CH 5
Saturday Moka and Tsukune went back to Tokyo to visit Tsukune's parents and see how they were doing as well as arraigned a Sunday dinner all together in Tokyo, then get caught up on MBI business. After the business meeting, they went back to the castle for more of Tsukune's training.
With Kurumu's and Mizore's additions, Tsukune worked at forming them faster and delivering a punch, kick or slash quicker. Going to each dummy that was set up for him, he raced around, destroying each with a different weapon. One he punched a hole through with ice claws, the next he slashed lengthwise with his long fingernails, then he formed an ice javelin to skewer a third. He was trying to keep up with Moka, who just ran past each dummy. It was tiring by the time he'd downed all 20 dummies that had been set up, but he was getting faster.
Taking a break with Moka in loungers as a new set of dummies were set up around the practice yard, Tsukune noticed Karasuba came over to them.
"Ashikabi, explain this to me," she said with a quizzical look. "Uzume and I are your guards, why are you practicing so hard at fighting? Are we not adequate?"
"It's not that, Karasuba," Moka told her. "Soon, probably around graduation time, my father is going to call for my prospective suitors to see who is worthy of me. That will entail sizing up potential suitors to see who are the best prospects. Part of that may include a physical challenge from one of them to Tsukune. If he is challenged, he must fight the challenger. No one can interfere. Tsukune must be able to put them down hard. If he shows any weakness, more will challenge him. Not only for my hand, but for MBI as well."
"It may not come to that, but I have to be ready in case it does," Tsukune added. "These exercises are to make sure I can shift abilities quickly, without warning. I can't go showing what I can do ahead of time, for it would give them warning of what I'm capable of."
"I would think ones who consider themselves royals, or Lords, would have champions to fight for them," Karasuba said.
"Vampires must show they are the champions," Moka told her. "When Tsukune goes, he will be allowed one guard and one servant, as will the other suitors."
"Myself and Ruby," Karasuba stated.
"Yes," Tsukune agreed. "And you'll be bringing your sword with you, and it won't be just for show."
Karasuba grinned broadly.
"And stick tight to Tsukune's side," Moka said firmly. "I will be there, but I will not be able to interfere with any of the suitors actions, or that of their guards or servants."
"What about a guard for you?" Karasuba asked Moka.
"I will be home and already have father's guard. I am going to take Uzume as my hand maiden. She will not be able to interfere either."
"I will be ready," Karasuba promised, and returned to helping setting up dummies.
.
That next Wednesday as Tsukune trained and they helped Kokoa with the school paper, a scroll was delivered from Castle Shuzen to Tsukune. Getting home after school, Uzume presented it to him.
"Ashikabi, this came for you," she said and held it out to him.
"Thank you, Uzume," he said. Tsukune then broke the seal and opened it, Moka looking over one shoulder Kurumu looking over the was a form letter.
Aono Tsukune,
You have been recognized as a suitor for the hand of my daughter, Moka. July 12th, I and my lovely daughter will entertain all of Moka's suitors and review what they have to offer to my precious offspring. All must come with only what they have to offer and are allowed one personal servant and one guard. Strict rules of proper behavior will be followed at all times. If you truly wish to care for Moka as she deserves, this is your chance to prove yourself.
Issa Shuzen
"It's a form letter," Tsukune said staring at it. "Issa send out form letters for something like this? His name was even typed at the bottom, he didn't even sign it!"
Moka smirked and said, "That's right before graduation. At lest we know when."
"Why a form letter?" Tukune asked vacantly. For something this big, he felt put out because he got a lousy form letter.
When he and Moka had their first child, Issa was getting notified with a form letter!
"There are most likely many copies," Moka explained.
"I am going to have to fight for you," Tsukune said, understanding it was inevitable. He also had no idea of how many suitors there would be. Seeing how he'd gotten a lousy form letter, there could be a hundred!
"Yes, you are. Dinner, school work, then practice," Moka stated.
