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 118

Monday arrived at the Youkai Academy with an unseasonal wind that left a chill in the air. Moka greeted the morning air with a small smile and a sigh. She joined her friends in front of Tsukune's house, eager to wish him a good morning. The School festival was only three and a half days away, and the whole school was abuzz with anticipation. The clubs were going all out this year, so the grounds were filled with booths. The few places to rent rooms in the local town had every room reserved, and a few already occupied, by family or alumni that would be attending the festival. Moka had made sure to get Tsukune to promise to be her date to the school dance that was going to be a part of the festival. He had also promised to be her escort to the opening night of the School Festival. Thursday, she and Kokoa would be working the Newspaper Club booth, selling scrap books that contained articles about the school's changes over the past two years, as well as stories about school events like the sports festivals and Drama Club performances. The scrap books were intentionally being only partially filled in, so that who ever bought one could add whatever they wanted. The Photography Club, in addition to their photo booth, was also selling reprints of pictures they had taken around the school, of special event or anything that had caught their eye. The clubs that held events would have extra copies of their programs available if anybody wanted them for their scrapbooks as well. Moka couldn't help thinking about all that was going on for the School Festival, and she wasn't the only one. While most of the student body was focused on the festival however, Moka had trouble giving it her full attention. Her mind was on Tsukune. As she waited for him to join her, she had to wrestle with her worry for him. With the exception of her friends at school, there was only one person she could turn to for advice.

Moka had written to Tsukune's mother a few times during the year, mostly to be polite, and had been thrilled to get letters back. She had written to the woman recently hoping for some advice on how to keep Tsukune from over working himself. The reply had been nice, but less then helpful. Tsukune's mother apparently had a hard time believing that her son had become such a hard worker. Moka knew that a part of the woman's lack of understanding of the situation came from having to be kept in the dark about what the school was really like, and all that Tsukune had to deal with. For a brief moment, her worries and frustrations were pushed aside when Tsukune's front door opened and he stepped out side. For a brief moment, Moka was content to see that Tsukune was there, still in his school uniform and a part of her life. For that brief moment, Moka could feel calm and happy. Then the moment was over, brought to an end as Kurumu, Mizore, Yukari, and herself all tried to get close to Tsukune at once.

XXxxXX

Tsukune wondered, if after he was out of school, he could find a way to work from Tuesday to Saturday, and avoid Mondays all together. Maybe he could learn to make one of those pocket worlds, like Paradise, where he could hide out until Mondays were over. If he managed that, Tsukune wondered if he would escape his bad luck, or if it would migrate over to Tuesday and wait for him there. As it was, Tsukune was tempted to take the morning off. He had the authority to do so if he wanted, and he knew his friends would be willing to help him catch up on anything he missed. But it was only a stray thought as he put himself together. If he took the morning off, he would miss out on time he could spend with Moka, Kurumu, and Mizore. With a final check he made sure his uniform and face were looking proper, and then it was time to go. He gave Ruby a kiss on the lips and a caress on the cheek, because she had been working so hard to look after him, and headed out the door.

Looking back, Tsukune realized that his mistake had been when he had ignored his impulse to go back to bed. The day had started out well, and he had a pace going that should have been able to carry him through the week. As long as no serious problems came up, he should have been fine. He and his friends had actually arrived to class a little early, which was a good thing. All of the desks were crowded forward a little because the back of the room was taken up with things for the festival. Nekonome Sensei was practically drooling with anticipation. The class would be running the traditional goldfish scooping, and already had a schedule made out to keep their teacher from eating the stock.

Tsukune and his friends were able to get to their seats without difficulty thanks to their early arrival. As more of their classmates arrived it became harder to move around in the room. By the time their teacher arrived more then a few students had voiced some choice expletives after kicking a desk or chair leg.

"Good morning," Nekonome Sensei said cheerfully as she entered. She paused to look at the signs for the goldfish scooping booth with a dreamy look in her eyes. "Now so you won't be surprised, there has been a change in this weeks schedule. As you know, the plan is to have the festival start Thursday evening. It was decided that we will be canceling classes after lunch Thursday to give everybody a little more time to get things finished in time." She paused for a moment to let the excited murmurs rise and fall in reaction to her words. "I just found out that we will be having some special guests attending the festival this year, so everybody will have to be on their best behavior." The level of excitement climbed another notch. "Tsukune," Nekonome Sensei called out. "Please see the Board Chairman right away."

