To all those who actually read these little disclaimers, this is a work of fanfiction. I do not own Rosario + Vampire or any of the trademarked characters and locations from the respected creator. I am only placing this disclaimer here for the sake of stating the obvious, as it should be plain to see for everybody with common sense that of course I didn't create Rosario + Vampire. Seriously, do we really need these disclaimers here? Who the hell is going to try to say they created R+V? Who could really be that stupid?
Rosario Vampire: Brightest Darkness
Act III
All was quiet at the school where monsters learned to coexist with humans. There were no students running around, or tests being taken, or bullies being blasted through walls for being bullies. There were no teachers or staff members around, and all the dorm rooms were empty. The academy grounds were only populated by guards of the headmaster, the dark robed men all armed with swords and monster strength who kept a close eye around the area. Yokai Academy had been evacuated a few days ago after conflict arose all throughout the monster world and even in certain parts in the human world as well. Countless hometowns of students and faculty members came under attack from an evil organization known as Fairy Tale, which caused panic and chaos throughout the monster realm.
"This isn't happening… this isn't happening…" Moka said softly to herself as she looked ahead with watery eyes.
During the chaos and onslaught brought on by Fairy Tale, a select group of students had been thrown into the war for a variety of reasons. The main reason of their introduction was to rescue their friend from captivity, but in doing so their focus not only switched to saving themselves but also to take the fight up against Fairy Tale to protect all the monster worlds and their own futures. Though faced with impossible odds and outnumbered on any scale, this group of students had proved themselves to be powerful and not to be underestimated by the evil organization.
"I'm sorry Moka, I really am. I never wanted this, I never wanted any of this," Ruby said as she looked down with her eyes closed, her voice strained as she clenched her fists tightly.
Throughout their trials they not only faced this oppressing force but also problems within their own circle. They had learned the troubled and difficult past of their friend Dark who used to be an agent of Fairy Tale, and how he was intertwined with Mizore's hometown from years ago. They had to watch their friend Kurumu die by the hands of agents from Fairy Tale, two of which who used to their friends until their untimely deaths back at the academy. They even witnessed something that couldn't be classified as anything other than a miracle as Rason brought her back to life. They had confronted Mizore and Kurumu's mothers and explained to them not only that they had chosen boyfriends other than Tsukune, but also that they were now part of a war and had to distance themselves away from their families for the time being. Everybody had gone through good parts and bad as their journey took them from Yokai Academy, to Snow Woman Village, to Ashton City, and back to the school in one wild ride.
Of course, within the group two sisters went through an even more difficult problem.
"Don't give up hope yet, Rason went to heaven to fix this. I'm sure he can, he has to be able to. He just has to…" Kurumu said as she looked at her friends with hopeful eyes, the girl's voice trailing off as she looked down with worry.
Before their journey even started, before they even knew what they were being trained for in the first place, Tsukune had acquired not only control of his inner vampire powers, but also a dark side in a matter of speaking. Due to Kokoa failing to perform the blood transfusion properly when his life was in danger, the boy's dark side manifested itself into a ghoul. Although not a complete version of the legendary killing machines they were known to be, it was still a serious threat for the boy. Not only would the being surface if too much vampire energy was used by Tsukune, but once unleashed his power and strength were only matched by his evil nature. He had killed Apoch and Astreal without a second thought, and nearly killed everybody else before being pulled back by Tsukune's willpower. All throughout their journey the ghoul had haunted and taunted the poor boy in his mind, the darker side never ceasing to poke at him or try to regain control. It seemed this darker side of him would be a constant thorn in their side, until they encountered something exceptional at Snow Woman Village.
"I hope so; I can't bear to see him like this. This can't be happening; I can't lose him, not again!" Moka cried out as she broke down, burying her face in her hands as she sobbed uncontrollably. Kurumu walked over and gently held her friend close, looking ahead with worried eyes.
In their trials the group also learned a few new fighting techniques, either by training together or by accident. Mizore and Kurumu had learned to combine their powers into a devastating dive bomb attack, being capable of defeating even Inner Moka, if they managed to get the hit in that is. Yukari and Kokoa also acquired new abilities; however theirs came from a warlock's blood that they came into contact with. For the little witch, Yukari could now summon a great deal of magical energy and unleash it into a powerful attack; so powerful that with her last use of it, which destroyed four barriers set by evil witch sisters from Fairy Tale, her wand shattered to pieces. For Kokoa, she gained something else, something the ghoul took an immediate interest in. For the redheaded vampire she could call forth an unbelievable amount of monster energy that would fuel the girl with incredible strength and speed. So much energy in fact that after prolonged use the girl would overheat and burst into flame if all the power was not expelled. It was that power that the ghoul set his eyes on, and with some clever deception and learning to influence Tsukune's actions without him knowing, he set out to become a full-fledged ghoul.
And to everyone's dismay, he succeeded.
Moka and Kurumu watched with devastated expressions the boy in the center of the chamber. The room was a large area in the school that was reserved for spell casting by the headmaster or Ruby. Inside there was no furniture or windows. Along the brick and stone walls torches lit up the room, but only by a bit as the centerpiece casted more light around. The floor was cobblestone and was worn by age and use of magic, the ground being lit up by the bright light in the center of the area. The entryway was a pair of large double doors made from heavy steel, the gateway being guarded on the inside and out by the headmaster's guards.
