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

Chapter 55

Tuesday was a day of trials for Tsukune. It had started as he got ready for school. He realized he was down to his 'spare' uniform blazer. It was the blazer that had survived his first year at the academy with only minor damage. It was also a little small on him. When he was dressed he went to collect his school bag, frustrated that he had gotten no studying done. He found his bag being held by Ruby as she stood beside the door.

Ruby was appeared to be in a better then average mood. She had most of her hair pulled back in a tight pony tail. Her sleeveless dress had a high collar and full skirts. She had left the front of the dress unbuttoned to show just a hint of cleavage, and the collar open enough to expose a large, purple hickey at the base of her throat. Seeing it made Tsukune blush, but Ruby was smiling happily.

Tsukune's next trial was from Hiru. Tsukune had to convince the creature that not only would he not be needing a ride to school, but that Hiru needed to stay out of sight. She didn't appear to like Tsukune's decision, but she accepted it.

Tsukune was relieved to step outside. His relief only lasted until he reached the street. Kurumu and Moka were standing together with forced smiles, trading pleasantries. Both girls approached him. Kurumu made a practiced side step to avoid an attempt by the quick-moving Yukari to keep her from Tsukune's side. This left Yukari off ballanc, but in the perfect position to be pushed in front of the high velocity snowball that had been meant for the succubus.

Tsukune watched the action play out as he held out his hand to Moka. He smiled as he looked into her eyes, but was pained by the tightness he saw there. He prayed that he would be able to make everything right by the end of the day.

Because he only had two hands, there was always a small competition over who would get his free hand. Kurumu was frequently the victor. Mizore wanted to hold Tsukune's warm hand, and sometimes did, but had a natural shyness that made her hesitate, frequently making her too slow. Yukari was equally content to hold on to ether Moka or Tsukune' so she was more concerned about keeping the boob monster from getting to close.

Kurumu Lightly enfolded Tsukune's arm in hers with a smile.

"I was thinking about you last night," Kurumu said with a light blush.

"I know," Tsukune said with a blush of his own.

His blush made Kurumu smile and blush deeper in return. The young succubus had been able to detect the traces of Lust all around her that morning and could not help but speculate as she drank it in. The idea that Tsukune had been thinking about her during his restless evening made Kurumu happy.

Moka noticed the byplay between Tsukune and Kurumu. She didn't understand it, and that gave her pangs of jealousy. A very primal and selfish part of Moka considered the way Kurumu was putting herself close to Tsukune. If she wasn't careful, Moka thought, I'll show her a green eyed monster.

Once Yukari and Mizore had finished their dispute over the snowball, Yukari was mad about getting hit, while Mizore was miffed that the witch had gotten in the way, the group got together and started towards the school. Tsukune was quickly aware of the eyes that followed them. At first he tried to pretend it was just his imagination, but as the got closer to school the less he could deny it. He could not help but think about what he had done the previous evening and wonder how many people felt the yuoki he gave off.

Long before lunch, Tsukune realized how much of a mess he had made. The gossip network at the school was second to none when it came to spreading stories and wild speculation. Students were all wondering if somebody had tried to attack the school. Everybody already knew that someone had tried to capture a member of Tsukune's harem. With what had happened Monday evening there were two main ideas flying about the school. One story was that someone else had tried something, only to be stopped short. No buildings were damaged, and no students were missing, so the Student Police, or possibly the staff, had successfully defended the school. The other idea that was whispered about was based on the idea that Tsukune was very protective of his harem. It was whispered that Tsukune had gone out, alone, to punish the who ever it was that had made a move against one of his woman.

If he had been given a choice between the two, Tsukune would have encouraged the former story. Unfortunately, it was the latter story that appeared more popular. Throughout the day, Tsukune noticed girls looking at him with far away eyes. He was afraid of what daydreams they might be having about him.

"Tsukune," Gin approached the group as the gathered at a table for lunch. "Way to go." The werewolf slapped the underclassman on the back while talking in an exaggerated voice.. "Keep up the good work. I really mean it. Thanks a lot." He gave a thumbs up and left before Tsukune or the others could respond.

"Uhhh?" Tsukune looked to his friends and saw that they were just as confused as he was.

