Author's note:
Apologies for the late upload. Unfortunately my attachment did not exactly go well, and that went and put a huge depression damper on my life in general to the point where I had to really take a breather and exclude myself from quite a lot of things. For that, I sincerely apologize. Still, I do hope you keep reading.
I will attempt to get the next chapter out as fast as possible. With the other fics I am writing it might be tough, but I'll try to stay on schedule
As always, read and comment
Jdbl00d
James Ridley could not believe his eyes. "Impossible… It can't be…"
He now reached for his phone, scrambling as he typed the number. He had to let his master know. This could change everything.
Akira could not reply. No one could. There was only one thing that went through the minds of everyone present right now.
!
"Wait a minute, wait…" Emi panted as she looked toward Anju, breaking the silence. "Yuki Kuran? As in that Kuran princess grandpa Hanabusa once worked for?"
"Not just him…" Ganju blinked. "Every single one of our grandparents worked for her."
"Hold on…" Henry spoke. "Didn't she, I don't know, die over a few centuries ago?"
"Blood Memories…" Chairman Cross whispered. "Purebloods are capable of seeing the memories of an ancestor not because they experienced them, but because such memories carried through their blood. However, there is something much greater than that. Blood Conscience, an occurrence where the very consciousness of an ancestor is passed through their blood. But… it is almost impossible. Never before has anyone ever reported something like this. I've only heard rumours, stories…"
"When I saved her…" Akira blinked. "I gave her my blood, and then I must have passed into Anju the consciousness of my…" Akira now looked at Anju, who looked back at him with blood red eyes. "G-Grandmother Yuki?"
The girl smiled before she finally turned her attention back to Cassandra, who was still overcome with shock. "So Cassandra, it has been quite some time since I last spoke with you." Yuki replied through Anju's body as she kept the scythe at bay. "I must admit though, it took me a long time to sift through the memories I took from you that day in the alleyways of town. It was by far the biggest jigsaw I've seen as of yet."
"You looked into my head!?" Cassandra growled.
"It wasn't voluntary." Yuki replied. "But I managed to absorb quite a few memories concerning you from yourself and the ones left by your mother. It's a particular gift I have."
"Wha…" Cassandra stuttered for a moment before she regained her composure. "Why are you here? You are supposed to have died!"
"It was quite the chance really." Yuki replied. "When my grandson saved this girl months ago, a part of me woke up inside. I don't know why or how this happened, but it was soon apparent that I was within Anju's body, an extra mind within her. It took me quite some time to finally reach out and then establish myself as an entity inside her. After all, to change the vampiric blood running in her body similar to my own wasn't an easy feat. She kept me hidden all this while, and I kept her safe from vampires, certain inconsiderate boys…" At this, she looked at Ichigo, who was still bewildered from the whole explanation.
"And of course, preventing Anju from being enthralled by your powers." Yuki said to Cassandra. "I watched all the while, another voice in Anju's head paying attention to anything that could potentially be a threat. And of course, most of my attention was focussed on you."
"So why didn't you make a move sooner?" Cassandra asked as she recovered. "Why pick now of all times to confront me?"
"Back then, I wasn't aware of being able to use Anju's body the way I am now. Of course, I was also worried about accidentally injuring her or worse, erasing her personality." Yuki explained. "But mostly, it was because I did not want your grandfather to find me out."
"You know of my grandfather?" Cassandra gasped. "How? What else do you know!? Answer me!"
"Little girl, I looked into your head, remember?" Yuki replied, her eyes cold. "And as to what else I know, I know about your motives, your desires. I see why you want the world you speak of."
"I have seen how you desire to see the world beyond your dark home in Romania where nothing but mists cover the land." Yuki said. "You dream to finally see the sun, to see the daylight without humans trying to harm you and away from a family that keeps you caged." Cassandra's eyes grew hard at that statement.
