So, some good news for R+V content, I've actually done three chapters and two omakes with a third to come. The first omake is up on my pat reon, free for everyone to read and will come with the next chapter.
I am going to be tweaking things from canon as well because the things people get away with and just ignore is crazy, so people are going to be a bit more competent… and I do realise the irony in saying this since I killed Nagare off a few chapters ago.
Hopefully you'll enjoy things being a bit more realistic and I guess since Tsukune is the "Human", then he should try and humanise things. How successful he is remains to be seen.
Enjoy!
SSJ3 Kyuubi Gohan.
Previously:
Mizore, Kurumu and Tsukune debriefed about their respective searches, before starting one more search, to find Moka who hadn't come to class that day. Kurumu and Mizore would return with a witch, who had tied up Moka, freeing her in the process, before discussing the upcoming newspaper deadline. Kurumu, Tsukune and Mizore would then leave, with Mizore telling Kurumu that she and Gin were also followed during their search, once Tsukune had left, suspecting it to be something related to him. Later that night, Kurumu, Mizore and Tsukune would take a trip into Tsukune's mind and explore it a bit more fully, finding a door which seemed to lead to Mizore's village, before returning. Finally, checking on the baby in Tsukune's mind, the trio would notice changes to the room with Mizore and Kurumu becoming transfixed by the baby. Upon returning to the real world, Kurumu and Mizore decided to sleep over with the already sleeping Tsukune.
'Talking'
"Thinking"
*expression*
Flashback
Techniques
Chapter 9 – Representatives
Tsukune awoke the next morning quite groggy. He remembered that they had gone inside his mind, but he couldn't remember what happened afterwards.
'You're awake.' Said Mizore, lying on the bed on her left side, staring at Tsukune.
'Yeah, sorry, have you been waiting long?' Asked Tsukune.
'Only about an hour, I'm a short sleeper.' Said Mizore.
On Tsukune's other side, Kurumu seemed to be pleasantly enjoying herself in dreamland. Tsukune went to wake her with a small shake, only for Mizore to grab his shoulder.
'She probably needs a bit more rest after yesterday. Let's go for a walk, we still have an hour before class.' Suggested Mizore.
Tsukune obliged and dressed himself, finding Mizore was already dressed. The two made their way through the silent dormitory and made their way outside. As the pair walked further and further away from both the dorms and the academy, Tsukune became more and more curious.
'Mizore, where are we going?' Asked Tsukune, once his curiosity became unbearable.
'I just needed to make sure I could speak to you in private. There is definitely something strange going on right now. There are too many things happening at once at a high danger scale. These next few days you need to lay low Tsukune, or there is no telling what you might get involved in.' Warned Mizore.
'What do you mean?' Asked Tsukune, causing Mizore to roll the lollipop in her mouth nervously.
'Someone is watching us, all of us. That's why I wanted to leave Kurumu behind. It sounds like the two of you dealt with the person who was watching her specifically, but the rest of us are all still being watched. The worrying part is it seems like all of us are being watched by someone different. Moka's stalker we also found out yesterday, but Moka will likely have more, and more to come as well, that's just the person she is. I get the sense that Gin may know who is watching him as well and he seems quite worried. I'm not sure who could be watching me, but I'm not too concerned.' Said Mizore.
'But whoever is after me can only be trouble, right?' Asked Tsukune, causing Mizore to nod.
'It's obvious that whoever is looking at you is dangerous purely because you don't appear to be dangerous yourself, so why the scrutiny? I don't think Saizou would still be interested in you and the childish witch was only interested in Moka. Considering we stopped her, she may come after us, but you weren't involved at all. Youkai are simple, they cause conflict for only a few reasons, food, procreation and pride. Every Youkai's motivation comes down to one or more of those three things. There are exceptions among a few who simply don't feel motivated by one of those three, but those are few are far between. I can say with absolute certainty that everyone at this academy is here for one of those three reasons. Even you are here for food, Youkai Academy does have legitimate qualifications for those seeking careers.' Said Mizore.
