Disclaimer: I don't own Rosario+Vampire, nor do I make any money from the writing of this story. Simple enough, ne? Just don't copy from this story and we're all good!
Warning: the following chapter contains excessive amounts of angst, fluff, and cheese with a lemony twist that might not be suitable for all viewers. Viewer discretion is advised.
(I've always wanted to say that. Enjoy the chapter!)
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V^^ To Heal A Vampire ^^V
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There was much to be done even after the battle had ended. Moka had taken Kurumu to deal with Alexander while Ruby and Yukari talked animatedly with Tsukune about his manifestation of magic, but when that was over there was still the matter of what came next.
Contrary to the relative sense of normalcy that had settled over the group after the ordeal was known to be done with, the silence of solemnity returned when the hospital staff arrived. No questions were asked, mercifully, but there had been no denying the look of understanding on the face of one of the orderlies. Maybe it was because it had been a woman, but after seeing the destruction caused, the wounds still healing on the male of the group, and the nightwear worn by the visibly agitated vampiress as she glared at their patient from in the protective hold of that male, the look she set upon Moka had not been accusatory or unforgiving. Instead, only sympathy was in her eyes, perhaps even a congratulatory gleam. With Ruby's orders to keep the patient under watch at all times, the practically vegetative vampire was carted off to the hospital for some much needed recuperation.
It was similar to having all of the emotions in the air vanish, the only trace of their absence the numbness of defeat even in what had been a victory. It had come at a cost, and they all knew it. For most it returned the mortality to one whom they had mistakenly thought to have become unstoppable, but for another, the security of one of the cornerstones of her life had been challenged irreparably. It had been his place in her life that she had struggled against for so long, unwilling to admit the rock he had become in her world fraught with danger and strife. Having long accepted his love as something she needed, to be so powerless in something that threatened his existence caused her heart to ache. Had she been unsealed, such an impact as that which had knocked her outer self unconscious wouldn't have even given her a bump on the head. Had she been unsealed, such a pitiful excuse for a vampire wouldn't have gotten close to injuring her in any way! And now, it wasn't just her that was being endangered by a seal beyond their control.
She was proud of him, so, so amazingly proud of him for fighting so fiercely in a form so weak compared to his true self. She was also so, so amazingly annoyed at him for doing so. He had always understood the danger her rosary placed her in when contrasted with her unsealed abilities, yet he still fought tooth and nail to protect her in a body much more easily killed. It wasn't his fault, she knew that, but just looking at him when she had regained consciousness had pained her more than he could possibly know. If the repercussions weren't so high, she would have killed Alexander for what he had done to her mate. If Tsukune had died, his life would have been forfeit, no matter what she would have had to do to make it so. Just like hers.
Her clan, her new family, they were the only ones who could understand that. Even the ever-merciful Kurumu had looked upon the source of Tsukune's pain with a gaze devoid of compassion, and though she had yet to come into full awareness of her new powers, the charm she had woven into his mind forever erased what she had been told to take from him. It hadn't been painless either, she had made sure of that. They had bought time and that was it, sooner or later the vampire would recover and report to his betters. It wasn't like any of them had the authority to keep him back. They had to be ready for when that happened, and they knew it would.
The quiet was suffocating in the normally exuberant group, but no one knew what words could be said to offer any support other than what had already been made known. Moka had retreated into an almost desperate embrace with her mate while the others looked amongst themselves worriedly, only concern for the vampiress on their minds. Tsukune shared significant looks with them before carefully trying to move away, and to their surprise the silver-haired woman whimpered quietly and instantly pulled him back to her. Burying her head into his broad chest, white-knuckled fingers clutched at the back of his shirt and stained it a messy red as the front was made wet from a completely different source.
Tsukune's eyes softened, both love and regret rich in his features as he laid a chaste kiss on the top of his goddess' head. Looking down to where Rei had stayed, silently conveying what help she could to them, she caught his gaze immediately. "Rei-chan, can I ask you for a favor?"
Traces of a grin tugged at her lips as she shook her head in amusement. "While I appreciate the thought, there is no need to be so hesitant around me. Ours is a mutual relationship. You have had nothing but my best interests in mind since the moment of my hatching; I would be happy to carry out whatever boon you wish of me."
He smiled warmly at her and her steely eyes danced with joy under his unspoken thanks. "Would you mind watching over the girls' dorm tonight? You know, just to be safe?"
Fond pride stemmed from her renewed smile as she looked around her partner's family, new respect visible in her stature. "'Twould be my honor to protect our treasures, nestling. No harm shall befall them under my watch; that I swear upon my honor."
Breaking away from Moka's grip for a moment, he knelt down and hugged his familiar softly. "Thank you, Rei-chan. This means a lot to me."
"I make such a claim because I know that to be true," she replied earnestly as she returned his affection. There was no higher honor than being asked to guard what he held closest to his heart, and for Tsukune, that had always been his friends and family. His treasures had never been in the form of jewels or riches, it was those people he held dear. She knew he would never ask her to do trivial tasks, but to know that he trusted her with the treasures he would protect with his life filled her with delight. I knew I chose you for a reason.
When they parted he took Moka's hand in his, and she gratefully wound their fingers together as she looked up at her room. With the door so heinously ripped from it, it stood out in a mockery to the safety the four walls a student would call home normally presented. Tonight, there was only one place she wanted to be, and it wasn't there. As Tsukune bid farewell to their family, she caught the eyes of Kurumu and Mizore as they walked away. There was no jealousy or condemnation in them, only love and empathy. As she met the gaze of each of her friends in turn it was the same. Even Kokoa offered her a weak smile before she headed to her room. They knew what she needed, and they weren't going to stand in the way of that. It was amazing. In one of the most diverse groups she had ever seen she had found a clan more close-knit than even one bonded by true blood relation.
