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 127

Kal, like most other of the failed Outcast Ayashi, was less than satisfied with his youkai form. He was an unfortunate cross breed between a shaggy forest spirit and a reptile. His youkai body was thin, and only his fur kept him from looking emaciated. His fur was the largest part of his self dissatisfaction. His parentage had combined to have an unfortunate effect, mixing fur with scales. Most of his fur was coarse and glossy, making him look oily and unclean no mater how much he washed. To add to his woes his forearm had long, almost whip-like strands that hung almost to the ground. His body lacked the strength or endurance to be a good fighter. Nor did he have any natural weapons. If he flailed his arms around, his strands could make small cuts and leave some stinging welts, but that was it. His only asset was high dexterity.

Stein was also unsuited for any real fighting on his own. He didn't even know what his parentage was, but he still felt as if he had been given a raw deal. While his strength was decent, he was slow. In his youkai form, he looked a lot like a frog, but with thicker arms and legs. His scalp and back, all the way down the backs of his limbs, were covered with thick, pearly scales. The ones along his spine were flattened spikes over a meter long. They came in shorter the further from his spine they grew. His scales would make good weapons if only he had the speed and dexterity to use them, but he didn't. To add insult to injury, Stein's front was tender, covered with sensitive skin that was almost translucent.

The pair were unsuited for any kind of brawl, but they did have a plan. Stein's scales came free without any pain and grew back in about an hour. Kal, because of his dexterity had a single, almost useful talent suited for a violent life. He was good at throwing things. Together they would wait for a chance to strike.

Once they arrived at the Youkai Academy Festival, Ken and Stein had no trouble gathering information. Information about Aono Tsukune was abundant. They heard all about his rise in status, and how he now lived in the old manor house. They also heard about the special guests to the festival. Ken and Stein smiled darkly at each other. All they had to do was wait, and their revenge would be assured.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Several things happened at once. A hail of projectiles started to fall towards the group. Tsukune's youki spiked strong enough for the normal humans to feel. The members of the SSS that had been shadowing the guests at a discreet distance came rushing in in response to Tsukune's shout. Moka had the presence of mind to release her hold on Tsukune's arm, so that she would be free to help him.

Tsukune felt the first of the projectiles striking against him. Most of them resembled Mizore's kuniai a little, in size and color anyway, but it was definitely not her youki that Tsukune sensed. While the projectiles hurt a little, one of them had sliced along his right temple, they offered little danger to him, but he had his guests to think about. When Moka had released his arm, it gave Tsukune some freedom to move. He turned about, anchored as he was by a terrified Aiko still clinging to his right arm. Tsukune summoned forth his wings and extended them, hoping to shelter his friends.

Having turned around, Tsukune was able to see how the rest of the group was doing. Aiko was huddled against his chest now. Moka had pulled Rina in close, so that she was safe in the lee of Tsukune's wings. Kota had hugged Emmy close and turned his back to the attack, trying to shield her with his body. Ken had transform himself an Ushi-oni, a Japanese Minotaur. He was broad shouldered and close to seven feet tall. Iris was clinging to his back with her eyes tightly closed, but safe. Tsukune saw that some of the projectiles had missed him, and some were quite long, almost swords. One of them had grazed against Nagi's hip before penetrating into the ground. He stood in front of Kiyo, who appeared angry at being shoved back. As Tsukune watched, Nagi turned to pull the pearly weapon from the ground and held it in a swordsman's stance, ready to defend Kiyo.

Tsukune felt the rain of projectiles striking his back and wings while the Student Police streamed past him. He recognized the twins in their youkai forms because they were still twins. A pair of thick featured ogres with shaggy black hair on their heads, shoulders, and other places, and thick tusks sticking up from their lower jaws. The twins charged past Tsukune's group, along with Inari, Tama, something that resembled a harpy, and some kind of wrath that went by in a blur of black and white.

The hail of projectiles stopped and the sounds of a scuffle a short distance away was easy to hear. The unseen attackers were quickly subdued, judging by how soon they stopped yelling, but the SSS made sure they were not faking being knocked out. After a few reinforcement blows, for insurance, the twins gathered up the attackers and to carry them to the hospital annex. Inari returned to Tsukune to give him a report.

Inari returned to see her captain, his uniform bloodied and torn, comforting one of the human girls. She quickly explained that there were two attackers, and they didn't look like students. They were to be taken care of, Inari reported, and then turned over to the Board Chairman's people.

Tsukune listened to her report. His youki was still running high following the attack, but he had it at least bottled up so that it wasn't washing over everybody in the area. He could feel the stinking itch of his body healing from it's minor injuries.

