Summer break is finally here. At last, I no longer have to worry about the stresses of school, and the next asshole our group seemingly comes across. I swear, with how the newspaper club is going, I wouldn't be shocked if we had to deal with a zombie invasion at the Academy. Alright, Elijah, don't go jinxing yourself...again. Zombies aren't as horrifying as humans make them out to be anyway.
As always, I arrived at the bus stop earlier than everyone else, at least that was what I thought until I saw my human friend, Tsukune Aono. He just stood there with his hands in his pockets as I approached.
"Hey, you're here early."
Tsukune turns to me, smiling. "Yeah, figured I would. I'm just excited, you know?"
I nod. "Same here. But I think you're more excited to..." I look around, making sure no one's in earshot. "...finally be 'home'?"
The human, realizing what I meant, nods solemnly. "Yeah. Don't get me wrong, I like it here with you guys, and thanks to you, I can defend myself...mostly. But I can't help missing the human world, you know?"
"I understand," I rest a hand on his shoulder. "I know the feeling since I basically grew up 'human', I know what it's like."
"Thanks, man. It's still nice to know someone who understands what I'm going through...somewhat."
I chuckle. "Hey, at least we'll be 'home' soon, right?"
He nods happily, then turns his attention to something behind me. I can only imagine who he is... Yep, who would I expect other than our local vampire? I smile at her, seeing her beautiful white summer dress. I must say, Tsukune is one lucky guy to have a girl like her so interested in him. But then again, he may have to win over the Inner Moka's heart if he's ever to date the outer Moka.
"Hey, guys!"
"Hey, Moka."
"Yo."
"It's good to see you two show up early, I wouldn't want either of you to miss this!" Moka chirps.
"You sure you don't mean him, Moka?" I say with a smirk as I nudge the human with my elbow.
"Oh! Uh, well..." Moka stumbles with her words as she gets flustered.
"Relax, Moka. Don't pop a gasket, I'm just teasing." While the pair of them blush at each other, I simply just stand and wait for the others to arrive. Moka wasn't far behind me, so I imagine the others, along with our club founder, Ms. Nekonome, will be here soon.
"Tsukune..."
"Moka..."
There they go again... Not only are they doing their 'saying each other's names' thing, but I can tell by the hunger in Moka's eyes that she wants Tsukune's blood too. It's a good thing that the boy doesn't mind too much and lets her have some before we venture into the human world, because shocker, humans aren't exactly accustomed to people biting on each other's necks and drinking their blood.
"Hey! What do you two think you're doing?!"
Why is it that when they're having a tender moment, someone always interrupts them?
"We just can't leave you two alone, huh?"
"Do I not count?" I ask.
"I know you have no interest in Tsukune or Moka in that way, Elijah. You only have eyes for your little snow bunny."
Snow bunny? When did-
"In your dreams!" Kurumu snaps at Mizore. "Elijah has no need for some lousy stalker."
"And why do you care, Succubus?"
"Alright!" I say before an argument can ensue. "That's enough, how about instead of fighting, we just remember the fact that we're all going on summer break together?"
HONK!
Speak of the devil... "Hey, guys!" Ms. Nekonome happily waves as she hangs out of the bus door before it comes to a stop. "This is the Newspaper Club's first trip to the human world so let's all be happy and have a great time!"
Everyone happily agrees and starts to board, but Tsukune looks around in concern. "Hey, wasn't Gin supposed to be coming too?"
"Apparently," Kurumu answers. "he flunked a few subjects so he has to take summer school."
"Sucks to be him," I say.
"You're one to talk, Kurumu," Yukari says. "Without Elijah, you would've completely flunked too."
"What?! I would've managed just fine, thank you!"
"More like manage to skip classes, I bet," Mizore adds.
"Hey!"
"I mean, not to be mean, but they have a point," I say.
"Meanie!"
Regardless of what would've happened if I didn't happily tutor Kurumu, the six of us get on the bus and we finally start going through the tunnel that marked the boundary between the human world and Yokai Academy. After what felt like around ten minutes or so, the tunnel finally gave way to the lusher and more familiar landscapes I used to call my home... The human world. I allowed a small smile to form across my face, it was good to be back.
"I'm home!" Though the other one aligned with humanity took cheer in this as well, a little too happily. I remained calm while Moka looked wary at the slip.
"You sure seemed excited," Mizore remarked.
"Yeah, no kidding," Kurumu seems amused by this from beside me. "What's that all about, huh? You sound like a human."
Tsukune hesitates for a moment, I want to intervene but fortunately, Moka beat me to the punch. "You want to know why? It's because he's lived in the human world for so long, kind of like Elijah did. Right, Tsukune?"
"...Yeah, I guess I must be attached, hehe..." Tsukune chuckled nervously. Well, Moka isn't entirely lying, and neither is he, so it seemed to placate the others.
"Well, I guess that type of thing can happen." Kurumu shrugs it off. But Yukari still seems suspicious with that look on her face.
This whole interaction led me to think... Only Moka and I know that Tsukune is actually a human. Everyone else knows me as...well, I still don't even know what I am myself, but I'm no ordinary human either. I fall into the grey area of being a witch than a human. Still, this raised the bigger question... Should we tell the others the truth? They're our friends, so we can at least trust them.
Surely they can keep this kind of secret under wraps, right? Yukari would be the least likely to be bothered by this, being mostly human herself. Kurumu and Mizore the other hand... Well, they don't seem to harbor any hatred towards humanity, and finding out that Tsukune's human wouldn't really make a difference when he would still be the same person. The same one who not only went out of his way to help them but risked his fragile life as well. I mean, I was there too, but Tsukune was still a human that rose to nearly impossible odds. He may be weak in the physical sense compared to monsters, but his resolve can be on par with mine.
