Anju spun her staff as she clocked another vampire on the head, the anti-vampire weapon stunning him and knocking him out immediately. Since she was adopted, her foster father had gone to great lengths in teaching her how to fight, especially against vampires. Though the weapon was hardly lethal, it was specially crafted to ensure its targets could not fight back under most circumstances.

"Damn…" Anju swore under her breath as she tried to recover. Already she had fought off twelve of these vampires and they showed no signs of stopping. Where had they come from and who was controlling them? More importantly, was everyone else safe?

Of course they are. The rational side of her thought. Senior Akira is with them, as long as he is around, they should be fine. She nodded as she confirmed her thoughts. If what Misaki had been saying was true, then Akira's powers as a Pureblood would be on a far different level than most of the other vampires in the Night class.

"I have to check for any others…" Anju said as she ran down the flight of stairs. Already, in the silence of the hallways, she could already hear the screeches of other Level Es in the distance. No doubt the Vampire prefects and the teachers were handling them. She wondered now about Ichigo. Was he doing alright? Even as a trained Hunter, she had to admit fighting a war like this was crazy. She reasoned that finding him was her first priority.

Just as she stepped off the last step, Anju's vision suddenly went black.

Ichigo pulled the trigger once more, his target falling back from the force of the gunshot and disappearing into ash the second he hit the ground. Without hesitation, he turned to another, a woman this time and put a round through her head.

Death is the only mercy I can offer. Ichigo said to himself as he reloaded. With no other targets left, Ichigo decided to head to the main building. The vampire prefects had already made short work of the numerous vampires around the school grounds. He had to admit, he did not expect the Kurenai heiress to be so effective. How many bats had she hoarded on the school grounds?

"Whole place is in the palm of her hands…" Ichigo muttered as he made his way back. "No… Its in his hands huh? Figures he'd want to have such a large role to play in this place. Damned Pureblood…"

As he neared the building, he suddenly felt his security communicator vibrate. He pulled it out, wondering who it was that was calling him.

"Ichigo…" Came the voice of Akira Kuran. "Where are you?"

"I'm headed back to the main building." Ichigo answered. "All the Level E vampires in the yard have been eliminated."

"Good." Akira said. "Now get back here on the double. We have a much more serious situation than I thought."

"What is it?" Ichigo asked.

"I cannot explain now." Akira replied. "Just hurry back and I'll tell you what you need to know."

"Kuran, shut it." Ichigo growled. "You wanted me to protect this school for you, so that's what I'll do. To do that, you've got to tell me everything you know right now. So snap to it and quit wasting my time."

Silence was Ichigo's answer for about five seconds before Akira spoke again. "Krishiat is dead. But the one who killed him is a vampire known as James Ridley. A former Vampire Knight."

"Is he dangerous?" Ichigo asked.

"Very." Akira affirmed. "He is currently among the top targets of the Hunter Association. Even my mother has placed a high priority for his capture or termination."

Ichigo swallowed. "If your mother wants him that badly, it can only mean he is bad news. But what is his link to all this?"

"He was a promising warrior in our ranks. However, his views and my mother's did not fall on the same page. He still believed that vampires were a superior race, that our status as immortal beings made us the rightful rulers of the world; that we did not need coexistence. My mother however, constantly rejected his ideals. Soon enough he left the order. In the years that followed, we heard reports of him inciting rebellions, even masterminding attacks on humans. But he always slipped through our fingers the minute we closed in."

"How have you guys not dealt with him yet?" Ichigo frowned.

"Five years ago, he vanished." Akira answered. "His rebellions stopped, his ruthless attacks paused. We believed he was biding his time, making some other grand plan. Although I am not surprised that he has not stopped his rebellious cause, I am concerned that he is involved with our hidden enemy."

"How advanced was he as a knight?" Ichigo asked.

"Very." Akira said. "The only ones who can best him are myself, owing to my Pureblood status, and my Uncle, who is the Grandmaster of the knights."

"So you believe his skills will be passed down through the ranks of the enemy…"

"Precisely. But right now, it appears he was meant to observe Lovell." Akira continued. "And now it seems Lovell has outlived his usefulness, along with the rest of the vampire army that is here today."

"What is this guy like?" Ichigo asked.

"He is dangerous Ichigo." Akira said. "Not just because of his skills or his intelligence and powers. He is one who will strike at the heart of his opponents in any way possible. Do not try to fight him yourself."

