Stirring Conflict
The day after the incident in the hospital, Kurono Kurumu was pissed.
Scratch that, she was furious. Not only had Moka attacked Tsukune, which cut him much deeper than the cut on his chest, but she had the gall to not apologize and instead drink his blood once again. She was there after all, after the fight with the traitrous nurse. She had seen his eyes. The emotions within. She had seen how he drew determination from just seeing her, how just looking at her gave him strength to carry on.
She hated it. Did she not love him as much as Moka did, if not so much more? What did Moka do? She just hurt him, broke his heart. And that's the kind side of her, her strong, true side looked at him as if he were trash while concealing her true feelings. After all there's very few things that slip past a succubus' ability to read emotions, why else would she have picked Tsukune to be her Destined One? She had seen the depth of his emotions, she had seen his selflessness, his kind heart, even after he had turned into a demon. She saw no hate, no anger, no fury except to those who hurt his precious people.
But Inner Moka? Inner Moka cared for Tsukune but instead of showing it to him when he most needed the support and assurance, she hid it away under glares, stern words and cold shoulders. She was more frigid than Mizore but at least the Yuki-Onna showed she cared.
So why did Tsukune like her so much? Why did he stick by her side through everything? Why did he do all that for her? That's what Kurumu hated the most; her feelings just couldn't reach him through the wall that was Akashiya Moka.
The tree fell in thin slices but Kurumu saw only Moka's smiling face in its place. Her claws were extended and sharp and she was just so angry...
"Damn it Moka... Why? Why does Tsukune have to like you? You don't care about him so why does he love you so much? Why can't he love me? Why can't my feelings reach him?" She wondered loudly, hating that feeling of inadequacy.
"If only she weren't here, right?" Came a voice from behind the girl, startling her. "That's what you're thinking about right now? So predictable, so boring..." The speaker was a boy, between second and third year if she were to judge, reading a book and looking extremely bored. "I could help you, you know. Get rid of her I mean. Just bring her here, alone and I'll deal with it. Even better, I'll make sure that none of us come after you and Tsukune-san again. Pretty good deal isn't it? Our goals fulfilled, you are one rival less and your dear Tsukune-san is safe. Think about it. You have one day."
It was about that time that the boy's words were understood and Kurumu lashed out at him, slashing with her long claws. But the boy dodged flawlessly, appearing behind her in a burst of speed, making her notice his mismatched eyes; they looked like a frog's but one slit was vertical and the other horizontal.
"So rude. But, still, my deal is open. Get me Akashiya Moka and in return, your friends will be safe."
Then he was gone, leaving a troubled succubus with his words ringing through her head. Beyond his power and skill, she was stunned by the offer. Could she do it? Could she betray Moka to that bastard?
The next morning, Kurumu was still thinking about it. It drew several questions about it, seeing as how the usually upbeat succubus was looked rather worried, but in the end she decided to go for it. So what if Moka had to pay? She had to pay for something after all, for hurting Tsukune. She had to realize that sometimes there's a price one has to pay. Her decision was reinforced when she saw the vampire girl latched onto Tsukune's neck, sucking his blood and commenting how tasty it was. How tasty! As if he were some kind of gourmet meal! He was her Destined One and no one had the right to treat him like breakfast, or any kind of meal for that matter!
So, in the afternoon, after classes and while Tsukune had been called by the Headmaster, Kurumu told Moka to follow her. The ever-naive girl did, trusting her friend. Then they reached a small hill and Kurumu stopped all too suddenly.
"Why? Why is it so hard? I hate it when things go that way... You treat Tsukune like food and he still loves you... I hate you so much sometimes Akashiya Moka... I hate you so much!" And with that, she was onto the vampire, her hands clutched around the girl's neck. Tears ran from her eyes and the succubus sobbed, but her grasp didn't weaken.
Disbelief flooded Moka's mind as she was attacked by her friend, strangled by the girl she had laughed and cried and fought and livedalong.
But she could understand the girl's feelings. She was her rival for love, and succubi were renowned for being very zealous in their pursuit for their Destined Ones. And even beyond that, the girl was right; she had been wrong to Tsukune and she deserved every bit of hate from the hurt girl, she deserved every bit of pain, every bit of anger from her friends, for not being who she should be, a stalwart friend.
