The Chairman's eyes glowed as he put his hand on the ward and was allowed through; Akasha was on the other side waiting having walked straight through. She didn't reply.

"Mr Chairman, mother please sit, I'll get tea and some cakes. Yukari's almost finished her homework"

Akasha smiled Moka was a true wife of a household. Polite and genial but nothing would move her from what she considered to be the smooth running of her house. Yukari would finish her work before talking to them.

This time the chairman looked around the room and nodded appreciatively "This is very well laid out and quite comfortable"

"You didn't know"

"No I told the djinn to create something suitable for the mature students"

"Yukari tells me it is a copy of a boarding school; they copied everything exactly as it was, then furnished it with copied contemporary furniture for the original construction date"

"I'm surprised that the furniture survived"

"It was never used. Moka and Kurumu cleaned the rooms they used, but when Yukari looked the whole place was under a series of stasis spells."

Moka returned with tea and cakes for them and excused herself for a while.

"You knew you'd be sitting having tea when we left"

"I did, just for once I thought I'd try relaxing as you keep telling me to do" His eyes found hers "It's not really a bad thing, it gives one time to reflect. Hence my irritation with the concept"

"Second guessing"

"Yes. Do I"

"Shut up and drink your tea, then if you must count the birds and see it there are fewer this year" Akasha interrupted

oOoOo

It was forty minutes later that Moka led the family in to see the two still sat looking out of the windows over the garden. As they sat the Chairman looked at Akasha "There are more pigeons than there should be"

At the confused expressions Akasha said "The Chairman was just doing an ornithological survey"

Tsukune looked at Yukari "Lack of gargoyles" Yukari giggled and the two Hades Lords looked confused.

"How would gargoyles effect the population" the Chairman asked

"It's a reference to an English book Yukari has me reading. A fictional novel, but it is amusing. The pigeon population is kept in check by gargoyles"

"Well perhaps later" the cowl turned to Yukari "We were just about to add invisibility to your ward I believe"

"Yes sir" Yukari sat and concentrated then smiled.

"Your wand Yukari"

"I have been doing exercises to perform simple spells without flourishing the wand. It is easier if I'm holding it, but as long as it's in contact with my body I can still perform the spell"

Sora smiled as she listened on the net "Your guards confirm that the house and grounds have vanished"

Yukari shut her eyes again then looked back at Sora

"The guards say that it appears the wood has grown back" she listened "They can tell where it starts because of the slight distortion of the images"

The cowl turned back to Yukari "My parents showed me a simple vision distortion spell that is normally attached to zones to form a simple invisibility spell, it shows what is on the other side of the zone. It makes it appear as if the area doesn't exist"

"And how is this normally used"

"In zones of privacy, the zone is similar to a ward but only encompasses an area, it doesn't protect or hinder access"

"So when you created this ward you first defined the zone and then added the ward attributes to it"

"Yes sir, it was the later section of the book where it's discussed, I've read it but not finished working through to that section yet"

The cowl nodded "The use of the zone is much overlooked, few understand that it is actually the preferred starting point for the higher wards and shields" he looked to the garden "How is it that birds are in your grounds"

"It happened when father started putting yoki into the ward, before there were always a few stunned birds, but since then the birds and insects come through with no trouble. I think it has a defined level of comprehension that it applies, if it is too intelligent or has intent to harm then it's not allowed through. I saw a bird avoid a hawk by flying through the ward, the hawk was stopped without harm" Yukari smiled "It seemed to sit on top of the ward looking at the prey below, however when it stopped thinking of dinner it fell through. After this I sat and looked at the edge of the ward, small birds can chase insects through without problem. Hence the assumption of comprehension and intelligence"

"I think that your theory that the ward is 'programmed' to interact is how we shall proceed, however you are to keep watch in case it does start displaying attributes that exceed this to sentience. Continue with your studies and come and see me when you've finished" The cowl turned to Tsukune

.

"I think it's time to look at what you've been doing young Tsukune. First can you please remove the seal"

As the seal came away Tsukune placed it on the table at his side. He then controlled the little yoki that had been restrained by the seal.

