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.

Chapter 157

Tsukune returned to the Academy with a sense of doubt prodding him. He was wondering how much help Aiko was going to need, and wondered how much he should give. He also wondered if Aiko's call for help was his usual Monday luck trying to sneak up on him from a new direction. He hoped that nothing got out of hand.

"Welcome home Master," Ruby said as he entered the manor. "Is everything alright?"

"Yes, thank you," Tsukune replied.

As Ruby took his helmet and jacket, Tsukune heard the sound of chimes coming from under her clothes. Tskune gave her a careful look, which was answered by Ruby's blushing smile. Tsukune sighed and shook his head even as he felt himself smiling.

Tsukune knew that Ruby wanted his attention. He had to admit that a part of him wanted to giver her the attention she wanted. He tried to push such thought out of his head as he turned his focus to his school work. With as much as he had to accomplish to earn the future he wanted, Tsukune could not let his grades suffer for the sake of spending time with Ruby or anybody else.

Fortunately Tuesdays were not usually over burdened by assignments. The evening passed quickly into night. He powered through the work that would be due the next day, getting it all done before supper. After he ate, he finished the rough draft of his human world background story assignment. He decided to ask Moka to go over the rough draft before he finalized the paper. It would be a way to share a little more of himself with her, and help him produce a better finished product. With that taken care of for the night, Tsukune packed his school bag and got ready for a bath.

Tsukune carried his school bag with him to the master bedroom, just because he didn't like leaving it lying around. He found Ruby waiting for him in the bedroom. She was wearing a light robe that covered her to mid thigh that was barely held closed by a belt tied around her waist. He shook his head and smiled as he started to undress for his bath. Ruby followed him into the bathroom.

"Master," Ruby said. "May I be of service to you?"

"Yes you may," Tsukune answered. He could practically feel her smile behind him as he sat on the wash stool.

Tsukune had resisted for a long time having Ruby do every little thing for him, especially things he could do himself without any trouble. He still wanted to be able to take care of himself. It just seemed kind of wasteful to have somebody else doing the same things he could, when that other person could be doing just about anything else. Ruby cooking for him had not been a hard thing to accept, because she was a better cook than he was, and because she had to eat too, so all she had to do was prepare a little additional food an they could both eat. When it came to bathing, Tsukune felt that he could wash himself just fine, and that Ruby could spend that time pursuing her own hobbies. Now, as Tsukune let Ruby wash his back, he had to admit that he was getting used to the care and attention that Ruby showed him. He also had to admit that it felt good to have her scrubbing his back.

Yes, Tsukune knew he could take care of himself, and he probably should whenever the opportunity presented itself. But Ruby really wanted to do things for him. Lord Gray had explained that it was a way of seeking attention and a sense of worth and belonging that motivated her. Tsukune could make Ruby happy just by letting her make his life easier and thanking her for it. With that thought in mind, it was silly to not enjoy her efforts when he could.

After a good scrubbing all over and getting rinsed down, it was time for a good hot soak. Tsukune settled into the bath for a while and let his mind run through the events of the day and on through the schedule for tomorrow. His schedule was blessedly empty for the next few days, but he was confident that the respite would not last long. He thought about how he could spend time with his girlfriends before his life got busy again, even while a part of him winced at how much of a pig he was to let himself be in love with more than one woman.

As he climbed out of the bath a while later, Ruby appeared with a fluffy towel. She helped Tsukune dry off and gave him a gentle massage at the same time. Tsukune let himself enjoy her attention and tried to relax. When he was ready to go to bed, Ruby followed him.

"Master..." Ruby said.

"Hmmm?" Tsukune looked in her direction.

"Are you tired?" Ruby asked while dry washing her hands and not meeting his eyes.

"Yes I am," Tsukune said with a nod.

"Oh," Ruby responded with a note of disappointment.

"It's been a busy day," Tsukune said. "Make sure you wake me up on time in the morning, but if you get out of bed before me, try to let me sleep."

"Yes, Master..." Ruby nodded. Then Tsukune's words suddenly registered. "Yes Master," Ruby said again, smiling widely as she moved towards the bed.

XXXXXXX

Tsukune was rested and feeling good as he headed out the door for school in the morning. He quickly met up with his friends, and greeted them each warmly. As they started to school together, Tsukune told them about his conversation with Aiko. Together they speculated how the all girls school would do with their first festival, and what kinds of things the students would try to do. They were still talking about it when the ran into Inari again.

