2 days later, Ploiești

"Are you certain of this?" Chairman Cross asked Akira.

"We must confirm what Ichigo said." Akira said as he summoned one of his shadow ravens. "If it is true, then until we find a way to terminate the barrier, we will not be able to send an army through. Our offensive will be pacified."

They watched as the raven took off. Akira closed his eyes, linking his sight with the creature's as it approached the Carpathian mountains. He spotted it almost immediately, a dense fog covering the landscape. There was no way around it with how widespread it was. Akira now commanded the raven to approach the fog.

The sooner his creature entered, Akira now felt the icy cold air engulf him. He slowly felt the life force of the creature get pulled out, his raven vanishing within seconds. As soon as the contact broke, Akira fell to the ground, clutching his chest and gasping for air.

"Akira! Are you alright?" Chairman Cross exclaimed as he knelt before the young Pureblood.

"I'll be alright." Akira nodded. "But I can confirm that Ichigo was not exaggerating. We will die the minute we walk into that fog."

"So Ms. Yuki's warning was a blessing." Chairman Cross nodded. "Were it not for that we would have charged in without knowing of the consequences."

"But it provides a new dilemma." Akira answered as he stood up. "Never mind the strike force, how will we even find our way inside?"

"I fear that will take some time." Chairman Cross frowned. "Though I do believe we needn't go through ourselves. If the Kraven clan has been transporting their captives here, there needs to be a way for them to enter without the barrier affecting them."

"True." Akira nodded as he and Kirihara walked away and back to their car. "If the fog kills anyone within it, there must have been a way for allies to enter safely. We need to increase our surveillance over the area, and quickly."

"Indeed." Chairman Cross agreed. "From Ichigo's report, it seems they are stepping up whatever methods they are using for their inscrutable project. I can only hope we are not too late."

The car travelled back into the Darkstalker's primary headquarters in Ploiești. The sooner they had entered the town they had been able to set themselves up in a secret safehouse near the border of the town. Though cramped, it did well to hide their presence together with the massive amounts of cameras and security outposts nearby. As the car drove through the dense forests, Akira was sure that he had been seen at least twenty times.

Within ten minutes of driving, they reached the small villa that was the occasional home of Stefan and Francois whenever they were in Romania. Officially the residence did not exist, and the Darkstalkers worked tirelessly to ensure it stayed that way.

They drove past the gate and parked the car along the driveway. Akira and Chairman Cross got out and headed into the main hall of the house, where Darkstalker agents along with the rest of the infiltration group camped out, working at monitors or looking through maps of the Carpathian Mountains in an attempt to determine the Kraven clan's whereabouts.

"Akira! Chairman Cross!" Emi said as soon as she saw him enter. "How did it go?"

"Well, it wasn't much." Chairman Cross said. "The fog is as Ichigo reported. Nothing gets through without enduring an excruciating death. Akira felt it through his creatures."

"After much discussion, we believe the only way through is to find out how the Kraven clan's subordinates do so." Akira explained. "It seems to be the only viable option we have left, unless someone has figured out how we can prevent our bodies from wasting away."

"That is a problem…" Emi nodded. "I'll let Master Ren and her Majesty know about it. Meanwhile, I think it is best you go and talk to Ichigo. He has gotten rather, agitated lately. Even the others are having trouble just trying to get him to cooperate. He has been unnerving even some of the vampires at this time, saying things like: 'No one gets my kill' blah blah blah..."

"Of all the times for him to be stubborn." Chairman Cross groaned. "His hatred is understandable, but this is just ridiculous now."

"I'll do what I can." Akira nodded. "Thanks Emi. If you'll excuse me Chairman Cross."

Akira now strode his way upstairs to the second level, where Ichigo's room was located. It was a necessary arrangement that the humans and vampires remained in separate rooms for their own safety. For Ichigo's case, he was much more cautious than before. He now knocked on the door of the room before entering.

"What do you want Kuran?" Ichigo scowled as he turned on the bed. "I was trying to enjoy the peace and quiet."

"Emi advised me to check on you." Akira answered. "She was starting to get worried that you were about to lose it."

