The news spread through the school soon enough about the enrolment of Cassandra Kraven. It was the main topic among the Day class students, with many now voicing excitement over meeting the new vampire. However, just as there was excitement, there was also a slight hint of apprehension. It was no secret among the academy walls that Cassandra was a Pureblood. The power of such an individual they knew was awe-inspiring as it was terrifying. And the smarter ones also knew of the struggle that may occur within the Night class in the coming days.

"Do you really think a battle for dominance will occur?" Anju asked Misaki as they sat down for lunch.

"It is a little bit of a stretch calling it a battle." Misaki answered. "But there will be a contest for sure. In a small dorm of about a few hundred vampires, the presence of two Purebloods will likely result in a conflict of interests. I told you before that vampires of all walks of life acknowledge the authority of the Purebloods, right?"

"Yeah." Hibiki nodded as she also sat down next to them. "Even at a glance, it is obvious how much the rest of the Night class looks at Senior Akira with a sort of reverence."

"And that may happen with Cassandra as well." Misaki said. "Akira may have held sway over the Night class due to his own charisma and familiarity with them, but Cassandra may attempt to pull some of them to her side as well through her own natural abilities. Depending on how the rest of the Night class views it, the entirety of them could end up getting split down the middle."

"But what about the other prefects?" Laura Rosen asked. "Aren't they quite, I don't know, loyal to Senior Kuran?"

"I doubt they will be swayed by Cassandra." Misaki said as she mulled over her thoughts. "Their families have been among the closest supporters of the Kuran's for centuries, and they do consider Akira not as a master, but a good friend. If such friendship is strong enough, I doubt they will willingly go to Cassandra until they have no other choice."

"But it doesn't change the fact that they may have a natural obligation to protect her." Gerald White noted, causing the whole table to agree.

"Well, we don't really have much of a say in that matter." Misaki said. "My mom once told me to let vampires handle their own issues. As long as they don't endanger humans in anyway, there is no need to act."

"Agreed." Anju nodded. "The last thing we want is to get caught between two vampires fighting for control."

"And what about Ichigo?" Hibiki asked. "No way is he getting off easy after what he did yesterday."

"A suspension from school and prefect duties." Anju explained. "Senior Dunois is so going to rip him a new one when it finally ends."

"Well, he kinda deserves it after getting physical with a student." Misaki said. "I suppose his hunter instinct kicked in the minute he realised what kind of vampire Cassandra is, and you know what he is like with Purebloods. Still he could have shown some restraint."

"At any rate, it doesn't seem Cassandra is making a formal complaint." Anju said. "I guess she has decided to let the Chairman and the teachers handle it. Probably because she will have her hands full with fitting in." Anju now looked toward the Moon dorm's silhouette from across the grounds. "Hmm, I really wonder what is going on there now…"

Akira stared bemusedly at the sight of the room with two vampires running about. On one end was Cassandra, who was desperately trying to find more room for her extra clothes. On the other was Beatrice, who struggled with getting Cassandra's uniform ready while also preparing the rest of her school supplies. Akira immediately cleared his throat. This caused them to yelp in surprise, before Beatrice knelt before him.

"Please stand Beatrice." Akira said. Immediately the maid rose to her feet and carried on with her tasks. "I assume you didn't expect to have so little room for luggage."

"Well, I thought it be best to be prepared." Cassandra replied, her hands still clutching onto the two dresses. "Besides, these were my favourite dresses. It seemed a shame to leave them back at home."

"I see." Akira chuckled. "Well, perhaps I have someone who can assist you." Akira now turned to the door to see Gabriella at the entrance of the room.

"You summoned me Akira?" Gabriella asked.

"Perfect timing Gabriella." Akira smiled. "I understand that you have quite some space in your own room. May I suggest that you switch with Ms. Cassandra? It seems that she will need the extra room. Plus, I believe it best if Ms. Beatrice could be in the same room as her so as to properly attend to her needs."

"That won't be a problem." Gabriella nodded. "Though it will take some time to move things, and we will need to be quiet. My room is past Emi's and well, she is still asleep."

"Yes, I am aware of Emi's crankiness." Akira chuckled. "Well, perhaps my hands will be sufficient as extra help."

