Disclaimer: I don't own Rosario+Vampire, nor do I make any money from the writing of this story. Simple enough, ne? Just don't copy from this story and we're all good!

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V^^ Never Meddle In The Affairs Of Dragons ^^V

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Tenmei Mikogami, the Exorcist, famed headmaster of Youkai Academy, seal master, and revered Dark Lord, found himself staring at the same line on the paperwork he had been trying to fill out for the twentieth time that day. Not surprising really, he was far too preoccupied to really focus on it as it was. Maybe he should have taken the same advice he gave Ruby. It was now late afternoon and he had gotten very little done aside from his thoughts. For all his titles, his long life, and accomplishments, politics was still every bit as frustrating as it was hundreds of years ago.

The school board had completely blindsided him, and the most infuriating thing was it had all been done perfectly within regulations! He may be the board chairman, but as such it was his job to pass all motions voted through and keep relative peace during the proceedings, not shoot down those that weren't to his liking. Democratic process was a pain sometimes. The board had been approached with an appeal entirely legal, and they had no reason to deny the Shuzens their request. After all, it was his daughters at school; he could pull them out if he wanted. If they had been abandoned it would be another story; Youkai Academy had funds in place to ensure all monsters would be provided for if they had no family to do so, but that wasn't the case. Their family had merely pulled them out, and for vampires that was nothing unusual. They were immortal beings, prone to educate at home rather than sully themselves with the masses. The board considered it a privilege two of the Shuzen sisters had enrolled, even if they hadn't completed their full terms.

That he had been blocked from the entire progression however, and not even able to give his students any kind of warning, stunk of premeditation. It wouldn't be hard for the Shuzens to argue conflict of interest, as there were plenty of recorded cases where the Newspaper Club had been allowed leniency, and just as many where it could be inferred he had used them as his hands in certain situations. Now that had come back to haunt him, and naturally it was Issa Shuzen who had taken advantage of it.

He couldn't offer them jobs because technically they hadn't graduated, and if he paid them money from his own pocket that would be showing undue favoritism and basically outright confirming the board's decision to keep him from the proceedings, not to mention it wasn't his place to pay their tuition when their family had already withdrawn it. If only someone else offered up the money, then he could act as legal counsel as the school's headmaster to keep them enrolled. Better yet, if they were able to get the funds themselves. Taking things from there wouldn't be too hard. Other than that, his hands were tied.

His musings were cut short when the heavy double-doors to his office were explosively blown inwards, slamming none too gently into their respective walls. Were he anyone else he may have flinched, but since he didn't he was left staring unimpeded into two pools of burning quicksilver. The bronze-skinned teen standing in his entryway looked mad enough to spit hot coals, which, incidentally, she was very near to actually doing. The pearly teeth held in her sneer were glowing orange with restrained flame, and he noted idly that the hands clenched at her sides were sporting lengthy talons eager to rip into flesh. The ridge of her brow had turned a scaly silver, as had the line of her jaw, cheekbones, and either side of her neck, indicating the change had happened to more than what he could see. He had honestly expected this response, the only question had been who would be the one to do it.

"Why hello, Rei-chan. I would say good afternoon, but it hasn't been a very good day, now has it?" His normal good-natured wit was filled with rhetorical self-depreciation, but her scowl only deepened.

In just a few long strides she was in front of his desk and had slammed a hand down on the ancient wood hard enough to make it creak audibly. "Do not toy with me, riddle-maker! 'Tis no time for jest!" she snarled, and every time her mouth opened, sparks jumped from the depths of her throat.

The reason for her visit was simple: her treasures were contemplating going to the mafia. She remembered the word from Tsukune's explanations as he went over his life with her in their cave, what seemed like years ago now. There was no way she was going to allow that; no one would have anything to hang over her head, she would be in no one's debt, especially not a group that had a history of using such a thing to get what they wanted no matter what. Tsukune was her partner; the one that put her first whenever she needed anything; the one that had cared and continued to care for her; the one that respected and trusted her. She could do no less than the same for him, and she would not allow anyone a hold over him. That her Tsukki was even considering doing that told her the severity of the situation they found themselves in, and she hadn't waited around to hear the counterarguments. She had a job to do.

"When last I was in his presence, Tsukki was putting forth the suggestion of means most foul! Lacking resources, he would rely on those who feed on the desperation of others, trafficking favors for servitude! Are you not a purported 'Dark Lord'? Are you not the leader of this institution? You mean to profess to my very face you could do nothing when this quandary came to your attention?"

The air of the office was rapidly warming with every angry breath she took, the threat clear, and he narrowed his ominous eyes. "Not without significant consequences for the school. If I damned the cost, yes, there are a few things I could do, but what would happen after I did? The school could face legal action as, as you said, I am its headmaster, and if not legal action, physical action by those who would first choose to follow proper channels. Vampires are not known for clemency, and should they be rebuffed by me personally for two children of whom might as well be their royalty, the school would earn eternal enemies. Those enemies have spent lifetimes building wealth and influence in both worlds, and wouldn't think twice about wiping out a school, even if that school is one of the only places for monsters to learn how to adapt to the human world amongst their own kind.

"My title offers me much, and I'm not particularly wanting for material goods, but it would be a battle fated to lose. They have the law on their side; vampire business has always been dealt with by vampires themselves. Until Moka-chan and Kokoa-chan say otherwise, they are still wards of their father, and will be treated accordingly."

Rei's jaw tightened. "Should I find your assurances to be falsified at any time, know that no title or building will save you from my wrath, that I swear," she hissed murderously.

He knew they weren't empty words. It was a promise made by a dragon protecting her hoard, and he had no doubt she would raze Youkai Academy to the ground, with all the students inside, before she allowed her pledge to be broken. "So noted." She growled at his casual dismissal, but if she thought he was about to be intimidated by a monster—even a dragon—barely half a year old, she was sadly mistaken. "Now, I assume you mean the Wong family as a possible solution, and I agree with you, it's a bad idea, but it is a solution. I have the futures of every youkai child hanging over my head should I act incorrectly, they do not. Was there another reason you barged into my office, Rei-chan?"

She growled again, louder this time, torn between frustration and umbrage before slamming her other hand onto his desk. The sound was different, clearer, like wood on rock rather than flesh. As she pulled the limb back, a soft glow pulsed from what was revealed in its wake. Even after all his years of life, he still had to hold himself back from reacting.

