ROSARIO+KIVA

Episode 26: Remains the Same

It was a regular day in Tokyo. People were going their regular ways and never even considered that monsters walked among them. Then again, most people didn't think it was a possibility that monsters even existed. Still, just because people didn't believe in them didn't mean that monsters weren't out there.

"Wataru-kun? I'm scared."

Of course, they didn't even conceive the fact that one such monster was Moka Akashiya, timidly clutching her friend's arm as they and their friends walked down the street. Yukari was likewise holding Wataru's free arm. Mizore and Kurumu were sulking behind their common love interest. They wanted to hold onto him like their friends/rivals were, but there was no room for them. Shizuka also tagged along with them.

"There's nothing to worry about, Moka-san," Wataru reassured his vampire friend. "School here isn't so different from Yokai Academy."

After getting some rest after facing the Mantis Fangire's assassination attempt and spending time with their returned mother, Taiga and Wataru were faced with a problem. Since Yokai Academy was getting repaired, they needed to go to school somewhere else temporarily until the academy was repaired and reopened.

For Taiga, it was a simple thing. He went back to the prep school he went to before he decided to go to Yokai Academy. They had schools from elementary up to college so entrance exams weren't a problem. For Wataru and his friends, it was a much different story. Wataru would have to go to the local high school with the girls. Despite her intelligence, the high school refused to accept Yukari and shunted her to the nearby junior high. At least Shizuka would be there so the little witch girl wouldn't be lonely.

As for Moka, she was worried and feeling anxious. For years before attending Yokai Academy she'd attended a human elementary school and junior high. She'd been left very lonely and friendless. It wasn't until Yokai Academy that the loneliness had gone away.

The group had arrived in the city several days ago. They wouldn't be living in Castle Doran, however. Instead they would be living in Wataru's old home, his father's European styled house.

Enrollment to the high school wasn't very difficult. Yokai Academy's headmaster had sent their files over at Wataru's request to make the transfer easier. Since they would be starting at a new high school, all of them were wearing that school's standard uniforms.

"Oh, this is gonna be fun," said Kurumu while rubbing her hands together. A whole new school to rule and since they were just humans, there was no way they could resist her Charm.

Mizore was looking forward to attending school with Wataru as well. A new school meant new hiding places where she could stalk her beloved Fandiri with ease.

The two girls had called their mothers, saying that they would be attending school with Wataru in the human world. While disappointed that they wouldn't be able to see their daughters for awhile, Tsurara and Ageha both gave them their blessings and encouragement. Their daughters took it as a sign that the mothers wanted them to use this as a chance to win Wataru's heart.

Yukari, while happy that she was holding Wataru's hand, was disappointed that she couldn't go to high school with him. Still, as long as they were living in the same house, she would endure.

The first day they'd arrived had been interesting. It was when they first arrived at Wataru's house. It may not have been big as Castle Doran, but it was still big.

The group had brought their bags to a pair of iron gates that had dead vines curled around them. Beyond it was an European-style house which had the same vines growing over it. Now, it would be considered a scary place if you didn't know the man who owned it or the one who was living in it.

"It's breathtaking," Moka sighed, admiring the rich architecture of the building.

"Wow, you live in such a nice place!" Kurumu smiled.

"It has character," Mizore smiled gently.

"Wow!" Yukari gasped. "It's so nice!"

"Just like I remember," Maya sighed fondly.

"Your father had taste," Taiga nodded. At least it was fitting for someone who was a fellow King like him.

Wataru flushed slightly. He wasn't used to people actually wanting to be at his house. The only people who visited him were Shizuka and no one else. Everyone else was sure the house was haunted and that he was a monster of some kind.

Reaching the front gate, Wataru drew out a key and unlocked the gates. As he did so, he noticed a piece of paper stuck between the bars. Taking it, he unfolded it and read a short message. It said 'go away Obaketarou!"

Sighing sadly, Wataru crushed the paper in his hand and stuck it in his pocket.

"Wataru-kun?" asked Moka suddenly, startling him. "What did that paper mean by Obaketarou?"

Wataru sighed. He really didn't want to discuss this in front of his friends and family, "The people in the neighborhood call me that."

"What?" Yukari gasped. "Why?"

"Well, when my Kaa-san let me stay in his house, people started calling me that since I rarely came outside," Wataru explained as he opened the gates. "They were the ones who started the story about the Bloody Rose and they really started calling me Obaketarou after I started wearing my allergy gear when I went outside."

"Allergy gear?" asked Taiga.

"I used to get severe allergic reactions to things outside," Wataru explained. "I wasn't sure what it was so I wore whatever I could to avoid it."

"That's why you were wearing all that stuff when I first met you," Moka realized.

"Hai."

