Author's Note:

So... after finally managing to catch up on Vampire Knight memories, it was finally confirmed that Ren Kiryuu, the child of Zero and Yuki, is in fact a girl. I suppose it's not too surprising for girls to look like boys in terms of physique and all. As you can imagine, it resulted in me actually having to change various chapters that Ren had appeared in the past, chapters that were published more than a few months, even years ago. Fanfiction can be rough that way.

The good news is though, the chapters don't change that much aside from accounting for Ren's confirmed gender. Also, from the manga itself, I'm glad to say that the relationship between the two sisters (yes, you'll have to get used to that now) is quite similar to what I have written here at times. Ai apparently is quite hyper compared to her sister's more sombre tone. Additionally, the dynamics between them now are more defined, which I feel helps with this story.

Oh yeah, Zero did teach Ren how to shoot a gun. So I guess I'll have to put her in a more badass light from now on.

So for now, plenty of updates will be occuring to chapters prior, and I ask for your kind understanding in that. On a side note though, this also means I have the idea for a new side story (which I haven't done in too long)! Hope you enjoy what I will be bringing to this soon!

On a side note, a bit of news is that with Vampire Knight Memories Vol 4, there apparently is a special DVD release. This features both Ai and Ren (voiced respectively by Mariya Ise and Aoi Yuki). Not sure if it's out, but if it is do give me a shout! I so wanna see it!

As always, hope you enjoy this chapter!

Jdbl00d

She sipped the tea, paying no mind to the maids who remained in the corner. The tapping of her finger upon the wooden table was the only noise in the room, a sign of her being deep in thought. As she placed the teacup down, she tilted her head back to the ceiling, her red hair falling past over the back of the chair as she took a deep breath and closed her eyes, trying to organize her thoughts.

It was not normal for Katarina to be like this. Truthfully, any who knew her; from the Death Bringers she commanded, her sisters, the scientific staff, even that snake Ridley knew that she was one who was always poised, filled with purpose. Be it in how she spent her free time, coming up with battle plans or even in just a regular inspection, there was always an air of dignity about her. Never was there a time she would be so aimless in, well, anything.

Now however, Katarina had found herself brooding simply for the sake of it. Nothing ran through her head at this moment as she exhaled, opening her eyes to observe the ceiling above; another pointless action. If Cassandra was here, she'd no doubt be questioning what was bothering her that she would end up in such a listless state.

You, obviously… Katarina glared as she returned her gaze to the teacup once more. She reached for it and lifted it to her mouth. It hovered close to her lips for a few seconds. She gazed at her own reflection within the liquid, her yellow eyes staring back at her. Yet another pointless and utterly useless action.

Seemingly having grown far too irritated, Katarina threw the teacup down upon the ground, shattering the expensive china into plenty of fragments. The maids immediately came forward to clean up the mess. Katarina paid them no heed, getting off the chair and storming out of the room. She kept going till she reached a lone balcony which overlooked the dark realm her grandfather had brought them to. Leaning upon the railings, she buried her forehead with her hands, taking deep breaths to calm herself. She hoped that she wouldn't encounter her younger sisters at this time, there'd be no end to their gossip then.

Once more, her thoughts were swallowed up by Cassandra and her betrayal of their family. She thought it was clear, that their grandfather's plans was what would truly benefit them. Why would Cassandra turn her back on it all when she too supported this so strongly? True, she thought her sister was rather dim and naïve, but never did she think she would do something that would net her a death sentence.

Her mind flashed back to the times she had spent with Cassandra as a child, back when their mother was still alive. She was approaching the vampire age of sixteen while Cassandra was no more than a toddler then. Since Irina and Lucretia were quite unreliable their mother, Verona Kraven, had given Katarina the responsibility of looking after the youngest of them.