Yes, this topic needs to be brought up sooner or later, more or less to prevent such a thing from being revealed under less favorable circumstances. I should at least wait for a chance to speak to the other two to see if they would agree to the idea.
"Hey, Elijah?"
"Huh? Yeah?"
"You've been staring out the window for a while now, you okay?"
I nod, hopefully reassuring the succubus. "Yeah, I'm fine, just thinking about what we'll do once we get to where we're going."
"Speaking of!" Ms. Nekonome intrudes on our conversation, "We're almost there, everyone!"
"Where exactly are we going, Ms. Nekonome?" I ask.
"Well, as you all remember, I wanted the Newspaper Club to take a trip to the human world to help you all grow as journalists. Namely, investigative reporting! So our first stop will be a local town that's populated with many humans! I would like you all to not only enjoy yourselves with what they have to offer, but I would also like you to pay attention to their behavior and how they interact with one another. Elijah, Yukari, seeing as you are most familiar with humans while also being the closest thing to them, I feel like you two will be able to do just fine!"
"We'll do our best," I say, but when I look to Yukari, she seems...uneasy?
"...Y-Yes, ma'am."
Our first stop in the human town is as lively as most would expect when it comes to humans. I tend to forget how uncaring they can be to one another and the area around them, but at least the others seem to be intrigued...well, not all of them. Yukari still looks uncomfortable ever since Ms. Nekonome announced our first stop. Does she not do so well in crowds? I allow her to catch up to be as I slow down my walking speed.
"You okay, Yukari?"
"Y-Yeah, I'm fine..."
The way she's shaking right now says otherwise. "Does the crowd make you uncomfortable?" The young witch looks away from me shyly, nodding her little head. "I don't want to talk to you like a little kid, but, you can hang onto me if it'll make you feel better."
"..." Yukari responds by gripping my forearm tightly with her hand, not being able to look up at me. "...Thanks."
"No problem. Let's just catch up with the others, okay?"
"Okay..."
I know she doesn't like being treated like a little kid, but it's hard to forget that she is one with how smart she is compared to the rest of us. I remember how terrified I was when my mother first showed me what a real human city is like. It was loud and smelly, there were too many voices, and the sight of so many people made me wanna hurl. So I understand how Yukari feels and I'm just glad I can provide some support for her.
"Wow! You guys are so pretty!"
My attention is brought to the sight of the other girls being complimented by many human bystanders. And no surprise, they're all guys. This sight causes the little witch beside me to tremble as I can feel her hand shake on my arm. To make the situation worse for her, I noticed a group of guys approach the two of us. I can only guess they're a bunch of what humans call 'otakus' with how they're dressed.
"Love the witch outfit!" The first guy talks about Yukari's hat and cloak.
"You're into cosplay, huh?"
"Hehehe..."
"What character are you?"
"Can I take your pic-"
"Hey," I say firmly as I step in front of Yukari, putting myself between her and these guys. "Back off, can't you see you're making her uncomfortable?"
"And who were you? Her brother or something?"
"I'm her friend, thank you very much. Now I'm not going to tell you again, back the hell off, now." I'm not the only one defending the young witch as I notice Tsukune come over to the two of us and stand by my side. Seeing how serious we are about this situation, they back off with their tails tucked between their legs. Now that they're gone, Tsukune and I turn around and tend to our friend.
"You okay?" He asks.
"...Can we go, please?"
"What do you mean?" I say.
"I don't like it here, it's all just...too much, okay? I'm fine with you guys here with me, but can we at least come back when the noise dies down a little?"
"Why are you being such a little kid?" Kurumu carelessly asks. "Don't tell me you're-"
"That's enough, Kurumu," I say
"What did I-"
"Drop it." Kurumu finally hears the firmness in my voice and stays quiet, not wanting to argue with me. "We can just go to where Ms. Nekonome had in mind for our next stop."
"Oh? Did I hear my name just now?" Our Neko teacher pops in out of nowhere.
"Yes," I answer. "It's a little too crowded and loud for us to make any thorough investigations, so we can come back here later if it's okay?"
Ms. Nekonome tilts her head in confusion but after seeing Yukair's shy and frightened face, she smiles in understanding. "Of course, I was thinking that as well. Then we shall head for our next stop!"
"And where's that, ma'am?" Moka asks.
Our club founder happily does a little twirl and points triumphantly in the air. "It's time to hit the beach!"
Now this wasn't really something I'd expect us to be doing for our trip. Sure, the beach is your stereotypical stop for a summer vacation, but it's not what I'd imagine the six of us doing together. I feel like I'm in a fan service episode...
Regardless, better enjoy it while it lasts. I have never been to a beach so I better get the full experience. I change into the summer outfit that Kururmu got for along with a pair of blue swim trunks while Tsukune just rocks some good old-fashioned black swim trunks. I know I'm a guy, but Tsukune is a good few weeks workout from having a decent muscle-toned body...
"Lucky bastard," I say after I lightly punch him in the shoulder.
"What?" He tilts his head.
"Nothin', let's just join the others."
We stepped outside of the bathroom and immediately met with the warm summer sun on our skin. I normally don't like such hot weather, but it feels more warm than hot so it doesn't cause me discomfort. Plus, the warm sand between my toes feels really nice, too.
"Hey, guys! Over here!" Moka happily waves to us boys, calling us to where she and the other girls found a volley ball net.
"Well then, shall we?"
Tsukune nods. "We shall."
We head on over, splitting into teams of two that consist of me, Kurumu, and Yukari on one team while the other three on on the other. Before we got started, I noticed Kurumu staring at me, well, more at my shirt.
