Chapter 11: Serenity
AN: hmmmm I seem to have fallen into a bad habit of only updating every 2 months that is something I am going to try to break anyway I had time off so I finally finished this chapter. As always enjoy and I don't even a tiny iota of rights to Rosario Vampire or "house of the dead."
The next morning Tsukune had successfully convinced Mizore to come shopping with him. Of course he ended up having to invite both his mother and his cousin along, he needed some time alone if he was going to be able to buy Mizore a Christmas present, but he didn't want to leave her by herself (they still have yet to talk about it but .
As they walked down the sidewalk on that cold, but sunny December morning Tsukune's eyes continuously drifted to Mizore. She wore a pink long-sleeved shirt with the words I'm a star written on the chest in glitter, with a shooting star underneath the words and a pair of well fitting jeans which snugly hugged her bottom, complimenting the her hips with each step. Both of which were articles she borrowed from Kyouko, but Tsukune couldn't help but feel that they looked miraculously better when worn by Mizore.
Tsukune smiled, watching Mizore as they continued up the sidewalk, He wasn't sure what he was going to get Mizore for Christmas, but they were on the way to the Mall and amongst the enormous variety of stores he was certain something would pop out at him. Tsukune had already discussed the course of action with his mom and cousin. They were going to occupy her all day by taking her browsing with them, while he slipped away and found her a gift.
They stepped inside the mall his mother was at the front and Tsukune was bringing up the rear, his steps were cautious and slow. He surveyed the area and spotted a large group of teenagers heading their way. Distancing himself from his female acquaintances, he waited for the group to part. When the crowd opened allowing the women to pass through the center. The entourage reformed just after passing Tsukune, stealthily he pivoted and blended in with the other people. Unbeknownst to Tsukune Mizore turned momentarily when he disappeared. Shortly afterwards when Kyouko would look back to ask Mizore if she wanted to go try on clothes, Mizore had vanished as well.
He soon split off and took his own way. The first shop he passed which caught his eye was a gaudy jewelry store called "Dale's." He didn't stay at the stand for long, a brief look at the prices and he knew there would be nothing here he could afford. Gloomily he set off from complaining that no one liked jewelry because it was too expensive.
He passed by many stores nothing seemed to pop out at him the way the lustrous jewelry did, but it didn't surprise him. The way the light reflected off those diamonds would hypnotize anyone. In desperation move he decided to try a Woman's clothing store "Jacqueline's". This kind of place was completely foreign to Tsukune; he was as lost as a little kid in the woods, he had no way of knowing what to look for and even worse, had he even known what he was looking for he wouldn't even know where to search. So Tsukune wandered the shop aimlessly; cursing his ill preparedness ' "Oh something will just pop out at me when I'm looking." '
A Female assistant approached Tsukune questioning him, "Can I help you?" The look on the face clearly portrayed her thoughts, 'I think you may be in the wrong place'
"Uh, you see, I'm shopping for my girl-friend. No not my girlfriend, she's a girl who happens to be my friend. And well I want to get her something nice as a way of saying thanks, she has been taking care of me these past few days. That being said, I have no idea what to get her."
The woman; who's name tag Tsukune noticed stated Aya; responded cheerfully, "Well you can't go wrong with clothes, take this advice from a woman, every girl likes clothes. So do you know her measurements?"
"Not really, and I don't really know her taste in clothes, you see we got to school together and the only other thing I've seen her in other than her uniform was a kimono." Tsukune answered feeling embarrassed
"I'm sorry but I can't help you if you don't even know what you're looking for, come back when you have a better idea of what you're looking for. And if you don't want her to know that you are shopping for her try learning her size and style discreetly, maybe try asking one of her other female friends."
Tsukune nodded and exited, 'That was a bust, I basically just got kicked out.' He sighed drearily and walked on passing many uninteresting shops. He had not been paying attention to where he was going and thus found himself in the food court. He was not entirely sure how he had gotten there, nor did he know how to get back to the main mall. For you see, he rarely came to the mall, and on the few occasions he did come his mom or cousin always just dragged him along. He never needed to know his way through the mall because it seemed as the route through this maze of stores had been engraved into their very souls. 'I really should have put more thought into this plan. One of those two should have definitely come with me.'
"Number 216's up" a familiar deep voice resounded through the noisy cafeteria.
