Kurumu shivered as a breeze swept by the moment she crested the top of the hill. She was thankful for the conservative, long sleeved, high collar and long skirt design of this maid uniform. Sadly the clingy black velvet was not enough to keep her warm. A simple jacket would have sufficed.
The Shinto shrine stood upon the highest point of Iromori. There were not many trees, allowing for an unhindered view as far as she could see. The town was off in the distance to her right on the other side of the river. Crop fields stretched away to the horizons. The edges of the land were swallowed up by a thick fog which would turn folks about if they wandered too far into it.
The school grounds behind her interested Kurumu the most. It was similar to Yokai Academy because it had two classroom wings that enclosed a courtyard. These wings were three stories and the courtyard contained the track and soccer field. The two story front building had the admin offices, library and meeting rooms while the large back building included the cafeteria, auditorium and gymnasium.
On their walk up to the shrine Lord Ruben had explained that the school had been upgraded heavily since he had been a student there. It used to have been one large sprawling two story building. But in 1978, two years after he had graduated, the former Fairy Tale officer of Kumamoto and the elders of Iromori agreed to have most of the school torn down.
Two things had prompted this decision. The first was the change of leadership in Fairy Tale. President Kamiken had expressed interest in creating a competitive, athletic program in the high schools. Back in the seventies, most high schools had gymnasiums not much bigger than the ones in elementary schools, often serving as the school's cafeteria and auditorium.
The second was that the administration wanted more classrooms. Despite being the prefectural school of Kumamoto, they had not been much bigger than Hosu High of Inemuri. The expansion allowed them to avoid any potential threat of ever losing their prefectural status.
The inclusion of the junior high had been an afterthought. They had so many empty classrooms in the new three story building that the administration decided to encourage the attendance of junior high students. Many villages that already sent kids to other monster towns for junior high readily took up the offer. It was so effective that Midorikawa and Horatokai closed down their junior highs.
By the time Lord Ruben had become the prefectural officer in 89, the attendance at Touge Technical was high enough that the administration was forced to encourage students to enroll in other schools. Lord Ruben's first act had been getting approvals for the construction of a new three story wing and moving the athletic field inside the new courtyard. Both were accomplished by 92.
Presently there was a grade level in each floor, though much of the junior high wing was unused despite having almost twice the number of junior high students enrolled here than any other junior high of this prefecture. They had over twice the number of high school students as junior high kids at this facility.
Lord Ruben's wife had been one of the teachers brought in with the latest expansion. The pink haired woman was garbed in a white kimono with a blue bird pattern. The dark blue sash about her waist was tied into a bow at the small of her back. Lord Ruben had on a black kimono without a pattern. A silver sash encircled his waist.
Their two red haired boys were roughly about the same age. Both were dressed in white polos and black slacks. The boys stood in front of their parents in the line to the shrine. People were ringing the bell and offering prayers for the New Year.
There was a second, shorter line comprised of people whom had already rung the bell and were looking to acquire their New Year fortune. This line ended at a wood structure on the left which resembled an outdoor mailbox. Rows of tan drawers were recessed above a black shelf. The drawers transitioned into rows of tiny window panes held between black wood. The curved roof swept out less than a meter, providing minimal shelter and shade.
The structure at the end of their line had two red pillars stretching up to a black roof. A cord hung down from the black beam between these pillars with a brass bell tied to the top. Beneath the braided cord was a slatted offering box. There were wood steps on either side of the box, leading up onto a porch. But there was no door on the wall facing them. Like the other structure, it had a huge panel of little window panes held between the dark wood which comprised most of the structure.
This long line stretched all the way down the stairs carved into the hillside. Red torii were built over the stairs at every landing which came after every seven steps. The trail had started in the parking lot which flanked the junior high dorms.
"This is worse than the lines at Disneyland."
Kurumu laughed at Yukari's remark. The witch shuffled along beside her, wearing Rubi's gift to her. Mrs. Ruben had helped adjust the black kimono with the koi pattern for Yukari's size. Her crimson bow was perfectly placed upon the small of her back.
"I haven't been to a shrine in years."
"Did your mother not celebrate Hatsumode?"
Mrs. Shuzen stood behind them, sporting that black kimono with the green thorn and crimson rose design which she had worn to Kahlua's wedding. The satin sash wrapped about her waist and tied into a bow was a darker red than Yukari's sash.
Standing beside her mother was Kokoa with her body wrapped up in a pink kimono that she had gotten last winter break. This garment had a red maple leaf pattern and a burgundy sash.
"Kengamine wasn't a big town. By the time the first New Year rolled around, most of my peers despised me. I didn't want to be seen in public with my mother."
"Did you go to them before moving to Kengamine?"
Kurumu grinned at Yukari, nodding.
"Yea. One of my first memories is visiting a shrine on the New Year. I was four and we had just moved to Yonago. I remember being scared. We had never lived in a big city before and Mom had me convinced that I was so cute that anybody would want to kidnap me. I held her hand tightly the whole time."
"Your mother did some strange things."
"I think she was just terrified of losing me."
"Yet she still took you to crowded events like this?"
"Every year. It's different in a big city. I never saw the kids from school at the bathhouse, grocery store or anywhere else we frequented. The altercation that got me kicked out of school happened at school."
"You got kicked out of school?"
"Did I not tell you?"
"You said you had to leave the school in Hino because of your tail and wings."
"But I showed you the bathhouse we went to while we lived in Yonago."
"I thought that bathhouse was in Hino. You never mentioned living in Yonago to me."
Kurumu nodded thoughtfully, wondering how much of her past she had shared with her friends. Part of her omission had been her refusal to think about her life before Kengamine. And it was not like she had much good to say about her junior high years. It was not until after she had created those fake memories for Tsukune that she had analyzed her past.
"Make sure you do it properly."
"I will!"
Kurumu smiled as the boys scampered up to the cord above the box. Both boys chucked coins into the slatted box before grabbing the cord. The older boy was not much taller than his brother so they seized the cord at about the same place. They shook the cord vigorously, chiming the bell above.
Curious what the boys were thinking, Kurumu pushed her awareness towards them as they hopped back to bow and clap their hands twice. To her amusement, the older boy wanted Yukari to notice him while the younger boy wanted a puppy. The boys bowed again as she retreated her awareness.
"Can we get our omikuji?!"
Lord Ruben chuckled at his eager sons as he stepped up to the box with his wife at his side.
"In a moment. Ready?"
Mrs. Ruben smiled, tossing a coin into the box. Lord Ruben grinned, adding his own coin to the box. He grabbed the cord and waited for his wife to grab it beneath him. They shook the cord firmly to ring the bell before stepping back.
Kurumu barely had to try to identify Mrs. Ruben's strong desire as she gave her silent prayer after her claps. The woman desperately wanted to have a little girl.
"Take this, Ms. Kurono."
Kurumu murmured her thanks, taking a hundred yen coin from Mrs. Shuzen as the couple moved out of line. Yukari huffed at her, pulling a hundred yen coin out of her black kinchaku with the yellow sunflower design. Kurumu still felt guilty over forgetting her purse as she stepped up to the shrine alongside Yukari. By the time she had realized her error, they had already been halfway up the hill.
Kurumu dropped the coin into the box after Yukari dropped hers. She reached for the cord, grabbing above Yukari's hands. She followed the witch's lead, ringing the bell briskly. It felt different than her memory. She had been nine the last time she had done this. Younger than Yukari.
