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 302

Tsukune had learned a lot of lessons in the years since he first entered the Youkai Academy. He had learned some from the hands of those that had hurt him He had learned others in the words of those that loved him. One of the things he had learned was how to use the ideas of his enemies to hurt them. When Fairy Tail had attacked the masquerade ball after his graduation from high school, they had tried to use charms to hide their auras. Tsukune had set Ruby to the task of making the same kind of charms for himself and the others that had participated in the trap.

Inari and her team had all been hidden by the charms. Tsukune had kept his own presence concealed until he had been ready to face an enemy directly. Lieutenant Tanaka and his spotters and squad leaders had all been given charms as well. It turned out that there was only one youkai with Tate No Kai that night, but unstopped, that one could have made a mess of everything.

In contrast, in spite of his best efforts, Tsukune still had a hard time learning to think before he acted. When he had pronounced judgment on the kappa, he had been emotionally charged by the moment and had unconsciously been posturing to stress his own claim of authority over the defeated youkai. What he had not thought about was how fast news could spread in the form of gossip.

"Lord Captain," Inari had addressed him when he had gone to collect her and the others. At the time he had still been worked up and had not noticed. The other former Student Police members were all watching Tsukune with questioning eyes. Tsukune had not considered who might have heard his words, or felt the power of his presence when he spoke.

After he was content that the police could handle the rest of the work, Tsukune thanked his team and dismissed them. Inari of course stayed with him. She could tell something was bothering her captain, and wanted to be there to help him if she could.

"Lord Captain," Inari said carefully as they walked to where their motorcycle familiars were waiting.

"Huh..." Tsukune blinked, coming out of his own thoughts. "Oh... We are off duty now, Inari."

"If we are off duty, that means I can be pushy," Inari said. "So tell me what is going on. Tsukune, I can see something is bothering you."

"I just killed someone," Tsukune said bluntly.

Inari almost missed a step out of shock. She had expected Tsukune to deny he was bothered by anything. She had been working up her arguments to get him to open up to her, and he had surprised her by just coming right out and admitting that there was something wrong, and what it was.

"I know that I have killed before," Tsukune went on. "But it is different when it is not in the middle of a fight. I had already won. My life wasn't in danger. I can't pretend I was killing him in self defense. I beat him; tortured him even. I used violent force to get what I wanted, and then I pronounced judgment and executed him."

"What would have happened if you had not... done what you did?" Inari asked.

"Ito would have tried to arrest him," Tsukune answered. "And as soon as he was strong enough, he would have tried to escape. When he did, he would possible hurt others. He would end up killing again, either when he escaped, or to seek revenge. I had to kill him, to protect not just people's lives, but the secret of youkai as well."

"You said it your self," Inari tried to comfort Tsukune. "You had to do it. More than that, it had to be done, and you knew that if you didn't do it, more people would have been hurt while waiting for someone else to do what had to be done."

"I know," Tsukune sighed. "But I still don't like it. I didn't even try anything else first."

"What else could you have done?" Inari questioned.

"I could have tried calling the Board Chairman," Tsukune shrugged. "He could have sent somebody to take care of the prisoner."

"But how long would that have taken?" Inari asked. "Would Lieutenant Tanaka waited that long? Tsukune, you did what you thought you had to do. You shouldn't second guess yourself."

"I know," Tsukune sighed. "I was caught in the moment and needed a solution right then. I still cannot feel like it was a bad choice, even though I really didn't have any good ones."

"Why don't I help you feel better," Inari offered.

"What do you mean?" Tsukune asked. They were standing between Hiru and Furyu by this point.

"Come with me someplace where we can just relax," Inari explained. "Just you and I. We can go someplace where nobody knows either of us. We can just relax and ignore everything for a while. Nobody will be looking for you to solve their problems, and they won't care who you are or what you've done."

Tsukune stood beside Hiru for a moment to think about what Inari had said.

"Unless you have someplace to be," Inari offered.

"To hell with it," Tsukune snorted. "Lead the way Inari. Let's go disappear for a while."

