The Vampire's Rosary: Love at First Bite

Based upon the Rosario + Vampire characters created by Ikeda Akihisa.

I don't own said characters and are merely borrowing them for this story.

Rated T for the time being.

…

Author's Note: Please read.

Sorry for another late chapter!

I do hope that this one makes up for my lack of updates. I'm trying something new in this chapter, mainly changing up my writing style a bit. I just want to try new things and see how it feels to write somewhat differently, for now at least.

I'll also do my best update monthly for as long as my free time allows.

For all of you Mizore fans, this chapter's for you!

This chapter will also be different in another way; the main couple will not be the focus and mainly "supporting" characters.

In other words, you can think of this similar to a 'one-shot' but it still ties into my overall "soft reboot" of the Rosario + Vampire manga series.

I'm also sorry for not properly introducing Yukari into the story as it would've been somewhat uneventful, so she's already enrolled for the Fall term at Yokai Academy. I'll cover more with her at a much later time.

The original character of Ryuunosuke "Ryuu" Hyoma the artist was created by my good friend, Toroka25 from fan-fiction dot net.

This will be a 2 week time-skip into the middle of September.

Also, please don't forget to "Follow" this story for future updates, as I post somewhat randomly.

I really appreciate all of the continued support from you, the fans of the Rosario + Vampire series.

Guest reviews are as always, monitored. Please apply for a free account as its easier for me to reply to you via PM.

Anyway, enough rambling!

Onto the next installment of Love at First Bite!

Chapter 12: 'The Red Thread of Fate'

…

"Just a reminder everyone, since the mid-term exams are finally over, we will start discussing what to do for the annual cultural festival, which will take place during the last weekend of October. We will decide on that in the next couple of weeks, so please think about some money-making ideas. All funds raised during your stay here at Yokai Academy will go towards our senior class trip, which will take place before graduation," Miss Nekonome explained as she wrote on the blackboard.

A collective "yay" was loudly replied by all 30 of her homeroom students.

"Also, another reminder to our new transfer students, that you must decide on a club to join by the end of today, since it is a part of the academy's curriculum on how to peacefully coexist with humans. That will be all for today. Class dismissed," Shizuka continued.

"All set Moka?" Tsukune asked as he sat up and then grabbed his book bag.

"If it's all right, I just wanna talk to Mizore for a minute, so you can go on ahead to the club room with Kurumu and I'll be there shortly," she replied as she gathered up her belongings into her book-bag and then stood to her feet.

"O-okay, Moka. Not a problem. I'll tell Gin-senpai you'll be late. Don't keep me waiting too long," he said with an understanding nod.

"Thank you, Tsukune."

She offered him an adorable wink which caused him to slightly blush at the amorous gesture.

"Mizore-chan, Yukari-chan, may I have a word with you, please?" Miss Nekonome called out.

With a sigh, Yukari grabbed her book bag and then trudged over to the front of the classroom. Mizore joined her a moment later.

"You wanted to see me, sensei?" the young witch asked while Mizore stood next to her.

"Yes, girls. Have either of you two chosen a club to join yet? The Fall semester has already started and joining an after-school club is mandatory for all students here at Yokai Academy."

"Why do I need a need to join some stupid club for, anyway? It's meaningless for a genius like myself to associate with anyone of a lesser intellect," Yukari said with a scowl.

"Yukari, that's no way to speak to Miss Nekonome. Or do I need to have another talk with Ruby?" Moka inquired as she stood behind her younger friend with her arms folded under her bosom.

"Ah, I'm very sorry Nekonome-sensei! I didn't mean that!" Yukari wailed out along with an apologetic bow.

"It's all right Yukari-chan. I understand since you're still adjusting to the academy. Just remember that your parents enrolled you here at this special school in order for you to learn how to get along with not only humans, but with everyone here. Joining a club will help you to better understand each other despite our differences and also strengthen the bonds with anyone you meet. We are all equal here, including your friend, Moka-chan," Shizuka said with a smile.

"So, um, you said that you wanted to talk to us sensei," Mizore inquired.

"Oh, right! Sorry! I just got sidetracked. I was going to ask if you two haven't decided on a club to join, then why not join the newspaper club?"

"The newspaper club?" Mizore repeated.

"Oh yes, the newspaper club. What the club members do is write articles about campus life here at the academy and also about numerous subjects of interest which are very popular with humans. The truth is, if we have five or more members, the school board will recognize us as an official club and will also increase our monthly budget to twenty thousand Yen. With a doubled increase in our budget, we can even buy newer computers along with color printers! Just imagine how lovely the Yokai Gazette will look with color pictures," Shizuka explained with exceptional enthusiasm.

"You could even write a monthly study guide or even an article about horoscopes, Yukari," Moka added.

"Really? I can write about that sort of articles?" the mini witch asked with a wide smile.

"Of course, Yukari. However, any articles you write will have to first be approved by the club president Gin-senpai and then proofread by Miss Nekonome, since shes our club supervisor," Moka explained with a nod.

"I see. I guess it sounds like something I'd enjoy. Okay sensei! Please sign me up for the newspaper club!" Yukari said with a fist-pump.

"Excellent! How about you, Mizore-chan? Would you also like to join our club? Your friends are all in it, so I'm sure you'll all get along very well," Shizuka asked with a cat-like grin.

"I guess so since you explain it that way. Sure, sensei. It sounds like a lot of fun," Mizore quietly replied with a small smile of her own.

"Wonderful! Thank you both so much for making sensei happy. Once you fill out these waivers, I mean these club application forms, then I'll show you to our club room!" she said as she handed one to each of them.

…

"Okay girls, follow me and then we can get started on this month's edition of The Yokai Gazette!" Shizuka said as her tail happily swished back and forth.

"Um, Miss Nekonome?"

"Yes, Mizore-chan?"

"Um, your tail's showing."

"Oh, so it is."

"Sensei, you should get an 'F' in transforming, you know. Honestly, you should be a proper role model to your students," Moka commented with a silly grin.

"It's fine. Nobody's around," Shizuka answered with a nonchalant shrug.

"I had no idea that sensei's such a rebel," Mizore silently commented to herself.

"Miss Nekonome, I need to talk to Mizore for a moment," Moka said as she stopped in her tracks.

"Oh? What about?"

"Girl stuff."

"Alright, Moka-chan. Please don't dally too much. We have much to discuss about the next issue. Let's go Yukari-chan, so I can introduce you to our club president."

"Thank you sensei. Don't worry, Yukari. We'll be along shortly."

As soon as Miss Nekonome and Yukari were out of sight, Moka pulled Mizore back a few feet.

"So, um, what did you wanna talk about Moka?"

"Alright. I'll just come out and say it. Have you talked to Ryuu Hyoma yet?"

"Huh?

"Have you talked to him yet? The dōjin artist you met at Comiket. It's been over two weeks since then and you haven't even talked to him yet. Am I right?"

"Um… well. * sigh * No, I haven't talked to him yet," Mizore admitted as she hung her head low.

"Why not, Mizore?"

"I – I really don't know what to say to him."

"But, you two hit it off right away at Comiket, that much I'm certain of. So, what happened since then?"

"Well, we did. I mean… to be honest… I'm kind of… shy."

"YOU'RE SHY? Are you serious? I mean, you can talk about… all that ecchi stuff so openly, and yet you can't even talk to a nice guy that you obviously like!"

"As hard as it to believe… yes, I'm shy. I know… I'm weird. So, um, what should I do, Moka?"

"No, you're not weird Mizore. You're my friend so I'm gonna help you out with your little problem. In other words, I'm gonna support you so you can talk to the guy that you like before it's too late."

Without another word said, Moka grabbed Mizore's left hand and then dragged her down the hallway.

…

Several minutes later…

"So, um… what are we doing here?" Mizore asked as she and Moka stood around the corner from the art club room which was approximately 50 feet away.

"I already told you that. I'm gonna help you ask him out on a date."

"You want me to ask him out on a date?" Mizore half-shouted.

"Shush. Not so loud, Mizore. Yes, you should ask him out a date. I mean, you do like him… right?"

Mizore slowly shook her head 'yes' as her pale cheeks heated up, most likely due to embarrassment.

"That's why we're here. I'm gonna help you so that you can properly ask him out on a date."

"That's easy for you to say Moka. You're already blood-mates with Tsukune and you guys get along so well. Its almost like you're made for each other. I just wish I had that confidence of yours. It'd make it a lot easier for me to even talk to a nice guy."

"Well, I guess it's easy 'cause we're always honest with each other, especially when it comes to the sweet and romantic moments we share between us. And we always talk to each other about all sorts of topics, no matter how trivial it is. Once you feel more comfortable around your destined one… or your soulmate, it gets a lot easier over time," Moka said with a sigh of contentment.

Mizore shook her head 'yes' in understanding.

"Anyway, we gotta go over there so you can talk to him… before another girl has the same idea," Moka added a second later.

"Uh, Moka… what's Kurumu doing here?" Mizore asked in mild-panic.

"What the heck? I didn't think she liked him too."

The pair quietly observed Kurumu from around the corner who happily chatted away with Ryuu and were both at a loss of words. They could not hear their semi-private conversation, but it seemed to the twosome as though the blue-haired bombshell thoroughly enjoyed her little chat with the male manga artist. Mizore stepped back a foot or so while Moka peeked around the corner once again.

