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 156

The school was filled with a positive energy. While many students were still trying to get out of the holiday frame of mind, most were feeling at least partly recharged and ready to learn. When the Newspaper Club passed out their latest edition, it had been a complete sell-out. The amount of donations collected had even been enough to offset the cost of printing with some to spare, which was a nice change. Even the school's staff was in a positive mood.

"Good morning everyone," Nekonom sensei said as she entered the classroom. "This will be your last term at Youkai Academy, so we will be focusing on how to prepare you for getting along in the human world. By the end of the week, you are to see your career counselors to discuss your job or school options."

Tsukune gave a little nod of his head as he listened to his teacher's words. What she said made good sense, and because he already had a career plan in mind, it would be an easy assignment to take care of. He even shot a quick look to Kurumu and shared a smile with her, knowing that she also had a plan for the future.

"We also want to make sure everybody is able to get along in the human world," The teacher continued. "So we will be performing special practice exercises for how to blend in in common situations. After Homeroom today, all third years are to report to the gym for the start of the first practice session."

Tsukune felt a chill run up his back. He remembered all too well the 'special training' from the start of his second year. He hated to think what was coming as visions of the dangerous fruit gathering trip flashed though his mind.

Tsukune's chill grew stronger as he and his classmates made their way to the gym. Everybody was made to draw lots, ordering them into random groups. Only Kurumu ended up in the same group as Tsukune. For the rest of the morning, as directed by the staff, the groups of students role-played through different possible scenarios that they might encounter in the workplace. It was all about trying to act normal while keeping others from getting too close, to protect their youkai identities. Topics like how do dissuade being pressured into a date were discussed and practiced. Kurumu excelled at that.

"My boyfriend wouldn't like that," Kurumu said one time.

The excuse of being in a relationship already was a good way to keep most people from trying to get a date. Another scenario was the infamous office drinking party. The question was how to keep from being caught up in a situation where a youkai might lose control, or their coworkers might catch them in an unguarded moment. Tsukune had a quick way out of that.

"My girlfriend promise to make a special dinner tonight." Tsukune said while lifting his eyebrows. "But she has to work early tomorrow so I can't be late."

The staff informed the students that each week there would be a different set of exercises. It was important that every student be ready to handle themselves out in the human world. As a parting shot, each student was to write a paper about themselves that explained who they were, or who they were supposed to be rather, out in the human world.

As the third year students headed for lunch, Tsukune had a sense of confidence. His friends had helped him to learn with awkward situations, the hard way. The writing assignment would be easy, because he had such a normal and unassuming background. Kurumu, a born and bred city girl, shared Tsukune's confidence about the exercises and the writing assignment.

During lunch, it was student life as usual for Tsukune. He was hungry and looking forward to the obento that Ruby had packed for him. Because she had spent the night with him, Ruby had also made a lunch for Kurumu and the succubus did not have a special one of her own to offer Tsukune. There was still no danger of Tsukune being under fed. Moka had made a large bento to share with Tsukune, and so had Mizore. While everybody was settling into place around their usual table, the twins, Kumi and Rumi, arrived with Tsukune's mail and the summery reports from the Student Police. The lingered long enough to exchange pleasantries before heading off to their own lunch.

A quick scan of his mail reminded Tsukune how little privacy he had at the academy. Among the few normal requests for advice, the bulk of his mail was from students who had heard in one way or another that his mother had been hurt, and had sent him letters and cards offering their sympathy and support. He put them aside for later and turned his attention to the food in front of him.

After school, Tsukune and Moka attended the Student Council meeting. The usual business was discussed. The Dance Committee was asked, because of popular request from the female students, to organize a formal dance before the end of the school year. With plenty of time to plan, Tsukune didn't think he would have too much to stress over. After the meeting, he and Moka enjoyed a slow walk through the woods. It took them over an hour to reach the student village, but they arrived smiling.

Tsukune returned to the manor to be welcomed home by Ruby. She was smiling happily as she helped him get settled into the library to tackle his studies. All the while, she was aware of Tsukune's posture.

"Master," Ruby asked. "What is wrong? Why are you so tense?"

"Because it is Monday," Tsukune said with a grim smile. "And nothing has gone wrong yet."

