Ch 8

Note, for some reason I was thinking about an old Buck Owens song while writing this.:

I've… got… a

Tiger by the tail it's plain to see

I won't be much when you get through with me

I'm a losin weight and turnin mighty pale

Looks like I got a tiger by the tail.

OK, got that out of my system, so on with the story!

Moka sat beside her father, a little more comfortable now about Tsukune's possibilities of proving by himself that he was her suitor. She still had her ace card to play if he didn't manage it himself. She was hoping this would be over soon for Kahlua's sake as well. This morning Kahlua burst in, and pleaded that she be allowed to 'go have fun' at their house with them. Moka told her as long as father agreed. Kahlua manhandled her in a hug of thanks, then ran off to got talk to their father.

At the other end of the room, a servant came in and announced. "Lord Shuzen! The men aspiring to be Moka's suitor are here and request to see you."

"Show them in," Issa replied.

The servant stood to one side and ushered Fausto, Taro and Tsukune in. He then shut the door as he left.

Approaching, Tsukune cast Moka s smile, which she returned. Fausto hung back, letting Taro stride up to the base of Issa's platform first.

In a strong voice, Taro announced, "Lord Shuzen. I cannot abide the thought of your lovely Moka being bound to a … abomination such as Aono here!"

Issa waved a hand and said, "Then challenge him."

Taro turn to Tsukune and said, "I challenge you for the right of Moka's hand!"

Tsukue eyed him then Issa. "Do we fight here?" he asked.

"It will be settled here, today," Issa stated.

"Challenge accepted," Tsukune said and backed up to get some room. He motioned Taro forward. Fausto walked off to the side and watched.

Strutting towards Tsukune, Taro said, "May the best man win," and stuck his left hand out.

Tsukune grew a grin and asked, "So you can throw your water at me? I don't think so."

In the brief moment of shock in Taro's face that Tsukune knew he had it, Tsukune raced forward and kicked his right side pocket. There was a pop and Tsukune backed up. Taro tore his jacket off to keep the wetness from hitting him. He tossed his jacket away, Tsukune flashed up to his side. He drove his long nails on his left hand into Taro's chest, and his right hand into Taro's back. He then clenched his fingers to grip and ripped both hands out of Taro's body.

Blood spayed forth from in back and behind. Taro stumbled and gaped at Tsukune.

"Accept defeat, and you get to live," Tsukune stated.

Taro stumbled, loosing blood as it poured out from front and back. "You cannot win!" he managed to croak out. "I must win!"

Tsukune flashed up and with a swipe, took his head. Taro fell dead.

Fausto nodded to Tsukune. Calmly he walked over, stepping wide of the blood mess on the floor. "That was fast," he noted off hand. He offered Tsukune a quick half smile and asked, "Have you thought about what we discussed yesterday? It's time for an answer."

Tsukune knew that this one would not be easy to beat. He also had a good idea a challenge was forthcoming. He bowed to Fausto and said, "De Santis Fausto, you came to me with a reasonable proposition in your eyes. As I said, I do appreciate the attempt, but I cannot back away from Moka. I will be her suitor, no matter what I must do to win her."

Fausto nodded. "I believe you, You have a stout heart and are dedicated completely to Moka-san."

"I am. Therefore, I cannot back down. My claim for Moka is as strong as ever," Tsukune stated.

Holding up a finger, Fausto said, "Then I have one more proposition for you that I insist you take. Agree to be my ally and a friend to my family, and I will withdraw my request to be Moka's suitor."

Tsukune blinked, not believing what he just heard. "You said …"

"Agree to be an ally of mine, as Lord Shuzen is, and I will withdraw my request to be Moka's suitor. Did you not hear?" Fausto asked.

"I heard it, I just didn't believe it," Tsukune said vacantly. The older and most powerful suitor he had to face … and he didn't have to face him? He just gave up?

Waving a hand at Issa, Fausto said, "Friendship and long term cooperation are much more beneficial that a one time prize. I've seen your devotion to the Lady. I do not believe anyone could be more loyal to her. That is why I offer this agreement. Be my ally, and I will withdraw." In a little lower tone, he added, "It will be beneficial and less painful for both of us. Trust me on this."

"Ahhh, sure," Tsukune said, surprised by this shift of events.

