Chapter 12 Hot Springs + Vampire
Disclaimer: I do not own Rosario + Vampire. I twisted the author's storyline into my own imagination.
The morning has finally come and today is the day for the journey to Yuroku's keep. Everybody was prepared, fully trained, and ready to move out. They brought food, water, two giant tents, sleeping bags, camp supplies, healing potions, and the weapons that were used during the training. Each person carried a large backpack of supplies. They trudged on for hours and passed many forests and valleys until their feet felt hot and heavy. Koumori was then sent to find any places to rest. There was not a single village they passed by but only land. As they continued, to walk night fell.
"Hey Murotsu-senpai, are we there yet? It's almost dark," said Tsukune. His arms began to droop and the weight of his backpack became a burden to him.
"We still have about fifty miles to go," Murotsu replied. "We must find a place to rest before we continue."
Everyone began to search for a comfortable area. They were already in the meadow filled with weeds and vines. No one felt comfortable to settle where they were. It was dark and pitch black. They could hardly see anything through the woods. Just then Koumori returned.
"Kokoa-sama! Kokoa-sama!" he called. "I just found two giant hot springs adjacent to each other, dechu! They are straight ahead of us."
"Well done, Ko-chan," Kokoa said as he landed on her shoulder. "We can camp near the hot springs and bathe there for a while."
"Good idea," said Tsukune. "I'm pretty hungry right now."
Everyone agreed and hurried toward the hot springs. They could feel the warm mist as they approached them. Finally, they saw the two giant pools of hot springs with a giant hill between them. The area was open and beautiful.
"This is a perfect place to camp. Let's set up our tents near the hot springs while Hiyata makes dinner," said Murotsu and he took of his backpack. "After that, we will rest. Tomorrow we can recuperate by relaxing in the hot springs."
Everyone put their stuff down and sat down to rest their tired feet. The rest of the boys got up and started setting up the two large tents. The girls hurried off to the nearby woods to gather some firewood. When the girls returned with the firewood, Hiyata began to cook supper. As he was cooking, Murotsu gave a speech to everyone.
"All the tents are set up. The one on the left is where the girls are going to be sleeping," said Murotsu, pointing at the pink tent. "And this blue tent on the right is where us guys are going to sleep."
Everyone looked at their tents and nodded.
"Now that we are camping here are several rules that we should follow," stated Murotsu as he was going to name them. "Rule number 1: Stay in the camp at all times. Rule number 2: If you are going to leave the camp bring at least two people with you."
Everyone nodded.
"Rule number 3," Murotsu continued. "No guys around the girls' tent/spring and no girls around the guys' tent/spring unless you need something from each other. I will be in charge of the guys tent and Ruby will be in charge of the girls tent. If any of you violates any of these rules I will give you a dreadful punishment.
"What is that dreadful punishment?" asked Fong, wanting to know.
"Would you like me to demonstrate?" he sneered, holding out his staff. It flashed with lightning like tesla coil. At that moment, everyone immediately shook their heads.
"Good, that's what I thought," he said, lowering his staff. "Everyone put your sleeping bags in your tents and go get food. Dismissed!"
"Yikes," said Fong.
"I don't like these rules," whispered Kurumu to Yukari.
"Neither do I, desu," agreed Yukari.
"I never though he was that strict," said Tsukune.
"And pretty bossy," said Kokoa.
Hiyata was finished cooking seafood stew and banged on the pot to call everyone to eat. The seafood stew was excellent. There was not one person that wouldn't ask for seconds. After the meal, they all slept in their tents. Tsukune was the only one that couldn't sleep. He still thought about the nightmare he had the first night he stayed in Nazere's lair. Seeing that all the boys were asleep he noticed that Murotsu's sleeping bag was empty. As he quietly walked out of the tent he saw Moka and Kurumu outside of their tents.
"Moka-san, you're up too?" he whispered loudly.
"It's really hard for me to sleep," said Moka, hanging her head. "I'm worried about my family. I know they all have done terrible things when they were working for the Fairy Tale organization but I'm worried about them."
"There is one question that I want to ask Murotsu-senpai," said Kurumu. "He told us that he was a human transformed into a dragon mage. I was wondering why he isn't considered the Chosen One? He was even strong enough to defeat all of us."