Ichigo bit down hard at this revelation. If Akira was right about it all, then their troubles were only just beginning, Suddenly, a thought came to Ichigo. "Kuran, where is Anju right now?"

Silence first. "She is not with me." Akira replied at last. "Last I saw her, she was headed to the bathrooms…"

Silence again, as the two of them processed what this meant.

Dammit! Ichigo's thoughts burned. "Kuran! We have to find her!"

"I understand." Akira said. "I will check the top floors. You check the lower levels of the school."

As the comm link terminated, Ichigo ran with more purpose than ever. Knowing her, Anju would definitely have also responded to the vampire attack. And if what Akira said was true, then she would be in mortal danger.

Anju, you'd better not have run off too far… Ichigo pleaded to himself.

Anju looked left and right, but there was nothing but darkness. Anju felt her heartbeat quicken, wondering where she was.

I was just at the school, but now where am I? Anju thought frantically.

"Don't be so frightened." Came a voice behind her. Anju turned, keeping her staff at bay as she found the one who had spoken.

He was charming in ways she could not describe. He had a pale complexion which made her believe he hailed from America or Europe. His brown hair was neatly cut and combed, with a soft smile that would ease the tension.

And yet, beneath his blue eyes, Anju could not help but feel a cold malice deep within. She edged backwards away from him, keeping her eyes on his entire body, not just the sword he kept at his waist. "Who are you?" She asked, doing her hardest to keep the nervousness out of her voice.

"Oh dear, my apologies…" He replied in mock embarrassment. "James Ridley, at your service."

"You're a vampire." Anju nodded. "Where am I? What have you done?"

"Ah ah…" James sad as he put his finger to his mouth. "Silence is golden my dear. But fret not. You are still within the academy grounds. As to how, I perhaps can leave that to your imagination."

Anju steadied her breathing. "Fine, then why are you here? Are you responsible for what has just happened?"

"Why, yes." James replied with the same smile, causing Anju to tighten her grip on her staff. "Or rather, my master is. I'm merely here as an observer."

"Why are you doing this?" Anju demanded. "Cross Academy is a place for vampires and humans to coexist! There is no need for…" Anju stopped short as she saw the change in Ridley's face. At once, his smile faded, replaced with a look of annoyance.

"Coexistence. How I hate that word." James frowned as he started pacing. "What makes you think we have to degrade ourselves to the level of you humans?" Anju kept her staff ready, anticipating an attack at any moment.

"Do you know of how the world was like before?" James asked. "Do you know how vampires existed?" Anju did not answer. It was plainly obvious to both that she had no knowledge of this.

"Millennia ago, give or take a century, vampires and humans warred with each other." James spoke. "At the time, an Ancestor vampire saw that humans would no doubt be enslaved, and thus sacrificed herself to create the vampire hunters. As a result, many people, human and vampire alike, were killed, to the point where both sides decided that coexistence was necessary to avoid total destruction."

"As time passed, a monarchy was set up to manage the Ex-humans that were created in the war." James continued. "I think you can guess who they were?"

"The Kurans…" Anju whispered.

"Very impressive." James clapped slightly. "Of course, soon after the monarchy was disbanded and the Council took over. Though they too met an unfortunate end at the hands of the Kuran ancestors. The ancestor of Akira Kuran that is."

"Why are you telling me this?" Anju asked. "What's the point?"

"I'm coming to that my dear. Be patient with me." James replied. "At the end, about a thousand years ago, this same ancestor sacrificed himself to ensure humanity's continued resolution against our kind. And then, at the present, a monarchy has once again been established."

James now stopped pacing, turning his eyes toward Anju. "The point my dear, is that like a horrendously sick joke, history somehow has found a way to repeat itself. Conflict, sacrifice and then a pathetic rulership of the same vampire family."

"What does this have to do with anything?" Anju asked.

"It has to do with everything my dear." James replied. "The Kurans wish to see coexistence with humans. But the desire for coexistence was what caused such a rift in this world today. I'm sure you have seen how many humans still despise vampires?" At this, Anju did not answer.

"The notion of coexistence was a mistake from the start." James went on. "If those fool Ancestors had left things as they were, if they allowed us to merely claim our place as the masters of this world, then all of this wouldn't even have happened. The trials and tribulations for our kind and yours would never have come to pass."

