A\N: This will be the first official chapter. Assume nothing from the one-shot chapter, especially as this chapter starts after the end of the manga. Enjoy!


Lights filled the night sky with hues of purple, blue, and yellow, flickering and brightening the already lit skyline of Tokyo City.

The sounds of cheers and laughter echoed in the city where an amusement park was hosted. Fun music played loudly to everyone's ears and screams of people rang as roller coasters rumbled.

Laughter particularly rang among three people - two loving parents and their seven-year-old daughter. The girl squealed as she was lifted a little off the ground and swung as both parents to the side holding her arm.

Maeimi and Eito Toujo, the respective mother and father of their daughter, Ruby Toujo. Together, they were a family with a history of witchcraft that was secretly being practiced. Today though, they were just about any other family making memories together.

The young witch is nearly the spitting image of Maeimi except she lacks the green eyes of her mother and her short hair, preferring to keep it braided and long.

"Ruby," Maemi Toujo chuckled, "...was the roller coaster really that exciting? You can learn to ride a broom just as fast!"

Plopping her feet back to the ground, Ruby shakes her head, her eyes brightening as they head towards the exit.

"No way!" Ruby huffed, pulling in her hands, "...the way it drops up and down, then loops around. I could never do that!"

Eito Toujo hummed, patting his daughter's head. "In will in time if you continue Lady Oyakata's lessons."

Ruby's excited mood was suddenly being tampered with by her father's expectations. She frowned as she stared into her father's orange-scarlet eyes. Seemingly, that is the only thing she inherited; however, it's the most catching of the features, almost glowing in the dark. Other than that, Eito sported a rugged look with a slight stubby beard. His expression was one of patience, yet caution on his square head.

"Foo! Why can't you guys teach me? That lady is always trying to teach me weird stuff! Also, it itches around her garden!"

Eito cleared his throat, a little happy that their daughter wanted them to teach her and they probably would have, yet he can't dismiss the opportunity provided. He respected the three-hundred-year-old witch.

"Ruby, we've been over this. Lady Oyakata chose to teach you after seeing your potential. Given how long she's been around, it should be an honor!"

Maeimi sighed, shaking her head at her husband who could only go on how fortunate their daughter is.

"Dear, let's not be so firm here. Right now, the last thing we need to think of magic and witchcraft."

Eito hummed and then let go of his daughter's hand to rub her head instead. She grunted in displeasure but otherwise, there was an unmistakable smile on her face as she warmed up to her father's apology.

"That's true. I'm sorry Ruby. How about we go on the Ferris wheel?"

Ruby's growing smile turned into an immediate frown as she looked to the large wheel of slow-moving carts just within her vision. It seemed that they were heading in that direction anyway.

"That looks a little boring though," she says, skepticism all over her face.

Maeimi chuckled. "Oh come now! Not everything needs to be fast. Sometimes, it's better to relax from time to time, right?"

Ruby looked down at her feet and finally shrugged. "I guess..."

Hearing the obvious disappointment in her body language and voice, both parents looked at each other for a moment and sighed with a resigned smile. They brought their daughter to the park for fun and for her enjoyment, but it was apparent that she loved the more exhilarating rides. This did not bode well for either of them who already lost their lunch behind their daughter's back.

"Okay, we'll head for the roller coaster ride..." Maeimi began, then saw a stream of silent tears from her husband as he shivered. She sighed again.

"Dear, please don't cry. We both have nothing to lose anymore."

Ruby was oblivious to the pain of their parents who were sacrificing a lot to make the day special for their daughter. She raised her hands up in delight.

"Yay!"

As the family turned and made their way to the roller coaster ride, Ruby hummed happily during the walk back while her parents were chatting to themselves, particularly with Maeimi reassuring her husband over the coming ride.

Her parents' grip on her hand fell through as Ruby suddenly stopped, hearing a croak enter her ears. Her parents didn't quite notice the loss of their daughter yet.

Time seemed to slow in the young witch's eyes as she saw a black bird perched on top of a fence that separated the parking lot outside and the park area.

A raven.

Ruby wasn't sure what came over her, but it felt like the bird was calling to her. Its black feathers shined under the light of the amusement park. Within its black eyes, Ruby could see a small reflection of herself.

