Chapter Four: The Witch's Pride

The room was dark when the witch opened her eyes. She was dazed, her head swimming as she looked around. Her hat was off of her head and her wand was nowhere she could feel. She took stock of the room.

Aside from a blinding light shining down on her, there was no other light in the room. She could feel the hard wooden chair she was sitting against. She could also feel the ropes keeping her sitting in it. It wasn't the first time this had happened, but when she had no idea if Ruby was just practicing for herself, it was pretty bad. The ropes held her legs fastened to the respective legs of the chair, her wrists bound behind her. Ropes also wrapped around her chest, pinning her to the chair. She could feel they were rough, but also thin, making it more difficult for her petite wrists to slip out.

The thick cloth in her mouth kept her from making any loud noises. Her panic welled up in her mind as her consciousness fully returned, eyes wide with panic. She was unable to struggle out of the chair. She needed to get out of there, but first she needed to take stock of her head state and how she was bound.

A strange sensation became apparent to her. It was a sort of suggestive sort of thought, though not the sort of 'suggestive' that Ruby was prone to. This suggestiveness was more of a compulsion, though it was quickly fleeting. The fear was certainly doing its job to up her adrenaline, giving her edge to work to free herself. She wished she had actually taken up Ruby's offer to learn spells without a wand.

She couldn't sense anyone nearby, so unless they had managed to hide themselves from her, they weren't in the room. This was what she needed to escape, but it would be easier said than done. She needed to make sure that she wasn't spotted by whatever had done this to her. She could tell she had been Charmed, the source of the suggestive feeling she felt, the spell wearing off.

She fidgeted with her hands, trying to shift them around to find the knot so she could free herself. She couldn't find the knot, the position being out of where her fingers were able to reach. She wished she had access to her Sukusuku drops, using them to get longer fingers. Hell, the side effect would probably have made it easier to escape. She needed to piece together the events that led her here before she was found by whatever or whoever had captured her.

She finally found the knot, fidgeting with it and managing to loosen it a bit. She managed to get it loose to the point she could loosen the loop around her wrists. She managed to get one hand free, the other following shortly after. Using the newfound freedom she had, she tried to free her main body so she could properly escape. Fiddling with the knot allowed her to get it loose. Once she had loosed her chest, she was able to move her hands to free her mouth. She removed the cloth, opening and closing her jaw a few times to get the stiffness out. She carefully leaned over to untie her legs.

This was strange. She seemed to have no memories of previous events. Something was going on and she needed to figure out what. She stood up, nearly falling over as her legs were asleep. A few slaps and some light stomping brought them to normal working order, allowing her to walk around the room. She had to figure things out before she made her grand escape. She was a genius, so it should be easy.

The Charm had to have been the succubus trying to steal her Moka's boy toy. But, where was the succubus then? And, why didn't she get the feeling it was a succubus? Could there be other monsters in the school? One monster other than her and Ruby was one thing, but what about the others? And, what about whatever Moka was. She seemed to like vampires, but she seemed too sweet and innocent to be a vampire. Plus, while her beauty was incredible, it wasn't the enrapturing beauty that some vampires were said to have.

Yukari smacked herself on her cheeks. She had to get out of here and find Moka first. She carefully moved to the door, opening it. Unfortunately for her, there on the other side was the last person she wanted to see.

"Well, Yukari," She spoke, the witch taking a step back with wide eyes. "It would seem you haven't learned your lesson yet. Monsters don't belong here, and thus I'll have to teach you the consequences of your actions. It's time the Student Patrol made an example of the monsters here."

Earlier

"Such a cute dress for you, Mizore," Moka held up the blue dress that resembled a certain princess's dress. "It matches your hair."

The group was at Moka's house, Moka having decided to give Mizore a bit of clothing advice for her dignified position as consultant and mascot. Tsukune had chided her not to dress her up in something that would embarrass her, but Moka had simply started picking outfits. They all knew they were cute, but Mizore seemed more embarrassed than cute.

