Author's note:

Hello all. First off, I'm sorry for the huge gap in uploads. Just started my second year of Uni and the workload is MASSIVE. I've barely had much time to devote to writing. Still, with one major assignment out of the way, I'm hoping for more time on this.

Thanks to all who have waited patiently for me. I will endeavour to try and get these out as fast as possible. In the meantime, I hope you enjoy this chapter.

Sincerely,

Jdbl00d

Chapter 11:

"Your move." Akira said as his eyes bore into the chess board.

"Well now, I suppose you have a reason for gathering us like this?" Henry nodded as he moved his Rook piece. Currently, all of the Night class prefects were gathered in the main lounge. Emi watched the game intensely while Gabriella rested her head on Ganju's shoulder. Shinji yawned as sleep was about to kick in while Lin Hua stood by Akira's side.

"Check." Henry said as soon as his finger left the chess piece. "Your move Akira."

Akira merely kept his stare on the board. All of his friends knew his stare well. It was one not hopelessly lost due to a dilemma, but one that was focused to a terrifying degree. Slowly, Akira reached for his final bishop piece, placing it in the line of Henry's King.

"Check." Akira said. Henry now eyed him with a befuddled look.

"Akira, I know you aren't exactly chess material, but even I find that hard to believe for a joke." Henry commented.

The other vampires turned to Akira, wondering why he had made such a decision. It wasn't abnormal for Akira to lose a chess game every so often with Henry, but even Akira wouldn't play such strange moves…

…meaning something was up.

Akira now reached and held his own King piece, examining every facet of the black marble. "Chess is a game of knowledge. To know every possibility the board will appear in is the ironclad rule of victory. In a way, it's the same as war."

"Your opponent's forces, his stratagem, every piece he owns in the right place at the right time." Akira explained as he placed the piece back down, looking upon the board with two checked Kings. "The only difference is, unlike chess, war has no turns. All it takes to end it is the one who makes the fastest move next."

Emi frowned. "Are you saying someone is trying to cast a net over the Academy?"

"Perhaps the net has been cast already." Akira replied. "How and where, I know not. All it now lies on is the initiative of both sides."

"You believe the Day class students to be in danger?" Lin Hua asked from her post.

"I believe all of us to be in peril." Akira frowned. "The vampire that Shinji and Ichigo put own just the other day has led me to believe this could be far more intricate than we had thought. That was no ordinary Level E. He was an intelligent creature, cunning and devious."

"Something completely out of the ordinary." Ganju said.

"Sounds a lot like the vampires we encountered ten years ago in Hamburg…" Emi said as she stroked her chin. "Though these seem to be much more crafty…"

"So what's our plan?" Henry asked as he straightened up. "If what you're implying is true, then perhaps they would have accounted for us and the Vampire Hunters present."

"True." Akira nodded. "Which is why I must make a move our foe does not expect." With this, Akira now reached over and took the Queen piece that Henry had seized from him, tracing a diagonal line on the chess board from where it sat upon Henry's side of the table towards his King, knocking over the white piece.

"All I can hope for is that it works…" Akira finished.

"Hmm, well you are the expert there." Henry nodded. "I suppose we'll just have to leave it to you."

"I'm glad you all have such faith in me." Akira smiled. "The day approaches. We ought to get some sleep."

"I still win by the way." Henry stated as he got up from his chair.

"Of course." Akira agreed. "It is a game of chess after all."

Anju walked out of class as the bell rang. It was almost the time for the one week break and she looked forward to spending some time with her classmates. She had already made plans with Hibiki, Misaki, Frederick Zito and Laura Rosen. She figured she could spend some time with Akira and the other vampires, but lately she had noticed him getting more and more preoccupied.

And then there was Ichigo. Anju didn't know what to make at the moment, but she could tell he was obviously concerned about something. He always looked lost whenever he believed no one was looking directly at him. He had been that way since his hunt with Shinji a few days ago, so Anju surmised his current mood had something to do with it. Try as she might though, she wasn't sure if now was the right time to ask. Of course, there was Misaki, but Anju had the feeling she wouldn't know either.

