Disclaimer: I don't own Rosario + Vampire

Author's note: I honestly forgot how much Ruby got brushed aside in manga's canon. She enters into the manga before Mizore, yet she has less screen time than Yukari. She's like Monika from Doki Doki Literature Club without the 4th breaking that makes Monika an interesting character.

In a way I also have the least idea what to do with her. I just hope I did her justice when she appears in my story.


Where am I? The last thing I remember is reading over The Blue Bird Yukari's friend got me before going to sleep.

Tsukune walks forward in a long metal corridor. It reminds him the look of a ship's interior, but he's fairly sure he never saw something like this before. He tries to punch the wall of the hall, thinking if he's aware he should be able to control the dream.

The wall doesn't give way. It feels like his fist connects with solid metal rather than a thin metal wall. He doesn't wake up despite the stingy feeling on his knuckles. "That's new."

"Welcome to my dream, fledgling." Tsukune twist around the face the direction of the voice. He is no longer in the corridor, but what appears to be a throne room. The room is unnessasirily huge, standing a good three stories tall and easily fit two basketball court. In the middle is the blocky shaped throne. The platinum blond ancient vampire sits in her seat with her head leaned against her left hand.

"What do you want with me?" Tsukune immediately bends down into a fighting stance. The ancient vampire just chuckles at his nervousness.

"I want you to live till our promised day. " Solitel's answer surprises Tsukune. He doesn't think the ancient vampire care about anyone but herself. But then he realizes she probably sees him as a shining new toy.

"Ah, how rude of me. I should make you feel comfortable." The ancient vampire stands up from her throne and waves her hand. The metal corridor immediately disappears, replaced by Yokai Academy. Except in this dream version, the dry and dead trees are cherry trees full of blossoming flowers. "Is this more to your liking?"

Solitel's platinum blond hair turns pink. Her face also morphs into Moka's face. Except she stills has the same uncaring smirk on her face. She is also looking at Tsukune from the corner of her eyes. It makes her look more like the silver-haired Moka with pink-haired Moka's face.

Tsukune turns his head away, not wanting to see such a cruel look on Moka's face. "Change back."

"If you say so." Solitel turns everything back with another wave of her hand. She sits down comfortably on her metal throne once again. "For someone who wants to live a quiet life, you are good at making enemies. Do you know every one of the Three Clans wants you dead?"

"Not the first time everyone wants me dead." Tsukune almost spats out. He feels like he is back in Yokai Academy again.

"But they can make it happen. You are right to take pride in your Youki sense. Most monsters spend their whole life without reaching your level. But your ability has one critical flaw." The ancient vampire points a finger towards Tsukune. "For a professional assassin, staying out of sight and mask their Youki is the first lesson they perfect. Your Youki sense is good in a fair fight, but it won't do you any good when the first moment you sense Youki is the same moment someone takes off your head."

"Shouldn't there be more dead monsters if those assassins are that good?" Tsukune raises one of his eyebrows at Solitel's statement. He supposes the ancient vampire has no reason to lie. But it is hard to take anything she says at face value.

"Hired thugs take care most problems. Your situation is a bit unique, future Alucard. You see, we who are born as monsters all have a special sense. We instinctively know how to feel the malice others have against us. It won't warn us where the harm will come from like Youki sense, but it tells us to stand on guard. You who are born as human lacks it." Tsukune's sight goes dark when Solitel suddenly swipes her hand towards him. The burning pain in his eye sockets come afterward.

"AH! WHAT THE HELL!" Tsukune covers his face with his hands. He recoils back even with his vampire enhanced pain tolerance.

"I'll be training your malice sense with the most effective way: beating it into you."

Tsukune only has one thought amongst Solitel's mad crackle: This is Gin's training over again.

Don't the monsters know any way to train someone other than pushing them off a cliff?

Light Pink Lover

Chapter 26: Under New Management

Tsukune pulls his finger while sitting in Gin's family van. He wonders what he should say to Ruby. The werewolf looks back at Tsukune as their van pulls to a stop. "Relax, lad. Ruby isn't going to eat you. That's the bloodsucker's specialty."

