The Point of No Return, Part I
The Nagoya Airport Battle
Yuichiro exhaled sharply, the air escaping her lungs in a ragged breath as she skillfully repelled Kureto Hiragi, who had sought to ambush her the moment her feet touched the ground. It was almost comical how effortlessly she shoved him aside; his attempt to engage her in combat was met with disdainful ease. The lieutenant general couldn't help but draw unsettling parallels between this duel and the one he had endured with his half-sister, Mahiru, after she spearheaded a rebellion against the Hiragi clan. Yet, a crucial distinction colored this confrontation – Yuichiro's strength eclipsed Mahiru's by a wide margin.
Furious that Yuichiro had thwarted his scheme to use the seraph-possessed Mirai Kimizuki to dismantle the entire vampire army, Kureto resolved to turn Yuichiro into his new pawn instead. It became increasingly clear that her powers surpassed those of Mirai and even Mahiru; in truth, she was a force greater than both of them combined.
Despite his pride, Kureto had no qualms about dirtying his hands, and the sight of the recently awakened seraph girl posed no immediate threat in his mind. He made the grave mistake of underestimating Yuichiro, assuming she was too weakened to resist or evade capture. Unfortunately for him, that miscalculation proved disastrous. With the formidable strength endowed by her newly awakened seraph powers, Yuichiro sent Kureto hurtling several dozen yards across the airport grounds with a single, decisive strike from her trusty Asuramaru.
But as Yuichiro soon realized, wielding such overwhelming powers extracted a severe toll; as the inhuman strength dissipated, a crushing fatigue enveloped her. Her legs buckled beneath her, and she crumpled to the ground, dust swirling around her as she battled to lift her face from the unforgiving concrete.
"What's happening to me, Asuramaru? Why can't I move or get up?" Yuichiro silently implored the demon within her mind, desperation threading through her thoughts.
"Why? Isn't it clear, Yuu? You've utterly exhausted yourself by sounding that forbidden trumpet to save your friends. Did you think such an act would come without repercussions?" Asuramaru responded, his tone tinged with a sardonic amusement.
Yuichiro opened her mouth to question Asuramaru further when the sound of approaching footsteps broke through her haze. Lifting her eyes, she was met with the grim sight of a sword, dark and tempered steel, wielded by none other than Guren Ichinose—the man she had recklessly challenged to protect her orphanage brother, Mikaela.
"Guren…" Yuichiro whispered, her voice frail as she struggled to raise her head and meet the gaze of the man now looming over her, his once captivating violet irises now rimmed with an unsettling crimson hue from their previous encounter.
The older raven-haired man regarded her with a chilling detachment, his expression inscrutable.
"It's over, Yuichiro. You're coming with me now," Guren stated matter-of-factually, his tone devoid of warmth.
Recalling Shinoa's ominous warning regarding Guren's possession, Yuichiro attempted to push herself onto an elbow, reaching for her sword, but her guardian's voice halted her.
"Don't bother, Yuu. We both know you lack the strength to fight me. And even if you had, it still wouldn't suffice."
Yuichiro squeezed her eyes shut, turning her head away to hide the tears threatening to spill over. Deep down, she knew he was right; her relentless transformations and the struggle against Kureto had drained the last remnants of her strength, leaving her vulnerable and defenseless.
"So what are you going to do with me, sir?" she asked, her voice barely a whisper, though a trace of defiance lingered.
Even in his demon-possessed state, Guren found her defiance somewhat amusing, a flicker of a smile gracing his lips.
"As I said, I'm taking you with me."
"Where?"
"You'll see…" Guren's voice trailed off as he began to sheath his sword, his gaze unwavering from Yuichiro.
Suddenly, a familiar, furious voice broke through the tension.
"Get away from her, you filthy human!"
Mikaela swung his blade menacingly toward Guren's head, but the older man instinctively blocked the strike with his cursed sword, barely budging under the force of Mikaela's attack due to his enhanced demonic strength.
Had Guren not reacted swiftly, Mikaela's blow might have cleaved him in two.
"You never give up, do you, vampire?" Guren sneered, forcing Mikaela back with a brutal swipe. "Forget Yuichiro. She is lost to you. Leave now, and maybe I'll spare your life."
"Never!" Mikaela shot back, his eyes ablaze with unwavering resolve.
"Fine, have it your way!" Guren snarled, and the two clashed again.
Yuichiro, desperate to mediate between the two combatants despite her inability to move, pleaded weakly.
"Guren… Mika… please don't…" she implored, straining to keep her hand raised, as if her gesture could bridge the chasm between them.
But both men were ensnared in their own fury and rivalry, their obsession and jealousy, deafening them to her plea.
Not that it would have mattered had they heard her.
As Guren Ichinose and Mikaela Hyakuya went at it again with renewed ferocity, each driven by relentless determination and rivalry, they became locked in a deadly dance, both unwilling to relent, both propelled by the singular goal of destroying the other.
"You fight almost as well as a noble, human," Mika spat, his voice strained through clenched teeth as he and Guren locked swords once more.
A triumphant grin spread across Guren's face, a mocking light dancing in his violet eyes, further igniting Mika's fury.
