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 213
Inari was surprised Saturday Morning by a huge white cat. She had been cleaning up from breakfast when Tsukune had let the creature into the koban. The first Inari knew about it was when she heard Tsukune's voice.
"Well good morning," Tsukune said as he opened the door. "It's Shiro isn't it? What are you doing here?"
"Tsukune?" Inari asked. "What's going on?" Her eyes were wide as she took in the sight of the creature. The cat was as big as her, at least.
"This is Mizore's... familiar," Tsukune answered. "Like how I have Hiru." He crouched down to inspect the animal. Tucked into a collar that was almost invisible against its fur, he found a letter addressed to him. "It looks like Mizore sent me a message."
"Those things can carry message?" Inari question. "By themselves?"
"Yes," Tsukune said as he turned his attention to the letter. "They are very intelligent and capable.
"Oh really..." Inari looked at the cat-creature, her mind considering the possibilities.
XxxxxX
'Tsukune,' The letter opened simply. 'I wanted to let you know that I love you, and that will never change. I know that you are already working hard to build the life that you hope for, and I am sorry that I cannot be with you.'
'I have settled into my home in my peoples' village. Following our traditions, I have made a new home, and no longer live with my mother. It is my deepest wish that you will come and visit me here often. I have made a home that will always welcome you, and offer you a place of comfort and respite when ever you wish to take some time away from your labors and responsibilities.
'I hope that you will accept my house here to by your home as well. I know that you may not approve of all that I have chosen to do, but I did it out of love for you. When you have the opportunity, I would like to show you what I have built, and to discuss my decisions with you. Until then, I will keep this house with love.
'I remain faithfully and lovingly yours,'
'Shirayuki Mizore.'
XxxX
Tsukune folded the letter and put it away. He wanted to write Mizore a proper reply, but it would take time to consider what she had said and to choose his own words. That was something he felt should wait for when he was not on duty.
"Thank you Shiro," Tsukune said to the cat-creature, giving it a scratch on the head and a little of his personal energy. "I'll write back to your mistress later. You can head on home."
Shiro moved towards the door and Tsukune let it out. He knew Hiru could carry his letter to Mizore when it was ready. Thinking about the letter he intended to write later made Tsukune think about the other women in his life. He realized that he had more to do than just write a letter.
XxxxxxxX
Kokoa was feeling miserable. After Moka had left she was alone in her father's house, and that was something she never liked. As the youngest, and now the last and only daughter, her father seemed intent on making sure she did not run off. The house had become her prison. The servants would see to her every need and comfort. She could go riding on grounds, stay up late in the library, or raid the kitchen for treats, but she could not leave.
Kokoa couldn't help but feel frustrated at the unfairness of it all. It was Moka that had turned rebellious. It was Moka who had run away from home. Kokoa didn't understand why she had to be the one that was grounded.
With nothing better to do, Kokoa divided her time between writing to her friends and setting up her father's plaything. It was just a mater of time, Kokoa knew, before the human woman would be cast aside. Her father tended to keep them around right up to the point they started acting with a sense of entitlement.
It was a simple plan. Every time the woman tried to act sweet towards Kokoa, the young vampire would say things to remind the woman that she did not truly belong.
"How much longer do you plan to stay here?" Was something Kokoa said almost daily. The nice part about that question was the way Kokoa could make it sound just by changing the way she asked it.
Another strategy was to frustrate the woman by denying her support. While not doing anything harmful, Kokoa would order servants to do things that would keep them too busy to listen to her father's plaything. Kokoa was wondering if she could get the woman to lose her temper before she had to return to school. All it would take was for that woman to say the wrong thing, some angry demand for what she thought she deserved made to the head of the house, and Kokoa's father would simply toss her out as he had the others in the past.
Kokoa considered her little war carefully. The woman was holding up well so far, but was starting to flinch whenever Kokoa frowned in her presence. It was time to turn up the pressure. The woman had been captivated by the romantic side of noble vampires. Kokoa decided to give the woman a chance to see the less pretty side of things. Imagining the woman's reactions was enough to make the young vampire smile.
