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 5 – When prey bites back
The next day, as Tsukune walked through the halls, he felt the hairs on his neck stand upon edge, just before someone called out to him.
'Yo, Tsukune.' Said Gin, as he walked over to Tsukune.
'Oh, hey Gin-Senpai.' Said Tsukune respectfully, trying to keep his anxiety from showing.
'Today we will be doing club activities outside. Why don't you come with me?' Said Gin, giving a charming grin.
Rather than charming Tsukune though, Tsukune felt a wave of anxiety wash over him. Gin was trying to be friendly with his words, but something about him was sending alarm bells ringing in his head.
'S-sure, but I should find Mizore first.' Said Tsukune.
'Oh? Why is that, are you two a couple?' Teased Gin, wagging his eyebrows and causing Tsukune to blush.
'N-no, we are just friends.' Stammered Tsukune.
'In that case, don't worry about it, it'll only be ten minutes or so outside, then we will be back inside to finish things off.' Said Gin.
'Ah, I guess so then.' Said Tsukune, causing Gin to grin.
As the two walked outside, neither noticed someone watching them.
-line break-
'That Mizore though, she didn't even give me a chance to explain myself yesterday.' Sighed Gin, hoping to get some sympathy from Tsukune.
'Uh-huh.' Muttered Tsukune disbelievingly, causing Gin to chuckle.
'Don't get me wrong, I love me a beautiful girl, but peeping? That is so far below me it isn't even funny.' Said Gin, before coming to a stop.
'We're here, this is the place, Tsukune.' Said Gin, causing Tsukune to look at him in disbelief.
'Here?' Questioned Tsukune, as he looked around.
Gin had brought Tsukune to a small space between two buildings, with numerous crates and barrels lying to the side of one of them.
'Look, over there! There's a little window up there. Why don't you take a peek inside?' Said Gin.
Tsukune looked at the wall and felt his unease return ten-fold.
'What exactly is in there Gin-Senpai?' Asked Tsukune.
'It's not gonna bite, just take a look! It'll be interesting.' Said Gin, causing Tsukune's eyes to narrow.
'Okay then.' Said Tsukune, before making his way to the window.
Just before Tsukune could make his way towards the window, he started to hear voices, feminine voices. Tsukune strained his ears, as he slowly moved a crate under the window, picking up a few words here and there.
'Oh, your bra is so cute!' Squealed one voice, causing Tsukune to freeze.
"Bra? Either this is someone's bedroom… or… a locker room! He's setting me up!" Thought Tsukune in disbelief.
'Moka is even better than I heard, you know… I really like her.' Started Gin, turning away from Tsukune.
"Guess Mizore was right, hanging around Moka does get me into trouble, but at least I won't let Gin trick me." Thought Tsukune, only to feel someone pick him up.
Just before he could yelp in surprise, a fleshy object tightly wrapped around his mouth. Looking up, Tsukune saw Kurumu holding him, her arms under his shoulders and her tail wrapped around his mouth.
'Don't worry Tsukune, I won't let Gin get you into trouble.' Said Kurumu, before flying Tsukune to the roof of the building.
Kurumu set Tsukune down, unravelling her tail, before taking a deep breath in.
'Someone is peeping into the girl's changing room!' Screamed Kurumu, causing everyone to spring into action.
Gin quickly looked around and noticed Tsukune was gone. A quick grunt of annoyance and Gin had disappeared from the scene of the crime. The girls looked outside the rooms, but didn't see anyone, prompting them to go back to changing, only this time without fluffing around.
'Thanks for the save, Kurumu.' Said Tsukune gratefully, causing the busty Succubus to beam.
'Of course, I need to make sure my Destined One is safe. Besides, peeping on a locker room full of monster girls is a good way to get pulverised. If you are really human, Tsukune, you need to be way more careful. You need to be suspicious of anyone you don't trust and even I don't trust Gin-Senpai, so you definitely shouldn't.' Lectured Kurumu.
'You're right… I knew something felt off, but I didn't know how to get out of there.' Admitted Tsukune in embarrassment.
'Don't worry, Tsukune, I'll protect you. Come on, we should go to class now, we can deal with Gin-Senpai later.' Said Kurumu, before picking Tsukune back up again and giving a big flap, of her bat-like wings.
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Tsukune and Kurumu had made their way back to the classroom, when a thought occurred to Tsukune.
'Kurumu, were you following me?' Asked Tsukune.
