Ruby was walking the halls of Yokai Academy with paperwork in her arms. She had instructed the witch sisters Apoch and Astreal to keep an eye on Tsukune and to make sure that he is feeling better, and was growing worried that the sudden halt of his training would be a problem for his future, or for all of theirs. While she had them watch him carefully Ruby was keeping an ear out in the campus. It had only been one day since she was warned about the headmaster's findings, but she needed to be vigilant. Rumors spread quickly in the monster world, especially if it involves a monster's hometown being attacked. So far she hasn't heard anything being whispered amongst the students or faculty, yet she knew that would likely soon change.

'I need to remain focused. I can't let Tsukune's condition affect my duties as the headmaster's assistant.'

She was worried about Tsukune, very much so. Even though she was not picked to be his girlfriend she cared about him deeply all the same.

'Apoch and Astreal will keep a close eye on him. Now keep your mind on the task at hand.'

She knew that it was only a matter of time until whispers and hushed words would spread about what was happening out in the world.

'I can keep a lid on this. I know I can, I am the trusted assistant to the headmaster. There is nothing I cannot handle.'

She also knew that if word did spread in the school, it might reach Tsukune and the gang, and that would be disastrous.

'If they knew what was happening panic would arise for sure.'

They had to get stronger; they had to train to better themselves. Those are the orders from the headmaster after all.

'He believes they can help stop this. How he knows that I'm not sure, but if anybody is to be trusted, it's him.'

Ruby stopped walking and closed her eyes, thinking to herself about what she had read in those notes.

"I just hope it's not too late… for those that are…" she whispered to herself. Among the list of locations that were being targeted and have shown activity from this mystery group, two locations stood out to her. And if Tsukune and his friends found out they might rush off into a battle they were not prepared to fight.

"I hope they can forgive me for not telling them," she said looking up worriedly.


Out on the field for gym class the students were cycling through amongst three different areas setup for human sports to play. One was a soccer field, with a few students running around kicking the ball to each other. This area was watched over by Apoch, however she seemed to be a bit distracted as she was wearing headphones and listening to music from a boy she liked. Her soft smile and the way she swayed slightly with the music showed that she was lost in her own little world, paying no attention to the students breaking out into a fight on the soccer field. Nearby a baseball diamond was setup where students could try out the sport of hitting the ball and running the bases. This area was watched over by Ms. Nekonome who always had her cheery smile. After a mishap where three students were sent to the emergency room, kids were once again trying their luck with the human game.

The third area was a basketball court with a few students running around with the ball, learning to play while under the watchful eye of Astreal. Well, not so watchful, as her gaze had shifted over to a boy approaching the court. A boy with his friends who were all laughing and talking amongst themselves, well, except for two of their members who were normally silent. The same boy who this witch had a crush on, even though she knew he was taken. Still, her eyes refused to look away from the angel as they neared the court.

"Well this sport looks harmless. At least Dark won't have a bat in his hands," Rason laughed as they walked up to the court to watch a few students running around.

"I've seen it played before, never really played much myself," Tsukune said as he watched them run around.

"Doesn't look so hard," Moka said with her usual smile.

"Hello everyone," Astreal said as she walked over. The group smiled at her and waved.

"Hello Astreal. So how are you enjoying helping with the gym class?" Moka asked politely.

"It's not so bad Ms. Moka. At least I get to be outside with fresh air," the witch replied with a smile.

"Well let's try this one out, could be fun," Kurumu said as she walked over to the court.

"Count me in," Rason said with a smile. He then glanced to Dark who was no longer wearing his headphones.

"What happened to your player?" Rason asked curiously. The silent boy glanced to him then looked forward again.

"Somebody break it again?" Kokoa asked looking around with a keen eye.

"Let me guess, you have more back in your room," Tsukune said with a weak laugh. Dark just nodded as he kept watching the basketball court.

"Well, anyway, how about you watch first so you know what to do. Once again, I don't want to die by a basketball," Rason said with a weak smile. After seeing Dark send two students to the infirmary with his baseball tryout, Rason was reluctant to be with Dark while he 'learned' how to properly play another human sport.

"Could be worse, we could be playing football," Kurumu jested. The group nervously laughed at that, knowing full well Dark would likely kill somebody playing that sport.

"I'll sit this one out as well, too much running around," Mizore said as she held onto Dark's arm and smiled softly. Even if the sport didn't involve running around so much she would rather be near her demon.