"Good Job, Inari," Tsukune said to her. He reached out and touched her shoulder. "Thank you for being here."

"Yes sir," Inari said in a tight voice before moving off.

Tsukune let her go, concentrating on his responsibilities to the guests. Aiko was unhurt, but badly shaken. Rina was shaken up as well, but showed it by being spitting mad and snarling expletives. She had picked up a handful the fallen projectiles, and while she looked comical with the way she clutched them in an imitation of claws, it was clear that she was ready to use them. Kota and Emmy were holding on to each other, each asking the other if they were alright. Ken, still with Iris on his back, couldn't resume his human form without being left naked. Iris, unharmed but shaken, looked confused about what she should do next. Nagi, with his improvised sword still in his hands, was getting thoroughly kissed. After taking in the situation, Tsukune turned his attention to the most immediate problem.

"Aiko," Tsukune said as gently as he could, embracing her lightly. "It's all right. It's over."

XxxXx

Aiko had been enjoying her night. Everything seemed to be going along fine. Suddenly Tsukune had tensed up and he had pushed her behind him while he yelled out. Aiko felt a wave of something wash over her that made her hair want to stand on end. She closed her eyes tightly and clung to Tsukune's arm. She had never been so afraid in her life. Her entire body was so tensed up she could hardly breath. Everything had happened so fast. Even with her eyes closed, Aiko thought she could see dark shadows moving around her. Voices had yelled out. Then it was over. Tsukune was holding her. The sense of danger was gone. But her fear remained.

"Tsukune..." Aiko managed to squeak.

"Yes, Aiko," Tsukune soothed. "I'm right here."

"Is it safe?" Aiko qustioned, her voice still cracking.

"Yes," Tsukune answered. "It's safe now, Aiko. You're safe."

She opened one eye slowly. Her face was pressed against Tsukune's chest. She opened the other eye and gave a sniff. She blinked as her vision started to blur. She sniffed again, and then the tears started streaming down her face.

"It's all right now," Moka said, pulling the girl from Tsukune. "Let's take a moment over here."

Moka managed to ease the shaken Aiko over to the side of the path to sit down for a moment. Tsukune had done well to get her to see past her blinding terror, but she wasn't ready to see Tsukune's bloody uniform just yet. With a look and a nod, she was able to get Rina to join her.

Freed of Aiko, Tsukune turned his attention to Nagi. His friend had a nasty cut on his hip, and while the bleeding didn't look life threatening, it still needed to be dressed. Tsukune started thinking about what could be used for a bandage, but Kiyo beat him to it.

"Nagi," Kiyo said. "Do you have a handkerchief?"

"Yes," He reached into his jacket and pulled one out.

"Tsukune sempai?" Kiyo questioned.

"Here," Tsukune handed his own square of silk over.

"Nagi," Kiyo said to him. "This might hurt." She pressed both handkerchiefs to the gash in his hip.

"Hold this," She said to Tsukune. While he held the cloths in place, she ripped the leg off his ruined trousers and tore it into strips with her talons. She used them to bind the gash.

Tsukune called for Hiru. Nagi should be taken care of, and the fastest way to get him to the hospital annex would be for him to ride. There was an assortment of reactions as the beast suddenly flowed into sight.

"Tama," Tsukune called out.

"Here captain," The catgirl, with most of her uniform on, appeared from the woods.

"Go with Nagi and Kiyo to the hospital," Tsukune instructed her. "If there are any problems, send Hiru back to get me."

"Yes Captain," Tama responded.

Tsukune helped his friend get situated on top of Hiru. Kiyo climbed on as well, holding on to Nagi. With Tama in the lead, they hurried from sight. With a small sigh, Tsukune turned to the next problem.

"Ken," Tsukune said to the transformed student. "Let me help her."

"Thank you," Ken said.

"I'm..." Iris tried to protest. She hated being seen as weak.

"I'm just going to lend you hand," Tsukune said as he helped her to the ground.

"But..." Iris tried to say.

As soon as he was free from supporting Iris, Ken move a little ways away from her.

"Umm," Ken was at a loss for words.

"It's alright," Tsukune said. "I'll explain everything to her."

"What?" Iris questioned. "I want to..."

"Later," Tsukune said firmly. "Ken, come over for breakfast. You can talk then."

"Thank you," Ken said with relief. "Iris, I'll see you in the morning." Ken trotted off quickly.

"Where is he going?" Iris demanded, watching him run off. She stomped her feet in frustration. "What's he doing?"

