Chapter 21:

Shanghai, China

"C'mon Liu." The first vampire said to his partner who trailed a few metres behind him. "I'm not going to drag your ass to our objective."

"Worry about yourself Daolan." Liu replied. "I'm not going to catch you if you fall."

"Very funny." Daolan said as he continued on.

The two knights leapt from rooftop to rooftop, making sure that they were constantly headed toward the port. This high up and in the dead of the night, no one in the bustling city would even take notice of them unless they made it very obvious. Besides, among the rest of the knights, they were among the stealthiest of them.

As the order of Vampire Knights grew, it became apparent that there were many with particularly unique skill sets. Thus, the queen made the decision to segregate the knights into different divisions that were best suited to their own strengths. Both Daolan and Liu belonged under the Nightshade sect of the knights. They were warriors deployed by the queen to settle the most sensitive of missions, which included, but weren't limited to activities such as information gathering, assassination and black ops, things that were too discreet to be handled normally by the more upfront sects like the Crimson Tulip or the Violet Guard.

"Remember, engage only if there is no other choice." Daolan said as he leapt off the last few rooftops and toward the port entrance.

"Understood." Liu nodded, veering right and moving toward the huge cargo containers. Daolan made his way to the ship that was docked in one of the wharfs. He hid himself in the darkness, taking care to get as much of a look as he could.

Just weeks ago, strange activity in China had spiked. People started disappearing left and right. At first it was just a handful. Then recently, it escalated to twenty or thirty within a week. Daolan had stepped up his unit's patrols in the city, but had come close to no leads at all. Then, in what would appear to be a stroke of luck, he managed to get word that whenever these people disappeared, a ship would always be present at the docks. They would always be different in size, but their company logo would always be the same. He peeked out toward the stern of the vessel. Just as the many reports had confirmed the ship belonged to Jaded Transporters, a small time shipping company based somewhere in Hong Kong. It wasn't very well known due to its small fleet of ships, and the vessels themselves were small frigates at the very least. But their ships had been spotted for over a period of six months now, and the level of activity was just unprecedented to say the least. It warranted investigation.

"Liu, what do you see?" Daolan said through his earpiece.

"Nothing completely out of the ordinary." Liu replied. "Mostly people loading up cargo."

"Alright." Daolan said as he took out the small camera. "Check out the cargo, I'll look at the manifest in the main office. Remember, stealth above everything."

"Roger." Came the curt reply. Daolan quietly made his way to the office, where the manifest would be located. Granted, he didn't believe he'd find evidence of their cargo. If they were up to something illegal, which he suspected, they'd want to keep it off record. Liu would have to handle that part. He however had to find out where these ships were coming from and more importantly, where were they going.

He dropped down from his perch, sticking to the shadows and sneaking his way toward the office. If there was anyone who would be updated on the journey of this ship, it would at least be the port management. Looking through the window, he spotted one man seated inside. Daolan quietly opened the window, firing a small tranquilized dart at the man. Within a second, he went down.

Stealing his way in through the lowest window of the office building, Daolan made sure to erase the man's memory before activating a computer and started getting to work. It was a simple matter to hack through the database for the manifest of the company, but it did alarm him that they had a few more exports scheduled in the coming months. There was no need for him to download anything, his specially designed pocket camera collected every bit of information his saw.

Footsteps were heard. Daolan quickly closed the file windows and turned off the monitor before pulling the main power plug with his gloved hands. It would be a while before anyone realised what had happened, and he made sure to not leave clues behind that indicated his presence. "Target retrieved. What about you?"

"Holy hell…" Came Liu's voice, which sparked alarm in Daolan as he exited the building. He could now hear the newcomer waking up the man who had fallen asleep, speaking in Mandarin. "Liu? Status!"

"I don't know what to make of this." Came Liu's voice. "This is insane."

"Dammit Liu report to me properly!" Daolan growled as he climbed the fence and made his escape.

"Later." Liu said in a hushed tone. "I'm about to get company, need to move. Report once I'm back at HQ."