"But milord Kuran!" Beatrice gasped as Akira came forward and hefted some of Cassandra's things in his hands. "Someone of your stature shouldn't-"

"Shouldn't do what Beatrice?" Akira asked. "As the head prefect of the Night class, it is my duty to assist my fellow students in any way I can if time allows, Pureblood or no. Besides, it is quite unbecoming of a man not attempting to help a woman in need of it."

Cassandra's face went red as she registered Akira's words. "Umm… I-I thank you for your hospitality."

"The pleasure is mine Ms. Cassandra." Akira smiled as Gabriella grabbed some clothes effortlessly. "Now, please excuse me while I move these items of yours. We won't take long."

"Very well…" Cassandra nodded. "And, you can just call me Cassandra, Sir Kuran."

"I shall remember it." Akira nodded. "And you can address me as Akira in return."

The two watched as Akira and Gabriella left. Once the door shut behind them, Beatrice came over with Cassandra's uniform. "Come milady. Let us get you ready. A Pureblood such as yourself deserves to look presentable on her first day in class."

"Thank you Beatrice." Cassandra said as she raised her arms, allowing the maid to work her way with the dress she wore. Cassandra frowned as Beatrice undressed her and fitted the white uniform over. "You know, that Akira Kuran is quite the individual."

"Please remember milady that his actions may be a precaution against you." Beatrice said as she slipped the top on and went for the skirt. "With two Purebloods around, it may already be that the others here are wondering what your stance toward Master Kuran may be and if you intend to hold sway over them. He may also be trying to observe you for any future actions."

"I have no stance against him as of yet." Cassandra replied as Beatrice finished up with the skirt and began braiding her hair. "Based on that meeting alone, I think he has far more charisma amongst the other students here than I do."

"Well, they should at least be able to help meet your whims." Beatrice replied with a frown. "Our kind understands why the Purebloods are amongst the most exalted of our race. There should be no need for you to restrain your influence over them."

"Be that as it may, I doubt my influence would do anything…" Cassandra said as she grabbed her books. "That Gabriella was not at all entranced by me, which shows her loyalty to Akira. I have a feeling that there are others like that here. Perhaps the warnings about those who would ingratiate themselves with me would not be too much of an issue here."

Beatrice nodded. "What is thy bidding milady?"

"Let us just try to fit into classes first." Cassandra nodded. "After all, that what new students ought to do, don't they?"

"True." Beatrice agreed. "Well milady, ready for your first day of school?"

"Definitely." Cassandra smiled before looking at the state of her room. "Well, perhaps when we've finished cleaning up."

Anju kept an eye out among the students who had once more lined up to witness the Night class's shift into the main building. The turnout was definitely bigger than before, obviously because everyone wanted to get a glimpse of the new student. Already people were discussing over how beautiful she could be since she was a Pureblood to what kind of personality she had. Anju could already hear whispers about her being the aloof and curious type. She rolled her eyes at how people could be so expectant about just one person. No one ever did this in a human school.

That's because there is no one to gawk at. Came the voice inside her head. Anju was now reminded of the extra person who would accompany her with every waking hour. It seemed Yume was not restricted to simply materialising in front of her just to make conversation. It was agreed that until they were in private, she'd converse with Anju through her own thoughts. It didn't, however, make Anju understand why she would still appear before her considering no one else would be able to see her anyways.

I mean, think about it. Yume continued. Vampires are pretty much immaculate, with Purebloods, especially the female ones, being more so. Of course they'd make a big deal out of it.

'Well, it seems a little over the top is all.' Anju replied back in her own mind. 'Uh oh, someone seems to be wanting to climb the wall. Gotta end this talk here.'

You do that. Yume agreed. I really don't want to get in the way of your prefect work.

"Get off the walls now!" Anju cried, blowing her new whistle, getting the students' attention. They yelped in shock, though it also made them climb the walls faster.

"What did I say?" Anju yelled. "Off the wall!"

"Try and make us prefect!" The girls replied. "Without Ichigo here, you have no way of making us stop!" Anju groaned, wondering how it was that Ichigo just had that kind of effect on the students.

"Detention if you decide to keep going!" Came Misaki's voice. At this, the girls hurriedly climbed down.

