"Seriously, I still think you guys went overboard." Gabriella pouted. "What was the whole point of me and Ganju ensuring they wouldn't escape if you lot were going to just immediately incapacitate them all anyways?"
"We were just being safe Gabby." Emi grinned as she leaned on one of the vampires that were completely frozen solid.
"Quit calling me that!" Gabriella growled. "Anyways, we can haul the unconscious ones onto the truck. What are you going to do about those who are totally frozen?"
"I can just thaw them out slowly." Emi smiled as she tapped on one of them. "Then, with you and Ganju, we can get them all apprehended before they regain consciousness."
"So you make a mess of things and then leave cleaning up to us?" Ganju frowned. "Wow, I can't believe that this is what our babysitting has degraded into."
"Hey! I was just making a suggestion!" Emi yelled back.
Ichigo looked on in bewilderment as the three of them started arguing with each other. "Okay seriously, how the hell are they Vampire Knights?"
"They passed the trials." Shinji stated. "And the queen approved of their knighting. As for their behaviour, well I'm not sure if I'm the best to vouch for. Even Akira can be at a loss at how to deal with this."
"It seems your missions are pretty crazy huh?" Misaki noted as she looked at the vampire she was sitting on. Seeing that he was beginning to stir, she gave a quick rabbit punch, knocking him unconscious again.
"Tell me about it." Shinji sighed. "Watch our captives okay? I'll be defusing that situation."
Ichigo sighed as Shinji went off while he and Misaki hefted their captives into the truck that was hidden well in the undergrowth. As they finished with getting them inside and began to return for the others, Ichigo stopped and stared at the mountain range. Misaki sensed his change of mood, turning to face him. "What is it?" She asked, a look of concern on her face.
"Nothing…" Ichigo shook his head. "Let's return for the rest of the prisoners."
"You and I both know that what's going on with you isn't just nothing." Misaki frowned. "Anju is my friend too, and I swore to bring her back to the world where she belongs. Back to Hibiki, Senior Dunois, Laura, Gerald, Frederick and the rest of her classmates. When I think about what they are doing to her…"
Ichigo stared as Misaki closed her eyes, a pained expression now crossing her face. No doubt she was remembering the time Yuki Kuran had contacted him. When he had told everyone of what was going on, it had triggered unease and shock through the room. Everyone had reached the same conclusion; Anju, and by extension Yuki, were potentially in mortal danger.
"We will get her back Misaki." Ichigo nodded. "I'll take her away from this place, and I'll bring her back home."
"Tsk, if we even find a way into that place." Misaki scoffed.
"Well, that's why we have these bastards." Ichigo gestured to the unconscious vampires in the truck. "C'mon, we are wasting time."
"Will she change?" Misaki asked. At this, Ichigo remained silent. "After all, she has been in direct contact with the consciousness of a Pureblood." Misaki continued. "What if; what if she stops being the Anju that I know and care about?"
"If that Kuran vampire does anything like that, I'll find a way to make her suffer." Ichigo affirmed. "To hell with wat that Queen says."
"Not that Ichigo." Misaki sighed. "I have seen what happens to some kids who survive vampire attacks. Some of them completely go into trauma, some become reclusive. Some even end up losing their minds. What she is going through now? It doesn't even compare to anything I've seen before."
Misaki breathed heavily as she faced Ichigo, who now saw her eyes tearing. "I don't want that to happen to her Ichigo. I don't want to see her lose her smile. I don't want her light to dim…"
Ichigo now gripped Misaki's hand in return. "Now, don't tell Anju I told you this, but she is a lot stronger than she looks. Hell, she has held off the painful process of getting turned, survived life threatening wounds and even holds her own against vampires. That takes a lot of guts if you ask me."
"And as much as I hate to admit it…" Ichigo sighed. "She has more than just the two of us looking out for her. You above all people should know that."
Misaki sighed, wiping her eyes. "Yeah. I guess I do."
"Then have faith Misaki." Ichigo said. "Have faith in her."
Misaki now let go of his hand. "Okay. I'll have faith in her. And I'll also have faith in that Kuran princess within her. I'm sure Ms. Yuki will do everything to keep her safe." Misaki now slapped her face lightly with both hands. "Alright, let's get the rest of these louts into the truck."
Ichigo watched as she ran out back toward the commotion of vampires arguing. Ichigo then brought up his hand, staring at it with cold eyes. If only I had the same kind of trust as you did in them. He mulled to himself.
Castle Kraven
Cassandra watched as the last guard left the corridor before she stepped lightly down the stairs. She had to be careful to ensure that the guard patrols would not spot her. True, they bowed to her and acknowledged her as one of the Kraven clan's royals, but their overall command still fell to her grandfather. No doubt that he would catch wind of her snooping about were she to be caught.
