Tsukune
...Ow...ow...OW! OW! OW!
My eyes jolt awake and I sit up from my bed. I feel a bead of cold sweat roll down my face, my breath feels ragged, and my neck is throbbing like hell. I look at the time, seeing that it's just after midnight. I place my fingers where it hurts the most on my neck...exactly where Moka bit me when I had to take down that Warlock guy.
"Man, it still hurts. It's been an entire day and it hasn't healed? It's never even hurt like this before when Moka bit me." I wince as I feel my neck throb again. "Did the punctures get infected or something? Well, I'm sure it's nothing major." I think it's best if I try to get to sleep.
Lucky for me, I was able to get some proper shut-eye. However, I still woke up with a slight tinge in my neck. Should I see the nurse about this? No! I don't the school would like to know that Moka has been sucking my blood. So should I go to Moka? I don't want her to worry about me either. I don't want anyone to worry. But...what if this is the first stage of becoming a vampire or something? I know the Inner Moka told me otherwise of how it works but I can't help but shake this uneasy feeling in my stomach about this whole thing. What if...she's been giving her blood to me too many times? I take a deep breath to try and calm myself down. Alright, Tsukune, just relax.
"Tsukune!"
Well, speak of the devil and he shall arrive. Well, in this case, it would be a Vampire with the face of an angel. Wow, that was corny even for me.
I greeted Moka with a smile as she skipped her way toward me. "Morning, Moka."
"Morning, Tsukune!" She smiled back.
"You're up earlier than usual."
"Well, yeah! Don't you remember what Ms. Nekonome told us yesterday?" I tilt my head, saying that my dumb self does in fact not remember. "Today's the day we'll elect a class president!"
"Huh? even though we're already past our summer break?"
Moka giggles. "Yeah. It turns out that Ms. Nekonome completely forgot during the first month of school and decided to do it now. I love her as a teacher but she can be a little clueless sometimes."
I chuckle. "Yeah, well, you're not wrong."
"Still," She continues. "We need to at least be prompt for her today! She is trying after all." I nod in response. Moka squints her eyes at me, looking concerned. "Are you okay, Tsukune? You look a little pale."
Oh boy... "I'm alright, Moka..." So I say, but that doesn't stop her from getting a closer look at my neck. It's a little too close, not that I'm complaining or anything.
"Are those..." Moka gasped. "Those are...they can't be... Are those marks from my fangs?!" She retakes a step closer to me and starts tracing her fingers around the bite marks. My bites always heal without a trace...don't they?
"..." This wouldn't be so bad...but then again, my heart feels like it's going to burst from my chest. I increase the distance between me and Moka, chuckling nervously as I do so. "I'm alright, Moka, really. But my heart gets all giddy and jumpy whenever you're close to me like that." Wow, her hair smells even more nicer today.
"Oh..." Moka looks away with a hint of red rising to her cheeks. Realizing what I just said to her, I internally facepalm. Nice going, you idiot! Please don't take it the wrong way- "Tsukune," She looks back at me, her smile never faded. "I feel the same way..."
"..." What did she just say? There's...there's no way she just... Even if she did there's no way she meant it thatway, right? She just meant that I make her heart feel that way whenever I'm around, right? But that doesn't make it any better! What do I do from here?!
"Hey, you two!" I'm saved from my internal panicking thanks to Kurumu running over and hugging the both of us. "Why are you guys just lolly-gagging around? We need to get going!"
I laugh nervously as we're released from her grip. "R-Right. We better get going."
This morning's class was as usual as ever. The only thing that was different was that instead of everyone engaging in casual conversation, they mostly talked about who should be the class president. So far our nominees were Moka, Ogaki, Okubo, Saito, and Elijah for some reason, how is he supposed to be that when he's not even here? And there's also...wait, ME?! Why am I up there? I already have a lot on my shoulders as it is. Keeping my grades up, my daily self-training routine, keeping an eye out for those Monstrel people Saizou told us about, not to mention trying to keep everyone safe. I really don't need more responsibility here.
"Okay, everyone, here we go!" Ms. Nekonome declared. It looks like she's done counting all the votes. "It's time you all find out who our class president is! So without further ado," She circles one of the names on the chalkboard...and my jaw drops to the floor.
...Why do I even bother?
"Tsukune!"
Well, at least most of my classmates are okay with this decision unlike I am. I can overhear some of their remarks. Like, 'He'll be great', 'Tsukune'll take the job really seriously', 'He's tougher than he looks', and 'He's done so much for Yokai Academy'. I'm flattered by their belief in me. Don't get me wrong, but I don't know if I can handle this responsibility or anything else.
"Well, Tsukune? You can't complain about an unfair election!"