"So is that why you are doing this?" Anju said. "Attacking the school, turning humans into these savage creatures?"

"It is the natural order of the world." James nodded. "We were the race that was truly meant to govern this world until that was disrupted by the foolish members of our kind. An idealism that wished to promote peace only led to more strife and hatred. Why bother with peace when it only causes grief in the world? Thus, we have decided that it is best for this world to revert to its true nature."

"Is what you think?" Anju asked. "Or is that just you wanting power over us?"

"Perhaps a little bit of both." James smiled darkly.

"You will fail." Anju replied defiantly. "Akira and his mother, they will stop you."

"They've been trying to do that for years." James chuckled. "And I think you can see how that has worked out. As to why I'm telling you this…" James now slowly approached her. "You are one of those who has seen first-hand how fragile this peace can be with Mr. Kitsuke and vampires. Already you have borne witness to the darkness of our race, to their greatest sins and desires, and how far they would go for it."

"I'll deal with that!" Anju said vehemently. "I'll protect humans from vampires who want to enslave them, and I'll protect vampires from humans who despise them! It is part of senior Akira's desired world, so I will fight for it just like he does!"

"And I wonder, what will you do the minute I tell you of the dark secrets of the Kurans?" James Ridley asked. "What will you do when I tell you of how his family has killed hundreds of our own kind just to preserve this idiotic peace? His Ancestor slew Purebloods beyond numbering just to see that we would not dominate the world. Do you see? They claim that they want peace, but in truth, that peace is born from sin and blood the likes of which you can never understand."

Anju blinked, concealing her surprise. She had not known much about Akira's family or his ancestors. Still, it did disturb her about the possible atrocities committed in the past. She recounted her experiences with vampires, the first time she had met one. Just as she had thought her life would end, a young vampire boy had saved her. She remembered the sight of blood, the blood of the vampire Akira had slain.

"Maybe I am naïve." Anju said, staring back at Ridley. "And maybe I will never understand what it is that vampires do. Maybe I will always have some part of me that fears them because of what they are capable of. But that doesn't mean I will stop. It is true that this peace is fragile, that it may only be maintained through bloodshed. But I will bear that burden as well, just like my father, my friends-human and vampire, and like the boy who suffers to maintain it."

"Say what you like." Anju frowned. "But I know better than to think peace is foolish because of the trouble to maintain it."

James Ridley observed her for a moment. Anju watched as he closed his eyes in deep thought. When he opened them again, she saw that they had turned red as blood. "You are very brave my dear. The Kurans are truly fortunate to have an ally such as yourself."

"At least, they were…"

Akira ran through the halls, desperately looking for any signs of Anju. Outside, bats swarmed around, mopping up the last of the Level E army. He was sure that Gabriella was now helping to find any traces of Anju. Yet Akira knew it would be a difficult task. James Ridley had a very powerful ability to control shadows. He had seen it in use before, using them as weapons or even creating a space where none could escape. Only his Uncle ever figured out how it worked.

Up ahead, he heard a clash. He looked up to see Lionel Ford engaged with three vampires. Drawing his sword, Akira dashed forward, beheading each of them in one swift motion. Their feral faces were frozen as their heads fell to the floor, turning to ash instantly.

"Kuran…" Ford growled.

"Mr. Ford." Akira nodded. "I have been looking for you. I need your help."

"Whatever for? Surely a Pureblood like you can deal with these animals easily." Ford said as he blew out a puff of smoke.

"Not that. I need to find Anju. I believe she is in danger. Perhaps the name James Ridley rings a bell?" Akira explained. As he did, Ford's eyes widened.

"What do you need?" Ford asked.

"Ridley's powers can be used to make a prison of shadow." Akira explained. "However, to do that, he can only manipulate the space where the shadows are. It is a powerful skill that is complicated to explain, but if the shadows are not there…"

"He can be exposed huh?" Ford finished for him. "So you want me to plant Sun bombs? Won't that fry you?"

Sun bombs. A new weapon conceived by Vampire Hunters to temporarily blind vampires. Akira himself was quite fascinated at how the weapon was developed. He wasn't aware of what was used in it, but he knew it was a mineral of some sort that burned brightly, with the light being focused through specially crafted lenses. The intense heat would destroy the device, but it ended up illuminating a large area. However, vampires appeared to react badly to the light, with minor burns and blindness being the most lenient consequences.

