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 101

Tsukune was running on pure determination as he rode Hiru back to the house. Tsukune did not understand how it all worked, but he had just experienced months of police theory and training in a single day. The Board Chairman and some wall-eyed looking man had placed Tsukune within a small room without any lights, where Tsukune felt like he had been stabbed by a thousand needles. He had to concentrate on his self control to keep his inner youkai from trying to escape from the room. A storm, a flood of information was pressed into Tsukune's mind. It had flashed at him at incredible speeds, over and over again, until he could remember nearly every detail. When he emerged from the room, Tsukune saw three old men grinning at him.

Tsukune had been offered a seat and a meal to help him recover. As he ate, the three old men started talking about their days as police officers. As they reminisced, Tsukune realized that he could remember some of the things they were talking about. He realized that it was from there minds, their memories, that the information he had just been programmed with had come from.

Tsukune had nearly lost control then. He had felt a flash of anger so strong it made his blood boil. The Board Chairman was using him like a lab rat, a play thing. Tsukune looked up at the Board Chairman and felt himself growling. He saw the Board Chairman looking back at him, and was sure that the man knew what Tsukune was thinking. The anger grew cold and more intense within Tsukune. The man had once threatened to expel Tsukune from school if he didn't agree to be a good little minion. It had been Tsukune's desire to stay with Moka and his friends that had made him agree. Tsukune smiled slowly, unaware of how much he was a reflection of the Board Chairman he was just then. Tsukune would be the good little minion for a few more months. He would take everything the Board Chairman threw at him and make it his own. He would grow in strength and skill right up to graduation, and then he would take everything and make a life for himself with Moka and Kurumu and everybody. Tsukune took cold comfort in the fact that it was only a mater of time until he was free.

By the time the day's training and torture was over, Tsukune was exhausted. He had been forced to draw upon his youki in order to last as long as possible. It was only his determination to succeed, to build the life he wanted, that made Tsukune endure the training. It was the Board Chairman that had put an end to the training for the weekend. Tsukune had seen that the man's hands had a shake to them. He was at least as exhausted as Tsukune felt. That gave Tsukune a sense of accomplishment that made him smile. He was still smiling as he pushed his legs to work to walk into his house.

XXXX XX

Moka woke early Sunday morning. She had group study with Tsukune to look forward to and wanted to be ready. Of course if she could get ready and show up early, then she and Tsukune could have a little time alone together. Moka washed her face and brushed out her hair while thinking about Tsukune. She had almost everything she needed ready to go, all that was left was to dress and put everything into her bag. Once that was done, Moka headed out the door and over to Tsukune's house.

"Good morning," Ruby welcomed Moka. "Please come in."

"Thank you," Moka said politely as entered and slipped off her shoes. "I hope I'm not too err..." Moka's words died as she saw Mizore sitting close beside Tsukune.

Mizore looked up at Moka and smiled. It was the small satisfied smile she used whenever she managed to get close to Tsukune. Moka was left with accepting Mizore's success, or acting jealous and possessive.

"Good morning, Mizore," Moka said carefully. "You are up early."

"Yes," Mizore said. "I wanted to spend some time alone with Tsukune."

"I understand," Moka replied. She looked at Tsukune. "I had been thinking the same thing."

"Good morning Moka," Tsukune said with a thin smile. "I hope that you slept well."

"I did," Moka answered. "And you? You look tired, Tsukune. Did you get enough sleep?"

"Yes," Tsukune nodded. "Training yesterday was hard, but I slept all night, and it felt good."

"That is good," Moka said. She maneuvered over to the table and sat close at Tsukune's right side.

While there were just the three of them at the table, Tsukune was still crowded between Moka and Mizore. Moka gave Tsukune a once-over, looking for any marks or injuries. She also, discreetly, smelled him, checking to see if Mizore's scent was on him. While Moka could smell the other woman, she was in the same room after all, the sharp scent that would indicate anything had happened was not there.

Tsukune knew what Moka was doing. He had seen her and the others do the same many times. He had been sniffed, patted down, felt up, and, he suspected, spied on while changing, all to see if there was any evidence of him being in some way too close to someone. If Tsukune were to mention having spent time talking to a female, all of his friends would suddenly scan him one way or another to make sure he was being faithful. It was a little silly, Tsukune thought. He had two girlfriends, a slave girl, and Mizore and Yukari, and maybe even Kokoa watching over him, and fighting over him in their own ways, but if he even stood too close to another female for too long the Newspaper Club would close ranks around him, eager to protect 'their' Tsukune. It was silly, but he was still a little happy about it all. Tsukune could put up with a little scrutiny and jealousy from Moka and the others, because it just meant that they cared about him.

Kurumu was the next member of the group to arrive, and the whole little ritual was repeated. Tsukune sometimes wondered if his friends would start showing up before dawn just to try to one-up each other. He hoped he could reach graduation before that happened.

