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 191

Mizore was left wondering what had just happened. After seeing Tsukune and Kurumu in an intimate, and compromising moment, and then being kissed by her friend and rival, Mizore was feeling excited and confused at the same time. She looked at Tsukune after Kurumu had returned to the sitting room, and saw him looking a little shaken up as well.

"I... Uh..." Tsukune tried to think of something to say.

"Tsukune," Mizore spoke up. "Are you alright?"

"Ahh, yeah," Tsukune nodded. "Are you?"

"Yes," Mizore said with a touch more confidence than she felt.

Mizore looked at Tsukune carefully for a moment. He was looking uncomfortable and tense. He was scratching at the back of his head, a nervous habit he showed when being put in awkward situations, but he wasn't running away. It dawned on Mizore then that she was standing alone with Tsukune in the hallway. She never got enough time alone with him, so she moved in closer.

As soon as Mizore slipped her arms around Tsukune, she could feel the tension in his body. When he looked at her his cheeks would darken. No... Mizore corrected herself. When he looked at her lips he would blush.

Mizore stepped back from Tsukune just a little. She smiled slowly and while keeping one arm around Tsukune, pulled the sucker from her mouth and licked her lips. Tsukune had a pained expression on his face, but seemed unable to look away.

"Tsukune," Mizore said in a whisper. "Did you enjoy what Kurumu did to you."

"Yes," Tsukune admitted in a quiet voice.

"Did you get excited when you saw her and I kissing?" Mizore asked.

Tsukune blushed deeper and nodded.

"I see," Mizore smiled.

Mizore wasn't sure how she felt about what had happened, or what she thought she might have learned. She wanted to take the time to think things through carefully. She tapped Tsukune's lips with her sucker and gave him a smile.

"I'm going to talk with Kurumu," Mizore said before letting go of him and turning back to the sitting room.

"Ahhhhh," Tsukune said as he watched her go, wondering what had just happened.

XxxxxxxxxX

Tsukune was glad when supper was over. He could tell by looking that Moka was aware that something had happened between him and Kurumu. Mizore and Kurumu had kept trading looks back and forth, and every time they did, Tsukune worried what they were plotting. When supper was over Mizore and Kurumu both excused themselves for the night, and took Yukari with them.

"Tsukune," Moka said in a suggestive tone.

"Yes?" Tsukune replied.

"I am not going to ask you what happened," Moka said. "I know that you don't always have a say in what those other women do."

"Thank you," Tsukune said with a touch of relief.

"But you better make sure that whatever happens with any of them," Moka's voice grew more firm. "Does not keep you from providing what we want."

"I understand," Tsukune said.

"Do you?" Moka challenged, lifting one eyebrow.

Tsukune did understand. He even went so far as to prove that he did. By the time he drifted off to sleep, the bedding was tangled and spotted with blood.

Moka cuddled with Tsukune, facing him with his arms cradling her. Her head was against his chest, letting her savor the sensations of him. She could hear his heart beating and smell the delicious scent that came from him. She could also feel the flow of his youki. It reminded her of the sea, a quiet roar that rose and fell. As Moka held Tsukune close, she was humming tunelessly. It came from withing herself, from the inner Moka. She knew she was doing it, but with Tsukune so close and so real, she didn't really care.

XxxxxxXxxxxxXxxxX

The man sat in his office, brooding over his misfortune. Fairy Tail was nothing if not ruthless. Anybody was welcome to join, as long as they supported the organization's goal of domination and enslavement of the uppity humans that infested the world. Humans were worse than roaches, because they had such bloated egos. It was for a chance to put humans in their place, and to stand over them as was his right by superior strength, that had attracted the man to Fairy Tail. Now that he was a ranking member of the organization, having survived the ruthless maneuvering and frequently literal back-stabbing of his earlier peers, the man was being reminded how ruthless the organization was.

