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, then you should not read this.

Chapter 257

Training started early each morning. Tsukune and Inari both had an easy time with the morning run and other exercises. Other physical training included ways to move in teams to protect someone. Such things as the spartan circle, or the bounding over-watch. They were given a crash course on clearing rooms, as well as how to check doors, windows, and locks for signs of tampering.

The training also included classroom sessions. Refresher courses in emergency first-aid were the simplest. Everybody was given walkmans with language tapes, and were being taught very focused classes in English. Other languages were also being reviewed. Some were learning Spanish, while other were studying french. Tsukune was discovering the strain on the throat that came from learning German. There were only a few key things that everybody had to learn in which ever language they were studying; Police, gun, bomb, help, etc. Also there were a few common phrases for the sake of being polite. How much of it was going to be needed there was no way of knowing, but Tsukune agreed that it was better to be over prepared than unprepared.

After ten days of crash training, everybody received their final assignments. The body guards were changed up a little and teams were formally arranged. Two women were assigned to act as personal aids to the princess. A third woman was chosen to be undercover as a personal maid. Two men were assigned to play secretary and aid to the princess' husband. He also had an undercover guard as his valet. The maid and valet would be responsible for keeping room and belongings safe while the rest of the party was out. The personal aids would be unarmed, and dressed more casually than the visible security detail members.

Tsukune and Inari were summoned to an office to receive their mission assignments. Waiting for them were three men from the Imperial Guard. One of them was Tanaka Ito. They were seated behind a long table that was holding large envelopes, folders, and lists of names and places. The three men welcomed Tsukune and Inari and invited them to sit opposite of them.

"Let me start by saying that you are here because you both come highly recommended," The man in the middle of the trio said.

"Thank you," Tsukune and Inari said together.

"You are both young," The man went on. "And your records show that you did most of your initial training on the job. On the other hand, your records also show that you have a history of dealing with difficult situations." He paused to look down at one of the lists on the table.

Tanaka passed the other man another paper. The speaker took it and looked it over. With a small grunt he set it down and returned his attention to the pair sitting across from him.

"After considering all the information," The man said. "Including your recent training scores, we have chosen you to be a part of the security detail. The two of you will be working under cover together until the princess is safely back home."

The third man picked up a pair of folders. After a quick check to make sure he had them right, he handed them out. One to Tsukune and the other to Inari.

"You will be traveling along with the princess," The speaker continued. "But not as a part of the official group. She and her husband will be traveling under special arrangements with the official security team and body guards. You two will be in casual clothes, unarmed, and equipped with special cell radios. Your cover is that you are a couple on a trip. Your job is to be alert for any trouble, but you will only make contact with the rest of the team when called, or if you think there is a real danger present."

"If all goes well," The man said. "Then you should be the next closest thing to invisible. If something looks out of place, see if you can find a way to deal with it becomes a real situation. Call the local police. If you are at a hotel or restaurant, tell the manager. If you can't solve the problem, then you get on the radio and let the rest of the team know about it."

"You are to be an extra level of safety for everybody," Lieutenant Tanaka spoke up. "Only the other members of the security detail are going to know who you are."

"A lot of faith is being placed in you two. Good luck," The speaker dismissed them.

XxxXxxX

"...And that is why I won't be back for a while," Tsukune finished explaining things to Moka.

"Is it alright for you to be telling me this?" Moka asked.

"I am not telling you anything specific," Tsukune said. He and Moka were cuddled in her living room. "Just that I am going on a business trip." He gave her a wide smile. "And that I am going to be missing you every day and night that I am gone."

"I know you will," Moka said. She leaned in and kissed the side of his neck. "But if I am going to be without you for so long, you need to take care of me first." She kissed his neck again.

"That sounds reasonable," Tsukune said, sliding a hand along the curves of her body.

"And after that..." Moka purred.

