Akira watched as their selected prisoners were led onto the ships that would take them back to Cross Academy. Once they docked, the plan was to place them in trucks and then take the secret roads used by the Knights trained in the school. The necessary preparations had already been set in place at the academy, so accommodating them would not be difficult. The younger knights were there as well, along with the teachers, meaning security was not going to be difficult either.

"We should be able to leave soon." Lin Hua reported. "Beatrice is speaking with Lady Cassandra and Chairman Cross now. They will know to expect us."

"Alright then." Akira nodded. "We need to move under the cover of night. I will not risk Cross Academy becoming a battlefield for the third time."

"In any case, her Majesty has also ordered a small detachment of the Crimson Tulips to be stationed there for extra protection." Lin Hua stated. "Lady Casandra is already aware and is ensuring nothing gets by her. The Night class is going to extra vigilant as well."

"That is good." Akira nodded. "Though I hope the Day students won't be too alarmed with the extra guard."

Lin Hua now looked to Akira and sighed. "So Akira, it seems your mind is made up. Question is, will you have the fortitude to see it through?"

"I suppose you speak of Anju?" Akira asked. "And my intent to tell her how I truly feel? Well Lin Hua, I'd be lying if I said it was going to be easy. I daresay I'm quite relieved to not know when she would be returning."

"Well then, I suppose you'll have to put it quite some effort to ensure that you are ready at all times. Who knows when she does come back." Lin Hua said curtly. "If I may say so, consider this a lesson in being prepared for the most surprising possibility. It would likely benefit you in your rule when you take the throne."

"To think even you would lecture me…" Akira moaned. "I suppose you do live up to the title of attendant."

"I am merely doing my duty." Lin Hua answered. "And part of that is making sure you don't make yourself as nervous wreck. So chin up Akira. Just think of this as another trial, and prepare well."

"A trial with merely my dignity and heart on the line." Akira noted. "I hope this doesn't become more complicated than it already is."

"Seriously?" Ichigo bellowed as Yumika read the message out loud. "That Kuran vampire is bringing P. to Cross Academy for interrogation?!"

"They feel it could help us with the severe lack of manpower." Yumika reported. "As much as I don't like the idea either, Cassandra Kraven's power is quite impressive. We don't even need to waste time with an interrogation."

"He's seriously going to risk another all-out brawl on academy grounds?" Ichigo fumed. "What the hell is that damn queen thinking? Or rather, what the hell is that stupid Chairman thinking!?"

"Look, whether we like it or not, the point is it has been approved, even by Marcus." Yumika said. "Akira Kuran has requested security for all the prisoners we are transporting. So if you are so concerned about another fight on school grounds, quit your griping and start getting ready! It will fall to us to make sure none of that happens! End of discussion!"

Yumika now stalked off, leaving Ichigo and Zen. Still, there wasn't anything that could be done. If Marcus had given the all-clear, they could not challenge the decision. Any more and Yumika would definitely remind them why she was feared among vampires.

"Seriously, that Chairman better not have done anything stupid." Ichigo growled. "The last thing we need is another fight in the academy grounds. Twice was already bad enough."

"Look at it this way." Zen sniggered. "You get the full authority to kill anyone that steps out of line."

"I don't think Chairman Cross would want that." Ichigo sighed. "Which kinda pisses me off more that he'd allow this."

"You know what they say. Desperate times means desperate measures." Zen shrugged. "But since Marcus approved it, we ought to at least consider he has assigned a good amount of security. I don't see that guy just allowing something like this for the heck of it."

"What the hell…" Ichigo scowled. "Fine. But I still don't like it."

"I doubt anyone does kiddo." Zen remarked. "But like Yumika said, if you are that concerned, better step up your game face. I'm more than certain we'll end up having a brawl or two."

Ichigo looked as Zen walked away. "Shit…" He cursed. "I really hope nothing goes wrong when we get there."

Mortis tapped the arm of his chair, frowning at the two guards that knelt before him. They quivered in his presence, and he could not blame them. After the news he had just heard recently, it would be no surprise that he would be livid.

"Repeat that to me one more time." Mortis asked, the loose stones on the floor now trembling.

The vampires looked to each other, knowing what would likely be their fate should they dare to defy. Thus, they mustered up what courage they had, though it did not stop the trembling of their voices. The one on the left began first. "When we were about to take off, Lady Katarina forced us out."

"She commanded us master." The other now replied. "We had no choice but to obey…"

Mortis frowned as he heard the news. He sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. "And I assume she did not say why?"

"No master." The first replied.

Mortis closed his eyes, deep in thought. He did not think long. He could tell of only one reason why she had done this. "Master?" The vampires questioned. Mortis answered by telekinetically flinging them out the door of his throne room and then slamming the doors shut.

To the right, James bowed as well. "My apologies master. I should have been more observant."