"Our words are our bond," Fausto told him. He then turned to Issa and said, "Lord Shuzen! As pretty and desirable as your lovely Moka is, I hereby withdraw any claim to her."

Issa nodded. "Understood. Tsukune, it looks like you are Moka's suitor. Moka, you may join him. Take good care of her, Tsukune."

Tsukune couldn't help happily saying "I will, Sir!"

Kahlua rocketed up to jump a short distance from Tsukune and point at him. "Before you go off with Moka, fight me!"

"Kahula, I'm not going to fight you. Not yesterday, not today," Tukune said firmly.

"Yes, you are!" Kahlua stated. She threw her arms out to the sides and her arm blades came out. A tear ran down her cheek as she said, "Beat me or die!"

"What!" Tsukune cried. "Kahlua, what's gotten into you?" He backed up. Seeing the tear, he knew she meant business. When Kahlua cried, people died.

"Kahlua, stop this!" Moka demanded.

"No," Kahlua said and sniffled. A tear ran down her cheek. "The only one I will accept as my suitor, must defeat me in combat. Aono Tsukune, defeat me and take me or I will kill you!"

"WHAT!" Tsukune wailed in wide eyed confusion. "WAIT… WHAT? … Did you say…"

"I want you as my Suitor to live at your wonderful house with all your wonderful people!" Kahlua stated in a sniffle. "Father and Moka agreed!"

"I did not!" Moka yelled, "When did I agree to this?"

Kahlua looked at her. "You said I could come to your house as long as father agreed. The only way he will agree to let me come, is if Tsukune is my suitor!" Kahlua stated.

"Father!" Moka cried, "You agreed to this!" she asked in a shriek.

Issa dropped his head and face palmed. "That is NOT what I said," he grumbled.

Fausto, now back by the wall, grew a wide grin. "This will be entertaining," he said with a chuckle.

"Father! How could you agree to that?" Moka asked harshly.

Issa paused then rubbed his face. "I guess I did agree to it," he mumbled.

Kahlua turned back to Tsukune. "Fight well, Tsukune, I'm counting on you!" Kahlua cried with a sob and charged him.

Awww shit!

.

This was Kahlua, Moka's sister. Tsukune could not bring himself to do anything to hurt her, so he flashed off to the side. Kahlua swung and chased him in a flash. He got her into a pattern of dodging to his left, then switched and went right. As Kahlua paused to change direction, he shot in back of her as he desperately tried to think about what to do. Kahlua quickly discovered him and turned to charge again, swinging her deadly arm blades.

What to do! Tsukune thought and barely dodged another attempt to slice him in half. He flashed behind her, then charged her low. Kahlua charged high, Tsukune dropped on the floor to roll under her and tripped her. Kahlua fell, but sprung up and charged again.

Dodging her, and getting his shirt ripped open from a very near miss, Tsukune knew he couldn't keep this up forever. He though briefly about Ice claws to stop her. No, they would hurt her. He then got an idea as she raced at him again. He jumped up to flip up over her. As her blade passed by, slicing his pants, he twisted and grabbed Kahlua by the shoulders and landed on her back. Well, he tried to.

Kalua spun and swing at him, On his attempt to hold onto her a she spun, he was pulled right into her chest. Face plant, boob. Kahlua shoved him away and barked, "NOT UNTIL YOU WIN!" then charged him again.

Kahlua fought for all she was worth, Tsukune dodged for all he was worth. In a desperate move after he lost a good portion of one wing to her slash, he flashed away and summoned up a white cloth. He whipped it out and snagged her ankles. A hard jerk and Kahlua hit the floor. Again, Tsukune flashed over and grabbed her to latch onto her back, his hands on her chest just above her breasts.

"NOT YET!" Kahlua cried.

Tsukune drove one arm up her front and cupped the back of her neck, then the other and locked his fingers together. Kahlua tried to break his hold that was pushing her head down and her arms up, but all she did was rip some skin off. Tsukune was holding on for dear life.

Locking his hand behind her head, he forced her head down and her arms in the air, preventing her from swinging her deadly blades. Kahlua jumped and came down on her back, slamming Tsukune onto the floor. She rolled and got up again to do the same maneuver, crashing him into the floor again. He was keeping her from swinging those blades, but she was still beating on him.

