My Regrets

by Ravenhale1

This is the fifth installment in the AU recreation of Rosario Vampire told through Kurumu's POV. This story covers the start of summer vacation (July 29th - August 15th, 2005) and includes a heavily modified version of first season's Chapter 39. Not strictly canon.

8. Shuzen Estate History

Kurumu sighed as she rested her head against Ms. Kiyoshi's breast. The woman had her right arm draped around Kurumu's shoulder, holding her in close. They were seated on a small couch in the hospital lobby, waiting for Mrs. Shuzen to arrive. Having spent the night in Kurumu's room, Ms. Kiyoshi remained in her outfit from yesterday.

This overwhelming feeling Kurumu struggled with was too much to comprehend. Clinging to Ms. Kiyoshi helped her avoid dealing with it. The woman had asked about what was troubling Kurumu, but she could only answer with tears and whimpers. Ms. Kiyoshi would kindly not press the issue, smothering the grief with warmth and calm.

They had been discharged. Kurumu had redressed in her school outfit, having no desire to open her luggage. She had no idea what time it was since her watch was packed in her purse and she had not paid attention to the clocks at all today.

"What is she doing here?"

A young, bouncy lady was grinning and walking briskly towards them. Her wavy, golden tresses bobbed on her bared shoulders swathed in a long sleeved, black chiffon cardigan with a white, yellow and pink floral print. Her assets filled that canary yellow, quilted crop tube top beyond capacity. A curve hugging, pristine white skirt was dangerously short with far too much creamy thighs exposed.

"Hey there, Auntie Narau. Lady Shuzen is in the car and asked me to come fetch you."

Kurumu shivered, nuzzling closer against Ms. Kiyoshi.

"We should hit a restaurant before going to the Estate. I'm hoping some food will help her."

A hand touched her shoulder and this young woman hunkered down into her view. She cocked her head with a bright smile and sparkling emerald eyes.

"You're the daughter."

The young lady snatched up Kurumu's hands in hers, squeezing firmly.

"I'm Ohno Yokina, a succubus like you."

Ms. Kiyoshi sighed, shifting in the seat.

"Yokina works the Chubu region with Ms. Shikaru. Normally our agents have more common sense in choosing their apparel."

"I'm not going into the office today."

"I was expecting Juunan or Mayu. What brings you all the way out from Nagoya?"

Ms. Ohno smiled softly, releasing Kurumu's hand to cross her arms below her breasts.

"Lady Shuzen called Momma Tuesday night, wanting her to check up on this girl's mother. But you know how crazy things were at the start of the week. Momma was busy helping me straighten up things in Nagoya so neither of us could get to Aga before midnight. Momma suggested calling you up since you'd be closer, but Lady Shuzen said she needed you to get the daughter."

"It irks me to hear you address Ms. Shikaru in such a manner."

"What's wrong with it?"

Kurumu swallowed back a heaviness in her throat.

"My mother is dead."

Ms. Kiyoshi squeezed her firmly as Ms. Ohno turned that soft smile back on Kurumu.

"You'll be okay. That's why Auntie Narau was watching over you. She's the best we have for soothing hearts."

"What happened?"

Ms. Ohno glanced up at Ms. Kiyoshi and smiled apologetically.

"I got there early Wednesday morning. I felt horrible for not getting there faster, but it was… scary. Lady Shuzen assures that my life was not in danger, but I think that's only because I arrived late. Whomever did this… it's scary. I understand that's four of our sisters killed this weekend."

Ms. Kiyoshi tugged on Kurumu.

"We should get up. We can discuss this on the way to a good meal."

Kurumu stumbled up on her feet as they all stood up. Ms. Ohno was not that much taller than Kurumu. Without any prompting, Ms. Ohno reached over and hauled Kurumu's bag up into her arms.

"Lady Shuzen came herself with Mr. Nurari to help clean out the house. We brought everything to Iromori for you, Ms. Kurono. Including your mother."

Ms. Kiyoshi sighed, grabbing the handle to her luggage. With a gentle push, they started walking for the automatic glass doors to the entry vestibule.

It was like walking through a dream. It was not scary enough to be a nightmare, but not real enough to experience the situation. She had to think about her sense of taste and smell to be aware they existed. Her vision was bleary and dulled, much like all sounds. They were there but like she was watching a show which she could not participate in. A script she had no control over. The only thing she could depend on was the warmth and feel of Ms. Kiyoshi beside her.

"Have you made any arrangements?"

"I believe Lady Shuzen is waiting on Ms. Kurono to decide on that. There is no other family to speak of."

Ms. Kiyoshi sighed again as they stepped out into the afternoon air. They were sheltered from the sun by a large canopy which stretched out over the looped drive. A sleek, obsidian sedan was parked at the curb with the engine running.

"I hear that we will be attending Sugawara's funeral. Lady Shuzen has even called in Uwaki and her girls."

Ms. Kiyoshi rubbed Kurumu's shoulder as they neared the sedan.

"I hope we find the bastards that orchestrated this. Sure, nobody will mourn Masachi, but killing Hyoushi the weekend after school let out was unforgivable. She wasn't an agent like Masachi."

"That's kind of sad to say about Ms. Masachi."

"Hyoushi was a grade school teacher. She did not deserve that."

"Neither did Ms. Masachi."

"I can rationalize an enemy killing a Fairy Tale operative whom we had our sights on."

They came to a stop next to the sedan. Ms. Ohno set Kurumu's bag down beside the back wall before moving back to the driver's door. Springing the door open, she popped the trunk and locks. Ms. Kiyoshi opened the door and encouraged Kurumu to slip inside, leaving her suitcase for Ms. Ohno.

Mrs. Shuzen was seated in the front passenger seat. She was wearing a dark blue business jacket over a white blouse. The vampire nodded slightly as Kurumu and Ms. Kiyoshi took their seats. After putting away the luggage, Ms. Ohno settled back in the driver's seat.

"How is Ms. Kurono?"

Ms. Kiyoshi sighed as the car rolled into motion, pulling away from the hospital.

"In need of a meal. She hasn't eaten anything since the Osaka airport."

"What sort of meal would she prefer?"

Food was such a foreign concept. She scooted back to the middle of the back seat, leaning against Ms. Kiyoshi. She felt better when the woman returned the embrace, pulling her closer.

"Anywhere would be fine."

"Well… if she has no preference can we stop at Rakudayama Jidori?"

Kurumu sniffled, closing her eyes as she rubbed her cheek against Ms. Kiyoshi's side.

"Sure, I remember that place. It's on the way, right?"

"It's more than a two hour drive regardless, ladies. A minor detour won't be an issue."

"Are we heading to the Estate?"

"We shall after the meal."

"Shouldn't we take her to her mother?"

"We left her mother in the care of a funeral home. They will prepare the body but I see no reason to push Ms. Kurono to make any decisions today. The only thing I want from her now is my visit with my daughter. Her bond with Moka makes her the safest choice to use Lilith's Eye."

"She's in no condition to do that."

"I would use one of you if I could, but I don't see the point in taking needless risks."

"Put it off a few days. Let her rest."

"Are you giving me an order, Ms. Kiyoshi?"

Ms. Kiyoshi tensed.

"No, Madame President."

"You will watch over us to keep Ms. Kurono safe."

Ms. Kiyoshi sighed, rubbing Kurumu's shoulder.

"That's not how it works. You'll have to clear the room and then I can come in after it's started."

"So how many of you ladies have been withholding this secret from me?"

"How would I know? The Eye was something Michi and I figured out on accident."

"Can you teach me?"

"It's not safe, Yokina. The technique works best in pairs. One girl uses the Eye to immobilize the target while the other disposes of the threat before they can cause harm to the Eye user. It's a last resort when charms and illusions won't work."

"Does Momma know?"

"I have no idea. I've never worked directly with Ms. Shikaru."

"I'm disappointed, Ms. Kiyoshi. You should have shared this with me."

Ms. Kiyoshi was quiet as the outside world turned dark. It was a long moment of silence before the car filled up with sunlight once again.

"Ms. Miburui was comatose for almost a month trying to get in the Princess's head. I didn't see a reason to bring up the Eye when the most experienced of us failed."

"Wait. Are you saying Ms. Miburui doesn't know the Eye? I thought she trained like dozens of succubi in Fairy Tale, including Ms. Ontai and Auntie Mujou."

Ms. Kiyoshi sighed, lifting her hand off Kurumu's shoulder to caress Kurumu's hair.

"Ms. Miburui entered Moka's mind. The Eye is different. The Eye is pulling someone else into your head and trapping them. Rumors suggest that a person trapped in the Eye cannot kill their captor as the succubus is the link between their mind and their body."

"So… why isn't it safe to do alone?"

"Because it immobilizes both the succubus and the target. Look… I don't know whom else has figured it out and frankly I don't care. The last thing I want is for Fairy Tale to get this idea that we should use the Eye for assassinations. I don't know if there are consequences for using it as a regular part of our arsenal. Pumping narcotics into your brain can't be healthy."

