CH 7
Uzume finished off everything edible they had found in the library. Moka took this time to be with Tsukune, just enjoying each other's presence. It was not lost on either of them that for all Tsukune's training and Moka's planning, something might go wrong.
"May I ask what cards you have to play to ensure we're together?' Tsukune asked Moka as Uzume chowed down and Karasuba watched the door.
"Father doesn't know we're blood-mated. If he will not see to have you as my suitor, I will inform him of such," Moka said firmly, but in a low voice. "And if he cannot accept that, I will disavow my self from this household, and be by your side anyway."
"Moka," Tsukune said, gazing at her.
Moka hugged him and whispered in his ear, "Tsukune, I want to be with you as much as you want to be with me. I will throw my heritage and everything else away if that's what it takes. If it come to that, we may have to fight our way out."
"I love you, Moka. Let's hope it doesn't come to that." Tsukune told her gently.
"I am. I am also ready to do whatever I must to come home with you, my Blood Mate."
A belch from Uzume made them look at her.
Uzume blushed. "Excuse me," she said with an impish grin.
Begrudgingly, Moka had to part from Tsukune to return to her father's side.
Tsukune waited a few minutes after Moka and Uzume with a full belly now had gone before he headed back to the patio himself. He also noticed another man headed for the patio. By his suit and his suited, deeply tanned servant with long black hair and carrying his briefcase, he was western. American or Northern European, Tsukune guessed.
"Ashikabi, how many of them will you have to kill?" Karasuba asked in a whisper.
With a huff, Tsukune replied, "We'll find out. I will kill whoever I have to for Moka's hand."
"It's a shame I can't help," Karasuba grumbled.
"If things go bad, you might have to slash a few people up. Let's hope it doesn't come to that," he told her.
Tsukune followed the man out to the patio to hear part of the man's pitch to Issa.
"… I also have my own IT company as well as a good sized house, Sir," the man bragged. "The stock I offer is worth $500,000, which in yen, comes out to about 55 million yen and a little extra."
Issa nodded. "A little low for Moka's requirements, but perhaps you can make up for it in other ways, Mr. Johnson," he said pleasantly.
Tsukune found a table apart from the others to sit at. He heard Moka ask, "Are you willing to blood mate?"
Johnson paused. Stiffly, he said, "If that is what you require, M'Lady."
Tsukune had to grin at his hesitance. He also noticed the pudgy guy was eyeing him. He returned the man's stare.
"Terrance, do you support your family?" Moka asked.
"We all support ourselves," Johnson said proudly.
"So what do you do say, if your parents need help?" she asked lightly.
"If they needed something, I would lend them however much they needed," Johnson replied.
The man eyeing Tsukune got up and came over to his table. He felt Karasuba stiffen. "Relax." he told her.
The man sat down across from him and leaned his elbows on the table. "I am Fausto De Santis. You are?" he said.
"Aono Tsukune," Tsukune replied. "Behind me is Karasuba, one of my servants."
Fausto gazed at Karasuba and nodded to her. "Greetings, my dear. You are a pretty one, Mr. Aono here has good taste."
Karasuba didn't reply as she looked down her nose at him.
Fausto grinned. "She is a serious one, yes?"
"She is," Tsukune agreed. "Karasuba takes her tasks very seriously."
Waving a finger, Fausto said, "You have a good servant there. You both should be proud."
"What did you want?" Tsukune asked.
Casting Tsukune a serious look, Fausto told him, "I can see you are a young man with fire in his eyes. I do not mean to offend, but are you this second born?"
"I am," Tsukune stated.
"I see," Fausto said. Leaning closer he said, "Normally, if we were in my country, I'd have you hunted down and killed. This is Lord Shuzen's land, and for whatever reason, he allows such. As I said, I can see the fire in your eyes. To even be here today, you must have been working hard to prove yourself. Now while I do not smile on second born vampires, I do have to admire your drive. I will make you this offer." He motioned to his servant and added, "I have three more, just like Gina there. We both know your chances of acquiring the hand of Lord Shuzen's daughter is slim, through no fault of your own. I will give you these four servants. All are pretty and hard working. All you have to do is give up your attempt to be Moka's suitor." Waving a finger again he said, "Do not answer now! Tell me of your decision tomorrow. If you walk away, you will save yourself and Lord Shuzen possible embarrassment, and you still get to return home, whole, with a prize. I am giving you this chance out of respect."