"Funny, I was about to say the same about you!" he retorted, his tone dripping with reckless bravado, clearly intent on provoking the blond.
Mikaela's simmering rage, fueled by the severe injury he had inflicted on Yuichiro earlier, had reached a fever pitch. His distrust of Guren had long transformed into an all-consuming hatred.
That anger now clouded his judgment, driving him to forsake strategy for sheer brute force. It was a bitter irony, especially considering the calculated nature of vampires, who typically remained above the fray of emotions—save for the proud and arrogant nobles like the late Lucal Wesker, whose arrogance had ultimately led to his demise.
Guren, well aware of his rival's Achilles' heel, continued to parry the blond vampire's wild attacks with ease, his own composure a stark contrast to his opponent's frenzied state. His ability remained unwavering, a testament to his superior control - a surprising turn of events, given the conventional wisdom that humans were more prone to emotional turmoil than vampires. Guren also knew that Mika's youth played a significant role in his impulsiveness, a trait that he, with his years of experience, had long since learned to temper.
And as Yuichiro had come to expect, her mentor had no qualms about employing underhanded tactics to gain the upper hand in combat. As Mika closed in for another strike, Guren swiftly extended his long leg, tripping the blond before delivering a vicious kick to his side, sending him crashing to the ground several yards away. In the chaos that ensued, Lieutenant Colonel Guren's calculating gaze locked onto Mikaela, and for a brief, intoxicating moment, he savored the prospect of driving his sword into the vampire's heart, eager to eliminate his sole rival for Yuichiro's affections once and for all.
Yet, with the Hiragis and other vampires closing in rapidly, Guren knew he had to act fast to safeguard Yuichiro, the coveted prize. Dispatching Mikaela would have to wait; the blond was now too far away, and pursuing him risked unnecessary peril. With a detached resolve, Guren decided to let Mika live—for the time being.
Taking advantage of the chaos, Guren bent down and lifted Yuichiro, who was teetering on the brink of unconsciousness, into his arms. He quickly made his escape before Mikaela could regain his senses and give chase.
Though Kureto had ordered that Yuichiro be turned over to him, Guren had no intention of handing her over to his superior officer, nor to Mikaela or the vampires who coveted her powers. While the lieutenant general and the rest of the Demon Army, including Guren's own squad and other subordinates in the MDC, struggled to hold off the vampires, Guren quietly abandoned them to their fate, leaving the battlefield with his prize without so much as a backward glance as if their lives were of no consequence to him.
"Stop, human! Where do you think you're going with Yuu-chan?" Mikaela shouted, venom lacing his words as Shinoa helped him stagger back to his feet.
Normally, he would have been able to spring back into action immediately after being knocked down, but Guren's strength had been shockingly unreal, leaving Mikaela reeling from the kick that had broken his ribs and ruptured his internal organs. Had Mika been human, he would have been killed instantly from such an attack.
Ignoring Mikaela's furious glare, Guren hoisted Yuichiro higher in his arms, his icy eyes warning the blond not to pursue if he valued his life.
Undeterred by Guren's silent threat, Mikaela took a shaky step forward, but before he could advance, Shinoa's small hand gripped his shoulder tightly.
"I'm sorry, Mikaela, but we have to retreat for now!" she said, urgency coloring her voice as she gestured to the advancing vampire army.
The airport was on the verge of becoming a blood-stained battlefield, and they had no choice but to flee quickly before they were engulfed in chaos.
Mikaela wanted to protest, but he knew Shinoa was right. Though fiercely protective of Yuu, he understood that their best chance lay in retreating while they had the opportunity. The blond could only hope Guren would keep Yuichiro safe, as he had indicated he needed her alive.
With a resigned sigh, Mikaela sheathed his sword and turned to Shinoa. "Fine... we'll let them go for now. But just remember, I'm not giving up on Yuu-chan!"
"I understand. And I won't either, but we won't be able to save her if we end up captured or killed ourselves. Let's go!"
Taking one last, burning look at Guren's retreating figure, carrying Yuichiro away in his arms, Mikaela clenched his teeth and turned to follow the two squads he had allied with, reluctantly heading in the opposite direction of his rival.
Some time later...
"Guren... Mika... please, stop..." Yuichiro groaned, her voice barely a whisper as she writhed in her bed, ensnared in a disorienting limbo between the dream realm and waking reality. Suddenly, her eyes flew open, and the realization crashed over her like a frigid wave.
Where am I? The ravenette thought, her mind shrouded in a fog as she surveyed her unfamiliar surroundings. She found herself in a Western-style bedroom that radiated vintage elegance, seemingly untouched by the passage of time. The lavish furnishings and intricate decorations was a contrast to the utilitarian starkness of the military barracks she knew too well.
To her astonishment, Yuichiro was out of her uniform, dressed instead in a delicate white nightgown that felt like a soft caress against her skin. She lay on a plush bed adorned with satin sheets that whispered against her as she pushed herself upright. Her gaze landed on a glass of water on the nightstand beside her, and suddenly, the parched feeling in her throat became unbearable. She drank deeply, the cool liquid providing a much-needed relief.