"Your sisters. Katarina seems accepting enough, but Irina and Lucretia? I have never seen Purebloods as repulsive as they are." Yuki described. "Even then, you believe that all you need to do is create a world where they could be happy. Perhaps then, you wouldn't feel so abused around them." At this, Cassandra's fist clenched.
"And then the topic of your grandfather, the one who sent you here. I have seen him. I have seen what he has been cursed with. Despite his immortality, he is forced to live his life as a diseased entity, riddled with maggots and burdened by rotting flesh. You want him to finally be well, to be able to spend his life concerning more about you than his own furious envy at the world."
"Shut up…" Cassandra growled, her blackened eyes burning with anger as she gritted her teeth. A cut now appeared on Anju's cheek, but it healed away quickly. Cassandra was obviously enraged, her powers going berserk a testament to it.
"Don't try to deny them Cassandra, it is pointless." Yuki replied. "These are your thoughts, your feelings. You cannot reject them as you cannot reject yourself. And though I do empathise with you, I do have a question."
"Do you really think his scheme is the only way?" Yuki asked coldly. "That the only way is to force the world into submission? That the only way is to make sure that the world does as you desire or face annihilation?"
"My grandfather would never do that!" Cassandra answered in defiance. "He only wishes to ensure our proper place in this world!"
"And will it be built atop a mountain of corpses?" Yuki glared so forcefully even Cassandra flinched. "Or will it be an enslaved prairie formed by your powers? It may get your family what they want Cassandra, but for you the world will become a much lonelier place than before."
"Because in the end Cassandra." Yuki continued. "The real world you want more than anything else, is a world where you could be able to find peace with every waking moment. A world where you no longer need to be bound to the expectations and desires of others. A world where you can be free to live your life. The same world that your mother wanted for you…"
Cassandra's eyes widened, and Yuki could now see the fury and rage behind them. She had hit a delicate spot in Cassandra's memory by mentioning her mother, and the only response was for Cassandra to charge right at her.
"SHUT UP!" Cassandra screamed. "JUST SHUT UP!" Forming black blades again, she slammed down upon Yuki, who parried each blow effortlessly with the scythe.
"But isn't that the truth?" Yuki asked as she parried the sword with the scythe handle, pushing Cassandra back before slashing at her with it. Cassandra grunted as she jumped backward, finding that the scythe had drawn blood. "Stop denying it Cassandra! Remove the strings that bind you!"
"Nothing binds me!" Cassandra screamed as she charged again, locking her blade with the scythe. "KILL HER!" She said.
"Ugh!" Misaki gasped as she suddenly felt her own body rise off the ground, her knife in hand. Her eyes could now see everyone standing up as well as long as they were capable of it. She watched as Ford wordlessly picked up his rifle, Emi now brandished her rapier at Anju. Everyone else save the injured vampires and Akira now advanced upon the scythe wielder. Misaki wanted to scream, to shout, to give Yuki a warning. However, her body was no longer hers. The thoughts in her head ground to a halt as she flipped the knife, holding it in backhand. She was shocked at how much of her combat expertise was now in Cassandra's control.
"So now you want to send unwilling dolls after me?" Yuki asked, staring at the surrounding assailants, all of whom were unwilling to lay a hand on her. Yuki now breathed, her eyes closing as if in some form of contemplation. "After everything you said about not wanting to harm Anju, and now you direct your fangs at her?"
Cassandra didn't answer as her thralls now paced around Yuki, their weapons raised.
"Cassandra…" Akira groaned from his place on the ground. "Don't do this…" He tried to continue, but a wave of the hand of his grandmother stopped him.
"Know this Cassandra…" Yuki replied through Anju's mouth. "I swore to create a world where vampires and humans could live in harmony. I swore I would create a future where no one would live in fear. But more than that now, I swore to protect Anju as long as I was around." Now Yuki opened her eyes, red pupils flaring toward Cassandra.
"What you just did was a big mistake, little girl."
Cassandra flinched, her terror finally showing on her face. "STOP HER! DO SOMETHING!"