All day long Tsukune was aware of Kurumu's emotions. The succubus spent much of her class time feeling frustrated and on edge, with peeks of happiness at random time. Tsukune had caught Kurumu looking up from her classwork to look in his direction at one time, and felt one of those happy spikes come though. It was quickly followed by a small spike of embarresment, at the same time she blushed and looked back down at her desk.

Tsukune cold also feel Hiru lurking about. He didn't see her anywhere, but she kept coming around,as if to check up on him. This made Tsukune a little nervous. He kept looking around.

Moka noticed that Tsukune was acting funny. Kurumu kept smiling at the strangest times. Once, in the restroom just before the end of lunch, Moka caught the succubus staring off through the wall. When they came out, she saw that Kurumu had been looking in the direction of where Tsukune stood talking with a pair of Student Police. Tsukune saw her looking at him and smiled briefly before looking away. Moka realized that he had seen her frowning.

As stressful and awkward as the school day was, Tsukune found himself wishing that it could last a little longer. After school he had to sit down and talk with Moka and Kurumu. As the group walked back to the village there was a noticeable tension in the air.

XXXX

"I'm home," Tsukune called out as he opened the front door of his house. He carefully put his shoes were they belongs as Hiru slipped into the house.

"Welcome home Master," Ruby said from where she knelt in the front room.

Tsukune wondered what kind of arrangement she had with the Board Chairman. From the looks of things, Ruby had been home most, if not all day. The house was spotless as usual, and Ruby was kneeling beside a pile of clean laundry. Most of it neatly folded, and was in the middle of darning one of Tsukune's socks.

"Ruby," Tsukune said, feeling himself blush at the sight of the mark on her skin where he had bit her.

"Yes Master?"

"Moka and Kurumu are coming over in a little while," Tsukune explained as he pulled off his blazer. "If you could have refreshments ready." Tsiukune gave a sigh of relief as he freed himself from the too-small jacket.

"Yes Master," Ruby said with a smile. She gave a small bow of her head and began picking things up.

"We are going to be talking about what happened yesterday," Tsukune continued, pausing on his way to his bedroom to change. He looked over his shoulder with an uncomfortable expression on his face. "You should join us, as a representative of the school."

Ruby watched Tsukune disappear around the corner and felt a cold chill touch her heart. She could tell that Tsukune was not happy about what he had to talk about. Now she wondered if her attack on him the night before might have been badly timed. She had been so happy with the outcome in the short term that she forgot to think of the long term consequences of her actions.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

An awkward atmosphere filled the room as Ruby served refreshments. Moka did not miss that Ruby had set herself a place at the table. That was not proper behavior for a servant. Moka also noticed the not quite covered mark that decorated Ruby's skin. At the base of her throat, just under the collar of her dress, the vampire noticed the purple bite mark. Once everybody had been served, and Ruby had seated herself, Tsukune spoke.

"Thank you for coming and giving me a chance to be heard," Tsukune said with a small, seated bow. His voice was serious and his face was a mask that hid his emotions.

"Before you begin," Kurumu suddenly spoke up. She looked to Moka. "I wanted to apologize to you." She turned to Tsukune. "To both of you. When we first met, I acted badly. I was a spoiled child and I abused your relationship with each other for my own interest." She looked back at Moka. "I hope that you can forgive me."

"It's fine," Tsukune quickly forgave Kurumu. "It was just a misunderstanding."

"As Tsukune has said," Moka said in turn. She was not as easy going as Tsukune, but she understood that a lot had happened since their first weeks at school. "We simply did not know each other then as we do now."

"Thank you," Kurumu said with a bow.

"Moka," Tsukune said, looking uncomfortable. "Remember our first day at school?"

"Yes," Moka was feeling nervous. She remembered the single most important day of her life. She remembered running into Tsukune with her bicycle, and how that accident had allowed her to meet the boy who had become her most precious person. She also remembered how she had taken Tsukune's blood for the first time, before he could even understand what she was. She remembered how frightened he had been when he learned the truth about the school. He had tried to run away that time. He had wanted to go back to the human world where he would have been safe. But instead he had remained in the would of youkai because of her.

