CH 6
Dinner for Moka was as she suspected. Formal, with Issa proudly announcing that his little Moka was soon to become a woman of the world. He also reminded Kokoa that she needed to make herself known and respected.
"So who are these men who wish to be my suitors?" Moka asked.
Issa waved a hand and said, "Good men, all. One of them had initially wanted to be Kahlua's, but after she killed three of them, he decided she wasn't for him and withdrew."
"I will not belong to a weakling!" Kahlua stated in an aloof tone.
"He sounds intelligent, at least," Moka said with a grin. "Father, we do have graduation in three days. Kokoa and I will need to return to school."
"Yes. This will only be two days," Issa assured her. "Day one, they each will show us why they are worthy, complete with financial statements and connections. You will get to spend some time with each during that day and the next, then evening on the second day, we will determine your choice."
"We?" Moka asked.
Setting a firm gaze on her, Issa said, "Of course. I cannot let you make an inexperienced decision on something this important! Remember, our family honor is at stake here, Moka."
Moka pursed her lips together, then asked, "Then may I make pre-conditions to whom may be eligible?"
Issa grew a grin and said, "That is proper thinking Moka. What minimum requirements do you demand?"
"My Suitor MUST have his own company, and not rely on his parents," she stated.
"Of course!" Issa eagerly agreed.
"He must be serious enough about me to offer a dowry worth at least a 1 billion yen." she stated.
Issa grew a smile, "I agree! I do not want a cheap-skate as a son-in-law."
"He must prove to be able to take care of his family." Moka stated.
Issa paused and eyed her. "I am not sure I understand. Do you mean coming from a good family?"
Moka shook her head. "No, I mean that he is able, and willing to help his own family in whatever they need."
"I am not sure how we can measure that, but that will be a consideration," Issa said cautiously.
"That is fine, Father, but I want to know he is one who has proven to take care of his own," Moka told him. "There is one last thing that I will require, no exception allowed. Any who have a problem with it, will be immediately rejected."
Issa leaned forward at her seriousness, eager to hear her demand.
"The one who is my suitor MUST be my Blood Mate."
Kahlua gasped and clapped her cheeks. Kokoa's mouth dropped open in shock.
Issa frowned. "Moka, that is much to ask..."
"That is my requirement. If they cannot blood bond with me, then I reject them!" Moka stated. "Do you agree, Father?"
Issa stared at her for a moment, then his lips curled up into a grin. "I see. You will not settle for just a mating, you want his everything, total commitment."
"That is correct," Moka stated.
Issa nodded. "That may scare a few of them away, but that is a good way to clear away the chafe," he agreed. "Only those who are willing to be completely devoted to you will be left. Very well, that will be a requirement.
Moka smiled. Unwittingly, her Father had just agreed that the only one who could be her Suitor was Tsukune. Was he ever going to be upset when he figured out her strategy.
.
Early in the morning, Karasuba made sure Tsukune was up and getting ready with her. In selecting her clothes, she wore her fighting robes and packed her spare set. Ruby, also up early, had Tsukune's suitcase packed and has his suit laid out before he got out of the bath.
Kurumu did do her part. She woke up right after Tsukune got out of the shower. Kneeling on the bed, she called him over. "Tsukune, come get a good long nip," she said, waving him over.
"I don't need that much…" he began.
Kurumu quieted him with, "Today, you do! You don't know who you'll have to fight, and you might not be able to have a good live drink tomorrow, so take extra. I don't want you weak for lack of blood!"
Tsukune sighed and said, "If I take too much, you'll pass out."
"Then I pass out!" Kurumu stated. "I'll just lay in bed all day! I want you at your strongest so you come home with Moka like you should be doing. Come here." Again she motioned him over. When he was in front of her, she cupped the back of his head and tipped her to pull him to her neck.
Tsukune sank his fangs in and drank. Her eyes fluttering, Kurumu softly cried, "Ohhh yes, let your sexy Kurumu feed you."
Tsukune took a long, slow drink from her as she gripped him tight. After a few mouthfuls, he licked her neck clean as she kept her tight hold on him. He laid her down. Kurumu moved her head to look at him and kissed him deeply. It was one hell of a kiss.