"I have no intentions of changing the role of succubi in Fairy Tale."

"With all due respect, Madame President, you are not guaranteed to remain in control of Fairy Tale forever. Assuming our unit isn't disbanded, I would appreciate the decision to leave the Eye as a rumor."

"Ms. Kurono shall grant me an audience with my daughter tonight. I have no reason to document how that comes about."

Kurumu stared at the back of the tan seats as she felt Ms. Kiyoshi's fingers brush through her locks.

"You'll have to say something, little one. Are you fine using the Eye tonight?"

Kurumu made a slight sound of agreement, having no idea what it was Mrs. Shuzen hoped to talk about. She closed her eyes, breathing deeply.

"If possible, I would like you to make a decision about your guardianship before Ms. Kiyoshi departs."

"What's there to discuss? She has to do it."

"She has to sign some paperwork or it is not official."

"Yea, but… what options does she really have?"

"One of us could take her in."

"I can't do something like that."

"Why not? Yokai Academy is in your region. She only needs someone to pay her school fees and a place to stay for school breaks."

"Yea, but… I'm stupid busy with college and work. My tiny apartment in Nagoya is ridiculously expensive. I'm already living paycheck to paycheck as is."

Ms. Kiyoshi sighed, brushing her fingers through Kurumu's locks.

"I suppose I could take her in. Would you like to live with me?"

Kurumu let the offer swirl about in her head as she noticed the countryside pass by. She could not recall if this was how it looked yesterday. It felt so empty. It did not matter whom she had pay for her school if she was not going to do it herself. Nothing mattered.

"I should mention that her mother transferred her guardianship to me, though with Ms. Kurono being sixteen, I still require her permission."

"Why would her mother do that?"

"It was part of a deal we made to have one of Ms. Kurono's organs replaced."

Ms. Kiyoshi sighed heavily.

"Did you know she would die?"

There was silence as the car continued to descend down the hillside following the winding road. Kurumu felt a fresh wave of tears roll down her cheeks as her heart ached. She sniffled and nuzzled against Ms. Kiyoshi, keeping the sound of her misery minimized.

"The possibility was very high if the mother did not go to Aono's residence."

"Didn't you warn her?"

"For some reason, warning her increased the risk of both of them dying. I suspect one of her contacts whom she would rely on for help was tied to her murderer."

"Well… that sucks."

"Do you know whom did it?"

"I do. I have Ms. Miburui looking up his name in the database. If we are fortunate, we'll have this matter wrapped up before the end of summer."

"Is this part of the recent attack on Fairy Tale?"

"Possibly. Ms. Kurono believes the man in question works for Lord Fujisaki. Proving his involvement would require the capture of this killer."

Ms. Kiyoshi tensed up.

"If Lord Fujisaki is involved, how many others have turned against us?"

"Wait, what? Who's this Fujisaki?"

"You can't be serious."

"Should I know him?"

"Ms. Shikaru would be more familiar with the situation."

"Yea, but Yokina has been with us since she graduated four years ago. Sure, she's busy with college, but that's no excuse to not know whom the damn Vice President of Fairy Tale is."

"Sheesh, give me a break. I don't work much outside of Nagoya, so most of my contact is with the prefectural officer, Lord Souken. I've only met Lord Kenmei, our region commander, twice."

Kurumu peered through the window beside Ms. Kiyoshi. There was a distant mountain range and a valley below them which was filled with farms and homes. Had it only been a day? It felt like that was a lifetime ago. Sniffling, she tore her gaze away to nuzzle against Ms. Kiyoshi's breast.

"Will you kill him?"

Ms. Kiyoshi's fingers hesitated in Kurumu's locks.

"Who? Lord Fujisaki?"

Kurumu murmured a confirmation.

"I don't think we can, little one. Lord Fujisaki has enough supporters that confronting him is more likely to result in war than execution."

"There is also the matter of Kahlua's wedding."

"That also complicates things."

"If we capture this Yoshii Kiria and expose Mr. Fujisaki's plot, it might be enough to secure my reelection. Five more years of peace."

Ms. Ohno sighed dramatically as they turned a bend in the road, placing the hillside on Ms. Kiyoshi's right as they descended further into the valley.

"All of this is way over my head. But hey… if you want, I can give you my number, Ms. Kurono. I may not be able to take you in, but I can shoot you bunches of texts so you don't get lonely at school."

"Yokai Academy is a monster school, Yokina. She doesn't have services."

"That sucks. Why are you wasting your time in a monster school?"

"I sincerely hope that is not criticism of Fairy Tale's academic standards."

"Well… Momma said-"

"Do I need to talk with Ms. Shikaru?"

"No, no, no. Momma said I should go to Imoshinai. But those schools are for kids whom struggle to blend in. Girls like us don't need them."

"Mommy graduated from Yokai."

Ms. Kiyoshi squeezed Kurumu, bringing her other hand up to play with Kurumu's bangs.

"Nobody is saying you should switch schools, though it would make it easier for Yokina or myself to keep in touch with you."

"Yea. You don't know how amazing it was for me to have a phone. Momma gave it to me on graduation and she had it loaded up with some of the ladies I might be working with."

"I remember your random call. I hung up on this idiot."

Kurumu smiled softly, lifting her head off Ms. Kiyoshi's breast. They came around another bend with the signs and railing on the side of the road to discourage vehicles from drifting over the cliff. There was a lovely glimpse of the valley before they passed into trees which obscured the view.

"What's your mother like?"

"Let me clarify that Ms. Shikaru is not Yokina's mother."

"She's my mother."

"Yokina lived in an orphanage in Nagoya and attended public elementary schools until her wings tore out her back one night. She was surrendered to the authorities. It was such a mess."

"Yea… those couple months were wild. I was asked so many crazy questions like what I was and where I came from. Sheesh, I was eleven. I knew about as much as they did about me, so it was frustrating. I just wanted to go back to school and talk with my friends."

"Lord Souken was the one whom caught wind of her and passed the word along to Ms. Shikaru."

"Yep. She swooped in and saved me from the crazy humans. Had to destroy a ton of evidence and wipe a bunch of memories. She took me to the orphanage to adopt me, while making sure nobody recalled my wings. That wasn't that hard to do since many had already been threatened by the humans not to say anything about me. Everyone at school had thought I was hospitalized for something."

"Are you still hanging out with that girl whom grew up with you in the orphanage?"

"Mhm. She keeps offering to move in but I swore to Momma that I would attend college without any financial help from anyone."

Ms. Kiyoshi smirked.

"Have either of you tried dating a man?"

"Is Auntie Narau trying to live vicariously?"

"I'm echoing Ms. Shikaru's concerns that you've become a deviant like Juunan."

"Kimi and I are not at that level. Sure, I love her more than any guy I've ever talked to, but it's not the kind of love you are worried about."

"This might surprise you, Ms. Kiyoshi, but Sho finds men more satisfying."

"Whatever. If you start fooling around with that girl after you graduate, I'm going to quote this day."

Kurumu glanced about as she sat up. There was not much to see with trees flanking both sides of the winding road. They were still descending but they were no longer high enough to see the valley.

"What am I supposed to do?"

Ms. Kiyoshi smiled, fussing with Kurumu's tresses.

"You can start with eating a meal."

"Definitely. Keep yourself lighthearted and focused on simple tasks like your next meal or homework assignment. My word of advice. Fuck the big picture. We got people like Lady Shuzen to deal with that. Do what you're told. Keep a few friends close to your heart and never cry alone."

"What sort of itinerary are you expecting from Ms. Kurono?"

Mrs. Shuzen hesitated as they continued to cut through the woods.

"The chat with my daughter comes first. The funeral for Ms. Sugawara is tomorrow. Kahlua should be returning Sunday, though she may arrive the tomorrow night. And of course I hope she handles the matter of her guardianship in Iromori on Monday with Lord Ruben."

Ms. Kiyoshi sighed, gently touching Kurumu's cheek.

"Do you want to hold a funeral for your mother?"

It was hard not to start crying.

"That might be something easier for her to answer after Ms. Sugawara's funeral."

"Well… won't she have to make her mind up quickly on that? I mean… they're only going to hold her mother at the funeral home so long and you have Kahlua's wedding next Friday."

Kurumu leaned back into Ms. Kiyoshi whom kindly soothed her with an embrace.

"It's a lot to take in, Yokina. Think of how you would react if you had to coordinate a funeral for Ms. Shikaru. Picking up the phone and passing on the bad news to all of her friends would be difficult."

Ms. Ohno sighed as the car finally broke free of the woods. A hotel or lodge stood off to the right, though the parking lot was fed by a road which passed underneath them. Kurumu recalled there was one last stretch of woods before they were in the town.

"I only see Momma on school breaks and when work brings us together. Now I want to call her."