"I'm a little too short to play this one I think; I'll just head over to the soccer field again. I was doing pretty well there for a bit," Yukari commented.

"You were only trying to tackle Tsukune, you never once went for the ball," Kurumu pointed out with a raised eyebrow.

"Yeah, and that was the best part," Yukari said dreamily as she walked away. Kurumu just shrugged and walked out onto the court.

"Let's try it Tsukune," Moka said with a cheery tone. The boy nodded and followed her out onto the court as well.

Mizore noticed that one member of the group was still sitting this one out.

"Not going to join with your sister?" the snow girl asked Kokoa.

"Nah, I'll just watch first. I'm not so sure how to play this game anyway," Kokoa said eyeing Tsukune. She was still curious about this boy, and decided now would be a good time to observe him. She glanced next to her at Dark curiously.

"Um… Dark?" she said softly. The boy and ice maiden looked over to her as Kokoa reached under her shirt and pulled out an mp3 player with earbuds.

"In case you want to listen to your music again," she said softly as she held out the player.

"Is that one of Dark's?" Mizore asked looking at it. It looked exactly like the one he always had.

"Yeah… I never got a chance to give it back…" Kokoa replied with a blush.

"When did you even get it?" Mizore asked looking at the vampire carefully. She was sure Dark wasn't just handing those out to everyone.

"Well, after that night Tsukune fought against Dark and Rason with their full power, I carried it while Dark carried you back to your room," Kokoa said nervously. She paused then looked down with a weak smile.

"But, I kind of spaced out and walked back to my room with it. I wanted to return it to him, but I didn't know what room was his in the boys' dorms," she said as her expression changed to worry. Mizore thought about that and looked down. She remembered that when she woke up in her bed that night and Dark was in her room, he didn't have his player then. She blinked then looked to Kokoa with a narrowed stare.

"And you had it all this time? That belongs to my boyfriend you know," she said sternly.

"I know! I'm sorry; I was going to give it back the next morning, but… I got distracted listening to the music," Kokoa said while she looked down.

"The next morning?" Mizore asked. Then she remembered that was when Dahlzin attacked the group. That must have been why Kokoa was late that morning, she was listening to Dark's music and lost track of time.

"I'm sorry, I just liked listening to it so much, I sort of… kept it. I'm sorry Dark," Kokoa said with a sad expression. The boy looked at her for a moment then resumed watching the game ahead.

"Keep it. I have plenty more back in my room," he said in his usual tone. Kokoa smiled and looked at him timidly. Mizore smirked at that and looked to her boyfriend.

"I hope that's the last time you offer one of those to somebody," she said playfully.

"To be fair, I never offered that one in the first place," Dark replied flatly. Mizore giggled and held his arm tightly. Dark shrugged then glanced to Kokoa.

"Still, I don't mind parting with one more," he said before looking back ahead. Kokoa held the player with her hands gently and looked at it with a caring smile. She loved listening to the music, not just because it sounded good and it was so diverse, but because it reminded her of the boy she admired. She knew she would never be able to have him, but still wanted to stand by his side as a friend.

"Thank you Dark," she said softly.

Out on the court Tsukune, Moka, Rason, and Kurumu were trying their hand at basketball. The two couples were playing against each other and were doing pretty well. Tsukune and Rason proved agile and handled the ball well. Moka did well herself, but would stumble or trip over her feet by trying to move too fast. Kurumu however wasn't doing so well since her bouncing breasts kept throwing her off balance. She more often than not fell over and missed the ball. After the two couples played a bit the girls excused themselves to go watch and rest. Moka and Kurumu walked over to the others watching and turned to gaze at their boyfriends.

"So Tsukune, how about a little one on one?" Rason asked as he bounced the ball in front of him.

"Sure, why not," Tsukune said with a grin. The two boys eyed each other with a challenging smile, both eager to win and impress their girlfriends.

The two started playing once everybody else was off the court. The other students either got tired of playing or just opted to watch. Astreal watched the angel on the field closely; her eyes fixated on his every movement. After a moment she glanced over to Kurumu and started walking over to her.

The two boys were running around the court in their match, both of them showing equal skill with the game. Rason seemed to be able to run slightly faster, but Tsukune was quick and agile, able to block or run around him. The boys went back and forth on the court, constantly trying to steal the ball from one another. As they played their girls watched them with a deep gaze.

