(A/N): Just a quick note. This set of chapters involves a lot of PoV switching. At times it is fairly obvious but there are parts where it becomes a bit vague. So to fix this I have inserted indicators at the switch between the two characters. So until I reach a point where we focus solely on a single character, I will be continuing with the switches.
Did you know?: The Japanese age of consent is 13. It was a mildly disturbing discovery for me.
Weeks pass and we haven't had a chance to talk.
Despite what I said, I do care about the guy, I just hate how callous and manipulative he can be. From day 1 he's done nothing but push at everyone's buttons and use them for the sole purpose of protecting me.
I hate it. This feeling of uselessness. Despite us both being pretty weak, he is willing to put more on the line than any of us ever will. I wanted to tell him to stop smothering me, and I did. It was harsh enough to start a shouting match that Moka had to interfere in.
I want to say things have changed, and they have in a way. But when it comes down to it, nothing out of routine happened. There are changes like Moka eats with us less than usual, Yukari often patting Moka's back, Kurumu was less chatty than usual. He was isolating himself going through the motions of our routines, but spent less time with Kurumu, became more caring than I have ever seen him be around other people. Just overall happier.
I don't know if the shouting match was good for us as individuals. He seems fine, more isolated than usual, but happy.
I sometimes miss our little comedy acts in life. When we were bros just hanging out together. I really am glad to have a friend like him, sometimes. But he can also be a real pain in the ass. Like when we enrolled at Youkai Gakuen. He was laughing his ass off as I freaked out about everything. I had assumed that the dead forest and red sea on the pamphlet were photoshopped by the Art club, but was actually a photo from the newspaper club, which I happened to join.
We go on little misadventures occasionally getting into fights with other clubs over who owns what. But it all works out in the end.
I know that I've already written about this but it is also like a journal entry meant only for me and you, to remember some good times.
But I made a mistake and said some things I shouldn't have. It was harsh and unneeded on my part, I told him he was holding me back. Preventing me from living the good high school life. But then he also said something that still feels unwarranted.
He told me I was a selfish bastard for wanting to do as I please.
There's a lot more to this story than just me having an argument. When the time came that I was in trouble I had simply relied on him to bail me out. And he did help as he always did.
I didn't know why I avoided him for days on end. But writing about it now helps me realize what is wrong with me in the first place. Selfishly called for help, after shamelessly telling him to stop interfering with my life.
I can't express how many fights the newspaper club has gotten into. But whenever he's there he's at the very front until help arrives, and he's always in bandages. I haven't seen him without some gauze wrapped around some body part of his. Only now, when I think there's a real chance of being in trouble, do I understand how badly I messed up with our friendship. I had used and tossed him aside only talking with him whenever the need arises.
For the first time in a long time, I feel like our friendship is in danger and I need your help Kyoko.
7 - Tsukune
It's been a day since our fight and I'm no closer to finding out anything about the missing girls. Everyone else is stumped and the girls are writing personal articles, while Gin edits what they make. And he hasn't visited the club room in a while, probably still moping.
I'm actually going to the Art club since I haven't checked seen much of it, and I wanted to see know exactly what they do in there.
Like last time they were doing different types of drawings of Moka some were actually pretty good, and others make me want to set fire to the dorms at night. Ms. Ishigami was practically waving her pencil and more of Moka's frame appeared. It was like magic with how quickly and delicately she moved to create the delicate picture.
And unlike the day before, Moka seems more relaxed. She must have gotten used to the modeling business.
"You are horrible at stalking people."
I almost screamed. Almost, but luckily caught myself and managed a small quiet yelp.
"You leave yourself exposed and allow yourself to get caught by surprise everyone can catch you off guard if you aren't careful enough and even the stalker has the potential to spot you." Oh it's just Gin.
"How do you even know so much about stalking anyhow?" I asked. "Cause what I'm doing is watching over Moka in case something happens."
"Stalking is a distinctive form of criminal activity composed of a series of actions that taken individually might constitute legal behavior. For example, sending flowers, writing love notes, and waiting for someone outside her place of work are actions that, on their own, are not criminal. . ."
~ The Dark Side of Close Relationships, edited by Brian H. Spitzberg, William R. Cupach
"You see dear Boke, I have a friend who happens to have a friend that happens to be very stealthy. . ."
"Never mind. I just remembered who I was talking to." I said referring to how we first joined Newspaper club. "As expected of the club super pervert."
"If you didn't want to know or listen don't ask me." he whined. "Seriously, I'm trying to help you out and this is my thanks."
"Sorry, sorry." - not sorry - "Still where should I go for this kinda thing?"
"Follow me. You better be grateful for this."
. . .
It wasn't anything perverted, nor was it another attempt to make me look bad, and that fact really surprised me. This is the true "hound of the newspaper club" in action, but...
"Gin?" I call out.
"Yeah? What's up Tsukune?" He says hopping over to my tree.
"Why are we in the trees? Won't we get caught like this?"
He chuckles lightly, as if I were a particularly "special" child. "Tsukune, the last place anyone would look is in the trees. The reason being that it's both discreet, but fairly obvious, if they have good eyesight. You look out the window everyday letting your mind wander and an occasional brush of branches won't really catch your attention."
"More like nightmare fuel with any creepy face grinning at me from in the woods. . ." I mumble quietly to myself.
". . . When these actions are coupled with an intent to instill fear or injury however, they may constitute a pattern of behavior that is illegal. . ."
~ The Dark Side of Close Relationships, edited by Brian H. Spitzberg, William R. Cupach
"But you are… right actually." I relent in my argument. "I don't really pay attention to what happens in the trees except for when it's bright and flashy. Doesn't stop this from feeling wrong though."
Ignoring the annoying smirk on his face I try to focus in on the class. Fewer people were there but nonetheless they were finishing up their drawings of her before leaving on their merry way. It wasn't until the last students started packing up, did she move from her stool and out of our sight.
Gin had fallen asleep at some point, and I couldn't blame him. It was kinda boring just sitting on a tree branch watching people draw, and this was what Moka had to do for a whole week?
Madness I tell you.
"Gin, investigation is done for the day." His light snoring stopped abruptly before he gave a slight yawn just like I did.
"That was boring and pointless." he said jumping off the branch. "I know you're supposed to be investigating and protecting Moka but I was expecting a bit more action considering it's Moka related."
"Yeah I expected something to happen this week. Anything besides. . ." Our argument.
'Just forget about it' I thought shaking my head. "Anyway is this how we're gonna spend all our time investigating?"
"Correction, YOU are going to spend your investigation time doing this." He said jabbing a finger into my chest. "This was your idea after all. As long as you think Moka is in any trouble you keep doing this."
"There are no words in Japanese or English to describe how unfair this is." I groan into my facepalming hand.
"Then you really should've listened to him and trusted and Moka." He nodded confirming his nonexistent suspicions. "Be grateful I decided to accompany you. I was worried about you going off the deep end for a bit."
"How do you know about that?"
He raised an eyebrow. "That huge argument that made even the PSC and headmaster paid attention?"
"Pfft, it's not that big of a deal." I knew I had made a mistake because Gin gave me a good long look at me, eyebrow still raised. Being friends with that guy means you realize that you done goofed. "I just said something stupid didn't I?"
"Yup." He said as he relented on his gaze. "At least you aren't completely hopeless."
I slumped off the branch, falling onto the ground with a barely audible thud. "Could you at least tell me what I did wrong?"
"The most popular group in the school started infighting. One of whom is leader of their own faction that both opposes and supports you." Gin snarked. "And right now they're all wrapped in their own civil war."
"Seriously how do you know all this stuff?"
He smirked. "A snow angel told me."
"You would sounder cooler if what you said made any sense at all."
Day 1 Tsukune Journal Log
It's the week before my birthday and I already forgot how long I've been in this tree. I eventually get out here and do my after school routine. But I always have to come back to this tree for the investigation. Gin's with me but nothing of note really happens.