"It matters not." Mortis huffed. "Though I must say, Verona's defiance seems to run heavily through her offspring. Katarina will no doubt go back to Cassandra, and I can't have her start doubting me as well. If she does, we lose a great advantage, and who knows what will happen should she give up our location."

"But what are we to do?" James frowned. "I doubt I am capable of standing against her."

"Not as you are James." Mortis said. "I believe it is high time I rewarded you for all of your services to me."

"Milord?" James looked up with a questioning frown.

"I have made substantial consideration into this matter and I believe that it is only natural to provide you with these gifts. Make no mistake however." Mortis now stood up from his throne. "The power you will receive is far less than what I have for myself. And in any instance you turn against me, well I'm certain you know already the sort of fate that awaits you?"

"You have taught me that most explicitly." James replied.

"Good." Mortis said. "When you are ready, we can begin the procedure. Thanks to the Alucard's powers, I have been able to further expand Project Paragon's outcomes. And I wish for you to take the first step in it."

"Meaning to say, I will be your guinea pig for the rest of our esteemed Pureblood allies?" James remarked with a smirk.

"Always quite the snide lip." Mortis replied. "But you speak the truth. Just make sure you know when to hold your tongue, lest I cut it out of you."

"I understand milord." James bowed. "Let me know when the procedure is ready."

"A fair warning, it is hardly pleasant." Mortis remarked.

"When is life ever so pleasant?" James retorted with a snide and sinister smile.

Cassandra woke again to the start of a new day, or rather night. The everyday routine had now become standard for her, not that she minded.

The minute she woke, it would be first a quick shower followed by breakfast. Such an event led to her mingling with the members of the Night class who had already prepared themselves. Of course, she still didn't know what to think of them addressing her as 'Lady Cassandra', but as of now she had become desensitized to it.

Once that was over, she would return to her room and prepare herself for her lessons, which had not been all too boring. This would culminate in bringing the entire Night class out toward the main school, which of course was complimented with the throngs of Day class students lined up and ready to look at them. While extremely chaotic, it was still a fond moment to greet the human students and receive their adoration. Of course, she had to ensure the Day prefects were not obstructed, since some of the vampires could get caught up in the whole affair.

Once classes for the day were over, it was necessary to read reports from the teachers regarding the behavior of the students. As a Pureblood and the Night class head, it was necessary for her to also enforce the academy rules. Misbehaving students had to be addressed, along with other comments and feedback on planned activities, especially small garden parties. Cassandra also had to work with the gatekeepers to ensure the proper acquisition of mail, updates on class venues and requests from fellow students regarding lodgings or visitors to the Moon dorm.

All in all, it was a lot of work. It was still good that she has Gabriella to help her with everyday tasks, otherwise she probably would have been swamped. Once more, she wished Akira was around to at least lighten the load.

"Hgggh…" Cassandra grunted as she stretched her hands high upward, feeling the pull in her back muscles. "Well, can't stay cooped up forever and complaining about the work." With a breath to calm herself, she stepped out of the room and gathered the Night class in the main lounge. Ensuring all were accounted for, the vampire students stepped out into the world.

"KYAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!" Came the adoring squeals of the Day class girls as they beheld the males.

"UWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOH!" Resounded the boys as soon as they saw the vampire ladies, especially Cassandra and Gabriella.

"Just another usual day eh?" Cassandra whispered to Gabriella as they strode down the path.

"Well, it is quite entertaining at times." Gabriella shrugged as she stifled a yawn. "It at least keeps you awake."

"I suppose this is the sort of excitement you don't tire of." Cassandra replied. "Though I do worry if my fans among them make it a tad bit too rowdy." Since the festival, Cassandra has had a huge boom in her support, especially from the Day class. It was no surprise that her singing had enraptured plenty of people. She was already aware that a fan club had arisen within the academy walls and while it was comforting that the Day students had accepted her, it could also be embarrassing and weird to a certain degree.

"CASSANDRA! CASSANDRA! WOO WOO WOO!" As if to prove a point, a bunch of Day class students on the left started to chant, all the while wearing headbands and self-made white jackets, no doubt her fan club that was established within a few days of the festival. There were even some pins which she strangely suspected were made using glamour shots of her, which made her wonder when in the world did those photos get taken. She waved back nervously, unsure of what to make of the situation.

"Alright you idiots!" Came the gruff voice of Isabelle Dunois. "Just for that, we'll be conducting an inspection of your dorms to check for any such items like those photos!" At this, a wave of protest exploded through the crowd, obviously unhappy with the sudden spot-check.

"I never thought it gets this crazy…" Cassandra stated. "The Day prefects must have it rough this way."

"It definitely does feel different with that vibe." Gabriella said as Cassandra's fan club was sent off, though their cheers could still be heard from a distance. "But at the very least you have a dedicated base of support."

