Rosario + Vampire "A Confession and a Vampire: Reboot"
Chapter 36 "Little Girl Lost"
(Epilogue to my Original 'Confession' and a Cross-over with this reboot.)
Based upon characters created by Akihisa Ikeda.
Original idea and story written by Gamera68.
Pairing: the real Moka Akashiya and Tsukune Aono
Rated K.
Alternate Reality, set after the events of the now-finished manga series.
Hurt/Comfort – Drama – Slice-of-Life
Moka and Tsukune are 19 years old.
A/N: Please read...
First off, I'd like to thank everyone who had supported me through my recent crisis (read the prior update for info) and I'd also like to apologize for not starting this chapter sooner. This will be a time-skip since I was unable to write the Valentine's and White Day chapters. It would now be the third week of March, so it will be one month before Tsukune and Moka's wedding, but will start in the 'alternate universe' of my original Confession!
So therefore, this chapter will be the long-awaited and much-requested "epilogue" chapter for my ORIGINAL Confession and a Vampire, which ended this past March. (2014)
This will basically be a "cross-over" between the "realities" of my two R+V fan-fics, since both stories are similar yet very different.
Please do not flame me for this chapter as it has been something I've been planning since chapter 20 "Engagement Party" and also hinted at in chapter 34 "New Year – New Beginnings".
The original character of Tamiko (Akasha) Aono is owned by me and cannot be used in any way, shape, or form! Thank you!
I'd also like to give a shout-out to Dominus Tenebrosu from Fan-Fiction for some help with the beginning of this chapter. Thank you for your assistance.
Beta by Jacoblee0463, Train48, and ColressLawliet from deviantArt. Thanks once more!
Now, on with chapter 36! Any and all feedback is more than welcome and appreciated!
...
Tuesday, March 23, 2021 – Yokai Academy – Headmaster's Office. Alternate dimension.
Armageddon.
Ragnarok.
The end of days.
Nobody knows who started the war between humans and yokai four years ago, but it had gotten out of hand. Several well-known yokai had given up their lives so that their families and loved ones could survive. But the humans had threatened the yokai with the most compelling weapon known to humankind: the Nullifier: a nuclear bomb powerful enough to rip the yokai realm from existence.
"Mommy! Please don't send me away! I'll be a good girl... I promise!" Tamiko begged, as tears streamed down her pink cheeks. The five year old daughter of Moka Aono was pulled into the Headmaster's office by her Aunt Ruby.
The elder witch had just begun the spell to open the portal. A portal to an alternate world and dimension, similar to their own, but very different. A world that was free of oppression and warfare. A perfect world for Moka's only daughter to live a peaceful life with her "other mother" as she put it.
"I'm sorry sweetie... but this is what your daddy... wanted," Moka explained with a hint of sadness in her voice as she followed Tamiko. She knelt down, pulled her only daughter into her arms, and hugged her for all she was worth.
"But mommy... I don't want to go... please!" the little vampire pleaded as she returned the last hug she would ever receive from her birth mother. It would not be easy for Tamiko but she would have no other option, that is if she wanted to survive.
"Ruby, please open the portal before it's too late," Moka asked as she released Tamiko and led her over to Ruby's side. Ruby then spoke the remainder of the magical incantation and waved her staff at the swirling vortex that floated before herself.
Moka had to stay strong and not show any signs of weakness or sadness, even though in her heart she had already lost all hope. Her own mate was torn from her life before her very eyes, just because he was once human and fought back his own people, in order to save his family.
"Of course Moka," Ruby replied, with tears in her own eyes.
"Be a good girl for your other mother. Remember that I will always love you sweetie," Moka said as Ruby gave Tamiko a gentle push towards the swirling portal. Her mother would accompany her but she decided remain behind to join her mate in the afterlife instead.
"I love you too mommy, and Aunt Ruby," Tamiko said as she grabbed her backpack and small suitcase that she had packed with most of her worldly possessions.
As soon as the miniature vampire was clear, Ruby closed it up behind her and then snapped her magical staff in two. Now her trip was one way, with no manner to ever return.
