Queen Ai got out of the car as soon as the butler opened the door. Ren followed quickly behind as the two sisters strode toward the main school building. It was by no means alarming when they had gotten word of the massive attack on Cross Academy, which only multiplied further with each part of the report.
Mutilated vampires turned into dolls, an Executor, the return of Anju Cross and her newfound power. Ai barely listened to every word of the report before she commanded to head to the school immediately with a few of her most elite Knights of the Violet Guard in tow.
The first order of business was to check on the rescued vampires. Unfortunately, the medical staff in the academy were so busy that Ai couldn't make her way in. Not that she was able to, considering that the doctors mentioned they needed every ounce of time for recuperation. Thankfully, it seemed they were out of mortal danger considering Akira had donated some of his blood to their recovery. However, whether they would survive such a connection to a Bloodbane weapon remained to be seen.
Next was to actually check on the injured students themselves. Thankfully, they had not fallen prey to the Executor directly. She was also glad to know Cassandra had survived. However, upon seeing Gabriella's maimed body, her heart lurched. It was only by a miracle that the Kurenai heiress had survived. Once more Akira and Ganju's quick thinking had prevailed.
And then it came down to the main casualties. Ichigo Kitsuke and Akira himself were badly injured. The Bloodbane weapon had delivered direct wounds on them, and reports had come in saying their wounds were healing slowly, thanks only to the intervention of the woman named Serenity. Who would have thought there was a way to counter the decaying effect of a Bloodbane weapon. Or at least, the initial stages of it.
"So get this shit through your thick skulls numb nuts!" Serenity glowered at the two as they lay on their beds. "The serum I made stops the decay of your cells but only up to a certain point. Beyond that, there's no stopping the effects. Count your lucky stars Jerome didn't manage to even get that many hits on you, or you'd be nothing but slobbering wastes of flesh, got me?!"
"U-understood." Akira nodded apprehensively.
"Whatever mom." Ichigo groaned, a remark that got him a heel slam upon his stomach.
"Ma'am, please." The doctor pleaded. "The patient is in critical condition…"
"Then tell this dumb fuck that don't mean jack shit to me if he ignores my advice ever again." Serenity growled.
Ai merely sighed, content that the two were somehow recovering well. As she strode past the halls, she spied a different door. Crowded at the door were a few individuals she recognized. Cassandra Kraven and Emi Aidou along with Misaki Shiba and some of Anju's friends; she recognized the girl named Hibiki and the older prefect named Isabelle Dunois. She had already gotten a brief explanation, but part of her wanted to know everything there was to know about Anju Cross's changes.
For now, it was important to discuss their next step before she could see to those in the wards. Ai was immediately led to a conference room used by members of the teaching board. Usually it was used to discuss academy curriculum. Now however, it seemed it would decide the fate of the school, perhaps the world.
Soon enough, Kirihara Cross entered along with Serenity. Following closely were members of the Hunter Circle, Marcus Corbin, Kidomaru, Yumika Shiba, and Lionel Ford. After that, Cassandra and Emi were called in as representatives of the Vampire student body. The last person to enter was Misaki, likely asked to do so that she may relay whatever was discussed to the Day students.
"Thank you all for coming." Ai nodded. "While I would like us all to settle down first, I'm certain we all agree we have no time for such measures. Helsing could attack again. We need to discuss how to put the students out of further danger."
"And while I have to agree, I believe we should also focus part of our discussion on Ms. Cross." Marcus said. "When I got word about the girl's alterations I did not expect this." He now turned to the rest of the room. "Would the students please explain first? What exactly happened there?"
Cassandra, Emi and Misaki looked to each other. Deciding it was best for her to start, Cassandra went first. "I heard she attacked Ichigo and Akira without warning." She said, a grim look upon her face. "Drank Ichigo's blood really greedily."
"So the girl feeds like a vampire does now." Lionel sighed.
"Can we be sure it is even safe to be near her?" Kidomaru asked. "If what I heard is right, she could attack anyone indiscriminately."