"Wow, look at them…" Kurumu said, her face a bit flushed. She watched her boyfriend run around, his muscles and figure making her sway slightly. He was one of the more handsome guys on campus, and in his shorts and yellow t-shirt the boy looked damn sexy to her. She could feel the bond between them as he ran about, a constant pulling sensation for her. Seeing him run around like that was making her fidget around, her desire to have her Destined One growing.

"I know, he's so…" Moka said in a daze. She was watching Tsukune run around, his movements and speed so precise. His smile and his figure were so alluring to her. Even though he wasn't letting off any vampiric energy she felt herself becoming more attracted to him as she watched. She saw him running around, and glanced at his figure as he dashed by. He had become stronger in his trials at this academy, no surprise there since living at this school is a constant fight for your life. As Tsukune ran about Moka's mind started to wonder about how muscular he might be under his shirt.

Rason dashed down the court and shot the ball towards the basket, sinking it and scoring a point. The succubus cheered out and jumped up and down, acting as a private cheerleader for the angel. Tsukune recovered the ball and ran to the other side, evading Rason's movements and shooting towards the basket. He too scored causing Moka to cheer out for her boyfriend. The two boys continued their match, both seeming evenly matched.

"Wow, not bad," Mizore said as she watched them play. She glanced over to see Moka and Kurumu watching them with stars in their eyes.

"He's so amazing…" Kurumu said as she watched her angel run around with his smile.

"He's incredible…" Moka said as she watched her boyfriend move with such grace and form.

"You're both drooling," Mizore pointed out while raising an eyebrow, not being heard by either of the love-struck girls.

Astreal walked next to Kurumu and watched the boys. She too was eyeing Rason with high interest. His movements and figure were captivating to her, so much so that she knew she was blushing just watching. She looked over to see Kurumu still drooling over her boyfriend.

"He's quite amazing isn't he Ms. Kurumu," Astreal spoke up. Kurumu kept her eyes in front of her and nodded with a big smile.

"You bet, he's my Destined One after all," she said proudly.

"Destined One?" Astreal asked curiously. She remembered Kurumu speaking about that before in the auditorium when she was crying with Tsukune. The succubus also called Rason that before when she ran at him in the hallway during their first fight against the sisters.

"Yes, it means we are destined to be together forever. He's my mate of fate," Kurumu said with a smile to the girl.

"He is? How do you know?" Astreal asked tilting her head.

"I can feel the connection, we both can. It's like we are always drawn to each other by a force. And when we touch…" Kurumu said as she started being carried away by her fantasies. Astreal looked at her curiously then back out to the boy.

'If they are destined to be together, then of course I have no chance with him. But then why do I still feel this way towards him…'

"Ms. Kurumu, can I ask you a question?" Astreal asked softly.

"Sure, what's up?" Kurumu replied watching her angel score another point.

"Um, I was hoping you could give me some advice… about boys," Astreal asked while looking up and away.

"Boys?" Kurumu asked curiously. She blinked then grinned at the witch.

"Do you have a crush on somebody?" she asked slyly.

"Well… yes," Astreal said with a blush forming.

"Aw, that's so sweet. Who's the guy?" Kurumu asked with a bright smile.

"Well… he's a boy I know, but there's a problem," Astreal said looking down.

"Problem?" the blue haired girl asked tilting her head.

"Yes, the boy I… like… is already taken. I know I should just stop thinking about him, but I can't. What should I do?" the witch asked softly.

"Oh, I see. Well, I've learned a few things myself in that situation. I guess it really matters on what the guy wants. If he's already chosen somebody, then you have to honor that," Kurumu said looking up thoughtfully. She knew this lesson well after all she's been through.

"I see… I just wish I knew why I still think about him so much," Astreal said as she looked out to the court.

"Well, you can still be friends with him can't you? I mean, his girlfriend won't mind that will she?" Kurumu said with a gentle smile.

"I'm not sure… will you?" Astreal asked as she looked to Kurumu with sad eyes. Kurumu blinked and just looked at her. She glanced over to Rason then back to the witch.

"Wait… you mean… Rason?" she asked softly. The witch nodded a few times.

"Yes…" she said softly. Kurumu looked to her boyfriend for a moment then back to the witch.

"Astreal…" Kurumu said with her eyes narrowing. The witch backed up a bit frightened.

"I promise I wasn't going to use any magic or anything. Honest," she said waving her hands around, and then looked down with a sad expression.

"I just want to know what to do about these feelings," she said with a tear rolling down her cheek. Kurumu glared at her for a moment then looked at her with sympathetic eyes. She glanced over to her boyfriend who was still engaged in his game with Tsukune.

