What's up, everyone? I am so happy to be back! Thank you for all your encouragement during these hard times in my life. Thanks to some luck and very generous donations, I am working on getting back on track. I would like to attempt to make Fridays my upload days for new chapters(We will see how things go).

Warnings: Language/Gore

Unlikely Alliances, Mistrust, and a Vampire

Glowing eyes narrowed almost sullenly as they continued to watch the scene unfold, the objects of their scrutiny completely oblivious to their presence. A searing jealousy began to burn through the individual as a low growl bubbled up in their throat. Heaving a heavy sigh, they slowly stood and began to walk away. There was no need to stay any longer. After all, they had seen more than enough. The individual suddenly froze, feeling a chill run down her spine.

Wh-what the hell was that?

Shaking her head in an attempt to dispel the, now overwhelming, feeling of being watched, she continued on her way and quickly disappeared into the dark.

From their position on the school rooftop, a second set of glowing eyes gleamed eerily in the darkness as they watched the smaller, retreating figure disappear into one of the buildings below them. Some things never changed. Eyes narrowing, they turned their attention back to the dimly-lit room in the building across from them. Things were worse than imagined. However, that wouldn't be the case for long. The figure grinned, barely concealing her sharp fangs.

It won't be long…Moka…

A sour frown darkened the individual's features as they continued to watch the display going on in the room across from them. The young woman couldn't resist a growl. How dare that insect touch her so familiarly?! Didn't he have any idea who she was?! A snort escaped her. It didn't matter. She would get her chance to dispose of the mongrel soon enough. Tsukune Aono's days were numbered. She had heard enough about the boy to know that he was nothing but trouble. Before her temper could get the best of her, the young woman gave a huff and stood. She couldn't afford to blow her cover now. She would be patient…for now.

Tsukune slowly pulled back from the kiss, giving a soft smile as he continued to hold his mate for all he was worth. His mate; the mother of his unborn child. Wow, was that ever unbelievable? He was going to be a father! He nearly felt dizzy. Boy, did they ever have a lot to prepare for now? How were they going to explain this one to their parents?

Seeming to sense his thoughts and apprehensions through their link, Moka held him tighter.

Tsukune almost immediately felt the guilt grip him like a vice. He could only imagine the anxiety she must be feeling. After all, she was the one that would be giving birth.

"A-Are you alright, Tsukune?" he heard her murmur after a moment.

Moka nearly flinched. Even to her own ears, it sounded like a stupid question. He was probably just as nervous and uncertain as she was, if not more so.

Tsukune couldn't help but chuckle at her somewhat sour expression. Honestly, she was just so cute!

"I'm fine, Moka. Everything is fine. Try not to worry too much, okay? I know right now that's a bit easier said than done, but…"

Even though he left the sentence hanging, the vampiress nodded in understanding. It wouldn't do either one of them any good to stress out prematurely, especially considering she now held another life in her very hands. She gave a faint shudder. She would do everything she could to be a good mother. A faint smile tugged at her lips. Her child wasn't even born yet, and she already loved them with every fiber of her being. The vampiress almost had to laugh. She had changed so much in just the past months alone that she hardly even recognized herself anymore. Pulling back slightly to glance into her mate's eyes, she ascertained that perhaps a little change was a good thing. After all, it had allowed her to gain the courage she needed to admit her true feelings.

"I-I just can't believe…I mean…wow," she heard him murmur after a moment.

The vampiress chuckled lightly. After all, she shared his sentiment. Truth be told, she was honestly still trying to wrap her head around the fact that she was going to be a mother herself.

"I just found out today. That's why I disappeared earlier. The nurse came and found me during gym. I never meant to worry you."

Tsukune smiled, tightening their embrace once again.

"And she's sure?"

"Positive. Why?" Moka replied, pulling back slightly to gauge her mate's features.

Tsukune sighed, realizing that his statement was now in jeopardy of being misconstrued.

"I-I didn't mean that the way it sounded, Moka. The truth is that I'm already starting to get excited, and if it all turned out to be a mistake I would be so sad..."

The vampiress quirked another smile. There was really no arguing that. Even now she would be hard-pressed to deny her own growing excitement.

"She said I'm around three weeks along."

