So here is what I call 'Season 3' (if you consider the Prologue = Season 1). Enjoy! Chapter 16 will be posted on 24. February. Also as of now this story is more than 150 pages long! :)

Seishiro stomped through the hallways of the JIDA's laboratory complex and scared his subordinates out of his way. Not that he minded though. At least their fear gave the younger Hiiragi brother the feeling of being respected and acknowledged.

He still seethed about the way Kureto had appointed him the head of the Research and Development branch. His haughty smile hadn't changed and everyone else, Tenri, Mahiru, Guren and Shinya, always regarded him with the same smile.

"The good-for-nothing brother! The failure! The black sheep of the family," Seishiro hissed under his breath. "And now they've even taken the opportunity to distinguish myself in battle."

There was no honor in sitting around and managing the R&D unit. Only the names of the soldiers would be written down in history books, or the names of the scientists who made some groundbreaking discoveries. But he would be forgotten. Maybe, if Kureto was 'merciful', he would become a minor footnote as 'Seishiro Hiiragi, younger brother of the great war hero and commander Kureto Hiiragi'.

And of all divisions it had to be R&D! Seishiro didn't mind the sciences; he even regarded himself as an amateur developer. But he hated the people. Especially one.

"Lord Seishiro? I have the data you wanted," a man in a lab coat said.

Seishiro threw his head around and speared the scientist with his stare.

"Are you alright sir?" The man did not seem to register the Hiiragi's foul mood.

That was the guy Seishiro hated the most. Kohaku Garth, very well-liked by the entire staff. He was handsome and his co-workers were not in agreement whether his red hair or his nose was his most attractive feature. They agreed that he was hard-working, kind and a very social person. However he was not the brightest tool in the shed when it came to body language. And it was said that he had broken more than one person's heart.

Seishiro took the clipboard Kohaku held and simply said: "Carry on."

"But sir! I have to talk with you about my latest project!"

Another annoying feature of his. That man bothered Seishiro almost daily with experiments he wanted to do to improve the demon weapons and all of them were of a more exotic nature. His latest idea was to make the blood of the soldiers into a weapon so that when the vampires would drink from them on the battlefield (and that was something those bloodsuckers were really fond of; the army lost more men to the fangs of those creatures than to their blades) they would turn into dust. It didn't work because the soldier's bodies were not able to withstand the curse and apparently it made the blood smell foul.

Seishiro ran a hand through his Mohawk. "Let's get this over with."

Kohaku talked while he was drawing some humanoid shaped on the chalkboard. "I have found some documents about the 'Owari no Seraph'-experiments. It seems like the Hyakuya Church extracted magic from some vampires, mushed it together and placed it into a human vessel."

The Hiiragi put his hands on his hips and cocked his head. Nothing new yet.

"So apparently the vampires contain magic and some sort of curse that turns them into blood-thirsty undead. I've talked with Ichinose's junior squad."

Ah, yes, those brats. If Seishiro's opinion had mattered he would have had them executed for treason and the vampire locked away as test subject.

"They've told me about the legend about the vampire's origins and it made me wonder. What if it's not the vampire who becomes a demon without blood, but a second personality, the demon, breaking through?"

He still needed to walk his dog, Seishiro remembered. "The short version please."

"I want to create a weapon to specifically draw out this 'demon'-persona."

Seishiro was stunned. When was the last time he had heard such a foolish proposition. "You'd create a demon right on the battlefield! There are not benefits to this weapon."

"On the contrary!"

Seishiro scoffed but Garth continued unperturbed: "High-ranking progenitors are not just dangerous because they are powerful, but also because of their training, knowledge and self-discipline. If we can take this from them they become nothing more than beasts with their mind clouded by bloodthirst. And besides there might be some that have been ordered to kill themselves before causing a bloodbath under the livestock. Also I have heard of some experiments where captured vampires have been confronted with new demons and they have tried to kill them."

There was something admirable about getting out a whole paragraph of knowledge without breathing. Seishiro nodded. "Continue your investigation, but don't count on additional funds. A less dangerous method would be preferable. Maybe you can strengthen our soldiers or find something to weaken the vampires. By the way, those UV-lamps you recommended are being installed in every base."

The scientist's face lighted up. "I'm glad! I'll give my best! If you'd excuse me …" He did not wait to be excused but scrambled right off.

Seishiro scoffed but then he smiled. Kohaku Garth might be annoying and rude, but at least he was enthusiastic and hard-working. And Seishiro liked hard-working people.

Guren approached Kureto, who stood in the middle of the ruins that had a few days ago been the vampires' headquarters in Hiroshima. "Congratulations. Seems like Kyushu is now entirely under the control of the Hiiragi family. But you aren't going to stop there, right?"