"Fear not." Akira said. "I am used to the light of day. Nevertheless, my safety is not of any concern."

"How noble of you…" Ford said as he pulled out the bomb, a white sphere roughly the size of Akira's palm. "I trust you know how this works?" Ford asked as he eyed the Pureblood.

"Relatively." Akira said as he twisted the sphere, priming the igniter. At once he threw the sphere a few feet down, crouching low and shielding his eyes as Ford did the same.

Seconds later, the bomb detonated, sending a blinding glare across the entire length of the hallway. Even through shut eyes, Akira could tell how bright is was as the flash went through his eyelids. Once the glare subsided, Akira opened his eyes.

And right before him, some few feet down the hallway were two figures. One was a face he remembered well, James Ridley. And cradled in his arms was the other figure, one of a blood-stained Anju Cross.

Ichigo ran up the stairs, putting another round into a Level E that he spotted as he rounded the staircase. He looked around, finding no sign of Akira or Anju anywhere. As he decided to check the floor, his nose suddenly caught a familiar scent. It was the scent of Anju's blood. Dread gripped him as he followed the smell upstairs. Taking the stairs two at a time, he ran up to the fourth floor, emerging to see Ford and Akira staring down a man who held Anju in his arms. He watched as her blood slowly dripped onto the floor.

The man who held her body now turned to see the newest arrival. "Ah, Mr. Kitsuke. So glad you could join us."

Ichigo felt his fury explode as he watched him drop Anju's motionless body onto the floor, landing with a sickening thud. He aimed his pistol right at the man. Just as he was about to pull the trigger, Ichigo's instinctively sensed danger. He dove out of the way just as a spike emerged from the shadow of the columns by the window, which would have impaled him were he a second slower.

Using the opening, Ford charged forward, swinging the butt of his rifle at the man, who parried it effectively with the hilt of his sword. Ford twisted back, taking aim only for the rifle to be struck aside before the man kicked him away. Akira now lunged forward, swinging a sword at the man, who blocked it with his own.

"James Ridley." Akira breathed as Ichigo aimed again. "This time you've gone too far."

"Lord Akira Kuran." Ridley smiled. "I had a feeling this morsel was important to you. But despite how appetising she looks, I'm afraid I have more important matters to attend to."

"You needn't worry about that at all." Akira replied, fury evident in his face despite the calm exterior. "For this sin, I will personally see you destroyed."

"You can try Akira Kuran." Ridley said. "But I serve a higher power now, one you cannot hope to comprehend."

"You will tell me." Akira said as his eyes flashed red.

"Trying to force it from me will do you no good." Ridley said as he broke the lock of their blades. "My master ensured that I would obey only him. Your proud Pureblood lineage will not avail you."

"You will pay for this." Akira growled. "Mark my words."

"Shut it Kuran!" Ichigo roared. "I'm putting this bastard down!"

"And lose the one chance you have to save yourself?" Ridley smirked, shocking both Ichigo and Ford. "Yes, I serve the one responsible for your family's demise and your current dilemma. But as of now, only I am able to tell you who he is."

"You son of a bitch…" Ichigo glared, itching to pull his trigger. Yet something made him hesitate.

"The hell are you doing!?" Ford yelled. "Shoot the bastard!"

But Ichigo still hesitated. That gave Ridley enough time to wrap himself in shadows. "Goodbye all." He said as his form was slowly obscured. "I will make sure to give my master your regards." And with that, he vanished without a trace. Ichigo stared for a while before the scent in his nose acted up again.

"Anju!" He yelled as he ran over. By now, a small crowd had gathered, drawn by the flash of the Sun bomb. Gasps sounded from the students as they saw the motionless and blood covered body of Anju.

"Get back!" Ford said. "Don't come closer!"

"Ann…" Hibiki gasped as she covered her mouth with both hands. Misaki's face was a mask of dread while the rest of their classmates looked on in shock. Some even began tearing up.

"Akira!" Came a voice. Everyone turned to see the remainder of the vampire prefects convene, obviously drawn to the scent of Anju's blood.

"Dammit…" Ganju growled as he put his battleaxe aside.

"Ganju, Shinji, help with controlling the crowd." Akira said as he reached for Anju's body. Just as he was about to touch her, a hand clamped down on his wrist.