Cassandra blew a lock of hair out of her face. "Anju never said anything about coexistence being so strange."

"And I believe that is where the beauty of it lies, don't you agree?" Gabriella winked.

"I suppose…" Cassandra mulled as she and the rest of the Night class approached the academy main building. "Well, I have a class on law and politics first, followed by science later and then history. I can't believe I flunk even at basic scientific equations."

"No one is perfect." Gabriella nodded. "I could barely stay awake through Social studies."

"Are you sure that isn't you being tired?" Cassandra arched an eyebrow.

"Like you aren't bored with certain subjects." Gabriella retorted, earning a smirk from Cassandra.

The night finally fell. After the initial few classes, it was time for the vampire students to take a break. Normally, Cassandra would be busied with ensuring nothing happened in this time. More than once had the Day class students actually snuck into academy grounds just for a look at the vampire students. While it was reassuring that the Day prefects were on the job, it fell to her and Gabriella to help as well. Thankfully, there were no instances of any vampire attacking a Day class student.

However, this time round Cassandra had plenty of other duties. It wasn't long ago that she had gotten the word of Akira returning. While she was glad he was okay, she was quite shocked at the fact that he was brining prisoners back with him for interrogation, and that he wished to have her cooperation in doing so. Cassandra wasn't so sure about using her powers to gather information, but knowing how far her grandfather seemed willing to go, she supposed she had to help as well, lest the insanity he had bred consumed the world. Already she had gotten wind of this 'Alucard'.

So at this moment, she had to prepare herself for the list of prisoners being brought over, along with being familiar with all the security plans put into place. She had already ensured that the Moon dorm dungeon would be more than enough to house those Akira was escorting. All she had to do now was to brief the younger Knights present in the school.

"Haaa." Cassandra massaged her shoulder as she proceeded to meet with the vampire faculty regarding the security plans put into place, and how to ensure it would not affect the Day class students in any way.

Then, she froze as her head snapped toward the night sky outside. Immediately she dashed to the window, looking outside. Something felt wrong, she knew it. It wasn't the scent of an intruder, it wasn't the scent of a human. Yet, she could feel a presence, one that strangely felt familiar.

Nothing was there in the direction she was looking at. Frowning, Cassandra wondered what it was as she stepped away from the window. "Gabriella!" She called out. Instantly, a bat flew up. Cassandra reached out, allowing it to perch on her hand. "Inform all of the Night class to return to the Moon dorm. Have the knights on hand attend to the Sun dorm as well. I fear we have an intruder in the castle grounds." The bat now flew away, no doubt having relayed her orders. Cassandra now walked toward the main staff office to inform the teachers of what she had sensed.

It was then that the ceiling exploded and rubble crashed down upon her.

"What the hell!?" Misaki yelped as she leapt out of bed. Looking out her window and past the bridges connecting the dorm to the main school, she now saw that a part of the roof had collapsed down, dust clouds now rising into the air.

Immediately, she got herself dressed as quickly as possible, grabbing her knife as she headed out. Already, plenty of students were waking up, alarm running through the halls of the Sun dorm as they beheld the damage to the main building.

"Get into your rooms now and stay inside!" Misaki called out. "Get inside! Quickly!" At once, the students complied, knowledge of the previous attacks on their school already installing a sense of caution in them. Misaki now ran to the main alarm switch, smacking it hard with her hand. At once, a bell sounded; the emergency signal to instruct all students to stay in their rooms while alerting the teachers as well. Misaki now approached the stairs, taking each flight one leap at a time as she ran to the ground floor.

"Hey Shiba!" Isabelle called from behind. "The hell is this shit?!"

"No clue!" Misaki said as she stopped by the gate of the Sun dorm. "But for now, we need to secure this place!"

"Geez, and here I was hoping for a good night's sleep!" Isabella growled as the other prefects came from behind. "Alright, we have to get that gate up! Shiba, get out there and see what you can do. Hunter work is outside my jurisdiction, but you'd better get your ass back here, got it?"

"Roger!" Misaki nodded as she ran toward the academy. "Just keep the students safe!"

Cassandra panted as she hefted the rubble off her with the shadow wing constructs she had made. As soon as her eyes adjusted to the smoke and dust all around, she finally caught it. Rather than just the presence, the scent was also familiar.

"Sister Katarina?" Cassandra gasped with a mixture of apprehension and surprise.

Katarina stood before her now, her Flamberge drawn with eerie energy running along the blade. If Katarina felt anything at seeing her sister again, she did not show it. Nothing was on her face save for the stoic glare she gave.

"W-What are you doing here?" Cassandra asked, slowly getting onto her feet. Again, no response.

"Please sister, let us talk. I'm sure you think of me as a traitor after everything I had done, but there is a reason for it! Sister, our grandfather, he's not what you think. He-" Cassandra barely finished before Katarina charged, the blade aimed at her.