They stepped back in unison and bowed their head before clapping twice. Kurumu breathed in deep as she closed her eyes while holding her hands together. She wanted more than anything for the safety and happiness of all of her friends. For Moka, Akua, Tsukune, Yukari, Rubi, Mizore, Ginei and Kokoa.
She took in another breath, adding Kokoa's girls to that list. And for all of her friends at school like Tora, Kana, Juri, Nerume, Suzume, Kanari, Kaede and Manami. Even those whom probably don't see her as a friend like Satsuki, Hatoko, Tokori and Mikomi. May as well include Asuka and all of the other girls whom had kindly allowed her to be part of their lives.
And she should never forget about Hinoko, hopefully doing well with her mother.
Breathing in one more time, she bowed and opened her eyes.
"Took long enough."
She smiled apologetically at Yukari whom grabbed her by the sleeve and steered her away. Mrs. Shuzen and Kokoa stepped up to the box, tossing their coins in before ringing the bell. The vampires backed up to bow, clap and offer their prayers. Kurumu was too embarrassed to intrude on their thoughts.
"Can we go now?"
"Yes, Hitoshi. This way."
Kurumu chuckled as she followed the Ruben family over to the end of the other line.
"How old are your boys?"
"Hitoshi turned ten this month and Kagero will be eight in April."
"Sounds like Kagero would be the oldest in his grade."
The older boy huffed indignantly, crossing his slender arms.
"Big deal. He's only in first grade."
Kurumu smiled, surmising that the couple must have married in 94 or 95. She was mildly surprised that the two boys were over two years apart. Kagero looked kind of big for a first grader.
The people at the end of this line were shaking a wooden hexagon box which was filled with dowels that had numbers written on them. The purpose was to shake out one of those dowels, get your number and open the drawer that had the corresponding number on it. The hexagon box was secured to the shelf by a thick black cord.
"Too crowded."
Lord Ruben chuckled at Yukari's grumble.
"It's Hatsumode, little lady. And unfortunately this is the only shrine in Iromori. Some folks prefer to go to the temple but the view isn't as nice."
Yukari sighed heavily, trading Kurumu's sleeve for her hand.
"My parents never took me to a shrine on New Year."
"Not every shrine is in a city, Yukari. There might be one in the country not too far from your home."
"My parents aren't religious."
"But you're enjoying yourself, right?"
"It beats staying at home doing your laundry."
Kurumu smirked, knowing she would be doing that when they returned to the Ruben residence. They had only done one mixed load of their bloodied outfits last night, turning in for bed around one. The rowdy boys had woken them up around seven to watch the sunrise.
"We should do this next year."
"I'm not spending the New Year with you."
"Oh? Not even if I'm here with Moka?"
"But I have to spend Christmas with my parents. They do celebrate that."
"I find it amusing that your nonreligious parents celebrate a Christian holiday."
Yukari pouted at Mrs. Shuzen.
"I'm not going to question their practices when I get presents out of it."
"Quite a sensible yet materialistic response, little lady."
Kurumu smiled at Lord Ruben's amused remark, squeezing Yukari's hand.
"I was just hoping that I can celebrate Hatsumode with friends in the future."
"I can use magic if you're that desperate for my company."
The sound of the shaking hexagon increased as the number of people in front of the boys diminished.
"I hope my omikuji this year is better than the ones I was getting in Itsuki."
Kurumu smirked, glancing over her shoulder at Kokoa.
"Was that part of your family New Year Festival?"
Kokoa grimaced, glancing at her mother. Mrs. Shuzen shrugged nonchalantly.
"That was supposed to have started yesterday, Kurumu. When Mother told me about everyone dying, I kind of knew we weren't going to have it."
"That's not what she asked."
Kokoa sighed at Yukari, slouching her shoulders.
"We'd get our fortunes and return to the party. But with most people being much older than us, I would just hang out with Kahlua. I wonder if she's celebrating Hatsumode with Lord Fujisaki."
Nothing was said in the time needed to get them to the front of the line. Mrs. Ruben gave both boys hundred yen coins before letting them hurry up to the shelf. The boys slipped the coins into a slot cut into the shelf. Hitoshi grabbed the hexagon first, giving it a rough shake.
"I'm going to have the best luck ever."
Hitoshi managed to get one stick free which he pulled out further and spun about. He grinned broadly as he stuffed the rod back into the hexagon and set it aside.
"Hey!"
"Get it yourself!"
Hitoshi hopped up on the shelf with his hands. He leaned forward as he brother stepped up to grab the hexagon container. The older boy balanced on one hand and his gut as he reached up to pull open one of the drawers. He snatched out a slip of paper, closing up the drawer and hopping back down on his feet.
"What did you get?"
Hitoshi held the paper up to his face as Kagero shook the container rigorously. The boy's slender features turned into a scowl as he looked up at his grinning dad.
"I got a half curse."
"Better than a whole curse."
"Can I tie it to the tree?"
Mrs. Ruben chuckled as her other boy wiggled out a dowel rod.
"You should read it for advice first."
"Why should I listen to bad luck?"
"Because you have nothing better to do while we get our fortunes."
"I can't reach my drawer."
Lord Ruben laughed, stepping in to grab Kagero about his waist. He hauled the boy up.
"Which one is it?"
"I got it."
The boy leaned forward, placing one hand on the framing about the little panes while the other opened the drawer he required. He pushed back with a fortune in hand, leaving his drawer open. With a chuckle, the father set the boy down and closed the drawer for him.
"I hope you got a good one."
Kagero's face brightened up as he looked over the sheet of paper.
"I got a blessing!"
Mrs. Ruben giggled, slipping a coin into the slot. She picked up the container, giving it a firm shake.
"You should also read yours. Every fortune has good advice on it."
Kagero drawled out an affirmative as the mother shook the end of a dowel out of the hole in the corner of the container. She checked the number before pushing it back in and giving it to her husband.
"Ms. Kurono. Here."
Kurumu murmured her thanks, taking another hundred yen coin from Mrs. Shuzen. The mother was reading over her fortune as her husband continued shaking the container.
"What did you get, Ayaka?"
Mrs. Ruben grinned, holding her fortune against her bosom.
"Good luck in the future."
Lord Ruben tugged out a dowel rod, noting the number. He pushed the rod back in, setting the container back on the shelf as he looked over the drawers. He tugged one out, fetching a fortune before closing it up. He looked it over and sighed dramatically.
"Looks like I have an appointment with a tree."
"What did you get?"
"Come on boys. Over here."
Lord Ruben ignored his pouting wife as he directed his boys to the side of this building. Between the two posts holding up the slight overhang of the roof was a series of wires. Many people were tying their New Year fortunes upon these wires.
"At least read it, Tenka. Be a good example for the boys."
Kurumu giggled as the family wandered around to the side of the building. She heard Yukari drop a coin into the slot, drawing her attention back to the witch. As Yukari started to shake the container, Kurumu slipped the coin she had been given into the slot.
"Are you excited to get your fortune?"
Yukari huffed as she fished a dowel out of the container.
"I don't see how a slip of paper will have any power over my future."
Kurumu smiled as Yukari shoved the rod back into the hexagon. The witch handed the wood container over to Kurumu as she lifted up on her toes, leaning against the shelf.
