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 162

It was a sneaky plan. The men were going to use a valid reason to be in the area in order to sneak in among the locals. While they might stand out, it would be like a maintenance man in an office full of women. They would be a curiosity at best. Something to comment about but otherwise ignore. After a little while, they would be able to move around freely with their equipment, thanks to their cover story, as they hunted for their target.

Like many places in southern Japan, the island carried the marks of history. There were places left empty by the declining population. Infrastructure meant for the absent population remained, if left neglected. There were also buildings from back during the war, back when small bases had been built for logistic support for the military, and to help with the defense of Japan. The remaining little villages of the island were serviced by weekly ferry, while the local roads provided routs to places the locals. never traveled to.

Down along a road that locals considered haunted, a crew had started working. Long cables had been run out, connected to the local power and telecommunication networks, and then buried. With the exception of a few local teens, nobody saw the crew at work, and even the teens did not have any idea that the crew was anything other than they pretended to be. Even the locals looking for work stopped coming around as the crew worked their way closer to an unassuming bend in the road. The pavement as it neared the bend was cracked and crumbled and weathered. The transition from paved road to dirt road was a gradual one. Around the bend, not quite hidden by the vegetation was a large torii. The torii was was black, cut from a single boulder, with three uprights on ether side that rose up to support a single cross piece. The large torii straddled the road like a gate. To ether side of the torii ran lines of broken pieces of volcanic rock that disappeared into the foliage. For those that had the courage to travel down the haunted road, the torii was a boundary marker. Beyond the torii, if somebody had the courage to stand in front of it and look through, the would see that the land changed. The vegetation thinned out, looking unhealthy, as if it had suffered from drought and a lack of sunlight, but was determined to grow anyway.

The crew was not bothered by the local legends. The idea of the road being haunted was amusing instead of frightening. As they worked, laying their new cables in a ditch over old ones, the crew entertained themselves by ripping out marker posts and tossing them aside. It was something the local teens had done for years. Each one, when trying to prove him or her self, would make a post of some kind with their name and the date on it. They would then carry their marker as far down the haunted road as they could stand before planting it in the ground beside the road. The markers were fewer as they got closer to the torii, a testament to the courage and determination of whoever had planted it. The members of the work crew thought it was funny to break up the posts and scatter the pieces, erasing the reminders of past young men and women who wanted to have something to take pride in.

XxxXxxX

That Friday morning Tsukune was feeling tired but good. Moka was looking rested and energized and had a smile on her face. He guessed giving her a short break from the baby, and a drink of his blood, had been what she needed to recharger and refresh herself. Kurumu was also looking more more alert and organized. He was glad that he had been able to help them both out. He resolved to do something for Mizore as well, when he had the time. Inari, when she met up with Tsukune and the others, was definitely showing the signs of sleep deprivation. She was clean and had her uniform on, but she looked worn down. He hair looked only partially brushed, and she had no makeup on. Tsukune counted Inari as a friend. He knew that she had put his name down as a partner, so how she managed to take care of her baby could affect his grade. He decided he should do something to help her out as well, just not as much as he helped Moka and Kurumu.

Tsukune was almost to school when he heard the shouting. Even loaded down with four extra school bags, he hurried ahead of the others to see what the problem was. What he found a pair of young women, each holding a baby doll in one arm, shoving and swinging at each other. On the ground between them was a third year boy holding his nose. He looked like he had just been hit several times.

"Hold it!" Tsukune barked, making the fighting girls freeze. "What is going on here?"

"Aono-sempai..." The first girl started to talk.

"Aono-Sama," The second girl cut off the first. "It's all Amaya's fault. She was trying to get between me and Masa."

"You lie," Amaya blurted out. "Aono-sempai, Masa is my boyfriend. Bunko was trying get in my way."

Tsukune looked down at Masa with a sense of dejavu. Masa looked back up at him with a scared expression. Tsukune decided to get things under control before they got worse.

"Amaya san," Tsukune spoke in a firm voice. "Go stand over there," Tsukune gestured. "Ten meters." He gestured in the other direction. "Bunko-san you go ten meters that way."