It was an uncut red gem nearly the size of the young girl's palm, but what had his attention was the light flickering within, and the heat the stone itself was radiating. Had it been a regular jewel its worth would have been enormous by size alone, what it actually was made it worth far, far more.

"What you behold is crystallized dragonfire, riddle-maker; my Mother's blessing given form," she said, eerily calm. "Should the barrier shielding this place from those who would mean it harm falter, this has power enough to preserve its integrity unaided, however I would hesitate to estimate its lifespan above a week were it to be exclusively relied upon."

She was basically handing him a prepackaged contingency plan, a safety that didn't need a group of above average or otherwise super-powered youkai on hand to jumpstart the Grand Barrier back to full strength if something like what Hokuto managed ever happened again, not to mention all the other things he could think of with such a thing. When true dragons had been lost so had their peerless gifts, and after millennia one was sitting right in front of him. Still, time had granted him patience, and more than that, the wisdom to discern the many nuances of most any situation. He was dealing with a dragon, and that couldn't be forgotten.

"The price?" he asked simply. Negotiating with a dragon was risky business; they were greedy, prideful, and master manipulators when it came to adding to their hoard. Then there was the old standard: if all else fails, use violence, and if they were so inclined they could do just that to great effect. Rei may be young, but she was continually displaying much of her species' knowledge was instinctual, and she had a very keen mind.

Sharp teeth glinted menacingly in her smile. "My treasures owe you nothing. I bore through the indignity of knowing Tsukki was indebted to you purely because I believed you had our best interests at heart. You have proven where your loyalty lies, and while it does not escape my notice that 'tis a noble cause, I refuse to stand by any longer. In addition, I am prepared to offer a set amount of my own scales. In exchange you shall allow my sister treasures to complete their education here, you shall fashion for myself the proper documentation needed for my life, and permit me to challenge the equivalency exams when I so choose as if I had always attended. From the scales I grant you, you shall assist me in a request of my own beyond my current abilities, and the rest shall be yours to do with as you see fit. Above all, any debt from which you feel they owe even the slightest amount shall be pronounced null and void."

He was actually stunned for a moment. Of all the things he had expected, generosity had been the last. Dragons weren't generous, period. They were fiercely selfish when it came to their wealth, and to broker a deal with one often resulted in the reptile coming out well compensated for their time, when they either ate the person for their impudence or received what they wanted. The gem on his desk would be more than enough to handle her requests, strictly speaking, even though the list was by no means small, but to add another ingredient that had been thought lost to the world on top of that…

There had to be a catch. "If I refuse?"

She shrugged nonchalantly. "Then you prove to me you care nothing for my treasures and I leave. This world is larger than the small amount exposed to me thus far, so surely finding another eager to barter properly for this gemstone should not be too difficult. You are but the most convenient means to an end, and for your earlier assistance I thought it only fair you receive the offer first."

Experience told him she wasn't lying, and that was surprising. "You would actually sell it like a common jewel?"

Her face twisted with disgust, made all the more frightening with the transformation it was still under. "'Tis not a piece of myself, 'tis merely my Mother encapsulating the flame She granted me. Only my treasures shall ever hold my Tears, and they know the importance of what they hold. They would never betray my trust. In contrast, that rock holds all the significance of a bug to me. However, it holds value in currency, and I find myself in need."

"And the scales?"

"My body is still growing," she replied casually. "'Tis the easiest time for me to scratch off the old, but from what I understand they too could be beneficial to my treasures. I intend my goal as a surprise for them, with the remains an enticement for you. Be warned, no one else shall be offered that, and should you decline, 'twould not be offered again."

"I'm honored," he responded with a raised brow. In her own way, it meant she was aware of and thankful for the parts he had in her life, though that mostly consisted of him allowing her and her partner use of resources they wouldn't have otherwise, not direct assistance.

In perfect dragon manner, she said, "You should be." When only silence ensued, she frowned and crossed her arms under her growing bust. "My patience wears thin, riddle-maker. What is your answer?"

He wondered that himself. There didn't seem to be any downside to her agreement; no catch, no last minute change, no nothing. Just the straight up truth of what she expected. Of course, it was then he remembered he wasn't talking to a regular dragon, he was talking to a dragon disciplined by the blood of one of the most humble humans he had ever met. While his body was that of a vampire's, the Familiar bond tied to the most basic level, and he had seen the changes it had wrought even when she was newly born. Rei was a dragon, of that there was no doubt, but she had been tempered, even if only slightly. There would probably never be another dragon the likes of her again.

Despite himself, he chuckled. "That's acceptable. To be honest, I expected more conditions." But when he stretched out his hand to confirm the terms, she stood still.

"Though a condition of this accord 'tis not, 'tis closely related all the same," she stated evenly. His cautious gaze returned, but she held up a finger to placate his assumption. "Fear not, I have no intention of amending the requisites. My issue is thus: I do not desire my treasures to grow accustomed to this method of interference. I have collected their debt so none can gain from their loss, but have them pay it I shall. I ask thee, is there nothing worthy of financial recompense within the bounds of the academic year?"

His chuckle returned, this time with friends. "So you take the immediate weight from them, but you want to make them work for it." What she was proposing made a wide smile stretch on his face. "Their work makes you feel better, and they gain experience and money for after school. Impressive, Rei-chan, most impressive. That sounds like something I would come up with."

"Yes, I thought 'twould suit your tastes," she retorted dryly. "Now, do you?"

He nodded. "I may have some acquaintances that can work in youkai-only environments, and just so happen to owe me a few favors. You no doubt know of the effects you've had on the surroundings here, and I've thought it high past time we remove some of the eyesores littering the school grounds. There are a couple of rundown buildings that were once used as part of the school that are now nothing but health risks and hangouts for the unsavory. I've been looking into remodeling the areas for a while, and if we can get it done before the festival it will give the parents and alumni new reasons to be impressed. Does good ol' manual labor work for you?"

Her grin was small, but satisfied. "They will be paid?"