The first to move in was Emi, her rapier stabbing forward. Yuki merely raised her hand and Emi was blown backwards into a tree, knocking her unconscious. Ganju and Kidomaru now charged in, their weapons aiming for the head while Ford aimed his rifle at her. However, just before their weapons could touch her, the form of Yuki had vanished.
What? Cassandra blinked, not knowing where the girl had gone. Then, a shadow covered her. Cassandra looked up to see Yuki diving downward at her, a pair of red butterfly wings sprouting out of her back. Quicker than Cassandra could react, Yuki slammed into the ground, severing one of Cassandra's hands as she did.
Cassandra screamed in agony as she faltered from the blow, aiming a kick for Yuki as she did. However, Yuki vanished once more before reappearing right behind Kidomaru and Ganju. She let go of the scythe and placed her hands upon their heads. At once, their eyes went blank before they fell to the ground.
"Can you see?" Yuki asked as she picked the scythe up again while Cassandra gingerly picked up her severed hand. "I could kill you as easily as that."
Cassandra growled as she placed her hand back, the tissues regenerating to heal the wound. It was obvious now that the Pureblood princess was toying with her if she wasn't dealing such an easy deathblow. "Having fun are you?"
"Fighting was one thing I never found entertaining." Yuki replied as she spun the scythe around. "Though that doesn't mean I'm not willing to do it. And believe me when I say, there were very few who would dare to challenge me when I have made up my mind. You are no different Cassandra. I can sense your fear. Give up now while you have the chance."
"You are still outnumbered." Cassandra pointed out as Ford aimed again. Then Cassandra watched as the gun itself crumbled and split apart into wooden fragments while the muzzle and the bolt assembly clattered onto the floor.
"And your puppets, along with you, are outmatched." Yuki stated as she now lashed her hand out and caught Misaki's knife. Twisting the girl's wrist, she forced the knife out of the young Hunter's hands before kicking her to the ground.
"You say you are only protecting Anju and the world you created, but you would harm even humans who are close to her?" Cassandra scoffed. "What would Anju say if she were to…" Cassandra didn't get to finish. Instantly, Yuki rushed right up to her, slashing her left cheek with Misaki's knife.
Yuki jumped back as Cassandra screeched with pain. Due to the knife's anti-vampire properties, she knew that even Cassandra wouldn't heal that completely. She now dropped the knife, proceeding to use the scythe instead.
"You little cur!" Cassandra cursed as she shot a dark glare at Yuki. However, her rage was replaced instantly with fear as Yuki held the scythe blade right to her neck.
"I am harming them?" Yuki replied furiously. "Are you not the one who has turned them into mindless slaves? Are you not the one who is putting Yuki's friends in danger? Perhaps you should think about what Anju would say to you. Actually, I can tell you right now. She is a voice in the back of my head at the present. Do you want to know what she is saying?"
"She is wondering why you are doing this." Yuki said. "She believed you were someone who really wanted the best for this world. She really believed that you were a person with a beautiful soul. She really believed that the both of you were friends. Are you going to lie now Cassandra? Are you going to deny that she was your friend?"
"I…" Cassandra stuttered as the remainder of the thralls attacked Yuki all at once. The wings behind her now dissipated into hundreds of butterflies which swarmed over them, melding together into black chains that bound their arms and legs.
"You have lost Cassandra." Yuki said. "Your thralls are subdued. Surrender."
Cassandra glared back before she noticed someone behind Yuki. She recognised Ichigo, who had his gun drawn and aimed at Yuki.
"You missed one, Yuki Kuran." Cassandra grinned. Yuki remained staring at her as Ichigo moved in closer. Just as Ichigo's gun was directly behind Yuki's head, he swiftly snapped his hand left, firing a single bullet at Cassandra.
Cassandra dodged just before the bullet could graze her other cheek. This action however caused her to lose balance and fall to the floor. She scrambled backwards away from the both of them as Ichigo took his place beside Yuki.
"Why am I not affected?" Ichigo growled at the Kuran princess. "And how the hell did you talk to me? I heard your voice in my own head. How does that work?"
