Roanapur Nights

A Rosario+Vampire and Black Lagoon Crossover

Chapter 7

With her brother and his bride gone Cassandra was left with her young charge. Roxanne was certainly talented. As far as vampires went she had a true potential to become one that would rival some of the greater houses. Her father seemed even more so because of his keen mind and sharp wit. There was little doubt in her mind that they would bring greatness to the house of Dimitrescu.

She had sensed something about his bride, and while they were at the Yellow Flag she paid more attention to it. She was now a Thrall. Her reflexes, strength, sight, and stamina all reflected their bloodline. She doubted that he had been gifting her his blood, but it was a closely guarded secret that blood was not the only thing needed. One could become a Thrall by submitting to a vampire carnally. It wouldn't be a single coupling, but rather it would take multiple, over the course of a few years before the changes could be seen.

There was little doubt in her mind that they had mated, multiple times, and that his seed had found its way into her. At that point her body stopped allowing it to leak out. Most likely it was being absorbed into her being, giving her the kind of benefit of power that normally was only read about. So, it meant that eventually his bride would need to make a choice. To remain a thrall, dependent upon his seed to continue with her level of power, or to become one of them completely.

Personally, she hoped that she would join them. She would make an excellent sister, and she would certainly fit their personalities. She considered this as she watched her charge. Roxanne had graduated from entering the shadows, the darkness, and coming out silently. She now was moving toward being able to use others' shadows against them. She was showing her how she could enter into their shadows, and through that shadow she could control them.

So far she had shown her with a rat that was roaming around. Roxanne was catching on quickly, seeing how when she made the leg of the rat's shadow move its own leg moved. Through her coaching Roxanne made the rat enter the dark. It squealed out in what could only be considered fear as it walked against its will. Once there Cassandra took the rat, informing Roxanne to exit the shadows.

When the girl did Cassandra ripped the neck of the rat open, poured the blood into a small glass, and filled it completely. Roxanne watched completely stunned as the rat stopped moving. The moment it was still Cassandra took a small sip. She studied her charge for a moment before she knelt down.

"Understand that we vampires can live off of other substances for a time," she said softly, "We can survive off of human food for a period, but eventually we have to feed."

She held the glass and looked at her, "In the times that you must feed there are choices to be made," she stated as she took a seat and patted next to her. Roxanne moved near her and took a seat from across from her, "Those choices are simple. Do you feed from creatures like this, or from humans."

Cassandra seemed to consider for a moment, "Feeding from humans is something that should be avoided," she said as she looked at Roxanne, "It is to be avoided because there are complications. First, most of us have chosen to interact with humans, and second when frightened the humans will react."

She handed the glass to Roxanne, "Now, consider that beasts like this rat are slightly bitter. They don't taste excellent, but one can feed from them for an extended period of time," she said as she watched Roxanne slightly sip and make a face, "I know little one. The other choice is to befriend a butcher. Most of the time when you do they will sell you pig's blood. You'll find that it has a richer taste, and it is far more palpable. Rats however are to be used as a resort from starving."

Roxanne nodded, "So, a butcher like Mr. Yin?"

She raised an eyebrow, "Oh, do you already know a butcher?"

Roxanne nodded, "Uhuh, daddy sometimes buys fresh pork from Mr. Yin," she said as she scratched her chin, "It's really tasty. I know that Mr. Yin sells all kinds of meat, and his butcher shop is open even at night."

Cassandra nodded, "Then later we will go to Mr. Yin and purchase some pig's blood. However, let us continue to practice with another rat."

The practice stretched out until she heard the sounds of footsteps. She watched as her charge's mother and father arrived. Both entered, and it appeared that both were in a fine mood. That would certainly make things far easier. She had plans to teach this to Rock as well. She believed that once he learned it would be of great benefit to him. Of course it would also be of great benefit to her as well.

Knowing that he could defend his daughter, his wife, and ensure that a target was unable to harm them would ensure that he could be free to do other things. There were some drawbacks to it of course. One had to enter the shadows in order to control a being from their shadow. In addition it was harder to pull off on stronger beings. It had to be done as a surprise toward some of the strongest yokai in existence.

Dragons were a prime example. Being that their entire bloodline was bound to Benca meant they had some leeway, but it wasn't a cure all. Benca could be considered a lesser dragon. She was powerful, but the fire drakes that lived in their mountain homes were far more powerful. In order to use this ability against one of them it would have to be done when they were not aware. It was doubtful that they would ever need to use it on a dragon, and it was even more doubtful that they could catch a dragon unaware. It wasn't to say that it was impossible.

Mostly if the ability had to be used it would be on humans or lesser monsters. She watched as her charge ran to her father, and watched as he gave her his undivided attention. That was something else that made her believe they were a good fit. He was very much a family oriented person, and it was obvious that he cared deeply for his daughter. He would ensure that she was taken care of, that all that could be done to protect her would be done.

"Daddy!" Roxanne squealed happily, "Guess what I can do now!"

There was a gentle laugh, "Is it something with shadows?"

