Previously:
Having joined the Newspaper Club and learning of Gin's less than honourable intentions to the girls, the group was wary of their senior. Gin approaching Tsukune early in the morning for a task sent alarm bells ringing in the human's head and it was only thanks to Kurumu's intervention that Tsukune wasn't framed for peeping in a monster girl locker room. Mizore, deciding to tackle the problem head on, spent her day observing Gin, who eventually managed to find Moka alone on the roof. Coming to blows with Gin as he transformed into a Werewolf, Mizore held off the beast until Tsukune and Kurumu arrived. In a twist of fate, Gin captured Tsukune and faced him with the decision of death or becoming a Werewolf in exchange for giving the girls to Gin. In a move that shocked all, the human bit the Werewolf, but the reaction was not typical, with Tsukune convulsing from the bite and passing out, but not before removing Moka's Rosario, something thought to be impossible to the Vampire. The Vampire handily beat the arrogant Werewolf and after a short debrief in the Academy health facility, it was decided that the group would start things off fresh the next day.
'Talking'
"Thinking"
*expression*
Flashback
Techniques
Chapter 6 – Implications
'Wake up, all of you. This isn't a hotel and your classes are starting soon.' Said a voice that Tsukune recognised after a moment.
'Did you really need to wake us up like that?' Asked Tsukune, as he sat up on his bed.
Calling it his bed wasn't strictly accurate though, since it was actually a stretcher in the medical facility at Youkai Academy, but the sentiment was the same. Blearily rubbing his eyes, Tsukune noted that Mizore was already awake and looking at him, Kurumu was beginning to stir and Moka was still out cold, sleeping like a baby.
'Morning Tsukune.' Said Mizore, to which Tsukune smiled.
'Morning Mizore.' Replied Tsukune, only for his torso to be slammed into his bed, which wasn't really his bed, by an energetic Kurumu.
'Tsukune! You're okay! I was so worried I couldn't sleep!' Claimed Kurumu, smothering Tsukune into her chest, before she shivered.
'You seemed to sleep fine to me. Stop suffocating Tsukune.' Retorted Mizore, as the temperature dropped around them.
'Morning everyone!' Interjected Moka, not reading the atmosphere of the room at all.
'There, everyone is awake, now out, before I give you all a reason to be here.' Grumbled Ophiuchus.
Tsukune, after nudging Kurumu off of his form, hopped off the bed, with his fellow Newspaper Club members following suit, before the four were practically shoved out the door, which was closed behind them.
'What class do we have now anyway?' Asked Tsukune.
'I don't think we actually have any classes today, only club activities.' Answered Mizore.
'Well, I suppose that is something… plus we'll be able to see if Gin really meant what he said yesterday.' Commented Tsukune, after some thought.
'I don't trust him.' Huffed Kurumu, crossing her arms over her chest with some difficulty.
'And you shouldn't, but we did agree to give him a chance.' Agreed Mizore.
'Who knows, maybe he will be a completely different person now?' Offered Moka optimistically, only to get three expressions of disbelief aimed at her.
'Well, we are here now, so let's find out.' Said Tsukune, as the group arrived outside their classroom.
Opening the door, the group anticipated many scenarios, however, they were disappointed nonetheless, when Gin quickly ran up to the three beauties and pushed a bouquet of roses into their hands again.
'You three beautiful ladies enjoy those flowers for a moment, I need to talk to Tsukune.' Said Gin, quickly grabbing the human and dragging him back outside, closing the door behind them.
Gin led Tsukune to the toilets and quickly checked that all the stalls were empty, before walking back to Tsukune.
'Ok, here is the deal Tsukune. I need to tell you something and you should definitely take it to heart. You need to be extremely careful about what you say around here, especially in regards to you know what. I can help you out of a few situations if they come up, but there is one group in this school… if they find out the truth, you are dead. No, not they will come and try to kill you, you are dead already if they know about you.' Warned Gin, with the most serious expression Tsukune had ever seen on the werewolf's face yet.
'What? Who is this group and why does them knowing about me mean I am dead?' Asked a stupefied Tsukune.
