like Yuu or the rest of the squad are in any immediate danger from their 'hosts', Ferid Bathory and Crowely Eusford. If the two progenitors who discovered their whereabouts for the past four months at the seaside village had truly wanted to kill them, they would all likely be dead now except for Yuu and Mika whom they seemed to need. Even so, Mikeala still had no reason to trust his vampire brethren, especially Ferid; the only reason he agreed to follow the bastard was because of the drug Ferid possessed to suppress Yuichiro's demon. The blond understood the situation all too well; his ex-benefactor was holding Yuu's humanity hostage to get both of them back because they possessed the seraph gene even though Mika himself had yet to manifest any powers remotely like his adoptive sister's.

Mikaela was shaken out of his thoughts when he heard a stomach growl. Knowing that it wasn't his own, the blond smiled and asked, "Are you hungry, Yuu-chan?"

The ravenette blushed, embarrassed at her body's display of her need for food. And drink. It was almost evening and Yuu just remembered that she had nothing to eat since her breakfast of Kimizuki's eggs, bacon, and French toast this morning.

"A little" she confessed. "I think the others may be too since we didn't have lunch today."

"I understand", Mika said gently before he called out to the seventh progenitor. "Hey, Ferid, Yuu-chan and the rest of her squad are hungry. And tired. Is it possible for us to stop someplace to get food and rest? In case you forgot, humans do need to eat food to survive."

Ferid smiled as he rested his chin in hand and pretended to be in deep thought. He knew that Mika and Shinoa's squad would ask sooner or later and that it could be another day or two before they finally reached their destination.

"Of course, Mika dear!" he answered cheerfully. "I think I know just the place!"

After giving his approval, Ferid turned and went to the front of the bus to speak to Crowley who was driving. Although they could not hear what the two progenitors were saying, the squad assumed that the two had come to an agreement as to where everyone can stay for at least the night. The place Ferid chose was a modest roadside inn that had not been in use since the apocalypse of eight years ago.

Fortunately for the squad, Kimizuki and Yoichi were able to turn on the electricity and water (with Crowley's help) and Shinoa and Mitsuba were able to find clean bed sheets and towels tucked away in the inn's storage for the ones that were on the beds and towel racks gathered dust over the last eight years since there had been no staff to clean and maintain the place. And as much as Mika despised his ex-benefactor, he had to admit that Ferid was good at planning ahead for he brought some canned foods with him before picking the squad up since he knew their trip could last a few days and any place they stopped by to rest was unlikely to have anything safe to eat such as the inn they were staying at now; all the boxed and canned foods in the kitchen storage have long since gone bad.

As the squad sat around the inn's main lobby eating the food Ferid had provided for them while he and Crowley were out making a brief patrol of the inn grounds to make sure they weren't being followed or watched by anyone from the human or vampire armies, everyone noticed that Yuichiro herself was eating voraciously as if she hadn't eaten in a week. When the ravenette finally gagged on a piece of meat from the canned soup she was eating, Shinoa, who was sitting right next to her, started pounding Yuu in the back with her fist until she coughed up the chunk lodged in her throat.

"Take it easy, Yuu! There's plenty of food to go around!" she said.

After she had coughed a few more times, Yuu placed a hand on her chest before thanking her squad leader.

"Thanks, Shinoa; I needed that."

Although she couldn't stand the Hiragi girl when they had first met, Yuu now felt grateful to have Shinoa by her side, especially when she made stupid mistakes like trying to eat too much too fast. Mika could not help but find the scene between the two girls cute. Like Yuu herself, he also disliked Shinoa at first, but now felt like he could trust her to look for his love's best interests. After all, Shinoa did defy her eldest brother and next head of the Hiragi family, Kureto, to protect Yuichiro as well as the rest of her squad and Mikaela himself. She even came up with the idea of her squad pitching in their blood to sustain him out of concern that it wouldn't be good for Yuu's health if she kept losing her blood on a regular basis.

"Does becoming a demon really make you so hungry, Yuu?" Kimizuki asked curiously.

The ravenette was silent a moment as she thought her friend's question over. "I'm not sure; it does take a lot of energy out of me. But it may also be because I haven't eaten since this morning that I'm so hungry."

