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 59

Tsukune realized that he had messed up White Day by going a little overboard. It wasn't the way his friends had become more expressive, bordering on violent, when competing for his attention that put things into perspective. It was the tired faces that smiled at him the next day. It looked as if the entire female population of the student body had gone without sleep.

While the female students looked tired, if happy, the male students looked on edge. Many of them looked frustrated or even angry when Tsukune saw them looking his way. Tsukune knew he had messed up, but decided that the overall effect was good. But with finals only a weekend away, Tsukune hoped things would not backfire on him.

XXXXXXX

Moka felt off balance. Her inner self, was still excited about receiving a present from Tsukune on White Day. Moka understood that perfectly well. But the way she had reacted, what she had said to Tsukune was just too strange to fathom. Moka did not like the idea of sharing Tsukune. She wanted him all to herself, the idea of sharing him did not set well with her. It was her own fault that Mizore felt that it was alright to kiss him. The kiss that Tsukune gave to Yukari had looked very brotherly, more like teasing or a greeting instead of anything affectionate. But that kiss he gave to Kurumu, that was a different thing all together. The succubus had been reduced to an airhead for the rest of the day.

Moka suppressed a smile. Maybe it wasn't that much of a kiss after all. Kurumu was an airhead most of the time anyway. In a way it had been an improvement, because the girl had been quiet, and even a little shy. Moka still didn't like the idea of her Tsukune kissing anybody else, but as long as she had to share him with her inner self, she had to put up with what her other self did. It left a sour feeling in her stomach.

XXXXX

Yukari was conflicted. Tsukune liked her, but he didn't like her enough. He gave her chocolate on White Day, but had called her a friend. He had kissed her, but there had been none of the things she had read about in her mangas. He had not groped her while kissing her. He had not used his tongue or sucked on her lip. It was her first kiss, but in a way she still felt pure.

Yukari wondered if maybe she had been wrong in her approach. She wondered that maybe waiting for Tsukune and Moka to get together first before joining them was a bad choice. Yukari considered her options. It might be, she speculated, better to seduce one of them first, and then team up to seduce the other. If she did that, the little witch knew it was Moka that she wanted to seduce first, because that would be the hardest. After winning over Moka, Tsukune would be easy. After all, what man could refuse two women at once?

XXXXXXXXX

Mizore felt wonderful. Tsukune had given her a precious memory and a wonderful present. On top of that, she had been able to kiss him without hesitation in front of everybody, without him resisting. She could feel herself moving closer to her dream. She didn't like having to share Tsukune, but was willing to accept it. With one more year of high school to go, Mizore felt that she had the time she would need to win Tsukune's favor.

Xxxxxxxxxxx

Kurumu felt like dancing. Ever since the kiss, Kurumu had felt a happy, giddy feeling deep inside. She didn't know why Tsukune had decided to kiss her, but she had been so excited by it that it made her heart flutter just to remember it. As soon as she had gotten back to her room, Kurumu had written down everything she could remember about the kiss in her diary. After that she had written it all down again, in a latter to her mother.

When Kurumu had finally been able to calm down, she began to analyze everything she could remember about the kiss. He mother had taught her all about kissing. Kurumu had read books about the topic, and had watched her mother demonstrate different kinds of kissing. To a succubus a kiss really counted for very little. It could have less meaning then a handshake. To a monster that survived by seduction, kissing was a skill. Tsukune's kiss had been very good. It was the kind that could have an impact on the inexperienced or the emotionally vulnerable. Kurumu did not like to admit that she was lacking in experience, but she was perfectly willing to be emotionally vulnerable to Tsukune.

While looking back at the moment of that kiss. Kurumu realized something. She could feel a greater sense of 'Self' while kissing Tsukune. Her awareness of him had been so complete that it blurred together with her own self awareness. Her emotions had been more sharp, more complete at that time as well. Kurumu speculated that the connection she shared with Tsukune had made the kiss more complete, more of a joining, then just the coming together of mouths. As she made a record of her thoughts and feelings about the kiss, Kurumu looked forward more kisses with Tsukune.

XxxxXXxxXX

The weekend went by in a blur. Tsukune had spent every possible moment studying. He had studied with his friends. He had studied while on duty with the Student Police. In between, when he wasn't sleeping, Tsukune studied on his own, with Ruby supporting him with food and tea.

