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 95
The last day of the trip was a free day for the Newspaper Club. The Drama Club was going to spend most of the day watching a Noh play and then visiting with the cast. The Paranormal Research Club, with their ghost hunting equipment, was off to investigate some famous haunting location. Aiko's group were off to another shrine, and then they would be visiting someplace that was supposed to help them be more lady-like. Officially the Newspaper Club was doing research about the current affairs and trends of the human world, but that just meant that they were free to look at everything and enjoy a day of shopping and hanging out.
Before going out to enjoy the day, Tsukune wanted to make sure everybody would be safe. At the first opportunity, Tsukune purchased disposable cell phones for Moka and Ruby, and taught them how to use it. He made sure they were programed with his cell phone's number, and Kurumu's as well. Tsukune knew that Kokoa would stick to Moka as much as possible. Yukari, while not frightened of the human world, was still nervous around so many people. She agreed to stay close to one the people holding a cell phone. Ruby held on to her phone as if it was a sacred gift. While the Newspaper Club planed to stay together, Tsukune saw nothing wrong in taking steps to help keep them safe.
Tsukune had learned a lot of things from his friends. Because he knew his friends well, he knew how the day would go. With six female companions, it didn't mater if they were human or something else. Tsukune knew that he was in for a day of shopping. To his friends' credit, they did take some kind of notes about fashions and current trends in clothing and accessories. Kurumu specialized in kitchen things, including appliances and cook books. Mizore showed a knowledge of arts and crafts. She later explained that snow maidens usually had a lot of time in the home to kill, ether because of the weather, or because they had children to look after. Yukari was more of an otaku then Tsukune had ever been, especially when it came to girl mangas that focused on romance. Moka had excellent taste in clothing, even if her choices of accessories seamed a little macabre. Kokoa's taste in things was limited to whether she thought Inner Moka would look good in it, or not. Unless it was something painfully cute, then it was all she could do not to turn mushy and starry eyed over it. Ruby, the 'supervisor' for the group, kept offering to carry the bags for Tsukune.
Tsukune didn't mind most of the shopping. An early stop had been a book store where he had picked up some things to read, including a copy of The Art Of War. When his friends found 'another' shoe store or accessories shop they wanted to investigate, Tsukune simply planted himself by the door with the bags and started reading. The part of the shopping that Tsukune didn't care for was the clothing stores where his friends insisted on modeling things for him. He didn't mind the show, and it was flattering to think his opinion was so important, but the way his companions kept making it a competition got old very fast. It was after an especially difficult modeling show, of swimsuits of all things, that Tsukune finally had a pleasant surprise.
"Tsukune..." Kurumu drew his attention with a happy cry. "Look, look."
Tsukune looked to see where Kurumu was pointing and understood why she was excited. She had spotted a gaming center, and in the front of it was a sign announcing its new dancing machines. While the others were not as excited about a gaming center as Kurumu, Tsukune was able to convince them them to take a short break from shopping. Glad to have a break from clothes and makeup, Tsukune entered the arcade, where he had to face unexpected embarrassment head on.
The gaming center had five dance machines arranged in a semi-circle. Two conventional dance machines were on ether side of the same model of deluxe dance machine that Tsukune and Kurumu had helped promote. That alone would not have been embarrassing, but the large video screen above the machine was almost too much to take. The video screen was showing clips of Tsukune and Kurumu's dance performances.
"Tsukune," Moka said in an alarmingly calm voice. "I did not know you were so popular."
Tsukune saw the clip from when he and Kurumu danced together in the arcade competition, and suppressed a groan. Then he saw a clip from their first event performance, and felt his stomach drop. He looked to Moka and gave her a weak smile.
"I gets worse," Tsukune admitted.
"What do you mean?" Moka asked with arched eyebrows.
"Just keep watching," Tsukune instructed.
And they watched. Kurumu kept laughing and cheering, while hugging Tsukune's arm. Yukari laughed as well. Tsukune was sure they all laughed at some of the costumes he had worn. And then the loop reached the clip he was sure would be included. It was the finale dance he and Kurumu had performed, wings and all. Tsukune remembered vividly how that dance hand ended.
Tsukune needed a plan, quick. He would ether have to face Moka, and the others, or do something to escape their pending reactions. He cast about for any ideas that he could grasp on to in his desperation, seriously considering running away. Running was no good, because Kurumu was holding on to him while she watched the dance video. She was smiling and moving as if she wanted to dance some more. Tsukune had an idea, and prayed that he had the time.
