"..." Speech
'...' Quote
'Hi' Thought
"Learn your place!" Inner Moka through Rosario
Feedback=Christian
Positive Feedback=Zack
Disclaimer: I own nothing but Christian, Dashslicer, Ultimate Crabdozer, Upgraded Atomix, the ideas for Ironmonger's, Shadowstreak' species, Bloodstalker and Dreamwalker. Everything else belongs to their own creators.
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Alien Watch in a Monster School
Council Consideration
"I don't like it."
"I don't like it either."
"It's obviously a trap."
"I know, Zack."
"And he didn't tell you anything."
"Nope. All I know I know is that I need to show up at the council building at twelve. If I don't comply, I'm expelled."
"But the Plumbers-"
"Can't do anything about it. Apparently, my being here is dependent on the Headmaster's permission. If he retracts it, I have to leave."
"What about me?"
"You'd be able to stay but you'd have to follow all the rules and not act as a Plumber. Lala would have to leave too."
"Oh, come on!"
Christian and Zack were once again in the Rustbucket 3. After the events with the Graffiti Demon, Christian had told the rest of the News Club what had happened. Due to work he was being forced to do for the Headmaster, he wouldn't be able to help with club activities for some time. As he expected, they were all quite vocal in their protests, particularly Kurumu. But there was little they could do. If Christian didn't comply, he would be forced to leave. He wouldn't be able to fight either as the Headmaster had a remote to disable the Vidatrix at a whim.
Now, away from the rest of the club, Zack was giving his opinion on the matter.
"There's definitely no way around this?" he asked.
"Not without me having to leave," Christian said sadly, rubbing his temples. He had decided to forgo his normal jacket for his school uniform, minus the blazer and tie. He'd have to look smart where he was going.
"Could you not simply attack this Headmaster when he least expects it to free yourself?"
Both boys jumped as they turned to find Golden Darkness, or Yami, standing before them. Immediately they ducked behind a crate, expecting a sharp blade to suddenly be thrown at them. But nothing happened. Both boys peeked around the crate to see the black garbed assassin looked at them with a brow raised.
"What are you doing?" she asked in her normal monotone.
"Aren't you… Going to try and kill us?" Zack asked.
"Not at this moment."
"Then why are you here?" Christian asked. "And how did you get past the sensors?"
"It is peaceful here. I am able to read." The boys noticed she was carrying a large book. "Also, your Plumber security is lacking. It's child's play to get around."
"Great," Zack deadpanned. "Our secure secret jet isn't so secure."
"Yeah…" Christian groaned. "We'll have to look into that when I get back."
The teen made to leave when he was suddenly thrown forward as Zack tackled him to the ground. A moment later, there was a metallic clang. The two boys looked to see Yami standing over them with her transformed arm embedded in the wall.
"Not my ship!" Christian cried angrily. "Why did you do that?"
"It is my task to kill you both," Yami replied. "I thought this sneak attack would succeed."
"Stop trying to kill us!" Zack yelled.
"I cannot. I am, however, done for today." The assassin's hand changed back to normal before she moved to the corner to read.
"Remind me why we let her stay around here again," Christian said.
"She'll kill us quickly if we don't," Zack replied. "And she's cute."
Christian rolled his eyes. "Remember that roses have thorns. You try and get too close and you'll get cut," he said, giving the teen a friendly pat on the back. "I'm heading out. Remember to lock the ship up before you leave."
"Har har, very funny."
Zack watched his friend leave and felt his stomach sink. He couldn't help but feel something bad was on the horizon. Once Christian disappeared beyond the barrier, he turned around. Out of the corner of his eye, he spotted something shoot towards him. He ducked just as the blade shot by him.
"Yami!"
"I do not apologise."
Christian followed a map the Headmaster had given him to a large building on the west side of campus. It was in a secluded area surrounded by dead trees and caws of ravens as they came to nest. He couldn't repress the shiver that ran down his spine. It was a large manor that would have looked quite elegant if it weren't for how run down it was. The paint was fading from the wood and the roof tiles were falling off. At the front, there was a sign that read, 'School Council – Festival Committee'.
"Of course, a student council at this school is going to look weird," Christian sighed, feeling a shiver run up his spine. "How am I going to get through this?"