#*%&!* RE: Day 1
"Alright, Let's do this." I said psyching myself up as I silently open the door and slip into the somewhat still and quiet room. The sounds off brushes and pencils making more noise than my footsteps to an empty station. I pick up the pencil and start drawing the model.
I should be on lookout for a real scoop or taking or writing the to be discovered story. But I am honestly at work, scouting for potential clues and carrying out the only order I had ever seen Gin give. 'Protect Moka.' From what and who is not really a question, all it ever will be is protect Moka, not that I had a choice in the first place.
"It doesn't mean I can't have fun myself" I whispered quietly. Then I went to drawing; not a face nor a body but ovals that were meant to later become the body. They overlapped creating a solid form of her stomach and chest. Next came the legs the thighs rounding just enough to not peak over the future design for a typical skirt. The calves were a bit more difficult so I left them incomplete, though it was joined to part of the thigh since the knees. Next I-
"What a waste."
I did not yelp, squeal, or shout. It was only a minor jump that almost knocked the canvas over if we hadn't caught it in time. No, I wasn't scared, merely... surprised. It was an even bigger surprise to see Ishigami on my back, literally.
Shut up, I wasn't scared.
"What do you mean?" I asked.
"Many things actually, but don't you plan on fixing the kneecaps?" she said referring to the blobs meant to resemble legs.
"Oh" I turn back around continuing to draw the outlined skirt into a sundress attaching the upperhalf of the body. "It's indecision on my part I guess. Call it habit. I just put it on paper as it comes to my head."
"The true shame being the wasted potential." her lamentations continue annoying me.
"I don't think I could be that great." It would interrupt any and all private time. I'm a guy with healthy needs after all. And also a perfectionist.
"With a bit of help and good wholesome practice you could. If you slowed down , you wouldn't finish as quickly, but the end result would be better." she said 'encouragingly'. I use this word because there is no other reason a teacher's voice should dip that low. "How about this, I already have a student coming in after hours so I can give her private lessons. Why don't you join us?"
This set off many alarm bells in my head of differing kinds. I'd be giving up on any future... "private events" to improve my art skills with a pretty cool teacher and an unknown student. On another note isn't this how people get kidnapped, murdered, and etcetera?
Screw it. "Sounds good except for Sundays and Mondays."
"I was thinking along those lines, yes." she gave me a 'warm' smile. No she did not lick her lips. I might actually have to call for sexual harassment
As the club time comes to an end and the bell rings signaling the end of school, I stay in put adding the finishing touches to her before making a comparison to Moka at the front. "Don't mind him" Ishigami laughs away Random-Student-chan's unspoken concern. "He's staying behind with me as well I thought to make this a bit of an improvement group."
I peeked from behind my canvas and mentally blanched. I might've been gaping. Moka clearly looking as surprised as I felt.
"You two know each other?"
A lot less than you'll ever know.
Day 2
I was making my way around the school listening for that stray rumor that would make the paper before I'd go for my new watchtower. Maybe things would be different if I went along with his plan. Actually I wouldn't mind watching her for awhile. Maybe join the beauty appreciation club for one of their sessions.
I bumped into a girl, a head and a half shorter than me. We both caught ourselves before we both fell but one of the first things I noticed about her was her incredibly pale complexion and blue eyes.
And her budding relationship with #*%&!*
The name has been smudged, now unrecognizable.
"Sorry about that I didn't mean to bump into you or cause any problems." I said bowing slightly.
"It's fine," she replied softly. "I've wanted to meet you for a while."
Hoo boy. " Y-you wanted to meet me?" I said rubbing the back of my head. "Why would you want to meet me? I'm nothing like... I mean I'm not that special"
"Well, I wanted to get your advice on how to talk to guys." she said twirling the sucker in her mouth. "That makes you special for this in particular."
Calm down Tsukune. You've dealt with this situation at least 3 or 4 times. Just let her down gently before anything develops and everything should be fine. You've never quite rejected anyone but it should be fine. . . right?
"I see." I'm sweating nervously. "S-so what do you want to know? Do I know this guy?"
"Yes you do. What kind of woman he would prefer?"
I choked on my own words as I struggled to come up with a response. Damn, I'm even more horrible with these women. But if I were to choose, I'd say an hourglass figure.
But she doesn't need to know that, because I'm not sure.
"I asked him to stay with me for life." Marriage!? "But he said there were things he had to protect."
Things to protect. So she's not talking about me then who does she mean? Wait dumb question, I have only two real guy friends. And one clearly isn't considered popular, he's rather infamous. The other guy friend seems more like a guy friend. And is also slightly famous, I think.
"So what kind of woman would he prefer?" The sad thing is I only have a vague idea. The only time I know of him showing interest was. . . someone I don't even remember very well, but she was pretty weird.
"He's a very. . . open kinda guy." I started. "He likes traditional chinese clothes on a woman. Other than that. . ."
Her eyes continued to bore into me unblinking.
"I'm sure he would accept you as you are, maybe he might be more open to touching and other things couples do. Of course I don't mean sex on the first date or anything. Not saying that you would be that kinda girl, but he can be kinda shy, so please be gentle with him." I rambled and screwed myself over. I completely ruined any hope of being a relationship counselor.
"He really is as kind as I thought." and she smiled to herself a soft smile that could've lit a dark room.
"SELFISH BASTA-" No, he isn't. But I won't be a hypocrite and stop this developing couple.
I'm at yesterday's spot, this time by myself and was instructed to pick a different tree than the last one. I even brought binoculars so I can see much more easily. Again nothing of note happens.
As I wrote the last sentence I now have to change it, showed up and was working on some large scale picture. He even had Ishigami helping him out a bit with his drawing. What else is he up to?
The text has been scribbled messily, the message hardly legible.
RE: Day 2
A masculine frame, his physical features being unfocused. There's no true body type that can describe him other than average. I gave him a black T-shirt and khakis. Deciding his frame looked too plain I gave him a gray checker polo jacket.
"A different one today?" Ishigami said from behind me. "That's right, you're already finished you portrait of Moka. You gotta love a man who's quick with his hands."
No. Shut up. "Please stop talking. I had already finished that one, so it wouldn't matter too much if I tried my hand at a previous project."
"Well bring it in next time so we can review it. We don't want to completely ignore our original purpose for philandering."
What teacher says that with a straight face? Better yet, why would we?
"I'm just teasing." Like hell you were! "But I honestly look forward to our study sessions."
The hissing of malicious students seemed louder than usual in my ear as I continue drawing the mop of brown hair. It would be better if she didn't drop innuendos like atomic bombs on Japan, or if she asked a more willing student.
Or if she weren't so. . . Good looking? But then again it's only bad when it inconveniences me.
Today's the day my practice sessions, joining us today is Moka Akashiya. The very same person who was NOT supposed to know I was watching out for her.
"Since introductions aren't needed how about we just cut to the critique. First off Moka." she said sashaying over to a random canvas. With a quick scan of the paper she nodded. "It's nearly flawless, incomplete but flawless in its initial design. At the rate you're going it should be finished by that time of the month."
There were so many things wrong with that statement I wouldn't even know where to start. Someone might think you're practicing for entering the red light district. Judging by Moka's strong blush, she was thinking along those same lines.
"And what about my picture?" I asked. I'm honestly curious about her expert opinion.
She took a glance and had a small frown that disappeared not quickly enough for preventing others from seeing it, reverting to a more passive look. She hadn't said anything for a solid and awkward 10 seconds.
'If I'm a shit artist at least tell me I'm getting nervous here.'
"I'm sure I mentioned this before but you are indecisive, unsure of what you are drawing. Look at how gray some blank unoccupied areas are." she said gesturing to the gray aura surrounding him. I hadn't been surprised, maybe a bit dumbfounded. "Next time pick a more interesting subject, but continue the art anyway and we'll try again later."
'You're going to insult me without any actual criticism!?'
She saw my face of anguish and waved it off. "Don't give me that look, I promise I'll help you as soon as I'm done helping Moka."
'You just said her work was flawless!'
I knew this would happen. It always happens to anyone who catches Moka-lomania. Which is everyone. Even me sometimes, I always had been attracted to red eyes.