"Yeah, but he was a good match for Tsukune. I was wondering that too," said Moka.
"Let's go look for him and ask him," said Tsukune as headed to the springs.
"Wait, Tsukune," said Moka, grabbing him by the arm. "I don't think we should do that. We will get in trouble and-"
"I'm going to talk to him whether I get in trouble or not," said Tsukune, breaking free from Moka's grasp.
"Besides Moka, I'm curious about what he's doing. He barely sleeps," said Kurumu, following after Tsukune.
"Then I'm coming with you, Tsukune," said Moka, following him.
The three began to make their way toward the hot springs. Murotsu was standing in front of the hot springs on top of a large bolder gazing across the steamy and the two girls quietly hid behind a nearby rock so he couldn't see them. Murotsu began to sigh for a moment.
"You three should resting," he said to them. "You're strength is needed for tomorrow."
"I'm sorry," apologized Tsukune. "We just couldn't sleep."
"We just have one question to ask you," said Moka, remembering what Kurumu wanted to know.
"Since you told us you were a human and you are living in this world as a dragon. Why weren't you considered the Chosen One?" asked Kurumu.
Murotsu was stunned the moment she asked him that question.
"I…I am not worthy," he said, hanging his head. "Mikogami saw anger, pain, and vengeance in my heart. He told me that was the reason why I wasn't worthy to defeat Soku. Even though I use my magic on him it will have no effect on him. You, Tsukune on the other hand are kinder and more pure-hearted than I am. That's why you are worthy enough to stop the power of darkness in the youkai realm."
He placed his staff under his feet and gazed at the stars. His fist clenched after that painful memory.
"You are our only hope, Tsukune. I swear that I will do what I can to protect all of you. It is a vow that I will keep until I die. I will never forgive my uncle for his brutality."
"I know how it feels to loose a loving parent and a lot of friends," said Moka. "I lost my real mother that died to protect me from Alucard."
Murotsu's eyes widened when he recognized that name.
"Yes," Murotsu said. "She fought alongside my father, Fuhai, and Mikogami against the demon lord Soku. They were both pretty close friends as what my father told me. He was cut down by my uncle because I failed to help him."
"Murotsu-senpai, you don't have to blame yourself like that," said Moka.
"She's right. There is no need to punish yourself like that," cried Tsukune.
"It's not your fault, Murotsu-senpai," said Kurumu, trying to calm him down. "Even though your uncle killed him, I believe your father was trying to save his guests and you."
"But I also failed the other dragon mages and my friends from the old Newspaper club," he said hanging his head. "I swear I will do what I can to help rescue the Shuzen family, and help destroy my uncle, the Masked King, and Soku for good."
Moka, Kurumu and Tsukune looked at each other and back at Murotsu.
"Murotsu, it's alright. Just calm down," said Kurumu.
"Forgive me guys," said Murotsu, quietly. "It's difficult for me to live with such painful memories. I don't want more people to suffer.."
"Nor do I," said Tsukune. "I believe the rivalry between humans and monsters will end."
"Yes," Murotsu agreed, gazing up at the night sky.
Now it's morning.
Tsukune felt something soft and funny on his shoulder.
"Tsukune, rise and shine big boy," said a deep voice.
Tsukune groaned and placed his pillow on top of his head.
"Aw! The old sleepy head won't wake up," said another voice.
"Alright, Hiyata go for it," whispered another voice.
There was a loud blast from an alarm clock. Tsukune instantly shot out of his sleeping bag and fell down with a thump.
"Not again…" groaned Tsukune, remembering that his cousin did that to him and what Hiyata did to Gin.
"Sorry Tsukune," said Fong, laughing. "We just had no other way of waking you up."
Tsukune yawned, stretched, and glanced around the tent.
"Where is Murotsu-senpai?" asked Tsukune seeing that Murotsu's sleeping bag is empty again.
"He's outside sitting next to the campfire," said Hiyata. "I got to go and make breakfast."
The boys began to walk out of the tent. It was a beautiful day with a brighter sky and the warmth of the mist from the hot springs felt nice. A few minutes later the girls came out of their tent yawning and stretching.