"I said it before Kuran, and I'll say it again." Ichigo growled. "I'm not your kid brother."

"Perhaps, but if we are to succeed here, we must be focussed in our mission." Akira replied sternly. "Otherwise, we stand to lose everything we have worked to build over the centuries."

Silence went in between them for a few minutes. Akira now brought a chair over and sat in it. Ichigo growled in irritation to the fact that the Pureblood had chosen to remain in the room. "You keep saying everything about protecting this world, but just like before, your only interest is Anju isn't it?"

"You know that fact applies to both of us." Akira retorted. "So save yourself the trouble of making me justify my actions this time. However, I will ask what you hope to gain out of this."

"What are you talking about?" Ichigo growled.

"You don't seem to realise it yourself, do you Ichigo?" Akira arched an eyebrow at him. "You been on alert ever since we've come to Ploiești. If you were a dog, no doubt you'd be on your hackles at every waking hour. What's wrong Ichigo? What has gotten your bloodlust so riled up?"

Ichigo didn't answer at first. He stared at his palm, clenching it and opening it alternatively.

"It is said that sometimes, one grows hostile when he knows that his enemy is nearby." Akira continued. "The Chairman mentioned this to me before, during the time Cassandra came to the school. You stated that Cassandra could be related to the one who turned you. Is that it? Are you unconsciously aware of the one who attacked and murdered your family?"

Ichigo stayed silent, comprehending the words Akira had just said. True, he had been thinking about it ever since Cassandra had come to the academy. He had a feeling deep within that she was not just some other Pureblood. No, she knew who had turned him. She knew the one who killed his family that fateful day.

"I feel like something is trembling within me." Ichigo said. "It's like I can almost taste it. The one I've been after so long, the one vampire I hate the most. The one who made me what I am now. Just thinking about meeting him myself is making me ecstatic."

Akira frowned as Ichigo sat up and continued. "You are right Kuran. There is something in me that longs to meet this guy. I knew it ever since I heard his voice back then. I knew that this is the one I must hunt."

"As much as I know to not get in the way of your prey Ichigo, I would caution against such reckless action." Akira said. "This man, we have no idea the powers he possesses. That fog covering their realm is death itself. If he wields such power, I dare not imagine what he could do to us."

"Beat it Kuran." Ichigo scowled. "I've got my grievances with him, so he's mine."

"I have my own grievances with him as well Ichigo." Akira replied coldly. "Or have you forgotten that it was he who attacked the school during the annual dance? He too was involved in the deaths of some of my classmates in the Moon dorm. More than that, he is now responsible for Anju's current suffering. He deserves my blade as much as he deserves your gun."

"I'm the Hunter here." Ichigo glared. "Like I said to that phantom of your grandmother, no one takes my prey."

"Just as he is your prey, he is mine as well Ichigo." Akira replied. "But even a prey can be predator, especially if we blind ourselves to his strength, whatever that may be. So I ask, can I join you in your hunt?"

Ichigo arched an eyebrow as he regarded Akira with curiosity. "Now that is something you don't see everyday. Who would have thought a vampire would hunt another vampire."

"In the world of predators, sometimes other predators can become prey." Akira stated. "For us now, we have a common foe whom we must pay back for his sins. I trust you will at least allow me the opportunity to ensure he doesn't present a threat ever again?"

"Heh." Ichigo grinned. "I never thought I'd like you Kuran. Granted, you still piss me off, but I can respect when a man desires vengeance as well. Fine, you can have some of him, but I get the first shot. He came to me first, it's only right."

"Fair enough." Akira nodded. "Then let this be our new vow. I hope it lasts just as well as the previous."

"The previous one had me drinking your blood." Ichigo grimaced, still repulsed by the thought. "I still can't forget, no matter how much I try."

"Well, at least this time, we will be spilling blood, isn't that correct?" Akira said as he prepared to leave. "We will be holding a meeting soon enough to determine possible ways of infiltrating the fog barrier. Will you be there?"

Ichigo took his pistol, checking to see that it was loaded. "If it means getting to kill that guy first, then I'll be seeing you."

