Chapter 50 One on One

The next morning, Moka stands in front of her closet, the bags from the previous day set out on her bed, the contents of the mostly empty bags now sitting in Moka's bedroom closet.

She hadn't been in the mood yesterday to put the clothes in her closet, and she'd been very tired after the shopping trip with her Mother. She could hardly sleep the night before though, the entire night she'd felt like she was being watched.

KNOCK, KNOCK.

The sound of a fist gently tapping against her bedroom door Moka's pink haired head turns toward her door, the young vampiress not sure who it is that would be knocking at her door. Akasha isn't one to just show up out of the blue, and her Father has never been one to come to her to talk. The thought that it might be Tsukune never even enters Moka's mind. As she turns toward the door Moka steels her resolve, telling herself that it's likely Ria come to rub Moka's nose in something.

Approaching the door Moka reaches out, opening the door and stopping with her hand on the interior knob, the pink haired vampiress momentarily thinking that she's gone crazy.

Tsukune stands in the doorway, Moka's former mate dressed and wearing his seal, his countenance a calm mask, his hands clasped behind him.

"…Tsu…Tsukune…?" Moka stutters, a part of her unable to comprehend why her former mate would show up at her door.

"Hello Akashiya…" Tsukune greets her evenly, Moka noting that Tsukune referred to her by her family name, rather than her given name.

"Wha…what brings you here?" Moka asks, and Tsukune looks left and right, his eyes noticeably shifting in their sockets. "I thought you hated me."

Shifting uncomfortably Tsukune doesn't say anything for a moment, Moka momentarily wondering what is going through her husband's mind before he speaks.

"I've…I've been thinking a lot lately." Tsukune replies. "I had a long talk with Ruby-chan last night, and I've come to the realization that I owe you an apology."

Standing there Moka can't believe what she's just heard. Ever since her actions were made public, her shame laid bare; Moka has only wanted to set things right, for Tsukune to forgive her and to begin to rebuild what she so callously threw away.

Opening her mouth to say something…anything…Moka doesn't know what is going to come out of her mouth when Tsukune continues.

"Since that night I've said and done things that were cruel and wrong, and while I meant to do them at the moment I came to regret them after the fact."

"…Like sleeping with my mother?" Moka asks quietly, and Tsukune's face doesn't flinch.

"I don't regret what happened between me and Akasha-sama." Tsukune replies, Moka mentally noting that Tsukune is using an honorific when he refers to Akasha.

At least he isn't close enough to her that he feels comfortable referring to her by just her name…

"Yet you still did it." Moka replies. "You slept with my mother while I was right outside the room."

"After you slept with another man, someone you told me you wanted to Father your children." Tsukune counters, and Moka breaks eye contact.

Much as she may hate to admit it, Tsukune has a point. He only did what he did after she invited Gin into their marriage bed.

"I…I never wanted to do that." Moka explains to him. "I never wanted to go through with my threat…"

"Then you have an incredible acting talent." Tsukune replies evenly.

"I wanted you to stop me, to knock Gin out before he could take me." Moka explains.

"Gin didn't take anything Akashiya-san." Tsukune corrects her. "You invited him into our home, asked him to give you a child. He didn't push you down and rape you."

"I…I still wanted you to stop me…" Moka trails.

"You told me I didn't have a say in how your children would be raised, and that you wanted Gin to give them to you."

"…Everything I said that night was a lie…" Moka trails. "When you just let Gin do as I asked I didn't have any choice but to go through with my threat, or lose the argument…"

"Would you still follow through with your threat now?" Tsukune asks. "Would you continue to go so far just to keep your children raised solely around vampires?"

"I would allow my children to know humans growing up…but I'd also want them to know vampires too."

It was such a big concession for her. Months ago Tsukune would've been happy with it. He would've believed that Moka had saw the error of her ways and the two of them could continue to be happy. All he'd wanted leading up to that horrible night was for Moka to make that one single, solitary concession. Now though it is a matter of too little, too late. Knowing what he knows now Tsukune couldn't fathom going back to an exclusive relationship with Moka.

There's Kurumu to think about, and then there's the fact that her Father herself specifically forbade the two of us from getting back together. Then there's Akasha…

Truthfully Tsukune doesn't know how he feels about the Hades Lord and mother to his first mate. All he really knows about her is that she was born human like he was, and became a Shinso, and was willing to sacrifice herself to protect the world, and that her personality was the template for the pink haired version of Moka, the woman he initially fell in love with…

"Then I'm sure you'll find a mate that will happily give you children." Tsukune replies.