"You're wearing it!" She happily says with a light blush.
"Would be a waste if I didn't." I'd compliment her black swimsuit with the yellow floral design, but I'm already just in awe of the sight that I couldn't even get a word out.
We start our game, not really focusing on scoring but more so on just having a good time. This goes on for a few minutes until Tsukune's outburst on the bus earlier today is still on the minds of everyone. So, you're really not afraid of the human world, Tsukune?" Yukari said after sending the ball his way.
"No, not at all," Tsukune answered honestly. Thought I imagine he thinks Yokai Academy can be scarier, and I wouldn't blame him.
"Wow, Tsukune... That's incredible!" The young witch proclaimed.
"It is?" I ask as Tsukune sends the volleyball my way. "I'm not afraid of it either, you know?"
"I know, but how do you guys do it?"
Before I had the opportunity to answer, Moka dove for the volleyball after it was spiked by Kuurmu, resulting in her sliding on the sand.
"You okay, Moka?" Tsukune asks after sending the ball back to our side thanks to Moka's move.
"Oh, yeah, I'm fine. I just got some sand into my swimsuit, that's all." Moka responds in her one piece.
"Yeah, it can get everywhere..." I send the volleyball back directly into Tsukune's head after he was staring at the vampire for a little too long. "Oops..." I say so innocently.
"So... You're just comfortable here?" Kurumu says. "Glad that's all it was, 'cause I was getting worried you might be a human or something."
While I kept a stone face, Moka and Tsukune were visibly concerned. Like I thought before, this needs to be disclosed at some point before it can be done at a worse time. "Oh, come on, that's just a bunch of crazy talk, Kurumu." Yukari insists.
"Yeah, I know." The succubus agreed while stealing the ball hit from the young witch, to which Yukair was indignant.
"Hey, let's just get off this crazy topic and just have some fun, okay? I mean, we're on summer break after all. What do you say?"
"Yeah, I completely agree with Moka." Yukari concurred.
"Well, you do have a point there," Kurumu says as she steals the ball ht from the young witch again.
"Hey!"
"Come on, Kuru, knock it off," I warn her, sending the ball to Mizore. While it did stop their rising verbal taunts, it didn't stop them from stepping up their game and playing more competitively. it goes to the point where Yukari uses her wand to conjure a large hand to hit the ball with.
"Yukari, no!"
SMACK!
This ended up with Tsukune and I being smacked to the ground when we tried to stop the young witch. "Ow..."
"You know, you're not supposed to use magic in the human world, Yukari," Tsukune tells her as he remains on top of me.
This causes the young witch to giggle. "Oops, looks like I got carried away."
"Glad you realized," I say. "Now kindly get off me."
"Oh, sorry..." Tsukune realizes his position and crawls off me, allowing me to stand and wipe all the sand off of me. Great, now I think I got sand down there... Moving on past that, what better way to get it out than taking a dip in the ocean? We decide to call our game quits and head into the water, minus the human keeping the vampire company since she can't enjoy it like we can.
Mizore and Yukari have fun with some floaties they found while I just allow the water to run over my feet as the tide comes in and off the shore. This feels...peaceful in a way. Like all my problems back at Yokai Academy seem so small compared to how big the rest fo the world is.
"Something catch your eye?" Kurumu asks me, only now I realize how close she's gotten to me. Her shoulder barely brushes against my upper arm.
"Just looking beyond the blue, I guess. It's a nice view, don't you think?"
"I can think of a few others," The girl giggles, making my heart burst. "But yeah, you're right."
"..." As much as I would want to tell her how I feel, or just to get it off my chest, I don't want the rest of our trip to be awkward between the both of us. So instead...
"Eep!" Kurumu let out a squeal after I pushed her into the water. She looks up at me, slightly angry. "What did you do that for?"
"'Cause it was funny..." I smirk as she stands back up. "Whatcha gonna do about it?"
I laugh like a madman as Kurumu starts chasing me along the shoreline. She can be fast whenever she's flying, but I can beat her any day when it comes to running. "Get over here or you're gonna get it!"
"You gotta do better than that!" I stop in my tracks, quickly turning around and dodging her attempt to push me. "You missed me!"
"Don't think you've won yet, mister!" Kurumu growls and then leaps onto me, bringing us both down into the water. It wouldn't have been so bad if the water hadn't gone into my nose when I went under. It's bad enough when it's just regular water but given the saltiness of the ocean...
"Damn, that burns!"
"Ha!" Kurumu triumphantly gloats as she remains hovering above me. "That's what you get! Meanie..."
"..."
I think we both realize the position we're in, seeing that Kurumu's face is nearly completely red while I can feel my own starting to burn up. She looks...so beautiful in her swimsuit, and her wet hair only adds to it. Neither of us knows what to say so we just stay here, basking in each other's gaze. Her eyes...they're just so-
"You two are sure comfortable..."
Kurumu and I are snapped out of our world-dissipating gaze thanks to the voice of a familiar Snow Fairy. She looks at us while crossing her arms and scowling at the sight she sees and fiddling with the lollipop in her mouth. This immediately makes us stand up straight and try and forget what just happened. Mizore takes this opportunity and grabs a hold of my right arm, pulling me closer to her.
"Need I remind you, succubus, If I can't win Tsukune's heart, then Elijah is mine."
"W-What are you- Hey!" Kurumu ignores Mizore's claim and focuses on the Vampire and Human. "Stop right there! I saw you, Moka! You were gonna suck Tsukune's blood again, weren't you?!"
"You totally were!" Yukari sides with the succubus.