And in the center of the room, that three girls looked to with pained expressions, was a pillar of light. The powerful restraining spell that was cast by and kept up by the headmaster and Ruby, which was pulsating brightly as a figure was seen inside. He had black shoes and brown pants on with no shirt. His skin was black and coarse, the white lines etching out from his neck like a tangled web and glowing bright. His facial expression was calm, with his eyes closed and the white webbing showing on both sides of his head. Inside the barrier was the legendary killing machine, the unstoppable horror that spawns from a failed blood transfusion from a dark being itself; a ghoul. Though not just any ghoul, as this one was once their dear friend. The boy that had united them together and fought alongside them, the boy who fell in love with a vampire and would do anything to help those who mattered the most to him.
Tsukune Aono.
The wind was whistling past as an angel flew down from the clouds above. He had blonde hair that fluttered in the constant wind and his brown eyes were focused as he dived down towards the earth.
"This is a one of a kind trinket from the heavens. If it's not too much trouble, please bring it back in one piece," the elder said with a calm smile.
Rason had no shirts on as his wings had torn them to shreds earlier, the large feathered wings tucked back slightly as he raced back down towards a school where his friends would be waiting for him.
"Bring it back… does this mean I'm not banished anymore?" Rason asked curiously.
He had a golden crescent moon necklace that dangled on his chest as he continued his dive, the boy only wearing his blue jeans and black tennis shoes. The sky around was dark and a few clouds were out as the moon hovered overhead.
"Provided you do what you say you and your friends can, perhaps," the elder said with a smirk.
And in his hand he held a trinket, a gift from the heavens for his friend. He held onto it with great care as this was their last hope to restore their friend back to his normal self. As the academy came into view far down below on the ground his mind was focused on one thing and one thing only.
'Please let this work… please let it be enough.'
In the infirmary inside Yokai Academy three figures were seen. One was a guard who kept his sword sheathed and stood at attention at the door. Sitting in a chair next to a bed was an older student of the academy. He had the usual uniform on, the only differences being seen was his headband that held some of his black hair back and a necklace he wore that had a wolf's insignia on it. He was looking worriedly at a girl sleeping in the bed. She had black dress shoes with red knee high stockings. She wore the Yokai Academy skirt with a red sailor shirt, a red cross seen on her white undershirt while her red hair was pulled back into two loose pigtails with black bows. The young vampire was asleep with a calm expression, having been confined to the bed for the past day ever since the incident.
"I don't know what you're dreaming of Kokoa, but I hope it's better than what's been going on out here," Gin said softly. The redheaded vampire stirred a bit and shifted, the older boy looking at her closely.
"Man, once she wakes up, this isn't going to be pretty," he muttered to himself. He had been wondering how to break the news to the girl about what transpired from her actions, and was worried how she would take it. Especially with him being within striking distance of the girl who could be very temperamental when upset.
After a moment the girl's eyes slowly opened, the vampire looking around in a daze.
"Wha… what happened?" Kokoa said weakly. Gin looked at her with a bright smile.
"Well, looks like you've returned to the land of the living. Great to have you ba-" he started before the girl jumped up and looked around with wide eyes.
"Tsukune!" she cried out. She looked around with fear then to Gin who backed up a bit from her sudden outburst.
"Tsukune! Where's Tsukune?" she yelled out in terror. She lunged out of the bed and stood next to Gin, grabbing him by the shoulders and shaking him wildly. He just stared in surprise as she stood there with a fearful expression.
"Tell me now! Where is he?" she yelled out.
"Well… you see… Kokoa I think… you should sit down… first…" Gin stammered out as he was shaken back and forth fiercely. The girl looked around with wide eyes and trembled.
'Where is he? The last thing I remember was… was…'
The image came to her mind; she was giving the boy she loved a blood transfusion while performing her overcharge technique, hoping to not only help him recover from his injuries but also to restore all his energy as well. He had asked her to do so after confessing his love to her and the girl couldn't say yes fast enough. However, during the procedure…
'No… I remember… it was…'
She remembered how she screamed out in pain as the overcharge shot through her and into Tsukune, her monster energy being yanked out forcibly and drained quickly. She recalled how she tried to pull back but his arms wrapped around her, one around her waist which kept her pressed against his body while the other held her head down onto his neck. She felt her energy being sucked right out of her as she eyed the boy with fright, his calm grin having turned into a wicked smile, his red eyes peering back into her emerald ones, his laugh echoing out above her muffled screams, his strength building as he held the frightened girl down. And before she blacked out, before she let out one last horrible shriek of agony, she remembered what the boy had said to her.
"Stupid runt."
"No… it can't be… IT CAN'T BE!" Kokoa cried out as she stepped back, gripping her hair tightly in horror. She fell back down onto the bed and stared ahead with unblinking eyes. Gin regained himself then looked at Kokoa worriedly.
"Kokoa… about Tsukune…" he said softly. The girl looked to him with eyes that were beginning to well up with tears.
"What happened… where… where is he?" she asked as she trembled in the bed. Gin looked at her remorsefully then down.
"I'm sorry…" he started.
From down the hall a girl's furious cry could be heard, the sound of her voice echoing down the empty corridors with unbelievable agony.
Outside several guards were walking around with a cautious expression. They were looking for any students that may be returning to ensure they would remain safe, or to find any possible threats to the academy and deal with them swiftly. They walked around the academy and dorm buildings with calm strides, all the guards ready for anything that may come their way.
