From that day forward, the Newspaper Club began making a point of tailing and watching the Security Committee. A number of incidents have been found, from something as trivial as bribery to cruel and unusual beatings for fractions as minimal as truancy. I had carefully used my phone to photograph the evidence. Even so, that was really the only thing that could be done. Testimonies could not be obtained as most would not do so out of fear. Even the three girls we saved from their enslavement were terrified knowing that we'd be targeted sooner or later.
Speaking of testimonies, Mizore's efforts in getting answers from that Fan Club trio disappeared before they could even explain their own experiences. And to make matters worse, The Security Committee might just be already onto us. It wasn't unexpected since we had a run-in with one of their members. Even so, a part of me wants it to go down. I want to look the man in the eye who's behind all this injustice.
"You think you're hot shit with that power but compared to Kuyo, the President of the Security Committee, your monster streak is just a joke!"
This 'Kuyo' guy, whoever the hell he is. I have a good mind to expose his little gang for nothing but the scumbags that they are. All in due time. With just a little more push, we can blow this whole ordeal out of the water and we can get rid of these guys once and for all.
"Hey, Elijah."
I'm brought out of my train of thought by the voice of my best friend. I turn to see her smiling sweetly at me, making me feel all...warm inside.
"Hey, Kuru." I return her smile. "You seem extra happy today."
She nods at my observation. "You bet! We're so close to getting those assholes I can practically taste it!"
I decided to encourage her, chuckling as I do. "What does it taste like? And please don't say 'victory'."
She slightly gasps. "How did you-"
"Intuition, comes with being your best friend, after all." I playfully nudge her with my elbow.
"Whatever, dummy." Kurumu nudges me back, giggling. We continue our walk to the entrance of Yokai Academy. Upon our arrival at the gates, Kurumu's eyes widen in annoyance at the sight of Moka biting Tsukune's neck. Just as soon as she was about to storm over to them, I held her back by her wrist. "But Elijah, she-"
"If Tsukune wanted to stop it, he would've asked, right?"
"..." Seeing my logic, Kurumu stops fighting my grip. "I know, but I'm still concerned about his health. Especially...you know."
I nod. "I know. But the guy is tougher than most people I know. Trust me, he can handle himself."
"...Alright, I trust you." She nods, but I can tell that smile of hers is more sad than accepting.
That's something that's also been bothering me ever since we told the truth about Tsukune. Kurumu was so...hurt by the fact that I kept it from her for so long. It's like I betrayed her trust which of course couldn't be further from the truth. I never want to hurt her like that again.
"Elijah?"
"Huh, yeah?"
"You were kinda spacing out just now, you good?"
"...Kuru, you're still not...mad at me, are you?" I ask, fiddling with my uniform sleeve. "I know that keeping such...truth from you really hurt you and I'm sorry if you're still upset with-"
"Elijah, stop." The Succubus cuts me off. "Don't worry, I'm not mad anymore. I promise."
"You sure?"
Kurumu nods and smiles. "Positive. Now..." She skips ahead of me and turns back with a smirk. "How about you treat your best friend to a few of your songs before class begins?"
I smirk, happy knowing that she's still as positive as ever. "Thought you'd never ask."
I came to fight for the love of the game, unstoppable!
That's why I, I'm undefeated!
Off the leash, out of the cage, an animal!
That's why I, I'm undefeated!
I, I, I know I can beat it!
Won't...give...up...'cause I believe it!
Fight for the love of the game, unstoppable!
That's why I, I'm undefeated!
"I'm never gonna stop loving Skillet."
"I know, dummy." Kurumu giggles at me.
...It's too bad I wasn't prepared for what came next.
"And so," Ms. Nekonome continued on with her lesson. "what that means is that the most important adjective we encounter in this text is the word, 'terrifying'." She points to the chalkboard but soon turns her head to the classroom door. That's when...they came. I counted at least six members of the security committee brandishing their signature black uniforms and white armbands.
"Oh, no...it's them."
"What are they doing here?"
"Just stay calm, we all know what to do," I say to reassure the Succubus and Vampire who were whispering behind me.
"Um, we're in the middle of class right now, so what are-"
Ms. Nekonome is interrupted by one of the Security Committee members raising their hand. He has round glasses...and a very punchable face. "There's no need to worry," He began as the others moved into the classroom. "This won't be but a moment."
From the entrance came a sixth person. A senior student, with long blonde hair, pointy ears, and two dark markings on his forehead. And his expression could quickly be described as malicious. He approaches the five of us at the back of the class, practically towering over us.
"Moka Akashiya. Kurumu Kurono. Elijah Everett. You three are accused of assaulting Keito and several students. You are to be detained for interrogation."
"I believe the better term would be that we're under arrest for self-defense," I correct him. Judging from not only his demeanor but also the ones of the other members of the Security Committee. This must be their president, Kuyo. "Haven't you heard? Yokai Gazette is all the rage these days."
The students shifted. Ms. Nekonome shifted as well. Each of them had indeed read Yokai Gazette. Keito had not been detained, but there was enough widespread outrage to ostracize the spider woman. No one wanted to be near a creature that could enslave or transform them against their will.
"We shall see..." Kuyo sneered, turning to my friend to my right. "Tsukune Aono. You are also coming with us. Under the suspicion of being a human. Mizore Shirayuki is an accessory as well."
At this accusation, the classroom stirred. Whispers were spoken. Most glared at Tsukune either out of fear or disgust at the notion of him being human. Moka and Kurumu both betrayed a slight hint of worry.
"Under what evidence do you have?" I ask. "What gives you the right to come in here with such an allegation with seemingly no evidence in-"
"Silence!" Kuyo boomed. It took no time to sense the overwhelming monster energy practically radiating from him. I need to keep my temper in check if I'm able to do this. "Depending on the circumstances, you four are just as guilty. Moka Akashiya. Kurumu Kurono. Mizore Shirayuki. Elijah Everett. All of you, gather your things. You're coming with us."
"..." All right, no turning back now.
We willingly accompanied them, following them as they surrounded us. I could see Yukari and Gin looking gon in the hallways. Thankfully, Gin pulls her away before she can do anything rash. As for now, the ultimate goal is for them to let us go from the lack of evidence and expose them for what they are. I know it has a good chance of failing, but I have another idea in mind that I will only enact as a last resort.
Let's just hope that it won't come to that...
Eventually, we were taken to the shrine used as the Security Committee's headquarters. Hold on a second... Shrine... Long hair... Markings on his forehead... The overwhelming monster energy... Kuyo must be some form of a Fox Spirit. Why else would a shrine be his home turf? I'm going to have to be more careful about this than I originally anticipated.
I was first taken down to the lower levels, presumably in the form of an interrogation room. I was forced to sit at one end of a table, Kuyo sat at the other end.
"This place could use some more light, not to mention a lady's touch." I quipped. "Either way, we both know that you and your people just want to keep your 'little club' under wraps."
Kuyo chuckled. "Who's going to believe your tabloid?"
"Well, for starters, everyone that was a witness to what Tsukune and I have written about. Not to mention the amount of people who can attest to our claims about the Security Committee. You guys are supposed to be the enforcers, care to explain why you've allowed assault, kidnapping, bullying, blackmail, molesting, sexual assault, and attempted murder?"
"We are the enforcers of order!" He slams his palms against the table.
"Order? Please, what you want is control." I retort. "Falsely accusing my friend of being human says more than enough if you ask me."
Kuyo mockingly laughs. "It's funny that you mention that..." He holds up his hand, his palm now showing a small flame. But it's what's inside the flame that surprises me. From my best observation, I can see people sitting in this very room. Kuyo must've interrogated them as well.
"Yep. There's no doubt about it that dude smelled like a human. I mean, I have class with him but I could smell something off about him from the very first day." I shouldn't be surprised that Saizou would cooperate with these guys without much of a second thought.
"Tsukune? Well, as far as athletes go, he's not exactly the best but I noticed a slight improvement over the first few weeks. But...I guess it wouldn't be too far-fetched if he was a human." Man, that coach actually sounds normal despite being a molester.
"Well, he definitely has a human-like scent, and everyone knows about it."
"Moka is always kissing him on the neck, but that's only because-"
"That guy smells weird."
"Well, he's strange, but also kinda cu-"
"That dude totally smells awful!"