"It was so entertaining to watch you sleep, Kurumu-chan," said Yukari, giggling. "You were hugging and kissing your pillow."
"No I wasn't!" denied Kurumu. Her face turned beet-red.
"I also noticed that you were mumbling in your sleep saying, 'I love you Tsukune-kun!' all the time," said Mizore laughing.
"Okay, I may talk in my sleep. But I really love Tsukune more than you guys," admitted the mortified succubus.
"No I love Tsukune more, desu!" cried Yukari.
"I love him ever since I saw him," whispered Mizore. "That makes me the winner."
"I'll just pretend that I'm not listening to their bickering," said Kokoa with a sweat-drop as she was walking toward the campfire.
"Anyway, I'm starved, let's eat," said Yukari, following Kokoa.
Hiyata finished cooking and everyone sat down to eat. While they were eating, Murotsu began to discuss about the plan for today.
"After breakfast, let's relax in the hot springs for a while. Once we are refreshed let's continue on our journey. Right now is 8:30AM so we can bathe for about two hours before we hit the road. So everybody relax in the hot springs."
Everyone cheered when he said that.
"This is going to be fun," thought Gin with a smile on his face. "To see the girl's sexy outfits and letting us bathe together."
"The girls are going to bathe on this pool. The rest of us are going in the other pool," said Murotsu.
"What!" Gin silently screamed.
"Alright!" everyone cheered, as they quickly finished their meals and ran toward the hot springs.
"You guys can have fun. I'll just wait right up here," said Moka.
"I'll stay with you, said Kokoa.
"What's wrong? This hot spring will help you relax a little," said Ruby.
"We are vampires. We can't go into the hot spring because we can't touch water," said Kokoa.
"Aw, it would be nice if you two join us," said Kurumu.
"It's a good thing I brought these," said Nazere, taking out two bottles filled with blue liquid.
"What are those?" asked Moka.
"These are anti-water herb potions. When drinking this potion, water won't affect the drinker for a while. They are used by vampires whenever they have to battle against any water monsters," said Nazere.
"That's impressive," said Mizore.
"How exactly do you make potions?" asked Ruby, wanting to know.
"Potions take a lot of time to make. You have to use a combination of science and magic to make one," said Nazere.
"You brought so many potions, desu. Are they for all of us?" asked Yukari.
"Yes, but these potions are for a few other people as well," said Murotsu.
"Who?" asked Tsukune.
"You will find out soon enough," said Murotsu. "Now come on. Let's go and enjoy these hot springs!"
"Yah!" everyone cheered.
"Come on Moka and Kokoa! Give the potion a shot! And come and join us!" said Kurumu.
"Oh okay," submitted Moka, proceeding to drink the potion.
"Here goes nothing," said Kokoa, drinking the potion.
Everyone was excited except for Gin who is crossing his arms right near the hot springs but he sighed and followed the rest of the guys to their side of the hot springs. Everyone took off their clothes and walked into the springs.
"Aaah…doesn't this feel great?" purred Murotsu.
"That was such a great idea to bathe in the morning, I feel like I don't wanna leave," said Tsukune.
"There is nothing like a good hot bath on a day like this," said Fong.
All of boys were happy except for Gin.
"Oh, com'on why the long face, Gin?" asked Hiyata. "Just enjoy the hot water massage."
"It's just that it is no fun without the girls," complained Gin.
"I'm fine that it is just us guys in one bath," said Tsukune.
"I am quite happy that I got some space though," he thought.
"Besides, the girls don't have to worry about us peeping at them," said Nazere to Gin.
"It would be better if only Kokoa were here…" thought Hiyata.
About one and a half hour has passed and Murotsu got out of the pool. It is currently 9:30AM and everyone is still enjoying themselves.
"I'm gonna go and look around for a while," said Murotsu as he walked out of the pool. "Nazere, Hiyata can you help me pack our tent and the sleeping bags?"
"Why can't we ask Gin or Tsukune to do the job and let us enjoy the hot springs?" asked Hiyata.
