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, than you should not read this.

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Chapter 133

Tsukune considered it a guilty pleasure, and one of the perks of his position. Saturday afternoon found Tsukune in his police uniform performing a foot patrol of the shopping district and the Mononoke Arcade. He was knew that he was on display, showing off to the locals that there was, in fact, a police presence to help keep them safe, and to protect their businesses. While he was officially on duty, Tsukune was also taking the time to do a little window shopping. It was fun being able to relax and look at all the merchandise without being pressured. He didn't have any bags to carry, and there was no competition for his attention from his girlfriends as they tried on clothes.

As Tsukune continued his foot patrol, he took in the details around him. Window displays were filled with winter fashions. The remaining summer items in sight were all on sale. Holiday decorations were already stating to appear around the area. A part of the reason Tsukune enjoyed the chance to do a little window shopping was so that he could plan ahead. With the holidays coming, he wanted to buy gifts for the people that were close to him. Learning what was in the area and what was available was a nice little perk. It helped take some of the frustration away of having to spend half his weekend away from his girlfriends.

VvvV -^- xx OO xx VvvvvV X*X

Moka had never expected to be summoned to the school on a Saturday afternoon. She had been quietly studying in her room when Kiyo had had disturbed her. Her housemate had double knocked at the open door to get Moka's attention,

"There is someone at the door for you," Kiyo informed Moka.

"Thank you," Moka responded, puzzled.

The person at the door turned out to be a short asian woman that Moka had seen serving Lord Gray. She was dressed in a snug black tee shirt and tight bluejeans, in addition to the heavy black iron collar Moka remembered from before. She gave a bow as Moka approached.

"Dame Moka," The little woman said. "Master Gray has sent me. He asks that you and your friends join him for a casual supper."

"Alright," Moka blinked. "I'll just be a moment."

Moka knew she couldn't refuse, and had no valid reason to. She hurried to clean herself up a little. While loose and comfortable clothes were perfectly acceptable for staying in and studying, they were not what a person should wear to a meeting with their lord, casual event or not. By the time she returned the servant was standing in the village street with Mizore, Kurumu, and Yukari.

"If we can go now," The servant said with a gesture towards the school.

"So what's your name?" Yukari asked, walking beside the servant.

"I am called Mai," The small woman answered.

"What is that that you do?" Yukari questioned.

"I serve my master," Mai answered smoothly.

"Why do you call him your master?" Yukari kept up her questions.

"Because he is my master," Mai countered calmly.

"But why is he your master?" Yukari pressed.

"Because I was the prize offered up in a duel, and my master defeated the other opponents," Mai explained.

"Ehhh?" Yukari exclaimed.

Mai really didn't find it useful to talk about herself. She served her master and he took care of her, and that was all that was really important. But now she saw how interested these children were, and how she came to belong to her master was a good story after all.

"I come from China," Mai explained. "Where I was long held in slavery by different members of the court of the great Yan Luo Wang. One day Yan Luo Wang decided to hold a contest, seeking to be entertained. At a random place he had a circle cast. He placed a prize within the circle and chose a champion. Any who wished to try for the prize had to find the place of the contest, enter into the circle with an offering that would be forfeit if they lost, and then defeat all other combatants. I was the offering my old master had brought into the circle, thinking that my power might help him in battle. As he had instructed, I did scream out once, as if in fear, in order distract the opponant."

"The plan would have worked," Mai smirked. "Except that Lord Gray had been close enough to hear my scream. He entered into the circle and presented his offering." She gave a laugh. "When he had heard me scream, he had thought to call the police on his cell phone. He dropped it when he entered the circle to free his hands for fighting, which counted as making an offering. He defeated my old master, and made the other opponant yield to him."

"Oh wow," Yukari breathed.

"And then what happened?" Kurumu asked.

"Yan Luo Wang declared my master the winner," Mai said. "He granted him the prize, which was a box filled with the offerings of all that had been defeated and myself, because he was pleased with master's performance. But Yan Luo Wang had not invited my master to participate, so he wanted him to serve a penance for disrupting the court's entertainment. The two combatants that my master had defeated were captains of the court. Yan Luo Wang stripped the two of their rank and power, and imposed it upon my master. For a year and a day, my master had to serve as two captains in the court of Yan Luo Wang. He had to suffer much during that time, but he also gained much. By the time he had been freed form the court of Yan Luo Wang, he had visited the courts of all ten of the Lords of Judgment. Each one punished him and rewarded him. In the end, my master was offered an honored place in each of the ten courts below, and in the one above, for when he tires of this world."

