Oh, it's Valentines' day? Eh. If you want something to love, love this chapter. Better yet, love the fact that the next chapter of this story is up on my pat reon, as well as two chapters of SNU and three for AHTNK, if you like Naruto or Bleach as well.
Enjoy!
SSJ3 Kyuubi Gohan.
Previously:
The newly formed Newspaper Club decided to start their relationship anew. Gin, while seemingly unchanged by his defeat at Moka's hands, proved more serious than Tsukune expected, with his warning of the Public Safety Commission and eventual help in training. The girls tracked down leads on their stories, with only Kurumu and Moka having any luck finding information about the peeping tom and prankster. Both Mizore and the group of Gin and Tsukune were unable to find any information on the recent kidnappings, unnerving the group, but it didn't deter them from an experiment to see if Tsukune could release Moka from her rosary. While initially being a failure, Moka and Tsukune engaged in conversation on what may happen to Tsukune within the rosary, before Tsukune resolved himself and seemingly succeeded.
'Talking'
"Thinking"
*expression*
Flashback
Techniques
Chapter 7 – Stalkers…
'Any idea what is happening?' Asked Kurumu, as they watched what looked like a hypnotised Tsukune stare into Moka's rosary.
'No clue.' Commented Mizore.
'I'm not sure, but I think Tsukune is talking with the Moka inside the rosary.' Said Moka, before lurching forward slightly, as Tsukune tugged on the rosary.
'So does that mean he is doing that inside your rosary?' Asked Kurumu.
'I think so, eh?' Answered Moka, before looking down in surprise, as she heard a click.
The rosary was in Tsukune's grasp, no longer attached to Moka. In the next moment the sky darkened, before wave after wave of power rolled off Moka, until her form had transformed at last.
The silver haired Moka had been released and she looked slightly cross, if her furrowed eyebrows were any indication.
'So it worked?' Asked Kurumu.
'Clearly.' Retorted Moka dryly.
'How?' Asked Mizore.
'I'm not sure really, but I think it was… well, survival instinct, like if I didn't manage to get it off, I would die.' Explained Tsukune.
'I do not believe that can be the sole reason, by that logic, anyone could remove this seal and I highly doubt a seal as complex as this would operate on the influence of someone outside of it.' Disagreed Moka.
'Maybe though, I mean, isn't the point of it to keep your strong powers under lock and key? Why would anyone want to willingly make you stronger?' Added Kurumu.
'Could it be specific for Tsukune because he is human?' Asked Mizore.
'Unlikely. If that were the case, any human could pull this thing off and would then be exposed to very potent youkai.' Said Moka.
'What if it is like a defense mechanism? Like it thinks a human is attacking Moka so the seal breaks to give her power?' Suggested Tsukune.
'Also unlikely as even sealed, the other Moka has far more strength than the average human.' Refuted Moka.
'Well, I guess we aren't any closer to figuring this thing out, but I think if I have to in the future, I can pull it off if we need to. How do you feel?' Asked Tsukune.
'Fine. A mere transformation would not be enough to tire out one such as I.' Said Moka.
'You say that now, but as soon as we put it back, you'll faint. That's pretty dangerous on its own. What if someone forces it back on in a fight, you'd be defenceless?' Warned Kurumu.
'While breaking the seal is a mystery to me, restoring it is voluntary, only I can put it back on.' Said Moka.
'Who designed that thing, that sounds like a lot of crazy specifications? Can't you just suppress your powers like the rest of us?' Asked Kurumu in exasperation.
'No, they are too great. That is why I need the rosary, as even amongst monsters, I am too intimidating.' Said Moka.
'But then shouldn't you have spent time trying to control your power? If it is so great, wouldn't it make sense for you to be able to harness it on your own?' Questioned Tsukune.
'Perhaps it is too great for Moka to control.' Suggested Mizore, to which Moka huffed.
'Perhaps when I was a child when I first received this, but I should be able to exert some measure of control over it now.' Said Moka.
