Chapter Five: The Rescue
"So, tell us what sort of monsters those girls from the Newspaper Club are," The officer demanded of Yukari. Whatever was holding her to the chair she was fastened to wasn't giving and it reminded her of a spider's webbing.
"I don't know what you're talking about," Yukari looked away. "Besides, my sister said never to talk to strangers because they're all pedos in disguise. Is that what you are for tying up a little girl like this?"
The slap across her cheek knocked her to the ground, bringing tears to her eyes. She looked up at the officer, who stared down at her with a look she didn't like. It was that of a predator; not a sexual kind, but an animalistic one. Like Yukari was her next meal.
"Don't play a fool with us," She hissed. "You know exactly what they are. But, why are you defending them? You hate monsters, Yukari? Your family was killed by monsters, wasn't it?"
"What?" Yukari looked confused. "No, my mom and dad are still alive."
"Wait, what?" The officer held up a folder, flicking through it. "Oh, my mistake, your grandmother. And, that gave you a deep-seated hatred for monsters."
"Okay, so I hate monsters," Yukari spit out blood. "That doesn't mean I want them all to die. I'm not so far gone that I don't think that at least some of them are innocent of crimes. Some monsters are children too."
"Ironic coming from the witch," Yukari's eyes widened as she gasped. "But, I still don't understand why you would defend them."
"Again, they're not monsters," Yukari ground out. "And, even if they were, I don't want them to die. They didn't do anything to me."
"Even though they insulted you," The officer asked, looking through the folder. "We saw how you interacted with Moka Akashiya. So, why don't you just talk about it? I mean, you'll probably avoid a painful death that way. Witches are close enough to human, so I suppose we could hire you on here. A little magic doesn't hurt after all."
"You can take that folder and roll it up," Yukari looked up at her. "And, turn that sumbitch sideways and stick it up your candy ass."
"Cute," The officer rolled her eyes. "Acting tough by making a reference that was well before your time. Are you a big girl? Are you showing me you can wear an actual bra or can go to sleep all by yourself without a teddy bear?"
"What the fuck are you talking about?!" Yukari demanded. "I'm twelve, not three!"
"Hmm, I suppose I figured you for much younger. I mean, you act like a spoiled brat."
"Look, I get what you're trying to do here," Yukari glared. "You're not scaring me or intimidating me or getting in my head. I'm not a fucking idiot, I know what you're trying to do. I may have my grudges and chips on my shoulder, but I'm not going to be responsible for the deaths of anyone, human, monster, or your ugly dumb ass."
"Quite the mouth on you," The officer raised an eyebrow. "You know, those words don't make you cool. I'll bet your friends think you're a terrible influence."
"I don't give a shit about being cool! You kidnapped me and are forcing me to answer your stupid questions! I shouldn't have to be civil with a kidnapper pedophile!"
"I'm not a pedophile," The officer rolled her eyes. "You're too old for it to be considered pedophilia. I would simply be a predator. However, I am a predator, just not the kind that you were thinking of."
"What are you gonna do, tie me up like a turkey and shove an apple in my mouth before cooking me?" Yukari taunted.
"Don't tempt me," The officer hissed. "The only reason you're still alive is because you have information. And, we're also waiting for the right time to proclaim to the monster population that we will be coming for them."
"They'll find me," Yukari said. "And, you'll be sorry."
"Who will find you? Who's even looking for a brat like you? Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to make preparations and get a snack because now you've gotten me hungry. Try not to make a mess lying on the floor there. I just had that floor cleaned."
Yukari lay there on the ground, hoping that someone would find her. Sure, she was acting tough because no bitch in a uniform was gonna get her to do anything. This wasn't Catholic school and she wasn't Ruby, always trying to get in trouble, just to see if the headmistress would use the paddle… though, it did feel nice the few times it had happened—focus, Yukari!
She didn't have her wand, so magic was out. Anything she may have been able to do without it was useless, limited only to sensing Youkai and summoning the wand. Both of those were nullified by whatever this room was. The energy bounced all around and off the walls, keeping her trapped. She hoped with all her heart that she could see Moka one last time, even if she hated her. Seeing her would let her go to her death with a smile… unless Moka was in danger, obviously.
Elsewhere
Moka, Mizore, Kurumu, and Tsukune were exhausted. They had spent nearly all night looking for Yukari, but to no avail. Kasumi had told them to go to bed around three to at least get some sleep and she and Ruby would continue to look for the young witch.