Tsukune simply blinked for a moment. Three weeks? That would mean that he had gotten her pregnant either the first or second time they were intimate with one another. The vampire bit his lip. It wasn't exactly a secret that it was possible for conception to occur after only once. However, it was still quite unexpected. How had he forgotten that? Then again, he supposed it wasn't so much a matter of forgetting so much as it was a matter of not really thinking about it in the first place.

"W-well, I suppose, first things first, I need to work on finding a job to pick up some extra money."

Moka gave a soft sigh. Once again, things were changing. However, she didn't need time to reflect to know that this change was a good one. She wasn't disillusioned. Things were, undoubtedly, going to be difficult at first, but she had Tsukune, right? Everything would be just fine. No matter what life chose to throw their way, they would have each other.

The blonde glanced up at the clock as she took a long drink of her tea. 9:45 p.m. The woman gave a sour frown. Seventeen years; seventeen years, twenty-one days, and seven hours to the very moment that Akasha brought her wretch of a daughter into the world and destroyed her life. Gyokuro sighed as she allowed herself to become lost in her thoughts. She would never forget that night; the night that child's life began and her's ended…

Thunder echoed through the vast halls, signaling the storm's descent upon the castle. Bright flashes of light illuminated the darkened sky as the storm drew ever closer. Within the confines of a dimly-lit room, a young, blonde woman stood at the window as she watched the rain soak the windowpane. A soft whimper snapped her out of her thoughts. Glancing behind her, she turned her attention to the young woman laying in the queen-sized bed.

"Your timing is as remarkable as always," the blonde muttered sarcastically, rolling her crimson eyes as she slowly made her way back over to the bed.

For a moment, the woman in the bed said nothing, her eyes pinched shut in obvious pain.

"S-something's wrong, Gyokuro. It-it's too early," she murmured weakly after a moment, gripping the tan, cotton sheets in her pale fists as another surge of pain swept through her.

A look somewhat akin to sympathy crossed the blonde's features for only a moment before it was gone. Shaking her head, she reached for the cloth that sat on a small table beside the bed. She resisted a sigh as she pressed the cloth to the woman's forehead. Never in a million years did she think she would be doing this. It was bad enough that her husband had been unfaithful, but to play midwife to his mistress? Gyokuro bit back the growl that longed to escape her.

"Enough. You shouldn't be talking," she uttered, removing the cloth and placing it back onto the table.

The young woman opened her blurry, emerald eyes, giving the blonde as concerned a look as she could possibly muster in her current condition. She drew in a deep breath as her body momentarily relaxed. Brushing her pink bangs from her forehead, she shifted slightly in discomfort.

The blonde returned her gaze for a moment before removing herself from the bed.

"You might as well rest while you can. You have a long night ahead of you."

The pink-haired maiden quirked a small, somewhat pained, grin.

"Somehow, I believe rest is out of the question."

Gyokuro said nothing as she made her way back over to the window.

"T-thank you, Gyokuro. I honestly thought you would be angry with me, but-"

"Don't flatter yourself, Akasha Bloodriver, what I'm doing now is not out of any sort of compassion for you," the blonde quipped, quickly cutting her off as she turned to give her a fierce glare.

The pink-haired vampiress gave a somber smile.

"I figured as much."

A silence fell between the two. Neither one seemed very willing to participate in conversation any longer. Mere moments suddenly felt like hours as the thunder's echo grew in volume with the storm's course across the landscape. The only verbal communication was Akasha's occasional, small whimpers of pained discomfort, which were all but drowned out by the raging storm's angry thunder. Gyokuro seemed to pay her little mind as her gaze remained fixated out the window. This storm would surely delay her husband's return, which worked nicely with her ultimate plan for the evening. Perhaps the storm was merely a blessing in disguise? Glancing over her shoulder again to the bed, she resisted a cruel smile. It wouldn't be much longer now. She drew her attention to the clock on the wall. 2 a.m. It was definitely now safe to say that her husband would not be returning tonight.

Forty-five minutes crept by, then another hour. The mother-to-be's soft whimpers grew more frequent. Gyokuro made her way back over to the bed and removed the other woman's blanket. It was another hour of silent struggling before a new vampire greeted the world. The blonde glanced down at the newborn in her arms and it didn't take her long to ascertain that something was clearly wrong. The baby girl made no noise at all and seemed to scarcely even breathe. In fact, for a moment, Gyokuro mistook her for being still-born.