"Sorry the day has just flew right by us." she clasped her hands bowing a bit in apologetic shame.
"No it's fine," Moka said placating our teacher. "it's thanks to you that I was able to get as far as I have."
That's easy for you to say, I just got more time to draw. I could have done this in the comfort of my own room.
Moka went on her way leaving the classroom and turning the corner before she left me to my own devices.
"I didn't exactly go through with my promise," Ishigami said. "But do you not want to improve?"
"Of course I do. It's the entire reason I'm here." I half-truthed.
". . . I see, at any means necessary?"
See this is the part where conversation gets dangerous. Bad guy recognizes another bad guy. Two plot together to capture princess, partnership falls apart. I can't remember the name of the trope but dear god I had never thought my life would delve into shitty manga plot and indecisive protagonists flailing about.
Actually, scratch the second part. Tsukune's full of that shit.
"I always get what I want for a reason." I half truth, again. "Is there a better or faster way?"
"Of course follow me to the back." She opened the closet with nothing but s figure covered by knitted cloth. Ishigami removed it revealing an empty picture frame allowing people to step through. We step through and light came from all directions allowing me to see what lied inside the hidden room. "Help me get the girl and you'll paint whoever I can get."
A devious smile adorned my face as I gave my answer. If I'm gonna be in a school of monsters, I might as well adopt their morals.
Unbeknownst to the both of us, Moka quietly shut the door. Tsukune quietly leapt down from his tree branch writing something very dangerous down. A horrible sign of bad things to come.
Day 3
Lone operation, I'm on lookout for my former partner in crime. He's still working on that picture and there are noticeably fewer people in the room. This further solidifies yesterday's observation and testimony.
I thought about it for a few minutes. Why exactly would he even want to be near Moka? They didn't exactly leave off on the best of terms, and he clearly never liked Moka. So what changed?
Is it just lessons and I'm over thinking things? Or is it something more?
I peer through the binoculars as I notice them getting ready to leave. He grimaces while Moka gives her usual cheery smile.
RE: Day 3
So far I've finished Moka, Gin, Kurumu, and heading off into the unknown territory of drawing Gin.
"You seem really determined today." It's… Moka?
I look around and noticed that the room was almost empty. And no one was on the model's stool. "Oh, you're already finished for the day?" I smiled.
"That's right. Ishigami said I should move around for the artists to get a better idea of my frame." Sure, her "frame". That's why everyone is staring so intensely. . .
. . . at her skirt.
"Still your picture looks really great. How do you get it to look so realistic?" She's too close practically hugging my back. WAY too close.
"Just lots of memorization and go from what I know about you." I say quietly with a small blush.
Outside the scope of my attention a pair of binoculars and many art utensils snapped from too much pressure.
"Do I have my own?" she asked, her face looming close enough to…
'No! I won't fall for that trap' "You do. And no I'm not showing you until I'm done with all of them."
"Promise?" She said eyes twinkling with a hint of mirth.
"Yeah I promise," I sigh in resignation.
In my momentary lapse of attention, the pencil fell out my hands and both Moka and I reach for it. I back off when I realize it rolled over to her side and a bit too far away from me.
"Here you are." she says, her smile glowing.
"Thanks." I am not willing to dwell on unimportant thoughts. "They should all be done on Day 4." I say as I finish shading the last iris.
For some reason Moka frowned. I didn't find anything wrong with what I said. Was there something on my face? Was there something I was supposed to say?
The Final Day: Journal entry 4
I was in the art club by myself today. After today, I don't have to come back to this room ever again. Yukari's picture came out swiftly and easily. I never pictured her without her Witch's outfit so there was no option but to draw her in her usual outfit. Her small frame made it that much easier.
The door slid open and both Moka and Ishigami came into the room. Both too overly cheery for my liking.
'I'll fix one of them soon enough.'
The door closing seemed louder than ever. The muted chatter of the two targets became even more and more distant. Everything was moving slower and slower, time practically crawling to a stop. The image ingrained into my head filled me with-
'Calm down Calm down calm down calm down calmdown calmdown calmdowncalmdowncalmdowncalmdown.' I inhale sharply, exhale slowly, and allow a smile to cross my face. 'Perfect'
As the two stepped through the I picked up the imitation katana from the nearby kendo bag and hid it behind me and walked into the storage closet.
It's a dead end. There's no other way to say it. Step in and I'll finally get this out of the way.
I wasn't quite ready to believe it when I saw it. I still don't want to believe it. There in his arm Moka, terrified out of her wits, and in the other arm the katana shaking and pointed at Ishigami. His eyes were wide not in the gleeful murderous way we saw earlier but in fear and-
"I know this looks bad but I swear it's not-" Moka took the chance to bite his arm cause him to scream in pain and drop her as she crawled away.
There was blood on the floor, lots of it more dripping onto the floor. They all had blood on themselves. I had stole-BORROWED a couple of bats from the baseball club in case of an emergency. Moka was fine, there wasn't a scratch on her. He was there bleeding from the arm and slowly it started turning grey, like the statues behind Ishigami. It had crawled up his arm after Moka bit him.
Snakes were hissing and dying on the ground. I couldn't hear much. No, I couldn't even understand it.
He really was obsessed with Moka. He wasn't comfortable with me being near her because he wanted to play the role of Tsukune Aono. He didn't spend much time with her because he wanted to respect the bro code.
He gave a devilish smirk, a grin belonging only to monsters as he accepted the deal from Medusa. To capture the essence of beauty in stone Moka Akashiya.
From there things got worse, he was tackled to the ground by #*%&!*. Gin and Yukari rushed Moka and a few nearby statues to the infirmary. Kurumu slashed at the tumbled two on the ground who were wrestling and I stood there… Just watching in disbelief as everything devolved into chaos.
My grip felt weak but I staggered over to the pile of bodies one bat raised to the #*%&!* head.
*THWACK*
It was steel, bent and broken by impact. And the wrestling stopped as Kurumu pulled away the unconscious, probably dead Medusa. He just laid there his eyes scratched and bleeding his body encased in more stone. He looked at me eyes pleading for me to help him. Before I knew it…
THWACK*
It was wood, splinters flying some imbedded into his skin and he was stone.
To think this monster was my best friend.
And everything felt so cold.
8 - Tsukune
Everyone who happened to be in the storage closet was taken to the infirmary. Some had unknown cases of frostbite including me and Kurumu. No one knew who or what caused it but before we were even brought there he was resting unstoned as the nurse plucked the splinters out of his body and wrapped him in bandages.
He resigned from the newspaper club the very next day, and was suspended. Ishigami, due to her many kidnappings, was expelled and banished (whatever that means).
I haven't seen much of him not since I saw him walking into the school with a big box of something. Later that day the newspaper club was filled to the brim with artwork, pictures of us, signed by the bastard himself. We would've continued on with life but you could tell he was clearly missed. Kurumu especially was longing for his presence. It might've been their previous friendship holding her back but she seemed more clingy than usual hugging me, even leaving me kisses on the cheek. More than usual anyway.
It's almost July and we're selling the latest and greatest according to Gin. With the Ishigami incident taken care of and the headmaster's okay we began printing and selling the story.
"Overwhelming Disappointment" I said to myself. And it really wasn't. The beloved art teacher kidnapping students and one of our own members, my best friend, assisting in the latest attempt to have Moka for themselves, his descent into madness.
As much as I dislike how he does things to distance people, I didn't think it would make him go insane. The hero of this epic tale happened to be me, "putting my best friend down like the mad dog he is."It's surprising how many people were willing to turn on him so easily.
I wanted him off his high horse, not. . . this.
#*%&!*
I felt like a dead man. The ground could swallow me whole and I wouldn't want anyone to care. There was no happy ending, no possible way this could end well for me. Even if I was allowed to stay a student, people would know.
Because the newspaper club would tell them.
I know they will because a newspaper needs a story, one backed up by witnesses, testimonies and photographic proof. The story of the convict is often ignored because we play the victim card. "I was trying to help my people" can be twisted to mean "by killing your people".
