Chapter 22:
James strode across the bloody floor as he surveyed the damage. He had to admit her efficacy in matters of war always left him astounded. Here and there he would see the dead bodies of vampires who had foolishly tried to resist, only to be cut down.
Who knew being bait would be so rewarding? James smiled as he noticed the dead body of a Vampire Knight. It was no secret that the queen had ordered his capture and that he was being watched. Once more he was amazed at his master's foresight. He strode to the main study of the mansion, the centre of the makeshift base of the Knights. Seated upon the lone chair in the middle was a wounded knight. Surrounding him were five armoured vampires wearing emotionless, metal masks. James recognised them as the Death Bringers, the personal elites of his master. The only ones who could stand against them were the highest ranking among the Vampire Knights. Of course, Grandmaster Ren would decimate them easily, but that was why the Death Bringers were led by one who would stand a chance against such a foe.
James now walked up and knelt before the sixth individual in the room. The woman had wavy red hair that went to her waist. She was dressed in a black tunic that was accompanied with grey pants. Covering her shins and hands were black plated armour and a Flamberge sword hung across her back. "Lady Katarina. I greet you." James said.
Katarina turned to see him, her yellow eyes burning bright amid the darkness. "James, why are you here?"
"You grandfather sent me." James replied. "He wished me to update him on your situation."
"Is that so?" Katarina frowned. James kept his head bowed as she studied him. Lucretia was a brute and Irina was loathsome by nature. Katarina however, was the most deadly of the four Kraven sisters. She was the only one entrusted with the command of the Death Bringers besides her grandfather himself. Also, she was a cunning individual, with a prudent mind that didn't get plagued by ambition. Were it not for Cassandra's unique inborn abilities, Katarina would have outstripped her completely.
"Very well." Katarina nodded. "Tell my grandfather that we have captured a few of these Knights for his tests. I expect he needs more help with his project."
"He will be pleased with your thoughtfulness my lady." James replied. "I shall relay your message to him immediately."
"I thank you for your loyalty." Katarina spoke without any speck of sincerity. Of course, the common thing all four sisters had was their mistrust of James. After all, Katarina knew there was something about him that just screamed deadly. "Is there anything else my grandfather wishes to tell me?"
"Only that so far, things have gone as expected." James said. "Lucretia has begun the third stage of the plan while Irina has constantly provided sufficient material. Cassandra also appears to have integrated herself well into Cross Academy."
"Any word from my little sister?" Katarina frowned as she paced the room, gesturing to the Death Bringers to take the lone Knight away.
"No." James replied as the elite warriors left. "She was explicitly told to not contact the family directly, but your grandfather does have a way of keeping an eye on her."
"Well, at least she won't be making any dim moves." Katarina nodded. "Sometimes her intelligence deserves to be questioned. She is always helpless when I'm not around."
"I am sure she is doing fine milady." James said. "If there is one fly in the ointment…"
Katarina frowned as James continued, eager to listen to what could ruin so many years of planning. "There is something." James said. "A presence in the academy. I do not know what it is, but it has become apparent to us that it can endanger everything we have worked for. Your grandfather has ordered me to instruct you to head toward Cross academy with the Death Bringers and prepare. However, he hasn't told me anything since, so I believe more will come when you arrive."
"I see." Katarina responded curtly. "Very well, tell him I am on my way." As she turned to leave, Katarina asked one more question. "About this fly, do we at least have a lead on it?"
"I believe we do." James nodded. "I think the girl named Anju Cross is the key…"
Anju woke as her alarm clock started blaring. Slowly, she got up, groaning as she turned the machine off. She went into the bathroom to get ready for the usual day of school. Just as she took the pants off…
Guy incoming, ten seconds.
Anju went red-faced as she quickly hit the lock on the door. Soon enough, she could hear the rattling of the doorknob within the hands of Ichigo.
"The heck? She's never smart enough to lock the door." Ichigo said from outside.