Tsukune leaned towards him. "Fausto, correct?"
"Yes."
Firmly, Tsukune said, "I do appreciate what you are trying to do, it shows you are an honorable man. I am taking Moka home with me. I will kill anyone who stands in my way."
Fausto cracked a grin. "I see. As I said, we will speak of this again tomorrow after you have had time to think about it and reconsider. I also kill to get what I want, and do it frequently, but not if I am not forced to. We will speak again. Consider your options carefully, Tsukune." He then got up and went back to his own table.
Tsukune sat back and took a drink. He noted the others at their tables were paying attention to the conversation. Johnson, who was done talking to Lord Shuzen, stood nearby eyeing him unkindly.
"You, a Second Born, dare to come seek the hand of Lord Shuzen's daughter?" Johnson asked in a growl.
"Yes," Tsukune stated, returning his stare.
"That cannot be allowed!" Johnson announced with a sneer. Whipping a arm out at the grass beyond the patio he said, "I challenge you! Accept or crawl away like the worm you are!"
Tsukune got up. To Karasuba he said, "Watch my seat."
Johnson grew a grin as he paralleled Tsukune's movements off the patio. "It will be a great pleasure to destroy one such as you!" Johnson snapped.
Watching Johnson closely, Tsukune said, "Jump, froggy."
Johnson rushed at him with a high kick. Tsukune's fingernails shot out. He ducked and whipped out with his long nails to cut Johnson' foot off as it shot past low over his head. The foot flew onto the patio and knocked over an empty chair. Before the flying foot hit the chair, Tsukune spun low and whipped out with the other hand to cut through the leg supporting Johnson just above his knee. Tsukune danced back as Johnson collapsed.
Shocked, Johnson stared at his stumps.
"Destroy me, I'm waiting," Tsukune said evenly.
"You BASTARD!" Johnson roared. His face scrunched up He re-grew his foot and leg, then shot himself up at Tsukune.
With a flap of his wings, Tsukune shot up over Johnson, slashing down to rip long trenches across Johnson's shoulder blades. Upon landing, Tsukune withdrew his long nails.
"Give it up and go home and I will spare your life," Tsukune stated loudly.
Red faced in rage, Johnson pulled a pistol from his jacket. Tsukune flashed to the side as Johnson shot. Johnson's arm was still extended when Tsukune grabbed it. Tsukune twisted his arm and pounded Johnson in the face with rapid punches using his full Yokai.
Johnson wailed out an angry yell as the rapid hammer-blow punches crashed into his face. He punched back, hitting Tsukune's shoulder and his side, trying to break Tsukune's hold on him. Tsukune made his hammering fist grow ice as he crashed it into Johnson's face. The counter hits from Johnson were getting weaker as his face steamed and he howled in pain. Tsukune pounded his face to literally cave the bubbling flesh and bone in. Once Johnson was too weak to return a hit, Tsukune let go of Johnson's arm to flash behind Johnson, grabbed his head on the sides in both hands, then pulled and twisted. Johnson's neck gave out a soft popping sound. Before he could regenerate, Tsukune quickly planted a foot on his shoulder and tore Johnson's head off.
Standing fully upright, Tsukune tossed the head behind him. "Anyone else?" he asked.
No one replied except Fausto. He clapped with a big grin on his face.
Tsukune returned to his seat and bowed to Fausto. Fausto raised his glass to Tsukune in return.
"Tsukune, that was great!" Kahlua cried and ran over to hug him tightly again before he could sit. She then pushed him back to arm's length and announced, "Fight me next!"
"What!" Tsukune asked, gaping at her.
"Yes!' Kahlua beamed, "Fight me next! You better beat me good!"
"Kahlua!" Tsukune cried in shock. "I'm not going to fight you."
"Awwww please?" she begged.
"Kahlua!" Issa barked sharply. "This is not a game nor entertainment! Leave him alone!"
With a stomp of her foot, Kahlua whined "Yes, Father." She released Tsukune and went back to her seat, pouting.
Fausto laughed and said, "THAT would be very interesting match to watch."
Tsukune rolled his eyes.
When Kahlua plopped herself back down in her seat, Moka quietly asked, "Why do you want to fight Tsukune?"
