"There is our vampire princess."
Kurumu glanced over her shoulder at the mafia leader's cheerful declaration. Moka shuffled through the open doorway with Yukari at her side. The pink haired vampire was garbed in her long sleeved, baby blue blouse with the white lace collar. The white lace hem of her ruffled, cream skirt brushed against the top of her knees swathed in white stockings.
"Morning, Moka."
The vampire grumbled a response as she stopped at the chair on Kurumu's left. Moka yawned grandly as she tugged the chair back.
"Looks like she has the same morning troubles."
Tsukune grinned from across the table. The young man was sporting the mint green track suit and pants with the Yokai Academy logo which was sold in the school store.
He looked out of place, sitting between Huang and his father whom both were dressed nicely. The father had on a dark green, long sleeved dress shirt with a loose collar and glossy black buttons. The son was wearing a sleeveless, white silk shirt with a mandarin collar and golden toggles holding it together. Both had black slacks though Huang's slacks lacked loops for a belt.
"You don't know the half of it. Getting her dressed took forever."
Yukari huffed, claiming the chair on the other side of Moka. The witch fluffed her yellow, ruffled skirt before sitting down on the chair. Her white shirt with the yellow sunburst design was as casual as the pink halter top and white denim jeans Kurumu had decided to wear this morning.
"It wouldn't take so long if you weren't molesting her."
Yukari snorted at Kurumu's playful remark. The witch picked up her chopsticks, poking at the contents floating in the orange bowl before her.
"That doesn't add much time."
Kurumu smiled, fishing the last dumpling out of her bowl and popping it into her mouth. She regarded Huang's mother whom was sitting by her husband. A bright green Chinese dress with a soft blue floral pattern hugged the woman's curves. The short sleeved dress parted at the hips with a rich black hem.
Huang's sister had left a vacant chair between Kurumu and herself. She had on a sleeveless, crimson silk dress with a dark green leaf pattern. The garment had a high collar but an open back, dipping all the way down to the dimples of her lower back. The curve hugging fabric bared much of her thighs.
The last occupant of the table was Master Yao Li. This bald man sitting beside Huang's sister had a long moustache and a goatee riddled with silver strands. A sleeveless white garment stretched down his stocky form, transitioning into pants of the same white material. Black toggles were fished through black cords, holding the front flaps together.
"Where is Shirayuki?"
Kurumu swallowed, setting her chopsticks aside. She smiled at Yukari as she picked up her bowl.
"She was out of bed when I left her."
"That was quite some time ago. Maybe we should check on her."
Kurumu frowned at Tsukune as she lifted the bowl to her lips. The rich scent of tea greeted her.
"I can check on her. I'm almost done."
"If these boys are finished with their meals, I would like to take them out for training."
Huang laughed merrily as Kurumu sipped from her bowl.
"I won't be joining you today, Master. I promised Grandfather that I would work on my summons."
"A waste of your talents."
Huang's father chuckled at the other man's remark.
"He has the talent to do both. Your craft is easier for him to comprehend."
"Very well. Are you ready to go, Mr. Aono?"
Upon hearing the man's words in Japanese, Tsukune scooted his chair back as he got to his feet.
"Yes, Sir. I still need to talk with Master Touhou about accelerating my vampire transformation."
"You can discuss that when we return for dinner. Come with me."
Kurumu set her emptied bowl aside as Tsukune made his way around the table. Mr. Yao paused at the open doorway, waiting for Tsukune to join him before heading out of the room.
"Will Ms. Xinyi be here today?"
"No, little lady. My sister's family will be joining us for lunch tomorrow."
Yukari sighed, seizing another dumpling from her bowl.
"I was hoping to see her before we left."
Kurumu grinned as Yukari stuffed her mouth. Kurumu slipped out of her chair with her socks touching the floor. She scooted the chair back against the table.
"You don't have to sound so disappointed."
Yukari waved her chopsticks dismissively.
"Go wake up Shirayuki. She shouldn't be skipping meals."
Kurumu twirled about with a smirk as she retreated from the room. She immediately turned to the right, hurrying down the corridor to the main foyer.
Upon reaching the large room, her attention was drawn to the front door as it was opened by the silver haired steward, Mr. Gao. The steward was garbed in a gray vest over a long sleeved, white dress shirt. The elderly man had a silver moustache and a black bow tie below his collar.
Kurumu paused for a moment as the familiar uncle in charge of security entered, wearing the usual black suit and sunglasses. She started up the central stairs, noting the uncle's brisk pace. He passed under the second flight of stairs before Kurumu reached the central landing.
Mildly curious what that was about, she trotted up the stairs to reach the upper balcony. Veering off to the right, she quickly arrived at the start of the hall which would take her back to her room.
As she sashayed down the corridor, Kurumu wondered what they should do today. While the Huang family did have connections with a succubus, the father thought it would be best to contact this woman on Monday after the holiday. And the family had no ties with the yuki'onna. It felt immature to waste the day listening to music but there was not much else she could do before they returned to Mononoke.
With thoughts of how boring this day would be, Kurumu arrived at the door to her room and opened it. She saw no sign of Mizore as she absently closed the door behind her. The sheets were still on the floor where she had left them, having fallen out of bed this morning.
"Mizore?"
A flush of the toilet answered her, drawing her attention to the open bathroom door. Kurumu wandered over, seeing the snow girl's bare legs peeking out from the alcove beyond the sink area.
"Are you okay?"
Mizore groaned a response as Kurumu entered the tiled room. On her right was a marble countertop sink with black wood cabinets below. The wall behind the sink and below the overhead cabinets was covered with a mirror. A strip of light was mounted below these cabinets which stretched up to the black roof. A red porcelain container resting on the counter had toothbrushes and toothpaste for their use.
"Mizore?"
Mizore lifted her head up from the toilet, panting with tired, sapphire eyes. The snow girl was still dressed in that oversized white shirt Tora had given her which had the words Faith, Love and Hope.
"I feel terrible."
Kurumu knelt behind the girl, placing her hands on Mizore's shoulders. On the other side of this small alcove was a compartment for a shower. Directly behind her was the opening for a closet space.
"You look terrible. Do you want to go back to bed?"
Mizore groaned, leaning back against Kurumu.
"No. I should eat breakfast."
"Can you eat breakfast?"
Mizore panted, touching Kurumu's hand while her other remained on the rim of the toilet.
"At least I would be throwing up something."
Kurumu slipped her hands off of Mizore's shoulders to wrap about the girl's torso. Mizore relaxed against her as Kurumu pressed the side of her head against Mizore's.
"I'm sorry. I didn't think you would still be in the bathroom."
