Disclaimer: I do not own any part of Rosario Vampire. I am merely twisting the creators vision into my own dream. If the supernatural, sexuality, or violence is offensive to you, then you should not read this.
Chapter 52
It was another Monday for Tsukune. The passing of time was heavy on his shoulders as he got ready for school. Ruby was practically dancing, humming merrily, as she hurried about the house. She had packed Tsukune's school bag, complete with a small obento, and now she was finishing up the last minute brushing out of his uniform blazer. It was easy for Tsukune to see the amount of pride Ruby put into her work caring for him. His shoes were polished to a shine, his uniform was perfectly ironed, and his breakfast, simple at his request, had been perfectly prepared and diligently served. Tsukune knew exactly why Ruby was so happy.
Tsukune had wanted a bath, to get truly clean, once he got home from the hospital. He had been a little preoccupied and his skin itched, so he was more assertive then normal, which always pleased the witch for some reason. He had also questioned her about True Names, giving Ruby a chance to help him out with her greater knowledge. It had been a very good night for Ruby. But all of that didn't change the fact that it had been Sunday Night.
All Sunday Night and Monday Morning, Tsukune had been aware of Kurumu's feelings any time he was awake. He hoped that he would have a chance to talk to her about it later. As he headed for the door to head off to school, Tsukune sighed. He knew from too many past experiences that privacy for a conversation would be almost impossible.
XXXX
Tsukune jammed his books into his bag while suppressing a growl. He hated Mondays. If it wasn't one thing then it was another that seamed determined to disrupt his day. He had started his day well enough with a smile and a kiss from Moka, but that quiet, happy moment was soon over as his other friends gathered. He listened to their mock fighting as the walked together to school, until he was approached by a member of the Student Police.
Student Police business was just an excuse it turned out. The young man that had sought Tsukune out, had done so searching for romantic advice. He had received chocolates from a girl that he had always thought of as 'just a friend.' Now he didn't know what he should do for White Day. Tsukune accepted the activity report log from the boy, gave him some generic advice about being confident in his own abilities, then hurried to catch up to his friends.
Once Tsukune got to class he started hearing the latest gossip. The search and rescue for Kurumu was the hot topic of the day. Tsukune tried not to hear the details of the stories. It was bad enough to have news of the weekends chaos all over the school. Girls kept looking at Tsukune and giggling or sighing, or some blushing red to their hairlines. The gossip had a very romantic flavor to it. Tsukune was also aware of the eyes of males and females watching him and his friends, as if looking for an opportunity.
By lunchtime Moka was looking cross, Kurumu had a lopsided smile, and Tsukune had a headache. The story of how Tsukune had gone off to fight or Kurumu had sparked wild speculation about his relationship with her, and with Moka. Some people seamed to think that perhaps Moka and Tsukune were splitting up, so some males had decided to approach her.
Moka, Mizore, Kurumu, and Yukari were having a frustrating day as well. It was all over the school how Tsukune had gone on the offensive to rescue Kurumu. While the succubus liked the stories that painted a picture of her and Tsukune being a couple, and it was kind of funny watching Moka get her feathers ruffled, that was the only good to come from the rumors and gossip. There was a surprising number girls that were suddenly showing a renewed interest in Tsukune. It seamed that the idea of joining Tsukune's harem was more attractive to the shyer, weaker students that wanted to be under his rather fierce protection.
Some obscure rule of etiquette must have been in play. Young women approached Tsukune's friends throughout the day. They made self-introductions and exchanged pleasantries in hope of being somehow included in the group of friends. One girl, with her uniform a size too small and half unbuttoned to show off cleavage, had approached Kurumu and offered congratulations on her advancement. While the succubus was wondering why the girl was even talking to her, she did find that tick in Moka's cheek amusing.
Tsukune wished he had the ability to turn invisible. Listening to people talking about him, and speculating wildly about his romances, was bad enough, as long as they kept their distance. But not everybody was content to just watch from a distance. His already exaggerated romantic prowess had been expanded upon once again. Male students were starting to come to him for advice. Part of him was angry about it because he had just put a nice little article about White Day in the school newspaper. Didn't any boys read?