In a quiet whine, Kahlua said, "I want to go to your house and play."
"Father is right, this is serious," Moka admonished. "This is not the time to be playing!"
"Ohhh!" Kahlua whined in a pout.
.
Lunchtime came, and no other suitors did. Returning to the dinning hall for lunch, Issa called on five Blood Slaves to service their guests, and one for himself. Fausto and the others thanked Issa and took long nips from the women. Tsukune Nipped from Karasuba.
Seeing Tsukune hug Karasuba as she hugged him and held his head in place while he got a short drink from her, Fausto asked, "Tsukune, May I ask why you do not use one of those Lord Shuzen so graciously supplied to us?"
Tsukune licked Karasuba's neck clean then offered him a brief smile. "I don't feed from someone I don't know."
"Or is loyal to you?" Fausto asked.
"That too," Tsukune agreed as he sat down.
"So, you would not take a tasty nip fro Gina here? She is quite delicious."
"I am sure you are correct, but no thank you Sir," Tsukune told him.
Fausto had to admit, this Tsukune had brains. That was a very good defensive tactic to keep someone from poisoning you. He had done that to one of his rivals. He feed a Gina the poison, then offered her in friendship to his rival. His rival took the offering and drank from her. He only lived a few hours afterwards, Fausto send a human hit man to finish him. This Aono had some smarts to him, as well as strength. Someone had been teaching him. Someone who was a vampire. There was no other explanation of how Tsukune Aono, a Second Born, could be so savvy. Tsukune was very familiar with the Shuzen household. Little pieces were falling together.
Fausto also noted that Moka cast a few looks and smiles at Tsukune when she thought no one was looking. He also caught Kahlua's conversation with the sword wielding Karasuba, as well as her plunging hug into Tsukune. It was becoming fairly obvious either her or Moka had been training Tsukune for today.
"Karasuba, you have to go back after this suitor stuff is over?" Kahlua asked in a plea.
"I'm sorry, Kahlua, we do. My Ashikabi must be there for graduation, and I am his guard. We will have to spar some other time."
"That's sad," Kahlua said in a pout. You are one of the very few who can keep up with me."
"You showed me a good time as well," Karasuba agreed. "Duty first, then play time."
Kahlua perked up and asked, "How about you, Uzume?"
Uzume shook her head. "I must accompany Moka. I also must return with Moka. She is graduating also."
Moka spoke up. "I believe we've established they can't stay, Kahlua. Please stop bothering them about it."
"Where's the purple ice girl?" Kahlua asked. "We had fun playing tea party."
"She had to stay home, she has other duties," Moka told her.
"That's why I want to come to your house," Kahlua stated. "So many people who like to have fun there!"
It suddenly clicked with Fausto. They all knew each other, very well. By what he heard and saw, he had a good idea Moka was already living with Tsukune. No wonder this second born was so fierce in his bid for her hand. He didn't know if Lord Shuzen was aware of this fact, but it explained many things. It was possible this meeting with suitors was an attempt by Lord Shuzen to get his daughter away from the Second Born.
Fausto figured a little treachery was in order here to give himself the best possible outcome. He noted two other young vampires were eyeing Aono with more than just a touch of hatred. He planned on using this to his advantage.
As lunch broke up, Fasuto noted that Young Motosua jumped at the chance of escorting Moka though the gardens. Being a lady of proper breeding, Moka allowed him the time to speak with her. He also noted Yamada went to a sitting room. Fausto followed him. When Yamada sat down to frown at his drink, Fasuto slid into the chair across from him.
"It appears that second born is gaining significant ground with Lady Moka," Fausto commented.
"Disgusting, isn't it?" Yamada replied in a grumble. "It should be one of us!"
"Agreed, but he is more than wiling to kill for her, and he is quit skilled," Fausto said in a musing tone. "If he can wipe us out, then he gets her by default."
"He fights like one many times his age!" Yamanda grumbled.
"True, but there may be something that can bring him down," Fausto replied.
"Can you?" Yamada asked.
Fasuto shrugged. "Maybe, with the little helper I have." He pulled a baseball sized glass globe out of his pocket. "Holy water," he said with a wink. "No matter how strong or fast, this will bring him to his knees."
Yamada cast him a surprised look. "It is dangerous even carrying that around!" he exclaimed.
