Tsukune

"Look out!"

It hurts... My body is on fire... Are the others safe...? Moka...? Elijah...?

"They will die..." A voice echoed as the world around me is swallowed in flames. That voice...no, it can't be! Kuyo?! How is he... Did Moka not save them? What about Elijah? Surely he- "Your friends will die, thanks to you. Tsukune Aono."

"NO!" I lean up suddenly from the floor, a cold sweat dripping down my forehead. Wait...where am I? Once I get a good grip on my surroundings, I finally notice the familiarity of the room...my room. And I don't mean my dorm room at Yokai Academy, It's my room...back in the human world. "...I'm home?"

Knock! Knock!

"Tsukune! Are you alright, sweetie? I heard you yell."

Mom? How long have I been out? How did I even get here? "Y-Yeah, I'm okay."

A sigh of relief can be heard on the other side of the door. "Well, may I come in?"

"Yeah."

My bedroom door opens, and Mom steps inside with a cup in her hands. From the steam coming from it, I can only guess that she's made me some tea. "Are you alright? You've been out for the entire time you've been home."

"How long have I been home?"

"Yesterday afternoon," Mom sits next to me on my bed. I glance at my old alarm clock, seeing that it's four in the afternoon. I've been out for almost a whole day?! What about the others? Moka? Elijah? I feel a slight tinge in my forehead, making me inhale through my teeth. Mom places a hand on my forehead.

"You don't seem to have a fever, but it must've been some accident. Do you remember anything?"

"..." Alright, I can't just outright tell her that I almost died so I need to be vague. I shake my head. "No, I can't remember a thing." I don't tell an entire lie. After I was struck by Kuyo, I really don't remember anything.

"Well, you were dropped off by your homeroom teacher, Ms. Nekonome. She told us that there was an accident at the Academy. Says it had to do with the floors collapsing on themselves."

Wow, Moka and Elijah must've kicked some serious butt. But how does that explain how I was healed? I thought...I was gonna die. No, I can't think like that right now. "What about my friends? Are they okay?"

"Mom smiles warmly at me. "Don't worry, sweetheart. Your teacher assured me that your friends will be alright for the next week."

"Next week?" What does that mean?

Mom's smile slowly fades. "So, here's the bad news. Ms. Nekonome informed me that since there was a lot of damage done to the school, it will be temporarily closed until repairs can be done."

"Huh?"

"But don't worry," She reassures. "She also informed me that it would only take a week. I must say, Yokai Academy must have wonderful insurance and carpenters to work at such a pace!"

"..." I won't be able to see my friends for a week?

Mom notices the sudden change in my expression. When she does, she wraps her arms around me and lets' out a relieved sigh. "I know it must be hard, being away from your friends. You've told me so much about them. I honestly hoped that I could've met one of them during this ordeal, but that's alright. Don't worry, sweetie, you'll be back at Yokai Academy before you know it. Even if it'll make me sad when you leave."

"..." I slowly wrap my arms around my mom, remembering just how much I've missed her ever since I started at Yokai Academy. I know I called her many times thanks to the Wi-Fi installed a few months back, but I could still hear how sad she was that I wasn't home. "...I really missed you, Mom," I say with a gentle smile.

"I missed you too, sweetie." She smiled back.

It's been a few days since I woke up back in my bedroom. If I'm being honest with myself, I didn't think readjusting myself back to human life would be any difficult. I've been so used to all the chaos and antic of everyone else that...I honestly can't imagine myself without those guys, Moka especially.

Now there's another thought that's been driving me crazy over the past few days. Since Elijah is the only one in our group that has a phone, I haven't been able to contact any of them. Even Elijah hasn't tried reaching out to me. I wonder what's going on with him. Did he...get hurt when fighting Kuyo? No, he couldn't have. Elijah is the toughest guy I know! He's faced so many foes far stronger than us but he's always come through with a plan or a strategy.

I shake my head. I can't think like this and worry about them all for a week. The only thing I can do is just hope that I'll get all the answers once Yokai Academy is back up and running. I lean back onto the couch and look up at the ceiling, sighing at my own stupidity. I say that hoping is all I can do but I can't even go five minutes without thinking about...her.

...Moka.

I know that I care about her very much and I don't just mean the one I met on my first day at Yokai Academy. I care for the Outer and the Inner Moka. But...does she even feel the same? I know I was planning on telling her that back on my birthday, but I can't help but think... Is what Moka feels for me just because I'm one of her first real friends? There's also the issue with the other Moka. She clearly sees me as inferior, but I can't also help but feel...attracted to her. I obviously can't be with them both! I curse myself at the thought.

"Sweetie?"

"Hmm?" Mom's voice breaks me out of my head and back to reality. I feel bad once I see her concerned expression on her face. "Yeah, Mom?"

