Disclaimer: I own nothing but Mizuk.


Really!

Waking to his normal routine Mizuk fell out of bed, got up, went to the bathroom washed up, then came back to his room and got dressed for the day. Leaving his room Tsukune was waiting leaning against the wall staring at the floor with an empty gaze.

"Hey still alive," asked Mizuk.

"Hmm.. oh ya… just thinking," Said Tsukune as the two began there walk down the hallway..

"Bout what if you don't mind me asking?"

"Today is the first meeting for the newspaper club," Said Tsukune as he smiled scratching the back of his head.\"Ah ya I know what you mean. I start Karate club today," chuckled Mizuk as he tried to hide his anxiety.

As they walked to school they talked about their expectations of their after school activities. As they came to the entrance of the school they met up with Moka and Kurumu. Like clockwork Kurumu would jump Tsukune smothering him till Moka pried her off to get her hug and taste, which would lead to Tsukune yelling. Mizuk would shake his head as Kurumu yelled at Moka and like always the bell rang cutting Kurumu off. As people began to enter the school for class Tsukune was escorted in with Moka on his right arm, Kurumu on his left. And whole bunch of a whole bunch of death glares from the male population. Mizuk strolled behind the three chuckling at the fact that Tsukune had no idea as to how lucky he was. When the time came he tightened his rolled up sleeves, tightening the straps to his bag before he pied Kurumu off Tsukune. Making sure he only grabbed around her waist, he pulled her kicking and groaning as Tsukune and Moka waved goodbye. Halfway to there homeroom class Mizuk let her go as she began her string of profanities. Fixing his beanie Mizuk put in his head phones and tuned out the succubus as he put his tucked his hands in his pockets and followed her to class.

In the classroom Mizuk took his seat in the back and took out his notebook while Kurumu doodled on her desk on various things Tsukune.

"Today class we will be covering World War II," said the Teacher.

Mizuk along with the rest of the class let out an annoyed sigh. School always went over the Second World War as a prime example as to why youkai need to stay secret. Mizuk already knew about how it was started from middle school. Apparently a youkai had promised Hitler power and said for a small price of a couple million human souls Hitler would become a god. Would have worked if the youkai hadn't been sealed away. Only thing about it that Mizuk found interesting was that no one knew how the youkai was sealed, who did it, and what the youkai was called. But like a good student Mizuk wrote down the important dates and events, and anything else that would come in handy.

At Lunch Mizuk found it difficult to not think of his afternoon activates. His pleasant calm died when ran into Haiji, who reminded him of what was to come later.

"…Ok?"

"Hmm… what," asked Mizuk

"Are you ok," Moka asked as she looked at him from the head lock Kurumu had her in.

"Ya, I'm fine why you ask?"

"Because you look like a zombie," responded Kurumu as she tightened her grip getting a squeak from Moka.

Tsukune who was focusing on getting Moka out of the head lock wasn't paying much attention to the conversation.

"Oh… just nervous I guess," Responded Mizuk as he returned to his food.

Eventually getting Moka out of the head lock but ended up falling onto Tsukune.

"See what you did Moka," scolded Kurumu.

"That was not my fault,," yelled Moka as she got off Tsukune.

"Oh ya then why is his nose bleeding?"

"Probably cause Moka's chest was in face," mumbled Mizuk.

"What did you say," asked Mizuk

"Nothing," said Mizuk.

For those few moments Mizuk was able to smile and forget his worries.


It was about that time and Mizuk was begging to regret his decision. Towards the back of the campus the Karate club had its own building near the gym. Unlike the other buildings on campus it was more traditional. It looked like an old fudo era dojo. Deciding now or never Mizuk entered the dojo as the setting sun gave way to cold air. Once inside Mizuk began to relax a little as there were about thirty other youkai that seemed to be new also. The dojo had a huge floor made of bamboo mats with white sparring circles spread out across the floor. The walls were simple brown wood with scrolls that had Japanese writing and poetry on rice paper above alters with burning incense. Towards the back of the dojo was a raised platform with a simple white pillow. Before Mizuk could get comfortable In came Haiji with the third year class, each one in a kurategi with sculpted muscles and a pissed off expression on their faces.