"Hmm," Maya pondered. "That sounds like your Fangire blood and human blood were equalizing. Some past Fandiri have had similar problems as their biology got settled."

"Well, enough of that," said Wataru with a smile. The past was behind him. It was time for a new start. "Come on, everyone. Let's go in."

The group followed Wataru inside and marveled at the workshop. Maya smiled as she remembered this place fondly. It looked like the workshop in Castle Doran but was also unexplainably different. Violin components hung from the ceiling as the tools to make the instrument were laid out on the workbench. Dust had settled in the place since it'd been many months since Wataru last set foot here, having gone to Yokai Academy.

Walking over to a glass case, Wataru opened it up and placed the Bloody Rose inside, next to a picture of his father. Speaking fondly, Wataru said, "I'm home, Otousan."

Kurumu sneezed when some dust got into her nose. She rubbed her nose and said, "I think this place needs some cleaning up."

"I agree," said Yukari. She raised her wand but Maya placed a hand on her shoulder to stop her. "Huh?"

"Let's do it without magic," said Maya. She didn't want any nosy neighbors to see floating brooms and dusters cleaning the place. "We don't want to attract unwanted attention."

Taiga looked out the window and saw the people standing outside the gate. "You mean like now, Kaa-san?"

Maya frowned. These people simply couldn't leave her son alone, all because he was different. Still, she was no longer ashamed to show her face. With Ruby's help, Maya's eye had been healed and she no longer needed to wear that eye patch. She also regained her youthful beauty as well during the time back in Castle Doran.

"Let's give them a proper welcome," said Kurumu with an evil look in her eye.

"Yes," agreed Mizore. Nobody called her beloved Obaketarou without reason and got away with it.

"Ano, minna-san, there's no need for that," said Wataru, but both girls had walked out and he sighed. "Oh…"

"Come on, Otouto," said Taiga. He walked out, leading Wataru. Moka and Yukari remained inside with Maya to start cleaning up the place.

Knowing how excitable Mizore and Kurumu could get, Wataru quickly took the lead. This was his problem and he was going to deal with it. Reaching the front gates, he took in the sight of his neighbors looking upset about something as usual. They usually always had a problem with him. Usually it was because his practicing the violin annoyed them, the smell of his varnish making experiments bothered them, or he had accidentally scared some of the neighborhood kids. There were also the times Kurenai had manifested and beat up someone who was trespassing for bad reasons.

"Can I help you all?" Wataru asked.

The neighbors were all a little stunned to see Wataru. Their image of him was a hunched over boy who never spoke and wore all sorts of anti-allergy gear. They weren't expecting this seemingly polite young man. Even more amazing was the second young man who bore a small resemblance to him and the attractive young women who followed him out.

"Uh…yeah," one of the more polite neighbors answered. "We wanted to know what all the noise was about. We were enjoying the peace and we didn't want any more disturbances."

"We don't want any more ghost kids keeping us up all night with their damn violins and scaring our kids!" a less tolerant neighbor snapped.

"Oh…sorry about the noise before," Wataru apologized. "I will try to be more considerate to all of you. I also apologize for scaring people. I won't be sneaking around like I used to."

"Better not," the irate neighbor grumbled.

"Well, welcome back," one neighbor spoke. They then all dispersed though there were some unpleasant murmurs.

"Jerks," Kurumu muttered under her breath.


The neighbors were at least polite about their grievances with Wataru. They still warned their kids not to go near his house and other high school punks thought they would show how tough they were by sneaking into the ghost boy's home and take something to prove they were. They tried to do the same now that they heard he returned, but Kurenai and Taiga quickly squashed that local tradition very fast. Maya was severely displeased with the children and dragged them to their parents. She was actually enjoying her role as a mother of two more than ever before now that she was free of the shadow of her first husband and surrounded by her family and their close friends.

At this moment in time, the group was in front of the local high school. Shizuka dragged Yukari away, much to her chagrin. Wataru sighed and saw everyone hanging out. He recognized a few faces from junior high, but doubted that they would recognize or even remember him. He was always wearing his allergy gear then and kept his face hidden. People loved to tease him about it and he was made the butt of more than a few jokes.

They were all wearing the school uniform and seemed to radiate the confidence and determination that they radiated before a fight. Wataru was wearing the usual school uniform while the girls had the female version. Mizore kept her sweater on while Kurumu had made the skirt of her own outfit as short as she possibly could without being called indecent. Her shirt was likewise very tight and she liked it that way. Moka was the only one with the regular uniform on with her rosario sticking out. She was also timidly clutching Wataru's arm.

"Let's go, everyone," said Wataru and the three girls followed him through the gate. Once on school grounds, the appearance of the girls soon got the attention of some of the boys and Wataru's appearance without his allergy gear also got him some attention from some of the girls.

