Author's Note:

Greetings my faithful readers. I apologise for taking so long to update this. With 2 massive assignments out of the way though, I am hoping for more time on this now. University studies aren't easy, and progressing this story isn't getting easier either.

Regardless, I hope that you will still continue reading this and hope you are hyped for what comes next. I know I am.

Yours sincerely,

Jdbl00d

Chapter 12:

The days went by without incident. Anju seemed to believe something was off when she began her prefect duties but thought nothing of it. She believed the vampires were having pre-dance night nerves with the way some of them were acting so apprehensive. As if to enforce this, the normally flirty Sean was quite quiet today despite his huge crowd of adoring fans.

"Weird huh?" Anju said to Misaki. "It's as if something sapped the excitement out of the vampires."

"You're telling me." Misaki nodded. "It's as if all the life got drained out of them."

"Well, if it makes my job easier I ain't complaining." Isabelle said. "And speaking about jobs, get your butts back on yours!"

Anju and Misaki squealed as Isabelle yelled at them, causing them to once more maintain a vigilant outlook. But for what it was worth, there wasn't much for them to do right now. For some reason, the rest of the Day class had detected the change in the mood of the Night class. The usual fawning adoration had ceased, replaced by dull murmurs and whispers. There were the usual greetings, but it did nothing to dispel the stiff atmosphere that hung around.

That was, until…

"SHINJI!" Came the voice of an all too familiar female vampire. Everyone turned around to shockingly see a rather teary eyed Emi Aidou tugging on Shinji's right sleeve. The commotion was enough to send shock into everyone, paralyzing them on the spot.

"What do you mean it makes me look fat?" Emi bawled as she tugged harder and harder on her lover's sleeve. Shinji on the other hand didn't seem to look too fazed by it.

"Um, Emi…" Shinji started to speak, a deadpanned look on his face. "Um, how should I put this... It's not that the dress makes you look fat. It just looks too baggy for you."

"SO IT MAKES ME LOOK FAT?" Emi wailed again.

"Umm…" Shinji frowned, shooting a pleading look at Akira as Emi pounded on his shoulder yelling things around the lines of: Why didn't you tell me? That wasn't refundable!

"I'll get her another dress." Lin Hua whispered. "I'm around her size anyway." Unfortunately, this made Emi cringe even more, starting a whole tirade of how she was fat.

"Ugh…" Isabelle groaned. "I don't know what's worse. Them proving me wrong on how vampires aren't sociable, or them proving me wrong on how peaceful my day could be…"

Anju chuckled nervously as the antics of the vampire prefects had finally broken the tension in the air. Even some of the other vampires were shaking their heads in embarrassment. It was as if the few friends that often gathered together around Akira radiated a warmth that could not be extinguished. Wherever they went, it would be quite the lively moment.

Akira now walked up to Anju, bending over to look her in the eye. "Is everything alright Anju?"

"Uh, yeah." Anju nodded. "Everything is fine!"

"Aha, I see." Akira replied.

"Yup!" Anju smiled. "I mean, your friends seem to be enjoying themselves and it's not even the dance yet! So I'm sure everything is going to be alright!"

Akira smiled in return before he leaned in and whispered into her ear. "Do stay safe Anju, and I wish you a happy night." As he finished, he gave her a slight kiss on the cheek.

"H-Huh?!" Anju gasped, shock first clouding her face before it went red in absolute embarrassment. "A-Akira? Wha-?"

"Just a well wish Anju." Akira smiled as he carried on walking. No sooner than he had passed her had the Day class girls descended on Anju like a pack of rabid hyenas. He now walked toward the main gates before eyeing a familiar presence.

"Aren't you going to tell her what you're thinking?" Ichigo asked.

"I don't want to spread fear into Anju's heart." Akira lamented. "As much as it pains me, Anju isn't one to keep her innermost thoughts well concealed. The last thing I need is a panic on my hands."

