A/N – Hello everyone. Wow, I'm actually surprised no one questioned me on the timeline in the previous chapter. Well, just from how Ruby described the Belmonts in chapter 15 of the RV II manga, it made me believe the Belmonts were ancient history. Hence, the war against Dracula was long past. Not really surprising, since Dracula and Mikogami were polar opposites of one another; dominance versus coexistence. The world wasn't big enough for the both of them. Zero-Nightmare seems to think the same way, hence his fanfic, Toccata to Crossroads. The next chapter of that should be up soon if anyone's interested.

Also, I noticed that after the 7th of April, there were no hits to the fic, which meant no one read it. If I offended anyone with the last chapter, just PM me, and I'll see what I can do about rectifying the matter. The last thing I want is to give readers a reason not to read my fic, especially since so many people seem to enjoy it. And if anyone sees anything that needs improving, again, just let me know.

And as always, I do not own either Rosario + Vampire or Castlevania. They are the licensed properties of their rightful owners. So, with that, on with the show.

Part I Chapter XXIV
Trial By Fire

Kuyou casually strolled towards the group and stopped a few feet from them. He looked towards the sickly-looking Mizore, who suffered visibly from the flames that surrounded them. Kurumu stood protectively in front of her, her arms stretched out and a defiant look in her violet eyes. The black-clad man then turned to the two witches, who cringed as his ominous gaze fell upon them.

"Ruby-san," Yukari spoke in a quivering voice as she clung to her fellow spellcaster's side.

"Such horrible power," the older witch thought to herself, a frightened look in her eyes, "and he's only in his human form." As she thought about their encounter in the previous year, she realized his current strength was greater than it had been during their uprising. The thought that he might've been empowered Dracula frightened her to no end, and she fought hard to keep from trembling.

The sinister man finally turned his attention to Moka and Tsukune, who both gave him incensed, defiant glares. Right behind them he noticed Michiru, who gave him an equally vexed look. Even if it didn't irritate him, he didn't let it show. He saw it as the perfect opportunity to correct all the mistakes of the past, and savored it to no end.

He then turned back towards the brown-haired youth and the vampire who'd caused him so much trouble but a year ago. "You sure took your sweet time," he began with an ominous smile. "Did you get lost down in the dark, scary dungeon?"

The white-haired woman's blood-colored eyes blazed with anger, and she bared her fangs as a menacing growl escaped her. Usually such an expression brought terror into the hearts of their enemies, but the group looked between the two and were shocked to realize Kuyou hadn't so much as flinched in response.

The super vampire narrowed her eyes into deadly slits, as she exhaled viciously through clenched teeth. "You have a lot of nerve patronizing me," Moka began in a low, hostile voice. "After everything you've put me and my friends through, there shall be no mercy for your wretched soul."

The incognito kitsune merely chuckled at his enemy's threats. "I never asked for any semblance of mercy," he replied with a dark smirk, "nor do I feel compelled to. On the contrary, it is you and your little band that should be supplicating yourselves. After all, it was because of you that the school has descended into anarchy. But what could I expect from Dracula's servant?"

"Cut the crap!" the succubus shot back. "You used that as an excuse to take over the school and turn it into a living hell! And after everything you've pulled today there's no way we're gonna let you live! Sacred defenders of justice, ha! All you've done is toy with people's lives, there's nothing just about that!"

"Kurumu," Mizore spoke weakly, as beads of perspiration ran from her forehead.

"That is where you are mistaken," the incognito kitsune spoke to his accuser. "You've become so deluded by Mikogami's misguided ideals that you've forgotten the basic truth of the world."

"What basic truth," the cyan-haired girl asked heatedly as she brought up her clenched fists.

"Power," Kuyou replied with a sadistic look. "Power is the measure of all things. Power is the one and only justice in this world! It's the weak who concern themselves over trivial terms like 'good' and 'evil.' It's their way of excusing their lack of strength. Those who aren't strong enough to survive don't deserve to."

Moka flashed her fangs at the arrogant officer before her, as she hissed in seething rage. The more she heard the mantra of "Might makes right," the more she came to detest it. Even though she once believed it up until recently, she no longer wished to be guided by it, for she'd seen the kind of destruction her enemies had wrought because of it. Before she could've responded, she noticed Michiru had stepped to the forefront.

"Is this what you truly believe," the undercover agent asked intently. "Is this the core of the values you've instilled into us? You fool, the academy was designed so youkai could move beyond that line of thinking. What you've done is undermine the very purpose of the school, and doomed countless lives to seclusion, obscurity, and eventual extinction. And for what?" she snapped indignantly. "What did Dracula offer you to make you forsake your duties?"

Kuyou chuckled wickedly, which rose until he emitted an echoing gale of maniacal laughter. "You think I've done this all for Dracula's benefit," he asked in boisterous amusement. "Dear Michiru, I never imagined you to be so naïve."

The dark-haired woman scowled at her former superior.

"You misunderstand, the only reason I even assisted him was to accomplish my own ambitions. Even as we speak, the school is caught up in a violent uprising, as the students have predictably rebelled against the Public Safety Commission, and the new ordinances I put in place earlier today. The resulting carnage shall lead to not only countless deaths, but the demise of Mikogami's failed dream as well." He tilted his chin downwards, as his golden eyes remained locked on them. "Once Colton removed him from my path, the rest was easy."

"What?" Tsukune asked incredulously, "are you saying you wanted the students to fight against your new order?"

Yukari gasped in horror. "You mean, all this time we've been down in the dungeon-" She stopped short as a ghastly realization came to her.

Kurumu shook her head in disbelief. "That's, that's impossible. There's no way you could've known this would've all happened!"

"Oh, but that's where you're mistaken," the nefarious being replied with an eerie grin. "Do you really think that battle against Ririko didn't get anyone's attention? And just where do you think she got the key to that facility? Who do you think sent her to the clubhouse in the first place?"

Moka practically screamed in rage as she realized the answer. Tsukune looked to her, and gasped in horror as he silently came to the same conclusion. The others looked on as Kuyou laughed wickedly at them.

"You traitor!" Michiru shouted. "How dare you toy with your own order!"

"And what is the problem with that," the incognito kitsune asked mildly. "They are my followers, I can do to them as I please, even send them to their doom. At least in this regard, they've actually met my expectations. As has the student body." He chuckled to himself as he folded his arms. "Youkai by nature are creatures of chaos, who thrive on carnage and death. They'd rather eat humans than walk beside them. The concept of teaching such creatures to conform to an ideal that conflicts with their very nature is ludicrous. And now, that truth has been demonstrated for all to see." He turned his attention to the white-haired woman, whose hateful gaze clearly expressed her intense desire to rip him apart where he stood. He simply returned her murderous expression with a wicked smile. "And to think this all came about during our, special moment in the tomb."

"What do you mean," the super monster asked low and menacingly.

"When I replaced your Rosario, I became aware of my destiny. This establishment is far too small and weak for one such as myself, I intend to rule over a much larger domain. As this misguided venture fades into obscurity, I shall go forth to enact my own vision. Youkai shall come to me by thousands," he continued, as his eyes took on an insane sheen, "and I shall spread them forth like fire and consume the old world. And from its ashes shall rise a new one, built upon the corpses of humanity! All races shall come and bestow their adulations upon me, as I, not Dracula, stand unequaled over my new realm!" He spread his arms out wide, as a fiery aura surrounded him, and the flames behind him crackled with greater intensity and burned even hotter. "I SHALL REIGN OVER THIS WORLD,"he proclaimed in a loud voice, "AS THE NEW LORD OF DARKNESS!"

