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 217

The man sat in his modest office with a dark smile on his face. Things were starting to look up for him. His higher ups had been satisfied by his reports of what he had been doing to build up Fairy Tail in Japan. His underlings were sufficiently intimidated and distracted to keep from trying to put an end to his life in their own quests for power. And recruitment was showing some improvement as well.

The first new waves of recruits were nothing too fantastic. Fairy Tail had started out aggressively bringing in members early on. When things had started to go wrong, word had gotten around. Recruitment had slowed after Fairy Tail had lost a major branch to a group of high school teens. Incidentally, the loss of members had also caused a need for additional recruitment. As Fairy Tail's need had increased, the quality and quantity of new members had declined. This weakening helped set the stage for the blood bath that had caused the change of leadership among Fairy Tail in Japan.

The man that had been forced to take charge had tried to improve the situation. After some time he had found a way that had helped, a little, without just taking any opportunistic thug that came along, or just throwing money out as bait. That was another more limited resource than in the past.

What the man had done was make the new recruits work for membership. The new official rule was that for every five hopeful recruits, only four would be accepted. When twenty hopefuls were identified, they were each told the same things, as if they were being given a privileged little hint. They were told that the positions in Fairy Tail were limited, that they would have to prove that they were worthy of joining, and who the other nineteen hopefuls, their competition, were.

The results of the new policy was dramatic. Out of the first twenty, only two made it through the selection process. Only five had survived, but three of them had to wait until they healed enough to apply again. It was interesting that they were willing to, after how close to death they had been. During the second round, ten had made it in. One young man, who had already been granted a small team in a branch 'collections' company, collecting on high interest loans made to people with poor credit, and poorer health when payments were late, had taken a hand in a local recruiting drive. When the twenty hopefuls had been selected and turned loose on each other, the young man had gone out and beat five of them into submission personally, and then had them help him subdue the next ten. The remaining five had reduced themselves down to three, one through fighting, another through intimidation by visiting his target in the middle of the night, in his own home, and delivering an ultimatum at knife point. The third one had earned her position by getting the information the other two had needed and then negotiating a deal. The man had hopes for the two young leaders.

The new recruitment policy was having other effects as well. Some of the fringe groups, small local gangs that had provided muscle for the organization in the past, were cleaning house, fearful of being weeded out if they didn't measure up to the new talent being accepted. Additionally, if Fairy Tail was in a position to be choosy about who it let in, and could afford to risk losing recruits in quantity, to the outside observer it appeared that the organization was in a stronger position than previously believed. Reality followed perception. By looking strong, Fairy Tail was more respected by the strong, and feared by the weak. That appearance of strength helped attract more strength, and discourage resistance.

Some new financial support trickled in as well. Some of the people that had been unwilling to support the organization were reconsidering. One new recruit had made his way in by way of running his own protection plan. He had essentially bought his way in by encouraging some other that offering just a token of support to Fairy Tail would be like buying insurance. No truly large sums were collected from anyone, but it added up. Nobody wanted to pay enough to draw attention to themselves by appearing to be connected to Fairy Tail. However, a small gift (bribe) could keep them off of the organization's bad side if things started to shift. The man had met with the resourceful young man and discovered that he was interested in joining because of some grudge he didn't want to explain.

Things had started to look promising. The man had not restored Fairy Tail's strength in full, but he had stopped it from failing. The internal fighting was at a manageable level. People in positions of power were content to watch to see how the new leadership would manage, at least for a little while. All he needed now was to pull off something with enough impact to impress those above and below him, and to further the goals of the organization. The man was able to smile because gossip and planning had given him an opportunity.

XxxxxxxxX

Ageha was a little surprised to find the lights on when she got home. Kurumu had been keeping such unnatural hours, it was almost as if she could only work if the sun was up. Even if going to bed before ten o'clock seemed strange to Ageha, she was willing to support her daughter by being quiet when she came home.

Ageha was even more surprised when a moment later the door to the water closet opened and out stepped Tsukune. Ageha had never expected to see the young man so early in the morning, especially with his body so well displayed. Seeing him in nothing except a pair of miss-matched bracelets was something the older succubus could appreciate. Tsukune appeared to be half asleep as he made his way from the water closet to Kurumu's bedroom.

"My oh my ohhmyy..." Ageha breathed. She was more impressed than ever in her daughter's good fortune.