Shaking her head Moka doesn't want to hear that.

"I don't want a new mate. I want my husband." Moka replies.

"Our wedding vows were just words if you don't believe in them, and our bond is long gone." Tsukune replies.

"I understand…" Moka replies. "I just hope in time that you'll forgive me for my choices

"If you really want my forgiveness Moka, then move on." Tsukune explains to her. "Find happiness and have the family that you've always wanted."

"That isn't possible now." Moka denies with a shake of her head.

"In time you will have urges." Tsukune explains. "In time you will seek to sate them, and when you do you'll take another love and in time you will see me as nothing more than a sibling."

"That will never happen." Moka replies, and Tsukune shrugs.

"Time will tell." Tsukune replies.

XXX

The next day Tsukune stands outside Castle Akashiya, the Aono Shinso in his true form, wearing a pair of dark pants and black boots, his muscled chest bare, his wings draped over his shoulders like a cape, his silver hair unkempt.

Next to him stands Issa. Unlike Tsukune the Shuzen Elder is the epitome of style and preparation. Wearing a suit, cape and red sash not a hair is out of place on his body. Looking at him Tsukune could easily believe that Issa is prepared for another grand celebration, rather than a small meeting.

"You're certain this is going to be a private meeting?" Tsukune asks, Issa turning his gaze toward him. Issa's countenance giving away nothing.

"I assure you my son this will be a simple meeting between myself, Raymond, Stephania and yourself, as you requested." Issa accents the last three words in the statement, making sure to remind Tsukune that it is because of him that it is only Raymond and his eldest daughter coming to meet them.

Were Issa to have his way this event would be a more fitting spectacle. Their entire families would be meeting one another, and both Tsukune and Stephania would be the stars of the occasion. Not only would it be appropriate for the occasion it would also be another opportunity to rub Issa's fortune in Raymond's face. Unfortunately Tsukune had insisted that his first private meeting between him and Stephania be a small gathering.

Why…I will never know… Issa thinks to himself, the born vampire unable to comprehend why Tsukune seems to have this inborn desire for privacy.

"I've never really talked to Raymond before though…" Tsukune points out.

"He's a reserved individual." Issa explains to his only son. "He chooses to watch and wait and make a decision only after careful consideration. Of all the others he is the least understood, often choosing conflicting views on issues brought before the Council."

"…He must have his own motivations then…" Tsukune replies, and Issa nods.

"I do not doubt it for a moment."

A horse drawn carriage rolls up then, four black horses leading a black carriage, Tsukune momentarily wondering how something like that got to the Castle's location, but Tsukune doesn't focus much on the thought. The carriage pulls up, the rear doors directly in front of Tsukune and Issa, the driver, a goblin in a tuxedo, hops down from the driver's seat on the carriage, the creature shambling to the rear of the carriage before reaching up and opening the door.

The door opening Tsukune is treated to sight of DiSoto Stephania sitting in the back of the carriage. Dressed in a red evening gown Stephania swings her legs through the door, Stephania gracefully placing her feet on the ground.

Approaching the carriage Tsukune reaches out with his left hand, offering it to Stephania the dark haired Italian takes his offered hand, Stephania gracefully exiting the carriage, her hand held in Tsukune's as she steps out into the dreary sunlight.

Like Tsukune and Issa she is in her true form, her beauty striking and only complimented by her red slitted eyes. Meeting his gaze Stephania offers him a small smile, the expression meant to be warm but Tsukune finds it distinctly unsettling.

Remembering his manners Tsukune still hold Stephania's hand, the Aono lowering his face to the top of her hand and placing a kiss atop it as Stephania's father exits the carriage.

Like her daughter Raymond is an attractive creature, his dark hair slicked back, his attire a tailored suit and cape similar to Issa's, a similar red sash draped across his left shoulder. Seeing the sash Tsukune is reminded that the sash designates royalty.

Though…as King of All Vampires wouldn't Issa be the only one to wear a sash like that? Maybe every elder has the permission to wear one?

"Greetings Raymond." Issa offers calmly, the Italian man nodding toward the Japanese Elder.

"Greetings Issa." Raymond returns the greeting, the man speaking in perfect Japanese.