XXXXXXxxxxxxxxxxxxxXXXXXXX

Ogono Aiko looked around the classroom with a small sense of nervousness. It was the first day back from Winter break and she had been called to a meeting with the Headmistress. Also with her was a collection of her fellow students who all shared some level of uneasiness at the sudden meeting. A little nervous conversation confirmed that there was a girl from every class in the school. The chatter died off as the headmistress entered.

"Thank you for coming," The Headmistress said, as if the assembled girls had been given a choice. "I asked for you to come here to discuss making some changes in our school."

Aiko's attention was focused on the Headmistress. She felt a tingle run down her spine as she sat up just a little straighter. Her nervousness was suddenly matched with a sense of excitement.

"Last fall," The Headmistress said. "A group of students was selected to act as our representatives and attended a festival at another elite school. From that time to now, I have not heard a single negative thing about that school, its festival, or the way our representatives carried themselves. Some of you may recall that there had been some tension around our school last November. While it had raised some concerns, there was no real problem. Those of you from certain families know that sometimes security can be an issue when meeting new people. When elites interact, those concerns can become highlighted, and that is all that had happened."

"Since that time," The Headmistress continued. "I have been approached by a few individuals about the possibility of creating opportunities for our students to gain more experience in interacting not only with others of high station, but with the broader community of which we must be aware of."

The Headmistress paused for effect. The tension coming from the assembled school girls was almost an audible hum. The Headmistress resisted the urge to smile as she saw the excited, shining eyes focused on her. The girls were hanging on her every word.

"It has been decided," The Headmistress resumed. "That in order to help our students become successful and responsible individuals, that it would be in our best interest to make some small changes to the school."

Aiko felt her body clenching with excitement. The last known change to the school had been a change in the uniform policy about permitting makeup, and that had been only five years ago. It gave Aiko a thrill to know that she was a part of the reason that the school was changing anything.

"The first change we will be enacting," The Headmistress informed the assembled girls. "Is the formation of a student advisory council. Each of you was selected by your homeroom teacher to represent your class. You will be the first advisory council. Your duty will be to help facilitate communication between the staff and the student body. You will be acting, as a body, as an adviser to my office."

Aiko was shrewd enough to understand what the Headmistress was saying. The Advisory Council would have no real authority. The most they would be able to do is help the rest of the student have a chance to have any problems be heard by the Headmistress. When she considered that being made a part of the council was by appointment form the staff, it was clear that the school was going to be as autocratic as ever.

"The second thing we are going to do with the aim of improving our school," The Headmistress went on. "Is to organize a school festival." She had to pause to allow a brief explosion of excited whispers. "Depending upon how well the students do with this, I will decide if a festival will be made into an annual event, or not." She gave the girls a firm look. "As the students' representatives, it will be up to the advisory council to plan and organize the festival. I have reviewed the schedule for the term. The festival will be held in six weeks, over National Foundation Day weekend. You will coordinate with me for approval of all events and activities, and for the use of any school buildings or resources." The Headmistress gave the girls one more searching look. "Do not forget who you are and what you represent. I will be keeping a sharp watch on all of you. That is all for now."

"Stand," Aiko said almost on instinct. She stood even as she heard everybody around her following her order. "Bow."

Once the Headmistress left the classroom, excited girls started giving voice to their thoughts. The air was filled with excited chatter. Aiko's mind was racing as she tried to read through everything the Headmistress had said.

"Aiko," One of the third years from another class called out to her. "What do we do?"

"Huh?" Aiko blinked.

"That's right!" Another girl perked up. "Aiko was one of the representatives."

"Right," said a third girl. "Aiko, you should have some idea what we should do."

Aiko quickly found herself at the center of everybody's attention. From their words, mostly to each other. It was clear that they were looking to her for directions. Her schoolmates seemed to think her limited experience from attending Tsukune's school's festival made her best qualified to help plan their own event. As excited and hopeful faces focused on her while her schoolmates fired questions at her, Aiko suppressed the urge to cringe. Under the pressure of her schoolmates excited expectations, she had a sudden urge to call out for help.

Aiko's thought suddenly became focused. The wild speculation and endless questions cleared. She knew what she should do.

"Everybody," Aiko said in a voice that only shook a little. "Before we do anything, we need to find out what everybody else thinks. Let's go back to the dorms and start spreading the news."

An excited cheer answered Aiko's words. The room quickly emptied as girls hurried, with as much dignity as they could muster, back to the dorms. Aiko let the others have a head start, taking her time to gather her thoughts. She knew what she had to do first. She had to call for help, and there was only one person who she could think of that would understand what she needed. Aiko needed to call Tsukune.

