Chapter 316
The village of the Snow Fairies was every bit as beautiful as Kurumu remembered it. As she road Norra along the village streets, the sparkling reflections of the auroras made everything seem to dance. How quiet the village was made a kind of sense, because it was like being in the middle of a performance, and even Kurumu felt it would be wrong to disrupt it by talking too loud.
Kurumu chided herself for not making the trip sooner. Mizore was her closest friend, and she was just now visiting her home for the first time. Kurumu had not even visited Mizore's village since their club trip nearly ten years ago. Remembering how long it had been made the succubus feel guilty, and at the same time a little silly.
Kurumu and Mizore had kept in contact. They traded letters regularly, mostly about Tsukune, but also sharing news about their own lives. Because of those letters, Kurumu knew Norra would get her to Mizore's house without getting lost. With all the twists and turns in the village streets, Kurumu knew she would never had found the way on her own.
When Kurumu reached her friend's home, she felt a wave of emotions she had not expected. Mizore's home was beautiful, with the fence that look like lace carved out of frozen waves, and the large sparkling house that could have been a sculpture of a traditional Japanese manor from hundreds of years in the past. She was surprised by the patch of green that took up the middle of the front garden.
A young snow maiden sweeping the front steps of the house saw Kurumu approach and hurried to tell the mistress of the house. When Kurumu passed through the front gates, Mizore was already emerging to greet her. The two friends rushed together with happy cries.
"Welcome, welcome," Mizore said as she hugged her friend.
"It's been too long," Kurumu said in turn. "You are looking wonderful."
"Come in," Mizore insisted. "I am glad that you have come. The girls will be happy to see you."
With a blizzard of complements to each other, the Black and White Duet went into the house. Mizore commented on how Kurumu was looking as perky and beautiful as ever. Kurumu expressed admiration for the curves that motherhood had given her friend. Both were honest in their words, and sincere in their complements. As much as the two women cared for each other however, there was no denying that there was a tension between them.
Kurumu was jealous of her friend. Four children had not made Mizore unattractive in the least. While the succubus had been working hard for years to establish an honest and dependable career, Mizore had been able to enjoy Tsukune's love, and give him children. Kurumu felt more than a little cheated by the way things had turned out.
Kurumu was forced to choke back her more petty feelings temporally, because there was more important matters to give her attention to. The first four were Tsukune's cute daughters. Meeting and talking with the girls, who were excited to meet their aunty, for the first time any could remember, took a good part of the day. Before Kurumu knew it she was sitting down to supper with the family.
Kurumu had planned on only staying a few hours at most, but that was not how things turned out. After supper the girls continued to receive her attention until they were put to bed. Her presence was enough of a novelty that for the girls it was a reason to be excited.
They were so excited, that in spite of hardly being able to keep their eyes open, they wanted to continue questioning their aunty about city life, hair styles, and anything else they could think of. Fortunately their excitement wore them out before it wore down the adults, and were eventually tucked into bed.
"They are usually calmer around visitors," Mizore offered as she poured some fresh tea for her and her friend to share.
"It is alright," Kurumu said with a smile. "I am sure they will calm down when they get used to me."
"Do you think you will be visiting again?" Mizore asked.
"Are you kidding?" Kurumu replied. "I am kicking myself for not visiting sooner. Seeing your first two when they were tiny made me feel jealous, but not making the time to come see you and them was just foolishness on my part."
"Well I would be glad to see you more often as well," Mizore smiled. "And the girls should get to know their aunty if our children are ever going to spend time together."
Kurumu felt something stir inside of herself at that statement. It made sense that any children she had with Tsukune should have a chance to know their older sisters. She could picture in her mind how she and Mizore would sit together as they watched their children play.
Kurumu gave herself a shake. She was about to get distracted in a fantasy about raising Tsukune's children, and she had not even gotten around to the reason for her visit. She needed to take care of business before the day was completely over.
"Mizore," Kurumu said as she got up to retrieve her purse. "I need to talk to you about something."
"I knew you had a reason to come visit," Mizore replied. "Your last letter mentioned something about a contract with Moka."
