A.N.

I didn't realise how long it's been since I last updated. Although this no longer concerns his days at school I might as well continue. I have another few pages written and will put them up. I do need a proof-reader, English speaking for preference not American, there are quite a few differences.

Thank you for your reviews, I don't reply as a rule as I'm a surly bastard on the whole.

Tripod

Tsukune put the latest reports from the human world down and went to stand so that he could look out of the window. Whilst the view was fantastic, he still regretted the necessity that meant his family had moved out of the house on the school grounds. There were however a number of reasons and he had to agree that they were valid. Neither he nor any members of his family still attended the school and with his responsibilities he needed to make a clean break between his childhood and his adulthood. His permanent presence at the castle had enabled his mother to finally accept and adjust to her new surroundings. On top of that the house was now used as a fertility clinic. Initially set up for the Yoki Onna, but now a number of the other races were using it as well. The support staff; mostly found by Ageha; and consisting of Succubus and Incubi were instrumental in the very high success rate that it boasted. Their natural affinity linked with the doctors from the hospital meant that almost everyone who attended ended up pregnant.

Tsukune smiled at his reflection in the glass. He shook himself back to the present and watched Yukari as she filed the last of the reports away. "What have I got this afternoon?"

"You're meeting the representatives of the European vampires with mother Akasha"

"And what are you doing?"

"I've got to give another lecture to the residents about human history." She frowned slightly "Since it's written from first hand accounts it's actually different from the versions in the history books."

"Problems" Tsukune asked

"Well your human family didn't like the version of the twentieth century Asian history that I gave the other week"

"That's because the history books were re-written by the politicians and they removed a lot of the more contentious issues. It was more blatant than most 'revisions' as it was so recent and well documented. Remember that in general the victors write history. What is this lecture about?"

"The American civil war; I managed to get a number of recorded interviews that were made by the survivors in the nineteen twenties. They also referred to conversations they had with their grandparents. One talks about his great-grandfather telling him about his involvement in the war of Independence as a child drummer and his fathers actions in the Indian wars. There are also a lot of interviews that give accounts of the genocide of the native Indians."

"Oral tradition has always been reviled because it often differs from the written history. Whilst it is often a more accurate account remember that even a direct eye witness will censor what he says for his audience. Native American accounts refer to the truly horrendous acts of the American army against women and children, look at the reports from the Sand Creek Massacre. The population of America didn't want to hear things like that so they were unknown to the majority. You must give all the details and not hold back because of their sensibilities. If you don't include things because they are too distasteful then you are not talking about history, you're telling a fairy tale"

Yukari came and cuddled Tsukune "But there were things I couldn't bring myself to say because they were so revolting"

Tsukune sat and held her tight "and you didn't want to upset my family even more"

"Your father told me that his grandfather was in the army stationed in Manchuria"

Tsukune sighed "It wasn't one of our greatest moments in history, but there were a number of factors that must also be taken into account. Your lectures are not only for my family but also for the residents here. They need to understand how opinions are formed about the enemy. How the perception of the opponent as a sub-human leads to such acts. This is a common incident throughout history, acts of bestiality and cannibalism occurred in the crusades of the eleventh and twelfth centuries because of the perceptions of the crusaders. These were supposedly solders of god. When you start today's lecture you must have a discussion on this, and tell them that you haven't included all the material because it was too distasteful otherwise they will never understand fully the lessons that history can teach. It's not only in history that these things happen, they are happening right at this moment because history has been edited and people don't realise the consequences of adopting this attitude."

"But what if your great grandfather actually did these things"

"If you talk to my father you'll find out that he was a loving man and tried his best for his family. There is a disconnection with actions that are done in wars and when they return to their families. It is as if there are two completely separate people; the brutal inhuman killer and the loving family man. It's not as if there are examples that far away. Akasha, Moka Kokoa Mizore Kurumu and myself have all killed. In general we kill as quickly as possible." Tsukune sighed "When Moka is defending her family then she turns into another person, don't you remember the Wendigo?"

