The Promise

by Rothak

Written in response to a challenge and re-post of a story I took down. Naruto and Mizore grew up as childhood friends. Naruto promised that he would stand with her one day in the Snow White fields. So how will Naruto cope with the advances of a vampire and succubus thrown into the mix? By the seat of his pants, like he always does.

19. Chapter 18

Disclaimer: I own nothing about either story.

Naruto woke slowly. The past few weeks had been rather occupied for the blonde. He had worked hard to gain control over his new power levels. As he stared at the ceiling, lightly running his fingers through Mizore's hair, he mentally took stock of what else he had done. Outside of training until he couldn't stand, he really hadn't spent any amount of time with any of his friends. Aside from Mizore being next to him and the occasional over enthusiastic wakeup call from Kurumu, he had been distant. He sighed. He had wanted to not alienate himself from his friends, but had done so, even unintentionally.

Creating a shadow clone, he replaced himself with it. He decided that as a surprise, he would bring Mizore breakfast in bed. Since his kitchen area was bare of ingredients, he decided to make a trip to the cafeteria. Dressing quickly in jeans and a shirt, and slipping his cell phone in his pocket. The school had finally allowed cell phones for use outside of class. He made his way away from the dorms. As he turned a corner he saw a student in a hat spray-painting a wall. In the middle was what looked like a newspaper.

Naruto growled. This was the jerk that he had heard Mizore talk about. Shifting into his kitsune form, he leaped and drove his shoulder into the back of the unsuspecting Youkai.

The pinned Youkai pushed off with surprising strength. He then seemed to glide out from under the force of Naruto's tackle.

"So I finally got caught huh?" The color seemed to drain from the boy's face. "I gotta run."

Naruto saw a silver glint from the boy's feet as he seemed to skate away. Naruto simply added chakra to his legs and kept pace with the other Youkai. When the graffiti artist noticed that he was being pursued, he skated up a wall in an attempt to throw Naruto off his trail. When Naruto began running up the wall in pursuit, the member of Anti-Thesis knew that it would come down to a fight. He also knew he wouldn't be able to win. He quickly sent off a text as he reached the platform on top of the roof. He would have to keep the yoko distracted until help arrived.

"I'm impressed you were able to keep up with me furball. Most Purebreeds like yourself can't even keep track of me." He began skating in a slow circle.

Naruto mirrored the boy's movements "I would like to think I am anything but normal. Why are you posting those newspapers around the school?"

The skater laughed. "It is simply to make the students think that the Newspaper Club will be just as bad as or worse than the Public Safety Committee. After all, you don't even talk to any students other than the members of your club. You are just like Kuyou. Even the members of your own Club are afraid of you. Is that why you let the Yuki-Onna stay around? Is she the only one who will even be around an animal like you? Maybe she is into a little bestia.." His voice was cut off abruptly as a red-eyed Naruto proceeded to see how much blood could leave the Youkai's body before he passed out.

His victim had most of his jointed limbs now in shapes were not occurring in any kind of nature. Most of them had been dislocated and then broken giving an almost Gumby-like appearance to the now unconscious Youkai.

Naruto stood over the broken graffiti artist. His rage was much closer to the surface after his most recent tail growth. Even when he tried to control it, he still got angry easily. He slung the boy over his shoulder and made his way to the medical wing. Naruto gave no reaction to the two figures watching from the opposite roof.

"What do you think?"

"He will be difficult, that is sure, but he is only one Youkai. If at least three of our most powerful members hit him as a surprise, then it might be possible. We will have to engineer this very carefully."

Naruto called Gin as he was headed to the medical wing. Gin then called Miss Nekonome who alerted the Headmaster. The two adult faculty were there before Naruto left the room where the vandal was now sedated by a doctor on staff.

"Naruto, are you alright? I haven't seen you in weeks! Is everything ok?"

The Headmaster, with Ruby at his side, held up a hand as Naruto began to speak. "Mr. Namikaze, did he give any indication of any plans?"

Naruto shook his head. "No. It was by chance that I saw him. I had wanted to surprise Mizore with breakfast. I saw him as I was headed to the cafeteria. It was just plain dumb luck." He shook his head. "I heard from Kurumu about the meeting Tsukune attended a few days ago, I know he is your bait Headmaster. Hopefully the speedy artist over there will be enough of an information source for you. I am rather hungry and would like to get to the cafeteria."

The Headmaster nodded and said, "Very well, I will stay here until our friend wakes up. This may be our first real bit of information other than there is something going on."

Naruto nodded and left. He was followed by Ruby and Miss Nekonome.

He had walked down the hall past a nurse that looked disappointed when he heard a voice. "Naruto, can I ask you something?" Naruto turned and saw Miss Nekonome shifting nervously. Her tail was twitching behind her.

"Sure."

"Naruto, I'd like… I mean I would like to say… that is…"

Naruto waited as his teacher tripped over her words. He then whispered, "Are you afraid of me?"

This stopped Miss Nekonome cold. "Only if I make you angry, but since you haven't roasted me for failing you on a paper I would assume I am safe." She smirked then looked down. "I wanted to say thank you. When you and the rest of the Club stopped Tsukune from being hurt, my niece, Nanase was freed. When all of the prisoners were let free, so was she. She is all I have left of my brother and his wife. My brother was killed in a robbery in the Human World. His wife, who was like my sister; died in childbirth. Nanase means quite a bit to me." She then gave Naruto a crushing hug. Naruto felt a tear land on his collar before he was released.

Wiping away tears, she continued. "She wanted to show her gratitude, but for some reason, she thinks that Tsukune engineered the whole thing to free her. I didn't bother correcting her since you seem to have plenty of female attention. Did Mizore spend the night again?"

Naruto chuckled as they walked. "Trying to get her to spend the night in her dorm room is an exercise in futility. She has helped me out a lot the past few weeks. You do know that I am just friends with the other girls, right?"

Miss Nekonome gave Naruto a large wink. "Sure Naruto, just friends." She then walked down the hall that crossed their path.

Ruby let out a rather light giggle at the teacher. This brought Naruto's attention back to the witch.

"So, any progress on figuring out what is going on Ruby?"

Ruby shook her head in response. "I wish, but this is entirely a new magical territory for me. Have your parents said anything about using the library?"

Naruto rubbed the back of his head. "I got a letter from Dad today that Mom's fire attacks are being temperamental. Yoko females have hard pregnancies. This time it looks like she is burning things without meaning to. She burned my last letter. I am just going to wait until they come for the festival. That is, if she can get up and around anyway. After a while it will hurt for her to move."

Ruby was shocked "I didn't know a pregnancy was that bad for a yoko."

Naruto shrugged. "Between the constant fighting and difficulty bearing children, yoko clans are usually small. Usually no more than a few thousand apiece."

Ruby looked intrigued. "That is normally around the size of a Witch Enclave."

Naruto nodded absently. "That has changed since the truce. Each clan is coming up on around three to five thousand members. Sadly, the leaders just see that as a preparation for a fight. That is all most of the clans talk about. The everyday work is done by yoko who have only one or two tails. They do all the farming and maintenance. If you have more tails they are expected to train to fight."

Ruby thought for a moment about the fight between Kuyou and Naruto. "What about you?"

Naruto shrugged. "My parents, in case you haven't guessed, don't agree with the standard yoko philosophy of kill any opponent. They think that we can only end the fighting when we understand those around us. They taught me early on to try to find out what drove people and to not judge them just based on what I think, but rather, by their actions." Naruto paused, "They also think that there is no such thing as a useless skill. When I was a kid, if I wanted something, I had to earn it. Some people think that is weird, but I learned early on to not complain about it. That just made things harder for me to get what I wanted."

Ruby nodded. "It was the same when I was under the Vow. But I had to do things to eat and sleep." The bitterness in her voice was plain to any who might be listening.

Naruto put his hand on Ruby's shoulder. "Ruby, I will do what I can to help you get free of whatever is causing you problems. No one should have their choices taken from them."

Ruby nodded her head. "I know Naruto. These past few weeks have helped me see that you are a rather special Youkai." She hesitated, placing a hand on the blonde's shoulder. "If I am to be forced to be around another being, I am glad it is one such as you Naruto." With this, she seemed to search his eyes for something, turned, then left Naruto slightly stunned. As Naruto made his way to the cafeteria to pick up breakfast, he shook his head. Mizore would need her breakfast soon.

On his way back to the room, Naruto noticed that the preparations for the School Festival were taking shape. Less trafficked areas had banners up denoting what events would be taking place in those locations. The Festival would take place in six days. Over the next few days, both classes and clubs would be busy. Naruto sighed. With the way things were going, something would pop up in those six days, or on the day of the Festival. Why couldn't his life be quiet for at least once?