Kurumu was the heart of their family, the piece that didn't need rationale to love and forgive. Mizore was their personality, the quirks and inherent desire to be loved that every person held. Yukari was the mind, the always-analytic intelligence that fueled justification and gave motive to actions. Ruby embodied their wisdom, that gained only by time and experience to advise the movements of the rest of the body, the thoughts the brain devised, and the feelings of the heart—while not without quirks of its own. She and her outer self were their physical being, their hands and feet; that which carried out what needed to be done, protected what was underneath, and held the pieces together. Kokoa's place was uncertain, because that was just what she was—she was the uncertainty in every person that was fearsome to behold when focused. And Tsukune, Tsukune was their soul. With him, they were whole. Without him, they were empty. Without their soul, they might as well be dead.
Her thoughts must have shown on her face, for she was brought out of her contemplation by a thumb rubbing comfortingly over the top of her hand. A glance to the side showed Tsukune's caring gaze on her and she knew without looking it was him who was calming her. Even with skin dirtied by battle and clothes in disrepair, his smile could still make her world feel right. At one point she would have been angered by her dependence on someone else, now all she felt was safe. She, the vampiress who had once scoffed at the idea of relying on another, now knew the beauty of unconditional love and devotion unrestrained by perceptions or preconceived notions. He lent his strength to her without expecting anything in return, and she had never needed it more.
At last, he broke the silence that had surrounded them. "I know this is against school rules, but we've broken it plenty of times already. Would you like to spend the night in my room?"
She only nodded. "…I should get a uniform from my room for tomorrow. I'd…rather not go back before it's fixed."
"Would you like this back then?" he asked as he held up her cross, and if it was possible she went even paler than she was usually.
"No!" Seeing the shock on his face at her outburst, she forced herself to calm. "I would prefer to stay out for tonight. I just…want to be with you…as myself."
"I understand," he whispered, tenderly running his free hand down her cheek. The look she saw in his eyes made her feel like he could see right through her, and a part of her knew that he could, just like she, and the rest of their clan, could see into him. "I understand what it's like to be afraid. I understand what it's like to think we might never see each other again. If there's one thing I understand, it's feeling powerless…useless…while you're in danger. I know that one way, way too well. I also understand what comes after, I've done it enough. Don't beat yourself up, Moka; please, please don't do that. It's not your fault, if anything, it's my fault. I told you I'll get stronger, and I will, I promise I will. I'll become strong enough to protect our whole family, just like you."
Her eyes squinted shut as she found tears forcing their way out again, and she pressed her face into his shirt to hide as restrained sobs shook her body. She knew he understood, that was what made it so painful. "You've always been stronger than me, Tsukune. Always. I might be able to break concrete and jump buildings, but your heart can single-handedly bring someone out of the depths of despair. Your kindness can make someone who's lived their whole life for revenge see hope. Your love found someone so lost in her own arrogance she couldn't spare tears for anything, and now she cries because the thought of losing that love scares her more than even that! I can't stand this feeling of…of uselessness! You could have died, Tsukune, you could have died! I'm not a little girl, I'm powerful! I'm a proud, powerful super vampire! What good is that if I can't protect the ones I love?!"
He held her against him, soothingly running his hands down her back as she fought the grief wracking her body with clenched teeth. "You're forgetting one very important thing," he began gently as he cupped her chin up to look at him, "…sometimes, you have to let the ones you love protect you. Believe me, I know that one too. Kurumu said it before: we're here for each other for a reason. We all feel the same way you do, Moka. So what if things don't always go the way we want them to? That's why we have people to back us up. I wouldn't have survived the first month, no, not even that; I wouldn't have survived the first week here without you, literally. You've been my strength for the longest time; I'm willing to endure any pain to be yours."
A bittersweet chuckle escaped her. In so many words he had managed to drive off the fear inside her, replacing it with serene warmth that let her weary mind relax. Wiping at her eyes and nose, she smiled. "You always did know just what to say to get to me."
With a smile back he carefully brushed away the strands of glittering silver from her face, lovingly meeting the swollen red eyes of his lover with his own honey-brown irises. "No, I never have. I'm not smart enough to do that. The only things I've ever told you are the truth."
Though her hands were still stained crimson she reached up, quietly charming his face down to her, where eyes closed in peace as lips met. It was because of that that he missed the final, single tear that fell from between her shut eyelids. There was no force, no hunger, only the romance of rose petals flittering amid a summer breeze, kissing the surroundings with silken caresses so light their existence would be questioned if not for the scent left behind. It was love in its basest, purest form, and when they parted, happiness had finally returned to her scarlet eyes.
Twining their fingers together, she led them away.
V^^^V
Blood and dirt mingled and dispersed in the treated water of the bath as the two vampires sat, ever so slowly running their hands over each other's body. These weren't arousing touches, rather, reassuring ones. With each swipe that cleansed more flesh soiled by battle and disgrace, they reconnected in a way even carnal intimacy couldn't compare to. There was wonder in each stroke, a sense of rediscovery that made the troubles of earlier disappear to the wind. There was no need to worry about being separated because it simply wasn't possible.
When they had arrived at his room she had started the bath without a word, leaving Tsukune alone with his thoughts. When she had beckoned to him from his bathroom door with not a shred of clothing on her, no thoughts had been left to be alone with. He had moved to her as if entranced, took her into his arms with the same tenderness she attributed to him. What was left of his apparel she had removed piece by piece in dexterous motions that left him naked to her appraisal, where she then led him to the spa.