Sirens then blared off in the distance. Both yokai women knew that the end was upon them. They held hands as the weapon of mass destruction went off in a blinding flash of apocalyptic fury.
A moment later, a massive shock-wave of epic proportions obliterated everything in sight. Not only had the most powerful nuclear device ever created by humans wiped out the yokai realm but had also annihilated the earth. It would seem that the foolish humans had bitten off much more than they could chew and ended up destroying themselves as well.
Nothing remained except a void in space where their small, blue, planet once existed.
…
...
Monday, March 23, 2015 – Yokai Academy – Headmaster's Office. Our reality.
"Hello? Is anybody here?" Tamiko Aono said as she walked through the portal. She then looked behind herself and saw nothing but a wooden wall. Confused as to why she could not return to whence she came from, the five year old vampire wandered around and noticed that her surroundings looked familiar, but everything was on the opposite side of where it was before in her own world.
Tamiko noticed that the desk that was always near the window was in the center of the room where it had not been before. She then noticed that the walls were a shade of antique white instead of beige.
Ruby thought she heard a strange voice and wandered into the Headmaster's office to investigate. The witch knew that her boss had taken some personal time off before the start of the new school year and would not be back until the following week. So who could possibly be in his office then?
Ruby then looked around and saw a small girl who she had never seen before, standing before her with a bewildered look upon her tiny face. Upon closer examination of the chibi vampire, Ruby noticed that she looked somewhat familiar: like a miniature version of Moka Akashiya, minus the silver hair and red eyes of course. This little vampire's hair was jet black with bright eyes, emerald green in color.
…
Meanwhile back in Tsukune's hometown, the vampire couple were at a local park. They had decided to take advantage of the early, springtime weather and have the first picnic of the season. Hundreds of sakura in the area had just began to blossom. The pink-tinted cherry trees added to the serene, peaceful environment.
"Hey Moka..." Tsukune said as he laid his head on her lap.
"Yes, love?" she replied as she brushed a few strands of his always-messy hair out of his eyes.
"That was by far the best lunch ever," he said as he closed his eyes for a moment.
"Oh thank you, love. I'm so glad you enjoyed it" she answered, her cheeks tinted as pink as the surrounding sakura trees. A gentle breeze blew her long, auburn hair behind her back. Moka then leaned down and placed a soft kiss on his forehead.
Truthfully she wanted to do a lot more, but they weren't exactly alone. Even though it were a weekday, the park had quite a few couples and families there for the same reason: hanami. (cherry blossom viewing)
They were both quite content. Life had gotten somewhat easier in the past, few months without any drama. Moka had surprised her groom-to-be on Valentine's Day with a box of homemade chocolates. He was completely overwhelmed with happiness as he had never received chocolates before from any female, besides his cousin or mom.
On White Day a month later (just over a week ago), he had surprised Moka by taking her out to a fancy dinner at the top of Tokyo Tower. He had also given her the largest box of chocolates that money could buy as well as a pair of silver, hoop-shaped, earrings. She was quite astonished as well. Yes, life couldn't get any better than this, they mused.
And a month from now they would exchange their vows in a local church that they had reserved for their wedding day. Moka's good friend Ayumi Hamasaki had even volunteered to sing at their ceremony since the vampiress had appointed her the maid of honor. Yes, life was good for the vampire couple.
…
A few moments later, Tsukune's cell phone buzzed loudly and brought him out of his peaceful moment. He reached into his pants pocket and retrieved the offending device. He glanced at the caller ID screen and saw who it was. He then flipped it opened since he decided that it might have something to do with the upcoming wedding because Ruby was invited as well.
"Hello?" Tsukune asked.
"Tsukune! Thank goodness you answered!" Ruby said in a mild panic.
"Uh yeah. What's up Ruby?" he replied with a sweat-drop. He half-hoped that everything was alright since she seemed to be more excited than usual whenever she spoke with him.
"How soon can you and Moka come to the Academy?"
"What? What's going on Ruby?" Tsukune asked as he quickly sat up.
"Something big is up. I can't explain it over the phone, but you'll have to see this for yourself," Ruby said as she calmed down to a small degree. No sense in her causing him any unnecessary anxiety, right?
