Mortis smiled as James bowed before him again. He was truly pleased with this turn of events, especially with how Romanoff had been able to adequately continue Lestat's work on the Paragon creatures. Even more so however, was that now the creation of the Alucard could begin.

"Wonderful news James!" Mortis cheered with his raspy voice. "I assume you and Mr. Romanoff will be using every bit of Pureblood material effectively?"

"We shall ensure it milord." James answered. "Displeasing you here and now would be only atonable by death. And we have no interest in that just yet."

"Always the snide one." Mortis chuckled. "Still, I am elated enough at this news and satisfied that you understand. Thus, I shall allow it. Continue your work. I wish to behold good news."

"It will be done." James nodded. He turned and left Mortis's dark chambers, intent on heading back quickly to Romanoff's lab. As he walked down the corridor however, an intense pressure stopped him in his tracks. He hadn't felt it in ages, but his body knew the only intense presence that could do this. Oh, how he had missed these moments.

"Lady Katarina, how may I serve?" James asked as the oldest Kraven daughter walked to him from behind. He didn't need to look at her to know she was wearing a look of rage upon her face.

"Shut up James." Katarina said. "I am the one who will be asking questions this time. You'd best be able to answer, or you'll be in for quite some pain."

"I shall milady." James nodded, keeping as still as possible.

"First question." Katarina asked. "Why did Cassandra turn against us?"

"I know not Lady Katarina." James replied. "I can only assume Yuki Kuran was responsible for this action. It is just too bad we cannot make her pay for this, considering she has once more joined the afterlife."

"Don't run you tongue at me." Katarina growled. "Second, where is she now?"

"I believe that she is at Cross academy. She seems to have begun supporting the vile Kuran's vision of coexistence. I know not of what these motives are, of course." James said carefully, knowing that Katarina could still kill him, her grandfather's instruction be damned.

Katarina huffed. "Last question. Was it enjoyable, feasting on my sister?"

James frowned. "I would be lying if I said no milady. However, you ought to know that I had no choice. Your grandfather's orders are absolute, so I could not disobey. But forgive me, I thought you weren't too happy with regards to Lady Cassandra's status?"

"Silence!" Katarina roared, sending him to the floor with a telekinetic push. James did not attempt to resist as she stood over him, her red eyes glaring like daggers. "The relation between me and my sisters is none of your concern!"

"My apologies…" James replied. "I was merely curious…"

"Then you ought to remember that curiosity killed the cat James." Katarina snarled. "In all honesty, I should just end your life right here. After what you did to her, you deserve nothing less!"

"If that is your desire, I have no objections…" James said. "I serve this clan willingly. If my death was commanded, then let it be so."

"Stop your insincere flattery James." Katarina remarked through gritted teeth. "You harmed my sister without a shred of regret. By all accounts, that is a sin I cannot forgive. Just thank your luck that my grandfather has forbidden your death."

Katarina now released him, and James was able to slowly stand up once more. "But don't forget James…" Katarina cautioned as she walked away. "If you even think about doing something like that again, I'll rip your head off."

"I understand." James said as she walked off. Once he was sure she had gone, he returned to his duties. As he walked, his lips curled into a small smile. Interesting. He thought. He hadn't been very clear on the relationship between the Kraven daughters, so he was quite glad to acquire some clear information about that right then and there.

Lucretia and Irina were quite predictable. He had met them on a separate occasion when going to give earlier progress reports to Mortis. The two of them had expressed it differently, but the theme was quite the same. They referred to Cassandra as a 'traitorous runt'. When referring to his actions at biting her, they displayed absolute firmness that if he ever tried it with them, they would kill him.

But Katarina? She said completely different things. Her anger toward him came from a singular source; Cassandra Kraven herself. It was not enough to determine the truth of the relationship between the two, but it was enough to tell him that Katarina still viewed Cassandra as family, albeit one who required a huge amount of explaining, possibly punishment.

It's funny what you can hear from those who want you dead… James chuckled as he approached the landing pad where the helicopter was, intending to return to Romanoff's lab.

