Rim: Here we go working on the next chapter, and the story just might be done today. Now that I have nothing to distract me-besides the gummy bears that are now stuck to the computer screen, but that is a different story all together-let's get this one started.

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The sun felt good against the red head's skin as he took a small path leading away from the Hiwatari estate. It was still midday, his eyes comfortable with the light that nearly blinded him days ago. His vampire senses were more adapted to him than when he was first turned, allowing him to enjoy the walk, a gentle breeze occasionally wrapping around him. Closing his eyes, Tala took in a slow breath not really wanting to think about anything at the moment. However, his mind wasn't going to give him the chance.

His mind was full of contradictory things considering his past life and his new life. Memories still fresh in his mind from days ago flitted in front of him, then disappeared as he questioned what it all meant.

What did he want out of life now?

Did he want to stay with Kai at the Hiwatari estate?

Did he want to do like Tetsuya Shinsugami, and watch over the other members of his family to make sure nothing happened to them? And if something were to occur on the same lines as what Tala went through, did he want to be there to guide the one who stepped off their familiar room into new territory, imparting the knowledge to that person that was passed onto him?

Or...did he have a desire to bring together the Shinsugami and Kagekidan clans under his rule? What that would accomplish, he would never know until it occurred. Opening his eyes, Tala raked his hand through his hair with a soft sigh. What was he supposed to do? All he had ever known how to do was hunt down vampires for humans. Now, he had no corner to turn to.

Listening to his footfalls, the former vampire hunter allowed himself to be carried away in his steps, unbeknownst to him, he was being followed by two certain vampires with plans of two different calibers. Tyson was intently watching Tala walking, making sure not to make a sound as the red head led him further away from the Hiwatari estate. Hate filled the half bred vampire at his previous humiliation at the hands of the newcomer. Tyson was going to make him pay for thinking that he could claim Kai whilst fooling all those around him that he was going to play vampire now.

Kane on the other hand watched Tyson intently, his mind rolling over the plan he was about to execute. Once it got back that Tyson was killed by the newcomer that Kai brought under his wing, it was going to be questionable whether or not Kai's judgment was sound enough to remain the heir of the Hiwatari family. Especially after Kai would contest for the red head. It would leave their grandfather no choice but to throw Kai out of the family and make Kane the rightful heir.

"Can I kill him now?" Tyson growled softly, his nails digging deeper into the bark of the tree they were currently hiding behind.

Kane looked up from his thoughts, a smirk concealed well in the corners of his mouth. How better a plan was it when his pawn was stupid enough to realize that he was never going to be able to destroy the vampire he hated. Even Kane knew better than to pick a fight with the red head, not because Kai protected him; but because the power he felt from the red head long before he was changed. It was the kind of power that destroyed all that opposed it with precision.

"Not yet," Kane said, before Tyson got impatient and ruined his plan.

"Why not?" Tyson barked softly, whirling around to face Kane. His eyes seethed anger, his elongated teeth glinting in the sun. The expression was of a hungry predatory who was doing all he could not to spring quickly and lose its prey. It was the exact kind of thing that made him perfect for this task. "He's right there...he doesn't realize that we're here! It's the perfect opportunity!"

"If you attack while we're still some ways from the estate, Kai will sense the fight and come out and help that boy," Kane explained slowly. "We don't want you to get in trouble with Kai again, do we? We have to make sure that this boy doesn't use his power to trap Kai in his web once more. I do not believe that the magic reaches so far. When we allow him to go far enough where he thinks he is safe so he won't need Kai, then we strike."

"He makes me want to kill him more for what he's done to Kai," Tyson said, digging his claws deeper into the bark of the tree.

"I understand how you feel, but you can't kill him just yet. We should wait until he's out of range of Kai. That way, we can destroy him without incident," Kane said, placing a hand on Tyson's shoulder. A soft smile rose to his lips, underlined with malice. "Trust me Tyson, this is the best plan for now."

Some of the tension eased out of Tyson, as he stared up at Kane. "I'll trust you...but the minute I think we're far enough, I'm killing him."

"I won't interfere then," Kane promised. However Tyson didn't hear the double meaning behind it. Had he, he might have reconsidered taking Kane up on his plan. Tala, who was still oblivious of the plots surrounding him, continued walking, his feet soon coming across a familiar patch of land. Startled, Tala looked up from his thoughts just as he felt the singe of energy that was about to repel him. Stopping sort of being flung back by the energy, Tala lifted his eyes to the house he grew up in. Slipping into a shadow, his ears picked up the sound of wood knocking against each other. He easily discerned the sound was being made by the practice sticks he and Rei used as kids for training.

