AN: sorry for the long wait the chapter took a little longer than I thought it would to write. Not to mention schedule changes at work and other life issues forced me to put the story on the back burner for a while.
In other news I have decided to branch out into solo fics as such I will be trying my hand at a Naruhina fic which will hopefully be posted soon.
Disclaimer: Still don't own Rosario Vampire. However the OCs Yosho, Ayakia, Neji, and Shara are mine as is the original plot for this story.
Special Thanks: as always Masterbroly for being a sounding board for my ideas and for helping me edit and proofread this story. And to Zanzibar1 who has reviewed almost every chapter of this story thanks for your support, You rock!
Any way enjoy and please review suggestions and ideas are welcome.
Chapter 4
Yosho stood quietly watching the scene unfold. 'So the boy has caught the eye of a succubus and a snow woman as well as a vampire. Three demons well known for their skill in the arts of seduction, and for their relentless pursuit of what they want. No wonder he paled when I mentioned these two earlier.' Yosho thought smiling to himself. Glancing around he saw Moka beginning to tense up, Yukari had already started to raise her wand. Recognizing the warning signs, Yosho decided to intervene before there was a fight over the boy.
"Now girls give him some air. He is still recovering from his ordeal." he said drawing attention to him. Both girls' eyes snapped to him. The blue haired girl's eyes appraising him with the skill of a predator.
"And just who are you supposed to be?" she challenged him defiantly.
Yosho took a breath to reply to the challenge when Ayakia spoke up, "Kurumu, show some gratitude, Yosho-sensei has just rescued your friend and the guy that you like!" she retorted harshly. Yosho noticed the temperature in her immediate vicinity started to rise. 'So her powers are starting to manifest.' Yosho thought.
Kurumu's jaw hit the floor when the headmaster had mentioned Yosho in his explanation; she was picturing an old man in robes. Not the young man without his shirt that was standing before her.
"Thank you for helping Tsukune-kun, Yosho-sensei." was the quiet reply to Ayakia's rebuke, but it was the girl with purple hair who had said it. "My name is Mizore Shirayuki by the way and this is Kurumu Kurono." she said indicating the blue haired succubus.
"A pleasure to meet you, I am glad that I was able to reach Tsukune and the others in time." was Yosho's reply. Then glancing around the room, he noticed that there were extra chairs around the headmaster's desk. Walking over and sitting down in one, the others following his example as he looked at the exorcist who had not left his desk. "Well I believe that its time that I answered some questions. Tenmei, can we talk here or is there somewhere else we should be talking?"
"None outside this room will know what is said here, I made sure of that long ago." the headmaster answered.
"Very well then, so what is the first question?" Yosho asked retuning his gaze to the group of teens.
After a few seconds of shocked silence, all of the teenagers started talking at once. Yosho was bombarded with questions from all sides and on all topics. Glancing over to the headmaster, he noticed the mischievous glint in the other man's eye as well as the rueful smile on his face, 'Well I asked for it didn't I?' thought Yosho.
Yosho coughed to get the attention of the teenagers. "One at a time please and there is some questions I won't answer right now because you aren't ready to hear them. Now who's first?" Yosho said as he gazed around the room. His gaze landed on Yukari who looked like she was ready to burst. "Yukari-chan you're up."
Yukari's head snapped up at the mention of her name, her eyes lit up with excitement. "How you are able to cast spells without a focusing tool or incantations?" she asked. The first question that came to her brilliant young mind, Yosho noticed Ruby's ears perk up when she heard this question as well.
Yosho thought a moment before answering he was trying to figure a way to explain his brand of magic to the young witch. "My magic works on the same principle as yours Yukari-chan, the only major difference is while your magic requires the structure of an incantation to stabilize the spell and a focusing tool to gather the required amount of power. Mine is based on the raw power of the elemental energies of the world. It also draws heavily on the 'spirit energy' of the user. As for the focusing tool, my body is the focusing tool. And since my magic mostly manipulates the elemental energy or spiritual energy beyond a certain level of skill, incantations are no longer necessary. However, the incantation will always add power to the spell." Yukari just stared at him as with stars in her eyes as she listened to his answer.
"Wow, it's almost like the magic you use is wild while mine is tamed." the young witch observed causing Yosho to chuckle.
"That's a very good analogy Yukari-chan." Yosho replied with a small smile on his face, as he watched the young witch's face light up at his praise.
"Can others learn this type of magic?" was her next question; Yukari couldn't deny the usefulness of magic that did not require incantations or wands/staffs. Yosho's face grew serious when he heard this question.
"It is possible for others to learn but it is extremely rare to find someone who has the talent. And would be very dangerous for someone to try to experiment with it alone." was Yosho's reply.
"Why is it dangerous to try to learn this 'wild' magic on your own?" this time it was Ruby who asked the question.
Turning to the older girl with a thoughtful expression as if he were debating with himself whether or not to answer, Seeming to reach a decision he took a deep breath and answered. "Because Ruby-chan this 'wild' magic requires perfect control, If you lose control for even a fraction of a second and you are alone, even with the lowest level of spells the magic will consume you destroying not only you but a large area around you." He said solemnly. Both witches paled when they heard his answer.
An awkward silence descended as everyone entertained their own thoughts for a moment. The silence was broken when Ayakia spoke up, "So are all of the creatures of myth and legend real?" she asked hoping to change the subject.
