It has been about four long hours since Akasha left Moka with Tsukune. Moka had not budged from her spot. She had remained wide awake the whole time. However, she was beginning to doze off as Tsukune has been peacefully sleeping. She has not notice him have any nightmares, so it was a good sign. Maybe it was time she had some rest as well. Her eyes became heavy as she heard his gentle breathing. Suddenly, Tsukune's breathe became harsh as he begins to shiver, and instantly Moka became alert. Her sleepiness instantly vanishes and is replaced with worry. Moka quickly grabbed Tsukune's left hand hoping it will help calm him down.
"No, I'm not bad." Tsukune muttered in his sleep as he shivered more intensely. He was responding to someone. That's when Moka realized that Tsukune was reliving his past.
Nightmare
A four-year-old Tsukune is seen playing with a toy car in his room. He is crawling along the floor as he pushes the car forward. He often played with this car as he wanted to drive one when he got older. His room was quite large, so it was fun to play around in. As he plays and moves about, he fails to notice the young girl standing at the door.
"Tsukune, can I join you?" The girl who bears a striking resemblance to Gyokuro asked with a grin. She was wearing a white princess dress with black heels and a black headband. She sounded so eager that he could not refuse the older girl.
"Yes, you can Kahlua." Tsukune smiled as he enjoyed playing with the older girl, but she was always seemed busy. She shuts the door behind her. She flashed him a smile as she slowly approached him.
"I think I have a better game we can play." She suggested to him in a playful tone. Tsukune interested in her suggestion immediately rushed towards her.
"What can we play?" He asked with overwhelming enthusiasm.
"It's a game called I'm not bad."
"How do we play?" Kahlua gave a chuckle as she heard him ask.
"Give me the toy car you were playing with and I'll show you how."
"Okay!" Tsukune yelled as he ran to retrieve what she asked for. Handing it over to her she began to speak.
"Now Tsukune, I'm going to ask you, are you bad?" She gave him a puzzled look.
"No." He answered her with a smile. Of course, he was not bad as he always got along with Kahlua and her sisters. He was even willing to share his toys with them. He has only known them for a few weeks and yet, they got along well.
"That's a lie! I know you're bad!" She furiously shouted to him which caused him to jump back terrified. Why did she yell at him so suddenly? She was glaring at him with anger. What did he do to her that made her so mad?
"I'm not bad." He quietly replied. Kahlua not liking his answer crushes his toy car into pieces in her hand. She opens her hand to show him what she's done.
"Why did you do that to my favorite toy?" He asked with tears in his eyes. How could she do that to him? He had never done anything bad to her. She was the one who was being bad, not him.
"That's because you lied to me." She honestly answered him with a serious expression as she tossed the former toy aside.
"No, I'm not bad Onee-chan." He cried out as the larger girl stood in front of him. How could he make her see that he has always been good? Was this just part of the game? This game was called I'm not bad and he had been saying it to her. Maybe she was taking her role too seriously?
"You're a human Tsukune. My mother told me all humans are bad and that means you are too." She sounded so sad and angry at the same time. Clearly this was not a game. Tsukune now frightened and upset, starts running towards the door. However, he is instantly grabbed by the arm and knocked down by Kahlua's feet. The fall had hurt his back.
"Let me go. I don't like you anymore and I'm going to tell on you." He said with anger as he looked up at her with teary eyes. Kahlua gave a wicked smile as she heard him threaten her.
"Oh really?" She sharply questioned his threat. Instantly, Tsukune felt tremendous pain on his right arm. Tsukune let out a bloodcurdling scream as he felt his arm being crushed. He could feel that his arm would snap at any moment like a twig. Tsukune wanted to beg her to stop, but all he could do was scream in agony. Kahlua let out an amused laughter as she heard him scream.
"You're so weak. It was harder to crush your little toy. Now then, are you bad?" Tsukune quickly nodded hoping she would stop. Kahlua looking pleased, softened her grip. She pulled him back onto his feet.
"If you tell on me, I'll break your arm just like I did to your stupid toy. Got it?" Tsukune nodded again as he feared what she would do to him. She let his arm go and she admired her work with a grin.
"We'll play again tomorrow." She cheerfully said as she opened the door. As the door closed behind her Tsukune began to fully cry as he examined his arm which was painful to the touch and the dreadful thought of playing with her again. Why had she done that to him? He used to get along with her so well and now she hates him for no reason. They used to be good friends. She even wanted him to call her Onee-chan. What did her mother tell her?
Nightmare ends
Moka hated watching Tsukune suffer through this that she looked away as she was unable to help him. She never felt so useless. She wanted to wake him there and then but knew that if that she did, it would not stop it. Moka tried once before and it only served to extend his torment. He would awaken, but it would still play in his head. When he would fall asleep again, he would relive it again. She could only help by remaining at his side until she was needed. Biting her lip with determination she once again gazed at Tsukune. Tsukune's pain expression almost made her resolve crumble, but she was determined to be by his side.
