"Why do you even own something like this?"
Kurumu shook her head as she tugged on the rounded black laces which were fished through silver eyelets down the back of this padded bodice. The black, lacy fabric which was layered over this thick material had a floral pattern in the back quite similar to the ruffled, black lace skirt. Moka gasped when Kurumu tugged the laces taut at her waist.
"I thought it was pretty."
"Pretty sexy."
Kurumu was still wearing her powder blue chemise from last night. After breakfast they had been told to get dressed for the funeral. Kurumu highly questioned Moka's choice, but at least this thing was black. Having no clue what she should wear, she had happily agreed to assist Moka.
"Would Tsukune think so?"
Kurumu smiled softly as she tugged the laces about into a large looped knot. She gently placed her hands in the defined recess of Moka's waist, nudging the girl's right side. Moka slowly turned about, regarding Kurumu with expectant eyes.
Moka was gorgeous. Her long pink tresses had been pulled over her left shoulder to allow Kurumu an easier time with the laces. The bodice had five fashionable silver buckles in the center which served no purpose. A pair of straps on each side of the dress cut up along the edge of where the sleeve would have started if this garment had sleeves. These straps could be adjusted with silver buckles, allowing Moka to align the front pattern with her bust. Above the pattern was a smooth black padding similar to what was in the back. The garment ended shy of the black choker which held the rosary.
"Tsukune would wonder what kind of panties you are wearing."
Moka blushed, absently lowering her hands to the skirt. While the outfit appeared to be one piece, the skirt was separate, which had Kurumu wonder if that was true about the outfit she had seen Rubi wear. The two garments were quite similar, though Moka's was more conservative without bared shoulders or cleavage. But unlike Rubi's skirt, this skirt rose up higher in the front to bare Moka's knees while the back of the skirt brushed her calves.
"I don't think Tsukune is like that."
Kurumu smirked, quite aware of Tsukune's sexual appetite. It was always stronger when Kurumu was with Moka. It was the simple matter of him being too polite to treat Moka coarsely.
"If you were his girlfriend, you wouldn't have such innocent thoughts."
Moka pouted. She reached up to caress Kurumu's left ear. While the garment was sleeveless, Moka had slipped on elbow length, black lace, fingerless gloves.
"Are you okay?"
Kurumu smiled, snatching Moka's hand away to hold it in both of hers.
"Of course. I'm a little jealous that I don't have an amazing wardrobe to compete with you."
"She's worried. I've never felt her so worried before."
Kurumu shrugged, letting go of Moka's hand.
"I thought you couldn't feel her emotions."
"It's obvious from the words she uses when she's angry. She's warned me about things but she's never asked me to check on someone's feelings. Now she's being defensive and dismissive."
Kurumu fought down the sudden urge to cry. She swallowed it down hard and shook her head.
"It's probably from what she saw in the Eye last night. I was lost in some painful memories, recalling hard times where I hoped my mother could help me without telling her what was wrong. I was thinking to ask if you were okay before breakfast since you were passed out when we came out of the Eye."
"I'm fine. Kurumu. To me… that was no different than going to sleep."
Kurumu forced a smile.
"How is she doing? The other Moka. I know she wasn't happy about seeing her mother."
"She says Mother is not our mother. She also says it was not nearly as bad as she had worried. She doesn't think you should trust her or that everything Mother said was true."
"Yukari knows some Fairy Tale history so she might confirm what we were told when we see her next."
Moka paused.
"She wants us to talk with Mr. Nagi. He's the groundskeeper but he's not Mother's servant. His father is one of the family elders whom have never cared for Mother. Father is still recognized as the Head of this family. Mother only has that power deferred until Father is officially declared dead so the family elders can select a new Head. Women have never held that honor so I doubt Mother would be considered."
Kurumu mulled that information about. It sounded like Mrs. Shuzen benefitted from not having any certainty on her husband's whereabouts. While that had her question how serious Mrs. Shuzen was about getting information about her husband from Moka, Kurumu started to wonder what the whole point was for her using the Eye last night.
"She doesn't know if Mr. Nagi will speak with us though. He's always avoided me and you're a stranger."
"I have no idea what to wear."
Kokoa bounded through the sliding door which connected the two suites, stark naked. Her reddish hair was still down from this morning, though her patch of black curls below her navel betrayed her true hair color. Her small, perky breasts were marked with dark aureoles which looked like they could be covered with fifty yen coins with the convenient hole in the center for those erect nipples.
"Do you think Kokoa could confirm anything?"
"The other me spent the most time with Akua. Do you remember the trip to Hong Kong, Kokoa?"
"Hong Kong? When did we go there?"
"It was before the trip to Sydney. You were three."
Kokoa paused.
"I thought Sydney was the first time I was on a plane."
"No. She distinctly remembers going to China first. You know Mother often has business with the Miao and Huang families."
"What does that have to do with anything?"
"Akua told us she lived with family in China. At Yokai we have a Chinese girl in Kurumu's homeroom whom said Akua was a skilled assassin."
Kokoa shrugged nonchalantly.
"What of it? Father was an assassin and remained doing contract work for Fairy Tale even when Mother took over as President. I remember Momma protesting his line of work all the time."
Moka smiled softly.
"She said we would never find peace with humanity through death."
"Momma was sweet. I wish she was here. I'm sure she could have helped Mother avoid putting Kahlua in Father's place. Kahlua doesn't have what it takes to be an assassin."
"Well… Kahlua is strong."
"And scary."
Both sisters laughed. A short pause of silence followed as they smiled at each other.
"Could you ask Mr. Nagi about Akua's mother?"
Kokoa frowned at Kurumu.
"Why?"
"There's a woman whom died in childbirth in December of 84 by the name of Hanami. She supposedly gave birth to Akua in February of 82."
"Mr. Nagi isn't going to tell me anything he hasn't told Mother."
"I'm trying to verify what your mother said about Akua is true."
"I suppose I could ask him tomorrow. Do you think you'll be in shape to report to the kitchen?"
Kurumu grinned.
"That's right. I still have to meet your professional chef and learn how to cook to your satisfaction."
"You certainly do. What did you think of breakfast this morning? Awesome, right?"
Kurumu nodded, having thoroughly enjoyed the meal. It was easily on the same level of the amazing breakfasts Yukari made.
"I'm looking forward to the lessons."
Kokoa clapped her hands together, holding them in front of her breasts.
"Right. So… what are you going to wear?"
"I have no idea what to wear to a funeral. I've never been to one."
Kokoa sighed as she retreated back into her suite.
"I have a black dress but I'd consider wearing it to the wedding before I wore it to a funeral."
"Is what I'm wearing fine?"