Moving towards the sound, but outside the barrier that protected the house, Tala found his sister engaging Rei in a mock match. Pride showed in his eyes, watching his sister push Rei's attack back enough to free her pole from the power lock to flip backwards into a defensive stance. Rei got his foot back momentarily, staring at the girl whose eyes flared with a fighting spirit akin to her brother's.

"Jasmine, how about we call it a day," Rei said, flopping down on the ground as sweat trickled down his nose. Flinging sweat from his hair, he looked over at the little girl beaming down at him. "Don't tell me you still want to fight?"

"Don't tell me you're getting tired already," Jasmine chimed teasingly. "We've only been going at this for an hour."

"Only an hour she says," Rei complained. "You're worst than--" Rei trailed off, his thoughts on her brother. As if her thoughts linked to his, Jasmine walked over to Rei, placing a hand on his shoulder.

"It's okay, I'm starting to get better, I just hope wherever he's at, he's taking care of himself, and knows that I won't let anything happen to the family. Maybe this is our destinies."

"Maybe it is, little sister," Tala whispered.

"Why don't you go in the house and dry off. I'm sure that your grandmother wants to hear all about your victory over me," Rei said, ruffling the girl's hair. "I'll be in soon."

"All right," Jasmine smiled, taking off for the house. Rei remained where he sat until she was gone, then stood up brushing off his clothing. Tilting his head to the side, his gold eyes scanned the wooded area observantly. Tala wasn't in the least bit shocked by the dark haired hunter's ability to sense his energy.

"Tala..." Rei called. "I know you're there, why are you hiding?"

A smile tweaked the corners of Tala's mouth as Rei began making his way in the very direction he was. It never ceased to amaze the red head how connected they were, even when Tala was now something other than human. Moving into view of the demon hunter, Rei stopped short, his eyes watering up to see his best friend before him looking every bit as normal as nearly a week ago.

"Tala...you came back," Rei gasped.

"Not back...I wandered my way here," Tala said. "There's no way for me to come back to this home now."

"Why not? You're free of that vampire, right? Things can go back to normal. Everyone misses you so much," Rei pleaded. "I really miss you too. Please Tala, come back home."

"I told you, I can't Rei," Tala replied, opening his mouth to show the elongated teeth. Closing his mouth, he sighed, watching Rei pale in fear. "I'm not going to hurt you, Rei. I may not be the same person I use to be, but you're still my friend. I still have all the memories of my past."

"That vampire...he made you like that didn't he?" Rei whispered.

"Yes, I'm now bound to Kai..." Tala nodded.

"If I kill him, you'll be free, right?" Rei hoped. "Your grandmother must know a way in order to get you back."

"This is who I really am, Rei," Tala shook his head. "This is the blood that runs through my veins, long before I met Kai. I know it's hard for you to understand this, but...for the first time in years...I'm finally free."

"Free...but you'll be hunted down! I don't want to see you killed because of what you are!" Rei exclaimed, tears beginning trickle down his face. "Do you think your sister will be able to take that news, or even be able to bring herself to kill you if she's the one to come across you."

"There will be no need for you to kill me," Tala assured. "I'm not like the other turned vampires. I'm not going to feed on innocent people, let alone anyone else. If I need to feed, I'll do it from other vampires. I'm sure that won't be a problem. I'm not going to cause you or the others problems."

"I really hope so Tala," Rei sighed.

"I'm tired of this war...so I can promise you this," Tala stated, looking Rei directly in the eyes. In truth, he was tired of this way of life. Of his past life hunting down creatures, of wondering what it was all for, of questioning himself . Tetsuya's words spoke so strongly to him at that moment, that he was certain he already made his decision about his life now. "I plan to end things somehow."

"What do you mean end things?" Rei frowned. "Do you mean you're going to destroy all the vampires because they can't really hurt you now?"

"No, I mean that I'm going to stop humans and vampires from destroying each together," Tala shook his head. "Someone very important to me now, told me all I need to know in order to change life. I've just had to figure out what I wanted to do with the knowledge left with me."

"Stop the war...what do you expect to do? Tell the vampires to stop feeding on humans? Or what? Tell the humans to stop killing vampires so they can feed?" Rei asked. "We killed vampires and other demons for a reason Tala. To free this world from their evil. If that vampire told you something different, then he's lying and playing around with your head!"

"Kai didn't tell me what I know," Tala corrected. "Rei, what we've been doing all this time, is going in blindly. The person who told me what I needed to know is someone that I trust wholeheartedly. He has no reason to tell me otherwise, because it gains him nothing."

