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Rosario + Vampire: Angel of Death
Chapter 9
Youkai Academy Library. Morning.
Haru closed the book in front of him in anger, gripping the book as if he intended to break it in pieces.
It had been two days since the fight between the Newspaper Club and the Public Safety Commission, resulting in Kuyou's defeat, yet the whole event spread throughout the campus like wildfire. News of the end of the PSC's tyranny was celebrated all over, as it seemed the entire club disbanded. Haru could tell that most of the weaker club members took his advice to heart, and were all the smarter with it. Now that they were out of the way, it looked like things would get lively.
But to Haru, it got worse. He knew what he saw, how Other Moka injected some of her blood into Tsukune, letting him use the powers he received to defeat the fiery dog, and how weakened she became as a result. He had the notion to let it happen again, but he quickly decided against that. He knew that if Other Moka really gave Tsukune a small amount of her blood, then if she gives him too much next time, he may end up like…
Haru put the book back on the shelf where it was before. No, he thought, I can't let that cloud my mind. I just need to find a way to keep Moka from doing so yet again, so that Tsukune can be saved.
After the battle, Tsukune fell into a deep sleep, and stayed as such since. Moka offered to watch over him, while the days went on. Haru felt uneasy about it, but knew that if he aroused any suspicion, it would spell the end for his vengeance. Ever since Tsukune fell asleep, Haru went through all the books in the Academy library, hoping to find an answer to keep Moka away from him. But, much to his chagrin, the supposed greatest library in the monster world held no answers, only confirming what Haru already knew.
Haru picked up his bags, and walked towards the exit.
"Did you find what you were looking for concerning your project?" the librarian asked.
Haru shook his head remembering the lie he told her earlier. "Unfortunately, no. I guess I'll come back later and use what I can." he said.
"Okay," she said. "Come back anytime!"
Haru went through the open doorways, and walked through the hallways. He could hear all those around him murmuring to themselves, wondering whether or not it was Tsukune or Haru who defeated Kuyou, and, surprisingly, most believed that the angel did it. But Haru didn't care. He had other things in mind.
He walked outside to a vending machine, brought out some change, and got a drink. It was there he heard someone call out his name.
He turned around and was shocked to see Tsukune there, seemingly healthy.
Haru stood there, almost dropping his drink. What? How is he…?
"What's wrong?" Tsukune asked.
Haru pocketed his drink, walked to Tsukune, and grabbed his neck, checking for any wounds. Tsukune squirmed with surprise.
Haru's eyes widened. No injuries, no fever, even the markings where Moka bit him are gone, like she took blood instead of the other way around… What the hell is going on?
"Haru-san!" Tsukune shouted. "What are you doing?"
Haru looked at Tsukune, and let him go. He looked around to see if anyone was nearby, but it was just the two of them.
He looked back at Tsukune, who was still confused. "Tsukune," he said, "Are you alright? Are you feeling okay?"
Tsukune rubbed his neck. "Yeah. I'm fine." He lowered his hand, and looked at Haru. "Is something wrong?"
Haru stared at him, and then had a thought. "Tsukune, what do you remember about the fight two days ago?"
Tsukune raised his eyebrows. "Nothing much, really." he said. "I woke up yesterday, Moka-san was in my room, I asked, and she said everything was okay. And today, I met up with Kurumu and Yukari, and they were acting weird, like something really major happened. But after Moka-san talked to them, they just said the same thing Moka-san said. Why? Did something else happen?"
Haru was surprised. So, he remembers nothing? He doesn't remember that he and I defeated Kuyou, that Other Moka injected him with vampire blood? He looked away, is that a side-effect to having a little amount of monster blood in someone?
"Haru-san?" Tsukune said.
Haru looked back, and placed a hand on Tsukune's shoulder. "No." he said. "You got pretty beat up thanks to Kuyou, and Other Moka and I defeated him. If you've been out this long, maybe you're stronger than I first thought."
Tsukune smiled. "T-Thanks?" he said.
Suddenly, Moka appeared from around the corner, walking up to the two. "Haru-san! Tsukune!" she said. "What's going on?"
Tsukune looked at her. "Moka-san," he said, "why didn't you tell me?"
Moka was shocked. "What?" she said. "You know?"
"Yeah," Tsukune said. "I got beat up badly during the fight, and you and Haru-san beat Kuyou as a result. Did you think I would've taken that badly?"
Moka's eyes widened. "Beat up…?" she muttered.
"Yeah," Haru said. "I figured he needed to know, before he found out later on, and now he's up to speed."
