Adult-FanFiction.org : Manga

Distorted Fairy Tale	By : Xagzan Category: Manga M to R > Rosario + Vampire (Rozario to Banpaia) > Rosario + Vampire (Rozario to Banpaia) Views: 7181 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 2
Disclaimer: I do not own Rosario + Vampire or make money from it, and all its goodness belongs to Akihisa Ikeda

Chapter List
- 4
- 5
- 6
For Want of Preparation

Fifty-five…sixty-one…sixty-eight… Ugh.

Sitting up with a loud groan, Tsukune blinked his eyes several times. They felt a tad dry after counting the number of chalk-white tiles on the walls and ceiling of his cell for the third time. He dug the heels of his hands against his forehead. How long have I been here? There was no clock in sight, and the armed guard standing beyond the metal bars of the room hadn’t exactly been forthcoming. It’s definitely been hours, Tsukune mused. He cast a glance around the cell again. It was a fairly large chamber, leading him to suspect that despite its current emptiness, it was built to hold more than one prisoner. The floors were bare, and a small, crude bench jutted out from each of the three pale walls. Tsukune had tried taking a nap on one of them earlier, but his mind was too active. Plus, it had probably still been the middle of the day, and the bench wasn’t even wide enough to cover his entire back. Eventually, he had simply plopped down on the floor, unexpectedly drowsy, and fallen asleep, only to wake a while ago. And thus, he’d begun his counting.

I wonder when Akuha’s going to let me out of here. He sighed. Geez, I hope she didn’t forget about me. No, Moka’s here, too. She’ll remind her. But…will she listen if Moka asks for my release? I’m not so sure about that.

Tsukune rose and stretched up towards the ceiling, savoring the soothing feeling of relaxing muscles. Ahead of him, the guard remained stoic and silent in his duty, his back to the prisoner. He couldn’t see the man’s face, but he imagined it was devoid of expression. Gritting his teeth, Tsukune tried calling to him once more. “Excuse me!” No answer. He continued anyway. “How long have I been in here? Do you know when I’ll be allowed to go? Please, at least say something. I want to make sure Akuha hasn’t forgotten I’m here.”

A moment later, a sudden noise gave Tsukune a start. It wasn’t the guard; he hadn’t moved an inch. The door at the end of the hallway had opened, and a few moments later Akuha came into view beyond the metal bars, flanked on both sides by her sisters.

Speak of the devil, Tsukune thought wryly. The eldest Shuzen looked irritated, while Moka had relief in her eyes. Kahlua, he noted, looked anxious; her attention seemed elsewhere as she walked down the hall, her forehead creased lightly. But he paid her little mind. He was more interested in the cause for the visit.

Reaching his cage, Akuha gestured her head towards the guard. “Hey, you. Let him out.” The man bowed in response and a minute later, Tsukune was outside the cell, warmly meeting Moka’s gaze. She was sure a sight for sore eyes. “You should thank her,” Akuha’s voice cut in. “Moka convinced me to let you out a little early. I’d planned on keeping you in here until we’d finished up with today’s mission, but I can’t say no to her.” A faint blush crossed her cheeks.

“Mission?” Tsukune echoed, confused.

Akuha turned to the white-maned girl. “Moka, do you want to explain it to him?”

The girl nodded. “Tsukune, Akuha-neesan said we’re going to visit the home of the succubi, at the grottos of Yomotsu. We’re both joining her for the trip.”

Tsukune blinked, his mind suddenly flashing to Kurumu. He wondered for a second how she was faring. He hadn’t thought much about the kind-hearted, compassionate girl since he’d been brought aboard. Or any of their friends, for that matter. He felt a faint twinge of guilt. But now, they were going to the gentle succubus’ homeland? Well, he assumed it was her home. He realized he wasn’t actually sure where Kurumu was born, or raised. Glancing over at Akuha, he brought his attention back to the present. “Yomotsu? I’ve never heard of it. Why are we going there?”