XxxxxxxXxxxxxX

Moka was feeling on edge from the moment Tsukune left to visit Mizore. She had given Mizore her permission to conceive a child with Tsukune, but she didn't know if it had happened yet. She didn't know if Tsukune was going to be surprised during his visit, or if Mizore was going to draw Tsukune willingly into her bed for the purpose of making a child. Would Tsukune be happy to be a father in spite of it being so soon? Would he be upset because it went against his plans?

Tsukune already held a special status among Mizore's people. If he and Mizore had a child, would he be welcomed even more? Moka could imagine Tsukune being treated like a hero by a score snow maidens, all hoping that he would give them a chance to have a child with him. One of the things that made her nervous was that Tsukune might like the attention. She trusted him, and knew that he would come home, eventually, but the waiting was difficult.

Moka distracted herself at one point when she thought about Tsukune coming home. It was true that they were not living together. Moka had made sure that there was a lease in her name, and so were all the utilities. On paper everything clearly showed that she was living on her own. Even an inspection of her apartment would show that she lived apart from Tsukune, or anybody else for that matter. But because she lived in the same building, on the same floor as Tsukune, it was very much like living with him.

'The idea of him coming home to us is a nice one,' Moka Thought.

'Yes it is,' Her other self agreed. 'He just needs to hurry up and do just that.'

XxxxxXxxxxX

Kurumu really did not want to go to work the next morning. She was aware of Tsukune's presence all night long, even when she was sleeping, not that she slept much. She and Tsukune had made love until late, finally falling asleep holding each other. When Tsukune had gotten up for a trip to the water closet, it had woken Kurumu. When he returned to bed, she had been waiting for him. They had made love again before returning to sleep.

When Kurumu's alarm clock went off she had been ready to smash it. She wasn't feeling overly tired, but she didn't want to admit that her night with Tsukune was over. She was eying the offensive device and considering the administration of a destructive blow to it when Tsukune moved. Kurumu didn't want her night to end, but feeling Tsukune's body moving against hers was something she was willing to be awake for. All the more so when his naked body moved over hers.

Kurumu felt the weight of Tsukune's body as he moved to turn off the alarm clock himself. Kurumu had been sleeping on her side, but Tsukune's move made her roll on to her stomach. His body was on top of her, pressing her into the bedding as he reached out.

"Good morning," Tsukune said as he turned off the annoying alarm..

"Mmmmm," Kurumu twisted her head around for a kiss. "Good morning."

"Time to get up?" Tsukune asked, giving her round bottom a little grind with his hips.

"Tsukune?" Kurumu gasped. She was surprised to discover that he was already awake in more ways than one.

"Sorry," Tsukune said.

"Don't be," Kurumu insisted, rolling her hips in response.

"I should let you get ready for work," Tsukune said with a grin.

"Tsukuneee..." Kurumu growled as she lifted her and rolled them assertively. "If you try to get out of bed after teasing me, without doing something about it, I am going to hurt you."

"Is that so?" Tsukune replied. He hitched his body up a little higher over hers, his flesh pressing firmly against her.

"Yes," Kurumu said as she tried to move her hip for a better position. "And if you really wa..Haaa"

Kurumu's words cut off with a small cry of surprise as Tsukune gave a small grunt. They had come together with an abruptness. Both of their bodies reacted to the stimulation.

"Tssuu..." Kurumu moaned as Tsukune took her.

"Kuuuu..." Tsukune growled in her ear.

They managed to bend their necks and turn their heads to come together to kiss as their bodies moved. It was passionate and quick; a giving and taking of pleasure made all the better by the love they shared. Before the snooze alarm could sound, Tsukune and Kurumu reached their peak at the same time. Kurumu gave a cry and clawed at the bedding as Tsukune growled and bit at the scruff of her neck. It was the kind of passionate sharing that left them both feeling energized.

"Mmmmmmmmm," Kurumu purred. She and Tsukune stayed together a moment longer, both of them moving their hips slowly as they enjoyed the pleasant glow left by their passion.

"Good morning, Kurumu," Tsukune said.

"Yes it is," Kurumu replied.

"I think you need to get up now," Tsukune said.

"Do I have to?" Kurumu complained.

"No," Tsukune said as her snooze alarm went off. He reached over and slapped it off. "But I'm going to take a shower, and I thought you might like to join me." As he moved to get up, his flesh withdrew form Kurumu's body.

