The Slime and the Snow Woman
I have to admit these last few weeks have been pretty good so far. Not only has there been a lack of incidents involving students or teachers getting their butts handed to them by me and my friends, but our work in the Newspaper Club has been a total success. Right now we were all gathered around the school gate handing out our latest issue to the students, hopefully we printed out enough copies so we wouldn't run out too quickly.
Moka: Come on over to get your newest issue of the Yokai Gazette!
Kurumu: This issue is hot off the presses people!
Yukari: Just wait until you see what we have inside!
Male Student 1: I'll take one.
Female Student 1: One copy please.
Male Student 2: They even have advice for the next exam.
I honestly didn't expect our newspaper to become this popular in such a short amount of time, but at least that means that all of our hard work finally paid off. I was proud of how all of us came together to make it happen, that and the fact that we were all having fun in the club together made it even more worth it.
Gin: Nice to see our paper selling like hot cakes.
Kazuto: Yeah, still surprised this many people showed up to pick up a copy.
Gin: Well believe it Kazuto, if we keep this up we might just become the most popular club in school. So let's make sure to continue to work well together.
As we kept handing out copies of our latest issue the boxes we brought with us continued to grow lighter and lighter until we were completely emptied out, with only one copy that I was able to save for myself.
Yukari: We did it! We really did it, we got rid of all of them!
Kurumu: Well I guess this issue of the school newspaper was another success.
Moka: Well in that case why don't we all throw a wrap party for ourselves after school.
Kazuto: That sounds awesome.
Yukari: Totally! After all that hard work I definitely think we've earned it!
Moka: Hang on, has anyone seen Gin?
Kazuto: Now that you mention it I haven't seen him for the last few minutes.
Kurumu: Who cares about him? If anything I bet he's somewhere around hitting on girls. Let's just focus on us and have fun.
Yukari: Yeah that jerk is the enemy of all women!
Kurumu: So what should we do for the party?
Moka: Maybe we should buy some snacks from the campus store.
Yukari: That sounds great. We should get some drinks too.
Kazuto: As long as no alcohol is involved you three can count me in.
Kurumu: Alright so after school we'll meet back at the club room after getting the snacks. How about we play some games while we're at it.
While the four of us were going over ideas for the party another student made her way towards us.
????: You four are just all buddy buddy aren't you. You newspaper clubbers.
We turned to see a girl with long purple hair, pale skin, icy blue eyes and a lollipop in her mouth. While she wasn't wearing the top of the school uniform in favor of a long sleeved sweatshirt she did wear the skirt so I assumed she attended the school with us.
????: And you all like each other too. Truthfully I never really understood that kind of thinking.
Kurumu: And just what is that supposed to mean!
She then walked forward until she was only a few feet from us. She then held out her hand as if wanting something.
????: Newspaper. Do you have any left?
We did have one left. Although I wanted to keep it for myself I figured that since she came all this way for one it would be kind of rude to keep it from her.
Kazuto: Here you can have my copy. I just hope you don't mind if it's rolled up a little.
After giving it to her she came closer to me and stared at my face for a bit. I was starting to get slightly uncomfortable since it was like she was staring directly into my soul as if looking for something.
Kazuto: Uh is everything alright?
????: So you're the famous Kazuto I've heard so much about. I have to admit you're much cuter in person.
My face got red from her compliment, something that definitely didn't go unnoticed by the others as they began glaring daggers at the new girl.
Moka: ( That's my Kazuto, I should be the only one who makes him blush like that! )
Kurumu: ( Who does she think she is! I can't let her take my destined one away from me! )
Yukari: ( This girl better keep her hands off Kazuto or she's going to face the wrath of my golden washtub attack! )
????: Thanks for the paper Kazuto. I'll see you later.
She gave me a wink as she began walking away. After that Moka came and wrapped her arms around mine as her and the other girls looked a little concerned over what just happened.
Moka: That girl, do you happen to know her Kazuto?
Kazuto: Nope. I haven't seen her before today.