In the night sky above the school a dim light could be seen in the clouds. From that light a boy could be seen as he rocketed down towards the academy. His wings were glowing brightly as he raced down from the skies towards the ground outside the main entrance. He landed down with a fierce impact, the angel landing down on one foot and knee as the ground around him cracked and shattered from the force. His wings arched back as a couple of guards stared at him in surprise. He slowly stood up and looked down to his hand, a black chain being held tightly in his grip.
"This better work," he said softly to himself. He looked at the trinket in his hand with a focused gaze.
'This has to work. It just has to. It's heaven's own sealer, created by the Almighty himself. If this can't help him… nothing will.'
He gripped it tightly and started to run towards the academy, taking two steps before he was knocked back into a fierce tumble by a fast moving girl. The two crashed into a pile on the ground before Rason regained himself from the impact.
'What the hell was that?'
He blinked then realized he was lying on the ground with a girl on top of him, and his hand was resting over her breast. Rason looked to see Kokoa watching him with teary eyes and a frustrated glare.
'Oh c'mon, not this again!'
"Wha! I'm sorry, I didn't mean to do that again!" he yelled out in fear that she would take her rage out on him, yanking his hand away quickly. Instead the vampire shook her head and cried out.
"I'm such an idiot!" she yelled as she got up and dashed into the woods. Rason stood up and watched the girl disappear down the beaten path with confusion.
"Kokoa? What's she doing out here anyway?" he asked himself curiously. He then showed a remorseful expression and glanced back towards the academy.
'She must have heard what happened… poor girl…'
Rason glanced towards the woods then dashed towards the school at full speed, focused on delivering the lock to his friend that needed it most. Kokoa would have to wait until after.
Back in the chamber Moka, Kurumu, and Ruby were watching the ghoul growl and grunt in his forced sleep, the barrier of light engulfing him and glowing brightly. All around several armed guards were standing ready, one of them waiting behind the ghoul for Ruby's word to execute the monster. Moka looked at her boyfriend with heartbroken eyes, the monster that was held in front of her which used to be the boy who was so kind to her. Who declared his unwavering love to her and even made love to her finally, who meant everything to both her and her inner self. The rosary on her neck glowed softly as the inner vampire suffered just as much from seeing their beloved like this.
"We can't wait much longer, the spell is beginning to wear down," Ruby said worriedly as the light started to flicker. The ghoul growled a bit louder and twitched as all the guards tensed up.
"We have to wait for Rason! He said he was going to get help for him, we can't do anything until he gets back!" Moka cried out.
"Just wait a little longer Ruby, please," Kurumu begged. The witch glanced to them then to the ghoul.
"We'll wait as long as we're able to. But… I don't think we have much time," she said cautiously. Moka looked at the ghoul with a pained expression.
'Oh Tsukune… this can't be happening…'
'Damn that ghoul for using our sister like that… I still can't believe I didn't see this coming!'
'None of us did. That thing played us all like we were idiots.'
'We were idiots. Of course Tsukune would never be interested in our sister like that; we should have known something was up. I should have known. Perhaps Kokoa was right… perhaps I was too careless with his life…'
'Don't say that. We both fought hard to keep him as our mate, we did everything we could to help him along the way.'
Suddenly the ghoul roared out, the barrier around him flashing brightly and pulsating rapidly. The guards around got ready to strike as Ruby glared at it with frustration.
"Dammit, the barrier is weakening too much. We can't wait any longer," she said with a strained voice.
"No! We have to wait! Rason might be able to save him!" Moka cried out. The ghoul started laughing as his arms started to slowly rise up, the pillar of light wavering around him as he moved.
"We have no choice! Kill it!" Ruby yelled out, the guard behind the ghoul nodding and preparing to strike. Before he could use his sword to impale the dark being's skull Moka grabbed him and pulled the sword away, the two struggling to move the blade around.
"No! You can't kill him!" Moka pleaded as she tried to pull the sword out of his hands. Two more guards ran up and pulled the thrashing vampire back, the girl crying out and looking to the ghoul with teary eyes.
"No! Tsukune! TSUKUNE!" she yelled out.
"I'm sorry Moka, but we have no choice! Execute him now!" Ruby said as she looked at the ghoul with caution. The guard walked up to the barrier and prepared to strike, the ghoul slowly moving about in the barrier as he chuckled to himself.
"Tsukune!" Moka cried out.
"Please… forgive me," Ruby said as she looked away with closed eyes. Kurumu watched with wide eyes of fear as the guard aimed his sword at the monster's head, the ghoul now looking around with his eyes opened. Suddenly she blinked and looked off to the side. She felt a pull from within, a familiar sensation she would feel when she was close to a certain somebody. She jumped in surprise then looked to the guard.
"Stop! Rason's back!" she yelled out. Ruby looked to her with worry then to the ghoul.
"What? Where?" she said as she looked around.
"I can feel him, we're bound together remember? He just landed outside!" Kurumu said as a smile spread across her face. She looked to the far wall and seemed to follow something from above down to ground level with her eyes. Moka's eyes lit up as she smiled softly.
"He's back… he's back!" she cheered out.
The ghoul roared and struck out at the barrier, the monster shattering the spell with a blinding flash. Everybody backed up and looked to him with worried eyes as he started to eye the occupants in the room.
"Heh heh heh heh heh… heh heh heh HEH HEH HEH HEH!" he laughed as he started walking towards Ruby. Two guards jumped in front of him and lunged out with their swords, the ghoul smacking the blades away effortlessly.