"Mama pulled him apart whilst he was still alive" Yukari said in a quiet voice

"Some of the residents have also suffered terrible abuse because of the attitude from Issa that women were inferior. It doesn't only reflect in the human world, it is shown in all societies that differentiate because of any reason." He gave her a little squeeze "You've suffered from it yourself"

"How when" Yukari sat up in shock

"The lizard men"

Yukari sat looking at Tsukune for some time then snuggled back "I need to totally rewrite my lectures, but that can wait as today we're having the first of a series of discussions before we restart learning history"

Tsukune left Yukari working on her notes as he went to change. One of the disadvantages of moving to the castle was that now Akasha had returned and was accessible she had to hold court. This meant that on such days a proportion of the attendees were just there for the prestige of being there. The meeting with the vampires would take place after the formal court; that should be interesting. He looked at the notes for the court that James had left on the dressing table, this however was a total waste of time.

ooOOoo

Kokoa gave Tsukune a heavy thump to his ribs and he turned to frown at her. "Court's ended" she grinned

Tsukune noticed that a smiling Akasha was holding his arm as they were walking to the meeting rooms. "Thinking were we?" she asked

"Sorry" Tsukune replied

"That's ok" Kokoa said cheerfully "Nobody noticed, I just gave you little nudges and you moved and did what you were supposed to. It was like having an interactive toy"

"What were you thinking about, you were totally lost" Although the question was gently asked Tsukune could see that Akasha wasn't actually amused.

"I had a talk with Yukari about discrimination and how it affects attitudes towards others. I was also trying to work out what the Fairy Tales would gain if they succeeded"

"Discrimination?"

Tsukune sighed and brought his full attention to Akasha stopping her and Kokoa in the corridor "Setting laws is a first step, but history has shown us that it doesn't work in itself. For many decades there have been laws against discrimination against women in England, but there is still pay differential. Colour is another that is easily observable, as is race. But there comes a point where there is no discernable physical difference, then there is discrimination against tribes, theologies, religion, wealth. Those are just a few examples in the human world. Then you add in examples from the Youkai and that is where I've got to start from. I've got to try and understand the problems before I can try and sort them" He looked at Kokoa's frown and smiled

"Kokoa what do you think of Gin?" Her reply was instant and colourful. "What is Gin?" he asked when she'd finished

"A dog" she looked at his expression "A werewolf"

"And what are werewolves; how is their society formed?"

"They're pack animals"

Tsukune nodded "They live in family groups. They irritate some of the other Youkai because they seem to be so frivolous, but they're structure is one of support for all members. They play a lot. Now having told you that can you tell me about Gin's hobby"

"He's a pervert and an enemy of women?"

"No that's your initial reaction. Think about what he does and why"

"He takes pictures of girls, trying to get shots of them without clothes on or in compromising positions"

She watched Tsukune nod "How do they hunt as werewolves?" he prompted

"As wolves they either chase or ambush prey" Kokoa saw Tsukune smile "You're telling me that he's playing?" she asked angrily

"How often is he caught?"

"Once or twice a term" she replied sulkily

"And I know that he 'hunts' at least every day"

"What has that got to do with discrimination?"

"If there were more werewolves at the school then they would all do the same. That would give the impression that werewolves were all perverts. Your perception of werewolves as a race would be formed on not understanding the motives behind the actions of a juvenile member of the race. As in the wild he does give his 'prey' a chance. He doesn't use a long lens, and he uses a camera that holds film and has a noisy shutter. He keeps the pictures very private and destroys them within a week normally. Some he's kept because the 'hunt' was difficult. They're a reminder and a trophy of his ability"

"I still don't like him"

Tsukune grinned "Do you know that he's not the only one at the school?"

"What?"