"Awww," Kurumu pouted, feeling empty. As much as she wanted to pull Tsukune back into bed, she moved to follow him. "Sometimes I wonder if a career is worth all the time with you I have to give up."

"What was the name of that girl we met last year?" Tsukune asked. "The one with her friends when we went out on our date?"

"Kimi," Kurumu answered with a suspicious look. "Why?"

"I wonder how she feels every time she sees you on television," Tsukune said.

Kurumu's eyes went wide. She had never even thought of that. She started to smile as she imagined her old rival's jealousy.

"Imagine ten years from now," Tsukune said. "When her husband asks her why she can't be as good of a cook as the Sweetheart Chef." Tsukune laughed as he headed for the bathroom. "What if he buys her the official Sweetheart Chef's cookbook as an anniversary present?"

"Tsukune," Kurmu burst out laughing. "You're rotten." She hurried after him with a smile on her face. Waking up in the morning, Kurumu decided, was much better when Tsukune was around.

XxxxXxxxxxX

When Tsukune finally arrived home it was already lunch time. Tsukune made his way up to his apartment carrying his bags, while Hiru retreated to her new lair in the parking garage. Tsukune let himself in without announcing himself, knowing that Ruby would notice his presence soon enough.

"Master," Ruby called out before Tsukune could finish taking off his shoes. "Welcome home."

"Thank you Ruby," Tsukune said. "I'm going to change clothes. Please have lunch ready for me."

"Yes Master," Ruby said with a small bow. She took Tsukune's bag and passed it to one of the Me sisters that appeared.

Tsukune, dressed for comfort sat down at the table as Ruby finished setting out his lunch. She made sure that he had everything he needed, and that it was to his liking. Finally she relaxed a little seeing that Tsukune was content with her efforts.

"Did you have a good trip master?" Ruby asked.

"Parts of it were good," Tsukune said.

"Was Mizore well?" Ruby asked.

"She seemed well enough," Tsukune said. "Kurumu was doing pretty good when we parted this morning."

That threw Ruby for a curve. She had known that her master had planned to see Mizore and her new home, and to spend a night there. That Tsukune apparently spent the night with Kurumu raised a pile of questions in Ruby's mind. Tsukune's short answers to her questions were not helping any.

"How did you find Mizore's new home?" Ruby asked.

"It was impressive," Tsukune answered. "She used a traditional design, but the way she did it..." Tsukune described Mizore's new house in detail. He had been impressed with Mizore's creativity and resourcefulness. He knew that Ruby would also be interested in the interior design and efficient use of materials.

"It sounds like a wonderful place," Ruby commented.

"Yes," Tsukune said with a nod.

"Was Kurumu also there?" Ruby asked.

"No," Tsukune answered. "After I had a talk with Mizore, I decided to visit Kurumu and ended up spending the night with her."

"But..." Ruby blinked.

"Mizore and I..." Tsukune shrugged uncomfortably. "I didn't feel comfortable and needed some time to myself. I decided that since I hadn't seen Kurumu since graduation I would visit with her."

"Oh..." Ruby said.

"As for today," Tsukune said. "I am going to take some time to do some studying. After dinner, I think I am going to watch some television. I actually haven't done much of that in a long time."

"What would you like for dinner?" Ruby asked.

"Whatever you feel like cooking," Tsukune said. "It will be just us tonight."

"You're not going to invite Moka over so you can tell her about your trip?" Ruby questioned.

"No," Tsukune said. "I'll tell her another time."

"Oh..." Ruby was feeling confused. This casualness towards Moka was so unlike him. She watched him as he finished lunch and wondered what had happened that he wasn't willing to talk about.

XxxxXxxxXxxX

Moka was starting to really feel anxious. It was already the middle of the afternoon and Tsukune had not gotten home yet. He had not even called her yet. She was tempted to call him, but was holding off in case he was on the road. In her mind she was starting to picture Tsukune getting into trouble. The trouble she was imagining was everything from him being kidnapped by a hoard of lonely Snow Maidens, to getting hit by a truck.

Moka was not used to her new life yet. At school, when she had to wait for Tsukune, she usually knew where he was, and that wasn't very far away. Even when he had to work the last few days, she knew where he was and had a way to get in touch with him. When she had still been in school, Moka had things she could do to distract herself. Also, if Tsukune was busy, Kurumu and / or Mizore were likely to be around and be just as anxious. Living alone, with little to do but miss Tsukune was more of a challenge than Moka had ever expected it to be.

