Author's Note:

So, so sorry for the massively long hiatus in this story. The recent weeks had not been kind and University assignments/projects had to take a bigger priority over writing this fic. That, along with writer's block did not make for a productive writing process.

However, with all my assignments finished, I have more than enough time to dedicate to this! I hope to finally publish chapters more frequently and to actually work toward concluding this story at last.

For now, here is the next chapter of Vampire Knight: Judgement. I hope you like it and thank you for your patience.

Anju stood in silence in Chairman Cross's office. Around her were the rest of the Day class prefects, their eyes staring blandly as Chairman Cross pulled a white board out. With a cheery expression, he took out a black marker and quickly scribbled words upon the whiteboard. As soon as he was done, he walked away and smiled at the prefects gathered. Everyone now turned their attention upon the words written upon the board, and a little more than half the eyes in the room frowned.

'Cross Academy School Festival'. Those were the words written upon the whiteboard.

"Chairman…" Leonardo Cassidy, one of the more senior prefects, asked. "What's all this about?"

"Well…" Chairman Cross spoke in a cheery tone. "Considering the trouble we've had recently, I was thinking of doing something different for Autumn! And therefore, I have decided we should begin with a School Festival, just to lighten the mood!"

"Um…" Anju frowned. "That seems good and all, but what makes you think this is a good idea?"

"Firstly, we've been too stressed over the constant attacks on the academy!" Chairman Cross explained with a strange vigour. "The students, both vampire and human alike must experience the full joys of teenage youth in school!"

"O-okay…" Yura Kohaku, a Sophomore prefect stammered, obviously taken aback by the Chairman's outburst. "Then, we are expected to help keep surveillance?"

"Exactly Ms. Kohaku!" Chairman Cross nodded. "As the plan right now is to have both the Day and Night classes mingle during this event, we will need the prefects from both Day and Night students to assist in ensuring nothing goes wrong! I intend to brief the vampire prefects, so fret not! All will have equal levels of support!"

"Okay then…" Isabelle blew a lock of hair out of her face. "Anything else?"

"Second, it will serve as a welcoming for Ms. Cassandra Kraven! As you know she is now going to be a student in our school, and wouldn't you agree she needs the most amount of time to clear her head after everything that has happened?" At these words, even the prefects couldn't help but agree. After all, some of them had grown especially close to her in the last time she was around.

And third, it also gives us a chance to showcase our different cultures to all!" Chairman Cross elaborated. "As you know, we are the only school who accepts both vampire and human students! Therefore, we must be able to demonstrate the uniqueness of our school's catering to both human and vampire!"

"And how will we be doing that?" Anju asked, curiosity now overtaking her thoughts. To this, nothing but silence reverberated throughout the room. The prefects now looked at one another before all eyes stared at Chairman Cross, who now appeared to be shaking nervously.

Anju's face now flashed a dark look at her adoptive father. "Chairman, did you by any chance call us here to help you figure something out?"

"Um…" Chairman Cross gulped, deciding to turn and face the whiteboard. "Well, you see…"

"Did you explain this to the faculty yet?" Anju's dark glare now bore into his back. "Or the students? What about the groundwork and funding we need? Also, have we even thought about who we will be inviting to this? Don't tell me that you thought of this idea without even considering all that."

Chairman Cross now began sweating in the face of Anju's ruthless interrogation. Even the other prefects showed semblances of nervousness upon looking at Anju. Misaki now secretly wondered if that part of her had been left behind by Yuki Kuran as well.

Then Anju sighed. "Oh fine, I guess I'll help make a draft." She now moved forward, taking the marker from the Chairman's hand. "Right, the first thing we need to do is organize a planning committee. It has to include people from both Day and Night classes to ensure a full representation of the whole student body. Next, we need to announce it to the school. I think the best way forward is to let each class decide what they want to do for the festival. As for funding, well, maybe we can try to approach Queen Ai, since she supports the school. Maybe we can use the entire academy grounds, it should work."

"Oh my dear Anju!" Chairman Cross now wept tears of joy and admiration. "You are such a lifesaver!"

