Tabitha and Kirche entered town, and the fiery redhead started looking for the young man she fancied, while Tabitha read a book. They didn't have to look far, as they could hear Mizore and Kurumu tease-fighting each other. Both girls were doing their best to not fight, so that they might go on dates with Tsukune. Also, even though they fought for Tsukune's attention, they were, indeed, friends. Louise was looking for some clothes for Tsukune, Mizore, and Kurumu, seeing as how they arrived in Halkeginia with only the clothes on their backs, quite literally.
After picking up clothes for the three new people in her life, she decided that they needed weapons. She didn't want them to get hurt (which would anger Tsukune), or, more importantly, get her in trouble if they had powers like her new familiar' and they displayed them. She got Kurumu a short sword and a buckler, and for Mizore, she got a crossbow and bolts, along with two small daggers. Also she got Kurumu some chainmail, and for Mizore, she bought some leather and silk composite armor. Mizore felt it was a bit conservative, which Kurumu was thankful for.
The four of them stopped for food at a local inn. Upon leaving, Tsukune felt a great…. weight upon his neck. "Why hello there handsome. Did you miss me?" Kirche asked. She then sucked on Tsukune's ear lobe, eliciting a moan from the young Shinso. Kurumu and Mizore started getting worked up, so Tsukune calmed himself down as fast as he could. "Mizore! Kurumu! Please calm down. I don't want for trouble to start here! Remember, we have others we care about depending on us back in our world, including my family! Don't you girls want to get to know my family a bit better?" Tsukune asked.
"Y-yeah Tsukune! I'm sorry! I'll be better!" Kurumu said apologetically. She really did miss Moka, Yukari, and the others. She also did want Tsukune's family to get to know her better, seeing as she wanted to become a more permanent fixture in his life. "Sorry, Tsukune. I will try to behave better" Mizore stated. She was doing her best to be good. She did miss the posse they belonged to, and wanted to improve how his parents', and his cousin's viewpoint of her. After all, they were going to make babies together at some point, so she needed his family's blessing.
Tsukune then turned around. "I told you before, Kirche, that you are welcome to pursue me. I cannot stop you, and I have a feeling you wouldn't desist even if I did try. However, I would like to get to know you before you try to get me to lay with you, so to speak. You strike me as not just a woman whose value is in her looks and charms, but her personality as well. A woman who doesn't let others see her true value, the value of what kind of person she is" Tsukune told her. This shocked Kirche. Most men only wanted to get into her pants. Yet here was a young man resisting her, not because he didn't find her attractive, but because love meant more to him than satisfying an itch. It meant something deeper, something more meaningful to him. This, of course caused Kirche to feel a great heat, but she also felt something she never had felt before. A flutter in her heart.
Kirche decided she HAD to spoil Tsukune, so she dragged him around town. She was also nice enough to get some things for Mizore and Kurumu. She figured these girls were special to Tsukune in some way, and that by being nice to them she would score points with Tsukune. Additionally, she figured that she would have to win the favor of at least one of the girls to be able to pursue the young Japanese man.
It was getting late, so Tabitha decided to let them all ride on Sylphid's back as they returned to the academy of magic. Kirche started to insult Louise's bust size and skill at spellwork, but promptly stopped when Tsukune asked her to. He remembered being surrounded by beings much more powerful than him. Besides, even though Louise could be a bit abusive, he could tell that, deep down, she was actually a rather nice girl. This elicited a blush from the young pinkette and a small smile from Tabitha. She might have been Kirche's best friend, but even she could admit that the busty Germanian could take her teasing too far. She did know that even though Louise did well when it came to the knowledge of the subjects they were studying, when it came time to put them into practice, she had a hard time. However, Tabitha could tell that Louise would do well in due time.
They got back to the Academy late that evening. They all turned in for the night. A small smile graced Louise's lips. Someone, other than Cattleya, stood up for her, for once. Kirche had a large smile on her face when she went to bed. She finally met someone worthy of her love. Someone who saw her as a person, a quest to be pursued, and not just as someone for a quick lay. She felt valued as a human being. A feeling that was foreign to her.
Tabitha felt something else. Jealousy. It was an emotion she rarely felt. Why did Louise have to summon that kind individual? She was certainly not worthy of him emotionally. Tabitha would have been a much better master to him than Louise could ever be! Someone that strong, and yet so humble would be a perfect match for her! He seemed to be the heroic type, like the character in her favorite story, Ivaldii. Someone who could rescue her, and her mother, from their nightmare.