Castle Kraven

"Incredible…" Mortis beamed as he observed the completed versions of Project Paragon. Behind him, James observed with interest at the results of his master's grand scheme. "Tell me Mr. Lestat." Mortis asked the masked vampire. "Is this the full extent of what we have been able to do?"

"No milord." Lestat said. "The subjects you see before you merely have had only 5% of their blood based off the samples we have acquired from Yuki Kuran. I have been experimenting on increasing the values in some of the others who we haven't infused yet. The results however are promising. They are already starting to show signs of greater development, and one appears to be close to waking up."

Suddenly, an alarm blared through the lab, startling all of the occupants in the room. Lestat now rushed to a console, checking where the source of the commotion was. He frowned as he saw the location where the alarm tripped.

"What seems to be the problem?" James frowned.

"Lab B23 was the source of the disturbance." Lestat answered. "That is where our new experiments were located." Tapping away at the keyboards, he watched as the monitor for lab B23 flared onto the screen. "Report!"

"Mr. Lestat!" Came one of the science personnel. "It is subject #B5503. It woke up! It's starting to rampage across the entire lab! We need to evacuate no-!" He didn't get to finish before something dragged him screaming off screen. Everyone watched as a roar echoed from the speakers before the splattering of blood and the crunching of bone emanated from the room. Seconds later, the monitor was obscured with splotches of freshly spilled vampire blood.

"Point me to the lab Mr. Lestat." James replied. "I will deal with this."

"Just don't kill it." Lestat sighed as he raised his hand to his right. "I want to see its development for myself. Just keep going and take the first left."

"Lestat, please explain to me why it appears you have lost an entire lab staff." Mortis asked, demanding an answer as James left with a few of the Death Bringer guards in tow.

"That milord; was the location of the subjects where I increased the amount of blood from Yuki Kuran. Those have 10% of their blood based on hers." Lestat explained. "Forgive me, I never thought that it would result in such aggressive behaviour. I will need to study it to see how it has developed brain-wise. Perhaps that will be the answer to more interesting paths forward."

"Do what you must." Mortis answered. "Well done Mr. Lestat. I am most pleased with how this is turning out. I am glad your hypothesis was correct."

"Yes." Lestat nodded. "Yuki Kuran was a prime example of a vampire who had been turned human and back again. Added to her Pureblood lineage, she was the perfect candidate to realise your grand design. I will work toward making sure that our data is sent to our backup laboratories across the world. They will be able to pick up if ever a reason comes where we need to leave off. In addition, I am also sending spliced samples of her blood as well. We can also use the blood of the successful specimens. I no longer need to acquire blood from the primary source. If all goes well, I am more than certain we can reach your true goal."

"Splendid." Mortis nodded before coughing fits started. "Continue with your experiments, and inform me of any developments. And of course, keep this a secret from my granddaughters. As of now, this project is far too fickle to let them know about."

"It will be done milord." Lestat nodded. "I will exhaust every resource at my disposal to ensure appropriate success."

"Very good." Mortis nodded as the screams of the staff of laboratory B23 filled the room.

"Grandfather has been busy as of late, hasn't he?" Cassandra asked her sisters as she sat in the main lounge of the castle. "He has been absent from meals for quite a while now."

"Why bother so much little runt?" Lucretia asked. "Quit asking questions we don't know the answer to. It's so damn annoying…"

"What's truly annoying is your incessant gloating on top of her stupidity." Irina scowled from her chair. "I'm trying to enjoy some peace and quiet here with a very good read. I'm just getting to the part where the monster kills his first victim, a little lady apparently."

"Of course, only the bitch actually cares about these books." Lucretia sneered as she lay down on the sofa. "For a so-called refined lady you have quite the ugly side. I'd like that part of you if you weren't such a pompous whore…"

"Well then, I thank you for not liking me." Irina answered. "I couldn't bear having to come into contact with you and your putrid excuse of a face."

Once more, the two sisters began their usual bickering, completely forgetting that Cassandra was even there. Even the maids that hovered nearby took a step back, fearful of being caught in the cross-fire.

"Oh shut up you two." Katarina growled as she came close. "When you start this, it becomes even more annoying than anything that happened previously. At least attempt to start a normal conversation will you?"