"You know, he never did once change into his monster form to save his friends from serious danger. Although, some people have seen him use-"
"The writing is all over the walls. No matter whose testimony we listen to, that all leads to the assertion that you're 'friend' is a human."
I shrug. "Well, have you considered the fact that he's spent most of his life living amongst them as most choose to do? Hell, even if I weren't half-human myself I'd have the scent like one from how I was raised."
Kuyo smiles evilly. "Yes, we know all about you're...condition, Mr. Everett."
"Meaning?"
"From what we've seen from your student file, you're...well, it doesn't exactly specify but we know that you're some form of magic wielder. Merely a human with supernatural abilities." Kuyo spat, his voice dripping with venom.
"Even so, my kind are permitted and listed as a viable 'species' to attend Yokai Academy. On account that we keep to secrecy as well as monsters." I finished.
"This is true, and yet... There's your mother."
"... Excuse me?"
"When we asked for your file, we were informed that while your father is a wretched human. As for your mother, while she is a witch, we've done a little more research on her as well."
"If you think bringing my mother into this matter will get me to cooperate with you people then you are sorely mistaken. In fact, she goud rip you all a new one if she truly wanted to."
"Is that so? If your mother is as powerful as you believe, then how come you weren't born with such gifts as she and resort to using ?"
This is textbook gaslighting. "I don't know. But that never stopped my mother from teaching me how to utilize it in my own way. She believes that she can do great things someday."
Kuyo found humor in my statement, sneering at me as he leaned down to my face. "Your kind can never be great. You are nothing more than a disgusting half-breed for me to stomp on."
"Even if Tsukune was a human as you claim, what would be so bad about that?"
"...Excuse me?"
My turn, you son of a bitch. I lean back in the chair, hands in my pockets. "The idea of Yokai Academy is to teach monsters and yokai alike to live among the humans in peace, but that's not entirely the case. I believe the true idea of this place is that so one day, we can reveal ourselves to the humans and live together in peace."
"What are you-"
"We have so much to offer the humans with our abilities and I don't mean just my kind alone. Humans are an extraordinary species. Like monsters, we're all a part of this world—species among species. The more closely we identify ourselves with the rest of life, the more quickly we will be able to discover the sources of human sensibility and acquire the knowledge of which an enduring ethic, a sense of preferred direction, can be built."
"Enough of this nonse-"
"One day, Monsters and Humans will be able to recognize each other's dignity, our hopes, and our rights. Together, we can live in peace and build a better future for Humans and Monsters. Yokai Academy's message is the hope of a people. Humans can give us so much, and soon we can give them so much more in retu-"
"ENOUGH!"
SLAM!
I'm thrown across the room after Kuyo delivers a very hard punch to my face. Yep, that definitely hurt like a mothe-fucker. But at least I struck a nerve. "Such a disappointment," he says for either my speech or as an insult to me alone. In any case, two of his henchmen grabbed me and dragged me to the left side of the room. Looks like he's done talking to me.
Now...it was Tsukune's turn...
He was forced into the room as well, along with Moka. They didn't seem to notice my presence. Neither did Kurumu or Mizore when they appeared with their own captors. Illusion magic? I had a feeling this was the case but do the others realize?
Tsukune and Moka were shown the same things I was. Then came the interrogation.
"Every single one of them..." Kuyo hissed. "All pointing to the fact that you, Tsukune Aono, are a human. In fact, you should recognize a few of these people. They all claim that you reek of the stench of a human. And you, Ms. Akashiya," He sneers at the shaking Vampire. "You are the most damning evidence. After all, human blood is what humans crave the most. how else is it that everyone attests to Moka being so fond of yours in particular?" Kuyo pointed out.
"His blood is just delicious, that's all! That doesn't mean that Tsukune is human! I've even tasted Elijah's blood before and it was almost just as good!" Moka insisted. This was a fair claim seeing that almost every living creature has blood. Perhaps she just prefers his because of love so she could taste something second only to human blood. At least that would be a legal argument.
...But this was anything but legal.
"If you won't cooperate..." Kuyo unveiled a glass of water...pure water. Moka understandably gasps. With a sadistic smile, he reaches his hand into the glass...and flicks water droplets onto her. Moka yelped in pain as electrical discharges occurred on contact.
"AAAHHH!" Kuyo laughs at the poor girl's pain.
"You bastard!" Tsukune roared. "Let her go!"
The captor remained unimpressed. "If this goes on any longer, I'll just throw her into the pond. Bound of course." Kuyo gestured to Tsukune's guards. They promptly pinned him to the table. "All you have to do is switch to your human form and free yourself and you'll be cleared of the charge. Or you can confess and save your precious Moka. Until then..." Kuyo poured the remaining water onto Moka, and she screamed in pain.
I jerked violently against the grip of my captor. This was torture. Kuyo is trying to get one of them to break. I don't care how badly this affects me, looks like I have to use my trap card after all.
I hope you're as ready as I am, Tsukune.
I let my head fall forward, only to bring it back and headbutt the guard holding onto me. I'm able to disorient him for a second so I take this opportunity and sprint towards the pair. When I'm in front of them, they're unfazed by my presence. Looks like the illusion magic is still in effect. I turn to Kuyo, he sneers at me at my seemingly failed attempt to do anything. The guards holding Tsukuen release him and attempt to hold me down, but Kuyo waves his hand, stopping them in their tracks.
"You're really willing to risk your life for someone who can possibly be a human?" He stands.
"Who are you talking-"
"I'm defending my friend. If it's the truth you want...then you'll get it from me."
"Oh? And what might that be?"
"...Tsukune Aono is not the human..."
I really hope I know what I'm doing...
"...I am."
"What?!"
"Elijah, no!"
"HA!" Kuyo laughs. "Don't make me laugh!"
"It's true. From day one, the scent that everyone has been smelling...it's mine. Everyone here believes that I'm some sort of Magic wielder, but that couldn't be further from the truth. As you saw in most of the testimonies, Tsukune managed to wield magic of his own and used it in our 'assaults' as you call them. Yes, I was able to wield it as well...but that's because of him."
"If this is how you claim, then explain how you have a witch as a mother."
"Because my father is a human. And as you know, humans in ancient times could use even the novice of spells, so it's no surprise that I can use them as well. But I'm human as the day I was born. My mother even claimed that she was sure that her child would be a great witch, wizard, or sorcerer. I could never use any magic even if I tried...all my cards are just a means of self-defense."
"Your own mother would send her human child to a school full of monsters? Sounds like rubbish to me. So how about you elaborate on that for me, boy."
"Because...like me, she believes that you all can coexist with the humans. I've lived amongst you ever since I first started here at Yokai Academy. And I can see that we're not so different. Sure, we all have our flaws, but like me, you laugh, love, hate, and even cry like us. Who's to say that we can't coexist?"
"..." Kuyo stands, scowling as he points at me. But I can sense that he's changed the illusion spell in some way. "And this is your confession?"
"Yes. I, Elijah Everett...am the human you seek."
"...Then prove it." Kuyo waves his hand. I hear Moka gasp from behind. Looks like Kuyo modified the spell so that Tsukune and Moka can see me now.
"Elijah, what are you doing?!"
I look back at her, smiling. "Don't worry. Everything's gonna be okay." I say loud enough that it rings out through the room. I then turn back to Kuyo, my smile now entirely gone. "You want me to prove it? Then name your terms."
Kuyo chuckles. "...Fight."
"What?" Tsukune asks.
"You claim that you are the human while Tsukune here is the real Magic one if that's the case... If Tsukune beats you by sheer strength," Kuyo laughs at this. "I don't really see how, but if he does, then it's possible that you are telling the truth. But know this..." He scowls at me and Tsukune. "I'll know if either of you are holding back. So expect you to give it your all."
"...So be it," I say as I turn around to Tsukune who's already standing up from his chair.
"No! You can't!" Moka pleads weakly. "Elijah is not a human and neither is Tsukune! So, please! Please don't make them do this!"
"Silence!" The Senior flips the table, tossing it to the other side of the room. "This Committee seeks justice by any means necessary and now it demands these boys to fight to expose the true human in our midst! Now, fight!" Kuyo demands.