Then a bright white light started to fade in from behind the bird and spilling in the gaps of the fence.

The raven flew away without another sound but the bright light was getting bigger, nearly surrounding her view with a growing roar behind the fence. She couldn't leave like the raven as she felt frozen.

Was it the raven...or the possibility of death? Perhaps it was both with the raven being the ominous sign of it all.

If she had begun to move like the raven did though, then maybe...

"Ruby!"

Someone called out to her.

Someone pushed her away.

For the young witch, everything changed at that moment. She was no longer in front of the bright light. The next thing she knew before her vision blacked out was the sounds of the fence breaking and then a sickening thud.


Ruby gasped, her upper body pulling upwards as she rose from her bed. She carried sweat all over her body and her heart beat with ferocity.

Within her dorm room situated alongside the rest of the female students' rooms at Youkai Academy, the twenty-one-year-old witch tried hard to regain herself, looking around and recognizing that she only had a bad dream.

Still...

'No...why now?!'

For the witch, she had thought memories of her parent's death were over. It's been fourteen years since a drunk driver crashed into the same amusement park and killed her parents.

Since then, Ruby had undergone many trials and changes. Her teacher, Lady Oyakata took her in and guided her with the idea that all humans should pay in order to exact revenge for her parents.

That was true until she met Tsukune and his friends two years ago. For someone who only had Oyakata left as a person that she could relate to as a witch, they were able to make her see that she was helping her master unleash something even worse than a mere drunk driver upon humans.

There is evil and misguidance everywhere, but it is not blanket to cover across all of humanity. There are good people and Tsukune is proof of that along with various other individuals. The same goes for Youkai who can display good and the worst of intentions.

At a young age though, she couldn't help but feel vengeful. Yet, her dream was a reminder that it wasn't only a drunk driver's fault. If she hadn't been so eager to move fast and learn to relax, perhaps things would've been different. She could've at least gained more time to enjoy the presence of her family.

Perhaps, their deaths were inevitable though. If she could go back in time, she wasn't sure if she could prevent it. The very first time she saw a raven, one that symbolized death and misfortune, it may have sealed her parents' fate and hers as well.

So, why pick a raven as her familiar and learn for so long how to embody it through magic? If she thought about it now, she would have certainly tried to avoid it, but back then at a young age, she had an urge to control it.

Perhaps, it was because she thought then the raven was actually trying to warn her. If she had heed that warning, she might have saved her family.

There was a bigger reason though that she couldn't admit to herself back then. She admired the raven because it's a beautiful, yet haunting creature.

'It's not like thinking about it would really matter at this point,' Ruby sighed, knowing that it wasn't worth trying to adapt to a different familiar after years of training and utilizing her birds.

Ravens are part of who she is, any symbolism attached is not.

Reaffirming herself on that note, she slid out of her bed and moved to the bathroom to wash up. Splashing cold water on her face helped to calm her down and restart her mind. She would have gone back to bed but with only a couple hours to spare before the academy would start, there wasn't any worth in going back to sleep.

Picking up her Talking Book that was settled on a coffee table near her bed, she whispered an incantation that caused the book to glow purple.

The sweat and heat from her body dissipated as if she had already taken a shower. She let out a relieved sigh as she felt clean and refreshed in only a few seconds. She performed the same magic on her bed to remove the sweat.

Magic is extremely useful in cleaning. Some witches find it a demeaning use of abilities; however, Ruby found no shame in using it to make herself more efficient.

They say there are witches blending in human society and the most popular job taken is for maids and housecleaning. As long as the employer is away, they could clean without worry and rack in the yen at an insane rate.

As far as Ruby is concerned, she felt that's perfectly fitting job. In fact, that's what she finds her magic used for in the academy when there is downtime. Besides, she also finds herself at peace when she's able to make herself useful when no orders are thrown at her.

Now preparing to wear her usual attire, she waved her hands and one of the many corsets she had slipped out silently, then began wrapping itself around her. She let out a more pleasant sigh as it tightened around her, far more than necessary. Of course, this is how she likes it. Not wanting to disturb the others sleeping around, she quieted herself though and disallowed her masochistic side to take over.

"Alright! Ready to go!" she chirped, twirling around.