"I believe then the best person to ask is Mr. Rodin and Ms. Serenity." Chairman Cross said. "You both were at the forefront of her development."
"In addition, I would also like to know about the casualties we have managed to rescue." Ai said.
"Fire away your Majesty." Serenity replied. "I'm through with disciplining some brats. I'm all available for questions."
"Very well. First one." Ai nodded. "How are the injured vampires?"
"For now, they'll need plenty of rest and recovery." Serenity replied. "The serum I made for restoring cells damaged by Bloodbane weapons would have done the trick. Sadly, the only way I can make it is using a Pureblood's blood. And as you can imagine, that isn't easy to get. For now, they'll need to be content with the artificial blood solution I have given them. It sates Rodin just fine, so to them it'll be like really good wine on crack."
"I'll take your word for it." Ai replied, impressed with Serenity's skills. "Though I may ask more about where you learned all this…"
"You study vampires for a long time with some insatiable curiosity you get some ideas, though not all good." Serenity replied as she lit a cigarette. "Anyways, you have more questions?"
"Yes, from me this time." Marcus said. "This ninth Executor. Where is he?"
"Asshole is currently locked up." Serenity said. "Made sure to use my little safeguard too just in case. And with regards to safety concerning Anju, she's got one too."
"What sort of safeguard are we talking about exactly?" Misaki frowned.
"It's a kind of taser I made based on the same Hunter sigils you guys use to incapacitate vampires, with slightly more oomph." Serenity said to the Hunters present before frowning. "Well, I say that, but it's a bit more extreme than that."
"Extreme how?" Misaki's frown went deeper, obviously not like the change in Serenity's expression
"Extreme in that is sends a few million amps right through her entire body." Serenity answered, to which everyone's jaws dropped in shock. Serenity caught the look on their faces and scowled. "What is that look for? You wanna chance it when that kid becomes strong enough to rip apart a car so she can suck blood from the occupants? Also, yes I tried using a regular one. Big surprise, it didn't even fucking work on her! Her human side gives her a good amount of immunity to that shit."
"Language please Ms. Serenity." Ai sighed. "We are in the presence of students."
"Whatever." Serenity said as she puffed out cigarette smoke. "But the fact remains, it was the only reason she didn't manage to attack anyone in Holland. I expected her to undergo changes as her body became better at using its vampire-spliced parts, but the speed at which that came about was ridiculous. She could lift a whole damn workbench easy as pie within a week. A few days later, she could rip Wretchlings apart. And now? She destroys a damn Bloodbane weapon. I've been trying to figure out how to do that, and nothing I've tried works. This kid? She just ups and rips it to pieces."
"Whoa…" Misaki gaped.
"And I was told she was capable of using this Blood Drive, similar to Helsing's Executors?" Kidomaru asked.
"Yeah." Serenity nodded. "Rodin taught her that, said it might come in handy. For a moment, I did too. That is until I found out using it makes her more likely to suck blood from any living creature within a few feet of her. It is quite similar to the Executors' own power."
"Also like us Purebloods." Ai nodded. "We too can unleash fearsome power, but we will need to replenish our strength afterward."
"Where is Mr. Rodin now?" Chairman Cross asked.
"With the kid, making sure she doesn't berserk when she wakes up." Serenity said. "It happened the last time too, when I tried to sate her with my crack blood solutions. Gave her about four to five vials of it. They are about, this big?" At this, Serenity now widened her hands to gesture to the size of the vials. Everyone gulped as soon as they realized the space between was approximately the size of her head.
"Shit…" Ford gaped. "The kid changed way more than I thought."
"Yeah." Serenity nodded. "But here is what freaks me out now. This time round, it seemed she was finished when she went for the Pureblood boy."
"Akira?" Ai blinked.
"Well, we all know Pureblood blood is quite something for even regular vampires." Yumika responded. "Perhaps his blood was much better than the solutions you give?"