"I heard that dumbass!" Anju screamed back from within. 'Thanks very much.' She now said to Yume.
No problem. Yume replied. The guy is quite the sadist isn't he?
'You don't know the half of it…' Anju replied as she changed and brushed her teeth. Once she was done, she opened the door to see Ichigo's sullen face.
"At last." Ichigo said. "How do you girls always take so much time to get ready for the day I'll never know."
"Keep thinking like that buddy and you'll be having a very long talk with half the student population in this school." Anju pouted in frustration. "And just for that comment, expect your eggs to be burned over easy."
"Doesn't matter to me." Ichigo deadpanned as he entered the room. "I'm not the one who is picky about food."
Anju glowered as the bathroom door closed shut, her mind now thinking of how exactly she would attempt to poison him in future.
I don't think poison will work considering he is a vampire. Yume said. Which reminds me, how has he not gone off the rails yet? Level E's aren't the most well-controlled of the bunch.
'Well he tries to maintain a strict regime of his blood tablets.' Anju said. She had immediately thought of the other method, but shut it out instantly. Too bad that the girl in her mind was also receptive to instant thinking.
Hang on, you would willingly give him your blood? I don't know if that is such a good idea…
'It's a last resort thing alright?' Anju said as she strode to the kitchen. 'But so far, we haven't needed to do it. He has been keeping great control over his thirst.'
If you say so. Just remember that if you ever had to do something like that, I might end up getting transferred into him. And right now, let's just say I'm comfortable where I am. Yume voiced as Anju took the eggs out of the fridge and readied the hob for cooking.
'You got it.' Anju smiled as she made breakfast, beating the eggs into the homogenous mixture for an omelette. Into it she added onions and a slight sprinkle of salt. When the pan was hot enough, she poured the mixture in, allowing the eggs to cook while she cut the vegetable accompaniments.
What I would give to eat food like that… Yume commented.
'Glad you like the looks of it.' Anju grinned as she started the second omelette. The third was the one she wasn't going to bother with. She was still angry at Ichigo about the other day in town and she believed he had yet to see the full extent of her fury. Slightly ruining his breakfast was perhaps the best way to start. Besides, it didn't look like he cared.
Still going on about that huh? Well I'm not going to bother stopping you. Yume said. Hell hath no fury than a woman's scorn after all.
Anju nodded, glad that Yume was on her side, somewhat. She turned the last omelette over, seeing that it had not burned. With a nod, Anju left the omelette on its side, turning the heat up slightly.
From beyond the door, Chairman Cross watched, sighing softly as he walked away. It had been a few days and Anju didn't seem likely to forget about the argument she and Ichigo had. Granted, they still interacted, but lately Anju had been rather cold towards the boy. He feared this was going to become permanent.
Still, a bigger issue presented itself. For a while now, he was aware of strange things going on. Anju did seem to be a lot more aware of certain things. For instance, not too long ago she had managed to avoid knocking into him as he rounded a corner in their house with a huge vase in his hands. He was amazed that such a catastrophe had been avoided. Initially he had suspected luck, but with how she had been a lot less clumsy lately, he had to wonder if she had some form of prescience. It definitely warranted a talk with Ai.
Kirihara strode to the phone as he sniffed the burning of the eggs. He dialled the number that would connect him directly to the queen. The phone rang for a few moments, enough time for him to see Ichigo emerge from the bathroom, sniffing the air and making a note of the spitefulness that came in the form of burnt omelette. Kirihara waited as the phone connected and the call got through.
"Hello Ai." He whispered softly. "There is something I need to discuss with you."
"Does it regard Ms. Anju Cross?" The queen replied over the line.
"It seems you have your suspicions already." Kirihara nodded. "Though based on the possibilities, perhaps we should continue this conversation elsewhere?"
"Very good." She replied before cutting the line. Kirihara acknowledged her termination. There was nothing more to say over the phone, so there was no need to think about what was on her mind. At this moment, it was imperative that whatever was to be discussed wouldn't be leaked.