"Well, if we were to consider these plans, how long can we get everything ready?" Misaki asked. "I mean, we still need to be on patrol."

"We'll make some drafts." Leonardo said. "If we draft up some routes around the whole academy, we should be able to cover all our bases. I'll handle that with the senior prefects."

"We'll also need to allocate spaces for everyone." Anju said. "Hopefully this will take a few days to get ready. We'd best start by holding an initial meeting, say tomorrow at dusk. That should give us some time to put forward a few ideas. Who will communicate this to the Night class?"

"I volunteer!" Misaki grinned. "I have a good relationship with the vampires after all!"

Chairman Cross smiled as things began to take shape, the students enthusiastically giving ideas over who else should form the committee from the various classes. As he began to sit down, Anju came over and grabbed his hand.

"Chairman." She smiled. "I do have one idea that I think can already be considered."

"O-oh?" Chairman Cross stuttered. "What would that be?"

"That depends on how well you can get this ready." Anju now handed him a list that appeared to have certain special equipment listed down. As he studied it, a wry smile formed as he realised just what Anju was intending to do.

"Well?" Anju asked. "What do you think?"

Chairman Cross smiled. "It shouldn't be a problem to make it. We can definitely make it within two weeks."

"Perfect!" Anju smiled before continuing to address other affairs.

Hours Later; Moon Dorm

Cassandra finally unpacked the last bag she had brought with her. It was only a few days ago that she had been formally re-enrolled back into the academy. Despite that, she still felt like a stranger within the walls. Not too long ago she had seen this place as part of a world that was twisted in morals and beliefs. Now, with the revelation that all of that was merely a lie put upon her by her grandfather, she wasn't sure what to think of it now.

Even stranger was what Akira himself had done the moment she had stepped into the dormitory. He had even called together the entirety of the Night class just for an important announcement. Cassandra remembered every word he had spoken back then, and the offer he had made.

"Me!?" Cassandra had exclaimed. "You want me to lead the Night class?"

"As you know, there will be times where I and the other Vampire Knights will be absent." Akira explained as the car drove them to the gates of the Moon dorm. "And while some of my friends have a good amount of authority among the Night class, the presence of a Pureblood to enforce the rules of the academy, not to mention keep the Night class safe, is still necessary."

"But why me? After what I did…" Cassandra now sighed. It was no secret that some vampires had been killed in the initial attack by the Deathbringers and her sister. "I'm still responsible for much of the pain inflicted upon this academy. I'm sorry Akira, but I am not suited for this role."

"That is where I believe you are wrong Cassandra." Akira explained. "Many of the students have heard of you cooperation with us, and of your own circumstances. And they have also heard of your own courage in the final moments of the battle at Castle Kraven."

"Be that as it may…" Cassandra replied. "I doubt a moment of virtue can overturn such grave sins."

"I believe that is up to you to decide Cassandra." Akira said as they pulled up toward the Moon dorm. "But know this, I chose you simply because I know you will not allow such things to happen ever again. That is my firm belief."

Cassandra sighed as she fell back onto her bed, tightly clutching the pillow as she rolled to her side. Since then, the Night class had been quite welcoming of her, even going so far as to address her as Lady Cassandra, though she wasn't having any of it. Additionally, she had support regarding the inner workings of the dorm from Gabriella Kurenai, one of the knights who did not require intensive combat training. While she had come to accept that the Night class harboured no ill will toward her (which she believed was mostly due to her Pureblood status), she was still concerned about the Day class students. Among the student body, they were the ones who would have good reason to face her with apprehension.

In addition, she thought back to her own sisters, who would no doubt hunt her down relentlessly for what she had done. Granted, she never felt especially close to any of them; even Katarina, whom she considered the only person she could actually hold a conversation with. Still, to think that now they wouldn't hesitate to kill her; that thought alone made her feel lonelier than ever. She would have confided with Beatrice, but as of now the maid was away with Queen Ai on other business as a way of also integrating her into current vampire society.