Both girls gave Tsukune angry pouts, but did as he had directed.

"Masa," Tsukune motioned sharply for the other boy to stand up. "Talk."

"Well..." Masa said as he got to his feet. He brushed himself off, avoiding Tsukune's gaze for a moment. "It's not like I planed for them to find out. Besides, I though it would work out better than this."

"Oh?" Tsukune questioned.

"Well you have so many girlfriends," Masa said. "And they all get along so well. I thought I could manage two."

"Masa," Tsukune said in a disapproving tone. "What you are trying to do is no good. What you are trying to use as an excuse is my weakness. My friends are my friends. We share things as friends do. That is the how everything started with us, and how I want it to stay. You say you want to manage two girlfriends, but I don't know how you are going to do it."

"How do you do it?" Masa asked.

"By doing what they tell me," Tsukune said.

"What?" Masa blinked.

Tsukune didn't feel like explaining his love life. He gestured to the two girls to come in close. The frowned at each other as they did, but they were not arguing. Tsukune considered that good enough.

"Masa," Tsukune said when the two girls were close enough to hear him clearly. "I'm going to help you out this once."

"Thank you, sempai," Masa said.

"Shut it," Tsukune looked to his right. "Amaya?"

"Yes?" Amaya answered.

"Give your doll to Masa," Tsukune said. He is going to take care of it until lunch time today. After homeroom, if you need it, go to the infirmary and borrow a bed for a while." He looked to his left.

"Bunko," Tsukune said to her. "After lunch, Masa will look after your doll for you, until the end of the school day. Make sure you get some rest then as well." He looked back at Masa.

"If you think you want two girlfriends," Tsukune said to him. "You need to talk to them both, honestly and openly from the beginning, or everybody is going to get hurt." Tsukune turned and walked away before any more drama could come up.

XxxX

Tsukune made it through the school day without any serious problems. Because they were feeling better, Moka and Kurumu were able to take care of their baby dolls quickly, not needing help from Tsukune. Mizore, her usual quiet self, did not put herself forward to ask Tsukune for help, but was happy to accept when he had a chance to offer it. By the end of the school day, Tsukune was ready for the weekend. Except for a long shift at the koban, he would be free to relax with his friends.

Xx^^xX

Inari was feeling run down when she returned to her dorm room. With the way her sleep had been messed up all week, the days had felt extra long. While the doll had a schedule for her to follow, the time between the times she was supposed to do things for it never seemed long enough to take care of her own needs. She had been tempted to use a little creative record keeping to cover for a nice long break, but there was a sinister rumor that the dolls had some way of keeping track of how well they were taken care of. Nobody had any evidence that the dolls were cursed in some way or another, but it was better to be safe than sorry.

As she thought about the weekend ahead, Inari felt the week as a whole had been a mixed blessing. The doll was the biggest negative of the week. The timer she had pinned to its blanket kept distracting her. Carrying the doll everywhere was leaving her with muscle knots in her shoulders. When the exercise was over, Inari planed to take a two hour bath and get a full night's sleep. On the positive side, Tsukune had been supportive and close to her. Every morning he greeted her with a smile and carried her bag to school. After school, he was willing to carry her bag until she had to split off to go back to the dorm, if they managed to meet up at the shoe lockers. Every day she had been tempted to follow him back to the student village, but couldn't come up with a reasonable excuse. Another negative point for the week was that she was scheduled to work with the Student Police, while her captain was going to be on duty at the koban without her. Try as she might, Inari had not been able to trade her schedule with anybody. Inari was still growling to herself about her bad luck when somebody knocked at her door.

Inari had not been expecting any visitors. She had her blazer off, her blouse untucked and half unbuttoned. She guessed that it was one of the shrine maidens coming to pester her again. It had taken almost half the year, but she had separated herself from that little group. They still counted her as one of their members, but the more she got to know her captain, the more silly the whole shrine thing seemed. Inari did a double check of her doll, to make sure it wasn't time to do anything, before answering her door.