Seeing that Iris' really was all right, Tsukune started gathering up what was left of Ken's uniform. As expected he found the other student's wallet and identification, along with his room key, among the rags. Tsukue was sure Ken would work something out, so he turned his attention to Iris.

"Ken was forced to transform because he wanted to protect you," Tsukune said, holding up the rags for her inspection.

"I guessed that part on my own, thanks," Iris gave Tsukune a cross look.

"Yes," Tsukune shook the bundle of former clothes at her. "And now he wants to put some clothes on."

"What?" Iris gave Tsukune a confused look for a moment, an then she realized what he was talking about. "Oh," She blushed

"You'll have a chance to talk with him in the morning," Tsukune said. He looked around at the others. "Assuming you want to."

"Why wouldn't I?" Iris questioned.

"You tell me," Tsukune said as he turned away from her.

Tsukune saw that Moka had Aiko and Rina settled down and standing up, so he walked over towards them. Iris trailed after him as he walked by Kota and Emmy. All it took was a touch on Kota's shoulder to get the couple's attention.

"Everything alright?" Tsukune asked them.

"Yes," Kota said with a firm nod.

"Yes it is," Emmy answered with shining eyes.

"Good," Tsukune resumed his short walk over to Moka. "How are you doing?" Tsukune asked Moka, reaching out his hand to her.

"We're alright," Moka assured him, taking his hand with a warm smile.

"Good," Tsukune smiled back. "Let's get back to the village."

Everybody agreed with Tsukune's decision. They walked back to the village slowly, alert for any more trouble. Nobody relaxed until the were safely back inside the manor. Ruby and her maids welcomed them at the door. Before she could ask about what happened, Aiko kicked off her shoes and sprinted for the nearest water closet.

XxX

Once she was out in the woods, Inari leaned against a tree and closed her eyes. She had already been a little excited by the action, her body was now at its limit. That note in her captain's voice that so aroused her was there in strength, and when he touched her she had felt the power of his youki. To top it off, the scent of blood, his blood, and his own natural scent had been in the air. It had been all she could do not to offer herself to him then and there. When he had touched her, his youki had shot through her like an electric shock, igniting her flesh with desire. As she leaned against the tree, she felt her insides cramping even as her body trembled.

Inari wanted to rush back to her captain. She needed him. Her instincts told her to hurry and throw herself down on all fours in front of him, and to bite at anybody else that even came close. Inari was in full heat, and the one she wanted to mate her was to preoccupied with other women to even consider her. Even as she tried to relieve some of her frustrations herself, her voice came out as a mixed snarl and a whine that carried though the night.

XxXx

Ruby quickly provided her master with a fresh jacket and a wet towel. While the maids guided everyone else to the sitting room, Tsukune took a quick moment to clean up. He tossed the stained and torn jacket aside, and covered the equally ruined shirt with the fresh blazer. After a quick scrub of his face and hands, Tsukune felt presentable enough to rejoin the others. They were gathered together for a chance to unwind after the attack. After a few minutes, Aiko joined them.

"I am sorry about what happened," Tsukune said to everybody with a deep bow. "I am grateful that nobody was seriously injured, but I regret that you were placed in such a dangerous situation."

"It's..." Aiko's voice was still a little shaky. "It's alright." She cleared her throat. "You warned us that there could be some risks..."

"I was told that there were only two attackers," Tsukune said as he sat down beside Moka. "So I think it was somebody trying to hurt me more then anything else."

"Why would they want to hurt you?" Rina huffed. "You're one of them."

"Rina," Aiko protested.

"Well he is," Rina shot back.

"No," Moka said firmly. "Tsukune is not 'one of them.' Nor is he 'one of us.' Or any other way you want to label him. As for why..." She cut off as Tsukue lay a hand on her arm.

"They probably wanted to hurt me," Tsukune said answerred the question. "Because I did something to upset them in the past. There were some groups here at school that wanted to cause problems. Some of them were just bullies, but others wanted to destroy the school. The ones that attacked tonight didn't show themselves directly, and their attack was kind of weak. I am guessing they were somebody's followers trying for revenge, or to win some recognition."

"I have a question," Iris spoke up. She had a serious expression on her face. "You told us that this school is to help youkai learn to get along with humans. Why? Why do youkai want to get along with humans?"

"Because if we don't all get along," Tsukune said. "There is a very real danger that all the little problems will build up and erupt in an all out war between us. There are probably a million youkai in the world around us, and billions of humans. What do you think would happen if a war broke out?"

"Ahhh," Iris couldn't think of an answer.

