Dreams And Changes
Bodies writhed, tangled together, heated by friction called forth by naked skin.
A man and a woman, but anything else was fleeting and hazy.
His hands were wound around her waist, holding her to his chest, muscled and hard, all the while her hands griped his head and pulled it towards her lips.
Touches lit up burning rivers on sweaty skin and soft yet hungry kisses were the only force capable of quenching the inferno that was ruling the two.
Lips wet with want and desire teased each other and explored skin that was previously only imagined of, revealing small scars that made their bodies that much more perfect to each other.
Teeth teased and nibbled on warm, perspiring skin, a smile hungry and filled with lustful mirth.
Two bodies moved in perfect unity, joined together as one, having become one in all ways that mattered, each the perfect pair to the other.
Their primal dance of awakened passion sped up at some unseen, yet perfectly felt signal, their passion seemingly overwhelming whatever rational mind the two lovers had maintained.
Faster and faster. Stronger and stronger.
In Youkai Gakuen several girls and a boy woke up gasping. Before realizing they desperately needed a change in clothing, and bedding.
That was not to say they didn't rush straight back into the dreamworld, seeking to feel again that burning desire, that unspeakable pleasure.
After all, it was Saturday morning and that meant no school or other responcibilities.
For most anyway, because that morning found one Shuzen Kokoa feeling hesitant for one of the very few times in her life. It was almost as if she dreaded what would happen soon. And with good cause; she always met her 'master', though he really only was her teacher, on sundays at six o'clock in the afternoon. Other than that, they never saw each other or spoke to each other. For him to demand, demand, of her to visit the training room at five in the bloody morning on Saturday... Something was wrong and she sure didn't like it. Mostly because if there was something wrong with her teacher, she wasn't sure she was anywhere near able of fixing it herself.
So she steeled herself and looked at Kou-chan, her bat resting on her shoulder. It nudged her gently, comforting her.
If only it also got rid of the feeling of impending pain and doom...
With a long sigh, she pushed open the heavy, wooden door and walked into the building, a place secured solely for those possessing an official rank in the school, such as the Student Police. It was made of stone, expertly placed together if in a simple design. Having lived in a castle for a long time, Kokoa could sure admire the architecture and apparent flawlessness of the stonemasons that built it. Torches lined the walls, providing flickering orange light and a soft scent of burnt wood. Perfect atmosphere and very comforting for the vampire girl, in a 'homey' way at least.
Her shoes made quick, harsh sounds as they landed on the stone floor, their owner rushing to meet her trainer. Finally after a few moments, she arrived at his 'training room'. Another pair of large, wooden doors were pushed and she entered the room. It was more like a large hall in fact. A hall that had every wall covered with weapon racks and every single of its many pillars had a torch on it, sheding ample, yet not too much, light.
In the center of the room, a large yin-yang symbol with five circles placed around the outer rim, a single symbol for each element inscribed inside. In the absolute middle of that, a man sat down meditating.
She would recognize that man anywhere. Her teacher, trainer and even 'master' as he demanded to be called.
Kurogane Sekki. A teen that was terrifyingly skilled with any and all forms of weapons and unarmed combat. A person deserving the title 'genius' when it came to battle.
Even in the flickering light of torches, she could see his tanned skin and rippling form. He had trained long and hard to acquire a body that no one would be opposed to having, his human form being strong enough to out-power a full-grown orc. And better leave his monster forms out of it. Even the long, loose, Student Police outfit could not completely hide his impressive muscles, honed to an absolute perfection. But Kokoa knew that he wasn't all strength; he had trained in everything, including speed. He looked rather bulky, but she knew that he could easily move fast enough to leave an afterimage behind to even her, even though he was quick to remind her that she hadn't come anywhere near the end of her potential skill.
He soundlessly got up and turned to look at his disciple and Kokoa had to quell the rush to blush. His face had a rough look, but it suited him. Black hair in a semi-long cut fell only slightly longer than his ears and his unkept long stubble gave him a handsome visage, enhanced further by his deep, dark eyes. The only thing that kept from his looks was his almost unnaturally harsh lines, the way he seemed to constantly scowl and frown. If he didn't have that, he'd have had more girls after him than even Gin managed to get.
Kokoa bowed her head forward a bit, a sign of her respect to her teacher and smiled when he mimicked the gesture. He had never asked for anything more than to be called 'master' when training but she knew that he was very pleased when she showed her respect. It made sense to her in a way; from what she had learned he had spent a long time seeking even the slightest sign of acknowledgement. That she gave it to him without question always made him relax his rough features. Sometimes it even made him smile. "Good morning master, I'm here as you asked."
"Good morning my disciple." His voice was a bit rough but also cultured, a paradox seeming to emerge from his ayashi origin as a Golem. At least he lacked any of these stupid accents that many monsters had adopted. "It is good to see you. Name the five aspects of combat."
It wasn't a question and wasn't meant to be. He had hammered, sometimes literally, the answer into Kokoa's mind and she quickly replied. "The five aspects of combat, also known as the five elements of fighting or the five pillars or five dragons. They are, in no particular order; the aspect of Fire, endless and unstoppable strength. The aspect of Water, flexibility, fluidity and control. The aspect of Lightning, precision and focus. The aspect of Wind, extreme speed be it in action or thought. The aspect of Earth, endurance and stamina, an unmovable defence. Together they are considered the bases of martial arts."
