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 129
Aiko was surprised by how late it was in the morning when she finally woke up. She had been surprised that she had slept so long, until she thought about how exciting the previous day had been, and how late she had stayed up. It was almost ten in the morning by the time she made her way down stairs.
Aiko was greeted at the foot of the stairs by one of the maids, and informed that brunch was being served in the dining room. When she arrived, the atmosphere was happy and lazy. Tsukune was sitting beside the quiet Mizore and the boisterous Kurumu. Emmy and Kota were sitting together with Ken and Iris, while Moka was talking with Rina, Kiyo and Nagi. Everybody welcomed Aiko with smiles.
"Good morning, Aiko. How are you feeling?" Tsukune said.
"Good morning," Aiko replied. "I slept very well. Thank you."
Aiko shared light conversation with the others as she ate breakfast. She was feeling relaxed and rested, making the strange sites of the previous day seem distant. After eating her fill, she sipped at a cup of tea and looked around the room.
Aiko tried not to be obvious as she looked the others over. Nagi's stunned expression was gone. He was smiling warmly at Kiyo, even if he was holding himself rather tightly. Emmy and Kota were sitting closer together, if that were possible, but they were calmer. The nervous excitement they shared was less, but there was no doubt that they were a couple. Moka kept looking towards Tsukune, and ether smiling or blushing. Aiko remembered the heated way Moka had acted towards him the night before and decided that they were already lovers. Mizore and Kurumu kept touching Tsukune lightly, as if to make sure he really was there, and that he was doing alright. Aiko suspected the other girls were nervous about the boy they liked being close to a vampire. Ken and Iris were bantering back and forth in a teasing way that Aiko found herself envious of.
XxXxX
The rest of the morning passed quickly. Before long it was time for the guests to pack up and head back to their respective homes. Ruby surprised Nagi by producing a new pair of uniform trousers. Once everybody was packed, the maids moved their bags and set them near the door. Tsukune then gave everybody one final surprise.
"Everybody," Tsukune said to his guests and companions. "I want to thank you all for making this a successful weekend. Before we part ways, I would like everybody to step out side.
Moka was not the only person to give Tsukune a questioning look. He just smiled and waved to the door. Out side on the village street a small crowd had gathered. All the available members of the Drama Club, the Dance Committee, the Festival Committee, a fair chunk of the Student Police, and a random selection of students that had come chasing rumors or looking for something interesting had gathered together. Some of them were holding up a banner.
"Thank you for visiting," The banner said in bright painted kanji.
"You all had a chance to see the festival," Tsukune said to the human guests. "Now I would like to invite you to just hand out with some of the student body."
"Everybody," Tsukune called out to the assembled students. "Thank you all for your hard work this weekend. Now, please come and get to know our guests.
XxXxX
Moka was proud of Tsukune, even if he did drive her a little crazy some times. His little farewell party was a good example of his way of doing things. He had organized the party by asking people he trusted to gather together, and to make some arrangements for some light refreshments. She suspected that the Dance Committee was using some of their leftover supplies. While his heart was in the right place, as the saying went, he was still a little blind to some things.
What Tsukune was unaware of, or willfully ignoring, was his own reputation with the females of the school. Kiyo and Emmy were not happy with the attention their boyfriends were receiving from some of the other girls. Ken was able to insulate Iris from some of the excitement by drawing her in among the Drama Club members and talking about their work. While there were some boys interested in talking with Risa and Aiko, they were crowded out by a large number of girls that wanted to talk about modern fashions, and popular styles. The fact that there were three couples present that gave at least partial credit to Tsukune for their romantic success only added to his reputation.
XxXxX
Rina loved all the attention she received. Girls complemented her on her sense of style for what she had worn to the dance. Guys were asking her if she was seeing anybody. It was fun being a guest of honor, without having the expectations of her parents hovering over her. She stole a glance over to where Tsukune stood with his friends. If only there was a way to have a private moment with him. She would have liked to thank Tsukune for everything that he had done for her, and to wish him the best for his future. She knew that her time at his school was going to be something that she would never forget.
XxxxX
"Can I ask you something?" Aiko said to Kurumu after drawing her off to one side.
"Go ahead," Kurumu answered with a smile. "Ask anything you want to know."
"I understand why you like Tsukune..." Aiko started.
"Love," Kurumu cut her off. "I love Tsukune."
"Yes..." Aiko gave her a frustrated look. "I understand why you... feel the way you do..."
"I doubt it," Kurumu smirked. "But go on."