"No, he's free!" Ruby cried out as the monster swung at one of the guards. He slashed down from the neck to the chest, the man's innards spilling out as he coughed out blood. The ghoul then reached in and yanked out a rib, the monster promptly gearing back then slamming the bone down onto the man's skull. The guard jerked as his rib impaled his brain and then dropped down dead. The monster then grabbed the other guard by the top of his head and lifted him up.
"No, Tsukune stop!" Moka cried out.
"Where is he Kurumu?" Ruby called out in fear as she backed up, watching the ghoul peeling the guard in front of her like an onion. The succubus looked towards the pulling sensation.
"He just landed outside. He's running towards us… what the? He stumbled back?" she said confused.
"What?" Moka called out. Kurumu watched as Rason's signal seemed to be standing still.
"I don't know, something knocked him back and he's just standing there now," she called back shaking her head. The ghoul started walking towards Ruby who backed up against a wall.
"Um… guys? Help!" she cried out. Three more guards ran at the ghoul with their swords, the witch watching with fear as he slaughtered and decapitated them all right before her eyes. She started to tremble as the monster eyed her again and started to slowly walk towards her. Kurumu looked to Ruby with fright then back towards the wall.
"C'mon! What's he doing out there?" she cried out with worry. Her eyes started to move as she followed his movement back into the school.
"He's coming! He's inside the building!" she cheered out. Ruby ran alongside the wall as the remaining two guards attempted to subdue the beast. All Ruby heard was the ripping sounds of flesh and the crunching of bones as the men were mangled to unrecognizable clumps behind her. She ran over to Moka and Kurumu, the three girls now watching the ghoul walk towards them in fear.
"Um… now what?" Ruby asked worriedly.
"Tsukune… Tsukune stop!" Moka cried out.
"Rason!" Kurumu yelled out in horror.
The double doors opened and Rason ran in, gasping at the sight before him. All around the room the bloody remains of the guards were seen strewn about, and the ghoul was at the center of the room with no barrier holding him anymore. Against a wall three frightened girls were staring at the beast as they backed up as much as they could.
"Kurumu!" Rason yelled out.
"Rason!" Kurumu called back with a bright smile.
"Kurumu!" Rason said with a smile as well.
"Ras-"
"Are you KIDDING ME?" Ruby yelled out. She glared at the succubus who jumped at the outburst.
"Now? You're going to do that NOW?" she cried out in disbelief. The ghoul roared out as he looked at the three cornered girls.
"Moka! Catch!" Rason yelled as he threw the lock and chain into the air. The girls watched it fly over the ghoul's head and land into Moka's grip. They looked at it with wonder as the ghoul turned and laughed at Rason, the angel watching the dark being with caution.
"What is this?" Moka asked out loud.
"It's a special seal, put it on his wrist!" Rason called out as he took into the air in the large room. The boy hovered near the ghoul and flew around him.
"Rason what are you doing?" Kurumu yelled out in fear.
"Distracting him, now hurry! Attach the lock to his wrist!" the angel called out as he dodged the ghoul's swipes by a hair. Moka looked to the lock in her hand then to her boyfriend.
'Tsukune…'
'Hurry!'
The vampire looked at her boyfriend with a determined expression, her rosary lighting up as she summoned her power. The ghoul struck out and slammed the angel across the room, the boy smashing into the stone wall and dropping to the ground.
"Rason!" Kurumu cried out in horror. Moka dashed out quickly towards the ghoul, the lock held tightly in her hand.
'Please, let this work!'
She ran towards the ghoul and reached out her arm towards his. In a flash the ghoul spun around and grabbed her around the neck, the girl jerking in surprise as she dropped the chain and lock. The ghoul lifted her into the air as she struggled to free herself from his grasp. She looked at the beast with frightened eyes as he laughed crazily while holding her up.
"Tsukune… stop…" she coughed out.
"Moka!" Ruby called out in fear. Kurumu watched with wide eyes then glanced to the ground. The lock was by the ghoul's feet, the monster fixated on the vampire he was holding in his grip. Her legs thrashed about as she tried to free herself, her hands unable to move his arm in the least. Kurumu growled then dashed towards the lock, showing a focused glare as she homed in on the target. The monster looked over to her and swung his other arm at the girl, the blue haired succubus quickly ducking into a roll and grabbing the lock as she went past. She darted up then threw the lock towards Moka. The vampire caught it as the ghoul reached back his fist to strike her down.
'Tsukune!'
She quickly wrapped the chain around his arm and clicked on the lock. A massive burst of bright light blasted from the lock and chain followed by a deafening screeching sound, with the ghoul then staggering back and holding his arm in pain, roaring out as the bright light engulfed the entire room. Moka dropped to her knees and coughed weakly, then looked up with wide eyes as the ghoul's aura raged around him in a torrent of black and red wisps.
"Tsu… kune…" Moka breathed out as she watched the ghoul drop to his knees and hold his arm up into the air, the lock glowing brightly as light poured out from around it. Kurumu backed up while shielding her eyes to where Rason was lying and kneeled down beside him, the girl unable to see in the light. Ruby watched with a careful glance as she covered her eyes with her arm as the light and sound echoed out in the room.