"I...Well...hehe..." The vampire, caught red-handed, can only stutter and cover her face in embarrassment. "He just smelled so delicious that I couldn't help myself!"
"Moka..." The boy groaned. Looks like Tsukune thought they were about to have a real intimate moment for once. The guy really needs to go for it before-
"This isn't a laughing matter! What do you suggest we do if Tsukune faints, huh?!" Kurumu insists.
"Let him recover like a normal person would?" I suggest
"Obviously Moka would just nurse him back to health!" Yukari happily obliges.
"No. I'd would help him," Mizore says.
"I think you'd give the boy frostbite in all the excitement." I deadpan
"That leaves me as the only option!" Kurumu smirks.
"Umm, well, I can help too." Moka chimed in, but this resulted in the Succubus and Snow Fairy to shout in response."
"No, you'd be the cause of it, you big dummy!"
"..." Why is this even an argument?
"Why not have Elijah's blood, Moka? You once said that his blood was good too..." Tsukune says, making me scowl.
"Traitor."
"No way!" Kurumu, much to not only my but everyone else's surprise, holds my arm. "Moka already gets enough from Tsukune! She's not taking Elijah too!"
"..." I do my best not to try and understand what she means and turn my attention to... "Hey, what's that up there?" Everyone follows where I point to. There's what seems to be a large amount of sunflowers along the cliffside.
We decided to investigate the top of the cliff. Once we were there, we were met with the extraordinary sight of...so many sunflowers. Never in my life had seen so many in a single place. Not only that, but there's something else about this place that I can sense. It almost feels...alive in some way. What's also strange about this place is that there's no one in sight. Any ordinary human would stop at this wondrous sight, especially if they're tourists.
I don't know much about plants, other than the basics, but my mother would be extraordinarily thrilled at the sight thanks to her love for herbalogy. I should take a picture for her before we leave.
SNAP!
"What are you doing?"
"Just taking a picture for my...Mom?" I raise an eyebrow at the familiar sight of the piece of black clothing Kurumu is wearing over her swimsuit. "Is that my Skillet jacket that I gave you a while back? I was wondering where it went."
"Uh...yeah! I've been meaning to give it back, but-"
"Eh," I shrug. "Keep it."
"H-Huh? But...don't you love this jacket? Skillet's your favorite band."
"True, and also true, but don't worry about it too much. I can always get another." Kurumu fiddles around with one of the sleeves, the way it's a little oversized on her makes it somewhat more cuter. She doesn't look entirely sure about my offer. "And...it looks good on you..."
"It...It does?"
"Yeah. It gives you that uh...'Rock N Roll' look, now all we gotta do is get some black temporary hair coloring to complete it, hehe..." Smooth, Elijah. Reeeeaaaal smooth...
The succubus twirls a strand of her blue hair around her finger, looking to me in curiosity. "I like my hair the way it is, but... Do you think it would suit me better?"
"N-No! I mean, I like it like that too. I was just mostly teasing, but I'm not saying it wouldn't suit you it's just...uh...well..." Great job, idiot! You're sounding a lot like Tsukune!
"What's wrong, Elijah?" I hear Yukari join our conversation with a knowing smirk. "Can't seem to get your words right or something? Hmm?"
I roll my eyes and turn away from them both, not in an attempt to move on from the conversation but more so to hide my face. With how hot it feels I can only imagine that it's completely red. "We came up here to check out this sunflower field, so let's just go, huh?"
"Whatever you say, Elijah." I didn't even have to turn around to see Yukari's cocky smirk, I can practically hear it.
Finally moving past...that, the three of us continued down the dirt path that cut through the sunflower field. Moka, Tsukune, and Mizore decided to go on further ahead of us to see if there was anything further down. It wasn't long before we learned that we weren't the only ones who were taking a stroll here as we saw a couple of humans walking towards us. From what I can guess, these two are most likely a couple with how tightly the woman is holding onto the guy's hand.
"Hey there," I decide to make small talk with them, seeing that they're the first people we've seen in this lustrous field. "Pretty beautiful place, wouldn't you say?"
"Well, yes...considering..." The woman mumbles.
"Considering?" Yukari tilts her head.
"You guys never heard of this place?"
"No, we're not from around here," I explain. "What's up with this place?"
"Well, this place is called 'Witch Hill'. It's kinda a local legend around here, It's where a lot of disappearances took place."
"...'Witch' Hill?"
"What do you mean by disappearances?" Kurumu asks the human woman.
"You guys are taking her seriously?" The human guy asks us with a chuckle.
"It's no laughing matter! That's why I wanna leave!" She takes him by the hand but keeps eye contact with Kurumu to answer her question. "From what the locals say, this place is cursed by a witch."
"Cursed?" I ask.
She nods. "Apparently the witch got mad about some plans to develop this hillside into some business building or something. So she started kidnapping people left and right."
Well, Witches are known for being territorial about places, items, and even people they deem sacred and do anything to protect them. Even going as far as killing anyone who dares to get close.
"That's why we're leaving this place as quickly as possible, you guys should do the same." The human couple leave us and quickly make their way out of this place apparently known as Witch Hill. Our interaction with those humans only piqued my curiosity even more so than before. At first, this field was just a sight to behold. But now...
"Hear that?" Kurumu could only find humor in the interaction rather than interest. "Apparently, your relatives go around abducting people, Yukari."
"And apparently, you believe everything you hear! I guess you're every bit as dim-witted as I thought you were!" Yukari shoots back at Kurumu's taunting.
"Guys, knock it off," I warn.
"Well I know this," Kurumu ignores me and step closer to the young witch. "Witches get on my nerves."
"And I know I don't like Succubi whose only redeeming feature is being a sexpot!"