Daolan grunted an affirmative as he stole his way into the shadows. Liu usually kept his cool, so for him to give such an exclamation, Daolan now wondered exactly what was going on here. But he knew that whatever it was, it wasn't good.

Anju read through the pages of her literature text, doing the utmost to study the story of Edgar Allan Poe's 'A Descent into the Maelstrom'. She frowned as she thought about the meaning of the story, wondering how she would end up writing that massive book report that was due.

"Schoolwork huh?" Misaki muttered from behind her. She nodded without looking up, her eyes scanning the words.

"Literature is among my stronger subjects." Anju replied. "Though I suppose it is a rather unconventional subject to be examined by."

"Well, if you do get a breakthrough, let me know." Misaki groaned. "Literature is and always will be the bane of my existence."

Anju chuckled at the statement as she flipped the page. What she had realised from this subject was that you had to discern the true meaning of such words for yourself. Hence, it was usually her practice to read through everything again and again, noting down her thoughts.

It's now the eighteenth time you've looked at this. Yume said from inside her head. Doesn't it start to get boring once in a while?

'Not really'. Anju replied. 'At any rate, you could also tell me what you think.'

Sorry, not the best at this subject either. Besides, if I did, it might count as cheating in your classes.

Well noted… Anju agreed as she turned the page again. However, movement to her right caught her eye. She watched as the new teacher, Mr. Kidomaru, came up to Misaki. In his hands he held a small brown envelope, upon which a red tape was surrounded. Anju's heart skipped a beat as she realised what that was.

"Aren't we jumping the gun a little bit too much here Mr. Kidomaru?" Misaki frowned. "You do know I am still in training right?"

"I do." The older Hunter replied. "Which is why I will be accompanying you, as will Mr. Kitsuke. Know that this is a very important mission. I will brief you the minute you report for our mobilisation. That will be all." With nothing more to say he walked away, leaving Misaki and Anju alone.

"Really, I don't know what is going on that I have to get called out." Misaki sighed. "Sorry Anju, but you'll have to handle prefect work with Senior Dunois. I'm sure they'll divert more help your way though. They can't expect just two students to handle the whole bunch of the Day class."

"Or they could re-schedule our shifts." Anju nodded. "The seniors are pretty experienced when it comes to this after all."

"Yeah, I suppose you are right." Misaki nodded. "Well, you might just have some time off later after school. Got any ideas?"

"Maybe I'll take a trip down to town." Anju said. "I've been able to handle my homework well enough, so I suppose I could use a break. Besides, Hibiki's birthday is coming up and I want to get her a gift."

"Sounds like a great idea." Misaki nodded. "I'll try to get one too if the chance presents itself."

"I'm sure she'll understand if you can't." Anju smiled in reassurance.

"Yeah." Misaki nodded. "Well, might as well see what this order is all about. I have to be going. These things can't be seen by just anyone."

"Right." Anju nodded as Misaki left. It must be hard being a Vampire Hunter.

You said it. Yume replied. The last Hunter I met was just some sore and grumpy brat. It was so hard to just talk to him.

'You have quite the history huh?' Anju frowned. 'And yet you insist on not telling me any of this. I think I ought to know a little bit of the random stuff that goes on in your own head from time to time'.

Well, it's really hard to remember where it all came from, okay? Yume replied. Anju was certain if Yume's face was out, she'd have the biggest pout in the universe plastered all over. I mean… The phantom girl continued. I don't even know how long these memories span. I get snippets of info here and there and remember a few dates, but the rest is fuzzy at best. So give me a break here!

'Alright, alright.' Anju nodded. 'Take your time. Though I wonder, what were the Hunters like in your day?' Silence permeated her thoughts for a few minutes before Yume answered.

Most were really negative. Came the reply. They were consumed with so much hate it could suffocate you. But there were others who were willing to give them a chance. Like Chairman Cross.

'Chairman Cross?' Anju replied in alarm. 'Hang on, which one are we talking about?'

Let me think… Yume said. I can't exactly remember. It's so fuzzy.