'Guess we better get to class then; we wouldn't want to be late.' Said Tsukune.
-line break-
'So, I think there is something I forgot to do at the start of the year… oh that's right, we need a Class Representative.' Said Shizuka.
'So, who would like to be Class Representative?' Asked Shizuka, only to receive complete silence from her classroom.
'Hmm, well, I guess we can just go alphabetically. Akashiya, Moka? Hmm, Moka isn't here? Well, we can't have a representative who isn't here. Ok, next up, Aono, Tsukune? Tsukune, there you are congratulations, you are the Class Representative!' Said Shizuka.
'Uh, thanks I guess.' Said Tsukune half-heartedly, while Mizore, bit down on her lollipop stick.
"As if we didn't have enough to worry about." Thought Mizore, before Moka finally arrived, late as usual.
'Sorry for being late.' Apologised Moka.
'You're becoming late quite often Moka, is everything okay? You just missed out on being Class Representative because you weren't here.' Said Shizuka.
'Sorry, I'm still recovering from a problem a few days ago and haven't gone back to normal yet.' Said Moka.
'Well that's fine then, let's get going with today's lesson.' Said Shizuka, waving off Moka.
-line break-
'So why are you late today, Moka?' Asked Tsukune.
'It's kind of embarrassing.' Said Moka.
'Considering you've again put Tsukune in risk by not being here and forcing him to become Class Representative, you could at least give us an explanation.' Said Mizore coolly.
'Um, I still can't… I still can't go to the bathroom.' Admitted Moka.
'You're joking!' Exclaimed Kurumu.
'Uh, well, no, actually. I haven't been able to since a few days ago now.' Admitted Moka.
'We better go and track that little witch down then.' Declared Kurumu.
'Oh, Tsukune, there you are, I forgot to tell you that there is a Class Representative meeting later today. I think it will be in room 1A or 2B, hmm, maybe 3C… either way, please do your best representing our class.' Said Shizuka, exiting the cafeteria with a fresh fish in hand.
'Do you guys ever get the sense that Sensei's attention span is… well…' Said Tsukune.
'Non-existent?' Supplied Mizore helpfully.
'Well, if we are going to go looking for this witch, we might as well go looking for this meeting room.' Said Kurumu.
'Couldn't we just go and ask Gin?' Asked Tsukune.
'We could, if we knew where he was. Outside of club activities that guy just vanishes.' Said Kurumu.
'I could find him.' Said Mizore.
'No, I guess if he doesn't want to be found we should give him some space. Why don't we all go and try help Moka together, I can focus on the meeting later.' Suggested Tsukune, getting nods from the trio.
The group of four made their way out of the cafeteria into the hallway, taking quick glances into the adjacent classrooms. While most people were still in the cafeteria, quite a few had already returned to class and appeared to be catching up with friends in a quieter environment. Eventually, after peering through a few classrooms, the group spotted the witch who had kidnapped Moka, sitting in a classroom by herself.
'There you are!' Exclaimed Kurumu, startling the girl.
'You are really bad at stalking people.' Commented Mizore.
'We're not stalking here, we were searching.' Said Kurumu, causing Mizore to shrug her shoulders.
'Same thing really.' Said Mizore.
'What are all of you doing here?' Asked the girl.
'We came so you could fix Moka.' Said Kurumu, bringing Moka to the front of the group.
'I didn't do anything bad to Moka.' Protested the girl.
'Tell that to her bathroom.' Said Kurumu, confusing the witch.
'What do you mean? Oh, I never took off the spell.' Said the girl, before producing her wand and giving it a wave.
All of a sudden, Moka quickly exited the room.
'What kind of creepy spell did you use to stop someone going to the bathroom anyway?' Asked Kurumu.
'None of your business.' Said the girl.
'Hmm, causing trouble again, Miss Sendou?' Said a new arrival.
'Class Representative.' Said Yukari.
'As your Class Representative, it causes me problems when you go around causing issues for others. Not to mention, your open defiance for the school rules. You're very existence causes me a headache.' Said the Class Representative.
