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, than you should not read this.

Chapter 125

Tsukune and Ken waited with Kota and Nagi for the girls to return from the restroom. It was a simple fact of life that something that boys could do in five minutes took girls thirty. After seeing his girlfriends perform their morning rituals, Tsukune never again questioned why a trip to the restroom would take so long. And if anybody ever asked him about it, he knew that he would tell them that being patient was worth it.

"Tsukune," Nagi asked. "Why does everybody seem to listen to you?"

"I don't know," Tsukune said. "It started in my first year, when we were electing the class manager."

"You stood up and took charge?" Nagi questioned.

"No," Tsukune scoffed at the idea. "Mizore nominated me. I tried to refuse, but nobody would listen."

"Why'd you want to refuse?" Kota asked.

"Because I'm... Because I was weak," Tsukune explained. "I had already been in fights and gotten hurt. I wanted to be as invisible as I could and just have a peaceful school life." Tsukune gave a heavy sigh. "But nobody listened to what I wanted and I was made class manager. After that, the responsibilities just kept piling up. My homeroom teacher told me to look after my classmates. The Board Chairman wanted me on the Festival Committee. When the old Public Safety Commission needed to be stopped, I went to the Board Chairman, and he put me in charge of student elections. After that, I was named head of the Student Police. One thing after another."

"How come you never told us all this before?" Nagi wanted to know. "You told us you were a part of the Student Police, but you left out all the good details."

"Because when I went home," Tsukune said. "I had to keep the truth about the school a secret. I also wanted to forget about some of the trouble I had been though."

"The reason we listen to him," Ken cut in. "Is because he has earned everybody's respect. What he's not telling you is that he was the first person to stand up to the Public Safety Commission. Him and the Newspaper Club helped protect the school from bad teachers and bad students alike."

"It's not like we wanted to," Tsukune tried to argue.

"I'm a third year," Ken reminded him. "I remember when the leader of the Public Saefety Commission wanted to kill you."

"Really?" Kota and Nagi gaped.

"Yeah," Tsukune shrugged his shoulders uncomfortably.

"You said it yourself," Ken continued. "You went to the Board Chairman because you wanted to do something about the PSC. They had turned into the kind of gang that they were supposed to protect us from, but you were the only one to try to do something about them."

"I'm sure..." Tsukune tried to argue

"Sempai," Ken cut him off. "You earned everybody's respect by doing the right thing, over and over again. Why do you think the Board Chairman made you acting Headmaster when he was sick?"

"Tsukuine?" Nagi said in surprise. "No way?"

"I think the Board Chairman just likes to watch me suffer," Tsukune pouted.

"Then there is that business with the police," Ken went on. "Did Tsukune tell you about that?"

"No," Kota replied.

"Tell us," Nagi prompted.

"You're enjoying this, aren't you," Tsukune accused.

"I'm in the Drama Club," Ken said with a smile. "And you have enough of it two make movies." He looked at Tsukunes friends. "I don't know all the details, but Tsukune was recruited to work for the local police force. There is a whole town under the barrier, and even the adults that live near the school respect Tsukune's authority."

"No way," Nagi said in disbelief

"Cool," Kota explained.

The conversation was derailed at that point by the return of the young women of the group, with Emmy a little ahead of the others. She hugged Kota before even sitting down. Iris planted herself firmly beside Ken before embracing his arm and twining her fingers with his. Without any hesitation, Mizore reached to embrace Tsukune from behind, while Moka and Kurumu both managed to claim a place on his lap. Tsukune hugged them out of reflex. Kiyo sat close beside Nagi with a smile. She took the plushy cobra from his hands and looped it about her neck like a scarf.

"Ken," Iris gave him a sly look. "I just found out that there is a dance being held tonight."

"That's right," Ken nodded. "I remember Rune complaining about the schedule having to be changed so the dance could start by nine o'clock. Tsukune didn't want the bigger events of the festival to overlap."

"I didn't see why people should have to chose one over the other," Tsukune said. "And I wanted the Drama Club to have a good audience."

"Kota," Emmy bumped her shoulder against her boyfriend. "Do you know how to dance?"