"I'm right here Tsukune. I will not move from here until you snap out of it." She softly spoke to him hoping he could hear her.
"They will never hurt you again, not while I'm here." Moka continued as she strokes his hair. Tsukune's nightmare lasted about 10 minutes, but it felt like an eternity for Moka. Moka gave a sigh of relief as she saw Tsukune's painful expression vanish along with his tremors. Moka leaned back on the chair and yawned as she felt at ease. He did not wake up so it was unlikely he would dream again tonight. It didn't take long for her to doze off after that.
I better go check on them and see how they are doing.
Sakon worriedly thought as he couldn't stop thinking about his young master. He wanted to check on him sooner, but he had unfinished housework to do. Sakon quickly reached Tsukune's room and quietly opens the door. Sakon could not help but to smile as he saw Moka and Tsukune sleeping peacefully. He proceeded to get a closer look at both children. Moka had her head resting on her folded arms upon his bed by his side. Feeling satisfied he quickly fetches a blanket to cover up the sleeping Moka.
"Goodnight Tsukune-sama and Moka-sama." He quietly said as he turns off the lights and shuts the door behind him.
"Has he awakened?"
Sakon heard a voice as he looks down the hallway.
"He is still sleeping." He answered him with a soft tone in fear of awakening the children. He thought it was odd that Ulquiorra suggested such a notion this late at night.
"That's unfortunate." Ulquiorra answered with no tone of concern. Sakon partly agreed with Ulquiorra as he wanted to know Tsukune's mood but was also afraid to find out. Not waiting for Sakon to respond him, Ulquiorra continues.
"Is Akasha-sama expecting a visitor?"
"No. Why do you ask that?" Sakon was confused about his abrupt question. Who would come visit at this hour? Akasha-sama would never invite someone so late at night.
"There is someone approaching us from the woods as I could sense their presence slowly making their way here." Ulquiorra had awaken as he had sensed this yoki. He wanted to inform Akasha, but she had still not retuned. So, he had come to Sakon instead. Sakon quickly narrowed his eyes. This could only mean one thing.
"It might be an assassin who is after Akasha-sama. This sort of thing is not uncommon." He concluded as it was the only logical choice. Sakon had dealt with such assassins before. He would deal with them shortly after he leaves Ulquiorra to handle the protection of the children. He felt it was less risky for him as he had prior experiences with them. Also, he wanted to fight someone to relieve his stress. He wanted to take his mind off Tsukune's situation.
"Stay here. I'll deal with them." Ulquiorra vanished before Sakon could speak his mind.
He didn't leave me much of a choice.
Sakon feeling a bit disappointed proceeded to set a barrier around Tsukune's room. He wanted to confront this intruder and duke it out to vent out all his pent-up frustration.
The request is ssssimple. All I must do issss confirm the location of the dark lord'ssss ressssidence.
The brown Snakeman thought to himself as he slithered through the floor. His upper body was that of a snake and his lower body that of a man wearing green camo cargo pants to better blend in. The Snakeman named Geo was excited about completing this mission as he personally dislikes the laws set upon him by these so-called dark lords. They were too afraid of the humans. Those three did not speak for all monsters. He was a living example of that. At first, he was reluctant to get involved with this mission, but the pay was too good. He was promised 10x his normal rate and he had plans to use that money to travel to the human world and prey on some human women.
"There'ssss nothing better than playing with thosssse humanssss." He thought out loud as he stuck out his tongue in excitement. He could not hold back his dark desires. He could already picture himself constricting on some beautiful woman. He would hear her scream for him to stop and he would only squeeze tighter. It was ecstasy to him as their beautiful faces turned to pure agony. Once she broke, he would swallow her whole. Geo continued to slither through undetected by the fauna living there. Geo slipped past them and did not slow down as he heard the rumors of a mansion surrounded by the Moonlit Woods. He hastened as he could see up ahead less dense vegetation. He could already picture himself finding it.
Damn! It'ssss jusssst a sssstupid lake. He thought bitterly in disappointment. It was going to be a challenge to find it in these dense woods. Flicking his tongue out he picked up an unusual scent. It was strange to him as it had tiny traces of a humanlike scent.
Thissss is ssss not a sssscent of an animal from here. It issss humanlike sssso it musssst be a vampire. I found her.
He could not contain his joy. His eyes glowed yellow and he started to hiss loudly as he swayed his upper body. All he had to do was follow this scent, and he would be able to claim his reward. He quickly curled his body and like a spring, he started to bounce in excitement.
"What are you doing here?"
