Only time will Tell
時間が経てば分かるでしょう。
They say when one has worries or guilt, Dawn takes its merry little time to come. However...I learned this with the fact That, Confusion made it long to come...
Chapter 5: A New path? Kurumu of my adoration. (Aratana no Michi? Akogare No Kurumu-chan.)
-"Yawn…"- A chestnut haired boy awoke in his hotel room-
Tsukune sure slept well, but for some reason he could not remember, he felt happy. Yet he could not recall why…
Oh right…Kurumu had…
-"Um…did we?"- Unconsciously he reached for his lips…It was real.
But what had happened? Everything was so blurry…
-"Oh yeah, I returned to the hotel and…Because all girls were here we had to bid farewell…"-
-"Um…Kurumu-chan? My hand."-
-"What? Is it a crime to take your hand?"-
-"No. but many people could take it wrong way…And, I'm still too young to die because they impaled me."-
-"Ok ok you win."- she giggled leaving him.
-"Tsukune-san!"-
-"Tsukune, why are you and that Pervert…together?"-
Kurumu smiled arrogantly to both rivals. She WAS WAY AHEAD of them. But for prudence and because he asked for it, she kept silent.
-"What am I doing? Um…Did you all forget I'm with her at my project?"-
-"You're suspicious-desu."-
-"It's ok Yukari-chan, Mizore-chan. Nothing has happened."-
-"Nothing too…deep yet."- the succubus arrogantly said.
-"You Cow!"-
-"Touch him and my ice will…"-
-"Now, now. Well in any case, I'll see you tomorrow Everyone. Kurumu-chan…thanks for today."-
-"No, I should thank you."-
Tsukune began to climb the stairs to his room when a pink haired vampire stood waiting for him. He smiled weakly to himself, Moka. The girl's face was pretty much blushing but somehow he sensed an upset aura about her.
-"Tsukune."-
-"Hey there Moka-san."-
-"Where have you been?"- she inquired seriously.
-"Uh…You see Kurumu-chan and I went to do some research on…Well you know the festival."-
-"Festival? Oh Tanabata…"- An idea soon came to her mind. –"Why don't we go together?"-
-"That's All…"- before he could confirm…
-"Onegai...promise me..."-
-"What...?"-
-"That on the night of Tanabata...you'll see the stars with me."-
-"Um no sorry…I don't think I can…"- he remembered.
-"Why?"- Moka was shocked.
-"Well…"- he found no plausible Statement.
-"Why?"-
-"You see…I have to fulfill a promise."-
-"To whom?"- The vampire's now clearly reflected one thing…Jealousy.
-"…Gomen. Anyway I'll see you later."- He smiled leaving.
-"Man, Moka-san must hate me but…I promised and besides it might be fun."- He thought out loud.
Right before he could finish a gentle knocking on his door steered him away from his memories.
-"Tsukune…It's me."-
-"K…Kurumu-chan? Hang on."-
The boy opened and there she was, still in her pijamas, and that meant an uncomfortable and red as hue Tsukune, also she held a tray with cereal, bacon and eggs, cute cookies and some orange juice.
-Wow…That looks delicious!"- Tsukune stated very heartedly.
-"It's for us…Pleaseeatbreakfastwithme"- it was so fast he didn't understand.
-"Huh?"-
-"Please, Eat breakfast with me."-
-"Ok. That's why you were so flustered?"- Not understanding the courage she had to muster to even talk to him, he laughed.
The young man was ready to eat however; timidly Kurumu brought a fork and moved it close to his mouth.
-"Say Ah…"-
-"Ah…This is embarrassing Kurumu-chan."-
-"Hee, Hee I feel like your wife."- a true smiled was on her face.
-"I…Thank you."-
She kept feeding him, however that issue long escaped his mind…The fact that she actually remembered him was moving, not only that but Moka never had done something like this for him…Maybe she was right, Moka didn't love him but his blood. Though at that time the statement was only to hurt the Vampire, Maybe and just maybe it was the cold reality. The bitter cold Reality, Even the other Moka said it to him:
-"You're especially an unpleasant sight. I'll snap those wings and tail so you won't fly again."-
-"N…No…No… Not that! Please, forgive me!"-
There Tsukune stood in front of both.