Fairy Tail had suffered some recent setbacks. In the Untied States, any time the organization built more than a token presence it was quickly tracked down and eliminated. In Western Europe branch offices were able to exist, but operatives kept disappearing. In asia, Japan was proving to be the biggest problem. After the last attempt to sew discord and fear had failed miserably, the heads of Fairy Tail had started looking for a new leader for the local resources. It had started with just a few words, but it had started turning into a blood bath.

The man almost felt sick when he thought about what had happened. Every petty member had started trying to angle for position, looking for any opportunity to get ahead, or to at least keep from being eliminated by their over-eager comrades. It had been an unrestricted fight for dominance. In just a few weeks half of the members of Fairy Tail in Japan had been lost. Most were dead, killed in some attempt by one member to prove his of her dominance over the other. If the humans had known how many youkai had died in the alleys and shadows they would have been horrified, not of the deaths, but by the numbers of the still living that had to be hiding among them.

For the man, the bloodbath had been a cause of much frustration. He had been forced to involve himself in the power struggles in order to protect his modest appearing position. As a result, he had eliminated many of the same individuals he would have normally propped up while manipulating in secret. Now he was the lead candidate for being the head of Fairy Tail in Japan.

The man felt like he had a target painted on his back. Every underling was watching him, hoping for some opportunity to gain, even if it was at his expense. The high council was already putting pressure on him. They needed something, anything, that they could use to show the rest of the organization. They needed a noticeable success they could show off as proof of their strength to keep the organization together, and to keep them moving towards a common goal. The man knew that if he did not come up with something big, and soon, it was his head on a pike that the council would be showing to their subordinates, using him as a warning. The man sat in his office, going over all the information he had on all people he had to be aware of. He had lists of useful tools, disposable pawns, potential allies, and dangerous rivals. The man went over all of his carefully collected information and looked for a way he could save his own neck without giving up his power.

XxxxxxxxxxX

Saturday came too early for Tsukune. He didn't feel that it was any real issue, but Moka did. She woke up when Tsukune slipped from the bed to start getting ready for his weekend on duty. It was still dark when Tsukune made his way to the bath room. Moka wished that Tsukune could spend more time with her, and wanted him to know how disappointed she was. While he was preforming his morning hygiene rituals, Moka arranged herself artfully on the bed.

"Tsukune..." Moka called out as he returned from the bath. "Do you really want to go to work this morning?"

"No," Tsukune said with smirk.

Moka didn't like the fact that Tsukune was going to be leaving her alone so early in the morning. She made a point of getting as much enjoyment out of her time with Tsukune as she could, and in the process, she made sure he knew what he was going to be missing for the sake of his responsibilities. As Tsukune tried to get dressed, Moka touched him and kissed him. She found every opportunity to press her naked body against him. He had a hard time closing the fly of his uniform trousers because her hand was in the way. Moka didn't ask him to actually stay with her, because she knew how important what he was doing was to him. She also knew that what he was doing was because he loved her and wanted to be worthy of her.

When Tsukune was finished dressing, he went down stairs for breakfast. Moka pulled on his undershirt and followed him to continue the teasing. The tank top barely protected her modesty, showing off her arms, legs, and cleavage to good effect.

Finally it was time for Tsukune to leave for work. Moka followed him to the door and made sure to collect one last kiss for the day. She was reluctant to let him out of her embrace, but finally did so with a sigh.

"I love you," Tsukune said in a gentle voice.

"I love you as well," Moka said.

Tsukune gave her a parting smile as he opened the door to leave.

"Good morning Tsukun..." Inari said from the front porch.

xx

Inari had decided that she would meet Tsukune in the village so they could walk to the koban together. Or ride together. It didn't really mater how they got to work, as long as they were together. She had almost made it to his front door when it opened. Inari had one foot up on the porch when the door opened, and she felt a small thrill when he saw Tsukune, her captain, sharply dressed in his uniform. She called out to him as the door opened.

"Good morning Tsukun..." Inair's voice fell off.