"Ah, Mizore… we have a problem."

"What kind of problem?"

"They're heading our way right now."

"What? Um, what should we do? Should we hide somewhere? Maybe I can hide behind that water fountain and you can deal with them."

Sure enough, Kurumu walked in their direction at a rather brisk pace, all the while she firmly held Ryuu's left hand!

However, the male artist's face was beet red which caused Mizore to go from half-panic into full panic mode.

…

"Hey Moka. I brought him over here just like you asked," Kurumu said a moment later once she arrived by the couple of stalkers.

She released Ryuu from her grasp and then lightly urged him towards Mizore.

"Thanks again for your help, Kurumu," Moka said with a grin as she lightly grabbed Mizore by her shoulders and then gently pushed her towards an equally-confused Ryuu.

"Anytime, Moka. This was the easy part, just like you said it would. Now comes the hard part."

"Huh? What's going on here?" the snow maiden inquired with a puzzled look across her brow.

"I gotta get to the club room Mizore, so I'll leave the rest of this up to you," Kurumu said with a wink, turned around, and then ran off in the opposite direction.

"Oh… g-good afternoon… Miss Shirayuki," Ryuu said with a bow.

"Ah, g-g-good afternoon," Mizore replied in the same fashion.

"Your friend… she said that you um, wanted to talk to me about… something," Ryuu said.

"Oh… um… uh… the thing is… ah… I ah… want to ask you… is… why… why is this is so hard?" she answered as she shut her eyes in frustration.

Mizore quickly glanced away while her cheeks flushed deep scarlet.

"Are you feeling okay, Miss Shirayuki?" he inquired with genuine sincerity as he took a step closer to her.

His unexpected closeness caused her to be overwhelmed by a sudden influx of varied emotions. The most prominent one being a bout of extraordinary anxiousness.

"Oh, um… what I wanna say is uh… do you maybe wanna… do something… uh..."

Ryuu picked up on her emotional state and did something so out of character, that he had not an indication as to the source to his abrupt boost of courage.

"Would you like to go out with me… on a date?" Ryuu inquired which caught her entirely off-guard. "I mean, that is if you're okay with me. I'd like to take you out… sometime… on a date."

"A date? Oh… yes! I mean, yes. I'd really like to go out with you… on a date," Mizore replied with a sigh of relief.

"That's great. So, what you want to do for our… date?"

"Mizore's aunt just so happens to own a karaoke place in Akihabara," Moka hinted.

"Oh. Is that so? Well, to be honest, I'm not that good at karaoke. But it sounds like a lot of fun if you like karaoke," Ryuu replied followed by a nervous laugh.

"If it'll make you two feel a lot better, then Tsukune and I could go out on a double date with you," Moka suggested.

"What's a double date?" Mizore inquired.

"A double date's when two couples go out somewhere together and do something fun, like go to karaoke, a movie theater, have dinner, or even ice skating. Tsukune and I will tag along with you guys so you can get to know each other better. We can meet up at your room tomorrow morning around eleven o'clock since there's no classes, and then we'll take the school bus to Akihabara. Also, be sure that you both wear something nice," Moka clearly announced which calmed Mizore and Ryuu down a great deal.

"Ryuu and I are gonna be a couple?" Mizore silently muttered to herself.

"Oh, I see. That makes sense. So, what's your room number, Miss Shirayuki?" Ryuu inquired.

"It's uh, room two-eleven. It's o-okay if you wanna call me Mizore since we're gonna go out on a d-date. And ah, I'm really looking forward to seeing you tomorrow."

"O-okay, Mizore. I'll see you tomorrow," Ryuu said with a warm smile.

"Yes! I'll see you then, Ryuu," she replied with a shy smile and then bit her bottom lip in an adorable manner.

…

The following morning…

"No, this won't do. Nope. This one's way too short. Why am I so nervous for? This is what I've wanted for so long," Mizore said to herself as she searched for something appropriate for her first-ever date.

* knock knock knock *

With a dejected sigh, Mizore trudged over to her door and wondered who interrupted her train of though.

"Who, who is it?"

"It's us, Moka and Tsukune."

With another sigh, Mizore unlocked the door and then opened it.

"Good morning, Mizore," Moka announced with a huge grin.

"Oh, good morning Moka. W-what are you guys doing here so early?"

It was barely 10 o'clock in the morning, for crying out loud.

"Well, we thought you might have some trouble getting ready, so Moka suggested that we get here a little early," Tsukune calmly explained.

"I see. Well, come inside you two since you're here so early," Mizore replied as she momentarily stood off to the side.

"Please pardon the intrusion," Moka announced as she and Tsukune stepped into her room.

The pair quickly removed their shoes by the doorway after Mizore closed and then locked the door behind them.

Moka wore a snug-fitting red dress, which showed off her curvy physique, but still remained elegant with a hint of cuteness in appearance. The bottom hem of her dress rested a few inches above her knees which showed off her well-toned legs.

She also wore a matching pair of dress shoes on her feet. Slung over her right shoulder she carried a leather purse of an identical shade of cherry red. The vampiress's makeup was tasteful and brought out her otherworldly beauty.

Tsukune's outfit for their double date consisted of a mint green, short-sleeved cotton dress shirt along with a sharp-looking pair of black jeans along with color-coordinated sneakers.

"I'm sorry I'm not ready yet. To be honest, I had some trouble sleeping last night and now I can't even find something nice to wear," Mizore admitted with a drawn-out sigh.

"It's okay, Mizore. I understand. That's why I'm here so early. Let's go and have a look in your closet so we can find you a nice dress and get you all dolled-up for your date," Moka said as she grabbed Mizore's right hand and then walked her over to the closet.

"You can go ahead and have a seat Tsukune. This shouldn't take too long."

"Okay, Moka. You girls take your time," he simply replied as he walked over to Mizore's desk and then sat on her padded chair.

He noticed that Mizore had the portrait that Ryuu drew of her safely enclosed in a picture frame which hung on the wall, located directly over her bed.

While Moka rummaged through Mizore's wardrobe, Tsukune pulled out his cell phone from his front right pants pocket and kept himself occupied while he searched online for more date ideas to pass the time.

...

"Here we go. This one's really cute. What do you think about this dress?" Moka asked several minutes later as she found one which she thought would be suitable for Mizore's date.

"Um, it's nice, I guess," she replied.

"Alright. It's settled then. Let's get you dressed now and I'll also help you with your hair and makeup. I mean, you wanna look nice for Ryuu, right?"

"Yeah, you're right. I really wanna look nice for him. And, also thanks for all your help today, Moka. I really appreciate it," Mizore said with a smile.

"You're welcome, Mizore. That's what friends are for. Okay, it's time for Operation: Double Date!" Moka said as she and Mizore walked into her restroom and then closed the door behind themselves.

…

Nearly forty minutes later, Moka and Mizore finally exited the restroom.

Mizore was redressed in a very adorable lavender mini dress which looked quite nice on her slender frame. The bottom hem flared out and rested approximately six inches above her knees. Her shoulder-length hair was nicely styled and she appeared more mature than she was. Her lips were tinted a light shade of red and her cheeks were covered with a barely-noticeable dusting of light pink blush. Over her eyelids was a shimmery tone of icy blue eye-shadow which highlighted her beautiful eyes.

"So, Tsukune… h-how do I look?" Mizore asked while she fidgeted with the hem of her dress.

"You look very pretty, Mizore. I'm sure Ryuu will also think so."

"T-thanks, Tsukune," she replied with a slight blush.

"Tsukune's right, Mizore. You look very pretty, if I do say so myself. You clean up very nicely," Moka said with a smile.

"T-thanks Moka. And t-thanks again for all your help," Mizore said as she gave her friend a brief hug.

"You're welcome Mizore. Now this is where the fun begins," Moka replied as she returned the warm gesture.

* knock knock knock *

"Oh no! Hes here already? What do I do now? Should I hide in the closet?! No, I'll just go and hide in the bathroom, that way he won't even see me!" Mizore cried out in panic.

"Mizore, take a deep breath and calm down. You could just open the door with a smile. We're gonna be here for you all day, so you really don't have anything to worry about," Tsukune added which helped his chilly friend to slightly loosen up contrary to the fact that her heart hammered madly in her chest.

With a gulp, Mizore walked over to her door, opened it, and then followed Tsukune's advice… well almost. Evidently, she was still stuck in 'formal' mode.

"Good m-morning, Ryuu," she announced with a bow.

"Oh, g-good morning, Mizore. You look very pretty today," he replied with a bow of his own.

"T-thanks, Ryuu. You look really nice, yourself," she replied as her blush intensified in hue.

"You're welcome and thanks," he said as his face flushed once again due to her compliment.

Ryuu was dressed in a nice-looking polo type shirt which happened to be a shade of indigo along with a pair of charcoal gray cargo pants and an ebony-hued pair of sneakers.

"Okay you two. That's enough flirting for now. The bus will be here soon, so we should get going," Moka announced.

"We were flirting?" Ryuu wondered to himself.

Tsukune stood up and then walked over to Moka who grinned like the cat who just swallowed a canary.

Mizore trotted over to her bed, grabbed her purse, made sure she had her wallet and keys, and then over to her closet. She found a proper pair of dress shoes on the top shelf a moment later which matched her attire for her date.

