Rei ponders the challenge before her. 'It isn't numbers. We are fairly evenly matched, if Yuuki-kun's estimates are accurate. It isn't raw strength. Where they may have more powerful toys, we have specialized agents to render them inoperable; or shielding technologies that render them ineffective. It isn't hand-to-hand skill though we will sharpen those to a deadly point.'
"Where are you going to put them all?" Yoshino said as she sat next to Rei on the hill, looking down at the assembled volunteers, neatly standing in formation.
"That's it! That's the problem!" Rei turned to Yoshino with a happy smile that at least now she realized what she needed to solve.
"Onee-sama, why not use the existing class structure? The whole university has already signed up along with professors. We've even had some of the Hanadera faculty defect to Lillian. But then how do we provide a uniform training regimen since you won't be able to be everywhere at once?" Yoshino was reading Rei's thoughts again.
"Well, Yoshino, I may have a solution. We have many friends and mentors all the way from childhood. I'm sure we can solicit their assistance. The adwol would be better off with exposure to other perspectives and masters to better equip them on the field when they encounter a diverse enemy." Rei's mind jumped into overdrive.
"Adwol?" Yoshino looked at her cousin curiously. She hadn't heard this term before. Was it German or something?
"Active Duty Women's League or ADWL for short." Rei was secretly chuffed knowing some current piece of slang that her keen petite soeur did not.
Rei and Yoshino set out to address the students. Regular assemblies like this would take place so that the Yamayurikai could keep their hearts and minds strong. In the end it will be determination and steadfastness that win the day. So they had to give these troops the reasons why to fight. And equip them with the best how to fight that they can.
- Power Up -
Sachiko Makes a Bold Move
During her second year of high school, Ogasawara Sachiko, Rosa Chinensis en Bouton and one of the school's most adored idols having descended from royalty and belonging to one of the most prestigious families in all of Japan, took Fukuzawa Yumi as her petite soeur. Yumi was a plain girl whose honest face activates with her emotions, betraying all of her feelings in a myriad of expressions. Their relationship developed quickly both together and independently. Now they are attending the same university living in the same dorm but in separate rooms.
Yumi awakened during the night to the clicking sound of her bedroom door being opened, closed, and then locked. In the dark gloom of the space between her bed and the door she faintly makes out a tall figure standing at the foot of her bed, a beautiful pale face with piercing blue eyes wearing a silky sheer slip that stopped at mid-thigh. Yumi's eyes travelled down the pale, near-glowing skin of her visitor's legs.
Sachiko heard a whispered, "Onee-sama?" Yumi's sleepy brain was trying to grasp whether Sachiko was real or a dream.
Sachiko smiled and crawled on the bed, straddling Yumi. She could not stave off this hunger any longer. Yumi's smell, the feel of her skin, the sound of her voice, the beauty of her face and body… Sachiko could resist no longer. Since they confessed to one another she was going mad with desire. She had to taste her. She prayed Yumi would let her. Sachiko's hands started caressing Yumi's shoulders, tracing up Yumi's neck and cupping her face, gentle fingertips stroking her ears and nape.
"Yumi," Sachiko began, "I need you. I want to make love to you. I want to taste you. I want to drink from you. Now."
Yumi's eyes widened as Sachiko's lips slowly descended toward their target, stopping millimeters away. "Will you allow me?" Sachiko asked hesitantly. She could still be rejected but she would honor Yumi's decision.
"H-hai," came Yumi's breathless reply.
Sachiko's body shook as she gently rubbed their lips together, her head slowly moving back and forth, caressing Yumi's lips with her own, all the while murmuring, "You taste so good, you feel so good, Oh Kami-sama how I've longed for you, how I love you, Yumi, I love you, I love you." Then Sachiko would capture Yumi's soft lips again and again, kissing, caressing, licking, suckling. She kissed Yumi's lips over and over, driven forward by Yumi's soft moans and sweet noises. Sachiko felt a column of desire pass through her, shaking her from head to toe when her vampire-enhanced sense of smell detected the unmistakable scent of Yumi's arousal.
