Kuyou paused the laborous process of working through the paperwork on his desk. He was interupted from the grueling task when the double doors to his office were opened and a woman was escorted inside. She was covered heavily in bandages, obscuring her identity. But Kuyou was acutely aware of who she was. After all, he had sent for her. "Hitomi Ishigami. Welcome." He greeted.
Even under her face wraps, Kuyou could see her feirce glare. A racial trait, no doubt. "Well it wasn't as if i was given a choice. Your goons didn't take no for an answer.
So, what is it you want, oh heavenly one?" Hitomi asked mockingly.
Kuyou narrowed his eyes at her disrespect, but let it go in favor of gaining information. "I believe you have informafion on a suspect of interest. Someone who must be treated with care.
I called upon you because you have personal experience with this person of interest."
Ishigami's posture was skeptical. "Who? I don't make a habit of keeping the company with those the PSC would call an enemy."
"Tsukune Aono." Kuyou said smoothly.
Kuyou brushed off the Youki saturated killing intent of the woman easily. The woman hyper ventallated as her hands clenched into clawed fists. He raised his eyebrow at the woman's uncooth display. Had she no self control?
She did, apprently, though it was minimal. He graciously allowed her the few moments it took to calm herself to a state in which she could speak. When she was done with her pitiful tantrum, she looked up at him with rage glazed eyes. "What do you want to know?"
Kuyou smiled. It seems reports were correct. She held a grudge. One he could easily take advantage of.
"What is your measure of the boy? How would you discribe his nature?"
The bandages over her face shifted in a way that made it seem like she was sneering. Or perhaps scowling. It was difficult to tell. "Boy is fast. Definitely not human, if that's what you're worried about."
Now that caused Kuyou to pause. And then to laugh. A deep and long laugh."A human? Here?" He laughed again. "Now that is a joke. This academy is exclusive to supernatural beings. Specifically, Youkai. Though, some allowances are made, pending approval of the headmaster." He was forced to take a deep breath then, just to control himself. He hadn't laughed that hard in years. A human in Yokai academy! Ha! As if that could ever happen. Cleaing his throat, he contenued.
"But I digress. No, I'm certainly not worried about a human slipping in. No, I'm far more worried about a more substantial infiltration. " He struggled not to chuckle and put on a much more serious face that would match the situation.
"An alligation has been made that Tsukune Aono is, in fact, a Devil. Something that is strictly forbidden from entering the Academy." Ishigami's eyes widened as her mind went through the fight.
"Yes. Yes, certain things made sense now." The woman mumbled.
Kuyou raised an eyebrow when she didn't elaborate further. He stood up and walked over to a window. Gazing out of it, he sighed. "It is the duty of the PSC to maintain order. To enforce rules. To prevent chaos. Would you agree?"
The bandaged woman nodded.
"Yes. Tell me, are you aware of why devil's specifically are forbidden from attending here? After all, though it needed head master approval, we have hosted fallen students in the past. And, would the angels figure out the extremely basic process of procreation ,without falling, we have no rules against their joining the academy either. So, I ask, why are devil's forbidden?"
Ishigami thought for a moment. Then she thought she found the solution. "Is it because… of their Evil Piece system?"
She guessed.
Kuyou actually clapped. It was a slow and mocking clap, but nothing less could be expected of the blonde. "Precisely right. Perhaps that brain of yours didn't boil in your skull after all."
She scowled at his backhanded comment. Not that anyone could tell from under her bandages.
"Yes, those…abominations. Not only do they taint the purity of our bloodlines, but devil's have been known to force different members of different yokai to join their" He sneered the word. "Peerages. They're a step away from glorified slavery. Which would be fine if they kept to humans! But devils have been known to go out of their way to capture and enslave our kind! Multiplying like roaches! Our glorious kind reduced to the level of humans. To let one loose in these hallowed walls would be no different than selling our glorious kind to a cheap brothel!"
Ishigami hesitated to speak, but was comanded to do so when Kuyou noticed she had something to say.
"The fire the boy used, I've never fought a devil before. But, if I'm not mistaken, it appeared very close to the devil Power of Imagination."
Kuyou narrowed his eye. "Interesting. Fire you say? Is there anything else that struck you as strange?"