They were sleeping on their desks in the club, their only safe haven to catch up on it. Moka was leaning on Tsukune, nibbling gently on his neck and Mizore had slept next to Kurumu, still sucking on her lollipop. Miss Nekonome had come in at one point, but she saw that they were all sleeping, so she took her fish and left, moaning in an orgasmic manner at the taste.
Suddenly, the door burst open, the shaggy head of the senior club member, Gin Morioka, covered in sweat as he ran in.
"Guys, Guys!" He shouted in a panic, startling them all awake. Moka, from being startled, bit down too hard on Tsukune's neck, drawing blood. Tsukune hissed, putting his hand to his neck, looking at the blood staining his hand. For some reason, before Moka could lick it, he licked his hand. It was a strange feeling, but the taste wasn't that bad.
"Gin, you pervert!" Kurumu stomped over to him. "How dare you burst in like that?!"
"Hey, if I was being perverted, I'd have just taken pictures," The senior member grinned, putting his hands behind his head. "But, I'm here because I found some information about your friend, the little witch."
"Witch?" Kurumu tilted her head. "How did you figure she's a witch?"
"Oh, I can smell a witch a mile away," Gin waved her off. "Call it primal instincts. I can also smell you're a succubus, frosty there is an Ice spirit, and Moka is… something. Not sure what."
"You can just tell that?" Moka narrowed her eyes. "Why should we believe that?"
"I mean, I saw you Charm that girl in the class," Gin pointed to Kurumu. "And, I investigated Frosty here. Besides, as a werewolf, I have superior smell."
"Wait, you're just revealing your monster trait?" Moka tilted her head in confusion.
"Well, I just wanted to explain why I'm so suave to you beautiful ladies," Gin ran his fingers through his hair. "Wait, wait! I forgot why I came here. I found this in my locker!"
He handed Kurumu a note, his free hand nearing her breasts, but a handful of claws slashed across his face, sending him to the ground.
"Oh… Oh my god," She gasped, reading the note. The others crowded around her, their faces contorting in horror as they read the contents of the note.
"To the Newspaper Club," The top read. "The Safety Commission is going to be setting an example of the monster supporter, Yukari Sendō. For her 'crime' of supporting monsters, she is to be publicly executed on the bell tower of the school tomorrow. To the monsters in this school and especially in the Newspaper Club, your days are numbered if they succeed in this example. You will not be allowed to live past this school year if they have their way. You are a danger to this school and must be punished in their eyes. Please stop them and end this! If you are at all in concern of protecting monsters, please help us! Signed, the monsters of Youkai Private Academy (anonymous for all our safety)."
"Yukari…" Moka looked down. "This is all my fault."
"Shut up," Kurumu pointed at her. "None of this is your fault. She chose to be difficult and ran away. I don't know why she hates monsters, but even if she does, we're going to save her stupid ass."
"R-Really?" Mizore asked.
"Of course," Kurumu clenched a fist. "I'll be damned if I let a kid, even a stupid brat like her, be killed for something like supporting monsters. We won't stand for that."
"How noble," Gin was busy wiping his face with a handkerchief. "But, the first part you'll need to do is find her. Just because they'll execute her on the bell tower doesn't mean that she'll be held there."
"We'll check it first. But, if she's not there, then she's probably in the safety commission's headquarters," Tsukune piped up. "Where's that?"
"It's not on campus. In fact, it's three blocks away. They choose to do their meetings there to 'prevent those that dislike us from preventing safety among the students' or some shit like that."
"Well, then that's where we go if she isn't at the bell tower," Tsukune held out a hand. "Are you in?"
"For that brat, of course," Gin put a hand over his.
"How do you know her?" Moka asked.
"I know her sister. Plus, she tutored me when I was failing Grammar. Stupid rules. She's got a good heart, but clearly was forced to grow up too fast."
"That's probably the nicest, non-lecherous thing you've said about a female," Kurumu muttered, placing a hand on top of Gin's.
"For Yukari," Moka's hand was next. Mizore gingerly put her hand on the top.
"Then, we go tonight,' Gin said.
"Tonight?" Tsukune asked. "Why not now?"
"You guys look like you all were hit by a cement mixer," Gin pointed out. "Can't go storming the bad guy's place to kill someone with zero sleep. But, we'll have to be careful. Any of you been in a fight before? And, I don't mean your little scuffle I heard about the other day. I mean an actual fight?"
