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 8

The Youkai Academy Newspaper club was in front of the school once again with their latest edition. While normally a monthly paper, they had done a special edition to cover last week's Athletics Festival. Tsukune had done well enough in the events to surprise himself. Of course he was stronger then he had ever been in his life, not counting his youki power, and the rest of the participants had been trying, or pretending to try, to conceal their monster form and abilities. To help fill out the paper, parents that had attended the event were invited to submit short letters / messages to the students attending the academy.

Tsukune scanned the crowd that was hanging around the school's gates as he and his friends passed out their paper. It had been two weeks since Lord Brone had first arrived and Tsukune had trained with him three times. He had learned a lot and was looking forward to more training from the man. Unfortunately, Lord Brone didn't have a lot of free time to spend at the academy. Still, Tsukune tried to keep an eye out for him.

XXXXXXXXX

Tsukune gave a sigh of relief when he reached the boy's dorm. It had been a Monday that would have fit in with any in the human world. Every class had felt twice as long as it really. Kurumu had felt bored and had decided to entertain herself at Tsukune's expense, clinging to him at every opportunity. At one point she had gone so far as to sit on his desk, and on his hand. The soft flesh of her bottom had pinned his hand in place while she smiled innocently. At lunch she had tried to feed him, first by hand, then mouth to mouth. Tsukune observed that she was no longer doing her 'clumsy girl' act and suspected that she had grown tired of it.

Tsukune was glad that Moka had been her normal cheerful self. He found comfort in her presence. Mizore, as she had for the past week, managed to stay in her seat during class, and to walk next to Tsukune between classes, much more normally. Although she did disappear if too many people got close at any one time, she did seam to be overcoming her shyness by simply holding on to Tsukune's sleeve. Yukari was her usual boisterous self, to the point of appearing hipper. At one point Tsukune pictured her as a squirrel, skittering between himself and Moka. Her cheerfulness could be infectious, but sometimes it was a hindrance if he was trying to have a conversation.

All the little things just kept piling up. A surprise test in math class. Getting called on to read out loud in English class. For some reason the school, to be more like a human school, had held a fire drill, which took up most of the time allotted for Physical Education. And finally, another surprise test, this time in world history. Tsukune was looking forward to getting his studies done so he could get some rest. But 'Monday' wasn't quite done with him.

Tsukune entered the his hallway of the dorm and saw a female student in a black uniform in front of his door. Tsukune felt his blood run cold. While he was still technically human he was attending school with the full knowledge and permission of the Board Chairman, so the student police couldn't persecute him again, but their organization had caused him and his friends enough trouble in the past that he didn't want to deal with them again.

"Do you need something?" Tsukune intentionally sounded cold as he reached his room.

"Hello Aono Tsukune," She said. "I am Keito of the Student Ac…"

"I remember who you are," He cut her off. It was not likely that he would forget the spider woman that had sliced his back open during his first semester.

"I have come to talk to you about the safety of the school," Keito said. "Do you have a moment?"

"Alright," He said. "Let me put my bag away." He pulled out his key ring and stood looking at her for a moment.

Keiko took a moment to realize what Tsukune was waiting for. When she did, she moved out of his way so he could open his room. Tsukine put his bag on his desk and turned around to see that she had followed him into his room. She had even closed the door. Irritated, he ignored her for a moment while he hung up his uniform blazer and took off his tie.

"What did you want to talk about?" Tsukune asked her at last.

"The safety of the school," Keiko said stubbornly. "That is the purpose of the Academy Public Safety Commission. We are responsible for enforcing the rules among the students and protecting them from those that would prey upon them."

"You mean groups like the Outcast Ayashi and Anti-Thesis?" Tsukune said, mentioning the two groups that the Newspaper Club had taken down the previous year.

"Exactly," She went on. "Our former chairman, Kuyou-Sempai graduated last year. As senior member I have been promoted to chairman of the Public Safety Commission."

"Congratulations."

"I have come to ask you to join the Public Safety Commission. Your help last year in protecting the school was praiseworthy."

"I am already a member of the newspaper club," Tsukune said.

"By joining the Public Safety Commission you will have the opportunity to help the school, to do something meaningful for your fellow students."

"Where were you when Moka was kidnapped by the Outcast Ayashi?" Tsukune asked in a flat voice. "What were you doing when Anti-Thesis was trying to destroy the school? For that mater, where were you at the start of the year when a gang of criminals were useing the school a base to hide out from human police? All I have ever heard or seen of your student police is cases of harassment and bullying.

Keiko did not like what Tsukune had to say. The more he had said the more red her face had become.

"What right do you have to question the Pub…"

"I am a student that you have never protected from the kind of bullies and trouble makers you say it is your job control. My friends and I have had to protect ourselves, and the school from you, the Outcast Ayashi, and Anti-Thesis. Now you want me to join your gang? No thank you!"