"I... Errr," Kota blushed and tugged at his collar.

"Tsukune," Rina said as she sat as close to him as she dared. "Do you dance?"

"A little," Tsukune said, making Kurumu laugh.

"I've never tried dancing before," Nagi volunteered. "But I would like to."

"I'll dance with you," Kiyo offered.

"That would be good," Nagi said as he concentrated on the memories of watching different dances on television. "Thank you." He didn't notice the way Kiyo hid a smile behind the head of the plushy cobra as she played with it nervously.

"Iris," Ken gave her a small smile. "Would you like to go to the dance with me tonight?"

"Yes I would," Iris answered with a firm nod.

"Errrr," Kota's face was red and he had trouble facing Emmy. "I'd, ummm. That is..."

"Yes," Emmy nodded vigorously, almost as red-faced as Kota.

"Tsukune," Moka spoke up. "Remember when I told you you would owe me for helping out with the Test of Courage?"

"Yes," Tsukune said.

"I'm collecting on that debt," Moka declared. "You made a date with me before the Board Chairman dumped extra responsibilities on you. I am sure your guests will understand."

"It would be my privilege," Tsukune said as he looked into her eyes. "To by your date to the dance tonight."

"That's not fair," Kurumu protested. "You're my dancing partner."

"Yes," Tsukune nodded. "And I danced with you more then anybody else. Besides, I had already promised Moka." He frowned for a moment. "But you're right. It isn't fair." He looked back to Moka again. "But what of my duties as host?"

"Aiko and Rina can come to the dance as well," Moka said. "Perhaps something could be worked out."

"Hmmm," Tsukune nodded thoughtfully.

Aiko wondered what was going through his mind. She would like to participate in the dance, and Tsukune was the only boy she knew well, but how would that work out. She watched Tsukune as he seemed to worry at the problem for a moment.

"Hmmm," Tsukune counted on his fingers for a moment. "First dance would have to be with Moka," Tsukune said, thinking out loud. "Then there is the last dance. One dance out of six for everybody after that." He looked back at Moka. Does it sound like I'm being conceited?"

"What six are your counting?" Moka frowned.

"You," Tsukune started counting off. "Ummm, Ura-chan, Aiko, Kurumu, Rina, and Mizore."

"I guess," Moka said slowly.

"Who is Ura chan?" Rina questioned.

"Tsukune," Kurumu protested. "Why do you have to bring her into this?"

"I'm trying to be fair," Tsukune argued.

"But the other Moka is never fair," Kurumu complained.

"What other Moka?" Rina asked.

"I don't know what you're complaining about," Moka huffed. "Tonight was supposed to be my chance to dance with Tsukune."

"But I want to be with Tsukune," Kurumu demanded.

"He promised me first," Moka said hotly.

"No," Kurumu started to push at Moka. "It's not fair that you..."

"Hold it," Tsukune said sharply. He stood up, forcing the pair to stand on their own on ether side of him. Tsukune turned to Kurumu first. "You're right. I should be fair. And out of fairness, I made a promise to Moka before anyone else." Tsukune turned to Moka. "Moka, I was trying to be a good friend to everybody, and that was wrong of me. I'm sorry. I made a promise to you. If you feel that I can still uphold my duties as host, I would like to take you to the dance tonight." He raised his hand and youki, and touched the rosario seal lightly. "I would like to dance with you also. Is there a way we can come to a agreement?"

There was a collective gasp from the group. When Tsukune touched the seal, silver highlights flowed into Moka's pink hair and her irises were lined with red. Outer Moka felt a tingle run though her body and it became heavy, as if she was on the edge of sleep.

Inner Moka was stunned. She had been aware, even if it was a little distantly, of what was happening around her outer self, but suddenly she was much more awake and aware, it was almost the same as when the seal was removed, but her strength was absent. She realized that Tsukune was trying to talk with her directly without removing the seal in front of everybody. She tried to reply.

"Tsukune," Moka's voice was off pitch and a little slurred. "You surprise me." She reached up to touch his face, While her body moved according to her commands, it took concentration. Once her hand reached its goal, Moka was rewarded by the feel of his warm skin against her fingertips. "When did you think this up?"