"Very good, now slowly release all your yoki" Akasha said Tsukune nodded and shut his eyes. When he finally opened them he could see both Akasha and the Chairman nodding. "Restrain it again please Tsukune, and then reseal yourself"

"You are teaching Tsukune to fight using his yoki" Akasha asked Moka when the seal clicked into place.

"Yes, but only when he's sealed"

"His control is improving; continue the offensive training with the seal for now. What about defence?"

"Defence" Moka looked confused

"Ignoring avoidance, yoki can also be used to form a barrier" Akasha smiled "Well now you know we'll see what you do with it" from Moka she looked at Tsukune and Yukari, both were slightly unfocused then into both eyes came a glimmer "Show me Tsukune, just small" she held her delicate hands a few inches apart

"Yes Lady Akasha" Tsukune moved his hand in a circle "I think that's it"

"It doesn't appear very strong Tsukune"

"You said small. If I make it strong enough to" he stopped and smiled "Totally offensive as well"

"Indeed try this later with something less breakable" Akasha levitated a cup then set it down again. "Master these forms"

The Chairman shook his head as he looked at Akasha then back to Yukari "Show me Yukari, as with Tsukune very small" He nodded "How did you make it"

"As a simple ward" she grinned "If I were to make it as a spherical zone then I can do what I like with it" she paused "A small sphere is easy to sustain and that is what takes the time to create" she mused

"Then as another part of your training maintain one when awake. What are the drawbacks with using either as defensive mediums?"

"Newton, a ward is useless in reality, a zone can be manipulated to brace even absorb through elasticity of the unaffected area and strengthen the zone"

"That is what your house ward does, Tsukune did it sub-consciously" He returned again to Tsukune "Tomorrow after school has finished come to my chambers I have a use for the excess yoki you are producing, thanks I understand to Yukari"

.

"Well let's get some fresh drinks" Moka stood "Yukari will you help me please"

"Yes mama" Yukari said quickly and collected the cups and plates then followed Moka out.

"There was something you wanted to ask" The Chairman looked at the three remaining then focused on Kurumu as she wouldn't meet his gaze "Aono Kurumu"

"Yes sir" she drew "I know I absorb yoki but it seems that what happened on the roof when I absorbed Gin's yoki it's too much" she said slightly incoherently in a rush.

There was a chuckle "When you were on the roof, you didn't absorb Gin's yoki. Tsukune had been bitten and therefore was changing. His is the yoki you absorbed. On its own this would have little effect however there were a number of factors that made it rather more potent. Living with a vampire you know that blood can have a life of its own. Tsukune was dying and the blood wanted to live, it reacted strongly. This happens but it was also the full moon increasing the potency. You were covered in transition blood not only on a full moon but in its light. The effect would have been as strong as possible"

"Then will it pass, the effects on yoki absorption are well known with us. This has exceeded anything I've read about"

"If it were simple absorption then yes, however yet another factor came into play; as a succubus how and when are you able to absorb most yoki with the least effort"

"Sex"

There was a grin "Indeed sex. Before you entered your state of prayer what were you doing"

"I was sat and holding Tsukune, I couldn't stop the flow it was everywhere"

The Chairman sighed "I'll save some time. You were sat, the blood pooled in your lap. This is not a secure vessel for storing liquid; it continued its progress however slowly according to Newton's apple" There was a glimmer from Kurumu "Yes, a little of the blood entered you and the hyperactive life force of all the blood on you and in your lap was absorbed by your vaginal lining designed to take yoki during sex. As far as can be ascertained the effects are permanent, you were actually physically changed."

"Oh"

"Also with the continued feeding from Tsukune you are now having difficulty controlling your own yoki are you not?"

"All of us are"

"You however do not have a Rosario" he reached into his cassock "Use this for now and have Moka keep an eye on it. The destruction of seals in this family is excessive to say the least" Moka came at the last and frowned slightly

"A problem Moka" Akasha asked

"A necessity but also another debt" Moka replied as she placed a tray on the table and sat regarding her mother.