Kurumu slipped into Naruto's room, jumped, then just as she was about to land on Naruto, a flurry of ice knives pinned the succubus to the ceiling.

"Kurumu, not this morning. This is a Shadow Clone. Naruto left. He had better have gone to go get breakfast."

Kurumu pulled the knives out of her sweater, her actions well practiced. After she dropped to the floor, she spoke, "Breakfast in bed huh? Don't mind if I do." She then situated herself under the blankets, close enough to warrant the aforementioned meal, but far enough away to not incur her friend's wintery wrath. Judging by the attitude of the Yuki-Onna; today was not a day to try pushing the envelope.

Kurumu turned as she heard the door open. Naruto was a little sweaty; more so than getting breakfast would have done, even with the tray that he carried piled high with various breakfast goodies. Before the succubus could say anything, the blonde yoko was surrounded by a waist high wall of ice.

"You had better have French Toast Naruto or else I will not forgive you for leaving me with a fake cuddle toy." Mizore's eyes were glowing an eerie blue.

Naruto chuckled, shifted his grip and held out a plate of stuffed Pain Perdu. The hot cream cheese and marmalade was seen dripping from between slices, the syrup giving off a faint steam.

The plate disappeared from Naruto's hand. Kurumu turned and saw the covers fluttering back against a reclining Mizore, her face already happy at the tastes in her mouth.

Kurumu shook her head. She then saw a plate of pancakes and bacon enter her field of vision.

"Eat up. I figured you would be by sometime this morning."

Kurumu looked oddly at Naruto. "Mr. Namikaze! Are you trying to make me fat?"

Naruto barked a quick laugh. "Kurumu you and I both know that it is impossible for a succubus to get fat. Your nature won't allow it."

Kurumu humphed at the lost opportunity to try to tease the boy. She smiled as a thought entered her head. "While that may be true to some extent Naruto," she then hefted her rather substantial gifts of puberty. "But these do get larger. You wouldn't want me having back problems, would you? Or would you like them to be bigger?"

Naruto wisely said nothing, as Mizore was looking rather irritated this morning.

The trio ate in silence. When they finished, there was a knock at the door. Naruto stood and Moka entered the room. This caused both Mizore and Kurumu to get curious. Once Moka sat, Naruto addressed the girls. "Something big is going to happen. This morning before breakfast…"

At the mention of breakfast Moka's stomach growled. It was actually loud enough to cause Naruto to stop.

The pinkette blushed. "I haven't eaten yet. Naruto's text said it was pretty important. Um, Naruto would you mind if I drank a little before we continued? It would help me focus."

Naruto, in response, tilted his head to the side.

Moka sedately walked over and began drinking from the boy's jugular. After detaching herself from the blonde, she bowed slightly, "Thank you Naruto. I apologize for interrupting."

Naruto continued. "This morning I caught the Youkai that has been putting up those fake papers."

The girls were obviously very excited about the news. Naruto held up a hand to be able to speak. "Something is going to happen. From what Tsukune said about the meeting with the Headmaster and also this other Youkai, this group is planning something. What he said was enough evidence of that. I don't know what, I don't know when, but a big part of me wants the Headmaster and staff to handle it. After I took down the graffiti artist, I could sense two Youkai watching. I don't know how long they were standing there, I was rather angry. I would guess they either are part of the group or were just there beforehand." He paused. "All of us need to be careful. If this group went undiscovered when Kuyou was running things, it might be that whoever is leading them is smart enough to not get caught."

Moka finished the unspoken phrase. "That means they might be smart enough to take us down as well."

All present in the room nodded rather somberly.

Kurumu broke the silence. "Any ideas?"

Naruto voiced the words that were on everyone's minds. "Until this happens, don't go off alone."

---

Tsukune was walking around his assigned area. The decorations were getting put up and everything was going smoothly. All of the Newspaper Club, minus Gin and Moka, were hanging banners and had been a free labor force for Tsukune most of the day.

Hokuto came by with a clipboard. "Well done Tsukune. I'm glad that the rest of your club is as enthusiastic to make the School Festival as much of a success as you are."

Tsukune chuckled, "Yeah they have been a big help. I just wish Gin was here. He is probably off getting beat up by some girl. Moka isn't here either. It's weird; normally she is joining in with everyone else. I guess she is under the weather today."

"Keep up the good work Tsukune. Here is a list of all of the various booths and activity sites, can you check on them when you are done here? I would like to know how everything is going. I need to check on Nanase next. Hopefully she didn't get bribed with fish to do it all by herself…again."

The two boys shared a laugh as they parted ways.

Nanase was happy. Her class had worked hard. Most of them were tired. They had given her the tastiest array of seafood as thanks for her hard work. Her mouth watered as she thought about the fresh mackerel, tuna, and swordfish that awaited her. She had already eaten all of the shrimp. She would have to put up the booth and decorate it before she could have a piece. Well, maybe just get a wall or two into place.

---

Moka sat quietly by a tree as she contemplated her situation. She had been feeling rather introspective as of late. While Naruto's blood still maintained the delicious taste and wonderful sensations, her inner self was starting to agree with her outer self that they needed to be polite in order to drink from the blonde. Making sure the blonde had no reason to take away the delicious crimson liquid that flowed through his veins was now the order of the day, every day. Whatever he wanted, she would give him, if only she had one more chance to drink his blood.

Her thoughts were cut short by a pair of voices.

"Everything is going according to plan Kiria. Are the others ready?"

"Yes Hokuto. We can strike during the confusion at the festival. With your find, it shouldn't be a problem."

"Indeed. It pays to not be under suspicion. After all, I am perfectly placed to use this to the advantage of Anti-Thesis."

"Hokuto, we can't meet in public before the festival. I am already known to be a possible member of Anti-Thesis, we can't risk having it tied back to you until after the festival when there is nothing anyone can do about it."

Moka bit back a gasp. Her fingers flew over the keyboard of her phone. She knew that Naruto needed to know this immediately. She also made sure to delete the message from her sent history. Naruto would likely reward her for this. She smiled as she put her phone away. She could already feel her fangs reaching for his blood. As she was lost in a happy memory, she didn't notice a slight breeze race through the trees until it was too late.

"Kiria, you are right. This is bigger than both of us, if someone should find out…" Hokuto's voice trailed off as he saw a lock of pink hair flutter in the wind from behind a tree that was close to their position.

Hokuto motioned to Kiria; then the pair went on either side of the tree. Because of Moka's blood fueled daydream, she didn't notice the pair coming up, nor their sudden halt in conversation. She did notice, however, that there was a scythe blade resting on her collarbone.

"Well, well, well, look what we have here." Kiria said, his heterochromatic eyes dancing with malice.

The severity of the situation quickly sobered the pinkette.

Hokuto smirked cruelly. "It isn't nice to eavesdrop on private conversations. Even vampires have to observe social niceties. Now what to do with you…" At this Kiria moved his arm closer to Moka's neck.

"What do you two want?" Moka knew the best way to get out of this alive was to convince the pair that she knew nothing.

Kiria bit out, "Why were you listening in on our conversation?"

Moka shook her head, as much as the scythe would allow, "I didn't even hear anyone. I was just out here thinking about next term. Hokuto, what is going on? Is it because I didn't show up to help Tsukune? Naruto said he would let him know I needed some time to myself today."

Kiria relaxed slightly, but Hokuto became slightly pensive.

Before Kiria moved his arm away completely, Hokuto held it in place. "You know Kiria, a thought occurred to me. This could be the break we were looking for."

Kiria replied, "What do you mean?"

Hokuto grinned. "Simple. We wanted a chance to take out the yoko. We have been handed one." Seeing the phone in the girl's pocket he pulled it out. He then looked in the sent message category. He smiled that there had been no messages sent recently. He snapped the phone closed. "You see Moka, The group that dear Tsukune has told you about, Anti-Thesis, well, you see I am the one who tipped off the Headmaster so that it would be looked into. The only reason I did was so is that we would have a chance to take down the only group that could possibly put a stop our plans."

Due to Moka's lack of shock on the subject, Hokuto knew his suspicion was correct. "Now your presence here has forced me to speed things up a little. I was hoping to have a place prepared to negate both your and Naruto's abilities, but this opportunity is too good to pass up."

"Kiria, get her to the Committee building, we haven't had time to rig it with water yet, but this opportunity cannot be wasted. Get our strongest fighters. It is time for an ambush." He watched as the pinkette was led away. "With any luck the worst hurdle will be dealt with today. By the way, you keep your blood packs in the fridge in your dormitory, I assume?"

Moka nodded slightly as she was led away.

"Good. That gives us enough time to get set up."

Hokuto scrolled through the contact list. He made sure to look over old texts and sent one with similar punctuation and abbreviations. 'Naruto, could you plz plz plz bring me a blood pack. I'm at the Festival Committee's meeting room going over the next booth we are going to set up. They are in the fridge in my dorm. Helga, the supervisor can get one for you.' Once Hokuto sent it off, he knew it was a matter of time until their trap would be sprung.