He quickly stopped and turned around as he heard a voice right behind him. That's when he saw the pale man standing several feet from him. Geo was spooked and embarrassed as he knew this stranger saw his display. It is embarrassing for Snakemen to be seen by other races during their act. In fact, some have died from the shame, others have killed because of it. Geo was the part of the latter.
"You ssssaw that didn't you? I'll kill you!" He shouted as he sprouted 2 arms holding daggers. As a Snakeman, he can hide his limbs for better mobility and bring them out at will. Geo had learned to hide weapons with this ability. He had already lost his focus of reaching the manor. This individual had to die before he could do anything else. It was an unforgivable sin if he let it go.
"Yes. I saw your nonsensical display, but I want to know what you're doing here?" Ulquiorra asked again slowly losing his patience on this imbecile who threatened him. Did he not hear him ask what he was doing here?
"I'll kill you!" Geo shouted as he charged Ulquiorra who dared to insult him a prodigy of his kind. He took a swing with his right dagger, but Ulquiorra instantly grabbed his arm with his left hand. It was unbelievable to him.
"What!" Geo blurted out as he didn't see his opponent move, yet his hand completely stopped him. He quickly composed himself and swung with his remaining dagger. Ulquiorra instantly repeated the same maneuver.
"Sssshit!" He shouted in frustration as clearly Ulquiorra was faster than him. He desperately tried to pull away from Ulquiorra's grip with every fiber of his being, but he found it impossible as his muscles ached from exertion. Geo had a superior physique to Ulquiorra's slimmer one. Yet, he was completely overpowering him. Who the hell was this guy? He was certain Ulquiorra was not a vampire, so how was he this strong?
"Tell me what I want to know, it's futile to resist." Ulquiorra told him as he felt him struggle. His strength was far weaker than his own. He doubted this trash was stronger than Moka. He could not be a skilled assassin as he would certainly lose to Akasha's daughter, let alone her.
"Don't get cocky sssshorty!" He yelled in anger as he looked down on the shorter male. He still had his most deadly technique to use. Suddenly Geo's fangs pop out and he lunges at his neck.
Chomp!
"I have you now. My venom will Sssslowly kill you as it sssspreadssss throughout your body." He spoke muffled as he continued to bite on his neck. Geo starts to slowly chuckle as he knew he won the fight. No creature had ever escaped his bite. This shorter man was stronger than he was, but strength was meaningless if you could kill them with venom. He killed many foes stronger than himself this exact way. He was just another asshole who got too cocky for his own good. First the venom would instantly paralyze his prey and then their body would start to shut down. In five more minutes, he would be dead. Then he would devour him as he would surely be strengthened by this monster's yoki. Suddenly the wind is knocked out of him and is forced to release Ulquiorra as he feels tremendous pain on his chest. Before he could register what happened, Ulquiorra slams him into the ground. Feeling every bone in his body break, Geo looks up on disbelief. Coughing up blood he wheezes a question.
"You… sssshould be… paralyzed. How… did you… ressssisssst?"
Ulquiorra willing to answer him turns his neck to the side to show him the bite. There were two small indications of where the fangs pressed on him, but no penetration visible. He could have easily avoided his attack but there was no need to. This trash's desperate attack was not worth acknowledging as any potential threat.
"Your feeble fangs were not able to pierce my hierro." He coldly remarked.
"Impossssible." Geo muttered as he drifted into unconsciousness.
Ulquiorra watched the pathetic trash breathe weakly. He would survive if he leaves him here. He slowly starts to charge up his signature cero at the tip of his index finger. He could not let any danger fall upon Akasha-sama. She did not want him to kill anyone, but surely enemies were the exceptions. It was the only way to keep them safe as he needed Akasha to teach him more about the heart. He would not let anyone get in his way of that.
"He did try to kill me, so he must be an enemy of Akasha-sama. I'll eliminate this trash." Ulquiorra told himself as he knew he reached the right conclusion.
"Wait, don't do it Ulquiorra!" He heard Akasha yell emerging from the woods. Her face was full of worry. He did not understand why she wore that face. Was she worried for this trash? Ulquiorra's cero charge fades away as she approaches him. She seems to have a knack for appearing at crucial times.
"You're not supposed to kill others Ulquiorra." He only looks back at her, not understanding why she was frowning.
"I'm aware Akasha-sama but he wanted to kill me so I figured it was better if I killed him before he could harm you. It was the most logical answer to me." Akasha now understanding his reasoning gave a small smile.
"I appreciate your decision to protect me, but if you already beaten him, then he is no longer a threat." Akasha quickly checks the Snakeman to see if he is in danger of dying. Ulquiorra quietly observed her as she checked him, not knowing why she cared for her enemy's well-being. It was beyond irrational to him.
"His life is not in danger, but he needs urgent care as he is badly hurt." Akasha carefully scoops up the reptilian and turns to face Ulquiorra. He watched as she slowly approached him with the Snakeman. She was being as gentle as possible to avoid any further injuries. Why was she protecting him? He did not deserve it.
