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 166

Kurumu was not having a good day. She was sharply aware of Tsukune absence from the classroom. Like the others in the Newspaper Club, classmates kept asking her about their missing member. While Kurumu and the others were very limited in what they were willing to share, they said enough to spark rumors and speculation. Kurumu tried to ignore them and get through her day. Unfortunately she kept thinking about Tsukune, and frequently concentrated on her bond with him. While she gained a sense of comfort from being able to sense him, and could tell he had not left the hospital, what she could feel did not make her happy. Shortly before lunch, Kurumu almost ditched class, because for some reason Tsukune's heart rate had just jumped.

Moka was unhappy about Tsukune's absence as well. She did not have Kurumu's ability to feel Tsukune's presence, so she kept looking at the other woman for any sign that Tsukune was in trouble. He seamed to get into the most when he was away form her. She felt the urge to laugh darkly as she amended her thoughts. He got into the most trouble when he was with her, but at least she would be there to help him.

XxXxX

By the end of the day the Youkai Academy rumor mill was in full swing. The facts of the situation were spreading to every corner of the school. Captain Aono Tsukune was in the hospital again. A member (or more) of the Student Police was also in the hospital. The Student Police had found Tsukune at the scene of a fight with strangers. The strangers had been beaten. Tsukune had been hurt, but some of the strangers had been killed. It had been a vicious fight. From the facts, rumors were being spawned. The Captain had protected the school again, everybody agreed. He had done it alone, or with help from the Student Police, or he had done it to save a member of the Student Police. He was in the hospital because he had been hurt, but he would be back on his feet in no time, most said. Others said that he was on death's door.

Inari's name was attached to some of the rumors. She had helped the Captain. He had rescued her. She had died and he had killed the strangers in retribution. They had been on a secret date when they had been attacked. The rumors were many. Even when Inari's name was left out, the fact that a female student had been at the scene of the fight was getting spread around. Tsukune's harem had been in class and looking unharmed, so most of the rumors usually didn't include them.

XxxX

Inari was released from the hospital shortly after lunch. She was walking fine and there was no reason to make her stay, in spite of her own desire to remain close to Tsukune. She accepted her discharge from the hospital as best she could, but promised to return for a visit. Tsukune asked her to bring him his school bag when she could. She had agreed, but was looking forward to a proper bath and some real clothes, so she wasn't in the room when Moka and the others arrived.

The trip from the classroom to the hospital was a polite battle. Moka, Kurumu, and Mizore watched each other sharply. If any of them tried to race ahead, the other two were ready to hold her back. They were all concerned about Tsukune. When they reached his room in the hospital they ignored the looks and giggles that came from some of the younger nurses as they passed by.

"Tsukune," Moka called out as she knocked at his door. "I'm coming in."

"Moka..." Tsukune tried to ask for a moment of privacy, but was cut off when the door opened.

"Tsukune..." Moka's voice failed as she took in the scene in front of her.

Tsukune was laying on the bed in just a pair of boxers and his bandages. At the bedside was the doctor and a pair of nurses with a try full of dressing supplies. It was clear that the doctor was examining Tsukune's injuries while the nurses were performing wound care. The younger nurse was in a pink smock and was red faced as she watched her older coworker cutting away a bandage on Tsukune's thigh. The doctor looked at the new arrivals sternly.

"I'm sorry," Moka said hastilly before closing the door. She felt herself blushing.

XxX

"You were saying?" Tsukune said to the doctor, refusing to be embarrassed by the well meant intrusion.

"I was saying that you are a very unique patient," The doctor answered. "I really don't understand the way your body is healing so quickly."

"But I thought that youkai naturally healed fast," Tsukune said.

"Some do," The doctor agreed. "Some need special conditions in order to heal quickly, or at all. But you are more human that youkai. Case in point," The doctor pointed to one of Tsukune's old scars. "From the speed that you are healing, you should not have any scars. When you were brought in this time, you were free from any minor injuries, in spite of damage to your clothes that said you should have lots of small lacerations, but you had many major ones."

"That brings up another point that stands out," The doctor said, pausing to take a look at the chart he was holding. "Three different fangs were found imbedded in your body, the hollow kind used for injecting venom. You had a spanner with one end shaped like a spike penetrating through your shoulder blade. Iron is poisonous to many youkai. Vampires have an almost allergic reaction to wooden stakes, but you do not. Your human traits protect your youkai vulnerabilities, while your youkai nature covered for your human weaknesses. Bleeding to death was your biggest danger this time."

"As it is, you are still going to be weak for days," The doctor went on. "Your lab tests show your blood to be very thin. I ordered some supplements for you, and a diet high in iron and electrolytes."

