AN: I own nothing in regards to Naruto or Rosario. If you don't know that by now, I have to wonder

Saizou looked behind him to see if anyone was following him. He had somewhere to be and it wouldn't be helpful is he was being followed. This was more of habit than suspicion. Just a few hours ago, the Newspaper Club had taken out the strongest fighters of the Public Safety Committee. After the blonde and the vampire had beaten him senseless, he had his eyes opened to the state of affairs in the academy. Purebred Youkai ruled the school. What they didn't realize is that the mixed breeds, or Monstrels, like him, were more numerous. While Saizou didn't hate his parents, their bloodlines didn't mesh. He was lucky among the other Mostrels, he could transform his entire body. Sadly he knew he wasn't the strongest. But that didn't stop him from trying to rise among the ranks. Saizou then looked at the meeting spot. Sitting on a handful of tombstones were other members of the group. The leader never showed up, but Kiria, the second in command, was there. His heterochromic eyes stared at the group. "The Committee has fallen. This has moved up the time table greatly. Since they are all purebreds, they needed to be taken down before we can fully realize our plan. It is fortunate that we don't have to take them out and waste our strength. However, we need to do something about the Newspaper Club."

One of the members spoke up, "But they have three S class Youkai in the group. How can we beat them?"

Kiria shook his head. "The yoko may be out of commission. It looked like that fight with Kuyou took a bit out of him. The vampire can be handled with a large bottle of water and surprise. The werewolf, well, he only seems to step in when he absolutely has to. One of our female members can distract him effectively. Any other ideas?"

"We should make the Newspaper Club seem like they just took the place of the Public Safety Committee. That should make enough students wary of them."

Kiria mused over the idea. "I will bring that idea up with our leader. It might work well. What have most of the students said about the Newspaper Club?"

One boy with an oblong face and dark hair spoke up. "Most students who I was around when they watched the fight were glad that Kuyou is out of commission. But they are more than a little nervous about another yoko taking control."

This caused nods from all assembled, indicating that they had heard similar things.

Kiria nodded. "If we do have take out the yoko, it will have to be fast and unexpected. We might have to use a little assistance. I will talk to one of our agents. The witches and the other boundary being, Tsukune, will likely be the easiest targets."

Another Youkai spoke out, "They are traitors anyway. They may not be real Youkai, but they act like all the purebreds."

Saizou spoke up. "Not only that, but if we take out the Newspaper Club, there will be no one willing or capable to stand in our way. They did beat the Public Safety Committee."

The meeting continued for a brief time until Kiria cut everyone off. "We need to leave. Even with the events of today we don't want to draw too much attention to ourselves. Should the yoko join any fight, get away and try to slow him down so that our leader can get there. He is already factoring it into his plans."

Mizore woke slowly. Yesterday had been rather eventful. While the fight had taken quite a bit out of her, she recognized that most of her energy had returned. Mizore was about to roll back over into her soft furry blanket when she noticed a head of long brown hair asleep on Naruto's desk.

"Ruby?" Mizore murmured, still not fully awake.

The witch lifted her head, startled, and realized she had fallen asleep. She rubbed her eyes while talking, "My apologies Mizore. I wanted to be on hand in case Naruto got worse after his exertions yesterday. I am glad he helped. I do not think we could have handled Kuyou on our own."

Mizore rubbed her eyes with the back of her hand. "It wouldn't have been easy, but we might have. We wouldn't have as few injuries." The Yuki-Onna looked at her boyfriend. For the first time since the trip, he looked like he was sleeping without pain. "I love him, part of me wants to cuddle with him all week for coming to our rescue, but part of me wants to freeze him solid for getting out of bed and endangering his health."

Ruby nodded. "Mizore, may I ask you a personal question?"

Mizore laid her head back on the pillow of tails. "As long as I don't have to answer."

Ruby chewed her lip, "I know that Naruto is a yoko and he is nothing like what the stories portray them as." She paused, "So what is he like? And what is a yuki-onna doing dating a yoko? I had learned they didn't like each other."

Mizore shook her head softly. "I will explain the easiest first. Did Kurumu talk about his parents?"

Ruby nodded her head in response.

"His parents spent quite a bit of time around boundary beings and also they love someone that they were raised to hate; each other. His mom was friends with mine. Just after he was born, they moved nearby. His dad heals the people of our village when no one else can, and his mom takes out any yetis that come by, since they aren't affected by ice and snow and given the chance, they attack us for the territory. Naruto and I grew up together. There were also humans in close proximity the whole time."

Ruby looked pensive. "So it is largely a product of how they raised him?"

Mizore answered, "Yes. Now as to why we are together, Yuki-Onna are often a study of opposites. We are often physically introverted, but vocally blunt and brazen. We have to have the cold to survive, but cuddling up to a warm body feels amazing. I am not the only Yuki Onna around my age. There are a few younger, , and we will all be undergoing the Snow White ceremony together, but because of being introverted, I know them, but we are not friends. When they learned that Naruto was willing to marry a Yuki-Onna, they tried to take him from me. I had to fight them all for him. Naruto is a powerful Youkai. He makes me feel special. He makes me feel visible. Out of everyone I have ever met, he cares for me and my opinion and he isn't thrown off by the quirks of my species."

Ruby merely raised an eyebrow. "Like the cold temperatures?"

Mizore chuckled, "No. I stalk him because I care so much about him."

Ruby looked confused. The answer hadn't made sense.

