Four days later
Anju looked out at the scenery from inside the car, a vast stretch of grassy plains and hills. Despite the day being about to end, the golden rays of the sun shone brightly and illuminated the fields, giving a nice glow of green.
It had taken Ai plenty of negotiating, but soon enough the requested individuals were being chauffeured to her castle home. Anju felt nervous as she would soon lay eyes on the country established by Yuki herself as the first step in human-vampire co-existence. She was quite surprised to learn the country was named Roseland, apparently due to the reason the Yuki Kuran liked roses. While Anju couldn't really justify much regarding the name, Roseland had plenty to offer visitors. It was officially recognized at least a millennia ago as the first country that welcomed both humans and vampires, so long as they kept to the laws. While small, it was proclaimed one of the most peaceful countries in the world and had a very good income from both tourism and local wine exports.
They were now headed to the capital of Roseland, known as Kuran town. It was there that the great Kuran castle was built. However, Akira maintains that it was merely a large manor for Ai and the rest of his family to live in. Nothing so grandiose as Kraven castle, but big enough.
"It seems large enough to be able to support all the people headed there." Anju remarked as the car continued on. It was nothing so extravagant, what with Ai prioritizing speed. Yet, they were told that despite the sizeable convoy, they would be safe here. So far, Ai's judgement had proven correct, for they had yet to be attacked since they had gotten on the plane. Once more her efforts at secrecy had paid off.
"Well, it is pretty big." Akira nodded. "Back when we were all younger, we often had plenty of sleepovers at the house. We never tired in exploring the place, though obviously some areas were to be out of bounds." Akira smiled as he looked toward her. "I… I hope sincerely that you will find it welcoming."
"Thanks…" Anju said. An awkward silence now stretched between them. She still didn't know exactly how to speak to him since they had willingly partaken of each other's blood. She wondered if it was right for Queen Ai to have put them together like this, especially after the words of caution given by Chairman Cross, Cassandra and even Misaki.
They all said pretty much the same, to be careful. Vampires who finally find their soulmates tended to be rash, especially in their desire for each other's blood. It was a very delicate period for them both, especially when the craving for each other's blood can overpower even reason and self-control. Hence, it was agreed that while their own alone time would not be interrupted, at the very least they would be watched lest they completely give into their desires at inappropriate times. Moreover, blood tablet solutions were to be on hand at all times as well.
"I pray my mother wasn't too overbearing when she was speaking to you regarding the necessary restrictions." Akira said.
"Oh, no no!" Anju shook her head. "I'm sure she just wants us to be careful and well, maintain a healthy relationship."
"Of course…" Akira replied, though rather slowly. "Well, I'm certain they want us to stay responsible. After all, soon enough vampires all over the world would want to demand an answer for this. News travels fast, despite our best attempts to keep it confidential."
"Is it really that bad?" Yuki asked.
"I've told you before of the esteemed positions of Purebloods as seen by the rest of the vampire classes, yes?" Akira explained. "Well, Purebloods are so elevated in vampire society that there have been cases of other vampires becoming rather reckless when it comes to preserving the Pureblood lineage. My mother and aunt had to endure that plenty of times before she set forth the current laws."
"I remember that too. Yuki faced a lot of problems because she chose not to marry a Pureblood at one point." Anju replied.
"Yes, the vampire who was my aunt's father." Akira nodded. "While I doubt we'd face a similar situation, such individuals may end up pressuring us. I believe mother wants us to decide for ourselves and not give in to the demands of others."
"A human with vampire DNA spliced into her cells." Anju sighed. "And I thought being 'Lady Yuki's representative' was hassle enough."
"I always wondered if my grandmother knew of the consequences when she chose to awaken in you." Akira said. "Did she even realise this could become possible? Or was it just some random twist of fate?"
"I doubt even she would have known." Anju replied. "She was many things, but not omnipotent. In a way, she was very human in how she did not know whether her actions had such far and wide consequences."
"I suppose you are right." Akira nodded. "For now, I suppose we will cross that bridge when it comes. Ultimately, we need to focus on Mortis Kraven and his Paragon beasts, not to mention Helsing and their dastardly designs for us. Once this is over, we'll focus on us."