"Yes you are right," Kureto stated with a smirk. "If those bloodsuckers hate us for being greedy then we'll show them just how greedy we can be."

Aoi Sanguu approached the two men carrying a clipboard.

"Report," Kureto asked.

Aoi saluted and started: "We've lost 124 soldiers and another 347 wounded of which 14 are in critical condition. Two nobles, Krul Tepes and Berhane Alecto, have been detained in the research facility in Nagoya. As ordered their capture has been kept a secret. Yuichiro Hyakuya has already regained consciousness, but Mirai Kimizuki is still comatose. A defense perimeter is installed and the watch posts will report hourly. That's all."

"Good work Aoi," Kureto praised his aid, who blushed at the warm tone in his voice. "But we cannot rest now. The fight is only beginning."

"Yes sir!"

"Well, if there is nothing of importance -" Guren had already turned away when Kureto ordered: "Wait Guren. Did your informant say anything?"

"Not a peep. I haven't seen that clown in a week."

Kureto frowned. "Then what about that warning?"

"Huh …" Guren thought back to when he had retrieved Yu and his group from the continent. Their hostess had warned him about attacking Hiroshima. But nothing had gone wrong. "Probably just a bluff."

Kureto nodded, trusting Guren's assessment of the situation. "Make sure your underlings don't find out about the Queen and don't let them communicate with their new friend."

"Got it, got it," Guren waved and walked away.

When he was out of earshot Kureto ordered Aoi: "Keep an eye on him. I don't trust him."

Guren knocked at the door leading to Mirai's room. A voice from inside said: "Come in."

The entire group had gathered: Yu, Mika, Shinoa, Mitsuba, Yoichi and Shiho, who was holding his sister's hand.

"Any change?" Guren asked and Shiho shook his head. "She hasn't moved at all."

"Give her some time. The first time Yu went berserk he was out for five days. Mirai has a weaker constitution, but I'm sure she'll pull through."

He looked at the worried faces of those teenagers. It was hard for him to think of them as adults. While he certainly didn't want to pamper them, Guren also thought that it was unfair to place all of their hopes on them. As their superior he should have protected them better.

"I'm sorry for taking you back into this warzone."

Shinoa shook her head. "It's not like you could have refused Kureto's orders."

"Well," Yu said. "He could have just run away with us!"

"You're so naïve Yu," Shinoa answered. "There are a lot of people who depend on the Lieutenant Colonel."

"That's right! It isn't possible for all of these people to emigrate from Japan," Mitsuba added.

"It isn't? I'm pretty sure Luna wouldn't mind a few hundred people coming over to live at her city," Yu mused.

The entire group sighed. Guren chuckled. "Well, I have work to do. Reports to write. Stay well you little brats!"

The door closed with a click and Guren leaned against the wall. It took his remaining strength to not just slump down on this very spot. 'What the hell am I doing?' he asked himself.

Someone called out his name and Guren found himself eye to eye with Shinya. "Are you okay, Guren?"

Guren straightened his posture and ran a hand through his hair. It wouldn't do any good lying to Shinya. He'd notice and annoy the living hell out of Guren until he knew what was bothering him. Besides it would be nice to talk with someone.

"What are we doing, Shinya?"

"Hm? Killing vampires? Re-conquering Japan?"

"Not that." Guren sighed. "Was it right to bring them back here? We sent them away so that the kids would not have to use their seraphs and now …"

Shinya gently squeezed Guren's shoulder. "We did what we had to do. Without them we would never have won."

"I know." There was a short pause before Guren continued: "But Mirai is still unconscious and the doctors don't know when she'll wake up. If something happens to them, it is my responsibility."

Guren stalked off, leaving Shinya alone next to Mirai's hospital room. The sniper watched Guren walk away. From all their years together he noticed what most people wouldn't. Guren tried to look strong and unaffected, but inside he was breaking into pieces. Nine years ago Guren Ichinose would have done anything to end the Hiiragi House's reign over Japan. Nine years ago Guren didn't hesitate to deceive and use anyone he deemed necessary. While he had understood that his underlings were humans too, the Ichinose household hadn't treated them much better than the Hiiragis treated theirs.

But then the Apocalypse happened and the JIDA started fighting for its very survival. War changes people in the most unexpected ways. Guren had read the reports too. This many people died this week in the war. He must be tired from seeing all this death.

But ending this war was not easy. Even if they conquered the four big islands and many of the smaller ones, it was Japan against the rest of the world. Who knew how many vampires there still were? And because of that they needed the Seraph's strength. They needed the power granted to them by demons and they needed to get stronger by human experimentation.

The question was only where to draw the line. What was ethical and what not? In the face of survival, would it be alright to abandon all morality? If so, where was the difference between them and the vampires?