Castle Kuran; 2 weeks later

Turmoil resounded through the entire council chamber. Ai bore with the hundreds of yelling and shouting that originated from the many vampires worldwide who had convened at Castle Kuran. Already they had been informed of the deaths of many slumbering Purebloods, all at the hands of the Kraven clan. Many were now concerned as to the state of things, and unfortunately, they looked to Ai to explain them.

"My lords, if you would kindly quiet yourselves!" One of her butlers spoke.

"How are we to answer for this? How did they even know where the Purebloods were slumbering?" Came a vampire.

"Perhaps there is a traitor amongst us!" Came another. "Who is it!?"

"How dare you deem such an accusation! I ought to have your head for that!" Replied an enraged one.

Ai sighed as she attempted to resolve the matter. She was still the High Queen, and it was her duty to ensure this rabble calmed down. As she moved to stand, a hand caught her shoulder, motioning for her to sit.

"Now now my dear…" Came the lean vampire with long hair who stood beside her. "It should not be your place to silence this crowd."

"Sir Isaya…" Ai blinked as he now walked forward. With a single clap of his hands, the entire room fell silent. One of the oldest living Purebloods, Isaya Shoto held great authority among all vampires worldwide. Many other Purebloods often ceded to his wisdom of ages past, and even Ai would discuss matters with him from time to time. After all, Isaya himself was a close confidant of her mother, Yuki Kuran herself. It was no wonder he was still respected.

"My fellows." Isaya began. "I trust you will cease your accusations in this place. We stand before her Majesty so as to solve the problem of the Kraven clan. If we turn against each other now, we only invite our destruction."

The silence continued, but Ai could see several nods in the audience. It appeared Isaya's words rang true; discord would be the true enemy of all in this time. Ai now cleared her throat, gathering all of their attention as she stood up.

"My fellow lords, I thank you for coming despite your busy time." Ai said. "However, as you have realized, we are in a grave situation. I have long spoken with regards to the Kraven clan and their nefarious project. As of now, it seems that project has begun entering its final stages. Already, many Purebloods, such as Lord Soleil in France have fallen. I have called us now to effectively respond to this situation. Please allow me to explain…"

Slowly, Ai explained everything with regards to the Kraven clan's Project Paragon, along with the Alucard program and what it entailed. Slowly, dread formed all around the room as they realized the implications of the Alucard, and what it could mean.

"So, he not only weakens our camp…" A German vampire spoke. "But he fuels the creation of this abomination…"

"In addition, he could entice the others who do not share our ideals to join him." Came another. "To make a pure immortal being…"

"That is why we have convened." Ai said. "We must stand together against Mortis lest he destroy everything we have worked so hard to build. While my Knights have been successful worldwide in exterminating some of his facilities, I cannot help but feel that such victories were trivial. We need to find out where he is hiding, and strike him at the heart of his rule. But to do that will take much preparation, considering his forces."

"If he has been able to reproduce those monsters, then we will need all the forces we can muster." Ruka nodded. "All of us need to do their part."

Murmurs went through the vampires gathered. Many agreed with Ai's statements, knowing that something had to be done regarding the Kraven clan. Yet, others were apprehensive. "What if this Mortis Kraven acquires support from those who stand against us?" Asked another. "Such a large scale conflict will throw the world into turmoil. Even the human leaders will not take this well. Humans are still apprehensive of our existence."

"True." Ren nodded. "However, I fear our world has already reached that stage. If we do not take action now, we will be consumed."

"Lady Ren is right." Came a Chinese vampire who stood up. All recognized him as Lord Li, the vampire Akira had saved. "I would have died in my slumber were it not for the young Kuran prince. Already I can see that the peace is strained, and further inaction will cause it to shatter completely."

Li now walked up to Ai, bowing his head. "Your Majesty Kuran, I pledge my support to this cause. While it will take time, I will ensure that the vampire covens in China come to your aid."

"Thank you Lord Li." Ai smiled. "That is most reassuring."