"I guess I can believe that…" she said looking down and away after a moment. Astreal looked at her with saddened eyes still.

"Tell me what I'm supposed to do Ms. Kurumu, I feel so confused," she said softly. The succubus looked at her, unsure of what to say. After a moment she shrugged slightly.

"You do like I said. You respect his choice, and remain friends with him," she said with a small smile. Astreal blinked at her then looked to Rason.

"If you really do value his friendship, if you really do care for him, then you will honor his wish to be with who he chooses," Kurumu said gently as she looked to Rason.

"I see… can I ask you another question?" Astreal asked with timid eyes.

"Sure," Kurumu said with a shrug. Astreal paused for a moment then looked down with a blush.

"Is it… ok to think about him still?" she asked quietly.

"Think about him? What do you…" Kurumu started before looking at the girl. Astreal had an embarrassed look and was fidgeting around, the witch keeping her eyes down at the ground. Kurumu blinked then realized what the young witch was referring too.

"You know, I'm going to pretend you didn't ask that, got it?" she said in a stern voice while looking back to her boyfriend. Kurumu thought about how she dreamed of him every night, and didn't like the thought of sharing her boyfriend, whether it be in real life or in a dream. After a moment she sighed and looked away.

"Just… don't talk about that to anyone… alright?" she grumbled. Astreal nodded and looked back to the angel.

'I guess my daydreams will have to do. Still, at least I can remain his friend. Ms. Kurumu is right, Mr. Rason made his choice, or rather it was destined to be. I need to respect that.'

"Yes Ms. Kurumu," Astreal said softly. She looked at Rason happily, content knowing her feelings for him were natural, but that she would only remain a close friend to him. And that was good enough for her. That and she somewhat had permission from Kurumu to think about him as she pleased.

Back on the court the boys were still running around in their game. The score was tied and both of them seemed to show signs that they were starting to tire.

"Ok, one more point settles it, think you can handle that?" Rason called out with a smirk.

"Bring it angel boy," Tsukune said with a smirk of his own.

They began a vicious game of back and forth as both boys constantly stole the ball and had it stolen right back. The group was watching them curiously as they had been at this for a while.

"Go Tsukune!" Moka cheered out happily. She was looking at him with loving eyes, loving eyes and a hint of lust. She had never noticed her boyfriend like this before, and was wondering if that was natural.

"Go Rason, you can do it!" Kurumu cheered out. She looked over to Astreal and winked. The witch paused for a moment then smiled and nodded.

"Yes, go Mr. Rason!" she called out happily.

Mizore and Dark just watched the boys' game with their usual expressions while Kokoa was listening to Dark's music. She was somewhat watching the game, but hadn't seen anything worth being interested about yet.

Tsukune was running around with all his might trying to get closer to his basket, the ball dribbling in his hands. Rason was keeping a stiff guard up and was blocking him from getting any closer.

'Damn, I need to move faster, I'm starting to tire out.'

'So pathetic… don't tell me you're going to lose to this weakling…'

'Would you just go away already, and he's no weakling, he's my good friend.'

'Just snap his neck, then nobody would stop you from your silly goal…'

'Shut up already!'

'Your girlie is watching, don't fuck up, hahaha'

Tsukune glanced over to see Moka looking at him. She was smiling and waving at him, and her face seemed a little flushed.

'Oh great, I have to win now. C'mon Tsukune! You can do it!'

He tried to move around but Rason had blocked him off at the middle of the court.

"Haha, no you don't buddy," the angel called out as he kept moving to block the boy's path.

"Well, looks like Tsukune is being boxed in, this is all over," Kurumu said proudly.

"Don't count him out yet Kurumu," Moka said in a stern voice as she watched him closely.

'You can do it, you can win Tsukune!'

Tsukune kept dribbling back and forth on the middle line, the angel constantly blocking his path. He didn't trust himself to make a shot from this point, and he was trying with all his might to get closer.

'Dammit, I can't get closer!'

Suddenly his vampire aura radiated from around him, then blasted furiously around in a red glow. In the blink of an eye Tsukune moved and dodged around the angel who was rendered shocked for a brief moment by the sudden monster energy. The group looked at him in surprise as he shot around the angel and dashed towards the basket. He jumped up and slammed the ball through the hoop, shattering the backboard and destroying the basket in the process. He dropped to the ground where the remains of the broken hoop and backboard dropped behind him. He stood there for a moment then shook his head, looking around with a confused expression.

"What…" he said softly as he looked around, then down at his body.