"I think you're good, Moka. Maybe you should throw on some stockings and a garter belt. You could even wear those cute frilly thongs you bought. I know one was black."
"Uh… is that appropriate?"
Kurumu smirked, highly doubting anyone would be flipping Moka's skirt to determine if she was wearing appropriate panties.
"I don't know this girl, Moka. I can't pretend like I'm grieving over some poor girl I've never met."
Kurumu wandered through the opening between the suites. The wall between these rooms was quite thick for some reason, having nothing to do with the sliding door. Kokoa paused her rummaging through Kurumu's luggage to regard Kurumu.
"I may have met this Sugawara girl. It was a part of her that fixed you, so you should be grateful."
Kurumu shrugged before kneeling down beside Kokoa.
"Why are you looking through my clothes?"
Kokoa shrugged, turning her attention back to the luggage. She had already taken out Kurumu's school bag and purse, setting both aside.
"I'm thinking I'll match whatever you are wearing. Where's the ballroom gown I bought you?"
"I couldn't fit that in here."
"That's for the wedding, Kurumu. You were supposed to bring it."
"I gave that to Yukari. As long as you remember to invite her to the wedding, I will have my dress. It's not like my swimsuit, which I straight up forgot to bring."
"At least you brought your servant attire. I guess we could wear this."
Kokoa picked up the indigo cheongsam with the white and pink lotus pattern.
"Is that appropriate for a funeral?"
"We would match. I'll go get mine."
Kurumu frowned as Kokoa hurried off to her bedroom.
"Are you sure about this? This dress is stupid tight. I remember having to take off my panties so that the lines didn't show through the fabric."
"Couldn't you wear a thong?"
Kurumu glanced back at Moka, whom was pulling something up beneath her skirt. The vampire had put on some black knee highs which had straps trailing up beneath the skirt. Moka withdrew her hands, smoothing out her skirt.
"Are you wearing thongs?"
"Well… you said I should. The black ones with the pink bow."
Kurumu chuckled, reaching up and tugging the chemise off over her head. She grabbed the cheongsam, getting up on her feet.
"I think even a thong might show in this. I'll just go without."
Kurumu stepped into the top of the dress one foot after the other. She then tugged it up to her rump. It was not an easy dress to put on since the top gap was only so wide. She fixed the fabric about her hips and smoothed it down her thighs, letting the excess fabric hang unattended while making adjustments.
"Are you sure you are okay, Kurumu?"
Kurumu snorted as she pulled the top half of the dress up higher. She dipped low to slip her left arm through the hole, tugging the fabric up on her shoulder before doing the same for her right arm.
"Why are you asking?"
"Something is wrong. She's suggesting things and being evasive. Can you tell me what happened?"
Kurumu felt the sugary sweetness of Moka's desire as she adjusted the top and started pulling the tiny golden zipper up from her armpit over her right breast. She hoped her nipples remained flaccid as this fabric showed everything. She drew the zipper up the collar which ended at the base of her chin.
"Is she suggesting we make out?"
"Uh, well, after I drink your blood."
Kurumu laughed at the blushing vampire, shaking her head.
"It's nothing, Moka. I already said it was some bad memories from the past. Human kids bullying me because I was different. I know you had your fair share of that."
"I guess. She wants you to feel better."
"We're not doing anything like that before heading to a funeral."
"Yea… What shoes will you wear with that?"
Kurumu laughed at the random remark. She shrugged, pulling out the bag of shoes from her suitcase. She imagined the pair she took from mommy's closet would look better than her school loafers with laces. She sighed, thinking she needed new shoes. Pretty shoes to go with all her pretty new things.
"Do you think your mother will let me have some new shoes? I don't have anything formal to go with that fancy dress Kokoa bought for me."
Kokoa emerged from her bedroom wearing a curve hugging cheongsam. The silk was dark green and patterned with white lilies. Black flats adorned her small feet with a rounded front and open top.
"Should I put my hair up?"
"I think you look gorgeous."
Kurumu nodded at Moka's sentiment, grinning as Kokoa came over to join them. The girl's nipples were hard not to notice. Impulsively, Kurumu grabbed Kokoa and pulled her into an embrace. Kokoa tensed up, absently placing her hands on Kurumu's waist.
"What are you doing?"
"Sweet talking my way into having you convince your mother to buy me new shoes."
Moka laughed and Kokoa nervously joined in.
"I'm sure she'll let you. We should go downstairs. Mother said our guests were coming straight here and would be eating before we took off."
Kurumu let her hands slide down, giving Kokoa's rump a firm squeeze.
"Are you wearing panties?"
"You said you weren't."
"That didn't mean you had to follow my example."
Kokoa laughed sheepishly with a rosy glow on her cheeks as Kurumu let her go.
"Grab your shoes and follow me."
Kurumu bent over to fish her mommy's old shoes out of the bag. Moka had retreated back into her room to get her footwear and Kokoa was on her way to the door. Kurumu glanced at the souvenir box she had picked up in Yamagata, feeling a slight pang of sorrow. Holding her shoes to her breast, she went over to Kokoa whom had opened the door.
"I think your mother is weird."
"Why?"
"I don't like her but I feel like that's because she doesn't want me to like her. Does that make any sense?"
Kurumu slipped out into the hall. Kokoa followed after her, closing the door.
"Mother has always been strict. Momma was the nice one."
"Would you know anything about a garden? Your mother says Akua is there."
"I know we have a garden. But I doubt Akua is anywhere near our home."
"What do you remember of Akua?"
Kokoa paused at Moka's door.
"She was very attached to Moka. Father had her fight with Kahlua a couple times. But Kahlua hates fighting. She could only win if she became desperate. Akua would knock her out before she reached that point. That's why Kahlua could never reclaim her title as the eldest daughter."
"Title? Isn't Akua the Eldest because she's the oldest?"
"No. It's actually a title any eligible vampire woman of the family can fight for."
Moka's door opened and the vampire stepped out wearing those long, high heeled boots with the glossy black surface. Kurumu pouted.
"You did not need to be taller."
"What?"
Kurumu sighed with a slight shake of her head. She started off, prompting the others to follow.
"So what was your interaction with Akua like?"
"She treated me like a doll."
"Akua adored you."
Kokoa huffed as they crossed the balcony to the winding staircase.
"All she wanted to do was dress me up. She ignored all of my challenges."
"She would have hurt you, Kokoa. The few times I beat her felt like intentional losses."
"Wait. If Moka beat Akua, did that mean she was the eldest?"
Moka frowned as they started down the stairs at a slow pace.
"Most of our challenges and matches were unofficial sparring. Something as important as the title of Eldest has to be witnessed by at least three family elders."