I take my stance. Right foot in front of the other, hips squared, fists raised to my eye level. Tsukune does the same, his eyes betraying his strong stance. Come on, Tsukune. I know this was a last resort plan, but we'ev come too far to back down. I offer a small nod to the boy, glancing over at Moka before I do. If we don't do this, they'll find out you're a human and won't hesitate to kill you...or worse, they'll keep torturing our friends until either you break or they do.
"..." He shakes his head, getting rid of that frightened look in his eyes. That's my boy, just do your part...and I'll do mine.
"FIGHT!"
Tsukune takes the initiative, charging at me and letting out a determined battle cry. The boy attempts to hit me several times in my chest, only to be mostly blocked or dodged. I counter-attack with a few punches of my own, and Tsukune blocks them with almost perfect ease. Out of the corner of my eye, I can see Kuyo is not entertained by this. He can tell that Tsukune is holding back...and so am I. Looks like I need to give my pupil an extra push. Tsukune moves in again, going for my head, I dodge this attack and sidestep to my left. Using this opening, I kick him in the ribs, knocking him back a couple of feet but he remains standing.
"Are you not entertained?!" I shout my question to Kuyo.
I ignore his answer, turning my attention back to my opponent. Now, Tsukune! I take the initiative, running toward him with the intent to hurt him. The boy mutters something under his breath and stands up straight. I go for a punch to his face...
"...Tsukune?" Moka says in disbelief.
"...Interesting."
The entire room is astonished when Tsukune holds my fist, stopping my attack and me in the process. Using this as an opening, He uses his other hand to punch me in the gut, knocking me back a few feet. I remain standing, but I can feel the effect already setting in as I start losing balance in my stance. Come on, bro...finish it!
"FINISH HIM!"
Tsukune doesn't hesitate. The boy delivers a series of well-placed punches to my ribs, my jaw, my eye, and my gut. Soon enough, I can't find the strength to remain standing. I fall to my hands and knees, blood dripping from my nose and mouth. I let out a few raspy coughs and Tsukune sounded nearly exhausted. This hurts, I won't lie. And I can barely stand...good.
CLAP! CLAP! CLAP!
"Bravo... Bravo indeed." Kuyo claps as the fight between the human and the monster comes to an end. With Tsukune as the victor and me as the loser. "The Security Committee has reached a verdict." He sneers, towering over me. "I hope you all enjoyed the performance." Kuyo snaps his fingers, breaking the illusion spell entirely.
"...Elijah, no."
"...Oh, my god."
"Tsukune! How could you?!"
I can hear it in the girls' voices...they're devastated. Of course, they should be, but it's a perfect factor for our plan.
"It's clear as day. Elijah Everett." Kuyo spat with venom. "You are hereby guilty of trespassing Yokai Academy as a mere human. Your sentence...is death."
"NO!"
"What?!"
"This can't be real..."
"Elijah is not a human!" Kurumu pleaded. "Even if he was he's done nothing wrong!"
"Oh? So none of you believe this? Well then, looks like I'll have to deal with you four another time." Kuyo's smile grew wider. "Take them all away. They'll be dealt with."
My eyes widen in shock. Yes, I knew that if this plan followed through I would most likely be sentenced to death in Tsukune's place but I figured he wouldn't bat an eye at the shocked reactions of the others and believe the genuity of their shock.
"No!" I retort. "I may be the human but they have nothing to do with this! Let them go! They never kne-"
But before I could get another word out, something contacted my head. A strong fist to be exact. Pain erupted through my body...and the entire room went dark...
Tsukune
The four in custody of the Security Committee are tossed into a prison cell, slamming against the hardwood floor. Tsukune crawls to the door, banging against the bars.
"Bastards! Let us go!" Dammit! This isn't what was supposed to happen! The human's actions are ignored as the guards leave them.
"Tsukune!" Kurumu shouted...angrily. The boy in question turns to see her eyes burning with fury. The Succubus grabs the boy's shirt collar and brings his face closer to his. "What the hell was that?! Why would Elijah say that he's a human?! And how were you so willing to just beat him to a pulp like that?!"
"Kurumu, calm down!" Moka offered a hand on the angry girl's shoulder. "I want to know as much as you but we won't get anything if you just keep yelling at him!"
"..." Kurumu knows that she's right but that doesn't ease her rising anger. Thankfully, she lets go of Tsukune.
"Now then," Moka turns to her crush, now looking more serious than before. "Tsukune, explain what exactly is going on. Elijah is wreckless but he doesn't execute without a plan, so what is it?"
Tsukune is surprised by the vampire's sudden seriousness. "Okay, here's the thing..."
One week ago...
"Huh, I wonder why Elijah got me up in the middle of the night. Did he finally get some solid evidence on the Security Committee or something? Maybe he finally got a confession from one of the people who's harassed them before." Tsukune paces back and forth behind the boy's dorm room, waiting for his human friend.
"Hey, Tsukune," Luckily, he didn't have to wait for too long.
"Hey, man. So...what's up?"
Elijah bears a serious frown. "We need a strategy."
"What do you mean?"
"I mean when the Security Committee finally catches wind of us, we need to be prepared. So...I have an idea."
"And what's that?"
"...You're probably not gonna like it," Elijah says as he looks off to the side. "Basically, if the Security Committee ever claims that you could be a human, we need to be ready for that possibility. And we have no idea what they'd do for you to admit that truth. So...if and when that happens, I could take the heat off of you."
"...What does that-"
"I'll confess that I'm the human, not you, is what I'm saying."
"WHAT?!" Tsukune couldn't believe what he was hearing, Elijah quickly covered the boy's mouth.
"Keep your voice down!" He shouts in a harsh whisper. "I'm gonna let go of your lips. When I do, will you not yell?"
Tsukuen nods, so Elijah releases him. "What are you talking about?!" He whispers.
"It's simple, really. If I take the heat off of you, the shock that the others will have of this revelation will clear them of suspicion of harboring a human. But they won't believe such a confession, they would want us to prove it."
"What do you mean by that?"
"...This is just a hunch, but I think they would want us to fight."
"W-What?"
"Think about it," Elijah reassures. "If you're the one who's accused of being a human and I be confessing that very accusation, they would want hard evidence that one of us is lying. Tell me, what's one factor that I have that could beat you in a fight just by strength alone."
Tsukune thinks for a second. "Well, you're more experienced but you're also way stronger than me."
Elijah snaps his fingers. "Exactly! But if you were the one who's stronger than me, then they'd see that I was the weak one all along! Plus, people have seen you using my cards before, we can just say that you are the real wizard, and my cards were only made as a self-defense mechanism."
"I don't know, man." The boy sounds doubtful. "That's kind of a far stretch. I mean, how do you even know that this will go down as you think?"
"...I don't know, I just...feel it I guess. I can't explain it, but has my intuition ever been wrong before?"
"Well, not really. But... how can I ever beat you?"
Elijah smirks. "I have a plan for that as well, but when it comes to raw strength and fighting skills alone... We're going to be training a lot harder than before. Starting now, you and I are going to spar for two hours before school starts in the morning."
Tsukune sweats nervously and gulps. "You mean now now?"
Elijah nods. "Now."
Present...
"And that's what we did," Tsukune continued. "For the last week, Elijah and I sparred each morning. He said I was getting better but we needed a backup plan If the fight wasn't convincing enough. So..." The boy reaches into his pocket, revealing a deck of cards. But upon closer look, the girl's eyes widen when they see that it is Elijah's deck rather than Tsukune's one. "Elijah gave me this after our first training session, saying that I should use one to 'finish this fight' so he could be sentenced."
"But what now?" Moka asks.
"I don't know!" Tsukune shouted. "He assumed that they would let us go so now the plan is going haywire! Tell me, how long do we have before he's killed?"
"A few minutes if I were to guess," Mizore answered. "The Committee will be more than happy to want to display this to everyone so we need to get out of here as soon as possible."
"...Dummy," Kurumu, who had been silent ever since Tsukune began his explanation, muttered.
"Kurumu, are you-"
"How can he be so careless?!" She shouted. "He's our friend and he couldn't tell us about this?! What the hell?! I thought he trusted me!"
"He does, Kurumu!" Tsukune stated.
"Then why didn't-"
"He trusted us to counterattack once the heat off was off of us! That's what the original plan was... No, it still is. But first, we need to get out of here so we can save him!"