"That light…" she said as she tried to remain standing. The light receded to a bright glow that only engulfed the boy, the girls watching in awe as the area around him crackled with fierce energy streaks and thunderclaps. Moka could feel the ghoul's dark aura flaring up then vanishing, then repeating. The screeching sound turned into a thunderous roar as the lights seemed to flash around the boy and swirl about, bright lights of red and white forming a tornado around him.
"Tsukune… come back… COME BACK TO ME!" Moka cried out as the light flashed brightly and a shockwave blasted out from the boy, the group being knocked back into the walls and slumping down dazed. The whole building shook a bit as the room slowly quieted down. After a moment the girls slowly got back up and looked in wonder at the center of the room. A dust cloud was shifting away softly from the center as a figure was seen lying on the ground.
"Tsukune?" Moka said under her breath. The three girls walked over cautiously and looked down as the cloud vanished. Moka stared with wide eyes, and then tears started to well up.
"Tsukune…" she said softly as she began to cry.
"The lock…" Ruby said in shock.
"It worked," Kurumu said as they looked down at the sleeping boy, the boy who had returned to his normal self. Moka cried out as she dropped to her knees, holding onto her boyfriend tightly as tears flowed down her face.
"TSUKUNE! YOU'RE BACK! YOU CAME BACK TO ME!" she cried out as she held onto him tightly. The other two girls smiled happily as they wiped away tears, both glad that their friend had returned. The three girls kneeled beside him and looked at his normal human form with great relief.
"He's back… he's back to normal!" Moka cheered out as she struggled to stop crying.
"Unbelievable. Whatever that thing is it worked," Ruby said in astonishment as they looked to the lock on his left wrist. The black chain was wrapped around securely, the long chain having enough length to circle his wrist three times, and the lock rested on his skin with a soft red glow. On his hand above the Holy Lock several strange markings and symbols were seen glowing red before fading away into his skin.
"Rason really came through for us," Ruby said with a nod. She looked over to see Kurumu kneeling beside the angel and holding him tightly.
"Rason! Please don't do anything like that again! I couldn't bear to lose you my perfect angel! Oh my lovely Destined One, you did it! You saved Tsukune from that horrible ghoul! You're the best! The absolute best!" she cried out with tears of joy. Ruby blinked then looked down with a sigh.
"Kurumu…" she said flatly. A few seconds later Kurumu's cries echoed about in the room as she shook the unconscious angel, the boy not only having been knocked into a daze by the ghoul but also suffocated once again by his loving girlfriend. Moka stared at Tsukune with watery eyes, her smile keeping strong on her face as tears flowed down her cheeks.
'He's back… our mate is back…'
'Tsukune… thank the lords you came back…'
"Tsukune!" Moka cried out enthusiastically as she hugged the sleeping boy tightly, the vampire's joy knowing no limits from her boyfriend's recovery.
Kokoa was walking out from the forest tree line with her fists clenched and her head hung low. She walked slowly and slightly off balance, the girl's emotions tearing her up inside.
'Tsukune… Dark… WHAT HAVE I DONE?'
She yelled out in agony and looked up with teary eyes, walking shakily at a slow pace.
'Dark's dead… because of me! I'm responsible for him dying… NO!'
She screamed out in agony then looked down, trembling as she walked with tears dropping to the ground below her.
'And Tsukune… he's a ghoul now! NO! NO NO NO NO!'
"TSUKUNE!" Kokoa yelled out in torment, the girl's heart feeling like a knife was jammed through it. She walked a few more steps then stopped.
"I killed my best friend… and turned the boy I loved into a mindless killer. I was deceived by that damn ghoul, I was misled, I was USED!" she screamed out as she broke down crying.
'I have nothing more to live for. After all I've done… I have no more vampire pride to uphold. I've brought shame to my family and name, and my friends… Dark… I'm so sorry. I'M SORRY!'
She looked down with a heartbroken expression, the girl's tears flowing down her face as she trembled.
'Tsukune… I'm so sorry. I thought you… I thought we… I was a fool once again. I'm sorry, I'm sorry for everything. Please forgive me…'
She closed her eyes and held out her arms to her sides, standing at the edge of the cliffs. Below her the red sea was crashing into the jagged rocks on the cliffside, the roaring of the water below all that was heard as she stood there.
'Big sis… I'm sorry… I won't be a burden to you any longer.'
She shed a single tear, and then leaned forward, the girl falling over the edge towards the water down below.
Tsukune slowly opened his eyes, feeling like a giant weight was lifted off his chest. He slowly sat up and looked around in a daze. The normal beds and sheets, the normal window and tables, the usual ceiling fan set to low; no doubt about it, he was in the infirmary of Yokai Academy once again.
"Ugh, my head…" he groaned as he held a hand to his head, blinking a few times to see straight again. He slowly looked around the room and quickly noticed a few smiling faces.
"TSUKUNE!" Moka cried out as she hugged the boy tightly, tackling him back into the bed.
"Thank you for coming back! I was so worried Tsukune! I was so scared; I thought I would never see you again! Oh Tsukune, oh Tsukune!" she said happily as she cried tears of joy. Tsukune blinked and tried to regain himself as she hugged him tightly.
"Tsukune you're alright!" Ruby cheered out with a relief.
"Oh thank the lords, I was so worried," Kurumu said as she breathed out in relief as well.
"Glad to have you back man," Rason said as he held his smiling girlfriend from behind. Moka sat up on Tsukune's lap and smiled brightly at him.