"In this world there are winners and losers." I stop to turn to the degraded former teacher. "And if you didn't play the damned traitor we could've won more than just one hot body!"
*SHINK*
She fell to the ground, her grating, desperate voice... hopefully never heard by me again. an icicle stuck in her forehead. ". . . Mizore?"
She had a small earnest smile. "...hello." She took my hand in hers and held it close to her cool face.
The cool morning chill was a bit more comforting. I had a girlfriend.
. . .
From then on we had sort of have a setup established. In the morning we do our usual routine and meet up in the woods. To be specific, I would meet her and give a quick kiss for her to start off the day.
For her it might be considered a very harsh compromise since her race is dependent on how many babies each Yuki-onna has. I'm not entirely comfortable with skipping bases, so we are speeding up a relationship through constant physical contact.
From there, we take a barren path to the school so that we aren't spotted. She's a shy person and I'm like the Anti-Christ to the populace. I ask her questions about her and what she knows about me.
To put it as simply as possible, she's my stalker, and I'm sorta okay with that. As long as she doesn't tell me a bit too much about what I do in my private times, then she's just a normal girl, to me anyway.
Another thing we do is go on a date a day. Most people would find it very suffocating and a bit lonely, it doesn't really matter when the girlfriend thinks the rest of the world should leave us alone, and the world thinks the boyfriend should leave it alone. Overall a win-win-(sorta win) situation.
After my suspension, I attended classes almost normally. Of course, I avoid the newspaper club like the plague since I had quit and been slandered. Even if the paper hadn't come out yet, rumors would and with rumors being over exaggerated I would have a bad time. And the day the newspaper was published and I have people actually trying to charge forward and beat me to death. But due to unfortunate circumstance they happen to slip and fall hard enough to warrant a visit to the infirmary.
"Sometimes I think of how lucky I am to have you." I say out loud. A quiet giggle and she jumps onto my back. I really do have to thank them for completely destroying my rep sometime.
Some ashes land on us. . . before we could bother feeling disgruntled the wind picks back up and they scatter again.
Newspapers happen to fly by as well, no one even bothering to pick them up or go after them. And quite frankly no one would, so neither did we.
The day ended somewhat peacefully.
"Why did you quit?"
It was club hours, I honestly wasn't expecting Kurumu to go out of her way to come and see me.
But we are friends, or at the very least connected by a shared person of interest.
"Huh?" I responded lamely. To be fair she hadn't even said hi but it took a moment before I realized what she meant.
She actually looked upset more than when Moka gets na few litres of blood from our resident protag. In all honesty I should be taking this a bit more seriously. "Why did you quit the newspaper club?"
. . .
For some reason I couldn't bring myself to answer her. Guilt welled in my throat, and my heart stung.
"I. . . needed to sort some stuff out with myself." I managed to choke out. It was a pathetic answer but one that held a grain of truth
"We all had our problems with Tsukune and Moka. Why is this any different?"
The difference between those incidents and mine isn't about Moka or the fight.
"...do you love Tsukune?"
It had more to do with Tsukune and I.
"Of course I do, I put him above everyone else."
This wasn't news to me. I had already knew how she thought about Tsukune. My mouth twists into a grimace. "He is a pretty cool guy at times."
"Isn't he? He's almost everything a girl could want in a guy. Charming, innocent" Her dreamy smile dropped into a pouty glare. "But that has nothing to do with my question."
It's important that we establish. . .
"So what do you think about Moka?" I continued on.
. . . the relationship between Moka and Tsukune...
"That blood sucking flaky bimbo isn't allowed to simply steal him away from me." "It gets annoying sometimes how she keeps him away from me because they are 'friends'. But again it has nothing to do with you."
. . . the relationship between vampire and human...
"Last question. Can I trust you with our secret. The thing between me and Tsukune..."
. . . The relationship between predator and prey.
". . . we don't belong here. . ."
Tsukune
We were penalized for slander and disturbance of the peace.
I don't really get the specifics, but apparently two students in our main article have been harassed by the student body. On the grounds that it would cause them further distress half of the printed papers were burned.
"The rest," said Gin unusually subdued. "Will go in the incinerator."
This wasn't the first time the newspaper has gotten into a dispute with the Public Safety Committee. There have been past incidents where nothing too major happened. But when Kuyou the new head of the PSC got into it.
"They ALL burned," He said in a somber voice. "Not all of us died, but we burned."
So in fear of our lives I did so. Me and Kurumu both took however many papers we could carry and got to work, while Moka and Yukari got to scrambling to find a new semi-interesting story.
I couldn't say anything, didn't want to. She looked worse than ever before. There were no romantics, no hugging, no reaction other than to make this autonomous like she wasn't even conscious. The fire burned brightly lighting the dusk afternoon sky.
She clutched the papers tightly in her arms before clawing through them slowly and painstakingly. "Have you ever wanted to change the past. Make it so that everyone gets their just desserts and everyone we love is happy?"
I'm surprised by the question, and yet I'm not. Her first best friend abandoned us out of some chauvinistic pride. "For awhile, all the time if I dwell on it."
"How can you not dwell on it!?" she's shouting, absolutely furious. "Our best friend is being treated like a psychopath, our club president is a coward, and everyone's going around acting like this is all normal!"
She's in tears, and there's nothing I could do for her because I still can't get over it.
"We start with getting rid of what we think." The newspapers are snatched out of my hands by. . . something.
And into the hands of a PSC Officer. "And we kill the pathetic bugs like your friend. Quite the tragedy, forcing a teacher out of a job and publicly shaming a student, all to get out 'the truth'." she clicked her tongue in mock disappointment. "How much lower is your club sink to get a story?"
"You don't know what the hell you're even talking about!' Kurumu yelled. I filinched a bit at her words. "All we did was expose them for what they've done."
"Hah? What kind of friend are ya? Moron." her voice irritates me, mocking every move we seem to make. "Let's see what you wrote: 'Overwhelming disappointment'? 'A club member quit after found with a weapon and mstudent?' 'Oh boo hoo, I ruined my friend's life by exposing him as a manipulative sociopathic freak'."
"And what gives you the right to judge us?" I say getting riled up as Kurumu herself.
"I'm not judging," her grin transformed and four gray fangs and large. . . rear. . . could be seen. "I'm PUNISHING you!"
A giant wad of string shot from her rear, forcing me to duck and Kurumu took the skies as quickly as possible. We were unfortunately a bit too slow as the grazing of my shoulder and her foot was enough to send us flying along with the disgusting piece of spider crap before it impact nearby plant life.
Actually most of the trees here are dead so it's spider crap impacting dead trees.
Disgusting if one keeps thinking about it.
"Shitheads like you really piss me off. Acting all high and mighty when someone's dirty little secret is exposed. Ya really know how to rub how superior you bastards are in front of everyone."
She walked up her extra legs peaking from underneath her skirt and her walk devolved into a crawl and I found her face too close to mine, and her humane hands grabbing my face.
For some reason she froze and took a good loooong sniff. As if I were a drug she happened to be addicted to in her "underground" life. And like most stoners she went from bitch mode to. . . well, this.
"Heeey. Now that I get a look at this guy. . . Aren't you delicious."
I am not turned on. I am not turned on. I am not turned on. I have a spider lady licking my face and it feels really. . . sticky, in a weird kind of way. it's extremely weird and creepy and doesn't feel good at all.
"That's my guy, you bitch." yelled Kurumu erratically clawing at all things spider-like.
For some reason the determination warmed my heart. For a specific reason, I was scared when Keito kept licking my face and started humping my leg.
"He ain't your boyfriend is he?" she again took a lick waaay to close to my quivering lips. Is this erotic? It's not right?
Fun fact about succubi: Succubi tend to gain strength from love. The common misconception being that love in a romantic sense is what keeps them alive. It can be the relationships that a succubus cherishes that gives them strength and only the most prized relationships make the biggest changes.