Kurumu nearly jumped out of her skin once she heard his announcement. "YOU'RE MAD!" she shot back as she supported the sickly Mizore.

"Far from it," Kuyou replied with an eerie calm, "I couldn't be happier. The path is ahead is now clear, and I owe it all to you, Moka Akashiya."

"Spare me your false praises," the white-haired woman growled viciously. "You incorrigible scoundrel, I won't stand by and let you and your delusions destroy mankind!"

"Moka-san," Tsukune spoke in awe, honored that she spoke of defending the race she once despised in middle school.

"Ha!" the kitsune snapped haughtily. "Mankind, a cesspit of hatred and lies!"

Moka and Tsukune gasped in shock, and their eyes went wide in fear. Both of them heard and recognized the second voice that had become intermixed with Kuyou's own.

"Fight for them then," the blonde man continued, and he aimed his right hand at the couple, as a large ball of white-hot flame appeared before it, "and die for their sins!" He launched his fireball, and once it hit its target, a huge fiery eruption ensued, which caused everyone to cry out in surprise and fear.

A few seconds later, the explosion died down. The group was on the ground, shaken by the incredible power of their enemy. Kurumu rose to her hands and knees, and looked about the area. "Is everyone alright," she called out. She quickly inspected herself, and though she was still a bit shaken from the explosion, she was startled when she discovered no burns on her person.

"So much power," Yukari muttered as she began to regain her footing. She looked to herself, and found she wasn't even singed. "Wait a minute, didn't he release a big fireball just now?"

"It must've been an illusion," the cyan-haired girl replied, and then balked as she realized what she'd just said. "Hold on, when did Kuyou use illusions?" It was then that she heard a weak groan from nearby. She turned, and saw the purple-haired girl still on the ground. "Mizore-chan!" she called out as she knelt beside her. "Mizore-chan, are you alright?"

The snow girl groaned wearily, her expression very sickly. "Too hot," she muttered weakly.

"Stay down," Moka's voice spoke up, "I'll handle this."

Kurumu remained on her knees by Mizore's side, and watched as the vampire walked towards the flames. She began spinning rapidly on the toes of her left foot, and then unleashed a powerful roundhouse kick which released a cutting wave of air. The flames were quickly dispersed by the intense blast she'd released.

The purple-haired girl breathed a heavy sigh of relief as the fires were extinguished. "Thank you, Moka," she spoke up gratefully, "that's much better." She quickly produced a new lollipop, unwrapped it, and placed it in her mouth. She hummed in delight as the youki released from her candy began to cool down her body.

The white-haired woman looked over her shoulder, and gave her a pleasant smile. "Don't mention it." She then gasped as she noticed a disturbing absence amongst the group, and turned fully in their direction. "Wait, where's Tsukune?"

Kurumu immediately looked about the area, and also failed to see the person in question. "Tsukune," she called out, but got no answer. "Tsukune!"

Ruby looked ahead where their enemy once stood, and came to a disturbing realization. "Oh no, Kuyou's gone, too!"

The cyan-haired girl spun in her direction. "What? Where did he go?"

Yukari gasped in shock, as a possible explanation came to her. "That illusion magic," she spoke up, "he must've transported Tsukune to another dimension!"

A thunderstruck Moka turned in her direction. "He did what?"

The young witch shivered as the vampire's gaze fell upon her. "It's something I learned from my mother. It's said in the old days of magic, the most powerful of witches and wizards could transport their enemies into alternate dimensions, where they could unleash their full power without threatening the real world."

"But that's crazy!" Kurumu protested. "And how could Kuyou have that kind of power? He's no Merlin or whoever we're talking about here!"

Moka sighed gravely and closed her eyes, as she realized the answer. "Because Dracula granted him that ability," she replied somberly. "Michiru was right, he has fallen under Dracula's control."

Yukari inhaled sharply as she realized what her friend had relayed. The thought of a Kuyou with even more power terrified her. The thought of her new friend facing him frightened her even more. And it was then she noticed the person in question was missing. "Wait, where is Michiru-san?"

Kurumu's mouth hung open in shock. "She's... she's gone after him."

"No way!" Mizore spoke up with a blank look.

"Wait a minute," the white-haired woman suspiciously asked the succubus, "how could that little girl have followed Kuyou?"

The cyan-haired girl looked away nervously, still quite intimidated by the vampire's piercing gaze. "By hiding in his shadow," she replied. "She must've known Kuyou would've taken Tsukune, so she hid in his shadow so she'd be taken with him."

Moka looked positively flabbergasted in that instant. "What is she thinking?" she retorted in anger and frustration. "That idiot is going to get herself killed!"

"She knows that," Kurumu replied with tears in her eyes as she turned to her friend, "but she's willing to risk it in order to save Kuyou."

"What," the super monster asked in confusion. "You can't be serious!"

"Michiru cares deeply about Kuyou," the cyan-haired girl explained, "the same way I care about Tsukune. She knew all along he'd fallen under Dracula's control, and is trying to free him from the curse." She bowed her head morosely. "Even if she has to die," she continued sadly, "or take his life. She can't stand what he's become, and knows he has to be stopped, even though it'll rip her heart out. It would be the same if-" She gasped in horror, as she couldn't bring herself to finish her sentence. The idea was too heart-wrenching to contemplate.

Moka looked to her, and blinked her blood-red eyes. She knew exactly what Kurumu wanted to say, and exhaled bitterly. "Perhaps I've misjudged her," she spoke under her breath. But even with that, she couldn't deny Tsukune was in real danger, more than she dared to admit. She grit her teeth together, and looked to the two witches nearby. "Yukari, Ruby, isn't there any way we can reach them?"

"Mm mm," the young girl replied sadly, "altering reality goes way beyond my capabilities. Only those of the highest order of magic could've enacted it."

The dark-haired assistant nodded in response. "The only person here who could've possibly performed such a feat is Mikogami-sama. But now-" She sighed and looked back to the dungeon where her superior was still sealed.

"No!" the vampire snapped. "We can't abandon Tsukune! Where's that idiot Germain, can't he help us?"

"I doubt it," Ruby responded with a discouraged frown. "Something as legendary as a time traveler most likely follows a code of nonintervention."

"Nonintervention?" the vampire shouted frantically, as she reached out grabbed the witch's throat with both hands. "What sort of nonsense is this?" she went on as she violently shook the older girl. "How can that idiot just stand by as the whole world is being torn apart around him? Answer me that!"

The assistant made gagging sounds, as the superhuman grip on her throat prevented from from making any coherent responses.

"Moka-san, stop!" Yukari pleaded desperately as she bravely came to the nigh incoherent woman who continued to shake the dark-haired woman like a rag doll. "Please, this won't save Tsukune-san!"