"There are at least two were-leopards; one was in your class. Sat not too far away from you as it happens" He watched her anger build "She only took pictures of boys"

"She"

"I caught her trying to get a picture of me one day as we were changing for gym. We had a nice long chat. In the end I caught her nine times out of ten. So if you go and look at her trophies you might find a picture or two of me"

"What did Moka say?"

"Nothing, it was good training for both of us. Mizore also hunted like that"

"I know, she's taught me a few things"

"So what is Gin?"

"I want to say that he's still a pervert. But he's a young werewolf and playing at hunting is what you're saying"

"And Mizore and the other girl; are they perverts?"

"Mama Mizore is not a pervert"

"Then neither is Gin. Their actions are the same, their motives the same, although in Gins case they were actually more innocent than Mizore's. You are judging on Gin's sex, you are discriminating against Gin because he's male. Whilst there are undoubtedly real perverts who get sexual gratification from such activities and pictures, Gin isn't one of them. Also those perverts aren't only male"

Tsukune took her hand and retook Akasha's arm and continued down the corridor. "We all discriminate, every single day. Today I looked at the list and decided that the court would be composed of idiots and be a waste of my time. That was not a good decision and one I'm slightly ashamed of. However whereas normally in the realms we would have plenty of time, my duties concerning the human world mean that I have to move at that pace. I can't sit and ponder the situation, I need to make decisions soon on what to do"

"And what have you decided?" Akasha asked

"Those in living in the human world need to reaffirm their oaths. If they do that and live by the rules then they have free passage back and forth. Those who wish to remain in the human world or can not return due to conflicts with their Lords must swear to me, and live by the rules. I will then represent them, a separate enclave will need to be set up for them. The others" Tsukune paused and took a deep breath "If I'd known then what I know now, you'd still be chasing me to be your representative" he turned to Akasha.

"You were and are the best choice Tsukune. You are compassionate and don't desire power; and you are human"

"And as a human I don't break the rules if I fight and kill humans there"

"No you don't, it is the right of Youkai to defend themselves but affirmative action needs to be taken in some cases"

"And only humans can do that. Have you told our daughters yet?"

Akasha smiled "Not yet"

Kokoa had been following the conversation and stopped. Still holding Tsukune's hand both he and Akasha also stopped. They turned to look at her.

"Do you mean to tell me what I think you're…" she stopped

"Yes dear" Akasha said "That is why you and Kahula are Tsukune's guards. Since you are his children we can maintain a case that you are human if you need to take any measures there"

ooOOoo

There were loud voices as they entered the room set for the informal meeting. Tsukune saw Moka, Mizore and Sora sat looking both bored and disgusted at a small group. On looking closer he noticed that both Moka and Sora had a firm hold on Kahlua's arms; her looks towards the group were one of fury. As the others in the room became aware of the trio they stood and bowed. The man sitting talking loudly glanced in their direction and carried on speaking in what Tsukune recognised as Russian.

Letting Akasha and Kokoa go Tsukune caught Kahlua as she ran to him. "Gloria" Tsukune started then winced at the increase in noise. Suddenly there was silence in the room although the man continued to talk no sound could be heard from him. "Lady Gloria" Tsukune continued "Can you please explain, this was a meeting of the heads of the European vampires, he appears to be Russian"

"Igor Ivanovich" she saw the smile "No I'm not joking that's his name. He has holdings in Europe and demanded to come. It appears that he has ambitions to marry Lady Bloodriver so that she can produce strong healthy vampires for him, Da"

Tsukune kissed Kahlua on the top of her head "Go with Mama Akasha Kahlua, no matter what he says it's all noise and gas. Do you thing that your mama would ever accept another like Issa?"

"No, but"

"He's an arse and he's farting" he whispered to her; her mouth twitched at the crude joke. "Good, now go with mama" he passed Kahlua to Akasha and indicated that Kokoa stay with him.

Tsukune waited until Akasha had sat with Kahlua before continuing. "It is customary to rise and show respect when a Lady enters a room" he looked at the group and waited. They looked towards their leader, now struggling to move in his confinement and stood and bowed. As they did so they revealed a woman and two children within the group.

