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 329

Ruby knew her master was happy with how the party had turned out. While he had said as much that night, he had not just let things go at that. For the next month, Tsukune kept a close observation on his old neighborhood, and very specifically on the families that were close to his parents. Ruby's ravens were a part of his observation resources deployed to the neighborhood. He also used some of the assets he had developed while hunting Tate no Kai. Tsukune had even gone so far as to send in the Me Sisters.

The reason for the close observation was easy to understand. The more people that knew about a secret the harder it was to keep the wrong people from finding out about it. Tsukune knew that the information about youkai would spread eventually. In fact, he wanted it to. What he did not want was for the information to be spread carelessly and cause a panic.

Slow and steady was the way Tsukune liked things to go. He liked to enjoy the quiet moments in his life with the people he loved. He liked to have time to make plans with careful attention to details. It was when things happened suddenly that people got hurt, often himself at that. Even after he was sure that none of his friends or their families were being careless with the secret of youkai, Tsukune still kept his ears open.

Aside from his mother's friends, and his own, there were others that knew of youkai. It was one of Tsukune's responsibilities, by Imperial writ no less, to help protect Japan. His home neighborhood was a perfect place for him to watch over while working to protect the peace. There were already youkai in the area, and with them being known and accepted by humans, it would only be a mater of time before more found the neighborhood to their liking.

Tsukune looked to a future when open peace could exist between the human and youkai peoples of Japan. He looked to a future when his own life would just be one of many that touched both worlds. In thinking of the future, Tsukune knew what was coming for him. Now that his mother was aware of the big secrets of his life, and had a chance to grow comfortable with that knowledge, Tsukune knew he could invite her to all of his weddings.

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XxxxX

There was no denying that the village of the snow fairies was a sight beyond comparison. The countless reflective surfaces, sharp facets and sculpted curves under the auroras, made light and color dance. It was always a vision of unearthly beauty. For the celebration of Mizore and Tsukune's wedding, the village had become a living expression of beauty and joy.

Every kind of artifice known had been used to help add decorations to the village. Blossoms carved of ice were tinted by dyes, or glowed from within by arcane means. Bolts of bright colored cloth adorned walls and hung from windows. Banners of silk flew from spires of ice, blurring the boundary between the village and the colorful sky above.

Kasumi didn't know where to look. Each direction held impossible to describe beauty. She had arrived at the village the day before the celebration, and immediately had all her expectations blown away.

The celebration was one for the history books. Everybody in the village was invited to the celebration, and most found ways to contribute. Decorations, entertainment, and refreshments seemed in endless supply. Tsukune's parents guested with Tsurara in the traditional Shirayuki house. After a meal and a chance to recover from the initial shock of seeing the village, the couple were treated to a tour of the village. The memorial to the first Winter Wife had left Kasumi in tears. The shrine of the high priestess had left her speechless. By the time Tsukune's mother reached her bed for the night, the woman was exhausted from the wonders she had seen.

The morning of the celebration, Kasumi found herself in the middle of a fantasy life. A swarm of snow maidens had descended upon her and showered her with attention. She was pampered and preened, and dressed in a long, layered, silk kimono of rich reds and greens. A sedan chair was used to carry her to the shrine for the celebration. Koji was allowed to dress himself, though offers of assistance were many. His own formal kimono, a gift in green and black was also of silk, and of a quality even his bosses would envy.

The actual ceremony went by in a rush. Within the shrine, the High Priestess officiated. Tsukune was dressed in dark blue and black. Mizore, in her wedding kimono, looked so small, almost frail, in spite of her advanced gravid state. Her veil and head dress almost hid her blushing smile and shy looks. In shades of blue and white, she was like a sculpture of ice come to life. Kasumi and Tsurara were both nearly blinded by their happy tears at the sight.

XxX

The guest list for the celebration was extensive, and the largest the village had ever seen. Naturally enough Jessie and Yuki were among those in attendance. Additionally, so were Ross and his wife, as well as the Tanaka's, including Iris and her husband Ken. Tsukune's friends that were aware of Youkai were all present as well. The cold climate was a little uncomfortable for Kiyo, but she dressed for warmth enough to be able to enjoy the gathering. In contrast, Emmy was dressed in an abbreviated kimono that was comfortable on her full youkai form, as she stuck close to Kota to make sure no snow maidens tried to get too friendly with him.