She had already settled into the big sister role years ago, but looking after Cassandra was something far different than it was with Irina and Lucretia. For starters, Cassandra never seemed to inherit any of their brutality. As she watched over her growing years, Cassandra started to exhibit more and more playfulness around the house, playing all sorts of pranks along the way. Despite her attempts to discourage her, Katarina would often get caught up in her pace. Only their mother was able to reign her in and make her apologise for the trouble she had caused. Katarina frowned as she remembered one of her little sister's pranks, making marker drawings on their mother's face as she slept. Katarina remembered having difficulty keeping a straight face through it all, her dignified composure threatening to be broken by uncontrolled laughter.

Then came the day everything changed. As they attempted to flee, their mother had said one thing to her, had made her promise to always look out for her family. The last Katarina saw of her mother was when she went back into the burning house to find their father. Since then, no longer could Katarina stand on the sidelines as a helpless girl. She suffered, she struggled, she endured; all to become the woman she was today. She had believed herself that she would be the one at the forefront of the Kraven clan's return, heralding a new age for vampires all across the world.

And then their grandfather went and made Cassandra the heir to the clan. Katarina wasn't happy at first, and for the first time since she watched over her she felt nothing but spite. It was a brief moment, but it had occurred. Of course, after realising the fact that Cassandra was a Blood Siren, she let go of that frustration. So why Cassandra chose to throw that all away befuddled her to no end.

And it did not help that her grandfather had remained adamant about sending her to deliver judgement upon her. After all, as the oldest sibling, she was responsible for them as well. And yet, no matter how much she begged, she was not allowed to find her sister. Yet, she did not believe that this was the sole source of her irritation.

"Lady Katarina?" Came a voice behind her. She turned to see a lone Death Bringer kneeling before her. "Lord Kraven demands your presence. He says it is urgent."

"Very well." Katarina nodded. "I shall be there shortly." Considering it would certainly distract her from her thoughts, Katarina wasted no time in heading toward her grandfather's throne room. As she approached the ornate black door, she heard the clopping of shoes upon the marble surface. She turned to see her two siblings approach. It seemed they were summoned as well.

"Well, look who finally came out of the mopey hole." Lucretia snickered. "We haven't seen you so long I thought you had finally become a recluse…"

"Shut up you waste of space." Irina retorted. "I'd rather finish this quickly and get back to my reading if you don't mind. I was already halfway through that new horror novel. The monster apparently has already killed three people while on the verge of driving two others insane. I really hope they all die horribly at the end."

"And the wicked bitch is at it once more." Lucretia scowled. "Have I ever told you how much I would have admired you if you weren't just a rotten pile of steaming bile?"

"Only every day since you could actually articulate a sentence you dumb monkey." Irina answered. "Oh wait, I forgot to add in brain dead in the middle of that."

"Oh, I'll show you brain dead!" Lucretia snarled.

"Enough!" Katarina snapped. "We are about to go before grandfather! At least try to have some dignity?"

"So says the person who has been looking like a zombie over the past few days." Lucretia sneered. "Or maybe you haven't noticed how utterly despondent you've been acting my dear older sister?"

"On this occasion, I do agree." Irina said as she gave a scathing glance at Katarina. "You have been quite the recluse lately sister. I do hope you won't be such a drag. Already the runt has proven herself nothing but a traitorous scum. I shudder for our future if in the end you become a-"

Irina barely finished before she felt a powerful telekinetic force send her to her knees. The same happened to Lucretia as she was sent to the floor. The two of them gritted their teeth as Katarina turned around, her blood red eyes glaring at them both. "Remember you two…" Katarina said. "Even I have my limits, and it is in your best interest not to test them."

The two vampires growled as Katarina released her hold on them and strode away. She pushed open the black door and entered the dimly lit room, her sisters falling in behind her.

"Ah, there they are." Mortis smiled through his wasted jaws as the three of them entered. Katarina looked and frowned as soon as she spotted James Ridley already present and kneeling before him. To his side was Romanoff, also kneeling. Katarina arched an eyebrow at their presence. She had not realized that James had returned so quickly. Still, she paid it no mind as she strode forward, kneeling before her grandfather.