This time it was the headmaster who answered. "Most of them, A few races or clans as we call them have gone extinct though." He said glancing at Yosho who he knew had caused a few of those extinctions as he upheld his duty during and after the last human/yokai war. His actions at that time were largely responsible for the existence of the academy.
Unable to contain her curiosity any longer Kurumu practically exploded with the question that was on the minds of all of the young yokai in the room. "So just what are you then?" she had been watching him with great interest for awhile noting how his mussels rippled as he shifted positions in his chair. Sure she loved Tsukune and had chosen him as her destined mate, but she was still a succubus, a predator of men and this was in her nature. She had to admit that both Yosho and his male student were excellent specimens of the male species. She felt her body react a little when the older man's intense blue-silver eyes settled on her. She had to fight hard not to show her reaction to his piercing gaze.
"I was wondering when someone was going to ask that, and I will tell you but first each of you must reveal what you are. If you agree, I will tell you not only what I am but what my students are as well. It's time I told them anyway." Yosho watched as the newspaper club glanced at the headmaster and his own students looked at him in confusion. The headmaster nodded his permission and all of the teenagers took a deep breath.
Ruby went first "Hello my name is Ruby. I am a witch." she declared proudly. She introduced herself as this was the first time Neji and Ayakia had met her.
Yukari was next. Smiling brightly she said "I am also a witch." She did not introduce herself as she had already met Yosho and his students.
Then it was Kurumu's turn. She shifted in her seat to show off her assets "I am a succubus." she stated in a seductive voice.
"I am a snow woman." Mizore stated in a quiet shy voice.
Moka felt her cheeks burn as all eyes turned to her. Touching the rosary at her throat she simply said, "I am a vampire."
Tsukune shifted uncomfortably in his seat as everyone turned to him. "I don't know what I am. I used to be human but last year I was hurt really badly and almost died but Moka saved me by injecting her blood into me. But it also changed me. All I know is that I am no longer human at least not completely anyway." he said glancing reassuringly at Moka. Yosho read not only gratitude in the glance but also some thing else, Yosho had a sneaking suspicion that it was love or the beginnings of love anyway.
Yosho silently got up and moved to stand behind Tsukune. Placing his hands on the boy's shoulders, "I can help you find out what you are, but I will need your permission. Will you allow me to help you?" Yosho asked in a calm voice.
Tsukune was surprised by Yosho's statement. How could he help? What was he planning to do? These questions flashed through his mind. But he also had a burning desire to know what he had become. Tsukune didn't know why but he also trusted the young man who had saved him. After a few seconds of debating with himself, he answered, "Yes! Please tell me what I am."
"Very well, please hold still." was Yosho's reply, as he closed his eyes. Suddenly his hands glowed blue and in seconds Tsukune was enveloped in the blue glow. The glow changed to a deep crimson, and a ghost image was super imposed over his body. The image was still Tsukune but it was more muscled. His physique was closer to that of Yosho and Neji, and his hair was silver and shoulder length with crimson eyes. Yosho opened his eyes and his hands stopped glowing and the ghost image faded. Then Yosho returned to his seat and leaned forward. "Well Tsukune, it seems that you are quite a unique being. What you are is known as a dhampir also known as a half-blood vampire. Though in your case, I would say you are more than three quarters vampire."
Tsukune was floored when he heard what Yosho had said. "H-how is this possible? When the headmaster placed this seal on me, he had said I was turning into a ghoul." he said raising his left hand to show the bracelet with a charm that looked like a lock.
Yosho thought about this for a moment, and then he replied. "While that may have been true at the time, you said that was about a year ago right. It would seem that since the seal was suppressing the physical change and most of the yokai energy, your body was adapting to the vampire blood within you. Making it its own, and slowly changing you in the process. Dhampirs are exceedingly rare. In fact if I remember the history correctly, you are the first one in over three hundred years. The last one caused a lot of trouble. He became corrupted by his power and completely conquered the vampire clan and enslaved or ravaged other clans. Some never fully recovered like the succubus clan. That is until he was slain by a nameless warrior who appeared during a major battle between the Dhampir's forces and the remaining free clans. After he was slain, the Dhampir's name was stricken from all records and he was referred to only as the Half-Blood King."
Shocked Moka asked "Yosho-sensei how is it that you know so much about vampire history?"
"Simple Moka-chan I know the story because the nameless warrior was one of my ancestors. You see I and my students are known as dragon born. Essentially we are humans who have descended from dragons who decided to take a human as a mate. We are a rare breed in our own right and are gifted with long lives, elemental abilities, massive reserves of spiritual energy and super human strength. Some like me are also gifted with the talent for dragon magic that we were discussing earlier. And it has always been my clan's duty to be guardians of the balance of the world." Yosho replied.
'Oh ho so that's how you want to play it huh?' the headmaster thought as his glasses flashed, seeing Ruby's confusion he quickly shot her a warning glance that silenced the question he could see forming on her lips. 'Looks like I screwed up this time, now I have to explain every thing to her. Yosho-sama wont like that I have given away his true identity with out his permission.' he admonished himself with a shudder glad that he was able to stop the question before it brought the dragon's wrath down on him.