The atmosphere around the school was tense as students pushed themselves to memorize information. Tsukune had been confused by the seriousness of most of the student body, for a while, because he had never seen them so focused. But then he remembered two key facts. The first was that he was in High School now, so the stakes were higher. The people not motivated to make something of their lives would not be there. The second point he had to remember, was that he was not around for the finals the previous year because the school had been closed for repair.

Tsukune didn't know what drove any of the others to do their best, but he knew what his motivation was. Tsukune wanted a life with Moka, and only by pushing himself to his best would bring that future closer. During a quiet moment, between studying and sleeping, while soaking in the bath, Tsukune reflected on his past academic performance. If having a girlfriend was this motivating, then parents should encourage dating more.

XXXXXXXXXX

Monday arrived on schedule at the academy in spite of the wishes of the student body. Tsukune, like many of his classmates, longed for even a single day more to study, and maybe get a little more rest before starting final exams. He tried to keep a brave face as he and his friends gathered that morning, but he knew he was not the only one feeling the pressure. Tsukune could see the strain Moka was feeling in her eyes and the set of her shoulders. Kurumu's nervousness radiated through her bond with Tsukune so strongly he felt he had an extra stomach, one that came filled with squirming things. Yukari, always striving for academic excellence, was moving like a robot, while she talked to herself, repeating the information she had memorized over and over again. Mizore, looked like she was acting shy, but Tsukune saw the little looks she kept throwing towards him. As the group of friends moved towards the school, and the exams that awaited them, Tsukune noticed his own sense of tension reflected in the students around him.

"Alright everybody," Nekonome Sensei called out in cheerful voice as she entered the classroom. All the nervous chatter died down and students settled into their seats as she approached the lectern. "I will now go over the schedule for the week."

She had a happy smile as she look over her class of pale faced students. Little monsters that were struggling to act like they had some self control, but had their emotions clearly displayed on their faces. Nekonome held her calm smile for a moment, watching the agonized look growing in her students' eyes. The little monsters that would annoy her with their fighting and violations of school rules, and who caused her trouble and teased her about her own youkai nature. She held up a copy of the schedule for the week and waved it around slowly, indulging in her feline instinct to play with her victims.

"As you know," Nekonome said. "You start your exams today. Also today we will be giving you a career planning form for each of you to fill out. This week you will be meeting with counselors to help you chose your best career options and to plan for them."

The news hit the assembled students in different ways. Small groans, nervous squeaks, and other pained noises escaped them as what Nekonome had said sank in. The teacher stood in front of them smiling, enjoying the mental torment she was inflicting.

XxxxxxxxxX

Tsukune felt frustrated with himself. It was a question he never saw coming, but he knew he should have. What did he want to do after Hight School? On the surface was the thought that anything would be fine, as long as he was with Moka. But Tsukune recognized that that wasn't an answer to the question. Tsukune sat brooding over the question at lunch while his friends studied and compared notes around him. Tsukune tried to study. He had his notes and books open, but his mind kept turning back to the same question. Tsukune didn't know what to do with his life.

The question was still there when classes let out for the day. Half of his exams were done, but the other half were hanging over his head so he couldn't relax. Tsukune was caught between exam pressure and thinking about his future. Once Tsukune was back in his bedroom, he sat at his desk and went over the form he had been provided.

The form started off very ordinary. There were blanks for Tsukune to put his name and other basic information. Below the first section the form asked about his interests and hobbies. An area was set aside for information about his academic history, with a few questions about his educational goals or plans, if he had any. Then the final section of the form made it clear that it was specifically for students of the Youkai Academy.

Tsukune looked at the last section of the form and wondered how he should fill it out. Youkai type was an easy one. He just checked the box for 'Other,' and wrote in 'Mixed.' He marked off boxes and wondered if he should be more worried about his safety. No he had not ever killed anybody. Nor had he eaten anybody. Tsukune wondered what kind of situations existed that made such questions important enough to add to a career planning form.

As the afternoon slipped into evening, Tsukune attempted to study while considering his future. The studying, he suspected, could have gone better. He was glad to get away from his books when Ruby told him dinner was ready.

As Tsukune settled at the table to eat he took a moment to observe Ruby. He noticed that the mark she was still proudly displaying had faded to almost nothing, having almost finished healing. She had the table set and knelt near by in case Tsukune wanted anything.

What Tsukune wanted right then was a clear answer to the question of what to do for a career. His father was a salary man in an office. Aono senior managed client billing for a modest shipping and packing company. A couple times a year he would be dragged out to office drinking parties, and there was the company's annual team building and self improvement three day weekend trip, but nothing exciting. It gave the man a stable income which he used to support his modest family. It was the kind of life Tsukune expected to live when he was an adult. But now that didn't seam to be a realistic goal.