The super monster's shaking became less aggressive, until she finally stopped and released Ruby, who immediately staggered back with her hand on her throat. Moka leaned over slightly, and covered her face with her slender hands, as she sought to get her breathing under control. Her elongated fingers slid down her pale face, and stopped just below her mouth. Never before had her emotions overwhelmed her as they did just then, and it worried her greatly. "Is this what it is to be you," she asked herself, "Omote?"

"Moka-san," the shorter girl spoke sadly, "I'm sorry I can't help us reach Tsukune-san, but if we just stay here, Kuyou's won. And so has Dracula! We can't let that happen, desu!"

As the white-haired woman considered her classmate's words, she recalled what the kitsune had revealed earlier, and quickly realized the young witch was absolutely correct in her assessment. She looked towards the place where the human student stood before he'd been spirited away. She solemnly closed her eyes, as a mournful sigh escaped her. "Tsukune," she thought to herself, "please, don't forget who you are. It was not strength that called me back, just the opposite. That's, what I love the most, about you. You must not lose sight of that, Tsukune." She grit her teeth together, as she knew her enemies planned to erase the kindness she cherished so much. It incensed her that they might've found the means to accomplish their objective without any interference. Never before had she felt so powerless, and it sickened her like nothing else. The idea of a royal vampire ever being powerless, or unable to make any impact on the world, seemed inconceivable to her kind.

"Moka-san," Yukari asked in concern.

The vampire was broken out of her train of thought, and looked to her classmate. She looked to the others, and saw they had watched her closely. She growled to herself, and folded her arms under her chest. She loathed being seen in a moment of weakness, for it went against everything her father taught her. The white-haired woman expected at least three acerbic remarks for her mental lapse, especially from Kurumu. But as she looked to the other girls, she heard not a reproachful word, nor a demeaning glance. Moka sighed in relief, unfolded her arms and furrowed her white brows together. "I won't let it end like this," she spoke sternly. "I won't give Colton the satisfaction of knowing he's beaten me!" Her burning, intense stare returned to her pale face. "It's time for him to pay for his sins," she spoke in a resolute voice, as she looked to the others. "Let's go," she spoke curtly, and then ran in the direction of the school.

"Gladly," Kurumu replied with a proud smile, and followed her close friend.

"About time," Mizore added, as she began to follow the others.

"Wait for me, desu!" Yukari called out as she broke into a sprint.

"We'll be back, Tsukune," Ruby spoke into the air, "bet on it. Hold on until we return." She then ran after the others.

Once the flash died down, Tsukune found himself in his old neighborhood, as the nighttime sky of the human world hung overhead. However, one drastic difference he noted was every building in his sight was in flames. The road was damaged, and littered sporadically with the charred husks of his neighbors, as well as cars. Telephone poles had been knocked over and fell into the street, and downed power lines crackled feebly, like the breath of a dying person. He gasped in horror, as he saw his own house engulfed in a huge inferno. "No!" he screamed in disbelief. "This can't be!" He immediately headed towards the house, and saw a trio of burned bodies on the ground nearby. He almost panicked as he was just barely able to recognize them. "Okaasan! Outosan! Kyou-chan!"

"This is their fate," a cold malicious voice spoke from behind him, "and soon you will join them, Tsukune Aono."

The brown-haired youth spun around, and saw the former leader of the PSC ten feet from him. "Kuyou!" he shouted, as he felt his rage had began to boil. "What is this?"

"This is the future of your world," the youkai replied with a maniacal grin, "the fate of all who stand against me. All must be purified to make way for my new order, without compromise!" he declared, and as he dramatically spread his arms out wide, the entirety of his eyes glowed a malevolent shade of red. "Everything must burn!" he announced in a dual voice.

Tsukune tensed his whole body, as he felt the malice of Dracula within his old enemy. "No!" he shot back defiantly. "I won't let you do that!"

At that moment, he sensed another presence close by. He glanced to his left, and watched in disbelief as a dark-haired woman arose from the scorched ground, her hard green eyes focused on the sinister man before them.

"Nor will I," the newcomer spoke boldly.

The brown-haired youth quickly looked down, and saw the undercover agent had emerged from his shadow. He was shocked, yet also relived that he wasn't alone, despite the menacing evil around him. "Michiru-san," he exclaimed in disbelief.

"This battle is not yours alone, Aono-san," the former PSC agent spoke, though she kept her gaze ahead. "Kuyou has committed treason against the school, and his peers. More than that, he's jeopardized the future of both our races with his selfish ambitions, and I will not defend him any longer." She quickly got into a defensive position. "Your tyranny ends here, Kuyou."

The incognito kitsune chuckled in response. "So you've decided to join us, eh Michiru," he remarked dryly. "Splendid, I knew you wouldn't disappoint me. Everything is now in place," he continued as he raised his left hand out by his side. "Shall we begin, Keito?" He thrust his arm down, and a familiar purple-haired woman in a black PSC uniform stood beside him.

Michiru crinkled her nose at what she'd sut witnessed. "You had to bring her along," she noted with a sour expression.

Tsukune's brown eyes went wide as he saw what just occurred. "When did Kuyou learn magic tricks," he asked in disbelief.

"This isn't Kuyou anymore," the dark-haired woman replied. "He's been enslaved by his own dark desires, and bent to Dracula's will."

"Silence!" the incognito jorougumo snapped. "I'm tired of you dishonoring Kuyou-sama, Michiru! I'm going to tear you limb from limb and then devour you!"

"Oh dear," the undercover agent spoke in mock concern, "I knew I should've brought that can of pesticide."

"Who are you calling a pest?" Keito snapped irritably. "Oh, that it!" she continued, and opened the front of her coat, which revealed her midriff as well as her six spiderlike legs. "You are SO dead, Michiru! You'll pay for stealing my precious Kuyou-sama away from me!"

"Send me the bill," the dark-haired woman replied flatly.

Tsukune smiled in chagrin at the exchange. "Gee, it doesn't take much to set her off," he noted mentally.

Kuyou merely chuckled as he regarded his subordinate. "Then by all means, indulge yourself. But Aono, is mine."

Keito grinned maliciously as she eyed her opponent. "Yes, Kuyou-sama." She immediately lunged at her former associate and tackled her to the ground.

"Michiru-san!" Tsukune called out. But before he could've run to her side, the brooding form of the incognito kitsune obstructed his path.

"Not so fast, Aono," the blonde man spoke ominously, "just try to get past me."

The brown-haired youth growled to himself, and then rushed his enemy. He unleashed a series of punches to the taller man's face and stomach, but his blows seemed completely ineffective against the imposing being before. After a few seconds, the human student found his next blow caught in the palm of his opponent's hand. He winced as he felt Kuyou's crushing grip on his fist. He reared back and unloaded another blow with his free hand, but that had been caught as well. He groaned in pain, and tried to force his opponent back, but the superhuman enemy didn't even budge.

"Really," Kuyou remarked in bemusement, "is this the best you can muster? A pity no one from the school is here, then they'd see how much of a fraud you are! A lowly creature like you can never defeat me!" he declared, as he pushed back on Tsukune's fists. He could've easily tossed him aside at that juncture, but he wanted to savor the moment, and make his enemy realize just how powerless he was before him.

The human student cried out at the immense strength of his enemy, which slowly began to overpower him. Even though he pushed back with all his strength, it wasn't enough to counter the force exerted by his adversary. "You can't win," he spoke through his pain.

