Authors Note:First off a bit of a correction. After doing a bit of research I found out that the school year in Japan begins in April not January as I originally thought. So, we have Kokoa arriving in the third term of the current school year. Because of her age, she will not be starting classes until April when she will be a first year, but will be training in martial arts under the supervision of her mother. Yes I know she didn't arrive until the start of the school year in the Manga, but this is an Alternate Universe so she is there early and is being allowed to stay on the school grounds until the beginning of the First Term of her year in April. Hey even I can make mistakes. Sometimes I correct them. Sometimes I just incorporate them into the story.
So at this point in the story we are in the third term of the first year for Moka, Tsukune, and the others. Kyouko Is transferring in for her third term second year. And Kokoa is waiting on Campus for April when she starts her First year.
Chapter 11
Akasha's Return
XXX Youkai Academy
Over the last two months Akasha continued the training of her seven charges. In that time much progress had been made. Tsukune made significant progress in keeping the shinso blood under control in the face of great stress. Despite this the most he managed to achieve in transforming his body was to harden and sharpen his fingers into razor sharp claws. Kyouko bit by bit increased the amount of her aura that she was able to release into her limbs to increase her speed and power of her attacks and blocks. And all of the students made considerable progress in the use of karate fighting style.
At the end of the training sessions everyone but Kokoa was exhausted. Between their classes in the morning and afternoon, and the four to six hour combat classes, all but Kokoa dropped into their beds almost asleep before their heads touched their pillows.
Akasha was finally satisfied with Tsukune's progress, so it was now time to let the world know that Akasha Bloodriver the Dark Lord was still alive. Akasha walked down the hallway and into the faculty lounge. Picking up the phone she dialed Mikogami's office.
"Tenmei" Akasha began. "It is time for me to contact the council. I hope you don't mind that I will continue my position here as your martial arts instructor."
Mikogami took a couple of breaths before he replied. "I am willing to allow that as long as I can count on your defense of the school."
"Of course, of course Tenmei."
Akasha closed the connection and dialed the office of Lady McDougall, a ranking member the Council of Vampires. Tapping her fingers she waited for the line to connect.
"This is the office of Fiona McDougall, who may I say is calling?"
"Akasha Bloodriver calling for Lady McDougall."
"One moment please."
Two minutes later Akasha heard the lyrical old Scottish accent of Lady McDougall. "aye is that truly you Akasha?"
"Yes Fiona it's me."
"So what can I do for you dear?"
"Well Fiona, I need you to send a council representative over to Mikogami's school. I am declaring that I, Akasha Bloodriver, bearer of the shinso bloodline,am taking back my responsibilities as a dark lord and leader of the Council of Vampires(1). That Shuzen Issa no longer represents my interests and that I retain full title to all of my holdings. I will be running my affairs from my current residence in the Youkai Academy."
"Are you sure that is what you want?"
"Yes Fiona, I am sure."
Akasha set the phone down, knowing that her actions were setting off a firestorm, and she was right at the center.
XXX Youkai Academy
It had taken nearly a week for the council's representative to arrive at the school. After about an hour of discussions and providing verification of her identity, Akasha Bloodriver was officially recognized as the Dark Lord and head of the Council of Vampires. The representative provided her with two phones, one a cell, and the other to be used on landlines for secure encrypted communications with the council.
Two days later she received a phone call from the council expressing the desire of Shuzen Issa to speak with her, and to send his representative to arrange the time and place of the meeting. Yes she was sure that the firestorm had begun. Akasha knew that already several players were rushing to reposition themselves in light of her sudden return. If the only thing she had to worry about was the council she wouldn't have been so apprehensive, but there was also the Shuzen Clan to deal with. Between what she had experienced first hand in Castle Shuzen, and Tenmei's reports on Fairy Tale, and what had happened while she was gone, she was quite apprehensive.