"I wasn't sure it would work," Tsukune said. "But I felt that you have been closer lately."

"You're too sweet," Moka smiled. She lowered her hand with a sigh. "Give us a moment to talk this out. There are rules of etiquette to follow."

"Yes," Tsukune nodded. "Thank you," Tsukune lowered his hand.

"Tsukune," Moka protested as her pink hair returned to normal. "You didn't have to bring her into this."

"But..." Tsukune tried to explain.

"Alright," Moka hissed with a frown, looking down at the ground for a moment. "Just a..."

"What just happened?" Aiko questioned. The conversation between Tuskune and Moka had been disjointed and she was having trouble making sense of it. Now Moka was having some kind of internal conversation, and she looked unhappy with whatever voice she was hearing in her head."

"I'll be honest with you," Tsukune said, sitting down again. "I made a promise to Moka to go to the dance with her tonight. The only reason I was going to break that promise is because the Board Chairman told me to be your host during your visit, because if I don't do as he says, he has threatened to expel me from school. I have been his scape goat and personal errand boy for two years now."

"That's horrible," Aiko protested.

"How can he get away with that?" Rina demanded.

"Because I never really belonged here," Tsukune explained. "I am a nobody that got in on accident."

"You should stand up for yourself," Nagi said.

"And what?" Tsukune huffed. "If I got expelled, I would have been sent away from the school and I would not have been able to see my friends again. They would have been left alone to face a dangerous gang, and I couldn't let that happen."

"Late me ask you this," Tsukune challenged Nagi. "If you found out that some powerful business men, the kind that could make your career with a word, were going to be harassing unescorted girls at the dance, and the men wanted you to stay away from Kiyo so they would have an easy target, what would you do?" He looked around the table. "What would any of you do?"

"To hell with them," Nagi snorted.

"Not going to happen," Kota practically growled, pulling Emmy a little closer.

Ken really did growl, but it still made Iris smile a little.

"Right," Tsukune nodded. "So I stayed at school, and I have and will do everything I can to make sure the people that I love are safe and happoofff..."

Tsukune's words were cut off and his wind knocked out of him as he was suddenly tackled to the ground. Moka, Kurumu, and Mizore had all tried to embrace him at once, knocking is chair over and landing the four of them into a tumbled heap. Aiko watched the happy brawl with a small smile on her lips and tears in her eyes. Tsukune's emotional words had touched her.

XxXxX

By the time Tsukune had his uniform brushed off and was back in his seat, the girls were having an excited conversation about the dance. It was a conversation that the boys were not invited to participate in. As the girls talked they moved off in a tight little group of their own. Tsukune gave them a look and shook his head. He would never understand women.

Left to themselves, Tsukune, Kota, and ken relaxed for a moment. Nagi kept frowning and looked to over where the girls were gathered. Kiyo was still wearing the plushy cobra like a fashion accessory. To the others, it was clear that he was wondering what he had gotten himself into. Tsukune knew he wasn't qualified to give any advice about women, so he kept his mouth shut. He simply scanned the area to see if there was anything that needed his attention. Ken distracted himself by pulling out a battered copy of a script, while Kota used the opportunity to take some pictures. The brief respite came to an end as Kurumu came over to them.

"Tsukune," She said as she leaned in to hug him. "Will you do something for me?"

"Oh?" Tsukune responded cautiously. "What would that be?"

"I want you to make me a promise," Kurumu said. "I want you to be mine tomorrow evening. You'll be my date and escort all evening. In return, I promised Moka that I wouldn't cause any problems tonight."

"After Kota and the rest leave," Tsukune clarified.

"Yes," Kurumu nodded.

"Alright," Tsukune said. "It's a date."

"Thank you," Kurmu gave him a squeeze and a kiss on the cheek. "See you tomorrow." She hurried back to the other girls for a quick conference, and then bounded off to tend to her own business.

Tsukune sighed and shook head head.

"What?" Nagi asked.

"That's is going to cost me later," Tsukune explained.