"No," Moka said. "I mean, me and my sisters fought, but they always beat me except for my youngest sister."
"Well, you're gonna wanna be prepared for one," Gin pointed at her. "There will be no mercy from them, especially if we're storming the snake's den."
"Right," They all nodded.
Ten hours later, after they'd all gotten some well-needed sleep, the group met at the address Gin gave them. When they arrived, they noticed it looked like a plain house.
"Gin, what is this?" Moka asked when she saw Gin.
"This is my place," Gin gestured. "Castle Morioka!"
"You said we were going to their headquarters!" Kurumu shouted.
"Why would we meet up there?" Gin asked. "We're here to go over a plan before we storm it. You don't meet up at the place you're storming to go over storming it."
Kurumu grudgingly gave him that. He did have that point. Gin pulled out a blueprint, showing it to them.
"I managed to score this from the babe at the city hall," Gin smirked. "Here's the plans for the building. She could only get me one copy, but it'll do. Now, here's the front entrance. WE can be badass and run in guns blazing as we attack or we can find a vent.
"These puppies ain't goin' in no vent," Kurumu pointed at her chest. "I'll never get out of it again if I do."
"Then, we sneak in the front door," Moka said.
"They've got cameras around it," Gin said. "It won't work that easy. We need to be careful. We don't know what sort of monsters they have guarding it."
"Wait, but they hate monsters," Tsukune pointed out.
"Correct, but humans are only so strong," Gin replied. "A monster used for the group's own benefit is the best kind, especially since an attacker won't know what they're up against."
"Well, then we should be prepared for anything," Kurumu clenched a fist. "We have our abilities, so we'll be able to make some headway. Let's go."
Gin led them to the bell tower. It was an unassuming building, similar to a three-story church, a huge steeple rising into the sky. The front door was an ornate wooden door that opened outward. Standing outside were two muscular people, one man and one woman.
"Okay, why do they need a building like this?" Kurumu asked.
"Remember, the safety commission is a third party used by the school to enforce safety," Gin looked at the guards. "They also go out to other places, but if you ask me, it's to sniff out monsters and their supporters and torch them out."
"Wh-What have monsters done to them?" Mizore asked, pulling her hood down over her face.
"You been living under a rock?" Gin asked her. "There used to be intense wars and some groups haven't forgotten that. It's why monsters don't go around using their abilities on others or showing their true forms."
"Hey, what are you doing, Tsuki!?" Everyone's eyes widened as they turned to see Kyoko standing there. "Why are you sneaking around at night like this?!"
Gin clamped his hand around her mouth with lightning quick reflexes.
"Be very, very quiet," He instructed her. "We are attempting to rescue our friend and we will be found out if you don't be quiet. A pretty girl like you should learn to keep her mouth shut sometimes. I hear you storming around the school attempting to investigate these pretty ladies. So, stop it."
Kyoko mumbled something from behind his hand as she tried to say something.
"Are you going to be quiet?"
She nodded and he released his hand. "Why are you guys thinking she's in there?"
"That's the Safety Commission," Gin explained. "We were told she's in there and they're holding her there."
"What?" She scoffed. "They don't do that. They just promote public safety. I'd know if they were doing something like detainment. Those guys are probably just thugs."
"How would you know?" Gin's voice became low and dangerous, nearly a growl.
"I applied for a job there," Kyoko replied. "They approached me and offered me a job and said they were watching me and felt like they could use my skills. I was actually on my way to their offices now for a late night meeting."
"Your monster hunting skill," Gin would have snapped at her if Moka hadn't held him back, surprising him with her strength.
"What the hell are you talking about?" Kyoko asked. "These weirdos are the ones I'm investigating."
Before Gin could do anything, Tsukune stepped in between him and Kyoko.
"Look, I have to get to work," Kyoko sighed. "I have a meeting and they'll see if I have what it takes. Don't blow this for me."
"How dare you?!" Gin was about to scold her, but Tsukune held up a hand.
"Sorry to disturb you, Kyoko," Tsukune smiled. "We're just having a club bonding activity and we chose this building at random because it looks cool."
"Well, I've got my eye on you." Kyoko gave Moka, Mizore, and Kurumu the universal sign for that statement. "Don't you dare make Tsuki into some sort of vandal."
"Why did you let her go?" Kurumu asked as Kyoko walked up to the door. "We could have used her id."