Over the past couple of months while she had been working with her seven charges, she had also been having meetings with Mikogami Tenmei. It seemed that Gyokuro had been continuing her push towards a Youkai Human war through the use of the terrorist organization Fairy Tale. Such a distasteful choice in names for such an organization she thought. Truly in bad taste. In these meetings she was also brought up to date on all that had transpired for her daughter and the young human, now vampire, Tsukune. Yes the firestorm was certainly approaching.
XXX Castle Shuzen
Ria picked up the phone, her brow furrowing as the voice at the other end informed her that her lord, Lord Shuzen Issa's services as the herald of the Dark Lord Akasha were no longer needed.
Ria sat and pondered this for a few moments before picking the phone back up. After making a few calls, talking first to one part of the entity known as the Council of Vampires and then another, she slowly worked her way up the layers of the organization. Finally after several hours she found herself directed to the office of Fiona McDougall.
Ria waited patiently until she was connected to Lady McDougall herself, after working her way up through several layers of functionaries of the office.
"This Fiona McDougall. I was informed you wish to speak to me, Miss Sekitan."
"Yes Lady McDougall. I have been informed that Akasha Bloodriver is reclaiming her title as the Dark Lord and my master, Shuzen sama is no longer to represent the Akasha Bloodriver in these matters."
"Yes, Miss Sekitan you have heard correctly."
Covering the receiver on the phone, Ria swore quietly under her breath. "Has a council representative been sent to verify all of this yet?"
"Yes, one has already been dispatched. Do you request a representative to inform Lord Shuzen of the change in his status?"
"No, I shall be the one to inform him of the change."
"Just to put you at rest, I have known Lady Akasha for close to three hundred years. I can assure you that she is alive and well, and resuming her duties. A preliminary report has reached my office verifying this."
"I thank you for your time, Lady McDougall. I will now see to my Lord."
Ria closed the connection and began to prepare herself for the ordeal that she may have to endure when delivering this news to her father. Straighting out her black form fitting suit, Ria walked down the halls of the castle to Shuzen Issa's office. She paused slightly letting her Youkai aura flare as she knocked on the door.
"Enter" Came Shuzen Issa's deep baritone voice from inside the room.
Walking into the room, Ria took a seat before her Lord, bowing deeply as she did so.
"My Lord, I bring news from the Council of Vampires. Lady Akasha is alive and resuming her duties and responsibilities as a Dark Lord."
She paused and waited, watching his features to see how he would respond before she continued. Seeing but just a couple of twitches she pushed onward.
"The council wishes to inform Lord Shuzen Issa that his services as the Herald of the Dark Lord Akasha are no longer needed as she will be resuming her duties as a Dark Lord."
Issa sat and pondered this for a bit, before he responded. "Ria, please inform the council that I have received their message, and that I wish to speak with the Dark Lord concerning these matters." His voice was laden with a bit of anger and relief both at the same time.
"Tell them that I am relieved to hear that the Dark Lord is doing well, and await the earliest opportunity to speak with her after my representative has met with the Lady Akasha to work out a proper time and proper place with which to have this discussion. That is all for now Ria. Please contact the council and relay my request."
Seeing that her meeting with her father was at an end, Ria politely bowed and left the office of her Lord. As she walked down the hall, her mind turned over the conversation looking for any hope that Issa wouldn't be overly harmed by this sudden change in his status and affairs. Once she reached the safety of her own office and the privacy that it provided, she made the calls that were her duty to make and awaited a response from either the council or Akasha herself after she had delivered Issa's message to the council.
XXX Youkai Academy Cafeteria a couple of days later, Faculty Lounge
Walking in Tsukune his eyes a bit drawn from the exhaustion of the last month made his way over to Moka, sitting across the table from her. To his right, Kurumu and Mizore were sitting across from each other and to his left was Yukari with Kokoa across from her next to Moka. Lastly just past Kurumu sat Kyouko. As he sat there poking at his food, he noticed that the only one not looking totally exhausted and worn out was Kokoa. He thought, just wait till April when your classes start. At least they were getting a bit of a break, but he wasn't sure why. Only thing he knew was that Lady Akasha had put their class on hold for about a week she said.