'Well, I don't think you can practise that when you are sealed, you'd need to spend some time outside of the seal to let yourself adjust.' Suggested Kurumu.
'Agreed. You beat Gin in an instant, but what if you can't sustain yourself in a prolonged fight?' Added Mizore.
'Then I will simply beat everyone in an instant.' Retorted Moka.
'I have an idea.' Said Tsukune, drawing their attention.
'Well, what if I can use my eye to try and suppress Moka's power, that way she could get used to it little by little until she can handle it on her own?' Suggested Tsukune.
'That would require you to have complete control over your power, in order to accurately modulate mine and I doubt you are at that level yet.' Said Moka, causing Tsukune to sigh.
'Yeah, but I think if I can get some more practise, I should be able to do it… just maybe not right now.' Admitted Tsukune.
'Well, I believe that this is as much as we will get through today, we shall discuss this matter another time.' Said Moka, taking her rosary back from Tsukune and attaching it, before reverting to her more docile form and slumping onto Tsukune.
'I guess we better get her back then.' Said Tsukune, with the other two nodding in agreement.
As the group headed back, they missed the presence of another person who appeared to have been watching them.
"Was that Moka's monster form… it was so… heavy…" Thought the figure, panting slightly, before regaining herself and heading back to the academy.
-line break-
'So you figured that out, huh?' Commented Gin, rubbing his chin, as the group explained what had happened.
'Any ideas?' Asked Tsukune, seeming to be the only one actually caring about Gin's response.
'I suggest trying to get something weaker to partially suppress Moka's powers, something like my pendant which dampens down youkai ability, but doesn't stop it completely. It sounds like either way though, Moka's in for a rough time.' Said Gin.
'So is there anything you can think of that might help?' Asked Tsukune.
'Well, I wouldn't exactly have something like that lying around, but if you could find something like that, it should work. It would be even better if you found someone who could reliably supress powers in some way though. Your eye might be an idea to look into, but you need more control over it first and for that matter, need to figure out if it is permanent.' Said Gin.
'It's kind of weird hearing Gin speak seriously.' Commented Kurumu, to which Mizore nodded.
'It may not even be Gin, it could be an imposter.' Suggested Mizore.
'Oi! Show me some respect or I'll make the next edition of the newspaper a swimsuit spread! You know Nekonome-sensei would love one for her newspaper's ratings.' Threatened Gin.
'Yeah, that's Gin.' Sighed Kurumu.
'Does this mean he is being serious now?' Asked Mizore.
'On that note though, the thing with Moka needs to be put on the backburner for now, we need articles. So, for now, we split up into two teams. Mizore, you're coming with me to look into these kidnappings. Tsukune and Kurumu, you go after the peeping tom.' Declared Gin.
'Yahoo! Me and Tsukune together!' Cheered Kurumu, to which Mizore frowned.
'Oi, I'm serious, we need something fast otherwise we won't have anything to publish and the club will be shut down, meaning we all need to find a new one, do you want that?' Yelled Gin, causing Kurumu to yelp.
'Okay, geez, way to be a buzzkill.' Huffed Kurumu.
'Off with you two, with Moka down, we're even more short-staffed so get cracking!' Ordered Gin.
'Fine, let's go Tsukune.' Said Kurumu, bounding over to Tsukune, before pulling him to the door.
Upon opening the door with a flourish, a piece of paper fluttered off the ground, catching Tsukune's eye. Walking over to it, Tsukune saw an envelope that appeared to be addressed to Kurumu.
'Kurumu, this looks like a letter for you. Do you know someone named Nagare?' Asked Tsukune, reading the back of the envelope.
'I don't know, I talked with a lot of guys before I met you, but if I can't remember them it can't be anyone important.' Said Kurumu.
'Should we open it then?' Asked Tsukune.
'Why not? Maybe it has a clue about who the peeper is.' Suggested Kurumu.
Tsukune nodded his head and stuck his finger in one side of the envelope, dragging it to the other side and taking a portion of the contents out.
'Um… Kurumu, you might want to take a look at this.' Said Tsukune, with a blush.