And there was one more thing on her mind…

"Hey Ann, got a dress to wear yet?" Hibiki asked as soon as she caught up.

"Nah…" Anju groaned. "I've been so busy lately I haven't managed to find a suitable dress."

"If you'd like, I can loan you one." Hibiki said. "My family is pretty rich, and you are about my size."

"Thanks Hibiki." Anju smiled in appreciation. "But the thing is, I don't know if I' even going to be able to dance at all. I might get called for security detail on the dance night itself."

The annual dance night at Cross Academy was somewhat a tradition since the academy's first years. It was a time for all students to once more mingle with each other, regardless of which class they were in. Since the Day and Night classes would be mingling, it was quite necessary for the prefects to be on security detail for the entire time.

"Still, I'm sure your dad would let you off for just a few minutes or so." Hibiki replied.

"Well, assuming the party goes smoothly for the majority of the time." Anju shrugged.

"I'm sure senior Akira and the other Night class prefects will ensure the rest behave." Hibiki said. "After all, when they're around, nothing bad really happens."

"I guess." Anju breathed. "It's just, I can't help but feel nervous."

"Just a bit of pre-party nervousness I'll bet." Hibiki reassured her, patting her head. "Relax and wait for the night ok?"

Anju nodded. Perhaps Hibiki was right; she was probably getting worked up over nothing. As soon as she had deposited her things in the locker, she put her prefect armband on and now went to the Moon dorm. Soon enough the Night class would be getting ready for their lessons and the ensuing mad rush of the Day class students would begin.

"Seriously, if any of these brainless louts get gaga over those vampires again I might just blow a blood vessel." Isabelle grumbled.

"Seeing as how it's going to be the annual dance, I suspect a high possibility of that happening." Misaki whispered to Anju as they walked to the Moon dorm. Anju did her best to suppress a laugh.

"You two say something?" Isabelle turned around with a frown on her face.

"No." The two of them said simultaneously.

"They were just talking about how you will probably pop a vein." Ichigo nonchalantly replied.

"Huh." Isabelle stared at the two of them darkly. Misaki and Anju gave shocked glances at Ichigo, who merely shrugged and walked away.

He didn't bother looking back. Based on the screams from Anju and Misaki, Isabelle was giving them one of her head crimpers as punishment. For now, he was more interested in maintaining the crowd that was gathering at the Moon dorm. Based on the keening squeals, the first members of the Night class were already filing out.

Ichigo stood right in the middle of the path, his very presence silencing the cries from the gathered crowd. The Night class now turned their attention to him, barely concealing their hostility. Ichigo didn't care about any of them, only waiting for one specific individual to appear.

Soon enough, Akira broke through the crowd, flanked by the other Night class prefects. He didn't seem fazed by Ichigo's presence, calmly walking past him as if he hadn't a care in the world.

Just as Akira walked close, Ichigo muttered under his breath. "You know something is up, don't you?"

Akira stopped for a moment, tilting his head toward Ichigo. "I'm not sure what it is. But you'd best remain vigilant Ichigo. I fear that the safety of the Day class is compromised."

"What are you planning?" Ichigo growled. "This can't be just for the benefit of the Day class."

"There is much we can't discuss now." Akira said. "But if you are so eager to exercise your Hunting instincts, meet me just before the light of dawn breaks the sky."

Ichigo's eyes went hard as he heard Anju run up to them both. Akira now stepped away to speak with her as the rest of the Night class filed past him.

"Akira, is anything wrong?" Anju asked.

Akira stared into her eyes as he bent low and stroked her face. "Don't worry Anju. Everything is going to be just fine."

