"Auntie has decided to take matters personally?" Akira blinked. "Pardon me mother, but that is very surprising."

"Well, we both agreed we could no longer hold back." Replied Queen Ai over the video call. "As of now, she has already handled three locations while heading to a fourth. Every single opposition she met she captured and will soon be heading to our interrogation rooms. Still…"

"The quality of information is yet to be seen." Akira nodded.

"While she was successful in capturing highly ranked commanders, we aren't very sure if they are top brass." Ai responded. "Still, it's all we have and we cannot afford to squander it."

"We'd best hope this isn't a sign of us becoming desperate." Beatrice said. "If Mortis catches wind of our current situation this might entice him to take more offensive action against us. And I fear that perhaps he will come for Lady Cassandra first. Her power as the Blood Siren is among our greatest advantages."

"I agree with that assessment." Lin Hua nodded beside Akira. "Time is of the essence here. We have to get what we can and quickly. Mortis may have already supplanted himself into his Alucard body."

Akira frowned, deep in thought. It was certain that Mortis would be using this time to experiment with his new power, even exploit them at the expense of others. It wouldn't be long before he spread word of his current state to other vampires, especially Purebloods who opposed his mother's policies. They had to find out where he was hiding, and fast. "Mother, I have a suggestion, though one that I doubt all would approve of."

Ai, Lin Hua and Beatrice looked at him quizzically. "Go on." The queen said.

"We have many prisoners to interrogate, and going through them with usual methods won't be easy." Akira explained. "However, Beatrice proves a point. Cassandra still gives us a particular advantage in that regard." Everyone's eyes widened at this, realising what Akira was suggesting.

"I see." Ai nodded. "Cassandra should be able to use her powers to enthrall them into talking. It will save both us and the Association manpower to focus on other areas. However, won't it be too risky? Cassandra is required at Cross Academy. We cannot take her away from there. We can bring the prisoners over, but it will need to be done in absolute secret so that it does not bring harm to the Day class. Also, I'm not sure if Cassandra is privy to using her powers like that…"

"I'm sure she will understand." Beatrice said. "But I do agree, how will we escort so many prisoners to Cross Academy? How will we ensure nothing goes awry?"

"I will handle that." Akira nodded. "And Gabriella is more than a match for regular human prisoners. But just to be safe, I'll take Shinji and Henry with me."

"Alright then." Ai replied. "I'll arrange for them to be escorted there. I'll let Kirihara know as well so that he can ready the staff of the academy. Whatever happens Akira, make sure none of them give you the slip. We can't have chaos on Academy grounds again. I'll send a few of my guards your way to make sure of that as well."

"Understood mother." Akira said. "Lin Hua, Beatrice, please relay this to Cassandra. I will join you shortly."

"Yes milord." Lin Hua and Beatrice both bowed and walked away. Ai frowned as Akira remained, perturbed by this strange behavior.

"Is there something else you would like to report to me?" Ai asked.

"Not really." Akira answered. "It's more of something I want to ask you, as your son." Ai remained silent, but leaned back in her chair, motioning for him to carry on.

"Mother, how did you feel when you met father for the first time?" Akira asked, toward which Ai's frown merely deepened.

"That's odd, even for you." Ai replied. "May I ask as to why you have such a thought upon your mind?"

At this, Akira remained silent. Ai closed her eyes as she contemplated the turn of events, pinching the bridge of her nose as she did so. After a few minutes of uncomfortable silence, she looked up. "Is it Anju Cross?" Once more, Akira remained silent.

Ai sighed again. "Well, if you'd like to know. When I met your father it wasn't a 'love at first sight' sort of thing. We merely spent time getting to know each other first. It was only then that I found things to like about him, such as his spirit, his determination. Well, I could go on and on, but I doubt that's what you want to know."

"No. Certainly not." Akira said as he stared down at his hands. "She consumes my thoughts mother. More than that, I… I thirst for her…"

"I see." Ai nodded. "So it's gotten there already, huh? And exactly how long has this been going on for?"

"Since the school festival…" Akira replied.

"Wow." Ai remarked. "And why haven't you said a thing to her?"

Akira now remained silent once more. But it was obvious that his mother expected an answer from him, for she appeared to be holding her tongue on the matter. "I…" Akira struggled to find the words. "I… All this time, I have felt that we have lived in different worlds. Anju is human, I am a Pureblood vampire, heir to the throne. We knew this, and we knew that despite what we felt, it could never be."

"And then Anju changed." Akira continued. "It's as if fate does not wish for us to be apart at all, if that makes sense. Slowly, she became more and more wrapped in our world that I don't even know where she belongs anymore; if there is actually a line separating us anymore. And when I think of that well…"

"You heart aches huh?" Ai answered. "This kind of thing just as Ren goes off. I must say, what horrible timing."