"The first thing we have to find out is how long the funeral home will hold her mother."

"One week. The funeral director said it would be best to cremate the body by next Wednesday, regardless of what Ms. Kurono decides. Funerals can be held without a body."

"Right. No point rushing this if it hurts. Okay, little one?"

Kurumu nodded, clinging tightly to Ms. Kiyoshi. She wanted it to all go away. She wanted to wake up from this dream. It was too much. It was too real.

"When you're ready, we can compile a list of people you want to contact about this."

Nobody. She wanted nobody to know. Not even herself.

---

"You're here!"

Kurumu staggered as Kokoa tackled into her with an enthusiastic hug. The crushed gravel beneath her shoes protested as she regained her footing. Loosening the hold to grab Kurumu by the hands, Kokoa hopped excitedly in her crimson flats. Her pleated, dark green dress stretched below her knees and had straps wide enough to hide any hints of a bra.

"Behave yourself, Kokoa."

Kokoa stopped instantly under her mother's command. Quickly letting go of Kurumu's hands, she placed her own together at her navel and bowed slightly.

"Yes, Mother."

Ms. Kiyoshi placed a hand on Kurumu's shoulder as Mrs. Shuzen walked solemnly by her daughter.

"I'm going to take a long bath. Come and get me if you need anything."

Kurumu nodded as Ms. Kiyoshi withdrew her hand. The woman pulled her luggage by the handle as she followed after Mrs. Shuzen towards the estate. Moka whom had remained at the first step of the glossy, marble veranda, bowed her head respectively as Mrs. Shuzen passed by her without comment.

Moka was wearing that black blouse with the puffy, pleated sleeves which cinched neatly about her forearms. The stiff white collar hid most of her neck but not the black choker bearing her rosary. Her grayish black skirt drifted about her calves with the gentle breeze.

"How was the hospital?"

"Fine. Everything is fine."

"Would you prefer to carry your bag?"

Ms. Juunan was holding Kurumu's baggage in her arms. The statuesque woman was wearing a plum polo which looked like it had been painted on for how tightly it clung to her curves. Even with all the buttons unfastened, only the collar was loose. A form fitting black skirt ended halfway to her knees.

"Could you take that to my room? I want to show her around."

"Hi, hi!"

Kokoa regarded Ms. Ohno whom had paused next to Ms. Juunan to wave.

"Whom is this?"

"This is Ms. Ohno Yokina. As she works in your region, she will be your contact for future issues."

"I am?"

Ms. Juunan smirked with a slight shake of her head. Without a comment, she started off for the veranda.

"Wait! I work out of Nagoya. There's no way you guys can expect that."

Kurumu watched the two retreat up the three steps of the veranda. The veranda was wide enough to require two rows of fluted, marble pillars to hold up the stone balcony. This porch continued to both sides of the entrance, though only half the width, with more pillars to support the balcony which wrapped around the sides and disappeared off to the back.

The Shuzen Estate was a majestic and intimidating structure built in the middle of a clearing. The ground had been shored up on one side to provide a level surface for the manor. The walls consisted of carved stone which was only interrupted by symmetrically placed glass panes framed with black iron. Heavy drapes prevented the sun from revealing the interior of rooms which had to be twice as tall as the classrooms of Yokai. The second story, arched windows were nearly as tall as those on the first.

Kurumu had not paid much attention to the drive here, having slept at least an hour of it away. She had been roused during their drive through the small town of Itsuki. There had been a tunnel right outside of the village which had taken them to this place. Kurumu surmised that these grounds were no different than Mononoke, mildly curious if Mr. Nurari could visit this place as easily as he could anywhere else.

"You look pale."

Kurumu smiled at Moka whom had come over to join them.

"I think they went overboard on the anesthesia. I've been tired all day."

"They'll be making dinner soon. It's usually served at seven."

Kurumu nodded, feeling more lethargic than hungry, considering she had eaten at that fancy restaurant less than three hours ago. Kokoa grinned, snatching up Kurumu's hand and tugging.

"Let's go inside. It's nothing compared to the home we used to live in, but it's still nice."

Kurumu balked at the notion that this was nothing. She clutched her chest as Kokoa steered her up the steps onto the glassy marble. She tried not to drag her feet. Kokoa twisted the bronzed knob and tugged open the heavy, black door set in white, arched stone, guiding Kurumu through.

The foyer beyond was majestic, stretching clear across the manor. Standing in the center of the room like a line of sentries were smooth, black columns with a reddish hue. These columns supported a balcony which slashed across the space, connecting the two wings of the building. Crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling far above, casting light in all directions. A wide, spiral staircase coiled up to the center of the walkway, carved from the same black stone as the columns.

As Kurumu shuffled across the marble floor of this grand room, she felt like it was oddly familiar. It was like something from a dream, yet different. Her first thought was the rubble of the room from Moka's memory, but that was not quite it.

There was no balcony beneath the second floor windows which stretched up towards their arches. The exterior walls were made of chiseled stone but the interior walls on her right and left were stained with a blood red finish. Decorative black trim framed about large, paneled double doors. There were three sets of these double doors on each side, placed symmetrically.

"We can start here and work our way around."

Kokoa stood at the first double door on their right. Having no opinion, Kurumu wandered over to join Kokoa as she slipped her hand inside the bronze inset and tugged the door away from the other. It slid open slowly without making a sound.

"This first room is our music hall. Mother has used it to entertain guests, but mostly this serves as my lecture room. One of my tutors doesn't live in Iromori so they come here instead every Sunday."

It was a huge room with windows on two sides. These windows had heavy, crimson drapes denying any sunlight entrance. Ornate, golden sconces were mounted between the windows and upon the smooth, white wall with the door to the foyer. Six smaller chandeliers hung from the ceiling, perfectly spaced for maximum lighting. Rows of elegant black chairs with crimson cushioned seats were arranged nicely to face a raised stone dais.

The dais section of the room was unlike the rest. The walls were painted black with ebony curtains hanging from the ceiling. These curtains were parted enough to reveal a pearly white grand piano standing in the center. She imagined there were spotlights somewhere to light up this stage.

"This next room is a studio."

Kokoa waved at Moka to go towards the second door of the grand foyer on this side.

"It's not as big as this room."

Kokoa waited for Kurumu to step back into the main room before closing up the door for the music hall. Grabbing Kurumu by the hand, she tugged her towards Moka whom was under the balcony and opening the next door.

"Mostly for painting but I've done other things like knitting and sculpting."

"You know how to knit?"

"Doesn't every girl?"

Kurumu mulled that over before peering into the room. It was much smaller since the door was located at the end of this room instead of the center. The walls in this room had black paneling reaching halfway up the wall. The remainder of the wall was painted cherry red and stretched up to the ebony rafters. Golden sconces lit up this room which did not have any chandeliers. The windows of the far wall were covered with the same crimson drapes. The right side wall had several doors. Highly doubting these would open onto the dais of the music room, Kurumu surmised these were closets.

"It's so empty."

Kokoa tugged her back into the foyer, allowing Moka to close the door. The bushy, twin tailed vampire smiled softly, gesturing to the last door on this side.

"I won't bother showing you the library. Most of the bookshelves are empty. I mean… they're pretty. Maybe someday it will look like it did. Mother tried really hard, spending all the insurance money and even some of her savings. But the books we lost were authentic tomes, some centuries old. Mother is waiting for Father to return to help compile a list of what needs to be replaced."

Kurumu grimaced with a thought of parents never returning. She touched her chest.

"Are you okay, Kurumu?"

Kurumu managed a smile at Moka.

"I'm sorry. It's just… it must be hard to be here. Losing your home. Losing your mother."

"It's okay. It's not like Mother built this on top of our old home."

"Yea… she said that was dangerous."

Kurumu stumbled over her own feet, mildly wondering why they had not parted with their shoes at the doorway. She smiled at Moka whom placed a hand on her shoulder as they crossed over to the other side of this expansive room.

"Our old mansion resided in the human world, unlike this place. Mother had Sho help the insurance people classify the event as a localized natural disaster."

Kurumu nodded as they arrived at the first door on the other side which was closest to the entrance. Kokoa tugged the door open and walked in. The vampire strolled over to a luxurious couch centered in the room behind an ebony low table. Kokoa flopped down in the cushions, facing the fireplace.

"Mother didn't sell the land. I'm sure the Shuzen family would have screamed bloody murder if she had tried to do that. She built a house on the ruins for Mr. Nagi and his family. Mr. Nagi is one of Father's cousins and he sometimes helps in the kitchen with Mr. Kondo, that awesome chef whom I want you to start training under when you're feeling better. Mr. Nagi keeps Mother informed about anyone whom comes to check on the land, hoping Father might someday come back to us."