Kurumu: Well whoever she is I don't like her. She gave me the creeps just by being here.
Yukari: Yeah tell me about it.
Kazuto: Come on girls there's no need to get upset. Right now let's focus on the party after school and the fun we'll have alright.
Moka/Kurumu/Yukari: Yeah!
Once we finished cleaning up our stuff and returning it to the club room we began making our way towards class. As usual Ms. Nekonome went over roll call and as usual only one student was missing. I never really noticed until now but I don't think the seat in front of me has ever been used before.
Ms. Nekonome: Oh dear, it looks like she's absent again today.
The door suddenly opened and the person who walked in was, to me and the girls surprise at least, that same girl who came up to us earlier today. She quietly made her way towards the empty desk and sat down.
Ms. Nekonome: I'm so thrilled you decided to join us today.
????: Mhm.
Ms. Nekonome: Alright moving on then. Since we have a new student I believe introductions are in order. This is Mizore Shirayuki, extenuating circumstances prevented her from attending classes until now, so please make her feel welcome and treat her like a friend.
This was definitely a shock for all of us, we weren't sure why she decided to show up all of a sudden but I guess it was better not to ask. As Ms. Nekonome continued with class Mizore quickly turned to face me and gave me another wink like earlier today before turning her attention back to the lesson. The rest of the day went on like normal, except for the fact that the whole time I had this very weird feeling that someone was watching me, every time I looked around to try and catch whoever it was I saw everyone just minding their own business.
Kazuto: ( This is nuts, I hope I'm not growing paranoid after all the crazy situations I've been getting myself in to. )
( Mizore's pov )
He really is just the best. I knew from the moment our eyes met that he was the one. Someone who's been through the same kind of loneliness that I experienced, and yet he's so kind to those around him. It was quite amusing to see him try and catch me whenever I stared longingly at him from across the room or whenever the teacher wasn't paying attention and I just turned my head to look behind me, but he was never fast enough to catch me before I pretended to pay attention to the teacher. The only obstacle I had right now was that Moka girl, she seemed rather close to him and it really irritated me how she acted so familiar with him.
Mizore: ( Don't worry Kazuto, after today it'll only be just the two of us. You and I can warm each others frozen souls while everyone else perishes into the cold nothingness of their existence. )
All I had to do was wait for the right opportunity to get Kazuto all alone, then he will belong to me for all eternity.
( Kazuto's pov )
Finally, classes were over for the day. Now we can focus on having some fun for a change. Yukari told us that she had to take care of something first before she headed for the club room leaving me with Moka and Kurumu.
Moka: Okay once I get some snacks I'll make my way to the club room.
Kazuto: Sure. We'll see you there.
Kurumu: And while we're waiting I can give Kazuto that extra special treat I've been wanting to give him all day~.
Kurumu then tried seducing me with her body by pressing herself against me again, thankfully Moka managed to pry her off of me in time. While the two of them left, much to Kurumu's dismay, I started walking to the club room only for that eerie feeling I've been having all day to suddenly come back. I was all alone so I was a bit worried that someone might try and attack me or something, given my track record at this school it was possible that would be the case. As I looked around I noticed someone hiding behind the corner. When I called out to them they came out from their little hiding spot and I was caught off guard by Mizore stepping out of the corner.
Mizore: Hello.
Kazuto: H-Hello, you're Mizore right.
She then walked over to me and held out the copy of the school paper I gave her this morning.
Mizore: I read your paper today, as usual I found your articles to be the most interesting.
Kazuto: You're familiar with my work?
She then reached into the pocket of her sweatshirt and pulled out a notebook with her name on the cover and handed it to me.
Mizore: Even when I wasn't attending school Ms. Nekonome always took the time to bring me a copy of the Yokai Gazette for me to read. Out of all the articles I find the ones written by you to be my favorites so I saved them inside this notebook.
Kazuto: Oh wow thanks. I wasn't expecting to have a fan, I'm truly flattered.