'Um, excuse me, did you say you are a Class Representative?' Interjected Tsukune, causing the new arrival to take notice of the others.
'Hmm, I am. Tadashi Wanibuchi, Class Representative of class two.' Said the boy.
'My name is Tsukune Aono, I was made Class Representative of class three this morning and I'm not sure where the meeting is today.' Said Tsukune.
'Hmm, well, first thing you should know; is it is your job to keep your class in line and make sure people obey the rules. That is why Miss Sendou here has been such a headache for me.' Said Tadashi, causing Yukari to stick her tongue out at him.
'I will let you off with a warning this time, Miss Sendou, as I have responsibilities to attend to it seems.' Said Tadashi, before exiting the room and gesturing for Tsukune to follow.
'Keep an eye on things for me.' Said Tsukune quietly to the pair, before following after Tadashi.
'Man, that guy was intense, good thing Tsukune got him out of here, right?' Said Kurumu.
'I don't like that Tsukune is alone with that guy.' Said Mizore.
'Hey, are you ignoring me now?' Asked Yukari.
'Ignoring you? We just put ourselves at risk so that guy would leave you alone.
'I didn't ask you to do that!' Shouted Yukari.
'Geez, no gratitude at all.' Chided Kurumu.
'We should leave now.' Said Mizore.
'Why, going to stalk your boyfriend?' Asked Yukari tauntingly.
'Yes, exactly that.' Said Mizore flatly, before leaving.
'Hey! You can't call Tsukune your boyfriend, he is my Destined One.' Protested Kurumu.
'What a bunch of weirdos. It's not like I needed anyone to help me.' Mumbled Yukari.
-line break-
'So, what else is a Class Representative supposed to do?' Asked Tsukune, hoping to make conversation.
'Represent their class. This includes model behaviour in terms of school duties. If you just became a representative, you have some time, but you should start focusing on improving yourself. That fact that I have not heard of you before today means you have no reputation.' Said Tadashi.
'R-really, you haven't heard of me?' Asked Tsukune.
'Yes. I had no idea who Tsukune Aono was before today. Your friend on the other hand, Kurumu Kurono is well known and if you are also friends with Moka Akashiya, I suspect you are the non-descript person always seen with them… but I have not heard of you in any particularly noteworthy manner.' Said Tadashi, excepting Tsukune to deflate at this, only for him to breathe a sigh of relief.
'Does that not bother you? Being a nobody?' Asked Tadashi.
'Well, I've never been the centre of attention before, I guess I am used to staying on the sidelines.' Admitted Tsukune.
'A bit of advice, monsters who stay on the sidelines tend to die alone or get killed off by the strong. You should decide quickly how you want your year to go, especially since you are a Class Representative now. We have arrived in any case.' Said Tadashi, stopping outside a classroom which said, "Meeting room 2".
Tadashi opened the door and entered the room, with Tsukune hesitantly following in after.
'Oh, it seems we have a new representative joining us. Given all other classes are accounted for, you must be from first year class three, is that correct?' Asked a kind looking brunette wearing glasses.
'Sorry, I was only made representative today. My name is Tsukune Aono.' Said Tsukune, giving a small bow.
'No need to apologise, Tsukune. I am Hokuto Kaneshiro, please to meet you. If you could take a seat now, we were just discussing the reports of the other Class Representatives. If you don't have anything to report that is fine, we will come to you last to give you some time to think.' Said Hokuto, gesturing to the last empty seat in the room.
Tsukune gave a small nod and sat down.
'Now then, where were we?' Said Hokuto, resuming the meeting and gesturing for one of the Class Representatives to speak.
Tsukune didn't know what to make of Hokuto. He seemed to be taking all of the concerns of the other Class Representatives quite seriously, offering helpful insight and suggestions. Having seen the entire school be so all-for-one in nature, Tsukune found Hokuto's kindness and compassion comforting, albeit out of place in a school for monsters.
'Well then, Tsukune, it is your turn, are there any concerns you would like to address?' Asked Hokuto.