"Do you need help?"
"I can get it just fine."
Kurumu snickered as she started shaking the container. The rods within clattered about, making a satisfying jingle as Yukari struggled to open her drawer. Kurumu decided to stop shaking when Yukari managed to get a fortune out. She wiggled the container to get one dowel poking out the hole. She tugged it further out to confirm the number was sixteen.
"I got suekichi."
Kurumu grinned at Yukari's declaration, pushing the rod back inside. She set the hexagon aside, glancing over the numbers written beneath the knobs of all of these tan drawers. Spying sixteen, she grabbed the knob and tugged the door open. She pulled off the slip of paper on top, closing it back up.
"That's a good fortune to get on your first visit."
"I guess. The advice on this is pretty generic."
Kurumu giggled, stepping away from the shelf to allow Kokoa access. She glanced over her sheet and smiled at the word written on the top.
"Small blessing."
"Are we supposed to keep these?"
Kurumu grinned at Yukari, holding her first fortune in years against her breast.
"I think I'll keep mine."
"You can tie it to the tree if you want."
Yukari glanced at Mrs. Shuzen as the mother drifted over to them.
"Really? I thought you only do that for bad fortunes."
"You can leave good fortunes on the tree with the hope that it will increase your luck. That is why people leave their bad fortunes here to begin with."
"I don't believe in luck."
"Neither do I, Ms. Sendou."
Kurumu frowned, noticing that Kokoa was fetching her fortune from the drawer.
"Are you not getting a fortune?"
"I know my future, Ms. Kurono."
"I got daikichi!"
Kokoa bounded over to them with a huge smile, wagging her slip of paper.
"Best luck!"
Yukari huffed, folding up her fortune.
"You are far too excited about a stupid piece of paper."
"And you don't understand anything. This is the first time in my life that I got daikichi. Every other year it is curse after curse after curse."
Kurumu chuckled, noting that Yukari was putting her fortune into her kinchaku.
"I'm glad that we all got positive ones."
"I will cherish this fortune forever."
Mrs. Shuzen smirked with a shake of her head.
"I hope you do. Lord Ruben. Are we ready to go home?"
"One moment!"
Kurumu smiled, watching as the man helped Kagero tie his blessing to the wire. It seemed even the wife had parted with her fortune with hopes of better luck.
"Are we getting our New Year money when we get home?"
"Yes Hitoshi. Be patient."
Kurumu giggled, hoping this day would end on a good note.
"Afternoon, Ms. Fukuda. Glad that you could join us."
Ms. Fukuda bowed apologetically in the opening to the living room. Her ample bosom pushed against the glossy black buttons of her long sleeved, plum blouse. Gray slacks accentuated the curves of her hips, stretching down to her black socks.
"I am so sorry, Madame President. Lunch took longer than expected."
Lord Ruben laughed heartily from his place upon the black leather couch. His arm was draped over the thin shoulders of Kagero. Hitoshi was on the other side of his father since the boys would not behave when sitting together.
"Not surprising if you tried getting a lunch at a local restaurant. Half aren't open and the other half are swamped with people not wanting to make a home meal."
The aliens continued to exterminate the humans on the family television. Hitoshi had begged Yukari to watch the War of the Worlds movie so they had popped it in the player right after lunch. They had just got the DVD for Christmas. It was interesting. Certainly not as bad as what Kiki had claimed.
Hitoshi's attention was clearly more on Yukari than the movie. The witch was sitting on the floor beside Kurumu while Kokoa was kneeling beside the armchair that her mother was using. The vacant armchair close to the door opening had been Mrs. Ruben's seat before she had answered the door.
"We should have our discussion in the dining room."
Mrs. Shuzen pushed up out of the black leather armchair as Mrs. Ruben drifted into the room.
"Could you keep your boys in here? This is Fairy Tale business."
Lord Ruben chuckled, getting to his feet.
"Of course. Don't give your mother any trouble."
Both boys sounded an affirmative as their father started for the opening.
"You should join us, Ms. Sendou, as I have something I need to discuss about tonight."
"But we were watching a movie with her!"
Yukari huffed at Hitoshi's protest, getting up when Mrs. Shuzen stepped in front of the television.
"It isn't that entertaining."
"Should we pause it?"
Mrs. Shuzen smirked at the young boy as she wandered over to the opening.
"Ms. Sendou might be too busy for the rest of the day. Perhaps you can continue this tomorrow."
"Should I make tea?"
"No. Stay here with your boys."
The mother nodded as Kokoa hopped to her feet.
"Can Kurumu and I join you?"
"I suppose it can't do any harm. Come along."
Kurumu shivered, getting to her feet. She followed the others out of the room, turning right and walking around the stairs. Further down the hallway through an opening on the left was a play room with a ping pong table. They had used it while waiting on their laundry which was through a door in there. Like Tsukune's home, the bathroom down here was accessible through the laundry room. While the one upstairs was just a toilet and a sink, the one down here had a huge tub that could easily fit two people.
Beneath the stairs on the right was the opening for the large kitchen and dining area. The refrigerator stood by the door to the backyard. The dishwasher was beside it with a toaster and rice cooker sitting on the white counter above it. The two compartment sink was built into the counter next to the dishwasher with a wide window over it. The white counter and overhead cabinets wrapped around the far corner, ending at a black stove with a beige vent hood over it.
Mrs. Shuzen took a seat at the head of the mahogany table in the open area on the right. There were five other chairs with two each flanking the longer sides. These mahogany chairs had rounded posts for legs with stiffeners connecting them. The backs came up straight with rounded balls at the top. Two slats held the back posts together with a black cushion pinned to them with brass buttons. The same curved, black cushions were secured to the square seats with these brass buttons.
Lord Ruben tugged out the chair closest to Mrs. Shuzen, sitting down. The stocky man patted the smooth table surface which reflected the light of the six bulb chandelier above it. The fixture hung from a black chain with black iron curving out to hold up these six lights which were hidden in white square lanterns.
Mrs. Shuzen let out a heavy sigh as Ms. Fukuda claimed the chair beside Lord Ruben. There was an uneasy silence as Kokoa took the seat at the end of the table with her back to the opening. Kurumu felt reluctant to walk around the table for the open chairs, deciding to remain standing at Yukari's side.
"I will not be in charge of Fairy Tale after tonight."
"Why not?"
"Because I am not in a position to remain in control, Kokoa. Lord Fujisaki has all three of your sisters now. The only thing I have to barter with is my position of power."
"A hostage situation. Can you not appeal to the High Court?"
Mrs. Shuzen shook her head at Lord Ruben's inquiry.
"There is no time. This matter will be decided tonight."
"What do you want us to do?"
"I will need your vehicle."
"Done. I will take you to this party."
"No, Ms. Fukuda. I will be taking your vehicle. You won't be coming with us."
"Okay. What do you want me to do?"
"Lord Ruben will be taking you to the Shuzen Estate."
"Why there?"
"Nagi reminded me that I still have Sho's sedan parked there. I want you to take it since I won't be returning with yours. We will be needing to leave Lord Tomi's mansion immediately."
"I can take Ms. Fukuda to your estate. If we leave now, we could be there and back by dinner."
"Please do, Lord Ruben. We won't be at this party for long. You may need to rush some of us to the hospital and I know that would be difficult for your wife when she has two boys to look after."
