Of Angels and Vampires

Chapter 12

The Blessing
and
The Apology

By Fallon

Yukinari's Palace
- Yukinari's Chambers -

Suzumi led Hanako back to the palace. She led her upstairs to Yukinari's chambers where she lay down on his bed. She looked at Suzumi as Leiko appeared by her side.

"Leiko, I'm glad you're here," she said, smiling.

"Yes, I stayed behind while Yukinari and the others went to Mount Olympus."

"You need your rest. I bet you are exhausted from being put under control," Suzumi said.

Hanako nodded. "Yes, but please don't be too far—I'm afraid Lucifer will come after me."

"Don't worry. We're here to protect you," Suzumi replied.

Tsukasa entered the room. He looked at Suzumi. "Before she goes to sleep, may I speak with Hanako?"

Suzumi looked at Hanako, who gave Tsukasa a strange look.

"Well, keep it short because you need your rest," Leiko said as she and Suzumi left the room.

Tsukasa sat on the bed near Hanako, looking at her. "You probably don't remember me, but you and I were friends once."

"We were?"

"Yes," he said, taking her hands in his. "Look, I know Yukinari loves you, but...I also love you."

Hanako looked surprised. "But I barely know you. How could you love me?"

"I've always loved you, but was too scared to show you," Tsukasa replied.

"Scared of what?"

"Of losing you to the Darkness. Now my worst nightmare has come true…I knew it was a terrible mistake."

"Tsukasa, there is nothing you can do that will change my mind about Yukinari. He's changed. He's joined forces with Gaia so we all can finally live in peace."

"Well, I can't say that it's the same for the Western Vampires."

"Suzumi is hoping to join forces with them also."

"Why? So Gaia can be overthrown?"

"No, so we as supernatural beings can live in peace."

"It's not going to work. You wait and see-someone will contest it."

Hanako sighed. "I will make sure they won't. I will bring peace between Angels and all Vampires."

"You don't understand, Hanako! Yukinari will kill you. And I won't be here to protect you."

"I don't need protecting, Tsukasa. Yukinari loves me. He wouldn't hurt me."

"You need your rest. I'm leaving." Tsukasa turned and slid the door shut.

The Gates of Hell

Athena, Apollo and Yukinari walked past the gates of Hell. Athena had her bow, while Apollo and Yukinari had their swords drawn. They walked past the demon who was fingering through the pages of a large book. He looked at them as they passed by.

They reached the ninth circle of Hell, where Lucifer sat in the center of the arena.

I've been waiting for you, Yukinari.

"Give me Hanako's soul," he said firmly.

Lucifer laughed.

She belongs to me! You can't have her back.

"Release my daughter or face dire consequences, Devil!" Athena spat.

Lucifer rose from his throne, his inferno sword appearing at his left hand.

Very well, you leave me no choice.

He leaped and clashed his sword with Yukinari's. Apollo put his hand in front of his face, then extended his arm. Light shot out of his hand, cutting off Lucifer's right claw. He looked at Apollo as black smoke appeared around his arm, his right hand appearing once more.

Athena withdrew an arrow from her quiver, pulling her bow and arrow back. She released it and it pierced Lucifer's shoulder. She pulled out another one and shot it through his left side.

Yukinari ran to the pool of souls floating in midair. He saw Hanako's soul floating above him and jumped to grab her. Her soul felt lifeless and light. He carried her soul in one arm and held his sword in his hand.

Athena drew another arrow and shot it right at Lucifer's chest. He stumbled a bit, but still managed to stand. He looked and saw Yukinari carrying Hanako's soul. He quickly charged at him but Apollo blocked him before he could get to Yukinari.

"Take her soul and go!" Apollo yelled. He shoved Lucifer back as Athena shot more arrows into his body. Lucifer roared with anger and Apollo motioned for Athena to go. She ran after Yukinari and Apollo stayed behind. "I call upon the forces of light to vanquish the darkness!" He yelled as he shot beams of light out of his hand at Lucifer who fell forward on the ground. Apollo turned and ran in a golden beam of light.

Yukinari's Palace

Athena and Yukinari exited the portal. Athena looked behind her as she seen Apollo come running. He stopped and to try to catch his breath. Yukinari held Hanako's soul in his arms, carrying her into the palace and into the main hall.

He seen Suzumi and Kasumi with Takeshi, "Where is Hanako?"

"In your chambers, father." Suzumi pointed up the stairs.

Yukinari ran up the stairs as Tsukasa got in his way.