"He's right," Moka agrees. "Elijah trusted us to help him when the time came and now it's here!"
"Well, if you guys won't do it, I definitely will," Mizore added. "Can't lose one of my potential partners, after all. I bet he misses his little 'Snow Bunny' already."
"..." Kurumu sighs. "That boy can really get on my nerves sometimes, such a dummy too."
"Yeah, he's a special case," Everyone's attention is brought by that sudden...yet familiar voice. then they herd flapping noises coming towards them. It was a black-feathered bird. "Pardon me." the crow said. In a flash, it turned into a familiar young woman.
"RUBY?!" They collectively shout.
"Yes," The Witch held out her wand, and the bars holding the four bent outward. They all quickly run out and into the hall.
"How did you get here?" Moka asked.
"And how did you know we were here?" Mizore also inquired.
"And where the hell have you been for the past few weeks?!" Kurumu followed up.
Ruby smiles, twiddling with her long skirt. "It's a long story..." But she quickly shakes off that giddy feeling. "I'll explain at a better time, we must hurry if we're to help Elijah."
Tsukune nodded. "Right. He did his part, now we need to do ours. We'll deal with Kuyo when the time comes but first, we have to help Elijah. Who's with me?"
"I'm with you, Tsukune!" Moka cheered.
"You don't even have to ask," Mizore adds.
"You have my support as well," Ruby reassures.
"..."
Everyone looks to the Succubus as she crosses her arms. "Kurumu?" Tsukune speaks up.
"...That dummy is gonna get an earful when this is over," Kurumu stated, looking back to the others with a determined scowl. "These pricks wanna fight? They got one!"
Tsukune liked the sound of that. He's terrified, hell, that all are. But they knew what they were getting into when they started this.
"Let's go!"
Elijah
"Ngh..." What...happened? Where the hell am I? And why is it so bright out... "...here?"
My vision is temporarily blinded by the light of the morning sun. When I can finally see clearly, I see the crowd of what I can only guess are all of the students, teachers, and staff of Yokai Academy. I try to move, but my legs and arms are bound. When I look to my binds, I see that I'm restrained to what I can assume is a crucifix of sorts. Shit! Are they planning to burn me alive?! In front of everyone too?! From the looks on most people's faces, at least from what I can tell from up here, they're confused, surprised, some even looked worried seeing me in my current state.
"People of Yokai Academy!" Kuyo shouts after taking his place to my right. "You are gathered here on this day to witness the true meaning of justice! Elijah Everett has been found guilty of the most heinous crime of this fine school! Being a Human!"
Most students are shocked by this statement. Some gasped, some sneered, but most bore a confused expression. Others remained silent, perhaps thinking that this couldn't be true but powerless or scared to speak up.
"His punishment for his crimes, Elijah Everett will be burned alive as an example to all of you!"
WHAT?! What kind of bullshit example would that be?! I jerk around in my binds to no avail. There's no way in hell I'm gonna die like I'm back in the dark ages!
"Don't bother fighting it, human scum." Kuyo spat at me. "It's the end of the line for you."
"Maybe..." I mutter. "But this is only the beginning of a new era."
"I've heard enough out of you...human trash." With that Kuyo moved a torch...
"Stop!"
...Only to stop at the sound of a voice from the crowd.
"Elijah can't be a human! He's done so much for this school ever since he came here!" A girl shouted out.
"He saved me and other girls after we were turned to stone!"
"He's stopped bullies in their tracks!"
"The guy is a beast when it comes to kicking ass!" To my shock, that voice is...Saizou's "I should know! He kicked mine!"
"He got rid of that pedophile coach!"
"Even if he was a human, his and that other boy's articles in his paper prove valid points! Our job here at this school is to learn how to live in peace with humans! You can't kill-"
"SILENCE!" Kuyo's voice boomed through the entire courtyard. "Unless you all want his same punishment, then I'd suggest you drop this meaningless insolence! Elijah Everett is a human and deserves to die like one, my verdict is law and I will see it through!"
Kuyo throws the torch to my feet, setting the straw immediately on fire...only to be extinguished by an expanding block of ice. Normally, I'd be annoyed by the sudden cold but I'm thankful for the Snow Fairy. Nice job, Mizore!
"What?!" Kuyo exclaimed dumbfoundedly
"Just hold on, Elijah!"
"We got you!"
I gasp in glee as I see my flying saviors. Kurumu! And...Ruby? When did she...ah! It doesn't matter! "What took you guys so long?"
"You got a lot of nerve being smart with us, you dummy!" Kurumu growled as she cut my bindings with her claws.
"Come on, let's get him outa here!" Ruby exclaims.
"Right!"
As I'm lifted off the crucifix, I can see Moka, Tuskune, Mizore, and Yukari running towards the platform where my execution would've taken place. "You guys!" Moka called out. "We'll take care of it from here, just get Elijah somewhere safe!"
"So...it's treason then..." Kuyo snarled. "Then you all will suffer the same fate as your predecessors in the Newspaper Club, save for that good dog, Ginei. EXECUTE THEM ALL!"
Soon enough, the flying Witch and Succubus set me down on the roof of the school. Once I dust myself off, I turn to the pair and smile. "Nice job guys, you-"
SMACK!
"Ow! What was that-"
"You idiot!" Kurumu shouted. "Next time, tell us your plan before you nearly scare me half to death!"
"...kuru, I-" I'm interrupted by the Succubus hugging me tightly.
"...But I'm just glad you're okay," Kurumu nuzzles her face into my neck. I really am an idiot. This whole plan could've gone haywire but my damn intuition blinded me from all possibilities. I hug her back with the same amount of firmness.
"I'm sorry," I say.
"You better be," She says as she looks up at me, wiping away a few tears in her eyes. "I don't know what I'd do if you...died."
"We can deal with sentiments later," Ruby points out. "We still need to deal with Kuyo."
I nod in agreement. "Right. We need a plan of attack and If I'm right about my early assumptions...Kuyo may be an S-Class monster."
Before the conversation continued, the door of the roof burst open. We turn to see the rest of the Newspaper Club, minus our Club president, run over to us. Tsukune looks to me with a relieved smile. "Elijah, you're alright!"
I return his sentiment. "Hell yeah, I am." I walk over to him, take his arm and pull him into a hug. "You did a damn good job kicking my ass."
He returns my gesture. "Thanks for pushing me so hard to be better. I owe what all I learned to you. Oh! Here." Tsukuen hands me my deck. "Thanks for trusting me with it."
"Don't mention it," I say as I pull away. "You've come a long way, Aono."
"And now he'll die here." Kuyo's voice called out from behind me. I turned and saw it coming...
"Look out!" Tsukune pushes me out of the way to the ground. And before my eyes... A flaming arrow erupted from his chest...where his heart was. He lets out a pained groan, but nowhere near as blood-curdling when flames erupt all over him. My best friend falls to the ground, writhing in pain.
"TSUKUNE!"
Everyone gazed in horror over Tsukune's charred body. I can't believe it. All of us happily called this guy our friend. He has come to our aid more than once and was my best friend...no, he was my brother. Only now he was the one who had been burned horribly. While Moka was horrified, she could feel my own emotions surging. Most importantly...
...My rage.
"Foolish boy," Kuyo sneered as I faced him. "Did you really believe that you could fool me? I knew that Tsukune Aono was human when I first laid eyes upon him. Although, I did find this all entertaining so I decided to play along with your little ruse. Even if I were to execute you in Aono's place, I would've had him killed and no one would bat an eye. And now," His voice was practically drenched with venom. "his death is now on your hands. Your little plan is in vain. You all will die here today along with him." Kuyo gloated from his position on the roof. "
"...Tsukune?" Kurumu got out in a state of shock.
"...I'll kill you..."
"Hmm?" Kuyo said mockingly. "What was that? I'm afraid you're going to have to speak up!"
"I'LL KILL YOU!"
I move without thinking, charging toward this man...no, this thing that killed my best friend. He needs to pay for all he's done to this school. He cannot be allowed to live if peace is to be achieved. "AAAAAAHHHHHH!"
SLAM!
My attempt is foiled by a swift kick delivered to my ribs, sending me flying back to the others. When I lean up to a sitting position, I can hear Moka pleading...along with the raspy voice of my dying friend.