"How you and Ichigo do this I will never know." Anju frowned as Misaki grinned.

"Sorry Anju, but you've got to develop that evil side of yours to get further." Misaki replied. "But till then, let me handle the more rowdy ones and you handle crowd control."

"Alright then…" Anju groaned as she watched the gate and the gathered crowds, ensuring that none of them would end up swarming the vampire students the minute they emerged.

Such a familiar scene… Came the voice in her head.

'Excuse me?' Anju retorted. 'What do you mean familiar?'

I remember this… Yume replied. I remember doing this, the prefect duties… But from where?

Anju's mind ran. Was Yume an old student of this school? She wondered exactly who she could have been. She definitely had to be a vampire; that was certain. Was she also a prefect? How long ago was it that she attended this school?

Stop! Stop! Yume cried. You are thinking a little too much!

'Sorry!' Anju gulped, realising her brainstorming had to be overwhelming Yume.

Don't worry about it. Yume answered. I think I've learned how to shut out a few things here and there. You should be able to at least have your own thoughts soon enough.

'Glad to hear it'. Anju nodded as the gates opened and the Night class poured out. Squeals of delight and adoration sounded as the vampires emerged. The usual fans of the usual vampires were not absent, with at least twelve girls gushing over Henry and the same number of boys going wild over Gabriella's appearance. It appeared nothing had changed.

Then Cassandra appeared, and immediately the crowd was entranced. She was about Emi's height. Her silver hair, more lustrous than that of Gabriella's, was easy to spot among the crowd. She scanned the students who had gathered, a look of pleasant surprise crossing her features. She waved, albeit slightly apprehensively, as if she was still unsure of her new environment.

Then came the adoring cheers. Senior Cassandra! Look this way! She's beautiful! Such were the phrases that carried over the crowd.

Anju watched is exasperation as Cassandra, though taken aback at first, welcomed the adoration. She smiled and waved, inciting even more squeals of delight.

Hey, I think a few guys are trying to break the line… Yume pointed out. Anju looked and sure enough, two boys looked like they wanted to run up to Cassandra.

Anju immediately rushed over, knowing that perhaps the Pureblood girl would get immediately intimidated by such a display of affection. "Halt! Stay in the line!" Anju grunted as she pushed them back, though it was obvious she was failing.

Then suddenly, the two boys stopped. Anju looked around to see Cassandra staring at the entire scene with amusement. "Now boys." She said, her soft voice carrying over the crowd. "Be a dear and let's not trample the poor girl, shall we?"

Anju felt them back away, as if completely enthralled by the Pureblood. She turned now and stood face-to-face with the new vampire on campus. "Um, thank you Senior Cassandra… Or wait, should I address you as Lady Cassandra? Uh…"

"Whichever you feel is more suitable for you." Cassandra replied. "I didn't quite catch your name…"

"Oh!" Anju gasped as she straightened. "Anju. Anju Cross."

"Anju Cross hmm?" Cassandra smiled gently. "I want to thank you for helping with that ruffian yesterday. Truth be told, I was quite shocked at such behaviour."

"Ichigo is a bit of a direct guy…" Anju said as she scratched her head. "He doesn't usually get physical like that though…"

"Well, I hope he at least becomes a tad bit more civil in the days to come." Cassandra nodded. "Something like that is bound to absolutely traumatise someone in future."

"I just want you to understand, among most of the students here, he isn't quite fond of vampires. I heard his family was killed by vampires when he was at a young age." Anju explained, hoping to at least make Cassandra know about Ichigo's situation.

"It was a Pureblood huh?" Cassandra asked, much to Anju's shock. "I noticed that he wasn't human when he touched me yesterday."

"Y-yeah." Anju nodded. "It's been difficult for him to cope with that."

"At any rate, that doesn't mean he has to be so hostile toward every Pureblood he sees." Cassandra huffed. "Honestly, people these days can be so frustrating to deal with. They ought to know better…"

Anju looked quizzically as Cassandra walked away, many eyes following her as she went. Quite a very strong view on the world huh? Came Yume's voice.

'Well, she is a Pureblood'. Anju replied. 'Perhaps she believes she should be treated better. I mean, she must have been treated like royalty where she came from.'