Irina and Lucretia now glared at each other as Katarina sat down in another chair, her presence obviously putting them both into silent submission. Cassandra now edged toward her oldest sister, taking a seat next to her. "Big sister Katarina, where do you suppose grandfather has gone?"

"I'm sure he has his reasons for not telling us." Katarina answered as she gestured for a maid to bring her tea. "I've never really thought about what he does around the house. Though if I were to guess, I believe right now he has been more focussed on Project Paragon. I was down by the laboratories the other day and I saw the whole place was abuzz. They may be getting a breakthrough."

Cassandra went quiet at her sister's remarks. True, she too had seen quite an increase in activity around the labs lately. Katarina had to be right.

"Well, it must be special hmm, being a Blood Siren?" Lucretia chuckled toward Cassandra. "Now I know why grandfather chose you to succeed him. He was always the one most stuck on those old family legends. I however am interested in how he knew you had that power when the rest of us didn't. How is it possible he could see your potential runt?"

"I don't know." Cassandra replied. "He only spoke to me at one point about what it was back when mother was still alive. I never thought that it was actually true. To be able to fully dominate even your enemies, make them into allies, make them understand you completely. I didn't know how absolute it would be…"

"Well either way, you now have a considerable amount of strength against the rest of the family." Irina stated. "Good for you. Maybe now that strange talent of singing will be more useful than it was before."

"Be quiet Irina." Katarina snapped before she turned to Cassandra. "Still, they do have a point. Your powers are remarkable. Just with your voice alone you can send a whole army into submission. Quite frankly Cassandra I am impressed."

Cassandra frowned at her sister's words. "Do you really think so?"

"Of course." Katarina nodded. "I can see why past individuals capable of this power were made into the clan heads straight away. With it, our family is indomitable. Nothing in this world can stop us now."

Cassandra nodded. Her sister did speak truth. Her powers were something that could turn the tide of any situation. She had seen its effects herself, especially how even Purebloods were victims to its spell. And yet, something gnawed inside of her. "Then why didn't mother tell me anything?"

"I beg your pardon?" Katarina arched an eyebrow.

"Grandfather knew I was a Blood Siren. He sent me to Cross Academy in the hopes I would awaken the power there…" Cassandra said. "And if he did, then mother must have known as well. Why did she keep it a secret from our entire family?"

"Again with the questions we don't know the answers to…" Lucretia groaned. "Is her brain filled with sawdust or something?"

"It just…" Cassandra sighed. "Ever since I woke to this power, I've felt that there have been more things about our family that I feel I'm not aware of... That there may be other things I know nothing about. And at the end of it all, what will my powers mean for us? Why does grandfather find them so necessary? Why did mother not say a word about this to anyone?"

Katarina stayed silent while it appeared Irina and Lucretia had found it in them to finally shut Cassandra out. "Cassandra, stop overthinking things. You and I both know our grandfather keeps his plans close to him so our enemies won't find out. Remember what grandfather always said, that his plan is to ensure our survival as a species in this world. Now please, I'd like to enjoy my tea with some silence."

"Very well sister." Cassandra nodded. "Please excuse me, I'd like some fresh air." Cassandra now left the lounge, making her way toward the open balconies of the castle. Perhaps Katarina was right, she was overthinking things about her grandfather and his rather secretive plots. Perhaps she was simply asking questions that there were no answers to and that she should trust her grandfather and his plans.

Do you really think his scheme is the only way? Yuki Kuran's voice now rang through her mind, once more casting doubt over her. Cassandra attempted to gather her thoughts, though her mind was now becoming more and more strained as she did. She strode to the balcony to get some air. As she breathed however, she caught the scent of freshly spilled blood.

She turned to see some Death Bringer guards walking down the hallway. She was shocked to find some of them were bleeding profusely while others appeared to have missing limbs.

"What happened?" She rushed toward them, horrified at how terrible the injuries were. "Who did this to you?"

"Fret not lady Cassandra." She now turned to see James walking behind them, his drawn blade now drenched in blood, with some splattered on his face. "It was a… mishap in the laboratories."