"Yes?" Inari said as she opened the door, and then stopped with her mouth hanging open.

"Hello, Inari," Tsukune said. "I hope that I'm not bothering you."

"What?" Inari blinked. "Tsukune... Captain... No.. No it's no bother. I am always happy to see you." Inari was babbling. She suddenly felt very aware of how undressed she was. She backed away from the door as she invited Tsukune in to her room, while trying to fix her clothes. "Can I offer you anything? Tea, snacks, anything you want. I'm...eep! ahhh..."

Inari was feeling flustered. She had tried to tuck in her blouse, but the waistband of her skirt hindered her. She tried undoing her skirt as she talked, but she only got her blouse half tucked back in when gravity and her own movement sent her skirt to the floor. With her skirt around her ankles, Inari was left in her half unbuttoned blouse and underwear, standing in front of Tsukune. She felt her face turning red as Tsukune gave her a surprised look. Before she could do anything however, Tsukune calmly turned around so his back was to her as he stood in the doorway.

Inari took the offered opportunity to compose herself. She got her skirt back up and her blouse tucked in quickly. She did up the buttons and took some calming breaths before saying anything.

"Tsukune," Inari said at last. "What can I do for you?"

"Actually," Tsukune said, turning around carefully. "I came to do something for you."

"Oh?" Inari blinked.

"I came to offer to take care of your doll for a few hours," Tsukune explained. "I know you have things to do this weekend, and this couldn't have been easy on you. If you would like, I could take your doll for a few hours so you can have a break."

"Oh Tsukune," Inari said with a happy sigh. "Thank you. You don't know how much I need this." She quickly bundled up the doll and its accessories and passed them to Tsukune.

Tsukune gave Inari a knowing smile and promised to return in four hours. Four hours was enough time for two or even three baby events. Inari was excited to have such a break. The first thing was going to do is pamper herself properly. Gathering up her thing she headed for the bath.

All through her baby free time, Inari found herself thinking about Tsukune. At first she just thought how wonderful it had been for him to offer to help her out. When she considered how quickly she had pushed the baby doll off on Tsukune when she had the chance, she wondered if she would ever be that eager to give up a real child if she ever had one. Of course she knew she wouldn't be putting her baby in any danger. After all, if she had her way, if Tsukune offered to take care of her real baby some day, it would be because he was her mate, and the child would be his.

Inari felt refreshed and relaxed as she returned to her room. She had taken the time to clean herself both as a human and as a youkai. Drying her fur took some extra time, but it was worth it. She did wish that she could have had Tsukune brush her coat out for her, but knew that was out of the question for the foreseeable future. Once back at her room, Inari made a light supper and spent some time putting herself together. After the long week, it felt good to take care of herself. Because her mind was on Tsukune, Inari had a desire to make herself up to look good for him. Hair, makeup, and a touch of perfume were all little things to help present the image of a desirable woman, as she wanted Tsukune to see her. Over a skimpy and lacy black bra and panties, Inari wore a light robe artfully arranged. It struck her that she was being a little silly, but this would be the first time she knew in advance that Tsukune was coming to her room.

When Tsukune returned, Inari was ready to welcome him warmly. She invited him in and offered refreshments, but Tsukune had politely refused. Inari knew she was at a disadvantage, but decided to try for some dignity and didn't pressure Tsukune. She took the doll's accessories form him first, putting them aside, and then reached for the baby.

"Thank you again, Tsukune," Inari said. "I really needed a little time to take care of myself." She moved in close as if to take the baby form his arms. She slipped one hand under the doll, and the other partially around Tsukune in a loose half hug. "Thank you," Inari leaned in enough to give Tsukune a quick kiss on the cheek before drawing away, holding the baby doll in her arms.

"I hope you have a good weekend," Tsukune said in parting.

Once she closed the door, Inari leaned against it. Her heart was racing and her whole body felt excited. Yes, Inari thought to herself, the week was definitely one of mixed blessings. With a smile, she wondered what kind of blessings she could look forward to.

