Hello, I thought I wouldn't be posting again for this fanfic but here I am. :,)

The author that was previously mentioned that was going to continue it deleted the story from their profile, so I'm just going to post what I had before I discontinued this fanfic.  It's been in my notes for years, but it is a lot of words, so I figured that I should share what I already had for the next chapter. After that, I also wrote down my original plans for what was going to happen and such.

-15th Night: The Trial-

~Aiko Reizei~

I had left Mizu Castle, going to the place where Takuma and I resolved to meet. It was still evening, and it was a bit chilly.

It was a quiet, peaceful evening, and in the distance, I heard the roaring of a waterfall not too far of a distance. The waterfall was within the woods, and it was only a five minute walk from the castle.

As I entered the woods, I saw that there were flowers here and there of all different colors.

I then saw the waterfall, and I saw Takuma, dressed casually as he looked at the waterfall, facing away.

I smiled, and walked up to him, poking him on his shoulder with one finger.

"Hey, Takuma." I said with a smile.

He turned around and smiled.

"Aiko...you came. I actually thought you weren't going to come." He said in a nervous tone as he scratched his head.

"Why wouldn't I come? Do you really doubt me, Takuma?" I asked him with a curious smile.

"No, I don't. I apologize." He replied, looking away with a blush.

I know what you want to say, Takuma...

"What a beautiful waterfall..." I said, looking up at it, admiring its beauty.

"Yes, it is... I really like how there are a bunch of colorful flowers around the area as well." He replied.

"So... why did you call me here?" I asked.

"Aiko... Ever since I first set foot on Tsuchi Kingdom, and I met eyes with you three years ago, I immediately knew that I had something for you. Your leadership, kindness, and dedication to your kingdom really caught my attention and, then I truly began to gain feelings for you. However, you are a Royal Pureblood, and I'm nothing but a lowly aristocrat. When I saw you come to Cross Academy, I was so happy to find out that you were going to be there. I thought, "Maybe I have a chance with her this time." I know it is cruel of me to tell you these feelings, but I just wanted to let these feelings go. I love you, Aiko. Will you be my-"

I then interrupted him with a kiss on the lips. His eyes widened in surprise, then eventually closing his eyes, giving in to my kiss as he put his arms around my waist. I put my arms around his, deepening the kiss.

About two minutes of making out, our lips parted, and I smiled at him.

"I love you too, Takuma. Life is strange, isn't it? Because when I first saw you with Ichio-san in the Tsuchi Kingdom, you caught my attention as well. Hehe... I guess I was pretty shy as well." I replied with a smile as I caressed his cheek.

"What a relief... I thought you didn't like me..."

"Then don't doubt me again," I replied with a smile, holding his hands tightly.

"I won't, I promise, Aiko." He stated in a sincere tone.

"Good," I replied.

"Want to walk around? This is a pretty place, after all." Takuma asked as he held out his hand.

"Yeah, being at the castle is boring," I replied, intertwining my hand with his.

"I have always thought, Aiko. How is exactly the life of a Royal Pureblood?" Takuma asked me.

"I'm going to be straightforwardly honest with you. It's no different than a Pureblood's. Only difference for us is that we are able to transform into our true forms, and live in our own respective kingdoms. My parents expect me to successfully take the throne of Tsuchi Kingdom, and I gladly will, because there are a lot of things that need to be fixed.

Takuma chuckled, and the both of us then walked around the woods, getting to know each other more than we already have.

~Serenity Tsukiyomi~

As soon as I followed Father and Shizuka to town, I noticed that they went to town, looking through  the stalls, seeing if they were interested in getting something.

"All items this evening have 20 percent discount to celebrate the engagement of Prince Eiji and Princess Sakura!"

"Ugh. Why are they making this a big deal? It's just basically announcing that Sakura and I are to succeed the thrones. I don't even know why I'm marrying her. She can't even give birth to an heir." Dad stated in a low tone.

"She can't have children?" Shizuka asked.

"No. High possibility is that if there is no heir, the Kuran family will officially succeed the Tsukiyomi family as the new reigning family."  Dad replied in an annoyed tone.

"I see..." Shizuka replied.

"Lady Shizuka, come with me."

"Where?"

"Just follow me," Dad said, taking her hand and bringing her to a ramen place.

That's the ramen place where Dad took me when I was five years old... In this place, they serve delicious miso soup, despite their speciality being ramen...