Shinya sighed. When Guren and he had met, they both had a clear understanding of what was good and what was evil. But now everything had gone to hell. A little flame lit up in Shinya's blue eyes. He needed to talk with Guren. They had to set their priorities straight, so that, if the possibility arose, they could fight back.

Dima rubbed his bare arms and Luna clicked her tongue. "Why didn't you wear a jacket?"

"I didn't think it'd be that cold."

Luna sighed, removed her own jacket and handed it to the young man. "Wear that! I won't have you catch a cold."

"I though idiots don't catch colds."

The vampire narrowed her eyes. "Who said that?"

"What? That idiots don't catch colds?"

"No! That you're an idiot!"

The man poked his friend's cheek. "You did."

"I didn't!"

"You did!"

"Didn't!"

"You did! And how did you like the movie, Miss I-didn't?"

Luna scowled, but decided to stop fighting. Instead she linked their arms. "The story was nice, but I feel like the ending was a bit … strange."

"What do you mean?"

"Hm … I think I'd like some more clues to the culprit. I want to re-watch the movie and go: 'Oh, that's what this meant!' or 'Don't throw away that! It's an important clue' or something like that."

"I see. I don't mind that though. But in my opinion they could have been a bit easier on the ketchup." Dima shuddered as he remembered one of the more violent and graphic scenes. "I'm glad it's only for sixteen year olds and up. I guess you don't mind though."

"Not really. I've seen worse."

"Worse?"

"Worse. I walked over battlefields. After two days they get pretty icky. The corpses haven't been buried and start decomposing. The smell is strong and -"

"I don't want to hear anymore, no thank you! Eww."

A silken voice spoke up from behind them. "Good evening."

In the blink of an eye Luna whirled around, grasped the man's throat and lifted him well up in the air. "How dare you come here, Ferid Bathory?" Luna spat.

The silver haired noble hadn't moved a muscle. It was no use anyway so why struggle? "It would be easier to explain if I could breathe properly," the vampire said.

For a second Luna's grip tightened and Ferid feared that she might crush his windpipe, but then she let him fall on his feet. "Speak! Before I end your miserable existence!"

Ferid rubbed his throat. "A threat one would not follow through with is no threat at all, Your Majesty." In the end she would not kill him in front of her friend. Still, her anger alone was already frightening. Maybe he should not push his luck. "The Japanese Imperial Demon-army has taken control of Hiroshima. The council will gather soon." Ferid paused. Maybe this was a bad idea. Who knew how she had changed since Krakatoa? She had gone to great lengths to keep herself hidden. Did she still care for this world? If Yu, Mika and the rest hadn't met her … "The council is considering 'pest control'."

Luna's jaw slackened. "Are … are you sure?" She had heard these words being used before and those considerations had often ended in genocide.

"Yes, I am," Ferid said quietly.

"And what about Krul? Why didn't she raise hell against the council?"

Ferid took a step back, fearing that she might lash out at him. "The Queen was captured by the JIDA."

Nothing happened. Ferid's head was still attached to his unharmed body. But when Luna spoke again, he quivered.

"They dare to … to lay a hand on my sister," she snarled. Then Luna grabbed Ferid's upper arm. "We'll go to that damn council session and make certain that those damn idiots don't do anything stupid!"

"I'll just go home alone," Dima stated. "Have a … successful evening!"

Luna gave him a thumbs-up. "My middle name is success."

Dmitri decided not to correct her. Maybe only a handful people could feel the magic churning with Luna's rage. The man had seen her upset or angry before, but never to that degree.

"How did you find me anyway?" Luna asked.

Ferid thought that it would be really nice if she let go of his arm. It was starting to really hurt. Still he smiled. "Oh, Guren told me. You know, Guren Ichinose."

Luna blinked. "Are you working together? Why?"

"A long story really. It would just bore you, Majesty."

Luna snorted and stated: "If your alliance is a problem for me I'll kill you."

They walked into the city hall and the receptionist, a noble, immediately grasped the current mood of the pink haired girl. "Lady Luna. What can I do for you?"

"I need to use the council-room immediately. Are my clothes still in the dressing room?"

"Exactly where you placed them."

Luna didn't say another word and went down the stairs, pulling Ferid with her.

"Ow, ow! Please let me go, Your Majesty! I won't run, I swear on my life!" Ferid cried out the second time he stumbled over his feet.

Luna's eyes remained as cold as rubies. "Why should I trust you? You're Ferid Bathory, a liar and crook. If it weren't for the Old Lady Bathory protecting you, you'd be dead."

"Ahaha. That's true. But it's not like I could beat you, so why bother?" They stopped before a dressing room. "Shall I wait outside, Your Majesty?" Ferid asked with a smile.

Luna only stared at him coldly. "Are you kidding me? I told you to stay where I can see you."

"Eh. But there isn't a paravent?"