She quickly made her way to the labs, the entrance being guarded by a sliding metallic door with a handprint scanner keeping it closed. Cassandra wasn't confident that she could enter without alerting her grandfather. However, she did have one useful trick.
Cassandra waited in the shadows until the door finally opened and a man stepped out. He appeared to be one of the scientists working under Lestat. Cassandra now stepped out, startling the vampire.
"Goodness!" He gasped before regaining his composure. "Lady Cassandra! I am honoured to meet you. Forgive me, but I'm afraid I have some work to do."
"I'm sure you do." Cassandra nodded. "However, before any of that, I will need you to do something for me." Instantly, her hair transformed into its blood-red colour while her sclera shifted into the eerie black. "For starters, let me into those labs."
The scientist took merely one look and one good listening ear before he submitted completely. She had been practising this power every day. Granted, she wasn't sure if it could completely dominated him, but she was sure that his thoughts had ground to a halt instantly. In addition, there were extra things she was made aware of.
She watched as the scientist placed his hand on the scanner. The scanner flashed for a brief instant before a small light at the upper right corner of the metal plate lit up green. The door hissed open, revealing the metal corridor that led to the laboratories hidden beneath the castle. Now, she looked at the scientist she had dominated. With her practice of her powers, she had also learned a few new gimmicks that came along with the power of a Blood Siren.
"Thank you." Cassandra nodded. "Now return to your business, and forget everything you have experienced here." The scientist nodded as he walked away, shutting the door behind him as he left. Cassandra now breathed, her hair and eyes turning back to their normal colour. Cassandra now walked down the corridors to the labs whose inner workings were always a secret to everyone save for those who worked there. She quickly traversed the hallway, not wanting anyone to find out of her presence, especially Lestat.
The corridor now diverted into three different areas. To her left was area A. Straight ahead was area B and to her right; area C. She wondered which of the three areas to go to when she suddenly heard the hiss of a door opening down the hallway leading to area A. Cassandra quickly hid herself down the corridor of area C, hoping that she would not be noticed. As she did, her ears caught the conversation taking place.
"I swear, I never thought it would be so hazardous dealing with those things." Came one. "Handling the dissected bodies of humans and vampires was fine, but finding out the things we were working on could potentially kill us…"
"And that is why we have those Death Bringers down there." Came another voice. "So relax. Between them and Lord Kraven's skills, we should be able to work no problem."
"Easy for you to say." Replied the first voice. "I tried to feed one of them yesterday, and the thing nearly bit off my arm. And next I heard Lestat is working on making those things smarter and stronger. Those things are already bad enough as rabid dogs and he says there is still room for improvement?"
"Project Paragon is something we can all look forward to." Answered back the second. "Once it has been perfected, we needn't fear humans anymore…"
Cassandra didn't catch the rest of the conversation. She had long been overcome with an icy feeling in her gut that left her shaking. She now crept out from the hallway towards area C, slowly walking down toward the way to area A. What was going on in those laboratories? She had to know.
Cassandra now opened the door where the two of them had emerged from, stepping into what seemed to be an elevator. Cassandra looked as she saw the buttons ranged all the way to level 25. Figuring that there was nothing for it, she pushed the button for floor 25. At once she felt the elevator descend. Incredibly, the elevator did not stop at all through her descent. As the elevator stopped, Cassandra breathed a sigh of relief, thanking her luck that she had yet to remain undiscovered. The door now opened and Cassandra walked out into a strange room.
It was dark, the only lights being the faint lamps from above and the elevator, which disappeared almost immediately after she stepped out. Cassandra frowned as she attempted to get her bearings. She reached out amidst the darkness before her hand grabbed onto a bar. Cassandra's vision finally adjusted and she could now make out the bar of the cell she was now holding. She now wondered what would need a cell this far down in the laboratories.
In the silence of the room, she registered breathing. It sounded deep and guttural, almost inhuman in fact. She squinted to check what it was as her eyes adjusted to the dimness. She could now make out a strange figure hunched over within the cell. She gingerly approached the cell, putting her face as close as she dared.
Suddenly, she saw the figure move towards her. Cassandra cried out and fell backwards just as a clawed hand swiped at where her head was. The figure now snarled, a bestial sound that reverberated through the room. As soon as it did, hundreds of similar sounds echoed through the air. Cassandra now felt hot air blowing on the back of her neck. She screamed as the cage behind her rattled. Amidst the dim light, she could make out the white gleam of inhuman teeth.