"Why should I bow to some woman" Gloria standing with Tsukune translated the young boy's comment.

"Where we used to live was the stump of a tree" Tsukune looked at the boy "If anyone behaved in a childish manner they were spanked on that stump" he turned to Akasha "Do we have a stump on the grounds we can use?"

Akasha seemed to think "Not really, but there is this chair" she pointed to an occasional chair set against the wall.

Tsukune turned back "Well, to answer your question, apart from good manners, of which you appear to have none, Lady Bloodriver is your Queen"

From the boy came a number of muttered comments, Tsukune recognised 'bljad' and 'trakhát'sja' He didn't need Gloria to translate as he knew their meaning. Out of the corner of his eye he saw both Moka and Akasha holding Kahlua.

"Fetch him here" Tsukune said to Kokoa as he walked to the chair and sat down.

Kokoa walked to the boy and stopped "The Lord of this realm has requested your presence, please come with me" She moved to the side and indicated that he precede her.

"That is good, women should always walk behind men" he stepped forwards

"No I'm here to stop you trying to run away. I am your guard" Her hand shot out and she brought his arm firmly up twisting his wrist as she did so. He was forced to crouch to alleviate the pain whilst she stood tall. She indicated a large mirror on the wall. "This is how you walk to the Lord of this castle" she stepped forwards forcing him to either fall or grovel forwards. Once in front of Tsukune Kokoa lifted slightly forcing the boy to his knees. "You know" she continued conversationally "For your first meeting of the houses of Europe, one of the Hades Lord and the Lord of the human realm you're not making a good impression"

Tsukune smiled at her comments and looked at the woman "Is he your son?"

"Da" she spoke to the girl at her side.

"My mother apologises that she hasn't good English. Yes he is her son, my elder brother"

"Tell your mother that I also apologise that I don't know enough Russian to talk directly" he waited until she had relayed his comment and saw the slight smile that crossed her face. "Come nearer; It seems more than a little rude to talk at such distance" He waited until they were standing next to Kokoa "How old is your brother?"

"He is twelve my lord, I am eight"

"Then tell your mother that he will survive, but he will be punished until he apologises to my wife. Not only words he will apologise in a zone of truth" he looked at the boy "What is your name?"

"Demetri" Kokoa raised his wrist "My lord" he gasped out in pain.

"Well Demetri, I find that your education has been lacking. In the first instance I'm going to spank you and then you'll be under one of my wives and she will modify your behaviour and outlook. My daughter will teach you your normal lessons until you have reached a proper standard of education" he looked at one of the house servants "Could you find Kurumu please and ask her to come"

"My Lord" he grinned "She arrived with your daughter Yukari; they were to take the minutes of the meeting"

"Thank you, I forgot" he turned back to the boy

"So Demetri, what do you think of Succubi?"

"They are whores and weak" the words were out before he had time to think

"Yes you're in a zone of truth. Kokoa let him up please"

Kokoa released his hand and stood back, as she did she changed Kou into a nagamaki "My lord I'm still your guard, if he offers violence he will die" She looked into Demetri's eyes and pointed down. She was still standing in the zone.

Tsukune nodded "Take off your Rosario Demetri" There was silence as the Rosario came off, his dark hair lightened and there was a small flash of red as his yoki was absorbed. "What do you think of women?"

"They are weak and there to serve men"

"Are you strong?"

"Of course I am a vampire"

"The other Youkai races?"

"Serve vampires"

"Humans?"

"Food, cattle"

The questions had been asked as soon as the answer was given, giving Demetri no time to think. Tsukune shut his eyes and shook his head. "Now you are unsealed do you think you are stronger than my daughter here" he indicated Kokoa

"Of course"

Tsukune moved the mother and daughter so that they were beside the chair "Kokoa put Kou away and keep your Rosario on"

Kokoa bowed and smiled "Attack me" she said; she easily avoided the blows, until finally she caught one with her hand, slowly she increased her grip until he was on the floor. She let him up and indicated that he stand in front of Tsukune again.