Tsukune's Monday started its downward slide. Not only did he have to miss his first class of the day, which if he knew was going to happen he would have slept in after all, he had to work his way between the crowded desks. He was tempted to just walk over the tops of the desks, or dive out the window beside him. Murmuring apologies as he went, Tsukune made his way out of the room. Tsukune wasn't looking forward to seeing the Board Chairman, because he knew it could only mean one thing at the moment. He was about to be handed a new responsibility.

When he reached the outer office, Tsukune could tell that his day was going to get more sour then he had thought. Ruby was at her desk, looking uncomfortable. A first year boy from the Student Police was at the 'security desk,' the Board Chairman had decided that he liked having an honor guard so the desk had become a duty everybody had to take turns manning, looking nervous. Ruby got up from her seat to announce Tsukune. When Tsukune entered the inner office, he felt the hairs on the back of his neck stand up, and wished the door behind him had stayed open.

"Welcome my boy," The Board Chairman said with ab road, creepy smile. "Come on in here."

"Yes sir," Tsukune said, approaching the desk. He looked around discreetly, trying to read the situation.

Six large chairs were arranged in a semi-circle facing the Board Chairman's desk. Beside each chair was an attendant dressed in long robes. In each of the chairs was a three dimensional silhouette of a person made out of smokey shadows with glowing eyes. Tsukune stopped at the edge of the semi-circle.

"Come forward," The board Chairman instructed. "Stand in front of my desk so the board members can get a good look at you."

"Yes sir," Tsukune acknowledged as he followed directions. It took only a small hand gesture from the Board Chairman to tell Tsukune what he should do next. Tsukune turned to face the shadow filled chairs and gave a bow.

"I am Aono Tsukune," He introduced himself. "Third year, Class One."

"And," The Board Chairman prodded.

"I am our class manager," Tsukune continued, listing his titles and duties. "I serve as the editor of the school newspaper, Captain of the Student Police, head of the School Festival Committee, and head of the Dance Committee. I was also the head of the Student Election Committee. Currently I work part time as an officer of the local police force, and I recently served as an assistant to the Board Chairman."

"I like his fire," A gravelly voice came from one of the chairs. "I approve."

"Yes," A voice like a distant waterfall agreed. "I think he will serve nicely."

"You know that you can't keep him, don't you Mikogami?" Said a voice that sounded like the hissing of rain. "There is a light shining on him."

"I am aware of that, Lady Kuroi Sora," The Board Chairman replied. "But he is mine until he graduates."

A round of laughter rose in response to the Board Chairman's possessive words. Tsukune felt his back itch and wondered if there was a way he could graduate early, possible by the end of lunch. He didn't like it when the Board Chairman was paying too much attention to him, and now the whole board was looking him over. A small part of him wanted to look to see if he was wearing a price tag somewhere.

"I like your thinking Mikogami," Lady Kuroi Sora said. "I approve of your plan and with your choice of representatives."

"I think this will lead to disaster," Said a voice that sounded like ripping parchment. "You will be rebuilding the school again after this."

"Perhaps," The Board Chairman said. "But the boy has performed well so far,"

"Would you like to make a wager?" Asked the forth voice. "If things turn out well you can have your expansion, but if it comes crashing down in fire and destruction, then I get to chose your new school uniforms, and your expansion has to wait at least another three years."

"Agreed," The Board Chairman said with confidence.

"This is going to get ugly," The fifth voice sounded like the crackle of static electricity as it spoke. "Sound like fun. I consent to your plans at this time."

"Then it is unanimous," A voice like a choir of reeds said. "If your test goes well, we will endorse your plans to expand the school."

"I am glad you all approve," The Board Chairman said. He then focused his attention on Tsukune. He anticipated the boy's discomfort and didn't bother resisting the urge to smile. He thought the board might enjoy what came next as well.

"Boy," The Board Chairman said. "I have some instructions for you..."

XX XX XX XX

Tsukune came out of the Board Chairman's office feeling like his stomach was filled with hot, sharp rocks. He swore that the man kept dumping things on him just for the fun of watching him suffer. It reminded him of an old historical drama where a Samurai was put through embarrassing challenges to prove his loyalty, for the entertainment of the court. In the end, after much suffering, the Samurai was well rewarded, posthumously, and the court was purged of the members that had tried to make him fail. Tsukune doubted that his challenges would end with as much happiness. He took a moment to collect his thoughts and rein in his anger. He approached the Student Police member on duty.