So, knowing that, she hugged the succubus, comforting her even as she was attacked, knowing how the girl must be feeling, how her heart must have been tortured.
Kurumu wept on Moka's shoulder while her hands clutched weakly at Moka's neck, just over her rosario. So many days of seeing Tsukune tortured, after all these revelations, the constant fighting, the negative emotions, something had to give in and so she wept, bawled on the shoulder of her rival and friend.
Funny word, that last one, friend. So many meanings, so many connotations, so many feelings linked to that simple sound.
Kurumu's mind examined the word, seeing it from various angles, watching it, trying to understand it and wrap itself around it.
Then, a voice that only Kurumu recognized made itself known to the pair and her mind clicked to place. "Well, thank you very much for fulfilling our deal Kurono-san. It was boring to know how you would act, but hopefully, seeing the vampire Moka-san will be interesting."
Kurumu's eyes widened as she made up her mind and regretted her original decision. It was a small distance from the alabaster neck to the silver rosario and Kurumu's hands were fast. They wrapped around the holy metal and pulled, just like she had seen Tsukune do.
It didn't work, the seal was not removed. She kept on tugging at the stubborn cross trying to free it. Moka shook her head. "Only Tsukune can break the seal, Kurumu-san!"
The succubus cursed. If Kiria decided to fight them, they'd need the Inner Moka's combat prowess, even if she really detested the silver-haired beauty. But, the time was not apt for thought and they had to quickly dodge away from the large fist of another monster.
"Oh, it seems you really don't know what you want. At any rate, these gentlmen will keep you company. Goodbye and know that because of that, we'll have to keep trying to kill Tsukune-san!" The voice was cheerful, but with an underlying current of hate and anger, before its bearer vanished.
Leaving besides of course his 'friends' two extremely large monsters with one eye in the center of their forehead; Cyclops. One of them had a larger-than-life warhammer in its hands.
Somewhere, a red-haired vampire girl sneezed as she squeezed her bat Familiar, messing up its transformation. That did not stop her from demolishing the entire training room.
Kurumu made a sad chuckle, wondering if she's insane, if it finally got to her. She saved her rival for Tsukune's love and is now staring at the hulking forms of two Ayashi, Ayashi with fists that are larger than her entire petite body, her wings and tail included.
"Well, too bad I'm bad at only doing things half-way. I can't really hate her that fast."
That drew a few chuckles from the vampiress next to her, before she spoke, taking up a rudimentary ready combat stance. "Let's show them who they are messing with, eh Kurumu-chan?"
The succubus shrugged as her wings and tail came out of hiding. "Yeah, let's beat them together!"
It didn't take long for them to beat their targets; in fact it took relatively little time since the Cyclopses were perverts that wanted to molest the two girls. Turned out that Moka does have enhanced strength when she grabbed the warhammer from the hands of its wielder and promptly smashed it on the head. The warhammer almost broke from the force of the impact as Moka harrumphed.
Really, did everyone she met have to be perverts? Apart from Tsukune of course.
In the end of the fight however, both girls were tired and their clothes and bodies had seen better days, sporting minor rips and various bruises respectively. So, the two girls sat down to relax under the shade of a dried up tree.
"You know... it wasn't meant to be like this..." Began Kurumu. "I was meant to come here, beat every girl in the looks department, get my harem of boys and find my Destined One... Instead..."
"Instead you fall for a human, who turns out to be able to turn into a demon, get involved in a fight against people who want to destroy our peaceful academy and end up saving your rival in love..."
"It's pretty funny when you think about it..." Kurumu giggled at that. It was funny in a way.
"Yeah, especially considering how your Destined One went from weakest human to strongest monster in a day... or the fact that the rival you saved is the one to hurt said boy... I'm so sorry Kurumu-chan, I really, really didn't mean to hurt him. And if I have a chance, I won't hurt him again..."
"Hmph! Apology accepted! But don't get too clingy on my Destined One Moka! And don't suck his blood, he can barely walk some mornings after what you do to him!"