Tsukune swore she drew something out of him, then breathed it back in. Whatever she did, it made his knees go weak momentarily and gave him a major woodie. An Iron Teak Wood that was so hard it hurt.
"Promise to return to us," she said with watery eyes.
"I promise," he assured her as his mind spun from that kiss and his groin relaxed some so it didn't hurt..
Kurumu returned a placid smile and closed her eyes. He wasn't sure if she passed out or fell back asleep. Maybe a bit of both. He covered her up and noted Karasuba had their bags.
Ruby was waiting in the small second floor lounge she had converted into a magic room with a large pentagram on the floor. They stood on the pentagram. Ruby cast her spell, and their surroundings changed.
.
Tsukune, Ruby and Karasuba appeared standing in the courtyard of Castle Shuzen. Ruby grabbed the bags from Karasuba.
"I am the servant now, You're the guard," Ruby reminded her.
Karasuba nodded. They followed Tsukune to the entrance. A skeletal footman came over and asked, "Who are you?"
"Aono Tsukune, these are my servants, Ruby and Karasuba. Lord Shuzen is expecting me," Tsukune stated.
The skeleton covered in skin bowed and said, "Follow me, please. I will show you to your rooms."
Tsukune expected to see Moka, or at least one of the family to greet them. Going inside, he was led off to the right down another hallway. The skeleton man opened a door to a well appointed sitting room. "These rooms are yours, Sir. Your suite is here on the right, these other rooms are for your servants. After you are settled, you may bring one servant with you to visit with Lord Shuzen and Lady Akashiya. When you are ready, come to the Foyer, and someone will escort you."
"Thank you, sir." Tsukune replied. The skeleton footman left.
"The briefcase?" Tsukune asked Karasuba.
Karasuba opened his bag and handed him the briefcase. Tsukune sat at the table in their common room and opened it to be sure everything for the dowry was inside.
"Master, I will put everything away while you're gone," Ruby announced.
"Thank you, Ruby," Tsukune replied and shut the briefcase. He stood up, looked at Karasuba and said, "Remember, your sword is for defending yourself, or me ONLY if someone attempts a sneak attack. Do not speak to anyone but me, and any challenge to me, is for me alone. You must not interfere."
Karasuba shifted in place. "It will not be easy, by I will go by your word, Ashikabi," she said firmly.
"If you prefer, you can stay here," he told her.
"No, I will stay as close to you as possible."
"Let's go then. Stay to my right, and half a step behind," he instructed.
Tsukune went back to the foyer to see Kokoa looking bored. She noticed him and frowned. In a serious tone she said, "Tsukune, there are real, adult vampires looking to fight for Moka's hand. You should go home."
"Not without Moka," Tsukune said firmly.
"They could kill you!" Kokoa hissed.
"Possible. I will not leave without Moka," he stated.
"You're an idiot!" she spat. "Fine, follow if you dare!"
Tsukune followed Kokoa out to the back patio where to the left, Issa and Moka sat, with a maid beside Issa, and Uzume standing behind Moka. A tall eastern European man was talking to Issa. To the right were some tables, where a couple other men sat far from each other with their servants.
" … I am serious about your beautiful daughter, Lord Shuzen. I will challenge ANY man who wishes to take such a lovely creature from me!"
In a calm tome, Moka asked, "So, you have your own company?"
"I run my own business, with nearly 400 workers and servants, yes!" he stated.
"You are willing to blood bond with me?" Moka asked.
He paused. "If that is what you require," he said, not near as loudly. He then saw Tsukune stop 20 feet away, waiting his turn. "And I will remove ANYONE who dares threaten my claim on your perfect person!" He stepped back and asked Tsukune with a sneer, "Is there something you want, boy?"
"Yes, and you're in my way," Tsukune stated. Shifting his attention to Issa, Tsukune bowed and said, "Lord Shuzen, I have brought the dowry," he said, indicating his briefcase.
"Keep it, BOY!" the man spat, "You hand that over to Lord Shuzen and I WILL challenge you!"