Mizore blushed as Moka held it out to her with an almost no-nonsense look. She timidly took the dress, moving to the closet to put it on. She emerged a few minutes later, showing off the dress.

"Oh, that's so cuuuute!" Moka pulled her into a crushing hug, pinching her cheeks like a grandmother. Mizore wouldn't have minded so much if she wasn't smothered by it. She tried to keep a straight expression, but her face betrayed her, becoming a deep red to contrast the blue of her dress. She put her hands over her face, attempting to hide behind them. The hidden was more comforting that the visible at this point. She wanted to take off the dress, but Moka was attempting to find her something cute as their mascot… even though her actual job was consultant.

"What about a cheerleader outfit?" Kurumu walked in, holding a box of costumes she had most likely taken from the drama club to Moka's house without consensual permission. She looked down through the box, Mizore deciding she should just change back.

"Perhaps you should ask Mizore what she wants to do," Tsukune walked in, making Mizore very glad for his presence. He made her a little uncomfortable at first, being a guy… at least from what her mother had taught her about teenage boys. She just wanted, at this point, to put her cute stockings Moka had picked out for her and the sweatshirt Kurumu had picked and just have herself some ice cream.

"Well, Mizore, what do you want to wear?" Moka asked her, head tilted as she waited for an answer.

"I-I want to wear my other clothes," The blunette hid her face, glancing over at her clothes she was wearing earlier.

"Okay!" Moka smiled in a way that also seemed pouty.

Mizore entered the closet once again, emerging with the other three standing there. She blushed once again, sitting down at Moka's chair..

"So, what's on the agenda for today?" Tsukune asked.

"We were going to go over the thing at the wall and if we found anything," Moka replied.

"I didn't find anything," Kurumu pouted, arms crossed. "I looked in a lot of places, but nothing was there. I even tried to discreetly charm some people, but they didn't know anything either."

"So, we still don't know what caused it?"

"Well, one person mentioned that they saw a girl in a pointy hat," Tsukune piped up. "That's something. Didn't you say that a girl with a pointy hat helped you out, Moka?"

"Yeah, some witch looking girl helped me when I was depressed after Kurumu, introduced herself. But, I haven't seen her since."

"Well, it's as good a lead as anything. Even if she didn't do it, she may know a way to figure out who did."

"W-We should investigate any safety reports."

"Mizore, that's a great idea!" Kurumu pulled the blunette over, nuzzling her cheek with her own. Mizore's face took on a crimson shade once again, her arms wrapping around herself in a hug. She wasn't used to affection like this; it may end up killing her if her face kept heating up like this… hopefully not. She needed to make sure she didn't do that.

"Well, the safety reports are with the safety patrol, but they put important notices on the main bulletin board. The thing is, I would rather not go near them. I've seen those guys and they give me the creeps. I don't know if they're human, monster, or whatever, they just give me the creeps."

"Same," Tsukune and Kurumu nodded in agreement. Mizore had no idea, having not encountered them. "Best to avoid them and just move on."

"Well, let's get to the bulletin so we can get more information about this wall incident."

"W-We should find a better name for it."

"Great idea, Mizore!" Moka held a hand up in the air. "I say we call it the Wall Eyes Incident."

"Why?" Tsukune asked.

"Because it's an incident at a wall and we're going to keep our eyes peeled," Moka grinned, her fangs showing.

"That is a huge stretch of logic to disguise why you want to call it that," Tsukune rested his chin on his hand.

"Wh-What are you talking about?" Moka laughed nervously.

"Never mind," Tsukune rolled his eyes. "Why do you look tired?"

"No reason," Moka shrunk down, leaning on her desk and closing her eyes.

"Moka, did you stay up late watching vampire videos again?" Kurumu asked.

"N-No… just anime videos."

"Moka, you know you had school today."

"Yeah, but I was so excited I couldn't sleep! I've been waiting for a long time for this to come out and it finally did! I can't believe this happened in my lifetime!"

"Wait, what's coming out?"

"Only my best, most favoritist part of one of my best most favoritist anime."

"Oh great," Kurumu took a turn rolling her eyes.