At that the vampiress blushed and looked down in embarassment. "W-well... I... I was afraid his blood would have changed when... when he transformed, so I didn't drink any and I don't have any blood packs in the fridge and... and I was really thirsty! But Tsukune's blood has changed, it became so much better! I thought it would change, show the... taint... of his demon form, but it hasn't changed at all. His taste, his texture... it's still the same Tsukune, only imbued with enough youki inside that he can awaken my Other Side!" Then she giggled, remembering some of the Inner's choice words at Tsukune's blood. "If you want any proof that Tsukune hasn't changed all that much, then his blood is it! It's just sooo yummy!"
Kurumu shook her head as she giggled alongside her friend, not all that surprised about the girl's mania with the boy's blood. Though, here a stray thought crossed her mind, she wouldn't really mind if he bit her. Then she cursed her mother's stories about kinky habits in bed as she tried to hide her ever-growing blush.
Meanwhile however, the world didn't stand still and Tsukune, once again wearing new clothes since the last ones 'expired' or to be more precise were barely serviceable, was walking towards the Headmaster's office. For once, he was doing it with his head held high and his mind clear.
Not only had he caught the one who would have gotten him expelled, but he had also gotten a rat, a spy placed by Anti-thesis. That's got to be worth something.
If only he knew.
But he didn't and so he pressed on, if for but to get this business over with.
With a knock on the heavy wooden doors, ignoring the two 'bouncers' at the left and right, Tsukune awaited for permission to enter.
He didn't have to wait long, the doors opened and he was allowed in just as another one was leaving. It was a student, third year if one went by appearence, wearing an immaculate uniform. Their eyes met for but an instant and Tsukune could see within many emotions that he didn't recognize yet could tell that he felt as well. Then the instant had passed and the older student smiled kindly at Tsukune before making way for him.
"Welcome Tsukune-kun. How is this day treating you so far?"
The courteous question was replied with a just as courteous answer until the door was closed and secured. Then Tsukune's countenance changed and became less rigid but more combat-ready; he might be getting paranoid lately but he wasn't going to let anyone hurt Moka-san and the others. Not if he could do anything about it.
The Headmaster smiled. The boy was growing a spine. Good, he needed it.
"You know why I'm here Headmaster. I caught your intruders for you. Remove the expulsion order." As had been their deal.
The robed man chuckled. "Yes. Yes you did get that intruder. But he was... destroyed for lack of better words. We could get no information out of him. Thankfully, you amended by getting us the hidden spy Mikomaru Miko, and safe enough we could properly interrogate. It is good to see that you can control your instincts. I can't imagine how hard it must have been to hold back from killing her..."
Unvoiced went the thought that passed through Tsukune's head: 'Well, knowing she would get worse pain by Kuyou did help a lot.' Instead, he chose to swallow that traitorous thought and nod as if accepting a compliment. But the Exorcist was right; he didn't know how hard it was to resist skewering her with his claws and crushing her head with his jaws. Or more accutely; he didn't want to know. Noone would.
"At any rate, you have done well, better than I expected. So, I think it would only be proper if I were to reward you for your hard work and great success, especially when it comes to your newfound control. That is why I'm awarding you a place in the school committee for the upcoming festival, and maybe even after it."
'That's no reward!' Wailed Tsukune in his mind. On the outside however, he just scowled at the Headmaster and nearly bared his teeth in animalistic anger. Nearly. "I'd like to decline that reward Headmaster..."
"Oh? Then I may be forced to give it to Moka-san... But with all the rumours..."
That stopped the boy. "Rumours? If you're placing Moka-san in danger, so help me God I-"
"God cannot help you here, here I am God. Besides, you've already declined. But what rumours? Well, since Anti-thesis is targetting the festival, wouldn't it make sense to place a mole in the body made for its smooth operation? They have proved admirably good at sneaking moles in any other place..."
"So you'd place Moka-san as bait?"
Ignoring the slight bulgings of Tsukune as the boy seriously debated going demon on the one to threaten his friend, the Headmaster shrugged. "Well Tsukune-san, the plan originally meant for you to be the bait. Besides, if you were to take that position, then you wouldn't be a bait in the first place; bait can't defend itself after all. You can."