"Yes," Kurumu nodded as she pulled out the contract in question. She brought it over and handed it to Mizore and sat down. "I hope you do not mind, but I spoke for you during the negotiations. The two of us together were always more of an opposition to Moka than either of us alone."
"Moka actually agreed on a contract to share Tsukune?" Mizore was more than a little surprised.
"I had to make some threats," Kurumu admitted. "Right now you and I both have reasons why Tsukune will never be able to leave us out of his life. If Moka did not agree to the contract, I made it clear that you and I could find ways to disrupt her life with Tsukune, and if she tried to stop us, it would make her look bad in his eyes."
"That makes sense," Mizore nodded.
"Of course with her being a lawyer, she wanted to put the deal down in writing," Kurumu smirked. "Because she knew she could not trust us."
"Of course," Mizore nodded again. "Because we don't trust her either. We all want the same thing."
"And that thing is exclusive access to Tsukune," Kurumu finished the thought.
"Inner Moka may have been unstoppable," Mizore smirked. "But her pride let us get too close to Tsukune for her to have her way now."
"Our good luck, and her bad luck," Kurumu agreed. "It is also our good luck that Tsukune agreed to the contract as well."
"He did?" Kurumu questioned with a raised eyebrow.
"I let Moka tell him about it," Kurumu nodded. "So she could have a stronger sense of control. I didn't want her getting to stubborn because of her pride. Also, the last time you and she went behind his back, Tsukune came to me with how upset he was. I did not want him to feel hurt and betrayed like that again."
"And he agreed to a contract for sharing him?" Mizore asked.
"If you read it," Kurumu gestured to the papers her friend was holding. "You will see that he made sure of some of the details he wanted, and he said he would sign it when he comes to pick to up from you."
Mizore fell silent as she started to read the contract. Kurumu could see how focused her friend was on the words, and understood exactly how serious Mizore was taking the details as she read them. It showed how carefully Mizore was going through the contract by how long it took her to react to what was included.
"Marriage ceremonies?" Mizore gasped. She looked up at her friend. "We get to marry Tsukune?"
"Not in the legal sense," Kurumu pointed out. "We just get to have our own wedding day celebrations." She gave her friend a seductive grin. "And our own wedding nights."
"And Moka agreed to this?" Mizore wondered. "Tsukune agreed to this?" True excitement lit up her whole face as she raced through the rest of the contract and found a line over Tsukune's name, just waiting for his signature and seal at the end.
Kurumu understood why her friend was so excited. By his signature on the contract, Tsukune would agree to have a wedding ceremony with each of them. They would each have a chance to stand beside Tsukune for the special day every girl dreams about.
"What do I have to do?" Mizore looked up at her friend with shining eyes.
"You just have to sign the contract," Kurumu replied with a smile. "Tsukune will come by in a few days to pick it up and sign it himself."
A dreamy expression flashed across Mizories face. It was only there for an instant before it was replaced by a look of pure panic. Mizore jumped to her feet so fast she nearly up-ended the table.
"I need a pen!" Mizore exclaimed.
Kurumu smiled at her friend's near panic. It was over soon enough, as she found brush and ink, and returned to the table to add her name and seal to the contract. Once that task was accomplished, Mizore sagged in her seat with a mixture of relief disbelief. She stayed like that for a short time as her emotions settled. Finally she ave herself a small shake.
"Kurumu, thank you," Mizore said when she was feeling composed once more. "Thank you for everything you have done to make this happen."
"Just looking out for my partner," Kurumu replied with a smile.
"Well I am glad that I will get to see Tsukune more this way," Mizore said with a firm nod. "I know he tries to make time for us, but it is not always easy for him."
"What about that time he was here for almost two weeks?" Kurumu protested. "I've never had a time like that with him?"
"That was more out of a need to resolve a problem than anything else," Mizore confessed. "I did enjoy it as much as I could, and Tsukune stretched out his stay as long as Moka would let him, but it was never really well planned out."
"Why?" Kurumu questioned. "What happened?"
"Fumusume discovered she had more power than any of us had expected," Mizore answered. "You commented on the green grass in front. That is because of her." Mizore gave her friend a look of mild wonderment. "I am surprised that Tsukune did not mention it to you."