He also knew that something else was up. As he sat down, Moka, Kurumu, and Mizore all offered to share some of their obentou's with him. Tsukune mostly ate from his own, but did take a bite or two from the offered lunches. As he with great effort began to chew the food, he felt the Youkai aura of a powerful vampire passing the cafeteria on their way towards the faculty lounge. What caught his attention the most, was the look on Moka's face. It was like she had just seen a ghost or something. What little color there was in her cheeks seemed to drain out a bit.
With a smirk on her face, Ria glanced over at the students as she passed by the door to the school cafeteria on her way to see Akasha. Inside she saw Kokoa and Moka both, surrounded by four girls and one boy. The young boy caught her eye and lascivious thoughts crossed her mind as she thought of ways to peel the young man away from the other two, especially away from her dear half sister Moka whom he seemed to be so interested in if his body language was any indication. But there would be time enough for that later. She had an appointment to keep, and she intended to make the most of it.
Ria continued down the hall, her escort seeing to it that she didn't wander off the path to the faculty lounge. Once inside, her eyes quickly located the Lady Akasha, and in measured beats she walked calmly over to her, taking a seat close by.
Akasha looked up from the material she had been reading, reports that Toujou Ruby had been forwarding to her at the behest of Mikogami.
"Ah Ria dear. It is so nice to see you again. I take it that Issa is doing well?"
Ria quietly waited a few seconds before she spoke. "Lady Akasha it is so kind of you to ask. Father is doing well. He sends his regards, but wonders why you have removed him as your herald."
Akasha smiled gently as she responded. "Well I felt it was time for me to take a hands on approach to my interests. I remember how close you were, and I assume you still are. I expect that even with your closeness, Issa still personally handles a lot of his affairs."
Ria shifted her position slightly. "I suppose you are right. So when and where would you like to meet with father?"
Akasha reached over and handed the faculty phone to Ria. "Why don't you call him now. I am free all day since I need to let my students regain their strength."
Ria bristled at the casual way Akasha just assumed Lord Shuzen would drop everything and come to her.
"You may wish to remind him that two of his daughters are here and I am sure he would enjoy a little family reunion." Akasha smiled and stood up, as she did, Akasha took out a small piece of paper and writing a number on it handed it to Ria. "I don't understand all of how it works, these new fangled devices, but I have been shown how to access the, what is it they call it, voice-mail, yes voice-mail. I can access it from one of the school phones. Ria, that number is for you and you alone. In fact you can let him know that I will be available for a week. That should give him plenty of time to clear his schedule enough to meet with me."
Ria let a bit of a smirk cross her face as she thought how feeble Akasha's feigning ignorance of technology was. Sure the woman may be a few years behind but no one as sharp as Akasha was would willingly allow herself to remain behind the times. At least Akasha had the decency to follow some of the protocols.
"I will let Lord Shuzen know, But don't you think Castle Shuzen would be more appropriate."
Folding her hands across her lap, Akasha responded. "Not only is it inappropriate, as long as that woman is there I would be a fool to set foot on the grounds."
Fully understanding just who Akasha meant, Ria began to understand Akasha's choice to be here. "I see your point Lady Akasha. I will use that phone now."
XXX Youkai Academy Cafeteria. Graveyards.
As they continued to finish lunch, Tsukune noticed the look in Moka's eyes as she watched someone walking past the lunch room. He was about to ask her about it when she relaxed again. As Tsukune quietly ate, he glanced over at Kurumu, and saw the pained expression on her face, that she quickly hid behind a forced smile. Standing up Mizore waited for Kurumu and Kyouko before the three of them left the others. A little later Yukari and Kokoa also left leaving Moka alone with Tsukune. Tsukune wasn't sure of what to make of it, but he felt that he needed to take advantage of this time to be alone with Moka. Standing up also from the table, he asked Moka to come with him to the training room.