Her teacher nodded. "Almost correct; they are not a martial art, but a martial philosophy. And it is time for you to learn why. First I will explain some things about myself. First of all, you must understand that for the most part, I grew up in the human world, as a human. Even as a child, I didn't know I was different, for reasons I cannot divulge. But, I always had an Ayashi's desire for combat. So I learned martial arts. Starting with Karate and Taekwondo, I later moved on to Kung Fu and more esoteric, or even less esoteric, forms. I learned more martial arts than most humans have even heard of. Through that, I learned something very simple; all martial arts are, at their core, but a single art."
He took a deep breath and gave a pause, knowing she had heard all that before, back when he first trained her. Then he started on what she was about to learn that day. "Learning new martial arts became easier and easier for a single reason; I already knew most of them. When I realized this, I took every martial art I ever learned, even a few I hadn't learned, and disected them. I tore them apart to their most simple, basic elements, the basics of the basics and realized that they all were but a single art form. An art form that comprises of the five aspects you listed before. Every martial art, no matter how old or complicated, can be traced down to these aspects and how it balances them. A single martial art may give focus to fire and wind, such as Muai Thay, or it may give weight to wind and water, such as Capoeira, or even to fire and earth, such as Hung Gar Kung Fu. Others may use three or four aspects, but never all five. Instead of learning these arts separately, I tore them down to their basics and reconstructed them, using these aspects. As a result, I don't know a martial art, or even many martial arts. I know martial arts. I can perform any and all martial art 'attacks' or 'skills', simply by seeing them once. And you my disciple... are about to learn to do the same."
"What?" Kokoa gawked. She knew her teacher was awesome, she had seen him take down thirty Student Police members with bare hands and without moving an inch from where he stood in his human form, but what he proposed was preposterous. If that were true, then it meant that every creator of every martial art went at it the wrong way. Not to mention her surprise at his decision to teach her that ability of his. Something that must have been very precious to him. Surely he wouldn't just give it away to some girl he met not six months ago!
"Then answer me this; why did I insist on teaching you the use of the spear as a weapon? Why not the use of your more preferred and usual weapons?" He asked her.
"W-well... I guess... the reach advantage?" She answered hesitantly. Partially because she hated her slight build. She always wanted to be tall and magnificent like her onee-sama. Damn her short stature!
"Not exactly. The reach advantage was important, of course, but there was also another reason; I was already teaching you to adapt to the other aspects. You depended too much on Fire, which wasn't bad per se considering the fact that you are a vampire. But, your forms lacked any semblance of speed or grace in combat. However a spear depends relatively little in strength and more on fluidity, grace and speed. By teaching you something that is diametrically opposed to what you usually do, I was already conditioning you to learn my martial art, which for simplicity's sake will be called Goryu Tenchuu, the Five Dragon Heavenly Pillars. Who knows, maybe one day you will learn the sixth pillar."
"E-eeeh? But... but... but why me? Why now? I'm not ready to..." She stammered, Kou-chan nodding on her shoulder. She wasn't ready for something like that and besides, she should be getting trained by her onee-sama!
"Exactly because you think you are not ready. As for why you? Because you have the same talent I did, the same drive to become stronger. Unlike your sister, you weren't born a genius monster. But, if one were to look closely enough, they would see that you are a genius in your own way. And why now? Silly girl, did you think you are the only ones going against Fairy Tail? I said I grew up as a human, that means I grew up with a human family that love me very much. If I let Fairy Tail do as they please, my human family will be in danger. I am not going to allow that. Besides... you may lack that instinct yet, but I can tell; a great war is coming, and a great battle will happen soon. That single fight will determine the fate of our races. And... in that fight... I will die."
"What?" There was more than surprise there, in Kokoa's voice. There was genuine fear. "B-but you're Kurogane Sekki, the Kurogane Sekki! I've seen you take down Kuyou, I've seen you fight and I don't think there's anyone strong enough to kill you in Fairy Tail!"
"You're wrong; I will not be killed. But me, as myself, will die. We Golems were not born, but built... as a servitor race. The only reason we're not mindless automatons is because we have what's known as a 'Golem Heart', an artifact that safeguards our personality and emotions. If that is removed, then even the weakest witch can turn us into soul-less soldiers under her complete command. Because that 'Golem Heart' gives us emotions... I cannot access the full level of my skills, the true mastery of the Goryu Tenchuu style. That's why, in order to protect everyone, when the time comes, I will remove my Golem Heart myself. Then Ruby-san will take control over me and use me to fight. However, a Golem Heart cannot be placed back and, even if a new one was made, then my personality, my sense of self, my memories, would all be gone. I would not be 'Kurogane Sekki' any more. Which is why I will die. Which in turn means that I must give you all my knowledge, all my skills, lest the style I made is lost."