Tsukune ate his dinner absentmindedly as he thought about it. If he had to start living his adult life right then, Tsukune pondered, with a job and everything, what would he do? Ruby would be living with him, so he needed to make enough to support two people. He wanted a life with Moka, so he would need to do better then just surviving and getting by, or he would look to lowly to be considered acceptable.

"Ruby," Tsukune asked as he pushed his empty plate away. "What do you want out of life?"

"I want to serve you, Master," Ruby answered without missing a beat.

Tsukune blew out a sigh. He knew she would say something like that. Her answer was no help what so ever.

"What do you think I should do with my life?" Tsukune asked the big question.

"Anything you want," Ruby said, again not being helpful.

"I need to find something to do after graduation," Tsukune explained. "I need to do something with my life where I can afford the kind of life I want. I need to make enough money that I can afford a place to live, be able to support myself, and you. And I have to do well enough that Moka's family would be willing to let me be with her. I know she loves me, but I can't make her chose between me and her family." He blew out another sigh.

"I never thought about this seriously before," Tsukune lamented, admitting the core of the problem.

"What would you like to do?" Ruby asked, hoping to be helpful. She could see how bothered Tsukune was.

"I don't know," Tsukune slumped his shoulders. "I always expected to get some office job somewhere. Heh." A weak smile wiggled across his face. "I was never anything special in school. The only girl I was ever able to talk to was my cousin, but that doesn't count. I was always just so average..."

"What would you do if money wasn't a problem?"

"Huh?" Tsukune looked at Ruby, puzzled.

"If you were rich," Ruby went on. "If you did not have to work. What would you do then?"

"I don't know."

"You don't have to work..."

"I do," Tsukune said, cutting her off. His shoulders tightened as he sat up straighter. "I have to find something I can do. How can I be the kind of man Moka could be proud of if I don't have a good job. What about you, Ruby? What kind of Master" Tsukune nearly choked on the word, "Would I be if I couldn't take care of you." Tsukune blew out a long sigh. "If I was just looking for a way to survive I could just agree to marry Mizore. I could move into her home in the Snow Peoples' Village, and then spend the next couple of years making babies."

"You could..." Ruby said slowly.

"But what about you?" Tsukune asked her. "I accepted your oath. I accepted responsibility for you." He was talking faster, his words becoming an outlet for his feelings. "I'm sure Mizore wouldn't mind having you around to help watch our children, but as a man, I would feel like a failure. Ghah!" Tsukune grabbed a double handful of his hair, pulling on it in frustration. "You know, I have thought about it."

"If I marry Mizore, then all I have to do is father her children," Tsukune brought his hands down to his lap and slumped forward again. "If I marry Kurumu, she would be happy with the quiet life of a housewife for a while, but she likes the nicer things that only come with a lot of money. I would always wonder if I was doing enough for her. Even if it was just you and I," Tsukune turned to Ruby. "I will still need to be responsible as a man, to be a good provider for my family."

Ruby was too filled with emotions to answer. Tsukune was sitting there in front of her, agonizing over his future, and kept including her as a part of it.

"What of Yukari?" Ruby said, more of a distraction then any seriousness.

"Ruby," Tsukune moaned. "Even if she wasn't under age, I do not see that happening. Yukari is a good friend, and I like her, but what she wants..." Tsukune shuddered. "Even if I was willing to... to... I would still have to take responsibility. And what Yukari wants would mean I would need an even better career to support a larger family."

"It is getting late," Ruby said. "I will prepare your bath."

"Thank you," Tsukune replied.

Ruby felt like dancing as she prepared the bath for Tsukune. Her master was preoccupied with thoughts of his future, which left him with his guard down. While she did not like seeing her master feeling down, Ruby loved how open and honest he was with his thoughts and feelings. She knew that if the other girls had heard what he had said then they would shouting with joy. Tsukune was not just dismissing their feelings, but instead he had put time into thinking about what his life would be like with each of them. Of course Ruby was a part of Tsukune's life now, and would be with him no mater who he ended up with in the future. And one little comment from Tsukune, her master, kept sending an idea through Ruby's mind. The idea of just the two of them, making a family together.

Xxx xxx xxx xxx

"Yes," Kurumu sighed loudly as the group left the school grounds. "I am so glad that finals are over. I can finally relax. I have been studying so much my head hurts."

"Don't worry," Yukari said. "It will be easier next year."