It was a sight that Inari had never thought to see. Standing just a little beyond Tsukune, almost hidden within the manor was Moka. The beautiful young woman was almost dressed in one of Tsukune's undershirts. Inari felt a searing stab of jealousy and a burning flash of envy at the sight.

"Oh," Tsukune said. "Errr... Good morning."

"Good morning," Moka said in a tight voice from within the manor.

It was only her stubborn pride that kept Moka from trying to hide. She wanted to remain calm and in control. She knew it was obvious from her appearance that she and Tsukune had just spent the night together as lovers, but they were lovers and she was happy of the fact. Tsukune was hers, and she was not going to hide her relationship from the likes of Tsukune's lieutenant. And she was not going to act ashamed of her body, not after the joy it had shared with Tsukune's. Even with her determination, Moka could feel her embarrassment growing by the heartbeat.

"Be sure to take good care of my Tsukune," Moka said with as much confidence as she could muster as the cool morning air passed between her bare inner thighs.

"I will," Inari promised.

"Be careful Tsukune," Moka said to him before turning and marching deeper into the manor. She could feel her face starting to blush.

XxxxXxxxX

It was mid morning when Yukari paid her visit to the manor. As she approached the pseudo-Victorian house she thought about the changes that had happened to her and around her over the past year. She had watched the relationships and behaviors of her friends changing. In the last six months Yukari had seen enough to give her some hope that Kurumu might actually grow up some day.

"Yes," Ruby said as she answered Yukari's knock at the door. "Oh. Yukari, good morning. Tsukune's working today."

"I know," Yukari said. "I was wondering if I could talk with you. Witch to witch."

"Oh," Ruby blinked. "By all means. Please come in."

"Thank you," Yukari said.

"Let me fix us some tea," Ruby said. "Come into the kitchen."

The pair of witches started with some casual conversation. Ruby served them tea and rice crackers while they exchanged small talk. As Yukari shared some of the more recent things she had heard from her parents, both of whom were witches, Ruby settled in across the kitchen table with her sewing basket.

"So," Ruby said at last. "Why don't you share what's really on your mind."

"Do you know about Tsukune's wedding to Inari?" Yukari asked. Now that she had an invitation to share her concerns she was not going to let it go.

"You are talking of his trip to a temple wit her," Ruby said.

"Yes," Yukari said. "Nobody seems to be taking it seriously, but they should."

"Tsukune doesn't seem to think it is anything too serious," Ruby said.

"Tsukune is still thinking like a modern human," Yukari complained. "He doesn't think about how temples are usually built in places of power. He forgets that youkai are at least as much spirit as physical, and that we are all effected by places of power in one way or another. If something happens at a temple or holy place, it is more than just some random weather or bit of folklore."

"It is as you say," Ruby said. "But Tsukune is mostly human. Because he still sees himself as human it helps to protect him from things you or I would be more vulnerable to."

"He may have some resistance," Yukari argued. "But that doesn't mean he is completely immune. Also, Inari was with him, and she is a fox youkai. Kitsune no yomari would hold extra power over her. If the temple honored the goddess Inari, that she would be all but chained to Tsukune by what happened there."

"I understand what you're saying," Ruby nodded. "I can even see where you might feel some concern."

"Then you should help me warn the others," Yukari insisted.

"Warn them about what" Ruby asked.

"Inari's going to... to..." Yukari fumbled.

"Yukari," Ruby said with a level gaze for the younger witch. "Tsukune already told everything to Moka and the others, and even myself. He may not have thought of it that way, but he already gave warning."

"But what about..." Yukari began.

"As for Inari," Ruby smirked. "She already confessed to Tsukune, and he already reported it to Moka."

"Hmmmmmm," Yukari frowned as she thought about the situation.

"It's good that you care about Tsukune," Ruby said. "But you should also have faith in him. Inari has a huge disadvantage if she wants to pursue a relationship with Tsukune. It took almost two years for Tsukune and Moka to act on their love for each other." Ruby gave Yukari a cold smirk. "Inari doesn't have that kind of thime. Tsukune will be graduating soon."