'Why what is it?' Asked Kurumu, surprised at Tsukune's reaction.
'Well… they are pictures.' Said Tsukune.
'Pictures?' Questioned Kurumu, tilting her head to the side.
'Dirty pictures… of you.' Said Tsukune, causing Kurumu to gape.
'What?' Shrieked Kurumu, before snatching the envelope from Tsukune, leaving him holding the picture he took out.
Kurumu's expression quickly changed from shock to mortification, before noticing Tsukune was still holding a picture.
'Um it's a good picture?' Supplied Tsukune uncertainly, as he handed it to Kurumu, who was blushing furiously.
'Where did these things even come from?' Squeaked Kurumu, before looking at the envelope and noticing there looked to be a piece of paper inside, in addition to the photos.
Pulling it out, Kurumu quickly skimmed it, to make sure there wasn't anything else inside that would lead to her embarrassment, before taking the time to read it aloud.
'If you don't want these pictures to become public, come alone to the "Monster Tree" in the main schoolyard, Nagare… who is Nagare?' Huffed Kurumu.
'Well, not that it is any of my business, but did you have a boyfriend named Nagare or something in the past?' Asked Tsukune.
'No! I've never had a boyfriend, only those mind control slaves I had earlier in the year and there is no way any one of them would have been able to do something like this. It is too fishy. Why would someone even have photos of me like this… I don't… I'm not even alone in some of them, there is no way I would not remember anything like this.' Denied Kurumu.
'From the sounds of things then, you have a stalker who is trying to blackmail you.' Said Tsukune.
'But I don't understand, it isn't like the monsters here are shy, if someone was after me, they could have just done something about it, like those kidnappings. Something here isn't adding up.' Said Kurumu.
'Kurumu, if this was one of your mind control slaves, could they have done something like this?' Asked Tsukune.
'No way, they are completely at my mercy, they can't do anything without my authority.' Protested Kurumu.
'Could any of them break the control like I did?' Asked Tsukune.
'Before you, no one has ever been able to pull that off, monster or not. It's unheard of for any being to resist a Succubus' charm. Maybe because I'm a bit younger, it wouldn't work on someone really strong, like the headmaster or a really powerful monster, but no one in here could do that, I don't even think Moka's true form could, well, if she was a boy at least.' Said Kurumu.
'Well in that case, maybe this person is trying to trick you and then get something more on you, to trap you…' Said Tsukune thoughtfully, trailing off at the end.
'So blackmail… well then, what are we going to do?' Asked Kurumu, looking at Tsukune expectantly.
'Why are you looking at me?' Asked Tsukune.
'Blackmail is more common in the human world, right? What would you do if this happened to you?' Asked Kurumu.
'Nothing like this would ever happen to me… but I suppose if this happened to someone, they would try and get something on the blackmailer.' Suggested Tsukune.
'Well, we are pretty sure this person is the peeping tom, right? So why not threaten to expose them?' Suggested Kurumu.
'Maybe… but that might still get your photos out there, are you sure?' Asked Tsukune.
'Well, if I have to, I'll give him a pounding as well. No one can peep on me without my permission! By the way Tsukune, you have permission, just so you know.' Said Kurumu, sending a wink to Tsukune.
'As if I'd peep like this guy, no way, he's a disgrace!' Retorted Tsukune hotly.
'Geez Tsukune it was just a joke; besides, I could always just pop into your dreams anyway and give you a private show.' Said Kurumu offhandedly.
'Wait… you can actually do that? Go into people's dreams?' Asked Tsukune.
'Of course, Succubi are experts of the mind and dreams are just one aspect of the mind, dealing with things from real life.' Explained Kurumu.
'Well, wouldn't threatening to torture this guy in his dreams be a way better method to stop him? Like making him see the scariest thing for him, that way he wouldn't bother anyone again?' Suggested Tsukune.
'Hmm, that's not a bad idea, but I still think we should teach him a physical lesson… I'm surprised you thought of something like that Tsukune… I wonder if I should have tried that on Moka…' Said Kurumu, trailing off at the end.