Mizore continued. "Because of Yuki-Onna history," Seeing Ruby's confused look she elaborated, "The fact that some of the husbands of Yuki-Onna are taken against their will." She noticed Ruby's facial changes. "Don't look like that. We have to repopulate our race somehow. Besides, the men we take wouldn't be missed and their lives are better in the village. Most of them have had mental breakdowns or have attempted suicide. In the village they are cared for, loved, and can heal. Their spouses take care of their every need. At the same time they help the village. It is a win-win situation. Besides, the outside world thinks they are dead. It has become an inborn trait to observe the object of our affections for any escape attempts or signs of psychological issues. While Naruto won't have problems, he knows that observing him makes me feel better. It is only when our future marriage is assured, does a Yuki-Onna open up around others. For me, that wasn't until after he returned and a few weeks before school. This is the only reason I'm not hiding behind any objects all the time. I watch him because I like it. Due to the confrontation, none of the girls in my village will even come close to him. Here, the story is different. Kurumu, while she likely wouldn't say no to a more involved relationship with Naruto, doesn't intrude. I have no idea what is going on with Moka. However, Naruto is mine. Pure, plain, and simple."

Ruby looked confused. "I have heard of yoko taking multiple mates, could the same thing not happen with Naruto?"

Mizore sighed. "We don't know. The rumor is that they are driven to take multiple mates. Because his parents have been cast from their clans, they don't know the specifics. We will just have to find out."

Ruby nodded. She had a question she wanted to ask, but couldn't find the best way to do so. Finally she just decided to get it out in the open. "I cannot find what the link between us is, what will happen to me? Will he take advantage of it like my former mistress? I have been bound and forced to do the bidding of others almost all of my life. What if I have to stay within a mile of him for the rest of my life? What am I going to do?" At this, the witch dropped her face into her hands and started crying. Her emotions had broken through the barrier she had put up. The tears of worry and fear that had been held back finally burst from her eyes with seemingly no end in sight.

Mizore looked at the girl. She waited until Ruby dried up a little. "Become his friend."

Ruby looked up, "Huh?"

Mizore replied again, "Be his friend. Naruto isn't the type to take advantage of a girl." Mizore frowned, "No matter how many times I have tried to get him to do so." was muttered under her breath but the witch still heard it.

Ruby seemed to mull over what had been said. "Would he know what caused this?"

Mizore shrugged. "I don't know. He wasn't raised in the yoko clans, so I doubt he knows even a small percentage of the weird stuff that has happened over the years. He copied their libraries, but that is a lot of information to go through."

Ruby then hesitated, "Could I look through it if he ever visits home? I know a few spells to help look for information."

Mizore yawned, "You would have to ask him. I think that it would be okay, at least the history side of it. Their techniques are rather closely guarded." Mizore then cuddled a tail that was by her head. "His parents are coming for the school festival. You can ask them then."

Ruby looked hopeful and scared at the same time, "Mizore? Can you have Naruto not order me to do things?"

Mizore raised her head, "Has he ordered you to do something?"

Ruby shook her head. "It is just a matter of time…" Her building tirade was cut off by a slush ball to her face.

Mizore scowled. "Ruby I know you have been hurt, controlled, and degraded at every turn growing up. That much is obvious. I promise you that if Naruto does issue an order, it will only be an urgent situation. Who sent you to the Public Safety Committee to rescue the Newspaper Club?"

Ruby finished wiping the cold semi-solid mixture off her face and pointed at Naruto. "He did."

Mizore nodded. "Did you ever want to go against that request?"

Ruby nodded. "Some of the stories I heard were rather scary."

"Did you hurt at all? Yukari told me later that the Vow forces you to do things, even if you don't want to because of the pain. Likely even if Naruto ordered you to do something, it wouldn't be enforced. The yoko clans use threats of harm to keep their members in line. Naruto would only do that as a last resort. They do it as the first."

Ruby didn't say anything, so Mizore continued. "I meant it when I said that you need to be his friend first. As his friend you can see what kind of person he is."

After a few minutes of Ruby digesting what had been said, Mizore spoke up again. "A question Ruby, does Naruto even know about the connection? He hasn't talked to me about my feelings on the issue." Mizore ignored Ruby's shocked face. Apparently the girl hadn't mentioned it. "Now if you don't mind, I am going to back to sleep."

Moments later the alarm clock made its annoying presence known.

Naruto grumbled then hit the clock heavily with a clawed hand. His claws dug into the clock, cutting through the plastic. A small electrical shock ran through him. A slit-pupiled blue eye glared at the offending item. A flick of his wrist flung the clock across the room, shattering it against the wall. Naruto stood stretching. He tried to shift into human form to escape the grip Mizore had on his tails. Suddenly he grimaced in pain then sat down, examining his tails. He suppressed three of his natures. He tried to anyway. There was still one tail of the other three types present. He then counted his tails, his suspicions confirmed. He cycled through the various natures, the results were the same. He stood and walked over to the mirror on his closet door, and swore violently and creatively. Naruto then noticed Ruby's blushing face in the mirror. He was standing, clad only in his boxers. Because the blonde had gained at least two inches and noticeably more muscle during the night, they were tighter and shorter than before. He quickly tossed up a henge of being clothed in jeans and a t-shirt. He didn't notice that the illusion was using old information about his body. The illusion had to stretch to meet the requirements. Fortunately, or unfortunately depending on who was asked, it now appeared that the blonde was wearing a muscle shirt and tight jeans two sizes too small. Mizore was already making mental measurements of the blonde. "Ruby? What are you doing here?"

Ruby fought vainly against her blush. "I had wanted to keep an eye on you two. The both of you were rather tired last night. Kurumu wanted to, but she figured you would want some time alone. Since I still don't know my way around, I stayed back and made sure neither of you would need any help during the night. It seems like I nodded off sometime before dawn."