Besides his practice at using every fighting form available to him, Tsukune also thought hard about the dowry. If it was not substantial, then he could well loose Moka due to that. Looking at his assets, he decided on 15% of MBI stock, that was worth billions of yen. He also had MBI holdings in many cities in Japan, beside the main Tokyo holdings. He picked Komatsu on the west coast, he owned 16% of all real estate in that city. That was worth Billions more. By the numbers he looked at, possibly a trillion. Enough to make Issa Shuzen rich if he didn't have any money. Hopefully, that would be enough to placate the greedy bastard.
Tsukune trained hard, every day. Harder than he had before, for this time, he could not let Moka down. The thought of Moka being taken away by someone else was just to heartbreaking for him to fathom.
Moka did spar with him, but armored herself up so Tsukune felt comfortable hitting her full force. An hour a day of sparing, then after Ruby fixed the walls he knocked Moka into, he'd practice making and using the gifts from his other women. He even managed a white cloth attack against a dummy that ripped it in half.
Another strategy was figuring out which enhancement to use against opponents. Ice Claws would be best against unarmored Vampires. Besides the initial damage, snapping the claws off in his opponent would cause excruciating pain as the claws melted. The fingernail blades had greater cutting power, and would be good against armor. Wings helped him dodge better, the cloths could do damage, but also pull his opponent to him, or with a whipping motion, throw them away.
Tsukune also practiced defense when sparing with Moka, then had Ruby perform magical attacks against him. Wings here also worked well with the Shield spell Ruby taught him. Blood-armor reinforced wings seemed impenetrable. Sword attacks by Karasuba using blood armored wings as his defense knocked him back, but did no real damage, even when she knocked him through the practice yard walls to skid for another 50 meters beyond.
Besides the Saturday visits to MBI, and the Sunday dinners with his parents in Tokyo, Tsukune spent every non-school hour training to ensure he fought his very best. This time, he could not fail Moka!
As they got ready for the final exams, Moka tutored Tsukune on proper manners and behavior at her Father's castle. Some things were obvious like showing respect and being courteous. Others were not. Items like announcing a formal challenge meant a fight to the death. The option of offering someone to 'step outside' to 'see what they were made of' meant a fight where the loser could admit defeat and live. In this case, once the loser admitted defeat, the victor was prohibited from any further attacks. It also meant the loser was removed from the suitor list. Assaulting another's servant was forbidden as was taking blood from someone elses servant unless it was offered. Assassinations were prohibited, and considered 'bad form' by suitors as well as cowardly by all vampires involved during the choosing of a suitor.
Neatness during live drinking of blood was expected. Blood slaves would be available, but to leave blood wasted on a slave's clothes or still dripping was considered rude. Opening squirting or letting blood spill was equal to barbarianism, and would get one ejected from the castle. Yet, killing the blood slave by taking too much was only being inconsiderate. Tsukune had to scratch is head at that rule.
Tsukune wrote everything down Moka told him, mainly because he thought some of the house rules were backwards, but he needed to obey them.
With the meeting of Moka's suitors coming up, Tsukune had a hard time studying for the finals. Knowing Kurumu was bad at testing, he still studied with her to drill facts into her head after their study sessions were over. Thankfully, Moka was helping her also. Yukari wanted to hypnotize Kurumu so she would remember, but Tsukune thought that was going a little too far.
.
Motosua Ichi also just getting out of a private high school, practiced his fighting skills. In the yard of his Father's mansion, he had fought 3 orges to the death, as well as a troll. The troll was tougher, but with the prize of Akashiya Moka in sight, he was willing to risk it all to have her, and his Father was eager to have a family bond with the powerful Shuzen clan.
Feeling pumped from downing the Troll, Ichi went into his Father's study. "I am ready," he announced. "Akashiya Moka will be mine."
Looking up from his paperwork, his Father cast him a brief smile. "That is good to hear. You have a solid plan to best Aono Tsukune then?" he asked.
Ichi scoffed. "I heard he is a lowly second born. I am more worried about that De Santis from Rome," he said with a fling of his arm. "He has more wealth, and is much older and experienced. By the way, Father, thank you for getting that list for me. I know who to prepare for."
