"Let's see…" Anju frowned as she went through the map. "Class-3E needed to change to the outside since they could only get a gas stove for their Takoyaki stand. That means we could potentially use their classroom as extra room for 3B's maid café."

"Class-2F wanted to get more tables and chairs for their arts and crafts section." Yura said. "I suppose we can carry some of 3E's for them to use, but I'm worried about how we will get all the stuff sorted properly."

"We could just mark them and let them know." Replied the third year student elected as the committee representative. "I'll settle this with them." As he said this, the door opened and a male student came in with a large box.

"I've got them right here! The printing team went all out with this!" He beamed as he sat the box down on the table and opened them up. Everyone looked in amazement at the guide pamphlets that were meant to be printed for the day itself.

"Wow!" A second year girl said. "These look pretty cool!" She held up one, looking at the Cross Academy rose symbol adorning the front before opening it to see the contents. "Oh wow, we even have the schedule for the main stage!"

"Well, that is one thing out of the way." Anju smiled as she also reviewed them. "Right, we'll store these until the big day! There weren't any more complaints regarding space right?"

"Not that I'm aware of." Yura shook her head. "We've had a good month to prepare, and everyone seems hyped up about this. Though for some reason the Night class seems more excited that everyone else."

Anju giggled. "Well, I'm sure that's because they haven't experienced anything like this before. And they have been practicing really hard, especially for their stage bit. I really hope the students come to enjoy what they have been working on."

"Alright, break time!" Gabriella said as the stage performers finished their rehearsal.

Everyone breathed as they wiped the sweat from their brows and put their instruments down. Cassandra herself sat away from the musicians, taking a glass of blood tablet solution for her parched throat. "Who knew singing Rock could be so liberating?"

"You really are going all out aren't you?" Gabriella said as she handed her a towel. "You know, I've never seen a Pureblood vampire actually scream out a Rock song before. It's actually very refreshing."

"Totally." Emi agreed as she removed the earplugs that protected her from the whines of the guitars. "I mean, can you imagine Akira trying to scream over speed-metal solos or stand on a flashy stage? Sooo not like him."

The two of the giggled as Cassandra watched on, breathing as she tried to relax. Truth be told, she was quite hopped up on adrenaline at this point. Her heart was racing so fast that she thought it would burst from her chest. Even more prominent was how she couldn't help but think about the experience of it all. She wondered what it would be like if her sisters could experience this. Then, her eyes fell.

"Cassandra?" Emi frowned. "What's wrong?"

"Oh… Um." Cassandra sighed as she composed herself. "I was just thinking about my sisters, that's all. I keep wondering where they are right now, what are they doing, and if they are even okay…"

"Um, no offense." Emi replied. "But I'm pretty sure your sisters wouldn't care."

"I know." Cassandra nodded. "Still, I worry about them a lot. Even if our relationship is so messed up, I want them to see the things I have seen. And while it is merely wishful thinking, I would have wanted them to attend this festival. Maybe… maybe then I wouldn't feel so alone…"

Emi frowned as she approached the Pureblood. "You still feel like you haven't completely fit in? You know the Night class more than respects your authority."

"Well, I don't think I have done anything to earn it." Cassandra said. "Unlike Akira, I don't exactly have a good reputation among all the students."

Gabriella frowned as Cassandra finished talking. "Still worried about the Day class students huh?"

"Well, I wasn't exactly the angel they thought I was after the whole invasion fiasco…" Cassandra sighed. "I just worry that I'll be remembered just for that."

Gabriella and Emi looked at each other, now understanding why Cassandra was working so hard. While they have had reputations among the Day class, Cassandra herself did not. They knew how difficult it was to maintain their reputations after the time Ichigo had turned and attacked Anju. This time was likely a bigger challenge considering the greater damage caused.

"Cassandra, I know it isn't going to be easy." Emi said. "But I don't think you should let that discourage you. You've been working so hard for this day through your rehearsals, your planning for our activities in this event, along with managing some of the more rowdy ones among us. I'm sure that it will reach the hearts of the Day class students."

"I hope so…" Cassandra said as she blew a lock of hair out of her face.

"It will." Gabriella nodded. "Just relax and remember, despite what you think, there are some Day class students who do believe in you."