"You know that's not what I'm worried about." Tsukune looks up and gives the werewolf a dirty look. "How am I going to apologize to her when I been oblivious for ten years?"

"You'll figure something out. You got those ladies head over heel for you to begin with." Gin shrugs his shoulder as he exits the driver's seat. He opens the passenger door and pulls Tsukune out of his seat. He gives Tsukune a firm shake on the shoulder. "Stop over thinking this, lad. You were never a great thinker, but ten years ago you always pull through for the girls anyway."

Tsukune gives the werewolf a long stare before nodding his head. "Thanks, Gin."

"Anytime. Just don't hit my head too hard next time we spar." The two of them start their track towards Yokai Academy in the distance.

"Get away from me, you freak!"

Before Tsukune and Gin get around to the gate, they see a boy pinning a girl on the wall. The boy reminds Tsukune of Saizo with his bulging muscles underneath his uniform and wavy red hair.

"You know, Mikoto. We are perfect for each other. Why do you have to play hard to get?" The boy smirks at the girl while holding her wrists in a vice grip. The dark haired girl tries her best to struggle free, but she's obviously not monster that specializes in brutal strength.

Tsukune is about to step in before Gin stops him with his arm. Gin clicks his tongue and nods towards the direction of the gate. "Don't do the PSC's job for them."

Tsukune looks to Gin's direction. Sure enough, a small group of students wearing PSC badge is running towards the scene. The fox demon Shippon is leading the charge. "Stop right there, rule breaker! Threatening students with the unwanted pass is punishable by Yokai Academy's student rule."

Shippon takes a good look at the students. He scrowls in pure disgust. "Akuma Onizuka. I should have known. Your big brother Benimaru is going to cry when he hears this."

"If it isn't the cuck of our half-breed headmaster. Still trying to get into her pants, fox?" Onizuka turns head and gives Shippon a sneer full of contempt. He drags Mikoto with him as he turns to face the leader of PSC. The redhead delinquent licks his mouth. "You dare to call yourself a Youkai? Strong feed on the weak is how a real Youkai lives. Maybe I'll beat the stuff out of you, take over PSC. I'll have some fun with that half-breed you call headmaster. I heard she like her man powerful."

Tsukune balls his fist up so hard he threatens to shatter his fingers. Only Gin's iron grip stops the vampire from punching this cocky monster to another continent. By the look on every PSC member's face, they aren't too far from it either.

"Permission to teach this fool a lesson, boss?" A pair of ox-like horns begins to grow out of a blonde girl's head. She gives Shippon a long stare as she grinds her sharp teeth.

"He's challenging me." Shippon's face remains passive as he holds up his hand. The fox demon takes a step forward to glare into Onizuka's face. He crosses his arms in front of his face and gives Onizuka a smirk. "Let's put your words to the test, shall we? You and me, man on man like the old days. We'll see how strong you truly are."

"Fine by me. It'll be your FUNERAL!" The boy crackles in laughter as he tosses Mikoto away. The boy's skin turns red as his hair while he grows in size. His already impressive looking muscles become massive as they tear his uniform to shreds. He easily stands three meters tall after the full transformation and has three horns on his head. One grows out of his forehead, the other two on the side of his head. The fully transformed monster wears only a skirt with tiger stripes as he conjures out a kanabo wrapped in flame.

The Oni brings his kanabo hard on Shippon. The metal stick makes a squishing sound as it impacts the ground hard. "Easier than I thought."

"Re~ally~!? You sure showed that patch of grass a thing or two. A high-rank Oni, and a tri-horn no less. No wonder you are arrogant." Shippon's taunt makes Onizuka turns around. The Oni sees the fox demon looking no worse for wear as he helps Mikoto to her feet. He shows his perfectly human-like white teeth with a wider smirk. "Unfortunately for you, hard-work ALWAYS trump over talent."

Onizuka squints his eyes at Shippon. He tries to hit the fox demon with a sweep this time. To the Oni's surprise, Shippon simply stands on his kanabo while holding Mikoto with one arm. The flame wrapped around his metal stick licks on the fox demon and the girl in his arm but doesn't hurt them. "How is this possible!"