"We'll have to call Moka's father and have him send a car, but I guess we can be there sometime this afternoon. Would that be alright?" he asked.
"Sure thing Tsukune, but please hurry. It's quite urgent that you two get here as soon as you can. Please do your best, okay? Oh and be sure that you two come as your other selves, if you get my meaning," the elder witch requested.
"Okay Ruby. We'll be there as soon as we can."
"Thanks Tsukune. I'll see the both of you soon, then. Bye."
"No problem Ruby. See you then. Bye."
Tsukune then shut his cell phone closed and then handed it to Moka.
Without saying a word she opened it up, punched in a series of numbers, and waited for the other side to answer since she head her mate's side of the conversation. A moment later, it was answered by none other than her father, Lord Issa Shuzen.
"Hello father, it's me. Can you send a car for us? It's rather important. We were summoned to Yokai Academy by the Headmaster's assistant, Ruby."
"Of course, my daughter. Where are you right now?" Issa asked with fatherly concern, caught off guard by the sudden favor. He would never say no to his little girl even though she was nearly an adult and had a life of her own to live.
"We're at Kenrokuen Garden, not too far from Tsukune's home," she answered calmly.
"Alright. I'll send a chauffeured car immediately. The driver should be there in approximately fifteen minutes or so."
"Thank you for your help, father," Moka answered with a sigh of relief.
"You're quite welcome my daughter. Be sure to remember the Academy's rules while on campus," he said.
"Of course, father. Bye for now."
"Goodbye daughter. Take care."
With that, Moka closed the cell phone and returned it to Tsukune who then shoved it into one of his many pants pockets. They then both sat up and assisted one another to pack their picnic supplies back into the wicker basket Kasumi had loaned them.
"So Tsukune, what else did Ruby say besides that she wanted to see us?" Moka asked as they folded the soft, blue blanket in half, then in half again,
"She was being vague... so not much, really. All she said is that is was really important and that she couldn't say anything else over the phone," he said with a sigh. Why wasn't their life normal? Would it ever be normal? And why was Ruby being so secretive? All of these questions and thoughts had caused both teens to be rather tense.
Once everything from their picnic was packed, they walked hand in hand to the entrance of the park. A minute later, a black sedan pulled up to the side of the road. The chauffeur then rolled down the driver's side window and waved the couple over to the car. He then popped open the trunk via a switch so Tsukune could place the picnic basket and blanket in the rear compartment of the vehicle until they returned home later on.
After Tsukune closed the trunk, he opened the door for Moka and motioned for her to enter the back seat of the Limo first. After she slid over, he climbed in then shut the door closed behind himself. The driver placed the gears in drive then made a u-turn and headed towards the closest inter-dimensional tunnel that connected the human world to the yokai realm.
Once Moka and her mate were comfortably seated, she reached over to the intercom, pressed a small, white button, and spoke:
"Driver, please get us to the Academy as soon as possible," she politely requested.
"Yes, Miss Moka. We shall be there very soon," he replied as the car entered the dark tunnel. A moment later, the black car was surrounded by swirling, multicolor streaks of light.
Tsukune then reached over to his right wrist and gave is Rosary a sharp pull. A golden-colored light engulfed him as he released his vampire side. Moka mimicked him and took off the silver ring on her right ring finger. Pink light signaled her instant metamorphosis. Her silver hair and red eyes mirrored those of her fiance's.
"I hope everything is alright love."
"Me too Moka. I really have no idea what's going on either."
"Well, we shall find out soon enough I suppose," Moka said as she reached over and held Tsukune's hand and gave it a gentle, loving squeeze.
"Miss Moka, we have arrived at Yokai Academy," the driver announced over the speaker. He drove past the red ocean that was near the bus stop and proceeded in the direction of the school itself. Tsukune smiled when they drove near the spot he first met Moka, or rather when she ran him over with her pink bicycle on the very first day of their freshman year.
The driver drove around toward the rear of the building so the couple would not have to walk through the entire school and take the short way around instead.
…
While the vampire couple made their way to the Headmaster's office to meet up with their friend Ruby, the witch re-read the letter that was addressed to her that Tamiko had given her.