"Hell yes!" Inari cheered. She vaulted onto Furyu and her familiar gave a throaty growl as it felt its mistress' excitement.

XxxxX

Inari flopped down on her back with a lazy, happy smile on her face. Her entire body felt heavy but tingled with energy. Her thigh muscles were actually quivering from riding on top of Tsukune. She was glad that Tsukune had agreed to her suggestion. There had been a moment, when she had brought him to the love hotel, that she had been afraid that he might change his mind. But he had followed her, and followed along with her plan.

The room she had rented was large and comfortable. Tsukune had not tried to argue once. In the room, he showed no hesitation in tossing his clothes aside, and even held out his hand to Inari, to invite her into a bath with her.

It was her old fantasy from her school days finally brought to life. After the successful mission, it was just the two of them together as lovers. She knew that if anybody ever asked her if dreams came true, she would have to say yes.

"Feeling better?" Inari asked as she rolled on to her side to face her captain and lover.

"A little," Tsukune answered. He rolled over to face her and lifted an arm to half embrace her. "Thank you."

"I guess we should get dressed soon," Inari gave him a small smile. She didn't want to give up her time with him, but had to accept reality. She had at lease satisfied the wants of her body for the time being.

"Why?" Tsukune asked as he drew her closer. "Do we have anything we have to do soon?"

"But don't you..." Inari began.

"Later," Tsukune said before giving her a soft, lingering kiss. "We have time."

"Yes, we do," Inari smiled broadly.

XxxxxxxX

Inari realized that Tsukune's acceptance of her plan might have been a reward for her support, but that didn't any less enjoyable. Between making love, and a few short naps, they pair stayed at the love hotel for fourteen hours. Inari had been sorry that their time alone had to come to an end, but she understood why. Her only true regret was riding Furyu home the next day.

Tsukune walked her to her door and left her with a kiss. Inari knew she would remember the night for the rest of her life, and would probably go over the details of it in her mind on the nights Tsukune was not with her. Once Tsukune had gone off to his own home, Inari headed for her bath. Right then she just wanted to sooth herself with a cool bath. After that, she was going to sleep until... Well, until she was no longer feeling quite so tender.

XxxxxxxxX

"Welcome home master," Ruby welcomed Tsukune home with a smile and a curtsy.

"Thank you, Ruby," Tsukune said, giving her a pat on the head.

"How did everything go?" Ruby asked with a gleam in her eye.

"Your charms worked perfectly," Tsukune gave her a tired smile. "Thank you for your hard work. It probably made the difference that let everything go as well as it did."

"I am happy to hear your night was a success," Ruby said with a smile of her own, thinking of the reward she had earned. "Is there anything I can do for you now, Master?"

Tsukune gave her a searching look as he considered what to say next. He had taken a shower before leaving the love hotel, but then he put on the same clothes he had been wearing before. He looked down at his feet.

"Have my shoes cleaned and polished," Tsukune said. "But not by you."

"Master?" Ruby questioned.

"I want to wash up," Tsukune explained. "And then I will want to sleep for a few hours."

"Yes Master," Ruby nodded.

"And Ruby," Tsukune continued. "Please come with me."

Ruby felt a flash of excitement run through her. She thought about the reward she was hoping for, but then she looked in her master's eyes. She saw a haunted look in Tsukune's eyes and knew that he was not ready to grant her reward. She thought about all that he had been through in the past, and all she had been witness to during the time she had known him.

"Tsukune," Ruby spoke in a gentle voice. "Please let me take care of you today."

"Please," Tsukune gave her a warm smile.

Tsukune was glad for Ruby's restraint. He knew what she was looking forward to, and when he was ready he would give in to her desires, but that would be later. Before anything extreme, Tsukune was going to take his time getting his thoughts in order. There was a lot of work he had to finish, and the more he thought about it, the more details that kept getting added to his to-do list.

Tsukune was still bothered about having to kill someone. As much as what he had said was true, that the one he had killed was a youkai that was acting like an confused and dangerous animal, it has still been a person. Mostly he just wanted to put it out of his mind and move on, but there were still some things lingering in his mind. A part of what Tsukune could not forget was the realization that he would have to kill again. He prayed that he would never have to kill a human, because then he would truly be a monster in his own mind.