"Back off." Ichigo ordered vehemently. "Leave her alone."

"Ichigo." Akira replied. "Calm down."

"Shut it vampire." Ichigo said through gritted teeth. "Don't you dare touch her…"

"We are wasting time Ichigo." Akira said. "We can still save her…"

"BY TURNING HER?" Ichigo roared, shocking the rest of the students who had gathered. "You want to change her into one of you? Is that it?"

"We have no other choice Ichigo!" Akira replied. "While her heart still beats, I must do it now!"

"LIKE HELL YOU WILL!" Ichigo replied. "YOU ALREADY KNOW WHAT IT'S LIKE FOR ME! YOU WANT HER TO SUFFER THE SAME THING?"

Instantly, he pulled out his pistol, aiming it right at Akira. As he did so, a shape moved in, kicking him to the side of the hallway. As Ichigo recovered, a blast of cold struck him, encasing him in ice.

"Sorry Ichigo." Emi said as she lowered her hands while Lin Hua straightened. "But right now, just sit there like a good boy."

"I suppose you have a plan?" Henry asked as he knelt before Akira.

"Yes, but it is risky." Akira said as he held Anju's body. Her breath came as gasps as he cradled her head, gesturing to the gash across her side. "Ridley did this. She has already lost a vast amount of blood. To save her, we must be quick. Is Gabriella ready?"

"She is getting it now." Emi said as she knelt down and inspected the wound. "It will not be easy to stop her bleeding, even with my powers."

"No." Akira shook his head as he leaned in. "But it may buy her precious time."

"And am I to assume you need me to be quick as well?" Henry asked as he removed his glasses.

"Yes." Akira nodded. "Time is of the essence."

"Anju…" Hibiki cried over the crowd. "Will she be okay?"

The vampires now looked at her, unsure of what to say. It was Ford who finally broke the silence.

"Ever see what happens when a Pureblood bites someone?" Ford said. "Now you will."

"Mr. Ford…" Akira sighed. "You really have no sense of tact, do you?"

"Do what you want." Ford said. "But listen up, if she dies, you'd better compensate for that."

"I will." Akira agreed. "Though in truth, failure might yield the most lenient consequence for her right now."

Everyone watched as Akira now bit his own wrist while Emi sealed Anju's wound with a thin ice layer, an emergency treatment that would stop the bleeding for a time. Henry now positioned himself right at Anju's head.

Blood spilled from Akira's wrist as he drank his own blood, keeping it within his mouth. Anju, please… He thought as he lowered his head to her neck, sensing her jugular underneath. Forgive me for what I must do…

At once, without hesitation, he sank his fangs into her neck. Silence permeated the air as all who gathered watched. It appeared as such a tender moment, as Akira caressed her face and hair before releasing his grip on her. As he straightened, he now placed his hands upon Anju's shoulders while Emi and Lin Hua grabbed her legs. Even he knew how unprepared anyone would be for what would happen next.

Anju's eyes snapped open and she screamed, an ear-splitting cry of agony that cut through Akira's very soul and caused all the student's, human and vampire alike, to recoil. He knew that was his venom and blood now working its way through her, coursing through her body and infecting her cells, one by one mutating them, all the while stabbing through her like an icy flame, a sensation of unknown suffering that gave way to lifelessness. Her body jerked as the convulsions came. Were it not for the vampires holding her down, she likely would have sustained injury.

"Henry! Now!" Akira said.

Henry now grasped Anju's head, maintaining eye contact. "Keep her still!" He cried. "For my powers to work, I need perfect eye contact!"

"We're trying!" Emi yelled as Anju screamed once more.

"Quickly Henry!" Akira cried, strengthening his grip.

"Just…" Henry panted as his eyes glowed a strange yellow colour. "A little… more…"

No one could do anything except watch the vampires work and hear Anju's screams echo through the halls.

A few days later:

"How is she?" Chairman Cross asked as he looked upon the bed in which the still form of Anju lay.

"She is doing fine sir." Emi said. "Her vitals have stabilised and her wounds are gone. For now, we can only wait till she wakes up."

"I see." The Chairman nodded. "And the antidote?"

"Worked perfectly." Gabriella replied. "She showed no signs of immunity to the serum, though we even prepared one with Akira's blood just to be safe. Also, she shows no signs of trauma from the ordeal."