"What are you doing? Let me through."

"This is all your fault!" Tsukasa spat.

"What are you talking about?"

"If it wasn't for you, she'd still be on Gaia!"

"Look, all I did was show interest and nothing more. She came to my chambers to kill me, but in turn confessed her love because I saved her."

"She fell in love with you-"

"I love her, and nothing is going to change that!"

"Stop it, both of you!" Hanako shouted, standing at the top of the stairs.

Yukinari brushed past Tsukasa. "Hanako," he said as he carried her soul to her. Hanako's soul merged with her body, bringing color and life back to her human form.

She wrapped her arms around him. "I knew you'd come back safe."

"Thanks to Apollo and Athena," Yukinari said.

Athena and Apollo both smiled at Yukinari and Hanako.

Tsukasa looked at Yukinari with disgust, walking away.

Shurii and Leiko entered as Tsukasa brushed past them. Leiko looked at Tsukasa. "Do I sense a hint of jealousy, Tsukasa?" She grinned. Tsukasa didn't respond.

Suzumi beamed as she looked at her father. "Father, I just remembered something. Before you do anything, you need to get to Gaia and apologize for killing Ria. That was a requirement for ensuring the treaty."

Yukinari nodded. "You're right. Shurii, you're coming with me whether you want to or not."

"No complaining here, my lord," Shurii replied. "Although we have to find a cure to reverse the zombie infection."

Apollo appeared at Shurii's side. "I can fix that. Come with me." He led Shurii outside, where a golden light quickly blinded everyone. Shurii came back inside, smiling, the scratch on his cheek gone.

"Now I can do what I've been waiting for," he said as he wrapped his arms around Leiko, who blushed a light pink. He pressed his lips to Leiko's, and her eyes widened.

Athena sighed. "Well, I am glad everyone is happy. Now I think it's time for us to go, Apollo."

"Thank you for your help, Goddess Athena," Yukinari said.

"Not a problem, just be sure you take very good care of my daughter," Athena replied.

"Wait, what about Aphrodite?" Yukinari asked.

"I will bring you to her," Athena said.

"What do you need Aphrodite for?" Hanako asked, giving Yukinari a confused look.

"You'll see, my dear."

Mt. Olympus
- Temple of Aphrodite -

Yukinari and Hanako stood before the Goddess Aphrodite. As one would expect from the Goddess of Love, she was beautiful, with long blonde hair and flowing white robes.

"What brings you here today, Vampire?" she asked.

Yukinari held Hanako's hand. "I would like to receive your blessing in...asking Hanako's hand in marriage."

Hanako gasped. "Yukinari, do you really mean it? Is it too soon?"

Yukinari shook his head. "Of course not, love."

Aphrodite smiled. "In that case, you have my blessing. Hanako is also my daughter-as much as she is Athena's. I know you have prayed for love. You have found it with Yukinari, Hanako."

Hanako nodded. "Yes, my lady. Thank you."

Yukinari knelt before Hanako, taking her hand in his. "Hanako, would you do me the honor of becoming my wife?"

Hanako nodded. "Yes, I will."

Yukinari rose and gathered Hanako in his arms, kissing her forehead. "I love you, Hanako."

"I love you too, Yukinari," she replied, smiling.

Aphrodite appeared in front of Yukinari and Hanako, holding their hands in hers and closing her eyes. "Let this love be blessed, the joining of Light and Darkness, to come together as one."

Gaia
- Council Chambers -
Three days later...

Yukinari inhaled as he stepped up to the podium, dressed in his traditional Japanese robes. He stood in front of thousands of Gaian Angels. The Generals of armies sat in front, as did the six council members.

He exhaled as he spoke. "I am here today to sincerely apologize for the death of former Her Defensive Alliance General Ria. I know how important she was to this nation, for she was strong and full of life. I am sorry for taking her away from you so soon. I hope with the joining of Angels and Vampires, we will live in peace."

Mayura rose as she faced the audience. "On behalf of the Gaian Council and this great nation, we accept your apology, Lord Yukinari."

The crowd cheered, and some of the audience slowly began to clap their hands and rise from their seats. Yukinari looked around the room, smiling.

After the ceremony was over, Odin approached Yukinari. "I must say that was a good speech you gave this afternoon," he said.

"Thank you, Councilman Odin."

"When are you and Hanako getting married?"

"Next month. We need a little bit of time to plan the wedding."

Odin nodded. "I wish you two the best."

"Arigatou."