Yukari just frowned. She still thought that the situation was more serious than anybody was giving it credit for, but Ruby had a point. Inari had strong competition, and not a lot of opportunity.

XxxxXxxxX

It turned out to actually be a busy weekend at the koban. Because Vanentine's Day was not long past, there were still a lot of new couples going on dates, and in the case of the younger students, that sometimes meant finding out that there were some places best avoided. Also students with their New Year's money from home were out shopping. Unfortunately, where there are people with money there are others looking for ways to get it. Tsukune spent a lot of his time over the weekend dealing with people that had trouble thinking past the moment. Young youkai feeling amorous sometimes had trouble controlling their supernatural talents, resulting in some embarrassing accidents.

A purse snatcher had turned up in town. Tsukune managed to track him down because one of his victims had spilled some strong smelling perfume on her wallet. When Tsukune had caught up with the purse snatcher in a small mahjong parlor, where he had already lost everything betting on a game, it had become a very awkward situation.

"We's just some friends play'n," One of the men in the parlor said when Tsukune showed up at the door late Saturday afternoon. "You got no need to come here, Capt'n."

"I know you're just playing a game," Tsukune gestured to the board most of the men were sitting around. "I won't keep you from it. I'm just looking for one person."

"Who would you be lookin' for, Capt'n?" Another man asked.

"I am looking for somebody that came by here with some money that had a strong, sweet smell on it," Tsukune explained.

The men around the table exchanged looks. Some were more nervous than most. The scent of the perfume was too strong to hide, even under the smell of tobacco, and less wholesome things as well.

"A student of the academy was shopping with her friends when her purse was stolen," Tsukune went on.

"Money changes hands," The first man said. "Nobody here stole anything."

"I never said they did," Tsukune said. "Someone took the girl's purse. They probably took out the money and threw the purse away. Then they spent the money somewhere. Then perhaps somebody else bought something at the same place and got the perfumed money as change. If I can find that place, then maybe I can find the thief, while you and your friends enjoy your game."

One man stood up from the table. An easy two hundred and twenty centimeters tall and a full one hundred wide at the shoulders, he was all muscles and hair. As he stood he gave a growl that vibrated the tiles on the table.

"You go," The man-mountain said. "No one will talk."

Tsukune reached for his youki and drew it forth. It rushed through him in a flood, making him aware of every piece of himself. He could feel it burning in his bones. Most importantly, he could feel it crush down the auras of everybody else in the room.

"I want the thief," Tsukune said. "You give him to me, and I will leave."

What happened next was almost comic. One man, the purse snatcher, flinched. He made a single look towards the exit, and then the others were on him. It was not even a brawl. The gamblers, over awed by Tsukune aura of power had turned submissive to his will. None of them could beat him, so instead they wanted to appease him. They tackled the thief, forcefully restraining him. Next they collected up all the money in the room and took all of it that had the scent of perfume on it and offered it, and the thief to Tsukune.

Tsukune had learned to learn from past experiences. He had learned in the past that a show of strength could give him an edge over others. He had learned that showing an ability and willingness to fight would make most bullies back down. Tsukune had learned that among youkai, who were frequently subject to primal instincts, being the most powerful, most dominant person in the room could be a quick and easy way to get what he wanted. After he had the purse snatcher in custody, and locked up in a cell in the back of the koban, Tsukune was reminded that paperwork was the bane of police work.

Tsukune had intrusted Inari with returning the stolen money and purse while he wrote up the report. While sitting at the desk he was easy to find. About every twenty minutes somebody would stop by the koban with something they wanted to report. Tsukune had to talk to each one and review each report that was made. One of the women that came in that afternoon made Tsukune suspicious.

