Chapter 7: Konnichiha no Otome (Hello my Daughter)

Tsukune wakes to an unfamiliar ceiling. The room he is in is white with no texture and smells of death and a sterilizing agent. It makes him want to throw up. Covering his nose to block out the stench, he sits up and looks around.

He is in a hospital bed and has visitors. Three girls are a sleep in chairs. The one on the left has blue hair and a yellow sweater; the one on the right has light blue hair that looks like it is made of ice. The third girl has dark brown hair and a pointed hat lying on the laps on the other two girls. Tsukune half suppresses a laugh. This is a story for the books.

He hears a moan on the other side of a curtain. He gets up and covers his decency because the hospital gowns give you none. He moves the curtain to the side and he sees green eyes on his silver ones. He smiles and moves over to the side of her bed and sits down.

"Good morning Moka-san. How are you feeling?"

She sends a radiant smile back. Even in a hospital gown and her hair hasn't been washed, she still looks absolutely gorgeous.

"I'm fine Tsukune. How are you?"

He rubs the back of his head. "I feel fine. I normally do. I don't wake up in the hospital much anymore. Although your mom has put me there a few times."

Moka laughs softly. Tsukune turns around to go back to his bed when Moka's hand shoots out and takes his. A slight blush forms on her face. She couldn't see the one on his face.

"I never got the chance to tell you thank you for stopping me from killing Hokuto. Thank you for thinking of me, even if my Ura-chan wanted to rip his head off."

He turns around. He lifts the hand that she is holding on to and kisses the back of it. A deep blush forms on her face.

"No problem, Moka-chan."

The honorific was not lost on her. She hears Inner Moka growl but she ignores her. Tsukune returns to his bed, completely unaware that the back of his gown is open and giving Moka quite a view and making her face turn redder if possible.


A few hours later Moka and Tsukune are both released from the hospital. Needless to say that the doctors were astounded at their recovery rate. Moka had a couple of cracked ribs and a broken collar bone and while Tsukune suffered no real injuries they both suffered from exhaustion. In less than a day they were both out and walking around completely fine. A normal Youkai would take a few days at the very least.

Kurumu jumped Tsukune as soon as she saw him awake and Moka had to push her off of Tsukune to keep him from passing out. Yukari got a nose bleed from seeing Moka in a hospital gown, knowing that she isn't wearing anything underneath it. Mizore is her usual stoic self watching the drama unfold right in front of her.

Tsukune met with the reinforcements from his home city and thanked them for their assistance. He learned that the Chairman was recovering with no setbacks. Since the Chairman is out of commission for a few days, Ruby is in charge and asks the soldiers from Hateshiganai Reishitsu to provide security for the Festival. They agree and Tsukune is immensely happy that with them there that nothing will happen.

The festival is in full swing with no one but the teachers aware of what had occurred. Ruby kicked off the Festival in the opening ceremony for the injured Headmaster, though she kept that a secret and just said he is unavailable due to urgent business. Everyone from alumni to freshman to parents are enjoying themselves. No one was paying attention to the added security. They are spaced out in civilian clothing to keep most people from getting nervous.

Tsukune and Moka are currently serving people at the goldfish station. While Moka attracts attention (let's face it, she is much better at it than Tsukune), Tsukune is helping the customers. Moka sees two students who stick out of the crowd. One is a male with black hair and skinny, long rectangular blue eyes. He is wearing a black dress shirt with large golden buttons running the entire length of the shirt with a black floor length jacket that is open in the middle along with black dress pants (I guess he likes black). Next to him with her arm in the crook on his arm is a girl about his height with large assets and very long blonde hair. Her eyes match her hair with very wide and long pupils, so much so that her eyes barely have any white showing. She is wearing a pink yukata with a sash a few shades lighter going around her waist. Moka hears a snippet of conversation between the two.

"Oh Nagasumi, I love festivals. I remember the first one we went to down in Seto. You remember right?"

The black haired boy shrinks and sweat drops. "How could I forget? Your entire family except your mom tried to kill me the entire time but she was disappointed that we didn't have sex. I had a great time, I always enjoy spending time with you, Sun. I'm just glad that your family isn't here. It's just the two of us for once."

