Disclaimer – I don't own anything from the Rosario + Vampire anime/manga. All I own are my characters and plot twists.
'Talking'
"Thinking"
*expression*
Flashback
Techniques
Chapter 2 – Harm
When the bell sounded signalling homeroom was over, Tsukune practically shot out of his seat, quickly leaving the classroom and finding his way outside of the building. Stopping to take a few deep breaths, Tsukune calmed himself, before deciding on his next move.
'What's wrong?' Asked Mizore, from behind Tsukune, causing him to jump slightly.
'N-nothing.' Stuttered Tsukune, only to find Mizore staring at him intensely.
'You can tell me, Tsukune. Right now, I'm one of the only people on your side in here.' Pointed out Mizore.
'That girl who came in after us… she makes me nervous.' Admitted Tsukune, causing Mizore to tilt her head to the side.
'Moka Akashiya? Why? She seemed normal enough for a monster to me.' Commented Mizore.
'Her monster form… it's terrifying.' Said Tsukune, recalling the blood red eye that had glanced at him.
'How did you see her monster form?' Asked Mizore curiously.
'My eye… something happened to it and it can see the monster form of anyone it sees.' Said Tsukune.
'Is that why you are keeping your right eye closed?' Asked Mizore, to which Tsukune nodded.
'So does that mean you haven't seen my monster form?' Asked Mizore, to which Tsukune shook his head.
'Would you like to?' Asked Mizore, tilting her head to the other side.
'But didn't they say we need to stay in human form at all times?' Asked Tsukune nervously.
'If you look at me with your eye, it isn't me that transformed, right?' Retorted Mizore.
Tsukune gave a hesitant nod, before slowly opening his right eye. Not knowing what to expect, Tsukune was understandably nervous. He didn't expect to see such minimal changes though. Her hair seemed to crystallise, appearing to look like ice, with flecks of purple in it and her hands seemed to be made out of ice as well, but also grew longer and at second glance, looked more like claws than hands.
'Well, what do you see?' Asked Mizore.
'Ice… or crystals.' Said Tsukune.
'Hmm, it's surprising that you really can see that. I knew you were human, but no human I've ever met could see the true form of a Snow Woman before.' Commented Mizore, a hint of surprise making its way, into her normally cool and measured tone.
'Mizore, can I ask you something?' Asked Tsukune.
'You just did. You can ask me another if you want to though.' Answered Mizore.
'Uh, okay… how are you comfortable with me being human and you mentioned twice now that you've seen humans before… how is that?' Asked Tsukune.
'While most monsters hold nothing but animosity for humans, Snow Women are not one of them. In our village, birth rates are very low and most newborns are females. Trying to keep to ourselves would have led to our extinction, so many women found human males and made them their husbands, in order to keep our numbers up.' Explained Mizore.
'Made? Like from ice?' Asked Tsukune curiously.
'No. We kidnap them and force them to marry us.' Said Mizore, causing Tsukune to freak out internally.
'Don't worry, I'm not here to kidnap you.' Added Mizore, somewhat calming Tsukune down.
'That's good to know I guess.' Laughed Tsukune nervously.
'Are you not intimidated by my monster form? You've yet to close your right eye again?' Asked Mizore curiously.
'Not really… I mean, you don't look that different to me… but I'm only seeing half of your monster form right now anyway, I need to close my left eye to see the full form.' Explained Tsukune.
'That's good to hear. Most humans are actually scared of our true forms. I'm glad to know you aren't.' Said Mizore, the tiniest smile on her face.
'How did you know I'm human anyway?' Asked Tsukune curiously.
'I overheard the nurse and bus driver.' Answered Mizore.
'What? Why were you listening to them?' Asked Tsukune.
'I was following you. I saw you arrive to the academy and noticed the bad state you were in… it was enough to arouse my curiosity, so I kept track of you. I'm very good at hiding myself after all, so they didn't notice me.' Said Mizore, a hint of pride in her voice.
At that moment, the bell sounded, signalling the start of the next class was in five minutes.
'Guess we better go to class.' Said Tsukune.
Mizore simply settled for nodding and walked off. The two walked back into the building, never noticing that someone was standing just around the corner.
"A human… he's a human." Thought a pink haired girl nervously, before heading off to her own class.
After the girl had left, a boy stepped out of the shadows, from the other side of the building.
'A human, here… heh, I better do my job as a monster then.' Thought a brutish looking teen, an abnormally longue tongue sliding out of his mouth in amusement.