"When we see each other, I really don't want to spend a lot of time talking," Kurumu blushed. "When we do talk, he tells me your daughters are growing up and learning, but I think he is trying not to say too much so I won't be jealous. I mean, when he comes to see you, do you want him talking all the time about Moka or me?"
"I see your point," Mizore nodded.
"So," Kurumu pressed. "Why don't you tell me what happened?"
"It was an accident that started a big misunderstanding," Mizore began.
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Tsukune was pulled out of his sleep by the ringing of his cell phone. He had to blink a few times to clear his vision before answering the call. When he could see clearly, he was surprised by the caller I.D. That was displayed. It was the number for the inn the snow fairies managed.
"Moshi moshi?" Tsukune answered the call.
"Ahhhh," The woman's voice at the other end sounded surprised. "Aono Sama, I am sorry to be the one to call you, but Shirayuki Sama told me to call you..."
"Mizore?" Tsukune questioned.
"No, it was her mother," The caller clarified. "She told me to call you and to tell you that it was important that you come right away to the village."
"I'll be there as fast as I can," Tsukune said. "Thank you for calling."
Moka watched Tsukune with a frown. She still disliked sharing him with the others, but accepted it as a part of who he had become. It just frustrated her a little more when it happened when she was free to be spending time with him. As Tsukune started to get out of bed, Moka thought briefly about going with him. She made her own hours and could take a day off if she wanted. But she had heard Mizore's name, so she knew who Tsukune was going to see. If she went along it would make things awkward. In the end, Moka settled for a kiss and telling Tsukune to keep himself safe.
XxxxXxxxX
Tsukune wished he could catch a break. His life seemed to be a chain of crisis, with one following after another. First he had to survive in the shadowy world of youkai. Once he was strong enough to do that, he had to deal with the risk of becoming a mindless monster. When he was getting a handle on the changes that had happened in side of himself, Fairy Tail became a problem to be dealt with time and time again. After Fairy Tail, Tate no Kai became the challenge to be faced. As much as the chain of problems bothered him, Tsukune had to admit that he was grateful to the fates that so liked to mess with him that the problems did not fall upon him in batches.
Tsukune reflected on such feelings when he reached Mizore's village. It did not take long for him to see that there was a serious problem waiting for him. The first sign of serious trouble that he saw was the arrangements of blocks of ice in front of Mizore's house. The blocks were mostly split apart, but he could still see the remains of what had been void spaces within the blocks. The few blocks that were still standing had prisoners within those voids. All too familiar with Snow Fairy powers, Tsukune doubted that the trapped snow women were in any danger, and were probably just waiting for one of their more capable kin to free them.
The next indication of trouble was the fence around Mizore's home. The artistic frozen waves of ice had been replaced by a stout, spike crowned and covered wall. The new wall was three meters tall, not counting spikes, and it was clearly intended to keep people out. Standing outside of that wall, with a cluster of local women, was Tsurara, Mizore's mother.
"Thank goodness you've come so quickly," Tsurara said with clear relief in her eyes. Ashe rushed over to Tsukune before he could dismount from Hiru's back.
"What is going on?" Tsukune demanded briskly.
"It is Mizore," Tsurara answered. "She... She is being unreasonable. You need to find a way to calm her down."
"What is going on?" Tsukune repeated. "What is it that you think she is being unreasonable about?"
"It... It is a village matter," Tsurara evaded.
Tsukune gave the woman a hard look. He considered what he should say, but decided against wasting time. He turned his attention to the wall in front of him instead. There was a ripple of movement on the surface of the wall that caught his eye. He walked through the assembled women and up to the wall.
"Mizore," Tsukune said in a low voice. "It is Tsukune. May I come in?"
In response to his words a gap opened in the wall. Tsukune more felt than heard the women behind him starting to move forward. Tsukune turned and glared at them, consciously projecting an aura of deadly force. The snow fairies came to a halt in an instant. Once he was satisfied that they were not going to follow him, he entered through the opening that Mizore had made for him.
The gap in the wall closed up tight while Tsukune looked at the remains of Mizore's front garden. Instead of the collection of ice sculptures that his Winter Wife and his daughters usually had scattered about, Tsukune saw a large patch of dry ground, dirt and rocks, surrounded by slush.
