Disclaimer: I do not own Owari no Seraph (Seraph of the End). I write this for your enjoyment only.

Last Resort

"Get out! Get the fuck out of my head!" Yuichiro Hyakuya screamed as he struggled against the chains that bound his wrists to the wall.

Blood and sweat ran down the sides of his face in rivulets, the blood flowing from where his horns burst through his temples and down his back below where his wings tore through his shoulders. The young raven-haired man was kneeling on the ground, clad only in his dark pants and knee-high boots. Since his transformations always resulted in bloodstains and holes in his shirts, Yuichiro decided it best not to wear one whenever he felt his demon taking over.

Over the last few months, Yuu had been able to predict more accurately when he was about to transform, so Mika and the others can get him to the shed and have him restrained. It often saved the young vampire the trouble of having to fight and restrain his brother out in the open as the result of changing suddenly as well as Shinoa and Mitsuba from having to use their demon talismans. Which could potentially draw the attention of any vampires who happened to be nearby.

Whenever his inner demon took over, Mika noticed that Yuu became like a completely different person. He knew his brother well enough to know when it was the demon speaking to him, constantly trying to tempt him into releasing it by offering him it's, or more accurately, Yuu's blood since they both inhabit the same body.

But Mika would always refuse, not only because releasing the demon would endanger the lives of Shinoa's Squad as well as that of the the villagers', but also because he did not think it right to take Yuu's blood without his knowledge or consent, no matter how hungry he was. Mika was grateful to have Shinoa and the others voluntarily giving him their blood so that starvation would not influence his ability to resist the demon's temptations.

As Yuu struggled harder against his restraints, the skin around his wrists became raw and started to bleed as well, making the blond vampire wince. But the young man's physical pain paled in comparison to the one inside his mind and it was pure torture to Mika just as much as Yuu himself because he knew that there was nothing he could do but watch helplessly, hoping that it would be over soon and his brother will revert back to human form.

It pained Mika to know that this was the one thing in the world that he and the rest of their friends could not protect Yuu from, that it was a battle only Yuu alone could fight, and that Mika could only hope his brother's willpower will hold out until he changes back.

Fortunately, luck was on their side yet once again and Mika gave a sigh of relief as he saw Yuu's horns and wings slowly withdrew back into his body before he toppled over. With his vampiric speed, Mika quickly caught Yuu before he fell face first to the floor. Now that it was safe to do so, Mika finally called for Shinoa and Mitsuba to come in. As soon as they heard their names called, both girls entered the shed with Shinoa carrying a pitcher of water and cup and Mitsuba carrying a small basin and towel.

"How is he?" Shinoa asked as soon as they were inside.

Mika turned around to face the girls as he allowed his hold on Yuu to loosen a bit.

"He's all right for now" the blond vampire answered. "But he'll be needing some rest as soon as we get him inside."

"I think we should wait a few more minutes before releasing him, just to be safe," Mitsuba suggested.

"I agree", Shinoa said. "Hey, Mi-chan, why don't you go back to the house and get started with dinner while Mika and I take care of Yuu. I'll be with you in the kitchen as soon as I'm done here."

Mitsuba looked as though she hesitated to leave, but her cousin simply gave her best smile as if trying to assure her that everything will be alright.

"Its ok, Mi-chan. We just need to get Yuu cleaned up and rested before he can come to dinner. Right now, I need you to get started in the kitchen so we'll have food ready by the time the others get back."

Understanding the logic in Shinoa's words, Mitsuba sighed and gave in.

"I understand, I'll leave everything to you and Mika. See you later, Shinoa. You too, Mika."

After putting the basin down on the ground next to Yuu and handing the towel to her cousin, Mitsuba left. As soon as the blonde girl was gone, Shinoa turned to Mika and asked:

"Mikaela, how is Yuichiro?"

Mika blinked in confusion at the purple-haired girl's question before answering.

"I believe I already told you he's all right for now."

"Is he really?" Shinoa pressed. "You don't sound convinced. I didn't want to say this in front of Mitsuba, but I get the feeling that there is something you are not telling me and I must insist we not keep secrets from each other if we're going to protect Yuu from the Demon Army and vampire progenitors."

Mika hesitated for a moment. Shinoa was right, there was something he could sense about his brother that the others could not, but refrained from telling anyone because he did not want them to worry. However, Mika also knew that he could hide it no longer with the way Shinoa was questioning him. The purple-haired girl was not one to give up easily when she wanted something, especially answers.