Kurumu smiled as she looked about this large room. Like the music room, two of these walls were lined with windows covered by those crimson drapes. The same golden sconces were mounted between these windows and upon the wall with the door. The walls in here had black paneling up to about half the window height before transitioning to a smooth surface painted lush green. The room lacked overhead lighting, relying on the wall sconces and lamps resting on various end tables tucked between matching armchairs and loveseats.

"Mother calls this the lounge. We had one of these in the old place. Momma would read us stories in front of the fireplace and I would always fall asleep. For months Momma had me convinced the room had a spell on it that would whisk me to my room the moment I fell asleep."

Kurumu smirked, absently touching her chest which continued to ache. She glanced at Moka whom was smiling wistfully while staring at the fireplace which consisted of black bricks and smooth, sculpted ebony pillars. A pillar flanked each side of the opening, holding up a matching mantle. Pictures were stacked along this shelf, enticing Kurumu to come closer.

"This is also the room in which Mother receives most of her visitors."

Kurumu lifted up on her toes to see over the mantle. There were dozens of framed pictures. One had the three daughters much younger in matching white dresses on a pristine patio. Another had Mrs. Shuzen standing with her two daughters. And then there was a surprising one with Mrs. Shuzen, Ms. Juunan and Moka's mother. It felt odd seeing Mrs. Shuzen stand in front of these other two women, each with a hand on her shoulder. The pose seemed natural as Mrs. Shuzen was the shortest of the three, though Kurumu could not help but feel it was out of place. There were more portraits of the girls individually.

Kurumu paused upon noticing one of Moka with her mother. She instinctively wanted to grab it from the mantle and show it to Moka but she hesitated when she saw the picture beside it was only of Moka's mother grinning wide at the photographer.

"Have you seen these pictures of your mother?"

Moka nodded, slowly coming up beside Kurumu.

"Did you realize she was your mother?"

"Mother always told me I had no right to ask whom she was and the Moka inside me kept this secret because she thought it would make me feel worse."

Kurumu frowned as she absently rubbed her breast. It all felt so wrong. She looked over these photos filled with smiles. She wondered if any of it was real.

"Where's your Father?"

Kokoa pushed off the couch, stalking around the ebony table.

"I know Mother has at least one portrait of him in her nightstand. I've snuck into her room to look at it. As for this… Father took most of these. That's why he's not in any of them."

Kurumu felt a pang of sorrow squeeze her heart. She recalled the many pictures in the cabin, unable to think of a single one which had been of mommy. There was nothing left of her.

"Kurumu?"

Kurumu quickly wiped away a tear which had rolled down her cheek.

"I'm sorry. Don't you have something? A photo album? Anything?"

Kokoa's eyes betrayed an old sadness.

"We lost everything, Kurumu. What little we do have of the past are the things Mother had taken with her to Fukuoka. If Kahlua and I had not been on a summer trip with Father at the time, we wouldn't have had any clothes."

Kurumu nodded but it was too much. She started to sob, squeezing her arms in tighter about her torso as her heart struggled. Strong hands pulled her firmly against a warm body.

"Kurumu. It's okay. Father's not dead. Mother has never told us that."

"What is she getting worked up over? Father abandoned us. Kahlua and I were holed up in a hotel in Inemuri for a whole week without a clue what we were supposed to do."

But what if he's dead? Kurumu wanted to scream that out but could only cry. She had seen it firsthand. Mrs. Shuzen was terrible at addressing death directly. If their father was dead, Kurumu had no doubts that Mrs. Shuzen would bury that secret.

"Do you need to lie down?"

Kurumu shook her head, gently pushing on Moka's torso. The vampire eased her grip, allowing Kurumu some space. She sniffled, rubbing her eyes. It hurt. She took deep breaths to diminish the sobs. It still hurt. She swallowed down nothing.

"I… I'm sorry. I just… I was just thinking I don't have a picture of my mother. That's all."

"Your mother? What does she have to do with this?"

Kurumu shivered as Moka's hands brushed through her hair.

"I don't know. Should we take her to your room?"

"But we haven't finished the tour."

"I'm okay. I'm sorry."

"Are you sure?"

"Yea. Let go of me."

Moka withdrew her hands, favoring Kurumu with a smile. Kokoa huffed, shaking her head as she walked off to the door, sliding it open.

"It took over a year to build this. Kahlua and I were living with Sho in Iromori during that time. Mother said Father would return when he had a real home to come back to."

Kurumu shuffled out into the large room a couple steps behind Moka. Kokoa shut the door and started walking slowly along the wall towards the next double door which was beneath the balcony.

"When Mother moved us here, I remember believing Father would come back. Every morning I would wake up and think he would be in Mother's bedroom."

She paused to draw open the closer door of the pair.

"But that never happened. She brought us Moka that first summer, but it wasn't our Moka. Mother told us she had been cursed by a magical artifact which changed her hair color and personality. She told me it was my job to knock some sense into Moka to bring her back."

Kurumu took another steadying breath. She wandered over to the opening, leaning against the other door. She stumbled a step as the door moved easily along the guide. Smiling apologetically, she grabbed the door and regarded what clearly was a dining room.

The dining room was larger than the studio. The crimson drapes in this room had been pulled aside from the three windows, bathing the room in sunlight. There were no sconces in this room but it had three chandeliers. The one in the middle was easily twice the size as the ones closest to the door and the windows. There was another double door on the right built perfectly in line with the end of the table.

The dining table was the most prominent feature of the room. Made of black wood with a shiny finish, the top surface consisted of inset tiles of polished stone. The chairs matched the table with backs, seats and arms all upholstered with crimson cushions. If not for the arms, Kurumu would have sworn they were the same chairs she had seen in the music hall.

"Of course that never worked either. This Moka would only run away."

"What else could I do? I can't match your strength with my power sealed away."

Kokoa shrugged, gesturing at the other set of double doors.

"That door goes into the kitchen and so does this last door in the ballroom. There is a laundry room accessible through the kitchen which Sho will show you when you resume your laundry duties for me. I'd take you in there now, but I don't want to disturb our servants. That's all there is to the first floor."

Kurumu rubbed her breast, stepping back out into the main room. She absently tugged the door back to its fully extended position while Kokoa pulled the other door to meet it.

"Don't you want to introduce me to this Kondo chef guy?"

Kokoa shook her head, grabbing Kurumu's hand away from her breast.

"Not while he's cooking."

Kokoa tugged on her hand, backing towards the spiral staircase. The bottom of these sculpted stairs was facing the dining room doors.

"Come upstairs. Moka and I picked out something nice for your birthday."

Kurumu's heart twisted as she allowed the vampire to guide her to the wide stairs. Why did everything hurt so much? They were being so nice to her. She should be happier. She staggered up the stairs. It was such a lethargic, awkward ascent that Kokoa released her hand five steps up to not be troubled by it.

"I think you need some rest."

"Can I hang out in your room with her?"

"Sure, I don't care."

They were only a couple steps shy of the balcony when Kurumu felt composed enough to speak again. An odd thought popped in her head which troubled her in an easier way.

"Does Moka have to sleep with the servants?"

"What?!"

"No! I have my own room!"

"What have you been telling her to make her think that?"

Kokoa paused at the top of the stairs. Moka darted over to her sister.

"Nothing! I never said I was treated like a servant."

Kokoa backed away, crossing her arms as she favored Moka a dubious look.

"I swear, Kokoa! Kurumu… well she doesn't understand Mother."

Kurumu absently rubbed her chest as she gripped the railing with her other hand.

"I'm sorry. I had the impression that your mother wants to be rid of Moka."

"This Moka. She doesn't want to be rid of our Moka."

Kokoa gestured off to the right where the balcony crossed into an open hallway. The walls were black with golden sconces lighting the corridor. A glance to the left revealed the open hallway on the other side was identical.

"Moka's room is next to mine. Our rooms are over the kitchen, though the floors are solid enough that it's not like we ever hear anything below us. Kahlua's room is across the hall in the corner while the one across the hall from Moka's room is for guests."

Kurumu frowned.

"Where do your servants stay?"

"They don't live here. Mr. Nagi has a device which lets him escort everyone into and out of the place."

Kurumu nodded dumbly. For some reason she had thought there were more servants, but she supposed a small number made sense for this size of manor.

"What's down the other hall?"

"The door on this side opens into Mother's suite. It's much fancier than our rooms. Mother has a huge living room, bedroom and personal bathroom."

Kokoa paused with a thoughtful look. She turned and gestured to the far side of the hall.

"This side over the studio is a private study and bar. Mother did her best to recreate the one from our old home. We were never supposed to be in the old one, but Father often went out with Momma and Mother wasn't the most attentive of parents. It looks exactly how I remember it."

Kokoa smiled with a slight nod of her head.

"It has a hidden back door leading into the upper level of the library. There's a cool release in one of the bookshelves which allows it to be opened from the other side. The library also has this neat, black metal spiral staircase tucked in one of the corners."

"Ms. Juunan gave us quite the scolding my first summer here. Kokoa was playing hide and seek with me and she had a huge advantage knowing how those two rooms were connected."