"Come with me," Tsukune whispered to Kurumu.
"What?" Kurumu tried to question Tsukune.
Tsukune moved quickly, a touch of fear giving him all the motivation he needed. He hit up a change machine and then pulled Kurumu onto the DDPM dance pad. One of the technicians had explained the machine to Tsukune in great detail, eager to have an audience that was interested in the machine as a piece of technical creation, and not just a glorified toy. Tsukune fed his coins into the machine and used the simple selection buttons to put in the code for the demonstration program. The code would tell the machine to play the same dance songs and patterns as Tsukune and Kurumu had used for their performances. It was a part of the machine's programming, meant to be used for demonstrations and contests. Tsukune had everything ready for his desperate plan. He just waited for his cue.
"For the dance," Tsukune's words came from the speakers attached to the video monitor.
That was the cue Tsukune had been waiting for. He pressed the start button and moved into place on the platform. He gave Kurumu a look and a nod, glad to see her smiling.
"Tsukuneee," Moka's loud protest was nearly a shriek as she saw the video of him kissing Kurumu.
The music started and it was time to dance. Kurumu and Tsukune quickly set themselves into their dance routine. Moka looked down from the monitor and saw Tsukune and Kurumu dancing. Yukari, who had been shocked by the played back kiss, was surprised to see Tsukune on the dance machine, and was soon cheering him on. Moka found her shock melting away, and while she was still upset, she couldn't help but enjoy the sight of Tsukune dancing.
Tsukune applied himself to dancing. The dance performance was something he knew well, but it was till something that had to be taken seriously if he was going to do it right. He knew Kurumu would be upset with him if he messed up because he wasn't taking the dancing, and her, seriously. The program was not a long one, but it was enough to give his muscles a good work out after his rather lazy weekend. When the dance program ended, Tsukune embraced Kurumu, but did not kiss her. That did not keep her from smiling at Tsukune, and giving Moka a smirk. Tsukune didn't get to leave the arcade until he danced with his other companions, twice each. They used the smaller, more common dance machines for the rest of the afternoon. The reason Tsukune had to go two rounds with each partner was because Kurumu insisted on a second dance on the smaller machine so she could compare scores with everybody else. Even Kokoa got caught up in the spirit of competition and took her turns dancing with Tsukune. When the dancing was over, Kurumu came out on top, with Tsukune a close second. Moka came in third, which made Kurumu smirk and Moka scowl.
The distraction was a success, as Tsukune counted it. No blood had been shed, especially his. It was a nice bonus that his friends were having a good time. The fact that the game center visit had taken up shopping times was a blessing from on high. As Tsukune and his friends returned to the hotel, he made use of their good spirits by sharing his plans for the evening with them, and getting their consent.
XX XX XX
Aiko returned to the hotel feeling more then a little let down by her day. After another shrine visit, complete with some kind of purification blessing ritual, their teacher, acting as if it was some kind of special reward, took the group of young ladies to a salon. Aiko liked to take care of her hair and face, and knew that a trip to a salon was a nice way to relax once in a while, but as a class trip it was disappointing. Aiko was stuck hearing her classmates talk about hair styles and makeup brands, which she heard plenty of during a normal school day. The stylists, were very customer service oriented, which meant they said what they thought the customers wanted to hear, while trying to talk them into things that would add on to the bill. Aiko was at a loss for how the salon visit was supposed to help her be a 'proper lady,' unless she was supposed to learn how to keep her temper in check when dealing with marginal service.
Aiko returned to her room at the hotel only to see the girls from the other school all in positive spirits. The Drama Club were talking with the Newspaper club, while showing each other souvenirs. It did not help Aiko's mood that the girls from the other school frequently giggled while looking at members of her class.
After an uneventful bath, it was time for dinner. As Aiko sat down at the table she knew something was going on. The girls from the other school were smiling and whispering. Aono was watching the time, as well as all of the students, as if he was waiting for something. When most of the students had finished eating, Tsukune stood up. He waited patiently until conversations died down and most of the students were paying attention to him.
"I hope that everybody has had a good day," Tsukune said, feeling a little foolish. "I know that this is the last night of our trip. I have had a chance to talk to some of you, and I thought that we should do something special for our last night together." He could feel his face getting warm as the assembled students watched him.
Aiko wondered what Aono was up to. While he was talking the girls from his school were smiling at each other as if they were in on his secret plan. Aiko scanned the room and saw that most of the boys were as curious as Aiko's classmates.