"Ah, then there is also something else to talk about" She took the cup handed to her and waited until Moka had finished "This is the youngest house that has ever been set up. There are some aspects of your education that have not been fully explained as yet, particularly in the area of finance" She indicated the seal now around Kurumu's neck "That will be paid for by Morioka Gin's father as he is responsible for its requirement. Otherwise you have no income that you are aware of"

"At the moment no, Yukari and Tsukune are growing herbs that will provide some income hopefully"

Akasha nodded and looked at Tsukune "This worries you"

"A lot" he smiled "In this I'm still very much human; I look on it as my duty to provide for my family"

"And so you will Tsukune, however as well as financial transactions there are services rendered. You will assist in the Great Seal and for this you will be repaid. Because of the nature of our society we still rely on a simple barter and obligation system. Some things are difficult to measure and payment of whatever type is postponed. The society is feudal however there is no easy way to modernise it.

The guard the other day comes from a race that has been isolated for many years. They considered themselves to be better than others until the formation of the Hades Lords when they came into contact on a regular basis with the others. My law regulates them but there are still individuals and families that refuse to obey it. Oh they do in public, but in private" She gestured "He was convinced of his own arrogance and a misogynist, eventually refusing to obey Sora and attacking the ward that he knew had been created by Yukari and yourself. To him two such lesser species couldn't create anything he couldn't destroy. It was the attitude of his whole family"

"Was"

"His actions could have resulted in many deaths, Belthan the leader of his clan, decided that enough was enough. The family had caused many problems and was disruptive. They couldn't or rather wouldn't adapt to the new order, evolution. I tell you this as an example of some of the problems we as Hades Lords face"

"His race was long lived?"

Akasha looked askance it was not the question she had expected "Yes moderately so" she watch Tsukune nod "Why the nod"

"It would be a problem as the generations need to adapt completely before teaching the young with total conviction. Strangely vampires should adapt quickly from what Yukari has told me even though they are I believe the longest lived"

"Almost, but how did you come to that conclusion?"

"The history lesson I had in the formation of houses and the change in the social structure. These changes were over a short period, therefore they have the ability to adapt quickly and accept these changes. Paternal maternal to the current social structure can't have been that many years relatively speaking"

"An interesting point we can talk about later, however back to the current discussion"

"Sorry" Akasha waved the apology away

"Belthan also knows that we in the realms need to change our way of thinking, to modernise as you'd call it; but he also sees the problems and knows that this is a transition period where the old laws have to apply as well. So he is both grateful that a stumbling block can be removed and unhappy that it happened, for it forces an obligation onto him. He is obliged to acknowledge that he is ultimately responsible for the actions of a member of his clan. That member has insulted this house by his actions. That he is dead is of no consequence, Belthan still feels that recompense is due. This is part of the old way, we the Lords put this in place to avoid the races engaging in total genocide. It also works to ensure that the weaker races are not targeted" She looked at Yukari "The status of witches is part of the ongoing modernisation. To us they are as much a part of the realms as any other creature and the laws state this. But I know that you Tsukune have seen the problems first hand"

"The Orc, lizard men, Kuyou and others, yes I understand. But I also understand that I'm building a debt with the Chairman, and I still have to find my place"

"Well to start with the Chairman, he is actually obligated to you as well. Firstly when he selected you there was some obligation at first minimal. This is evolution in action again, if you had died then it finished. However you survived and therefore his additional obligations to you started. Your survival and the unorthodox method you went about it meant that decisions had to be made. At this time the Chairman was still fulfilling his obligations, you were getting an education, food clothing and the necessities. Your metamorphose into a human of the dawn as Yukari would define you created problems for the three Hades Lords, as we now also had to get involved and sanction your existence, thus we also became obligated to you. Now back to some basics. The value of an item is the use to which it can be put" she waved her hand "This house, magnificent as it is, is worthless, it was just sitting here, almost forgotten. Your basic requirements, food, clothing, accommodation are part of the Chairman's basic obligations; the seals he has given you are part of the extended obligation. The current and final one if it is required" Akasha looked at Moka, it was a lesson for her as much as Tsukune. "Now what have you accrued as debt. Moka"

Moka shook herself "The acknowledgment and support for my decision to set up a household. The use of Belmont and his understanding and assistance much of which I might not know, assistance with Yukari's education"

"Not bad, Kurumu what are the credits"

"From what you've said the Chairman also has a responsibility for the guard as he was in his employment and the clan of course"

"So what do you want from the Chairman Moka"

"For it to be put in the balance; if I can't trust a Hades Lord then" she looked at the Chairman

"Agreed, and a very good decision on your part. It is easy to require immediate payment but far better to wait until things are settled. You know that it doesn't give you leeway"

"That much I understand Mr Chairman" she nodded

"Now the clan has sent monetary value as a first payment, this has to be accepted otherwise you are insulting them. What else do you require from them, they will expect a decision so that they can meet and agree to it?"