"Why would some of us need to go to the hospital?"
Mrs. Shuzen smiled thinly at Kokoa.
"This is a long range teleportation. It could potentially kill Ms. Sendou if she is not cared for."
"I can't cast long range teleportation spells, Mrs. Shuzen. They take too much energy. While I understand the concept, I've never attempted anything further than a kilometer from my current location."
Mrs. Shuzen pulled out a deep red kinchaku from her sleeve, setting it upon the table. She opened it up and fished out a ring.
"Not a spell, Ms. Sendou. An enchantment. Do you know what this is?"
"I'm going to guess that is a ring of return."
"And you understand that it works long range."
"Yes. Ms. Xinyi used one to go from Huang's mansion in the country to her home in the city. She was out for over an hour after using it, causing a delay in the reinforcements that she was supposed to send."
Mrs. Shuzen handed the ring over to Lord Ruben whom immediately passed it over to Ms. Fukuda.
"This isn't quite the same enchantment. I'll need you to adjust it for what we need."
Yukari frowned, taking the ring from Ms. Fukuda.
"You want me to adjust it?"
"Yes. Have a look at it."
As Yukari studied the ring, Ms. Fukuda scooted closer to the table.
"You are bringing the girls with you because of your vision?"
"Yes. I need them present to ensure that the most desirable future happens."
"The first half of the spell has been activated."
"Partially correct, Ms. Sendou. What happens when you activate the second part?"
Yukari turned the ring over in her hands, peering at it intently.
"Strange. I have to define what will be affected by the ring in order for it to work."
"Yes. You will have to specify what you want to bring with before activating it. But that can be done while we drive to Lord Tomi's mansion."
Yukari frowned, cocking her head.
"The original coordinates for this ring are changing."
"Correct, Ms. Sendou. That is a ring of destination created by a brilliant young sorcerer whom is most likely dead now. He was unfortunately stationed at the Garden."
Yukari gasped, clutching the ring to her chest.
"This is the ring that you use to take you to the Garden!"
"Correct. Unfortunately the algorithm that generates the destination coordinates is no longer any good. Lord Fujisaki has changed the flight pattern of the Garden, making the ring useless."
"What do you want me to do with this?"
"I need you to remove the algorithm. Make the new target Lord Ruben's backyard."
Yukari nodded, turning her wide eyes upon the ring.
"I can do that. It might take some time."
"We aren't expected at this party before six. That should be enough time to make the changes."
"What's our next move after you surrender control of Fairy Tale to Lord Fujisaki?"
Mrs. Shuzen sucked in a deep breath, turning her crimson eyes upon Ms. Fukuda.
"I need you to contact the other ladies. There is a possibility that all of you will be branded as traitors. It would be best for some of you to disappear before people like Lord Ruben are forced to arrest you."
"Like a purge?"
Mrs. Shuzen smirked at Kurumu's concern.
"No. I doubt he will push for public approval on genocide before he awakens Alucard. He will just want the ladies whom have the potential to cause him trouble put out of his way."
"With all due respect, Madame President, I don't believe I'm a threat to his plans."
"You are Kahlua's favorite. Go to Tottori. Get in touch with Ms. Ontai. Disappear for now."
Ms. Fukuda nodded slowly.
"What about the others?"
"If possible, I would like you to convince Ms. Sakurai to go with you. Lord Dakimori would hand her over without thinking to challenge the order. Ms. Ontai will be able to help you and Ms. Sakurai's family get in contact with Ms. Hajinai. Keep you safe until the situation with Lord Fujisaki is resolved."
"What about Yokina? Ms. Kiyoshi?"
"Have Ms. Ohno and Ms. Aimai report to Yokai Academy. The others have to stay where they are."
"But Ms. Kiyoshi-"
"Needs to keep working with Lord Sakigake. Don't forget that the High Court wants Mr. Aono arrested."
Kurumu grimaced, unable to protest against that.
"Have you been able to contact Ms. Mawari?"
"Unfortunately not and neither has Ms. Kiyoshi to my knowledge. Whatever she is doing, I pray that she and her daughter continues to avoid getting caught up in this. It would only compromise Ms. Kiyoshi."
"Understood. It saddens me that I can't be of more use to you."
"I am leaving two of the most powerful succubi I have ever had the pleasure to work with out in the field. If that is not enough, then the outcome is unavoidable."
"Don't dismiss the strength of the purebloods still loyal to you."
"Yes. So loyal that you refused my nomination to appoint you as the Kyushu region commander."
Lord Ruben chuckled at Mrs. Shuzen's smirk, waving a dismissive hand.
"That's a different matter. I have a family to look after. Running the region would have me away from home more often than not."
"Assuming you ran your region correctly. How often did you see Lord Kamiya?"
"Enough to not mourn his passing."
Mrs. Shuzen smiled, staring through the grinning Lord.
"I don't know what exactly will be demanded of you in the future. You will have to feign ignorance of our whereabouts. Do what you must to keep your family and prefecture safe."
His grin dissipated as his shoulders relaxed.
"Surely he can be reasoned with. The awakening of Alucard will only bring misfortune to everyone."
"He kills one of my daughters if I don't show up tonight."
Kurumu shivered at the flatness of Mrs. Shuzen's response.
"Which one?"
"Akua. As troublesome as that girl has been…"
Mrs. Shuzen trailed off with her eyes going distant.
"Stupid girl. If she had just killed her, everything would have been different."
Kurumu felt the meaning behind that sentiment. The vampire was talking about Akasha. Mrs. Shuzen recovered with a sharp breath.
"Anyways. That result is unacceptable. This is his granddaughter. Lord Fujisaki can't be reasoned with."
"What happens at the party, Mother?"
Mrs. Shuzen turned hardened eyes upon Kokoa.
"Positioning is essential tonight. It is imperative that the three of you stand where I want you to stand and do nothing. You are to remain undetected the entire time you are there."
"My earrings have an enchantment that could hide our presence."
"Good, Ms. Sendou. Remember that none of you are to interact, no matter what happens. There will be multiple enemies at this party. I will not be able to protect you if your position is compromised."
"Are you going to fight Lord Fujisaki?"
Mrs. Shuzen smirked at Kokoa.
"Yes. And I'm going to teach your sister an important lesson."
Kurumu shivered as Mrs. Shuzen pulled the car to the curb. The sprawling mansion was further up the drive. It had a vaulted canopy stretched over the farthest section of the drive which curved about before coming back on itself. The canopy transitioned into a huge dome in the center of the mansion. Several cars were parked in the looped drive.
"I hope you are ready, Ms. Sendou. Follow me and don't be detected."
Yukari trembled, sitting in the middle of the back seat. She clutched the ring to her bosom.
"I'm worried, Mrs. Shuzen. We are very far from Iromori."
"The distance is not as problematic as you think, Ms. Sendou. The issue is getting through the barrier."
"I'm aware of that. The failsafe of this enchantment will prevent any of us from dying but we might not have enough juice between Kurumu and myself."
"What happens if we don't have enough power?"
"Nothing. We simply won't teleport."
"You can open a path between you and Kokoa to be safe. The three of you will be standing together."
Yukari sighed heavily as Mrs. Shuzen turned off the vehicle.
"I'd feel better if you were wearing the ring. I know you have the power to take all of us."