He now strode to the window, staring out into the trees and the shrubs. He reached for the window, closing it slightly. Quick as lightning, he unsheathed a dagger from his sleeve and threw it at the treeline.
Kirihara Cross now closed the window just in time to see a small trickle of dust flow from the trees and into the dirt below. He would investigate the remains later to see what the unknown vampire had been ordered to do. Spies were not welcome in his school that was meant to foster co-existence. He had resolved to become kinder than the Hunters of the past, to be able to forgive the sins of others who had lived before.
However, if they ever tried to harm his students or his precious family, even with all his mercy and understanding he would show no quarter. Those who dared to shed blood upon his domain, human or vampire, would learn why he was feared by both vampire and human alike.
Kirihara now heard the banter of the two children he cared for. Reigning his bloodlust in, he strode to the dining room, intent on starting breakfast.
The day passed by without incident, though this would have been unknown to the residents of the Moon dorm as they awoke. Within her room, Cassandra yawned as she got up. She looked around to see that Beatrice had already laid out breakfast for her and was getting her uniform ready.
"Good day milady." Beatrice greeted. "Your meal has been prepared."
"Thank you very much Beatrice." Cassandra nodded as she moved to the washroom. As soon as she was done with washing up, Cassandra sat herself down and started eating.
"So milady, you've been here for a good amount of time." Beatrice said. "How have things been lately?"
"Just as was expected Beatrice." Cassandra replied. "Most of the Night class has accepted my standing among them, and it seems the Day class has been quite fun to be with, despite it only being for a few minutes a day. That, paired with the fine scenery and fresh air makes it quite a satisfying stay."
"Well, I am glad you are enjoying yourself here." Beatrice said with a bright look upon her face.
"My Beatrice, you are awfully chatty today." Cassandra grinned. "You are definitely in high spirits."
"If you are happy, that is all the more reason for me to be happy." Beatrice replied.
Cassandra smiled at the maid as she continued breakfast. However, her mind suddenly wandered to another subject, which caused her to pause mid-way. "About Anju Cross…"
"Oh yes, that human girl." Beatrice nodded. "She seems quite nice. It is apparent that she intends for you to have a pleasant time here. I feel she bears you no ill will."
"Yes, she does." Cassandra nodded. "She seems to be respectful at the very least. However, there is something about her. I can't quite describe it, but there seems to be more to her than meets the eye."
"How so milady?" Beatrice frowned, concern showing on her face.
"It's just…" Cassandra said as she drank her tea. "Whenever I interact with her, I feel like something is watching me. The same way a wolf watches its prey…"
Beatrice remained silent for a while as she finished with Cassandra's uniform. As soon as it was laid out neatly, Beatrice knelt before the Pureblood. "What is thy bidding milady? Shall I investigate her?"
"I don't know what we should do…" Cassandra frowned. "However, I feel that Anju is someone we cannot let our guard down against. Grandfather's great plan requires my presence here. If whatever is within her is a danger to us, it will mean that the future of our people is at stake." Cassandra thought for a bit before she stood up, making a decision.
"Beatrice, watch her for the next few days." Cassandra commanded. "If you believe there is anything strange, tell me at once. I shall deal with it, personally."
"As you command." Beatrice replied.
Gabriella opened her eyes as she was done. It was a tiring process to use her powers, especially in the day. That added to the fact her health was poorly made it much more difficult. She wished that she had been more fortunate to be able to handle other animals, like the many birds her grandmother kept.
Since her childhood, Gabriella was no stranger to the birds that were abundant in her family's mountain villa. She loved watching them crowd around them as her grandmother fed them. She knew that grandmother Maria had a way to control the birds and understand them, and the fact that they were active at any time of day eased the strain of control. Bats on the other hand were very nocturnal. Getting them to do her whims within the day was hard enough. And nowadays, it seemed they were growing more and more stubborn.