"You try anything and I'll eviscerate and feed you to Shark Fujishiro, you sea louse." A third voice says venomously.

The boy is visibly trembling in fear. "Maki! What the hell are you doing here? People can't know about mermaids or else people will die!" Moka's ears perk up to the last word and decides to step in.

"Excuse me, but a lot of us already know about Mermaids."

They both freeze and look over at Moka.

"Excuse me? Who said anything about Mermaids?" asks Nagasumi.

"You did. You were talking to someone about them. It is common knowledge here at the Academy that Mermaids exist. In fact my friend Tsukune and I were almost eaten by the Mermaids on the swim team."

For once Nagasumi is speechless. Sun however gives her an appraising look.

"And you are?" Sun asks skeptically thinking that this could be a trap to get them to leave dry land.

"Oh, excuse my manners. My name is Akashiya Moka. Behind the counter is Aono Tsukune. By the way can I interest you in the goldfish scoop?"

Moka doesn't miss the look that the one called "Sun" flashes.

"Of course! I can't miss out on a GOLDFISH SALVATION MISSION because if I don't it will be a disgrace to all Seto Mermaids!" Sun then charges Tsukune and grabs a scoop and a bag and proceeds to scoop every goldfish in the tank into one bag while Nagasumi sweat drops at Sun's antics. Both Moka and Tsukune are dumbstruck.

Moka then notices a small pink ring on Sun's left hand.

'An engagement ring?'

"Excuse me, but I couldn't help but notice your ring. Are you two engaged?" Moka asks innocently.

Sun turns to look at Moka. A big smile on her face.

"Yes. Nagasumi and I are getting married this summer, although we have been engaged for 3 years."

Nagasumi suddenly gets nervous and drags Sun away muttering something about keeping it a secret since they told all their friends they were cousins. Sun waves to Moka as she is literally dragged by the collar of her yukata.

"Friends of yours?" Tsukune asks behind her.

Moka shakes her head. "What an odd couple. No, I just met them. They apparently don't know about other Monsters about mermaids and I'm pretty sure that boy is just a regular human."

Tsukune is stunned for a second. "A human? Are you sure?"

Moka nods her head. "I smelt him from a mile away. His blood smelled delicious, but you are the only one I drink from because your blood is the best."

"Thanks. I worked long and hard just to make my blood tasty for you. Would you help me pack up? That girl took all the goldfish so there is no point in keeping the station open."

"Sure."

They pack up the stand and give the key back to Ms. Nekonome, who looked so disappointed that there weren't any leftover goldfish.

"Hey Moka-chan, do you want to go to the roof and watch the fireworks?"

Moka becomes ecstatic. She always wanted to spend the Festival with someone and she gets to do it with her Tsukune.

'Wait, when did I start to think of him as my Tsukune?' but she shrugs mentally and walks off with him.

She links with his arm happily, pushing her ample chest into his arm. She hears him chuckle a little at her antics, but she can care less. One of her dreams is being fulfilled and nothing anybody says or does can ruin her mood. Her brain barely registers the fact that Inner Moka is growling at the closeness and the continued use of the honorific. She doesn't mind holding hands, but for her, it is moving a little too fast.

"I guess I will have to remind him of his place next time I get let out."

They reach the roof in no time and they sit in the edge of the concrete railing, arms still linked and Moka resting her head on Tsukune's shoulder. Moka couldn't be happier.

"Hey, Moka-chan, do you think we could take your Rosary off?"

Moka looks up at him and can't help but feel a little hurt that Tsukune wants to spend time with her Inner self and not her; even though she knows that they are almost the same person.

Tsukune notices the downcast look on her face. "Don't get me wrong, Moka-chan. I like spending time with you, but I don't think it is fair to Ura-san if she only gets let out to fight. I would like for her to get some memories for herself that don't involve fighting."

Moka is relived that he isn't doing this because he doesn't want to spend time with her, but because he is thinking about her other self and her feelings.

"I understand, Tsukune. Have a good time!" She smiles at him sweetly. She gets on her tip toes and gives him a kiss on the cheek.

"I'll make it up to you tomorrow ok?" He doesn't even blink at the kiss, like it happens every day.

