A/N: So here is the last chapter! I apologise to those who wanted me to make it longer; even if I was in the right health to continue this whilst working on my other (soon to be posted) multi-chaptered story, I don't think I would anyway as I just wanted to keep this short with the ideas I had.

I hope you enjoy it, however! Please read the author's note at the end, too!

Midnight's Chime

Final Chapter - True Love's Kiss

"MIKA? Mika, can you hear me? Mika!"

There was no response from the blond who had fell into his arms; not through a voice, not through any movement. He remained silent and still as though he had no life left. That thought made Yuichiro panic. Holding Mikaela's light body against him with one firm arm, Yuichiro placed a hand under Mikaela's head to look at his face. It was difficult to keep him still, because all control of movement had seemed to disappear from his body, his eyes closed.

"Is he okay?" Shinoa asked, running over. Her eyes widened in horror when she looked at Mikaela's face. "Oh God, is he..."

"Mika, come on, look at me..."

No response. Yuichiro lowered to the ground, Mikaela's still body rested down onto it. Yuichiro pressed his ear against Mikaela's chest. He was unable to pick up a heartbeat.

"Don't you dare do this to me now," Yuichiro said, tears welling in his eyes, his throat hoarse. His hands began to press down onto Mikaela's chest in a steady rhythm. "Your eyes finally looked happy. Come on, you can't die now… Please, Mika..."

But nothing came from Yuichiro's efforts. Without a moment of hesitation, he bent down, holding Mikaela's nose and leant down to breathe into his mouth, desperate for air to enter his lungs. But he was stopped by a hand pressed against his mouth. Mikaela's hand.

"Mika!" Yuichiro cried, but the smile which had been on his face was quick to fade when he looked into the eyes of the one who had wakened. It wasn't Mikaela. Yuichiro could never fail to recognise those fearful, demonic eyes, or forget Mikaela's beautiful ones.

"Hey, Yuu."

"What have you done?" Yuichiro screamed, grasping at Mikaela's – or rather, Asuramaru's – chest. "You never said you'd do anything like this!"

"I've been bored out of my mind for years, then was expected to help you two meet? I had to make a deal."

"What deal?" he demanded, shaking with rage. "What deal did you force him into, Asuramaru?"

"I didn't force him. He was completely willing." Asuramaru pushed Yuichiro away, getting to his feet. He looked a little surprise. "Wow, this body is pretty damn weak… Lots of pain, too. Maybe I didn't think this through all the way."

"I asked you what deal it was!"

"If he hadn't done a small thing by midnight, I'd have his body," Asuramaru said, pulling out his sword from his holster, swirling it around with little care. "As you can see, he failed."

"Failed to do what?"

Asuramaru only smiled. His patient no longer existent, Yuichiro pulled out his own sword. When its blade was pointed directly at Asuramaru, he looked slightly taken aback initially, but he was soon back to smirking. "You would hurt the body of your darling Mika?"

"No," Yuichiro said, stepping forward. "I'm going to get you out of it."

"That's impossible," Asuramaru laughed. "His soul is already dying. I've finally got what I've always wanted."

"Don't bet on that!" Yuichiro shouted, jumping forward and hitting against Asuramaru's sword with his own. The demon cursed, trying to keep himself steady on shaking legs.

"Why must you be such a weak vessel?" he hissed. But still, much like Mikaela was in his own body, Asuramaru managed to move himself with determination, pushing past the overwhelming fatigue as he fought back. "I'm not giving this up so easily. I've waited too long."

"It doesn't belong to you!"

The bystanders could only stand and stare, still baffled by what was occurring as the two men exchanged hits. Asuramaru was skilled, but due to the weakness he was forced to endure, Yuichiro would have long won by now if he hadn't been holding back. He was too afraid to hit harder and move faster in fear of harming Mikaela's body, even if the soul couldn't necessarily return. It was clear that Asuramaru knew this from the challenging, provoking glint in his red eyes.

'Hang in there, Mika,' Yuichiro thought to himself. 'I'll get you back no matter what!'

Praying silently to himself, Yuichiro put more force into his arms to send Asuramaru's sword flying. As it landed on the ground, the sound of metal clanking echoed. Yuichiro then grabbed Asuramaru's arm, apologising mentally to Mikaela and swung him over his shoulder, his knee pressed against Asuramaru's chest.

The demon only laughed, arms either side of him on the floor. "What now? This fight was just a one-sided struggle. You can't do anything to me."