"Excuse me," a voice said behind him, "You're the freshman Class 3 President, Christian Hawke, right?"
"Yep. That's me…" Christian trailed off as he turned to see the tallest person he had seen in his life, easily standing a foot over him. He wore a black, buttoned up variation of the Yokai uniform, complete with a pair of black business shoes. His hair and eyes were both a dark brown and he wore a pair of glasses.
"I've heard a lot about you. The teachers are always singing your praises," the large teen said. "You're joining the festival committee, right?"
"Umm… Yeah."
The teen smiled warmly and offered his hand. "Welcome! It's great to have you on board!"
Christian was hesitant for a moment before shaking the teen's hand. "I just want to help out when I can."
"That's all we can ask for. Please, follow me. I'll take you to the committee."
The tall teen led him into the council building and through a series of corridors that seemed to be in better condition than the exterior. They eventually came to a pair of large mahogany doors. The unfamiliar teen opened the door and gestured for him to follow. "Come on in Christian and meet the rest us."
The Vidatrix teen walked in to find himself in a grand, circular room with marble pillars holding up the roof. In the centre of the room was a large, circular table with a hole in the middle, reminding Christian of a polo. Around the table were twelve chairs, ten of which were filled. Each person was completely different to the other. Despite being in human form they all looked monstrous.
Some looked slimy, others creepy. There were those who look fast and strong. They were every shape and size. They were the Student Council.
"I bet you're relieved we're just a bunch of regular guys, huh?" the glasses wearing teen said with a laugh.
'Relieved? These guys are creepier than the bloody building! The only one who even looks remotely normal is the guy who brought me here!' Christian thought. As the two approached the table, the teen closest to them; a tall, dark skinned teen in a white suit with blonde hair stood up and bowed to Christian's guide.
"Thank you for all your hard work, Mr. President!"
Around the room, the occupants of the table rose and bowed.
"Yes, thank you!"
"You're a great president!"
With his mouth agape, Christian turned to his guide. "President?"
The tall teen smiled once again. "Oh, how impolite of me, I didn't introduce myself properly, did I? I'm Hokuto Kaneshiro, the Student Council President. I'm looking forward to getting to know you, Christian."
"I can't believe it! Why does he have to work for the Festival Committee? And just when the club's workload is going through the roof!"
The News Club were sat organising articles for their next paper. Kurumu, however, was set ranting over the fact her 'destined one' was not with them. Gin, Yukari and Lala were all staying quiet, allowing the girl to vent her frustrations. Zack was the only member not present.
"You heard what Christian said," Moka began. "If he doesn't help the Headmaster, he'll get expelled." The pinkette went quiet as she pondered her next words. "Christian is… kind of going through a rough time. The vampire blood inside him is acting up, affecting him in ways we didn't imagine. I've also got a funny feeling something big is about to happen. I think things are about to change…"
Kurumu bowed her head and let out a sigh before her eyes narrowed. "It's still not fair!" she cried, walking out the door, closely followed by the rest of the girls. "I'm gonna see the headmaster right now and make him give Christian back to us!"
"That won't be possible," a familiar voice called from behind them. "The Headmaster isn't on campus at the moment."
The four girls turned to see an old friend sat high upon the bannister of the stairs. "Ruby!" the girls cried.
"What are you doing here?" Lala asked.
"We haven't seen you in ages," Kurumu said.
The older girl jumped down from the banister, landing gracefully on the ground. "Long time no see," she said. "I've been working for the Headmaster and - "
"Ruby! I missed you!" Yukari cried happily as she ran up and tackled the older witch around the waist in a hug.
"Th-That's nice," Ruby began, a little flustered. "But listen, those Monstrel Anti – Schoolers who are after Christian, they want to sabotage the school festival too. As such, it is likely they have a spy on the committee."
"There's a Monstrel on the committee?" Kurumu cried. "How come the Headmaster doesn't know about this?"
Ruby lowered her head. "I'm afraid he does. Very well. He wants to trap the Monstrels. And, to put it bluntly, Christian is the bait."
The girls gasped and shared a glance with one another before angrily turning back to face Ruby. However, before any of them could voice their disapproval, another voice spoke.