Tsukune didn't remember where he knew that voice from so he scanned the many different food stands. His eyes landed on a sushi kiosk and stopped. A tall Black man stood at the cash register handing over an order to a waiting customer, his long black hair was done up into thick cornrows which were bundled together in the back with a hair band, over that was a hair net. Realization dawned on him; it was James, from school. 'It must suck working the night before Christmas Eve.' James raised his head, looking directly at Tsukune, a dangerously intense look on his face. Tsukune swallowed nervously then proceeded forward, that analyzing ripping every little secret from his heart.
He stopped at the counter, "I didn't know you worked here, how do you manage it during school?" Tsukune asked conversationally.
"I'm only working here seasonally, I need money to pay for the hotel I'm staying at." James replied stoically.
Tsukune then inquired, "Why are you staying at a hotel, don't you have family in the area?"
"No." was all James said.
Tsukune steered away from this conversation, "What kind of sushi is good here?"
"What's wrong those people in the mansion weren't filling enough?" James answered so only Tsukune's ear could pick up.
"What are you talking about?" Tsukune replied perhaps a little too calmly.
"I can see it in your aura, it's a deep dark red, you've killed a lot of men recently. And the only thing that's been on the news was the unexplained massacre at Kiba Mansion." James stated logically.
"You're wrong…." Tsukune began.
"Don't even waste your time trying to lie to me. Your souls cries out the blood-curdling scream of a murderer."
"You don't know anything, those men had to die, if not they were just going to keep coming after me and…" Tsukune began but stopped when he heard the sweet familiar sound of Moka's voice.
"Jaaaaaames, where are you?" James looked up at hearing his voice being called; Tsukune took this opportunity to mask himself in a passing mob.
It was still just too painful to see her right now; perhaps it would always be this way. Maybe it would be best if he severed all ties to her. That would certainly be the easy way out not to mention the less painful. But what would everyone say about him, would they call him a coward, immature, stupid. Perhaps he was all three, and perhaps he was more. Following the horde he managed to find himself back in the shopping area of the mall.
Tsukune broke from the crowd and slowly walked through the mall examining stores as he passed them. He stopped outside the display window of a stuffed animal shop by the name of "Barbara's Bears." Standing there was a lone, stuffed polar bear holding a heart; it stood a foot and a half tall. Written on the heart was, "Here's my heart, will you keep it safe?". A sign to the left of the bear told Tsukune that he was the last bear they had in stock.
He moved to enter the door but a woman's shrill shriek behind him caused him to turn around, "Help! He stole my purse!"
A shaggy looking man wearing ripped clothes was bolting towards the exit, purse in hand. Everyone else merely passed by about their business taking great precaution not to look in the crying woman's direction.
Sighing Tsukune ran to intercept him at the exit, tapping into a small amount of his demon energy for a boost of speed, "You better hope it's still there when I get back!" Tsukune yelled at his target.
The man turned his head to face Tsukune, slowing down slightly; this was a perfect opportunity for Tsukune. He leapt in to the air and double kicked the purse-snatcher's back. The force of impact sent the man flying into a trash can; knocking it over. Tsukune landed on his back hard, knocking the breath out of his lungs. Slowly Tsukune brought himself back to his feet and trudged towards the dirty looking man. He grabbed the purse out of his unconscious hands and limped back to the woman.
"Here's your purse ma'am." Tsukune wheezed out.
The woman hugged him tightly, "Thank you! Thank you so much, all my money's in here and it would devastate me if I weren't able to buy my children anything for Christmas."
"It's fine, really, just please let me go there's something I have to get."
"Oh." The woman replied releasing him suddenly, "I'm so sorry, I'll leave you to your business. Thank you again young man."
Tsukune turned around a small smirk on his face, it felt good being able to help someone. He looked up and his good mood was ruined, a clerk had just grabbed the bear out of the display window and was ringing it up for a happy looking family. Tsukune dropped to his knees, 'No good deed goes un-punished I suppose.' He didn't stay like that long, he remembered he was in the mall and he was drawing the un-approving stares of the passing people.
He stood back up and began his wandering through this labyrinth that people had named the mall anew. The loud noises of a multitude of video games being played brought Tsukune's attention the arcade. A sign outside announced that they were selling gift cards. 'A gift card huh, it's not a very thoughtful gift, but I'm stumped as to what else to get her. Besides she likes video games.' So Tsukune entered the arcade.