It seems my work has already been done for me, she mused briefly. There would be little sense in drowning her now. The child is practically dead already.

Once she had finished giving the infant a bath in a bowl of herbal water, she glanced at the, now nearly frantic, new mother waiting impatiently as she sat up in the bed. Even though the mother was clearly weakened considerably from the loss of precious blood, she was more interested in her child's well-being.

"It's a girl, though she's very weak," the blonde vampiress murmured as she quickly wrapped the silent child in a white cloth and handed her to her waiting mother. Once again what appeared to be sympathy crossed Gyokuro's features as she watched Akasha cradle her newborn.

The blonde vampiress looked away as the mother began to sob. After all, even though she despised the woman, she refused to even fathom the lose of her own flesh and blood. Aside from Issa, their young daughter, Kahlua was the most precious thing in the world to her. She began to head for the door when she heard Akasha begin to pray.

"P-please... I don't care what happens to me… Please, just save my daughter…"

The infant's life-light was nearly extinguished now. It was only a matter of moments. Gyokuro could sense it as she reached the doorway. Suddenly, she stopped in her tracks. What was that overwhelming aura? Glancing over her shoulder, she held in a gasp. The bright, pink light was unmistakable. Akasha, fangs buried in her infant's neck, was depleting her own dwindling blood supply in a last ditch effort to save her daughter's life. Gyokuro watched in silence as the child's thin hair, which had previously been the color of her mother's, slowly bled silver.

The first ancestor…so what I heard was true indeed. Humph! To bestow that kind of power on a mere infant…, the blonde thought, a sour frown marring her tan features.

The cry of a, now healthy, newborn then filled the room moments later; a sound that could only be described as music to Akasha's ears, and Gyokuro's worst nightmare …

The chime of a clocked snapped the head of the Shuzen household from her memories with a start. For a moment, the vampiress didn't move, content to stare blankly into her, now empty, teacup. Her eyes narrowed. She should've killed the brat when she'd had the chance. On the other hand, even as weakened as she was, Akasha would have likely still put up a valiant fight. Gyokuro frowned. Issa actually seemed to love that worthless, illegitimate excuse of a child more than the children they'd had together. It was time it all ended for good. Moka was the last obstacle left to overcome before she would finally have the Issa she knew and cared for back. Four more months. By that time, the new changes at Yokai would be in full effect, and her ultimate goal would be well within reach. Aqua was only phase one. By the time anyone figured out her real plan, it would be far too late. Gyokuro couldn't resist a sadistic smile. That included Moka. Besides, from what she'd heard, her stepdaughter was far too preoccupied with a new 'pet' she had adopted.

The blonde rolled her eyes. It was pathetic! It was bad enough that the girl was wasting time entertaining such infatuation, but when Kokoa had relayed that the boy was a human, she saw red. That had been the final straw. Gyokuro stood from her chair and silently made her way onto one of the castle's many balconies. Soon, she would have her sweet revenge, and this time, Akasha wouldn't be able to interfere...

Moka blinked as she turned to glance out the window.

"Moka?" Tsukune questioned as his mate suddenly left his arms.

Wh-what was that? That aura just now…it-it seemed almost familiar…

The teen was quickly brought out of her thoughts by a sharp, stabbing pain in her head. The pregnant vampiress winced, raising a hand to her right temple.

"Moka?" Tsukune inquired once more, his own head tilting in slight confusion. He couldn't seem to help the inward sigh of relief when her gaze finally settled upon him.

Taking a closer look at her, Tsukune noticed just how exhausted she looked. To the untrained eye, the vampiress appeared perfectly normal. However, knowing her better, it was easy for the young man to pick up on her fatigue. Giving a soft smile, he reached out a hand for her to take. The vampiress paused, seeming to consider the gesture for a moment before flashing her mate a rare, genuine smile; the type of smile he knew she reserved only for him.

"Come on. You need all the rest you can get right now," he murmured softly.

Moka made no protest. After all, he was correct. She now had more than just her own well-being to think about. The vampiress suppressed an inward sigh of mild dread. She would be a fool not to realize that her already complicated life was about to become even more complicated. It was bad enough that large portions of her childhood memories were blank. Every time she tried to remember, painful migraines were her only result.