The shell-shocked Kokoa could not find anything to reply, not that it would matter; he was her master, she was his disciple and she was going to learn whatever he was going to teach her. When his face was carved with a vicious smile, she knew she was about to learn what that feeling of impending doom was about.
She was right. "Using the weapons stored in this room, I can mimic the attack practically any ayashi. Which means that I'm going to use each and every trick and technique in my arsenal to teach you how to fight. Prepare yourself my disciple. Your true training begins... now!" And then he was upon her, a jian having sprung up from somewhere right into his hands, already cutting at her.
Kokoa had the urge to whimper about her mommy, but knew that wouldn't do anything to help her. The only thing that could help her... would be fighting back and finishing Sekki's training before he killed her!
"Did you just feel like someone you know is trying to fight for his life?" Asked Moka after a small tremor ran through the ground, too short to be an earthquake.
Truth be told, she wanted to stay at bed and dream some more, especially if it meant having that dream again, but they needed to study. At least that placed her near her friends, so it wasn't all that bad. Would have been better if it was just her and Tsukune in her room and...
"Focus Omote!" Screamed Inner Moka at her pink-haired equivalent. The girl was almost bleeding from her nose and had a dazed look on her face. "You know it is impossible, what you seek. He is, after all, but a mortal. You are as aware as I of what would happen if you even did that with him, let alone took him as a mate." Destruction, that's what. Her 'pure bloodline' demanded several things of her, not the least of which that she maintains its purity. Of course, if he were a vampire, or just immortal for that matter, things could change but... Inner Moka shook her head, dreaming of what could and should have been only brought more heartach.
Though she had to admit; she wouldn't mind if she had that dream again...
At least she was free to dream and drool and imagine all sorts of things within her prison. There had to be at least some benefits to being imprisoned inside that seal.
"Whatever" Said Kurumu dismissively. "I'm finally getting some time with my Destined One, no way I'm wasting it on someone else! It's been two weeks since we managed to get together like this Tsukune!"
And it was true; it had been two weeks since his training had began. Admittedly, it hadn't been going as well as he'd have liked, but at least he was making progress. He could now willingly suppress his demonic powers in favor of his vampiric ones, not to mention able to reduce his passive youki leakage. Now he only had to learn to do the same while in combat as well as learn to fight with only his vampiric abilities. Of course that's easier said than done. "Sorry Kurumu-chan, everyone... It's been hard on me too. Between classes, being the Student Committee president and Nekonome-sensei pushing for me becoming the class president as well... It's been hard to even get time for a shower most days."
Mizore chose that time to look at him with doe eyes. "Does that mean that a shower is more important than us?"
The poor boy reeled back at her pitiful expression, feeling in all ways as if he had just kicked a puppy. "N-no! But some days I really reek of sweat."
Not one to let a chance to tease him pass by, Kurumu drapped herself over his shoulder, for the nth time that day and whispered in his ear. "No fear of that Tsukune-kun, a bit of sweat on you is simply evidence of how manly you are and how hard you train. Besides... we could always take a shower together..."
Could he be really blamed for the way he blushed and how his body reacted?
Thankfully, Moka came to his 'rescue'. "Kurumu-chan! Stop saying such embarassing things!" What he didn't know was the fact that Moka wished she could do exactly that with him. She could not be blamed for that too much either; between teenage hormones, the dream last night and the effect his blood had on her, she was feeling ready to snap! At least her Inner was much better in the whole 'self control' thing. If marginally.
The boy nodded thankfully at Moka for saving him, though sometimes he questioned whether he really wanted to be saved from such a fate. After all, despite his own reservations about getting closer to them, he too was under the effect of teenage hormones. Not to mention the fact that Kurumu was a vision of sensuality that needed no supernatural Charm magic to make jaws drop. "T-Thank you Moka-san... But, can we get back to the lessons? I'm going to have to train with Ruby-san again later..." He was really sad as he admitted that; he wanted some time off.
Which he couldn't afford, he reminded himself. He had to get stronger, much stronger. He had to focus on becoming more powerful in order to protect them all.
"You're right~desu!" Piped up Yukari. "We've got to hurry! The sooner we finish this, the more time we'll get together~desu!"
With that, they were back to studying, the whole group trying to help out each other with what they could do best.
Inside Moka's rosario, a certain vampiress grumbled. It wasn't fair! She had still not taken her day off! The only times she was out was to fight or to train them. She wasn't a tool or weapon dammit! She had needs! Needs like Tsukune's blood, shopping, Tsukune's blood, having fun, Tsukune's blood, relaxing... Did we mention Tsukune's blood? It was so not fair that she was isolated in that annoying prison, unable to live in the real world...
Unable to drink Tsukune's blood.
Someone should really have told Inner Moka that she should follow her own advice and stop thinking about that boy so much. But of course no one ever dared chastice her for fear of her legendary wrath and even more legendary kicks.
And so the sealed woman decided to make herself known, or in the case of her Outer shell heard. "Oi, Omote, tomorrow's Sunday right? I want my day off! There's a place I could easily pass the time nice, Mononoke Arcade. I want to visit it, as myself. And I want Tsukune to be with me. Now tell him!"