Where am I? How did I get here? Panic flooded Yuichiro's mind, racing with a torrent of unanswered questions. She placed the empty glass back down and pressed her hands to her temples, desperately trying to piece together the events that had led her to this bizarre place.
Before long, fragments of memory began to crystallize in her mind, igniting recollections of the chaos that had erupted at Nagoya Airport. Destruction, anguished screams, and desperate pleas had driven her to tap into a power so forbidden that even Asuramaru had warned her against using it. In a moment of reckless sacrifice, she had wielded the power of the seraph to halt Kimizuki's sister, Mirai, in her frenzied assault.
Asuramaru's warnings echoed hauntingly in her mind, yet Yuichiro had been resolute in her choice to protect those she loved, even if it meant sacrificing more of her own humanity. She vividly recalled the harrowing scene of Guren and Mikaela locked in a deadly duel over her as she lay powerless on the ground, utterly depleted. The last image imprinted in her mind was of Mikaela soaring through the air, propelled by Guren's brutal kick, as she pleaded for them to cease their fighting.
Yuichiro understood that both her mentor and her brother from the Hyakuya orphanage were stubborn to a fault, never truly willing to abandon something they desired—herself, in this case. A sharp gasp escaped her lips as she thought of Guren, realizing with a jolt that he was nowhere in sight. Yet, she distinctly remembered him lifting her away from the chaos of the battlefield.
Before slipping into unconsciousness, she had caught a fragment of Shinoa's voice urging Mika to retreat with her squad and Satoshi's, a desperate attempt to escape the encroaching armies of vampires and humans.
Did Guren bring me here? What is this place? Curiosity gnawed at her as she instinctively reached for Asuramaru, only to gasp in horror upon realizing her demon sword was missing. The absence of her trusted weapon sent a chill through her, leaving her feeling exposed, almost naked without it.
Ever since Yuichiro successfully passed the demon aptitude test and acquired her steadfast weapon, she had made it a point to keep Asuramaru close at all times. Unlike Shinya and Shinoa, who could summon their demon weapons at will, Yuichiro couldn't manifest Asuramaru likewise due to its unique nature. Thus, she carried the sword with her wherever she went, often placing it beside her even during sleep. The absence of the sword now could only mean one thing: Guren must have taken it from Yuichiro while she was unconscious.
Though she was not entirely defenseless without it, Yuichiro felt an undercurrent of unease, intensified by the uncertainty of her circumstances. She couldn't shake the thought of what Guren's intentions might be now. Did he perceive her defiance and her refusal to submit to his authority as a betrayal? Would he seek to punish her for it? The possibilities loomed ominously in her mind, especially if Guren was still under the influence of his demon, as Shinoa had claimed.
Fearing the possibility of being caught in what could spiral into a perilous situation unarmed, Yuichiro sprang to her feet, scanning her room for anything that might serve as an improvised weapon. As she rummaged through her belongings, she simultaneously reached for the doorknob, only to find it securely locked, which was, of course, to be expected.
Her search soon revealed that every window, even the diminutive pane in the bathroom, was locked tight, reinforced in a manner designed to prevent any escape—her escape.
Panic began to creep in, but Yuichiro's resolve and ingenuity quickly quelled her fears.
I'm trapped... that's even more reason for me to find a weapon then! she thought, her mind racing with the imperative of self-defense.
Turning her back on the door, she dove into the drawers of a vintage wooden desk nearby, its ornate carvings and weathered finish feeling oddly out of place in this strange setting.
After an anxious search through several compartments, her fingers finally brushed against something promising: an antique letter opener crafted from sterling silver, its intricately carved handle resting in a protective case. The eight-inch blade shimmered in the dim light, its sharp edge glinting back at her like a whispered promise of safety. Though it couldn't possibly be a sufficient substitute for her trusted demon sword, it was still better than nothing.
As footsteps approached outside her room, Yuichiro hastily crawled back into bed, hiding the letter opener beneath the blanket. Wherever she was, it wasn't JIDA Headquarters or anywhere near it; she was certain Guren had taken her someplace secluded without the knowledge or consent of his superiors. The fact that she had woken up in someone's personal bedroom, rather than a lab bed hooked up to strange machines, confirmed her suspicions.
Knowing Guren wouldn't be fooled if she pretended to be asleep, Yuichiro kept her eyes open, clutching the letter opener in her hand beneath the blanket. The pause outside the door seemed to stretch on forever, and then the lock clicked, and the door creaked open without a knock. That was unusual; Guren had always made a point to knock after that embarrassing incident years ago when he walked in on Yuu in her flimsy lingerie.
Was it possible that her visitor wasn't Guren after all? Yuichiro's doubts lingered, but she pushed them aside, focusing on caution. After all, Guren hadn't been himself when he took her hostage and abandoned his soldiers to the vampires.
As the door slowly creaked open, Yuichiro shut her eyes for a moment, then slowly opened them, feigning grogginess. Her gaze met Guren's, and despite her earlier doubts, it was indeed her guardian and mentor. He was out of uniform, dressed in a crisp white dress shirt and slacks, his skin and hair gleaming with a recent shower.