"Yes." She continued. "His regeneration was off the charts. I've never seen anything like it. Minor cuts and scrapes disappeared like they were dirt in need of wiping off. As for more grevous wounds, I wouldn't know. As you can see from my state, he was my better in terms of strength.
Kuyou frowned harshly as came to a rather alarming conclusion. Fire, and regeneration? He knew of only one devil clan with those traits. And he also knew that they went out of their way to ensure no bastard children were born. It all painted a rather colorful picture.
Perhaps he should have the boy detained as well. The succubus too. Those hellspawn were most likely in league. The vampire was a bit more complicated. She was nobility, and the personal ward of the Headmaster. That being said, he couldn't let her go unpunihsed.
"If that's all you require, I'll be going. I have revenge to plan against our common enemy." Ishigami said while turning around. But she was stopped by a firm hand placed on her shoulder. She winced at the pain the contact caused.
"You will do no such thing. This is beyond you and me now. This is a matter for our leaders. And i will not have you alerting this spy on my watch. You will make hourself scarce. Or you will be dealt with." She whirled around in rage.
"You have no right to threaten me , boy! Your control may extend far, but i am still faculty! If I was to die, the headmaster would have to intervein. And even you fear him." She threatened.
But Kuyou's smile was visous. "Under normal circumstances, you are correct." The room became hotter with his every word. "But these are not normal circumstances. We are dealing with a devil incursain. There is the potential that this could lead to war.
And while that is a pleasant thought, if it is to happen, it must be the Devils who initiate it. If you kill the devil, and we are not prepaired, then they may demand consessons. Something we cannot afford. I will not have my name as the one under which that all happened. You will wait, or you will be silenced. Understand?" His smile was all teeth. He could kill her with no repercussions. And she knew that. But her pride had already been spurned, and she sneered agrily. Kuyou wondered if she might actually attack him. He welcomed the challenge.
Someone knocked on his door, before entering. Two pairs of eyes turned to a man in SPC uniform. The boy rasied his eyebrow when he saw he had inturupted a meeting. "Apologies, Lord Kuyou. But you instructed to be informed immdediately should you receive mail." The boy held a letter outstreched in his hand.
Kuyou took it with egarness, and the boy left without needing to be dismissed.
Eyes skimming over the letter, a devious smile came upon Kuyou's face. "It seems it is time to act."
Back with the newspaper club, a dressing down was taking place. And not the fun kind.
"You stupid firggin idiots! Not only did you disobey me and leave the classroom, but you beat up one of the PSC members in the process!? Do you want to die?!"
Morioka Ginei was absolutely furious.
"What part about 'Don't antagonize them' did you not understand? The word 'Don't'? Or the word 'Antaginize'?"
Yukari raised her hand, and the regretted it instantly as the presidents focus was placed on her specifically.
"What?!" He demanded.
Yukari looked like she was regretring her choices, but carried on anyway. "Um, Gin. You never said either of those words, specifically."
Gin's response was to throw an eraser at the girl. It clocked her in the head, and from then on the girl remained silent.
"Gin, that was uncalled for." Moka protested.
Picking up another eraser, Gin raised an eyebrow.
"Response noted. Being quiet now." She expressed. Rant over, Gin deflated into his chair. Reverting to a state almost like yesterday. Everyone looked around, but nobody knew what to say.
"Don't you all realize what will happen now?" Gin asked in a hallow voice. "They're going to come down on us. We can't fight this. Maybe, we could run."
Tsukune frowned. "No, Gin. We can't. Look, we…heard about what happened to the last newspaper club." Gin's eyes went from being filled with sorrow and hopelessness to being filled with absolute rage.
"You don't know shit!" Tsukune leaned back because Gin had gotten right into his face. "I don't know who opened their mouth, but whatever they told you, it's nothing like the reality I lived through! And despite that, despite now knowing what the Public Safety Commission is capable of, what Kuyou is capable of, you still think we have a snowball's chance in hell? Are you damn mad?" Gin's eyes were bloodshot, and his mouth foamed slightly from how much he was hyperventilating. He blinked as he got control of himself. He looked at those under his charge.
They were all wide eyed, looking between each other. Scared of him. Didn't they understand? He visibly jumped when someone knocked on the club room door. Nobody moved to answer it. The door knocked again, this time more forcefully.