The pink-haired girl looked at the raging rosario hovering in front of her, its gem looking like a red, slitted eye. "Eeeh? Tomorrow? But I wanted to!" She whined. Truth is, she wanted to have Tsukune with her at the Mononoke Arcade and have him shop with her and have a coffee and pass the time... Not fair how her Inner wanted that for herself! Well, as said Inner was quick to remind her, it wasn't fair how she was able to be next to him all the time. So, with a short 'conversation', Inner Moka convinced her other side to let her have her day.
"Well, are you going to share what's going on with the rest of us?" Kurumu's somewhat ironic voice shook the girl from her conversation with her other side.
"Gyah! Ah... err... well... It's... It's Ura-chan..." Said Moka hesitantly, cringing slightly at how 'Ura-chan' yelled at her at being called in such a demeaning way. "She... she wants... she wants a day off... tomorrow."
"Yay! We get to see Inner Moka-san for an entire day tomorrow! I want to ask her so many things~desu! Kokoa-chan will be so happy too~desu!" Piped up Yukari, rather pleased at seeing her idol's true face again. Not that she had any problem with the surface Moka, she had just interacted so little with the hidden one.
Kurumu and Mizore however did not like the way Moka was looking at Tsukune. They had a very bad feeling about it. A very bad feeling about it.
Turns out their fears came out right. "W-well... s-she also wants T-Tsukune-san w-w-with her..."
"What? No way! I'm not letting her get my Destined One!" Screamed Kurumu, quickly supported by a silent, yet rather angry-looking Mizore. Their threat was quite real; they were not handing him over to Inner Moka and her temptations! They still weren't over what had happened at the Dorian encounter.
"But it's not fair for her either..." Said Tsukune, knowing he may get some nasty counter from Kurumu, probably in the form of an irresistible pout or something. He'd rather prefer getting mashed into her bosom, but there was no way he was admitting that out loud. Not like he could afford her to do that to him too much; it may make her think he even had a chance with her. "Inner Moka-san is always rescuing us and helping us. It's not fair how she must spend all this time sealed and only get out when there's trouble. She's our friend, right? We can't use her like she's a weapon or something!"
That was quick to deflate Kurumu. Truth be told, she knew all of it. But she didn't like the idea of Inner Moka spending an entire day with Tsukune in an area that was practically made for couples! "Ugh... I know, I know. Inner Moka can be annoying, but she's our friend... I still don't like it!"
"You don't like math either, but here you are doing it~desu..." Said Yukari, mocking the succubus. "Get it through your thick skull, boob-monster; Tsukune-san is going to become Moka-san's lover and then they will take me into their bed where we-" She was thankfully shut up by Mizore freezing her solid.
"S-sheesh, you have such a mouth on you, despite being a brat... Cool your head and hormones a bit..." But her scowl wasn't directed at the flash-frozen witch but at the vibrating pendant on Moka's chocker. One could say it was looking forward to that day off, but her instincts told her that the prisoner was looking more forward to being alone with Tsukune than the excursion itself. Maybe Inner Moka was finally melting? Nah, couldn't be, right?
"Oh, and Ura-chan says 'Wear something suitable. I won't have a commoner at my side tomorrow', her words, I swear!" She cried out when she saw Kurumu's glare.
And so Tsukune was left to wonder at what could be considered 'suitable', seeing as how he had no idea about what Inner Moka would be wearing. He sighed; sometimes he really wished he had a girl's understanding of the eternal mystery called 'fashion sense'.
The next day, said boy was trying hard to stay still and not fuss over what he was wearing. He had gone for a simple, yet adequate ensemble. At the very least he could justify himself by claiming he had no clothing beyond that and a few uniforms; having become what he was, he couldn't very well ask for money or help from his parents.
He was alone now, in more ways than one could think, and it weighed heavily on him. At least the Headmaster was kind enough to grant him a small stipend, mostly due to him being a Council President, but it definitely wasn't enough to be light-heartedly spent on clothing. In another burst of luck for the boy, he also didn't have to spend any of the money, so he had gathered quite a sum. Not much, but at least he could afford to pay for the day, if Moka didn't have any extravagant requests anyway.
The silver chain on his left hand rattled a bit and he glanced at it, hidden under his white button-up shirt, which was paired by a pair of black jeans. Not much but it was all he had managed to salvage. The chocker on his neck was easily noticeable as he had left a few buttons undone to display a bit of his chest, he was quite proud of his tone and tan, thank you very much. He had even shaved for the day, knowing full well Inner Moka wanted him to look flawless.
He sighed again and re-checked the clock, waiting for his 'date' to show up.
Of course it was that time exactly that his ears had to detect the sound of a female walking towards him; the sound of hard soles despite a light weight on them was unmistakeable. Wanting to know who it was, Tsukune looked up from his wrist...
And gawked.
Inner Moka was walking towards him, dressed in a perfect dress, made to reveal and yet conceal all her curves in just the right ways. The simple, yet elegant, strapless black dress seemed to hug her figure and reveal things Tsukune didn't even know she had on her. Then there was the long piece of white cloth wrapped around her shoulders, giving more attention to her long neck, face and, of course, bust. Despite wearing very little in terms of make-up and a relatively simple purse, it still only made her look better.