So when a spider girl reverts to human form just to hump my leg, and nibble on my cheek (due to many bloodsucking incidents I have grown an resistant to pain via biting, so I didn't notice the blood), some people like Moka and Kurumu tend to get more than worried.
One moment the succubus was there the next she was on the ground with Keito. trying her hardest to stab the spider girl's eyes.
Though I feel like I missed an entire conversation. Something about the situation felt a bit off. It probably had to do with the fact that for once Moka did not need to kick somebody's ass, but the problem solved itself, I think.
I didn't know it, but this would grow to be a huge problem that would be dealt with later.
9 - Tsukune
Summer vacation is one of the peaks of a high school student's life. Beaches, swimsuits, swimming, and even more. When I imagine summer, I think of the outdoors and the wonders of nature.
I don't always think of sunflower fields. Near the beach.
The Spirit of the Sunflowers is a seemingly random rumor that people go missing in the fields and never come back. Typical ghost story that you'd find anywhere. But since I attend Youkai Gauken...
"It is only natural that we, The Newspaper Club, get to the heart of the matter!" Nekonome, Kurumu, and Yukari clap along to his amazing speech but to be honest, I wasn't very interested in it. After all we were in a classroom, the smell of the wood burned at my nose as I try not to think of my summer assignments.
"Isn't this a bit excessive? It's only a rumor in the..." I pause at the awkward idea of saying it. ". . . human realm?"
"We already have one mystery solved at one side why not save some lives from the terrible being that would dare harm delicate flowers." 'Moka did most of the work' was left unsaid.
"I know you aren't talking about plants anymore. You really are one of the worst." Et tu little Yukari. Though I wonder if it's alright for me to call her little with her. . . imagination. . .
"Ignoring your intentions to pick up girls..." females within hearing distance scowl. "When exactly exactly are we going? And where is it?"
"It's a little town by the Chinmoku no Yoru , few residents and is divided into suburban and rustic areas. If the story is a dead end there's always the ruined castle to investigate."
Sounds like a nice trip. . .
"And we leave the day after tomorrow."
Kurumu and Moka scramble to the door, fighting for dominance to get out the door before landing in a heap on the floor.
"Way to spring this on us. . ." I sigh letting my head fall forward, hair obscuring my eyes.
. . .
". . .dickhead."
. . .
Fast forward to today and I'm wearing an unbuttoned light blue cardigan with a plain white t-shirt and black shorts. It's a bit hot but a cool breeze keeps me company at the silent bus stop.
Never mind it feels cold. REALLY cold.
"Tsukune~~~e."
Moka, truly an angel at this horrific place. Having her around at times really keeps things out of I meant to say out of perspective, I'm at a school where every interaction is a possibility for me to di-.
"You sure are early today." I said dispelling the evil and heretical thought from my mind.
She giggles taking a place right next to me, and it is wonderful. "Not early enough to walk here with you. But I'm glad it's just the two of us now."
Yeah it has been awhile. A whole 2 months without any private time with Moka. "We've had a lot going on." I said referring to. . . well, everything. "But I'm glad we get to spend time together. Just the two of us."
A moment of comforting silence came between us. . . her eyes shine even brighter and I'm drawn in. We both lean in. Her lips slightly parted.
Then she zips past my face towards my neck.
. . . my blood gets more action than my actual face. It's gotten to the point where her fangs, which used to feel like cacti on skin, is now nothing more than a small pinch. The down side being that the cold breeze is now feels like a blizzard, with only silent tears to keep me company.
"Moka that's enough." Kurumu came from. . . somewhere, and slapped her hand around the spot Moka was sucking causing her to yelp and harshly eject from my neck. At least the cold isn't so obvious with the burning pain and not from Kurumu slapping my neck.
"Here." she said wiping away the pooling blood eith a hankerchief already in hand before applying a bandaid. "I seriously can't leave you alone with him for a second."
I don't know why, but Kurumu has declared me to be her "Destined One". Being called the true love of a singular succubus was a bit weird for me. No matter how I look at it I'm nothing special. Just a guy who she happened to charm and happened to forgive her. I'm sure if he were in my place he'd have done the same thing.
The infinitely better version of me. . .
"You can't say stuff like that!" Moka shouts angrily pouting. "He's my friend, I should be allowed to spend time with him whenever I want."
Moka, you are indeed my friend, but please don't say it like that. You're sending mixed signals.
Kurumu wrapped her arms around me, her head on my shoulder. "Friend, huh? That means I can take the spot of wife and all of his time." she whispered in my ear, "You wouldn't mind having me, right?"
Cue tin washbin falling from the "ether" whatever that is. "That spot of wife will never belong to you!" In a nick of time, Yukari sends down a delay in the form of injury to the cranium to the head. "It belongs only to Moka. And I reserve the spot of concubine."
Normally someone would ask her to stop molesting and giving concussions to our club members but now was not the time for the latter.
"You're popular as always." Oh, Gin is here. On time even. "I'm not sure whether to hate you at times or pity you. But because of petty reasons I'm going to say I hate you."
"Huh?"
"I mean look at you. The plainest guy to ever walk the halls of the academy and you have... THAT!" he said gesturing to the wrestling girls. "I can't even get that and I wear much more stylish clothes than you. Is it the hair? The baby face? Dammit what's your secret?"
"uhhh..." I know exactly what he's talking about. And I have no real answer to it. ". . . my charming personality?"
"That's such a. . . load of. . ." he trailed off before grabbing his surprisingly filled notepad. "You met everyone the same way you met me?" he asked suddenly his tone and eyes serious.
"My prick of a best friend instigating a situation of some sort before I act as the better man?" Now that I think about it he did this with Moka too. It's really the only reason me and Moka ever made up after the second day, and why he at least remains polite when bumping into us.
For some reason, that information really made Gin's day as he made a quick check mark next to something closed his notepad and placed his hands on my shoulders. I'm not the only one being disturbed by this am I?
"Tsukune I hereby declare you to be my brother. A real member of my. . . admittedly small pack." His smile. The charming gentlemanly smile meant only for girls was directed at me.
"Wait, what do you mean brothers? What are you scheming?" I ask glaring at him now.
"Thus we are bound in life and de-" A 16 ton weight landed and broke on his head.
"Tsukune~~~e the forbidden yaoi love route is forbidden. Never fall to the wiles of the dark side."
"Well said Yukari-chi"
"BUT I'M STRAIGHT!"
Thus began our club trip.
A brief interlude
Akkun was a guy with 2 girlfriends. They went on dates every Thursday and Saturday.
One day Akkun's girlfriends, Becchan and Chichan, wanted to go to an old ice creamery. It was close to the suburbs and was owned by an old lady and her grandson, Deku.
When their eyes met it was like a shock perfect wavy hair cascaded partially covering his eye.
Deku serves them their orders A large strawberry milkshake and a strawberry-banana parfait.
Chichan is a bit clumsy and got a bit of whipped cream on her face. Naturally Deku being a good guy wiped it of with his finger before taking it in his mouth.
"Delicious ain't it?"
Chichan fell for him instantly. Akkun, like any good boyfriend got jealous, as did Becchan. They quickly had their fill, Akkun paid, and they were on their way.
So the next day Akkun and Becchan went again the next day. Deku was working that day too.
Another strawberry-banana parfait. Another "accident". Of course Deku had to clean her up. Dragging his finger slowly he managed to pick up the fallen cream and again said.
"Delicious, ain't it?"
Like Chichan, she was charmed, making Akkun furious.
The next day was Monday so he followed Deku to... the same school as Akkun?
It didn't matter to Akkun. He followed Deku down his usual route to the creamery. In the alley he struck pushing the shorter man against the wall.
"Don't you dare go flirting with my girls." snarled Akkun.
"Why would I go for the cherries," said Deku. "When I have the ice cream right in front of me."
A forceful kiss was all it took to calm and charm the aggressive Akkun. Clothes were being shed in light of their makeo-
Tsukune: "I told you I'm striaght, so don't bring up crappy yaoi. I can't keep playing the straight man."
Yukari: "Your response about not being the straight man only proves my point!"