Inari was coming from the path to the dorms along with Kokoa when she encountered Tsukune and the others. She was aware of the questioning looks that Tsukune's inner circle gave him, but she greeted them all in a friendly manner. Tsukune greeted her politely with a warm smile. Together with the Newspaper Club, Inari walked to school.

XxxOOxxX

Kurumu was feeling a little miffed all morning. Tsukune's little lieutenant was not fooling her in the slightest. The girl was head over heals for Tsukune, and Kurumu didn't care for it. Kurumu knew she had to share Tsukune with Moka, the vampire had met Tsukune first after all. If Moka had not done all that she had, Kurumu knew that she would never had met Tsukune. The succubus knew that she had to accept Moka as a part of Tsukune's life. Of course Moka had to accept that Kurumu was a part of Tsukune's life thanks to the bond they shared. Kurumu, a little grudgingly, even accepted Mizore and Ruby being a part of Tsukune's life. They were all a team in a way, kind of like a family. It was the idea of somebody else worming their way into their group, taking up even more of Tsukune's affections that got under Kurumu's skin.

Kurumu didn't want to hurt Tsukune. She didn't want to act like a jealous girlfriend when she was almost the 'Other Woman' herself. Kurumu wanted a way to keep as much of Tsukune's attention for her own, but was unsure of how to go about it. She decided to look for some support.

"Moka," Kurumu called out to her friend and competitor as the class let out for lunch. "Can you come with me for a moment?" She made a quick gesture in the direction of the closest girls' restroom.

"Sure," Moka said. She turned to Tsukune briefly.

"Tsukune," Moka smiled. "I'll catch up to you in a little while."

"Alright," Tsukune nodded even as he felt Mizore slipping up beside him.

Kurumu lead Moka off to the girls' restroom, but hurried past it. Moka, puzzled, followed her. Kurumu turned down a short side hall and did a quick scan to make sure she would have a little privacy to talk with Moka.

"Kurumu," Moka questioned. "What is this about?"

"Moka," Kurumu said a little abruptly. "I have to ask you something. You're always trying to live up to being a proud vampire, and even when you're not, your trying to be some proper lady. How can you not be bothered by the way Tsukune makes friends with other women."

"Who ever said it didn't bother me?" Moka asked smirk. "I remember trying to keep you away from Tsukune enough times, for all the good it did."

"It did me a lot of good," Kurumu told her friend. "Because of Tsukune, and you, I have had a chance to grow up If it had not been for Tsukune, and you, I would probably already be working for some hostess club like my mother, if not enslaved by Fairy Tail. I am grateful to you both."

"What I'm talking about," Kurumu went on. "Is the other women that keep coming along. There were those human girls last Summer. And then that girl from his home town we met at his mother's. And how about all the girls here? That Inari is starting to get closer to Tsukune, and she can't be the only one that wants to get closer. Tsukune practically has his own cult following. How can you stand it?"

"I keep reminding myself that I trust Tsukune," Moka said. "Besides, Tsukune has already chosen me above all others."

"What do you mean by that?" Kurumu questioned.

"Remember when I didn't let him talk to you for a day?" Moka said with a raised eyebrow. "Tsukune chose me."

"That was a one time thing," Kurumu argued.

"You think so?" Moka challenged the succubus. "That is not the case. Tsukune chose me when he refused to leave me behind on our first day here. He chose me when you first tried to break us up. Tsukune chose me when Mizore came along. He chose me when he refused to leave me and put his life on the line for mine against the Outcast Ayashi. He chose me after he had been permanently changed by my blood when he refused to let me run away, when I thought he would be better off without me." Moka's face became flush as she talked and her eyes started to shine with bitter-sweet tears. "Tsukune chose me over himself, his family, you, or anybody else. Tsukune chose me, and that was before I asked him to swear himself to me. When I did ask him, when I gave in to my own selfishness, again, and asked him to swear himself to me, Tsukune agreed. Since that day, Tsukune has accepted me, all of me, and has given me power over how he lives his life."

"Oh no, Kurumu," Moka said with a glare. "There is no way I couldn't be bothered by how all of you other women keep chasing after my Tsukune."

"Your..." Kurumu found herself ready to argue.

"You asked me how I can put up with it," Moka continued right over Kururmu's protest. "I put up with all of you by remembering all that Tsukune has done for me, all he has sacrificed for me, and all that he continues to do for me because he wants me to be happy, while I have been nothing but selfish and demanding. Even when I want to be a good friend, and a good girlfriend, to Tsukune, this damn cross on my chest comes off, and suddenly we become even more selfish. I put up with you, Mizore, Ruby, and anybody else that comes along, because if you bring my Tsukune even a moment of happiness, if you give him even a single reason to smile, then I am thankful, because I owe him so god damn much more than I will ever be able to repay."