Tsukune grumbled something about smartass priests and thought about it. It would place them in the mouth of the beast and expect him to walk into its belly. Then again, if he didn't someone else would and chances pointed at Moka or Yukari. Letting alone the fact he wouldn't let any harm come to vampiress, he didn't hate the witch either, despite how she treated him lately. He sighed. "Fine. I'll do it. But... If any harm comes to them..." His youki exploded outwards, bringing with it a feeling of malice and vileness so impure, so depraved that the seals surrounding the office shook and trembled. "I will kill you!" Then the aura vanished and all was well.
Outside, the two guards were shaking in their boots, trying to find out what was that aura of evil, strong enough to break a few of the magical charms on the door.
Inside however, the Exorcist didn't know whether to cringe or chuckle; cringe because of the very real threat as Tsukune could always break the seal and allow himself to be swallowed by his Inner Demon who may not be able to kill him but it would hurt like all hells (pun intended), or laugh, knowing what would befall anyone who threatened the safety of his students. A pissed off Akuchi is one dangerous beast, anyone attacking the Academy would by extension attack or threaten Tsukune's wards and that would bring unholy wrath the likes of which hadn't been seen in several centuries.
He settled for looking straight into Tsukune's eyes and nodding. "Very well Tsukune-san, I will have my personnal assistant watching over your friends. That way they will be as safe as possible. Meanwhile, this paper has the location needed. The meeting should begin in about half an hour or so, just enough time to notify your club about your new responcibilities."
The offered paper, and the new deal it symbolized where grudgingly accepted by the boy. The truth is that he didn't really trust even the Exorcist's personnal assistant, he didn't trust anyone with their safety. But, if it was to keep them safe, he'd compromise. Scratch my back and I'll scratch yours, such was the deal between him and the robed man. Well, it could have been worse. Moka could have been attacked by Anti-thesis away from him, where he could protect her.
It was sheer luck that he was unaware of the recent events considering his friends.
The state of the two girls did draw some questions from the Akuchi, of course, but they just laughed it off as 'venting some steam'. Even if he thought there was something more behind it all, he trusted the two to tell him what was wrong so he could help, he still understood the concept of venting, gods know how much he vented on the poor matress of his room. It made for a very good punching bag.
That did not mean he wasn't infuriated of course when he first saw them, before telling him it was nothing. For a few moments he seriously considered letting his demon take over and maim the fool who bruised and hurt them.
He would get that wish in time.
His own problems garnered a lot of concern from the club as well however. Tsukune was just barely getting to accept his new self and yet the Headmaster kept pushing him, first threatening expulsion and now putting more responcibilities on his shoulders. There was a thing like work therapy, but this was pushing it. Worse still, they knew that the Newspaper Club would need him for the coming events. But more than that, Tsukune needed them, he needed the stability afforded by being in the company of friends. After all, he may be coming to accept his changes, but that doesn't mean he already had. They could see the way he grasped his Divine Lock at times or how he flinched every time he saw little Yukari. The little witch may be getting over her fear of him, but every time he saw her, he was reminded of Moka's look when he first transformed willingly in front of her.
In the end however, they had to let him go; their wants meant little before the Exorcist's power in his own domain. That didn't mean they had to like it.
Several minutes later, Tsukune was making his way in the abandoned-looking house that the meeting would take place. Of course, knowing Youkai Gakuen, the cracks of lightning and ominous creaking sounds were just part of the character and, dare he say it, charm of the place. Of course, that thought was daunting in a sense; it meant he was accepting the Academy and its insanity despite what initial fears he once held about it.
Some would call that feeling 'growing up'. He would just call it 'desensitization'.
Swallowing up those traitorous thoughts, he took a step forward from where he had stepped, when a hand was placed on his shoulder.
His first instinct was to strike the one who touched him unexpectedly, but he drowned it. Instead he went for instinct number two; turn around surprised to see who it was.
It was the third year he had seen come out of the Headmaster's office, no paying more attention to him, rather than just his eyes, hidden behind his glasses. He had semi-long black hair, spiked downwards as was the custom lately with humans, and most ayashi of course. He was dressed in an immaculate school uniform, not even a spec of dust on its dark green jacket.
"Oh, if it isn't Aono Tsukune-kun! Let me be the first to welcome you to the committee! I was informed by the Headmaster you would be joining us!"