Just within the open front doors of the house, Tsukune saw Mizore huddled with their daughters. Tsukune could see that Mizore was already looking tired, and all of them looked upset, even frightened. Without saying a word, Tsukune hurried to his winter family and embraced them in a group hug.
"It's all right now," Tsukune said in a gentle voice. "I'm here. I love you and I'll help you no matter what."
"They want to take Fumusume," Mizore said in a shaky voice.
"Fumu melted the garden," Natsuko volunteered.
"I didn't mean to," Fumusume protested. "It was an accident." It was clear that Tsukune oldest daughter had been crying, and was on the edge of doing so again."
"Accidents happen," Tsukune tried to sooth her. He pulled one arm free from the group hug so he could pet her head. "That is why they are called accidents."
It was probably just the girl's nerves, but the humor was enough to bring out a giggle. Tsukune gave her a warm smile. Fumusume found her own smile. She hugged her father tightly, feeling confident that he would make everything better.
"Why don't you wash your face," Tsukune said gently. "And take your sisters to get cleaned up as well. Your mother can tell me what is going on."
"Al... Alright," Fumusume said with only a a small sniffle.
"Mizore?" Tsukune asked once the girls were gone for the moment.
"The girls were playing in the garden," Mizore explained as Tsukune continued to hold her. He was sharing his Warmth with her, washing away her fatigue. "Some of their friends were here. Fumusume was practicing her ice shaping. She tried to make a simple puppet, but when she tried to put some of her power into it to make it move, something went wrong. Before she could get her Warmth under control she melted most of the garden. Her friends ran away, frightened by the heat."
"Is Fumusume alright?" Tsukune asked. "And her sister?"
"They are all fine," Mizore smiled. She was pleased that Tsukune asked about her daughter, their daughters, and had not asked about the other girls. It was petty, but she was happy to know he worried more about their children than any others that might have been there. "Nobody was hurt, just frightened."
"Then what is going on?" Tsukune questioned.
"Someone told the priestess about what happened," Mizore answered, her expression turning dark. "She decided that Fumusume needed to be taken away and tested, to see if she should be allowed to remain in the village."
"She what!?" Tsukune demanded.
"She wants to take away our daughter," Mizore said. "I wont let them. The women out side, they say they are just doing what is best for the village, but I won't let them take Fumusume."
"We won't let them," Tsukune said firmly.
"Thank you," Mizore smiled. "But Tsukune, what can we do?"
"Simple," Tsukune smiled. "If we cannot talk them in to seeing reason, you and the girls will come and live with me."
"Do you mean that?" Mizore asked with wonder in her eyes.
"Of course I do," Tsukune said firmly. "But first let's see if we can resolve things here. You and our daughters should not have to be outcasts from your own people. Why don't you ask your mother to come in and talk with us?"
x
Tsurara had been surprised to see her daughter's face form in relief out of the wall of ice, but it had been a relief to be invited to enter to talk things out. She knew that sending for Tsukune had been the right choice. When she approached the front of the house, aware that the wall had closed behind her, she was glad to see her daughter was calm. On the other hand, Tsukune and Mizore both looked determine.
"Mother Shirayuki," Tsukune spoke in a calm and polite voice. "Thank you for having someone call me. Now, perhaps you can help resolve this misunderstanding. Mizore has told me that someone wants to take, Fumusume, our daughter, from her home."
"I am glad that you were able to come on such short notice," Tsurara replied politely as she tried to choose what to say to her grandchildren's father. "I would like for any misunderstanding to be cleared up. Let me tell you that Fumusume will not be in any danger."
"Of course she won't be in danger," Tsukune nodded. "Mizore and I will protect her."
Tsurara was not comforted by the firm way Tsukune faced her, clearly ready to fight to protect his daughter, even from her own people. Mizore, was no less resolved to protect Fumusume, but didn't say anything. She simply knelt beside Tsukune, content to be beside her man as he spoke for the both of them.
"This is a village concern," Tsurara tried to explain. "Fumusume has displayed a... an ability that is not... common among our people. It would not even be considered normal among any of the men we find for arranged marriages."
"I would imagine that the ability to melt all the ice in a large area would be unusual here," Tsukune observed.