"She kept trying to get in through the balcony, thinking I had locked the door."

"How was I supposed to know they were fake doors?"

Kokoa grinned, waving them to follow as she started off to the right.

"I should mention that there are only three doors out onto the balcony, even though it wraps around the whole manor. While the four suites on this side are identical, only mine and Kahlua's have access to the balcony. I share a bath with Moka, though we have our own private toilet rooms and closets."

"Does Ms. Juunan live here?"

Kokoa shook her head as she passed by the first set of doors in the hall.

"Sho is here about as often as Mother is. She might be staying with Ms. Kiyoshi in the guest room, though she probably…"

Kokoa trailed off as a blush touched her cheeks. She shook her head.

"Why does it matter where she sleeps? I don't care."

Kurumu frowned as they walked all the way to the end of the corridor where the second set of doors stood. Kokoa grabbed the golden knob of the door on the right, twisting and pushing. The vampire gestured for them to come inside while she held the door open.

Kurumu paused after a couple paces into the room. On the left between windows which had their ebony curtains pulled off to the sides with braided, golden cords was a glass double door. The walls had white paneling up only to about knee height before transitioning to a pastel green color. The vaulted ceiling was black as night with no overhead lighting.

This room was easily twice the size of a suite at Yokai Academy. There was another door on the far wall and off to the right was some sort of furniture piece made of black wood shelving and glass. It had a large, flat screen TV in the center of it and was flanked by glass panels with silver handles. A DVD player was hooked up to the TV at the base.

Preceding this impressive display was a black cushioned couch and two matching armchairs. Kurumu's luggage had been placed against the curved back of the sofa. End tables were stationed on either side of the couch, both with lamps which were plugged into outlets on the floor.

Sweeping her gaze back to the front, she noted a sliding door. After the door was a small round table with two dainty stools pushed under it. A small trash can was flanked some cabinets which wrapped about the front corner of the room. A microwave was pushed into the corner. Next to the cabinets nearest the door was a humming black box. Kurumu realized it was a refrigerator despite not being any taller than the cabinets. The only things missing were a sink and an oven.

"Do you eat up here?"

"If we want. One of the ladies will check our rooms to see if we used any dishes and take out the trash."

Kurumu shook her head slowly as Kokoa shut her door.

"You are so spoiled."

"Come on. I left your gift in my room."

Kurumu followed Kokoa over to the door at the far end of the room. Like the first door, this one also swung into the next room. She waved them to follow her in.

The bedroom was much darker. There was only one window in the room and the curtain covered it thoroughly. Before Kurumu's eyes could adjust to the dark, Kokoa flipped a switch on the wall which turned on three suspended lights.

The room design was no different than the former. It was smaller with two doors on either side of Kokoa's bed. A box wrapped in green paper and adorned with a crimson bow rested on top of Kokoa's black comforter. Pillows tucked in green sheets rested against the black headboard.

"Moka and I picked this out Monday while we were in town with Sho. We thought about bringing it with us to Sendai, but Sho scared us with the possibility of it getting damaged in cargo or confiscated by the humans thinking we were smuggling on a bomb."

Kurumu chuckled as she absently rubbed her chest, recalling how suspicious the girls had dressed to the airport. She sat down on the bed, pulling the box into her lap. She smiled up at the vampires.

"Thanks."

"Open it first."

Kurumu managed a smile at Kokoa. The girl was clearly excited. Moka's behavior was more reserved. Unsure what that meant, Kurumu tugged the bow off first, which was held by an adhesive square. Absently placing this against her temple, she proceeded to tear through the green paper. It only took a few seconds to reveal she was holding a box for a Fujitsu Lifebook P7010. These dummies had bought her a laptop. She sniffled, reaching a hand up to dry her eye before any tears escaped.

"You like it?"

Kurumu nodded. She took a deep breath as she touched the box.

"Isn't this expensive?"

"Yea… Mother bought me that model of laptop for Christmas. Moka decided to buy you one. When we came out of the store, Sho asked Moka why she wanted a laptop."

Moka smiled sheepishly.

"When I explained what it was for, Ms. Juunan went back in the store and bought a second one. She scolded me over spending my birthday money on someone else."

Kurumu had no clue what she would do with it, but this was nice.

"I don't know if you want to unpack or leave your things in your bag. You're more than welcome to use my closet. I'm sure I have enough room."

Kurumu smiled, taking in a deep breath. She set the laptop aside.

"Actually. I think I want a bath."

"I'm up for that. You in, Moka?"

Moka nodded, causing Kurumu to frown.

"Uh… don't you have problems with water? You said you didn't have a pool."

Kokoa snorted a laugh.

"We may not have a pool, but we've treated the water here so we can at least take baths."

Kurumu had no idea how that was possible, but did not care to have it explained.

---

"This is a simple process. When I knock on this door and get no answer, I'm coming in with the other ladies. We'll try to keep things comfortable for you."

Kurumu shivered, instinctively covering her bared breasts as she knelt upon the tiled floor of Mrs. Shuzen's massive bathroom. Her tail was coiled in her lap while her wings were tucked closely to her sides. She took deep breaths, trying to ease her mind.

"If Ms. Kurono starts to show excessive distress, I'm pulling the plug. This will hurt you, Madame President. It might even leave you incapacitated for days."

"I am aware of the circumstances."

Mrs. Shuzen knelt across from Kurumu, also fully nude. Her hands were folded neatly in her lap, covering her navel. As Kurumu had watched the woman strip, she knew every inch of Mrs. Shuzen's skin was the same tanned hue. It was remarkably sexy and had Kurumu feeling embarrassed even though she was far more endowed. It was easier to look at Moka.

Moka yawned grandly, while holding an arm across her breasts to at least hide her nipples. The vampire whom was dressed in only her rosary had protested the use of Lilith's Eye at the dinner table. But Moka was not good at defending the wants of her inner self in the face of her Mother's rigid certainty. When Kurumu had confessed her willingness to participate, the vampire had reluctantly yielded.

Ms. Kiyoshi touched Kurumu's shoulder. The woman was wearing a lavender chemise which failed to reach her knees. She had worn this attire to dinner which had surprised Kurumu.

"It won't be easy, little one. When you retreat into your mind, you're going to have to face all the feelings you're holding back. I'll keep your heart calm, but only you can deal with your mind in there."

Kurumu swallowed, nodding. She had no idea what Ms. Kiyoshi was concerned about. She was fine. Ever since the bath with Moka and Kokoa, she had not cried once. Sure, her heart still ached with longing but it helped to be around people she cared about.

"I'll be close."

Ms. Kiyoshi patted Kurumu's head before stalking off. The door opened and closed.

"Shall we begin?"

Kurumu nodded, letting her index finger elongate into a sharp talon. She reached up and slashed a hole through her lower section of her left earlobe. She felt nothing, only knowing she had succeeded by the small trace of blood on her talon. It felt like it had been months since she had used the Eye.

She grabbed her tail below the spade end. With a thought, the spade opened up like a flower. The stigma in the center pulsed with a life of its own, causing it to shimmer. It was a soft sensation which was barely notable as it was not in synch with her heartbeat. Taking a calming breath, she guided her tail end up to her ear. Using her other hand, she found the small orifice beneath her ear to slip her stigma into.

She shivered as the sensitive stigma pushed insider her. There was a moment of awareness where she felt the rush of fluids while her spade petals latched about her ear to make a seal. And then everything was different. Every sensation reported to her mind in a detached, dreamlike way.

"Don't run, my baby. The floors are slippery."

Kurumu whirled about, her feet making a slight scoot against the warm bathhouse tiles. She grinned up at her mommy whom was pouting at her while holding a towel to her bosom.

"Is the water deep? Can I go swimming?"

She whirled about enthusiastically, pointing at the expansive bathing area. A mist hovered over the waters which called to her. She kicked up her tiny legs into an eager skip as she quickly crossed the last bit of tiles to reach the built up lip about the bath.

"Honey. There are other people in the bath. Keep it down."

Kurumu vaulted over the lip into the water, which to her immense disappointment was only waist deep. She frowned as she peered across the bath, noting a couple indiscernible figures in the water. Sensing mild amusement with her, Kurumu grinned broadly and wandered away from the lip in search of deeper water. She wanted to swim.

"Hold up, my darling."

Kurumu squirmed as strong arms snatched her from behind.

"Let me go."

She whined as mommy tugged her back to the edge. But she did not struggle too much since she liked being held by mommy. Mommy sat down and pulled Kurumu into her lap.

"I have to brush out your lovely hair."

"But we already washed my hair."

"Yes, and now we brush it."

"I want to swim."

Mommy laughed, tugging a brush through Kurumu's short tresses.

"We're not here to swim. You need to take good care of your hair."

Feelings of sorrow and loss swirled up in Kurumu.

"My hair was too long anyways."