"Perhaps." Serenity shrugged. "But we are going to be safe just in case. Once Rodin confirms she won't jump on anyone, you can ask her any question you want."
"Well, I suppose we wait." Emi nodded.
"Still, it is not exactly comforting." Cassandra said. "We were able to avoid disaster with Anju's help. However I don't want to further push the burden of battle upon her again."
"That may not be our choice to make." Ren spoke. "Cruel as it may sound, that child is as of now a very powerful asset. And one that I doubt Helsing or the Kraven clan will tolerate considering she destroyed a Bloodbane weapon. She may very well be seen as a greater threat to them than ever before."
Silence filled the room as the grim reality of the situation became clear. It seemed peace was something Anju Cross would not enjoy for a while.
"Whatever the case, I feel that it is Anju who must decide her own fate. She has chosen to fight knowing the risks." Chairman Cross said. "So long as such rights are not denied her, I cannot refuse. For now, I do find it comforting that she is strong enough to destroy even powerful Bloodbane weapons. Such creations should not even be allowed to exist."
"It looked creepy though." Misaki said. "It's like the coat was bleeding."
"If anything, we should leave Ms. Serenity in charge." Ai nodded. "I hope to glean as much as I can about these powerful weapons. Hopefully it can shed me some light into how to destroy these things. For now, what would likely be the motive of this attack?"
"It is very likely my sister." Cassandra answered. "She is the best lead on the Kraven clan's location. Helsing probably wants to find and destroy their final stronghold."
"A fair assessment." Ai agreed. "We cannot hold Katarina Kraven here any longer. Helsing will not take this defeat down lightly and may attack in greater force to capture her. I have no confidence in repelling such an attack with students still in danger. We must discuss our next course of action."
"I agree as well, as did most of the teachers." Cassandra replied. "We ought to relocate."
"What about the rest of the students?" Ford asked. "What do we tell them?"
"For now, it is best to suspend our current school activities." Chairman Cross stated. "We can continue lessons through online modules. It may not be the most conducive, but the safety of the students takes priority. Now the question is where do we relocate to?"
"The only other place safer than Cross Academy, and a very secret location at that." Ai remarked. Everyone stared at her as she made this comment, and realization dawned.
"Ah, I see." Marcus nodded. "Yes, that would be the best place to go."
"Where?" Misaki asked.
"Kuran town." Kirihara answered. "Basically, Ai's seat of power in the world."
"From a tactical standpoint, it would be ideal." Yumika nodded. "There are little other places in the world where humans and vampires coexist so peacefully."
"It'll be impossible for anyone to sell out Ai in that place, not to mention the city itself is considered a fortress." Kirihara stated. "If their enemies want to get in, they'll need to force their way inside."
"It would be an ideal location to hold Katarina Kraven while the interrogation takes place." Marcus agreed.
"It will also be ideal place to monitor the changes in Anju, along with giving her extra protection. I'm more than certain Mortis would have caught wind of her capabilities by now. He may be aiming to eliminate her." Ai said.
"I agree with that assessment." Chairman Cross nodded. "For now, I believe it best that we decide who will be accompanying the two."
"Such is the next step then." Marcus nodded. "No doubt Mr. Rodin and Ms. Serenity will be going so that they may continue their work."
"I have my own proposals to make as well." Ren answered, causing all to turn to her. "Let's just say I have approved such individuals for further training under me. But if it would make you feel confident, I shall discuss this as well, yes?"
"Very good then." Ai nodded as she turned to Serenity. "Now, let us make haste with transferring those two. What does Mr. Rodin have to say?"
"Hold on." Serenity said as she took out a phone. After a few minutes, she turned to the occupants of the room again. "Seems like she has calmed down. If you'll excuse me, I'll just go and check if there is anything else I ought to do first."
"Please do." Ai said. "I have a few other things to discuss right now." Serenity gave a curt nod before quickly moving to the door.
"Oh and by the way, Rodin got some of her classmates up here, plus the prefects as you suggested." Serenity said as she opened the door. The occupants of the room turned to see Isabelle, Hibiki and plenty of the other prefects and some of Anju's classmates standing outside. "You kids can go in now."