"Makes no sense. I have nothing in my stomach to puke."
Kurumu glanced at the puddle inside the toilet. There was nothing remotely solid in the water.
"If you want to eat, you must get dressed."
"Help me up?"
Kurumu offered the girl a hand as she scooted over to the side. Mizore turned into her as they managed to get to their feet. The snow girl leaned into her, resting her head on Kurumu's shoulder. She panted with her eyes closed.
"You'll probably want to brush your teeth before you eat."
"As if you ever brush yours."
"I did last night."
Mizore sighed, drawing back to arms' length.
"Does my breath stink?"
Kurumu smiled softly, guiding the snow girl to the sink. She grabbed one of the brushes before letting go of Mizore's side. She snatched up the tube of toothpaste, applying it across the bristles before turning on the faucet to run the toothbrush under the water.
"You don't want to taste anything but your breakfast. Here."
Mizore took the brush and opened her mouth. She closed her lips as she lazily drew the brush back and forth. Kurumu giggled at the lackluster performance, grabbing another brush to apply toothpaste.
"I almost never remember to brush my teeth after breakfast. I'm always rushed out the door for school or whatever. I'm much better at remembering to do this at night."
Mizore grunted, continuing with her task. Kurumu grinned, running her toothbrush under the stream of water before turning off the faucet. She stuffed the toothbrush in her mouth, tasting the mint as she moved the toothbrush briskly about her teeth.
Once she felt she had scoured her teeth enough, she let go of the brush to open up the overhead cabinet on her right. She pulled down a red porcelain tumbler which matched the container on the counter. She turned on the faucet and filled the tumbler. Shutting the water off, she pulled the toothbrush from her mouth and stirred the bristles inside the water vigorously.
"Have you been brushing your teeth?"
Mizore grumbled unintelligibly which was unlikely to be an affirmative.
"Do I have to tell Aoi about your poor dental hygiene?"
Mizore sighed, pausing her halfhearted efforts.
"I wish Aoi was with us."
Kurumu smiled, taking out the toothbrush from the murky white water. She dumped the contents of the tumbler in the sink before filling it up again. She upended the fresh water into her mouth, swishing it about as the water continued to flow from the faucet. She spit it out into the tumbler, dumping it into the sink. She filled the tumbler up, repeating this process two more times.
"He's probably going to spend the holiday with his family. We might see him Monday."
Mizore sighed again as Kurumu offered her a filled tumbler. She withdrew the toothbrush, giving it to Kurumu before quaffing down the contents.
"You're not supposed to drink that."
Mizore shrugged, handing back the tumbler. Kurumu shook her head as she filled up the tumbler.
"Would he bring me breakfast in bed?"
Kurumu huffed, giving the snow girl the tumbler. Once it left her hands, she ran the bristles under the stream to clean up the toothbrush.
"Well I'm not. You need to get dressed."
Mizore actually took the time to swish the water in her mouth before swallowing. The snow girl handed back the tumbler as Kurumu finished up. Kurumu turned off the water and returned both toothbrushes to the container. She shook out the tumbler before returning it to the overhead cabinet.
"What time is it?"
Kurumu shrugged, taking Mizore by the hand and leading her back into the bedroom. She steered the girl around the bed, kneeling by their luggage. She unzipped her purse, tugging her phone out which she had not used at all yesterday. As she flipped open the phone to check the time, Mizore knelt beside her to open her silver suitcase.
"It is eight thirty nine and I need to charge this silly thing."
Kurumu rummaged through her schoolbag to pull out the cords for her charger. Once she had that in hand, she crawled over her luggage to push the prongs of the charger into the outlet behind the corner stand. She plugged the other end into the phone, leaving it on top of the lower shelf.
"What should I wear?"
Kurumu grinned, scooting in close as Mizore parted with her shirt. Kurumu grabbed a black sports bra and thong from Mizore's limited lingerie selection, presenting it to the naked girl.
"The other girls are wearing the clothes we wore to Disneyland."
Mizore sounded an acknowledgment, pulling the black sports bra over her head. She tugged the fabric over her creamy white breasts which were topped with cherry red nipples.
Once her breasts looked comfortable, Mizore retrieved her pink crochet shirt with the dangling spheres from her suitcase. She slipped her arms into the long sleeves before yanking the fabric up over her head. Once her head was free, she pulled the garment down to her trimmed navel. As Mizore fetched her pink tiered skirt from her suitcase, Kurumu reached over to fuss with Mizore's thick purple locks.
"We should do something with your hair?"
Mizore made a dismissive sound as she lifted up onto her feet, prompting Kurumu to do the same. The snow girl dropped her skirt on the ground as she stepped into the black thong.
"It's pretty thick but I bet we could pull into a short tail. Or maybe twin tails."
Mizore fixed the hem of the thong about her waist before stooping over to retrieve her skirt. Stepping into it, she pulled the garment up.
"Would Aoi like that?"
"You could always ask."
Mizore ignored Kurumu's fussing over her hair, fixing up her skirt for a tighter fit.
"I want him to be happy with me."
Kurumu withdrew her fingers from Mizore's thick locks, stepping in to embrace the girl.
"He will be happy with you."
Mizore breathed in deep as she relaxed, nuzzling her cheek against Kurumu's shoulder.
"After I have Hatsue… I want to get pregnant with his child. Right away."
Kurumu relaxed her grip, mulling that over.
"Are you sure about that?"
"Yea. I know that we still have high school, but my kind has so little time. I shouldn't waste it."
Kurumu giggled, pulling her head back to look at Mizore. The snow girl's eyes sought for approval.
"Was your conversation with the toilet this morning that inspirational?"
"You'll support me on this, right? He deserves his own child."
Kurumu breathed in deep, tempted to kiss that pout on Mizore's lips.
"You're going to make an amazing mother. I just know it."
"That's not what I was asking."
Kurumu laughed, detaching from the snow girl. She turned about and started a slow walk towards the door for the corridor.
"If you're asking for babysitting help, you know that I will. I wouldn't have it any other way."
"Thanks Kurumu. For everything."
Kurumu stopped at the door to open it. She waited for Mizore to pass by her before slipping out into the hall, closing the door behind them.
"Yukari plans to take us back to Mononoke after dinner. I have no idea what we will do until then."
"Are you going to spend the holiday with her?"
"That depends on her parents. She's going to ask them for permission later today."
"Should I join you?"
"Yukari is asking permission for all of us to stay. It's not going to take you that long to check your mail. What else would you do in Mononoke?"
"Be bored and depressed."