Why did she sound like that I wanted this? Ms. Nekonome should know that of all people I'm the least qualified for this! Wait...is this because she wants to see how a human like me could be class president for a bunch of monsters? Is this some sort of testing for me? I mean, she wouldn't put me in a spot where she didn't believe I could handle it, right? If she thinks I can do it, then I guess I better not disappoint.
"Well, what's this?" A voice comes from the classroom door. "I skip homeroom for a while and everybody goes nuts."
"Oh? You're late, Saito!"
Saito? Wasn't he one of the guys up for Class President? I've never seen him before. The guy in internal question walked toward his desk, making everyone go quiet as he passed by. He's noticeably tall, has blonde and wavy hair, silver eyes, and he has several piercings on his ears, nose, and bottom lip. When he gets to my desk, he stops and towers over me. Great...another potential problem.
"So, you're class president, eh? Don't make me laugh." he mocked. "You're nothing Tsukune Aono, especially without your little girlfriend. Not to mention your pussy friend who doesn't even bother showing up back here." This accusation brings everyone's attention to the two of us, some even audibly gasp at this. What got my attention the most is Saizou doing his best to keep his face covered with his textbook. Does he know this guy? Oh no...is he a Monstrel? I do my best to remain calm...but then again, a part of me wants to put this guy in his place.
There's that aggression again... Where the hell is it coming from?
"In a one-on-one fight, you couldn't stand up to me," Saito continued. "Little fish shouldn't make waves. These chumps might accept you as their class president, but I never will."
He goes back to his desk. When he sat down, I overheard some of the other student's remarks. 'What's with him?' 'He's just jealous.' 'He knew about Tsukune and the other two beating up Kuyo and wished that it was him instead.' Personally, I don't care about all the recognition we've been getting over Kuyo and the Security Committee. It's only been a few weeks since that encounter and people are still talking about it, I did like it at first, but now it's just the same old thing. First, it was that wrestling team due, now we have this guy...
After class, I decided to cool down in the bathroom. I wash my face with some cold water and look at myself in the mirror. Man. Things are starting to spin out of control. Being class president, random people picking fights with me, another potential gang gunning for me. Well, things can't possibly get any worse, right? I feel a twinge in my neck, the same pain from this morning. Ow... It's hurting again. Why hasn't it healed up? What's...going on with me?
Lunchtime finally rolled around, and Kurumu and Yukari decided to invite me along. From the smell of their table, I can already tell that Kurumu has outdone herself once more with her cooking. I know that Elijah is our designated cook of the group, but Kurumu is our close second best. I see that she's prepared a variety of finger food for the three of us. Wait, three?
"You okay, Tsukune?" Kurumu asked. "You seem a little...low on energy."
"Huh? You think so?"
"You look a little pale too," Yukari adds.
"Not to mention that I noticed you wincing every now and then."
Okay, at this point, I should be surprised by Mizore appearing every now and then. But then again, I guess I just gotten used to it.
"Well," I think I should at least talk about this with someone. "It's just that... The side of my neck's been stinging ever since we fought that Warlock." My fingers unconsciously graze over the bite mark. "It's from when Moka...well, bit me. But I don't understand why."
"Oh...Moka," I notice Kurumu's eyeroll. I know she doesn't like it when Moka does that to me, maybe I shouldn't touch the subject more.
"Where is she anyway?"
"I invited her, don't worry." She reassured. "Speak of the devil..."
"Hi, guys!" Moka surprises me as she takes a seat across from me. "I'm glad you invited us all out here, Kurumu. I wouldn't want to eat lunch without you guys!"
"Yeah..." Kurumu looks off to the side as he munches on a cookie.
"What were you guys talking about?"
"Oh, uh...nothing much. Just..."
"Just about how Tsukune is Class President now," Kurumu, you're a lifesaver! "It's pretty exciting if you ask me."
"I'll say!" Yukari added. "I'm Class president for my homeroom too!"
"They're letting a kid be Class President in your homeroom?"
"Hey! Don't you start with that, Boobs Mackenzie!" Yukari snatches some of Kurumu's cookies away from her bento box.
"Hey! Those are mine!"
As they argued, I felt Moka tug on my arm. "Speaking of Class President, Tsukune. Ms. Nekonome wanted me to tell you that she needs you after school, something about disposing of some outdated paperwork. Don't worry, she said I could help too!"
"Well...thanks, Moka."
Saito...?