"To make sure no one thinks it's being done solely for them, I'll see if I can't get the contractors to set up interviews for any others looking to make some spending money. Most of the Third Years have finals to worry about, but we should have a diverse enough group to make it work in the end. I'll make some calls and with any luck, I should have a sign-up sheet up on the first day back. As long as they're on it, it won't seem unusual when they get hired." He had worked on tighter deadlines before, and at least that paperwork would get done, compared to the other junk he had tried, and failed, to do since that morning. The school would be focusing more on preparations for the festival than academics for the two months leading up to it at the end of October, so the teachers would understand if some students were absent to help with the landscaping projects. It would be an interesting experiment, if nothing else.

Rei inclined her head just enough for it to be seen as an acknowledgement. "I find you far more agreeable when you speak plainly, riddle-maker, and I thank you for your aid in this."

"I care for all my students, Rei-chan. The goal of this school is to ease students into life in their disguises, so when they get out into the world dominated by humans it's hard for them to tell the difference between human and monster in human form. Life can offer so much, and limiting friendships and experiences based on one's race is like cutting off your own arm. I want to see them all succeed, make ties with their human brethren, raise children, and come back to the school better for it. The more we try to separate our worlds, the closer we come to a war of annihilation if pressures ever reach a breaking point. Your friends helped contain something that very nearly pushed that pressure over the edge, and I have a feeling their interactions will be looked to in the future for guidance."

She scoffed. "As well they should. Certainly one to emulate when dealing with humans is one whom was once human himself. Should they care to follow his example, it may well be a long time until 'war' comes again to monsters, but should they mock his efforts, they might well be surprised on whose side he fights," she opined dispassionately.

He knew what she was talking about. Moka and the others never fought for the sake of fighting, they fought to stop the fighting already going on. If the monsters ever tried to incite anything, as long as they were alive he was sure they would be the first ones to try and stop it, through force if need be. "It does this old heart good to know there are some people with their heads on straight," he said with a chuckle.

The small teen rolled her eyes. "And my heart goes out to you, for having to deal with the masses that do not. As long as they leave me and mine alone, I could not possibly care less."

The headmaster couldn't contain his mirthful cough. Ah, to be young again. He doubted she had any idea of what life could have in store for them. All he knew was it would be fun to watch.

She cast a quizzical glance at him, but said nothing about it. "I believe we strayed topics. I should return to my treasures as soon as possible with this news, but I require confirmation." Just like that, her eyes were as hard as the steel they resembled. "You would swear on your life the terms of our agreement will be met?"

He met her gaze easily. "I'll put it in writing. I need to anyway, to document the exchange," he snickered with dark amusement. "Creative paperwork, I call it. They'll know there was a trade of services, but nothing more if I have anything to say about it. If Shuzen wants to play this game, I'll play."

His skill and experience in the realm of law and misdirection was put to good use, and Rei was morbidly curious at the speed and efficiency at which he could twist words until they were practically unrecognizable as what they had agreed to. Even then there was nothing to give anything away, and she found herself awed by the display of ruthless ability using nothing more than words on paper. By the time he was done she was happy to use her limited expertise in the area to sign her name, and after he did the same she smiled as her pseudo-transformation faded, genuinely relieved. Her treasures, her family, could stop worrying for the moment.

"If you would satisfy this old man's curiosity, is there any reason why you want to challenge the equivalency exams so soon?" he asked candidly as he cradled his chin in his folded hands.

She stared at him like he was the dumbest thing she had ever laid eyes on. "I have yet to truly live in the world outside this bubble, but I have been told a great deal about the workings of it. This scare…I will never suffer such a thing again. I now know the fragility of our situation, and I know I cannot afford to stand idle once we leave this place. I refuse to let my family support me unaided, but in order to be of any use I need credentials. As they graduate this year, so too must I try to be equipped similarly."

A slight frown of thoughtfulness formed on his mostly obscured face. "While I admire your drive, I feel obligated to point out the majority of them have had eighteen years to ready themselves for the workforce. You may look closer to fourteen than Yukari-chan, but…you're not. No matter how old you appear by the time the year is up, it doesn't change the fact that you're barely that old yourself."

She snarled, but her eyes darted from side to side uncertainly, just like any normal young girl's would have had they been in the same position. "Be silent! My pride may demand I keep what is mine, and restrictions may hinder my ability to solidify the fire gifted to me, but make no mistake, they will not be without my help!"

The headmaster stifled a chuckle. So like the group that call her their own. Pride, with compassion. I can only hope their children turn out like her. The thought made him smile.

Her glower showed it hadn't gone unnoticed, and more than likely had been misinterpreted. "Every day I grow, both mentally and physically. I am already capable of completing the schoolwork assigned to Tsukki with only minor assistance, and I plan on using the library here to great effect in furthering my knowledge. I am not a child, regardless of this form."

Real anger was working its way into her tone, and he had no desire to earn the dragon's ire. "I merely meant to remind you that though your kind is naturally inclined to patience and wisdom, don't be afraid to ask for help yourself should you need it," he explained soothingly, and her dark skin flushed an endearing shade darker at her blunder.

She fussed with her styled, messy hair to try and minimize attention to her face. "I…I will keep that in mind, thank you. I had best be going, I have news of great importance to deliver, after all."

"Don't wait around on my account then. Go," he said with amused impatience, adding the necessary shooing motion with his hand towards the door. She glared at him again but this time it wasn't nearly as serious, and her eyes sparkled with the relief she felt inside as she sprinted from the room, her long ponytail flapping behind her.

He sighed deeply when she was gone, settling back into his plush chair while he rubbed his forehead tiredly. That had been close, too close. He had been locked out of the governing body of his school and forced into a position where he could do almost zero. Over his life he had gathered quite the collection of assets, most of which he had made sure couldn't be traced back to him and a good deal of those funding scholarships and other such amenities for the school and law enforcement amongst youkai. If one of those nameless existences were to have put up the money for Moka and Kokoa, not only would it not be useful anymore, but it opened up the possibility of investigation from the vampires, and that would be bad. Very bad.

Plus would come the problem of explaining how said nameless being knew either sister, and even if he was able to come up with a reasonable justification, just that someone had tried to stop the process would have their father sniffing around. It wasn't hard to make a nonexistence nonexistent, but it would only draw unwanted attention and make Shuzen paranoid, since as teens neither of his daughters would have the connections or resources to do that. That wasn't entirely true since they had a very influential connection in the Wong family, but with them the price often wasn't worth the result. His later countermeasures would surely cause complications that no one with their best interests in mind would like, and that had to be avoided at all costs.