Something had to give, and he didn't think it would be her. After he got slammed into the floor again, Tsukune tried desperately to keep her from turning them over. On top of him, she did a flip to break his hold, He twisted and managed to twist her with him and keep her arms locked in place …. Just barely. He did get his legs locked around her to firm up his hold on her while he tried to figure out what in the hell to do.

Kahlua got up and charged the far wall. Fausto quickly flashed to the side to stay out of the way. Tsukune knew what was coming. He gritted his teeth and waited for the impact. This was going to hurt.

Just before Kahlua met the wall, she did a somersault and slammed Tsukune into the wall to leave a large spider-web crack in it as well as a Tsukune shaped imprint. Kahlua flipped back on her feet and charged the opposite wall again to try and break Tsukune's hold on her.

Ice, Mizore, what did she do besides the ice claws? Right, Mizore froze people solid. Tsukune gathered his concentration, which was broken as he was slammed into a wall on his back again, Kahlua's weight helping to increase the impact. Luckily his eyes didn't pop all the way out of his skull from the crushing force.

"Ouch," he groaned out.

Tsukune spread his legs out to the try and hinder Kahlua's run. That in itself was a struggle. He did make her trip. On the floor again. she was twisting and struggling like a mad wildcat with all her strength to break free.

Fighting to keep his hold on her, Tsukune concentrated on ice, Ice to stop Kahlua from moving. He focused his yokai and released the energy. He felt the cold, freezing cold. He then noticed Kahlua had stopped moving.

Kahlua was frozen solid. He was also intertwined with her. On the side, Fausto was clapping and laughing. "Great show!" he announced happily.

'Yeah, since it's not you,' Tsukune thought. It took him a moment to untangle himself, being careful not to break anything off Kahlua. He got free to see Moka had face planted, rubbing her forehead. Kokoa sat staring the whole time with her mouth open.

Tsukune was worried, how did one thaw someone out after they froze them. "RUBY! I NEED HELP!" He bellowed.

Ruby appeared in the room. Looking down on Kahlua, she asked, "What happened here?"

Quickly, Tsukune said, "I had to freeze Kahlua to stop her, but I don't know how to un-freeze her!"

Ruby smirked and said, "Hold her arms, they are in an odd position." she then waved her wand over Kahlua and chanted a warming spell as Tsukune held her arms.

Kahlua thawed out, shivering. Tsukune took his jacket off and put it over her and held her to help warm her up. "Kahlua, are you hurt anywhere?" he asked.

"Y ... y...you … beat… me," Kahlua said with chattering teeth.

"Sorry, I didn't know what else to do," Tsukune offered.

"You beat me," Kahlua said again and gazed up at him with a wide smile. Her arm blades retracted.

Tsukune then had ice cold arms around him. "You beat me!" Kahlua cried in a happy voice. "Tsukune you did it! No one has ever beaten me before! You're my suitor! My one and only!"

Huh? Tsukune looked up at Issa for help.

Issa got up to walk toward them. Moka came over to help them up off the floor, not looking happy.

"Kahlua!" Moka growled as she got Tukune and Kahlua, who was still clinging to Tsukune, on their feet.

On the side, Fausto was having a good laugh, and wiping the tears out of his eyes.

"Daddy! Tsukune did it!" Kahlua cried happily.

"Father," Moka said sternly, "Tsukune did not request Kahlua's hand!"

Issa winced and said, "When he fought her, he did. He satisfied Kahlua's requirement, he fought her and he beat her. He has won Kahlua's hand."

"But…" Tskune stuttered as his raw arms dripped blood on the floor.

"This is so GREAT!" Kahlua cried, bouncing in place as she hugged Tsukune.

"Tsukune," Issa said in a tired breath. "What Kahlua said is true. To have a mate, she required him to be able to beat her in a real fight. Several have died trying to do that. If Kahlua ever hopes to have a family of her own, You're it. This is unusual, but it is allowed."

"But…" Tsukune stuttered again.

"Moka," Issa said firmly. "I know you and Tsukune are Blood Mates. Kahlua is now also Tsukune's mate. She had given herself to him. Will you not accept your own sister into your household?"

"But…" Tsukune tried to speak again.