Tsukune reflected that it was easier to be in danger of losing his own life than it was to take the life of another. Oddly though, with Inari's help, he was realizing that recovering from either had a lot in common. What he needed was to remember that he was alive, and that there were good things about being alive. Being able to cuddle with Ruby and relax in a way he could not with anybody else was one of those things about being alive that helped Tsukune cope with taking a life that needed to be put to an end.

XxxxxxxxxxxXxxxxxxxxxxxX

The General was furious. He was so angry that he was destroying his own office. His people had failed. His minion, the self promoted major had failed. The police had not hosted a press conference. His enemies had taken down what should have been a strong fighting force and it had earned only a short blurb in the morning news. To make it worse, the officers that had been lost had been like the eyes and ears of The general. He was left half blind by the loss of The Major and the others.

The General would have sent some of his other people to learn what they could, but he was having trouble contacting anybody in his organization. Naturally he didn't have the name and number of every Tate no Kai soldier. That was the reason for having local officers after all. While he did not have the information of every member, The General did have a list, and the further down the list he went without reaching somebody the more angry he grew.

In a desperation move, The General called out his special guard. These were a handful of men that had joined Tate no Kai early and had shown a willingness to go further than any others. They were The General's special enforcers. When one of the lieutenants had messed up bad enough, it had been the special guard that was sent out to administer punishment. Now The General was being forced to send them out to investigate what had happened over a single night that had so badly crippled Tate no Kai.

The General was furious. His office had become little more than a personal cage where he waited to learn what had happened to his organization. The General wanted to lash out, but until he knew more, there was nobody he could blame. What angered him the most was the feeling weighing down on him. He was feeling weak and vulnerable.

XxxxxxxxxxX

Elsewhere in Japan men were gathered in different places of business. If The General knew that his enemies were right then toasting their success, he would have wanted to kill them. If The General had known how badly his organization had truly suffered, he would have gone on a rampage. If it got out how much his loyal lieutenants were talking in the hope of escaping their tormentors, or in the hope of earning a lighter sentence, The General would have found a way to flee Japan.

As the sun was setting, Tsukune was arrived at a meeting with Ross and Tanaka. The three men had information to share with each other, and after the success of the night before, a little mutual congratulations were in order. Once more the meeting place was the private club Ross's people managed.

"Let's get this going," Ross said as he sat down in his favorite chair. "I believe you all know my assistant Jenna." Ross gestured to the woman who was just then carrying in a pair of thick folders.

Jenna was fully clothed, which was something neither Tsukune or Tanaka had ever seen before. Tsukune did find it amusing that her choice of outfits was still revealing in its own way. Her blouse was black silk and hugged her torso so closely that it was almost a second skin. In contrast, the sleeves of the blouse were loose and flaring. Her short trousers, a dark red, were also silk, and managed to cling to her hips, very low on her hips, but with enough flare in the legs to make them almost appear to be a skirt. The blouse and trousers didn't quite come together. So in addition to the front of the blouse, which was open down to her navel, and her legs that were uncovered up to the middle of her well muscled thighs, she was also showing off a section of her lower abdomen and the top of her hips. When she went to give one of the folders to Tanaka, she passed Tsukune and showed off a different kind of cleavage.

While Tsukune was very happy to have the women that were a part of his life, and he had no desire to stray, he was not dead. He knew enough about women to realized that Jenna had dressed the way she had because she wanted to attract attention. He observed that her short trousers made her hips and bottom appear more round and fuller than when she had been dressed in next to nothing. Idly, Tsukune wondered if Kurumu would ever wear pants so low cut.

"Congratulations on your promotion," Tanaka said as he accepted the folder. "Thank you." With folder in hand he took a seat.

"Thank you, Lieutenant," Jenna said with a smile.

"I am glad to see things are working out for you," Tsukune said as he arrived in his customary parking space on the couch.

"Me too," Jemma replied. She bent forward at the waist to hand Tsukune the other folder.