She finally understood what happened and that the little girl had come from not only an alternate dimension but time-line as well. It was rather difficult to apprehend at first but Ruby's heart went out to Tamiko Aono who was now an orphan, with no parents nor home to return to. Ruby knew what had to be done.
She silently hoped that Moka and Tsukune would be able to grasp the imperative nature of her abrupt phone call. Strange events were not uncommon in the yokai world but this one in particular took the proverbial cake! The premise alone sounded like the ridiculous plot to one of several fantasy-based mangas.
*Knock * knock * knock *
"Oh thank kami!" Ruby yelled, which startled Tamiko somewhat. She then bowed for forgiveness. Tamiko smiled at her then giggled. Ruby had to admit, the "other" Moka's daughter was very cute and quite loveable.
Despite what Tamiko had just gone through, her attitude remained mostly positive.
The little vampire girl was quite mature for her young age it would seem. Ruby had also asked for her to to stay in the Headmaster's office which was directly behind her own, until the time was alright for her meet the other Moka and Tsukune.
Ruby momentarily excused herself from her visitor to greet her friends. She had to approach the subject matter delicately, less they both believe that she went insane. The story was quite astounding, truth be told.
"Tsukune! Moka! Thank kami! I'm so glad that you could make it here on such short notice!" Ruby exclaimed as she gave the couple a quick hug. They returned the embrace which only lasted for a few moments. They both muttered a quick 'thank you'.
The vampires looked at each other and wordlessly wondered what was going on exactly. Ruby motioned for them to have a seat while she gathered her thoughts together. While Moka and Tsukune sat on the black, leather sofa, Ruby nervously paced back and forth and chewed on her bottom lip.
This went on for several, awkward minutes until Moka decided to say something. Ruby nearly wore a rut in the carpeting, for crying out loud!
"Ruby? Why have you asked us to come here as soon as possible? Is something the matter?" she asked as she put a small bit of authority behind her voice. She was happy to see her friend who had finally accepted her engagement to Tsukune, but was somewhat concerned that Ruby had not uttered a single word besides when she said hello.
Startled by the sudden question, Ruby stopped pacing and looked at her friends with tears in the corners of her eyes. She had to tell them, but how to go about it exactly?
"Well, yes. Sort of..." Ruby replied.
"Whatever it is, we'll listen Ruby. We're all friends, right?" Tsukune asked with a warm smile that eased the elder witch's racing heart. He always knew what to say, didn't he? No wonder Ruby had fallen for him. He was far too sweet for his own good, most of the time. But Ruby respected his relationship with Moka and had finally accepted their union a few months ago.
"Well, see it's like this... what do you think about the existence of alternate worlds? What if there was another Earth, like ours, but somewhat different, where certain events happened or turned out in another way?" Ruby asked with a weak smile.
Moka quirked a silver eyebrow and speculated where all of this had came from? Another Earth? But different? How different though? Ruby had to be joking, right? This was not science fiction; this was reality. Where was her friend going with all of this and to top it off, where had this ridiculous notion come from in the first place?
"Well Ruby, it might be possible but somewhat hard to believe. What do you think, Tsukune?" she asked as she held his hand and gave it a light squeeze.
"Well, uh, I guess it's possible... maybe," he answered with slight uneasiness.
"I see. Maybe it's just best if I show you then," Ruby said as she handed an envelope to Moka so she could see what happened for herself.
Moka opened up the manila envelope and then removed the letter so she could read it. She took her time and then re-read it to make certain what she read was in fact real. Her mouth shout open in disbelief when she discovered who had written and signed it in her handwriting in the first place. What the hell had happened? This had to be some sort of mistake. There was no way what she had read was the truth, was it? It sounded rather impossible, but there was the letter, in Moka's own words more or less!
Moka then handed it to Tsukune so he could see for himself why her emotions had taken a negative turn so suddenly.
"What the hell?" he interjected a few minutes later once he had gone over the letter himself.
"I know it sounds impossible, but it's true. The other you and Moka had a daughter... but the time frame is different and that world no longer exists," Ruby explained with sadness in her voice. She choked back another sob as she thought about Tamiko, who sat patiently in the office behind her own.