'Of course! How else am I going to protect you and keep those others away from you?' Beamed Kurumu, latching on to Tsukune's arm.
'But where are Moka and Mizore though?' Asked Tsukune, getting a huff from Kurumu.
'Tsukune, when you are with a pretty girl, you aren't supposed to ask about other girls.' Said Kurumu.
'S-sorry, but I was just curious. I mean, Mizore is always somewhere close by and Moka sticks out quite a bit too.' Said Tsukune, getting a thoughtful hum from Kurumu.
'Hmm, that is a good point… maybe they are together somewhere?' Suggested Kurumu.
'But what could they be doing?' Asked Tsukune.
'Well, maybe they are doing something with each other… on that topic though, how about you and me go and do something with each other?' Teased Kurumu.
'I… I'm going to go look for them.' Said Tsukune, before managing to slip away from Kurumu, who merely giggled into her hand and followed after him.
'Relax, Tsukune, you're so tense. I mean, I can help you loosen up if you want, but we don't need to do that right now. Besides, I need to keep my eye on those two anyway, so I'll help you look for them.' Said Kurumu, causing Tsukune to exhale softly.
'Thanks. If what Gin tried to get me to do today is any clue, I'm in a lot of trouble when it comes to what other monsters might do to me. I thought I just had to worry about getting killed by them… but I guess this is still a school and I need to be careful of non-monster related things as well… which can also probably get me killed… why me?' Groaned Tsukune.
'Don't worry, I won't let anyone hurt you. Now, come with me, I have a few ideas where those two could be.' Instructed Kurumu, taking the lead, as they searched through the school.
-line break-
The moon was high in the sky now, but Mizore hadn't wavered in her task all day. Gin was up to something and Mizore was going to find out what. Against her better judgement, she decided to let the Succubus watch over Tsukune today, deciding that dealing with their sleazy senior was a higher priority. For today at least.
'Oh Moka, there you are!' Said Gin, upon spotting Moka on the roof.
'Oh, Gin-Senpai, good afternoon.' Said Moka, as Gin walked over to her and leant on the balcony, looking up at the sky.
'You didn't come to club activities today.' Said Gin.
'Sorry, I wasn't feeling well today.' Lied Moka, which Gin easily saw through but ignored, as it furthered his ultimate goal anyway.
'I'm sorry to hear that. Take all the time you need, Moka, after all, it is important to look after yourself. Just look at you, you're almost shivering.' Said Gin, walking up to Moka and invading her personal space.
'I'm fine.' Said Moka, as she shuddered slightly, not from cold, but unease.
'That's no good, Sensei will yell at me if I let my juniors fall ill. I'll warm you up, Moka.' Said Gin, slinging an arm around her shoulders and pulling her body towards him.
'Look at that, it's a full moon.' Commented Gin, causing Moka to look up.
The pale white orb that was the moon, seemed to glow with the reflected light it gave off, but instead of comforting Moka, it made her apprehensive for some reason.
'Kya! Senpai, what are you doing?' Exclaimed Moka.
'What? Am I not just holding you tenderly, as we gaze at the moon?' Asked Gin.
'No! You just felt me up.' Said Moka, causing their hidden observer to narrow her eyes in suspicion.
'Haha, well, it is a full moon. On nights with a full moon, I'm overcome with a feeling of power and I suddenly lose all control. When I go wild, my sudden urges just make me go crazy.' Said Gin, as he tried to kiss Moka, only for a wall of ice to spring up between them.
'Mizore!' Exclaimed Moka in happiness, spotting the Snow Woman, who had been hiding nearby.
'Mizore huh? Now all we need is Kurumu to show up and we can have ourselves a nice little gathering.' Said Gin.
'What about Tsukune?' Asked Moka, missing the underlying meaning of Gin's words.
'Sorry, I don't swing that way, especially with a human. I wonder what a human has that I don't, which could cause all three of you to be interested in him over me? I'm really falling for you though, Moka, but like I said, on nights with a full moon, my self-control weakens.' Said Gin, as his nails started to sharpen into claws and his face started to elongate.
Moka stepped back fearfully, coming to stop beside Mizore, as Gin underwent his transformation.
'I guess it makes sense now what Tsukune said… he said he felt as though he was being hunted by you and that you were stronger than Saizou… I suppose it wasn't that hard to stretch the information to deducing you were a Werewolf, especially with your attitude.' Commented Mizore, her lollipop rolling to the left in her mouth.