XxxxXxxxX

Mizore was feeling excited. Tsukune had promised to meet with her after supper. He had invited her to come to the manor any time after eight o'clock that evening. At ten minutes to eight she stepped out her front door to go to the manor, and saw Tsukune walking towards her house.

"Tsukune," Mizore greeted him.

"Good evening, Mizore," Tsukune said with a smile. "Thank you for wanting to share your time with me."

"Always," Mizore said with a happy blush coloring her cheeks.

Tsukune gave her a soft kiss as he lifted the doll from her arms. He had a plan for the evening. First and foremost, he was going to spend some personal time with Mizore. He admitted that he loved her, and was in love with her at some level, but somehow they were still so distant from each other. He thought that spending a little private time would be good for their relationship, what ever it was. Tsukune was also going to give Mizore a break from being responsible for the doll. Mizore was one of his partners, not just with the doll, but with the Newspaper Club, and the life he and the others had come to share. Because they were partners, Tsukune wanted to support her when he could, because he knew there were times past, present, and future, where Mizore supported him.

There was one other thing Tsukune wanted to do with Mizore that evening. Tsukune intended to share his youki, his power with her. In a way, Tsukune liked sharing his power with Mizore more than the others. He did not have to be bit and lose blood like he did with Moka. As good as it felt at the time, what he did to share his power with Kurumu was more than a little... less than dignified. And it seemed that the less dignified they got, the more she got out of it. With Mizore, it was an intimate act of sharing, but it could be done with a kiss, a hug, or even just by holding hands. Tsukune wanted to smile as he thought about the first few times he had shared his power with Mizore. She had tried to use those times to get moments of skinship with him. He knew what she was doing, even back then, but she need not have tried so hard. It wasn't about the physical attraction that made Tsukune love her. It was about all the little things in their daily lives they shared. It was that love that inspired thoughts of what they would share in the future.

XxxX

For Mizore the evening was a delight. Tsukune was kind and attentive to her, and also took care of the doll for her while she had a chance to relax for a little while. While she loved every moment with Tsukune, and the way he made her feel welcomed and important, her favorite part was when they went to bed together. While he was withholding from taking her as a lover, Tsukune was willing to hold her close and kiss her breathless, all the while he let his Warmth flow, letting her draw it in. As she drifted off to sleep, Mizore wished she could spend every night with Tsukune.

It was not a quiet night, The 'baby' needed attention. Every time it 'cried,' Mizore woke up, but before she could get out of bed, Tsukune was already in motion. While her sleep had been broken, it had been the best night's rest Mizore had found all week.

XxxX

Tsukune saw Mizore off in the morning with a kiss and a cuddle. The snow maiden moved with a spring in her step, telling him that she had a good night. Once she was on her way, Tsukune turned to take care of the next part of his plan. After being dutiful and supportive to his friends and partners, giving them a chance for some rest, Tsukune instructed Ruby to wake him up in the early afternoon so he could get ready for his shift. Tsukune then turned off his alarms and went to bed.

XxxxXxxxX

'I tire of this,' Inner Moka complained. It was Saturday evening, and instead of being with Tsukune, it was another night alone with the school books. Moka was sitting at her desk in her room. To make maters worse, that damn doll kept needing attention. She had just finished changing the doll's wrapping. 'I want to be with Tsukune.'

'So do I," Outer Moka thought back. 'But he is on duty right now, so there's nothing we can do about it.'

"Bahh," Inner Moka vented her frustration. 'Why does he have to be so responsible all the time? Why can't he just spend more time with me. We know he wants to.'

'He is so responsible,' Moka reminded her inner self. 'Because he wants to be with me.'

'That doesn't make sense,' Inner Moka complained.

'It's your own fault,' Moka sniffed.

'How do you figure that?' Inner Moka demanded.

'Know your place, Tsukune,' Outer Moka though in a haughty tone. 'You have no chance with me. I am a proud vampire.' Moka snorted in disgust. 'Remember? And now that he is making a name for himself. Now that he is growing in status and power, you want to criticize him for being too busy?'