"SHUT UP!" Katarina roared as she attacked Cassandra, who had barely created a shadow shield in time to defend herself. "You have something to say!? Not as much as me!" Katarina now raised her sword in both hands, slamming it down full force onto Cassandra's shield. Cassandra cried out as the floor beneath her buckled and cracked.

"Sister! Please!" Cassandra grunted against the strain in her arms. "Just listen!"

"You listen first! Do you know what your traitorous little stint has done to our family?" Katarina roared as she held the blade low and quickly swung upwards. The blow blew Cassandra off her feet, causing her to slam into the opposite wall. Cassandra gasped as the air was knocked out of her lungs. She fell to the ground, struggling as she tried to get up. Katarina wasn't intent on letting her recover, for she charged in quickly with all her might.

Cassandra's hair now turned red as her sclera shifted to black. As she attempted to utter a word, Katarina's hand quickly clamped around her throat. Cassandra gagged, nothing but a surprised choke emanating from her lips.

With her voice cut off, it was impossible for her to use her Blood Siren powers; this was what Katarina had surmised. Without that, Cassandra's fighting strength was non-existent. With the surprise attack and her overwhelming strength, she believed she could subdue Cassandra. So long as Cassandra had no help in any way, the older Kraven vampire was certain she could best her younger sister.

Cassandra now attempted to create a blade of shadow with her left hand. However, Katarina saw it coming and quickly slammed her head first down into the floor, cracks appearing on the surface. Cassandra immediately went limp, her hair and eyes returning to their normal colour.

"I thought you knew better!" Katarina snarled, still seizing her sister's throat. "When mother and father died and grandfather began to care for us I thought you knew what was important! We swore back then we'd help grandfather make a world where no one could threaten us anymore! And you just went and threw it all away!" Katarina now raised her sister up and slammed her into the floor again.

"Urk!" Cassandra gasped as the shock ran through her head again, her vision now starting to blur.

"Did you know? I swore that I would do anything! I trained and suffered, all for the clan and family!" Katarina gritted her teeth as she said this. "Then grandfather went and made you the next clan head! I never questioned him, believing that this was the best for us. And what did you do!? You turned your back on it all!"

Cassandra watched as her sister now released her, but placed both hands upon her sword and brought it down full force upon her. The floor finally broke apart, causing both sisters to crash through toward the ground floor of the academy. Katarina huffed as she got back up, while Cassandra lay on the floor, blood stained upon her uniform.

"So I swore I would bring you back and have you judged before grandfather, before the whole Kraven clan! But he never approved of it! He feels that his world is far more important than actually coming after you! And so here I am, to enact judgement upon you as a member of the Kraven clan!" Katarina now walked up to her sister's motionless body. Cassandra looked up as her sister pointed her blade at her.

Silence stretched between them as they stared at each other, violet eyes into yellow. Katarina's brow now furrowed as she raised the blade.

"Do it then." Cassandra said, shocking her older sister. "That's why you are here, right? To bring judgement upon me."

"You…" Katarina blinked. "What?"

"You're right." Cassandra said. "I turned my back upon our grandfather, and all of you. I knew this fate was what awaited me since then. Though, if I were to be honest, I was hoping I could talk to you properly, at least once more."

"What are you saying damn it!?" Katarina snarled.

"I never forgot, what you did for me." Cassandra breathed despite being at her sister's mercy. "You were the one I looked to. You were the one who always stayed with me despite my pranks, my misbehavior, my stupidity. You'd be the one who I could always talk to, the one I could confide in about whatever troubled me. Since I was but a girl, I knew that despite everything, you never abandoned me. That's why, I hoped that no matter what, even after all this, if there was anyone I could reach, it'd be you…"

"Because…" Cassandra smiled as her eyes teared up. "Because no matter what you think of me, to me, you are still my older sister…"

Katarina froze as she heard the revelation from Cassandra. She watched as Cassandra now closed her eyes, seemingly resigning herself to whatever she had in mind. Katarina suddenly felt her sword feeling heavy as her irritation swelled up from inside her. She suddenly realized her hands were trembling.

"Cassandra!" Came a voice to her left. Katarina paid it no mind as with a yell, she raised her sword and brought the blade down.

Author's Note:

Well, I'm finally starting to plan for the conclusion of this overall story. It isn't easy when ideas tend not to work well or link properly with what I have done before. So I ask that you be patient. I will do what I can to publish newer chapters on a monthly basis.

At this point, there may be a lot of wondering why I chose to set Katarina as what you have seen in this chapter and the previous ones. Well, the creation of Cassandra Kraven and the Kraven clan was the main core of this fic, and I wanted to continue exploring the relationship between Cassandra and her oldest sister more and more. More of this awaits us in the next few chapters, so please stay tuned!

Jdbl00d