Tsukune had been watching both Igor Ivanovich and his retinue as Kokoa easily subdued Demetri. "Now Kokoa please remove your Rosario"

Kokoa stood in a storm of Yoki as her hair turned silver. Whereas Demetri's had barely covered his body, Kokoa's swirled around the whole room in her agitation, suddenly it disappeared with a rush and Kokoa stood in all her glory, radiating power, and when she looked at Demetri, contempt.

"I think it is clear that you are nowhere near as strong as my daughter sealed or unsealed. Having gauged your strength you will be instructed by wife Kurumu, she is a succubus. Not only is she a woman, she is also a lot stronger than you, she will implant a very simple compulsion that will cause you pain whenever you think that you are superior. You have been shown one of the errors in your education and you will learn the others, strong or weak male female whatever their race all are equal in the eyes of the law. You have no rights over anyone. I won't ask if you understand because I know that you won't at the moment. When you've stopped getting the pains you can come and apologise to my wife" He nodded to Kokoa "Now your spanking"

Kokoa put him across Tsukune's knees and pulled his trousers and pants down as Tsukune drained him of Yoki.

ooOOoo

Tsukune placed the boy back on his feet as tears of humiliation and pain flowed down his face. Once he had adjusted his clothing Kurumu stepped forwards and put her hand on his shoulder. "Can you place the compulsion after we've finished here; He's to stay and learn" he handed Kurumu the Rosario and she clipped it back on holding Demetri up as he was resealed.

Tsukune stood and bowed to Akasha "My Lady how would you like to deal with this"

"The discussion we were to have will be after you have examined what appear to be abuses within your realm my Lord"

"Then we might as well use the zone already in place" Tsukune sat back down "Kokoa can you please fetch Igor Ivanovich, from what has been heard I would like to ascertain whether any breach of the laws has occurred within the human world" Tsukune released the zone around him as Kokoa started to move forwards as he stood up Tsukune continued "Remember that any attempts at violence here will be met with a lethal response. You are also in the presence of a Hades Lord, neither her or my guards will countenance any threats against us"

"I have been misinformed I will leave" he said

"You came here of you own free will, and you will leave when we are satisfied with your conduct and you have reaffirmed your oath" Kokoa stood close with Kou's blade seemingly dragging on the floor. Tsukune knew from practicing with her that she could move with blinding speed from that position.

"I swore no oath therefore you have no… jurisdiction Da that is the word, no jurisdiction over me"

"You are a vampire correct"

"Da"

"Then Lady Bloodriver is your Lord. All vampires need her permission to enter the human world, who gave you permission to leave the realms?"

"The King; Issa"

Gloria gave a bark of laughter "I told you Lady Bloodriver that there were some who believed that Issa was King"

Tsukune smiled "Be that as it may, I wish to ascertain your activities in the human world. Either step into the zone or Kokoa will remove you. Permanently"

One of the entourage made to reach inside his jacket; Kokoa felt the movement and reacted. The man fell sliced in two lengthways her eyes never left Igor Ivanovich and Kou was back resting of the floor, he hadn't seen her move.

Before the group realised what had happened they were surrounded by Moka, Kurumu, Mizore, Sora and Kahlua all having removed their Rosario's at the hint of a threat towards Kokoa.

Kahlua moved the jacket on the dead vampire to reveal a machine gun, her arm transformed and everyone with jackets stood in ribbons, and a number of guns landed with a thud on the floor. "You will go and answer papa" she hissed at Ivanovich "You bring weapons to a meeting with the heads of house and clans against all our laws, not only that, you have threatened both my mother and sister. You will die for the insults you have given" Her arm lost the blades and she thumped him hard in the stomach, as he was bent over she dragged him to Tsukune. Kokoa followed, Kou held close to his neck.