"Just look at them," Saito towers over Tsukune and his so-called 'friends' from atop the roof of Yokai Academy. Hands in his pocket, the boy sneers. "Moka Akashiya. The hottest girl at Yokai Academy. Yukari Sendo. The smartest girl at Yokai Academy. Mizore Shirayuki. The bitch with a heart as cold as ice. Kurumu Kurono. The...yeah, the hot stuff. And they're all over that piece of crap, Tsukune Aono." From his vision, he sees each and every one of them smiling and having a fun time in each other's presence. "Look at them just smilin' like that... Don't you wanna just kill him?"
He asks that question not only to himself but to his fellow associates who watch the group from the rooftop along with Saito. One kicks his legs back and forth as they hang off the roof, he has vertical slit pupils along with medium-length bedraggled hair. Another bears an eerie smile with no pupils in his eyes whatsoever, he's also wearing an oversized beanie with a ball of fluff on the end. The third...he wears a black leather jacket, his hair is shaved down to a buzz cut and he has two scars. One goes down the middle of his forehead, the other lies underneath his left eye and goes back behind his left ear.
"Live it up, Tsukune Aono," Saito continued. "It's all about to end for you."
"...So, are you gonna do it, Saito?" Buzz-cut speaks up first. "Or are you just all talk? We all heard the story. Tell me again who exactly did he, Moka Akashiya, and that other guy Elijah Everett beat? Not to mention Rikishi from the wrestling team and Saizou who we still need to take care of."
Saito glares back angrily. "Stuff it, Mido. That story is a bunch of bullshit. And I'll prove it to you all."
"Hey. Don't forget," Mido points his finger at Saito, his voice dripping with venom. "You are a member of this team. Act alone and fail, the others won't like it. Just look at old Saizou. But we'll deal with him when the time comes. We Monstrels have to stick together. Us mixbreeds... We don't get anyone's respect. If a Monstrel loses to a purebred, we all look bad. That's why we have to win every time. That's why it's all for one and one for all." Mido's eyes pierce Saito's, staring deep into his soul. "Sometimes I wonder if you really get that."
Saito feels his gaze and only looks away in response. "Yeah, Saito gets it," The Slit-Eyed boy speaks. "If we beat those three, then everyone will give the Monstrels respect, right?"
"Moroha," Mido says, telling him to stop speaking out of turn.
"If these three are that good," Moroha doesn't listen. "I want to try them out...just once."
"Hee..." The last boy comes over to say his piece. "If we're gonna do it, we do it now. I see that Tsukune doesn't look so good! He's been making weird noises like he's in pain or something!"
"Yes...but what about the Elijah guy?" Moroha asks. "He still hasn't shown up here after that day with Kuyo. Heh, I think he's more of a wimp than people believed."
"Quiet," Mido demanded. "He'll come, eventually."
"And what makes you so sure?" Saito questioned.
"Let's just say I bribed a local...purebred to aid us," Mido explained. "He gets a meal, and Elijah comes crawling out of whatever hole he's hidden himself in."
Moka
I'm really glad that Tsukune's letting me help with disposing of all this lousy paperwork, I already feel bad enough that he's going to have more responsibility being Class President and all. But I think he can handle it. He's one of the best people I know, after all. He looks so cute carrying those boxes. I think he really has gotten stronger.
"I feel the same way..."
I scream in my head from that morning memory. How could I say that so casually?! I know my feelings for Tsukune run deeper than anything I've ever felt in my life, but how can I say something like that out of the blue?! I feel so embarrassed! But... I really think that he feels something towards me. Even the other me has to feel something, right?
Don't bring me into this... Inner Moka speaks in my head.
Oh, shut up, Inner Me! We both know there's at least something between Tsukune and...well, us. I speak internally
...Let's say for a moment that there is 'something between us'.
Because there is.
Don't push it. Need I remind you that Tsukune is human, not everyone is going to accept that. Need I also remind you that no matter where we go, we'd be putting that boy in danger.
Well, I don't care what anyone thinks. I know my feelings for him are true.
Then how about this? Have you forgotten the fact that you and I are two entirely different people?
...
No matter how much you look at it, and no matter what...I may or may not feel about him, someone who is essentially two people living in the same body can't possibly hope to love someone who can accept that.
...Do you really believe that?
...
Don't you ever imagine what kind of life we could have with... "Tsukune?!" I see him trip over and groan in pain, dropping both of the boxes he was carrying to the ground. I knew something was off about him today but I thought he was just feeling a little sick. But...this is something far worse. "Tsukune! What's wrong?!"
"I'm...fine," He says through a ragged huff. "Just a little dizzy." Damn...my vision is getting blurry, what's wrong with me?!
I place the back of my hand on his forehead, it's noticeably warm. "You're burning up!" Tsukune tries to stand, only to stumble over and unintentionally place his head on my shoulder. His breathing is heavier by the second, it's like he's trying to breathe through a straw.