Moka nods and Tsukune takes the Rosary from its resting place. A few seconds later dark red eyes glower into silver.

"Hey Moka-san. How are you?" He asks unabashed.

He hears a low growl and finds Moka glaring daggers at him.

"What? You asked to be let out more, albeit in more words, and I did that. So why are you glaring at me?" He asks defiantly.

"Oh, I don't know? Something about not having my permission to use a certain honorific to my weaker side."

Tsukune scoffs. "Is that what this is about? Your other self doesn't seem to mind."

"My other self also forgets that we share a body sometimes."

Tsukune lets out a chuckle. This confuses Moka to no end.

"What is so funny now?" She fakes an annoyed tone.

"You try and act tough but you are the one with your head still on my shoulder. If you really cared that much, you would have tried to beat me again. But it's ok. I don't mind being a pillow."

Tsukune's words silence her. She is deep in thought about his last statement. 'Do I really not care all that much? I want to be angry, but I can't bring myself to do it. Why don't I mind?'

She is jarred out of her thought by a certain smell. A delicious smell that wets her mouth just thinking about it. Tsukune notices a change in Moka's rate of breathing and looks to find a very familiar look in her eyes. He sighs a little. What happens next completely flabbergasts her.

He turns and puts and arm around her waist and one under her legs at her knees and lifts her up and places her in his lap. He quickly removes the arm from her legs, lest she get angry, and pulls down the side of his tunic, exposing his neck.

He smiles and says two words. "Dig in." However Moka is still so shocked at his boldness that the words don't register immediately. Tsukune lightly shakes her to bring her out of her stupor. She shakes her head and digs her very large fangs into his neck. As much as her brain wants to be angry at his audacity, her emotions won't respond. Her emotions rebel against her. Instead of being angry to the point of needing to hit something, her heart flutters at his gestures. She is now very much aware that she is sitting in his lap, inches away from his…

She stops her train of thoughts there. A huge blush forms across her entire face. Even Tsukune feels the heat coming off her face but has the wisdom to not say anything. After a few minutes, Moka lets go and licks his neck, sealing the wound, causing him to shudder for a second.

"Mmmm…you taste really good." She says seductively.

"I try."

She rests her head against his chest, subconsciously memorizing his heartbeat and scent. They chat for the next 10 minutes about teenage things when the Festival lights go down and the first firework shoots into the sky.

"Thank you, Tsukune. My other self won't admit it, but this is a dream come true for her, to spend the annual Festival with someone special. I must say that it is nice not having to fight for once."

Tsukune rests his head on hers. "Anything for Moka-hime."

Moka playfully hits his arm at being called a Princess. She doesn't mind being his princess.


Moka and Tsukune disembark off the school bus outside of Tokyo.

"You be careful Ms. Don't let them scare you too much."

Pink haired Moka turns around and gives the Bus Driver a confused look, but rather than explain it, he closes the doors and drives off.

"What is it and creep monsters at the Academy?"

Tsukune picks up both their luggage and walks over to her.

"I don't know, but every time I see him he usually tells me something cryptic or just weird. Shall we get going? My parents should be waiting for us around the bend."

Moka nods her head and follows closely behind Tsukune.


Moka wakes up and yawns. She still can't believe that the Academy was almost entirely destroyed, even with the added security. It is 3 days after the disastrous ending to the Festival.

'Damn that art teacher. She had to ruin her perfect night with Tsukune because she couldn't get over herself. We would have had no interruptions either since Ruby had carted them (the harem) off to help with other stations. '

"Yeah, and I beat her ass whole sale, again. Hopefully this time she will get the message."

'And she almost forced Tsukune to take his true form with that Mirror. If I hadn't jumped in the way…'

"Tsukune would have to spend the next 100 years locked away in his city. I couldn't imagine having to stay locked in one place for 100 years. I might go stir crazy."

'And if anyone knows what it is like to be locked away for a long time it's you. I'm sorry for being so selfish. I didn't realize you wanted out more often. I would have asked Tsukune to take of the Rosary more often had I known.'

"It's ok. I am fine with this arrangement as long as I do get to be let out. It was fine when I was asleep, but know that I am awake, I get restless."

Just as Outer Moka is about to reply, a note floats under her door and flies up right onto her bed. Moka smiles because only one person could have made the note do that.