The woman entered the koban with two companions and looked around as if she was watching out for something. She was tall with an athletic build and a handsome face, and was dressed in a kind of sleeveless red dress that hung to her knees but was slit up the sides to her waist. From the top of her thigh high boots upward, Tsukune could see the sides of her thighs and hips. It was obvious that the woman did not have on any panties. From the definition of her chest through the fabric it was clear that she also didn't have a bra. With her came a pair of younger women. They were petite with pixy-like faces, silver hair, and wore the same style dress as the woman, but over gray leotards, so they were covered from chin to wrists to toes. Their boots of soft leather only climbed to mid calf. At the sight of them Tsukune was instantly on guard.

"If you will give me a few minutes," Tsukune said to the woman. "I will be able to give you my full attention."

"I am in no hurry," The woman said in a voice that sounded strangely familiar.

Tsukune never took his attention entirely off of the woman and her companions. He had the other visitors satisfied and out of the koban as quickly and professionally as he could. After making sure his notes and reports were in order, some to be finished later, Tsukune turned his attention back to the woman.

"I am sorry to keep you waiting," Tsukune said. "How may I help you?"

"It is good to see you at last," The woman said.

"Excuse me?" Tsukune felt himself tensing.

"This is the first time we have met in person," The woman said. "But you and I have spoken before. Let me give you a hint." She made a gesture and the sound of soft rainfall filled the koban for a moment.

"My apologies for not recognizing you sooner," Tsukune said with a polite bow. "Lady Kuroi Sora, it is an honor to meet with you. Welcome to the Mononoke Koban." Tsukune used the unofficial name for the town. "Is there anything I can do for you while you're visiting the Board Chairman?"

"Oh you are delightful," Lady Kuroi gave a merry laugh. "But I'm not here to see Mikogami."

"Oh?" Tsukune asked nervously.

"Oh no," Sora smiled at him. "I came here to see you." She approached him with a sway to her hips and a calculating look in her eyes that was in contrast to her happy smile. "I finally decided to take a little time to come and meet Mikogami's pride and joy." She lifted her hand towards Tsukune's face.

"I am honored that you would want to see me," Tsukune said. He had felt the urge to back away from the woman, but forced himself to stand his ground. He didn't even flinch when she brushed her fingertips down his cheek and along his jaw line.

"Oh my," Sora said in a low voice. "There is a light shining on you, and more power than I think Mikogami knows." Her eyes narrowed and her smile turned hungry. "Tell me, young Aono, what do you hope to do to help Mikogami's dreams for coexistance?"

"Lady Kuroi," Tsukune answered as calmly and carefully as he could manage. "I hope to introduce humans and youkai to each other slowly, to help them find some common reason to get along. Some day I hope to have my own business with both youkai and humans working for me."

"That is very noble of you," Kuroi Sora said.

"Thank you," Tsukune said with a small bow.

"In fact," Sora said. "I have chosen to help you. I have prepared a gift for you." She paused as one of her attendants moved forward to offer Tsukune an envelope. "This is the title to a property here in Japan. You will own a building with apartments above some store fronts. The income from this property will support your educational and living needs, and help you start that business you mentioned. The building is a newer one, with most of the units vacant. You can accept humans, youkai, or both as your tenants as you see fit."

"You are very generous," Tsukune said with a small bow, but without reaching out to accept the envelope. "But I have not done anything to earn such a gift."

"Oh my dear," Sora chuckled. "There is only one thing I would ask of you in return. Swear yourself to my service and I will help you work towards coexistence. You will find me to be a gentle and pleasing mistress to serve."

"Lady Kuroi Sora," Tsukune said in a firm voice as he bowed once more. "I am sorry, but I cannot do as you ask. I have already pledged my loyalty to another."

"Ahhh," Sora waved away his refusal. "You will be graduating soon, and then you will be free from Mikogami's service. That is one of the conditions of us supporting his school. We didn't want him raising up an army after all."

"I am not talking about the Board Chairman," Tsukune said. "I made a pledge to the woman I hope to some day share my life with."