Yosho disliked misleading the teens but he knew that they where not ready to know that he actually is a dragon. Although he had told the truth regarding his students a fact that he had suspected for quite some time now, they were also not ready to know that he was the one that had slain the Half-Blood King. He was actually the first high level foe that Yosho had ever faced, and meeting another dhampir after more than three centuries, clearly the hand of fate was at work here. Perhaps he was meant to find and guide this boy so that bloody chapter of history wouldn't be repeated. The event also brought up memories of his battle with the dhampir and the events that occurred after, as it turned out to be Montero's final test of his worthiness to hold the title of guardian, and brought back memories of the day that his fate took an unexpected turn.
Flashback 380 years ago:
Yosho was training with his newly forged blade of power. He hadn't named it yet as he had finally been able to generate enough power to forge it. This was a blade forged of his own power, but it was still in its sealed state as he had not learned to release its true form yet. All in all it looked like a standard katana but with one major exception. That exception was a series of crystal shards that formed an oriental dragon that ran down the center of the blade.
Yosho had just finished the kata (a/n type of training exercise) when he felt the approach of his teacher, he quickly spun around and caught the man's sword with his own. The two blades of power sparked occasionally as they slid along each other until their hilts locked together. Leaving both men face to face with their swords crossed between them.
The elder man's face spit into a wide smile. "Very good Yosho I thought I had you that time." he praised. He looked to be in his mid-thirties, he was tall with long dark hair and green eyes. He was powerfully built. Master and student disengaged their blades sheathing them, and Montero motioned for his charge to follow him to the small cottage that they were currently staying in. After seating themselves, he looked at Yosho. His face turning serious, "Yosho I have an important task for you." he stated in his deep rumbling voice.
"What kind of task sensei?" Yosho asked his face now just as serious.
"A new force has been unleashed in the world and now it threatens the balance, your task is to seek out this force and stop It." the dragon sage informed his student.
"Hai Montero-sensei I will leave at once, do you know where the force is?" Yosho asked.
Montero chuckled and only said "Follow your senses and you will find it."
"As you wish sensei." Yosho said as he got up and collected his few possessions and other supplies he might need for his journey. And left on his mission that day, Unknown to Yosho, the cottage received a visitor two days after he left. It was a messenger from the free clans asking the dragon sage for his assistance with the dhampir. To which Montero replied that he was aware of the situation and had already sent a warrior to aid them.
After nearly a week of searching for the source of the disturbance that he and his master had felt, Yosho had finally found what he was looking for. He found himself being drawn to a battle between two mixed groups of yokai. Yosho had arrived shortly after the battle had begun. And watched unnoticed from woods at the edge of the battle field the larger of the two forces was being lead by what Yosho guessed was a vampire by the silver hair. But what really caught his attention was the fact that the vampire was releasing enough energy to begin warping the fabric of the balance. Clearly he had found his target.
Drawing his blade from the scabard straped across his back, Yosho made his presence known by generating a masive amount of power enough to rival the leader of the attacking force. The battle halted almost instantly as all of the yokai felt this new crushing presence. The intensity of the power he was releasing caused the forces to split before him each group withdrawing to its respective side.
The only one that did not move was Yosho's target. The dhampir watched as the young boy approached him calmly. He smiled to himself 'finally a worthy challenger.' he thought to himself. "Who are you boy?" the dhampir called to the approaching warriror.
"I am one who guards the balance and would stop you from disturbing it further." Yosho replied stopping few meters from the half-blood. "Surrender now and I will be merciful. If not, then I challenge you to single combat."
The half-blood laughed at this and replied "Well boy you have come to die then!" as he charged Yosho. After that the two combantants said nothing more. The onlookers marveled at the skill of the unknown warrior as he matched the half-blood blow for blow. The battle raged with neither gaining the advantage over the other. Both giving and reciveing minor wounds.
That changed however when Yosho managed to open a hole in the half-blood's defense and delivered a devastating slash across his chest, causing the half-blood to fall to his knees and then falling forward only to catch himself with his hands as his blood fell to the ground. The half-blood couldn't belive that the boy had delived such a blow.
"Stay down. This fight is over." Yosho stated coldly as he turned to leave his defeated foe.
"This fight is over when I say it is!" the half-blood growled savagely as he rose to his feet and charged the boy intending to cleave him in half. Yosho sensing the attack coming quickly turned and jumped back but he was not fast enough to completely avoid the attack. The tip of the half-blood's sword carved a deep wound across his chest from his right shoulder to his left side. The pain was intense but Yosho managed to stay on his feet as he landed several meters away from the half-blood. His eyes narrowing he brought his left hand up to the hilt of his blade. Yosho waited for his opponent to charge again. He didn't have to wait long as the half-blood charged directly at him sword raised for an over handed strike aimed at his head. He dodged the strike by spinning to his left and using his momentum from the spin, Yosho brought his blade to bear. Both warriors froze with their backs to each other. Yosho in a semi-croutched positon with his blade extended behind him in his right hand and the half-blood standing with his blade in both hands in front of him in a neutral stance.
In the silence, a light wind blew across the battlefield ruffling the hair and clothing of both combatants as blood dripped from Yosho's blade. Suddenly with a cry of pain Yosho stabbed his blade into the ground to support himself. But his left leg buckled and he went to one knee.
"Heh" was the only thing the half-blood said as a smile spread across his face. As Yosho twisted to the right to look behind him just in time to see the half-blood fall as his body separated in a cascade of blood, from the horizontal cut across his torso and arms inflicted by Yosho's blade.