'Guess it is huh.' Anju nodded as she closed the book. 'Well, if you do get any new developments, let me know. I really don't like knowing so little about you.'

Promise. Yume chuckled as she went silent again. Anju sighed to herself as she closed the book. As much as she did like their occasional conversations, it was still strange that she was conversing with someone inside her own head. It was all the more reason she had decided to keep Yume a secret since spilling it would probably end up with her getting her head examined.

Anju now she stood up. It was highly likely that she'll get today off prefect duties with the sudden Hunter order. With no other lessons for today, she decided it would be best to get outside the academy. Recent events had left her requiring time to rest and relax, so she believed now was a good time as any.

As Anju walked away, she failed to notice the presence that observed her from the school building. Seiren eyed her as Anju walked toward her residence, a frown crossing her normally stoic face. As if concluding her own thoughts, she stepped back into the shadows, disappearing completely as a small group of students walked by.

Anju smiled as she walked through the town. It had been too long since she was in the hustle and bustle of the place. She fingered the white shawl she had bought some months ago. The days were starting to get colder, and she felt there was no better time and place to show off her new shawl.

It does look good on you. Yume commented.

Anju smiled. 'Thanks! Good to know someone who has an eye for this.'

I actually don't. Replied the girl within her mind. But thank you for the compliment nonetheless.

'I wonder how my shopping would go with you around though.' Anju said. 'I mean, you can see my thoughts, like whether or not it is worth the money or whether I'm wondering if others would buy it in future for me.'

Don't count on me for anything. Yume replied. I don't even know where to start with such issues of yours. Still, don't let me stop you. You've gotten a day off, might as well spend it on something good.

Anju smiled as Yume went silent again, skipping her way through the town. She wondered if she could go back to the café she had been to with Ichigo when they were here last. She never did try the Red Velvet cake. It had looked scrumptious with the raspberries and cream cheese that were the signature toppings.

Sounds like a plan. Yume agreed. Anju now giggled as she imagined Yume drooling within her own mind as she headed to the café.

Misaki leapt across the rooftops, her eyes never leaving her mark. From the briefing, she was made aware that this target was a crafty one. Already he had targeted and attacked three people over the course of two weeks. He definitely wasn't a Level E, which made her all the more worried. Regular vampires who turned foul like this were threats that had to be dealt with as quickly as possible. Leave them alone for too long, and they'd end up causing trouble elsewhere.

"This is Kingpin." She heard Kidomaru's voice in the earpiece. "Rogue, what is the target status?"

"Target is approaching the main city limits." Misaki reported back. "Maintaining pursuit."

"Very good." Kidomaru replied. "Slayer, what is your status?"

"Standing by." Ichigo replied. "Just get him to me. I'll finish him off."

"Be patient Slayer." Misaki replied. "You'll get your fill soon." She maintained her pursuit, ensuring the vampire did not leave her sights. Sure enough though, she was nervous. This was her first red danger level target. Despite the fact that she was accompanied by others, it was still hard to ignore the feelings of uncertainty that gnawed at her gut.

Just think of other things, like the stupid code names for example. She thought to herself. She surmised hers was because she was pretty fast, even more so than most of the higher ranking hunters. This was also why she was now the runner leading their prey into the trap, where Ichigo was primed to take him out.

She watched as her target leaped downward, and her ears now picked up the sounds of tables and chairs being overturned. She also heard screaming and amidst it all, a very familiar voice.

Misaki leapt down amidst the scattered patrons of the café and the tables and chairs that were fallen over on the floor. "Is everything alright?" Misaki asked as she landed.

"He went that way!" The waiter shouted, pointing to a small alleyway. "He grabbed a girl about your age! She had shoulder-length black hair, brown eyes…"

Shit! Misaki cursed internally as he described Anju flawlessly. "All Wolves, be advised! We have a hostage situation! I repeat, mark has a hostage!"

"Roger that." Kidomaru replied. "What are the details?"

"It's Anju sir." Misaki reported, hearing a sharp breath from Ichigo's line. "I am maintaining pursuit. Target is still en-route to Slayer. Prepare to engage."