"You may control flame with your special talent, but we fox demons are fire." Shippon jumps forward and kicks the Oni between his eyes. The mass of muscle topples down like a sack of potatoes. The leader of PSC releases Mikoto and sends her away to one of his underline with a gentle push. "You should get to safety, Miyamoto. I think the little ogre is getting a bit angry."

"DO YOU TAKE ME FOR A FOOL!? STOP RUNNING AND FIGHT ME LIKE A MAN!" The Oni gets up and slams his weapon at Shippon again and again. The fox demon simply takes a step to the side to dodge the Oni's wild flails.

"I am fighting you like a man. You just suck at fighting like a Youkai. Guess I should end this before you embarrass yourself further." Shippon takes out his wooden sword. The fox demon leads Onizuka's kanabo to the side and jumps forward. He hits the Oni on the heart with the hilt of his sword.

The massive Youkai topples over, change back to his human form. Shippon walks to the downed Oni and jams his wooden sword down right beside Onizuka's face. "I'll let you off easy this time because Benimaru showed me the ropes when I was in the first year. But if I hear another complaint about you, I'll toss you in a correction facility myself, Akuma."

The PSC leader turns back towards his subordinate. "Take this fool to the detention room."

"Pretty good show of strength, fox boy." Gin waves his hand towards the fox demon.

Shippon turns around and sees both Gin and Tsukune. He gives them a respective bow and walks towards them. "Mr. Morioka, Mr. Aono. What pleasure do I owe you today?"

"My lad here need to talk to the headmaster." Gin pulls Tsukune close by his shoulder. Tsukune bats his hands away in annoyance. "Do you know where she is?"

"She's taking her morning patrol around the school. Headmaster Tojo is more hands-on than the last headmaster, from what I heard. You can find her if you take a walk around the school." Shippon looks back and forth between Gin and Tsukune. He turns towards the blonde girl. "I can have Sai here escort you."

"No need for that. We are both S class monsters. These youngsters should fear US." Gin laughs as he throws an arm around Tsukune's shoulder again. Tsukune looks back at the Public Safety Community members as he's dragged into the school by Gin. All of them stares at Gin as the werewolf walk into the door.

"I'm pretty sure he wants to protect the students from us, not the other way around." The vampire looks at Gin's facial expression closely. The werewolf looks completely calm despite seeing Public Safety Community in action. "Doesn't it bother you?"

Gin stops and gives Tsukune a puzzled look. He scoffs at Tsukune's hesitation. "We aren't playing a game of twenty questions, lad. If you want to ask something, ask."

"Doesn't it bother you to see Public Safety Committee still striding around like they own the place. Didn't they killed your friends?"

"They aren't the same. And that fox boy isn't his brother Kuyo. You need to be a bit more open-minded" Gin kicks the door open and points his thumb towards the field. "See for yourself."

Tsukune turns his head back. The girl named Mikoto is currently chatting with Shippon. Tsukune can see the sparkle in her eyes even in the distance as she waves her arm up and down. He closes his eyes to focus on his hearing.

"You took down that Oni like he was nothing, Senpai! That's so cool!"

"Akuma is just a kid trying to hide his insecurity by bullying those weaker. There's no glory in beating someone like that." The fox demon seems to pause for a moment. "But I'm the leader of Public Safety Committee. It's my sworn duty to safeguard students from harm. If I need to beat the lesson into a bully with an oversized ego, I will do it."

"Public Safety Committee is cool. I wanted to join the newspaper club because my dream is to tell everyone truth. But I'm not sure anymore. Isn't newspaper club and Public Safety Committee enemies?"

Tsukune can hear the soft chuckle from Shippon. "That is a commendable dream you should follow as long as you tell the truth instead of propaganda. Youkai like you will make sure we are doing our job, not abusing our power like my brother used to."

"Thank you very much! Shippon-Senpai! I will do my best." Tsukune opens his eyes. He sees Mikoto bowing to Shippon as the fox demon samurai walks away with his subordinates.