"Ah… wha?" Rason breathed out as he looked at the boy with wide eyes. The group was silent for a moment until a voice cheered out.

"You won! You did it Tsukune!" Moka called out as she ran to him. She embraced the dazed boy in a hug and held him tightly. After a moment the boy blinked and noticed the girl, then held her close and smiled.

"Um… yeah, I guess I did," he said unsurely.

"But wait, that's not fair, Tsukune cheated!" Kurumu pouted. Astreal looked at him curiously then to Kurumu.

"It's just a game Ms. Kurumu, it's ok," she said softly. The succubus glared at her causing her to back up.

"On second thought, no thinking about my angel, got that?" she snapped. The witch looked at her with surprise.

"But… but…" she stammered.

Moka held Tsukune tightly and then kissed him passionately. She was so attracted to him right now she almost couldn't stand it.

'My Tsukune, he's so incredible!'

'I have to say, I can't wait to spend a little quality time with him myself.'

Kokoa looked at the sight with wide eyes. His vampire aura that appeared suddenly got her full attention and surprised her.

"Wow, that aura was incredible. I didn't think he was that strong," she said softly. She looked over to Mizore with a curious glance.

"Has he been practicing more?" she asked.

"No, but he seems to have gotten stronger though," Mizore replied softly. She looked to her boyfriend who was once again eyeing Tsukune closely.

"What's wrong Dark?" Mizore asked in a soft voice. She looked over to Tsukune and eyed him over. He seemed normal and happy now. Kokoa noticed Dark was looking at him strangely as well.

"Anything wrong?" she asked the boy. He looked at the two girls then back to the boy.

"I hope not," he said simply. They looked to each other then back to Tsukune with curious eyes.

"Tsukune, you are so wonderful, that vampire power was incredible!" Moka beamed as she smiled at her boyfriend. He just blinked and looked at her.

"Um… well I…" he stammered.

"Well, nicely played man. Wish I knew we were allowed to use our full strength in the game beforehand though," Rason said with a smirk as he walked up to him. He glanced to the destroyed basketball board then chuckled.

"Still, not bad," He said with a shrug. Tsukune looked at him and then to Moka with a confused expression.

"You're amazing Tsukune. I… I couldn't take my eyes off you the whole game," Moka said with a blush.

"Re… really?" Tsukune stuttered as he looked as his beautiful girlfriend.

"Yeah… you're so… powerful," she said with a small smile, putting a seductive purr on the last word.

"I… I am?" he said with a blush forming on his face.

"Ok you two, not out here in public," Rason said while looking up with a smile.

The bell to signal the end of the class rang and students started to make their way back to the campus.

"Well, let's get going then. Gym class is over," Rason said as he turned around and walked over to his girl, the blue haired girl jumping into a fierce hug and kiss. Watching her boyfriend play that game got her worked up a bit, which was noticeable as Rason stumbled off balance and collapsed down to the ground while Kurumu continued to maul him with love. Mizore and Dark started walking towards the campus, with Dark giving one last glance at Tsukune. Kokoa smirked at Tsukune, a bit impressed by his power, and then followed the couple off as well.

"Tsukune, I hope you're feeling better now," Moka said with a happy smile.

"I… ah, yeah, I kinda am," he said with a gentle smile.

"Great, let's head back too boyfriend," she said as she attached herself to his arm. The two started walking back to the campus, both deep in thought.

Moka was still replaying his game in her mind. His movements, his grace, his massive vampire aura that appeared for a moment, he was so attractive to her, and she felt her desires for him grow all the more. She glanced to him out of the corner of her eye.

'Do you think he would…'

'Only one way to find out.'

While the girl dreamt of her fantasies with the boy Tsukune was walking deep in thought as well. But it wasn't about the fact that his girlfriend was becoming increasingly attractive to him. It wasn't about the fact that this voice was still pestering him to do horrible things. It wasn't about the fact that his girlfriend was expressing a large amount of love for him. It was about the game with Rason. It all seemed normal except for the end.

'What happened to me? I remember being stuck at the middle of the court with him blocking me… then…'

He remembered the desire to push past him, to score the point and to win the game, to impress his girlfriend who was watching him. He remembered his power being summoned, a large amount actually, but what scared him was how he scored the final goal. It wasn't that he used too much power, and destroyed the school equipment. It wasn't that he used his power and caused a bit of a scene with his vampire aura.

It was that when his vampire aura emerged and that sudden surge of power blasted around him, his body seemed to move on its own.