"Copy that." Ichigo replied as Misaki resumed the chase with renewed vigor.

He panted as he ran through the alleyway. It was hard enough running from the Hunter who was chasing him, but now with the added load of a human girl, he found an extra difficulty to deal with. It wasn't the fact that she was weighing down on his arm. It was the fact that she squirmed while weighing down on his arm.

"Let me go!" Anju cried as she flailed her arms, struggling to free herself.

"Quit struggling!" He growled as he took another turn. The alleyways were confusing in this town, with nothing save for brick walls and the occasional rusty pipe or garbage can.

"I said let go!" The girl cried again as she attempted to twist out of his grip. He responded with an even more forceful grab, digging his fingers into her body.

"Will you just stay still you little human meatsack!?" He snarled, his eyes turning an angry red. Seconds later, his anger gave way to shock as he stared back into blood red eyes.

"Put me down…" The girl said. At once, he stopped. He wasn't sure why, though it felt as if his legs no longer moved to his will. Actually, it felt like he didn't even have any will at all. He stood still, his grip loosening and allowing the girl to get free. He watched as she picked herself up, staring back at him with her scarlet eyes. "Who are you?" The girl asked. No. She didn't ask. She ordered.

"Roku Daimon…" The vampire replied with blank eyes.

"What are you doing here?" She asked. At this he stuttered, unsure of how to answer.

And then a gunshot sounded, the echo deafening within the confines of the alley. Anju gasped as the vampire fell backwards, his face now disintegrating into dust. She turned around to see the one who had killed him, none other than Ichigo.

"Why the hell are you always getting yourself caught up in all these matters?" Ichigo growled as he tucked the gun away.

"Um… I was just hanging out in town when all this happened… I didn't…" Anju tried to explain but the words caught in her mouth. Partly was because of Ichigo's glare, mostly because she was trying to figure out how she was in the vampire's hands one minute, and now she was standing like nothing had happened. Then her surprise gave way to shock as Ichigo roughly grasped her hand.

"Do you not realise how dangerous it can be?!" Ichigo roared, his ferocity stunning her. "You've already been hurt by a vampire once! You nearly died! What part of being careful do you still not understand you idiot?!"

Anju blinked for a bit, still stunned by such an outburst. Then she felt her own anger rising up from inside her. "The hell are you talking about?!" She screamed, tugging her own hand free. "What, I'm supposed to actually know where you are hunting? I'm supposed to know that a random vampire will make me a target?"

"That's not what I-" Ichigo tried to retort but it was to no avail. Anju was as angry as she could be, and now he was subjected to the full force of it.

"SHUT UP!" Anju yelled back. "I don't see how it is my fault that I got caught in a situation like this! I was just trying to have tea time for God's sake!"

"Well have tea somewhere else will you?" Ichigo yelled back. "Don't do it out in the open!"

"Like I could do that!" Anju screamed. "In case you didn't notice, the whole place was full! Do you even have common sense or are you just a brain dead idiot?"

"I don't want to hear that coming from you!" Ichigo roared in response. "I mean, what kind of girl-"

A strange chanting could now be heard resonating through the alleyways. Both Anju and Ichigo looked around to find the source of it all. As she listened closely, Anju realised at once that it was not chanting, it was singing. A very familiar singing.

She turned to see Cassandra walking through the alley toward them, her eyes closed in serene grace. Beatrice followed behind as usual carrying a large carrier bag effortlessly. Cassandra now let out a final tone before going silent. She now opened her eyes, violet orbs staring at the two. "Feeling better now?"

Anju blinked, wondering what she meant. She turned toward Ichigo, who merely shrugged back in response.

Cassandra giggled again. "Now now, yelling at one another never solved arguments. Wouldn't it be better to simply talk?"

"I don't want to talk to this jerk right now." Anju pouted, triggering a peculiar look from Cassandra. The Pureblood then turned her attention to Ichigo. "Feeling more relaxed Mr Hunter?"

Ichigo blinked for a second, still quite confused before his glare returned. "What do you want Pureblood?"