"And when was this?" Sora asked coolly, arching an eyebrow. She twitched a finger and the attendant fell back, tucking the envelope out of sight.

"A year and a half ago," Tsukune answered.

"And did you make this pledge before witnesses?" Sora questioned. "Did your young woman accept your oath?"

"I did, and she did," Tsukune said. "And she made me promise to make no such promise to any other woman."

"Hmmph," Sora smirked. "And did she have you kiss her hand or her foot? She sounds the sort to want to put you in your place."

"I kissed her thigh," Tsukue said.

"Oh my," Sora said with an exaggerated sigh before becoming serious again. "Well it won't be my thigh that you kiss. If your young woman is also a student, there is nothing she can offer you that I cannot, but there is much that I can give you that she has no way to match."

"I have made a promise," Tsukune said.

"You made a promise to a girl," Sora made a dismissing gesture. "I am a woman. I am all that she is and more. Foreswear her and I will show you the difference."

"No." Tsukune's voice was hard.

"I see," Sora said thoughtfully. "And just who did you make this promise to?"

"With respect," Tsukune said. "That is not your concern." He was not going to let this woman try to bully Moka.

"You would defy me?" Sora questioned. "When I could do so much for you? When I can say a word to your precious Board Chairman and have you and your friends expelled? You would risk everything for the sake of a promise you made to some girl?"

"Yes," Tsukune said with conviction.

"Heh," She smirked again. "I like it when a man has convictions. I like it even more when I get to test them."

Tsukune wanted to tense up, to be ready to fight if he had to, but forced himself to stay as outwardly calm as possible. He knew that he was in dangerous waters already. He watched the woman and waited for her next test.

"Well it seems that you are not motivated by material things," Sora said as she tapped her chin with one elegant finger thoughtfully. "And you haven't shown an interest in my body or that of my attendants. How should I test your convictions... Ahhhh, I know."

Lady Kuroi Sora's face brightened just before the front door of the koban opened. Tsukune saw Inari enter and felt his heart drop. He knew in his gut that his lieutenant was in danger.

"Let me introduce you to my attendants," Sora said. "This is Shiv and Shank."

The strangely named pair moved up beside their mistress and offered quick bows. Tsukune watched them carefully. They were nearly perfect twins, but their eyes were different colors. One had, light green eyes and the others were so dark that they appeared black.

"Would it surprise you to learn that they are human?" Sora said before Tsukune could do more than a quick scan of the pair. "They ran away from their homes to be together. They gave themselves to me in exchange for my protection. They only have one desire, and that is to stay together. I have promised that as long as they serve me, they will be together until they die."

Tsukune didn't say anything. He just watched and waited. He knew the woman was going to do whatever she wanted no mater what he said.

"Well aren't you going to introduce me to your friend?" Sora asked with a gesture to where Inari stood beside the door.

"Lieutenant Sansai," Tsukune said. "This is the Lady Kuroi Sora, a member of the board of the Youkai Akademy."

"It is an honor to meet you," Inari said politely.

"Lady Kuroi," Tsukune continued. "This is Lieutenant Sansai, my coworker, schoolmate, and friend."

"How charming," Sora said as she turned to face Inari.

With a gesture she sent her pair of attendants to stand together beside Inari. Tsukune didn't know what the woman was planning to do, but he didn't want to wait. He moved to stand between the woman and Inari, trusting his lieutenant to watch his back in case the attendants tried anything.

"How nice," Sora smiled. "You are ready to protect your little friend. Is that your decision then?"

"Excuse me?" Tsukune asked.

"You say you want coexistence for Humans and Youkai," Sora explained. "Your friend is a youkai. My girls are human. Which do you intend to protect? Which will you let die?"

"What?" Tsukune demanded, letting his youki start to build.

"This is a test," Sora said in a commanding tone. "I am going to kill someone. You get to decide who lives. Your friend the youkai, or the two humans you hardly know. Who will you protect?"