I opened her notebook just expecting to see a collection of some of the articles I wrote the last few weeks, but what I found instead was kind of disturbing. To be fair I did find my articles in the notebook, but I also found her " notes " about them written all over the place.
Mizore: Do you like it? I decided to write down some of my own comments and ideas.
Some of what she wrote down were harmless like a few compliments and questions.
" His writing style is so expressive, almost as if he's reading it to me right now."
" I wonder, if I try reading this book he recommended will I understand the subject a little better? "
Others were some comments that gave me serious stalker vibes.
" He really is amazing, no wonder we ended up in the same school together. It has to be the work of fate."
" Hello, my name is Mizore Shirayuki Tempest. "
" Mr. and Mrs. Tempest "
" Mizore Tempest "
" Kazuto Shirayuki "
It looked like she was seriously invested in me even though this was the first time we met in person, I wondered just how long has she been doing this for. Was she already after me even before I joined the Newspaper Club to begin with?
Mizore: Your articles always seem to get my attention the most, you write them from the perspective of someone who's considered an outsider and I can really relate to that. Your overall personality and the way you think about things is a lot like the way I think.
She then hugged my arm in between her breasts as she rested her head on my shoulder.
Mizore: You must be very lonely, I can tell because the two of us are alike in so many ways.
I never really thought about that before, I guess looking back on it my experiences in human schools did stick with me even now. And I guess there was a small part of me the held on to that lonely feeling from being an outcast. Still, things were different now. Yokai Academy gave me a chance to start over and make friends, it gave me the opportunity to actually open up to others and they have accepted me. Looking at Mizore I did see a similarity between us, she must have had a difficult time getting others to accept her as well, I wondered if I could help her open up, the only question was how though. She then dragged me to the lake on the far side of school to hang out with her for a little while, I figured that as long as I wasn't late for the party I could spare a few minutes. Once we got there she wanted to skip rocks with me, the look on her face with how excited she was to spend time me made it hard to refuse so I played along for a little bit.
Mizore: Kazuto did you see that, that one skipped about nine times!
Kazuto: Not bad. But check this out.
Grabbing a small flat stone I took my spot near the edge of the lake. I focused on the opposite end and with a flick of the wrist I sent the stone skipping across the lake all the way to the other side. I looked back and Mizore was definitely impressed with that throw.
Mizore: H-How did you do that?!
Kazuto: It's all in the wrist. Let me show you.
I grabbed another stone and handed it to her. I got behind her and helped position her arm and her fingers on how to hold the stone properly.
Kazuto: Remember to keep your shoulders and arm relaxed. Just before you release the stone give it a good flick with your wrist and it should go further.
Mizore: S-Sure.
As I stepped back she followed my instructions and the stone skipped further than before, it only made it about half way but it was an improvement. She was so happy that she ran up to me and hugged me.
Mizore: Your advice really worked! Thank you so much Kazuto!
Kazuto: No problem.
As we let go I noticed the faint blush on her cheeks, her smile was so sincere that she actually looked kind of cute.
Kazuto: This was fun, I had a good time hanging out with you Mizore.
Mizore: I'm glad you feel that way Kazuto, it makes me feel all warm inside to hear you say that.
Kazuto: Hey if you want why don't you join me and my friends at a little party we're having. It's over at our club room and I'm sure they'll warm up to you in no time.
While I turned to begin heading out I failed to notice the smile on Mizore's face drop. Her expression became cold, as if she wasn't about to let go of something near and dear to her.
Mizore: So that's how it is, you really prefer that little buddy buddy club of yours don't you.
She then came up and hugged me from behind. As she did I felt the temperature drop slowly as a heavy mist began to surround the both of us.
Mizore: That little girlfriend of yours, Moka, she's the one you'd rather be with right?
Kazuto: Mizore what are you talking about?
Mizore: Kazuto I'm going to make this as simple as possible for you. Stay here with me, promise me that you'll stay and I will forget this misunderstanding ever happened.