XxxxxxxxX
Kurumu was humming to herself as she prepared for bed. Tsukune had called her from his work. He had told her that he had taken a break, and taken off his uniform, just so that he would be free to call her. It was that deliberate and intentional set of actions that told her how serious he was about her. He had taken the time to ask her how she was doing, being polite and caring, and it made Kurumu feel good.
They had only talked for a few minutes, but it had been enough for them to share a lot. Kurumu knew she loved Tsukune, but a short conversation, something most people would think of as something casual and unimportant, somehow made her feel important. Tsukune did not pressure her. He simply shared a little of his time, his life with her over the phone. That sharing, that accepting her as somebody worth giving up a part of his life for, made Kurumu feel loved.
As she went to bed, Kurumu had a smile on her face. She cuddled up with her Tsukune-bear and closed her eyes. As she drifted off to sleep, her thoughts were of how she would show her love to Tsukune the next chance she got.
XxxxX
"Thank you for coming," Mikogami said as his visitor entered.
"I admit that I was surprised by your letter," Brone said as he entered the Board Chairman's office. "I thought Tsukune and his circle of friends had all graduated."
"They have," Mikogami said. "But I'm not entirely done with them yet."
"I see," Brone nodded. He took a seat across the desk from the Board Chairman. "And this new girl of his that you mentioned, does she know what she's getting into?"
"I think she knows better than the rest of them," Mikogami said with a small frown. "She was late in joining the others, but she seems to be just as dedicated." He produced a file and handed it to Lord Gray.
Brone accepted the file and opened it. He saw right away that it was a medical record. While his Japanese wasn't the best when it came to reading, he was able to gt the core information quickly enough. Of specific importance was the surgical report.
"I see," Brone said slowly. "And you said this happened at a school dance?"
"That's right," Mikogami nodded. "I was already watching her, seeing if she would be a good tool for supporting my plans. She's proven herself loyal to Tsukune, and capable on her own when it counts. But with this, I think it would be a good idea to do something to support her position."
"Hmmmmm," Brone nodded as he continued to go over the medical record.
"As for the cost..." Mikogami began.
"It's not important," Brone said with a small shake of his head. "I've already got a project piece that should do the job."
"Really?" The Board Chairman was surprised. Brone, Lord Gray, was a master craftsman of magical artifacts and constructs. Mikogami knew that there were people lined up with large payments in hand waiting and hoping to hire him. It was only their mutual fight with Fairy Tail that had allowed Mikogami to work so closely with Brone.
"It was something I made a while back," Brone explained. He closed the medical record and put it on the desk. "It was more of a test so see if it could be done. After a few months I bound it in sleep and put it in a stasis bubble."
"And you're willing to part with it?" Mikogami asked.
"I think this girl has earned a chance," Brone gestured to the medical record. "I will need to make some changes, but I should have it ready soon." He stood up. "But this is a special case, Mikogami. There are going to be some angry people out there, because you've gotten more of my creations in the last year than I've been willing to sell in the previous five."
"Then why did you agree?" The board Chairman questioned.
"Because I believe in what you're doing," Brone said as he tuned to the door. "I'll see you soon."
XxxxxxxxZXxx
"Hana..." Fuji called out. "You have mail."
"Coming," Hana called back from her bedroom. She hurried down stairs. There was only two things she was expecting in the mail. One she was hoping for, the other she was fearing. When she found her mother holding an envelope Hana felt her heart flutter with excitement.
"I think it's from that school Tsukune went to," Fuji said.
"Yes!" Hana gave a small cheer. "Thank you," She snatched it from her mother's hands. She tore into the envelope after a single look to confirm that it really was from Tsukune's school. Inside the envelope was a letter.
Hanna scanned the letter quickly. It had the typical things; letter head, date, polite greetings. Then she got down to the meat of the letter.
'...To congratulate you on being accepted...'
"Yes!" Hana gave a happy shout. "I got in!" She started going through the rest of the packet, her eyes drinking in the contents. She had been sent a map of the school grounds and surrounding area, a copy of her class schedule, and instructions for taking the bus to school and checking in to the dorms to get her room assignment and key.