Silver hair splayed into a mercury sea as her pale body disappeared into the waiting wash, where rivulets of ruby marked her entrance, and when he followed, tangled veins of sediment coursed off to join them. Her first touch had wandered down his dirty neck, to feel the strong pulse thrum under her fingertips before she started to truly wash him. His had been to the cheek he had seen scuffed from a hit before his arrival, and her free hand had risen to join it, pressing it against her skin adoringly. She ran that hand down, over her full lips to kiss the calloused appendages on their way down, down to where she held it over her heart.
They kissed, met halfway in the desire and surrendered themselves to it. Each inch of their bodies washed became the next target of affection, wiping away both the physical and emotional reminders. Moka took great delight in straddling him as she scrubbed his hair, stretching herself taut over him as he lay beneath her and invented new designs to rub along her abdomen, flowing without reason over her hips and to her perfect backside. His lips had claimed her own as he held her firm against him, his hand secure in the small of her back while he reversed their positions. Her heavy breaths turned to breathy moans as his talented fingers traversed her scalp, which nearly turned to whimpers when he turned his mouth to her neck. Teasing her with pressure enough just to feel his fangs, pull at her skin without breaking it, mark it as his own, she let her body do the pleading, pulling him to her, letting him feel her heat against his.
Playful laughter and hot gasps were all they made as they exited the water with her suspended in the air, allowing her to wind her legs around his waist before he tumbled into the wall, forcefully clashing them together as her back was meshed to the tile. Lust and love were presences among them, not merely something they felt. They were something they needed. Fumbling movements hindered by unabashed gropes and kisses finally found them to his bed, where with great care they reunited in every way.
Though the beauty of feeling him within her after so long made her want to cry, she didn't. She had cried enough, tears were unsuited here. Eyes so different from hers shone in the meager light of the room as they joined in deliberate slowness, reveling in every new sensation they could create in each other. Behind their hazel disguise she knew the fiercest of red was gazing back at her, knew the dark skin of the one she had come to love was nothing but a front for the alabaster irregularity it covered from the rest of the world. As she took him into herself, silently whispering praises to the heavens, she knew she was just like him. He may not have a separate personality that represented his outer form, but she loved the man he once was just as much as the vampire he had become.
Her friend, her protector, her unintended creation perfected…her eternal blood-mate. Her Tsukune.
Nerves rose to life as bodies met and hearts merged into dazzling displays of pleasure that necessitated vocal response, smothered indefinitely beneath preoccupied mouths as tongues and fangs clashed. There was no place restricted from their grasp, no inhibition to encumber the path of passion the two walked. Tsukune gave his all and she responded with nothing less, their slow love hastening towards a peak they both knew was rapidly approaching. Her name spilled from his lips like a prayer, urging her to fall with him, and she did so gladly. The culmination of their loving labors took their breaths away, left them trembling in beautiful harmony as they basked in the glow.
Moka threaded her fingers through his dark chocolate hair as she smiled at him, calm and sated for the first time in what seemed like forever. "Thank you," she murmured softly, and he grinned as he moved himself up to lay beside her and pulled her to his chest.
"For what?"
"For being you."
Nestling into his warmth, she curled a leg over his, pressing them as close together as she could while he pulled the covers over them. Despite everything that had happened over the day, Moka Akashiya was able to go to sleep with a smile on her face.
V^^^V
Two others slept peacefully, huddled together for comfort in the face of the events they had witnessed. Yukari and Ruby laid in the eldest's room, relieved in the presence the other offered. Sleep came easily, but only thanks to that.
V^^^V
Mizore and Kurumu had also taken to the idea. After being reminded of how quickly even a seemingly immortal vampire's life could be threatened—their vampire's life could be threatened—they knew the only way they would get the smallest amount of rest was if they weren't alone. Embracing even in unconsciousness, it granted solace.
V^^^V
For another, she had returned to a habit she had thought long broken. Kokoa slept with her beloved familiar Kou curled in her arms, something she hadn't done since she was a child. The familiarity was welcome, a desperate attempt to keep her mind free from the worries of what the encounter meant for her and her sister. Fortunately, it worked.
V^^^V
Sitting in one of the trees just outside the dorm, only one of them refused to give in to the sandman's call. Her piercing steel eyes cut through the darkness without the smallest difficulty, watching for any sign of would-be dangers. It wasn't needed, for the realm itself was reacting to her attendance, the natural energies inherent all around her bringing dead trees to spring new buds. Primordial magic was thick in the air, ancient enchantment that couldn't be called upon consciously bent to the dragon's will. In it she had added her partner's treasures to her own, protecting their very dreams from unkind influences.
That night they would slumber devoid of fear, of that she had made certain.
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V^^^V
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Nearly the entire school was in some state of awe the next day, for though summer break was barely a week of exams away the season was never visibly seen in the climate of Youkai Academy. It made sense then that there was a good deal of surprise when the women of the school woke up to see all the trees surrounding their dorm in an explosion of fresh greenery. Healthy grass was sprouting from the formerly barren ground and if that wasn't enough, vines bearing the beginnings of flowers were crawling up the sides of the building itself. No one had ever questioned the lack of foliage before and most had even gotten used to the dreary appearance—if they didn't instantly fall in love with the 'character' that is—therefore to see so much appear out of nowhere was a shock.
The siren call of rebirth was what two residents of that dorm awakened to, and it took a while for them to understand what they were hearing. The hum had always been weaker inside the Grand Barrier—there, but muted. It hadn't been destroyed by construction, but it couldn't really be called 'alive' either. With the reappearance of a monster tied more intricately into nature than even witches, one coming into powers of her own, things had started to change. The only witches present in the academy ran out of the bedroom as soon as they had pulled on their clothes, wonder plain on their faces as they looked out from the top floor to the instantaneous springtide that had taken place.