Well, he's been alive for a few centuries, it really isn't that surprising… Tsukune thinks to himself.

"My son requested that this be a small, informal meeting…" Issa begins as Tsukune releases Stephania's hand. "Since this is their first meeting beyond the initial meeting."

Raymond's gaze settling on Tsukune his gaze is cold.

"I am told you recently called off your courtship to Catherine Wilson." Raymond reminds him, Tsukune feeling a surge of discomfort at the sudden reminder.

"I felt as though she was not the proper mate for me." Tsukune replies, and Raymond's expression doesn't flinch.

"I would hope that you do not come to the same conclusion about my Stephania." Raymond replies. "She is the eldest of all my children, and the only one yet to select a mate."

Laughing lightly Stephania raises one hand to her mouth to cover it.

"I simply have yet to meet a vampire that meets my high expectations, Father." Stephania replies, like her Father Stephania speaks flawless Japanese.

"…Of that I am well aware…" Raymond replies stoically.

"Shall we adjourn to the dining room?" Issa asks. "A small meal has been prepared."

Nodding Raymond turns his gaze toward Issa.

"Lead the way."

XXX

Sitting in the dining room Tsukune sits across from Stephania, while on his left Issa sits across from Raymond, the four of them casually eating together in spite of the fact that they're both from two noble vampire houses. Sitting there eating Tsukune can only think of the first time he had dinner with Moka and his family, and how different it is.

We were talking and relaxed then…the food was made by Mom and everything was…homey…this is…

"This food was rather well prepared…" Raymond comments, and Issa leans back in his chair, the man probably the most relaxed of the four diners.

"I hired an expert Italian chef personally to cook this meal." Issa explains to him.

"What about you Tsukune?" Stephania asks casually. "Is this your first time eating Italian?"

"I've spent some time in America, and eaten Italian food there, but it wasn't anything like this." Tsukune explains, and Stephania smiles, setting her fork down beside her plate.

"Copies never stand up to the original." Stephania explains to him. "Just as I'm sure Ramen made in Japan tastes better than anywhere else in the world."

"Depending on how it's prepared." Tsukune replies. "Though that is true is almost anywhere in the world."

Not saying anything else the conversation at the table seems to dwindle, the four of them falling into a silence that quickly becomes uncomfortable.

"Well…Raymond and I are going to retire to my study." Issa says, standing up, Raymond following suit. "You two should get to know one another in private."

About to move himself Tsukune doesn't know how to approach being alone with Stephania. Sex being the absolute last thing on his mind at the moment Tsukune doesn't want to have to rip her apart and then explain WHY he killed the eldest child of a Vampire Lord.

Standing up on her side of the table Tsukune is quick to follow suit, making sure to keep his eyes on the woman across the table from him. Were she to make a move against him Tsukune wouldn't hesitate to have her in pieces in the span of a heartbeat.

Slowly walking around the table Stephania smiles while Tsukune's gaze is locked on her, his lingering gaze colored only with suspicion, the Italian heiress not the least bit surprised at Tsukune's attitude toward her. He hardly knows anything about her, and neither of them care to count the number of vampires dead because of the blood pumping through his veins.

"You really do look much better like that…" Stephania voices her opinion on his true form as she crosses the end of the table, approaching him as she continues. "Though…why so guarded?"

"I know nothing about you, and you likely want to drain me dry for the damn blood in my veins."

Smiling Stephania doesn't appear to be the least bit offended by Tsukune's statement.

"And where would you get a silly idea like that?" She asks, and Tsukune doesn't fall for her charm for a moment.

"You can't tell me that the idea has never crossed your mind." Tsukune replies.

"I'll admit, I have thought about it." Stephania replies, surprising Tsukune. "Though, I almost have to admit that I have more willpower than the average vampire, and I don't want to wind up in an urn on your Father's trophy shelf."

"Yet you desire power, don't you?" Tsukune asks, and Stephania grins. "Besides, I don't trust you."

"All creatures desire power Tsukune, humans and vampires are no different in that regard, no matter how much you may want to believe otherwise." Stephania denies. "Though you would be a fool to trust me. You hardly know me and you have no idea what my motivations are, even if I am here in fact to acquire your blood for myself."

"If I can't trust you enough to have sex with you how can I be mated to you?" Tsukune asks, and Stephania grins.

"In time you will come to trust me." Stephania replies. "Until then I'll just have to abstain from enjoying you…more's the pity."