The Newspaper Club finished up their latest project. Naruto felt his phone vibrate signifying that he received a text. He took it out and read it. He directed a quick glance at a few students around who were members of the Festival Committee. Tsukune was checking the item off his list.

Naruto stopped the girls from leaving. "Can we talk about the first issue of the next semester? I have a few ideas. It's important."

Mizore and Kurumu nodded and Yukari shrugged. "Why not? Tsukune won't really be paying any attention to me until he is done."

As they made their way to the Club room, Naruto got another text. He frowned.

Once they were in the room, Naruto threw a few privacy techniques, both yoko and jutsu to guard against eavesdroppers. "Moka has been captured. My guess is by Anti-Thesis. Although it could be by someone else as well. If I were to venture a guess, she is likely being used as bait in a trap."

All three girls were stunned. Yukari was the first to speak. "How can you possibly know that?"

Naruto held out his phone. "Read the last two texts from her."

Yukari gasped as she read the text about Hokuto. She then looked confused with the second. "Since when does Moka want you to get a blood pack when she can drink from your throat?"

Naruto nodded. "Exactly. Trap."

Yukari nodded, "It is the only logical conclusion."

Naruto nodded, "It is what I would do at least."

Kurumu spoke up, "What do we do?"

Mizore answered before Naruto could. "Spring the trap on them. They think Naruto will come alone. We make them think he is alone. Then when they attack, we hit them from behind."

Naruto smiled in response, "That's my girl." He made shadow clones that then henged into duplicates of the girls. "Kurumu you handle the illusions, I'll act like I'm getting the blood pack. They are going to be at the Festival Committee's meeting place. Go there to see if this is a trap and what kind of opposition may be there. If it doesn't look like a trap, text me. Otherwise I will assume it is a trap. See you in a few. Be careful." With this, Naruto left the room.

---

Tsukune found Nanase busy batting around the fringe on a display that was finished.

"Well Nanase, it looks like you are done here. Want to come with me to let Hokuto know that everything is going well?"

Nanase smiled. "I always want to spend time with you Tsukune. You should know that by now."

Tsukune shrugged. "Well then, let's go."

---

When he made it to the girl's dorms, Naruto asked the desk attendant to get a blood pack from the fridge of Moka Akashia. He showed her the text. Once she had brought the blood pack, Naruto set out towards the building that housed the Festival Committee rooms. Naruto never noticed the older lady, with evidence a deep puncture wound hidden by her collar, pick up the phone.

"He picked up the blood. He is on his way. There is no one else with him."

Just after leaving the Girl's Dorms, Ruby crossed his path.

"Naruto where are you headed?"

"Well Ruby, Moka was feeling a little thirsty. She said she needed a blood pack." At this he sent a meaningful look toward the witch.

Ruby picked up on it immediately. She held out an arm and a raven landed on it. She wrote a quick note and it flew off. "Do you mind if I walk with you for a bit? The Headmaster has been keeping me busy and I would just like to unwind for a few minutes."

Naruto shook his head. "Nah. So, how do you like Youkai Academy?"

Ruby shrugged. "It is different, but not bad. I wish that I was a student, but I'm a few months too old. I plan on studying then testing for a diploma. There really was no formal schooling at the Knoll."

Naruto nodded sympathetically. "Any plans after that?"

Ruby shrugged. "I would like to see the world. Being confined to just the Knoll and the surrounding areas has made me want to see what is out there."

Naruto nodded, "I know what you mean. There is a lot that both the Human World and the Youkai have to offer. I traveled quite a bit for a few years."

Ruby looked excited, "Could you tell me about some of the places you have been?"

Naruto nodded. "Maybe some other time. We're here."

---

(A few minutes earlier.)

Hokuto closed his phone. "The yoko is on his way here. You know the drill. Hit him hard and fast. Do not give him the chance to change." He walked over to the bound vampire. "You will need to stay out of the way. Luckily that is very easy." Hokuto then gestured to a member whose right arm was massive and ended in rather dangerous claws. He was holding a large drum. When he pierced it with his claws, water sprayed and gushed from the sides. Hokuto began chanting and the water flowed into a cylinder, completely encasing the vampire. "That will hold you long enough for us to take out the fox."

Moka's image was distorted from the water, and she could hear what was said. The lights dimmed and Moka saw the six members Hokuto had recruited take up positions that would be ideal for an ambush. Limbs shifted into rather potent-looking weapons. Body stances shifted, hiding the glinting grotesque surfaces from betraying their positions.

Moka heard the outer door open, and even through the barrier she could hear Naruto's footsteps coming down the hall. She perked up, there was another set with him; he was not alone. There might be a chance that he would escape and bring the others with him.

The double doors were pushed open. In the dim light; and through the distortion of the water she could tell that Naruto was tensed, but looking casual. She saw his eyes dart to a few places where the ambush was set, then oddly under the table. She wanted to yell for him to run, but the gag was too tight.

Naruto looked around then called out, "Moka, I have what you asked for."

Hokuto stepped into one of the shafts of light given off from the few lit bulbs. "Are you looking for someone?" With this, he snapped his fingers.

Naruto grabbed the fist of Saizou as he dropped from the ceiling. He then threw him into Hokuto. Naruto did not have time to react to any follow-up attacks. However, he didn't need to. A pair of blades was blocked by another pair of blades made from ice. A hand with fingers tipped in large needles was stopped by equally sharp pink nails. A large scythe was stopped by a yellow shield that popped up and a massive clawed hand was held back by a purple mist that solidified above Naruto's Head.

The group separated, leaving their strongest fighter to face the blonde. A few moments later, no one paid any notice to a pair of figures who just entered the room, shocked by what they were seeing.

(Mizore)

Mizore sprung after the Monstrel who had attacked Naruto from behind. She didn't have the dual edged swords that were a part of her advanced state. She could feel the change creaking like a glacier beginning to crack from just below her surface. She felt totally drained after all the previous changes, so she wanted to hold that off as long as she could. Especially given the number of enemies were in the ambush.

"You think you can hold up against me? This will be easy." Moroha sneered. "You aren't even taking me seriously."

Mizore parried both of his slashes and head-butted the boy; knocking his baseball cap off his head. "Should I?" A brace of ice kunai formed behind her and flew toward her opponent.

Knocking aside the unexpected attack, Moroha glared at Mizore, his slit-pupiled eyes a poisonous yellow, "I will not be ignored by the likes of you." In a flash, he stood behind Mizore, and her swords fell in pieces, as did the sleeves of her sweatshirt.

As the black sleeves fluttered to the ground thanks to her now empty hands; Mizore re-assessed her opponent. She was able to dodge the worst of his strike, but she would need to step things up. Forming another set of swords, this time from much denser ice, with a much keener edge, the Yuki-Onna attacked the monstrel with swords for hands. She intentionally shut out the noises that surrounded her. All that mattered was the fight.

The two parried, attacked, dodged, and attacked again in a dance that was a deadly and fearsome as it was surprisingly beautiful. It was also a prime example of how each of the pair was gifted with their weapons.

When they sprang apart small cuts littered the pair's clothes. No blood had been drawn but both participants were breathing heavily.

Moroha sneered, "You will never beat me, and quite frankly," he said, gesturing to Mizore's set of swords that had just shattered, "Ice can't stand up to metal." He then burst into motion again.

As Mizore tried to dodge, the tip of a sword, cut mostly through the front of her already damaged shirt. If she hadn't dodged, that slash would have bisected her torso.

Moroha grinned, "Black and lacey, who knew you were the type?"

White light poured from the Yuki-Onna's eyes. "You will not look at me like that!"

Moroha had to dodge spikes of ice that erupted around his feet.

Snow swirled and coalesced around Mizore's form. Now clad in a white kimono, she materialized her double bladed swords. She leapt through the air and their blades met once more. This time, frost began coating the tarnished silver of her opponent's blades.

Moroha jumped away, shaking his arms. He shifted one sword back into his hand and noticed the whitened skin. His eyes narrowed. Things just changed. Hokuto had been unsure as to the exact trigger of this particular state, but Moroha now knew to avoid those swords. Sadly, his moment of introspection was costly. His legs were suddenly encased in ice and he couldn't bring his superior speed to bear. He was then slashed on the upper arms, numbing cold quickly creapt down the affected limbs until he couldn't move his arms.

A vertical slash went down his chest cutting through his shirt, opening a gash in his skin, and starting the same feeling emanating from the site of injury. Before he could react, dual points erupted from his gut.

"Congratulations, you made you take you seriously. I'm afraid it is a rather cold comfort. Goodbye."

From that point Moroha knew no more.