XxX

Aiko realized that she might have a problem getting a hold of Tsukune in a hurry. As soon as she could get to her dorm room, she went for her cell phone. A call to Tsukune's cell only reached his voice mail. Aiko remembered how cut off his school was, so she didn't bother with trying an email. Aiko decided to try a different approach, and went to hunt down Tanaka Iris. While Aiko liked Tsukune and wanted to stay in touch with him, they had even exchanged holiday emails, Iris was dating one of his school mates. It made sense that Iris would want even more to be in touch with her boyfriend, Aiko hoped that her friend would have a good way to get in touch with her boyfriend, and therefore Tsukune, quickly.

Iris, as it turned out, was able to help Aiko. Aiko had explained the new plans for a school festival to her friend, and how she wanted to get a hold of Tsukune. He had helped with his school's festival so he would have some idea of what was needed, but with only six weeks notice, waiting on the mail seemed like a delay that would be best avoided. Iris gave Aiko a phone number and explained that it was to a public phone at the academy. If she called it, and somebody was close by to answer it, they should be able to give a message to Tsukune. Aiko thanked her friend before retreating back to her room. She tried to call the number as soon as she got her excitement under control, but nobody answered. She decided that she would have to call at a better time.

XxxxxxxXXxxxxxXX

The freighter pulled into Gobo Harbor as the sun was setting. It wasn't a very large freighter, but then again, Gobo Harbor was a small port. Gobo Harbor was more for fishing boats, both private and commercial, than cargo traffic. The freighter, according to its log was from the southern islands. Because of it's late arrival at the port, the harbor master's office informed the captain that he would have to wait until morning for a customs inspection before unloading. The captain had no problem with waiting. His cargo was non perishable. The unlisted passengers, who had paid the captain very handsomely for the ride, were also unconcerned with the delay. By morning they would be many miles away from the harbor. By using mundane transportation, it was hoped that their movements would be harder to track, and thus less likely to give warning to their prey.

They were a small group of three. One group that was a part of a larger plan. Each group would travel by indirect routes until they came together near their target. If all went well, the job would be over before an alarm could be sounded.

XxxXxxX

Tsukune was wondering if Monday was maybe taking a little extra time to recover from the holidays. Tuesday morning had started out free of any immediate problems. As he walked to school with his friends, they crossed paths with Inari. After an exchange of greetings, she fell a little behind, and walked to school with them.

A brief conversation about Monday's special training revealed that Inari was as amused by the exercises as Tsukune. It seemed like a good idea, but like Kurumu, Inari agreed that the people with human world experience should be allowed to be a little more constructive with their time. It was Moka that pointed out that the students with outside experience should make it their responsibility to help their less fortunate schoolmates to prepare for life after graduation.

The first half of the day went normal enough. There was a pop quiz in math, but Tsukune was able to knock it out without much worry. He was even able to pass word that there would be a meeting of the Dance Committee after school. At lunch, his regular mail delivery was more of the usual, and didn't distract him from the enjoying the company of his friends. The break in the routine came towards the end of lunch when a second year Student Police that Tsukune didn't know too well came trotting up.

"Captain Sempai," The boy had called out.

"Yes?" Tsukune gave the boy his full attention. He recognized him as a member of the reserve roster. He was of an average build with an almost girlish face, and a little too shy to work alone. Tsukune couldn't recall the boy's name, but remembered that he would be placed on runner duty or made a third member of a patrol group once in a while, hoping he would build a little more confidence.

"Captain Sempai," The boy said again. "There was a call for you on the public phone. The person who answered it was asked to get a message to you. He asked me to find you and tell you about it."

"What was the message?" Tsukune asked, feeling tense. He was worried that his cousin might be trying to reach him about his mother again.

"It was a girl that called you," The boy said. "I was told that she called you and wanted you to call her. I think the name was Organ love song."

"Organ...?" Tsukune raised an eyebrow.

"Lovesong," The boy nodded. "Yes sir."

"Alright," Tsukune nodded, trying to look confident even if he was feeling confused. "Well done. Thank you."

"Yes sir," The boy gave a small bow before hurrying off.

Tsukune looked around the table at his friends and blinked in confusion. The message didn't make sense. Try as he might, he couldn't figure it out.

