Moon dormitory dungeon

Akira watched as Cassandra finished with the next prisoner. Her red hair and blackened sclera returned to normal as her shoulders sagged. She left the room, Akira now joining her as she sat down to catch her breath.

"Thank you for your hard work today Cassandra." Akira said. "I understand it is not easy."

"I've gotten used to the fatigue more or less." Cassandra said as she drank a blood tablet solution. "Still, I won't be able to use this on more than ten people a day."

"We ought to narrow down what we ask the captives when they are completely enthralled." Henry frowned. "Perhaps it may get through more of them much faster."

"We have to be thorough though." Ichigo said. "We haven't really established who the hell is who in the organizational structure of Helsing and the Kraven clan. We don't ask all questions, we may end up missing important information."

"Easy for you to say." Beatrice replied grumpily. "You're not the one who exhausts herself."

"Enough Beatrice." Cassandra said. "Anyways, did you get all of that?"

"Quite easily." Henry nodded as he scrawled through the notes he had written of all the interrogations Cassandra had done. "It appears the Helsing operatives have a few more holdings throughout Germany and Southeast Asia. I have also confirmed many sites owing to the similar locations we have been given."

"Mother should know of this." Akira nodded. "She will inform the respective members of the council. They will see to the investigation of these locations. Anything else?"

"For now, we haven't been able to pinpoint Helsing's main base of operations." Henry nodded. "Most likely the soldiers we have spoken with have little to no clue of it. However, we are at least aware of their transport routes as well."

"Vigilance in these areas should prevent most of their assaults upon civilians, and at the very least cripple their efforts." Akira replied. "Good work Cassandra. May I count on you again tomorrow for another round of questioning?"

"You have my aid." Cassandra nodded as she slowly stood up. "But if I may Akira, I have no qualms about speaking with some of the Kraven clan. Henry's investigation with that scientist did yield some insights toward the Alucard's conception, but nothing more concrete. We ought to start knowing wat my grandfather is quite capable of now."

"In due time Cassandra." Akira said. "For now, we should prioritize finding Mortis's stronghold. As to that, I'm still hoping Katarina will cooperate."

"I'll keep trying with her." Cassandra replied. "I will convince her. You have my word."

"Don't burden yourself so Cassandra." Akira said. I believe I too have a responsibility to this as my mother's representative in these matters."

"You should know sister still despises you and your mother." Cassandra nodded. "I doubt she would be cooperative if you were present."

"Perhaps." Akira nodded. "But if we are to work together, there can be no discord between us. To that end, I have a duty to see it succeed as well. At the very least, I must try."

"Well, you might want to bring some tea while you're at it." Ichigo remarked snidely. "Honestly, she still asks for it every damn day. Maybe if you yourself brought it to her, she'd warm up to you?"

"You can go ahead and try." Beatrice replied. "Even with those cuffs on, she could probably kill you."

"Even my other sisters, Irina and Lucretia, don't dare go against her." Cassandra explained. "Sister Katarina is the one nobody in our family would think about messing with, not even James."

"That asshole?" Ichigo arched an eyebrow. "Wow, she is definitely dangerous."

"All the more reason why it'd be best if she was not an enemy." Akira remarked. "And while it is good that she appears to have no hostile intents, it would be better if she were an ally."

"Well, we can't get anything done just standing around." Ichigo said. "I'll go and check how the other interrogators are doing with some of the lower ranked prisoners we have identified."

"I doubt anyone but my grandfather's closest followers are even aware of a part of the plan he has conceived." Cassandra spoke as she stood up. "For now, we must at least find out where they are. We can only make the next move then."

"You think Mortis is going to just let us waltz right in?" Ichigo asked. "Pretty sure the guy knows we have Katarina. He may just as well be making a trap for us right now."

"And so we must prepare." Akira said. "Till then, we must acquire Katarina's cooperation."

"Very well. I shall return to the Night class. I can't just leave them alone at this time when we have so much security put into place." Cassandra said.

"Indeed. I shall join you once I go get some refreshments for the rest of our guards." Akira replied.

"Well, I have to get to my rounds too." Ichigo said. "All this security means a lot more shift rotations."

"I hope that at least the large military presence does not scare the students." Cassandra said. "They've had to endure so many attacks lately. I'm certain they are all on edge. If only there was a way to ease their fears."

"I sometimes wish Anju was around." Akira said. "She would always be one to make sure everybody was safe."