"Yuu-chan... his demon is growing stronger. I can feel it. I'm glad he can somewhat predict when he's going to transform because its becoming more and more difficult for me to restrain him. At the rate his powers are growing, it won't be long before he becomes strong enough to overpower me."

Shinoa was silent as she slowly took this in. As much as she hated to admit it, she was completely at a loss as to what to do.

"Is there no way to stop Yuu's demon progression other than the obvious?"

Although Shinoa refrained from saying it, Mika knew exactly what she was talking about and shook his head.

"We can't take him back to the Demon Army, Shinoa, you know that."

"I know but what other choice do we have? Is there any other way to help Yuu? Any way at all that you know of? The look on your face tells me you do."

Now it was Mika's turn to be silent. Damn that girl, she was much more perceptive than her air-headed appearance suggested. But then again, she didn't become a Moon Demon Company squad leader for nothing.

After a few more moments of silence, the young vampire sighed and said "You're right. I do. But I really doubt it's any better than just handing Yuu-chan over to the Demon Army and Hiragis."

Shinoa raised a brow in interest. "Are you sure? Tell me, please..."

"I...I could turn Yuu-chan..."

"You mean...?"

"Yes... as a vampire, Yuu would have the mental strength to keep the demon from taking over his mind and body. Ferid once told me that there has never been a namanari who has managed to win over on their demonic side."

"Well, there's a first time for everything" Shinoa snorted.

Ironically, those were Guren Ichinose's own words and the purple-haired girl never thought she'd see the day she would actually quote her ex-superior whom she despised for causing the death of her sister and being partly responsible for making Yuu the monster he was now.

To that, Mika actually chuckled. "True...and believe me, I want to believe in Yuu-chan more than anything. I know he's doing his best but we still have to accept the possibility that it may not be enough. Still, I want to believe that there is another way to help him besides the ones we know."

"But what if we can't find it?" Shinoa persisted. "Yuu's demon is getting stronger with each passing day and you yourself say he'll overpower you any day now; why take such a risk when you can help him right this moment?"

"You don't understand, Shinoa. Turning a human is not without risk!"

Now it was Shinoa's turn to blink in confusion.

"What do you mean?"

"Krul had told me once that there is a reason for the law allowing only nobles to turn humans. Yes, vampires do not like increasing their numbers, but it's also because of the fact that not every human has been successfully turned. Have you ever wondered why nearly all vampires look like children, teenagers, or young adults? Why it's so rare to see a vampire who looks older than a human of thirty? Because the older the human is upon being turned, the more painful the transformation process is. Health and stamina also affect their chances and many older, sickly, or fragile humans have died of pain before they could be successfully turned. I was only twelve when Krul changed me and it was the most painful experience of my life. For Yuu-chan, it would be even more so because he's now almost seventeen. Yes, I know he is still young, strong, and healthy, but he's also no longer an ordinary human being and there's no telling how a transformation attempt will affect him. What if he doesn't become a vampire, but something else entirely? Something far worse? Are you willing to risk that, Shinoa?"

Shinoa sighed before lowering her head in defeat.

"You're right, Mika. I didn't think. I'm sorry I brought it up."

"Its ok, Shinoa, I understand. You just want to help Yuu-chan as I do. But no matter what, I still can't change my brother without his consent so long as he is able to give it."

"So if he agreed, would you?"

"As much as it would pain me, yes. I never wanted this, but if its truly the only way to save him, I'll do it because surrendering him to the Demon Army is simply not an option."

"I understand... please talk this over with Yuichiro as soon as you get the chance, Mikaela. See what he says. No matter what you two decide, I will support you completely."

"Thank you..."

Before Shinoa could say anything else, she and Mika heard a low groan and saw Yuu beginning to stir in Mika's hold. The demon appeared to have gone silent now and their dear friend was back again.

"Mika? Shinoa? Is that you?"

Mika smiled as he held Yuu close, stroking his soft black hair which was damp with sweat. "Yes, we're here, Yuu-chan. Its good to have you back...again."

"How are you feeling?" Shinoa asked, concern apparent in her voice. "Are you hungry? Do you need some water?"

Yuu nodded tiredly. "Yes and yes" he answered.

Taking that as her cue, Shinoa quickly poured her friend a cup of water and raised it to his lips so he could drink since he could not do so himself with his wrists still chained.

"I can give you water now but you'll still have to wait another hour or so for dinner. Is that ok?"

Yuu nodded as Shinoa took the cup from his lips and set it on the ground next to the water pitcher.

"Sure. I need time to shower and get dressed anyway."