Part of Tsukune wondered if the dress was made for her and that particular occasion, while another part questioned if her could even be anywhere near her radiance.
Another, mostly muted part of him wondered if he would look like her boyfriend.
Yet another part of him was readying itself to growl threateningly at whomever was brazen enough to even look at her with any hint of lust. Why he would react like that however, he dare not admit to himself.
"G-Good morning Moka-san!" He greeted happily, still stunned by how she looked. "You got the Belmont from Ruby-san?" A logical question seeing as how she was out without her seal being released. A seal that seemed to bounce off the bare skin of her neck way too enticingly for it to be legal.
She nodded, regally like always. "Yes. This trip won't be all fun for you; I can still train you even if it's not direct confrontation. I'll have you know that we vampires have many abilities, it is why we are the strongest. Now come, we should hurry if I am to enjoy this day to the fullest. At least you dressed adequately."
"T-thank you..." He stuttered, taken aback by that compliment. He must look better than he thought. Still, nowhere near as good as she did and he was quick to point that out. "You look absolutely stunning though, Moka-san! It's almost blinding to be near you!"
The silver-haired woman turned to the side, revealing more of her neck and flicking her hair with a long, slender arm. It made her 'date' gulp actually. "Naturally. Being who I am, it is only natural that I look perfect at all times. Unfortunately, I am usually forced to fight in that school outfit." She let out a soft sigh as she took her place next to the male in waiting for their bus to come. "At least this way I can enjoy myself for a day."
The awaited means of transportation arrived at exactly its appointed time and once again, its driver managed to creep Tsukune out. He had no idea how the man did it either; he had been near the cigar-smoking driver for a long time and he had been facing things that would make most monsters quiver in abject terror. And yet this one single man creeped him out about as much as the Headmaster! They must be related or something...
The ride itself was quite calm and let the pair talk calmly and softly, unconcerned with what others' preconceptions. Moka even got a chance to drink some of Tsukune's blood, enjoying every drop that passed her ruby-red lips and making sure to lick the puncture wounds close. Amusingly enough, she didn't even admit it to herself that the reason she did it in fact wasn't the little red stains that might ruin Tsukune's shirt. Nor could she convince herself that she didn't want him doing the same to her, biting down on her neck and drinking her blood and then licking the wounds close...
Quickly she looked away, lest he sees her blush, cursing on the inside. She could not afford it! She had to remain strong and harsh! She had to push him away! Somehow, she had to find a way to make herself unreachable to him. Unfortunately for her, her resolve to do that shook with every brave deed he managed, with every drop of blood she tasted, with every look of caring he gave her, her and her other side. She almost hated her lineage these days; what wouldn't she give to be a lesser youkai. Then even being with a human wouldn't be impossible, though frowned upon. Not to mention he would be there for the greatest part of her life rather than become a fleeting memory...
Tsukune's hand lightly touched her shoulder and his voice, soft and low reached her. "Moka-san, we're there." She must have dazed off, looking outside the bus and into the ever-shifting patterns of nothingness that created the interdimensional tunnel network.
She shook her head a bit to clear it and smiled at him, producing a blush from the boy. "Of course, you're right. We should hurry." And then she was the one dragging him off into the large plaza known as 'Mononoke Arcade', a place from monsters and for monsters.
"It's very lively today." Commented Moka off-handedly, looking around at various shops. "This place has everything a monster needs, and we can even act as our true selves, though we should stay in human form. This is good for you, Tsukune, as no one will realize you are different, or in what way. Also, the fact that there's so many monsters here is a good chance for some of your special training."
"Training? I don't have a problem with it, but how am I going to train here?" He asked, following her into a clothings shop.
Moka chose to ignore his question for the moment and instead check out a few dresses, humming something about how it's Outer that makes all the choices in their wardrobe.
Poor Tsukune was only given bags to hold as they left, much to the amusement of the girl next to him.
"Oh, don't look so disgruntled Tsukune. Not all forms of training are born in combat." And now damn him, he was blushing as his imagination was re-ignited thanks to his raging hormones. "I told you that we vampires have several abilities beyond our strength. You are a Ghoul, very close to being a vampire and should possess these powers as well. The first, and simplest of them, is our ability to detect youki. Think of it like a bat's sonic radar, only working off the energy other monsters give out, actively or passively. If you use it, you will depend on your insight more than your regular sight, which should increase your reflexes tremendously. Not to mention draw out any hidden foes. Now come, I feeling too warm, I need something to cool myself."
And lo and behold there was an ice-cream stand that sold all kinds of flavours. Literally. Tsukune was actually left to wonder if chocolate and blood actually taste good as ice-cream or if it was a 'vampire thing'. He found out that yes, yes it did actually, especially when it's paid by your own hard-earned money, not to mention in the company of a beauty like Moka who was also enjoying her own frozen delight under the shade of a tree.
It became quite obvious to him why it was considered a place for couples to meet. It had it all; shopping centers, super markets, theaters, restaurants...
Somewhere beyond his hearing, Tsukune's wallet wept. He didn't hear it over Moka's smile of enjoyment.