Sheathing his blade and using a broken spear to support himself, Yosho made his way to stand over his slain foe. The half-blood looked up at him his eyes alredy glazed in death, "But…I…was…supposed…to…rule…It…was…my…des…ti…ny." his head fell to the ground as his life faded away.
Yosho bowed his head and held his right hand in front of himself first two fingers extened. "Forgive me for ending your life and may whatever gods there are have mercy on you." he prayed. Then moving his hand over the body, he burned it to ashes in seconds with dragon fire. A second gentle breeze blew the ashes away. After a moment of silence, a sudden cheer from both sides was heard. The half-blood's forces celebrating their freedom and the free yokai cheering for their savior's victory. The crowd was rushing to congradulate the the young dragon when blood loss from his wounds finally took its toll and Yosho collapsed.
Yosho awoke two days later. He found himself lying on a canvas field cot in a tent he assumed the he was in one of the yokai camps. "Good! You're finally awake. I was beginning to worry." said a feminine voice to his right. Yosho turned to see who had spoken. To his surprise it was a girl about his age maybe half a year younger. She was wearing a simple white kimono with red trim and a blue sash around her waist. The top of her kimono was open enough to show off her ample cleavage, her eyes were a deep crimson and had slit pupils marking her as a vampire. But instead of the usual silver hair that he was expecting it was a light blue. Yosho couldn't deny this girl's beauty.
"Who are you?" Yosho asked confused. The last thing he remembered was giving the dhampir a warrior's burial and then falling to the ground as darkness claimed him.
"My name is Shara, I was asked to watch over you incase someone loyal to the dhampir king thought to take vengeance while you slept." the girl replied with a smile. She couldn't stop her eyes from sliding down to the light almost invisible scar that now graced Yosho's well muscled chest. She was amazed that Yosho had healed so quickly and completely that wound would have taken one of her kind at least a week to heal and even then leave a large raised scar. Had she not witnessed his wound healing with her own eyes she would never believed such a thing possible. Shara's thoughts where interrupted as Yosho shifted into a sitting position on the cot.
"In that case, I must thank you for watching over me as I recovered. I trust that I didn't cause you much trouble." he said retuning the smile. He watched as a light blush bloomed on the vampire's face. 'What's wrong with me why am I blushing? Oh Kami, do I like him?' Shara thought as she fought to control the blush she felt burning on her cheeks. Then she thought 'Why shouldn't I like him, he's so strong and not bad to look at either. And his eyes oh Kami his eyes are so intense, and their color…' her thoughts were interrupted as he shifted slightly under her lustful stare. Yosho suppressed a chuckle as he watched Shara's blush deepen as she stared at him. While he didn't currently have a girlfriend and by the standards of dragon kind he was barely more than a child, but he wasn't naïve. He knew what that stare meant. He had seen it enough times when he and Montero passed trough a village in their travels.
"Watching over you was no trouble at all, and you're welcome. Oh I just remembered, now that you're awake the elders want to speak to you. I should go tell them that you're awake. Before I go, I was told to give this to you." she said getting up and handing him a folded shirt that she had been holding. "Oh and your sword is over there." she said pointing to a table with his sword being held by a small stand as she left the tent.
After she left, Yosho stood and ran his finger along the scar on his chest. 'So I've received my first scar. I wonder how many more I will receive in my life.' Yosho thought as he put on the shirt that was given to him to replace the one that was severely damaged in battle. Walking over to the table Yosho lifted his blade and strapped it across his back. After a moment's search Yosho found a cloak. Fastening the cloak around his throat and pulling the hood over his head so his face was hidden in deep shadow, he slipped from the tent walking among the mixed group of celebrating yokai. Apparently they had been celebrating since the battle two days ago.
As he passed by a large group of partiers, one of the yokai raised his tankard above his head and banged on it to gain the other's attention. "A toast to those who have fallen, to the lost clans and to the great hero who ended that dhampir bastard May his enemies tremble in fear at his approach and his blade always strike swift and true!" everyone in the vicinity raised their tankards in the air and cheered wildly. Yosho passed them quietly. In his own mind he did not deserve such praise, he simply performed his duty. Soon he was beyond the edge of the camp and in the woods making his way back to the cottage where his master awaited him. He had not traveled far when he felt the presence of someone near by. His hand immediately went to the hilt of his sword.
"Whoever you are show yourself!" he challenged turning around to face his follower. To his surprise it was none other than Montero who stepped from the shadow of a large tree.
"Leaving so soon? You know you are allowed to enjoy your victory." Montero said with a smirk.
"There is nothing to celebrate or praise. All I did was my duty." Yosho replied with a small frown.
"To you it may be a simple matter of performing your duty, but to those that you saved you are a great hero who ended the reign of a merciless tyrant who had or was about to enslave them. Now what will they think when their hero just vanishes into thin air hmmm?" Montero said in his teacher voice. Yosho's mind went back to the revelers who had toasted him along with their fallen brothers and the lost clans. He hung his head in defeat and bowed to his sensei's logic. "And besides I'm sure the elders of the clans would like to speak to you." Montero added 'and not to mention the sweet young thing that seems to have taken an interest in you my boy.' he thought stifling a perverted chuckle.
Shortly after Shara left the tent she found a secluded spot in camp and leaned heavily against a post that had been driven into the ground to anchor a large tent. As a shudder of excitement run up her spine, and her loins burned at the memory of the young warrior without his shirt a small moan escaped her as her body reacted to the memory.