-line break-
In the next class, Tsukune was sure he felt two different gazes boring into his back and sides, but he dutifully ignored them. It didn't stop the cold sweat that broke out on his neck, but at least he didn't panic outwardly.
"Oh man, what am I going to do?" Lamented Tsukune, breathing a sigh of relief when the bell sounded and bolted for the door once again.
Tsukune felt like it was Déjà vu all over again, when Mizore spoke up from behind him once more.
'You know, running out of there after every class is going to make people suspicious of you.' Said Mizore calmly.
'I… sorry, I just felt as though someone was watching me in there.' Confessed Tsukune.
'There were two people actually, not including myself after all. I think they may be suspicious of you.' Confirmed Mizore, causing Tsukune to pale.
'W-what?' Gasped Tsukune.
'Don't worry, Tsukune, since we are friends, I'll protect you. You don't need to be so worried.' Said Mizore, hoping to placate the human boy in front of her.
Tsukune's nerves were calmed somewhat, but hearing a new voice caused him to tense up.
'How can you be here if you are human?' Asked a girl, who revealed herself to the two.
Mizore instantly tensed up, in preparation for a fight, subtly moving closer to Tsukune.
As the figure approached them, her form was revealed. It was Moka Akashiya.
'Uh, um, well, you see.' Stammered Tsukune nervously.
'Why are you here?' Asked Moka nervously.
'Humans aren't allowed in Youkai Academy, so what are you doing here?' Asked Moka more firmly.
'I… don't… I didn't know.' Answered Tsukune.
'What is your point?' Asked Mizore.
'Humans shouldn't be here. This is a place for Youkai.' Stated Moka.
'I won't let you harm him.' Said Mizore, as the temperature dropped down around them.
'Me? I… I'm not the one who harms others. That's the humans. They are the ones who hunt us down and hurt us!' Exclaimed Moka indignantly.
'That's your opinion on the matter. Not all humans are bad.' Said Mizore.
'They are though! All humans are cruel and evil.' Refuted Moka.
'That's right. It is the job of monsters to kill all humans that enter this place as well.' Added a new voice, causing all three to tense up.
The new voice, belonged to the same monster who had suggested molesting the pretty human girls and killing the men.
'It is our job to kill any human that comes to Youkai Academy. That is what we were told earlier today, isn't it? If you know what is good for you, you would step away from that human right now, otherwise, I might kill you too.' Said the teen.
Mizore glared at the teen and the temperature dropped even lower around the four.
'I won't let you touch him, either of you.' Said Mizore, glaring at the two in front of her with such intensity, that Moka took a few steps back.
'So you've made your decision then. Very well, I, Saizou Komiya, will do my job as a monster and kill that human.' Said the teen.
'How do you even know I am human anyway?' Asked Tsukune bravely.
'Well, I just happened to be looking for Moka over there, only to find her eavesdropping on the two of you. Imagine my surprise, upon hearing you admit you were human. I just couldn't let something like that sit.' Said Saizou, before he started to transform, growing to grotesque proportions, tearing his shirt in the process. His arms became hulking muscular appendages, complete with claws, which looked capable of shearing bone.
In response to this, Mizore transformed as well, her hair turning to ice and her claws following along the same path. The area around them chilled considerably, with frost covering the ground around them.
'Heh, do you really think you can stop me? Why are you even protecting a filthy human?' Asked Saizou disdainfully, tongue hanging out of his mouth.
'The only one here who looks filthy right now, is you.' Quipped Mizore.
'Haha, I originally only wanted Moka, but I wouldn't mind putting you in your place as well.' Laughed Saizou, before rushing the two.
Mizore stood her ground and raised her arms, sending two waves of ice at the behemoth, launching him back.
'Tsukune, get back. I'll protect you.' Said Mizore firmly.
Tsukune gave a nervous nod and stepped back a few paces.
'As if that will stop me!' Roared Saizou, picking up a nearby vending machine and ripping it from the ground, before hurtling it at Mizore with great speed. The Snow Woman braced herself, preparing to launch a wave of ice at the projectile, only to find Saizou rushing her as well. With her left arm pointing at the vending machine and her right at Saizou, Mizore launched her attack. The vending machine was stopped cold, dropping to the ground once frozen, but Saizou weaved to the side, causing the attack to miss him.
'Ha, I got you!' Roared Saizou triumphantly, bringing his clenched fist towards the Snow Woman, who was frozen momentarily, not being able to defend herself.