Mizore watched with quiet admiration. She had to admit, she was just as interested as Moka, though she'd never say it out loud. She saw how clingy Moka could be and she didn't prefer to be on the receiving end of a hug if she knew it was for sharing similar interests. She didn't dislike Moka, she was just scared her spine might be broken.

She looked out the window to Moka's room, noticing a girl who couldn't be more than twelve years old looking in. She pulled the door open, walking in. Mizore noted she was dressed like a witch.

"Who are you?" Tsukune asked. "And, how did you get in here?"

"Silence human!" The girl pointed at him, moving over to Moka and grabbing her around the waist. "I'm here for Moka! I followed her home the other day so I could see where she lived and surprise her."

"Um, hi," Moka sweatdropped. "But, uh, who are you?"

"You mean you don't recognize me?" The girl asked, lip beginning to quiver and eyes beginning to water.

"Well, you never did give your name," Moka's own eyes began to water as she began to feel sad for making the girl start to cry.

"Oh, oops," The girl's personality changed immediately, her fist knocking on her head as she stuck her tongue out with a wink. "I forgot about that. My name's Yukari. I'm the smartest girl in the school."

"And the most modest," Kurumu rolled her eyes.

"Hey, I've seen your grades, titzilla, I'd shut my mouth," The girl stuck her tongue out at Kurumu.

"T-Titzilla?" Kurumu's eye twitched as one of her hands clenched into a fist almost immediately. She grit her teeth, Mizore shrinking back as she could feel the murderous thoughts that were likely going through the succubus' head. "Listen here, ironing board…"

"Kurumu, don't," Tsukune warned. "You remember what Miss Nekonome said about the last time you hit someone in the club room."

"Gin doesn't count," Kurumu almost gave off a fiery aura with her anger, stomping over to Yukari.

"Kurumu, we can't just hit a little girl," Moka turned so she could shield Yukari a bit. "She's just a kid."

"I'm just a kid too! She can't be that much younger than us. But, she's old enough to get pounded."

"Ha, you couldn't pound me if your life depended on it, either with your fists or your libido!"

"What the fuck is wrong with you?" Kurumu swung her fist toward Yukari, fully intending to knock her teeth out. However, her hand hitting a wash basin that had fallen from the sky, which knocked her back with its force.

"See, told ya! You can't do anything to me!" Yukari stuck her tongue out.

"That's enough." Moka's voice stunned Yukari. "You are being absolutely horrid. I thought you were trying to cheer me up back then, but even if you were, you've shown yourself to be a little brat. Stop hurting my friend."

"But, she started it!" Yukari whined.

"She did not." Moka said. "You did. You came in here and insulted her and attacked her with a wash basin. That's not very nice."

"But, I like you!"

"That doesn't excuse your behavior. Now, if you want to be nice, you can stay, but if you can't try to get along with everyone here, then you are not welcome here."

Yukari looked hurt, but Moka's eyes were firm, yet gentle. The twelve year old sighed, holding onto Moka.

"Fine." She mumbled. "But, I'm still smarter than her."

"Any more insults to my intelligence outta that mouth of yours and I'll stuff it for good."

"Kurumu…"

"Hey, I'm not gonna just sit here and be insulted. Just because my grades aren't as good as the tiny titted genius over there doesn't mean I get to be insulted for it."

"No, it doesn't, but we can't just threaten her."

"We can, actually."

"Mizore, what do you think?"

Mizore let out an 'eep' sound, pulling the hood to her sweatshirt over her face and pulling the strings tight. She then covered her face in her hands, hoping she would be looked over.

"Wait, you let one of her kind in here?" Yukari looked at Mizore, a flash in her eyes.

"Excuse me?" Moka asked. "What do you mean by that?"

"You don't know?" Yukari looked shocked. "Never mind. It's not important."

"Just because she's shy doesn't mean she can't contribute. In fact, she's a very good editor and consultant."

"You guys sure need help."

"Well, yeah, the paper doesn't write itself."