"That simply will not be possible, Ms. Sendou. I will be busy fighting and won't be in any condition to activate the spell the instant I join you. You can do this. I've seen it."
Kurumu trembled with anxiety. She disliked this nagging feeling. A part of her felt like they were going to leave Mrs. Shuzen behind. The parameters of the ring simply defined what could be taken. Not what had to be taken.
"I guess this is it then. You better not let go of my hand."
Kokoa snorted, taking Yukari's offered hand.
"I won't. I'm ready to watch Mother kick this bastard's ass."
Kurumu managed a laugh, taking Yukari's other hand. The moment she did so, the world lost all color which was quite the feat considering it was already dark outside. She could dimly hear the sound of the car door opening before Mrs. Shuzen slipped out.
"Be cautious and stick close."
The mother's voice came to them like they were underwater. The mother shut the door and started off.
"I'm going to cast a temporary ethereal spell."
Kurumu frowned as Yukari lifted up. The witch tugged on their hands.
"We need to jump out of the car. She doesn't want anyone knowing we're here so we can't be opening car doors. Get up and jump."
This was more difficult than it sounded. Kurumu got up as high as she could with her head pushed against the top of the car while Kokoa did the same.
"On three. One. Two."
Kurumu hopped up at the start of the next syllable. She passed through the top of the car, feeling a rush of power. Her bare feet landed firmly on the top in almost perfect unison with Yukari's. Kokoa cursed as she remained halfway through the vehicle.
"This is stupid!"
"You're lucky I had the sense of mind to keep your part of the spell up."
Yukari hauled Kokoa up with surprising strength. The surge of power ceased the moment Kokoa's socks cleared the top.
"You may have been better off opening the door. Your draw of power caught the attention of the staff."
Kurumu shivered at Mrs. Shuzen's comment. A man in a black vest over a white shirt was walking briskly towards the vampire. The mother strolled away from them to intercept the man.
"Be careful on the gravel."
Kurumu nodded at Yukari's warning, stepping gingerly over the windshield onto the front hood. The other girls followed her example, walking to the end of the car before hopping down to the crushed gravel. There was a slight rustle but the servant was too focused on Mrs. Shuzen to notice.
"Evening, Lady Gyokuro. We have been expecting you."
"I imagine so."
Kurumu stepped lightly as they tried not to get too far behind Mrs. Shuzen.
"Any reason why you parked so far away?"
"Is that a problem?"
"No. It's just that there was space in the drive."
"If it bothers you that much, you are more than welcome to move my vehicle."
Mrs. Shuzen tossed her keys out to the startled servant. The man murmured an apology after catching the keys, hurrying off towards their vehicle. They effortlessly avoided his path.
"Unless she holds a door open for us, we are going to need to hop through a wall. Be ready for it."
"Mother just warned us about your stupid witch powers compromising our location. Walk faster, runt."
They arrived under the canopy a few seconds behind the mother. Another servant stood at the top of a short flight of marble steps. Fluted columns flanked a pair of opulent doors adorned with the brass relief of the sun rising over a mountain range. The dark haired man was dressed in the same attire as the other. He nodded at Mrs. Shuzen, stepping over to the door and pulling it open for her.
"Evening, Lady Gyokuro. Lord Tomi is waiting for you in the study."
Mrs. Shuzen paused at the door, forcing the servant to keep it open.
"Touch your mother as we pass."
"And where are the other guests of the evening?"
"In the ballroom."
Kokoa reached her hand out, letting her fingers brush across her mother's arm before they continued through the open doorway.
"Very good. I know the way."
Kurumu held her breath as she took in the lovely foyer. It was gorgeous. Arguably as impressive as the main room of the Shuzen Estate. A diamond encrusted chandelier hung down on either side of the huge dome in the center of this chamber. Curved stained glass windows held in black steel framing had the depiction of a great battle between white winged angels with gold spears and halos fighting red skinned demons with black horns and fiery pitchforks. The demons had black wings and tails reminiscent of hers.
Kurumu tore her gaze away from the scenery when Yukari tugged firmly on her hand. Mrs. Shuzen was making her way to a black door with a rounded top and a golden handle. It was such a contrast to the white walls and marble tiles below their feet.
They gingerly pranced across the hall while keeping hold of each other. Mrs. Shuzen kindly opened the thick portal for them. Kokoa remembered to brush her mother's arm as they passed through.
Kurumu's heart skipped when she saw Lord Tomi standing by a lovely fireplace sculpted out of white stone. The swarthy vampire with a devil's goatee had blood on his hands and his white dress shirt. A black suit jacket was worn over his portly frame with matching black slacks. The man turned his pained eyes upon Mrs. Shuzen when she entered the room.
"Lord Tomi. Are you hurt?"
"No, Lady Gyokuro. Not physically."
Kurumu took in the rest of this luxurious room. There were paintings on the wall and shelves full of books. And a bloodied woman lying on a pristine white couch with her hands folded over a gory wound. Kurumu recognized her still face. It was Lord Tomi's wife.
"I am sorry, Lord Tomi. Why did she stay?"
Lord Tomi sighed as Mrs. Shuzen walked over to him.
"You said that I had to be here. And she would not leave without me."
"I trust that none of your family came for this."
"No. I made sure that they all knew not to come. I told them what happened at Lord Tsuyosei's home."
Mrs. Shuzen nodded, stalking over to the couch. She lowered down on one knee, touching the shoulder of the still woman. She lifted up a swath of ebony tresses.
"I can't say that I liked your Lady Hiraki."
Lord Tomi laughed mirthlessly.
"That feeling was mutual."
"A pity that it ended like this."
"She had words for Lord Fujisaki. Good words. Last words."
Mrs. Shuzen chuckled softly, letting the hair fall out of her hands. She stood up.
"I imagine she did. She always had a sharp tongue."
Lord Tomi shook his head, gesturing aimlessly.
"I don't know what to do, Lady Gyokuro. He's killed three members of my staff. My wife."
"You are the scapegoat, Lord Tomi. That is why this only works if you are here. If I could have sent you away, I would have."
Lord Tomi let out a long breath, clenching his hands into fists.
"Do you want me at your side?"
"No. You would only be in the way. Stay here with your wife. You will be with her soon."
"I don't understand why Issa is allowing this. We are his family!"
Mrs. Shuzen looked coldly upon Lord Tomi.
"That is not Issa. I trust you have your affairs in order."
Lord Tomi nodded with a swallow.
"Yes. Ikiro knows what to do in the event of my demise."
"Good. My girls will need a family to return to when this is all over with."
"I wish I could offer you more. I haven't taken the notion of fighting seriously since the fall of the Taizai Household. I have become soft in my wealth."
Mrs. Shuzen walked slowly back to the door. She tugged it open, holding it ajar.
"I can ask for him to spare you but he will not honor that when I'm gone."
Lord Tomi chuckled mirthlessly as he drifted over to the couch. He sat down on the floor heavily.
"No need. It would be too lonely without my Hiraki."
Yukari tugged on her hand, nodding at the door. Kurumu returned the gesture and they retreated to the open portal. They slipped out with Kokoa touching her mother to signal their passage.
"Thank you, Lord Tomi. For all you have done for this family."
Lord Tomi made a dismissive sound. Mrs. Shuzen lingered in the doorway for a long moment before she finally stepped out into the foyer, closing the door behind her. The mother took in a deep breath.