'Why am I like this? I don't even know his name, how could he be affecting me so? I mean if he were a vampire, my reaction to him would mean that I had found my blood mate but…' suddenly the full meaning of her line of thought struck her like a thunderbolt causing the heat between her legs to intensify. 'Kami could he be my blood mate? Is it even possible for a non-vampire to be my fated lover?' she desperately needed guidance. Perhaps she should talk to a matriarch about this. Suddenly she remembered what she was supposed to be doing. "Shit I need to tell the elders that he is awake." she whispered to herself. After a few minuets of struggling to regain her composure she finally succeeded and hurried off to the elders' pavilion.
Ten minutes later Shara and the elders stood in the large empty tent where Yosho had been not a half hour earlier. "I-I don't understand. He was here when I left to fetch you." she said her voice had a slight edge of panic to it.
"Worry not young Shara. I'm sure the young warrior has just stepped out for some air and to stretch his muscles. It's what I would do after sleeping for two days." one of the elders said with a knowing smile.
All of the elders where shareing the same thought 'Hmm the boy seems to have caught her eye, and from her reaction to his diapperance it may be more than a passing interest. Perhaps it wasn't just chance that she was chosen to watch over him.' suddenly the elders thoughts were interrupted by the flap of cloth that served as the door to the tent being pulled aside. And two men stepped in; the elder of the two was wearing a broad grin. "Look who I found wandering around in the woods." he said steping to one side revealing none other than the hero who had ended the war.
The elders and Montero watched as Shara's face immediately flushed to a shade of light pink as soon as she saw Yosho. For many of them this confirmed their suspicions. One of the elders cracked a smile. "See Shara-chan it is just as Kanaza-sama said the boy took a short walk to clear his head and stretch his muscles." Shara's blush deepened at this.
Yosho stepped forward inclining his to the elders in respect but he did not kneel or bow to them. He submitted to no one. "Forgive me if I caused anyone alarm but it was as the elder said after two days of sleep and healing, I need to clear my head and strech my legs." he said glancing in Shara's direction.
"No harm done young warrior, it is completely understandable and expected of one who has awakened after such a slumber. Now if it isn't a bother the council of elders would like to know the name of its savior." said a yokai elder Yosho suspected of being a vampire.
"My name is Yosho." replied the young dragon in a respectful tone. Shara kept silent as she did not trust her self to speak as it was she was struggling to supress the blush that was threatening deepen from dark pink to crimson.
"Well then Yosho by right of victory you are now clan lord of the Bloodstrike clan, you now hold a seat on the council of elders and are entitled to all that the dhampir king held." the elder declared kneeling before Yosho. 'Ah, and now the true test has begun, the test of power. How will you handle this young one? This is a test that you cannot engage with your blade.' Montero thought as he watched Yosho. After years of teaching the boy, he could read the subtle signs that the boy's shifting emotions made. Shara's shock was clearly evident on her face as she audibly gasped. Had she heard correctly? Yosho was just declared, by right of victory, clan lord over the Bloodstrike clan, her clan, the clan that had suffered the longest under the dhampir.
Silence reigned in the tent as the elders knelt and paid homage to the young man before them. Then the unexpected happened, the head elder found himself being gently pulled to his feet by a strong hand at his shoulder. Then the others were soon pulled to their feet. They stood in silent surprise. Then Yosho spoke in a humble voice. He said "Please don't kneel before me. I'm not worthy. I simply performed my duty and maintained the balance. I will gladly lead warriors into battle, but I have no desire to rule and I am not wise enough to sit on your council. As for the dhampir's conquests and holdings, release those he enslaved and retun to them their lands. And give his title to someone more deserving than I."
It was the elders turn to stare in shock. He was offered contol over the entirety of the vampire clans not to mention many other clans, and flat turned it down. Not only that but released those clans and returned to them their lands. He even turned down the dhampir's title and seat on the council, something any other being would have claimed with out a second thought. Montero smiled broadly 'My boy you have been tested and proven worthy.' he thought proudly.
All of the elders smiled as a female edler spoke up "It is by those very actions that you have proven yourself more than worthy Yosho-sama. And besides the clan needs a lord and your victory over the dhampir has made you that lord regardless of your desire to rule." she said in an authoritative voice that brooked no argument. As the other edlers nodded their agreement Yosho knew when he was beaten he also knew that there was no escape from the title so he finally accepted his fate.
"Very well it seems I have no choice but to accept the title of clan lord of the Bloodstrike clan, but what of my duty to the balance? I cannot simply abandon it." he said.
"Simple lad Choose a regent to rule in your name while you travel. Just don't forget to drop in from time to time." the first elder that had spoken stated in a grandfatherly tone.
That's when Montero's cunning and slightly perverted mind hatched a scheme and he set it into motion with a mischievous glint in his eye. He spoke up, "Now that's settled honored elders, I have a question. Isn't it true that now Yosho is a clan lord he is required to have at least one attendant with him when he travels to serve him and act as his bodygaurd?" the eleders immediately caught on to his scheme.
"Quite true Montero-san, come to think of it Shara-chan here is a member of the Bloodstrike clan. Are there any objections to her being named as lord Yosho's attendant?" the female elder said. The rest of the elders quickly voiced their agreement giving Yosho no time to object, leaving Yosho blinking in confusion. While Shara's heart skipped a beat, and her blush deepened further 'I can't blelive my luck, no not luck this is fate. Now I know that he is my blood mate and he will be MINE! Just wait and see Yosho-kun I'll show you the many ways I can 'serve' you.' she thought just before she fainted from low blood pressure as the majority of her blood rushed to her face and other body parts.
