The Moon and The Bird

Disclaimer: I don't own Keroro Gunso. It is Mine Yoshizaki's copyrighted property.

Author's Note: I'm very sorry for the annoyingly long wait for this chapter. In this chapter, I'll explain that there's no such thing as DoroxTsuki in this story. By the way, the festival thing is something I suddenly came up with, so I don't know if it really happens or not. Since this chapter is seen from Kururu's point of view, Shoku will be addressed as Tsukiki. And I might be a little too imaginative, so I'm sorry if there are parts of the story that you can't think out. Fun fact - Kururu's afro is purple. Some words come from an encyclopedia, so if you ever don't understand a word, go look up for them by yourself. From now on, I'll use proper Japanese honorifics. Enjoy and review.

Encounter IV: Princess of the Winter Moon
- POV: Sergeant Major Kururu –

The 4th of December at Pekopon was fairly ordinary.

Whirring of engines, crackles of electricity, taps of keys and buttons… I'm used to all those. I'm used to the dark condition of my lab. I'm used to seeing one same screen for… possibly hours. I'm used to the occasional beeps from either the computer or some random machine in this place. I'm used to everything in this private underground space of mine.

Except for those steps.

I turned to see the newly accepted Sergeant Major Tsukiki approaching me. I scratched the back of my head and crossed my legs on top of my desk. "Well, I never really expect visitors in such early mornings… What do you want from me anyway?"

"I have a favor to ask from you."

I laughed. "A favor, huh? Interesting… What's this favor you want me to do?"

"There's this thing called the Snow White Festival held at school today… And Natsumi told me that every girl had to get a winter colored outfit to wear at school."

"And your point is…?"

"My point is I don't have one. I recalled that there's a panel in my Pekopon Suit that could alter my clothes and hairstyle, though I myself can't access it. But I believe you can."

"Yes, of course I can." I yawned. "That's an easy matter."

"Problem is, although I have that Pekopon Suit necklace you gave me, I can't change here."

I raised an eyebrow. "Why not?"

She shrugged. "I go to school by jumping on tree branches. I can't possibly do that when I have a troublesome gown on. That is, unless you can figure out a better outfit."

I shrugged. "Yeah right, very troublesome… And so you're suggesting that I go to Kisho High School before the festival starts and do the altering?"

Tsukiki nodded quietly.

I turned my back to her and stared at my screen. "By the way, why do you care so much?"

The tadpole's widening eyes were reflected on the screen, but they soon reverted back into their usual calm state. "A chameleon must follow the colors of the terrain it is on."

"But you're no chameleon." I commented. "You're a tadpole."

"I'm an assassin. An assassin blends with their surroundings no matter where they are."

"Whatever." I said. "By the way, when exactly does the festival start?"

The violet tadpole turned around. "It starts at 12.30 p.m. I shall appreciate it if you come." And with that she vanished into the dark, leaving purple mist behind. The clock showed 6.15 a.m.

I smirked. Time to make another new invention.

I glanced at the big clock tower of the Kisho High School building from my hovercraft. The time showed 12 o'clock sharp. Students were seen rushing to the school's backyard, the females already in their winter outfits. I laughed when I saw a girl with pink oversized Hello Kitty glasses waddling like a penguin in her heavy Eskimo costume. That was stupid.

Then I noticed Shoku, or more correctly Tsukiki, leaning on one of the windows on the third floor. Silently, I controlled my hovercraft there. When I could reach the glass, I knocked it twice. The violet haired girl turned to see me, her face carrying a faint smile.

"So you came," She said coolly. "I thought you decided to make fun out of me."

"I came because I wanted to inspect the belt, and studying it as well."

Tsukiki smirked. "That sounded like a mere reason, no?"

I rolled my eyes. "Shut up and open the window. I can't go through walls; I'm not Omiyo."

"Omiyo… You mean that nice spirit girl in the Hinata residence? Yes, I sort of encountered her last night when I snuck into the building. She's not really a nuisance though, except that her presence kind of made the air around heavier…"

"Open the window."

"Alright, alright." She said while sliding the window to the side. "You're so impatient."