The Newspaper Club was in attendance in mass. Moka, Kokoa, Kurumu, Yukari, Hana, and Ruby were a small flock among the snow fairies. Hana and Yukari were with their escorts. Kokoa grumbled to Moka about not seeing her often enough, but without any real heat in her voice. There was also an additional score of people; present and past members of the Newspaper Club. Some were planing a piece for the school paper, but mostly they were there to support the legendary sempais' wedding day, and to enjoy the festivities.

Inari was with another group. Akira, Sheezu, and other officers of the original Student Police had come to the celebration. Tsukune's friends and the current Youkai Academy students helped counter balance Mizore's relatives on the guest list.

The celebration was the largest in village history. Tsukune knew a large part of the reason for the celebration was just that even the quiet snow faries liked to have a reason to party. After the initial ceremony, he sat with Mizore on a platform outside the shrine, as people came to pay their respects and offer their congratulations. Around them, their daughters played with other children, their grand mothers, and a near endless list of cousins and aunts.

Tsukune accepted the situation, sitting through it all with a polite smile. He knew he was there to honor their traditions. But what was important to him was that his participation made Mizore happy.

A short distance away from the celebrated couple, Tsurara sat with Tsukune's parents. While not sharing the same level of popularity as Mizore and Tsukune, their parents were still receiving a lot of attention. For Kasumi, it was very much how she imagined being a princess would be like. Her clothes were impressive, beautiful in every detail, and almost impossible to move around in without assistance. Fortunately there was a half dozen maidens close by at all times ready to help her.

As Kasumi enjoyed the celebration, and all the attention she was receiving, she couldn't help but think of her friends back home. Now that her social circle was aware of youkai, she would be able to tell them about what happened. Even better, she would be able to show her friends pictures. She knew none of their children would be having such a grand wedding. It would be hard not to gloat, Kasumi knew, but for the sake of friendship, her friends would just have to put up with her.

xxx

Hours later, Mizore and Tsukune lay together in their wedding bed. Tsukune held his Winter Wife close, smiling, happy to have her in his arms. Mizore was exhausted from her long day, but happy. Tsukune had made a handsome groom, and she knew she had been a beautiful bride. She knew her wedding would be talked about for many, many years. As she thought about the future, she hoped that her daughters would all have wedding celebrations that they would be proud of.

In another bed, in another house, in another part of the village, Koji and Kasumi cuddled together. Tsukune's mother was worn out after her emotional day. That didn't keep her from wanting to talk about it, in detail, over and over again. She wanted to make sure she remembered every special moment of the day.

Koji did his part to be supportive. He held his wife close as she sleepily recalled yet another happy moment from the day. He had thought she had looked beautiful in her celebration finery, and had made sure she knew it. Kasumi knew she was lucky to have such an understanding husband, and was proud of the son they had raised. As she finally drifted off to sleep, it was with a smile, as she remembered how happy Mizore and her mother had looked, both of them clearly proud of Tsukune as well.

XxxxxXxxxxXxxxxX

XxxxX

The ball room at the hotel was a sight out of a fairy tail. Large, crystal chandeliers hung above the seats and filled the room with a warm glow. A red carpet ran up the isle to a raised platform, where an arch decorated with flowers stood in front of a small altar.

Kasumi sat beside Koji, diligently dabbing away the happy tears that threatened to blind her. Seated in the front row, she had a perfect view of her son. Tsukune stood in his classic, old fashion tuxedo, complete with tails and white gloves, as he waited for his bride. Beside him were his grooms men, Rin, Nagi, and Kota, who had just escorted in the brides maids, Kokoa, Kyouko, and Hana.

From unseen speakers, organ music swelled and the wedding march filled the ball room. Excited whispers filled the seats as wedding guests turned to watch the bride make her entrance. Moka's university class mates, former co-workers, and current employees sat with her friends from Youkai Academy, and even some from the Masako Shoken Girls Academy, filled out her side of the isle. Tsukune had more family present, in addition to close friends, but over all, it was a much smaller and more intimate wedding than the gathering in Mizore's village.

The doors into the ball room opened, and a blinding storm of flashes when off. The wedding photographer's cameras recorded the scene even as personal cameras captured the moment. Through the doors, Moka entered.