Perhaps. Yume agreed. Though I still wouldn't get too comfortable around her. I feel there is something really bad around that girl.

'C'mon, she can't be that bad.' Anju retorted. 'Maybe a little demanding, but I doubt there is anything more than that.'

Suit yourself. Yume replied. But I'll keep an eye on her…

Great… Anju thought to herself. Now I have another untrusting individual to deal with.

I heard that. Yume growled.

'Not my fault. You said you'd tune things out.' Anju retorted.

As if I could do that this quickly. Yume sighed. And once more, Anju found silence in her head.

"Hey Cross! Quit spacing out and get back to work!" Isabelle roared.

"Gyah!" Anju yelped in shock as she resumed her duties while the other vampires laughed in amusement.

In a room that overlooked the road between the Moon dorm and the academy building, a small group huddled in the shadows. At the window itself Queen Ai stood, observing the entire crowd through a pair of small binoculars.

"You know big sis Ruka, I never would have believed that the tools you used to spy on our parents would actually come in useful now." Ai remarked.

"I did not spy. I was a secret cheerleader." Ruka insisted while Akatsuki looked at her strangely.

"With whether it was spying or cheerleading beside the point…" Rima voiced from her chair behind them as she placed her teacup down. "Why exactly are we observing the daily march from all the way up here?"

"Because there is something I want to ask of all of you." A said as she placed the binoculars down, turning to face the vampires gathered. "I know you were in council with my mother many times. You were among her most trusted advisors. Were there times she felt, disconnected from everything?"

Rima and Senri faced each other with questioning looks while Ruka and Akatsuki frowned, deep in thought. Then, Seiren stood up, clearing her throat. "Sometimes." She replied. "Whenever we met, there were times, incredibly rare, where she appeared to be in her own reality. Often, she'd dismiss it as being caught up in her own thoughts but…"

"But I think it was more than that…" Akatsuki interjected. "I've heard of it, how Pureblood vampires could instinctively recall memories from their own bloodline. They can see, up to a point, memories of an ancestor. How this works however is something I have no knowledge of. As far as I'm concerned, it seems to be an occasional and extremely random event."

"Perhaps…" Ai nodded. "Which is why Anju Cross now concerns me."

From beside her, Ren now stood up. "What do you mean sister?"

"When Akira bit her." Ai frowned. "I said there was nothing strange with her body. It was still the same as that of a human. However, recent events have made it clear to me that she isn't completely normal. I don't know what it is, but there are times when I feel something is inside her."

"And you want us to check it out?" Ruka assumed.

"Seiren shall observe." Ai nodded to the violet haired vampire. "I have made the necessary arrangements for that. As for the rest, I need you to focus on other matters. This Cassandra girl, find out where she came from."

"You suspect her a danger?" Senri asked.

"No. But I suspect whoever arranged for her to be sent here is." Ai answered as she spotted the subject of their discussion walk into the academy. "Track how she got here and who sent her here."

"I'll contact Aidou." Senri nodded. "He can find our answers quickly."

"Very well." Ai replied. "Till then, we must be careful to not arouse suspicion. I have also instructed the knights to be on full alert for anything out of the ordinary." With nothing more to be said the vampires now left the room, leaving Ai and Ren on their own.

"You're a terrible liar sister, at least to me." Ren remarked as she sat back down. "You already have an idea of what is happening to that Anju Cross, don't you?"

Ai looked at her with indiscernible eyes. "Ren, don't you go about spilling this to anyone. I gave you my reasons why."

"And I shall keep to that." Ren nodded. "If what we believe is true, then things have truly become more complicated. Does the Chairman know?"

"I will confide in him, but I have a feeling he won't be surprised." Ai said. "The Cross family of Hunters are amongst the most knowledgeable of our race. It might be that he already has his suspicions."

"What shall we do sister?" Ren asked.

"For now, instruct our accompanying knights to be vigilant in their protection of the school. Contact the Nightshade sects worldwide and have them investigate anything that appears suspicious. And instruct our young vampire knights this when you have the time. No matter what, do not allow anyone to harm Anju Cross."

"Are you going to start talking anytime?" Chairman Cross asked as Ichigo turned in his bed. The boy had been like this the whole day since his suspension began.