She takes and opens up the letter.

Moka-chan,

I need to talk to you soon. And before you start to wonder what it is
about, it concerns you mom. Meet me on the cliff in 30 minutes.

Ands just so you know it's me, say high to Ura-hime for me.

See you later,

Tsukune.

'What does he mean by Ura-hime?'

"He called me hime on the roof when I watched the fireworks with him. That is just so we know the letter isn't fake."

With that squared away, Moka takes the fastest bath she has ever taken. Leaving her hair wrapped in a few towels (yes she needs more than one since her hair reaches her knees) and dresses quickly. She applies a very light coating of makeup and perfume. After brushing her teeth, she lets her hair down and brushes it out until it is completely smooth.

She glances at the clock. 20 minutes. A new personal record. She takes her leave and exits the dorms. While it isn't exactly very early in the morning, there were absolutely nobody walking around. Since there is no school to have classes, the Chairman, who is completely recovered by now, has canceled classes indefinitely until new facilities can be built.

She makes her way through the thin forest of dead trees to the cliff where they had saved Mizore from the gym teacher. It has become a rather favorite spot for Tsukune lately. She can see why. Even though the water just on the other side of the cliffs makes her nervous, she feels more relaxed there than anywhere else at the Academy.

She approaches the cliff and senses Tsukune log before she sees him. After a few more minutes of walking, she clears the forest and sees Tsukune dressed in casual clothes with his feet dangling over the edge of the cliff.

"Good morning Tsukune." She greets him.

"Good morning Moka-chan. You look nice."

The complement makes her blush. She is just wearing a simple short sleeved light blue blouse knee length white skirt.

Gathering her legs under her, she sits next to Tsukune and looks out over the expanse of water. This spot always calms her, despite the obvious danger. But that is part of what makes it so comforting.

"Did you sleep well?" he asks.

She nods her head. "I still can't believe that the school has to be rebuilt."

Tsukune nods his understanding. He looks at her and decides to not beat around the bush and get to the point.

"Listen, Moka-chan. The reason that I asked you to come and talk with me is because it concerns you coming to my city to meet you mom."

He notices Moka is completely still and hanging on his every word. "I'll get straight to the point. You either have to come with me when we leave the school or the Elders and council members won't allow you to come at all."

He lets this bit of information sink in before continuing. "I don't think you have a problem with that .It's just the school is letting out 2 months early which screws everything up. If you come with me, there is still a chance that you won't be allowed to stay because of the extended time you would have to spend in my city.

Moka gives a little gasp at the last part. "But…why would I not be allowed to stay?"

Tsukune shakes his head and sighs heavily. "Because you still don't know what species I am and the my city is the "capital" for all others for my kind. Add that to the fact that yours and my species don't always get along, the Council members will question you and then will either deem you worthy or not worthy to stay in the city."

Moka's face goes from worried to downcast. Picking up on her change in mood, Tsukune quickly starts again.

"Look, you have several factors in favor for you. One, and the biggest, being that you're the Daughter of a Dark Lord. And not just a Dark Lord, the leader. Second is me. I hold a lot of persuasive power with both the Elders and the Council members because of my status. Trust me when I say that I promise to do everything in can to make sure you see your mother."

At hearing that, Moka's face brightens considerably.

"There will be restrictions on where you can go and what you can do. You will also probably have to have an escort whenever you do venture out. I'll work on that too.

"One more thing. I counted on you wanting you come with me, so I sent ahead a letter to my parents the night of the Riot with one of the security members. I just got back a response. They said that it's fine with them if I bring a friend, and they will make arrangements to get an appointment as soon as we get there. They will also meet us at the drop off point. Oh, I didn't tell them about you, just that you are a friend, so don't get embarrassed and 2 don't tell them you're a Vampire."

Moka gives him a questioning look.

"I can't go into it more unless I reveal what I am. I want to, but I can't. You have to find out on your own or if there is something life threatening and I have to reveal myself. Trust me when I say there can be dire consequences. The council will know you're a Vampire, but my parents won't be attending the meeting, so they will be in the dark and I would like to keep it that way."

Moka give a nod of understanding. It was a lot to take in, so she sits and digests all the new information.

