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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
- 7
- 8
- 9
For Want of Composure, Pt. 3

It was afternoon. The artificial sun had made its way to the roof’s peak, and now illuminated the entire sprawling city of green and of steel. The succubi below went about their day. At work, or with lovers, these two engagements sometimes overlapping. All was in order.

At the city’s center, Tsukune turned a glance to his sides, noticing the flawless apple trees that lined the pathway to the Hall of Innocence. This grand rotunda, as seat of government, occupied the exact center of the city, the nexus of all its political traffic. As such, it had been surrounded, for aesthetic effect, with sculptures, detailed statues of past Matrons, glittering walkways, trickling streams, and various flora, including the trees now in Tsukune’s vision. They truly looked beautiful, he thought, although some of the fruit that hung from the branches looked inexplicably rotten. Tsukune grimaced. Ahead, Akuha, Kahlua and their guide Yuki had gone up to the wide double doors that led to the Hall’s entrance. The succubus’ wings were spread wide, flapping gently as she lazily hovered alongside her charges. They were now giving their credentials to the two guards standing before the entrance – stunning women, both, Tsukune thought without surprise. He had found Yomotsu to have a chilly autumn temperature, but apparently these succubi had higher tolerance for cold, given their open jackets with nothing beneath, or shorts barely longer than underwear. Truly, this city would be a dream come true for many of the teenage guys from school.

Moka’s voice beside him caught his attention: “Remember what I said, Tsukune.”

He looked at her, nodding, thinking back to her revelation earlier that day.

It was time for them to depart. Yuki had arrived later that morning to deliver them to the Hall of Innocence, their audience with the Matron confirmed. They would be taking the monorail that coursed high above the city streets, this being the most expeditious way, all the way to the central dome.

Akuha and Kahlua had walked together towards the platform near their hotel, with Tsukune and Moka dragging their heels behind. The two Fairy Tale guards who had accompanied them from the airship brought up the rear, their stony faces betraying no expression. With each step, the two members of the Newspaper Club were moving closer and closer to an encounter that could strengthen Fairy Tale with new allies, and worse, they would be used for assistance towards this very end. This worry gnawed away at Tsukune. Akuha’s condition for letting him free from the airship’s cell had been to take advantage of Kurumu and her mother’s fondness for him, using Tsukune as a sort of ambassador, as it were. A way to grease the wheels of friendship between Fairy Tale and Kurumu’s fellow succubus. It did sound a little strange, now that he thought about it, a bit of an unreliable plan, but he figured it was pointless to try to guess the workings of Akuha’s mind. Even after all the time they had spent together—and then some—he still could not tell what the black-haired vampire was thinking. Akuha must have had faith in the importance of Tsukune’s being enamored by a succubus.

Well, it did make sense, he supposed. He had not really had a chance to see if it was also the case here, but his experiences with Kurumu had indicated to him that love was a vital, cherished aspect of succubus life. If the Matron was told a boy who—by appearance, was a member of Fairy Tale—had the love and approval of a succubus family, perhaps it would hold some weight. Whether or not Kurumu actually loved him, Tsukune was unsure, but if that was Akuha’s reasoning, it was a little more understandable.

All this was why it was so surprising when Moka told him what she did. They had been trailing behind her sisters, out of sight and, conveniently, out of earshot. The anxiety eating at Tsukune over being used to help the organization wanting to exterminate humanity was becoming unbearable as the meeting drew near. He remembered Moka’s assurances, her entreaty that he trust her, that everything would be okay. And he did trust her, it was just…growing ever harder to ignore his unease. He had to know.

He begged her to let him know, to tell him what was keeping her calm about this, what it was she knew. To his relief, she must have seen how upset he was becoming. She knew she had Tsukune’s undying trust. If he was going so far as to plead for information now, even after she had denied him earlier, he must have been suffering.

“Alright,” she finally acquiesced. “I’ll tell you, Tsukune. I only kept it to myself so you could act natural. That said, if I tell you, will you be able to keep up the pretense of ignorance in front of my sisters?”

Tsukune nodded. “Of course.”

Glancing ahead at her sisters to make sure they were far enough away, Moka chewed her lip pensively. “Okay. You know Akuha-neesan is planning to use your, and I suppose mine as well, friendship with Kurumu to get Fairy Tale into Yomotsu’s good graces. She might even bring up Kurumu’s feelings for you, if she thinks it will help her.”

Tsukune felt his cheeks heat under Moka’s gaze. “A-ah, yeah,” he chuckled nervously. “I-I mean she could say that, whether it’s true or not… Not that I think it’s true! I’m sure Kurumu just thinks of me as a friend. Um…”

“Relax, Tsukune.” A soothing smile graced the vampire girl’s lips. “There’s no need to try to pretend in front of me. It’s not like I don’t know. Who do you think gave Akuha-neesan that information?” She watched the tension in his jaw lessen. “It’s no secret Kurumu likes you. And Mizore. And Yukari. Hell, probably Ruby, too. I’m sure each of them would love to get you into bed.”

“T-that’s not true…”

His protest was met with a knowing look. “Mhm,” she hummed. Her tone was teasing. “Whether you want to admit it or not, Tsukune, you’re quite popular with girls. It’s something I’ve known since practically the beginning. You can’t deny it,” she went on, cutting off another interjection. “Even Akuha-neesan was drawn to you, and—”

She stopped. Both she and Tsukune knew she had been about to say Kahlua, though for obvious reasons had decided against it. “Well…the less said about that, the better.”