"Sulking isn't going to do anything." The Chairman continued. "You are responsible for your own actions and you know what such actions entail."

"You could have told me she was a Pureblood." Ichigo growled from his bed.

"No, I couldn't." The Chairman replied. "She made her way there immediately after the interview with Mr. Oswald finished, meaning I had no chance to inform you all. But still, despite your dislike of them, I thought you at least wouldn't make rash decisions. That was rather immature of you, wasn't it?" Ichigo didn't reply, resolving to stay quiet on his bed.

Chairman Cross now sighed, now this was getting nowhere. "There is an urgent matter I must attend to. I'll leave you to your thoughts." As he turned to leave, Ichigo sat up.

"She seems familiar to me…" He said.

"Hmm?" Came the Chairman's quizzical reply.

"That girl…" Ichigo frowned. "Some part of me felt… recognition. If that's the word to use. It's as if I had seen her before…"

"Is it now?" The Chairman frowned as he arched an eyebrow.

"I don't know, it feels so weird…" Ichigo said.

"But you and I know as well that such weird things do not mean well." Chairman Cross said, now remaining by the door. "What do you think Ichigo?"

Ichigo thought hard before he gave his answer. "I think she knows the one who turned me…"

Anju kept watch as night fell. She glanced at her watch, seeing that it was now approaching 10pm. Soon it would be time for the midnight break for the Night class, the time when they'd be getting a little thirsty.

As she turned the corner, Anju's ears perked toward the sound of singing. The voice was beautiful, a soft lyric soprano amidst the pin-drop silence of the night. Anju suddenly found herself trailing to the source of the voice, curious as to who it would be.

She now crossed into the small garden that was built into the back of the school. It was said that birds would often fly about here to sample some of the wild fruits that grew upon the bushes and trees. However Anju, for that matter the entire student body, had yet to spot a single bird. Which is why the sight before her was something anyone would treasure. She peeked around a lone tree, hoping she wouldn't disturb the scene before her.

Cassandra sat upon a small white chair. Before her was a small white table upon which sat a small cup of hot tea and a slice of cake. To her left Beatrice stood, ready to attend to her at a moment's notice. However, it seemed that Cassandra wasn't about to call the maid anytime soon as her mouth was preoccupied with her melodious chanting. Her voice flowed effortlessly and as it did, all manner of birds had started to crowd around her. Anju could also see some other animals like flying squirrels and chipmunks gathering, as if drawn to her voice.

Anju sighed in awe as the animals neared the vampire, whose beauty appeared to have been amplified by the night. Cassandra had yet to notice that she had approached, still continuing with her singing. Anju edged for a closer look, her leg now snapping a lone twig and scaring the animals off.

"Oh my!" Cassandra blinked in surprise as Beatrice snapped to attention, looking around for the supposed intruder.

"Ah! Um, sorry!" Anju stepped out of her hiding place and apologised. "I'm sorry for spying on you. I was just on my rounds and then I heard the singing and it sounded so beautiful and… well, you seemed to be having so much fun that I didn't want to…"

Cassandra and Beatrice looked for a moment before the Pureblood started giggling. "Oh please Anju, I could hardly take offence at one who enjoyed my singing. Thank you very much for the compliment."

"Oh…" Anju blinked. "Well, um, you're welcome."

"Would you like to hear more?" Cassandra asked, now sitting back down and taking a sip of tea.

"Uh, I ought to get back to my rounds." Anju explained. "I don't want anyone thinking I'm slacking off after all."

"Ah, of course." Cassandra nodded. "Very well. Perhaps another time? I would love to have a bigger human audience one day."

"You don't have many people watching?" Anju frowned.

"Only my family has ever noticed my singing, and most of them don't much care for it." Cassandra said with a sad smile. "My mother was the only one who acknowledged my talents before she died."

"I'm sorry…" Anju said apologetically. "I didn't want to bring up a bad memory."

"It's fine." Cassandra shook her head, her smile still present. "Only the animals have graced me with their presence during my performances, if they could be called as such." She plucked a small piece of her cake and lifted her hand. A thrush now came down and pecked at the crumbs of the cake, chirping all the while. "Such beautiful creatures no? They understand most the natural order of this world, for they have always been part of it since its conception. Thus, they are not prone to heinous thoughts like betrayal, vice or hatred. They are strangers to greed, envy and arrogance, taking with them nothing but purity."

