A/N Hello everyone. Wow, hard to believe my first fic on did so well. Over 26,000 hits, and deemed a Favorite Story by 65 avid readers, not counting several other alerts. Thanks to everyone who've clearly enjoyed this fic and made it such a success. That's what's most important. And what better way to celebrate 4th of July than with the first chapter in the next story in our trilogy. Hope everyone celebrates the holiday weekend in style.
And as always, I do not own either Rosario + Vampire or Castlevania. They are the licensed properties of their licensed owners. So, without further ado, on with the next chapter of our epic saga.
Part II Chapter I
Dreams of Brokenness
Yukari groaned weakly as the darkness before her faded away. She blinked her eyes repeatedly, and saw herself looking up at a familiar ceiling. She quickly sat up, and looked about to find herself in a familiar chamber. A bookcase was situated on the wall ahead of her, all but bursting with tomes. She found herself on a large, soft bed, which she remembered by heart. "This is, my bedroom," she spoke to herself, as she still tried to comprehend what had occurred. She looked beside her, and saw her nightstand, upon which lied her favorite antique lamp. "But, how did I get here, desu?"
At that moment, the door that led outside opened, and two figures walked in. One was a woman covered in a full-length chocolate brown cloak, and a matching pointed hat upon her head of light brown hair. Her companion had dirty blonde hair, and a well-trimmed mustache. He wore a green sweater over his white dress shirt and tie. Long gray slacks covered his legs, and leather shoes adorned his feet.
The young girl gasped as she recognized the newcomers. "Mama-san, Papa-san," she remarked as she looked between them. "What's going on, what am I doing back home? Where are the others?"
Fujiko and her husband looked to one another, and then to their daughter. They light shook their heads.
"What," Yukari asked, "I'm the only one here? No! I'm supposed to be at the academy! We were fighting Colton and then Tsukune-san came and-" Her eyes went wide as she recalled what happened in the battle, when the brown-haired youth was felled by a blow meant for Moka. "No!" she wailed. "Tsukune-san! He can't be gone! He can't be!" She began to sniffle, as tears streamed from her violet eyes.
The elder Sendos quickly came to her side and held her gently. The young witch cried into her mother's shoulder, horrified at the thought that her precious friend was dead. Fujiko opened her cloak and produced a lavender handkerchief, which she used to dry her daughter's tears. Yukari looked to her, and hugged her tightly for several moments, which she felt being returned. Once she did, she knew it wasn't an illusion, and relaxed she she was comforted by her mother's aura.
Her father simply smiled at her as he lightly rubbed her shoulder. With his free hand, he gestured towards the door. His wife looked to him, nodded and then smiled at her daughter.
"What," the young witch asked, "we have a guest today?" She looked between the two of them, shocked that anyone would've visited them due to their isolation. It also piqued her curiosity, and she brushed off the rest of her tears. "Okay, let's meet him, or, is it a her?"
The parents chuckled to themselves, helped Yukari to her feet, and opened the door. She followed into the spacious living room, which was already warmed by the fire lit in the hearth. Once she entered, she saw an unfamiliar figure in one of the plush recliners. It was situated at an angle away from her, so she could've only made out some gleaming ivory hair, as well as matching clothes. The figure raised its left hand, which held a decently-sized pocket watch.
"Right on time," the figure spoke in a mysterious voice, "I've been waiting for you, Yukari Sendo," he finished as he rose from his chair and faced the young witch.
The child prodigy gasped as she saw the guest fully. He wore a gleaming white suit with upturned lapels, as well as matching pants. His white hair was somewhat unruly, though it seemed of little concern to him. He wore a simple monocle over his right eye, the only noteworthy feature on his otherwise unimpressive countenance.
"Who are you," Yukari asked, "how do you know my name, desu?"
"I am called Aeon," the newcomer replied, "I have come in response to the anomaly at the academy, as well as your newly found interest in time."
The brunette did a double-take, shocked at what the man had relayed. "H-h-h-how did you know?"
"It is my business to know anything concerned with time. In light of the current circumstances, it seemed best to meet you directly on the matter."
Yukari hummed to herself, and briefly looked to her parents behind her. After a few moments, she looked back to the newcomer. "It's true," she finally began. "So much happened so fast, there was barely any time to make sense of it. We really did try our best, but it didn't seem to be enough. I just, I wish I could've done more to help everyone, especially Moka-san and Tsukune-san." She sighed to herself and lowered her gaze. "I'd thought if I could've seen Colton's intentions from the start, I could've prevented this whole mess. Then no one would've gotten hurt. I just, feel so ashamed now that I ever admired him, and now, all my friends." She sniffled to herself, too distraught to complete her sentence.
The stranger in the white suit said nothing in response.
"But it seemed so far-fetched," the young witch continued, "having power over time. Even I didn't think it was possible, until I met Saint Germain."
Aeon's indiscernible gaze fluctuated for a moment. "You have seen him?"
"Yes, he appeared at the academy. He said he was looking for a man named Zead, to stop him causing any trouble here."
"How curious," the white-haired man remarked as he thoughtfully held his chin. "He disappeared a few years back while investigating a temporal anomaly."
"Disappeared," the surprised child prodigy asked. She thought back to her encounter with Saint Germain. "Oh wait, I remember now, desu."
"Oh, and before I forget," the image of the time traveler spoke in her mind, "if someone looking like me asks you if you'd met anyone that matches his description, tell him, 'yes.' And if he asks why I was here, it was to corral Zead and bring him back where he belongs. Yes, he'll probably debate the issue, but do try to patient. He'll definitely understand what that rapscallion has wrought."
Yukari then relayed her encounter with the newcomer, and became wary as she noted his expression darkened noticeably.
"This is very serious," Aeon spoke sternly. "Interaction between parallel dimensions is strictly forbidden. And for a time traveler to commit such a felony, the consequences are most severe."
"But it's not his fault!" the brunette retorted defensively. "If it wasn't for Colton, he wouldn't have come here, desu!"
"I am not discounting your testimony," the enigmatic man replied. "Nevertheless, the laws of time have been broken. Action must be taken in order to correct the imbalance that's been created, and the offenders must be dealt with accordingly." He paused for a moment to collect his thoughts. "Time is a vast and complex entity, which requires an eternity of diligence to understand, even more so to oversee. The smallest mistake, regardless of the intent, can lead to the most dire of consequences. Knowing this, would you still be interested in knowing time?"
"Yes!" the child prodigy declared. "Anything to help my friends! I don't want to see anyone else get hurt, desu!"
Aeon nodded sagely. "Very good, Yukari Sendo. Though the path of time is without end, understanding it will be beneficial for the trials yet to come. Whether you wish to continue the path afterwards is up to you." He reached into his coat pocket, and pulled out a small object.
The small girl looked to his hand, and saw what appeared to be an earring, which comprised of two small pincers, and a miniature clock face as the centerpiece. "What's this," she asked curiously.
"Though it seems but a mere accessory, consider it a symbol of your walk through time. You shall discern its purpose as you go down the path."
"Yay! This is so cool, desu!" Yukari declared happily, as she pumped her small fists. She then claimed the earring, and held it between her fingers.
Her father looked to his wife with a strange look, and she pouted in response. She waved her wand behind her back, and a washing basin crashed down onto her spouse, which drove him into the floor. The white-haired man watched the comical scene, an unreadable expression on his ageless face.
"Thank you so much, Aeon-san," the sophomore spoke gratefully. "I promise to wear this always, desu."
"That is good to hear, young one. I look forward to our next meeting, somewhere within the vastness of time."
Suddenly, the entire room was filled by a blinding white aura, and everything before Yukari disappeared.
Mizore groaned as she slowly regained consciousness. She found herself upon a very cold marble floor, and felt a familiar chill in the air about her, along with a powerful yet restrained youki. With a weary groan, she pushed herself off the floor. "Where am I," she asked, a trace of confusion in her voice. "Am I, dead?"