Cassandra found herself unable to argue with Gabriella's comment, especially since she remembered the Day class students who had managed conversations with her during her daily journey to class, especially Anju's classmates. Besides, her performance was the last on the stage schedule, meaning that the chances of the Day class students seeing it was rather high. Hopefully, she might just be able to show everyone just how different she was compared to back then. "Alright, you got me." She chuckled. "I suppose I ought to get myself ready for the big day tomorrow.'

"Now that's more like it!" Emi grinned, slapping Cassandra on the back. "Alright, I'm going to check out if we have everything we need ready for the open museum we have planned. The second floor should be done soon, but I'll go see if they need an extra pair of hands."

"Please do." Cassandra said. "I'll be working on my vocal warm-ups. Gabriella, how is the roster for security?"

"Well, Chairman Cross recently told the entire student body that we just need normal security within the buildings, and not for the patrols. I don't know why that got changed."

"Perhaps he has something in mind since Anju told him of that Rodin fellow we met the other day." Cassandra frowned. "Well, I just hope that whoever he is getting are good at their jobs."

Hunter's Association Headquarters, Main Council Room

Marcus frowned as he watched the almost comedic sight of Kirihara Cross prostrated before the table. He wondered why the headmaster of Cross Academy had arranged for this meeting, but he had agreed under the assumption that it was for a very important reason. Now, Marcus himself regretted even bothering to meet with him, the proposal before him and the prostration of Chairman Cross being all the proof he needed. He looked to Kidomaru who had accompanied him, the burly hunter now looking away as soon as their eyes made contact.

"A school festival?" Yumika Shiba frowned as she studied the dossier. "And you want to request some Death Dealers to serve as security for the event?"

"If you would be so kind." Kirihara's muffled voice replied.

"Kirihara, I know that you have your own personal quirks with running that school, but this is a little over the top, even for you." Marcus replied.

"Please!" Kirihara now ran up to the table, tears streaming down his eyes. "Those cute students worked so hard for this event! What kind of adults just goes and tramples over all their dreams like that?"

Marcus held his palm up to the Chairman's face, stopping Kirihara from approaching further. "How is this trampling over their dreams?"

"Now now Marcus…" Yumika responded in an attempt to mediate. "While I do understand that this is unprecedented and quite likely something we shouldn't be spending manpower on, remember that there is another reason why we would likely be employing stricter guard to Cross Academy."

Marcus looked toward Yumika, sighing as he acknowledged her point. He pushed Kirihara back, folding his hands as he spoke again. "Fine. But I'll only allow just a small squad of Death Dealers. If what you say is true, this Rodin fellow is a significant lead on the organisation of Helsing. Zen has been chasing echoes with little or no success, and honestly his complaining is getting more and more annoying each day. If it helps his work in anyway, I'll cooperate."

Kirihara stared in silence for a while. Then, his eyes filled with tears again as he prostrated once more. "Oh thank you, thank you, thank you! You have no idea how much this means to me!"

"Marcus, while I do believe Death Dealers are the best we can provide, I was thinking that it might make some of the Night class students a tad bit too jumpy. They are renown for slaying vampires after all." Yumika said.

"So what?" Marcus asked. "You will be tagging along?"

"Just to make sure nothing goes wrong." Yumika winked. "Besides, I want to see what my daughter has in store for this festival."

You just want to go, don't you? Marcus sighed internally. "Fine, I will allow it. But remember, you are there for an official business, alright? As for the Death Dealers, I'll put a squad together."

"If I could just make another selfish request…" Kirihara said. "Perhaps it would be a good idea for Ichigo to come back. He's been away from school for far too long, and I'd like to just check up on how he is doing."

"Ford has been sending reports, I do so believe." Marcus said.

"Reports are but a single facet of truth!" Kirihara vehemently replied. "I want to at least talk to him! He's like a son to me! You have no right to keep me away from him!"

"Alright, fine!" Marcus snapped. "I'll make arrangements. Anything else?"

"Nope, that is all." Kirihara said, before his face became more serious. "However Marcus, I do stress caution. Should this Rodin fellow appear, it will take quite some effort to restrain him. The strength he possesses worries me plenty. We should enter with the full knowledge that he outclasses any of our forces."

"Yes, I feel the same way." Marcus said. "I'll caution them about it as much as possible. Also, I suspect you've already informed the queen?"