Well, he seemed cheery enough, if in a slightly creepy way; noone was that cheery in the Academy. Except maybe Kurumu.
"Y-yeah, good to meet you as well. I hope we can work together for this event and everyone's safety." The responce was taken with a laugh from the older boy and Tsukune could feel himself relax in his presence; maybe there were some nice people in the Academy after all, other than his friends that is.
"It is so good to have fresh blood in the committee, most are older students and so high-strung. My name is Hokuto by the way, Kaneshiro Hokuto. Now, shall we join the others?"
And so they did, when Tsukune entered, everyone introduced themselves in turn to the new person in their midst. Tsukune's traitorous mind conjured up the image of a mafia boss meeting and he had to strain to hide his laugh.
Then, Hokuto stood up to speak and the room went silent. A whisper came from Tsukune's left, from a smiling Ayashi with squinted eyes.
"He's got a very strong presence, Hokuto-san. The markings of a good leader, right Aono Tsukune-san?"
Tsukune nodded before he shifted his attention to Hokuto and his speech. It was definitely passionate.
"We are the Youkai Gakuen's committee, charged with the protection and smooth operation of all events. But, as I'm sure you all know, the up-coming festival, the greatest event in this half of the year is being threatened by a group named Anti-thesis who want to destroy our peace. We will not allow them! We must protect the people! We must safeguard the Academy at all costs! We will not allow a bunch of terrorists to destroy the peaceful life of our Academy or threaten our people! We must protect everyone in the coming time and this is what we are all here for! Please! Lend me your strength so we can all protect the Academy!"
Tsukune nodded emphatically, that was a goal he could aspire to; protect the Academy to protect his friends. Yes, that Hokuto guy was definitely not a bad guy.
He could even turn into a friend.
The meeting went on with everyone giving their own ideas and thoughts about how the festival would best be protected. Tsukune was given the responcibility of taking notes and forming up plans made up by the ideas of everyone, as well as give his own input of course. He was quite good at his work and very quick in the uptake, which drew many a look from the other members, some more approving than others.
After the meeting was over, Hokuto stayed back to make some final notes and take care of the paperwork, lighening the load of the other members. So, Tsukune found himself walking alone back towards the dorms, to get his rightful rest.
Then a voice, high pitched for a boy but too low for a girl, startled him. "Hey, Aono-kun, this way, this way!" It was the person sitted on his left in the committee.
Tsukune, curious, went towards him. "Yeah, what is it?" Well, he was pretty tired so etiquette wasn't the top of his priorities.
The other Ayashi just chuckled/giggled, way too ermaphrodite for Tsukune's likings. It brought him several... undesirable... memories about a few of his fanboys. "Don't be so hostile Aono-kun! It's just that I would like to talk to you about your dealings with Anti-thesis!"
"What? How do you know about that?" And rightfully, he was on guard, as far as he knew, there were only a select few people knowing of that kind of trouble he had.
His talker just grinned in a conspiratory way and made a pulling motion with his hand. "Well, my abilities make me an excellent spy, so don't get so nervous Aono-kun! I just want to talk to you. So, come this way, no one to eavesdrop."
All things considered, this was a possible goldmine of information on that hated and despised group, as even knowing their goal would help him tremendously, so Tsukune followed the self-proclaimed spy even though there was something deep inside him that told him to not trust his talker.
"So, why me? I mean, why not come forth with all that information?" Asked a very curious Tsukune.
"Well, I don't trust them much, you see! Everyone is scared of Anti-thesis, but not you Aono-kun! You stood and fought them, and I hope you will beat them just like you did the previous times as well!"
And cue a mental stopping screech. "Wait, how do you know that I came across them several times?"
"Well, I did say I'm an excellent spy, didn't I?"
Tsukune nodded but kept his distance. "You may be, but I doubt you're good enough to escape everyone's notice, especially the Headmaster's or Moka's!"
The Ayashi sighed. "Well, I guess you couldn't trust me in the end, could you? Leader was right after all, you have good insight. Or instincts. My name is Ueshiba Mizuki, member of Anti-thesis. And you Aono-kun, are going to die!"
