Ai frowned at the people seated before her within one of the school's major meeting rooms. In her time as queen, she had been in hundreds of situations where she would face large groups of people in a single room. Most of these situations were mostly centred on negotiations, debates and discussions regarding the renewal or revamping of laws regarding human-vampire relations, the judgement of criminal actions caused by or inflicted upon vampires and promoting Cross Academy. This time however, despite the same environment, Ai was more than sure things weren't going to go so well.

To her right were the members of the vampire senate who had come with her. Their usual banter was gone, replaced by a look of dread as they looked to Ai, a marker of how serious the situation had become since the clarity of recent events. To her left were the academy teaching staff and most notably the Hunter Association Inner Circle. Marcus Corbin and Yumika Shiba were both in attendance. It would appear the man named Zen was away on other business. Ai didn't know whether or not to count her luck as she was all too aware of how much of a bother that particular individual could be.

Finally, directly before her were the students involved. Akira along with the other student knights sat in the front row while the student hunters were right behind them, along with some of the other humans who were close to Anju Cross. All the while Ai could see the sharp look given to her by Ichigo Kitsuke. It was a fearsome glare to be sure, but Ai was quite well versed in such looks directed toward her. However, it was a different matter entirely when the whole room was just about to adopt the same expression.

Ai sighed loudly, gathering the attention from everyone. "Alright, before I start, it appears some people have something to say. So just say it. We can't get anywhere otherwise."

The room remained silent, each one of its occupants now looking at each other. Ai sighed internally as she realised that only now were they trying to think about their response. This was one of the most difficult things about politics, she surmised. She was about to make a start when Ichigo finally stood up.

"Well, if no one is going to start then I will." Ichigo glared. "What the hell is going on here? The school was attacked by an army, we have an unseen force targeting us and Anju has been possessed by something who now offered her to our enemies! So what in the world is happening? Spill it queen!"

Everyone in the room frowned at Ichigo's rough questions. Though it was never his character to show even the slightest semblance of propriety to vampires, it was obvious that he was fully enraged. Even members of the association's circle were getting concerned with his tone against the queen, as were the knights currently guarding the area. Ai on the other hand appeared solemn against his admonishments. To her side, Ren also appeared the same, studying Ichigo with a piercing look.

"Hah…" Ruka breathed. "I can't believe this. If I didn't know better this kid is Zero's reincarnation."

Ai and Ren looked at the Noble vampire as her words now drew the attention of the room. "Everything about him, from his past, to his duties in the school to how he talks to our kind." Ruka continued. "It is damn terrifying if I say so myself."

"Ruka has a point." Senri nodded. "Strange how time and fate love to humour us."

"Maria, you are the expert in dealing with guys like this." Akatsuki spoke. "Any tips you'd care to share?"

"I'm not a Zero help guide." Complained the wheelchair bound vampire. "Besides, it is too premature to say that about this one, isn't it?"

"All of you…" Ai sighed. "Stop. Now." At these stern words, the vampire senate members immediately shut up before bowing to her.

"Apologies." Ruka said. "We were too inappropriate."

"It's fine big sis Ruka." Ai waved her hand, dismissing the matter entirely. "Just don't let this happen again. We cannot afford distractions." The senate nobles sat down as Ai got off her chair, sparing one look at Ren before she stepped toward the audience.

"Perhaps I shall explain from the beginning." Ai said. "About some weeks ago, word came down through our intelligence sects of humans disappearing worldwide. Upon further investigation along with the Hunter's Association, we had found that they were being transported cryogenically close to Romania, where we believe is their base of operations. Simultaneously, I had also gotten word that my knight recon squads charged with finding James Ridley have been systematically eliminated, with some being abducted."

"In addition, regarding the arrival of Cassandra Kraven some four months ago, I ordered Vincent Oswald to investigate. Though getting little results, we did discern that Ms. Kraven is part of an ancient vampire clan that resided in Romania. Supposedly they were exterminated twenty-five years ago. We also found out about the Blood Siren, but rather than a jewel, it appears it is something far more sinister."

"Anyways, getting back to matter at hand…" Ai breathed as she folded her arms beneath her bosom. "Thanks to our allies in the Hunter's Association, we had managed to get information of something called Project Paragon. Unfortunately, we have no idea as to what this portends. But I have a feeling that it will not bode well for any one of us."

"And in the midst of it all, something strange happened to Anju." Akira said. "Mother please tell me, did you know of the one who inhabited her?"