"Is something wrong?" You look distraught." She tilts her head and smiles. "You're still thinking about your friends, aren't you?"

I swear, she can always read me like a book. I look down at my lap, rest my arms on my knees, and slowly nod. Seeing my sudden change in demeanor, Mom takes a seat beside me on the couch. I feel like I know exactly what's about to go down, but I don't know if I'm ready for this conversation.

"Is it all of them, or one in particular?"

"..."

I close my eyes. Once again, thoughts and images of Moka come into my mind. I replay all the moments we've shared ever since I went to Yokai Academy, both good and bad. I think back to how she sucks my blood with such...affection, and that I'm starting to...miss it, the blatant affectionate glances she's been giving me ever since the beginning, and those intimate moments we share whenever we just say each other's names back and forth. Why do we even do that so much anyway? Even so, I miss it...I miss her. And I know that Kurumu and Mizore seem to have a 'thing' for me. They're great, don't get me wrong but out of all of those girls... I open my eyes back up, seeing Mom's patient smile. Well...here goes nothing.

"It's...one of them."

"Well, tell me about them."

I bit my lower lip, choosing my next words carefully. I mean, I know I've told her about the others, but I know how she gets whenever there's a girl involved. "They've been on my mind ever since I woke up..." I try and to think about how to say it, but Mom interrupts my train of thought.

"Is it a girl?" Mom asked with surprisingly more concern than I anticipated. Speechless, I nod slowly. "And she's one of your friends you told me about?" Another nod. "When you think about them, what do you feel? Nervous? Happy? Excited? Eager to spend time with them?"

I swear, I think she's psychic at times. That's exactly what I've been feeling about Moka since the beginning, but I've never really acted on them. Even when I tried, something or some people got in the way. "All of the above," I chuckle nervously, feeling the heat rising in my cheeks. I almost stop talking there, but I keep going. "I think I know what's going on, but I don't know for sure. Every time...she walks into the room, I feel warm and fuzzy inside. Whenever we're talking, my smile seems to be wider." Is this what love really feels like? Or am I just infatuated? I take a breath and look over at Mom. "What does this mean?"

She's cradling the cup of coffee in her hands, listening attentively. Looking a bit contemplative, she takes a sip. "Tsukune, I want you to try something. Close your eyes for a bit."

Wait, huh? "Um, okay?" I do so.

"Now, imagine this scenario," She went on. "You're walking down on the sidewalk. Suddenly, you look across the street and see this person. She's having a good time, laughing and smiling." I can see it as clear as day, Moka's laugh and smile are practically burned into my memory. I can even see the Inner Moka doing the same thing. But...

What's the point of this?

"However," Mom continues. "walking down the street next to her is someone else. Someone she's looking at with affection and happiness." Huh? Wait...no... She's happy...without me? But why is the person I imagined next to her...Elijah? Wow...this sucks. A pang of an unfamiliar feeling stabs at my heart. "Let me guess, it hurts right here." I open my eyes, seeing my mom touching her chest right where her heart is.

"Yeah," I nod. "but how did you know?"

"It was all over your face, sweetie. You felt jealous. Whoever you imagined being with this girl, you were wanting that to be you, right?" Wow, I really am an idiot. I didn't realize it then, but she's right. I really did want to be where Elijah was. Does...that mean?

"Mom, do you really think...?"

She giggles, slightly covering her giddy smile. "This girl must be pretty special to you. Tell me, is she cute?" I nod. "Is she kind?" Another nod. "Well, that's good. Anyone you love this much would definitely be kind." Huh...so this is really love? I've always known about the phrase, 'butterflies in your stomach', but I never felt it before, but now...I do.

Thinking back, I've been feeling this around Moka more and more recently "So, you think I really love her?"

"That's actually completely up to you. but it does sound like it."

"I guess so...it's still so confusing though."

Mom smiles tenderly. "First loves often are. I think I have an idea of who it is, but I won't force you to tell me. Just know that your father and I are here to talk about it whenever you want."

Damn, I really am blessed to have a Mom like her. "Thanks, Mom."

"Do you want to talk about anything else?"

I shake my head. "No, I feel a lot better now. I think I can start taking it easier now." And I feel like I can. My mind is a bit more at ease now, and can see a lot more clearly now. Mom reaches over, hugging me tightly.

"Then you better make the most of it, sweetie. Don't want to be such a worrywart when you meet your crush next week."

There she goes. "Really, Mom? Really?" I sigh, releasing myself from her hug and facepalm as she chuckles.

"A mother can't help herself, can she? I just can't wait to officially meet her, all of your beloved friends for that matter."

I smile. "I know, Mom. I can't wait for you to meet them too."

Finally!