Her tone even Tsukune doesn't know if Stephania is actually upset about the lack of coitus between them. Like she said he knows absolutely nothing about her.

"So, you want us to date until I trust you." Tsukune responds.

"It isn't as though you'll have to swear a vow of chastity until we can be together." Stephania points out to him. "You've been with Akasha, and both Issa's first and third daughters desire you, do they not?"

"You're awfully well informed." Tsukune replies, and Stephania grins.

"Information is the greatest weapon. Know something your opponent doesn't wish you to know and you hold the advantage, no matter the situation."

"You sound like an information broker." Tsukune replies.

"How perceptive." Stephania reaches out, poking her right pointer finger against his sternum. "Our entire clan specializes in just that, and we make it a point to know things that others don't want us to."

"So…you spy on people." Tsukune summarizes, and Stephania smiles.

"You know your fair share of secrets, and I'm sure someone would pay for you to keep your mouth shut."

Or have me killed…Tsukune thinks bleakly.

"Sounds like extortion to me." Tsukune replies.

"That's a very…human…way to look at it." Stephania points out, once again reminding Tsukune that he isn't talking to a human.

"If they'll pay to shut me up, then they'll pay to have my head cut off." Tsukune points out, and Stephania's smile widens.

"Exactly. Which is why the first rule is always never let the other person know exactly how much you know and always appear that you know more than you're letting on."

Reminds me of Mikogami…

"So, you knowing all my personal secrets…is that the truth or are you just acting like you know more than you're letting on?" Tsukune asks.

Her lips shifting to a grin Stephania shifts her left hand to her left hip.

"You'll have to answer that for yourself." Stephania replies.

"Ah…" Tsukune offers in understanding. "Can't have you breaking the Cardinal Rule after just quoting it to me."

"Though, there is something we can do…" Stephania begins, reaching up and grasping the right side strap of her dress, pulling it down.

Seeing her begin to take off her clothes Tsukune keeps his expression neutral.

"You're teasing me?" Tsukune asks.

"I am showing you my body." Stephania replies, slipping off the other strap of her dress before letting it fall, revealing that she's not wearing any underwear. "The same body that will be yours if you choose to mate me."

Suppressing the urge to frown Tsukune takes in the sight of her naked form stoically, her body like something that's been sculpted. Her skin is flawless, her appearance that of a woman in her late twenties, her skin taunt over her frame, his eyes drawn to her neck, to the veins there, and the blood pumping through it…

"Best we should wait on this matter." Tsukune offers after a moment, looking away, the Aono not wanting to have a second taste of Italian. "Best not to look until you can touch."

Laughing lightly Stephania kneels down, picking up her dress before slipping a leg through it.

"Quite the analogy, though what do we do from here?" Stephania asks as she puts a second leg into the dress, slipping it on in a similar manner to how she removed it.

"Why don't we spar?" Tsukune offers, and Stephania quirks an eyebrow.

"You want to fight me?" She asks, and Tsukune shakes his head.

"A sparring match would be a friendly duel. It's also a way for us to get to know one another."

"Sure…though it has to remain friendly. After what you did to dear Alexander I'm not going to underestimate you."

Nodding Tsukune motions with his left hand.

"This way."

XXX

Approaching the Castle dojo Tsukune can hear the sound of female voices grunting, two very familiar scents in the air as the Aono grasps the knob on the dojo door. Opening the door Tsukune takes in the sight of Moka and Kokoa in the midst of a duel. Moka is in her true form, while Kokoa holds a pair of swords, the sight of weapons meaning that Kokoa is fighting seriously.

Both wear workout attire, Moka wearing a white tank top and thigh high shorts while Kokoa wears a track suit, the two of them clearly not anticipating a spectator.

For a few moments Tsukune watches the two of them spar, Kokoa remaining on the offensive, swinging her swords again and again, trying to land a blow against her older sister. Moka on the other hand shifts and dodges, avoiding Kokoa's blades and not striking back in retaliation.

"You've lost your edge Onee-sama!" Kokoa declares thrusting both swords out toward Moka's stomach.

The silver haired Moka ducks, avoiding both blades and sticking out her leg, using it to sweep one of Kokoa's legs from beneath her, causing her younger sister to begin to lose her balance.

Kokoa nearly falling backward the red haired vampiress flips backward, landing on her feet and bending her knees, holding both blades at the ready at her sides as Moka comes back up to her feet.