"On that day," Tsukune said. "I said things I didn't mean, because I was frightened. I tried to run away, not from you, but from a place, a world that I thought could never accept me. But then I heard your voice. When I thought you were in trouble…" Tsukune trailed off. He looked to Kurumu. "Have we ever told you about the time that I first removed Moka's seal?"

"No," Kurumu answered honestly. "I know you did it to save her…"

"It was an accident," Tsukune said. "I didn't even understand what the cross really was. If I had not removed the seal, I would not be here today."

"What?" Kurumu could hear the note of finality in Tsukune's voice.

"An oger had tried to take me," Moka said, looking down at her tea. "With my seal, I was not strong enough to protect myself. He was going to…"

"I was already headed for the bus stop with my bags packed," Tsukune interrupted Moka's story. "I heard Moka yelling. She had already told me how she didn't have any friends. Moka had told me that she had always been alone. When I heard her, I knew that there would be nobody there for her if I did not go back to help her. I didn't even know what I was going to find." Tsukune looked Moka in the face and gave her a sad smile. He then looked to Kurumu.

"I was too weak to do her any good. The ogre laughed me off as a joke and almost killed me. If it wasn't for one little accident, where I pulled of Moka's seal, it would have all come to an end on that day," Tsukune explained.

"Tsukune," Moka asked. "Why are you bringing this up now?"

"Because I want you to know that I have not forgotten all that you have done for me," Tsukune said with a spark in his eye. "Or all that we have been through together. I remember feeling weak and helpless, a human in a school full of monsters, waiting for something to come along and eat me. I remember feeling afraid all of the time and wanting to become stronger so that I would not need you to protect me… So I could protect you and be more then just a friend to you."

"And now that I am stronger," Tsukune said. "I realize that it is meaningless unless I am willing to use that strength. When Kurumu was nearly taken from us, I remember how I felt when Mizore had been taken. I remembered when I heard you calling for help that first day."

"I understand," Moka said. Not that she really did, but she thought that it was what Tsukune wanted to hear.

"What I am saying," Tsukune said. "Is that sometimes I let my emotions think for me and I rush into things."

"Tsukune…" Moka felt uncomfortable. She wasn't sure if he was asking for help with a problem, asking for forgiveness for some transgression… Or breaking up with her.

"When I rescued Kurumu," Tsukune said. His face had a twisted expression that was a mix of anger and fear. "When I…" He drew a deep breath and blew it out. "Something happened."

"What happened?" Moka was scared now.

"Kurumu," Tsukune said, turning to the succubus. "This is about you. Do you…"

"No," Kurumu shook her head. "You tell her, please."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes," Kurumu said in a horse whisper.

"Alright," Tsukune sighed before looking back to Moka.

"Fairy Tale was working on a way to force youkai to work for them," Tsukune said. "If they could use old summoning magic to bind free youkai they would follow orders without hesitation, even if it would kill them."

Moka could feel herself get sick at the very idea. She remembered fighting Fairy tale. If she had to injure youkai, it was one thing if they were there because the were willing participants. But if they were enslaved... What if they were just innocent victims being forced to fight… The idea was frightening.

"When I found Kurumu," Tsukune went on. "She had been…" He glanced to his friend.

"I had already been enslaved," Kurumu said. "I had been tortured until they had been able to rip out a piece of my soul and trap it in a crystal." Her voice was tight with emotions.

"The sorcerer that had her was there," Tsukune said. "I fought with him. Somehow… For some reason… You know I had been injured and something happened to me," Tsukune said, trying to find a way forward with his explanation. "Someone tried to bandage my wounds, but they used strips of human skin…" It made Tsukune feel sick to think of that part. "Strips with spells on them meant for making Kurumu into their…" Tsukune blew out another breath. "The strips held a dark magic that infected me in some way. But that is just one of the changes."

"When Tsukune was fighting," Kurumu picked up the explanation. "The sorcerer stabbed Tsukune with the crystal. It shattered inside of him." She looked at Tsukune with a weak smile. When he nodded she continued. Kurumu looked back at Moka.

"Tsukune has a piece of my soul trapped inside of him," Kurumu said. "The Board Chairman and Lord Gray explained this to us yesterday after class. Trapping a piece of soul in a crystal is a way to control a person temporarily. After a while the piece of soul dies and the person heals, so they will be free, eventually."