She attached a pouch to her side to hold her spell book. It also contained a pocket to store several talismans. As part of the spell book's ability though, she could generate hundreds by pouring magic if she wished. Yet, she liked to keep premade ones as a precaution so she doesn't have to wait.

'Well, I may as well patrol the school,' she thought.

It was also to help clear her mind a little and contemplate on herself. She didn't plan on becoming distracted today, but that dream did remind her that there were still some mysteries surrounding her parent's death.

She hummed. 'Was that voice that called out to me...my mother or father?'

The witch never really thought about it since, in the end, it was confirmed that both died.

Groaning, Ruby rubbed her head and then shook. "Argh! This is no good! I won't be as useful to anyone if I'm like this."

Ignoring the lingering questions and the pain she felt in her heart over her parents, she tried to think more positively around the people that were still alive and cared.

Leaving her dorm room and trying to ensure she didn't wake any other girls or faculty up, she slipped past her neighbor, Ms. Nekonome, whose snores could be heard echoing into the hallways.

Ruby could not help but let a sweat drop fall. By now, most around would have gotten used to her cat-like snores, including her, so was there any reason to try to be quiet?

Regardless, the witch exited the dorm silently. It was dark, yet there was a tint of red beginning to show. If she looked out, she could see a sliver of the red sky starting to brighten.

Ruby breathed in the dead air and channeled her magic. In an instant, her body had shrunk and disappeared in a flurry of black feathers as she transformed into a raven.

Flapping high, she could see the girl's dorm and across a few hundred meters is the boy's dorm room. Between them is a path of cleared trees that leads to the academy.

Following the path, Ruby enjoyed the cool night breeze as she soared, scanning her surroundings and letting her thoughts roam about the events of her friends and herself so far.

'Things are going to be different.'

That much was an understatement.

Moka Akashiya is no longer two personalities, but a blend with the friendliness and affection of her mother and the battle-readiness of her released form. Even though it's been six months, everyone is still getting used to the new personality.

Tsukune Aono is now a full Shinso vampire. Literally risking his life to get to this state, Ruby admired him to the bottom of her heart. He had chosen the life of the academy and to become the headmaster once he graduates, as Mikogami had passed down in his wishes. The thought of serving under the orders of her "owner" sent shivers down her current feathery form. For now, it would still be a while especially as Moka's father, Issa Shuzen, trains him in order to better protect the school when he becomes ready.

Other than that, the rest of the harem have resolved themselves even further to become a permanent part of Tsukune's life. Given his future role, it wouldn't be a surprise if everyone continued to be involved in Youkai Academy for the next generation. That would definitely be true for her, at least.

Staring at the school, she felt a great pride well within her. So many memories made here and more to certainly come. She had long thought that only the Sunflower field she lived in with her master would be the only important place, but that isn't the case anymore.

She didn't know where the headmaster is, whether he died in the self-destruction of Alucard along with Touhou...or perhaps just disappeared, finally letting himself retire conveniently.

Regardless, Ruby knew the safety of the school needed to be ensured more than ever. More outsiders will become aware of the existence of "monsters" and other Youkai beings. There will also be threats from remaining factions of Fairy Tale, one of them being led by Kiria.

So the question remains, who is currently in charge of the academy?

'Wait a minute...' Ruby began in her mind, perching herself on the rooftop of the school and transforming back into her true form.

'...technically, I am?!' she finished her thought and grabbed her head in a panic.

Even now, the witch still couldn't believe it and she certainly didn't feel that she should be the one in charge. Technically though, the mysterious bus driver, Nurari is the one truly in charge, having led Tsukune and the whole newspaper club for years while remaining in minimal sight.

It's crazy to think that such a commanding being would simply be a driver for the school, yet someone that even Mikogami bowed under. Could he be the puppeteer for the three Dark Lords?

Ruby shivered, hugging herself the more she thought about it.

"This is too crazy."

That much is certain, but normal considering the area she was standing within. Reminded of her role, she remembered the bus driver's instructions for her:

"You are in charge of the school and acting headmaster, performing any duties as necessary. Until Tsukune is properly trained under Issa and graduates, take great care of the school and Great Barrier."