"And you intend to keep it that way while over several thousand students are just right for falling prey to your supposed enemy who has yet to show himself?" Ichigo frowned.

"I will not let it come to that Ichigo." Akira said. "Mark my words."

Ichigo turned to him at last. "And how much are you going to lie about caring for the other students?" At this comment, Akira stopped.

"Fess up vampire." Ichigo continued. "You really care about her don't you? You hold her safety a higher priority than everyone else. The real reason you aren't telling her is because you know she'll just get herself in trouble by trying to help you." Akira now turned toward Ichigo, staring into his eyes with a piercing gaze. Emi and Ganju stopped as they saw this exchange, their eyes tense.

"Listen to me Ichigo, I will not deny your words, I do sincerely care for Anju. But I cannot have her. It is, how you would say, a forbidden thing." Akira said. The sentence caught both Ichigo and the vampires off-guard. "However, that is why you should be there. Her hope and her light, be sure to protect them all."

The day went by as normal, with nothing amiss through the entirety of the night class except how their sessions ended earlier so as to allow them to prepare for the school dance. As soon as the Night class had ended, throngs of Day class students now headed toward the academy. Boys were dressed in suits with ties while girls wore stunning gowns and dresses while adorning on themselves jewellery and designer shoes.

Anju fingered the white dress that she had chosen for the day as she walked into the hall that had once more been transformed into a ballroom thanks to the help of their seniors. She glanced to the side as Isabelle began loading up on punch whilst in an orange dress that appeared a little too risqué for her, though admittedly she was getting stares from the boys.

"You think another commotion will occur like it did during the Valentine's Day?" Hibiki asked her as they entered the hall.

"I doubt it." Anju smiled. "Today's they day for us all to relax and enjoy!"

"You do realise that things never really go as planned around them vamps right?" Isabelle chastised her immediately. "So do me a favour and don't jinx this party!"

Ouch. Anju winced as her senior stalked off. Just like Isabelle to be sour about practically everything.

"Well, the grumpy senior aside." Misaki spoke from behind Anju; causing her to jump slightly. "Let's all have some fun today. I mean, it's the party where we are all allowed to mingle with the Vampire students."

"Are we really gonna be okay?" Laura asked. "For some reason, I saw Ichigo looking all scary at the front door. I know nothing bad will come from the Night class, but seeing him like that always makes me nervous.

"Don't worry Laura." Gerald smiled. "I-I'll definitely protect you!" Just as he said this, the poor Scottish lad was pushed aside by a bunch of squealing girls that were fawning over some of the Night class that had just gathered.

"G-Gerald! Are you okay?" Laura hurriedly said as she crouched down to help him up.

"Hehe, s-something like that won't stop me!" He smiled as he pushed his glasses up, giving her a thumbs-up as he did.

"No kidding." Frederick Zito mused as he moved to help him up.

Anju, Hibiki and Misaki chuckled on the side-lines. Since a few weeks ago, Gerald White had gotten all smitten with Laura Rosen, a German transfer student that had been part of Anju's class since the beginning and now had joined their little circle during the lunch hours just to prove himself worthy of the girl. Laura on the other hand seemed to find his company quite refreshing due to her own timid nature, while Frederick Zito, their Italian classmate, would always somehow be nearby to smoothen out any blow-ups between the two.

However, Anju's thoughts now turned to Ichigo. She looked at where he was, standing by the doorway in a black suit with the prefect armband on his left sleeve. Considering how he obviously wasn't getting into a date or dance anytime, Chairman Cross had decided to best set him as security detail. For possibly the same reason, Lin Hua from the Night class was also assigned to this, standing opposite Ichigo at the door in a similar attire.

"Hey Misaki, what is Lin Hua's relation to Akira?" Anju asked out of curiosity. "I mean, I've seen her around Akira most of the time."