She was dressed in a traditional and very full wedding gown. While the veil in front of her face was see-through, every inch of her was covered. The full skirts hid any sign of motion from her legs, making it appear as if she was gliding over the floor. The Me Sisters had been recruited to manage the long train as Moka made her way down the isle.

As Moka approached the altar a stranger appeared in the back of the room. Dressed in black and silver, he moved forward at a march. He was tall, dignified, with red eyes, and radiated a menacing aura. Shuzen Issa arrived at his daughter's side as she reached the altar.

"Father..." Kokoa whispered in reverent surprise.

Shuzen Issa gave Moka a proud smile, and Kokoa an indulgent one. To Tsukune he gave a hard look. Tsukune simply gave the man a polite smile and a nod.

Tsukune had no fear of Moka's father. He knew he could hold his own in a fight. But more important than physical ability, Tsukune had his positions to support him. Tsukune was a land lord, and a titled lord. He was a successful business owner, and held investments in other businesses. He may not be coin-for-coin as rich as Moka's father, but Tsukune had proven himself worthy to be her husband, and there was nobody that was going to keep him away from her.

Shuzen Issa returned the nod, but with no smile. He was willing to admit that the young man was worthy of his daughter, but he didn't have to be happy about it. He was happy for Moka, but he would have preferred it if she had found that happiness with someone he had some control over.

Personal dislikes aside, there was no way he was going to miss his daughter's wedding. All of his daughters were precious to him, but Moka stood out. Not only was she so much like her mother, but Moka had done the unthinkable, rebelled against him, and made a name for herself. There was no way he could not be proud of her.

The wedding celebration was Issa's chance to show how proud he was, without risking a loss of face. He could still appear stoic and aloof, and not like a proud father giving in to emotions, by simply honoring old, western traditions. He was paying for his daughter's wedding party. Of course if he was paying for it, it would be expected that he would want to inspect the arrangements to make sure he was getting what he paid for. If he was going to be present anyway, there were other traditions that would not hurt his reputation for him to follow, such as presenting the bride to the groom.

The guests were able to figure out who Shuzen Issa was because he stood beside Moka at the beginning of the ceremony. Many were surprised by his presence, and more than a few by his appearance. He didn't look as old as Koji, but there was no questioning that he was old enough to have earned the few threads of silver that were mixed in with his black hair. And, naturally, he had a sense of presence about him that was impossible to ignore.

The ceremony went smoothly, even if the priest officiating was visibly nervous. When Tsukune lifted Moka's veil to kiss his bride, every woman in the ball room had tears in their eyes. With the last words of the ceremony spoken, the music swelled again, and everybody cheered.

X

The reception party was held in an adjoining room. A long table was set up overlooking the dance floor. The wedding party was seated and served at the high table. Rich foods and expensive wine was abundant for all, a display of Issa's financial strength in that he could afford to spend so much for something so trivial. Only two people were not intimidated by Issa's presence. Moka and Tsukune accepted him as an equal.

Shuzen Issa accepted the presence of the humans around him. He was polite to the lower classes that offered their congratulations. He fulfilled his traditional duties carefully. Finally came the moment he was waiting for.

Shuzen Issa approached his daughter. She was standing tall and proud, and completely beautiful. Issa stepped towards her with a smile.

"Shall we dance?" Issa gave her a small bow.

"I would be happy to, Father," Moka gave a small curtsy and a smile in return.

"I am very proud of you," He said as the music started. "You have done very well for yourself." The father-daughter dance was what Issa had been looking forward to. He knew he and his daughter would be living very separate lives, but this was a moment that they could share and remember together.

"Thank you, Father," Moka gave him a happy smile. "I am glad that you approve."

"More than approve," Issa told her. "I think you have done better, in making your own life, and in choosing your own husband, than I could have ever arranged for you."

"Of course," Moka smirked. "I know what I want better than anybody else ever could."

"Hah," Issa gave a bark of amusement.

"But don't forget, Father," Moka gave him a mock frown. "You will still have obligations to meet. So you can not just disappear into the background."

"Obligations?" Issa questioned.

"Yes," Moka nodded. "So make sure whatever playthings you decide to keep around are appropriate to have around your grandchildren."