Some members relented, also agreeing now that a renowned Pureblood has pledged his support. Many others took it upon themselves to assist in finding the Kraven clan's main stronghold. However, there were also other matters.

"My Queen…" Came a French vampire. "What about the organization called Helsing?"

"I have some of my Knights on it, along with the Hunter Association." Ai said. "They still signify a great threat."

"It would be unwise of us to fight a war on two fronts." Isaya said. "If what we have heard is true, Helsing is a formidable foe."

"But for now, we don't even know where they lurk." Ai lamented. "It is unwise for us to strike at an enemy we have little information of. To do so will invite our own destruction."

"I agree." Akatsuki nodded. "We should try to find out at least what we are up against. The man named Rodin has been helpful with regards to their weaponry, but their numbers and location are still a mystery to us." Agreement went through the crowd as he said this.

"I shall have the Darkstalkers do what they can." Ai nodded. "Considering the developments against Mortis Kraven, we can divert more efforts toward Helsing."

"When do we start then Ai?" Isaya asked.

"We already have." Ai responded. "Some of our younger Knights are on it as we speak, following up on Rodin's information."

"Then let us hope they return with adequate results." Lord Li nodded. "And that their return goes safely."

Berlin; Germany

"Haaah." Emi puffed out smoke; her breath condensed by the chilly air. She wrapped her coat around her tightly as she wandered the streets of Germany's capital. She recalled the time in Hamburg, where she had acquired a certain apprehension for anyone approaching her left shoulder. That was so many years ago. Now she was in Germany again, only this time it could potentially be one she wouldn't walk away from.

But such was her duty; the day she made the oath of a Vampire Knight she knew she'd be risking her own life for the peace of the world the Queen had helped to create. It was only natural to take up such dangerous tasks.

"Wonder if that lead we got is still valid." Emi turned to look at Shinji, who was now staring at his watch.

"According to Rodin, one of Helsing's Executors makes a research lab here." Shinji now took out a photo that was provided by Rodin. It depicted a man with a narrow face and well combed hair. While he did not seem dangerous, Rodin has explicitly cautioned not to underestimate him.

"Jerome Lang." Emi spoke. "Helsing's Ninth Executor, and their head of R & D. Supposedly he constantly studies on how to further improve their Bloodbane weapons. He oversees all of their weapon production facilities, one of which is currently somewhere in this city."

"This won't be easy. If what Mr. Rodin said about Executors is true, we won't be a match for them as we are." Shinji cautioned. "And I really don't want to know what those Bloodbane weapons could do to us."

"Yeah." Emi nodded. "Rodin's already freaked me out. I really don't want to be hit by something like that."

"And that is why this is a simple reconnaissance mission." Shinji said. "We go in, learn what we can, get out. If anything starts going south though, we only have Sir Akatsuki to help us." Shinji now looked behind, knowing that Akatsuki was hiding in the shadows somewhere.

"So anyways, I just noticed that nice cake stall right there!" Emi smiled immediately. "Wanna grab a bite before we go?"

Shinji sighed. "As always, you find the weirdest times to breach seriousness. Whatever happened to the mission?"

"Relax Shinji!" Emi smiled. "Besides, if we get too serious we might just give ourselves away! Like this, we look more like a vampire couple than anything else!"

Shinji now looked as she endearingly clung to his hand. He sighed, knowing that she had a point. He couldn't vouch for her behavior most of the time, but she was always smarter than most of the other vampires he knew. It was no wonder she was the Moon dorm's vice president and Akira's second.

"Alright, we can get cake, once we are done here. Deal?" Shinji said. Despite his love for her, he had to make sure she kept herself on the straight and narrow when needed.

"Okaaaay." Emi droned happily as they continued walking down the streets toward the target location. No one paid them mind as they kept up the cover of a young vampire couple. At the very least, Shinji knew they would not arouse suspicion. Already, he was astounded by Helsing's information network. It wasn't unlikely that they would be known to these terrorists as well. This current plan truly hinged on their whereabouts being hidden from Helsing's eyes to succeed.