A lump formed in Gin's throat. Moka bit her lip. While Kurumu and Yukari glenched their firsts. The entire room was frozen in fear and anxiety. Like a fell omen, the door was knocked on for a third time. Gin was able to collect himself enough to answer. He opened the door slowly, and behind it was several men in black uniforms.
"Aono Tsukune, you need to come with us immediately." The first man said. All eyes in the room turned to Tsukune.
Tsukune's eyes widened as he pointed to himself confused. "Me? What did I do? Or, I mean, that those two didn't?" He pointed to Moka and Kurumu accusingly.
"We are to escort you. Let's go. Quickly!" The man snapped. Moka got behind Tsukune and grasped his hand. Her turned in her direction to see her earnest expression.
"Please. Be safe Tsukune." She asked of him. Kurumu was right behind Moka and pulled his arm between her breasts.
"If anything happened to you, i dont know what i would do!" Tsukune tired to reasure them both with a confedent smile, removing his arms from their grasp and placing his palms onto their heads.
"I'll be safe, I promise." And with that, he headed through the doorway. The two men dressed in black made sure to stand on either side of him as they traveled. And travel they did, in a brisk walk that spoke of urgency.
What followed was a trip through the winding corridors of the academy. Deeper and deeper they went into the school grounds. Until they stopped at a large set of ornately carved oak doors.
Each panel depicted a battle of some kind in intricate detail. The only common figure was a man with horns. In the largest panel, stood three figures. All battling against some great massive foe.
"The headmaster will see you now." One of the men who had escorted him here said, interrupting Tsukune's train of thought.
Then he registered what the man had said. "Wait, headmaster?" As if to answer his question, the double doors opened on their own. Tsukune was ushered inside, and he winced at the heavy smell of melted wax.
Dark. That was the first thing Tsukune thought. The room was dark. Darker still when the doors behind him were closed with an echoing thud. Thankfully, Tsukune's eyes adjusted quickly.
In the main interior of the room, a man in white robed frantically went through papers. His entire body was covered in his robes, including his head. Yet his eyes glowed in the darkness of his office. Them and the candles spread all around being the only source of light here. The beams of light shited and pulsed over the Headmastwrs desk. As if what he was now was but a shell, barely containing his essence. Then the Headmaster paused in his muttering and those windows of power locked in Tsukune's direction.
"You." He said accordingly, finger outstretched. Golden rosary dangling from his wrist. "Do you have any idea the headache your giving me, Mister Aono?"
Tsukune's eyes widened. "Me?"
The man frowned harshly. "Yes, you. Now stop lurking at the entrance and come sit down. We have much to discuss." He did an open palm gesture for one of the leather chairs that faced his large desk. Not wanting to irritate the headmaster further, Tsukune did as told. Making his way over and sitting in one of the chairs.
The headmaster went back to looking over his papers, before pulling out a specific file with a look of triumph. "Found it." He muttered. "Really should look into getting a secretary. One I can blackmail into silence." The headmaster opened it up, and Tsukune leaned forward to see what it contained. His eyes widened when it was a picture of himself and he gasp. The headmaster looked up at his expression and chuckled. "Honestly, mister Aono. Is it that surprising that we keep records on our students?"
"I, suppose not sir." Tsukune said in response. In hind site, it would make perfect sense for the school to have his information. "If you don't mind me asking, sir, why was I called here today?" He didn't think it was because of any fights he had been in. As far as he was aware, fights for supremacy were encouraged here.
The headmaster slid the file so it faced Tsukune. "I suppose you might be a bit confused. Allow me to elaborate on our, but mostly your, difficult situation. Mister Aono, it is imperative that you answer this question honestly. Failure to do so may cost you your life. Do you understand?"
A creeping weight pressed down on Tsukune as the headmaster spoke. It was like Moka's yoki, but so much more. If Moka's power was a vast lake, then this power was an ocean. Infinitely vast, with a deepness that would swallow him if not handled carefully. Had Tsukune tried to resist, his SP would be depleted in an instant and he would be crushed. It was only by the headmaster's mercy that he wasn't crushed. "I…" Tsukune struggled to respond. Struggled to just swallow the lump in his throat. The headmaster's eyes flashed, and the sensation was even worse. It felt like he was being squeezed. "I…d-do!" He weazed desperately. The pressure let up some. Just enough so that the squeezing feeling went away. But it longered like a cloud. Ready to fall down upon him again if the headmaster didn't get the answers he wanted.