"Ai won't be able to attend as she has devoted more time toward the interrogation of Franklin Lestat." Kirirhara said. "However, it seems a few members of the vampire senate will attend as guests as well, so we can expect a good deal of security to be with them. She has taken cautions as well since Lady Ren is going."

"You and I both know that security for something like this is trivial." Marcus stated. "Honestly, I cannot fathom why it is that you think a festival is so important."

"The current state of the world is the reason." Kirihara replied. "Already tension exists between vampires and human in ways we originally did not comprehend. I know it might sound unprecedented, but it is my firm belief that no matter what, I cannot allow such a bleak world to be the future we will behold."

Three days later

Anju ran through the town, frantically looking for the convenience store. It was the day of the festival, and just when Anju though things were going well, they found out that the rope being used for one of the Second year stalls had snapped. Thus, it was now Anju's job to go and buy extra before dusk fell. Thankfully, classes had been cancelled for the day, leaving her sufficient time to buy what was necessary.

However, she didn't expect the bus that led to the academy to break down. Having to run down the final stretch of the mountain and into town, she was now sweating heavily and was trying her best to find the street where the store was located.

"Where are you…" She muttered to herself. She had already asked people for directions, which were quite helpful. However the with the many back alleys and turns it was easy enough to miss the road she needed to get to the town centre.

"Seriously…" Anju said as she stopped for a breather. "Of all the days to get lost, it had to be today!?" She had already lost some time trying to find her way, along with the fact that a class's event lay upon her shoulders didn't help.

"As usual, some things don't change." A familiar voice came from behind her. Anju now looked back to see someone whom she hadn't met in over a month.

"Akira!" She beamed as he approached her. She in turn ran over to hug him. "It's been too long! How have you been?"

"I've been well Anju." Akira smiled as he hugged her back. "And it seems you have as well."

"What are you doing here?" Anju asked as she stepped away.

"Well, mother and aunt heard about the festival that the Chairman put forth." Akira explained. "So they told me that I ought to at least go back for a while to have a bit of fun with my friends and the other vampire students. How has Cassandra been?"

"She's been doing okay I guess." Anju answered. "She got pretty hyped about the whole thing and apparently looks like she'll be doing a singing segment."

"Sounds like her alright." Akira chuckled. "Well, for now it would seem that you require aid in finding your way around. Would you like me to help?"

"Definitely!" Anju smiled as he held out his hand. Just as she grabbed it however, a though occurred to her.

She had hugged him…

Instantly Anju's face went red, realising that while it was a greeting, it could have been interpreted by anybody as something else. The thought of it overloaded her mind, leaving her blank and unable to process a single necessary action.

"Anju?" Akira frowned. "You appear to be frozen in place. Is everything alright?"

"O-Oh, um…" Anju stammered. "Yeah… Everything is okay…" She slowly felt his fingers squeeze her hand, turning up to him in response.

"Well then, let us get going…" Akira smiled. "It wouldn't be good if you ended up being late, would it?"

Anju now felt him tug her along. Unsure of what to say, she could only remain silent as he led her through the town.

It wasn't long before they had found their way to the town centre. It was a simple matter to find the store she was looking for. As soon as she emerged, she stared in shock past Akira. He turned once more to see another very familiar face.

"It seems we are constantly crossing each other's paths, aren't we Ichigo?" Akira smiled as the aforementioned boy approached. He was dressed differently than usual, with the black uniform and cowl that he wore. Additionally, his hands were adorned with black gloves. Every part of him screamed the presence of a trained killer. "Death Dealer hm? I should have expected that of you. And yet, something feels different."

"Butt out Kuran." Ichigo snapped. "And relax, I'm not here with a desire to brutalize you. I'm here for work regarding that festival the idiot Chairman went and put together."

"Huh? You too Ichigo?" Anju blinked in surprise. "I mean, it's good that you are back, but I didn't think security would involve you."

"Blame it on the Chairman." Ichigo huffed. "That guy probably wants this to be an excuse to check up on me."

"Well, in one way or another our little misfit trio seems to have returned together." Akira smirked. "Quite an interesting twist of fate. A Pureblood prince, a Hunter and a normal human girl."

"Well, not quite that normal…" Anju chuckled. "I've been told that I have gotten more muscular, a side effect of bonding with Yuki."

"Yeah, and I had to endure the most hellish training any Hunter could dream of." Ichigo remarked.

"Same here Ichigo." Akira smiled.