But Rei on the other hand, she had no family outside of who was already targeted, and would relish the opportunity to deal with anyone that came to 'intimidate' her. She had no life that could be tracked before Youkai Academy, no relatives but those in Paradise, and no fear of the fools that would dare try and separate her from treasures of her hoard. Best of all, the only question he need be wary of in regards to her was her species, and that he could claim secret under Youkai Academy standards.

He couldn't help but wonder just how much she knew about her abilities though, as he eyed the mildly glowing gemstone sitting on his desk. Hardly half a year old and already capable of creating the gifts thought lost to Youkai and Mankind alike. Admittedly, they were just as rare even when dragons were in higher number, but the possibility had been there. Now, it was back. He didn't like being in anyone's debt, but he could admit he owed her more than what they had agreed on. Of course, he knew the cheeky dragon also knew that, but it was too good of a deal to pass up. He would make it up to them later.

He was sure something would come up. It always did.

He sighed again.

Why wasn't that very comforting?

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V^^^V

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In another realm, those known to the school as the Newspaper Club were huddled together in the cave that served as their home in Paradise, where only comfort was keeping them from falling apart.

With Tsukune's bedding gone, a new solution had been in order if they wanted to sit anywhere other than solid rock, and thus the group found themselves sitting on a bed-like couch large enough to fit them all easily that had been conjured—summoned?—by magic. It was larger than anything any of them had seen Yukari summon from nothingness, but she hadn't even looked winded, and had mutely pointed to her wristband at their inquisitive looks when she had done it. It didn't hurt that Tsukune had been pumping them full of more energy every day. They were extremely thankful for that, as the bed was a much better alternative than the stone floor, even if it was smoothed flat and usually warmer than it looked.

They didn't know how long they spent just sitting on the plush mattress, silently taking strength from one another, but eventually they started talking. Ideas were put forth and discarded, plans were made and likewise abandoned, until finally Tsukune proposed the one thing he had been hesitant to even think, let alone voice aloud.

Rei's immediate departure upon him doing so stung, it stung badly. Of course he knew it was a stupid idea, but he just didn't know what else to do! His suggestion hung in the air like a bad stench, and he moved his eyes to the soft red cushions he was sitting on, unable to meet their concerned gazes.

He was tired. Not tired, exactly, but drained. He was calm thanks to his friends and family, but with that calm the hopelessness returned. He didn't know what to do, and neither did anyone else. School started in two days, not nearly enough time to get a request in for a loan, and besides which he knew next to nothing about youkai politics. For all he knew there was a completely different procedure for struggling Youkai Academy students, and with the scholarship options cut off ahead of time he simply couldn't see where else they could go. The headmaster wasn't an option, they had nothing they could offer him for his help, and moreover he already had enough favors to call in. What would he do if they went to him outright asking for money of all things?

It was pathetic. He was pathetic. Career counseling would be further addressed from the minor attempts of earlier years this coming semester as finals approached, but in the end that was inconsequential to his problems at the moment. His grades were improving, he was sure of that, but he was also sure he needed to be better. So much of their time had gone to training physically, as most of their confrontations were of that nature, that their studies had been completed but otherwise ignored. Only Yukari and Ruby were really putting any effort into it since their projects demanded it, and while they weren't for genuine classes, it was still something that was proving to be more than useful in its versatility. The ridiculousness of that came into play when he thought of the obvious. Yukari was a certifiable genius and a sure shot for her choice of university, all tuition paid, and Ruby—while he couldn't be sure of her actual status regarding schooling—already had a job and was well on her way to becoming a respected member of the faculty at the academy. The two that spent the most time on academic pursuits had the least need of them!

And what had he been doing? Exercising his body rather than his brain. From the very beginning it was apparent his transfiguration had adapted to his mind as well, but he had never thought to challenge himself, even after all the reading and work he and Rei had done together for his summer assignments. He had gotten them done, and well, if he admitted it to himself, but could he have made it more thorough, more impressive? In short, the answer was yes, and he needed to start making more of an effort next term. Not even that, he needed to start making the best possible effort he could! On his own, he wouldn't be able to provide for his whole family—it was almost literally impossible without winning the lottery—but he was going to make for damn sure he supplied as much as he could to their combined incomes.

But right then, the only thing of real importance was Moka and Kokoa, and that they had no clue what to do to thwart their removal.

The anger was coming back, the burning pit in the bottom of his throat that kept reminding him they were only eighteen years old, and for all their experience at the hardships of life, they still had some they had never dealt with before. His energy was exhausted to the point his limbs ached and his fangs quivered for blood, but still his fingers curled into the padding of the elaborate couch as the sick taste of worthlessness festered in his mouth.

He looked up sharply when a feminine hand fit itself over his, and when he did its partner cupped his cheek and pulled him into a deep kiss that demanded his full attention and would have nothing else. In the small lull he barely remembered to breathe before his lips were dominated again, and when his hand rose to reciprocate, it found itself directed to her chest. The smooth chill of metal was hardly computed when he was forced to yank it away, and his eyes opened wide when the telltale chink echoed in his ears. He had just enough time to see pink bleed white prior to being pushed to the backrest while she moved to straddle him fully, where she grabbed the sides of his head and proceeded to put her outer self's previous accomplishment to shame.

Only heavy breathing could be heard in the aftermath, as Moka and Tsukune sat resting their foreheads together. The trail of a lone tear was marked on her face, and when he brushed it away she clasped his hand with her own.

"Know your place, Tsukune," she ordered affectionately, and added a light smack to the top of his head for emphasis. Though he could see the fear in the depths of her crimson irises, her confidence, her ever-present pride was still there. She had faith in them, in him, and in their ability to prevail despite the obstacles. Time and again his lovers continually redefined beauty, and this was one of those times.

An impish grin formed on her face as her eyes darted down to where she sat, and he blushed while averting his gaze, only to blush harder when he realized the others were all grinning at him too, though Kokoa was shaking her head in her hand as she did. "Much better. There will always be a way, and we'll find it."

His expression darkened suddenly, and she frowned. Then he asked, "What about Mizore?" and understanding dawned instantly.

"She will continue to be an important part of our family, she will have as many children as she wants, and we will all love them as our own."