"Not at the moment," a mature woman's voice spoke from nearby, though her pleasantness held a veiled threat within it, "let's hope it doesn't come to that, shall we, Mizore-chan?"
The yuki onna gasped and instantly got to her feet. She found herself in a huge chamber, outlined by high marble walls, with icy decorations on the floor and ceiling. Her blue eyes looked in the direction of the familiar voice, and saw a comely woman who stood nearby a golden throne. She had a modest figure, garbed in a full-length snow white kimono, with a purple sash around her waist. Her long silvery blue hair was done up with several pins. Her slender hands were folded in front of her, and she wore a warm smile on her pale face, as she held a frozen lollipop between her lips. She would've appeared very composed and mature, save for the massive killing intent Mizore felt beneath the surface, which she knew was directed right at her. "Haha-ue," she finally spoke, a mixture of respect and fear in her voice.
"Mizore-chan," the older woman began in a frighteningly sweet voice, "my lovely, adorable, dutiful daughter," she went on, as her right hand became a huge icy claw, "please, tell me our illustrious overseer is mistaken in the visions she's had of Tsukune-san. Tell me you've already ensnared him and made him your own. You do realize the fate of our people is at stake, don't you? Please, Mizore-chan," she continued, as she wiggled her elongated icy talons, "I am eagerly awaiting the good news of your glorious success. I was quite annoyed that you interfered with our plans to obtain Tsukune-san a couple of weeks back, and I do want to know it was an oversight on your part, and you've since corrected it. I am looking forward to the grandchildren you and Tsukune-san will give me."
The purple-haired girl couldn't stop trembling in her mother's presence. She was glad Tsurara hadn't brought any of her weapons with her, and though she was quite sure the Snow Priestess would've prevented such an occurrence, she also wouldn't put anything past her mother, especially in light of the current circumstances.
"You have captured his heart, have you not," Tsurara asked, as her talons twitched randomly, "please tell me it's all a big misunderstanding and there's nothing to fear."
Mizore cringed in response, as she found plenty to fear at the moment. However, she knew she couldn't hide the truth indefinitely, so she mustered what courage she still possessed. "No, Haha-ue."
A blinding blizzard shot forth from the dubiously composed woman, as her eyes bore an icy glow. "What were you thinking?" she demanded. "If you hadn't interfered, Tsukune-san would already be ours! Then he wouldn't be in any danger, hadn't you thought of that, Mizore-chan?"
The purple-haired girl shivered as she tried to shield herself against her mother's fury.
"Tsurara, stop!" a second woman's voice spoke sharply through the blizzard. "This is not the reason she was called here!"
After a few seconds, the freak snowstorm subsided, and the elder yuki onna sighed, lowered her head, and closed her eyes in remorse. "Yes, Priestess-sama."
Mizore cautiously looked past her mother, and saw a large crystalline throne behind her, with a regal figure upon it. Even though it was the first time she'd seen the person in question, she knew everyone in her village knew the individual by heart. Without another thought, she bowed in reverence to the sage woman on the throne.
"Great Priestess," the sophomore girl began, as her eyes shimmered in confusion, "what am I doing here?" She briefly inspected herself, and saw no sign of the deadly gashes she'd received in the dreadful battle. "How am I still alive," she asked her ruler, "I thought, Colton had killed me back there."
"Your presence here is no accident, Mizore Shirayuki," the crystal-haired woman spoke sagely. "You were summoned by Fate to receive the prophecy that shall guide the journey of the Five Maidens."
"Journey," the purple-haired girl asked with a baffled expression, "five maidens? What are you talking about?"
"It's alright if you don't yet understand, all I ask of you is to capture what I shall relay to you now. It shall be necessary to assist he who lives forever in your thoughts."
Mizore was still bewildered, but as she contemplated on her leader's last words, her blue eyes widened as she inhaled sharply. "Tsukune."
"Ah, you to understand," the oracle replied with a sage smile. "Then listen well to the words of the prophecy."
"Yes, Priestess-sama," the younger Shirayuki replied with a courteous nod.
The overseer of the yuki onna race slowly nodded. "The first stop of the journey of the Five Maidens shall be the House of Apostasy," she began in a mysterious voice, "where division shall rule the day. From there, they shall enter into the reflection of our world, where the evil ones reside. They shall be confronted by the lost lineages, who still fiercely battle in the war we have forgotten. From there, they shall watch as the First One's dream is again reduced to ruins, though from it the hero's legacy will be saved. Then, they shall journey to the Cursed Lands, where they shall meet the Conflicted Ones. Then together, they shall go forth to the Old House of Darkness, where Those Who Desire the Resurrection shall gather."
The sophomore groaned inwardly, as she wished she'd brought a pen and paper with her. However, she remembered she was barely alive after she and her friends were defeated by Colton. Though she was still uncertain about her current circumstances, she took note of the prophecy, especially the last part. "Those who desire the resurrection," she spoke aloud, as she remembered the phrase from Moka's story about her seventh birthday, "you mean Dracula's followers?"
An inhuman shriek came from the supposedly composed priestess, as a powerful blizzard shot from her mouth.
"Oh crap!" the purple-haired girl spoke fearfully. "Don't tell me we have that law, too!"
"Mizore-chan!" her mother called out over the storm. "What have you done?"
"I'm sorry, Haha-ue!" the younger girl shouted, and then turned to her raging overseer. "Please, Priestess-sama, forgive me!"
The freak snowstorm turned inward, until it became like a vortex of subzero energy. It then condensed further until it formed a small amorphous shape, with several tendril-like arms and a comical-looking yet clearly evil visage. Mizore shivered, as she noted the room had grown much colder when the apparition made itself known.
"I am the spirit of this realm," the spectral figure began in a voice that sounded like a hollow winter's gale, "Jack Frost. Tell me, child, what was that name you spoke?"
The younger Shirayuki tried hard not to tremble in the spirit's presence, as she felt his aura far surpassed that of the Snow Priestess. She'd thought Jack Frost was just a legend, and never gave the issue any real consideration. But as she pondered the issue, she realized she also thought the cruel vampire lord who sent Colton to the academy was also a legend, only to find out very differently. She instinctively wrapped her arms around herself as she regarded the newcomer. "Dracula," she finally spoke.
The ghostly figure laughed in amusement, which sent a chill down Mizore's spine. "Very good, at last we have a name for He who struck down the First One's dream. This simplifies matters greatly."
"You can't be serious!" Tsurara nervously protested. "There's no such thing as Dracula, the humans made him up!"
"He's real, Haha-ue!" the purple-haired girl shot back. "We fought him at the academy! He's after Tsukune!"
The elder yuki onna gasped in response, as a horrified expression appeared on her pale face. "Tsukune-san?"
A chilling laugh came from Jack Frost. "How amusing, all this carnage and chicanery for but a mere boy? Such audacity, were he not a threat to my domain, I could almost admire him. He definitely pursues his goals wholeheartedly. Yes, this definitely explains the vision."
"What are you saying," Mizore asked warily.
"You wish to know, child," the spirit asked with a devious smile. "In that case, you shall have the honor, of guiding the maidens into the reflection of our world."
"Whoa, hold on!" the reluctant academy student protested. "I never said anything about being a demon's plaything. How do I know you're any different from Dracula?"
"Oh, come now," the apparition replied in clearly feigned indignation, "you act like I can't be trusted. That wounds me deeply."
"Yeah, I'm sure," Mizore quipped sarcastically.
"You do want to rescue he who lives forever in your thoughts, do you not?"
"That's not fair," the purple-haired girl replied with a cold scowl.
"Fair or not, fail to heed the call of destiny, and the boy shall be lost to you," the spirit spoke with a sinister grin, "forever."
"How dare you!" Tsurara interjected, an incensed look on her pale face.
"This is not your decision to make," the ghostly figure spoke reproachfully as he pointed towards her, though his eyes remained on Mizore. "Do not interfere."