She briskly walked over to the doorway and then slid her petite feet into her dress shoes. With a wobble, she stood upright and then offered Ryuu a shy smile.

…

As the quartet walked down the winding path to the bus stop, Mizore and Ryuu remained quiet due to obvious anxiety. Moka held Tsukune's hand per habit and hoped that their double date would help Mizore to 'come out of her shell'.

The vampire couple recalled their first official date over 5 months ago and wished their friend would relax more and be more open and direct about her feelings, whatever they were for Ryuu at that moment.

Ryuu was just as troubled as Mizore was and more than anything wanted to get to know more about her as a person. Hopefully they'd be more than 'just friends' at some point in the near future, whenever that happened.

Ten minutes later, they reached the bus stop and were surprised when they discovered that the green and yellow mini bus was already parked there. Nurai opened the door and then grinned at the quartet.

"Come on board, kids," he said as Tsukune motioned for Moka to board first, followed by Mizore and Ryuu. He joined them a moment later after they each showed their bus passes to Nurai.

"So, where to kids?" he inquired.

"Could you please take us to Karaoke Paisley in Akihabara?" Mizore politely requested.

"Sure thing. Have a seat and we'll be there before you know it."

"Thank you, Bus Driver."

Mizore and Ryuu quickly claimed an empty seat towards the rear of the bus, with Mizore seated near the window, on the driver's side. Tsukune and Moka sat behind them with Moka directly seated behind Mizore.

"Hey Moka. I was thinking maybe we could go see a movie after karaoke. I read online that Toho Cinema in Akihabara is having a special showing of Kimi no Na Wa," Tsukune said which piqued Mizore's interest. (*Your Name)

"Oh, that sounds like a wonderful idea. We can even have dinner after the movie, if it's alright with Mizore and Ryuu."

"Sure. That sounds like a lot of fun. I mean, if it's okay with you, Ryuu," Mizore commented as she turned her attention towards the young man on her right.

"That sounds okay with me," he simply answered.

Moka closed her eyes for a moment with a smile across her lips while she leaned her head on Tsukune's left shoulder. He held her right hand and then gave it a gentle squeeze as a means of silent communication with his adorable blood-mate.

As the bus traveled through the inter-dimensional tunnel, Mizore stared out the window and was deeply engrossed in thought. She wanted more than anything for her first-ever date to proceed without any unforeseen blunders or mishaps, despite the fact that she was still nervous and sleep-deprived.

Moka however would remain vigilant for the duration of their date and would assist Mizore in anyway she could and support her to the best of her ability. Tsukune would also offer his assistance if the need arose as well. He and Moka discussed their 'plan of attack' in great detail the night before and already had some ideas to bring Ryuu and Mizore closer during the time of their outing.

...

"So Mizore, have you decided what songs your gonna sing at karaoke?" Tsukune wondered aloud.

"Uh, no. Not yet," she replied as she looked over to Ryuu who also seemed to still be lost in thought.

"Well, whatever you sing, I'm sure Ryuu will enjoy it. That much I'm certain of," Moka added with another smile.

"Thanks, Moka."

"Here we are kids. Akihabara. Watch your step as you exit the bus," Nurai announced as he pulled up to the closest bus stop, directly adjacent to Karaoke Paisley.

"We're here already?" Mizore said aloud, entirely forgetful about the time-dilation effect of the inter-dimensional tunnel.

The tunnel bends the fabric of space-time itself via a series of interconnected and complex magical incantations, which causes travel between the academy's enchanted barrier and the human world to "warp", therefore shortening the time it takes to travel to and from. The effect is similar to an Einstein-Rosin Bridge or in layman's terms, what's commonly referred to as a wormhole.

Ryuu jumped to his feet and then stood off to the side. Mizore slid across the seat and then offered him a smile. She walked towards the front with Ryuu directly behind her. Mizore took a step down, tripped over her own feet, and then fell forward.

"Mizore! Are you okay?" Ryuu asked as he caught her around her slender waist in a microsecond.

"Huh?" she asked in confusion, unsure of what just happened only a moment earlier.

"Thank goodness you're okay Mizore. You really gave quite us a scare," Moka said as she and Tsukune stood behind her with a breath of relief.

"Yeah, Mizore. I didn't know you were such a klutz," Tsukune teased as a means to lighten the mood.

"Oh... uh… what happened?" Mizore asked, still uncertain of what her friends' talked about.

"You fell off the bus and Ryuu caught you," Tsukune explained.

"I fell off the bus?"

"Yeah. You took a pretty bad tumble. Are you sure that you're okay, Mizore?" Moka inquired as she closely examined her to be sure she was alright.

"Oh… um… I think so. Ah, thank you for saving me, Ryuu," she said once the odd feeling of vertigo wore off.

"You're welcome, Mizore. I'm just glad you're not hurt."

"As long as you say you're okay, then I guess we should make the best of our time since we're already here," Moka said as she gestured towards "Karaoke Paisley".

Ryuu opened the front glass door and allowed Mizore to enter first. He held the door for Tsukune who waited for Moka to go ahead of him. The foursome walked up to the front counter as Mizore gained her aunt's attention.

"Hi, Aunt Midori."

"Mizore! Oh my gosh! It's so good to see you. And you brought some friends along with you, too! What a pleasant surprise!" Midori said as she ran around the desk and then enveloped her niece in a warm hug.

Midori Shirayuki was a little taller than her niece with long, forest green hair and somewhat on the attractive side. She was smartly dressed in a simple black tank top along with dark blue jean-type leggings and purple sneakers. Over her hazel green eyes she wore a pair of thin-rimmed, oval-shaped prescription eyeglasses.

"Aunt Midori, these are my friends from Yokai Academy," Mizore said once they finished their brief embrace.

"I'm Tsukune Aono. It's very nice to meet you."

"I'm Moka Akashiya, Tsukune's girlfriend. It's a pleasure to meet you, Miss Shirayuki."

"I'm Ryuu Hyoma, a friend of Mizore's. It's very nice to meet you."

"I'm Midori Shirayuki, Mizore's aunt. It's so nice to meet all of you as well. Thank you for taking good care of my niece at the academy."

"So Aunt Midori, would it be alright for us to borrow a room for a while? I'm kind of on a date… with Ryuu-kun."

"Oh my god! My niece has a date? Wait until your mom hears about this. I just know she'll be thrilled with the news! Oh yes, of course you can. You're my favorite niece, after all. Please make yourselves at home and stay for as long as you like. Let's see… room eight should be vacant, so please use that one. I'll also bring you kids some snacks in a little while, so please enjoy yourselves," Midori said with a wide smile aimed at her favorite niece.

"Thank you, Aunt Midori. Let's go, everyone," Mizore said as she led her friends down the long corridor.

Once they arrived at room eight, Ryuu once again opened the door for everyone and then made sure it was closed as soon as they were inside. This particular karaoke room was more modern than the other ones and much larger in overall size. The room was nicely decorated with a pair of short black leather couches on each side of the room with a long, wooden table located in-between them. The table was nicely stained a shade of black which matched the overall décor of the room.

Set on top of the low table was the karaoke remote which resembled an electronic touch-screen tablet. On the side closest to the door was the wired microphone. It so happened to be of a professional studio type, with a round wind screen attached in front of the actual microphone itself.

Located in front of the microphone was a tall, metallic stand which the touch-screen tablet would rest on top of. The lyrics of each song would be displayed on the tablet's over-sized LCD screen.

In each corner of the room were speakers hidden in the ceiling, as well as several multicolored LED spotlights. They were also synced via Bluetooth to the tablet-like remote.

Tsukune and Moka promptly claimed the sofa on the right hand side of the room which motived Mizore and Ryuu to share the one across from them.

"Wow, Mizore. This is pretty cool," Ryuu said.

"Oh, um... I'm glad to hear that."

"So, who wants to go first?" Tsukune asked which broke the silence.

"I think Mizore should go first. Don't you agree Tsukune?" Moka asked as she sat closer to him.

"Yeah, you're right as always, Moka," he said with a grin.

Mizore picked up the electronic tablet with a sigh, 'flipped' through its numerous tabs and then searched for an appropriate song.

"Okay, I found a song. I just hope you like it, Ryuu," she said as she stood up, grabbed the tablet, and then walked over to the microphone.

Mizore placed the tablet in its holder as she closed her eyes for a moment. She flipped the small power switch on the back of the microphone which hummed to life.

"Um, this is Diamond by Alan from Inuyashu, The Final Act," Mizore said as she placed her right hand over her pounding heart.

She took a deep breath and did her best to focus solely on the lyrics. Next she pressed the 'play' icon on the tablet. A moment later, the main overhead light dimmed as the color-changing LED lights bathed the room in aura of fading colors.

"Ano hi sayonara wa... ienakatta. Mitomeru mitai de mou aenai koto ~ Saigo ni daijoubu nante uso wo tsuita!"

"Hontou ni taisetsu, omou tabi ni… Hontou ni jibun wo kakushiteshimau no ~ Okubyou. Wagamama ni narezu ni..."

"Kimi ga inai machi wa… Hitori ni wa hirosugiru ne ~ Doko he arukidaseba ii?"