His heart missed a beat he could clearly Mizore was sitting in a chair all by herself staring intensely at a group of three boys playing "House of the Dead 3." Tsukune put himself flat against the wall and crept along to the counter drawing the stares of everyone in the arcade, several people lost at whatever game they were playing. He removed himself from the wall and walked towards the female employee working the cash register and prize exchange.
He felt an intense, chilling stare on his back, he recognized this stare, it was Mizore. Just as long as he didn't turn around she wouldn't know it was him. The uneasiness lifted after a moment, Tsukune sighed and turned around. Mizore had stood up and was heading towards the back of the room. She opened the door to the women's restroom and entered. Shortly thereafter the 3 boys who had been playing the shooter headed in the same direction.
Tsukune assumed they needed to relieve themselves as well, but they turned left and entered the women's restroom. His heart beat painfully suddenly as if someone were squeezing it. He wasn't sure exactly what had caused it, but the pain brought forth images of Mizore, Tsukune was certain that Mizore was in trouble. It was time to make good on his promise. The seal placed by his bracelet slowly began to crumble, but James's words from earlier came back to him at that moment.
"What's wrong those people in the mansion weren't filling enough?"
It was alright to use his powers but he couldn't kill these people, especially not here, so he needed to keep the demon within in check. He rushed towards the girl's bathroom. The noise from the games was too much and he couldn't hear inside, so he pushed hard against the door slammed slamming it into the wall. One boy held Mizore, one had a camera and the other approached menacingly.
"Come on lady, you're going to be on the next "Gamer Girls are Sluts", we're going to sell it on the internet. So why so shy, you're going to be a star, why not pose for the camera." The boy with his hands free said disgustingly.
The same defeated look Mizore had in the mansion appeared on her face, as if she had accepted this as her fate. Again the look pained Tsukune more than he could bear, these men had to be stopped. If he had to become a demon to protect Mizore, then so be it. Even his humanity was paltry in cost to her wellbeing.
"NOOOOOOOOO!" Tsukune roared as the protective barrier suppressing his demonic nature shattered. With an explosion of demonic energy the mall began to shake violently.
The three aggressors turned their gaze onto Tsukune as he changed, his eyes turned blood red and a peculiar Tribal mark appeared on his neck, and finally his fangs extended to his lip. Their faces had all turned pale, Mizore had been released, dropped to the ground, even the camera splintered against the hard, marble floor. The three humans were completely paralyzed by Tsukune's demonic pressure.
"You truly are fools to attempt to assault my woman. Look at you, none of you can move, you can do nothing but watch as I kill your friends and then you. The only question is which one do I eat first?" Tsukune spoke calmly
"How about you?" He said pointing to the one who had been closing in on Mizore. "Though your blood will taste disgusting; dirtied by your sins, I'm not exactly a connoisseur."
The boy looked like he wanted to plead with Tsukune but even his throat had been paralyzed, instead it was Mizore who spoke up, "Run you idiots!"
Tsukune was taken aback and released his pressure unexpectedly. The three people ran from the bathroom crying and screaming, "Why did you stop me?" Tsukune asked perplexed.
"Please don't kill anyone, ever, always stay the same pure and gentle Tsukune, I don't want you to lose your scent." Mizore pleaded.
Tsukune smiled sadly, "If that is your wish," his mind and body calmed, his demonic qualities faded. A fleeting though ran through his head, 'My scent?' but it disappeared as she hugged him.
"So what were you doing at the arcade?" Tsukune inquired
After you disappeared I did the same thing, I only want to spend the day with you, and if there's one place where I knew you would find me, it would be the arcade." Mizore explained. "That being said, why did you leave me?"
"Well it's not like I wanted to, it's just I'm trying to find a present for you, and I wanted to surprise you." He replied not seeing any reason to hide it from her any longer.
"All I want for Christmas is for you to spend the day with me." Mizore said affectionately.
"I can do that every day, I wanted to get you something special for Christmas, but I kept running across problems every time I thought of something. So since I'll be spending the day with you anyway can you think of a second present you might want?"
Mizore pondered it; her thoughts drifted back to the picture frame in her dorm, then she answered, "If it not too much trouble could we take some pictures together. I'd like some pictures of us together, and I passed a photo booth on my way here."
"Eh, all you want is pictures, I guess that's fine. but let's buy two copies, that way we can each take care of our Christmas present at the same time."