As she took in Guren's polished appearance, Yuichiro realized, for the first time since waking up, that she too was clean and free of blood and debris from the airport ordeal. A shiver ran down her spine as she wondered if someone had bathed and changed her while she was comatose. Could it have been Sayuri or Shigure, her usual caretakers after training sessions?
Guren's gaze seemed to delve deep into Yuichiro's thoughts, a slight smirk playing on his lips as he replied, "Not this time, Yuu. It's just the two of us."
Her eyes narrowed, and she tightened her grip on the letter opener as she sat up, careful to keep it hidden from his view.
"And just where exactly are we?" she asked, her tone a mix of curiosity and a hint of suspicion.
Guren's face remained a mask of calm, though a glimmer of amusement flickered in his eyes.
"My home, of course. Where else would I bring you?"
Yuichiro's bewilderment only intensified. "I don't recall seeing a room like this in your house when I lived with you, Guren."
His grin widened. "That's because this isn't my Shibuya home, Yuu."
The revelation sent her thoughts spinning. "Your 'Shibuya home'? You mean...?"
Guren's barely noticeable nod confirmed her growing suspicions. "I own more than one house, Yuu. A detail I never saw fit to mention." *1*
Yuichiro's mind raced as she grappled with this new information. "More than one house? If we're not in Shibuya, then where are we?"
"That... is something you don't need to know. In fact, it would be better if you didn't," he replied, ironically echoing Krul's evasive explanations to Mika regarding her protection of Yuu and the other Hyakuya orphans, whom she was ordered to destroy by the Progenitor Council.
"And why is that?" Yuu demanded, her anger simmering just below the surface.
Guren's expression turned guarded, his eyes flashing with a warning. "Just trust me, Yuu. It's better this way."
Yuichiro's breath caught in her throat as memories of the Nagoya Airport battle flooded back. She had witnessed Guren's ruthless efficiency, cutting down human and vampire soldiers alike, and his attempt to kill Mikaela when he tried to rescue her. The uncertainty of Shinoa, Satoshi, and the others' fate weighed heavily on her mind, and she worried about the squads and the MDC's survival without Guren's leadership. Her voice trembled with emotion as she struggled to articulate her thoughts.
"Why Guren? Why did you betray them?" Yuichiro's voice trembled with a mix of anger and desperation. "Didn't you take an oath to protect humanity when you joined the Demon Army, just like the rest of us?" The words hung in the air, heavy with accusation.
Guren's silence was deafening. Whether he was unwilling or unable to respond, Yuichiro couldn't say, but his silence only fueled her growing frustration. The air was thick with tension as she waited for an answer that never came.
With a burst of pent-up fury, Yuichiro screamed and launched herself out of bed, her long gown billowing around her like a dark cloud. She charged at Guren with a speed that surprised even herself, pinning him to a nearby antique fainting couch. *2* Her body weight held him in place, and she pressed the letter opener she had been hiding to his throat, the metal glinting menacingly in the light.
In any other situation, Yuichiro might have reveled in the thrill of gaining the upper hand over her mentor. But now, her anger and hurt dominated every other emotion.
"You will explain yourself to me, sir!" she hissed, trying to channel her most intimidating tone, despite knowing Guren was strong and cunning enough to escape if he chose to.
Instead of resisting or retaliating, Guren gazed up at Yuichiro with an expression that bordered on sorrow.
"Why are you angry with me, Yuichiro?" he asked, his voice calm and measured. "After all, I only reclaimed what was mine... You..." His words trailed off, leaving Yuichiro's anger and confusion to simmer, unresolved.
For a fleeting moment, Yuu's anger gave way to confusion, her eyes blinking rapidly as she struggled to comprehend Guren's words. They were the last thing she had expected to hear from her guardian, and the shock was palpable.
"What? I don't understand, Guren…" Her voice trailed off, laced with a mix of uncertainty and wariness.
Guren's gaze locked onto Yuichiro's, his eyes piercing through the hesitance that danced within them. He understood his ward well enough to see through the intimidation tactic, one that clashed fundamentally with her nature and honor. She would never harm an unarmed person, not even if that person were him, despite having every justification and right to do so.
With a gentle, deliberate movement, Guren reached out and closed his hand around Yuichiro's, his touch a subtle reminder of the bond between them.
"Have you forgotten what I said? You belong to me, and I don't share what's mine, especially not with that arrogant blond boy. Even if he is your dear orphanage brother."
Yuichiro's glare intensified, though she refrained from attacking him with the letter opener, at least for the moment. Guren knew he tread a fine line, one that could easily prove fatal if he made a slip of the tongue. The mention of Mikaela Hyakuya was a calculated risk, one that could either diffuse the situation or escalate it further.
"Give me one good reason why I shouldn't slit your throat, Guren!" Yuichiro's voice was a venomous mix of anger and grief. "After all, that's what you almost did to me, wasn't it?! Not only that, you betrayed our squads and the rest of the MDC who trusted you!"
Guren's expression remained impassive, his voice devoid of remorse as he acknowledged the truth.
"Yes, it's true. I betrayed everyone in the end, including you. I was too weak to let Mikaela take you away from me, so I gave in to my demon."
Yuichiro's eyes widened in incredulity, her mind struggling to comprehend the depths of Guren's obsession.