Kurumu snorted as they stepped out onto the balcony surrounding the main foyer. She was about to comment when she noticed a large gathering of men below. While several had the black suits and ties of the Huang family security force, many more were garbed in gray suits and matching slacks. All of these men wore shades over their eyes.
Mr. Huang was seated in a chair at the base of the central stairs. His wife stood to his left, holding a fan which matched the color of her dress. His brother stood solemnly on his right while the silver haired steward lingered behind them.
The familiar Mr. Hao came into view, carrying a chair. He stopped in the midst of the men in gray suits, setting the chair down. He retreated back to the other men in black suits as a young man with blond locks took his place on the provided chair.
"Are you here to start a war?"
The young man chuckled at Mr. Huang's inquiry in Cantonese. He was dressed in a long sleeved shirt with a frilly hem about his wrists and collar. A sleeveless gray vest which matched his slacks was worn over the shirt. A top hat with a red sash about the base rested upon his rugged blond locks.
"I am not here to fight. I am simply here to retrieve a young woman whom is under your care."
"You have some balls waltzing in here with the intent of demanding anything from me."
Almost in perfect unison, every man in a suit pulled out a weapon. Most were armed with pistols or machine guns but a few preferred swords. The young man held up his hand.
"Spare me the theatrics. We both know that you prefer me being in charge of this family."
"Unless you are here to surrender, we have nothing to talk about."
"That can be arranged. If you give me Ms. Akashiya Moka."
Kurumu shivered at the calm statement, gripping the railing as Mr. Huang sat forward in his chair.
"Why should I believe the word of a man whom has been trying to kill my son for years? Even if that girl was here, I wouldn't hand her over to you."
"I know the girl is here. I have reliable sources."
"Name your sources so that I might properly deal with them."
"No reason to be so upset, dear Aunt. A truce. My surrender. You could have the peace you wanted if you give me this girl."
"Betrayal is not an easy thing for most of us, Xia Long."
"The Masked King wants her. And he will get what he wants. One way or another."
Having heard enough, Kurumu vaulted over the railing to land on her feet. Dozens of weapons were leveled upon her, causing her to immediately hold her hands up.
"Stand down."
The young man chuckled as the men in black suits responded to Mr. Huang's command. He made his own gesture which relaxed the men in gray suits.
"Akashiya Moka, I presume?"
Kurumu blushed, shaking her head.
"No! But you have to listen-"
"Ignore the wench, Xia Long. She's just some Japanese girl my son is sleeping with."
"I am not sleeping with Huang!"
"Oh? Perhaps Ms. Akashiya is the girl on the balcony whom is barely perceptible."
Mr. Huang laughed which inspired a couple of his men to join in.
"It sounds like I could hand you any girl. Your Masked King should have given you a description."
"I know that she's here."
"The only girls my son brought with him are prospect lovers. He's already put a baby in that one."
Kurumu turned scarlet as she stalked over to the armed men.
"Now that isn't remotely true! You have the head of the Miao family here. We should be talking sense into him instead of filling his head with lies."
Mr. Huang sighed as his wife shook her head.
"Stupid girl. There is no reasoning with this boy."
"But the Masked King wants Moka's blood to revive Alucard."
"I care little for the reason why the Masked King wants her."
Kurumu looked at the blond man in shock.
"Don't you understand that you're being played? The Masked King is Fujisaki Miyabi."
Xia Long laughed, relaxing back in the chair.
"Yes. I'm fully aware that the vice president of Fairy Tale is our leader."
"Leader? What do you mean?"
Xia Long grinned wickedly upon Mrs. Huang's confused look.
"It's not something that most members of the Miao family know, but our founder is the Masked King."
"If that was supposed to be a secret-"
"The time for secrecy is over, dear Aunt. Give me the girl."
"You can help us fight Fujisaki."
Xia Long scoffed at Kurumu's plea.
"Preposterous. Do you honestly believe that I can turn the family that he founded against him? I'm already in a precarious position after the plane incident. I will not jeopardize the lives of those loyal to me for the sake of some girl."
"But Fujisaki would destroy the whole world!"
"Doubtful. Alucard is in Japan. That is Japan's problem."
"You are a coward, Xia Long. Your father would have never been so self-serving."
Xia Long shot to his feet with his lips twisted in a scowl. He wagged his finger at Mrs. Huang's cold stare.
"My father was cut into pieces and stuffed into a suitcase!"
"And blamed us for it to restart the war."
"What was I supposed to do?! That truce was not authorized by the Masked King! It was a mistake!"
Mrs. Huang remained impassive before the emotional young man.
"It was not a mistake. It was my sister's dying wish which your father honored."
"I was only eleven!"
Xia Long snarled with fists clenched.
"Don't lecture me over honor and bravery. I did what I was told."
"There won't be a truce, boy. Your Masked King would never allow that while Master Touhou lives."
"Go home, Xia Long. Tell your master that we are ready for war."
Xia Long trembled in the following silence. He took in a breath and turned his back of the Huang family.
"It won't be a war. The Black Devil will come for her."
Mr. Huang laughed heartily as the men in gray suits followed after the young man's retreat.
"It's been years since we've seen the Black Devil. We will be sure to give her a warm welcome."
The young man paused for a moment. His back straightened up before her resumed his march to the door. One of his men opened the door for him, allowing him to pass through without breaking stride. The rest of his followers filtered out of the building.
"Is it wise to just let him go?"
Mr. Huang waved a dismissive hand at his brother's inquiry.
"He is correct that I prefer him being in charge. His many assassination attempts are annoying but he's never allowed things to return to an all-out war."
Holstering his pistol, Mr. Hao stepped forward to grab the chair.
"Whom would be in charge if something happened to him?"
Mr. Huang huffed at Kurumu.
"That would be Routier. She's unstable."
"Which is your fault."
"I only gave the order. I didn't carry it out."
Kurumu frowned, glancing at the mother.
"What happened?"
"It was before the truce. Feihong ordered the execution of the younger brother of Xia Long's father."
"Because he was a cruel, murderous bastard. I lost dozens of good men to that monster."
"You had him tortured and killed at his daughter's birthday party."
Mr. Huang grimaced, getting up from his chair.
"Because we knew he would be there. If I had known how much of a problem she'd become, I would have ordered her death too."
"None of your men would have had the stomach to kill a nine year old girl."
Mr. Huang huffed as his men carried away his chair.
"We can't change the past. I'm going to wake up Grandfather and tell him the Black Devil is coming."
The mafia leader started walking off.
"Whom is the Black Devil?"
Mrs. Huang smiled softly at Kurumu.
"You would know her better as Shuzen Akua."
"Oh my ancestors dwelling in the shadows."
