Disclaimer: I do not own any part of Rosario Vampire. I am merely twisting the creator's vision into my own dream. If the supernatural, sexuality, or violence is offensive to you, then you should not read this.
Chapter 65
Kurumu was in a good mood. She had her home in order and had enjoyed a restful day at home. Ageha had promised her daughter that she would take off of work early so they could spend some time together. Kurumu made some plans for a later dinner, and had just started to prepare the ingredients when her mother came home.
"Hurry Kurumu," Ageha said, breathing hard as if she had been running. "We don't have much time."
"Mother?" Kurumu was surprised. "What..."
"I said hurry," Ageha cut her off, rushing into the kitchen she grabbed her daughter by the hand. "We need to get you ready right away." She dragged her daughter to her room.
"I just hope you have something to wear," She let go of Kurumu's hand and waded into her daughter's walk-in closet.
"Mother?" Kurumu questioned, feeling confused and nervous. "What is going on?"
"Honey," Ageha answered as she pulled clothing off of hangers to consider them, before tossing them aside and moving on to the next item. "You are coming with me to work. Somebody is coming to meet you. I only have an hour to get you ready."
"Mother?" Kurumu watched the woman tossing expensive clothing around. "What are you talking about?"
"This will work," Ageha finally emerged from the closet with a complete outfit, including shoes. "As soon as you're dressed I'll do your makeup."
"No, mother," Kurumu said in a calm, firm voice.
Ageha froze. She knew her daughter could be willful, but she was shocked by the confidence in her voice just then. She looked at her daughter in surprise.
"I can dress myself, mother," Kurumu said. "And I can do my own makeup. But I am not going to do ether until you tell me what is going on."
"Kurumu..." Ageha saw that her daughter was not going to be pushed just because her mother told her to. "Alright. I'll explain while you wash up."
Kurumu raised an eyebrow, but didn't argue. She stripped down and headed for the bath room. As she did, her mother followed, talking quickly.
"A messenger arrived at the club where I work," Ageha explained. "She told me that Dark Lady Larshimia was coming to see you."
"Who?" Kurumu questioned.
"There are many things you have yet to learn," Ageha said. "I always thought that there would be time later." She blew out a frustrated sigh. "In our world, there are many, many types of youkai. Most of them are just local spirits, born by the buildup of emotional or psychic energy for one reason or another. Another large portion of us come from human ancestors that had become so consumed by an idea or a feeling, or something that they were transformed. A very select few monsters in the world come from an ancient time, before humans."
"These ancient monsters sometimes breed with humans," Ageha continued. "But what ever kind of monster, spirit, or youkai it starts out as, if it is smart enough, strong enough, vicious enough, sneaky enough, or some combination of these, if it last long enough, it can become something very powerful. Most of us don't survive that long. And even if we do, we don't want the kind of trouble that comes from standing out. But out of all of us, there are a few that decide to establish themselves as something more then just another monster."
"These special few become leaders. Your school was founded by 'The Three Dark Lords.' Three men who have the strength and power to claim titles for themselves, to hold on to their titles, and to enforce their will within their chosen domains. Do you understand?" Ageha paused her explanation to make sure her daughter was keeping up.
"I think so," Kurumu answered, rinsing off.
"Because these individuals are..." Ageha tried to explain. "Because of who and what they are, they are always shown respect, even if nobody likes them. Even if every living thing loathes their existence, they are respected. This is because to show disrespect is to draw their anger, and their anger can bring death, or worse. And one of these beings is coming to my club in less then an hour to meet you." Ageha's emotions were clear in her eyes. "Now do you understand why you need to hurry?"
Kurumu was not sure if she should be worried or not, but she did hurry. She chose out her own outfit however, rejecting the slinky, shimmering even gown her mother had selected. Kurumu picked an outfit that she felt would be respectable, but at the same time would not turn her into a decoration. Red, polished, low-heeled shoes were the foundation of her outfit. Nude color stockings encased her legs. Her layered green skirt covered her thighs. The matching blouse was backless with a high collar and off the shoulder sleeves. Around her waist was a wide belt that matched her shoes. She had enough cleavage showing to hint at what was hidden within her snug fitting top. To her face, Kurumu applied carefully blended layers of makeup to accent her looks, without making her face look painted on.
Ageha watched her daughter making herself ready, only sparing a brief moment to fix herself up a little more. She did voice her opinions on Kurumu's choices, usually disproving of them. Her daughter would look so much better, Ageha thought, if she would just dress a little more sexy. She guessed that her daughter's modesty was due to her lack of experience.