Once they had entered the shop,, Shizuka was a bit confused to why Dad had brought her there.

"Prince Eiji... Why did you bring me here?"

"Shh... It's Eiji. And I told you, I needed a companion. I didn't want to stay at that boring party." He replied as he escorted her to a table, and pulled out a seat for her.

"Thank you...." She stated.

"You're welcome." He replied with a smile.

"Welcome, Lord Kuran. What can I get for you and this lady?"

The both of them then ordered what they wanted, and I had noticed that Shizuka ordered something unique that was not ramen.

"Do you serve miso soup here?"

My eyes widened.

That's the dish I always get when I visit there...

"Yes, ma'am. But miso soup? How unique... Not a lot of people order it, but of course!"He replied as he wrote it down on his little notebook.

As soon as the waiter left to put the orders in and get the drinks, they continued their little conversation.

Since there was a chair in between them, I decided to sit there.

"If you don't mind me asking, why exactly are you doing this, Eiji? Why won't you just run away from the throne, and just let Princess Sakura succeed the throne on her own?" Shizuka asked.

Dad sighed. "Because that is my mother's wish, and her word is absolute."

"And why must her word be absolute? Can't you just marry another woman, and become Emperor?"

"If only that were so easy. My mother put so much responsibility on me, and she expects so much from me. I just want to do what is best for the people of this kingdom, and not for myself." He replied, looking away.

"And there are those times when you should do what is best for yourself, Eiji. Even if your mother doesn't agree with them. You cannot trap yourself like this..." Shizuka replied.

"Maybe you're right..."

The vision before me then changed, and I found myself in the castle's horse stables.

They were standing in the hills, which had a view of both the city of Shizukesa and Sora Castle.

"Two weeks have passed, Lady Shizuka. And I have to get these feelings off my chest."

"Eiji..."

"I love you, Shizuka Hio. I want you to be my lover." Dad said as he caressed her cheek, while she closed her eyes.

Whoa.....

"Eiji... You know that this isn't possible."  She replied, gently bringing his hand down from her cheek.

"You said it yourself to me two weeks ago, Shizuka. Sometimes we should do what is best for ourselves. And in this case, the best thing for me is to be with you. You make me smile every time I have the opportunity to spend time with you, and I want to feel that more."

"But Princess Sakura..."

"I don't love her. I've told you this many, many times... I want you. Not her."

Dad then brought his lips over Shizuka's, and her eyes widened in surprise.

Eventually, Shizuka had given in to his kiss, putting her arms around his neck.

No way...

From the distance, I noticed a familiar face watching over them as a tear fell from her eye.

Sakura... She must have felt pain watching over them.

The vision then changed once again, and I found myself in the throne room, while my grandmother, Sakura, and Dad were having a very serious conversation. From what I know, I'm guessing it has been about a month after the previous vision.

"I love someone else, Mother. I love Shizuka. I cannot go forward with this engagement with Sakura."

"Eiji..." Sakura replied in a sad tone.

"Eiji, you realize that you are putting your the Sora Empire at risk. The Sora Empire needs its king, and you are the only one with royal blood that can do so. You must continue with this. For the sake of our people. And your sister loves you!  Can't you-"

"I love Sakura. as my sister. Not as my potential wife. Can't you just let me do my duties without me having to marry her? She can't even have children, which makes it even more difficult to have an heir to the throne."

I had noticed that Reina had stayed silent at his declaration.

"And I have something to say." He said confidently.

They looked at him curiously.

"What is it? How worse can it be, Eiji."

"Shizuka is expecting a child of mine."

Both of their eyes widened as Eiji stated it as if it was nothing.

That's me...

"Eiji, you are engaged to Sakura... And you just say that in front of her like it is nothing?!"

"Like I said, the only reason to why I am engaged to her is for the sake of this Empire. I have and will never believe in incest relationships. That's why I don't care if she hears it."

Sakura then turned around and departed the throne room with a hurt heart.

"Eiji Tsukiyomi... I'm not going to say that what you did was entirely wrong. You did just create an heir, after all. But Shizuka Hio? The child most likely may be born not being able to control their own powers just like their mother!"

And indeed, that is how I turned out to be... The Hio family, after all, is known to be unable to control their powers sometimes... I guess that's where I inherited it from.