Tsukune eyed the man. He was the classic Dracula - looking vampire with the widow's peak hair, black cloak lined with red and old style suit. "Then wait on the grounds, I'll be with you momentarily," Tsukune replied.
Walking up to Issa, Tsukune bowed and said, "If it were possible, Lord Shuzen, I would give you everything I have to secure Moka's future. However I do need to keep enough to ensure Moka lives the life she so richly deserves." He handed Issa the suitcase. "Please feel free to inspect my offering while I take care of some other business…"
"I WILL KILL YOU BOY!" the other vampire raged.
"I have yet to hear a challenge, young Lord Schakowsky," Issa said as he took the suitcase. He nodded to Tsukune and said, "Go ahead, I shall wait."
Tsukune turned and motioned to the grass beyond the patio. "Shall we?" he asked.
"I will give you one last chance to live!" the vampire spat. "Walk away NOW!"
Tsukune shook his head. This vampire's voice was compelling, and he did sound frightening, but this was for Moka. In a cold tone he said, "You are trying to take my Moka away from me. I, Aono Tsukune challenge you for Moka's hand. Fight, or go away."
"Lord Schakowsky, the challenge has been made," Issa announced. "What is your answer?"
"I accept, you FOOL!" he raged and strode off the patio.
Tsukune left the patio as well, and removed his Holy Lock to stick it in his pocket. This was another vampire, one who wanted Moka. As his yokai grew, his hair paled and his veins turned black and his eyes formed the red cat-eyes slits as he bulked up. He sneered at the vampire. He wanted to kill him.
"Ashikabi…"
"STAY THERE!" Tsukune spat at Karasuba, not taking his eyes off his opponent. His opponent did change some. Tsukune noted he had no wings nor claws. His fingernails did lengthened some, and his fangs grew. That was it. Tsukune stopped walking parallel to him, and moved to the right.
"So, big man, you said you were going to kill me? Do it!" Tsukune snapped. He added, "Or are you afraid?"
With a roar, his opponent raced straight at him. Tsukune ducked and punched out, his clawed fingers flat. His opponent's grab at him missed. Tsukune's hand sunk his finger length into him. Tsukune quickly twisted to the side as he grabbed flesh and flung the other vampire to the side. As the other vampire flew, Tsukune raced after him. The other vampire got his footing, Tsukune grabbed him around the neck with his bloody hand and his head with the other. With a hard yank, Tsukune tried to break his neck.
Swinging an arm hard, the other vampire knocked him away and ripped his own throat open in the process from Tsukune's clawed hand tearing away flesh. Tsukune recovered and charged in again. Young Lord Schakowsky roared in pain and anger and moved to punch him. Tsukune kicked him low in the ribs with a straight kick the shook the vampire's frame and knocked him back.
Two things were apparent right away to Tsukune. This vampire was a little older and stronger. His injuries did heal. He also had not been training to fight, which gave Tsukune an advantage.
"Given up now old man, or DIE!" Tsukune roared, showing his fangs.
"ARGHHH!" Schakowsky answered with and charged again. This time it was a flash, the vampire was instantly in front of Tsukune. Having no room to swing a punch of a kick, Tsukune head butted him square on the face, then followed it up with a hard shot up under his chin. The vampire's attempt to grab him in a choke hold missed. His arms flailed as he was lifted off his feet to land on his back. He immediately shot back to his feet.
Tsukune's fingernail blades came out. Again, Tsukune charged in, the other vampire swung a hard fist. Tsukune slashed his arm off, jumped as he passed, and swiped at his neck. He felt the resistance as four blades in his fingers passed though the vampire's neck. The vampire's body fell just beyond. His head rolled a dozen feet farther.
Tsukune eyed the corpse and the blood soaking the grass briefly. He then turned to the two sitting and watching. "ANYONE ELSE" Tsukune roared as he paced in front of the two. "I asked, is there ANYONE ELSE?"
The two watched Tsukune with blank faces. Neither spoke up. Stalking back up the patio, Tsukune returned to stand in front of Issa. "Lord Shuzen, I will die before I let anyone take Moka from me."