"Why are you here anyway?" Kurumu brought the topic of conversation back to a more familiar note.

"I came to see my goddess and see how she was doing."

"Your… goddess?"

"Yes, my pink haired goddess in the flesh, Moka."

"Oh great," Kurumu muttered. "Why is it Moka gets all these weirdos creeping after her? Do they really need to be so weird?"

"You have people that act that way around you," Tsukune pointed out.

"Yeah, but those people are just after my tits. I'm not jealous, but, it sure disrupts our social life."

"Yeah, I like hanging out with you guys, but all the people, both guys and girls, chasing Moka and you can be a bit overwhelming."

"Are you jealous Tsukune?" Kurumu looked at him with a teasing look.

"More like terrified," Tsukune let out a nervous chuckle. "They all look like they want to kill me."

"Well, I suppose hanging out with the two hottest girls in the school does that to you."

"I thought you didn't care about being the hottest."

"Oh, I don't, but I also know how people think. Call it intuition from someone with my capabilities. I have boobs as big as your head. A lot of people are into that. And Moka's, well, Moka. Perfect body, sweet personality… little klutzy, but still. If she was my type, I'd hit it hard."

"Yeah, but why not just tell them no?"

"I don't like doing that to people for that… It always felt so… wrong."

"Oh, that's pretty strange coming from you." Yukari turned to her. Kurumu's expression displayed hurt for an instant before it turned back to a childish irritation.

"Should I spank you and send you back to your mommy?!"

"Look, when I told Moka about you, I didn't think that she would befriend you. I don't think you understand just what she is."

"What I understand is that I'm not going to let someone insult my friends," Moka removed herself from Yukari's grip. "That is absolutely unacceptable and uncalled for. Until you not only apologize to Kurumu, but promise not to act that way toward her again, you will be no friend of mine."

"B-But—" Yukari started.

"Y-You need to stop with that," Mizore spoke softly. "If you want to spend time with Moka, you will need to get along with her friends."

"But, my goddess doesn't need other friends." Yukari tried to reach Moka, who pushed her away, holding her back with one hand.

"You will treat my friends with respect or we will be enemies," Moka stated, her kind, cheerful voice gone and a slight flash of red in her eyes. "And, I am not kind to my enemies."

"But, you're hanging out with monsters."

"I see no monsters here. Only my friends."

"And, two of your friends are monsters."

"And, if they were, so what?"

Yukari looked at Moka, almost as if she expected the vampire to just let it go. Finally, she sighed, muttering something quietly and walking out of the room, shutting the door behind her.

"I-I think that went better than expected," Mizore opened her hood slightly.

"She was so sweet the last time that we talked," Moka sighed. "I don't know why she's different now."

"Sh-She hates monsters, I'll bet," Mizore spoke up.

"Wait, you knew she was a monster?" Tsukune, Kurumu, and Moka looked at her in shock.

"I-I'm sorry," Mizore shrank down further, curling into the fetal position as her voice became very small, almost as if choked sobs wracked it. "I-I didn't mean to see! I saw Kurumu Charm this black haired girl a-and make her obey her."

Mizore clenched her eyes shut, waiting to be eaten or killed or whatever the group planned for her, flinching when a hand cupped her cheek.

"You didn't have to hide this from me," Kurumu spoke in a soft tone, pulling Mizore into a hug at her chest. "I would have just told you that these two knew about it. You don't have to be scared. I only eat boys."

Mizore opened her eyes at this, looking up at Kurumu's face, which held the traces of the joke she had just told. She became less terrified, the succubus pulling her in and hugging her to her breasts. Mizore blushed, almost feeling as if she would be smothered by the bosom of her friend and club mate.

"You know, we've actually been wondering whether or not to tell you or not," Moka sighed. "But, I suppose we're gonna have to tell you now. I mean, it's only fair, since we're club members and all."

"Y-You're both monsters?" Mizore looked at Moka and Tsukune.

"I am," Moka grinned her fang filled grin. "Tsukune is only human, but he's the best friend I ever had."