"It is. No guts, no glory, boy," Fausto told him. "It's not critical for me to acquire the silver haired lady for my collection, I already have a good working relationship with the Shuzens. However, you do not as of yet. Being able to win Moka will give you much status, will it not?" he asked as he played with the globe.
"What are you saying?" Yamada asked, eyeing him.
Fasuto shrugged and said, "Perhaps with the right motivation, I might part with this equalizer, if the price is high enough."
"Aono is fast. What if I miss?" Yamada asked.
"Then make sure you don't. Say, offer a handshake before the challenge begins, then hit him with it." Fausto said. "You may damage your hand, but he will be damaged much worse. Take him out while he's screaming in pain."
"Why don't YOU do it?" Yamada asked.
"Like I said, I don't need Akashiya. From what I learned of you, you do if you wish to attain any real status. I'm in it for the profit, boy. And right now, I see this is an opportunity to make some profit and help a fellow First Born," Fausto replied. "Interested or not?"
Yamada stared at the globe for a moment, then asked, "How much?"
"What do you got?"
The negotiation was on.
.
Moka walked through the garden with Ichi, hand under his arm like a proper lady. She listen to him tell her abut his family business, and his spacious rooms at his family home, as well as his wealth of 5% of MBI's stock. She was not impressed.
"You have loyal servants?" she asked.
"I do. A Personal maid, the rabbit girl who came with me, and four of Father's best servants at my command," he assured her.
"They are not truly yours then?" Moka asked.
Becoming frustrated with Moka's cold reception to his accomplishments, he asked, "I must know, what does this Second Born …. Abomination have to offer than I, a first Born, cannot provide?"
Moka cast him a sly look and said, "You don't want to ask questions you will not like the answer to, Sir."
They were coming to the archway at the end of the path where Tsukune and Karasuba just happened to be at, admiring the flowers. Moka knew he was keeping tabs on her.
"I have wealth!" Ichi stated. "Five percent of MBI is a very significant holding!"
"Any you live at home?" she asked with a smirk. "Not very impressive."
"Do not make fun of me," he warned.
Moka let go of his arm. "You are becoming rude," she stated.
"And you have no idea of the real world!" Ichi stated. "I demand to now, what that … insect can do for you that I can't!"
Moka growled, "If you must know, Tsukune owns MBI. As far as his living quarters, he has a mansion on top the MBI building and has provided me with a castle to live at while I am in school. You should be careful WHO you call an insect. Maybe you'll find one in the mirror."
CRACK
Ichi slapped Moka hard enough to turn her head.
"KNOW YOUR PLACE!" Moka roared and kicked him hard to send him sailing into the stone block wall separating the garden to break through it and land on the other side.
Ichi went to get up and found Tsukune, fists balled, glaring at him.
I challenge you," Tsukune growled.
Ichi got up and backed up a step. With a sneer, he said, "You don't need to, I don't want that irritating bitch!"
A fast round house from Tsukune send Ichi flying back.
"I challenge YOU!" Tsukune roared. "Not for Moka's hand, but YOU, TO THE DEATH!"
Ichi backed away. Issa, Fausto and a couple servants appeared in the hallway.
"What is happening here!" Issa demanded.
Tsukune pointed to Ichi who was backing away from him. "THIS WORM yelled at Moka and slapped her, I DEMAND SATISFACTION!"
"The challenge is made. Motosua, how do you answer?" Issa called out.
"I will not lower myself to fight a second born!" Ichi spat with fear in his eyes.
Issa replied, "Aono, kill him!"
That was all Tsukune needed to hear. He shot forth in a flash and punched Ichi hard in the chest with a shot that boomed and echoes in the hall, Knocking him back down the hall to fly past Issa, Fausto and the servants. Ichi hit the wall at the end to crack it. Tsukune flew past the onlookers, chasing him. Ichi got up to have Tsukune kick him hard, sending him down that hallway to the courtyard.
Tumbling outside, Ichi got up to fight. Again Tsukune's angry face was right in front of him. Ichi punched out, it was knocked aside and Tsukune hit him with an uppercut. Ichi only flew partway across the courtyard, but was met with another hard kick before he landed. Sailing up in the air gain, Ichi's world spun. He saw he passed over the outer courtyard wall, and was falling down into a deep gorge where a river ran through. He was going to fall in running water, a sure and very painful death to vampires, and there was nothing to grab onto as he fell. Ichi screamed out his impending doom until he impacted the water.