Continuing their walk became an ever-increasing weight on Tsukune, though he was lightened significantly in the money department. He couldn't after all afford to let Moka pay for her things; a proper gentleman pays for his date, even if it was completely and utterly unofficial and a strictly one-time thing.
Why would she go out with him anyway? She, either side of her, was just too bright, too beautiful, to be tarnished by his presence.
It was after a break for lunch, which consisted of various foods the Aono was unaware of even how they should be pronounced, thankfully Moka was able to order for him. She even seeme to know exactly how much money he had and aiming to bleed him exactly dry; not enough to not have to pay but utterly penniless otherwise.
At least his sensory training was going better. Able to isolate his demonic side's interference, youkai-wise at least, he was able to 'feel' the ayashi going about their lives around him. Some he could feel clearer than others, while others were almost hidden to him, he quickly inquired as to why.
"Simple," Answered his teacher-slash-date as she looked up from her plate, piercing him with her ruby-red eyes. "youki is something generated from us passively, but most learn to consciously buffer it and keep it concealed, hidden away. It is more a gesture of civility than anything else; flaring your youki, even if doing so passively rather than actively, can be considered an act of hostility since it plays such a great role in our abilities. However, even if one masters the art of suppresing their youki, it still remains a conscious proceedure, even if barely. Which in turn means that if one becomes filled with emotion, especially anger and other negative ones, their ability to mask their presence fades away, making them stand out more to your senses. It is pleasing that you have learned to detect that difference already. A vampire would have learned to do it on their own, but it is excellent progress considering the fact that you are a human."
Needless to say Tsukune flinched away from her 'compliment', but he didn't notice that she did so as well. They both hated his humanity, for much the same reason. To Moka, his humanity signified his 'not exactly right' situation, him being almost a vampire but ultimately limited to the mockery of a Ghoul. To Tsukune it meant something else; that which he could not be, the weak and yet so needed part of him. If only he weren't human, he wouldn't have become an Akuchi, he would have been able to be with his family, he would have stood a chance. But he was a human, in the end, after it all, he was only human. No, he was even less than that; he was a cursed, hateful being that hated the very ones he cherished. He was a being, a monster, that had very real and very serious thoughts about ramming his claws deeply into people simply for existing.
How then could he even be allowed in the presence of good people like his friends? How could he let himself be happy when in truth he was nothing but a born murderer? How could he relax when doing so had a very real chance of letting down his guard and setting loose the demon caged within him?
He could hardly sleep at nights any more, rarely resting for more than a couple of hours and that was when he was completely exhausted. Sleep made him vulnerable, he believed, so it had to be avoided. At least the Headmaster's meditative techniques helped him maintain his sanity even at the face of ever-decreasing sleeping time.
The meal was finished in an uncomfortable silence, but Moka was partially grateful to it. If she could make him feel uncomfortable with her, then it would be easier for him to let go of her. It would hurt still, but not nearly as much as if he had thought he actually had a chance.
After paying for the excessive meal, Tsukune and Moka began making their way back; his wallet was almost exhausted and they were both loaded with several bags from various shops. Moka would have to enjoy the rest of her free day at Youkai Gakuen. Which wasn't such a bad perspective really.
On their way to the bus station, they came across a shop Tsukune hadn't noticed before; a fortune teller. He chuckled a bit. Maybe he could try it out; Kyouko never let him visit one claiming they were all too 'suspicious'.
Entering the little hut-like tent was quick enough as there weren't many customers.
Across a large table with a pair of large six-candle candelabras sat an old woman that looked positively like a hag. No, she really did, having green, leathery skin and more warts on one ear than most people have on their entire bodies. At least she didn't look at him as if he was 'lunch' or something. In her hands, she shuffled a deck of cards.
"Oh, a newcomer is it? I sense quite a bit of power in you young man and just as much in the lady beside you. Are you up for a reading? Keep in mind that the future always changes though and knowing about it may not be the wisest thing to do; who knows what can and cannot change in your game of Destiny and Fate?" She cackled then a bit as if amused by an inside joke.
Moka huffed there a bit. "I don't know why you wanted to come here Tsukune. I don't believe in Fate or Destiny. I make them with my own hands."
He chuckled slightly. "No reason really. I just never had my future read before, I just wanted to do it once." He was honest at least. Also, he wanted to hear someone say something good about the inevitable fight with his Inner Demon. Something other than the usual encouragement from his friends or the Headmaster's assurances. He wanted a prophecy, something to believe in. He wanted someone foreign to say he could do it. Someone that had nothing to gain or loose by his success or failure.
The old hag let out another cackle as she handed him the deck of cards. "This is a deck of Major Arcana. They may be a bit vague but they are always right if you know how to read them. Shuffle the deck as much as you want and draw out seven cards and place them in order on the table here."
The cards were large and made of hard leather, covered with mystic symbols he couldn't read. It made shuffling a bit hard, but at least he didn't mess up or embarass himself. Then, he put the deck down, spread it on the table and began pulling out his cards one by one and handing them over to the hag.
He was on the sixth when Moka suddenly dove at him and pulled him out of the way.