"You know enough about Purebloods I am sure?" Yuki replied him. "And remember, I gave you some of my blood. It should be enough to protect you from her voice."
"The thought of your blood running through me makes me want to retch…" Ichigo growled. "I can't believe that I have the blood of another Kuran inside me."
"And yet, it is through that blood that Anju is safe." Yuki replied. "So stop being so petty."
"For the record, I never asked for your help." Ichigo growled back.
"No, but it seems you need it." Yuki answered as she walked toward Cassandra. "But as you have now expressed your grievances, I shall do the same for mine. I was certain I told you explicitly not to kill her?"
"Don't order me around vampire." Ichigo snarled. "I don't have to take orders from the likes of you."
"You'd rather be a slave to her?" Yuki asked as she gestured to the cowering Pureblood. At this, Ichigo had no answer.
"Didn't think so." Yuki replied. "But as of now, I can handle this. Stay clear and watch the others. And remember, you are not to harm Cassandra."
"Don't take my prey from me." Ichigo retorted.
Yuki sighed. "This will get us nowhere. Until you learn who your real prey is, you will never become a professional Hunter. That is all I have left to say. Now sit." At this, Ichigo felt his knees buckle and hit the ground. Try as he might, the force of Yuki's will was too much to overcome.
Yuki now walked up to a recovering Cassandra, who was panting heavily. "Well, it seems right now, you are out of options."
"Don't count on it." Cassandra growled as her eyes glowed bright red again. "I wonder if you will dare to fight me when I finally use the entire vampire student body against the humans. When I finally…" Cassandra barely finished before her knees appeared to shake.
Cassandra panted as she tried to stand up. Soon enough however, her strength left her legs and she fell back down again. "What…" Cassandra breathing started to strain as her hair returned to its normal silver colour while her eyes reverted back to violet. "What is happening…?"
"A little lesson Cassandra." Yuki replied. "The power of a Blood Siren takes a large amount of vitality from the one using it. The more it goes, the more of your own strength you'll burn through. Soon enough, it runs dry."
"You'll regret this…" Cassandra groaned as she remained on the ground, panting heavily as she tried to regain her strength.
"Perhaps I will. I have a whole list of things that I have regretted doing from the days when I was alive." Yuki replied. "Things that even my own death cannot atone for. But I will be damned if I let anyone fall into the pits of hell." At this, Yuki's eyes softened. "Come Cassandra. Stop this mad struggle. Don't end up like I did. Don't make sins that you could never atone for…"
"Huh?" Cassandra stared back in befuddlement. "You mean you did all this just to warn me?"
"You could put it that way." Yuki mused. "Too much tragedy was caused by my hands, whether I knew it or not. And the pain? It was more terrible than you can imagine."
Cassandra shakily got to her knees as Beatrice limped over to support her. Yuki did not move from her spot, merely keeping her eyes on the two of them. "It is not too late Cassandra." Yuki said. "Forget this, and come with me. We can make a better world together…"
Cassandra glared back as Yuki stretched out her hand. "After everything you just did, you now want me to join you? My God, you and Anju are so alike…"
"Perhaps that is the reason I woke within her." Yuki mused. "And to answer your question, I only fought you to stop you from using your powers so misguidedly. Those who possess great power should not use it without knowing how it will be used, especially one as special as yours."
"Don't lecture me…" Cassandra said before she started coughing.
"Please lady Cassandra…" Beatrice spoke. "You are still weakened. Let me…"
"Both of you are weakened." Yuki said in response. "Give up now Cassandra. Try as you might, you cannot best me now."
Cassandra now looked up with an expression of defeat. She nodded to Beatrice to stand down, knowing that the Kuran princess was just too powerful a foe. "So now what? Will you arrest me?"
Yuki shook her head. "I'm afraid that isn't up to me. After all, I'm supposed to be dead right? It will be the Hunter's Association and the Vampire Senate who will decide. Resist if you want, though I doubt it will earn anything for you." As this went on, the others began recovering, their attention now focussed on the exchange between Cassandra and Yuki. Misaki rubbed her sore shoulder as Emi picked herself off the floor.