"Don't make me change my mind about altering the belt." I told her. My hovercraft floated onto a nearby table and landed there. I stepped off it and onto the table and beckoned her to come near me. Once she was in range, I turned my index finger in circles. "Back facing me, now."

She turned around calmly. I bent down and accessed a hidden panel on her belt. I connected my apparatus's cable to one of the removable drive ports and pressed several buttons. All Tsukiki did along the process was turn her head a few degrees to the back and observe how I did things.

After a few seconds, Tsukiki's school uniform transformed into a slim, pale green, sleeveless gown with low neckline that had thick, fluffy, fur lining, together with a pair of fingerless mitts that had the same color and with same fur lining, only much thinner. The gown had glittering curls of ice blue at the edges where her slender body curves were accented. A pair of translucent-blue glass slippers appeared on her feet. To complete her Ice Queen costume, a polished silver tiara studded with shining aquamarine gems was positioned nicely on top of her head.

I took a mirror out of nowhere and gave it to her. The girl looked at herself through the reflection, and then commented, "My hair doesn't seem to match the color code. Can you alter it?" I shrugged and pressed a few more buttons. Her long, silky, violet hair turned light ultramarine. Tsukiki looked into the mirror again, and then smiled. "That's much more appropriate. Thanks."

I smirked and sat on the edge of the table I was on. "If you think that's cool, then wait till you see this." I said as I pressed the symbol on my forehead. Soon, I was engulfed in a bright light. When the light died down, I had turned into a tall teenager with purple hair, amber eyes and small, round glasses in Kisho High School boy's uniform, only with a yellow blazer.

Tsukiki's mouth turned into an O shape. "Wow."

"Like it? It's a Pekopon Suit I invented this morning right after you came looking for me."

"Okay, I like it. But can we go to the backyard, like now? It's already 12.25."

"Who's the impatient one this time?"

"Alright, I'm an impatient hypocrite. But can we go now..?"

"Yes, we can! Just go, for goodness sake. By the way, I'm coming with you to the festival."

"You're coming with me? What should I tell people if they ask me about you?"

I sighed. "Look, it's not that hard. If they ask for my name, I'll just answer Kurai. If they ask who I am, I'll tell them that I'm Mutsumi Saburo's brother. It's that simple, okay?"

"Okay, okay, I got it. Now let's go to the backyard. My teacher will get mad if I'm late."

The wide backyard of Kisho High School was filled with students. I was glad that the school workers were so diligent in clearing up the snow. If they weren't, I wouldn't be able to walk on dirt right now. All the girls squealed with excitement, chattering on and on about the Snow White Festival. Then I saw Natsumi and Koyuki chatting with two other girls that I didn't know.

Tsukiki tilted her head to their direction and we walked there together. Along the way, I shoved a Chikururu Adams gum into my mouth. I needed to change my personality for a while. Soon, the bunch noticed Tsukiki and beckoned her to come over.

"Wow, Shoku-chan, I must admit that you look smashing! That's the Ice Queen costume, right?" Natsumi praised. She had a watermelon pink tutu with puffy sleeves, pale lemon stockings and a pair of light orange dancing slippers. She also had a strawberry red hair band on her head. (A/N: Just in case you didn't notice, all the colors were described with the names of fruits ^_^)

"Yeah, Shoku-chan, you're so cute and pretty! You even painted your hair blue!" Koyuki chimed in. The kunoichi was wearing the same outfit as the one Natsumi had. "And… Who's that guy next to you?" She said as she closed up to me. I could tell that she was trying to sniff me. I still couldn't get how these ninjas tell who is who by odors.

The other three girls stared at me. Tsukiki pointed at me, "Oh, him?" They nodded.

I bowed slightly and explained with a polite voice, "My name is Kurai, brother to Mutsumi Saburo. I would like to make acquaintances with you." Natsumi blushed slightly at the mention of Mutsumi. That girl really had some serious affection on my best buddy.

Tsukiki sweatdropped. "What happened to you?" She whispered.

"I have this gum that gives random effects. One changes personalities." I replied quickly.