"Earlier," Tsukune continued. "I spoke with the hotel management and received permission to use a currently empty hall on the second floor for a little event. It may seem a little immature, and I apologize if that is true, but I thought you might enjoy a 'Test of Courage.' While we of the Gakuen Academy have had many opportunities to test our courage, I thought that this would be something different for the rest of you. If you are interested that is."
The students looked at each other for a moment. It was only a few seconds before friends started talking together, and soon excited conversation filled the room. The collective staff, while present in the dining room, appeared uninterested in the student's conversation. It was quickly agreed that Tsukune's suggestion had won the majorities approval.
"Because there are more women then men in our group," Tsukune said as the conversation started to thin out again. "I have asked members of the Newspaper Club and the Drama Club to help with making the 'Test of Courage' an exciting event. If you will excuse us for a moment while we get everything ready, you can decide how to pair up. Emmy and Yumi will of course be with their boyfriends for this event. Everybody else will have to find a partner however they can."
Tsukune left the dining room with his assistants and co-conspirators. Tsukune had learned while talking with, and listening to the students from Aiko's and Kota's schools that they would like to do something fun and memorable. While a 'Test of Courage' was a little foolish for students soon to graduate from high school, Tsukune suspected that it would be a novel experience for students from segregated schools. The management of the hotel was still embarrassed about the problem of over booking rooms, and was willing to accommodate Tsukune's event to help regain favor with the students, and their teachers. The fact that several groups had already left, freeing up the rooms Tsukune would be using made the event possible.
With his cohorts in tow, Tsukune hurried to the unoccupied hall. With the quick rearrangement of some moving panels, they were able to create a very simple maze. It would be almost impossible for anybody to get lost, but the added turns help create some dark corners. Some stacked futons and extra panels created additional hiding spots. Tsukune cautioned everybody to go easy on the couples, and reminded them that they should not let themselves go overboard revealing their youkai natures. At the far end of the hall, Tsukune set up the final challenge. A small, low table was set towards the back of the last room. On the table was a bowl filled with cheep, one hundred yen good luck charms. Moka watched as Tsukune moved a chair behind the table, and then, with a wink, summoned Hiru from the shadows to lounge at the feet of the chair.
"Moka," Tsukune approached her. "Thank you for your support. It means a lot to me."
"You know I would do anything for you, Tsukune," Moka said. "But you are going to have to make this up to me later."
"I look forward to it," Tsukune smiled.
"You sound awfully confident," Moka chided. "What if I want you to do something unpleasant?"
"Then I will do it," Tsukune moved closer. "Happy to know that it is for you."
Moka grabbed Tsukune and pulled him into a kiss. She already knew what she was going to have Tsukune do to pay her back for her support, and expected him to enjoy it almost as much as her. He had explained what he wanted to do and why, and Moka couldn't help but love him for it, even if she was a little less then satisfied with the help he wanted from her at the moment. With a suppressed sigh, Moka offered her chest to Tsukune.
Inner Moka became aware of her surroundings, surprised. The room was lit only by candle lanterns. She could feel the presence of youkai near by. Tsukune was standing before her, dressed in a simple robe, smiling.
"Tsukune," Inner Moka question. "What is going on?"
Tsukune quickly explained everything. Moka was careful to keep a neutral expression on her face as she listened to Tsukune's explanation, and his request. The lovable fool was going out of his way to do something for others again. That Tsukune had asked for her support was enough of a reason for Moka to agree to his request. She had to admit that the way Tsukune explained the role she was to play made participating sound interesting at least.
However, Moka did not want to let Tsukune know how easy it was for him to get what he wanted from her. Moka slowly reached out and put her arms around Tsukune's neck, drawing him close. She gave him a small smile.
"I'll do this, Tsukune," Moka said in a low voice. "Only because you ask it of me. But I warn you, you are going to have to do something for me in return."
"What do you want me to do?" Tsukune asked.
"I'll let you know," Moka promised.
XXXXXX
Aiko wondered what Aono was planning. She had never done a 'Test of Courage' before, and found herself looking forward to doing one, but didn't expect it to be anything exciting. From what she had read and heard before, a 'Test of Courage' was usually done at a shrine of some kind, or a haunted building. Aiko didn't see how the hotel could be made a convincing haunted site, especially on short notice. Her doubts did not keep her from doing her part to make the 'Test of Courage' work.