Mizore turned to see who needed help. Mizore was shocked as she saw the grotesque form of Saizou impaled; one of her ice spikes in each limb. She also was nearly bowled over by a large explosion. Seeing most of the fights either over or finishing, she turned towards a surge of Naruto's Youkai energy. She was shocked by what she saw. Why did watching Naruto fight always surprise her? She watched him train after all.

(Yukari)

Yukari sprang after the attacker who had an arm of a scythe. She summoned her cards as and sent them winging towards the heterocromatic Monstrel. The implied awkwardness of his weapon was a lie. Even though it was shifted from his arm, it moved in a metallic web that shredded her cards. Yukari attempted to use what little battle magic she knew to keep the boy at bay, but it was obvious that she was outclassed. She had been studying seals, not magic lately. She shrieked out as she felt the blade slice her leg she also felt it bite into her shoulder. She then felt the tip under her chin; she fought her head up to avoid it cutting her.

"Now, now, little one. Did you really think you could challenge me? I may be a Monstrel, but at least I am a true Youkai." At this he slashed her other shoulder, the two now matching. "You see I am second in command for a reason."

Anything else he may have said was cut off as a large blue tiger knocked him away from her prone form.

"Aw, kitty want to play?" Kiria taunted, "Well, I guess I will just have to cut you down to size as well."

Yukari felt herself pulled under the round table in the center of the room. Tsukune ripped his shirt, trying to bind up her injuries. "Nanase can hold him off for a bit Yukari. Can you heal the cuts?"

Yukari nodded, casting healing spells in an attempt to close up the cuts. "Tsukune, you have to help."

Tsukune's eyes widened, "But I can't…" His denial was cut off by a bloody finger on his lips.

"You just have to believe in yourself. I already do. Now go." At this, Yukari handed Tsukune his wand that she had withdrawn from his sleeve.

Tsukune still hadn't found out what kinds of magic he could use. And many of his attempts had less than spectacular results. This time, seeing Yukari bleeding and Nanase with shallow cuts over her feline body, something inside of him snapped into place. It was almost audible to the teen. Waving the wand in a rather intricate pattern, white birds and spiders appeared around the boy. These quickly made their way towards the monstrel who was taunting Nanase. One bird latched on to his shoulder, and promptly detonated.

Kiria stumbled and shook his head. Where had that come from? He saw a white tide on the floor coming his way. He quickly sliced up a few birds, but they had reformed into larger ones that took more effort to dodge. The next few moments, he concentrated on avoiding the unforeseen attack. The weakling was a wizard?! That hadn't been in any information about the boy.

The fight was at a stalemate. Tsukune was panting, trying to keep his creations under control and directing their movements. Nanse had fallen back to his side to make sure that no one interfered with the object of her affection. Finally, Kiria stood on a large piece of debris that had landed just outside of his area of the battle. It would take the spiders a few moments to get there and the birds were now reforming. He would have to think of a new plan and fast.

Unfortunately for him, he would get no such chance. His eyes focused on the advancing horde, he missed the delicate blue lines forming below his feet. The only warning he got was a voice shouting "Now!" before his world exploded into pain.

Yukari had been waiting for an opening. She had a crazy idea of a plan. Tsukune was weakening and Nanase had slowed enough to be beaten by their opponent. It was her only option. Gripping her wand tightly, she did something Naruto had only talked about in response to one of her questions. She drew a seal with magic alone. Yes, Naruto had told her many times it was dangerous, especially so if you got distracted or didn't know enough about the seal. If it was too demanding, it would drain her magic killing her; even if it did nothing. She had seen the stacks of explosive notes Nartuo used in training often enough and had examined them on more then one occasion. She had to do this. There was no other choice. She forced her magic into the shape of the seal. Her entire focus was taken up by the image, design, and purpose. She continued working on the seal, blocking off everything around her. Once it was complete, she focused hard to control the depth of the seal, and its power; so it wouldn't drain her. When she thought it was complete; she powered it up. The seal had a built in activation component. She had to set it off. Biting back the pain, headache, and fatigue, she yelled out "Now!" She saw a violent flash of red and orange before she blacked out.

The effect of her work launched Kiria high in the air. His body impacted the stone ceiling of the room with a wet thud. He was knocked senseless instantly. His body defied gravity, seeming to be imbedded in the ceiling before it started to fall. He flopped like a rag doll for a brief moment, but was caught mid air by a leaping figure.

"Rest Kiria, I will take care of the rest of these trouble makers. I just need to find a safe place to put you first." Hokuto told his non-responsive friend. "You saved me before; it is past time I returned the favor."

Nanase watched the pair disappear before returning to stand guard over the exhausted Tsukune and unconscious Yukari. Tsukune's last act before joining the witch in unconsciousness was to direct his explosive horde towards Naruto and Ruby who were still fighting a grotesque enemy. Kurumu looked tired and her opponent was running away from her. Mizore had frozen her enemy in place.

(Kurumu)

Kurumu jumped after the attacker she had stopped. When she stepped into the light, the succubus looked shocked at the blonde she faced. "You are a nurse from the Hospital Wing. I saw you there when Mizore was out for a few days."

Mako Yakumaru laughed. "I am. If I had known what a nuisance you all have become, I would have killed all three of you. It was disgusting watching a succubus trying to get the attention of a boy who is a true monster among Youkai and a weakling of a Yuki-Onna."

Kurumu circled, trying to get close to her opponent spoke again, "You are an idiot. She can do things I have never even heard of a Yuki-Onna doing before. Your friend, who she is facing, will soon be a Monstrel popsicle." With this, Kurumu, took to the air.

Mako snorted and shook her head, "Just like a weakling. Running away from a fight. I guess being a pure-bred Youkai really isn't all that impressive." She sneered, "But then again, being a succubus, like you, isn't something any self-respecting Youkai would want to be anyway."

A snarl appeared on Kurumu's face. She dove, nails extended towards the insulting blonde nurse.

Kurumu was surprised, her nails, that could slice through trees when she wanted them to; merely grated on her opponent's. She used her tail to wrap around the throat of the nurse. She then used her extra appendage to throw the nurse further from her. Unbeknownst to her, there was a slight scratch on her tail.

Suddenly, Kurumu was a prisoner in her own body. The blonde nurse laughed cruelly. "All it takes is a little." Kurumu then felt a searing pain in her neck. An elongated finger, covered in her blood entered her vision. "You see, I can control every movement you make, but a little extra never hurt anyone. Well, it will hurt you, but not me."

The blonde nurse stood beside Kurumu, "Now, when the Yoko's back is turned, I want you to attack. Then when you are done, your little frozen friend needs to be distracted. She is too evenly matched for Moroha." Kurumu felt her body walk forward; in her own mind she willed everything she could to stop her advance on the blonde. As his opponent was blasted into a wall by an attack, some of the debris knocked her on her back. She started to gain some semblance of control over whatever held her in thrall.

"See what I mean, you succubi have no ability in a fight. Pity, I thought you would at least manage to distract them. Well, no matter, time to put you down." Kurumu watched as a sickly yellow liquid dripped from the girl's fingers and hit the floor, causing it to sizzle.

As the blonde leaned over her prey, she smirked, "I really do enjoy putting you uppity Youkai in your place." Suddenly Mako stiffened. Kurumu pushed Mako off with her left hand. Her right had razor sharp nails deep in the nurse's gut, then wrenched to the side as the bluenette pushed the blonde off of acid leaking from the rapidly shrinking digits caused black smoke to rise from the floor.

Kurumu wiped the blood off her neck. The wound was already healing. "No one can control me. No one makes me hurt my friends. Especially someone like you." She spat in anger. Kurumu saw Mizore get her sleeves sliced off and went to help, but was grabbed from behind. Large brown arms with bony protrusions wrapped around her form.

"You know, I think I will just beat you enough so that I can have my way with you. Luckily Mako tired you out." Kurumu turned and saw the bloodied face of a transformed Saizou.

A long tongue snaked down her face. Just as it was about to start on her neck, Kurumu turned and bit it, hard. The purplish blood of the Monstrel spurted and the arms loosened. The succubus quickly escaped the hold.

Kurumu remembered Mizore telling her about the first fight where they had seen Inner Moka. She quickly took her shoe off, drew her foot back, and extended her toenails through the sock. The extra edge of the nails pierced through the thick hide and bony protection, hitting the Monstrel square between his legs.

The pain stunned the significantly larger Youkai. Kurumu then crafted an image of inner Moka walking towards Saizou.

His voice, a few octaves higher than normal, squeaked out, "Hokuto contained you!"

The illusion shook its head and replied, "Do you really think he could hold a vampire? I thought I told you last time to know your place!"