They walked on in silence for a minute, before Moka spoke again. “But, you might as well face it. You’re a ladies’ man, Tsukune. Most guys would be happy about that, I would think.”

Tsukune frowned, perplexed. Wasn’t it strange for Moka to talk so calmly about other girls being attracted to her boyfriend? “You don’t sound too upset about it.”

She shrugged in response. “You would think with everything that’s happened with you and my sisters, I would be even more overprotective or insecure over other girls wanting you. But you know, I’m just…not.” She sounded as bewildered as Tsukune.

“Really? Of course, I’m not saying you need to be, but, why?”

She glanced at him. “I think the things you said to me this morning helped. They were very sweet.” At this, she turned red and paused, looking as if she was struggling to find the courage to speak her thoughts. “I-I know that I have your love, Tsukune. Even after Akuha-neesan…did that with you, and Kahlua, you didn’t care about any of that. Other men would’ve been over the moon to have sex with two sisters beautiful as them—and believe me I know how beautiful they are—but you were only ever worried about me, and my feelings. That says a lot, and I guess helps ease my worry a bit.” Catching Tsukune’s shocked expression, she smiled, warming his heart with her beauty. “Don’t get me wrong. I’m not okay with anybody just having their way with you whenever they want. I’m still upset at Akuha-neesan for that...although, it’s not like I wasn’t involved, as well…” They both blushed heavily at that, briefly flashing back to their initial, sweat-soaked night with Akuha.

Moka cleared her throat and continued: “I may still be upset at her for forcing herself on you, but it doesn’t cause me any fear of losing you. And…I really don’t want to become like that again, go berserk like I did yesterday.” They walked on, noticing the monorail platform coming into view, from which they would shortly depart. “Listen. Kurumu, Mizore, all of them. They can want you in their beds as much as they please. I’m not going to go crazy over it. You know why? I have something they don’t.”

“What?”

Moka cocked her head at him, as if the answer were obvious. “Your heart, of course.” Then, narrowing her eyes: “And don’t you forget it.”

“Oh!” he exclaimed, catching on. “Absolutely. I love you, Moka, and I want us to always be together. Nothing is going to change that. You never have to worry about losing me.”

Flushed as usual over his romantic words, Moka turned aside and felt her heart beat faster in her breast. “R-right,” she stuttered. “Anyway, we’ve gone off topic. Yes, Kurumu likes you, but if you still want to hear my plan, listen up. We’re almost at the platform.”

“Yes, please tell me.”

Together, they mounted the first step. “This is something Kurumu told me in confidence, one time we were having lunch together, just the two of us. Well, technically, she told Omote, but nevertheless. You can’t tell anyone I told you.”

“What is it?”

Moka paused, searching her mind for the best way to explain. “You know that for all its outward appearance, Yomotsu and its succubi are pretty traditional and conservative—by their standards, at least.”

Tsukune nodded. He remembered Amane having said something to that effect yesterday.

Moka went on: “Some of their traditions are more revered than others. And some are so sacred, no succubus would dream of going against them.”

“What do you mean?”

“You’ve seen what status the incubi have in this place. They essentially work for and obey the succubi, no questions asked.”

Again, he remembered Amane’s words. “Yeah, I wish it wasn’t that way, though.”

“Well, Kurumu told me, one of the worst things a succubus can do is try to free an incubus from his master, no matter the cause. It’s basically taboo, or borderline blasphemy.”

As he started to catch on, Tsukune’s eyes widened. In his silence, the sound of crunching leaves beneath their feet on the cold stone stairs intensified; of succubi children playing in a nearby park; of their guide’s chipper chattering ahead of them with Moka’s sisters. But Tsukune didn’t pay those things much heed at this moment. “You’re not saying…?”

Moka nodded solemnly. “It was her mother, apparently. Kurumu said it happened when she was very young, so she doesn’t really remember. But, Ageha Kurono helped free an incubus from its master, and was banished for it. Forever.”

Looking at the ground, Tsukune felt a stab of pity in his heart for their blue-haired friend. “That doesn’t make sense. Why would she risk something like that, and when she had a daughter to look after?”

“I don’t know,” Moka confessed. “And I don’t think Kurumu has ever asked her mom the reason, either. It can’t be a pleasant subject for either of them.”

“I can imagine…” Tsukune mused silently. Kurumu was always so kind, so pure-hearted, always bubbling with happiness. For someone like her to have been torn from her home at such a young age, forced to live as an exile, was just horrible. He turned back to Moka; he could see in her warm, ruby eyes the clear concern for their friend relating this story had given her. He, too, felt that pity. “Don’t worry, I won’t tell her you told me. But, then, you’re thinking—

“Yes.” She paused, nodding ahead at her sister who was urging her to hurry up. “If what Ageha did really is as big a transgression as Kurumu said, then your association with her and her family will most likely make this Matron want nothing to do with you or Fairy Tale. In fact, I’d imagine we’ll be asked to leave immediately and never return.” A faint smirk graced Moka’s lips as she went over her plan.

“I see. So that’s what it was. You didn’t mention that part to Akuha, and you’re counting on Kurumu and her mom being such pariahs that even their friends will be viewed with disgust.”

Moka shrugged. “Like I said, these succubi are pretty big on tradition, and the usual order of things. It may not be the perfect plan, but beggars can’t be choosers. It’s the only chance we’ve got. So, just play along, okay? Let Akuha-neesan say what she will, and everything should work out fine for us.”