Not sure what that's about…

The teen gave a small yawn, causing Tsukune to smile as he carefully untucked the blankets from underneath the pillows on the bed.

"I bet you're really tired, huh?"

Moka smiled slightly. There he went yet again; constantly prioritizing her well-being over his own. It seemed that, no matter how close they became, she was still unaccustomed to it. The vampiress removed the jacket of her school uniform and draped it over the back of her desk chair before turning back to her mate, halfheartedly attempting to mask another yawn.

"No more so than I have been, I suppose."

Tsukune quirked a brow. In all honesty, he was still only beginning to understand just why she went to such great links to hide any perceived weakness or vulnerability. He could only guess that her pregnancy would be no different. It was then a thought that hadn't occurred to him before dawned on him: a monster as powerful as Moka becoming pregnant also meant that she would become very vulnerable.

Suddenly, as if sensing his thoughts, Moka ceased removing her school uniform long enough to give her mate an inquisitive glance.

"It's still such a shock, isn't it?" she finally murmured as she crossed the short distance to where he stood beside the bed.

Tsukune gave another smile, scratching the back of his head. Sometimes it seemed as though she knew him better than he knew himself.

"Hehe! W-well, yeah, kinda."

The vampiress looked away, almost guiltily.

"Tsukune… I-I know we never discussed children, but..." Moka looked away.

The atmosphere in the room suddenly felt suffocating as both vampires fell silent. Tsukune gave a confused look. Something was wrong. He could sense it. It was definitely safe to say that the blood-link had only brought them closer than ever before. In a way, Tsukune was extremely grateful for it. It had allowed him to understand her even better.

"Well, no, but it's not like we really got a chance to either. To tell you the truth, I guess I kinda assumed we would have children eventually when we became mates anyway."

Moka turned to him, a small smile tugging at her lips.

"I suppose they do go hand-in-hand, don't they?"

Deciding she would rather wait until morning and bathe with Tsukune, the vampiress finished unbuttoning her uniform shirt and slipped out of it before discarding her skirt as well. Now dressed in only her white silk bra and panties, she crawled into bed with another yawn.

Tsukune couldn't help but smile as he carefully covered her with the blanket. He idly wondered if he would ever truly get used to being this close to her.

I-I guess, with her being pregnant now, we're only gonna end up even closer. Still…I would be lying if I said I wasn't the least bit worried. "H-hey, Moka?"

The young woman in question turned over to face him, her expression perplexed at the sudden nervousness in his tone.

"You're, uh, gonna take it easy from now on, right?

The vampiress quirked a brow.

"What do you mean?"

Tsukune scratched the back of his head. He honestly should have expected that she wouldn't understand. After all, she seemed quite used to selflessly throwing herself into the line of battle on their behalf.

"I mean with the whole fighting thing. I know you take it upon yourself to always protect us, but..."

"Weren't you the one that just said try not to worry too much?" the vampiress smirked.

Once again, Tsukune found himself awkwardly scratching the back of his head.

"Er...w-well-"

Pleased with her apparent ability to unnerve him, the vampiress gave a contented sigh as she rolled back over to face away from him. He had no idea. She would perish before she would allow any harm to come to their child.

"Rest assured, Tsukune. This child is safe with me."

Tsukune couldn't resist a small, awkward smile. It seemed that, lately, she never failed to amaze him. However, his smile was short-lived. He was honestly still warring with the emotions of both pride and dread. On one hand, he wanted nothing more than to share his fatherly pride with everyone he met. One the other hand... he shuddered to think of the various reactions when it became known that the most dazzling beauty in school was not only taken, but pregnant as well. The teen shook his head. Right now wasn't the time to be stressing out. Now was no time to be panicking quite yet. How on Earth was Moka being so calm?

The teen drew in a deep breath. It was for the best that Moka remained calm. After all, stress was unhealthy for the baby, right? Stifling a small yawn, he raised a hand cover his mouth.

Moka just might have the right idea, the teen thought with an amused smile.

Slipping off his shoes, the young vampire quietly carried them to the corner by the door to deposit them before taking off his uniform jacket and shirt. As he made his way back over to the bed to join his slumbering mate, he couldn't seem to help his hopeful, determined musings. They WOULD have their happy ending; he would do everything in his power to make certain of that...