"Open your mouth, Yumi."
Yumi was dizzy, swirling, launched into ecstasy. Her mind was barely holding onto reality let alone able to process language, no matter how direct. She was floating around in some delicious fantasy-dream and had deliriously left her brains in a happy puddle on the floor next to her bed. Before Yumi could retrieve them, though, Sachiko's tongue began forcing itself into Yumi's lips.
'I know how to get that lovely mouth open.' Sachiko's thoughts were in overdrive. All of her senses heightened. She was like a starved animal who found a tasty feast. Sachiko's hands traced their way to Yumi's breasts, Sachiko's palms gently settling on top of them for a moment, waiting for… there! Sachiko lightly pinched where she could feel Yumi's nipples beginning to harden through her pajamas. Yumi's mouth opened in a gasp at the overwhelming sensations assaulting her body.
Sachiko took full advantage of her opportunity and thrust her tongue inside Yumi's mouth, licking, slurping, exploring, pressing deeper into Yumi's lips, hard breaths through her nose as she desperately drank in Yumi's mouth. Yumi tasted so good, felt so good, looked so good. Sachiko chanced a few glances at Yumi's face in between kisses and saw an intoxicated angel, blissfully receiving everything Sachiko was giving her. Still, Sachiko had to ask.
"Yumi..."
"I want you, Onee-sama, I want you to make love to me, but..." Yumi interrupted, very startled that her sentence came out coherent and stutter-free.
Sachiko smiled again, it was all she needed to hear. She resumed where she'd left off only now her hands got busier. Sachiko stripped herself of the skimpy negligee and panties and kneeled up straddling Yumi letting her body seduce her petite soeur. Yumi's eyes raked Sachiko's body, heat radiating off her skin. Sachiko reached her hands out to Yumi's button-up pajama top and undid each button, pulling open the top to expose Yumi's beautiful breasts. Yumi sat up so Sachiko could remove the top the rest of the way, caressing as much of Yumi's skin as she could along the way. Sachiko then grabbed Yumi's pajama shorts and panties and swiftly pulled them from Yumi's beautiful body.
Yumi reached for Sachiko's body, desperate for contact. Sachiko grabbed hold of Yumi's head and attacked Yumi's mouth with renewed vigor. When they broke for air Sachiko trailed hungry kisses, licks, and bites from Yumi's mouth down to her breasts, alternating one and the other, saliva flowing out of her mouth, tongue slipping along Yumi's skin and over her pebble-hard nipples; hearts soaring to new heights of joy and love. Sachiko sucked on Yumi's breasts, filling her wide open mouth with as much of Yumi's body as she could, wanting to fill herself with Yumi.
She continued downward past Yumi's stomach until she felt the tickle of soft curly hair on her chin… and grinned widely. Sachiko's nostrils flared wide as Yumi's scent filled her head. Sachiko gently rubbed her chin with the fine hair, slowly working her way down with her lips following close behind. It was heaven, pure bliss, ecstasy on a... string?
Sachiko grinned wickedly again, her vampire senses in overdrive. She was aware of Yumi's cycle and had timed things perfectly. She gently pulled on the string; her anticipation growing that in moments she would be enjoying the two fluids she desperately craved – both belonging to Yumi. The item now properly disposed into the waste basket next to the bed, Sachiko began to ravish Yumi. She was like a crazy person, having lost all reason save one – unbridled pleasure for Yumi and herself; in that order.
At one point Yumi found herself embarrassingly exposed to Sachiko. Her rear end was lifted up, spine curled so that only her shoulders, neck, and head made contact with the mattress. Sachiko was kneeling down supporting Yumi's hips and back. Yumi's most precious place was up in the air, haughtily thrust into Sachiko's face. Sachiko's hands were wrapped around her hips, holding Yumi's rear end resting on Sachiko's chest, tantalizingly close to her nipples. Yumi felt an occasional brushing of her soft mounds against her lower back and butt cheeks.