“But, won’t Akuha be mad that you didn’t tell her the whole truth?”

“I’ll just say I didn’t know. Don’t worry, I doubt she could get angry at me if she tried, anyway.”

Tsukune was silent, but he nodded his understanding. They had arrived at their departure point. Yuki ushered them all into the train car and to their seats. Directly seated across from Akuha and Kahlua, Tsukune fidgeted uncomfortably—Akuha wore her usual scowl as she glanced at him, her brow slightly raised, as if she were watching an animal at play for her amusement; Kahlua, understandably kept her quick-glancing eyes flitting around the car, avoiding Tsukune’s at all costs. He shared the feeling. Minutes later, they felt the train rumble beneath their feet and begin to depart.

“Don’t worry, Moka. I got it.”

The girl didn’t get a chance to respond, however, for her sister suddenly waved them over urgently. Unwilling to risk annoying Akuha, they quickly complied, breaking out into a light run until they reached the others at the entrance to the colossal dome. Once there, Yuki swept them through the opening doors. Inside, they passed through the small, surprisingly bare hallway, filled only with a few succubi coming and going, and arrived rather quickly at a smaller, glass, door. Through it, Tsukune could make out some windows of an inner chamber, above a handrail that ran across the room, but not much else.

Yuki broke the silence: “Okay, guys. We’re almost there. Right through here is the Matron’s audience chamber, where you will be meeting her shortly.”

The party nodded, and was led inside the inner hall. Casting a wide gaze around, Tsukune marveled at the scene before them. It was a round, high room. The windows he had glimpsed before blazed brilliantly with the sunlight streaking through them, bathing the cavernous chamber. The five of them walked along the circular walkway running along the wall; peering over the railing, Tsukune saw the bottom of the hall itself, thirty feet below, at least. Lush, velvet rugs of blue and violet rested tenderly atop cold marble, trailing from what looked like the lower entrance to the chamber to a currently vacant seat on a small, raised dais – the Matron’s throne, no doubt, going by the gleaming diamond patterns adorning the arms and back. Before this seat rested a table of fair size, dark wood, upon which had been placed several dishes and bowls whose contents were too far way to make out clearly. Tsukune’s stomach rumbled; he sincerely hoped the food was for them, as it occurred to him they hadn’t eaten all day. Moving his gaze then to the outer recesses of the chamber, he also spotted, with noted awkwardness, several succubi together with partners of varying species, engaged in rather…amorous activities. He quickly turned away, not wanting anyone, especially Moka, to catch him staring.

They walked along the ledge, getting occasional glances from a passing succubus here and there, going about her business. Tsukune imagined it wasn’t too often such a motley group of foreigners came to see the Matron herself, no less, which might account for the funny looks.

Reaching another door in the outer wall, they entered, and after descending a few more flights of stairs under bright lamps, they emerged on the bottom level of the chamber. There, where it had been empty just minutes earlier, the opulent throne above them was now occupied, by who Tsukune assumed was their intended host. He darted his gaze about the wide walls, looking for where she might have entered so swiftly and silently, but could not gain a clue. All he could see were the vine-covered walls and fornicating succubi in the alcoves.

Although, from down here, he was able to get a fuller view of the ceiling: a colossal mural that stretched over their heads, dominated by the giant cedar running down the middle, its branches reaching out like spiders’ web as if to envelop all who entered. White seabirds whisked across, some spiraling around the tree’s heavy arms with wings spread, others swooping down towards the wild beasts that stood off to the side in the field, sheep grazing, bulls lowing, and snakes…snakes everywhere, in fact. Darting quietly under hoof through the tall grass, poking curious heads out from dark holes in the cedar’s trunk, and even hiding among the uppermost leaves . One especially came into view, a serpent coiled tightly around a branch, snapping like a trap to catch one of the passing gulls; already its pale fangs bathed in the crimson blood of its victim, buried in the soft feathers of the bird. Tsukune grimaced, his attention now drawn to the figure at the center of it all. A woman, naked but for the translucent cloak about her shoulders, standing as the base of the tree, her skin like olive, with flowing locks of gold down her back. Small though she was in comparison to her surroundings, to look at her, she seemed to come to the fore of the image, relegating everything else to her shadow. A serpent slithered under her feet; she paid it no mind, instead gazing straight ahead with hungry green eyes and full lips. Tsukune had to remind himself he was merely looking at a work of art, so intoxicatingly lifelike was the woman and everything else in the picture above him.

“Alright now, you two.” Akuha’s whisper just barely reached his ears, occupied as he was, even in such a cavernous hall. “Best behavior. That goes double for you, Tsukune. Or it’s right back in your cell.”

“Don’t worry, Akuha.” Tsukune’s own voice was not kind. “I’m not going to do anything to mess up your precious chances here.”

The elder girl jerked her head sharply, eyes widened in anger at the boy’s presumptuous tone, but she bit her tongue, exhaling sharply through her nostrils, remaining silent out of respect for the succubus before them. “Just. Watch. It.” She breathed through gritted teeth, making a mental note to punish Tsukune later for his insolence.

Tsukune glared at Akuha’s back for a moment, but felt his expression soften at a squeeze from Moka’s hand to his. They were approaching the throne quickly, and he was now close enough to catch a glimpse of the Matron. His eyes settled on her.