At least a few were still responding. Though difficult, she had at least overheard the whole conversation between Cassandra and her maid. Sitting up from the sofa, she looked back at the rest of the prefects who were gathered in the small armoury beneath the Moon dorm.
"Cassandra appears to have her attention on Anju." Gabriella reported. "I believe soon she will be making her move. Should we intervene?"
"No." Akira shook his head. "We cannot let Cassandra catch on to our plans. At least not yet." He remembered the day he was given the order from his mother. The message on the raven was short but clear: Protect Anju Cross. The prefects had all been surprised by such a command, but did not further question such an order.
"So who will intercept Beatrice?" Henry asked, pushing his glasses up as he did.
"Shall I go milord?" Lin Hua asked.
"No." Akira shook his head. "While I do not doubt your skills, I fear that it will reveal too much of our hand to Cassandra. For now, we must keep ourselves hidden."
"Understood." Lin Hua nodded.
"So are you going to get Ichigo to do it this time?" Emi asked. "It seems like a choice you'd make."
"He still holds bitterness for his failures from before." Akira replied. "As loathsome as it is, I will need to make use of that bitterness to ensure Anju is safe."
"And you yourself?" Emi asked him, to which Akira shot back with a glare so fierce that everyone around cringed at the sight. Even Shinji appeared at a loss over what to do, his eyes darting between his lover and his cousin as they regarded each other with the greatest tension he had ever felt from either of them. He only eased up when Akira relaxed.
"Hahaha…" Akira chuckled. "Once again you decide to be the ruthless one Emi. How does that work so well for you?"
"Because I know you so well?" Emi frowned, still showing that cold stare. "But still, I think I ought to have my question answered."
"I would be lying if I said that didn't drive me." Akira said. "I too bear some responsibility over the failure then. If I said that I risk abandoning my very values for something like this, would you stand with me?"
The vampire prefects looked at each other while Emi kept her stare on him. She turned to the others, knowing they had already made up their minds. "Of course we would." Emi nodded. "We too feel the bitterness of our own failure. And like Shinji said before, we'd be shamed if we let you bear the whole burden by yourself." Emi now knelt before him, the others following suit. "Command us milord."
Akira turned to them, nodding in response. "For now, let me handle Cassandra. The rest of you, concentrate on ensuring Anju's safety. As for me, I will counsel with mother."
Hours later:
The Moon dorm bustled as the Night class got ready for school. Most bickered over the rushing of assignments and complicated subjects, while a few remained silent as they awaited the start of their time in the day.
Silence went through the crowd as Cassandra appeared on the steps. One by one, the vampires bowed before her as she descended.
"Lady Cassandra." Sean Fernando greeted. "I trust you are well today?"
"Thank you Mr. Fernando." Cassandra replied. "I definitely feel well."
"It is good to hear milady." Sean replied. "There is nothing you require of us?"
Cassandra shook her head. "Not right now, no. But I trust I can have your assistance should I be in need of it?"
"But of course." Sean nodded as he stood up, as did the rest of the Night class. Now everyone looked up to see Akira and the other prefects making their way down.
"Lord Akira." Victoria bowed. "A good day to you."
Akira nodded in response. "Thank you for the welcome. However, I have news to tell you. My mother, the queen has requested my presence. Thus, in my absence, I have decided to allow lady Cassandra Kraven to temporarily take leadership of the Night class."
Murmurs went through the crowd as the vampire students discussed among themselves. Cassandra on the other hand appeared surprised at Akira's decision. "Goodness Akira. Are you really that intent of giving me all that power?"
"You have been here close to four months now Cassandra." Akira smiled. "I am more than certain that you will be capable of ensuring that this lot behaves themselves. Of course, the other prefects will be there to assist you." At this, Emi and the others bowed.
"I see." Cassandra nodded as she turned her attention to the vampire prefects. "I look forward to working with you."
"It shall be our honour Lady Cassandra." Emi replied.