-"What're you doing? Move."-
-"…As expected from the transformed Moka-san."-
-"Not only did that woman trick you. She almost killed you too."-
-"I-it's enough…Kurumu-san didn't have any malicious intentions."-
-"How would you know that?"-
-"Because…Kurumu-san doesn't look the slightest like a bad girl. We can definitely get along! Just like Moka-san now!"-
Then and there Kurumu began to cry. The boy she tricked had saved her life…
-Don't be so serious."
-"Huh?"-
-"Tsukune Aono, You've misunderstood. I just don't want anyone else to snatch your blood away..."-
…..
-"Just don't want anyone else to have my blood…"- he murmured.
-"Huh?"-
-"Er…That's, I mean…The food is so good."-
-"Arigatou!"-
-"Well Thanks for the food Kurumu-chan…I'll go and play tennis around the court in the hotel. I'll come to have lunch with you ok? And then we can investigate about the festival."-
-"Ok. I'll wait forever if necessary."-
-"That's a bit over the top…"-
The young boy prepared a service and was ready to bounce the ball against the wall. With ease he threw it up and slammed away.
-"Moka-san…just wants my blood…"- he said gripping his racquet
Maybe what Kurumu said that time was right…
-"I just noticed you smell good Tsukune-kun. Yes, just like a human."-
-"Ah…"-
-"His blood must be tasty. That's why you were having him for breakfast."-
-"T…That's no it! I'm not using him or anything…I just…"-
-"I see. That's why Moka-san wanted to befriend me. Just like this morning…What? So it seems I really am only breakfast for Moka-san."-
-"Me? Breakfast? No! I don't…I Refuse to believe it!"- Tsukune furiously returned the ball
But it was almost too true. Of all the time she had "Kissed him" Which one was on the lips? Or when did she actually kiss him for that matter? Never. Yes, it pained him and though maybe more than once an actual kiss could've happened…
-"Blood. Why does she always put that issue on? I always gave her any amount, but…If it weren't for my tasty blood…would she even talk to me?"-
Then he realized something, not once, of all the times they'd been together she'd kiss him. In reality if it weren't for the other girls he'd be bloodless…
-"Wait! Maybe…the reason is…No! Impossible!"- He said hitting the ball at full force.
Love.
Yes, that pure and beautiful feeling but…Love for him or for blood itself?
-"Moka-san is no like that but…Moka-san is my precious friend! G…Giving a little blood is…!"- He kept swinging with enormous force.
She wasn't like that but most of the times just with the smell she'd go Go-go gaga. Even the first time they met, the vampire girl sucked him out, and she didn't even know him.
He cursed himself for thinking that stupid theory! It wasn't true! Was it…? Even the other girls said the same, save for Yukari. But…that was just to gain field advantage! Yes! Nothing more than a bitter lie! A fallacy! But…
Yet…what was the bitter lie? That she loved him for real? Or just loved his blood?
-"There's no way…I believe in Moka-san!"- He shouted firmly.
That's what he'd like to say, but…Bit by bit he faltered in his resolution…
During all this time…I've been wrong? No, Moka-san risked her life for me! Definitely it has to be…love! It's not only for my blood right?
So he thought, so he wanted to think.
I love both Mokas, and that's that…Right? But I also love them all, in a sense…They're all beautiful…
With that in mind, his mind began to reminisce…
Tsukune? May I Come in?
Huh…? AHHHHH!
Wait Tsukune! There's something I want to talk about No one will interrupt us here…or…Am I causing you trouble?
That's not it at all…
Then…
I do this you won't mind right…?
K…Kurumu chan…
I just don wan to be a normal friend of you Tsukune…
A friend? A normal friend? When, how, why did she pass that level?
At that time…I didn't refuse…And If Mizore-chan didn't appear then… what would've I've done?