The yuki onna grimaced in frustration, as her hands shook by her sides. As much as she'd come to despise the foul being before her, she saw no means of refuting his claims. And since he emerged from the Snow Priestess' ire, she wondered about the actual connection he had with her. Though her heart screamed against the proposition, she realized she had few if any plausible alternatives. She mustered her courage and exhaled a chilling breath. "Fine, you win."
Frost emitted a nasty giggle. "Splendid, then receive the Eye of the prophecy, which shall guide you and your 'heroic' comrades." He raised a tendril-like arm, and placed his spectral hand on the dubious-looking youkai's forehead. He then channeled his immense youki into her, and watched as the purple-haired girl screamed.
"Mizore-chan!" the kimono-clad woman called out, fearful of what the snow demon had planned for her daughter. Once the surge of energy subsided, she watched in horror as her only child groaned weakly and collapsed on the floor, as a glowing sigil appeared on her forehead.
"It is done," the spirit spoke in a satisfied tone as he looked to the comatose girl. "The guide has been ordained. You shall be our eyes and ears as you travel beyond this world, and journey towards the Old House of Darkness. Much hardship and sorrow awaits you on your adventure, as the fate of both our worlds hang in the balance. And before I forget, have a nice day."
Mizore lapsed into unconsciousness, as the last thing she head was the sadistic laughter of Jack Frost.
A cyan-haired girl drifted aimlessly with a great void of darkness, devoid of any sounds of feelings. Only a great emptiness surrounded the comatose girl, wholly unaware of what did or didn't occur around her.
"Awaken, Kurumu Kurono," a sultry yet grave woman's voice spoke within the darkness.
The incognito succubus gasped as her violet eyes came open. Once they did, the darkness faded away, and revealed a grand audience chamber. The sound of flowing water was heard in the back of the chamber. The sophomore looked about, and saw a long velvet carpet that ran to a somewhat high dais. At the base of the dais, standing off to the left, was a tall woman in a luxurious black fur coat, which sparkled like a clear starry night. Underneath her coat was a strapless red dress, which tightly hugged her curvaceous form. Her usually breathtaking features were wrought with uncharacteristic concern, as she casually blinked her violet eyes.
"Kaa-san," the cyan-haired girl remarked, and knew she'd never seen such a serious look on her mother's face.
Kurumu briefly examined herself, and was startled when she found no wounds upon her person. She even felt no pain to remind her of the grievous wound Colton had given her before she fell. She wasn't sure if she was alive or dead, if she was merely dreaming, or had passed on. She shook her confused thoughts aside, and looked towards the dais, and then up to the great throne that sat upon it. On the ruling seat was a regal woman in a long silk velvet dress, which clung to her truly divine form. The young girl had always felt inadequate when she regarded her mother, but as she looked to the personage on the throne, her feelings of inferiority were magnified, for the regal woman surpassed her mother in seemingly every area. Ageha had told her stories about their queen, but they always seemed like fantasies to her. The very notion that their queen truly existed seemed absurd, yet she couldn't deny the reality she beheld. Her breathing became very nervous, as she held her clenched fist to her chest. "O Exquisite Lilith," she spoke reverently as she bowed her head, "Mother of All Succubi."
"Approach me, young one."
The young youkai nervously rose to her feet and walked forwards. She was quite intimidated by her mother's presence, who she knew would've been irate when she learned of what occurred. But the thought of giving account to the ruler of her race truly terrified her. She stopped near the dais, and Ageha promptly approached her.
"Explain yourself, Kurumu Kurono," the elder succubus demanded. "What has happened to Tsukune-san? Tell me our illustrious queen is mistaken!"
The cyan-haired girl gasped in response, fearful of what her mother might've known. "Wh-what has she told you, kaa-san?"
Ageha deeply frowned, visibly displeased for still unknown reasons. "That your Mate of Fate has become some sort of demon. What were you thinking," she demanded, as she leaned threateningly towards her daughter, who timidly backed away. "If you'd only taken him outside that castle, none of this would've happened!"
"If she had," the regal succubus interjected, "both she and Aono-san would be dead."
The Kuronos gasped in unison and looked to their ruler, wide-eyed in fright and disbelief.
"H-h-how do you know that, Lilith-sama," Ageha asked fearfully, an emotion she rarely displayed.
"I know the master of that castle only tell well," the succubus queen replied with a brooding scowl. "I'm amazed Issa Shuzen let a human into his domain unharmed. I would've expected him to slay him on the spot, doubtlessly he now wishes he had."
Kurumu shivered at the name her sovereign mentioned. She knew it was Kokoa's last name, as well as Moka's before her exile. Though she'd never met him, the legends of elder vampires were well-known to her people, and even to the present day, mere mention of them brought feelings of deep-seated fear. She had no idea the castle had belonged to Moka's father, and judging by her ruler's obvious contempt for him, she was glad they never met.
"No!" the elder Kurono protested, which interrupted her daughter's train of thought. "Tsukune-san must not die! He is my daughter's Mate of Fate, I won't let anything happen to him."
Lilith slowly turned her surprisingly stoic gaze to her subject. "Even if he's the reincarnation of Count Dracula," she asked pointedly.
The cyan-haired girl all but screamed in horror, as her violet eyes became as wide as dinner plates.
"That's absurd!" Ageha shot back. "There's no such thing as Dracula, those stupid vainglorious vampires made him up! It's bad enough they act like they're the supreme life-forms on this world, but to think up something so ludicrous in order to further inflate themselves? T'ch," she quipped dismissively as she ran her long fingers through her luxurious cyan hair, "but why am I surprised? An ego that big always has to be fed."
"This is more than a matter of unrealistic self-worth," the succubus queen countered, "the threat of Dracula is very real." She then turned to the younger girl before her. "And if the mistakes of the past are repeated, it will undoubtedly lead to our extinction. Dare you risk that, Kurumu Kurono?"
The academy student gasped fearfully at what her liege had relayed. "Extinction? What are you talking about, Lilith-sama? How do you know him?"
The seemingly divine youkai somberly bowed her head, as a haunted look appeared in her amethyst eyes.
"Your Salaciousness," Ageha asked nervously, taken aback by her sudden change in demeanor.
After several long moments, the voluptuous ruler looked to the Kuronos, a frighteningly grave expression on her usually exquisite face. "If you truly wish to know what befell our people, I shall show you. But," she spoke firmly, as she raised her slender index finger, "under no circumstances shall you relay this to anyone."
Kurumu quickly nodded in agreement, as she recalled Moka had made similar terms before she revealed her most painful secret. "Yes, Most Desirable One."
"Yes, my Queen," her mother added.
Lilith slowly nodded her head. "Then watch," she spoke, as she majestically rose from her throne, "and learn."
A soft yet powerful lavender aura surrounded the demon queen. The cyan-haired girl gasped as she sensed the immense power of her ruler, which far surpassed any she'd encountered save for Mikogami, Colton, and Dracula. She watched as the air shimmered before her, and then looked on in awe as the phenomenon filled the entire room. The beauty and grace of Lilith's chamber grew dark and foreboding, and Kurumu cringed as she felt a malefic aura about her. She looked to her mother, who was also shocked at what she witnessed. Though she surmised it was an illusion, she'd never seen one cast on such a grand scale. She actually found herself shivering at the radically-altered aura of the room.
The Kuronos soon found themselves in a massive, gothic chamber, which held none of the splendor of Lilith's inner sanctum. The walls were lined with high archways supported by black marble columns, with demonic visages carved upon them. Ageha noted a couple of the columns had crumbled, their remains strewn about the black marble floor. A long blood red carpet stretched forward towards the end of the room, which was enshrouded by darkness. A great sense of foreboding came over them as they looked towards the darkness, and Kurumu instinctively clung to her mother.
"Kaa-san," the cyan-haired girl spoke timidly, "I'm scared!"
The elder succubus returned her embrace. "I know, darling, but we must go forward, and discover what Lilith-sama wants us to know."