Without warning, his heart leapt up in his chest at the sight. Perhaps it was something he should have expected—it seemed obvious, in hindsight—that the queen of the succubi should have looks beyond one’s wildest imagination. But, he doubted even that would have prepared him for the overwhelming beauty that viciously flooded his senses the second he laid eyes on her. It was as if an aura emitted from her, something almost supernatural, giving her a shining splendor that almost made it difficult to even make out her form. Fighting through the enamored haze in his mind, Tsukune squinted in focus to get a clear view of the woman.

In all honesty, so potent was the whole of the Matron’s loveliness and perfection, the fact of her bare breasts barely even registered with Tsukune. A soft, gentle brow rested above eyes sparkling like sunlight scattered upon the surface of the sea, moist, supple lips that were pulled ever so slightly into a delicate, radiant smile, and flowing curves hugged impossibly tight by a mere cloak and bustier, the latter stopping ever so short of covering her firm mounds. An unusual set of horns crowned her head at the temples, which only added to her exotic allure.

Tsukune knew he was staring. He couldn’t stop if he tried. This succubus, it was almost unfair how stunning she was, as if she were from another world entirely, surpassing with ease even the most beautiful women of this world. She reminded him, in fact, of that enchanting creature in the mural overhead. Such thoughts ran through his mind, until a cleared throat brought him back to attention. Beside him, it was clear Moka, too, had been hopelessly spellbound by the Matron, and was only now breaking out of it, her eyes still out of focus. He shook his head to clear the last of the fog, feeling rather than seeing Akuha’s horrified sidelong glare as they stopped before the dais. The others followed her and Yuki’s lead in a slight bow of respect.

“Greetings, greetings, everyone.” The Matron’s voice was a sweet melody, echoing throughout the hall. Glimpsing the tension among her guests, she chuckled, beckoning them closer with a bejeweled arm – gem-filled bracelets covered her wrists. “It’s alright. I never could learn to fully control my Charm powers. They were simply far too strong. But really, dears.” Though she did not look at them, Tsukune and Moka knew it was they she addressed. “It would be wise to avoid eye contact with a succubus you just met.”

“Forgive me, your highness.” It was Akuha who now spoke, with a deference that caught Tsukune a little off guard. Apparently, Akuha could be polite when it served her needs. “I warned them regarding that issue yesterday, but it seems to have slipped their minds.”

The Matron waved it aside. “Do not worry, my dear. They are not the first that has happened to, so do not be too harsh with them.” She smiled at Akuha’s nod. “Now, come! Come closer! Let me get a good look at you all.” Her bright eyes scanned the faces of the group as they tentatively approached. “My, aren’t you an attractive bunch,” she crooned. Her eyes settled on Tsukune, widening in blatant appreciation; heeding the incident a minute ago, he shyly diverted his gaze, focusing on Moka’s feet instead. “Especially this young man here. He’s quite fetching. And what a physique!” Observing their clasped hands, she looked between Moka and Tsukune. “Is this your boyfriend, young lady?”

Moka shot to attention at being addressed, caught off guard by such a direct question. Glancing around at her sisters, she swallowed. Kahlua was half-turned towards her, her lips pulled into a small smile. Akuha, however, faced stoically forward, though Moka could swear her body seemed to have tensed a little. “Um, y-yes, ma’am,” she choked out quickly, unsure of the proper decorum here. She knew she was blushing, how could she not? She was certainly unaccustomed to discussing her feelings in public. But, she felt there was no point in lying here, especially with Tsukune standing right there. It was true, she supposed. The two of them were indeed a couple.

Their host smiled warmly, but with a glint of mischief in her eye. Her tongue flickered out over her lips, subtly. “Well, I’d say you are a very lucky woman, miss. He has a body to die for.”

A slight frown furrowed Moka’s brow, the Matron’s admiration of Tsukune bringing to mind the ugly memories of Amane. Without even noticing, she took an almost imperceptible step to her side, putting herself partially in front of him, his hand behind his head in a nervous scratch. “I agree,” she said, more firmly this time.

The woman’s face lit up in adoration. “Oh, how adorable are you! Look how protective you are of him! You don’t see that a lot anymore. That’s so sweet.” Moka remained silent, her brow raised, ignoring Kahlua as she sent a muffled giggle into her hand. The Matron continued, her tone growing solemn: “Well, I suppose that is to be expected, what with everything that you’ve been through.” Kahlua’s laugh was cut short. “I was extremely saddened to hear what had befallen you and your group. Such things unfortunately occur even in Yomotsu, and I am sorry for your experience. When I heard, well…what an awful thing.” She trailed off, seeing by the darkened faces before her that it would be imprudent to go into detail. “In any case, that was the main reason I rescheduled for the earliest time possible. I figured it was least I could do as Matron to make things up to you. Now, come, sit. Eat. This food is for you.”

Tsukune watched as Moka strained a gracious smile. It may have been her idea to go along with this plan, but she still had to fight the urge to burst out that this meeting was the last thing she wanted. Still, she remained quiet, nodding her head appropriately. They took a seat at the table, all on one side, facing their host. Tsukune found himself between Moka and Akuha, with Kahlua on the other end. Thankfully, he was surrounded on all sides so as to block from view the anonymous paramours littered about the chamber walls. More importantly, now that his attention had been called back to it, he gave the spread before them a once over, his nose taking in the delightful wafts, reminding him of his pleading stomach. All four of them had been given healthy servings of soup, generous porcelain bowls with carrots, other assorted vegetables, and several dumplings scattered throughout a light broth. On their other platters were placed thin strips of salmon, dried figs and apricots, cheese and hot loaves of bread. Glass goblets sat beside, filled with wine.