"You'll have to kill him, Yuu," Guren finally said on the sidelines. "I hate to say it, but-"

"I'm not killing him!" Yuichiro shouted furiously. "Don't even think about suggesting that again! Mika, can you hear me? Mika?"

"He can't hear you," said Asuramaru. "He's dead."

"MIKA!"

Where was he? How did he get here?

Wherever he was, he was calm, floating in the most serene silence. Even though he had no idea where he was, he felt no panic. All that he felt was peace.

He was so relaxed that it took him a moment to realise that a voice, one which he was still new to, was speaking to him. He slowly opened his eyes, seeing nothing but pure white.

"So will you let this be it for you?"

"Asuramaru," Mikaela murmured. Perhaps he should have been shouting, but he felt no rage. "Am I dead?"

"Not yet. Souls don't exit the body and die right away. They linger first, floating like you are in a shared vessel."

"I see."

"Given up?"

"I don't know. How do I get back? You've already taken over my body."

"Not completely. After all, you're still here. Listen."

"Listen?" Mikaela echoed, staying silent after that word. When he heard nothing for a few seconds, he closed his eyes, eyebrows furrowing with concentration. That's when he heard them; distant voices which seemed to be miles away from him.

"What… Asuramaru, speak to me! Bring me back Mika!"

"Yuu," Mikaela said softly. It was a struggle to hear him. He opened his eyes, and now he saw that reflecting Yuu's words, Asuramaru was in front of Mikaela, a single figure in the stretch of white. "What are your intentions, Asuramaru?"

"They're not as simple as you might think," the demon replied slowly. "You might not believe this, but I hold a lot of respect and even gratitude for the royal family. Demons have no place in this world, and it might seem strange, but I hated that. Despite me despising humans, I wanted to see their world. I was summoned centuries ago by the royal family to help them. They were being attacked by outsiders who wielded dark magic, and the royal family had to fight back with the same. I only joined them at first to eventually have a body of my own, but… All these years, that family, despite their flaws, spent time to look for a way to let me exist properly by their side, without the need for a body. I might be a demon with very few emotions, but I'm grateful for that."

"I've only known you for a few hours, but I'm really starting to like you. You're a lot deeper than I thought."

"Like me? Even though I'm taking over your body?"

"You just said your intentions aren't as simple as I think."

"You pay attention, I can give you that. I am aware of how strong your desires are to be with each other. But I'm realistic. He's a prince, you have no connection whatsoever to the royal family, not to mention you're both male. I highly doubt that a relationship between you two would be accepted, not unless something drastic happened, showing you how strong your love is."

"Why would you go through so much for us?"

"Like I say, I love desires. Plus, with how much the family have done for me… Yeah, at least I no longer have debts to pay."

"So what now?"

"We wait," Asuramaru said simply, folding one leg over the other. He put a finger to his lips, stopping Mikaela from speaking again. This time, he didn't have to close his eyes to hear the distant voice of Yuu.

"Mika..." It sounded as though he was crying. "Mika, please..."

Then there were no words, yet warmth still radiated through Mikaela's body. He closed his eyes slowly, the figure of Asuramaru fading away. His body felt normal now, though there was something unfamiliar he could feel. That was the touch of someone's lips against his own.

He opened his eyes when the lips left his, locking eyes with Yuichiro. The prince's glistening eyes widened, obviously not expecting to see Mikaela's after giving up hope.

"Mika!" he cried, lowering himself down to sob into Mikaela's chest, relief bursting from him. "Oh thank God, Mika..."

"Yuu..." Mikaela could only say for a moment, resting his hand on the back of Yuichiro's head. "I'm okay, Yuu. I'm here."

"Can you stand?" Yuichiro asked, lifting his head and wiping his tears. Mikaela nodded, taking Yuichiro's hand as they got to their feet. "How… How did..."

"Asuramaru isn't as bad as you probably think right now. I guess he just really wanted you to kiss me."

"Oh yeah, that," Yuichiro laughed, rubbing the back of his head, embarrassed. "I thought you were dead, and I guess I just… Kissed you out of desperation. Worked though, didn't it?"

"It did," Mikaela smiled. He coughed, cheeks turning pink. "Want to do it again?"

Yuichiro laughed, nodded and then did just that. This kiss was happier, full of mutual love; it lingered sweetly, hands resting on each other's faces without care that there were others around them. None were acknowledged but Yuichiro's father after they broke apart.