'So, now that we have a plan, are we ready to take care of this problem?' Asked Tsukune.
'Yep, let's go!' Cheered Kurumu, before the two headed off.
-line break-
The two neared the spot mentioned in the letter but didn't see anything around.
'Do you think it was a joke?' Asked Tsukune hesitantly.
'Only one way to find out. Nagare, if you are here come out!' Shouted Kurumu.
'So you did see those pictures and my letter, I'm glad. I can't say the same about you bringing company.' Said a voice from above them.
Looking up, the two saw a boy with a camera around his neck, sitting high in the tree.
'What do you want? Calling me all the way out here with those dirty pictures and your letter!' Shouted Kurumu, only for the boy to drop down from the tree in front of them.
'I took really cute pictures of you, right? I really liked them.' Said Nagare.
'When did you take those pictures? I don't remember that at all!' Said Kurumu.
Nagare straightened himself up and seemed to be sweating profusely, but it seemed thicker than sweat.
'Don't you remember, it was right after we started school? You said if I took a really pretty picture of you, you'd go out with me.' Said Nagare.
'If that is the case, then why are most of the pictures of Kurumu when she isn't aware of you?' Asked Tsukune.
'Yeah, I don't remember that at all.' Added Kurumu.
Nagare's eyes glowed ominously at this, not liking that he was being refused, in addition with Tsukune being there in the first place.
'So are you saying you won't go out with me, Kurumu? I'll spread those photos all around the school.' Warned Nagare.
Tsukune placed a hand on Kurumu's shoulder and gave her a nod.
'No you won't, because if you spread those photos around, I'll come into your dreams and torture you for as long as I live! If that isn't enough, then I'll give you a taste of what that will be like right here!' Said Kurumu, before her claws extended.
'I see, I guess the blackmail route isn't going to be successful. I'm surprised really, I thought you wouldn't have been able to handle Tsukune knowing about this. Especially since I know all of your dirty little secrets, it's one of my specialities. I know all about you Kurumu, what you keep in your third bottom draw, what you do with it and all sorts of things like that.' Said Nagare, causing Kurumu to huff in embarrassment.
'So not only are you a blackmailer, but you're a perverted stalker as well!' Shouted Kurumu.
'I don't think you are one to talk, weren't you the one controlling half of the school with your powers? You're just as much of a monster as I am, but you're pretending like your better than me now. I know more than just what you keep in your drawers, Kurumu. I know your deepest desires, like what you would to Tsukune if you thought you could get away with it. You aren't good, you're just scared to try and take what you really want, but I'm not scared at all!' Said Nagare, as two stalks started to come out of his neck.
A clear mist started to pour out of the stalks, causing Kurumu and Tsukune to back up.
'After all, I am a slug monster and this gas will make you my slave. You'll be powerless to resist me! It's funny, this is just like what you did, except you'll be aware of everything I make you do for me. I'll even make you watch as I torture Tsukune there right in front of you.' Said Nagare, as his mist started to approach the two.
'Run Kurumu!' Said Tsukune, grabbing Kurumu's hand and snapping her back to reality.
The two ran off into the woods, only stopping once they were far enough away that they couldn't see the mist.
'We need a plan Kurumu.' Said Tsukune, struggling to catch his breath.
'What plan? I thought threatening him was the plan, but now he's turned it around on us.' Exclaimed Kurumu.
'Looks like I caught you.' Said Nagare, enlarging from a small slug, into a behemoth of a monster the size of a house and exuding a massive puff of poison gas.
Tsukune and Kurumu futility tried to cover their faces, but the gas was already affecting them, Tsukune quickly dropped to his knees while Kurumu started to tremble, trying to resist Nagare's power.
'How many people have you done this to!' Shouted Kurumu.
'You know, I've lost count, but you're the best one so far. I was planning to go after Moka next anyway and you also have that other girl, Mizore and even though the cold might give me a bit of trouble, I'm sure a bit of gas will fix that problem.' Said Nagare.