“Oh, I don’t think I can drink this,” he said.

The others turned to him. “Is something wrong?” asked the Matron.

“It’s just, I’m a minor…”

“Hm?”

“I’m—I’m too young for wine, ma’am.”

“Too young for wine?” she exclaimed. “What an odd thing to say. May I ask why you feel this way? Is it a self-imposed rule?”

“No, it’s the law where I—the law in the human world.”

“What?!” The Matron’s voice was incredulous. “My word, no wonder you lot seem to be such a miserable bunch! Ah, well. If you insist. Yuki, could you please fetch the boy some water?” Then, to him: “That’s alright, yes?”

Tsukune nodded and thanked her graciously. With a bow, Yuki took flight from the hall to fetch their guest a drink. Meanwhile, the smells from the hot food were quickly driving Tsukune nuts, and he dug right in, manners be damned. The three girls followed suit, albeit with a bit more decorum.

“We greatly appreciate all this effort you’ve gone to for us, Your Highness.” It was Akuha who spoke this time, taking her glass in hand. “Especially rescheduling so quickly. We apologize if we’ve inconvenienced you.”

Beside her, Tsukune glared, growing red either from anger or the heat of the soup. What the hell did she mean by that? Like it was their fault he’d basically been raped, or that Moka had gone berserk and passed out? Speaking of which, he was still wondering about that. After Akuha arrived on the scene and killed Amane, Moka had just lost it, and had gone into hysterical fits of sorts before collapsing unconscious. It was truly unnatural, and almost reminded him of how Moka and the others had described his own demonic behavior during his ghoul episodes. What had been the reason for this? The look on Moka’s face, the rage and the fury and that twisted aura. He had only seen it once before…

Nevertheless, how dare Akuha insinuate they had done wrong. He scowled darkly.

“No, no, it’s nothing,” the Matron insisted. “And please, dear, don’t you worry about all this ‘Your Highness’ business. Queen or not—technically, though we don’t use that term much anymore—it makes me sound old and terribly stuffy.” She laughed, a light, airy sound that delighted Tsukune’s ears; he had to catch himself to avoid succumbing to its effects again. To his side, he noticed Moka visibly having similar trouble, though she was mindful enough not to fidget as much as he was; she quickly reached for the bread to otherwise busy herself. Kahlua was hidden from view, but what little he could see of Akuha, however, only showed him statuesque poise and a blank expression under dark, thin brows. “Salome will be just fine,” the succubus finished.

Tsukune blinked. Now that she mentioned it, she didn’t look fully Japanese, or even Asian. And yet, this city was in Japan, was it not? And she was their Queen, yes? Tsukune could only assume that, given this, she had inherited her rule from the previous monarch. Such was how these things usually went. Furthermore, knowing by now that the succubi held power in Yomotsu, this meant an incubus could never be in such a position, and so most likely this place was ruled by a succession of succubi queens. Or Matrons, as they apparently preferred. And this being a home of primarily Japanese succubi, the Matron was probably expected to be of such descent herself, Tsukune thought. Which if this were true, it could only mean…

“As you might have guessed, my father was a foreigner.” The Matron smiled as his surprise. “No, I didn’t read your mind. Although we do have a power like that, you know.” She shook her head. “No, I simply noticed you seemed to be in deep concentration, dear.”

“S-sorry, ma’am,” stammered Tsukune.

“Don’t worry. He was a Minotaur, my dad, in case you were wondering.” Tilting her neck, Salome reached up and lightly rapped on one of her horns “A prince of his people, came over here on diplomatic business from the Mediterranean islands. My mother was Matron back then. They met, and the rest as they say, is history.”

“I see,” replied Akuha, suggestively, taking up a dumpling. “Then I’m sure you of all people can understand the importance of cooperation and camaraderie between ayashi, Your Hi—ah, Salome.”

“Straight to business, eh?” She turned to the young vampire. “Point taken. I suppose I have been rambling a bit. But, I know you came here with a purpose, and Yuki here” (the girl had returned with Tsukune’s water) “was good enough to arrange things for today, so I’ll just give you the floor. Go on,” she gestured, “what is it you came here for, Akuha Shuzen?”

Clearing her throat, Akuha began, her voice loud and clear in the chamber: “Thank you. As you know, I am here on behalf of Fairy Tale. We’re still a relatively new organization within the ayashi world, it’s understandable if people don’t know much about us. Let me explain—

Salome’s raised hand interrupted her. “Please, Miss Shuzen. You think I don’t do my homework? It’s true, you are quite the secretive bunch, you and that group. Makes it much more difficult to get any solid information on you. However, do not think I’m completely deaf to the rumors that go through my territories. Word reaches me that you seek nothing less than the elimination of the entire human race and yet, here you are with one in your retinue.”

“Yes, this boy is Tsukune Aono. His situation is…unique, but he is here to help us broker a deal, if necessary.”

“Oh?” The gentle brows rose. “And what kind of deal did you have in mind?”

Tsukune saw Akuha trade a covert glance with Kahlua; the mocha-skinned girl nodded, and her sister continued: “Resources, my lady. As I said, Fairy Tale is young. Our manpower is still sorely lacking, especially if we are to wage a full scale assault on the human forces. We are in great need of more weapons, troops, and support in general.”