"A mishap?" Cassandra glared. "Mishaps don't make injuries like these!"

"It was a rather big mishap lady Cassandra." James clarified. "Mr. Lestat's work took a rather… unexpected turn. Therefore, it is my duty to assist him in such matters where security is to be compromised."

Cassandra bit her lip. The only thing that went on in those laboratories was Project Paragon. This was no secret to anyone within the family. "Project Paragon took an unexpected turn? Security compromised? What is going on in those labs James? I demand to know!"

"I apologise." James said. "But your grandfather has forbade me from speaking about any of this. I'm afraid you will need to bring it up with him. Please excuse me, I must tend to the wounded."

Cassandra grit her teeth, incensed at the poor answer she had received from James. All this time she had spent her life in this castle without clear answers to her grandfather's workings. However, now she felt that such times were over. She didn't know why, but she deserved to know what was going on in a family she was meant to inherit.

"Believe me…" Cassandra affirmed as he began to walk away. "I will…"

Outskirts of Ploiești

"Anything?" Shinji asked as Ichigo looked through the binoculars.

"No." Ichigo replied. "Nothing out of the ordinary as of now."

"Hmm…" Shinji frowned. "This stakeout thing is getting more complicated by the minute."

"I think you mean boring." Ichigo frowned. "Knowing you, that is what you are actually thinking."

"You don't know that." Shinji replied in monotone.

"Yes I do." Ichigo scowled. "And while we are on that subject, why am I stuck with you again?"

"Because Akira needs to help with the planning of the infiltration teams." Shinji said. "Emi already volunteered to team up with with Misaki and Ganju won't leave Gabriella's side. Henry and Lin Hua are serving to protect Akira, so that leaves just you and me."

"Fine, I get it." Ichigo said as he stared back through the binoculars again. Since their discussion, it was decided that for now, they would need to scout for any vehicles heading toward the fog covered region of the Carpathian mountains. Ichigo was in complete agreement that the Kraven clan needed a way to ensure its members were able to pass through the death trap safely. To do that however, they needed to intercept a returning convoy. The plan to do so was already in place. Now however came the job of actually finding the convoy and then attacking it. The timing needed to be crucial, hence the need for Ichigo's vigilant surveillance.

"I must say, the Darkstalkers did well in finding out this route." Shinji whispered as he sat down on the thick branch of the tree he perched on. "We wouldn't have been able to have gotten this far otherwise."

"True." Ichigo nodded. "Though it kinda pisses me off that the vampire queen has this much of the world within her reach. Reminds me of a certain Pureblood I know who does the same with a certain school."

Shinji merely shrugged, uncertain on how to respond to the remarks concerning his cousin. He now turned his eyes onto the road before something caught in his vision. He now squinted as much as he could, making out the moving shapes amidst the shadows.

"It seems like our guests are here." Shinji nodded as Ichigo stood up, taking out a small radio.

"This is Slayer." Ichigo stated. "Prey sighted. Commence."

"Trapper acknowledges." Came Misaki's voice. "Proceeding with snare."

"This is Blockade. We copy." Came Ganju's voice. "Shroud and walls are up on your signal."

Ichigo drew out his pistol, checking to make sure he had loaded it correctly. "You good?" He asked the Noble vampire beside him. Shinji now pulled out the Kusari-gama from under his coat, making a small cut on his finger.

"Let's do this." Shinji replied.

Mortis returned to his own private chambers, taking great care with the blood tablet infusion liquid that was poured out for him. Even for one as powerful as he is, he still required nourishment to keep going. He had already commanded his servants to leave, thus leaving him alone in the dark room.

Suddenly the doors opened again. Mortis squinted through the glare of the torches outside as a figure walked in. He studied the figure closely, surprise crossing his face as he recognised Cassandra. "Dear Cassandra." He said in a raspy voice. "This is unexpected. Why have you come to see me my dear?"

"Grandfather." Cassandra greeted before she got to the point. "Earlier I noticed many of our soldiers returning from the labs with grievous injuries. James told me that there was a 'mishap' with Project Paragon. Care to explain?"