Suddenly the temperature began to drop faster, it got so cold that I could see my breath as my body began to shiver.
Mizore: If you leave me than I can't promise Moka's safety. So what's it going to be Kazuto? Will you stay or will Moka have to suffer the consequences of your actions?
( Moka's pov )
I was in the club room waiting for everyone else to arrive. I had all the snacks and drinks laid out but everyone was taking much longer than I expected to get here.
Moka: ( sigh ) I wonder where everybody is. I hope they don't keep me waiting too long.
I was really hoping they were on their way right now, I even took the time to buy Kazuto's favorites for today. Suddenly I heard the door open, at first I thought the others finally made it but instead I saw Mizore standing in front of me. She had this blank expression on her face that made it hard for me to tell what she wanted.
Moka: You're Mizore right? Did you need something from us?
Mizore: Wait for him all day if you want, he won't be coming.
As she began walking towards me I could see drops of water fall from her with every step she took, she then grabbed me by the throat and pushed me down to the floor while never loosening her grip on me.
Moka: W-Why are you d-doing this!
Mizore: Because you're a nuisance that's why. If you weren't always hanging around Kazuto he would've been mine a long time ago.
He hands were so cold, it almost felt as if I was being covered in ice. While I tried to keep my calm my body began to shiver as ice started to form around my neck. I needed to get away from her before she tried to kill me.
Moka: CUT IT OUT!!!!
I tried hitting her in the face hoping that she would be surprised enough to let me go, instead the part where I struck her shattered like glass. As I got a good look at her I noticed that where I struck her was actually made out of ice.
Mizore ( puppet ): I have to admit that was a nice attempt, but the me you see here is nothing more than a puppet made from ice. Personally I think I did a good job with this one.
She then raised one of her hands as the one that was still holding on to me became colder. The hand that she raised then changed into a large ice blade as she prepared to strike me down.
Mizore( puppet ): You see Moka, in order for me to get what I desire you have to go.
My last thoughts before she attacked were of Kazuto and how much I needed him.
Moka: ( Help me Kazuto! )
( Kazuto's pov )
Kazuto: Mizore stop this! You don't have to go this far, let's just talk about this before one of us gets hurt!
I jumped onto the frozen lake as I did my best to avoid the pillars of ice that kept erupting from the ground. Mizore began to show her true self as a Snow Woman, her hair turned into sharp shards of ice and she grew large ice claws on her hands, the temperature dropped until it felt like I was in the middle of winter without any protective clothing.
Great Sage: Snow Woman- Otherwise known as a Yuki-onna, hails from Japanese mythology. These beings are capable controlling the ice and cold to their will. They are a popular figure in modern Japanese anime, manga and literature. They are often confused with the Yama-uba or " Mountain Crone " which is a different creature all together.
Ko: Hey what did I say about spitting out monster facts! That's my job so stop hogging all the glory whee!
Mizore: I'm sorry Kazuto, but I'm afraid I can't allow you to get away from me. Especially when I'm so close to making you mine.
I kept jumping on the surface of the frozen lake as I did my best to keep my balance, these pillars rose almost insanely quick and I had to be careful to avoid getting blindsided. Just as I avoided a spire that took off a small portion of my hair I felt some of the ice break underneath me, the water that poured from the cracks quickly froze and wrapped around me in icy tendrils keeping me in place.
Kazuto: ( S-So c-c-cold. H-Have t-to b-b-break free or I m-m-might fr-r-reeze to death. )
The cold was starting to affect me, I couldn't stop shivering and my eyes began to feel heavy. I had to avoid passing out or else who knows what Mizore might do to me. She was walking to me as frozen spikes started to surround her, the ice that trapped me began to grow and soon my head was the only thing that was still free.
Mizore: Don't you see Kazuto, it was fate that you and I met. We were drawn to each other because we're both so terribly lonely. I could feel the connection between us when our eyes first met, I believe that the two of us can understand one another. Embrace me and we can warm each other's frozen hearts.