It's time... It's finally been a week and Yokai Academy is officially open and ready for students to come back and attend classes like normal! They're even allowing us one free day so everyone can get their bearings again and to settle back into their dorm rooms. I'm practically bouncing with anticipation as I wait for the bus to take me to the other side. Ooh! Maybe Elijah will be there when it arrives like when it arrives just like last time! Man...I remember it like it was yesterday.

I can't believe how much of a scaredy-cat I was. Okay, don't get me wrong, I know that I still am but I have way more confidence than I did before. The reason is that I get to see everyone again, and I haven't heard anything about me being a human from any staff or faculty of the school. Elijah's plan must've been a complete success! Now no one will catch wind.

The bus finally arrives, opening its door to reveal the same bus driver from before. Man, he still gives me the creeps. "Heh, so you still want to go back after everything?"

I nod, smiling. "Yep!" I step inside, noticing at first glance how empty it is. Huh? Elijah's not here? I turn to the driver, raising an eyebrow. "Are we making another stop?"

"Hehe, nope." He said, closing the door of the bus. "You're my last pickup for the day. Looks like your buddy hasn't come back, hehe."

"..." I take my seat, wondering what he means. He said I was his last pickup but he couldn't be the only bus driver for Yokai Academy so who would he know that Elijah wasn't coming? I shake my head, more so to get rid of any worry. I've been worrying less and less thanks to Mom's help, no need to get worked up again over what could be nothing. I mean, I guess I could call him and see if he answers. I pull out my phone, and dial Elijah's number. It rings for only a second before it goes straight to voicemail. Okay, that's probably not a good sign. Maybe the reception is bad at Yokai Academy or something and that's why it's not going through. Guess I'll have to wait and find out.

It's a short bus ride just like I remembered it being. The vehicle reaches the other side of the other-worldly tunnel. I stand after we come to a complete stop, grab my bags, and hop off, smiling brightly as I do. Before I can begin walking toward the Academy, I can hear the bus driver laughing, causing me to look back at him in confusion.

"You and your friends are tough, don't get me wrong. But you all better watch your backs now that the Security Committee is gone."

"Huh? What does that-" He closes the door before I can get another word out and drives the bus back through the tunnel, leaving me more confused than before. What could he have meant by that? It didn't really feel like a threat but more like...a warning. I think I need to tell the others about this when I see them. Speaking of, I wonder what they want to do now that we have a free day to get settled back into the school. I just can't wait to see them all again.

After a nice, long walk down the path leading to the front gates, I can finally make out an abundance of other students. Some have come back in casual attire or they are wearing their uniform like me. But I noticed something strange almost immediately, their expressions. When some students glance in my direction, they either widen their eyes in shock, smile in admiration, or even cheer at my presence. What is going on with everyone?

"Well, well, well!" I jump a little from the sudden impact of an arm wrapping around my shoulders. When I see who it is, I'm met with the familiar face of Ginei. "Look who it is! And here I thought you'd run away from us!"

I chuckle at his seemingly genuine friendliness. "Hey, Gin. Good to see you."

He nods. "You too, but that's not why I'm here." He smile turns to a frown. "Ms. Nekonome wants us all to meet her in the clubroom ASAP. Better get a move on before you, Moka, and Elijah draw a crowd. Where is that guy anyway?"

I look at Gin in confusion. Why would the three of us draw a crowd? I know Moka and Elijah could possibly get the praise from taking down Kuyo, but why me too? And also... "You haven't seen him either?"

"Nope!" He shouts with slight annoyance. "I've already gotten everyone else but that guy is nowhere to be found! I tell ya, it's been a real hassle. I could be looking at some smokin' hot babes right now with all the ruckus that's goin' on."

Okay, just going to ignore that last part. "All right, I guess I'll go."

"You better. I swear, Moka was all like, 'Is Tsukune here? How is he? Is he still hurt?' I swear, man, who do you keep up with that chick?"

I ignore his outburst and just start heading to the club. I know I'm eager to see everyone else once again, but I can't help but wonder why Elijah doesn't seem to be here. But I think all the questions running through my head will be answered once I get to the Newspaper Club Or at least...I hope they will.

I finally reach the clubroom, my nerves finally catching up to me. I know I've been itching to see Moka, the others too, but the fact that Gin hasn't found Elijah either is getting to me. I figured he'd be the first person I'd run into. Guess I'll find out sooner or later. I step inside and I'm immediately met by Kurumu's vice-like hug. I may have gotten used to them and I'm glad she's stopped forcing her...chest in my face but I forget how strong she really is.

"Tsukune! I'm glad to see you're alright!" The Succubus pulls back, looking around me. Her smile soon falls. "Elijah's not...with you?"

I raise an eyebrow. "You haven't seen him either?"

"None of us have," Yukair answers. "I really was hoping for answers when we came back."

"Same here," Mizore agreed. The Snow Fairy's voice was muffled thanks to her face being planted into the desk.