"I suppose…" Anju replied, unsure of what the vampire was meaning to say. She watched as Cassandra whispered something to the bird before it flew away.

"How I wish to create a world like that." Cassandra smiled serenely as the night breeze blew through her hair.

"I'm sure that would be nice." Anju smiled. She checked her watch realising that she had spent a little too long here. "Please excuse me." She bowed as she took her leave, Cassandra paying her no mind save for a slight nod.

"Strange…" Gabriella frowned as she looked to the night sky. "My bats are rather fickle today…"

"They are animals." Ganju said. "Aren't they always?"

"True, but not when it's time for dinner." She said as she fingered the raw bits of bloody meat in her hands. She threw them up into the air and instantly the bats swooped in to grab them. Normally, there would be a feeding frenzy for the nocturnal creatures, but this time, Gabriella counted very few of them responding to her mental calls. This was unprecedented, despite their wild nature. She looked down at the food bucket (as she called it), seeing that it was still slightly over half full. That meant a little less than half her bats had turned up.

"Well, I suppose I'll investigate." Gabriella frowned as she walked over to the water tap nearby to rinse the blood off her fingers.

Ganju helped by hefting the bucket, the bloody contents sloshing around. "I wonder what we can do with the leftovers…"

"I'm sure these are the allocated portions given to us by the cafeteria." Henry suggested. "Perhaps they can use them for lunch on another day."

"Good idea Henry, I'll try to stomach the thought of that." Emi frowned at his comment before looking toward Akira. "What do you think?"

Akira didn't reply, still deep in thought. He was about to approach Cassandra as she sat in the garden, but had stopped when Anju had revealed herself. Perhaps a private conversation with the new arrival would have to wait, but he could not help overhearing their own conversation as he walked away.

"She seems to have a very peculiar stance on the world." Akira said as a raven flew down onto his arm, a small slip of paper on its leg. "Despite the light she radiates, I cannot help but wonder if there is a darker shadow within her. How shall I say it, it unnerves me." The vampire prefects stared at him in shock that he had made such a comment. Something truly grave was in his mind for him to speak that way.

"From what she says and how she behaves, she seems to regard a strange order the world has to adhere to." Akira frowned as he digested the words he had overheard. "Of course, I could be presumptuous in my guesses."

"Unfortunately, you're guesses are usually good." Shinji mentioned. "So why don't you guess at what kind of person our new Pureblood arrival is?"

Akira frowned at his cousin's words, taking time to think over everything that had happened as of late. "I do not doubt her sincerity." He said at last, which piqued curiosity in his friends. "I think there are reasons why she feels this way about the world, though such reasons are obscured to me for now. Perhaps when we have talked more can I see what she sees. However, I fear that what she sees may not be truly what she wants to see."

The vampires now blinked at him before looking at each other. "Um, English please?" Ganju frowned.

Akira now looked to the small light that lit a part of the corridor they stood in. "Stare into the light for too long, and it can blind you to the darkness. I wonder if she has fixated herself too much on an ideal existence that perhaps she knows not the dark forces surrounding her."

"An unknowing puppet then?" Emi frowned. "Who could put a Pureblood into such a position?"

"It is only conjecture." Akira said as he took the small slip from the raven, opening it effortlessly in a single hand. "One that I will take it upon myself to prove and expose. As for you all, there is something else I want to entrust you with." At this, he read aloud the message which the raven had delivered.

Author's Note:

Well, here is the next chapter. I'll do my best to keep to a monthly upload timetable, but will also try for quicker uploads. I don't expect anything to crop up my time for a while, though Uni life may not be so lenient.

On a side note, I have had ideas for a new fanfiction. This time, I was thinking of basing it on the game Digimon Story: Cyber Sleuth. It helped me get back to a time when I was having fun at raising Digimon. Mind you all, this was close to 15 years ago. It was a great game in that aspect, and I loved every section of it. And so I have been thinking along those lines of an additional story. Nothing final yet, but stay tuned for more.

As always, read and review.

Jdbl00d