"I have a job for you," Tsukune said to the boy. "In the drawer there should be a list of names and classes." Tsukune heard a soft gasp from Ruby and suppressed a sigh. He knew he had people watching out for him, and was glad, even if it was irritating that they didn't think he was capable of taking care of himself. Sometimes Tsukune felt that his friends just didn't have any faith in him. He let his feelings blunder about in the back of his mind while the boy found the list.

"Start with Kumi and Rumi," Tsukune said. "They're together, and will give you two more people to start with. Pass word to everybody on that list to meet me, oh..." Tsukune paused for a moment to think. "Have them meet me in the Newspaper Club room at the start of lunch."

"Yes sir," The boy acknowledged his orders. He took the list and left at a quick walk.

"Now," Tsukune turned to Ruby. "Do you know what the Board Chairman wanted with me?"

"No," Ruby said. "He only told me to show you in when you arrived."

"I see," Tsukune sighed. "Alright. Ruby, go on back to the house and start packing..."

"What?" Ruby was on her feat, panic in her eyes. "Tsukune No!"

"It's not like that," Tsukune was quick to sooth her. "Pack up all of our things. We are being moved out of the house. The Board Chairman has a new job for me, and you're coming too."

"Really?" Ruby went from scared to happy in a flash.

"Really," Tsukune said with a plastic smile and tired eyes. "Go on ahead, and I'll meet you at the house later to explain everything."

"Yes, Tsukune," Ruby moved like she had springs in her legs as she left the office.

Xx xx xx xX

The Newspaper Club's room was crowded come lunch time. Not only was the Newspaper Club in full attendance, minus Ruby and Nekonome Sensei, but so were the additional people Tsukune had summoned. Akira and Sheezu, along with Inari, Tama, and The Twins, were present. Also there was Yuu from the Festival Committee, and Tsukune's assistant, Kiri from the Dance Committee, who was also a member of the Student Police. The list that Tsukune had seen in that desk drawer himself was of the people he knew were best able to help him if any difficulties came up while working as headmaster.

"Thank you all for coming," Tsukune said, beginning the meeting. "I know we are all busy with the festival preparations right now, so I am sorry that I have to ask you to take on some of my responsibilities." Tsukune had to wait while everybody took the time to express their willingness to help him. "The reason why I asked you to come is because the Board Chairman is going to have some special guests attending the school festival this year. He has not told me who, or why. He only told me that it is important, gravely important to the school, that the festival be a success. We have to make sure that the festival is a success at being a 'normal' school festival. Most of the people attending are students and alumni who know they are supposed to act and look human, but sometimes people get carried away."

"Akira," Tsukune said to his second in command. "I am in charge of seeing to the comfort and safety of our guests, so am going to be counting on you to keep on top of things with the Student Police. You're the next captain, so think of this as a practical test. Don't be afraid to call for help if you need it, but try to plan ahead so you won't. I know the Student Police will support you."

"You can count on me," Akira said with a nod and a nervous smile.

"Yuu and Kiri," Tsukune called to out his committee assistants next. "As of now, you are effectively the heads of your committees. If you need any help, you can come to me, but at this point everything should already be arranged. There will be a bunch of last minute details, but go ahead and use your best judgment. Take your time to think things through, and I'm sure you will do fine."

"Kokoa," Tsukune addressed the young vampire. "I am sorry to ask this of you, but you are going to have to work our club booth with little support. Yukari," Tsukune looked to the witch. "I want you with her. You've been with the club longer so you know all about it, but I want Kokoa in charge. She will be in charge next year, so she should get some experience at it."

"Kokoa," Tsukune looked back to her. "Don't be afraid to do a little recruiting if you get the chance. Aim for first years, and if any of the visiting families have children that will be starting next year, try to get them interested too."

"Right," Yukari pumped a fist in the air. "Count on us."

"Alright," Kokoa said with a serious nod.

"Thank you," Tsukune said to the younger girls. He turned to the other Newspaper Club members.