Akira remained silent at that remark. Instead he asked another question. "What should I do mother?"

"You're asking me?" Ai frowned. "How should I know? Your romance apparently has been starting since you actually met that girl by the sounds of it."

Akira was now taken aback by this reply. No, it started at the school festival, didn't it?

…Didn't it?

Now that he thought about it, there were all those times he saved her from being trampled by swarming Day class students. There was also the time he had asked Ichigo to look out for her and protect her. Not to mention the academy dance; he had almost bitten Anju then, and he could vaguely remember his rage when Anju was hurt and captured on two separate occasions.

The colour drained from Akira's face. How long? He wondered. How long had this actually been going on for?! His hand clamped over his mouth as he tried to piece the mess of his mind back together, his forehead furrowing with stress.

"Oh lord." Ai covered her eyes with her hands. "It's that bad huh?" Akira remained silent, for he knew not what to say. Ai sighed as she leaned forward. "Well son, you've already figured out what your feelings are, so that's the first step. The next will be to actually tell her that."

"Huh?" Akira replied, dumbstruck.

"Ignore a thirst for so long and it warps you." Ai said. "Makes you do foolish things. But worst of all, it isolates you. Do that for too long, and you risk losing each other forever. I, rather your aunt knows that better than most."

"But what if she is terrified with me mother?" Akira frowned. "She knows what it means when we love another, what it entails. She also knows how dark and brutal it can be. I don't want her to become too deeply involved in our affairs."

"I'm afraid that's no longer up to you to decide." Ai said. "I mean, you know better than most what she has gone through. So stop giving yourself these excuses and be truthful to her for once."

"Well, it's not like I can send a letter." Akira said. "Mr. Rodin made sure she'd be training in secret."

"Then once she returns, tell her you fool." Ai scolded. "Now then, I have work to do. I trust you will make the necessary arrangements on your end." Without another word, Ai cut the call, leaving Akira to stare at the blank screen.

"And I wonder when that chance will be?" Akira sighed.

Murmuring was present throughout the darkened room as Katarina stood guard within. It was within the few days that her grandfather had possessed his Alucard body that he had ordered them to gather various Purebloods worldwide. Her, along with her sisters and even James himself were ordered to escort them all to their current realm and to guard them.

Besides herself and the Death Bringers present, mindless thralls shambled all around, serving them the fresh blood of humans. While the sweet scent of blood was a welcome respite for those who had especially come from far and wide, the sight of the mindless drones was more than unnerving for all. Already they whispered about the rumors they had heard of the infamous Kraven patriarch, and how those rumors were more than likely true.

"So, you are Katarina Kraven?" Katarina turned toward the source of the voice that called to her, a vampire possessing scarlet hair. She recognized this one as Lord Richtor, who had come all the way from Germany. "I must say, I did not expect to find one so ravishingly beautiful." Katarina fought the urge to roll her eyes and indicate her refusal of his advances. However, her grandfather had specifically ordered her to be hospitable, and so she obeyed.

"I am flattered milord." Katarina said. "However, it would be improper of me to secede my duties at this moment. May I ask for your understanding?"

"Oh come now." Richtor said smugly. "It's been years since I could meet a gorgeous young woman. What do you say?" She watched as he now got up from his seat and edged closer to her. "Why don't we forget the business here and simply elope?"

"Richtor, I truly wonder if you were interested in what this Mortis Kraven has to say." Came another vampire, one who had long black hair and a stubble beard. This was Lord Ivanov, one of the most ruthless vampires in the world. Long before, supposedly during the ancient war, he had established himself as a brutal warlord and tyrant. It was no wonder he was called the 'Bloody King'. "I have this sneaky suspicion that you were more interested in adding to your collection of beautiful women."

"Come now Lord Ivanov." Richtor shrugged. "Ex-humans have their charm to be sure, but none can match those of a Pureblood. Even you'd agree with me."

"Bah!" Ivanov scoffed, obviously unable to tolerate his behavior, yet unable to say otherwise.

"Then why not come to me Lord Richtor?" Came a woman who sat at the table. She was known as Lady Song, one who once ran an extensive smuggling business supplying fresh human blood for many vampires in China and established herself as one of the prime targets for the Hunter Association. With the massive crackdown on her operations, she had been reduced to small hidden dens just to get by. She still remained on Queen Ai's most wanted list.

"Forgive me Lady Song." Richtor said. "But I have seen what you do to some of your consorts." Katarina frowned. It appeared that Lady Song possessed quite the brutal streak with potential suitors as well if such a womanizer steered clear of her.