"Hello first years," said Haiji, though it seemed like he was just talking his voice boomed through out the building. "As you all know I am you sensei, as part of the Karate club you will gain brothers, self respect and discipline…" as he talked Haiji paced back and forth in front of the senior class in a tight line. "Lets get started," Said Haiji as he came to a stop in the middle of the line. "You first years are going to be worked and tuned as I see fit do you hear me," yelled Haiji.

Mizuk along with the rest of the first years were dead quiet with the stunned dear look plastered on their faces. Haiji sighed as he could see this was going to be a long day.

"When I ask if you hear me I want to hear you roar," Said Haiji his voice booming. "Third year do you hear me!"

No sooner then he stopped talking the seniors made a bestial roar that made Mizuk's soul vibrate and scared the crap out of every new member in the room.

"By the end of this year you will not only have mastered basic karate, but will be toned into perfect fighting machines. Now you all will move into single file lines and pick up these weights." As Haiji talked the seniors line parted to show two boxes next to each other on the floor, the tops open filled with black wristbands.

"Each of you will be given four wrists bands. Two for your wrists, two for legs, each will be weighing a hundred pounds. These will be used to build your strength, endurance and agility faster in our short period of time together." After a few moments of watching the freshmen stand like statues he let out another sigh. "Move it move it MOVE IT," he yelled as he clapped his hands replicating thunder.

Snapping out of their trances the freshmen quickly formed two lines and acquired their bands quickly putting them on.

"These bands are to never come off until the end of the year. If these bands were to come off not only will you be kicked out but I will give a very… reasonable punishment for you. Do I make myself clear?" Pinching the bridge of his nose again as the freshmen where being quiet again. "Do you hear me," roared Haiji.

"Yes sir," yelled the new members.

By the time Mizuk got to 44a box the lines were almost gone. After receiving and putting on his bands he noticed it wasn't so bad. With inhuman strength the light tugging on his limbs wasn't that bad.

"Now lets get today's training under way," Said Haiji. From the way he was smiling Mizuk could tell he wasn't going to like what was coming next.

The stairs were a bit of a problem for Mizuk. By the time he made it to the top he could no longer stand and was forced to crawl. With the weights on his limbs they felt more like a thousand then a mere hundred. When he finally made it to his door he almost resigned to sleeping outside the door. But with that last bit of energy he was able to reach the knob and unlock and open the door. Crawling into the room Mizuk attempted to kick the door closed. "Screw it," was all he could mumble before he passed out.


Like always morning came to quickly. Tsukune woke up to his alarm crawled out of bed and yawned as he stretched as he watched the rising sun through his window. After quickly getting dressed to avoid the morning rush Tsukune used the spare time to review his math notes. After about an hour of studying, Tsukune began to hear the building come to life. Deciding he had enough review time he packed up his things and left the room. Walking the three steps to Mizuk's room Tsukune knocked on the door hoping his friend didn't over sleep again. Upon hitting the door it gave way showing a little bit of the dark room.

"Mizuk," called Tsukune as he pushed the door open. Seeing his friend sprawled out on the floor Tsukune began to panic, until he noticed that Mizuk was still breathing. Letting out a deep breath Tsukune sat his bag down next to the door as he walked over to his friends side. He tried to flip the sleeping teen over but found that his arms wouldn't budge.

"Mizuk… Mizuk… Mizuk," called Tsukune as he nudged his friend. "Wake up …. Mizuk?"

First came a yawn then a stretch before Mizuk let his limbs fall with a hard thud.

"What the…"muttered Tsukune.

"Can… no more lapse… can't…mer," Mizuk mumbled as he tried to roll onto his side.