'Quite astute of you, Mizore. Despite knowing that though, you still came after me. Do you really want to be my woman that badly as well? That's perfectly fine, after all, I like all girls and you might not be as pretty as Moka, but you are still quite the specimen.' Said Gin, before the temperature dropped several degrees.
'I am inferior to no one.' Said Mizore, as her hands and hair transformed, taking on a crystalline sheen.
Moka shivered, standing so close to the frosty Mizore and took a step back.
'Well then, why don't we see just how good you are?' Taunted Gin, before rushing Mizore.
Mizore swiped downwards with her claws, seeking to injure, if not disable Gin to end the fight, only to hit nothing but air.
'What are you fighting over there? I'm over here.' Said Gin, standing on the other side of the building.
'So fast.' Commented Moka, only for Gin to suddenly appear behind her, the wind kicking her skirt up into the air.
'Are you impressed, Moka? I'm not just a handsome face you know, a Werewolf is one of the strongest predators out there.' Said Gin, only to disappear, as a wave of ice crystals crashed around Moka.
'At least the predator part is accurate.' Commented Mizore, causing Gin to laugh.
'Funny, especially since I almost tricked Tsukune into peeping into the girl's locker room today.' Said Gin, causing Mizore's eyes to sharpen.
'Why would you do that?' Asked Moka in confusion.
'Because he got caught peeping last time and wanted revenge, isn't that so?' Deduced Mizore, getting Gin to grin.
'I suppose. However, you should stop talking and start fighting, or else I'll have my way with both of you.' Said Gin, only for a lump to fall onto him, sending him sprawling to the ground.
'Nice job, Tsukune!' Cheered Kurumu, as a groggy Tsukune pushed himself off Gin's dazed body and wobbled over to Mizore and Moka, who were quickly joined by Kurumu.
'Did you seriously just drop Tsukune as a human missile?' Hissed Mizore, in a tone that was even colder than the frost she was giving off.
'What? Tsukune is fine, right Tsukune?' Protested Kurumu, even as the human shook his head lightly.
'So glad you could join us. Now, the whole club is here.' Said Gin, as he pushed himself back up to his feet.
'Give up, Gin, you can't fool us anymore and we won't lose to you.' Said Kurumu.
'The three of you, maybe… but Tsukune, I don't think so.' Said Gin, before he blurred from their vision.
A strangled cry was heard. It was Tsukune. Once Mizore, Moka and Kurumu, located the direction of the sound, the trio noticed Gin holding Tsukune in a one-armed chokehold.
'All right, Tsukune, let's make a deal. I'm a Werewolf. You are a human. A Werewolf can do one of two things to a human. We can turn you into a Werewolf like us… or, we can eat you. Now, I'm giving you the choice. Give up on those three, let me have them and I will make you a Werewolf. Not only will it help you survive this place, but you might even be able to get girls of your own one day. Keep getting in my way… well, let's just say at least one of my hungers will be satisfied today. So, what do you say?' Proposed Gin.
'Well, considering that you are a Werewolf and need to resort to this to get a girlfriend, I'd probably be better off as a lump of meat. Too bad for you, this kind of food bites back.' Said Tsukune, before, in a move of sheer stupidity, bit Gin's arm deeply, drawing blood and causing the wolf to cry out in pain.
Seizing the moment, Mizore and Kurumu flew into action, literally in Kurumu's case. Mizore quickly launched a multitude of sharp, pointy objects made out of ice, while Kurumu swept in and pulled Tsukune out of the way.
Kurumu took Tsukune over to Moka, who was watching on in unease.
'Tsukune, are you okay?' Asked Moka, rushing to Tsukune's side.
'Of course, I'm fine.' Said Tsukune, waving her off, only to suddenly convulse and start throwing up blood.
'Tsukune, what's wrong?' Asked Moka, catching Tsukune, only for his limbs to fail him.
Tsukune's eyes rolled up into the back of his head and his hearing became distant. The last thing he felt, before passing out, was a piece of metal coming into contact with his hand, followed by the sound of something metallic snapping.
-line break-
'Are you sure he is going to be okay?' Asked a voice.
'Of course he is, just look, he is already stirring now.' Said another, more mature voice.
'That's quite the talent you have.' Commented a more regal voice.
'Should I be flattered that a species as proud as your own is complimenting me?' Questioned the more mature voice.