Yosho noticed her starting to fall and instinctively moved to catch her before she hit the ground. Montero and the elders shared an approving smile with each other behind his back, smiles that were quickly hidden when Yosho turned around holding Shara bridal style as she was still unconscious. "I'm sure you elders are very busy but I have a request, I would like my name and the fact that I was made a clan lord kept out of the records of this battle at least for the time being. The last thing I need is a target on my back from the rival clans' seaking revenge." he asked respectfully.
"A wise precatuion, very well no one outside this meeting will know your name or position as clan lord with the exception of the chosen regent. We will send a list of canidates to you later. Farewell lord Yosho." the head elder responded. As he and the rest of the elders filed out of the tent, their business concluded for the moment.
"Well Yosho, I'm going to enjoy the party seeing as it looks like we are staying for a few days." Montero said with a mischievous grin on his face as he too left the tent. 'The only thing left to do now is to sit back and watch the fun.' he thought his grin taking on a more perverted quality. He just loved making his student's life more interesting.
Yosho just sighed as he was left alone with Shara. Carrying her over to the cot that he had been on He gently layed her down on it, then unseathing his sword he sat cross-legged on a cushion on the ground next to the cot laying his blade across his lap he contemplated his fate. Glancing at Shara, he thought, 'Well it could be worse.'
"Mmmmm" Shara moned softly as she opened her eyes a short time later. 'Where am I?' she thought for a moment then she recognized the tent she was in. Glancing around she soon located Yosho sitting on the cushion smiling at her. "Seems our roles have been reversed, you watching over me as I sleep." she said to him with a touch of seductiveness in her voice as she shifted positions on the cot to show off her curves. Yosho's only response was a wry chuckle. The irony of the situation was not lost on him. 'Yeah my fate definitely could've been worse.' he thought to himself as he valiantly tried but ultimately failed to keep his eyes from being drawn to her assets.
End flashback
Yosho was drawn from his memeories by a slight movement to his right. The centuries of being a warrior had left him hyperaware of his surroundings, so the movement instantly drew his attention. As it turned out, the movement was Yukari's hand moving to the dragon stone amulet that he had given her earlier. He watched as the young witch began to lift the chain over her head, a small smile pulled at the corners of his mouth as he relized what she was doing. "Yukari-chan what are you doing?" he asked gently. Breaking the silence that had fallen as everyone was processing his latest revilations startling the young witch and drawing everyone's attention.
Having been starlted by Yosho's voice Yukari dropped the amulet and let loose a small 'eep'. Her face immeadatly flushing in embarasement "I was going to return your amulet." she said with a small smile.
"Really, that's not nessacacery seeing as it's not mine anymore." Yosho replied with a chuckle, watcing as Yukari's eyes clouded with confusion then litup with excitement as the meaning of his words sunk in. "It would seem that the dragon stone has chosen you as its mistress Yukari-chan." he continued.
"I-it chose me, how?" the young witch asked her eyes shining in wonder.
"Well Yukari-chan, when a dragon stone is created it lies dormant untill it is given to someone willingly. Once this happens, the stone awakens and tests the recipient. If the person passes the test, the stone recognizes that person as its rightful master. Remember when I said that the amulet will protect you, well once dragon stone bonds with someone it does much more than that." Yosho explained when suddenly Yukari gasped aloud.
"My spell it had more power than usual. Was it because of the dragon stone?" she exclaimed her small hands going to the charm that hung about her neck.
Yosho smiled broadly as he answered her question, "Amplifying its master's power is but one of the many things it can do. The extent of the abilities it displays varies from person to person. Not even I can predict those abilities once it fully bonds with someone."
Yukari couldn't believe what she was hearing. She had heard of dragon stones or Ryu-seki before in the legends told by her clan. In those legends, the stones were usasuly given as a reward for a great service to the dragons and held great power; of course most of the modern witches dismissed the legends as mear myth. But with their existence not only confirmed but to have actually been given one, she knew this was probably the most precious gift she had or will ever receive. Suddenly overcome with raw emotion, she launched herself from the chair she was sitting in and tackled Yosho with a massive hug nearly knocking him and his chair over. "Thank you Yosho-sensei I will always tresure it!" she cried with tears of joy streaming from her eyes.
Yosho's smile only got bigger as he ruffled the witche's hair "You're welcome Yukari-chan. May it serve you well." he replied.
Ayakia's eyebrow went up a notch in annoyance when she saw Yukari hug Yosho in that manner but she really couldn't blame the girl. She probably would have done the same thing if she was in the witch's shoes. But it still irks the hell out of her when another female hugs her sensei. Her thoughts were interrupted when Tsukune shifted in his seat and cleared his throat effectively drawing everyones attention.
He nervously fingered his seal as everyone's eyes settled on him. After a few minutes, he finally gathered enough courage to give voice to his thoughts. "Yosho-sensei, I-I was wondering if you could teach me to control my powers?" he asked quietly. A knowing twinkle appeared in Yosho's eye. 'So he has finally asked. Good, he has taken the first step.' he thought as he leaned forward putting his fingers together in front of him.
"Why do you want me to teach you how to control your powers Tsukune?" Yosho asked in a serous tone his intense gaze locked on the boy.