After the two of them took a seat on the mats in the training room, Moka saw the pained look on his face, but waited for Tsukune to speak first.
With a bit pain in his voice. "Moka I just don't know what to do. I can see it in her eyes, the pain every time Kurumu looks at me. It hurts to see my friends in so much pain, and even though she hides it well, I know Mizore must be hurting as well. I love you so much and they know I have chosen you. How do fix this? How do we heal them?"
Tsukune scooted over to Moka and leaned up against her as she wrapper her arms around him. Moka with her arms wrapped around Tsukune, laid her head on his shoulder.
"Don't worry Moka, I love you. I won't leave you. I was so happy to make so many friends. And somewhere along the way you went from being my friend to being a part of me. Now our closest friends are suffering, and it looks like we are now going to lose one or more of them."
While Moka and Tsukune were in the training room, Kyouko followed Mizore and Kurumu outside and over to one of the small graveyards that dotted the grounds around the school. Kurumu walked over to one of the headstones. Looking over at her friends she began to speak through clenched teeth. "I know I should be happy for them. But every time I see them together it feels like a knife is slicing into my gut. What am I going to do?"
Kyouko stepped up next to Kurumu, wrapping an arm around the young succubus. Mizore walked over to the other side of Kurumu also wrapping and arm around her. The three of them stood there in the graveyard, tears rolling down their faces. Wiping her face, Kurumu put a sad smile on her face. "I don't know what I would do without the both of you."
XXX Castle Shuzen
Issa had been sitting in quiet contemplation after finishing his talk with Ria over the phone. Looking around the room the weight of the last six years began to bear down upon him. His beloved Akasha was now living under the shelter of Mikogami Tenmei, one of the three dark lords. Two of his daughters were there as well and under her influence. His wife, Gyokuro held a hatred of humans that was far greater than his and was determined to start a war with the humans. And for now his adopted daughter and Gyokuro's child were following her into this war. Yes the Shuzen clan was on the verge of collapse. At least he had Ria. She would stand by his side no matter what happened.
With great reluctance Issa had agreed to Akasha's demand to meet with her on the school's grounds. As much as he would have preferred to keep Akasha waiting a day or two, Issa decided that moving quickly would safely get him out of the castle while Gyokuro was still preoccupied with Fairy Tale. Ever since Alucard had been destroyed from the inside out Gyokuro had been in the foulest of moods. Yes now was a good time to leave.
XXX Youkai Academy Administration Offices.
Ruby had already informed Mikogami of Lord Shuzen's arrival. Mikogami was beginning to wonder if allowing Akasha to reside here had been a deal with the devil. Shaking his head a bit he finished up the preparations he had begun after he was informed of the scheduled meeting. Looking around the conference room Mikogami drew upon his Youkai aura as he infused the glyphs with power.
Walking out to the front office Mikogami located Ruby. "Ruby, would you be so kind as to see to it that Akasha and her guests meet in the conference room. It has been prepared to restrain Youkai release. If things become heated it should prevent a disaster."
Bowing her head Ruby left to do as her master desired.
Dressed in a dark blue suit with an off white shirt and powder blue tie, Shuzen Issa walked in to the conference room with Sekitan Ria on his left. Dressed in a dark charcoal gray, Ria waited until her father was seated before she took a seat herself. Seated across and to Issa's left was Akasha, and to the right Mikogami.
"Akasha, I am glad you are doing so well." Issa began. "Now do you care to explain just why you have removed me as your herald." The anger in his voice could be heard in his words.
Akasha spoke but one word. "Gyokuro".
Issa glared at his mistress, or should he say former mistress. "Need I remind you why you made me your herald in the first place."
Akasha leaned in. "And need I remind you just who wanted that monstrosity kept instead of destroying it like I asked you to. I spent six years trapped thanks to her and that beast. As long as that woman is at your side I will have no choice but to retain all of my authority until I can find a suitable herald, and I will be removing my daughters from the Shuzen clan. I am sorry Issa, but my daughters must be kept far away from that woman and her organization Fairy Tale."