Once the school day was over Tsukune just wanted to go find a quiet place to relax. If he was lucky, then maybe Moka would want to come with him. He just finished closing his book bag when he looked to see if he could get Moka's Attention.
"Aono Tsukune?" Ruby's voice carried across the classroom.
Tsukune looked over to she the witch standing in the doorway of the emptying classroom. He knew that if Ruby was calling to him like this it was something important. With a sigh he responded.
"Hai," Tsukune said.
"Kurono Kurumu," Ruby called out.
"Hai!" The succubus answered.
"Please come with me," Ruby said. "The Board Chairman is asking to see you."
Tsukune shot an apologetic look towards Moka. She gave him one of sympathy and support. Moka reached for Tsukune's bag.
"I'll take this home for you," Moka said. "Come see me when you're free."
"Thank you," Tsukune smiled.
As Tsukune and Kurumu left the class to follow Ruby, he noticed questioning looks on the faces of the students they passed. This was only going to add fuel to the rumors, Tsukune was sure of that. He suppressed a sigh and followed Ruby.
Tsukune was familiar with the way to the Board Chairman's office. He wasn't too nervous about being called to the office, but he was keenly aware that Kurumu was. He had been aware of her feelings all day. There had been spikes of jealousy, flashes of happiness, and waved of frustration. He wanted to take the time to talk to her about his awareness of her. With them being called to the Board Chairman's office, perhaps, Tsukune speculated, they could have some time to talk afterwards.
Tsukune received a shock when he arrived at the Board Chairman's office. The Board Chairman was sitting behind his desk. Already in the office, occupying two of the four chairs in front of the desk, were Brone gray and Kurumu's mother, Ageha.
"I am certain you are wondering why I called for you, my boy," The Board Chairman said after the pleasantries were over. "We have some things we need to talk about…"
The Board Chairman filled Tsukune and Kurumu in about why Ageha had chosen to visit when she did. He also told the students about some of the other things Fairy Tale have been doing. Brone added in some information about the organization's activities over seas. Tsukune was glad to learn that Fairy Tale's resources were limited. The organization was less of a giant monster, and more of a pack of deceptive opportunists and scavengers. While collectively Fairy Tale had a shared goal, the disunity of their different parts worked against them.
"Now I would like Lord Gray to tell us about what he learned this weekend," The Board Chairman turned the meeting over to the large man.
"Thank you," Brone said to the Board Chairman before turning his attention to the students. " have had a chance t examine Tsukune, and the place where this young lady was being held. It is clear that a branch of Fairy Tale was trying to establish a presence here. The man in charge was a sorcerer of some capability. Unfortunately, the man had been in the practice of dark magic and demon working for a long time. His mind was not what most people would consider healthy. Some of the magic he was attempting, according to his notes, was just bad to even think about."
"Ladies," Brone said in a gentle voice. "What I found there was evidence that the man was trying to use old summoning rituals to find a way to enslave youkai. From what I could find, the man had been slipping into madness and paranoia for a long time. If Fairy Tale thought he had a chance of making his plans work I suspect they would have guarded him better, and killed him when it looked like he was ready to succeed."
"Why would they kill him?" Tsukune asked.
"If the man," Brone explained. "Could find away to enslave free youkai, then Fairy Tale could use this to increase their numbers. But they would not want some madman to use this power to take over the organization."
"Oh," Tsukune understood.
"Now we come to you," Brone gestured to Tsukune. "We need to talk about what happened in that room. Most specifically, we need to talk about what happened to you."
"What do you mean?" Tsukune asked. He suddenly felt nervous. At the same time he felt a spike of nervousness and guilt from Kurumu.
"Did the man there do anything to you?"
"No," Tsukune said slowly. "We only had time for a short fight."
"You were pretty badly injured," The Board Chairman chuckled. "For a short fight."
"What was the list of his injuries?" Brone asked the Board Chairman.