"Man…" Misaki groaned as the ache began to subside. "That Kuran princess hurts…"
"Tell me about it…" Ganju rubbed his temples. "I don't even know what happened."
"You got yourself trounced by a little girl." Henry replied sullenly from his prison of black chains. "We all did."
"That little girl is at least a few millennia older than all of our ages combined." Chairman Cross stated. "The power she wields is on a far different level compared to most vampires we know. Excuse me? Ms Kuran? Could we at least be free from this?"
Wordlessly, Yuki raised her hand, and the black chains binding them instantly scattered into hundreds of tiny butterflies. Now that he was released, Chairman Cross came forward, taking out a few anti-vampire cuffs. "Ms. Cassandra Kraven, it is regrettable, but for now I must detain you. Please understand that I have a duty to keep this school and its students safe." As he moved in to apprehend her, a voice sounded through the darkness.
"My… Then perhaps you should focus on another threat?" Everyone jumped as soon as the voice sounded. Akira's eyes flared as he recognised the tone.
"Ridley…" He cursed. "Emi! See to the others! I must return to the students at once!" Without another word, Akira ran off into the shadows.
"Hey wait!" Emi stammered as Akira ran off. However at the same time, cries could now be heard in the distance.
"What the hell?" Kidomaru blinked. "That sounds like a damn army! When the hell did they get here?"
"All of you!" Yuki commanded. "See to the safety of the students. I have other affairs to tend to."
"Hold on…" Ford growled as he faced her. "Remember, that isn't your body. You can go ahead with whatever you want, just not at the expense of the kid. If you even think about trying to get yourself deeper into this mess, well let's just say there are a whole lot of disagreements."
"That wasn't a suggestion." Yuki replied. "Get going now. I don't care if you don't want to take orders from me, but the lives of the students are at stake."
"And the life of your host?" Ford asked. "Won't she also be at stake?"
Yuki said nothing as she stared ahead at the shadows, her scythe now disappearing away into butterflies. "We both know the risks. We both chose this moment to act. For now, remember where your duty lies, as shall we."
"Let's go Anju." Yuki said as she walked off into the darkness. Soon enough, the shadows coalesced around her and she disappeared from view.
It wasn't long before Akira reached the source of the clamour. He saw hundreds of warriors clad in black robes and armour with pallid metal masks charging down the gates of the Sun dorm. Though the teachers were doing their best at fending off the attackers, it was apparent that the assailants were winning, judging by how he could already detect the fresh scent of spilled human blood.
Akira drew his sword, hastily flanking one that had tried to rush the gates and cut his arm off, the axe of the attacker clattering to the floor with his severed limb. The masked warrior turned to give Akira one look before his head was sliced off. Akira now summoned his creatures, the ravens swooping down and attacking these strange individuals like blackened arrows.
"Lord Akira!" Mr. du Coteau yelled. "We must buy the Day class students time! Over half of them have already been evacuated to the main campus!"
"I understand." Akira nodded. "I will do all that I must!" With this, he resumed his fight with the unknown army, stabbing one through the heart. Wrenching his blade free, he twisted as another struck with a sword; avoiding the blow and then lopping his head off with a single motion. Others tried to flank him, but ended up getting caught by his dark familiars.
"My, you truly are as powerful as they say…" Akira turned as another voice sounded through the fight; seeing a woman with red hair strike at him with a Flamberge sword. He shuddered from the force of her blow, feeling his feet grind against the ground.
"From the looks of it, my little sister has been keeping you busy." The woman replied as she stared back with bright yellow eyes. "And yet you have easily killed many of the Death Bringers. Quite impressive."
"Who are you?" Akira asked as he pushed her back. "Why are you here?"