"I don't understand," Nagi frowned.

"You will someday," Ken said with a crooked smile. "Probably sooner then you think." He gave a look that directed the guys' attention to the fact that the girls were coming back.

"We've reached an accommodation," Moka said. "Tsukune, you are my date to the dance. But in the interests of coexistence, you will also be escorting Aiko and Rina."

"Alright," Tsukune said, coming to his feet. He knew there was more coming.

"We will be going back to the village now," Moka continued. "We're going to start getting ready. We will watch the play together, have dinner, and then go to the dance. You and the others should take some time to get ready also."

"We will," Tsukune assured her.

The group broke up after that. Ken and Emmy had to get back to the Drama Club. Nagi was left momentarily stunned by a hug from Kiyo. She, along with the rest of the young women then departed for the village. Tsukune turned to his two friends with a crooked grin.

"So," Tsukune said. "What would you like to do now?"

XxXxX

It was an interesting, spontaneous event. Moka, Aiko, Kiyo, Rina, and Iris returned to the village while chatting excitedly, with a handful of Student Police following discreetly. They stopped off at Moka and Kiyo's house first, so the two young youkai women could collect some things. From there it was to the manor house. The young human women had not been expecting a dance, and had packed uniforms and only a little in the way of casual clothes. There wasn't enough time to do any real shopping, so that meant that the young women would have to get creative.

Ruby knew that a happy Moka helped make for a happy Tsukune, so she was ready to help out. She raided her extensive wardrobe for outfits that could be made to fit the occasion. Moka already had her outfit for the dance planed out, but was more then willing to enjoy the excitement of helping out the others. Kiyo had not planned to attend the dance, but she felt confident that she could put together the right look for the evening. Collectively, the young women went through the available things to put outfits together.

Once the base outfits were decided upon, it was time to think about accessories. Again, the human girls were disadvantaged by their lack of foreknowledge of the dance. Moka, Kiyo, and Ruby all offered the loan of some jewelry to help the visitors. Creativity was the word of the day. Kiyo borrowed from Runy's sewing kit to add some personal touches to the plushy cobra, which she intended to include as an accessory to her outfit, much like a featherless boa.

"I'll admit," Kiyo said. "You're not like what I expected." She was carefully adding glitter highlights to the plushy reptile while the human girls were waiting for their nail polish to dry.

"What do you mean?" Aiko asked as she added a tiny bow it Rina's right pinky's nail.

"Humans," Kiyo said. "Before coming here, I lived near a farming village. There weren't a lot of people to talk to, and they were all country folk. They were never happy to see my family, but they never said anything where I could hear them about why. When I came here, I heard lots of stories about how badly humans treated others. But you're different then I expected."

"You're not human then?" Rina asked, hoping she didn't sound nervous.

"No," Kiyo shook here head. "Did you think I was?"

"Well..." Rina shrugged her shoulders.

"You are so convincing," Aiko said. "I know you're not supposed to let it show, that you're other then human. Sometimes we forget, you act so normal."

"I am normal," Kiyo said. "In my mind I am. I my not have a human body, but I am still a person, a woman with dreams like anybody else."

"Well said," Moka approved. "Tsukune is always saying that it is what is in a person's heart that is important."

"Master is very special," Ruby said with a sigh.

"Yes," Rina nodded with a small sigh of her own. She shot Moka a sly look. "You know... I bet that my parents would be excited if I were to bring him home to meet them."

"Rina," Aiko criticized her classmate.

"What?" Rina countered, looking towards her. "You've said the same thing before."

"That was at school," Aiko reminded her. "Not in front of Tsukune's girlfriend."

"So what?" Rina argued. "I gave up being sneaky because of Tsukune. It's better to let Moka know how I feel." She turned back to Moka. "I'm sure you appreciate knowing who your competition is. Given the opportunity, I think I could be very happy with Tsukune."

"Are you insane?" Kiyo demanded. "Do you know who you're talking to?"

"It's alright," Moka soothed. "I know Tsukune better then anybody. He is a good man from a loving family, and I am sure he could make any woman happy. That's just the kind of person he is."