"Grandchildren?" Issa leaned back and looked her over.

"You have a few years before that happens," Moka reassured her father. "I just wanted to give you fair warning."

"Thank you," Issa said with a dry smile.

The song soon ended and the dance was over. Issa quietly made his departure, having satisfied the traditions of the day. As much as he loved his daughter, and approved of her groom, he knew he did not belong among their friends.

As he left, he had a secret smile on his face. With Moka as an example, he knew he could expect her sisters to step up their own efforts to stand out. His girls were all very competitive after all.

X

Everybody had a good time at the reception, with one possible exception. When the party was over, and the happy couple was safely up in the honeymoon suite, there were still a few in the mood to have a good time. Rin, still not quite ready to settle down, had enjoyed dancing and flirting with the beautiful women. It was his own bad luck that kept him from knowing when he should stop when he was ahead.

There is a passion in the air at weddings. A certain desire for romance that can be infectious. While proud of her own strength, Kokoa was not as immune to flattery from a handsome man as she liked to believe. Between the music, the atmosphere, and the excellent and abundant wine, a slip in judgment could be understood.

Rin came from the same neighborhood as Tsukune. From the same social strata, and the same general background. Raised in the same environment, it made sense that his scent would have something in common with Moka's husband. With the wine, and the mood of the day, that small common ground was enough to spur Kokoa on.

Rin didn't remember who had arranged for the room. He wasn't even sure when he had agreed to go someplace alone with the bride's younger sister. What he did remember, and would for the rest of his life, is the moment when he realized he was in over his head. The slender, attractive young woman was far stronger than she looked. She was far stronger than he was. And between the wine and the excitement of the moment, once she had tasted Rin's blood, Kokoa had forgotten any sense of restraint.

The following morning Rin awoke a new man. He knew that he was lucky to be alive. Somewhere in the small hours of the night the wounds on his body had healed, leaving only blood stains in his torn suit. His memories of the night were a blur, but he would always remember that fanged smile and that excited voice. He had woken up in the stairwell sore but alive, and he knew he would never look at women quite the same way ever again.

XxxxXxxxXxxxX

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The ball room was less elegant, but made up for it in size and presentation. February was the month for romance, and the ball room reflected that attitude. Red and white bunting was hung all around. Hearts and glitter accented the decorations. The guest list for the wedding was a small one, but the number of people in attendance were many. The celebration was a media event. The Sweetheart Chef was getting married.

Every detail had been decided upon by Kurumu. She had planed out the camera angles, selected the decorations, and had hired the band. She had written the menu for the reception herself, and supervised the kitchen staff as it was prepared. This was going to be her big day, and she was determined to have everything just right.

The cameras were set up strategically around the ball room. Tsukue, his parents, and her mother had been carefully coached on where to sit or stand. The reason for the short guest list was to protect everybody's identity. The Sweetheart Chef was going to be seen clearly, but everybody else was going to be seen in profile or from behind, showing enough to hint at identities but still keep fans guessing.

The ceremony was carefully choreographed from start to finish. Kurumu made her entrance with a camera view seen from over Tsukune's shoulder. Her wedding dress clung to her hourglass figure and accentuated it with lace and ribbons. The long skirt flowed into a train behind her, but was split in the front to show off her white stockings and high heels. The veil hardly covered more than her forehead. The bouquet of flowers Kurumu carried had been crafted to match the rest of her appearance. Once she stood beside Tsukune at the altar, a distant camera view showed the couple together, but made small by distance, only to have the focus shift, blurring them out and and making the decorations on the top of the wedding cake become clear. There was a moment when the focus was balanced between close and far when the real couple and the cake decorations were identical in size and detail.

Tsukune knew he was being put on display. Even if Kurumu was making sure his face was never fully in view, he would be recognized. It was a price he was willing to pay to make her special day a happy one.

X

The wedding of the Sweetheart Chef was a popular event. On the net, her fanboy followers were excited by her appearance. The fans of her cooking were eager for every detail of the menu she had prepared. The fans of her sweetheart romance were often moved to tears as they listened to the wedding vows. The wedding of the Sweetheart Chef was mentioned on the news of every major media outlet that night, long after the happy couple had shed their fancy clothes and embraced each other in passion.