"But not just that." Anju said as she regarded the two of them. "Ichigo seems more calm now. Before, your anger felt like a fire that burned everything. Now, while it is still there, it feels calmer for some reason, like an ocean. As for Akira, well you have this strange air about you; I don't know how to describe it except an aura that radiates even more power."

Akira blinked. "I daresay Anju, perhaps you have also inherited my grandmother's intuition. I wonder what else you may have acquired now?"

"Maybe she can become a butterfly..." Ichigo deadpanned.

"Hey! That was mean!" Anju pouted. "And for the record, I'm still human! I can't transform!"

"It is possible..." Ichigo replied.

The three of them stared at each other for a while. Soon enough, both Anju and Akira started chuckling while Ichigo regarded them with an exasperated sigh.

"So, about this Rodin guy…" Ichigo asked.

"You heard as well I see." Akira nodded. "Yes, his circumstances does strike me as strange. I have never heard of a man overpowering vampires with simply his bare hands."

"Guy is definitely not the average man." Ichigo nodded. "I was told of exactly how he would look like, but I find it a stretch that we can capture him."

"Regardless, we lack information on Helsing as it is." Akira replied. "Anything would be of use at this point."

"But if he is part of Helsing, then what kind of power do they have?" Anju frowned. "I really don't want to think about what sort of people they are."

"Regardless, we will have to deal with them." Akira said. "An international terrorist organisation cannot simply go unchecked. We must stop them."

"Killing vampires just because they are vampires is no different from murder." Ichigo said. "Guys like that aren't Hunters. They are just cold-blooded killers."

"It appears we are in agreement on that." Akira nodded. "But for now, we should return to our respective duties. And remember Anju, despite your status as my grandmother's representative, it is still quite likely for you to get into trouble on your own. So please walk straight to the bus station and back to school, alright?"

"Yeah, yeah…" Anju groaned. "I promise that I'll head straight back."

"You'd better nitwit." Ichigo grumbled.

"Oh shut it." Anju snapped. "Remember, I don't like trouble. Trouble however seems to like me."

"And that's the problem…" Ichigo said as she strode off. He now looked around at the buildings surrounding him. "Can you feel it Kuran?"

"Yes." Akira said. "I have sensed a dull throbbing in me since stepping foot into this place. Unfortunately I do not know what it is…"

"Well, I really hope nothing happens." Ichigo sighed. "But knowing our luck, shit will likely hit the fan regardless."

"And that's why we are here." Akira nodded as his eyes flashed red. "I will make sure that nothing ruins this day."

"Well, aren't you excited for this festival?" Ichigo said, arching his eyebrow.

"Like you are one to talk." Akira retorted. "I'll bet you are interested in seeing what the school has done."

"Quiet you." Ichigo snapped in embarrassment.

He watched as the girl ran past him, carrying a huge roll of rope. He stared after her, his nose sniffing as it did.

"There you are…" He said as he licked his lips. "Oh, this'll be fun. Kiehehehe."

"Remember… Mission… Covert…" Came the voice in his ear.

"Yeah, yeah." He grumbled. "The last thing I want is to tangle with a Pureblood and a Hunter out on the streets. So, what do you think of those two?"

"Strong… Dangerous… However, not a threat… Weapons… Harmless…" 'Five' replied.

"Aright then." 'Eight' grinned. "Time for our infiltration to begin."

"Seems like we are ready." Chairman Cross said as he observed the mike in front of him. The security had already been briefed and the students were ready. Now all that was left was to give the word.

"I really hope this goes well without incident." Kidomaru said. "Don't forget, we may have no choice but to call this whole plan off if anything happens on the school grounds."

"As do I Kidomaru." Kirihara nodded as he leaned toward the mike. He now pressed the switch, activating the school's PA system. "Attention, Ladies and Gentlemen, esteemed guests and students of Cross Academy."

"I hereby declare that the first Annual Cross Academy School Festival begins now!"

Author's Note:

Once more, apologies with the late upload. Pre-graduation vacation and the date of said graduation meant little time and WIFI access for story updates.

For now, I hope that I have illustrated the reunion of the misfit trio of the story's main characters well enough. I was hoping to have made a change in them somehow as the story goes on, but I have not decided exactly how I am going to do that yet. As always, your feedback and comments are wholly appreciated.

Till then, I hope you will keep reading this story.

Jdbl00d