"I didn't think it'd work out so well…" Henry groaned as he rubbed his temples. "But my head is still a mess. The headache is only just going away."

"Still, you did well Henry." Chairman Cross nodded. "Your hypnotism was paramount in Anju's stable condition. Without your mental suggestions, she might have fared much worse against the pain."

"Well, it wasn't easy." Henry moaned as he lay back on the sofa. "I have to maintain perfect eye contact to make it work. It also gives me one hell of a headache."

"Oh suck it up." Emi said. "You were instrumental in ensuring we saved someone without having to turn her completely. But at any rate, how are things going in the school Mr. Chairman?"

"They are doing well Emi." He replied. "Not many of the Day class students are too bothered by what has just happened, though I don't think it will be right to continue classes for the Night class right yet."

"Well we still got loads of cleaning up to do." Emi grumbled.

"Which I wholeheartedly appreciate." The Chairman smiled. "Oh, before I forget, Anju's friends will be coming over to visit. Do take care of them alright?"

"Will do." Gabriella nodded.

"On a side note, how is Akira doing?" Chairman Cross inquired.

"As well as he can." Emi shrugged. "The guy hasn't been very sociable as of late. Still, it doesn't look like he's grieving about anything, so I suppose it should be okay if you want to go see him. That is why you've come right?"

"As sharp as usual Ms. Aidou." Chairman Cross smiled. "If you'll excuse me. Once more, thank you for saving my daughter."

The Vampires nodded as he left the room in the Moon dorm, striding over to the master bedroom that served as Akira's quarters. Knocking upon the door, he opened it to find Akira seated at his desk.

Akira looked up from his personal computer, standing as he saw his visitor. "Chairman Cross."

"It's good to see you doing well Akira." Chairman Cross smiled. "I must say, it was quick thinking on your part. Thanks to you, Anju will recover."

"Thank you for your kind words." Akira nodded. "However, I still feel somewhat responsible. I did not think that James Ridley would be involved. Had I considered that, perhaps…"

"Do not dwell on what may have been Akira." The Chairman replied. "You must now look forward to the future. I doubt James Ridley and his mysterious master will leave us alone right yet. We have to be ready for their next move."

"You speak truth Chairman." Akira smiled. "Once more, you prove that even vampires need human wisdom from time to time. We will have to consider the possibility of another attack, and one in a manner we will least expect."

Chairman Cross nodded in agreement as he moved to some of the pictures displayed on Akira's table, eyeing one of a beautiful girl with brown hair. "I will have to respond to the Hunter Association's summons soon to report on this incident. Hopefully I can convince them to provide more support to you. Till then, can I leave you in charge of the academy's safety?"

"You have my word Chairman." Akira bowed. "I will not have any harm come upon the students in future. I swear this…"

"On your blood and life huh?" Chairman Cross mused. "This conflict grows worse day by day. I am quite relieved to know that there are some among you who would sacrifice that much for our world. But if possible Akira, try not to die. Your life is too precious a gift to be lost so easily. I for one would be sad if you died, and so would Anju."

"I imagine so…" Akira replied.

"That girl may not say it, but she does care about you a great deal." Chairman Cross said as he left.

"I'm sure you could say the same for me." Akira said to himself as he went back to work once more. As he did, he looked out the window, toward the moon that was now obscured by clouds. "But the shadows writhe Chairman. And soon, all of us must consider if life is just another price to pay."

"Just put them there." Hibiki said to Misaki as she hefted the pot of flowers to the corner table. Laura merely sat by the window, keeping her eye for any signs that Anju would wake. Frederick and Gerald would be by soon, having made arrangements to make a 'Get Well' basket for Anju.

"Will she really be okay?" Laura asked Misaki.

"I'm not sure." Misaki replied. "No one has attempted something like this before."

"I still can't get it out of my head." Hibiki said. "I thought it was going to be fine. Then she just, screamed."

"Now you know just how bad it is." Misaki said. "Like I said before, the transformation is something even most vampires cannot comprehend. Even the Night class members were shocked. Most hadn't even seen something like that."

"Guess none of us did." Hibiki replied thoughtfully. "But at least she is alive. And for that, I'm thankful to Senior Akira."

"I just hope nothing like that happens again." Laura shivered.