I just pray it is going to be enough. Shinji said as he walked on, alert for anything out of place.

The building was quite old, but it was still standing. While it was labelled as a wine storehouse, Rodin's information proved it was anything but. Here was the secret entrance to one of Helsing's many facilities. Furthermore, the 'wine' in question to be stored here was rumored to be raw materials for the construction of new weapons. While it was sensible to raze this place to the ground, causing a disturbance here was not prudent. Better to get evidence of fraudulence before such action was taken.

"Alright then." Shinji said. "This is it."

"We sure no one is around?" Emi frowned. "I really don't want to start a fight before we even get to the labs this place is said to hide."

"Only one way to find out." Shinji said as he whipped out the Kusari-Gama. Spinning the blade around, he flung it to the roof, where it stabbed into the roof. Staying as silent as possible, Shinji now climbed up the wall, pulling himself up toward the small window right near the top. Inching his head past the ledge, he peeked inside to find the place empty.

Once she saw him give the thumbs-up, Emi stabbed her rapier into the wooden door, generating ice outward from the blade and snapping the door apart, clearing the way in. Shinji joined her as they stalked inside, the smell of alcohol wafting through the air. "At least they got their main disguise down right." She remarked as she tapped a barrel. She now looked at the numerous other barrels in the room, some being much taller than a normal man.

"Now all we need to do is find their secret lab entrance." Shinji said. "Now where would that be?"

"Guess we search." Emi nodded, now moving to check the barrels individually. Shinji followed suit, checking every barrel he could reach. However, after twenty minutes of fruitless effort, Shinji began to think if there was something they were missing.

He looked to the floor, suddenly noticing something out of place. In the pale moonlight, he noticed something by one of the larger barrels, scratch marks on the floor. He frowned as he studied the barrel they led from, noticing how this one was able to fit at least two people effortlessly. He examined the barrel closely, circling the circumference with the blade of his kusari-gama. As it scratched across the wood surface it finally hit a slight notch, stopping halfway.

"Huh…" Shinji nodded as he pulled with all the strength he could muster. Slowly, he felt the hidden hinges creak and groan as they were forced open, exposing the hidden elevator within it. The grinding of the concealed door on the floor attracted Emi, who now came running over.

"Smart." Emi noted as Shinji fully opened the door. The two of them now entered the hidden lift, pressing the downward arrow button on the panel to their right. At once, the door shut and the whirring of the elevator filled the confined space. It was uncertain how long it was before the elevator came to a complete stop. Emi quickly emerged first into the bleak corridor, ready to freeze any guard they would have come against. However, she saw now hostile in sight Shinji emerged from behind, and once they decided the coast was clear, they pressed forward, heading toward the door on the opposite end of the hall.

"We'd best be ready." Emi said. "I'm more than certain booby traps await."

"I'll leave that to you." Shinji nodded as he noticed the air growing colder. He watched as Emi gingerly placed her hand on the door, slowly pushing it open. For now, he breathed a sigh of relief as she did not react. He came forward, observing the stairs that led further down into the facility. "Let me go first."

"I'm not some damsel in distress Shinji." Emi replied. "I'm a strong independent vampire woman. Besides, I don't recall you being Akira's second-in-command."

Shinji snorted. "Someone's fired up."

"Shut it. We should head to the security room first. Rodin did say there was one quite close to the entrance. Once we finish with that, we head to the rest of the facility." Emi growled as she stepped forward, obviously not wanting to be coddled. It was that drive in her that made him fall for her so many years ago, among other reasons. Shinji thus shrugged and fell in behind her, keeping himself alert for anything.

The equipment was all military grade. It was obviously attained illegally, considering that there was no document detailing it, and that no one even knew such weapons were in their possession. The lone guard that stood at the main entrance to the facility was decked out in a combat vest filled with bullet-proof armour, the bulges on them confirming the existence of extra ammo. The G36C rifle in his hands was well-maintained too, and obviously customized for confined spaces. He was definitely well trained.