"My dear Katarina." Mortis said. "Please remember what I have said about restraining yourself. Your sisters may have quite grating personas, but that is no reason to lose your temper. We all need to support each other in this time, wouldn't you agree?"

"Apologies grandfather." Katarina replied. "It shan't happen again."

"Well, as long as you understand." Mortis nodded.

"It is good to see you once again ladies Katarina, Irina and Lucretia." James turned and bowed as they approached. Romanoff did the same, though he ensured he kept his distance. Katarina had explicitly ordered him to do that considering his physical countenance.

Katarina didn't bat an eyelid at James as she continued to speak with her grandfather. "May I ask as to what purpose you have gathered us?"

"Of course, to the point." Mortis nodded. "Romanoff and James have succeeded in what I had planned all those years ago! The final stages of Project Paragon has been realized!"

The Lucretia and Irina looked at each other quizzically. Katarina paid them no mind, bowing her head in response. "Congratulations grandfather. It appears the time of your ascension is at hand."

"It most definitely is!" Mortis nodded. "And therefore I have called you here to tell you that I intend to begin the ceremony tomorrow, when the moon is full! Mr. Romanoff is currently in the process of making sure all preparations are done. Once it is ready, I wish for the clan to bear witness to this momentous occasion."

"It will truly be a sight." Irina said. "After all grandfather, your visage has become quite hideous. I sincerely hope that you may be in higher spirits after the transfer is done."

"I too would like to see this." Lucretia nodded. "After all, those Paragon monsters have proven their strength. It will truly mean our ascension to greatness once more."

"Not to mention even the mighty Purebloods need fear the hand of death any longer." James said with a smile. "Their bodies are unaffected by the anti-vampire weapons of the humans after all. We have finally achieved true immortality. It is indeed a day to rejoice."

Katarina however remained silent, pondering her grandfather's words. It seemed apparent that her grandfather had noticed, for he now gazed upon the red-haired vampire. "What is the matter Katarina?"

She looked up to him as she felt the gazes of everyone in the room turn to her. She was certain Lucretia and Irina were having their personal thoughts about her lack of enthusiasm. As for James, he had this look of concern upon his face, as anyone would when a Pureblood displayed oddities in behavior. Truthfully though, Katarina knew he was anything but.

"Apologies grandfather." Katarina replied. "It's just, I had hoped that the minute you unveiled this, all of us would have been here."

"Ah, I see…" Mortis nodded. "You still think about Cassandra?"

"God, forget the runt already." Lucretia snorted. "She made her choice; she is no longer one of us."

"Wow, I'm actually compelled to agree." Irina stared. "I can't believe the gorilla actually said something smart for once."

"Really pushing it aren't you, you whore?" Lucretia growled.

"Ladies Irina and Lucretia, as the servant of his lordship, I must humbly ask that you do not start arguments before Lord Kraven." James said. "However, I do share all of your thoughts upon the matter. Lady Cassandra's betrayal is regrettable, but I believe we ought to move onwards. We must not allow past events to control us, lest we forsake our future."

At this, Katarina's face clenched and her eyes went red. The stone beneath her feet cracked as her hair began to glow scarlet. Everyone in the room stared at her, and apprehension crossed the faces of all but Mortis.

"Katarina…" Mortis frowned. She looked up at her grandfather immediately, reigning in her frustration (she pondered if it could really be called that). Mortis sighed, pinching the bridge of his decayed nose. "Please understand, while you believe that as the oldest of you, you have some responsibility over Cassandra's actions, there are times when one must separate the chaff from the wheat, when one must abandon the sheep that strays away from the herd."

"We cannot simply leave Cassandra as she is!" Katarina snapped, quickly rising to her feet. "That is our duty as members of the proud Kraven clan! We cannot allow her to simply run rampant and drag our pride through the mud! You taught me that! She must therefore be brought before us and explain herself!"

"And while that is a necessity, it is not the priority at this moment." Mortis glared. "Haven't I made myself clear that you are to await my instructions before going after your sister? She has power unlike yours and at this moment you are wholly unprepared for it!"