By the time Yukari was settled in at the table the study group was in full swing. Some of the subjects were as hard as ever for Tsukune, while others, were suddenly easier. It took Tsukune a little while to recognize what had happened. The forced, condensed training that he had endured had included the memories of some retired police men. One of the things that he had learned, although he didn't think he was supposed to know about it, all three of the old men had been forced to retire because of their health, and they were trading their knowledge and experience in exchange for some kind of reward from the Board Chairman. Tsukune didn't know what was offered to them, but it was something that the old men had found worth their time. Along with their police knowledge, Tsukune had absorbed other academic knowledge as well.

The group set aside their books and notes for a lunch break. As they ate, Tsukune let himself relax and enjoy the casual time with his friends. Kurumu had a cooking magazine out and was making little notes in it as she talked to Ruby. Mizore was watching Tsukune with a dreamy expression, while stroking his thigh under the table. Moka had her hand on Tsukune's other thigh, scratching at it lightly, while looking at a woman's magazine. Yukari was nibbling on some pocky while checking everybody's work.

"If we keep at it like this until graduation," Yukari said. "We can all go to a university together."

Tsukune couldn't help himself. He remembered his thought about his friends trying to show up earlier then each other, and could imagine what would happen if they continued on for four more years of school together. Tsukune threw his head back and laughed.

"What's so funny?" Yukari demanded.

"Tsukune?" Moka looked at him, a little worried by the sudden outburst.

"Hey?" Kurumu questioned.

Tsukune didn't answer right away. Their reactions fed into the image flashing through his mind, making him laugh more. Distantly, Tsukune observed within himself that it felt good to laugh. His friends' growing frustration made him want to laugh more, but he forced himself to answer their concerns.

"If we were to keep going to school together," Tsukune explained while grinning. "We might as well all just move in together."

"What?"

"Ehhhh?"

"Yes!"

"Why?"

The young women around Tsukune reacted with surprised outbursts that jumbled together, making Tsukune laugh again. Mizore and Moka both grabbed at Tsukune's arms. Moka looked worried while Mizore smiled. Kurumu glared at Tsukune and Yukari pumped a fist in the air. Tsukune forced himself to calm down.

"Look at us," Tsukune choked out as he suppressed his mirth. "We're always together anyway. We're like some kind of family. If we were all to go to the same university, nothing would really change." The mixed expressions looking at Tsukune were too much. He started laughing again.

The rest of the study group was infected by the laughter. Their own thoughts and feelings from what Tsukune said kept springing to their minds, making them giggle, chuckle, sigh, or groan, depending on what was in their mind at any given moment. While the productivity of the group dropped sharply, Tsukune didn't mind at all. Eventually everybody started to pack up their books and notes.

"Moka," Tsukune turned to her. "Will you please have dinner with me tonight?"

Tsukune's words stunned the others. He had sounded calm, but the invitation had come without warning. Moka was caught off guard, and Kurumu looked like she wanted to protest.

"Yes," Moka agreed. Her mind was racing. "I would love to stay with you... For dinner." She had an excuse to stay behind when everybody else left, and it was perfectly acceptable even if someone tried to spread a rumor. On the outside, Moka was calm as she continued organizing her books and notes into her school bag. On the inside she was excited. She was thinking about all the things she wanted to do with Tsukune. There were things she wanted to talk about with him. Not because the topics were important, but because it would be Tsukune she would be talking with. She wanted to share time alone with Tsukune. She wanted to share her thoughts and feelings with him, and wanted him to share his with her. Moka couldn't help but smile a little. She wanted to share herself with Tsukune, and to have him share himself with her.

Kurumu could guess Moka's feelings and intentions, and out of reflex wanted to interfere with her competition's evening. If it was just about Moka, Kurumu wouldn't hesitate to pull the rug out from under her feet. But it wasn't just about Moka. Tsukune had asked Moka to stay, so Kurumu had to consider his feelings. She would not ruin his plans just to spite Moka. Kurumu finished stuffing her things into her bag.

"Come on, Yukari," Kurumu grumbled as she stood up. "Let's go."

"What?" Yukari Questioned.

The little witch had her organized book and notes ready to go, but was lingering to watch Tsukune and Moka. Kurumu knew that Mizore would see to herself, but Yukari was likely to become a third wheel if left alone. If Kurumu wasn't going to have the satisfaction of spoiling Moka's fun, she didn't want anybody else doing it ether.

"Let's go," Kurumu repeated. "You can help proof read my papers. I'll bake you some cookies as payment."

"Alright," Yukari agreed.

Before she left, Kurumu shot Tsukune a cold glare. He owed her a favor for this, and she was going to make him pay it back double. At the very least she should be able to get a real date out of him in the near future.

XXX XXX

Moka could hardly contain herself. Tsukune had been so busy that she hardly had any time with him, and almost never alone. She waited patiently as Tsukune walked the others to the door and politely sent them on their ways.

"Ruby," Tsukune called out as he closed the door. "If you could bring us some tea please." Tsukune turned back to the table. "I want to talk with Moka before dinner."

"Yes master," Ruby answered.

