A Bloody Banquet marathon! =)

Inspired by Vampire Knight. :). The main idea is taken from this anime, but the story, as you have seen from the intro is very DIFFERENT. The only similarity is the pureblood and noble classifications and the academy concepts. But the names of the classes and the academy plus the history of all of the vampires are all mine. The names of the classes were taken from a bit of research as well as the surnames of the vampire pureblood clans.

Thanks.

Chapter 2

Lilith's Children

Ichigo woke up, the sun filtering through his spacious room. It was seven o'clock in the morning. And it was the end of summer vacation.

He was going back to school.

He was going back to Azulith Academy.

He yawned and stretched. He got out of his bed and surveyed the huge mirror beside it. He looked at his brown eyes with flecks of gold. He looked good, as always.

No. He looked beautiful – uncommonly beautiful.

He was a stunner, with pale skin, compelling golden-brown eyes, pinkish lips, delicately-arched eyebrows, short and spiky orange hair, a tall and lean built and an attractive aura that no one can resist. He moved with litheness and grace. At 17, Ichigo was what any person would envy of or would enjoy looking at forever – an object of perfection and angelic beauty.

Not to mention that his family was insanely rich, owning almost everything in the world. Ichigo was an only child, and he was used to getting everything he wanted.

He went to the adjoining bathroom and took a shower. He quickly went out after a few minutes and changed to his a black tuxedo and red tie. He wore black loafers that were impeccably shined. Indeed, he looked like a model straight out of a magazine.

He straightened and went out of his room, passing a long line of corridors.

"Good morning, Ichigo-sama," voices of servants said as he passed. He acknowledged them with a brief nod and went to the dining area, where he found his parents already having breakfast in a long, oak table.

"Good morning, Ichigo," his mother greeted, giving him a warm smile.

"Good morning, son," his father said, giving him the same smile.

Ichigo smiled too. He was lucky indeed, having the kindest parents on earth.

"Good morning, mother," Ichigo replied. "Good morning, father."

Not to mention that his family had a secret that the human world didn't know.

They were a family of vampires.

And not just any vampire. They were part of the Lilith, or the pureblood vampires.

They were the Aizen family – the most powerful pureblood clan. In other words, the most powerful family in the whole vampire community.

And Aizen Ichigo was the heir.

Ichigo sat down to the right of his father, facing his mother. He looked at both of them in a kind of interest that never ceases to waver.

Who wouldn't be amazed? Even for him, their son, it would still be awesome to be in the presence of two of the most powerful people on earth. And the two most powerful vampires on earth.

Ichigo observed his mother. Aizen Masaki was an extremely beautiful woman. Looking like a 27-year-old but nearly 300 years in existence, she was vivacious and kind. She had long, honey-colored hair that curled and waved towards her hips. They descended in a graceful manner, along with every move she makes. Her provocative and slim figure enveloped in pale skin identical to her son's was envied by many, along with her golden hazel eyes, red lips and patrician nose. She looked sensitive to the eyes but was more powerful than any vampire could ever imagine. She was from the Xiao-Yu clan of China, another pureblood family and was chosen to be his father's bride by the Blood Diamond Rose.

Ichigo's gaze flew to his father – the man revered by so many. He was Aizen Sousuke, of the same age as Masaki, with brown hair that was brushed stylishly back to his head, a lock falling artfully on his forehead. He was the 35th head of the Aizen family and a man who used his authority wisely. With the same eyes as Ichigo, a kind smile, and a reserved manner, he was also devastatingly handsome, graceful and intelligent. He also had the same coloring, common of vampires, a tall and muscular build and well-dressed. Ichigo inherited his disarming and calculating stare that can quickly be disguised depending on situations of importance.

Ichigo admired both of his parents and loved them very much. He wanted to be a great leader of his clan someday. Because being the head of the most powerful clan in existence automatically made one the King of the vampire world, even though there is the Lamia for governing matters.

Even though that was the case, his father was still involved in many decisions regarding the smooth flow and maintenance of the secret of his kind. Vampires still looked up to his advice and power.

"Ichigo," Aizen Masaki said, her beautiful voice filling the air. "You'll be coming back to school today, right?"

"Yes, mother," Ichigo replied, taking a slice of his steak. He took a piece and got his glass. It was filled with fresh, crimson blood. It invaded his nostrils and made him starve. He took a sip and reveled at the taste and satisfaction.