...Dummy! Trying to act all tough!
"Inner me? What's happening to him?!"
The blood we infused him with must still be flowing through his veins.
"What?! But we've only given him our blood a few times!"
I know, but if this goes on any longer it could...corrode his humanity.
I lightly gasp at this. I thought we were helping him all this time, but we were hurting him? "...Corrode his...what do you-"
I knew this could happen, but...he seemed every time so far.
"Our blood is..hurting him? N-No...it can't be!"
"..." The pain... It's...getting worse! I...don't feel good! Oh God... Something is wrong, really wrong! It feels like my body...is disintegrating!
"Tsukune!" The only thing I can hear from him is pained huffs of breath, and he's sweating like he's run a marathon.
"What's the matter, Tsukune?" A voice calls out from behind us. "Feeling sick?! Ha ha ha!" I turn my head back to the incinerator behind me and Tsukune. Standing on top are two guys I've never met before. Wait...that one guy with the patterned shirt, he's that guy from this morning! "Looks like it's my lucky day! Too bad for you, Aono!" No! Not now!
"S-Saito!" Tsukune groggily says, trying his best to stay on his feet now that he's found some strength.
Saito lightly chuckles. "Worried about me? I think you better watch your back instead!"
"...Ba-"
SLASH!
Before I can even blink, Tsukune is attacked by a seemingly third guy. He was given two slashes in the form of an 'x' across his entire upper body, making my heart drop at the sight of this. Tsukune stands for a few seconds before falling over to the ground, I kneel down beside him and cry out his name.
"It was nice to meet you, Tsukune. The name's Moroha, sorry for my surprise attack." I turn back to that voice. I see a boy with ugly hair and his hands are now extended to be sword-like. "This was easier than I thought. Too easy... His strength, moves... Worst I've ever seen. I didn't even need both of my hands. Kinda disappointing if you ask me."
"See? Told you he was nothin'!" Saito smugly says.
"Tsukune..."
"Nope!" I was grabbed by Saito before I could help Tsukune. "I'm not done with you, Akashiya!"
"W-What are you-"
"Oh yeah, we know all about you," He interrupted. "We've been paying attention to you for a while. Whenever that Rosary of yours comes off, you turn into a vampire. That's who beat Kuyo that day, am I right? And we're all supposed to believe that this wimp," Saito points at Tsukune who's still bleeding. "is the one who beat down that Fox Demon? Don't even get me started on that pussy we call Elijah! That freak may as well be human!" He breathes heavily in anger and he grips my arm tighter. "...It doesn't matter, now back to my point. With that little rosary still on you, you're nothing more than a weak little girl, aren't you?"
"...Let...go of me." I try to say firmly but my voice breaks.
"No, no, no," Saito sneered, licking his lips with malice. "This is where I end you three."
Three? What is he talking about?
"As for that third 'friend' of yours, let's just say he'll crawl out of whatever hole he's hiding in soon enough when that slut needs her little 'hero'. But never mind that, I'm going to have some fun with you. Hey, Tsukune!" Saito calls out to him, Tsukune's struggling to look over at me. "While you sit there and die, you have the honor of getting to watch me play with your precious girl."
"Ooh! He's taking this really personally now!"
"Hehehe..."
Meanwhile...with Kurumu...
Kurumu, Mizore, and Yukari had just finished their lunch and were just enjoying each other's casual conversation. It was a nice and peaceful change from all of the excitement that they'd all grown accustomed to in their time together.
"So, have you guys heard anything about those 'Monstrel' guys in the past few days?" Kurumu asked, Mizore and Yukari shook their heads.
"Not a thing, it's kinda hard to tell when it comes to those half-breeds," Mizore noted.
"You mean monster-wise." Yukari Corrected.
"What do you mean?" Kurumu asked.
"Well, me for example, I'm considered a 'purebred' since both my Mom is a witch and my Dad is a Wizard. You, Mizore are a bonafide Snow Fairy and Kurumu is a full-fletched Succubus. So it's not hard to know when you're meeting what Monstrels call 'purebreds'. Themselves though... Since they can be a mix of monsters thanks to their blood, most would find it difficult to know exactly...what they are."
"Great, now we're dealing with inbreds?" Mizore flatly remarked.
"That's...one way to put it, but no. You guys forget that Elijah is technically a mixed breed, remember? His Mom is a Witch and his dad is...human." Yukari whispered that last part. But Kurumu wasn't concerned about that fact. That name... Kurumu tunes out Yukari and Mizore's voices as they continue their conversation.