Finally Moka couldn't take the waiting alone any more. She decided to go and visit with Ruby. She knew the witch was likely to be feeling nervous by now as well, and misery loved company. It was just a short walk down the hall to Tsukune's apartment. A short walk that helped maintain the image of a proper relationship between to unmarried, young adults. Moka didn't think about it at the time, she just made the trip down to Tsukune's door and rang the bell.

"Yes?" Ruby said as she answered the door. "Oh, Moka. What can I do for you?"

"I am sorry to bother you, Ruby," Moka said. "But I am starting to worry. Have you heard from Tsukune?"

Ruby thought fast. Tsukune had not invited Moka to dinner. He had not called her or gone to seen her, which suggested that he did not want to talk to her. If they had some kind of fight, Ruby might understand his reluctance to talk to Moka until his temper had cooled. But at the same time he had not ordered Ruby to keep anything from Moka, and her master would likely be upset is she tried to turn Moka away without instructions.

"Tsukune got home a little while ago," Ruby answered. "Would you like me to announce you?"

"That's alright," Moka said as she entered the apartment. "Is he in the bedroom?"

"The office," Ruby said.

Moka blinked at that. She was surprised to learn that he had gotten home and not called her or come to see her. If he was still changing clothes after his ride, or maybe washing up, she could understand. She would even understand if he had decided to go to bed early, Mizore being his lover and not getting to spend much time with him, she was likely to keep Tsukune awake most of the night. But Tsukune was in his office. Moka could not think of anything he had to get done, so his choice of action puzzled her.

"Tsukune," Moka called out as she entered the bedroom-tuned-office.

Tsukune was sitting in a comfortable chair with and old book in his hands when Moka entered. He looked up as she called out his name, but he didn't smile. He closed the book and stood to face her.

"Good afternoon, Dame Akashiya," Tsukune said with a small bow. "Is there something I can do for you?"

"Tsukune?" Moka said with a pout. "Why didn't you tell me you were home." She crossed the room and reached out to hug him. "I was worried something might have happened to you."

"I am sorry to have worried you," Tsukune said.

"Tsukune," Moka complained. She looked up into his face as she hugged him, and felt her heart clench.

Tsukune looked at her with a straight face. He had no smile for her. He had not even raised his arms to hug her in return.

"Tsukune," Moka asked in a worried voice. "What's wrong?"

"Why, nothing, Dame Akashiya," Tsukune replied, addressing her formally for the second time.

"Tsukune-e-e-e-e," Moka cried in protest. She gave up hugging him and started checking him over. "What's happened?" She checked his forehead to see if he had a fever. She felt his pulse. She even sniffed at him to see of she could smell blood from any injuries. She thought she smelled Kurumu's perfume, but that didn't make sense.

"As you have said," Tsukune replied. "You have given your permission for things to go as they have, so there must be nothing wrong."

"Tsukune, what are..." Moka began.

"You gave Mizore permission," Tsukune said as he took a step back, away from her. "She came to you, and the two of you decided that it would be alright if she were to have a baby... My baby. I have sworn myself to you, Dame Akashiya, so it is within your power to grant such things without asking me. So now that Mizore is pregnant, as you said she could be, everything is fine."

"Tsu..." Moka tried to speak.

"I guess it all works out," Tsukune said. "Mizore will be happy with her baby. Between work

and school over the next couple of years, I hope that I will have time to be a good father. I did not want to have any children until I knew I could handle the responsibilities, but since I did not have a choice in the matter, I will just have to do my best."

"Tsukune," Moka protested. "You don't understand."

"I understand that something happened that frightened Mizore so badly that she was afraid that if she did not have a baby as soon as possible she may never have the chance," Tsukune said, his voice getting louder as he went. "I understand that something was bothering somebody I love, but they didn't want to talk to me about it. I understand that while some things are none of by business, and that there is something that you, or Mizore, or Kurumu can't tell me out of consideration for somebody else. What I do not understand, is why the most important person in my whole god damn life would make a decision that effects not only me, but my relationship with her, and with somebody else that I love as well, without the god damn decency to let me know what the hell is going on!" Tsukune was bellowing. "So tell me, Dame Akashiya, what is it that I did wrong? Why was it that I did not deserve the respect of being given a choice, or even a warning of a decision that could change my entire plans for the future?"