XxxxxXxxxxX

Inari could not stop smiling. It was the first day of her mission with Tsukune and Inari could not be happier. It had started off with a meeting where everybody was presented with the official schedule for the trip and any additional information that was needed to bring everybody up to date. Mission equipment was issued out. Then it was time to go.

Tsukune and Inari went to the airport by taxi. It was just them and their bags. They were supposed to keep their distance from the rest of the team for the duration of the mission. From the moment Inari sat beside Tsukune in the taxi she could not help but lean into him. At the airport, Inari did her best to hold on to Tsukune. She held his arm or hand whenever she could.

"You are enjoying this a little too much," Tsukune accused her in a low voice as they stood in line to check-in at the terminal gate.

"Why shouldn't I enjoy it?" Inari challenged him.

"Thank you for flying with us," The attendant at the gate said as the people ahead of Tsukune and Inari started down the boarding ramp. "Next in line please."

"Good morning," Tsukune said as he stepped up to the attendant. He handed the boarding passes to her.

"Thank you," The attendant accepted the passes and double checked them. She handed them back with a smile. "Mr. and Mrs. Anono..."

Inari couldn't help but giggle. Tsukune tried not to groan.

"... Thank you for flying with us," The attendant finished.

Tsukune was not satisfied with the identities he and Inari were traveling under. Pretending to be a married couple made sense, and he knew that was one of the reasons Inari was so happy with the mission, but that was not what was bothering him. What Tsukune found so frustrating was the lack of imagination that was in evidence with their cover identities. The passports they had been issued named them Anono Tsukune and Anono Inari. Why, Tsukune wondered, if they were going to be using something so close to his real name, were they bothering to change it at all?

Tsukune and Inari were on a flight separate from the rest of the princess' party. They were not even using the same airline company. The different flight would put Tsukune and Inari on the ground at the first stop of the tour hours ahead of the princess, giving the pair a chance to get a feel for the area, and possibly spot any problems that would need to be taken care of.

"You know, Tsukune..." Inari said in a low voice as she leaned into him as he took his seat next to her in the plane. "You should try to appear more relaxed happy."

"It is perfectly reasonable for me to be a little stressed right now," Tsukune answered back in his normal voice. "This is serious business

"It is supposed to be our honeymoon," Inari whispered in a near growl. "Just like any other couple of newlyweds." Not only was his seriousness threatening to spoil her mood, she was worried his stiffness would make them stand out, which would negate the idea of being under cover. She was wearing an ivory dress with an assortment of bangle bracelets and had a hat tucked with her purse under her seat. Tsukune was in a short sleeved shirt and blue jeans, but he was still looking serious.

"I have every reason to be serious about this," Tsukune said without lowering his voice at all. "A honeymoon is usually a once in a lifetime thing. I need to make sure it all goes well, and that you are happy."

Inari suddenly found herself filled with two strong and conflicting desires. Her entire body trembled as Tsukune gave her a crooked smile. Her heart pounded in her chest. At that moment Inari did not know which she wanted more; to kiss Tsukune or to punch him.

XxxxX

By the end of the first day of her mission with Tsukune, Inari was having a hard time smiling. The flight had been long and trying. Tsukune had spent the flight ether reading or sleeping. At least when he was sleeping Inari could hold his hand.

Once the plane landed, everything seemed to happen at a rush. Collecting their bags, getting though customs, and getting a rental car all happened in a crowd of noisy people. Inari felt on the edge of panic through it all. She was surrounded by people that came in every shape and color, and odor. It was noisy and confusing, and everything felt strange.

The trip from the airport to the hotel had been a test of Inari's nerves. First she had to wait while Tsukune studied the map, using a translator book to help him with some of it while he took notes. Then Inari was trapped being the passenger as they drove through traffic, and everything was on the wrong side of the road.