"If you have any questions I'll gladly answer them.


They turn the corner and finds two people waiting for them.

"Hello honey! How are…Oh my! You didn't tell us your friend was such a looker!" Tsukune's mother rushes over and envelopes Moka in a bone crushing hug. Moka is astounded. His mother doesn't look a day over 30, but from what Tsukune has told her, she is over 300 years old. The same can be said for his father.

"Hell…hello… Mrs. AH! I can't breathe!" Moka barely wheezes out.

"Ka-Chan let her go! She can't breathe!"

Kasumi Aono releases Moka immediately. She looks Moka over, appraising her.

"Oh, I'm so sorry dear. I just got a little excited that's all. You're the first girl that little Tsukki has brought home. Wow, just look at you! I bet you are the most popular girl in the school, and my Tsukki is bringing her home!" She excitedly squeals.

"Tsukki?" Moka raises an eyebrow and looks at Tsukune.

"Ka-Chan! Stop it!" Tsukune crosses his arms and turns away from her.

"So where are your other friends?" she asks semi-innocently.

"Ka-Chan, you know that I couldn't bring them! The Elders and Council wouldn't hear of it. Not like that made stopped them from trying. They tried to sneak on the bus, hide in my luggage, hide in Moka's luggage, under the bus. We had to stop twice because we had stowaways." He ticks the number of hiding places they had found members of the Newspaper Club in off his fingers.

"That's enough dear. I think you have embarrassed him enough in front of his friend for now. Let's go, we have a little ways to walk." Tsukune's father finally steps in. He places a hand on Kasumi's shoulder and directs her away, signaling for Moka and Tsukune, whose face is quite red from embarrassment, to follow.

"Oh, I almost forgot. I'm Kasumi Aono and this is my husband Kiyoshi Aono (KI-o-she)." Kasumi had turned to look at Moka, introducing herself and her husband.

"It's very nice to meet you. My name is Akashiya Moka." Moka gives a short bow.

Kasumi and Kiyoshi lead off, Kasumi's head resting on his shoulder, while Moka and Tsukune follow behind, but not too close.

'I envy Tsukune. His parents look so happy together.'

"That they do. I hope we get to be that happy someday."

'I'm sure we will. I just hope it's with Tsukune.'

"Penny for your thoughts?"

"hmmm?"

Tsukune chuckles at Moka not paying attention.

"I was just wondering what you were thinking about."

"Oh…I was just thinking… about how much I envy you." She says with complete honesty. She hates liars so she promised herself a long time ago to do everything to not lie, even if it means she has to be overly honest.

Tsukune gives her a questioning look. Even though he knows what she probably means, he senses that she wants to get it off her chest.

"You have and grew up with both your parents. And look. They still love each other and are obviously very happy with each other. From here, it looks like you had a very good childhood, something that I wish that I had."

Her voice becomes a little depressed. Not wanting her first day to be a bad one, he shakes his head and looks at her seriously.

"Moka-san, you don't need to get all depressed about your childhood. It is just one part of your very, very long life. I know that you were treated badly by humans because your mother left and you went to the human world, but you turned out ok. You may have a dislike for humans now, but so do most Youkai.

"And yeah, from your perspective, I look like I had the perfect childhood. But in reality it was nowhere near that. So before you get all depressed, just know that I didn't have a rosy childhood free of troubles either. So instead of getting depressed about it, just promise yourself that your kids will have a mother when they grow up."

Moka thinks for a second. He is right. That's in the past and she can't stay looking at the past. She has a future and it needs to have both her eyes on it.

"Thanks Tsukune!" her pink hair flowing out behind her from the wind.

Moka's gem colored eyes sweeps the country side, really taking in the scenery for the first time. Miles of tall grass wave softly in the wind, blue skies with white fluffy clouds, trees sparsely populating the enormous field. And last but not least, the mountain, or so she thinks it's a mountain. She can see why Tsukune loves it here.

"Tsukune, what mountain are we headed for?" They are a few miles away from the base of the mountain.

Tsukune gives a soft laugh. "Oh, that's no ordinary mountain. That Moka-san, is Mount Fuji-san, a volcano. The city entrance is inside the forest of Aokigahara.