"She always strove to make a world both humans and vampire could enjoy." Cassandra nodded. "I really wish she was here. I'm certain she would try her hardest to make sister Katarina see how wonderful coexistence would be."

"And she'd probably get shooed away just like everyone else." Ichigo deadpanned.

"Must you always be such a stick in the mud?" Beatrice frowned, though Ichigo ignored her.

"Perhaps." Akira nodded. "But she would return again the next day without fail."

"Very likely infuriating sister Katarina further." Cassandra laughed.

"I wonder if her presence would actually be what we need to make Katarina open up?" Akira thought. "It is just too bad we have no idea where she is right now."

"I hope Rodin and Serenity aren't giving her a hard time." Cassandra said. "Those two aren't exactly caretaker material."

"I don't know." Ichigo said. "If anything, they may just toughen her up even more. And maybe get her some brains while they're at it."

"Can't you be nice about her just for once?" Cassandra frowned with disapproval.

"Nope." Ichigo said as he strode away, leaving the vampires a little more than exasperated.

"Seriously, he never has anything nice to say when it comes to Anju." Cassandra grumbled. "I wonder how she managed to even live with him."

"A lot of patience and determination I'd daresay." Akira said. "Two of her most incredible qualities."

"Impressive that you have seen that much in her. I suppose it is no joke to say you two are exceptionally close." Cassandra said. "And with that, I'd like to ask you honestly, what else do you see in her?" At this, Akira remained silent.

"It's obvious Akira." Cassandra noted. "I see the way you look when you think of her. And when you knew she was in danger you didn't hesitate in the slightest. Shouldn't you at least be clear about your own feelings?"

Akira sighed. "Would that I needn't do it at all."

"Still, you should try." Cassandra said. "After all, we who can withstand the ravages of time will find such things to be overpowering. You know this just as well as I that desire is usually not something we can shirk away from."

"You speak truth." Akira nodded. "How funny that now I cannot face it properly."

"And yet, face it you must." Cassandra said. "For that is all you can do. For that is what you must do." Without another word, Cassandra walked away with Beatrice in tow; who took a moment to bow before Akira as she headed off.

"I suppose I'll be getting lots of that by the time this is over." Akira mused.

"So how long?" Misaki asked as Emi sipped down a blood tablet solution.

"I can already get most of the strength back in my limbs." Emi replied. "If all goes well, I might be fine by three days. Hopefully."

"You know I have no qualms about you drinking my blood." Misaki said.

"And I told you there is no need." Emi nodded. "I heal fast after all. Just give me a blood solution and all the cakes in the world and I'll be good as new!"

"Right." Misaki chuckled as she looked at the massive tray of confectionaries piled on the side. "What about Senior Ganju?"

"His organs have mostly healed and the bones are beginning to mend." Emi replied. "That big guy is way tougher than you'd think. He'll be just peachy soon."

"And then what happens?" Misaki asked. "Will you be going into the fray again?"

"Well…" Emi frowned. "We were actually thinking about doing some training first. We're likely to go up against Executors again, so we want to be prepared for that."

Misaki lowered her gaze, her fingers now curling into fists as she gripped her own pants. Emi apparently caught on, for she looked back with a concerned stare. "What's up?" The vampire asked.

"I…" Misaki started, but stopped immediately. She knew Emi wouldn't like the train of thought she had. Yet, a part of her just couldn't shake the fact that she was not of any help. When Anju was taken, when they had to attack Castle Kraven, even recently against Katarina she had not contributed. While it was only natural that it couldn't be helped, it did not make her feel better.

"You want to train with me?" Emi asked, snapping her out of her thoughts.

"How did you…" Misaki blinked.

"A long time ago, I had the same eyes you do now." Emi said. "Eyes that said you feel like you need to do more. Am I right?"

"Pretty much." Misaki nodded. "I haven't really done much as a Hunter."

"Alright then." Emi nodded. "Then once I'm out of this bed, why don't we get started?"

"Huh?" Misaki frowned. "How?"

"Well, let's just say this friend of yours happens to have scored quite the private session with the Vampire Knight grandmaster." Emi smirked. "In fact, all of us vampire prefects have thought the same thing. I'm sure Lady Ren wouldn't mind if we added a human into the class."

"Are you sure?" Misaki asked. "I mean, Lady Ren may not mind, but I doubt the Hunters Association is going to take too kindly to the matter."

