I can now honestly say that I dislike it when an idea truly lodges itself in my brain, and then forces me to write- you can't stop until it's all out. This is essentially the rough draft, but part two of my "Trails" idea
“So Karua, I assume you’re currently on vacation?”
The scene before Tsukune was almost hard to believe. Only hours ago had he been forced to mentally prepare himself for whatever verdict Moka’s father would give about his relationship with her. Now, it was if that preparation was never needed. The powerful vampire that could strike fear into almost any creature had been replaced by a man that was simply carrying on a relaxed conversation with one of his daughters. In fact, of the nine people now sitting at a large banquet table inside a large room of the western-style mansion, Tsukune seemed to be the tensest. Even Moka herself was a bit relaxed, despite not being sealed away either.
Looking around, Tsukune was surprised the mood could be like this. In two days, his fate would be determined, of whether he could earn Moka’s parent’s blessing, or if ill fortunate would strike and he would not only fail the trials, but also lose his life in the process. Yet here, the four vampire sisters, their father, his three wives, and Tsukune himself were all sitting together. One might mistake this for a simple family gathering of a celebration. Tsukune could only hope it would turn into a celebration after two days.
“So tell me, Aono-san, how do you like my humble home?”
Tsukune was nearly caught off-guard by that question, but managed to catch himself before he could do anything stupid to change the already low opinion of Moka’s family towards him. Apparently, Karua had given some sort of satisfactory answer, and Moka’s father was directing his attention on Tsukune. None of the others seemed to notice; Moka barely gave any sign herself. Her father also had a smile which could be mistaken for being friendly; Tsukune suspected that there was unimaginable danger hidden behind it.
“I think… well, I think it’s most comfortable, sir.”
“Do you look forward to possibly making it a place that’s welcome to you permanently?”
Tsukune wondered what kind of game was being played. There appeared to be no hostility hidden behind those words, despite the phrasing. “I do, sir.”
“Well then, I will bid you luck in the upcoming days, Aono-san… no, I think I like Tsukune-kun just a bit more.”
What was going on here? Was her father testing him? As these thoughts rumbled through his head, he her Moka’s father say, “What’s wrong, Tsukune-kun? Don’t be so tense. After all, the entire family is together, and isn’t that usually a joyous occasion in the human world?”
“Er… yes, it is, sir.” He then felt a hand upon his shoulder, and saw that it was Moka’s. She was giving him a look that said, just stay calm, and everything will be alright. But would things really be alright?
Moka herself was merely just extremely good at masking her emotions. She knew that undoubtedly, she’d be sealed away to her Outer form, one who could do nothing about the trials. At least when she was at full strength, she could try to do something, no matter how little.
Also, she knew that the current time left in the day was precious, since she didn’t know if there would be any time for them to be together after the trials. She believed in Tsukune, but belief wasn’t always reality. She might never get the chance to be with him, the man she loved, ever again, and thus wanted to spend as much time as she could with him before he underwent the tests.
As the idle chat continued amongst the others, the meal was eventually brought out by a few servants that were part of the household. Tsukune, meanwhile, had resolved to enjoy this atmosphere while he could. Undoubtedly, Moka’s father would become the mighty vampire persona again, and he could only hope he had the strength to survive whatever would come his way. So, as a few questions and other comments (not all pleasant, either) came to him, Tsukune allowed himself to relax and enjoy the company, one that would no doubt turn hostile again soon enough.