"Told you he's different from his brother. Fox boy gained himself a new fangirl." Gin smirks as he rests his elbow on Tsukune's shoulder. "Come on, let's go find our most esteemed headmaster Ruby."

Tsukune looks at Gin and gives the werewolf a nod. The vampire thinks back to the last two times he's been to Yokai Academy this year. He realizes he never truly appreciated the change this school goes through in the past decade. The first time he's too busy thinking about Moka and the other girls. The second time he can only think about how newspaper club changed from the club he knew.

Tsukune realizes he shouldn't think ill of the deceased, but Mikogami is at fault for a lot of trouble during his school years. As one of the Dark Lords, Mikogami can easily stop all the problems the school has with an iron fist. But he allowed Public Safety Committee to abuse their power.

What Tsukune can't forgive the Headmaster is how he let the teachers predate the students. As a human, the teaching profession is something sacred to Tsukune Aono. The idea of the headmaster of a school silently endorse that teacher for their action leaves a bad taste in Tsukune's mouth.

The sound of sniffing draws Tsukune out of his thoughts. He walks towards the staircase leading to the basement. The vampire hears Ruby's voice. "What is wrong, little one?"

"Headmaster Tojo! I'm sorry!" The student quickly hides something behind her as she looks up at Ruby. "It's nothing."

"Is it Takeru Takeshi-Sensei's new book, Long Night?" Ruby tilts her head sideways with a warm smile. The female student blushes as she takes the romance novel out from behind her.

"Yes, headmaster."

"Why do you want to hide it? Reading is a good hobby." Ruby sits down beside the girl. She runs her hand gently through the girl's hair.

"My friends tear my books up whenever they see it. They say Takeshi-Sensei's human monster romance series is trashy and beneath us." The girl pulls the book close to her chest. "But I like them. It's nice to read a story where human and monsters fall in love. It makes me think, maybe one day we don't need to hide from humans. Maybe they can accept us for who we truly are."

"I wouldn't say any of Takeshi-Sensei's books are high art." The girl's should slumps lower at Ruby's words. "But it's okay to like them. I like to read them myself."

"Really!?" The girl looks up and stares at Ruby with her big twinkling eyes.

"Of course. But don't tell it to other students. I'd like to keep some dignity in front of students." Ruby winks at the girl while giving her nose a light tap. "This is a secret between us."

"Yes! Headmaster! My lips are sealed!" The girl nods her head feverously. She pretends to zip her mouth.

"Good girl. Let me tell you another secret." Ruby moves closer to the student's ear. "I know Takeru Takeshi-Sensei. He married one of my friend who is a succubus. Maybe I can ask his autograph for you at next alumni reunion."

The girl jumps up while screams in delight. Tsukune is not sure if she's happier to get Takeru's autograph or learning he married a monster. "That's good to hear! Thank you so much, headmaster!"

The petite student looks down on the floor again. "But I still have to hide my books in front of my friends. They'll tear my books up again."

"It's not my place to say, but I'm beginning to think they aren't very good friends. True friends should accept each other's difference." Ruby runs his hand through the little girl's hair again. "Have you thought about starting a book club? Your friends wouldn't tear your book apart if you have a lot of others reading with you. And if they cause trouble for your club, there's always Shippon to bring some orders."

"Me, starting a book club!? I'm not sure." The girl's twinkling large eyes begin to look all over. She finally looks back at Ruby again. "Do you think anyone wants to join a book club?"

"Of course. Someone started a human film research club last year, and they already have six new members. I think some other students also love Takeshi-Sensei's book." Ruby gives the girl an encouraging nod and smile. "And if you need new members, go talk with newspaper club. They'll help get the words out and help you recruit new members."

"Thank you so much, Headmaster Tojo. I'll go talk with them right now!" The girl gives Ruby a respectful bow. She quickly runs up the stairs and passes Tsukune.

"What can I do for the two of you, Gin and Tsukune?" Tsukune jumps on his feet when Ruby calls his name. He thoughts he hides his Youki pretty well. Ruby walks up the stairs and smiles at him. "I don't need Youki sense to find you, Tsukune. I know everything happens in this school. Wouldn't be a good Headmaster if I don't. Follow me to the headmaster's room."