"I was wondering why," Aiko continued. "Tsukune is obviously with Moka. Why do you want to chase after him? With your looks you could find a boyfriend that you wouldn't have to share with anybody. I know that Tsukune is a very special boy, but..."
"A man," Kurumu cut in again. "Tsukune is a man, no mater how young he is. And as to him being special, you just don't know."
"Could you explain it to me then?" Aiko asked.
"Alright," Kurumu nodded. "Do you know what Moka is?"
"She said she was a vampire," Aiko said. She couldn't believe she just said that as a part of a rational conversation.
"Yes," Kurumu nodded. "When I first tried to seduce Tsukune, and failed, I was angry. I was literally going to kill him." She held up a hand and brandished six inch long tallons for a moment as she spoke. "Moka, it turned out, was way more powerful then I am, and she was ready to kill me." She lowered her now normal again had with a small sigh. "The only reason I am still alive, is because Tsukune stood up to her. Just minutes after I tried to destroy his relationship with Moka, and then tried to kill him, he forgave me and risked his life to protect me. I thought I was in love with him after that."
"You 'thought' you were in love with him?" Aiko blinked.
"That's right," Kurumu nodded. "I spent most of the next two years chasing after Tsukune, trying to get him to kiss me, to touch me, to pick me over Moka. And during those two years, he treated me as a friend and showed me every kindness and respect. Aiko, I am a succubus. My kind are born from Lust. We live on Lust. Think about how many men, poor men, rich men, men of every station, who want to just have sex for the selfish pleasure they get from it." Kurumu grabbed on of her breasts lewdly. "That is what my body is for. I was born to attract men, to make them want me. I grew up expecting men to see me as nothing more then a living toy for their pleasure, and that it was perfectly acceptable for me to use them, for their money, their status, for food. And here was Tsukune," Kurumu sighed with a smile, glancing over to where he stood. "Who talked to me like a person. He showed me the same respect he showed everybody else. He rejected my offers for sex, but he didn't reject me."
"And then last year," Kurumu's expression became dark and her eyes looked like she was in pain. "Tsukune saved me again. He had saved me from Moka, he had saved me from my own ignorance by not giving in to me, and then he saved me from being taken and turned into something horrible." Kurumu gave herself a shake. "I'm sure you've heard stories of girls being kidnapped and turned into prostitutes, or even sold overseas."
"Yes," Aiko shivered.
"Imagine waking up in a room, a cell, naked and sore and almost ready to kill yourself," Kurumu said. "That's how I was." She was looking fully at Tsukune as she spoke to Aiko. "I wasn't in control of myself, and I just wanted to die. And then Tsukune was there. He was so strong and handsome, and so full of life. He nearly died trying to save me. I... He was badly hurt trying to get to the man who was holding me. That man stabbed Tsukune. He freed me, but he was badly hurt and bleeding a lot. When the others he had brought along caught up to him, they tried to help him by treating his injuries, but ended up poisoning him by accident." Kurumu looked back at Aiko with tears in her eyes.
"Tsukune saved me again," Kurumu sniffed, on the edge of crying but smiling proudly at the same time. "After he had rescued me. After they let us out of the hospital and I had learned all that had happened, I was so ashamed about being taken, about being week, about Tsukune nearly dieing because of me, that I decided to kill myself."
Aiko stood in mute shock. She was used to Kurumu being bold and confident. The busty young woman normally acted so sure of herself. Aiki was totally stunned to see Kurumu looking scared. She was so upset that her hands were shaking. Her story was so sad that it maid Aiko want to cry.
"I was going to kill myself," Kurumu continued. "I was going to drown myself so that I could never bother Tsukune again. But Tsukune wouldn't let me. He came for me, he called out to me. He saved my life again. He..." Kurumu took a shuddering breath. "He..."
Aiko was about to hug the other woman, to try to comfort her, but someone was suddenly there.
"Kurumu," Tsukune appeared as if by magic. He reached out and embraced Kurumu firmly and held her close. "It's all right," Tsukune soothed her. "I'm here."
"Tsukune," Kurumu's voice cracked. "I... I was..."
"It's fine," Tsukune said. "I love you. Everything's going to be all right."
"Thank you," Kurumu hugged him back
"I'm sorry," Aiko bowed as she apologized. "I was just asking her..."
"It's fine," Tsukune said gently as he held Kurumu close. "I know what you were talking about by the way she's feeling. It was a scary time for both of us."
"But it was worth it," Kurumu said against Tsukune's chest.
