Disclaimer: I do not own any part of Rosario Vampire. I am merely twisting the creators vision into my own dream. If the supernatural, sexuality, or violence is offensive to you, then you should not read this.

Chapter 5

"Good," Brone praised Tsukune. "You have good focus. You have been practicing, Haven't you."

"Yes," Tukune said. He was standing with his feet a little more then his shoulder's width apart, with his knees slightly bent, his back strait, and his arms down, as if holding a ball in front of his lower abdomen. His eyes were open and his muscles were relaxed. He had his youki wrapped around himself from head to toe.

As Tsukune concentrated waves of energy crashed over him. He could feel the energy as it struck the barrier of youki he held wrapped around himself. Each wave hit with enough force to rock Tsukune on his feet, making him shift his balance to keep from being knocked over. Lord Brone sent each wave of energy as if he was throwing nearly invisible balls of heat. The shimmering spheres of air and energy broke apart against Tsukune's youki, but they kept coming until he found his knees starting to shake and his breathing getting labored. Brone noticed that Tsukune was at his limit and called for a break.

Tsukune rested where he stood, bent over with his hands on his knees. He watched as the man performed a similar exercise with Yukari and Ruby. The difference was that he had them taking turns holding a barrier out in front of them big enough to shield both at once. Tsukune notices that Yukari was having a harder time at it then Ruby, which made sense. The younger witch was determined to hold her own, but while she was very smart, she didn't want to acknowledge her own limitations much. When Brone tried to call a break, she insisted that she could keep going.

"You're tired," Lord Brone said. "You should always take a break when you can to keep from over doing things, because if you don't then someone can get hurt."

"I'm not tired," Yukari insisted, raising her barrier again. "Tsukune withstood twenty eight attacks. Ruby took sixteen and is still fine. You only threw fourteen attacks against me."

"Fine," Brone growled. He took three long steps towards the little witch then threw his fist against her barrier.

The barrier dissolved under the force of the blow. The shock wave staggered Yukari back and she let out a small cry of surprise. Lord Brone walked up to her, placed his palm on her face, and in a single push he knocked her on to her back.

"Know your limits," He growled at her where she lay on the sand. "Know when to rest, know when to ask for help. Know when to swallow your pride. I am here to train you, but if you can't be trusted to follow simple directions then I won't waste my time on you. DO you know what happens then?"

"No…" Yukari said, looking more her age then usual.

"You will be excluded from any more training. Your friends will continue to train without you. That is time they will spend together, and you will be alone. During that time they will become closer, and stronger, leaving you behind. And when the next emergency hits, your friends will face it, but you will have to stay behind because you will only get in the way."

"You don't need to talk to her like that," Tsukune protested, starting to walk over to help Yukari.

"I am in charge here," Lord Brone wheeled to face Tsukune. The man stood tall and his voice was like the rumble of thunder. "I am trying to teach you what you need to stay alive. Right now your little group is listed as targets of opportunity. If anybody from Fairy Tail or its affiliates get the chance they will try to recruit or kill you. Eventually you will be forced to defend yourselves enough times that you will be raised to the status of an open threat, and when that happens the assassins will start looking for you."

"From the moment you stood up to them you were left with three choices," Brone said with his eyes filled with energy. "You can run and hide, leaving the school, never going back to the village of the Snow Maidens, or even back to your homes. You will have to live in quiet obscurity to avoid ever being recognized. Or you can join Fairy Tail. You can become a part of the organization that wants to use monsters as weapons in the violent underworld of organized crime. Your only other choice is to become stronger, so that you can protect your friends and family, so that you can help fight back against the people that would see an end to your school."

"I will help you get stronger," Lord Brone explained, his voice becoming softer. "But I only have a limited amount of time here. Fairy Tail has been growing for a long time, and only recently has it become an active threat to this school. I have my own responsibilities back home I need to protect from these animals." He looked at his watch. "Alright," He said. "One more exercise then we're done for today."

"Tsukune," Brone pointed to a spot in the sand. "Stand here and focus your youki. Ruby," He called to the witch and directed her to a spot in front of Tsukune. "Stand here, facing him." He waited fro the two students to be ready. "Good, now Ruby I want you to hold a shield barrier close to yourself, about here," He held his hand eight inches in front of her. "Just hold it there." He turned his attention to Tsukune.

"You will have to be careful with this one," He warned the boy. "Your friend is in reach. What I want you to do is close your eyes and use your hands. You will not need a lot of energy for this to start, just feel for Ruby's barrier… Good."

Tsukune looked like a mime. He stood with his eyes closed as he felt around for the thin barrier of energy that Ruby held between them. His face was calm and his breathing was even. Ruby looked into his gentle face from less then an arm's length away, blushing.