"Oh," the intrigued monster asked.

"I have Moka-san's blood, I'll save this school, I'll save the world from you!" he declared, as his eyes flashed red.

The incognito kitsune responded by driving his knee into Tsukune's midsection, which caused him to double over in throbbing pain. He then unloaded with a massive backhanded blow which sent the human student sprawling across the burned yard and into the ruined street.

"Yes!" Keito proclaimed from her vantage point. "Kill him, Kuyou-sama! Show that criminal no mercy!"

Suddenly, she received a hard sweeping kick to the back of her knees, which knocked her onto the scorched ground. She quickly looked up, and saw Michiru before her, a visible bruise on her right cheek. "Coward!" the purple-haired woman shouted indignantly. "How dare you attack me from behind!"

"It's your own fault, Keito," the dark-haired woman shot back, "your overconfidence will be your undoing."

The incognito jorougumo growled and scampered back on her eight legs. She then spat out a length of webbing that caught her enemy on the ankle. She sneered haughtily, pulled back on the web with her monstrous strength and the dark-haired woman fell to the ground. The sinister PSC agent chuckled viciously as she pulled her opponent towards her. "Oh, I'm going to enjoy this," she spoke with vile eagerness. "After all the time I had to tolerate you working directly for my Kuyou-sama, finally, I can erase you from this world and take my rightful place by his side, as he rains down his fiery judgment on all lesser beings!" Once she had Michiru close enough, the jorougumo's face twisted into its true hideous visage. "Starting with you!" She leaped towards her opponent, as he savored the thought of devouring her slowly. She pounced hard upon her, and grabbed hold of her wrists. As she laughed wickedly, she noticed the ground wavering beneath her opponent, but it was only temporary. "Trying to escape," she asked mockingly, as she noted the frustrated look on her enemy's face. "Forget it, your fate is in my hands now." She tried to pin her six spider legs into the ground, which would've prevented Michiru from moving underneath her, but found it oddly difficult for some reason. As she looked away in order to discern the problem, she felt the release of a familiar dark aura. She looked back, and saw her opponent changed into her true form. The beastly Michiru bit Keito hard on the shoulder, which caused her to cry out in pain, and forced her to release her suddenly uneven grip. Her body was then hurled off by the Shadow Hound's large paws, and she landed hard in the street.

The shadow creature quickly regained its footing. "Blast, looks like my shadow powers don't work in this illusion," she thought to herself, "I'll have to deal with the bug the old-fashioned way." Her introspection was interrupted by the sound of body being slammed onto the ground. She turned in the same direction, and saw her former commander as he stood over the injured body of his opponent. "Tsukune-san," she growled.

The brown-haired youth gasped for air as Kuyou's foot pressed tightly against his throat. He tried his hardest to push the oppressive appendage off, but his efforts seemed futile.

"You disappoint me, Tsukune Aono," the blonde man spoke with a nefarious grin. "Do you realize now how useless bravado is without the power to support it?" He sniffed disdainfully at the human student under his foot. "That is the difference between us, boy. Unlike you, I have the power to enforce my beliefs, and to make my dreams a reality! Only the strong deserve to have their way, your weakness is an affront to the natural order of the world. Disappear and become the first sacrifice to my new regime!"

"KUUYOOOOOOOUUUUUUUU!" a growling, feral voice bellowed from close by.

The blonde man turned his head, and saw a large black hound charging headlong towards him.

"Michiru-san," Tsukune managed.

The incognito kitsune lunged with his left arm, and a huge gout of flame shot forth and nailed the oncoming beast. The huge hound screamed in pain as its body was being engulfed in flame. It quickly got to the ground and rolled around repeatedly in order to douse the fires. The sinister man chuckled, midly impressed that his former underling had the presence of mind for such an action.

"MICHIRU-SAN!" the brown-haired youth screamed from the ground.

Before the hound could've recovered, Keito immediately pounced and knocked her to the ground. She then bound her paws and her snout with her webbing. "Stupid mutt, you are not worthy to serve Kuyou-sama. I should just end your miserable life right now! Or maybe," she continued with an evil glint in her eyes, "I'll inject some of my venom into you. Then you'll have no choice but to obey me!"

The human student seethed in anger, as he realized what the jorougumo had planned. It reminded him of what Mako Yakumaru did to Moka, and it infuriated him to no end.

"You shall redeem yourself," the purple-haired monster spoke wickedly, "by spilling the blood of Tsukune Aono!" She laughed in maniacal delight, unable to contain her glee.

"NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!" the brown-haired youth screamed, as his rage began to consume his being. From his anger a dark force awakened within him. Unable to control his anger, he allowed it to manifest, as his eyes turned into slitted crimson irises, and his sclera turned black. His thin musculature became stronger and more defined. The damaged choker around his neck began to crack and splinter. After that, a colossal eruption of unholy energy burst forth, which hurled Kuyou off his body. It also sent Keito and Michiru flying down the street, their bodies tossed like rag dolls. Both went tumbling across the asphalt before they eventually came to a stop.

The jorougumo was the first to stir. No sooner than she did that she felt a malefic aura nearby, which made her gasp in fear. She looked up, and saw a somewhat familiar form standing over her, yet he seemed quite unfamiliar as well. Though the body somewhat resembled that of Tsukune Aono, the cold malicious expression, as well as the supremely demonic aura about him, were nothing like the sophomore who'd caused the PSC so much trouble in the previous year. She also noticed the strange choker he previously wore was gone.

"You," Keito spoke in a trembling, hissing voice as she warily got to her feet, "you dare continue to oppose us?" She backed away involuntarily, as she detested the overwhelming fear within her, which dwarfed what she felt when she fought against Moka. "Insipid creature, DIE!" She expectorated a length of web, which struck Tsukune full in his muscular chest. She pulled on the web, but found her enemy didn't even budge. She had no better results after several more attempts, which filled her with frustration and dread.

"You are nothing before me," the foreboding man spoke coldly, and watched as his enemy trembled at his words. He concentrated his aura into his right fist, and took hold of the web stuck to his chest. He yanked back with his free hand, and the jorougumo was immediately pulled off her feet and flew helplessly towards him. He reared back, and unleashed a powerful blow that sent her flying down the street. He watched as she disappeared into the distance.

A flabbergasted Michiru looked on, shocked that her opponent had been felled so easily. She wondered how far Kuyou's illusion stretched, and what would've happened to her former associate had she passed beyond its boundaries. As she contemplated the matter, her keen ears heard footsteps that approached from behind. She looked beside her, and saw the transformed Tsukune Aono, surrounded by a seething black aura. It was similar to what happened in the tower, but his aura was immensely more powerful, which terrified the large hound.

"Wait, Michiru," the unfamiliar man spoke up as he raised his hand in a placating manner. He knelt by by the monster's side, and allowed his aura to surround them both. He gently wrapped his arms around the monster's huge torso, and focused his youki. "Darkness, heed me," he spoke commandingly, as his power flowed from him and mended the burns and other bruises the hound had suffered during the fight. Even though he felt the beast quivering in his grasp, he lightly stroked the beast's body in a soothing manner.

The shadow creature looked fearfully at the man. "Aono-san," she began timidly, "what are you?"

