Yuki Kuran: The Last Vampire (A Vampires vs Aliens Story)

Research

Kaname's sharp gaze scanned the forest, narrowing in on a distant point beyond the trees. His senses had picked up something—someone. It was faint, barely there, but unmistakable to a pureblood vampire like him. His expression remained calm, yet his mind churned, trying to identify the source of the presence. A strange familiarity clung to the air, but he couldn't place it. His brow furrowed slightly as he debated whether to investigate further.

But the moment passed, and Kaname shifted his focus back to his immediate surroundings. The tension between him and Zero had simmered, for now. He knew their confrontation was far from over, and while Zero's words had been full of venom, Kaname's mind was elsewhere. Something—or someone—had been watching them.

He glanced once more toward the area where the presence had flickered, but he saw nothing. Letting it go for now, Kaname turned and disappeared into the shadows of the academy grounds.

---

Yuki, still hidden in the dense foliage of the forest, released a shaky breath. Kaname had sensed her. She was sure of it. She had managed to slip away unnoticed, but it had been a close call. Yuki cursed herself for being so careless.

After putting enough distance between herself and the scene, Yuki slowed her pace and took a moment to collect her thoughts. She was back in the forest, the same place where she had made countless memories with Zero and Kaname. The past weighed heavily on her heart, but she couldn't let it distract her. Her mission came first. Nothing else mattered.

Yuki turned back toward the academy, her cloak pulling tighter around her as the wind picked up. She needed to return to Kaien and focus on building the device. The sooner she could complete it, the sooner she could return to her time and undo the devastation that had unfolded in the future.

---

Back in the underground chamber, Kaien waited patiently, pacing back and forth as he worked through some old academy documents. His mind, however, was on Yuki. He trusted her judgment, but he knew the risks she was taking by venturing out. The academy was a dangerous place for her right now—especially with her younger self so close by.

The sound of the chamber door creaking open pulled him from his thoughts. Kaien turned to see Yuki slip inside, her cloak still pulled tightly around her.

"Yuki, you're back," he said, his voice a mixture of relief and concern. "Everything go smoothly?"

Yuki nodded, though her expression was tense. "Yes, I was careful. No one saw me."

Kaien studied her for a moment, sensing there was more she wasn't saying, but he didn't press her.

"Good. I'll gather the materials we need first thing in the morning. For now, try to rest if you can or keep yourself occupied. Maybe you can use my computer to do some research," he said, gesturing toward his desk.

Yuki nodded appreciatively and moved to the desk, her cloak rustling as she sat down. She turned on the computer, the screen lighting up and casting a soft glow in the dimly lit chamber. As the machine booted up, she pulled up a chair and began typing, focusing on finding any data she needed to build the time machine for the second time in her life. She would use whatever this more primitive timeline had to offer.

Once the time machine was completed, she vowed not to make the mistake of sending herself to the wrong time again.

On the couch nearby, Kaien watched her for a moment before returning to the documents in his hands, though his thoughts remained on Yuki. He knew the risks she faced were substantial, and the presence she'd felt in the forest only added to his concerns. He had no idea what had spooked her, but he hoped she would be able to focus on her work without further incidents.

Yuki's eyes scanned the computer screen as she began her research. She started by searching for information on temporal mechanics and technology that could be relevant for building a time machine. Her goal was to find anything that could provide insights into the principles of time travel. Even if she had learned this before, refreshing her memory was crucial.

She pulled up academic papers on quantum physics and theoretical models of time travel. She delved into the specifics of wormholes, tachyon particles, and the concept of spacetime manipulation. Detailed studies on the energy requirements for stabilizing a wormhole and the necessary components for a functioning time machine were particularly relevant to her needs.

Yuki also searched for any blueprints or schematics related to time travel devices. She needed to understand more about the engineering aspects, including the materials used and the configuration of components that might be essential for her own device. Articles on experimental setups, case studies of past attempts, and breakthroughs in temporal technology provided a solid foundation for her research.

Additionally, she looked into related technologies that could enhance the accuracy and stability of her machine, such as advanced computational algorithms for predicting and controlling temporal fluctuations. She also reviewed security protocols and safeguards to ensure the device would function properly without unintended consequences.

As Yuki absorbed the information, she made notes on critical components, potential challenges, and practical solutions. Each piece of data brought her closer to a comprehensive plan for the time machine, driven by the urgency to complete her task and return to her own time.

The night wore on in relative silence, punctuated only by the faint tapping of keys as Yuki delved deeper into her research. Kaien, meanwhile, continued to sift through the papers, trying to find any useful information that might aid their preparations.

As the first light of dawn began to seep through the small windows of the chamber, Kaien looked up from his work. He could see Yuki was still engrossed in her research, her concentration unwavering.

"Morning is coming," he said quietly, trying not to startle her. "We should get some rest before starting our tasks for the day."

Yuki glanced up from the screen, her eyes tired but resolute. "I'll be done soon. Just a bit more research, and then I'll rest."

Kaien nodded, understanding her determination but also recognizing the need for rest. "Alright, but don't push yourself too hard. We'll need all our energy for what lies ahead."