"Yea, but fighting over blood rights is different. Only Mother had to bear witness to that."
"What's your sister Kahlua like?"
"She's really sweet."
"You saw that teddy bear Moka has at school. That was something Kahlua hand made for her."
"At least this time it was meant to be a bear."
"Do you remember the bunny she gave you?"
"I have seen some of her memories. But she was scared to have me act like I knew anything about the past. She was convinced Mother had killed Momma."
"It's so weird hearing you talk about Moka like that. At times I want to believe you are Moka. I'm sure Kahlua wanted that too when she gave you the bear."
They stepped off the stairs and walked slowly towards the dining room doors which were closed.
"Did Kahlua interact much with Moka after her sealing?"
"Moka was kept from us. We only saw her during summer vacation, though I usually get to see her during Golden Week because of our birthdays. Last year was the first time Moka had not come home."
"Why? What happened?"
"It was an odd summer. I didn't see Mother or Kahlua, both being too busy with work."
Kurumu placed a hand on Kokoa's shoulder as they reached the door.
"You said Kahlua was forced into being an assassin."
Kokoa shrugged, drawing the door open.
"Family politics there. Don't ask me to explain it because I don't know."
The room was filled with beautiful women seated about the dining table. Mrs. Shuzen was at the head of the table, facing the door. Amusingly she was dressed in a sleeveless cheongsam like theirs, though her dress was black with a golden hem about her collar and down across her right breast. Her short, silvery hair had the familiar diamond encrusted cross pinned to hold her bangs.
"Oh, do go on, dears. I heard Kahlua and family politics mentioned, so I'm thoroughly intrigued."
On Mrs. Shuzen's right was Ms. Juunan. She was the tallest woman in the room and was swathed in a black, strapless dress with a fluff of fabric about the bosom which tastefully covered her cleavage. The stretchy garment wrapped about her curves tightly.
"It's nothing, Mother. Kurumu was curious as to why Kahlua became an assassin for Fairy Tale."
On Mrs. Shuzen's left was Ms. Kiyoshi. The black haired beauty had styled her hair slightly different but still in an updo. Having not been informed of the funeral to pack appropriately, Ms. Kiyoshi was wearing business attire which consisted of a business jacket over a white blouse tucked in a tight black skirt which ended shy of her knees. Her legs were covered in dark hose.
"That's as Kokoa says. Family politics. The elders wanted me to pick someone else so they could open the issue of if I had the authority as an interim Head of the household to fulfill our obligation to Fairy Tale. By passing the torch to Kahlua, they could only grumble over my cleverness."
All of the seats on Ms. Juunan's side of the table were taken. There were three young women and two girls, none of which Kurumu had seen before. She wandered over to the opposing side of the table.
"How long has she been an assassin?"
Ms. Ohno whom was beside Ms. Kiyoshi gestured to the open chair beside her. The golden haired beauty had a black dress with wide straps. The gown billowed out at the hips, stretching to her ankles.
"Shortly after turning fifteen. She spent a year in training under the finest agents of Fairy Tale before returning to fulfill her obligation as Eldest Daughter. For the past couple years she has juggled a schedule full of marriage challenges and assassination contracts from Fairy Tale."
"Yea… I only challenged her before she joined Fairy Tale. The thought of fighting for Mother's blood against a trained assassin frightened me."
"Giving up?"
Kokoa wandered around Kurumu to tug out the vacant chair beside Ms. Ohno.
"I do have a chance, right?"
"You are much stronger, child. Your best chance is in ignorance of the results."
Kokoa grimaced, flopping down in the chair. Unsure if she should do anything else, Kurumu tugged the chair back which was beside Kokoa.
Kurumu hesitated to sit down as she regarded the women across the table. The five whom she had not met before were all tending to their meals. Sort of. The little girl with the smooth black hair drooping about her head to hide her ears was more interested in playing with her chopsticks than eating. She was dressed in denim coveralls over a black blouse with poofy, short sleeves.
The slender girl across from Moka had dark, wavy hair which brushed her shoulders. A black bow had been fastened in her curls. She was fiddling on a hand held game without any progress made on her plate. She looked remarkably similar to Yukari in size and shape, though perhaps a year or two younger. She was wearing a black dress shirt with the long sleeves rolled back to her scrawny elbows.
The young woman across from Kurumu looked like she had never missed an opportunity to ask for seconds. She was heavyset but voluptuous. As she pounded away at her second plate of breakfast, Kurumu surmised that meal was going straight to her tits which were huge and unrestrained in that simple, black sundress. The straps hung loosely on her broad shoulders, questioning their existence.
As thick as this woman's torso, arms and shoulders were, she was neither obese nor muscular. Kurumu was unsure if there was a word to properly describe this, but she imagined boys like Ushio would find this curvy girl attractive. Kurumu had seen thick girls in high school like Makiba and Keishutani. This one was sexier than them and in similar proportions. If anything needed work it was her hair. She had pulled her cinnamon locks up into braided pigtails on each side of the back of her head. Her face was freckled unlike any of the others at the table.
"Are you okay, dear?"
The woman sitting beside this heavyset beauty cocked her head and smiled with eyes of tiger orange. She also had cinnamon hair, though she had pulled her long tresses into a braid which she had slung over her left shoulder and tied with a black bow at the end. She wore a simple, sleeveless black frock.
"We should do some quick introductions."
Ms. Kiyoshi stood up and gestured across the table, indicating the ashen haired woman seated beside Ms. Juunan first. The hazel eyed women with the pixie cut nodded quietly. She was dressed in a silken, black blouse with long sleeves while the top three buttons had been left unfastened for her bosom.
"The young lady by Juunan is Ms. Fukuda Mayu. She assists Juunan with the region though spends most of her time in Fukuoka."
"I think everyone but Kurumu knows Ms. Fukuda. Anyways, this young lady is my personal servant, Ms. Kurono Kurumu. She's a succubus, which I believe all the other ladies in this room are."
The woman across from Kokoa giggled, nodding her head.
"Yes. All my girls are succubi."
Kurumu blinked in realization.
"You're Ms. Sakurai Uwaki."
The cinnamon haired woman sat back in her seat, touching her cheek.
"Oh dear. I didn't think my reputation was that well known."
"Shut up. I told her about you a couple days ago. The only reason why you're relevant is because we needed someone to watch over the Shikoku region."
Ms. Sakurai laughed apologetically, closing her eyes and bopping her own head with a fist.
"Uwaki drove in from her home in Otoyo of the Kochi prefecture. They arrived in Iromori shortly before midnight. They were supposed to spend the night with Mr. Nagi."