Huang drew his hands apart with his coins forming a blade. Energy crackled along the blade between his hands with a charm floating above the coins.
"Become my sword and destroy my enemy."
Yukari sighed while seated on the porch beside Kurumu. Mizore rested against Kurumu's other side. The sounds of her Dir en Gray album wafted up from her earpieces.
"Doesn't he realize that words aren't required for spells?"
Kurumu chuckled at Yukari's distress as Huang continued his ritual in the courtyard.
"Come to me, great tiger. Prey upon those whom defy me."
"He says it helps him focus."
"Baihu!"
Kurumu shivered at the sudden rush of energy. In the blink of an eye, a massive panda appeared behind Huang. Huang whirled about and let out a cry of dismay.
"Not you, again!"
Yukari snickered with a shake of her head.
"Are you even trying to summon your white tiger?"
"But I was completely focused!"
His sister giggled, strolling over. She offered drinks to Kurumu and Yukari which they graciously accepted.
"His summoning technique is unreliable because he keeps using his first success as a crutch."
"First success?"
"Dian was Fang's first summon. Whenever my brother tries summoning a different creature, he often thinks about that moment which results in this."
"Go back home! I wanted to summon Baihu!"
Kurumu giggled with the sister as Huang struggled with the panda.
"Now that you mention it, I have seen him summon that panda a lot."
"Unfortunately it takes time to convince Dian to leave. And as long as Dian is here, Fang cannot summon another creature."
Yukari smirked, taking a sip of her tea.
"You named your panda, Spot."
"It seemed like an appropriate name."
"We really should discuss how your family names your summons. It's demeaning."
"I doubt Dian minds the name. Isn't that right, Dian?"
The panda growled, refusing to budge under Huang's directions. Kurumu giggled, sipping from her drink. This was the third time he had summoned that silly panda.
It was at least an hour after lunch if not two. Master Touhou was also on the porch with Moka behind him. The vampire was giving his shoulders a massage while he puffed away on his pipe.
Once the panda popped out of existence, Yukari set her drink aside and clapped. Huang turned at the sound, blushing as he started back to the center of the courtyard.
"I thought you were the master of a hundred beasts."
"We do have over a hundred summons willing to serve our family."
"And yet I've only seen you summon three. A panda, a dragon and a phoenix whom you no longer have under your control."
Huang laughed nervously, rubbing the back of his neck while holding the coin sword in the other.
"Well I'm still practicing. I've mastered six, two of which are divine beasts."
"Including the phoenix?"
"No, Ms. Kurono. That was the first time I successfully summoned Huang."
"Could you summon him again?"
"Not until I make a new contract with him. He promised he would when we returned to the main house."
"Have we had any news about Huang and Ms. Hitori?"
The sister smiled, shaking her head.
"Not yet. We have agents scouring the China countryside. I'm hopeful that we will find them before the end of the year."
"You should have never let Huang out of your control, boy. Now try again. You must expand your arsenal if you want to join the fight against Alucard."
"Yes, Master Touhou."
Yukari snorted as Huang started going through the motions of another spell.
"Are any of the creatures you summoned remotely useful?"
"Of course they are. Long and Xuanwu are divine beasts. And Zhi, Yan and Yudi can all be useful in the right circumstances."
"You have summons named Twig, Rock and Raindrop."
Huang smiled softly.
"All names have simple meanings behind them, Ms. Sendou. Your name means purple."
Yukari blushed, glancing aside.
"Practice your useless summons."
Kurumu giggled as Huang resumed his motions for a summoning spell. While she was aware that Yukari's name used the kanji for murasaki, she had never thought about it meaning purple.
"That's enough, my dear. You'll spoil my shoulders."
Moka laughed pleasantly, withdrawing her hands as she scooted back from Master Touhou.
"I'm glad to help you, Darling."
Yukari grimaced in disgust.
"The real Moka is going to kill you when you remove her rosary."
"Then I best leave her sealed until our inevitable fight against Alucard. It does no good for me to die before that fateful day."
"This whole situation is stupid. We are just waiting for her sister to come and take her away."
Moka smiled at Yukari's frustrated remark.
"We have to talk to her, Yukari. She might know Fujisaki's plans."
"We already know his plans. He grabs you, takes you to the Garden and tries to remove your rosary. If that doesn't work, he goes after Tsukune or Tsukune's mother to acquire the power to remove it. Once he has that rosary off, Alucard will reawaken and he will try to wipe out all sentient life."
"But we can't leave. Tsukune is still out with Master Yao."
Yukari scowled at Kurumu.
"I could easily go get him. I have a tracking spell on his holy lock."
"We can't, Yukari. What happens to my sister if she returns empty handed?"
Yukari grit her teeth, clenching her tiny fists. She was about to say something when a panda growled. The witch whirled upon the started Huang in frustration.
"Could you stop summoning that stupid panda?"
"I wasn't trying to!"
Kurumu laughed as the young man started pleading with the panda to go back to where it had come from. Master Touhou chuckled with a puff of smoke, gesturing at Yukari with his pipe.
"I'm intrigued with this magic door of yours. Can it truly get through Mikogami's barrier?"
"You have many doors in your home which are identical in dimensions to the closet door in my suite. I can connect any two similar locations if I know the coordinates."
Master Touhou nodded thoughtfully, placing the end of the pipe in the corner of his mouth.
"So it is a modification to the standard teleportation spell."
"More like a ring of return without the mess of variables required to not chop off a person's limbs or bring the ground you're standing on with you."
"A gateway spell."
"Exactly. But the barrier around Mononoke has a fixed time variable which needs to be incorporated into the enchantment. The spell will require a substantial amount of energy."
"I will gladly provide that power if you teach me the spell."
Yukari frowned at the old man.
"That's not much of a trade."
"How about I teach you how to summon the hundred beasts at our command?"
Yukari snorted, gesturing at Huang whom was still wrestling with the panda.
"I don't need a panda."
"Teaching you how to summon creatures is worth something. And I really would like to see the look on Mikogami's face if I casually dropped in on him."
"Fine. You probably could figure out the spell once I cast it anyways."
"Very good. We should discuss how we should entertain our guest."
"Does the panda know any tricks?"
Touhou chuckled at Yukari's prompt response.
"Even if it did, I imagine that would only annoy Akua. That girl has no sense of humor."
"Are you going to hand my Moka over to Akua?"
"Of course not. I plan to defeat her."
"That's your plan?"
"Nothing will happen to her if she doesn't return to this Fujisaki."
"While that is true, Akua won't make that easy for you."
Touhou huffed dismissively at Moka's remark.
"It won't be any harder than getting her into a Lina Inverse outfit."