"Who… what…when…h-how?" Yukari mumbled in disbelief, her trademark line conspicuously absent in her astonishment.
Ruby could only wet her dry mouth, just as confused as her younger friend. "I…honestly have no idea. I thought the Grand Barrier prevented seasons from affecting the school…" Noticing the amount of students walking away from the dorm, gawking, but walking away nonetheless, something else came to mind. "Wait a minute, what time is it?"
Looking to the alarm, the smaller girl paled. "We slept in ~desu! I hate going to school without breakfast!"
The elder among them quickly grabbed some fruit from her fridge and passed a couple to her counterpart as she slung her wand over her back. It would be a terrible sign for the rest of the week to be late, especially for the students of their group. They still had exams to worry about. "That'll have to do, let's go!"
Practically flying down the stairs to the road, the twosome was stopped short when they saw pink hair in their path. Indeed, the outer form of Moka Akashiya was standing next to one of the budding trees with one of her usual, gentle smiles on her face. While that wouldn't be surprising under normal circumstances, considering what had happened the day before they had expected her to be a little more subdued. If anything, she looked happier than before. Of course, this was moot to one whose thought processes changed on a dime when said woman was involved.
"Moka-san! Good morning ~desu!" the young magician squealed excitedly as she threw her arms around the vampiress' waist, fruit in hand or not.
"Good morning to you too, Yukari-chan. Sleep well?"
The question actually caused her to pause. "Now that you mention it, yeah; really, really well!"
"Troubles are always easier with friends to help you through them," Ruby said with a smile as she placed a hand on the other witch's shoulder. "I know I slept easier."
She received a grateful smile back for that, but Yukari's curiosity was dying to be appeased. "Never mind that, who cares about sleep?! What happened here?!"
Moka grinned as she motioned her eyes upwards, and the two looked up in bewilderment to see Tsukune sitting on one of the branches of the tree above them, cradling a small girl wearing his blazer against his chest. "She watched over you, just like she said she would, that's what happened," he answered simply. "Can't you feel it? This is her magic here. Well, I think it's more like…the source of magic…or something different than just…spells…responding to her, or something. Does that make any sense? It just feels like her, you know?"
Two dumbstruck stares were his replies, and had he not been holding his partner the desire to scratch his neck nervously wouldn't have been fought against very strongly. Stars eventually replaced that empty gaze in Yukari's eyes, and Tsukune was glad he was up in the tree. It looked like she would have tackled him in glee if he had been on the ground. She was all but jumping up and down as she grabbed Ruby's hands and brought her along for the ride. "Do you know what this means ~desu?!"
With a quick look back at the blissfully oblivious vampire, Ruby smirked. "It means Tsukune really is ready to be trained."
Taking a page from a certain succubus' book, the young witch yelled, "Yahoo!"
Coincidentally, it was the sneeze that woke up aforementioned succubus in time for school.
Meanwhile, the male of their group just arched an eyebrow in confusion. He knew he was missing out on some part of their inner conversation, but he couldn't be bothered to care. Clearing his throat to get their attention again, he straightened Rei in his grip. "She must be exhausted, she fell asleep the moment I came to see her. I think I really did ask too much of her this time, but then again I didn't mean for her to stay awake the whole night. Anyways, I'm going to go take her back to my room so she can rest, so just tell Nekonome-sensei I might be a bit late, please?"
They all nodded understandingly, but that was halted abruptly when Tsukune pushed himself off his branch. The first thought that came to mind was that he supposedly hadn't wanted to wake his familiar, but that was killed in a quick and painful manner when ice rose up to catch the vampire on a stairway of frozen water before he had even dropped an inch. With his usual pace he walked down like nothing was off with the situation at all, and with each step the ice melted behind him. When he was safely on the ground there was no trace of what had been there but the fresh moisture absorbed into the budding grass, away from the vampires weak to it.
Open-mouthed stares had resumed and this time Moka was among their number. They all knew he had been training for a good month with their resident ice mistress, but he had never displayed those powers so openly before, not to mention without having fed first. He took the gurgled sounds that might have once been questions as what they were meant to be, eyes cast with a hard edge of their own as he looked down at his hands, though why they had no idea.
"Mizore and Kurumu have some explaining to do," was all he said before he walked away.
Ruby resisted the urge to pull at her choker.
V^^^V
There was a time and a place for everything, and though he had said those things earlier in the day, Tsukune Aono wasn't one that backed out on his promises. As much to himself as it was to another, his resolve had never been firmer that this was one promise he had to fulfill. In order to do that however, he knew drastic measures were called for. It felt like he was walking into an ambush, but that pretty much described his whole life at Youkai Academy. It just so happened that his goals finally matched up with those of the ambusher.
Opening the door to the headmaster's office, he was a bit surprised to see Ruby gone from her desk in the waiting area. Considering all she had to do in a day her absence wasn't really that unforeseen; he had been counting on it as a matter of fact. He was sure she had heard about it already—maybe not, knowing the headmaster—but this was something he had to do without any interference. Their beloved club advisor had yet to spring some unknown trip on them at the last minute and even if she did, for once Tsukune wouldn't be with them. Though he had never thought he would ever be able to say such a thing, he had more important things to do.
"Well, this is an unexpected surprise. What brings you to my office, Tsukune-kun? Most don't dare come here voluntarily."
Though his heart jumped at the voice from behind him, the young vampire kept himself from reacting. This time he was on a mission; he wouldn't allow himself to show weakness. "I'm sure you know by now. I'm not in the mood for games today."
"Ah, pity. Very well, I'll play along. I would assume this is about the visitor you had yesterday?"