"I was pooped. It's seven hours from Otoyo to Iromori. I let Jona drive the last hour."
Kurumu smiled, regarding the other three. She would have not guessed this large girl was Ms. Sakurai's daughter. While they had the same hair color, nothing else was remotely similar. None of these girls looked like they belonged to Ms. Sakurai.
"I'm glad you brought the girls. I haven't seen them since I came here the summer after my graduation four years ago. Little Takara was just a baby."
"Baby. Baby. Baby."
The little girl started chanting, banging her chopsticks against her plate.
"I was tempted to leave them behind. But Jona got upset when I told her I was going to Emi's funeral."
The big girl paused. Without a word, she stuffed the morsel in her mouth.
"Is that the first name for Ms. Sugawara?"
Ms. Sakurai looked up at Kurumu, nodding with a smile.
"Jona used to write her letters back when Emi lived in Nagusame with her birth mother. They kind of shared this common sorrow. Emi never knew her succubus mother and Jona's birth mother died before we had Kabuki. She was such a sweet woman."
Kurumu absently sat down in her chair, aware that she was the only one still standing.
"Was it not safe for her? To carry a succubus."
Ms. Sakurai laughed softly.
"Momma Yamahana was recommended by Ms. Hajinai. I thought she was far too old, but I didn't dare question Ms. Hajinai's decision. After giving birth to Jona, she played the role of doting grandmother. I suppose that was fine, since most people do have two. Momma Ontai and Momma Yamahana. I would have used her to carry Kabuki if it had been safe."
"Do the other girls have the same birth mother?"
"Unfortunately not. Kabuki was carried by Ms. Garimasu. She's… well… I guess Momma Yamahana spoiled us since she was like part of the family. Ms. Garimasu is strictly business. After birthing Kabuki, she cut all ties with us. We had to get somebody else to carry Takara."
"That's Ms. Kurenai. She's our nana, huh?"
"Nana huh? Nana huh? Nana huh?"
Kabuki had paused her game and was looking at Kurumu with interest.
"That dress is so cool, huh? Can I have a dress like that, Momma?"
"I don't know, honey. Those look awfully expensive."
Kabuki shook her head with a sigh. She turned her attention back to her game.
"Why would clothing be expensive? It's not technologically advanced or anything, huh?"
"Kabuki. We shouldn't buy fancy stuff like that before your wings."
"Why? That dress doesn't have anything to do with wings, huh?"
Ms. Sakurai sighed, smiling at Kurumu. The woman made a slight gesture at her own bosom which had Kurumu immediately understand what the real issue was.
"How old are your girls?"
"Jona turned fourteen in January. Kabuki turned nine in May and Takara will turn five in October."
"Sounds like you're due for another girl."
Ms. Sakurai giggled at Ms. Ohno's remark.
"I'm certainly open to the idea but Momma Ontai says I should wait for Jona to complete high school."
Kurumu smiled softly, recalling Ontai was the woman mommy would have been assigned to.
"What's Ms. Ontai like?"
"Momma? She's sweet. Nice. Kind."
"Uwaki was raised by Ms. Ontai. Like Juunan, we don't have an exact age for Uwaki. We know she was about three years old when Ms. Hajinai gave her to Ms. Ontai, based on when her wings emerged."
"Ms. Hajinai gave her to an agent of Fairy Tale?"
"We don't know if Elder Hajinai was aware that Riyuu was working for Fairy Tale at the time. And Riyuu kept Uwaki secret. She did not tell us about the girl in her care until she transferred into our unit in 88."
"This may be of interest to you, Ms. Kurono. It was Ms. Ontai whom arranged your mother's meeting with Ms. Hajinai to find you a safe birth mother. And Ms. Ontai was keeping tabs on your family the entire time you were living in Tottori."
Kurumu grimaced at Mrs. Shuzen's revelation.
"She wasn't much help to us."
"She handled the matter in Yonago which your mother ran away from."
The boy she hospitalized.
"Is Ms. Ontai old?"
Several ladies laughed while Ms. Sakurai smiled warmly.
"Momma isn't too old, but she might be older than everyone at this table."
"Thank you, Uwaki. That's the nicest thing that anyone has told me in days."
"Because it's not true."
Ms. Juunan stuck her tongue out at Ms. Kiyoshi.
"I understand Ms. Ontai was discovered in April of 61 due to her wings. That means she is about the same age as Ms. Aimai, whom was born on May twelfth, 1950."
Ms. Juunan pouted at Mrs. Shuzen.
"You're so mean to me."
"Hey! Maybe we should take three vehicles instead of four."
All attention shifted to Ms. Ohno whom was grinning widely.
"Why not? I'm sure Uwaki is tired and doesn't want to drive another three hours to Nagusame and then another three hours back. I'm fresh. Auntie Narau is fresh and Ms. Juunan is young and full of energy."
"Shameless flattery shall get you nowhere. Besides, Mayu has already agreed to drive for me."
"But that still works. We can have three cars of four. There's no reason to make poor Uwaki drive six extra hours today."
"I don't know if I want to split my girls up."
"So we'll take the little one. You, me, baby girl and Ms. Kurono. Sound good to everyone?"
Kurumu frowned at the idea of being in that group.
"I'd rather not."
"Indeed. You should take Moka instead."
Ms. Ohno glanced at Mrs. Shuzen.
"I thought you would want her in your car."
"That was never the case. I was going with Ms. Juunan and Ms. Fukuda. If I must add a fourth, I would prefer the company of my daughter, Kokoa."
Kokoa smiled with a slight blush. She closed her eyes and nodded in approval.
"Oh. Well… I suppose Ms. Kurono would have more fun with Uwaki's older girls. You okay with that, Auntie Narau?"
"I don't really care one way or the other."
"Speaking of drives, we should leave soon. The ceremony is at one and it's already after nine."
"I'm done eating."
Jona had a husky, low alto voice. She set down her chopsticks.
"I will go get the car started."
Ms. Fukuda nodded, scooting back her chair and getting up. This prompted everyone to follow suit as Ms. Fukuda briskly crossed the room in her textured gray slacks. Kurumu absently slipped out of her chair, reluctant to hurry out the door.
"Does any of your daughters have boyfriends?"
Ms. Sakurai laughed as she hauled Takara up into her arms. It seemed unnecessary since that child was easily half her mother's size and clearly could walk. The mother clasped her hands together with her arm serving as a seat for her daughter straddling her hip while Mrs. Shuzen and Ms. Juunan slipped around behind her. Moka and Kokoa lingered at the door.
"Of course not. My Jona is only fourteen."
"As of January. That means she's in the ninth grade."
"Ninth grade is still too young to have a boyfriend."