"Remember to stay where I want you. Do not move."
Kurumu swallowed, knowing Lord Tomi's fate. They would leave and he would be killed.
"Is Mother losing this fight?"
"That was obvious from the start, moron. That's why we're fleeing with the ring."
"But I don't understand. How does she lose a fight that she has seen?"
Mrs. Shuzen walked briskly away with her flats smacking firmly upon the tiles. Her departure prompted them to give chase, following the mother deeper into this huge foyer. They passed under the impressive dome, heading for a corridor on the right. They entered the passageway, moving quickly to catch up with the mother. The vampire turned left, cutting down a short hall that ended at a double door.
The mother paused, gripping the golden insets as she took in a deep breath.
"Ready girls? I will point to where you stand."
Mrs. Shuzen slid the doors aside, stepping into the ballroom. The bright chamber had eight chandeliers arranged in two rows over a marble tile floor. A section was raised up and set back, serving as a stage for performers. Huge windows were on either side of this stage and on the far right side wall with thick, burgundy drapes held aside by golden, braided cords. They had come through the only entrance.
"Madame President. I am delighted that you found time in your busy schedule to join us."
Fujisaki was seated in an ornate chair placed in the center of the stage. The dark haired man smirked as they approached. He was dressed in a black suit and black slacks with a ruffled white scarf in the place of a tie. White gloves stained with blood graced his hands.
Kahlua stood on his left, wearing a sleeveless black dress with black gloves stretching up to her elbows. Her vibrant, silver hair cascaded across her tanned shoulders, touching her bosom which threatened to spill out of the dress. A golden tiara held back her bangs and golden cross earrings twinkled in the light. The hem of her ruffled dress brushed against the black wood stage floor.
"I see that you have expanded your allies."
The man claiming to be Lord Issa stood to the right of Fujisaki. A gray vest was drawn over a white shirt with a crimson scarf about his collar. Textured gray slacks swept down to black dress shoes. His face was marked with a thin moustache and goatee. His dark locks almost touched his shoulders.
Standing in this man's shadow was Suukei Miryou. The pale woman's head was bowed with her ebony hair pulled into twin buns held with white ribbons. Her bangs were cut across her brow. A conservative black frock with a white collar and white cuffs at the end of her long, black sleeves, hugged the curves of her voluptuous body. A delicate, oval pair of glasses graced her petite nose.
"I see little reason to skulk about in the shadows with the end so near."
Mrs. Shuzen paused in the center of the room, pointing down at the black diamond made by the tiles. The vampire took another deep breath, stepping closer to the stage.
"I'm disappointed in you, Lady Chuujitsu."
As they took their place at the diamond, Kurumu's eyes swept over to the trio standing at the corner where the stage lifted up and set back. Lady Chuujitsu was boldly wearing her Fairy Tale officer uniform which consisted of a black jacket with golden buttons, tassels and hem. The dark, pleated skirt had a plaid design which alternated with shades of black. Her raven curls threatened to touch her shoulders.
"I apologize, Madame President. But I must do what is best for me."
Akua snarled at the witch, wagging her hands which were bound together by silver manacles. Akua was garbed in a white robe with a crimson interior. The robe ended halfway up her thighs with a purple sash tied about her waist. Instead of her usual twin tail look, the girl had her dark locks pulled into a single right side tail which was held with a red ribbon. Another red ribbon was tied about her right ankle and foot. Her ankles were also shackled together.
The only thing keeping Akua off the witch was a stout man sporting a red, black and gold suit of samurai armor. The man had his black gloved hand gripped firmly on the scruff of Akua's outfit, causing the girl to choke if she struggled too hard. The red mask of a fanged oni covered this ally's face. A golden, pointed helmet adorned his head while crimson and gold guards protected his elbows and the knees and calves beneath the samurai skirt. Thick black boots graced his feet.
"I surmise that you have those restraints on her wrists enchanted to keep her in this dimension."
"A necessary precaution. The girl has been trying to kill me ever since her return to Japan."
Mrs. Shuzen smirked at Fujisaki as Akua started into a long rant of Cantonese curses and slurs.
"I can't imagine why. So whom is the brute holding her at bay?"
"That is spirit mail fully under Lady Chuujitsu's control."
Yukari gasped, shaking her head.
"I've heard of that before. When I saw how the Iron Maiden worked, I realized it was based around this forbidden spell. It devours the soul of the wearer, making them into a living armor slave."
Kokoa hissed at Yukari though there was no need. Nothing they said could be heard.
"Who was the unlucky soul to become your servant?"
Fujisaki's lips pulled back in a sneer.
"We were in the Wakayama prefecture. A quick stop in Osaka to visit with Lord Gairen was only polite."
Kurumu shuddered as Mrs. Shuzen clucked her tongue with a shake of her head.
"Shirking your duties as region commander and killing another one. I don't believe the High Court will pardon you for those crimes."
"I don't give a shit what those old bastards say. We're going to slaughter them all."
"Quiet, Lady Chuujitsu. We must focus on the task at hand."
Mrs. Shuzen laughed, relaxing her shoulders.
"So that's it? You decided to declare war on the old regime."
"You don't like them any more than I do. They stand in the way of progress."
"Progress? Fujisaki is leading you to annihilation."
"That has yet to be seen."
"Enough of this squabbling. I find it insulting that you address a witch before your own husband."
Mrs. Shuzen huffed as the fake Issa stepped forward.
"If my husband were here, I would speak with him first. Issa would have never allowed the systematic slaughter of every Shuzen family elder."
"I never cared for the Elders."
"Issa would have never killed his father. As much as we all despised Lord Koujou, we respected him."
"And I respectfully removed his arrogant head from his arrogant shoulders."
"Why don't you run off to a dark corner and fool around with your pet?"
The man chuckled when Mrs. Shuzen gestured at Ms. Suukei.
"Jealous? I can have as many lovers as I want."
"Why don't you fuck her right here and find out how jealous I am?"
Suukei immediately lifted her head, retreating back a step. Issa chuckled with a shake of his head.
"I have no reason to do such a thing in front of my daughters."
"How long are you going to stand behind this pretender? You have the real Issa trapped at your home."
Suukei lowered her eyes.
"I don't know what-"
"Ms. Miburui has seen him. You have him so wrapped up in your charm that he doesn't know what is real. Even she could not penetrate your hold on him."
"Enough with this foolishness. I am the real Shuzen Issa."
Kurumu trembled when Mrs. Shuzen pushed out an aura of dread, turning her gaze upon the fake.
"The real Issa killed Ms. Miburui. Ms. Suukei tried to cover it up, but she underestimated Ms. Miburui's abilities. She had linked her mind to Ms. Yashin before her passing, revealing the truth."
"That's good news if true. What do you have to say, Ms. Suukei?"
Suukei glanced at Fujisaki, causing her to stiffen up.
"It's not true. She's bluffing about Ms. Miburui."
"Of course she is. I am the real Shuzen Issa."
Mrs. Shuzen sighed at the man's insistence. She turned her attention upon Fujisaki.
"What exactly did you want me here for?"
Fujisaki smirked, relaxing back in his chair.
"I want you to witness a fight between your daughters."
"Why do you wish them to fight?"
"Because I was deceived. I was told that I would be fighting the Eldest Daughter of this family but was given someone else."