"Afuredasu Diamond ~ Hoo wo tsutai kirakira... maiochiru. Donna ni kanashii toki mo
Kizutsukanai tsuyosa ga hoshii to negau no ~"

"Itsudatte teokure koukai dake ~ Kokoro nokoshite wa kabe wo atsuku suru… Dare demo egao no ura de namida otosu ~"

"Kimi ga kureta mono wo mada yubi de kazoeteiru… Wasuretari shinai zutto ~"

"Tomaranai Diamond… Setsunai iro hoshizora ni koboreru ~ Mou kimi ni aenakutemo… Mae wo muite arukidasanakucha ne ima wo ~"

"Nando demo... tachidomari furikaeri sagashita ~ ~ Futari to iu omoide wa tooku… Tsuki dake ga watashi no kage hitotsu mitsumeteiru dake ~"

"Afuredasu Diamond… Hoo wo tsutai kirakira maiochiru ~ Donna ni kanashii toki mo… Kizutsukanai tsuyosa ga hoshii to negau no ~~"

"Ano hi... sayonara wa ienakatta ~ Mitomeru mitai de mou aenai koto… Saigo ni daijoubu nante uso wo tsuita ~"

"Sunaona jibun ni... koukai shinai jibun ni… Itsuka nareru kara kitto ~ ~"

…

Moka, Tsukune, and Ryuu clapped heartily and were surprised at her singing voice.

As the song came to its conclusion, Mizore bowed deeply and then quickly returned to her empty seat near her date.

"Oh my gosh, Mizore! That was awesome!" Moka exclaimed with exceptional enthusiasm.

"Yeah, that was really good Mizore," Tsukune added.

"I had no idea you were so talented, Mizore," Ryuu said.

"Oh, thank you. It's just a little hobby of mine," Mizore said as she blushed hard yet again due in fact to all the praise she received from her friends.

"Okay, my turn!" Moka said as she sprang up from her seat and then ran over to the front of the room.

Moka followed Mizore's example and then searched for a particular song that she was itching to sing. Once she found it, she stood behind the microphone, pressed the 'play' icon, and then awaited her musical cue.

Tsukune removed his cellphone from his front pocket, pressed the video icon on the screen and then pointed the camera at Moka. She gave him a thumbs up just as the music played.

"This song is Crimson Lotus by Lisa from the new anime series Kimetsu no Yaiba. Please enjoy," she said as she took a deep breath and then placed her lips close to the screen over the microphone.

"Tsuyoku... nareru riyuu wo shitta ~~
Boku wo tsurete susume "

"Dorodarake no soumatou ni you...
Kowabaru kokoro furueru te wa…
Tsukamitai mono ga aru!"

"Sore dake sa!"

"Yoru no nioi ni! (I'll spend all thirty nights)
Sora nirandemo (Staring into the sky)"

"Kawatte ikeru no wa jibun jishin dake...
Sore dake sa!"

"Tsuyoku... nareru riyuu wo shitta

Boku wo tsurete susume ~~"

"Dou shitatte!"

"Kesenai yume mo tomarenai ima mo...
Dareka no tame ni tsuyoku nareru nara...
Arigatou kanashimi yo!
Sekai ni uchinomesarete makeru imi wo shitta...
Guren no hana yo ~~ sakihokore...
Unmei wo terashite "

"Inabikari no zatsuon ga mimi wo sasu...
Tomadou kokoro yasashii dake ja...
Mamorenai mono ga aru... Wakatteru kedo~"

"Suimenka de karamaru zenaku...
Sukete mieru gizen ni tenbatsu...
Tell me why, Tell me why, Tell me why, Tell me...
I don't need you! Itsuzai no hana yori"

"Idomi tsudzuke saita ichirin ga utsukushii!"

"Ranbou ni shikitsumerareta togedarake no michi mo...
Honki no boku dake ni arawareru kara

Norikoete miseru yo
Kantan ni katazukerareta mamorenakatta yume mo...
Guren no shinzou ni ne wo hayashi
Kono chi ni yadotte!"

"Hito shirezu hakanai chiriyuku ketsumatsu

Mujou ni yabureta himei no kaze fuku ~~"
"Dareka no warau kage dareka no nakigoe
Daremo ga shiawase wo negatteru ~~"

"Dou shitatte ~~
Kesenai yume mo"

"tomarenai ima mo...
Dareka no tame ni tsuyoku nareru nara...
Arigatou kanashimi yo ~ o ~ o...
Sekai ni uchinomesarete makeru imi wo shitta
Guren no hana yo sakihokore...
Unmei wo terashite!"

"Unmei... wo terashite ~~"

…

Mizore and Ryuu were rendered speechless by Moka's spectacular singing voice.

Tsukune pressed the 'stop' icon of the video camera application on his cell phone and then stuffed it into his right front pant's pocket for safekeeping. He clapped loudly and was on the verge of tears since it just so happened to be one of his new favorite songs. They were both fans of the popular anime series which took the world by storm and he was once again blown away by how professional his Moka sounded.

Once their brains functioned a few moments later, Mizore and Ryuu clapped and couldn't get over Moka's singing voice.

"Oh my god, Moka! That was so amazing!" Mizore yelped, which spooked Ryuu to some extent.

'And here I thought she was just quiet or too shy,' Ryuu thought.

"Thanks, Mizore. If it's okay, I wanna sing another song. Not unless you wanna go next," she said.

"You're welcome, Moka. I just can't get over how good your singing voice is. It's cool, so you can go ahead if you wanna," Mizore said with a huge grin.

Before Moka could reply, she heard a light tapping on the door. She opened it and saw that Mizore's aunt was there.

"Hello kids. I'm not interrupting anything, am I? Here's the snacks I promised you earlier. I hope it's to your liking," she said as she stepped into the room and then walked over to the table.

She gently set down a tray full of sweets and assorted soft drinks.

"Oh, thank you Aunt Midori," Mizore said as she trotted over to her aunt and then gave her a hug out of sincere gratitude.

"Ooh, Pocky! My favorite!" Moka excitedly announced as she grabbed a box and then tossed it to Tsukune, which he caught without any problem thanks to his vampire reflexes.

"You're most welcome, Mizore. You kids have fun and enjoy yourselves. If you need anything at all, please let me know," Midori said as they ended their brief familiar embrace.

"Thank you very much for having us here, Miss Shirayuki," Moka said with a deep bow.

"You're most welcome, Moka-chan. I'll see you kids later," Midori said as she excused herself and then went about her business.

"Your aunt's really nice, Mizore," Ryuu commented.

"Thanks. Yeah, shes always been that way and we're really close. Like I told Moka and Tsukune, I usually work here during the summer since it's the busy season," Mizore replied as she grabbed a diet Cola and then handed him a regular cola.

"I see."

…

After Moka and Mizore took turns singing for over an hour, they took a breather and just wanted to relax for a while. However, something weighed heavily on Mizore's mind since it was one of the things she thought about nearly every day for weeks on end.

'Should I ask him about that? I'm still curious, to be honest but will he really tell me? Maybe Moka and Tsukune could help me out with this. They said they wanted to be here for me like this, but would this also count as help?' she silently pondered.

"Is everything okay Mizore?" Tsukune asked which brought her thoughts back to the present.

"Oh. I was just thinking about something," she answered, followed with another sigh.

"I-if something's bothering you Mizore, you can tell me. I'm a really good listener," Ryuu said, which somewhat eased her troubled mind.

"Well, since you put it that way, it's something about you," she replied as she briefly looked at him.

"What about me?"

"What I mean is… it's about your dōjin."

"What about my dōjin?"

"To be honest, ever since we met… I've been w-wondering why your… main character, um, looks like me," she replied, her voice barely a whisper.

"Hmm, now that you mention it Mizore, I'm kinda curious myself," Moka added as she gave Mizore's query some thought.

"Yeah, you're right. I mean, what are the odds of that?" Tsukune said.

"It's actually kind of silly, to be honest," Ryuu replied with a nervous laugh.

"It's okay, Ryuu. Whatever the reason is, you can tell me. And I promise you that I won't laugh, no matter what it is," Mizore said as she offered him a warm smile which slightly appeased his apprehensiveness.

"The thing is, I saw that girl in my dreams," he replied as his face cheeks flushed.

"You saw her in your dreams?" Mizore inquired

"I saw that girl in… my dreams a few years ago. I kept seeing her nearly every night… for weeks, no… for what seemed like months. She was all I could ever think about. So, one day I finally drew her… so I wouldn't think about her all the time. But the strangest part is… that girl in my dreams had a name. So, I guess you could say that the girl in my dreams… shes the inspiration for the main character in my dōjin. Pretty weird, isn't it?"

"The girl in your dreams had a name?" Tsukune asked.

"Yes, she did. Her name's Misty."

"Oh my god. Did… did you say… Misty?" Mizore asked, her eyes wide from shock.

"Yes, that's her name. I guess it's really weird, isn't it?"

Before Mizore even realized it, tears slowly ran down her cheeks.

"Mizore, what's wrong?" Moka asked, clearly concerned for her friend's sudden change in overall mood.

"Huh? W-why… how?" she said as she wiped her tears away with both hands.

"Mizore? Is something the matter?" Ryuu inquired, just as worried.

"Misty… Misty's my nickname… from when I was younger," Mizore said as she recomposed herself, the best she could.

"Your nickname?" Tsukune asked.