"You made my sister cosplay?"
"She wanted a favor and I knew that she could pull it off. My only regret is that I had not taken pictures."
Kurumu chuckled, wondering if her phone in her room was finished charging. She absently rubbed her hand against Mizore's side.
"Will it really be that easy for you to defeat Akua?"
"Her weapon of choice is a technique that I invented. She might have youth and beauty on her side, but I have far more experience."
"I wouldn't mind testing my skills against hers."
Touhou chuckled at Ms. Huang's declaration.
"She might kill you, child."
"Not much of a threat when I'm already dead."
Huang sighed heavily, drawing attention back to him. The panda was gone once again.
"I don't know what I'm doing wrong."
"You must keep your emotions in check, young man. I've told you this many times."
"I'm trying, Grandfather."
"Take a break for now. I need you to fetch something from my closet. There is a box marked 'Miyu' which I would like to give to our expected guest."
Huang murmured his understanding as he bowed to the elder. Turning to his left, the young man jogged over to Touhou's chambers.
"Do we want to know what is in this 'Miyu' box?"
Kurumu smirked at Yukari's remark, suspecting that Akua was going to find this encounter frustrating and embarrassing.
"Darling. If you force my sister to stay, Fujisaki will come here. Are we ready to fight him?"
"I'm willing to give it a try."
"What about accelerating Tsukune's transformation into a vampire?"
Touhou huffed at Kurumu's question.
"That boy isn't emotionally stable enough to survive the procedure."
"That isn't going to change any time soon."
"Maybe not. But Master Yao is more than just a veteran martial artist. It was the discipline required by his training which enabled Fang to finally succeed in his first summon. Give him a few months and I'm certain that boy will be ready both physically and spiritually."
An explosion came from the main house, causing Kurumu to hop up on her feet. She looked towards the sound but could see nothing over the roofs surrounding the annex.
Touhou sighed, getting up. He strolled down the steps of the porch, wandering out to the middle of the courtyard. Huang emerged from Touhou's quarters holding a small box. The young man's face betrayed his concern.
"What was that?"
"It seems our guest has visited the main house first."
"She is fighting my parents?!"
"No, young man. Your parents are trying to fight her."
"I must go help them!"
"Don't be silly, boy. You should have more faith in your parents."
His sister nodded, drifting out into the courtyard to join the elder and her brother.
"Grandfather is right, Fang. You know very well how strong mother and father are. Even if Ms. Shuzen is their opponent, they won't be defeated that easily."
Yukari hopped down the porch steps.
"We should make our stand here. Protect Moka if her sister intends to take her by force."
Kurumu nodded, unbuttoning her jeans.
"Yea. I'm pretty sure that Akua is vulnerable to Lilith's Eye if we want to capture her."
"Keep your pants on, young lady. We don't know what is going on."
Kurumu frowned at the elder, leaving the front of her jeans undone.
"I can't do Lilith's Eye without my tail."
"There is no reason for Akua to be in the main house. Even if she thought her sister was there, she could search every room in that mansion without being detected. She intentionally provoked this attack."
"What are you saying, Grandfather?"
"That this assault makes no sense. Keep your wits about you."
Despite Touhou's warning, Kurumu reached behind her to tug down the hem of her panties and jeans. She eased her tail out, wanting to at least have the option of using Lilith's Eye if they needed it.
Kurumu shivered when Mizore touched her arm. The snow girl smiled apologetically, holding her CD player against her bosom. One of her earpieces dangled by its cord upon her shoulder while the other continued to blare music in her left ear.
"What should I do?"
"How fast can you freeze someone in place?"
"That is pointless, Ms. Kurono. Akua learned my technique for the purpose of efficiently eliminating her targets with minimal discovery."
"What is this technique you keep boasting about?"
"The dimensional sword, Ms. Sendou. And I'm the only pupil Master Touhou has ever taught that to."
"I fail to see why this technique would prevent Shirayuki from freezing her in place."
Touhou chuckled, letting out a cloud of smoke.
"It is true that the purpose of the technique was to create an unblockable weapon. But Akua is a clever girl. She figured out how to use it as a means of passing through reality like a ghost."
"So if Shirayuki froze her-"
"She would just walk out of it. Unless you can force her to lose consciousness in an instant, you will not be able to contain her with such methods."
That revelation made Kurumu worry about her ability to use Lilith's Eye. It might not work if Akua's mind was absent the moment Kurumu slipped into the eye.
"What about your spells?"
Yukari let out a heavy sigh.
"Unless she's as narcissistic as Kamiya, I would need you guys to keep her occupied. Spells are slower than telegraphed attacks."
"Quite true, Ms. Sendou. That was why I developed this technique. It was faster than any spell."
"Things have quieted down in the main house."
Ms. Huang nodded at her brother's observation.
"Perhaps they have apprehended Ms. Shuzen."
"I should go check."
Touhou held a hand up with his attention fixed on the door leading out of the courtyard.
"No need."
Kurumu shivered as Akua passed through the doors without opening them. The vampire had dark locks with two tufts pulled out to the sides in short tails. The rest of her locks brushed against the black cape which was draped over her shoulders. Long white sleeves with frilly lace cuffs covered her arms while her slender torso was garbed in a long black coat with white hem and golden buttons. A white scarf was tucked in the collar of her coat, stretching down her chest.
"Master Touhou Fuhai. I have come for my sister."
Huang stepped in front of the elder, dropping the box at his feet.
"What have you done to my parents?"
"The Huang family's invincible pair have already been dispatched. Without them to lead them, the rest of your useless security force surrendered. The only ones left are you."
Moka hurried over to Touhou's side.
"Sister. You don't have to do this."
Akua brightened up with a light in her purple eyes.
"You learned Cantonese?! That's wonderful!"
"A little something I added when I restored the seal."
The joy fled her eyes. She glared down at the elder.
"Why would you repair the seal?"
"Because we are not ready to face Alucard."
Akua touched her chest.
"I'm ready, Master Touhou. I've waited years for the seal to break. It is time to defeat Alucard and keep the promise I made to Akasha."
"It might not work the way you think it will, Akua."
Akua frowned at Kurumu's remark.
"You also speak Cantonese?"
"We all do. I hacked the tsukumogami out of the rosary and put it inside Shirayuki. She's the quiet girl by Kurumu. And I'm not putting her back."
Akua cocked her head at Yukari's declaration.
"Who are you?"
"I'm Moka's lover."
Akua's eyes hardened.
"No. She might have drawn your blood but you are not her lover."
"She's my friend, Akua. You need to stay here with us. Together we can fight against Fujisaki."
Akua glanced at Moka before looking down at Touhou.