"O-okay…" Anju blushed as his hand left her face. "If you say so…"

Akira smiled and walked past the Day class prefects. Despite the squeals and cries of protest directed toward Anju, his entire being was now focussed on an entirely different matter, culminating in the storm that whipped a frenzy in his own mind.

"You know…" Emi said as soon as he caught up. "I've known you for a very long time. And I know enough that when you get overly friendly, it means you intend to become quite the despicable man."

"Darkness closes around our school." Akira replied to her. "Till it has been dispelled, I cannot let my guard down for even a second." The squealing behind him intensified, and Akira now watched Anju get swarmed by hundreds of girls.

"Because to let the darkness devour the light, is a sin I can never be absolved of." Akira said. "I will do all in my power to ensure that does not happen, even if I must sully my own hands in blood."

"And so shall we." Emi replied with a nod. Akira now turned to see the rest of his friends looking toward him, nodding in silence at Emi's reply. "It's the only way you could keep some semblance of propriety after all."

"You all are too stubborn for your own good." Akira sighed. "But I suppose I wouldn't have it any other way."

"Well, in a way we are your subordinates." Shinji replied. "It'd be shameful of us to let you bear the burden on your own."

"Besides, someone has to make sure you don't get killed yourself." Ganju noted. Gabriella merely nodded by his side.

"Very well then." Akira nodded, knowing that he had no way to sway them. "It seems the time has come to prove our true worth as knights."

Hours later:

Ichigo stood at the pathway to the Moon dorm, the silence of the night ringing through his ears. Wondering exactly why the head of the Night class had wanted him to be here, he made his way down the path toward the Moon dorm, stopping the minute he beheld the massive gates. He could see the lights of the dorm; the vampires now enjoying the last bits of darkness before the dawn came. Akira was stood right behind the gate, surprisingly alone.

"So what have you to say to me?" Ichigo growled. "I'm not a fan of being near you lot without a good reason at this hour."

"Ichigo, can't we just have a civilised talk?" Akira sighed.

"What do you think?" Ichigo replied stoically.

"Haha. I suppose we can't." Akira nodded as he opened the gate, allowing Ichigo to enter.

"I'll get straight to the point." Akira said, completely serious. "I have an idea who may be behind this."

"Do you now?" Ichigo replied. "Spill it."

Akira nodded. This was no time to mince words. "My family has contacted me with regards to the many cases of those bizarre Level E's we've been facing so far. Although we were unsuccessful, other knights have managed to get some of them to talk. Currently, they take orders from a Noble named Lovell Krishiat."

"Am I supposed to know who that is?" Ichigo asked.

"He is one of the Nobles from Turkey. However, he has never made it a point to hide his disapproval of my mother's policies. We had not completely been too concerned as he had little supporters to begin with. However, recent events have made it abundantly clear he is becoming a problem." Akira explained.

"Why now?" Ichigo asked. "I doubt any vampire would be so willing to openly stand against you or your family."

"Yes. That is correct." Akira agreed. "Which means some darker power could be behind his uprising. I think you can guess who?"

Ichigo's jaw went tight as he digested the new information. Nobles could never stand against the monarchy so openly. The only way they could do so was…

"A Pureblood." Ichigo snarled.

"Correct." Akira nodded. "He has the support of a Pureblood and is definitely taking orders from one himself. However, who Lovell's mysterious master is, that's something we have yet to identify."

"Where do I fit in all of this?" Ichigo snapped.

"The fact is, we know of few Purebloods who are not exactly favourites with my mother's rule." Akira spoke again, pacing around Ichigo. "And I'm sure you know what lengths they will go to ensure that peace doesn't continue."

Ichigo felt a slight prickling in the back of his neck as Akira said this. "Are you suggesting…"

"The one behind this may include the one who bit you Ichigo." Akira finished, leaving Ichigo dumbfounded. For a second, no form of reaction came from the boy. Then, Ichigo finally looked up with a malicious smile.

"So I get to gun for the guy who bit me huh?" Ichigo chuckled darkly. "That sounds like fun."