The bus had stopped by the beach, allowing us to step off. Clean white sand. A relatively unpopulated area. And nice blue sea, right by a field of flowers.
"Yes indeed, this is the perfect spot to set up camp." said Ms. Nekonome. I sometimes forget she's the club advisor with how often I see her outside of class.
Almost never.
"So let's get started with the tents right now." Well said Yukari.
"Wait. where are the tents?" asked Moka.
Our individual bags were hurled out of the bus harshly and in rapid succession. The bus driver gave his creepy chuckle before speeding backwards.
"Okay then you all can go set up camp, I will be grilling the fish I brought with us." Her tail is showing again. I hardly notice nowadays, that's up for everyone else to point out. I like my eyes not clawed out and right where they are.
"As expected our club advisor prioritizes fish over her actual job." Gin sighs rubbing at the bridge of his nose. "Oh well, since it won't take long I'll set up the tents. Tsukune you can start fishing for more food. I have a feeling it won't be enough for tonight."
"Yeah, I know what you mean."
"What about us? Shouldn't we help with fishing, setting up the tents, or something?"
"One of you can go supervise our advisor. Just in case Tsukune and I don't manage to catch enough fish for tonight. Also setting up the tents won't take long so the other two can either fish with us or something."
This is gonna be a long day. I wonder what he's up to right now?
#*%&!*
Have you ever felt that strong urge to sneeze but you just can't? So your nose is left irritated until you rub at it or something. And then out of nowhere you just sneeze, loudly.
It was one of those day's.
"Would you mind taking out the trash for me?"
Kasumi Aono, mother of my best friend, wife to Kouji Aono, and my mother in all but name.
I typically visit the Aono's during summer as often as possible. My old man isn't home nine times out of ten so it gives me every opportunity to come over if they weren't busy.
"Sure thing." I yell back.
I visited so often that it might as well be my own home. I used to share a room with Tsukune, but that got real awkward fast when I found his "interest" in women.
I made my way down the stairs of the average house. Much like it's occupants, it gave a warm welcoming feeling, while not being outstanding.
Tying up the garbage bag. I made my way to the door carefully observing the bag every few steps.
"I do appreciate you coming to visit. One would think his own parents would be the first people he would talk to during the break."
Mrs. Aono, you truly are a good person, but your son is a riajuu. Let him live.
"He's on a club trip, making memories with new friends. It's pretty important to him." I went out to the front.
A small pile of garbage had another bag added to covered the sun and I looked up. It was around 2 in the afternoon. Dusk won't set in for another 2 hours.
I had a few reasons for staying at the Aono's for most of the summer. One was so I could run into Kyoko. Two was for the good food and great. The third reason...
. . . isn't something I'm very comfortable sharing. . .
I. . . had a crush on Tsukune's mom.
Don't get me wrong I have no plans of ruining a happy family like that, and would bring a lot of unwanted attention from the police. Middle school me had known this after he found out what child prostitution was. Claiming to have a bigger schlong than her husband and actually paying for her to take me?
Boy, wouldn't that be embarrassing, and highly illegal.
But like any horny middle school kid there was someone who was attractive, but didn't attract me. That someone. . .
"You ass!" She said punching me in the face.
. . . was Tsukune's cousin with a complex, Kyoko.
"Hello to you too, cousin complex." I calmly replied rubbing at the spot where she hit me. "I assume this has nothing to do with Tsukune?"
"I was asking where he was and you stood there like a dumbass." Typical impatient and overprotective brocon. "So hurry up and tell me where he is and what you did."
"Club trip, and I have no idea what you are talking about." Of course I knew what she was talking about. The hostage situation gone wrong that ended in many misunderstandings and misplaced guilt on both sides.
Before Kyoko can rip me a new ass out of my ass, Kasumi happened to look outside instantly shifting Kyoko from girls gone feral to my new best friend. I never understood Kyoko's unhealthy fear of her. Nor do I know why she is subtly trying to crush every bone in my body.
I wonder if Tsukune is having a better time than me.
Tsukune
She ate half of the fish we had and we only caught five.
It was supposed to last us until dinner but for some people it just wasn't enough. So a certain advisor of ours is on fishing duty while Moka watches over her, double checking to see if she actually does her job this time around.
Kurumu is sunbathing while Yukari is using an assortment of pans to build a sand castle.
To think those lethal weapons are now used as playthings. My head hurts at the mere thought of it.
"Hey. . . Gin?"
"Yeah Tsukune?"
"What are we doing?"
We had been left to our own devices considering we had no luck when it came to fishing. Gin actually caught 3 fish but every catch was the size of my pinky. If I were a bit more rude and crude, it would be the size of his di-
"I was going to say go pick up girls but then you would die." He said putting his hands in his pockets. "You already have Moka and Kurumu, and one must consider the law of obligatory beach episodes."
"What's an obligatory beach episode?" I ask.
He snickered a bit. "The episode where you go to the beach."
"I know what it is, but I meant to ask what's it supposed to mean?"
I heard a "tsk" before he nearly transformed. Nearly.
The Obligatory Beach Episode Guidelines
Setup: 3 Day 2 Night trip, yukata, shounen character charisma, false bravery, motive
Step 1: Forget the whole reason you went to the beach.
Step 2: Wait until night before you remember why you went to the beach.
Step 3: Jumpscare scene with destined one to increase love points.
Step 4: Discuss conflict for the following night.
Step 5: Fail the first night.
Step 6: ?
Step 7: NEW HAREM MEMBER
Repeat the following steps in following episodes to then further the bond between you and your harem.
This is, without a a doubt, the biggest piece of shit to ever grace the DIY world. Yet it explains half of our situations down to a tee. And anime.
. . .
So how did it all come true?
I'm wandering through the many sunflowers with Yukari on my shoulders and Moka and Kurumu on my left and right arms respectively. I had suggested someone monitor Gin since he was all by himself but an unspoken conversation went way over my head and a mutual "no" resounded.
I will never understand a woman's heart. Or anything about her, to be honest.
"I've never really been one for nature." I said pushing through the many plants making sure not to push them down and step on them.
"I'm actually surprised. So you used to live in an urban area or something?" asked Yukari.
"It wasn't the heart of the city but it was the heart of suburbs, though it doesn't take long to commute to either the city or the countryside." I said thinking of the festivals we had at the nearby shrine. "When we went to festivals at night there was enough light to see but not enough to block out the stars."
"As expected of Tsukune, his handsomeness complemented by a homely family. What I wouldn't give to start a family with him."
"As expected the slut, you're running way too deep into your fantasies." Yukari gave her mischievous smirk. "Isn't it only natural he'd want to be with a wife whom retains her youthful vigor?"
"Damn brat, who the hell gave you the right to ask for the position of wife." Kurumu started shouting throwing the conversation into another argument for the position of lover/wife/concubine/friend/girlfriend.
I really do hate this its mindless and somewhat annoying, it sums up the entire ride to this place. It's hot despite the light amount of clothing, too many bodies crowd around me and in my rush to get this over with I trip on a loose piece of dirt forcing many plants down with me.
I was dragged away by the viney stalks. I could hear the girls call for me trying their best to push through the many sunflowers which obscured their path.
I hate nature. Why did this have to happen to me.
. . .
"Mistress, your tea is ready."
I blink away any leftover grogginess. The moonlight barely lighting the room through the stained glass window.
"..." The silence deafening until overgrowth reaches for the teacup before retracting back towards an old woman in a very fancy bed.
I stay silent letting the situation sink without hysteria. I am in an old room. The overgrowth in plants means I must be somewhere considered abandoned.
". . . If the story is a dead end there's always the ruined castle to investigate." It's a possibility but that was quite the distance from the beach. I was dragged here by plants too so the only way I could have gotten here was through magic.
"So you are awake." Pink eyes on a heart shaped face with dark brown hair cascading downwards along with 2 ponytails. She wore a pink corset and black skirt which gave feelings of a more mature gothic lolita than Yukari. "The mistress has been in a good mood so she decided not to kill you."