"Hey, isn't that Obaketarou?" one boy asked.

"Who cares about him? Who are those babes with him?" another boy asked.

"Damn, they are so fine!"one last boy said.

Wataru chuckled silently. So many things were universal. It was just like Yokai Academy.

Once inside the building, the four friends were given their class assignments and lucky for them they were all assigned to the same classroom. Their homeroom teacher was Takeshi Hongo. For some reason, Wataru thought the name meant something. Shrugging it off, he entered the classroom with the girls. Hongo-sensei had lined them all up at the front and quickly the attention of the class was aimed at the one male and three hot females. Seeing the class paying attention at an unheard scale, Hongo-sensei decided to take advantage of it and began introductions.

"All right," he spoke. "Everyone, we have four new transfers with us. They are only going to be here for a while whilst their school is being repaired after a terrorist group attempted to destroy it. Please treat them with respect." With no resistance coming from his class, he bade for the students to introduce themselves.

"My name is Wataru Kurenai," Wataru introduced with a bow. His characteristic shyness was making a comeback. "Ano…I hope we can get along while we're here."

Um…ah…" Moka mumbled. "I'm…Moka Akashiya. It's…nice to meet you."

"My name's Kurumu Kurono!" Kurumu introduced proudly, getting every male in the room to suddenly stare at her chest. Seeing she had them, she winked saucily, making the boys blush with nosebleeds. "Be gentle with me, okay?"

"I am Mizore Shirayuki," the quiet yuki onna introduced with a bow, incidentally, the boys began to get goosebumps, but it didn't stop them from seeing if they could see down the front of her sweater. "It's good to be here I suppose."

"Well then," said Hongo-sensei. "You may now take your seats and then we can start the lesson." With nods, the quartet of friends all took empty seats.

In the junior high located close by, Yukari stood outside her new classroom with a sad sigh. Without her friends she would be lonely, especially since Wataru wouldn't be with her. She also felt naked without her cape and hat, but Maya had told her she needed to blend in and learn to make friends. Maybe she could make friends and…

She felt a tap on her shoulder and spun around in surprise to see a familiar face. "Ramon-san!" she exclaimed.

Instead of the uniform, Ramon was dressed in a black shirt with a blue tie and long white pants. On his head he wore a black beret. He greeted with a snap of his fingers, "Ohayo, Yukari-chan."

"What are you doing here?" Yukari asked.

The boyish Merman smiled. "Well…I thought you were gonna be lonely without a friend, so I volunteered to go to school with you."

Yukari smiled. At least she had one friend in this school and maybe Ramon could help her make friends as well.

Lunch was the only peaceful time the girls had. Boys had been throwing notes to them all morning, some asking/begging for dates while others were more…explicit in their comments. Moka was blushing like a cherry at the end of it, still somewhat timid surrounded by humans and facing this was something new. Kurumu was taking it all in stride, cementing her confidence in her succubus and womanly attributes. Mizore didn't seem to be affected, but really every time she got an explicit note, she would pull out a small notebook and write something down. It was actually ideas and thoughts she had on how to seduce men better. Hearing what most boys imagined made for good ideas on how to seduce her Wataru.

"Yahoo! I haven't lost my touch!" Kurumu giggled as she reveled in the success of her conquests. "No boy will give us trouble here!"

"The girls seemed ready to lynch you," Mizore commented. She had observed how numerous girls were glaring at her succubus friend/rival. They didn't like how she waltzed in and just start having boys gravitate towards her. Of course, she only took notice because she was keeping track of any and all girls who were making eyes at her Wataru.

"Let them try!" Kurumu grinned. "If they aren't good enough to keep their men in line then that's their problem."

"I thought you cared about Wataru-san," Mizore frowned. "Why so excited about having other men pay attention to you? Did you finally figure out that you have no chance?"

"Hey! Wataru is my Destined One!" Kurumu snapped. "It's just that REAL women like to know that men appreciate them!" getting a gleam in her eyes, she sidled up to Wataru and hugged his arm, trapping it in her cleavage. "But we love it when men we love tell us they're attracted to us. Right Wataru?"

"Ano…" Wataru blushed a little as he felt the soft mounds press against his arm. "Kurumu-san…"

"Oi, Obaketarou!"

That shout caught the group's attention and they all looked to see a rather large and muscular male with 2 others flanking him. They looked like bullies and had a problem with Wataru. The girls didn't like how the leader addressed Wataru as Obaketarou.

"Um…Hai?" responded Wataru.

"You got a lot of nerve coming back, don't ya?" the guy asked. "Thought you ran away after junior high. Now, with these babes with you, you think you're a tough guy, huh? Mr. Big Shot?"

The tone suggested hostility and jealousy. Not a good combination.