"So, he's using Christian like a worm on a hook, huh?" The five girls turned back towards the stairs to see a head of purple hair poking out from behind it. "I don't suppose anybody warned him."
"Mizore!" Lala cried happily.
"You're still skulking around, as usual," Kurumu said quietly.
"The Monstrels already know who Christian is," Mizore continued, ignoring the two girls. "I won't let him be a sitting duck. I'm going to rescue him. Any objection?" she asked Ruby.
The older witch shook her head. "I can't tell you anymore… Sorry. I've already disobeyed orders."
Mizore nodded before turning around and walking away. "That's more than enough," she said.
"W-wait Mizore! Stop!" Kurumu cried, hurrying after the snow queen.
"Kurumu's right!" Yukari said. "We shouldn't be reckless!"
"I'm going with you!" the Succubus said, making Yukari face vault forward.
"Listen, Bazooka girl," Mizore began, glancing at Kurumu, "Christian doesn't need you making things any harder for him."
"Funny," the succubus teen said, "I was going to say the same to you, Stalker Girl."
"To order then! Today's council meeting is open for business!" The moment Hokuto spoke, the entire room went quiet and paid direct attention to everything the tall teen had to say. Christian just couldn't look away. He had only just met the guy and yet he commanded so much authority and respect. He was so sure of himself too.
Christian jumped as someone patted his shoulder. "Are you surprised? Hokuto's got quite the charisma, doesn't he?" The Vidatrix teen turned to his neighbour. He wore a white shirt with purple and white striped sleeves. His black hair came down just past his shoulders and he looked at Christian with beady blue eyes. The moment Christian noticed him; he gave a large smile before continuing. "Brilliant mind, strong opinions, great speaker, martial artist. Both students and the faculty trust him. Most of the guys here joined the council because we look up to him. That's just how inspiring he is." There was a pause between the two as both watched Hokuto speak about school security. After a minute, Christian was kicked under the table by his neighbour.
"So, what brought you here?" the teen asked.
"Excuse me?"
"I'm only asking 'cause… Well there are these weird rumours going round."
"Rumours?"
Before his neighbour could answer, Hokuto raised his voice.
"Next on the agenda! Counter measures against the Anti – Schoolers!" Christian immediately snapped to attention. As the other member of the Council murmured amongst themselves, Hokuto waited patiently. Once the chatter died down, he continued. "As you are all aware, the secret society of Anti – Schoolers seek to destroy the academy itself. All our efforts to raise student morale through the festival, they're planning to undermine!
"And they aren't the only problem. Violence has ravaged our student body for too long. Death can strike on this campus at any time. But… Hear me! This darkness at the heart of our school must end with our generation!
"Deep in my heart, I know we can overcome this madness. I promise you; we will have peace in our time. We will never shrink from the Anti – Schoolers! With all our heart and by the sweat of our brow, we will make this festival a shining beacon of hope!" Every word Hokuto spoke had enraptured Christian. His speech of peace was just what he was here to do. Here, in front of him for the first time outside the News Club, was a monster who wanted peace.
The meeting continued as normal for another thirty minutes before the council was dismissed. However, in all that time, Christian could only think about Hokuto's speech. He was already so passionate about peace for monsters. If he could persuade him to think about coexistence with humans, he would have a great public speaker who everyone at the school respected. Unfortunately, he didn't get the chance to talk to him after the meeting. Hokuto had been ushered out by some of the other Council members. It would have to wait for another day.
With little else to do, he left the council house and headed back towards the dorms. However, he'd barely made in half way down the path when he heard the pitter patter of footsteps behind him. "Hey, kid! Wait up!" The teen turned to see his neighbour from the council room running towards him.
"Uh… Hi there," he said as the teen got close.
"Hey," the long-haired teen replied. "Let's walk back together. I'm Mizuki Ueshiba, but you can call me Mizuki."
"I'm Christian Hawke, nice to meet you."
"Oh, I know who you are," Mizuki said. "I reckon everyone around here who you are."
"Much to my discomfort, ha ha." The two of us fell into step as we continued down the path. We chatted idly for a time before Mizuki changed the topic back to the Festival Committee.
"So…? Thoughts on your first council meeting? Do you think you can hack it?"