"My people put a barrier over the entire forest, although it is too strong for most human minds to bear. They become severely depressed and suicidal. Over the years, people hear of the forest and now it is the second most popular place to commit suicide after the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco. It does keep most people away, but the cleanup of all the bodies is very troublesome. We always have people patrolling to find people and turn them away."

She notices his phrasing. My people. He still doesn't give any hint as to who is people are. She doesn't know if he doesn't trust her or if he isn't allowed to. However, she trusts him, so there must be a reason behind it, so she ignores that for now.

"Why would anybody want to commit suicide? I realize that their lives are short, but I would want to spend those short 80 years to the fullest with someone I love." She doesn't give any indication of where her thoughts were a second ago.

"I agree. People who commit suicide are just taking the easy way out. Living your life and correcting your mistakes, that is hard to do. There is almost no justifiable reason to me to commit suicide."

Their conversation drops off and they walk in silence as they get closer to the inactive volcano.

"Hey Ka-Chan. What time is the meeting?"

She checks her watch. "The meeting is scheduled for noon. Its 11 right now, so there is no time to stop by the house, but you and Moka are dressed appropriately so you won't need to change. Ah, our ride is here."

A black limousine pulls up next to the four. The driver gets out and bows to the group before opening the door and grabbing the luggage from Tsukune. They climb into the back of the limousine. Moka finds herself sitting next to Tsukune looking across to his parents, not that she expected any differently. They wait for a few seconds for the driver to stow the bags in the trunk. The stretched car begins to move.

The windows are so darkly tinted that you can't see out of them. Moka had no idea how fast or what direction they are going. She assumes that it is to keep the entrance to the city a secret.

"So Akashiya-san, why are you here? Are you interesting in Tsukune or is there another reason to visit our humble abode?" the elder woman asks.

"Mom, it isn't humble if you say it is." He used the English version of mom when he is annoyed at her.

"Whatever, the question still stands," she states, not trying to be rude.

"Oh, I'm here to watch Tsukune's Assessment. I always wanted to meet Akasha-sama and Tsukune offered to let me meet her. He sounds very fond of her." Moka goes with the cover story they had created.

"She is like a second mother to him. They spent so much time over the years. Did you know that she trained him personally?"

"Yes, he mentioned that once or twice." She is trying to keep her face neutral, but failing at it.

Tsukune's mother is about to ask if she is ok when Tsukune changes the subject at seeing Moka's face.

"Mom shouldn't we talk about how the meeting is going to happen?".

"Yes we should go over that. Akashiya-san, did Tsukune tell you how we are governed?"

"Please call me Moka. And no, he didn't."

"Alright, Moka-san. He was correct in not telling you. We like to keep things to ourselves, but you need this information.

"Our governing body is made up of two parts. There is a Council and the Elders. Each city has its own Council that rule the city and the Elders rule over all the councils. Since this city is the capital, the Elders reside here. The Elders are made up of the 7 oldest of our species, which is quite old.

"The Council from each city is made up of families from the city. There are 9 ruling families that are elected to the Council and run the city. Each city has a representative in the Elder's court. Now you will be talking to the council, but the Elders will also be attending the meeting.

"Keep your answers short and to the point. Talk only when talked to and don't talk back. Tsukune will mostly handle things but you must be able to hold your own. When you enter, bow to the Elder members first then the Council. Don't raise your head after you bow to the Council until they say to. Make sure that it is a very deep bow."

Moka takes all this information is and commits it to memory. Before any of them can bring up a new topic, the elongated car pulls to a slow stop. The drive gets out and quickly opens the door and allows them out.

Tsukune's parents exit the vehicle, followed by Tsukune, then Moka.

"Well Moka-san, welcome to Hateshiganai Reishitsu!"

Before Moka is a colossal cave. The group is standing on a plateau overlooking the city. Buildings carved right out of the side of the cave protrude everywhere. Even the buildings in the middle were carved out of where the walls once were. The ceiling of the cave is extremely high. The only source of light is a giant column of red energy in the very center of the city, but somehow it is giving off white light, like the sun.

"It's beautiful." Moka is awestruck. Nothing can every compare to the sight before her.