'They call themselves… the Public Safety Commission. I had… a run in with them last year and believe me, they mean business, after all, they are the reason I am the only member of the Newspaper Club left.' Revealed Gin, causing Tsukune to sober up.
'You mean they killed the other members?' Asked Tsukune in shock.
'Yeah and that wasn't even because of anything big, it was just a couple of articles about what they were up to. Believe me, if they find out your secret, you're going to be in some serious trouble, so make sure, that when you are outside of our club, don't ever talk about it. Got it?' Finished Gin, not giving Tsukune a chance to absorb what had been dropped on him.
'Now, let's get back to some club activities, after all, we have a deadline and no stories to write about yet, so we better not dawdle.' Said Gin, shifting mood abruptly, leaving Tsukune in the lurch, before dragging him out of the bathroom.
Arriving back at the clubroom, two sets of flowers were placed off to the side with what appeared to be shards of ice around them.
'Now that's just cruel.' Whined Gin, before walking to the front desk, while Tsukune seated himself beside Mizore, with Moka and Kurumu to her left.
'Ok, now as I just finished telling Tsukune, we need to get some articles going. Our first issue needs to be out next fortnight, so we've only got a few days to find some stories and write them up. There are a few rumours that have been rumbling around recently. One of which we definitely do not want to bring any exposure to.' Said Gin, pausing at this moment to give Tsukune a pointed glance, before shifting to the other three, who communicated their understanding with a small nod.
'Good. Well, while that rumour will hopefully die off, there have also been a few others with more substance behind them. There have been a few kidnappings recently, which I've been looking into… five kidnappings in five weeks, very suspicious, so keep an ear out for a sixth over the weekend. In addition to that, there are rumblings of a serial prankster going around and terrorising people. Not as exciting, but still something worth looking into. Also, I've been hearing about a suspected peeping tom, but it seems no one has been able to catch them.' Announced Gin.
'That last story wouldn't happen to be about you, would it, Gin-Senpai?' Asked Mizore, in her usual tone of voice.
'No, actually, there are reports of a peeper who takes photos of girls, but then vanishes before anyone can spot him.' Retorted Gin.
'That sounds an awful lot like what you tried to get Tsukune to do… are you sure it isn't you, Gin-Senpai?' Added Kurumu, her tone and voice flattening to mimic Mizore's.
'I don't appreciate that by the way.' Interjected Mizore, giving Kurumu a small glare, to which she stuck out her tongue in defiance.
'And I don't appreciate you four thinking of me as some lowly peeping tom. I have far too much class to resort to something like that.' Said Gin, getting multiple looks of disbelief at his convenient memory loss.
'Anyway, enough chit-chat, let's get out there and find some stories to write about!' Declared Gin, lifting the mood of the group.
-line break-
'So do you think those rumours Gin-Senpai told us about are true?' Asked Tsukune.
'Well, we know one of them is at least true…' Said Kurumu, before pausing, getting a small nod of understanding from Tsukune before continuing.
'I think the other ones seem pretty likely too. Prankster? Yeah, why not, this is a school. Peeping tom? Well, we already know of at least one. It is the kidnappings that have me worried though. The school is pretty… well, relaxed in terms of its punishment for monster fighting and kidnappings aren't exactly harmless jokes. Not to mention, even if we think they are kidnappings, or at least that is what the rumours say, someone could actually be picking monsters off one by one.' Finished Kurumu.
'With all of us working together, I'm sure we could put up a decent fight against someone who tried to attack us.' Said Tsukune optimistically.
'Yes. However, being targeted individually would be very dangerous. There is no telling when or where an assailant might strike. We should all be careful.' Added Mizore.
'Um, I'm not sure how much help I'll be in a fight though.' Spoke up Moka at last.
'What do you mean? Your monster form absolutely wrecked Gin and we could barely touch him!' Exclaimed Kurumu in disbelief.
'Yes, but I can't transform at will. I'm not even sure how it worked the first time. I've had this rosary for years now and no one has been able to take it off before.' Said Moka.
'Wait… so you mean your monster form has been locked away inside of that rosary for years?' Asked Tsukune in disbelief.