Someone cleared their throat. All turned to look at a vampire with short cut hair combed backward. Katarina recognized him as Lord Dezel, another well-known Pureblood who didn't agree with Ai's views. It was said that he even provided services for vampires who wanted to feast on human blood. "I am uncertain as to what your motivations are. But I came because Mortis Kraven stated he had a solution to our issue of constant conflict with that Kuran vampire. As of now, I have yet to even see him. How long does he intend to make me wait? I have much business to attend to back in Manhattan."

"Please be patient a little longer Lord Dezel." Katarina bowed. "As of now, we are also waiting for Lord Galeus and Lady Trevain. My sisters should be bringing them shortly."

"Hmmph." Dezel frowned, obviously not pleased, but not unreasonable. "Very well. I shall wait."

As if on cue however, the doors opened. In stepped Irina and Lucretia, with two others following behind.

"Lady Trevain, Lord Galeus." Irina bowed. "Please be seated. Our grandfather will be with you shortly." Lucretia said nothing, but she remained bowing. Katarina now wondered why the two of them only behaved in front of other people. Then again, the two of them were well-versed in the art of deception.

"About time." Galeus groaned as he sat down, immediately being served a wine glass filled with blood. Lady Trevain had the same, though she was less than comforted by the mindless thrall. Then, the thralls began to leave, slowly filing out of the room. Once the doors had closed, the sound of another opening echoed throughout the room. At once, Katarina and her sisters moved to the back as Mortis walked in, escorted by James.

The Kraven patriarch had undergone a drastic change in wardrobe. Gone was the dark hooded cloak; there was no longer a need to hide his visage. This time, he wore a long black coat that ended in two coattails, ornate silver designs akin to skeletal fingers upon them and the sleeve cuffs. Under that was a silver ascot tie that he wore over a black vest with accompanying dark pants.

"My fellow Lords and Ladies, I thank you for coming." Mortis said as he seated himself at the head of the table, James standing far back, waiting on his word. "Since I have kept you waiting, let us not waste anymore of your time and cut straight to business, yes?"

"Quite the silver tongue you have Lord Kraven." Dezel said.

"Please Dezel, Mortis is fine." Mortis himself smiled.

"My, you are such a host, aren't you?" Richtor smiled smugly as he twirled his glass of blood. "And yet beneath that exterior I sense something far more nefarious. Pray tell, how does one turn regular people into mindless slaves so easily?"

"You overestimate me." Mortis chuckled. "I am merely gifted."

"So it would seem." Song frowned. "But down to business. To what do we owe this pleasure of meeting?"

Mortis nodded, deciding it was time to start on the topic at hand. "Everyone, as you know there was a time when we vampires dominated this earth. Despite humans being a part of our existence, we have always been the ones who stood above them, striking into their hearts fear of our existence. That all changed however, when the Hunters Association and that Kuran girl took over. Finally, both the worlds of light and darkness knew peace."

"And as you know personally, it also meant the loss of our natural livelihood." Mortis said, garnering murmurs of agreement. "However, even if we have the desire to fight for it, we have no way of doing so between the Vampire Knights and the Hunters. To do battle against them is to court death, of which we are still capable of meeting. Until now."

"How do you mean?" Lady Trevain asked.

"James, is it ready?" Mortis called behind him.

"As ordered milord." James bowed as he took out a remote and clicked a few buttons. From the ceiling above, a projector and its screen descended. Slowly, it turned on and began to play.

"My fellow Purebloods, allow me to explain what I have done as a method of our salvation." Mortis said as the video started. All in the room now bore witness to a documentary of Project Paragon, Mortis explaining each step of the way. Many of the Purebloods took it in with both interest and apprehension, especially considering what the Paragon creatures were capable of, and what they looked like. Then, it finally got to the part of the Alucard, the crowning jewel of the whole project. Mortis took great lengths in explaining the suitability of the Alucard as a body, and how it alleviated his previous condition.

"So, your solution to our current situation are these monstrosities?" Song frowned. "While the video has shown plenty, I still remain unconvinced."

"As you should Lady Song." Mortis nodded. "Skepticism is the mark of a sound mind. But rest assured, all I have said is true. And if you still desire proof, I have it here. James?" He now turned to the vampire warrior behind. James nodded as he left the room for a moment. Minutes later though, he returned with thrall that held a silver platter upon which a plain cloth was draped over. James immediately removed the cloth, exposing a small dagger underneath.