It's been a little over four weeks now and we still haven't even heard from him, I really hope he's okay. But... Why hasn't he reached out to us? Does he... not care anymore? This thought brought a slight twinge to Kurumu's chest, causing her to bring her left hand over it. She takes a deep breath to stop this slight pain...but it doesn't completely go away. I'm sick of feeling like this. He better come back soon or...I don't know what I'll do, but he's gonna get an earful when he comes back.
"Kurumu?"
"Huh?" The Succubus gave the Young Witch her attention.
"She called for you like three times now," Mizore stated. "Head in the clouds again, Succubus?"
"Uh, yeah, something like that."
Yukari expressed a concerned look when she saw Kurumu's smile, knowing just how not complete it was. The Young witch was about to speak up but another Witch had beaten her to the punch.
"Hello, almost everyone." Ruby appeared with a warm smile. Yukari sees her and immediately forgets her earlier concern and hugs her Witch friend.
"Hi, Ruby!"
Yukari's childlike greeting makes Ruby giggle. "Why, hello, Yukari."
"I see that you're still hanging around," Mizore quipped, twirling her sucker in the corner of her mouth. "Aren't you supposed to be the Headmaster's assistant or something?"
"I am," She nodded. "It's a long story. I'm actually here to see you, Kurumu." Ruby smiles at her. Kurumu looks at her like she's crazy, silently telling her, 'Why me'. "I have a little surprise for you."
The Succubus in question tilts her head in confusion. Before she can ask what it is, Ruby then pulls out a folded piece of clothing from behind her back and hands it to Kurumu. Is this... The Girl gasps as she comes to a conclusion, unfolding what would be revealed to be a black jacket. Kurumu's smile grows when she holds out the jacket in front of her, even more so when she sees the white lettering down the jacket's right arm and the patched-up gash on the left arm.
"You did it!" She cheered.
Ruby laughs at the girl's happy demeanor. "It was no trouble at all. I was glad to help."
Yukari smiles smugly to herself when she sees Kurumu practically bounce with joy in her chair. She knows how much that jacket means to her. More importantly, she knows how much the previous owner of that jacket means to her. Mizore was more occupied with the fact that one of Elijah's most beloved items was in Kurumu's hands instead of his Snow Bunny's. The Snow Fairy makes a promise in her head that whenever he comes back, she'll show just how much she's the right one for him.
Kurumu hugs the jacket close to her chest, taking in a deep breath and letting it out in one long relieved sigh. But...there was something off about the jacket.
"Did you clean this?" Kurumu asked Ruby.
She nodded. "Yes, I did. I hope you don't mind."
"...Yeah! It's...no problem," Kurumu shoots up from her seat, putting the jacket under her arm. "I'm just gonna go put this in my room. Don't wanna have it ruined again, am I right?"
Yukari tilts her head at Kurumu's upbeat attitude. Usually, the Young Witch is used to it and casually ignores her remarks about her childish behavior or her stature, but this... It felt forced rather than natural, this alone made her worry but she decided to say nothing for now. Kurumu leaves the group and starts marching her way back to the women's dorms. She stomps firmly on the ground with every step, now holding the treasured piece of clothing in her hands. Her brow lowers in frustration.
Dammit, Ruby! Why did you have to go and clean it? I mean, I'm glad it's not as smelly as before, but it still smelled like... "Augh!" Kurumu cries out. "What is wrong with me? Every time I think I'm finally used to him not being here...something always just gets in the way." Wait... Kurumu stops in her tracks, looking down at the ground. 'Used to him not being here'? What the hell am I saying? My best friend is not here with me...I mean, us! How can everyone get 'used' to that?
The Succubus looks up to the sky and shouts to the heavens in anger which is soon replaced with quiet sobs when she looks back down to the ground. Even when she's putting on a smile, Kurumu has still not come to terms with the fact that her best friend from the beginning of her time here at Yokai Academy hasn't been heard from. She knows that he'll be back, the Succubus believes that with all of her heart. That didn't stop her from feeling so...incomplete.
...Why? Why do I feel so weak, so frail, so broken, so...alone? It's like my heart is being slowly torn apart and I don't know what to do! After taking a few short, rapid breaths, Kurumu's mind comes to a possible conclusion at the sound of a specific memory of hers, making her breathing come to a halt.
"He thinks very highly of you, you know?"
What did that...entity mean? Elijah's my best friend but he wouldn't see me that way, would he? Maybe? No way...well...
"Augh!" The Succubus planted her face in the jacket and lets out a frustrated groan. But...there was one other thought that she couldn't help but wonder about.