"Kazuma will take you there," Aizen Sousuke said, glimpsing from his newspaper and looking at Ichigo with a gentle expression.

"Thank you, father," Ichigo answered.

"I hope this year would turn out to be better than the last," Masaki said. "Though I don't have to tell you. You always emerge on top of your class."

"As expected," Sousuke added. "That's an Aizen for you."

Ichigo smiled. "I always do my best in everything I do."

"And that should be the case," Sousuke said, Masaki nodding in agreement.

"You will be meeting your friends there?" Masaki asked.

"I hope so," Ichigo replied. He was friends with children of pureblood and noble families.

"Though we have a problem," Sousuke said, frowning slightly.

"What is it, father?"

Sousuke put down his paper and looked at Ichigo seriously. "The Kuchiki clan has left their residence in China and is moving here. Their future head is going to study in the Azulith Academy. This could disturb the peace and truce between our clans."

Masaki gasped. "How come?"

"Our families have been in dispute for many years," Ichigo said. "But I won't permit such arguments to get in the way of my education, as well as Kuchiki's heir."

Sousuke smiled proudly. "An intelligent and diplomatic answer. You're doing very well, my son."

"Learned from the best," Ichigo said.

Sousuke chuckled. "In any case, your mother and I are coming to the opening ceremonies of your school. Your uncle requested on it, so we should go. But you'll be the one to go first, along with all the students. We'll just follow in around two hours."

"Yes, father," Ichigo responded.

His uncle, Aizen Shinryuuji was his father's younger brother. He chose to be the headmaster of the Azulith Academy instead of letting a family ally. He was kind and but a bit childish. But he loved the school and the students so much that everyone learned to like him too. Also that the parents of the students were more comfortable of him being the headmaster. Having a pureblood look after your children could only assure a very firm form of security and protection.

"I'm leaving," Ichigo said, getting up.

"Ichigo, wait," Masaki said as Ichigo left.

Ichigo stopped as he was opening the door that led to the corridors and looked at his mother.

"Yes, mother?" he asked.

"Remember that on December, it will be your 18th, or rather, 180th birthday," Masaki said. "It's time for you to acquire your full powers as a full blood and also the time for the Bloody Diamond Rose to select."

Ichigo's eyes widened. The Bloody Diamond Rose – the object of selection of my bride. Am I ready? He thought to himself.

"It's time for the rightful girl to show herself to us," Masaki said. "It's tradition."

"I know," Ichigo replied. "I just wonder why I can't be introduced to the woman I would spend an eternity with while I was still younger."

"That's not the case," Masaki said. "The sign appears as the baby is born but disappears almost instantly. Then it reappears when he or she is eighteen."

"That is tradition, my son," Sousuke said. "And besides, I'm quite sure you'll like this girl. The Bloody Diamond Rose has never selected a wrond match for an Aizen heir. Never."

"I hope so," Ichigo said, leaving.

Ichigo arrived at Azulith Academy at around noon, keenly observing the surroundings of the place that housed him for nearly seven years. This year was his final year and in December, he was going to acquire all of his powers.

Even with only a quarter of his potential, Aizen Ichigo was already strong enough to take on any noble or pureblood-class vampire. He was an Aizen after all.

But the full throttle of his powers – how great would it be?

"Welcome back, Ichigo-sama," a female voice said.

Ichigo looked up and smiled. Five of his closest companions in the school walked towards him.

Xiao-Yu Jen walked first, her purple hair swinging gracefully against the September wind. Her purple eyes were gentle and full of admiration. Ichigo knew Jen was infatuated by him. Being the heiress of the Xiao-Yu family, a part of the Lilith, Jen hoped and prayed that she would be selected as Ichigo's bride. Ichigo wouldn't have minded since Jen was very beautiful – the most beautiful girl in the school.

(Author's note: Names, even of the westerners, shall be in Japanese format. Even their first names are Japanese, but their surnames remain Western. This is due to my craziness.)

"Nice to see you, Ichigo-sama," Adze Ishida said. Ishida was the vice-president of the Supreme Student Government, next to Ichigo. He had black hair, equally jet black eyes with glasses worn above it. He was often quiet, stern, and mature-thinking. He was impeccably-groomed, being the heir of the Adze family, another pureblood clan. He was also incredibly handsome, as all of the vampires do.

"How are you, Ichigo-sama?" Knight Renji said, smiling slightly. Renji was the heir of the Knight clan and was tall, with unruly red hair and golden-green eyes. He always had mood swings and was someone their group always looked after. Having a pureblood go angry wasn't a good sight. Aside from his mood swings, Renji was known for his fondness and aptitude in sports, and his great build made up for it.