'Yeah… oh, I never thought of it like that…' Mumbled Moka.
'It must be quite lonely then.' Added Tsukune, only for Moka's rosary to shake.
'She doesn't like you calling her an it, Tsukune.' Said Moka, confusing Tsukune.
'Wait, she can talk to you through that thing?' Asked Tsukune in surprise.
'Hmm… I guess so. This is the first time this has happened before, I wonder why?' Pondered Moka, before her head twitched a bit.
'Oh, Inner Moka seems to think it is because the rosary was removed, so now the link between us is strong enough for her to talk to me.' Said Moka after a moment.
'Inner Moka?' Mumbled Tsukune in confusion.
'I guess I thought it made sense since she is inside the rosary.' Explained Moka.
'I guess calling her monster Moka doesn't sound very nice either.' Added Kurumu, causing the eye in the rosary to glow brighter.
'We could call her combat Moka or strong Moka, since she is arguably the most powerful among all of us.' Said Mizore, with a hint of bitterness.
'I mean… why do we need to split the two of you anyway? Isn't it like two sides of the same coin? You are both Moka, right?' Asked Tsukune.
'Yeah, I think so… although, I wonder if you can make the other Moka come out again…' Mumbled Moka.
'Well, we definitely shouldn't test it here in the middle of the hallway and besides, we need to get investigating for our stories, so let's get going. I'll go look for this peeper, Mizore should go look for the kidnapper and Moka can go look for the prankster, since they will probably be the most harmless. As for Tsukune, you could come with any of us.' Said Kurumu, her voice turning lecherous towards the end.
'Actually, I think I'm going to go look for Gin-Senpai.' Said Tsukune, surprising the other three.
'What, how come?' Whined Kurumu, clearly disappointed.
'That indeed seems like an odd choice, considering he almost killed you yesterday.' Added Mizore, a small frown forming on her face.
'Well, it might be a good idea, after all, he would be the strongest one of us now if you can't get my rosary off, which is probably the best for you.' Said Moka, surprising Kurumu and Mizore, before they saw the logic in what Moka had said.
'I suppose. He is still in the clubroom I think, so I'll head back. We can meet up at lunch and see what we manage to find out.' Said Tsukune, before walking off.
'Do you really think we can trust Tsukune with Gin?' Asked Kurumu.
'Maybe, but I'm not going to take any chances.' Said Mizore, before her hand turned to ice and dropped off, before reforming into another Mizore.
'Whoa, what is that?' Asked Kurumu, as Mizore's hand regrew.
'Insurance, now let's go look for a story.' Said Mizore, before both Snow Women walked away.
'Might as well.' Agreed Kurumu, before leaving, with Moka following example, vacating the hallway.
"You will be mine, Moka Akashiya." Thought a small figure, before bouncing after Moka.
-line break-
"Hmm, now if someone is taking photos and running away before being caught, then it is probably going to be someone from the Photography Club… but then again, I suppose anyone can pick up a camera and take pictures… the real clue, would be who can do it without getting caught? Hmm, a ghost monster maybe?" Thought Kurumu, as she explored the school, looking for her scoop.
"I suppose I should see if I can find any of the girls who think they were watched and find out what happened to them." Decided Kurumu, before heading to the girl's dormitory.
"I will get the best pictures of you, Kurumu. Even better than before!" Thought Kurumu's stalker, unbeknownst to the busty Succubus.
-line break-
'Gin-Senpai, are you still here?' Called Tsukune, as he knocked on the door to the clubroom, before opening it and walking in.
Gin was leaning on the front of the desk, looking up at the roof, seemingly deep in thought.
'Tsukune? What are you doing back here?' Asked Gin, genuinely confused.
'Can you teach me how to fight?' Asked Tsukune, causing Gin to raise an eyebrow.
'Huh? What are you talking about Tsukune?' Asked Gin.
Tsukune closed the door behind him and stepped towards the club leader.
'I know what you said, but I can't just run away from everything. Mizore has been teaching me how to dodge and run away, but if I get caught, what am I supposed to do then?' Explained Tsukune.