Could...he be my...but that's not right, is it? I was wrong about Tsukune...at least I think I was, now... That's it, next time I see Tsukune, I'm going to talk to him. I need to know once and for all if-
"Well, hello there," Oh, God... The recognition in that voice sends a chill down Kurumu's spine, causing her to turn around and come face-to-face with the same guy who was hitting on her when she bought herself a jukebox. He still has that condescending smile that ironically compliments his dark red eyes. "We meet again, and my my! What a sight you still are."
Kurumu groaned. "Why don't you just make like a tree and leave? I don't have time for...whatever the hell is that you are." The Succubus goes to leave but is stopped when the boy grips her shoulder firmly. "...I'm going to ask you sweet one time, let go of me...please." Her voice was cold, and she was one wrong sentence away from putting this boy in their place.
"Tsk, tsk, tsk." This attempt led to him clicking his tongue. "Now is that any way to treat someone as wonderful as me? I only came here to give you...a proposition." That last word alone caused Kurumu to gag a little and ball her free fist in anger. "All I want to know is where- OOF!"
The boy is cut off by Kurumu elbowing him in the stomach, he falls to his knees and breathes heavily as he clutches the target area he was struck. Kurumu takes this opportunity to get right up close to his face, looking at him straight into his eyes and straight into his rotten soul. "I know all about guys like you. They put on this confident facade to impress girls and they think that negging is a perfect way to get our attention. But in reality, you're all just a bunch of pathetic wastes who don't know how to treat a girl with any real respect. So if you think that- AH!"
Kurumu is tackled to the ground by her aggressor, he sneers as he pins her wrists over her head. The Succubus tried to wriggle out of his grip to no avail, she didn't think that guy had any strength with how easily he got to his knees. What baffled her most was that...antlers began to protrude from the back of his head, his face contorted and slowly morphing into what can only be a deer's skull. What...what the hell is he?!
"You know," His voice is now a deep whisper, echoing throughout the area and in Kurumu's ears. "You may not be human, but flesh is flesh. And with you out of the picture, it's sure to draw out that little boyfriend of yours." Boyfriend? Does he mean- "Then he will get what he wants, and I get a proper meal!"
"Get off of me, you...whatever you are!"
"Hahaha... Guess you've never seen a Wendigo before. My kind are fearsome beasts that stalk and eat the flesh of human beings. But over the years, we've found that other creature's flesh can suffice, but nothing can compare to the taste of a human."
"Get off of me!" Kurumu cried out, fighting against the Wendigo's grip. He's strong, but Kurumu just needs a little more push. It wouldn't take a lot more now that the Wendigo started licking her face with its long and slimy tongue.
"Hmm, tasty, but I know he will be a better fit for a proper meal," The Wendigo sneered. "I've done my research. He ain't entirely human, but he's the next best thing."
...No.
"When I'm done with you, he'll come crawling back here on a silver platter."
"NO!" Kurumu had heard enough out of this monster. Using her feet, she plants them on the monster's abdomen and pushes him away, freeing her from her grip. When she's free, Kurumu takes flight with her wings and extends her claws. In the air, she sees the jacket dropped onto the dirt path, making her more upset. He got it dirty... "You asshole!"
But this monster was faster than she thought, dodging her attack with near ease. If was just a tad slower, he'd be cut to pieces by his attacks. So...he goes to a last resort to make Kurumu drop her guard. The Wendigo jumps away from another slashing attack, quickly changing his appearance again. Not many people know this about Wendigos, but they can change their appearance and disguise themselves as humans or other animals to catch their prey. If that wasn't terrifying enough, they can also mimic the sounds of other animals...even as going far as mimicking the voices of people. When the Wendigo faces Kurumu again, her eyes widen in shock when she sees...Elijah's face.
"Come on, Kurumu, you wouldn't hurt me, right?" It spoke, but that voice definitely wasn't the one of her best friend.
"...What?" But his face alone was enough to rattle something in the Succubi's heart, making her land back onto the ground.
'Elijah' smiled. "I missed you so much, Kurumu. You have no idea how much I thought of you while I was gone." He came closer, opening his arms for a hug. "Come here."
"..."
No matter how much she wanted to give into temptation, no matter how much she truly wanted this...thing to be the real deal, Kurumu knew what to do. She takes a step back and a deep breath. With as much strength and concentration as she can muster, she lunges toward the Wendigo in disguise, slashing the monster's upper body with swiftness and without mercy. This is something he did not expect and is completely helpless against this attack. After taking a critical amount of damage, the Wendigo falls to his knees, his face changing back to his human form.
"You..." He coughs up a little blood. "Damn, you...bitch!"
Kurumu scoffs at the sight of her prey, finding amusement now that the tables have turned. The Succubus towers over the bleeding Wendigo, staring him down with malice. "You didn't even get his eyes right, they're a warm chocolate brown, not amber-colored. And if you ever come near me again, or if you even think of using my friend's forms against me, especially his," She grips the boy's hair, making him wince in pain. "You will be in for a world of pain ten times worse than this, you son of a bitch!"