"...It's not fair," Kurumu says as she walks back to her chair and looks solemnly out of the window.

"But... how are you feeling Tsukune?" Moka's voice raised a little bit of relief off of my shoulders. I smile at her, nodding.

"I'm fine, Moka."

"Are you sure?" To my surprise, Moka takes a few steps closer to me and... inspects my neck. Oh, boy... Does she want to suck my blood already? "It healed like normal...but still..."

"Huh? What do you mean?"

Moka shakes her head and takes a few steps back, smiling the whole time. "We can talk about it when Ms. Nekonome comes back."

"Ah, you're all here," We turn our attention to Ruby's voice who just entered the clubroom. She pokes her head back outside, saying, "They're all here," She comes inside and takes a seat, and Ms. Nekonome and Gin soon follow after.

"I'm so glad to see that everyone is looking well."

"So, why are we gathered here, Ms. Nekonome? And shouldn't we wait until Elijah gets here?" Moka addressed this issue, making everyone nod in agreement.

"That's...why I wanted to gather everyone here." Ms. Nekonome lowers her head, her voice wavering. "I'm afraid that Elijah...won't be back for a while."

The entire clubroom goes silent at this profound information. I had a feeling that something bad must've happened but I had such hop that this was the case. What the heck is going on with Elijah? From everyone else's expressions, I can tell that I'm not the only one thinking this. Moka looks shocked, Yukari looks worried, Mizore just frowns, Gin just rolls his eyes, Ruby looks...surprisingly normal, and Kurumu...she looks devastated.

"Why not?" I finally ask.

"I'm afraid I don't know the entire reason, but all I could get from his mother, Luna, is that he 'needs to focus on this path' for a while."

"What is that supposed to mean?" Mizore asked more annoyed than she intended.

"I do not know, I'm sorry, I truly am. But for the time being, I think Elijah would want you all to try and continue doing your best. Not just for this club, but also in your studies. Like me, he would want all of you to do your best!"

"If it helps," Ruby begins. "I was able to get some information from the headmaster."

"What does he have to do with this?" Gin asked.

"Well, if you remember. Elijah's mother mentioned that the headmaster was already aware of Elijah's...'situation' and was willing to let her leave with him. So, I asked him what exactly he knew."

"And what did he say?" I ask.

"...Unfortunately, he couldn't tell me the reason why, he said that it would be better if it came from Elijah himself, Ruby continues. "So I asked him how long he could be gone. Seeing that was a reasonable question to ask, he...he estimated that Elijah could be gone for at least a month."

"A month?" Yukari asks.

"What could possibly be so important that my Elijah has to be taken away for a month?" Mizore raises her head from the desk with an annoyed frown.

"Come on, Mizore," Moka says calmly. "Now's not the time to be like that."

"...Hey, guys?" Everyone looks at me with a curious expression. "I've been wanting to know... What happened back on the roof of the school? I know that I was hurt and you somehow revived me, but that doesn't exactly tell me what happened and how it affected Elijah. The last thing I remember was tearing off your Rosary, Moka. After that...nothing. So please, tell me what happened."

Looks are exchanged with everyone. Ones of concern, worry, doubt, and fear. This only makes me worry more. Whatever it is that happened that day must've terrified the living heck out of them all.

"...After Kuyo hurt you," Yukari began. "The rest of us fought off Kuyo while Moka was..." Yukari looks away. That concerned look on her face tells me that whatever she wants to tell me must've been bad. "Moka-"

"The other me healed you with my blood." Moka finishes. What? She...gave me her blood? But what does that mean? Did it just heal me or did it... "But...that's not all that happened."

"What do you mean?"

"Well," Ruby starts. "Kurumu, Elijah, Yuakri, Mizore, along with myself and Gin were defending you as Moka was doing that. We held Kuyo off for as long as we could, but even the six of us weren't enough to stop him. Until..." Ruby's hands become shaky. "Elijah used up a good majority of his cards and having Kuyo on the complete defense, he had the upper hand for a good minute...until his spells wore off. When that happened, Kuyo started to beat him to death. I...I could even hear Elijah's bones shattering. Kurumu didn't let that happen for too much longer, so she stepped up and saved his life. But Kurumu wouldn't be able to last long against him either. That's when...Elijah..."

Yukari rests a hand on Ruby's shoulder, calming her down. Seeing that whatever happened to Elijah must've been really bad, Yukari decides to finish for her. "He threw himself in the way of Kuyo's fatal blow that would've...killed Kurumu."

"What...what do you mean?"

"...Tsukune," Moka places a hand over mine, looking at me with tears in her eyes. "Kuyo's arm...went straight through Elijah's body."

"..." My blood runs cold and I feel a shiver down my spine, sending goosebumps throughout my entire body. "W-What?! But...how would...he would've..." I look over at Kurumu who's been staring out the window. Did Elijah really do that? He was willing to...die for her? I shake off that question and ask Moka a more important one. "How...hwo did he survive?"