"You're not concerned that I might try to take him?" Rina asked.

"I trust Tsukune," Moka said confidently. "He has always been loyal to me, and I know that he always will be."

Rina didn't have a comeback, so she turned her attention back to what Aiko was doing to her nails. She shared a quick look with her classmate and saw that she was thinking the same thing. Moka's confidence in her relationship was a wonderful and powerful thing. They both felt jealous of her, and wished they could find someone to believe in so completely.

XxXxX

Tsukune adjusted his tie and tried not to smile at his friends' discomfort. Chiho and Botan had welcomed Tsukune and his guests upon their return tot he manor, and had told them that there were not to be allowed up stairs, at Moka's request. Tsukune was smart enough to know not to challenge Moka's request, and had settled for sending Botan to announce his return and to summon Ruby. Ruby had been quick to come at her master's command. Tsukune gave her a list of things to collect from his room so he could prepare for the evening. He then gave instructions concerning his friends. After a good and thorough washing, the trio of young men went to the guest room, where Nagi and Kota were staying, to get dressed. Ruby was there, with his silk uniform, ready to help him dress. Botan had Kota's uniform cleaned, pressed, and laid out on the bed, and stood ready to assist him. Chiho was similarly ready to take care of Nagi.

"Gentlemen," Tsukune said. "The maids will turn their backs while you put on your underthings. After that, they will help you get ready for tonight."

Following his instructions, the maids turned their backs. Ruby stood apart from the other maids, so her back was to Tsukue's friends, but he was facing him. She had a smile on her face so innocent that it made her look guilty of murder.

"Tsukune," Kota said while holding his robe tightly closed. "This isn't necessary."

"Sure it is," Tsukune said as he handed his robe to Ruby. "This is your chance to live the high life and have personal attendants."

"But we really don.. Oh my god!" Nagi explained.

Nagi had turned to face Tsukune as he spoke, and got his first look at his friend's impressive collection of scars. They had taken turns using the guest bathroom because it wasn't very big. One would wash while the other two stood in the hall on guard, and chatting through the door.

"What on Earth happened to you?" Nagi questioned.

"This school happened to me," Tsukune said.

"But why?" Nagi persisted.

"Get dressed and I'll tell you," Tsukune said even as he pulled up his own boxers. "I already told you this school is for teaching youkai to fit in with the human world. But not all youkai want to fit in. And remember, humans can be violent and dangerous all on our own."

"But if it's that dangerous," Nagi demanded. "Why did you stay once you found out what was going on here?"

"I stayed for Moka," Tsukune said, as if it was the most natural thing in the world. On the very first day we met, she asked me to be her friend. It made her so happy, I made her happy by saying that I would be her friend, that it was like... Like magic. I thought about leaving. I even started for the bus stop, intending to run back home. But I heard Moka yelling. She was in danger. I said that I would be her friend. If I had left, if I had abandoned her, I could have never have lived with myself."

"But you're human," Nagi protested. "What could you do against a monster?"

"I could try," Tsukune said firmly. "I could give Moka a chance to run away." Tsukune saw that his friends had their undergarments in place. "Ladies, you can turn around."

"Ehhh?" Kota blushed.

"Wait," Nagi protested.

"Let them do their jobs," Tsukune said. "After I helped Moka," Tsukune continued his story. "I decided to stay. Because I stayed, because I was willing to stand up for what I believe in, and to protect my friends, I got hurt a lot. In the beginning, I was weak. I was just another human teenager. But because I stayed, because I wanted to be able to stay with my friends and protect them, I became stronger."

Tsukune's friends had been distracted by his story. Once he stopped talking, they became more aware of the maids. Tsukune calmly accepted Ruby's help, even if she was inclined to touch him at every opportunity. Botan and Chiho on the other hand had their work cut out for them. Nagi was so tense that for Chiho it was almost like dressing a mannequin. Botan kept pouting, as if on the edge of tears, and lamented on her failure to be a good maid, guilt tripping Kota into letting her do everything for him. Tsukune didn't want to smile because that would ruin the effect. He figured that after this, if he ever wanted to complain a little about getting too much attention from Ruby, or any of the others, Nagi and Kota would show him at least a little sympathy.