"What do you mean?" Kurumu asked. "Third year should be harder then second."

"I'm sure it will be for us," Yukari grinned. "But you will be repeating second year, so you will have an easier time, because you had practice."

"What?" Kurumu cried.

"And after the rest of us graduate," Yukari continued. "You will still be attending school, while we will be going off with Tsukune."

"No!" Kurumu looked to Tsukune with anxious eyes. "Tsukuneeee. Yukari is being mean to me."

"Don't worry," Mizore said, slipping between Tsukune and the succubus to take hold of one of his arms. "You can come see us during breaks. Maybe you can earn some extra money babysitting for Tsukune and I."

"No way," Moka gave Mizore a shove, forcing her away from Tsukune. "Tsukune will be with me."

"And me," Yukari added.

"Get real," Kurumu turned back to the little witch. "All you're going to be good for is tutoring." Kurumu struck a pose that showed off her curves. "Now these hips were made for having babies." She turned to throw a wink at Tsukune. "What do you think, Tsukune?"

"I'm not even going to think about starting a family," Tsukune said. "Until I know I can support one." He gave a sigh.

"Well said," Came a voice that made everybody turn in surprise.

Just off the path between the school and the village, reclining on a tree branch, was the Lady Tara Hemonoira. She was dressed in tight fitting blue jeans, with a matching vest over a white silk blouse with long baggy sleeves. Her ankle boots, with thick heels, were black suede, and looked perfectly clean. In her hands she held a dark bundle that she tossed up and down while looking down at the students.

"Too many boys never learn to think beyond the end of their members," Tara said, her voice thick with disapproval. She gave them all a feral grin. "But it does keep the herds stocked."

With Moka at the forefront, the girls took a defensive position around Tsukune. While they respected the Lady Hemonoira, and trusted her to a degree, her attitude and appearance put them on their guard.

"Can we help you?" Moka asked carefully.

"What do you want?" Kurumu was less concerned about being polite.

"I just thought I would stop by for a visit," Tara said. She rolled sideways from her branch, but instead of falling from the tree, she floated gently to the ground, gracefully. "And Brone wanted Tsukune to have this." Tara held the bundle up in front of her. "It was a bit of an after thought."

The vampire woman took a step forward. Some how that step seamed to turn into a floating glide that carried her several meters. Before any of the group could react, Tara was standing close in front of Tsukune, between him and Moka. The girls reacted by jumping back, keeping on the defensive.

"Your new pet was commissioned by the Exorcist," Tara explained. "But Brone thought you would need this." She offered the bundle to Tsukune.

"Thank you," Tsukune said politely as he reached up to accept the gift.

As Tsukune took hold of the bundle, Lady Hemonoira slid her hands over his, catching hold of him. She made eye contact with him, and Tsukune felt like she was trying to reach into his mind.

"You know," Tara spoke in a low voice. "My lover was once a human also. If you ever start to question yourself, look into the hearts of those close to you. Trust in their faith in you."

Before Tsukune could respond, she let him go. Tara performed another gliding step that carried her back up the path towards the school. Her movement was almost too fast to follow.

"Bye-bye all," Tara gave a rich laugh. "I'll see you later." A moment later and she was gone, gliding out of sight towards the school.

"Tsukune?" Moka turned towards him, a worried look on her face. "What did she say to you?"

"She told me to trust you," Tsukune said, more then a little puzzled. "All of you."

"What is in your hands?" Mizore asked with her usual directness.

Suddenly everybody's attention was on the bundle Tsukune was holding. A quick examination revealed that it was a soft canvas sack. Tsukune turned the bundle about until he could open the sack without dropping what was inside. Tsukune discovered that what the Lady Hemonoira had delivered was a helmet.

"Oh wow," Yukari breathed.

"Tsukune?" Kurumo questioned.

"It's different," Moka observed.

"What is it for?" Mizore asked.

The helmet looked like something a samurai would wear, but crossed with a fighter pilot's helmet. It was a full face helmet with over-lapping neck plates. The whole thing was a glossy black. Tsukune examined the helmet and found how to work the recessed visors, a clear one and a dark-tinted one.

"It's a motorcycle helmet," Tsukune answered Mizore's question as he handled the helmet. "I thought I was going to have to buy one."

"Why?" Yukari asked. "Are you going to buy a motorcycle?"

Tsukune realized that he had not told Mizore or Yukari about Hiru. He decided he should let them know. He thought about summoning the creature to show her off a little, but decided to exercise restraint.