Nakanishi shoved me down and put gum in my hair. He said you were a whore and that's why I have no father. The other boys laughed.

"That's no excuse to cut it."

Mommy sighed, pulling the brush through another pass.

"It takes years to recover from a decision like this. Don't you want to be pretty like mommy?"

Not if they call me a whore.

"I want to go to the beach. Can we go to the beach?"

"You need to focus, Ms. Kurono. You're holding us out."

Kurumu glanced off to the right. One of the figures in the haze had taken on familiar features. The middle aged woman in the bath had silver hair and crimson eyes.

"We can't go to the beach, dear. It's too expensive."

"Bring us to a neutral location so we can have our meeting as discussed."

"I agreed to nothing."

Standing outside of the bath off to the left was another familiar face. The silver haired Moka scowled down at her with her arms crossed about her chest. A towel was wrapped about her torso.

"You were indisposed, child. We need to talk."

"I have nothing to say to you."

Kurumu started to sniffle, pushing back against mommy.

"Can we go? I don't like it here."

"Already? You can swim a little if you don't bother the other ladies."

That was not the original memory. She had wanted to leave the city. She had wanted to change schools. That had been her real want. But at this moment, she was deathly afraid.

"Look, mommy!"

She tugged on mommy's hand as she gestured out to the wide expanse of blue which stretched clear out to the horizon. Sand crept into her sandals as she shuffled across the beach, pointing at the birds.

"Do you think we'll see dolphins?!"

Mommy trudged through the sand, laughing. Mommy was wearing a long, white with floral print sarong which whisked about her calves. She had a thin, white jacket draped over her shoulders and a simple black one piece which somewhat resembled the school swimsuit Kurumu had on.

"I doubt we'll see any dolphins, honey."

"Why not?"

"We would have to go to the aquarium I was telling you about."

Kurumu pursed her lips as she peered up a mommy, though mommy's attention was elsewhere. Mommy was doing that odd thing of looking at a guy, smiling and waving while shaking her head. It would keep the scary guys away.

Why does Teacher call you a whore?

"Are we going to the aquarium next?"

Mommy grinned at her, patting her head.

"They don't have one in Tottori, dear."

"But you promised."

"Isn't this beach pretty? It's not quite the same as Yumigahama."

Kurumu sighed, tugging her mother closer to the water. This beach was bigger, but who cared about sand? She supposed it was different and if they lived nearby, maybe she could pretend she was stranded in a desert. That could be fun if she had friends.

"Come swim with me, Mommy."

Mommy laughed as they reached the line where the sand became moist. The hand she tugged would no longer yield.

"This is as far as I should go, honey. You run along and play. I'll keep watch over you."

Kurumu pouted as she let go of mommy's hand.

"Play with me."

Mommy smiled, dropping the towel on the ground and kneeling down on it. She smoothed it out and set her black tote aside.

"Lie down so I can put on some sunscreen, dear."

"You're not going to swim?"

"I can't get my pretty clothes wet."

Kurumu sulked as she settled down on the towel, offering her arms.

"It's a swimsuit. It's supposed to get wet."

"I can watch you safely from here."

You're going to have a guy touch you again. Is that why you're a whore?

"What is going on?"

Moka stumbled into view, carrying a crimson towel over her arm. She had a pair of sunglasses perched in her silver locks and a curve hugging black wet suit with blue stripes up the sides.

"You need to focus, Ms. Kurono. Stop hiding behind your mother."

This other woman whom appeared behind mommy was scary. She was dressed in a black slacks and a soft blue dress shirt. If not for the silver hair, Kurumu would have mistaken her for Teacher.

"No! I want mommy to stay with me!"

"You're tenth birthday is coming up soon. Should we throw a party?"

Kurumu paused at her bedside. Dressed in pink Hello Kitty pajamas, she felt out of place in this small, one bedroom home they had rented these past few months. She absently touched the baby blue comforter, turning about to regard mommy whom lingered in the doorway. Mommy was wearing a pink blouse and faded blue jeans.

"Can we go back to the city?"

Mommy frowned, walking over to caress her hair. It was back to shoulder length.

"I don't think we can, honey. That boy is still in the hospital."

That boy said I was a whore. That boy and his friends touched me. They weren't teasing me about having an accident. That boy was too stupid to know what he was supposed to do with his penis and peed on me instead.

"I don't like it here."

"Are you missing your friends?"

I don't have any friends.

"There's nothing to do here."

And nobody will talk to me.

"We could have your birthday in Yonago. Maybe see that new Star Wars movie that came out."

I miss the ocean.

"Sure."

Mommy smiled, walking over to wrap her up in a warm embrace. Kurumu sighed, relaxing into the hug.

"You'll be fine, baby. I'm sorry, we had to move away. You're getting too pretty."

I thought people wanted to be pretty. I don't understand.

"Can you sleep with me?"

Mommy laughed, rubbing Kurumu's back.

"You're getting too big to share your bed. I'll be fine on the couch."

Mommy's arms loosened as she started to pull away.

"No. Don't go."

"What have you done to her?"

Kurumu looked up into crimson eyes filled with concern. Moka held her in a loose embrace. Her silver tresses cascaded down her shoulders and back, resting against the blood red gown she wore. A black lace hem lined the bottom below Moka's knees and the top of the gown which wrapped about her ample bosom. Thin black straps slipped over her shoulders.

Kurumu had returned to her normal size and was clothed in a simple white slip. She pushed on Moka's torso, forcing Moka back as she stumbled away.

"No! I want my mommy!"

"Stop it, child."

Kurumu turned wild eyes upon a new figure whom appeared in the doorway. Mrs. Shuzen wore a black suit jacket over a crimson blouse which was tucked in a black skirt.

"No!"

"Enough!"

The world vanished into an empty void. Only the three of them remained in the darkness.

"I am not interested in reliving your past, Ms. Kurono. I am here to speak with my daughter."

Kurumu stumbled over nothing as Moka pulled her close.

"What have you done?"

"I have done nothing."

"Lies! I have been in Kurumu's head several times. It's never been like this before."

Kurumu started to sob, burying her face in the fabric of Moka's dress.

"What have you done?"

"Ms. Kurono's mother and I made an arrangement to have her guardianship transferred to me in exchange for an operation to repair her body."

"Why would you do that?"

"This is not a difficult concept to understand, Moka. Ms. Kurono belongs to the Shuzen Estate."

"You can't do that!"

"It is already done."

"So undo it! There's no reason to take her away from her mother!"

She's dead.

Moka let out a strangled cry. She tightened her hold on Kurumu.

"Why?! What did you do?!"

"I have done nothing."

"Like you did nothing for my mother! You let her die!"

"Some losses are inevitable."

"Why?! Why do you keep doing this?!"

"I am not here to answer your questions, child. I am here to have my questions answered."

"What could you possibly want from me?"

Kurumu felt oddly calm and soothed. She relaxed in Moka's arms, loosening her grip on the dress. She glanced across the darkness at Mrs. Shuzen whom stood impassively like an ominous deity.

"I want to know how Akasha died."

"As if you don't know."

"I don't. And I don't particularly trust your sister, considering I saw her kill Akasha."

"Where is Akua?"

"Answer my question, child."

In an instant the blackness was replaced with a grassy meadow filled with tulips. It was the place where they had brought Tora to start her flight lessons. Mrs. Shuzen glanced at Kurumu. In one blink it was darkness and the next it was back to the tulip field. After three attempts, Mrs. Shuzen nodded.

"It seems you have regained control, Ms. Kurono. If you agree not to throw any more tantrums, I will offer some insight to the situation."

"Tantrums? You murdered her mother."

"I did no such thing."

"And you murdered my mother."

"I would not need to ask you how Akasha died if that were the case."

"You saw her die."

Mrs. Shuzen's demeanor changed with a heavy, dark atmosphere which caused the flowers about her feet to wilt.

"Shall I avenge your mother by disposing of Akua?"

Moka hesitated with tangible fear.

"Please, don't. It was that creature beneath the castle. It ate Momma."

Mrs. Shuzen laughed darkly.

"Alucard? You are telling me that this mindless beast, randomly woke up and ate Akasha?"

"Yes."

The heaviness about the field diminished.

"At least your story coincides with hers."

"Where is Akua?"

"Akua is at the Garden. She is mastering a technique to remove your seal."

Moka absently reached for her choker, but it was not present in this dream. She scowled.

"I want to speak with her."

"Like you have spoken with me? How often have I asked that doll of yours to cooperate, only to be rewarded with feigned ignorance?"

"I don't trust you."

"And you trust Akua? That girl was sent by the Miao family to assassinate Akasha. I have spoken with the leader of the family, but all he would tell me is that the client whom requested the hit made an offer he could not refuse."

Moka hesitated.

"Akua did not kill Momma. She cut Momma in half, but that didn't kill her. Because that thing woke up and grabbed me so Momma had to rescue me. That creature gave up on me once it had Momma. The last thing I saw was it swallowing her whole."