Christian's thoughts were cast back to the Council President's speech and how it had made him feel. "I didn't realise the academy had student's like Hokuto. Students who want peace and are willing to take action to make it happen. I was kind of moved. He's so different from me. I'm not direct enough to make my opinions heard. To tell you the truth man, I didn't even want to be on the Council. But seeing Hokuto like that… He gave me hope. I want to work for peace too through the Student Council."
Mizuki's narrowed before he grinned widely. "Hmm… You seem like one of the 'good guys.' I reckon I can trust you."
"Huh? What do you mean?"
"Well… Remember that rumour I mentioned earlier? It's that somebody in the council is an Anti – Schooler spy."
Christian felt like he was about to choke. "What!? A spy!?" he cried out loud. Mizuki was quick to cover his mouth.
"Shh!" he said as he looked to the left. Christian followed his gaze. He thought he saw a flash of blue and purple but before he could be sure, Mizuki pulled him away and through a small tunnel in the wall. "Not the best place to talk. Let's go over there."
The long hair teen continued to drag Christian until they came to a square clearing surrounded by garbage and rubble. The Vidatrix teen pulled his hand away from Mizuki. "Is it true?" he asked. If there really was a spy, then the Headmaster undoubtedly knew about it. He probably put him in the Student Council to flush the spy out. Just like what he'd done with the Graffiti Demon.
"You didn't know anything about this?" Mizuki asked. "When you handed in your paperwork to join, no one mentioned anything? Not even to told you to be careful?"
"No! I never would have joined if I knew." Why was Mizuki probing him like this? He didn't think he was the spy, did he? No, there were rumours before his arrival. So, what was it?
Mizuki's eyes narrowed as he met Christian's, both teen's trying to get into each other's head. "Seriously, you really didn't hear anything about this? From anyone?"
"No. Why would I?" Serious danger alarms were blaring in Christian's head. Mizuki was acting strange. He had led him to a secluded area away from anyone. Could it be possible Mizuki was…?
"Ha ha ha ha ha!" Mizuki's sudden laughing fit made Christian jump. "All right then!" he said, brushing off the strange exchange. He walked forward and patted Christian on the shoulder good naturedly. "Sorry I suspected you! It's just you being new and all. Don't worry about it. It's just a rumour anyway. Besides, you're really tough, right? If those Anti – Schoolers come after you, you can just beat 'em up! Like usual."
The alarm was now ringing up a storm. He leapt forward, tackling the surprised Mizuki to the ground. He pinned the teen against the dirt and secured his arms behind his back.
"Ow ow ow! What the hell man?"
"Shut it! I never mentioned anything about fighting with the Anti – Schoolers. Only my friends know about that. Them, and the members of the Anti – Schoolers themselves. I'm guessing you're the spy." He felt Mizuki flinch under him. He had him.
"Very clever," the Anti – Schooler said. "You're not just strong, you're smart too. I guess I slipped up." Suddenly, Mizuki began to shake, his body elongating and becoming smoother, like a worm. Before Christian could react, he was swiped away by Mizuki's long arm.
When he regained his senses, Mizuki was gone and a large hole had been burrowed in the ground. "Not that smart though…"
Something grabbed his leg. Christian looked down in time to see Mizuki's deformed head poking through the ground, his now bony fingers clutching at his foot. "I had wanted to find out more about you and why you're here before slaying you," Mizuki said. "I suppose my plans have changed."
"I wouldn't be counting my chickens just yet." Christian's hand went for the Vidatrix. As Mizuki tried to drag him underground he selected the first icon and slapped down of the core. The sudden flash caused Mizuki to let go of his leg.
When the light faded, Christian stood tall in another new form. Once again, he bore his physical appearance except his hair was made of purplish ice. He was wearing a black, sleeveless, hooded shirt with a green short sleeved jacket over the top. He also wore metal green bracers over his arms. The Vidatrix symbol was on his chest and his eyes had turned a stunning jade.
"Another new guy?" he said, letting out a heavy sigh. "This is getting old. Right, feeling hot in mild weather, purple hair, still look pretty human. Must be a male version of Mizore's species. I think I'll call this guy, Icepick!"