"If they removed Hatsukoi, why does Moka have pink hair?"
"A request your sister made to pacify the feelings of a young man."
"She's like the Jasmine you made for Deshi."
Akua flinched at Kurumu's explanation.
"Why have you done this?! Akasha said that I had to return the rosary to her if the seal ever broke. That it would destroy Alucard once and for all."
"I can't let you do that, Akua. Fujisaki will kill you both the moment he removes the rosary."
Akua straightened up with lifeless eyes. She glared at Touhou.
"I can handle Fujisaki."
"You don't understand. Fujisaki is Alucard."
Akua faltered, frowning at Touhou.
"That's not possible."
"I've learned much about our enemy today. The Masked King has ruled over the Miao family for as long as I've watched over the Huang family. Xia Long confirmed that the Masked King and Fujisaki Miyabi are the same person. Fujisaki must be a fragment of Alucard that somehow escaped our last battle."
Akua shook her head slowly, drifting back a step.
"I have to go back."
"You must stay here, Akua."
"No. Moka must come with me. I can guarantee her safety."
"Stubborn girl. You haven't changed at all. Not so long ago, I was trapped in the memory matrix of the rosary and saw you a year before we first met. When exactly did you stop growing? Fourteen? Ten?"
Akua blushed as she planted her feet firmly on the ground.
"I'm too tall for a ten year old!"
"My apologies. Fourteen then."
"I've grown a couple of centimeters since then."
"Clearly not in the chest."
"Leave my boobs out of this discussion!"
Touhou chuckled, puffing out a cloud of smoke.
"As much as I'd like to humor your devotion to keeping that promise, I can't let you go."
"If I don't return with Moka, he will kill Deshi."
Kurumu shivered with a mix of emotions. She was relieved to hear that Deshi was still alive but it was exactly what Yukari had predicted months ago. Fujisaki would use Deshi to control Akua.
"Let me go with her, Darling."
Touhou chuckled at the murderous look Akua favored him.
"A minor tweak to her personality. None of her friends objected."
"That isn't true, you dirty, old, lying pervert!"
Touhou brandished his pipe at Yukari.
"My love for two dimensional characters makes me a hopeless romantic, not a pervert. It's romantic! There. I said it twice for emphasis!"
Akua glared at the elder.
"I should kill you right now."
"I'd like to see you try."
Akua turned those menacing eyes upon Ms. Huang.
"Who are you?"
"I'm Huang Ling. We have never officially met but I've heard much about you. At the age of thirteen you were recognized as the strongest assassin in the Miao family's employ. Nicknamed the Black Devil, your notoriety quickly spread through the underworld of Hong Kong."
Akua stared through Ms. Huang.
"I've also heard of you, Huang Ling. The only disciple of Master Touhou Fuhai to learn the dimensional sword. You owe your life to the Shuzen family."
"A debt which can never truly be repaid. But I am curious."
Ms. Huang took a pose with her hands out and ready.
"Which dimensional sword is better? An original or an imitation."
Akua lowered down into a fighting stance.
"All students imitate their masters. Mine will be more original than yours."
"Sister? Are you planning to fight her?"
Ms. Huang grinned with her eyes locked on Akua.
"We can't let her get away with what she has done to our parents."
"You are a fool, Huang Ling. Unless you are expecting Master Touhou to assist you, you have no hope of winning an honest duel against me."
"Oh, I never fight fairly. Shall we begin?"
Ms. Huang launched her shoe at Akua before whipping around with a knife hand strike. Akua twisted to meet the strike with her own hand, causing a shockwave. Yukari was close enough to get knocked on her butt while Huang staggered back.
"We should give the ladies room."
Touhou waved Huang aside as he retreated to the porch in front of his quarters. Moka followed the pair as Kurumu scurried over to help Yukari back up. The two opponents circled before Akua made the next strike. Ms. Huang countered it with the same resulting shockwave.
"Impressive. Can you keep it up?"
Akua pushed forward, whipping into a series of knife hand strikes which Ms. Huang twisted to meet. Each strike kicked up dirt as Akua forced her opponent back.
"Sister! Watch out!"
Ms. Huang backed against a post holding up the roof of the porch across from Touhou's quarters. Akua lunged forward as Ms. Huang hopped straight up. Three slashes sounded out as Ms. Huang landed safely upon the porch. Two sections of the post slid out, falling to the sides in the next heartbeat.
"That would have killed her!"
Akua huffed at Kurumu's protest, stepping up onto the porch.
"She's a jiangshi. She won't die from being cut up into pieces."
"Maybe not but my pretty dress would be ruined."
Akua advanced on Ms. Huang whom continued to retreat.
"Your technique is very precise. I would be less disappointed if you stopped running away."
Akua darted in with another knife hand strike which Ms. Huang deflected. The impact blasted apart the nearby porch railing. Ms. Huang quickly turned around the corner of the porch, evading another strike which slashed through the corner post.
"That is quite the imitation you have."
"Yours too. But even if you have perfected the technique, the dimensional sword is just a weapon. Its value is dependent on the person wielding it. And I am clearly the better warrior."
Akua sprung forward with another strike which Ms. Huang blocked. The blast rocked the doors to the shrine off their hinges and caused Ms. Huang to stumble down the porch steps. Akua turned to face the woman, advancing down the steps slowly.
"You're already tiring out. How much longer must we do this before you yield?"
Ms. Huang reached behind her, slipping her hand inside the crimson fabric hugging the curves of her derriere. She pulled out a charm.
"My physical prowess was never my strong suit. That's why I've always been a strategist."
Ms. Huang twisted her stance sharply, whipping her right hand forward. The charm instantly became a machine gun with her hand gripping the handle and her finger on the trigger. Akua's eyes widened at the barrel aimed upon her.
"No hard feelings."
Kurumu's heart clenched as the sound of bullets drowned everything out. The deadly projectiles passed through the vampire, destroying the walls and doors of the shrine behind her. Kurumu covered her ears as she watched Akua's clothing disintegrate in the hail of death.
A sharp click announced the end of ammunition. It also signaled Akua's counterstrike. The vampire shot forward as Ms. Huang stumbled back. Her arm was sliced off in the blink of an eye, clattering on the ground with the machine gun still in hand. Her other arm was sent flying in the other direction.
"Sister!"
Akua thrust two fingers at the young man, halting his approach as his sister fell on her rump.
"Don't come any closer!"
Huang grimaced as Akua glared down at his sister.
"Do you yield?"
"I've been disarmed."
Kurumu coughed up a laugh, knowing this was not the setting for a lighthearted joke.
"Stupid girl. You ruined my clothes."