"Many vampire marriages are only for political reasons," Issa explained to him. "There is nothing wrong with mating for other reasons than pure devotion like you and Moka show for each other. And like I said, you are Kahlua's only chance at her having her own family."

"But," Tsukune tried again.

Moka cast a frown a Kahlua. To Issa she said, "I will accept Kahlua into out household, as will Tsukune. At this point, what's one more? We can well afford it."

Tsukune cast Moka a surprised look. "But," he got out.

"I can go home with Tsukune and Moka!" Kahlua cheered, bouncing to rub up and down on Tsukune. She then let go and announced, "I have to go pack my things, all my stuffed animals, tea sets and I can't forget jewelry and clothes!" She then raced off, calling for servants.

Tsukune clasped Moka's hand. Looking at her in confusion, he asked, "What just happened?"

Moka put an arm around him and said, "Congratulations, my Blood Mate, you just got another wife."

"But … when did THAT happen?" he asked.

"Right after you froze her solid. Our coach isn't going to be big enough," Moka said flatly.

Tsukune then thought about all the girls in his rooms. "Ahhh, Moka, we may need the school bus. Those men I beat? I have all their slaves too."

"We will need the school bus," Ruby echoed.

Fausto came over wearing a big smile and announced. "Lord Shuzen! I thank you for this … very entertaining time I had here. I can't remember having such an interesting trip." To Moka and Tsukune he said, "And may you both have a long and fruitful life together." With a grin, he added, "Lord Aono, you are welcome at my Chalet any time."

.

In the courtyard of Castle Shuzen, the Bus Driver leaned against the side of the bus smoking his cigar as Kahlua orchestrated all the slaves Tsukune collected in loading her extensive amount of belongings onto the bus. Holding Mr. Bunny, her one-eyed stuffed rabbit, and still wearing Tsukune's suit jacket, she played with his ear as she watched one of her five dress cabinets get loaded in the back emergency door the driver had opened to help her load up.

Tsukune and Moka came over to the Bus Driver.

The Bus Driver eyed Tsukune and said, "When Issa said people and their items I was thinking a few suitcases. Not furniture."

Tsukune winced, "Thank you for your assistance. I don't know what we would have done without your help."

"Two words: moving van," the Bus Driver replied dryly.

Itching the back of his head, Tsukune offered, "Sorry."

"Hehe, hehe, don't worry kid, you'll return the favor, some day, hehe hehe," the Bus Driver chucked darkly.

Tsukune was sure he would too, that thought made him cringe.

Kahlua's things only filled three quarters of the bus, so there were enough empty seats left for Tsukune's six new slaves.

Uzume and Karasuba had the coach packed. Uzume took the driver's seat in the middle of the front bench. Tsukune with Moka on his right and Kahlua on his left sat on the back seat. Ruby and Karasuba sat in the front seat facing them.

Kahlua was beaming with joy as they pulled out behind the bus, over the draw bridge and down the road. As they rode, Tsukune thought about those slaves he had acquired.

"I need to contact Minato and get those new women on the MBI payroll," Tsukune said in a musing tone.

"Pay for slaves?" Kahlua asked, then giggled. "Tsukune! Slaves don't need to get paid! They're slaves!"

"These do. I'm not keeping them as slaves," Tsukune told her. "If they want to stay and work as servants, fine. They will be compensated for their efforts."

"You're silly, Tsukune," Kahlua told him. "They do get whatever they need. Food, uniforms, rooms to sleep in. What else to they need?"

Moka spoke up and said, "What Tsukune is saying is that he pays all his workers."

Kahlua frowned. Pointing to Ruby, she said, "You're one of Tsukune's slaves right? Do you get paid?"

Ruby grinned and said, "I am part of the family, so I have my own credit card. I can get whatever I want, whenever I want. I don't need much though. It's usually easier to make whatever I need."

"Like the card Daddy gave me?" Kahlua asked.

"You'll need an MBI card, Kahlua," Tsukune told her. "You're in our family now."

Kahlua beamed him a broad smile. "I am! And I can play with Karasuba and the ice woman now!"

Karasuba laughed. "We can! Right after we get home and settled in."

"Yay!" Kahlua cheered.

Holding Moka's hand, Tsukune felt Moka squeeze it slightly.