The sophomore quickly nodded, though she still trembled in her mother's grasp. They went towards the darkness. As they did, the way forward became visible. The younger Kurono warily looked back, and saw nothing but darkness behind her. She tried in vain to suppress her fears and cried out, and her voice echoed throughout the desolate hall. Ageha tightened her grip in order to soothe her frightened daughter, though she found herself shivering as well. Never before had she felt such overwhelming evil. As she pushed her senses into the darkness ahead, she felt a far more malefic evil within. Though fearful of what lied ahead, she led herself and her daughter forward.
They finally reached the back of the long hall. Once they did, they beheld an immense demonic-looking bat statue, with glowing red eyes and huge fangs that actually dripped blood. It enormous wings spanned the width of the entire hall. Embedded in the statue's belly was a massive golden throne, with a winged skull decoration on the very top. Upon the throne was a massive being, too large to have possibly passed for human. The figure was clad in a long black coat with blood red lapels. Underneath was a black vest, bound at the waist by a crimson sash. His crossed legs were covered by night black trousers, with leather boots on his feet. A night black cloak, with a crimson interior, covered his entire form. In the figure's right hand was a crystal wineglass, filled with a bright crimson liquid. He absently took a sip from it, as he rested his head on his left hand. His deathly pale face was framed with long white hair, which ran down past his shoulders. Ageha couldn't help but tremble, as she'd never seen such a brooding face before, and also knew the indescribably evil aura she'd sensed came from the being on the throne.
Kurumu's violet eyes went wide, and she covered her open mouth with her left hand. "No," she said to herself, "it can't be."
The elder succubus looked questioningly at her daughter, though she feared she already knew the answer. She then looked ahead, and saw a prostrated figure before the vile throne of darkness. The figure was clad in a lavender gown, her entire form nearly covered by her wealth of indigo hair. From her back emerged a massive pair of purple demonic wings. Ageha gasped in horror at what she'd just beheld. "Lilith-sama," she asked fearfully.
"O mighty Count Dracula," the genuflecting demon spoke reverently, "verily dost I commit mineself and mine children to thee."
Both Kuronos were thunderstruck at what they heard, and cried out in unison. Despite that, there was no indication that they'd been heard.
The ominous figure on the throne lazily blinked his burning red eyes, as he took another sip from his wineglass. "Hmm, your selfless devotion pleases me, Lilith," he spoke in a foreboding voice. "Arise."
The succubus queen slowly rose to her feet. Once she did, the vampire lord also rose. Ageha and Kurumu gasped at how diminutive their leader appeared before the immense form of Dracula. They watched as the towering figure raised his left hand towards her.
"Yes," the sinister overlord remarked as his hand lowered, until it stopped near Lilith's flat stomach. "You shall serve me well. From your womb shall spring forth a new race of succubi, who shall feast on the souls of the worms who dare oppose me."
The voluptuous youkai smiled, and reverently bowed her head as she took hold of his hand. "I am honored to have gained thine favor, Lord Dracula."
The nefarious vampire threw his head back, as he laughed in unholy delight.
"NOOOOOOO!" the younger Kurono screamed as she raced towards the pair.
"Kurumu, stop!" Ageha desperately called out.
Just as the cyan-haired girl reached out towards her ruler, the entire area began to waver, as reality became distorted once more. The sinister aura of Dracula's throne room dissipated, along with the ominous chamber. In its place was the more familiar and peaceful form of the audience chamber of the Palace of Pulchritude.
Ageha looked ahead to her ruler, as feelings of rage, confusion, and disbelief welled up within her. "Lilith," she began in a vicious growl, "you didn't!"
"I did," the succubus queen spoke in a self-deprecating tone, "and because of my folly, our race was nearly driven to extinction. Should that mistake be repeated, we shall not be so fortunate."
"What do you mean," Kurumu nervously asked her liege.
"After Dracula was destroyed by the Three Dark Lords, the Third unleashed his wrath upon those who had followed his archenemy. Needless to say, this included us. We were quickly driven from Romania, and fled to this country to escape his wrath. It was only the interference of the First that prevented our complete eradication." A deep sigh escaped the benevolent ruler. "However, the Third soon came to this country as well, and his presence has put our race in a constant state of anxiety. He never forgets a grudge, or those who defies him, either knowingly or otherwise." She looked away for a moment, as a sad look appeared in her amethyst eyes. "Fortunately, the presence of the First has kept him in check, for the most part. But should anything happen to him, and should our race ever become part of Dracula's kingdom again, he won't hesitate to finish what he started."
"The First," the young succubus asked, "you mean-"
"The First Dark Lord," Lilith explained, "Mikogami."
Kurumu painfully grimaced, as she recalled what happened to the chairman.
"And the Third," Ageha asked with a concerned look.
"Shuzen," the regal youkai replied with a deep scowl.
Both Kuronos looked fearfully at one another.
"I have no doubt he's become aware of this situation," the succubus queen continued, as her gaze turned to the cyan-haired girl. "Be warned, he'll be watching you, Kurumu Kurono."
"Why my daughter," the elder Kurono asked with a stern look.
"Because she's already been touched by the Dark One. Should she submit to him wholly, that will be just the excuse Shuzen needs. I assume you can already guess what will follow."
"Hold on!" Kurumu protested. "I haven't been touched by him. How can you-" She paused as she remembered what happened in the dungeon, and realized what her ruler had meant. "No, no you're wrong!" she wailed. "Tsukune is not Dracula!"
"Is this the one you mean," Lilith asked, as she held out her slender hands, which glowed with a soft velvet aura. The air shimmered before her, and then displayed the image of a brooding man, hovering high above the fallen figure of a barely alive kitsune. The man held a huge sphere of negative energy overhead, as his eyes glowed with a blazing crimson aura.
The cyan-haired girl gasped as she recognized the man, and yet, at the same time, he seemed frighteningly unfamiliar. She'd never seen such an evil look on his face, and never believed it even existed within him. "Tsukune," she asked nervously.
"GIGA DEMONIC MEGIDDO!" the image of the formerly human student shouted as he hurled down the sphere, which collided with the ground and resulted in a titanic explosion of evil energy, which demolished a ruined building nearby. Kurumu looked on in horror as he laughed in maniacal ecstasy.
"No!" the sophomore girl cried out. "Stop! Tsukune!" The image quickly faded, and the teenage youkai was mortified by what she'd witnessed. She fell to her knees, as tears streamed down her heart-shaped face. "Tsukune, no!"
"Kurumu," Ageha spoke sadly, as she knelt down beside her daughter and held her in a comforting embrace. She saw her only child was almost lost in despair, and then looked hopelessly to her ruler. "Lilith-sama, tell me there's a way to prevent this. Tell me how we can save Tsukune-san!"
The voluptuous ruler somberly lowered her head, and closed her sparkling amethyst eyes. "If you wish to save our race, then your daughter must journey to his morbid domain, which lies far from our land. Our fate shall be decided, within those castle walls."
The cyan-haired girl gasped lightly as she looked to her benevolent leader. She watched as the queen's hand closed around her rose brooch, and then small beams of lavender light shot from within. She pulled her hand forward, and her cloak fell from her body. She quickly caught the end with her free hand.
"Lilith-sama, what are you doing," Ageha asked worriedly. "That's your symbol!"
"She has already been marked by Dracula, it is pointless to deny her now. Even if we were to hide her within our village, he would still find her. I cannot allow our people to be threatened by him again. So it lies to your daughter to fight against his insane ambitions, lest they consume this world."
Kurumu looked to the queen's hand, and saw the crystalline brooch within. "But, Lilith-sama, I'm still just a child compared to you. I'm not worthy," she admitted shamefully.
The exquisite youkai knelt down before the cyan-haired girl. "Nor was I," she spoke softly. "But hopefully, as you travel to his realm, you will be."
The younger Kurono gasped at what she'd just heard. "What do you mean?"
"I cannot explain that now, you shall come to understand on your journey." The long-haired woman then gave her a stern look. "But be warned, Shuzen knows well of its significance, avoid him at all costs. He is no more an ally to you than Dracula."