"If Tsukune has a piece of your soul," Ruby asked carefully. "Does that mean he can control you?"

"You know I would always do whatever Tsukune wanted," Kurumu said as she massaged her breasts lewdly.

Moka gave a angry sniff at the thought, which brought a laugh from Kurumu, and a small smile from Tsukune. The tension in the room eased a little.

"So what happens now?" Moka asked.

"Tsukune and I," kurumu said with a grin. "Now have a very special connection. Because he has a piece of my soul, I can always tell what direction he is in."

"And I can tell what Kurumu is feeling," Tsukune added.

"I… see," Moka said, considering what it could mean.

"After our meeting with the Board Chairman yesterday," Tsukune said. "I decided to walk back to the village with Kurumu, so we would have time to talk instead of just riding back. I wanted to know how she felt about what had happened."

"But you can tell what she is feeling," Moka pointed out.

"I can tell what emotions Kurumu is feeling, if they are strong enough," Tsukune pointed out. "But most times, like right now, she has a lot of emotions she is going through and it is just confusing."

"Well, of course I told Tsukune that I was glad that he came to rescue me," Kurumu said. "And that I have a connection with him." Her smile wilted. "But I was ashamed of what I had let happen to me, and what I did to Tsukune."

"What did you do to Tsukune?" Moka was suddenly very focused on the succubus.

"Kurumu had already been enslaved," Tsukune reminded Moka. "It was not her fault. It wasn't your fault," Tsukune said sternly to Kurumu.

"What did she do to you?" Moka said, demanding and expecting an answer.

"She was used as a weapon to attack me," Tsukune said. "She couldn't stop herself."

"Tsukune…." Moka could see the pain in his eyes. It wasn't the pain of being attacked. It wasn't form the injuries. It was from seeing his friend suffering.

"When Kurumu and I talked about this yesterday," Tsukune said. "She became very upset about it. I was late coming back to the village because it took some time for Kurumu and I to accept that it was alright."

"Ha hahha," Kurumu laughed.

Moka was worried about her friend. She could tell that Kurumu was still very upset about being forced to fight Tsukune. She was on the edge of crying and had started laughing. Was she losing it?"

"Tsukune I love you," Kurumu said with a crooked grin. "You make me sound so reasonable." She looked directly at Moka. "I was so upset that I lost it. I was so ashamed of what I had done that I was going to run away. I was going to disappear from Tsukune's sight. I tried to fly away. Do you know what this fool did?" Kurumu had tears in her eyes. "This big, handsome, wonderful, fool," As she spoke Kurumu turned to face Tsukune and her voice went from manic to soft and loving. "He chased after me. I could feel him following me so I flew out past the sea cliffs. I was going to fly out over the sea and drown myself." Kurumu looked back to Moka.

"I was going to kill myself I was so ashamed," Kurumu said in a low voice. "But Tsukune followed me" She looked to Ruby next. "You asked if Tsukune could control me. Yes he can. He called to me. He made me turn around and face him. And I saw just how far he was willing to go to protect me from myself."

"What happened?" Moka asked breathlessly. "If you flew out over the cliffs how did he follow you?"

"That is the other thing I need to talk about," Tsukune said. And Ruby will have to tell the Board Chairman."

"Tsukune, what?" Moka was worried again.

"Kurumu," Tsukune turned to her. "Do you remember what the sorcerer planed to do to you with those strips?"

"He wanted to make me a killing tool," Kurumu said. "He wanted to change my wings to be weapons, and make my nails poisonous. He said things about making me stronger and faster too. He was insane and said he wanted an unstoppable weapon. I think he was going to use me against his rivals in Fairy Tale after he destroyed the school."

"It was those spells," Tsukune explained. "That had been used to bind my wounds. They were dark magic that reacted to my youki. The dark magic tried to poison me, to consume me. It changed me"

"Changed you how?" Ruby asked.

"What happened?" Moka worried.

"I was going so fast, looking up to watch were Kurumu was flying," Tsukune explained. "I didn't see the cliff in time. I went over the edge. I thought I was going to die. But then my youki woke up. My inner youkai took over for an instant."

"Your youki?" Moka said in sudden understanding. "What I felt last night…"

"What we all felt," Ruby corrected.