The newly named Icepick was quick to check his surroundings. Mizuki had once again vanished underground. 'So, new form, no idea how to use him and an enemy who is pretty much a land shark. What could possibly go wrong?' From limited amount of times he had seen Mizore fight, Icepick had a vague idea of what he could do. But, in order to do any of it, he had to focus on his monster energy. Like he had with Dreamwalker, he pictured the golden lake and saw a few drops rise from it.
He suddenly felt cooler, wisps of icy vapor floating off his body. Taking a breath, Icepick focused on his surroundings. He noticed a small bulge appear in the dirt and threw out his hand, sending out an icy blast that froze the ground. Another bulge appeared several meters away. Again, Icepick sent out another blast and froze the earth once more.
His eyes scanned the clearing as he took a couple of steps forward. Almost immediately, he felt something grab at his feet. He looked down to see Mizuki's hands grasped around his foot once more, trying to drag him down again. In a desperate attempt to free himself, Icepick grabbed at the Anti – Schooler's hand. Almost instantly, frost appeared over it, once again forcing Mizuki to let go.
It suddenly occurred to Icepick that Mizuki could tell where he was thanks to the vibrations on the ground. Every step he took was like a guided map to his position.
"It's time to look at this from an elevated position," Icepick said. Throwing his hands on the ground, he created an ice pillar that rose several meters into the air. Now Mizuki couldn't touch him and he couldn't get to him. 'It's time's like this when I really miss Zack. He'd be useful right around now.'
While he was thinking about his next move, he suddenly heard voices coming from the tunnel. Very familiar voices.
"It came from over here, I'm sure of it."
"Yeah… How weird. I heard it too. Sounds like a fight."
"Oh crap," Icepick groaned.
From out of the tunnel, Kurumu and Mizore appeared. They were quick to notice the numerous holes in the ground and the great pillar of ice I was sat on. "Hey, I think someone's up there," Kurumu said.
"Is that Christian?" Mizore asked.
They were making too much noise. From his position, Icepick saw the ground begin to bulge behind the girls. Mizuki was going after them!
"Girls look out!" he cried. However, his shouts had the opposite effect. The girls' attention was drawn to him, meaning they were unaware of Mizuki sneaking up behind them. Knowing he would have no chance of getting a clean hit without hitting the girls, Icepick dove down from the pillar. As he fell, he pushed both Kurumu and Mizore out of the way and to safety. Icepick, however, wasn't so lucky. Mizuki was quick to grab the suspended teen.
"Ha! Got you now!" The Anti - Schooler chuckled as he poked his head up above the ground. "This was too easy. By taking the form of a worm, I can slither through the ground with ease. I'm going to drag you underground and snap your neck. Then, because I can't have any witnesses, I'm going to come back and kill them too," he said, turning Icepick's head to look at Kurumu and Mizore, both of whom were still getting off the ground.
Icepick scrambled to escape the Anti – Schooler's grasp to no avail. He was quickly dragged under the earth.
"Christian!"
Mizore and Kurumu dove forward, grabbing hold of each of Icepick's arms. "Were not letting you go!" Kurumu cried.
"You're not going to die on our watch!" Mizore added.
"No, I don't want you to die," Icepick said. "Get out of here, now!"
"We're not leaving!"
"I'm not letting my Destined One be killed!"
Icepick felt another strong tug before he was forced from the girls' grasps. In moments, he was fully submerged under the dirt. Mizuki continued to pull him under until he felt his long fingers rap around his head.
"Goodbye, Christian Hawke. You won't be missed."
There was a sharp pain. And Icepick went limp.
Christian's eyes were thrown open to find himself in a dark space. The same one from the nightmares he'd been having for months. Before he could even gauge what was happening, a pair of blood red, slit eyes appeared through the haze, shining like stars.
"You did good kid, but I'm taking over. I'll help you this time, so we don't die. Now, it's time. I. Cut. My! STRINGS!"
On the surface, Kurumu and Mizore, both now in their monster forms were digging at the ground with all of their might.
"Keep digging!" Kurumu cried hysterically. "We have to get to him!"
Mizore didn't reply but her ice encrusted hands continued to shovel away the dirt. As the girls continued to frantically move away the earth, they both suddenly felt bony fingers wrap around their ankles. As they fell to the ground, Mizuki poked this sleek body out of the earth, a horrid grin on his face. "Sorry girls, but you know too much. I'm going to have to kill you just like I killed your pal, Hawke." He continued to pull the girls until the were in the earth up to their chests.