"Says the woman whom had a baby instead of going to high school."
Ms. Sakurai chuckled at the accusation as she headed for the door with her daughters in her wake.
"I'm not about to encourage my girl to make the same mistakes."
Ms. Kiyoshi gently pushed Kurumu's shoulder, steering her towards the door as Ms. Sakurai slipped out into the main hall with her girls in tow. Having nobody else to converse with, Kurumu hurried after the women. In the grand foyer, Ms. Ohno was holding the front entrance door open for the others. Kurumu flinched when a body bumped against her side.
"So… you're part Undine, huh?"
Kabuki was wearing a pair of black capris and glossy black loafers. She held her gaming device up to her chest and grinned. Kurumu smiled nervously at the girl as they walked towards the front entrance.
"Your dye is running. I have the same problem. I guess that comes with being part Undine, huh?"
Kurumu reached up to touch her hair. Mommy had to dye her hair every weekend to keep the color right. Back then she had thought nothing of it, assuming mommy bought cheap dye.
"Kabuki, right?"
"Yea. Though with the characters song, dance and craftsmanship. Quite clever, huh?"
"You'll need these keys."
Ms. Ohno wagged a key attached to a ring with a black disc. As they made their way through the open door into the morning sun, Ms. Kiyoshi snatched the item.
"So much for that car rental."
"What car rental?"
"So you're like fifteen, huh?"
Kurumu smiled, ignoring the mumbling complaints and cheerful remarks of the two women behind her.
"Sixteen. Though my birthday was this week."
"Cool. And you have a boyfriend, huh?"
Kurumu nodded as they walked to the edge of the veranda. Three sedans were parked about the private circle, each with a different color. There was the black cherry one Ms. Juunan had driven from the airport and the obsidian one Ms. Ohno had driven from the hospital. Kokoa was getting in the back of a dreamy blue sedan with her mother.
"Are you going to keep him, huh?"
"Keep him?"
"Our mother doesn't seem to keep our fathers around. Says they would get weird with us. Funny, huh?"
Kurumu understood the reasoning as they crossed the crushed gravel to the black cherry sedan. Jona was walking around to the front side passenger door, which Kurumu guessed meant she was expected to sit in the back with Kabuki.
"Do you hang out with boys much?"
"All the time. They're a hell of a lot more fun than girls, huh?"
The dreamy blue sedan was already pulling away from the lot as Ms. Ohno hurried to the obsidian one. Moka offered Kurumu a smile and wave before getting in the back of the obsidian sedan.
"You probably say that because you have sisters."
"I know, right? Kind of get sick of girls when you live with them all the time, huh?"
Kurumu arrived at the back door behind the driver's side. She tugged the handle which was unlocked. Jona, whom Kurumu could tell now was only slightly taller than her, suddenly realized her error and sheepishly opened her door as well. They all clambered in as Ms. Kiyoshi paused at the driver's door.
"You better not get lost, Yokina! I'm following you!"
"Yea, yea!"
Kurumu chuckled as Ms. Kiyoshi slipped in the driver's seat and started up the car. The obsidian car slowly started to pull away seconds before Ms. Kiyoshi put their car in motion.
"Do you guys know Ms. Kiyoshi's niece, Saikou?"
Jona nodded and Kabuki grinned, pulling a silver flip phone out of her pocket.
"I text Saikou as much as our data plan allows. She's a trip, huh?"
"Kabuki is a dummy. Mom had to put a limit on her phone."
"Your Mom is a dummy for giving an eight year old a phone last year. Saikou only got hers for New Year's a month before she turned twelve."
Kabuki held up her phone.
"I have concrete evidence that it was Saikou whom started it. Check the records, huh?"
Kurumu giggled as the car pulled into the woods that flanked this private drive. Having spoken with Saikou, she could believe it.
Kurumu felt distant as she sat on this stone bench at the edge of a clearing in the woods. Her back was to a railing which prevented visitors from accidentally walking off the cliff which was well hidden by trees and brush. Up off to the side of this cliff was a beautiful yet small waterfall. It could not have been wider than the size of a classroom but the water flowed with such vigor and sound as if challenging any whom might dare to not call it a waterfall. The woods had parted only enough for this sheet of water, quickly closing back in to deny the presence of the ravine below.
Kabuki was pressed to her side, fooling on her PlayStation Portable since they were far enough away from the other guests. The girl had slipped all four of her games in her pocket, not wanting to leave anything behind in their vehicle. Unlike the the cars owned by Mrs. Shuzen which were all from the Lexus brand, Kabuki's family had a green Corolla almost as old as Kabuki.
Judging by the music and sound effects, Kabuki was playing that Darkstalkers game again. It had nothing to do with a love for Morrigan or Lilith whom both were succubi. It was more a matter of Kabuki liking how fighting and racing games had such a low commitment to time. She had also played a few minutes on Ridge Racer. Her other two games, Tales of Eternia and Metal Gear Acid, were both RPGs. Kabuki had acquired the PSP and her fun games for Christmas. The two RPGs she had gotten on her birthday.
Both Kabuki and Jona were attending human schools. Jona had lucked out with the timing of her wings and tail, sprouting them a week into summer break three years ago. She had only missed a couple weeks of school to get the hang of suppressing them. Kurumu had no idea how long it had taken her to figure out how to suppress hers since there had been no push for her to hide them in Kengamine. She knew it had been before she entered junior high, but that was more than two years after the frantic move.
Jona had decided to attend Gaiyou Academy in Hirogari, a monster community in the Kochi prefecture. It was about the same size as any other flagship school in the Shikoku region. As she was considering joining Mrs. Shuzen's cause, she wanted to have some experience interacting with other monsters.
Talking with Ms. Kiyoshi, Kurumu realized Yokai Academy was one of the larger schools in Japan with it pushing over a two hundred sixty grade size. In the Tohoku region, only Kaisai Tech in Fukushima and Gaikitsu Institute in Miyagi rivaled Yokai Academy in size. Most of Ms. Kiyoshi's schools, including Shoudo Academy where Nerume would continue her education in Akita, ran around the one hundred fifty mark which was about the same size as all of the high schools in Shikoku. Her smallest flagship school was Terasu Institute in Iwate which was strongly regulated by Lord Sakigake, Asuka's Uncle.
Most of that talk about video games and schools had come in the first forty minutes of the drive down 445 from Itsuki to Hitoyoshi. Shortly after getting on the E3 toll road, Kabuki had the bright idea to call Saikou. They had burned almost an entire hour talking with that spaz over absolutely nothing, having to call back twice due to long tunnels which dropped the call. Kabuki had grumbled about roaming taking too much battery when her phone warned her of its imminent death as they passed the Kagoshima airport in Kirishima. Realizing she had left her charger in their Corolla, Kabuki had sent Saikou an apologetic text, stating they would have to wait for tomorrow to continue their talk.