"Where is she?" Moka asked as she quickly stood up.
"She's in the Headmaster's office," Ruby said, taken aback by her friend's sudden change in demeanor.
"Could we meet her, please?" Moka asked in a concerned, maternal tone.
"Of course Moka. I'll go get her," Ruby said as she dashed off to retrieve the little vampire.
"Thank you Ruby," she said as she sat sown next to her mate once again.
…
"It would not hurt to meet her Tsukune. She does not have a family or a home to return to. That's why the other me had sent her here. This is something we have to do, love," Moka said as she leaned against him and placed a soft kiss on his lips.
"I knew you'd say that and you're right, Moka. We can't just just leave her alone."
"Thank you Tsukune. I hope that she likes us and can accept us as her new family," Moka said with a hint of trepidation and hesitation. That's what her "other" self had asked. It was a lot to take in, but Moka knew something had to be done.
"It's not a problem Moka. I feel the same way that you do, and what's not to like? We're both perfectly loveable and I know that you wanted to have a child but not this way... um... what I meant was – uh – you know... about your prayer... but not like this," Tsukune sputtered out but was interrupted by Ruby's reappearance.
The elder witch held the hand of a small girl, five years of age dressed in a white, short-sleeved blouse and a pink, knee-length skirt. Her socks and shoes matched as well. Tamiko's long, dark brown, nearly-black hair was held in place as twin-tails (how Kokoa has her hair styled) with pink ribbons.
"Oh my gosh... she's so cute," Moka said once she got a good glimpse of the small child. Tamiko hid behind Ruby when she saw her "other" mother. Tamiko noticed a second later that she looked so much like her own mother, except this Moka had all silver hair and red eyes. Her birth mother had long, pink hair with two, three inch-wide streaks of silver in the front, along with honey-amber eyes.
Tamiko never saw her mother before her two halves had merged, before she was born. She had only seen one photo of her when she was in high school.
"Moka, Tsukune, please allow me to introduce you. This is Tamiko Akasha Aono. Tamiko, this is Tsukune Aono and Moka Akashiya."
"It's very nice to meet you" Tamiko said with a curtsey. Moka blushed bright red. She had to admit, Tamiko reminded her so much of herself when she was that age: so smart, soft spoken, and very polite.
Moka and Tsukune stood up and bowed towards her. Once they heard her full name, they then both realized that she was named after Tsukune's grandmother and Moka's mother as well. What were the odds of that?
"The pleasure is all ours" Tsukune added once they stood up in unison.
As soon as the proper introductions were out of the way, Moka and Tsukune sat down on the sofa once again. Ruby and Tamiko joined the pair as they had so many questions for the little vampire girl but were unsure of how to phrase them so that she would not get upset. That's the last thing they wanted.
"So, Tamiko... how old are you?" Tsukune asked.
"I'm five and a half but I'll be six on June twenty-ninth."
"Are you in school yet?" Moka inquired.
"Yes, I'm in my first year of primary school," she replied.
"Do you like being in school?" Ruby asked.
"Yes. I always do my best to get good grades and mommy said she was proud of me," Tamiko answered as she held back her emotions for a moment then began to sob softly.
"Oh sweetie, I'm so sorry – I wasn't thinking and didn't mean to ask too much," Ruby lamented. Sometimes she said things without reasoning and had caused Tamiko to remember her mother, whom she had just lost not too long ago.
Moka held out for a few seconds before she shed tears, herself. She sat up and walked over to Tamiko's side. She then knelt down and surprised the little girl whom she had just met a few moments ago and then pulled her into a warm hug.
Tamiko was stunned at the sudden, affectionate, gesture but went along with it. She hugged Moka as hard as her tiny arms allowed her to. She felt so alone but at the same moment, something warm and familiar. Moka even had the same, calming scent as her own mother.
Tsukune knew through their blood-bond that Moka had taken an instant liking to the little vampire and wanted to form a bond of sorts with her. He also realized that Moka's prayer had been answered, but not in the way either one had ever expected.