"Well," Yukari starts to answer. "We don't know exactly what happened, but Elijah's body started to slowly heal itself after it burst with such...powerful magic. When that happened, his solar plexus healed in a matter of seconds, like it never even happened. And that's not even the strangest part! Elijah's hair went white and his eyes were glowing blue! And he started talking like some old-timey guy!"

"Wait, what?"

"It's true," Mizore adds. "I gotta admit, the way he looked with all that power...it was kinda hot," Mizore looks over at me, smiling. "So did you, Tsukune."

"Huh? What are you talking about?"

"...Tsukune," Moka starts. "When I...well, the other me healed you with my blood. You...had the power of a Vampire."

"...What?"

Moka nods at my bewilderment. "You turned into a vampire for a few minutes and fought alongside Elijah to beat Kuyo. It was you two who brought Kuyo down. That's why everyone has been wondering about the three of us and giving both of us looks of admiration."

"Yeah! You guys looked so badass!" Yukari adds.

"not to mention so sexy..." Mizore says under her breath...

But their praise is the least of my concerns. As they continue, I look down at my hands as they tremble slightly.

I was...a vampire? Moka used her blood to heal me...and that's what turned me? That's impossible! Isn't it? I mean, if I had that power, I'd still be able to feel it, right? Moka's blood would still be coursing through my veins. Why can't I remember?! Will I keep changing? Will I...turn into a vampire one day? But I-

"IT'S NOT FAIR!"

Kurumu's initial shout scares the living heck out of all of us, breaking me out of my internal panic. "Kurumu? Are you-"

"I waited long enough just to know if he's okay, and now I have to wait for a month at the least?! It's my fault that he got hurt like that and now I can't even apologize to him!" She looks at us, her eyes burning with fury. "Do you guys have any idea how much this hurts?! And I still can't do a damn thing about it...I can't even contact him!"

"Kurumu, calm down," Yukari expressed genuine concern for the Succubus...which only made her more angry.

"Don't tell me to calm down, brat!"

"Kurumu!" Moka shouts. "We know how you feel, we're all worried about him so you can't-"

"None of you guys know what I feel!" Kurumu interrupts. "I HAD TO WATCH HIM DIE!"

"..."

Sometimes I forget how close she and Elijah really are. In fact, she's been completely silent ever since Ms. Nekonome started our meeting and now she's practically exploding in grief. I know I can be pretty dense at times, Elijah's pointed that out more times than I can count, but I don't need to be a professional to see the hurt behind Kurumu's angered expression. I miss him, we all do...but it's clear as day now that Elijah's absence is affecting her the most. Kurumu's eyes soon lose their angered facade, replacing it with tears. Before any of us could express our concern, she ran out of the clubroom...letting out a few sobs. I know she's hurting and I know I now have a new problem to deal with. Hell, I may basically be a vampire now and I don't know what to do...but Kurumu needs someone to count on now that Elijah isn't here. My feelings for Moka may be stronger than everyone else here...but Kurumu is still my friend.

I stand, prepared to leave, and try to find Kurumu, but I'm stopped when Moka grabs me by the hand. "Tsukune, are you sure? Maybe she needs to be alone..."

"She's been alone for long enough," I say. "She needs a friend. I won't be long. I promise."

"...Okay," Moka sees my logic without having me explain myself. "Just...be careful."

I nod. "I will."

"And Tsukune," Ms. Nekonome grabs my attention, smiling warmly at me as she does. "Your friends have informed me along with Ginei of your...'condition'." she giggles, confusing me. "Do not worry, your secret is safe." She winks.

"..." Wait...does she know I'm human too now? There are still so many answers that I need to know, but that can wait. I need to find Kurumu and make sure she's okay, so I smile back at my teacher. "Thank you."

My search has come up mostly empty. The only thing that I've found is just praise from other students, claiming how 'cool' and 'badass' our club was for taking on the Security Committee and actually winning. Normally, I'd find this kind of attention uncomfortable and completely embarrassing. But the only thing I'm worried about right now is Kurumu... No, that's not all I'm worried about. I may turn into a full-fledged vampire thanks to Moka injecting me with her blood. I'm grateful that she saved my life but I can't help but shudder at the thought that I may lose my humanity. I mean, it makes me who I am!

I decided to cool myself down by going to the boy's bathroom. I wash my face with some cool water and look at myself in the mirror. I'm glad they told me, I don't know if i'd be able to tell someone like that. But...I don't want to become a vampire. I like being human. I want to be strong on my own...like Elijah. But...would it really be so bad if that were to happen? I mean, it's not like zombie rules where If I get but then I tun into a lifeless monster. Actually...what are the rules with vampires? That's something I should ask the Inner Moka after-

"So, you're the Tsukune Aono everyone's talkin' about."