Smiling, Mizore nodded, Tsukune offered his hand, she grabbed it as he pulled her gently to her feet. Mizore led the way to the door, she opened it and peered out, then pulled him along as she exited. She continued to lead Tsukune out the arcade and through the mall, until they finally arrived at their destination. It was currently in use, another couple was chatting excitedly inside as the machine inside flashed for their pictures.
"Don't worry about it I'll pay for it," the girl inside said, "you keep your money for your rent."
'Moka!' Tsukune suddenly became aware that he and Mizore were holding hands; he released it and set his arms to his sides, bracing himself for the impact.
Moka and James exited from the photo booth engrossed in conversation, though James shot a glance in their direction, he made no further sign of having acknowledged them. Moka paid the machine and after verifying the correct amount it printed out the pictures.
"Wow they turned out real good," Moka exclaimed, "Look at this one James."
"If you say so." James replied.
Anger seeped in Tsukune's stomach, he managed to contain it, keeping the other's from becoming aware of his inner turmoil. After a brief over-looking of the pictures Moka looked up. Her mouth opened in surprise.
"What are you guys doing here together?" Moka asked
"Well I, I mean we, that is we were…" He continued to trip over his words.
Mizore interrupted him, "We're on a date."
Moka was visibly taken aback by this, "A date? When did you guys start going steady?"
Mizore grabbed at her lover's hand, he numbly accepted it, "Last night Tsukune confessed to me." The feverish way in which she was speaking was as if she had just won some grand tournament.
"Ah, is that so Tsukune?" Moka asked directing her attention towards him.
Tsukune couldn't seem to find his voice so he nodded weakly.
James stepped forward, "I know that was you earlier, I'm warning you don't kill anyone else. You can only tarnish your soul so much before it's irreparable."
This person really made his blood boil, "Just to let you know next time I'll stop you." James said threateningly.
The demon within him stirred, raged on by the insolence of this human, "Like you could."
Already Tsukune had begun his subtle transformation and without warning he executed a short-right jab as a feint, then immediately threw a wide left punch enforced with his demon energy. Fluidly, James swung his right arm in the path of Tsukune's fist, throwing it off course.
"Not bad, if I hadn't been able to block that I'd have been dead, but it doesn't matter. You'll never be able to hit me, it's no different than those golems. Now for baring your fangs against me, you must pay the price." James replied dropping into his stance.
His left foot was placed in front of him facing towards Tsukune, while his right foot was horizontal, placed behind him. His feet made a line from one another, his knees were slightly bent but his back was straight. His elbows were bent slightly, his arms were extended in front of his body positioned to be in quick access of all vulnerable tagets. and his wrists were bent down.
James brought his leg up and quickly snapped it, "Stop!" the foot stopped before it crashed against Tsukune's face, "You are absolutely not allowed to fight with my friends."
Tsukune swallowed visibly, cold sweat began to drip from his forehead. If Moka hadn't stopped James, he would have ended up in the hospital. Moka led James away scolding him for fighting.
"What did he mean don't kill anyone else? You haven't killed anyone." Mizore wondered aloud.
"Who knows." Tsukune responded stoically, "Anyway let's take those pictures."
Every picture Mizore tried different poses each time a forced smile on her face, but Tsukune just stared on blankly at the lens. 9 Pictures had been taken and not one yet looked like a happy couple, 'It's time for drastic measures,' Mizore told herself.
"Tsukune" she called his name seductively.
He turned to face her, her arms slowly entwined themselves around his neck, she raised herself slightly, so their faces could meet halfway. At first their lips only brushed against each other, then Mizore closed in with her mouth open. Tsukune's lips quickly parted, and his hands soon were around Mizore's back. She was pulled in to him, their chests now resting firmly against one another. The camera shutter clicked it's final time and after a moment the booth beeped signaling it was ready to be paid. But Mizore and Tsukune stayed clenched together, eyes shut tight, their tongues had met at the bridge created by their open mouths and danced together wildly.
Both were inexperienced in the matter so it was moist and a little sloppy, but a satisfying and romantic first kiss between a new couple none the less. Tsukune was the first to pull away doing so slowly and reluctantly.
"Much as I'd like to continue I think it may be about time to be heading home." Tsukune said staring deep into his lover's eyes.