The next few days went smoothly for Tsukune, Kurumu, Mizore, and all the students of Tristian Magical Academy. At the end of that week, Tsukune was looking around for Siesta. She had been spending time with him the last few days, and aided him with the chores Louise gave him. Louise still treated him a bit like a servant, but at least she didn't treat him like a slave, as of late.
He went to the kitchen, where the bulk of Siesta's work load tended to be at. "Where is Siesta? I haven't seen her at all this evening" Tsukune asked Marteau. All the kitchen staff looked down with a sad look on their faces after he asked that question. "She was taken away to the estate of an official in the queen's court. His name is Count Mott. She is in danger! The Count is known to choose maids that he can take advantage of" Marteau said, despair in his voice. "Would anyone know where he lives?" Tsukune asked. "Louise or Guiche would" Marteau answered. "Why? Are you going to save her? There is no way you can save her! His palace is well guarded by battlemages!" the cook said, worried that the young man before him has lost his mind.
"Don't worry about me. Please have Siesta's room ready for when I get back. She will be returned by the end of the night" Tsukune stated. Marteau was about to rebuke him, but then caught a glimpse of the young man's eyes. They held within them a look of determination to save someone special to him. They also held a look of savagery. Marteau ordered his staff to do as Tsukune stated.
Tsukune walked up to Guiche's room. He opened it without knocking. Inside the blonde playboy and Montmorency were talking playfully when Tsukune burst in. "Where does Count Mott live?" Tsukune asked gruffly. "Why should I tell you? What are you going to do, go and…." Guiche didn't get to finish asking his question, for Tsukune simply pulled off his holy lock that sealed his powers. A great darkness filled the room, centered around Tsukune. When the two blonde teens in the room looked at the space where the young Aono once stood, they were terrified and shocked by what stood before their eyes. Instead of the muscular, black haired, brown eyed boy that had been standing before them a moment ago, there stood a white haired young man with red cat eyes, bat wings, and pale white skin covered with black armor plating. Also…. were those fangs in his mouth!? Guiche was terrified and Montmorency was a volatile emotional cocktail of worried and a bit turned on.
Guiche quickly decided it was in his and Montmorency's best interest to tell Tsukune where Mott lived. He did that and prayed to Brimnir that the unholy vestige that just left his room would not kill the nobleman. Tsukune proceeded to walk towards a window located in the hallway on the wing of the academy that Guiche's dorm was located. He intended to fly out of said window, deciding that flying to his target's residence would be faster, and would consume less energy, than running to the Count's castle.
As he traversed the hall, he had yet to put the holy seal back on, and lock away his powers again. He figured that since he was going to leave quickly, the chances of being seen were not too terribly high. He was, of course wrong. Kirche and Tabitha were climbing up a flight of spiral stairs near the window he had decided to make his escape from when they came across the young man. Both ladies were a bit scared, and a bit in awe, of the appearance of Tsukune.
"Ladies, could you do me a favor?" Tsukune asked them. "Could you get the two young women I tend to hang out with to get a carriage and follow these directions I give you? Their names are Kurumu and Mizore. I need them to pick up Siesta's belongings. She will be staying with me from now on." Tsukune said to the two. "If you two do this, I will do something for each of you, within reason, of course" he stated, deciding to sweeten the deal. He didn't want to threaten the two, that wasn't the way he liked to persuade people to cooperate with him. Also, he didn't want to try to use the charm ability that vampires could do. He couldn't charm both of them at once, and the likelihood of it working was not nearly as good as if Kurumu would do it, even with him being a Shinso Vampire.
"Ok, hot stuff. I will think of what I would like you to do" Kirche teased him, still somewhat in shock as to what he was. "Alright. We will do what you asked" Tabitha stated, as she pulled on Kirche's sleeve to get her to head towards Tsukune's room.
"Think those actions were the best course to take?" Delflinger asked him. "It was gonna get out sooner or later. Besides, I don't think even this entire school could take me on, with or without you. No offense to you man" Tsukune stated. "Yeah, I get the feeling you have seen quite a few battles. What are you anyway?" the sword asked Tsukune. I am a special breed of vampire called a Shinso. I was infused with vampire blood several times to keep me alive. In the process I became a ghoul, and over time, I overcame the nature of the ghoul to become a Shinso vampire. That is over simplifying it a great deal, but you get the idea" Tsukune told the magical sword. "Yeah I do. How are you going to handle this partner?" the sword asked him. "I have a rough idea of how I am going to handle it" the vampire replied.