"This dagger is a weapon we retrieved from a Hunter." Mortis explained. "And I assure you, it works just as well." With a nod, James immediately took up the knife in a gloved hand, ramming its blade through the thrall's heart. All watched as the thrall turned to dust instantly, sparks of anti-vampire magic indicating the work of the weapon. James turned to Mortis once more, who nodded back to him. James now walked forward to Mortis's side. Raising the dagger, he plunged it full force into Mortis's shoulder, leaving it there.

"What in the blazes!?" Galeus leaped to his feet as the dagger's power began to activate. While not a lethal blow, not even a Pureblood would escape unscathed. Yet, shock turned to astonishment as Mortis ignored the dagger and the pulsating power underneath it. Mortis took a glance at the dagger, regarding it simply as a fly. Then, he reached up and grabbed it, forcefully pulling the dagger out. As the magic within sparked against his hand, he growled, the dagger beginning to burn with extreme heat before it melted away. He looked to where the dagger had entered, seeing that the wound had healed.

"Impossible." Trevain gasped as all others looked around at the remarkable feat.

"As you can see." Mortis gestured. "Even their anti-vampire weapons are of no use. I am completely immune, as are the rest of the Paragon beasts. However, the Alucard body I inhibit is capable of far greater things. And it can be made for you as well."

"How impressive." Richtor nodded. "I never imagined such innovation!"

"How long would it take to create a body such as yours?" Dezel asked.

"A month or two, given our current refinements." Mortis replied. "It will also require quite some funds and supplies. An Alucard body especially requires vast amounts of Pureblood DNA. However, I myself can solve that for you. All I ask in return is your full cooperation."

Someone laughed loudly. All turned to see Lord Ivanov reared back in his chair. He now looked to Mortis, his eyes glowing red. "So, you intend yourself to be the master of this revolution?"

"I am the one who created Project Paragon." Mortis frowned. "Forgive me if I used improper words, but I meant to say that only I at this moment can oversee the creation of your new body Lord Ivanov, along with the ability to transfer you into it."

"So, you give me all this, and in exchange I submit to you?" Ivanov asked. "That is what you are asking, aren't you?" At this comment, murmurs ran through them again, this time being ones of uncertainty.

"I have been through enough dealings to know enough Mortis." Ivanov replied. Mortis remained silent at this as Ivanov stood up. "So tell me Mortis, what form of tribute will you require in exchange for this gift? My wealth? My lands? Or perhaps you'd prefer my complete allegiance instead?"

Ivanov now walked toward Mortis. "You have truly made an astounding game here Mortis. I truly would love to see that Kuran queen be destroyed. But know this, I have been a Pureblood Lord for centuries. I have seen kingdoms and countries rise and fall, immersing myself within the woes of this earth. I am certain you know of my reputation as the 'Bloody King', and I will tell you now have no intention of bowing down before some ancient clan that hid its face for centuries while I fought against those wretched humans."

"Ivanov…" Dezel frowned. "I suggest caution." Yet, the Russian Pureblood Lord was not deterred.

"You know, come to think of it there was that one thing I heard about the Kraven clan." Ivanov smirked. "The so-called Blood Siren, am I right?" At this, Katarina's teeth clenched, though she held her tongue as Ivanov continued.

"I also heard of how she deserted you all, grew some sentimentality perhaps?" Ivanov taunted. "Now then, what would anyone of us say to that? You, the patriarch of your clan and you couldn't even keep a little girl in line. How the 'proud Kraven clan' as you call it has fallen. Now how am I supposed to agree to an alliance with you after all that? How should I even ally with a leader that incompe-"

Before Ivanov could answer, Mortis grabbed him by the throat. Everyone stared in shock as the 'Bloody King' was lifted off his feet, strangled by Mortis's hand. Mortis stood up effortlessly as James withdrew back, slight apprehension on his face.

"Perhaps you may have been called the Bloody King Ivanov." Mortis remarked as Ivanov clawed at his hand. "And perhaps you believe yourself the most deadly of us all. But remember this Ivanov, where there is one who is accomplished, there also lies the possibility of meeting one who is more accomplished." At this, Mortis's skin bubbled and darkened. All watched in horror as Mortis changed into his monstrous Alucard form. Ivanov especially paled as he gazed at Mortis's bat-like face. Mortis snarled, revealing the monstrous teeth in his maw.

"And at this point…" Mortis said in a more bestial voice. "I would say I am more accomplished, wouldn't you agree?" With this final word, he flung Ivanov toward the closed door, Katarina and her sisters barely avoiding him. The Russian vampire smashed right through and continued to hurtle down the hall for a good thirty meters, smashing into another wall as he did. The entire meeting room went silent as they soon realized what exactly Mortis had against them.