"Huh?" I'm brought out of my head by the voice of someone entering the bathroom. A very tall, muscular guy with spiky, blonde hair carrying...dumbells? "Who are you?"

He smirks. "Name's Chopper Rikishi. Wrestling Team. And the next time I see an opening, I'm throwin' a Cobra Twist at you!"

"...A what now?"

"So? You really did it? You and those other two?" He ignores my question and continues on. "You three beat down Kuyo? That's too bad, you see..." He drops one of his dumbells, it breaks the bathroom flooring when it lands. "I've had Kuyo on my list for a long time."

This guy's really gonna break stuff right after the school is done being repaired? What the heck? I bet that's exactly what Elijah would say about this situation.

"The guys on the wrestling team are supposed to be the strongest in the school!" He continues. "Beatin' Kuyo would've proven how strong I am! Then you, that girl, and that pussy friend of yours that doesn't even bother showing up back here waltz in and steal my opponent! What's the big idea?! You wanna prove you're stronger than me?!"

"..." I don't have time for this. I ignore his threat and walk pat him and try to leave the bathroom. He grabs me by the shoulder, stopping me.

"Where do you think you're-"

BAM!

I answer after I punch him in the face, sending him tumbling backward onto the floor. "I don't have time to deal with you right now." I leave the bathroom in a rush, hoping that he doesn't get up and follow me.

WHAT THE HELL DID I JUST DO?! Where did that come from? I just...hit that guy with no hesitation and just walked away like it was nothing! And how did I even knock him down like that? Was this the effect of all my training with Elijah...or is this because of Moka's blood?

"...It doesn't matter, I still need to find Kurumu."

From here, to the courtyard, to the cafeteria, even to the gym, I can't seem to find Kurumu anywhere. Well...there's just one last place I could look. The roof. I think I remember Elijah telling me that he'd take Kurumu up there from time to time to have their 'music sessions' as he called them, no idea why it took me so long to remember that. Well, I guess that I've had my mind focused on Moka's blood running through my body along with finding my friend.

I reach the roof. At first glance, I found it completely empty. I also notice that the sun is setting beyond the forests surrounding the Academy. Just how long have I been looking? It was only noon when I met with the others back at the club. Augh! Stop overthinking things!

...Sob...Sob...

Those cries bring my attention to behind the door to the roof access. Kurumu hugs her knees tightly as she sits, crying softly. I'm not exactly sure what to do in this kind of situation, so I think to myself... What would Elijah do? It comes to me almost instantly. I know she must've heard me come up here so I'm not gonna get her attention by touching or speaking to her. Instead, I'm going to sit beside her and see if she's willing to talk on her own. I sit beside her, not too close as to cause discomfort.

"..."

"...I didn't mean to shout at you guys like that," I look over to her. She's raised her head and rests her chin on her knees, still not looking at me but continues on. "I just...I've been so worried about him for the past week and just when I thought I could see for myself that he's okay...that things would be just like they were before...I'm still away from him. Only now it's going to be for a month."

"..." Maybe it's best if I stay quiet for now, she needs to get all of this off of her chest. The best thing I can do for her right now is just listen.

"It hurts," Kurumu continued. "Not being with him, let alone the thought that he's not here with m-... With us..." she corrects herself. I want to ask what she means but I stay quiet. "It's not going to be the same. How are we supposed to continue the newspaper without him? what if it's not good enough without his help? Why...do I feel this way?" She looks down at the ground, sniffling. "I'm just so confused..."

"..."

"...Tsukune?" Sky looks to me, her eyes begging me desperately to give her an answer. "...Tell me, what should I do?"

This is one of the few times I've ever seen Kurumu in such a vulnerable state. She's always so sure of herself and seemingly knows always what to do. Now... She's desperate for an answer that normally Elijah could provide...but he's not here to help. I don't even know if I can give her the answer she needs, I alone don't even know what I'm gonna do. Not only is the thought that my friend went through such pain to protect me on my mind but there's the fact that I'm in love with Moka and that her blood made me a vampire. I don't even know if I'm human anymore!

"..." But I can't just sit here and do nothing. "Kurumu, I honestly don't know If I can give you an answer you want to hear. I don't even know what to do myself. But... I think Elijah would want you to keep just being...you."

"What do you mean?"

"He wouldn't want you to stay sad like this for the time that he's forced to be gone. I think he'd want you to be upbeat and confident and not worry about him so much."

"I can't help it, Tsukune!" She yelled. "He's hurt because of me. Ever since that fight ended, I wanted nothing more than to just be there when he woke up so that I could apologize. And now..."

I rest a hand on her shoulder, Kurumu gasps at my gesture and looks back at me with teary eyes. "I know. I'm worried about him too. But do you really think he would want you to blame yourself for what happened? He chose to protect you with his life, Kurumu."