"If you oppose…"

"That is a good idea," Tsukune cut her off for a third time. He circled around her and opened the door. "If you would please leave, I have something to take care of."

Keiko stood her ground and tried to stare Tsukune down. Unfortunately for her he already had her measure and she was not in the same class as he. He wouldn't be intimidated, and he would not surrender to bullies. With an arrogant sniff she stalked from the room.

Tsukune counted to one hundred to give Keiko time to leave the dorm, and for his temper to cool off. He had a plan and wanted to talk to his friends. He locked his door as he set out for Moka's room. Not for the first time, Tsukune wished that cell phones worked at the academy.

Moka had been surprised by Tsukune's visit. They shared tea while he told her about the visit he had just endured. He told her how he had felt and what he wanted to do next. Moka listened to what Tsukune had to say, and agreed to help him with his plan. Moka set off to find Kurumu while Tsukune went to speak with Mizore.

XXXXXX

It was Tuesday afternoon and the Newspaper Club, sans Gin, had gathered in their club room. Even Kokoa had made an apperance, looking like she had eaten something sour. Each member had a notepad in their hand with the stories and information they had collected.

"I ran in to Gin today," Tsukune said, starting the meeting. "He didn't want to get involved, but agreed to take any pictures of the Public Safety Commission f he thought they would help.

"Hrmph," Kurumu frowned. "He just wants to take pictures of girls."

"Did anybody get anything we could use today?" Tsukune asked.

"I did," Yukari thrust her wand into the air. "I got somebody in the apothecary club to tell me about the protection money they are required to pay. They call it permit fees and lab rental expenses."

"The swim team," Mizore spoke up. "They pay a security fee to have the Student Police keep perverts away from the pool and changing room."

"I spoke with the Drama Club," Moka said. "The reason they never put on a large production is because they cannot afford the 'security charge'. If they want to put on a play they can only hold dress rehearsals for whoever show up, and they are not allowed to sell tickets or even promote their work."

"I have been talking with some girls," Kurumu added. "It seams that if a girl pays a fine then being out after curfew doesn't get reported. The fee is less if you pay in advance."

"I haven't gotten any stories," Kokoa grumbled. "But Ko-chan," She waved a hand at her bat companion, "Spent the day following their leader. She spent only about ten minutes at a time in each of her classes. She spent lunch and P.E. In the Public Safety Commission's headquarters. She was already there before the last bell for the day sounded.

"Thank you," Tsukune said. "Kokoa, Ko-chan. You did a good job."

Kokoa frowned and looked at the table. The bat... Well it looked like a bat so it was impossible to read its expression.

"I think we will have enough for the newspaper in two weeks," Tsukune nodded. "We should be able to solve this problem once and for all. Moka," He smiled a little just saying her name as he looked to her. "Would you interview the Drama Club president, and whichever members that are willing to talk to you. If you can get more about the bullying that would be good, but let's see if we can give the Drama Club some good press."

"Alright," Moka nodded.

"Kurumu," Tsukune addressed the succubus. "Good work with what you uncovered, but if we use it then a lot of student might get in trouble. See if you can get more information, but we'll try not to use it if it gets more students hurt. Maybe you can get some interviews about how there has been trouble without mentioning curfew violations.

"Anything Tsukune says," She sparkled.

"Mizore," Tsukune turned to the next girl. "I know you are strong around water. Is there any way you can watch around the pool and see how much effort the Student Police put into protecting the Swim Club. We can see if they are actually getting anything for what they are being forced to pay.

Mizore just gave a brief nod.

"Yukari," He addressed at last. "See if any other clubs will talk to you; but be careful. I want you to get information and bring it back for us to use. It won't do us any good if you are discovered."

"Count on me," She declared proudly.

"Thank you everybody," He said. "I am going to go and see if I can talk to the Board Chairman. If he doesn't give us at least some minimal support then we won't have a chance."

As the club meeting broke up Moka watched Tsukune leave the room. She had seen him determined before and she liked the confidence he was showing. She wasn't the only one.

'I like him like this,' Inner Moka thought. 'He is showing some of his potential.'

Moka gave herself a little shake. She and her other self were growing closer, but sometimes it unnerved her when she felt some of the things that came from the Inner Moka.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXX

"Please excuse my intrusion," Tsukune said as he entered the Board Chairman's outer office.

"Tsukune," Ruby looked up from her small desk and smiled. "What a surprise. Are you here to see me?"

"I wish," He said. "I came to see if I could speak with the Board Chairman. Is he available?"

"Let me check." Ruby got up from her desk and quickly stepped through the doors to the inner office. She was back in less then a minute. "He said he will see you now." Ruby escorted him in.

Tsukune struggled to hold on to his earlier confidence as he entered the gloomy office. The Board Chairman, the Exorcist, sat with his elbows on his desk and observed Tsukune over steepled fingers.

"Thank you for seeing me, sir," Tsukune said, glad that his voice didn't waver.