Demetri suddenly found Akasha standing next to him, she opened his jacket and flipped the pocket open. She sighed as she drew out a small pistol. "Any other weapons?" she demanded

"The other side, a knife" again his face showed shock at his ready answer

"You are still within the zone" Akasha said as she removed the weapon. She turned to the mother "Did you not know our laws regarding weapons, especially when leaders are concerned" she asked in Russian

"There are no such laws in Russia, everyone is armed. You are not armed here?"

"Kokoa is armed because she is Lord Aono's guard; it is accepted by the others because she is our daughter and Kou is her familiar" she looked again at Demetri "You will live because of your age and the fact that you didn't attempt to use this" she held up the pistol and crushed it putting it back into his hands. "This" she held up the knife "will be returned to you when it is felt that you are mature enough to be allowed it back"

Akasha turned to James "Summons the court and representatives from all clans. This now needs to be seen in full council"

"My Lady" James bowed and left

"Which of these were armed" Akasha indicated the Russian group now enclosed by all the European vampires.

"All but this one" Gloria held a vampire separately.

"Excuse me" the girl said tentatively as she came from besides her mother.

"Yes, what is it?" Tsukune smiled down at her

"Um" she opened her small bag so that he could see inside.

"Why are you carrying that?" Tsukune asked gently

"In case" she stopped "I'm attacked, in case I'm attacked" she repeated

Tsukune closed the bag and put it back into her hands "When you go to your room you can leave it there. No one will attack you here" he put his hand down so that she could hold it "You stay with me, and then we'll find someone to look after both you and your mother. Your brother will be learning on his own for a while"

ooOOoo

Tsukune escorted Akasha into the packed hall. He seated her and then went to his own chair set lower and behind Akasha's. He felt the looks in his direction and ignored them.

"Lord Aono remains as my consort. James clear the room" The servants resplendent in their house livery closed the doors leaving only vampires in the hall.

Akasha turned to Kahlua "Who has not attended?"

"My Lady" Kahlua bowed then stood up "Those who have not attended are as follows. Three clans from Russia; Moscow, Kaliningrad and Volgograd; none of the clans from the East of America and the Nevada clan from the west"

Akasha nodded "Continue"

Kahlua turned to the hall "My name is Aono Kahlua, my sire is Lord Aono and my Dam Lady Bloodriver; I am the Master at Arms for this meeting. The Sergeant at Arms is Aono Kokoa whose sire is Lord Aono and Dam Lady Bloodriver. Are there any who question our appointment?" Kahlua looked around the hall "We will now unseal and start this session of the council. Kahlua reached up and removed her earring. Once the display had finished Kahlua waited for a couple of seconds before she nodded to Kokoa.

Kokoa had watched some of those as she was named Sergeant at Arms, their smirks were unmistakable. They had been frequent visitors when Issa was in charge. She held her gaze on one who had made many derogatory comments and reached up to her Rosario. As she held it she waited until he realised what she was holding. Her eyes narrowed and a small smirk appeared as she slipped it loose.

The first public removal of a Rosario is a demonstration to her peers. The fact that Kokoa had been allowed to do this in a full council session was unusual but not unheard of. It was to allow everyone to see her power. The seal is released and the Yoki held at fifty percent for three seconds. If it didn't waver then it showed that it truly was well within their capabilities. Kokoa held her Yoki at fifty percent for the three seconds then switched it off in an instant. Her demonstration and control brought more than a few nods in her direction. It was an impressive display for one so young.

"Impossible" Kokoa grinned as the man reacted to her display.

"You challenge her power" Akasha leant forwards, her eyes fixed on the man

"It exceeds any expectations held for the child" he answered quickly

Akasha sat back "Since you have acknowledged her as my dependant, I don't suppose you wish to challenge me"

There was silence in the hall "A demonstration of full exposure" Gloria said

"Who will support her" Akasha asked "If it is me then because of the similarities of our Yoki it could be argued that I was complicit. The same can be said for her sisters"

Kokoa's grin became a full bodied smile as the man stood "Lord Aono is named as sire, he is not a vampire; he can support her"

"Some might argue that a non vampire supporting a child in a full demonstration of their Yoki is dangerous, therefore Kokoa will display as much as she is comfortable with, with Lord Aono's support" Akasha looked around at the council. "Lady Gloria will officiate"

Tsukune walked to Kokoa and rested a hand on her shoulder. Gloria stood on the other side, watching but not touching.