The chain quickly wrapped around his neck, pulling him backward into the corridor behind him; the entrance to the room. He attempted to call out, but the chain constricted his windpipe, cutting off his oxygen. Thus, he slowly succumbed to unconsciousness.

"Nice work." Emi nodded as Shinji released the unconscious body and hid it in the shadows. Together, they now made their way through the facility. As they explored the place, they found plenty of other disturbing finds, such as crates of weapons, pictures of important Pureblood vampires worldwide and even some details of the Kraven clan. Emi was even shocked to see Anju's photo, which struck home how much of a target she was. They explored the deeper parts of the facility, avoiding or subduing guards they encountered. Normally, one would be worried. But seeing as their security room was covered in ice, it did give them extra breathing room.

They another flight stairs, reaching to what she believed was the deeper area of the facility. Approaching a set of double doors, her ears were suddenly exposed to chatter and the sound of machinery. Crouching low, Emi and Shinji now pushed past the doors, finding themselves stood upon a balcony. Below them, men dressed in full combat equipment stood watch as others dressed in black vests loaded cargo into black vans. She wasn't sure what was in the boxes; only that it had to be valuable for Helsing.

A door at the far end opened. Emi and Shinji ducked as they beheld the new arrivals. One was a man wearing glasses and dressed in a white lab coat with a checkered shirt over black pants and brown leather shoes. Following him was a woman clad in a black wool overcoat and red stockings. Her brown hair flowed behind her as she accompanied him.

"You know Jerome, I was so hoping that we could already have left." She said. "After all, with word that Rodin is back we ought to have moved things along by now."

"No you're not." Jerome; the Ninth Executor, replied. "You were still interested in testing. Honestly, if you weren't ranked the Third Executor I would have barred you from any further activity in this place."

At this, Emi and Shinji looked at each other. From Rodin's information, that would identify the woman as Celestine. No one was sure who she was or where she came from. But Rodin had cautioned against her, considering that she was outright insane.

"Come now…" Celestine smirked, her gloved hands turning upward in a shrug. "Can't I have fun? After all, we are about to scrap this place soon and move to a more secure location."

"And I thought I said I was bringing your 'fun' with you?" Jerome frowned as he observed some men place boxes into the first van, watching it check that it was secured before moving off into the tunnel that had been hewn out of rock. By Emi's guess, it was a secret tunnel constructed to ensure Helsing's activities remained hidden. While it was tempting to find out what they were transporting, dealing with two Executors wasn't something Emi was confident with. For now, eavesdropping had to do.

Then, another door opened again, and another small squad emerged. Emi and Shinji observed the new arrivals before their eyes widened at what the squad had brought with them.

A female vampire was chained to a circular frame, resembling a cyr wheel; that the squad trolleyed into the room. Her naked body was covered in various lacerations and bruises while her breaths were ragged. While most of them paid this sight no mind, both Jerome and Celestine turned their attention toward their captive. The vampire had her head drooped downward, covered by long brown hair. Then, one of the soldiers went up and smacked the butt of his rifle into her head. The vampire cried out in pain before she weakly craned her head upwards.

"It seems my little toy has woken." Celestine smiled as she walked forward, grasping the vampire's chin. "How are you darling?"

"Please…" The vampire gasped, obviously in pain. "No… more…"

"Please give me more Ms. Celestine?" Celestine purred. "Why, I thought you'd never ask!" Swiftly she pulled out a dagger from beneath her coat and stabbed it through the vampire's side. The vampire screamed in agony as Celestine kept the dagger there for a few more seconds before pulling it out. Blood oozed out of the wound before the vampire's natural regeneration kicked in. However, despite this, the wound remained with blood trickling down.

"Tch…" Celestine frowned at the dagger. "Well, there you have it Jerome. The daggers are good, but not all the way there. They only go so far as to prevent most of their regeneration."

"I told you, creating Bloodbane weapons with minimal use of Pureblood blood is not an easy task." Jerome replied irritably. "It's already a miracle I got it to function this much. But I need more testing, which means I need more test subjects, which tend to give more data if they remain alive. So please, try to reign in your enjoyment and keep the sample breathing? I've already lost three thanks to you."