Koyuki stared hard at me. She sniffed twice and frowned. I winked at her and positioned my index finger on my lips. She shook her head and sighed, but agreed nonetheless.

"Hey, he's pretty cute. Don't you think, Yayoi?" A brunette whispered to the girl beside her.

The other girl rolled her eyes. "Forget it, Satsuki-chan. You don't stand a chance."

Yeah right, keep on dreaming both of you. Though I must say, there were quite attractive… Oh great, my perverted side bumped in again. But it was true; They were attractive.

The brunette addressed as Satsuki was wearing an orange ball gown with a maroon shawl and a pair of long, vermillion evening gloves. The other one called Yayoi had a slim, pale blue gown with a quite low, V neckline, pagoda style long sleeves and a slit that showed her left leg. Her hair was braided into a long ponytail, flung over her shoulder.

…But I couldn't seem to understand why Satsuki-san wore a summer colored outfit…

Well, everyone had their own choices, so I ignored the color statement.

The principal was walking towards the stage in the middle of the yard. Once he was in front of the microphone, he tapped its head twice. Everybody looked to his direction. After a low cough, he started his speech.

"Good day, my students!" His voice boomed from the speakers. "As you all know, today is the Snow White Festival, the grand winter festival of Kisho High School! Now let me ask, who here does not like our winter festivals?" Nobody responded. The principal grinned. "As we can see, absolutely everyone likes the Snow White Festival! In that case, why don't we start now?"

The girls cheered. They chattered about the oncoming winter outfit contest. The guys also cheered. They talked about the oncoming cute outfits they were about to see on the girls' bodies.

The principal tapped the microphone again. The buzz died down. "Like in the past years, the Snow White Festival shall be started with performances from several 10th graders. Let us give the hardworking ones a great big applause!"

And with that, everyone applauded. Natsumi and Koyuki quickly said something to the other two girls – who seemed to have a sudden crush on my Pekopon Suit – and then ran to Tsukiki's side.

"Wish us luck on the dance, okay Shoku-chan?" Natsumi begged with puppy dog eyes. I was about to laugh out loud. That was so unlike the great Natsumi, substitute head of the Hinata family.

"Shoku-chan, cheer us along the dance, alright?" Koyuki asked cheerfully.

Tsukiki nodded. "Don't worry, I'll shout for you from down here. Now go up there and dance."

As the two gymnasts ran to the stage, I whispered in Tsukiki's ear. "They call you Shoku?"

"Shoku Tsukimachi, actually." She replied. "I introduced myself with that name."

I shrugged. "Okay. What are they dancing anyway? The song, I mean."

"Moon River. If you don't know how it goes, just watch."

"Alright…" I answered half-heartedly.

Then the music started and the girls on the stage started to dance in a perfectly coordinated pattern. Natsumi, Koyuki and the rest of the girls performed a dance that, I thought, was similar to what a classmate told me as the Swan Lake ballet back in Keron. Until now, I still couldn't get what's so good about these ballet shows. Nevertheless, I watched till the end.

"Well, what do you know?" I commented when the show was done. "Not so bad."

The ballet show was over, and the two of us – Shoku and I – were chatting about it.

"What I know is that they did a great job on placing those heaters around this yard. If they didn't, those dancers would've been frozen by now. And so would we." Tsukiki joked. "Hey, Kuru- I mean Kurai-kun, do you want to do something in particular?"

"Like…?"

"Like, going to one of the stalls around this yard? We don't have to stand here all day staring at those dancing princesses," She smirked. "Especially when you're a pervert."

"Get off my back." I said. "But you do have a point. I'm getting tired of just standing."

The ninja assassin smiled. "What are you waiting for? Come on, I'll be right next to you." She said as she grabbed my hand. Then we walked together to a random stall near us. And for some unknown reasons, I feel a bit… awkward. Was it because she rested her head on my shoulder…?

Wait a minute… She was resting her head on my shoulder?! I turned my head to see if it was true. And there the girl was, her head put so comfortably on me. And man, was it heavy!

"What the hell, I'm not a pillow! Quit it, Tsukiki-san; People stare. And your head is heavy!" I protested, and only got ignored. "Oh come on, do you not understand Japanese?!"