"Yuu, none of us have eaten since this morning and we're still not wolfing our food down like you" Mitsuba chided gently.

The Sangu girl's insensitive comment earned her a glare from her squad leader. Even if Mitsuba didn't mean anything bad by it, Shinoa did not want to risk Yuu becoming a demon again even though it was unlikely that such a mundane insult would make her angry enough to transform.

Ever the peace-maker, Yoichi intervened before Shinoa could retort to Mitsuba's comment.

"Now, now, it's not Yuu's fault. She used to live Sanguinem where food was scarce so it's understandable if she's used to eating like she may not have enough tomorrow. Right, Mika?"

As Yoichi turned to Mika, he gave the blond a look as if asking him to confirm what he just said to prevent an argument between Shinoa and Mitsuba since he knew Mika and Yuu used to live in the cold underground vampire city together.

Mikaela nodded. "Yes. When were livestock, the vampires only gave us enough food and medicine to survive, just the bare necessities. But it wasn't always enough. Yuu-chan often got sick from her unwillingness to drink the nutrient-replenishing pack since she thought it tasted so awful. I often had to go out and get food for her and the rest of the Hyakuya orphans. But even so, she still chose not to eat too much just so that the other kids could have more food. As did I. I'm sure if any of our other brothers or sisters survived, they would be eating just the same as Yuu-chan."

"That's understandable." Narumi agreed. "Anyway, I'm concerned about following those two vamps. Do any of you seriously think we can trust them?"

Everyone was silent for a moment, even Yuichiro. Nobody really wanted to answer that so Mika, having served under Ferid and fought alongside Crowley for four years, felt obligated to.

"Crowley said he has no goal. Only Ferid does. And since we don't know what he's really after, we can't trust him. Crowley only follows Ferid's orders meaning he can either help us or betray us depending on what Ferid decides. He doesn't care either way" the blond answered grimly.

"I knew it was a mistake to agree to follow them from the start" Narumi said, clenching his fists. "Since you all agree the vamps are untrustworthy, maybe we should take advantage of their absence and escape while we can."

"Escape to where?" Mitsuba asked. "We're out in the middle of nowhere and the only method of transportation we have is the bus we came here on and I doubt we can just take it from under their noses."

"Don't forget, the JIDA are still after us. It wouldn't surprise me if they're still sending their soldiers out to hunt us or at least Yuichiro. If there's one thing I've learned about the Hiragis is that they're a power-hungry bunch and won't be satisfied with just my sister alone" Kimizuki said bitterly before turning to his squad leader. "No offense, Shinoa" he apologized in case his words offended her.

The Hiragi girl smiled. "None taken, Kimizuki; I actually agree with all of you. I may not know Ferid as well as Mika, but I believe anyone with eyes in their head can tell he's not to be trusted just by looking at him. The problem is, Guren, my sister, the Hiragis, and the rest of the JIDA are just as untrustworthy. The only exception would be Shinya but I have not heard from him since we left Nagoya so I don't know what his situation is now, assuming he's still alive. If he is, he's likely imprisoned so there's really nothing he can do to help us."

"We also need Ferid's drug to help Yuu. That is why we agreed to come with him in the first place, remember? He may be untrustworthy as you all say, but fortunately, he's the only one who can help her now." Yoichi reminded them.

Everyone was silent. As much as they all hated to admit it, they knew Yoichi was right. The olive-eyed boy may be shy at times, but he was certainly wise. As the squad continued eating their dinner, Yoichi turned to Yuichiro. Since this concerned the young ravenette more than any of them, he wanted to know what she thought.

"I notice you've been very quiet this whole time, Yuichiro. That isn't like you at all. What do you think of all this?"

Yuu was startled at her friend's sudden question. "I'm not sure what you mean! I guess I didn't know what to say because I'm still in shock."

"Over what Ferid told you about Guren?" Mika asked. "Well, it wouldn't surprise me; it's not every day you find out the person who raised you is responsible for over six billion deaths."

Yuu nodded sadly. "But how can we be certain Ferid is telling the truth since he's as untrustworthy as you say, Mika?"