Once she was close to me she brought her hand to my face and gently caressed my cheek, her expression softened as she believed she was mere moments away from having me all to herself.
Mizore: There's no need to struggle my beloved. Just relax, once I've fully encased your body in ice you won't be going anywhere ever again. Once I do that you'll be mine and mine alone for eternity Kazuto.
Just as it seemed like the ice was about to fully encase me I heard the sound of wings beating from the distance.
Moka: Hang on Kazuto!
Looking towards the sound we saw Kurumu up in the sky flying to our location while carrying Moka.
Mizore: Impossible. That puppet I sent out should've killed you already.
Kurumu: Sorry to break it to you but I managed to save Moka just in time. I secretly baked a special love potion into the cake I made for Kazuto and now it's completely ruined thanks to you!
Mizore: What a bunch of fools. The two of you should just STAY OUT OF MY WAY!!!!!!
She released more of her power, soon more and more spires of ice exploded from the ground in an attempt to impale the girls. Thankfully Kurumu was able to avoid them for the most part, however one of them managed to scratch her wing and she ended up losing control as her and Moka crashed into me. We slid across the frozen lake until we came to a stop, Mizore had enlarged her claws as she was ready to kill Moka and Kurumu if I didn't step up to defend them.
Mizore: Kazuto what are you doing? Don't you see that these two are just trying to get in the way of the love between us.
Kazuto: Mizore listen you have to stop this right now! I can't allow to do something that you're going to regret!
Mizore: But we're meant for each other Kazuto. We both share the same loneliness, you of all people should understand what that feels like.
Kazuto: I used to be alone, but now I have friends that are willing to look out for me just as much as I will for them. And I won't let anyone hurt them, not now, not ever!
Mizore began to take a few steps back, her tears began to flow freely as the cold wind started to pick up and a flurry of snow began to surround her.
Mizore: Y-You're actually rejecting me Kazuto. No, t-this isn't right. It's not supposed to be like this! KAZUTO WHY!!!!!!
We were blinded by a miniature blizzard as Mizore used the opportunity to escape. Once the intense winds died down the three of us were left on our own. It looked like the danger was finally over for the time being, but the sound of the ice breaking beneath us suggested otherwise.
Kurumu: Guys the ice!!
The frozen lake couldn't hold us any longer without Mizore to strengthen it, before we fell into the cold waters I transformed into my slime form and surrounded the girls as a giant bubble to keep them safe.
Kazuto: ( sigh ) ( That was too close for comfort. Are you two alright? )
Moka: We are thanks to you Kazuto.
Kurumu: Hold on, this is Kazuto's true form? What are you anyway?
Kazuto: ( I'll explain once we get out of the water. I'm starting to freeze. )
I then got us out of the ice cold lake and back onto dry land, after releasing the girls I changed back into my human form. My whole body was shivering from the water.
Kazuto: S-S-So c-c-c-c-cold, n-n-need w-warmth.
( Timeskip brought to you by chibi Gin repairing his camera. )
After a bit of struggling we finally made it back to the club room, Yukari had gone out to grab me some blankets and after getting all wrapped up I tried my best to warm myself up after the incident with Mizore.
Yukari: You feeling any better Kazuto?
Kazuto: A b-b-bit. T-T-Thanks Yukar-r-ri.
Kurumu: So what happened to you back there? Was there any reason why Mizore acted like that back at the lake?
I then explained the situation to them, how Mizore was convinced that the two of us were meant to be together because she believed we experienced the same loneliness. When Kurumu heard that it took both Moka and Yukari to hold her back from flying out the window and finding Mizore on her own. I also told them how I tried being friendly towards her in the hopes of making her feel a little more welcomed into the school, even though she's been through a lot I still felt she deserved to find happiness here with friends and I wanted to try being that friend for her.
Yukari: So the reason she went off like that was because she thought you rejected her. I gotta say that sounds kind of rough, no one should be alone like that.