"No." Katarina said. "I have been studying the powers of the Siren. I believe I have a plan to capture her."

"Do you now?" Mortis arched an eyebrow. "And what of the chance this plan fails?"

"It will not." Katarina replied. "I have seen to it. Her defenders at the school will be of no match for me."

The air suddenly grew tense as Katarina and Mortis stared each other down.

"Lady Katarina, please calm yourself." James said, kneeling before her. "Lord Kraven is not saying that we should leave Lady Cassandra be. However, we must consolidate ourselves first before making such bold attempts. Once we are secure can we focus on other things."

"Don't presume to think you can advise me…" Katarina growled at him.

"Enough!" Mortis yelled, his voice echoing through the room. "This is merely a distraction! James, reign yourself in. While you are a trustworthy advisor, please remember that you have boundaries."

"Apologies milord." James knelt before Mortis. "It shall not happen again."

"And now for you Katarina." Mortis said sternly. "While I appreciate the fact that you wish to preserve the wishes of your mother, sometimes more important matters arise that we must give pause to even our own wants and needs. Cassandra must come later, understood?"

Katarina glared at her grandfather, who similarly stared back. "Very well grandfather." She said, relenting. "I will do as you ask."

"Very well." Mortis nodded. "Now then, onto the details of the ceremony. Please notify all of our clansmen. Katarina, take charge of the Death Bringer guards. While unlikely, it is not impossible for us to be attacked, especially with reports from Mr. Romanoff and Ridley that Helsing is starting to clamp down on us. We must be vigilant in this time. However, once I have successfully acquired my new body, we needn't stay on the defensive any further. Soon, we shall rise up."

"As you command." The room replied.

"Now, leave me be." Mortis replied. "I must prepare myself for the transfer."

Wordlessly, all of them got up and turned to leave. Just as the doors opened however, Mortis called out. "Ah, my apologies. James, I require a report on the attack at our Alaskan labs. You are to remain here for that. Katarina, I will have James brief you afterwards. For now, see to your duties."

"I understand milord." James nodded, staying put as the others left. Katarina arched an eyebrow in curiosity as she walked out. While it was possible that James was necessary for this, shouldn't she be around as well? The forces of Helsing would certainly be of concern to her considering she was the commander of the Death Bringers. However, she had no authority to question, and thus she promptly left to oversee her duties.

Mortis watched as the doors closed and Ridley knelt before him again. He waited for a short while before he spoke. "Well? Does Katarina seem like a liability at this point?"

"Hard to say milord." James replied. "If what I suspect is true, then Katarina may in fact take matters into her own hands."

"Hmmm." Mortis grumbled as he sat back, his fingers rapping his chair. "I swear, each of my granddaughters are such a handful. They definitely got that from their mother. I can't very well have another one of them just going about doing whatever the hell they want, or worse."

"What is thy bidding then, master?" James asked.

"For now, keep an eye on things." Mortis said. "Respect the boundaries you have. Katarina especially isn't going to take kindly to you watching her. But report to me anything you perceive as strange. Even in death that daughter of mine continues to be a thorn in my side."

"I shall obey then, master." James nodded. "For now, please allow me to report on Helsing's assault, and what I have learned."

"Please do." Mortis nodded in response.

Castle Kuran

Ai looked on at the two beds that Ganju and Emi rested in. While she was assured they would recover, it still wasn't a pretty sight. According to the reports, Emi was suffering from severe blood loss, owing to the Bloodbane weapon stopping her regeneration. Ganju on the other had had seven broken ribs, a fractured wrist and shoulder. It was already difficult enough to keep their family and friends calm.

Still, there was much dire news. The suspected Alucard specimen had been delivered, not to mention that Helsing was much better armed than they had thought. Overall, Ai believed they were starting to fall behind. No doubt soon Mortis would encourage attacks against the rest of the world, with his newfound power being brought to bear. And it was not at all encouraging after she had heard the report from Henry of what the Kraven clan patriarch was capable of.