The blond sighed. "Yes, I know Ferid is untrustworthy. But even he can be truthful whenever it suits or benefits him. There is nothing more unnatural, more wrong, than bringing the dead back to life. In every culture around the world all throughout time, revival of the dead is the ultimate taboo."

Kimizuki scratched his head. "So let me get this straight: some dead humans are revived which incurs punishment from heaven and the angel of destruction appears and destroys the world. Is that it? My sister grew wings like an angel but it looked like she was bound with chains. Not to mention the monsters that appeared."

"I wonder if that's what the Seraph of the End is..." Yuu pondered. "Could it be about humans forcefully trying to control the angels God sent to punish humanity for our insolence?"

Shinoa shook her head. "Could be. There's no way to be sure, of course. As squad leader, I feel it's in our best interest to follow Ferid and Crowley-at least for now. Not only does he have Yuu's medicine, there we may also be able to get some useful information out of him."

"You may be right" Mika agreed, "But do not doubt that he will betray us once we're no longer of any use to him; we have to be ready for that when it comes."

"I believe it" Narumi said. "That's why we should betray him first; come up with a plan and formation to kill him."

"I agree but I would not advise that. Not with our current strength" Mika warned.

To everyone's surprise, Yuu spoke up. "I think I can do it if I let my demon take over. He says we only need three seconds..."

"Don't even think about it, Yuichiro" Shinoa warned. "Your demon is even more unreliable."

The ravenette frowned. Her squad leader only used that tone with her when she was dead serious about something. And despite her playful demeanor and the fact that she was nice enough to humor Yuu sometimes, this was the one thing Shinoa will not budge with her on.

Glancing at the clock on the wall, the Hiragi girl saw that it was almost nine 'o clock. "Look, everyone, its getting late. We're not going to be able to do anything tonight so its best that we just turn in. We can come up with a plan to deal with Ferid later."

As much as Yuichiro wanted to argue, she knew Shinoa was right. Although Yuu had slept for most of the bus trip here, she still felt tired from the after affects of Ferid's drug so she thought it may be best to turn in and hope the medicine will wear off by morning.

"You're right" the ravenette said. "I still feel a bit tired. And I need a hot shower too. Mika, could you stay nearby in case my demon shows any sign of awakening?"

"Of course, Yuu-chan" Mika answered gently.

Even if she didn't ask, he would have volunteered anyway. The way she is now, Yuichiro cannot be left alone, especially with Ferid nearby. Standing up from his seat on the sofa, Mika offered Yuu his hand which she accepted. After they had stood up, the blond announced to their squad that they will be heading to their room. "We'll be going now. Please have a good night, everyone."

The squad tried to hide their smiles but were unsuccessful, making the couple feel a little embarrassed. But in the end, all they said was "Goodnight."

SSSSSS

"Mika, aren't you tired?" Yuu asked innocently as she looked over to the window where her lover stood, looking outside as if watching for something.

Out of his vampire guard uniform and clad in more casual pants and a button-up shirt, Mika looked almost like any ordinary human. With his pointed ears and fangs hidden, the blond's ruby-red eyes were the only visible clue of his vampirism. And as much as she hated vampires, the ravenette had to admit she liked the way Mika looked in their uniforms but it was still refreshing to see him clad in normal clothing whenever possible.

The blond smiled as he tore his gaze from the window and looked back at his lover who was now lying in bed, also out of uniform and clad in a white nightgown. Yuichiro's sword was placed on the dresser but Mikaela still kept his nearby; he had always felt much more secure having his sword within reach. Normally, his lover did too but since Mika was here, she could relax her guard at least somewhat. "I'm ok" he answered. As a vampire, I don't need as much sleep as you."

"I know but I'd sleep better if you were next to me..." Yuu said as she made an adorable pout, knowing her lover won't be able to resist.

Mika smiled as he went over and kissed her on the lips. "I will" he promised. "I just want to make sure this place is secure for us, is all."