"Of course. A Pureblood should at least have the honour of knowing the Pureblood opposing him." She nodded. "I am Katarina Kraven. As for why I'm here, there is no need for you to know. But for such a hospitable treatment of my little sister, allow me to return the favour." Without another word, she lunged again, delivering deft strikes at Akira. He strained against each one, his whole strength being used now solely to defend himself. It was no question that Katarina was skilled, perhaps more so than most of the higher ranking Vampire Knights.
"I have heard from my mother of knight squads being terminated worldwide." Akira said as he locked blades with her again. "I believe you are the cause…"
"A fair assessment." Katarina replied. "You are just as clever as the rumours say. But I'm afraid that cleverness won't save you, or your little school. And it will definitely not save the little girl who now bears the consciousness of a very interesting person."
Akira glared back. "If you think this school will fall so easily, you are-"
"Mistaken?" Katarina raised an eyebrow. "If you think your vampire friends can help, I'm afraid they are in a similar situation over by their Moon dorms. You see, our forces have been here for quite a while now. We have been prepared for this day. As for what we intend to do to the students here, you will find out soon enough."
Swiftly, Katarina broke the lock of their weapons and drove a forceful kick into Akira's stomach. He gasped as he crashed into the gate. Akira struggled to recover, knowing that his opponent was right. He was far too exhausted from his fight with Cassandra to put up a decent defence, especially one with Katarina's prowess.
"Can you feel it Akira Kuran?" Katarina asked. "Change is upon us, and you will not stop it."
As Akira looked up, he spotted another figure now carving its way through the pack of dark warriors. Katarina noticed as well, for she spun around suddenly and blocked the sword of the newcomer.
"Akira." Ren said as she faced Katarina. "Go to the Moon dorms. Rally your classmates. I will handle things here."
Akira nodded in acknowledgement to his aunt, getting to his feet and now running in the direction of the Moon dorm. Katarina watched as he did, but made no attempt to chase after him. "A very astute observation." Ren said as she observed Katarina. "You surmise that I am the greater threat."
"Ren Kiryu, grandmaster of the Vampire Knights." Katarina greeted. "Truly it is an honour to meet you. Despite not being a Pureblood, I have heard that your prowess is similar. How much of that is true?"
"Perhaps we'll find out." Ren said as she broke away, spinning around to decapitate two more Death Bringers who approached from behind.
If the area near the Sun dorm was chaos, it could not be said for the Moon dorm. The melee had already begun and everyone, even students, were caught in the thick of it. While many of them were skilled fighters, they soon realised that the masked warriors were in a far different league. Already many of the in-training knights had been injured, with a few already dead. However, just as the siege took a grave turn, the invaders found themselves outflanked by another group, clad in white and red.
The Crimson Tulip were a sect of knights formed with the purpose of being a conventional army by the queen herself, serving as a forward strike force that would be used in times of war. Of course, Queen Ai had always hoped that they would never have to be deployed for such reasons.
Five Death Bringers charged the lines, only to be suddenly engulfed in waves of fire. They screamed as their bodies were cooked alive within their own armour, their squirming bodies hitting the ground in a charred heap.
Akatsuki Kain walked across the battlefield, orbs of bright fire swirling around him and igniting anything that got too close. By the gate of the Moon dorm he could see Rima now striking down any foe that got too close with bolts of lightning, the smell of ionised air wafting across. Some few feet away, Senri fought back groups of the masked warriors, his blood slicing through them like butter.
It was quite a shrewd plan by Ai herself. Of course, Akatsuki was certain Ruka didn't quite entertain the thought of using her powers this long to hide the large force that was brought here. Still, it managed to save many lives. Akatsuki now eyed a Death Bringer ready to impale a young male vampire. At once, he sent flames toward the assailant, setting him alight.
"You two! Assist the evacuation of the dorm!" Akatsuki bellowed to two knights nearby, who acknowledged his order and hurried away, carrying off the injured boy as they did. Akatsuki now turned to face the masked attackers as they charged once more. As he readied more flaming orbs, he suddenly saw black ravens dart in and slash the offending vampires to pieces. He turned to see Akira dash into the fray, his sword flashing amidst the clamour.