Heart leapt to throat when she mentioned that I survived off of a very old ivy covered lady having a "good" day.
I could feel the blood rushing out of my face and it was nauseating.
". . ." The overgrowth moved to gesture to the apprentice witch apparently. ". . ."
"That's right I did forget to ask him about that!"
I heard nothing from the ancient witch but it looks like she has a way of talking with her apprentice somehow. I'll just chalk it up to mind reading magic or something like that.
"There was a little witch in your group, the shortest one. I want you to pass on a message to her."
I nodded trying not to further incur the wrath of the witches.
"Good boy." she said cradling the side of my face. ""The Witches' Knoll is always happy to welcome new students." Please don't forget to tell her that for us."
Vines grew uncontrollably wrapping themselves around me. The vines that previously covered the stained glass window parted revealing that rather than a window it was many shards of glass stuck on vines giving the illusion of a window. While I had been distracted by the rapidly changing scenery I had failed to realize it was set up like a ballista.
And it sent me straight into the night sky.
"If you'll excuse me mistress, I'll be retiring for the night."
". . ."
"Ah that's right it's not 'if you'll excuse me.' It is 'by your leave, mistress.'"
". . . ?"
"O-of course I haven't you are my teacher as well as my caretaker there's no way I would disrespect you like that."
". . . ?"
"Yes I did enchant him, he should have the message clearly imprinted in his mind. Even then I don't think he would be as ignorant as to forget YOUR orders."
". . ."
"Thank you mistress..."
". . ."
"What is it?"
". . . !"
". . . understood."
I did not sleep well that night and everyone knew exactly why. By morning most of us had dark circles under our eyes and the sun was just a pain to deal with.
As per my orders from last night, I delivered my message of Yukari being "invited" to the Witch's Knoll. A somewhat uncreative name but considering it has many rumors surrounding the place, it's somewhat fitting in our "Human" culture.
Like a vampire Kurumu insisted on staying in her tent much like Moka, whom took one look at the white sand and blue seas and decided that the world was too troublesome to deal with. But not troublesome enough to take a bit of blood from me before heading back to her tent to get some well deserved sleep.
'She wasn't even pretending to do our usual routine.' I sighed heading to Kurumu's tent for a bit. After declaring that she was taking me into her tent for sleep, there was obviously protest and lead to the three girls just sharing with me. It was hot, cramped and embarassing. Moka can't stand extreme heat so she was the first to leave taking Yukari with, as she had clearly latched onto her and passed out before any of us.
Still that left me with Kurumu and it was so much easier for us to sleep. That helped me somewhat but she was the most "proportioned" of the group and she was completely obsessed with me.
I talked about how she's been a bit more doting lately taking even better care of me for a while now. The only reason I'm even in her tent is so I can get my blanket and leave. I couldn't argue yesterday cause I was so tired but now in the morning when I'm slightly more rested it makes me feel like I can actually put up an argument against. . .
. . . a sleeping girl.
Oh well if you can't beat em' join em.
Kurumu let out a mischevious giggle as she snuggled with the object of her affections.
It was gonna be a real good nap for her. She'll definitely tell you if you ask her.
10 - #*%&!*
One of the most awkward things a man can do is explain to his best friend's mother how her son may or may not be building a harem, or that he's been injured in any way, or that her husband died after inviting him to spend a few nights there.
Poor Krillin.
But there was no way I could tell Kyoko, jackshit about the academy. She'd pull him out by the tailbone before eloping and placing him under house arrest. Kasumi would only send him to a psychiatrist. So I deliberated between telling the one who would keep him safe.
I talked to Kyoko anyway, not letting Kasumi corner me on her own, nor giving away too many details to make things look even worse than Tsukune actually thinks it is. Having to face the wrath of women for differing reasons. It's a stupid plan that relies on throwing Tsukune under a bus, Kyoko actually believing me, and believing in Tsukune's charms.
"What do you mean he only has 4 other friends?"
A difficult prospect indeed. I shrugged at Kyoko who might start frothing at the mouth. "3 female friends, 2 of whom are dateable material."
Her eyes narrowed, a suspicious glare being thrown my way. "What do you consider dateable material even?"
"Anything not below the age of 13." One would assume that I was joking especially since my pokerface is garbage.
Because it's so garbage people can never tell whether or not I'm actually serious, which makes it the perfect poker face. It just so happens that I am serious and it would be hard to believe that a 12 year old girl actually made it to high school.
"I need names. I can't plan for my future in-law if I can't get a single name out of you."
I raise an eyebrow at her determination. "Why don't you ask Tsukune about dating anyone at our school?"
"You know how he is. Constantly hiding even the smallest things from us. He's not here but his right hand man is."
I actually resent that remark since she would be the left hand woman. He's actually my right hand man, who happened to overthrow me as the main character. "He has a crush on one of them so I guess it's fine to tell you about her.
"What'shername?Where'sshefrom?Issheaforiegner?Howcuteisshe?Doesshehaveanysiblings?Isthereabackstory?Issherichandfamous?Doyoulikeher?"
Shut up Genocide Kyo. "I personally don't like her."
It actually got her to stop mid interrogation. I don't normally like a lot of people but for me to say it out loud is somewhat rare. Especially behind someone's back.
"What's she like?"
It took me a while to find the words. but when I did they came smoothly. "A mirrored Tsukune, but it feels worse since she's female and has an obsession with Tsukune and nice streak that'll make a few people sick."
"Sounds like him alright."
"No, even worse. She's childish at times getting in the way of his pursuit of a romantic relationship in the name of friendship." I'm ranting frustrated with their lack of progress. "One moment it looks like their gonna kiss before she voluntarily drags him away to places unknown it certainly isn't for a kiss, if his frustrated sighs mean anything. She encourages him to try and take the next step before she takes 2 steps back."
"You . . ." she started off hesitantly. ". . . are getting surprisingly worked up about this."
"Of course I am. I spent the last month and a half watching the pathetic game of cat and mouse, while other girls who make their position clear about their feelings for Tsukune are left in the dust with me, who happens to be the closest guy to him and guided him around high school life. I'm stuck in an endless cycle of playing the supporting friend of the girls that Tsukune keeps avoiding, instead of being an actual friend to the guy."
Part of the reason I didn't want to anyone about this is because no one really gets this frustrated feeling. I'm essentially thrown into the backseat with every other friend as the guy drives after someone who can't decide between getting in the van or continuing to take the cab of solitude. I dislike my angry outbursts and so I'd rather take it out on people in a tangible way, rather than verbal.
She sat back down on the bed. Much calmer than when she first started shoving questions down my throat like they were di-
"So you hate her . . . that's it? Don't you know the yaoi route is forbidden, right?"
I don't know if this girl was born with mental deficiencies or she's intentionally acting like an idiot. "Yes . . ."
. . .
". . . No. I almost hate her. It's a mystery if she's doing this on purpose or not."
"Wouldn't it piss you off even more if she wasn't doing this on purpose?"
Yes it would. And that's what's making this so frustrating. I know how one half of her feels but the other half. . .
"I'm only doing this to protect the other Moka. As for a replacement blood source, I suppose you'll have to do."
It doesn't help her case. It's an unhealthy relationship between predator and prey. "The only one I can count on in this situation is Kurumu who will hopefully open his eyes a bit more to the possibilities."
"Who?"
I said that out loud. "The other girl whom Tsukune gets to legally date."
"Legally date? How old is the third girl again?"
"12" and instantly Kyo's face twists into the most hideous thing I could ever see on the girl. Pretty hard to do considering she's mildly cute despite her rough and tough attitude towards some people.
"Ignoring the possibility of Tsukune turning to the dark side of pedophilia, Kurumu gives off a horrible first impression."
Kyoko actual snorts at the idea of ME saying someone gives a bad first impression.
"She's loud and peppy. Has enough energy to light the town on fire but won't actually do it. A massive flirt-"
Again Kyoko interrupts."I though you said she could be trusted to help Tsukune?"
". . . a massive flirt when it comes to the one she loves. Which happens to be Tsukune."