"Perfect." Akira smiled. "It appears everything is in order. However Cassandra, if anytime you feel that I am needed, do let me know."
"Of course." Cassandra smiled courteously. "Give my regards to your mother."
Without another word, Akira nodded, watching as Cassandra now led the entirety of the Night class. He registered the squeals of the Day class admirers, watching as every single white uniform left the massive halls of the Moon dorm. Once the gates closed, he turned away and started down the hallway.
"It must be tiresome to always hide there Beatrice." Akira said. "Why not step out and have a conversation with me? Such things must be rare for you…"
At this, the maid came out, bowing before Akira. "Lord Kuran, you require something of me?" Beatrice remained bowing, though it slowly began to concern her that Akira had not answered. Curiosity racking her mind, she dared a look at the Pureblood. What she saw made her wish she had kept her head bowed, though perhaps Akira would have commanded her to stare him in the eye either way.
Akira had the coldest and most fearsome look anyone would have seen. Despite still maintaining their brown colour, his eyes appeared to promise death at any given notice. Beatrice could not help but tremble in absolute terror as sweat creased her forehead.
"Listen well Beatrice." Akira said. "I may not have any form of power over you. I may not be able to grant you the serenity of a quick death. But know that if any time I find you or your mistress to be of any danger to this school, if ever I find Cassandra using the students, human or vampire, as her personal slaves to her whims against their will, I will not hesitate to take action against you."
Beatrice gulped as she registered Akira's threat. She knew that he was serious. Such was the situation she was now in. However, she stood resolute, swallowing her fear as she replied. "Lady Cassandra is more than capable of standing against you. She will not be intimidated by the likes of you!"
Akira nodded at the maid's words. "Your bravery and loyalty are commendable. Truly I would have been fortunate if I had one like you on my side." He now started walking past her. Just as he went by, he stared back. "But Beatrice, answer me this if you can. Do you truly believe you are loyal, or are you merely a puppet yanked by the chain?"
Beatrice's eyes flared a bloody red as she turned toward Akira. "How dare you question my loyalty! I have always ensured Lady Cassandra's well-being! And she has never failed me through my service to her!"
"Is that so?" Akira replied. "Perhaps. But always remember, servants who do not doubt the actions of themselves or their master are more often the ones who risk being nothing but puppets with no true will of their own. That applies to you and the one whom you serve."
"You go too far Lord Akira!" Beatrice snarled. "Lady Cassandra serves no one!"
"Is that so?" Akira asked. "So did she truly come here of her own free will?"
At this, Beatrice could not answer. She could only stare back in bewilderment as Akira walked away, letting the darkness of the empty dormitory consume him.
Queen Ai stared at the teacup that was filled with hot tea, stirring a sugar cube and a generous helping of milk into it. She took a sip, organising her thoughts before she raised her hand.
With that simple gesture, the many vampire servants around her closed the windows of the place, black curtains now drenching the room in perpetual darkness. The servants also removed the phone at her table, taking great care to disconnect the wire as well. She watched as they checked every nook and cranny of the room to ensure no recording devices had been placed. Only when Ren gave her the confirmation that there were no spies and when she had ensured the servants had left did she motion for the vampire before her to speak.
"It is quite perplexing Ai." Seiren replied. "Just the other day, I saw Anju effectively take control of a vampire, something that-"
"Something that only a Pureblood should be capable of…" Ai nodded as she took another sip.
"Unbelievable." Akatsuki said. "How is it that a human has gotten the powers of a Pureblood? Such an event is impossible."
"Perhaps not." Ai said as she sipped the last bits of her tea. "Purebloods are known to have abilities that befuddle even members of their own kind. I remember how father Kaname turned himself into an infant just to sustain his own life, or how Rido Kuran was able to exist through another…"
"Please stop right there…" Senri said. "It's something I'd rather not remember."
"Of course." Ai nodded. "The point is, perhaps there are powers even we are unclear on, and Anju's case appears to be the paragon of it all."