"When I was very young, maybe around when I was two, to three years old, I had some trouble saying my first name. So I called myself Misty, until I could properly pronounce it. Even my parents, aunts and uncles called me Misty for several years. Nobody outside of my immediate family knows my nickname, not even Kurumu," she explained.

Moka, Tsukune, and Ryuu were all dumbfounded at the unexpected revelation and frankly had no idea how to react to such news.

...

"Well, maybe its Fate that you two met like that. I mean, how else do you think it's possible that not only Ryuu knows your childhood nickname, and the fact that his female protagonist looks just like you, Mizore? It has to be a lot more than just a series of random coincidences, if you ask me," Moka said as she attempted to gain everyone's attention.

"Moka's right. Before I met her, I didn't believe in things like that. Whether you call it Fate, Destiny, or just luck, I believe that everything happens for a reason. You might not believe that yourself, Mizore, but we do. Right, Moka?"

"Yeah, you're right Tsukune. So, who knows? Maybe you and Ryuu have a lot more in common than your originally thought. I mean, you have to start somewhere. It's kind of nice in its own way. That's what I believe," Moka added which piqued her curiosity.

"I see. Maybe you guys are right. Maybe it was Fate, or Destiny how we met," Mizore replied with a small smile.

"I never really thought about that. I mean, things like Fate or Destiny. But the truth is… and I want to be honest… ever since I met you at Comiket… I've been… thinking about you… a lot. Nearly every day," Ryuu sputtered out.

"You… have? Really? Do you really… really mean that?" Mizore asked as she scooted a little closer towards him.

"Yes, Mizore, as embarrassing as it is. And to be honest, the truth is… I've never even talked to such… a beautiful girl… like you b-before I met you."

"You t-think… I'm b-beautiful?"

"Yes, Mizore. You're the most beautiful girl I've ever met," he replied as his cheeks grew hot to the touch.

"Oh… Ryuu… I d-don't know what to say," she replied on the verge of tears once again.

"Well, like I just said… it's true. Even though it's really embarrassing to say it out loud."

"Well, since you put it that way… the thing is… and I also want to be honest with you and tell you that… I've also been thinking about you… ever since we met."

"Mizore..."

"Aw, you two look so cute together," Moka said with a twinkle in her eyes.

"Geez, Moka…" Mizore replied.

"Is it okay if I ask you a question, Mizore?"

"I guess so. What do you wanna know?"

"What… what kind of yokai are you? I mean... you don't have to tell me if you don't want to. I'm just curious," Ryuu said.

"I'm a yukki-onna."

"Is that so?"

"Yes. And um… what kind of yokai are you, Ryuu?

"I'm a dragonborn."

"Oh my gosh! No way! I knew it! You guys really are alike!" Moka shouted as she jumped to her feet.

"Dragonborn? What's a dragonborn?" Tsukune asked.

"In the simplest of terms, hes an ice dragon," Moka explained.

"Hes an ice dragon? Wow. That's pretty cool."

"Ice puns, Tsukune? Really?" Mizore said as she pulled the berry flavored lollipop out of her mouth and then stuck her tongue out in a teasing manner.

Moka, Ryuu, and Mizore all laughed at her impromptu joke.

"I don't get it. What's so funny?" Tsukune asked, accompanied with a sweat-drop.

"You're so silly, Tsukune. Like I just said, Mizore and Ryuu are alike. They both have cold-based powers and abilities," Moka said.

"Oh! I see. That makes sense," he said as he nervously scratched the back of his neck with his right hand.

…

After another hour or so later, they said goodbye to Mizore's aunt, exited Karaoke Paisley and then walked down the congested sidewalk towards their next destination.

"Geez, I didn't think it'd be so crowded at this time," Tsukune commented as he firmly held Moka's left hand.

"I know what you mean. At least the movie theater's close by," Moka replied.

Mizore and Ryuu walked side by side, unsure of what to say to each other since their earlier conversation. They both had so much to think about, especially in regards to how they met and the peculiar circumstances which surrounded the reason for Ryuu's dreams about Mizore in the past.

'Maybe Moka and Tsukune's right. Maybe it was Fate how we met the way we did. But does he have any feelings for me since he said he dreamed about me? And he even said hes also been thinking about me since we met. I really wish I had a sign… it'd be so much easier,' Mizore thought to herself, completely unmindful to her immediate surroundings.

Ryuu turned his attention to Mizore and then promptly realized that she wasn't by his side.

"Mizore? Mizore!"

He stopped in the middle of the sidewalk, looked around, and then spotted her about 30 feet behind. It seemed to Ryuu that she was in her own little world so he sprinted up to her side and then placed both of his hands on her shoulders.

"Oh, um… Ryuu?"

"There you are. I was so worried about you. Are you okay, Mizore?"

A few seconds later Tsukune and Moka also ran up to her, both clearly distressed because she just stopped like that without saying a word to anyone.

"Oh, um. Yeah. I'm okay. Sorry about that. I guess I kinda zoned out for a minute," she said as she temporarily glanced away from him.

"Geez, Mizore. Are you sure you're okay?" Moka inquired out of unquestionable sincerity.

"Yeah. I'm okay now. I'm sorry if I made you guys worry," she replied with a sigh.

"Of course we worry about you, Mizore. Friends always have to stick together, you know," Tsukune said with a warm smile.

"Thanks, Tsukune."

"Mizore, if you wanna… hold my hand so you won't get lost, you can. I mean, only if you want to," Ryuu said with his right hand outstretched.

"You wanna… hold hands?"

"Sure, because I don't wanna lose you again."

"Oh. O-okay Ryuu. Thank you," Mizore replied as her cheeks tinted pink.

She accepted his offered hand and then held it firmly as he led her down the sidewalk.

'Are we really holding hands now? Is this a sign?' I'm not dreaming, am I? And there's that weird feeling in my chest again. But, its different than the last time… warmer, I guess. Oh, Ryuu… hes really a nice guy,' Mizore thought as a small smile graced her lips and in turn she felt exceedingly giddy.

…

Five minutes later, the two couples arrived at Toho Cinema.

Tsukune took the lead and then walked up to the box office with Moka by his side.

"Good afternoon. Welcome to Toho Cinema. How can I help you this afternoon?" the female attendant announced with a bow.

"Two high school discounts for the next showing of Kimi no na Wa'', please."

"Alright. That'll be one-thousand yen, please," she replied from her side of the Plexiglas window.

Tsukune removed his wallet from his back pocket, pulled out the correct amount of Yen, and then slid it through the small slot to the ticket agent. Lastly, he replaced his wallet until needed at a later time.

"Here you go. Please enjoy your movie," the clerk said as she slid the two tickets to Tsukune who grabbed them and then held them in his right hand.

"Thank you very much," he replied with a bow of his own.

A minute later, Ryuu also purchased two tickets for himself and Mizore.

"Oh, thank you, Ryuu," Mizore said with an overly-adorable smile which in turn caused him to blush yet again.

"Y-you're welcome, Mizore," he said as he held her hand again and then walked with her up to the other couple.

"Alright you guys. Let's get inside before you two start flirting again," Moka said as her constant companion held the door open for everyone and then walked in behind them.

Tsukune held Moka's hand as they walked up to the ticket collector and then handed the tickets to him. He tore off one half of each ticket and then returned the other halves to Tsukune. Ryuu repeated the action a few moments later.

"Theater four, on the right," the attendant told them with a bow.

"Wow. This is a really nice theater, Moka," Mizore said in awe as they stood inside the main foyer.

"Yeah it's really nice. I actually came here with Tsukune on my birthday," Moka replied with a grin.

"Do you guys wanna get some snacks? We still have some time before the movie starts," Tsukune suggested.

"Hmm, let's share a tub of popcorn, a box of peanut M and M's, and a large Doctor Pepper," Moka replied.

"Okay, Moka. Sounds good to me."

"What would you like, Mizore?" Ryuu asked.

"Um, anything's fine," she replied as she held her date's hand more firmly and truthfully savored in their closeness.

…

After Tsukune and Ryuu bought snacks for their respective dates, they led the girls into theater number 4.

"Where do you guys wanna sit?" Mizore wondered aloud.

"Hmm. Maybe over here," Moka pointed out to her right.

Ryuu held Mizore's hand and took up Moka's suggestion. He found a pair of cushioned seats in the second-to-last row, towards the middle. This specific area offered an unobstructed view of the movie screen as the theater offered 'stadium style' seating; that meant that the furthest row of seats from the screen were higher up compared to the one's in the front.

Tsukune and Moka sat in the two seats nearest to Mizore, with Ryuu on her left-hand side. He settled their sodas in the armrest on his left while Mizore held onto their shared bucket of kettle-style popcorn. Moka also held a bucket of popcorn on her lap for herself and Tsukune, who placed their large soda into the armrest's holder to his right. Tsukune held onto their box of M and M's while he held Moka's hand.

"I think you'll really enjoy this anime movie, Mizore. I heard its really good," Moka whispered to her friend.

"Thanks, Moka. And also thanks for all your help today," Mizore softly replied with a smile.

"You're welcome. Now, let's enjoy the movie," Moka said as the overhead lights dimmed the theater into near-darkness.

Mizore leaned back into the plush chair and sighed happily. Ryuu held her hand and then offered her a smile of his own.

As the movie began, Ryuu truthfully felt more at ease since he told Mizore about his dream earlier. He thought no more about the subject and allowed himself to fully enjoy his date with Mizore.