"Stop it, now," I warn again, getting more angry...but Kurumu scoffs.
"And what would you know about that?"
BONK!
Yukari decided instead of answering her with words, she just dropped a washtub on Kurumu's head.
"You jerk! What the hell was that for?!"
"I just dropped a washtub on you, that's all," Yukari brushed it off.
"You kinda deserved it, Kuru," I mutter.
The Succubi's eyes widen at my comment. "What the hell is that supposed to-"
"Don't forget," I interrupt. "I know what it's like for Yukari to be discriminated against because of what I am and I don't just mean as a monster. Need I remind you of the fact that I'm considered a freak by my own kind, Kurumu? Yes, there are some bad witches, wizards, and all-around bad users of the magic arts around the world, but don't let that be the image of what I'm trying to represent."
"Yeah, at least Elijah here knows-"
"You're not off the hook too, Yukari. Yes, most Succubi enslave humans to keep themselves alive, but there are many who also just rely on affectionate feelings to survive rather than lustful actions. My point is, with every race of monster...even humans, there are going to be bad people, so let's learn to separate them rather than stand around and argue like a bunch of-"
I whirled around, sensing...someone else here.
"Elijah?"
"...What's wrong?"
"...I thought I just..." I shake my head. "Forget it, I need to cool off anyway."
"Elijah?"
"Let's go!" I brushed off Kurumu's concerned attitude, making my way out of this field...away from any seeming prying presence.
Later that evening...
I don't really know why Ms. Nekonome decided that we should camp out on our trip rather than stay in a hotel, but then again, I wouldn't really trust most of us in a human establishment for our first trip to the human world. Maybe that's the reason. Still, I'd rather sleep on the bus rather than on the ground. At least our teacher made it mandatory that us boys sleep in one tent and the rest of the girls divide into the other three. I just hope that Tsukune doesn't snore too much.
"Hey, you guys!" Speaking fo our teacher, she approaches as Tsukune and Kurumu finish setting up one of the tents, and Moka along with myself tend to our evening dinner. "I'll leave the rest of you okay? Your teacher is gonna go out and secure some food for us!"
"Uh..." I raise an eyebrow. "But we already got enough, ma'am."
"Yeah," Moka agrees, Yukari nods as she brings over some firewood for us. "We already started cooking, too."
"No, no, no!" Ms. Nekonome waves her finger. "Since we came all the way to the ocean, we should have fresh fish, don't you think?" Oh...right, Neko teacher. "Oh, the fish they get in the human world is just the best! Isn't it?" She says as she brings her hands to her cheeks and smiles brightly.
"Is...that the reason we took a trip to the human world, Ms. Nekonome?"
"Meow?!" Looks like Tsukune's assumption is right on the money with how red her face just got. "Uh...um... I'll be right back, okay?!" Ms. Nekonome runs off but forgets about...something.
"Ms. Nenokome, your tail!" Moka was the one bold enough to point out the teacher's mishap. She quickly tries to cover it up before letting out a few more embarrassed meows and leaving us. It was a little amusing, but I sometimes wonder how she's qualified to look after students on a trip like this.
"Anyway..." I try to get back to the task at hand and fry some chicken over the fireplace so I can make everyone onigiri. Moka tends to the rice while I add some more seasoning. I don't want to make it spicy since I don't know what everyone's preferences are, but a little doesn't hurt too bad. I can't have my meat tasting so bland and flavorless, then there's no point.
"I totally forgot that you can cook, Elijah."
"I'm no chef, but I had to learn a few things if I were to live on my own at Yokai Academy. I didn't want to have to rely on instant food my entirety of high school, after all."
"What else did you say that you can make?"
"Just some of the basics, really. Besides Onigiri, I can make Omelette Rice, Miso Soup, Miso Butter Cod, let's see... Ooh! I've been wanting to learn how to make curry. I always wanted to try it."
Moka laughs at how excited I got. "Well then, I guess you're looking forward to our cooking classes we get to do next year, huh?"
I nod. "Yep! You bet I am!"
"We're done!" Tsukune calls out as he, followed by Kurumu and Mizore, come over to the campfire. "What smells so good?" He sniffed.
"That would be our main course for the evening, my friend," I answer.
Kurumu gasps and widens her eyes, sparkling with excitement. "You're making onigiri?!"
"I didn't know you could cook, dude."
"Are you kidding?" Kurumu looks at Tsukune after his statement. "Elijah makes the best onigiri I've ever tasted!"
Mizore scowls at this comment, mostly at me. "You made food for her, and not me?"
"I'm making it for everyone now," I say before any argument can ensue. I take my water bottle and dab a little bit of it over my hands. "Just need to shape them up now."
"Can I help?" Yukari asks me.
"That's alright, Yukari," Moka answers before I can. "I prepared the rice so I can help prepare it with him."
"Oh, okay..." Yukari says, but I can see the disappointing look in her eye.
Regardless, Moka and I take a few minutes to prepare the onigiri while everyone watches. It's a little distracting to me, especially with how Kurumu is practically drooling as she watches me wrap the rice around the mildly seasoned chicken. Does she really like my cooking that much? I mean, that makes me feel... Augh! Focus, Elijah! Now's not the time for those thoughts. Just make the food. Moka and I finish the last few and pass them along to everyone. While Kurumu was already excited for my cooking, the others seem a little hesitant. But soon enough, they take a bite...
"Holy shit!" Tsukune says as his mouth is full. "This is so good!"
"How do you make something so basic as onigiri so delicious?! Did you use one of your Tarot Cards on this or something?"
I scoff at Yukari's question. "Cooking is an entirely different 'magic' to master. I learned that from my Dad."