"Sounds fair." Anju agreed. She now looked out the window, spotting a rather large city in the distance. "Is that it?"
"Yes." Akira smiled as he looked out the window. "Anju, let me formally welcome you to my hometown, Kuran town. It is my hope that you will like it here."
As soon as everyone was settled in, along with Katarina being set up in a secure room, the party were allows to explore the town. While it was obvious that there was a need for seriousness in preparing for the upcoming confrontation, Ai had decided it was only right that they have time to ease themselves till then. Besides, as she had put it, Ren was still busy with getting things secured in the palace.
Despite its size, Kuran town was an extremely quaint place to live. The buildings and houses resembled an old Victorian-esque town, and while people filled the streets, it was not crowded. While the streets were bustling, it didn't feel overbearing. Anju wondered if it was due to the kind of people living here.
It was almost impossible to tell the difference between the humans and vampires in this whole city. Everyone was all smiles and acceptance, and even Anju didn't feel out of place. Even more so was how they greeted the vampires themselves so familiarly.
"Ah, sir Akira!" Came an elderly woman selling fruit. "It has been too long."
"It has truly been a while." Akira nodded. "Has business been well?"
"So and so." She replied. "Though, we heard about that whole awful business back at the academy. We were quite concerned as you can imagine. How are your friends doing?"
"Emi, Ganju and Gabriella are doing well. I hear they will recover promptly." Akira answered.
"Excellent!" She smiled before taking out a small bag of apples. "Here, I kept some just in case you needed them. You lot may be vampires, but you still need to take care of yourselves."
"Of course." Akira nodded, accepting the fruit.
The elderly woman now turned to Anju. "Now this is a new face. How are you doing young lady?"
"Fine, thanks." Anju said. "My name is Anju Cross."
"Oh?" The woman arched an eyebrow. "So you are the rumored vessel for Yuki Kuran."
"Ehehehe…" Anju chuckled nervously.
"And apparently the one our dear prince has his heart set on." The woman winked.
"U-uh… We-We're still developing on that!" Anju stammered before she looked to Akira. "Right?"
"Truly…" Akira answered back in an unsure voice, though if one looked closely they could see the tinge of red upon his cheeks.
"Well then, remember to take it responsibly you two." The woman smiled. "It isn't right to rush things, especially when things are just starting out. Take it from this old lady here. My husband thought he was always the sticker with the ladies. Well, he only learned he wasn't when I gave him a face full of pie, fresh from the oven too."
"Uh-huh." Anju gulped. "I'll remember that lesson."
"As shall I." Akira nodded.
"Very good! Now then Akira, why don't you show this young lady around? Don't let me hold you back!" The woman smiled, sending them on their way. They toured the city a little more, Anju taking in the sights and being awed by the boutiques and bookshops as well. At times, they were also able to run into the other members of their party. Misaki and Emi had apparently been hopping through various sweet shops. Henry mingled with the human ladies while Cassandra put on snap performances, to the rousing applause of all who watched. Even Ichigo wasn't sure how to react to the smiles given him by everyone else, both humans and vampires. And yet, she felt as if his hostility was no longer present. Anju had to admit she hadn't seen him this calm in, well, ever.
"It is a very lovely town." She remarked as she sipped the tea at the café they had come across.
"I'm glad you think that way." Akira said as he drank his own coffee. "My mother spent years in making this town the peaceful place it is now. I… want to continue this. I want this sort of peace to be everywhere in the world. I want it to last."
"That sounds wonderful." Anju nodded. "And I want to help you do that as well."
"Haha, always the optimist." Akira smiled. "You know, I always liked that part of you. I liked how you appeared to lighten up when you said such things."
"Well, I also liked how noble you were." Anju said. "Since you saved my life all those years ago, I always admired how hard you'd work for peace between humans and vampires. And after seeing this town, I can understand why. You grew up surrounded by all this. It's no wonder you want everyone to feel the same."
"Still, no shortage of trials await." Akira replied. "Mother may have let us some free time, but I am certain we will be busy again very soon."
"With Katarina, right?" Anju said. She now looked to the town, her eyes catching a group of children playing in the streets. Even with just a glance, she could tell they were both human and vampire children. "If only we could convince her that peace is possible."