Saizou, seeing the illusion rear back for a kick turned and ran. He didn't watch where he was going. He slipped on ice shards from Mizore's swords and fell, impaling himself on the jagged spikes of ice Mizore has created. Kurumu sagged, barely keeping herself upright. She saw Mizore finish off her opponent and she saw both Yuakri and Tsukune unconscious. She then turned towards Naruto. She was stunned by what she saw. Who knew that Naruto and Ruby could fight so well together? They never even practiced. She never noticed the Headmaster walk up behind her.

(Naruto and Ruby)

Naruto turned and punched the Monstrel who was causing Ruby's shield to form spiderweb cracks. The half-transformed Monstrel slid back, allowing Ruby to drop the shield and use some spells that pushed him further away. As she went to cast again, buying Naruto the time he needed to transform, eight red tails sprouting from his tailbone. The jet of light was caught by the massive clawed hand. Kusabi didn't even budge.

"You will have to work harder than that to beat me witch." said Kusabi in a laconic voice. He then dodged a flurry of fireballs, blocking some with his arms and twisting out of the way of the others. He lunged toward the pair; the spiked digits of the massive hand were curled into fist. Naruto dodged out of the way and Ruby did the same. Ruby had seen how Mizore and Naruto had sparred against a clone. Naruto usually went left, so she went to the right. Luckily, he held true to form. She lashed out with her wand, a series of lightning bolts leaping from the gem. She landed a hit on his human side, just as a javelin of fire was embedded between the massive thumb and pointer finger.

Kusabi winced, then snarled, "You actually managed to land a hit on me. I guess I will have to actually take you seriously." Youkai energy swirled, then condensed. The fire was snuffed out and the cracks of the carapace fused back together.

Ruby jumped away and stood behind Naruto. "Hit him from both sides again?"

Naruto nodded, then the pair separated and attacked again. This time, Ruby used a high pressure stream of water. This turned out to be a mistake. Naruto had thrown a wide disk of fire at Kusabi. The attack arrived just before Ruby's.

Kusabi had snagged the disc of fire and spun it straight into the path of the water, causing a rather healthy amount of steam to form.

Ruby tensed immediately. The steam was think, particularly around her. She really couldn't see well. Before she could react, the massive clawed hand swung down intent on crushing her. She was suddenly pushed out of the way and Naruto stood holding it back. He was visibly straining under the effort. Naruto was forced to a knee.

Ruby screamed in pain and fury. She had been sliced as she had been pushed away. She then focused hard as a pulsing black ball grew at the tip of her wand. This then launched itself at the form she saw in the clearing steam. The resulting explosion blasted the Monstrel in to the wall about twenty feet back. This also caused loose bits of masonry to fall.

Kusabi chuckled, then spat out a little blood. "I guess I will have to stop holding back. I never thought you could force me to do this. I guess I will have to take my frustrations out on the girls here once I'm done with you. Hearing them scream will be delicious." He then reached up and took off his earring. A massive wave of Youkai energy now emanated from the monstrel's form. Now, it was the entire half of the Monstrel that was transformed, not just the arm. The head was rather grotesque, a hybrid of insect mandibles a human jaw. There was a hideous laugh emanating from the malformed mouth. "No one has ever defeated me when I'm like this."

He then moved at a speed that belied the misshapen form. His next attack almost hit the pair.

Naruto grabbed Ruby by the waist and jumped to the wall. "Do you have any way to keep him still for at least a few moments?"

Ruby nodded. "It will drain me pretty quickly. You will only have time for one or two attacks."

Naruto grimaced. "One is all I will need."

Ruby was shocked as four red tails disappeared and four yellow ones appeared. "What?"

Naruo looked at Ruby, his eyes now a red-tinted purple. "Hold him." He then deposited her near the wall Kusabi had hit. A blast of fire hit Kusabi in the face, keeping him in one place for just a moment.

This was all that Ruby needed. A black ring of shadows, all shaped like ravens, formed around Kusabi. Ruby watched as Naruto's tails flowed together, creating four orange tails. Four pulsing orbs formed, one at the tip of each tail. Naruto then took them into his hands, the orbs now hummed with power and the pulsing quickened. They were condensed down into two blinding points of light. When Naruto brought them together, his face was contorted in a rictus of concentration and anger. He reared back and threw the suddenly dulled orb. Once it contacted the outstretched hand of the Monstrel, it suddenly blossomed outward. Ruby shielded her eyes as a wave of air, heat, and the sound of an explosion rocked the small hall. The table had been flipped over and many of the ice spikes left from Mizore's fight shattered from the impact. When she brought her hand down, she slid to the floor. The point of impact of Naruto's technique looked like ground zero. Scorch marks had painted the floor black. A small crater with the smoking, motionless form of Kusabi lay in the middle. Naruto stood, panting. "He's done."

Naruto then turned to Ruby, "Are you ok?" Naruto was then backhanded by the sudden appearance of Hokuto.

"I don't think that matters. I can handle all of you now. After all, I can take all of you on myself now that you have been worn down." Hokuto began fiddling with his bracelet.

The Headmaster stood unnoticed by the entire group. That was, until a white circle formed underneath Hokuto's feet and a translucent barrier sprung up around him. The robed administrator then closed the distance to the glowing circle. "So it was you all along Hokuto? I must admit, only part of me is surprised." Moka's water barrier fell, allowing her to move once again. She reached into her pocket after she removed her gag and placed the seal on her Rosario. As she shifted into her mid-form, her anger at the one who had dared to touch her caused her strength to increase dramatically.

The taller student smirked, this then turned victorious as the barrier fell. He lunged towards the Headmaster, his arm morphing into a metallic praying mantis forearm. Surprisingly before it could connect, a fist connected with Hokuto's jaw. Moka, in her mid-form stood over the now prone form of Hokuto.

"You do not get away with laying a hand on me! Know your place!" Moka then kicked him hard, causing him to skid the length of the floor. Hokuto stood, his face wasn't even bruised. "I didn't get what I wanted, but I did obtain what I needed." Dangling from his claw was the Rosario that was previously around the Headmaster's neck. Before anyone could react he dashed out of the building.

The Headmaster took out a phone and dialed a number. "Activate the guards on the Barrier Room. I will be there shortly." He closed it and stood over Naruto's recovering form. "Mr. Namikaze, could I impose on you to create some barrier seals?"

Naruto nodded after shaking his head to clear it. "You will want to call my dad too. He does a better job than me."

The Headmaster nodded his head. "I will send the Bus Driver to retrieve him." He then looked around the room and took his phone out again. "This is the Headmaster. Please send at least three teams to the building where the Festival Committee meets. We have injured students. Some likely in critical condition." With this, he hung up the phone. "Can you walk with me Mr. Namikaze, this is rather urgent."

Naruto stood and looked at Mizore, Kurumu, and Moka. They had started patching up Tsukune, Yukari, and Ruby. They looked fine but worn. Mizore waved him off. "Go. We'll be fine."

The Headmaster took off at a rather fast pace. Upon their arrived in the main office building of the campus, the Headmaster placed his hand on Naruto's shoulder and the pair sunk through the floor.

There was the sound of a loud pitched battle outside the main doors. "We have enough time. The guards should keep him busy for a few moments. He then pushed a pot of ink and a brush into Naruto's hands and began intoning Naruto quickly drew a basic barrier seal on the door, and then added to it, forcing both chakra and Youkai energy into it. He then fortified the walls around the door and the door itself. The Headmaster pointed upwards and Naruto drew another seal on the ceiling. After this he slumped to the floor next to a raised rectangle that looked like an altar of some kind.

When the Headmaster's barrier flickered then shattered, the seals held.

Hokuto's voice, although muffled by the door, was strong enough to resonate through the chamber spoke. "I do not know what kind of barrier you have put up but I will get through it Headmaster. But for now, I have defeated your guardians and taken your Rosario. It is only a matter of time." With this, his voice cut off and footsteps led away from the door.

"Well Mr. Namikaze, I do believe that your proficiency in seals has kept the school safe."

Naruto shrugged from the floor. "Where are we?"

The Headmaster gestured around him, "This is the Barrier Room. It controls, regulates, and maintains the barrier that keeps us separate from the human world and also the bus' ability to go between the two."

Naruto nodded. "Well, that seal should hold for a few days. What kind of guards were there?"

The Headmaster shook his head. "Extremely strong ones. It appears that Mr. Kaneshiro is a rather capable Monstrel."

Naruto nodded. "I guess we're lucky that Fuinjutsu is a rather secret art. He was able to take down the barriers you constructed easily."

The Headmaster scoffed. "Of course he was. They were only temporary and had no anchor." He then pointed to the altar. "That is the lock of the barrier around the school. The Rosario he stole is the key. With an anchor it is very difficult to bring it down, if not impossible. The barrier has been fed and strengthened for years on the Youkai the students put out just by attending school. Simply destabilizing the foot of the barrier, like he did earlier, won't cause it to fall. If we can keep him from entering this room and recover the Rosario, then the school and the Youkai world will remain safe. However, I am sure that Mr. Kaneshiro has a contingency plan. However, I am at a loss of what it is."