"Your dad taught you to cook?"
I nod. "Yep. Sometimes he says that's the real reason my Mom fell for him in the first place."
"It's working on me," Mizore mutters under her breath, but I pretend not to hear her to avoid any tension.
After a good meal, while everyone tends to set up their bedding for the night, I take the opportunity to get some alone time for myself and sit on the beach. I look out to the ocean, seeing how beautifully the moon reflects off the water. the ripples in the moon's reflection remind me of how my mind has been feeling for the last week.
"...Am I really developing a crush on Kurumu?"
"You still don't know?"
"Ah!" I jump at the sound of a young witch's voice. "Jeez, Yukari. Next time, let me know you're approaching me. I swear, one of you guys will give me a heart attack one of these days!"
She finds amusement in this, giggling. "Sorry, couldn't help myself. Besides," She takes a seat next to me on the coast. "I just wanted to check up on you, that's all. Seeing that everyone else doesn't need me."
"What do you mean?"
"Well," Yukari hugs her knees, "I was trying to be helpful to everyone earlier when they started prepping the tents, but...no one needed my help."
"...Is this also about how Moka brushed you off when you wanted to help me make the food?"
She nods, confirming my suspicions. "I know I'm a kid, but I can help you guys too, you know? I feel like everyone treats me like some defenseless little child that needs everything done for them."
"...That's not true, you know?"
Yukari turns to me with a confused look. "Huh?"
"You've been helpful ever since we met you. Sure, sometimes you can be immature, but it can be endearing when it counts. If it weren't for you, we wouldn't have been able to expose Gin as the peeping tom, Tsukune wouldn't have used his new cards to find me when I was turned to stone, and we wouldn't have found that filthy Slug's blackmail threat to Kurumu."
"..."
"Hey," I stand from my position, reaching out my hand to my partner investigator. "What do you say we take a second look at Witch Hill?"
"H-Huh?"
"There's something about that place that's intrigued me ever since we left it earlier, so what do you say? You think 'Fearless Shadow' can solve the mystery of these disappearances?"
"..." Yukari stands with me, taking my hand and smiling with a newfound hope. "Let's do this!"
Yukari and I sneaked away from camp, more so to not disturb anyone rather than not include them in their investigation. I don't know why exactly Yukari wants to check this place out with me, but I can take a good educated guess that she wants to know more about the witch that supposedly lives here. Other than me, Yukari is the only magic user currently in Yokai Academy, so I can understand what that kind of loneliness can feel like. I'll be honest, I'm a little interested in her as well, if she even exists. Why would she need to kidnap humans in order to keep them away from this sacred field? From my experience, my mother has told me that many witches along with wizards have declared places such as this a historical landmark or have gotten a restraining order on those who threaten what is theirs. So either this witch isn't aware of the basics of human law...or that she wants blood rather than peace. But let's see what-
"Elijah?"
"Yeah?"
"Do you really think there's a witch up here?" She turns to me with a sad frown. "What if...she's like me?"
I shrug. "Who knows? I did sense a presence when the rest of us came up here earlier."
"You felt it too?"
I nod. "Yeah. It was faint, but It felt like someone...not human was watching us."
"You think it was her, the witch I mean?"
"Could've been. I just hope whatever it was, they're as reasonable as us. I hate if it were an intolerable witch...or God forbid a warlock." I feel a chill when I say that last part, this causes Yukari to look concerned.
"You okay, Elijah?"
"Yeah, I'm okay. I just..." I take a deep breath, trying my best to find the right words. "I...don't really know who I am...well, I guess I mean I don't really know what I am."
"What do you mean?"
"...My Mom is a witch, my Dad is a human, I was born with no magic in me whatsoever, but I can still sense things that humans cannot, I'm able to use advanced Tarot Cards some would consider 'legendary' in the magic world... So, what am I? Am I a wizard? A sorcerer? Or am I just...a human playing dress up?"
"...Have you ever talked about this with anyone? Even Kurumu?"
I shake my head. "No, not even with my Mom. She tells me that I'm going to do great things someday, but never how. I just hope that...whatever I am, I don't want to be a Warlock."
"...Sorry for asking, but what exactly is it you don't like about warlocks? This is the first time I've heard of this."
"...Warlocks utilize unholy, dark, and black magic. They're seen as demonic, egocentric, and avaricious. Their magic doesn't come from nature like yours does and my cards do. Their only goal in their life is to gain power in order to control. Power is their drive, to rule with that and fear..."
"..."
"My Mother has met a few of them in her time before she met my dad...and each of them was as horrific as the look on her face was when she told me those stories. She doesn't scare so easily, but...monsters like them... That's what scares her."
"...Did she...fight them?"
"A few... She was 'lucky' as she claimed." I clench my fists. "I'd never allow myself to be like them..."
"Hey," Yukari calms me down by resting a hand on my shoulder. "You won't be, trust me. Evryone sees how much of a kind hearted person you are, especially Kurumu." She says that last part with a smirk, making my eyes roll.
"Would you stop that already?"
"Honestly, I don't really know what you see in her."
"Please, stop," I say more in plea this time. "I...I'm still not entirely sure, okay? This is the first time I've...felt like this. So I don't know what to do."
"Don't worry, I got your back. Just..." She looks at me more seriously than before. "...be careful, Elijah. Succubi-"
Before I hear what she has to say, I feel...that same presence from earlier again, causing me to turn around and see...a girl? From what I can see thanks to the brightness of the moon, she looks around my age, and her black hair is tied into two ponytails on each side of her head and the rest of it falls naturally, and her pin-straight bangs cover some of her forehead. The girl is wearing a pink corset, a long black skirt with frills at the end, along with high-heeled black shoes.