It was at that moment that the newly announced Ueshiba clacked his fingers, revealing an apparent friend of his; a large Ayashi with motley-brown skin, long near-boneless limbs and hands that were filled with small curved spikes, like those of climbing shoes. Worse than that, in its arms was a small, recognizable figure; Sendo Yukari.
"It was a good move of the Exorcist to send a capable fighter like you, but I'm Anti-thesis' best spy! Of course we'd predict that, so we prepared appropriately. Now, stay back or she's going to get some reaaally nasty wounds from my Chocker friend!"
Mizuki looked pretty damn smug as he announced the 'rules'. Yukari on the other hand was scared, so, so scared.
Meanwhile, back in the club room, Kurumu, Mizore and Moka were anxiously waiting for the little witch to come back with the paperwork. She had been gone for too long. In the end, Kurumu exploded.
"Argh! I can't take this! I'm going to look for the little twerp!"
Just then, Ruby walked in, a sad, maybe even guilty look in her face. "Hello everyone... There's a few things I must tell you, even if the Headmaster fires me for it..."
In short order, the Exorcist's plan about using Tsukune was explained and there was no member in the club that wasn't infuriated. Even Gin, for he may consider Tsukune a 'block' in his plans to woo Moka and many other girls, but he was first and foremost a packmate. Wolves are known pack animals after all. It was then that Kurumu let out a loud exclamation of worry. "Ruby, have you seen Yukari? She was supposed to come over to your office and pick up some paperwork!"
Ruby shook her head before the possibility dawned on her. "No I haven't seen her... You don't mean?"
Mizore nodded as her calm mind put the possibility in words. "It's possible. We are declared targets after all..."
By then Kurumu was already at the door. "We have to find her! And let Tsukune know!"
True forms were just a split second before being revealed when the group realized that one of their own could be in trouble and another may be pushed into a lion's den. Gin's superior speed left him as but a blur while Kurumu and Mizore ran through the door. Moka decided to stay there just in case they showed up, knowing that she'd be pointless in a combat unless Tsukune was there and Ruby decided to use her connection with the Headmaster to send out some members of the Student Police to look for the girl.
In the next few minutes, Kurumu realized just how much of a ninja fan Mizore really was. Not only she made kunai-shaped ice weapons and snuck around as an expert, but she was also an expert in tracking. Not even the slightest clues escaped her trained eyes and she proceeded to follow after the missing witch's trail like an expert. The succubus might have made a snarky remark, had it not been for them finding signs of struggle, heavy footprints and regular pieces of Yukari's clothes on the trail; the smart witch obviously had heard of the children's fable of Hansel and Grettel, leaving behind breadcrumbs in the form of various pieces of her clothing.
The pair followed the signs to the missing witch when they heard weird sounds, like someone being strangled or constricted or choked. Turning around the corner, Mizore pulled Kurumu to the side and behind the wall. When they dared look, they were incessed as much as worried.
Tsukune was on the ground, kneeling, as another man/girl person was wrapped around him like a snake.
"See? See? You're so weak in the end Aono-kun! You're so attached to this little brat that you can't even fight back because we'd hurt her! Naive fools like you don't deserve to live!"
There were few, really few times that Kurono Kurumu really got angry. And this was one of them. Wings burst from her shoulders and a tail erupted from under her skirt all the while her nails elongated and glinted with lethal intent. The pint-sized witch might be annoying, but she was a friend. The feelings were also mirrored in Mizore, though with a different focus; how dare these cowards use Tsukune's kindness and friendship to hurt him? Ice crept up her arms and head in responce to her anger.
The Chocker didn't even realized what happened. One moment it was holding his prisoner and the next his arms were several inches shorter, the witch gone from his grasp and into the arms of another and he was feeling very cold, almost as if ice was creeping up his-
The ice sculpture that once was a living being fell to the side and broke to pieces, revealing the targeted creature with one severe case of hypothermia and frostburn.
That was all the opening Tsukune needed. With a dreadful cry, he called on his otherworldly blood as he grabbed the one who endangered little Yukari. Mizuki had only time to exclaim in pain and surprise as bony spikes scraped his flesh before he was gripped by the neck and pulled off Tsukune's body like a snake with its head cut off. Harshly, but without any way to prevent it.
He was summarily and repeatedly slammed to the ground, letting out screams of pain and cracking sounds as his ribs were busted to almost beyond any form of repair.