“I should let you know,” again the Matron interjected, “Yomotsu is hardly a breeding ground for soldiers. The guards you saw outside and the citywide police force is pretty much the extent of our combat expertise, Miss Shuzen.”

Akuha spread her arms in supplication. “I am aware of that. But, be that as it may, we need allies, my lady. If we plan to expand, we need the good will of our fellow ayashi. We need to get our foot in the door of many different races, so to speak. Even if you don’t believe you are suited to provide us with actual forces, it would still help us greatly to receive other types of assistance. Food, money, intelligence. If I seem vague, I apologize. But, we are currently drafting up the specifics of what such an agreement might entail, the exact list of what we would ask from you, and the benefits you would get out of the deal, as well. Including, particularly, Fairy Tale’s protection from any enemies Yomotsu might have now or gain in the future. We can have the whole thing sent to you in a day or two.” She paused, waiting to see if the Matron had anything to add, then continued when she did not. “That said, our operation is still small, and having a powerful backer like Yomotsu would do wonders for our efforts, and for our legitimacy, too. To be honest, I know the succubi’s famed…let’s just say persuasive skills, could go a long way for us with other groups of ayashi.”

The Matron leveled her gaze, pursing her full lips. “You mean use our Charm to help convince those who might disagree with you to side with Fairy Tale. To better your image in the eyes of others.”

“Oh, I certainly wouldn’t expect you to force them or anything like that,” Akuha said pleasantly, suddenly finding great fascination with an apricot between her fingers. “I would hope they would willingly see that what we are after is for the good of all ayashi everywhere, including themselves. But, if necessary, Fairy Tale would greatly appreciate it if we had friends such as yourselves to help them see this truth.”

“You’ve made a dangerous assumption though, dear,” Salome tisked. “I haven’t yet said that Yomotsu will support you, or even that I sympathize with your goal.”

“I understand,” Akuha retorted, calmly. “But, you must see it yourself, my lady. Humans have long been our enemy. They have persecuted us for centuries. Millennia, even. As our various species grow in number, we are left with fewer and fewer places to hide and make our homes in secret. It is only a matter of time now before we are discovered by the human world, and then what? Strong as we are, their numbers still vastly dwarf ours. And when they learn of us, all of their nations will converge to exterminate the ‘threat.’ Surely you realize this. Fairy Tale intends to act before this catastrophe can happen.”

Silence fell upon her conclusion. From her side, Tsukune shifted focus between the two women, a bead of sweat forming on his forehead. The silence was creating a palpable tension as Akuha and Salome met each other’s examining gaze, and Tsukune felt it. Not only that, an unexpected gnawing had taken root in his mind, causing him quite a bit of discomfort. Not physical pain, no. It was something else. Something that made him relinquish a piece of fish back to his plate.

It was Akuha’s words, he realized. He didn’t like what he heard. No matter what she thought of humans, he couldn’t deny there was some truth to what she said. Tsukune knew of various times throughout history where monsters had been attacked by humans, exiled or murdered – though before entering Youkai Academy he had dismissed them as silly myths and folktales. Incidents like the Salem Witch Trials, the mass hysteria and hunts for vampires in Eastern Europe. Or further back, to medieval knights slaying trolls, dragons, anything for sport; or further still to the ancient world, where, as Nekonome-sensei had told them, the gorgon Medusa, pregnant at the time, was meaninglessly murdered in service of a King whose greed desired her head.

None of these, or many of the other occurrences, made Tsukune’s species look good. Yes, sometimes monsters had done horrible things to humans, abducting children, terrorizing villages, and they deserved whatever just punishment had been meted them, but he couldn’t take much comfort in this. Each instance only served to remind him of the bloody and terrible histories between humans and ayashi, which he and Moka would have to work hard to transcend, if they wanted any chance of creating a new world of harmony between the two races.

The Matron spoke, finally, bringing him back to reality: “I hear what you’re saying. However, before considering what’s best for the world of ayashi, I must consider what is best for my own people, Miss Shuzen.” She paused, pursing her lips pensively. “Well, I can’t say I’m for or against you, anyway. The fate of the human world isn’t my concern. Although I’ve heard they make quite sensual lovers, as you could probably tell me, dear.” That was to Moka, who coughed loudly, her face flushed. A moment later, Salome’s eyes turned to Tsukune, fixing him in their gaze. Silently, she rose from her seat, leathery wings suddenly rustling and unfurling from her back; with a flap, she ascended, floating smoothly over to where the boy sat, closely hovering by as she peered down at him, a curious look on her face. “What about you…Tsukune, was it? What do you have to say about this? You’re a human, and here we are discussing the potential annihilation of your kind. What are your thoughts? I find it very curious that you’re with this group in the first place.”

So close to the voluptuous, exposed Queen, Tsukune nervously shifted his gaze away, blushing furiously. He could swear he heard a low chuckle come from Moka. “Um…umm…” he stammered, unable to form a sentence, desperate to look anywhere but at the pendulous breasts right before him.

“Ah, Lady Salome,” Kahlua called out, pointing cautiously towards her proximity to Tsukune, “I think you’re making him nervous.”

“Oh?” The Matron cast a quick glance downwards, then back up at Tsukune. A slight grin creased her lips. “I’m sorry, are you uncomfortable, being so close to nudity?”