'How dare you?' Shouted Kurumu in disgust.
'How dare I? It isn't any different than what you do, Kurumu.' Retorted Nagare.
'He is wrong… Kurumu, you *cough* you're nothing like him!' Protested Tsukune, feeling the gas take its toll on him, dropping down onto his hands as well, struggling to keep himself from collapsing.
'That's funny, coming from a human. You don't know a thing about what monsters do, do you?' Taunted Nagare, shocking the two.
'W-what do you mean human?' Asked Tsukune.
'I've been following Kurumu for a while now, you could say that I know everything she knows. That's why I also know you are human. Slugs don't eat humans all that often, but I could make an exception for you, after all, just how would Kurumu react to seeing me flay your lifeless body and eat you alive while she watches!' Said Nagare, his face twisting into a malicious grin.
'Y-you want to do what to Tsukune?' Whispered Kurumu.
'Hmm, I can't hear you Kurumu, you need to speak up.' Teased Nagare.
'Peeping on me is bad enough… but now you are threatening Tsukune! I won't forgive you!' Shouted Kurumu, as the area around them started to rumble.
Kurumu's eyes glowed ominously, before the branches of the trees around them starting whipping at Nagare, seeking to ensnare him.
'Ahh! What's going on, the trees are attacking! Why is this happening?' Cried Nagare in panic, as strong wood wrapped around him, rendering him immobile.
'I'll never forgive you if you lay a hand on Tsukune!' Shouted Kurumu, her wings and tail appearing, before she used them to push herself off the ground and lunge at Nagare, before slashing his throat with her claw.
Blood spurted out from Nagare's throat, followed by a gurgling cry, as he slowly started to choke on his own blood, before keeling over sideways, unmoving.
'You did it… Kurumu.' Said Tsukune, before losing consciousness.
-line break-
Moka slowly opened her eyes, before finding a strange shape in her immediate vision. The shape was largely round but had a few sharp points here and there. Blinking a few times, Moka started to focus on what the shape was and started to make out facial features. A few more blinks and Moka saw an eager looking face staring at her.
'Um, hello?' Said Moka, attempting to try and rub her eyes, only to find she couldn't move her arms.
'Hi there!' Chirped the face brightly.
Moka started to notice her position and found that she was restrained to her bed with rope and the figure in her immediate vision was sitting on her pelvis, head bowed staring down at her.
'Is it okay if you get off me?' Asked Moka.
'No.' Replied the figure with a smile.
'Um, why not? Why am I tied down?' Asked Moka, still quite confused.
'I just want to spend some time with you and I can't have you running off just because you're awake now.' Replied Moka's captor.
'Who are you?' Asked Moka, feeling a bead of cold sweat run down her forehead.
'I'm Yukari Sendou! It's so nice to get to finally speak with you in person, Moka.' Said Yukari.
'N-nice to meet you too, Yukari… so how long do you plan on keeping me here for?' Asked Moka.
'Hmm, I don't know, the next test isn't for a few days and I've already studied for it… so maybe two days.' Said Yukari thoughtfully.
'What about my studying though?' Asked Moka.
'Oh don't worry, I know you'll do well Moka, I've been watching you, you're so smart and also so beautiful!' Praised Yukari, before shuffling around for something behind her.
'See, I brought you so many cans of tomato juice too, since I know that is what you drink and I've placed a spell on you so you won't feel sleepy or need to go to the bathroom. We can just stay and talk for the whole time, isn't that great?' Cheered Yukari.
'W-what about my club activities?' Asked Moka.
'Don't worry, today is the last day and normal classes start tomorrow, so you're all set.' Said Yukari.
"I… I'm in trouble I think." Thought Moka nervously.
-line break-
'Where am I?' Mumbled Tsukune, as he walked around.
