CH 29

In their studio, Fuji Jun sat at his keyboard making notes. A grin came to his face, he had to see how his secret song sounded. Looking around, he made sure no one else was here, then sat down at his keyboard, set it to harpsicord and began to play and sing his song.

Tune is ; The Addams Family

They're scary

and they're lusty

and one's a little busty

every - one is so lusty

The Aono Family!

They live upon witch hi-ll

go there you'll get a thri-ll

or maybe a chi-ll

the Aono family!

Their house is a muse-um

where people come to see-em

you're sure to sound a scre-am

the Aono family!

They really are not evil,

just sexual upheaval

sex organs made of ste-el

the Aono family!

You're welcome where they're mi-red

Virginity not required

they all act like they are wi-red

The Ao ... no... Fam ...i ...lY!

Jun sat back and smiled. Yup almost there, a little more tuning of the lyrics and then he would have a good tune that he didn't dare let anyone listen to. Kurumu might think it was funny, but then again, he had seen her angry and did not want her angry at him.

.

Apollo had been spending a lot of time with Kahlua. So much so that it wasn't until the 'doll' indecent that he realized his granddaughter Mizore had stopped talking about her wedding, and seemed to be latching onto Tsukune.

Making a special point to talk to her, Apollo went looking for her. Following pointing fingers, he ended up in the large kitchen on the first floor. Seeing Taka in the kitchen, he asked if she'd seen Mizore.

Taka pointed to the walk-in freezer and said, "She went in there about an hour ago."

"Thank you," Apollo said, then went over and opened the door. Inside, Mizore was laid back, reclined on a shelf with her back up against frozen packages of meat.

Lifting her eyes to him, Mizore said, "You're letting the cold air out, shut the door."

Apollo went in and sat down across from her. "I thought you'd be married by now," he said, trying to sound off hand.

"Umm," Mizore grunted as she shut her eyes.

"Was it that whole thing with the doll a few days back?" Apollo asked concerned.

Mizore opened one eye and looked at him. "What are you talking about?"

"Did something happen with you and Ren? Did Tsukune have anything to do with it?" he asked gently.

Mizore hugged herself, her face turned hard. "No," she said clearly.

"Mizore, look, if Tsukune did anything to ruin your weeding plans with Ren..." Apollo stopped as Mizore turned her head to stare at him in a flash of anger.

"Say nothing bad about Tsukune!" she warned. "Tsukune is my special friend. He would never ignore me, he would never betray me, and even though he does love others, he would NEVER run away and try to pretend I didn't exist."

Even though she was telling him all about Tsukune, Apollo picked up on what she didn't say. "Why did Ren leave you?" he asked. "Was it because of ... that doll?" He avoided mentioning Tsukune again.

Mizore turned her head and closed her eyes. "It is over," she stated.

By the way she was hugging herself, he knew he'd hit a nerve. He also figured that Tsukune was somehow behind it. "Mizore, please tell me what happened," he asked.

"Please ask Taka come get me at eleven. I have to watch the children so Kurumu can go to her band practice," Mizore said in her flat tone.

Apollo let out a huff. Mizore obviously wasn't going to say any more. Getting up, he paused at the door. Casting his blue eyes sadly upon her, he said, "Mizore, I do care about you. I just want to see you happy. If you have a problem, please share it with me. I will do everything I can for you."

Mizore ignored him. He left and decided to talk to the maids.

The story was becoming clearer. Minori had found Mizore frozen solid in a dressing cubicle. Through a combined effort, they had gotten her out. Minori also remembered a note Mizore was gripping as she'd frozen herself in there. Tsukune had the note.

Tracking down Tsukune, Apollo found him in Ruby's office, gong over some paperwork with the witch. Knowing Ruby was a very busy woman, Apollo sat in her waiting room, arms crossed and tapping his foot in irritation as he waited for Tsukune to emerge.

Ruby's door opened. Tsukune appeared, looking back into the room. " I'm seeing the Mayor later today. I'll let you know if the Mayor will agree to that. Have a good day, Ruby!"

Apollo shot to his feet. As Tsukune turned and saw him, Apollo stated, "Talk. Outside. Now!"

"Ahhh, OK," Tsukune said, looking confused.

The instant they got outside the school building, Apollo said, "Tell me about Ren."

Taking on his own hard look, Tsukune stated, "Ren is gone."

"Gone as in left, or gone as in dead?" Apollo asked, eyed him.

Tsukune reached into his suit jacket pocket and held out a crinkled piece of paper. "This will explain," he said heavily. "I keep it to remind myself every day that Mizore needs support."

Apollo took the paper and read Ren''s message last message.

"We thought he was under a spell, or was charmed by a succubus," Tsukune explained. "But no, he left Mizore for some girl he'd been lusting after for a long time."

"Where is he?" Apollo grated in a deep tone that told of someone about to feel his wrath.

"Don't know, don't care, as long as he's not around here," Tsukune stated. "My concern is Mizore. She was deeply hurt by him. She'd frozen herself into a block of ice. If Minori hadn't found her, she probably wouldn't have survived."