"Would you carry him for me as I need to open the portal to the healer." She kindly asked him with her warm smile. She carefully positions him so that he could grab Geo from her.
"As you wish Akasha-sama." Ulquiorra answers her as he takes him from her.
"Thank you Ulquiorra." She fully smiles at him. Ulquiorra only nods and looks away from her not knowing why. Akasha lightly taps her bracelet and a portal opens in front of her.
"Let's get going and try to be careful with him." She gave off a chuckle as she went in first. Without uttering a word, he went in after her. He gazed her at her as she walked ahead of him and then he looked at the unconscious enemy still in his arms. This was not rational behavior.
"Why do you care about his well-being? Is it your so-called heart that makes you act this way?"
Akasha expected him to question her behavior but not this soon. She carefully thought about how to respond. What would he think of her? She stops walking and turns to look at him.
"Like I said before Ulquiorra, I hate violence and I do not wish for him to suffer unnecessarily. Yes, I can't help it that I feel this way to help others, including my enemies. Do you think I'm a fool?" Akasha asked him with curious eyes.
"Yes, I think you're a fool. You shouldn't help your enemies as they might come back for revenge, it is wiser to eliminate them. It will get you killed someday." He answered her in his usual tone.
Akasha only chuckled as she replied to him. It was what she had expected.
"I think I am one, but I rather stay a fool than to disown my virtues. I hope you'll understand one day on why I feel this way." Ulquiorra could only agree as he was perplexed with her response.
"Yes, I won't let you die before that day comes." Akasha quickly faced ahead as she heard him as she did not want him to see her reddening cheeks.
"Thanks. I feel safer being a fool with you around." She quietly said to herself as she walked through the tunnel.
The portal opens near a Japanese styled house sitting alone on a hilltop. Akasha steps out followed by Ulquiorra. The hill was covered with greenery as lushes grass surrounded the home. Yet it was strange as there was no sign of other plants nearby.
"We're here." Akasha said as they landed just outside the home. Ulquiorra quickly glanced around until he notices a sign right beside him.
I sell potions, herbs, magic, and fortune telling
-Megumi Sage.
"Megumi, it's Akasha! I need your help!" Akasha yelled as she stood in front of the door.
"I'll be right there!" They both heard a voice coming from inside. It didn't take long before the door opened. A green long-haired woman wearing a lab coat with a black skirt appeared at the door. Her golden eyes seemed to radiate through the darkness. She had the figure of a beautiful model and was the same height as Ulquiorra. She seemed to be panting as if she sprinted to meet them here.
"It's been a while Akasha." She greeted Akasha before noticing Ulquiorra.
"I'm guessing you need me to heal that man your friend here is holding." Megumi deduced as she slowly saw the Snakeman breathe. She could not get a look at Akasha's companion as the large Snakeman covered him.
"Yes, he's an enemy, so after you heal him, I need you to wipe his memories as well." Megumi only nodded as she motioned for them to come inside. Megumi guided them to a room reminiscing of a doctor's examination room.
"You can lay him down there." Megumi instructed to Ulquiorra and he obeyed. Megumi examined him carefully and decided that it was better to use a rare healing potion as he was badly hurt. Once he was healed, she could proceed to erase his memories of them.
"Akasha, you really went overboard this time as most of his bones are fractured and his rib cage is broken. I'll have to use the strong stuff." She commented as she searched various drawers looking for the right potion.
"I was the one who did this, not her." Ulquiorra spoke up for the first time since they arrived there. He did not want her image to be negatively affected. Both gazed at him, one with interest and one with amusement. Ulquiorra only gazed back but spoke no further.
"And who might you be? I never seen anyone quite like you." Megumi asked him as she got closer to him wanting to observe him. Ulquiorra did not react to her movement as she drew closer to him, he only met her curious gaze. Recognizing her curiosity, he answered her.
"Ulquiorra Cifer. I currently serve Akasha-sama, so long as the deal stands." He said it with the same monotone as before which didn't go unnoticed by Megumi. Akasha quickly got in-between them as she feared that Megumi was getting sidetracked and forgetting the Snakeman. Akasha gave an apologetic look to Megumi.
"I'm sorry Megumi we can't stay any longer as we have urgent business to take care of. Please take care of this for me." Megumi slightly annoyed that she was interrupted decided to learn more about him later.
"That's okay, but I would like to see you bring him here again sometime." Akasha nodded with a chuckle to her now knowing that she wanted to study him further. She was predictable.
"Yet again, he is here so let me examine him a bit." She could not hold back her curiosity for the man. He was a unique specimen to her. He was a rare finding. What could she learn from him? She wanted to study him thoroughly. She quickly lunged at him to do just that. She was immediately blocked by Akasha. He stared at her as she peered at him as she struggles to get past Akasha.