"The name means fathomless beauty and it is built right inside the mountain. Every building is carved out of the walls. But this is only the front of the city. It extends far into the mountain. That pillar in the center of town is our life line. Magma flows through it and using magic, we channel energy to create light.

"This city has been our capital for hundreds of thousands of years. We are very proud of our city and will do anything to protect it."

Moka can understand why. Something so beautiful is worth protecting.

"Come on. We need to get moving. The meeting will start soon." Tsukune's father ushers them along.

They move down a set of stairs and arrive at another flat area. Sign posts cover the area as monsters from every species wander about busily. Some are in human form, others are not so discrete. Moka has never been to a huge city like this and is astounded by the sheer number of people crowding the streets. A normal looking car pulls up next to them in the driving lane and the Aono's get into the car without a second though, so Moka follows them cautiously. As soon as the door is shut, the car takes off at an astounding speed. Moka cries out in panic, but the Aono's don't even seem to notice. Moka then looks and sees that nobody is driving.

"Um, who's driving?" She asks nervously.

"Oh, nobody is. Everything is fully automated here. Accident rates here are very low so don't worry." Tsukune answers quickly, hoping to allay her fears.

"We have mass and private transportation available in this part of the city only. They are pulled along the ground by rails that guide them to their destinations. Public transportation is more of a giant circle, having a stop every block or so. Private transportation has to be hired. It takes you to a specific location and it is much quicker than using the Public lines." Tsukune's father explains.

It makes Moka feel better about not having a flesh and blood driver. To see Tsukune and his parents have so much faith in the system, she figures that she can trust it too. All too soon, but Moka's not complaining, the car comes to a stop and the door opens and everybody climbs out.

"Well, here is the Council chambers. We need to hurry. We don't want to be late." Kasumi says.

Tsukune does a double take. "Wait, I though you said that you two wouldn't be attending the meeting."

"We did say that in the letter, but things changed and the Council requested we be there."

'Damn, there go my parents not finding out about Moka-Chan being a Vampire. I guess there is nothing I can do now. I was hoping to keep that from them for now.'

Tsukune nods his understanding and follows his parents into the building. Moka looks around the whole time trying to take in all the sights. There are statues, paintings, regal décor, furnishings designed for a palace everywhere. Not even her father can come close to this level of lavishness.

After a series of twists and turns, two double doors now stand in their way. Four guards stand outside along with a secretary.

"Ah, the Aono's. Glad to see that you arrived on time this time. The Council is ready for you." She said curtly.

Two of the guard open the doors and usher the group inside behind the secretary.

Moka walks in and finds herself looking at 18 people on a raised platform. On the side are 7 others and on the other side are the secretaries of all the Council members. The room itself is circular with the platform going all the way around the room, making the middle feel like it is an arena and making the Council members easier to look down on them.

"The Council is now in session. Aono Kiyoshi, Aono Kasumi, Aono Tsukune, and Akashiya Moka here for the 12-o-clock appointment." The secretary that led them into the room said loudly then exits.

The group turns to the left and bows to the Elders then bows to the Council. Moka making sure that each bow is very low as instructed and waits.

"You may rise." A voice calls out.

The group stands back up. Moka eyes a man and a woman in the very center of the group. The man stands up and stretches out his arms as a sign of welcome.

"Welcome Aono family. It has been too long."

Kiyoshi gives a small, quick bow. "Councilman, you honor us with your words. My I present…"

"No you may not." A woman off to the side says.

"I beg your pardon Malady?"

"You may not present the woman. You have been brought here to observe only."

Stepping aside, Tsukune's mother and father turn to face Tsukune, who doesn't look stressed or intimidated in any way.

"Members of the Council. I am Aono Tsukune, Tenth Shoho Taitoku. May I present Akashiya Moka, daughter of Lady Akasha Bloodriver."

As Moka steps up, she gives a very deep bow. Tsukune's parents are shocked and Tsukune sees a hurt expression on their faces.

"It is an honor to meet the daughter of the Dark Lord Akasha. Now Aono, please explain why you have brought her here." The man in the middle speaking again.