Shinji now felt the air go cold. Not that he could blame Emi, he was extremely livid himself, both at the torture they were putting the vampire through and how they saw her; nothing but a thing to be used and then discarded.

"Fine." Celestine huffed. "But seriously, let me sit with her? I sooo love the look on her face. Who would have thought it would be so easy to break her?" She now reached for the vampire, her arm slowly brushing aside hair. "When I'm bored, maybe I'll let the rest do what they want with her? After all, even if they are just test subjects, their bodies are quite exquisite, yes?" The soldiers around her snickered. It did not take a genius to know what they were thinking

And now, Shinji felt the air become freezing. It was apparent Emi could not reign in her fury any longer. Without warning, she leapt off the balcony, garnering the attention of a few soldiers before she landed gracefully, stabbing her rapier into the ground. Ice erupted from her landing zone, crushing apart various crates and objects. Helsing operatives immediately ran for cover, whilst a few unfortunate ones were frozen. And while Jerome had managed to get to a car in time, Celestine had found herself facing the full onslaught of Emi's wrath, her body now being cased in ice save for the dagger in her hand.

"Shinji! Take her and get out of here!" Emi cried. "I'll get the dagger from that woman!"

"Are you sure?" Shinji asked as he ran to her. "This seems awfully dangerous for a recon mission!"

"I'll take responsibility!" Emi said. "Just get her out of here!"

Shinji immediately ran to the captive vampire, freeing her and cradling her body in his arms. Emi quickly made a pillar of ice, lifting them both up to the balcony they descended from. Quickly, she now ran to Celestine's ice-encrusted body, slowly prying the dagger from her iced hands.

"There!" Emi said as she pried it free, an uncomfortable feeling in her gut as she beheld the blade that appeared to be shaped like a sinister serpent. "Gotta get out of here…" She huffed as she ran back below the balcony above. She now stabbed her rapier into the ground, slowly creating more ice to raise herself up.

And then something sliced right into her shoulder, stopping her powers in their tracks. The pain was immediate and intense, forcing a muffled scream from her mouth. Looking around, she finally saw the offending projectile. It was a sword, an Estoc to be precise. What was unnerving was how it floated in the air, and on its hilt was a pulsing red gem, or perhaps it was an eye considering how it moved.

The blade now floated back toward the frozen body of Celestine, slotting itself into her frozen hand before it pulsed with an eerie red glow. Slowly, the ice on Celestine's body began to melt. The Executor groaned as she was freed from frozen confinement. She took a few deep breaths as she recovered from the instant hypothermia. The minute she looked up, there was a look upon her face that Emi found more disturbing than anything.

The woman looked refreshed, happy even. "Wow! I never thought I'd experience something like that!" She brandished the tip of the Estoc toward Emi, her smile showing off her pearly white teeth. "Aidou huh? Quite a powerful ability you have. It's just too bad my dear little sword was just a smidge stronger than you thought."

Emi grunted as she stood up, noticing that the bleeding in her shoulder hadn't stopped. The weapon had obviously halted her regeneration. She was thankful that only prolonged exposure resulted in irreparable scarring. Still, it was not in her interest to enter a prolonged battle with someone like Celestine. Even Rodin didn't bother fighting her; which spoke of how strong she was.

Celestine sighed, as if overcome by ecstasy. Slowly, she reached for the button on her overcoat. Slowly, she unbuttoned it, exposing a slender body that sported only a bra and a short miniskirt. "Well, it seems I'm in a dilemma. You see, that hunk of yours made off with my favourite toy. Therefore, I require a replacement. You'll do, won't you?"

Emi raised her own blade, thinking of ways to at least immobilize her so that she could make a run for it. She waited for an opportunity that Celestine might present; a way to at least catch her off-guard.