"What?" Aiko gaped in surprise. "Being kidnapped and, and... And then Tsukue nearly getting killed and..."
"I'm not happy about Tsukune getting hurt," Kurumu said. She made Tsukune turn so she could see Aiko without letting go of him. "I'll never be happy about that part. And it was a horrible experience. But in the end, when it was all over, Tsukune and I were closer then ever before." She looked up at him and smiled. "That was when I finally started to understand what it meant to be in love, and to truly love a person, and to be loved in return." She looked back at Aiko. The tears were nearly gone and her confidence was returning.
"There is a difference you see," Kurumu said. "Between loving someone and being in love with them. There is also a difference between being in love with a person, and being in love with an idea about that person. Tsukune, because he never simply gave in to my selfishness, gave me the chance to learn the truth about love, and to truly love him."
Aiko watched as Kurumu looked back up at Tsukune. There was a warm and caring look on his face as their eyes met, and they both smiled. Aiko could practically see the love flowing between them. It had been there between Tsukune and Moka as well. Aiko felt her heart ache. She felt sorry for Kurumu and Moka both, knowing that the man they both loved would have to be shared. At the same time, Aiko's heart ached with longing. She wished that she had someone she could share that kind of a meaningful connection with.
Aiko excused herself politely. She had her answer, and didn't think it would be a good idea to ask any more questions. She rejoined the general party while she considered what she had been told.
XxXxX
The bus ride back to the human world was quiet after the farewell party. Everybody had ended up receiving some kind of gift basket. There were some teas, candles, hand baked treats, and even some photographs. Aiko smiled at the cleverness of it all. The last memory of her visit to the Youkai Academy was one of happy and friendly students. If Aiko wanted to risk people thinking she was crazy by talking about a school of monsters, she would remember the friendly people that she would be hurting by betraying their kindness and generosity.
"You know what the worst part is?" Rina chattered away. "It's that nobody will ever believe us."
"I know the feeling," Kota replied. "Ever since Summer break, I have been going crazy wishing for someone to talk to."
"You knew about youkai since Summer?" Rina questioned.
"Tsukune told me after that Test of Courage he put together," Kota nodded.
"Why would he do that?" Aiko wanted to know.
"He said it was because he wanted a human friend he could talk to about the school when he was home on breaks," Koa explained. "But I think he did it for Emmy's sake."
"Why her?" Rina prodded.
"Before the start of the school year," Kota said. "Me, Tsukune, Nagi, and our friend Rin were hanging out together when we found out Emmy was visiting the area. She was all excited to meet Tsukune, and he agreed to keep an eye on her. We started hanging out together, and Tsukune asked me to help her learn the area, because he had other things he had to do. By the time school started, Emmy and I were close." He gave a sigh. "If you're wishing you could tell people about what we all just saw and learned, imagine how Emmy felt. She had to keep this big secret from me, and we really like each other."
"Ken had the same complaint," Iris nodded. "He told me he was glad that I was being trusted with the school's secret. He was afraid that he would have to hide it from me forever, or that if he told me after graduation, I would reject him."
"Still," Rina grumbled. "I wish I didn't have to keep it all a secret."
"Hey Nagi," Kota said to his friend. "You know who's really going to go crazy?"
"Who's that?" Nagi questioned.
"Rin," Kota gave an evil smile.
"Heh heh," Nagi smirked. "Yeah... Just wait until he hears."
"Wait?" Rina blinked. "You're going to tell someone about all of this?"
"Not just anyone," Kota explained. "Rin is our friend."
"It used to always be the four of us," Nagi added.
"Even if we don't tell him about the youkai part of it," Kota went on. "It will drive him up the wall that we got to visit Tsukune's school, and that Nagi and I have girlfriends"
"You know," Nagi chuckled. "You and I can talk with Tsukune openly, right in front of Nagi. If he doesn't believe us, he'll go crazy thinking that we're trying to mess with him."
"Which we would be," Kota nodded.
"Or he will believe us," Nagi continued. "And if he tries to tell anybody, we'll just say we were messing with him."
"I like it," Kota chuckled darkly.
"What would happen," Iris questioned. "If you tell your friend, and he believes you, but he keeps it a secret?"
"Then we will have one more friend we can talk with," Nagi declared.
"And that would be just a little closer the coexistence that Tsukune was talking about," Nagi stated.
"I see," Iris said thoughtfully.