The fastest way to partner up boys and girls that did not know each other was by drawing numbers. Because there was a miss-match in the number of boys to girls, Aiko chose not to draw lots, so another of her classmates would be able to enjoy the event. With her, Rina also decided not to draw for a companion. The newly organized couples introduced themselves to each other. Conversation was starting to reach an uncomfortable point of awkwardness when Tsukune finally returned.
"Thank you for waiting," Tsukune said when he returned to the dining room. "If you will give me a moment, I will explain what is going to happen."
The assembled students quieted down. There was a feeling of anticipation in the air as everybody focused their attention on Tsukune. The 'Test of Courage' could be a memory making event, or it could be a waist of time.
"It took so long to get everything ready," Tsukune explained. "Because I wanted to create a setting that would be interesting to all of you. The students I took with me had to be left behind, their life energy used to summon spirits from the dark past. When you go to the hall for the 'Test of Courage,' you will be leaving the world you know behind. You will be going on a visit to the place of the Queen of Shadows. Before her throne you will find a bowl holding special charms. Every person who has the courage to reach their destination gets to claim a charm of their own. The charm will be proof you your courage and the strength of your determination." Tsukune paused a moment to see if everybody was still paying attention.
"Kota, Emmy," Tsukune called out to his friends. "If you would do the honor of going first. Go to the lobby and take the left hand stairwell to the second floor, and follow the hall to the end." Tsukune gave them a smile and a nod as they left the dinging room. "We'll chose the next pair at random and send them after they get back." Tsukune informed the remaining students. "I want to see how long they take, so we don't sent too many people to soon."
XXXX
"Kota?" Emmy spoke up as they reached the second floor. She hugged his arm loosely, glad to have him close. She could feel the auras of her friends and school mates ahead and wondered what they would do. Because her friends were in the Drama Club, Emmy expected more then a little over acting. She looked up into Kota's face and watched the intense look of concentration there. "Is everything all right?"
"Yes," Kota said. He looked into Emmy's face and smiled.
Emmy saw Kota's smile and felt warm all over. It wasn't just that he smiled at her, but the way the smile tool in his whole face. Even his eyes sparkled when he smiled at her. It was as if she was his whole world.
"You looked so serious," Emmy observed.
"Sorry," Kota blushed. "The club I'm in likes to investigate strange places and stories. Tsukune's 'Test of Courage' is like a challenge. Your school versus my club."
"What would you do," Emmy questioned. "If you found out one of your strange stories were true?"
"Most of them are true," Kota explained. "It is the mission of the club to find out what parts are true, and what parts are rumor."
"I see," Emmy mused.
The couple turned the corner and crossed into the shadows.
XXXXX
The dining room was filled with quiet conversations. The newly paired up couples asked each other casual questions to pass the time. Tsukune was aware of the tension in the air. With a dozen couples waiting their turns to try the 'Test of Courage,' there was a mix of impatience and anticipation hanging over them. Tsukune hoped that Kota and Emmy would be back soon. It wold spoil the event a bit if it took too long, especially if some couples didn't get to go because of the time.
Tsukune was relieved when Emmy and Kota finally returned. It took fifteen minutes for the first couple to complete the "Test of Courage.' They returned, proudly holding their charms, but Kota looked shaken and Emmy looked nervous. Their reactions seasoned the anticipation of the waiting couples.
"Alright," Tsukune said. "We'll send the next couple now, and then another every ten minutes."
The knowledge that their would be another couple following would make the leading couple want to hurry a little. Both couple would wonder when they might cross paths with each other. Because there were no lanterns or flashlights for the couples to carry, everybody would be nervous about who might be moving in the shadows.
The 'Test of Courage' turned out to be a success. The couples returning had clearly been surprised by what they experienced. The students were quickly divided into two groups. The first group were the students waiting to go, and growing more nervous as they waited. The second group were the students that had returned, who stood together talking excitedly about their experiences. Up on the haunted second floor, Moka was enjoying her role, along with the other young youkai women. Kokoa was stationed close to Moka, so that the elder sister could keep an eye on the younger. All Kokoa had to do was smile, showing her fangs, and sniff at the couples, saying things like 'I can smell your fear,' or 'Mmmm, so pure.' Usually the couples were shaking by the time they reached Kokoa. Moka, on the other hand, didn't have to say anything. All she had to do was relax in the shadowed chair and be herself. Her aura, capable of inspiring fear in monsters, was enough to make humans want to run. She intentionally kept her youki calm, not wanting to ruin Tsukune's little challenge. She leaned back in the chair, letting the shadows obscure her appearance, and casually petted Hiru's head. The creature was currently in a large, almost serpentine body. Her scaled, wolf-like head rested on the arm of Moka's chair, enjoying the attention. Up and down the haunted hall, startled cry, nervous laughter, and bright emotions gave testimony of the event's success.