Moka: Yeah I know, but what are we gonna do? She's probably out there alone and upset.
Kurumu: Maybe it's best if we stay away from her, at least for now. She went crazy when she saw the two of us closing in on them so maybe it would be better to keep our distance.
She had a point, still though I wasn't going to give up one her that easily. After getting myself out of those blankets and walked out of the club room. I ignored the girls protests for me to stay and recover a bit more and began looking for Mizore. While I made my way around the school grounds I was still kind of shivering, I did my best to push past it but my pace began to slow down as I kept stopping to try and warm up even though it was still daylight.
Kazuto: ( Man, I must have been effected by the cold even worse than I thought. I won't be able to find Mizore like this. )
Just as I was about to try making my way to my dorm I heard a scream out in the distance. Forgetting that I was still freezing I began running towards the sound and I saw a disturbing sight.
Kazuto: ( What the hell is going on here?!?! )
I was able to find Mizore, but I also saw that she was getting violated by the P. E. teacher Mr. Kotsubo, what was even more disturbing was the fact that his limbs had transformed themselves into large tentacles. I could see the look on Mizore's face, she was terrified of getting defiled by this freak. Mr. Kotsubo on the other hand looked like he was having the time of his life getting his hands, I mean tentacles, on her.
Kazuto: LET HER GO YOU SICK BASTARD!!!!!!
I rushed in and quickly transformed into my Dire Wolf form and attacked my teacher, I didn't care if I got expelled for this, I had to get Mizore away from him at all costs. He was definitely caught off guard when he saw me about to attack him that he let go of Mizore and jumped back to get away from me. When Mizore fell to the ground she was genuinely shocked to see me defending her even after the little incident at the lake earlier.
Mizore: K-Kazuto? What are you doing here?
Kazuto: We can talk about that later, for now I have some personal business to deal with.
From the expression on my face and the sound of my voice you could easily tell I was beyond pissed. Mr. Kotsubo on the other hand just looked back at me in shock before he returned to his earlier expression since he thought he could still get away from this situation.
Mr. Kotsubo: Mr. Tempest, you do realize that you were interrupting important business between Ms. Shirayuki and myself. Not to mention that you assaulted a teacher and reveal your monster identity on school grounds. If I were to report to the Headmaster about this little accident I have no doubt that you would be expelled on the spot.
I got closer to Mizore as she held onto me for comfort. From the corner of my eye I could see her shaking as well as holding back tears, I looked back at the old pervert in front of us as I let out a growl and bared my fangs.
Mr. Kotsubo: But I'm a reasonable man, if you simply walk away I am more than willing to forget this little lapse in judgement. Just go back to your dorm and you may continue to study here in peace. Just make sure to leave Ms. Shirayuki with me, we weren't finished with our " discussion " from earlier.
She held onto me a bit tighter as my anger began to rise. I could feel her tears fall on my fur and I was about ready to rip this guy apart.
Kazuto: Sorry, but Mizore is coming with me. She's under my protection and I will NOT leave her side. She's my friend and if I have to tear you apart limb by bloody limb than I have no problems with that!
Mr. Kotsubo: Heheheh, why are kids these days so freaking stupid? Don't say I didn't warn you!!!
He then lashed out one of his tentacles as I pushed Mizore out of the way, I avoided the first strike but I was about to be blindsided by another if I hadn't grabbed onto it with my fangs. I bit down as hard as I could, while I did manage to draw out a bit of blood his hide was too tough, in retaliation he lifted me up high before slamming me into the ground so hard that the impact left me in a crater.
Mizore: No Kazuto!!!
Mr. Kotsubo: So much for your little hero. Now where were we?
Before he could take three steps he felt something wrap around his torso, both of them began to hear the sound of something coming from the crater, the dust cloud combined with the black mist from my skill Mimic had me completely concealed. Just then you could see a pair of glowing yellow eyes and the sound became an audible hiss, without warning a stream of purple mist shot at Mr. Kotsubo, he used his tentacles to block it but that was a mistake as his tentacles began to melt. He screamed in agony as the creature slammed him into the ground and revealed himself.
