Disclaimer: I do not own the rights to Rosario + Vampire.

Tsukune made it to the meeting area with time to spare. He didn't like being late, even if he was the one being called out. Issa had instilled in him a sense of honour; one that he would only compromise if the situation required it.

So far, his mysterious foe hadn't done anything to warrant such a reaction, but Tsukune wasn't holding his breath. Beginning his stretches, after all he didn't want to be too tense when his opponent showed up, the teen kept a close eye on his surroundings. Despite living in Japan, where a samurai's sense of honour in combat should have reigned supreme, he was dealing with youkai; and fair play was not part of their vocabulary.

"You showed up: wonderful."

The masculine growl was one Tsukune had already come to loathe. Standing up, he faced his massive foe with his back straight and his arms at his side.

"Saizou, I didn't expect you to call me out. To what do I owe the pleasure?"

"Shut it punk! You're keeping that delicious silver-haired gem all to yourself; and I think it's time you share."

Tsukune sighed. He knew Moka would prove to be an issue.

Chapter 6

It was hard to keep the nervousness off of his face. Tsukune knew that as he stood before the gathered council. Usually standing behind the collection of faces; he was able to keep himself collected and calm. However, as he stood in front of them, he was struggling to keep that same composure; especially with the topic that he would be presenting.

"Aono Tsukune, we appreciate you taking the time to come before us," Kazuki said from his seat at the head of the council.

Watching his friend at work, Tsukune knew exactly why the elections had turned out in his favour the year before. Imposing and commanding, yet inviting and kind; he was the only one who could possibly replace Hokuto Kaneshiro.

"Yet, most of us are unaware as to why you are here. Surely the security force made it clear that no charges were to be laid for the deaths you had caused."

He was referring to the right of retribution. When a member of any noble family was attacked, the death of their attacker, or attackers, was a warranted action. Even on the school campus, bullying was usually dealt with in a brutal fashion. At least, it was if the attacker was of a lower rank than the one who was being attacked. If the opposite was true, then no retribution could be sought out – not without permission from the chairman.

It was why the school security force existed. Kuyo's band of militant officers was a compromise; of sorts. The right of retribution would be carried out only by those who were part of the force. It was meant to prevent rampant bloodletting on the campus, but the yoko's attitude had proven to make that a difficult task.

Swallowing, his throat's dryness now obvious, Tsukune felt his nervousness pick up. Despite the necessity of having the full council there when he spoke, he didn't like having all of their eyes on him; especially since he was the first student in four years to have consecutively called the right of retribution. He worked best when people's focus wasn't on what he was doing. A skill he had cultivated after years of training. But now he was taking the stand, and he was going to have to make it work for him.

"President, vice-president and the other members of our illustrious council; the events of the attack are only part of why I've come today," he said, his throat dryer than he anticipated. "I am here to discuss what we, as the school's governing body, must do to prevent another attack from occurring."

Sweat dripped down the side of his face as he gauged the reactions to what he said. To his utter terror, no one in a major position had any visible reactions. There was nothing for him to gauge as he continued to speak.

"The monstrels have been getting bolder. Their attack on Shuzen-sama and Kurono-san is only the start," he said. "We have no guarantee that they won't attempt another takeover of the school; this time by harming the students of the pure families."

This still didn't elicit any response. Feeling his stomach plummet, Tsukune wanted to throw up. If he couldn't get any support, this would be a lot harder than he needed it to be. It would also force him to face off against those who he had believed to be his allies.

Despite not being on the council proper, he had managed to build up allies among those gathered. Partially for Moka's sake, as was the request of Issa and Gyokuro, but also for the sake of himself. Having allies was important, and he could use them to his advantage if he ever needed assistance. However, that didn't seem to be the case. As he prepared to continue his speech, he felt alone.

"I am here to request the right to launch an all-out attack on the Monstrels; eliminating them from the campus," he said.

This got a reaction. Hushed whispers burst from many of the council members. Everyone, save for Kazuki and Moka, seemed to be reacting to the information. Fighting back the urge to wipe away the sweat building on his brow, Tsukune readied the next part. A war would require forces, and the only way to get forces was to gain the assistance of his allies. Hopefully, he'd receive the help he needed.

"I implore all of you to allow the school to form a force to take down the Monstrels. If we strike quickly, we can force them off of the campus with no casualties on our end."

The hushed whispers rose in volume, becoming a storm of noise as arguments began. Members of the council were picking sides. Tsukune felt a wave of elation pass over him as he mentally tallied those who would provide him with assistance. However, that all changed when he got a look at the council president. The look of horror on Kazuki's face gave him all the information he needed. This wouldn't pass.

Kazuki had the power to sway many of the council members back to his side. And it didn't help that Tsukune's tally came up short of a majority vote anyway. However, he had to press on; he was in too deep.

"Through the usage of the school's security force we can start the attacks immediately. Add in the champions of each council member, and this conflict can be over before it truly even starts."

"Enough!"

Kazuki's outburst echoed through the council room as he stood from his seat. Silence fell as he glared at Tsukune; the young man was seething with a rarely seen rage.

"You're requesting the right to commit genocide," he demanded. "Eliminating all the offspring of a single species; how can you suggest that?"

The air became oppressive as Kazuki started pacing. Despite there not being a lot of space for him to move, he managed to make a few strides before turning and moving in the opposite direction.

"We are preventing the harm of our students," Tsukune said, trying to salvage his situation.