Standing in place until he heard the splash, Tsukune turned to go see how Moka was. He ignored the dimming wails of pain as Ichi was taken down river. Issa was first out the doorway as Tsukune strode towards him.
"He's dead?" Issa asked.
"Will be soon. He fell into the river," Tsukune responded.
"A fitting end for one who would strike my Moka," Issa stated. Issa noted that Fausto and Yamada had also came out to see what happened. "It appears the field is dwindling," Issa noted aloud. "Tsukune, do you want their slaves, of should I let the kitchen have them?"
Knowing the fate those girls would have if Issa took them, he said, "I'll take them. My castle needs a good cleaning crew."
Issa laughed.
Fausto eyed Yamada. Yamada nodded. Someone had to show this second born a lesson in humility!
.
Tsukune had his official time with Moka. Tsukune walked with Moka on his arm, Uzume and Karasuba right behind them. In the garden, Ruby joined them.
"Master the two left are plotting against you," Ruby warned.
"I'd suspect such," he said, unconcerned.
"They have holy water!" Ruby hissed.
They all stopped. "That is by no means fair!' Moka said. "You saw it?"
"I did when I was scrying on them," Ruby stated. "It's in a sealed globe. Yamada has it now. He traded some paperwork to De Santis for it. He put it in his right side jacket pocket."
"Thank you, Ruby. Go back to our rooms, don't be seen," Tsukune told her.
"Shall I dispatch him, Askikabi?" Karasuba asked.
Tsukune shook his head. "No, I must deal with them. Be very wary of dirty tricks, like backstabs, poisoned offerings and anyone getting too close," Tsukune told her.
"I will, Ashikabi!"
Pulling Tsukune closer, Moka said, "The strongest and most dangerous one is De Santis. In more ways than one."
"Agreed," Tsukune said. "He tried to coax me away from my claim for you. He's a sly one. I'm thinking he pumped up river guy to be combative with you. He wanted to see how I'd react. He has to be planning something."
"We need to find out as soon as we can," Moka told him.
"We do," Tsukune said, then offered her a smile. "Until then, let's just enjoy being together while we have the chance."
Moka smiled and kissed him. In the garden with no one but Uzume and Karasuba around, they risked a mutual nip, holding each other tight.
On a balcony up above, Gina watched, then reported back to her master.
.
Due to the lack of competition, Fausto took the early evening stroll with Moka. He was pleasant and even made a joke that was funny. Halfway through the garden, he said, "Having your Blood Mate is very important to you, isn't it, Lady?"
"Yes, it is," Moka replied.
"And Aono Tsukune is already your blood mate, is he not?" he asked with a crooked grin.
Moka cast him a shocked look.
Fasuto waved a hand in dismissal. "You don't have to say it, I've already seen it in how you react together. He is very important to you, isn't he?"
Moka blushed at the fact he'd found out. "Tsukune is my everything," she admitted.
"It shows." Fausto told her. "Don't worry, I have no intention of stealing you away from him. The fact is, I have never been impressed by any Second Born, and truth be told, by some First Born vampires. Yet, I am with your Tsukune." holding up a finger, he added, "I want friends and allies, not more enemies. Say nothing to anyone for the moment, but I will withdraw my bid for your hand, if you and Tsukune can agree to be my friend."
Moka eyed him and asked, "You will do that?"
"I will. I am pretty sure I could win a challenge against him, but it would not come easy, and probably hurt for a long time," he confided to her. "A better outcome is to have you as a friend for the future. A contact in Europe for you and a contact in Japan for me, mutual business partners for mutual gain. Always remember to think ahead, M'Lady," he said in a lecturing tone. "Don't see just what is, but what could be."
"Then why did you give that holy water to Yamada?" she asked.
Fasuto grinned and said, "I lied. It's regular water. Yes, damaging, but not nearly as much as true holy water would be. By the time Yamada realizes that, he'll be dead soon after. The young fool like many, sees only with his pride and desires, not with what is truly in front of him. A lesson to take with you."
Moka thought for a moment, then said, "That's why you don't want anyone to know you're bowing out as my prospective suitor. You set Yamada up fail."