"But..." Kurumu was stunned by the outburst of emotion from her friend. She had never expected such an explosion of emotions could come from asking a question. "But... But..." Kurumu couldn't get her words to come out. She was having trouble even remembering what she wanted to say.

"And in case you think I'm just getting worked up over nothing," Moka growled. "Let me remind you of something." She reached up and tapped the seal that hung from her neck. "I am the nice one. I am the one that wants to have friends and get along with everybody. I'm the same Moka you tried to take Tsukune away from in the first place. And guess what..." She gave Kurumu a bloodthirsty look. "There are times when I want to rip your throat out. I want to punish each and every one of you for coming anywhere near my Tsukune. If I thought for even one moment that you had a chance to take Tsukune away from me, that I would truly lose him, I would take the rosario off."

"But you can't," Kurumu protested.

"I can't pull the seal off," Moka nodded slowly. "But look carefully, Kurumu. There is a buckle on the rosario. I can take it off any time I want. If I did, I would essentially be killing myself. The Moka that I am right now would be gone forever. But let me point out that I love Tsukune. I love Tsukune so god damn much that I would rather die than live without him. I know it would hurt him if he lost me, but if I thought I would lose him to you or any of the others, I could do it. I could take off the rosario. I might be gone, but there would still be a Moka for you to face, and she is not the nice one, but she loves Tsukune every bit as much as I do. With me out of her way, what do you think would happen then?"

"I... I.." Kurumu didn't like the image that was rushing through her mind right then.

Moka took a moment to calm herself down. She even had to argue with her inner self to get her emotions under control. Finally she was able to take some calming breaths.

"To answer your other question," Moka said in a smooth voice. "How can I, as a Vampire, allow you all to chase after Tsukune? It is simple. Tsukune is a man of power. Every single one of you that falls at his feet offering up you heart just proves how worthy he is of his power and position." Moka started to turn away.

"As a man of power and position," Moka explained. "Tsukune can have worshipers, followers, and groupies. It will only make him look more powerful. And as my sworn follower, it will elevate me even higher. As for what he does with the rest of you, a man can own prize race horses, or have a kennel for breeding dogs. Every man needs a hobby." Moka walked away. Over her shoulder she added one last thing. "Excuse me, but my Tsukune is waiting for me."

XxxXxxxX

Aiko hoped she was doing things the right way. She had set out to follow Tsukune's advice first thing the next morning. During breakfast, she had talked to her friends to help get them thinking up ideas. By the time lunch was over, she ad spoken with people from every year, and had asked them to help spread the word to get everybody brainstorming. By the end of the day, the school was filled with excited talk. When she had a chance to meet members of the Advisory Council. Aiko had shared Tsukune's suggestions with them, hoping that they would be able to work with her in collecting and organizing ideas for the festival.

Aiko had some confidence in what she was doing, even if she also felt nervous. Her confidence came from her trust in Tsukune and the guidance he had given her. She also felt that she had his support if she needed more advice in the future. She didn't know how her confidence was being perceived by her school mate, only that they were listening to her.

XxxxXxxxX

By the time Moka had caught up to Tsukune for lunch, she had gotten herself under control. She had even taken the time to wash her face and check her makeup, to be sure that her little outburst of emotions wouldn't show. Tsukune had an unfortunate ability to pick up on things some times. Even if she had appeared under control, Moka was still a little upset. Smile as she might, Moka remained on edge for the rest of the school day. She was actually looking forward to being alone for a while after school let out.

Moka had been glad to get back to her little house in the village. Once she had gotten back to her room, she had shed her uniform. Moka had rid herself of her school clothes as if they had offended her. After stripping down, she tied on a robe and let herself fall back onto her bed to relax for a while. Her inner self was just as willing to ignore everything for a little while. Their peaceful moment was short lived however.

Moka heard a knock at the front door. Even as she stirred, she could detect Ruby's presence. Moka waved off Kiyo as both young women emerged from their rooms. Moka knew that Ruby had to be there to talk to her, and hoped that the witch was bringing her some good news.

"Yes?" Moka said as she opened the door.

"Moka," Ruby said with only the smallest bow of her head. "Tsukune asked me to invite you to have supper with him tonight. If you agree, he will come by at eight o'clock this evening, to pick you up for your date with him."