"Please, you can't die on me! Not like this!" The vampire leans him up, holding onto him for dear life. "Please... A life without you...isn't a life at all!"
"...Mo...ka," Tsukune barely lets out. "..I'm glad...I really am. About everything." he reaches up...as best as he can anyway, to the crying girl's shoulder. "I'm glad...I came to this school. I'm glad I met you..." He looks over to us, smiling weakly. "...all of you."
"Don't talk like that!" Moka begged, hugging the boy she loves.
"Just hang in there, buddy!" I state, my voice betraying my face. "I can heal you, just give me a second!"
"I just have one last request," Tsukuen says. "Protect them, Moka. Protect our friends..." He smiles. "Save them all...I know...you...can..." Tsukune's hand falls lifelessly from Moka's shoulder...tearing off her Rosary in the progress.
"...Tsukune?"
"...No..." This is all my fault... I did this to him. He saw right through us and now he's... No... No! NO!
"NOOOOOOOOO!"
A shout is screamed to the heavens, a shout of loss, but above all else...fury. In a flash of light and a change in the sky's color, Inner Moka emerged. Blasts of energy blow back everyone away, well, almost everyone as I remain standing. Inner Moka flickered over to Tsukune's body. Sadness could be seen before her furious eyes bore in on Kuyo. I follow after. Our eyes seem to glisten slightly.
"Well, well, well..." Kuyo sneered. "So the Vampire is upset over the death of her little human pet, huh?"
"You bastard!" Inner Moka sneers. "I'm gonna kill you!" With those words, Inner Moka leaped towards Kuyo with inhuman speed, viciously kicking the head of the Security Committee and sending him flying into the bell tower of the school. After he's temporarily dealt with, the Vampire turns her attention back to Tsukune's body. "Move back! she demanded. "Tsukune's life light hasn't gone out yet. He's still alive, but just barely." Moka kneels over him, leaning him up to her lap. "If I hurry, he might make it."
"Wait, what are you going to do?" Kurumu asked in worry.
"...Give him my blood. Inject it into him." Moka answered.
"Vampires have incredible regenerating powers," Ruby pointed out. "so if you gave him some of your blood that might work."
"So does that mean he's gonna be okay?"
"There's a slim chance," Moka answered Kurumu, her voice shaking. "but it's the only option we have."
"...I'm gonna kill him."
"Elijah?" Kurumu tries to get my attention, but I can only hear the sound of my rising rage.
"...Filth like him have no need in this world."
CRASH!
Speak of the devil... Kuyo emerged from the rubble in his true form, a fox demon with fire spitting from his four tails leaped back onto the roof. He laughs, his voice more distorted than before like a wild animal.
"Is that...monster...Kuyo?" Kurumu said in disbelief.
"...He's a Fox Demon," Ruby states.
"A demon?!" Yukari couldn't believe what she heard.
"Yes," Ruby confirms. "A powerful one at that. His kind were sometimes worshiped as gods in ancient times."
"Your powers don't disappoint, Vampire!" he shouted. "But as you'll see, they'll bale in comparison to my own!" Kuyo declared, swishing his tails and channeling his monster energy. "Have a taste of my fire wheel!" A blast of fire roared toward his targets with the intent of burning them all to ash.
"Mizore!"
"Too strong!" Mizore said, trying in vain to erect an ice all to counter it. Instead, Kuyo's attack is blocked by me. The flames pass over me and over my friends.
"Obsidian Skin..." I muttered, sneering at Kuyo as the flames died down. "Gods? What a fucking joke. Your kind is nothing more than imps that belong in the dark ages where even the most novice of Wizards, Witches, and Sorcerers alike would stand up to you...and win."
"Hahaha! Is that so? Then how about you come and get me, boy?"
I look back at the others, more importantly, Moka. "You make sure you save him, got it?"
The Vampire's eyes widen in shock. "He could kill you, all of you!"
"Don't you think we know that?" Kurumu says, taking her stand beside me.
"Just do your thing and help him," Mizore demanded.
"We'll hold him off for as long as we can!" Yukari adds.
"You can count on us, Moka." Ruby also agreed.
The five of us stood together as Moka worked on healing Tsukune to the best of her ability. This is crazy, taking on an S-Class monster with just a rag-tag team like ours. That doesn't mean we can give up. Not today. Not ever!
"So, what's the plan?" Mizore asked.
"We work together as a unit." I say, "Coordinate our attacks in unison."
"He will not make it past us," Ruby ordered.
"Enough of this!" Kuyo channeled his energy once more to send another wave of flames. I take my stance in front of everyone to block it again. As it got closer, I felt my spell's effect wear off. But before anyone could do anything else to counter this attack, a sudden blur got between us and the flames. It was a fur-ridden humanoid. Gin had come to our aid. The fire hit him instead, burning off much of his fur. But as a fellow S-Class monster, he was still standing...even for only a moment.
"Gin?!" I shout.
"...You idiots," He panted. "but I guess I was the bigger idiot for enabling him for so long. Freshmen are such trouble."
"Ginei Morioka," Kuyo recognizes our president. "So, even after all this time, you still defy us? You must be insane."
"Yeah, maybe I am. But I'm not gonna lose anyone else." Gin stated. "From now on, anyone who raises a hand against any member of my club... They'll be ripped to shreds!" Then he collapsed, unconscious.
"Oh, well. That saves me the trouble of killing him later." Kuyo noted as Mizore fired icicles at him, but he easily melted them. "I barely even feel that! Give me a break with all this 'friends sticking together' bullshit! Humans and Monsters are enemies and always will be!" The Demon blasted Mizore back...to which the Snow Fairy does not get up.
"Mizore!" I call out. You're gonna pay for this!
"You're just a close-minded bigot!" Kurumu insulted Kuyo as she flew over to him with the attend to shred him apart. "Humans and monsters can coexist! We're living proof of that fact!"
"Not for long!" Kuto fired repeatedly at the Succubus, only to miss. Thankfully, this proved to be a distraction as I moved in closer.
"Obsidian Skin...Bound Sword..." I muttered and tossed two cards. A demonic-styled sword with an ethereal blue glow appears in my hand as I see my skin slightly radiate a dark purple glow. I close the distance as Kurumu continues to distract the Fox Demon. With a swift motion, I stab the abomination in his right eye. Kuyo cried out in pain as I sneered. "How's that feel, little fox?!" Kuyo snarls at me. I dodge his bite and pull out the sword from his eye. "Create Water!" I toss another card from my left hand. I blast Kuyo's face with a small typhoon, temporarily blinding him. I use this opportunity to stab him in his ribs.
"How does a weakling like you manage to scratch me?!" Kuyo grumbled, his form seeming to shift. But...he's not changing back into a human. In contrast, Kuyo's form remained humanoid and his body became a bright blue along with his four tails that remained along with his fox ears. He sneers down at me as I look up at his new form, my sword still lodged in his ribs.
"Elijah! Get out of there!" Ruby called out.
Before I could move, I was kicked...really hard back to the pair of Witches. I struggle to get to my feet. Damn, I think he broke something...
"You should all feel quite honored. Not many foes are ever fortunate enough to see me in my ultimate form." Kuyo said. With more concentrated and rapid blasts of fire, Kurumu, Yukari, and Ruby quickly went down, leaving me our last line of defense. They were alive, but out of the fight.
I struggle to stay on my feet, but I remain standing. "No matter what form you take, I'll still take you on!"
Kuyo chuckles. "Then you are as brave as you are stupid."
I feel my deck in my sleeve...only to feel that it's almost empty. Damn...I think I only have a few spells left, but as long as it buys me enough time for Moka to heal Tsukune so she can help kick this guy's ass. "...Chain Lightning! Respite! Blizzard!" I toss my cards. I can feel the overwhelming amount of magic coursing through my body, but I need more to be able to beat him! "...Ebony Flesh!" I take my stance, feeling like my body is going to die from this amount of power. "Go back to the shadows!" I say to Kuyo as he grins smugly at me. It doesn't matter what happens to me... As long as there is breath in my body and the fire in my heart... "YOU...SHALL NOT...PASS!"