"Thank you Ms. Serenity." Ai said. "Now, please do what you must."
"Are you sure about this your Majesty?" Ford frowned.
"They deserve to know, more than anyone else." Ai replied. "At the very least, when it concerns that girl." Uncertainty could be seen on the faces of all, especially that of the Hunters. However, recent news had shown that there was no other option.
"Ok, I'll bite." Isabelle said first. "Why exactly are we here?"
"Please allow me to explain." Ren said as she stepped forward. "Now, I'm certain you are aware of what happens when Purebloods bite humans?"
"They become vampires." Hibiki answered without reservation.
"Correct." Ren nodded. "Because of this, Purebloods are forbidden from biting humans, with certain exceptions, like to save a life. Of course, some are also victims of those who break our laws. Normally, we administer the cure as soon as possible. However, in some cases like that of Mr. Kitsuke, it fails. It then falls to us to inform the victim's next-of-kin regarding the circumstances. In such an event, a private meeting is usually scheduled."
"And we must know this why?" Isabelle asked.
"Because said meeting is in effect, right now." Ren replied. Silence was all that echoed through the room for a few seconds before…
"Is this about Ann?" Hibiki asked, her hands clasped tightly in front of her.
"Unfortunately so." Ai sighed. "Now then, to the issues regarding Anju Cross. May I confirm if she stopped exactly when she drank Akira's blood?"
Emi and Cassandra glanced at each other uncomfortably. Ai's frown deepened the minute she saw the looks on their faces. The vampire queen sighed heavily, now burying her face in her hands. It was clear to Misaki now that there was something they weren't comfortable with sharing.
Isabelle frowned. "Is something like that really such a big deal? All the kid did was drink blood. I mean sure it's freaky as hell, but does it need to be that uncomfortable. We always knew since she left..."
"Ms. Dunois, the problem isn't her drinking blood." Chairman Cross explained. "The problem is rather on who she drank blood from."
"As you all know…" Emi explained. "Vampires can sate themselves on any blood. However, that changes when a vampire falls in love. At that point, no matter whose blood they drink, it will never satisfy them like the blood of the one who they have fallen for."
Silence stretched between them at first. Then, shock appeared on the faces of the human students.
"Hold the phone…" Isabelle stuttered. "Wait just a damn minute! You saying Cross has the hots for Kuran?"
"It seems so." Cassandra said. "And that makes our current situation delicate in many ways."
"Long have people speculated about the Kuran clan's future, especially for when Akira takes over." Emi said. "And now, it appears Anju has become a possible suitor for the next in line to the vampire throne. Her life will no longer be the same as it was before. And with her current state of existence…"
Misaki remained silent, but the look of dread was plain to see. Isabelle and Hibiki still appeared confused. "Talk straight darn it! What does that mean for Cross?" Isabelle scowled.
Serenity sighed as she pulled out a cigarette. "It means exactly what it has been meaning since we arrived, since she had those powers. Hell, I'm even willing to bet it has been since Kuran bit her, maybe before that!" Serenity now lit the cigarette, blowing out a puff of smoke. "The fact is now kids, Anju's very fate, her very future is no longer something humans or vampires can hope to fathom. She is way in the shit more than anyone in this world. And for better or worse, the world will change with it, especially now that she could very likely become Kuran's bride."
Shock reverberated through the human students, as if eyes threated to bulge out of their sockets. "So wait, Ann could get betrothed to Senior Akira!?" Hibiki yelled.
"Be as it may." Cassandra replied. "Anju can no longer return to the person she once was, not with her feelings and her change completely bared in the course of a single night. I fear that the future of this world revolves around Anju now, for better or worse."
The news was so stunning that even Isabelle steadied herself on the wall. Even Hibiki and many of Anju's other friends had grim looks upon their faces. Silence stretched through the room as the unbelievable news sunk in.