She's right though… Tsukune thinks to himself. Her movements are all off, she's not like the woman that taught me how to fight. It's like she's afraid of her own strength… Maybe there is some credence to Akasha's theory about her…

Kokoa going on the offensive the younger Vampiress starts swinging her swords again and again, Moka shifting and sliding, ducking and avoiding Kokoa's blows, Moka hesitant to strike back against her younger sister, Moka clearly not paying attention as she backs into a corner in the dojo, Kokoa realizing what her sister has just done.

She's stuck in a corner…

"I've got you!" Kokoa declares victoriously.

Blinking Moka seems to realize that Tsukune and Stephania are in attendance, Kokoa swinging her swords when Moka ducks, several silver haired locks flying free as Moka thrusts her right foot out in a blur of motion, knocking Kokoa back like the younger fighter has been hit by a brick wall.

Smacking into the opposite wall with a heavy thud Kokoa lands on her rear, her back against the wall. Her eyes momentarily closed Kokoa shakes her head, standing up before her swords change back into Kou.

"That's more like it!" Kokoa shouts approvingly.

Moka's eyes locked on Tsukune Kokoa's gaze follows her older sister's eyes, seeing Tsukune in his true form along with the Italian Vampiress standing next to him. Seeing him Kokoa's lips turn into a frown, her smile at Moka's final move gone from her lips at just the sight of Tsukune.

"What do you want?" Kokoa asks bluntly, her tone showing that she is less than thrilled to be in Tsukune's presence.

Well, she's never gotten over the fact that you've charmed her now what…thirty times?

"We came to spar." Tsukune explains for them, Moka blinking in surprise as both she and Kokoa close the distance between themselves and Tsukune.

"The two of you…?" Moka whispers, Tsukune not sure whether Moka is asking a question or not.

"If the dojo is in use we can do something else…?" Tsukune offers.

"That's all right." Moka says, stepping aside. "The two of you go ahead."

Kokoa frowning both Tsukune and Stephania walk toward the center of the room, Moka and Kokoa watching as the two of them stand apart from each other.

"You watch…" Kokoa begins. "I bet that Italian mops the floor with him."

Standing there Tsukune isn't the least bit surprised that Kokoa would think that about him.

"He's already beat someone older than he is." Moka counters.

"That was with the element of surprise." Kokoa counters. "That woman has seen what he can do already."

Standing in front of Tsukune the dark haired Italian heiress smirks confidently.

"I'm surprised they don't start taking bets." Stephania points out.

"This is a friendly spar after all." Tsukune counters.

"Of course." Stephania replies casually. "Though I'm hardly dressed for it, unlike you."

These are the only clothes I have that accommodate my wings…

Stephania lowering herself into a fighting stance Tsukune doesn't bother trying to counter Stephania's statement. Pulling his wings from his shoulders Tsukune shifts his body, assuming a similar stance.

"Hand to hand it is." Tsukune agrees. "Ready when you are."

Not waiting for Tsukune to take the initiative Stephania moves in, crossing the distance between them and throwing a punch, Tsukune easily following her movements, knocking Stephania's punch away from his face, her fist flying past his head harmlessly. Her leg coming out Tsukune steps over it, making sure to increase the distance between them as Stephania flows upward into a vertical position. Tsukune keeping his fists up Stephania leaps forward, thrusting her right foot out in a flying kick.

Dropping his hands to his chest Tsukune catches Stephania mid kick, the Aono momentarily grinning before he twists Stephania's foot, the dark haired Vampiress spinning midair and landing on the floor with a thud.

Lying on the mat a moment Stephania pushes herself to her feet.

"You're fairly strong, fast too." Stephania points out.

"I wasn't lying when I said that Shinso blood flows in my veins." Tsukune counters.

"…I can see that…"

Darting toward him again Stephania is faster this time, her movements nearly a blur Tsukune shifts into motion, his body moving on instinct as Stephania attacks, Tsukune countering when he can.

"Born vampires value offense over defense." Stephania jabs as the two of them continue to exchange blows.

"I know that too." Tsukune counters, ducking her right jab and driving his left elbow into her chest.

Stephania moving backward Tsukune barely hits her before she thrusts her right leg out, Tsukune choosing to jumping up and flip over, spinning in midair so that he lands facing her and well out of arm's reach from his opponent.