Ai stared at her son as everyone in the room now turned toward him. At this, the members of the senate now frowned. It was no surprise that everyone had found out about the return of Yuki Kuran. But now it seemed that Akira wanted to know if she herself did.

"I had my suspicions." Ai said, a shadow now crossing her eyes. "I noticed many things happening, but I still couldn't believe it. Funny isn't it? I have negotiated on the creation of human-vampire laws, built the relations of our two races and even helped to bring forth a future of peace. To think that I would be so indecisive with affairs regarding her, it's so ludicrous."

Ai's hand now drifted upward to her forehead. Ren immediately caught the change in tension, now shifting her chair close to her and allowing her to sit back down. Immediately, she placed a hand on Ai's shoulder. "Sister, calm down. Don't forget that you could cause collateral damage."

"How can I remain calm?" Ai breathed as the chair handle started to splinter. "Ren, it's our mother. She is now captive in enemy hands and they will be doing who knows what to her…"

"You know she did it to protect every one of the students here." Ren said. "It is so like her after all."

"Can we focus back on the situation please?" Ichigo growled. "What about Anju?"

"Ichigo…" Chairman Cross said warily. "Relax before you dig yourself deeper."

"Chairman, you and I both know it is Anju's body that is being used right now." Ichigo retorted. "Do you really think I'm just going to let that thing do whatever it wants with…" Ichigo barely finished before something grabbed his throat and sent him flying. Ichigo looked to see strange metal vines now strangling his throat. The vines in question stemmed from a handgun held by Ren, who stared at Ichigo with a cold look in her eyes.

"That thing you refer to is our mother, little boy." Ren answered. "And despite what you might think, she isn't someone who would willfully sacrifice another, let alone a human, for her own goals." At this statement, she looked to her sister, who tried to compose herself as she remained seated. "Because she knows that we'll never forgive her for that. And the last thing she wants is to lose our love for her. So watch your tongue, lest I drain the life out of it."

"Ren…" Ai said. "Cool down. Mother would be very angry if we killed out of nothing but anger. And I do remember that I said we cannot afford distractions in this meeting. So please, put your gun away." Ren nodded, lowering the pistol. The vines retracted back into the muzzle, setting Ichigo down onto the floor. Ren now holstered the weapon, though her steely gaze remained.

"Right then." Marcus Corbin said as he stood up. "I think we can all agree that we need to figure out the next move. In summary, we are facing the Kraven clan. Right now, they have been abducting humans and vampires across the world for a strange goal known as Project Paragon. We can only assume that it is for this same reason they have Anju Cross and by extension, Yuki Kuran in their custody and that are currently operating somewhere in Romania."

"With these facts, we will need to put together a massive strike team to wherever they are." Yumika nodded. "As you have suggested Queen Ai, our operatives have been placed on standby and will be ready to move at a moment's notice. However, until we know exactly where they are we cannot just make our move."

"And that is where my previous arrangements come in." Ai nodded. "Li Ming, do you have it?" The Chinese vampire nodded as she brought a black tablet over. "I have had them helping me since we caught wind of the destination of the abductees. With their location in the world, they were the most ideal to scout things out. Just be mindful though, they can be a little bit, rowdy."

The room's occupants gave each other strange looks as Ai finally dialled a number in the tablet and then putting it on speaker. There came the sounds of ringing as the call connected. Once it did, the room recoiled at the uproar that now exploded out of the tablet's speakers. Misaki covered her ears as she tried to recognise what language the background song was being sung in. It sounded like Polish, but she couldn't be sure.

"Halo?" Came a voice over amidst the music. "Poczekaj! Przepraszam!"

What the hell? Misaki frowned as she registered the sound of a door closing before silence filled the room. "Ok." Said the voice on the tablet. "Kto to jest?"

"Francois." Ai answered. "To jest Michal."

The voice paused for a little while before answering again. This time, it spoke it fluent English. "Ai? I wondered when you would call. Sorry about earlier. You know what Stefan is like. Once he starts, he doesn't stop until everyone around him gets the same."

"I understand Francois." Ai smiled. "But anyways, I need you to tell me how it has gone."

"I'm actually amazed we got as much as we did." Francois replied. "But we've only managed to confirm that they are in the Carpathian Mountains."

"Hold up, who is that over the line?" Misaki asked as she looked to her mother. Yumika merely shrugged as she directed her attention back to the call.