Biting back a scathing comment just begging to be followed by physical violence, Tsukune fixed his most unbendable glare on the most powerful man in the hidden realm. "As much as I want to say yes, that's only a part of it. I know you're itching to call in more favors, so I thought I'd beat you to the punch. I'll go, just like you wanted, but how about we make it a month instead of a week?"
Over the indiscernible orbs of his eyes, the Exorcist's eyebrows rose. "This is certainly a day for surprises indeed. It does feel like the new arrangement is more to your desire than mine. Why should I accept?"
"Because if you don't want me to start asking any more questions about this damn rosary, you're going to let me learn how to fight with it on. You're the one that wanted me to get in touch with my new instincts, so let me."
A slow, delightedly dark smile spread on what was visible of headmaster's face. "My my, so the young boy I once knew really did decide to grow a spine, did he? All right, your argument has been made; I'll allow it. You realize your little friends won't be too impressed with this development, don't you?"
Tsukune frowned, but only slightly. "…I know. I know, but I can't say I really love them if I don't do everything I possibly can to protect them. Honestly, I don't know what the hell is up with this rosary you gave me, and right now, I don't care. Last time we talked I couldn't understand your reasoning, now I know you were right. I'm a vampire; I drink blood, I'm weak to water, I can do just about anything if I really want to, but I don't know the first thing about what that means. If what you want me to do will help me understand that, I should take all the time I can get. It'll give Rei-chan and I a chance to know each other better too. I've been with everyone else for years already, now I've got a familiar and I barely know her. It may take up a lot of my summer vacation but I don't care."
"You've really thought this through. I'm impressed."
"Don't be," the former human responded bitterly. "If I was impressive in any way, I would have been able to keep Moka from crying. I need to get stronger; I need to be able to protect them. I remember what one day did for me in Second Year, I'm hoping one month will give me more."
"You remember the terms I laid out, correct? Of course, you can bring your homework if you really want to. I'm sure Rei-chan has found a cave worthy of her by now. Other than that: no trivialities, no outside contact, and no bringing in food. I'll allow you to bring your toothbrush, but only that and the clothes on your back," the Exorcist stated factually, and the other man only nodded.
"To survive on nothing but what I can, I know. Don't worry, I won't let Rei-chan do all the hunting either. I do have one question, and before you say anything about what I said before, I think it has a pretty big impact on this so I'm asking it anyway." Cut off, the headmaster copied Tsukune's earlier action and nodded. "I thought you said the rosary would come off in a life or death situation, so why didn't it yesterday?"
Now one of the priestly man's eyebrows truly was arched in curiosity, and when he stepped forward to examine the item in question his face returned to its usual look of infuriatingly knowing smugness. Which meant, as per usual, that he wasn't about to tell him a damn thing.
"I believe my exact words were 'if circumstances deem it fit.' Obviously the circumstances weren't right for the rosary."
Tsukune glowered. "I hate you, you know that?" With a sigh, he shook his head in resignation. "Just be sure you watch them like you promised. If something happens I'd better know about it, otherwise I don't care how many favors I owe you, you just wasted them all."
The Exorcist only laughed. "That's the spirit! Go on now, I look forward to your return, and dear Rei-chan's."
Taking the cue, the student left, leaving the older man alone in his office. They weren't as alone as he would have thought, for the robed man turned to the shelf and a tiny fairy flew out to land on his shoulder. "So what do you think, Lilith? Is his desire honest?"
The nightgown-wearing pixie shivered despite her usual haughty demeanor. "Without a doubt. I've never seen someone with so much kindness and love in them, but because of that he has even more anger and disappointment in himself when he fails. His intentions are pure, despite everything. His only thoughts are of them even now. If it wasn't so disgustingly mushy I'd be impressed."
"What about his strength, his resolve?"
Another shiver came, but this one was just as much out of desire as it was of terror. "It's growing, slowly but surely. He weakens himself every time he gives his blood away, and there's no doubt about the succubus' siphoning, but every time he returns to full strength his limit has grown. I would love to see his true face reflected in my mirror…. When he reaches that peak, it'll be amazing…"
He grinned. "That's what I'm counting on."
V^^^V
The atmosphere of the room they were in was awkward, in an oppressive, hand-in-the-cookie-jar kind of way. Everyone in the room had something they had kept from the others, and judging from Ruby's look, it wasn't going to be allowed any longer. It begged the question of the absence of the soon-to-be topic, the only one of their group currently missing, but that could be wondered after things had been straightened out between them. Being the one that had gathered them, the eldest witch was the first to start.
"Okay, I know you're probably all wondering why I asked you here—"
"Without Tsukune," Kurumu interrupted, and Ruby sighed.
"Yes, without Tsukune. It's because—"
"You found out that you haven't been the only one hiding things from him?" Mizore supplied, and at that the other woman paled before sighing again, this time in defeat.
"I think we all knew, but for some reason we didn't talk to each other about it. With Tsukune's magic manifesting again and new training added to this whole pile of secrets, I thought we should talk."
"Yes, let us talk," a smoky, cultured voice replied, nearly causing everyone in the room to jump as the window was opened and a small girl climbed in. Her hair was as spiky as it had been when they had first met and her eyes just as striking, but now she was wearing a white t-shirt that looked more like a robe on her. Crossing her arms over her chest, the humanized dragon waited. "I am unsure of what action I should take against the robed man that endangered my partner, so please, enlighten me as to this situation."
For such a small child, her veiled threats were top-notch.
"Now Rei-chan, the headmaster didn't endanger Tsukune so much as he…"
"He what?" the familiar demanded. "'Twas he who sealed him, was it not? 'Twas he who suggested my return to Paradise, was it not? I mean you no disrespect, but had I been here my partner would not have suffered so humiliating a defeat!" Many eyes turned to the ground then, and the dragon softened her tone. "I apologize, that was uncalled for. I realize not all of you have a bond the likes of which we share. I let my frustration at my delayed arrival get the better of me."