"Are you serious, Guren? For that reason alone, so many people had to die?"
Guren's unwavering gaze locked onto hers, his voice slicing through the tension with a defiant edge.
"And what if it is, Yuu? Can you honestly say that Mika wouldn't have made the same choice if he were in my position?"
Yuichiro's anger wavered, her frustration giving way to a cloud of doubt. She had always known Mikaela's fierce protectiveness over her, yet the thought that her brother from the orphanage would mirror Guren's drastic actions troubled her deeply, even as a part of her reluctantly acknowledged that he likely would.
The air was heavy with tension as Guren's words hung in the balance. Then, in a voice that was almost a whisper, he spoke again.
"I did what I had to do, Yuichiro. I protected you, kept you safe. And as for the others... they were just pawns, mere sacrifices in the grand scheme of things."
Yuichiro's fingers clenched around the letter opener, her fury and frustration surging to a breaking point. She was incredulous that her mentor could refer to his devoted subordinates, as well as the comrades he had fought beside since his own youth, with such callousness—as if they were mere disposable pieces on a chessboard.
"Pawns? Sacrifices? You're talking about our friends, our comrades! People we've fought alongside, people we've trusted!"
Guren's expression remained unyielding, though his voice took on a hint of resignation. "I know, Yuu. And I'm sorry. But sometimes, hard choices need to be made. And I made mine. I chose to protect you no matter the cost."
"What do you mean?" Yuu demanded, her voice trembling with a mix of anger and trepidation.
"I mean that human nature is a complex tapestry, woven from threads of both good and evil," Guren replied, his eyes gleaming with a knowing intensity that made Yuu's skin prickle. "And sometimes, the line between the two is blurred, making it impossible to discern right from wrong." He paused, his gaze piercing.
"And I am not the only one consumed by my own desires, Yuu. Mikaela, for all his noble intentions, is just as capable of cruelty and destruction as I am. You saw it yourself, didn't you? He would stop at nothing to have you, even betraying his own kind if that's what it took, just as I did."
Yuichiro's face burned with indignation, her grip on the letter opener tightening as she trembled with anger, even if she couldn't deny that there was at least some truth in her mentor's words. The memory of Mikaela's actions still lingered in her mind, a painful reminder of the darkness that lurked within those she trusted.
"How dare you!" she spat, her voice venomous. "You're trying to justify your actions by comparing yourself to Mika?!" The words hung in the air, heavy with accusation.
Guren shook his head, a faint smile playing on his lips.
"No, Yuu, you're wrong. I am not trying to justify or excuse what I did. I'm only telling you why I did it. So, what will you do now that you know?" He leaned forward, his eyes never leaving hers, the blade of the letter opener in Yuu's hand pressing against his throat. "Will you take my life so carelessly as you took my love?"
Yuu's eyes widened in shock, her mind reeling from the implications of Guren's words, her grip on the letter opener tightening involuntarily. The air seemed to thicken, heavy with unspoken emotions.
"Your... your love?" she stammered, her voice barely above a whisper.
Guren's eyes seemed to bore into her soul, his gaze burning with an intensity that made her feel like she was drowning in their depths.
"Yes, Yuu," he whispered, his voice cracking with emotion. "My love. The love I've had for you for so long, but could never express. The love that drove me to protect you at all costs, even if it meant sacrificing others."
Yuichiro's face felt like it was on fire, her cheeks burning with a mixture of shock, embarrassment, and confusion. She couldn't believe what she was hearing. Guren, her guardian, her mentor, the man who had raised her, was confessing his love for her? It was too much to take in. Yuu backed off slightly, her eyes never leaving Guren's face, her mind racing with thoughts and emotions. She felt like she was torn between two opposing forces, her heart and her head, each pulling her in different directions.
Yuichiro's grip on the letter opener faltered, her eyes wide with shock and confusion. She had never seen Guren like this before, so vulnerable and open. For a moment, she forgot about her anger and her desire for revenge, and all she could see was the pain and longing in her mentor's eyes.
"Is this a joke, Guren? Because if it is, it isn't funny!" she retorted, her voice shaking. The statement hung in the air, a poignant reminder of the complexities of their relationship.
As if he could read her mind, the older man's lips curved into a smile that seemed almost triumphant, yet laced with a hint of danger, making Yuichiro question the sincerity of his words. Her affection and respect for Guren as her guardian, mentor, and superior officer didn't necessarily translate to blind trust or unwavering faith. Yuichiro was also well aware of Guren's cunning nature, clever enough not to leave anything in his room that she could use as a weapon against him - unless that was his intention all along, to put her in this precarious position.
"A joke? What, you didn't think me capable of feeling such a thing? You wound me, Yuichiro," Guren said, his voice tinged with a mix of sadness and accusation. "Tell me, was Mikaela there for you these last four years, or was it I? I was the one who helped you heal, who helped you find your place in this world. And this is how you repay me? By choosing him over me?"
As he spoke, his eyes locked onto Yuichiro's, and for a moment, she felt like she was drowning in their depths, her memories of his care and support flooding back.
"I…" Yuichiro began, but her words faltered as she struggled to refute Guren's assertion. The weight of his words was crushing, and she couldn't help but think of all the times he had been there for her when she needed him.