Akira now placed a hand on Ichigo's shoulder, snapping him back into reality. "Listen to me Ichigo, if you want to know where you fit in all this, is the fact that your hatred for us is the weapon I'm hoping will help to protect this school."

"So I'm just a bloody pawn in your deranged game of chess." Ichigo snarled, but kept his smile. "How nice Senior Akira."

"A pawn whose colour is not yet specified." Akira said. "If what I think is true, then you may be my enemy in the near future. And you may, without your knowing, harm those you care about."

Ichigo's smile vanished, leaving a stricken look upon his face. "What?"

"Lovell's benefactor. If he is the one who bit you, then he will try to turn you against us. Against the Day class students as well. And the best time for them to do that is…"

"The school dance." Ichigo concluded.

Akira nodded. "Everyone will be present. It's the best time to instigate a slaughter. And who better to start it than one among them?"

Ichigo remained silent for a few seconds. "So now what? I'm going to be locked up again?"

"Not quite." Akira shook his head. "As I said, I need you Ichigo. Because your hatred, though quite undesirable, is the only sword that will protect this academy."

"And how the hell do I do that when I can be controlled so easily?" Ichigo roared at him.

"You are an unspecified pawn in this deadly chess game. As of now, no one knows if you are a hindrance, or an assistance." Akira said. "So to ensure the best role for you, I must dye you in the colour that sides with this academy."

"Will you talk straight for a moment?" Ichigo growled. "What must I…"

"Drink my blood Ichigo." Akira said. "I can protect you from the influence of another Pureblood that way save for myself. It won't give you freedom, but at least you won't be an unwilling slave." At this, Akira unbuttoned his shirt, exposing his neck.

"You're asking me to drink your filthy blood?" Ichigo snarled.

"I'm asking you to help me protect this school Ichigo." Akira stared back coldly. "You promised me didn't you, that you'd protect them all? That you'd protect Anju?"

Ichigo flinched at the sound of her name. He could still remember the night he had attacked her. The texture of her skin, the sweet taste of her blood flowing down his throat. He couldn't even imagine doing it again. The first time was pure instinct, but the second may be because he was asked and couldn't say no. Could he risk it? Could he once more shoulder the same guilt? He didn't think long. He perfectly knew his own answer.

"Trading one sin for another." Ichigo sighed as he walked up to Akira. "It's so like your kind."

"Perhaps, that is one thing that can never change." Akira nodded with a self-depreciating look as Ichigo bit down upon his throat and accepted his dark gift.

Emi watched from her bedroom window as Ichigo left the dorm grounds. She folded her hands and sighed, calmly collecting her thoughts before looking at Akira's figure again as he turned around and walked back to the dorm, his shirt slightly stained with his own blood. Her nose prickled as she finally caught the scent of his blood, filling her with an ecstasy unlike anything she knew. Still, she cared not for something so precious. Instead, an annoyed look crossed her face.

"Seriously…" She muttered. "You should be more thoughtful in arranging all your secret dealings." She strode to her door and walked down the hallway. Soon enough, the smell of Akira's blood would permeate the dorm. As vice dorm president, it was up to Emi to ensure the chaos that followed was managed properly, meaning she would be having less sleep for tonight.

"You owe me a chocolate cake after this mess." Emi pouted.

"What is the report?"

"Master, based on our current findings, Akira Kuran appears to suspect something is amiss. Judging by his actions however, I cannot conclude what is his next course of action."

"Akira may be young, but he is not foolish. I suspect he already has a plan in motion."

"Shall I move in as well?"

"Do what you see fit Mr. Lovell. But remember to not underestimate the Vampire Knights."

"Yes sir."

Lovell stepped to his feet as the fog retreated into the night, leaving him amidst the many level E's hat were gathered around him. He brushed the dust off his shirt as he reached for a sword embedded into the ground.

"Come now, the feast awaits…"