Standing up Tsukune scratched his head as he tried to solve the conundrum in front of him. Deciding on the most effective but probably cruel way, Tsukune walked into the small kitchen to get a pot full of cold water. Once full he brought it back into the room and apologized before dumping the contents onto Mizuk.

"Raining," Mumbled Mizuk before trying to rub his eye but failed at moving his hand. Frowning Mizuk's hand slowly but surely made its way to his face and rubbed his eye.

Tsukune slapped his face and moaned, as he had no way of waking Mizuk up. Out of desperation Tsukune yelled "GET UP!" Like a rocket Mizuk shot off the ground snapping into attention eyes wide open, causing Tsukune to squeal as he fell backwards.

Coming out of his trance Mizuk looked at Tsukune before asking, "Why are you in my room?"

Tsukune just fell back slapping his hands to his face.

After Mizuk got dressed, him and Tsukune left the dorm with a slightly frazzled Tsukune.

"Sorry again didn't mean to well… scare you," Yawned Mizuk.

"It's ok you didn't mean to," said Tsukune as he saw Moka waiting farther down.

"Hey Moka," said Tsukune as he approached the girl. "Something wrong?"`

"Tsukune…" said Moka her brow furrowing from deep thought. "I don't like perverts," was all she said as she walked off leaving a stunned/sad Tsukune and a very confused Mizuk.

"Ummm care to explain," asked Mizuk.

"Don't worry about it," mumbled Tsukune as his face dropped.

Mizuk shrugged his shoulders and the two returned to their walk towards the school.

For Mizuk the day was a little difficult. Sitting in his homeroom class he found that his seat was a little more comfortable then he remembered. Looking out the window he found just a bout everything more relaxing. The way the clouds floated by, the breeze on his skin, soft grass against his back. Just enjoying the nice warmth from the sun sitting so high in the clear blue sky.

WHAM!

Rocketing out of his seat Mizuk yelled, "I can't do… anymore…"

The entire class was trying not to laugh as the teacher was turning beat red.

"Mr. Yusuo could I talk to you outside," said the Teacher.

Mizuk mumbled a 'yes sir' as he followed the teacher out of the classroom to the soundtrack of dead man walking from his fellow students.

After closing the door the Teacher started with, "Normally I can tolerate your daydreaming and cloud watching as you do your work but sleeping. I think I deserve a little more respect then that."

"Sorry Mr. Santiago sir, didn't mean to offend you," Said Mizuk as he looked at the ground as he tucked his hands into his pockets.

"You're a good kid Mizuk, you need to sleep more, what could you be doing in the wee hours of the night?"

"It's not really staying up late it's just Karate club is very… demanding," yawned Mizuk.

"Karate club…" said Mr. Santiago as he noticed the wristbands under his sleeves.

"Ah I see… hmm well I'll let it go this time but no more got that!"

"Yes Mr. Santiago sir."

"Good… Now back into class," Said the teacher as he opened the door for Mizuk to step in.

I seriously thought he was going to kill you," laughed Kurumu.

"Not that funny," mumbled Mizuk as he eat his launch, Lunch in the cafeteria was better then the morning as he was more awake.

"So how's karate club," asked Tsukune.

"OH… my …god," groaned Mizuk as he stressed each world.

"What," asked Tsukune

"I'm soar in places I didn't think I could get soar in," Said Mizuk as he rested his head on the table.

"Oh… its that tough," asked Moka

"Tough is an understatement." Said Mizuk as he raised his head.

"What did you do," asked Tsukune

"Well…" said Mizuk.


Outside of the dojo Mizuk and the other first years were in their new Kurategi and were doing stretches that Haiji instructed them to do.

"Well done my new pupils, first your going to follow the third years on our hundred lap run around the school grounds. Fall to far behind and another fifty laps will be added and there will be no talking… Now MOVE," yelled Haiji as the third years began running.