"Exactly, my dear. I will inform everyone tomorrow, after Yamada seeks his 'justice' against Tsukune. Which I know he will. So, shall we enjoy the scenery as friends?" he asked.
"Yes, that will be enjoyable," Moka agreed.
.
After a formal dinner in which there were fewer participants, Yamada Taro took his walk with Moka on his arm, stressing why he was the best choice for her. Moka listened and nodded, not replying. He was a little better off than Motosua, he had his own house and dealt with his own Yakuza dealings besides his family shipping business, but was still not impressive. The only thing Moka had to try hard not to react to was his promise he would remove that 'trash', Aono, from her life. Her only reply was, "Good luck with that."
.
Kahlua sat with her dolls on the floor, gazing sadly at them. She fondly remembered the purple haired Ice girl playing tea party with her. That was so much fun! Karasuba sparing with her and putting up enough resistance to make her work at winning, then smiled and thanked Kahlua for the spar. Ohhhh! How she wanted to do more of that!
Kahlua thought she had the answer. Her requirements for a suitor were met, the dead ones had given her father plenty of money, but her final requirement was never met. No one could beat her in a fight. She was fairly sure Tsukune might be able to, but he refused to fight her. He though she was playing as everyone else did. It was like no one took her seriously! She decided that tomorrow, after Moka's suitor was determined, she was going to force Tsukune to fight her. As long as he won, he'd be her suitor. She wanted so bad to go have fun at their house!
.
The next day, instead of on the patio, Issa had the suitors meet him in his meeting hall. He sat in his gold and red high backed chair, with Moka in her own chair on his right side. Watching, Kahlua and Kokoa were on his left. Today, no servants or escorts were allowed in the room.
Karasuba did not like being left behind when Tsukune told her she had to wait in their rooms. Firmly, she stood between him and the door and said, "Asihikabi, who will protect you If I am not with you?"
"No servants allowed in Lord Shuzen's meeting hall," he said again. "It will be just us suitors and Moka's family. There will be no one you can protect me from."
Karasuba removed her sword belt and offered him her sword. "Then take this with you." she demanded.
"You're probably much better with that than I am." Tsukune replied. "Besides, there's all these girls here Ruby could use a hand with."
"Take it!" Karasuba stated, and thrust it at him. "Take it and I will agree to stay here."
To end the argument, Tsukune took her sword and belted it in place. "Happy now?" he asked.
"No, but I am doing what I can to protect you, Ashikabi, as I always will," she grumbled.
Tsukune stepped up and hugged her. "I thank you for that," he said sincerely.
"Take some blood, so you will have enough strength," Karasuba replied and guide him to her neck.
Tsukune did, taking time to slowly draw a mouthful. As he did, he felt Karasuba shaking slightly. He licked her neck and said "Everything will be fine. Don't worry."
"I will worry until I am beside you again, Ashikabi," she said and released him.
Tsukune took her hands and kissed them. "I will be fine. I'll be back soon," he told her.
Karasuba let him leave.
Seeing she was distressed, Ruby offered, "Karasuba, Master has everything under control. "He will win Moka, and he will return as he said."
Karasuba took a seat near the other slave girls having breakfast. "If not, I die with him," she intoned.
.
Issa sat on his raised chair and glanced at Kahlua. He remembered their earlier conversation in his room.
"Daddy, I need to fight Tsukune!" she stated, balling her fists in her seriousness.
"Kahlua, this is no time for playing games, I told you that. Moka told you that!" Issa replied sternly.
"Tsukune will win Moka's hand Father, I know it!" she stated. "And after he does, I want to fight him to be MY suitor!"
"What!" Issa cried, gaping at her.
"Yes! My dowry has been paid, Tsukune has the wealth and the status required. The only thing left, is for him to beat me in combat. I want that combat, Father! I want him to prove he is worthy of me."
"Kahlua," Issa said, his head spinning at what she was saying. "Tsukune is fighting to be Moka's mate."
"He is! I want him to me mine too!"
"You can't do that! Think of Moka," Issa said trying to reason with her.
"Yes I can. Many vampires have more than one wife," Kahlua stated. "Moka is my sister, why should she mind if I join them?"
Stunned, Issa said, "You need to talk to Moka, if she rejects you as a sister wife, then you must forget this … crazy idea." he said firmly.
" Moka said I could," Kahlua stated