The hybrid youth sighed in response. "I don't know," he replied with a twinge of sadness in his voice. "All I know is, I must protect Moka-san. That's what I've always wanted."

"But what would the point of destroying Dracula if you become him in the process?"

Tsukune bowed his head as he stood up. "I won't become him," he insisted as he closed his eyes. "Whatever happens to me, I'll find my way back to Moka-san. I owe her too much to lose now."

"No! Stop, you're playing right into his hands! This is exactly what he wants!"

The transformed student gazed at the bestial form of Michiru, who trembled at the foreboding look in his inhuman eyes. "Then so be it," he spoke in a voice of dark finality. "He shall get what he wants, and everything that comes with it."

"No!" the monster spoke desperately.

"I bid you sleep," Tsukune spoke as he aimed his right hand at the shadow creature. A black cloud surrounded the beast, who groaned as she struggled against the hybrid youth's dark will. After a few seconds, her struggles became weaker, and she eventually succumbed and collapsed unconscious on the ground.

A sinister chuckle came from behind the hybrid youth. He glanced over his shoulder in annoyance, and saw the familiar form of Kuyou behind him.

"So," the blonde man spoke with an impressed expression, "is the manifestation of your true power? Hmph, about time, there's no fun in crushing the weak. At least now I completely demonstrate my dominance, by destroying you and Dracula! Nothing shall interfere with my grand designs!"

"Your insane plans end here, along with your life," the dark teenager retorted. "You'll never impose your will on another living being, especially not Moka-san! In her name I will DESTROY YOU!"

"Then come, boy. Let our true battle begin." He laughed wickedly, as his entire body was engulfed in flames, which burned away his uniform and exposed his transforming body. His ears rose up to above his temples, and his face assumed a more canine appearance. His hands and feet turned into large paws that rested on the ground, as his body became four-legged rather than two. Four blazing tails emerged from his posterior, cracking with demonic energy. Strange tattoos covered his monstrous kitsune body, which was covered by golden flames.

The transformed student reared his fist back and charged towards his enemy. Emitting a savage battlecry, he unleashed a powerful blow towards his enemy. But before it reached its target, the kitsune laughed, turned into pure flame and disappeared. Tsukune sensed for his enemy, and soon felt his aura behind his left shoulder. As soon as he turned, Kuyou had already leaped towards him. The fiery beast lunged forth and dug his flaming fangs into his enemy's shoulder, as he scratched at him with his claws. The hybrid youth growled angrily as he was being assaulted by his currently larger opponent. With his free hand, he landed several blows into his adversary's torso, who eventually stopped clawing at him. He kneed the kitsune hard in the midsection, which finally released Kuyou's grip on him. However, Tsukune's body was still burned by the flaming aura of his opponent. Undaunted, he placed his hands under his opponent, and used his aura-enhanced strength to hurl his larger for into the air. The beast did a backflip, righted himself and then launched a huge fireball at his opponent. The hybrid youth aimed at right hand at the incoming attack, and launched a beam of black energy. The dark ray collided with the fireball and a huge explosion erupted which filled the air above them.

Once the cloud of destruction dissipated, he felt a familiar youki being concentrated nearby. He looked ahead and saw Kuyou thirty feet away, reared back on his hind legs and his aura flaming with even greater intensity. "FLASH FIRE!" the kitsune streaked towards his enemy with unexpected speed, propelled by his spinning tails, as a trail of flame rose up behind him. The fire youkai barreled headlong into Tsukune, who was bowled over as if struck by a missile rather than a monster. As the pair went flying, the hybrid youth grabbed his enemy and dug his heels into the ground in order to halt his trajectory, as skid marks were carved into the asphalt underneath them, which kicked up small pieces of debris in the process. Tsukune eventually came to a halt, and shoved the kitsune back with his vampiric strength, as he felt severe burns on the front of his torso.

Kuyou chuckled as he regarded his enemy. "You surprise me, Aono," the foxlike monster mused, "I didn't expect such a struggle from you. At least I won't be bored while I kill you."

"You only wish that were possible," the transformed student retorted with a dark scowl, "but a lowly creature like you has no chance against me! Your pitiful attempts to stop me are useless!"

The kitsune actually laughed in response. "Oh my, where is this confidence coming from? Is it because you have Moka Akashiya's blood, or should we thank Count Dracula for this miracle? No matter, either way your fate is sealed, as are those of your precious friends. Nothing can save you now."

"I don't need to be saved!" the hybrid youth shot back defiantly. "I'll crush you and anyone else who dares threatens us! Your end draws near, Kuyou," he finished with a foreboding glare, as his eyes glowed ominously.

The fire youkai chuckled to itself. "Perhaps we're not so different after all. Come then, Aono, let us continue this contest."

"This is no contest," Tsukune shot back, "this is your doom!"

The incensed man charged headlong towards his foe, who also rushed forth in response. Tsukune concentrated his power into his right fist as he neared his adversary. He reared back and fired off a huge beam of darkness, just as Kuyou's body completely turned into flame and dissipated. As he searched for his enemy, he felt a murderous intent somewhere above him. He looked to the ruined house on his right, and saw the kitsune perched upon the roof. No sooner than he did that the beast lobbed a flurry of fireballs from his tails, which repeatedly pelted Tsukune and seared at his already burned skin. The monstrous teenager growled in pain and aggravation from the attack. "Enough of this!" he snapped, as he gathered his demonic energy in both hands.

Up on the roof, the fire youkai ceased his attack as he sensed the tremendous energy buildup from the street below.

"DESTRUCTION RAY!" Tsukune unleashed a colossal beam of negative energy towards Kuyou, who leaped away just before the evil beam decimated the roof of the ruined house, as pieces of it went flying in all directions.

The hybrid youth looked to where his enemy had fled, as the house he'd attacked collapsed in on itself. Using his aura he flew up to the next rooftop where the kitsune currently stood. Once he reached him, the beast leaped to the next rooftop.

"Coward!" the angry student shouted as he flew after his enemy.

Kuyou leaped from one house to the next, even across the ruined street on a couple of occasions. He was truly enjoying the battle against his old nemesis, and he felt the time was approaching when he'd unleash his full power and claim victory. As he pondered the issue, he realized that Tsukune's aura was no longer behind him. He turned around, and found no trace of the hybrid youth. And then he felt a colossal murderous intent behind him. He was quite surprised, but then regained his composure and chuckled to himself. "I see you've caught up to me, Tsukune Aono."

"Enough of these games, Kuyou," the student's voice spoke menacingly from behind. "You're only delaying the inevitable."

"We'll see about that." The huge beast leaped to the house across the street, turned and faced his enemy. Once he did, his four tails began to rapidly spin around. Tsukune's eyes widened at the sudden increase in his enemy's youki. "Try to shrug this off, Aono!" the beast called out challengingly. "FLAME WHEEL!" A spinning ring of fire streaked towards the hybrid youth, who glided to the side as the flame attack passed by.

"Was that it," the transformed teenager asked contemptuously, "that was your strongest attack? Pathetic, such a pitiful simulation of power, it's almost comical that you actually believe you can defeat me"

Suddenly, he felt a malicious aura rapidly approaching him. He turned around, and saw the same attack he'd avoided earlier headed back towards him. "What is this?"