"Be as it may, we have no time to ponder on these things at the moment." Ai said, standing up. "Mr. Rodin must first finish with Anju's treatment. Only then can we decide what fate awaits both our peoples. Until then, it is imperative that we secure both Anju and Katarina before Cross Academy suffers again."
"Agreed." The Chairman nodded. "We cannot waste time. We have to regroup toward a more defensible position first. Also, the students ought to start preparing to head home now. May I trouble the Day class prefects to start preparing for that?"
With nods of affirmation, the Day prefects left, taking the other students with them, leaving only the initial occupants bar Serenity in the room.
"Now then." Ai said, her tone taking a serious turn. "Let us make ready our battle plans."
One hour later
Akira breathed as he stared at the night sky. For now, it seemed Serenity had cleared him to walk about. He looked to the areas that were swelling just some moments ago; only bruises remained and were already healing. Once more he was grateful to the intervention of Serenity and her serums. He was certain many in both the Vampire Knights and the Hunters Association would be intrigued by her work.
For now however, he had many things to ponder on. He certainly did well today, but he could not get careless. Anything less could result in worse injuries for him should he face another Executor.
But of them all, it was obvious Anju was the one at the forefront of his mind. It was no secret among the students and the defending knights and hunters that Anju took part of his blood. He rubbed his neck where she had bitten him, quite forcefully too he might admit. He sighed, knowing it wouldn't be too long before politicians and nobles from far and wide would question him about this affair. Word tended to spread far and wide in strange ways, and he was not going to believe the attempts at keeping this secret would work for long.
Politics. One of the few things he was prepared for but one of the few things he'd prefer not to entertain, especially with a very delicate subject such as this. He hoped his mother would find a way to make this affair blow over somehow in the senate. After all, quite some vampires could be very touchy when it came to Pureblood unions. He could still remember the trials his own grandmother faced during her marriage with her second husband.
He breathed again, now grappling with the idea of both he and Anju actually being engaged to each other. After all, it was always expected of him to carry on the Kuran line. Many times had he been introduced to Pureblood women who likely would have been perfect suitors. Still, Akira wasn't sure about that. He believed he would only have to think on such affairs when he had matured considerably. Now it seemed he would be required to truly face this issue.
"You're thinking quite hard about something, aren't you?" A voice sounded. Akira turned and breathed sharply as soon as he saw who it was. Anju stood just a few feet from him, still in her usual outfit which somehow remained undamaged, her brown eyes fixed on him.
"Would it be too much to say that you look so pristine tonight?" Akira asked.
"I doubt it." Anju said as she gestured to herself. "As you have noticed, my body heals at the same rate as vampires. Also, Ms. Serenity is quite the tailor."
"So it would seem." Akira chuckled. "Those clothes seem very strong."
"Sure are." Anju nodded. "They can resist the claws of a Wretchling with ease, and it stops regular bullets too."
"Despite all that, you should not get reckless. The more wounds, the more strength your body will expend when healing itself." Akira said sternly. "Strength that apparently you can only obtain back by feeding."
"Yeah. Mr. Rodin told me that too." Anju said as she placed her hands behind her head.
"And he also told me of how you nearly attacked people in Holland." Akira continued.
"Don't remind me…" Anju sighed. "It's not something I'm proud of. I used a bit of Blood Drive to deal with a Nightfiend, but then…"
"The thirst struck, yes?" Akira finished for her.
"I tried to hold it in, but it was like my body could no longer respond." Anju said. "I'm just glad Ms. Serenity's taser worked. They gave me blood then, but it took a lot to even stop me."
"So I hear." Akira replied. He now unconsciously rubbed the side of his neck where she had bitten him. Anju caught sight of the movement, and her gaze dropped.
"I'm sorry." She said. "Did it hurt?"
"Huh?" Akira asked. "Oh, no. Not at all. It's just, I never expected that from you."
Anju shuffled her feet. "Is that so? Well, if you are alright then…"
The two remained silent once more as they looked away from each other. Akira found himself puzzled at the fact he was so uncertain.