What does this woman want from me? Akasha-sama seems to know her well. She seems like someone Akasha-sama depends on. It's probably a trivial matter.
Ulquiorra concluded as he stared at Akasha from behind interacting with Megumi. He could see how Megumi tried to get past Akasha, but it was futile against her immense strength. He was slightly confused though as Szayelaporro's face flash through his mind. What did it mean?
Sakon was still on edge as he remained alert as it has been quite some time since Ulquiorra left to deal with the intruder. He has not taken a step away from Tsukune's room for fear of this intruder getting through. The barrier required constant flow of energy so he decided he would focus on maintaining it rather than to help out Ulquiorra. Sakon was aware of Ulquiorra's tremendous power and knew that he would be in his way if he chose to fight. Sakon was starting to worry and hoped that either Ulquiorra or Akasha showed up soon.
Ulquiorra is someone who does not like to dabble, so why is he taken so long? Did something happen to him? I don't sense any yoki, so there is no one fighting.
Sakon thought to himself as he sensed around the mansion. Sakon let out a sigh in relief as he detected the presence of Akasha and Ulquiorra.
"They're finally here." Sakon grinned as he dispelled the barrier. He could finally take a breather.
Akasha exited the portal first followed by Ulquiorra.
"So, what did you think of Megumi?" Akasha asked as they approached the front doors.
"She is quite interesting." Ulquiorra replied to her which surprised her.
Interesting? In what way? I want to know what he means. Akasha thought as she stared at him before remembering Tsukune.
"I would to like to know what you mean by that, but I must check on Tsukune." Akasha stated as they entered the home and walked through the entrance hall. They quickly ascended the stairs and approached Sakon as he stood by Tsukune's room door.
Sakon noticed them and spoke out to them as they approached him.
"Akasha-sama you have returned sooner than expected and with Ulquiorra it seems." Akasha nodded before answering him.
"Yes, I couldn't stand being there so I left as soon as I could. Just as I arrived back, I saw Ulquiorra dealing with the intruder." Sakon quickly realized what happened next.
"So, you had Ulquiorra help you take them to Megumi-san."
"That's right. Thank you for staying here and protecting my kids." Akasha smiled as she was thankful Sakon was here.
"It is my duty and besides I love those kids as well." Akasha could tell how sincere he was as he's been there taking care of Moka ever since she was baby. Ulquiorra listened in on their conversation not really caring until he heard that word, love. Then like a light bulb that's switched on, he remembered. The same word that woman used on him when he told her she would never see her friends.
Flashback
He could see her looking out the window with a smile. He did not understand why as she should be in despair. She would never see them again. It was hopeless for her. Aizen-sama would not allow it. Maybe her situation caused her heart to break? Was the heart a fragile thing? He needed to be certain. His footsteps were heard by Orihime as she turned to him. Ulquiorra gave her a cold hard look as Orihime stared at him. Hoping to make her feel despair, he spoke.
"I already told you woman; your friends won't be coming. You won't ever be seeing them again." He had taken measures to assure it.
"My friends won't ever abandon me. Aizen thinks he can keep me here far from them, but they won't ever stop trying to reach me." Orihime defiantly replied to him. She was illogical. He had framed her as the one who decided to abandon them. Even if they came for her, it would be futile.
"Lord Aizen has us, the Espadas, to stop them from ever getting to you." Ulquiorra responded to her as it was impossible for her friends to beat them. He had gone personally to evaluate their power. They would be no match for them.
"You may stand in their way but as long as my love for them reaches them and their love for me reaches me, we will meet again." Ulquiorra noticed how she became stronger instead of what he planned. Slightly annoyed he tried once more.
"Nonsense. Love won't save those trash. They will only die, and you will be responsible for their fate." Ulquiorra stated as he headed out of Orihime's room.
Flashback end
"They're currently sleeping."
Ulquiorra heard Sakon answer Akasha as he was a snapped out of his memory. Ulquiorra now realized that Orihime was right all along. He wanted to know why love made them care for each other so much. Why this love won out in the end against all odds. How it gave her unwavering strength to defy his attempts. The same love that brought Ichigo back to life from near death. It wasn't nonsense to him anymore. It had reunited them once again.
This "love" gave them incredible power. I will have her explain to me what it has to do with the heart.
"Ulquiorra? Are you listening?" Ulquiorra was so absorbed in his thoughts that he failed to notice that Akasha was standing right in front of him and in proximity. He looked up at her gaze and replied.
"Yes, I heard Sakon say that they're sleeping." Her eyes widen a bit before she giggled at his response. Ulquiorra did not know what was so amusing to her.