"Mommy! Mommy! Please! Don't leave me! Mommy!" Tamiko wailed as she broke down and cried profusely. Moka held her lovingly and began to hum an un-named tune for the poor girl who had lost everyone precious to her. Several tear-stained minutes later, both Tamiko and Moka's crying spell eventually ceased. Moka then opened her red purse and found a tissue which she handed to Tamiko. She then helped Tamiko to wipe her face and blow her nose.
"It's okay sweetie... I know that we could never replace your parents, but if you'll have us, I promise you – that we'll do whatever we can to raise you – to raise you as our own," Moka said as she did her best to regain her composure. It was not easy for Moka to admit as much but she knew it was the proper thing to do and take responsibility.
"Does that mean that you're going to be – my new... mommy?" Tamiko quietly asked with a sniffle.
"As long as it's alright with you and my mate has no objection, then I guess that would be acceptable," Moka said with a warm smile. She wanted to be sure that this was what Tamiko desired. Besides, she felt a very strong connection with the young girl, the longer she held onto her. Moka never felt that way about anyone, especially on such short notice.
It was a very unique but warm emotion, Moka noticed. She recalled the feeling of confusion and isolation when she was separated from her own mother when she was only ten years old. Maybe that was the link she felt that she shared with Tamiko. They had both lost their mothers at a young age, hence the instant closeness she felt with her so suddenly.
Right away Moka knew that taking care and raising her was the right thing to do. But how would the rest of her extended family take the unforeseen news to her and Tsukune "adopting" Tamiko, who just so happened to come from an alternate dimension?
"Really?" Tamiko asked with a smile, once she briefly thought over what Moka had asked her.
"Yes, Tamiko. Really," Tsukune said as he joined Moka by her side.
"Thank you very much," Tamiko said with another tear in her emerald green eyes. She then gave both of her new "parents" a warm hug. Tsukune knew that it had to be done. He also realized what Moka went through when she was a child and could not allow the same fate to befall Tamiko. It was not fair to any child to experience such an enormous loss at that age.
"You're welcome sweetie. Are you ready to come home with us and meet your grandparents?" Moka asked with a warm smile as she and Tsukune both stood up.
"Grandparents? Yes. I would like that very much," Tamiko said as she reached up and held Moka's hand out of habit. Well Moka would be her new mother so to speak; it did not matter much and Moka did not say a word about it.
"Oh... before we head home, may I use the phone Ruby? I'd like to tell my folks we'll be having Tamiko stay with us." Since cell phones did not work behind the great barrier he would have to use a land line instead.
"Of course Tsukune. You can use the one on my desk," Ruby answered. He then walked over to her desk and picked up the receiver then dialed the number. Moka and Tamiko sat on the sofa while they waited for Tsukune to finish his phone-call.
Ruby was relieved that the meeting between the vampires had gone along smoothly and that the couple had accepted Tamiko as a member of their family, as it were. Quite honestly she was amazed that Moka and Tsukune took the wonderful news so suddenly, no matter how strange it was. But Tsukune was always that way – coming to the rescue of those who needed help the most.
Moka on the other hand had changed and matured quite a great deal over the past year and a half since her true self was released from her Rosary. Tsukune was the one who had helped her to do some growing up as well. Ruby was quite proud of them.
Tsukune hung up the phone and walked back over to where Moka and Tamiko sat.
"Tsukune? What's wrong? Did mom not take the news well?" Moka asked with a sweat-drop.
"No. She fainted when I told her what happened. Luckily dad was home and picked her up off the floor. He understood everything and said he would fix up your old bedroom for Tamiko," he said with a heavy sigh as he pinched his eyes shut in moderate frustration.
Yes, life was going to be a lot more interesting, that much the male vampire was convinced of.
"I see. I kind of figured she would. Well, let's head home then, shall we?" Moka said as she stood up.
"Oh just so you know guys, I went over her school transfer papers. She's already in the system to attend any primary school of your choosing. Just call me next week and I'll make the proper arrangement for her enrollment," Ruby said.
It was amazing how much "pull" Ruby had when it came to that sort of thing!