"Not starting?" Celestine asked. "Well then, allow me…"

Instantly, Celestine moved in so fast Emi didn't see her till she was right next to her. Quickly, Emi twisted backward, narrowly avoiding the blade. Celestine now kicked low, sending Emi off her feet and onto the floor. She immediately raised her blade, preparing to impale the vampire Knight. Emi immediately extended a pillar of ice, trapping the Estoc as she kicked away and slid upon the icy ground. However, Celestine was faster, chasing after her and then stomping her foot upon Emi's stomach.

"Come now, let's have some fun shall we?" Celestine grinned as she gestured to her blade, which now broke free of the ice and flew to her hand.

Amidst this, Jerome growled as he sneaked toward a car that had evaded Emi's attack. A Helsing soldier now ran up to him, supporting one who had his right leg covered in ice. "Sir, should we support the Third?"

"No." Jerome said. "Gather everyone and make a full retreat. If vampire Knights are here, then this location is of no further use."

"Shouldn't we help?" He asked again.

"Idiot." Jerome chided him. "The madwoman has that look on her face. If we stay here, we're going to end up as collateral. So if you'd rather stay alive, get a move on."

Akatsuki waited for any word from Shinji as he placed his arms in his pockets. While his powers meant the cold did not bother him, it did help make him look inconspicuous.

He frowned as he stared at the warehouse where the two teens had ventured into. While he hadn't objected to accompanying the two of them as backup, he was still concerned about sending them into a hornet's nest of radicals. Then again, when Ai brought up how distinguished they were, he couldn't say no. After all, they all had performed admirably in the battle at Castle Kraven.

Suddenly, his earpiece rang. "Sir Akatsuki, are you there?"

"What is it Shinji?" Akatsuki answered, running toward the warehouse immediately.

"Please call for an ambulance. We found a captive. She is terribly injured, possibly traumatized. Also, we need police support as well! Emi is currently engaged with Helsing's Third Executor!" Akatsuki's eyes widened at this report. He had heard how dangerous even one was. If anything had happened to Emi, he wasn't sure how he would face Hanabusa after this. Even though they had taken different paths before, there was no question that the Aidou patriarch was like a brother to him. Looking out for his grandchild was simply an obligation.

"I'm on it." Akatsuki replied as he took out his phone and dialed, simultaneously moving to support them.

Emi grunted as she fended off another of Celestine's attacks. It was only thanks to her quick thinking that she had escaped the pin before, managing to blind the Executor with a blast of ice from her hand. However, Emi could tell that Celestine was simply toying with her. Any strike upon which she had to opportunity to counter-attack, she did not. She seemed consumed by a lust for battle, or rather to see someone struggle before they fell.

Looks like I have no choice… Emi grunted as she deflected another strike, leaping backward to gain some distance. She immediately thrust her sword forward. Instantly icy swords formed in the air around her and rushed at Celestine. Emi manipulated her powers as much as she could, causing the icy blades to enlarge. The Executor looked surprised for a moment before she reacted, deflecting the massive ice swords being thrown at her. However, Emi did not stop, for she quickly formed more and more swords into a never-ending salvo. Soon enough, even Celestine appeared pressured, slowly starting to even take some hits at last. Another sword struck, forcing the Executor to her knees.

Now! Emi now stabbed at the ground, icy stalagmites now shooting up from under Celestine's feet and immobilizing her arms and legs. Emi added more and more layers until the Executor was completely encased in ice once more. Seeing the brief window of respite, Emi now resumed creating a pillar beneath her feet to escape. Then, Celestine's icy prison shattered. Emi turned just in time to see four swords fly toward her at blinding speed. She attempted to deflect them, but they moved with a relentless fluidity, like hornets or birds of prey.

It wasn't long before their simultaneous assault broke through her defense, the swords now moving to at her arms and legs, lifting her off the ground. She cried out in pain as the swords now nailed her to the wall, drawing blood from the wounds that were more painful than anything she had experienced before.

"My, that was something." Celestine chuckled as she walked forward, two identical estocs now spinning around her. "I admit, I never thought I'd have to use this form on you. I call it the blade swarm. Nice hmm?" She immediately grabbed one of the twirling blades, and instantly it glowed red. The energy melted away from the sword, forming a new one in the process that hovered near the Executor.