"Apologies." Came the voice. "My name is Francois Bennet."

Ai nodded as she cleared her throat and turned her attention to everyone else. "To answer everyone's questions, he is an informant I have in Europe, an old friend of my late husband. Once we had heard of the destination of the abductees, I had him help with gathering any information they could of the Kraven clan's whereabouts."

"I can't say much right now. But we have managed to track the shipments through Bucharest." Francois replied. "All of them were loaded into trucks and headed off the beaten path."

"At least we have a lead." Marcus nodded. "Now we can mobilise our forces to the city."

"Agreed." Ai nodded. "But it will still be dangerous. We have no idea where they could be and it is also possible they have anticipated our actions. They figured out my response so easily against possible engagements against the academy, so they may be ready for a counter-attack from us. We will need to be very careful to avoid detection by any means."

"Then we cannot send our armies in headlong." Marcus frowned. "Our enemies may be expecting this, and with the presence of that Blood Siren, it is too risky to charge in. She could manipulate our entire army against us."

"True, but I doubt that will be the worst issue." Akira spoke. "Grandmother Yuki said that for Cassandra to use those powers would tax her stamina greatly. I suspect that girl was sent here by her family to wake her powers for their personal plans."

"I see." Yumika nodded. "But then again, she may focus merely on enthralling our greatest warriors instead. And if what we heard is true, she isn't the only one."

"Indeed." Chairman Cross nodded. "We still need to deal with James Ridley, their own army and her older sisters, not to mention whoever serves the Kraven Clan."

"And then, after all of them we need to deal with the clan head himself…" Misaki breathed. "Geez, just thinking about him talking is just… euugh…" Around her, the other human students grimaced at the thought.

"Yes." Emi frowned. "I have never felt anything so vile before."

"Whoever he is, I definitely don't want to know what he is capable of." Ganju nodded.

"Unfortunately, we may not have a say in such matters." Ai said. "He is a foe we must deal with eventually. We will need to factor him into our plans, but for now our focus should be on finding where the clan is located."

"I can guide you close to where we have tracked them." Francois replied. "As long as the group is manageable and won't attract too much attention. I will see to the necessary preparations at once. Till then AI, I think it best that we not make any contact. We risk much by talking like this."

"Of course." Ai nodded. "Thank you Francois. And send my greetings to Stefan as well."

"Will do, provided he hasn't passed out yet." Francois sighed over the tablet. "See you Ai. Be safe."

Ai smiled as the call terminated. Once more she turned her attention to the audience before her as she handed the black tablet back to Li Ming. "Now then, as we have just heard, it appears Bucharest is the best place to start. For now, I will decide who will accompany me for the initial scouting expedition."

"Ai, I still think that is far too dangerous." Ruka replied. "If our enemy captures you…"

"Oh? Are you doubting me big sis Ruka?" Ai smirked. "I'll have you know that I have been practicing with it."

"That isn't the point!" Ruka scowled. "We have no idea what sort of power our enemy has! They may have expected your strength for all we know!"

"True." Ai nodded. "But I cannot stand idly by while the peace we have worked so hard for is being destroyed. It is time I had a personal hand in these affairs. Besides, there is also something that has piqued my curiosity."

"From Akira's report, mother's conversation with Cassandra unveiled a rather interesting detail. She mentioned that the current head of the Kraven clan is diseased and frail, rotting even. Isn't it quite strange for a Pureblood vampire?"

"True." Seiren nodded. "It is unheard of."

"Which is why I surmise that this individual may not be a big threat, though I am more than certain this is subject to change, especially with this Project Paragon in the works." Ai said. "Time will be of the essence if we are to maintain whatever advantage we have at the moment. Additionally, if it is true that Cassandra's stamina is taxed by her abilities, I doubt she will attempt to control those who have a greater immunity to her gifts. I may not be as powerful in that regard as mother was, but I am confident in my ability to resist such mind controlling effects."

Ruka moved to object again, but the words died in her mouth as she accepted the sound argument. "Fine. But at least have Ren with you at all times."

"Of course." Ai nodded, her gaze turning severe once more. "If it concerns our mother, then Ren and I will not hold reservations about anything." At this, Ren merely nodded in agreement.

"Well then." Chairman Cross stood up. "It appears we have much preparations to see to."

"Wait." Came a voice at the back. The room turned as Hibiki stood up. "I… I have questions. Questions that I am asking on behalf of all of us." She now gestured to the others around her, whom Akira recognised as Anju's classmates and friends. "Ann, what is going to happen to her?"