"I do," She said. "But I'm starting to get cold… On the contrary, you're so warm. So you'll be my temporary heater. It's fine, right? Ne, Kuru-chan…?" She continued in the cutest possible tone.

"STOP JOKING!!" I yelled. "Man, I think I like your other side better…"

Then I regretted saying that. The data that I hacked from the Keron Army stated that her cruel side won't hesitate to kill anything or anyone, and she could annihilate two people per minute… without assassin magic and ninjutsu. The rate would surely change if she used any of her weird, inhuman techniques. They even stated that she's vengeful.

The dossier I printed also said that she was too terrifying to be fully described. That was why I haven't told anybody about this. If Keroro got stupid enough and asked HQ to pull her back to Keron, she might get mad and suspicious at us. Worst case, she might plan a revenge on my platoon, possibly with the people around us. And a dead Mutsumi is the last thing I want, aside from my life.

"Tsukiki-san," I said in the most careful way possible. "Head off my shoulder, please…"

And whether you care or not, this villainous Kururu actually said please. Then again, that would be one of the effects of my personality changing Chikururu Adams gum.

"A little joke couldn't do any harm, you know." Tsukiki said with a hurt look on her face, her head no longer positioned on my tired shoulder. "If you don't want me to do something, just say it. I know people are staring, and I'm sure they know that this is just a joke…"

"It could harm my- our reputation though." I mumbled sarcastically. Then I decided to soften a little on her. "Alright, go on. Put your head anywhere you want to. Just act normal, okay?" I must admit, I didn't sound like me. But that was to prevent her from being angry.

The girl seemed to brighten up. "Thanks, but I had enough joking. I want some dango."

"There's the dango stall." I pointed, and then read the sign out loud. "DANGO: 300 YEN. My money is more than enough for that. What about you?" I continued as I reached for my wallet.

Tsukiki frowned as she counted the money in her coin pouch. "I have three thousand yen. I wanted to buy Natsumi-chan and Koyuki-chan a portion each too. And I think I'll buy you one as well. That means I'll have to waste one thousand and two hundred yen for four portions of dango."

"Then what's the problem?" I asked. "You don't have to treat me, and you still have a lot."

"HQ only provided nine thousand yen when we were sent here to Pekopon since we're not exactly an invasion platoon." She started. "I've started working part time in an electronics store since I got here, and they only pay me one and a half thousand yen per day. I need to save money to rent a room in an apartment because the cave is starting to get buried in snow, but the cheapest room I could find is twenty thousand yen. The total of what I currently have is six thousand yen, and I only brought half of it. I mustn't finish it if I'm going to get the room I want."

I thought for a while, and then offered. "I'll treat you, then." She stared at me with wide eyes. I added, "What I mean is, I'll treat you in Azumaya-san's share. You pay for Hinata-san's."

"Why do you use their family name to describe them? You're not talking to a stranger."

"People look at us." I said with a tinge of annoyance. "They've been staring since you put your head on my shoulder, and now they think we're going out together. I bet they're listening too."

The light ultramarine haired girl nodded her head in understanding, and then we marched to the dango stall. By the way, if you don't know what dango is, it's a ball made from pounded rice on a stick with thick, sweet paste applied on top of it. It goes very well with red bean soup.

As soon as we reached the dango stall, I shoved six hundred yen to the vendor while Tsukiki handed him another six hundred yen. The middle aged man gave us four paper plates; each with three balls on a stick. The smell of the hot paste made me want to eat it even more. We thanked the man and walked back to where Satsuki and Yayoi were standing.

When we finally got to where the two girls were, they looked at us. Or more precisely, our dango; And with longing eyes too. I thought that they also wanted a few of these.

"Where did you get those dango?" Yayoi inquired.

"At the corner under a sakura tree next to the frangipani flower pots." Tsukiki described.

"Thanks." The dark haired girl replied as she dragged the other girl off to the direction of the dango stall. A few minutes later, Natsumi and Koyuki came, their eyes also fixed on the dango.

"Where did you get those dango?" Natsumi asked with dreamy eyes.