"All of us do." Misaki said. "From this day forward, I have a feeling that unknown forces will be hounding this school."

"The school owes everything to the Night class." Hibiki nodded in agreement. "But I wonder if there will be anything we can do to help. I mean, we are just powerless humans."

"Sometimes fighting isn't the only way." Misaki answered. "I'm sure there are plenty of things that you guys can do in the future. For now, leave the heavy lifting to people like me, Ichigo and the vampires. I'm sure that when the time comes, we'll be ready, along with the Vampire Knights."

The three girls nodded to each other, turning their attention to Anju again. At once, Misaki spotted her eyes open.

"Anju!" Misaki exclaimed, catching the attention of everyone in the room and the vampires outside.

"Misaki?" Anju breathed. "What happened?"

"Ann…" Hibiki cried tears of joy as she held her friend's hand. "Thank goodness…"

"Hibiki?" Anju frowned, still exhausted. "What happened? Why are you crying?"

Misaki sighed. "Buckle up Anju. We've got a tale to tell you…"

Ichigo walked away from the Moon dorm gates. It seemed Anju was going to be fine. He didn't like the idea, but he had to admit that Akira Kuran's quick thinking did save Anju's life. A temporary transformation to promote quick regeneration followed with an immediate injection of the cure just as the wounds were no longer fatal. Very quick thinking indeed.

Unlike himself.

Ichigo now rammed his fist into the tree on his right, his vampiric strength splitting the bark. James Ridley. At least now he knew of a lead to freeing himself from the curse his life had become. Now he knew who his prey was.

Ichigo would savour the hunt. He'd direct all his animosity toward Ridley and his mysterious master, use every resource at his disposal to unearth the beast that stalked in the dark. And once he had fulfilled his goal, all that is left would be to put them down. This is what he trained for. This is what he was born to do.

"Watch out Ridley." Ichigo growled. "I'm coming for you. And for your sake, I hope you enjoy suffering…"

Castle Kuran

The state room was dark save for a few candles upon the table. Two teacups sat in their saucers, freshly poured tea within them. A polished sugar holder sat close by. A hand now reached for small pair of tongs that lay in the holder, clasping onto a sugar cube and dropping it into one of the teacups. The same hand now stirred the tea, dissolving the sugar in.

High Queen Ai Kuran lifted her teacup and took a small sip, all the while reading the report that had come onto her mobile tablet. Ai had to admit technology did make things easier. She could now issue orders to the knights or view proposals by the other members of the Vampire senate with little effort.

Across her sat Ren Kiryuu, her half-sister and the Grandmaster of the Vampire knights. Her silver hair was tied into a ponytail that dropped to the base of her neck. She did not touch the sugar at all, drinking the tea as it was.

Ai skimmed through the report that now concerned the latest news regarding the attack upon Cross academy. She had been alarmed that a human student had been gravely hurt during the attack and wondered how many other casualties had been incurred. Even more worrisome was the fact an army of Level Es had been responsible. With the report, now she was getting answers.

Upon finishing, her eyes frowned. Ren caught wind of the change in her expression, placing her teacup down. He watched as Ai appeared to contemplate upon something before she reached for a bell upon the small table to her right. Lifting it, she gave a slight shake, the bell ringing softly before she put in back down.

Seconds later, the door behind her opened. She turned to see Klein, the highest ranked butler in the castle appear. Following him was a Chinese vampire dressed in a black suit. Upon entering, they both bowed before her.

"You summoned us your Majesty?" Klein asked.

"Klein, please send my apologies to the Noble families and members of the senate." Ai said. "It would seem our meetings for the next month will need to be postponed. I have decided to move up my trip."

"Of course my queen." Klein nodded. "I shall notify the esteemed council of your decision. Though if I may be so bold, I doubt they will react well to this sudden change."

"Just another day at the office Klein." Ai replied with an exhausted expression. "You let me worry about that part. Divert all their phone calls to me should they start to complain. And Li Ming?"

"Yes your Majesty?" The female vampire answered.

"I need you to contact our allies across the world." Ai said. "It would appear James Ridley's capture has become our top priority. Please have them keep a watchful eye for him and to notify us of any reported sightings. Above all, emphasize extreme caution when engaging."

"As you command my Queen." Li Ming nodded. "I assume you would like me to notify the Hunter's Association?"