I charge at him, sending a howling swirl of icy wind to the Fox. Not like Mizore's previous attack, Kuyo takes a noticeably few steps back as he tries to block my blizzard with his arm. Using this opening, I send down a sizeable amount of lightning strikes in his direction. He is damaged, but it's still not enough. I move in close, ignoring the heat now that my last Obsidian Skin spell has worn off, and punch the Demon several times in the ribs with swiftness. I don't stop...at least I wouldn't have. My spells all wear off, leaving me as defenseless as a mere human would be...like Tsukune was.
"My turn..." Kuyo sneered, slamming his fist into my face and pounding me into the ground. Dammit! This hurts! Kuyo delivers punch after punch to my torso as I lie helplessly on the ground. "Die like your little human friend!" I can see my vision starting to go black...my ears are ringing...my ribs are definitely broken...
"GET AWAY FROM HIM!" Kuyo is caught off guard by that familiar voice, only to be slashed and tossed across the roof by a Succubus. Kurumu Kneels over me, she's bleeding from her nose, burns all over her arms...and tears in her eyes. "Just stay down! I'll take it from here!" She leaves me to attack Kuyo with a rage-filled cry.
"...No..." I roll over to my stomach, desperately crawling in an attempt to stop her. He'll kill you, Kurumu! I watch in horror as Kuyo continues to beat Kurumu...but she won't back down. Kurumu! Please! Stop! I try to get up, but my body refuses to even stand. As I raise my left hand, only for my last card to fall to the ground. I pick it up, reading it. "...Lightning...Speed!" I barely manage to throw it...but it thankfully disintegrates. My body surged with adrenaline thanks to the spell. I fight against the pain throughout my entire body and run to the fighting Succubus and Fox Demon.
"Insignificant pest!" Kuyo shouted. To put down his opponent for good, her focused his strength to his right arm. The Demon moves to deliver a lethal punch to Kurumu's face. the Succubus could only look up at her opponent as the entire world around her seemingly slowed down as Kuyo's fist got closer...and closer...and closer...
SQUELCH!
...Only to be blocked...with my body...by having it go entirely through me...
"ELIJAH!"
I let out a gasping cough, blood noticeably dripping out already. Before Kuyo could make another move, Moka finally came and delivered a dropkick to the Demon's face. This attack sends him back flying, his arm ripping out of my body. I fall to the ground on my back, my breathing becoming more raspy and rapid. Fuck...this hurts... I...I can't feel my legs...
"ELIJAH!" Kurumu pulls my head up to her lap, resting it on her thighs. "Hang on! You're gonna be okay! Don't you die on me too!" She looks to Moka, her voice breaking. "Help him like you did Tsukune! Please!"
"...That's Impossible."
"Huh?"
"Kuyo went straight through his solar plexus, even if I had more blood to give him, it would be ultimately pointless." Inner Moka stated.
"What is that supposed to mean?!" Kurumu demanded.
"It already took most of my blood to help Tsukune and he's still unconscious. I'm sorry, but I did the best that I could."
"...But...Elijah will-" Kurumu's tears come down like the waterfalls.
"...I'm sorry," Inner Moka solemnly said before moving on to her opponent, leaving Kurumu and me here.
"Wait! Please!" She calls out. "Someone! Anyone! DO SOMETHING!" Kurumu begged as if her life depended on it.
"...Kuru...mu..." I manage to say...my vision getting weaker by the second. I don't know how long I exactly got, but I'm making every moment count. Kurumu looks back down at me, seeing my smile. With what little strength that I have left, I raise my left hand to her cheek. The Succubus is shocked by this gesture. "...Everything...is gonna be...okay..."
"Elijah..."
I stroke her cheek with my thumb, her tears rolling over it. "You saved me...many times... I was just returning the favor..."
"Don't say that! You're gonna be alright! To hell with Moka! Yukari and Ruby could help!" Kurumu sobs, sniffling. "I...I can't lose you too! You're...my best friend. You promised!"
"..." I can feel myself begin to cry. I don't want to die, there's so much I haven't been able to do with her...and so much that I want to say. "Kurumu...I...I..." My vision is getting darker...and the rest of my body is going numb. "...I...I..." My hand falls from her cheek and back to the ground...and the last thing I see is Kurumu's heartbroken expression.
"Never fret, young one. Thou hast fought well and protected thy dearest friends with thine life. Now that curse has finally lifted, allow me to take it from hither. With thou's newfound power...thou shall doth...my wonders!"
Kurumu...
"...Elijah?" That was the one word that the Succubus could muster as she watched helplessly as the boy's hand fell to the ground lifelessly. Elijah's blood pours from his wound, leaving a noticeably growing puddle on the school roof. Kurumu's best friend's dark brown eyes were losing their light, and his mouth formed a seemingly faint smile.
And his heartbeat...is no longer there...
"Kurumu!" The girl couldn't even make out the voice of her young witch friend calling out to her. She didn't even realize that both Yukari and Ruby had joined her. Their eyes are filled with horror as they look down to see their friend lying lifless in the Succbi's arms. "E-Elijah?"
"What happened?" Ruby demanded.
"..."
"Kurumu!" Yukari exclaimed. "What happened?!"
"...He...he saved me." She squeaked out. Kurumu looks to Ruby with a pleading look in her eye. "Please, can you do something? Anything?"
"...His injury is beyond my magic to help him." Ruby unfortunately revealed. Even if she were to try and help, it would only be a hindrance. "What about Moka?"
The pair of Witches turn to the Vampire as she engages with the Fox Demon. Her attacks are swift, but far weaker than before as they barely even manage to damage Kuyo at all.
"What's wrong with Moka?" Yukari worryingly asked.
"...She used too much of her blood to try and help Tsukuen," Kurumu answered. "And even then it still wasn't enough. and now...the two people I care about most are..."
"That can't be..."
"I thought you were supposed to be strong. Is that all you got?! This is child's play!" Kuyo taunts the Vampire as she continues to kick him with swiftness but less strength. "Ah, I see. You shared your blood with your pathetic human friend and look what it did to you!" He inquired, punching Inner Moka in the face and making her neck swivel from the momentum. "It made you weak!" Kuyo doesn't stop there as he jabs Moka repeatedly in the stomach. "Humans are petty-minded creatures! They're selfish and lazy! They betray! They lie, cheat, and steal! They hurt every living thing without a second thought! Fraternizing with that human scum, you deserve to die as well!" Kuyo finishes off his insults with an uppercut to Moka's jaw, sending her flying back to the Human's lifeless body.
"Moka!" Yukair cried out.
"Now bear witness..." Kuyo smiled evilly as he channeled his energy to deliver the final blow. "the true meaning of justice!"
...but something stopped him in his tracks.
Seemingly out of nowhere, an overwhelming wave of monster energy surged throughout the roof of Yokai Academy. Its source... The bodies of Tsukune Aono...and Elijah Everett. From Tsukune, a dark red glow surrounded the boy as he rose to his feet. When his eyes opened...they had a familiar bright red glow, the same as Moka's.
"Tsukune?"
"Moka's blood must've worked after all," Ruby assumes. "giving him the powers of the Vampire for a moment."
"...Elijah?"
But Kurumu wasn't too concerned with the human at the moment. What amazed her more was seeing her best friend's lifeless body rise from the ground, his body radiating with an ethereal blue glow. Levitating a few feet off the ground, Elijah's lethal injury...started healing itself.
What's happening to him? Where did all of this power come from?
"...That's impossible," Ruby stated. "I knew there was something special about Elijah but I could never figure out what it is. As far as our history goes as magic folk, there was only one whose magic could be compared to...this." She points as the boy in disbelief as Elijah's hair turns from dark brown...to a snowy, pure white. When Elijah is set back down to his feet and opens his eyes...are now glowing with an interstellar blue.
"Impossible!" Kuyo snarls. "I killed you both! Nothing could have saved you! You're both worthless humans!" His fists shake in anger. "Damn you, Ishigami...you played me for a fool!"
Ishigami? Kurumu thought. That art teacher we got fired long ago? What does she have to do with-
"No matter!" Kuyo continues, his flames roaring. "I killed you two once! I'll just do it again!"
Fire... So much fire coming down like a tsunami. Surely this would be the end of them all, these flames would incinerate them all to nothing but piles of ash. Everyone closed their eyes as the heat became more and more intense as it came closer. Well...almost everyone. Elijah raises his hand now flashing a blue light. Kuyo's roaring flames pass over them as they either sit, stand, or lay there in disbelief. When it dies down, Kuyo stands there in shock and utter disbelief.