Tsukiki smiled. "Don't bother. These are for you." She said as she gave one to each of them.

The redhead and the kunoichi received the snack happily. But right when Natsumi was about to dig in, Koyuki blurted, "Aren't we supposed to change out of our performance clothes?"

Natsumi and Koyuki exchanged glances, then handed the dango back to us. "Sorry, we need to go. We'll come back as soon as possible!" And with that, they ran into the school. Tsukiki and I looked at each other, then laughed. Satsuki and Yayoi came back and stared at us, confused.

"What's so funny…?" Satsuki asked.

I shrugged and answered calmly, "Nothing in particular." Tsukiki nodded in agreement.

When Natsumi and Koyuki said 'as soon as possible', they meant as soon as possible. The duo gymnasts appeared from the horizon and ran to where we were, already in different clothes. And believe it or not, they only took two minutes!

Natsumi had an old but modest 14th-century gown called a cotehardie. It was peach and it fitted her curves with a low neckline and floating sleeves that reached her ankles. She also had a translucent, pink shawl wrapped around her. A carmine, heart shaped tiara with fake garnets rested on top of her head. I couldn't tell how her shoes were because her gown was so long.

Koyuki had a cute outfit. It consisted of a white tutu with short, puffy sleeves and white tights. She wore a pair of silver ballet slippers decorated with feathers. Transparent wings with silver glitters here and there together with a snowflake shaped wand perfected her costume. A sterling grey, semi-transparent ribbon with tiny crystal beads tied her hair into a sleek ponytail.

"Gee, you guys look cute and pretty." Tsukiki complimented. "Koyuki-chan, you're posing as a snow fairy, right? As for Natsumi-chan… I couldn't really tell. You had a summer colored outfit on."

Natsumi shrugged. "Winter goes with my brother, not me. By the way, I can see that you've gotten hold of your other personality. You know… the cold, terrifying one?"

Natsumi you idiot, don't poke her other side. You wouldn't like it when it's awake. I thought. I looked at Tsukiki's face. She was always as calm as the breeze, I couldn't tell if she was angry, sad, happy, or whatever she was feeling.

"Other personality? Terrifying?" Yayoi repeated. "Natsumi-chan, what were you saying?"

Ugh… Can't anyone see that I'm trying to prevent this girl next to me from exploding and killing everybody in range…? I complained in my mind, stressed. Although from what I saw, Tsukiki was so still, so cool, so calm like the light sea wind.

So… different. Different from anyone I've known before. The only Pekoponian I know with a personality as breezy and cool as this was my best friend, Mutsumi Saburo. Even Dororo wasn't like this. Tsukiki and Mutsumi had no mood swings (read: trauma switches).

The last time I was angry, I quickly forgot about it. I put up a poker face with my typical grin on it. I laugh at whatever was happening. I act evil, uncaring, and disappear from everyone's sight with my floor elevators.

But Tsukiki didn't laugh. She didn't act uncaring. She went on with the flow like salt that dissolves in water. Nothing seemed to bug her. She seemed to be immune to everything. This Tsukiki… Was it the same cold girl I saw when she first came into the base?

It confused me, especially her two different personalities. Her little brother, Toriri, said that her dark side developed more than her good side, but what I experienced said that her good side ruled more than her dark side.

Imagine yourself with someone who acts cold to everyone but you. Unimaginably creepy.

"Saburo-san, Shoku-chan!" Yayoi suddenly shouted, snapping me out of my thoughts. "We're about to start the fashion contest! Oh right, Shoku-chan," She paused for a while to take something out of her pocket. It was a piece of folded paper. She gave it to Tsukiki and continued, "Make sure you read this, and then go to the back of the stage. Bye!" And with that, she went away.

For a short moment, the two of us looked at Satsuki, slowly disappearing in horizon, and then looked at each other, trying to read each other's eyes. The silence was broke off with laughter from both of us. Tsukiki laughed so naturally that I forgot that she was an originally cold assassin.

I nudged Tsukiki's elbow playfully. "You didn't tell me anything about this fashion contest."

"I didn't know either. They told me nothing about this." She answered, equally surprised.