"How long to I have to wear this?" Tsukune held up his cast encased arm and wiggled his fingers.

"I'll have it X-rayed in the morning," The doctor answered. "But I doubt it will be on for more than a few days."

"Thank you," Tsukune said.

"Look on the bright side," May said. "At least most of these bandages don't have to be replaced."

"Good," Tsukune said, looking down at the new white scars on his legs and stomach. "They itch."

"Itching is a good sign," The doctor smiled. "It means you are healing. Just be careful about scratching."

"As long as you're here, Doctor," Tsukune sat up. As long as he was topless, he wanted to take advantage of the situation. He let out his wings and extended them carefully.

"Oh my," The doctor blinked.

"Oh," May gasped.

"Yeah..." Tsukune said. "I am still getting used to them myself. Do they look alright to you?"

"They look impressive," The doctor said as he moved to examine them. "How do they feel?"

"Umm..." Tsukune shrugged. "They feel like wings I guess. It's kind of like having an extra set of arms." He wiggled his wing digits. I have to concentrate to do anything with them most of the time, but flying is mostly by reflex."

"Very interesting," The doctor nodded. He made a few notes in the chart before turning back to Tsukune. "Well they look to be in good condition, although they are certainly... unique."

"And useful in a fight," Tsukune agreed as he willed them away.

The doctor blinked and then made some more notes in the chart. The contradictions in his patient's different natures was very fascinating. It was a shame there would be no way to do any extended research on him.

"Well it looks like you will make a full recovery soon," The doctor said. "If there are no complications in the next twenty four hours, I will go ahead and discharge you tomorrow evening."

"Thank you Doctor," Tsukune said.

The doctor left the room, leaving the nurses to their work. He saw the small crowd gathered in the hall, amused as usual by the fact that they were all female. He decided have a few words with them.

"The patient needs to rest and take his time to recover," The doctor said sternly. "He also needs to eat well. I know you all want to do your part to help him. Just be sure you don't wear him down while you are at it." He left without waiting for an answer. A small part of the doctor felt sorry for Aono Tsukune. A very small part.

XxX

"We're about done," May said.

"No problem," Tsukune replied.

"You should know," May said with a smile. "I was hoping I wouldn't be seeing you like this again."

"Me too," Tsukune nodded.

"I saw your friend when he got hurt in October," May said conversationally. "What was his name again?"

"Nagi?" Tsukune asked.

"That was it," May nodded. "It made quite the commotion. Except for you, I think he is the only human to be treated here."

"He told me about it," Tsukune said. "He said he felt like a celebrity." Tsukune laughed. "That cut was probably the best injury he'll ever have."

"Why is that?" May asked, cleaning up.

"He got it while trying to protect a girl," Tsukune said. "She had her eye on him before that, but afterwords she was convinced that he was the one for her."

"Was she a student?" May asked.

"Yes," Tsukune nodded.

"My my my," May smiled. "I hope it works out for them."

"Me too," Tsukune agreed.

XxxX

Moka tried to be patient while she waited in the hall. She kept trading looks with Kurumu and Mizore. They didn't like waiting ether. When the twins arrived with Tsukune's mail and reports, Moka thought about taking them, but held back. The twins were there to support their leader. Their task was beneath her status as Dame and Tsukune's sworn Mistress. Besides, Tsukune had earned their respect, by beating them down physically and by proving himself as a capable leader. They were just showing their respect by fulfilling the duties they had taken on.

When the nurses finally came out of the room, Moka was the first one in through the door. Kurumu and Mizore were on her heels. Yukari was tagging along as usual, and as long as she kept her hands to herself, her cheerful company was welcome. The Twins entered but waited by the door. Out in the hall, a string of others stopped at the Student Police's guard post to drop off cards, letters, and other offerings to wish Tsukune a speedy recovery.

"Tsukune," Moka said as she moved to his bedside. "How are you doing?"

"Better now that your're here," Tsukune said, reaching out for a hug.

Moka leaned in to hug Tsukune. He embraced her firmly and leaned back, pulling her down onto the bed.

"Tsukune..." Moka protested but didn't resist.

"No fair," Kurumu cried out. She circled the bed and tried to break into Tsukune's and Moka's hug.

Tsukune smiled as his friends engaged in one of their play fights. He did not like being stuck in the hospital, so having his friends around and seeing them acting normally was a comfort for him. While they were distracted he gave a small wave to the twins. The mail would give him something to read later. The reports helped him feel like was actually doing something, even if he was just supervising from a distance.