Tsukune watched the last couple depart for the 'Test of Courage.' The student that returned were all smiling, showing off their good luck charms, proud of their little trophies. It was clear that they had managed to have a memorable time, and Tsukune was glad that he had been able to add something to their summer trip. When the last couple had been gone for ten minutes, Tsukune turned to the only two students left who had not seen the haunted second floor.
"Would you like to go also?" Tsukune asked Aiko and Rina.
"Only if you're going with us," Rina said quickly. She was clearly nervous at the thought of going.
"I would like to go..." Aiko said, blushing a little. She didn't want to admit that she was excited to try the 'Test of Courage,' but only if she could go with a boy. "Will you be my escort?" If she was going to go, Aiko wanted Aono to go with her. He was clearly a leader, and would be the best one to go with. It didn't hurt that he was also good looking.
"Alright," Tsukune agreed.
Tsukune was surprised that both of the young ladies grabbed an arm. Aiko had a small smile on her face as she confidently took Tsukune's right arm. Rina grabbed Tsukune's left arm as if she was afraid to be left behind, and hugged it tightly. Together they left the dinging room.
"Thank you for doing this," Aiko said as they climbed the stairs to the second floor. "Arranging the 'Test' I mean."
"You're welcome," Tsukune said. "I remembered that you said you wanted to do something memorable during your trip."
"I didn't think you were paying that much attention," Aiko said, a little surprised.
"So how did you do this so fast?" Rina asked, with a hint of bitterness in her tone. "It's not just going to be a bunch of people under sheets playing ghosts is it?"
"Oh no," Tsukune answered with a grin. "It is much worse then that, didn't I tell you? We will be entering a world of shadows and monsters." The reached the second floor and started towards the haunted hallways. "I am taking you among youkai to meet their queen."
Aiko laughed nervously at the melodrama. Rina gave a snort of disbelief, but squeezed Tsukune's arm a little tighter. Together, the two young ladies held on to their escort as the turned the corner, and crossed into the shadows.
Aiko had to admire the way everything was arranged. The low lantern light cast a red glow filled with dark shadows. That alone added to the atmosphere of the haunted hall image. By making the path wander through room, making the trip longer, there were different areas for trying to scare people. In the first room, Aiko recognized the young girl from the newspaper club. She was waving a wand, which was a little too cute to be taken seriously, over a bubbling tea kettle. Steam rose out of the kettle and made a wide spiral as it climbed to the ceiling. Aiko thought that she might have seen faces in the steam, but decided it was just a trick of the mind. The way the girl leered at Aono and giggled was very creepy however.
In each room something different was presented. It reminded Aiko of her visits to historical sites. A pair of 'ladies' sat in one room, drinking tea. Except that one girl had a neck over a foot long, and the other had no neck at all, her head floating several inches from her body. In the next room, a cold mist covered the floor. Aiko could feel somebody watching her as she waded through the room. She could even see the thick mist swirling around as if somebody invisible was moving through the room with them. What was hiding in the mist was anyone's guess.
Rina was on edge from the beginning. The nightmares she had experienced were still fresh enough in her mind that she was nervous about having to face the members of the Newspaper Club from the other school. Rina held on to Aono Tsukune's arm, finding a sense of protection by being close to him. She could feel his muscles under her hands, and it gave her a small measure of comfort. As she crossed through the misty room, Rina swore she felt icy claws on her legs and the back of her neck.
Aiko recognized the large breasted Kurumu in spite of the dark shadows. The young woman had her robe stripped to the waist and open enough to show her legs. Her modesty was covered, barely, by a red leather bikini that matched her wings. Aiko wondered where the other woman had found such a costume on short notice, or where she had been keeping it before now.
Kurumu walked with rolling hips up to Tsukune. She had a dreamy expression with a seductive smile as she reached for him. Her nails were long and red, and she trailed them along the edge of his jaw.
"Are you here to play with me?" Kurumu purred. "You know I would just love to play with you."
"I'm sorry," Tsukune said with a smile. "But I must escort my companions and see to their safety."