Moka stared at Haru, then at Tsukune, smiling. "Yeah," she said. "Sorry about that, Tsukune. I guess I was worried for nothing."
Tsukune smiled, and then walked off, hoping to make it in time for class.
Haru walked to Moka, and confronted her. "So," he said, "He forgot about that little incident, hmm?"
Moka nodded. "Yeah," she said. "I'm just glad he's okay." She turned to Haru. "Please don't let him find out. If he does, who knows what may happen to him…"
Haru raised his hands in the air. "I won't," he said, "but he needs to know soon. If you don't tell him, one of the others might slip up and tell him. And you don't want that, right?"
Moka nodded. "Okay," she said. "I'll tell him during club today. I just hope he forgives me for lying."
Haru grunted, and turned around, opening the soda in his pocket and drinking it.
"Oh, Haru-san?" Moka said.
Haru turned around. "What is it?" he asked.
Moka blushed. "Are you okay?"
Haru stared at her. "What do you mean?"
Moka crossed her arms, and rested on a nearby wall. "It's just… I remember some things from the fight. I sometimes get bits of memories from when the other me appears, and I remember you being afraid at one point, as if you saw something frightening. So, I thought to see if you are alright."
Haru lowered his head. "Yeah," he said. "I just got pressured, and couldn't think straight. It's nothing, so don't worry about it."
Moka nodded. "Okay," she said, getting off from the wall and walking back inside, "I just worried, you know? I don't want to see my friend in danger, okay?"
Haru watched her as she left. Friend? he thought. I'm no friend of yours, beast. I'm only trying to get close to you so that I can kill you. Nothing else. And it's like what I said to Ishigami: Anyone who gets in my way dies. Plain and simple.
He finished his drink, crumpled the can, and then turned around.
He found himself facing a big guy with white hair, wearing a shirt, jeans, and a towel around his neck. In each hand was a weight, as he kept bringing each arm up, as if he was working out all the time.
Haru stared at him after a minute of silence. "Can I help you with something?" he asked.
The man grunted. "The name's Chopper Rikiishi of the Pro Wrestling Club." he boasted. "You Haru Uematsu?"
Haru crossed his arms. "What's it to you?" he replied.
Rikiishi laughed. "I'm looking for the pipsqueak known as Aono Tsukune, the guy who's rumored to have beaten Kuyou, the PSC honcho. You know where he is?"
Haru squinted his eyes. "What if I did?" He asked.
"Don't play dumb, fool!" The man dropped his weights, as they left imprints on the ground. "I know you and him are in the same club together. Tell me where he is!"
"Why do you want Tsukune?" Haru asked. "What the hell did he do this time?"
Rikiishi picked up his weights. "I've wanted Kuyou's neck for a while now. The only person to beat him was supposed to be me, and that brat took my chance!"
"To be fair," Haru said. "Kuyou wasn't that much of a challenge. He was pretty weak. Let me guess, you want to beat up Tsukune so that you can prove you're the strongest, right?"
Rikiishi nodded.
Great, Haru thought, not long after the idiot wakes up, he's greeted with another challenge. Well, knowing Moka, there's no way this giant will get his hands on Tsukune…
Then Haru had a thought. An idea popped in his head, as he felt himself smile a bit. Haru, you may be a genius.
* * * * * *
Youkai Academy Rooftop. Afternoon.
Tsukune stood near the edge, thoughts racing.
It hadn't been but a short while since he met up with the others when Chopper Rikiishi caught up with him, demanding a fight all because he supposedly beat Kuyou, but before anyone laid the first punch, Gin showed up out of nowhere. Rikiishi left, muttering something about unfair odds, leaving the two alone. Gin, not knowing about the secret the others tried to hide, told him everything: How Other Moka injected him with some of her blood, how he turned into a vampire and defeated Kuyou, and how he seemingly fell unconscious afterwards.
And now, Tsukune was outside, trying to breathe right. He couldn't believe that Moka, Kurumu, Yukari, even Haru lied to him about what happened, and stood where he was, freaking out.
"I… I can't believe it!" he said. "Moka-san's blood… her vampire blood is flowing through my veins? And that blood transformed me and I beat Kuyou because of that? What… what's going to happen to me!?"
It wasn't long until Moka came out to the roof, finally finding him.
"Tsukune!" Moka said. "There you are! I got worried after you left for the bathroom and didn't come back! Class already started, you know?
Tsukune looked at her, still sweating about earlier. So, he thought, if nothing is done, am I going to become a real vampire just like her? No way… I don't want that! he started to freak out of nowhere. I don't wanna give up being a human!"