"If we do, it will be a huge step forward." Akira nodded. "You ought to know, back at the academy it was my hope you could convince her."
"Well, I'm glad for your faith in me." Anju smiled.
"You had faith in me and my mother, in the world we envisioned." Akira replied. "Should I not return that favour?"
Anju felt her face flush and her heart thumped in her chest. She attempted to hide it from Akira by turning away from him. Then, she felt the fire in her throat. Immediately her hand clenched over it, breathing in an attempt to control herself.
"Tablets." Akira said. Anju looked at him quizzically before she finally remembered. It was amongst the warnings Queen Ai had given. The fact was that Anju's thirst could strike at any time, and the desire to feed off Akira would be almost irresistible. Should such an event occur in public would therefore be considered risky. After all, a Pureblood's blood was like the sweetest nectar to all other vampires. Even those who are considered peaceful would find it difficult to hold back once the smell was in the air. It was not something they could risk out here. Hence, it was necessary that she take a few blood tablets as needed when such an event took place. Quickly, she snatched a few blood tablets and threw them into the spare glass of water that she had taken. Her throat started burning as the tablets dissolved, forcing her to prematurely down the solution. While it did help slightly, Anju still felt the hot sensation in her gullet.
"Let's go." Akira said. Nodding in agreement, Anju and Akira quickly left the café, hastily making their way back to the palace. They huddled under a small awning in a side alley. Anju quickly bit down into Akira's shoulder, unable to contain herself anymore.
"You ought to be careful with how you bite." Akira winced. "Just enough force to break the skin is necessary."
"Oh…" Anju remarked as she licked the blood off her lips. "Sorry."
"No matter." Akira said. "It's just like riding a bike. Even young vampires need to learn how to use their fangs."
"Funny that before you tried to safeguard me against the dangers of your kind." Anju chuckled. "And now, here you are teaching me how to be like your kind."
"The fact is, you are closer to us now more than ever." Akira answered. "There are some things you need to learn to better fit yourself in our society."
"I'll be sure to take each lesson to heart, sensei." Anju giggled. "Your mom isn't going to be unhappy about this, is she? I wonder who she has watching out for us."
"I doubt we'll know." Akira answered. "It could be that they are the townsfolk themselves. Mother has plenty of secrets she keeps from me, so I wouldn't be surprised."
Anju chuckled. "You weren't kidding when you said this place was a fortress."
Akira smiled as he beheld hers. Truth be told, while her optimism and dreams were among the main things that he liked about her, he had to admit her pure heart was something else. Not only that, he was starting to admire how beautiful she looked. Of course, he wondered how much of that were a result of the changes she had gone through. He wanted to embrace her, to make the best of this private moment they had.
Thunder now echoed through the sky. "Dammit." Akira growled as the raindrops started to fall. With them only find a small awning to take shelter under, Akira attempted to take his coat off to cover Anju.
"It's okay." Anju said, waving his coat off. Akira watched as her trench coat writhed. Shadow now morphed its body to form a raincoat, the hood draping over her head and the rest of her body. Akira blinked in surprise at this; it seemed Shadow was also quite adept at fashion utility.
"Quite impressive." Akira said as he fingered the shadowy cloak. To his surprise, it felt as smooth as silk and cool like the night air. "I don't suppose you could have it make a dress could you?" As if to protest, Shadow vibrated vigorously.
"Guess not." Akira chuckled.
"Shadow is something unlike your shadow creatures." Anju said. "It has some kind of, personality to it."
"Wonder who it takes after?" Akira wondered.
"Dunno." Anju replied. "All I know is it listens to just me, and seems to be connected to my thoughts. Other than that it is just like your own shadow creatures." Anju then thought for a bit. "I wonder if Ms. Yuki did something similar?"
"Most of her powers I heard from mother." Akira mentioned. "For example, she could dissipate into a butterfly swarm. However, I doubt you are capable of that."
"I don't think I would even try the way I am." Anju said. "Though it may mean there are other powers I may end up getting. It's so nerve-wrecking, not knowing what will happen next."
"We'll take it as it goes." Akira answered. "I said once, I won't let you face this burden alone."
Anju hugged him in response. "Thank you, for everything."