"Huh." Misaki bit her lip as she pondered her answer. "Well, from what I know, she is the only Normal vampire among that little group of friends. Some time ago, Akira's mother saved her and her mother's life and since then, it seems they have pledged their loyalty. Of course, I might be wrong."

"You're not." The six teens turned to see Henry behind them holding a glass of blood tablet solution. "Lin Hua and her mother came from an impoverished part of China. However, just as they made it to Japan, they were cornered by unruly vampires. Had the queen not intervened, they would have died. Since then, the two of them have pledged to do their utmost to protect the royals, and ever since Lin Hua has been Akira's personal guard."

"I see." Hibiki said as she looked at the Chinese vampire.

"But truthfully, I don't think Lin Hua does this out of debt. I think she does this because she admires Akira and his family." Henry chuckled. "Even we consider her a very close friend, and she is treated that way even by the royal family."

"Hehe, sounds like what Akira would do." Anju smiled.

"Though admittedly, she does have her own eccentric side." Henry frowned as he looked at her. "As to what that entails, it's a story for another time."

The group stared at each other, pondering what Henry meant by that as he walked back to a group of fawning Day class girls. Once again, Emi was going nuts over the vast array of sugary foods that had been served. Ganju and Gabriella had finally gotten a reprieve from baby-sitting her since Shinji had decided to take that job for himself. However, for some reason, Akira was absent. His current fans were fretting over why he hadn't made his appearance.

"If you are looking for Akira, he's by the balcony." Emi said to Anju slowly as she walked past her, carrying a plate laden with cake and sweets. Anju turned as Emi walked away, with Shinji walking behind her to her table. Anju now mulled over her choices, wondering what she ought to do.

"Hey, go find him." Misaki said from behind her. "It is one the only times you'll probably get this chance. Besides, for some reason, he seems to be hiding from everyone."

"Huh?" Anju gasped. "But, that doesn't seem…"

"No, seriously. I'm sure he has a reason, and you are probably it." Misaki replied. "After all, why would he hide himself if not to have all his fans obstruct you? The one thing I at least know about that Akira is that he is quite the shifty character."

Anju agreed that it was a legitimate argument by Misaki. Seeing as all her friends were now occupied, Anju turned and went to the balcony where Akira was supposedly hiding. As she approached, she stared at the remainder of the party goers. Emi had begun stuffing her face with her food while Shinji watched. Gabriella and Ganju now danced before the entire room among many others, drawing adorations from many others.

She walked to the railings, gazing out at the view. Unfortunately, the night sky was obscured by clouds, shutting out the light of the moon and stars.

"Quite the mundane night isn't it?" Anju turned to see Akira leaning against the far left of the balcony railing, hands behind his back.

"Rather…" Anju agreed, walking toward him. "The weather forecast even said clear skies today."

"Is that so?" Akira replied. "He must be trying to explain his misinterpretation then."

"Hehe, I'll bet." Anju chuckled.

"How are you getting along Anju? Are your grades alright?" Akira said, starting a round of general conversation.

"They're fine." Anju nodded. "Thanks to Ichigo, my studies are going well."

"That's great to hear." Akira nodded. "And you've been keeping yourself safe I hope?"

"Yup!" Anju saluted in mock childishness. "No scratches for the past few days!"

"So I see." Akira laughed slightly at her response. He walked up to Anju, finally bringing his hands out from behind him. In his arms, he held a corsage decorated with white roses.

"Huh?" Anju stared at the corsage in Akira's hands as he reached down and took her left arm. Slowly, he fastened the corsage upon her wrist, taking great care to ensure it was positioned properly. Anju couldn't help but feel the blood rush to her head as his hands worked around her wrist, his fingers warm upon her skin.

"There. It suits you perfectly." Akira said as he straightened up.

"Um…" Anju bit her lip as she inspected the corsage. "Thanks, I guess?"

"Your welcome." Akira smiled. "I always wondered what to get you for a gift considering you have enough dresses. Turns out something like this was perfect."