It's not that he couldn't refuse Kurumu; it was he didn't WANT to refuse her…
Not a normal…friend…but then what about Moka-san…That's who you love right? Just say it straight Aono…You love Moka-san…
That statement had long ago lost its weight. At the hands of Kurumu no less, her smell, her essence, her frame…It was enough to drive him crazy, not the charm as a Succubus but as Kurono Kurumu, the forward but innocent girl who now had a large piece of his heart
Because of his past rage, he hit the ball with a tad too much strength, and it came back at him as furious as he was with his own self. And showing no mercy it hit him on the head, straight. A great pain overcame his forehead and immediately just as his hopes earlier, he fell to the ground. The racquet fell at his side.
Then and there he felt in pain, but at the same time, in bliss…maybe the pain was making strange things in his brain.
-"I…Believe…Moka…san…"-
A pink haired girl walked close to the tennis courts, Moka actually.
-"Where's Tsukune I haven't…seen him."-
Inside the vampire, many feelings stirred up, doubt, pain and jealousy. What if he was with another girl? Though it really should not matter to her, due to the fact she supposedly wanted his happiness…still, there it was. Jealousy present, just as hot as the sun in summer. Searching, her green eyes saw something not so pleasurable.
-"Tsukune?"- The vampire rushed to the side of the fallen boy.
-"He's hit his head…hard. I've got to administrate first aid…"- she nervously touched him.
Yet her other love reached her nose. His blood, Tsukune had lightly hit the pavement and a bit of blood trickled down his forehead to the floor. The young vampire then touched her chest and took a step back
-"This Smell…It's not good…my body…"-
-"To hell with your smell Moka!"-
Out of nowhere Kurumu appeared and kicked her straight.
-"Darn…Why is blood your first? Tsukune is injured!"- The succubus complained.
-"I'm sorry…"-
-"Always blood, poor Tsukune…For how long do you plan to hurt him?"-
-"Wait…It's not like a suck a harmful amount…"-
-"Screw the amount! It's on the emotional side Moka!"-
-"Huh?"-
-"Every time you 2 go Dabababada…You trick Tsukune, making him believe you're going to kiss him! When it's clear you don't want to! You…you…"- Kurumu jerked her fist angrily.
-"Trick me…" the young man although half asleep processed that part to himself.
-"No! It's not like that! You're out of line Kurumu-chan!"-
-"Out…of line? Who the hell IS OUT OF LINE? Look at him! He'd fallen down to the floor and all you do is hope he draws more blood!"-
-"NO!"- The emerald eyed girl retorted.
-"I'm not saying it's bad, once or twice. After all, we're Youkai and many of us hurt humans…at one time I thought that men were all useless…But when I saw him, he who I'd tricked and made fun of and almost killed protect me I knew I was in a mistake. I've loved him since then…"-
-"Tsukune is my precious friend I don't need his blood to…!"-
-"You don't? Then why? Why do you hurt him? It's not only the blood! It's his heart and feelings! Moka, he loves you! And all you do is stick your fangs to Tsukune's neck not thinking once about him!"-
-"What about you? Don't you use your breasts to seduce Tsukune?"-
-"Don't get me wrong. Those are part of my charm. Not the magical one but the real one I'd promised I'd win him without my skill and I will…But you, who has advantage above all us…just use him!"- Kurumu was seriously angry. It took all her strength not to say anything too hurtful.
-"…"- Moka Just lowered her head.
With all her strength Kurumu slapped the sad vampire hard, leaving her a red cheek.
-"Akashiya Moka, I'm not asking this as a rival, but as a friend of Tsukune…Don't just bait him into your fangs…If you want him then kiss him If not, then just withdraw your fangs!"- The succubus put one of his arms around her back and began the way to his room, leaving Moka deep in thought.
-"Every time you 2 go Dabababada…You trick Tsukune, making him believe you're going to kiss him! When it's clear you don't want to! You…you…"-
Trick…I…wait! Maybe this is what her father…
Youkai don't need friends…who was the one who said that?