"Okay." She retorted distantly
A tingling much like an electric shock coursed through her body stealing away her muscle function. She allowed herself to be lead out of the booth and waited patiently as Tsukune paid for the pictures. 20 pictures were printed out Tsukune grabbed out two plastic bags from a dispenser on the machine. He divided the pictures into 2 sets and put each set in a bag, he kept one in his hand and handed the other to Mizore.
She accepted it gladly, "merry Christmas love." He muttered quietly and embarrassedly.
"Merry Christmas Tsukune," she piped up in response.
A Christmas present is made better not by how much was spent, but by how much thought aand feelings were put into it. In his way of thinking these pictures were worth more to him than a mountain of gold.
Tsukune blindly walked through the mall, it was large but if he just kept walking he was bound to find an exit somewhere. A sudden strong vibration in his pants startled him, it happened another two times until he realized it was his cell phone. He pulled it from his pocket, the miniature screen alerted him of the incoming call from Kyouko.
He flipped it open and stuck the receiver to his ear, "Hello?"
"Tsukune! Me and Aunt Kasumi lost Mizore, we don't know where she went. We've been scouring the mall looking for her but can't seem to find her." Kyouko said frantically.
"You guys don't have to worry about it, she's right here with me. So where are you at?" Tsukune responded
"Eh, she's with you, so that whole thing was just a lie, you wanted to spend the day alone with Mizore so you fed us that BS about needing to go Christmas shopping. You sly bastard." Kyouko accused him mockingly.
"That's not exactly true I ran into her while I was looking for a present, and to make a long story short we both gave each other our presents already."Tsukune explained, "Now where are you at?"
"You already gave each other your presents? Don't tell me your present was s-s-se-se…?" Kyouko began
Tsukune immediately cut her off, "No it's nothing like that we just took some pictures together, now could you please tell me where you and mom are, I'd like to get out of here as soon as possible."
"Oh," She said as if her sense of reality had finally returned, we're at "Cool Moisture" it's a body lotion store." Tsukune looked up, on the other side directly in front of their location was that store.
From the shop window he could see Kyouko pacing back and forth cell phone pressed to her ear, "Alright I'll see you in about thirty seconds," was all he said before shutting his phone.
He walked across the horizontal crossway to reach the other side; he pushed open the door and the chime above rung out announcing his arrival. .
Kyouko looked up and smiled at the two walking in, "Kasumi, they're here."
His mom poked her head out from an aisle; upon recognizing them she waved warmly at them then slowly made her way over the other three. With their entire band back together they headed out of the mall towards home. By the time they made it outside the sun was still in the sky yet it had begun it's slow descent towards the western sky.
Tsukune checked his watch and announced the time, "3:30, we really spent that much time in there? No wonder I'm so hungry."
Kyouko's stomach grumbled on cue, "So why don't we stop by a restaurant? It's been a while since we were all able to go out." Kasumi suggested
No one debated the suggestion instead they let Kasumi lead the way to a nice family restaurant. They stopped outside "Kyoto Inn," a mid-scale restaurant, the food here wasn't cheap but it was nothing compared to the steakhouse Hayate had taken them to. They stepped inside; it was lively filled with many patrons as would be expected on the day before Christmas Eve. When they asked for a table of four the hostess gave them a number and told them to expect at least a 25 minute wait. They waited patiently, their stomachs growling more furious than on the walk, as they were being enticed by the delicious aromas mixing together and wafting towards the waiting area.
After an incredibly long 20 minutes the hostess called their number, another woman was at her side, "Alright your table is ready, this is Natsume, she will be your waitress for tonight, and she will lead you to your table. Please enjoy your time here tonight and let her serve you."
Natsume started towards an empty booth then looked back to ensure they were following. When they started moving forward so did she again. Mizore ended up sitting together with Tsukune in one seat, while Kasumi and Kyouko occupied the other.
She handed them each a menu and then left, "I'll be back for your orders after I get your water." She called out as she retreated towards the kitchen.
The wait wasn't long at all before she came back with four cups of water on her tray, "has everyone decided what they want tonight?" she asked as she set their drinks down.
"We'd like a large pot of sukiyaki, Extra beef please, and 4 bowls." Kasumi answered.
With their order taken she left the 4 people to converse amongst themselves, "So Tsukune you said you took some pictures with Mizore… So how about you show us?" Kyouko spoke up.