Moka, trying to make sense of what Tsukune was doing, approached him. "I want to ask you something…"
Tsukune calmed down, and looked at her. Moka smiled. "Could you please let me suck your blood?" she said, smiling.
Tsukune felt his head leave an imprint on the nearby fence as it felt the full force of his head hitting it hard. "Whaaat!?" he shouted.
Moka blushed. "Just, listen," she continued, "it's been so long, and things have finally calmed down, and I just gotten so thirsty for your blood. It's OK, right?" She wrapped her arms around him. Tsukune struggled to break free.
"No!" he said. "I'm not in the mood for that right now."
"Come on. Come on. Just a little sip!"
"No means no!"
"Pleeeeeaassseee."
Tsukune's mind flashed to all the things he knew about vampires before he came to Youkai, how being bit by one can turn you into one. Tsukune started to sweat.
Moka noticed something different about him, and asked what was wrong.
Tsukune stood there. "Stop," he said, "STOP IT!"
Moka was taken aback by the outburst, scared of what may happen.
"Why?" Tsukune asked. "Why didn't you tell me about what happened the other day?"
Moka was surprised. What-?!
Tsukune turned around. "I found out from Gin-sempai that the other day I was shortly turned into a vampire! And that he himself had no idea what would happen afterwards because of it! Why did you all hide something so important from me!?"
Moka grew worried. Tsukune continued. "And now, at a time like this you go and ask if you can suck my blood… This is serious! You don't even understand how I feel, do you!? Did you think that the thought of living life as a vampire wouldn't disgust me?! I hate it!"
Moka's eyes got watery, as tears started to fall. Tsukune turned away. Moka apologized, and ran off, crying.
Moka-san, Tsukune thought, I want to stay human. I want to go home someday, back to the human world with my Mom and Dad in it. But no matter how close I get to you, I don't want to become like you!
Tsukune stood there for a minute, and heard the door to the stairway open and close.
"So," a man's voice said, "I don't know what you were doing with that girl up here, but did you enjoy yourself?"
Tsukune turned around to see Rikiishi standing next to the door. "Monsters grow old when they forget how to fight." he said, throwing out his towel, "If you have the time to mess around, then you have the time to polish up your fighting skills, doncha' boy!?"
Moka sat down on the stairway, still crying from the ordeal.
She then heard footsteps, and looked up to see Haru standing next to her, arms crossed.
"So," he said to Moka, "He knows the truth, hmm?"
Moka nodded, and told him what had happened earlier as he sat down next to her.
"I'm so stupid, Haru-san," she said. "He must hate me now. I know why I didn't tell him about what happened when he fought Kuyou. It was because I was afraid this would happen."
Haru grunted. "You did what you thought was right." he said. "Nothing can ever change that."
Moka nodded, and slowly rested her head on Haru's arm. Haru fought the urge to force her off, reminding himself that he needed to get close to her. "Maybe," Moka continued, "It'll never work out between us after all. Maybe the difference between human and vampire, is too great for us to ever overcome."
Haru placed his arm around her. "Perhaps," he said. "You should just forget about him."
Moka looked up. "What?"
Haru looked at her. "From what I hear, Tsukune's not grateful that you saved his life. Had you not done so, he would be dead. But instead of thanking you, he chastises you. If he weren't human, I'd say he's the most ungrateful bastard I ever met. And you know what humans are like, right?"
Moka looked down, taking in his words.
Haru's eyes shined. Okay, he thought, if I can cut off the rosario without hurting her, I can unleash her true form, and kill her now. I would love nothing else than to kill her now, but as an angel, I will protect my race's honor. Just need to unsheathe my sword and-.
But before he could, Moka's rosario shined. 'Now just wait a moment!' it said.
Moka and Haru were startled. It talks?! Haru thought. I thought rosarios were supposed to keep the true power locked up, not give it a voice of their own!
'Did Tsukune not say he thought he could become a vampire?' the rosario continued. 'Are you three not misunderstanding the situation?'
Moka looked at it, puzzled. "What do you…" she then felt a tremor, as the whole building started to shake. "What the-?!"
Haru got up. Damn, he thought. Rikiishi's made his move. I need to hurry or else-.
He then noticed Moka running up the stairs to the doorway leading outside.
Dammit! Haru thought, clutching a part the rail until it bent. What is she doing!?
Tsukune shielded himself from the falling rubble.