Yumi now easily believed that the tongue was one of the strongest muscles in the body. Kami-sama what Sachiko was doing with her tongue!
Sachiko considered for a moment that maybe she should slow down. Her plan was to have Yumi come while she was drinking her blood, to heighten their pleasure. After another go 'round with her tongue inside Yumi tasting the metallic taste of blood mixed with the creamy deliciousness of Yumi's arousal, she thought, "Screw it. I'll just make her come again when I drink from her." Sachiko's sensitive tongue found the spot she was looking for inside and began shoving her tongue in and out of Yumi, hard thrusts for a bit; then soft, thorough exploration; each time getting faster, harder, deeper. Sachiko followed Yumi's every breath, moan, and twitch – every time making sure to give that special spot attention – her vampiric physical abilities put to good use. Sachiko's hand began caressing Yumi's engorged clitoris as she felt Yumi getting close. Yumi cried out and her walls clamped down on Sachiko's tongue. Warm caramel ran into Sachiko's wide-open mouth. Sachiko sucked and licked until there were no juices left. She carefully lay Yumi back down, who was still occasionally twitching from her orgasms.
After holding Yumi close for a few minutes, Sachiko could tell that she began to recover. Sachiko then lay down on top of Yumi, licking her neck and rubbing her body on top of Yumi, grinding her into the mattress. Yumi could not believe how quickly she could go from fully sated to ravenously aroused. She needed Sachiko's touch, needed to feel her close, needed her like she needed air.
Sachiko's teeth elongated and Yumi felt a slight prick of the skin on her neck. Then an incredible feeling of warmth flowed between them. She felt so connected to Sachiko. Yumi's hands freely explored Sachiko's body, one hand ending up concentrating on her breasts while the other moved into the soft curls at Sachiko's center. Sachiko moaned with pleasure and Yumi sated her desire to feel all of Sachiko, her exploration of the area methodical, thorough, and full of love and passion. When Yumi placed two fingers at Sachiko's entrance and waited, it took Sachiko no time to nod eagerly into Yumi's neck, granting her permission. Yumi's thrusts were more seductive, adopting a swirling motion that Sachiko found amazing. Sachiko's hand went to Yumi's center and soon both women were lost in all of the sensations, helping each other climb to dizzying heights.
When both women reached their peaks, Sachiko's head lifted away from Yumi, loud cries of passion and satisfaction coming from both lovers. They felt so much more connected. Yumi fancied she could feel what Sachiko's skin was feeling. Sachiko felt she could understand Yumi's heart. They had made their homes within each other and will be forever, happily, connected. No matter the challenges ahead, they would face them with contentment and love, trust and support, courage and determination.
Gotta Find Out
The Yamayurikai, except Yumi, are all gathered at the Rose Mansion for a strategic planning session to respond to the recent Hanadera attack on Sachiko.
"For a proper comparison, Sachiko-sama, it's imperative that I drink from Yumi-san. Otherwise it will not be possible to determine whether there are differences between her blood and anyone else's. You yourself are not willing to drink from anyone but Yumi so SOMEONE must make the sacrifice." Shimako barely kept the smile from her face. She knew her reasoning was irrefutable. She was giddy with the prospect of finally fulfilling a long-held fantasy involving a fun-filled romp with Sachiko's petite soeur. But in order to maintain Sachiko's tenuous equilibrium, which is challenged when it has anything to do with Yumi, Shimako knew she needed not only Sachiko's permission, but also consensus from their tight-knit group.
Shimako chanced a glance at Yoshino whose sly expression betrayed her inner thoughts that praised her best friend with, 'Shimako you sly girl you. I love the way you think. My turn after you!'