"The Vampire and the Rose huh?" Anju recalled the name of the play they had seen during the school festival some months back. "How ironic that we are in that same position now."
"Only this time, the human is the one who became a vampire." Akira mused. "Quite the twist eh?"
"Indeed." Anju nodded as she looked back at him. "About when I bit you…"
Akira stared at her intently as she hugged herself tightly. As she did, something within him throbbed, though he wasn't sure what it was as Anju continued again.
"When I finally drank your blood, I don't know why but something went through me." Anju said. "Like, I was satisfied at last. I feel my skin tingling even now, and I shiver even though I'm not cold. And now?" She now looked up, and Akira found himself staring into crimson red eyes.
"Anju…" Akira gasped.
"I'm sorry." Anju breathed. "But, when I tasted your blood, it was something more than anything I have ever tasted before. All the delicious food, the sweetest drink, even Ms. Serenity's blood solutions, it can't compare to your blood. I need more… I want more…"
Akira barely reacted before she rushed in, gripping his body tightly. "How do you stop it?" Anju asked. "How do you even resist?"
"You can't." He answered. "Remember what I told you before? Nothing is more tastier to a vampire than the blood of the one they love."
"So that's it…" Anju said, her eyes dipping. "I still remember. It is a huge responsibility, isn't it? I mean, I could drain you dry…" Akira suddenly felt her shaking, and he realized it wasn't from the cold.
"I never thought I'd have to even think about it till today. I always thought it was impossible for it to be, that you were in a world that was far different than mine." Anju said. "But I realized after talking with Mr. Rodin and Ms. Serenity, and after everything since, that I was just deluding myself to my true feelings."
"But that is what scares me." She continued, hugging him even tighter. "I don't know if I'm ready for this. I don't know what to even do right now. What am I going to say to everyone I have ever known? The Chairman, my friends in the Day class, my fellow prefects, Ichigo. What do I…"
Anju barely finished her sentence before something pierced her own neck. She edged a look to see Akira now embracing her, similar to the night she had nearly died. She could hear him sucking down on her shoulder and his hands gripping her body tightly. After a few seconds, he pulled away, wiping the leftover blood on his lips.
"I was like you once as well." Akira said as he opened his red eyes. "I didn't know what to make of the sensations in me either. There were times when I could no longer be satisfied, when I needed to take it as well. All those times I held back, telling myself that it simply could not be. But now, I can no longer be satisfied with the way things have been." Akira now looked directly at her, caressing her cheek. "I don't know what will happen from now on either. But this is a burden that I will not let you face alone."
Anju blinked at his answer. "What is wrong with us?"
"Nothing." Akira said. "Save for lying to ourselves on what we truly wanted."
Anju remained silent for a few seconds before she spoke again. "Please. May you quench my thirst?"
"If you would mine as well." Akira replied. Anju now walked forward and held his shoulders. He knelt, allowing her to reach his throat while he moved into hers. He felt his fangs lengthen before biting into her neck as she did the same, sharing every moment of the painful bliss with her.
Ai sighed as she beheld the whole scene. "So that's how it is then. I wonder should I be happy that those two are finally being honest with themselves or if I should be concerned?"
"A difficult situation no doubt." Kirihara Cross remarked. "What will you do?"
"I doubt even I know." Ai replied. "All I know is that from today on, our world will never be as it was before."
Author's Note:
Well, damn. This takes the spot for the hardest chapter to write ever. At least three times I had to redo many aspects of this one, simply because I didn't feel they were right when I first made them, especially the part of Akira and Anju finally confessing and opening up to each other. I can't get out of my head whether it was too much or too little. I just hope that the current shape this is taking is the right one.
For now, we are finally going to reach the part I have been excited about; namely placing on center stage Akira's hometown. As such, I'll be reading up a little on VK Memories to see what I can make of it. Hopefully I have a clearer picture of what to work with.
Till then, please read and review! Any comments are greatly appreciated!
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