"Good," Brone spoke up again. "Now hands down to your side… Relax… Now you are going to throw punches at that barrier. Just tapping it. This is all about learning control."

Tsukune followed the instructions he was given. He breathed slowly and just threw slow, light punches chest high on himself. Each time he felt Ruby's shield he would pull back and throw out the other fist.

"Keep it up," Brone said. "Change directions. Upper cuts, crosses, strait punches, mix them up." He watched Tsukune for a moment. Alright, a little faster now."

Tsukune was getting into it. With his eyes closed and his feet planted, he threw punches, sometimes in combinations and sometimes in random order. In his mind he saw Ruby's barrier as a punching bag. He picked up speed as he became more comfortable with the exercise.

"Now concentrate on your fists as you swing," Lord Brone instructed. "Build up your youki in your fists."

XXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Moka moved through the nocturnal forest. She was engaged in a game of tag with Lady Tara. This was not a gentle game. Each of them was using Shroud to hide their locations and movements. Every time Moka's Shroud slipped the other vampire would quickly find her, and would connect with a stinging slap. Moka had a split lip as evidence of the other vampire's seriousness.

XXXXX

Kurumu was having difficulty holding her own against the catwoman. Sakura was small, quick and agile. In her fighting form she was just four feet tall, a foot shorter then her human appearance. Her claws were razor sharp and she used them in combination with palm strikes and grappling attacks. Kurumu was mostly fighting on the defensive; her only advantage over the woman was her longer reach.

Mizore was doing a little better. She had the same long reach as Kurumu, but she also used ice to armor her limbs. She didn't have the same speed as the succubus, but her attacks were well thought out. As long as the catwoman didn't get in too close, or get behind her it was an even match.

XXXXXX

Moka concentrated carefully on her Youki. She had found a place in the forest to set an ambush. She settled herself with her back to a tree. In front of her three trees grew close together, making a near defensible position. Where Moka waited she could see the clear approach into that position. She forced her mind to calmness and tried to divide her youki. She used most of her youki to maintain her Shroud, but in her mind she pictured herself standing between the trees where she would be safe from attach on three sides. Moka concentrated on her mental image in that spot, and almost missed the flicker of motion. She saw the small break her view of the place she was imagining herself, and kicked out.

Moka's leg connected with Lady Tara. The older vampire was knocked sideways by the blow. Both of them lost their Shrouds.

"Well done," Lady Tara smiled. "You even started to learn the next lesson; Illusion." She smiled and her youki made her flicker in Moka's sight. Suddenly there were two Lady Taras.

Moka set herself in a fighting crouch and pulled her Shroud into place.

"I am done fighting you today," Tara said as she youki faded. He illusionary clone also faded away. "Now we will talk. I have heard that you have made a bond with that young man of yours. Congratulations."

"Thank you," Moka said, a little off balance from the sudden change in directions.

"Ultimately you will have to decide how much you want to share with him," Lady Tara said. "And how much you want to give him."

"I know this," Moka said shortly, crossing her arms across her chest.

"For now, just trust your feelings. I noticed the succubus has increased her power. Is she sharing your young man?"

"What?" Moka suddenly felt alarmed.

"No," Tara mused. "I did not feel any of him within her. She must have just found some other source to draw from. Well that will help her be stronger in the future so I guess it is all good."

"What are you rambling on about?"

"Girl," Tara admonished. "Haven't I made that clear to you yet? Humans may seem small and weak to us, but they have nearly limitless potential. That young man of yours can help empower you, and from the way you feel today I think you already learned that much yourself. But he can also give strength to the others. If the succubus has found a source of lust to draw upon then she will need your young man less."

"In truth," Lady Tara continued. "You could use her needs against her if you wanted. Let her be close by while you and your young man share in each other's flesh. She will be able to draw in the power she needs, but not only will she owe it to you, but she will also be forced to witness your place with him above all others."

Moka stood mute with shock as she heard what the woman was saying. Part of her rebelled at the idea, but another part was thrilled at the prospect.

"But you are young," Tara laughed lightly. "You have plenty of time before you have to make that kind of choice. Shall we go and collect the others?"

XXXXXX

Kurumu hovered over the others. Sakura faced off against Mizore, but any time she tried to close with the snow maiden the succubus would launch an swift attack. If the catwoman tried to attack the succubus the girl would just fly up out of reach and wait for an opening. Mizore was breathing hard from fighting, but she and Kurumu had finally found a way to win. She could press the attack, forcing Sakura to defend herself, leaving her open to an attack from Kurumu, or she could quit the field. The pair was ready to force the issue when Moka and Lady Tara arrived.

"We are done for today," Lady Tara decreed.

Sakura bounded over towards Lady Tara, resuming human form as she went. Kurumu landed beside Mizore and the both relaxed. Moka moved to join them, subtly trying to get a sense of their youki.