Kurumu releases her hold on the boy, making him fall onto his back. The Wendigo lets out a few more bloody coughs, he'll live, but just by a hair. The Succubus returns to her casual look and walks over to her jacket she dropped onto the ground. Kurumu takes it in her hands and holds it close to her chest. It's dirty once again, yes, but it's safe now. She silently tells herself that she'll take better care of it, to only wear it when she's sleeping or whenever she's with... That last thought makes her sigh.
"I miss you, dummy. You better come back to us soon."
Kurumu takes in one last breath, the jacket still close to her chest. When a familiar scent hits her nostrils, she smiles.
It still smells like him.
Back with Moka...
Tsukune!
The boy is still bleeding out on the ground, this sight alone is enough to make the Vampire Girl shake away from Saito's grip. With her temporary strength thanks to her adrenaline, she raced as fast as she could toward Tsukune I have to save him! I don't care if it's dangerous, he needs another infusion with my blood!
"Where do you think you're going, silly little girl?" Saito goes to grab Moka and keep her from running away, only to grab her uniform blazer. When he pulls back, Moka's clothes are ripped open, revealing her pink bra underneath. This indecent exposure gains the attention of Satio's goons, making them cry out with amusement.
"Ooh, nice!"
"Hehehe... Glad I decided to come. Can I touch?"
Moka was so distracted by her embarrassment that she was grabbed once again by Saito and pinned against a nearby tree. The Monstrel towered over her and licked his lips, this disgusting gesture sent a shivering chill down Moka's spine. She wants to cry for help, but the only person that she could possibly rely on right now is bleeding out on the ground. This fact makes the girl sob. No...this can't be happening! Someone, help me! Tsukune!
"Hehehe...Gah!" One of Saito's goons yelped out when his head was gripped tightly and raised a few feet off of the ground. He wriggles around helplessly like a fish out of water from his position. The one who has him in such a state...is none other than Tsukune. But...something was off about him. He had a cold look in his eyes as if he was only moving his body by sheer will.
This caught the attention of Saito and Moroha. "Aono?!"
"No way...not after what I did to him!"
"...No way," The sight of Tsukune up on his feet and fighting back shocks Moka. She really thought that this was it for him, he had already lost a lot of blood. "But I didn't even-"
But our blood still runs in his veins... Inner Moka speaks into Outer Moka's mind. The same blood that has been corroding his humanity. In the thick of battle, it's changing him in a different way. It's...turning him into a vampire.
Tsukune digs his fingers into his victim's head, causing drips of blood to come out and making him scream. "OW! OW! OW! This isn't at all like you told us! You told us he was weak!"
Moroha clicks his tongue in annoyance, preparing himself to attack Tsukune again. Only now, he looks like he's ready for the kill. "Dumbass. This time, I'll kill him for sure." As he stepped closer, Tsukune cocked his head in the direction of his former assailant. That's when Moroha sees something different about the boy. His eyes, they were...red? This temporary confusion allows Tsukune to attack, using the boy still gripped in his hand as a weapon. In an instant, he swings the boy at Moroha, hitting him in the head with his feet. This sends not only Moroha flying back but also the by he used as a makeshift weapon.
"Wh-What?" Seeing such raw, relentless, and unmerciful power coming from Tsukune threw Saito off, making him take a step back. Tsukune looks over at him, and that's when Saito sneers at the sight of his eyes. He couldn't believe someone as weak as him could possibly be one of the strongest monsters in the world. "Red eyes? You...you can't be... You can't be a Vampire!" Saito, now in a blind rage, charges at Tsukune, using his abnormally large arm to swing at him. "You're just trash!"
Tsukune takes the advantage, sidestepping from Saito's attack with swiftness like he's never seen. The boy closes the distance in only a second and sends a bone-shattering punch to Saito's gut, sending him flying back against and then through a few trees, coughing up blood as he makes contact with the third tree. Tsukune stares at what he has done, his cold look never leaving his eyes and the bleeding from his 'x' shaped wound across his chest seemingly stops.
"..." Moka could barely believe what she just witnessed. Tsukune was...on the verge of death, Moka hadn't even gotten the chance to infuse him with her blood, and yet... Moka takes a few steps closer to her crush. She's not scared of him...more of what he may be turning into. The sweet Vampire girl calls out to him in concern. "Tsukune?"