'Don't talk to me like that,' Inner Moka hissed. 'You would have thrown everything away to be with Tsukune if it wasn't for me.'

"And what the hell is wrong with that," Moka snarled out loud. 'I could live my life with Tsukune as his wife. We could have had that quiet life together he wanted.'

'And then what?' Inner Moka questioned. 'The family would never have accepted him.

'To hell with the family,' Moka threw her pencil down and got up from her desk to start pacing. 'To hell with being a proud and noble vampire. Tsukune, my Tsukune, a lowly human, showed me more caring and loyalty in out first day together, than the whole thrice damned family has shown in the past three years.'

'I know that,' Inner Moka barked. 'Why the hell do you think I love him so damn much.'

'You love him," Moka scoffed. 'I love him. Kurumu loves him. Mizore, Ruby, Yukari, Inari... Everybody loves Tsukune. It like he is some kind of magical love spirit or something.' Moka made a rude noise.

'They can love him all they want,' Inner Moka scoffed. 'He has already chosen me over them.'

'I don't care about that,' Moka argued. "It just makes me crazy when I think about how he loves them. Damn it all to hell. He loves damn near everybody. I want to go back in time, find out who taught him to be so damn loving, and smack them cross-eyed.'

'Now you're just being foolish,' Inner Moka pointed out.

'Don't pretend it doesn't bother you too,' Moka growled at her inner self.

'Of course it bothers me,' Inner Moka growled back. 'But father had his lovers all along. Tsukune's going to have the same kind of role some day. It can even be a good thing.'

'How in the name of heaven do you come up with that?' Moka questioned.

'Just imagine,' Inner Moka explained in a smooth voice. 'We finally have our life with Tsukune. Every time we want him, he is there for us. Every time he desires us, we are there for him.'

'I imagine that happening enough already,' Moka fumed as she sat on her bed, squirming a little.

'And when Tsukune wants for attention... for some physical release...' Inner Moka went on.

'I would never refuse Tsukune,' Moka said. 'And you know it.'

'Oh?' Inner Moka challenged. 'What about when we are trapped in bed, felling sick and with our body bloated with pregnancy. Are you going to be able to take care of Tsukune's needs then? Remember the stories we heard from when mother was with child. She nearly killed father.'

'But...' Moka wanted to argue.

'And after?' Inner Moka continued. 'Do you think your body is going to magically recover so you can go back to taking care of him all over again?' No... Tsukune will love us, but there will be times when we won't be able to be with him. At least we will know where else he is getting his needs met.'

'You're sick,' Moka observed

'Fine,' Inner Moka sniffed. 'We tell Tsukune we are jealous of the attention he gives everything in a skirt that comes sniffing after him, and that he must foreswear all other women but us. No kissing, no touching, no sharing, no talking. We will take him home and keep him all to our self.'

'That would never work,' Moka grumbled.

'Make up your mind," Inner Moka huffed.

'Will you be serious," Moka demanded.

'Just grow up,' Inner Moka snapped back.

'What?' Moka questioned. 'What do you mean by that?'

'Don't you remember last year when we tried to keep Tsukune away from that succubus?' Inner Moka said scornfully. 'That worked so well, that you were ready to run to him naked to beg for forgiveness. As much as I want Tsukune to myself, I do not want to hurt him like that ever again.'

'If you feel that way about it,' Moka asked. 'How come you never apologized to him for it?'

'It was bad enough that we were wrong in how we acted that day,' Inner Moka answered. 'You did enough groveling for the both of us. I did not see a need to add to our humiliation.'

'I think I liked it better when we couldn't talk all the time," Moka pouted.

Moka got up from the bed and started pacing again. All the arguing with herself didn't solve anything. She wanted more time with Tsukune, but she didn't want to hurt him like she had before.

'It is still your fault,' Moka thought to herself. 'All your talk about being first being what's important.'

'Being the best is the most important, and being the most important is the best,' Inner Moka argued.

"I should have run away with Tsukune when I had the chance," Moka said aloud, returning to her desk.

'Quit pouting and just make your own opportunities,' Inner Moka said, retreating to her own thoughts.