Silence befell the room once more as the main sensitive subject was breached. However, even Akira knew it was a subject to be spoken of eventually, and one that concerned everybody.

"As of now, I do not know what will happen to her." Ai replied to the human children. "I can only be certain that the Kraven clan will not harm her, owing to the fact that they risk losing something more valuable if they did so. Additionally, it is quite likely that Cassandra girl has a slight soft spot for her. But rest assured, I will do everything in my power to ensure her safe return. This I promise you."

"Ai…" Chairman Cross frowned. "You don't mean…"

"It was built for reasons like this Kirihara." Ai nodded. "Just like how Night Rose was re-forged from the shards of that other weapon."

"You intend to go into battle then?" Marcus asked with a raised eyebrow. "With that?"

"This matter concerns both our worlds." Ai replied. "It is foolish if I were to hold back now."

"Very well." Marcus nodded. "I know better than to get in the way of your resolve. For now, we must devise a battle plan."

"Agreed." Chairman Cross nodded. "It would appear I must leave the school's affairs to the rest of the staff and the prefects will need to work that much harder."

"Such is the necessity of the current situation." Ai replied. "For now, let us leave the students to rest. They deserve it after what they have been through."

Romania

She narrowed her eyes as she entered the macabre halls. After being marched onto a private cruise ship and then confined to a windowless room for what appeared to be a few days, she was subsequently blindfolded and then brought to what she believed was a mansion. Where this mansion as however was unknown to her. If she didn't know better, she had been isolated in a realm where nothing but darkness existed.

A shadow realm huh? She mused to herself as she followed the beings in front of her. To her left and right masked Death Bringers escorted her, ensuring she would not escape. Their actions were unfounded; she had no intention of escaping. Such was the plan they had made.

James Ridley now brought her before a black door that appeared to have been forged from nightmares, with the horrific beasts and devilish creatures sneering at her with razor-sharp teeth. Flanking them were two thralls who now reached forward and opened them, the hinges groaning as the doors swung open. She felt the full force of the cold air hit her face as Katarina stepped in. James Ridley now motioned for her to enter. Seeing no reason to disobey, she complied, stepping into the darkness while the Death Bringers remained as they were.

As soon as she entered the doors closed, leaving everything in darkness. She strained her eyes to make out anything as her ears caught the shuffling of feet upon the marble floor.

"I apologise." Came an eerie voice. "I normally don't have many visitors." At once, light flooded the room as candles all around were lit. She flinched as her eyes adjusted to the glare before she recognised a hooded figure seated in a large chair, before whom Katarina and James now knelt.

"Yuki Kuran." The figure greeted as it extended a decayed hand in greeting. "An absolute pleasure."

She blinked, thinking of the most appropriate response. Once she was ready, she walked forward and faced the hooded figure with her brown eyes. "Sorry, but Yuki is currently indisposed. My name is Anju Cross. I guess you could say I am her vessel."

"Oh?" The figure replied with what Anju could only believe to be surprise. "How unfortunate. I really wished to have the chance to speak with her."

"Regarding that, I have volunteered as spokesperson between the two of you." Anju replied. "For now, Yuki says hello. But she also said to dispense with the pleasantries."

"How cold." The figure replied. "I was looking forward to a much more lengthy conversation."

"Do you make conversation without even attempting to introduce yourself?" Anju frowned. "We've given you our names, so you should give yours."

"But of course." The figure replied. "I am Mortis Kraven, the 340th head of the Kraven clan. And now that we have that out of the way, shall we continue our conversation from a few days ago? But then again how would you, a mere human know what it entails?"

"Yuki and I thought on the proposal together." Anju said firmly. "I know what has been discussed."

Mortis chuckled, an eerie and raspy sound that reverberated through the room. "How interesting. I keep my hands away from Cross Academy. In return I have your absolute assistance in Project Paragon. I must say, fortune truly smiles on me if I am able to acquire blood this precious."

"Forgive us if we don't share your enthusiasm." Anju glared.

Every occupant in the room stared at her incredulously. Truly it was astounding that a human would speak to him in this manner.

"Why, you are quite the spirited one." Mortis noted. "It appears James was not exaggerating about your qualities when he told me of them. Truly Ai Kuran is fortunate to have an ally like yourself. Such an unwavering soul. But tell me my dear, can a soul as sturdy as yours still break? Can it still feel fear and despair?"