'Kid, I told you, if you get caught, you are as good as dead.' Said Gin, only for what Tsukune said next to surprise him.
'I was caught by Saizou but managed to push him back. I can get better if you teach me how.' Said Tsukune.
'Wait, that guy who half of your year is afraid of, you beat him back?' Questioned Gin.
'Yeah, I'm not even sure how, but… well, I'm trusting you here… my eye is weird.' Said Tsukune.
'It looks fine to me?' Said Gin.
'Not this eye, this one.' Said Tsukune, pointing to his left eye, before opening his right.
Gin almost flinched, as the glowing light shone into his face, causing his hair to bristle slightly.
'What is that?' Asked Gin.
'I don't know. I had an accident on the way here and something happened to my eye. It lets me see the monster forms of other people. Right now, I see half of your wolf form, if I close my left eye, I will see only your monster form. It's how I figured out Kurumu was a Succubus, but I also think it is what stopped Saizou.' Revealed Tsukune, before closing his right eye and reopening his left.
'Ok, from the beginning, explain what happened when you fought Saizou.' Demanded Gin.
'Well, I mean first, I was just running away and dodging his attacks, but then I took a hit meant for Mizore and that really hurt. I don't know exactly what happened after that, but I kicked Saizou in the back of the knee when he was in his monster form and somehow hurt him, even though he recovered after a moment and then kicked me away. After that, he had me in his grasp and I couldn't get away, but then… I'm not really sure, but my left eye was closed and my right was starting to throb or something and when it opened, Saizou was turned back into his human form. After that Mizore froze him and took me to the Ophiuchus.' Finished Tsukune.
Gin's expression remained pensive throughout the whole explanation and for a few minutes afterwards, before he stood up and walked over to Tsukune.
'I'm telling you right now, that is not normal, but that is a good thing. The more you do that seems unlikely for a you know what, the less likely you are to be caught or get in trouble. As for training, I don't think there is much I can help you with, but I can give you the basics at least. Werewolf fighting is unique, since we rely on high speed movement, but I could probably whip you into shape enough that you can throw a decent punch. Seems like you've already got a good kick too.' Said Gin encouragingly, clasping Tsukune on the shoulders.
'On the other hand, you're asking me for a favour, you realise that, right?' Asked Gin, causing Tsukune to hesitantly nod.
'In that case, you'll owe me one if I help you out, sound fair?' Continued Gin, getting a slower nod from Tsukune.
'Good, good. In that case, we'll start right now. We'll go for a quick look around for any leads on this kidnapping thing, then I'll start giving you a few pointers.' Said Gin, before leading Tsukune out of the room, neither one of them aware of Mizore's clone following them.
-line break-
'So how did the search go?' Asked Tsukune, as the group of four met back up at lunch time.
'Better than I thought. It seems all the girls found some weird slime or something after investigating, when they thought they were being watched. Sounds like a slug monster or something, which would make sense for how it manages to get away. Guess it might not be Gin-Senpai after all.' Said Kurumu.
'I didn't have much luck, but the few people who did know anything about the prankster got very upset when I mentioned them… I don't think they are very well liked.' Added Moka.
'I found nothing.' Said Mizore, much to the surprise of the other three.
'But how? You are the sneakiest out of all of us?' Questioned Kurumu in disbelief.
'No leads. Whoever is kidnapping these girls is very careful.' Explained Mizore.
'Guess we really need to be careful then, especially if Mizore couldn't find this person.' Said Moka nervously.
'What did you end up doing, Tsukune?' Asked Kurumu.
'Gin-Senpai and I went to look for any leads about the kidnappings as well with no luck, then Gin helped me train a bit.' Answered Tsukune, surprising the two who hadn't been watching his every move.
'Training? For what? I mean… Tsukune, there isn't really much you can do.' Whispered Kurumu, trying carefully to not hurt Tsukune's feelings.
'I know, but I can do a little. I managed to hurt Saizou after all when I kicked him.' Explained Tsukune, surprising Kurumu.
'That's right! I'm still surprised you were able to do that.' Recalled Moka, before seeming to zone out, only to promptly snap back to reality a moment later.