"Remember when we had that fight during the school festival?" Tsukune asked while putting the helmet back into the bag.

"When Fairy Tale tried to a attack?" Yukari asked.

"Yes," Tsukune said. "When the fighting was over, the Board Chairman promised us rewards. Shortly after Kurumu was attacked, I was called to the Board Chairman's office. We talked about Fairy Tale, and other things. Lord Gray was there. When the meeting was over, the Board Chairman gave me the reward he had promised. He said he was giving it to me early because he had the opportunity, and that your rewards would be coming soon."

"Awesome," Yukari gave a small shout.

"What did you get?" Mizore asked.

Tsukune took a moment and concentrated on the spark of awareness in his mind that was Hiru. He could tell that she was in the direction of the village, but closer to him then his house. Tsukune focused his mind on the creature.

"Hiru," Tsukune said in a low but firm voice. "Come." Instantly, through his awareness of her, Tsukune could tell that Hiru had heard the command. He turned his attention back to his friends.

"The Board Chairman wanted me to be able to come and go from the human world without being dependent upon the school busdriver," Tsukune explained. "So he arranged for Lord Gray to create a familiar for me. Do you remember the wolf he had at the beginning of the year?"

"Yeah," Yukari said with a sparkle in her eyes. "He could transform into a motorcycle."

"I liked him," Mizore said. "He was cute."

Tsukune didn't think he could call Reaver cute.

"He gave me a creature that could carry me through the barriers around places like the school, and the Snow Peoples' village," Tsukune continued. "It name is Hiru, and she can also transform into a motorcycle." He hefted the helmet in his hand. "I guess this is for when I ride," He said with a weak smile.

Hiru arrived, silently moving out of the woods to move to in close behind Tsukune. Kurumu and Moka had seen the creature before, so they only blinked, surprised at the sudden appearance. Mizore did a double take as the creature showed itself. Yukari wass vocal in her surprise.

"Oh, wow," The little witch said with wonder.

Tsukune reached out and scratched Hiru behind an ear. She purred in response.

"Awwww," Mizore moved closer and crouched down. Carefully, she reached out and lightly scratched Hiro under the chin.

"Are we all getting one?" Yukari asked, also moving to pet the creature.

"Ahhhh," Tsukune gave a small shake of his head. "I don't think so. The Board Chairman always seems to have some strange reasoning behind what he does," Tsukune observed.

"Yes," Moka agreed. It was logical if she thought about it. The Board Chairman was not above making students do work on his behalf, so any gifts he handed out would be to make the recipients more useful to him. "I think Tsukune received Hiru because he lives in the human world without any youkai around."

"Tsukune," Mizore looked up at him, still scratching Hiru. "You said this will take you to places hidden like the school."

"Yes," Tsukune acknowledged.

"That means you can come visit my home," Mizore smiled. "During breaks, or after graduation." A wicked gleam sparkled in her eyes. "Mother will be glad to learn this."

"Ahhhh" Tsukune suddenly felt nervous.

"What?" Moka was alarmed.

"No! Tsukune?" Yukari was wide-eyed.

"Not going to happen," Kurumu put herself between Mizore and Tsukune. "Tsukune already promised to come visit me during the break."

"Really?" Moka turned to Tsukune.

"Just for a day," Tsukune explained. "Her mother insisted. You know, after what happened..."

Moka gave a small nod of understanding, but without any smile. She knew about the new connection Tsukune had with Kurumu. She did not like it. It was too close to the connection Moka had with him, but there was nothing she could do about it. Still, the thought of the pair of them alone did not sit well with her.

"No," Yukari cried, throwing herself at Tsukune. "I won't allow it. You can't go visit those boob monsters."

"And what is a little girl like you going to do about it?" Kurumu demanded. She grabbed Tsukune in a hug from the side, pressing one breast against him, and the other against Kurumu's face. "It's not like your immature body has anything to offer him."

"I'll keep him away from you," Mizore said. She mirrored Kurumu's hug, further trapping the little witch.

"Hey," Moka protested, embracing Tsukune by reaching over Yukari. "Let go of my Tsukune."

The group wrestled about. Tsukune worked had to keep his balance, supporting his friends. Hiru watched the action and could feel the positive energy that came from the group. She wanted in on the playtime, so she elongated her body and coiled around them. Hiru squeezed the group a little closer together with her own unique hug. Moka could feel the pressure against her, but she didn't care, because it was pushing her closer to Tsukune. Close enough that she could smell him. Close enough that she could open her mouth and….

"Capu-chuuuu…."