"What just happened?" Cried out a voice. Cassandra quickly made her way back to the elevator, hitting the call button. She looked up and dread filled her mind to see that the elevator was now on level 16. She pressed the button frantically, hoping that no one would discover her and to get out of this place immediately.
"I don't know!" Came another voice. "They all just went berserk all of a sudden!"
"Vent the room, release the tranquiliser gas. It'll calm them down."
"Yeah, in three hours maybe. These things are like steroids on overdrive or something." A Death Bringer sighed as he made ready to leave the room. "I'd hate to be the one they were set loose upon…"
Cassandra looked up to see the lift finally reach her floor. Instantly, the door opened, revealing no one inside. Without pausing to take a moment's relief, she scrambled inside the elevator, hitting the button for the first floor. The door closed without delay, but not before shedding light into the room and its contents.
Cassandra shivered as the elevator made its way back up to the surface. She stood up shakily as the elevator made its way above. Then, the elevator came to a stop. Panic surged through her as the doors opened and one of the scientists walked in.
"Lady Cassandra?" He blinked." What're…" He barely finished before she seized control of his mind.
"Turn back. Forget you ever saw me." Cassandra commanded, which he obeyed without hesitation. As soon as the lift doors closed, Cassandra sank to the floor again.
It can't be… She told herself over and over. That is Project Paragon?
Whack! Whack! Whack!
Ichigo watched as a Darkstalker interrogated one of the captive vampires, which currently now resorted to physical brutality. Even if it wasn't him doing the interrogation (as Chairman Cross had conveyed fears that he would likely kill the prisoner), it was still somewhat gratifying to see another do the dirty work.
"I gotta admit." MIsaki noted coldly. "These guys have quite a good pain tolerance. It's been at least fifteen minutes of this and he still hasn't cracked."
"Guess it means that's how loyal they are to this Kraven guy." Henry noted, his eyes watching the scene without a hint of pleasure or regret.
"Or, it could also mean how much they fear him." Lin Hua said. "Unlike Akira, most vampires see their own servants as tools to be used as and when they find it convenient. If they are already afraid of retribution just for spilling some secrets, it makes me wonder how powerful this Kraven vampire is."
"He already has made a powerful fog wall capable of decaying anything within it to dust within seconds." Ganju said. "I'm pretty sure that is a good representation of his strength."
"I for one believe there is more." Akira spoke as the Darkstalker gave one last punch. "I doubt someone who has been cautious enough to avoid being found by the world for this long would play his whole hand just yet. For now however, we need to find out exactly how to enter his domain first." He now stared at the Darkstalker vampire, who walked away and exited the room. Within a few seconds, he emerged and went before the queen.
"Your Majesty." He reported. "It seems he is ready to talk."
Ai narrowed her eyes as she nodded in response. She headed for the door of the room, Ren following behind as she opened the door and stepped inside. The captive vampire looked up as she approached, his bloodied face doing nothing to spark any form of pity in Ai's mind. "Your master has taken someone very important from us." Ai said coldly. "Tell us how to enter his realm and I will spare you a pointless death."
"You might as well kill me." The vampire groaned. "I'm already dead either way…"
"We'll make sure you are kept safe." Ren said. "Just tell us how to get inside castle Kraven."
The vampire looked up with blank eyes. For a minute, Ren believed the endeavour was completely fruitless until he spoke. "They have thralls, wandering the borders of the fog. They serve as the gate guards into the realm… They indicate where we can enter without consequence."
"Thralls?" Ren frowned. "Explain."
"I think I know." Ai nodded. "I believe we have gotten what we needed from this one. Now, see to it that he is put into custody. Additionally, let the Hunter's Association know about my terms with him."
"Understood sister." Ren nodded as they left the room. Ren immediately relayed her instructions to the Darkstalker on guard before she called everybody together.
"So Ai, how goes it?" Kirihara asked as he sat down.
"First, we have found a way past the barrier." Ai reported. "Our guest has decided to squeal, but Kirihara, I would like to request custody of him. He seems convinced that his shadowy master will come for his life."
"I'll negotiate on that." Kirirhara nodded. "However, if that is the case, I fear even with what we do our guest may end up getting killed either way. Nevertheless, perhaps we can find a prison with good security against those hoping to get in as well."
"That is a problem for a later date." Ai agreed. "For now, I fear we may have a bigger problem. Our guest has reported that the Kraven clan has thralls patrolling the boundary of the fog. Simply put, they are in areas where the fog is at its weakest, allowing their servants and external troops are able to enter before its deathly effects occur. I have reason to believe these thralls are simply individuals who have had their minds shut down and placed under the command of their clan head, similar to the ones the Association had apprehended some time ago."