Youko decided to weigh into the conversation, attempting a slight diversion before hitting the hard topic straight on. "If the plan is to work, shouldn't Shimako drink from Yumi-chan after she has tasted of the others on the list, as that will then facilitate the most accurate conclusion? We should set a timeline as well, with matrices in place after each feed to allow Shimako-chan to report back to the group efficiently and effectively. This should also protect Shimako-chan from undue emotional strain as well as keep the more immature members of our group..." (glaring pointedly at Sei) "from diverging into a frenzy of juvenile innuendo."
"You wound me!" Sei placed a hand on her heart and dramatically staggered backward.
"If we agree, I think the Foetida Family should take point on drafting the reporting questions and begin to make determinations as to how to measure 'blood-power' based off of Shimako's responses. The rest of us may submit suggestions but Rosa Foetida would have final say on the end product." Youko looked at Eriko, "We should try to be as clinical as possible."
"Of course, Rosa Chinensis," Eriko agreed.
"The Gigantea Family should work on the timeline for the three targets. We would need Shimako's input anyhow as to her… well, let's just say 'recovery rate.' Noriko, I'll be counting on you to support Shimako in maintaining the proper dignity and professionalism this task will require. We'll need everyone's help. Include Katou Kei and Kanako to collate data and score results. The Gigantea Family should coordinate with the Foetida Family on interim questionnaire improvements once we have actual findings."
"Should Shimako drink from Yumi-chan after each test run or just once at the end?" Sei just HAD to interject.
"Wait a minute!" Sachiko hit the red zone. "We haven't even decided whether this would be worth pursuing. I'm not going to subject Yumi to becoming someone's guinea pig. Onee-sama, please, before we arrange HOW we're to proceed maybe we should take time to discuss WHETHER we should proceed. I for one am against it. The risk far outweighs any perceived reward. Honestly, Yumi's blood granting special powers. It's absurd." Sachiko knew she was lying. But she would do anything to keep Yumi all to herself. Not because of her blood – that was just a bonus. She was in love with Yumi, long before she ever drank from her, and she wanted to maintain the integrity of their relationship.
Youko fixed her petite soeur with a knowing gaze and smiled. Sachiko sweat-dropped, second-guessing her approach. She knew her onee-sama could argue circles around the temperamental raven-haired princess so Sachiko began to feel nervous under her onee-sama's assessment.
"Absurd?" Youko asked with a raised eyebrow. It was all she needed to say. Sachiko immediately deflated, understanding that if their little group had any chance to weather the coming storms they would need every advantage. But she still wanted to protest. She opened her mouth only to stop short seeing Youko put up her hand, palm facing Sachiko. "If I may," Youko began. Now Sachiko was actually worried. She should have stopped while she could, with her dignity intact. Youko walked over to Sachiko and tenderly placed a hand on her shoulder in comfort. "Sachiko, the day after your… experience… with Yumi-chan, what happened again, exactly?"
[Sachiko's POV – Flashback]
I was taking my turn at the grocery store and Yumi asked to accompany me. We just finished at the check-out when we saw Kashiwagi's men in their black sedans screeching up to the store entrance. The brutes don't even have the decency to attempt negotiations. After all his bluster about maintaining fairness he shows up with what appeared to be a whole company of mercenaries, fully armed. Luckily, Yumi saw one of the men starting to load a rocket-launcher.
Suffice it to say that all the terms Kashiwagi negotiated last month were diversionary; no, they were down-right make-believe! He even agreed in front of Grandfather. He intends open warfare. This is not a "contest" with rules of engagement. That's funny – I just made a joke, "engagement." It made me giggle. Ahem. Why is he even trying so hard? What does he hope to accomplish? He doesn't want me so what does he want? He must be hiding something. I have every intention of finding out what is motivating him to such extremes. But back to what happened…
A rush of power poured through me and I felt hot from head to toe. I glanced at Yumi, who was frozen still, holding our grocery bags with white knuckles. I grabbed her around the waist and picked her up like a rag doll, dashing out the back door. In the alley more men were moving in from left and right. There was a tall building in front of me so it seemed like there was no escape. All I could think was "we have to get out of here," and suddenly we were shooting skyward, propelled by… I don't know what. Apparently I can now fly. I mean, FLY! As in, leave the ground, soar into the air, and navigate a course, the same way a person might do in heavy traffic. Only IN THE AIR. I realize most know what flying is. I've just never done it before so it's taking me a moment to adjust. So, then, I can fly now. Well, then, there it is.