"As can we," she said with a lusty grin.

"We sure will," Tsukune replied with a grin of his own.

.

Ruby had made the gate at Tsukune's castle just wide enough that the bus was able to get in and only tick the mirrors back far enough to misadjust them. With the bus backed up to the steps of the main door, it was offloading time.

Kurumu was the first out to greet them home, followed quickly by Yukari, Mizore and Chiho. Hugs of welcoming followed. Kurumu latched onto Tsukune, welcoming him home with a hug. Mizore didn't get the chance, Kahlua grabbed her and spun her around in a happy hug. Uzume hugged Chiho, and Yukari latched onto Moka first, then as soon as Tsukune got Kurumu to let go, she hugged him.

In the round of greetings, Kurumu asked, "Kahlua came to visit?"

"Kahlua is now mated to Tsukune," Moka told her. "She is now part of our family."

Kurumu's jaw dropped. "What?" she cried weakly.

"Get used to it," Moka told her.

Kurumu gaped at Kahlua, then at Tsukune. "Kahlua? Really?" she cried.

"Yes!" Kahlua cried happily and grabbed Kuurmu to spin her around. "We're all family now! This is soooo great!"

Mizore tapped Kahlua on the shoulder to get her attention. When Kahlua looked at her, she pointed to the stuffed rabbit and said, "Be careful of Mr. Bunny."

"You remember Mr. Bunny!" Kahlua beamed. "Say hi to Ice woman, Mr. Bunny!" she said and waved a Bunny paw at Mizore.

"Mizore," Mizore said pointing to herself.

Ruby touched Tsukune's arm and said, 'I'm taking Yukari and adding rooms for Kahlua and our new servants. Would you like to speak with them, Master?"

"Yes, please. Have them meet me in the library, if you would," Tsukune replied.

"Yes, Master."

For the chaos Tsukune was expecting in getting everyone settled, it went rather well. Mizore went with Ruby, Yukari and a pack of the new girls to make Kahlua's room and ensure all the stuffed animals had their own places in shelves along one wall. No more piles on the floor like Kahlua had them in her room at Castle Shuzen. Ruby got spun around in a happy circle by Kahlua for making sure her little friends had their own space to be in.

After Kahlua's room was made and furnished, Mizore stayed to help Kahlua put things, especially all her stuffed toys, and tea sets, into their own place. While Ruby and Yukari expanded the castle a little more to add the new servant rooms, Tsukune met with the slave girls in the library.

As first all six stood before him, heads bowed.

"Ah girls? There's a bench seat behind you, please sit down." Tsukune told them. He watched them quickly sit, hands in their laps, still keeping their eyes lowered. "Please look at me, I need to talk to all of you," he coaxed. Once they did, he asked, "Are you aware of why you're here?" he asked.

"Yes, Master," they chorused.

The bunny girl grew a stricken look and clasped her hands in pleading as she cried, "Master, please don't make me a blood slave!"

"None of you are going to be blood slaves," Tsukune assured her. "You're here because I didn't want you to be blood slaves. In this house, blood is given freely, or not at all." he explained. "You all have two choices. You can work here as paid servants, or if you want, I can send you back home."

They all stared at him.

"No, please no! I can work hard for you," the latino girl said.

"I'll work for you," the rabbit girl said eagerly. "I have no home to return to."

"I don't think any of us do," the red head said. "And if you are willing to pay us, we are grateful."

"OK then. You will all get a fair wage. Your boss will be Ruby, she's the one with the long pigtails and carries a wand. She will give you your assignments and schedules. At the moment, she's making your rooms. Once she's done, she will take you to them. Obey Ruby, and everything will be fine."

One of the eastern European dark haired women asked, "M'Lord?"

"Call me Tsukune," he said.

"Lord Tsukune, isn't Ruby a slave?" she asked.

Tsukune grinned. "Ruby see herself as my slave, and will accept nothing else. Truthfully, she's a member of the family, and a powerful Witch," he explained. "Ruby is a good person. Quirky, but good."

Rubbing her legs together, the Rabbit girl asked, "Lord Tsukune … do you have any … servicing males?"

"Servicing males?" he asked. "I don't understand."

Blushing, she looked down and said, "Or maybe perhaps you would like to … take care of my needs?"