"It was my transformation," Tsukune said, nodding.

"What transformation?" Moka asked.

Tsukune didin't answer directly. Instead he closed his eyes and summoned up his youki. He meditated on his inner self, reaching for the inner awareness he had learned to tap into. Around the table, his friends could feel his youki rising.

"Tsukune followed me," Kurumu picked up the reciting of events. "I didn't know how it happened, but when I turned around I saw Tsukune. He was flying."

"Tsukune?" Moka was filled with disbelief.

Tsukune didn't hear them. He was focused inward. He was eye to eye with his inner youkai. He drew out his power and focused it. Like taking a leap from a diving board, and hoping the water was deep enough, Tsukune committed himself.

Moka watched Tsukune bring his head up and open his eyes. She could see the flecks of red in his eyes as he reached over his shoulders. He pulled his shirt off over his head and all three girls took note of how his muscles moved under is scarred skin. Kurumu and Moka shared a gasp as they saw the new scars beside the old. Suddenly Tsukune's youki spiked.

All three girls were startled as wings burst from Tsukune's back. The thick leathery wings were a red so dark it looked black in places. The wing digits all ended in wicked looking talons, and the leading edge of the wings were covered in scales that created a row of razor sharp blades. The girls noticed the same features could be seen on Tsukune's arms. His nails had become thick black talons, and his forearms were covered with an armor of scales. Around The irises of Tsukune's eyes, thin black line radiated out.

Tsukune concentrated on holding his youki for a few moments while his friends saw what he had become. Finally he relaxed his youki and let it ebb. It receded slowly at first, as if reluctant to return to a dormant state. As it drained away, Tsukune returned to normal.

The girls had all been effected by the display. Kurumu had admired Tsukune's wings, and while she still felt stabs of shame and guilt, she felt a strong sense of love and gratitude. Tsukune's new wings were proof of what he was willing to go though for her. Kurumu realized that Moka must feel the same way every time she saw the holy lock that Tsukune was forced to wear. She looked to where the young vampire sat.

Moka was filled with mixed emotions. Her Tsukune was so strong. His body was fit, but covered by even more scars, because he had stayed in the youkai world to be with her. His youki was remarkable, but his quiet normal life he dreamed of was further away then ever. As much as she wanted to be with Tsukune, Moka feared that she would not be able to bring him the happiness he wanted. But by all of her pride, out of the love she felt for him, she would try with all of her might.

Ruby was conflicted by what she saw. She knew she would have to report the changes in Tsukune to the Board Chairman. She knew Tsukune expected it of her. At the same time, Ruby wanted to let Tsukune keep his new strength a secret, because she knew the Board Chairman would want to make use of it. Ruby was aware of these thoughts, but she was also aware of her body. Tsukune had just shown a measure of his power, and it awed the witch. The idea of someone with that kind of her power… The thought of her Master with that much power kissing her as he had the night before, it filled her flesh with desire and longing. Her passion was made all the more delicious when it was seasoned with a touch of fear as Ruby realized how much Tsukune hand been restraining himself.

"That is what happened to your clothes," Moka realized.

"Yes," Tsukune said as he redressed himself.

"Master," Ruby said in a submissive voice. "What about Hiru?" She reminded him.

"What?" Tsukune questioned as his mind tried to catch up to the change of topic. He looked around the room for the creature in question before he realized what Ruby meant.

"Moka," Tsukune said. Much of his earlier tension was gone. "There was one other thing. The Board Chairman promised all rewards after we battled Fairy Tale at the school festival."

Moka just nodded. Inner Moka had been awake for that so she had to take Tsukune at his word.

"As long as Lord gray was there," Tsukune explained. "He decided to give me my reward early. Do you remember his wolf-motorcycle thing?"

"Yes," Moka said. She remembered the large animal very clearly, with mixed emotion.

"Hiru," Tsukune called out.

Moka, who had never seen the creature before, gasped in surprised as a shadow moved behind Tsukune. It suddenly became a solid shape that pushed a wolfish head into Tsukune's lap.

"Good girl," Tsukune said, scratching her behind her ears with both hands. "Moka," Tsukune said meeting her eyes. "This is Hiru."