"So… There was a disturbance last night?"

"So it would appear," the cloaked man replied to the witch's apprehensive inquiry. His normally somewhat playful undertone absent from his voice.

Ruby's brow furrowed. Something was definitely wrong. For the headmaster to display anything in the way of emotions could only mean that the threat was nothing to be taken lightly. It was honestly more than a little alarming. After all, if one was not safe beneath a barrier, then where could one be safe?

"What should we do then, Sir? Should I inform Moka?"

The headmaster shook his head in decline.

"I don't believe that will be necessary. After all, beneath a barrier, there are few places to hide."

"Which means that they wish to be discovered?" the witch inquired in conclusion.

The elder of Yokai Acadamy quirked a small smile, obviously pleased with her deduction.

"Bare in mind that this school is far from helpless. I believe it would be unwise to react prematurely."

Ruby looked away for a moment. Yes, something was very wrong. To her knowledge, this was the first time such a security breach had occurred in the history of Yokai.

It's so odd. Yokai's entire purpose is devoted to promoting a message of peace. Why all the sudden hostility? Unless… "Do you think this was a planned attack?"

The headmaster stood up from his desk, making his way to the window.

"I believe that goes without saying. After all, there would be little sense for the perpetrator to plan an infiltration for nothing."

The young witch bit her lip. How stupid of a question could she have possibly have asked?! Of course it was a planned attack! Nevertheless, it was an alarming situation; one that demanded careful handling.

"So it's war?"

"That remains to be seen. At this rate, the culprit will have no other choice than to reveal himself," the elder replied. "For now, we will bide our time. It would do no good to set the students into a panic."

Ruby nodded.

Kokoa yawned as she made her way down the sidewalk, her emerald eyes narrowing in irritation at her bat familiar's idle chatter as he sat perched on her shoulder.

Damn it, I couldn't get a wink of sleep last night… Just what was that presence anyway? It seemed so familiar somehow.

The red-head gave an inward shrug. After all, if it were anything to truly be concerned about, the students would be in an uproar. So far, the students she had passed on her way to class seemed to be acting perfectly normal, although a bit more reserved than usual. Just what was going on? A sour frown pulled at the young vampiress's lips. Perhaps it was that new mandatory class that still had everyone riled up? Honestly, she didn't see the point. She didn't need some dumb extra class to tell her how badly humans had oppressed was the freaking point? Surely there was something more than meets the eye?

Heaving a heavy sigh, the teen continued on her way. For now, there was nothing to be done. Perhaps she should mention it to Moka? The red-head scowled. If she even got to see her sister today. Lately, she seemed far too preoccupied with her formerly-human mate. The vampiress flushed. Not that she cared, or anything. It wasn't like she had any feelings for the idiot.

Kokoa frowned. Who was she trying to fool? Even her own sister had been able to see through her elaborate charade. It was bad enough that she had lost to her own sister yet again, but to have even fallen in love with him in the first place was what really unnerved her. Why did he have to be so damn likable anyway? He had been just a puny shrimp of a human when she first met him, so why? It just didn't make any sense. She was a noble vampire, after all. Of course, her sister was a purebred noble vampire of the highest caliber and that had done little to stop her. The vampiress shook her head. She had far more important things to be concerned with. She had nearly made it to the school's front gate when she suddenly stopped in her tracks. There was no mistaking it. That was definitely her sister's aura, but why was she going into class so early? A grin tugged at her lips. It was the perfect opportunity!

Picking up her pace, Kokoa caught sight of her silver-haired target reaching the school's front doors and quickly called out to her. She breathed a sigh of relief when Moka heeded her calls and stopped, allowing the younger vampiress to catch up. Upon reaching her sister, Kokoa was mildly surprised to find Tsukune waiting for her as well. Why hadn't she noticed him before? Perhaps it was because she was only concerned with her sister? Either way, it wouldn't do to get too lax. When her sister quirked a brow in question, Kokoa felt her cheeks heat up in embarrassment. Moka was obviously waiting for some sort of answer. Honestly! Couldn't she do anything without giving the impression of an overactive child?