"So basically, those mindless drones are our way in." Emi nodded.
"Which therefore brings a new problem." Ai frowned. "If these thralls are under their control, how are we to fool them into thinking we are their subordinates? Likely they will increase the strength of the barrier upon recognising threats, thus preventing our entry. How do we ensure we can enter safely?"
Silence permeated the room as they realised the dilemma they were in. Ichigo however paid that little mind. If there was a way he would be able to get Anju out of that place, he was taking it.
"Well then, if you are that serious, I suppose I'll have to help you with that." Came a familiar voice. Ichigo turned to see Yuki Kuran standing by him once more.
"You seriously need to stop this crap." Ichigo growled. "A heads-up would be nice before I start losing sense of reality and time."
"Absolutely impossible." Yuki shrugged. "When I do it, it happens. There is no alarm or warning that will go off. But at any rate, let's get down to business. I see you guys have been finding ways to breach the barrier."
Ichigo nodded. "Yeah. But as you can see, we've hit a bit of a road block right now."
"Still, you got this far." Yuki mused. "But at any rate, I did say that I would also be able to help you out and it's time I held up my end on that. I did some investigations and the source of the barrier is the Kraven clan head, Mortis Kraven."
"Mortis…" Ichigo frowned as his feelings of exhilaration returned. Now he knew the name of his real prey. Ferocity entered his mind as he reminded himself of what he would do the minute he found him.
"Uh, hello? Anyone still in there?" Yuki frowned, snapping Ichigo back into focus.
"Sorry." Ichigo apologised. "I got carried away there."
"Sure did." Yuki nodded. "Now, back to the barrier issue. The thing is, Mortis does allow his servants in via recognition. You guys won't be able to enter unless you find a way for him to see you as allies."
"Which is impossible." Ichigo groaned.
"Right." Yuki affirmed. "And this is where I come in. See, in our time here, we have been able to see Mortis for ourselves. He… Well, his situation isn't pretty at all. He tends to have periods of poor health at times. During these periods, his control over the thralls wane. And that's where I come in."
"What?" Ichigo frowned.
"Simply put, I can dominate a thrall from where I am using my powers." Yuki said. "Through that, I can ensure there is no warning given to your presence. You'll be able to sneak in then." Ichigo's eyes widened. Never did he think the Kuran princess would be such a great help. In his mind, she had been nothing but an annoyance.
"I heard that." Yuki pouted. Realising that she could still read his thoughts, Ichigo merely shrugged and looked away.
"Well, I suppose that if that is our best shot, then we'll go for it." Ichigo nodded.
"There is just one catch." Yuki explained. "I can only control the thrall for a few seconds before Mortis notices. Therefore, only a small group of you will be able to enter before I have to break the hold. It wouldn't do well for Mortis to put heavier tabs on me at the moment."
"Meaning that a small group must first enter and then find a way to bring the barrier down permanently." Ichigo concluded.
"Yes." Yuki nodded. "And to do that, we must confront Mortis directly. It will not be easy to defeat him, but just occupying his thoughts should bring the barrier down completely. His focus is on it every second. Break that focus, and the fog vanishes, allowing your forces to enter."
"Okay then." Ichigo nodded. "Then that is the plan."
"Good that you have agreed so easily." Yuki smiled. "I thought you would need some convincing. Once your assault begins, get Akira and find me, for I have a task that requires you both. You will be able to do that, I assure you."
"Just do your part." Ichigo growled. "We'll find you once we take care of Mortis."
"Very well. But plan quickly." Yuki warned. "And be wary of the assault nonetheless. I fear Mortis has more than a few traps waiting."
"Wait, before you go…" Ichigo said. "Tell me, what is Project Paragon?" Yuki moved to answer, but suddenly she jerked her head to her left. She vanished a few seconds later and colour returned to Ichigo's world once more.
"Ichigo?" Misaki frowned as she prodded his arm. "Anyone there?"
Ichigo blinked as he registered the room once more focussed on him. Wasting no time, he began to speak. "Our benefactor contacted me again. She has a solution for us."
At the mention of this, a spark of concern flew across Ai's face. "Pray tell, what is it Mr. Kitsuke?" She asked. With her approval given, Ichigo came forward and began to explain.
She ran through the dark hallways of the castle and to her room in one of the main towers. It wasn't long before she felt the bile rise to her throat. Dashing for the bathroom, she barely made it to the toilet before she started throwing up.
Once she had stopped, Cassandra took a few breaths before rinsing the taste of vomit from her mouth. She then flopped down upon her bed, clutching her body tightly. She was more than horrified at what she had seen in the laboratories, even more so how her grandfather appeared to have approved the creation of those creatures.