"You do not," his father stated. "You are aware that monster Alucard was taken down, and the Shuzens rightly claimed credit for that victory."
"Yes, as they should," Ichi agreed. "That is one reason I want Moka as my wife, she was there fighting, and will help give us prestige."
"Do you know who is was who took Alucard down?" His father asked.
"I imagine it was Lord Shuzen himself." Ichi said.
His father leaned forward and shook his head. "No, The last one standing, the one who took Alucard down, who also beat another powerful vampire, was Aono Tsukune," he said firmly. "Do not underestimate him, and do not challenge him."
"Impossible!" Ichi spat. "How can a second born beat any pure blood vampire!"
"He did. How does not matter, the results do" His Father stated.
Scrunching his face up in distaste, Ichi stated, "I will not be bested by a mere second born! I will destroy him!"
"Ichi!" his Father barked, "Seeing how Aono is a second born, he has little chance of being taken seriously by Lord Shuzen. He will be out of the running if he is even truly in it. It is my guess the only reason Shuzen is entertaining his entry is the fact he did fight with them and did very well. Your advantage is not in your fighting skills but the fact you are pure blood and you will inherit your own piece of my company. Use your heritage and wealth, those are your assets. Aono's only hope is to get rid of the other suitors in combat. To wipe the board of anyone else. To challenge Aono is to fall into his trap! Focus on your assents if you hope to win Ahashiya as yours."
"I will use all my assets, Father," Ichi stated. He turned and strode out.
.
Testing day was bad enough. Tsukune's brain was fried after a full day of finals. Still maintaining her 'outer' appearance in school, Moka didn't look nearly as worn. Kurumu was sweating, hoping she passed. It would be very embarrassing if she didn't graduate and had to come back next year. Yukari only was hoping she got the highest grades again this year.
They would have to wait until tomorrow to find out.
Their coach was waiting for them beside the path just outside the school gates. Ruby was there with Uzume and Karasuba to hold the door for the schoolmates. Moka got in. Before Tsukune could join her, Ruby stopped him. "Tsukune, I must go help put grades together. Later I will teach you the water blast spell you can use. We'll study it tonight."
"Thanks Ruby," he told her. He was tired of studying but this was something he needed worse than the pan spell Yukari taught him. Bopping a vampire on the head with a pan might be distraction, but hitting them with a column of water was much more damaging. He got in and sat by Moka. This time, Mizore slipped in on his other side.
Moka cast him a sad look and said, "I have to leave tonight for Father's castle."
"I know. I'll miss you. We'll see each other tomorrow," Tsukune replied with a grin.
Moka clasped his hand. "I'll be looking forward to you winning my hand."
In a serious tone, Tsukune said, "I will not let you down, my love."
"Destroy the competition. I mean that," Moka said just as firmly.
Turing around, Karasuba said, "Moka, you and Uzume are packed and ready to go. Don't worry, Ashikabi will be ruthless. He will win."
The ride home was too serious for much banter. Tsukune and Moka's lives were on the line, and this time, Moka could be of no help to her blood mate at all. She also knew this bond was something she had kept from her father. He would not be pleased to learn of it. She was trusting to not have to reveal it, but to bond again in his presence with Tsukune. If she was forced to reveal their blood mating, it might turn out bad for them both.
Returning to the castle, Moka got out to glop on Tsukune and get a long kiss and share a long nip with him as Uzume loaded their bags in the coach.
Uzume had the bags loaded and was waiting patiently as Moka and Tsukune gripped each other tightly and drew from each other. After she was sure they had exchanged their entire blood supply at least twice, Uzume coughed. "Ahem! Moka, we need to go to get there at a decent hour."
Slowly they drew apart gazing into each other's eyes.
"On my life, I will win you. I have no other life otherwise," Tsukune said firmly
"I am counting on you, my Blood Mate." Moka said. Tsukune helped her get into the coach. A final smile shared, and Uzume drove out the gate.
"I will win you, no matter what," Tsukune said again with conviction.
.