"You're insane!" Tyson laughed, moving from out of the shadow he and Kane were hiding in. Tala whirled around, blocking their view of Rei while cursing at their interruption. "You're going to stop the war between the humans and vampires? What do you think you are?"

"What are you doing following me?" Tala growled, his eyes turning crimson as he stared at Tyson.

"Why do you think we followed you?" Tyson smirked, pulling out the dagger concealed at his side. "I plan to make you pay for embarrassing me in front of Kai. From the first moment he saw you, he hasn't paid attention to me. You don't belong there! Did you really think you could worm your way in so you could destroy us all? I won't allow it."

"You're the one that doesn't have enough sense," Tala retorted. "I could have killed you before, and Kai did nothing to stop me. Sorry if that doesn't say he's interested in you."

"He's not interested in me because you're using some sort of spell to make him want you, and blind him of me! You don't think I noticed, but I know what you've done," Tyson accused.

"You know nothing," Tala replied, turning his eyes on Kane then. "And what's your angle in this? If I didn't know any better, you pumping things in this idiot's head for some secret motive you're not sharing with him. You're Kai's younger brother, am I right? So, tell me what do you get out of this?"

"Satisfaction of seeing my dear brother freed from you," Kane smiled, his eyes glinting deviously.

"Considering you were interested a little while ago, whether that was a show or not, you are not fooling me with that act," Tala scoffed. Tilting his head to the side, he glanced back at Rei. "This isn't your fight Rei, go back. They won't be able to get pass the barrier to get you. Not that I will let them try."

"What about you?" Rei worried.

"I can take care of myself. Don't worry about me, the life I'm walking now isn't about to be put on halt because of these two," Tala smiled softly. "Now get going."

"He's not going anywhere!" Tyson yelled, rushing at Tala. "I'll kill you both where you stand."

"Go now Rei!" Tala shouted.

"Tala..." Rei bit his bottom lip, hesitantly taking a step away. "No matter what..."

"I know...but I can't return them. I'm bound to Kai...I told you. Now go," Tala interrupted, pushing Rei away. Grabbing Tyson's knife arm before he could swing. The blue haired vampire hissed angrily, trying to claw Tala with his free hand, only to find it captured also.

"I see..." Rei said. "Then I guess this is good-bye. Try not to die Tala, or I'm blaming that vampire, and will personally hunt him down for your death."

"You won't have to worry about that," Tala assured. "Now go..."

"All right," Rei nodded, turning away from his friend, and the one person he knew he would only ever be able to love in this world. Tears pooled in his eyes, almost blinding him as he ran back towards the Ivanov household.

"Kane, get him before he can make it back!" Tyson shouted.

"I'm not going to let you touch him," Tala growled, shoving Tyson away from him, so that the bluenette stumbled back. Tyson nearly lost his footing, regaining his balance to attack Tala once more. Tala easily sidestepped the knife swipes, Kane standing back watching what was going on.

"Kane! What do you think you're doing! Go get that human and make this bastard submit to us!" Tyson ordered furiously.

"I'm sorry, but when have I ever started taking orders from you?" Kane raised a brow with a frown.

"Are you trying to undermine me?" Tyson asked angrily.

"Looks like you're finally seeing his real colors," Tala said, briefly glancing at Kane. "He had no intention of helping you with your so called revenge or whatever you think you're trying to do."

"Kane!" Tyson shouted.

"I thought you wanted to kill him yourself?" Kane asked, the smile in the corners of his mouth growing wider. "I'm giving you exactly what you wanted. So kill him. I'm not going to interfere at all."

"I'll deal with you first then him," Tyson barked at Tala, swinging the knife once more.

"You can't kill me," Tala informed, moving out the way of the knife, and parrying behind Tyson. Before the vehement bluenette could spin around and try to stab him, Tala plunged his hand into Tyson's chest. Digging his claws in deep, Tala yanked Tyson's head back so he could stare eye to eye with the bluenette. "As long as you live, you will never be able to do more than be my prey."

"I'll kill you..." Tyson growled, spitting blood onto Tala's cheek. "You'll...never get...away...with this..."

"I don't care," Tala said, ripping out Tyson's heart, shoving the body on the ground to bleed. Staring at the beating object in his hand, Tala's eyes narrowed as flames consumed the bloody object in his hand. Kane watched on, quite impressed that even without training, his brother's newly turned pet could use a fire spell with just a stare. "So, now that I've killed him, what's your plan?"