The area looked both familiar and unfamiliar to Tsukune, looking like something from Youkai Academy, but nothing he had seen before, since he could see a playground a bit ahead of him. Walking closer to the playground Tsukune noticed it was still, almost lifeless. No soft breeze, no sway to the trees, no insects chirping or making any noise at all and the area looked as if it was lit by moonlight, despite the fact that nothing was in the sky at all, only an all-encompassing grey. Once Tsukune reached the centre of the playground, in between a curving slide and monkey bars, a small house was visible in the distance. Deciding that there was nothing for him in the playground, Tsukune set off for the house in the distance.
Tsukune's initial assessment seemed to be off, as the house wasn't small at all. Once Tsukune was only a few metres out, he could see it was a triple story house, looking more like a dorm, or small apartment than a house, but had been constructed as a house, complete with a wooden front door and red picket fence around the area.
As Tsukune approached the front door, the door turned inwards, almost welcoming him inside. Deciding to take the risk, Tsukune entered the house, with the door slowly shutting behind him once he crossed the threshold. The house itself seemed normal enough from the outside, but inside it seemed to be a mix of design styles. To his left was a large kitchen, complete with pantry and appliances and to his right was an authentic shoji screen door, which was partially opened and led to an area of eight tatami mats, about three and a half metres in length and width, which was completely bare, in contrast with the kitchen which looked fully stocked.
Making his way up the carpeted stairs, Tsukune found two rooms, one to the right, above the Japanese-style room, with the door slightly ajar, showing him a room, which looked like his room back home, only missing most of the clutter, while to the right, there was a dark brown, almost black door, which was tightly shut.
Deciding to check door number two, Tsukune walked over to the shut door, which opened slowly as he neared it. The room was empty, containing only white walls and a black hardwood floor, with one exception. In the centre was a crib made from red wood, with a baby resting peacefully in the centre. The baby had pale white skin, black hair and was wearing a small white robe. Not a single sound came from the baby and if it wasn't for the miniscule rise and fall of its chest, Tsukune would think it wasn't alive, or perhaps a doll.
'There you are Tsukune.' Said Kurumu, appearing behind Tsukune, who was quite surprised to see her.
'Kurumu, what are you doing here?' Whispered Tsukune.
'I came to see why you haven't woken up yet, we need to go to class in half an hour. Also, why are we whispering?' Replied Kurumu, only for Tsukune to indicate to the crib.
'I think you've been spending too much time with Mizore, if you are dreaming of having babies already. You're skipping the most important and fun step to get there.' Said Kurumu jokingly.
'I'm dreaming? Is that why this baby seems familiar?' Asked Tsukune, getting Kurumu to tilt her head to the side in confusion.
'What do you mean?' Asked Kurumu, only for Tsukune to gently nudge her closer to the baby.
'Doesn't it remind you of something, something you've seen before, but just can't put your finger on?' Asked Tsukune.
Kurumu took a moment to look the baby over, but didn't see anything particularly noteworthy.
'Not really… but this is your mind and your dream, so maybe it is something specific to you. It just looks like a normal baby to me.' Said Kurumu.
Tsukune frowned at this and turned back to the baby, watching it for another minute, before realising what Kurumu had said.
'Did you say class is going to start soon?' Asked Tsukune.
'Yeah, so we should really get going, unless you want to spend the day with the two of us alone in your mind? I told you I could show you something, or we could do it on the outside?' Teased Kurumu, only for Tsukune to blush slightly and shake his head.
'I'm okay, but do you think you could come back to my dream tonight and help me check this place out?' Asked Tsukune.
'Really? Are you sure?' Asked Kurumu, appreciating that Tsukune didn't fully realise what he was asking.
'Sure, why, what's the big deal?' Asked Tsukune.
'Me popping in here is one thing, but you inviting me means I'll have a lot more access to your subconscious mind, especially if you are with me, are you okay with me knowing your inner thoughts?' Asked Kurumu.
'I mean you are my friend and I trust you, so why not?' Said Tsukune, causing Kurumu to smile.
'I really appreciate that Tsukune… okay, we can come back later tonight, but we really should get going now.' Said Kurumu, offering her hand to Tsukune.
Tsukune obliged and the two shimmered out of existence, only for the last remnants of air from the shimmer to be sucked in by the next inhale of the baby.