The sophomore hissed fiercely to herself, for after what she'd learned about the ancient vampire lord, she didn't doubt her queen's warnings. "Yes, Lilith-sama."
"Very good, young Kurumu," the demon ruler spoke with a pleased smile. "Then it falls to you to fight for our survival, within that Old House of Darkness." The hand that held her brooch moved forward, until it pressed against the cyan-haired girl's chest. No sooner than it did that everything became consumed in a blinding white light.
Ruby found herself in an unfamiliar forest, filled with bodies and the screams of the dying. She saw the fallen forms of countless youkai, many of which weren't native to Japan. The scent of blood was everywhere, as black smoke covered the skies above, which made it impossible to determine the time of day. She felt several malicious intents in the area, which clashed against one another. She produced her wand, as she feared she'd come to a battlefield of sorts.
Suddenly, she felt a powerful blast of youki close by. Though it disappeared as quickly as it had manifested, she was shocked by the amount of power she felt. She quickly estimated it was around the same level as Mikogami, though it was far more menacing.
"[Simon!]" a woman's pained voice cried out from the same direction.
Ruby quickly headed towards the disturbance, and found a fallen figure on the ground, clad in a blood-stained light blue robe, bound around the being's slender waist by a nondescript sash. Though greatly wounded, the figure, who Ruby quickly identified as a woman, had a strong magic aura, very similar to her own. The young witch watched as the stranger struggled to lift herself off the ground, as she used her masterfully carved staff as a support.
"No!" the dark-haired woman called out as she knelt by her side. "You're wounded, lie still and let me help you!"
The unknown woman slapped her hand away, and rose to her knees, as her long blonde locks fell into her face. "[Get away from me!]" she snapped. "[I must find Simon!]"
The chairman's assistant was baffled. Clearly the stranger spoke in a foreign language she'd never heard, which made communication difficult. Though her last words made Ruby very chagrined. "Simon, Belmont," she asked in disbelief.
The woman spun around grabbed her shoulders. "[Where is he,]" she demanded fiercely, a hateful look in her hard blue eyes. "[What have you demons done to him?]"
A massive explosion erupted nearby, followed by an agonized scream. The blonde magician quickly turned in its direction. "[SIMON!]" she cried out and hobbled away.
"Wait, come back!" the dark-haired woman cried out as he pursued the wounded woman.
They soon reached a small clearing, with a lone figure lying face down in the middle of a smoking crater, along with the bodies of several other demons. No sooner than they entered that a shadowed figure disappeared into the woods. Ruby inhaled sharply, as she sensed the same aura she'd felt before.
"[NOOO!]" the blonde woman cried out as she ran to the only humanoid figure amongst the bodies. "[SIIIIIMOOOOOOOOOOOOOON!]" She collapsed onto her knees as she reached the fallen warrior, and sobbed profusely.
The young witch cautiously approached the devastation before her. She saw the motionless form on a man, clad in badly damaged armor. His long blonde hair completely concealed his features. Under his armor he wore ravaged black tights, along with elbow and kneepads, which clearly had availed him not in the dreadful battle. In his gloved right hand was the handle of a long leather whip, his only visible weapon. "No," she said to herself, shocked by what lied before her, "no, it can't be."
Suddenly, the robed woman shot to her feet and spun around to face Ruby, who backed away as she felt a strong murderous intent from the witch.
"[You vile creatures,]" she began with a hateful expression, "[you had this planned all along, didn't you? You tricked Simon into trusting you, and then lured him into your trap! Now the Belmont clan is dead, ALL BECAUSE OF YOU!]" A powerful aura encompassed her form, as she tightly held her staff.
"No, stop!" the dark-haired woman cried out defensively, as she held her wand protectively in front of herself. Though she couldn't understand her words, her malicious intent told her everything.
"[I won't let it end like this,]" the incensed sorceress declared through her pain. "[I'll avenge Simon and then kill every single one of you despicable creatures!]" She gripped her staff in both hands, as her aura grew even larger and more violent. Ruby was shocked that a human could've generated such power, as she saw large fireballs swirling around, coupled with deadly shards of ice, and orbs of electricity. "[TRI-STORM TERROR!]" She raised her staff aloft, and the swirling energies shot towards the frightened witch. The dark-haired woman cringed as the fireballs stopped but inches from her and dissipated, as did the huge icicles. The orbs of lightning collided with an unseen force, crackled menacingly against it, and also dissipated. Once the attack had subsided, the wounded sorceress collapsed onto the ground.
Ruby looked on in fear and uncertainty. Though she was glad the attack hadn't reached her, she felt less than enthusiastic over the results. At that moment, she felt a powerful and familiar aura nearby. She looked behind her, and saw a tall figure in long white robes, a simple habit upon his head. His eyes glowed mysteriously as he gazed upon the young witch, who couldn't help but tremble. "Mikogami-sama," she spoke nervously.
The priest lowered his Rosario, and the barrier vanished. He walked past the dark-haired woman and stopped nearby the corpse of Simon Belmont, an unreadable look in his luminescent eyes. He then looked to the dead woman nearby, whose name Ruby never even learned. The witch breathed nervously, as she remembered what the chairman had told her in the dungeon. "No, it can't be," she thought worriedly to herself, "not Fiona Belnades!"
The mysterious being walked back towards her, an intense look in his ominous eyes. "What has happened here," he demanded in a low voice.
The spellcaster winced at the Dark Lord's question. She had the awful feeling she'd come to the distant past, but had no idea how she'd arrived, or how to return. She knew she was in a very precarious situation, and if she'd done anything wrong, she didn't want to imagine the consequences. The young witch fidgeted even more warily, as she realized Mikogami's eyes were still upon her. She mustered her courage, and finally returned his piercing gaze. "Simon Belmont is dead," she began hesitantly. "I arrived too late to save him."
The priest looked to her for a few moments, then turned back to the fallen warriors. "A pity," he spoke in a grave voice, "though there was a chance they would've perished, I had sincerely wished otherwise. I can only hope, that once the academy is fully operational, and its mission is realized, such valor will no longer be necessary."
"Mikogami-sama," Ruby spoke sadly, for though she knew what would've happened in her time, she didn't dare speak a word.
The chairman looked down at the body of Simon Belmont. "But, this is an imperfect world," he continued. "Nothing ever goes entirely according to plan. And should we forget what has occurred here, we run the risk, however small, of repeating it." He knelt down by Belmont's side, and took hold of his whip. He then knelt down beside Belnades, and pushed back her left sleeve, which exposed a golden bracelet on her wrist. Arcane runes were carved around the circumference, in a language that was foreign to Ruby. He gently removed the article, and then rose to his feet. He walked back to the dark-haired woman, who had an anxious look on her face. "Do not forget what has happened here, the wars of the past must never be repeated."
"Yes, Mikogami-sama."
The priest gave her a solemn nod, waved his hand, and she disappeared in a flash of light.
A few seconds later, a figure in a black robe emerged from the woods. His only discernible features were his glowing white eyes, and a thin mustache. "There you are," he began in a gruff voice, "the invaders have been rounded up. We need your help to complete the seal."
"I am coming," Mikogami replied.
The newcomer looked past him, and saw the bodies on the ground. "Oh no, Belmont!" he exclaimed. "And Belnades? Who did this?"
"I have my suspicions," the robed man spoke in an offhand manner, "I shall divine the truth later, after we deal with him."
The mustached man chuckled to himself. "Pity it had to end like this, let's just hope there's no more need for heroes in the future."
"Indeed."
Moka stood imperiously in a huge chamber that appeared to have been wholly constructed out of oversized bones, with skull-shaped braziers lining the walls. Though she felt numerous gashes all over her body, she didn't feel weak. In fact, she felt incredible strength exuding from every pore of her body, and marveled at its magnitude, which far surpassed that of her counterpart.
She looked ahead, and before her was the defeated form of Pierce Colton, his bald head bowed as he remained on one knee, his breathing weak and shallow. It was then that she understood what she felt, it was the euphoria of victory over a powerful and hated foe. She found no longer dreaded combat, she'd actually come to revel in it, and finally understood what it meant to be a royal vampire.