"Intriguing. Akua said nothing about a fight with Akasha. She claimed Alucard woke up to your presence and she had to work with Akasha to save you."

"Where is the Garden?"

"It is better that neither of you know that. I won't tell you things which might get you killed."

"But I need to speak with Akua."

"How long have you been in communication with the doll?"

"She's not a doll."

"How long?"

"Before you reintroduced her to my sisters."

"And you've had her play dumb all these years."

Moka scowled at Mrs. Shuzen.

"You left her in an orphanage."

Mrs. Shuzen stared coldly at Moka.

"She wasn't you."

"That gives you no right to treat her the way you do."

"It was made quite clear to me that the girl on the surface was not the daughter I raised."

"Raised? You didn't raise any of us!"

"Irrelevant. My concern has always been to free you of this burden."

"My mother said that she was going to protect me."

Mrs. Shuzen laughed with a shake of her head.

"With that prison? That inhibitor you are wearing makes you vulnerable. That thing was designed to kill Alucard. Why Akasha put that doll into the rosary is a mystery to Touhou, but it doesn't change the fact that taking that seal off and placing it on Alucard was its intended purpose."

"I don't care."

"That rosary is a failed project. When I brought the doll to China for Touhou to examine, he was baffled over the changes Akasha had made to the rosary. It was the same device they had tried to kill Alucard with, but it only succeeded in putting him into hibernation."

Moka absently clutched at her throat.

"No. If you remove this seal, the beast will awaken."

"Doubtful. I have Alucard safely stored in the Garden. Short of your seal being removed in his presence, I don't believe there will be a problem."

Kurumu regarded Mrs. Shuzen with calm, renewed confidence. She realized inside this world she might be able to find all the answers she wanted. She cocked her head, regarding the vampire from multiple angles as more of her drifted into existence.

"I want to know more."

"Fragmentation. You don't want inside me, Ms. Kurono. It might drive you insane. I have seen countless possibilities which will make it impossible for you to know what is true and what is prediction."

"What is that supposed to mean?"

"Possibilities. Akasha dying at Akua's hand was a strong possibility. It was supposed to happen within days of her coming to live with you."

Moka fell back a step, tugging a Kurumu with her.

"But that's not true. Akua lived with us a whole year."

"I don't bother looking too far ahead. Too many possibilities. Even a month can be difficult to navigate. Though keeping eye contact in a fight is quite useful. Perhaps you recall my matches against Akasha."

"You don't have your eyes in here, Mother."

"That was not a threat. Besides, my gaze doesn't work through that doll of yours. I continue to find that rather troublesome when trying to monitor your care."

"Where's Father?"

"And here I was hoping you could answer that. But if you lost consciousness upon Akasha's pointless sacrifice, it means there was no way for you to have made contact with Issa. Akua claims she did not cross paths with him either, though I question her timeline."

"Why? What is wrong with her timeline?"

"Where exactly would you like me to start? Perhaps when I was thrown out of the house for being a jealous wife? Oh, that's right. You were told I choose work over family."

"Enough games."

"Since Issa wouldn't listen and Akasha was too in love with him and far too trusting of his judgment, I made a call to Mikogami. I asked him to use his divination to look into the fate of Akasha. I believe it was something he did during those first weeks of Akua's stay which avoided Akasha immediate death."

Moka gasped.

"The kidnappers."

"Intriguing. Akua did question Touhou if he had sent Chinese agents for you. I imagine there is more to that tale than she let on."

"She became very protective of me after that day."

"Putting that aside, on the day of Moka's tenth birthday, Akasha called me up in distress. She was upset about Akua showing Moka Alucard's body and claimed to have felt him stir. Issa would do nothing about it so she wanted me to take Moka out of the castle."

"But I wasn't sent to you until summer break."

"Because Issa refused. It was our decision to wait for Issa to take the girls on the biennial summer trip. It would be nothing extravagant this time, for obvious reasons. Akasha would come up with some excuse for Moka and her to stay behind. That way she could send Moka to me without a huge fuss, and possibly force Issa to bring me back into the household."

Mrs. Shuzen sighed.

"And she failed to tell me about Akua staying behind with her. The driver whom was supposed to bring Moka to me never returned. I realized our ploy to sneak Moka out of the castle had failed. And the line to the castle was dead, preventing me from asking Akasha what happened. Despite his demand that I never speak with him again, I had to contact Issa. He was with the girls at Tomioka Castle and quite upset when I confessed our plot to move Moka. He dropped Kahlua and Kokoa off in a hotel in Inemuri and nobody has seen him since."

There was a long pause as Kurumu regarded Mrs. Shuzen through many eyes. This confession came across as genuine and believable.

"Do you think your husband is dead?"

"I would prefer that not to be the case."

"Do you believe he came in contact with Akua?"

"I think that is possible. It was five days after I made the call to Issa when I received the call from Inemuri about my girls abandoned in a hotel there. I was about to go get them when I saw Sho die at Akua's hands that night. So I sent Sho in my place and that was my first encounter with Akua."

Mrs. Shuzen smirked.

"I doubt she would ever admit it, but she cried when she handed the pink haired doll over. She had no idea what was wrong and begged me to fix it. I took Moka to the hospital in Iromori where she stayed for three weeks before she regained consciousness. She was not herself. We took her to Mikogami, whom immediately redirected me to Touhou. I had to leave her in Akua's care since I could not abandon my post as President."

Mrs. Shuzen paused.

"And then Akua vanished. When I came to check on Moka, Touhou had drawn his conclusions and was unwilling to tell me what Akua was doing. He gave some vague answer about her being on a quest to free Moka from the seal, confirming that he was unable to remove it himself without causing harm to Moka. Mikogami had said a similar thing, so I brought Moka back to him for advice. It was our mutual decision that it would be best to place her in an orphanage and watch over her."

"For her best interests. You told her she wasn't a person."

"She isn't a person."

"You could have been nicer to her."

"To what end? Both dark lords agree that her purpose is to destroy Alucard, though both doubt it would succeed. It certainly is not the only time we've tried to destroy Alucard. His regenerative abilities are frightening. Every time the humans come up with new weapons of destruction, we try using them on that thing and it won't die. We've tried everything within our budget."

Mrs. Shuzen smirked.

"We actually contemplated launching him into space but that brought up concerns of him rousing and us no longer having control of his environment. That's not including the trouble involved to cover up that sort of thing from other countries."

"Was that thing a vampire?"

"At one time it might have been. I only know what Akasha told me about him."

"Would you tell us?"

Mrs. Shuzen grinned, baring her fangs.

"I suppose a small history lesson can't hurt. Where would you like me to begin?"

"Does he predate the purge of 1862?"

"Ah, I see my ladies have mentioned a bit of your gruesome past. Do you know what instigated Fairy Tale's decision to purge succubi?"

"I only heard about it yesterday."

"The succubi helped Fairy Tale wipe humanity's recollection of the Great Yokai War. The ease in which the succubi prevented mankind from recalling or documenting an event which happened over the span of years terrified the elders. Worried that the succubi might use that power to subdue not only humans but all monster races, Fairy Tale razed every succubi village in Japan. Emissaries were sent to other nations, encouraging them to do the same. Your kind was hunted down in every civilized nation across the globe. It wouldn't surprise me if you're an endangered species."

"Stop it."

"Eventually some governments felt they could keep these women around as useful pets. I believe it was around the turn of the century when the Inazuma clan took over Fairy Tale that succubi were allowed to be used as toys for pleasure. But only prefectural leaders or higher were allowed to keep one."

"We're not interested in the abusive history of succubi. Tell me about my mother."

"Your mother and Alucard are not from Japan. If you know some European history, you might be aware of how the stories of Dracula stem from Vlad the Impaler whom is a national hero of Romania. As a descendant of those peoples, Alucard borrowed the name and created a small village."

Mrs. Shuzen grinned.

"While Alucard was kind and benevolent leader to his people, the rulers of neighboring kingdoms called into question the authority of Alucard carving out his village on the banks of a river which defined the border of their nations. They questioned how he came about his wealth and both sides argued the land of his village belonged to them."

Mrs. Shuzen paused.

"Akasha could only tell me so much as the story was told to her by Alucard. For all she knew, Alucard could have been Vlad the Impaler himself, afraid to admit the truth. But in the end, both kingdoms came to destroy his village. He escaped with Akasha in his care, having no idea if any others survived."

"Is my mother related to Alucard?"

"Alucard's village was a mix of vampires and humans living peacefully together. Akasha was the daughter of a vampire girl whom had spurned Alucard's affections, marrying a human instead. She spoke of him as a dear Uncle whom allowed his grievances with humans sour his views of the world. They had come to Japan late in the seventeenth century, a decade or two after the destruction of their village."

Moka regarded Mrs. Shuzen with a blank expression.

"How old is Momma?"