It was not long after the text when they got off E3 onto E78, taking that highway alongside the bay to connect with 220 which would bring them to Sakurajama. Apparently that was faster than going through Kagoshima city, especially with Nagusame being on the east side anyways. There was no tunnel for Nagusame which was home to Hokori Institute. This community was masked by a massive misdirection spell which all of the ladies in Mrs. Shuzen's employ had a trinket to bypass.
Most of them had stopped at a restaurant for a quick bite to eat. Those in Mrs. Shuzen's car had come straight to this temple to speak with Mrs. Sugawara and her family. Emi had not been her only child. The dryad had married an Undine four years after Emi's birth and they had three other children whom were now safely classified as kappas. Ms. Juunan had explained that being part of the deal they had made with the family when Emi was discovered to be a succubus. Ms. Juunan had hopes that this kindness would encourage Emi to join their cause, even though the girl had been favoring college this past year.
It was difficult to explain the ceremony which had started within minutes of their arrival. Both parents had spoken words of sorrow and disappointment. Both felt like their girl had been denied so much and had been taken from this world before she could truly enjoy it. Both felt cheated from seeing their girl fully mature and carve a life out for herself. Both wished for justice so that their girl could truly rest.
Then Ms. Juunan had spoken, mostly addressing the grieving parents. She reassured them that they had done so much for Emi and that while it was short, her life had been full of smiles and warmth from a loving family. She thanked them deeply for giving the girl a wonderful and wholesome environment, knowing Emi would always love them and be eternally grateful.
The priest had said a few words after that and then they had taken the body with the family following. They had been allowed to mingle at that point, though Kurumu felt detached. There was not a large group in attendance, easily being less than forty. Most of the guests were the families of four friends Emi had made in her years at Touge Technical. The only locals were directly related to Emi's family.
Jona had commented on Emi's family being scorned as monstrels. Most would not disgrace themselves with attending her funeral. Emi used to have friends in junior high but they had all stopped caring to interact with her family within a year of her going to Touge.
The oppressive atmosphere had been too much for Kurumu. After sharing a brief introduction with Mrs. Sugawara, Kurumu had fled the scene. The thought of having a piece of this girl inside her filled her with guilt and grief. She could not tell that woman about this gift, certain it would only bring more pain.
Kurumu sighed, preferring this scenery to the alternative. The others were either in the temple with the mourning family or were roaming the tiers of graves neatly arranged within the temple's perimeter wall. This clearing was at the end of a small path from the temple with this particular spot meant for prayer and reflection. Kabuki had already claimed it for gaming when Kurumu had arrived.
Kabuki groaned, lying down on the bench with her game on her flat stomach. As the device was silent, she must have turned it off. She had been playing on her PSP for the last leg of the trip.
"What are we going to do on the trip back, huh?"
"I don't know."
"I hope we can buy some batteries, huh?"
Kurumu smiled, aware that Kabuki had forgotten her PSP charger too.
"Do you regret it? Not knowing Emi that well."
Kabuki sighed heavily, peering up at her.
"No. I would rather not cry for every person I know. Life can be hard enough, huh?"
"Yea."
"What sort of things do you do as a servant to Ms. Shuzen, huh?"
"Not much. At school I make some of her meals and do her laundry."
"Don't they serve meals at boarding schools?"
"They do. Some of my friends don't care for cafeteria food."
"Guess you don't have to do much of anything, huh? They must have other servants at the estate whom do all the cooking and cleaning, huh?"
Kurumu smiled, reaching over to play with Kabuki's tresses.
"Yea. I haven't had to do anything yet."
"Wouldn't it be cool if Ms. Garimasu was your birth mother too, huh? Momma Ontai says Ms. Garimasu regularly pops out succubi for Elder Hajinai."
"I thought you were sick of your sisters."
"Bet I like Jona more when she's not at home, huh? Living in a small space with a chubby tubby is not fun. And Takara is annoying. She's too old to be playing baby like that, huh?"
"I have to check my letters from my mother when I get back to school. She told me whom my birth mother was but I can't remember the name."
"Cool. I wasn't sure if you had a mother."
Kurumu laughed while fussing with Kabuki's hair.
"What made you think I didn't?"
"Well… Momma Ontai says we shouldn't bother other girls about their family. That we're lucky so we shouldn't ask about papas and mamas. Guess some girls have things messed up, huh?"
Kurumu managed a soft smile.
"Yea. I think I'll be living with Kokoa from here on. That's what my mother agreed to."
"That's cool. The Shuzens are loaded with cash, huh? If that other girl, what's her name?"
"Moka."
"Yea, her. If she wants a servant, I'm totally down for it. If all I have to do is learn to cook and do some laundry, I think that's worth it, huh? I want pretty clothes too."
"I'll have to warn Yukari she has a rival."
"Huh? Who's Yukari?"
"A friend of Moka's. She's two years older than you."
"Cool. Hold up."
Kabuki swung her legs off the bench, setting her PSP next to Kurumu. She hopped onto her feet, turning about and flashing a grin.
"I'm going to get some paper, huh? We should exchange contact information."
Kurumu smiled, noting Ms. Kiyoshi was coming up the path into the clearing. She offered a slight wave as Kabuki scampered off, deftly avoiding the older woman. Kurumu absently touched the PSP, wondering if she should have told Kabuki more about mommy.
"The other half of the ceremony will be starting soon."
Kurumu nodded, aware that the priest had said they needed two hours to cremate the body. She sighed as Ms. Kiyoshi took a seat on the bench beside her.
"I don't belong down there."
"You and me both. I don't know this girl. Yokina met her once during that summer break she spent down here after graduation. She's the one whom put the notion of college into the girl's head since none of the rest of us actually bothered going."
"Should I join your cause?"
Ms. Kiyoshi sighed heavily, placing her hands on the bench and leaning back.
"I would love the help, but I think it's too early for you to think of that. Right now you should be thinking of what to do about your mother's funeral."
Kurumu grimaced, her hand drifting up to her breast.
"I don't want this."
"Nobody wants a funeral, Ms. Kurono. There's nobody down there happy to be here."
Kurumu understood that, clutching her fist as her heart twisted painfully.
"What should I do?"
Ms. Kiyoshi sighed again. She reached over, pulling Kurumu by the shoulder against her side.
"You'll have to make a list. People your mother was close to. Those people should know."