"Of course. I met Akashiya Moka the first day at Yōkai Academy. After a few weeks, I recognized her as the daughter of Lady Akasha. Akashiya Moka hasn't seen Lady Akasha in over 7 years. When she found out about my assessments, she begged me to allow her to come along, just to see her. I consider Akashiya Moka to be one of my best friends, so I allowed her to come here. I would like to petition the Council to allow her to stay until a few days after my assessment to allow her time to meet Lady Akasha."

A murmur is heard from the Council.

"Before we make judgment, Akashiya Moka will remove her seal."

Moka gives a bow. "As you wish, Councilman." She walks over to Tsukune.

"What are you doing?" a member asks.

Tsukune answers before Moka. "I apologize to the Council. Ms. Akashiya cannot remove her own seal. Only I can. We do not know the reason why, but the Rosary is a gift from Lady Akasha so when she arrives we can find the answer."

"You may proceed."

"Be nice."

"Of course I'll be nice! I'm not jeopardizing the chance to see my mother again!"

Tsukune reaches up and rips the Rosary off. Inner Moka takes a look at the Council and Elders with her red eyes. A smirk crosses her face. She knows how to play this game. Moka gives a deep bow, but keeps her eyes on the Council. Everyone of the Council is now sitting on the edge of their seats. They didn't truly believe that the pinkette was the Dark Lord's daughter, but now Moka has their attention.

"So this is the true daughter of Lady Akasha. It's nice to finally meet you." The same man in the middle of the group says.

"I beg your pardon, but my other personality that comes forth while my seal is on is also the daughter of Lady Akasha. However much we are different, we are more the same. As a friend of mine put, 'We are of the same heart and mind.'"

A frown sits itself upon his face, but he continues.

"So, Ms. Akashiya, do you know what our species is?"

"No I do not. Even though I have asked many times, Aono Tsukune has never told me." Moka is remembering to be polite.

"I see. We will recess for 5 minutes and deliberate." The group including Tsukune's parents exit the chambers. As soon as the doors shut, his parents round on him.

"Tsukune why did you lie to us?" Tsukune expected this. His mother is clearly pissed. He can tell when she uses his full name, not just Tsukki.

He gives a sigh. "I didn't tell you because I…"

"Because I told him I didn't want people to know that I was a Vampire." Moka finishes for him.

Tsukune's eyes widen. 'She is taking the blame. I can't allow her to do that. I don't want Moka to have a bad impression on my parents!'

"Mom, dad, that's not true. Moka doesn't have a problem with people knowing she is a Vampire. I was the one who decided to lie to you. I'm sorry, but I think you know the reason why."

Kasumi glares at him, but keeps her voice to a minimum. "I don't care the reason. You know you can trust us, that we won't judge Moka before we get to know her!"

"Honey, this isn't the time nor the place to have this conversation. But just for the record Tsukune, we are disappointed in your actions not to trust us."

Tsukune looks to the ground in shame while Moka just gives a growl. 'He really is an idiot. I offered him a way out and he didn't take it.'

At that moment the door open back up and the four reenter the room.

"We have come to a verdict. We, the Council, will allow one Akashiya Moka to stay in the city for 3 days after the assessment of the Shoho Taitoku."

Moka's heart leaps into her throat in victory. She has to violently suppress her jump and huge urge to hug Tsukune. Luckily though, she is successful.

"However, we have a few conditions. One: you may not remove your seal. Two: you will stay in this section of the city. Third: To ensure your compliance with these rules and to make sure you don't get lost, you will have an escort with you at all times that you are not at your temporary place of residence. Any violation will result in your expulsion. Do you accept these terms?"

Moka's heart is still jammed in her throat, but she forces is down by sheer will power.

"I accept."

"Good. Once you replace your seal this meeting will be adjurn…"

The doors to the Council chambers burst open, interrupting the Councilman.

A single person enters the room after the secretary wearing a very long cloak with the hood up, completely hiding any and all features. Tsukune has a sinking feeling in his stomach as a familiar wave of youki washes over the room. His fears are confirmed when the hood and cloak are suddenly thrown off. Moka stares in disbelief.

The voice of the secretary fills the room. "Presenting the leader of the Dark Lords, Lady Akasha Bloodriver."

Lady Akasha looks to her daughter and gives her a smile. "Hello, my daughter. What a pleasant surprise to see you here."


End Chapter 7