Tsukune was getting even more nervous now, but he did not falter. "When I came to this school and meet Moka-san, I couldn't do anything to help when she was attacked by another student. In fact she ended up protecting me and she still does. It's the same for my other friends. I want to get stronger so they no longer need to protect me. And because if this seal is destroyed one day, I might hurt everyone I care about. I don't want to hurt anyone. The last time I lost control Moka-san was the only one who could stop Me." he answered honestly.
Yosho's face now sported a wide approving smile. "Very well I will teach you, but to teach you properly you will have to come to my dojo." Tsukune was shocked that the powerful being had accepted him as his student so easily. All he could do was nod dumbly.
Inner Moka had been watching the interaction closely, 'So our Tsukune has finally embraced what he is, now the question is what are we going to do?' she said with approval in her tone.
'Huh what do you mean ka-chan?' her outer persona repiled.
'Weren't you listening? In order for Yosho-sensei to teach him, Tsukune has to move to his dojo which I might add IS NOT HERE!' Moka's darker side stated her tone now expressing annoyance. She was amazed at how dense her other side could be at times.
'Oh no what do we do, I don't want Tsukune to leave us!' outer Moka cried with a bit of panic in her mental voice.
'Well the way I see it, we have two options: 1) we do nothing and stay here while he leaves, or 2) we go with him with or without Yosho-sensei's permission.'
It didn't take Moka long to reach her decision, she asked in her sweetest and most heart wrenching voice. "Yosho-sensei will you teach me too?"
Which of course set off similar requests from the rest of Tsukune's small harem, as they were unwilling to be far from Tsukune and in the case of Kurumu and Mizore unwilling to let Moka have him all to herself? To this end, they employed and tried true methods of female influence. Ranging from Moka's use of her cuteness to Kurumu's seductive glances. Yosho had expected this though after watching Tsukune's interactions with the girls, he had quickly determined that if he was going to teach Tsukune, he would to have to teach them all. But that didn't stop him from having a little fun at their expense.
Covering his mouth to hide his mischievous smirk, he turned to the group of girls. "I don't know Tsukune-kun, do you think it's a good idea to have four more girls in my dojo?" instantly the attention of all four girls switched to Tsukune. Yosho fighting against the hearty laugh that was building within him as the poor boy was hit with full force by the girls' attempts to influence him.
After about three seconds, the boy began to sqwirm in his seat. He started to sweat and his hand nervously went to the back of his neck as he opened his mouth to speak "I…I…think…that…" he was cut off by Neji who suddenly burst out laughing unable to contain it anymore. Ayakia soon followed his example. Both having seen what Yosho was up to
Ayakia was the first to recover though. "Sensei don't be so mean to the new students, you know they arent used to your games." Then turning to Tsukune and Co. "Don't mind Yosho-sensei He used to pull this kind of thing on me and Neji all the time."
After regaining his composure, Neji decided to enter the conversation. "Yeah welcome to the family, as it were." he said wiping tears from the corners of his eyes. The headmaster chuckled at the words that he had chosen.
"Well now that the issue is settled, I suggest that you all go pack your things as I am sure Yosho-sensei has spent more time here then he intended as it is, and don't worry about your parents. I will send proper notice to them." the headmaster stated in clear dismissal of his students.
"Neji, Ayakia why don't you go with them and help with what you can. All of you can meet me at the front gate." Yosho said to his students still smiling.
"Yes sir." was the response from the teens as the got up to leave.
Ruby was also about to take her leave when Yosho spoke up "Ruby-chan could you please stay for a moment longer?" she stopped and returned to her seat sitting quietly with her hands folded in her lap with a nervous look on her face. As Yosho turned to the headmaster and asked "So how much did you tell her Tenmei?" his face was now dead serious. The exorcist visably paled.
"I told her about your defeat of lord Roxis and Lord Etherion Yosho-samma. I also told her that you were not a hanyou." he replied nervously.
Yosho's eyes narrowed a bit in displeasure but he made no further hostile actions "I see, well since you took it upon yourself to reveal that much to Ruby-chan, then I will leave it up to you to explain everything to her, including exactly what I am and what my role is in the world. And I trust you will think carefully before you make such revelations in the future hmmm?" his voice had taken on a deadly tone as he said the last sentence, the exorcist was sweating now.
"Y-Yes of course Yosho-sama" the head master replied.
"Good, as long as we have an understanding then." Yosho said cracking a smile.
Turning to Ruby he continued "Ruby-chan as you have no doubt guessed, I am not dragon born as I told the others and that will be explained to you, but I ask that you don't tell the others what you are about to learn. The reason I am asking this is they are not ready for that information yet. Can I trust you with this?"
The young witch nodded and replied "Yes sensei. You can trust me with this." her tone was one of pride at being trusted with such information. His smile widened when he heard this.
"Very well, then you two have a lot to discuss and I must take my new students to the dojo and get them settled in. So until we meet again, farewell." with that Yosho stood and made his way out of the headmaster's office leaving the two to their talk.
He was casualy walking through the school ignoring the blushes of the female populace in his immediate area and the envious death glares of their male counterparts at the attention he was drawing with his current state of dress. Reaching the school gate, Yosho noticed that none of his students had arrived yet f course this was to be expected. He leaned against the gatepost. He allowed his mind to wander. And wander it did, straight back to memories of Shara.