Mrs. Shuzen clucked her tongue with a slight shake of her head.

"It's not polite to ask a woman her age."

"Yea, but… it's my mother."

"Akasha was at least two hundred years older than your father."

"She didn't look that old."

"There was something special about the blood of Alucard's clan. A longevity that most vampires don't possess. Vampires can live for centuries if they feed on new blood, but all life has an expiration date. Most of our elders tire of this world, passing their blood on to the strongest of their clan. I was not born with the gift of premonition. I earned it."

Moka paused with a thoughtful look.

"What happened?"

"That's a broad question."

"I meant what happened to drive Alucard to do what he did."

"Difficult to say. He disagreed with Akasha. Thought she fell in with the wrong crowd. Starting hanging out with a bunch of human lovers and formed the cult of Fairy Tale in 1800. It might surprise you, but Akasha was the first leader of Fairy Tale. That's not in any history books which only list her as a member of the founding council. The official record is Fairy Tale's first leader was elected on October 31st, 1801 with Lord Chikawa Shu presiding over the order with his wife, Akasha."

Mrs. Shuzen grinned at Moka's reaction.

"Yes. Issa was not Akasha's first husband. And you are not her first child."

"I have more family?"

"No. At least not in a direct sense. Alucard disagreed with the notion of intermingling monster species and coexisting with humans. He mocked Fairy Tale as a cowardly organization, dedicated to hiding from humans. And he was not wrong. Lord Chikawa spent his entire decade as President trying to unify the monster races. So did my elder, Lord Buyouken, whom led Fairy Tale from 1841 to 1851. The first half century was aimed at unifying the monster races under Fairy Tale rule without any progress towards the original goal of coexistence with humans."

Mrs. Shuzen paused.

"Then the humans signed a treaty with the west called the Convention of Kanagawa in 1854. Alucard mocked the weakness of the Japanese government for bowing to western imperialism. He declared war to retake Japan and reshape it into a world ruled by the strong."

Mrs. Shuzen stared at Moka.

"Your brother, Lord Chikawa Kibou was President at the time. Alucard wiped the entire Chikawa family out. Every vampire household was given the ultimatum of joining Alucard or dying. Only the families which allied with Alucard survived the war."

Mrs. Shuzen crossed her arms about her chest.

"And that is where the Dark Lords come into play. I didn't realize Touhou's part in this until he explained he was the one whom created the original magical design for the rosary. In 1861, they put Alucard into a state of hibernation. Lord Kureshiba took over Fairy Tale and initially called for the death of all vampires. Akasha confronted the elder council and demanded a pardon, stating none of them would have behaved any differently if Alucard had targeted them."

Mrs. Shuzen smirked.

"We got our pardons but were dropped from the organization vampires had spent half a century building for them. Then they purged the succubi whom helped them crawl back to the safety of their holes. The organization became so corrupt and self-serving that Mikogami washed his hands of it, opening Yokai Academy in 1903 with the original beliefs Fairy Tale had been founded upon."

"What happened to my mother?"

"She spent the next century helping the humans rebuild. She confessed to having a few lovers over those years, but she never had another child. Then on August 19th, 1961, exactly one hundred years after Alucard's defeat, his body stirred. The official human record has the event called the Mino Earthquake, since the damage Alucard caused was best understood in that capacity."

Mrs. Shuzen paused.

"Akasha hurried to the scene and put him back into slumber. The Taizai household whom was in control of Fairy Tale at the time agreed to help conceal the incident for Akasha if she agreed to give Fairy Tale rights to conscript vampires as assassins for their organization. The vampire elders convened to discuss the proposal and eventually agreed to participate."

"Is that when Father met my mother?"

"That was when Akasha met the Head of the Shuzen family for the first time. He offered his home as a suitable place to move Alucard's body to, reasoning that his place was remote enough to not cause as big of a trouble to Fairy Tale if Alucard ever stirred again. Issa did meet Akasha the following summer and they shared a rather amorous exchange. I understand Issa even proposed to her."

"Father spoke of this. When he challenged Momma for her hand she surrendered without resisting."

"So he married Akasha first?"

"I am the only woman officially married to Issa. Akasha and whomever gave birth to Akua are not recognized as official marriages in any Fairy Tale books."

"My mother wasn't married to Father?"

"Polygamy isn't legal in Japan or Fairy Tale. Vampires allow it to an extent, provided the family elders approve of the union. But at that particular time the family elders were bickering over whom would inherit the position of Head of the Shuzen Family. They would not recognize Issa's marriage."

"But why?"

"Because not everyone approved of him becoming the next Head. By the time he was awarded the title in 1964, Akasha had left him. He was distraught about the loss of his lover and volunteered himself to fulfill the Shuzen Family's obligation to provide an assassin to Fairy Tale. This angered the other vampire families whom regarded this as a great injustice. The notion of Fairy Tale demanding for the Head of a Vampire household to serve them as a common thug became the unifying element to orchestrate the demise of the Taizai household."

"That sounds like Father."

Mrs. Shuzen smiled fondly.

"He is a charming man, though often a slave to his emotions."

"What happened with Akasha? Why did she leave Father?"

"She miscarried their child. They would get together for a few years, she would miscarry and leave him. They were together from 70 to 72 after the coup and also from 76 to 79. The last time she didn't show up for their wedding, leaving a note about how she could not live with herself knowing she would be tying him down to a childless future."

"I never knew…"

"There was not much reason to tell you. These are painful things, Moka. Judging by the timeline, I surmise that Issa took comfort in the arms of a servant girl, which resulted in Akua."

"Whom is Akua's mother?"

"I confirmed with Issa's cousins that Akua is an illegitimate daughter from a servant girl named Hanami. I have seen her grave in the family mausoleum which says she died in childbirth in December of 84. The whole premise of Akua's return was that she had turned sixteen and was claiming her right as the eldest daughter of the Shuzen Estate. I argued over how her age could be proven without any records but the family seemed to all be in agreement with Akua's claim of being born in February of 82."

"When did you marry our Father?"

"January eighth, 1986."

"I meant why did you marry him? I know you don't love Father."

Mrs. Shuzen regarded Moka impassively.

"I married your Father because he challenged for my hand. I was a unique prospect, since I was the first woman to have inherited power from an Elder. Your Father was but one of many challengers whom wished to make me a prize. There is also the matter that he was the Head of the Shuzen Estate and was unmarried. Nagi told me there was talk of splitting the household if Issa did not sire a proper heir."

"So that's all there was to it."

"Not entirely. Issa has such expressive eyes. He was unlike any other man whom challenged me. Every other suitor had nothing worth seeing. But Issa… there was a moment of clarity in our fight in which I saw myself pregnant. I was mesmerized by the concept."

Mrs. Shuzen chuckled.

"Next thing I know, I'm waking up in a hospital a week later and am engaged to marry."

"Why didn't you divorce him when Momma came back?"

"Mostly political reasons. Having Akasha's friendship and endorsement was great for my political career. Akasha and Issa met again in the summer of 88, a year after Kahlua was born. I guess it was one of those passionate things since he got Akasha pregnant with you right away."

Moka blushed, glancing aside.

"I saw Akasha often in his eyes. I would ask if he was happy with Kahlua and Issa was Issa. Of course he loved Kahlua. But he loved Akasha more. And he loved the baby girl they would have."

Mrs. Shuzen regarded them impassively.

"When I saw there was a strong possibility he would disown me now that he finally succeeded having a baby with the love of his life, I provoked him. I saw he would make another child with me if I challenged his authority. And that is why I had Kokoa. I hoped that would convince him not to abandon us."

Mrs. Shuzen paused.

"But Moka was born sick. The future in his eyes had him sending me away before Kokoa was born. So I begged Issa to bring Akasha into our home. Because I did not like the future I was seeing for my girls if I only had Sho to depend on."

"And this is the future you felt was best?"

"I didn't bring Akua into our home. It did cross my mind to kill her when she came back to me two years ago. The silly girl had an artifact blessed by Touhou and was convinced she could destroy Alucard with it. Of course I had moved Alucard to the Garden by then, which meant poor Nagi had to calm the crazy girl down before she started killing his family."

Mrs. Shuzen smirked.

"I took her to the Garden and let her have her fun. Of course she wasn't able to do anything to Alucard. I think I would have killed her if she had not broken down in tears again."

"How kind of you."

Mrs. Shuzen grinned at Moka, baring her fangs.

"Well… I think I've given a long enough history lesson. I do hope you've been taking notes as I have no intention of repeating this to your doll."

"Half of it is useless and the rest I'm hesitant to believe with you as my only source."

"Think what you will, but as I have no further questions for you, we shall conclude this meeting. When you are ready, Ms. Kurono."

Kurumu regarded the woman.

"I don't understand. Why would he disown you if he can have multiple wives?"

There was a notable pause as Mrs. Shuzen smiled.

"Some predictions have no explanations. When you are ready, Ms. Kurono."