"It would be a war that nobody could ever win," Tsukune said. "It is only by finding a way to get along that we can keep the peace."

"Tsukune," Kota asked. "How many of the students here really are youkai?"

"Errr..." Tsukune paused. He glanced around the room once before looking to Emmy.

"Kota," Emmy said to him. "Is it really important?"

"No," Kota shook his head. "I was just wondering." He shrugged his shoulders. "I mean, I know Tsukune is human. I was just wondering how many others there were here."

"Kota..." Emmy began. "No..." She turned to Tsukune. "Sempai, If you will excuse us for a moment, I would like to take Kota someplace we could talk."

"There is nobody in the dining room," Tsukune said with a nod.

"Huh?" Kota looked confused.

"It's alright," Emmy said getting to her feet. She grabbed Kota's hand and pulled him along. "I want to tell you something."

"Alright," Kota said, leaving the room with her.

"I don't get it," Rina blinked.

"Emmy is going to tell her boyfriend about herself," Moka said calmly. "She wants to be the one to tell him that she is not a human. And if he takes it badly, she does not want us all to watch her be rejected."

"That little girl is a... a...?" Rina blinked. "Why didn't anybody say anything?"

"Because it is her business," Tsukune said. "She has a right to her privacy."

"What about you?" Rina questioned. "What are you?"

"Tsukune is human," Moka said firmly.

"But..." Rina questioned.

"So how many of the students here are human besides you?" Iris asked.

"That I know of?" Tsukune said. "I am the only one. I was part of an experiment by the Board Chairman."

"That means," Aiko looked slowly towards Moka. "You're..."

"Yes," Moka said with a small nod.

"Tsukune," Rina said. "When we met... That first morning we talked. You told me that your friends were important to you. You said you gave up your life for them . Not that you would, but that you already have. What did you mean by that?"

"Before I came to this school," Tsukune explained. "Before I met Moka," he gave her a quick smile. "All I ever expected was to get though school, get a job somewhere where I would make enough money to survive, and maybe have a little family some day. I thought I would just have a normal, average life. After coming here though, I realized that an average, anonymous life was not good enough. Moka comes from an old family with long traditions. If I want to be with her, to be a part of her life, I have to work hard to do the best that I can, just to prove that I am worthy of being close to her. I had to do better in school. I have to work hard for the future that I want with her. And I had to become stronger. When I first arrived here I was a weak nobody that could not even defend myself. If I wanted to stay with Moka, then I had to give up the easy invisible life I had always expected for myself."

"Wait," Aiko said. She turned her attention to Moka. "You told us that he saved you when you were attacked. He's saying that he couldn't even save himself. Which is it?"

"When I heard Moka crying out," Tsukune explained. "I was already trying to leave, because I had realized how dangerous this place was. But when I heard her voice, I knew I couldn't abandon a friend. I rushed back to challenge the guy that was trying to attack her. I got knocked around like a doll."

"He distracted my attacker," Moka picked up the story. "I was able to get away for him and I ran to Tsukune. He was able to remove the seal that locks away my true power. After that, I was able to protect us both. If it had not been for Tsukune, it would have all been over."

"When did you learn she wasn't human?" Aiko asked Tsukune.

"I found out she was more then human the very first day I arrived," Tsukune said.

"And you still risked your life for her?" Aiko questioned.

"I had agreed to be her friend," Tsukune said. "If I hadn't gone back, then I would have hated myself for the rest of my life."

"But you knew..." Risa pressed.

"Think about it," Tsukune said. "I'm a nobody. There is and never was anything special about me. One day, I am at a strange new school, I don't know anybody there, and then I get to meet the cutest, prettiest girl in the world, and she wants to be my friend. Think how wonderful, how special that made me feel. It was as if my whole life had started when I got to see her smiling at me. Of course I would want to be her friend. And that was before I had fallen in love with Moka. Back then I was happy to be her friend, because I got to spend time with this beautiful girl that made me feel special."

"Tsukune..." Moka growled. He was doing it again.

"But what about..." Risa quiestioned.

"It doesn't mater," Tsukune said. "Even if she is more then human, it just means that I am all the more lucky to know her, and to be allowed to be with her."

"But what about when she... Changes?" Risa wanted to know.

"Moka is always beautiful," Tsukune said.

"Always?" Aiko questioned. She was aware of how the pink haired young woman was holding herself very still, as if holding herself back from doing something she would regret later.

"The... daily Moka," Tsukune said. "Is as beautiful as a field of lilies on a spring morning, with sunlight sparkling on the dew drops. When her power is released, that Moka is like the same field under a starry sky with the light of the full moon making the lilies seem to glow."