Guren's hands rose to Yuichiro's face, his fingers tracing the contours of her cheeks as he gazed into her eyes.
"You were mine, Yuu. Mine to protect, mine to care for. And I did. I gave you everything I could, everything I had. But you...you chose him. You chose the boy who abandoned you, who left you to fend for yourself in a world that's full of monsters. Why, Yuichiro? What did Mikaela offer you that I couldn't?" His voice was laced with a deep sadness, void of any reproach.
Yuichiro felt a pang of guilt at Guren's words, her eyes dropping to avoid his gaze. She knew that she had hurt him, that she had chosen Mikaela over him, and it was a painful truth to confront. The bond she shared with Mikaela was undeniable, forged during their time in the Hyakuya orphanage and later, in the vampire city of Sanguinem. But Guren's words cut deep, and she couldn't deny the truth in them.
After taking her away from Shinoa and the others, Mikaela had confessed that he had spent the last half-decade searching for Yuichiro after they were violently separated at the gates of Sanguinem. But Yuichiro knew there was no way she could prove that to her guardian.
"What do you want from me, Guren? Why are you telling me this now?" Yuichiro asked, her voice barely above a whisper, as she struggled to meet his gaze.
Guren's fingers continued to caress her cheeks, his touch sending shivers down her spine. The older man's gaze never wavered, his eyes burning with an intensity that made her feel like he was seeing right through her.
"Because, Yuu, I don't know how much longer I can pretend that I don't feel this way. And I need you to know, I need you to understand, that I'm not just a mentor, not just a guardian. I am human, with feelings and desires, and I've been holding back for far too long."
"And why should I believe you?" Yuichiro demanded, her voice shaking with uncertainty. "You've deceived me before, Guren. You've used me for your own purposes. You even admitted that you didn't have the luxury of saving someone who didn't serve a higher purpose. So why should I trust you now?"
Guren's smile faltered, and for a moment, Yuichiro saw a glimmer of desperation in his eyes, as if he were pleading with her to believe him.
"Yuichiro I have nothing left to lose," Guren answered solemnly, his voice barely above a whisper. "I've already betrayed everyone I care about, including you. I've lost my honor, my reputation, my everything. But I don't care about any of that. All I care about is you, all that I have left is you."
Yuichiro's grip on the letter opener faltered. She had never seen Guren like this before, so vulnerable and open. For a moment, she forgot about her anger and her desire for revenge, and all she could see was the pain and longing in her mentor's eyes.
"Guren, I..." she began, but her voice trailed off as she struggled to find the right words. Guren's eyes seemed to bore into her soul, as if willing her to understand him.
A part of Yuichiro wanted to reach out to him, to comfort him, but another part of her was scared, unsure of how to process this new information. Guren's eyes seemed to hold a deep sadness, as if he knew that she was struggling to come to terms with his confession. He slowly dropped his hands from her face, his fingers trailing down her cheeks before falling to his sides.
"I know this is a lot to take in, Yuu," he said softly, his voice barely above a whisper. "I just needed you to know how I feel."
Yuichiro's heart swelled with compassion as she gazed into Guren's sorrowful eyes, his mask of confidence and composure slipping to reveal a profound vulnerability. For the first time, she saw him unguarded, his true emotions laid bare. The pang of guilt she felt was palpable, her voice barely above a whisper as she spoke.
"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to hurt you, Guren..."
Guren's expression softened, his fingers brushing against her cheeks in a gentle caress once more.
"I know you didn't, Yuu. I know you didn't mean to hurt me. But you did. And I...I couldn't bear the thought of losing you to him, to anyone else. That's why I did what I did. I know it was wrong, but I couldn't help myself."
Yuichiro's eyes locked onto Guren's, her gaze piercing the depths of his soul. She had never seen him so exposed, so raw. It was as if he had shed his armor, revealing a part of himself he had kept hidden for so long. She wanted to tell Guren that he was wrong, that Mikaela had never abandoned her, that he had been searching for her all these years. But the words caught in her throat as she beheld the sincerity in his eyes, the depth of his emotions.
In that moment, Yuichiro's perception of her guardian shifted. Despite her love for Mika, she realized that she also cared for Guren deeply, that her feelings for him went beyond mere affection. The memory of their confrontation at the airport flashed before her eyes, how it pained Yuichiro to raise her sword against him when he lost himself to his demon.
As Guren took the letter opener away from her, Yuichiro didn't resist. Instead, she allowed him to take control, her eyes never leaving his. And then, in a move that left her breathless, Guren began to sing.
"You have come here in pursuit of your deepest urge,
in pursuit of that wish, which till now has been silent, silent . . ."
"I have brought you, that our passions may fuse and merge -
in your mind you've already succumbed to me dropped all defenses completely succumbed to me -
now you are here with me: no second thoughts, you've decided, decided . . ."