The vampire follows Ruby climbing the stairs. He tries to bring some casual conversation to break the silence. "So, is there a film research club? Sounds more normal than the clubs I used to."

Ruby lets out a long sigh at Tsukune's mention. "Yes. But they are only interested in research Adult Videos. I should expect no less from Mikogami-San's daughter. They both like to dump troubles on my head."

"MIKOGAMI HAS A DAUGHTER!?" Tsukune's loud yelp makes both Gin and Ruby cover their years.

The werewolf clicks his tongue while rolling his eyes. "Of course. He's a Dark Lord. One of the strongest monster when he was alive. There's a train filled to the brim with female monsters who want to bear his child."

"Setsuna's mother never married Mikogami officially. She goes by her mother's family name." Ruby unlocks the door to Headmaster's room and both the vampire and werewolf inside. "But we aren't here to talk about our late Headmaster's private love life. What do you want to discuss with me Tsukune? What are you doing, Gin?"

Tsukune turns around. The werewolf is sniffing around Ruby's cupboards. "I'm looking for that pot of Monkey Wine fem boy got you, of course. If you aren't going to drink it, I will."

"Don't you need to drive back home?"

"You can get your bus driver to tow my van back." Gin takes a clay pot out of Ruby's cupboard. He tears off the mud seal and takes a large swig. "Good stuff!"

"I'll drive you both back afterward. The things I do for children." Ruby shakes her heads as she sits down in front of Tsukune.

"Fem boy? Monkey Wine? Don't you need to look after the students?" Tsukune looks from Gin to Ruby while looking like a deer in the headlight.

"He means Huang Fangfang. Monkey Wine is a type of fruit wine made by a race of Chinese monkey demon. Shippon can look after everyone for an afternoon without me." Ruby looks at Tsukune in the eyes. "You should stop delaying. What do you want to talk about?"

Tsukune takes a deep breath. He supposes it is finally to face the music. The vampire stands up from the couch and walks in front of Ruby. He kneels in front of the surprised Witch and performs a Dogeza. "I just learned how much I hurt you, Kurumu, Mizore, and Yukari ten years ago. I know words don't mean anything, but I have to tell you this, Ruby: I am sorry."

"Rat boy finally learned how much he fucked up! Yukari blurted it out after she got hammered. (hic) CHEERS~!" Gin laughs in between his inebriation induced hiccups.

Tsukune wants to deck the nosy werewolf in the face. But he holds back the anger to focus on his apology. "What Gin said is true. I just learned from Yukari what consequence my actions caused. For all those years, I have been blaming Moka for everything. But the truth is: She never forbid me from seeing anyone of you. I was the one who was too afraid to face you all. And my action hurt all of you dearly. I know a decade is too long for an apology, but I still want to let all of you know how much I regret my actions."

"Please stand up, Tsukune." Tsukune maintains his prostration till he hears Ruby's trembling voice. He looks up and sees Ruby brushing a strain of hair away from her face. The Witch is trying hard to stop a tear from dropping down her eyes. "You are right. Ten years is very long. I should have already let it go. But it's good to hear this from you. Thank you, Tsukune."

Ruby helps guide Tsukune up and sits him on the couch again. She slowly walks to the wall and opens a window. The sound of children playing enters Headmaster's office. "I forgive you for hurting me, Tsukune. But I won't take you back. A decade has passed, and I no longer see you as my lover."

"That's the best I could hope for." Tsukune looks down at his hands. He turns to look at Ruby. The Witch looks serene and happy as she looks down at the students. "I think you are a much better Headmaster than Mikogami."

"I know how it feels to be a misguided child. I can only do what is best for those children as they enter a new world they don't understand." Ruby smiles before turning to look at Tsukune again. "What are you going to do with Kurumu and Mizore?"

"I have to apologize for them. Yukari sees you and them as her family. I have to try to bring everyone closer again."

"Nothing will be the same as ten years ago. They are both married. I'll contact them back, but you need to talk with them yourself."

"I know." Tsukune closes his hands into fists.

I own it to Yukari.