Mizore blinked, looking down as she gathered her courage. She knew that she couldn't hide it forever; it was going to come out soon and she would rather them already know than not. The thing that terrified her more than them knowing her secret was them being angry at her for not telling them. Even if her fear was unfounded, she knew it was something that would be in the back of her mind. Besides, they had already revealed themselves to her, though not their true forms.

"Th-There's something I have to tell you all as well," Mizore looked at the group once Kurumu had released her from her suffocating hug. "I-I'm a monster as well…"

The group looked at her in shock, watching as she touched her hoodie, ice forming up it to circle around her head.

"Wow," Tsukune muttered. "I didn't think you were a monster. But, your secret is safe with us."

"Th-Thank you," Her voice was a whisper as she spoke. "You're all so kind."

"Hey, we're just a group of kids who have some stuff in common," Moka grinned. "No need to worry about it."

Mizore took a deep breath, her ice dispelling. She looked up, still expecting scorn from the others, but none came.

"Just keep that secret from Kyoko," Tsukune laughed.

"Wh-Who's that?"

"My sister. She's a bit on the snooping side. She likes to investigate weird things and believes she'll find monsters. But, I suppose she didn't have the greatest of skills because two were right under her nose. She's really sweet, but she doesn't understand privacy much and she needs to do better at respecting people's privacy."

Mizore made no expression, but also knew deep down that someone who was a snoop like that could spell trouble for her. She would have to be extra careful not to let her secret out around this Kyoko.

"Tsuki!" Almost as if her name had summoned her like the demon that comes when its name is called, the voice of Kyoko was heard from outside the window. Moka looked over at the window to see the aforementioned girl waving up. "Mom says it's time to come home! Dinner's almost ready!"

"I'm coming!" Tsukune leaned out the window. "Let me get my stuff!"

"Okay! And, who's that girl that just came out the window? She was dressed weird. Is she Moka's sister or something?"

"No, my sisters don't look like that!" Moka called. "She's someone from school!"

"Oh, Mom said to invite you to dinner as well!" Kyoko knocked herself in the head as if remembering something. "And, you can invite that big boobied girl too! But, she better not try anything!"

"Oh, I've never met a boy's mom before." Kurumu put an arm around Tsukune with a huge grin. "I'll be sure to tell her my intentions."

"You better stay away from my brother with your seductive wiles!" Kyoko pointed with an almost jealous expression if Tsukune didn't know better.

"Sh-She's quite loud." Mizore's hood was pulled over her face as her hands covered it as well.

"She's not so bad once you get to know her," Tsukune looked back and reassured her.

"Is there someone else there?" Kyoko asked. "You guys are getting to be a big group!"

"Can I bring her too?" Tsukune called down.

"Ask mom, I don't care!" Kyoko called. "It's her house!"

"Do you guys want to come to my place for dinner?" Tsukune asked the three girls.

"Of course," Moka was already drooling at the thought of Kasumi's food, rubbing her stomach as she was stared at by Kurumu and Mizore.

"Eh, I got nothin' better to do," The succubus shrugged. "How about you, cutie?"

Mizore, realizing she was the target of the nickname, turned a shade of red that belied her monster heritage, giving a quick nod as she kept her face behind her hands.

"Well, that's settled then," Tsukune nodded. "We'll go to my mom's house. Let's make sure we're quick. She doesn't like to keep dinner waiting."

Moka nodded quickly as she bolted out the door, screaming about the food.

"You'd think that she would be more concerned about her blood," Kurumu muttered, helping Mizore up as she led the way. She took Mizore's hand, the snow fairy staring at it as she was led through Moka's house to the door. Kyoko was tapping her foot impatiently, Moka bouncing on the balls of her feet as she looked at the group coming out of her door.

"I'm surprised you didn't just run to my house."

"Well, it's not polite to burst into someone's house without the rest of the guests being there first. My stepmom taught me that."

"She seemed to have a good head on her shoulders."

"Only when it comes to politeness. She and my mom constantly got into arguments, and both of them seemed like children at times."

"So, wait, do you have two moms?"