"I've learned a few new tricks since we last met," the kitsune explained, "still think my attacks are so pitiful?"

The incensed youth quickly dodged as the blazing ring narrowly missed him again. He looked behind him, and saw the attack had actually turned in midair and was heading back towards him once more. He landed on the ground, as the rolling flame passed overhead. But once again, it turned like a frisbee and blazed straight for Tsukune, who took to the air again, and watched in horror as the blazing disc passed right under his feet.

"Blast," the teenager thought to himself, "that infernal thing will keep following me until it strikes me!" He detested the thought of being chased by a whirling ring of flame, but as he looked to the ruined houses, an idea came to him. He dodged the attack three more times, as he led it back to the house where Kuyou stood upon. He landed on the ground in front of the house, and waited for the flaming disc. Once it got close enough, he flew straight up, and the rolling flame smashed into the damaged house, which quickly became unstable.

"What in the!" the kitsune exclaimed in shock as he found his footing was no longer sound.

"There's no escape this time!" Tsukune shouted from above as he concentrated his dark energy. "DESTRUCTION RAY!" He fired his enormous black beam towards Kuyou, who was hit directly and smashed through the roof, through the two floors of the house and eventually to the ground. Once he hit bottom, a huge explosion of dark energy erupted, which decimated the house as well as two more beside it, as boards and other debris went flying everywhere.

The hybrid youth looked down at the wreckage on the ground. He sensed no energy within, which told him the mad youkai had perished. He floated back to the ground, and landed gently. As he turned to walk away, the ruined house behind him began to shake, as an incredible amount of heat began to emanate from the same direction. He turned around, and saw a pillar of white flame erupting from the ground, that incinerated whatever wreckage remained in the area. Within the pillar he heard megalomaniacal laughter, that echoed in all directions. "YOU!" Tsukune screamed in anger and disbelief.

"Oh my," a familiar voice spoke from within the flaming column, "this has proven to be utterly exhilarating."

At that point, the hybrid youth finally made out a figure within the flame. It stood on two legs, but they resembled those of a four-legged beast. Despite that, the being had a humanoid torso, with black tattoos over its muscular chest, though it also had four blazing tails. Its foxlike ears protruded from its length of blonde hair, as it wore an exuberant expression on its face. Its entire form was bathed in an aura of white flame.

"A pity we can't keep this up forever," the fire youkai spoke, a twinge of regret in its voice. "In the end, only one of us can go forward and realize their dreams. And that, Tsukune Aono," the sinister being spoke with a wicked yet detached grin, "shall be me."

"Never!" the transformed student shot back defiantly. "You don't deserve to rule this world, Kuyou! I DO!"

The hybrid beast laughed in amusement. "My my, how ambitious you've become in such a short time. Had we met sooner, perhaps we might've become allies. Alas, there can be only one supreme ruler of this world. Never did I imagine you could challenge me for that position, Fate can have such a wry sense of humor, can't it?" As he chuckled to himself, he stood ready, as his eyes blazed red. "Now, shall we go for the finale?"

Tsukune screamed in demonic rage, livid at the presence of Dracula within his enemy. He unleashed a series of rapid short blasts of dark energy towards Kuyou, who merely stood in place and smiled as the dark cluster attack assailed him, which created a miniature explosion around him. Even with that, Tsukune screamed like a madman and continued to bombard the area with his energy blasts, as more explosions erupted as a result. He then concentrated his energy in both hands, as a sizable sphere of unholy energy appeared, crackling with demonic power. "DIE!" he shouted, and threw the orb into the fray. Once it made contact, a huge eruption of dark energy ensued, which destroyed everything within a twenty foot radius. The hybrid youth breathed heavily in exertion and anger, as he clenched his fists by his sides. The very notion that his enemy had survived his previous assault infuriated him like nothing else, and wanted to make certain he had perished. As he looked into the raging cloud of destruction, the sound of a sinister chuckle reached his ears, which enraged him further.

"And you're calling my attacks pitiful," the echoing voice of Kuyou asked. A split second later, large blast of white flame shot from the ground behind Tsukune. From the flame emerged the familiar form of the kitsune, who aimed a sizable orb of white flame at his opponent. "You shouldn't judge," he spoke in an amused rebuke, as he launched his fireball at the formerly human student, who took the attack full in the back. He screamed in agony as the blazing sphere burned into his already injured back, and released a large explosion of searing flame which sent the hybrid youth flying forward into the ground.

Tsukue lied facedown on the ground, writhing in pain from the severe burns he'd already received from his enemy. As he pushed himself up to his knees, he received a swift kick in the gut that sent him sprawling across the ground. As he tried to recover from the beating he'd suffered, he saw Kuyou had closed in, and knelt down over him. The sadistic kitsune proceeded to unleash a series of blows to the face, which knocked his head from side to side. Tired of the relentless punishment, Tsukune's left hand went up and caught an oncoming blow. He noticed the intense grimace on Kuyou's face as he tightly held his fist. The kitsune reared back with his free hand and aimed another hooking punch at the hybrid youth's face, but it was caught as well. A menacing black aura surrounded Tsukune, which he used to increase his strength. The blonde youkai growled in exertion and frustration, as his fists were being forced back despite his advantage in leverage. The brown-haired youth sat up, as he continued to force back his opponent, who rose to a standing position, and desperately tried to keep his enemy at bay. Undaunted, the transformed student got his feet firmly on the ground, and began to rise himself to a standing position, all the while pushing back against his opponent, who was becoming increasingly unnerved by the situation. He squeezed on Kuyou's fists, and the youkai growled in pain as the sound of cracking bones was heard. The kitsune suddenly unleashed a powerful headbutt to Tsukune's face, which caught the hybrid youth off-guard. He headbutted him two more times, until his opponent returned the favor, which sent the former PSC commander to the ground.

The hybrid youth walked in a slow, menacing gait towards his enemy, who groaned as he rolled onto his side. Just when he regained his footing, Tsukune unloaded with a powerful blow to the stomach, which doubled over the ruthless youkai and knocked him a foot into the air. He unleashed four more punches to the stomach, each with similar results. He then smashed his fist into Kuyou's face, which spun him around until he faced away from him. He then grabbed him by his shoulder, spun him back towards him, and kneed him viciously in the gut. The sound of breaking ribs was heard, and blood shot from the kitsune's mouth, which made the transformed student grin in response. He then grabbed the youkai's neck, and lifted him into the air like he was nothing. He chuckled as he felt his opponent suffering in his clutches.

"You pitiful worm," the hybrid youth spoke coldly, "what made you believe you have the right to survive, let alone rule this wretched world? Pathetic, a lowly cur like you is nothing before me!" he declared, and tightened his grip on Kuyou's neck for emphasis, which made the kitsune cry out in pain, as he desperately clutched to his enemy's wrist, and more blood ran from his mouth. The transformed student laughed wickedly, exultant in the power he wielded over his opponent. His euphoria was promptly cut short when the kitsune aimed his right hand, and unleashed a blazing sphere of white flame right in his face at point blank range. The explosion that followed made him reel in pain and forced him to release the blonde youkai.