"Y-You didn't have to…" Anju said, still flushed from their earlier contact.

"Oh?" Akira smiled mischievously. "So does that mean you don't think so highly of my gift?"

"N-No!" Anju protested exasperatedly. "W-W-What I meant was, um, err… Huh?" Anju stuttered as she tried to find the words, but stopped just as she caught Akira chuckling.

"Hey, Akira. Are you trying to make fun of me?" Anju pouted.

"Oh my dear Anju." Akira chuckled as he found his composure. "You needn't always be so concerned about the trouble people go through to give you gifts. If you don't like it, that's fine. If you love it, it's fine as well. The true question is why you responded that way."

"So don't worry. It was no trouble at all to get this." Akira said as he lifted her arm up, gazing upon the corsage. "And I'm glad you loved it."

Anju smiled. "And I'm glad you bought it for me." Just then, the music tune changed.

"Ms Anju Cross, may I please have this dance?" Akira said. "If, you would allow it of course."

"I'd be delighted, Akira Kuran." Anju replied as he reached over and held her waist. Slowly, they performed a small Waltz. Completely out of tune with the music, but it didn't matter in the slightest. Anju didn't even feel the world around her anymore. She had become completely enamoured with the man in front of her.

"You have good footwork Anju." Akira commented. "It's better than mine. Have you been practising?"

"I did take dancing classes." Anju answered. "Strangely though, I thought you would have yourself."

"Ahaha." Akira smiled. "Well, I haven't had many chances to practice."

"That's strange, even from you." Anju said. "I thought someone of your stature would have plenty of dancing partners."

"Who aren't all that great either mind you." Akira lamented. "It's cringe-worthy how my people have such poor tastes for the arts."

"Well then Mr. Prince, better get working on that." Anju chuckled. The music carried on, and as it did, so did their Waltz. Then finally, Akira spun Anju close and looked into her eyes deeply.

"My, I think this is the first time I've seen your eyes this close." Akira said. "They are a very good shade of brown with a tint of scarlet perhaps?"

"I don't know." Anju shrugged. "They look brown to me."

The held the contact for a few seconds before Akira tilted his head toward her. Anju finally felt the rush of heat again as she realised what Akira was about to do. Yet, strangely enough, she wasn't intending to pull away. In fact, deep down, she believed this was something that she wanted for her whole life. Anju closed her eyes as she begun to imagine Akira's lips on hers, surrendering herself to his embrace. Her heart pounded with every second of the anticipation.

Then, Akira pulled back. Anju opened her eyes to see his face in a frown. Slowly, he straightened up again, letting go of Anju the minute she was able to balance herself appropriately.

"I'm sorry." Akira said, bowing to her slightly. "That wasn't appropriate."

Ah. Anju thought before she shook her head. "No. It's nothing. Don't worry about it." That's right. Anju said to herself. This sort of thing isn't allowed. Not between us. Attempting to break the awkward silence, Anju straightened up. "Sorry Akira, I, need to go to the bathroom."

"Oh. Okay then." Akira nodded. "Be careful okay?"

"It's just the bathroom Akira." Anju chuckled. "Don't fret so much alright?"

Akira smiled as she bowed, taking her leave. But as she left, she whispered slightly. His smile grew warmer as he realised what she had said.

"Thank you."

It's time Mr Krishiat.

"As you wish milord."

Don't hold back. Kill all of them.

Akira leaned against the railing of the balcony, feeling the wind through his hair. He heard the music slowing back in the hall and the chatter of the many students gathered.

"I suppose our game has begun Mr Lovell Krishiat?"

He looked to his right where a man in a black suit now stood. How he had gotten there was anyone's guess. His sand-coloured hair swayed in the wind as his scarlet eyes gazed at Akira.

"Yes Akira Kuran." Lovell replied. "Our game finally begins. And the first pieces will soon be taken."

Seconds later, gunshots rang through the hall, along with the screams.