For now, she had to be content with the lone scientist they had captured from the labs in Alaska and the prototype Bloodbane weapon that Emi had retrieved from Germany. She had to hope that it would be sufficient.

Ai made her way back to the castle war room where the many Pureblood lords had gathered. While it was still an achievement that she had shut down many of the Kraven clan's operations, she felt those were only victories Mortis was content with giving her.

"How long till we can be certain our guest talks?" Ai asked Ren as she neared.

"Henry is using his hypnotic powers for that now." Ren replied. "Hopefully we can get something at least. As for our raids on the Helsing locations Rodin was kind enough to supply, most have been successful in apprehending their equipment. But for now, we have yet to capture anyone within the upper echelons of the organization."

"Nothing seems to be going right these days." Ai sighed. "Despite all our efforts over the last few weeks, it's as if the whole world works against us now."

"And yet, you haven't ceased the fight." Isaya said from behind the two sisters. "Which is where I see the smallest glimmer of hope in these times of darkness."

"As inspiring as it is sir Isaya, I can't help but yet hope a miracle will happen." Ai replied. "If only we could expand the value of our information…"

"The best way is to either capture an Executor or someone within Mortis's inner circles." Ren said. "But surely Mortis would be protective of his granddaughters and Ridley, and I don't see an Executor just showing up out of the blue. Ai is right, our situation is indeed dire."

"And yet, so many dire situations have existed before, have they not?" Isaya said. "Why, this reminds me of all the times I had met your dear mother." At this, both Ai and Ren turned to him.

"That young woman never lost sight of what she desired in the world, even if the whole world did not support her for it. She struggled and suffered, even to the edge of pointlessness. And yet, the fruits she bore were all the greater for it. After all, she bore you two, no?"

Ai and Ren now looked at each other. They held an emotionless stare for a few minutes before they each smiled at the other. "True." Ai nodded. "Mother never lost hope that a better future awaited us."

"And father never stopped fighting for it." Ren smiled herself. "Both of them were so stupid, weren't they?"

"Well, we certainly got that from them." Ai sighed as she sat back down. "So then, what options do we have now, other than the miracle of getting someone extremely high ranked among them?"

"Hard to say." Ren answered, resting her chin upon her knuckles. "For now, we will need to be on the defensive. We have to brace ourselves for whatever we will come up against from both the Kraven clan and Helsing. Until our quality of information improves, that's all we can do. Perhaps finding more Helsing operatives would be better for us."

"We still haven't raided some of those locations Rodin told us of." Ai nodded. "While not key facilities, it is likely that capturing people in those places will be the only viable step we have. But with all the bleeding going around, I'm not sure if we can manage. Akira is doing fine, but even he can't be everywhere…"

Ai sighed as she thought of a way out of this predicament. Ren now looked at the world map hung upon the far wall marked with red pins that showed the various areas that had yet to be investigated. She frowned as she reached for the gun holstered by her hip. She studied Night Rose for a while, her cool gaze unchanging.

"Ren? What is it?" Ai asked.

"I know it may be premature…" Ren replied as she holstered the weapon again. "But perhaps it is no longer the time for us to be holding back."

"Ren?" Ai frowned. "Are you suggesting…"

"There are three areas located in Italy that we have yet to investigate." Ren nodded toward the map. "With them all within close proximity, I should be more than adequate at handling them all."

Silence stretched before the two sisters before Ai's look darkened. "You know, those were identified as Helsing bases. If any of them get to you…"

"They won't." Ren said. "After all, you know how dangerous I can be. You've known since my fangs began to grow out. And I knew the risks when I chose to walk this path. At the very least, I need to do this. No longer can I stand on the sidelines when other knights have risked their lives."

Ai remained silent again as Isaya looked on thoughtfully. He stared between both their unwavering gazes before Ai sighed.

"Ok." Ai nodded. "We can't afford to constantly hold back. Do what you can to bring back whoever you are able to. Anything pertaining to any form of information is viable at this point. I will also contact the Hunter Association and whatever battalions we can spare to back you up."