"At least you slept a little bit." Naruto collapsed back on his bed.

Mizore looked at Naruto. "What is wrong Naruto?"

Naruto exploded, "I have a freaking eighth tail. As if the next few days won't be difficult enough."

Ruby looked confused. "I thought that was a good thing. You are stronger now aren't you?"

Naruto rolled his eyes in response. "Yes but it comes at a price. As a Yoko gains power, the power becomes increasingly hard to control. It will be a few days before I can fully take my human form and that is with the pendant. Unless a yoko can completely control their powers, there are always some amount of feral features. That is why I wear the necklace. It becomes increasingly harder the more power you have. Higher class yoko rarely can fully control their powers. They don't shift out of their yoko forms very often. They usually work to master third level techniques instead of working on control. I also have to train to be able to suppress my natures again. If I had trained enough on controlling it, I wouldn't be having this problem." With this Naruto motioned to his tails. He intentionally ignored the hungry looks he was getting from Mizore.

At this point Kurumu stepped into the room unannounced, "Hey guys you…" her loud whispering trailed off at the sight of the now more feral and chiseled Naruto. She stopped and stared at the physique before her, naming all the muscle groups she could now see in better definition. Before they were good, now, it was like he was a walking demonstration of the fact that there were over six hundred skeletal muscles. Kurumu once more mentally reviewed the agreement between her and Mizore and wondering how far it could be pushed. The thoughts running through her mind echoed what Yukari had said months ago to Mizore outside the art room. Then they became even dirtier. Then she mentally counted the now veritable wall of fluffyness behind the blonde. "Mizore? You can't use all thirty two all at once can you?" She turned toward the snow girl who was sitting up and pouting about the loss of her blanket, pillow, and comfortable bedding.

Mizore raised an eyebrow. "I'm in a bad mood this morning Kurumu. I need sleep." Mizore's eyes looked flat.

Kurumu took a step back. "Gotcha. Talk about fur bedding later."

Frost formed on the succubus before she took another step back.

"Understood Mizore. I won't be bringing it up until you are well-rested. Anyway, breakfast is being served, and I thought you might be hungry after yesterday. I already ate and am hungry again."

Ruby broke out in giggles at the trio. Maybe it wouldn't be too bad being around them until the problem was fixed. They already considered her a friend. Maybe she finally could have friends too. Maybe, just maybe, even though she was connected in some way to the blonde, there was a hope of freedom for her.

The four headed off to eat. However, Kurumu had been rather pushy; she literally pushed Naruto out the door after throwing her own illusion over the tails. Stating they didn't have a lot of time, she literally forced the three occupants of the room out into the hall. What the other three didn't know was that because of Naruto's new issues with control, Kurumu could see through the illusion. She knew it was there, and wanted to at least play a small prank on her friends. When she threw up the illusion for his tails, she strengthened the one of his clothes. Of course as the creator she was unaffected, but there was no reason to let Mizore or Naruto in on that information. The pushing and pulling of a well-muscled male body had absolutely no bearing on her decision whatsoever. Because of the illusion, Naruto was forced to go to breakfast in only his boxers because of the blue-haired bossy succubus. Mizore took full advantage of this and since she thought Naruto had done the illusion, she told Naruto that once they sat down unless she was wrapped in tails, she would distract him enough to make the illusion fall. He of course complied. He knew she would likely follow through with her threat.

(A week or two later.)

Gin walked into the classroom that was empty save the presence of Miss Nekonome.

"Miss Nekonome, I'm here. What did you need?"

"Gin, I have found what appears to be a Newspaper Club publication. I don't think it is a real one. Since you handle the printing and you are the only one who can access the account to pay for the prints, I want you to look this over." At this, Gin was handed a paper that had spray paint around the edges.

Gin looked it over. "It looks a lot like what we print out, but it isn't. For starters, there are no pictures. We always put in pictures. Second, Naruto can't write this well without help. Third, Mizore would never write something so demeaning to other Youkai. That alone has me convinced that this isn't real." Gin then looked closer. "Someone copied the logo. When we print the paper, it has nice crisp edges. This one has blurred edges. Someone wants the students to think we are putting out this garbage?"

In response he got a nod. "Gin, I happen to agree with you. With what you said, I am convinced that no one in the Newspaper Club put together this piece of trash. I brought it to the Headmaster's attention before it starts getting out of control."

Gin nodded, "I'll have to see if I can catch who is doing this." He paused at the door. "Any ideas?"

Miss Nekonome shook her head again. "None Gin. I will authorize you to use your speed to see if you can catch this imposter. But If I find you have been peeking on the girl's locker room, I will let Naruto tie you up like a piñata again."

Gin shuddered. "Understood."

Tsukune stood hesitantly outside the Headmaster's office. After the fight with the Public Safety Committee, people had been giving him a wide berth in the halls. There were quite a few students who wouldn't come within arms reach. Apparently he was now considered a formidable Youkai. There were times he had to laugh because he wasn't even a Youkai. What he didn't know was that there were now girls who hadn't looked twice at him who were now interested in getting to know him better. His attention shifted as the torches lining the hall sputtered. The door creaked open revealing an interior only lit by candlelight.

"You may come in Mr. Aono." Rang out, the darkness of the office, not even showing a moving mouth from the figure seated at a desk. Points of yellow light emanated from the silhouette that was behind a rather expansive desk.

"Yes sir." Tsukune hesitated for a brief moment then entered the office. He jumped slightly as the doors closed behind him with a loud thud.

"Mr. Aono. You have put me in a rather interesting situation. Very rarely do humans find their way to this academy. Usually it is random chance that they even find out about it. Usually they do as you have, keep their heads down and transfer out. However, they do not demonstrate any abilities like you have. They also do not demonstrate them in such a public and spectacular fashion. There is only one other student that was human upon arriving at the academy, but now is classified as a Monstrel."