'Inner Moka also thinks it is unusual that you weren't even more badly injured from your fight with him. It seems very out of place with you being you.' Said Moka.
'I think there is something to be said about all the blood you've been receiving too.' Added Mizore.
'Wait, Tsukune's been getting blood? From who?' Hissed Kurumu.
'Me and some other monsters.' Said Mizore, shocking the other two.
'I know I got a lot from the bus driver too, after my accident. Probably got a bit from Gin-Senpai as well now after yesterday.' Added Tsukune.
'Tsukune, don't you know how dangerous that is? A monster's blood contains their power, that is why Vampires got such a bad reputation. Everyone hated us because we needed blood to survive, but taking it weakened them. If we didn't learn how to get food from other sources, things would have turned really ugly.' Whispered Moka.
'You're a Vampire? Is that why you are always drinking tomato juice for lunch?' Asked Tsukune after a moment.
'Oh, I never told you, did I? I just thought you knew.' Commented Moka in surprise.
'I mean, I did see part of your monster form a few times, but I couldn't figure out what you were. It wasn't as obvious like with Kurumu and Mizore actually told me outright… I thought a Vampire would be scarier though…' Mumbled Tsukune.
'Hey, Moka was plenty scary. You should have seen the power she was giving off when she beat down Gin.' Protested Kurumu.
'Hmm, it was quite substantial.' Agreed Mizore.
'I guess, but I don't do a lot of Vampire stuff anyway because of the rosary, since it seals my powers and tomato juice is enough for me in this form. I think Inner Moka might start wanting blood if she comes out too often though.' Said Moka.
'Moka, would it be okay with you if I tried to remove your rosary again after lunch, I want to speak with the other Moka if I can?' Asked Tsukune, surprising the group.
'Why though? I don't think Inner Moka would mind too much, but it would take a bit out of us. That's if it actually works anyway, since we don't know how you were able to do it the first time.' Questioned Moka.
'Well, this would be a good test I guess then. After all, if we know Tsukune can bring out the other Moka, then we know you'd be in less danger if Tsukune is with you.' Commented Kurumu unhappily, realising the implications of her statement.
'Yes, but that also means Tsukune will be targeted because of anyone after Moka, knowing that only he can make her more powerful.' Commented Mizore, cowing Moka's enthusiasm slightly.
'Well, I mean, we don't have to decide anything right now, after all we need to see if it works first before making any plans.' Said Moka quietly.
'In any case, we might as well finish our lunch and go see if it works.' Said Tsukune, getting a round of nods.
-line break-
'Is this really necessary?' Asked Moka, as the group found themselves near the edge of the school, near the lake of blood.
'I don't think you realised it, but your other form was giving off energy like crazy. Maybe we got away with it for a bit at night, but if you transform in the middle of the day, you'll send everyone running away.' Explained Kurumu.
'Besides, we don't want anyone to take advantage of us while we are distracted. There is a kidnapper around, remember?' Pointed out Mizore.
'Ok, I guess. Are you ready, Tsukune?' Asked Moka.
Tsukune nodded, walking up to Moka, who parted her top slightly, to allow Tsukune easy access to her rosary. Tsukune grasped it with his left hand, before giving it a small tug, only for it to resist him completely.
'Well that didn't work…' Mumbled Tsukune, causing a downcast expression to spread among the group, with Moka's being the most disappointed.
'I suppose it wasn't meant to be.' Muttered Moka, before Tsukune gave an exclamation of surprise.
'Wait, there might be something that might work.' Said Tsukune, confusing the group, before he opened his right eye while closing his left.
As Tsukune's vision changed, the area around them seemed to become night, with the sky being painted red. Still grasping the rosary around his new friend's neck, Tsukune locked eyes with the silver haired Moka.
'This is most unusual. Instead of bringing me out, you've somehow come into the rosary. You really aren't a normal human after all, Tsukune.' Commented Moka, her regal voice almost soothing to Tsukune, given it gave the illusion of control.
'How are you so calm about all of this anyway?' Asked Tsukune, genuinely confused.