"He needs to be punished," Apollo said firmly.

"He got the hint he's not wanted," Tsukune assured him. "After Moka slapped him a good one, Yukari cracked a pan on his girlfriend's head. I doubt we'll be seeing any more of them. Do us all a favor, just let him go. He's not worth the trouble."

"I want my crack at him!" Apollo said, glaring at Tsukune.

Tsukune shook his head. "No, leave it alone!" he shot back. "Mizore needs support right now, a lot if it. What we don't need is a crazed Yokai attack in some city! Look, Humans are still nervous, as are many Yokai. Yes, we've made great strides in cooperation and trust, but not enough. If you break down the door of some Human's apartment and beat him to death, that will look bad for ALL of us!"

"I cannot let this go unpunished!" Apollo roared.

Tsukune shook his head. In a softer tone, he said, "I think I know why your attempts at bringing peace to all the races failed. For a while, I was sure it was Kobayashi undermining you. He probably did, but he only took advantage of your temper to make things worse. Apollo, please listen to me. We can't fix things by ... impressing our will on others. Mizore is hurt, I know that. Ren is a scum bag, I know that too! Trust me, he'll hurt someone again, and he will pay for it. Forget about him, and focus on helping Mizore."

Apollo eyed Tsukune. "So are you going to marry her?"

"What?" Tsukune asked, surprised by the question.

"From everything I know, Mizore is holding tightly onto you, and she may be pregnant. Are you going to make her part of your harem?"

The way he said it ruffled Tsukune. It was like Apollo thought he was taking advantage of Mizore. "I was hoping Mizore will meet someone decent to have a family with," Tsukune replied.

"That can't happen unless you kick her out of bed and give her a chance to do so," Apollo said, eyeing him.

Tsukune was becoming angry, as was Apollo. This wasn't good, especially out in front of the school building. Forcing himself to calm down, Tsukune said, "I know you're angry at what happened to Mizore. I didn't do it to her. Whether or not you believe me, I do care a great deal about Mizore. If she needs me, I will not refuse her."

"If Mizore is pregnant and I find out it's yours, we're going to have another talk," Apollo said firmly.

"I'll let you know if and when," Tsukune replied staring back at him.

They parted, stomping off in different directions.

.

Not long after Tsukune left Ruby's office, Kurumu showed up insisting she had to talk to the witch about something vital. Ruby allowed her in, pausing at her work.

"Kurumu-san, you needed to speak with me?" Ruby asked.

Face set in determination, Kurumu nodded. "What happened to that doll that was causing trouble?" she asked firmly.

"Don't worry, it's gone," Ruby assured her.

"Where?"

Thinking Kurumu didn't believe her, Ruby said, "We bound the spirit in the doll, poured a concrete block around the doll, then threw it far out into the ocean. Trust me, it won't be back."

Kurumu's face twisted up in frustration. "Which way did you throw it?" she asked.

Ruby raised an eyebrow. "Why do you ask?"

Tightening her fists, Kurumu clenched her jaw and said, "Because I need it back!" Pleadingly, Kurumu said, "Tsukune has been very ... meek ever since that episode, and I ... I WANT MY TURN!"

Ruby pursed her lips together. Covering her mouth with a hand to hide her grin, she said, "I see. Well, it's gone. I'm sure Tsukune will recover."

"Can't you please tell me which way you threw it?" Kurumu begged.

Ruby shook her head. "It's gone," she stated. "I have work to do, so if you will excuse me."

Kurumu let out a whine and wandered out to leave Ruby to her duties.

.

Tsukune was happy to find out the Yokai police were performing very well. In a traffic accident, the Minotar, Hoshiko Nakasato, had shown his true form to rip a car open to rescue a badly injured woman. Hana Kamabie, a mermaid, had dove into the river to bring a man and his young son to shore after their boat overturned. The biggest rescue that was all over the news, was Kurumu saving that man from a fall to his death. In the TV interview with random people about that incident, everyone swore to buy Kurumu's records and attend her concerts to show their gratitude.

Tsukune had to wince at hearing Lord Shuzen was paying all the taxes on Witch Hill. He was sure that Moka's father would present him with a very large bill. It did however, give him some breathing room until Moka could create and manage businesses. Talking with the Mayor on what services the city could use, Tsukune got a list to see of what Moka could do with it.

The one thing Tsukune was curious about was the cute young secretary that stayed by his side the whole time he was in City Hall. She had no note book, or any seemingly official duty. He finally asked the bubbling girl why she was here.

Beaming Tsukune an adorable smile, the girl said as a blush came to her face, "Lord Aono, I volunteered to be your assistant. We know you have 'needs', so please, feel free to take some of my blood if you need to."

He didn't even know this girl. Apparently word was getting around about his 'nips'. "I, ahh, am fine for now," Tsukune replied, staring at her.

"Yes, but I am here just in case you need, or want to," she said sweetly as she as she pulled her collar to one side.

"Thank you," Tsukune offered.

"I will be my pleasure," the girl assured him.

.