Mizore: Amazing. Kazuto can transform into a wolf and a giant snake.
Mr. Kotsubo: You little freak, how dare you attack a teacher like this!
Kazuto: You still dare call yourself a teacher after what you just tried to do. Don't make me sick, you're just a pervert that goes after vulnerable girls, people like you should do everyone a favor and just DIE!!!!
I slammed him several more times before I tossed him high into the air, I then transformed into my Giant Bat form and flew after him, once I was above him I switched into Evil Centipede and slammed him into the ground as hard as I could. When I landed I changed into a Black Spider and created a web around the two of us so he wouldn't try to escape while Mizore was kept out for her own safety. As he got up he had no choice but to revert his limbs back into human arms and legs, they were still badly injured but I didn't care. He was shaking from fear and that's exactly what I wanted.
Kazuto: What's wrong? Feeling afraid? Well guess what, that's nothing compared to what you made Mizore feel!!!!!
I changed back into Dire Wolf and released more of my power, at the time I didn't notice but my form actually went through a sort of evolution. At first my from was like the Dire Wolf I saved Yukari from, just a plain grey wolf, now my fur was as black as the night sky, I had tufts of fur around my neck that resembled a collar of sorts that shone with a stunning silver, the blue streak from my hair actually now ran across my left eye as it resembled a scar, my eyes shone a menacing ice blue and I grew two horns on my head with the one on my upper forehead being slightly larger than the one just below it.
Mizore: ( What happened to Kazuto? His appearance changed and he's releasing a lot of power. )
Kazuto: Any last words before I end you? On second thought don't, I don't care enough to listen to trash like you!!!!
I lunged at him and kept attacking at incredible speed using my fangs and claws to tear into him. He wasn't able to defend himself and before long he collapsed from his injuries. I walked to where he fell and bared my fangs ready to end him, that is until Mizore shouted at me to stop.
Mizore: Kazuto that's enough! Please stop this or else you might get expelled!
I didn't want to stop, I wanted to hurt him for what he did to her. But deep down I knew she was right, he'd been punished enough. I changed back into my human form but before I went to Mizore I used my new skill Sticky Steel Thread to bind him to one of the trees.
We then began making our way to one of the cliffs overlooking the ocean, I offered her to walk her back to her dorm but she said she wanted to come out here instead. We spent the next hour or so just sitting there without saying a word to each other, she simply settled for resting her head on my shoulder as she held onto me while I gently rubbed her head.
Kazuto: Mizore, I'm sorry I couldn't get to you sooner. If I did I probably could've stopped Mr. Kotsubo from getting his hands on you.
I felt ashamed that I couldn't keep her safe. If I had just gotten her to listen to me earlier than none of this might've happened.
Mizore: Please don't blame yourself, you weren't the one who forced himself on me. You could never hurt me Kazuto, that's one of the reasons why I like you so much.
She tightened her hold on me as she scooted closer to me.
Kazuto: Mizore, I know that you've had a hard time making friends, but I want you to know that you don't have to be alone. I really want to be friends with you and I'm sure the others will welcome you with open arms if you give them a chance.
She looked at me with a surprised expression, she honestly thought that I would still be upset over the fact she tried to freeze me alive but instead I was more focused on making her feel better.
Mizore: I don't know. How do you know that everyone else will accept me, I nearly froze you into my own personal ice statue and I attacked your friends. Will they really accept me as one of them?
Kazuto: Of course they will. This school is teaching us to coexist with humans, but it also gives us the chance to interact with other monster species. No matter what we are it doesn't change the fact that we all want to be accepted on some level. All we have to do is take that first step and I will be there every step of the way.