"Then face a wall, idiot," Luna hissed.

Ferid did as he was told and soon he could hear the pandemonium behind him. It must be the first time for Luna dressing herself in her formal clothes. Progenitors usually had servants for that. "Do you need help, Your Majesty?"

"No," she almost screeched. "I've got this! This stupid dress won't stop me!"

Ferid shrugged and waited for the woman to finish. The sounds stopped and just when he was about to turn around Luna grabbed his arm and pulled him out of the dressing room into the conference chamber. The woman directed Ferid to a dark corner where he wouldn't be noticed.

Then she sat on a throne-like chair and draped her wide sleeves over the armrests. With a push of a button the screens lit up and showed the faces of the progenitors in attendance. Unlike in Krul's conference room where the other progenitors' faces were not necessarily visible if those wished so, a room used by a First would always without fail show the other vampires' faces. And of course it would also broadcast the First's face.

With a particularly sweet smile, Luna greeted the council: "Good evening. It came to Our attention that Our subjects have grievances about the issue of the Japanese territory and We wish to ease their minds."

The entire room went silent. No one dared to speak a word or move a muscle. Within the first seconds Luna had managed to crash their party and establish her dominance.

One of the vampires seemed to feel rather brave. Ferid would call it 'foolish bravery' or 'having a deathwish'. "Your Majesty! We did not know you were interested in the Japan problem." Still smiling, Luna shot him a 'who the hell do you think you are to decide my interests'- look. The vampire squirmed.

A different vampire started speaking. "With all due respect, Your Majesty, Third Progenitor Queen Krul Tepes failed to install order in Japan for nine years. She wasn't able to put an end to the 'Seraph of the End'-experiments and now she got herself and other powerful vampires captured." Luna turned her gaze at the masked third Progenitor, Nyx Parthe. He quivered, but spoke nonetheless with a strong voice. He was probably reassured by the knowledge that Luna wasn't his First, and while he owed her respect and her decision today would be final, she was unable to denote or execute him. "We cannot allow the human organization to exist any longer!"

"Really? And how would you destroy this human organization?"

The Third pressed his lips together.

"A little bird told me you were considering 'pest control'. … Speak!" Luna hissed when the masked progenitor didn't answer.

The council remained silent.

A smirk crept on Luna's face. "Nuclear weapons? Poison gas? Or biological warfare? What was it going to be?! Have you stopped for a second and considered the consequences? These excessive methods would kill any vampire captured by this organization, including my dearest sister, and kill or contaminate the livestock. My- Our informant has told Us the humans gained control over the entirety of Honshu. That would mean destroying at least seven major cities not to mention the nuclear fallout. Did you really think We would agree to something so outrageous?!"

"Then what would Your Majesty suggest we do?! Allow the human organization to exist? Allow the Seraphs to exist? I want Your Majesty to take note that they have two humans with powers comparable to a Second Progenitor," Lest Karr said snidely.

"Oh We know that. We also know that you lot of incompetent imbeciles would not be able to win this war. How often has anyone of you commanded an army during battle, hm? The usual tactics won't work against an opponent of equal strength. And therefore," Luna paused for a second. "Therefore We will go to Japan, take command of Our army and personally crush the Japanese Imperial Demon Army." She smirked. "Any objections?"

"My Lady, you know that we cannot agree." Second Progenitor Urd Geales was the only one who could address Luna like that. He had been Vlad Tepes' Second too, was older and more powerful than most vampires. Also it had been said that he and Vlad had been quite, quite close.

"We don't need your approval. If you want to stop Us and lock Us in like the other Firsts then you're welcome to try. Until then We will do what We want."

Ferid grinned. He liked that part of Luna the most. Normally a First would be locked away and tended to by some caretakers. Most of them spend their time sleeping, drinking blood and then more sleeping. For example, the Old Lady Bathory had not woken up in the last three centuries. But Vlad Tepes had been a deviant and Luna Tepes even more so. And the woman had a good idea of just how strong she was.

The screens went dark and Luna pushed herself from the chair. "I take it you came here by ship."

Ferid bowed slightly. "Yes. I have heard that Your Majesty despises aircrafts?"

Luna nodded. "I crashed with that balloon. It was not funny. Wait for me at the docks. I have some things to take care of." And just like that she left Ferid alone.

The Progenitor grinned. Of course he'd return to his ship, but if Lady Luna were to take too long and Ferid went thirsty then he would have to scavenge for some blood since he couldn't waste the precious bottles he stored for the journey to Japan. Considering that this was the territory of a First there should be some delectable humans around.

When Ferid was about to leave the city hall the vampire at the reception called him over and handed him a bottle, saying that Luna had sent it for him. Ferid grinned. Of course she wouldn't give him an excuse for sucking someone's blood. What a shame.