Tsukune tried his best to stay calm and relaxed, but knew he had to keep his mind on the mission. Everything he did had to follow the schedule of the official visit by the Imperial Princess. They were staying at the same hotel as the official group. Once he and Inari checked in to their reserved room, it was time to act like tourists. Holding hands they took a walk around the hotel, taking random pictures and looking at everything. Back at the hotel they 'got lost' and wondered through the place that was reserved for the princess and her party, until hotel security showed them the way back to their room. They managed a quick wash and a change of clothes before heading down to the lobby, where they were just two more people in the crowed watching the arrival of the princess and her husband.

With the princess and her bodyguards safely arrived in the hotel, Tsukune and Inari were free to wait in the background. Inari, who had kept up with everything as best as she could, was ready to relax a little. She and Tsukune had a nice dinner in the hotel restaurant, almost like a date. As the day finally reached its end, Inari realized how hard the mission was going to be. She and Tsukune were not going to have anybody relieving them. They were not going to be free to completely relax at any point. As she got ready for bed, Inari was starting to feel a growing sense of frustration.

The room she was sharing was a perfect place for a couple to spend the night together, and the man she wanted to share just such a place with was going to be with her. As exciting as the idea was, there was a flaw that could not be overlooked. She and Tsukune were on duty, and that meant nothing would happen between them.

XxxxxX

Two days later Inari was still feeling the pressure of their mission. She and Tsukune had been running around, playing tourists, somewhere near to where the princess was at all times. They went to museums and nice restaurants holding hands and watching from trouble. Local youkai eyed them, but none of them made any attempts to cause trouble.

Even though nothing was going to happen between her and Tsukune during the mission, Inari was glad to be with him. His presence gave her a sense of comfort even though she was so far from home. Also, even though they were working, she was getting to share time with him.

Five days into the mission found Inari and Tsukune in their third hotel. The weather was hot and dry. Inari lamented that she wished that they could go for a swim. Tsukune surprised her by suggesting that they should.

"We have three hours until we need to go anywhere," Tsukune said. "So we should take a little time to check out the pool."

"Really?" Inari perked up.

"Why not?" Tsukune smiled. "Besides, it is still a part of the hotel, so we should check it out anyway."

The visit pool turned the day into one of the highlights of the mission for Inari. She had packed a swim suit, just in case, and was glad to have an opportunity wear it in front of Tsukune. Tsukune dressed down to shorts and a tee shirt and sat at the poolside to keep Inari company. He didn't want to go without his shirt in public, because his scars would likely stand out too much. Inari accepted his reasoning, but that didn't keep her from hanging on his arm to and from the pool.

XxxX

Inari was glad for the chance to refresh herself in the pool. She and Tsukune had then spent the rest of the afternoon driving and walking all around. They played tourists while staying within a kilometer of the princess as she and her husband went shopping and then had dinner with celebrities. Even when night fell, the air was hot and dry, and what wind there was did not bring any relief.

When the princess returned to the hotel, Inari was glad to get back to her and Tsukune's room as well. The air conditioning made a world of difference. Inari pealed off the clothes that had become damp with sweat and accepted the glass of ice water that Tsukune offered her.

"It feels good to cool off," Tsukune said as he pulled off his shirt. He didn't have much modesty when he was with her.

"Yes it does," Inari agreed as she watched him. She was still nervous about undressing in front of him, but had no problem enjoying the show when he took of his clothes.

"And now that it dark out," Tsukune continued as he started to unbuckle his pants. "I think I will go for a swim."

"Wait for me," Inari said, hurrying to get her swimsuit.

Xx

Tsukune did not just dive into the pool. He had taken the time during the previous visit to the pool area to observe how everything was set up. For the night time visit, Tsukune started by turning off the lights in and around the pool. He explained to Inari that it would discourage some people because they would think the pool was closed it it was all dark. It would also hide them better if anybody did come around.

Inari relaxed in the pool, just letting her body float in the warm water. Tsukune quietly swam about, stretching out his limbs and easing away the tension. After some laps, he made his way over to Inari. With a gesture of his head he invited her over to the shallow end of the pool, and together they just reclined on the pool steps.