"Impressive," Issa said and returned looking at the map that was in the briefcase. "All this land in Komatsu you offer, it appears to be almost a quarter of the city, with docks and seaside apartment buildings."
What? Buildings? Tsukune had to rearranged his thinking. Tsukune out his Holy Lock back on. Calming down and shifting his mental track to the dowry, he said, "Not quite, Lord Shuzen. It's only 16% of the properties in the city. I know you have interests there, and that is all good, income producing land. The certificates in there are 15% of MBI's stock. I would have to get the latest property values and stock prices, but the figures from two weeks ago, what I offer is worth right around one hundred fifty billion yen."
Issa nodded and said, "This is a serious dowry. I take it you have no trouble honoring my daughter's demands?"
"In a heartbeat. Whatever Moka wants, Moka gets," Tsukune stated.
Issa cast him a brief smile and said, "Yet, you are not first born. Can you tell us why my Moka should settle for you?"
Tsukune stated, "I am the one who holds Moka dear. Not because she's a Shuzen, not because she is the prettiest woman I've ever see, but because I truly know Moka as the best person I've ever known. Because I am nothing without her. No other will live for Moka as I will. No other will do whatever it takes to please her. I do not see her as a prize as others do. I see her as someone to be cherished. And unlike the bragger who I just dispatched, I have the power and the will to ensure Moka's happiness."
"I see." Issa said and rubbed his chin. "I do have a question, if choosing you causes Moka to be banished from this household, how would you feel about that?"
"I will do my best to console her and ensure she will still be able to see her sisters, but if you decide that, that is on you, Lord Shuzen. Not me," Tsukune stated.
"Ohhh Tsukune!" Kahlua cried happily and wiggled in place from where she was watching.
"Moka?" Issa asked, "Do you have any questions for Lord Aono?"
Moka grew a smirk and asked, "Do you treat family well?"
Tsukune returned her smirk and said, "Family is sacred. If they need help, it is my job to assist however I can."
"What about Blood Mating?" Moka asked.
"For a true bonding, I deem it necessary," Tsukune said, looking into her eyes.
Grinning, Moka said, "I do believe you are in the running, Lord Aono."
"Thank you, my dear lady," Tsukune replied and bowed to her.
Tsukune would love to stay right here by Moka, but he knew once he pleaded his case, he had to withdraw and let others have their chance. Looking down at himself, he noticed blood spatters on him. "Lord Shuzen," he said formally. "Is there anything else I can do to offer my sincerest desire for Moka's hand? It appears I have dirtied my clothes. I wish to retire to freshen up some."
"You did get some blood on you," Issa replied, and pointed to his forehead where he'd smashed that other vampire's nose. "You have made your case, you may retire to clean up."
"Thank you, Lord Shuzen," Tsukune said with another bow. To Karasuba, he said, "Come." He left, Karasuba in her place beside him.
.
Motosua Ichi eyed Aono and his sword woman as they left. His own Dowry offering was a measly 2 million yen, and for how fast Aono had butchered that other vampire, he knew his father was right, there was no way he was going to beat Aono in a fight. He didn't know what type of yokai Aono was before he was changed, but it wasn't any of the weak yokai. Aono was fast and deadly. From Aono's huge dowry offering that he was sure no one could match, and Aono's sincere sounding words to Ahaskiya, the only way to get rid of Aono was to coax someone else to kill him.
The one beside him, Taro from southern Japan hadn't offered much more of a dowry and had insisted Shuzen's daughter was his by right. Perhaps he could convince him to take on Aono in a challenge. More were coming, it was still early in the day. He had his rabbit girl slave fetch him another blood wine and pondered his strategy.
If it came down to it, he'd use his last resort to get rid of Aono. He was going to have Akashiya Moka, no matter what.
.
"You were awesome, Ashikabi!" Karasuba beamed proudly as they entered Tsukune's rooms. Seeing Ruby perk up, she added, "Ruby, Ashikabi slaughtered the one who challenged him! Boom, Boom, Boom! He didn't even give the guy a chance to strike back!"