"..." Tsukune slowly looked back at her, but when her eyes met his, she gasped. They were no longer red, they've gone back to their natural brown color. And...the boy gave Moka a faint yet happy smile. Seeing this made Moka tear up and run over to Tsukune, hugging him tightly and never wanting to let go. I can feel it, something is changing inside of him. But...I'm scared. What if...what if this completely changes him? What if...he's not himself anymore?
Mido...
From the roof of the school, Mido smiles to himself at what he has just witnessed. This boy alone had taken down three of his associates with ease. A worthy opponent indeed. "So...he really is a Vampire after all. You must feel awfully proud of yourself, Tsukune Aono." Mido's smile grows wider when the thought of their future brawl. "But now you have made an enemy of the Monstrel pack. And for that, you, your girl, and your magic friend will pay the highest price of all!"
"Hey!" A voice calls out to Mido. "You didn't tell me that the bitch was so powerful!"
Mido rolls his eyes when he sees the dark-grey-haired boy now covered in blood walking over to him. "So...you failed?"
The boy growled at Mido's condescending tone. "I was promised a proper meal but instead I got mauled like a newborn fawn, that's what I'm supposed to do!"
"Hmm..." Mido looks back down at the hugging pair. "It doesn't matter. Once I bring Aono to his knees, Everett will come crawling back if he already hasn't. Then everyone will know once and for all, that the Monstrels are the ones who should be feared and respected.
?
"Concentrate, young man." A small, elderly man speaks to a young boy on his knees in the middle of a dark room. "Let your energy flow from the top of your head to the tips of your toes."
"Yes, Master Fuhai." He responds, taking a deep breath.
"You've made some excellent progress in the past weeks. When you first came here, you were but a novice. Yet in your short time, you've come to harness your newfound strength with ease."
"Thank you, sir," The boy says with his eyes still closed.
"What you must master now is tapping into your true power. You may have done it before but don't let that fluke fool you. Remember, that only happened because you were on the verge of death."
"...Yes, sir," Yes, the young boy knows what responsibility rests on his shoulders, and the burden it also carries. This fact alone wasn't the only thing that was weighing down his mind. This boy had friends back at Yokai Academy, practically a second family. There was another boy he called his best friend, someone he relied on whenever he just needed a friend to talk to and a brother who would always have his back. A girl he considered a close friend, her bright and sunny attitude would fill his day with such enthusiasm, even if her other side wasn't exactly the same. A young girl he thought of as a little sister, someone he wanted to teach everything he had learned in his short time here. There was another whom he cared for, a girl who at first thought was some creepy stalker, but soon saw a kind and gentle soul with a passion none like most. A Witch who had tried to kill him once before, but he sees the curious and courageous soul that lies deep within her. And then...there was her.
A young girl whose smile could make his day ten times better. Someone this boy considered his closest confidant...and his best friend in the whole world. For the past weeks, a day hasn't gone by where he wasn't thinking of her, her smile, her laugh, her beautiful face, her ethereal violet-colored eyes, her light blue silky hair, and how much time they used to spend together. Out of every one of his friends, he missed her most of all. The boy wouldn't be lying if these thoughts hindered his training, but luckily, it hasn't faltered his progress ever.
"...Focus, Elijah," He told himself, emptying his mind and letting his breath flow through his body like a gentle stream. After a few minutes, his mind is once again clouded. This time, he thought of every letter he had written and had his mentor send them to Yokai Academy. It's been weeks now and he hasn't heard a single thing back from them. This made the boy worry, filling his mind with doubt.
"You're concern for your friends is holding you back, Elijah. They're fine." His mentor tried his best to show concern for the boy but it came out as a slightly condescending tone. The boy tried his best to clear his mind once more. This time...something else had entered the boy's head, sending a cold feeling down his arms.
"...Because I don't want you to die!"
He could see his vampire friend in her true form...tending to his dying best friend and biting his neck.
"Hahaha...hahahaha...ahahahahaha! AHAHAHAHAHA!"
He saw his friend beating down his opponent, smiling and laughing like a maniac as blood splattered across the floor.
"It...it can't be... Please tell me that isn't...Tsukune."
He saw the girl he cared so deeply about stand there in shock and horror as the boy continued his bloodthirsty rage against his attackers.
"TSUKUNE!"
And lastly...he saw...as clear as day in his mind...the Vampire beating the living life out of his best friend. With the intent to kill. With that last vision in the boy's head, his eyes widen open and his breathing begins to grow rapidly. His mentor notices his change in demeanor, perhaps this could be a sign of progress.
"What's wrong, Elijah?"
The boy was filled with fear, worry, confusion, and a slight hint of determination. He knows what he must do. Yes, it'll be a hindrance to his progress he's made in the past few weeks, but sometimes there are far more important things than destiny.
"...I have to go back."