Moka looked at her mother for some time looking for a clue then she looked at Tsukune and smiled "To become friends of the house, but not allies or vassals. I do not expect them to fight but in the worst case remain neutral"

Akasha nodded "I think they'll agree to that, there will need to be a contract drawn up, but I understand your intentions so it will be simple" she smiled "Now Tsukune, if you are able to help with the Great Seal then you gain from the Lords again since we also have to empower it. Does that explain things a little?"

Tsukune smiled "Yes, I'll stop worrying about nothing and get on with doing what I'm supposed to. In the end the balance will tell if I'm in credit or not. He looked across at Moka "Not that's it's any of my business anyway is it"

"No" she grinned back "It's not"

oOoOo

"Moka's request going to be a problem" The Chairman asked as he sat back down behind his desk. He looked and then waved the guards away.

"No, actually a boon, it show's that they aren't the only ones changing. They've had very little interaction with any other race. This will help" she replied when they were alone

"Unless they think Moka's weak"

"I doubt that, word has leaked back as to what she did to him" Akasha smiled sweetly

"You wouldn't smile like that for something you like; what else?"

"Didn't you hear what Tsukune said about vampires? I'm actually getting fed up with them. There is a movement back to the paternal, led by Issa if I'm honest. I think it's time to remind a few that changes are going to happen and stick"

"He won't be popular once it's found out that he aided in your decision"

Akasha snorted "Did you see how much yoki he has even at this early stage, he's also half natural mage in the way he does things. Very few will even stand a chance when he's trained"

"Until then"

"Moka's there"

The reply caused the Chairman to look closely "Akasha" he looked again "Is that a decision or just a thought"

"It's a thought now you mention it" she pursed her lips "Most of the races are descended from the 'humans of the dawn' if we call them that. A race long gone who's descendents are a disgrace to their ancestors on the whole" she looked at him "And now we have one here at this school able to fulfil one of the objects of this school with a vampire, succubus and possibly a zenko as wives" she looked "Who else"

"In truth as many as I can but Moka put a stop to that"

"One generation's wait, at that years before you expected anything to come from this" she sighed "We also know the need for vampires, Tsukune's history lesson was right we lost too many in that stupid war" She shook her head "I'd be insane to pass the chance and I'd lead by example, but"

"There are a lot of buts, Issa?"

"Forget Issa he won't attack the mate of Moka, my son. He knows I'd destroy him" she smiled grimly "When he finally realises I'm alive"

"Moka"

"She's conflicted about the idea, even if she knows she's thought of it. She wants her house strong as she knows how weak it is at the moment" she caught the red orbs in her green ones "She left me alone to talk and walk with Tsukune in the grounds"

"I note a smile again as you think on that"

"Mikogami I've always been powerful, all my suitors have been after that power and scared of me. Tsukune knows what I am yet he still flirted with me, he treated me as a woman and an equal in spite of that. That's a powerful aphrodisiac and one I need to be away from if I'm to think rationally" She stood "I'll be back in a few days, tell me how Tsukune does with the Great Shield"

"You already know he'll adapt to it and relieve the burden on all of us"

She was still smiling as she vanished.

oOoOo

With Tsukune and Yukari planting more vegetables and the first of the kitchen herbs Moka and Kurumu were in the bath talking. Rather Kurumu was talking Ur-chan was listening with an open mouth.

"I know the signs" Kurumu said after the third repeat of 'Mother' "I doubt even she realises it yet"

Slowly the red eyes found hers and they sat in silence.