"Now then." Mortis growled as he faced everyone again. "Does anyone else have any more doubts of me?" To this, nothing but silence was the response.

It was hours after the meeting ended, but the various Purebloods had agreed to Mortis's terms. Not too surprising to Katarina, after the show of force from their grandfather. Still, she seemed displeased by the whole affair, though she wasn't sure why. For now, she seemed content with drowning her thoughts in the books they had in their library.

The door to the main library opened and James walked in, bowing before her as he did so. "Milady Katarina, your grandfather requests your presence." At this, Katarina frowned.

"Why?" She asked as she stood up.

"He has not told me." James said. "All he instructed me was to bring this message to you." James replied.

Katarina seemed displeased, but otherwise did not question it. She knew that she could not disobey the patriarch of the clan after all. Disregarding James, she strode to the throne room, James closely following behind. She approached the throne room. Katarina now walked in through the large doors and bowed before her grandfather, who had resumed his human form and his seat at the throne itself. "Grandfather, I have come as requested."

"Ah, Katarina, good timing." Mortis smiled. "There is much I will need to discuss with you."

"Discuss?" Katarina frowned.

"The various Pureblood lords have pledged their cooperation with us seeing the power we can provide them." Mortis nodded. "However, it will be up to us to ensure we can keep up our end of the deal. To that end, I have instructed all of our forces to scout for Purebloods worldwide who side with Ai Kuran. Also, it will be of benefit for us to destroy the organization also known as Helsing. Therefore, I would like for you to also collect information on them as well."

Katarina frowned again, gripping her sword tightly. While subtle, the action did not go unnoticed. Mortis's smile now disappeared, replaced with a frown. "What seems to be the problem Katarina?"

Katarina's head now snapped upwards, not bothering to hide her displeasure. "While I understand the need for us to defeat our enemies, I still do not understand why we simply do nothing about Cassandra! You heard it yourself! Lord Ivanov displays doubts about us! A cooperation based on fear of us may only spurn them to turn against us once they have acquired what they desire!"

"I have planned for that possibility." Mortis said. "You needn't bother with it."

"We should!" Katarina now jumped to her feet. "Perhaps things would be different if Cassandra was around to deter them with her power as the Blood Siren! And then we wouldn't be called into question!"

"And as I have said before, it is not the priority!" Mortis roared as he stood from his throne. "As of now, there are things far more important than that foolish girl! So you will carry out my instructions and not question me again, am I clear!?"

Katarina moved to object, but then a heavy pressure overcome her body, no doubt the roiling power her grandfather had. Even James looked worried, and that was saying something.

"Now go!" Mortis bellowed. "And do not discuss this further with me again! Understood? James, prepare Katarina's transport won't you?""

"As you command master." James said, bowing once more as he left. "Milady, this way please. We'd best do as Lord Mortis wishes

Katarina gritted her teeth as she turned and exited the room, following James as the doors closed behind her. What is going on here? Katarina thought as she stalked down the halls. Before, grandfather was so concerned about Cassandra as the Blood Siren! Always doted on her, always placed her so important for our clan's survival! Now he is saying she isn't? Wasn't she supposed to be the pride of our clan? Once more, fury ran rampant through her mind. She could not understand why her grandfather would simply let such disobedience go. Long before, he had told her that the greatest strength of the Kraven clan was the Blood Siren. It was a symbol of how they as Purebloods were beyond even others of similar standing in the vampire world. So why would he disregard it now? Why would he put the Blood Siren as less important?

Her mind was made up. If her grandfather was not going to do anything to recover the pride of their family, then she will.

Cross Academy

"Another beautiful day huh?" Cassandra remarked as she opened the windows to the setting sun. Despite being the only Pureblood on campus and the absence of most of the student knights, nothing wrong had occurred within these last few weeks. Well, nothing besides having to meet with the adoration of Day class students. So many times she had lost count of how many swooned over her or tried to give her gifts. Of course, this was all done under the watchful eye of the Day class prefects.

As she thought this, she wondered how different things could have been had her sisters could have been able to come here, to Cross Academy. These past few weeks in this school had shown her exactly how possible co-existence was, not to mention how fun it seemed. She hoped for the chance, no matter how slim, that she could at least show Katarina what she had learnt here.

Cassandra smacked her cheeks lightly, dispelling the gloomy thoughts from her mind. It would not do for the head of the Night class to seem so down. "Alright then!" Cassandra said cheerily. "Time to get ready for class!"

Author's Note:

As always, please read and review! I'm trying my best to rush this story right now, but it is difficult to come up with ideas. FOr that, I ask for your patience!

Jdbl00d