"The priestess wants to understand Fumusume's power," Tsurara went on. "For the safety of the village and our people."
"That is reasonable," Tsukune admitted. "But it does not explain why Mizore felt it was necessary to defend our family, or why there is a small mob on the other side of the wall."
"It is just a precaution," Tsurara replied. "In case Fumusume's power is difficult to control, it was thought it would be best if there were enough of us to minimize any danger when she was taken to the priestess."
"I think that is were the problem is," Tsukune said with a frown. "Whomever approached Mizore probably used a poor choice of words when they meant to invite Mizore and Fumusume to meet with your priestess."
"When we came to take Fumusume..." Tsurara began.
"You see," Tsukune cut her off. "I cannot image any mother liking the sound of someone saying they are going to 'take' their child."
"Of course," Tsurara nodded. "A poor choice of words, as you said. Fumusume is to be brought to the priestess to be examined and tested."
"My daughter is a little upset about what happened today," Tsukune said. "Perhaps your priestess should wait a day or so before asking anything from her."
"We have certain traditions within the village," Tsurara tried to sound firm but reasonable. "The priestess is also a seer, so we do not delay in following her instructions. If she feels that it is important that Fumusume be brought to her today, then today it shall be done."
"Why don't we ask Fumusume if she feels ready to go out," Tsukune suggested. "Before we make any final decisions."
"Tsukune," Tsurara tried to appear calm. "You make my daughter happy, and have given me fine granddaughters, and I love you for these things, but in most ways, you are still an outsider here. I appreciate that you care for Mizore and Fumusume, but this is a village matter."
"I see," Tsukune said with a slow nod. "I guess it is time for Mizore to leave the village."
"What?" Tsurara gave a start.
"A woman that I love, and the daughters that I cherish, are frightened," Tsukune said in a near growl. "If it is the ways of the village that is causing the problem, then I need to either remove the village, or remove my family from here."
"You cannot be serious!" Tsurara protested.
"I am sure there will be some hardships," Tsukune said as he looked Tsurara in the eye. "But if what it takes to make Mizore and my daughters safe and happy is to take them somewhere else to live, I will do it."
As soon as the words were out of Tsukune's mouth the atmosphere in Mizore's garden changed. There was not a snow maiden alive that did not dream of hearing words of such dedication from a man they desired. As much as the idea of living forever away from the village might frighten Mizore, hearing Tsukune's words filled her with joy. Tsurara could see the emotions on her daughter's face, and understood them. A part of her felt warm knowing that Tsukune cared so much for Mizore and their children, but that was a small comfort against the sense of fear she felt at the idea of her daughter and granddaughters being taken away.
To make things potentially worse, Tsukune had not been keeping his voice down. Tsurara was confident that the women outside of the garden had heard what he had said. If Tsukune decided to defy the priestess and take Mizore and their daughters away from the village, it could turn into a disaster. There were more than a few men in arranged marriages in the village that only remained so they could watch over their children. If Tsukune removed his from the village, others might follow his example.
What was worse was that it was almost a certainty that any attempt to stop them would turn into a fight. It would probably be the end of their way of life if that happened. A fight like that would be emotionally charged and ego driven. Families would be torn apart. Some of the more foolish maidens would likely side with the men, seeing an opportunity for themselves. Tsukune's determination could bring the destruction of the snow fairies' way of life.
x
Mizore managed to keep her smile small. Tsukune's declaration made her happy. She knew that he was serious, and that if he was pressed, she could count on him to the end. The only thing wrong with what he was saying was that it meant he could end up fighting her cousins and neighbors, most of whom were women. She was sure Tsukune could back up his words, but she hated to think what it would cost them.
"Mother," Mizore spoke up. "If the priestess is willing, we can all take tonight to calm ourselves. Tsukune and I can bring our family to meet with her tomorrow morning. If the priestess feels that any of our daughters would be better off away from the village, than we can decide as a family where to live, as a family."
Mizore was offering a compromise. Tsukune and Tsurara could both tell what she was doing. Because a woman that he loved was in the middle of the situation, Tsukune felt that she should have a say in what happened, so he gave a nod in agreement with her offer. Tsurara saw a possible peaceful solution in her daughter's words as well.