"I don't see why you're so excited," Fuji said to her daughter. "I understand that there are some possible opportunities, but you will only be going there for a year. Besides, it is a boarding school. You will have to leave your friends."
"You don't get it Mother," Hana protested. "This is more than just a change of school. This is about having a chance at the impossible. This could make everything real that once was only a dream." Hana looked up at her mother with her face glowing with excitement and her eyes practically sparkling.
"Are you sure?" Fuji asked. "It is just another school. Tsukune graduated so you will be all alone there."
"It isn't about him," Hana insisted. "It is about me, about my chance to do something, to change my whole life. It's about making dreams come true."
"If you say so," Fuji said with a sigh. She knew she would never understand her daughter's interest in the new school. She started to turn towards the kitchen.
"Mother, where are you going?" Hana asked with an almost pained voice.
"Well it's almost time for..." Fuji started.
"Who cares about television at a time like this. Wait here," Hana said before running back up to her room. She quickly dug out the student handbook and forms she had received with her application for transfer back during the holidays. She found what she was looking for and rushed back down to her mother. Hana thrust one of the forms from the school at her mother. It had the information about the school uniforms, including pictures.
"What's this?" Fuji blinked.
"Mother..." Hana demanded. "We need to go shopping."
"Shopping?" Fuji brightened suddenly interested in the form her daughter was holding out. She looked at the pictures. Blazer, blouse, skirt... "The uniform does look kind of cute," Fuji observed.
"I know," Hana said, pulling the form back to look at it again. "But I need to see how it looks in person, so I will know what kind of accessories to buy. I mean some tall stockings would probably work, but I want to make sure I get the right look. The school's uniform policy is really flexible. They like students to be able to express themselves."
"Oh really?" Fuji perked up. Suddenly she was liking this plan of her daughter's to change schools. Maybe this new school really could help its students more than her old one. Fuji could not remember the last time Hana had been excited about the idea of going shopping. And she had never been this excited about clothes and accessories. "I guess I better get my purse."
"Yes," Hana gave her mother an excited hug. "I love you."
XxxxxxxX
Moka was sitting on her new patio in a happy mood. The stars were out. She had a cup of her favorite tea in her hands. The air was just on the chilly side, which made the warm fluffy blanket she was wrapped in cozy instead of hot. As she enjoyed the view, Moka was smiling and thinking about Tsukune. About how she wanted to share nights sitting together quietly with him. Such thoughts were brought on by the letter he had sent her.
The letter had been a surprise. She knew that Tsukue would be home in two days, and she had not exchanged letters with him in a long time. The surprise letter made her feel good. It made her feel important to him. It wasn't a gushing love letter. It was just a letter that spoke of his daily life on duty, his plans for the immediate future, and what he hoped to do when he returned home, and that he was thinking of Moka. He even told her how he had received a letter from Mizore, and that is why he thought he should remember to write letters also.
Moka was touched by Tsukune's words. It was like a little piece of himself was on that paper. He was honest and open about what was happening in his life. He was sharing his thoughts with her, without hiding what the other women in his life were sharing with him. It was that same open sharing that let Moka know that she was number one in Tsukune's heart. It was what made Moka smile as she sat out on the patio and looked out at the night.
XxxxxxxX
Inari tried to keep her feelings from showing. The weekend was over, and Tsukune was about to go off duty. She was going off duty as well, but while Tsukune would be leaving, Inari would be returning to the local place for the members of the town police. Part of Inari's feelings were from being left behind, of not being able to go with Tsukune. Another part was simple jealousy, because she knew that where he was going there would be a woman there that loved him just as she did, and that he loved in return. Inari ached to be loved by Tsukune, to be able to be with him in all ways, but knew that it would take time to reach that goal, if ever. Until then, Inari would be supportive and not let her personal feelings spoil what little bit of Tsukune's life she was able to share with him.
Because she was living in town Inari didn't really need to carry much at the end of her shift. She had a single, well packed, bag of belongings, the rest of what she would usually need while on duty could remain in her locker at the koban. Less usual things could stay in the police dormitory until they were needed. Tsukune on the other hand had a pair of saddle bags for his things. While his own locker was secure, he would take most of his things with him because it would be inconvenient to return if he forgot something.