Good thing too because a large, scale-covered fist landed just where he stood. It then swiped to the side and the cloth tent was torn off its wooden supports, leaving the hag that owned it to scream in fear and scurry away with the cards in hand.
Moka and Tsukune rolled to the side and quickly looked at their attacker, finding him to be a full-grown troll; a large, strong monster with very tough skin and extreme regenerative abilities.
Unfortunately, it wasn't alone; it had another friend of the same race next to it.
"Kukuku..." Came a creepy laugh from behind the two and they turned to see yet another adversary, this time a dark creeper, a monster that thrived in the dark with a cloak made of it's own leathery skin and long, sharp claws that it used to strike from ambush. They were cowardly monsters though, but they were very good at using senses other than sight and that made them excellent ambushers. "You're here, just as we were told! Seems like we'll really have to give that reward after all!"
'Reward? Told? Did someone betray us? But who? Only we knew where we'd be today...' Thought both Moka and Tsukune.
They weren't given much time to think about it when yet another large shape came from the sides, a large bipedal form that looked like a cross between a man and a mushroom. Moka sucked in a breath and cursed when it seemed to bow its head towards them and puff out a large cloud.
"Damn it! Tsukune, hold your breath and close your eyes!" She warned, knowing what an adult myconid could do with its spores. Not enough to disable either of them, but it could still be very dangerous with its allies.
Thankfully, most civilians had evacuated the place, but still it wasn't everyone and both vampires could tell from the scared tone of their youki signal. It was worse for Tsukune because that meant he couldn't freely transform into his other side; it would not only place others in danger but also reveal the fact that there is in fact an Akuchi still in existence.
The two Trolls and the dark creeper were under no such limitations however; they came equipped with protective masks, knowing what their ally could do.
Dodging a strong punch and falling right into the dark creeper's claws made Tsukune grunt as he lashed out blindly and missing. Moka wasn't having as much trouble, but she was forced to watch out for her more disabled friend rather than focus on taking down her troll. Not to mention that accursed Creeper that could almost completely erase its youki presence.
"Tsukune!" She said wasting a bit of her necessary oxygen supply. "Use your senses more!"
And then he was feeling like an idiot. In his rush to avoid getting hit, he had forgotten the very skill Moka had been teaching him throughout that day!
Calming himself forcefully, Tsukune stood still for only a second, reaching out with his youki sensor. Six lights answered his call and he quickly ruled out two of them; Moka's he could always recognize and the other one was filled with fear and terror, must belong to a civilian trapped in their fight or that hag. The other four however...
Tsukune's vampire-like youki surged into his muscles and he grinned ferally, unable to stop that reaction. Within him burst the furious instincts of a Ghoul, the battle-fury of a Vampire, sounding like an old war-song.
A crouch and he had evaded the Creeper's lashing claws before sending out a kick backwards, catching the surprised monster full in the stomach and sending it careening away and into a wall.
The troll roared in fury but it was unable to defend itself against Moka's sudden kick as she quickly changed targets and catching it by surprise.
A tactic that seemed to work very well with its other friend, though this case it was Tsukune who dished out the punishment with a powerful punch that almost blew up the troll's chest. Good thing it wasn't enough to kill it.
The myconid stumbled backwards as it tried to get away from the two furious teenagers, whispering words of mercy and apology. Too bad Moka was infuriated; it had ruined her day and most importantly... her clothes!
"KNOW YOUR PLACE!"
Yelling her old catch-phrase, she repeatedly slammed her heel onto the poor monster's body, grumbling things about how it destroyed her clothes, leaving poor Tsukune to shake and hope to never do something like that; he valued his life very, very much!
On the side, the hag watched on curiously. She had known from the moment that boy walked in that there was something strange with him. Then she looked down at the cards he had chosen and sighed. During her frightened flight from the combat, she had dropped the cards and they had gotten messed up, even though she had gathered them again. Also, she lacked the seventh card, the card that would reveal the result of the others combined... But she still could read something about the boy. So, she turned the cards over.
Death, The Lovers, The Fool, Wheel Of Fortune, The Tower, The Hermit.
The hag looked from the cards in her hand to the boy and back again several times. With their order messed up, their meaning was impossible to identify, but she could still make out something about his future.
A choice would come and it would change much. It would all hang in the balance of a single moment, a moment that would define his life and that of those around him.
A small chuckle escaped from the hag before becoming an insane cackle.
A choice? Everything about this boy would depend on a single choice? What irony!
Still cackling, she vanished into the shadows to rescue what she could from her destroyed shack.
But Tsukune and Moka didn't stay there for long. Gathering their shopping bags, they dragged the now subdued Fairy Tail goons with them to a nearby Youkai Police station where they were 'deposited' so to speak. It wouldn't hold them, Fairy Tail would find a way to free them, but at least they would be unable to hurt anyone for a bit.
Then it was straight back to the Bus Station and then to the Academy. The ride back was silent and uncomfortable for both teens. Moka was still grumbling about her day off being ruined and how she wanted another one while Tsukune thought more about what the attackers had said, about how someone had tipped them off.
He had to find that traitor. He had to find out who it was and then... then he would show them that no one betrayed him and his friends! No one!