"Tsukune, please," Moka had tears in her eyes. Tsukune was actually yelling at her. Fear was making her heart cold. "Listen to me. It's not..."

"Not what?" Tsukune demanded.

Tsukune stood motionless for a moment, He had an angry glare on his face as he stared down at Moka. His breathing was deep and steady, almost as if he was ready to turn his anger in to something physical. With her seal in place, Moka didn't think she had a chance against Tsukune if he lost control, but that was only a part of her fear. Finally Tsukune took a deep breath, held it for a count of ten, and then slowly blew it out. He very carefully moved to set his book on the desk and then sat back down in his chair.

"Alright," Tsukune said in a mild voice, with a smooth expression on his face. "I'm ready to listen."

This calm Tsukune frightened Moka more than the angry one did. It was as if the heart that made Tsukune so caring of others had been disconnected, meaning that there would be nothing to restrain Tsukune if his youki went out of control. Moka even tried to get a feel for his youki, but all she could tell was that he was there, as if it was ether completely contained, which was unreasonable given his anger, or removed, which was impossible. Moka took a slow breath and chose her words carefully.

"Tsukune," Moka said in a calm voice. "I never meant to hurt your feelings. Please forgive me." She moved towards his chair and knelt by his knee. It was a deliberate act to appear submissive to him, to show that she was accepting that she was in the wrong, hoping that it would help Tsukune from doing anything rash.

"You are right about most of what happened," Moka continued. "Something did happen, and it frightened Mizore deeply. It frightened all of us. When Mizore came to me, to tell me what she was going to do, she was warning me, not asking. She made it clear that she was going to have your child no matter what I said. I gave her my blessing because she is my friend, and because I knew you loved her, and would be hurt if I did anything that would force her away from you. But I also gave her my blessing because I could understand how she felt." She paused to see how Tsukune was taking what she had to say. He was watching her, giving her his undivided attention, but wasn't saying anything.

"Tsukune," Moka's voice was starting shake. "How many time have I nearly lost you? The very first day we met I almost lost you because we were too different, and were from two different worlds. Just a few minutes later, you came back to help me, and I was so happy to see you, and I almost lost you again, I didn't realize it at the time. I didn't realize it until your mother broke her leg and you told me how long it was going to take for her to heal. Tsukune, you were just a human then, and I didn't realize how fragile your body, your life was. Tsukune, you were ready to give your life up to save me, over and over again. Suddenly, after what had happened, after what had frightened Mizore and the rest of us, I was afraid of what life might be like without you."

"When Mizore came to me," Moka went on. "When she told me she wanted to have your children... I understood. And I was a little relieved. I realized that if she was going to have your children she would be returning to the safety of her village to raise them. Tsukune, do you see? It was almost like an insurance against loosing you. If Mizore had your children, if something happened to me and I couldn't, then at least I could help watch over hers. And if something happened to you, if I ever lost you..." Tears were falling from her eyes. "Then at least there would always be some little piece of you left behind in the world." Moka sniffed.

"Moka," Tsukune said in his calm and level voice.

"Yes, Tsukune?" Moka answered, then sniffed again.

"I don't think you ever thought about it," Tsukune said. "But a man has his pride, and it is every bit as important as yours as a noble vampire. That pride, that need to prove that I can be a good person, was a major part of the reason I turned back around on our first day, in spite of my fear. It was that pride that made me want to be stronger, so I could be with you. So I could be worthy of being with you." His voice started to get deeper as his emotions started to show again. "It was that same pride that you stepped on when you decided to give Mizore permission and never bothered to talk to me."

"I'm sorry..." Moka began.

"Are you really?" Tsukune loomed over her.

"Yes," Moka nodded.

"Then you are going to have to do something to make it up to me," Tsukune said.

"Anything," Moka promised frantically.

"I am going to hold you to this," Tsukune said as he leaned back in his chair. "And it isn't going to be easy, on any of us."

"Tsukune, what..." Moka started to question.

"Kurumu and Mizore will be coming here the day before Aiko's ball," Tsukune explained. "So Ruby can fit them for the costumes she has been making. After the ball, you, Mizore, and I are going to go and see my parents."

"Tsukune..." Moka felt a new kind of fear growing.

"You are going to help me explain to my mother," Tsukune said with a dark smile. "Why it is that it is acceptable for Mizore to be having my baby without me marrying her."

"I... I..." Moka' voice failed her.

Tsukune just gave her a malicious grin.