"Sure" he replied, handing the bag over without thinking about it.
His mother and cousin crowded closer together and examined each picture slowly, after the third one his mom stated her observation, "You don't look like you enjoyed those pictures very much."
They continued to flip through the pictures; they were now on the eighth one, Tsukune suddenly remembered what the tenth picture was but it was too late. If he tried to take the pictures away their curiosity would only heighten and then they definitely wouldn't give them back, instead he steeled himself for their reactions, whatever they would be. Finally they were on the last picture and both of their faces lit up.
"Awww, that's so adorable." Kyouko exclaimed excitedly.
"Was that your guy's first kiss?" his mother asked, Tsukune nodded his head but after a moment Mizore shook hers sadly.
"Which is it?" she inquired further, "Have you kissed before or not."
All emotion fled from Tsukune as he answered, "it was my first kiss but not hers, please don't question us any further."
His mother looked as If she wanted to ask more, but she nodded her head in acceptance. They had successfully extinguished all conversation until the food arrived. After the food was placed in front of them they began their normal lively dinner conversation. Tsukune told everyone about the troubles he had come across in his search for a gift for Mizore. He left out the encounter with the boys in the arcade and running across Moka and James. After he was done with his story everyone else went over what they did in the mall. It seemed that Kyouko and his mother were the only ones who had an enjoyable time.
Even with the four of them they were unable to finish the soup, but everyone ate to their hearts content and left Kyoto Inn in a good mood. Everyone feeling tired and full remained quiet on the walk to the bus stop and the ride home. The sun had completely set while they were in the restaurant. The closest stop was 8 blocks from their house; the temperature had dropped significantly and continued to decline as they marched on.
Tsukune and Mizore walked a few paces behind the 2 woman also in silence; Tsukune thoughtlessly fingered the holy bracelet on his left arm all the way until they made it home. Kyouko had been invited to stay the night by Tsukune's mom; she accepted the invitation happily, but went home to change into her pajamas.
"I'm exhausted Tsukune I think I'm just going to go to sleep, keep the door unlocked for Kyouko." She said through a fake yawn, then headed for the stairs, "Oh yeah try not to get too loud tonight, people are going to be sleeping."
His mom laughed before going up the stairs, Tsukune just stared on, everyone seemed to be getting the wrong idea about him and Mizore. Tsukune followed in his mom's footsteps and climbed the stairs, Mizore followed directly behind him. They stepped inside his room, Tsukune dropped on his bed, his back lay flat against the surface but his knees rested over the bed, his feet dangling down to the floor. Mizore shut the door gently behind her then headed towards Tsukune.
She placed her knees on the bed locking against Tsukune's side, she bent over him and placed her mouth upon his. Tsukune immediately accepted the kiss, they continued to kiss as Tsukune's arms snaked around her back. He wanted to be closer to her, so he brought her crashing down upon him. Their kiss picked up, more passionate, melting away the barrier that separated them, but still Tsukune felt he was not close enough to his lover. He squeezed her tightly, a strange rushing emotion began to take over his senses, until he no longer recognized himself.
"Please, Mizore..." He begged her moving his mouth a millimeter from hers.
"Of course" she said her voice slightly husky.
Mizore joined him again in the kiss, her hands begun sneaking their way down to his pants. The Tsukune that he knew himself as was now very distant, an aggravating sexual desire had all but consumed him. His pants were now unbuttoned, she was working on the zipper now.
A loud crack awakened Tsukune followed by a sickening rushing sensation in his stomach. He placed his left hand over his eyes to keep himself from puking Mizore let out a small gasp.
"Tsukune, your locket."
"Huh?" Tsukune said lifting his left arm, the small red stone connected to the silver chain that kept his demonic power controlled had cracked in half.
It was a clean cut as if done by an impossibly sharp blade. Tsukune was frightened, that was the only thing keeping him in control. He pushed Mizore to the side gently and sat up. He covered his face with his hands and appeared to be deep in thought.
After a short while he spoke, "Mizore, tonight you're going to have to sleep in the guest bedroom with Kyouko, and please stay away from me from now on. Without that seal I'm too dangerous to be around, so please, just stay away from me."
"But you'd never hurt me, no matter how far the demon has itself rooted in you, I know you are too gentle to harm me" there was a short pause. "Besides how are we going to stay boyfriend and girlfriend if we never see each other?" Mizore Protested, tears forming in her eyes.