"Good." The headmaster said pleased at Tsukune's cooperation. "Please answer these questions with only a Yes, or a No.
Are you, to your knowledge, a member of the Devil race?"
"No." Tsukune answered. The headmaster scrutinized him, but Tsukune knew he was being truthful. He had only learned that Devil's existed when he was transformed into an infernal.
"Hmmm, I see. Do you, or any family member, have any relations with the following groups? The Phenex Clan, Phenex Pharmaceuticals, Phenex Engine, Phenex Explosive Engineering, or Phenex Law?"
Tsukune shook his head. "No sir."
The headmaster frowned. "I see. Moving on, it seems that our information sheet on your race and abilities has some homes in it. This can happen sometimes, but if you wouldn't mind filling this sheet out, it would help with our records." He pushed a paper in front of Tsukune and then handed the boy a pen.
Grateful the pressure around him had been let up, Tsukune went to work filling out the form. It was made easy because it closely reminded him of his Status sheet.
For his race, he listed Infernal. For his abilities, he listed his wings, and the few applications of fire he could shoot out from his mouth. When he was done, he handed the paper back to the headmaster.
The man skimmed over it, and frowned. "This term, Infernal, I've never heard it used before. And I am very well versed in the names of races from around the world."
Tsukune paused. "I don't know, it's just what I am."
The headmaster looked at Tsukune skeptically. "I'm sorry to say that Infernal is not a race. Tell me, when did you discover you weren't human?"
"It had to be…just before I learned my father had enrolled me here." Tsukune answered.
But hearing that didn't make the headmaster's scowl go away. "That is peculiar, don't you you mister Aono? That your nature would reveal itself just before you entered this Academy?"
The candles wavered in a nonexistent wind.
"I don't know what to tell you sir. I just woke up one day and knew I was an Infernal."
The headmaster took the sheet of paper and placed it into Tsukune's file. "Mister Aono, I'm going to be frank with you. When it was arranged for you to attend this Academy, I was under the belief that you were completely human."
Tsukune frowned at the information. "I…see. Sir, I don't mean to question you and your wisdom, but why on earth would you ever invite a human to go here? It's only been a few months, but I can tell that if I was human, I probably would have died here."
The headmaster's response was to lean back in his chair and close his eyes. The absence of the light emitted from them was easily noticeable with how near pitch black the already dark room became.
"Hmmm. I suppose it doesn't matter now. But originally, it was my hope that you would act as a proof of concept."
Tsukune raised his eyebrow in question. "A proof of concept? For what, sir?"
The candles around them wafted smoke, but never melted. "Proof that this whole thing, this academy, is not just a colossal waste of time and resources. Proof that even when placed in a stressful situation, that a fresh, modern, unaware human could get along with yokai.
But with your being of the supernatural, I've no choice but to wait another year, and find another applicant." The headmaster sat up suddenly, casting aside his relaxed posture. "But none of that is the reason I called you here.
I called you here to discuss your ongoing enrollment in yokai academy."
Tsukune was confused before he caught the meaning behind the man's words. "Wait, am I being expelled? Why? What did I do?" He certainly hadn't done anything worth such a sevear punishment.
The headmaster leaned his head into his hand, and gestured vaguely. "That remains an option on the table, unfortunately. In truth, your being here has caused quite a bit of political turmoil. You are lucky I caught wind of it and rushed back to the academy. Otherwise, I fear outside forces may have moved against you. And then you would need to worry about much more than expulsion."
Tsukune leaned back into the leather chair as his mind thought of all the things that could imply.
"Yes. Everything you can imagine and more. That was what was on the table, mister Aono.
But thankfully, as I said, I am here now. In this school, I rule. My word is law here, and those who would see you harmed know it."
Tsukune couldn't believe what he was hearing. Some outside force wanted him harmed? Dead even? "Why?" He asked with a hint of desperation. "Why is this happening? What did I do?"