'Oh, no not really… I mean, as part of the Newspaper Club we've been investigating things… I mean, it looks like someone is kidnapping girls. I don't know all of them and they aren't in my class either I guess.' Said Tsukune, trailing off in embarrassment.
'I see, has anyone else noticed girls going missing from their classrooms?' Asked Hokuto, only for everyone except Tsukune and Tadashi to nod.
'Um, has anyone reported this to anyone?' Asked Tsukune, only for the others to look at him funny.
'Unfortunately, Tsukune, disappearances are quite common here. Some are simple, often people may get lost, some are gruesome and some no one even notices. I guess you could say this is one of those times.' Said Hokuto.
'But, as Class Representatives, shouldn't we look out for our classmates?' Asked Tsukune.
'A extremely valid point, Tsukune, but this may be a scenario of biting off more than you can chew. There are other forces in play protecting the school as well, such as the Public Safety Committee, but even they are not infallible.' Said Hokuto.
'O-oh, I see, I didn't know.' Said Tsukune in disappointment.
'I do think Tsukune makes a fair point though, why don't we try and keep a close eye on our classmates for the next few days.' Said Hokuto, getting a bit of mild grumbling from the group, before everyone ultimately nodded.
A bell rang shortly after that, with Hokuto dismissing the group back to class. As Hokuto made his way outside, Tsukune quickly ran up to him.
'Ah, Tsukune, I take it you are disappointed with how your report was received.' Commented Hokuto, as he continued walking.
'I just couldn't believe that they'd all noticed classmates going missing, but didn't really seem to care.' Said Tsukune in disappointment.
'You have a good heart, Tsukune. Most people wouldn't be so concerned for people they've never even met. I agree with you though, the violence at Youkai Academy does get out of hand and it isn't uncommon that people end up dying here. I had resigned myself to trying to change things alone, but I would be grateful if you wish to help. Keep in mind, there are others who prefer the academy as it is now and opposing the current order could lead to repercussions.' Said Hokuto.
'You're talking about the Public Safety Committee, aren't you?' Asked Tsukune, causing Hokuto to stop walking.
'Hmm, I wouldn't have expected a first year to already have opinions on the Public Safety Committee.' Said Hokuto.
'Well, I heard about them from Gin-Senpai, he seemed worried about them.' Admitted Tsukune.
'I see, you must of course be referring to Ginei Morioka. I suspect he has the strongest opinion of the Public Safety Committee, even beyond my own.' Said Hokuto knowingly.
'What makes you say that?' Asked Tsukune.
'I see, he did not tell you the full story. Tell me, Tsukune, didn't you find it odd that the Newspaper Club only has one member? That is because last year, the Public Safety Committee killed every last one of them, except for Ginei, leaving him to serve as a reminder of their power. I suspect Ginei may have told you this part, but what he likely refused to mention, is that it wasn't just a battle between two groups. No, in fact, the Public Safety Committee rounded them all up and executed them one by one in front of the rest of the school, citing their newspapers as propaganda material against the academy itself.' Revealed Hokuto, stunning Tsukune.
'What? How could they do that? How could they get away with that?' Growled Tsukune.
'Well Tsukune, the Public Safety Committee are the ones who enforce the rules around here. Unfortunately, they are quite selective in the rules they wish to enforce and who they apply them to.' Said Hokuto.
'What kind of rules are they enforcing? Surely there should be a rule to not kill your own classmates?' Asked Tsukune.
'Unfortunately, as I said, the academy has its own order, that of survival of the fittest and most are happy to leave things as they are. I had long resigned myself as being alone in wanting to change things, but it seems you agree with me. This academy should be a safer place, a better place, but change won't come easy. Are you sure you are willing to risk facing the Public Safety Committee alone?' Asked Hokuto.
'I'm not alone, my friends will help me too.' Said Tsukune.
'I see. In that case, I would be happy to aid you as well.' Said Hokuto.
'Thank you Hokuto-Senpai.' Said Tsukune.