Cassandra watched as she nodded her head, "Uh huh!" she exclaimed before she listened around them. She got out of her father's arms, and walked toward the shadows. For a moment there was nothing, and then they watched as a rat jerkily moved from the shadows. It was squeaking rapidly, obviously unable to understand why it was moving against its will, and then suddenly it ran back toward the shadows as Roxanne stepped out of the more shadowy area, "I can make things move from their shadows!"

As Cassandra applauded Roxanne on getting better at what she was doing, another vampire was looking at the buildings currently occupied by the Huang Family. She could smell Tsukune inside, and she had long since decided that this was the best course of action. She would have him, submit to him, and love him as much as she would allow. Of course beforehand she had to gain entry into the building itself.

Ria might be considered many things, but stupid wasn't one of them. The Huang Family was composed of multiple different monsters, and they were allies with the Miao Family. She already knew that the Miao Family had an artifact that would allow them to control a vampire against their will. She did not want to test the limits of said artifact. She wasn't above seduction to get what she wanted, nor she was above using her body if the need arose.

Although, if she was able to snare Tsukune she would be faithful to him. She might sample the delights of his little harem, but that would be as far as it went. She would not allow herself to be debased like Moka. Besides, she so desperately wanted to film every perverse thing that she allowed Tsukune to do to her. She wanted to film it, create a single video, and gift it to her dearest sister after her first full century of being without Tsukune. It would be a perfect gift. One would completely devastate Moka, and it would ensure that her sister realized the depths of her fall.

She moved forward, and she smelled the nymph first. The sweet smell of her blood was enticing. It was so close to human, so delicious, so desirable, and of course there was the fact that nymphs' blood could contain a trace of their own power. She neared her, but forced the thought of feeding away from her mind. She couldn't endanger what it was that she wanted to do merely for a few drops of delicious blood. Perhaps she could convince Tsukune to take her as part of his harem, and then she could potentially taste her. Moving closer she could hear the increased heartbeat, smell the sweet savory scent of fear, and her eyes never left the face of the nymph.

"You don't have an appointment," Yan said, her hand next to an intercom, "You can't come in without having an appointment."

Ria watched her, and considered how easy it would be to simply overpower her. She could potentially take her out before a word was said, but she was certain that she would missed. The other option was simple.

"Contact your employers," she said simply, "I would like to discuss a business transaction."

The nymph touched a button, "Ummm, patch me through to the main office."

There was a moment of static before a musical voice answered, "Is there an issue?" the voice asked, "Or should we prepare the banquet?"

The nymph swallowed, "We have a single guest, she carries no dish, but I fear that her thirst and hunger should be addressed."

Ria listened to the full discussion before a soft smile crossed her lips. It wasn't the first time she had heard code being used when addressing her presence. The fact that they were prepared to deal with her meant they were respectable. The thirst and hunger obviously meant that they understood that she was a S class monster.

They weren't stupid, and for that she applauded them. She was about to say something when she felt something almost blade like touch her neck. She looked around, not seeing a person, or not until the door opened. Standing there was the Jiang Shi Ling Ling Huang. The living dead doll herself, and she was using the dimensional sword.

"Ria," she said, her voice both polite and direct, "I believe there were words about your presence and how there was to be a lack of it in my presence."

There were multiple things that could be said about Ria. It could be said that she was bloodthirsty, and that she was more than willing to be manipulative. The one thing that could not be said about her was that she was flippant or stupid. She was well aware that Ling Ling could end her existence. The Jiang Shi was a formidable sorceress in her own right. She would be an absolute fool to attempt anything that would make her decide it was decisively easier to remove her head than to deal with her.

"Ling Ling," she purred, not showing any anxiety, "I simply came to discuss a business transaction. When I heard that this city had monsters in it working among the mortals I was intrigued. I was even more so when I realized how desirable this city is."

She watched as the Jiang Shi raised an eyebrow, "And would I presume that part of your business transaction is to discuss access to Tsukune?"

Ria mentally cursed, but then she had expected that she would be called out on it, "Perhaps, but not in any regard that he would be harmed. I merely would like to say hello to my brother, and I would like to remind him that he is welcomed within his Dark Father's home at any time."

She felt the dimensional sword still pressing against her. It wouldn't take much, just Ling Ling moving a finger and she would lose her head, "And if he says that he doesn't want to see you?"

Ria allowed herself to look crestfallen, "I would be remorseful," she said, allowing honesty to enter into the lie, "I would be remorseful, but I would honor his decision. I am not without heart, and I fear that my brother has touched it. I merely wish to speak to him."

She expected to be turned away, but instead the blade disappeared, "Very well," she said, and she motioned for Ria to step forward, "But you are expected to abide by the rules of hospitality. Break them at your own peril."

Ria froze for a second. The rules of hospitality. If reminded of them a vampire could not break them. It meant that she could only do what was allowed, give when given, and communicate in polite conversation. She felt a begrudging respect for the Jiang Shi. She obviously knew more than most about vampires, their weaknesses, and how to ensure that they would not harm someone out of turn.

"If I may inquire," Ria asked as they began to walk up the stairs, "What drew you to this city?"