They were both waiting for their reliefs with their bags packed Monday morning. She didn't say anything, but Inari kept hoping something would go wrong so Tsukune would have to stay a little longer. When she and her captain were finally relieved, Inari kept a brave smile on her face and saw Tsukune off with a happy wave. Once he was out of sight she let herself sigh as her smile melted away.
Inari wasn't exactly looking forward to the next few days. With nothing but laundry on her to-do list, she was going to have a lot of free time until her next shift. She was trying to think of what to do with her free time as she walked to the police dorm house. The barrier over the area meant that there wasn't even any television to watch, unless she wanted to strain her eyes to see through the static.
"Ahhh, Just the person I was looking for," A deep voice made Inari turn with a start.
Inari discovered a tall man approaching her. She had never seen him before, but from the large wolf waking beside him and his long coat and broad brimmed hat, she thought she might know who he was. She watched him carefully as he came closer.
"Can I help you, Sir?" Inari asked, trying to appear confident while being polite.
"Yes you can," Brone said with a crooked grin. "As I said, you are the person I am looking for. I am Brone Gray, your friend Aono Tsukune may have mentioned me."
"Yes sir," Inari gave a nod that could pass as a small bow. "The captain has mentioned you. He said you helped train him, and that you made Hiru."
"That's right," Brone scanned the area. "Is there someplace we can talk with some privacy?"
"If you would like to come with me, I can make you some tea," Inari offered.
"Thank you," Brone said with a small bow and a flourish. "Lead the way."
Inari felt a tightness between her shoulders. She did not know much about the man that followed her into the house. He was tall, practically a giant when compared to the surroundings. She could feel something within him that wasn't quite youki as she was familiar with it, but it was powerful. It reminded her of a time she had been next to a river that was close to overflowing its banks. The river had been running high from recent storms, but the riverbed was old and smooth. As it flowed quietly past, little bits floating by in the current proved how fast the water was moving. The river had been smooth and quiet, but the power of it had been undeniable. Inari wasn't sure what kind of power Lord Gray had within him, but there was no doubting that it could crush her and the entire house without any difficulty.
Inari tried to keep her nervousness hidden as she played the polite host. She saw her guest seated at the dining table before hitting the kitchen to make tea. She quickly served the tea where he sat with his coat still on, and then sat at the table as well.
"What can I do for you, Lord Gray," Inari asked.
"Actually I am here to do something for you," Brone said before taking a sip of tea. "The Board Chairman of your school told me about what happened to you."
"Excuse me?" Inari questioned, suddenly aware of the phantom ache under her stomach.
"Miss Sansai," Brone said as he set his cup of tea aside. "Let me be blunt. I am trained in medicine as well as magic. I am equal parts mad scientist and witchdoctor, and a few other things besides. I know what happened to you, and what you have lost. I know nothing can ever truly give you back your..." He made an obscure hand gesture. "That part of you is gone, and I am sorry for your loss."
"Thank you," Inari said. She felt embarrassed, but courtesy deserved courtesy.
"But the truth is you got hurt because you have decided to be close to Tsukune," Brone went on. "You were even there to help him fight to protect this town and your school. As I understand it, you intend to keep on helping Tsukune. Am I correct?"
"Yes," Inari said with Conviction. "I will follow and support him no mater what."
"Good," Brone gave a curt nod of approval. "That was exactly what I was hoping to hear, because I am going to ask you to do something for me, and in return I am going to give you something that will help you." He reached into his long coat. "You are going to have to be able to get a hold of me, so you will need this." He handed her a plastic card.
Inari took the card and gave him a questioning frown. It was a prepaid phone card with a sticker attached to it. On the sticker was an international phone number.
"Just call from any phone, and one of my servants will answer," Brone explained.
"Alright," Inari said carefully.