Off to the side, the snow woman's eyes began watering happily, but Tsukune wasn't done yet. "I never, ever doubted that. I want to give her that more than anything, but how? I'm being realistic here, I want kids…" He took in a shuddering breath, and gave a weak smile filled with hope to every one of them, prompting Mizore to cuddle in next to him while Kurumu took her other side, but they knew he wasn't done yet. "…I want to have as many as you want, but we're hardly out of school and if Mizore doesn't start soon she won't get as many as she wants." The woman in question looked ready to object, but he gently held a finger to her lips to silence her. "Be honest."

She chuckled demurely. "Tsukune, as long as they're yours I could never have enough, but…" She glanced away shyly, twiddling her fingers, "…I know they'll have plenty of siblings, but I was thinking…four? Five…if I can?"

Moka blinked. Tsukune gulped. Kokoa choked. Kurumu and Ruby smiled. Yukari giggled perversely.

"Well…um…well…" Speechlessness wasn't a position Moka Akashiya found herself in often, but hearing that one of her best friends planned on spending the next few years pregnant if she could certainly succeeded in achieving that.

"We'll support you as much as we can, Mizore," Ruby said, her beaming smile still in place.

"Of course we will!" Kurumu exclaimed, all but squirming where she sat next to the stoic ice maiden. "Ooooh, I can't wait! Our family! Can you imagine it? Our kids, all playing together, little snow girls and succubae, and snow boys and incubi!" She squealed blissfully as her tail smacked the cushions behind her in her excitement, and even the normally inexpressive Mizore smiled tenderly at the thought.

"Don't forget the dhampir witches and wizards!" Yukari crowed, though she was practical enough to know who would first bear that honor, as she patted Ruby's belly lovingly. Her elder's face went red in short order, but the warm look that also formed on it as she looked down to where Yukari's hand was settled easily told of her feelings on the matter.

"And…eventually…my own children to add to the fold," Moka marveled. Her children would never face the loneliness she felt, not ever. They would have plenty of brothers and sisters to keep them company, to look out for them where she had no one. She would teach her children to be the best they could, but not at the cost of alienating everyone around them. She had learned well from her life, and she would sooner kill herself than subject them to the same tortuous method that allowed her to practically murder any opponents that were sent against her, for 'experience' or not.

She noticed her sister's downcast eyes before anyone else, and she wasn't about to let that stand. "Naturally, they'll expect regular visits from their aunt and their cousins, when it happens," she commented like she was talking about the weather, and was unsurprised when her younger sibling tackled her off Tsukune's lap into a crushing hug.

It was enough for the young man with them to bark a short laugh, the first genuine one he had done all day. "See? There's already seven of us, and that's if Kokoa decides she doesn't want to live with us. Once children come along…we're going to need a big house, and that means reliable incomes; things I don't know how to get right now. How can we start bringing kids into the world when we're not even certain how we're going to live?"

Mizore shuffled closer, drawing his arms around her as she nestled into his embrace now that Moka was otherwise engaged. "Tsukune, you left before I could tell you. Not every snow woman is sold off to a rich businessman," she stated, and even she couldn't keep all the bitterness from her voice at what had almost happened. "Motherhood is something every one of us is prepared for from a young age, and our families are ready for it. My parents aren't poor, Mom even owns a ski resort in the human world. They've been arranging everything for when I finally have a family of my own since I was little; they'll help us. Mom will probably be able to offer you a job that works around university, and I'm sure she would do the same for the rest of us. Once school is over we'll be able to have some time to prepare, so we will be able to get student loans, and the income will help for later. I can take classes by correspondence, and Mom and Dad and the remainder of us will be able to help me with the baby whenever you or anyone else is busy. We can do this, Tsukune. It's not impossible."

The smile that spread over his lips made heat coil in her center, and soon she had been pulled into his lap in a jubilant hug as he laughed out of profound relief. Pulling back only slightly, he coaxed his grip up to her choppy violet hair and tugged her into the deepest kiss he could manage. The throaty hum that she produced as she snaked her tongue into his mouth made the majority of them shift in place awkwardly, and when they parted he lunged for one last kiss before grinning the grin they were all so familiar with, full of boyish charm and mature love.

"We can…we can do it," he breathed, while the grin only grew. "We can actually do it!"

Even with her still on his lap he was able to jump to his feet, and spun the giggling snow woman around excitedly until they both collapsed to the plush mattress they were standing on. With his forearm covering his eyes while Mizore nuzzled back into his side, they were all alarmed when they saw the tears streaking down his cheeks, but they were soon revealed to be tears of joy when he started chuckling again.

"I…I was so worried! God, I was so worried…"

Moka had disentangled herself from her younger sister by then, and carefully pulled his arm down so she could clasp his hand. Naturally, the action drew everyone's attention. "Tsukune, you're not alone in this. Your words, not mine."

To their surprise, he nodded. "I know," he confessed somberly, "You helped me realize that earlier, but…it didn't change our situation any, it just calmed me down. This…this gives me some hope."

She chortled under her breath as she placed his palm over her heart, and he didn't even blush as he looked into her eyes. This wasn't teasing, this was serious. "I know. It took most of my concentration to keep from crying along with you just when you let yourself relax. I understand what you're going through; I'm going through it too."

"And with or without a blood-bond, I'll always be with you, Tsukune," Kurumu declared sincerely. "Just keep being you." Beside her, Mizore bobbed her head in agreement.

Again he surprised them, this time with the sheer depth of self-loathing on his face. "Yeah, 'cause that wasn't what got us into this to start with," he spat incredulously as he reclaimed his hand and shuffled up to sit properly. "Oh wait, it was!"

Since they were closest, both Moka and Mizore cuffed him upside the head.

"OW! What was that for?"

"Mu, you were being stupid," Mizore pouted, while the vampiress smirked.

"Must I repeat myself? Bad Tsukune, bad!"

Kurumu couldn't let that one go, even as she snickered. "What did you do on the carpet?!"

Yukari paused thoughtfully in the middle of her giggles and said, "Don't you mean 'who?'"

They all exploded into laughter as Tsukune's whole body lit up in an extraordinary blush, but more than one of them was sporting colored cheeks as well, though from fantasy or memory was impossible to tell.