"These three had gone through so much trouble since the training and walking so let them enjoy their thirty minutes in their Jacuzzi. We need them to be ready when we infiltrate my uncle's fortress," Murotsu replied.
"Do we always have to do the dirty work?" complained Hiyata.
"Just shut up and do as you are told!" hissed Nazere, pushing Hiyata.
The two boys then slowly walked out of the pool to help Murotsu put away the guys things. As they were doing that, a smile formed on Gin's face. When Murotsu was gone, Gin walked out the pool and began to head for the other pool.
"Gin, where are you going?" called Tsukune. "That is the girl's side."
"You can't go there. Even Murotsu said to not be around the girls' pool," yelled Fong.
"I'm just gonna see what the girls are doing," said Gin as he started climbing over the large boulder.
Tsukune and Fong continued to give their warnings but Gin ignored them.
"I'm gonna go stop him," said Tsukune as he came out of the pool.
"But the girls would get angry with us if we go there," protested Fong.
"I'm not going to let Gin peak at them," Tsukune said.
"Well I'll come with you as well then," said Fong, getting out of the pool.
So the two hurried off after Gin. It took them a while to climb over the boulder and they had to pass through the weeds and rocky pebbles. A few minutes later they saw Gin hiding behind a tree in front of the pool.
"This is bad. How are gonna stop him without us being seen?" asked Fong.
"We'll have to warn him quietly," Tsukune said.
"He needs to come up with a better plan than that," thought Fong sweat dropping.
"Gin-senpai, you have been into this way too much. Stop this at once!" Tsukune whispered.
"Com-on Tsukune, this is a nice sexy view. You are just afraid to admit it," replied Gin.
For a while Tsukune's face turned red. He shook his head, trying to resist temptation. Just then he could hear the girls.
"Hey Moka! How are the springs?" asked Ruby.
"It's actually great! It looks like the potion is working!" said Moka, happily.
"I hate to admit it but this hot spring is very relaxing. It looks like we missed out on a lot of things in the water," said Kokoa.
"I agree, Kokoa," said Moka.
Tsukune then imagined what Moka would look like without her clothes off. His face turned red again.
"No! I shouldn't! No! Gin stop this at once," Tsukune whispered, shaking his head.
"Tsukune's right! You know this is wrong. Get back to the other pool right now," said Fong.
"You guys should just get with the program and look at the view," said Gin.
"Gin-senpai, that's enough! We should leave right now!" said Tsukune as he and Fong made a grab for him.
Gin began to struggle to break free from their grasps.
"Hey you two! Let go of me!" he yelled.
"Shut up! They can hear you, Gin!" whispered Fong.
Just then the girls looked up and heard the rustling behind the tree.
"Hey what's going on there?" shouted Kurumu.
"It's the peepers!" cried Kokoa.
"Nab the peeping toms behind that tree, Mizore," shouted Ruby.
"On it!" said Mizore.
Mizore summoned her ice dolls, which appeared in front of the boys. They raised their ice claws causing the boys to back up against the tree. Mizore then fired her ice beam am froze the three boys.
"Now then," said Kokoa as she stood up. "Let's go find out who those pervs were."
The girls got up and wrapped themselves in towels. Then they went to the tree and found Gin, Tsukune, and Fong frozen in Mizore's iceberg. Kokoa grabbed her mace and smashed the iceberg. All three of them fell to the ground. The girls glared at them.
"Well, look what we have here?" said Mizore.
"What do you think you guys were doing?" Moka yelled.
"Well I was-" Gin said but was interrupted by Tsukune.
"Listen, you got to let us explain. Fong and I were not involved in this," exclaimed Tsukune.
"Oh yeah, why are you with Gin?" questioned Kurumu.
"Honest! We were trying to stop Gin," cried Tsukune.
"There is no way that they are going to believe us, even though we are telling the truth," Fong.
"What a fantastic view," said Gin, staring at the girls wearing their towels.
"Gin!" yelled Tsukune and Fong.
"You have peeped at us for the last time!" said Ruby.
"Save your breath until we give you all a beating, desu," shouted Yukari in anger.
"Now prepare to be punished!" yelled Ruby!
"Noooooo!" the guys screamed, as they were getting beat up by the girls.
To be continued…