"I'm so glad you came back Tsukune," she said as she wiped her tears away. The boy blinked and looked around confused.
"Um… came back?" he asked cautiously. The group watched him curiously as he slowly sat up and looked around.
"What… how did we get back here?" he asked curiously. The group glanced to each other then to the boy.
"Tsukune, we've been back for over a day now," Ruby said softly. Tsukune looked to her with bewilderment.
"Over a day? What's going on?" he asked as he looked around franticly.
"You don't remember Tsukune? The fight with that agent? The teleportation spell that brought us back here? Anything?" Kurumu asked cautiously. The boy shook his head and looked around slowly.
"I remember fighting the agent, and then everything got hazy. Then… I woke up just now," he said worriedly as he looked to his friends.
"He must not remember from the ghoul taking over," Moka said softly with a worried expression. Tsukune jumped and looked at her with shock.
"The ghoul? That thing took over again?" he cried out. Moka got up from the bed and stood by his side with a remorseful expression. The group nodded and looked at him saddened as well.
"Tsukune… we need to tell you something," Ruby said carefully. Tsukune shook his head and looked around.
"This is just like before… when… when the ghoul…" he said softly while he shuddered. This was playing out exactly like it did when the ghoul took over before, and killed the witch sisters Apoch and Astreal. Tsukune looked to his friends with fright.
"Did… I… he… it… kill…" he trailed off with fear of what might have happened. To his dismay the group slowly nodded.
"No… not again… NOT AGAIN!" the boy screamed out as he held his head with his hands. He glanced to his wrist and saw the strange lock and chain tied to it.
"What's this?" he asked as he started to pull on it.
"DON'T!" the group cried out, the boy freezing in place with wide eyes.
"Don't remove that. Ever," Ruby said with fear as she looked at the lock.
"What? Why? What is it?" Tsukune asked as he examined the strange trinket.
"Tsukune…" Moka said softly.
'He's going to be devastated…'
'We all are… but he needs to know.'
Moka sat on the bedside and looked at her boyfriend with sorrowful eyes.
"A lot has happened since you lost control Tsukune," she said softly. The boy looked at her with worry then down to his wrist with great concern.
"Please… what happened Moka?" he asked as he looked back to her, seeing Moka struggling to hold her tears back.
The group explained about the ghoul saving Kokoa at the last second from the truck's explosion, and how they had fought back against Fairy Tale and the mystery vampire agent. They explained what Kokoa did and why, how the ghoul tricked her and was after her overcharge ability from the start. They gravely told how Dark sacrificed himself to save Mizore, and how the headmaster and Ruby had to bind the ghoul with a powerful spell. How Rason had obtained a Holy Lock from heaven for Tsukune and how it was the only thing that was keeping the ghoul sealed inside of him now, that if he should ever remove the lock he would return to his ghoulish state. After the tale was told Tsukune stared at Moka with an expression of complete devastation.
"No… Dark…" he breathed out as he looked down and trembled.
"Tsukune… I'm sorry…" Moka said as she held her hand over her mouth.
"It wasn't your fault Tsukune, that ghoul did it. Just like with Apoch and Astreal," Ruby commented.
"If anybody here is to blame, it's Kokoa," Kurumu growled.
"Kokoa?" Tsukune asked softly as he looked around.
"We can't blame her though; the ghoul tricked her like it did with all of us. She thought Tsukune wanted her only because of that evil being and what he was making Tsukune do," Moka said softly. Kurumu growled then looked down.
"Yeah… I guess so," she muttered.
"We were all tricked by that thing. The only one to blame is the ghoul," Rason said as he held his girlfriend close. Tsukune looked around then back to his friends.
"Where is Kokoa? And Mizore, and Yukari?" he asked curiously.
"Kokoa was here with Gin earlier, they were gone when we arrived here with you," Moka said as she glanced around.
"Yukari left to go find Mizore a while ago, not sure where they are now," Ruby said as she thought about it.
"Actually I ran into Kokoa outside. Or rather she ran into me," Rason commented. The group looked to him as he glanced out the window.
"She was running away from the academy with a devastated expression, but I had to attend to the ghoul matter instead of following after her," he said with a worried tone.
"She ran away from the academy?" Moka asked as she looked to the window.
"Maybe she ran back to her dorm room to be alone. I can imagine how she might be feeling if she knew what she did," Ruby reasoned.
"Well she did call herself an idiot while running away," Rason added. The girls nodded and looked to the window as well.
"Yeah, that explains it then," Kurumu said with a soft tone.
"Kokoa…" Moka said to herself softly.
'Why would she run off like that?'
'I can't imagine how she would be feeling now. As much as I'm upset with her, I'd have to agree this ghoul thing isn't entirely her fault. She was deceived by the thing as it used Tsukune like a puppet.'
'Maybe if we tell her that it might ease her pain.'
"How are you feeling now Tsukune?" Rason asked cautiously, the group looking back to the boy as he glanced to his wrist.
"I feel ok, I don't feel any different then before," he said softly.
"Do you hear the voice sill?" Ruby asked. Tsukune looked up and thought for a bit, then shook his head.
"Nothing. If he is still there he's not saying anything now," he replied.
"Maybe he's sealed off for good now," Kurumu said with a relieved smile.
"I hope so, I couldn't bear to lose you again Tsukune," Moka said as she looked to her boyfriend with watery eyes.
"Oh Moka…" he said with a soft smile.
"Oh Tsukune…" she replied with loving eyes.