"Just think of it as another form of cooperation!" Emi smiled. "Lady Ren was trained through the Hunter's Association herself, so in reality there isn't much of a difference! But you have to be ready though." At this, Emi's voice took a serious tone. "Lady Ren is not one for playing favourites. You'd better learn quickly if you want to keep up."

Misaki huffed. The older Hunters would definitely say she was out of her league. She still had plenty of training to undergo before reaching Ichigo's level. Training of such a sort would definitely place a burden on her. Yet, this was her choice. She had no other option.

"Bring it." Misaki said.

"Sir, night will soon fall." The man reported.

"Understood." Jerome nodded. "Are we ready to deploy?"

"Yes sir. Though it would appear a sizeable security force is at the Academy. They must be quite sensitive about harboring the Kraven princess. I doubt if our current forces are sufficient, even with the experimental weapons you have provided us." Came the comment.

"Let them do as they please." Jerome nodded. "And fret not about our numbers. I will deal with that issues personally."

"As you say." He nodded.

"Now, move out." Jerome ordered. At once, the eight hundred strong force moved, their footsteps eerily silent. Jerome watched as they advanced, noting the slight pang on his back that radiated all the way to his arms. "Not long now. Soon, we can feast."

Gabriella walked to the Moon dorm infirmary, the location where the vampire knights would go to rest during any untoward incidents. She had been shocked beyond belief when Ganju had arrived with vast amounts of broken bones. Ordinarily, most vampires would not have survived such damage. Thankfully, Ganju's physical training wasn't just for show. According to the doctors, had he been just a bit less fit, he wouldn't have made it.

She now entered the recovery wing where Ganju was now doing some exercises catered to vampires. Now that he was almost healed, it was important to ensure his body was back up to shape from being bedridden for so long. Still, she hoped he wasn't pushing himself. While she did admire his strength, there were times one had to take it easy. She could think of no better time than after a serious injury.

So one could imagine her shock and surprise when she saw Ganju was now lifting heavy weights for chest presses. "What are you thinking?" Gabriella snapped as she rushed over to his side.

"Oh!" Ganju said as he put the weights down, sitting up while wiping the sweat from his brow. "I was just doing some muscle training again."

"With all those injuries!?" Gabriella now gestured to the numerous bandages on his body.

"Relax Gabriella." Ganju said. "I don't feel any pain at all. It shouldn't be too bad right?"

"Not too bad my foot! Didn't the doctor say you should be taking it easy?" Gabriella yelled.

Ganju remained silent as he scratched his head. "Yeah, I know. I know I shouldn't be doing this sort of thing right yet, but I keep thinking I should push myself a little if I can." Ganju now lay back down on the bench. "I got taken out in one hit Gabriella. Even with all my strength and endurance, I got creamed."

Gabriella sighed as she sat down next to him. "You shouldn't be blaming yourself. You went up directly against Mortis Kraven's power, power we don't even understand at this point. You should just thank your stars that you could make it through that with just those injuries."

"But that was Mortis before he got his Alucard project to him." Ganju said. "Now I'm certain he's packing more power than ever before. And if what they say is true, then his body is pretty much indestructible. I just… I feel I can't sit here loafing around and doing nothing."

Gabriella now patted him on the head. "Stop thinking like that. Remember, you have me here. Just a little vampire girl who can't do much in combat as well save for through my pets. Do you still remember the day we met?"

"It was at her Majesty's garden party right? I remember. All our families got invited. We were just kids then." Ganju replied. "You were so sick you didn't even look energetic at all."

"And then you gave me a piggyback so I could go all around the party." Gabriella smiled. "I remember being so embarrassed. But it was also quite nice too. As we grew older, you helped me out more and more until my health became mostly manageable."

Gabriella stayed silent for a while as she collected her thoughts. "I know what you're like. You've always been a gentle soul beneath it all. You were always someone I know would never let anyone get hurt, even if it meant becoming their shield. That was what attracted me to you. But I sometimes wonder, who will be yours?"

Ganju sighed. "Well, good question. I actually don't know. I never really thought about it."

"As I thought." Gabriella replied. "You ought to be a little more selfish you know? After all, if you want to protect others, you have to learn to protect yourself. Didn't her Majesty tell you that before?"