"Please tell your master," Moka said. "That I would be most pleased to dine with him tonight. I will be expecting him at eight."

XxxxX

Tsukune check his appearance one last time before heading for the door. He had chosen to dress on the nice side of casual for his date with Moka. Tsukune knew that it was unlikely that his free time would last. Even with the Student Police, school, the Newspaper Club, and his time on duty with the police, he had less pressure on him than just a few weeks ago. The local police force had enough part time people trained up to cover most of its needs. He understood that some trickery had been used to make it all work, altered records and some strange ways imparting knowledge, in the place of actually making everybody attend even a basic police academy course. But with enough people already trained up, however it was done, it meant that Tsukune didn't have to make time to do it. The Student Police were mostly Akira's responsibility for the last term of the year. Tsukune was willing to help out, but his second in command needed to get used to being in charge. Likewise, Tsukune wanted Kokoa to take on some of the responsibilities as the editor of the school paper. He wanted his juniors to have a chance to get used to what they would be doing in the next school year while he was still around to help them out a little. This helped free up some of Tsukune's time. With that free time, he had decided the thine he wanted to do the most was try to enjoy his life as a student. To that end, he had asked Moka out on a date. He intended to go out with Moka, and sometimes with the others, on real dates. He wanted to spend time with her that was not about fight training, school politics, or structured activities. Tsukune wanted to spend time with Moka in the ways he thought a high school couple should.

While Tsukune wanted to do things in a way he though of as close to normal, he knew he had to make some concessions to where he was, and who he would be with. Accepting the role of a high school student with a job, he could afford to go on real dates, and even use Hiru to do so. He just had to pretend that his job was normal, and that high school students with high performance motorcycles were more of a common thing. Tsukune wanted to have the chance to enjoy his time with Moka, and was willing to ignore a few oddities to do it.

XxxX

Moka was feeling a little conflicted about her date with Tsukue. While she was more than happy to spend time with him, his invitation had put her under pressure. She had to work on her school assignments so that she could have the free time for a date. She also needed time to get ready for a date. It added to her frustration that she did not know what Tsukune was planing. When he knocked on her door, Moka was a little surprised to feel a rush of happy excitement.

The date turned out to be dinner at a cozy eatery just off the Mononoke Arcade. It was just out side of the shopping district frequented by the students of the Academy but still in a prosperous section of the town. Moka approved of Tsukune's decision. The place was clean, but with enough small signs of wear and tear that spoke of steady business. The mid evening hour was off of the peak dining time, so the place was more than half empty. Moka observed that the other customers were at least interested in beer as food. She suspected that later it would be all about the beer for them.

"Moka," Tsukune said once they were seated in a booth. "Thank you for coming out with me tonight."

"I was very pleased that you invited me," Moka replied.

"Moka," Tsukune smiled. "I hope that you and I can spend more time together. Time where you and I can share each others company."

"I would like that, Tsukune," Moka said with a smile of her own.

Tsukune made sure that for the entire evening to be careful of what he said. At no point did he name any other of the women in his life. When Moka named one of them, Tsukune would acknowledge what she said, answer whatever question she asked, and then try to bring the conversation around to something else. He talked about the meal, school assignments, and the weather. He coaxed Moka into talking about her recent trip to America.

Moka knew what Tsukune was doing. He was making the evening about her. He was making it clear that he wanted to be with her, and that he valued the time they shared together. He was being sweet and attentive, but he was also being sensitive to her feelings. He was not treating her formally, or trying to measure up to some standard, he was taking the time to enjoy himself in her company. Moka could tell that Tsukune was being honest and open with his feelings for her, and it made her warm in side.

As pleasant as the date was, it was not without complaints. Most of the complaints came from Inner Moka. She complained about not being the one with Tsukune. She complained about how he was teasing her with his presence and his sweet nature. At the end of the date, after Tsukune had seen Moka safely to her door and parted with a good night kiss, the only kiss of the entire date, both sides complained that the date had ended too soon.

XxxxxxxxXxxxxxxX

It was early morning in Takahama when the men gathered together. They were down at the harbor where a truck had been arranged for them. The truck was filled with special equipment that they were going to take south, truck and all. It was a part of their plan, their cover as they closed in on their target. The men made a quick plan on who would travel with the truck, and who would follow after. Four men were picked to stay with the truck and depart on the next ferry. The others wished them a safe trip and headed off in search of some breakfast.