"Ah, yes." Mortis nodded. "Yes there was a slight bit of trouble with that. You remember don't you that Project Paragon is to relieve me of this miserable existence. Well, it requires a few stepping stones to get there first. And unfortunately one of those stepping stones went… a little out of control. Worry not, there is no danger. James has seen to that and I have told Mr. Lestat to be more careful in future."

"Out of control?" Cassandra frowned. "I know what Project Paragon aims to cure your current ailments. How does that relate to the injuries I saw?"

"Silence Cassandra." Mortis chided her. "I told you such sensitive topics cannot be discussed at this time! When everything is confirmed and success has been made, I will speak at greater length to it all."

Cassandra blinked as she absorbed her grandfather's words, knowing he wasn't going to say any more. Many times her sisters had asked about what Project Paragon truly entailed, only to be shut down be him. Instead, she prepared another question.

"How long have you known?" Cassandra asked. "That I was a Blood Siren? And did mother know as well?"

Mortis frowned at Cassandra. "You were never this inquisitive before. Why are you asking me this now?"

"I asked you first." Cassandra said, triggering a stern look from her grandfather. The two of them remained silent, the tension now engulfing the entire room.

"When you look at me like that, I am reminded of Verona." Mortis sighed. The mention of her mother's name caused a dark look to spread across Cassandra's face. "She always had doubts over the powers of the Blood Siren. That instead of security, it would only bring ruin. Despite me trying to convince her, she always believed that no good would come out of the power of a Blood Siren. I believe that was why she kept it secret from us."

"Do you really think that explanation is enough for me to be satisfied?" Cassandra frowned.

"It's the only explanation I know." Mortis snapped. "I was not completely aware of what your mother was thinking when she decided to keep your powers a secret. Only after she had died did I finally notice, how animals were somehow drawn to your songs and how some of the servants also appeared entranced, more so than what was normal. I surmised therefore that those powers passed to you and for all these years I have been keeping you safe so that no one could take advantage of your gifts."

"Then why keep it a secret from me all this time?" Cassandra yelled. "If you had just told me about it, I would have understood so much more about my own place in the family. Why hide it from me?"

"As you have experienced for yourself, the power of a Blood Siren is draining." Mortis explained. "As a child, if you had attempted to use that power it would have left you exhausted. I waited for all these years so that the day would come for when you would be ready to wield it properly. Don't you understand Cassandra? I did all this to protect you, and yet here you stand and speaking to me as if I have committed some grave sin against you. Have you no gratitude?"

Cassandra clenched her fists as her grandfather's words sank in. She wasn't sure what sort of answer to give to that statement. All she could do now was hold her tongue and be silent. Mortis now breathed, a heavy rasp coming from his mouth. "Leave me. I wish to rest and have my meal in silence."

"As you wish, grandfather." Cassandra replied. She turned away and walked out of the room. As the doors closed behind her, she closed her eyes and breathed in deeply, calming her raging mind. As she opened her eyes again, she made her decision. If her grandfather was not going to explain things for her, then she will find those answers out herself.

I'm done.

"Hmm?" Anju frowned.

The jigsaw of memories. Yuki explained. I've pieced everything together now. I know what Mortis aims to achieve. It's… not good at all.

"So now what?" Anju asked. "You've seen those things in the laboratories. The vampires and the Hunters Association will be annihilated."

Yes. Yuki nodded from within. But not if we can take Mortis's greatest advantage away from him. Which is why this memory puzzle is absolutely necessary. It just needs to get to the right person.

"And how will we do that?" Anju asked as she looked around. "We are completely stuck in here."

Leave that to me. Yuki replied. Things have now been set into motion. For better or for worse, this will end soon enough.

Author's Note:

Once more, apologies for the late upload. I've only recently been able to commit time to this chapter and honestly, I've been having trouble in structuring certain areas so as to make a smooth way forward to the next chapter I am writing up. I only hope that doesn't harm this story in any way.

I will attempt to get out newer chapters as soon as possible now that I have more time to spare along with having been able to finish up previous fanfics that were going on simultaneously.

As always, read and review, and I hope you still enjoy this story.

Jdbl00d