Cassandra smiled. "I had heard of a rather loathsome individual skulking around town." She now gestured to the pile of dust. "But as you have appeared to have taken care of him, I was about to leave before you began your boisterous argument. It is terrible when others fight, so I thought that I should at least extinguish the flames of conflict."

Anju stared in surprise as Misaki finally rounded the corner, surprise crossing her face as she beheld the small gathering taking place. "What do you mean?" Anju asked the Pureblood.

Cassandra merely smiled as she stepped forward. "One's voice can have more than enough strength than an army dear Anju. You ought to remember that well. Force may not always be the solution you seek."

Anju pouted as she gestured to Ichigo. "Tell that to Mr. Hardhead here."

"Now there Anju, perhaps a little walk will do you good?" Cassandra offered. "It might cool your head." As she said this, the Pureblood now reached and held Anju's hand.

The minute Anju felt her hand make contact, her vision flashed. She watched as images raced before her eyes, so quickly she barely got a glimpse of them all. However, she made out a few things. A dark figure, hooded and holding a crooked cane. A woman, whose face was shrouded in shadow and wearing a necklace with a large ruby in the middle and lastly, a homestead engulfed in fire.

The images vanished as she once more registered her surroundings. Turning around, she saw that Cassandra's face bore a shocked expression. As if somehow coming to a particular realisation, Cassandra removed her hand from hers, backing away slightly.

"Milady?" Beatrice asked from behind Cassandra. "Is everything alright?"

Cassandra frowned at Anju for a moment before straightening. "Everything's… fine Beatrice. Let us continue our walk. Good day all of you." Cassandra said curtly as she turned away, eyeing Anju for a split instant before she turned to the maid. "Come Beatrice."

"As you command." Beatrice bowed, but she shot a suspicious look at Anju as she straightened and followed her mistress out of the alley.

Anju blinked, staring for a few seconds before replying. "Yeah. You too, I suppose."

"Okay, what was that?" Misaki frowned. "The minute she touched you, you just; I don't know, spaced out. What happened? Is everything okay?"

"I think so…" Anju frowned, still unsure. "Anyways, if there is nothing, I think I'd best get going. Don't want to interfere anymore than I already have." Anju now walked the way Misaki had come. "See you back at the academy Misaki." Completely disregarding Ichigo, she turned to leave.

"Anju…" Ichigo called. "Wait, I just wanted to say…"

"Shut it buster…" Anju snapped, obviously still angry. "I'm still mad at you. Come talk to me when your head has cooled down."

Misaki gulped as Anju walked away. Taking a look back at Ichigo, she could now see a blank look across his face. She sighed as she faced him. "It was then that Ichigo knew, he screwed up, bad…"

Ichigo blinked at her snide comment before sighing in exasperation. "Alright, rub it in as much as you want. What do I do now?"

"Now, we clean up this mess and report back to Mr. Kidomaru." Misaki answered as she sheathed her knife. "Then, you let Anju calm down a bit before you go apologise for whatever you just did. I've never seen her this angry at you before, so I'm only guessing you riled her up somehow."

"Sure…" Ichigo said. "Guess whatever that Pureblood did, it didn't affect Anju."

"What do you mean?" Misaki asked.

Ichigo scratched his head. "When that Pureblood started singing, I just… It felt like all my emotions were stripped away. My anger just disappeared like it was never there…"

"Huh…" Misaki frowned. "That's interesting. At least I know someone else who can keep your short fuse form blowing."

"It's not just that." Ichigo said. "It felt like every thought in my head just ground to a halt…"

Misaki eyed him as he tried to explain. "It's like…" Ichigo racked his brain for an explanation. "It's like when she started singing, I ended up losing the ability to do anything, if that makes sense…"

Not really. Misaki thought. Then again, Misaki knew as well as he did that anything that didn't make sense was where danger lay.

Cassandra walked out of the alleyway with Beatrice in tow. She made her way to a bench, motioning for Beatrice to leave the bag on the floor. As soon as she sat down, Cassandra curled inward, her body shivering as she crossed her arms around her chest.