Tsukune looked up curiously. "A Monstrel sir?"

"Ah yes, you weren't raised in a Youkai culture. A Monstrel is an interesting case. Normally, they are the offspring of two Youkai that are not compatible. There are certain Youkai that will always breed true, as it were. Miss. Shirayuki and Miss Kurono are two such examples. Any offspring will likely be their Youkai type or their husband's. Others, like Miss Nekonome, can still have children with other Youkai, but can have one of three outcomes. The first is taking the form of either parent. The second is an interesting mix, oftentimes with new abilities or weaknesses. The third is being a Monstrel. In some instances, this is the only option. Most Youkai do not check beforehand if they are compatible. Sadly, when a Monstrel is born, they are often looked down upon by their parents. Because of the dual natures that do not mesh, their forms are unstable. Usually they appear to be mostly human. This is the only form that has any similarity between their parents. Many Youkai think less of them, regardless of the fact that they can be rather strong. Mr. Saizou Komiya is lucky in that he can transform the majority of his body. Others, sometimes only half of their body or even an appendage can be transformed. The Public Safety Committee often did their best to ensure that any student who could be termed as such was often discouraged from anything other than attending class."

Tsukune spoke up, "Sir what does this have to do with me?"

"After publicly demonstrating that you have abilities, it is also publicly known that you are transferring out. Right now, I feel that the Monstrel contingent of the student body will sympathize with you due to the ridicule from the rest of the school. I have received information that a group of Monstrels, calling themselves Anti-Thesis is planning something for the School Festival."

Tsukune waited as the Headmaster paused.

"I will not be approving your transfer unless you do a favor for me. Anti-Thesis is planning a incident for the school festival. Sadly, just because I the headmaster does not mean I know everything that goes on in this school."

Tsukune looked slightly taken aback at this turn of events. "Why me?"

Judging by the orientation change of the glowing orbs, the Headmaster was tilting his head. "Simple. As I said, you might be able to sympathize with them. Also, should you need backup; the Newspaper Club has quite a few powerful Youkai. Interestingly enough, luck seems to favor the entire lot of you. After all, you are dating the most intelligent Youkai who has graced our school in a few years, and if the rumors are to be believed, Mr. Namikaze has four girls keeping him entertained. Each is rather powerful in their own right." There was a barely hidden undercurrent of jealousy in the man's tone. Apparently it was not just students who had heard the rumors.

Tsukune scowled, "Even though I have every right to transfer out, you are holding it over me to get what you want? Why don't you just look at the student records of who is a Monstrel and keep an eye on them. You said another student who was human is one now. Why not ask him?"

"He is the one who passed the initial information to me, but since he is on the Festival Committee, he is a target anyway. Also no staff member, including the Headmaster, may look at any student's Youkai information without a good reason, signed off by another instructor that knows the student. This rule is in place to keep various factions from fighting. We only have a vague idea of who might be involved. The exact goal of Anti-thesis is unknown; however, we do know they are planning something during the school festival."

Tsukune frowned. "You mean that I am being forced to act as bait to draw out a potentially angry and hostile group of Youkai?"

The Headmaster shook his head. "Not bait Tsukune, merely a physical enticement to draw out a significantly high ranking member of the group for interrogation. All you have to do is be there when they reveal the plans. You give the information to me, and I sign your transfer paperwork. It also has the side benefit of discrediting the rumors that are going around about the Newspaper Club opposing the school festival."

Tsukune grumbled. There had been people seeing papers pasted on walls that looked similar to what the Newspaper Club put out talking about things that the Club would never print, even threatening violence at the Festival. After what had happened with the Public Safety Committee, there were quite a few nervous students.

A knock cut off any rebuttal Tsukune might make.

"Your decision Mr. Aono. That will be your guide."

Tsukune spat out through grit teeth. "I'll do it."

A smirk crossed the features of the headmaster. "Come in Miss Nekone."

Tsukune turned and a girl with hair so black, it had dark blue highlights, entered the room.

"Headmaster you said that there was another member for the…" The girl trailed off. Suddenly in a feat of athleticism, she bounded across the room in one leap and tackled Tsukune to the ground in a hug. Blue ears with black stripes popped out of the girl's head. "It is you isn't it Tsukune?"

Tsukune nodded slightly and rubbed the back of his skull. His landing wasn't graceful at all.

The girl continued, her tone a bubbling babble, "My name is Nanase! You look just like my Aunt Shizuka said you would." Tsukune then saw a tail enter his field of vision; it was also blue with black stripes. "I'm sooooooo glad that you sent the other members of the Newspaper Club to rescue everyone in the cells. They had me locked up so that my aunt wouldn't speak against them with the other teachers, but you knew that didn't you? I just wanted to say that when you took out those Public Safety Committee creeps, I was so amazed. Eeeeeeeeee! Can you teach me how to fight like that? I can tell that you taught everyone else in the Cub how to fight because you took out all those Youkai and they each only took out one. That was amazing! I wanted to talk to you for weeks, but Aunty Shizuka said that you needed time to adjust, whatever that means. Can I spend the entire day with you today? I like how your chest feels." All of this was said in less than five seconds and in one breath while the girl was rubbing her cheek on Tsukune's chest.

Yukari looked up from a seal she was designing. "I sense a disturbance in the Force…" Her distraction caused the seal to absorb some of her magic. Any further comment was cut off as her clothes changed into a pink and black tie-dye, her table tuned to gunpowder and ignited, and her shoes exploded into confetti.