"...I know, It's a debt I'm never gonna be able to repay," Kurumu hugs her knees tightly once more. "I know he'll be okay, his mother sounded so sure. I know he's not in danger, but the fact that I don't know what's happening to him gives me a sharp ping in my heart. It's like no matter how much I say to myself that he's okay, my heart just keeps...breaking, piece by piece at a time. And I know that you're probably thinking about a lot with what happened to you and Moka's blood and all, and I'm sorry that I'm just dumping all my troubles on you without even considering your feelings...again."

I raise an eyebrow. "What do you mean 'again'? When have you ever-"

"Be honest with me, Tsukune," Kurumu interrupts, catching me off guard. "...What do you think of me? You don't have to go too deep with emotion, I just want to know what you see in me."

"..." I don't really know why she's asking me this, I can barely understand my own feelings. Does this have to do with her 'Destined One' thing she has for me? "...You're strong, and kind, and you always seem so sure of yourself, too. You show me confidence that I don't normally see in a lot of people. I care about you, you're one of my precious friends."

"...But you don't...love me," That last part makes my cheeks burn. Where did that question even come from? I mean, I know she's said it to me before, but it always felt like it was just in her nature to say it rather than it was coming from the heart. I was going to give her an answer, but she covered my mouth with her hand before I could say anything. "No, you don't have to answer that...right now. We both have a lot on our minds. We can have this discussion on a later day, right?"

"..." I nod.

"...Even though I know the answer to it," I didn't hear what she said before she stood and dusted herself off. "I think I'm okay now, thanks for letting me vent, Tsukune. You really are a good friend, you know?" She smiles down at me, opening the door that accesses the roof. "Let's make the most of our time and keep doing our best...for him."

I smile at her. There she is, there's the Kurumu I know. She still must be sad, but I know now that she's gonna try her best. "You bet. I'll see you around, Kurumu."

"See you, Tsukune!"

The door clicks as she leaves, echoing through the air around me. Man, I can't believe I actually helped. I mean, I did good, right? I stand and lean on the railing of the roof, looking out to the setting sun...thinking. I know Kurumu has declared that I'm her 'Destined One' and all that, but this is the first time she's asked if I...loved her. I care about her, that's a no-brainer. But love? I barely even have a grasp on that concept thanks to Mom helping me get a clearer picture of my feelings for Moka. That reminds me. The way Kurumu described being away from Elijah. It sounded like...heartbreak. But what does that really mean? Could it be that she's...falling for-

"Hey," Oh, no...I remember that voice. I don't have time to get into this kind of stuff right now! Great, now I'm starting to sound like Elijah. "That was a pretty girl you had up here with you. Havin' fun, eh?" That muscle freak from early towers over me with a smug grin on his face. "Well, you better be careful. You could go soft if you're kissin' instead of trainin'!"

I internally sigh as I feel my left leg shake in fear. Not this guy again. I have more important things to worry about.

He sneers and his eye twitches in anger. "Yep. It's me. We have unfinished business from earlier. No one can bother us up here. We'll be able to go all out!" He raises his arm, it slowly transforms into a larger and more muscular arm. "So, come on, Aono! Show me what you got!"

"WOAH!" I barely manage to dodge his attack. He slammed his fist down into the ground, leaving a noticeably large crater. "Hey! The School just got finished being repaired, don't go around breaking it after all their hard work!"

He laughs. "Like I care! Besides, doesn't this make you want to fight?!" He grows larger, showing his true form. A troll. This whole situation is making me feel so...angry. Why is it that whenever I think things are finally going in the right direction, someone or something comes along and ruins it?! "Come on, Aono! Let's see your true self!" He slams down to me again, but I narrowly dodge his onslaught of attacks. If this keeps up, I'll most likely end up as flat as a pancake. Come on, me! Don't let Elijah's training go to waste! "Aren't you going to fight ba-"

"HA!" I throw a punch of my own directly into his lower jaw...but it does nothing. Dammit! He's ten times as strong in his true form! I can't even-

"Tsukune?" Dammit! I don't want her to get hurt by this guy! "What's going on here?!"

"Moka! Get the hell out of here before-" My warning comes too late as Rikishi snatches Moka up with his giant hand. "MOKA!"

"So, you're a ladies man, Aono? This one must be a favorite after the way you shouted for her like that." The Troll sneers. "This gives me an idea! The fact that I can tell you're holding back really pisses me off! So..." He places his oversized thumb under Moka's chin. "I bet you'll start swingin' at me if I pop this girl's head off!

"..."

"Well? How about it? C'mon, Aono! If you wanna save her, you gotta show your true self and fight me!"

"...Stop it," I can feel my knuckles turning white. Why does it have to always go down this way?