"Just what is that boy waiting for?" Ageha muttered to herself
Kurumu checked her appearance once more in the mirror. Her clothes were clean, tasteful, and would not limit her movement. She wasn't flashy with her outfit, demanding attention. With a nod of satisfaction, Kurumu turned to her mother.
"Alright," Kurumu said with a note of confidence that was in contrast to the nervousness that she felt. "I'm ready."
XXXXXXXXXX
Kurumu found the club to be much as she remembered it from her previous visits. While normally it would be against the rules for someone her age to enter a hostess club, she was given special consideration for being Ageha's daughter. The club was decorated with crushed red velvet, polished brass work, and mirrors. The doormen, bar tenders, and bus staff all smiled warmly at the arriving succubi. Even the other hostesses were friendly and welcoming.
The only thing that appeared out of place was a woman dressed in red silk. A long dress, head scarf, and shoulder wrap in different shades of red made the woman look like she was on fire, the flames flickering with her every movement. The woman stood near the bar giving directions that kept the bus staff and the bartenders hopping.
Ageha had explained that the Dark Lady's messenger would be there. In addition to bringing advanced notice of her mistress' arrival, it was the messenger's duty to have things arranged to the Dark Lady's liking. Unless the messenger approached Kurumu, then she should just stay out of the woman's way and let her be about her business.
Kurumu didn't want her nervousness showing. She tried to act calm, remembering the times she had visited the club in the past. She saw that the bartenders were busy, so Kurumu let herself behind the bar. She mixed up her favorite drink. In a tall glass she poured in a triple shot of cherry grenadine over ice and added coke from the fountain. She used a pair of tongs to add a pair of cherries. Adding a straw, Kurumu set her drink aside, setting herself to the task of mixing a cocktail for her mother.
Ageha settled into a quiet corner and watched the action. She accepted the cherry champagne her daughter brought her. Mother and daughter sat together, waiting in quiet nervousness, sipping their drinks.
Dark Lady Larshimia entered the club without fanfare. Kurumu felt the woman's approach. Her youki was strong enough to make the young succubus sweat. When she entered the club her presence washed over everybody. Kurumu saw the men suffer through spasms and become glassy-eyed. The hostesses were similarly reduced to an intoxicated state. Only human, they had no chance against the sense of Presence that radiated from the Dark Lady.
Kurumu felt herself reacting to the woman's Presence as well. Her entire body suddenly felt tense, and she felt a wave of desire swelling up within her. Kurumu gave herself a shake. The desire she felt was a hollow thing compared to what she felt for Tsukune, and she was not going to let some woman she didn't know distract her from him.
Dark Lady Larshimia was a tall woman with an athletic body. Her olive skin and slanted almond shaped eyes were exotic. Wavy dark hair spilled down to her lower back, sparkling in the lights of the club. In her wake came six attendants, women dressed in silks, a spectrum of colors in motion.
Larshimia strode through the club. She took in the people and furnishings with the same indifference. The messenger knelt at her approach beside the seat that had been set up for her. Larshimia seated herself as if she did not have a care in the world, absentmindedly petting her messenger on the head. The messenger joined the line of attendants as they arranged themselves behind their mistress, a rainbow of silk clad woman.
"I have come to speak with Kurono Kurumu," Dark Lady Larshimia pronounced.
Ageha set aside her drink and stood, gesturing to Kurumu to follow her example. Together they approached the visitor. Ageha offered a low bow
"Dark Lady," Ageha said. "Please allow me to introduce to you my daughter, Kurono Kurumu."
Kurumu could see the tension in her mother's back and shoulders. She didn't know if her mother's tension was from worrying about her, or if she knew something Kurumu didn't. Kurumu had to settle for concentrating on controlling her own nervousness however as she stepped forward to make her own bow.
"My," The Dark Lady said with a lazy, sensual smile. "She is a pretty little thing. Tell me child, would you like to renounce your problems and come attend to me?"
Kurumu felt a jolt of alarm. Was there some danger she was unaware of? Was this strange and powerful woman there to offer her protection? Kurumu thought hard and fast about what she had just heard. What 'problems' did she have to renounce?
"Dark Lady Larshimia," Kurumu said as politely as she could. "I have no problems I would chose to renounce."
"No?" Larshimia laughed merrily. "But I can see in written all over you child. You are in love. That is such a nuisance for a succubus. Come and serve me for a few years. I will teach you many wonderful things, and help you forget all about love."
"No," Kurumu said, trying hard not to offend the woman. "I know I am in love, and I have no desire to forget about it."