The cat Youkai then jumped off the downed boy and batted at a reflective light that was dancing on the office walls.

The Headmaster placed a mirror down then coughed gently. "Miss Nekone, you were going to take Mr. Aono to…"

"Yep! To the Festival Committee!" She then grabbed Tsukune by the back of the neck of his jacket and shirt and proceeded to drag him away. Ignoring the protests of the teen, she stopped at the office door. "Thank you headmaster!" with this, she bowed and Tsukune stood. They left and the doors creaked ominously closed.

As Nanase proceeded to drag Tsukune along, she was happily talking a mile a minute. "You will need to know everyone, so I will let you know who everyone is. Hokuto Kaneshiro is the head of the Committee, he is really smart. A lot of girls think he is really hot. But he has the shiniest bracelet ever! Every time I see it, I want to bat at it. The rest of the Festival Committee members are really nice Youkai. It's weird. Usually Youkai don't like working together, but they do. Hokuto is a good leader. My aunt says that you are a really quiet student. Why are you quiet? Aren't you curious about anyone else on the Festival Committee? I had asked a million questions by now!"

Tsukune was still trying to process everything. In conjunction with being a cat Youkai, it seemed Nanase also didn't need to breathe to talk. Her attitude was one of a happy individual. He mused, at least she was attractive. Her figure was fuller than Yukari's real for but not by much. Tsukune shook his head at comparing the two.

Tsukune chuckled nervously. "Well Nanase, is there any member that I need to make sure not to get angry at me?"

Nanase giggled. "It doesn't matter Tsukune. Everyone there gets along. Besides, from what I heard of them talking about the fight, they were impressed by what you could do." She then jumped on the boys back and wrapped her arms and legs around the boy, leaned into to whisper in his ear. "In fact, seeing you fight almost put me into heat. I wouldn't mind a private demonstration of what you can do. Of course what teenaged male wouldn't want a catgirl?" Suddenly she jumped off the now blushing boy and pointed to a building, "There, we're here!"

Tsukune groaned inwardly. Why was it the girls who were interested in him were so adamant about that? Besides, he didn't have any fantasies involving a catgirl… did he?

Upon entering the building, there was a large circular table and a tall student wearing glasses stood. "Nanase, this must be Tsukune. Welcome to the Festival Committee. I hope that you joining us will be beneficial."

"Tsukune, this is Hokuto Kaneshiro. He is the head of this Committee."

Introductions were made and Tsukune sat in a chair that had a black haired boy with a rather oblong face on his left and Nanase on his right. Before things could get started, the boy leaned over, "Hi, the name is Mizuki Ueshiba. So why are you on the Committee? Rumor was that after the Public Safety Committee did their whole, I want to kill you bit, you are transferring out."

Tsukune shook his head. "The Headmaster wanted me on the Committee, he really didn't give any reasons."

Hokuto stood to start the meeting. "Now as you know, the Public Safety Committee has been rather effectively taken care of, so there will be no one to say that any ideas that anyone may have are not in keeping with Youkai Academy standards. Also, contrary to what has been said and seen, the Newspaper Club is not trying to stop the Festival, and to that effect, the Headmaster has appointed a member of the Club to this committee in that effort. Apparently the papers that are being passed around are not published by the Club, both the faculty supervisor and the Headmaster are doing what they can to stop the rumors. So, if there is anything you want to do that hasn't been done in the past, now is the time to suggest it. We will show this school what we can accomplish by working together and leaving our differences to our races aside. I want all of you to know that we will discuss the ideas and work to ensure that each visitor will enjoy themselves safely." He paused to readjust his glasses. "I would like any and all suggestions brought up; that way we can decide what can be done and what is feasible. I will now open this meeting up for a discussion. Keep your ideas brief and to the point. We only want the best ideas for the festival and also should we not pick your idea I don't want anyone fighting about it."

The discussion, while lively, was not chaotic. Tsukune was impressed at the charisma of Hokuto and his ability to keep things flowing.

As Mizore went to get lunch, Ruby was contemplating what she had been told. While the past few weeks had been rather interesting. She felt more like a friend to Naruto, she still hadn't told him about her predicament. Naruto was sitting on the training ledge. Earlier this week, he was finally able to separate his natures once again. Naruto then pushed himself further, now only had slightly pointed ears when he wasn't wearing his necklace.

Ruby decided to, as Mizore had told her, suck it up and stop being such a little girl about her problem.

"Naruto?"

Naruto had laid down looking at the clouds, leaned up on his elbows and turned his head to face Ruby. "Yeah?"

"I have a rather unique problem." She hesitated, she didn't want to show any weakness, but she didn't want to say anything, so her next sentence came out in a rather breathy tone. "And you are the only one who can help me." Ruby looked one part embarrassed and another part hesitant.

Naruto sighed, "Did Yukari put you up to this, because I swear that is a line she used on Tsukune two days ago."

Ruby stamped her foot and huffed. "I am being serious Naruto! There is a problem and I can't find the answer?"

The blonde looked puzzled. "What is the problem?"

Ruby looked down, tears in her eyes. "There was a side effect of a spell that I used when you fought in the sunflower field."

Naruto sighed, "I know that you said the Vow has moved to me, I haven't given you any orders have I?"

Ruby shook her head, "That's not it. There is something else at work. What I thought was the Vow probably was my other problem." She then looked hesitant.

Naruto now sat facing the witch and motioned for her to continue.

Ruby took a deep breath. "For some reason I cannot go more than a mile away from you. Otherwise I become lethargic and unable to do anything."

Naruto was stunned, he had never even heard of anything like that. Naruto shook his head, "I don't know what to say Ruby, I don't have a clue on this one."