"No, that's alright, Rei-chan. We deserve it," Kurumu whispered sadly. "Tsukune awakened something in me I still can't believe; I didn't even know I was taking his power. I should have been able to feel something."
"It's not your fault, Kurumu," Moka assured firmly. "You still showed up when we needed you, same with you, Rei-chan. Things could have gone differently, sure, but it happened the way it did for a reason and Tsukune knows that."
Ruby shuffled uneasily. That's what I'm worried about.
The blunette smiled reluctantly before turning back to Rei. "So we know what kept us, but what took you so long? Does it have something to do with the new look?"
"It does," the dragon responded. "'Twould appear the portal to this realm from Paradise is guarded against the departure of its bestial occupants. I was forced to assume the form of this new 'look' as you put it, to return to his side."
Kokoa looked offended. "Then why would he put you in that place to begin with?! You're his familiar! Kou-chan can be a pain in the ass sometimes but I would never…!" She couldn't even finish her sentence she was so insulted, and Rei smiled at the young vampiress.
"Your offense is touching, thank you. I would assume he did not know of the conditions for my release. The more likely explanation is the robed riddle-maker. I would suspect 'twas anticipated my gilded incarceration would only be discovered upon a threat to my partner's wellbeing, thus necessitating this transformation. Had I not made it in time I would be picking those robes out of my teeth, and only because that is not the case am I grateful for this form. Now that I am free to roam the realms without restriction, I shall respond faster should there be a next time."
"Why that conniving little…wait a minute!" the redhead shrieked, pointing accusingly at Ruby, "you knew!"
The dark-skinned child quickly held out her hands calmingly. "I am well aware of that, little flame. 'Twould be illogical for the apprentice to be completely unaware of the machinations of the master. No punishment I could deliver would exceed her own suffering had he perished however, and while she did withhold the information from me, I do not bear a grudge. While the end hardly justifies the means 'twas indeed the fastest way for me to gain this form, her choice in the matter notwithstanding. She is but a pupil beneath a master; I would not expect her to go against his wishes."
"Thank you, Rei-chan," the sorceress said earnestly, and the girl nodded back her acceptance.
"Am I the only one totally creeped out by a ten-year-old talking like that?" Kurumu interjected, hand raised.
Rei glared at her. "This appearance is only temporary, I assure you. By my estimation, by the end of my second month this human form should have aged three of your standard human years, and by six I would expect to look sixteen. When I reach full maturation and my metabolism settles down, my age should suspend around your twenty-year mark."
"So fast?!" they all cried.
"My current appetite is for a reason, my treasures; 'tis in my blood to grow as large and fierce as I can within my first year. As for my speech, I am unsure. Perhaps I took too great a liking to the writings read to me atop the nestling's square cave. I believe he described it as 'homework,' but he expressed a most sincere desire to converse mutually with me, so 'tis not inconceivable I simply adapted it to my taste."
Yukari slapped a hand to her face. "Great, so thanks to Language Arts we now have a dragon that talks like a playwright!"
"Worse things could have happened," Kurumu rationalized with a shrug.
"Yeah, she could have spent too much time around you," Mizore teased monotonously, a small grin tugging at her lips, and her duet partner mocked offense as she grasped at her heart.
"Oh that hurts, it really does. You sure weren't complaining when you were trapped between me and Ts—"
She was promptly frozen into a block of ice, her florescent snow woman companion trying hard not to melt it with the heat from her face beside her.
Moka almost turned purple while fighting to keep herself from laughing, Rei just looked confused, and everyone else's jaws were on the floor as the ice maiden suddenly found her twiddling thumbs very interesting. "U-Um…you were saying, Rei-chan?"
Giving one last look to the women battling their responses back under their control—and the newly freed succubus—she shook her head to rid her of the interest. "To be fair, I was finished. Since you asked, I shall take it to ask a question of my nestling's mate." When she turned, they gathered she was talking about Moka. "I realize the topic must be difficult to approach, but 'tis to my understanding the goal of the vampire you vanquished was, in fact, you. If you would elaborate, I would be most appreciative."
Kokoa sucked in a sharp breath, but Moka merely gave a melancholic smile. "No, you have every right to ask me that. I was hoping to tell Tsukune first but I might as well tell you all, now that it's been brought up. To put it simply: I'm the black sheep of the family, born from the one who got away. My mother left and I went to find her, which is why I spent all middle school in the human world. Yesterday it was made painfully clear my father only let me go as a delusion of childhood, hoping I would be crushed beneath the hopelessness. I refused to submit to my father, and when I left I took an amalgam of my mother's name. I put as much distance between the great, all-powerful Dark Lord Shuzen and myself as I could. My other half-siblings bear his name, but I refuse to. My name is Moka Akashiya, simple as that."
Kurumu looked like she was going to faint. "You're telling us your dad is a Dark Lord? Well, at least that explains you and your sisters' freakish power."
"You don't need to patronize me," the younger vampiress seethed. "I'm nowhere near Onee-sama's level, and I probably never will be."
"Ah, but how blind you are, little flame," Rei spoke kindly, more like a mother than a child barely a month old. Her bare feet made no sound on the floor as she strode forward and sharply plucked a strand of hair from the redhead's pigtailed mane, earning a pained cry as the teen clutched her head.
"Ow! What the hell was that for you tiny—" For one second she questioned her advice on heart attacks, because she was sure her heart had just stopped. "Oh…oh god. You're…you're lying, this can't be real…"
Clutched amid the dragon's small fingertips was one solitary tress of glittering silver. Not orange, not gray, but a brilliant silvery white.