"She sounds like the type to switch every other week."
"Used to be but redeemed herself, actually coming to me before she went to Tsukune to confess and other things."
It took a while for me to fully believe her but when she had gone at least 3 days without flirting with another guy I decided to go full throttle and tell her everything she might need to know to endure the hardship of the path to Tsukune's heart.
How did Moka get there? She took the elevator named cliche first girl's crash.
"I noticed you didn't ask about the last one."
"What last one?"
I grin. 'Twas a cheeky grin that did indeed adorn my face as I said. "cousinlover."
I landed in the backyard. Luckily there were no lasting injuries.
Yukari is a girl that was easily frightened. Her attempts at acting more than her age would suggest insecurity about how many grades she skipped to get where she is. Any attempts to show her genius were thwarted by the fact that she is a witch.
And no one could ever like a witch except for another of their kind.
The Witches' Knoll is a place brimming with shrubbery. It welcomed few in the day, and fewer in the night. The plants give an enchanted, almost ethereal look to abandoned chapel, making it a holy place that held the so called heathens of society; witches. Now it is a place of isolation, left forgotten by those who once populated its halls, whom all left to pursue their own goals.
Everyone left. Except for Lady Oyakata.
Before it was an abandoned chapel it was a school of nature witchcraft. The flower field was their training grounds and only certain classes and teachers were able to use it for fear of the Human settlements being too close.
Lady Oyakata was one of those select students.
Some brought plants to life, watched the seedlings grow into living plants. Gave them sentience and raised them as if they were their own children. Given love and respect they became doting familiars. Others tamed local wildlife and trained them to perform tasks and follow them into the depths of hell itself.
Lady Oyakata had many of these servants, willing to do anything she asked or die trying.
However a grave accident happened that ended with the headmaster's death along with many others. In the will of the former Headmaster the most gifted and talented of them all would be able to lead them all.
Who else could lead but Lady Oyakata?
Known for her passive aggressive behavior towards humans, or rather people in general, she took over the Academy after graduating. Her abrasive attitude often drove students away from her. Then it was teacher's. As the years went by, as her bitter attitude grew. . .
It was abandoned.
"You must be Yukari."
She jumped frightened at the idea of this place being haunted. She was a witch not an exorcist. All she had on her was her staff and an old broom for faster travel.
She appeared behind Yukari. Pink eyes glowing softly in the evening light.
"My name is Rubi Toujo. We've been expecting you."
Tsukune
Night time at the beach near Witches' Knoll and Yukari is hardly anywhere to be seen.
It's not surprising, and something we were concerned about the whole time since I relayed the message. It was more. . . disappointing that she had decided to move out on her own.
"Is everyone ready? Chances are that Yuka-tan went on ahead to protect us." Gin said for once taking things seriously. "But as part of the Newspaper club we won't let her go until we get the full story."
'He seems to be taking his job seriously for once.' I flinched when his serious gaze turned to me.
"How many of them did you see in there?"
"I think it was just two of them. A really old one and then someone who looked at least 17."
His face lightened up a bit. I don't need to ask why.
"Focus on taking out the younger witch then, she's most likely acting as support. Hold nothing back against the older one. Not only does she have more experience than the girl, but has a larger repertoire of spells and the ability to cast them more efficiently, so we can't afford to hold anything back against her."
I can't tell whether or not he's serious. He's clearly just trying to score with a girl he hasn't even met yet, but makes it sound so serious. "So you and Moka will take on the Elder Witch, while we prevent the younger witch from casting any supporting spells? I'm not really all that strong to fight alongside Kurumu."
"No, I'd be more comfortable if Moka and Yukari fought the elder witch, with Moka being unsealed by Tsukune beforehand, Yukari will hopefully follow her overwhelming presence. Kurumu, Tsukune, and I will be taking care of the younger one with my natural speed and Kurumu's claws being enough to distract her. Naturally we'll be guarding you at the same time Tsukune, who will be preventing the Elder witch from resealing our powerhouse."
You can't make a genius battle plan like that with those intentions. It completely defeats the purpose of investigating the disappearances or preventing them at all.
But like all good plans it comes to an end. Kurumu was the one to end his terrible idea. "I'm aiming for her magic staff and not the her clothes."
Gin visibly deflated at the denied thought of a girl's clothing getting torn to shreds. "The plan still remains."
Our trek through the plant life was much more difficult than before. Flowers and vines were much more difficult to push out of their way.
"How did Yukari of all people get through this?" Gin asked anrgily pushng a way a sunflower stalk before it came back with a vengeance to smack him in the back of the head.
"She had taken her broom so she might've just flown right over these things." Moka said pushing them away much calmer than any of us.
"As expected of the genius witch. I'm jealous of her." Kurumu shoved them away as well and a few plants had thorns occasionally pricking her
"Don't you have wings? You can just fly right over there." Gin asked again this time being a bit more gentle with the plants, still getting smacked for his troubles.
"It would defeat the whole purpose of going as a group." She stopped bothering with pretense of nicities of vengeful plants and pulled out her claws.
"Kurumu's right. It would only make her wait for us and she can only really carry one other person with the rest of us just being a burden." Moka said.
"Why not have Kurumu carry Moka over there and have them lead the witches out here?" I asked.
"Too risky. They won't necessarily want to follow trespassers out to the beach just to kill them. And who knows if they decide to use the plant life to their advantage? We all saw what happened when you tripped yesterday."
I am painfully aware of how useless I am here, please don't make it apparent.
It took longer than expected, but by the time we arrived the full moon was high in the sky. Stars trickled along and in the distance one could see the city light and its surrounding light pollution. In contrast the abandoned chapel sucked the light out of the surrounding area.
Unlike me everyone seemed relatively unfazed. By the logic of Youkai: "What is terrifying for humans is majestic by us".
I had just gotten over my trauma of the school. I'll just need to power through this, letting Gin take charge. Ever since our run in with PSC he's been cautious and somewhat more reliable, but he's still a perv at heart.
He lead us through the many ivy covered corridors that were colored with shadows and little light from the surrounding plants.
. . .
It took a bit of wandering and a brief split up but we eventually found the main room. It was a bit of misunderstanding on our part: looking for a door not covered in ivy, when we were supposed to look for the door with the most greenery.
`The Witch's Knoll is a school for you to master the Nature Arts. We welcome all practitioners of witchcraft that wish to learn, explore, and love the Earth we wander.`
Considering that Yukari knows only the basics and tarot magic one would think she'd want to know. It was impressive when she first showed me tarot card magic. It isn't the flashiest magic but it's pretty complex considering humans use it for extremely vague future sight or scams. There even different types of decks.
"Tsukune head out of the clouds." Gin snapped his fingers bringing me out of my daze and inner monologue. "Are you two ready?"
"Yes."Her face set in a cute sort of determination as she turned to me. "Take it off."
. . . I am going to deliberately misinterpret her words one day.
With simple tug it clicked out of place before energy and such burst out of her filling out more areas making her beautiful instead of cute.
"I never knew her cup size changed along with her face. That's actually impressive."
"You know I can't help but agree. Hey if I was a sealed vampire instead of a werewolf you think my - "
They were both sent right through the window.
"Take this as a lesson from me Tsukune. If I ever catch you acting in a perverted way I will make sure your children in the next life will feel your pain."
"What are we waiting for? Sendou is waiting on us." Moka said barging straight into the room with no regard for the plant life that quickly parted from her.
Kurumu was pouting for some reason. I only noticed because she suddenly shoved my arm into her cleavage.
"It looks like your friends have arrived." Rubi said with a hollow smile. Yukari couldn't tell whether or not it was meant to hold anything. "Aren't you going to go talk to them?"
14,134 words.
(A/N): Holy Hell this took too long and I had to cut it in half I'm sorry please forgive me and laziness and DRV3 and school. To think this almost reached 20k and it isn't the complete chapter. I wrote a lot and not all of it was related to this chapter. Hopefully this next time around I'll post more for different stories as well as this one.
(Edited 06.14.18)