'Mizore, move!' Cried Tsukune, lunging towards his new friend and pushing her down, only to feel his entire body rattle, once Saizou's punch slammed into him, missing its intended target, but still meeting flesh.
'Tsukune!' Cried Mizore in worry, before gritting her teeth.
'How stupid are you? Trying to stop me, a monster, when you are only a weak and puny human. What did you think you could do?' Laughed Saizou mockingly.
Tsukune groaned, as he pulled himself out of the wall he had been launched into, coughing up a bit of blood for his efforts. His ribs were throbbing and Tsukune could feel his nose was bleeding from the impact.
'Mizore is… my friend… I won't let you hurt her.' Wheezed Tsukune, surprising the two girls.
'Friend? Humans and monsters can't be friends. There is only prey and predator and you are the prey.' Said Saizou darkly.
'Well, that's your opinion I guess *cough* but I don't have to listen to you.' Said Tsukune, giving a weak grin.
Saizou slowly lumbered towards Tsukune, fully intent on crushing the puny human into paste, only to feel his feet stuck to the ground.
'Tsukune, get away, you can't beat him, just leave it to me.' Said Mizore, standing up and preparing to launch an assault of Saizou.
'I can't do that. Even if I'm weak, I can't let you fight my battles.' Said Tsukune, causing Mizore to look at him in confusion.
'Tsukune, you really can't do this.' Said Mizore, feeling Saizou struggle against the ice binding his feet to concrete.
'I have to try.' Smiled Tsukune.
Saizou growled in annoyance, before slamming his fists into the ground, shattering the ice around them, before rushing at Tsukune.
'Move, Tsukune!' Cried Mizore in fear, seeing Tsukune stand there unflinchingly, even as Saizou rushed him.
'Die!' Roared Saizou, throwing a punch at Tsukune, only for Tsukune to roll forwards, slipping between the monster's legs.
The wall behind him collapsed, make Tsukune shiver slightly, just imagining what that amount of force would have done to his body. Stumbling to his feet, Tsukune stood up and kicked Saizou in the back of his right knee. Everyone was surprised when a snap was heard, even Tsukune himself.
'Augh! You bastard! How dare you do that to me? You're a puny human!' Roared Saizou in indignation.
"How did I do that?" Thought Tsukune in shock, before quickly jumping to the side, as Saizou had spun around and tried to strike him with a reverse punch.
'A human thinks they can hurt a monster! Bullshit! No human can touch me!' Roared Saizou, his leg healing slowly, allowing him to walk towards Tsukune.
"No, I can't do this… can I?" Thought Tsukune.
In a flash of speed, belying his large frame, Saizou was upon Tsukune and launched him away with a kick. Tsukune was launched through the air, before slamming into another vending machine, which crumpled on impact. Tsukune coughed up a wad of blood and felt a bit of blood dripping down the side of his forehead.
"I can't do it after all." Thought Tsukune, his vision going hazy.
Looking up with a bleary gaze, Tsukune noticed Saizou slowly making his way towards him.
'Human huh? I can't believe I believed such nonsense. A human would be dead by now. You're probably just some weak monster, who thought he could get lucky with a Snow Woman, since they're always going after humans. Doesn't matter though, I don't like you, human or not, so I'm going to finish this. Besides if anyone asks, I'll say you are a human, after all, I have a witness over there who heard everything you said, even if it was a lie it seems.' Said Saizou, gesturing to the still frozen Moka.
'Well, this is the end for you.' Said Saizou, picking Tsukune up by the scruff of his collar.
"No… is this really the end?" Thought Tsukune, as his left eye started to close.
'Now, say goodnight!' Said Saizou, bringing his fist back, only to find it frozen.
'Stop interfering!' Growled Saizou, looking back to Mizore.
'I won't let you touch him!' Huffed Mizore.
'Well you've been doing an excellent job so far. Too late though.' Said Saizou, before deciding to tighten his grip on Tsukune, instead of punching him.
'Argh!' Exclaimed Tsukune in pain, feeling multiple ribs fracture from the increased pressure, as Saizou shifted his grip, grabbing him around the torso and squeezing him painfully.
Weakly bringing up his left arm, Tsukune tried to pry Saizou's grip off him, only to find it futile.
'Struggle all you want, in the end you still die.' Scoffed Saizou, preparing to crush Tsukune completely, only to feel a strange presence surround him. A quick look around revealed no one else and the two women behind him hadn't moved.