When they finally quieted, the snow woman snuggled into her vampire's arms yet again, and his thoughts stilled when she looked up at him, her clear blue eyes mournful. "Tsukune, you need to stop blaming yourself. Not everything is your fault. You know I want kids, and I know you know I want kids, but I didn't tell you anything else. I knew we would have support once we finished school, you only knew you were going to have to support me. We're in a bad spot right now, but you didn't just think of Moka…you thought of us. If I had only told you earlier, you wouldn't have reacted like you did…so don't just blame yourself…blame me too."

He shook his head resolutely. "I would never blame you, Mizore! We've been busy. Club, training, spending time together outside of all that; hell, when school starts back up we'll have the Commission and festival preparations to deal with too. It's still my responsi—mph?"

It was Moka who had cut him off, finger pressed to his lips just as he had to Mizore once before. "That's your pride talking."

As much as he wanted to deny it, the more he went over it in his head, the more he realized she was right.

I fought so hard to get through Moka's pride to know what was underneath, and here I am doing the same freaking thing! His shoulders slumped. "Sorry."

"A vampire's pride is a great and terrible thing, and I'm sure yours was wounded," she said with a warm smile. "Don't let that blind you, it's the worst thing pride of any kind can do; I would know. As long as you remember that, apology accepted."

Ruby laughed lightly as she rubbed her neck's markings. "Sheesh, this has been a pretty crazy day, huh? I feel tired already!"

"I know what you mean!" Kurumu agreed. "We've been running around in circles! Feeling bad, feeling better, feeling worse, feeling better; ugh, my head hurts! I liked it better when we were talking about kids! Mama's been wondering when she'll get little succubae grandbabies!"

"Wasn't she still wondering when you'd become a woman last time you called her?" Mizore asked in amusement, and her best friend and lover puffed out her cheeks childishly.

"That's not the kind of thing you tell your mother over the phone!" Unnoticed, Tsukune sighed in relief. "I have to tell her in person so she can see how great my Destined One's become!" And that relief was short-lived.

Then his brain caught up with what was actually said, and dread filled him even as color fled his skin. "Wait, I'm not a human anymore. That means our kids will be—"

"Succubae," the blue-haired beauty finished for him as she waved off his concern. "Or Incubi, I guess. Depends if they're boys or girls."

The supreme confidence she had in saying that definitely confused the young vampire, and he responded with a well-earned, "How is that possible?" She seemed to shrink in on herself, suddenly uncertain for some reason, and while the look she set on him was bashful for the most part, more alarming to him was the slight fear he unexpectedly picked up on in her scent. The arm not around Mizore reached over to graze her chin, gently coaxing her to look directly into his now very fierce amber gaze. "Kurumu, never, and I repeat never, be afraid to tell me something. Ever."

The vehemence in his voice clearly got through to her, and she flashed him one of her million-watt grins as she fidgeted nervously. "Ehhehehe, how'd you know?"

He tapped his nose meaningfully, and her cheeks flooded with warmth. "Fear changes a person's scent. I've spent enough time hunting to recognize it."

She drooped, well aware of the unspoken words in his quiet tone. "How could you be afraid of me?"

"S-Sorry. I-It's just…well, Mizore hasn't been the only one that's kept something from you. You'll think it's stupid, I know—a-and it's not anything bad or something like that!" she added hastily, "It's just—damn it, I'm not good at this! Look, snow people can only have snow children no matter what species their mate is! Succubae are the same!" His eyes widened at her shout, and she lowered hers sadly. "Why do you think we're both close to extinction? Without love, some monsters would prefer monstrels to basically giving up their heritage entirely.

"I'm a succubus, Tsukune, we're born for love and all that involves…especially sex. Touching, kissing, making love; we crave it, we're literally made for it. You'll never find an unattractive succubus or incubus, full stop. Some of us even use…um…compatibility to determine our Destined One. We could be with a different partner every day and if we didn't think they were our destined mate, we wouldn't get pregnant. Tell me, what kind of person turns down the chance of a one night stand with absolutely no consequences?" At his indignant glare, she smiled fondly. "Well, other than a select few, not very many. Even now that you've accepted me, I haven't allowed it because I know we aren't ready, but it would only work with you. If I tried to have a child with anyone else, it wouldn't work. It's part of our magic.

"But there's another part. Being with a succubus means they'll never be bored in bed, but it also means they'll never have kids other than succubae or incubi. We instinctively take the better traits in our mates and add it to our children, but what makes us who we are in the first place always means they'll end up as one of us. The snow people have a time limit, but if they can get pregnant during that time they still can. For us, it has to be with who we think is our Destined One, and only if they've accepted that. If we're rejected it's not the end of the world, but there'll always be a strong tie between the two before that. We need love, not just sex. Most would rather just use us for pleasure than let us strengthen our species. That's not saying we don't use them for pleasure too, but it's hard when you want kids."

To say Tsukune was flabbergasted would be the understatement of the century, and they all shuddered at the rumble that resonated from deep in his chest. "So you're saying…you could be with a monstrel, and as long as they accepted that they were your Destined One, you would still have succubae children?" She nodded. "And the snow people, they basically give themselves away, all because that's the easiest way they have to make sure they have someone that will accept their kids?"

It was a stretch, and grossly oversimplified, but Mizore nodded as well. "It's like an arranged marriage with a clause for children. Not…not all of them are as bad as what happened to me; most work out pretty well, and it gives the kids a family," she whispered, and she felt his muscles quaver.

He let out a long breath as he relaxed into his snow woman, and she tightened her grip on him like she was afraid of what he would do should she let him go. "I'd like to say I'm surprised, but I'm not. I'm really not. It's pride." The ambiance sparked with power, thick with magic he had no chance of controlling in his current state as his teeth ground together and his rosary shuddered. "Well screw that! We're going to show them what a snow woman is like in a real family! We're going to show them what they're missing out on by choosing not to really love a succubus! We're going to prove how great witches are and they'll be choking on their regret until the day they die! I want them to see vampires stepping up where they were wrong, and I swear it, they will!"

As his naked chest heaved in his rage while he sucked in air, the rest were practically glowing with delight. Moka was breathing similarly, her long fangs exposed and throbbing with need, but not just for those reasons. It was because for a few short seconds, red eyes had met red eyes. There was hope, and more than that, there was a resolve to make that hope a reality. It wasn't much of a plan, but it didn't need to be. They were going to live their lives regardless of what anyone else thought, and in the end they were going to reveal the stupidity that had integrated itself into the youkai world or they would die trying.