"You won't break me." Anju affirmed. "I will not be afraid of you."

Mortis chuckled as he stood from the chair, his cane tapping loudly as he strode to her. Anju watched as he closed in, and she could now make out the rotting fingers that held the cane. "And do you really think I have any intention of leaving Cross Academy alone? Foolish little girls. You have merely ensured my victory in this long war. At last, I will rule this world, as our clan rightfully should."

"You won't win." Anju replied. "Akira, his mother, everyone will do their utmost to stop you."

Mortis now turned toward her, and Anju could feel his Dark gaze upon her face. He now edged closer to her till his hooded face was inches away from hers. Anju frowned as she scanned his obscured face, unsure of what form of expression he displayed. Then, his rotting hand reached upward, throwing back the hood of his dark cloak. Anju now hissed as she beheld his face.

Mortis's face was a visage of rot and decay. What skin he had left appeared shrivelled and sunken, as if only bone was left underneath. Lesions and scabs lined his eyebrows, cheeks and chin, a few oozing blood and pus. The entire left side of his mouth had been eroded away, leaving nothing but the bone of his jaw, along with the bloody remains of his gums and discoloured teeth. The decay continued to his cheeks, sinew and muscle barely holding together what was left. Here and there, worms and maggots crawled over the wounds and whatever intact skin remained, tearing through the dead flesh.

"Let them try…" Mortis replied as his eyes flashed red, his mouth dripping blood simultaneously. "They will learn what a futile cause is when they see one."

Anju didn't answer. She continued to stare at his face, her entire being doing its utmost to keep her composed.

Mortis now turned to James. "Escort our guest to her cell. And let Mr. Lestat know that he can begin at his own discretion."

"It will be done my lord." James bowed as the doors opened and the Death Bringers strode in. James now walked over to Anju, bonding her arms in black manacles. Anju reasoned these were anti-vampire cuffs meant to ensure Yuki had no chance of escape.

She remained quiet the whole way as the vampires led her to the prison. Only when they had left her alone and shut the door did she finally break her composure, sinking to the floor of the cell.

"Oh god…" Anju breathed heavily. "Dammit…" She felt the bile rising up her stomach as she recalled Mortis's features. Yuki had shared with her what to expect, but it was still something she wasn't ready for.

Calm down. You'll hyperventilate at this rate. Yuki said from within her mind. Anju clasped her hand over her mouth, focussing on slowing her breathing down. She struggled not to vomit all over the floor of her cell, which was already pretty much a shambles. Soon enough, her breathing slowed and she felt the churning within her stomach finally die down. Anju gasped as she pushed herself to a corner, leaning against the wall. She took hold of a rag which she could only assume was her blanket and wrapped it around her.

"Sorry…" Anju said. "It seems I really wasn't ready to meet him."

Don't think anyone would blame you. Yuki answered. Truth be told I was quite shocked myself. A Pureblood getting to that state is unheard of. It really makes me wonder what happened to Mortis, how his body is so wasted to that extent.

"Some kind of illness?" Anju asked. "Something specific to vampires?"

I don't know. Yuki responded. But perhaps we will find out soon enough. Now then, get some sleep. Protected or no, we are still technically prisoners. And if what Mortis said is true, then we are going to have long and strenuous days ahead. You have to keep your strength up.

"Yeah." Anju nodded as she curled up in a corner of the cell, her head resting on the wall. "I'll do that."

Anju closed her eyes, attempting to sleep. After a few minutes of silence, Yuki spoke again.

I'm sorry…

"For what?" Anju asked.

For having to make you go through with this. I know you agreed but… I just feel so scared for you right now.

"We both knew the risks." Anju affirmed. "We understood why it needed to be done. We can't back out now. So just concentrate on preserving as much power as you need. As for me, I'll brave whatever comes at us."

She could now hear Yuki chuckling in her head. Thank you Anju. For everything.

"Well, I said that, but I'm still scared to hell…" Anju laughed dryly. "So… well, could you just keep an eye out for me? Till I finally fall asleep?"

Of course. Yuki replied. I'll make sure nothing happens to you.

"Thanks…" Anju said as she drifted off into sleep whilst Yuki watched on, alert for even the slightest bit of danger.

Author's Note:

Sorry for the delay in upload. School work has been up to my neck lately and it's been tough trying to get this chapter finished. Still,I hope you like it and please read and review.