In a more subdues tone, Tsukune told Ruby, "I wanted him to back away from his claim to Moka. He wouldn't, so I killed him."
Ruby got up and inspected Tsukune. "As you should do," she replied. I'll get you another set of clothes and clean those while you clean up. Master, you will most likely have to fight again."
A knock came at the door. With a grip on his sword, Karasuba answered it. "Yes?"
The door opened farther, knocking Karasuba back and Kahlua burst in. "That was great! Tsukune you showed them!" she announced.
Being knocked back, Karasuba had her sword drawn and was ready to attack. At the last second she recognized Kahlua. "Kahlua! I almost cut you down, don't do that!" she barked.
"Hi Karasuba!" Kahlua said happily. "Wasn't Tsukune great out there? So manly taking out that whiner, and oh, so romantic laying his claim for Moka!"
Zipping over to Tsukune, Kahlua hugged him and spun him around. "Ohhh, you make my heart just flitter with joy!"
"Flitter?" Tsukune asked, confused by the assault.
Letting him stumble back on his feet, Kahlua said, "Yeah, you know, beat really fast?"
"She means flutter," Ruby supplied.
"Right, flitter!" Kahlua agreed. "Anyway, those other two didn't offer nearly as much for a dowry, WAAAY under what Moka is requiring, and I bet they learned their lesson in trying to challenge you. So, can Karasuba play with me now?"
"Ahh no, sorry. We have to do the full two days of this … suitor thing," Tsukune told her.
"Ohh!" Kahlua pouted and stomped a foot. "That's not fair!"
"I'm sorry," Tsukune offered.
"Kahlua," Karasuba said, "Ashikabi is right. I have to stay by his side. I would love to play with you, but we need to make sure Moka comes home with us first."
"What about after it's over?" Kahlua asked hopefully.
"We need to return to school," Ruby supplied.
Casting them a deep pouting frown, Kahlua asked, "Can I come with you?"
"You'll have to ask your father," Tsukune said with a shrug.
"Then, I will!" Kahlua stated and strode out.
Karasuba shut the door behind her.
"That was unexpected," Tsukune grumbled.
"Kahlua's mind is like a child, Master," Ruby reminded him.
"Yeah I know. I better get changed." he agreed.
Tsukune went in and gave his clothes to Ruby for cleaning, wiped himself down to make sure no more blood was on him, then was getting dressed when Karasuba stuck her head in.
"Ashikabi, that bony guy is here again. He's got three ragged women with him.'
.
Tsukune looked at the women kneeling in a line in his common room. "Three slaves and a pot of gold?" he asked.
"Yes, Lord Shuzen said that since you killed him, everything Lord Schakowsky brought, is now yours. The gold was his dowry for Moka, these women were his slaves. Lord Shuzen will take them if you don't want them, he could use more blood slaves."
"Blood slaves?" Tsukune asked.
"Yes, slaves to bleed out and supply blood for the guests."
Tsukune stared at the bone man. It was take these slaves, or let Issa kill them. "I'll find something for them to do. Tell Lord Shuzen he can keep the gold as part of Moka's dowry."
"As you wish, Lord Aono." the footman said, bowed and left.
Tsukune felt a headache forming. He didn't want any more slaves. He also wasn't about to let them get killed, either. Rubbing his forehead, he told Ruby, "Get them cleaned up and into some decent clothes. See if you can find out where they are from. I'm going to see who else I have to deal with."
"Yes, Master."
He motioned to Karasuba, she fell into step behind him as they left. Heading back out, he noted Moka and Uzume coming inside.
"Lord Aono, please accompany us to the library," Moka said.
"As you wish," he told her and offered her his arm. She slipped her hand under it. "So, how are you and Uzume holding up?" he asked.
"Better, now that you removed that egomaniac. Uzume is rather hungry though. She hasn't eaten anything since we've been here," Moka told him.
Tsukune looked over at Uzume. "Why not?" he asked.
Uzume frowned and said, "If they don't want to enslave me, they want to drain my blood and eat me, that's why!" she grumbled.
"There are snacks in the library, we're going to raid them." Moka said.