He then threw open the windows. He was on a 2nd story window that was a high distance from the ground. He spread his wings and jumped. He took to the air heading in the direction that Guiche told him the Count's estate. As he was heading to residence of Mott, Tabitha and Kirche went to the room he shared with Kurumu and Mizore.
"Wait here. I will tell them" Tabitha told Kirche. She knew how fiery and passionate the redhead was, and figured Kirche would start an argument with the blue haired girl that Tsukune resided with, as they had similar personalities. "Oh, hey Tabitha! Where is Tsukune? Have you seen him around?" Kurumu asked. "Yes. He is heading to an estate of a noble. He wants you to get a horse and wagon to pick up Siesta" the blue haired mage told her fellow blunette. "Ok. What happened? What is going on?" Kurumu asked. "The purple haired one, Mizore, right? You and Kirche drive the wagon. Kurumu and I will ride on Sylphid" Tabitha stated. She figured it would be in everyone's best interests to separate Kirche and Kurumu, assessing that they would probably start fighting with each other.
Tabitha paid for the wagon rental, and they all started off. As they rolled on the ground, Kirche asked Mizore "So, may I ask a weird question? How long have you known Tsukune?" Kirche posed to the young Yuki Onna. "For the last four years. Why?" Mizore answered, confused. "He looked a little different today. Is he alright? Does he have any conditions we should know about to help him?" Kirche asked, trying to be as delicate as she could. The lolipop almost fell out of Mizore's mouth. "Different HOW?" the snow woman asked, eyeing the Germanian woman suspiciously.
Kirche watched Mizore's reaction. She knew that Mizore knew what Tsukune was. "He had white skin covered in black armor plating, white hair, black bat wings, red cat eyes, and fangs. What is he? His secret is safe with Tabitha and myself. We don't care what he is, we care about who he is" Kirche replied.
After an awkward pause, Mizore replied. "He is an enhanced vampire. A shinso vampire. He was born a human, but was accidently transformed into a ghoul by his original love, Moka" she stated, tears coming to her eyes. "He learned to control his nature, and eventually became a Shinso Vampire. He had the Mui-Tou, or "shadowless sword" installed into his being. Kurumu can tell you more about what happened when that occurred" Mizore said, eyes cast downward.
"Interesting. Why are you looking so glum? Is it about that Moka girl?" Kirche asked. Mizore nodded her head. "The way I see it, you have a golden opportunity to get closer to him. You are here and she is not, correct?" Kirche asked. Mizore nodded her head in agreement, realizing that the redhead was right. "As far as what happened with him gaining the Mui-Tou, I suspect there is a story there. I also get the feeling that if there was more you could have done to help him during whatever happened at the time, you would have. I see the way he treats you and that other girl. You two are special to him. I am quite jealous. I would like him to treat me that way too, in due time" Kirche said, opening up to the Mizore.
Mizore realized Kirche was right. SHE was here with Tsukune, not Moka. SHE and Kurumu were making headway with their relationship with Tsukune, not Moka. The woman beside her was correct. She would conquer his heart (and most likely be a part of a harem of his) and Moka was falling farther and farther behind! "Thank you. That really cheered me up" Mizore stated. "I see how you act around him. Pursue him if you must. Just don't hurt him. He is very special to me and Kurumu, along with many others in our home world" Mizore said, a smile on her face and conviction in her eyes. A similar conversation was had in the air above between Tabitha and Kurumu, albeit without an admission of love from the more silent of the two blunettes.
Kirche had not been actively pursuing Mizore's blessing at that moment. What she said she genuinely meant. Having achieved Mizore's blessing, while not seeking it, somehow meant that much more to her.
Tsukune was almost to the count's house. He landed far enough away from the gates where he could put the holy lock back on, and resume his normal form, all without being seen by the gate guards. He confidently strolled up to the gate of Mott's estate. "Halt! Who goes there?!" One of the guards shouted. Tsukune did not answer, however. With 3 short, light punches on pressure points, Tsukune knocked out the 2 gate guards, and proceeded to leap over the walls of the estate. He attacked all the watch and patrol units stationed on the count's estate, speeding from guard to guard He attacked with blistering speed, delivering a light, quick knockout blow on pressure points. He did his best not to land a blow that would cause too much injury to each person. He also worked quickly, so the alarm wouldn't be raised.
After the bulk of the guards he found on the outside of the estate were incapacitated, Tsukune walked towards the door of the mansion. He stepped up to it, drew his arm back, and fired it forward at a blistering speed. The thick wooden door exploded, and shattered upon impact.