"Who are you?" I ask, unconsciously placing myself in front of Yukari.
"Don't look so terrified, my magic friends," The girl says, looking up at us. Only now do I see her Pink-red-ish eyes...along with a seemingly cute smile. "Hi, I'm Ruby. I'm a Witch who lives on this hill."
"A Witch?" Yukari asks, stepping out from behind me.
The girl who I now know as Ruby nods. "That's right. We're the same, you and I, Yukari."
"How do you know my name?" Yukari demands.
Don't tell me we have another potential stalker. "Good question."
"You two came up here this afternoon, I've been watching you ever since. But never did I think that I would run into another Witch. As for you though..." She looks at me now, squinting her eyes in curiosity. "...You're not Human, but there's something...off about you. You were able to sense my presence despite how well I was hidden. So what are you?"
"..." I don't know what her game is, but I can feel her curiosity more than any malicious intent. "You've been watching us, you tell me."
"Hmm... Well, I can see that look in your eye, it's one of a strong heart with no fear. Yet...there is also doubt... Perhaps a Wizard...or a sorcerer..." Ruby smiles. "Regardless of what you truly are, you're...like me too."
"...I guess." I scratch the back of my head.
"Though I never heard of a wizard or sorcerer who uses Tarot Cards as their source of power, why is this?"
"Uh...Well-
"No," The newfound Witch shakes her head. "Forgive me, It's not my place to ask now. This is...a wondrous occasion as it is. I would like to ask you two something. I would really like to become your friend..." Ruby smiles shyly. "...If you want?"
"..." Weirdly enough, the way she's smiling at us... It's cute. "...That's it?"
"...You want to be our friend?"
Without a second thought, Ruby's eyes widen and her smile grows bigger. "So we can then, right?!" Like a little kid seeing their parent after a long day of school, the Witch runs over to me and Yukari, hugging us tightly. "...Thank you!"
"R-Ruby!" Yukari barely squeaks out from the second witch's gesture.
"Looks like we got another hugger."
Ruby eases off a little from her kind action but keeps her hands on mine and Yukair's shoulder. "The three of us...we're the same, so we should be friends."
Yukari smiles at the girl, happily knowing that there's someone better that she can relate to other than me. I'm still a little skeptical. If Ruby really is the Witch of this hill...no. I can feel the genuineness in her voice, she wants to be our friend.
"...So, what do you say?" She asks us again.
"..." Yukari only offers a small nod.
I offer a small smile. "...Well, I'm okay with it. But just so you know, I'm a nerd."
Ruby giggles at my self-deprecating and hugs us again. "Duley noted." She releases us once again and then looks out to the field of seemingly endless sunflowers. Following her gaze, that's when I noticed the small building in the distance. Could that be where she lives? Or...some other Witch that could be- "It's so pretty, isn't it?" She asks us, her smile now gone.
"Yeah...it is."
"It really is such a beautiful hillside... It's a shame that those humans want to tear it down for years."
"Oh, yeah, that's right." Yukari agrees. "I've heard something about a development project."
I nod. "Yeah, some tourists told us about it. Maybe there's something we can do with our time here."
"Oh, there is..." Ruby turns to us, wand in hand and a look of...hatred in her eyes. "I'm going to wipe out all the humans."
"..."
"..."
Needless to say, this revelation shocked and appalled Yukari and me. "So, will you two help me?"
"W-Well, it's just...um..." Yukari could barely get a word out.
"Don't worry," Ruby reassures with a smile. "all of the plans are already in place. All we have to do is carry out Her Ladyship's orders and everything will be just fine."
"...Who's 'Her Ladyship'?" I ask.
"I'll show you, It'll be great!" Ruby says happily, seemingly over the fact she said she wanted to kill all the humans. "The four of us can all live together on Witch Hill. It'll be-"
"I'm sorry," I interrupt.
"...What?"
"Hey!" That voice...oh, shit. My worries come to fruition when I turn around and see Tsukune come out from the forest. He looks relieved when he spots me and Yukari. "Oh, there you guys are! You disappeared on us and we all got worried...huh?" Tsukune tilts his head when he makes eye contact with Ruby... Oh, boy... "Who's this? Is this a new friend?"
"Oh," Yukari starts to answer. "This is our-" But is cut off once Ruby raises her wand, its jewel starts glowing a light shade of pink, emitting a powerful aura.
"So, you still come and try to defile our lovely hillside, human scum!"
"Ruby!" Yukari shouts in protest but her plea falls on deaf ears as the plant life around the human boy starts...coming to life?
"Oh, shit... Garigari plants..." I run as fast as I can down toward my friend, pattign around my pockets to find my deck. I didn't pack a lot of them because I just wanted to focus on my vacation but I took a few as a precaution. This definitely calls for it. Garigari Plants will consume anything or anyone that comes near them...except for those who control them. "Flames!"
"Devour him!" I hear Ruby call out.
I feel the heat of my spell in my forearms as they are practically set on fire, but thankfully, I feel no pain from it. I unleash a roaring flame toward a few of the monster plants just before they reach Tsukune, they screech in pain and fall lifelessly to the earth. I look around, wanting to take account of how many remain... But the rest had been seemingly...cut own? But who-
"Yukari?" The rest of the Garigari Planst have been sliced up thanks to the young Witch's Tarot Card cutting through each of them.
"No! What are you two doing?!" Ruby demands an answer from us. What surprised me was when I looked back at her, she seemingly sprouted six black feathered wings and had gone airborne.
"...You can fly?" Yukari seemed a bit caught off guard. Witches were not normally associated with having Fallen Angel wings... Not even my Mom.