"You killed Christian?" Mizore said in shock as she struggled to stay above ground.
"N – No…" Kurumu gasped.
"Heh… If you want, I can drag your body down to his. Would you like that?"
"No!" Kurumu yelled as Mizuki let out a boisterous laugh. "CHRISTIAN!"
Suddenly, a brief and intense flash of red light shone through the holes in the earth before the ground began to shake uncontrollably.
"Wha- What was that?" Mizuki yelled, looking around in utter frantically. His body jerked violently and both girls felt his grip on them loosen. "Huh? I'm being pulled under! What's happening?" As hard as he tried, he couldn't keep his head above the ground, it was impossible as he quickly disappeared beneath the surface.
Kurumu and Mizore managed to pull themselves out of the dirt just before the ground twenty meters away burst open in an explosion of flame. Mizuki's body was thrown out of the earth burned and beaten. As the Anti – Schooler fell in a tangled heap on the ground, another figure pulled themselves out of the ground.
The girls quickly recognised the form as Swampfire. For a moment, they felt relieved. Then they noticed Swampfire's appearance. His body had changed from a compost green to a grey charcoal. The petals on his head and shoulders had also turned black and white. Red veins ran up and down his body, pulsing every few seconds.
"Christian?" Kurumu called out.
The plant – like alien turned towards the girls. They could now see his glowing red eyes and Vidatrix symbol, which had changed from a green hourglass to a red cross, similar in shape to the Rosario.
The girls couldn't find their words as in a flash of red, Swampfire reverted into Christian. His eyes were red for a few moments more before they faded to their normal chocolate. The teen's eyes sagged before he collapsed to the ground.
"Christian!"
When Christian woke, he found that he was surrounded by all his friends and was on a gurney. Around him, the school's paramedics were fussing over him. He could barely keep his eyes open. As Zack began giving him his, 'I told you so' speech, he heard the sound of hurried footsteps.
"Christian!"
The teen turned to see the Student Council President running towards the group. "Hokuto…" he said weakly.
The Council President went to his side and grasped his hand. He couldn't help but notice now pained he looked. "I heard about Mizuki," he said. "I'm sorry. I can't believe joining the committee almost cost you your life…" His grip on Christian's hand tightened.
"Please, promise me something," the Vidatrix teen said, grimacing at the ache in his neck. "Hokuto, I believe in what you said. Let's bring peace to this academy."
For a moment, Hokuto looked shocked before a gentle smile tugged at his lips. "Yes! We'll join forces and transform this place into a great school!"
It was then that the paramedics lifted Christian's gurney and began carrying him away, his friends following behind. As they went through the tunnel and began to head towards the academy, Christian tugged at Zack's arm.
"What's up, Bro?"
Grunting in pain, Christian pulled the teen towards him and began whispering into his ear. The other girls tried to listen, but they were too quiet. However, when Zack pulled away, the confused look on his face only further worried them.
Hokuto walked through the Student Council Building and down a long hallway lined with white pillars. The building was long since empty as all of the member of the Committee had gone home. Hokuto however had other plans.
"Heh… That was entertaining, Hokuto. Your lies are always so pretty."
Hokuto turned towards the voice to see a silver haired teen with different coloured eyes leaning against one of the many pillars. "Kiriya, it's good to see you. However, I've got news for you… That was no lie."
Kiriya scoffed. "Come on… Who created the Anti – Schooler's in the first place to bring 'change' to the academy? Who? Hm?"
Hokuto smirked as he stood tall, confident and relaxed. "Don't worry," he said. "I will change the academy. I'll change it forever."
And that's that. We are now about eight – ten chapters left until the end of season 1. Depending on how much I can cram into one chapter of course, ha ha.
Anyway, on to the new form. Icepick is a male version of Mizore's species. While normally he would need a special refrigerated lollypop to regulate his temperature, Icepick's suit does this for him instead. However, it won't be as affective in extremely hot locations or during heatwaves.
As for the new power - up Swampfire briefly showed, that will be elaborated on next chapter. I've got more free time now so expect a new chapter relatively soon.