"I can sense him in you, his strength, still there, forcing out your dormant power. A vampire's strength comes from their blood; the longer they live, the more they come into it. Yours merely needed a push. You will gain your heritage, just give it time."
She couldn't take it, she broke down crying. She had never felt relief like what she was feeling in her life. In that one second the biggest burden she carried with her had been removed, and every lingering feeling had broken loose at once. Moka had slipped to her side, embracing her half-sister in a reassuring hold that the younger woman clasped to like a lifeline, tears of joy and liberation thick on her face. Finally, she was seeing progress. Finally, she could be free of the self-loathing that plagued her, the sneers of her father's guests. Finally, she could feel like who she knew she was inside.
"You drank Tsukune's blood, didn't you?" the pinkette asked gently.
She could only nod. "I…I almost killed him. The taste was so addictive, I just couldn't stop! He managed to make me, and…and…he…really is being tested…isn't he?"
Those words sucked the air out of the room like the cold of deep space. Yukari went white as a sheet, which also described Mizore and Kurumu quite well. Ruby was pale for a whole different reason, and plain confusion was on Rei's face. To the elder witch's astonishment, the sealed vampiress only nodded.
"We were right from the very beginning."
"How could I have missed it ~desu?! I can't believe I thought it was pretty ~desu!" Yukari all but screeched in a shrill falsetto before rambling off into random mumbles under her breath, most synonymous with 'stupid,' 'blind,' and 'idiot.'
"That's…that's not all, actually," Mizore began shakily. "He's…remembering our powers. He has been from the start. If he doesn't use the supernatural power in our blood when he drinks it, it's like he…absorbs it. It was hardly a day after we started training that we figured it out, so we…decided to go with it. Kurumu's been training with him on the days he drinks my blood, and I've been training with him on the days he drinks hers. We've been adding to his supply for the past month."
Ruby dragged her hand down her face in exasperation. "That would explain why he couldn't remove the rosary! I thought it would take longer for the links to fuse, but then again knowing him they could have fused right when it was put on. When he talked about it being warm I should have checked, and yesterday…yesterday it almost…"
"I do not wish to seem rude, but would someone be so kind as to explain to me what is going on?" the white-haired familiar asked, with what was clearly limited patience.
"What's stopping any monster from claiming they're the strongest? Only those close to the Three would never dare compare themselves to them and risk being proven painfully wrong—well, unless assassination is the goal in the first place to gain the position. There are a few ways to gain a place in the hierarchy other than those two, but if one wants to be proven in a way no one can deny…"
"They're given the Test of Judgment, made by another Dark Lord," Moka finished. "A seal with seventy-seven links, each link a seal representing a degree, and at the center in the largest seal is something sealed itself: an Artifact. Unlike normal seals that aren't made to break and only do if the strain is too high and only then, the Test is one made to release excess, making it something only one with a huge amount of youki can hope to crack. In order for it to break it can't be able to release enough of the strain, and the output has to stay high enough to crack each seal. Most go on accomplishments, but for vampires, who are considered among the weakest against seals, it's a perfect test."
"Sounds like something you could've taken," the succubus murmured, and paled further at Moka's sheepish look. "…You've been offered it before, haven't you?"
"My father thought I could have been a Mistress when I was young. I didn't want to bring any extra attention to myself, so I didn't. When I saw what Tsukune was wearing that day he showed us, part of me was overjoyed, and part of me wondered if I shouldn't try. I would need to get rid of this seal though, and being repaired as many times as it has, we don't know if…I…would be able to remain. Time isn't a factor any more, just who releases it. Basically, it's not worth the risk."
"True enough," Mizore agreed. "If Tsukune…if we lost you…I don't even want to think about it."
Rei drummed her fingers on her arm thoughtfully. "So once the links on this rosary are fused, he has been accepted as a candidate?"
"That pretty much sums it up, yeah," Ruby replied.
"And what happens if he breaks all of them and reaches that final seal?"
There was silence, but slowly, smiles started forming on the faces around her.
"Then…for the first time we'll have a legitimate Fourth."
.
V^^^V
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It was a mistake to believe that the emotionally draining experience of their meeting could be repeated so soon afterwards. The day passed with Tsukune knowing nothing of their conversation and them knowing nothing of his, a bad combination by any account. The thought of him being tested changed nothing in their minds, for they knew they couldn't do anything about it now that it had been put in place. They were all powerful in their own right; having proof beyond challenge was something they were all looking forward to.
Procrastination proved to be their undoing evil. They all thought there would be time, so it came to be that Tsukune wasn't told of the reason for Moka's intruder until after the last day of exams had been completed. She waited patiently for his response, not knowing what to expect, and when it came her spine chilled. He didn't pale, he didn't seem shocked, the only thing that happened was his jaw tightened, defined itself from under his skin while his brow furrowed in determination. She could almost see the fear in his eyes, knew it was because he understood what they would have to eventually face. When he gazed into her own she saw something different, a resolve in the form of their faces reflecting in his pupils. It was then she knew they hadn't been the only ones hiding something.
Taking a deep breath, he confirmed it with his own mouth. "I knew you would tell me when you were ready. I'm not actually that surprised; well, I know I shouldn't be after knowing all the things I do about vampires. Now I know I have to do what I've been planning to."
She could have sworn she heard the blood drain from their friends' faces, including her own. "W-What do you mean, Tsukune?"