"You see? Then, please. Don't make me marry Sakura if I'm expecting a child from another woman..."

"Everyone in the Sora Empire now knows of your engagement to her. You cannot be with Shizuka. That is now a fact. You have to bear with it, and when Shizuka gives birth to our little prince or princess, we are to sentence her to death."

"WHAT? Why?!"

"She decided to involve herself with a man that is already promised to another woman."

"That is ridiculous. Then I won't become Emperor."

"You won't become Emperor? Then you are betraying your people, Eiji. Will you be like your older brother, and abdicate because he fell in love with another woman?"

"This is unfair."

"Life is unfair." Grandmother replied.

"Then imprison her once again. She gives birth to our child, and we banish her from the Sora Empire. But please, don't sentence her to death. I don't want to see her die."

She sighed. "Alright, whatever. We'll do that instead, then." Grandmother Reina concluded, as she departed from the throne room, leaving Dad alone within the darkness.

"Dad..." I stated in a soft tone.

The next thing I knew, a bright light flashed before me and I heard nothing but the cries of a baby.

"It's a little girl! Congratulations." The midwife said with a smile as she handed the newborn me over to Shizuka.

I had noticed that at this time, Shizuka was actually looking a me with such kind, gentle eyes. Something that I have never seen before.

My father was standing there with such a sad expression, while my uncle Kei was there, who was looking at me with such an excited expression.

"Wow, Eiji. You have such a cute daughter! What are you going to name her?" Uncle Kei stated in an excited tone.

Dad smiled. "I thought I would leave that up to Shizuka."

That woman was the one that named me? I had thought it was my father...

She smiled in response to Dad's declaration. "Serenity."

Both of them looked a bit confused.

"Serenity? I've never heard that name around here before..."

"The name Serenity means peace, tranquility... Mine is close, which means quiet or gentle."

"Do you mind if I give her a middle name?" Dad asked.

"A middle name? I've never heard of one before."

"Within the Royal Pureblood families, it is common for one to have a middle name."

"Of course." She replied.

"Serenity Airi Tsukiyomi... That is her name."

Shizuka nodded.

"Well, Eiji, Shizuka. I'm going to leave so you two can discuss some things..." Kei stated as he opened the door, exiting from the room.

The midwife as well, departed from the room and it was just Dad, Shizuka, and the baby me.

Shizuka looked a bit confused, while Dad looked a bit conflicted.

"Shizuka, we need to talk."

"What is it, Eiji?" Shizuka asked.

"Shizuka... I can no longer be with you anymore. Things are getting worse, and my mother-- Well, she's threatening me now. She said that after you give birth to our child, that she would immediately sentence you to death."

Shizuka's eyes widened in surprise, which soon became that of a sad expression.

"But I'm not going to let you die, I...."

And as if on cue, a bunch of guards entered the room.

"I, Eiji Tsukiyomi, hereby banish you from the Sora Empire. I'm sorry, Shizuka. But it has gone to a point where I cannot be with you. I promise, I'll raise Serenity to be a young woman that will be able to succeed the throne to the Sora Empire."

"You used me so that you can have an heiress to your throne?!"

"No, Shizuka, I-"

One of the guards then took baby me, and handed him over to my father.

The guards then took Shizuka, bringing her out from the villa.

"Eiji...No. Don't do this to-"

"Don't speak to our prince in such a casual tone. You will never have anything to do with him again."

Eiji looked away from Shizuka, and I started crying.

"There, there, Serenity... I'm sorry that your mother won't be able to be in your life. But this is how things have to be." My father said in a soft tone, attempting to calm me down.

No... No way. This is crazy... He betrayed Shizuka..? No, he didn't. He loved her. He did what was best for her. He didn't want her to die, so he had no choice but to banish her and seal his feelings away.

Could that be why she has so much anguish? Because of what happened...?

And with that, everything became dark once again, and my eyes slowly began to open, showing my surroundings.

"Mm... Where...am I?"

"So, you're finally awake, Serenity. You had me a little worried there, falling asleep in the tub." A voice echoed in my surroundings.

"What...?"

I slowly opened my eyes, and there Kaname was, lying beside me, shirtless.

"Kaname...? What happened? The last thing I remembered was I-"

"You were in the bathtub for quite a long time, which worried me. I went to check on you, and there you were sleeping like a little child. I took you out, and changed you into some more comfortable clothing." He stated.