"I'm sorry for laughing, but it's not something I expected from you. Sakon has already retired for the night and has gone to bed." Ulquiorra eyes widen a bit as he realizes that she is right and does not see him. Akasha found it amazing that his expression changed even if it was just his eyes. It seemed that maybe he wasn't as emotionless as he thought he was.
"My apologies Akasha-sama. It seems I was lost in thought." Akasha motioned for him to stop his apology.
"Don't worry about it. I just wanted to tell you that I was going to check up on them and that we can continue the training early morning so that I can be there for Tsukune when he wakes up."
"Understood Akasha-sama. I will leave you be." And with that he started to walk towards the end of the hall.
"Goodnight." He heard her say and he didn't bother to respond. Akasha shook her head as he left her sight.
"No response. Oh well it's to be expected. I wonder what he thought of though." Akasha quietly said to herself as she quietly entered the room.
Ulquiorra was laying on the roof looking at the sky in disappointment as he failed to understand Akasha's explanation of love. Akasha had tried to explain love to him in his morning lecture, but it was futile. Love was something that he did not understand, and her explanation confused him more. He felt it ironic that the more he learned, the further he got to understanding love. Apparently, love was something that only people with hearts could feel. Akasha told him that love is a feeling that is hard to describe, but it is the emotion that allow people to care for each other with all their hearts. To him, it sounded like love was just an emotion that showed interest on a person for superficial reasons. Akasha did not like his choice of words and so their lesson ended early.
I guess it is hopeless to continue this charade. I should just forget that I will ever learn. I will let her live as it is my choice to abstain from further lessons.
Ulquiorra chose to look a little while longer thinking before deciding it was time to leave.
Tsukune was awake, but he was reluctant to get out from bed as he was depressed. He did not like feeling this way, but it was something that he could not help. The nightmare and the thoughts that came to his head from remembering his past made him feel worthless. He noticed that Moka and Akasha were in the room and they were both silent. He figured that they thought he was asleep. The truth was that Akasha and Moka were both aware of his pretense. They wanted Tsukune to speak to them so, they chose to remain quiet. This continued for ten minutes until Moka lost her patience.
"I'm sorry Tsukune. I didn't mean to remind you. Please forgive me." She wanted to him to accept her apology. Tsukune's only response was to turn to away from them and hide under the covers. It pained Moka to see him act this way, but can she blame him as she brought this on herself. She clenched her hands into fists. Akasha could see the sadness in Moka's face as she looked down at the floor. Akasha hugged her daughter in comfort as she focused her attention on him.
"Tsukune we're going to stay by your side until you're ready to talk, okay? So, if there is anything, we can do to help you…"
"G…ut.'
"I'm sorry we didn't catch that." Akasha quickly replies to him as he finally spoke to them, but it was incomprehensible.
"Get out!" Tsukune shouted at them from under the covers. Moka and Akasha were hurt by his words as they didn't expect him to shout with such rage. Moka was the only one who managed to utter a word.
"Why?" She sounded completely different than to her usual self. She had spoken so timidly.
"I'm constantly reminded of them when I look at you so please leave. Get out!" He started with a normal tone but ended up yelling as he finally came out from under the covers. His frightened and tearful demeanor told them what they needed to know. They will not be able to help him in this state. With a heavy heart, they both exited his room.
Ulquiorra could see Tsukune's room door as he walked through the long hallway. He saw Moka and Akasha exit the room. He could see that Moka was crying as her tears fell out and how Akasha comforted her with a hug. He could guess that the boy was depressed and that she was sadden by it. That was of no concern to him as he knew it was not his business. Now all he had to do was inform Akasha that he would be leaving their home and remain in the monster world as he wanted to continue his exploration of this new world. He will tell her that her duty was over and that she had nothing to worry about as he is the one that is quitting his lessons. He would not harm them.
"Akasha-sama there is something I must inform you about." He spoke as he gradually approached them. He watched as they turned to face him and that's when he froze in his tracks.
Ulquiorra did not step any further as he was expecting the girl to be crying, but Akasha-sama as well. Something about it bothered him as he looked at her once cheerful face, replace by her weeping one. Not knowing why, he wanted to know what happened to make someone like her react this way. He knew she was sad, but she was able to control her emotions, so it was unnerving. He couldn't stand seeing her directly that he shifted his gaze to Moka.
The same expression was on her face, but it was amplified even more. He witnessed the girl cry earlier, but it was nothing of this magnitude. He felt the sensation intensify. He felt some relieve as he watched Moka bury her face into her mother's dress.
What is this? I must stop this now.
It took him some effort, but he resumed his walk towards them. He watched as Akasha wiped her tears with a handkerchief as he got closer.
"What is it Ulquiorra?" She spoke to him as she tried to compose herself. He heard how her voice strained when she talked to him. He had to figure out what was going on. He didn't feel like telling her about his plans to leave them.