The pool at night, without glaring lights, was a nice way to relax. It was even kind of romantic, Inari felt. She was next to Tsukune, and could feel his calming presence. She turned her head to look at him, and was even thinking of trying to kiss him. But then they heard somebody else approaching.

Inari peeked over the lip of the pool and discovered a group of people coming her way. Her eyes went wide when she realized what was going on. The Princess and her husband were wearing robes and headed to the pool. Their body guards were walking with them, watching for any signs of trouble.

"Tsukune..." Inari hissed. She turned to him and saw that he had taken notice of what was happening as well. "What do we do?"

"Nothing," Tsukune said. "We are just another couple taking a swim."

"But..." Inari started to argue. They were not supposed to have contact with the rest of the party unless it was an emergency. She was cut off by the surprise of Tsukune putting an arm around her and pulling her close.

"The lights are off," Tsukune reminded her in a whisper. "We are just a couple enjoying a romantic little time in the pool." He was close enough for Inari to see his smile in the darkness. "Just ignore them."

"But..." Inari tried to argue once more.

Tsukune cut her off with a kiss. Inari was surprised by the kiss, and resisted for an instant, but then melted into it. She embraced Tsukune and kissed him back. She was aware of his body next to hers in the water. By the time she was aware of anything more than him and herself, the body guards were all spread out away from the pool, and the princess and her husband were cuddling together in the water five meters away.

Inari gave the other couple a quick look before turning her attention back to Tsukune. She kissed him again, and was thrilled that he kissed her back. She surrendered to the moment and went with her feelings. Soon she was sitting astride Tsukune's lap, holding on to him, gasping for breath between kisses.

"Let's go back to the room," Tsukune whispered.

Inari remembered where they were then. She looked about and saw that nobody was watching them, but she had no doubt that the security detail was aware of what was going on. She gave Tsukune a silent nod and they climbed out of the pool together. With only a pause to collect their belongings, they hurried back to the room.

Inari wished that reality had not been hanging over them that night. Back at the room, She and Tsukune shared a shower to wash off the chlorinated pool water and rinse out their swimsuits. After that it was time to retire for the night. Like the other hotels on the trip, since they were posing as a married couple, there was only one bed. Inari cuddled up to Tsukune under the sheets, but except for a goodnight kiss, she only got to enjoy sleeping in his arms.

XxxxX

Inari learned something from that incident in the pool. She realized that, as much as she liked holding Tsukune's hand, there was more she could do with him while they worked under cover. Starting the next day she was more assertive in her feelings for him, knowing that he was practically under orders to accept her attentions.

The work continued, and while it was trying at times, it was not too hard. Everywhere the Princess went, there was some reason for there to be tourists in the area. Tsukune lamented to Inari that if he was ever free to take a trip, he would want more time to enjoy himself than just hopping about like an official trip. Inari agreed that she would much prefer going to bed early and getting up late, while all through their trip so far they had been doing it the other way around.

Tsukune was looking forward to the end of the mission and returning home. Inari didn't want to give up her time with Tsukune, but she was looking forward to not living out of a suitcase. As such things do, the trip did finally come to an end. It took another five cities, and another five hotels, but it was finally time to return to Japan.

The only real hitch in the whole mission came up at the airport. It was nothing serious in hind sight, but at the time it had been the cause of a lot of concern. An absentminded businessman had set down a briefcase so he would have both hands free to work his cell phone. It was just a careless moment. Then he went to use the toilet and wash his hands. While his briefcase was left unattended it was noticed by someone with good intentions, but a little too excitable. Their attempt to report the lonely briefcase to airport police came out as a bomb threat.

The princess and her group were already in the airport when the alarms went off. The princess and her bodyguards were hurried to their plane, which immediately taxied away from the terminal. Tsukune and Inari were among the crowds that were evacuated from the building.