Kuyou fell to one knee, as he held his throat and his ribs. He was glad his desperate attack had worked, for he dreaded what would've happened had he not acted. He looked ahead, and saw Tsukune staggering in pain, as his hands covered his face. Gathering his strength, the kitsune's arua flared up violently, as he headed for his opponent. He threw a crushing blow to the stomach, which made the hybrid youth double over in pain. He unloaded with six more blows, as each burned into his stomach, and he eventually uncovered his face, which was badly burned from the earlier attack. Kuyou saw the opening, and nailed him under the chin with a powerful uppercut. He assaulted his face, chest, and stomach with relentless punches that felt like jackhammers, as the hybrid youth seemed unable to defend himself. The kitsune reared back one last time, and nailed Tsukune right in his burned face with a crushing right cross, which knocked him onto the ground. The blonde youkai immediately leaped into the air, and sent down a hail of white-hot fireballs from his tails, which peppered the hybrid youth's prone body and made him scream in agony.

Kuyou landed on the ground, still favoring his ribs. Even though he saw his enemy was dire straits, he wasn't much better off. In fact, had he not turned the tide of battle when he did, he feared he might've been killed in his enemy's merciless grasp. He looked to his stricken foe with newfound respect, something he held for few scant individuals. "You have become strong, Tsukune," he admitted through his pain, "more so than I'd anticipated. But this battle will not be yours, I shall demonstrate that power alone is the measure of all things." He concentrated all of his remaining youki, and his aura blazed even more fiercely. "And your defeat shall signal the advent of my new regime," he went on, as his tails began to spin around rapidly. "Fare thee well, Tsukune Aono! Vanish from the mortal coil, with this! FLAME WHEEL!" He unleashed his spinning disc of white-hot flame, which careened directly for the prone student. The rolling glame truck its target, and a huge eruption of white flame ensued, which spread out into the street, and incinerated some of the loose debris scattered about the area.

Kuyou stood and watched the white inferno before him. His breathing was labored, as the pain of his broken ribs shot through his body. Despite that, he smiled in satisfaction, as he was assured he'd finally triumphed over his immensely powerful foe. "At last," he spoke to himself, "I've won."

As the flames continued to burn, a familiar aura appeared before him. The kitsune gasped in fear as he saw a dark figure within the conflagaration, along with a pair of burning red eyes. "Foolish creature," a foreboding voice spoke from within the flames, "you think you can rule over anything with such minute powers as these?"

Suddenly, the ivory inferno was dispelled, and the badly burned form of Tsukune Aono stood before Kuyou, who couldn't help but tremble in his presence. Despite the hybrid youth's injuries, his imperious demeanor made him seem unconquerable.

"Your arrogance has annoyed me once too often," the transformed student spoke scornfully. "Now I shall demonstrate true power!" he boasted, as he bent over slightly and wrapped his arms around himself. "MAJESTY OF DARKNESS!" He reared back and spread his arms out wide, as a bloodthirsty growl escaped him. After a few moments, there was no other reaction. "What," the hybrid youth asked with a confused look.

The kitsune exploited the opening and launched himself towards his foe, as a blazing aura surrounded him. He drove his shoulder hard into Tsukune's stomach and drilled him into the ground. He quickly got atop him, a triumphant look on his face. "You fool!" he declared as he punched him across the face. "You're still a novice, you haven't mastered your power!" He then nailed Tsukune three more times across the face. "Your lapse has sealed your fate, Aono!"

Suddenly, the hybrid youth's left hand shot up and grasped Kuyou's throat, who gagged and stopped his attack. "Who are you calling a novice," the transformed student asked in a brooding voice. "I have existed for eons," he went on, as he sat up while he held his opponent's neck. "I have watched kingdoms rise and fall, but I still stand, the only constant in the entire Universe." He rose to his feet, and held the kitsune high above the ground by his throat. "A puny worm like you can never understand true power," he spoke ominously, as he channeled his aura into his right fist. "Learn its true meaning as you fade fom this world!" With a vicious roar, he reared back and delivered a colossal blow to Kuyou's exposed stomach, which sent him flying sixty feet down the ruined street.

Tsukune's body rose ten feet into the air, as he floated towards his enemy, who laid prone on the ground. "Such a deluded fool," he remarked with a deep scowl, "to think he actually believed he could surpass me." He fired two beams from his hands, which struck the fallen kitsune right in the chest. "But the time has come to put an end to this farce." Moving his hands, he created a large infinity symbol around Kuyou's body. "Begone, pretender!" he proclaimed, as he raised his hands up near his head. "INFINITE DESTRUCTION!" He thrust his hands down, and a titanic explosion of dark energy erupted around the prone youkai, as the buildings around him began to disintegrate.

The blonde youkai groaned in pain as he regained consciousness. He awoke to a splitting migraine, as his hand covered his tattooed forehead. "What happened," he asked, still somewhat in a daze, "where am I?" He examined himself, and saw he was in his ultimate form, though his power was all but exhausted, and his body was severely wounded, especially his ribs. Pain that he never imagined possible shot through his ravaged form. He absently scratched with his free hand, and felt barren earth under his touch. He looked up from his vantage point, and saw a familiar nighttime sky above him. "When did I get outside?"

"It's all over, Kuyou," a dark, menacing voice spoke from nearby.

The kitsune gasped in horror, and looked about the area. His golden eyes soon caught sight of a tall man, unclothed from the waist up, which revealed a slightly tanned and substantially muscled physique. He wore the standard brown trousers of the academy. The man had somewhat unruly brown hair, and a look of sheer contempt on his face. The fallen commander quivered as he saw the man peering down his nose at him, with red slitted irises framed by sclera of blackest hate. Though the stranger looked somewhat familiar, especially from his current position, the supremely evil aura about him was anything but. "Aono," the defeated monster asked warily.

"Did you really think you had a chance," the sinister being asked with a disgusted annoyance, as crackles of dark energy shot around his body. "You were nothing more than fuel for my becoming."

Kuyou blinked in disbelief. "Fuel for your-" He stopped in mid-sentence, as he came to the horrifying realization that he'd been duped the other day, and in a manner worse than anything he could've imagined. He backed away on the ground, a look of unbridled terror on his hybrid face.

"Ah, I see you've learned how to fear again," the man remarked with a voracious grin. "Splendid, your terror is such an exquisite scent, I find it so exhilarating!" He laughed wickedly, lost in unholy delight.

The fallen kitsune covered his face with his arm as he quivered in fear. "This can't be Aono," he thought fearfully, "he's, a demon! No, his strength, it's like a score of demons! What, is he?"

"Aono-san!" a woman's voice cried out.

Kuyou looked off to his left, and saw a familiar woman in a PSC uniform headed towards the scene. "Michiru," he asked, fear and confusion in his usually powerful voice.

"Aono-san, stop!" the undercover agent spoke aloud. "The curse has taken you over again! Didn't you promise not to let this happen?"

The demonic man laughed defiantly at her pleas. "Foolish woman, that pretender has no power over me, nor do you or this mewling pup." He aimed his right hand at Kuyou's body, which levitated into the air, as the defeated youkai flailed about helplessly, groaning in fear and disbelief. He was brought into a vertical position and floated over towards the former Tsukune Aono. "And now," the sinister being continued, as he reared back with his left hand, which glowed with a vile black aura, "your power is mine!"