"What is this?! This is an absolute outrage! You should be ash! What are you?!" Kuyo's eyes widened even more when he see's Tsukune carry Moka in his arms, taking his stance beside Elijah.
"You sure took your own sweet time waking up, didn't you?..." Inner Moka said weakly with a faint smile. "You sleepyhead." She flicked the boy's forehead but he didn't react.
"Enough of this!" Kuyo barked. "You think just because you can heal fast makes you better than me?! You both are just human trash! You may have magic, Everett, but you're nothing but just a filthy human! You're selfish! Your kind lies, cheats, and hurts without care! I wanted nothing more than to kill you when I learned you came from a Witch! How dare you continue to cheat our justice!"
"...Silence, foul Demon." Elijah's voice rang throughout the roof, echoing with the sound of authority. "Thou regard yourself as an ally of justice? Do not cause me to laugh, imp. Thou shun true problems. Thou assault students. Thou e'en admit to committing murder, one of the greatest crimes of all. Thou are nought more than a false, a shame, a fraud!"
"SILENCE!" Kuyo boomed. "Who do you think you are? And what's with this Shakespearean talk, boy?!"
Everyone was also curious about Elijah's sudden change in speech alteration, Kurumu most of all. What's going on with him? Why is he talking like this...? No, I don't think that this is Elijah anymore...who are you?
"I believe 'tis thou whom must be silenced, Demon. If 'tis justice thou seeks, then allow me to deliver it forward." A faint sound of what could only be...music began to rise and play throughout the area of the school roof, making Elijah's friends confused. Well, only one was able to recognize that band.
"That's..."
"Yes," Elijah confirmed Kurumu's inquiry, looking back to everyone with a smile. "The boy hath a wonderful taste in music. This happens to be my favorite."
Na Na Na Na-Na Na-Na na, Na Na Na Na-Na Na Na!
Na Na Na Na-Na Na-Na na, Na Na Na Na-Na Na Na!
Rope is burning, the world resets the stage.
All our heroes are gone without a trace.
My time has come!
All it takes is a spark to light the fuse.
Strike it up, set it off, nothing to lose.
Yeah, I'm the one!
"Don't make me laugh!" Kuyo shouted in fury as he came closer to silence the boy. "You'll never beat me!"
BOOM!
"...Well, I'll be damned." Inner Moka muttered as she witnessed the boy she once saw as an above-average fighter stop Kuyo's punch with just one hand. Tsukuen sets the injured vampire down on the floor and shifts his feet, ready to fight alongside his friend.
"...Impossible," Kuyo grunted in the boy's vice-like grip.
"...My turn." Elijah slams Kuyo into the ground by throwing him over his shoulder, a few times to let off some steam. Once the Fox Demon is momentarily down, angelic-like wings protrude from Elijah's back and he takes flight. Kuyo lets out an enraged roar as he unleashes a wave of fireballs at the flying magic boy, missing every shot thanks to Elijah's air maneuvers. This only angered the Demon more.
"Get down here and fight me!"
"I'm afraid thou art going to be occupied for an instant. Haven't thou ever known of a distraction?" Elijah chuffs.
"What-"
BOOM!
Kuyo is sent flying for the fourth time by none other than Tsukune Aono when he punches him across the face, a loud crack can be heard from the initial contact. Tsukune hasn't said a word since he has gotten back on his feet, scowling with the intent to take down his opponent. When Kuyo gets back up again, he's noticeably shaking in exhaustion.
"...What...What are you, Aono? How can you possibly-"
BOOM!
CRASH!
"..." How is this possible? Elijah was...gone... Now he's fighting Kuyo like nothing happened. He's never been this powerful before even when he used his most powerful cards. Did he keep something else hidden from us?
The girls watch in disbelief as Tsukune and Elijah fight Kuyo effortlessly. Tsukune's punches seem to be almost as strong as Moka's thanks to her blood. Elijah's hands now have a bright blue light emitting from them. He channels his newfound power and unleashes it on Kuyo, making the Demon cry out in pain.
My time has come, millennium.
The revolution has begun!
Set it off, set it off, watch it blow!
This time rewriting history.
One life, one fire, remember me!
Set it off, set it off, watch it blow!
Unleash me, let me go!
Set it off, set it off, watch it blow!
Elijah flies down to get up close and personal to Kuyo to perhaps finish their opponent...only for Kuyo to punch through the boy's body once again.
"Elijah!" Kurumu cried out. No! Not again!
"I'll tear your heart out, you filthy...huh? "Kuyo attempts to pull out his arm, only to seemingly get stuck in the boy's body. 'Why can't I...?"
Elijah smirks, looking Kuyo in the eye. "Now or never, young Aono!"
Tsukuen nodded, running towards Kuyo with inhuman speed. He jumps into the air and slams his foot down onto Kuyo's head. The initial impact is enough to break through the roof of the school and through several floors. Tsukune lands beside his friend and looks at him, Elijah looks back at him, smiles, and rests a hand on his shoulder. His second wound from Kuyo is already healing itself.
"Thou rest now, young Aono. Never fret, thou, thy friends, and Elijah are safe now." He reassures Human's eyes become heavy and so does his body. With the help of his friend, he's lowered down to the ground gently.
"...Elijah?"
"Hmm?" Elijah turns around, seeing the girls now surrounding him. They all bear the same look of shock, admiration, and a slight bit of worry. "Ah, Elijah's friends. Forgive me for mine outburst. I guess I got some few carried aroint, yet I be ne'r afraid to deliver true justice!"
"...Um, what?" Yukari said, confused with Elijah's vernacular.
"Hmm? Oh, right! Forgive me," He clears his throat. "It's my first time ever interacting with people of the new age, so please forgive if you haven't understood me."
"...Who are you?"
He smiles. "Ah, the young Succubus. Do not worry, Elijah will be fine. I am not your enemy."
"Then who are you?" Inner Moka demanded. "People just don't start talking like it's the Dark Ages and start having the strength of an S-Class monster out of nowhere! So you either explain what the hell is going on or-" Moka inhaled sharply through her teeth as she felt a sharp ping in her abdomen, causing her to fall to her knees.
"Moka!" Yukari exclaimed in worry.
"Ah, the Vampire." He continued. "You have fought well, thank you for saving Elijah's friend."
"Please," Ruby bowed her head in respect. "Who are you?"
He smiled. "A friend. But I'm afraid that's all I can reveal. Elijah's journey has truly just begun."
"What do you mean?" Kurumu asked. "What do you mean 'journey'? Please, there has to be more that you can tell us!" She begged as tears filled her eyes. "Is Elijah...even still somewhere in there? Or did he...?"
He walks over to the Succubus, resting a hand on his shoulder. "Do not worry, Young Succubus. Elijah is still here with us. I'm just an old fool who decided to step in in his time of need. You know," He leans in and whispers. "He thinks very highly of you, you know?"
Kurumu's eyes widen as she blushes. "W-What?"
He chuckles. "All in do time. I'm afraid that's all I can say," Elijah's hair was slowly turning back to his normal dark brown and his eyes also returned to that same color. "just catch him when he falls," he winks before he falls unconscious.
"Woah!" Kurumu catches him before he can hit the ground. Elijah's head now rests in Kurumu's lap, completely unconscious. The Succubus looks back to the others, and they all share her confusion. "...Do any of you guys know what's happening to him?"
"...No." Yukair shakes her head.
"No clue," Mizore lowers her head.
"Beats the hell outa me,' Moka said looking away as she put back on her Rosary.
"...I'm afraid I don't either," Ruby added.
"..." Kurumu looks back down at her best friend's resting face, stroking a strand of hair from his face and behind his ear. She can't lie to herself as she smiles, the boy looks...handsome when he's out cold. I guess we don't need the answers right now. Elijah's gonna be okay...that's all I care about.
After everything, Kurumu relayed everything that took place on the roof of Yokai Academy to Ms. Nekonome in great detail. She, along with a good portion of students concluded that Moka, Tsukune, and Elijah took on Kuyo and came out on top completely unscathed. This not complete truth alone was enough to clear Elijah's name of being a mere human and no suspicion would be thrown in Tsukune's direction. Ms. Nekonome is not one to condone violence, but she could make an exception for her precious club. Once everyone saw Kuyo's seemingly lifeless body, cheers roared throughout the school roof and some declared their hatred and resentment toward the Security Committee, even going as far as declaring the three students that took down the Fox Demon the 'Heros of Yokai Academy.'