'Funny.' Retorted the regal voice, before a groan ended the banter between the group.
'Tsukune, you're awake!' Said the first voice.
Tsukune groaned, as he felt his body aching and vaguely noted the voices in the room sounded familiar.
'Calm down you, he is going to still be weak, or at the very least confused, give him some space.' Instructed the mature voice, which Tsukune now realised to be Ophiuchus.
'Still don't know what he was thinking.' Mumbled another voice, which Tsukune found familiar, but didn't recognise immediately.
'I don't know what you were thinking, but try something like that again and a kick won't be all you get.' Said the regal voice.
'Beast.' Added Mizore in apathy.
Tsukune opened his eyes slowly, letting them adjust to the bright lights of the infirmary. He first spotted Kurumu, who was looking on eagerly from his right. Just behind her was Ophiuchus, looking at him in exasperation and concern. To the right was Mizore, looking as cool as ever, although she seemed relieved when Tsukune looked at her, if her shoulders relaxing was any indication. Craning his neck up slightly to look at the foot of the bed, Tsukune spotting a sulking Gin, arms crossed over his chest. Swivelling his gaze to Gin's right, Tsukune spotted the last voice in the room that he didn't recognise. It was a red-eyed, silver haired girl, who looked familiar to Tsukune, but he wasn't sure why. Squinting slightly, Tsukune noticed the red eye's intense scrutiny and recognised where he had seen it before.
'M-Moka?' Said Tsukune tentatively, getting an amused huff for his statement.
'I see even after doing something stupid, you do have some modicum of intelligence in there. I'm glad to know you aren't a meat head like this one here.' Said Moka, gesturing to Gin, who looked thoroughly disgruntled.
'Hey, I'm pretty smart too! I'm the one who tricked Tsukune into almost peeping and getting caught red handed.' Protested Gin.
'Oh please, I saw the whole thing. You pretty much just told Tsukune to peep as vaguely as possible, hardly anything to brag about it. Don't forget, I'm pretty sure Tsukune was on to you, he just couldn't get away in time. Luckily, I was there though.' Said Kurumu.
'Okay, settle down you three. Now then, Tsukune, it baffles me how you get into these problems in the first place, but now, four students know you are human. If you are trying to die, you are doing an excellent job.' Admonished Ophiuchus.
'I'm not doing it on purpose, people just keep figuring it out.' Protested Tsukune weakly.
'Hate to burst your bubble kid, but I actually just overheard you telling the Succubus over there. Not the smartest thing to do in the middle of the hallway I might add.' Interjected Gin, causing Ophiuchus to glare at Tsukune, causing him to wilt slightly.
'So not only are you doing dangerous things, you're doing stupid ones too? Honestly, aren't humans supposed to be smarter than this?' Questioned Ophiuchus, shaking her head in dismay.
'What happened? Why am I here?' Asked Tsukune.
'Now there is a story if I've ever heard one. I've heard of Werewolf biting humans, but I've never heard of a human biting a Werewolf.' Said Ophiuchus.
'Is that so bad?' Asked Tsukune tentatively, not wanting to annoy Ophiuchus, who looked quite irritated already.
'Kid, if I had bit you, you might have become a Werewolf.' Said Gin.
'Indeed, but in biting him, you took in another monster's blood into your system and even a piece of flesh, if the bite marks on him are any indication.' Said Ophiuchus.
'So what happened exactly? All I remember was biting Gin and then feeling sick.' Inquired Tsukune.
'I believe I will explain what happened, since I would like to know what happened as well. Here is what I remember.' Said Moka, getting everyone's attention.
-line break-
Flashback
-line break-
Moka tried to catch Tsukune as he fell, only for his arms to slip through hers and grab on to something. Moka heard the sound of metal snapping and looked down, only to notice her rosary had clipped off. Moka looked down in disbelief, before a wave of energy burst from her form. The sky darkened and bats seemed to appear out of nowhere, covering Moka's form, as she transformed, before the results of her metamorphosis were seen. The once pink hair was now silver and the kind green eyes were a harsh red. Her posture had changed from a meek girl, to that of a powerful woman and her gaze had turned predatory.
'Whoa, even your monster form is beautiful, Moka. I really can't get enough of you. I will definitely make you my woman, Moka!' Howled Gin in delight, only for Moka to look at him in annoyance.