Inwardly Mizuk cried for himself. After their leisurely stroll the first years were to do two hundred pushups with hundred pounds weights on there backs, then squats with two hundred pounds. Once the warm ups were done Haiji moved the lessons inside the dojo, where he began teaching the basics. Once done talking the seniors began shepherding the first years into six man groups with a few third year instructors.

"First were going to learn how to throw a proper punch and kick," One of third year instructors as the group Mizuk was in lined up on the white circles line.

"Don't know how were suppose to train this 4tired," mumbled a fellow victim.

"Seriously," Mizuk mumbled back.

"Who's talking," shouted another instructor. "Some one want to do another fifty laps then fifty pushups and squats with two hundred weights? I'm sure the class wouldn't mind a little brake."

As everyone stood rigid straight and quiet the instructors went back to what they were saying ending all further conversation.

Rest of the day went by with their lessons consisting of punching, kicking, proper throwing techniques, the proper way to block and deflect a blow, and the correct way to estimate an opponent. After the demonstrations the first years would be put in a pair to practice what they learned under the watchful eyes of the third years. At the end of the day the first years did their cool down laps in the school pool (after the Swim club left). By the time Mizuk finished his laps he was gasping for air as it's kind of difficult to do a hundred fifty laps with hundred pound weights on your limbs. Probably his most favorite part of the club was the last hour. All members of the club sat outside to dry in the back of the dojo under the light of the moon and meditate. Haiji in the front facing his students , the third years in front of him with the first years behind them.

"Breath in… then out… calm yourself and empty your mind," chanted Haiji his voice now at normal volume echoed across the quiet area.

"Ya calm my breath and clear my mind how do you clear your mind? You can't just stop thinking it's impossible… right? But then again monks do this for a living, but they've been practicing for since they were children. Which is kind of strange since they don't really… mingle where do they get those kids from. I mean what do they just poof and appear. Na probably get em orphanages or off the street… hmm. Wait wasn't I suppose to be doing something… oh ya right," thought Mizuk. Finally letting his body relax he found the cross-legged sitting position was not so bad when the feeling left his legs. Attempting to empty his mind he stopped focusing on his soar limbs, or how wet and cold he was. With his eyes closed his mind drifted. He could hear the wind blow, crickets singing, birds flying, a student snoring and getting a decent (BIG) sized rock to the face. Ignoring the crying of some students Mizuk actually felt… calm and peaceful. Almost like he was… becoming something… or apart of something. After two hours Mizuk and the other first years were dismissed to go home. Most of them were assisting one another or being carried/dragged by a third year.


"Wow," said the three listeners.

"They made you swim with hundred pound weights," asked Tsukune.

"Ya, not as fun as it sounds," mumbled Mizuk.

"Sounds rough, you wouldn't catch me doing any of that," said Kurumu as she finished what was left on her plate. "If you don't like it quiet."

"Well… its not that I don't like it. Just its hard I'm amazed I can even lift my arms," he said as he attempted to lift arms, not even getting them halfway up.

"So that's why I had difficulty rolling you over," said Tsukune more thinking aloud.

"What," asked Moka.

"Oh, he over slept this morning."

"…Ah."

"What do they look like anyway," asked Kurumu.

Mizuk let out a low sigh as he didn't have his sleeves rolled up like normal for several reasons. One because of the weights it proved difficult to roll them up. His arms were to soar to really want to move, and then the bruises. With a lot of effort he rolled up his sleeves to reveal not only the weights around his wrists but also the black and blue bruises that ran along his arms.

"Oh my god Mizuk what happened to your arms," cried Moka as her hands covered her mouth.

"Karate Club," answered Mizuk.

"Brutal," muttered Tsukune.

"Well at least the bands look nice," said Kurumu.

Mizuk just shook his head with a smile as he pulled his sleeves down.

"You have Karate Club today too," asked Tsukune.

"Na not today, the second years and third years are today. I'm tomorrow, they alternate the first and second years to allow a day of rest." Yawned Mizuk.

"Nice," said Tsukune.

"Ya … so how was your first day at the Newspaper Club?"