"Release your Yoki and tell me how much you are using"

Kokoa nodded and her Yoki billowed around her. She quickly counted to fifty and then slowed slightly until she reached eighty. Finally it was all released.

"All" she panted and held it there

"Regain" Gloria said quietly after a couple of seconds

Kokoa stood resting against Tsukune as Gloria turned to Akasha. "There was no discernable input from Lord Aono other that his support for her wellbeing. I would say that her initial demonstration was deficient in almost ten percent being a display of just over forty percent. Since she is still young I find no fault in not attempting to exceed her known capabilities. The implication that Aono Kokoa exaggerated her abilities I find false" She looked at Kokoa who had now recovered and standing upright and then at the open mouthed man who had fallen into his seat.

There was more than one member who reappraised Kokoa, she had held her Yoki well. Under Issa she had been regarded as a failure with no prospects of finding a mate. Now however it seemed rather the reverse, there were few with the strength to become her mate once she'd matured. Her strength and age also caused them to regard Kahlua in a new light. She was known to be stronger and older than Kokoa. Some shivered at the thought of her capabilities.

Akasha smiled from her seat as she read the expressions on the faces of the council. Ageha's training had come in very useful in understanding what they were thinking. She waited until they had settled again before hammering in the final nail to reassert her and her families authority; and all without bloodshed. "Aono Moka please remove your Rosario and help your sister in her duties"

"My Lady?" Moka looked confused as she regarded Akasha.

"A full exposure can leave you a little disorientated, since we have a criminal case to hear amongst other things I will allow you to assist her" Akasha paused "Treat it as your introduction"

Moka smiled and walked up onto the dais standing between her sisters. Her Rosario glinted in the light and many saw that the stone was clear. Like Kokoa she stood for a while with her hand on her Rosario then clicked it off and allowed about a tenth of her power to show. Being used to taking from Tsukune, and training with his mother for two years had dramatically increased her power. Set back in their seats the council adjusted to the Yoki "My name is Aono Moka, my mate is Lord Aono and my Dam is Lady Bloodriver" Another blast of Yoki emanated from her "I have limited my introduction to less than a quarter. Are there any here who question it?"

Gloria sat back in her seat and grinned. Moka was casually and effortlessly displaying more Yoki than all but a few of the oldest vampires could boast, even at their full strength. Kokoa could equal or exceed a lot of the current members of the council, and she was shown to be demonstratively the weakest of the sisters. All standing in front of their mother the message was very clear. Then to the side was the new Lord Aono, an unknown force who was consort sire and mate.

Moka's Yoki vanished in an instant causing everyone to drop forwards. Kahlua stood in front of Akasha again as she buckled on a sword, the other she passed to Moka. As Moka and Kokoa went to stand by Akasha's side Kokoa changed Kou.

Tsukune had enjoyed watching the reactions, and smiled at those who had obviously known Kahlua under Issa. Whilst she was still unsure in some situations, formal settings where her duties were well defined allowed Kahlua to show at her best. He returned his attention to the areas where the Russian and American contingents had been sat.

"In view of the fact that this is the first full council for many years, and especially relating to the charges we will hear I would like to reiterate the laws governing weapons" Kahlua was standing in front of Akasha facing the hall "Members of the Council I remind you that weapons of any sort are forbidden by death at any meeting where more than one house or clan meets; excepting the Master at Arms and their assistants. The only exceptions are registered familiars that can change. These must be visible at all times"

She looked around and glanced at Tsukune who nodded. "Sergeant bring in the accused"

Kokoa opened the door to a small container set at the side of the stage, she removed a key from the outside and unlocked a chain. She pulled the chain and a group of men were led to stand in front of Akasha. "Bow" she ordered and kneed any who she considered tardy. Once that was done she then turned them to face the hall and moved them into the light so that they could be seen.