"I never get to have any fun," Kurumu pouted. She leaned against him, chest to chest. "I know you will take good care of them. But come back when you are done and I will take good care of you." Kurumu backed off a step before giving a sharp-toothed smile Tsukune's companions.
"Be good," She said. "Or else."
Aiko had no trouble admitting to herself that the busty girl was intimidating. Her self confidence, and the ease with which she put herself forward were hard to ignore. Aiko wished she could be so confident and open with her feelings, especially around boys. Rina was envious of the large breasted girl's figure, but was frightened by her smile.
The haunted area of the second floor was different from anything Aiko would have expected. There was nobody running around under sheets or with faces splashed with makeup or fake blood. It was as if the monsters were real, and that the 'Test of Courage' was a peek into their existence. While none of the rooms were especially frightening, collectively they made the haunting more real then anything she could imagine. When they passed the last couple, who were returning to the dining room looking shaky, Aiko found herself jumping at their sudden appearance, and surprised that she had felt a sense of relief to see normal people, if only for a moment. When the couple were gone, Aiko felt like she had been abandoned.
Aiko had looked to Aono for support then. She saw his calm confidence and steady eyes, and felt safe being close to him. She hugged his arm a little closer and slid one hand down to hold his. The warmth of his hand was comforting. Aiko realized that she was smiling.
Moka watched at Tsukune entered the room with two young women hanging off of him. She felt a rush of jealousy and scowled at them. Moka had been having fun, frightening the young couples that had been visiting her. It had been a heady feeling, watching them come before her, like supplicants before her throne. Each student was happy to take their little trophy charm and leave, as quickly as decorum permitted. Now that Tsukune was before her, Moka smiled.
"Now this is a sight," Moka crooned. "Are you bringing me a gift?"
"My lady," Tsukune said, bowing as best her could with his companions holding on to him. "I bring before you two who wish to pay their respects."
"Come forward, ladies," Moka instructed. She gestured to the bowl holding the few remaining good luck charms. "Claim your rewards. You have proved your courage. Take your trophies and depart."
"Thank you," Aiko and Rina said in shaky voices.
The aura of the room felt like a living thing. The shadows seemed to be moving, to be closing in on the two young women. With some difficulty, they moved away from Tsukune, taking the two short steps that separated them from the bowl. Once the had their prizes in hand, Aiko and Rina hurried back to Tsukune, clasping his arms again.
"Let go of him," Moka growled. "Sister, bring that man to me. I would have him kneeling before me."
Right on cue, Kokoa came out of the shadows. She grabbed Tsukune and jerked him away from the two frightened students. She pulled him around the table and pushed him down in front of Moka. Tsukune went along with it, even though Kokoa was being more forceful then she had to be.
"You two can go," Moka dismissed Aiko and Rina. "But this one is mine, and he shall remain."
"But..." Aiko tried to protest, but the level of pure menace in the room intensified, threatening to smother her. She felt herself having trouble standing, her body was shaking. She clutched blindly for support, and found herself holding on to Rina.
"Go," Moka ordered.
The two girls made scared noises, on the edge of tears, as the turned and headed for the door. Moka watched them go with a sense of satisfaction. It felt good to get rid of at least two girls that were getting much too close to her Tsukune. When they were out of sight, Moka looked down at Tsukune. He was still on his knees in front of her, smiling.
"How long are you going to stay kneeling in front of me like that?" Moka questioned Tsukune.
"As long as you want me to," Tsukune said with a smile.
Moka threw her head back and laughed. Tsukune's answer was perfect. She reached out to him.
"Come her, Tsukune," She invited him.
XXXXXX
Aiko and Rina hurried, not quite running, through the haunted rooms. The didn't slow down until they reached the stairs. They didn't stop until they reached the lobby, and then it was only long enough to catch their breath and regain some semblance of composure.
"What do we do?" Rina asked, still with fear in her voice. "What about Aono?"
"What are you talking about?" Aiko asked. "We're not going to do anything."
"But we just left him there," Rina protested. "We need to do something."
"Rina," Aiko said sharply. "Aono is safe. You don't need to worry."
"But that woman has him..." Rina tried to argue.
"That's his girlfriend," Aiko said.
"But... oh... but..." Rina's mind stumbled as it tried to catch up to reality.
Aiko took the time to recover her self composure while she watch Rina's face. Rina's mind played through the events of the last few hours, with her thoughts and feelings reflected on her face as she tried to understand what she had just seen. When she started to blush and had trouble meeting her companion's eyes, Aiko knew Rina had worked things through.