'Please, we are friends, equals who want change in the academy, just call me Hokuto.' Said Hokuto.
-line break-
'I don't know what to make of this situation. It really is a shame to see my plan fail before it could even take off from the ground.' Said a cloaked figure.
'Well, maybe he will be more interested now. After all, a king needs to control his subjects.' Said another figure.
'And what happens when there are two kings?' Asked the first figure.
'Guess you'll have to wait and see for that one.' Said the second figure, a puff of smoke coming from a lit cigar in the darkness.
-line break-
'Ah Tsukune, I take it the Class Representative meeting went well?' Asked Shizuka-Sensei as Tsukune arrived.
'Ah yes, sorry for being late, I just got caught up speaking to Hokuto.' Said Tsukune.
'Oh my, so you are already making friends with the Student President, good for you Tsukune, but for now take your seat, class is about to start.' Said Shizuka.
"Hokuto is the Student President?" Thought Tsukune in shock, wondering how someone so kind and passive had come to sit atop a school of bloodthirsty monsters.
Tsukune sat himself down and proceed to really pay attention to the lesson. While his attitude towards others didn't seem great, his message seemed to be valid. Tadashi had said Tsukune now represented his classmates, and it didn't take a genius to see that his didn't compare to someone like Moka in brains, Mizore in cleverness, or Saizou in strength, so the fact that he was their representative now was embarrassing. Tsukune was likely the worst representative of monsters in Youkai Academy, as he wasn't a monster, but perhaps that is what they needed. Hokuto didn't seem like a monster at all, both in looks and behaviours, yet all the Class Representatives respected him. To Tsukune, that meant this was not an impossible task and while he would never be the best monster representative, they were not at this school aiming to become monsters, they were here to learn how to act like humans and Tsukune had that down pat.
As the final bell of the day sounded out, the remaining students all packed up their things and left, leaving only the members of the Newspaper Club behind.
'I've got bad news, we are up to seven now!' Said Gin, walking into the classroom.
'Seven, but there were only five a few days ago.' Exclaimed Kurumu.
'Exactly, someone has been busy. I think we've pretty conclusively ruled out the obvious suspects, so now we are back to square one really.' Said Gin.
'Wait, aside from our own there were only two classes that hadn't had a kidnapping. I should tell Hokuto about this.' Said Tsukune.
'Hmm, already making friends with the president I see. It's good that you are moving up in the world and getting involved in things, it actually makes you less suspicious. Just be careful, the more involved you get, the more chance there is of you stepping on someone's toes.' Said Gin.
'Wait, if that is the case, then that means someone from our class is going to be next.' Said Tsukune nervously.
'No need to jump to conclusions just yet, but it does seem pretty likely. I recommend all of you stay on your toes.' Warned Gin.
'There has to be something else we can do! We need to stop these kidnappings from happening, we can't just leave things as they are.' Said Tsukune.
'Unfortunately, unless you know who is doing it, I don't think there is much we can do at the moment, just keep your eyes peeled. That aside, we need to start planning the layout of the newspaper for publishing.' Said Gin.
'There has to be something else we can do; don't we have any way to look for them?' Asked Tsukune.
'I could send out some ice clones, but I don't think it would be any more effective than if we had just split up, as they'd be as limited as I am with searching.' Said Mizore.
'I could pop into the dreams of others, but I'd be limited to only a few people a night.' Added Kurumu.
'I don't think there is much I could do to help. Sorry.' Said Moka.
'Plus, I don't think I can just go around courageously searching for missing girls, it would probably lead to a misunderstanding.' Added Gin.
'So we're stuck then.' Huffed Tsukune weakly, slumping back into his seat.
'Just keep doing what you are doing, I'm sure the kidnapper will slip up eventually. Now, really, let's focus on the layout of the paper.' Said Gin, redirecting the group again.
Unbeknownst to the group, there was someone listening in who could help, but found themselves indecisive, choosing only to observe the group for now.
-line break-
'All right, I think that's enough for tonight, you three should head back to the dorms together, I'll escort Tsukune. While I don't think Tsukune will be targeted, it is pretty clear someone in your class will be, so don't wander around alone.' Said Gin.