"I will go to the priestess now," Tsurara offered. "I will return as soon as I can to let you know her decision."
"Thank you," Tsukune said with a polite smile.
X
Once Tsurara was gone, Tsukune and Mizore were left with the difficult task of waiting. Mizore took the chance to check up on their daughters. Tsukune walked around the house, tracing his fingers along Mizore's wall, adding a weaving of his own energy to the barrier. When he finished his circuit he found Mizore waiting for him at the front door.
"Tsukune," Mizore approached him. "Thank you for everything." She reached out to hug him. Tsukune put his arms around her. "I know you cannot be happy about having to get involved in something like this."
"Something like what?" Tsukune said back to her. "My daughter's life? My family's safety? Mizore, I love you, and our daughters. Being involved in your life, and theirs is what love and caring is about."
"I love you," Mizore said as she relaxed into Tsukune's embrace.
"I know you do," Tsukune replied as he hugged her a little tighter. "I am not sure why," He quipped. "But I will never doubt the fact that you love me."
"But will it really be alright?" Mizore questioned with a worried frown. "If you take us away from the village to live with you, what will Moka say? I know that you love her most, so what will happen between the two of you?"
"Yes I love Moka and plan to marry her," Tsukune nodded. "I know it will be cruel to you, but Moka will be my legal wife, and first in my life, but I love you, and you are the woman that has given me four wonderful daughters. It would be wrong of me to not look out for you, and for them."
"But what if Moka doesn't accept your decision?" Mizore worried.
"I do not expect Moka would be completely happy over it all," Tsukune replied. "But if she cannot accept that I am acting in the interest of protecting my family, then she is not the woman I have always believed her to be."
"But..." Mizore began again.
"Mizore," Tsukune said her name gently. "Have faith in us. Not just in me, but in yourself and our friends as well. We are already a part of a large family, even if it doesn't seem like it most of the time."
XX
Tsurara returned to Mizore's house with time for a conversation before supper. She could have been there sooner, but had taken some extra time to sort herself out. Simply put, she was embarrassed. It turned out that the Snow Priestess was unhappy about what had happened out in the village. While she had asked that Mizore's eldest daughter be brought before her, she had never said that the girl should be taken from her family. It had been a misunderstanding brought on by the zealousness of her aids and the women that had rushed to obey.
Tsurara was further embarrassed by her own blind support of the priestess. She had been willing to face off against her own daughter, to break up her own family. Tsurara had been afraid that Tsukune would cause the village to be torn apart if he took Mizore and their children away, but he had been right to stand up for his Winter Wife and their daughters. It took Tsurara a little time to compose herself once she understood where the mistakes had been made. She also wanted to take a little time to plan out how to share her understanding, to hopefully prevent any like mistakes in the future.
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"Tuskune stayed with us for those ten days to help Fumusume," Mizore finished the story. "He wanted to give her a sense of support, as well as help her understand her power."
"Oh wow," Kurumu breathed. "But everything worked out after that?"
"Yes," Mizore nodded. "It was good of Tsukune to stay with us. I confess, a part of me thinks of finding other family emergencies, hoping Tsukune will come home to us more often."
Kurumu giggled before she could stop herself. This prompted a questioning look from Mizore, making the succubus laugh harder.
"I am sorry," Kurumu said as she reigned herself in. "But I told Moka that if she did not agree to the contract there was a real chance that you would find reasons for Tsukune to come to see you."
"Tsukune would not approve of me using our daughters to manipulate him," Mizore said with a stern look.
"True," Kurumu agreed. "But he cannot fault you for being careful and worried about your girls, and you know he would want to help out as much as he could if you, say, had a difficult time during your pregnancy."
"It is only my forth time," Mizore said defensively as she caressed her abdomen.
"Tsukune is a wonderful man," Kurumu shook her head. "But he is still a man. They really do not understand how our bodies work."
"True," Mizore agreed. "But now we have the contract, so that kind of deception will not be needed."
Kurumu didn't say anything. She gave her friend a level gaze and just waited. A smile slowly blossomed on both of their faces. Contract or no contract, the Black and White Duet were still ready to fight for what they wanted, and what they wanted was the same as ever.