"Even though it will make you weak?" Larshimia questions. "Woman, speak to your daughter. Explain to her the folly of her decision."
"Kurumu dear…"
"No, mother," Kurumu said firmly. "Not for you, not for anybody."
"You would risk my displeasure," the Dark lady said, her voice growing cold. "So that you can moon after a man who will never care about you beyond what selfish pleasures he can find in your embrace?"
"You don't know what you are talking about," Kurumu tensed, growing angry.
"Child, man will only ever desire you for the pleasure you can give him. When you cease to be pleasing to his eyes, he will look elsewhere. When your body no longer excites him, you will no longer be important to him. When you have lived even a fraction of the time that I have, you will understand."
"If that is all you have to say to me," Kurumu said with an angry note in her voice, "Then I have better things to do then to listen to you."
"You would defy me child?"
"Yes!" Kurumu did not like having anybody making light of her relationship with Tsukune. Having this woman, not only devaluing her own feelings, but insulting Tsukune as well, made Kurumu furious.
"Good," Larshimia said with a nod and a smile. "The world needs more women like you."
"What?" Kurumu's mental gears ground together at the sudden change in the conversation's direction.
"Child, men are many things," The Dark Lady explained. "Mostly foolish. When one of the few men who I know to be less foolish then the rest asked me to speak with you, I took his request very seriously. I was told that you have courage. I am pleased to see that it is true."
"Thank you," Kurumu said, feeling shaken.
"I can see what you want," Dark Lady Larshimia said, eyeing Kurumu critically. "And I encourage you to hunt it down with all of your might. But dark times have been foreseen and what waits for us in the future is had to tell." She made a gesture and two of her attendants came forward. "I have a charge for you, young Kurumu. I would have you oppose the corruption that seeks to drown the world in darkness. I would have you continue to stand against the agents of greed and fear."
The two attendants, one dressed in blue and the other in yellow moved to stand beside Kurumu.
"Young Kurumu," The Dark Lady Continued. "It is my hope that your heart will not waver in the face of the darkness that is ahead of us. To this aid you in the times ahead, and in recognition and reward for the courage you have shown before, I present you with this gift."
The two attendants each produced a wide strip of dark red leather. Kurumu watched them lay the strips against forearms. The strips coiled around her forearms, spiraling up them like serpents, seemingly by their own power.
"While a succubus is vary capable when she is passionate about something," Larshimia explained. "You were never really well suited to direct confrontations. My gift to you is this armor. The strength of your passion will empower the armor, but it will also cost you energy, so use it wisely."
"Thank you," Kurumu said with a bow as the attendants retreated. "I am honored."
"You and your mother are dismissed and this audience is at an end," The Dark Lady decreed. "I, however, shall remain here a little longer." A wicked sensual smile spread across her lips. "As long as I am here, I think I will have a little fun."
"I wish you a good evening, Dark Lady," Ageha said with a bow.
Ageha hurried Kurumu out of the club. She thought her daughter had gone insane to defy the Dark Lady like that. When the woman had been pleased by Kurumu's determination, Ageha though her knees would give out in relief.
Ageha took a moment to get her mind running smoothly again, and to get her priorities straight. First order of business, she decided, was for diner and a drink. After some more drinks, Ageha would take her daughter to a karaoke box somewhere so they could relax and share some time together. With a nod, Ageha decided on her plan of action.
XXX XXXX XXX
Kurumu lay in her bed wondering about the gift she had received. She realized that it was her 'reward' for helping to stop Fairy Tale at the school festival. The dark leather strips were warm against her skin as she examined them. The strips were almost alive. Kurumu learned quickly that they did not want to come off, and that she had to dig painfully at herself to even get a nail under the edge of one of the strips. But while messing with them, Kurumu did discover that she could move them, or get them to move themselves.
Kurumu was curious about the strips. The Dark Lady had called them armor. Kurumu wondered how useful her new armor would be the next time she had a run-in with Inner Moka. She didn't think Tsukune would be too happy with her if she managed to beat Inner Moka, but it would be satisfying just the same.
Once she thought about Tsukune, even peripherally, Kurumu found herself quickly preoccupied with more thoughts of him. She felt her awareness of him, drawing comfort from their special connection. Tsukune's heart was beating calmly, his breathing was slow and deep. Given the time, Kurumu suspected that he was asleep. Kurumu imagined Tsukune's sleeping face, and what it would look like on the pillow beside her. With a happy smile and romantic thoughts, she drifted off to sleep.