"Let me see," The headmaster of the school held up a list and started to read aloud. "Minor lacerations to the neck, chest, abdomen, and arms. Deep penetration wounds to the lower left abdomen with internal organ damage. Deep penetration wound with contaminants to the mid epigastric region with diaphragm and lung damage. Deep penetration stab wounds to the back, lower thoracic region with lung damage on both sides."
As the Board Chairman read down the list Tsukune was aware of Kurumu becoming very upset. A quick look showed him that Ageha was comforting her daughter. His friend was filled with guilt and shame.
"Impressive list," Brone said. "How did it all happen?"
"I had to fight my way through to the sorcerer," Tsukune said, looking down. "And then I was hit from behind while I was trying to force him to release Kurumu." Tsukune could hear Kurumu's quiet sobs. He really didn't want to go into details.
"I understand," Brone said, looking at the young succubus. "The old coot was more successful then we realized. Good thing he's dead."
"What?" Tsukune's head came up quickly. "How?" He didn't remember killing anybody. He wasn't sure he would be able to take it if he started killing people.
"Brain bleed," Brone waved it off, sensing Tsukune apprehension. "Occupational hazard. When summoning demons and such you put a lot of stress on your body. It take a toll. When you try too hard, after a while the bill comes do and that's all she wrote." He looked back at the Board Chairman. "You said one of the wounds was contaminated. Witch what?"
"Fine crystal powder," The Board Chairman answered. "The doctor said it was a messy wound, like something had splintered going in."
"Hmmmm." Brone looked back at the students. "Do ether of you remember the sorcerer holding anything?"
"He had something in his hand," Tsukune said, thinking hard. "I thought that it might be what he as using on Kurumu."
"Kurumu, darling?" Ageha prompted her daughter. "Do you know?"
"Yes," Kurumu choaked back a sob and nodded her head. "It was a crystal. It had my n. on it."
Tsukune could feel a wave of fear from Kurumu as she talked about the crystal. He realized that it must have had her True Name on it. It could be trouble if someone could use that.
"Ahhhhh," Brone interrupted Tsukune's worried train of thought. "It all makes sense now." He leaned back in his chair. "Now I understand what happened."
"You do?" Tsukune asked.
"Please," The Board Chairman gestured. "Enlighten us."
"We already know that the boy had to fight hard to get to the sorcerer," Brone explained. "He was still working when Tsukune interrupted him. When Tsukune was fighting him, the sorcerer, maybe accidentally, maybe in desperation, stabbed the boy with the crystal he was trying to use to control the young lady. When the man…" Brone glanced at the students. "When he lost his control, the crystal shattered. It probably broke apart into tiny shards and dust in side of Tsukune." Brone looked Tsukune in the eye. "Tell me. Have you noticed anything new lately?"
Tsukune wanted to protect his friend. He wanted to lie to protect Kurumu's secrets and her feelings. But Tsukune knew he would not be able to deceive the man.
"I can feel Kurumu's emotions," Tsukune said in a weak voice, feeling ashamed that he didn't at least try to keep it a secret. He heard Kurumu gasp in surprise. He looked down at the floor.
"And you, young lady?" Brone asked.
"I..I…" Kurumu struggled. "I can… I am aware of Tsukune. It's like I can feel his heart beating. Ever since I woke up in the hospital."
"Excellent," Brone said with a wide smile.
"Huh?" Tsukune looked up again, confused.
"You were right," Brone said to Tsukune. "The crystal was what he used to control your friend. It is a twisted kind of magic," Brone's voice took on a hard edge. "He had captured a piece of her soul within that crystal. With it he hold power over her. It is not a perfect way to do it, but it would work for a short period of time."
"Why only a short period?" The Board Chairman asked.
"The soul doesn't survive in pieces without a lot of work," Brone explained. "As the victim heals, the shard of soul weakens and dies."
"Will my daughter be in danger," Ageha asked with worried eyes.
"No," Brone relaxed again. "The crystal is shattered so nobody can put it back together again."
"What about her soul? What happened to the piece they took from her?"