Tsukune sat down beside Moka and reached for her. Moka reached for him in return. It started with a hug and a kiss. Tsukune and Moka were both eager to feel the other close. Time ran away and they lost track of the world around them, until they were breathing heavy and the tea on the table had grown cold.

"Moka," Tsukune spoke up before he could get distracted again. "There was something I wanted talk to you about."

"What is it, Tsukune?" Moka's attention was all on him, trying to match his serious tone.

"You know that I have been bothered by not having a plan for the future," Tsukune began. "Well, I have a plan now, and I wanted to talk with you about it because I value your opinion. Also, I know how important some things are to you, and to your family, so want to know what you think."

Tsukune explained his career plan to Moka. He talked about his idea to use his training and experience to help him, and to build in stages. Tsukune talked about his reasoning and asked Moka for her opinions and ideas. Moka listened, and asked questions on key points. Her father might not have intended for her to learn his business sense, but she had, and she intended to use it. Tsukune listened to her suggestions and together they talked things through.

Over dinner the conversation turned more casual. Tsukune talked about some of his more normal training, not wanting to worry Moka. Moka talked about their classmates and some of the current school news and gossip. It was kind of strange, Tsukune observed. He and Moka attended the same school, and while he knew his training and responsibilities kept him busy, he had not realized how disconnected from the rest of the students he had become. It was almost like he and Moka attended two different schools.

While Moka and Tsukune were enjoying dinner, Ruby retrieved the things Moka would need in the morning. She also prepared the bath, setting out the spare stool. Ruby wished for her maser to be happy. When Tsukune and Moka had finished eating and talking, Ruby cleaned away the dishes and removed herself from their presence. A small part of her would always feel jealous of any woman that Tsukune loved, but Ruby would still do all that she could to help her master be happy.

XXXXXxxxxxxxxxXX

Lieutenant Tanaka Ito of the Imperial Guard scowled at the information he had collected. The subject of his investigation, one Aono Tsukune, was turning into an irregularity, which was something Tanaka Ito did not like. He had been easy to track down at first. His parents, of whom he was the only child, lived in an average house, in an average neighborhood. His academic record was average at best. Aono Tsukune was on the fast track to mediocrity, destined to live an invisible life of no importance. Everything started to change when he went to High School. Everything Capatan Tanaka had been able to learn about the school could fit on a single business card. It was some kind of private school that catered to the kind of people with more money than sense, and specialized in taking their spoiled children and making them learn social values. He had actually learned more about the school from his daughter than from official channels. The lack of accessible information actually supported what his daughter had told him, because only a school with a lot of rich and powerful support could be so anonymous. Lieutenant Tanaka suspected it doubled as a rehabilitation facility for rich children with drug and other addictions. It would be the perfect place for some rich, politically connected family to send a problematic child to get their act together while avoiding any unwanted public attention.

That was the first thing that wasn't right about Aono Tsukune. He wasn't from a rich family. Going back eight generations, the most important person in the family was the child of the fifth son of a minor daimyo. While by purest technicalities it would make this Aono Tsukune a member of the nobility of Japan, it was the kind of thing that would only be of interest to a historical researcher. There were no police records that even hinted that the boy had ever been in any kind of trouble. There was no reason for him to be shipped off to a school for troubled rich children. The only reason that Lieutenant Tanaka could think of for the boy's parents to send him off like that was the hope he would find a rich girlfriend. If he found the troubled daughter of a rich family, the girl's parents might agree to a fat dowry to marry their daughter off before her problem, whatever it was, could damage the family name.

But the irregularity did not end there. For the most of his first two years of High School, Aono Tsukune was still an invisible nothing. Nothing indicated that the boy was in any trouble, or doing anything to stand out. Then he had a motorcycle license, and a motorcycle. According to the records it was some kind of exotic import, but where had the boy gotten the money to buy it? Lieutenant Tanaka had to wonder if the boy had found his rich girlfriend. After that one blip in the official records, Aono Tsukune disappeared from the radar again, only to resurface as a dancer helping sell arcade dance machines. If he had a rich girlfriend, than what was he doing working as a dancer?

Lieutenant Tanaka thought he had the investigation finished because he had gotten everything available up to the present day. Suddenly a bunch of records appeared. Apparently, on paper at least, Aono Tsukune had been taking cram courses at police colleges for the past six months. It looked like he was taking accelerated courses and challenging the finals to get credit while still going to High School. On the surface, it looked like the boy was working hard to become a police officer. He could have done the dancing job to earn money to pay for cram schools. Maybe it was a way of proving himself to the parents of his rich girlfriend. That answer was too simple, too easy for Lieutenant Tanaka to accept. It was time to start making personal contact. It was time to visit the boy's parents.

(A/N; Toby860 I did put the answer of who gave Tsukune the curved jade token in the story. The Imperial Cosmologist included it in his information for Lieutenant Tanaka. If you still can't figure it out, send me a message. I don't want to post a spoiler just yet. Thanks for reading/reviewing)