A wave of sorrow rolled through her as she recalled the small gathering of teachers at the bar. There were a few others like Mizore's mother whom might appreciate news concerning her mother. But this was not the sort of news she wanted to share. And even if she did want to, these were not people her mother had kept in contact with. It felt cruel to tell them mommy passed away.
"I don't know. I just don't know."
"Is anyone going to ask you where your mother is?"
Kurumu sniffled, shaking her head against Ms. Kiyoshi's side.
"Are you sure?"
"I don't know. It could be months before anyone asks me about her."
Ms. Kiyoshi brought her other hand up to caress the side of Kurumu's cheek.
"Well… if she was that far removed from the world, it might be best to leave it unanswered."
"What?"
"Funerals are for the living, Ms. Kurono. Sure, there may be arguments about paying proper respects to the body and helping the soul properly start their journey, but I prefer to believe the soul does not need our blessing to go on without us. This ceremony is a chance for family and friends to say goodbye."
"Is that okay? To tell nobody?"
"No, child. That's too hard. I always had Michi to share my heaviest burdens with. You'll need someone like that. Someone you can cry with."
Kurumu nodded, swallowing down the thickness in her throat. While there were several ladies here whom knew of mommy's passing, she knew Ms. Kiyoshi meant someone personally close to Kurumu.
"I don't want a funeral."
"Okay. Should we have your mother cremated Monday then? Madame President is rather hopeful that you will finalize your guardianship with Lord Ruben, the prefectural officer, in Iromori before I leave."
Kurumu sniffled, nodding again.
"Good. I'll be with you for the cremation then."
"Thank you."
Ms. Kiyoshi sighed, rubbing Kurumu's shoulder.
"I don't feel like I'm doing anything here. There's a long way to go before you'll be okay with this. It could take months, even years. In the meanwhile, you'll have to decide what to do with her ashes."
"Can I keep them?"
"Yes. I'm sure the funeral home will put her in a pretty urn for you and you can buy a small shrine. You'll have to decide if you want to keep her with you at school or at the Shuzen Estate."
"I want her with me."
"Do you live by yourself?"
Kurumu nodded.
"That should be fine if you keep your guests to people whom you are comfortable knowing about this. If not, you may need to employ the services of a witch for a permanent illusion. While our kind is good at tricking the mind, we have to be present to make such illusions work. Only a witch can make a spell to fool someone breaking into your home while you're not around."
Her heart twisted with a mix of emotions. It sounded like she had to let Yukari know. While that was nice, it also hurt. She nodded, hoping that would not be too much of a burden.
"We should go. You need to watch how the family handles the placing of Ms. Sugawara into her urn. It's a delicate process and I will help you when the time comes."
Kurumu lifted onto her feet under Ms. Kiyoshi's guidance. She sniffled, rubbing her eyes as Ms. Kiyoshi let go of her for a moment. She glanced over her shoulder as Ms. Kiyoshi grabbed the PSP off the bench and slipped it into her suit jacket pocket. The woman flashed her a smile, gently touching her back and pushing her forward.
"I thought I told that brat to leave this in the car. I swear kids these days are hopeless."
Kurumu smiled softly as they started their walk back to the temple.
"You'll write to me, huh?"
Kurumu smiled, giving Kabuki a hug in front of their rich green sedan which they had parked over by the storage shack with all the yard tools and equipment. There was also an older brown sedan parked here which belonged to Nagi.
"When I get to school."
"Cool. Bye."
Kurumu grinned as Kabuki slipped into the back seat with her sisters. Ms. Ohno was sitting up in the front passenger side, having parked her obsidian luxury sedan next to Nagi's weathered vehicle. She was spending the rest of her weekend with the Sakurai family, flying out from Kochi on Monday morning. This was something she had arranged yesterday with Mrs. Shuzen, which had surprised Kurumu when the cheery blond had popped the trunk to her sedan and moved her luggage into Ms. Sakurai's car.
"Come on, Ms. Kurono. Unless you want to walk the rest of the way to the estate."
Kurumu chuckled softly as she turned and hurried back to the black cherry sedan. Moka had already switched vehicles and was waiting for her in the backseat. Kurumu flashed Moka a smile as she dipped inside, closing the door to turn off the interior light.
It was almost eight. The funeral services had wrapped up a little after four. Kurumu had clung tightly to Ms. Kiyoshi during the bone picking process. Her mind had flooded with thoughts of that being all that would be left of her precious mother. Bones and ash. It was so sad. That little girl from the Sugawara family had cried so much. An adult had to take her from the room before it troubled the others.
After dinner, they had left Nagusame around five. The drive back had been fairly quiet. They talked a little about music but Kurumu quickly betrayed her ignorance of the subject. She confessed to spending all of her junior high years in Kengamine and how it was not in touch with current human trends. Kabuki had promised to write her a list of all the musicians that mattered and Jona said she would send her a correct list. Then the two bickered over music tastes, Jona favoring country and wholesome music while Kabuki was more into tech and pop.
"Are you okay, Kurumu?"
Kurumu frowned as their car reversed back onto the main path.
"Of course I am."
"You've been distant all day. It looked like you were crying."
"It was a funeral, Moka."
Moka yawned, covering her mouth. She pouted as the car shifted gears and started towards the estate.
"I guess. Was that girl nice?"
"Yea. She was a lot of fun."
"And lacks any sense of manners. Uwaki spoils all of her girls."
Kurumu smiled as they pulled out of the woods into the clearing. She picked up the scrap of paper she had tucked in a recess in the door, regarding the number and address of Kabuki. She wished she had remembered to bring her purse since her dress had nothing resembling a pocket.
"Hey, Moka? Did I ever show you the letter from my mother about my birth mother?"
"I don't believe so."
Kurumu nodded, knowing she had shown that letter to Nerume, Satsuki and Yukari. That letter had been what prompted Yukari to suggest Kurumu to date an Undine. Moka had echoed that sentiment a couple times but that must have been due to Yukari's conclusion.
"Kabuki was hoping we shared the same birth mother. I guess that would be cool, but it's not like this Ms. Garimasu comes across as the motherly type."
"Don't worry about that, Ms. Kurono. Many of us look at each other as sisters, regardless of whom our parents are. If you two want to be sisters, nobody would frown upon that."
Kurumu smiled, feeling a tightness in her chest. The car pulled to a stop behind the dreamy blue sedan and Ms. Kiyoshi turned the engine off. Holding the scrap of paper to her bosom, Kurumu exited the sedan a couple seconds after the others. Kurumu closed her door last, the vehicle chirping and the doors locking when Ms. Kiyoshi pushed the button on her black fab.