"I would expect nothing less from you, Tsukki," a familiar, childish yet husky voice spoke from the entrance of their cave, where Rei was just finishing doing up her shirt. She had obviously flown somewhere, if she had shed her clothes at any time. "'Tis an admirable cause, and one worthy of our attentions. By living, they shall see our greatness. Simple, but effective, and all obstacles meant to hinder shall instead make us stronger." With poise beyond her years, she strode to the circular couch and hopped up to sit on the encircling backrest. "One such obstacle has been taken care of, now we must focus on the days ahead."

There was a wave of numbness that swept through those assembled as they struggled to comprehend the meaning behind those innocuously said words, but they could come to no conclusion but the obvious.

"Rei," Kokoa croaked, her eyes pleading, "please, don't be cryptic. Tell us straight up, did you find us a way out?"

The disguised dragon winced at the utter desperation in the redhead's tone. She remembered that pitch well, one that had become increasingly prominent the longer they had talked before she finally left when the suggestions became too much for her. She made sure to answer so clearly there couldn't be any confusion. "Yes. Any debts incurred have been settled, and any immediate needs have been met. We are safe."

It took a little while for those words to sink in properly, but when they did everyone was moving at once. Later, no one would remember how Tsukune managed to get between the women he had been holding and who were likewise rushing towards the bronze-skinned teen, but somehow Rei found herself encompassed in the hold of her partner. She was still tiny compared to him, and his muscled arms were shivering as they held her flush to his strong frame, his head bent low to hide his face in her hair. She hadn't realized how much she missed the contact she had so readily enjoyed over their month excursion until she was put in the position again, and she eagerly returned the embrace only to then realize it wasn't just his arms, it was his whole body that was shaking. The man she knew could face things many times his own size even when sealed, whose body seemed to be carved from stone—warm, wonderful stone—felt as though he would break apart with only the lightest tap.

"Thank you, Rei," he rasped through a choked sob as he kissed the crown of her head. "Thank you so much. I can't tell you how much this means to me, I can't."

She squeezed him in silent gratitude. "There is no need, for that I already know."

When they parted she was inundated by the rest, each form of appreciation more enthusiastic than the last, until ultimately Moka stood before her, her expression unreadable.

It was so easy to forget what the little girl she was looking down on really was, even when they saw her real form often enough. She was a creature from ages past, one of the first to receive the blessing of the Earth. She was a lethal predator, a proud guardian of all she held dominion over; she was a powerhouse with a heritage as rich as the original vampire, and currently she was almost two whole feet shorter than her in the body of a thirteen year old girl. Long ago, the cave they were in would eventually be filled with riches greater than any king's, yet she took from the only things she had to offer and ensured the livelihood of someone other than herself. It was a nigh unthinkable concept, and yet it had happened because she had joined herself to a man that felt his greatest treasures were the friends he had been through thick and thin with, and she had made that ideal her own.

Bending down to one knee, Moka brought herself to Rei's level, where steel gray met blood red. According to Tsukune, the girl was something of an exhibitionist, though he knew enough to attribute that to her dislike of clothes rather than any kind of deviancy. As the vampiress looked the dragon over, she could tell the girl had good reason for it. Her body was probably treated as her most highly regarded treasure, as was being revealed every day she aged. While she had initially transformed into an even younger form, her beauty was becoming obvious to the point it almost screamed of her inhuman nature. She likely considered her reptilian body to be perfection, so when she had tried to transform into a human shape that was transferred over insomuch as she considered a human body could be. Moka was looking forward to how Rei would turn out, if not just to see Tsukune's reaction.

Carefully drawing her forward, the vampiress wrapped her arms around the young woman that had saved her from a fate worse than death. It was a far cry from what she deserved, but it was all Moka could give her at the moment. Moving to hold her at arm's length, she smiled kindly and laid a gentle kiss on her forehead, then her cheek, and went back to the embrace with her chin resting on her shoulder. The emotions bubbling inside her were too numerous to name, but all that mattered was she was safe. They were safe.

She didn't even know she was trembling until Rei's small hands were stroking down her back and Tsukune's sturdy arms were supporting them both. One by one their family joined the hug, and Moka only held Rei tighter. She had come so close, so very close to being pulled away from the only people that she loved and that loved her. Going to the Wong's was the best bet they had, loathe as she was to admit it, and Rei had come through with the impossible when they needed it most.

"Thank you. Thank you, Rei, thank you. If there's anything I can offer you, anything, you'll have it," she stated earnestly, and Rei chuckled softly as she continued rubbing the more mature woman's back.

"While tempting, sadly, arrangements have been put in place heretofore," she lamented dramatically. "I have secured employment with the promise of financial recompense, that of which involves the removal and replacement of the abandoned blemishes upon this recovering land. If you would seek to repay my gesture, I would require your participation in this endeavor."

Stunned silence answered her announcement as they all sat back from her in a daze, staring at the messy-haired girl until Yukari gulped loudly. "You…you got us jobs? That pay? In the middle of the school year?"

Her grin back showed entirely too many teeth. "Oh, shall we say 'tis a voluntary opportunity for all students should they be found acceptable, with but your names having certain…assurances. 'Twas the riddle-maker's initiative as a means to better the reputation of the school, while also serving to bring new attractions to the festival."

Ruby laughed nervously. "Um, Rei, am I included in that?"

The teen rolled her eyes. "You think me daft? Your responsibilities are not so small as to allow such a thing. Your position is of great import, never think otherwise. Merely continue on as you have and that shall be thanks enough."

She let out the breath she'd been holding with a grateful smile.

"Sounds like construction work. A paying job…" Tsukune murmured. "That would give us some money for after school, and it would look good on applications too." He rubbed his temples tiredly as he thought it over. "We already have so much to do though, can we really do them all?"

"Of course we can!" Kokoa jibed, her usual confidence back and overflowing. "Think of it for a second! Most of us are on the Commission; if the students see us helping out with something so big, they won't just see us working for cash, they'll see us taking extra time out of our day to make the school a better place! We'll be tearing down those old wrecks that're nothing but nuisances and making them worth something again!

"I mean, I love going to Mononoke Arcade every now and then, but there has to be things to do on campus too. With the wildlife coming back there's been picnics by the sea, studying in the shade; just the other day I saw some of the art club out doing landscapes! We give the students more to enjoy and you better bet they'll think we're different from the last one! If not, then well, we've got bigger problems."