"And a dad!" Moka said with a grin. "He's married to both and my stepmom is two of my sisters' mom. One is older and one is younger."

"Weird family dynamic," Kyoko muttered as she watched the group exit Moka's house.

"Well, my mom and stepmom argue sometimes, but they love each other like sisters. They agree on one thing though; my dad is the coolest. I think there was something else, but my mom would never let my stepmom say what it was."

"I think we should change the conversation," Kyoko looked away as she started walking home. "I'm going home, so join me."

Moka took this moment to run down the road, tripping and falling on her face.

"Moka!" Tsukune ran over to the vampire, helping her up. "Are you okay?"

"The street punched me in the face," Moka sniffled, a pout on her lips. Her face was a little scratched and she had a small tear in her shirt.

"You sure she's okay?" Kyoko muttered. "I think that girl needs coordination classes.'

"Just hold onto me," Tsukune put his arm around hers, holding her. "I'll keep you from falling."

"Thanks, Tsukune! You're the best!"

Tsukune laughed as they made their way to Tsukune's house, the group of five reaching the house in a short time. Kasumi was waiting at the door, waving when she saw them.

"Hi, Mrs. Aono!" Moka waved, a big smile on her face. "I'm here for dinner!"

"I can see that," Kasumi couldn't help but laugh. "What happened to you? You look like you got in a fight?"

"I tripped and fell on the street," Moka admitted sheepishly.

"Oh, you poor thing." Kasumi guided her into the house and to a chair where she left her to retrieve the first aid kit. "Let me tend to that for you."

"Thanks, Mrs. A."

"You're welcome, Moka dear. So, Tsukune, who are your friends there?"

"The one in the hood is Mizore and the one who's wearing the ribbon is Kurumu."

"Please to meet you," Kurumu held her free hand out to Kasumi, who took it.

"Well, it's a pleasure to meet you as well," Kasumi smiled. "I trust you're keeping Tsukune and Moka out of trouble?"

"More like she's the cause of the trouble," Kyoko muttered.

"Kyoko, that's not very nice to say about someone," Kasumi chided the near adult.

"Well, it's true!"

"I'm not a troublemaker!" Kurumu crossed her arms, pouting.

"I've seen enough people chasing you for it to be a problem."

"Why are you two at such odds?" Moka asked.

"She's weird and you're weird," Kyoko pointed. "Are all of Tsuki's friends weird?"

Weirdness starts at home," Tsukune muttered, rolling his eyes. "I'm sorry for this, Kurumu and Mizore."

"Well, look at this cutie," Kasumi walked over and knelt down a little in front of Mizore so their gazes were even. "I love your hair."

Mizore pulled her hood over her face, a whine escaping her lips as she tried to look away from Kasumi.

"Hey, it's okay, sweetie. You don't have to be scared. I don't bite… at least not cute little ones like you."

Mizore looked at Kasumi with a strange expression, looking over at Tsukune, who was trying to assist Moka in breaking up the fight that was starting between Kurumu and Kyoko.

"So, where are you from?" Kasumi asked the shy girl.

"I-I don't live around here," She left it at that, shifting her lollipop around in her mouth.

"Well, just remember to keep cool," Kasumi smiled sweetly. "It can be awful warm here."

Mizore's eyes widened as Kasumi gave her a wink and turned to the wrestling forms of Kurumu and Kyoko.

"Kyoko, I taught you better than that!" She grabbed the pair, separating them and holding them apart. "Now, you two will behave or I will punish you both. Now, let's sit down and eat dinner. I'm sure Moka's hungry."

The group turned their attention to Moka, who had moved away from the fight and over to the kitchen, where the pot of pasta and pot of sauce were simmering on the stove. She was practically drooling a waterfall as she looked at the spaghetti, thoroughly ready to devour it all.

"Moka, dear, let's sit down at the table," Kasumi guided her to the table. "We'll eat in just a minute. But, first, we need to sit down."