"I really didn't fool you, did I?" Kane chuckled, walking over to Tyson's body, looking down at the deep half breed. "He was foolish to the very end of his life. What a waste on his end, however, it plans perfectly into what I need to do. This gives me exactly what I need."

"And that would be?" Tala raised a brow, using his other hand to wipe the blood from his face. Kane side-glanced him with a grin which could have chilled a room. His eyes continuing to dance with mischievous light.

"If I told you that, you would stop me," Kane shook his head amusingly. "Don't worry, I have no intention of having you killed. After all, I once had an interest in you, whether it was a show or not."

"You really haven't changed, have you, Kane?" Both Tala and Kane looked up to see Tetsuya walking towards them, in accompany of Staven Unagi. Tetsuya's eyes flitted over the two males and the now dead Tyson. "All in your plans to become heir to the Hiwatari clan, right?"

"Tetsuya...Staven, what are you doing here?" Tala questioned.

"We have to tie up loose ends," Tetsuya simply smiled. "Now that you've made your decision, you can't have anything distracting you from this path."

"You heard everything I said?" Tala blinked.

"Only the most important part," Tetsuya answered.

"The most important part?"

"That I can safely leave the Kagekidan and Shinsugami clans in your hands. I have no need to worry with someone who can understand both sides of the fence uniting things," Tetsuya voiced. "So, as my way of thanks, I'll clear the way for you to step forward."

"I don't want you dirtying your hands over this Tetsuya-san," Staven replied, stepping forward, drawing his sword. "So, I'll handle this one myself."

"Suit yourself," Tetsuya shrugged. "Tala, you should get going. As much as I know you're use to hunting...I don't think you should be a witness to this."

"You make it sound like I'm a demon," Staven joked, keeping his eyes on Kane.

"Well, I wasn't going to say a word," Tetsuya trailed off with a laugh.

"I'll deal with you later Tetsuya," Staven grinned.

"Or you'll try," Tetsuya assured. "Get going Tala, you can leave this to us."

"Thanks Tetsuya-san," Tala bowed.

"No, thank you Tala," Tetsuya smiled.

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Tala quietly slipped into the room, shutting the door behind him. Looking towards the bed, he found it empty. The tiny hairs on the back of his neck prickled as cold surrounded him, before arms wrapped themselves around his waist. The arms pulled him towards the body awaiting his contact. Unlike the previous times before, he didn't pull away as the head dipped down to nib at his nape.

"You were gone long enough," Kai murmured.

"I was lost in my thoughts," Tala replied.

"Is your mind settled now?"

"For the most part...yes. Now that I've made my decision," Tala voiced.

"Are you finally giving in to me?" Kai said, a smile of triumphant rising to his lips. "You know it's about time you--"

"Who said anything about submitting to you?" Tala inquired. "I'm finally going to stop running away from who I am and what runs through my veins. The you and I will take time to work."

"You're already my lover, there's nothing more to it," Kai stated.

"I'm your lover yes, but right now, I'm not your equal. I don't want to give you an underhand against me in the future when I take over the Shinsugami and Kagekidan clans," Tala proclaimed. As expected, he felt a larger smile than the previous one spread across Kai's face. Closing his eyes, he imaged the sensual smile that was on Kai's face, the tips of his fangs showing like they always did.

"You give me more to love about you all the time," Kai murmured. "We're going to show my grandfather and the entire world what they tried to destroy. When I'm done teaching you Tala, there won't be anyone who will be able to stop us."

"You sound like you plan on taking on the world in the future," Tala raised a brow. "I have a different set of plans for the future."

"Oh, really? Mind if I know about them?" Kai asked.

"When the time comes, I'll let you know," Tala assured.

"I'm going to hold you to it then," Kai stated. Tala only nodded, thinking about what he planned to do in the future. Of the things on his agenda, he wanted to fully understand why Kai's very presence sent pins from the bottom of his feet to the tips of his hair. The second thing in mind concerned whether fate or love had brought this turnabout. Hopefully in the future the things he needed to know would tie up all the loose ends and not just the more evident ones everyone else could see.

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Rim: All right, that's it. I'm completely done with this. I couldn't think of a better ending than Tala finally coming to a resolve of some sort with the events in his life. So this is the ending I decided to go with to allow everyone their own opinion of what could happen in the future. Do I intend to continue with a sequel…I thought about it, but then I realized that this story is a series in itself and could continue from many different directions that I doubt I could keep up with. So, no I don't intend to continue, but I thank everyone who has stuck with me and this story over a two year basis. Thanks everyone who pushed me to continue working and gave me feedback.