"Hey, bozo!" Kurumu snapped. "Back off!"

"That's right," added Mizore. She wasn't going to let this guy bad mouth her Wataru, the one who would father her future children one day. "Go now, or we'll be forced to hurt you."

Wataru grimaced. He remembered these guys. They had broken one of his violins a while back when he was in junior high. Luckily it wasn't the Bloody Rose but still just as valuable. Since day one they had ridiculed and made fun of him every chance they had. It was one of the reasons why Wataru leaped at the chance to go to Yokai Academy when it was offered to him. He would be far away from them and free from their idiocy.

"Ha! Now the Obaketarou needs girls to stick up for him?" the leader laughed. His two buddies grunted in amusement, sounding like a pair of apes. "Whatever babe. Get out of the way before I decide to bruise up that pretty face of yours."

That did it.

POW!!!

'Wataru' had shot forward and slammed his fist against the leader's face, sending him falling awkwardly backwards. The girls all gaped as they saw the fading Fangire markings on Wataru's face as he flicked his wrist. Wataru spoke in a low tone, almost like guttural growl, "Don't you ever talk to my friends like that." He stood over the leader, arms crossed and a livid expression on his face that caused the bully and his pals to freeze in fear. "Now, get going before I really mess you up."

Not wanting to look weak in front of the Obaketarou, the leader got back up and shouted, "No way!" He swung his fist at Wataru who sidestepped and then went around him to plant his elbow hard into the lead bully's back. Wataru heard the two cronies coming at him from behind and then leapt up and over the lead bully, causing them to crash into him.

The commotion began to draw some attention from the rest of the students as they watched Wataru fighting, and actually winning, against three of the toughest boys in their school. They were just bullies but feared by a lot of the weaker students.

Having fought Fangires and other monsters in Yokai Academy, while surviving in said school for the last 7 months, Wataru showed no fear. These guys were nothing compared to Saizou and well Kuyou had been frightening. Fangires were also way more powerful but Wataru still beat them all. A bunch of humans against him was nothing. He just never stood up for himself. He will, however, stand up for his friends.

That was when Hongo-sensei showed up, having heard the commotion and he shouted, "OK, BREAK IT UP!" He blew into a whistle.

Kurenai sighed and dropped the thug who had tried to grab him from behind. All three of them were bruised with a split lip or two between them. They would be feeling the fight for a few days to come. All three tried to make a break for it, but Hongo-sensei grabbed them by the scruff of their shirts, "Oh no you don't! You three and Kurenai are coming with me!"

Kurenai gave control back to Wataru, letting the young man feel a little embarrassed for causing such a scene. He followed Hongo-sensei into the school with the three bullies, who were still trying to get out of his grasp. The man was much stronger than he looked.


Maya sighed as she read the note that Wataru had brought home from school. He had gotten in a fight with some students and they got pretty roughed up. Not to be unexpected since Wataru was half-Fangire after all. Still, she was a little disappointed.

"Gomen," Wataru mumbled, ashamed to have troubled his mother like he had.

"Don't be, Wataru," Maya smiled as she stroked her son's hair. "You were just defending your friend. The fact that he verbally threatened Kurumu-san is justification enough. I have no problem with what you did. The school seems to have a different view on it. Didn't the teachers ask how things happened?"

"Only Hongo-sensei did," Moka sighed. "He seemed to be the only one who tried to figure out what had happened. The other teachers were blaming Wataru-kun because of how beat up the three were."

"They deserved it!" Kurumu growled. "I've been asking around! Those three have been causing trouble up and down the district! They can't get in trouble for it because they threaten people to keep quiet. Lots of people are afraid of them. I bet they thought they could threaten Wataru and force us to go out with them! Like I'd touch jerks like them with even a ten foot pole!"

"I'd like to freeze them," Mizore said coolly as her hand became an ice claw.

"No freezing," Maya chided gently. "Wataru is not at fault here and apparently this Hongo-sensei believes that too. Well, it says there will be a meeting concerning this. I don't expect the parents of these boys to admit their children have done anything wrong."

"Denial seems to be a trait even I can agree that all races have," Taiga sighed from his homework.

"Well, then I believe we have to have them admit the truth," said Maya. "Or scare it out of them."

Taiga smiled. "I like the way you think, Kaa-san."

"Ano…is that really necessary?" asked Wataru.

"Wataru-kun, as a person possessing the blood of royalty, you need to show these cretins their place," said Taiga, placing a hand on his brother's shoulder. "They should learn it's never right to mess with you. You stood up to them so now they're going to think twice before messing with you again."