"Understood." Ren nodded in reply as she stood up. "Excuse me, I must go prepare."

Ai bade her sister farewell, watching as the white-haired vampire left. She immediately got up and went to one operating a computer. "Get me Marcus. I would like to request some fast transportation within two hours. And get me any available Violet Guard squads; only the best there is."

Great Britain; London

Akira watched from his hotel room. With this hotel serving as a primary vampire establishment, he was able to easily acquire a room for him to stay the night. It also helped that the hotel was reserved as well for his mother during her usual visits to Europe. Thus, him being able to be accommodated was a simple manner.

He sighed to himself as he thought upon recent events. Ever since their failure at stopping the Alucard specimen from leaving Alaska, Akira had to focus on other Kraven clan locations in Britain. His search had turned up on a safehouse used by their operatives in the country, leading to many arrests. He was certain these men were scouts, intending to facilitate Mortis's infiltration of this country should the need ever arise. London was a crowded place, plenty of ways to cause chaos and terror, especially if a Paragon monster were unleashed here.

Still, it did not comfort him knowing that these men were likely unaware of the working in the clan's upper echelons. It was also likely that they did not know where Mortis was since Castle Kraven was compromised. All in all, there wasn't much to gain headway from. For now, he was instructed to return home to report and assist in the planning and interrogation of whatever prisoners they currently had.

The door to his room opened and Beatrice walked in with a fruit tart and a cup of tea. "Lord Akira, I thought you could use a snack."

"I see why Cassandra is fond of you." Akira smiled. "You seem to have impeccable timing and understanding of your charge's needs."

"I have been a maid for decades to Purebloods." Beatrice replied. "You pick up a thing or two."

"If only that extended to Mortis's way of thinking." Akira lamented.

"Unfortunately, Lord Mortis is difficult, even for me." Beatrice nodded sullenly. "I truly hope we can get some kind of lead soon. Between them and Helsing, I fear that we are being squeezed tighter with each passing day."

"With Mortis acquiring his Alucard, I fear this is only going to get worse." Akira said as he partook of the fruit tart. Unsurprisingly, it was delicious. "I can see why mother likes you."

"I accept your compliment milord." Beatrice smiled.

"I hope one day you'll make one for Anju." Akira said as he looked out the window. "After all those weeks of hunting down Helsing and Kraven clan bases I haven't realised how much time it has been. It will soon be a month since she left. I wonder how she has been doing as of late?"

"Hopefully she hasn't been too overworked." Beatrice remarked. "You lot seem to have that bad habit."

Akira smiled as he looked to the night sky again. "You know Beatrice, I've been thinking. About what you said to me those weeks ago.

"Oh?" Beatrice tilted her head. "And to what have you concluded towards?"

"Well, I'm not completely certain yet." Akira said. "My memories with her span many good years. But perhaps it is that fact that makes me constantly think of her."

"They must have been happy times milord." Beatrice nodded.

"They most certainly were." Akira replied. "And now, perhaps I am wondering if many more await me…"

"So I see." Beatrice answered again. "I think you may be closer to certainty than you think."

"Is that so?" Akira asked. "Well, with that besides the point, if we don't do anything about all of these troubles we have at present, such chances will cease to be."

"Another prudent answer milord." Beatrice answered. "Then let us pray that we will have better fortune in future."

"With all that has been and will be happening, I truly hope such prayers are answered." Akira stated melancholically.

The courtyard had been cleared and space made for a podium. A stone table was now pushed onto the podium by mindless thralls who were constantly egged upon and whipped by the vampire overseers. Once the table was set, they returned to push forward the large cylindrical container that held the Alucard. The green fluid within glowed like neon, obscuring the form of the Paragon monster body within. The thralls now positioned it behind the table, retreating back as soon as they had finished.

Now, the vampires of the Kraven clan marched in, all wearing dark cloaks. At the head of the procession was Mortis himself, his cane tapping on the ground as he walked forward. Behind him were his remaining granddaughters, Katarina, Irina and Lucretia. Following closely was James Ridley and other heads of staff, while the regulars simply walked in. Mortis now walked up to the table, motioning for James to follow. At this time, all the others filed in, covering the area in swathes of black. Upon the walls overlooking the area, masked Death Bringers watched, alert for the slightest disturbance.