He walked forward a few meters, and found himself surrounded by the count's armed guards. The count walked towards him "I don't know how you were able to get past all my guards, but coming here was a mistake. Before you meet the maker, may I ask why you came?" Mott smugly asked. "Absolutely" Tsukune replied. "I have come to free one of my friends who was taken against her will to this place. That WILL happen, how it happens is all up to you" Tsukune said, with a dangerous, yet confident look in his eyes.
Count Mott started laughing. "Hahahahahaha! You must be insane! YOU, a commoner, dare think you can defeat ME, a NOBLE?!" he said. "Guards! Take him out!" the count ordered. "Ok. I tried to be reasonable" Tsukune stated. Several guards charged him. He drew his sword, and started to battle the count's forces, parrying, dodging, deflecting, and countering. Within 20 seconds, he had taken out Mott's foot soldiers, and most of his mages, before said mages had a time to react from the shock they were in from the scene in from of them. The remaining mages, having gotten over their initial shock, started to cast spells, but with Tsukune's speed advantage, he easily dodged all their attacks. With lightning speed he proceeded to take out the rest of his opponent's guards.
Tsukune approached Mott, a resolute and determined look in his eyes. Mott started to panic. He rarely had to fight on his own, relying on others to fight his battles for him. He drew his wand, but before he could start the chant to cast the magical spell, Tsukune closed the sizable distance between them, and grabbed the hand which was clutching the wand. The young Aono gave the arm a small twist, causing it to fracture in several places. Mott's wand fell to the floor, and Tsukune stepped on it, snapping it in two.
"Now, I am going to take my friend home with me. Anyone else that wishes to be free of your vile grasp will come with me too. In addition to that, you will pay my friend money for inconveniencing her, and pay steep reparations to all the girls you have sullied. You will not speak of this to another noble, or I will come back, and I will kill you. You will not seek revenge against me or my friends, or, again, I will kill you. Do I make myself clear?" Tsukune asked. "Crystal clear" the count replied through gritted teeth, tears welling up from both his seething rage and the pain coming from his arm. "Good. Assemble your staff, and give them the news in my presence" Tsukune told him.
By the time Kirche, Tabitha, Mizore, and Kurumu arrived, A number of young ladies were gathered outside of the count's mansion. Some ladies decided to stay with the creepy count, while most of them packed several changes of clothes, as well as their most treasured items. The count had given the ones that were leaving quite a bit of coin for the trouble he put them through.
"Tabitha, can you carry these ladies, along with Kurumu and Mizore, back to the dorms on Slyphid?" Tsukune asked her, a bit surprised to see Tabitha and Kirche. "Sure thing" she replied. Tsukune then took Mizore and Kurumu and aside and spoke with them. "Guys, please go with Tabitha. Siesta has had a traumatic experience, and I would prefer it if I watched her for a while. Also, I want Kirche here so that Siesta doesn't feel uncomfortable" Tsukune asked the girls. "Sure Tsukune! But you owe each of us a very special date because we are doing this!" Kurumu half-teased him, giving him a sly wink. With that, the group headed back.
It was then that Siesta's crush for Tsukune, her brave hero, blossomed into a deep love. She KNEW she needed to be with him for the rest of their lives. On the trip back, as Siesta clung on to his side in a dreamy state, she turned his head towards her, and gave him a deep, emotional kiss on the lips.
Meanwhile, back on earth, Moka had felt Tsukune's anger while he was flying to the count's house, via the blood link she shared with him. She had started to fret over his wellbeing when Ruby and Yukari called everyone into the room. They had been joined in the last week by their friends: Fang Fang, Kokoa, Gin and San, Miss Nekonome, Tsurara Shiriyuki, and Ageha Kuruno. They were all eager to bring their friends and loved ones back to this world.
"Ok all! By combining technology and magic, we have come up with a machine that should let us open a portal to wherever our three friends are located. It should be completed within two months' time. The Huang cartel was nice enough to fund this project. As soon as this gets finished, we will need Moka to use her blood link with Tsukune to help us figure out where to open the portal to" Ruby stated. "Miss Nekonome, could you do us a favor? These young gentlemen here were nice enough to help us, but have a hard time meeting and interacting with girls. Can you introduce them to some young ladies from the academy for us? They are very nice young men" Yukari asked. "No problem, mrow!" The energetic young cat woman stated.
"Don't worry Moka! Tsukune won't die! He has survived a lot of things! I'm sure he misses you as much as you miss him!" Yukari cheerfully told her friend. "Yeah, you are probably right. That doesn't mean I can't worry about him" Moka replied.