"Shoku-chan…!" Koyuki called excitedly. "Have you read the paper I asked Yayoi to deliver to you? It's important, you know. You're supposed to read it to find out how the fashion contest goes! I mean, you're contestant #24. You'd better not make a fool out of yourself!"

Tsukiki looked a little shocked. The ultramarine haired girl quickly unfolded the paper and read it. I peeked and saw that it was her catwalk route.

She shook her head and sighed. "Do I have to do this, Koyuki-chan? It's… embarrassing."

"Sorry, Shoku-chan… But everybody's doing it, whether they wanted it or not. It wouldn't be fair for them if they found out that you didn't join the fashion contest, would it?" Koyuki said.

Tsukiki gulped silently. "Alright. I'll do it." She said coolly, then turned to me. "Kurai-san, I had to go. You may visit the other stalls as much as you want. Take care not to get into trouble."

"You don't have to pretend in front of Koyuki." I laughed. "She knew who I am."

Koyuki gave her typical feline smile. Tsukiki laughed too. Then they walked away together.

I reconsidered Tsukiki's words. Visit the stalls, she said. Which stall? I scanned the whole backyard. There were more than a dozen of them. I decided to start with the takoyaki stand. And by the way, takoyaki is Japanese for octopus balls. It tastes great when you eat it with katsuobushi sprinkled on top. By the way, katsuobushi is thin, little pieces of dried fish.

"TAKOYAKI: 500 YEN." I read out loud. "Man, that's almost twice the price of the dango. Oh, well. Octopus does taste better than pounded rice." I rummaged through my wallet and counted. "11,000 yen should be more than enough for… let me see… Me, Tsukiki… And maybe I'll also buy Mutsumi one. That equals 1500 yen. My, my, I'm such a spender, ku ku ku…"

I walked to a purple stand and purchased 3 portions of takoyaki. The freshly made octopus balls sat nicely on the plate, waiting to be eaten by someone. I looked around and coincidentally spotted Mutsumi hanging around behind a cherry blossom tree.

"Saburo!" I called and went to his side. He turned around and smiled. I didn't know how he did it, but he actually recognized me in my new Pekopon Suit. Was it my voice?

"Yo, Kururu! What's up?" He greeted. "You don't usually come to festivals."

I shrugged. "I'm just accompanying Tsukiki-san. Or more like she wanted me to."

Mutsumi's eyes showed that he was trying to recall something. "Tsukiki… You mean that new member you told me about a few days ago? She's a student here? I didn't notice."

I rolled my eyes and gave him a plate of takoyaki. "Whatever. By the way, this is for you."

"Weird, you're being generous." He commented, but accepted the food anyway. "Aren't you going to watch the fashion contest? It's from Natsumi-san and Koyuki-san's class."

"I know, and Tsukiki-san is also in their class."

"What? Seriously?" He inquired. I confirmed with a simple nod. The silver haired boy smiled. "Well, that's surprising news. Did you make her any Pekopon Suits?"

"Not really." I started to explain. "She had this belt that can alter her appearance, like her hairstyle, clothes, accessories and stuff. All I did was change the setting a bit and voila, she's in a gorgeous winter outfit – The Ice Queen costume, to be precise."

Mutsumi laughed. "Hail the almighty genius, then. Although I'm supposed to be smarter."

"Ku ku, yeah right." I said uncaringly. "But I'm really smarter than you."

"Aren't you going to watch the fashion contest?"

"I'll go if you're going as well."

"I am going."

"Then I'll go with you."

"And now, contestant #18: Satsuki Shiwasu!" The MC shouted as Satsuki walked out to the crowd from behind a large, milk white curtain on the stage. The brunette strutted in average speed until she reached the end of the runway, then walked back behind the curtain.

Mutsumi and I were watching from a high place – one of the school balconies, to be precise – with the help of binoculars, which I coincidentally brought along with me.

"My, my, the girls sure look pretty in those clothes." The silver haired boy grinned.

I laughed. "You little pervert. Anyway, Natsumi's already out."

"Huh? Where, where?" He asked as he hastily grabbed my binocular and looked through it. "Hey, you're right. Man, she looks cute, considering that she's also the terrifying Devil Summer."