The ride to her Father's castle was long and lonely. Moka was also very concerned about Tsukune being second born. With all Tsukune had done, how far he came from starting as a helpless, very plain human, to become a force to be reckoned with, her father seemed only to latch onto the fact he was not First born. If worse came to worse, she could refuse any suitor her father selected for her. To do that though, would force her into Kahlua's position. To be under he father's thumb until the day one of them died. She would never marry and have her own family. At least, not for a very long time.
Exposing that Tsukune was her Blood Mate was going to be her last option. Even so, she had already decided she would accept no suitor except for Tsukune. He was her Blood Mate, she would not betray him no matter the consequences.
It was dark by the time Uzume pulled up to the steps of castle Shuzen. Uzume helped her out then got their bags. Uzume showed the footman how the coach worked, then followed a maid with Moka into the castle.
Kokoa and Kahlua were there to greet Moka home, Kahlua squeezing Moka tight and spun her round and she cried, "Moka, you're finally home! No more school! You can stay and we can have all kinds of fun together!"
"And just think, Moka, in a couple days you'll have a real suitor!" Kokoa beamed. "You can watch them squirm and struggle to be the one for you!"
Getting her feet under her from Kahula's exuberant greeting, Moka cast a brief half smile and said, "Can't wait. This is Uzume, my personal maid."
"Pleased to meet you," Uzume said with a bow.
"Do you fight like Karasuba does?" Kahlua asked eagerly. "She is great fun to spar with!"
"Uzume is here just to be a proper maid," Moka told her. "She's not allowed to fight."
"Aww darn!" Kahlua pouted with a foot stomp. "Why didn't you bring Karasuba back? I like her!"
"She has other duties. I'm sorry, Kahlua," Moka offered.
"Father wanted to see you when you arrived," Kokoa said.
Moka nodded to her. To the maid she said, "Show Uzume to my rooms so she may start unpacking. Kokoa, lead me to Father."
Uzume nodded and followed the maid. Moka was a little nervous about why her father wanted to see her right away when she came home. She was sure it was about this meeting of suitors. When she got to his study, she found she was right.
.
"Ahh, Moka, you arrived safely, have a seat," Issa said pleasantly.
Moka said down and took the glass of blood wine the Fox girl servant offered. To start a conversation in a friendly tone, she said, "We had our final tests at school. Tomorrow I will know how I did. Graduation is in four days."
"I know you will do well," Issa assured her. "I also know that you show a high preference to Aono Tsukune as your suitor."
"He is my suitor," Moka stated.
Issa grew a tight grin and said, "That remains to be seen." Casting her a firm gaze, he said, "Moka, school life is over for you. We are talking about the rest of your life. Who you will be associated with, who you will choose as your mate. I know you do hold great fondness for Aono. I will be the first to say he is growing into a good man. A good man, is not good enough. Despite what you feel at the moment, I urge you to think long term. There is nothing saying you can't have your rendezvous meetings with Aono, such a thing is not uncommon, nor is it looked down on. Your Husband must be someone who can support and provide for you your entire life."
"And bring honor to the Shuzen name," Moka added dryly.
"Yes, that also. When these suitors come, look at each of them with that in mind. Love and affection may last a hundred years or so. Whoever you pick must be there with you for centuries. They must be strong and have a solid base," Issa said in a half-coaxing / half lecturing manner. "They must be worthy of you. Do not dismiss any of them off hand."
"They must be the best for me, as you see fit." Moka stated.
"If one of them is suitable, not even the best, I will lean towards your decision…" Holding up a finger, he added, "As long as you truly give every one suitable a chance. Can you do that?"
"Yes, Father," Moka replied firmly.
"I am glad to hear it. When they arrive, you will accompany me whenever I am with them, and you will have time with them alone. Talk to each of them, get to know them. Don't just look for simple characteristics, ask questions, feel them out. Find out their desires, their drive. Look for the one who best suits you," he explained.
"Understood, Father," Moka said simply.
"I want the best for you, Moka. I want you to want the best for yourself," he stated.
Moka offered Issa a smile. "I believe you, Father," she said sincerely. "I also want the best for myself. To prove it to you, I will make the case for who I want, and the details of why I want him. In front of others, if you prefer."