Moka, Kurumu, and Mizore," Tsukune gave them a smile. "I need to ask you for your help. I don't know who the 'special guests' are going to be, but I want you to help me take care of them. I am sorry that I will be taking away your time to enjoy the festival."

"You know you can count on us," Moka said.

"We're all yours, Tsukune," Kurumu said with a wink.

"Yes," Mizore said.

"Thank you everybody," Tsukune said.

XxXx

Ruby was filled with nervous excitement. As soon as she left the Board Chairman's office she had started planning how to pack up the house. She started in on Tsukune's room first, for two very clear reasons. First was because he had the least amount of stuff to pack. She had everything of his neatly boxed up, in only two boxes and two bags, in little more then an hour. The second reason was because he was her Master. He was more important, so his belongings were more important then hers. Next, Ruby attacked her own room. She had some things to pack that she would have preferred to keep Tsukune unaware of for the time being. While she was more then willing to have Tsukune see her assorted undergarment, there was a time and place for everything, but packing them into boxes was neither. Ruby hurried to get the most personal things packed first. She knew it was in Tsukune's personality to be helpful, and wanted to be able to accept his help, rather then have to find some excuse to decline. Besides, if she could get everything ready before he came back to the house, Ruby would like to be working closely with Tsukune as they packed things up. Likewise she wanted to help him unpack later. It would be a very newlywed thing to do, and she did have her fantasies after all.

Tsukune returned to the house after lunch. He admitted freely to himself that he had lingered with his friends for the pleasure of their company, and only felt a little bad about Ruby left to labor alone for the extra time. When he returned, he was not surprised to see his belongings packed. He thought that Ruby's second priority would have been the kitchen. When he saw that she was busy with her own things, he left her to her work. There were some things a man just shouldn't mess with, and judging by how particular girls were with clothing, Tsukune felt it was best to stay out of Ruby's way until it came time for the heavy lifting. He thought about getting started on packing up the kitchen, but as he almost never used it himself, Tsukune felt he should wait and see if Ruby had a preference for how she wanted it done. Tsukune finally settled on the task of moving the things that were already packed.

Tsukune had taken advantage of his authority and knowledge to plan for the move. With most of the setting up for the festival taken care of, it was no problem for him to borrow a cart to help with his moving. He loaded the packed boxes onto the cart, and when he had caught up to what Ruby had done, he pushed the cart down the street.

Ruby was a little disappointed that Tsukune had not insisted on helping her pack, but had to admire him for knowing when to stay out of the way. He had moved the loaded boxes out of her way, and that was helpful, but she was a little curious about where he would take them. So far she didn't even know where they were moving to. They could be moving up to the main school building. There were rooms built into it for the faculty. The Board Chairman lived there, and Ruby had for a while too. There was a chance they were being moved into the town as well. Tsukune did have responsibilities there after all. Ruby continued to ponder the question as she continued packing.

After her room was done, Ruby took on the kitchen. Tsukune reappeared for a time, moving packed boxes outside, before leaving again. Ruby wondered if he was somehow using Hiru to help him. Packing of the kitchen didn't take very long, and the bathroom was a snap. The house had been furnished when they had moved in, so Ruby didn't worry about the appliances and such things. When Tsukune started carrying boxes out of the house again, Ruby was free to help him. She saw the cart he was loading them onto, and finally gave in to her curiosity.

"Tsukune?" Ruby asked. "Where are we moving to?"

"Have a seat," Tsukune said, gesturing to an open space on the cart as he finished loading the last box. "You've done most of the work, so you deserve a break."

"I'm fine," Ruby said.

"Sit down," Tsukune ordered.

"Yes," Ruby gave a little smile as she obeyed.

"The Board Chairman invited some special guests to the festival," Tsukune explained. He started pushing the cart. "And he told me that I will be their host, representing the school during their visit."

"Who is coming?" Ruby asked.

"He didn't say," Tsukune made a sour face. "He only told me what he expected of me, and that he expected me to do a good job."

"But that doesn't explain why we had to move out of the village," Ruby observed.

"We're not moving out of the village," Tsukune said. "But now that I am a 'Representative of the Youkai Gakuen' I need to live up to people's expectations of my position. Also, the house we were in was too small for me to host guests." Tsukune turned the cart about so Ruby was facing in the direction of travel. "We're moving in there," Tsukune said, waving his arm at the manor house at the end of the street.