"Ku ku ku… She's a devil only in front of taichou's eyes." I remarked, then took my binocular back from his hands. I looked through it and saw Natsumi going in and Koyuki out. "Oh, wow. Koyuki's such a cutie in her snow fairy outfit, ku ku ku!"

"You're also a pervert, you hypocrite." Mutsumi smirked.

"Whatever, Saburo." I shooed him off while still keeping my eyes fixed on the stage. Then I noticed that a special someone's turn was already on. "Hey, why don't you check this girl out?"

"That depends. Is she cute?"

"Sort of, I guess. Here, take a glance."

"Alright, if you say so…" The teenager smiled and took my binocular to view the current girl on stage. Suddenly, a blush crept onto his face. "In the name of Akihabara, what do you mean 'sort of'? This girl's hot! Man, her neckline is so low – too low, even. And what slender curves, such a slim body – Such a beautiful design! Kururu, do you know who that is? I don't think I've seen her before."

I shrugged. "Actually… That's Tsukiki-san, or – as how she's called by the clueless students – Shoku Tsukimachi. Not to boast, but yes, I did a pretty good job on the outfit, didn't I?"

"What do you mean 'pretty good'? She looks perfectly sweet!" Mutsumi giggled.

I sweatdropped. "Okay, you're creeping me out. I know I'm also a pervert, but can you please stop being an intolerable perverted idiot? You giggle at almost every girl you see!"

"Only the cute ones." He winked, then continued his observation on the fashion contest.

I sighed. The day always felt long for me when Mutsumi is around.

"So you won the contest?"

"Uh-huh. I don't really know why so many people vote for me."

"That's because you look cute."

"Shut up, you pervert."

Tsukiki and I were walking back to the Hinata household while having a cold conversation. And the way Tsukiki was back in her old, cold self was nice. I don't like being near unreasonably happy and gleeful people, somehow.

But talk about a sudden mood swing! Just this day I thought she didn't show her split personalities when near me, then she just did. Half the day she was nice to me, then in the other half – like, now – she was acting like I'm a stranger.

"Alright, here we are." I declared. We've finally arrived in front of the Hinata residence. I pressed the doorbell repeatedly until Natsumi came out with an angry face.

"Hey! Just ring it once!" She yelled, then noticed me and Tsukiki – still in our Pekopon Suits – and added in a friendly tone, "Ah, sorry Saburo-san and Tsuki- I mean Shoku-chan. I thought-"

"Don't mind me; I'm just walking Kururu-san home." Tsukiki said calmly.

Natsumi looked shocked. "Kururu… You mean," She pointed at me, "HIM?!"

"Well, duh." I answered and deactivated my Pekopon Suit. "See? It's just me." Meanwhile, Tsukiki followed suit and deactivated her Pekopon Suit as well. "Now, can I go in?"

The redhead sighed. "Fine, fine, get in and disappear to your underground lab. And don't cause any noise or havoc or ruckus or whatever that annoys me because I'll be listening to 623's radio show in a few minutes, okay?"

"Whatever." I replied coolly, ignoring the possibilities of Natsumi beating me up and turned to speak to Tsukiki. "So, Tsukiki-san, you're going home yourself?"

"Why, of course." The violet tadpole snapped. "I don't need you to walk me home." And with that, she did a double backward flip and landed on a rooftop, then leaped onto more, slowly disappearing into the horizon.

I raised an eyebrow. "Man, what a weird girl."

"She sure is," Natsumi chimed in. "But you're much weirder."

"Whatever, Devil Summer."

"Shut up, Yellow Devil." Natsumi retorted, then walked into the house.

I looked at the dark, cloudless sky. The winter moon was shining brightly. Nothing seemed to be going wrong. I exhaled with my mouth, producing a cloud of mist in front of my face and quietly went inside the house as the moonlight shone upon Inner Tokyo.

I'll have to research more about Tsukiki-sochou – This might turn interesting.

Those from the side of the Earth,
Hail the powers in the red blood sword.
Hidden secrets of a special someone's birth,
All mark the terror of the moon's word.

-- 963