"You're not going to kill anybody," Tsukune said. He moved to plant himself in the best position to defend Inari and the attendants.

"I'll help you, Tsukune," Inari said moving to support him.

"You can't have it both ways now," Sora chided. She held up her hands and they were quickly surrounded by crackling blue-white energy.

"Inari," Tsukune said. "Stay close to the girls."

"Yes," Inari said as she moved to obey.

"So you will sacrifice your friend after all?" Sora questioned.

"Inari is a fellow officer," Tsukune said. "It is her duty to help protect others, and so is mine. She will help to protect your servants, I will protect them all."

"Oh really?" Sora smirked. "Good bye girls." She moved her hands to strike out.

Tsukune saw the start of her attack before he was in motion. He called up his youki as he spun around. His wings exploded from his back and he wrapped them and his arms around Inari and the servants, forcing all three to crouch down. At the same time he threw his youki into the image of bubble around himself and his charges. His shield glowed with cracking energy as Lady Kuroi's attack struck. For a fraction of a heartbeat his shield held. For that splinter of time he could see the fear in the eyes of the two attendants, and the fear and determination in Inari's features. Then his shield collapsed and the cracking energy stuck his back. For one eternal instant, Tsukune's body was filled with a burning pain as he fell into oblivion.

XxxxxX

Inari was determined to do her part. She was going to support her captain and help protect the two young women as she had been instructed. She held them close and put herself between them and their mistress. And then Tsukune was there, wings wide spread and his fearsome youki closing around them all. Inari saw Tsukune's handsome face, his eyes burning red with determination, as the air around them was filled with dancing light. And then his face changed. It became twisted with pain as his eyes rolled in their sockets and his body spasmed. The lights stopped dancing, the pressure of summoned energy faded, and Tsukune fell limp to the floor.

XxxxxXxxxxX

Kurumu dropped the tray of cakes she had just pulled from the oven and grabbed at her chest with both hands. Something had just happened to Tsukune. She had felt his heart suddenly racing, and then her awareness of him was gone.

"No..." Kurumu gasped, feeling herself staring to tremble. "No. Tsukune!" Kurumu threw off her oven mits and ran for the door. "Tsuukuunee!" She was running down the street towards the town when Norra caught up to her.

XxxxxxxXxxxxxX

Inari felt her heart stop in her chest. Tsukune was on the floor beside her, his uniform and back were smoking, his body was limp with the exception of little twitches that randomly made his limbs jerk. Inari could see that Tsukune was barely breathing. It was the sound of laughter that made Inari look up from where Tsukune lay.

"Oh that was marvelous," Lady Kuroi Sora said with a wide smile and merry laughter. "Shiv, Shank, this young man has just bought you your lives. Make sure you take good care of him."

"Yes, Lady Kuroi," The pair said in unison.

"No!" Inari protested. She didn't know what came over her then, but suddenly all of her feelings overwhelmed her and her body transformed. Her form was nether fox nor human, but something new to her. She could feel six tails fanning out as she crouched, snarling, over Tsukune. Her hands had claw-like nails and her body felt more muscular. In her normal in-between state her hands were less defined and her body was lighter. She could even see that her nose was a little shorter than normal as well. Inari knew that her new shape was a true fighting form, and she was ready to use it to protect Tsukune. "You'll not hurt him!" Inari's voice was an angry growl.

"Harm him?" Sora laughed. "Don't be silly. He has passed my test with flying colors. Had he tried to protect you or the girls, I would have killed the other. If he had done nothing, I would have killed him. Instead, he had tried to protect you all, even when he knew it could cost him his life." She looked happy and content as she walked around Inari and headed for the door. "No, sweetheart, I will not harm him further. Instead, I will reward him."

"What? Why?" Inari was confused. She didn't understand what had just happened, or what the woman was even trying to say.

"Shiv and Shank will take good care of him," Sora said. "I look forward to see how he does in the future." She left the Koban and faded from view as if evaporating.