"You have not won," the fallen servant of Dracula remarked bitterly, though there were traces of defiance and conceit in his voice. "Our lord's ascension is at hand."
The silver-haired woman looked down at her adversary, who didn't seem very intimidating to her any longer. "Still you claim victory," she asked in her dual voice. "Pathetic, to think any being could be as stubborn and unrepentant as you." She scowled darkly at the defeated man before her. "Very well, cling to your delusions as you descend into the netherworld." She concentrated her colossal youki, which flared up around her statuesque body. "OHODO SHI EI!" she shouted as she ran towards Colton and unleashed a titanic roundhouse kick that knocked him into the side wall, which immediately crumbled under the impact.
The beaten follower staggered about aimlessly, and Moka was shocked that he was still on his feet. But as she watched, the bald man groaned in agony, as his face became a twisted mask of pain. As he writhed, his body soon caught fire, which began to burn through his tattered long coat, along with the layers of clothes underneath. The vampire's eyes widened as she saw his face slowly burned away, and revealed a twisted-looking skull. But even as his flesh was consumed by the flames, his screams grew even more inhuman and painful. Finally, he raised his skeletal arms up, and threw his skull back and emitted an ear-piercing shriek of unimaginable torment, which lasted several seconds. Once it had passed, his charred skeleton remained upright for several tense moments. Finally, it teetered forward, and crashed onto the floor in a exploding pile of broken bones.
The silver-haired regal stood solemnly as her opponent had left the mortal plane. She tried to close her hand into a fist, but found it difficult with her elongated fingers. Regardless, she brought her hand up and placed it in front of her oversized bosom, as she closed her eyes. "It's over, Ura-chan," she spoke quietly, "he won't hurt you anymore."
At that moment, Moka sensed the aura about her had changed. She didn't have to open her eyes to know that with Colton dead, his artificial dimension died with him. When she finally did, the super vampire found herself in a very large chamber, made out of carved stone marred by blood in several locations. A stairway led down behind her, and another led up to the west. Straight ahead was a massive set of double doors. As she neared the doors, she felt an unbelievably powerful and evil aura on the other side. Her breathing instantly became nervous, as a familiar fear arose in her heart. She was certain that it was Dracula's youki she sensed behind the doors, and paused to get her fears under control. Once she calmed herself, she walked towards the massive doors, and then bowed her head. "I'm almost there, Ura-chan. Tonight you will be avenged."
Moka blinked her fierce red eyes, surprised that she could've sounded so bold under such circumstances. She became pensive, and knew her past self would've capitulated and possibly died long before that point. After her first battle with Colton, she realized she couldn't remain the same, so she embraced the power she once shunned, and vowed to use it in order to rescue Tsukune. A familiar warmth filled her heart as she thought about him, and a smile came to her pale face. She gently laid her elongated hands on the unforgiving metal doors before her. "Hold on, Tsukune," she spoke softly, which sounded somewhat dubious with her dual voice, but she was well past the point of second guessing at that juncture, "I'm coming."
The daiyoukai pushed on the massive double doors, and they slowly creaked open. No sooner than they did that a cold gale blew into the room from the outside. Though she felt it clearly through her less than optimal attire, she paid it no heed as she foresaw the end of her journey just ahead. Outside the doors was a very long staircase, flanked by gold banisters which were broken in some parts. The way forward rose up into the dense fog that surrounded the castle. It was so dense that she couldn't see the top, but as she looked up the stairwell, she felt a familiar stirring in her blood. Her smile became almost beaming as she felt her close friend's aura deep within the fog. "Tsukune!" she exclaimed, elated that he was finally within reach.
The silver-haired woman made her way up the staircase, as the cold winds blew fiercely against her exquisite form, and through her battered blouse and skirt. Even though the gale-force winds seemed to conspire themselves against her, she pushed forward, confident that victory was finally with her grasp. As she passed through the fog, she only hoped her friend would've appreciated everything she'd endured in order to find him again.
The stairwell stopped at a small tower, suspended high off the ground. Before the daiyoukai was another set of double doors, with a huge bat design carved into them. They were flanked by a pair of large braziers, alight with spectral blue flames. She laid her hands upon them, and pushed forward with her inhuman strength. The doors seemed quite obstinate to her, but they finally submitted to her unspoken command.
She found herself in a huge chamber, lined on both sides by old stone columns. In between the columns were braziers alight with spectral blue flames. High upon the ceiling was the mural of a vicious dragon assailing a woman and child. A length or blood red carpet, with golden trim, ran from the doors to the back of the room, up a small staircase that led to an elevated platform, upon which rested a familiar looking coffin.
"Tsukune!" Moka cried out, then stopped herself. She carefully looked about the area, as she searched for any trace of Dracula. She still felt the same aura from before, but felt no killing intent, which troubled her. "Where is he," she thought to herself, as she walked towards the casket and scanned the area about her. She stopped near the coffin Tsukune was sealed within back at the academy, which brought back painful memories for her. She reached out, took hold of the lid and pulled back. The resistance she met told her the coffin was locked from the inside, but after everything she'd suffered up to that point, she didn't plan to be thwarted by a pine box. With a fierce growl she pulled much harder, as her tensed muscles expanded in response. After several seconds, a cracking sound came from the coffin, then a loud tearing sound, and then the lid was forcefully ripped off its hinges. She staggered back a few feet, held the lid overhead, and then cast it aside.
She ran to the side of the opened casket, where a familiar man rested within. "Tsukune," the vampire princess spoke in a soft, anxious voice, as she slowly stretched out her right hand and lightly caressed his face. "Oh Tsukune."
The comatose former student groaned weakly, as his face winced in pain. The female youkai watched intently, her hand still on his face. After several long seconds, the young man slowly opened his eyes. The S-class monster inhaled deeply, as her own eyes widened in anticipation. She saw a pair of brown irises stared off, framed by clear white sclera. The man's eyes looked off to the side, and then finally in her direction. "Mo, Moka-san," he asked in an uncertain voice.
"TSUKUNE!" the super vampire proclaimed happily, as she instinctively grabbed the back of his head, pulled him up and plunged his face deep into her cleavage. "Oh Tsukune," she began, as she wrapped her arms around the back of the ensnared man's head, "I was so worried when Colton took you from me. Every day without you was painful." She moaned lovingly as she moved Tsukune's head from side to side. "But it's okay now, he can't hurt us anymore. I'll keep you safe and sound from now on, Tsukune," she concluded, as glistening tears streamed down her face.
The brown-haired youth gagged as he desperately tried to breathe. Though he knew it wasn't the first time his classmate had pulled his face into her chest, she was at least appropriately covered. At that juncture, he saw her blouse had several tears, along with dried blood. It was also opened enough so he felt her bare skin in his face. The entire experience caused a stream of blood to erupt from his nose.
The silver-haired woman felt her front had suddenly become coated with a familiar warm fluid. Before she would've winced in embarrassment. But at that juncture, she couldn't help but laugh at what had just occurred.
The former academy student felt the grip on his head, and looked back. He looked to her shirt, and noted it was stained with fresh blood. He then looked to the super monster before him, and was startled to see her laughing. "Moka-san," he asked with a bewildered look.
"It's fine, Tsukune," the powerful woman spoke with a sweet smile and a tilt of her head, which caused her luxurious silver mane to fall to the side, "it's just fine." Her long fingers went down and undid the remaining buttons on her blouse. Without a second thought, she pushed the article off her broad shoulders. She noticed her close friend's eyes immediately bulged at what he saw, and chuckled knowingly to herself. She then pulled each sleeve off her formerly slender arms, brought the stained shirt close to her face, and inhaled deeply. "Ah, I've missed this scent so much," she spoke in a dreamy voice. She then lowered it lightly, and slowly licked off some of the blood. "And this taste," she continued, as she licked the bottom of her upper row of ivory teeth, "I've never stopped thinking about it, about you, Tsukune." She gave him an arch look, fully aware she was only in her bra, underwear, and skirt. Even though she held her blouse in front of her, she knew he'd already seen much of her body, and also knew what kind of effect it would've had on him. A bright blush appeared on her face, as the sight of his naked torso and the scent of his blood had the same effect on her. Her sparkling red eyes took note of a certain part of his body, and a wry smirk crossed her pale features. "Hmm, seems you've been thinking of me as well. Quite a bit, from the looks of it."