The ravenette smiled and closed her eyes. It looked like Ferid's medicine had not worn off yet and she was still tired so Yuu fell asleep quickly after she had heard Mika's promise. And from the look of it, the drug made her sleep soundly too which is all the more reason the blond needed to stay nearby to protect her. Since the inn was abandoned, the squad was free to choose any room they wished to use for the night which was, of course, the largest finest ones available. The room Yuu and Mika shared was spacious and had a king-sized bed as well as a bathroom with usable toiletries which they used to their advantage to shower off the grime from their journey. The blond could not help smiling as he gazed on the lovely face of his beloved.

Born Yuichiro Amane to a young Japanese couple barely out of high school, she had been cross-named at birth because her parents had wished for a son and raised her as such for the first eight years of her life. As a result, Yuu had gotten so used to living as a boy that she continued to keep up the charade even after her parents passed away. It wasn't until Yuu was examined by a vampire doctor after the Hyakuya children were taken to Sanguinem that Mika discovered that his handsome orphanage brother was really a beautiful sister. Seeing her sleep so peacefully, one could easily mistake Yuichiro for a sleeping angel.

As his gaze wandered down from her face to her neck, Mika frowned when he saw the light scar on Yuu's throat, caused by the sword of the very man who raised her when he attempted to kidnap her at Nagoya. Had Mika not been there, Guren might have gotten away with Yuu as his hostage and prisoner. Even if the man was possessed by his demon like Shinoa claimed, Mika still felt that what he did to Yuu was inexcusable and would have loved nothing more than to run Guren Ichinose through with his sword and kill him.

But if he did that, his sister would have been devastated for despite everything that had happened between them, she still cared for her guardian and Mika could not blame her; he felt the same way about his vampire mother, Krul Tepes. Like Guren, Krul had saved him for her own purposes, making him a vampire against his will so that he would be useful to her. And that really wasn't any different from Guren saving Yuichiro and secretly experimenting on her for four years to force her hidden seraph powers to the surface. But at least Krul had been honest with him about her intentions from the start. Guren, on the other hand, had been nothing but deceptive since the day he took her under his wing.

But as much as he despised the man, Mika knew there was no point in having such thoughts and was about to turn in himself when he heard a soft knock at the door. Knowing that the rest of Shinoa's Squad must be asleep by now, the blond made sure his sword was in hand before he looked out the peephole of the door and saw the last person he wanted to see and was tempted to ignore him until he went away but Ferid knew Mika too well. Knew that he would still be up, even if only to watch over his raven-haired lover and that Mika couldn't afford to displease him if he wanted the drug Yuu needed to keep her demon under control.

Mika opened the door slightly. "Yes? What is it you want, Ferid? Yuu-chan is sleeping now so whatever it is, can it wait till morning?"

The seventh progenitor feigned hurt even though he was used to Mika's rudeness. "Why, Mika dear! I'm hurt you would say such a thing! I've only come to bring you a gift and maybe check up on you and your princess as well. It won't take long, what do you say?"

Mika scowled but he knew Ferid wouldn't leave until he granted his 'request' so he stepped aside and allowed the noble in. After closing the door, the blond said, "Please make this quick, if you don't mind."

Though he was genuinely curious to see what his ex-benefactor had brought him, Mika still didn't want him staying too long, especially with Yuu asleep and vulnerable on the bed.

As if reading his mind, Ferid smiled. "Relax, Mika dear. If I had wanted to kill you and your precious Yuu-chan, you'd both be dead by now. Anyway, I wanted to give you this..."

The blond watched curiously as his ex-benefactor reached into his pocket and offered him a vial of blood, confusing him.

"Whose blood is that? Yours? Well, thank you but I don't really need it."

"I can see that", Ferid said cheerfully. "Your new eyes look very pretty. Whose blood made it finally happen?"

"Never mind that..."

"Ah, I see. Anyway, to answer your question, no this is not my blood. But I'm sure you would be able to recognize it. Go ahead."

Although he wanted to refuse, Mikaela was genuinely curious so he took the vial from Ferid and pried open the lid. He recognized the scent right away.

"Queen Krul..." he said quietly before snapping the lid shut and putting the vial in his shirt pocket. As soon as he smelled the blood of his dame, the blond understood right away what Ferid was trying to tell him.

As if reading Mika's mind, the noble smiled. "That's right. Your 'mother' still lives. And this is proof. I'm sure you can tell the blood is fresh and has only been drawn recently."