A knock came at the door, snapping Cassandra out of her thoughts. "Come in." She said, sitting up upon the bed, though still clutching the pillow. The door opened, and Gabriella Kurenai stepped inside.

"Hello Cassandra." Gabriella greeted her, which eased Cassandra slightly. As of now, Gabriella was the only one who didn't need to be reminded constantly about addressing her informally. "There is something that requires our attention. One of the Day class prefects are here."

"What for?" Cassandra frowned.

"I was hoping she could explain." Gabriella answered. "They even gathered whatever Night class students they could find. I expect this is something big."

"Hmm." Cassandra buried her face into the pillow, mulling over what Gabriella had said. She wondered what was so important that her attention was required. As of now, she had been quite overwhelmed with trying to adjust into her new role as head of the Night class. Mostly, Gabriella had been handling the work, while providing her assistance in many matters. As much as Cassandra was thankful for the help, she felt that this could not stand. "Alright then. I'll be right there."

"Okay." Gabriella nodded, closing the door. Cassandra now went to her wardrobe. It would soon be time for the Night class to enter the main building. It was important to get herself ready by then. Once she had gotten dressed, Cassandra gathered what she needed for class and left her room. Gabriella, who had waited outside, proceeded to accompany her.

As soon as Cassandra approached the stairs, she saw that a good number of the vampire students had already convened within the main lounge. Seated right in the middle was the prefect whom she recognised as Misaki Shiba. Still, it was curious as to why she was the sole Day student who had come.

As soon as she made her way down, the vampires in the room bowed. "Good day to you, Lady Cassandra." Cassandra sighed internally at their greeting as soon as she realised that they had yet to heed her requests. Still, she wasn't in a mood for correcting that, so she merely waved in return. She then sat herself before the prefect who had arrived.

"Hello Ms. Cassandra." Misaki greeted.

"Please Misaki, Cassandra is fine." Cassandra replied. "Now then, I assume there is something you have to discuss? I infer that it must be important if you are asking for me."

"Well, it is kinda important I guess. It involves the whole school." Misaki explained. "Let me just cut to the chase." Slowly, Misaki began to explain the idea that Chairman Cross had put forth as the school festival, which came as a surprise to Cassandra and the entire Night class.

"A festival?" One vampire asked. "Now? Shouldn't we be concerned more about the threats in the future?"

"It is for that reason the Chairman has said this was necessary." Misaki explained. "Cross academy is one of the few places in the world that promotes coexistence between vampires and humans. Lately, it has become all too apparent that not everyone buys that idea." Murmurs and whispers resounded through the room, while Cassandra's gaze lowered. It was true that with both the Kraven clan and the organisation known as Helsing, the world was now teetering on conflict between humans and vampires once more.

"But that's why, we have to show the world that it is possible!" Misaki responded with a renewed vigour. "We have to show them that we can coexist! That peace is possible! You all agree right?"

"Even so, how will the school manage this?" Gabriella asked. "There is no groundwork, and we have never done anything like this before…"

"And that's why we have to ask that you put together a few people to help us out!" Misaki said, bowing her head slightly. "We need a planning committee to make sure that the festival caters to all the students of the school!"

"What about guests?" One student said.

"And security?" Came another. "Recent events have made it clear that we'll need to ensure something major like this goes smoothly. After all, we have already been attacked twice." Then, the student seemed to realise what he had just implied, immediately bowing before Cassandra. "Lady Cassandra, I apologise for that! It was unthoughtful of me!"

"No, no. It's fine." Cassandra chuckled before turning back to Misaki. "All things aside, I am interested."

"Cassandra?" Gabriella asked, unsure of her response.

"Since meeting Yuki Kuran, I learned things about the world that I never thought I would." Cassandra explained. "But, I have grown scarce in my experience of 'fun' things. This idea of your Chairman's, while merely whimsical, appears fun at the very least." She now turned to the rest of the vampires. "Don't you all think so?"

"But lady Cassandra, what can we contribute?" Asked a female student.