It took three hours to get the terminal declared safe. It took hours more for the mess to be cleared up. Tsukune and Inari had a hard time getting through the terminal. They had already made it all the way to the boarding gate before everything had happened. So had a lot of other people. Getting everybody back through the security check points took a lot of time. So much time that Tsukune and Inari missed their flight.

It was the kind of dumb luck that upset just about everybody. The counts were all off and miss-communications kept the rechecking of numbers from coming out right. Tsukune and Inari finally reached the gate in time to see their flight taxing to the runway. By the time their story and tickets could be confirmed it was too late.

"I should be able to find you seats on a flight by tomorrow," The airline representative said. "At no charge of course. Just listen for us to page you to the counter when we have everything arranged."

"No," Tsukune said. "I understand that this was an accident, but you can do better than just leaving us waiting."

"Sir," The representative said with a plastic smile. "We will do what we can, but you are not the only person inconvenienced by today's excitement. You will just have to wait..."

"I don't think you understood me," Tsukune's voice dropped lower as he turned on the intimidation. "My wife and I had been traveling on important business. Our luggage is now on its way to Japan. We have no wish to wait around the airport for you to do your job."

"Sir..." The representative started.

"Yes..." Tsukune gave he man a look he had learned to use when asserting his authority over youkai.

"Perhaps..." The representative swallowed hard.

"Perhaps you will call your supervisor," Tsukune advised.

The supervisor was much more attentive to the atmosphere around Tsukune. He arranged for a hotel and transportation for the very intimidating man and his wife. He also made arrangements for a flight the next morning and printed out the new tickets. When Tsukune accepted the tickets and thanked the supervisor, it had been with a smile that was so calm soothing that the man almost fainted.

Xxx

Inari was impressed with Tsukune's handling of the situation. She had almost missed the tiny thread of energy he had used. That note in his voice that got to her had been so clear, even if it had been only a shadow of a whisper at that moment. She admired the way Tsukune was able to use his abilities so smoothly.

Once they reached the hotel room that the airline was putting them up in for the night, Tsukune kicked off his shoes with a sigh. It was a modest room with a single bed. It was the smallest place they had stayed at during the entire trip.

"Tsukune," Inari spoke up once the door was firmly closed, with the "Do Not Disturb" sign hanging on the outside. "Why are were staying here?"

"Because the airline is paying for it," Tsukune said. He sat down on the bed and reached for the phone.

"But couldn't you and I get home another way?" Inari asked. "Furyu and Hiru could..."

"It's not that easy," Tsukune shook his head. "It would take a lot of energy for them to come here. Then it would take even more, from them and us, to go home. Also, you and I are on record as being here, even if we are under cover. If we get home the other way, then the records would show that we never flew home. The identities would look like they were still here, and they could not be used again without causing problems. Also, how would we explain how we got home? We would still need to go and get our bags at the airport and clear customs. If we don't fly home normally, we will just be making problems for ourselves."

"I see," Inari nodded. "I guess I had not thought it through."

"Besides," Tsukune gave her a smile. "Are you really in a hurry to get home?"

Inari had to take a moment to think about that. Tsukune started dialing a number as Inari considered the question. She really did not have any reason to hurry home. The only person she really wanted to see was already right there with her.

Inari listened as Tsukune called in a report to their superiors. He was letting them know that they were delayed, and what their new flight schedule was. The truth of the situation sank in and Inari started to smile.

She and Tsukune were alone in a hotel room. They were off duty. The other people in their group were all flying home. To the world around them they were just a normal couple... A normal married couple. She started to undress as Tsukune finished his phone call.

"Tsu~ku~nee..." Inari called his name with a gleam in her eyes. "It's been a long day. Why don't you and I take a bath."

Tsukune could read Inari's thought clearly as she smiled at him and undid the buttons of her dress. He replaced the phone on the nightstand and gave her a smile of his own. He knew she was going to make sure they had an interesting night.