"Most impressive." Stephania praises him.

"Don't you have some special ability?" Tsukune asks. "Something to set you apart from the crowd?"

"I do…" Stephania smiles at him.

"And what would that be?" Tsukune asks.

"You'll just have to find out."

Without another word Tsukune goes on the offense, moving in Tsukune throws a combination of punches and kicks, trying to land a blow against her, but Stephania expertly sidesteps Tsukune's attacks, her movements as though she knows what Tsukune is going to do. Swinging a backhand she ducks, avoiding the blow before she thrusts her right arm out, striking Tsukune in the ribs with a palm thrust, the Aono raising his right knee and driving it into her face a fraction of a moment later.

Both of them recoil, the vampires stumbling back from the force of the blows, Tsukune meeting her gaze after the two of them stop moving.

"You let me land that last hit." Tsukune explains, and Stephania's lips curl in a grin.

"I had to, if not I never would've been able to land a hit."

"It's almost like you can anticipate what I'm going to do…"

"Well…my family has always specialized in feeling a monster's aura." Stephania explains. "It isn't an absolute science, but it can help tremendously in hand to hand combat."

"That must come in handy." Tsukune comments.

"It does, but it doesn't work on everyone." She explains to him. "Like you, you keep everything bottled up and there's so much it's very difficult to feel where you're shifting it to either attack or defend."

"So that's why you didn't mop the floor with me." Tsukune tries to explain.

"That, and you are very fast and quite strong. If we were fighting seriously I'm sure you'd give me a run for my money."

"I don't think they'll be a need for that anytime soon."

"You're not that strong." Kokoa boasts. "I could beat you without even getting serious." Kokoa boasts toward the Italian vampiress.

Her mouth curling in a grin Stephania doesn't seem the least bit concerned.

"You wish to fight me child? Very well." Stephania agrees.

"I assume you have no objections to my remaining and watch?" Tsukune asks.

"Of course not." Stephania agrees. "I'd prefer you stay and watch me mop the floor with your sister."

Nodding Tsukune leaves the center of the dojo, walking toward Moka Tsukune drapes his wings over his shoulders as Kokoa and Stephania stand apart from one another. Walking toward the side of the room Tsukune stands near Moka, but intentionally chooses not to stand next to her.

"I'm going to teach you some respect." Kokoa growls toward her opponent.

"When this is over, you shall be the one who's learned respect." Stephania replies.

Grabbing her bat familiar Kou Kokoa changes her familiar into a pair of twin swords.

"Time to bleed." Kokoa grins.

Charging Stephania Kokoa moves, her movements quick Tsukune's eyes are barely able to keep up, Stephania moving as well, the two of them moving with unnatural quickness.

"She's fast…" Tsukune comments.

"Kokoa has been working as an enforcer for our Father and continued to sharpen her skills…" Moka explains.

The two of them moving around the dojo their movements seem to flow with one another. Kokoa attacks and Stephania expertly avoids her blades.

"Stand still!" Kokoa growls in frustration.

Bending her knees Stephania ducks Kokoa's slash, the elder vampiress sticking her foot out and bending it backward, pulling Kokoa's right foot out from underneath her. Stumbling Kokoa tries to regain her balance as Stephania's hand wraps around her throat. Lifting Kokoa up Stephania slams the younger vampiress down to the ground.

"Your movements are so easy to read." Stephania taunts her. "Your aura is so much smaller than his."

Growling through her clutched throat Kokoa thrusts her blades out, trying to impale her opponent only for Stephania to disappear in a blur of motion, the older woman appearing ten feet away, not a hair out of place.

Growling Kokoa gets to her feet, glaring at Stephania were looks able to kill the older vampiress would burst into flame.

"The only members of your family that can hope to best me other than your Father are Tsukune and your older sister Ria. You really should admit defeat now before you make an even bigger fool of yourself." Stephania taunts. "What's your family motto again…know your place?"

The arrogance in Stephania's tone is like rubbing Kokoa's face in excrement. Her rage boiling Kokoa roars in fury, her blood lust filling the room.

"I'LL KILL YOU!" Kokoa screams, charging toward Stephania.

Her eyes changing the sclera of her eyes becomes red, the entire eye filling with crimson save her pupil, her gaze murderous, her aura filling with bloodlust the size of her aura grows, like a balloon filling with air the size of Kokoa's aura nearly doubles; her strength and speed growing with it.