"Please Mizore, even if it's only a one in a million chance that I'll hurt you I refuse to take it. I promised I would protect you from all harm, that includes any that I may cause. So I'm going to have to break it off, we can't see each other anymore."
Mizore fled from the room, she didn't understand him at all, she completely trusted him, Tsukune would never hurt her, why was he going to break up with her? Was it all her fault, because of what she let happen to her? Tsukune repeatedly had to use his powers to save her, and because of that his seal had weakened. Life was so painful, finally she had made the man she loved accept her feelings and two days later she lost him. She ran to the first floor and out the door, but crashed into something hard. She bounced off and fell to the ground on her butt.
"Where are you running to at this hour?" Kyouko questioned her as she offered her hand.
Mizore shook her head furiously in response, "Did you two have a fight?" she inquired further.
This time Mizore offered nothing in retaliation, "I'll go talk to Tsukune about it, for now why don't you wait on the couch?"
Kyouko grabbed Mizore and lifted her from the ground, then led her back into the house. She set her down on the couch before disappearing up into the hallway.
Tsukune examined his broken charm thoughtfully, the headmaster had warned him such a day may come, and that the seal was irreplaceable. Finally it cracked so the only future he had to look forward to was his humanity slowly being eaten away by the demon within. He had only one option, the coward's way out, he had to run away, run from everything and everyone he loves to protect them.
Tsukune opened the window and had only half of his body out the window before his door opened, "Tsukune we need to ta…. What the hell are you doing?" Kyouko said as she entered the room.
Tsukune sighed, "Just getting some fresh air." He lied.
"Anyway, we need to talk, it seems you had a fight with Mizore and she's pretty torn up about it. So you better get down there and apologize for whatever you did, she's the overly-sensitive kind, you're going to have to watch your steps around her for the early stages of dating." Kyouko explained
"What makes you think I did anything?" Tsukune demanded
Kyouko stood there staring intently at him, the words on her mind need not be said, "Fine I'll admit it's my fault, but I won't apologize! I was in the right."
"Have you learned nothing?" She asked him bewildered, "Apologizing is not about who was right and who was wrong, it's about moving past you're differences and making amends. Relationships aren't based around facts they're based around love, and if you love her, if you really do Tsukki, then you'll never hurt her. And if you do, then it is your responsibility to apologize, if she loves you and you're sincere I'm sure she'll forgive you."
Kyouko continued, "Now if you don't get down there and apologize to Mizore I'm gonna kick your butt so hard you won't be able to sit for a year."
"Thanks." Tsukune whispered then continued in his normal voice, "I suppose you're right, I don't know if I won't even try. So I'll give your way a shot for now."
"That's good to hear; now I'll leave you two love birds alone so you can make up properly." She said teasingly as she left the room.
Tsukune slowly made his way through the open doorway and down the stairs. He stopped in the doorway to the living room, Mizore was lying on the couch, from this position he could not tell if she was asleep or not.
"Even if you can't hear me right now Mizore, I am sorry. I was an idiot, I was too scared to even try to deal with this, I just wanted to run away from everything, because it's easier than fighting. But I feel that being together with you is something worth fighting for. So I'm not going to surrender, because I still have that plan for the future, together with you, at all costs."
Mizore shifted but she gave no further reaction, "Well I suppose you're asleep right now so I'll apologize in the morning."
"You were being an idiot." Mizore replied from the couch sounding downtrodden, "and you were being selfish, you wanted to keep your pain to yourself," her voice suddenly cheered up, "But it's alright because that wasn't Tsukune speaking, that's the inner demon. This time I'm letting you off the hook easily, just make sure that I never have to speak him again. I like the real Tsukune better."
Mizore stood and walked over to him, she placed her soft, cold palm against his cheek, a pleasant shiver ravaged his body, she leaned in and planted a soft peck on his lips "That is an oath, I will do anything to protect you next time, even if I have to sacrifice myself to do so."
Tsukune smiled then they both moved in for a deeper kiss, "Stealing my lines, really how lame can you get?" He said breaking the kiss
"Like you have any room to be calling me lame, the way you get so worked up over little things, you should become an soap opera actor, you're melodramatic enough." She retorted mirroring his smile.
Their kiss continued after their mocking, Tsukune's worries all melted away, someway, somehow they would make this work.