Yosho found himself thinking of her more often as of late. Some of his fondest memories were memories of his travels with her as his attendant. They had grown close over the course of ther travels and as they were the same age they were often looked on as a couple by the villagers that they had encountered. A thought that she seemed to encourage as often as possible in those days He knew that she had wanted more from their relationship than a close friendship. But he had never persued it because of his conflicting feelings. On one hand he had found their bond was something more than friends. But on the other hand there was his duty, at the time he felt that he had to choose between the two, something that he could not do. So he did nothing and contented himself with their friendship as it was.
It was only after they had been separated during the final battle against the powerful demon lord Etherion. That he realized how much of a damn fool he had been. He knew she had survived the battle, how he knew he didn't understand but he hadn't questioned the knowledge. Yosho had serched for her for several years after the battle but never found her. Even after he had been forced to stop actively serching for her, he kept an eye out incase the hand of fate guided them back to each other.
His thoughts were interrupted when he felt an unknown presence approaching. Yosho's attention retuned to the outside world, glancing around he saw a busty woman walking towards him. She had brown hair that was about shoulder length, her brown eyes were behind round glasses. She was dressed in a white button up blouse the top few buttons left undone to show off her cleavage, a dark minikirt covered her lower body stopping just above her mid thigh with dark stokings coming to an end just below the miniskirt. They were held up by garter belts.
'So Tenmei enforces a strict dress code on the students but allows teachers to dress like that huh.' Yosho thought to himself with a raised eyebrow as the woman came to a stop a few feet from him.
The woman who was one Kagome Ririko surveyed the stranger leaning against the gatepost. 'I wonder who this man is, I havent heard of a new teacher being hired.' she thought. Then noticing the stranger's intense gaze had setteled on her she decided to speak up "Konichiwa, is there something I can help you with?" she asked her tone friendly if a bit seductive.
"Arigato but I have alredy concluded my business here and I'm wating for my new students to collect their belongings. Ah here they are now." Yosho replied kindly, as the majority of the news paper club arrived carrying their luggage accompanied by two teenagers that Ririko had never seen before arrived on the scene.
"You guys ready to go?" he asked obviously referring to the teens who nodded in the affirmative. "Alright then let's get moving." and spun on his heel and walked away with the group of teens following close behind. Leaving the stunned naga without a word
Yosho walked in silence listening to his students as they bantered among themselves. His thoughts once again turning inward But before he could start brooding again, his thoughts where shattered when Moka asked him a question.
"So Yosho-sensei how long have you lived with Neji and Ayakia?" she asked innocently. Yosho smiled warmly at the young vampire.
"About four years now. After meeting them and finding out that they were orphans who had just lost their homes, I did the right thing and took them in." he said noticing the somber mood that had come over Neji and Ayakia. Something that didn't go unnoticed by the others
"How did they lose their homes?" Yukari asked confused. A touch of sadness entered Yosho's eyes as he turned to face her.
"I'm sorry Yukari-chan but it is not my place to tell you that. When they are ready, Neji and Ayakia will tell you the circumstances of how they lost their homes and how we met." he replied sadness coloring his tone as well. Silence once again descended on the group as they considered Yosho's words, as they continued down the path. Of course the silence didn't last, still thinking about the reveltions made by her new sensei Moka unconsciously captured Tsukune's right hand in her own, and moved closer to him. Of course the others noticed this and reacted immeadatly. Kurumu grabbed his left arm and pressed her chest into his side while Mizore simultaneously grabbed the boy from behind pressing almost her entire body aginst his back. Effectvly forcing Tsukune to stop walking lest he trip,
Yosho watched with a raised eyebrow as the scene before him degenerated into a three way tug of war with each girl claiming Tsukune as their own. Mizore even going so far as to declare herself the future mother of the boy's children All the while flinging insults at each other, during the whole interaction Tsukune's face bore a look of resignation as if this is a regular occurance, he sent a pleading look to Yosho. Yosho was about to come to the boy's aid when two gongs sounded out indicating that Yukari's favorite spell had once again hit its mark. Yosho's eyebrow went up another notch as the scene continued to unfold before him.
Mizore was lying on her back apparently unconscious, her eyes glazed over and a large lump on the top of her head and every so often her foot or hand would twitch. Kurumu on the other hand was curled into the fetal position rocking back and forth with both hands grabbing her head teeth grited in pain with tears in the corner of her eyes. Moka looked on still firmly attached to Tsukune, the upper portion of his right arm engulfed by her ample chest. The object of the girls affections could only stand in place slack jawed at the display of power shown by the spell.
"Humph, no one is going to get Tsukune except Moka and me!" the young witch declared glaring at the succubus and snow woman. Blushing as an explicit fantasy involving the three of them played in her head. Then her hand went to her mouth as she relized that she had just said that outloud her blush deepening in embracement.
That was the last straw Yosho couldn't supress his laughter anymore the rich tember of his laugh filling the woods, after a few seconds Ayakia and Neji joined him. A few minets later Yosho was able to regain control wipeing tears from the corners of his eyes as he thought to himself 'Well things are going to get intresting at the dojo.' after wakeing up Mizore and helping Kurumu to her feet and suporting the still woozy girl hey continued on to their way to the tunnel the rest of the trip was relatively uneventful. When they arrived at the tunnel Yosho and the others were surprised to find the busman and his bus waiting for them with that creepy smile of his plastered all over his face.