Mia finished her story and allowed herself a moment to admire the effects it had on the listeners. Dame Moka looked like she wanted hug herself and shiver, but managed to remain outwardly calm for the most part. The Succubus seemed a little impressed with the story, as did the snow maiden. The talkative little witch was visibly shaken and gaped openly. Mai was very satisfied with the outcome. Especially when she got to enjoy the rest of the walk back to her master in peace.

XxXxX

The casual supper was being held in what could only be called a formal dining room. Lord Gray was standing to one side, talking with the Board Chairman as Moka and the other entered. Moka was surprised to see Kokoa talking with Sakura, Lord Gray's catgirl servant. The Board Chairman lingered only long enough to share the briefest of courtesies before departing.

"Please be seated," Lord Gray gestured to the long table. "Sit wherever you like. I know this is short notice, but I had to discuss something with your Board Chairman anyway so I thought I would settle some old business."

The man pulled out the chair at the head of the table and sat down. Moka, not wanting to abandon all protocol, took a seat one place removed from Lord Gray on his right hand side. Kokoa sat beside her. Kurumu and Mizore sat across from the vampires, while Yukari sat to Kokoa's right.

"Mikogami was kind enough to let me use this room tonight," Lord Gray went on while everybody got settled. "I usually don't travel with the whole entourage, but this trip is different."

While Lord Gray spoke, servants appeared. They looked like normal people, dressed in simple outfits of dark gray shirts and light gray slacks. The proceeded to serve supper as soon as everybody was seated.

Supper was filling, the conversation was light, and everybody had a chance to relax. In Yukari's case the need to relax was obvious. Because of her sharp mind and intense study habits, the young witch had been able to understand the importance of Mai's story, which made the kind acting Lord Gray very intimidating. Small talk continued through the until the last bit of chocolate cake dessert was gone.

"Ahhh," Brone said, leaning back from the table. "Now to take care of business. Last year you all fought hard against the gang known as Fairy Tail, twice. You fought against it's agents a few more times beyond that as well. Your Board Chairman commissioned me to make gifts to reward you for your efforts. While Mister Aono received his, so that he could be of more use to the school, Mikogami was not sure the rest of you were ready, so he found other rewards for you."

"Miss Shuzen," Lord Gray said, turning his eyes to the young vampire. "As I understand it, your rewards were being withheld until you showed some sense of self control. Also,as you already have a familiar, some extra consideration was called for. Tonight, I would like to give you your reward."

On cue, a servant approached carrying a burnished steel gorget attached to a cloak of black silk. Kokoa touched the gift and felt a warmth from it that told it it held some kind of power. She gave the servant a nod before standing so she could try her gift on.

"Your familiar," Brone explained. "Serves as your weapon. This will serve as your armor."

Kokoa let the servant fit the gift onto her. The gorget had a small, triangular breast piece, articulated epaulets, and a collar that was two centimeters high in the front and twelve centimeters high in the back. The cape connected to the back of the gorget around to epaulets, concealing Kokoa's arms when they were down at her sides. When it was first set into place, the cape dragged in the floor, but it quickly shortened itself to fit her build. Kokoa tried moving around in her gift a few times before giving a satisfied nod. Finally she sat down again. The servant handed her an envelope before silently moving away.

"Thank you, Lord Gray," Kokoa said. "I am very pleased with your gift."

"It is a reward you have earned well," Lord Gray said. He looked around at the other students. "Remember that the Board Chairman commissioned these gifts in recognition of how hard you have worked and fought to help protect this school." He looked to Moka next.

"Dame Moka," Brone said to her. "Your reward, I hope, should suit your needs."

The servant that appeared this time had a figure walking beside it. The figure was all in black velvet with a hood hiding the head. The servant handed Moka a sealed envelope and departed, while the anonymous and androgynous figure remained by Moka's chair.

"Your servant will follow the envelope until you have had a chance to read the directions," Brone explained.

"I thank you, my lord," Moka nodded her head.