Ruby could not help but yell into the air. "Ah! What if I don't want to be in charge?! I'm not suited for this kind of thing!"

Despite her worry, it seemed that she didn't need to do anything different than what she was already doing before under Mikogami. For the most part, she continued to fill in for teachers, remained the newspaper club advisor, and cleaned up wherever she could. It's really the future she's worried about.

The witch is certainly not headmaster material and could never give off the same aura as Mikogami or Nurari, nor does she want to give such a scare to others.

For now, this role is only known to herself, Nurari, Issa, and a few faculty members. She refused to tell Tsukune and everyone, less they treat her differently.

They probably wouldn't anyways. Somehow, she is even certain about that, which makes her feel a little silly.

It helps that many students don't think much of the headmaster, especially since Mikogami kept his presence minimal around the school grounds. In fact, those who knew were too scared to even walk past the headmaster's office thanks to his ominous and threatening presence.

The good thing is, his office still held some of his presence...so much so that even Ruby avoided it.

'Just keep on doing what you're supposed to, Ruby,' the witch told herself and sighed. Thinking about her temporary role would only add anxiety to her usual duties.

Slumping down, she watched the red sky slowly brighten in front of her and gave a weak smile.

'But still...it's not all that bad...eh?'

Ruby's thoughts were interrupted as she saw a shadow blur past some trees in her vision. She sensed out her surroundings and confirmed a presence that was making its way towards the girl's dorm. Who could be out so late?

"Looks like a pervert..."

Ruby nodded, agreeing with the sudden female voice. "It could be, but who-"

Ruby froze, then her head turned jaggedly to see Mizore sitting next to her, a lollipop in her mouth and her cool gaze staring into the dead forest below.

"Wah!"

Ruby nearly stumbled but caught herself, pointing at the Yuki-onna while grabbing her chest.

"When did you come?!"

Mizore twirled her lollipop in response, a small amused smile painting her face.

"It was too hot in the dorm. I think the AC isn't working for some rooms..."

Ruby blinked a few times, remembering she woke up in a sweat too and it wasn't cold either.

'Oh...so maybe that was why I was sweaty...'

The snow maiden continued, "...so I decided to wander around for a bit to cool off. Then, I saw you leaving out, so...I decided to follow you."

She claimed it so proudly with her eyes twinkling that Ruby didn't know how to reply. Instead, she let her head hang and sigh. As expected from a professional stalker.

"A-ah...yeah, that sounds about right, I guess."

Mizore hummed and then stood up. "So, are we going to catch the pervert?"

"Well, we shouldn't assume it's a pervert, Mizore."

The Yuki-onna narrowed her eyes and pulled out the lollipop in her mouth, now twirling it in her hand.

"You're right...it could be an assassin and a pervert."

The witch closed her eyes and gave a resigned smile, then stood up as well. Really, at this hour when girls would slowly start to wake up and get changed, it probably was a pervert. This would normally be an opportunity for someone like Gin to sneak in some photos, except that the werewolf had already graduated. He'd be more likely to take photos of college girls now.

Well regardless, Ruby would find out who was out at this hour and it appeared she would be receiving Mizore's help as well. She didn't mind it in the least and actually enjoyed some company from one of her friends.

"Alright," the witch agreed, "...just please do not go overboard. We'll try to capture whoever is slipping through the trees and it shouldn't involve freezing them."

Mizore nodded and popped back the lollipop into her mouth. She smirked, the stick turning upwards as she did.

"You know, if I didn't know you well, you can actually sound like an adult sometimes," Mizore noted.

Ruby grew shocked by the statement, wondering if she should feel happy or offended. Instead, she found herself growing embarrassed.

"Um...thank you?"

Knowing that she couldn't leave it at that, she tried to prop herself a bit. Closing her eyes and clearing her throat, she let her finger point upward with a proud smile, "I am your advisor after all."

Opening her eyes, she sees a bit of Mizore's purple hair as the snowgirl had already dropped down without listening any further to the witch.

Ruby waved her hands in a panic, then followed the cold girl with a stammer.

"W-wait, hold up! Oh...why is my morning starting out like this?"

To say things will be different is quite the understatement and that fact won't just apply to everyone but her.

For the witch...many, many things are about to unfold.