Ganju recalled the incident, the day he received his knight's robe and the day Queen Ai placed it upon him. That was his main motivation to become stronger each day. He always saw it as his duty to protect the weak; that was why he wanted to be a Vampire Knight alongside Akira. Even now, that would not change. But perhaps even a shield needed to rest every so often. "Alright, I'll take it easy. But seriously though, I'm going to ask the physiotherapist about stepping the rehab up. In the end, even you won't quarrel with anything he says."

"Of course." Gabriella nodded as she leaned in to kiss him. Just as she did however, the sounds of gunfire echoed through the air.

"What the hell!?" Ganju exclaimed as he shot up and went to the window. Gabriella followed him to see flashes of guns in the forest. "Seriously? What could it be now!?" Gabriella's eyes turned into a glare. Quickly, she sent a telepathic message to her bats to mobilize at once.

"To hell with recuperating!" Ganju growled. "I can't just sit here and…"

"Yes you will." Gabriella now turned her glare to Ganju, who flinched at what he saw.

"Gabriella, I can't just let you…" Ganju never finished before she held a finger to his lips.

"You know, you aren't the only one who has been trying to prepare himself." Gabriella smirked. "So rest for now, and I'll clean this mess up." Ganju stared into her eyes for a moment. He wasn't sure what it was, but he was sure of one thing, she wasn't the usual girl she was months ago.

"Okay then. Go do your thing." Ganju nodded as he caressed her face. "But come back alright?"

"You know I will." Gabriella nodded as she ran to the window. Opening it, she jumped out, a massive flock of bats swarming all around her as she did.

Ichigo smashed his knuckles into a masked man before dashing over and kicking another. As a trio approached him from behind, he turned and pulled out Havoc and Wither, quickly firing his shots. The lack of Hunter magic activation and the spray of blood confirmed that his enemies were humans.

"Helsing huh?" He breathed as he reloaded the guns. "But why attack now of all times? Those last two Executors didn't even bring an army with them."

"Most likely because they have caught wind of us having a Kraven clan daughter in captivity." Akira said as he struck down four who were rushing to Ichigo. "I suspect they wish to capture her for information and, once that is no longer necessary, material for a new Bloodbane weapon."

"So the Moon dorm is their target huh?" Ichigo said. "Good thing the Chairman had the Day students remain in the dorms at all times. They should be safe now."

"But the same cannot be said for the vampire students." Akira replied. "We must go to the Moon dorm with all due haste! It is quite likely an Executor is behind this attack!"

"Hard to do that when the place is freaking swarming with these guys!" Ichigo growled as he fired at another group that appeared while Akira had to direct his attention toward another group approaching from the flank. "We just had to go for a food run just as this happened!"

"Agreed." Akira grumbled. "Just as I was about to get a breather for the night."

"You wanted to get a damn fruit tart for God's sake!" Ichigo roared as he put down another with a swift kick. "I thought you wanted refreshments for the rest of the guards!"

"And I did." Akira replied nonchalantly. "Including myself."

"Oh God, are you an idiot?" Ichigo now turned to another group that appeared, only to stop as black shapes darted all over them. Their screams sounded over the screeches of innumerable bats biting into their flesh.

"Of course it's you two who could fight and argue at the same time." The two of them looked up to see Gabriella floating above them, held aloft by hundreds of bats.

"Whoa…" Ichigo blinked.

"Colour me impressed Gabriella." Akira marveled. "I didn't think you had that sort of control."

"I needed the numbers to make it work." Gabriella said as she nodded to the creatures who held her up on her sleeves and skirt, with a few more under her feet. "It's not exactly foolproof, but it can get me somewhere quick." Slowly, the bats allowed her to descend, and Gabriella's feet touched the floor. "Lord Akira, let me handle them. You should make your way to the Moon dorm."

"Are you certain?" Akira asked. "What about your health?"

"I'll keep in under control." Gabriella said. "I made sure to take my medicine, and to be well fed."

"Very well." Akira nodded. "But remember, do not engage an Executor so easily."

"To each their own." Gabriella nodded. Ichigo and Akira now left as she knelt upon the ground, closing her eyes. She stretched her mind toward all the bats within the grounds of the Academy, well over two million of them. She directed each one to the various locations being attacked while still saving spares to keep track of the others. It was not the most potent of powers when it came to combat, but such an ability was the greatest in its practical uses, either as reconnaissance, communication and protection. Gabriella's reach was wide, and all who threatened the academy would learn just how wide it could be.