Yuichiro's gasp escaped her lips as Guren's rich, resonant baritone enveloped her, whisking her away to a cherished chapter of her past when she would plead with him to sing just for her. It was a voice she had treasured since childhood, one that had faded from her life the moment she left his home to join the Shibuya Guard, only to resurface at Nagoya Airport as he beckoned her closer. Memories surged like a tide—reminiscing on their first shared notes, the enchanting duet of the Phantom and Christine Daaé from The Phantom of the Opera, and the countless evenings when his singing had been the reward for her diligence in both studies and training. *3*
Unbeknownst to Yuichiro, Guren had never shared this gift with another soul, not even with his first love, Mahiru Hiragi, who lacked the shared passion for music that bound him and Yuichiro together. *4*
Guren's voice possessed an extraordinary power to soothe the weary soul, to calm restless hearts, and to enchant even the most battle-hardened warriors. It was a voice that had rallied troops in the heat of the bloodiest conflicts, yet it also wielded the ability to erase the burdens of the most recent skirmish, alleviating the toll her seraph powers had taken on her body. Captivated, Yuichiro surrendered herself to the haunting beauty of Guren's melody, allowing her heart to be swept away and her spirit to dive deep into the well of his profound emotions.
As her mentor's melodious voice enveloped her, Yuu felt a deep sense of satisfaction, even if she wouldn't admit it out loud. His rich, velvety tones wove a spell around her, drawing her in with an otherworldly allure. The anger and frustration that had been simmering inside her began to dissipate, replaced by a soothing calmness that seeped into her very being. Her eyes, which had been flashing with indignation just moments before, now gazed up at Guren with a soft, dreamy quality, as if mesmerized by the depths of his violet eyes.
The letter opener, once a cold threat pressed against Guren's throat, now lay forgotten in his hand—a relic of tension that had dissolved under the tender lilt of his voice. The melody of the song brushed softly against her ear, a promise of unwavering devotion that sent delightful tremors through her heart. Yuu found herself immersed in the depths of Guren's gaze, the intensity of his stare igniting a warm flush across her skin. She became acutely aware of the soothing warmth of his breath against her cheek, the gentle caress of his fingers cradling her face, and the way his voice enveloped her like a comforting embrace, easing every worry and fear.
As Guren's voice washed over her, Yuu's tension eased, her eyelids growing heavy as she listened to the haunting melody. She had always loved his singing, the way it seemed to weave a spell around her, making her feel safe and protected. It was a feeling she had never experienced with anyone else, not even Mikaela. Guren's eyes never left hers as he sang, his gaze burning with an inner intensity that made Yuu feel like she was the only person in the world to him.
The words of the song seemed to take on a new meaning, a hidden message that only she could decipher. As she listened, Yuu felt herself becoming lost in the depths of Guren's eyes, her own emotions swirling in a maelstrom of confusion and desire. She was about to ask her guardian why he was singing to her now, since she hadn't done anything to earn it, when she suddenly realized that she had been straddling him in a rather intimate position the whole time while clad in a flimsy nightgown. Mortification washed over her as she scrambled to get off of him, her face burning with embarrassment.
Guren's eyes sparkled with amusement as he watched Yuu's face turn bright red with embarrassment. He had been aware of their intimate position the entire time, but he had chosen not to say anything, enjoying the closeness and the feeling of her body against his. As Yuu scrambled to get off of him, Guren's hands instinctively went to her waist, holding her in place.
"Don't be embarrassed, Yuu," he said, his voice low and husky.
Blushing furiously, Yuu stiffened and attempted to stand up and move away from Guren, but his grip on her waist only tightened, preventing her from escaping. She felt a surge of panic as she realized she was trapped, her heart racing with anticipation. Guren's eyes seemed to gleam with a knowing light, as if he was aware of the turmoil brewing inside her.
"Let me go, Guren," Yuu demanded, trying to sound firm despite the tremble in her voice. But Guren just chuckled.
As he continued his song, Guren tightened his hold on Yuu's hand, put his other arm around her waist, and pulled her closer, as if they were dancing in a ballroom. Yuu felt herself getting lost in the rhythm of the music, her body swaying to the beat. The words of the song seemed to take on a new meaning, a sensual promise that only she could hear.
"Past the point of no return - no backward glances: the games we've played till now are at an end . . ."
"Past all thought of 'if' or 'when' - no use resisting: abandon thought, and let the dream descend . . ."
"What raging fire shall flood the soul? What rich desire unlocks its door? What sweet seduction lies before us . . .?"
Captivated by Guren's haunting serenade and the intensity of his violet-eyed gaze, Yuu ceased her struggle. In that moment, she even forgot the anger that had burned within her after the incident at the airport not long ago. The music enveloped her, sweeping away all her doubts and fears, leaving her open and vulnerable to the flood of emotions that Guren's song stirred within her. As she listened, Yuu felt herself melding with the melody, her heart synchronized with its rhythm, her spirit soaring on the ethereal currents of Guren's voice.
As if his striking appearance weren't captivating enough, the older man's voice resonated like a siren's call for Yuichiro, luring her in with an enchanting allure. Her gaze softened, and she felt herself drifting into an ethereal haze, her senses igniting as Guren's melody enveloped her like a warm, golden embrace. The lyrics seemed to transform, revealing an intimate message meant only for her, whispering directly to her spirit. As she absorbed the sound, Yuichiro felt herself melding with the music, her body swaying to the rhythm as if guided by an unseen force, her very being pulsating in perfect harmony with her mentor's serenade.