Moka was deep in thought. In the time she'd known Wataru, she learnt about his past. He was quite similar to her, having grown up lonely and with nearly no friends until he entered Yokai Academy. Both were very much in the same boat, being bullied and viewed as freaks by others simply because they were different. Well, they were different, but it wasn't an excuse for others to treat them badly. Looking to her precious friend, she saw that he was getting exasperated. Seeing this as a signal to do something she stood up and took his hand.

"Huh? Moka-san?" Wataru blinked.

"Let's hang out," Moka smiled prettily. "Some peace and quiet will be nice."

"A good idea," Taiga nodded as he watched his younger brother become fixated on Moka's gaze. "Anywhere we'd know?"

"It's a little place that I saw while we were heading to school," Moka explained. "It's called…

Café' Mal d'amour…

Inside, Megumi was sitting at a table, sipping some tea. She was looking over some offers that her agent had given her. She felt lucky that numerous magazines were still hoping to get her to pose. The natural look really helped her since most models her age had to practically starve themselves. She just attributed her great physique to her 'other' activities. While she was looking over the offers, the ringing bell of the door alerted her to someone arriving. Looking up, she spotted a rather cute young man coming in with a rather stunning young woman with long pink hair. Normally Megumi might think of it as gaudy, but the look was so natural for her.

"She wouldn't have any problems in this business," Megumi chuckled to herself. She was almost jealous of the girl, but Megumi wasn't the vain type.

Wataru and Moka sat down at an empty table. The pink-haired vampire played with her fingers, looking shyly away from Wataru. A lot had happened since their first meeting and her feeling for him had grown. While her inner self, Moka-sama, had laid claim on Wataru's alter-ego, Kiva, Moka had confessed her feelings to her friend when he'd been trapped in his berserker Emperor Bat form. Unfortunately, he'd forgotten about it and she was depressed over it for a time. Maybe she could confess to him.

Megumi looked on, interested. She knew the look on Moka's face in an instant. She was completely love struck and possibly with the boy sitting across from her. At least Megumi couldn't say her life was boring.

Akira, the Master of the café, was quick to approach the pair of young teens, ready to take their orders. "Would you like to order?" the man asked politely.

"Oh, just tea," said Wataru. "What do you want, Moka-san?"

"The same, Wataru-kun," answered Moka.

Akira took note of their orders before returning to the counter to make their drinks. As Moka and Wataru looked towards each other, shyly and silently, the bell at the door rang and someone familiar came in. Wataru and Moka's eyes went wide as none other than Keisuke Nago, IXA, came into the café and sat down at the counter.

"Hello, Nago-kun," Megumi smiled at her childhood friend. "Anything new?"

"Yes," said Nago as he showed her a new button. "Another button for the collection." He then added it to the string of buttons he kept on him. "So, what's new?"

"Oh, just watching a high school romance," smiled Megumi. Nago blinked and turned around to look at the two teens who quickly covered themselves with their menus. Curiosity now igniting in him, Nago walked over and pulled down the menus. He blinked in recognition.

"Kurenai-kun?"

"Konnichiwa," Wataru greeted nervously, "Nago-san."

Moka gulped. Hopefully Nago didn't recognize her. She remembered about their last meeting and how it'd ended. Not pleasant memories.

"Well, this is a surprise," Nago nodded. "After meeting you in the summer I wasn't expecting to see you here. What are you doing here anyway?"

"W-well," Wataru gulped. "Our last school got attacked by terrorists. My mother decided that my friends and I will go to a school here for a while until it is repaired."

"I see," Nago nodded. "A shame. Well, I hope that no one was injured."

"Nago-kun, you're ruining the romance!"

Wataru and Moka blushed brightly while a young woman with long dark hair grabbed Nago's ear and tugged, making him grimace. The young woman seemed a little miffed at Nago before her face suddenly turned sweet as she faced the high schoolers, "Hi there. My name's Megumi Aso. I guess we're both friends of Nago-kun's here. We can talk later though. We don't want to interrupt your date, do we Nago-kun?"

Megumi gave a sharp tug to Nago's ear, making him wince, "Ow! I guess not. OW!"

Megumi yanked Nago back to the counter before finally letting him go. Wataru and Moka watched them go before they returned to gaze at one another. Of course, then they started getting nervous again. They were technically alone with each other and no one was interrupting them. Wataru was quickly finding himself to be tongue tied while Moka was blushing, struggling to find something to say.

"Here you go," said Akira as he put down the pair's drinks in front of them. "Please, enjoy."

The two teens stole glances at each other but shyly looked away. Neither had been this alone together for quite awhile since their friends would butt in and spoil the moment. Still, Moka welcomed the silence. She wouldn't make a fool of herself if she said the wrong thing. She wanted this to be perfect. Right now it was like there was just the two of them in their own world. However, one of their enemies was in the café with them. Keisuke Nago, also known as IXA, held a vendetta against all monsters, regardless. He'd shown this side of himself during the battle on witch's hill and Wataru didn't want to end up fighting Nago who he regarded as his friend. Though he hoped that his luck with friends would help, turning him from an enemy to an ally, Wataru knew that was going to take a whole lot of work and a lot more luck to convince Nago that Kiva wasn't evil and that not all monsters were evil either.