Kurumu puzzled on what to do on her way to band practice. That doll had to be some place! She desperately wanted one of those full days with her and Tsukune wrapped tight together! Dreaming about the wonderful, lusty time they could have, she didn't watch where she was going and didn't notice a utility pole until it was right in front of her. Crashing into it head-on, she thankfully missed the wires on her fall to the sidewalk.

"Owww!" Kurumu winced, ready to cry as she held her head, sitting on the sidewalk.

"Are you all right?" a man asked, hovering over her.

"We'll call for an ambulance," the woman beside him said firmly.

"No, no, I'm OK. Just ... help me up please," Kurumu said, ready to cry in frustration.

The couple helped her to her feet. Kurumu then noticed the store they were in front of. Wet suites, fins, masks and bottles of air were all marked with price tags.

THAT'S IT! Kurumu thought. She was going to go scuba-diving and find that doll! She thanked the couple for their help, then went in the store to get what she would need.

.

Going to practice, sure that her plan of recovering the doll would work, Kurumu greeted her band to find Jun in the office, rubbing his forehead in worry.

"Is it that Iwasaka woman again?" Kurumu asked, knowing she could be a real pain.

"No," Jun said as he looked up at her, "We may be sued."

"For what?" Kurumu asked, shocked.

"I got a call. We played the song, 'I won't back down' in Tokyo," he said heavily. "We did not have the rights to it, or permission to perform the song in public."

Kurumu frowned at him. "But ... we needed a time filler, and we'd already played everything else we knew," she complained.

"Tell that to the lawyers," Jun grumbled. Holding up a slip of paper with a number on it, he said, "You're suppose to call this number. By what I gathered, Tom Petty wants to talk to you."

Kurumu's eyes widened. "He ... wants to talk to me?"

"Yup," Jun said in a huff. "Maybe we can avoid a suit, so please be nice to him." Getting up, Jun handed her then phone.

Kurumu took the phone and the paper. Leaning on the desk, she read the number. Apparently they were upset that she had sang their song. Something like a lawsuit would be very bad for her band. Although she used the money they made to help Tsukune, she knew the other guys had to live off what they made. Something like this could take away all their money.

Sure she was going to get yelled at, Kurumu knew she had to call. She would endure the anger, apologizing for doing something so thoughtless to keep her band from suffering.

Kurumu dialed the number. As the phone rang, she braced herself for the worst.

"Yo?" a male voice asked.

"Mr. Petty-sama?" Kuruku asked meekly.

"Hang on. Yo, TOM! phone call."

"Tom."

"Hello, Mr. Petty-sama. This is Kurumu Aono," she said, being sure she used the given names first as they did in western culture.

"Ahhh! Kurumu Aono," he said slowly. "I was hoping you'd call," he said pleasantly. "You made quite the appearance in Tokyo."

"Ari... I mean, thank you, Mr. Petty-sama."

"I got wind of your concert, and decided to look you up. Seems like you made a big impression on the news. Gotta say, that newsclip of you flying to save that man... well, that was totally cool."

"Thank you, Mr. Petty-sama," Kurumu said wondering when the yelling would come.

"My lawyers are all hot over starting a law suit by you singing one of my songs. Tell me, your high school class really sang it when you graduated?"

"Hai, I mean, yes, Mr. Petty-sama. We had a very hard year, and it seemed appropriate."

"Got that. What's this 'sama' thing?"

"It is a proper ... addition to a name, like doctor, or 'honorable'. It means someone who is older and more experienced that I am. Someone who is above me and is to be respected," Kurumu explained.

"Wow, I see," he said with a chuckle. "Look, Kurumu, I don't think anyone is going to benefit from the lawyers making a ton of money because you sang our song. I'd rather see us both profit from it. You know, everyone in the states is interested in you. Hell, with that voice of yours, I'd say you're going to be the next Pat Benetar. Not to mention you're a real, live ... what are you anyway?"

"I am a succubus."

"No shit, really? That's awesome, never thought those were real. Anyway, instead of getting all legal with this, I think you if return a favor for me, we can settle this to both our advantages. Hell, I'll even give you full performance rights to that song. You interested?"

Kurumu perked up. "What did you have in mind?"

"We're scheduled for a concert in a few months in LA, then a week later in Houston. If you could see clear to come on over here and perform with us, I think we'd pack the house twice over. So, what do you say?"

Kuurmu wanted to scream, YES!. Bouncing up and down, she said, "Please hang on, then yelled "JUN! I need our schedule, NOW!"

"I'm sorry I yelled, Mr. Petty-sama," she said in the phone meekly. May I bring my husband?"

A laugh sounded over the phone. "Hell yeah. Anyone you want, but we'll use my band, that is, if you agree to come. So, do we put your name on the adds?"

"OH yes, Mr. Petty-sama!" Kurumu agreed eagerly.

"All right then. Have your manager call mine. We'll let them make the arrangements. Here's his number..."

Kurumu took down the number, thanked Mr. Petty profusely and wished him good day. The second she hung up, she balled a fist and belted out a powerful yell.

"YA-HOOOO!"

Jun ducked as the windows exploded.