"If there is something you need, let me now," he told her.

"Oh goodie!" she beamed. "So, can I see you later then?"

"After you're all settled and Ruby has given you your assignments. OK?"

She bobbed her head in a rapid nod. "Thank you, M'Lord!"

"Tsukune," he reminded her.

"Lord Tsukune," she agreed.

"Just Tsukune, OK?"

"OK, Tsukune!"

Seeing Ruby come in Tsukune got up.

"Their rooms are ready, Master," Ruby announced.

"Thank you, Ruby, they said they all want to stay, so they will be your staff. I'll leave them to you."

"Thank you, Master," Ruby said and hugged him and pulled his head down to her neck. Knowing Ruby liked a bit of pain now and then, he drove his fangs into her neck hard and sucked hard briefly before pulling his fangs out and licking her neck clean.

Ruby's eyes fluttered as she let out a gasp, gripping him tightly. "Thank you Master!"

Tsukune nipped her ear then kissed it. "Thank you, my loyal slave," he whispered. He left Ruby to her tasks and went to find Moka.

.

Tsukune found Moka in their room, laying out their school clothes for tomorrow. He went up and hugged Moka from behind and kissed her neck as he put his arms around her. "So, my lovely Blood Mate, tomorrow school is over. Is there any particular place you want to live?"

Moka sank back into him, putting her arms over his. "Hmmm, I suppose we can pick any place in the world. Ruby's portal can take us to Tokyo from anywhere. I do like a thickly wooded countryside. Perhaps on a mountain with a grand view off of our bedroom balcony?"

"That sound nice," he agreed and kissed her shoulder. "This question is, yokai or humans lands? The human world is much bigger, though we will have to be careful there."

Moka chuckled and said, "Yes, now we have Kahlua. Being subtle is not her skill."

Tukune laughed. "No, it's not. Sometimes I'm afraid of her, others, I'm kinda afraid for her."

"I've been thinking about Kahlua," Moka said in a musing tone. "It must have been very lonely for her in Father's castle. She was desperate for someone to play with, to pay attention to her. I can't be angry at her for wanting to join us. You did very well, my love, by beating her without injuring her."

Tsukune chuckled and asked, "You mean stopping her before she sliced me to ribbons?"

"That too." Turning in his arms, Moka kissed him and said, "Let's forget about Kahlua and everything else for just a little while."

"My thought exactly," Tsukune said, and kissed her again. In their long kiss, Moka shifted to her pink haired form. "Tsukune, love me," she asked softly.

"Moka," he said softly and petted her cheek. Moka clamped down on Tsukune's neck. He clamped down on hers. Exchanging blood, they staggered their way over to the bed and flopped down on it. After a long nip, they kissed deeply again and began stripping each other.

With kisses and soft petting, they wiggled out of their clothes as they kissed and petted. Upon Moa's bra flying to the side, Tsukune had to take a nipple nip, and drew from hr breast as Moka held him in place and kicked her pantie off. All was right with the world as they enjoyed each other and coupled, gazing lovingly into each other's eyes. So involved they were with each other, they didn't hear the door open, or the fast shuffling of cloth. They did feel the bed bounce as someone landed on it beside them, then arms wrapped them both.

"Ohhhh! This is sooo romantic!" a naked Kahlua cried happily as she hugged them both.

Moka shifted quickly back to her silver haired form, Tsukune stared. Their combined yell echoed through the castle.

"KAHLUA!"

.

Back at Castle Shuzen, Issa and Fausto sat in easy chairs, and sipped from two of the blood maidens. Fausto licked the neck of the girl he was feasting on. "Absolutely delicious," he told her and let her sit beside him. He looked at Issa who also had finished his snack. "So, things turn out as well as you liked?" he asked.

"Almost," Issa said idly as he fondled the girl by his chair. "Kahlua was a surprise. Even so, it was something she needed. I'm glad Tsukune found a way to beat her. It would have been miserable having two angry women here, and most likely losing one of them in the fight that followed."

Fausto laughed and said, "I am glad you called me to be one of Moka's suitors. I have had an entertaining time. I'm also sure that Aono will be a beneficial partner to us. You were right, that boy has spirit."

They raised their glasses and clicked them together.