“N-no, that’s not it…”

The Matron gave a soft sound of amusement, then backed away from the embarrassed boy, who promptly gulped down some cold water. Wheeling round, she stretched her wings further and began to ascend higher in the chamber. Upwards she drifted, quietly, until a few moments later she ceased her climb just below the ceiling, under the richly colored mural. Below, the group’s attention was drawn to her, and to the picture of the graceful woman she fluttered beside, there at the trunk of the cedar.

“You’re curious about my bare breast?” Her light voice reverberated within the chamber’s high walls, down to her guests. She was addressing Tsukune. “This is the answer. Behold. The one you see now is our mother, Lilith. The first succubus, origin of all our kind, our guardian protectress. She watches over Yomotsu and all succubi everywhere, and we owe to her, among other things, many of our people’s traditions.” She gestured at her own form. “It is customary, for instance, for the Matron to go about thus exposed, and also to wear this cloak which is modeled after Lilith’s own.”

Darting his eyes between the two, Tsukune admitted their garments looked similar.

She continued: “I won’t bore you with all the details, but the simple reasoning behind it is, the Matron’s bosom is seen as symbol to succubi. A symbol of life, of nourishment and sustenance – the very gifts given by Lilith herself.”

A muffled sound beside him startled Tsukune; he realized with some surprise that Moka was suppressing a snicker. “Shh,” he whispered out the side of his mouth. “Don’t let her hear you.”

She nodded, putting a hand to her mouth to pass it off as a cough, her face crimson. She appeared to have choked a little on her wine, and was clearly embarrassed by the crack in her reserve. Although, this just made her cuter in Tsukune’s eyes.

Luckily, nobody seemed to hear them, and the Matron went on up above: “It’s expected that the Matron, more than anyone, shows that she too nurtures and serves as mother to her city and her people. We hold Lilith in the highest regard as our progenitor. Although, many other ayashi also claim ancestry to her. I wonder if the same goes for you vampires? There is one race of fairies, in fact, who believe her to be the first of their kind, and among whom the name Lilith is extremely popular.”

Moka and Tsukune tossed each other a knowing glance. If Salome caught it, she ignored them, instead letting her eyes rest with admiration and love on the mother of succubi. “But, well, we believe we have the rightful claim to her legacy, not them or anyone else. That is why her visage occupies this space up here, you see.” She sighed, taking in a deep, calm breath before setting it free. “She watches over the center of our city, serving as a guide for our policies and laws; she is truly a major part of what makes this dome a special place.”

“A part of?” Tsukune’s question surprised even him; he guessed he must have been paying more attention than he thought, for he was interested in her explanation.

The Matron cast him an appreciative smile. “Curious, are you? Well then, just look behind Lilith here.” With a hand she gestured at the painted cedar stretching across the ceiling. “It’s this tree.”

Akuha cocked her head. “What do you mean?”

“The tree depicted here is representative of the one that lies right below our feet,” replied the Matron. “I was just there before meeting you, actually, tending to it. The sacred tree, the heart of our city, which has protected Yomotsu since ancient times. Never withering, never losing a single leaf. According to our legends, Lilith herself was born under its boughs. And even today, many succubi choose to give birth under the shade of the leaves.”

“I wonder, my lady,” said Akuha, pushing her finished dishes away, “if this tree is anything like the thousand year frost tree of the yuki-onna.”

Moka turned to her. “What do you mean, Akuha-neesan?”

“Hm? Didn’t you guys see it when you visited the Snow Village?” The duo shook their heads. “It’s the structure that protects the village of the yuki-onna by creating the massive barrier surrounding the land. It is revered by all who live there as the source of life itself.” She paused, musing. “This sacred tree of Yomotsu does sound similar.”

“Yes, you could say that. Many ayashi homelands have such vessels that gather spirit energy to provide protection. The sacred tree is ours.” At that, Salome made her descent, gliding, almost slithering through the air, down to her guests. She eyed them cautiously, particularly Akuha. “Of course, it’s heavily guarded, and the entrance is hidden. And, since I still do not know your full intentions, you’ll forgive me if I don’t go into any more detail on this.”

“Absolutely, I understand.” Akuha nodded amicably. “Don’t worry, that’s not why we’ve come.”

“Yes, yes, you want our support and resources, I got it.” The Matron fluttered back to her throne and, with a groan, settled back in. Silence took hold for a few moments while she sat, lips turned downward as she thought, before the inquisitive eyes of her audience. With a sigh, she addressed them again: “I’ll be honest, Miss Shuzen. You are asking quite a lot from me. As I told you before, I still know very little about your organization, let alone what motivations or goals you might be keeping secret.”

“I assure you, our intentions are noble, my lady.” Akuha actually sounded sincere, thought Tsukune.

“Mm, well…as things stand, I can’t say I’m inclined to accept your request. I can look at your proposals later, but I won’t involve my people in something this potentially volatile so recklessly. I trust you understand.”

Tsukune gulped. This couldn’t be good. As sound as the Matron’s reasoning was, he didn’t expect this decision, any decision that didn’t help Fairy Tale, to sit well with his captor. Before he could wonder too much, however, Kahlua chimed in, urgently: “Lady Salome, might it help persuade you to our cause to know Tsukune has the love of a succubus, and the approval of her family, at that?”

Here we go. Tsukune felt the tension at the table triggered by Kahlua activating their trump card. Himself.