'You? Make me your woman? Know your place!' Said Moka, launching a kick at Gin, only for him to vanish again.
'Ha! On the night of a full moon, I'm untouchable. A Werewolf draws power from the moon and channels it into their speed. On the night of a full moon I'm unmatched. On the night of a full moon I can't be beat. On the night of a full moon, we are the strongest monsters around.' Crowed Gin, which was stopped, when Moka nailed him with a kick, as he monologued.
'Speed might be your forte, but arrogance is your undoing. Don't ever try anything like what you did to me today again, or you will get much more than a friendly warning.' Said Moka.
'Got it.' Groaned Gin, feeling as though he had been crushed by a truck.
'Tsukune, what's wrong?' Asked Kurumu, as the human started to froth at the mouth.
Moka and Gin both turned their attention to Tsukune, who seemed to be having a fit.
'Well that doesn't look good… looks like a bad reaction to a Werewolf bite… although I've never heard of it happening from the human doing the biting.' Commented Gin, as he pulled himself out of the rubble he had created, when Moka's kick had launched him into the barrier around the rooftop.
'Can you help him?' Asked Mizore, cradling Tsukune's head, as foam pooled at the edges of his lips.
'Yeah, that's why I always have this silver pendant around my neck, in case I ever get too frisky.' Explained Gin, taking off his necklace and placing it on Tsukune's chest, causing him to stop convulsing.
'Well, we should definitely get him to the Nurse's Office or something.' Said Gin.
'I'll carry him, lead the way.' Said Moka, walking over to the group and easily cradling Tsukune between her arms.
'Follow me.' Said Mizore, before the group left the rooftop to get Tsukune medical help.
-line break-
End Flashback
-line break-
'I see… guess that explains these things then.' Said Tsukune, holding a rosary in his right hand and clutching at the silver pendant on his chest.
'Yes, but now that you have woken up you should be fine without them.' Said Ophiuchus.
'Thanks for the help then.' Said Tsukune, offering the two items that didn't belong to him, back to their rightful owners.
'Hey, don't sweat it. I mean, it is kind of my fault… still, you've got some serious stones to actually bite a Werewolf kid. I'm impressed, especially since you're a human.' Said Gin, taking his wolf-head pendant back.
'I, on the other hand, want to know exactly how you managed to remove this rosary from me. It is enchanted and no one should be able to remove it.' Said Moka, her sharp gaze piercing Tsukune's.
'I have no idea… I don't even remember taking it off.' Said Tsukune.
'You can talk about it later, for now, Tsukune needs rest.' Said Ophiuchus, starting pointedly at the group.
'I get it, I'm going. Sorry about today though. I'd like to start fresh tomorrow with you four, if that'd be okay?' Inquired Gin.
'You honestly expect us to forgive you for what you tried to do today?' Asked Moka coldly.
'Okay.' Interjected Tsukune, getting the whole room to look at him funny.
'What, it isn't like he was really trying to hurt us… Gin just did some stupid things trying to get to know Moka better.' Said Tsukune.
'For the record, I wasn't actually going to eat you, just maim you… now though, I'm glad I didn't get to do anything, you're all right Tsukune. Later.' Said Gin, before leaving the facility.
'I really don't approve.' Said Mizore.
'Yeah, Gin is a total pervert!' Added Kurumu.
'Everyone deserves a second chance. I mean, if it wasn't for Moka getting a second chance, Gin might have really hurt me tonight.' Pointed out Tsukune.
'You're too naïve, Tsukune, but I do appreciate you giving me that chance to start over… fine, I'll wipe the slate with Gin for now, but if he tries something again, I won't show any mercy. Now then, I think it is time for me to rest.' Said Moka, lying down on the bed next to Tsukune, before reattaching her rosary, causing her to slowly pass out, while her hair turned back to normal.
'Good idea.' Said Kurumu, pulling up a chair to sit next to Tsukune, while Mizore did the same.
'What is this? A hotel?' Asked Ophiuchus in irritation.
'If it is a hotel, I want some iced tea.' Said Mizore.
'Funny. I want you all out tomorrow morning.' Said Ophiuchus, before leaving the group.
'Are you feeling okay, Tsukune?' Asked Mizore softly.
'Yeah… just tired.' Said Tsukune.
'It's okay, rest, we won't let anything happen to you.' Said Kurumu reassuringly.
'Thanks. Good night.' Said Tsukune, before closing his eyes and drifting off to sleep.