"Moka…"
"Tsukune…"
"Yeah, he's back to normal," Rason said with a smirk.
Moka leaned forward and wrapped her arms around Tsukune's neck, the boy holding her close from the waist. The group smiled softly as the couple kissed gently, their eyes closed and their hearts beating steadily. The pink haired vampire was scared to death that she would never have felt this again, and desperately wanted the moment never to end. Tsukune, even after being told all the horrible news of what happened while he was out, was thankful that his girlfriend had survived and longed for the kiss to continue forever. When the kiss ended the two smiled at each other.
"I love you Tsukune. Me and my other self do with all our hearts," Moka said gently.
"I love you Moka, and I will for all time," he replied with a kind smile. The group smiled at them then looked down with saddened expressions.
"We need to finish this battle against Fairy Tale, we can't let them get away with all they've done," Rason said as he clenched his fists.
"We will, and we'll do so in Dark's memory," Kurumu said softly with a nod.
"I intend to fight alongside you as well. This time I'll be with you every step of the way," Ruby added. Moka and Tsukune looked to each other then to their friends.
"We all will. Together," Tsukune said as he held his girl close. She smiled softly and nodded at him.
"Yes. Together," she said happily.
'My Tsukune… the brave fighter.'
'Our mate is the best, never forget that.'
"So… what now?" Kurumu asked curiously.
"I think we should go find Kokoa. That and find out where Mizore and Yukari are," Tsukune said as he got out of the bed.
"Yeah, I wonder if Felucia has anything to do with their disappearance," Rason added.
"Felucia was here?" Tsukune said in surprise.
"Boy was she," the angel said shaking his head.
"Well, let's head outside and look around. Hopefully she didn't go far," Kurumu said with a soft smile. She glanced to Tsukune as he put back on a shirt that was next to his bed.
"Are you sure you're feeling ok Tsukune? Would you prefer to wait here?" she asked worriedly.
"No, I'm feeling fine. Besides, Kokoa would need to hear from me that I'm ok. I won't let her beat herself up over this," he said with a determined look.
"Ok, well let's go then. Spread out and try to find out where she went," Rason said as they walked out of the infirmary. As they walked out Moka looked to her boyfriend with a loving smile.
'My Tsukune… I'll never let you go, ever.'
Kokoa was on her knees and staring in wonder, looking in disbelief at the boy that saved her at the last second from going over the edge.
"What are you doing here?" she asked softly.
"What am I doing here?" Gin yelled out as he looked at the vampire with discontent, his arms crossed in front of him. He shook his head as the girl looked at him curiously.
"What the hell were you doing? Suicide Kokoa? Seriously?" he barked out at the girl. She looked down and away with a sorrowful expression.
"Just leave me be. There's nothing left for me now, I've screwed up so badly," she said with a tremble. The boy walked over and yanked her up by the arm, the surprised girl now on her feet and looking with wide eyes at the wolf.
"Enough of that crap! What are you thinking Kokoa? Do you have any idea how devastated we all would be if you died like that?" he yelled out. The girl looked at him with surprise then scowled at him.
"Everybody would be better off without me! Dark's dead! Tsukune's cursed to be ghoul! I destroyed my big sister's love life because of that damned being! I've ruined everything!" she cried out. Gin just looked at her then towards the red sea.
"So that's it then? Just end it? I'm sure Dark would be happy knowing that's how you chose to handle things. Or Tsukune for that matter," he said simply. The vampire growled then looked down as she struggled not to cry.
"Just leave me alone!" she yelled out with frustration.
"Vampire pride, right Kokoa?" Gin said with a glance to her, the girl looking to him with wonder.
"You always talked so highly of your pride. Always being atop your pedestal and looking around arrogantly. Always how being a vampire was the proudest role in the world," he said simply. She looked down with a pained expression and trembled.
"I've lost all my pride; I've brought shame to my family and to myself. I'm not worthy of living like this," she choked out as a few tears leaked down her cheeks.
"Then get it back," Gin said with a stern voice. The girl looked to him as the wolf glanced at her with discontent.
"Pride isn't given Kokoa, it's earned. If you've lost it, then earn it back. A true vampire wouldn't just give up like that. Your big sister would never give up, isn't that right?" he demanded. Kokoa looked at him then downward with worry.
"But-"
"But nothing!" Gin roared out as Kokoa looked up in surprise at him.
"Vampires are S-Class monsters, powerful and strong, elite among elite. And here you are ready to throw your life away because you made a mistake. Pathetic!" the boy roared out. Kokoa looked to him in wonder as he gazed out towards the sea, his hair flowing in the breeze as his eyes peered out into the horizon.
"I intend to fight alongside the others; I'm not going to just sit back while this Fairy Tale group tries to wreck the monster and human worlds. I'll make them pay for all the pain they've caused Kokoa, and I won't let anything stop me," he said confidently. He glanced to the vampire and raised an eyebrow at her.
"If vampire pride is really so important to you, then earn it back. Yes, you fucked up. You fucked up royally. But you're still alive; your sister is still alive. Fight with us, fight back against these assholes. Or, if you prefer, give up, and forsake your vampire pride to hell," he said simply. The young vampire looked at him then down to the ground.
'Earn it back…'
"Kokoa!" a voice called out from behind them. They looked over to see Tsukune and the group running towards them.
"Tsukune?" Gin and Kokoa said in shock at seeing him. The boy ran up and looked to his friends with his usual smile.