I looked at what I was wearing, and it's one of his white button-up shirts.

I blushed slightly, and sat up in bed.

Kaname looked at me with such an interest, as he was resting his chin on his hand.

"Serenity, my love, can you tell me why you decided to fall asleep in the tub?" He asked me.

"I don't know, I just ended up getting tired, and all of a sudden, I just fell asleep... But I saw Shizuka's past with my father. I really think it wasn't a dream that I have. She really did love him, after all. He was her first love, and he loved her as well. But it seems that my grandmother thought otherwise, and decided to threaten my father. She has a grudge against the Tsukiyomi family because of that..." I replied.

Kaname sat up in bed by my side.

"I had always thought that Shizuka loved that human man that was supposed to be her meal."

"I don't think she loved him the way that you believe. I think that man had some sort of resemblance to my father.  And she may have most likely fallen for him because of that."

"How interesting. Of all my times meeting her, I would have never thought that-"

Of all the times meeting her....? He stopped talking, since he realized that he said something that he wasn't supposed to say.

"Why would you go and see her, Kaname?"

Silence.

"Kaname, didn't we discuss that there won't be any more secrets between us?"

Kaname closed his eyes and sighed.

"Serenity, I- I was responsible for freeing Shizuka."

My eyes widened. "You? You were the one that freed her and caused sorrow to the Kiryu family? What the hell were you thinking, Kaname? I was there when she attacked! I was the one who witnessed all of that happening! And you think this is a joke? Why did you do that? What exactly were your intentions in doing that?"

"I won't lie to you ever again, Serenity. So hear me well. I did it to protect Yuuki. I had to find someone to protect her. Someone who won't ever leave her side. Kiryu was the perfect man for the job. Everything went as I planned. Shizuka turned him into a vampire, and he would become the perfect protector for Yuuki."

"Kaname, you went to such heights just for her? Are you sure you still don't have feelings for her? I mean if that is the case, then-"

Kaname immediately put his arms around me.

"No, Serenity. I love you. At that time, my feelings were such an absolute mess, and I needed someone. I felt so alone. And I had thought that Yuuki was the one to take away my loneliness." But I was absolutely wrong. I lost you once, I don't want to lose you again."

"You killed Zero's family indirectly."

"And that was entirely for Yuuki. But don't you think this was met to happen Serenity? Now Yuuki can have someone to love. Kiryu owes her everything, and-"

"No, Kaname."

I broke apart from his embrace.

"That wasn't the right thing to do. You took his family away from him. He's this way because of you! And for what? For Yuuki? That's-"

"And you know fully well that I will do the same for you. Haruka and Juuri sacrificed themselves for Yuuki, and I would sacrifice myself for you if I had to. That is the past now. I love Yuuki, but not in the way you think. I just want her to live a happy life. A life where no one could touch or hurt her."

"Kaname, I love you, but I think I need some space tonight. I do thank you for being honest."  I said, getting up from bed.

Kaname, however took my hand and gripped it tightly.

"Serenity, are you angry with me?"

"No. I'm just disappointed with your actions."

"So now you are disappointed of me because of Kiryu? You have to be kidding me." He replied.

"When I was lost, passed out in the woods, thinking I was going to be killed or devoured by Rido, Zero and Ichiru found me, and saved me. Knowing fully well that I was a vampire, they still showed kindness towards me.  And now what am I going to say? That my husband freed Shizuka from her cell so that she can kill them for talking away the 'love of her life?'"

Kaname sighed. "I'm not perfect, Serenity. All of us make mistakes. Let's discuss some things, shall we? I believe that as husband and wife, we need to discuss anything that comes into our minds. I promised you that from now on, there will be no secrets between us. And I will abide by that."

He looked a bit serious, as he motioned me to sit on the couch as he made his way there.

I did as he asked and sat by his side.

"When we are at odds, we tend to talk about my imperfections. Well, Serenity. Let me say something. What made you want to stay there with those vampire hunters at that time, hm? You know, you could have just returned to Sora Empire, and everything could have been alright. You worried me far too much, and things wouldn't have ended up this way if your had just returned home."

"Rido was on the run, looking for me. Do you think I could have just left there on my own?"

"Actually, I'm certain they could have offered you to take you back to Sora Empire if they were so kind. And knowing you, you most likely refused."