James now looked up, gazing at the sky as the full moon came into view. He looked to Mortis, who nodded. "It is time." The Kraven clan leader said, turning his back to James. James now reached forward and removed Mortis's cloak, allowing him to display his decayed body for all to see. However, there were no sounds of revulsion or horror. Instead, all watched solemnly as Mortis marched to the table and sat upon it. With James's help, he laid himself flat on his back, gazing at the moon with blood red eyes. He now closed them, breathing slowly.

James now withdrew himself from the podium, nodding to Katarina as he passed her. She still looked livid from the discussion yesterday. Still, he doubted she would make such a fuss here. He stood beside her as she gestured for all within the courtyard. As one, they bent their knees, signaling the start of the ceremony.

Silence now filled the air. Only Katarina, her sisters and James were permitted to even gaze upon Mortis's still body. They watched patiently as he did not move, nor did anything strange happen to the huge tank. As if on cue, a bolt of lightning flashed across the sky, the rumbling thunder following soon after.

Then, James saw it. Mortis's body appeared to finally go slack; his jaw drooped open as his head slumped to the side. Even he could tell a slight sagging of the feet. He frowned; as did Katarina and her sisters, at this change.

WHAM!

The loud sound startled all in the courtyard. They watched as the cylindrical container shuddered, an inhuman hand slamming into the glass. James could now feel the winds change, along with the smell of charring and ionized oxygen. He watched as the water within was beginning to boil. He frowned as he wondered if the latent powers within the Alucard were starting to awaken now that Mortis's mind was beginning to inhabit it.

As if to prove him right, a bolt of lightning arced from the tank, melting part of the glass and blowing up a section of the podium. The vampires around cried out as dust and stone landed around them, even injuring a few. Now, the watched as the podium began to buckle and crack, a testament to the roiling being within.

Now the tank began to spark, the green liquid spurting out of the hole as the being within pounded on the glass once more. Alarms blared on the tank, indicating an integrity failure. Yet, no one bothered. All were merely watching as the glass shattered completely and Mortis stepped out.

Gone was the decayed shell of a Pureblood. Now, from the remains of the holding tank a monstrous being stepped out. It wasn't as large as most of the other Paragon monsters; it being almost the size of a human but slightly taller. Its black skin shone under the moonlight, bulging with dense muscles. Claws extended from its fingers and toes, glowing a sinister ivory. The bat-like head was adorned with two horns while the mouth was lined with sharp teeth, two large fangs extending beyond the others. Four bat wings flapped behind it as it stared at everyone with focused blood-red eyes. Closer inspection could reveal that unlike the other Paragon beasts, the eyes on this one were more defined that it was still possible to make out the iris and pupils. It snarled as it observed its surroundings, and at this, everyone bowed their heads.

Stepping over his old body, Mortis Kraven looked upon his new flesh, studying every inch of himself. He felt new. He felt young again. He felt strong.

Katarina, Irina, Lucretia and James now looked up. Katarina gulped in apprehension at the monstrous sight of the creature that emerged while Irina and Lucretia's jaws both dropped. James however marveled with wonder at the sight. "You look magnificent, my master."

Mortis turned toward James, stepping forward slightly. Then, his flesh warped and bubbled. Slowly, the skin colouration changed from black to pale. Silver coloured hair sprouted from the inhuman head that was also starting to change. Cracks sounded as bones reformed and muscles shrank. The wings themselves folded inward and sank beneath the flesh on his back while his claws shorted into humanoid fingers and toes. Within seconds, all beheld Mortis Kraven as he was so many centuries ago, when he was at his prime, when he began his rule among them.

Mortis smiled gleefully as he observed his once more youthful appearance before he turned to James with his red eyes, the only thing left unchanged. He answered James's comment with one of his own:

"I know."