Moka, for her part, was honestly surprised that the younger vampiress didn't try sweep her up in one of her crushing hugs as usual. Perhaps their chat had really gotten through to her after all? Part of her was actually glad to see her nuisance of a sister. After all, her 'illness' had isolated her somewhat. She couldn't wait to see the looks on the others' faces when they found out. Then again, it wasn't like she expected them to be happy for her. After all, she had been their rival in love for two years. Truth be told, she really didn't know why she felt so compelled to maintain their fragile relationship. She really had grown soft. However, she was far from naïve. It would be a full time job protecting their child from the many perils they were bound to face.

"What is it, Kokoa? What's the matter?" Tsukune finally asked, reaffirming his presence.

The vampiress in question seemed to ignore him for a moment.

"I heard you were ill, Big Sis. Is that true?"

Tsukune couldn't resist a smile.

Kokoa was worried? Then again, I guess it really isn't all that surprising. Kokoa is practically obsessed with Moka..

"What are you smiling at?!" Kokoa suddenly snapped, causing Tsukune to jump.

"Er… Huh?"

"You're probably the one that made her sick in the first place," the red-head glared, stomping her foot in fury.

Moka sighed, rolling her eyes dramatically. Perhaps wishing for them to get along was a lost cause, after all? It was common knowledge to her how stubborn her sister could be once she'd made her mind up about something, and she now seemed dead-set on masking her true feelings with either indifference or feigned anger. Watching such an act in practice, only now did she see how completely ridiculous it was. Had she been as transparent as Kokoa? The vampiress resisted a small sigh. Had she looked equally as pathetic?

Most likely… "Kokoa, did you actually need something, or did you just wish to berate Tsukune all day?"

The young vampiress flushed slightly, turning away as she folded her arms across her chest.

"Humph! Don't I have the right to check up on my own sister when she's ill?"

Moka rolled her crimson eyes once again. Who on Earth was she trying to fool?

"Actually, Kokoa, I was ill for over a week. This is the first time you've 'checked up' on me."

Kokoa bit her lip, feeling her cheeks flush again.

"Well, maybe cause I haven't seen you walking around campus much!" she shouted, quickly turning around to face her sister once again.

"Well, as much as you follow me around, I would've figured you know where my dorm room is by now," Moka countered with a slight smirk, folding her arms.

Tsukune chuckled lightly.

"You know, she does have a point, Kokoa."

"You shut up! No one asked you!"

"This can't possibly be your only motive for seeking me out, Kokoa. I know you better than that," the teen vampiress interrupted, drawing her sister's attention away from Tsukune again.

The younger vampiress frowned. That was perhaps her most loved, and hated, trait of her sister: she was far too perceptive. However, there was just something not quite right with her sister's aura. She couldn't quite put her finger on it. Shaking her head to snap herself out of her thoughts, the young vampires sighed.

"It's about that new mandatory class. Is it just me, or does everyone seem spaced out?"

"Things do seem a bit quiet, don't they?" Moka murmured in agreement. "I see the bat's back."

"Yeah, but there was no reply letter. I don't know what's going on. Daddy should have at least replied," Kokoa muttered.

Tsukune tilted his head.

So Kokoa really is worried…

"And then last night-," the red-head

"Wait, so you felt it too?" Moka interrupted, quirking a brow.

"I did, but I never saw anyone."

"What do you mean? What's going on?" Tsukune inquired, his tone clearly betraying his worry.

Moka quirked a brow.

"I'm surprised. I would've thought for sure that you would have sensed the presence too, Tsukune."

The teen gave a sheepish grin, nervously scratching the back of his head.

"I guess I was just distracted."

Kokoa scowled.

"Come on! That's the lamest excuse I've ever heard!" she huffed. "Geez! If you're going to be a vampire, at least do it right. I won't have you making me, or my big sis, look like morons."

"Kokoa!" Moka chided, a deep frown of disapproval marring her beautiful features.

"No, Moka, she's right," Tsukune murmured. "My training is far from over, after all."

"What do you mean 'training'? Didn't you just become a vampire not that long ago? I wouldn't think a lazy mongrel like you would be so diligent," Kokoa stated with a sneer.

"Well, that shows how little you know, now doesn't it?" Moka quipped, rolling her crimson eyes.

"Isn't it a bit too early in the morning to be arguing so heatedly?" a voice murmured, drawing the attention of the three vampires.