"This brings us to miss Sendou Yukari," Lord Gray said next.

"Eep," Yukari's eyes went wide.

"I see," Brone sighed. He looked over to where Mai was standing quietly. "You like telling that story don't you."

"But it is such a good story, master," Mai protested.

"Why me," Brone said, rolling his eyes. He turned his attention back to the young witch. "Sorry. Just take what she says with a grain of salt. Your reward is intended to be something useful for you as a scholar." He gave a little gesture with his hand.

A servant came forward carrying an envelope. In his wake came a furry creature that seemed almost as big as the witch. It was some kind of cat with large green eyes that glowed with an inner fire. It sat down beside Yukari's chair and gave a big yawn.

"Nyaaaa," It said, looking up at her.

"Ahhhhh," Yukair said, looking down at the rather large cat.

"Don't worry," Brone said. "It's house broken."

The cat looked at Lord Gray and growled.

"Don't look at me like that," Brone replied. "It's your own fault for being stubborn."

"Nya," The cat looked away and started grooming itself.

"I should have used an iguana," Brone sighed. He shook his head and blew out a sigh.

"And now for you two," Lord Gray turned to Kurumu and Mizore. "I had reports that you two get along well together, and even use teamwork in a fight." As he talked a servant handed each of them an envelope. "The Board Chairman also hoped that you would choose to use your gifts in support of your friends and the school." He nodded his head and gestured to the side of the room.

Mizore and Kurumu turned in their seats to see look where Lord Gray was indicating. From a shadowed corner of the room a pair of large hunting cats stalked forward. Thee resembled pumas but with longer tails. One was white, with a black ears feet, and the tip of its tail. The other was black, except for its white underside. The white one stalked over to Mizore and placed it's head in her lap. The black one went to Kurumu and butted it's head against her leg.

"These two are akin to Hiru," Lord Gray explained while Kurumu and Mizore petted their new friends. "While not as powerful, they are intended to be a little more elegant."

"Thank you," Kurumu smiled brightly.

"Yes," Mizore nodded. "Thank you."

"Now that the business is out of the way," Lord Gray said as he stood up. "I will be going. I wish you all a good weekend, what's left of it."

The students stood politely as the man headed for the door. Sakura and Mai followed him, while the remaining servants started cleaning up. With the meal over, and Lord Gray gone, there was no reason for the five students to remain. They headed to the exit as a group.

Kurumu lost the battle to curiosity first. She stopped at the school entrance and opened her envelope. After talking with Tsukune, she kind of knew what to expect. She found the anticipated paperwork, driver's license, key, and a map. She pulled out a letter of instructions and started reading. It only took her a few minutes to read through the instruction. Tucking everything back in the envelope she turned her attention to her new familiar. She crouched down and took its head in her hands.

"I name you Norra," Kurumu said while looking the cat in its green eyes. "You take care of me, and I'll take care of you." She concentrated on her inner strength and tried to imagine it flowing into her hands. It was a little like casting an illusion, but one that was felt in stead of being seen. Kurumu knew she got it right when she felt an awareness of Norra form in her mind. It wasn't anything like her bond with Tsukune, but it was a connection that would let her communicate with the cat in a way.

Kurumu looked up from Norra and saw that she had just been the first to lose to curiosity. Everybody else had started reading their own letters of instructions. As she watched, Mizore did her own little naming ritual to bond with her cat-thing. She called it Shiro. Kurumu didn't know what to expect from Moka's or Yukari's new creatures. Kokoa was having fun discovering that her cape could become different kinds of outfits, all of black silk. At one point, while looking very ninja-like, the young vampire giggled happily. Kurumu petted Norra and smiled, thinking of the freedom the cat-creature represented.

XxXxXxXx

"Lord Gray," Tsukune said in surprise, standing to greet the unexpected visitor to the Koban. "What can I do for you?"

"It's good to see you, Tsukune," Brone said, offering his hand. "How have you been?"

"I'm well," Tsukune shook hands. "And you?"

"I'm fine," Brone said as he took back his hand. "I'm just in the area to get a little business done. While I'm at it, I am settling some old business. Which brings me to you."

"Why me?" Tsukune questioned. "Have a seat." Tsukune gestured to a chair beside the desk.