Ruby nodded "I thought as much."

Naruto thought for a moment, "Ruby, do five jumping jacks."

Ruby was shocked by the change of topic, "What?"

Naruto continued, "No pain or anything like that?"

Ruby shook her head.

"Good."

"Why is that good?"

Naruto shook his head. "That means that you don't have to do anything that I say. It is that simple."

Ruby decided to explain a bit. "Naruto did you want me to do five jumping jacks?"

Naruto shook his head, "Not really. I don't want to force you to do anything."

Ruby continued, "With the Vow, the orders are enforced by the will of the Holder. If you don't really want me to do something, then it won't work. Besides, I told you that the Vow likely didn't factor into it at all."

"I just wanted to be sure."

Ruby nodded. "I understand. Mizore said something about a library that your parents had. Do you think I could find something in there?"

"Maybe," Naruto mused, "But we won't have a chance unless school is cancelled for some reason."

Any further rebuttal was cut off by Mizore bringing lunch.

Hokuto stood, "Now then, I want to thank all of you for your ideas. Since we have come to a consensus, I will go over the ideas and if there are any that I think will not be feasible, I will be having a chat with who suggested it, and we will go from there. I hope you all have a good day, next time we meet; it will be to delegate the handling of the various tasks. Have a good day."

As everyone stood, Hokuto looked over to Nanase, "Nanse, could you stay for a moment, I wanted to discuss a different possibility of the goldfish scoop; I don't think your aunt should be in charge of that.

Nanase wilted slightly, she had promised to try her best since her aunt had given her lots of information about Tsukune, "Tsukune, go ahead, this might take a while."

Tsukune nodded and stood from his chair. Mizuki started a conversation, "What do you think of the ideas that were suggested?"

Tsukune was glad to be on a safe topic for once. "Well, I like the ideas about standard festival things, but I also like the idea of the Clubs having a showcase of what they have done over the year. I think that the parents will like that too."

"The parents that come anyway," muttered Mizuki.

Tsukune nodded, "Yeah, my family won't be showing up at all." Tsukune then noticed the look on Mizuki's face. "Aren't your parents coming to the festival?"

Mizuki shook his head. "I am a disgrace, not like you purebred Youkai would understand anything about that."

Seeing Tsukune's confused look, Mizuki laughed in a shrill tone. "I know what you types are like, as soon as you find out someone isn't a purebred Youkai, you treat them just like dirt." His tone changed to a more menacing one, "You see, I know what you purebred Youkai want, and I want that taken away from me."

Mizuki began to shift, his form changing to a grotesque shape that was serpentine, but also slightly draconic. The Youkai's skin didn't fit over its rather boney frame and what flesh could be seem through the tears was metallic instead of having any normal visceral appearance. "I know you are only a boundary being; let me show you what a Monstrel can do!"

Tsukune dove out of the way of the creature's massive maw headed towards him. What surprised Tsukune is that the creature disappeared below the ground, even sealing up the initial hole. Tsukune jumped onto a low fence that was there and watched the ground for any signs of Mizuki resurfacing. Tsukune suddenly felt the fence be pushed up into the air. Mizuki then grabbed Tsukune in his rather misshapen forepaws and dove underground, pulling the boy with him. Mizuki's rancid breath seemed to engulf Tsukune as he was deposited in an area that was pitch black. "You have only a few hours of air, I will make sure that your girlfriend joins you when I get the chance." Tsukune heard shuffling of rocks then silence. As he stumbled to a side, he began trying to dig his way out by hand. His heart was racing and his adrenaline levels were such that they tripped a monitoring charm on the boy. Yukari bolted from the training platform moments later.

Mizuki emerged from the ground and shifted back to human form with a rather sadistic grin on his face. His objective was complete. The leader had told him to take offense at something Tsukune said, fly into a rage, and either kill Tsukune or leave him to die. Mizuki had decided that without a body, the Newspaper Club would be thrown into disarray. Not only that, when he killed something, it was difficult to switch back into his human form for a few days. He would need to maintain an image of being unrelated to the problem of the disappearance of Tsukune Aono. Many Youkai had the same difficulty when faced with heightened emotions.

Mizuki went to leave the area when he was hit from behind and he felt a rather powerful pair of jaws clamp around the back of his neck and four sets of claws dig into his back. Unfortunately, this severed his spinal cord. Even a strong Youkai would take some time to heal from this attack; sadly, Mizuki would not have the time. With black blood dripping down her chin, a partially transformed Nanse wiped off the blood with a fur covered hand. "You will tell me what you did with Tsukune!"

Mizuki wheezed "You will never find his body! What do you care, he is a boundary being anyway." He coughed slightly, "If I could move, I would kill you too."

Nanase crouched by the downed boy's head. "You will tell me what you did to him, or I will make you regret ever setting foot inside of Youkai Academy."

Mizuki lay in the dirt unable to do anything, he sneered. "Do your worst. A Neko can't do anything to me."

Nanase chuckled darkly. "I'm not your average Neko. You could say that I am something more. A Neko can't transform fully into a feline now can they?" At this, the catgirl shifted into a large tiger. The coloring was a deep blue with black stripes and a shockingly white stomach. It was easily twice the size of the average tiger. A deep, yet still feminine voice rumbled from the beast's throat. "You see I am a mixed breed too. I just got lucky. I am something much better than you." The large cat lifted a paw and set it on the Youkai's face, extending one claw, it pierced the forehead of the boy. She started to drag it down. Nansae paused before continuing to his eye, "Either you tell me or you lose this eye. A warning, any damage my claws do translates into your Youkai form. It is a special ability of mine." At Mizuki's silence, she continued, "Oh well, I did give you a chance."