On the stage a glow appeared "I have set a zone of truth" Akasha intoned "The destruction by me of a Clan leader, Head of House or Mistress of House must be seen to be valid by the council. This was ordered after the war of the brothers some fifteen hundred years ago" She paused "It was at the request of the council; many of you were present at the time; when they named me Queen. I accepted the necessity and never before have I had cause to bring any before you. Lady Gloria if you would please"

Gloria came and stood in the centre of the stage "An informal meeting was arranged between the major houses and clans of Europe and Lady Bloodriver and Lord Aono. The meeting was to be held in the castle after a session of Court. Igor Ivanovich leader of the vampires of Voronezh requested that he attend as his clan occupies part of Poland. Since there was nothing secretive about this meeting, we saw no reason to deny his request. When he arrived; and in contravention of established laws for such a meeting; he brought a number of his coterie" Gloria paused "Representatives for the Hades Lords appointed to Lord Aono court were present and therefore we took no action at this blatant breach of the law" she noticed Tsukune watching the contingents from Russian and American closely. "Whilst we were waiting for court to finish he talked about his intentions for the meeting. He was speaking Russian and I assume didn't know that most present also spoke it" Gloria paused "His intention was to have Lady Bloodriver return as his wife to provide him with children; this was said in the presence of four members of her house" She stopped at the sudden increase in noise and held up her hand to continue "I am still within the zone of truth"

"You mean to say what you have said so far is not the cause" one asked

"No that was just the introduction; and if I might continue. When Lady Bloodriver and Lord Aono arrived he ignored both and continued to talk to his coterie at such a volume that Lord Aono could not talk to me as I was standing next to him" She stopped "I now come to the cause. Lord Aono placed him in confinement so that he could ascertain what was going on. He admonished them for not showing respect to Lady Bloodriver and was then questioned by Ivanovich's son as to why he should. During this exchange the boy made comments both highly insulting and extremely derogatory in respect of Lady Bloodriver" Gloria smiled "Most have heard of Lord Aono's preferred method of dealing with those who display childish behaviour, however the hand is only used in relation to the culprits need for education. The boy is twelve and was punished and is being re educated in his proper responsibilities and duties. However during his questioning concerns were raised regarding Lord Aono's duties in the human world. Ivanovich refused to come forwards and be questioned and stood to leave. He did not acknowledge Lady Bloodriver as our Queen. When Aono Kokoa, who was acting as his Master at Arms was waiting for his compliance one of the coterie made a move to remove something from his jacket. It was then discovered that all but one of them were armed with firearms it was at this Lady Bloodriver ordered their detainment and called this council"

There was stunned silence from a large part of the council and Tsukune noted quizzical looks from the majority of Americans and Russians.

"There is no doubt that all of these are guilty of bringing weapons to a meeting involving another Clan leader, Head of House or Mistress of House. That is ignoring a Hades Lord and two Lords of Realms. As Mistress of House Lady Bloodriver was quite within her rights to kill them there and then, especially as they had made a move against one of her children. But as Queen she had to bring it to the council. I see no reason for the sentence to be deferred further; are there any objections?"

After a moment Gloria turned "There are no objections from the council your Majesty"

Kahlua picked up a katana and moved forwards; with no ceremony at all she quickly removed the heads where they knelt, leaving Ivanovich until last. When she got to him she stood him up and turned the blade holding it between his legs, placing her hand on his shoulder to stop him moving, she then slowly drew the blade up cutting him in two. When the nerves for his legs had been severed she held the blade in position and pushed down, allowing the weight of his body to finish the job. Flicking the blood and gore off she went to a table to clean and oil the blade properly.