"Thank you," Tsukune accepted the folder with a wry smile. He could tell that Jenna was putting on a display for his benefit.

"Yeah," Ross drawled. "But now I need to find new staff for this place, and that's going to be harder than ever."

"Why is that?" Tsukune asked.

"We were always careful about who could work in the places the family members used to relax," Ross explained. "But now this little club is getting known through the gossip network. We had one girl get hired away from the club, which looks like she became a personal favorite and is now living the good life. And another girl got a place in the ranks of the family."

"Now normally there are any number of girls willing to work here," Ross continued. "We pay them well because this is not the kind of place where they can work for tips or commissions. Also, the men who come here are not just random customers off the streets, so there is more safety for the girls as well. But now, with the rumors of this place being a special recruiting center, well now we have to make sure the girls can be trusted to keep secrets, and that they are not going to try to do things on their own to try to get recognition. We don't want or need anybody that goes off half cocked trying to make a name for themselves. That is how you develop discipline problems and gang fights."

"I am sure you will get everything smoothed out," Tanaka said as he opened the folder in his hands.

"Here you go," Jenna offered Tsukune a glass of coke and ice. She had a matching glass of her own, having poured them while Ross was talking.

"Thank you," Tsukune accepted the glass.

Jenna gave him a smile and a nod as she sat down on the couch, close to Tsukune, but not crowding him.

"Hey!" Ross protested. "Where's mine?"

"Until you hire some new servers," Jenna said happily. "You will have to get your own."

"What happened to the other women?" Tanaka asked. "I know you hired a replacement for Onna."

"Remember what I said a moment ago?" Ross said with a sour expression. "Some of the other clubs offered the girls here more money to steal them away. We had two girls move up or out, so it looked like we had an inside track or something. When I finally find some new talent, I am going to have to offer a lot to keep them around."

"Sorry you are having a hard time," Tsukune said with a grin as he lifted his glass for a drink.

Tanaka and Jenna grinned. Ross shot Tsukune a dirty look. After a moment, the gangster gave a heavy sigh and got up and went to the bar.

"I'll take a cold drink as well," Tanaka said. "Scotch on the rocks."

Ross looked like something sour was moving in his mouth, but he didn't say anything. He did give Tanaka a tumbler full of ice and scotch. When he returned to his own seat, he had a tumbler of his own, along with the bottle.

"Alright," Ross said a little gruffly after he drank down some of the scotch. "Let's get down to the real business." He gestured to the folders. "That's all the information we wanted you to know."

"There won't be any problems over this will there?" Tanaka asked.

"Of course not," Ross gave his friend a wounded look. "We are just doing our duty as members of the community and reporting suspicious individuals and activities." He took on a more serious air then continued. "Of course the information has been scrubbed clean of anything that would incriminate anybody from my side of the street. It may make your work a little harder..."

"But not as hard as having nothing at all," Tanaka finished for him. "Thank you." He closed the folder. "It is unfortunate that I don't have anything to share with you in return."

"Really?" Ross challenged.

"We made a lot of arrests," Tanaka explained. "And were are getting a lot of information, but it is going to take time to sift through it all. Right now its all just a lot of finger pointing. While we are investigating the stories, we are sending out warrants to freeze the bank and credit accounts of every name we are collecting."

"Loosing their money will hurt the leaders more than losing their men," Ross observed. "And with what we pulled last night, money is going to be hard for them to replace."

"Agreed," Tanaka nodded.

"So how about our happy third member of this little counsel," Ross directed his attention to Tsukune.

"Nothing breeds success like success," Tsukune quoted. "The trap we set with the club had been effective. The retribution attack we were hoping to provoke happened, and we took it down beautifully." His face darkened a little. "We were even able to get the one that had been happily killing police officers."

"Congratulations," Ross toasted with his glass.

"It was all his doing," Tanaka lifted his own glass towards Tsukune.

"And before he died," Tsukune went on. "He talked."

"Oh?" Tanaka perked up.

"Anything good?" Ross asked.

"I know who the leader of Tate no Kai is," Tsukune announced.