“Come again?” Salome perked up at that, turning to Tsukune, her eyes questioning. “You are to enter a union with one of my daughters? Can this be true?” By the smile that slowly spread on her mouth, Tsukune could tell this was akin to receiving very good news for her.

What he didn’t count on was Moka piping up, with unusual enthusiasm: “Oh yes, ma’am. One of our schoolmates, actually. She even introduced him to her mother, and they made all the arrangements. I expect the wedding to be quite soon, in fact.” Catching Tsukune’s slack jaw as he gaped at her, she winked. Clearly, she was enjoying this. As she had told him, she was perfectly aware of the others’ crushes on him, and also his endearing naïveté on the subject. She was finding it amusing to tease him a little.

“Well now, that is lovely to hear. You will be joining our family soon then, young man?”

Finding himself at a loss, Tsukune glanced back and forth between Akuha and Moka; both affirmed him with a nod. “Y-yes, that’s…correct,” he stuttered, taken aback. Why would Moka toy with him like that? Maybe it just ran in the family, he guessed, lamenting.

“Wonderful! If that’s the case, I suppose I could take it into account. No guarantees, though. Even for a future son of mine, I wouldn’t just automatically enter such an alliance.”

“That’s fine.” This time Akuha spoke. “Thank you for the consideration, and for the audience today.” Standing up, she bowed with reverence, motioning for the others to imitate.

Guess we’re done here, thought Tsukune, rising.

They exchanged formal farewells with the Matron, who summoned Yuki back over to lead them out into the city. Just before they could leave, however, Moka looked to Tsukune, nodding. He understood. It was time. He was turning to face their host once more, prepared to tell her just who this succubus was, but as it turned out, there was no need.

“One last thing,” she spoke, clasping her thin fingers together. “Might I know the name of the young lady who will bring Tsukune Aono into our family?”

“Ahh, I believe it is Kurumu Kurono, my lady,” replied Akuha.

Perhaps it was the chamber, its grand size, its high walls and ceiling; perhaps it was the vibrant echoes these aspects could send ringing throughout the hall, making even the faintest noises audible with a little concentration, like a mouse scurrying across the ground. Or maybe, Tsukune would have been able to hear soft breathing of his companions anyway, in the deathly silence that followed.

No one spoke a word. Akuha and Kahlua had paused mid-stride, while Tsukune and Moka stood locking eyes with their host. Eyes that with alarming speed lost the clear, warm radiance they had retained this whole time, replaced by a quickly building storm, clouds growing and darkening, then roaring thunder and flashes of terrible lightning.

“Kurono…” Her voice was a cold, icy hiss. “Ageha’s daughter?”

“Yes,” replied Akuha, her expression faltering as her eyes narrowed. “Why, is there a problem?”

“Do you really expect my favor when you freely admit your association with my…my…sister?!” She spit out the word, disgustedly.

Moka and Tsukune gave a simultaneous gasp, sharing a thought:

Sister?!

“Your sister?” Akuha echoed. “Ageha Kurono? I wasn’t aware you two are related.”

“Were!” The correction came sharp and biting. “Until she brought utter and complete shame onto our family, and was banished. It was a sheer miracle I was allowed to succeed in her place. Do you have idea the damage she did to our family’s name?”

Suddenly swelling with anger of his own, Tsukune stepped forward on the cold marble and shot back: “Damage? You mean freeing an incubus from a life of slavery? That’s harm?!”

So quick was Tsukune’s rising indignation, he had temporarily forgotten, as Moka now tried futilely to warn him, that they were not supposed to have been privy to Ageha’s banishment. He realized a second too late; furtively sneaking a glance at Akuha, he felt his stomach tighten as she turned a demanding crimson glare his and Moka’s way, looking up from her wrist, her mouth drawn tight. He was sure they would receive a royal chewing out later—he would probably be put back in his cell immediately—but it was too late to do anything about it. Akuha was smart, and had no doubt rapidly pieced together from Tsukune’s outburst that he and Moka had known about Kurumu and Ageha’s status, and had intended to use it as sabotage.

By now, the succubi in the surrounding alcoves and their partners, a couple of them incubi themselves, had ceased their activities at the sudden commotion. Their gazes swiveled to the center of the room, listening to the heated exchange.

“Don’t talk about things you don’t understand, boy,” the Matron. “You think you can just come here and demand we change our institutions to meet your standards? Don’t be so arrogant.”

“It’s not arrogance! It’s wrong to force them to serve you! People shouldn’t be treated that way.”

“I’m not going to defend our customs to some brat. Who are you to judge? No!” She cut off his coming retort. “Now all of you, I want you out of my sight. Hurry, or I’ll have you forcibly escorted out.”

Before anyone could utter another word, Tsukune felt a steel grip tighten on his arm. Akuha yanked him after her with almost enough force, he feared, to pull the arm of out the socket. Kahlua and Moka were hot on their heels, shock and worry written on their faces.

“We’re going,” Akuha called back, her long coat fluttering in her wake. Aside from her farewell, she remained oddly silent.

Tsukune couldn’t answer over the pain in his trapped arm and the defiance in his heart, but something he couldn’t quite place nudged at him about her tone; ignoring Kahlua’s appeal to wait, Akuha stormed out of the bottom hall, up the stairs, around the upper level brushing past flabbergasted visitors, all the while the Matron’s ranting fury echoing along the walls.

To be continued…
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Distorted Fairy Tale