.
Tsukune spend much of his evening studying the water blast spell with Ruby. Thanks to Ruby's teaching him how Yokai energy was a vital part of spell casting, and how to draw up and use his yokai energy, he was able to do simple magic. Forming a shield only took will and focusing his energy and fixing it in place. Making a pan was the same, but instead of a barrier, he formed a untethered shape. The water blast was the first kinetic spell Ruby showed him.
Unlike a shield or pan that were formed in a single spot. The water blast Ruby cast to show him, she threw water out from beyond her outstretched hand with the force of a fire hose.
"The strength of the blast depends upon your will and energy," Ruby explained. "The duration depends upon how long you can concentrate and hold the outgoing energy. As your energy decreases, so will the strength and volume of the blast."
Tsukune nodded. Looking out of the now wet practice yard, Tsukune called up his yokai, focused on making a thick, high velocity stream of water and thrust out with his will. From his hand a thin stream of water looking like it was from a garden hose shot out, then weakened down to a dribble as he stared at it.
Wearing a smirk, Ruby said, "Don't be disappointed, Master, that was only your first attempt."
Tsukune knew he shouldn't have expected to cast a large fire hose show like Ruby had done, but he'd been hoping for something a little more impressive.
"Master, you did cast the spell, that was the hardest part. It will get stronger the more you practice."
That was true, but he had been hoping to have something useful ready to help deal with a challenger. From what Moka told him he was sure he was going to end up in a fight for her, and he could not lose. "I'll practice when I can," he said with a huff.
Kurumu made a very tasty dinner, and afterward made sure she was near him. Without Moka or Uzume to 'hog' her bed space, Kurumu snuggled into her place beside Tsukune wearing a sheer blue teddy. Karasuba also snuggled in on Tsukune's other side.
Irritated at the Sekerei for horning in on her 'private Tsukune time', Kurumu asked, "What do you think you're doing?"
With a deep frown at Kurumu, Karasuba hugged Tsukune to her and said, "Ashikabi is going to have a hard day tomorrow and needs his rest. You can stay, but leave him alone, he must get a full night's sleep!"
"Spoil sport," Kurumu grumbled. She kissed Tsukune goodnight and cuddled in tight against him.
Tsukune smiled at Karasuba, mouthed a 'thank you,' and closed his eyes to get some real rest.
.
"Ohhhh! I was hoping you were bringing Karasuba," Kahlua complained to Moka as they headed for dinner. "She is so much fun! And Mizore too, she likes to play tea party with me. I had a really good time when they were here."
Moka clasped Kahlua's hand. "I'm sorry, sister. This is a formal visit. I have to listen to the prospects desiring to be my Suitor."
Kahlua's face firmed up. She raised a fist up to her chest and said, "Do what I did! If they can beat you, then the can have you! You do not want a weak mate, Moka."
"I don't have a weak mate," Moka said quietly.
Kahlua tipped her head slightly. She leaned close and sniffed Moka's neck. Her eyes widened. Quickly, Moka put a finger to her lips. She knew Kahlua smelled Tsukune's blood on her.
Bending close and whispering, Kahlua asked, "Blood mates?"
Moka gave a slight nod.
Kahlua's eyes widened even further. "Ohhh!" she squeaked out. "Father will not be pleased!"
"As long as Tsukune is my Suitor, Father doesn't have to know," Moka whispered.
Wringing her hands with a worried look on her face, Kahlua asked, "Want me to assassinate all the others who want to court you? I can make sure Tsukune is the only one. I'll even hide the bodies!"
"I don't believe that will be necessary," Moka told her.
"Ohh, Moka! If Father doesn't pick Tsukune as your Suitor ... this could be bad!" Kahlua whined.
"I will ensure he does," Moka said, trying to calm her down.
"He could have Tsukune killed ... He could banish you, he could do BOTH!" Kahlua cried, balling her fists together in worry.
"Kahlua, we will handle it," Moka said firmly.