She then began to tear up, soon she was hugging me as her tears flowed freely once more. This time they weren't tears of loneliness but rather they were tears of happiness. The girls found us after another half hour, according to them Mr. Kotsubo was severely injured thanks to me, but fortunately for us Gin came by with photographic evidence that was presented to the headmaster about what happened. As it turned out Mr. Kotsubo would be severely punished for what he did, we weren't given specific information about the sort of punishment he was going to get but the headmaster assured us that if something like this were to happen again than he would begin looking for a new P. E. teacher as well as someone to clean up the mess. We were even given permission to write an article about the incident as well, however we didn't write anything that would reveal that Mizore was the victim and Mr. Kotsubo was instructed not to say anything either or else he would receive his punishment early. Another thing that happened was due to this whole mess I gained a new skill.
Great Sage: You have gained the new skill Cold Resistance. Furthermore, due to possessing Heat Resistance and Cold Resistance both skills have combined into the new skill Thermal Fluctuation Resistance.
A few days have gone by, during that time Mizore made no effort to hang out with us or even me for that matter. I thought she just wanted some space so I let her be, but I reminded her that if she needed us for anything than we would be there for her. Right now I was in the club room with the girls as I was about to reveal to Kurumu and Yukari my true form.
Kurumu: So are you really okay with doing this?
Kazuto: Of course I am, after all we've been through I think it's only fair that all of you know what I am.
Before I could change into my true form the room began to grow colder, a mist began to creep into the room as the door slowly opened and reveal Mizore hiding behind it.
Kazuto: Mizore?
Moka: What are you doing here?
Yukari/Kurumu: More importantly why are you making it so cold?!
She then walked inside, the first thing I noticed that she changed her hairstyle, now her hair only reached her shoulders.
Kazuto: Mizore you cut your hair?
Mizore: I decided to shorten it, does it look good on me Kazuto?
Kazuto: Yeah you look great.
Mizore: Thanks Kazuto, I knew my beloved would appreciate it.
I felt chills going up my spine and it wasn't because of the cold, it was because the girls were quickly getting jealous of the attention I was giving Mizore.
Moka: Kazuto you're supposed to pay attention to me!
Kurumu: Are you crazy, Kazuto only needs me!
Yukari: I'm with Moka, he only needs the two of us!
Now all three started pulling at me again, Mizore could only watch but I could tell she found the sight amusing.
Mizore: Anyway, didn't Kazuto say something about revealing his true form.
Soon enough the girls finally let me go and we got back to the task at hand. I took a step back and transformed into my slime form. Other than Moka since she already knew what I was everyone else was understandably shcocked.
Kazuto: So what do you think?
Yukari: So cute!!!
Yukari began having stars in her eyes as she hugged me like a teddy bear.
Yukari: You're so adorable I just want to hug you forever!
Mizore: Hey don't hog him all for yourself, let me have a turn!
Soon Mizore pulled me out of Yukari's grasp and hugged me close to her chest, her hold on me was cold but at the same time it was oddly comforting.
Kazuto: ( Oh man, I never realized that Mizore's sweatshirt was so thin. This is awesome. )
Kurumu: Hey get your hands off my destined one!
Now I was ripped away from Mizore as Kurumu held me in her soft mounds.
Kurumu: Wow Kazuto you're super soft and bouncy!
Kazuto: ( I'm pretty sure that's my line. )
What surprised me next was when Moka grabbed me from Kurumu, when I looked at her I could easily tell she was jealous, not to mention her hold on me was very, very tight!
Kazuto: Moka, I know you might be a little upset, but you're gonna make me go from slime to slim if you don't stop squeezing!
Moka: ( gasp ) Oh my gosh I'm so sorry please forgive me!
After letting me go I returned to normal, from that point on we welcomed Mizore not only into our circle of friends but also as the newest member of the Newspaper Club. I knew it would take some getting used to, but I had no doubt that she will feel like part of the group in no time at all. After all we all accepted one another despite our differences, so I had faith everything would work out.
Moka: By the way Kazuto, how is it that you can change into those other monster forms?
Kurumu/Yukari/Mizore: Yeah tell us!
Kazuto: ( sigh ) Alright. Where should I start?