"It would be good for the house" Ur-chan said eventually "If Tsukune could be persuaded"

"Moka she looks like you. She's a cross between the two of you. It's not Tsukune who has to get his head around the idea so much as you"

The silence descended again as Ur-chan held her Rosario and listened to Omote. She didn't appear too coherent either.

oOoOo

Three days Akasha sat in her hidden room in the castle, she could feel the others and Gyokuro. Akua had left but Kahlua was there still being used by Issa as an assassin, her growth retarded by his actions. Kokoa was being sidelined as she wasn't a true vampire. She sighed, Issa's get, one he wouldn't recognise as a vampire, and one he wouldn't allow to grow up as she was useful to him, also because she was more powerful than him.

Akasha stood and walked, Issa had collected all the vampires in Japan here, and here they stayed. She looked out of the window at the view to the sea. The proud vampires of Japan reduced to sycophantic drones interested in the material; they were as bad as humans, no worse they knew better. Looking out of the window she implanted an idea in Issa's mind, then one in Kahlua's and left. She was the ruler of the realm and 'Queen' of the vampires. Most of these apart from the two girls weren't worth saving, she had business elsewhere. She'd start with Europe, then look at America.

Akasha materialised in the chamber. Instantly an alarm sounded and she was assaulted by vampires. She smiled and let off her frustration with her kin in Japan. She didn't kill she just had fun, bouncing some off the walls and others the ceiling. She felt a presence and turned to see a small boy with a grim face advance, his sword held firmly he attacked her. She disarmed him and picked him up holding him close and carefully as she carried on bouncing the guards around the room.

"Fun isn't it" she whispered to him.

"How can you do that they're all strong" he whispered back

"Not as strong as me though" she kissed his cheek "You've grown"

"You know me?"

"You're the spitting image of your daddy when he was your age"

"You shouldn't fib, you're too young to have known daddy then. He's old"

As the next guard attacked her she held him at arms length "Go and tell Gloria that someone has come to visit will you" she threw him through the closed door. Avoiding the next she continued her whispered conversation. "Where's your mummy?"

"They're normally here just after I get into trouble"

"Shouldn't be long then, I wonder who'll get her first, your mummies or your daddy"

"Mummies" he whispered firmly "They always know somehow" A figure appeared in the doorway, six women entered and took in the scene then relaxed a fraction when they saw the boy safe and happy "See" he whispered

"Shush now I need to talk to your mummy"

"Stand still idiots" the lead woman bellowed then she looked at Akasha

"Hello Gloria, he's very sweet, but I don't think they realised he was in the room" she set the boy down "He did however get closer than they did" she handed the boy his sword back. "Off you go" she watched him walk over to the women and then he disappeared through the door.

The tension eased, Gloria picked up the nearest guard "Did you know he was here"

"Who" he asked in a daze

Gloria shuddered and let him go "Clear this room now" as the last guard left he put the door back in place "You're supposed to be dead"

"Of course I'm dead I'm a vampire" then her smile stopped "You didn't believe that idiot Issa when he told you I was dead and he was now King"

"You weren't around so we just let things flow and ignore him"

"Good decision. Now set a zone of silence we need to talk"

"What about"

"You question your Queen Gloria" Akasha's head raised imperiously her tone hard

"No Majesty" she bowed and set the zone.

"Who was that lady mummy" the boy asked as he was tucked in for the night

"That was our Queen, Lady Bloodriver"

"She's nice"

"Sometimes, now go to sleep"

oOoOo

Although she could walk straight in Akasha placed a hand on the ward and waited "Your mothers here and wants to talk to you" Yukari looked up at Moka from her work.

"Thank you Yukari. Can you invite her in please" At Yukari's nod Moka set her pen and book down and left the room.

"You can just come in mother the ward will accept you"

"I could but this isn't a visit"

"A formal request"

"Perhaps, I should explain with some background first. You're going to need it"

"That you're the Lord and not my father"

"That and the fact that he's not your biological father; I am also the Queen and have a duty to lead"

Moka sighed "I did wonder"

"As far as you could, I had to seal a lot of your memories. It's early but you need to know them. I'd suggest that you sit down after reassuring your husband and wives"

"Sora isn't a wife, she's a member" Moka smiled at her mother's expression "Ok she will be" Moka went to the door "I'll bring tea"

"Why were we leaving" Moka asked as her memories were returned "Forget that how did you survive"