Quickly, she directed a horde toward the forests surrounding the main building, having them strike down a team of Helsing soldiers who were sneaking their way toward the bridges. Simultaneously, she sent a swarm to hover over the Sun dorm as extra defense for the human students. She sent another toward the Moon dorm, intercepting a few who approached from the rear. Slowly but sure, Gabriella spread her net across the grounds of the entire academy, catching any intruder she saw.

"It seems the heiress to the Kurenai clan has made her move." Jerome Lang nodded. "What's the damage?"

"We have already lost contact with thirty squads." Reported the soldier next to him. "While we do have a foothold on the Moon dorm, it will not last long."

"Good then." Jerome nodded as he unbuttoned his lab coat. "Have our remaining forces advance. I will deal with the rest of the guards."

"Acknowledged." He affirmed the order as he signaled to the rest, who now advanced through the trees. Jerome watched as his troops made their way upward. At last, he removed the last button on his coat, and immediately red tendrils snaked out from the fibres beneath.

"Now then my little pets." Jerome said. "Time for you to do your work…"

Moon Dorm

"Well, Gabriella certainly does good work." Ichigo remarked as he fired upon a small squad. Akira and his fellow prefects fought back as well, holding the lines.

"Secretary and Security head." Cassandra remarked as she loosed a wave of shadow at another squad. "She is quite the card you have to play."

"Gabriella was made a knight for a reason." Akira nodded. "Underestimate her at your own peril."

"She must have an extraordinary amount of mental power to direct this many bats all at once." Cassandra commented. "We might just be able to turn the tide with this."

And such it was. The Helsing troops were now retreating, unable to contend with the bats that swarmed all across the grounds. "Gabriella, follow them!" Akira yelled to the bats above. "They may be able to take us to their leader."

At once, the bats gave chase. Taking the opportunity of the reprieve, Akira began to marshal the remaining guards. It was necessary to designate those who would remain to defend while others helped give chase. "Cassandra, please stay behind. Your powers will be our final trump card should we need it. Ichigo and Shinji will come with me along with two more detachments. The rest of you, remain alert and sweep the grounds! Capture any you find!"

"Lord Akira!" Cried a Vampire Knight. Akira watched as the knight pointed to something behind him. Everyone turned in that direction, and now shock and horror appeared upon their faces.

The armed troops retreated and in their place now stood what Akira could only describe were civilians. They had to be vampires, a conclusion that could only be made after seeing the cruel state of their bodies. Limbs were bent out of shape, evident of broken bones. Lacerations covered their bodies as well, causing blood to spill upon them. However, what Akira couldn't tell was how their bodies were still able to move. Despite their mangled forms, something seemed to will them to walk, and each time they did, they did so jerkily.

"Help…" Moaned a female vampire as she stepped on her broken leg. "Please…"

"What in the hell?" Ichigo stared. "What is happening?"

"I don't know." Shinji said, visibly disturbed. "But we can't just attack them. They appear to be civilians!"

"Could it be another Bloodbane weapon?" Henry asked as he hefted his blades. "Emi did say something about them having special abilities. This might be one of them."

"Then an Executor is definitely here." Akira growled. "Do what you can to disable them! Gabriella, try to find him! If we can stop him, we can put an end to this fight!"

"Look out!" A captive vampire yelled as he lunged forward, his broken arms outstretched to slash at Shinji. Shinji jumped out of the way, wrapping his chain around the vampire and then sending a shock through, just enough to stun. However, even if the vampire's body went limp, some unseen force yanked him to his feet, forcing him to attack again.

"Even that didn't work…" Shinji gritted his teeth.

"Dammit!" Akira cursed. "Prepare to take defensive positions! Until we know where this Executor is and what he is capable of, we cannot take any risks!"

"But how will we do that when he can just nab civilians to attack us?" Ichigo growled. To that, none had any idea."

"Seems Jerome has made his move."

"The twisted sicko just loves his little game of living dolls. Well, we've done all we can to prepare you. You ready for this Ms. Lady in Black?"

"I'll have to be. There is no other choice."

Author's Note:

Sooooo... October and November was just crazy with work. More than a couple of times I had to bring stuff home and that really really ate into my writing time. As of now, I cannot predict if I can upload this as punctually as I would have hoped. However, I am finally getting to the finale arc of this whole story that has spanned a good 4+ years. So I hope you will still keep reading and hope you still enjoy.

Jdbl00d