"You all did well today," Lady Tara said. She summoned the doorway back with a wave of her hand. "Enjoy your weekend."

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Tsukune felt terrible about what had happened. Durring his exercise with her, Ruby had worn herself out. Her barrier had failed and she had started to stumble. She had caught Tsukune's last combo with her body before he could stop himself. His left-cross, right-cross combo had connected with her right breast and then her left cheek. Because her barrier had not been where he had expected it, Tsukune had opened his eyes and managed to pull his last punch. It was still enough to make Ruby collapse on the sand.

"Ruby," Tsukune said in alarm. "I'm sorry." He knelt beside her as she sat up and cradled her. "Are you all right?"

"Tsukune?" She looked at him with blushing cheeks and glassy eyes. She had been watching him performing the exercise. She could see the power in his body, and even though none but the last two never touched her, she could feel the energy in his blows. Each contact with her barrier had sent a ripple of his youki over her. She had been captivated by his masculine power, and his youki that dominated hers. Then her barrier had failed and his fist had connected with her sensitive breast, sending his youki and the pain of the blow through her. Before she could properly cry out he had struck her, knocking her down. Then he was above her, ready to hold her. It was like a dream. "Tsukune," She sighed with a smile.

"What should I do?" Tsukune looked up at Lord Brone to see the man fighting back a smile.

"You witch wore herself out," He explained. "That was what I was talking about."

"Ruby," Yukari nearly threw herself onto the other two students in her rush. "Are you alright? Ruby?"

"Do you understand what I was saying about knowing your limits?" Brone growled at Yukari.

"Yes," She insisted. "Yes. But will Ruby alright?"

"She just wore herself out. Tsukune," He said to the boy. "Your youki is still worked up, why don't you see if you can help your lady-friend recover.

"Yes," He nodded, his face serious. "Alright."

It took only a moment for him to gather his youki into his chest. With a focused though he willed energy into the dazed and smiling Ruby. The witch looked like she had been splashed with cold water. Her eyes snapped wide and her body tensed for a moment. A short cry escaped her lips as she twisted about to throw her arms around Tsukune. Tsukune let the for of his youki ebb as Ruby clung to him tightly, her body shaking. He looked up at Brone, worried about how his friend was trembling and breathing hard against the side of his neck. Tsukune's confusion grew when he saw the man grinning broadly, but decided Ruby would probably be fine.

XXXXXXXXXXXX

When Moka and the others returned from the training ground the saw Tsukune standing close to Ruby. Yukari was holding on to the older witch who kept protesting that she felt fine. Moka was struck by the feel of Tsukune coming from Ruby once again. Kurumu immediately bounded over to Tsukune to embrace him. Moka ignored her for the moment and approached ruby instead.

"What was it this time?" Moka asked the witch.

"Moka," Ruby smiled. "I am ashamed to say that I let myself become distracted during training and became a burden upon Tsukune."

"You just let yourself get too tired," Yukari protested. "And after Lord Brone warned us to be careful about that."

"Yes, yes," Ruby acknowledged. "Because I was inattentive Tsukune accidentally hit me," She rubbed the side of her face. "I was stunned. He shared his Youki with me to help me recover."

"Is that all that happened?" Kurumu demanded. She was clinging to Tsukune but her attention was all on Ruby with her face serious.

"It was a good hit," Ruby smiled.

"I see," Kurumu said. She looked at Tsukune closely then smiled back at Ruby. That's alright then.

"Tsukune," Moka said as she pushed Kurumu away from him.

"Yes Moka," He smiled.

"Tsukune…" She had to pause for a second because that smile of his made her heart flutter. "I would like you to see to Mizore."

"Moka?"

"She has trained hard," Moka explained. She caught his sleeve and walked him the short distance to the snow maiden. "Her youki is almost spent."

"Mizore," Moka said to the tired looking girl. "I want you to understand. I know how you feel. I want to know that I can depend on you. I see that you are tired right now. Let Tsukune walk you back to your room and let him help you regain your strength."

"Moka?" Tsukune was a little worried that he was being sent off alone with his stalker.

"I trust you, Tsukune," Moka said softly to him. "Just give her some support, like you did with Ruby. Will you do that for me?"

"I will, Moka," He nodded.

"Let's go," Mizore said, taking Tsukune's hand. She had herd every word, and understood the limitations that Moka had hinted at, but a moment uninterrupted with Tsukune was something she wanted to enjoy. She pulled him from the room.

"Tsukune," Kurumu started to follow them but Moka blocked her way.

"Let them go," Moka said.

"But…"

"We all need to recover after our training," Moka explained. "I am sure you would like to restore yourself while Tsukune is busy."

Kurumu looked Moka in the eye for a moment, before turning away.