XxXxXxXxX

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

XxXxX

'Time heals all wounds,' The old saying goes, but it is misleading. A wound left alone my heal, leaving only a scar, a memory of the original injury. Or it my fester. The injury itself is only the starting point. It becomes infected by contaminants that find the injury as the perfect place to grow. As the infection grows, consuming the tissue around the original injury, it poisons the body. Even a small cut, if left on treated can give way to rot that consume an entire hand. If left untreated, the wound will fester and the infection will spread, until it consumes the very life of its host. Yes, time will heal the wound, but only after it has claimed lives and crippled dreams. Only once enough time has passed that nobody remembers, can the wound be considered healed.

There are many kinds of wounds. The tiniest little nicks and cuts that come from our daily lives are a part of the price we pay for living. The athlete, reaching for his goals, wounds his body in countless ways as he pushes to be better. Every conflict leaves wounds on victor and the defeated. Wounds to the ego can be the most dangerous. There doesn't need to be a physical injury to hurt someone's pride. The damage my be inflicted by nothing more then the perception of the individual so wounded. But once the wound is there, it is as real as a cut from a knife.

Left untreated, a wound can fester, poisoning the body. The strength of the body can be the deciding factor of whether the wound will heal, or if the infection will spread beyond saving. Wounded egos are no exception. The fragile ego may be destroyed by a single word, needing to rebuilt anew. Even after the physical injury is healed and the body appears whole, a wounded pride may fester, slowly poisoning the mind and soul.

Kal was no exception to the rule. He and his companion, Stein, were proof that infections of the ego can be every bit as stubborn as those of the flesh. They had graduated from the academy by the narrowest of margins, by virtue of being able to run away when someone's back had been turned. The had slipped away into the festival night a year prior and hid out in their rooms until their bodies had healed. At first it had been enough that they were alive and free, but having escaped physically had wounded them within. There was always the nagging doubt about their choice. They had to question if running away had been smart, or an act of cowardice.

Like most infections, it didn't start right away. It took months for their relief at escaping punishment to be consumed by the anger at being beaten. The anger became a seed of hate that slowly began to fester. Time passed, and the pair graduated. They had to go out into the uncaring world to make their way as best they could. Kal found a job changing light bulbs and pushing broom at a resort. Stein pulled weeds and hunted rodents to protect the perfect greens of a golf course. They shared an apartment, hated their lives, and themselves, and the person they blamed for their failure. It didn't mater to them that they never even tried to go to college, or to train for a vocation. The world that had seemed so bright and full of promise a year before graduation had turned cold, and reality had been harsh.

Once upon a time Kal and Stein knew what they wanted in life, and that they would get it. The Outcast Ayashi had been the perfect place to find others that would help them take what they wanted, but the gang had been broken before it had a chance. Kal and Stein had not been there that day, but their names had been listed, and that list had been passed on.

Fairy Tail had tried to infiltrate the Youkai Academy. The Outcast Ayashi had been the first, and the easiest plan. A few whispered words in the right ears had started the plan into motion, but it had faltered. Recruiting the ousted leadership of the Public Safety Commission should had required little more then what the organization had plenty of; money. Buying an election was an proven way to manipulate the masses after all. But once again the plan failed, and everybody who had been involved was known. Kal and Stein had been scratched off Fairy Tail's list for recruitment. When they graduated, they found that the organization wouldn't talk to them.

Kal and Stein spent many hours drinking and lamenting over their lost futures. If they had not been beaten down, as the saw it, they would have been able to take what they wanted from life. As time passed, hate festered within them. Their egos became septic, poisoning their reasoning. As if it was some kind of fever, the desire for revenge burned within them.

Like so many, Kal and Stein never considered taking responsibility for their own choices. They had succeeded in casting away their own futures and opportunities. Never thinking seriously about the future, left them with little choice but to repeat the mistakes of their past. What seemed like a good idea after a night of drinking turned into action. A bad idea became a badly planed plot that they hoped would give them the life they never earned, and should have never expected.