"They fly now?!" Tsukune shouts.
"...They fly now!" I confirm. Ruby scowls at me, I can tell she's really angry.
"What do you think you're doing?! You let that...thing come here and-"
"That 'thing' is my friend, Ruby! He has nothing to do with your home being destroyed. You don't have to hurt anyone! We can figure this out and help you!"
"Yeah!" Yukari agrees. "Just calm down and we can just talk this out!"
"...I don't understand. He's not even a-"
"It doesn't matter what he is!" I cut her off. "Tsukune is my best friend and I won't let you hurt him, so back off and we can settle this peacefully."
"..." I don't know why...but that look in her eyes, it almost seems...sad. "...But, there is nothing in this world stronger than the bond and kinship between magic folk." Ruby's expression quickly changes to one of anger. "If there is...I will destroy it!"
Another round of plant monsters rise from the forest, surrounding me and Tsukune. I go for another attack with my spell, but it's useless now that it's worn off already. Before I had the chance to take out another card, I'm ensnared by the vines of several Garigari Plants who are hungry for a nice serving human and...whatever I am. I hear Yukari scream, I can take an obvious guess that she's been caught like us.
"Nnngh!" I do my best to wriggle myself out to no avail. I can't even manage to get my hands to my deck, thanks a lot, me! Alright, just think. Tsukune found us so Moka and the others shouldn't be too far behind. I just need to buy us time somehow before-
"I won't let you hurt them!"
The next thing I knew, I was blinded by a white light, soon followed after, a bombardment of Tarot Cards some training down from the sky, cutting down every monstrous plant that had us in their grip. Once the dust clears, I see Yukari standing triumphant with her wand raised high over her head. Holy shit... Did she do that? She's...getting a helluva lot better.
"You guys!" Right on queue, Moka along with Kurumu and Mizore came to our aid. "W-What are those things?" The vampire refers to the dead plants on the ground.
"They're nothing now," I answer as I help Tsukune to his feet. I then turn my attention to Yukari...as soon as she drops to her knees, possibly exhausted after such a powerful attack.
"Yukari!" Kurumu shouts with me and joins me to help aid the young witch.
"Are you okay?" she asks.
Yukari nods. "Don't worry, please. I'm just a little tired is all-"
"Idiot!" Kurumu shouts at her. But her tone isn't condescending, it's more...worried than anything. "Why did you fight them all by yourself?!"
The Young Witch looks shocked by how worried she sounds. "...But, Kurumu..."
"We can chew her out later," Mizore says tiredly. "Right now, we should just get her back to the tents."
"Come on," Kurumu offers to carry the young witch on her back to save her strength, but Yukari turns her attention back to our attacker, who could only watch as we talked amongst ourselves in shock.
"Um, Ruby?" She approaches her, neither angry nor upset. "Listen, I've decided that I can't stay here with you. You see..." Yukari looks back at us, smiling. "I have friends here that really care about me, and I care about them just the same." The young witch offers Ruby a respectful bow before she walks away. "I'm sorry."
"Hey! Stop playing tough and let me carry you down on my back!"
"No, I'm fine. Us witches are extremely good at healing ourselves."
"I swear, you're just too proud to ask for help!"
I chuckle, gladly knowing that they're getting along...in their own way, that is. I face Ruby who looks at them. I don't know why, but how she's looking at my friends, it's almost like she seems...lost.
"Ruby..." I decided to approach her in a calm and gentle manner. "Look, I'm not going to pretend I know exactly what you're feeling, because I don't know what you've gone through. But...I can tell that you cherish this place with your life and you'd do anything to protect it."
"..."
"...You...hate the humans, don't you?"
"..."
"I know what that's like. I used to be like that too. But...it doesn't have to be this way, you know? Yes, humans can be vile, cruel, and pathetic. But that doesn't mean that all humans are like that. I've seen what they can create. They can be kind, caring, brave..." I glance over to who I mean, smiling as Moka helps him to his feet. "Who knows? Maybe one day, they can become our best friends."
"..."
"...We can help you protect your home, Ruby. We can find a way to keep this beautiful place from being destroyed. I know how humans work, I can talk to them." I look back at her, bearing a determined expression that I haven't felt this strongly in a long time. "So...what do you-"
SLASH!
"..." I raise my eyebrow in confusion when I see Ruby's wand glow. I follow her gaze...leading me to see my best friend, Tsukune...bleeding immensly from his back. Frozen in shock, I noticed the sharp vines uprooting from the ground. No...she didn't...did she? "...Ruby."
"I will bring Yukari and Elijah back with me...no matter what it takes, because it's my wish." I can taste the venom in her voice...but somehow, it feels like it entirely doesn't belong to her. "And because...Her Ladyship demands it."
"NOOOOOO!" Moka screams to the heavens at the sight of her crush severely injured...causing an immense surge of power to come from her...just like when her Rosary is pulled off. But Tsukune didn't pull it off, so what's happening? Moka has turned into her true form...
"Ruby, no! What have you done?!" Yukari shouts. Shortly after, I feel an instant chill in the air. That's when I see Mizore...looking more angry than I've ever seen her before. Oh, shit... I need to-
"How dare you?!" Kurumu is understandibly pissed, seeing Tsukune hurt like that would be more than enough to cause her to lash out. The Succubus extends her claws and wings, preparing herself. I understand their fury, I'm angry too, but my gut is telling me that there's something bigger going on here and Ruby is not the main threat. But before I can come to any conclusions, the Vampire, Succubus, and Snow Fairy charge at Ruby all at once.
"Guys, No!"
...The next thing I knew, I leaped in front of Ruby...then everything goes black.