Akasha paused for a few seconds then continued in a much softer tone. "Issa kun, I know you don't want to hear this, but you need to remove her from your life, and keep Ria, Akua, and Kahlua close to you. If you don't, I truly fear what she will drag you into."
Issa couldn't believe what he was hearing. Did she believe that he would throw out his wife for his mistress. It had to be Mikogami, him and his coexistence project. Yes he thought, that's what is causing this. And yet what he knew about Fairy Tale did give him pause.
Issa looked over at Mikogami. "And just what do you have to say?"
Mikogami, with a pair of glowing eyes under the hood of his robe, smiled. "Of course Akasha has my support. That should go without saying. Shuzen Issa, need I remind you that your under my jurisdiction while at this establishment."
At Mikogami's words Issa started to release his youkai aura only to feel the power of a seal. Glaring at Mikogami he shouts. "How dare you."
Mikogami began to laugh. "You can relax Issa, none of us can release in this room. You can be angry if you want to be, but I can relax knowing none of us can release. So kick back and relax."
Issa stood, up the tension visible in not only his eyes, but the way he held his body. Backing away from the table he spun around preparing to leave. "Akasha this is not over. You can not hide behind Mikogami forever."
Akasha rose up as well, moving towards the door. "Issa I do not hide behind Mikogami. Have you forgotten just who you are speaking to. Must I use my authority to strip you of your holdings? If you attempt to touch either of my daughters that is exactly what I will do. You may have fathered them, but they are my children, and I will protect what is mine." At the very last of her words, Akasha stepped out of the room, and removed her rosario. Standing just a couple of feet past the the threshold she stood waiting.
Shuzen Issa, motioning for Ria to join him walked out the door facing Akasha his former mistress. As he did Ria put a hand on his arm. "My lord remember where you are, and what is behind you as well as what is in front of you." Ria whispered to Issa.
It took several minutes before Issa's temper cooled down. He knew that he was standing between two dark lords. And in the back of his mind he knew now was not a time to fight.
Standing in front of Issa, her hair turning silver, red flecks appearing in her eyes, Akasha spoke once again. "Issa kun, I do still care for you, that is why I am asking you to separate yourself from Gyokuro. It is her that I have my quarrel with. And if she does what I think she is going to do, I will seek to have her executed."
He couldn't believe what he was hearing. The woman that he had rescued from Alucard so many many years ago, that he found to be such a gentle soul. "What happened to you, why this venom towards the Shuzen clan"
Akasha's mouth hung open for just a second "What happened to me? You have to ask. Alucard thats what happened to me. And my anger isn't towards the Shuzen clan. It is directed solely at Gyokuro and Fairy Tale. It is her that wanted that beast. It is her that wants to wipe humans off the face of the earth. She wants a war Issa. A war. Do you think for one second that I will stand idly by while she does this? I am Akasha Bloodriver, Dark Lord and leader of the Council of Vampires. Oh yes I was your mistress for awhile. I bore two lovely daughters while you were my lover. And for a short time I allowed you to be my master and handle my affairs. Know this Shuzen Issa, I am not asking you to come to me, or to beg me to come back to you. I am asking you to remove a poison from within the ranks of the Shuzen clan. And I am asking it not for my sake, but for yours. I never said I would come running to you if you removed her. But I can say I will never do so as long as she is by your side."
Issa was stunned by the force and emotion flowing out of Akasha. He felt the waves of her youkai aura building up as she spoke. He could see in her eyes that to some extent she still cared for him, but what showed when she spoke of Gyokuro was the closest thing to hate he had ever seen in her eyes. Issa knew he needed to get far away from this woman and think. So very much depended on the choices he would have to make in the very near future. For he could see, that when it came to Gyokuro his wife, Akasha would no longer bend. There was a razor sharp edge to those words, and the strength of steel binding the emotions in them. And Issa also knew any move on his or anyone else, even her dear friend Mikogami against Moka or Kokoa would be dealt with severely. And it was that last thought that terrified him the most.