They released from each other just as the rain began to let up into a drizzle. Anju now frowned, apparently in thought. "Akira, I know this could be a bit of an issue but…"
"But?" Akira asked.
"I was wondering if your mother could allow me and Katarina some private time together." Anju said. "Maybe, just maybe I can convince her to help us. I can't promise anything, but I have to try."
Akira stared at her intently, her brown eyes filled with determination. He didn't know why, but somehow he felt that perhaps she of all people would have a chance. "Alright." He nodded. "I'll do what I can, but don't expect mother to agree so easily. She may even send secret spies to watch over you two."
"Fine." Anju nodded. "It's just for this one time. Now then, to tell you my idea…"
"So the Kurans have relocated to their main stronghold?" Arthur frowned.
"That is what we have been able to confirm." Hagan nodded. "Therefore, this is going to be difficult. Kuran town is heavily fortified, and the populace cannot simply be swayed so easily. We'll have no choice but to brute force it."
"Very well. We'll have to put a strike team together." Arthur said. "Since Anju Cross's return, I doubt we can manage with just two Executors. Perhaps we all should go together."
"I agree, but best to leave some in reserve." Lance nodded. "With Roseland being what it is, we should be ready for counter-attacks."
"C'mon Lance, quit over-thinking things and just let loose for once!" Celestine giggled.
"I agree." Sergei responded. "We go in full force, smash through, take Kraven vampire with us!"
"Kiehehehehe!" Cliff laughed. "Here here!"
"Brute force… Reckless…" Giselle sighed. "Easy to be outmaneuvered… Trapped, likely… Inadvisable…"
"Je suis d'accord." Hugo agreed. "We should have a clear line of retreat in case something unexpected occurs."
"I am of the same opinion." Hagan nodded. At this, the belligerent Executors fell silent. It seemed that Hagan had a great level of authority that once his decision was made, everyone fell in line immediately. Of course, the gritting of Celestine's and Cliff's teeth showed they didn't like the idea.
"Oh fine." Cliff grumbled. "But I get to carve up the kid, yeah?"
"Jerome… Defeated by girl…" Giselle stated. "You… big for britches maybe?"
"Shut up you little twerp!" Cliff snarled. "I have a score to settle with that bitch!"
"Indeed we are aware Cliff." Arthur nodded. "But for now, focus on Hagan's strategy. It's time for us to finally bring our full might to bear. We deal a crippling blow to the Kurans and then destroy the Kraven clan. Once our supremacy is established, we will hunt down every last vampire that exists in this world."
"Finally…" Richard yawned. "Into the Eternal Hunt."
He stared out toward the night sky, feeling the coolness of the air around him. He immersed himself in the solitude, letting it fill him.
He now heard the clinking of boots upon the ground. He turned to see James Ridley come up and kneel before him. Ridley was dressed in a dark cloak that gleamed with silver at the edges of his sleeve and collar, while new boots shone in the moonlight. His hair also appeared combed.
"Ridley, you have awakened at last." Mortis smiled. "How do you feel?"
"Like a new man milord." Ridley smiled. "You have all of my gratitude."
"I pray that you will use your new gifts well." Mortis smiled. "We have confirmed that Katarina and Cassandra are now in Roseland. After what Helsing did to the academy I suppose there was no other choice. Despite my desire to see the destroyed, they actually have been quite the help."
"All shall fulfill your designs milord, whether they will it or not." Ridley said.
"At last, the final stones are in place. Our path will finally be at its climax." Mortis said gleefully. "And soon, we shall reign supreme once more."
"A joyous day." Ridley remarked.
"And one I intend to bask in personally, from now on." Mortis smiled as he transformed, his Paragon form now stretching its wings wide amidst the darkness of night. "Will you join me in it Mr. Ridley?"
"Always, till the end." Ridley said, his eyes gleaming with an awe that bordered madness.
Author's Note:
Hi all. Hope everyone is fine with the COVID-19 situation across the world. As for me, I had to take some breather from this due to work constraints related to the current health situation in my country. I urge all of you to not panic and to monitor your health closely. Do see a doctor promptly if you feel unwell and avoid large social gatherings.
Stay safe, and see you in the next chapter!
Jdbl00d