Moka and Kurumu both looked away from Tsukune giving him the cold shoulder. As Tsukune dropped his head and sighed Mizuk became frustrated as he tried to scratch his head in confusion.


Mizuk decided not to press the issue so lunch was quieter then normal. After school Mizuk took his time heading to his room. Dropping his bag at the door he fell onto his bed letting his body ink into the mattress. Rolling over he looked at his ceiling and began to think of what he would be doing. There was homework but he didn't feel like doing that at the moment. He wanted to sleep but for some reason he just wouldn't. He wanted to practice but was to soar and tired. Deciding to just go for a nice walk Mizuk left his room locking the door and exited the building.

As it approached evening the sun was begging to set changing the sky into a beautiful artwork of colors. The sky changing from variations of orange and yellow until it turned purple. Taking a seat on one of the benches in the school courtyard Mizuk leaned back and rested his wrists on the stone bench. Sadly the mood was being dampened as he tried to scratch his writs as the bands were begging to really irritate his skin. Given up Mizuk laid down and stared up at the sky binging back sweet memories. An ache began to throb in his chest as he though about the old days. Picnics in the park with his family, Mom and Dad sitting next to each other smiling, Mizuk laying on the quilt watching his older brother fly a kite. He loved those days, the wind playing with his hair, mother smiling and laughing, his father…

By the time Mizuk opened his eyes and returned to reality the sky was dark and the starts were twinkling. Mizuk laughed as he sat up, "good job Mizuk went to sleep and didn't even notice… again." Stretching as it was clearly time for him to get back to his dorm. "Who knew benches were so comfortable," he thought as he fixed his beanie. "Need to find more 4time to sleep," he chuckled before he saw an all to familiar color. "Moka…Moka?"

Instead of responding the vampire kept running.

"I really shouldn't… but… man, Its not my business… I'm going to regret this," was the last thing he through before he ran after Moka.

By the time he caught up to her, she was on the roof of the school building looking at the sky as she leaned against the metal railing running along the side.

"Moka what's wrong," asked Mizuk. Moka looked from the sky to Mizuk then back at the stars.

"Its nothing," She said.

"Obviously it's not nothing what's wrong." Moka looked over the railing at the ground below before looking at Mizuk.

"Well Tsukune was caught looking in the girls locker room. He said he was innocent… I want to believe him… but."

"No buts, there is no way he would do something like that."

"But…"

"There is no but, come on its Tsukune. There is no way he would do something like that."

"Ah but… he did," came a voice from behind Mizuk. Turning around Mizuk saw a tall student with a headband in his hair.

"Gin sempi," said Moka as she switched her attention to the new person.

"Ya and what proof," asked Mizuk.

"This," was all Gin said as he held up a photo of Tsukune gazing through a window. "Don't know who took it but it's already around campus."

Mizuk was to stunned by what he saw to notice Gin had passed him.

"But… he wouldn't… there has to be some kind of mistake… right," thought Mizuk. Hearing Moka scream and a loud crash snapped Mizuk out his train of thought.

"Tsukune said he didn't peep, so I'm going to wait for him. I want to believe him rather then these pictures," Said Moka tossing the picture into the wind.

"Admirable, makes me fall for you even harder," said Gin. "But my self control is weak and on nights of a full moon I can't control myself emotion excite me to much." With each passing moment Gin transformed more and more until he was in his true form. "I will make you my woman!"

"Over my dead body," said Mizuk as he stepped in front of Moka.

"Out of my way kid you don't stand a chance against a werewolf," chuckled Gin.

"No," was all Mizuk said as he took up a fighting stance.

"How dare you rain on our special moment," Roared Gin before charging Mizuk.

Doing what he learned the day before Mizuk estimated his opponent and determent that he was screwed.

"Like hell I'll let him touch Moka," he thought determining he'd go out with a fight. Due to Gin's extraordinary speed and his soar body Mizuk was unable to predict where Gin was coming from and soon found himself soaring through the air from the punch he received in the stomach. Past Moka and back onto the ground skidding into the metal railing bending the metal.