Turning toward the direction of the sound, the trio took notice of the dark-haired figure leaning against a tree behind them just inside the school courtyard.

"And just who the hell are you supposed to be?"Kokoa spat, her keen, emerald eyes trained on the raven-haired woman's every move.

Ruka gave a soft chuckle in the back of her throat, eyeing the snow-woman now standing on the other side of the tree from her rather warily.

"No one of any consequence, really."

Kokoa scowled in annoyance. If she really wasn't important, why was she bothering talking to them?

"Um, good morning, Ruka," Tsukune greeted, although a bit apprehensively. After all, it was still undetermined if they could trust this young woman or not.

"Good morning. So…any word yet?" the brunette returned, attempting, unsuccessfully, to mask the hopefulness in her tone.

Tsukune exchanged glances with his mate, receiving a reassuring nod in response.

"Unfortunately, not yet."

Ruka gave a somewhat disappointed sigh. She honestly had hoped for better news.

Kokoa regarded the four suspiciously. The longer she stood with them, the more clear it became that there was definitely something off about her sister. Her aura wasn't right at all. Sure, it was her signature aura, but it felt almost…weaker. What was going on?!

"Anyone care to tell me what the hell is going on?"

Tsukune bit his lip nervously. He didn't exactly feel the most comfortable in this situation any longer. Kokoa, though younger than both Moka and himself, was still a vampire. He would be lying if he were to say that she wasn't the least bit intimidating. Before he could say anything, however, Moka spoke up.

"Nothing you should be overly concerned with, Kokoa."

"Let's just say that I have some personal business with your sister. It has nothing to do with you," Ruka added. She had done her fair share of research on Moka's entire family. She honestly didn't want any trouble with this kid. The less people she drug into this the better, right? Well, perhaps that wasn't totally correct. After all, when the time came, it would most likely be more beneficial to have all available forces on their side.

"Why you-," the red-head spat venomously.

"Enough, Kokoa. Now isn't the time for childish arguments," Moka chided, shaking her head in exasperation.

Utterly humiliated, the red-head opened and closed her mouth several times, finally settling on a growl of frustration. This wasn't how things were supposed to go at all! The whole school seemed to be acting strangely now. If there was one thing Kokoa despised, it was being left out. It was no secret that, as the youngest member of her family, she was often not included in much of the informational exchanges between her family members.

"Well, I, for one, have had enough! First, you start acting all weird before break, then you take this wimp for a mate, and now you're acting weirder than ever? What the hell is going on?! I think I have a right to know!"

Moka sighed. In a way, she couldn't really blame her sister.

I guess it would piss me off if I was being left out of the loop… "For now, leave well enough alone, Kokoa. Everything will become clear when the time comes."

The young vampiress scowled, though she chose to remain silent…for now.

It doesn't matter anyway. If they won't tell me what's going on, then I'll just find out on my own. I swear it, Sis, I'm gonna stand in the same league as you one day! I will if it kills me!

Moka eyed her sister for a moment, not quite certain what was going through her mind. She was just grateful that Kokoa hadn't seemed to detect her pregnancy just yet. For now, she would rather keep it hidden. The less who knew the better. Glancing to her mate, the two shared a mutual look before moving to continue on their way.

Tsukune bit his lip as he glanced around the clubroom. The atmosphere was so tense you could cut it with a knife! He had been disappointed, yet not surprised, to find the rumors were apparently true about the poor upper classmen.

"So…can you tell us anything at all?" Kurumu gently prodded, placing a comforting hand on the werewolf's shoulder. He was honestly scaring her. She had never seen him in such a state, and after such a long absence.

The brunette shook his head. "No. All I know is it's going to be the new curriculum from now on. The teachers don't even really wanting us discussing it outside of the classroom."

An uncomfortable silence overtook the room. It was the kind of silence that threatened to steal your breath away. Even the air seemed to take on an almost suffocating quality.

"All I know is that a representative of Fairy Tale is coming. No one knows when, but all the teachers are whispering about it. It's some vampire," the werewolf finally murmured.

Moka frowned as all eyes then seemed to fall on her. This definitely wasn't good. The vampiress shifted uncomfortably, folding her arms across her chest in an effort to appear unperturbed by the revelation. The reaction didn't go unnoticed by her mate, who shot her a concerned glance.