"H-h-h-hey!" the flabbergasted youth retorted defensively as he instinctively covered where the vampire looked. "What's that supposed to mean?"
The powerful woman laughed uproariously in response, and wasn't surprised as he heard another groan from the former student in the coffin. In the midst of her mirth, she leaned back and her arms fell by her sides, along with her blouse that she still held in her right hand. A stronger scent of blood reached her nostrils, and she didn't have to look to know the source. And since it had been so long since she'd seen him, the desire to drink his blood was overwhelming. Though as much as she wanted to quench her thirst, she didn't want to expose him to any more danger. "Anyway," she finally spoke with a warm smile, as she noticed an increased blood flow from his nose, "I'm so glad I finally found you, Tsukune." She walked forward, leaned towards him and wrapped her long arms around his body. "I've missed you so much," she spoke softly as she dropped her blouse and held him tightly against her chest.
Tsukune was startled at first as he felt the vampire's bare skin against his own, not to mention the strength of her embrace. It reminded of more than a few fantasies he'd had about her. "I've missed you too, Moka-san," he finally replied, as he finally relaxed and returned her embrace. He couldn't help but notice how firm and defined her back had become since he last saw her. Since he'd never met any muscular women in his life, he had no opinion of the matter. However, as his hands went up and down her broad back and shoulders, he couldn't help but feel awed, as well as even more enchanted by her. Though some saw strong women as ugly and unfeminine, he felt nothing of the sort from Moka. If anything, she carried her new physique with the same grace she had before. He recalled her transformation in the dungeon long before, and saw she'd since surpassed even that level. "Moka-san, is this, is this really you?"
The tall woman released him and looked fully into his face. "Yes, Tsukune. I know I look a lot different than you remember, but it's really me," she spoke softly, as her hand motioned to her chest. "I've come all this way to bring you home, Tsukune," she continued, as she stroked his face with her elongated hand. "I've wanted that, more than anything."
Tsukune became somewhat leery at the familiar tone her voice had taken, as well as the dreamy expression on her face. He had a strong inkling of what would've soon followed, and quickly tried to discern the means to divert her current course of action. "Moka-san, where are the others," he bravely asked, and winced as the question left his mouth, fearful of her possible reaction.
The super vampire sighed deeply and somberly lowered her head, as she closed her brilliant ruby-colored eyes. "They're dead, Tsukune," she finally replied. "Colton, killed them."
"No!" the former academy student protested.
Moka sniffled lightly, and brushed the tears from her eyes. "It was so lonely without them," she continued sadly, "and especially without you, Tsukune. I knew I couldn't remain the same Moka, or I'd never see you again. I had to become stronger in order to get you back, I couldn't, let their deaths be in vain."
"Moka-san," Tsukune replied in an awed voice.
The silver-haired woman partially opened her red eyes, as a sad smile crossed her pale features. "But it's alright now," she spoke soothingly, as she wiped some of the blood from his face with her long fingers, "Now that I've found you, I never want to be apart from you again." She slowly licked the blood from her fingers, and a contented sigh escaped her. "Oh Tsukune."
The brown-haired man immediately became afraid as he saw her eyes glowed after she licked his blood. He noted her breathing had become more rapid, and realized the inevitability of her next action. "Wait, Moka-san, no!" he said desperately, and brought his hands forward as he tried to push her away. He soon felt a distinct softness, and saw his friend's head tilted back, as an enthralled moan escaped her. He'd hoped to push against her shoulders, but he clearly missed. His hands tentatively tightened against the soft surface, which led to more moaning from the vampire. With a chagrined look, he gazed down and found his hands on her enormous bosom. "Oh crap!" he declared.
"Oh Tsukune," the silver-haired woman spoke in a breathy voice, "Tsukune!" Unable to contain herself any longer, she lunged forward and drove her large fangs into the crook of the brown-haired man's neck. She hungrily indulged on his vitae for several seconds, oblivious to the screams of her close friend. She hugged him even tighter in the meantime, almost lost in the pleasure of her feeding. It reminded her of the last time she was separated from Tsukune, after she sacrificed herself for the school. She'd missed his taste so badly, and wanted to indulge in it forevermore.
Her eyes shot open, as she recalled how she nearly drained him dry afterwards. The very thought brought her back to her senses, and with a great effort, she pulled her fangs from his neck. She saw the wounds her deadly incisors had made, and quickly sealed them with her tongue. The suddenly despondent vampire held him close her. "I'm sorry," she began sadly, as she rubbed the back of his head with her long fingers, "I hope I didn't scare you. I, I really thought I'd become stronger than that."
The former student sighed as he saw his friend's crestfallen demeanor. He also saw how she didn't justify her thirst, or her lack of self-control. He tightened his own grip, as he was nonetheless amazed how much stronger she'd become since they last met. "It's alright, Moka-san," he replied, trying to sound reassuring. "And, I, didn't mean to, grab you like that. I, that's not what I meant to do!"
The silver-haired woman's spirits lifted slightly, and a light chuckle escaped her. "It's fine, Tsukune," she replied with a wan smile. "As long as you're safe, that's what I care about the most."She ruefully shook her head, as a chagrined smile appeared on her face. Privately, she wondered how he always wound up in such predicaments when he wasn't even trying to be perverted. "If it was only me," she thought to herself, "I'd be elated." Her blush grew even brighter, as she realized exactly what she'd thought, and wondered how she'd become so perverted herself.
"Are you alright, Moka-san," the brown-haired youth asked in concern, as he couldn't miss the bright blush on her pale face.
"I'll be fine," the vampire replied without any hesitation. "But please, never worry me like that again," she continued, as she tightly held his shoulders and looked fully into his face, "Tsukune."
"Moka-san," the former academy student replied.
A small smile formed on the silver-haired woman's face, as her sparkling red eyes blinked. "Tsukune."
"Moka-san," the man responded, as he leaned out of the coffin.
The female vampire's smile broadened, as she felt her heart racing within her chest. "Tsukune."
"Moka-san," the missing youth spoke affectionately as he took hold of her broad shoulders and leaned towards her.
"Tsukune," the towering woman replied in a dreamy voice, as she slowly closed her eyes and pursed her lips together.
Suddenly, the doors behind her burst open, and a powerful youki filed the room. "Stop right there!" a stern voice commanded.
Moka immediately turned, and saw a familiar figure in a long black cloak at the far end of the room. "Chichiu-e," she asked in slight confusion.
"There is no escape!" another authoritative male voice declared, as a stocky man with thick silver hair and matching beard appeared near Shuzen. "The castle is completely surrounded!"
The female vampire gasped as she recognized the man as Lord Taurnov, one of her father's associates.
Two seconds later, she watched as a third figure entered the room, clad in an extremely durable tuxedo. "Everything connected to the Devil must be destroyed!" he announced. "We, the Elder Council of Vampires, shall not allow his foul presence to desecrate this world any longer!"
All three council members simultaneously manifested their auras, and the whole room trembled forcefully. Moka grit her teeth together, and groaned in pain as the combined youki lashed against her. She used her battle-honed body as a shield to protect her close friend. But even then, the combined power of the three vampire elders drove her to her knees. She knew fighting even one of them would've been dangerous at best. The concept of battling all three was worse than suicide.
"Moka-san!" the alarmed man called out behind her.
"Stay back, Tsukune!" the daiyoukai commanded. "I've come too far to lose you again!"
"You dare defend that travesty," Shuzen growled with an incensed expression. "You would abandon your pride, your decency, your family, everything for that abomination?" he demanded hatefully, as his youki flared up even more violently. "Are you trying to make a complete mockery of me?"