Tsukune clenched his fists at this which Gin noticed.
'Tsukune, you need to control yourself.' Said Gin, once the girls had left.
'I'm trying to, but this is so hard. School is supposed to be fun; I mean sure, there can be things like bullies and hard classes, but people shouldn't be scared for their lives.' Said Tsukune.
'I hear you, Tsukune, but this isn't just any school and you are basically a fish out of water here. It is impressive you've even stayed alive this long and I know you want change, but no offense, you've got the least chance of making it happen right now.' Said Gin.
'I can't accept that. If this is a school teaching monsters how to coexist with humans, I'm the best person to bring about change.' Said Tsukune.
'You are also the best tasting person to many. Do you see why you've got the least chance now? Look Tsukune… for what it is worth, last year the Newspaper Club did try to bring about change, but it didn't work out as I'm sure you know now.' Said Gin.
'Yeah. Hokuto told me what you left out. They executed you all.' Said Tsukune, causing Gin's shoulders to slump.
'Yeah… listen Tsukune, last year wasn't a good year for the school and I probably had the worst year of all and that's even with me being a top-tier monster. Sure, Moka can kick my ass when she powers up, but I'm one of the best monsters in my base form when push comes to shove. You don't think I haven't been caught because of my good luck, it's my speed which has kept me safe. While your eye does give you some self-defence and a bit of training with Mizore has helped you out, if someone like Saizou caught you by surprise, you'd be dead, and he isn't a match for me at all. Just… you need to be patient, change takes time.' Said Gin.
'I know you mean well Gin-Senpai… I will try to lay low. Mizore told me the same thing this morning and now you too. I just really want to help Youkai Academy. A school where people need to worry more about being abducted rather than the upcoming mid-semester maths test is not a good school.' Said Tsukune.
'In that case, you focus on the maths tests, let Hokuto Kaneshiro handle the safety of the school. For now, at least.' Advised Gin.
'Fine, I guess you are right. I better sleep, the test is tomorrow, and I'm so stressed about it already.' Said Tsukune.
'After all, you can't change the school if you get kicked out for bad marks. Besides, you'll be representing Moka, won't you, I can't have you making her look bad.' Joked Gin.
'Night.' Said Tsukune, before heading into the dormitory.
'You know, you following me defeats the point of me sending you back as a group.' Said Gin loudly.
'Things are getting too dangerous for Tsukune.' Said Mizore, stepping out from behind a tree and approaching Gin.
'Too dangerous? Things have been too dangerous for Tsukune since he showed up here.' Said Gin quietly.
'You know what I mean.' Said Mizore.
'You need to cut Tsukune some slack. He has been doing ok up to this point. He held himself pretty well against me after all.' Said Gin, raising his arm.
'There are too many people watching us all. It is a disaster waiting to happen.' Said Mizore.
'What do you suggest then?' Asked Gin.
'Isn't it obvious? We need to eliminate the threat.' Said Mizore.
'Look, while Kurumu was being chased around by a slimy slug and Moka by a loli witch, I know the people watching me can't be eliminated. I'm not sure about who is after you, but you know Snow Woman can be taken out easily enough. You're not as strong as a vampire, or even a werewolf.' Said Gin.
'Get me angry enough and I can be worse. Hurting Tsukune will do that.' Replied Mizore coolly.
'Don't forget, ice doesn't do well under fire, if you understand that much, you'd never even consider what you are proposing.' Warned Gin.
'Fire takes time to melt ice.' Said Mizore simply.
'Geez, you're going to get yourself killed. Tsukune isn't the only one who should be training.' Said Gin.
'I am very well trained, I'm the only one who noticed our spy.' Said Mizore.
'You only noticed one? Funny since there are actually three.' Said Gin, causing Mizore's hair to stand on edge.
Raising her awareness Mizore found Gin's statement to be true.
'Go home Mizore, go to bed, you're clearly tired.' Said Gin, as he started to walk away.