"School is fun!" Yukari giggled as she and Ramon walked down the street.

Yukari's first day at school was rather fun. The kids were nice enough, if a little bit on the slow side compared to her. Having Ramon around really made her day. Strangely, he left before her teacher showed up, saying that he was in a different class. She saw him at recess and lunch, which made her day. She just wondered why he always vanished when a teacher was coming.

"Yeah!" Ramon agreed. Well, the parts he was there for anyway. "So what do you want to do now?"

"What else?" Yukari asked with a smile. "I want to go tell Wataru-sama what I did today!"

"Oh. Okay," Ramon huffed. Wataru sure was lucky to have so much luck when it came to girls. If only Ramon could know how his master did it.

The reason Ramon kept disappearing was that, officially, he wasn't supposed to be there. He hadn't actually enrolled. Jiro and Riki were working on that. By tomorrow he would be an official student, complete with the uniform.

Being over a hundred years old, Ramon had learnt to blend into human society. It was how he managed to outlive the rest of his clan who'd been destroyed by the Fangires. He was the last Merman of the Mazoku and if he died, the entire race would be completely extinct.

He glanced at Yukari. Maybe one day he could repopulate his race, but he needed to find a suitable mate. Jiro had tried with a woman named Yuri Aso but met with utter failure. Ramon wondered if he too would fail in repopulating his race. It was lonely being the last of a once great race.

The lead bully and his small gang were on their way home from school, going through a tunnel which was part of their route. The leader punched a fist into the palm of his hand angrily.

"Damn that Obaketarou!" he grumbled. He was expecting Wataru to not fight back but he'd been humiliated by the violinist's sudden change in attitude. "Damn him! Where did he learn to fight like that?"

"Hey, relax, boss," one of his cronies said. "With our parents backing us up, no way we'll get into trouble."

"If only Hongo-sensei didn't listen to that Obaketarou," said the other one.

The lead bully growled and frowned, remembering how Hongo-sensei questioned their sides of the story. He believed Wataru. No one was supposed to believe that freak!

Of course, the bigger freak was watching them and then decided to take action.

"All alone…?" a strange voice asked causing them to freeze.

"What was that?" the lead bully asked. "Who's there!? You don't scare me!"

Bad thing to say as a red and black figure with stained glass skin, insectoid eyes and the shell coverings of a ladybug on its back which acted like wings dropped down before them.

"Do I scare you now?" asked the Ladybug Fangire.

Back in Café Mal d'amour, Wataru heard the Bloody Rose sing, calling him out to fight. The violinist stiffened and Moka grew alarmed at his expression. "Wataru-kun, is it…?"

"Yes," Wataru nodded. He stood up and bowed apologetically. "Gomen, Moka-san, but I need to-" She grabbed his arm.

"Take me with you," she said. It wasn't a request either. Wataru knew he couldn't talk her out of it so he surrendered.

"Hai." Leaving money on the table, the two teens ran out of the café, in a hurry.

"Why are they so much in a hurry?" asked Megumi. She had been enjoying watching the high school romance. Nago shrugged, returning to his tea. Suddenly, his cell phone rang. He picked it up and put it against his ear. "Hello? Oh, Shima-san."

"Nago, there's a Fangire."

The lead bully was thrown roughly against the wall of the tunnel along with his cronies, all three of them cowering in fear. "Now, that you're all nice and tender, it's time to eat." The Fangire's Life Sucking Fangs appeared above its head, poised and aimed at the three boys. Before it could send the fangs flying, someone interrupted its meal.

"Hyah!" shouted Kiva.

"Hup!" Moka-sama yelled.

Both vampiric beings smashed into the Ladybug Fangire from behind using their kicks, sensing it flying and crashing into the wall. Once the duo landed, Moka-sama said, "Go, get out of here!" They didn't need to be told twice and made a break for it.

The Ladybug Fangire got back its feet. "You dare interrupt my dinner?"

Moka-sama smirked and let her legs do the talking for her. She ran at the Fangire before swinging her legs. They sliced through the air as she struck at the Fangire with a reverse roundhouse. She then followed up with two front kicks and then leapt up to deal a devastating heel kick onto its head. She then got down to her knees and used a sweep kick but the Fangire flew up before firing blasts of red energy at her. She somersaulted away, escaping the blasts and ended up next to Kiva.