He smiled that same, carefree smile that had endeared her to him. "I told you I would get stronger. I need to be able to protect you, all of you," he said, gesturing to the group behind her. "I have a familiar now and I hardly know her, I'm a vampire now and I hardly know myself. For whatever reason my rosary still allows me to use these borrowed powers, but that's not as important as knowing the person they came from. Every one of you has helped me so much ever since I came here, now I need to be ready to help you. The headmaster thought it would be a good idea for me to go to Paradise over break to get to know Rei-chan and my new abilities. I'm spending the first month there. Alone."
Kurumu wasn't being fooled. "You mean he forced you into it, didn't he?"
Tsukune scratched his neck as he chuckled. "At first, I'll admit. When that other vampire came, I knew I needed it. If there's one place I'll get stronger, it'll be there."
"And he shall be under my watch; there is no reason for fear," Rei spoke up as she walked to his side.
Out of all of them, Kokoa surprised everyone by being the most supportive. "I think it's great. A familiar can be a big help, but only if they trust you. Taking the time to get to know her in her own environment will only help you both in the long run."
"B-But he'll be gone ~desu!" Yukari wailed like it was the end of the world.
"You can only get so far under a teacher. Sometimes you have to make what you've been taught your own. Isn't that right?"
It took a while for him to recover his tongue from the unexpected assistance. "My thoughts exactly. Besides, there'll still be some vacation time left when I get back."
"But what'll you eat, how'll you live?!" Kurumu ranted.
He flashed them his fangs. "The same way vampires have always lived. That's the point."
All at once something returned to her, something she had never quite understood that was said by the headmaster when Rei came into the picture.
'Ah, but what if my goal is the same as yours?'
Just how far ahead has he planned? It was insane, but in almost every other way it was absolutely perfect. Paradise was a realm filled with the rare and unknown, there was no telling what could happen if he was forced to live there for an extended period of time. This in mind, she gave him a loving smile. "I don't like it but it does make sense. We've known you for a long time, maybe we should let the newbie get to know what made us all fall in love with you."
Moka looked conflicted, for varying reasons, but it was her inner self that offered the truth she needed. …He's right. As much as I loathe to admit it, he's right. Alexander is still recovering, making any further attempts on us unlikely for the moment. It would be assumed he's taken us somewhere, seeing as how we were supposed to be his 'gift.' If Tsukune's going to do this, this is the time.
Sometimes I hate it when you're right, she replied, and the white-haired vampiress smiled sadly.
Sometimes, I hate it when I'm right.
"I guess it's for the best," she decided outwardly. "It's not like we should have been able to go to the human world until after graduation in the first place. We'd be stuck somewhere, here's as good a place as any. It'll be lonely without you."
He swallowed hard, looking over each of them in turn. "You're telling me. I wouldn't do this if I wasn't sure I needed to."
"But you don't need to ~desu!" Yukari cried as she clasped to his front. "You can stay with us, like you always have!"
He stroked her short hair comfortingly. "All of us have a place we need to be. I've never relied only on myself, I've had all of you every step of the way. Even doing this, I'll still have Rei-chan right by me. If we're going to fight together, we need to know each other; and if I want to get any stronger, I need to know myself. This is something you can't help me with. I need to do this on my own."
She sniffled. "Darn you, getting all smart on me all of a sudden ~d-desu…"
At that he laughed. "We'll see about that when they post the scores from the exams. You'll have me beat in that every time."
His joke cajoled laughter from her as well, when with one final squeeze she let him go. "You had better know what you're doing."
"I ask myself that question every day," he responded with a smile. "I'm leaving as soon as I can, if I don't I might talk myself out of it. I've had way too much time to do that already."
"You know I could always freeze you and keep you from doing this, right?" a soft voice said from his side as a hand placed itself on his shoulder. He just kept smiling as he placed his own on top of it, allowing the cold to overtake his skin. She gasped lightly when her hand was being held by one so like hers, and unwittingly tightened her hold. "That's just making me want to keep you more."
"If that vampire's going to think I'm Tsukune the Snowman, might as well make something of it."
Not for the first time were the others shocked into speechlessness. Having never seen the transformation firsthand, they finally began to realize what Mizore really meant when she said he was remembering their powers. At least it gave them a bit more peace of mind. Returning to normal, he hugged each of them tightly, which, unsurprisingly, they were hardly satisfied with and wrangled him into one breathless kiss after another. All except Kokoa and Yukari, naturally. He gave Kokoa a grin that made her stutter and look away quickly, and to Yukari another kiss on the cheek.
"Stay safe, I'll be back before you know it."
Taking Rei's hand, the two walked away, leaving a group ruled by silence behind them.
"I don't know about all of you, but I'm not going to let him be the only one getting stronger!" Kurumu proclaimed firmly when he was out of sight. "He's got the right idea; he knows we're probably going to be fighting more vampires now! Instead of focusing on what we can't change, he's focusing on what he can! We've got the time now, let's do something with it! We've never let any of us fight alone if we can help it, so let's help it!"
She received nothing but agreement.
"We can have sleepovers ~desu! A one month training camp!"
Inner Moka looked on approvingly, smiling down the path Tsukune had taken. Even when he's gone, he's still an inspiration. We may be sealed, Omote, but maybe it's time you learn how to do more than just run scared.
Her other self groaned. What have I told you about calling me that, Ura-chan?! Still, you might be right. You're the fighter though, not me. I don't have your strength, I can't fight like you.
Then I'll just have to teach you where to hit. You may not be able to fight like me, but that's no reason for you not to know how to fight before I'm released.
She groaned again. The first four weeks of their summer vacation had just been planned out, and she was sure she wasn't going to like them very much.
I heard that!
V^^^V
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Author's Notes: Thanks for reading! If you have any questions or just want to talk, send me a line. I wouldn't object to you filling in that review box either.
'Til next time!
Sabr