As if they needed another reason to sign up, but that definitely settled it.

"I suppose Omote and I could switch off every day so both of us can do our part," Moka thought aloud.

Kokoa made to protest at the idea of her perfect sister dirtying herself in such a way, but a firm look from said sibling instantly took any wind out of her sails. For the same reason the youngest Shuzen was even willing to see the good in manual labor more suited to lesser beings, Moka would help as much as she could.

What it all came down to was: they were nobodies. Kokoa had been ostracized and subtly—and not so subtly—mocked over her life because she wasn't as exceptional as her sisters. She was strong, and she thrived in battle, but that status would never really go away in the eyes of her father's peers. She had done nothing to earn the letter that would tear her from Youkai Academy, but it was known she considered no one closer to her than her wayward sister and so she too had been put in the same situation to ensure she couldn't help her. While a rosary now adorned her neck and the hair it disguised was lightening by the day, she had no desire to show that to those who would only use her worse if they knew.

She had lived for almost two years without the shadow of her family over her. Even if she had been forced into confrontation with them at times—like with Kahlua—they had no direct control over what she did. They had been a threat, but she had known for the most part they were content to let her do as she pleased. Her only worth was as a Shuzen, and even that only gave her a modicum of respect. Akuha had more than proved her mettle as a vampiress and a Shuzen, as had Kahlua. They were both feared and respected for reasons completely apart from their surnames, though arguably those reputations had been earned doing things for that surname more often than not.

Once upon a time she would have killed to be called on by her father, and she might have been expected to do just that if he had. Seeing how happy Moka was now, even if she had yet to find her mother, put a new spin on things. She had long come to terms with knowing all she really wanted was her sister to acknowledge her, not her family, which she had previously associated as the same. Not anymore. Moka cared for her, had given her the recognition she craved so badly, so she couldn't care less about the last name she bore. She wouldn't be used; if she was going to do something it would be because she wanted to do it. Be it for selfish reasons or to help someone close to her, it would be purely because of her.

And Moka…the less said about Moka's circumstances, the better. There might have been a time when she respected the Shuzens, maybe even loved them, but that time was long past. Even in her mind Kokoa could no longer blame her role-model for distancing herself from her own flesh and blood. The disassociation had started years earlier, from the second she left and chose to go by Akashiya. At the time Kokoa might have been able to delude herself into thinking it had been because she didn't want to risk the recognition of the Shuzen name, now she knew that had been the very first act Moka Akashiya took in separating herself from Moka Shuzen, daughter and object of Dark Lord Issa Shuzen.

She was the black sheep; she knew she was the black sheep, for she had made herself the black sheep. The one she cared for most—her mother—had left, so she would too. She would find her and they would live like they always had. Happily.

Yet years passed and she became cynical, embittered in her failure in that and in connecting with others her age. She had come so close to giving up, and nearly had as she returned to the youkai world, one step away from her father, by choosing to go to Youkai Academy instead of a human high school.

But there she found something.

Not her mother, but family all the same. She just hadn't known it.

Now it wasn't Moka Akashiya, it was Moka Aono who stood ready for the tribulations ahead, whatever they might be, with her Clan by her side. For that she would do anything, even labor like a lowly commoner rather than the high-born, S-class vampiress she was. Both individually and as a Clan they were beyond impressive, but that didn't change the fact that they were akin to a newborn. Their oldest member had hardly seen two decades pass, and the resources they actually owned amounted to what could be expected of a group of teenagers.

In short: they were strong, but in the eyes of the world they were still nobodies. Until they could bear the weight of the connections they had without risking serfdom every time they tried to use them, they were nothing but high school kids with higher-ups willing to humor them. And Moka knew that.

"Kokoa, if I'm to be a leader of this Clan I can't and won't back down from what needs to be done," she stated in a tone that brooked no argument.

The younger vampiress smiled softly. Every time she thought her sister couldn't get any more extraordinary, she was proven wrong. "We're starting from scratch, huh?" she asked, her voice small as she wrapped her arms around her knees.

Moka nodded solemnly, but felt a grin come over her as Yukari's hand sought out hers while Tsukune's took the one remaining. "No, not quite. To the Elders and vampires in general, yes, we are a Clan with nothing. But, we are friends with Fong-Fong and Ling-Ling Wong, the next generation of the Wong Family, grandchildren of a Dark Lord and heirs to the criminal underground throne. If we were to deal with their parents, we would be nothing but children with little to offer, but to deal with them, we're friends. We have more than a passing acquaintance with another Dark Lord, the ruler of Youkai Academy, and eventually ours could become a mutually beneficial relationship if we play our cards right. Right now all we can offer is favors, which can stack up quickly and become very dangerous later on. Eventually, though…eventually…"

"Eventually we'll be a real force to be reckoned with," Kokoa finished as her smile turned delightedly dark.

"Exactly," she preened, "but that will take work."

It was a lofty goal, and one they would all have to help with to reach. They would though, gladly. Anything to make sure they never suffered another day like this.

"Speaking of," Rei interjected, "I met our fledglings on the way back. They were quite put out at our absenteeism, but were soothed appropriately once I explained the situation."

What actually happened was Noriko had gone into an explosive rant complete with pyrotechnics about how long they had been waiting while Isao frowned in the background, and Rei…hadn't reacted well. Both were sufficiently cowed when she was done yelling at them, if their shivering against the school wall holding each other was any indication. She took it as a job well done and resumed her trek to tell her family the good news.

The others were blissfully unaware of that aspect of her story, but they were glad the two junior leaders knew they had good reason to miss their usual training exercises. They thanked Rei for it, naturally, and her skin darkened prettily under the renewed praise even as new topics were brought up for discussion.

There were things to do, plans to make, items to craft. Their plate got fuller by the day but they couldn't do anything but go along with it if they didn't want to risk being overwhelmed by what the future may hold.

Not that some of them didn't feel overwhelmed already.

Tsukune just wanted the day to end.

What he needed above all was rest. For his body, for his mind.

For his soul.

He felt drained in every way that mattered. All he wanted was rest.

He wasn't the only one.

V^^^V

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Author's Notes: Thanks for reading! If you have any questions or just want to talk, send me a line. I wouldn't object to you filling in that review box either.

'Til next time!

Sabr