"Okay, Mrs. A!" Moka sat down, fidgeting as she stared at Tsukune's neck and the pots of food. She knew that she wouldn't be able to eat the former, but the later was just as good right now.

Once the food was brought out, Kasumi made a point to serve the others first, giving Moka the biggest portions. Moka began devouring her food, though still making it neat and orderly.

"I'm surprised you're keeping that all in a neat order," Kurumu gaped.

"Stepmom made sure I ate like a lady, even with bigger portions. Of course, mom would always get mad when she would rip big chunks out of a chicken leg."

"Your family is weird."

"Kyoko!"

"Well, she's not wrong… I mean, how many people do you know with a mom, stepmom, and dad who all live together?"

"Either way, that's none of your business. Other cultures have different rules for how they engage with each other."

"Yeah, so let's eat more!" Moka continued eating, finishing her meal. She licked her lips, rubbing her stomach. "That was so goooood! You're the best, Mrs. A!"

"Why thank you," Kasumi laughed once again. "I knew you'd love my spaghetti."

"So, now what should we do?" Moka asked. "I want to play video games."

"You don't slow down much, do you?" Kyoko asked. "You should chill out or else you'll hurt yourself."

"I just need to work off this food weight so I don't feel guilty for getting a midnight snack," Moka's grin was wide, showing off her fangs."

"Well, I just so happened to get a new one that I ordered," Tsukune said. "It should have come by today."

"You don't mean—" Moka could barely contain her squeal. "Strange Tales: Rock Lake!"

"Of course," Tsukune laughed at his oldest friend's childish attitude.

"I guess I want to play too," Kurumu said. "It's no fun to sit out."

"I-I'll play," Mizore gingerly raised a sleeve covered hand, voice a near whisper. "I-I've never played a video game, s-so it'll be fun to see what I'm missing and get a better experience."

"Well, let's go!" Moka pulled Tsukune with her to his room.

"Door stays open, you four!" Kasumi called as Kurumu and Mizore followed them.

"So, slap this puppy in and let's get going!" Moka cheered. Tsukune opened the game, placing it in as the green haired character appeared on the screen, ready to begin the adventure of bizarre proportions.

"Let's get ready to fight!" Moka and Tsukune picked their characters, beginning a fierce battle that showed their characters enacting some crazy moves as they fought onscreen. Kurumu and Mizore, both new to this game, watched with curiosity, Kurumu with general interest and Mizore with a fascination that was alien to the other three; it was a look of someone who'd never seen such a thing before.

"You ever played a video game before?" Tsukune looked over at her after their match. She shook her head timidly. Tsukune handed her his controller, setting her up with a character. After giving her the basic run-down of controls, Kurumu picked up the other controller, beginning to spar with Mizore in the fighting game. The two seemed pretty evenly matched.

They were interrupted, however, by a knock on the door.

"Tsukune, there's someone asking for Moka," Kasumi peeked in. "She says she works for the school."

"Why would she be here?" Tsukune asked.

"She said something about me being first on the emergency address list, but I think she just knows you two hang out," Kasumi replied. "I'm not sure what she wants, but she seems to be insisting she talk to Moka.

"Who could be wanting me at this hour?" Moka asked.

The group all walked downstairs, Kasumi standing in front as she opened the door.

"Once again, I'm sorry to bother you, Miss Aono," The woman bowed in respect. "It's just that my little sister hasn't come home and I know she wants to hang around Moka all the time for whatever reason. I know she's a little young to be hanging around high schoolers, but she's too smart for her own good. She is usually home around this time and calls."

The woman was as tall as Kasumi, dressed in a spaghetti string top that appeared to be a corset in design. It showed off her bust well, having lace and bows near the top, but would still be classified as modest. Over that, she had a light, black jacket with the symbol of Youkai over her heart and a strange symbol that Kasumi glanced at for a second before looking at her. Her skirt was long, almost reaching her ankles, the stockings underneath white in color. Her shoes were black and didn't seem like traditional shoes. Her hair was black, two ponytails held with a crisscrossing pattern of a hair bind. Her eyes were a scarlet color with what could be seen as flecks of orange. There was something hidden behind her jacket, but it didn't seem to be anything dangerous. Black lipstick glossed her lips.