"Oh, come on! That's not gonna get me to stop!" He taunts me, making me more furious. "Come on! Before this neck goes snappy snappy!"

"Save yourself, Tsukune!" Moka calls out. "I'll be alright! Even if he breaks my neck! I don't want you to get hurt because of me, Tsukune!"

"Huh?" Rikishi turns his head and scowls at Moka in his hand. "You making fun of me, girly?! If you are, I'm just gonna break your-"

"STOP IT!" I have had enough! I charge toward him as fast as I can and tackle the arm that has taken hold of Moka. I always end up being saved by Moka or someone else! All because I'm a weak human! I'm so weak that I can't even protect myself in Moka's world and I'm sick of it! I need to be stronger so I can protect the people I care about, Moka most of all! And if that means... "You mean too much to me to see you get hurt, Moka! And if that means that I have to become a vampire, then I will!"

"Alright!" The Troll cheered, throwing me and Moka across the roof. "That's what I'm talkin' about, Aono! If only that pussy friend of yours was here to get a beat down as well, it would be perfect!"

I get up to my feet, readying myself for whatever comes next. If I was able to help Elijah and Moka beat Kuyo, then this guy should be no problem! I just need to figure out how to use Moka's Vampire blood! I just need more power! Come on, Moka's blood, it's now or never! ...Nothing. Dammit, If i can't figure out how to use it, then we're-

"Tsukune..."

"Huh?" As I turn my head, I see Moka getting closer to me from behind. She...bites my neck. What? Is she really sucking my blood at this time?! But...wait a minute... What's happening? I feel... exhilarated. I can hear even the faintest of sounds, and I can smell any living creatures from miles away...is this-

"This is my fight, you bitch!" The Troll calls out, charging at us. "Get out of here! You're really starting to piss me off, Aono! Looks like I'm gonna...have...to..."

"..." I look up at my opponent, straight into his soul. I can sense his heartbeat going up and up as he sees my hand stopping his initial attack. His gigantic hand feels like a feather compared to before. But how did-

"Just in time..."

Huh? That voice...it's-

"That's right, Tsukune. Do you get it now? I injected you with my blood, again. This means that you'll have the powers of the Vampire...for a while. But it only lasts a few minutes!"

"..." I grip the troll's hand, hard enough to draw blood as my fingers go into his skin. Rikishi cries out in pain, not knowing how fucked he truly is now. I'm still not entirely sure how this works, but I can't waste a single second with this power! "GRAAAAHH!" I throw the troll over my shoulder, crashing him into the railing of the school roof. I do this several more times for good measure before I decide to just throw him off of the roof.

"Do you get it now, Tsukune?" Inner Moka's voice is in my head again. "You're fighting with power borrowed from me. And when the fight is over, you go back to being a human. Did you honestly think it would be that easy to become the strongest of monsters? You better learn your place!"

"Tsukune?"

My eyes open to the sight of Moka leaning over me. I feel something...soft against my cheek. When I lifted my head up, I realized that my head was resting in...her lap. How long was I out? I think I remember what happened this time, at least I remember Inner Moka spelling out the situation for me. Glad to know that I'm still a human. I look around, seeing the amount of damage I must've caused when I was a temporary Vampire.

"...Did I do that?" I ask as I point to the broken railing.

Moka nods. "Yeah..."

"...Hey, Moka?"

"Y-Yes?"

"...You can suck my blood if you want."

"H-Huh?!"

"I noticed how you were looking at it back in the clubroom. At first, I thought that's what you wanted. Now, I know...you were just worried about me, weren't you?"

"..." Moka slowly nods, looking to the ground as she does.

"And, I promise...to both of you, I will get stronger. With Elijah gone, it's my responsibility to keep you all safe and sound as we wait for him to come back." I lift Moka's head up with my fingers underneath her chin, causing not only her to blush but me as well. I don't exactly know where this confidence came from, but I don't want to stop. "I promise, I'll get stronger so that you won't have to worry about me."

She holds me tight, wrapping my arms around my neck, I do the same around her waist. Her skin feels so soft against my own, and the smell of her hair invades my nostrils, sending a pleasurable chill down my spine. This feels so...right. This could be a good time to tell her what I've been feeling but after today... I know there will be a better time. We pull apart, her arms remain around my neck and mine rest on her waist.

"Tsukune..."

"Moka..."

She leans in closer to my neck, I brace myself for the slight pain that comes with every bite. But...this time, when she bites me, it feels...like nothing. In fact, it actually feels...good. Man, I really am in love with her, aren't I? And I'm such an idiot for not realizing it sooner. And I really believe that she feels somewhat the same. I'm not so sure about the other Moka. But if she felt any resentment towards me, she wouldn't allow herself to do this, Right? Ahh! I really need to stop overthinking things and just enjoy our time together.

For now, that's all we can do...