Aiko listened to the exchange and had to agree that the pair of boys had a valid point. Iris, Rina, and herself could talk about their experience, as long as they used a little discretion, and nobody would worry about them. They could also talk to each other in front of class mates as a way to feel out who might take them seriously. It could be a way to help spreading the idea of coexistence.
"There's one thing I don't understand," Rina said. "Why is coexistence even important?"
"Think about it," Kota said, his tone becoming serious. "There are a bunch of old legends about a home, a village or even a whole town being terrorized by some kind of monster. There is all kinds of problems, even people getting killed, by just one out of control youkai or oni. It goes on and on until some kind of hero appears to settle the problem, one way or another. We were just at a school full of youkai. How many youkai is that? And they weren't just one year. That school had been around for years. How many youkai are we talking about now?"
"But humans are smarter then we used to be," Rina countered. "We have faster communication and travel, so it won't take months or years for help to come. And we have better weapons too."
"That just makes it worse," Nagi entered into the conversation. "The youkai we saw were parts of families. That means there are more then just the ones at school now, or that have already graduated. There will be more in the future. And the ones we saw were spending money. That means someone had to earn money. I doubt they all got it from shrine donations or what somebody dropped on the ground. That means that there are youkai, or people who are already supporting them, living and working all around us. That faster communication and those better weapons can be used by the youkai just as well as by anybody else. And remember, a lot of those youkai are faster and stronger then humans."
"He's right," Aiko said as the truth sank in. "If we don't find a way to coexist, then any one little misunderstanding could start a panic. It's like what we studied in world history about 'Witch Hunts.' People turned on each other. Some out of fear, others out of greed. Only this time the youkai will be the targets, and you know that they will defend themselves. The only way humans could ever know they were safe would be to hunt down every single youkai, even if it's only a baby."
"It's worse then that," Nagi said. "Even if suddenly every youkai was gone, Japan would have been ripped apart by the fighting. Our economy would collapse, and we would be forced to rebuild, all the while, we would have the fear of wondering if they were really all gone. And even if the youkai were gone, what about the people who supported them?"
"And what about the youkai that escaped?" Kota added. "Or that were never in Japan in the first place?"
"The whole world," Iris breathed, looking sick to her stomach.
"That's right," Kota said with a grim face. "Once it started, Japan would have to stand alone, locking out everybody. No business, no tourism, and no help from the outside. And to make sure no youkai escaped to get help or anything, nobody would be allowed to leave. It would mean cutting Japan off from the rest of the world, permanently."
"Or," Nagin listed the other choice. "Japan would have to convince every other nation in the world to do the same thing. It would have to be a war of total genocide."
"Even if Japan were to cut off ties to the rest of the world," Kota continued. "Even if we were to try and go it alone, the panic would still spread. Think of the Japanese in other countries. The people there might turn against them. If even one youkai is discovered, or anything like it, then the panic would start all over again. One country at a time."
"You seem to have though a lot about this," Rina observed with a note of scorn in her voice. Or maybe it was fear.
"World History and Economics," Nagi said simply. "Remember the panic of SARS? And that was just a bad flu. How about ancient witch hunts, or political revolutions. Even the rumor that a person was one of "Them," whatever the people were afraid of at the time, could destroy lives and families. If somebody you knew was innocent was accused, defending them only made you look just as bad."
"Also a lot of war games," Kota said sheepishly.
"So what do we do?" Rina questioned.
"We do what Tsukue does," Aiko said, nodding slowly.
"Yep," Kota said.
"That's right," Nagi added.
Aiko saw the two young men nodding. They had a proud look on their faces as they thought about their friend. She had to admit that she was kind of proud to know Tsukune also.
"What is it that Tsukune does?" Rina question. "Get girl youkai to fall in love with him?"
"What he does," Iris answered. "What we all need to do, is to take the time to understand each other, so we can find a way to get along. If we can understand each other, then think how much better off we would be."
"I know, I know," Rina huffed. "Remember I used to think he was some kind of playboy, some kind of jerk, until I talked to him. Remember what his friends said during the trip? He makes friends out of enemies."
"How about this," Kota said with a smile. "Wouldn't you want someone like Ken to be around when it was time to move furniture?"
"He had the muscles for it," Iris said with a blush coloring her cheeks.
"How about that thing that Tsukune uses like a motorcycle?" Nagi asked. "You would never have to buy gas, and it would be hard to steal."
The conversation wandered into speculation about different youkai and where they would fit in to the modern world. The atmosphere became relaxed as the bus carried the five test subjects towards their destinations. The bus drive didn't say a word, but smiled thinking about the report he would be taking back to the Board Chairman.