Ruby was the next person to arrive in Tsukune's hospital room. She came in with stacked boxes of food and a thermos of tea. She had taken the time to cook dinner for Tsukune. At the sight of her, the others all made unhappy faces. They realized that in their hurry to see Tsukune they had given Ruby a chance to do something for him unchallenged.

"Master," Ruby said as she came to his bedside. "I made you something to eat."

"Thank you, Ruby," Tsukune Smiled. "I'm famished."

XxxXxxX

Inari was feeling excited. When she first got back to the dorms school had not yet let out for the day. With the baths to herself, she indulged with a good washing followed by splashing around before settling down for a soak. Because she was going to go and visit Tsukune, to bring him his school bag, Inari wanted to fix herself up after her bath. From her messed up uniform she separated out a few things. Tsukune's fancy cell phone she put in his school bag. Her black bra and panty set from the day before was going to need a good washing before it was ready for use again. Leaving them in a basin to soak, Inari pulled out a red set. The low-riding panties gave her room over the waistband for her tails. The dress she picked out was black with short sleeves. After the way she had been so flagrant in displaying herself earlier, she hoped that Tsukune would approve of her dress as being properly modest.

After dressing up, Inari took the time to apply some makeup. Her time with Tsukune in the hospital that day had been special, but she had felt vulnerable without her makeup. Moka and Kurumu were the top idols of the school. Inari worried how she must compare beside them, and wanted every tool and trick she could get her hands on to help her out. She was still working on her makeup when somebody knocked on her door.

"Just a moment," Inari called out. She set her brush down and went to the door. "Yes?" She asked opening the door to see who had knocked.

"Inari," Lim, one of the dorm inhabitants that Inari knew in passing was standing in the hall. "Is it true what they are saying about you?"

"Is what true?" Inari asked, curious.

"You know," Lim pressed. "What people are saying about you and Aono-san."

"Lim," Inari explained. "I was in the hospital until just a while ago. I don't know..."

"Oh my gosh," Lim's eyes went wide. "So it is true!"

"Is what true?" Inari demanded. "Lim, what are you talking about? What are people saying?"

"Aono san was in a fight Monday," Lim answered. "He fought some guys who were trying to get to the school, and that he got hurt protecting you." Lim was practically bouncing with excitement.

"Well that's mostly true," Inari agreed cautiously.

"Oh my gosh, oh my gosh," Lim gushed. "Inari, congratulations." She hugged Inari quickly.

"What are you talking about?" Inari was feeling confused.

"You're in," Lim said letting go of Inari and looking at her as if what she was saying was the most obvious thing in the world. "You are a part of his harem now."

"I..." Inari couldn't think of what to say. Her mind raced through what she knew about Tsukune and the girls closest to him. He admitted to having fought to save and protect them. He talked about how they had helped him protect each other. Inari realized that she was almost like a member of his harem. She worked with him, she had fought along side him. He had protected her, and she had help him, protect the others and the school. "I..." She couldn't think of anything she could say to dispute what Lim was saying. "It's not like that. We are both just members of the Student Police." Her protest sounded hollow even to herself.

XxxXxxX

Moka was never happy about Tsukune getting hurt, but she found the current situation to be acceptable. Because his school bag was still unavailable, in order to help Tsukune study she was beside him on the bed so they could share her books. It would have been perfect except for two things. The first was how distracting Tsukune was when he was so close to her, making it hard for her to keep her mind on her school work. The other problem was the rest of their study group was also in the room, making it hard for Moka to do anything other than study.

Tsukune was smart enough to be aware of his environment. Having Moka help him catch up with his school work was a good thing. Not only was he catching up with his school work, but he also got to spend time with her. However, Tsukune knew, being so close to Moka for a prolonged period was a test of her self control. He was careful to watch her for the signs warning that her control was slipping. Excusing himself to the water closet was a good way to give Moka a chance to calm herself, because Tsukune really didn't think getting bit while recovering would be a good thing.

Kurumu kept smiling in Tsukune's direction. She was glad that he was safe and recovering. She wished she could be the one on the bed next to him, but understood why she wasn't. Mizore on the other hand kept frowning. She also had good grades and would be more of a help than burden to Tsukune as he tried o catch up with his school work. The problem was thinking of a way to put herself forwards that didn't just sound like the usual bickering for attention and position.

Yukari was enjoying her time with her friends, even when she was trying to explain things to Kurumu. While she liked to tease the succubus for having a brain inversely proportional to the size of her breasts, the young witch knew that wasn't exactly true. Yukari had realized early on that Kurumu had simply never taken school seriously before coming to Youkai Academy. The lack of interest before high school had left Kurumu unprepared for the amount of studying that was demanded of her if she wished to graduate. The fact that Kurumu had worked her way up into the top quarter of the class was something that Yukari knew she could take at least partial credit for. Of course any chance to get close to Tsukune and Moka was always welcome in Yukari's eyes. Studying in a group meant that she could show Tsukune how helpful and supportive she was, both to him and to Kurumu. Now if only she could slip into bed beside him as well, Yukari would be really happy.