…

"What's your name?"

With the final line of dialogue, the anime movie came to its eventual conclusion nearly 2 hours later. As the saying goes, time really flies when you're having fun.

Mizore cried heavily since the story had profoundly affected her in ways she never thought possible nor ever imagined. The two main characters in the movie found each other years later, separated by space and time, but still remained connected by The red Thread of Fate.

It was heavily implied by the plot that they wound up together and fell madly in love with each other, despite the bizarre way they met. Ryuu also shed several tears as well as everyone else in the theater.

Moka sobbed and latched onto Tsukune who shared her emotions through their blood bond. He held her close and then affectionately kissed her right ear which she secretly desired for the duration of their very long date.

Once the foursome had calmed down, they just sat there; content to be with their significant others. Moka stood up first, followed by Tsukune. He offered her a clean napkin which she gladly accepted and dried her tear-stained face. After she felt somewhat presentable, she offered her faithful blood-mate a soft smile.

"Uh, Mizore?"

"Y-yes, Ryuu?"

"Are you feeling better now?"

"Yes. Thank you," she replied with a sniffle.

"You're welcome and I'm glad to hear that," he said as he handed her a clean napkin which she put to good use, post-haste.

"I hate to ruin the good mood, but I think we should be going now before they kick us out," Moka suggested since the main overhead lights were at full brightness.

Several theater employees went about their task of tidying up and sweeping the inside of the theater, in preparation for the next showing of the movie.

Without another word said, they quickly gathered up their personal belongings along with their empty snack containers and then made a beeline for the exit.

After they stepped out into the main foyer a minute later, Tsukune and Ryuu tossed their refuse into the nearest waste receptacle bin.

"I don't know about you, but I'm kinda hungry," Tsukune said.

"Yeah, I'm starving," Moka agreed with a nod.

"So, where do you guys wanna go for dinner?" Mizore asked.

"Anywhere's fine. I don't really know the area too well," Ryuu admitted.

"I just know the perfect place. Luckily for us, its just down the street," Moka said with a grin.

"Lead the way, Moka," Mizore said as she held Ryuu's hand which he didn't seem to mind anymore.

…

After the quartet had a filling dinner at a local steakhouse, they wandered around Akihabara without a care in the world. Ryuu and Mizore had grown a little closer, the more time they spent with each other. Thankfully, nothing strange or out of the ordinary happened and Mizore was in high spirits.

"So, what do you wanna do now? It's still kinda early," Moka inquired.

"I have an idea. I mean if you're up to it," Tsukune replied.

"What'd you have in mind?" Moka inquired with a raised eyebrow.

"I was thinking we could go to an amusement park. Tokyo Dome City. But we'll have to take a taxi," he said.

"An amusement park in Tokyo? Really? I've never been to one before! Oh my gosh! What are we waiting for? Let's go, let's go, let's go!" Moka exclaimed.

"Geez, Moka. You're just like a little kid, huh?" Mizore teased.

Tsukune stood on the side of the road and spotted a bright yellow taxi cab with his keen eyesight. He raised his right hand and gained the nearest driver's attention. A few moments later, the taxi pulled up to the curb. Tsukune opened the door and everyone piled into the back seat. After they were properly seated, Tsukune stepped inside, closed his door, and then sat down next to Moka. Thankfully, the rear seat was long enough and comfortably seated them with a little extra room to spare.

"So where to, kids?" the kind elder driver asked.

"Could you please take us to Tokyo Dome City?" Moka inquired with a smile.

"Sure thing. We'll be there soon, so please enjoy the ride," the male driver said as he pulled away from the sidewalk.

"Thank you very much," Tsukune said as he leaned back and closed his eyes for a minute.

"So, Ryuu… have you ever been to Tokyo Dome City before?" Mizore asked.

"Hmm, I think I went there when I was younger with my folks, but I haven't been there in years."

"I see. It'll be my first time… and I'm so happy that it'll be with you, Ryuu," the snow maiden said as she leaned her head gently on his left shoulder with another sigh of bliss.

"O-okay, Mizore. I'm looking forward to it, then," he said as he gave her right hand a gentle squeeze.

"I see that you guys are finally enjoying yourselves, huh?" Moka asked.

"Yeah. I'm so happy right now. It's almost like a dream," Mizore quietly replied.

"I'm really happy for you, Mizore. And Ryuu, please take good care of my friend. She's a nice girl once you get to really know her. I know that this isn't my place to say, but I can clearly see that you two really like each other. That much I'm certain of. Also, please try to relax, have some fun, and enjoy each others' company. I know this is a first date for the both of you, so stop overthinking about everything and make the best of your time together," Moka said as she nudged his right shoulder.

"O-okay, Moka-san. I'll do my b-best," he murmured.

"Please call me Moka, and forget about honorifics. Like Mizore always says, if we're gonna be friends, then it's just easier for us to be on a first name basis. Is that understood?" she said in a semi-serious tone.

"Okay… Moka," he answered.

"Good boy. I can see that you're a fast learner," she replied in a joking manner.

"Geez, Moka. Give the guy a break, already," Tsukune said with a goofy smile.

"I was only teasing him, you silly boy," she said as she planted a wet kiss on his left cheek.

"I knew that!" he half-complained.

"Sure you did," Moka replied with a giggle as she ruffled her left hand through his shaggy hair.

Mizore snickered at the twosome's playful antics.

"Here we are kids. Tokyo Dome City," the driver announced as the taxi came to a full stop.

"Oh, we're here already?" Mizore asked nobody in particular.

"That'll be two-thousand, five-hundred Yen, please," the driver said as he turned his attention towards the teenage quartet.

Moka quickly opened up her purse, fished out her wallet, and then handed a 5,000 Yen note to the driver with a smile.

"Thank you very much. Please keep the change as thanks for getting us here so quickly," Moka said.

"Thank you, miss," the driver said with a slight bow.

"It's my pleasure."

"I was gonna pay, Moka," Ryuu complained.

"It's fine. It's my treat so don't worry about it," she said with toothy grin.

"Okay. Thanks, Moka."

"You're welcome, Ryuu. Just make sure that you take very good care of Mizore while we're here. And like I said earlier, have some fun and don't worry so much about a thing. I have a good feeling that something wonderful will happen tonight as long as you and Mizore put my advice to good use."

Tsukune opened the door, stepped onto the sidewalk, and then offered his right hand to Moka which she happily accepted without a moments' hesitation. Ryuu exited the cab next and then helped Mizore to her feet.

"Thank you, Ryuu," she said with an adorable smile which caused his blood pressure to frantically fluctuate.

"You're welcome, Mizore."

'Oh man, she's so cute. I guess I'm really lucky to have met her, and she's really nice like Moka said earlier,' Ryuu quietly thought to himself.

"Oh my gosh! This is so cool!" Moka bellowed loudly.

"Moka's right. This is gonna be so much fun," Mizore replied as she took in the sights of the famous Tokyo amusement park.

The most striking feature of the Tokyo Dome Park located at 1 Chome-3-61 Koraku, Bunkyo ward, Tokyo 112-0004, is the famous Ferris Wheel called "The Big O". Its of a center-less, non-rotating design which allows the "Thunder Dolphin" Roller Coaster's track to travel through its center. The gondola cars of the Big O travel along the outside track of the 200 foot diameter wheel.

The "Thunder Dolphin" roller coaster's highest drop is a whopping 217 feet with a top speed of 81 miles per hour. The length of its track is 3,500 feet long with a total height of 262.5 feet!

"Well, let's go and buy our wristbands, so we can go on the rides," Tsukune said as he led everyone into the park itself.

"A wristband?" Moka repeated.

"If we buy a wristband, it means that we can go on all of the rides as many times as we want instead of buying separate tickets and it's a better deal in the long-run," he explained.

"Oh! That makes sense. You're so smart, Tsukune," Moka replied with a wink.

"No problem, Moka."

Thankfully the amusement park wasn't overly-crowded and was mainly occupied by other couples on dates, being an early Saturday evening.

"What are you guys waiting for? Let's go already!" Moka said as she grabbed Mizore's free hand and then dragged her and Ryuu down the sidewalk.

"Oh my gosh Tsukune! What's that? They have a haunted house too? And also an arcade! Wow! So cool! There's a shopping mall, too?!" Moka yelped whenever she saw something which caught her interest.

"Yep. It's like I said earlier. You're just like a little kid, Moka," Mizore said.

A short list of the other attractions also include: The Wonder Drop, a water slide; Venus Lagoon, a merry-go-round; The Dive, an indoor shooting type ride; The Super Viking, a swinging ship; Furi Furi Grand Prix, a go-cart track; The Sky Flower, an 185 foot tall parachute-type ride; The Spinning Coaster Maihime, a 'wild mouse' type coaster; the aforementioned Haunted House – plus so much more.

Not to mention several dozen restaurants and shopping kiosks which are scattered all throughout the entertainment complex. Located to the far left was the Tokyo Big Dome, which is home to sporting events and live music concerts throughout the year.

…

After they had purchased their fluorescent green wristbands at the ticket counter located by the front entrance, they wandered into the main area of the amusement park named 'Spa La Qua' and had a good look around the immediate vicinity.

"So, what ride should we go on first?" Tsukune asked aloud.