"Remember your fight with Fairy Tail at the festival last year?" Brone said once they were both seated.

"Yes," Tsukune answered.

"The Board Chairman promised you and your friends rewards," Brone Explained. "Hiru was yours. I actually crafted something for every member of your little group, at the Board Chairman's request. He held off on presenting them for his own reasons when it came to your friends. But the truth is Fairy Tail is an enemy to every one of us that hopes for peaceful coexistence. You have clashed with them directly three times, that I am aware of, and are likely to run into them again. It is in in my best interest to see you and your friends rewarded for your efforts. Not only for what you have done already, but to help you be better able to deal with them in the future."

"I understand," Tsukune nodded.

"While I have already visited the school and delivered the commissioned rewards to most of your group," Brone went on. "Your companion Ruby is a special case."

"What do you mean?" Tsukune asked.

"It is a mater of propriety," Brone said. "She is in service to you, so it is only right that any rewards go through you first. At the very least, it is only polite, before giving a gift to your retainer, to ask for your permission first. Because of the nature of her service to you, I have brought her reward to you, so that she can receive it from your hand. It is a way of showing that you are the source of all good things in her life, a way of showing authority and dominance."

"Why do I need to..." Tsukune started to question.

"Because it is what she expects," Brone answered, raising one hand in summons.

Tsukune saw a small woman enter the koban. She was petite and cute, and clearly asian. Around her neck was a heavy iron collar. Something in her eyes made Tsukune's back itch. She was carrying a glossy shopping bag which she put on the desk.

"This is Mai," Brone said in introduction. "While I have many servants, of one level or another, she is the only true slave. She will kill or die at my command. I have no desire to tell her to do ether, and I want to protect her and make her happy, but that does not change the fact that she is a slave. If I tell her that she is only allowed to eat what I give her, Mai will starve to death before accepting food from any other source."

"Ahh errr..." Tsukune didn't know how to respond to that.

"Your servant likely wants you to be totally in control of her life," Brone explained. "Not only to be with you, but because it makes her feel safer to know that are in charge of her. It is very much like the way you were when you were younger. You wanted to be your own person, to play when you wanted and stay up as late as you wanted, but if anything went wrong, you looked to your parents for guidance and protection. Even when you were out playing in your neighborhood, just knowing your parents cared about you gave you a sense of security. For someone that wants to swear to your service, it can be as much or even more about wanting your attention and protection as it is about being devoted to you. Do you understand what I'm saying?"

"I don't know," Tsukune frowned. "I think I might understand some of it."

"That's alright," Brone waved a hand dismissively. "You'll get it some day, or not. The point is, when you get the chance," He gestured to the bag. "Give this to Ruby. Tell her it is her reward for helping you fight Fairy Tail. If you want your can tell her it is from the Board Chairman and I, but she will be happier to think of it as coming from you."

"Thank you," Tsukune said, taking the bag and placing it behind the desk.

"Alright," Brone said as he stood up. "I'm off to other things. You take care."

"Thank you for coming," Tsukune said as he stood up as well.

"Keep up the good work," Brone gave a thumbs up as he turned for the door. "We have faith in you."

XxxxX

"Welcome home," Ruby called out as she came out of the kitchen.

Tsukune had returned to the manor house late Saturday night. He wanted a bath, a nap, and a meal, in that order. Given the late hour, he had hoped to slip in quietly, so he would not disturb Ruby. He had no such luck. She came out of the kitchen with a smile on her face. Also on her face were some red lines the told Tsukune that she had been sleeping with her head on her arm, waiting in the kitchen for his return. Ruby hurried up to Tsukune.

"How was your day master?" Ruby asked.

"Long," Tsukune said. "Is the bath ready?"

"Yes," Ruby nodded. "Can I take your bag master?"

Tsukune was feeling a little tired and cranky. Ruby's perky almost excited attention seemed as over the top as ever. When she mentioned the bag he was holding, Tsukune remembered the conversation he had shared with Lord Gray. Thinking back, Tsukune remembered one of the times he had been left in the care of his cousin for a day, and how happy he had been to see his parents come home. He had not missed them that he could remember. He had been having fun playing with his cousin right up to the moment that his parents had opened the door, but he was still happy to see them. Tsukune thought about what Lord Gray had said. While it was hard for Tsukune to see the capable and powerful Ruby as being as insecure as an eight year old, it did make some sense to him. He decided that the older man really did have more knowledge and experience when it came to such things. Knowing that, Tsukune thought it would be a good idea to follow Lord Gray's advice.