Ruby sat in the corner of the room, ready to serve her master. Tsukune landing in the hospital again had filled her with dread. She hated to see him hurt or in pain. She wanted to help him have a happy and comfortable life. But beyond her love and compassion for him, Tsukune was the foundation of her life now. If anything happened to take him away from her, Ruby knew she would be lost. Her entire life would fall apart. She was glad and relieved that Tsukune was recovering well. As she sat in the corner mending his uniform, Ruby tried to think of a way she could keep a better watch over him in the future.

X=^.^=X

Inari didn't know how she should feel at the moment. As she made her way to return Tsukune's school bag, she thought about what she had just learned. The schools rumor mill was painting a picture of her and Tsukune being together in a romantic sense. The idea of being with Tsukune was something Inari very much approved of. She was more than willing to take a place in his harem if he would accept her. The problem was the rumors were more likely to harm rather than help her chances with Tsukune. It only made the current rumors more believable when the older rumors about her and her captain were remembered. Before leaving the dorms, Inari overheard someone mentioning the time she had fallen asleep on Tsukune's lap. That memory brought back others. There was a picture, that had been edited, down in the shrine, which meant there had to be other copies around as well, of Tsukune in a torn uniform accepting some kind of gift from Inari. Inari remembered that valentine's day well, so she had ignored the picture. Now that picture was almost evidence of a relationship that did not exist, or at least it had not at the time.

Inari knew she could never stop a rumor. Trying to argue and deny it was like throwing dry wood on a fire. What she had to do minimize the possible damage was talk to Tsukune about it before the rumors reached him. With a sense of purpose, Inari walked quickly to the hospital where Tsukune waited for his school bag. In the hall out side Tsukune's room there were a handful of students. The Student Police guard was successful in keeping the visitors and gawkers away from the door. But Inari was a member of the Student Police and Tsukune's lieutenant. The guard only gave her a nod as she passed by. Trying to ignore the butterflies in her stomach, Inari knocked at the door.

XxxX

The mood in the room changed when Ruby opened the door. Inari, dressed up and looking ready for a date, had arrived carrying Tsukune's school bag. Moka, Kurumu, and Mizore all gave Inari dark looks. While she was dressed up, they were still in their school uniforms. While she was fresh and powdered, they were all coming to the end of their day, which showed in little ways. Moka saw the other girl's appearance as an attack on her domain. It was clear that Inari had dressed to catch Tsukune's eye. Kurumu eyed Inari critically and knew that the other woman was trying to win Tsukune's approval and not just seduce him through sex appeal, a mistake that she had made for the first two years of chasing after him. Mizore saw Inari as an open threat to her position. She had hardly gotten Tsukune to confess to loving her, and now this other woman was trying to reach his heart.

Inari caught the hostile mood of the other women in the room as soon as they looked in her direction. There was something from each other the others that made her know that they did not welcome her presence around Tsukune. Inari's own pride rose up, bolstering her confidence and sense of purpose. She was not going to give up without a fight.

"Captain," Inari said with as warm a smile as she could under the circumstances. "I have brought your bag." Instead of handing the bag to Ruby, who had started to reach for it, Inari entered the room.

"Thank you, Inari," Tsukune said, sitting up. He felt Moka's hand on his thigh and knew he would not be allowed out of the bed unless he wanted to leave his leg behind.

"I hope that you will be able to come back to work soon," Inari said as she moved to the foot of the bed.

"I don't think I will be missing any shifts," Tsukune said. "But training will have to wait a while."

"I understand," Inari said. She set Tsukune's bag on the foot of the bed. "Please let me know if I can do anything else for you." She gave him a modest bow, giving him a small flash of down-dress cleavage.

"I will," Tsukune agreed. "Thank you for bringing my bag."

"You're welcome," Inari said. "Good night Captain."

Inari calmly left the room without another word. While Inari wanted to have a chance to talk to Tsukune about the rumors she had already started to hear, it didn't feel like it was the right time or place to bring up the subject. Not wanting to force a confrontation with the other women in the room, she was very careful to leave when she had fulfilled her reason for being there, instead of bringing up a topic of conversation. She was not chased out by the other girls. She did not linger until she had been dismissed by Tsukune. Inari did not want to become a bother to Tsukune, but she wanted to make it clear to the other women that her coming and going was not theirs to control.