Despite his pain and oncoming, though merciful, uncosciousness, Mizuki couldn't help but grin evilly; he wasn't Anti-thesis' top spy. As a matter of fact, Anti-thesis would now be more prepared than ever with his valiant sacrifice for their cause and Leader wouldn't let him suffer.
He was quite surprised when he was handed over to Youkai Police a few weeks later; his vaunted 'Leader' didn't care enough about him to save him from incarceration and disgrace.
Yukari on the other hand was being comforted by the mother-hen of the group; Kurumu. The succubus knew best how to treat a scared child, though parts of her wondered if she'd make a good mother for Tsukune's children while another if this was happening way too often.
Mizore just decided to make some ice to help with Tsukune's bruises. Said boy just griped about having ruined yet another uniform. Until the adrenaline wore off that is and he realized everyone was safe.
Quickly he made his way to the upset witch and crouched to her level. "Hey Yukari-chan, he didn't hurt you did he?"
Yukari just bawled harder as she heard his kind voice. Even through the fearful looks she had given him, even though she stayed as far away from him as possible, even though she treated him as a possible enemy rather than a friend... he still cared for her and risked his life for her. She knew perfectly well that had it not been for her, both the mole and her kidnapper would have been handled by Tsukune without any significant trouble. So, she released Kurumu and instead chose to cry on Tsukune's shoulder.
Kurumu was about one step away from remarking on what a good father Tsukune would make, seeing as how he calmed down the sobbing witch in his arms. But, she stayed her mouth for once, not wanting to ruin the scene. That did not mean that she didn't return the challenging smirk of the Yuki-Onna; 'He's mine!' both of them said to each other.
Minutes later, the committee president came running, flanked by a few members of the Student Police.
"Tsukune-kun! I heard what happened, you're all alright?" He seemed genuinely worried about the boy and quite relieved at the positive nod.
"Yes, I'm fine, don't worry about me. That aside, you, get that scum out of my sight." He said, motioning to the Student Police members. They grunted, not liking being ordered around, but they complied, knowing their jobs.
"Tsukune-kun..." Started Hokuto as he extended his hand towards Tsukune. "I am so relieved that at least you do not back down from Anti-thesis and their threats. Please, work with me so we can change this Academy!"
Tsukune took the offered hand, nodding his assent. "Yes, let us work together to bring peace to this place."
And just like that the deal was made, witnessed by a succubus, a yuki-onna and a witch just drieing her tears. Soon they were joined by a werewolf, another witch and a vampire.
Tsukune could say that this day had been very productive; he had defeated another member of that hated group, protected his friends and he got an ally, a very valued resource these days.
Back in the committee building however, Hokuto's eyes were dark, when a voice came from behind a column.
"Heeeh... I didn't take you for such a liar Hokuto, spewing all this foolishness in the boy's face. You must be better than I thought... Leader."
"Hmph, I didn't lie at all. It was the truth; I'm going to change this Academy and bring it peace, the peace of Death! So, tell me, how did things go on your side... Kiria?"
A/N: Things never go well for Tsukune, do they? Just when one thing begins to fix, another problem arises. But it is in these great troubles that a hero can be born, even one who isn't all that 'heroic' at all.
The matress punching bag comes from personnal experience by the way; when stressed I slash at it with one of my wooden swords. Pretty good for venting, trust me. At least much better than taking it out on your PC or cellphone. And cheaper too.
As always, please review, I am only glad to hear your opinions. So long as you don't flame me, I'm open to all forms of criticism, ideas and discussion. Remember; reviewing makes me want to write faster and better, it's in everyone's gain!
By the way, here's a basic soundtrack to listen to, by the emotion linked to them:
Despair: Crawling In My Skin by Linkin Park
Combat: Monster by Skillet
Anger: Faint by Linkin Park
Determination/Sorrow: Melancholy by Iced Earth
Desire: Somewhere I Belong by Linkin Park
Today, on this 9/6/2012, I, Soulblazer87, do hereby leave this site, possibly forever.
I shall not update this, or any other story.
I shall leave them on, however. Should you desire to follow my stories, do so in my new site of residence: www dot yourfanfiction dot com.