"Hey," Yukari, looking normal, called out as she caught up to the two girls. "Did you have fun?"
"Yes," Aiko said. "Thank you."
"That's good," Yukari spoke as she passed through the lobby. "Tsukune wanted my to find some boys to help clean up."
"We'll come with you," Aiko caught Rina's sleeve and pulled her along as she followed the younger girl.
"Attention everybody," Aiko called out as she entered the dining room. "Before we go to bed, we need to have some of us go back up stairs and help clean up. I think it would be a nice idea if we all went. We can also take a moment and thank everybody that made tonight a success."
Excited conversation rose up in agreement with Aiko's proposal. The students collectively started started for the stairs. Yukari was a little deflated, surprised at how the older girl had taken over her task. After a moment's hesitation, the little witch had to hurry to keep up with the group.
Kota and his friends were excited to help clean up. It would give them a chance to learn how Tsuknue had created his haunted rooms. The visual effects had been like watching a movie, and the atmosphere had been unbelievably believable. However, once they reached the second floor, the normal lights were already on, and the only work to do was moving some furniture and panels around. Because everybody had gone up stairs to help out, it became more of a social gathering then a chore. Kota was a little disappointed that whatever effects Tsukune had used were already cleared away, but for the life of him he could not figure out what he had used, where he could have gotten it, or how he had set it up and then cleared it away so quickly. Still, Kota had to congratulate his friend on a fantastically produced 'Test of Courage.'
The clean up was quickly finished. The socializing didn't last much longer because the time was getting late. Most of the students had already headed to their rooms for the night by the time Kota located Tsukune. Emmy was with him, getting as much time in his company as she could, before returning to school. Tsukune was with his friends that Kota recognized from the picture he carried in his wallet. As he approached Tsukune, Kota smiled, because he thought he finally caught a detail Tsukune had overlooked.
"Tsukune," Kota said. "I want to thank you. Your event was perfect. I don't know how you did it all, but my club is going to spend weeks working it out."
"I am glad you had a good time, Kota." Tsukune said with a contented smile.
"Your clean-up of your special effects was almost perfect to," Kota said. "I don't how you did it so fast, but I guess there is room for one or two mistakes when you hurry like that."
"What mistakes?" Tsukune questioned.
"You got some makeup on your robe," Kota explained, pointing to his friend's collar.
"Huh?" Tsukune pulled at his collar and twisted his head. He saw a reddish-brown stain. "Ahhh..." He looked towards Moka and saw her blush. "That's not makeup."
"Well it's not blood," Kota stated.
"Um," Tsukune looked around and saw that Kota was the only human around. Even most of the Drama Club had gone. "Kota, can I talk to you for a minute?"
"Sure, Tsukue," Kota said, puzzled by his friend's sudden change in attitude.
"Look," Tsukune said. "You are my friend, and I trust you. But you have to promise me that what I tell you will stay a secret. You can't tell anybody. Ever."
"Well," Kota looked at Emmy.
"Emmy is alright," Tsukune said. "She already knows about this."
"Senpai?" Emmy questioned.
"It will be all right, Emmy," Tsukune said.
"I promise," Kota said firmly. "I won't tell anybody."
"You already know about the school I go to," Tsukune said. "About how it is a school for special students." Tsukune made sure the belt of his robe was secure then started pulling the top open. "All that is true," Tsukune continued. "The truth is that I got in on accident. I should have never been sent to my school." He pulled the top of his robe open and shook it off, and then pulled off his undershirt, leaving his upper body bare.
"Gods, Tsukune," Kota gaped when he saw Tsukune's collection of scars. "What under the heavens happened to you?"
"My school happened," Tsukune said. "Some of the students are monsters."
"Gods," Kota said again. "I thought... What... Is your school a place for gang members or something?"
"Not that kind of monster," Tsukune shook his head. "I am talking about real ones. My school is the Youkai Gakuen. I have real youkai in my classes."
"You're just trying to play a trick on me," Kota accused in a dry voice. "Those scars are all makeup, aren't they?"
"No," Tsukune said. "I am telling you the truth. I want to tell you because you are my friend, and I want to be able to include you."
"Tsukune," Moka cautioned. "Maybe you shouldn't tell him."
"She's right, Tsukune," Yukari said. "It's against the rules to tell humans about the school."