"What have you done with Krul? Where is she?" Mika demanded.

"You will find out. In due time. Right now, aren't you happy to know she's still alive?"

"How were you able to get this? I doubt she just sat there pliantly and allowed you to take her blood."

"Actually, our lovely queen did. Because she wanted you to have it, even if it's useless to you now that you have your precious Yuu-chan. So tell me, was it her blood that changed you for good? Did you make love to her?"

Mika felt his cheeks burn at the intrusive question and wanted to strike Ferid but he knew it would accomplish nothing so he resisted the temptation. Clenching his teeth and fists, he snarled "I really don't think that's any of your business!"

Even though the seventh progenitor did not say so outright, it didn't take Mika long to realize that Ferid was holding Queen Krul as well as Yuichiro's humanity hostage to force them to follow him. His vampire mother just happened to be additional insurance just in case Mika and the rest of Shinoa's squad considered backing out and trying to find another way to suppress Yuichiro's demon.

"Oh, forgive me, I didn't realize that was such a sensitive topic for you!" the noble apologized mockingly. When Ferid moved past him and approached Yuu's bed, Mika was startled and quickly grabbed him by the wrist.

"Where do you think you're going?" he demanded.

"I just wanted to check up your princess to see how she's doing. After that, I'll leave, I promise." The noble answered innocently.

Although Mika did not want Ferid anywhere near his love, he had to agree if it will get the bastard to leave sooner. After silently reminding himself that it would not be in Ferid's best interest to harm Yuu, Mika released his hand but made sure to follow the noble until they both stood by the ravenette's bedside, looking down at her sleeping face.

"What a lovely girl she is..." the seventh progenitor exclaimed. "I can see why you're so enamored with her. But I must warn you, Mika, my drug can only work for so long. And even if she could live normally as a human with you, how long do you think your happiness will last?"

Mika was silent as softly bit his lip and lowered his eyes. He knew what Ferid was getting at. Krul herself had asked him the same thing before he left Sanguinem to find Yuu.

Knowing exactly what the blond was thinking, the noble smiled as he leaned towards Mika slightly, whispering into this ear.

"It doesn't have to be that way, Mika, dear. All you have to do is ask and I can give her to you! Think about it, just one drop of my blood and your angel can be young and beautiful always... as she is now."

Mika shook his head. "Don't even think about it, Ferid..." he growled.

The noble laughed softly, keeping his voice down to avoid waking the sleeping girl before them. "But I'm sure you have. And she as well. Have you ever attempted to turn a human before, Mika? It's not as easy as it looks. Timing and precision are everything. Otherwise..."

Although Ferid did not elaborate further, Mikaela knew exactly what he meant. They both knew he had no experience turning a human and the slightest mishap on his part could easily result in Yuichiro's death. Even the oldest, most powerful, and experienced progenitors have failed to turn humans from time to time but his ex-benefactor had a much greater chance of success than Mika himself did. But even so, the blond refused to accept because he knew better than anyone that Ferid's gifts always came with a price and he did not even want to think about what his ex-benefactor will expect in return for his offer.

"No. She would not want that. And neither do I" Mika answered.

Ferid shrugged his shoulders. "Suit yourself. Anyway, as I promise, I'll be leaving now. Have a good night, Mika, dear. Remember, if you ever change your mind, you know where to find me", the noble said in a happy sing-song tone as he turned and finally left the room, closing the door behind him.

Mika didn't think he could leave soon enough and as soon as Ferid closed the door, the blond quickly went over and locked it. The seventh progenitor was truly shameless. Even now, he still tried to bribe Mikaela after everything that had happened between them. They may need Ferid's drug and his help to find Queen Krul but Mika was determined never to accept anything from his ex-benefactor again and wanted their 'alliance' to be over as soon as possible. Even though he still did not trust Shinoa's squad completely, he was still willing to work with them if their help could finally free him and Yuichiro from Ferid for good.

And more than anything, Mikaela Hyakuya looked forward to that day.

A/N: Ok, I've decided to end it here. Ferid is a shameless bastard so I can see him doing something like this, even in the canon story. He's one of my favorite anime villans ever; OnS just wouldn't be as good without him! ;)