"The Monstrels are also students here at Youkai Academy. They have every right to be among us," Kazuki shouted. "Killing them all over an insult to one family is not something we can allow."

"What about all the harm they caused last year? What about all those assaults? How do you justify what they did?"

Kazuki stopped his pacing at this; his face flushed with rage.

"We are better than them, and we prove that by not stooping to their level," he roared.

This rallied the council. Despite being from numerous violent races, there was still a dignity that they held. This dignity wouldn't allow them to be lumped together alongside the half-breed mongrels. It was an insult worse than many others that could be thrown their way. Tsukune knew that he had lost them at this point. There was little that he could say to convince them now; but he wouldn't stop now.

"This isn't stooping to their level. This is using what we are known for in an attempt to prevent any more of their attacks."

He knew it was flimsy, but Tsukune had to try. The honour of the Shuzen family; no the honour of Kokoa herself was on the line. The fact that the council didn't understand the importance of this was understandable, but he needed to pass it through. Kokoa was harmed by the attack and that could invalidate her chance to inherit the family.

Meeting Moka's eyes he could see the victory radiating from them. She was expecting this outcome. Forcing his face into an immovable mask, he waited for Kazuki to reply. His feud with Moka could wait; right now he needed to survive the rest of the meeting without losing everything he had worked for.

"Do you really believe that Aono, or is there something you're not telling us?"

Calmer than he had been, Kazuki's question caused Tsukune to duck his head. The president always was astute to when people were dodging the topic. However, he refused to allow him this victory. Not with Moka waiting for it with bated breath.

"Yes, I really do believe that."

Moka's eyes lit up in delight. No matter what happened here, she had won. Unable to stop the scowl from appearing on his face, Tsukune knew that he would have to work to recuperate his losses. Any allies he had acquired before would now turn on him.

"Then we have nothing more to talk about," Kazuki finally said, his temper leaving him. "Your presence is no longer needed. Please leave."

Giving a slight bow, out of respect to Kazuki's station, an embarrassed Tsukune made his way out of the council chamber.

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Waiting outside the council chamber, FangFang was surprised to see Tsukune leaving so soon.

"It didn't go very well, did it?" he asked.

Tsukune ignored him and continued walking. Muscles tense, like a coiled spring, FangFang knew that his aniki was volatile. The wrong move and he would snap; unleashing his anger on whoever provoked it.

"Not now FangFang," he said; voice tight.

"Alright, but remember that Mizore-chan and I are here for you," FangFang said. "And nothing can change that."

"You do know what I went in there to ask for, right?" Tsukune asked.

"You asked for the death of all the Monstrels. It wasn't hard to tell. I'm the grandson of one of the Dark Lords," he answered. "I know all about what this could do to Shuzen-sama."

Sighing, Tsukune's muscles relaxed; prompting FangFang to place his hand comfortingly on his shoulder.

"It's alright. We'll figure something out. You, me, and Mizore-san," he said.

Tsukune nodded, in a more relaxed manner he continued out of the council building. However, FangFang could tell that there was more bothering him. Granted, pushing now would only put the young man back into his slump. Remaining as a comforting, constant presence would be the best thing for him to do.

Stepping out of the building, both of the teens blinked as they readjusted to the bright light. Looking up, FangFang noticed that things had moved quite quickly. It had been less than an hour since his aniki had entered the council chamber. The members would probably be filing out shortly as well. Tsukune had been the only one to require a meeting with them after all.

"Aono-san, this was the expected outcome. You do know that," the silky voice of Kuyo spoke up, startling FangFang. "But that doesn't change my offer. Work with me, and we'll get rid of the Monstrels, keeping your precious princess in her family's game."

FangFang looked aghast, but Tsukune ignored him. His aniki's attention was focused entirely on the yoko.

"What exactly are you planning?" he asked.

"Aniki, are you sure you…"

"Not now FangFang," Tsukune interrupted him. "This time, please stay silent."

"Wise call," Kuyo said. "Now, let's talk over the details. There's much to prepare for; if we are to fulfill your desire."

"And if I refuse?" Tsukune asked.

"Then you'll be left knowing that you failed. Failed your princess, and failed the family that took you in. Does that sit well with you?"

Kuyo didn't give him a chance to answer, continuing his tirade.

"I present the best offer that you'll get. After your presentation; I doubt the council will want you in there again. Not that I blame them. That was a pathetic display."

Tsukune stiffened, and FangFang stepped up beside him; ready to defend his aniki if it came down to it.

"But you have a… valid point," Kuyo continued, struggling momentarily to continue his sentence; a fact that was not lost on FangFang. "And I would hate to see justice kept from those raging half-breed bastards."

Tsukune seemed to ponder what was said; worrying FangFang. The summoner knew that if his aniki made a deal with Kuyo, that things would escalate differently than he intended.

"I'd like to hear what you have to say."

And this was the moment that FangFang knew he'd have to make his own decision.

End Chapter 6

A/N: Okay, so it is now here! Chapter 6 was fun to write, being the first time I've really done something like this. Yet it is now time for the real fun of the story to begin. I'm already starting up work on chapter 7, so it shouldn't be too long until I have something to show for it; especially with all that it is going to cover.

Anyway, I appreciate all readers, especially those who favourite or follow the story, and cannot wait to provide the next chapter to you all. However, for now I hope you enjoyed this chapter; and until next time,

Nanashi Wanderer