"Are you not satisfied with my daughter?"
The fake chuckled, holding a hand up as Kahlua scowled at Fujisaki's snicker.
"It isn't a matter of dissatisfaction. It's a matter of principal. This fight would solidify Kahlua's claim as Eldest Daughter of our family."
"This is a matter of vampire culture. Your input is not required."
The fake snarled at her.
"Do I have to defeat you to prove my authenticity?"
Mrs. Shuzen regarded the man coldly. The threatening aura spilling out from her intensified.
"You die in every scenario in which we fight. Do you really want me to tear your head off and prove that you are not whom you claim to be?"
The man staggered back with a look of uncertainty.
"I am a vampire lord. I've killed several vampires-"
"I could defeat the original Issa. Your mimicry doesn't have a chance against me."
"Then fight him. Solidify your claim as Head of this family."
Mrs. Shuzen glared at Fujisaki's smirk.
"As if you would not interfere."
"But the rules-"
"Mean nothing when I prove he isn't a vampire. You will only play by the rules when it suits you."
"Challenge her, Issa. Take back what is rightfully yours."
The man chuckled nervously at Fujisaki's demand, shaking his head.
"That isn't why we called her out today. The original issue between my daughters would still remain."
"We can have Kahlua fight her sister after we settle this matter."
"There won't be an after, doppelganger. You die. Every time."
"But this must not be favorable for you else you would fight him instead of trying to scare him."
"Scare Shuzen Issa? Why that is almost admitting that this man isn't my husband."
Fujisaki smirked at Mrs. Shuzen.
"Challenge your wife, Issa."
Mrs. Shuzen smiled at the fake's hesitation.
"Do any of you honestly believe that your lives will be spared when he awakens Alucard? You're nothing but pawns. Disposable when he wants to take a stronger piece from the board."
"We're not pawns, Mother. Not everybody treats others the way you do."
Mrs. Shuzen regarded the uncertain doppelganger, the cowering succubi and the impassive witch.
"It's not too late. If you all turned on him, he would die."
"You saw no such future, Madame President. You will either fight this man claiming to be your husband or you will watch your daughters fight."
"She's your granddaughter. If she wins, would you marry her?"
"She won't win."
"Why? Do you intend to make her fight with those shackles?"
"I can't take those off. She'll just try to kill me instead of fighting her sister."
"Because you killed her friend."
Kurumu shivered at Suukei's utterance.
"Friend? I wasn't aware that Akua had any friends."
Fujisaki chuckled darkly at Mrs. Shuzen's genuine statement.
"Some jiangshi trash she had made. I thought having Moka as a hostage would be enough to control her but clearly I was mistaken."
Kurumu felt the tears start as Akua wheezed out more curses and slurs. She knew it was true. Fujisaki had no reason to keep Deshi alive.
"You would seriously force her to fight Kahlua without her hands or feet? Where is the honor in that? She's your granddaughter."
"She's not my Hanami. What will it be, Madame President?"
Mrs. Shuzen cocked her head with her composure becoming rigid.
"Shuzen Akua has been classified dead for years. She would have to challenge Kahlua for the position if she wanted her Eldest Daughter title back."
"You had no authority to vacate the title when you knew she was not dead."
"Maybe not, but the family elders believed that she was. They agreed to give Kahlua her title back."
"Because you lied to them. I never cared about having this title."
Mrs. Shuzen shrugged at Kahlua's protest.
"The point still stands. You can't force her to defend a title that no longer is hers. While my Cantonese isn't the best, I assure you that she isn't interested in fighting you."
"Fine. We'll just kill her if you don't give me what I want."
Mrs. Shuzen stared coldly upon Fujisaki's smirk.
"Fine. I will fight in her place."
"Oh? You'll fight my wife for my granddaughter's sake? That is… interesting."
"I could kill that imposter of yours but I feel this direction is better for Kahlua."
Fujisaki chuckled, sitting up and gesturing at Mrs. Shuzen.
"You understand that I'm asking for a fight to the death. How is that better for your daughter?"
"My girls are quite familiar with my methods. She will understand."
Kahlua huffed, stalking away from the chair towards the edge of the stage.
"I've only understood that none of us will ever be good enough for you. I'm much stronger now."
"Slaughtering hundreds of people in Kengamine, Yukimura and Hong Kong doesn't make you stronger."
Kahlua hopped down from the stage with wild eyes. She reached up and tugged her right earring off.
"I don't cry anymore, Mother. Isn't that what you wanted?"
"I will preside over the match."
Fujisaki snickered at the doppelganger's statement. He stood up from his chair.
"Enough with the ruse, Reikyo. You lost all credibility when you balked at the notion of fighting her."
The man grimaced, stepping aside when Fujisaki approached him.
"I'm sorry, Lord Fujisaki."
"It's fine. I still have use for you."
"I'm not afraid of you, Mother."
Mrs. Shuzen calmly strolled forward, wearing that kimono with the blood red sash cinched about her midsection. Kurumu could not fathom how Mrs. Shuzen expected to beat Kahlua in such attire.
"Clearly you have forgotten what it's like to face a real opponent. Let me remind you."
Kahlua shot towards her but staggered back, clutching her throat. Mrs. Shuzen cocked her head.
"Try again."
Kahlua snarled, lunging at her mother but the woman effortlessly stepped aside. Kahlua tried to correct but was instantly smashed in the back, slamming her into the floor with enough force to crack the tiles. Mrs. Shuzen drifted back, allowing her daughter to get up.
"Are you even trying?"
Kahlua pounced at her mother but was once again knocked back when her mother stepped in. She tried to recover but was backhanded across her face, forcing her to fall aside on her knees.
"You were always too emotional."
Kahlua sprung up but Mrs. Shuzen smashed her elbow in the middle of her strike, causing the vampire to stumble back. She whimpered, clutching her right arm against her ample bosom.
"If you fought like this against Akua, you would be dead. Is that what you want?"
Kahlua grimaced, circling her mother warily.
"What I want has never mattered to you. Why did you take her place?"
"Because you're a spoiled brat whom has never been happy with what you have."
Kahlua scowled, flicking her right hand down. The appendage splintered and twisted, becoming jagged with talons and spikes. Wings tore out of her upper arm and shoulder, flexing menacingly.
"You've given us nothing but your disappointment."
Kahlua darted forward but her mother also shot in. The girl braced for the impact which rocked her jaw, forcing her aside. She tried to turn and catch her mother with a backswing but Mrs. Shuzen ducked down and hit Kahlua's right knee, causing the girl to buckle and fall. The mother hopped back as her daughter whimpered on the floor.
"There was never an issue with what I gave. The issue was that you felt you deserved more."
"Kahlua can't win this way. Mother already knows every move she will make."
Kurumu swallowed, understanding what Kokoa meant. Mrs. Shuzen had seen this fight play out through their eyes. She knew every possibility that would happen with them here.
Kahlua screamed in agony as she forced herself back up to her feet. Her right leg twisted and contorted, becoming as grotesque as her right arm. Her crimson eyes burned with hatred.
"I deserved more!"
Kahlua shot towards her mother at a speed that Kurumu could not register. It was such a flurry of motion that she literally had no idea what was happening. Mrs. Shuzen was weaving through the mix of kicks, punches and wing slashes with no visible distress. She somehow got in an attack which whipped Kahlua's legs up and over, planting her daughter face first on the tiles.