After Rikiishi appeared, he started to attack Tsukune, slowly changing into his true form: a troll. One seemingly stronger than Saizou from long ago.
Tsukune stood there, paralyzed with fear.
The beast raised a giant arm, "Come on," he said, "Show me your true form, and we'll see who's the strongest out of the two of us." He chopped the ground near Tsukune, sending him flying. "I challenge you, Aono Tsukune."
Tsukune landed on his back, wincing in pain.
"C'mon," Rikiishi said. "What are you doing? The bell's rung! Get with the program!"
Tsukune tried to get up, but couldn't focus. Crap, he thought. I'm gonna die! I'm gonna get killed!
Rikiishi lunged at Tsukune. "Why won't you show me your true form!? Fight for real, you little punk!"
Tsukune screamed, shielding himself.
Suddenly, a voice cried out to him, and Tsukune looked to see Moka standing behind the two fighters.
"Tsukune," Moka said, "what's going on here?"
Rikiishi, seeing Moka, grabbed her with a giant hand.
Tsukune called out to her.
The troll smiled. "It seems to me that you have an interest to this girl. Perfect. I can use her then. I was getting tired of your lack of fighting spirit."
Tsukune was shocked. The beast brought Moka close, forcing a big thumb under her head. "I'll snap this girl's head off right now." he said, grinning from ear to ear. "Well? You're not about to let that happen are you? If you want to save her, show your true form and fight me for real."
Tsukune clenched his fists. "No…" he said, "Stop!"
Rikiishi laughed. "Just try and stop me by force!" his thumb went up a bit, causing strain on Moka's neck. "If you do nothing, I'll pop this cute little bug's head off."
Tsukune screamed. "Stop!"
Moka cried out to him. "Don't worry! Just run, Tsukune!"
Tsukune was taken aback. What?
Moka lowered her head. "I'll be OK. Even if my neck is broken, I'll be fine. Leave me and save your self. Please."
Tsukune stood there, shaking.
Moka looked at him, tears in her eyes. "I'm sorry for not understanding how you would feel earlier, but believe me now, even if you hate me, I still love you, Tsukune."
Rikiishi growled. "Don't drool over another man right in front of me, woman!" he yelled, forcing Moka's head to go higher. "Shut up or I will snap your neck!"
Suddenly, Tsukune lunged at Rikiishi, gabbing hold of the arm that held Moka. That's right, he thought. I've always ended up being saved by Moka-san! And wasn't it all because I'm a human!? At this academy, I'm so weak that I can't even protect myself. He looked at her, eyes full of determination. "You're important to me too, Moka-san! I'd be happy to be a vampire if it means keeping you safe!"
Moka started to cry again, Rikiishi laughed, dropping her and throwing Tsukune to the ground. "So you finally got some fighting spirit in you, pipsqueak!"
Tsukune landed on his belly, and got up. Come on, the thought, I got vampire blood going through my veins now, right? I can just use that power! If I could defeat Kuyou, this guy should be nothing!
The rosario rustled. 'Incredible… that silly boy is indeed misunderstanding the situation at hand. We have no choice! Fine, listen to what I tell you!'
Moka looked at her rosario, then jumped. "You're saying I have to do what?!" she said.
'Do not question me, just do it! If you don't hurry, he'll die!'
Moka rushed to Tsukune and, following the rosario's instructions to the letter, bit Tsukune and gave a little more blood to him.
Rikiishi stumbled. "What the hell?" He raised a hand in the air. "What the devil are you doing?!"
He landed another chop at Tsukune and Moka. "Here I am being serious, and yet you just ignore me and insult me. You failed to live up to my expectations, Aono Tsukune. I will not let you get away with this! I won't let you leave while breathing the same air as I do any longer!"
He then noticed that the blow didn't fully land on Tsukune, and as the dust settled, he saw Tsukune calmly hold it in the air like it was a ball.
Tsukune was in full vampire form. Moka, in his arms, was surprised.
"What!?" the troll said. "He stopped my rock-crushing karate chop with one hand!? How is this possible!?"
Tsukune looked at him eyes redder than blood. Rikiishi's anger intensified.
The rosario shined. 'It appears we made it.' Inside the rosario, Other Moka's spirit appeared behind Tsukune. 'Do you understand now? You have been infused with my blood once again. You are able to be a vampire until that blood's supernatural power is consumed. You are a temporary vampire for but a few moments.
Tsukune, still holding onto the troll's hand, clenched down and squeezed it, making Rikiishi howl in pain.
"What kind of ungodly power is this? This it the true form of the man who defeated Kuyou?"