"You look well, Ichigo-sama," Tunda Hinamori said. A shy and reserved girl, whose midnight-blue hair was always worn in a bun, Hinamori is the heiress of the Tunda clan and was somewhat a frustration to her father because of her passive nature. But Ichigo liked her kind attitude, that's why she couldn't be harmed by her father – because he'll suffer hell from Aizen Ichigo.

Highgate Toushirou bowed at Ichigo. Toushirou was the shortest of the group, with snow-white, spiky hair, and jade eyes. He often wore a serious expression and was feared because of his cold and grumpy manner. He was the only one, aside from Ichigo, who was the only child of a pureblood family.

Ichigo nodded and gave them all a small smile. "Let's go, Kazuma," Ichigo told his bodyguard.

"Yes, Ichigo-sama," Kazuma replied, taking all Ichigo's things as if they weighed nothing.

"Welcome back, Aizen-sama," another female voice said. It was his spy, Shiki Rima.

"Nice to see you, Rima-chan," Ichigo said, gesturing for the kneeling girl to rise.

Rima rose. She was the daughter of a member of the Lamia and her father was one of the Council of Five, Shiki Nanjirou.

Ichigo walked with his friends towards the Gehenna Dormitory. As they entered, waves of nobles bowed in recognition. Ichigo and the others passed by, the show of respect a commonplace for them.

They entered the part of the dorm exclusively for the purebloods and went into the common room. Kazuma excused himself and went to ready Ichigo's room for him.

"Any new reports?" Ichigo asked, sitting at the largest chair at the center of the room, resting his chin on his right hand, leaning as he watched all of his companions.

Even though the vampires with him were also purebloods, they still respected Ichigo above all others. The Aizen clan was that powerful.

"I have reached the full potential of my powers last month, Ichigo-sama," Renji said.

"Ah yes," Ichigo said, smiling. "A belated happy birthday to you, Renji."

"Thank you, Ichigo-sama," he replied.

A knock intruded them.

"Who is it?" Jen asked, gracefully walking to the door.

"It's Rima, Xiao-Yu-sama," the voice answered.

"Come in," Ichigo said.

Rima walked in. "New report, Aizen-sama."

"What is it?"

"A newcomer has arrived," Rima replied. "Should we have a formal welcome for her?"

Ichigo smiled. "Of course. We do that always."

"Who is it, Ichigo-sama?" Ishida asked.

"It's our new pureblood," Ichigo replied.

"The Kuchiki?!" Jen gasped.

"Yes," Ichigo replied.

Everyone knew the hierarchy of the Lilith. The Aizen clan goes first, followed by the Kuchiki, Xiao-Yu, Adze, Highgate, Knight, and Tunda. In other words, the Kuchiki clan was the second most powerful.

"We shall finally be complete," Ichigo said.

"How can you be so calm about this, Ichigo-sama?!" Renji exploded. "The Kuchiki family has been the black sheep of the Lilith! We can't let some Kuchiki waltz in here."

A crack appeared in the window behind Renji. It was a warning signal. Aizen Ichigo didn't like being disrupted by outbursts.

"Forgive me, Ichigo-sama," Renji said, kneeling.

"I have known that the Kuchiki heir shall arrive," Ichigo said. "I've known since this morning, when my father told me."

"Aizen-sama told you?" Jen asked. "What do you know about this newcomer, Rima?"

"None, Xiao-Yu-sama," Rima said. "The heir has formed barriers around himself so that no one can spy on his identity."

All of them, except Ichigo, gasped in shock. This was an act of defiance, not letting yourself be known to the purebloods.

Ichigo chuckled. "Smart move."

"A true Kuchiki," Ishida said. "I've never met one."

"Me too," Toushirou said. "They've never mingled with the other members of Lilith for such a long time."

"For two centuries," Hinamori added, blushing slightly.

"Well then, we should go and prepare," Ichigo said, standing up. "This evening would be the school's opening ceremonies. After the ceremonies would be the opening of our dorm. We should formally welcome the freshmen and any newbie into the coven."

"Yes, Ichigo-sama," they all replied.

"What do you plan to do?" Ishida asked Ichigo silently as the others left.

"Nothing that you should know now," Ichigo replied.

That's it… at least for now.

"Vampires are the monsters of beauty." – directX07 -