"Yeah, it's me. Rason helped with a-" he started before he was pulled into a fierce bear hug by Gin.
"Damn glad you're ok buddy! Don't go dying on us so soon you crazy guy!" he cried out happily as he swung Tsukune around in a tight hug, with Tsukune staring ahead with a stunned smile. After a moment Gin blinked then dropped the boy back down as he regained himself. Tsukune looked to him with surprise then smiled weakly while Gin gave a weak smile back.
"Yeah… sorry about worrying you," Tsukune said with a chuckle. Kokoa just stared with wide eyes at him while the other girls looked at her curiously.
"How did you get back to normal? I thought the headmaster said that ghoul transformation was permanent," Gin said with a relieved smile at the boy. Tsukune held his arm up and let them look at the trinket, the lock and chain dangling around his wrist securely.
"With this, a Holy Lock from heaven. Rason brought it down to cure me, well sort of," he said with a smirk.
"Wow. That thing cured you?" Gin said in amazement.
"Well, not completely, but it lets me keep the ghoul in check," Tsukune said with a relieved smile at it. He then looked to Kokoa who was staring with wide eyes at him.
"Tsukune…" she breathed out.
"Kokoa what were you two doing out here? Why did you leave the academy?" Moka asked curiously. Kokoa looked to her then to Tsukune.
"I…" she said softly. She glanced to Gin who nodded at her, then slowly walked up to Tsukune.
"Tsukune… I need to-" she started before the boy held a finger to her mouth.
"Kokoa, it's ok. I don't blame you," he said gently. She looked at him with surprise as he removed his finger.
"The ghoul tricked you. It did so to all of us, I don't hold you responsible," he said with a kind smile.
SLAP!
The group watched in surprise as Tsukune recoiled from the young vampire's slap to his face.
"Idiot…" Kokoa said with a growl. The boy looked to her with surprise as Kokoa glared at him.
"Don't you dare say such bullshit. The ghoul is my fault. I'm the one who didn't perform the transfusion properly from the start, I'm the one that gave that damn being the power surge he wanted from me all along, I'm the one who fell for his deceit and thought you were in love with me. It's all my fault Tsukune!" Kokoa yelled out. The boy looked at her then down with a saddened expression.
"But… I don't blame you. Really," he said softly.
"I know… you're always too kind Tsukune. But this is my fault, I'm to blame for this," Kokoa said as she looked down and closed her eyes.
"Kokoa…" Moka said softly. The redhead looked back up to Tsukune with sorrowful eyes.
"I'm sorry. I should have listened to you from the start, I should have known you would only love big sister. I was a fool, and it cost us dearly," she said softly. She looked to his wrist and reached out to it. She gently held it up and looked down to his lock, showing a pained expression as she traced her finger along the chain.
"Now you bear such a heavy burden, so much pain, so much torment, all because of me and my foolishness. I can never say sorry enough Tsukune, I scarred you so deeply," she said as she looked back into his eyes, the boy watching her with a gentle expression.
"Kokoa, I'll get through this. We all will, somehow," he said with a bit of hesitation. She nodded and let his wrist go, then looked around at her friends.
"I want to fight by your side still. I need to; I have to make sure Fairy Tale pays for all they've done. I need to regain my pride. I need to reclaim my vampire nobility," she said with a focused glance around the group. Her eyes stopped on Moka as the pink haired vampire looked at her with sympathetic eyes.
"And I need to regain your trust big sister. I'm sorry. I… I know I screwed up badly. I'll show you that I can be understanding of your choice. Tsukune is your mate, and I'll never interfere with that again," she pleaded softly, scared of what her sister would say.
"Kokoa, I forgive you. I know the ghoul led you to believe all those things, I don't blame you," Moka said with a soft smile. Kokoa smiled briefly then looked back to Tsukune with a serious expression.
"But for you Tsukune… I still owe you. I've taken so much from you, caused so much pain for you, I need to right that or else I'll never reclaim my pride," she said as she walked up to him.
"Kokoa, you don't owe me anything, I mean-" he started before he stopped suddenly, seeing the redheaded vampire having her hand held back and ready to slap him again. He blinked and looked at her nervously while she stared at him with a blank expression. After a moment she lowered her hand and shook her head gently.
"No Tsukune, I do. And I intend to make good on that," she said as she slowly kneeled down on one knee before him, the group looking in surprise at her. Moka gasped as Kokoa looked up to Tsukune with a focused gaze.
"I swear Tsukune, I'll pledge my life to you, and to make sure that you will not be harmed again. I will defend my sister's mate to the death if need be. It's only right, it's only fair," Kokoa said confidently. Moka stared with wide eyes as her sister gazed up at the surprised boy.
'Kokoa… is she… she couldn't be…'
"What? What are you saying Kokoa?" Tsukune said a bit confused. Kokoa smiled gently and looked at him with pleading eyes.
"I'll be loyal to you from now on Tsukune, I'll make good on my debt to you. From now on, I'll stand by your side," she said as she bowed her head down. Moka stared with surprise as her sister said those words, and then looked to Tsukune with disbelief. Vampires would only kneel and pronounce such devotion like this for one reason, and those of high royalty or bloodlines would never have lowered themselves like this. But the fact that Kokoa was saying it to Tsukune completely shocked Moka.
'Kokoa… she's… she's really…'
'She's claiming Tsukune to be… her master.'