"Hmm, how about the haunted house?" Moka replied.

"Oh, that sounds like a lot of fun. What do you think, Ryuu?" Mizore inquired.

"Sure, let's do that first, Mizore."

The foursome made their way towards their first attraction and discovered there was even more to see and do, later on in the evening. As they approached the front of the haunted house a few minutes later, it looked as though it would be right at home next to Yokai Academy. The run-down facade looked older that it was and gave off a frightful ambiance.

"This way everyone," Tsukune pointed out the front of the waiting area.

They all stood in line and patiently awaited their turn after they showed their wristbands to the attendant stationed at the very front of the ghost house.

Spooky music along with creepy sounds emanated from speakers hidden in the ceiling directly above their heads. Mizore held Ryuu's hand per habit and he gave her hand a light squeeze.

"Next, please," a costume-clad employee who resembled a Grim Reaper called out to the quartet.

"Oh, I'm so excited," Moka commented as they walked towards the entrance-way.

As they ambled through the front door, they were immediately engulfed in red lighting which only added to the frightful atmosphere.

They continued their trek down the dimly-lit passageway as Tsukune took the lead. He turned a corner to the right, and then entered a room with decrepit tombstones scattered about in a haphazard manner. Spanish moss hung from several half-dead trees with red-eyed ravens perched atop their gnarly branches.

A second later, a corpse fell out of the ceiling on a hangman's noose as it groaned a ghastly moan.

"Kya!" Moka loudly shrieked, as she gave Tsukune a bone-crushing hug from behind.

"Geez, Moka. And you call yourself a vampire?" Mizore teased.

"I can't help it… that… stupid thing just c-came out of nowhere," she replied back, her voice a whisper.

After they made a left-hand turn, they wandered into a swampy area. Low-lying fog covered the squishy floor which felt odd and uneven to the foursome.

"Ew, the floor feels weird… almost like mud," Moka mumbled.

"That's not mud… it's mice," Ryuu said.

"MICE?! Kya!" the mighty vampiress shrieked.

Mizore laughed so hard, she nearly fell backwards. Thankfully, Ryuu held her hand and then helped her upright.

"That's not funny, you guys," Moka said while Tsukune remained silent.

"Sorry, Moka," Ryuu meekly replied.

"Oh my god, I don't think I ever laughed so hard before," Mizore replied, once she regained the remainder of her wits.

Mizore wrapped her right arm around Ryuu's left arm and then pulled herself a little closer to him.

"You're so funny, Ryuu," she commented with a grin.

"Thanks, Mizore. It just came to me."

The next few rooms were somewhat on the bland side, save for some random props, such as skulls of unknown origins, a crocodile, a scarecrow, and a witch's cauldron which gave off an eerie green light.

After they walked through a short maze, they came upon a wide, open space which was near-pitch dark except for a single ultraviolet light. The black-light washed the area in its unusual luminosity and caused any object of the fluorescent variety to glow brightly.

Fantastical phantasms and pesky poltergeists drifted across the front part of the room in random patterns that appeared as genuine disembodied spirits of the living impaired.

It was an updated version of the "Pepper's Ghost" illusion which has been around for several decades. This was easily accomplished using 3-D computer generated imagery which was projected on a nearly-invisible gauze screen from a hidden location.

"Okay. I'll admit that's neat," Moka commented as she firmly held Tsukune's hand.

The next area they walked into was a graveyard littered with numerous tombstones and more skulls. For some peculiar reason, a water well was located in the center of the damp environment.

Moments later, an actor dressed like Sadako from the classic horror movie series "The Ring" climbed out of the well and then crawled towards the foursome. Her long, disheveled hair covered her ghastly pale face as she screeched like a banshee which sent a shiver down a certain vampiress's spine.

Moka let out a blood-curdling scream and then turned white as a sheet.

"Okay, I can't take this anymore. I wanna get out of here, Tsukune," she cried out in mild-terror.

"We're almost done Moka, so please hang in there," he said as he pulled her close and then gave her a hug in an attempt to alleviate her fear.

"I'm sorry. I didn't think it'd be so scary," she mumbled.

"It's okay. If you wanna close your eyes, it's fine. Just hold my hand and try to ignore whatever you hear," he said to her in a soothing voice.

"Okay, Tsukune. Thanks," she said as she closed her eyes and put her faith in her blood-mate.

Ryuu and Mizore felt reasonably awful for teasing Moka so much. They hoped that she'd forgive them so they would enjoy the remainder of their time at the park.

Per Tsukune's promise, they soon exited the spook house.

"Here, Moka. Have a seat and try to calm down," he said as they walked over to a park bench.

She took up his suggestion and then closed her eyes for a moment of solitude. Tsukune sat down beside her on her left-hand side and then affectionately rubbed her back in small circles with his right hand.

"Hey, Moka?" Mizore said as she sat down on her immediate right.

"Yes, Mizore?" the vampiress replied, her eyes still closed.

"We're very sorry for teasing you in the haunted house. Can you ever forgive us?"

"* sigh * Yes, I can forgive you, Mizore. It wasn't your fault. It was my idea to go in there in the first place. I honestly didn't think it'd be so scary," Moka replied.

"Moka, I'm very sorry as well," Ryuu said to her with a deep bow.

"It's okay, Ryuu. Please stop bowing. I'm not upset."

"Are you sure you're okay?" Tsukune asked and then offered her a warm smile.

"Yes, I'm okay now, Tsukune. Thank you for asking."

"You're welcome and I'm glad to hear it. So, what do you wanna do next?"

"Hmm, something not scary," was Moka's blunt reply, which made zero possibility for any further debate.

"I see. Well, we can forget about going on the Dolphin Thunder roller coaster. That thing is scary. The last time I went on it with Kyoko, she got really sick and lost her breakfast and lunch afterward. She can't even look at it anymore without turning blue in the face," Tsukune pointed out.

"Who's Kyoko?" Mizore asked with a raised eyebrow.

"Shes my immature cousin who's almost two years older than me," Tsukune replied.

"Oh, I see. For a moment there, I thought she was one of your numerous ex-lovers," Mizore said with a straight face.

"Mizore! What the heck? I already told you about her before! Baka!" Moka yelped as she glared daggers in her general direction.

"Uh, is it always like this?" Ryuu wondered aloud with a sweat-drop.

"Geez, Moka. Would you chill out? I was only joking," she said as she stuck her tongue out.

"Oh, thank god. She was only kidding," Ryuu said to himself with a sigh of relief.

'What the hell? It's like I'm surrounded by a couple of five-year-old's. Can't I have one day of normalcy? Is that too much to ask for? On second thought, my life will never be normal since I met Moka. Now that I think about it, Moka always says that being normal's overrated,' Tsukune thought with an exasperated sigh and then shook his head from side to side in utter disbelief.

"Anyway, can we discuss about the next ride?" Moka asked as she raised her right hand.

"What about the Venus Lagoon merry-go-round? Its not scary," Ryuu suggested.

"Something with 'lagoon' in the name would be scary to any vampire, you know," Moka dryly retorted.

"Geez, Moka. We know that. Its just the name of the ride, like Ryuu said," Mizore replied as she stuck another one of her lollipops into her mouth.

Moka stood up, stretched her arms over her head, and then offered her friends a smile.

"Okay. I guess we can ride that next," she said as Tsukune held her right hand.

"Onto the kiddie rides," Mizore said in a jesting tone.

…

Just as Ryuu claimed, the Venus Lagoon merry-go-round didn't appear scary at all.

After the foursome showed their brightly-colored wristbands to the park employee at the front entrance of the carousel, they stepped up to the raised wooden platform and then each chose a wooden pony to 'ride'.

"Um, Tsukune?"

"Yes, Moka?"

"How am I supposed to ride this horse?"

"I guess you're gonna have to sit side-saddled. That also goes for you, Mizore."

"Side-saddled?" Moka repeated.

"That means you're gonna have to sit sideways, facing me. You know, because you girls... are wearing… really short dresses," he said with a slight blush.

Tsukune helped Moka up to the saddle and then she did as suggested. Ryuu also assisted Mizore, so she wouldn't accidentally show her white and blue striped pantsu for the entire world to see. Moka held onto the wooden pony's leather reins firmly with a small smile.

"Um, excuse me. If I wanna show anyone my striped pantsu, then I'll only show them to Ryuu," Mizore said as she broke the fourth wall on purpose.

Tsukune hopped up to the wooden horse on Moka's left-hand side while Ryuu sat on the one directly on Mizore's right.

"Giddy up, horsey," Mizore said with a wide grin.

As the carousel started up, circus-inspired organ music played through the speakers hidden in the tent-shaped canopy above.

"Wah, this is so fun, Tsukune!" Moka said with a laugh.

"I can see that, you silly girl," Tsukune teased.

Around and around they went for several minutes and the wooden ponies 'trotted' up and down on their brass poles. Moka giggled and laughed for the entire time. Tsukune was honestly relieved that she felt better ever since the haunted house ordeal and knew that she was back to her cheerful self. Mizore and Ryuu also enjoyed their time on the ride, contrary to the fact that it was aimed mostly at youngsters and families. That thought alone did not deter them from having a great time, together.

"Aw, its already over with?" Moka asked with a pout as the carousel gradually slowed down to a stop.