"It is of no importance. If I may ask Akasha-sama, what happened here?"
He figured Tsukune was behind all their sadness, but not on how or why it was this intense. He finally stood next to them as he awaited her answer.
"Tsukune is depressed like we expected, but he has never screamed at us in anger. The worse thing is that he didn't want us near him as we remind him of his past, so he kicked us out." He heard her struggle to explain as she sniffed throughout her explanation.
This is what a heart that loves can do to someone. With love comes great pain as well. I did not understand Akasha-sama's words, but I'm beginning to comprehend.
"Tsukune is pushing us away and there is nothing we can do for him." Moka joined in on their conversation. She tearfully stated as she looked at him. He felt it spike again and he was forced to act on it. He knew what he must do. He said it without hesitation which did not go unnoticed.
"Let me speak to him."
Tsukune felt horrible for making them leave as he knew they cared for him, but he couldn't get rid of the memories that flooded his minds. His fear of Akasha's family was too strong, but one reigned supreme in his eyes as the worst of all. It was Issa, the father of Moka who he feared the most. Issa despised humans for killing his parents and he took it out on Tsukune. He also couldn't help but to remember Issa's anger when they chose him over Issa. He remembered his words in the nightmare he had before. It was his fault. He could still feel the animosity of his hatred as if it happened yesterday. He felt so alone as he was the only human, a worthless human that divided a family for simply living with them.
Maybe I should leave to the human world and be with my kind. Oh right, if I did that, I would be dead.
He darkly chuckled as he knew without the protection of Akasha and Moka, he would be killed by the other vampires. Surely, they would look for him as Issa was the current leader. He would stop at nothing to get his revenge on him.
I just want to sleep and disappear. Tsukune thought as he tried to force himself to sleep. He knew that the dark reality. His death would not come swiftly if he ran from home. He was snapped out of his thoughts as he heard the door open.
"Go away!" He shouted and waited to hear them leave. A minute went by and they didn't leave him. They have not spoken, but he wasn't stupid he could tell they were still here. He suddenly got up to a sitting position and started to yell as he took off his blanket.
"Didn't you hear me! I said…Go away!"
He was expecting to see Moka and Akasha not Ulquiorra, who only stared at him. Tsukune immediately regretted the tone he had taken with him. He imagined Ulquiorra becoming angry and harming him. He shut his eyes and braced himself for the inevitable. However, nothing happened. Ulquiorra was amused by the boy's anger rapidly morphing to shock and followed by fear.
The boy quickly explained, "I'm sorry. I thought you were Moka-san and Akasha-san."
Ulquiorra only nodded as he decided on how to phrase his reasoning for coming in. He wanted them to reconcile as he wished to learn more. How could he make the boy see reason? He would use logic.
"I heard that you kicked them out because they reminded you of your past. However, aren't they the ones who protected you. Shouldn't they remind you on how you were saved." He recalled the details that Akasha told him about how he was treated. This was trivial to him as he possesses flawless memory as it is a requirement to use Solita Vista. Ulquiorra watched as Tsukune's eyes widen as he heard him speak to him. Tsukune figured that he was trying to comfort him. He nodded as Ulquiorra's gaze seemed to compel him to respond.
"I can't help it. I remember his words and it frightens me. While it is true that they saved me and I am grateful, I still feel so alone." Tsukune could see that Ulquiorra was willingly to listen as he sat down by the chair Akasha previously used. This encouraged him to continue.
"I'm the only human here so I can't help but to feel that way. Truth be told, I feel like I'm the reason Moka and Akasha dislike their family. They used to be so happy until I came along, you know. But now, they can't stand each other. It's something that I hate about myself."
Ulquiorra reflected on his words as he formulated his next words.
"Don't be frighten. You have Akasha-sama, Moka, Sakon and I to protect you. In fact, if you wish I can go right now and solve this problem for you." Tsukune was surprised in how Ulquiorra told him that he was willing to protect him.
"What do you mean by solving my problem?"
He leaned in and stated, "I'm willing to go and kill him for you."
Tsukune backed up suddenly from him as he told him that.
"No, you can't do that! He's Moka's father!" He blurted out.
"It's just a suggestion. I can also persuade him to forget about you." Tsukune only sweat dropped as he thought Ulquiorra was sounding like a psycho.
"I don't think that will be necessary. I don't want you to be like him and hurt him." He sheepishly remarked as he knew what he meant by "persuade".
"Very well. I can understand that being the only human makes you feel alone as you are the only one here. However, you have them, so you are never truly alone." Ulquiorra told him as he remembered Orihime's speeches of her friends. Tsukune felt that Ulquiorra made a lot of sense as he was never truly alone as he had Moka, Akasha, and Sakon with him.