'I've seen more than you can imagine in my life. The other Moka does not know entirely of our past and it is better that way. She is innocent and should remain that way. However, this means very little surprises me. Since coming to this school, only you have proved yourself to be outside the realm of my expectations. Human. Able to damage monsters. Unknown powers. You are truly a mystery, Tsukune Aono. Quite abnormal for a human, but not exactly average among monsters either. Traits of both, but somehow neither at any one time. I must confess, I am interested in getting to see what you do next.' Answered Moka, her gaze never wavering, unnerving Tsukune slightly, feeling as though he was being scrutinised by a machine.
After a moment, Tsukune regained himself and decided to ask what he had originally planned on.
'So does that mean you don't know why I can do all of this abnormal non-human stuff either? Like being able to hurt Saizou.' Asked Tsukune.
'I have a few theories, but I do not have a definite answer for you.' Answered Moka.
'Do you think it is from the blood then?' Asked Tsukune.
'Almost certainly. The real question you should be asking though, is not why is it affecting you, rather, it should be how. For one thing, is it temporary, as it seems that nurse believes, or is the blood affecting you on a deeper level, changing your very being? There is already a great deal of mystery surrounding your situation and as long as you remain here, your encounter rate with monsters will continue to be alarmingly high, at least compared with your life before. If that is the case, fights and injuries as have been occurring to you previously, may continue and perhaps increase in severity or frequency, increasing the risk that you will need more blood, or alternative medical care, which is not suited for humans. You need to weigh this risk up now and decide if you want to remain here. While the other three may not want you to leave, seeing as how you are their friend, you and I do not have a relationship like that currently and I am merely speaking the cold hard truth. If you stay here, three outcomes are possible: the first, that you skate by unnoticed, a human hiding under the radar, the second, you die, plain and simple and the third, whatever is happening to your being now continues, evolves and progresses, which may very well turn you into a monster, human with enhanced abilities, or even something unheard of before.' Explained Moka.
'Do you think there is anything you could do to help? I mean, if you are a Vampire who needs to drink blood for survival, isn't there something you know of that might explain what is happening to me, or a way to fix it?' Asked Tsukune curiously, causing Moka's gaze to sharpen.
'There is one thing that I know of that may push you closer into the territory of a monster, especially given your current state, however, it is only a last resort among Vampires and severely weakens us. Perhaps if you were someone close to me, I might consider it, should your life be in danger, but as of now, you are not worthy in my eyes to know of such a sacred ritual.' Answered Moka.
'I see… that's too bad I suppose, but not the end of the world. Thanks for all of that.' Said Tsukune, confusing Moka.
'Why are you thanking me? I have told you that you are unworthy to know of something that may save your life one day, while offering you very little help with your situation.' Queried Moka in confusion.
'You've done more than you think. You've laid my options out for me pretty clearly. If I want to stay here, I need to be stronger and careful. Staying here means I'll be in danger, but it doesn't mean I'm dead for sure. Also, I have friends here who care for me, so it'd be rude to just leave them behind. I'm a little sad to hear you don't consider us friends… but I guess after what Moka went through in the human world, I can't expect you to like me that easily, even if I might not be human anymore.' Responded Tsukune, surprising Moka.
'That is an odd conclusion to draw from our conversation.' Commented Moka, even as Tsukune laughed in amusement.
'You're the one who said it, "abnormal for a human, but not exactly average among monsters either", guess I'm just a mixed basket at this point. I suppose if that's all, I might as well give this thing one last try. I have a feeling it might actually work this time though.' Said Tsukune, causing Moka to raise a delicate eyebrow in questioning.
Tsukune didn't respond to the silent question and instead pulled on the rosary again, causing Moka to lurch forward slightly, almost bumping her head into his, causing her to growl slightly. Tsukune felt how the anger caused energy to leak out of Moka's body, which then lead to his own body starting to exude something Tsukune couldn't explain in response. To Tsukune, it seemed like adrenaline. There was definitely fear in there, but also defiance, almost as though his body was reacting to the energy Moka was giving off. With this Tsukune gave the rosary another tug, only this time, a sharp snapping sound was heard, surprising Moka, who looked down to see her rosary now detached and held within Tsukune's grasp.