"This will be better," Tsukune whispered. "Kurumu, you said that succubi can make illusions, right?"
"Yeah, so?" Kurumu tilted her head.
"So, we disguise ourselves and sneak in," Tsukune grinned. "If we make ourselves invisible, we can sneak in."
"Fortunately for us, it's a full moon," Gin grinned. "I can sneak in without giving us away."
"What does a full moon have to do with that?" Kurumu asked.
"He's a werewolf," Moka crossed her arms, nodding. "The moon determines how fast he is. Let's do it. But, if he gropes us, I'll drink him dry."
"When you say it, it doesn't sound as sexy as I wanted it to," Gin pouted, shrugging. "Oh well. Let's go. Who's first?"
"I-I'll go," Mizore raised her hand gingerly.
"You?" Kurumu asked. "Really?"
"Y-Yukari was a brat, b-but I know what it's like to want to make friends s-so much that you don't focus on how you come across," Mizore looked down. "I-I can tell that deep down she's lonely. Sh-She's so smart, but it's alienated her to make friends because they're all older than her and she's beyond them in intelligence. I-I'm willing to give her a second chance if we make it to her."
"I second that," Tsukune nodded.
"Me three," Moka grinned.
"I suppose I will too," Kurumu gave a thumbs-up. "So, what's the plan?"
"We make ourselves invisible or make something to distract them and then enter the bell tower," Tsukune pointed. "Once we're inside, we find Yukari and get the heck out."
"Right," They all agreed, preparing their plan. Once they were ready, Moka and Tsukune snuck around to the back, looking at the back door. It was unguarded, but the lock on it looked tough and breaking it would make noise. There was a window, but they didn't want to risk going near it if they were unable to see inside.
Kurumu concentrated her Youkai energy, summoning it to create a monster that grew up from the ground. It was like a carnivorous plant, shrieking at the guards, who tensed up. They aimed their guns they had been concealing at the plant monster, shooting it. Their bullets passed right through it, having no effect. They jumped out of the way as it slashed for them. The vines it used to attack kicked up a cloud of dust, giving Kurumu and Gin enough room to reach the door and slip inside.
Mizore entered right behind them, freezing the door shut behind them. They carefully made their way in. The first floor seemed to be mostly empty, consisting of the sanctuary and main preaching room. They reached the door on the other side, giving Moka and Tsukune the okay sign when they saw them in the window. Moka nodded, breaking the lock as they entered.
"This floor is quiet for some reason," Kurumu narrowed her eyes. "I don't sense anything, man or monster."
"I don't smell anyone here either," Gin glanced around. "Perhaps we should take ourselves to the next floor."
"Right," The rest nodded. They found the stairs, carefully making their way up. When they reached the top of the stairs, Gin held up a hand. In front of them was a door. It was made of steel and had a strong knob and lock. Upon a quiet test, they discovered it was unlocked.
"They're here," He whispered. "Be quiet. I'll need a second to figure out how many there are and what we should do."
He held his nose up to the crack in the door, sniffing the air. He took in the aroma of the room, the bodies in it, and how many there were."
"There's one in here, but we can't count on that," He said. "From here, we play stealth mode."
"Got it," The rest whispered as they looked to the hallway. The single person in the room was standing there, back to them, looking at her watch. Gin ran up to her, knocking her out with a single blow, all within the span of two seconds. The others ran in after him.
"Now, we need to check all these rooms," Gin pointed. "As long as the coast is clear, we can find her easily. They may not be expecting us."
"Well, they shouldn't be," Kurumu rolled her eyes. "We snuck in, remember?"
"R-Right," Gin chuckled nervously, rubbing the back of his head. "Let's check these rooms quickly."
Moka and Tsukune stood together, looking at one of the rooms. Nodding, they opened that one. Inside was a lounge that was currently empty of people. It had a TV, some books, and a couch.
"Not here," Moka whispered.
"She's not here either," Kurumu opened a broom closet.
Mizore opened another door, dropping to her knees and clutching her head. She squeezed her eyes shut, Kurumu running over to her.
"What is—" She started before she felt what was in the room. The Youkai energy was bouncing all around and giving her a headache. That room, whatever it was, made her Youkai energy reflect and magnify. It was like it was designed to warp a monster's senses. But, why would that be? Unless…
"The chief officers are monsters," She muttered.