In that then…that was true…but now…
But now?
Moka-san and me…
SILENCE! In order to let my daughter live a stable life in the human world…I reverted her personality and made her warm and tolerant. You took advantage of that and were planning to make her your love slave right?
Why are things…like this? Why do this…to…your own daughter….?
SHUT UP! My daughter, I'll protect her with my own hands!
You love her, I understand but Moka-san...AHH!
You human scum! How dare you call her in such an affectionate tone?
I've got a promise with her.
Promise?
With the Other Moka…For that reason I will turn Moka-san into who she was originally…
Don't screw with me! The Moka you're trying to recover is an illusion created when I placed the seal!
No way!
Of course it is! You're nothing more than a miserable human trapped in an illusion!
That should be you! Talking about your daughter like is she was an illusion! My memories of Moka-san and me are no Illusion!
This power…? My daughter gave it to you…the power of a vampire's blood!
Although there are 2 personalities…we held on to the same hand! That feeling I felt…can't be an illusion! Both Mokas are the ones I love!
At that time, I truly believed that, my love for her was real…and yet…Maybe this was "the illusion" Moka's Father told me I was holding on to, not only the personality issue but the fact that we can't love each other because vampires love blood first and foremost. No matter what I say, that is an undeniable truth… so then…I've been mistaken? About Moka-san and me…? I'd resolved to myself to accept her as she was…With both virtues and fault, so I could touch her and hug her;
If I had her smile nothing else mattered…But…maybe she was right, maybe we can only be friends, like at the beginning. Maybe I should just…give up…In the End I'm all alone like when I came to this school…right?
-"I see. I'd forgotten…"- Tsukune said opening his eyes.
He'd Awoke On her bed, bandages all over his head, this definitely had to be her bed, It still smelled of her.
-"TSUKUNE YAHOO! YOU'RE AWAKE!"- The blue haired girl hugged him.
-"Ouch Kurumu-chan not so rough…my head. Anyway where's Moka-san?"-
-"I…Sorry…How are you feeling? I'd be glad If we could go to a picnic…I made some snacks and…"-
-"I'd love to."-
-"Wait and…what about Moka?"-
-"You 2 had a fierce fight…"- he smiled.
-"How'd you…?"-
-"I was unconscious but I still heard your high tone of voice."- He chuckled.
-"Are you saying my voice is noisy?"- The young girl joked.
-"Anyway let's go. I'm not gonna force you to apologize to her. But still…anyway, let's go."-
To lighten Tsukune's mood the young succubus took him beneath a cherry tree in the outskirts of the hotel and to ensure triumph she used her Operation "Forge letter and go with Tsukune-yahoo!" in which she forged an offensive letter with writing equal to Moka's, Mizore's and Yukari's and wrote pure offenses against Ririko, needless to say the 3 were in trouble.
She turned to see the handsome boy who seemed to be deep in thought, and 100% sure it was about Moka. Although she had declared she'd never give up on him. These Events showed her otherwise her feelings, although deep and true, bothered him and unlike Moka she wouldn't be a burden to him. And with all the pain in her heart so strong was her love for him she faltered her own heart…for his sake.
-"Tsukune…"-
-"Heh…You know something Kurumu-chan? I won't see red ever again."-
-"Red? Why?"-
-"…"-
-"Um…well…I…I've been thinking Tsukune…I'm gonna…g…give up…on you."-
-"W…what?"- The young boy turned from his cookie to her.
-"I'm sorry my feelings bothered you. It was a competition, fair and square and I could never best her."- She smiled sadly as she talked hurting the already wounded Tsukune.
-"C…Competition? Kurumu-chan…"-
-"I don't even know why I ended up after you…Heh…I'd thought you were cute but…that's all I never thought I'd love you."-
The young man swallowed in anticipation to her speech.