"Good idea." Tsukune agreed.
"There is good news," Moka offered. "Watching Father, he is seriously considering you as my suitor. No one so far has came within a decent percentage of the dowry you offered, and I think he was surprised at your intensity when you told him why you wanted me. No one else is anywhere close to your net worth either."
"What every it takes, Moka, I'm taking you home," Tsukune said firmly.
"You will be. I have a few cards to play as well," she said, grinning at him.
.
Outside, Kahula sat in the chair Moka had evacuated and asked Issa, "Daddy, after Moka gets her suitor, can I go to Tsukune's house and play with Karasuba and Mizore?"
Issa eyed her and said, "Kahula, You rejected all your suitors. I have explained this before, grown women do not go out alone. With no suitor and no mission, you have to stay home."
"But Daddy, they are really fun!" Kahlua complained.
"I'm sorry, dear, but rules are rules. If you have a suitor to accompany you, that's fine but you don't, and you have done a very good job of driving them away."
"Ohhh!" Kahlua whined.
"Everything you do is your own choice, dear," he reminded her.
Folding her arms under her beasts, Kahlua looked down and pouted. She had to figure out a way so she could go play at Tsukune and Moka's house!
.
Out on the patio, more suitors arrived. One young vampire offered a measly million yen, and a promise to work closely with Issa. Issa stood up and backhanded him.
"You DARE come here and offer such a … pittance for my daughter? LEAVE before I have you butchered for your insolence!" Issa roared at him.
The young vampire got up. Angry, he stormed out.
The next one in was a chubby Italian. He bowed to Issa. "Lord Shuzen, I am Fausto De Santis, From the De Santis family in Rome, I am sure you have heard of us?" he offered.
"I have done business with your father," Issa agreed with a nod of his head.
Fausto handed Issa a thick envelope and said, "I offer all my Naples properties to show my sincere wish for the hand of your lovely daughter. This will give you more holdings in Europe to help spread your wealth and give us closer ties in our mutual endeavors. Such a joining of our houses will benefit our families greatly." Taking in Kahlua, he added, "Your daughter is lovely indeed."
"This is my daughter Kahlua, It is Moka you are seeking," Issa told him. "She will be returning shortly."
Fausto nodded. "Then I shall wait eagerly for her arrival." He turned and took a seat with his busty, dark haired servant in a bright peasant blouse and knee length skirt. A classic Italian beauty with dark brown eyes. She went over to the bar and got him a drink. Noting the pair of young vampires also waiting were eyeing him, he accepted his drink from his servant and raised his goblet to them. "I would urge you both to acquire some wealth and fame before you attempt to gain the hand of a daughter of Lord Shuzen."
Ichi cast him a smirk and said, "I trust you are in for a fight then?"
Fausto grinned and raised an eyebrow. "Are you challenging me?" he asked.
"Not I, Sir. There is a second born who thinks his strength alone is enough to seize Moka's hand. I must admit, for a second born, he does have some skill," Ichi replied. "Perhaps an older and wiser First Born shall teach him a painful lesson."
Fausto grinned, "He sounds like a fool. Is that him?" he asked indicating Taro.
"Are you calling me a Second Born?" Taro asked heavily.
"Are you?" Fausto asked.
"I am not!" Taro replied angrily.
"If you are not, why do you anger so easily?" Fausto asked.
"The Second Born is currently refreshing himself from his encounter with another suitor, who's body was taken away recently," Ichi supplied. "To defeat this one will take more than strength and speed. I am sure an older vampire could defeat him, though."
Fausto let out a snort and said, "As I said, young vampires should grow some, perhaps in wisdom also, before they seek great prizes such as a daughter of Lord Shuzen. You have raised my interest about this second born, however. Thank you for the information. Would you like to sip from my servant Gina? Her blood is very tasty." He winked at Ichi. He also didn't mention Gina bore a slow poison in her system that didn't harm humans, but made vampires very weak and easy to kill.
"Thank you, for the offer Sir, but I am fine."
"You're the one missing out on a rare treat. So be it." Fautso said with a shrug.