Tsukune chewed his lower lip lightly, doing his best to maintain his composure. "W-well, no need to panic, right? I mean, we don't even know what's going to happen yet. Just because they're sending a representative doesn't necessarily mean trouble, right?" The teen nearly shuddered at the serious and grim expressions that overtook each of his friend's faces in response.

"It's a powerplay. They're sending someone to force the Headmaster's hand."

Tsukune sighed. If he had thought things were bad before, it was nothing compared to the sickening feeling gripping him now. His stomach was in knots, and he was almost certain that he would likely not be be getting any rest tonight.

Fed up with the atmosphere, the succubus clenced her fist. "But this isn't right! They can't shut down the newspaper club! Isn't that why we stood up to Kuyo?"

The werewolf shook his head. "You don't get it. This is so much bigger. If this Gyokuro has her way, the entire school as we know it will be history."

Scarlet eyes narrowed. "What did you say?"

Gin glanced at the vampiress for a moment. "Huh?"

"The name! Are you sure you heard that name?" Moka felt an eerie chill grip her heart. It couldn't be. There was no other monster by that name that she was ever aware of. God, she hoped he was wrong!

"All I know is that she's sending someone here."

"Why?"

The werewolf quirked a dark eyebrow. What was the vampiress hiding? "Because Fairytail wants control of the school. I thought we already covered that." Gin slowly replied. Something was definitely up. The vampiress was normally more on top of things. In fact, now that he'd calmed down, something about her just seemed…off…

"What is it, Moka? Do you know her?"

The silver-haired teen seemed to flinch at the question. Breathe… For now, she would play it cool. "She's Gyokuro Shuzen…my stepmother."

Tsukune felt his heart sink into his abdomen and frowned as his mate winced at the collective gasps that filled the room. The deadly silence returned to the room with a stifling intensity, and the teen felt an overwhelming fear tear at his heart like never before. If the school really was going to be attacked, Moka…would not be able to fight…

"Do you really think they'll be able to win, Sir?"

The headmaster of Yokai Academy smiled at the young witch's question as he glanced out the window to observe the blood-red moon rising, the fading light casting eerie shadows upon the ground of the courtyard below. "Alone? No," The man paused to chuckle softly, "However, I don't plan on placing this burden solely upon the Newspaper Club."

"Sir?" Ruby questioned as the man returned to his desk, sliding a minila envelope across its surface toward her. The witch glanced down at its contents. "The Fencing Club?" she questioned once more as she read its title aloud.

The headmaster nodded. "Yes, Child. They are a highly capable group of fighters. Surely they will make great allies of the Newspaper Club."

"Yes, Sir." Ruby bowed. "I will inform both clubs tomorrow."

"You can't be serious!" Tsukune exclaimed as he stared at his mate in utter disbelief.

The vampiress narrowed her scarlet eyes as she stood from her resting position on her bed. "I'm not kidding, Tsukune. You need to pack your things TONIGHT."

"No way!" Tsukune protested, "There's no way I'm gonna just run away and hide like a coward, Moka, and leave you and our child behind. If something happened to you I'd never forgive myself."

Moka sighed as he immediately pulled her into his arms. He really was hopeless.

"Tsukune, it's too dangerous. This goes way over our head. If my stepmother really is behind all this, then I want you as far away from here as possible."

"I agree that it's too dangerous; too dangerous for you to handle it alone. You've protected me since I got here. Now it's my turn to protect you."

The silver-haired teen couldn't help the small chuckle that bubbled up in her throat. "You're far too noble for your own good, my love. Naïve, yes, but still noble."

Tsukune laughed. She was right. "And you're reckless. What's the point?" He heard his mate give a deep sigh in return and smiled.

"I'm not going to convince you, am I?"

"Not a chance."

"Fine, but you have a lot to learn…and only a very short time to learn it."…

A/N: Well, there ya have it! Once again, I am greatly appreciative to all of you who have taken the time to read this after so long. Thank you for sticking with me through all this. As I am now back, I am going to try to empliment a more regulatory schedule. I plan on trying to upload a new chapter every couple of weeks on Fridays. I will see how it goes. Thanks again, and as always…PEACE!