[End Flashback]
Stunned silence as Sachiko looked around the room. "I've tried it again a little, privately, just to determine whether it was permanent and each time the ability continues to be available with seemingly no diminishment in power."
"But Sachiko-sama," began Shimako, "aren't you afraid of heights? And how is it that you were able to effortlessly carry Yumi?" While vampires do have heightened abilities these do not make things effortless. She wasn't asking out of jealousy. She just wondered which of her own limitations or weaknesses she can hope Yumi's blood will remove.
"Good point, Shimako-san. My fear of heights has disappeared. Maybe when you can control how it affects you, you no longer need fear it." Sachiko replied.
"Why didn't you tell us sooner?!" Yoshino was upset, feeling like she was being left in the dark on important matters. But she wasn't the only one. Sachiko was getting some pretty intense glares from Eriko and Sei too.
"I told Onee-sama about it and we decided to wait to see if indeed it was Yumi's blood or some other cause," Sachiko sulked. The real reason was to avoid exactly what was happening now – that everyone will want Yumi's blood to unlock new abilities. I mean, who wouldn't want to be able to fly around as you please?
"Oh, come on!" Yoshino called Sachiko on her bull pucky. "You just wanted to keep Yumi-san's blood all to yourself! That's so lame, Sachiko-sama. And you too, Youko-sama..."
"That's enough." Youko had heard all she would hear on that subject. "Complaining about what has already happened adds nothing to our discussion. We need answers, and quickly if Sachiko's assessment of Kashiwagi is accurate. I have no reason to doubt her." Youko calmly looked at Eriko, Sei, and Yoshino challenging them to argue.
Sei was the first to capitulate. "You're right, of course, Rosa Chinensis." With a slight bow of her head she added, "In the future, though, please consider sharing important information that may affect the survival of our group. I for one would be happy to learn of any advantage over our... opponent."
"I think 'enemy' is the currently acceptable word," Yoshino interjected disgustedly.
"Sei is right, Youko-san, Sachiko-chan." Eriko added, "If we are to face Kashiwagi's escalation, secrets like these could devastate our chances of survival."
"Maybe Kashiwagi is already aware of Yumi's blood and that's why he's attacking with such force," Yoshino supplied. "It wouldn't surprise me."
"But how would he know? Even I didn't know until after his attack on the grocery store." Sachiko said.
"Be that as it may, Sachiko-sama, you and Kashiwagi are somewhat connected. You hate to admit that but the bonding ceremony for arranged marriages within the vampire community includes a small exchange of blood on the part of the intendeds. He may be strengthening that bond in order to spy on our group. He probably didn't even know exactly what happened but just felt the surge of power in you and figured to remove the threat immediately." What Yoshino didn't say was, 'bastard asshole' but she thought it pretty loudly.
"Then why can't I feel him the same way he does me? I feel nothing at all." Sachiko argued.
"Well, maybe, my dear Saachan," Sei smiled and put her arm around Sachiko's shoulders, "your bond with Yumi-chan drives every other consideration right out of your pretty little head!"
"Please don't call me that, Sei-sama." Sachiko didn't know how to respond. Sei had a point. After she and Yumi… bonded, all she could think about was when she could make love to the girl again – drinking from her or not.
The group went silent, each alone with their contemplations of what Yumi's blood could portend for their group.
Yoshino finally broke the silence, "Now it's just a matter of how on earth we're going to get Yumi-san to agree."
All heads turned to one beautiful, blue-eyed, raven-haired princess, who simply stomped her foot with, "Why me?"