"That's the beautiful part," Brone explained. "Tsukune has it. When the sorcerer stabbed Tsukune, and the crystal shattered, the soul within it became trapped in side of the boy. As his body healed it absorbed the crystal fragments. The minerals of the crystal are now a part of his body. And since this is the person that was willing to risk his life to save your daughter," Brone reached over and slapped Tsukune's shoulder. "Could you imagine a better person to hold a piece of her soul?"
"No," Ageha said slowly, a smile spreading on her lips. "No I could not. I won't even try." She got up from her chair and moved to stand in front of Tsukune. Tsukune stood up in turn.
"Mother?" Kurumu questioned.
"Tsukune," Ageha bowed very low to him. "Please continue to take good care of my daughter."
"Kurono san…" Tsukune said weakly
"Please," She still had her head down.
"Hai," Tsukune said. "I will, Kurono san"
"Thank you," She stood up again. She then took Tsukune into a warm hug. "I am so proud of you, but you know you don't have to be so formal." She smiled brightly as if she suddenly had an idea. "I know. Why don't you call me Mother."
"Mother!" Kurumu shot to her feet. She had a blush to her cheeks and happy tears in her eyes, even as she was embarrassed by her mother's words.
"You know, Tsukune-kun," Ageha stage whispered in his ear. "My little girl could still use some help growing up. Why don't you take her someplace and push her down."
"Mother!" Kurumu forced herself between her mother and Tsukune, hugging him herself.
Lord Gray and the Board Chairman both erupted with laughter. Kurumu blushed red as a sunset. Ageha laughed as well. Kurumu looked to Tsukune for support and saw that he was trying hard not to laugh.
"What is so funny?" She demanded.
"I think it is funny that you are so happy," Tsukune smiled.
Kurumu tried to pout, but failed. Soon she was laughing too.
It took a few minuets for everybody to regain their composure.
"I am glad that we were able to clear this mystery up," The Board Chairman said. "Thank you for your time, Kurono Ageha."
"You're welcome," She said with a small bow before standing up, recognizing a dismissal. "I'll wait for my daughter in the outer office."
"Now for some old business," The Board Chairman continued when the door closed behind the elder succubus. "Lord Gray."
"Reaver," Brone said in a crisp tone. "Come." The command was sharp
Tsukune was suddenly aware of another presence in the room. It was a youki aura that seamed smaller then any of the student he knew well, but still strong. He heard the ticking of nails on the hard floor and turned to see Lord Gray's large wolf walking towards its master, a dark, thick shadow following it. As Tsukune watched, the shadow detached itself from Reaver and became a large creature. Smaller then the wolf, but still impressive. It resembled the wolf in its face, but it was leaner, with a longer body, and a thicker tail.
"Some time ago," The Board Chairman said, drawing attention back to him. "I promised you a reward for helping to defend the school." He lifted an envelope from his desk and held it out to Tsukune. "I have chosen one that I think will serve you well in the future."
"Thank you," Tsukune accepted the envelope with mixed emotions.
"This is Hiru," Brone explained. She is a construct, like my Reaver. She is able to change forms, and has some powers of her own. One of her powers is the ability to shift between dimentions. You will no longer be dependent on the school bus driver to get you to and from the human world."
"But…" Tsukune started to say
"There is no reason for you to be modest my boy," The Board Chairman said with a grin. "Your friend will be receiving their rewards as well. I was planning to present this to you at the end of the year, but the opportunity presented itself."
"Thank you," Tsukune bowed from his seat.
Hiru walked over to Tsukune and sniffed his hand. The creature seamed hard to look at. Tsukune could see it, the size and shape of it, if he tried, but it seamed out of focus some how. He could not see any clear details. Brone noticed the way Tsukune was squinting.
"Hiru," Lord Gray explained. "Is a magical construct made just for you. As she gets to know you better, she will finish developing."
"I see," Tsukune said, but he really didn't.
"Don't worry. She can take care of herself for the most part. Any instructions you might need are in the envelope."
"Thank you," Tsukune said.
"Take care of yourself boy," The Headmaster said. "We are expecting good things from you."
"Yes sir," Tsukune stood and bowed, glad to be dismissed.
"Study hard young lady. We have high expectations for you as well."
"Yes sir," Kurumu replied.