-Me…?"-
-"At first, I was happy to be with everyone, in the same was as you I was alone, manipulating people for my own goal but…"-
-"…"-
-"I felt happy but then, I wanted you to look only at me but, couldn't do anything…"-
Her voice was pretty heavy and on the verge of tears…
-"I thought it wasn't just me doing these things…It's my fault."-
Then he realized why he wasn't alone, he was reminded; despite his eyes only seeing Moka, she was focused on him despite being highly attractive in campus…
-"Even though I wanted you to love me…!"-
He was notified officially for the first time, though she said it tons of times in a joke tone, this was the first time…any girl ever told him straight to the face her feelings.
-"Kurumu-chan…"-
-"I can't stop, though I know I won't happen!"-
Then her purple orbs shed tears, piercing Tsukune's heart. He didn't do anything for her despite calling himself friend and companion, that he put her like this, all because of his indecisive attitude this was a totally different Kurumu, not the tough, seductive, coquettish one but the emotional, innocent and vulnerable one, the fact he was seeing this part of her personality…it meant much.
-"Kurumu-chan…"-
-"Don't lie! You didn't even notice what I felt for you because you looked at Moka all the time!"-
-"I…"-
-"I don't want you to like me out of Pity! That's why I tried to say it in a casual tone!"- She wept openly.-"That's why…Go for Moka…I won't…"-
Before she finished talking, the young man hugged her tightly.
-"Kurumu-chan…I appreciate your intention but…aren't you being a little selfish?"-
-"Er…Selfish?"- she said giving into his embrace and sobbing in his chest.
-"Yeah. When Did I say I chose Moka-san?"-
-"But…You always looked at her."-
-"As I recall, I said I needed more time to decide you 2 were all so beautiful, I needed more time. True, I wanted to recover Moka-san but…When Did I say it was because I loved her?"- He smiled raising her chin to look at him in the eyes.
-"I...It's obvious! I mean…"-
-"Remember. Didn't the other Moka-san kick me because she thought I wanted all of you in something like a harem?"-
-"T…There you go, pitying me…"-
-"No it's not Pity. First…I'm Sorry…"-
-"Tsukune…?"- She asked in confusion.
-"At that time in the castle you told me…that apologizing meant your defeat and you'd always love me? Remember? I wasn't apologizing for the reason you thought."- he smiled brushing off some of her bangs.
-"Then…why?"-
-"For hurting you, you forced yourself to fight for me and again I hurt you, I didn't apologize because I like Moka-san."-
-"Tsukune…then…"-
-"I'm sorry."-
-"No! If I do that then I…lose."-
-"Let me finish. It's not what you think…"-
-"…"-
-"All this time, it is true my eyes were on Moka-san but your eyes were always on me. You even risked your life for me…I'm sorry for that. That's why…maybe it's time…I…Saw you as you've seen me."-
-"Tsukune, don't force yourself…"-
-"I'm not. It's because I want to."- The young man smiled and rose up. –"It's been fun. Shall we go back?"-
-"Understood."- The couple picked everything up and then Kurumu noticed something alarming.
A crimson liquid was sliding from his bandaged forehead to his chin, flowing just beneath his eyes, If one looked slightly it looked he was crying blood instead of tears
-"Tsukune! You're bleeding! Your wound hasn't healed yet!"-
-"Did you forget already Kurumu-chan? In my world, the color red…doesn't exist I've resolved to that. These are…my tears…probably."-
-"Oh Tsukune…"-
-"It's Ok Kurumu-chan. The only time a man can cry is when it's all over. That's what my dad used to say."-
-"I understand…He resolved to that because the cause of the problem…is blood. With a crimson color, So that's why he despises the fact that blood is more important to her than him…maybe it's my chance!"-
Next chapter:
Hey guys this is Ageha! Surprised to see me?
Tsukune has now started to conceal the idea he's alone and his sadness begins to devour him. My daughter tries to cheer him and though it helps, it's not enough therefore it's time momma steps in and united the couple next: At the end of truth. The lonely boy, Tsukune Aono(Shinjitsu no hate ni. Kokou no shonen Aono Tsukune) red you there!