Shinoa smiled and tried not to blush as her gaze wandered down Yuu's bare chest as she silently admired the toned muscles of his arms and torso. Turning to Mika, she asked:

"Could you give me a moment alone with Yuu? I need to wipe his face and remove his shackles."

Mika raised an eyebrow at Shinoa's request but she offered him her sweetest smile before saying "Please...I also need to ask him something. It won't be long."

The young vampire hesitated for a moment longer before turning to his brother. Yuu nodded his consent.

"It's ok, Mika, I'll be just fine."

Upon hearing Yuu's words of reassurance and seeing the pleading look on Shinoa's face, he sighed and gave in.

"Very well. Just be careful. I'll be right outside if you need anything."

The double-meaning in Mika's words were not lost on Shinoa. She had no doubt he was concerned for her safety, but also knew he hadn't been able to bring himself to trust her completely with Yuu. At least not just yet.

"I'll be careful, I promise. If I see any sign of trouble, I'll call you immediately."

Mika nodded before standing up and stepping outside, closing the door of the shed behind him.

As soon as the blond vampire was gone, Shinoa took the towel beside the basin, wetted it, and squeezed out the excess water before turning to Yuu and started wiping his brow.

"How do you feel?" she asked as she did her best to gently clean the blood and sweat from the sides of his face.

"I've had better days" Yuu answered wearily. "I hope I wasn't too much trouble for you and Mika."

"Don't worry about it. What's important is for you to conquer your demon and we'll help you in any way we can."

Upon hearing that, Yuu raised his green eyes to meet Shinoa's mahogany ones.

"Is that all?"

"What do you mean?"

"I mean that wasn't all you wanted to say, was it? What is it you wanted to tell me that Mika couldn't hear?"

Shinoa was silent for a moment. Yuu was right and she should have known he suspected something as soon as she asked his vampire brother to leave.

"You're right" she confessed. "There's been something on my mind lately, something... unsettling."

"And that is?"

"The truth is, I'm worried. Your transformations are becoming more frequent and its taking longer for you to come back to us. I'm afraid, I don't want to lose you; please tell me if there is anything more I can do to help" Shinoa pleaded.

It looked to Yuu that she was fighting back tears and he found his heart breaking at the sight of her lovely face pained with grief and worry for him of all people. He wanted to offer Shinoa words of reassurance, but he couldn't bring himself to lie to her.

"There is nothing you or anyone else could do" he answered simply. "This is a battle only I can fight."

As if expecting his answer, Shinoa squeezed her eyes shut and looked away for a brief moment before returning her gaze to Yuu's. She wanted to tell him of Mika's idea but knew it wasn't her place to do so. That was something only the vampire himself could discuss with him.

"I understand. But it isn't just that... I also don't know how much longer we can stay here, even if the demon and vampire armies don't come after us. Its also the villagers; they're all afraid of Mikaela... and they're afraid of you..."

Touched by her concern, Yuu leaned forward and pressed his forehead against Shinoa's briefly before whispering in her ear.

"I'm afraid of myself..."

His confession started her. It was the first time Shinoa ever heard Yuichiro Hyakuya confess to being afraid of anything. Even when they were facing the most powerful vampire nobles, the young raven-haired boy had refused to even let fear show on his face, let alone admit it like he was now.

Before she could say any else, Shinoa found Yuu's lips on hers. It was just a brief touch but it made her heart leap. She found herself blushing again when he smiled at her, even if tiredly.

"Thank you, Shinoa...for caring...and for always being there for me. I'll always be grateful to you and the others. But I'm also very tired and need to lay down. Can you please release me?"

"Y-yes, of course!" she answered, feeling ridiculous that she had completely forgotten all about Yuu's shackles and the fact that he wasn't exactly in the most comfortable position.

After undoing his restraints, Shinoa helped Yuu to his feet and draped one of his arms over her shoulders as she led him out of the shed. As expected, Mika was waiting right outside and eager to take over as soon as he saw them. Knowing how exhausted Yuu must be, Shinoa gave him over to Mika without protest and watched as he hoisted his brother in his arms to carry him back inside the house but not before expressing his gratitude to her.

"Thank you, Shinoa, I'll take it from here. Please go help Mitsuba with dinner."

"Yes, of course," she replied. "See you at dinner."

After Mika left, Shinoa pointed her face to the sky and closed her eyes for a brief moment as she thought about what just happened in the shed. Yuu's confession and kiss took her completely by surprise but she didn't regret it in the slightest. No matter what happened, Shinoa vowed to stay by his side always.

A/N: I hope my readers didn't find the ending to this snippet too corny; I wasn't sure how else to end it. But thanks for reading anyway and let me know what you think :)