"Who knows?" Cassandra smiled. "But wouldn't you agree that part of the fun in a festival is planning it? Besides, in the end we aren't so different from humans, are we?"

The vampires started conversing among each other again. Though there were apprehensions, there were also some showing interest. Some of the noble vampire students were also discussing among themselves how their powers could contribute.

"Well, if you are so inclined, I guess I can let you in on something…" Misaki cleared her throat. "Thing is, Anju apparently wants to try and put together some sort of stage. So, I don't know, maybe you can have some sort of performance?"

"How wonderful!" Cassandra exclaimed. "We can do so much with it! Thank you for letting us know Misaki. For now though, I think getting together a few initial ideas will be required. I'll also gather some representatives for the planning committee."

"Great!" Misaki answered as she checked her watch. "Well, classes will be starting soon. I'd best not keep you."

"Very well then." Cassandra nodded. "See you tomorrow." Misaki said goodbye before leaving the Moon dorm. Once she had gone, Cassandra thought slowly to herself. As she did, her lips curled into a smile.

"You seem happy." Gabriella stated. "Just a few minutes ago, you were gloomier than a rainy day."

"Well, I just realised that this festival is another opportunity to sing again." Cassandra giggled. "How could I not be?" She stood up, garnering the attention of all the vampire students. "Now then, I will be thinking of who will represent our class upon the Festival committee. Before daybreak, I will make my decision known, and you can confer to them your ideas. I hope that will suffice for all?"

As usual, no objections were made. Still, Cassandra felt that this agreement was not based on her Pureblood status. Rather, she felt it was because the Night class, in one way or another, had agreed with her own feelings.

"Perhaps you are more suited to lead the Night class than you thought previously." Gabriella commented.

"I suppose we'll find out, won't we?" Cassandra smirked. "Now then, I wonder if Queen Ai will lend an ear to some of my requests."

Hanabusa Aidou mulled over some of the reports regarding the Paragon creatures in his private office. So far, progress had been made only on the Wretchlings. While limited, the beasts alone had given enough information about their properties. Tests had confirmed that their flesh was thick and extremely durable, attesting to the huge muscle mass of the creatures, which was why their metabolism was incredibly high.

Additionally, due to the human properties within their blood, it allowed them to remain strong at all times, though it seemed that wasn't enough to quell their hunger alone, which was why they still hunted for prey. For now, the tests were still ongoing. Hopefully, he would have more information to provide to Ai in the morning.

As he attempted to categorise them, the phone on his desk rang. He picked it up, balancing it between his ear and shoulder. "Aidou speaking."

"Mr. Aidou?" Came the caller. "I am calling regarding the blood tests that we were conducting from Anju Cross."

"Very well, what of it?" Aidou asked.

"For now sir, it appears that nothing regarding the composition of her blood has changed. Everything still appears within normal standards." Came the reply. Aidou now frowned, concerned that despite this, the caller was speaking in a very rushed tone.

"So? What appears to be the problem?" He asked.

"Well, there was a mishap with the samples." The caller explained. "You see, we had unfortunately contaminated one sample with blood drawn from one of our other vampire patients."

"I see." Hanabusa nodded. "That is very serious. I will bring this up upon the next time I visit to ensure this doesn't happen again."

"Fair point sir, but that was not the main issue." The caller replied, which befuddled him even more.

"Then what is?" Hanabusa frowned, now pausing in his current task.

"Here's what baffles us sir." The caller explained. "When we attempted to clean the sample, one of the staff had managed to get a good look under the microscope. It turned out that the vampire blood cells had effectively merged together with that of Ms. Cross's. However, rather than a hybridisation like that of your dhampir children, we found that the DNA of Ms. Cross appeared to adapt in response to the vampire DNA."

Alarm flashed upon Hanabusa's face. "Wait, do you mean?"

"We currently cannot confirm this, and we will need more tests to be sure." Came the reply. "But if this occurs consistently then…"

"…it is likely that Ms. Anju Cross has become a human capable of bearing vampire children."

Well, there's that. I hope to publish the next chapter soon!