"Milady?!" Beatrice gasped as she knelt down before the Pureblood. "What is wrong?"

"N-Nothing Beatrice…" Cassandra shook her head, but she knew all she was doing was lying to herself. "Well, maybe…"

"What happened milady?" Beatrice asked. "Are you unwell?"

"Beatrice…" Cassandra gasped. "That girl, Anju…"

"What about her?" The maid asked. "What did she do to you?"

"I don't know." Cassandra said. "When I touched her, I saw something. A girl with red eyes. It… it was so vivid, so real… She spoke to me."

"She spoke?" Beatrice frowned, definitely confused.

"She asked me…" Cassandra breathed. "She asked what was it like to be a doll?"

"Forgive milady." Beatrice said as she bowed her head. "But I don't understand what this means."

"Me neither Beatrice." Cassandra replied. "But that girl I saw… I have never felt a power like that before…"

Beatrice frowned. "Anju Cross… Do you believe her to be an enemy? If so, command it and I-"

"No Beatrice!" Cassandra whispered sharply. "We cannot raise our hand against anyone lest we invoke Akira's wrath. Besides, I don't think it was Anju. I think it was something else. And it makes me… doubt myself, my purpose, my very beliefs. It's as if everything I feel is so very wrong, but I don't know why…"

Beatrice remained silent for a few seconds as Cassandra attempted to compose herself. Then, she knelt before the Pureblood, bowing her head. "Milady, I know it is not my place, but you cannot let doubt cloud your beliefs. You are a Pureblood, the most exalted of our kind. It is our duty to follow you and be loyal. I believe in you milady, so I beg you, believe in yourself. You have a vision for our future, and I will do all in my power to aid you. That was what I swore to your family."

Cassandra blinked as she regarded the maid. "Thank you Beatrice. I am glad to have someone like you on my side."

"It is my honour." Beatrice replied.

Cassandra now rose from the bench, seemingly revitalised. "Let us head home Beatrice. We have quite a day ahead."

"As you command." The maid replied.

As they left, they failed to notice the figures hiding in the shadows of another alleyway. From the darkness, both Akira and Seiren stepped out, eyeing the departing vampires.

"I must admit Seiren." Akira said as he looked at the other vampire. "I didn't expect to run into you."

"Nor I with you Lord Akira." Seiren nodded. "I was here on a separate request from your mother. As to what that is, I apologise, but she has commanded me to not tell you."

"Very well. I can no more disobey her than you can." Akira nodded. "But I too have a task my mother gave me, as with the rest of the knights under my leadership. I can only assume our meeting here was because we had the same objective."

"I was meant to watch her, you were meant to protect her." Seiren nodded.

"I had a feeling that this would happen." Akira smiled. "Anju somehow has a knack for attracting trouble to herself. What I did not expect was that she had no need of me to intervene." Akira's smile vanished, replaced with a frown. "Pray tell Seiren, what can you make of whatever we had just witnessed?"

"I cannot begin to fathom milord." Seiren replied. "It would appear that even we vampires have things obscured from us."

"So it seems." Akira nodded. "I won't distract you any longer. Besides Anju, I feel there are other individuals that require my attention."

"I'm sure that if you intend to watch her, she will catch on soon enough." Seiren said as she prepared to leave. "Purebloods usually do."

"I am prepared for that Seiren." Akira replied. "Good day."

With nothing more to say, each went their separate ways down the alley.

Hanabusa Aido skimmed through the recent report he had received from the Nightshade operatives in Shanghai. He felt his tea run cold as his emotions once more drove his powers berserk. He reigned them in again, lest he would turn his office into a winter wasteland.

The report was by his standards, damning. After all, when it was found out that humans were being cryogenically transported…

The reason why though, was something he had to find. Whatever these humans were being used for, he knew that it couldn't be good.

Anju dressed herself for bed, still fuming about her run-in with Ichigo earlier in the day. She flopped down into her bed, hoping to let sleep take her.

"Still pissed at him?" Yume asked as she materialised in the room.

"You can read my thoughts." Anju snapped. "Go figure it out."