A vampire's power is their ability to convert their monster aura into strength. With her eyes like that Kokoa should be almost twice as strong…yet I've never heard or seen her do this before.

"Blood haze…" Moka mumbles, and Tsukune blinks in surprise.

"Blood haze?" Tsukune asks, turning his head toward his former mate.

"It's a state of near insanity where we're driven to kill and our instincts take over, we won't willingly stop until we taste blood." Moka explains for him.

Standing there Tsukune can't believe what he's hearing.

"You're being serious, aren't you?" Tsukune asks, Moka's countenance grim.

"We have to stop her, if she keeps this up she'll be killed."

Growling like an animal Kokoa starts swinging her swords, the blades moving like flashes of light, Stephania deftly shifting her body left and right, back stepping easily as Kokoa continues her bladed assault, the youngest member of the Shuzen Family roaring for blood.

"Hmm…a blood haze huh? Too bad…looks like I'll have to put you down like the mad dog you really are." Stephania comments casually.

Blinking in surprise Moka doesn't want Stephania to kill her younger sister. Turning to Tsukune desperation colors Moka's tone.

"I'll stop Kokoa you restrain Stephania." Moka explains, and Tsukune nods.

Like Moka Tsukune doesn't want Stephania to kill Kokoa either. Opening his wings Tsukune prepares to go into motion as Moka starts moving, Moka disappearing in a blur of motion as Tsukune does the same. Appearing behind Kokoa the silver haired vampiress grasps her sister in a full nelson, Tsukune appearing behind Stephania and grabbing her left wrist with his right hand.

Blinking Stephania looks back at him, her expression showing amusement at this latest development.

"DIE! DIE! DIE!" Kokoa growls, trying to swing her swords with Moka holding her back, her older sister barely able to restrain her.

"Kokoa calm down! I don't want to hurt you!" Moka tries to reason with her homicidal sister.

Flailing her legs Kokoa drives her right foot back, striking Moka directly in the knee, the impact making Moka cry out, her hold weakening for just a half second.

Kokoa exploding forward Tsukune doesn't think. Grabbing Stephania the Aono pushes her aside, Kokoa not even noticing that her target has changed, her blades still swinging even as Tsukune tenses his muscles.

Catching her right wrist in his hand the Aono quickly grasps her other wrist, his Shinso strength allowing him to hold Kokoa's strength at bay.

"I won't let you kill anyone Kokoa." Tsukune denies, and Kokoa doesn't hear him.

"DIE!" Kokoa roars at him.

"I'm sorry, but I don't have any choice." Tsukune replies.

Drawing his head back Tsukune slams his head into Kokoa's, the impact temporarily stunning Kokoa before Tsukune pulls his head back, craning his neck to the left Tsukune opens his mouth, driving his fangs down into Kokoa's neck.

A vampire's strength is directly tied to their blood. If I nearly drain her dry she should just slip into unconsciousness.

Kokoa tries to resist, tries to hurt him but Tsukune keeps going, ignoring the odd taste in Kokoa's blood as Tsukune continues to drink it down, her strength fading until her limbs finally go limp, Tsukune pulling his lips from her neck and letting Kokoa's body drop.

Kokoa's body falling Moka catches her younger half-sister in the air, both Stephania and Moka looking on the entire time, watching silently as Tsukune subdued Kokoa.

"She's weak…" Moka comments, leaning down and sinking her fangs into Kokoa's neck.

Watching her for a moment Tsukune is about to move to stop her when Moka pulls away, the silver haired vampiress seeming to think the same thing that Tsukune was.

If Kokoa has too much blood injected into her again, it'll just put us back in the same situation….

His vision suddenly blurry Tsukune blinks, trying to clear his head before his world starts to teeter.

"I…I feel weird…" Tsukune mumbles, his body tilting over as consciousness slips away.

"TSUKUNE!" Moka calls out, her voice the last thing Tsukune hears before his world goes black.

XXX

Thank you for reading the last chapter (as of 06/15/2015) by DarkSwordMage. Thus, this concludes my daily update, and is now marked as 'Complete' since DarkSwordMage have abandoned this story at chapter 50, this chapter.

It was my pleasure to bring back this story once more and allow other users to get to know this DarkSwordMage's fictional work. Should you ever have any questions, comments, or feedback, please feel free to drop a review or send me a PM.

- iNSaNiTY49