Akuha lazily dragged her fingers over the cold steel bars, returning the boy’s gaze. “It’s Fairy Tale business,” she said. “You may not have heard of it, but the succubi of Yomotsu are a significant force in our world. They may be reclusive, down underground, but they…well, it might be a stretch to say they’re ‘respected’, but they are quite influential among other groups and races. It would do Fairy Tale well to have them support our operations.” Pausing, she motioned them to start walking with her. They slowly began trudging down the near empty hallway. “We haven’t really had official dealings with their governing body, and my superior feels it would be in our best interest to make contact and establish good relations with them, if possible. We sent a couple of advance agents to set up a meeting for us, and with any luck, we’ll get confirmation from them soon and make our landing.”

Tsukune frowned slightly, processing all of this, now that he finally knew where the ship was headed. “Wait just a minute, Akuha. Why do you say they’re influential?”

They had passed through the door out of the detention block and reached the nearby elevator. Stepping inside, Akuha pressed a button, and the doors closed. “I say it because they are,” she answered sarcastically. Tsukune looked at her impatiently. She chuckled. “Yeah, yeah, I know that’s not what you meant. It’s simple, though. Succubi can be very persuasive when they want to be. They have a knack for getting others to agree with them, to see things their way.” She paused. “If we can get them on Fairy Tale’s side, other groups who are undecided about us will be more likely to follow.”

This sounded familiar to Tsukune. Is she talking about their Charm ability? The elevator buzzed as it hit their floor, and the doors slid apart. Together, the four of them got off. “Okay,” he said hesitantly. “So then, why are you taking me?”

Ahead of him, Akuha smirked slightly. “As I said, I did it for Moka. She wanted you let out sooner rather than later, and I decided to oblige her. Although, it didn’t hurt that she said you could be beneficial to our efforts. She told me the two of you have some connections to the succubi that could help us in our negotiations. Especially you,” she added. “I trust Moka, and I believe your presence there could make things easier for us, if necessary.”

Tsukune’s brow furrowed in concern. He turned to glance at Moka. What was she thinking? he wondered. Why would she have agreed to help Fairy Tale in any way?

As if sensing his consternation, Moka gave him an apologetic smile. “I’m sorry, Tsukune,” she said. “I know it’s not ideal, but I didn’t want Akuha-neesan to leave you in there for that long, treating you that way.”

Tsukune frowned. Before he could open his mouth to protest, however, Akuha interrupted him, looking sour at the care her sweet sister showed him. “Don’t worry. I know Moka’s not fully on board with us yet. I don’t think she would’ve agreed to do this if I expected you to actively help us when we arrive. All I need is for you to be present, and then we’ll use your connections to Kurumu and Ageha Kurono if we need to – if it looks like things aren’t working out.”

They passed a few guards stationed by sealed doors. They leered disgustedly at Tsukune, but he truly didn’t care at the moment. “I don’t like this,” he said. “I won’t let you make me and Moka pawns for your scheme.”

“You don’t have a choice,” Akuha retorted. “You’re coming, and that’s that. Unless you want me to just throw you back in the cell? Was a whole night not enough?”

“I’d rather be there than helping you.” His teeth were clenched defiantly, his muscles tensed.

“Tsukune, no!” Moka firmly grasped his arm, her touch instantly easing his nerves. “I don’t like the way she’s treating you, but I don’t want you stuck down there again.” Her eyes were firm and willful as she met his gaze. “I told Akuha-neesan you have the favor of both Kurumu and her mother, and she agreed that if it could help her, she’d free you early.”

The boy was at a loss for words. They had now arrived back in Akuha’s quarters. The division captain moved to the mirror on her dresser, occupying herself with the hairbrush that lay beside it. “But…Moka,” he stuttered, “I can accept being imprisoned. I can’t accept giving Fairy Tale our help.”

There was silence for a moment. Chewing her lip, Moka stole a glance at Akuha, whose back was to them, before mumbling, “I know. But I think it’ll be alright.” Her voice was husky. Then, turning back to Tsukune, she made sure she had his attention before quietly muttering, “Trust me.”

Tsukune’s brow lifted, puzzled. What is she talking about? Moka’s acting a little strange…

“It’s a good idea.” Kahlua’s voice came as a surprise to Tsukune and Moka. The elegant woman had been so quiet the last few minutes, they had almost forgotten she was there. Tsukune turned to look at her – she had noiselessly moved over to take a seat on the bed. There was still something different about her, he noticed. Her usual soft demeanor was missing. She looked, well, troubled – her hands clasped tightly together, her eyes focused on the floor. “Akuha’s right. We probably won’t need you, but it’s best to have a backup, just in case. Succubi value their kin, and the people they have relationships with. Especially if those people are men.”