Mizuki broke his silence. "He is underground. He has to dig his way out. He will run out air before he does that."

The cat snarled, "Why did you do that?!" the claw inched closer to the upper eyelid.

"I'm under orders!"

"Who ordered you to do this?"

Unfortunately for Nanase, blood loss, trauma, and the stress on the boy overrode his fear to keep talking, and Mizuki passed out.

Nanase shifted back into her catgirl form, too irritated to shift properly. She was surprised at the arrival of Yukari.

"You know, if I didn't hear your little conversation, I would think you had something with the stressed state of Tsukune."

Nanase gestured nervously to the unconscious lump behind her and blurted out. "He did it!"

Yukai had to bite back a chuckle. "I know. So Tsukune is underground huh?"

Nanase nodded. "He is trapped and needs to dig a way out."

Yukari examined the ground. "Did you see where the fight took place?"

Nanase went and stood a few feet in front of the fence. "He got dragged down right about here."

Yukari waved her wand and moved to the left a few feet. "He is below here. About six feet down." She then looked at the catgirl. "You may want to move back."

Nanase jumped backwards. Moments later, a myriad of shovels appeared, and began digging. After only a few minutes, they were already deep enough that only the top section of handle was visible. Suddenly they heard a dull thud and an exclamation of surprise and pain. The four foot wide hole had reached the area where Tsukune was trapped.

Yukari put her head near the edge of the hole. "Tsukune are you alright?"

Tsukune's voice wafted out of the hole. "I will be once I get out of this place."

Yukari made to jump down the hole, but was held back by Nanase. "I have better low-light vision, and can move quicker, I get the feeling we don't have much time."

Nanase jumped in, ignoring Yukari's protests.

Yukari felt the ground shift and jumped back. She watched a large blue and black tiger jump from the hole, with Tsukune on its back. Once they were on secure ground, they watched as the sphere that had been holding Tsukune collapsed. This was evident by the sinkhole that appeared on the surface.

Yukari set her shovels to filling in the hole, but there was still a depression in the dirt.

Nanase shifted back to her catgirl form. This caused Tsukune to slide to the ground and land in a heap. "Yukari, I know you said that the school isn't out to kill me, but what do you call that?"

Nanase piped up, "A daring rescue and escape." She then gestured to the immobile form of Mizuki. "And a severe beatdown."

Yukari looked speculatively at the very enthusiastic girl. "Why did you help Tsukune Nanase?"

Nanase looked down, scuffing her feet in the dirt. "Well, can't someone do something nice for someone else from time to time?"

Tsukune rolled his eyes, "I haven't seen that at this school."

Yukari took a few steps away from her boyfriend after making sure he was fine and motioned for the older girl to follow. Her voice was a whisper, "You have a crush on Tsukune don't you?"

Nanase nodded. "How could I not?! He is cute, strong, and he smells so good." The neko paused, "Like fresh catnip." At this, her tail started lashing from side to side.

Yukari frowned slightly, "You do realize I am his girlfriend."

Nanse nodded, then smiled, "He is rather strong. Even if you can handle him by yourself, every good witch needs help from her cat from time to time don't they?" She then pulled out a small book that Yukari recognized.

Yukari's jaw dropped, "You're a fan?"

Nanase nodded happily. She then put the book back in her bag. "Besides, he didn't say no to my teasing earlier."

Yukari smiled fiendishly. "We'll just have to see how things go now won't we? May the best girl win."

Nanase nodded, "But it would be better if we both won; wouldn't it? Think of the fun we could have. Besides, it looked like he enjoyed riding me." She then walked back towards Tsukune, sashaying rather effectively.

Yukari was shocked. Normally she would be the one making such statements, but months of training around Naruto had calmed down her perverseness. She resolved then and there that this challenge would not go unanswered. She quickly went back towards Tsukune.

Tsukune managed to stand up when an involuntary shudder wracked his frame. It was so bad he fell back to the ground. He felt scared for some reason, but the only ones around were Yukari and Nanase. Before he could stand again, Nanase appeared and helped him up. Yukari immediately appeared on the opposite side for him to lean on. Had he been more observant, he would have noticed the competitive looks in both girls' eyes.

None of the trio noticed a pair of heterochromatic eyes watch them leave. A sigh was released. "I'd better get the mess back to the Nurse's office before someone gets suspicious."

Mizuki woke staring at the white ceiling of the Nurse section. A cheery voice spoke up. "Oh, good you are awake."

A smiling blonde face entered his range of vision. Since he could barely turn his head, she was practically leaning over him. "You took a pretty nasty attack there." The girl looked around the large room. Her voice suddenly lowered and became cold. Her pointer finger suddenly elongated into a rather large needle. "You failed. I was told that I couldn't kill you. I really should you know."

Mizuki flinched as the needle entered his neck and a burning liquid entered his body. He found that he was unable to scream.

The girl leaned over and darkly whispered, "What you are feeling is a combination of my control serum and a rather potent acid. While it won't kill you; your body will have to go into a coma for quite a while to heal from both your injuries and the acid. By then, my control serum will be fully integrated into your system. Your body won't have time to fight it off. If you fail again, I will order you to kill yourself, and you won't be able to do a thing to stop it. That is the price of failure." Her voice suddenly became warm and cheery again. "You get some rest and we will see how you are feeling in the morning."

Mizuki tried to ask for help from the doctor walking past, but couldn't even lift his arms before he saw nothing but black.

AN: This time there are only two Omakes. Both are ideas that cropped up while I was writing this. I was contemplating putting them in the next chapter, but they don't seem to fit. If there is enough positive response, I will try to work one or both in.