"Neat trick…" Emi growled through the pain.

"Thank you." Celestine smiled. "And just for that comment, I won't decay your body. Takes a lot of work you know, getting our figures to look the way we want them."

"Didn't know you were such a considerate lady." Emi chuckled grimly. "I would have liked you if you weren't insane…"

"Well, you can't get them all." Celestine said as she pointed the blade at Emi's torso. "This might sting, but it will only put you to sleep. And don't worry, you and I will have plenty of fun on our own in due time."

Emi watched as the blade inch closer. Just as it was about to pierce the skin beneath her sternum, an explosion sounded from above. Both of them turned to see flames quickly engulfing the room. Celestine immediately withdrew, removing her pin on Emi, who now fell to the ground. Immediately, Emi felt a chain wrap around her and pull her to safety behind the fire.

"Of all the craziest things you could have done…" Shinji growled. "You're lucky Sir Akatsuki was nearby…"

"Heh…" Emi grunted, though her face was still twisted in agony. She slowly brought up the dagger she had swiped from Celestine. "I managed a souvenir though…"

"Aww, we aren't done yet!" Celestine's maniacal laugh echoed through the room. Both of them turned to see a few dozen blackened blades swarming all around her, immediately turning to them like angry hornets. Celestine splayed her hands, and instantly the blades flew after them.

"Shit!" Shinji cursed as he narrowly avoided the swords that now sliced apart metal and concrete with apparent ease. A few nicked him in the leg and shoulder, causing him to stumble slightly. But still he carried on, for to stop here was death.

Shinji finally made it to the elevator they had entered from where Akatsuki was, directing flames all around. However, he stopped as soon as he saw the base being torn apart by hundreds of swords. "I suppose this is where we go?"

"That would be wise!" Shinji huffed as he carried Emi to the elevator. However, with Celestine's blades rampaging all around them, it was no surprise the elevator was unpowered; quite likely a power outage caused by the angry swarm of swords.

"Hold on!" Shinji said as he reached up and bit into his own wrist. His blood pooled out and he now spun every drop into threads that wrapped around all three of them. Then, he manipulated other strands into hooks before sending them up as far as he could. Once he felt the hooks stab into concrete, he pulled them upwards, narrowly escaping the frenzy of swords that ripped apart everything.

"Shinji! Quickly!" Emi cried as the storm of blades began to rip into the elevator shaft.

"Hrrrrgh!" Shinji groaned as he sent more blood tendrils upwards, quickly pulling them up and away from the danger below. After a few minutes, Shinji finally got them back into the warehouse, though it seemed Celestine was not done yet, for her swords burst forth from the concrete below and were now tearing apart the building's foundations.

"Move!" Akatsuki cried. The three vampires now ran as fast as they could, diving through the door just as the final support column was destroyed. The building collapsed behind them, kicking up a large cloud of dust and smoke that blinded them and caused them to choke.

Realizing the danger had passed, Shinji finally dropped to his knees, breathing as he tried to recover. Emi also breathed as she attempted to stifle the pain, though the bleeding had yet to stop. Akatsuki immediately applied some first aid whilst calling for the local police.

"So…" Emi gasped as she lay on the ground, turning toward Shinji. "Want to get some cake?"

Shinji turned back, meeting her look of exhaustion with his own. "Whatever…" He replied.

Author's Note:

And another done! For this, I was hoping to introduce Helsing's Executors, considering that it won't be long before our main cast has to deal with them in the long run

I have to admit, Celestine was the easiest one for me to develop. I just thought of insane female characters from video games and anime that I have seen and who know exactly how strong they are. She is a bit of a cross between Hilda from Under Night In-Birth and Clementine from Overlord. I'm sure you can guess what came from who.

For now, I have to re-look the designs for the other Executors, and I hope I don't skimp too much on that. Work has been getting tougher since passing my probationary period, but I will endeavor to deliver these chapters on time.

Jdbl00d