"Don't get snarky with me." Yume growled. "After I saved you from that vampire the least you could do is thank me."

"You saved me?" Anju frowned. "How?"

"Yeah…" Yume scratched her head. "About that… I may have possessed your body for a little while. There were a few side effects like blacking out but-"

"Hang on." Anju sat up, her eyes wide. "You possessed me?"

"Would you have preferred being vampire chow?" Yume asked back. Anju didn't reply as she knew the answer was obvious. "Yeah, didn't think so." Yume nodded. "So yes, I possessed you and took control of your body and you may have not realised it at that point in time. Point is, if anytime I feel something bad will happen, I'll be doing that. And don't worry, as of today, I'm certain there are no side effects apart from you not remembering anything for that brief period of time."

"You know…" Anju gulped. "Saying it that way actually scares me more that you could do something like that. What if side effects did occur?"

Yume blinked. "Uh… Well, if there were any effects I probably… Wait…"

Anju sighed. "Didn't really think that far did you?"

"Sorry…" Yume apologised. "I had to think fast and that was the only thing that came to mind."

"Huh…" Anju said as she fell back down on the pillow. "Well, thanks. Though I would have liked it if you had told me about it. Not to be rude, but I am not comfortable with the fact that I can now be possessed…"

"We'll leave taking control of your body as a last resort." Yume said as she now sat down on the bed. "A last resort in the face of danger. After all, I said I wouldn't let you get hurt. That was a promise. And a promise must be kept."

Anju now felt a pang of guilt as she realised that Yume had indeed protected her. All the while she had thought of Yume as an oddity, someone that was unpredictably dangerous. Now however, it seemed that there was a different side to her, and Anju felt foolish for not considering so.

"Well, after how I introduced myself, anyone would think that way." Yume chuckled, obviously reading Anju's thoughts.

Anju giggled in response as she pulled the covers up. Then it hit her. "What do you think about those images I saw?"

"When that Cassandra girl touched you?" Yume asked. "No idea. But don't let it bother you. I'll think about it in my own time. It'll keep me busy, and perhaps give you some quiet. But…"

"But what?" Anju frowned.

Yume frowned. "That Cassandra. Her voice was incredibly powerful, and not from a vocal point. Were it not for me, you would have fallen under her thrall, even if it was only when she sang. Though I suppose it would have meant you would have forgotten your spat with Ichigo."

"What do you mean?" Anju asked.

"Be wary Anju." Yume cautioned. "Purebloods have powers that even regular vampires fail to comprehend. From what I've seen, Cassandra's voice seems to have a stunning effect on, well, any living thing that hears it. You already know that Purebloods can effectively control vampires right? Well, Cassandra's ability makes that particular trick look like mediocre child's play at best."

"Woah…" Anju gaped. "Wait, maybe that's why those animals gather whenever she sings."

"And maybe why she never had a live audience." Yume affirmed. "I really think we ought to be wary around her."

"She seems pretty nice though." Anju said in the Pureblood's defence. "Shouldn't that count for something?"

"Perhaps." Yume said. "I do agree that she does not abuse it. Our encounter with her today proved that she only does it wherever necessary. But just like the Maelstrom…" Yume now referred to Anju's literature book. "She can be a beautiful thing, with all the force of a terrible storm behind it. Still, I'm not concerned about her. I'm concerned about the one who has chained her will."

"What do you mean?" Anju asked.

"We still don't know where she came from." Yume answered. "But I'm very sure whoever sent her knows about her abilities. Cassandra may not realise it, but I fear she is just one piece of a very dangerous scheme. And worst of all, she has no idea that she is…"

Author's Note:

Well, as I stated before, I would keep to monthly updates as best I can.

Soon enough my attachment for the third year of university studies will begin, and it will be difficult to say the least to churn this story out. Still, I hope to at least finish this by the end of 2017, or by early 2018. I have only three arcs to put down for this tale, and right now I daresay I've done up to half of the second, maybe slightly less.

I hope you will be patient with me as I continue this tale, and I thank everyone for their support so far.

Jdbl00d