"Lord Akira!" Akatsuki said. "What happened?"
"Mr. Akatsuki, I will explain in due time. For now, we must deal with these perpetrators." Akira said as he impaled another. "Once we have done so, we must go after Anju Cross."
"What about that girl?" Senri asked when he was within earshot.
"It's…" Akira frowned as he attempted to gather his thoughts. "It's a complicated matter. Even I don't quite believe it. But if anything, I have to find her and protect her, no matter what."
The older vampires frowned at his statement, but paid no heed as they resumed battling the invaders. Still, despite their strength, it was a daunting task to repel the attacking army. Even at a glance, Akira could tell that they were very well trained. It would take a miracle to ensure everyone's survival.
James Ridley frowned as his eyes locked with those of the young girl who stood before him. He was about to go and join Katarina in battle before she obstructed his path. He stared warily at the girl who he recognised as Anju Cross. Of course, he knew that despite her appearance, it was the being who now controlled her body that he would have to address.
"Lady Yuki Kuran." James nodded. "It is truly a great honour."
"I'd be flattered by your kind words if I knew that your voice is little more than poison." Yuki replied coldly. "If I had the choice, I'd kill you now."
James did not avert his gaze. True, the Kuran princess was someone who should not be trifled with, considering how she was able to overpower Cassandra herself. Since he wasn't dead yet, he could only assume that she merely wanted to talk. "What is it you would ask of me?"
"Not you James." Yuki replied. "Your master. I know you are in contact with him. Tell him to speak to me now."
James nodded. She was as sharp as the stories said. Besides, it was true that his master would be more than interested in what she had to say. James gestured for the figure behind him to step forward. He watched as the mindless doll walked forward, its mouth opening to project the voice of his master.
"As I live and breathe." The voice said through the puppet. "Yuki Kuran. At last I get to converse with another Pureblood as esteemed as I."
"You are the current lord of the Kraven clan I take it?" Yuki said. "Very well. I'll get right down to it. Call your forces off the school. I do not wish to see blood shed upon these grounds which I love."
"Unfortunately, you are in no position to discuss this with me." The voice said. "As it is now, this is my goal, and you have nothing to offer that I require."
"Not even for your beloved Project Paragon?" Yuki asked, to which James displayed a look of absolute shock. "I am aware of this. I know your little schemes from the other Death Bringers I killed on the way here. And as such, I have a proposal for you. Interested?"
James frowned as he looked between the Kuran princess and the doll his master currently used. Both appeared to be pondering the situation as the clashes of battle echoed through the night.
"I'm listening…" His master answered finally.
Ren ducked as the Flamberge swung at her. As Katarina prepared for another swing, Ren flipped her blade, pushing away her weapon with the pommel before slashing back. Katarina pulled her head back just in time, the retaliation strike leaving only a small cut upon her cheek.
"Impressive…" Katarina chuckled. "I feel so exhilarated. No one has been able to work me up like this before…"
"I appreciate your commendations. However, you will find that Akira is every bit as skilled as I." Ren replied as she readied her blade once more.
"But he would need to use all of his power to fight, wouldn't he?" Katarina replied, licking her lips as her eyes seemed to light up with a sense of euphoria. "And here you are, using only your strength, smarts and blade. Come now lady Ren, you cannot deny that you are quite some levels above him."
Ren did not answer. Instead, she braced himself for Katarina's next move. She was sure that the Pureblood would want to force out her own abilities with hers. From her words, it was clear that she gained a great deal of entertainment in battle. Depending on what she would do next, she would be forced to reveal her hand, one which currently should remain hidden.
"Well then…" Katarina smiled as a blood red energy coalesced around her blade. "Let us turn this up a notch, shall we?" Without another word, Katarina rushed forward, her sword now flaring with that strange red energy. Ren first moved to parry, but instinct kicked in the last moment, telling her that to do so was death. So Ren twisted away, the sword now cleaving through the concrete pavement.