"What is that?" Thought Saizou in confusion, turning his gaze back to Tsukune, only to widen his eyes in surprise.
Tsukune's right eye was opening and glowing at him ominously.
'I won't die here to the likes of you!' Screamed Tsukune, before Saizou felt a strange wave of energy wash over him.
Saizou's form quickly shrunk down, which caused him to release Tsukune from his grip, as he reverted back to his human form.
'W-what, how did you…' Stuttered Saizou in shock, before his entire form was encased in ice.
'Tsukune!' Cried Mizore, quickly rushing over to Tsukune and picking up his weakened form.
'N-nurse *cough* make sure *cough* it's Ophiuchus.' Wheezed Tsukune, as best he could, before passing out.
Mizore gave a small nod, before standing up, with Tsukune within her still ice-clawed arms and led him towards the medical facility.
'W-wait, do you need any help?' Asked Moka, jogging towards the duo, only for an icy stare to freeze her in place.
'I think you've done enough. You say humans are the ones who cause harm, but Tsukune only got hurt because of you. If you know what is good for you, you'll stay away from him, or I'll make you.' Said Mizore coldly, before walking off.
-line break-
'Really, he couldn't even make it through the first day.' Sighed Ophiuchus, as Mizore walked in with Tsukune.
'In his defence, the trouble came looking for him, it wasn't his fault.' Said Mizore.
'Obviously, there is no way a human would go around picking fights with monsters, in an academy full of them. Shut that door behind you as well, it is one thing for you to know because of eavesdropping, but we don't need anyone else finding out.' Said Ophiuchus.
'You knew I was listening?' Asked Mizore, closing the door behind her, with a nudge of her foot.
'Nothing within a fifty metre radius escapes my senses from this facility. You'd be surprised how many monsters come by trying to settle a grudge, even if their target is already unconscious. Put him on the bed.' Explained Ophiuchus, before gesturing to a bed.
Mizore complied with the nurse's orders and gingerly placed Tsukune down, but remained at his side.
'Will he be okay?' Asked Mizore.
'Well I haven't examined him yet.' Drawled Ophiuchus dryly, before walking over to the human.
Placing her hand with the black armband on it over Tsukune's forehead, Ophiuchus started muttering to herself.
'Very mild concussion, no reflex loss, heart rate slightly elevated, blood volume low… damn it.' Cursed Ophiuchus in annoyance.
'What is it?' Asked Mizore, in her normal tone of voice, with a hint of nervousness added.
'He lost too much blood again. What's worse, is it was largely human blood that he lost, not the Youkai blood we gave to him earlier. This means the Youkai blood in his body is even more concentrated now and he still needs more. To make matters worse, the bus driver left after dropping him off and won't be back until tomorrow. It is too dangerous to wait for him though, as he could slip into a coma at this rate.' Explained Ophiuchus.
'You can use mine. When humans that Snow Women have taken as husbands get injured, we can give them blood transfusions without any problem.' Said Mizore.
'Yes, but Tsukune already has one type of Youkai blood in his system and your blood may react with it causing problems.' Said Ophiuchus.
'It is better than him going into a coma.' Retorted Mizore.
'And if he ends up suffering side effects from this, possibly dying, are you willing to take that burden on your shoulders. Can you live with that?' Asked Ophiuchus.
'I told Tsukune I would protect him.' Said Mizore simply, before rolling her sleeve up.
Ophiuchus sighed, before grabbing a needle and a few tubes.
'Very well, but I will only take the bare minimum he needs. This will leave him tired and lethargic, so given this, do make sure to look after him. I better not see him tomorrow.' Said Ophiuchus, before taking a few vials of blood, which she then slowly transferred to Tsukune, over the course of a few minutes.
Tsukune's face regained some colour a few minutes after that, causing Ophiuchus to place her hand on his head again and examine him.
'Good, he is stable now, but he needs rest.' Said Ophiuchus, looking at Mizore expectantly.
'That's fine.' Said Mizore, before grabbing a chair and sitting by his side, causing Ophiuchus's eyebrow to twitch slightly.
'Fine, you can stay, but don't disturb him, otherwise I'm sending you back to class.' Said Ophiuchus, getting a slight nod of understanding from Mizore.
"Honestly, not even three hours have passed since he got here and he has already been pushed towards death's door twice. Youkai Academy is a really scary place for a human it seems." Thought Ophiuchus.