The headmaster rolled his testing head from one hand to another. Behind the vail of darkness, Tsukune could swear the man was smiling. "It's not a matter of what you did, Mister Aono. Rather, it's what you are, and, who you might be related to."
Tsukune shook his head and clutched his fingers into his pants. "That doesn't make sense! I told you what I am! I'm an infernal. And the only people I'm related to are just normal humans."
The headmaster actually chuckled at that. As if the situation was somehow funny. "Once again, mister Aono. There is no recognized race that go by the name 'Infernal'. Up close, I can tell you are demonic in nature. Much the same as myself. But even you must admit that you have a striking resemblance to a devil."
Tsukune shook his head. "I wouldn't know. I've never met a devil."
The man hummed idly. "I see. Well it doesn't matter. Because I have, and I can confidently say that you aren't a devil." Tsukune sighed in relief. "But you most assuredly are an offshoot. And that is enough for some." Tsukune's brief relief was dropped like an anvil over a cliff face. "Indeed, when facing this much political pressure, normally, I would wash my hands of the situation."
Tsukune was on the edge of shaking. How could this have happened? All this because he hadn't been able to keep himself from swearing? Talk about unfair! If he got expelled, he wouldn't ever be able to see his friends again. Not Moka, or Kurumu, or even Yukari.
"But, I believe we can work out a deal. You and me." Tsukune was on the edge of his seat now.
"Anything Sir! Anything to stay at the academy!" And he meant it too. He would be willing to do anything to stay here. Even in shadow, Tsukune could see the grin that stretched beyond the headmaster's face and dragged into the shadows.
"That's a good answer, mister Aono. Consider yourself in my service. A position that comes with many perks, and many more responsibilities.
But most important for you, it comes with the protection of my name. To assult you would be no different than to spit upon my authority.
But be warned. My reach is long. But my enemies reach is even longer. It would be best to get out of any trouble you find on your own merit before envoking my name.
In return for this, you will act under my orders. You will go where I tell you to go. You will do as I instruct you to do. If you deviate, you had best be ready to explain yourself. Understand?"
Tsukune nodded, not fully prepared for the turn this conversation was taking, but not against it either.
"Good. There will be times when I must draw you from classes. I will explain your position to the faculty, but it will be up to you to maintain your studies.
Additionally, I understand that you are no jack of all trades. There may be times in which another skillset would be more useful then your own. In these cases, should you know a student who is better suited than yourself, and of acceptable temperament, I will allow you to deputies them under your service. With the understanding that their failure will be your failure. Do not mistake this for an opportunity to hang out with friends.
Lest you find yourself failing. In that case I will wash my hands of you.
This is my offer to you. Should you choose to accept it, you will be returned to your club activities. You will be allowed to attend this Academy, and I will shield you from political maneuvers from those who would harm you.
However, should you refuse, I will have no reason to extend myself for your protection. You will be given one hour to collect your things and then you will be escorted onto the bus. From there you will be returned home, safe and sound. Or at least, safe from myself and the school.
So, what will it be, Mister Aono? Servitude, or expulsion?"
Life Quest!: In Service of a Lord!
Tenmei Mikogami, Lord of light and Headmaster of Yokai Academy has graciously offered to shield you from your enemies. Who are these enemies? Unknown. But what is known is the price the Dark Lord has asked. Servitude. What will that entail? Only time will tell. If nothing else, it promises a steady stream of quests an XP.
Accept? Y/N
He didn't need to be offered the life quest. But he was happy to have it. He looked the man in his glowing orbs. He had meant what he said. To remain here at the school, with his friends, he would do anything. He stood up in front of the dark wood desk. "I accept." He said with conviction.
The candles flickered around them violently, and the headmaster stood up to extend his arm to shake.
Tsukune took it with my a marginal moment of hesitation. The man's fingers grasped around Tsukune's own, and a foul wind blew through the closed room as the deal was struck. Even if the man's face was frozen in a far too large grin, Tsukune could swear that there was an echo of a deep laugh bouncing around the room.
Title Gained!: The Lord's shadow.
20 CHAR when dealing with those who are under the service of Tenmei Mikogami
10 CHAR when dealing with those who are factionally allied with Tenmei Mikogami
5 CHAR when dealing with those who know of Tenmei MIkogami
Tsukune came back to the club room to find it ranshacked. Tables and chairs were thrown about, and a window was even smashed.