Nartuo nodded. "Can you create an anchored barrier here to keep him from getting in? And what about the school festival?"

The Headmaster shook his head. "No I cannot. If I were to create an anchored barrier here, I would have to take down the barrier around the school first. The festival should continue as planned. This will allow me to bring in multiple security personnel and not have it look suspicious." The Headmaster gave Naruto a hand up. "I just wish I knew what he is planning."

---

Hokuto quickly left the tunnel leading to the Barrier Room. While this defeat may have not factored into his plans, he did factor in plans should he would be unable to draw in the staff and needed a distraction. Luckily the very people who had been targeted were the ones who provided him with the tool he needed for the best distraction possible.

Flashback start

Hokuto had been finalizing plans for the recruitment of various students to Anti-Thesis. This was the year when he would strike back at his father and unleash the Youkai world upon the Human one. He would also pay back some of the pretentious Youkai who were the ones responsible for his condition. An explosion from the outlying art building quickly drew the attention of students and teachers alike. Hokuto, from his position saw the outer wall had been blasted and a figure lying in the rubble. Oh well, more gossip among the students wasn't his concern. He could see the staff from the Hospital Wing already rushing towards them. As he walked away, a glimmer of light caught his eye. There lying against a bush, a ripped manila envelope revealed a round mirror with a rather ornate frame. What made Hokuto pick it up to examine it further was the fact that the envelope was charred, but there was no damage to the mirror. That meant that this mirror was magical in nature. He quickly slid it in his pack and continued on his way.

A few days later he discovered what he had stumbled upon. It was the Ririsu Mirror. Capable of unleashing a Youkai's inner nature, it would help him immensely. This was going to be useful. He just had to factor it into his plans.

Flashback end

Hokuto hurried to where he could hide until his plan could be put into action. After all, Kiria was the only friend he had in Anti-Thesis, the rest were just pawns to be controlled. He could wait. He had waited this long. Another few days would not change things. He was lucky he found the vampire today. The preperations were just about complete. The Festival would continue as planned. His plan was too well-thought out to not succeed.

---

Naruto woke up like any other day, but he was nervous. Hokuto had not been seen since the fight and stealing the Headmaster's Rosario. His father had shown up at the Headmaster's request and added much more powerful seals to the room. If Hokuto did get past them, he would be severely weakened. Naruto had seen that Hokuto was rather powerful. Even without fully changing from his Human form, he was able to not only take a hit from Moka and fight guards; but he also decimated the guards that were high A class. If his bracelet of Holy Locks was any indicator, there was something much more powerful kept at bay. His father had told him, that if it came down to it, a fight in the Barrier room would be very, very bad. It could destabilize the barrier and reconnect Youkai Academy with the Human world. He would be seeing his father again today, and he would be having a long talk with him about a few things. His father had said that after the festival he would be telling him about their findings from the libraries.

While he extricated himself from the unyielding grip of Mizore, Naruto found that he was excited to see his parents again. They had already met Miss Nekonome, and the Newspaper Club, but it would be nice to see them all the same. He decided that he would make breakfast today. After all, Mizore never complained about his cooking. Neither did Kurumu for that matter. It was highly likely that she and Moka would both be stopping by this morning.

Hokuto stirred and checked his watch. Now would be the perfect time to start. If he could destabilize the barrier before the parents began showing up, it would not only prevent more experienced Youkai from coming to the rescue, and it would also cut down on any security the Headmaster could muster. He got dressed, then pulled the mirror from an egress where he had hidden it. He ran a finger around the edge of the mirror. "Ririsu. It is time to wake up. It is time for you to have a little fun."

A small yawn emanated from the mirror and a tiny girl with wings rose from the silver surface.

Hokuto was not taken in by the cute appearance. This spirit was as malicious as he was. He had already planned out what he would do to prevent being trapped by the mirror. Until he had an agreement, he could not release the mirror. The heart that was cut out from the top of the mirror would serve the spirit well to carry the mirror wherever it pleased.

"I see you are awake Ririsu."

"Yes Master. What is your wish?" Its voice was light and girly. The spirit was obviously trying to be cute.

Hokuto narrowed his eyes. His tone was strong, but not condescending. "You know as well as I do that the Mirror of Ririsu has no master. I am wondering if we might agree to a bargain. It will be mutually beneficial to the both of us."

The cute spirit sat down on the surface of the mirror and its entire demeanor shifted. Gone was the air of innocence and in its place was a sense of foreboding. The once cute face was now replaced by solid white eyes and rather sharp looking fangs. "You are smarter than most. I will give you that. Since I am no longer bound and this is obviously not the shrine, you have my interest."

Hokuto nodded. "You are currently at Youkai Academy. I was wondering if you would be interested in a little payback for your imprisonment."

Ririsu perked up at this. "Payback is always fun. What do you have in mind?"

Hokuto smirked evilly. "Do what you do best. Reveal the inner nature of all of the students and teachers. A little mayhem is good for the soul. In return, since I activated you, you do not imprison me in your mirror. I know that is what normally happens to those who try to use your powers."

"What if I say no to the last part?"

Hoktuo frowned and picked up a hammer. "Then I get to see how many hits it takes to break you." He put the hammer down and continued. "But I really don't want to do that. You see I have a plan to cause a little mayhem myself. I need a rather serious diversion, and you want your freedom. We both win; and more chaos ensues. What could be better?"

The pixie-shaped spirit thought for a few moments. She then held out her miniscule hand. "You have a deal. I don't trap you, and you let me go have some fun."

Hokuto extended a finger and shook. A spark of light appeared then faded. Hokuto placed the mirror on the ground and the pixie took flight.

"Just so you know, most students will be in the cafeteria right now or on their way there. Since the transformation has a time factor, you may want to start there." Hokuto mused. It helped that the Barrier Room was easily a good distance away from the cafeteria.

Ririsu smirked and her face shifted back into her cute persona. "You know what; I am feeling a little hungry. Maybe I will stop by the cafeteria."

"You do that."

He would wait until the chaos was at an acceptable level before going any further.

---

Naruto groaned internally. What was initially intended to be a nice quiet breakfast with Mizore turned into something much larger. Kurumu was early and stopped by before he even got started cooking. She decided to stay and help out. It was a good thing she did too. Yukari ran in a few moments after and begged Naruto to make breakfast for Tsukune and her. Apparently the cafeteria was out of milk and had only orange juice as a drink for breakfast. That was enough of a reason to agree to her request. Nanase had shown up to escort Tsukune to breakfast and joined as well. Ruby had stopped by to show Naruto her progress on calligraphy and was drawn in by the smell. Moka had decided to seek out her breakfast and stayed for a sip. She put on the seal to her Rosary to allow her inner self to enjoy the experience as well. Inner Moka had pestered her for days on that point.

Naruto's room was rather full now. Mizore was not pleased about the group of people, but she was happy that she would see her family today. She was also glad that Naruto was making her breakfast in bed. She wasn't getting out until she had eaten.

Shortly after everyone had eaten, a small figure flew past the window then paused. Here was a good place to start. She would have to ramp up the power she poured out, since they were a ways away from her destination. However, eight Youkai, most of them strong; in one shot, would be a good start. And that was a vampire! Even better.

A bright flash of light lit up the room. Naruto blinked spots out of his eyes, and was shocked to find himself in his kitsune form. He even had all of his tails out. He tried to shift back and couldn't. This was definitely odd. Looking around the room, he saw that Kurumu was in her succubus form, Moka hadn't changed, Mizore was transformed to the snow-haired version of herself. He also saw that Nanase apparently was some kind of blue tiger. There was no outward change of Tsukune, Yukari, or Ruby.

That was all the thoughts he got in before he was tackled to the ground. He felt Moka sink her fangs into his neck. She also was drinking much faster than usual. Naruto had to use his chakra and his Youkai energy to even budge her. He was unable to move her off. The pile increased as Kurumu dove into his splayed tails.

A battle cry of "Fluffy!" may or may not have been heard just beforehand.

A massive hammer of ice appeared to knock Moka loose.

Mizore stalked to the downed Naruto. Ice began to crystallize around his wrists and ankles. She began untying her kimono and slipping it off her shoulders. "Naruto, I'm tired of waiting. You will be mine."

Whatever caused the transformation obviously had done something else. While part of him wanted to let things progress, his mother's threats on the issue were clear. He dashed towards the door only to be caught around the wrist by a whip. Ruby had changed her dress into a tight leather outfit. In her hands were her wand and the aforementioned whip.

"I didn't say you could leave." Ruby's voice was definitely commanding. "You will do as I say, or you will pay the price!"