"Kiva, now," she said. The armored Fandiri nodded before running at the airborne Fangire, the blasts missing him by chance before he leapt up and smashed his fists into its face, sending it to the ground. He then stomped on the Fangire who sent Kiva staggering back with its energy blasts. The Fangire, weakened, decided to make its escape but then its escape route was blocked.

"Who are you!?" the Ladybug Fangire demanded of the figure who dismounted from his white motorcycle. Removing his helmet, both Moka-sama and Kiva recognized who it was.

'Nago!' Moka-sama and Kiva yelled mentally.

Nago's eyes were on Kiva and Moka-sama, having seen them last on Witch's Hill, before turning his eyes back to the Fangire. "Fangire, return that soul you have stolen to God!" He pressed the IXA Knuckle against his palm.

"READY!"

"Henshin!" He attached it to the belt.

"FIST ON!"

The golden projection formed before slamming into his body, becoming the IXA suit. The gold faceplate opened to reveal IXA's red eyes as he got out his IXA Calibur. The Ladybug Fangire backed away as IXA started shooting at it without mercy. The Fangire howled in pain from the shots and then IXA quickly pushed up the magazine, activating his weapon's Calibur Mode. With a shout, he charged at the Fangire.

"Should we help?" Kiva asked.

"No," Moka-sama answered. She knew that if they interfered, IXA would just go after them for getting in his way.

IXA landed a kick against the Fangire's chin, momentarily stunning it, before reaching to his belt and drawing out a Fuestle. He slipped it into his belt and pushed the Knuckle against the buckle.

"IXA CALIBUR: RISE UP!"

As a vision of the sun shone behind IXA, blinding the Fangire, IXA's sword began to glow bright red as the charge moved along his body. Gripping the IXA Calibur tightly, he then swung down, slicing the Fangire in half. The Fangire let out a shout of pain and agony as its body crystallized and shattered, leaving nothing in its wake. Now, IXA could shift his attention back to his original targets: the vampire and Kiva.

IXA, with a shout, charged at both. Moka leapt back as Kiva rolled out of the way. Going for his closest target, IXA swung his sword at the armored Fandiri repeatedly. Kiva, not wanting to fight back, blocked with his bracelets, causing sparks to fly as blade and bracelet met.

Moka-sama, gritting her teeth, charged at IXA and with a shout took him by surprise with her leg which knocked him upside the head. She yelled at Kiva, "Fight back!"

"But-" Kiva tried to protest.

"Do it!" she ordered and then went back to engage IXA. Kiva watched as Moka-sama and IXA fought with their fists and legs, the white Rider having discarded his weapon to fight hand-to-hand with the vampire. Kiva gripped his fists and then looked up at the fight. He couldn't kill IXA, but maybe he could at least defeat him without causing too much harm. He narrowed his eyes and joined the fight, copying all of Moka's moves as both of them kicked IXA in the chest, sending him staggering back.

"Damn it!" IXA cursed. He looked up to see Moka-sama and Kiva coming down at him, throwing their fists into him that sent him tumbling along the ground. He pushed himself up and then met with their feet as they smashed into his helmet, sending him flying backwards. Once the IXA armor deactivated, Moka-sama and Kiva made their escape, running from the Fangire Hunter before he caught his second wind.

Nago breathed long and hard, gritting his teeth as he shouted out, "I'LL GET YOU FOR THIS!!!"

Megumi waited, going through her offers. Nago had gotten the call and was out doing what he did best. Megumi herself wanted to go, but at best she could just distract the Fangire. Her weapons were effective, but only enough to hurt a Fangire, not actually kill it. That was Nago's job.

Of course, things were getting tougher now that Kiva had returned. Shima had told them stories of what the last Kiva had done nearly twenty years ago. Someone managed to defeat him, but it was feared that a new Kiva would come up. As of the incident at Witch's Hill, that was confirmed. Kiva had returned and was being helped by a group of monsters. That confused Megumi since the way Nago described the fight, they were taking on the crazy witch that he had described instead of letting her kill humans. Nago had some theories, but something just didn't sit right with Megumi about that.

A clattering noise captured her attention and she turned to the door before gasping. Nago was stumbling in on a limp and his face was bruised. He even looked pissed off at the world just like when he lost a bounty or a fight.

"Nago-kun!" Megumi cried as she dashed to her friend. "Nago-kun! What happened?"

"What do you think?" Nago asked as he was helped to a stool. "I managed to destroy the Fangire, but Kiva and his vampire friend were there too."

"So they kicked your butt," Megumi sighed. Nago had been working so hard for a rematch. Looks like he got it.

"I didn't lose!" Nago snapped. "IXA did! I never lose!"

"Sure, sure," Megumi sighed. She had come to expect this attitude from her friend in the years she had known him. He would just blame others for his loss, not himself. He had too much pride.