"It looks that way. We have a lot more rides to go on," Tsukune said as he helped Moka down from her pony.

"I knew that," she said with a goofy grin.

"Oh, look at all the pretty lights," Mizore said as she noticed it was already dusk.

"Wow, Tsukune. I'm so glad we came here," Moka said with a contented sigh.

He wrapped his arms around her waist and then pulled her into a loving hug which she savored with great adoration.

"Me too, my sweet Moka. I love you."

"And I love you Tsukune, so much."

Thousands of lights lit up one by one on every ride and attraction all over the theme park, like the colors of an electric rainbow. The Big O Ferris Wheel's lights slowly faded from red, to green, then to blue and all the tones of color in-between. The dazzling lights of the Thunder Dolphin roller coaster shone a brilliant royal blue.

Ryuu effortlessly lifted Mizore off of her wooden pony, much to her astonishment.

"T-thanks, Ryuu."

"You're welcome."

"There you go, flirting again. What am I gonna do with you two, huh?" Moka asked as she playfully poked Mizore in her ribs, which sent her into a rambunctious fit of giggles.

Tsukune ran up to his significant other, and promptly grabbed her left hand before she molested, I mean, poked anyone else. It seemed like Moka was in a frisky mood, most likely due to a rapid rush of endorphins from her ride on the merry-go-round.

…

After the two couples had ridden nearly all of the more tamer rides per Moka's request, they realized that the night had gotten much later than they thought.

"So, what do you wanna do now?" Tsukune wondered aloud.

"How about we go on The Big O?" Ryuu suggested.

"The Big O? Isn't that an anime?" Moka inquired with a perplexed look.

"He means the Ferris Wheel. Its called the Big O, Moka," Mizore replied as she pointed at the actual 200 foot tall ride in question.

"You wanna go way up there?" she asked, wide-eyed.

"Sure, Moka. It'll give us some alone time. Plus we'll get to see most of Tokyo from up there," Tsukune answered with a wink.

"Oh. Okay. That sounds lovely, so lets ride that next," Moka replied with a wink of her own.

Moka held Tsukune's hand as they all walked over to the gigantic Ferris Wheel with Mizore and Ryuu hot on their heels.

'It'll be perfect, that way I can talk to Mizore in private,' the silver-haired dragonborn thought to himself.

"Is everything okay, Ryuu? Your face is all red," Mizore asked in a concerned tone.

"Yes, everything's fine Mizore. Thanks for asking."

"You're welcome. I've never been on it before and I'm so happy that my first time will be with you," was her straightforward reply.

"O-okay, Mizore."

A couple of minutes later, they arrived at the end of the fairly long line and patiently awaited their turns. The line slowly crawled forward at a snail's pace and they eventually reached the very front several minutes later. Soon after that, the walked up a slight incline and they each showed their wristbands to one of the female attendants on-duty.

"RIDE DURATION: 15 – 20 MINUTES" a sign claimed which was attached to a tall, red pole.

"How many riders?" a kind, older gentleman asked Tsukune.

"Two, please."

"Alright. Please watch your step," he instructed.

Tsukune motioned for Moka as she stepped into the round-shaped gondola with him directly behind her. She took the seat on the right while her faithful blood-mate sat down directly across from her. After the ride operator closed and then locked the door, the wheel moved the next car into position.

"How many riders?"

"Um, two please," Mizore answered.

"Please watch your step as you enter the car."

"After you, Mizore," Ryuu said as he held her right hand and then guided her into the gondola.

"Thank you, Ryuu," she sweetly replied as she sat down on the right-hand side.

"You're welcome."

He quickly climbed into the bright red car himself and then sat down across from her.

"Have fun, you two lovebirds," the ride operator teased just as he closed and locked the door behind them.

'Lovebirds?' Mizore silently thought with a slight blush across her cheeks.

"Hey, Moka..."

"Yes, Tsukune?"

He motioned for her to sit down next to him which she did with a soft smile. She lovingly gazed at her one and only and then kissed him full on the lips. Tsukune was aroused in a split second as he wrapped his left arm around her slender waist and then pulled her onto his lap. Moka straddled his thighs as he kissed her with great ferocity.

"Oh, Tsukune… I've been wanting to kiss you all day," she gasped out in-between passionate kisses which went on for several minutes.

"Me too, Moka. Oh god, you smell so nice. I can't help myself," he whispered into her right ear.

She understood his silent cue and then tilted her head slightly to the left. He licked the side of her neck as his fangs gently pierced her tender flesh.

"Ah, Tsukune!" she gasped out as tingles of pleasure shot down her spine to the tips of her toes which curled in pure elation.

"Oh, My sweet… Moka. I love… you… so much."

"Tsukune… ahh… ah… I love you...so very… much," she moaned as she pressed herself fully against his chest.

…

"Um, Ryuu?"

"Yes, Mizore?"

"I know I was acting weird earlier today... but that's only because I was… really… really nervous about our date, and I had a hard time sleeping… last night," she admitted with a heavy sigh.

"Oh, Mizore. I was also very nervous… since this is the first time… I've ever spent any time with a… pretty girl before."

"Ryuu..."

"But I'm glad that you said yes, about going out with… me today."

"I-I had a lot of fun today… and um… I just wanna say… thank you for a wonderful… date. You made me… very happy," she said, followed with a bashful smile and then chewed on her bottom lip.

"I had fun too… and uh… I… uh… wanna say… if, if you'd like to go out with me again… I'd really like that, Mizore."

"Oh, yes! I mean, yes. I'd love to go out with you… again on another date."

"That's great. Thanks… for saying yes."

"It's such a lovely view, isn't it?" Mizore asked as she admired the lights of the Tokyo metropolis, as it twinkled in the distance.

"Yeah, its the best view ever," Ryuu said in regards to the beauty across from him.

He reached over to Mizore and then held her hands in his own.

"Um, Mizore… there's something that I wanna say to you… I mean, I know we've just met, and I feel like I'm so lucky… to have met you. And… uh… * sigh *"

"Is something on your mind?" she asked with another smile.

He just shook his head "yes".

"I also feel lucky to have met you, Ryuu. Today felt like a dream. A wonderful dream, one that I'll never forget for as long as I live."

"Mizore… what I wanna say is… I… I like you. I really like… you."

"Oh, Ryuu..." she said with a gasp, as she covered her mouth with both of her trembling hands, astonished at his abrupt confession.

"I know. I know we just met, and after we talked about Fate, and Destiny… and about all of my dreams… about you. I feel… I feel somehow closer to you… and I really like you… and I wanna know more about you," he sputtered out.

"I also wanna know more about you, Ryuu. And I also feel closer to you… and… and… I like you! I like you… I like you so much… so much... that it hurts," she said as a solitary tear of joy slid down her cheek.

Moved by her honest words, he gently pulled her closer, wrapped his arms around her slender frame, and then hugged her firmly.

"Mizore..."

"Oh, Ryuu..." she said as she adoringly leaned her head on his left shoulder.

"Since… since we like each other… um… can we… kiss? I mean, if you wanna, Mizore."

"Yes, I wanna k-kiss you, too. I've never kissed… a boy before… but… but… I want my first… kiss to be with you."

"If I kiss you… then… then… I don't think that I'll ever want to ever let go of you."

"Oh, Ryuu," Mizore said as she pulled back a little bit, closed both of her eyes, and then pursed her lips as she shivered with anticipation.

They slowly inched closer and closer until their lips touched in a timid kiss.

'Oh my god… are we really kissing? Hes so sweet and gentle… I'm not dreaming, am I? Oh, Ryuu… please, please hold me. Please tell me that you also feel the same way about me,' Mizore thought as their very first kiss flared up in magnitude.

Both teens where overwhelmed by a torrent of endorphins as their hearts pounded madly in their chests.

Affected by a wave of euphoric bliss and unbridled affection, Mizore urged Ryuu back into his seat as he boldly pulled her into his lap. He wrapped his caring arms around her slender body as their kissing intensified with every passing second. Time froze for the pair as they were only consumed by their passionate embrace with each other.

'Oh, Mizore… I like you so much… shes such a sweet girl and her lips are so soft. And she smells so nice. I'm not dreaming again, am I? Please tell me this isn't another dream. Please tell me that you feel the same way,' Ryuu thought to himself.

At that very moment all of Mizore's worries, phobias, and anxiety vanished in an instant. For the first time in her life, she felt truly free. The snow maiden was free of the chains of doubtfulness and from the shackles of loneliness.

As an added bonus, the fair-skinned maiden felt truly happy and was beyond ecstatic. Without a shred of uncertainty, she finally found what she was taught from since she was able to walk: her destined one. The only man that she'd share the remainder of her life with.

…

"Hey, Tsukune. Have a look at Mizore and Ryuu," Moka said as she sat next to him with a smile upon her lips.

She spotted them in the gondola car below with her enhanced eyes and with a smile. Mizore and Ryuu were entirely engrossed in an impassioned romantic moment; lips locked and entirely unmindful to anyone, or to anything around them. They were for the first time ever, lost in their own little world as a genuine couple.

"I see. Well, good for them. It's about time they got over their shyness, if you ask me."

"You're right, love. I knew I had a very good feeling about those two. It seems to me that they put all of my advise to good use, after all. I'm so happy for them."

"I'm happy for them, too. And I'm glad they're finally being honest with each other."

...