Guren's eyes never left hers, his gaze burning with an inner intensity that made Yuichiro feel like she was the only person in the world, the only one who mattered. His eyes seemed to see right through her, to the very heart of her being, and yet, she couldn't look away, transfixed by the piercing violet orbs that seemed to hold a deep, abiding passion.
Yuichiro shifted slightly to hear Guren better, and the cool metal of the locket her orphanage brother had given her brushed against her skin, sending a brief, fluttering thought of Mikaela through her mind. *5* But Yuichiro knew that there was nothing she could do for him at the moment, and so she tucked him away in the back of her mind, silently begging Guren to continue with her eyes.
And with a smirk, he obliged her.
"Past the point of no return, the final threshold -
what warm, unspoken secrets will we learn? Beyond the point of no return . . ."
As he sang those few verses, Guren's lips curled into a sultry smile, more captivating than anything Yuichiro had conjured in her mind or witnessed in Asuramaru's illusions when he masqueraded as her guardian. His intense and mesmerizing violet eyes sparkled with playful mischief as he gently released her hand and began to loosen the collar of his dress shirt, methodically unbuttoning it with an exquisite, tantalizing slowness that made Yuichiro's heart race uncontrollably.
Unable to drag her gaze away, Yuichiro felt her cheeks bloom with an even deeper blush as Guren playfully teased her with fleeting glimpses of his toned chest, the smooth, sculpted muscles forever etched in her memory from the day he had rescued her from the depths after she had tumbled off the ledge of a waterfall. That day, Guren had emerged from the water, his body glistening, and though his skin was dry now, it radiated a subtle, masculine allure that seemed to pull her closer. *6*
Confounded, Yuichiro pondered whether it was merely her imagination or if Guren was indeed putting on a striptease just for her. As his fingers danced tantalizingly over the buttons of his shirt, Yuichiro's eyes widened in a mix of shock and intrigue, her thoughts spiraling with the tantalizing possibility that this was all too real—that Guren was genuinely seducing her.
Guren remained silent, pausing to meet her gaze with warmth and anticipation, as if he were waiting for something unspoken. Understanding precisely what he sought, Yuichiro finally surrendered to her guardian's unyielding charm, inhaled deeply, and sang the next lines of the song—one of many from her beloved musical—allowing the melody to weave further enchantment between them.
"You have brought me to that moment where words run dry,
to that moment where speech disappears into silence, silence . . ."
"I have come here, hardly knowing the reason why . . .
In my mind, I've already imagined our bodies entwining defenseless and silent -
and now I am here with you: no second thoughts, I've decided, decided . . ."
A smile graced Guren's lips as he finally saw Yuichiro embrace the moment. With a tender touch, he gently entwined his fingers with hers after loosening the last button of his shirt, coaxing her to place her hands on his bare skin as soon as she finished the latest verse. Yuichiro struggled to articulate the next lines clearly, her fingers tracing the contours of his abs, every dip igniting a surge of warmth. Her voice trembled, the melody wavering as she fought to maintain both key and composure, captivated by the electric connection between them.
"Past the point of no return - no going back now: our passion-play has now, at last, begun . . ."
"Past all thought of right or wrong - one final question: how long should we two wait, before we're one . . .?"
"When will the blood begin to race the sleeping bud burst into bloom? When will the flames, at last, consume us?"
Guiding Yuichiro's hands with his own, Guren slowly maneuvered them from his chiseled abs to the firm contours of his chest, tilting his head back as a soft, husky groan escaped his lips. The sound sent a thrill through Yuichiro, causing her breath to hitch in her throat; this was a side of her guardian she had never dared to imagine. If not for Guren's firm grip on her hands, she might have pinched herself, desperately trying to discern whether this was some vivid dream.
For years, Yuichiro had brushed aside her feelings for this strikingly handsome man, dismissing them as mere childish infatuation fueled by his remarkable looks. After all, she was not supposed to harbor such sentiments for someone who had raised her with the tenderness of a father and the protectiveness of an older brother. Yuichiro had attempted to convince herself that her burgeoning desire for her mentor was nothing more than a fleeting emotion, yet she found herself utterly hopeless against the depth of his gaze, especially when confronted with the beauty of Guren's mesmerizing eyes.
As she lost herself in those captivating violet orbs, her heart raced, skipping beats with an exhilarating thrill that both exhilarated and terrified her. She had never seen Guren so exposed, so genuine, and the moment was electric with possibility.
With a playful glint in his eye, Guren observed Yuichiro's bashfulness, and as if attuned to each other's rhythm, they both inhaled deeply before launching into the next verse of their song, their voices harmonizing in a melody that felt both intimate and transformative.
"Past the point of no return the final threshold -
the bridge is crossed, so stand and watch it burn . . .
We've passed the point of no return . . ."
After they trailed off the last verse, Guren gently released Yuichiro's hands before snaking an arm around her waist, cupping her face with his other hand, and leaning closer to sing the final verse softly into her ear.
"Say you'll share with me One love, one lifetime Lead me, save me from my solitude…"
"Say you want me with you here beside you Anywhere you go, let me go too Yuichiro, that's all I ask of you… *7*