"What happened here?" He asked allowed. A groan answered him. Behind the main desk was a pair of legs. Seeing as they were slacks, it could only be one person. "Gin!" Tsukune called as he rushed over. The boy was sporting a nasty bruise across his jaw. Tsukune knelt down to check on him. "Gin! Wake up! I need to know what happened. Where are the girls?" He shook Gin by the shoulder, and the boy's eyes cracked open.
"Tsuk-Tsukune?" Gin winced when he tried to sit up. Tsukune helped him up until he was braced against the desk. Gin coughed, and slumped a bit.
"Gin! Wake up!" Tsukune demanded. Desperately wishing he had some kind of healing ability. Gin mumbled something, then his eyes snapped open and he grabbed Tsukune's shirt. His claws tearing it slightly.
"Tsukune! Kuyou! He took the girls! He -Cough cough- I couldn't stop him, Tsukune. It's all happening again." Gin's head slumped. And even if Tsukune couldn't see Gin's eyes from this angle, he saw the tears that ran off Gin's chin and fell onto his lap. "It's all happening again." Then Gin slumped even further. Tsukune had to rush to catch him before his head hit the ground.
He braced Gin up so he wouldn't fall. Then stood.
Tsukune wasn't sure about what he felt right now. Rage, mostly. But also fear. And a bit of anxiety.
What could he do? Tsukune couldn't fight Kuyou. And Kuyou was backed by the entire PSC.
Quest alert!: Save your friends!
REWARD: 500Xp
FAILURE:
Death of Moka(Sealed)
Death of Moka(Unsealed
Death of Kurumu
Death of Yukari
Failure of Life Quest: Welcome to the family.
Failure of Life Quest: In Service of a Lord.
That was all the prompting he needed. He would figure something out. Because failure was not an option.
Back in the Headmaster's office.
Well, at least that was taken care of. Now he had to write several frustrating letters. No doubt only the first in a long chain of open and veiled threats. Followed by backhanded compliments, bribes, subtle and not-so-subtle inquiries, and of course, how could he forget, tieing off loose ends.
Oh politics, how he hated thee so. How he missed the days when all that was needed to send a message was to place the heads of spies and infiltrators on pikes that bordered his territory.
But much to his annoyance, the main driving force behind this campaign was a begrudged ally. Well, more Nurari's ally. But him and the old Yokai went way back. Tenmei would even go as far to say that the old koot was his closest friend. So, for the sake of that friendship, he wouldn't be sending a cursed Jar that would rot the arms off it's victim to that uppity fox in Kyoto.
Though the court was out on if he would fley the Devil's prodding at his boarders. The barrier specifically kept their kind out, and he was keenly aware of any fluctuations in it through the Rosary of Jedgement. But still, they poked and prodded. And it was beginning to give him a headache. Perhaps if he just skinned one. That wouldn't cause an international incident, right? And it wasn't like they wouldn't heal. Their clan was known for their regeneration.
He sighed. No, as good as it would feel in the moment, it wouldn't be worth dealing with that woman. Not when she kicked down his door and demanded reparations. He couldn't act like blasé brute he had been in his youth. Now he was a leader. People followed him. He had position and status.
And he would throw that all away if only he could pop the head off the devil who was poking his barrier to some kind of rhythm!!! Were they just bored at this point? Surely he could be excused for killing just one! Arg!!!
A/N
Short chapter, I know. But I lost my job recently, and I've been more focused on that than writing.
Anyway, ass we can all see, the butterflies are flapping their wings. Some things are the same, but some things are more. How far will the ripples reach? Things will remain mostly the same, but change in ways that make sense. Also, tell me what you all think of my Characterization of Tenmei Mikogami. I picture him as a wild child who was forced to mellow out when his strength and ambition caught up with him and placed him in a position of leadership. He knows how to play the game, but by gods does he hate it. If he is going to be forced to play that game for Tsukune, he wants something out of it. And so, Tsukune basically becomes his bitch.
Ruby and Mizore are still a ways off. Additionally, neither Kurumu nor Moka's Affection score can go any higher as long as they remain just very close friends. The next chapter will have a lot of action in it. So look forward to that.
Please take care of yourselves!