"Why would Father banish Moka?" Kokoa asked as she appeared from a side hallway.
"He won't," Moka said quickly, "Kahlua is just worried for no reason."
Folding her arms over her chest, Kokoa asked, "It's because you took Tsukune as a blood mate, isn't it?"
In a flash, Kahlua clapped a hand over Kokoa's mouth, then other behind her head. "Shhh! Don't say that out loud!" she cried. She then shook Kokoa by the head and cried, "You can't say that again, ever!"
As a wide-eyed Kokoa flailed and tried to pry Kahlua's hands off her, Moka hissed, "Kahlua, stop, you're hurting Kokoa!"
Kahlua dropped Kokoa to sit roughly on the floor, then turned to Moka and whimpered, "You can't let anyone else know!"
Kokoa got up and stomped off. Moka put an arm around Kahlua and "Calm down, please. Everything's fine."
A tear came to Kahlua's eye. "Ohh, it better be. It just better be," she whined.
Moka kept reassuring Kahlua it was as they headed for the dinning room.
.
Uzume had stayed with Moka up until dinner time. For Dinner there was a separation. The only servants allowed in the family's dinning room were the castle servants who were serving. Uzume had to go with the other servants to the dinning room off the kitchen the servants used. Some of the servants Uzume had seen, like the Fox girl, the pointy eared slim woman who was directing other maids, and a couple of the maids who worked for her. Some in white were kitchen staff. She also saw a gaggle of young women in red dresses with wide and low cut necklines, or strapless dresses. The group of 20 were sitting together at a large table. Unlike the other servants, they didn't seem to be doing anything. Their hair was done up and they were made up and their fingernails done like they should be guests.
A man who bore a wide, furry face that looked 'wolfish' in a waiter's formal suit strode up to Uzume. "Excuse me, who are you?" he asked curtly.
"I'm Uzume, Moka's personal assistant."
He looked her up and down, appraising her. "Are you referring to Akashiya, Lord Shuzen's daughter?"
"Yes. She said I have to have dinner down here."
With a grumble that sounded like a low growl, the man pointed over to the women in the red dresses, "You will eat with them. I take it you are here just for Akashiya. I will ensure you are not selected by any other guests."
Uzume eyed him and asked, "What do you mean? I came to be of assistance to Moka, not anyone else."
A large man looking thing came in sporting rough fur. "The punch bowl needs to be filled," he announced, and held up a five gallon pitcher.
All the women in red dresses stiffened. The wolfish looking waiter walked over and grabbed a blond by the arm and pulled her up.
"No! Not me!" she begged. He threw her face down on a narrow table and held her arms locked behind her with one hand. With the other, he grabbed her hair and pulled her head back.
"Noooo, please no!" the woman cried.
"It's your turn," the waiter intoned. The troll put the pitcher under her neck then produced a knife and slit her throat wide open. Eyes open in terror, she gurgled as her blood poured out and filled the pitcher.
Uzume stood gaping as the woman bled out and died. Her body was tipped up to drain it into the pitcher. Once the blood coming out was reduced to a drip, her body was turned upright and the waiter carried it into the kitchen. The other women in red dresses breathed a sigh of relief. The pitcher of blood was taken out to the family dinning room.
"They... just killed her!" Uzume cried in shock.
"They are the blood slaves," a short, green skinned maid nearby told her. "Many are criminals, some were bought, a few stolen. Their only use is to be bled out. Of course, once they are bled out to feed the Master and his guests, then we get to have their meat."
Uzume stared at her. "And he wanted me to be with them?"
The woman cackled, "If he can convince you to go, he will. Less he has to collect for later! With this party coming up, we're sure to go through at least half of them. Lord Shuzen will be furious if we run out, especially if there are guests here."
"I am Akashiya's assistant, not his," Uzume said firmly.
"Come over here and eat with us kitchen staff," the woman coaxed.
"Will that condemn me to the kitchen then?" Uzume asked.
The woman only grinned and said, "It's safer that joining the blood maidens."
"Thank you for the offer," Uzume told her. She left, deciding skipping dinner was her safest option.