The stricken PSC commander watched as his enemy plunged his glowing hand straight into his chest, though it seemed to phase into his body without actually wounding him. However, that proved to be of small consolation, as Kuyou's body was wracked with unbearable agony. He writhed in pain, as he felt his youki being siphoned away by his enemy, who laughed in vile ecstasy as an ebony and crimson aura encompassed him.

"KUYOU-SAMA!" Michiru screamed in horror, as the form of her fallen leader began to wither before her jade eyes. It frightened her further, as she sensed the kitsune's life was being drained from him. Without another thought, she resumed her monster form, charged towards Tsukune's back, leaped up and sunk her sharp fangs into his shoulder, as her claws dug into his sides, and her hindclaws into the back of his legs. The possessed youth growled in pain and aggravation, annoyed that the energy transfer was disrupted. After a second of struggling, his hand phased out of his enemy's chest, who groaned and then fell to his hands and knees.

Kuyou groaned weakly as he felt his weakened limbs struggling to support him. He mustered the strength to look ahead, and saw his undercover agent, in her full monster form, grappling with the man formerly known as Tsukune Aono. All but unable to move, he watched as the madman reached behind him, grabbed the Shadow Hound around the neck, and hurled her off his back. "Michiru!" he called out weakly, as his subordinate landed a few feet away, bounced off the ground and landed yet again.

"Insipid worm," the demonic being spoke with a contemptuous scowl, "how dare you interfere." He stretched out his right arm, which despite its injured shoulder, the sinister man seemed unaffected by whatever pain coursed through his body. A sphere of glossy black energy formed in his outstretched hand, which pulsated with a malicious aura.

Kuyou looked over his shoulder, and realized his fallen subordinate, who'd reverted back to her human form, was the intended victim. "Michiru!" he cried out as he finally mustered the strength to move.

"Die," the former Tsukune spoke in a cold, judgmental voice, as he fired his attack. The sphere streaked towards the fallen woman, but before it reached her, the barely living kitsune leaped into its trajectory. A massive explosion of dark energy ensued, and the wounded youkai's body was sent sailing over Michiru, and landed twenty feet past her.

"Hmph, meaningless," the brooding man remarked sourly, and then looked to his hands. "Still, his power is admirable," he mused, as his appendages became bathed in crackling fire, "it will be very useful." The flames around his left hand died out, while those around his right grew white hot. "But you," he spoke menacingly as he turned to another body on the ground nearby, "are of no use to me!"

The dark-haired woman looked at where he aimed, and saw an unconscious purple-haired woman woman in black, directly in the line of fire. "No!" she cried out. "Keito!"

The sinister being launched a large fireball at the fallen PSC agent, who was promptly engulfed in flames. She came awake, and screamed in sheer agony as her body was slowly being consumed by the searing flames around her.

"KEEEEEEEEEIIIIIIIITOOOOOOOOOO!" Kuyou screamed, horrified that his subordinate had met such a merciless end.

"BURN, little spider!" the former Tsukune shouted, and then laughed in demonic ecstasy as his enemy writhed in pain, and finally collapsed on the ground, as her body was reduced to ashes by the white-hot flames that assailed her.

Michiru painfully got to her feet, and confronted the insane student before her. "Aono-san, stop!" she called out. "That power is poisoniong your mind! What will Akashiya-san think if she sees you like this?"

The inhuman student slowly turned towards the dark-haired woman, who shivered by the ominous look in his glowing crimson eyes, framed by a sea of blackest hate. "You forget yourself, worm," he spoke with a disgusted sneer, "I did not give you permission to question me."

Michiru gulped in terror, as she saw virtually nothing left of the brown-haired youth who she fought alongside to protect the school from Dracula's machinations, only to have him ensnared by them.

"Away with you!" the sinister man spoke dismissively, as he flung his arm to the side. The undercover agent's body was thrown by telekinetically, and landed near the fallen form of her commander.

"Michiru," the kitsune spoke weakly as he crawled towards her, "what, what is he?"

The dark-haired woman turned towards her superior, and lightly stroked his emaciated face. "Kuyou-kun," she spoke with a wan yet affectionate smile, "you're... yourself again." Without another word, she reached out and embraced the fallen warrior. "I thought, you were lost, forever."

The blonde youkai groaned feebly, taken aback by her actions. "Michiru, what have I done? What has... happened to Aono? He's like... the Devil."

The undercover agent sighed mournfully. "Or someone similar," she admitted.

The kitsune gasped weakly, which brought on a coughing fit.

"Kuyou-kun!" the incognito shadow creature spoke in concern.

"It can't be," the barely conscious monster muttered in disbelief. "Is he... Dracula?"

Michiru held him tighter, as she dared not answer the question.

"Such insignificant sentiments," the sinister man spoke as he approached them, "they have no meaning before true power." He looked down at the fallen couple, and bared his fangs in sheer revulsion. "Since you two are dedicated to your worthless cause," he spoke venomously, as he levitated twenty feet in the air, "you can both die together!"

The couple watched as the former Tsukune raised his arms into the air. They cringed, as they felt a titanic amount of evil energy drawn towards the hovering man. The energy coalesced into a sphere of burning dark energy above him, which grew to three times his size. The amount of power held within the massive orb was incomprehensible to the fallen officers. It far surpassed the might of mere mortals, and even dwarfed the seemingly incomparable aura of Moka Akashiya, long presumed as the strongest student on campus.

"Michiru, run!" the kitsune spoke urgently.

"No! I'll die with you, Kuyou-sama! To die in the line of duty, and with someone so precious, is a great honor."

The blonde woman groaned weakly, pained by her confession. "You deserve... someone better... than me." He pulled her clsoe to his body, and mustered his remaining strength. "GO!" he shouted, as he hurled her from his immediate vicinity. He grimaced as he heard her cries of shock and heartbreak, and looked up towards the demented man above him. "Do it," he spoke in a resigned, bitter voice.

The man formerly known as Tsukune Aono reared back with both hands, and the orb followed his motions. "GIGA DEMONIC MEGIDDO!" he shouted as he hurled the massive sphere towards its target. Once it collided with the ground, a titanic explosion of satanic energy ensued, followed by a huge pillar of flame that rose up into the air.

Michiru watched from her vantage point, as she was just barely thrown out of the blast zone. However, the sheer force of the explosion sent her flying near the edge of the academy property, as well as demolish the remains of the ruined dungeon, as they crumbled into a broken heap on the ground. She looked in horror at what happened, as she feared the chairman might've been entombed in the ruins. As she cried out in fright, she looked back towards the huge pillar of flame in the distance, as the maniacal laughter of the former Tsukune Aono echoed throughout the land. "KUYOU-KUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUNNN!"

Wow, talk about going out with a bang! Looks like the funk has really hit the fan now. Has Tsukune completely lost himself to the darkness? Is the chairman really dead? And how will our beleaguered heroine react to this latest development?

"Um, was that really necessary, Author-san?"

"Can I stop hiding now?"

"Darn, and I wanted to nuke Kuyou with my new M72 Antitank rocket launcher."

"Um, overkill much senpai?"

"Hecht no, look at what Tsukune did just now."

Uh, yeah. Anyway, tune in next time for Part I Chapter XXV Birth of Decadence