"Ah... thanks, Ruby. That means a lot to us and saves us the trouble," Tsukune said as he rubbed the back of his neck out of nervous habit. He was quite thankful that she had taken the initiative and had Tamiko ready to attend school in a few weeks, towards the beginning of April. After all, a proper education was necessary for a growing child.
As the vampires bid farewell to Ruby they thanked her for calling them and notifying them of Tamiko's predicament so quickly. They promised they would see her next month at their wedding, of course.
"You be a good girl for Moka and Tsukune, okay?" Ruby said as she gave Tamiko a goodbye hug. Tamiko returned the embrace and gave Ruby a kiss on her cheek.
"I'll be good Aunt Ruby, I promise" she said with a smile that warmed the witch's heart.
"Oh my goodness! You are just too cute!" Ruby said with a blush as she waved to the trio as they left her office.
…
The ride home was rather quiet. Tamiko cuddled up to Moka and dozed off to sleep since she had a rather hectic, and somewhat stress-filled day. The elder vampiress held the small child close and wanted to do her best to make sure that her transition into their world would go without incident. At least Tsukune's parents would make her feel loved and welcomed in their home. Besides, she was so small and did not take up much room.
Thirty minutes later, the long, black Limousine pulled up to the Aono residence. Kasumi and Koji waited outside. When they saw the sedan pull up to the house, they walked over to the side of the road so that they could greet their new granddaughter in a proper fashion. They were both excited and yet nervous at the same time.
The Aonos had reason to be. It was something they did not expect since Moka was barren and unable to have a child of her own. The possibility of adoption never came up in conversations as well.
Even though the circumstances of Tamiko's sudden arrival were rather gloomy, it was also a blessing in disguise. Moka now had a daughter and Tamiko had a new mother. It was a win-win situation for the both of them but it would take some time to get used to. No use rushing into it, right?
As the chauffeur placed the gears of the Limo in neutral, Tsukune opened the passenger-side door and exited the car first. Koji and Kasumi greeted the couple. His father helped him to remove Tamiko's suitcase and backpack while Tsukune picked up the picnic basket and blanket. Moka stepped out of the car and carried Tamiko since she was still fast asleep.
"Oh my goodness! She's so cute!" Kasumi exclaimed as they walked up to the house. Tamiko squirmed in Moka's arms, opened her emerald green eyes, and then yawned. She was not sure where she was until she saw the familiar-looking house that was painted blue and not beige like it had in been her world.
...
"M-mm... grandma?" the chibi vampire asked followed by another yawn.
"Wah! She called me grandma! How sweet!" Kasumi commented as her eyes sparkled with keen interest as she gazed upon the small girl who Moka held in her arms.
"Yes sweetie, this is Kasumi and Koji Aono, your grandparents," Moka explained as they walked through the front door. After they had removed their shoes, everyone walked into the living-room so the introductions could be made in a proper, orderly fashion. Tsukune volunteered to carry his new daughter's belongings up to her room and be sure that it was ready for her.
When he arrived in her new bedroom, (Moka's former room) he was surprised how feminine it looked. Pink curtains covered the window with matching comforter, sheets, and pillows on the bed. All of Moka's stuffed animals remained on the bed itself so Tamiko would not be alone when she went to sleep.
That's what Moka had told Tsukune on the way home and saw no issues in giving her plush toys to Tamiko to play with since she had not brought any of her own. It was the right thing to do, anyway.
When Tsukune came downstairs he wandered into the living-room to see what everybody was up to. He saw that his mother had grown quite attached to Tamiko rather quickly and hugged her rather firmly and refused to let her go, anytime soon.
"I can't help it, she's too cute!" Kasumi said as Moka gave her a strange look. Even though Moka and her son had come home with their powers unsealed, it did not deter Kasumi from spoiling the chibi vampire.
"Ah... Grandma smells so good," Tamiko said as she nuzzled up to Kasumi and hugged her neck. Moka knew what she was doing and decided to interject before she bit Kasumi.
"Alright young lady, if you would like some blood, we have transfusion packs in the refrigerator."