After reverting to their human forms and returning to the Kurenai home, Wataru went up to his room quickly to do some thinking in regards of Nago and IXA. He knew Nago to be a good man with a strong sense of judgment, but unfortunately that sense of justice was blinded by an unrelenting hatred for all monsters. Wataru just thought that maybe, just maybe, since Nago was his father's successor to the mantle of IXA, that the bounty hunter could maybe become an ally, but because of his hatred that seemed to be impossible.

Wataru lay himself on his bed, the back of his hand against his forehead. Looks like coming home didn't solve any of his problems. He just found a whole batch of new ones that were on par with the ones in Yokai Academy.

Sighing, he rolled over on his bed, but his hand landed on something round which he was pretty sure wasn't there before. It was warm and soft, but he didn't know what it was. Taking a moment, he squeezed it.

"Ah!"

That was odd. Wataru decided to squeeze again. What was he touching?

"Ah! Ah!"

Suddenly, the sheets were thrown off as a familiar body sat up. To Wataru's shock, it was the busty succubus Kurumu. She was blushing and giggling at the same time.

"Oops," She giggled. "I guess I fell asleep waiting for you to come back, Wataru." She then turned to the stunned Wataru. A seductive smile came over her face. "And don't think I didn't notice you groping me. You didn't have to wait until I was sleeping. All you had to do was ask."

"N-nani?!" Wataru blanched as he tried to back away. "I…I didn't know it was you! I didn't mean it!"

"That's okay," Kurumu purred as she wrapped her arms around her Destined One and held him close. "I don't mind. Touch me all you like. We're going to be lovers after all. Why not get to know each other more…intimately?"

"Lovers!?" Wataru squeaked. "Wait, wait a minute-" She pushed him down onto the bed and straddled him. "Kurumu-san!"

"Don't be shy…" she purred as she traced circles on his chest. "I wasn't kidding when I told you that you could have all of me…" Wataru's face went as red as a cherry as Kurumu's words made sense. She leaned down, staring into his eyes with her eyes, smiling sultrily. "I love you…" She closed her eyes and puckered up, while Wataru began to panic.

The door was suddenly thrown open as Shizuka stomped in. "Hold it right there!" She grabbed Kurumu by her ponytail and pulled her off Wataru and the bed. The Fandiri panted and was still flushed as Kurumu landed on her rear.

"Hey, let go!" shouted Kurumu as Shizuka continued to pull. "Hey! Hey!"

"No sexual harassment," Shizuka said as she dragged Kurumu out by her hair. The door slammed close as Wataru closed his eyes. What else could go wrong?

He then felt the temperature drop as he heard a voice, "Oh, I must've fallen asleep while waiting." He turned over in his bed and looked down to the floor to see Mizore's head poking out from under his bed. "Hello, Wataru-san."

"Mizore-san!?" he yelled out as Mizore crawled out from under the bed and smiled fondly.

The yuki onna slipped out from her hiding place and climbed onto the bed. Without a word, she slipped onto Wataru's lap and cuddled close. Shizuka and Kurumu were too busy fighting outside to notice. Mizore was taking full advantage of the situation to score points with her love.

"This…is nice," Mizore smiled as Wataru shivered.

"Uh…uh…" Wataru shivered, trying not to go into hypothermic shock.

"Wataru-san," Mizore whispered. "I want to start a family. We can start right now."

"N-nani?!" Wataru cried in shock. "Mizore-san! We can't!"

Mizore didn't seem to be listening. She was already slipping her indoor slippers off and reached to pull off her socks. She was a woman on a mission and that mission was lots and lots of babies. Wataru tried to reason and struggled, but Mizore wouldn't listen and she effectively had him pinned. The door suddenly swung open.

"Hey! Get off!" both Shizuka and Kurumu cried as they ran inside and tackled Mizore to the ground, making it a three-way catfight. Wataru watched all of this happening as Moka entered.

"Wataru-kun, are you okay?" she asked as she sat on his bed.

"H-Hai," he answered and then he saw the look in her eyes. It was a look longing. "Moka-san?"

Without a warning, she jumped him and bit his neck.

CAPU-CHU!

"HEY, CUT THAT OUT!" the others girls yelled once they noticed Moka drinking Wataru's blood.

Somewhere in the city, Yukari and Ramon were both enjoying an ice cream cone each. Yukari had chocolate while Ramon had vanilla. Both young monsters were in the park just hanging out.

After taking another lick of her ice cream, Yukari said, "Do you get the feeling we're supposed to be somewhere?" She only received a shrug from the Merman. "Oh, OK." She then continued to enjoy her ice cream as Ramon (Bashaa) watched her with a warm and fond smile.

ZK Chromedragozoid: Well, that's their first day in the human world. Boy, nothing's changed, huh? Oh, well, let's see what happens next, shall we?