"So you believe somehow Akira has transferred a part of his powers to her?" Maria asked. "This is unprecedented. Then again, I too became a vessel for that power even if for a short duration. So I suppose I should not be completely surprised."
"We will need to investigate further." Ai said. "It is imperative that we observe Anju as much as possible to discover to what extent these powers have developed in her. Big sis Ruka, can I leave that to you?"
"I can be discreet." Ruka nodded. "After all, you wanted me to help observe around the school, and so I have. After all, our unknown enemy may also be taking an interest in her. Humans are still so fragile in the face of a vampire's power. If they somehow capture her and force her power upon others…"
"We could be in for a massive upheaval of vampire society as we know it." Ai nodded to Ren. "Inform our knights on the school grounds. Anju's safety should be top of the list. But don't go overboard. The last thing we need to put pressure on the girl and telegraph our worst fears."
"Of course sister." Ren nodded.
"Now, back to the main business." Ai said. "Hanabusa just got back to me. He has done well in coordinating the investigations into the many disappearances that have happened in the last three months. As you well know, humans and vampires alike have gone missing. Thanks to the Nightshade sects worldwide and also in part to sis Maria's tip-offs…" Ai now nodded to the wheelchair-bound individual. "I believe we have found them..."
Ai now turned on a small projector and displayed the image of strange tubes being hoarded onto ships. "They are here, cryogenically frozen and transported by means of many small-time shipping companies. Attempts at finding the destination of said companies have proved challenging, though Hanabusa has been tracking them the best he can. However, recently we have also lost contact with knight squads worldwide."
"Someone knows we are looking for them, and they don't want us peeking around." Senri said. "Can we assume James Ridley is involved?"
"It is very likely." Ai said. "I had hoped Hanabusa would be able to unmask James's whereabouts in the world so that we may be able to close in on wherever he is hiding. But it appears his master is skilled at keeping his whereabouts a secret. None of our recon teams have reported back, and investigations have concluded that they were all murdered or captured."
"Someone is taking prisoners of our Knights." Akatsuki said. "Were the captives Nobles?"
"Anyone is being captured it would seem." Ai answered. "For what reasons, I know not."
The room went silent as they processed the befuddling report. Even more disturbing was that they had not yet found anything that explained any of these activities. It was a truly foreboding situation.
"However, there is one bit of good news." Ai said. "We have been able to track the origins of Ms. Cassandra Kraven. This is all thanks to Vincent and his thorough investigation." She gestured to the European vampire, who nodded in response.
"Thank you your Majesty." Vincent replied. "My investigation has proven that Ms. Kraven indeed arrived from Europe. Additionally, we did a small probe into her background, and while there were very little hits, we managed to uncover the Kraven family name. They were vampires who had existed within Romania for close to two millennia." As he said this, the projector changed images to a family crest, a red ruby adorned with a gold ring and surrounded by a circle of white ribbons.
"This is the crest of the family." Vincent explained. "They referred to the ruby as the Blood Siren which through my investigations, I determined to have been the jewel used to crown the successor to the clan. However, where this jewel is I have been unable to determine. Twenty-five years ago their main residence was burned to the ground and the clan dissolved, but clearly that is not the case. Up till here is all I have been able to uncover."
"Romania…" Rima frowned. "So that would be our best bet to find clues?"
"Perhaps." Ai nodded. "We should start our search there. It isn't unlikely that the clan went underground after the destruction of their main seat of power in the world. For a clan this secretive to the point where even my parents had no knowledge of them, I expect that they have had plenty of hiding places to last the centuries. We may not find everything, but perhaps we can finally start getting leads."
"Very well." Ruka nodded. "Who shall go?"
Ai started to answer, but was stopped short as a butler walked up to her and whispered in her ear. "Is that so?" Ai asked him, to which he nodded. The remaining Nobles stared quizzically at the exchange as the butler walked away.