Moka suppressed the annoyance that brought. “Kahlua, you’re coming, too?” She glanced at her sister. A soft smile crossed the young woman’s face and she nodded, briefly looking up at the duo before refocusing on the ground.

Speaking of acting strange, Tsukune thought. “Is something wrong, Kahlua?” he asked.

The dark-skinned girl’s eyes widened, but then she vigorously shook her head. “Not at all. I…I just didn’t get such a good sleep last night. It’s nothing, really.” Tsukune frowned. Both sisters were arousing his suspicion. He noted, with a touch of amusement, the irony of how Akuha seemed the most normally behaved of the girls at the moment, still tending to her hair, whistling jauntily.

However, despite her nonchalant appearance, Akuha was also suspicious of the blonde vampire. Her eyes examined her face through the mirror’s smooth reflection. Ever since yesterday, she had found Kahlua’s behavior fishy. It was after that call she had received from Miyabi, in fact. Did that have something to do with it? What did he say to her? She had voiced these questions to her sister last night, but Kahlua was dodgy in her answers, telling Akuha that Miyabi had merely been checking in for a status update, and there was nothing wrong – that Akuha must be imagining things. Not that she believed that for a second. She decided not to press the matter, but had been keeping an eye on the girl since. For her own concerns, yes, but also for Kahlua’s sake. Akuha sighed. Moka might be her pride and joy, but she still cared for all her sisters. And when it came to Kahlua, well, she sort of felt a strange kinship with the graceful girl. Both raised to be deadly assassins, efficient in their roles like no other to the point of knowing little else; both having to take on the role of eldest sister at different points in their lives; and then there was the interesting contrast of Kahlua’s childish demeanor, complemented by Akuha’s—the eldest sister’s—more childish figure. Two sides of the same unusual, yet powerful coin, they were. She valued Kahlua and her friendship. The dark-skinned girl knew, just as well as Akuha, the burdens and sacrifices that came with life in the dark underground. Akuha appreciated this; they shared that bond, and she valued it. Although Kahlua, like everything else, paled next to Moka’s pure, undying radiance – but that was to be expected.

Lost in her swirling thoughts, Akuha was quickly jolted back to the real world a moment later as a knock came at the door. A messenger stepped in and with a sharp salute, addressed his commander and spoke.

“Ma’am, we’ve received word from our scouts. The Matron has agreed to speak with you in the Hall of Innocence, just as you wished. ”

Under her breath, Tsukune heard Akuha mutter, “We really need to install an intercom system.” She paused, then addressed the messenger. “Remind me to put in the order for one, understand? You’re a good officer, but announcements like these could easily be delivered much faster.”

The messenger nodded, undeterred. “Yes, ma’am. In any case, all the arrangements for the meeting have been made. I can inform you more of them as you depart. However, I must let you know that the Matron is wary, and requests you only bring a small number of companions with you. For her safety, she says. Shall we tell her that is unacceptable?”

Although she was turned away, Tsukune caught a glimpse of Akuha’s face in her mirror; a small grin spread across her lips. “That won’t be necessary, Hayate,” she said sweetly. “It is perfectly acceptable and we’ll be happy to oblige her.”

The man called Hayate nodded and paused. “Very good, ma’am.” He glanced around the room at his commander’s companions with clear curiosity, especially when his eyes settled on Tsukune. He paused, examining the unusual guest, seemingly intrigued, before clearing his throat softly. “We will be above the landing point in several minutes. Are you all ready?”

“We are.” She turned to face them, returning her brush to its spot on the dresser. “Give the pilot the order to descend.” Saluting again, the guard departed, and the door closed behind him. Akuha smiled at her guests. “We’re landing outside the cavern system, so we’ll be on foot until we reach the central dome. And look sharp. We want to make a good impression.”

Tsukune swallowed. He knew his face must be etched with worry right now, but he had to keep a strong heart for Moka.