"Awww," Iris said, touched.

"What kind of..." Risa started to ask.

"It doesn't mater," Tsukune cut her off. "I love her, and..."

"I'm a vampire," Moka cut Tsukune off as she reached for him. She grabbed the collar of his shirt with on hand and pulled him close. "And Tsukune is the most important and special person I have ever known." She glared at him and a growl rose up from her throat, and maybe her stomach. "The same way he put himself in harm's way for you tonight, he had risked his life for each and every one of his friends. He has been there for me, over and over again."

"Ahhhh," Tsukune looked at her sheepishly. "Moka?"

"Tsukune," Moka growled, her voice resonating. "We've told you that you are too nice, to sweet for your own good. And tonight, you sit there, shamelessly telling the world how beautiful and important we are to you, while covered in the scent of your blood. Are you trying to provoke us?"

"Moka," Tsukune tried to sound calm and firm, aware of how Moka was using plural pronouns. "It is getting very late. Perhaps we should say goodnight to our guests?"

Moka was filled with frustration. Both sides of her were very much aware of the scent of his blood. Both Mokas had listened to his passionate words. At that moment, the only thing keeping Moka(s) from throwing Tsukune down and taking everything she wanted from him was the presence of the others. Tsukune knew that she was having trouble controlling her urges, and was forcing her to remember her image as a way of helping her. The lovable idiot was looking out for her again.

"You are right," Moka said, settling back with some effort.

"Ladies," Tsukune said to the human girls. "I am sure you would like a chance to freshen up and rest." He stood calmly. "We will have plenty of time to talk in the morning."

Moka watched with a smile as Iris, Aiko, and Rina stood and said their good nights. Ruby and the maids appeared as if summoned to help the young human women get settled in for the night. Once they were alone, Moka turned her attention back to Tsukune.

"You did that very well," Moka observed as Tsukune settled back down beside her.

"Thank you," Tsukune replied, not sure what she was talking about.

"And what about you?" Moka asked, leaning in towards him.

"I need to wait up to make sure Nagi is alright," Tsukune explained.

"It is good that you want to take your responsibilities seriously," Moka said. "But you don't have to wait up yourself."

"By rights," Tsukune countered. "As soon as everybody else was here safe and sound, I should have gone to the hospital to check up on him."

"Tsukune," Moka sighed, seeing that he was too busy trying to be responsible to give her the attention she craved. "Will you listen to what I have to say, as a person raised to hold authority?"

"Yes," Tsukune was all ears, eager for advice on how he should handle his current worries.

"Then listen," Moka said. "When you sent Nagi to the hospital, you made sure that Hiru would carry him there, and you sent one of your Student Police to guide and guard him. You have fulfilled the requirements of your roll as his host. As long as you trust the person you sent along to do the right thing, you have done the right thing. It is good that you are concerned about your friend, but if you go and check up on him, then you are sending the message that you don't trust the person you sent along to look after him. If you just want to know how he is doing, then send one of your servants to find out."

"Is that really alright?" Tsukune questioned.

"It is more then alright," Moka said to him. "It is the right way to handle the situation. You have the authority to delegate tasks. You need to use that authority, to be seen using it, or people will forget that you have it, and then you will lose it. If that happens, your people won't listen to you when it is important. It may not be something you have to worry about now, but if you want to be successful in running your business in the future, you need to keep it in mind. It's good that you want to do everything for yourself. Sometimes, just sometimes, you want to be seen taking care of things yourself. It will give people more confidence in you. You just have to remember to trust the people under you also."

"I think I understand what you are saying," Tsukune said. "If I wait here, acting calm, then everybody else will think everything is under control and not worry as much."

"Yes," Moka agreed.

"But I should still wait up until he returns," Tsukune said, nodding slowly to himself. "To show that I care, and to make sure he has everything he needs."

"No," Moka corrected. "You leave someone to watch for his return, and to come get you if there is any need. If you stay waiting for him, then you might not get any sleep. In the morning you will be tired and look worn down. That will send a negative message to your other guests."

"You're probably right," Tsukune said.

"I know I'm right," Moka poked him with a finger. "And now you are going to do what I tell you. Is that clear?"

"Yes, Dame Moka," Tsukune answered.

"Good answer," Moka smiled. She stood up, and grabbed his sleeve to pull him along too. "We are going to go and find Ruby so you can tell her what you want done. After that, we are going up stairs and talking a bath."

"As you wish," Tsukune gave her a crooked smile.