"It would appear that we have a new development." Ai said as the same butler came back with a small black tablet which he connected to the projector. After a few minutes of silence, the black screen flickered to life. Soon enough the room was staring at the inner circle of the Hunter's Association. "Marcus Corbin. It is a pleasure." Ai greeted the one-eyed man who sat at the head of the table.
"Queen Ai." Marcus replied. "It has been too long."
"Thank you for such considerations, but I fear we have little time for formalities." Ai said. "I recently received a report that some of your operatives managed to apprehend one shipment?"
"Heck yeah!" Came another individual seated beside Marcus. This one had spiky black hair and wore only an unbuckled leather jacket over his torso, sporting a wolf tattoo. "We got results fast!"
"Zen, this is no place for your personal grandstanding." Said the woman directly opposite. "Get to the report."
"Alright! Alright! Sheesh you are such a bore Yumika…" Zen replied with exasperation. "So we managed to put an end to one of these strange shipping jobs and at the same time hacked our way through the ship's database and communications array. I think you'll be happy to know that they were intending to head in close proximity to the Danube."
"That is close enough to Romania…" Rima frowned. "It would seem that our hunch was spot on. Something is going on there."
"In addition, we have found something very disturbing about the crew." The woman Yumika reported. "Our raid revealed that the entire crew were vampires. But these were different. They appear to be Ex-human vampires as well, but they lacked the ferocity and wild nature of their usual kind."
"Tamed then?" Senri said.
"No Master Senri…" Yumika responded, though Marcus and Zen frowned at her choice of words. "If I were to say it, these vampire lacked anything. They didn't appear to have any form of thought or desire. Putting it bluntly, it was as if they were mindless drones. Only the captain was able to interact with us. After a lengthy interrogation, he finally squealed about something called Project Paragon."
Project Paragon. Ai repeated the words to herself over and over. "Paragon. An individual or object said to be the perfect example of a specific quality… What could our mysterious kidnappers be up to?"
"I believe this warrants our utmost attention." Ren commented. "Whatever this project is, I fear that we may invite our own destruction if we remain ignorant of it."
"I agree with this as well." Marcus nodded. "I am also mobilising our best operatives there."
"Take caution Sir Marcus." Ai said. "I have already lost many Knight squads in the pursuit of James Ridley. I fear that they too may anticipate your warriors."
"So what the hell do we do?" Zen growled. "We can't just sit here with our thumbs up our asses!"
"Which is why I will be sending a few trusted individuals." Ai said. "All I ask is that the Hunter's Association be ready to lend their aid upon my request."
"Oh seriously?" Zen snapped. "You want us to listen to you now your Majesty? We may be allies, but that doesn't mean we have to take orders from you!"
"Enough Zen!" Marcus chided. "This concerns all of us. I understand your frustrations, but for now, we must put such things aside." As soon as his admonishment was done, he turned to Ai again. "I apologise for my subordinate's outburst. I will hold our operatives back till you can ascertain the situation in Romania."
"Thank you Sir Marcus." Ai replied. The old Hunter nodded his acknowledgement before finally cutting the connection.
"Romania is far away." Ruka said. "Will we be able to get anyone of our own there?"
"We can't." Ai said as she picked up a picture. Within the frame was the photo of four vampires who appeared dressed for a ball. One was definitely her in her younger days. She stood holding the hand of a male who had mud-brown eyes and brown hair. Ai now looked at the other two vampires in the photo. The male on the right had blonde hair with grey eyes and wore a cross pendant. The last male had dyed green hair and wore a pair of sunglasses. "But I know people who can…"
Author's Note:
Sorry for the late upload. Originally I had wanted this to come on a few days earlier. But, with having to move around the UK for my first major hospital attachments, it has been difficult to get internet connection set up to do well, anything really.
Also, with said attachments beginning on Monday, I am quite uncertain of my own upload times for this fic. So please bear with me. Till then, I hope you enjoy this story and keep reading.
Jdbl00d