It’ll be alright. Trust me. Those were her words. But, he still wasn’t sure what she meant. Staring ahead absently, he suddenly realized this was his first time in Akuha’s room. And here he had thought the only areas of the ship he would see were the mess and the cell. He looked around then, taking in his captor’s living conditions. Interestingly, it wasn’t substantially nicer than the room he had first awoken in at the beginning of this ordeal. A large room, plush carpeting, a stately bed adorned with beautiful violet draperies, finely-crafted furniture. He’d seen those things in that room, as well. One thing he hadn’t seen there, however, caught his eye in that instant. Atop the small, wooden table at the head of Akuha’s bed, next to a clock and a small stack of books, was mounted a small picture frame of gleaming gold. Tsukune squinted, trying to make out the picture within. It was small, and he was on the other side of the room. A loud clap, however, prevented him from glimpsing it, and he turned back to Akuha, who was ready to depart.

“Alright then, is everybody set?” The girl paced through the room to the exit, motioning for the others to follow. “Let’s go.”

-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-

Tsukune was terrified.

Having at last descended below the clouds, he had stepped onto solid ground for the first time in days. They had docked in a remote area by the sea, facing a colossal network of rolling green hills further inland, which he was informed were the exteriors of the subterranean domes of the succubi. Just behind the airship, the ground ended in a sheer precipice, the unyielding cliff face plummeting below to greet the thunderous white-capped surf that washed violently over harsh rocks.

It was—to his and Moka’s dismay—to this exact spot they had to travel to reach the entrance to the caverns. On foot. Down the alarmingly narrow trail that jutted out from the dark, wind-swept bluff. Tsukune glanced ahead for a moment, hesitant to tear his eyes away from the treacherous path. Not surprisingly, Akuha and Kahlua were having no trouble at all, making the downward trek with ease. Even Moka, behind him, was keeping her balance better than him, although not by much. The two guards trailing them looked uncomfortable, as well. I guess it was better that it was just six of us, after all, he mused. It would be a much bigger hassle if there were more people trying to go down this way. Tsukune’s heart suddenly caught in his throat as his foot slipped outward, throwing him to his hands and knees, his left leg dangling in the empty air. With a shout, Moka got the others’ attention and quickly helped Tsukune regain his footing.

Akuha turned. “Be careful back there.” Her voice carried. “It won’t get any easier as we get closer, and a fall from here would probably kill a human like you. Even I would be laid up for a few days. And we can’t have you dying when we still have a use for you.” She turned back around and continued on her way, Kahlua trailing behind. “We’re above the mouth of the cave now, but still a ways from the bottom. Watch yourself.”

Moka gripped Tsukune’s hand firmly, as if protecting him from an unfavorable drop. Then again, he considered, a hassle for Fairy Tale wouldn’t be the worst thing. It might even lessen their numbers if they all fell here. He frowned then, scolding himself. No. Whoever they may be, I shouldn’t just wish for their deaths. Not when we’re trying to create a peaceful world for them and humans. Even if they are Fairy Tale. I mean, it’s not like I’m wishing for Akuha or Kahlua to die, either. If only we could find a way to stop the fighting, somehow… He sighed, and looked back at Moka. Her brow was creased in worry. Seeing this, Tsukune squeezed her hand in return. Her presence was a comfort to him, although he was still in the dark about what she was thinking. It definitely felt like there was something she wasn’t telling him. But that would have to wait. Nervously, he started forward again, one foot cautiously in front of the other. He couldn’t afford to get distracted again, or his next step might be his last.

Finally, the group found themselves at the bottom of the path, feeling the cool, briny spray on their faces. They stared into the gaping maw that towered over them, its darkness swallowing the light that entered the cave. “Alright,” Akuha said, “Now it’s about a few miles’ walk till we reach our destination. A contact will meet us when we enter the city to take us to the main hall, but we’re on our own for now. Come on.” She led them forward, the group moving to the right; on their left, the salt water flowed in from the sea, passing deeper into the cavern. Soon enough, all light was extinguished, and Tsukune couldn’t even see his hand in front of his face. Luckily, Moka took hold of his wrist and led him, smiling in the gloom.