"And, who might you be?" Kasumi asked. "You don't seem like a high schooler."

"Oh, my apologies," The woman said, face flushing for an instant. "My name is Ruby Tōjō. I'm the assistant to the headmaster. My sister's name is Yukari Sendō and she said she was going to play with Moka. Since Moka spends time with Tsukune, I figured that she might be here as well."

"I haven't seen any Yukaris here," Kasumi said. "Do you children know who she's talking about?"

Moka felt her stomach drop. Even if it wasn't that she got hurt because of her, she had chased her away.

"I-I saw her earlier," She spoke up in a quiet voice. "I… I told her to leave us alone because she was being mean to my friends."

"I'm so sorry about her behavior," Ruby sighed. "She's a bit on the jealous side and certain people she doesn't like or get along with. I'm sorry you had to do that. But, do you have any idea where she might be?"

"I don't," Moka shook her head. "But, if I see her, I'll tell her you're looking for her."

"Thank you so much. I'm not sure if I can offer much in terms of payment, but I will do what I can."

"No need for that. If you want us to help, we'll look for her," Kasumi offered. "Do you have a picture of her so I know what to look for?"

"Of course," Ruby reached into her jacket, pulling out a picture. Kasumi took the picture, looking at it. The instant she saw it, her breath hitched and a single word left her lips; Fujiko.

"How do you know my mother's name?" Ruby asked. Her tone was now a bit more dangerous. Mizore flinched and Kurumu stepped back. Kasumi was unflinching, looking Ruby dead in the eyes.

"We went to school together." Her tone held no fear, instead a nonchalance that one would show over coffee.

"That's impossible!" Ruby pointed in an accusatory manner. "My mother went to school in a place you would never have been."

"It's not nice to accuse people of things," Kasumi's tone was motherly, soft yet firm. Ruby grabbed her by her shirt collar, her look morphed to a look of anger.

"Talk," She growled. Kasumi's eyes flashed, though it wasn't from anger. Ruby's expression morphed to one of fear as the Aono woman broke her grip, holding her wrists tight and looking at her.

"Listen, Ruby," Kasumi spoke softly. "I will not say it again; do not accuse me of what you don't know. I went to school with Fujiko Sendō and she was one of my dearest friends. Now, if you would like our help to find Yukari, we will gladly offer it."

"S-Sorry," Ruby became quiet. "It's just… my mother didn't talk much about her high school and you claimed to know her. It's an interesting thing… Please help me find my sister."

"Of course," Kasumi smiled. "So, what is Fujiko doing nowadays?"

"She's a… consultant of sorts," Ruby smiled slightly. "It's all busywork for her and my dad."

"Tell me about it sometime," Kasumi said. "Now, where would Yukari go if she was upset?"

Elsewhere

Yukari ran to the bridge underside, crouching under it. It was a quiet place, one she could think. She blew it and she knew it. She had ruined any chance she had with Moka. Maybe if she groveled for a while, Moka would let her be around her. It was all because of those stupid monsters. If they weren't there, she would have had a chance.

"Bad day?" The voice came from beside her. Yukari jumped up, whirling to face the voice.

"Who are you?" She demanded.

"I am Keito, a member of the Public Safety Commission" The woman said, stepping into view. "I believe we have a common goal. You wish to see those monsters with Moka Akashiya dead."

"Woah woah woah, I don't want them dead," Yukari backed up, holding her hands up in declination. "I just want them away from Moka. I don't want to kill anyone."

"So, you do not wish to see the monsters dead, as they should be," Keito frowned. "I see our goals do not truly align. As such, you are a supporter of monsters, meaning you must be detained and dealt with accordingly."

Before Yukari could make a break for it, the woman spit something onto her. It seemed to fasten her arms to her sides, stopping her movements. Before she could scream, the same thing happened to her mouth. The woman picked her up, carrying her off.

What will happen to Yukari? Will they rescue her? I hope so.