"Never! I've come to save Tsukune, I won't let you kill him, Chichiu-e!"
"Such unabashed impudence!" Taurnov declared with a contemptuous snarl. "You would dare defy us a second time? Foolish child, you should've learned from your mother the folly of opposing us!"
"What did you say," the enraged vampire replied through clenched teeth.
"I warned her, Moka!" her father called out. "I warned her there'd be consequences for trying to live outside the Council's rules! She caused this whole tragedy, her misguided ideals have led to the return of-" he paused for a moment, as his features became twisted with disgust. "HIM!" he all but screamed, as he pointed towards the man behind Moka.
"So it's up to us to correct her mistakes!" Xolor added as he released his youki. "But bear us no ill will, for we do this not out of malice, but out of duty! No one shall rejoice in your unfortunate demise!"
"Impudent worms," a horrible echoing voice spoke from behind Moka, "who are you to determine who lives and who dies?"
The stricken daiyoukai gasped, and looked over her shoulder. Once she did, she saw a massive wave of black mist that poured from the coffin, as a towering shadowed figure arose from the darkness, with only a pair of burning red eyes as its discernible features. The youki the shadow emitted transcended her ability to gauge. "Tsukune," she asked, a hint of fear in her dual voice.
"I am the King of this world!" the dark figure declared, as his aura pushed back against the combined power of the three elders. "And I sentence you all to death!"
"Oh, just try it!" Shuzen retorted defiantly, as his aura increased tremendously. "AOOOONOOOOOOOO!"
"NOOOOOO!" Moka screamed at the top of her lungs.
Moka awakened with a start, horrified by what she'd witnessed. Her frightened eyes took in the darkness that surrounded her. She found herself in a hospital bed, clad in a light gown. Due to the lack of light, she couldn't make out the color. She heard a lot of frantic voices from the hall outside, but couldn't make out anything specific. The sophomore surmised the entire annex was still bustling with activity.
She raised her head slightly, and solemnly closed her eyes as she held her cold Rosario. She recalled the dream she'd just experienced, and found herself still in shock over what she saw. A light sniffle escaped her, as she didn't want to believe the Council had orchestrated the disaster that happened on her seventh birthday, as her father had insinuated in the dream. She also didn't want to believe what he said about Tsukune, but couldn't deny what had occurred earlier, when he forcefully replaced her seal. She wrapped her arms around herself, as she remembered her encounter with Tsukune. Before then, the female vampire knew she wouldn't have considered undressing before him, or acted so seductive. She was very embarrassed, but recalled she didn't feel as such in the dream. As she thought about it, she realized she would've had to overcome many obstacles to have reached that point, and knew she would've wanted her first real friend since she left her father's castle to appreciate what she'd endured over the long journey. "Tsukune," she spoke softly to herself.
"Were you dreaming of him just now," a sad woman's voice asked from nearby.
The female youki inhaled sharply, as she suddenly realized she wasn't alone in the room. She looked to her right, and saw a familiar figure beside her. Even though she couldn't make out her features, her aura and her scent told her everything. "Haha-ue."
"Moka-chan," the former Akasha Bloodriver asked, as she held her daughter's hand, "where is he?"
The despondent vampire sighed gravely, as a lone tear escaped her eyes. "He's gone," she admitted, "Colton took him."
"Took him," her mother exclaimed silently, "where?"
"I don't know," the troubled girl replied.
Ayumu sighed gravely, as she reached out and wrapped her arms around her aggrieved daughter. "Moka-chan, I'm so sorry. I never meant for any of this to happen. I thought-"
"No, Haha-ue," the academy student interrupted in a stern voice.
The incognito countess winced as she felt her daughter's embrace, which took her off-guard. Her green eyes went wide, as she hadn't expected such a strong grip from her child, who she believed was sealed.
"This is not your fault," the younger vampire insisted. "How dare they, how dare they do this, just to get at you!"
"Moka-chan," an uncertain Ayumu asked, confused by her demeanor. She would've expected such a reaction from her unsealed daughter, but not her surface self.
"They destroyed our family," the incensed youkai spoke in the darkness, "they ruined our lives. Is this their idea of maintaining order?" She looked fully into her mother's face, as she bared her deadly fangs. "And so help me, if they even try to blame you for what's happened here, I will never forgive them. I won't let them hurt you anymore."
The youkai attorney gasped to herself, as a light blush appeared on her face. Though she'd never taught her daughter how to fight since she left the castle, she was nonetheless touched by her vow. "Moka-chan, how do you know? I've, never told you."
The S-class monster nodded in agreement. "I saw it in my dream," she began. "He said, he warned you, not to live outside their rules."
"Issa," Ayumu replied with a brooding scowl.
Moka hissed to herself as she shook her head. "How could he do this," she asked. "How could he just stand by as they made a mockery of us, of you!" she declared quietly. "Toying with people's lives, that's no different from Dracula!"
The elder vampire inhaled sharply, as her green eyes went wide. "That's a very serious accusation," she remarked. "Don't you realize what'll happen if they become aware of you again?"
"I know," the morose girl replied, "they'll kill everyone who knows I'm alive, including you." She sniffled to herself. "But, I don't want to hide anymore, Haha-ue. All my friends are gone. Kurumu, Yukari, Mizore, Ruby, Tsukune, even Ura-chan!"
Ayumu gasped aloud, and quickly looked about, fearful that she'd been heard. "What's happened to her," she asked in a whisper.
"I don't know, I can't feel her anymore." She tightly gripped the Rosario, as tears ran down her face. "Tsukune," she spoke in a broken voice, still appalled at what occurred after the battle against Colton. "Tsukune!" she wailed, and clung tightly to her mother.
The incognito countess grit her teeth together as she held her daughter. A fierce look appeared in her eyes, which began to glow red. "Tsukune," she thought to herself, "if you're responsible for what's happened to my daughter, I will not forgive you. Pray we never cross paths, or you shall know the wrath of Akasha Bloodriver." She calmed herself down, as she felt her youki had arisen slightly. She then looked to her daughter. "Moka-chan, would you really fight for my honor? Have you finally found a reason to fight?" She tightened her embrace, and felt her daughter had relaxed. "Be on guard, that day may come sooner than you realize."
Tsukune hovered in a horizontal position, surrounded on all sides by darkness. It had become an all too common occurrence to him, and it truly began to annoy him. "Where am I," he spoke in a vicious growl, "where are you, Colton!"
"So you've woken up, have you," a familiar voice spoke within the void, which echoed everywhere. "And I'd hoped you'd remain quiet for the rest of the trip."
"What can you expect from a mere human," a mature yet sarcastic woman's voice replied, "they never do as they're told. No matter, he won't be an issue for much longer."
"Who are you!" Tsukune demanded.
"My my, is that any way to speak to a lady? Hmph, such an unprincipled youth, I honestly wonder what the Master sees in you."
"Silence! Once I escape from here, I'll kill every last one of you!"
"You only wish that were possible," a second woman's voice shot back, which sounded younger and even more unrefined. "You can't get even get yourself killed, let alone anyone else. But don't worry, that'll be corrected soon enough."
"Now now, let's not give too much away," Colton interjected. "He'll realize where he stands in the Master's plans soon enough."
"Yes," the first woman replied, "so be a good girl and leave this to us. We've been at this for a very long time, the matter is in very capable hands."
"Whatever," the second woman retorted dismissively.
Tsukune growled as he struggled against the darkness. "This won't hold me forever," he growled. "I will escape, and then you will all die."
Oh crud, what a way to start the new story. What do the villains have planned for our hero? What was the purpose of those strange dreams the girls had? And just what role does the Vampire Council play in this whole fiasco?
"You don't need to know, human. Know your role and shut your mouth!"
Yeah, should've expected that. Anyway, tune in for our first omake, followed shortly by Part II Chapter II Mourning Sickness.
And before I forget, Kaa-san = "Mom"