"Love song?" Tsukune questioned out loud.

"Aiko?" Moka questioned back.

"Aiko?" Tsukune cocked his head to one side as he thought about it. "Organ Aiko..." Tsukune's face brightened and he snapped his fingers. "Ogono Aiko." He gave a little nod. "It was probably her."

"It could have been," Moka agreed.

"Are you going to call her back?" Kurumu asked.

"Later," Tsukune have a little shake of his head. "Lunch is almost over, and if it's something serious, I want to be able to give it my full attention.

XXXXXxxxxxXXXXX

Aiko was feeling nervous. Her insides felt full of rocks. All day long her school mates had an excited air about them, and the kept giving her happy looks. Somehow they were looking to her to make the festival a success. Aiko wished she could understand why the others seemed to be focusing on her. She had tried to call Tsukune before school started without success. When she tried again at lunch, somebody had answered and had agreed to get a message to Tsukune.

After that Aiko could only wait. Her anxiousness grew as lunch passed without a call back. In violation of school rules, Aiko had kept her cell phone with her, on vibrate, for the rest of the day, hoping to get a call back. When classes let out for the day, she was starting to feel abandoned. In spite of her lack of appetite, Aiko was thinking about getting supper when she heard the buzz coming from her cell phone.

XxxxXXxxXX

Tsukune had to wait until he was free to call Aiko. First he had to get through the rest of his classes for the day. After the school day was over, he had to spend time with the Dance Committee. While there was plenty of time to plan out the next school dance, Tsukune wanted to get the committee working on ideas sooner rather than later. After his meeting he headed back to the manor to collect his cell phone and look up Aiko's number.

Tsukune decided against using the public phone to call Aiko. He had Hiru carry him from under the barrier so he could get a good signal to use his cell phone. It had seemed a little silly to use his cell phone only as filling tool for contact information. Once out from under the barrier, Tsukune turned his phone on and gave it time to start up and get a signal. Almost immediately it chirped to let him know he had messages. Checking his voice mail confirmed that it was Aiko that was trying to get a hold of him. With that settled, he called her back.

"Hello, Tsukune?" Aiko answered on the second ring. "Is that you?"

"Hello Aiko," Tsukune said. "Is everything all right?"

"Oh thank goodness you called," Aiko said, her voice sounding relieved. "I need your help."

"Aiko," Tsukune's voice grew firm. "What's wrong?"

"Tsukune," Aiko said. "I need your advice. My school is going to try holding a festival. Because I attended your school's festival, a lot of people are looking to me for guidance, but I don't know what to do. Please, Tsukune. You said you were on your school's Festival Committee. Is there anything you can do to help me?"

"Alright," Tsukune said, suppressing a sigh. "Take a moment to relax and I'll try to help you out."

"Oh thank you Tsukune," Aiko's relief was clear over the phone.

"The first thing you need to do is get a committee together," Tsukune said. "You don't want to be the only person in charge. It is alright if you are the head of the committee, because you will have help, but of you try to be in charge by yourself, you're going to get buried in problems."

"Start a committee," Aiko repeated. "Got it."

"Next, get everybody to start brainstorming ideas for the festival," Tsukune said. "It doesn't mater how wild the ideas are, just write them all down. Have every class and club do their own brainstorming too. Get everybody's lists together so you can compare them. That should help you get started."

XxxXxxX

"Thank you so much, Tsukune," Aiko said as she scribbled down notes. "You don't know how much this means to me."

"I'm glad I can help," Tsukune said.

"This is going to help me a lot," Aiko said. "Now I at least have a place to start. I was lost before."

"I know the feeling," Tsukune said with feeling.

"If I need any more help," Aiko asked hopefully. "Can I call you again?"

"Sure," Tsukune agreed. "I'll try to check my messages every day or so."

"Thank you, Tsukune," Aiko breathed. "Thank you so much."

They ended their call after that. They exchanged a few pleasantries as Tsukune offered her good luck and Aiko gave her thanks once more before concluding their conversation. Aiko closed her cell phone and gave a deep sigh of relief.

Aiko felt better after talking to Tsukune. She now had some idea of what she should do. She also felt better knowing that Tsukune was there for her when she needed him. A part of Aiko looked forward to calling Tsukune for advice frequently. A part of her wanted to struggle through without help, to prove how capable she was, and to make Tsukunen proud of her.