"Mizuk," called Moka.

"Who knew the kid was so heavy," laughed Gin.

Mizuk was begging to lose conciseness and found everything was going dark. He could hear yelling and something sounding like a fight. But the last thing he could see clearly was silver hair flowing in the wind and the most beautiful red eyes he had ever seen.


"Man he's heavy," said Tsukune.

"I'll carry him," said inner Moka.

Even though Moka was stronger then him and just kicked a werewolf's ass he still felt uncomfortable with him looking weak in front of the beautiful woman.

"Gin was right he is heavy," said Moka as she picked Mizuk up bridal style.

"Probably cause of the weights," said Kurumu. "Don't see why he doesn't just take em off."

"He'd get in trouble if he did," said Tsukune. Both women game him a quizzical look. "He told me earlier when I asked the same question." Moka just shrugged as she led the way off the roof.

"He'll be okay right," asked Tsukune.

"He's just tired but that hit to his head didn't help," said Moka. Tsukune just nodded as he followed her with Kurumu beside him.

"He's a good friend," Said Moka.

"What," asked Tsukune.

"Mizuk, he's a good friend," Said Moka. "In the short time that he's known you he had complete faith in you."

"Oh… ya he is," smiled Tsukune

"And the fact that he stood up to Gin when he didn't stand a chance," Chuckled Moka.

Outside of the boys dorm Tsukune remembered that women weren't allowed inside the boys dorm.

"How are we going to get him to his room. You guys aren't allowed in and I can't carry him," he said.

"Don't worry I got it covered just give me a minute," Said Kurumu jumping at the occasion to do something helpful and ran into the lobby. Tsukune and Moka looked at each other and shrugged. Sure enough when the three entered there was Kurumu leaning over the counter talking to the dorm security who was properly distracted. Quietly sneaking up to the third floor Moka laid Mizuk down on his bed.

"Thanks," said Tsukune.

"For what," asked Moka as she exited the room.

"For helping him up here."

"I should be the one thanking you.. and him."

"Well," said Tsukune his face turning red. When Moka held out her hand. He was pretty confused until lit clicked.

"Ah," was all Tsukune said as he fished her Rosario out of his pocket, handing over the metal cross.

"see you tomorrow," Said Moka as she walked down the hallways towards the stairs.

Tsukune smiled as he rubbed the back of his head before closing Mizuk's door and entering his own.


"NO," yelled Mizuk as he sat up. Taking in his surroundings Mizuk saw that he was in his room and laid back down. "Damn… I hope that was just a dream." Getting out of bed and deciding to much was on his mind he washed up and got dressed. With several hours to spare Mizuk did his homework then waited for everyone else to wake. To his surprise Tsukune was already dressed when he knocked on his door. The first thing Mizuk said when he entered Tsukune's room was him asking if Moka was o, then questioned him about what happened.

"So Moka's fine," asked Mizuk.

"Yes she's fine," said Tsukune.

After finishing their conversation the two left the dorms and walked in silence. After meeting Moka and Kurumu at the school entrance only to start their normal schedule put a smile on Mizuk's face even though it was a small one.

As they walked towards the school images of last night kept playing in his head. "I'm sorry."

"What," asked Kurumu.

"I was telling Moka that I'm sorry," said Mizuk.

"Why," asked Kurumu.

"I was to weak. If Tsukune and Kurumu didn't show up when they did you could have…" said Mizuk as he looked to the ground let his beanie shield his eyes.

No no I should be saying thank you. If it wasn't for you stalling Gin it would have been to late by the time Tsukune got there," Said Moka as she tried to put a comforting hand on Mizuk only to have him avoid it.

"Thank you for being so nice. But… I'll see you guys at lunch," said Mizuk as he walked past the small group leaving them confused and a sad look on their faces. "Next time… next time I'll be ready," pledged Mizuk as he entered the school building.