"I didn't expect to" Akasha sighed "Apart from you there was nothing to live for. I had forgotten the contract with the mother" Akasha was silent for some time "I don't know how long I was unaware of things, but then I realised that I couldn't just leave you, I had to make sure Alucard was truly dormant then I could find you again when you'd matured enough" she smiled "I was being forced from my daughter and I didn't like that, the Mother gave me far more than she'd contracted to, enough to set him firmly back down. Against her he's insignificant. He is an errant child of hers after all"

"But you could have come then"

"No" here was pain in Akasha's eyes "Even though I'd beaten him back down it took some time for me to heal. It's only in the last three years I've been able to wear clothes again. I'd never do that to my child as you wouldn't to yours" she looked at Moka "We can talk of this later"

Moka eventually nodded "Then why were we leaving"

"Issa was installing Gyokuro as his mistress of the house" she saw Moka's look "There was also an ulterior motive, and that was you" she watched Moka's face and growing anger "His other children had produced as good a vampire as ever, strong beyond his dreams, and totally uncontrollable. He only had her back under protest, you remember the fight she had with Kahlua; he thought Kahlua was stronger. Kahlua he has kept retarded because she's far stronger than he is. Kokoa he ignores as he thinks she's not a true vampire because of her hair" Akasha smiled "She's not strong at the moment but she will be" she looked at Moka "You he wanted to father children on. His supposed docile and sweet child"

"Even before my memories were returned he'd had had to prove himself beyond doubt for that to happen" Moka was almost spitting blood

Akasha smiled "Tsukune deduced something from his little knowledge that has never occurred to Issa. Tell me Moka is Tsukune training harder than ever"

"Yes he seems to be driven. What does he know?"

"That when we split and reformed the houses the choice wasn't exactly what we would have wanted. We were talking on those times he said that the first thing we must have done was increase the numbers, when I agreed" she stopped "Please don't take insult. He held me and told me he was sorry" Akasha stopped for some time "Moka I cried on him, the first time anyone had understood what I'd had to do" she said quietly.

"He's like that mama" Moka was kneeling beside her chair, she hugged her from the side.

Sat side by side on the sofa they continued whilst holding hands "Issa isn't the strongest as he's believed since then; rather he's what was left, the weakest. He has gained a little but his power and survival is in deceit and manipulation"

"Then Tsukune's training"

"He knows Issa has wronged both of us" she smiled "I understand you use the phrase I used to use. He's going to show Issa his place in no uncertain terms"

"But why do you want to join, I know I'm bias when it comes to Tsukune but you now have the choice of anyone"

"True, but Tsukune pointed out that we as vampires are adaptable and should have no problems integrating into human society. Issa has been calling himself King of the Vampires, the other two houses and the older females ignore him, but the younger and the males think it's true. He wants to take us back to the dark ages and I won't allow that to happen. Also Tsukune is a human of the dawn what better to father a child"

"Then to join this house shows exactly what you intend" Moka stopped "When do you reveal yourself again"

"Oh yes, Issa doesn't know I'm alive yet nor does he know you've set up a house otherwise the drones would have attacked you by now"

"I know that we're not strong, that's why I was relieved to have the Chairman's blessing and Sora"

"You're stronger than the idiots he'd send, it's the numbers that would defeat you, I don't know if Tsukune knows that but it would be in the back of his mind"

Moka sighed "Kurumu said you more than liked Tsukune so we've talked about it"

"I didn't even consider it until after I'd left the last time, she's perceptive"

"In love yes" the question still hung in the air

Akasha smiled "Member. I need to keep a low profile for a while" she stuttered "I've not been with a man since you were conceived, before that was hundreds of years"

"Then just let your natures take their natural courses, Tsukune won't pressure you and he's considerate and gentle. I'd suggest that you tell him when you do, and he'll treat you as if you were glass. I'll tell him you have permission whenever you decide is the right time"

"I can't be seen until a lot of other things are in place. Returning your memories has allowed you to become a single personality again."

"I know mama I felt it as they were returned. Well the others will welcome you and you can relax here whilst you prepare to be seen again. After talking to Ku I looked and found you some private rooms, even if you didn't join I'd hoped you'd live with us." Moka hugged her tight "Shall we go and get bathed before dinner, we can introduce you there" there was a slight grin "And you'll see what you're getting when you decide you're ready."

"Moka" Akasha blushed