"Here," Tsukune said, holding out the glossy shopping bag to Ruby. "I got this from Lord Gray for you. It is a reward for all that you have done to help me, and to help the school."

"Really?" Ruby's face lit up. She took the back and then hugged Tsukune tightly. "Thank you."

Once more Tsukune thought Ruby's reaction was over done. She was so excited, as if given some kind of long dreamed after gift, and she had not even looked into the bag to see what it was. Tsukune wondered if she would be as excited if he gave her a rock.

Once Tsukune got free of Ruby's embrace, he headed up stairs. Ruby followed him closely. She stayed close to Tsukune, helping him with everything she could, until he was naked, scrubbed down, and safely soaking in the bath.

Tsukune tried to be a polite and respectful person. He believed that others deserved the same courtesies that he would like them to show towards him. Before bringing Lord Gray's reward for Ruby home, he had looked in the bag only briefly, seeing some black cloth and an envelope. Confident that the envelope was a set of instructions for whatever was in the bag, Tsukune had not bothered to investigate any further. He realized that had been a mistake as soon as he exited the bathroom.

"Thank you Master," Ruby cried out gleefully as she crashed into a naked Tsukune, hugging him tightly.

Tsukune managed to endure the assault until Ruby let go of him. She pranced back a few feet before posing, with hands on hips and a seductive smile on her face. With her feet close together and one knee bent, her hips were cocked at an angle as she wore her new outfit. Tsukune took in the sight of Ruby's appearance and suppressed a groan. Ruby was dressed in a very short robe of black silk,with accessories. The accessories were a pair of bracelets, anklets, and a choker, all made out of wide strips of black leather, adorned with steel rings. As Ruby took a small step and turned about, the rings chimed like little bells. On the back of the robe, a pair of wings were embroidered in silver thread. Tsukune also noticed that the robe was so short that it almost didn't cover Ruby's round bottom. She turned back around.

"I love my reward, master," Ruby said in a sultry voice. "I know you didn't chose the design, but it is still very special to me, because I know it is something you would want me to have. Watch." She held up her arms and caressed her bracelets. The black leather expanded until it covered her forearms as sturdy bracers. "I know you would want me to have this because you want me to be safe." She crouched down to caress her anklets, transforming them into a pair of grieves that would protect her shins and knees. Her every motion was accompanied by the chiming of the steel rings.

"I'm glad your like it," Tsukune said, turning towards the bed, looking for the fresh undergarment that would normally be laid out for him there. He wondered if there was some polite, politically acceptable way to thank Lord Gray for his efforts with a swift kick in the ass.

"But Master," Ruby said, moving up close to him. "I haven't showed you everything yet."

"Huh?" Tsukune turned to face Ruby, which put his back to the bed. In hind sight, that was his second mistake of the night.

Tsukune had turned in time to see Ruby opening her robe and letting in slip from her body. He froze then. His mind, just a little too worn out by his busy month, had trouble working as it tried to deal with a sudden loss of blood flow. Underneath the robe all Ruby had on was a black leather corset with steel rings attached. The corset was just a little more then a girdle. It pulled in Ruby's mid section, accenting or even exaggerating her hips. While adding some lift to her breasts, without concealing them.

"Master," Ruby said moving closer, accompanied by chiming of the rings. She lifted her arms up and slipped them around Tsukune's neck. "Thank you for everything." She pulled herself close and lifted up onto her toes, pressing her body against Tsukune's as she kissed him.

Tsukune tried to think, but logic was escaping him. He was aware of details, but that awareness fractured his thinking. Kissing Ruby was nice. He already knew that. The steel rings were cool where they touched him. The leather was rigid, but warm. Even warmer still was Ruby's soft, smooth skin where it rubbed against him. He felt his arms close around Ruby and hold her close as he kissed her back. He felt dizzy for a moment as the world shifted, and suddenly he was laying back on the bed with Ruby on top of him. Tsukune's reasoning abandoned him as he accepted her embrace, and gave Ruby the attention she desired.