Bowing to Akasha, Issa his voice somewhat subdued. "My Lord, I shall return to my lands to contemplate upon your words. I give you my word of honor that I will not willingly attempt to harm your children." Something deep inside him chaffed at having to say those words, but she was his ruler. And with that, Shuzen and Ria left the building As he walked down the hall, he saw Akashiya Moka, and a Vampire youth, hand in hand stepping out of some classroom. On their faces as they stepped out, was a look of some worry directed straight towards the administration building he had just left.
XXX Youkai Academy Training Room.
While Moka was holding Tsukune in her arms, they both felt the sudden rise in youkai aura. Even though it wasn't that close by, they could tell it was something massive, and the feel of it was very, very familiar. Quickly they rose to their feet, and exiting the training room, hand in hand, they looked towards the administration building. On their faces was at first worry, then a slight showing of relief as the massive spike of youkai had dissipated.
As they stood there, Moka suddenly tensed up and stopped as she saw that it was her Father and her step sister Ria walking down towards them. Moka went down on one knee and pulled Tsukune down with her as well. All sorts of thoughts began to race through her mind as her father approached. And next to her Tsukune gave a bit of a bewildered look towards Moka before turning his head back towards the two approaching vampires. The power in both of them could be felt like a wave of pressure that flowed just before them.
Moka broke the tension as she spoke. "Father, what brings you here?"
Issa stopped just in front of his daughter and the young vampire with her. "Rise child. I was here to speak with your mother. I am sure she will have some things to tell you, but first care to introduce me to your companion."
Moka knew she had to be careful, she could feel the implied threat that she shouldn't be with some unknown vampire in such a romantic way. "Father this is Aono Tsukune. We have been training together under mother. While he isn't yet as strong as I am, he is progressing quite well, and mother feels he will surpass me in strength and speed, unless I am devoted enough to keep up."
Issa took another close look at the young vampire. "So he is a pet project of Akasha's." Issa wondered just what all was going on around here. "Akashiya Moka san, I have to leave now, and the Dark Lord Akasha has some things to discuss with you." leaning in a bit. "Be sure and ask her why you will not be returning to Castle Shuzen anytime soon."
Moka could hear and feel the anger coming off of Shuzen Issa as he spoke about her mother. What could have happened between them she wondered, but she knew now was not the time to ask. She could sense that her father's pride had taken a blow, and now he was very dangerous indeed.
Issa, motioning for Ria to stay close by his side, and with a wave of his hand he dismissed Moka and Tsukune, then continued to walk on out of the school. Once his back was to Moka, he allowed a tear to roll down his face.
Moka and Tsukune stood motionless as they watched Shuzen Issa, Moka's father walk down the hall and out of the school building, before finally turning towards the administration building. They could still feel the flares of youkai coming from the administration building even though they were much weaker and muted compared to that first flare.
XXX Youkai Academy Administration Building.
Akasha had been standing there in the front office of the administration building slowly getting her emotions and her youkai under control. She was frustrated by and furious at Issa. And she was angry at herself for letting her emotions get the better of her. Standing there looking at the door to the office, she was a bit surprised, but very relieved when Moka and Tsukune came running into the front office of the administration building. Wiping a tear from her face she asked them to join her in the conference room. Walking into the room, she knew she had a lot to tell not only her daughter, but the young man with her. For seeing the way they looked at each other, it was time to tell them just how she came to be what she is.
1. Council of Vampires. This shadowy organization is the ruling body that presides over and passes judgment on all vampires. Within the Council itself that rules over all vampires, there are smaller councils that handle matters for their specific area. As well as being one of the three Dark Lords, Akasha was also the head of the council. As head of the council it is primarily her will unless faced with overwhelming opposition that can decide most matters. However even Akasha has to be mindful of the views of her fellow vampires unless she wishes to provoke a coup.