Akua huffed, trying to fix the tattered remnants of her attire. Her long sleeves had been cut in half, baring much of her arms. The entire midsection had been decimated, betraying the slight curve of the underside of her breasts. Below the smooth skin of her belly was a pair of pink briefs with white dots. Black boots were pulled halfway up her calves.
"You tried to kill me. I shouldn't forgive that."
"If killing you had been my plan, I would have made better preparations. But Master Touhou didn't want me making a hell fire circle in the courtyard."
"You should have let her try."
"The only way she could keep you in that circle would be to hold you in place with her own dimensional sword. I would never condone a suicidal attack."
The voice was unfamiliar, drawing Kurumu's attention over to Touhou's quarters. To her shock, a young man with flowing black hair stepped down from the porch. He was garbed in a white robe over a black robe. He calmly strolled over to their side.
"Who are you?"
The man laughed cheerily at Mizore's cocked head.
"I am Touhou Fuhai! Normally I keep my true form suppressed to preserve what little life energy I still have. But I'm going to need everything to subdue this stubborn girl."
"I have no interest in fighting you."
"Those cute panties suit you."
Akua blushed. She stalked over to step hard on Ms. Huang's gut, causing the woman to groan.
"I can't save my clothes in split second attacks."
"I do have an outfit for you. I know how much you liked vampire princess Miyu."
Akua perked up for a moment but instantly returned to a cold demeanor.
"I'm only here for Moka."
"I'm not letting you walk away from here."
"You don't have a choice."
Akua touched her ear.
"Bring the hostages."
The main doors swung open and a dozen men in gray suits hurried through the open. The last pair of men dragged a pair of unconscious bodies with them.
"Father! Mother!"
Kurumu gasped upon realizing Huang was correct. His parents were bound and bloodied. The men dragging the couple let go of them, leveling their guns on the helpless pair.
Touhou scowled, turning back to face Akua.
"Akua! You coward!"
"It's an effective strategy. I knew you would resist handing Moka over if I didn't have some leverage."
"Stop this. Everyone. I already said that I would go with her."
Touhou grimaced as Moka hurried back out to them.
"You can't do this, Ms. Akashiya. If this Fujisaki can remove the rosary-"
"I have faith in Akua."
Moka smiled, bending down to pick up the box.
"She will keep her promise to Momma."
Touhou clenched his fists, glancing at the men gathered about the hostages.
"Don't even think about it, Master Touhou. I'm aware that you can use your dimensional sword at range but even you can't kill that many men in a single attack. You do anything and the hostages die."
Touhou trembled, turning his gaze upon Akua.
"Take me with you. The three of us can take down Alucard."
"No, Darling. Tsukune needs you here."
"This won't make training him any easier."
Moka clutched the box to her chest, smiling softly. She wandered over to Akua's side.
"I have faith in you. Can we stop by my room before we leave? I would like to have my things and you probably don't want to walk around in just your panties."
Akua grabbed the box, tucking it against her side before taking Moka's hand.
"This better be a tasteful outfit, Master Touhou. I don't need more reasons to kill you."
Touhou growled, grabbing the hem of where his robe parted by his chest.
"I'm not going to forget about this either, Shuzen Akua. When I see you again, you better be prepared for the punishment you've earned with this stunt."
"Fine. After Alucard is dealt with."
Touhou nodded as Akua started off with Moka in tow. He turned as the sisters walked by him.
"You better not disappoint me again."
Kurumu shivered as the Miao family men retreated from the annex on the heels of the vampire sisters, leaving the hostages behind. As Huang and Touhou rushed over to check on the parents, Kurumu's heart became heavy with worry. They were one step closer to the inevitable fight against Fujisaki.
"I wish I could enjoy the food."
Yukari picked at her sliced chicken and rice meal at the dining room table without any enthusiasm. The witch was seated on Kurumu's right while Mizore technically was on Kurumu's left. The snow girl had placed her head in Kurumu's lap after finishing her meal. Kurumu suspected that Mizore was asleep.
"You could have asked for Bird's nest soup like Mizore did."
Yukari huffed, pointing with her chopsticks over Kurumu's plate which had the same meal as Yukari.
"This wasn't a time for celebration."
Kurumu sighed, knowing that was true. Across the table from her was Huang. The young man poked absently at his meal, staring at the table.
Touhou sat on Huang's right and was once again in his elderly form. He had no issues with his appetite, already working on his second plate. There was nobody else at the table.
Kurumu shivered when the door behind her opened, feeling Tsukune's presence. He hurried over to the table, grabbing the back of Yukari's chair.
"What happened?!"
"Calm down, young man."
Master Yao strolled behind them, making his way to the other side of the table.
"But the foyer was wrecked! It's like someone started a fire in there."
"That was the work of my Grandson. He summoned a salamander to greet our unwelcome guests."
"You were attacked?!"
"Sit down, Mr. Aono. We can have explanations over our meal."
Tsukune scowled as Master Yao pulled back the vacant chair beside Touhou. As the man took his seat, Tsukune sighed. Reluctantly he claimed the seat next to Yukari.
"Any meal preferences?"
Touhou picked up a bell beside his plate and wiggled his wrist to ring the bell.
"I'll have the same as yours, Master Touhou."
"Yea. That's fine. Where's Moka?"
"She's with Akua."
Tsukune frowned at Yukari's answer.
"Akua? Her older sister was here?"
"Yes. We were unable to convince her to stay."
"Does that mean she's taking Moka to Fujisaki?"
"Yes, Tsukune. That's exactly what it means."
"But why?! Why would you let that happen?!"
"I'm a witch, Tsukune. If I had betrayed any harmful intent, I would have been killed before I could finish casting a spell."
Kurumu nodded, absently running her fingers through Mizore's thick locks.
"I had my tail out but wasn't sure if Lilith's Eye could work on her. Akua avoided point blank gunfire right before she cut off Ms. Huang's arms."
"Is she okay?"
"Ling is a jiangshi. It will take time for her to recover but she won't die."
A huge hulking man entered the room from the kitchen. His dark locks were styled in a bowl cut which covered his ears. The massive brute had an apron over a white shirt and black slacks.
"Mr. Liang. Two more servings for our new arrivals."
The man grunted an acknowledgment before exiting the room.
"I noticed the absence of our esteemed leaders."
"Feihong and Tian are being cared for in their room. They are unlikely to regain consciousness tonight."
"Haitao?"
"Investigating the breach in our security. We have had too many visitors today. My illusion has not been compromised so the Miao family must have acquired several of our devices that bypass it."
"Casualties?"
"Nearly twenty. Most by gunfire."