"Impressive!" Katarina smiled gleefully. "No opponent has had such judgement before!"
Ren poised herself for another attack, but just as she did, a voice echoed through the night.
"Hold. We are done here."
As it did, Ren could feel her head being squeezed like a vice, while a cold sensation washed over her. All around, she could see others feeling the same effects. The teachers suddenly staggered, some shivering and a few now even held their heads. The human students fared worse, with most of them now screaming and groaning. Ren wondered what form of existence would be so vile and powerful that it would cause such a recoiled reaction.
Katarina herself appeared to have faltered under the weight of the voice, but she brushed it off immediately as she responded. "Grandfather? But why?"
"It will all be explained in due time Katarina. For now, we have obtained a prize far greater than the students here. Order the Death Bringers to retreat. Let them have their pitiful lives." The voice responded.
Katarina sighed, looking to Ren with annoyance. "Perhaps the next time we face each other, you will excite me more." She then sheathed her blade, turning to her warriors. "Pull out!" She commanded before dashing off into the night, the masked soldiers following her.
Back at the Moon dorm, the carnage had ended. However, Akira himself had no time to waste. He rushed off as soon as the masked warriors retreated. After what that hideous voice had said, he could only think of one thing that could have happened.
Anju… He raged within his own mind. If his dead grandmother had indeed manifested herself within the young girl, then she was definitely a powerful existence. And if the attackers wanted to capture the students, they would certainly view her as something more worthwhile.
Grandmother Yuki, what exactly are you thinking? Akira thought as he tore through the trees.
"Kuran!" Came a familiar voice. Akira turned to see Ichigo now running through the tress as well. It was evident that they had the same thoughts.
"Ichigo, what did my grandmother say to you when I left?" Akira asked.
"She said see to the safety of the others, and that she had affairs to tend to. But I had a feeling…" Ichigo now frowned. "I swear that girl better not have…"
Akira nodded as the continued racing through the trees. Unfortunately, their path now led them against an entire platoon of Death Bringers, who swiftly reacted by drawing their weapons. Through the dark cloaks, the two of them now saw the female called Katarina. Hauled upon her was the injured form of Cassandra while the maid Beatrice was being attended to by two Death Bringers. James stood slightly to the side and in the centre of them all was the recognisable form of Anju.
"Anju!" Ichigo yelled as he drew his pistol and fired. Akira likewise attacked at close range, striking down a few of the masked warriors as they charged him. Still, there were many more behind them, and their numbers appeared to be growing by the moment.
Ichigo now saw Ridley draw his sword, obviously intent upon finishing them off. However, before he could, Anju turned toward the clamour.
"ENOUGH!" Anju spoke using Yuki's voice. "Stop this at once!"
Ichigo attempted to pull the trigger, but stopped as his body could not deny the order of a Pureblood. The Death Bringers followed suit and even James's actions halted midway. Akira however still attempted to charge through. Yuki responded to this by summoning a swarm of butterflies who now formed blacked chains that bound the young knight.
"Grandmother!" Akira yelled. "Don't do this!"
"It is done Akira." Yuki said. "This is how things need to be."
"Don't say that!" Akira roared, his anger flaring again. "Think about mother and uncle Ren! They would never allow this! Also, Anju has no part in our battles! You cannot do as you want with her!"
"Fret not Akira." Yuki said. "We have discussed every detail of this, both Anju and I. And this is the conclusion we have reached. If it means saving this school, then it shall be done."
"No…" Akira struggled against the chains but to no avail. They bound him tightly.
"Mr. Ridley, if you would." Anju motioned to him.
"Very well." James nodded, the shadows now rising around them and hiding them from view. Once they had vanished, so had everyone else.
"DAMMIT!" Ichigo cursed as the black chains binding Akira vanished, scattering into hundreds of butterflies.
And so I have failed once more… Akira gritted his teeth in fury. As the Pureblood picked himself up, his fist clenched so tightly that crimson blood now spilled onto the earth.