"I'm sure Kirihara Cross will be handling that." Ai replied once more with a look that could only be described as awkward. "He does have a way of dealing with those stubborn old farts. Personally, dealing with them is such an exhausting task…"

"I see." Li Ming replied. "If that is all, shall we take our leave?"

"That is all." Ai nodded. Without another word, the two vampires left.

"So James was responsible huh?" Ren frowned. "I knew I should have killed him back then."

"It appears he has a benefactor of sorts Ren." Ai stated. "I know you are more than capable of handling him, but it's his master whom we must be wary of. There is no telling what reckless actions will bring upon us."

"Sister, what do you suggest?" Ren asked as she reached for the teacup again.

"For now, we must strengthen Cross Academy." Ai surmised. "It is very likely the target for this group, and I doubt they'd stick to Level Es to keep doing their dirty work. With Ridley in the picture, we must assume that they will have an army at their disposal. I expect the days ahead to be more calamitous than I thought." Ai now dipped her head back, a frustrated expression crossing her features. "And here I was hoping to have another peaceful month…"

"Understood." Ren nodded. "I'll gather some of the best knights I have and make my way there. I assume you will be handling the guests you wish to bring with you?"

"Right again." Ai smiled. "You know me so well…"

"Of course." Ren nodded as she got up. "I am your sister after all." At this, he strode over to the door. Just before she opened it, she spoke again. "What do you think of Akira's choice to save that girl?"

Ai titled her head as she thought. "I honestly think it was quick thinking on his part, but I expect some personal reasons of his. That boy isn't always honest with everyone. In that aspect, he is just like our other father. But then again, he wouldn't think twice about carrying the burden of such a choice. I suppose he does take after mother in that regard."

Ren looked back at her strangely, still confused over what she said. "So… What do you think about it?"

Ai pouted, evidently annoyed that she hadn't gotten it. "What do I think huh? I guess for now, I can only be proud that he saved a life, though I'm very curious as to what his reason is. The person he saved was Anju Cross."

"The girl he rescued years ago?" Ren sighed, rubbing her temple. "I can already see where this is going."

"Um, didn't you have important stuff to do?" Ai blinked as she finished her tea.

"Right." Ren replied. "See you then."

Ai frowned. Why did their sibling relationship have to have such strange moments? At times they seemed completely natural, and then at others they appeared totally out of sync and confused with each other. Still, considering who their mother was, perhaps it was just natural?

"No use thinking about it anyways." Ai concluded as she got up. She had loads of things to do now, starting with having to deal with big sister Ruka's rant over the sudden change of plans. But even more so was addressing the fact that a Pureblood had to bite a human on academy grounds. Along with it all, the plans that Ridley had let slip, the Hunter who now swore vengeance and the girl who would risk even her life for the fragile peace. How far would people be willing to go for their desires? Ai wondered. What would they give for what they could take?

Really, that son of mine can be quite the handful sometimes. Just like you were David… Ai mused as she strode out of the room. As she did, she caught a glimpse of a picture depicting 2 children who vaguely resembled her and Ren, along with a much older looking woman who resembled Ai, though her hair was a lighter shade of brown and fell down to her hips.

"I swore to protect the world you strove for mother." Ai told herself. "And so I shall…"

Author's Note:

Welp, finally finished the first arc of the fic. Just and update, it's about a month left till my exams, so I doubt I'll be able to update this as frequently as I'd like. I hope that you will bear with my long hiatus and hope you keep reading this story.

On a side note, I'm glad I was finally able to include Ren Kiryuu. For those who are unaware, Ren is the official name for Ai's half brother. According to the manga extra chapters, they have a close sibling relationship, but they also have their own personal quirks. Ai is depicted as more serious and business-like while Ren is more blunt with his personal thoughts and feelings.

Additionally, from their names, they have always been teased with the term 'Renai', which roughly translates from Japanese for 'To love'. According to the author/artist of Vampire Knight, they've endured that joke long enough to be used to it.

I hope this was enough for you to get to know these 2 pivotal characters. I will endeavour to properly write out their interactions with the rest of the cast when I am able to.

Yours Sincerely,

Jdbl00d.

*Disclaimer: I do not own Vampire Knight*

Edit (28/4/2019): Due to the information as released in Vampire Knight Memories, Ren's gender has been altered to reflect it as such