"From what I understand Akasha-sama and Moka chose you over them. It is not your fault that they do not get along. It is the way they treated you and their view on humans that caused this. I witnessed the tears they shed for you and I'm sure they would choose you every time." Ulquiorra struggled to say this as he had never told anyone his viewpoint on other people's feelings. He saw as the boy teared up and started to cry. He thought that he made things worst.
"Moka-san! Akasha-san! I'm so sorry!" Tsukune wept loudly as he knew Ulquiorra was right and he was being too stupid to see that. Ulquiorra heard the door open as he saw Akasha and Moka rush to Tsukune's side. All weeping together.
"We understand Tsukune. It is not your fault." Akasha told him as she hugged him.
"I'm the one who is sorry Tsukune." Moka told him as she joined their hug. All three were hugging each other and Ulquiorra expected to feel the same sensation he felt earlier, but it never emerged. He gave one last look and turned to leave as he knew it was not his place to be here in this moment. He felt a hand grab his arm to stop him from leaving. He didn't have a chance to turn back and look as he was pulled and forced to turn around. Ulquiorra was pulled into the embrace of Akasha. His eyes widen and he remained like a statue as he was hugged by Akasha. He only heard her cries of thanks as she embraced him harder and he was shoved deeper into her embrace.
What is going on?
He was confused on why and how he found himself on this position. He would think about this later, but first he must free himself. He tried to break free but Akasha's strength and his arms position made it impossible. Of course, if he used his true strength it would be possible. He did not want to harm her though, so he tried a different approach.
"Release me woman. I can't move." He told her as he tried to move his arms once more to get his point across. He had even referred to her as woman so that she could tell he was serious. He felt her squeeze tighter.
"I'm just…so grateful and…I'm just showing my thanks." She softly spoke to him as she continued her hold.
"Nonsense. Restraining someone is not appreciated." He thought logically as who would want to be restrained? He did not want to be in this position, so how was this showing gratitude?
"Oh, you poor thing. You never been hugged before." She felt bad for him as he did not know the meaning of a hug. Unfortunately for him, his words backfired. He felt his feet leave the ground as Akasha straightened up her back to give him a proper hug. With her heels she was noticeably taller than him. Ulquiorra struggled to restrain himself from lashing out and freeing himself. Nevertheless, he persevered and instead chose to peer over her shoulder to see the children. Moka and Tsukune smiled at him as he looked down on them. He could see their tears, but they were smiling. It was bizarre to him. How can you cry and smile at the same time? Aren't they used for different emotions?
"Thank you, Ulquiorra-san. You're nicer than you seem." Tsukune told him.
"Thank you and I'm sorry for how I treated you." Moka said as she bowed her head in an apology.
Ulquiorra quietly acknowledge their thanks with a nod. He didn't need their thanks as he only chose to help the boy in order to quell the symptom he felt. He also planned to learn more from them. Yet, he thought it was proper to respond to them. Ulquiorra did not wish to remain in Akasha's embrace any longer as he didn't see any point to it. He could also feel her breasts pressing on his chest which was unwelcome. He was about to tell her that, when he was suddenly put down and let go.
"What happened here?" Sakon asked as he noticed the tears of Akasha and the kids.
Ulquiorra found himself sitting at the dining table with the others as they were joining Tsukune for lunch. Sakon wanted to celebrate his recovery and so he made Tsukune's requested dish. Ulquiorra examined the ramen that were placed in front of him. He was given chop sticks to eat with, but he had not touched them. The aroma was pleasant to him as he carefully picked the bowl up.
"Just try it already." Moka spoke up as she did not understand why he was examining it instead of trying it. He glanced at Moka who was sitting in front of him. She had already consumed half the bowl and was now drinking tomato juice. Apparently, vampires could eat different meals as well in moderation.
"Its…ry goo." Tsukune spoke as he chewed the noodles. He was currently sitting between Moka and Akasha.
"Don't talk with food in your mouth. I personally think it tastes better than okonomiyaki." Akasha scolded Tsukune as she expressed her opinion to Ulquiorra. She too had ramen with a tomato juice to drink.
"I hope you find the dish to your liking." Sakon was sitting perpendicular to all as he joined them for lunch to celebrate together. He was almost done with his hamburger and was drinking tea.
"Better you say?" Is that even possible? Ulquiorra had to find out for himself. He gently used the chopsticks to grab some noodles. He took a sample as the okonomiyaki was still fresh in his mind. The taste and texture were different between the two. The soft noodles were easier to eat. He enjoyed the taste, but it was not as good as the okonomiyaki.
"Try getting the noodles with the pork and then finish with some soup." Akasha spoke once more as she could tell he was disappointed on the flavor. He followed her suggestion. It was delicious.
This is certainly better.
He told himself as he wolfed down the bowl. They all gave an amusing laughter at his antic. He paid them no heed as he simply spoke one word.
"More." He gestured with the bowl to Sakon.