Tsukune's hands balled to fists and Moka didn't need her supersensory radar to let her know that his youki was highly agitated. Nor her eyes to know that his entire body had been tensed like a coil ready to burst forth. Tsukune was pissed and there would be hell to pay. For some reason she couln't, or wouldn't, name, Moka didn't much mind the way he looked at the time, so focused and furious. In fact, it almost made him... yummy.
She had to cough to cover the chuckle that came from that thought. When he looked at her she only looked away as if uninterested, despite how much it hurt her to do so. If he thought he stood a chance with her... But he didn't; like she always said, people should know their places. She knew hers and so should he know his own. It was too bad that their places were not side by side.
Maybe he could give him over to that succubus or the yuki-onna? Their races never had much problems with humans and their life expectancy was only somewhat longer than a human's. Also, even she could tell that they genuinely cared for the troubled man. So, maybe she could give him over to them?
She should. She should but... why couldn't she bring herself to say it? Why couldn't she just tell these two to just grab him, drag him to a room and take him for themselves?
When the pair finally came back to Youkai Gakuen, Tsukune quickly excused himself and went to research who could know about Moka and him going to Mononoke Arcade. He had to find the truth even if it took him days!
He didn't notice the way Kurumu looked at him or how sadly Moka sighed.
But the girls had each other and that meant they could speak about all things girly, without any feelings of embarassement about having a boy with them.
It was a great chance for them to speak about what really mattered and yet not one of them dared breach the subject. Not Moka by letting them know she was fine with them being with Tsukune. Not Kurumu by telling them of her insecurities and fears. Not Mizore by telling them of her wishes and hopes. Not Yukari by telling them of what she had learned about Tsukune, great secrets about him that could solve most problems they had.
At least their time together bound them tighter as a group and that was their saving grace of times to come. Or rather what would help them become the saving grace of another.
An another that was now, one week after the incident in Mononoke Arcade, being summoned by the Headmaster.
"Why have you summoned me Headmaster? I've given my reports, completed my chores, there is nothing else I'm supposed to do, is there?"
The robed man looked at the boy in front of him but no one could make out what lied behind these glowing eyes. "No, there is one more thing you have to do. You have to relax. You have not been sleeping at all lately have you? Even your meditations have been slipping. You are becoming obsessed with uncovering that mole, so much that you hardly even see your friends before rushing off just in case any knew information shows up. How many times have you read each and every file of each and every student and faculty member? That is enough, you must relax lest you burn out."
Tsukune bristled. "Are you saying I should let that traitor go? Are you telling me that I should sit idly by while someone is capable of telling my enemies what I'm doing and when we're at our most vulnerable?"
"In short? Yes. In long, no. You have planted enough seeds Tsukune-kun. You must let your plans come into fruition first. Patience is the one great virtue of any one wanting to ferret out any moles. So this isn't a recommendation but an order; I'm ordering you to... go on vacation." Waiting for the boy to recover from the face-fault, the Headmaster continued. "Your friends are quite tired as well, they need some time off to witness the benefits their trials have given them. Also, I think you are finally ready to be tutored by Moka-san directly in the more esoteric vampire arts. But you have to show her. Take this vacation and relax a bit, you need to give things time. The Driver will be waiting for you and your friends tomorrow at the bus stop. Pack light and for summer, I hear the human world's beaches are wonderful this time of the year."
And with that he was dismissed and left to grumble. Though he could use the vacation. Hopefully nothing bad would happen this year.
Hopefully.
A/N: I'm back and writing from my bed, trying to get over my sickness. Apparently, whoever said that military doctors were good was an idiot. Why? Because we have dentists doing the job of pathologists, which is freaking retarded! I complained that I got dizziness and inability to listen properly from my ear. They told me it was from going up and down too much. 'Too much' being 20 freaking meters, when I've been climbing mountains since I was 13. I don't even take gum or any other crap when boarding planes! How could 20 meters of difference in altitude affect me? Turns out I got an infection in my ear that screws up my sense of balance. Now, what do I find out? It also gives me a dangerously high fever and also seems to gather stuff from my nose right next to my eye. Which hurts like hell. I got my first leave, five days, and I'm going to have to spend all of them in bed! I'm going to be ill for five days I should be instead enjoying with my friends and family. Hell, people are getting married and I can't even get out of bed to see them or wish them well. And it's not just me; a friend of mine also got seriously ill and no one even paid attention to his complaints until he almost died. He had to get sent over to intensive care in the middle of the night. Don't know about you, I'm sure as hell pursuing this. I'm getting that asshole court marshalled.
On to happier things. Finally, the chapter's over. Finally as in I finally managed to get my parents to leave me the fuck alone because they wanted to drag me to every single long-lost family member they could contact. I feel like they want to parade me or something. I'm no zoo exhibition dammit! These people don't even know I exist, why the hell should I care about them? But nooo, according to my parents, their one and only child has now become a soldier which automatically means they have to parade me to everyone, whether I like it or not. Admittedly, I wouldn't be so against it if it didn't cut down on my writing time. But it does and it's pissing me off!
No one will ever know just how close I came to showing them 'that other side' of me.
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.