She had heard it all before from her grandfather, that Project Paragon would become the future of the vampire race, that it would give them greater power and security than ever before. What she had just seen was none of those. She had only seen bloodthirsty beasts.
"Milady?" Cassandra now turned to see Beatrice hovering at her door, carrying a tray laden with a teapot and cup. The maid approached her, leaving the tray on the table before she sat down on Cassandra's bed. "Is something wrong?"
"Not just something Beatrice…" Cassandra sighed. "Everything feels wrong now. I just saw what Project Paragon was and it was… it was abhorrent…"
Beatrice wasn't sure what to say. This was the first time she would see her mistress this shaken over something. "Milady, what can I do?"
"I don't know Beatrice." Cassandra sighed, still distraught. "I need to talk to her again."
"Milady you've been doing that for days." Beatrice said. "If your grandfather ever found out…"
"I'll make sure he doesn't." Cassandra affirmed. "I just need you to ensure no one comes in here."
"Understood." Beatrice bowed as Cassandra left. The Pureblood girl now made her way toward the lone tower that stood at the southern end of the castle. It was a simple matter to evade the guards, she had memorised all of their usual patrol routes to make easier her old habit of sneaking out of the castle in the past. Unnoticed, she entered the prison tower, making her way to the top floor and to the lone door in the tower that was now locked. With a slight bit of apprehension, she knocked on the door. It wasn't long before she answered.
"Cassandra?" Anju answered. Cassandra now knelt next to the door, her breaths still heavy, though not from the strain of the climb.
"Hello Anju." Cassandra spoke at last. "How are you?"
"I'm fine I suppose." Anju replied. "But I suppose the real question is, how are you?"
Cassandra froze. She then remembered what lurked within Anju's mind, and berated herself for forgetting. "You know." Cassandra snapped. "Or rather, she knows. Let her tell you."
"Tell us yourself." Anju said, her voice firm and unyielding. "We want to hear you say it."
"I…" Cassandra stammered. "I can't… I don't know how…"
Silence went between the two of them as Cassandra tucked in her legs and hugged them tightly. So many things were happening so fast in ways she could never imagine. Whatever comfort she had found in this castle had vanished.
No, it had vanished long ago. She was just too stupid to realise it at all. "Anju… What do I do? Everything is feeling so wrong… I never thought my grandfather would go this far…"
"It's funny how what we hope for and what reality shows us are so completely different." Anju replied.
"But why?" Cassandra asked in distress. "Why did he keep something like this from me? Why is this even necessary to begin with!? Tell me!" Cassandra panted in exhaustion, anger, pain and confusion as she attempted to recover from her outburst.
"Cassandra…" The person answered from within the cell again. This time however, her voice sounded different. It had a sharper edge to it, but somehow felt just as warm.
"Yuki Kuran…" Cassandra answered as she looked up toward the metal door. She then saw a hand reach out from between the bars of the small window in the door.
"Drink my blood Cassandra." Yuki said. "From there, I will be able to answer your questions with the memories I have obtained from you and those who have come before. However, a fair warning. If you do this, there will be no turning back. You will be hunted by your family till the end of days. I can do what I can to protect you, but ultimately the choice is yours."
Cassandra looked up, feeling the blood pumping through the veins of the human girl who now harboured the conscience one of the most powerful vampires known. Cassandra now recalled the memories that Yuki Kuran had told her of so long ago. She wondered exactly what she would see from this moment on. Apprehension gripped her like a cold vice and she hesitated, the thoughts of her family becoming her enemies weighing heavily on her mind.
But still, she had to know what was going on. She had enough of secrets and plots surrounding her that she wasn't aware of. She wanted answers, and she wanted them now.
"Will I regret anything?" Cassandra asked as she took hold of the arm.
"That depends on what you hold dear to your heart." Yuki replied.
Cassandra mulled over her choice once more, standing up to face the extended arm. Seeing no other way, she grabbed the hand and placed her lips close to it. "This might hurt a little."
"Aren't we all accustomed to pain?" Yuki queried in response.
"Yes." Cassandra nodded. "In more ways than one it would seem." Soon after, she opened her mouth and pierced the skin of Anju's arms with her fangs.
Author's Note:
So I'm just starting to get to the final section of this arc. I'm estimating it will be done in about 2-3 chapters, but do bear with me for the late releases. I absolutely suck when it comes to doing other things and balancing them with my Persona 5 gameplay.
As always, please read and review anything that you think I should improve on, and do bear with me for future releases.
JdBl00d