"Now let me explain what I want you to do," Brone said as he reached into his coat again. This time he pulled out a photograph of himself holding a large egg. "You are going to do me a favor by looking out for eggs like this"
Inari looked at the picture, studying the egg carefully. Comparing it to the man's hand she guessed that the oblong egg to be about twenty five centimeters long and about half as thick. She looked back up at Brone.
"What lays eggs like that?" Inari asked.
"Furyu, Hiru's cousin," Brone answered. "And with her around, Hiru might start laying eggs too."
"But why..." Inari started to ask.
"Because if I get them quick enough," Brone explained. "I can ether preserve them or incubate them, and then use them in making familiars, and other things."
"But why me?" Inari asked, feeling puzzled, or maybe just lost.
"Ahhh," Brone grinned. "That brings me to the next part. What is in all of this for you." Once again he reached into his coat. This time he pulled out a thick envelope. "If you're spending time with Tsukune, I'm sure you already have a helmet," Brone said as he passed her the envelope. "Here's everything you need to prove Furyu's yours, and that you can ride her. There is also a whistle to summon her until you get used to each other, and some information on how to take care of her, including any signs that she might be about to lay an egg."
"You're giving her to me?" Inari asked, her mind racing as she took the envelope.
"More like selling her," Brone answered. "Because I am asking for something in return."
"But..." Inari tried to question.
"Look," Brone cut her off. "You already paid the price for your loyalty to Tsukune. I can tell that you are in love with him just by watching your face every time I say his name. What I am giving you is a chance to be a little closer to him." Brone snorted. "For all the good it will do you. I know exactly what it is like to be in love with somebody that is always just a little out of reach. No mater how close you get, no mater how much you share, there is always that one last gap that keeps you from ever truly letting you be together in the way you want." He got up from the table with a scowl on his face.
"I..." Inari tried to say something as she hurried to her feet.
"Forget it," Brone said as he headed for the door. "Just enjoy what you get, even if it's never enough, it's a hell of a lot better than nothing." He left without look back, almost slamming the door behind him.
Inari was left feeling stunned. She sank back down at the table, a part of her was still wondering what had just happened. Trying to put it all together she opened the envelope and started going through it. Just as she had been told, she found a driver's license with her name and picture. There was also a title of ownership, current registration, and an insurance policy, all for a Hardly Davidson Motorcycle in her name. Along with the assorted legal documents was a map like the one she had seen Tsukune use, and a set of keys with a small whistle attached to the ring.
From among the papers Inari found the letter of instructions Brone had mentioned. She read it through twice to make sure she understood it. As she did, she felt a growing sense of excitement within.
Inari took the keys and went outside. Looking around carefully because she felt more than a little nervous, she went into the small space between the dorm house and it's neighbor. After a final look back at the street, Inari gathered herself and put the whistle to her lips. She gave it a strong blow that sounded a pure, high pitched note.
Inari almost missed Furyu's arrival. A twisting darkness among the shadows was the only warning. Suddenly a section of shadows darkened, thickened, and shifted into a three dimensional shape. Inari was no longer alone. In the narrow space with her was a strange reptilian creature with a long tail and four limbs. The head had a lean, almost wolfish shape with oversized, almost fox-like ears. Futyu's hide was covered in pearly blue-black scales. Inari decided that it resembled a giant bat, especially when she noticed that the long front limbs were actually wings.
Inari had to work up her courage as the creature watched her with it's large coppery eyes. She gathered up her determination and concentrated on her youki. With a deep breath, Inari held out her hand to Furyu. The creature sniffed at her hand and then edged forward. Inari put her hand on it's head and willed her youki to flow into Furyu.
"It will be all right, Furyu," Inari said in a soothing voice. "You and I are going to be friends. That would be good right?"
Inrai felt her youki flow out of her hand. It was like the heat was draining our of her palm and into Furyu. At the same time, she became more aware of her new familiar in a way similar to how she was aware of her tails even when she was in her human form.
Furyu apparently accepted Inari. She gave a clicking-humming purr and moved in to butt her head against Inari's chest gently. Inari found herself smiling as she petted her new friend's head and scratched its ears. The thought crossed her mind that Tsukune was going to be in for a surprise the next time she saw him.