Naruto wrenched his arm free and began his escape. Throwing an illusion over himself, he took off running. The subsequent chase of the four girls merely would later confirm rumors in many students' minds and increased the jealousy factor of the other male Youkai in the dorms dramatically.

After avoiding the girls for at least fifteen minutes, he was captured once again in the woods.

(Back in Naruto's dorm room)

Tsukune couldn't say anything in response to what was going on. He did however; begin to babble as Yukari proceeded to saunter towards him. "Tsukune…" her voice sing-songed, "I need to make sure that I'm telling the truth, when I tell my mother that you and I have a special bond."

In response the tiger that was Nanase growled low in he rthroat, preparing to pounce.

Yukari waved her wand and the cat's paws were bound to the floor. "Now, now kitty. You get to play with him after I have. After all what kind of witch would I be if I didn't make sure he was up to playing with my kitty? Now Tsukune…"

Tsukune had taken a page out of Naruto's book and headed out of the door as fast as his legs would carry him.

Yukari frowned. "New plan Nanase. You hunt him down and then we handle him together."

The tiger nodded its head.

Yukari jumped on the back of the large cat and waved her wand. The bindings disappeared and they were off. The only reason they didn't catch Tsukune was the hall was not large enough for Nanase to run and maneuver properly. Tsukune got enough of a head start to make a difference.

(In the cafeteria)

Ririsu flitted to an open window. The cafeteria was currently only half-full. She mused over the idea of waiting. Nah, there were more Youkai headed to the cafeteria. That way the fun would be in multiple places. She flew around the cafeteria, pouring light from the face of the mirror. She then left and proceeded to dart in front of any student or staff she found, causing their forms to erupt as well. She decided to sit in a tree and watch as the various Youkai fought and wreaked havoc on the campus and preparations for the festival. The laughter from her throat was childish, yet at the same time if any would have heard it, it would have been extremely unnerving. Even though she didn't have another victim to torture and eventually eat, the fun was worth it. Besides, one of the students would find her mirror later. She was sure of it.

(In the woods)

Naruto struggled under the combined efforts of a succubus, vampire, yuki-onna, and a witch. He had been knocked over, bound and gagged. The ice pinning his arms and legs to the ground was very dense. The large stapels felt like lead, even to his Youkai enhanced strength. Ruby had also conjured some rather strong ropes that hadn't let him use the Substitution Jutsu. There was also a gag in his mouth that Ruby had placed there. The girls were all too close so that if he used any techniques, they would likely get hurt.

Kurumu had draped herself in at least half of his tails. She moaned out, "Oh, Naruto. This is what I want. Only you can make me fell this good." She then turned his head to face her as Moka and Mizore were arguing. "Can't you tell your little ice queen that I can sleep with the two of you? I promise I will make it worth your while. You will both enjoy it. I promise. She'd listen to you." She pulled out the pouting puppy dog eyes technique, "Please?"

Moka pushed the succubus out of her way. She had temporarily dealt with Mizore. "Naruto, I need you to satisfy me." She then latched on to the bound boy. She drank rapidly, taking far more than she had in the past. It felt like someone was using a high powered vacuum to pull his blood from his throat. He actually got light headed from it. Moka's body began to shake the deeper she drank. Naruto felt the suction stop when the shaking entered seizure-like severity. Moka then let go of her own accord. She lay, curling around some of Naruto's tails. The sclera of her eyes was now red and the iris black. Her slit puil was now a silvery green color. Her chest heaved as she gasped for air.

A barrier of ice formed around his limbs and Mizore sauntered toward the downed blonde. He noticed familiar flowers of ice similar to what he had done, sprout from the ground. "Naruto, I don't want to wait any longer. This is our Snow White field." She then lay on top of the blonde. "I know you want this." Mizore grabbed the whip that was decending, stopping it in place. "Ruby…" Mizore paused and took stock of everything. "Not that I'm complaining about where I am, but why are you dressed like that?"

A deep red blush suffused Ruby's face. With a hurried motion, she waved her wand, transforming her outfit back to its original state.

Moka sat up shaking her head. "What hit me?"

Kurumu merely decided to capitalize on the chance to enjoy the comfort of lying on Naruto's tails.

Naruto tried to talk around the gag that was put in his mouth but was unable to do so. Mizore pulled the offending fabric from his mouth and tossed it away. Ruby quickly waved her wand causing the fabric to fly into her hand. No one noticed the blush that was on her cheeks.

"There was a flash of light then we all were changed. You then proceeded to try to do various things to me." He took a breath, and then continued, "Can any of you change back? Or maybe let me up?"

Mizore merely caused the ice restraints to shatter, but made no movement to get off of his prone form. "I can't transform back."

The sentiment was mirrored by Kurumu.

Naruto sent a glance at his girlfriend, Mizore shifted. "Fine. "I'll let you up."

Before she moved, Naruto noticed a figure running through the woods. Hokuto's face was visible for a split second.

Tsukune entered the clearing at a run "She's gonna eat me!"

Bounding behind him was Yukari perched on the back of a large blue tiger. "Only if you're lucky! Oh, Tsukune!"

The pursuing duo drew up short in front of the others.

Yukari looked at Naruto. "Any idea on why Naruto is only partially affected?"

Naruto tapped his necklace. "This, if I were to venture a guess. It actively suppresses my nature and is rather strong. Moka may not have been affected either if she wasn't wearing the seal I made for her. But we don't have time for that now. I saw Hokuto. He is headed that way."

Ruby spoke up, "Do you think he is making another try for the Barrier Room?"

This set all heads to nodding. "Likely."

Tsukune was tossed on the back of Nanse, then entire group then headed towards campus. No one noticed a blank piece of paper flutter to the ground.

After a rather hurried rush from the woods, the group noticed all of the staff headed towards the cafeteria. Chancing a glance, Tsukune saw a massive brawl of various Youkai. Apparently they weren't the only tagerts of whatever was going on. Naruto saw the Headmaster on top of a large winged cat headed in the same direction. Oddly enough, he saw a large frog with a figure perched on its head going in the same direction as well.

When they arrived at the Barrier Room, the doors had been blasted inwards. Scorch marks littered the ground; Hokuto was picking himself up from the floor. He had a few bleeding cuts.

Naruto mused, "Dad's seals must have been pretty strong. Moka didn't even bruise him when she kicked him."

Hokuto, sensing the presence behind him, turned. "So it appears that you are going to meddle further. "None of you can stop me." He lunged for the altar, with his arm outstretched. Just before the Rosario made contact, a gust of wind blasted into the room. Hokuto's empty hand slammed against the metallic top of the altar.

Gin stood next to the group at the door. "Why do I get the feeling that stopping whatever he was doing was a good thing?" He bounced the Rosario in his palm. "I saw all of you running here so I thought I would follow."

Naruto barked out, "Gin! Get that back to the Headmaster. Now!"

Gin shrugged and took off.

Hokuto frowned. "Well, I guess the only thing to do is damage this place enough to destabilize the barrier. I must admit, I was unaware that Gin would be with you this morning. He normally is too busy with that camera of his first thing in the morning."

Yukai spat out, "Well, we did run past the female dormitories. But that doesn't matter." She then lashed out with her wand, sending rubble towards Hokuto. This he dodged, giving the group time to get into the room.

Hokuto wasted no time transforming into a grotesque metallic form. His now distorted voice rang through the room. "You won't be able to stop me from destroying this place!" With this, he raised one serrated claw high and brought it down twards the altar. A shell of fast moving air protected the altar from his blow.

Naruto, in his battle yoko form stood, eight yellow tails waving behind him. "Hokuto. You will not be destroying the barrier." He turned to the members of the Newspaper Club, "I will keep things from getting too damaged, get him out of here!"

Nods came from all present.

Hokuto screamed his rage at the group of uppity Youkai who dared to ruin his plan. All of it was so well thought out. They would all pay. Another link in his bracelet shattered, releasing the Holy Lock. A wave of Youkai energy that was almost palpable rushed through the room.

Moka smirked, "That is pathetic." She focused her Youkai energy towards the Monstrel. She was shocked when, like her father's, it physically pushed her opponent back. The vampire was speechless. She wasn't supposed to be able to do that for at least another century.

The others took the opportunity to launch attacks of their own. Mizore flung massive shards of ice, froze joints, and buffeted the metallic beast with wind.

Kurumu took to the air. When she attempted to enter into Hokuto's mind to manipulate it, she was shocked at how strong it was. She likely wouldn't be able to use any illusions convincingly, so she hovered over Naruto, intent on making sure whatever he was doing would not be interrupted.

Suddenly, there was a fine layer of white on the back of Hokuto's form. The large detonation blasted the Monstrel over the heads of the group and into the hallway. Tsukune promptly passed out. He still wasn't used to the energy needed and the control required to use his wand effectively.