"But Kota is my friend," Tsukune said. "And if I want to keep him as a friend, he deserves to know the truth."
"I don't believe you," Kota shook his head. "You would have to prove it to me."
"Alright," Tsukune said, reaching for his youkai. "I'm not going to give away everything, but I will tell you a little about what happened to me. I got hurt," Tsukune gestured to his scars. "I was hurt very badly and I should have died. I would have died except that one of the youkai at school shared their blood with me." Tsukune concentrated his youki on his right hand, willing it to transform. "Youkai blood saved my life, but at a price."
Tsukune held up his scaled hand with its dark talons. He flexed his hand and wiggled his fingers. When he saw that Kota had seen his transformed hand, he let it go back to normal, letting his friend watch the change with his own eyes.
"I am stronger then I used to be, and I have been changed in some other ways as well." He looked Kota in the eye. "My life is still in danger because of the blood in my body, but I have to tell you, I would not give it up for anything. Even if I could go back and change anything, I wouldn't. With all of the fear and pain I have been through, I wouldn't give it up even for a moment, because I could never have found the happiness I have discovered." Tsukune looked towards Moka, then Kurumu, and then Mizore. "I have found love and the best friends I could ever hope for." He looked towards Yukari and Kokoa. "It's like I discovered a whole new life and family." He looked back at Kota.
"It is because of what has happened to me," Tsukune said as he waved his hand through the air, concentrating his youki, making it flow from his fingers, leaving ripples of red sparkles in the air for a second. "And because of what I learned, that I was able to make tonight such a success."
"Wow," Kota gaped. He gave his head a shake. "And you're saying that you have real youkai at your school? What kind?"
"I don't know all the different youkai," Tsukune said honestly. "We used to have a werewolf in the Newspaper Club, but he graduated last year. I know that one of the girls in my class is a naga. "And the second of command of the Student Police is a mountain spirit, red skins, horns, and everything."
"You're serious," Kota gave Tsukune a level look. "When you said you had proof that youkai were real, this is what you were talking about?"
"Yes," Tsukune nodded. He started to redress himself.
"Emmy," Kota turned to her. "Have you seen any of these, youkai?"
"Yes, Kota," Emmy said. "Ummm... I even got into a fight with a lizard girl last year."
"Amazing," Kota turned back to Tsukune and gave him a pained look. "Why did you have to make me swear to keep this a secret. Now I can't tell anybody. This sucks!"
"Now you know how I felt," Tsukune said. "Now I have a friend I can talk to about it when I go home to visit."
"You suck," Kota pouted.
"It's not all that bad," Tsukune pointed out. "See there is a little loophole in the rules. I'm human, or at least I used to be, so I can get away with some things. Also, I will be graduating soon. Emmy has another year to go so she needs to be more careful then I do, but now that I told you our secret, she can talk with you about it."
"Really?" Kota looked to Emmy.
"Yes," Emmy nodded with a smile.
"Wait," Kota looked back at Tsukune. "But what does this have to do with that stain on your collar?"
"I told you it wasn't makeup," Tsukune said.
"It is blood?" Kota asked. "But then, what happened? How did you get blood on your collar?"
"That's because my sister is a vampire," Kokoa snapped. "You idiot."
"What?" Kota nearly jumped out of his skin. "A vampire?"
"Way to go, Kokoa," Yukari made a face at the younger vampire. "Way to blab your sister's secret."
"Go stick your wand someplace," Kokoa snapped. "It's not like he's going to tell anybody. Nobody would believe him."
"Wait," Kota looked towards Moka. "You're a vampire?"
"Yes," Moka nodded, looking a little sheepish.
"And you bite Tsukune?" Kota questioned.
"Kota," Tsukune called for his friend's attention. "Moka is my girlfriend and I love her. I let her bite me. It is her blood that saved my life."
"Ahhhh," Kota was speechless.
"That's enough for now," Tsukune declared. He looked about and saw that Emmy was all that remained from the Drama Club. "We need to get some sleep. You can talk with Emmy by phone, and you and I can talk after graduation. I might even get home for a visit during the winter break."
"Alright," Kota said, looking a little overwhelmed.
"Say goodnight to your girlfriend," Tsukune suggested. "We have a lot to do tomorrow."
"You're right," Kota said. "Good night." Kota turned to Emmy and held out a hand to her.
Together, Emmy and Kota walked, feeling connected by the secret they now shared the smallest parts of. Tsukune watched them go and silently wished them well.