"How many men were with this girl?"
"At least thirty, maybe forty. I saw her leave with an escort of fourteen men and there were at least that many bodies of theirs to cleanup. Some may have been incinerated by the salamander."
"Why didn't you stop them?"
Touhou huffed at Tsukune.
"Ms. Akashiya wanted to go with her sister."
"How can you pretend that was what Moka wanted? That girl is just a program you made."
"Tsukune, stop. That girl did exactly what Hatsue would have done in that situation."
Tsukune grimaced at Kurumu.
"We don't know that for sure. Hatsue was always influenced by the real Moka. This girl he made has no way of knowing what the real Moka would have wanted her to do."
"It was out of my control, young man. I even went through the trouble of reverting to my true form to forcefully make that girl surrender. But then she brought out Feihong and Tian as hostages."
"But we came here for your help! Is this seriously the extent of the capabilities of the Huang family?"
"Be thankful that this wasn't part of a genuine attack by the Miao family or you would have returned to an empty mansion."
"But you are the leader of this family!"
"Bickering over the past will not change it. You need to eat, train and decide what you will do next."
Tsukune sighed at Master Yao's firm words.
"Is Mizore hurt?"
"She's tired and pregnant, Tsukune. She wouldn't have been able to help us stop Akua."
Tsukune flinched at Kurumu's defensive tone.
"I didn't ask that. But couldn't you have used your charm?"
"How could I charm her to not care about Deshi's fate?"
Tsukune paused for a long moment, eventually nodding.
"It's good to know that Deshi is still alive."
Yukari huffed, finally grabbing a piece of chicken from her plate.
"At least Akua thinks she is. And that's all Fujisaki needs to control her."
"What do we do now?"
"You continue your training. Ms. Akashiya believes that you are vital to our fight against Alucard."
Tsukune winced, clenching his fists upon the table.
"Do we have time? If my powers were inherited from my father, then Fujisaki will be able to remove the rosary. I'm useless as I am now."
"While that might be true, you should not give in to despair. If Fujisaki removes the seal, I know that Akua will try to fulfill her promise to Akasha."
"Can she succeed?"
Touhou chuckled, pushing aside his emptied plate.
"It mostly depends on how much Fujisaki knows about the rosary. If he believes it is just a device to suppress Shinso blood, he might lower his guard enough to allow Akua an opening. That is all Akua needs to return the rosary to Alucard's body where Akasha sleeps."
"That's it? She just puts the rosary on Alucard's body?"
"That is what Akua was told by Akasha. The memory matrix in the rosary should connect with Akasha, allowing her control of Alucard's body. Sort of how Rezo lowered the guard of Shabranigdo."
"I don't understand the example."
Touhou sighed heavily with a shake of his head.
"I know I'm old, but you can't be too young to not know about Lina Inverse and the Slayers."
Tsukune perked up with a nervous chuckle.
"Oh, right! I know about that."
"The fight against Shabranigdo was their first adventure."
"I can't say that I remember the series that well. It was popular but not really my thing."
"I swear you kids don't know your own culture."
Tsukune laughed sheepishly, glancing at the arrival of the massive Mr. Liang. The man briskly walked over to Master Yao's side, setting a plate before the master. Master Yao murmured his thanks as Mr. Liang leaned over the table to offer Tsukune his meal. Tsukune graciously accepted the plate, allowing the big man to depart with the same purposeful stride.
"I know that we don't have much time, but I still want to be with my mother over the holiday."
"I was waiting on you to finish your meal."
"You aren't going anywhere tonight, little lady."
Yukari frowned at the elder.
"I told my parents that I would be home tomorrow afternoon."
"You can wait for the morning to have your chat with Mikogami."
"We are not waiting here until you wake up."
Touhou chuckled, sitting back in his chair. He pulled his pipe out from his robes, tucking the end in the corner of his mouth.
"Don't worry, Ms. Sendou. I can't be sleeping in when our family leaders are incapacitated. I trust that Master Yao will also remain with us to ensure our home is safe for the evening."
"Naturally, Master Touhou."
"I will be up bright and early. You can leave right after breakfast."
"I don't want to sleep alone."
"You can share the room with us. It's not like we expected to see the Headmaster tonight."
Touhou nodded at Kurumu's sentiment, puffing out a cloud of smoke.
"Even if Akua had a flight out of China tonight, she won't make it to the Garden tomorrow. She would need Mrs. Shuzen's ring which she won't get without a fight. Report the situation to Mikogami and enjoy your time with your families. I expect to see all of you again on Monday."
Tsukune grimaced, picking up his chopsticks.
"Time. If only we had a way to make more of it."
"The Headmaster does have that doorway to a world in which time moved much faster."
Touhou perked up at Yukari's statement.
"Oh? Mikogami showed you his paradise?"
"It was not the least bit comfortable, but they did get more training done than what would have been possible in a normal two week span."
"That concept works much better when you're not trying to support an ecosystem."
"What do you mean by that?"
Touhou chuckled with wisps of smoke escaping his wrinkled lips.
"I mean that you can effectively stop time."
"How is that possible?"
"There are spells that allow this as long as you don't interact with the real world. I have a mirror world which turns a minute into an hour. In two hours, you could have five days' worth of training."
"Master Touhou Fuhai!"
Touhou flinched as Tsukune stood up suddenly to bow his head.
"What? You don't have to shout when I'm right here."
"I need you to accelerate my transformation into a vampire."
"That might kill you."
"I'll die anyways if I fight the way I am now."
Touhou sighed, caressing the shaft of his pipe.
"Even if you survive that process, you won't be any match against Akua."
"Why would I fight against Akua?"
Touhou snorted at Tsukune's perplexed reaction.
"Were you not watching those memories, boy? That girl is in love with her sister. She won't take kindly to your existence."
"But we could reason with her."
"She'll cut you into pieces before you have a chance."
"Then teach me how to defend myself from her."
"Teach you the dimensional sword? That could take years."
"How much time do you think we need?"
Touhou breathed in deep, exhaling a cloud of smoke.
"The human modification process is a series of one hundred nine needles being threaded into your body, reconstructing it to how it needs to be. Depending on how quickly your body recovers from each needle, the process could take from as little as a couple of hours to as long as an entire day."
"So not very long."
"That is the most dangerous step of what you are asking."
"I'm aware of that, Master Touhou. But I must have this power. It is the only way I can save Moka and kill the man whom murdered my father."
Touhou chuckled with a nod.
"Very well. You best eat up then. You'll need all your strength for the path you've chosen."
Kurumu smiled softly as she worked her fingers in Mizore's thick hair. She wondered if there had ever been a choice.