A visible ball of air collided with the center of the skeletal figure, driving him further away from the room.

Tree roots erupted from the walls, wrapping themselves around Hokuto's form, holding the Monstrel in place. This was followed up by a rather powerful set of kicks peppering his body.

As Hokuto strained, he saw a barrier emanate from four pieces of paper floating in the hallway.

Hokuto felt his strength leave him and revert back to his human form. "How?" he croaked out before losing consciousness.

Kurumu turned to Yukari, "How did that barrier drain his energy?"

Yukari shook her head, "It's not supposed to."

Naruto reverted back to his kitsune form. "It didn't. When he flew overhead I threw a seal on his back that steadily drained his Youkai energy. I figured none of us wanted to look too beat up when the Festival starts, so I figured that would be easiest. That and it was the first chance I had to do so."

A voice rang out from the end of the tunnel. "Well done, all of you." The white robed figure of the Headmaster strode down the hall holding a mirror in one hand and what looked like a pixie in the other. "Now that the distractions are taken care of, we can allow everything to begin. With this little troublemaker captured and Mr. Kaneshiro subdued, then todays events can continue. Miss Sendo, could I ask you to use your magic to repair the cafeteria? Our little friend here caused quite a stir." With this, he slammed the pixie back into the mirror face and this caused her to sink into the mirror. This caused all of the transformations of the group to reverse.

All except one. Kurumu looked askance at Moka. "Moka, why aren't you changing back?"

Moka reached down to remove the seal that would cause her normal appearance to resurface. She was shocked when her fingers closed only over the cool metal of her Rosario. There was no attached seal, but she was still in her half and half form.

AN: Omake 1 was written with inspiration from Feight, a pixie from Chasing the Sunset. Omake 2 was a deleted scene that didn't fit the flow but my beta thought it was funny enough to include in an omake. I hope you enjoy it. Omake 3 began as an idea from Iamthemilkman. My beta and I thought it would be funny and decided to tweak it a little. The other two parts will be in the next chapter. It is too long to include for just one chapter.

Omake 1

As the pixie flew the mirror todars the cafeteria, she sat it down to take a brief rest. It had been centuries since she was imprisoned in that shrine. Her attention was grabbed by a pair of earrings on a girl walking past. Once confiscating them, she noticed a shiney, shiney necklace. This too had to be hers. Her thievery continued until older Youkai started walking around campus. Ririsu went into overload. So many shinies!

Hokuto sat, hidden in the woods, waiting to hear the roars of fighting Youkai. What had that pixie been doing? The festival was starting and he was running out of time.

Ririsu laughed. This was so easy! She stopped as a glimmer caught her eye. There, lying on the ground was a mirror. She was entranced by the way the light danced over its surface. She flew to look at it. She was suddenly sucked back into the mirror face and the Headmaster bent down to pick it up.

"Now to put you back where you belong."

Ririsu cried. Her shinies were gone.

Omake 2

Naruto ducked into an empty classroom, he had given the girls the slip.

His erroneous thinking was quickly demonstrated by chains wrapping around his arms and legs, pulling them apart and pinning him to the wall.

"Naruto, you have been a bad yoko." Ruby stepped into the shaft of sunlight coming in through the partially closed window. Her previous attire had changed to a leather corset, tight leather pants, and boots with spiked heels. In her hands was a riding crop; coiled at her side was a whip. The leather was decorated with spikes and studs. "Bad Youkai need to be punished, don't you agree Naruto?"

Naruto couldn't say anything as when he opened his mouth, a gag made of leather wrapped itself around his head, covered his mouth, and prevented him from talking.

"Naruto, if you do as I say, you will not have to be trained in the errors of your ways. If you do not," the riding crop lashed out, hitting the top of his head, "You will be punished until you do."

Naruto was barely able to bend his fingers enough to do the hand signs for a replacement Jutsu. He took off running and was able to slide the gag down around his neck. It promptly became a collar with the words "Ruby's Pet" etched into its surface.

Omake 3

Tsunade barked at the door, "Come in!" Why had she been drinking early again? Oh yeah, Shizune had a day off.

Four Shinobi entered the room. "Yosh we are here reporting at your youthful request!" The loud voice and light reflecting off the teeth of Mighto Gai made Tsunade want to drink until she forgot it.

Tsunade began, "I have selected you four to do a reconnaisance mission." The fact that the Green Beast and his apprentice would be out of the village for an indeterminate amount of time was just icing on the cake. Kakashi had even paid her to send them. "Mighto Gai, Lee Rock, Kiba Inuzuka, and Shino Aburame; you have been selected to blend in at a school that we have recently discovered. It might pose a threat to Konoha and the Elemental Nations. Kurenai Yuki, the leader of Team 8 encountered something disturbing on a mission." She nodded towards Shino.

"I can vouch for the validity and veracity of our report Lady Hokage…" Shino began.

Tsunade cut him off. "I have no doubt your report is truthful. What I want to know is if they pose us a threat." She hiccupped, then continued, "You three will pose as students to Youkai Academy. You have been chosen since our best strategists concluded that in order to blend in; you had to be able to demonstrate abilities beyond the norm. Kiba, you and Akamaru can use your clan techniques to appear as a two-headed wolf. Shino, with your clan's proficieny with Kikai bugs, it is clear that many would not associate you as human. Lee, your physical abilities are beyond what many would consider standard for a human."

Gai shouted out, "Lee, you burn with the fires of youth!"

Lee responded, "It is all thanks to your great teachings Gai-sensei"

"Lee"

"Gai-sensei"

Tsunade threw an empty sake bottle at Gai before the dreaded sunset Genjutsu could take hold. "Enough! You will all attend as prospective students. Gai will act as a guide and will be looking at the curriculum to see if there is any training for attacking the Elemental Nations."

The quartet, plus Akamaru, stood outside the village when an odd yellow contraption appeared.

"You four for Youkai Academy?" Seeing their nods, the Bus Driver spoke again, "Well get in, time's a waistin."

The Shinobi were rather intrigued by the device that took the as fast as they could run while using chakra. After a rather odd light show, they pulled up next to a scarecrow and a man in a white robe. "Welcome to Youkai Academy. I know that you are here to see if your village would like to send students to this fine institution. If you would follow me, I can give you a tour and you can sit in on a few classes."

The group continued, listening to the Headmaster's speech and asking questions about the curriculum, course goals, et cetera. When they came to a classroom, the Headmaster paused, "This is Miss Nekonome's class, she is a good teacher and the class has first year students. Would one of you like to sit in?"

Shino nodded. "I will." The Headmaster opened the door and introduced Shino to the class. Shino was then directed to an empty desk next to a girl wearing a bandana.

Shino noted that the class was on literature and understanding various concepts. He noted that this was hardly an attempt to attack any group of people, so put it out of his mind. Instead he paid attention to the attitude of the students. He blanched when he saw the kitsune that his team had encountered in the sea-side town only a few weeks ago.

After the class was over, there was a break. Shino fielded the questions posed by his fellow students with ease, and noted that the kitsune was currently defusing an argument between a purple haired girl and a pink haired one. He was grateful for the lack of attention from that source.

His neighbor turned to him after the curiosity of the class had been sated.

"Excuse me, is this yours?" In between her fingers was a kikai beetle. "I have never seen one before. If it is not, then I would like to find out how it tastes."

Shino held out a finger and multiple kikai marched out. The girl released the beetle and it joined the rest of the hive. "I would appreciate it if you did not make an attempt at eating any of my beetles."

The girl shook her head. "It's not like that." She removed her bandana and Shino saw two antennae that were twitching in his direction. "I am a type of an insect Youkai. My family leans about bugs by eating them. Since it is yours, then I could just ask you about them."

Shino relaxed and the conversation that followed was informative. The girl knew as much about insects as he did, if not more. The pair shared lunch and continued to talk throughout the day. At the end of classes, in a rather bold move, she kissed him. "I hope that you decide to attend Shino. I would love to get to know you better."

His reply was simply, "My experience has been extremely favorable, so it is a possibility. If I may pose to you a question, you now know about my kikai, may I ask what kind of Youkai you might be?"

The girl nodded, "We can't talk about it, but since you aren't a student, I don't see why not. You are nice enough about my interest in other insects. I am a Praying-Mantis type Youkai."

At this, Shino paled. All color fled from his face. He tried multiple times to speak, but was unable to formulate any words, so great was his fear. He was saved by the arrival of Kiba; who, oddly enough, was covered in lipstick marks. "Found you. Gai and Lee are ready to go." Shino nodded and beat a hasty retreat.

The girl had taken in his reaction and tried to run after the boy. Shino used all his speed to put distance between the two of them.

The girl cried out, "It's not like that!"

AN: Read about praying mantis mating rituals if you don't get the joke. It is as bad as angler fish.