"Kaname, I was 8 years old! What do you think my mindset was at that time? I was waiting for you until you had come and found me to bring me home! Yes, I know... It's sounds stupid, ridiculous even. But that was what I had resolved to do at that time! But that doesn't even compare to the pain you caused to a family! Look at us. We are having a daughter in the upcoming future. How would you feel if they just decided to kill Hina without mercy? Then how would you feel?"

"From what I've seen, Hina-san seems to be a very feared opponent."

I sighed. "All right, then let's change it. What if they decided to kill Yuuki Cross without mercy? Torture her, kill her, do whatever they please with her. Now how would you feel?"

For a second, I noticed that Kaname's hands formed into fists.

"Then I would absolutely kill them."

"Then you should be able to understand how Zero feels. The nerve of you, Kaname Kuran. I don't even know how I deal with you." I replied.

"I'm sorry. I promise, I will not do anything that threatens to hurt our relationship." Kaname said in a sad tone as he gently caressed my cheek.

He was alone this whole time... He needed someone that he could love, someone that he can protect. And that person used to be Yuuki. But now these days he's been such a good husband towards me, and here I am, reprimanding him because of what he did to the Kiryu family.  Yes. What he did was absolutely horrendous, but he did it to protect someone he cares about.

"No, I apologize as well. I sounded very rude. But honestly, don't you feel regret?"

Kaname sighed in reply. "No. Because if it weren't for what happened, Yuuki would have never met Kiryu and things wouldn't be as they are now. I think Yuuki really likes him wholeheartedly. She just has not realized it yet."

"And how would you know that, Kaname?"

"Because. I've seen her how she looks at Kiryu. She never looked at me that way. She's more comfortable talking to him, and opens herself up to him. Never has she ever been that way with me during the time that I had feelings for her."

I sighed in defeat. "You win. It seems that the both of us have realized what our intentions were, before, and I want to put that behind us. However... It still bothers me that you're responsible for freeing Shizuka."

"Then I'll take responsibility. If she does make a move, then I will not hesitate to kill her. Well, with your permission, of course." He replied.

"Alright then. Fine."

"Oh, Serenity. Don't be like that. Come. Let's go and cuddle. I know you love that." Kaname said as he stood up, and held out his hand.

I sighed and smiled. "You got me,"  I replied, standing up as well, taking his hand.

~Eiji Tsukiyomi~

I stood outside of the balcony as I looked to the beautiful empire that I rule. This is where I first met Shizuka as well. Heh. I pulled her away from the party and we hung out for long periods of time. If I had the opportunity to turn back time and be with her, I certainly would.

"I brought you tea, Eiji," Sakura said as she stepped outside.

"Oh, thank you," I replied, taking the cup.

She stood by my side as she looked to the distance.

"You love Shizuka, right? I mean, the reason you married me was that Mother pushed you to."

"Yes, you are indeed correct, Sakura. But I do care for you. Just not in that sort of way."

"I see. Anyways, just out of curiosity, what did you see in Shizuka?"

I smiled. "When I first met her, she seemed a bit quiet and reserved. But then as time had eventually passed, we became more comfortable with each other, and we had come to fall in love. We conceived Serenity, and I felt like the happiest man alive.  But unfortunately, happy things eventually come to an end and I had to  end my relationship with her and banish her from the Sora Empire on Mother's order to protect her.

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So basically, that was where I stopped. The way this would continue on would be how Eiji eventually realizes that he still loves Shizuka, despite everything that had previously happened.

From here on, I'm just going to explain to you what I had written in my notes.

In the rest of Chapter 15, Toma was interrogated and sentenced to death for rebelling against the royal families.

Aito, being the creep he is, woke up craving Hina's touch.

Yuuki discovers that A.H. is actually Kimura. His real name is Akihiko Hiroi, who is related to the Hiroi twins from the future. Now, according to the future, Kimura was able to get away with killing Yuuki, and continue serving as a butler to the Tsukiyomis.His plan was to kill Empress Serenity and bring down the kingdoms as a whole to cause a massive conflict within the vampire race to avenge Kei after he was killed by Serenity. So basically, there was originally meant to be two books: this one, and one that takes place in the future that eventually becomes the present.
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But yeah, that's all I had. Thank you to everyone that showed support for this fic, and once again, I'm sorry that I can't continue this for you all. :,)