“Our eyes help us in the dark,” she said. “Just don’t lose contact with me, Tsukune, and you’ll be fine.” From there on, they all walked in silence, with only their quiet breathing for noise. Tsukune savored Moka’s soft, warm hand clutching his. He could almost feel his beloved’s heartbeat through their touch. They walked steadily through the colossal tunnel. Before long, he realized he no longer heard the water’s rush under them; it must have branched off in another direction. Moka confirmed this, telling him the river had passed beneath a low archway a while back, perhaps into a different section of the cavern.

As more time passed, Tsukune’s feet began to ache. He was about to call out to ask how much further it was, when suddenly, he could see ahead. Well, almost. What his eyes could make out were two glaring lights off in the distance. They illuminated the surrounding brown stone, allowing Tsukune to observe that the ceiling was gradually sloping down, and the walls inclining inward. Also made visible by the lights—he could now tell they were lanterns—was a large door, guarded by two humanoid figures. As they neared the door, Tsukune couldn’t help staring at it. He had never seen something like this. It seemed to be covered in thick, wet vegetation of various kinds – leaves, vines, and most visibly an amply-sized pink flower, its moistened petals in full bloom. Tsukune wondered how such things could grow all the way down here, and even more so what an unusual door it was. He was shocked further to see how bizarre the beings before the entrance were: hunched over, their gray skin more resembled dark boulders than flesh; powerful, bulging muscles in their arms and legs trailed down to drill-like talons extending from stubby digits; their gargoylish wings fluttered softly as they stared ahead with beady eyes. Not to mention—and this made Tsukune’s eyebrow raise—they appeared to be quite naked, and quite well-endowed. “Uhh, what are those?” he called out, to no one in particular.

“Of course, you’ve never been here, so you wouldn’t know,” Akuha replied. “Neither have you, right Moka?”

The girl shook her head. “No. I’ve never seen the succubi’s homeland. Kurumu never talks much about it, either.”

Tsukune blinked. It struck him that in all the time they had known each other, he’d never heard Kurumu say a word about this place, either. I wonder why that is.

“They’re incubi.” Kahlua’s voice echoed gently in the cavern. Tsukune turned to squint at the beautiful assassin.

“Incubi?” he repeated. That term sounded familiar to him. They were related to succubi somehow, weren’t they?

“That’s right. They are essentially the male counterpart of the succubus.” By this point, Tsukune and Moka had caught up to the sisters’ fast pace. Kahlua continued. “I remember father explaining a little of it to me last time we came here. What was it he said?” She paused, tapping her finger against her cheek. “That they’re a rarely seen type of ayashi, and stay mostly in Yomotsu, I think.”

“Why is that?” Moka inquired. Kahlua turned to her, and just for a second, Tsukune thought he saw her eyes falter at the sight of her little sister.

“I-I don’t really remember,” she confessed. “Father said a lot of things, but it’s all kind of fuzzy. I guess I wasn’t paying good attention.” She blushed, embarrassed. Tsukune absently noticed that she looked pretty cute with red-tinted cheeks, then immediately chastised himself for the thought.

They had now reached the tall, floral doors. Akuha glanced at them. “We can talk about this more inside. Let’s go, we’re on a schedule.” Approaching the two heavyset incubi, she bowed slightly, pressing her fist against her palm. “I am Akuha Shuzen,” she spoke clearly. “I’m here on business for Fairy Tale, and request that you let us in. Your Matron is expecting us, and we’re supposed to meet someone who will guide us to Hall of Innocence. Please let us through and we’ll be on our way.”

At that, the sentries stared blankly at each other, then turned back to the group and nodded. Stepping back, their movements an odd mirror image of each other, they stretched out their powerful arms and dug their claws into circular notches on either side of the door. Tsukune heard a loud clicking sound, like a ponderous switch being thrown, and a moment later the center of the large flower seemed to open up – a gaping hole that slowly spread, growing wider, the dew-dripping petals folding back as they were pulled apart.

And then, silence.

The door was open, and a bright light shone forth, spilling out into the tunnel. Following the three sisters, Tsukune’s eyes narrowed, readjusting to the brightness as they crossed the threshold. When he could finally see again, they had already entered the succubus city.

Casting his gaze ahead, Tsukune was amazed by the sight that greeted them.

To be continued…
- 4
- 5
- 6
You need to be logged in to leave a review for this story.You need to be logged in to leave a review for this story.
Report Story

Distorted Fairy Tale