"What?" Moka asked as she and Tsukune walked over. Moka felt a little sick and Tsukune winced a little.
"That room must be for preventing Youkai from detecting other Youkai," Gin surmised, standing well back. "I'd heard of rooms and areas like that. It's to disorient monsters and prevent them from using their abilities and to detect other Youkai energy."
"Why would they have it?" Kurumu shut the door.
"Probably to keep monsters they interrogate from attacking. It wouldn't work on a witch though, since they're human enough to prevent it. But, it could keep a witch from sensing other Youkai energy."
"Which means there must be monsters in league with this organization," Tsukune looked away. "How horrid, hunting their own."
"Don't fault the monsters that have decided to forsake," Gin crossed his arms. "At least not all of them. I guarantee that at least some of those monsters were blackmailed in some way."
"Even if that's true, these guys seem dedicated to destroying monsters as a whole," Kurumu shuddered, looking down the hall. "Let's just find her and get out of here. This bell tower is already home to a lot of rumors and I'd not like to see if they're true."
"Same," The rest agreed. They continued down the hall, opening door after door and checking them. Oddly enough, there were no safety commission members or Yukari anywhere. The entire second floor was empty as well.
"This is just eerie," Kurumu clenched a fist in nervousness as she looked down at the stairs to the third floor, where the bell was housed. "There's no one here besides those guards out front. Why wouldn't there at least be a few members?"
"It's possible they're gathered for something," Gin's breath hitched. "Maybe that note was off about the timing."
"But, wouldn't the writer of the note not be privy to that knowledge unless they were in the organization?" Tsukune asked. Everyone stopped cold. The situation had just become far more dangerous. This had to be a trap. Even the most fanatic of cults would keep a few members to keep everything in order and to watch out for visitors. But… where were they to lead them into the trap?
"Stay behind me," Gin took the lead. Everyone obeyed immediately; there wasn't a hint of a perverted comment in the sentence. The werewolf walked through the hall, opening the door to the third story. He gestured them come closer and they ascended the stairs, keeping their guards up. The door at the top of the stairs was closed, a small padlock on the knob to keep it sealed. Moka walked up, wrenching the lock off and setting it gently down.
"You're strong," Gin commented. "But, let's be careful."
They opened the door quietly, stepping into the room. They looked at the bell and gasped. Chained to the bell in an X shape was Yukari. Her head was slumped forward, meaning she was either asleep or unconscious, likely the latter.
"Yukari," Moka whispered. She was clearly in bad shape. They saw a small band of what looked like cultists gathered around the bell, sticks and wood gathered below it. They all dressed in the attire of the safety commission, all of them silent.
"They're going to burn her alive," Gin murmured. "With that bell, it'll be slower, but far more painful. We need a plan before they light the fire."
"We've got to take them out," Kurumu let her claws loose. "We can't afford for them to identify us. If we can knock them all out before we're identified, we can save her without compromising ourselves."
"Good idea," Gin acknowledged.
"Why are they dressed like that?" Tsukune asked. "They're not hiding themselves at all."
"There's a chance they don't want their deed to go unidentified," Gin suggested. "The safety commission is a public icon after all. To know that they stopped a threat like a monster that was supposedly attacking people would be a big deal. Some people still haven't gotten past the days of the Witch Trials."
"We need a plan to—" Kurumu started to say before the officers all turned to look at them. One of them stepped forward.
"Well, well, well, look who's here," The officer spoke. "By my notes, you would be Moka Akashiya, Kurumu Kurono, Tsukune Aono, Gin Morioka, and someone new… I'll have to note who you are later."
"I-I'm—" Mizore began before Kurumu put a hand on her shoulder.
"She doesn't deserve to know your name after this little stunt," The succubus pointed at the officer. "She's going to release Yukari and then she'll turn herself into the police."
The officers around the bell all laughed.
"Oh, you poor child," The senior officer laughed. "We are the police. Now, even though you're quite rude, I suppose you are allowed to know my name before I take care of you suspected monsters. My name is Keito. Now, freaks, you shall witness the birth of a new order!"
It seems that they did walk right into a trap. I wonder what's going to happen.
I am so sorry this took so long to update. I had ideas, but couldn't get them to flow right (also, I was distracted by writing a RWBY/Jojo crossover, but that's aside from the point). I really want this story to end, so I'm going to keep at it. I love this story and want to see it through to the end as best I can. It's not ending soon, I want to write more about these guys.