Omake 1

The following morning, Nanase sat with Tsukune and Yukari. Since Naruto had eaten earlier, both he and Mizore were not present. Kurumu was sitting, her hair covered in ice. The ice was slowly melting and the water was being caught by a thick towel on the shoulders of the succubus. The look on her face showed she was thinking about something. The other three decided to not interrupt her thoughts.

Nanase sidled up to Tsukune. "How did you sleep Tsukune?"

Yukari copied the gesture. "Were you dreaming about me Tsukune?" There was an undercurrent in her tone that the answer had better be yes.

Lightning sparked between the two girl's eyes. Tsukune was oblivious to this. He was still not fully awake.

Both girls huffed. Yukari turned away. She missed what happened next. Nanase had already drank her milk and the cafeteria workers had refused to give her multiple glasses. She noticed that Tsukune had a glass on his tray he hadn't touched and she switched it out with her glass of orange juice. She happily gulped down the pilfered glass.

Tsukune took a big gulp of his drink.

Tsukune leaned over and kissed Yukari. "You looksh unhappy. Did that help?"

Yukari looked confused, but upon seeing the half full glass of juice, went to cast a spell to sound an alarm, but Tsukune removed it from her hand. She stopped fighting after Tsukune went in for another kiss. Her first thought when he stopped was 'Maybe orange juice isn't completely a taboo food for Tsukune.'

Yukari was snapped out of her daze by Nanase leaning in and rubbing herself against Tsukune. Her cat features prevalent, pupils dilated. "You smell amazing Tsukune." This was followed by a loud purr.

Yukari was confused. Normally Tsukune turned into a fighter when he drank the forbidden liquid.

Nanase then purred in Tsukune's ear, "You witch likes she needs help from a cat, don't you think so Tsukune?"

Tsukune nodded drunkenly, "Yep. Witsches alwaysh needs a kitty. Yukari, wher ish your kitty cat?"

Yukari was flabbergasted, "I can handle Tsukune just fine on my own."

Kurumu had only heard what was being said and interrupted with a smirk, "Yukari is a little young yet for that, she probably does need help." She then saw the half empty glass and paled. "I need to see if Naruto needs any help with training." She flew from the cafeteria as fast as her wings would take her.

Only two words percolated through the haze in Tsukune's mind. With a flick of Yukari's wand, he changed his, Yukari's, and Nanase's clothes to green jumpsuits. Their hair, already short suddenly appeared rounded like a shell. Regardless of their natural assets they now appeared male and gangly.

What happened next, many people had to see the school counselor with help dealing with the aftereffects.

"We should all join Naruto in his youthful training."

Nanase agreed happily, "Yes Tsukune."

Yukari felt her head nod as her wand moved in Tsukune's hand. This scene and dialogue was repeated three times, drawing the attention of all in the cafeteria.

Suddenly the sound of splashing waves echoed through the cafeteria, a sunset appeared and Tsukune began a slow run towards the two girls. Yukari wasn't exactly sure how he got ten feet away in two seconds, and just chalked it up to the effects of the juice. Suddenly wave crashed and Tsukune enveloped the girls in a hug.

Many Youkai fell to the ground clawing at their eyes. Suddenly the changes were reversed as Tsukune fell to the ground, hit by a giant gold washtub.

Omake 2

After Naruto fell asleep from a day of training, Mizore and Kurumu sat up talking.

Kurumu plead, "But you can't possibly use them all. Even with double layers, the most I ever see wrapped around you is twenty."

Mizore sniffed, "What if I want a third layer to keep from getting cold?"

Kurumu rolled her eyes. "You are a Yuki-Onna. You don't get cold. Besides, that would still leave two unaccounted for."

Mizore was starting to get angry at the topic of conversation. "I don't want you only sleeping here because of comfortable bedding!"

Kurumu smiled coyly, "You mean you would rather have me sleep here because of Naruto? I can agree to that." This comment had her ducking a brace of ice kunai.

Kurumu sobered. "You are more afraid than ever that you might lose Naruto aren't you?"

With no response from the other girl, Kurumu continued. "If you want, I'll stop flirting." There was a pained look on Kurumu's face as she said this. "Especially if it makes you uncomfortable."

Mizore hesitated, contemplating taking her up on it, then remembered her promise. "Naruto's emotions sustain you, I can't ask you to go vamping around the school. You don't like that."

Kurumu nodded. "But you and Naruto are my friends. If I lose you as a friend, I lose him too. I don't want that."

Mizore lay a reassuring hand on Kurumu's shoulder. "I understand, but now Naruto is going to be attracting more attention. I know there are Youkai out there who would want him just because he is strong. I think the girl who burned our papers is one example."

Kurumu nodded. "You know, you haven't burned down my kitchen in a few weeks. We were working on cooking eggrolls if I remember correctly."

Mizore chuckled. "I'll be there tomorrow. I just need some time before I can consider letting you sleep on Naruto's tails."

Kurumu nodded, "But that doesn't mean I can't bug you about it."

Mizore shook her head and yawned. "Good night Kurumu."

The following morning Kurumu eased herself quietly into Naruto's room. Seeing an opportunity, she angled herself so that she would land with her upper portion on Naruto and her legs would land on a splay of tails. Grinning, she launched herself onto the bed. She would sneak in early tomorrow. Kurumu was able to enjoy a brief moment of both laying on Naruto's chest and the tails curling around her legs in surprise. However, she barely avoided the freezing attack of Mizore. She dodged most of it, but had a block of ice encasing the top of her head like a bizzare hat. She quickly fled and went to her dorm for her hair dryer, this would make her late for breakfast.