"And that's what happened."
"...I see," Ms. Nekonome looked to the three unconscious students as they lay in the school infirmary. She couldn't believe her own ears. "...So Tsukune really is a human?"
Kurumu nodded. She knows that telling her would cause a potential problem, but she felt like it was the right decision to let their beloved homeroom teacher and club founder know about the truth. "Yes."
The Neko teacher stares at the boy, smiling. "Well, as far as humans go, I don't think I've met such a kind one before." She turns her smile to the others. "Don't worry, your secret is safe."
"Thank you, Ms. Nekonome." Kurumu appreciated her teacher's honesty.
"But another concern of mine is..." Ms. Nekonome turned her attention to Elijah. "You said he...died in your arms, yet he came back with a 'Shakespearean' personality. Not to mention you said he conjured his own magic...but he's never shown such strength before. How is this possible?"
"I'm afraid we don't know anything," Ruby answered. "other than the fact that this...'entity', as I'll call him for now, says he's a friend."
"How can you be sure?" Mizore asks. "How are we supposed to take his word when even Elijah doesn't know what's happening to him?"
"I'm not. But from the moment I met him, I could sense something was very different about him but I could never figure out why. With the headmaster's permission, perhaps I can dig into his family history and find out what exactly could be Elijah's...condition."
Yukari tilts her head in confusion. "The headmaster?"
Ruby nods. "Yes. It's...a long story." She fiddles with her skirt. "When you all brought me here to Yokai Academy, I've been in his care and assisting him with school matters whenever possible. I owe a great debt to you all after what you've done for me."
"We appreciate your help, Ruby," Kurumu smiles. "Thank you."
"I guess that makes you an honorary member of the Newspaper Club."
"H-Huh?" Ruby was confused by Ms. Nekonome's claim.
"Well, seeing that you aided everyone in their time of need and were willing to risk your life to bring the truth out about such a corrupt organization, that makes you a natural reporter!" Ms. Nekonome smiled. "I know you're not an official student here at Yokai Academy, but let me be the first to say that you have a special place in this club!"
"I second that," Kurumu agreed.
"Here, here!" Yukari cheered.
"Well, she better not start making goo-goo eyes at Elijah or Tsukune," Mizore muttered.
"At least we got another hot girl in the club," Gin says to himself as he rolls over on one of the infirmary beds.
"..." Even after everything, Ruby couldn't believe their kindness. She smiles and takes a formal bow Thank you, all of you."
"I don't mean to interrupt the heartfelt moment," Everyone, minus the three unconscious students, jolted in shock at the sudden voice. When they turn to the source, they find that a woman has come into the infirmary. She has long brown hair tied in a braid in front of her left shoulder and wears a dark grey long coat with a white collar. The woman was tall...and she had a strong aura practically gleaming with a sense of resolve. "But I'm afraid it must be cut short."
Kurumu stood up, feeling she needed to be on the defensive. But upon closer look at the mysterious woman, she could feel a strange...familiarity, especially when she saw her brown eyes. "Who are you?"
"I'm sorry," Ms. Nekonome stood as well, facing the woman. "But I'm afraid you can't just...wait a minute..." She takes a closer look at her.
"Ms. Nekonome?" Kurumu was worried when she saw her teacher's eyes widen in shock.
"...Luna?"
"...Shizu?"
'Shizu'? Everyone thought. what shocked them even more si when they see their teacher and club founder hug the woman tightly out of nowhere.
"Oh, my goodness! It really is you!" She hopped in place. "I missed you so much!"
The woman hugged her back. "I missed you too, Shizu. I see that you followed your dream and became a teacher here at the Academy." Ms. Nekonome nodded. "But I'm afraid I didn't come here for a reunion. I'm here for my son."
"Your son?" The Neko teacher asked as she released Luna.
"Yes," She nodded. "I'm here for Elijah."
Kurumu's eyes widen when her recent inquiry turns out to be true. So she is his mother. but why is she here? And how did she even get here so fast?
"So you're his mother?" Ruby asked.
Luna nods. "I am. And from what I can tell, you're his friends?"
"Yes, I'm Ruby."
"Ruby? Ah, the young witch that Elijah told me about." She smiles. "I trust that the news about your beloved home made you happy?"
Ruby blushes, twiddling with a strand of her hair. "Y-Yes...I read about it in the school newspaper. I must really thank him for all he's done." She says that last part under her breath.
"Why' are you here?" Yukari asked Luna.
"Simple. I'm taking Elijah home."
"WHAT?!" Kurumu shouted. "Why?!"
"Young lady, I'm going to have to ask you to lower your voice. My son is coming home with me. I sensed what happened to him and came to Yokai Academy as fast as possible. Once he's there, he has a lot to learn about what's going on with him."
"Then how about you enlighten us?!" Kurumu's grip tightened, her knuckles turning white. "Elijah almost died today! In fact, he did! I felt his heart stop and all I could do was sit there as it happened in my arms! And why are you so nonchalant about it?! Your son almost died and you don't seem the least bit shocked! I almost lost my best friend and now you're just gonna take him away from me...from us?!"
"...Hmm," Luna squints her eyes at Kurumu when she finished her outburst with tears in her eyes, analyzing her. "Blue hair, violet eyes, a little arrogant, and a Succubus..." Her blank expression turns into a warm smile and she tilts her head slightly. "You must be Kurumu Kurono."
"Huh?" Kurumu's body relaxed a little when this mysterious woman called her by her full name out of nowhere. Her smile...it's just like his.
"My son has told me so much about his friends, you especially." Luna giggled, causing the Succubus to blush.
"He...He has?"
She nods, holding the girl's shoulder. "Thank you for all that you've done for him."
"..." Why is she thanking me? Elijah wouldn't have gotten hurt if it wasn't for me...
"Luna, as a teacher here at Yokai Academy, I'm afraid you can't just take Elijah home without running it by with the headmaster first." Ms. Nekonome says.
"The headmaster already knows why I'm here, Shizu," She retorts. "Besides, from the damage I've seen from this situation, Yokai Academy will have to temporarily close down for at least a week to repair, correct?"
"...Y-Yes?"
"And while that would give me another excuse for him to come home, the main reason why is far greater than you can imagine." Luna walks over to her unconscious son, hoisting up in her arms with surprising strength. "He, like you all will have many questions. I'm going to answer them all...but not where everyone can hear it." When Elijah's in her arms, she checks the back of his head. Her eyes widen for a moment and she nods to herself. "I must leave." She turns to leave, only to be stopped by Kurumu gripping her shoulder.
"Wait! Please! Don't take him away! I just can't bear the thought of what's happening to him and not knowing what it is! I don't want to lose him like I almost did today! Life here at Yokai Academy just wouldn't be the same without him! I...we would all miss him so much!" Kurumu's legs begin to shake. "Please..."
"I understand your worry, sweetie, but I want you to understand that what's happening to Elijah is a matter of utmost importance. Much so that it's too much to disclose in such a short time not to mention for potential listeners to hear. I know you're upset, but I assure you, he will be safe with me."
"..." It hurts, it hurts so much. Why? Why do I feel like this? I don't want Elijah to go. I want him to stay here with us...with me. Why does he have to leave me? I understand her, I really do. I can hear the sincerity in her tone and I know that he'll be safe. But...that doesn't make it hurt less. Kurumu lowers her head. She knows she can't fight this no matter how much she does. The sound of Luna's determination alone is enough to convince them all that this is what will happen. Besides, She wouldn't think Elijah would like it if she fought his mother. "...Will we ever see him again?"
Luna glances back at a crying Kurumu, smiling reassuringly. "He'll be back before you know it. I know how much he means to you already." She winks, causing the girl to blush. But before Kurumu could even ask what she meant by that, a magical circle began to form around Luna with Elijah in her arms. It has a yellow glow and a strong gust of wind circulates them. Luna smiles before everyone. "Farewell for now."
POOF!
And in a blinding flash of light...they're gone.
"...Goodbye, Elijah."