"You're right," She sighed. Kurumu stalked from the room.

"You did that very well," Lady Tara said.

"Ho, ho," Brone chuckled. "Lady, you're going to give that kid a hard life," He said smiling to his companion.

"You don't seem to mind when I do it to you?" She smiled up at him.

"Beloved, when it's you, I will always accept it." His voice was soft and low.

Moka noticed the way the pair looked at each other, ignoring the world, and wondered if that is how Tsukune and her other self looked. She saw the woman, Sakura, move beside Lord Brone. She put herself under his arm and he held her close to his side, even as he reached out to touch Lady Tara's cheek. She held his hand to her face even as she reached up to caress his.

Moka looked away from the couple. She crossed back over to Ruby and surrendered Belmont.

"Thank you," Was all she said.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Mizore was grateful for her time with Tsukune. She held his arm gently against the side of her breast. She could feel the warmth of his presence, but her subtle hold didn't trouble or embarrass him the way the boob monster's actions did. They walked slowly together, letting Mizore feel kind of like she was on a date. The two didn't talk, but Mizore was fine with that. She didn't have any words worth breaking the mood to say. When they reached the dorms Mizore carefully invited Tsukune to her room.

"Please come with me," She had said softly without letting go of his arm. She was careful to hold his arm firmly enough to let him know that she wanted him close, but gently enough that if he wanted to pull away he could at any time.

Once up in her room she offered him cushion by her low table and busied herself making some tea. Tsukune looked about the room. He noticed how it was decorated with warm colors and soft pillows. He let himself watch Mizore as she made tea. Her shoulders were slumped and she kept taking small steps. When she turned around he could see the lines of fatigue around her eyes. She managed to set the tea service on the table, but when she tried to stand trait again she stumbled and fell.

Tsukine caught Mizore awkwardly as she went down. Her legs and folded under her but her torso was halfway in his lap, facing him.

"Are you alright?" Tsukune asked worriedly.

"Just tired," She said, repositioning her self so she could look up at him from his lap.

"Can I help you?"

"Yes," She reached for his hand and held it in both of hers. "Share your warmth with me."

"Yes," He said, thinking that he understood.

He closed his eyes to concentrate. When he had passed energy to Ruby he was still worked up from training, but this time he was feeling a little tired and had been letting his mind wander. It took a few minutes to gather his youki. With his eyes closed he didn't se Mizore smiling up at him as she folded his hand to her chest, hugging it there with both arms. When he had his focus, Tsukune opened his eyes.

"Alright," He said as he willed is energy out through his hand.

"Tsukune," Mizore said through half closed eyes.

She lifted one arm and placed it against his chest. His warm body was so close, and they were all alone. She was tempted, but she remembered what her mother's letter had told her. She had to remember the nature of soft, drifting snow. Mizore accepted Tsukune's warmth and thought about all the ways she could offer him warmth in return.

Tsukune realized he was starting to feel light headed. He released his hold on his youki and let it ebb. Mizore gave a small sigh, bringing his attention back to her. He was a little alarmed to see how flushed she was, but she was smiling.

"Thank you, Tsukune," Mizory said. "I should sit up." She reached up as if to put her arms around his neck for leverage, but she barely touched her fingers to the back of his neck.

Tsukune leaned down so that Mizore could get a better hold. She was able to wrap her arms around his neck, holding his face close to hers for a moment. Finally she pulled and he leaned back, bringing her up off of his lap. She hugged him for a moment longer before moving away from him.

"I am feeling much better now. Thank you," She said. "Now I want to clean up." She pulled at the collar of her blouse.

"I will get going then," Tsukune said, eager to leave before the snow maiden tried to undress in front of him. Past experience had shown that she was perfectly willing to put herself forward like that. He climbed to his feet and headed for the door.

"Tsukune?" Mizore called to him.

"Y-yes?" He paused with his hand on the door.

"Thank you for everything," She said without approaching him, or trying to undress. "Let me make dinner for you some time to show my gratitude."

"Yes," He agreed. "I'll look forward to it. Have a good night." He left.

Mizore watched him go, then proceeded to undress so she could wash herself. She felt warm and was smiling, her time with him had gone better then expected. Soft, drifting snow, she reminded herself. Soft snow piling up could break tree branches and crush houses. A man could walk on hard ice, could chip at it. But soft snow would slowly wear down the strongest man. Countless traps and pitfalls could be hidden under the soft snow to distract a man and force him to a new path. Mizore smiled as she thought about catching Tsukune in her snowy drifts.

(a/n; sorry if you have trouble reading this FF.N keeps eating my formatting and rejecting uploads so I have to keep changing file types. Almost flushed this project instead of putting up with it)

((a/n: I also can't believe that you let me go three chapters without telling me I had Mizore's name wrong))