"May I please have some tomato juice instead? I don't like blood too much, yet," Tamiko replied as she unraveled herself from her grandmother with her cheeks tinted pink. It was true though - Kasumi's sweet scent had caused her vampire instincts to kick in.
"Oh, it's okay sweetie. We're having dinner in a few minutes so I will pour you a glass then. Is that alright?" Kasumi asked as she saw that Tamiko had an internal conflict of sorts. Even though she was a vampire, did she not need blood as well? Maybe she was too young, Kasumi mused.
"Yes, grandma. Thank you" she answered with a bow.
"Oh my goodness... she is so polite too!" Kasumi said as she ran into the kitchen to check on dinner.
"So Tamiko, are you getting along well with your new mommy and daddy so far?" Koji asked in a teasing tone.
"Yes grandpa. I like them a lot" she said with another blush.
"I see. Well I know it hasn't been easy for you but just give it some time. If you ever need to talk about anything, you can always come to me or your grandma, okay?" Koji said with a warm smile.
"Okay. Thank you grandpa," she answered with a small smile of her own. Tsukune noticed that his dad was doing his best to make sure that Tamiko felt welcomed and he somehow knew that it would work out but would take some time for her to readjust. He was rather grateful that his folks opened up their hearts and home to the orphan right away. That's how they were when they had met the real Moka for the first time as well.
"Alright everyone, dinner's ready" Kasumi announced as she attempted to gain their attention. With that, Moka walked Tamiko into the dining-room with Tsukune and Koji hot on her heels.
…
Dinner went along without a hitch. Kasumi prepared a traditional Japanese dinner which consisted of steamed, white rice, Miso soup, shrimp tempura and tonkatsu. (pork cutlets) For dessert she served cherry blossom cake since it was the first week of spring.
To everyone's surprise, Tamiko cleaned her plate. She even offered to help her grandmother to clear the table. Kasumi told her that it was alright but thanked her for the generous offer.
Moka led Tamiko into the living-room so she could have a chat with her before bedtime. Tsukune sat in silence as he just observed the conversation.
"So Tamiko... how are you doing? Are you feeling a little better now?" Moka asked with loving concern.
"Um... okay I guess," she softly answered as she stared at the carpeted floor below. Everything was so strange to her yet somewhat familiar.
"I know that this is all new for you sweetie, but you don't have to be afraid. We're going to take very good care of you. If anything is ever bothering you or if you have anything you want to say, you don't have to hold it in, okay?" Moka said with a warm smile.
"Um okay... um... if it's alright... can I call you... can I call you... mommy?" she said with a sniffle as her shoulders shook. Why did this have to happen to her? Why? She knew that the woman before her was not her real mother but she felt so close to her for some odd reason or other. Maybe both Mokas were not all that different, after-all.
"Yes sweetie. If that is what you want... then I'd be more than happy if you called me mommy," Moka said as she swiftly pulled her into her soft, abundant, bosom and held her "daughter" for all she was worth. Moka shared the poor girl's pain and wanted to make it go away but knew that it would take some time for all of of them to adjust.
Tsukune could tell by Moka's selfless act of love and compassion that she would make a wonderful mother for the orphaned girl. He could feel Moka's emotions through their ever-growing bond.
It would be a very interesting first night, that much Moka and Tsukune were certain of.
...
...
Author's Note: Please read...
Wow. I know this chapter is rather short but I packed as much drama and emotion into it as I could. It was not easy to do what I did in this chapter but like I said at the beginning, I had planned this all out since chapter 20 since Moka in this "reboot" was unable to have a child of her own – so this is the solution I came up with. I worked on this on and off for about 5 days.
Please don't hate me for what I did (Taking Tamiko from my original Confession and putting her here) but what's been done is done. Tamiko does not have a home to return to so she will be "adopted" in a sense by Moka and Tsukune in this story.
Any and all feedback is more than welcome as long as it has something to do with this chapter or fan-fiction in general.
I do need some good ideas for the next chapter. Maybe a day out with Moka and Tamiko? Shopping maybe? Or an amusement park with the family?
Any good ideas (actual chapter outlines) are welcome. Please leave your ideas in the comments below and I'll get back to as soon as I can. Thank you for reading!