"Dad-"

"I guess… Tradition can be broken, sometimes," he said. "If this is truly what you want. I can't stand in the way of your happiness. You've been too good for that."

"Then I won't marry tonight, and instead start this with Mika."

Guren nodded, "If that's what you wish." The king turned to Mikaela, who was worried that he would be faced with a frown. Guren's expression was nothing of the sort, however; he seemed impressed. "To survive with your body, as weak as it is as well, from a demon's possession… You're a lot tougher than you look."

"That's the biggest compliment you could ever get from my dad," Yuichiro laughed, nudging Mikaela's side with his elbow. "Better accept it fast, before he takes it back."

"Thank you."

"I'll deal with this, too," Guren said, picking up Yuichiro's sword – Asuramaru's vessel – off the floor. "It's my mistake to fix."

"Thanks, dad."

"Yuu?" They turned to see Shinoa walking over to Yuichiro, her smile the biggest it had been since the beginning of the ball. "I'm happy for you. You're making history today to get what you want, and honestly, I could really learn from that."

"Thank you for your support," Yuichiro responded. "I appreciate that."

"Don't mention it. Shouldn't you two be dancing now, anyway? Most people kiss at a ball after they've danced, you know."

"I don't even know how to dance," Mikaela blurted out. "I've never done it before in my life. Not properly, anyway."

"Don't worry, just follow me," Yuichiro said, holding out his hand. His voice spoke quieter. "Come on, you've gone through enough this evening. Ignore everyone else and just have fun."

Mikaela hesitated for a moment, despite knowing completely what his actions would be. He accepted Yuichiro's hand, followed him to the centre of the ballroom, where people automatically made room. Despite Yuichiro saying to ignore them, Mikaela's eyes wandered to those watching them for a moment. Similar to how he was with Guren, he had expected the worse to only turn out relieved. Though some still seem confused and unsure of the situation, no one seemed to be evidently disgusted, and many looked joyful, or even dreamy.

Perhaps they had thought that they had seen one of the legendary 'true love's kiss'. Perhaps that is what it actually was.

"Look at me," Yuichiro said gently. Mikaela shifted his gaze away from the audience, instead focusing on the eyes he had fallen in love with. He knew at least enough to know to hold Yuichiro's hand, the other on his shoulder as a hand was placed on Mikaela's waist. Then he began to follow Yuichiro's steps. "Don't focus on it too much. Just let it come naturally."

Mika nodded, inhaling and exhaling deep breaths to calm the thumping heart in his chest. He seemed to pick up the movements naturally; perhaps waltzing with someone he loved helped. He doubted that he would be like this with anyone else.

That could also apply to the emotions running through his chest. That positivity was no longer just hopeful love as it had always been. It had transformed into the most beautiful joy, a joy unlike he had ever experienced before. This is what it must feel like for someone to be in love. Now he knew why people had always yearned for it so much.

"I'm sorry I couldn't save you sooner," Yuichiro said softly. "I don't just mean when we met; I mean before then. You've been through so much pain, none of it deserving..."

"It's fine, really," Mikaela said, squeezing Yuichiro's hand with a smile. "I mean, it's led me to this. It's not all bad, and it's like I have a different life now. I can start fresh."

"With me?"

"With you?"

As the beautiful song in the background slowed to a stop, so did their movements to allow their lips to meet once more.

It was something neither would ever want to let go.

"I promise I'll protect you from now on," Yuichiro said firmly, yet still with a gentleness to his voice. "That's the vow I'm making tonight."

The chime of one o'clock now struck. It was a sound that seemed heavenly to Mikaela, a sign that he survived the dreaded chime of midnight just an hour before.

For the first time in his life, here in Yuichiro's arms, he wished that he would keep on surviving for years to come.

A/N: Thank you for reading this little story! Admittedly, I was often unsure due to how I'm more uncomfortable with writing for this fandom as I am for the other one (Tales of Zestiria) I'm writing for right now, but I have enjoyed writing it and I'm proud of the idea. Please let me know if you enjoyed it!

Now, in case you hadn't seen this before, I have moved over to Archive of our Own.

This is for a few reasons, my initial one being that now I write for animes, I wanted to be on a website which seems more active for them. I'm enjoying using this one a lot more. I will likely not upload any other work on here, so please remember to check that account out if you want to see future work! My username on there is SkiaWolf.

Thank you again for reading this story!