Tsukune, not answering, shouted as grabbed hold of Rikiishi's arm
In the final moments of the fight, Rikiishi felt the full force of the impact as Tsukune created a crater big enough to hold ten of Gin on the floor with the troll's body.
No way… Rikiishi thought. I can't believe I underestimated him…
The full force created a giant explosion, engulfing the three in dust.
Inside the rosario, Other Moka smiled. 'Now do you see? You are merely borrowing my power in order to fight. After it fades, you will return to you normal self when the battle ends. Do you truly think you could obtain the power of a vampire so easily? Foolish boy! Don't think too highly of yourself. You really are just a simple human. Know your place, Tsukune.'
Tsukune woke up to see Moka sitting next to him, happy to see him awake.
Tsukune looked around and saw the damage. "Did I…" he said, "do that?" he pointed at the giant hole where Rikiishi laid.
Moka slowly nodded, still worried about before.
Tsukune then remembered, but vaguely, what had happened, hearing Other Moka's voice, everything.
Tsukune looked at Moka, Moka looked back. "You can suck my blood." He said.
Moka was surprised. "What!?"
Tsukune rubbed his head. "Well, I… said some mean things without think it through, and I want to make up for it. I'm really sorry about today, and I'll make sure you don't have to worry about me again, because I'll get stronger, and protect you."
Moka started to cry, and threw herself onto Tsukune, taking a bite from his neck.
As Tsukune and Moka left, Rikiishi slowly got up, still dazed from the hit. He grabbed hold of the bent railing in front of him, cursing at Tsukune.
He then felt a presence near him, and turned to see Haru land next to him, wings out and sword sheathed in the bag.
"So," Haru said, looking at the doorway, "it seems you couldn't defeat Tsukune. I saw it all."
The giant grunted. "You've been hiding while I got my ass kicked?"
Haru looked at the beast. "I told you, I got some unfinished business with the girl. And if I tried to help you, they would get suspicious. Granted, things didn't work out the way I had hoped, but it did prove interesting..."
Rikiishi got up. "Damn Tsukune." he said. "He's really as powerful as the rumors go."
"It's all because of Moka, actually." Haru said. "You know, I could never understand one's devotion to protecting the very thing that could end up killing them. Pretty pathetic and idiotic if you ask me. Still, knowing Tsukune, he probably has no idea, or just doesn't care."
"Don't worry." Rikiishi said. "The fight's not over until that runt's broken and buried in shame. I haven't failed yet."
Haru looked at him. "Failed? Are you stupid or deaf? It may not have gone according to plan, but it worked out better than I intended."
"What?" Rikiishi felt a powerful blow on his gut, seeing Haru force his fist to go through some of the giant's gut, blood slowly seeping out from the wound. Rikiishi was paralyzed.
"At first, I wanted to find a way to keep the girl away from Tsukune," Haru said, unflinching as the giant tried to fight his way out, "so when I saw you, I had the idea of you beating Tsukune until he couldn't move for a while, which would've given me more than enough time to take care of the bitch with him now. But seeing as how the fool is so determined to protect her, it seems that possibility won't ever happen. And seeing that Moka keeps giving him a small amount of her blood to amplify his powers, instead of way too much, I may have a short time before I can save him. So now, I know what I must do, and I know that I need to hurry." He looked at Rikiishi, who was still writhing in pain. "So I used you, hoping to see the end result."
Rikiishi looked into the angel's eyes, grasping onto Haru's arm. "Y-you what? You used the most powerful monster in this whole damn campus? You'll pay for-." He coughed up blood as Haru looked away.
"Hmph." he said. "You're not strong. You're weaker than Kuyou or any of the PSC we fought before, all because or your worthless pride." He looked into the giant's eyes. "You know, I had the intention of letting you go with a few bruises, but when I saw you hurt and try to kill Moka, I knew that would never happen. After all, if anyone's going to kill her, it will only be me." He then threw Rikiishi in the air, unsheathed his masamune, and sliced the air that the giant was, causing a splatter of blood to appear on the beast, and slowly grew when he crashed on the ground with a great shudder like an earthquake happened.
Haru wiped his blade, and sheathed it. "Now that I know what to do, I have no more use for you. And if you tell anyone about our little get-together, I'll not hesitate to destroy you." He walked away, leaving the beast unconscious and broken. Now, Haru thought, I must hurry. Sometime soon, I must strike. Whether or not Tsukune finds out about my true intentions, I need to hurry if I am to save him from a fate worse than death.
To be continued…