Fujisaki suddenly appeared in the fray. There was the sound of fabric tearing as Mrs. Shuzen sprung back. The ribbon trailed in her wake, stained with blood. The mother sighed.
"You would not watch from the sidelines."
Fujisaki chuckled, helping his battered wife up. Kahlua's dress had been torn to shreds with multiple lacerations across her tanned torso. The girl wobbled, grabbing Fujisaki's shoulder to steady herself.
"It hardly seems fair when you can read the moves of your opponent. I'm curious how well that ability of yours works against two."
Mrs. Shuzen sighed, unraveling the small bit of sash that remained at her waist. She dropped the bow at her feet and loosened the cords about her waist.
"Depends on the two. If you are talking about Kahlua and that fool pretending to be my husband, I think I would manage just fine."
Fujisaki chuckled, stepping away from his wife.
"Perhaps he should join us then."
"No! I can take her myself!"
"I'm bored of watching her toy with you."
"I still can-"
"She has no intention to kill you. She will humiliate you even if you remove your other limiter."
Mrs. Shuzen sighed dramatically, slipping out of her kimono. She was still wearing that sparkly nightie with the black fur trim from last night though there was a huge gash in it. The garment bared much of her thighs and cleavage.
"I suppose it would be too much to ask for this to be just you and me."
"I'd rather have a threesome with you and your daughter. Maybe through Reikyo in for fun."
"If he so much as sets a foot off that stage, I will relieve him of his life."
Fujisaki snickered, starting to circle about Mrs. Shuzen.
"I suppose we can keep this between vampires. Kahlua. Don't let me down."
Fujisaki darted in first but was greeted by roundhouse kick that crushed his face in. The man stumbled back, clutching his nose as Mrs. Shuzen pounced on him. He swept his arm up for a block but she pulled her fist out of the path and twisted, snaking her other palm out to strike him firmly in the chest. Kurumu heard the sound of bones breaking as he was thrown back.
Kahlua launched in with an attack which her mother narrowly twisted out of the way. Once again there was a series of blurred movements that Kurumu could not keep track of. But Yukari had an exceptional perception that Mrs. Shuzen had seen this fight with. The mother rapidly deflected all of these strikes while answering with a single blow that threw her daughter back to the floor.
"This isn't fair. We need to help."
"No. We were told not to interfere."
"But I don't know if Mother can keep this up without killing Kahlua."
Kurumu was starting to have her own doubts when Fujisaki rejoined the fray. He kept his strikes short and swift, not over committing like the first time.
But it did not matter. Mrs. Shuzen weaved around his attacks, stepping in to hit him with bone crushing palm strikes. A human would have died from the punishment he was taking. He staggered several times but did not fall back. He was still able to fight her when Kahlua joined back in.
Then it became mostly defensive. Mrs. Shuzen would occasionally block Kahlua's attacks, but she would only evade Fujisaki's. That was when Kurumu realized that Mrs. Shuzen had even avoided contact with his attempts to block. The mother would only strike him on her terms. And with Kahlua in the way, her opportunities at doing that had diminished greatly.
"Astounding. How can she know the movements of two opponents?"
Kurumu knew the answer to the doppelganger's awed inquiry. The mother had seen this fight play out. She had known Fujisaki would interfere. She knew what would happen if she let him block her or if she tried to block him. Her movements were precise and perfectly executed.
Mrs. Shuzen rolled under Kahlua's attack, making a whistling slice as she tumbled by Fujisaki. The man fell back on his ass with a bloodied stump below his right knee. Kahlua lunged at her mother with a cry, but Mrs. Shuzen vaulted over her, twisting in midair. Kahlua immediately righted herself but turned right into a foot to her face. Kahlua fell back as Mrs. Shuzen landed out of reach.
Kurumu shivered as she felt Fujisaki's attention turn upon them. He cocked his head as his dark purple eyes locked with Kurumu's. Fujisaki reached over, grabbing his removed leg to push it against his stump. She had no idea how but he had sensed them.
"We aren't alone."
Mrs. Shuzen shot towards him but was met with Kahlua. She twisted to avoid her daughter's attack, slipping her arms around the girl and forcing Kahlua down on her knees. The mother positioned herself and her trapped assailant into Fujisaki's line of sight.
"This is your fight, Fujisaki. Don't look away."
Fujisaki stood up, testing the weight on his foot. He chuckled at his struggling wife.
"So pathetic and useless. But I know your weakness."
Kurumu could not see it happen. Kahlua was thrown to the floor in a spray of blood as Mrs. Shuzen hopped back a step. When the mother lowered her arms, Kurumu realized she had nothing below the elbows. Her hands remained on Kahlua's shoulders.
"You would have killed her."
Fujisaki smirked, stepping forward as Kahlua touched her mother's hands.
"Sacrifices must be made."
"See who loves you child."
Kahlua looked over her bloodied shoulders with wide eyes.
"Mother?"
"In the end, that was all you ever were."
Kurumu's heart fell when Mrs. Shuzen was thrown back at them in a shower of blood. The vampire struck Yukari square in the chest as Kokoa cried out in dismay. Kurumu immediately grabbed hold of Mrs. Shuzen's shoulder as they all staggered together, barely staying upright.
"Now, Ms. Sendou."
Kurumu's mind reeled as they were suddenly flung from the ballroom to Lord Ruben's backyard. Yukari instantly collapsed into the grass, causing Kurumu's heart to tighten in fear as blood started soaking through her maid outfit.
"Mother! Why?!"
Kurumu lost the strength to stand, falling to her knees which forced Kokoa into doing the same. The vampire was frantically pawing at her mother, repeating the same two words over and over.
"Stop! Kokoa, stop!"
Her mother's sharp words cut through Kokoa's panic. The vampire let her left hand drift down to her mother's ribs where the gore began. Everything below her ribs had been left behind.
"But why?"
"Because this was… only way. Your sisters… are safe… for now."
And tears started spilling from Kurumu's eyes. The realization of what happened. What she knew would happen. How she let it happen.
"What do we do? Can we fix this?"
"No… Drink the last drop."
Kokoa sobbed, shaking her head.
"No. I don't want that."
"My heart… is here. Everything… is yours. Power… to save your sisters."
"But you'll die."
"That won't change. Stop him. You can."
"I don't want you to die!"
Mrs. Shuzen's face twisted in pain as she clenched her teeth.
"Stupid child! You will do as you're told!"
Kokoa bawled, clenching her fist on the bloodied fabric below her mother's bosom.
"I can't! Not without you!"
Mrs. Shuzen panted with a bloody froth upon her lips.
"I'll be with you. Always. Now take the blood you've always fought so hard for!"
Kurumu clutched her chest, feeling so detached from everything. Her world was spinning with her own heartbeat seeming so far away.
"Kokoa. She'll die even if you don't take her blood."
Kokoa looked up at her. The girl's face was filled with grief. She shook her head as she scooted closer.
"I know. But I don't want to."
"Kokoa. Sooner… than I thought. But what… I always wanted… for you."
Kokoa shivered and lowered her head. She opened her mouth and pressed it against the base of her mother's neck. Mrs. Shuzen sighed heavily.
"Good girl. Always. My favorite."
And as her eyes went distant, Kurumu wondered if there was any hope left in this world.