There was a small laugh, "The fact that it is called the city of the Living Dead was part of the draw, but more so it was because it is a city of no questions. We can maintain our empire, and we can do it openly here," she replied, her voice jovial, "It is a place where all manners of predators live Ria, and a place where power is respected and understood."

Of course Ria saw the benefit of that. She understood the wonderful idea that power would be respected and understood. Again, the city would be perfect for their kind, and more to the point it would be perfect for most monsters. Oh, there were some that didn't have the makings to live among the humans here. They were simply too soft, too weak to become truly involved with this city. Ultimately they would be left alone.

"So, what business do you have to discuss?"

Ria considered her thoughts for a moment, "We are making the beginning movements to change the world into a place for all of us. A place that resembles this city actually," she replied with a seductive purr, "We want to live among the humans, but not in the current way that is allowed. We would much rather be open with our existence."

Ling Ling continued to lead her up the stairs, and finally they entered a room that made Ria stop and take in the wordless demands of the room. It was beyond posh. There were paintings that were considered priceless upon the walls, furniture that was well beyond the simple phrase of expensive was dotted tastefully around the office, and then there was the feeling that pressed against her.

She was no witch, no sorceress, but she knew a good ward when she felt it. There were multiple in this room, and all of them pressed against her very being. Ling Ling could kill her easily enough, but her spell craft was easily on the same level of Tojo Ruby. It wasn't just uncomfortable. This was a very real threat to her. If she disobeyed the rules of hospitality here she would be destroyed.

"Wonderful, isn't it?" Ling Ling asked as she looked at Ria, "I must admit that I went above and beyond with the warding, but then again I had Fang Fang assist me. He is incredibly gifted when it comes to layering wards."

The smile she had on her face was one that Ria knew too well. It was one that she wore often enough. It was the smile of a predator that had her prey bared for her to feast upon, "It is indeed impressive," she said, keeping the foreboding feeling from showing in her voice, "I must admit that it seems to be exceptionally well crafted."

Ling Ling's smile vanished, and her eyes seemed to drill a hole straight into Ria's soul. She swallowed as she studied the Jiang Shi, "Ria, you feel the wards because you have come with an ulterior motive. If you were here to simply visit Tsukune and discuss business you wouldn't feel a thing," she said, her voice both icy and sharp, "So, consider your words carefully and speak the unbridled truth, or we will see how much pressure it takes to make you pop like a tick."

Ria groaned as she felt the pressure around her, it was almost as if some ethereal being was grasping her with a giant unseen hand and squeezing the life from her, "There will be consequences if you destroy me," she croaked out, the feeling of her bones beginning to bend spread through her, "The clans will come for you, all of you."

Ling Ling laughed, the sound not warm and inviting, but instead it was cold and vicious, "The clans?" she asked as she gestured around the office, "Have you forgotten where you are?"

She moved in a fluid motion and hopped toward a window. Without hesitation she opened the shade allowing the darkening sky to grace the room with its presence, "You are in a place where humans and monsters alike go missing and there are no questions. It doesn't matter how deep the pockets of your dark father are, it doesn't matter the political power you have at your disposal, it is meaningless here."

She glared at Ria, her eyes practically glowing, and small cracks appeared around her mouth, "Allow me to state this again, answer me, or pop like the tick you are."

"I want to humiliate Moka!" she screamed, the feeling of her bones beginning to dislocate filled her, the true fear of a very real death filled her, and she understood that before her was a sorceress that was not to be fucked with, "I want to torment her, fill her with despair, and allow her to wallow in the self pity she has created for herself for all time!"

Suddenly the feeling of the wards began to lessen, and after a moment she sat panting hard from her near death. She glanced up at Ling Ling and understood right away that she would not be meeting her on her own terms anymore. The next time they met would be a neutral area where there were no preparations made.

"I see," Ling Ling stated, "And your doing this would be while using my Tsukune, correct?"

Ria shook her head, "I wouldn't be using him exactly. Yes, I would use his image, his lovely image, but I would be giving myself to him. I want to give him everything that Moka ever denied him, and I want to give her the video of it," she admitted, feeling truly helpless in the situation, "I want to make her wallow in despair, and want to ensure that she understands her place is so low that she doesn't even deserve to lick the dogshit from Tsukune's boots."

Ling Ling considered it for a moment, "Then we are of one mind," she replied as she moved toward her seat, "I have no great love for Moka. She wounded Tsukune, and in doing so she damaged the one I love. If she suffers, she suffers, and I could care less."

Ria began to breathe easier for a moment before Ling Ling lifted a finger, "But understand that I abide by my beloved's words. We are a family, we exemplify loyalty, and we ensure that all are taken care of. I will not assist in this endeavor. Moka has his protection, and she has it because she has willingly helped him when he was younger," Ling Ling stated, "If she was to leave that protection then it would be upon her."

Ria understood what she meant, "So, my sister would need to separate herself if I wished to proceed?"

"I will not allow you to use him, but I will allow you to submit yourself to him, to his rules, and to his lusts. If you can manage to drive her from his protection through means other than open violence I would have no issue with it."