"It's fine," The man said. "What can I do for you my boy?"

"Sir, I would like to talk to you about the Public Safety Commission."

"Ahh. And what would you like to say?"

"Sir," Tsukune said with as much determination as he could summon. "The Public Safety Commission should be the leaders among the students that help us stay safe in this school. Instead they have become a gang that manipulate the other students through fear and violence." Tsukune felt more confident as he built momentum. "This is not right. You want me and my friends in the Newspaper Club to help protect this school and its students. I think we need to protect ourselves from our own problems first. If we don't, if the Public Safety Commission is allowed to continue the students will see that intimidation and fear work, and when they leave the school Fairy Tail will be ready to take them in."

"That is a bold statement, Mr. Aono," The Board Chairman said. "What do want me to do?"

"Sir, I want your support. The Newspaper Club wants to put the wrongful and hurtful activities of the Public Safety Commission in print. The students that are getting bullied and harassed need to know that they are not alone and that there are more of us then there are members of the commission and that if we choose to all stand up for ourselves then we can protect ourselves and each other from bullies a thugs." Tsukune paused for a breath. "I want you to support us and disband the Public Safety Commission."

"I see," The man nodded. "And who would be responsible for keeping order in the school? The Public Safety Commission was put together for a reason."

"Then where were they when the Outcast Ayashi and Anti-Thesis were threatening the school? Sir, the commission has become the kind of problem that they were meant to prevent."

"Who will take their place? If they are not there, then who will do their job?"

"In human schools the Student Council appoints a disciplinary committee to help enforce school rules. The council is made up of class representatives and a board of students elected by the students. The student council helps schedule and plan school events as give the students a voice in the running of the school."

"I run this school," The Board Chairman said firmly.

"Yes sir," Tsukune swallowed. "But who lets you know when there is a problem? When Shirayuki Mizore was harassed by a teacher she didn't have anybody to talk to. Or when someone was suspected of peeping on girls?" Tsukune decided not to continue with that particular incident. "If a student has a problem then he or she can go to the student council and ask for help. Students helping students. Council officers get an arm band so that everybody can tell their position, but they wear the same uniform as everybody else. They don't separate themselves from the student population." Tsukune realized he was starting to ramble, but thankfully he seamed to have made his point.

"I approve of your plan," The Board Chairman said. "Print your stories about the commission so everybody will understand the reason for why things are going to change. In eight weeks we will hold school elections for a student council. I want the Newspaper Club to explain what the council positions are and what the role of the council will be."

"Yes sir," Tsukune said with a small bow. "Thank you."

"You know," The man chuckled. "I was wondering when somebody was going to address this problem."

"Sir?"

"Not everything students need to learn is taught in a class room." He made a small dismissing wave. "I expect good work from you, Mr Aono."

Tsukune took his leave and returned to the outer office with Ruby. Once the doors between the offices were closed he gave a sigh of relief and let his shoulder and head slump forward.

"You did very well in there," Ruby said. She stood next to Tsukune and rested her hand on his shoulder. "You were determined and confidant. I liked seeing that side of you Tsukuine."

"You really think so?" He stood strait and looked her in the face.

"I like it when you show me how strong you are." She moved to stand in front of him. "When you stand up for your friends, when you are defending what you believe in," She blushed a little. "You can be very manly." She slid her hand down to his chest and rested her fingers against him.

"Thank you," Tsukune said, not sure how to respond to her.

"If I can do anything for you," She said with a shy smile. "Just tell me what you want me to do." She looked into his eyes.

Tsukune saw a fire in Ruby's eyes as she spoke about helping him. An honest desire to be helpful. He found himself noticing other things as well. There was a shine on her red lips from the gloss she used. There was scent around her like a fragrant, sweet smelling wood. Finally he realized just how close they were standing to each other. His face started to feel warm.

"If I think of anything," Tsukune said as he reached up and took a gentle hold of her fingers that were against his chest. He felt how warm they were. "I will be sure to let you know." He brought their hands down. "Thank you."

Tsukune let go of Ruby's hand and excused himself. He made sure he was well out of her sight and hearing before he gave himself a good shake. Something about her made him jumpy, but at the same time he liked talking to her.

XXXXXXXX

Wednesday afternoon the newspaper club met again. This time everybody was there, including Gin, Ruby, and Nekonome sensei. While Gin was officially the club president, Tsukune ran the meeting. He told everybody about his discussion with the Board Chairman and the outcome of the meeting.

The Board Chairman had set a date for the first student elections and its success depended upon the newspaper club. The next regular issue was due out in just under two weeks. The would use it to announce the coming election and o denounce the Public Safety Commission. There would then be four weeks for the candidates for student council to come forward in time to be interviewed, and have the interviews printed in the school paper. Two weeks after that the elections would be held and a special edition of the paper would announce the results.

The pressure was on. Tsukune explained everything to his friends and saw the fire in their eyes. They would make it work.