The lights flanking the double doors were bright like beacons drawing them in. Kurumu ascended the steps of the glossy marble veranda on the heels of Moka. Ms. Kiyoshi clipped her way steadily to the doors, reaching their destination well ahead of them. She tugged the door open, nodding slightly at them to allow them entry first.
Ms. Juunan greeted them with a hand held upright. She quickly brought her other index finger up to her lips, cocking her head as Ms. Kiyoshi closed up the door.
"Go upstairs, Narau."
Ms. Kiyoshi frowned, glancing aside.
"Problem?"
"Yes. It would be best if your presence remains unknown. I sent Mayu to the kitchen to excuse the staff."
Ms. Kiyoshi nodded, quietly walking over to the spiral staircase.
"What's going on?"
"You two shall come with me to the lounge."
Ms. Juunan directed them to her right, casting her attention back to Ms. Kiyoshi. It was apparent she wanted Ms. Kiyoshi to be out of sight before she reached the door.
"I apologize, Ms. Kurono. If Kokoa had not mentioned your name, I would have let you go with Narau. Kahlua is interested in meeting you and greeting her sister."
Moka gasped which worried Kurumu. She was suddenly nervous to enter this room. Ms. Juunan paused at the door, looking up at the balcony. The woman waited for Ms. Kiyoshi to slip from sight before turning her frosty blue eyes on them.
"Be silent. Speak only under Lady Shuzen's direction. Understand?"
Ms. Juunan waited for them to nod before opening the door. She gestured for them to enter, Kurumu holding her breath as she crossed the threshold while holding Moka's hand. She only got two paces inside before she froze in terror.
Standing at the fireplace with a glass in his right hand was a tall, imposing man with broad shoulders and a thick torso. He had a black, long sleeved jacket worn over a black vest with two rows of silver buttons running up the center. A crimson sash was fluffed and wrapped about the collar of a white shirt worn beneath it all. Black slacks stretched down his legs to glossy black shoes.
The man regarded Kurumu. His ebony hair had been smoothed back though long strands fell haplessly about his strong face. Thin eyebrows cut across his strong brow over almond shaped, deep purple eyes. His thin lips turned up in the corner as a cruel, knowing smile.
"I see your problematic daughter has finally graced us with her presence."
Mrs. Shuzen was seated in an armchair facing the fireplace. Her legs were crossed as she turned her cold eyes upon them. She gestured at the couch on her right, which already had two occupants.
"Have a seat, children."
Kurumu stumbled as Moka moved to comply. Moka frowned at her, grabbing her hand more tightly. Kurumu tore her gaze away from the dangerous man, letting her feet move under Moka's guidance.
Kokoa was seated in the center of the couch with her hands folded politely in her lap. She was sitting upright with her knees pressed together. She was ignoring the antics of the silver haired beauty whom was fussing with Kokoa's hair.
Kurumu had seen pictures to know this young woman in the white gown with the golden cross earrings was Kahlua. Her skin was almost as tan as Mrs. Shuzen's and her hair pooled upon the couch cushions. The size of her bosom exceeded Moka's and was dangerously close to falling out of that loose dress.
"Sit with me, Moka. Kokoa is being mean to me."
Moka glanced at Mrs. Shuzen, whom made a slight nod. Letting go of Kurumu's hand, Moka slipped around Kokoa to sit down in the small space between the sisters. She was immediately wrapped up in a giggling hug as the taller sister pulled Moka's head into her bosom.
"She's so adorable!"
"Kahlua."
Kahlua huffed, loosening her hold to allow a flush Moka some space.
"You can't Kahlua me anymore. I'm about to be married."
Mrs. Shuzen glared at Kurumu.
"Take a seat, Ms. Kurono."
Kurumu quietly sat down beside Kokoa, turning her attention back to the man at the fireplace. He was smirking down at them while turning the glass in his hand.
"I see you've made no progress with the seal."
"I see my daughter has shared secrets she was not supposed to."
Kahlua huffed again as she freed a hand to pet Moka's hair.
"It's a family secret, Mother. Lord Fujisaki is about to be family."
"I should properly introduce our guest. This young man is Lord Fujisaki Miyabi, Vice President of Fairy Tale and Kahlua's fiancé."
Every fiber in Kurumu's body wanted to run. She had known immediately whom the man at the fireplace was. She had known he was the man whom sent Yoshii after Moka. He may have even ordered Yoshii to kill her mother. But this was hopeless. She realized now why it was impossible for Mrs. Shuzen to address the situation. There was nothing that could be done.
"I am pleased to finally meet all of the daughters of the Shuzen Estate. I have heard so much about you. It is a pity one so young has had all of her potential locked away by an overprotective mother."
Moka winced, lowering her eyes. Kurumu trembled, wanting to speak out but was terrified at the notion of drawing his attention.
"Akasha was a good friend with earnest intentions."
"True, she was a champion of our kind. A pity she let her kindness triumph over her strength."
"I only have Moka's assurances that Akasha has passed on. Like Issa, there has been no body recovered to give definitive proof that she no longer walks among us."
Fujisaki chuckled darkly.
"A pity you cling to such nonsense, but I can empathize with the need to retain in power. You truly are heartless, Madame President."
Mrs. Shuzen turned eyes promising death upon Fujisaki.
"Do you have any further business with my daughters?"
"I merely wanted to see that your family made it home safely. Your ability to protect us has come into question in light of recent events."
"Your position as Vice President does not exclude you from that duty. My failings are yours."
"That argument won't help you win another reelection."
Mrs. Shuzen cocked her head as the aura about her became fiercely intimidating.
"Are you wishing to challenge my authority?"
Kahlua giggled, though her eyes were fixed on Fujisaki. The smirk on Fujisaki's face vanished as he took a single step back, relaxing.
"You are certainly a dangerous prize, Madame President. It's amazing Issa captured you."
"That's creepy, Lord Fujisaki. At least let me leave the room before hitting on my mother."
Fujisaki laughed before taking a swig from his drink.
"My apologies, dear. Your mother is exceptionally intimidating. And you should know how attractive that is to vampires."
Kahlua blushed, still pouting.
"I can be intimidating too."
Mrs. Shuzen stood up, regarding Fujisaki darkly.
"Are you insulting my daughter?"
Fujisaki smirked, placing his glass on the mantle in front of the portrait of the three women.
"To the contrary. I find having a lamb in the sheets is quite refreshing. Perhaps that is what Issa saw in Akasha when he cast you aside."
The weight in the air was far more oppressive than anything Kurumu had felt before. It was an immense sense of terror which pushed into every pore of her being until she felt a rush of hotness across her thighs. She started to cry in embarrassment upon realizing her bladder her loosed itself.
"Mother! Oh! I'm sorry! Sho!"
Kokoa had grabbed her by the shoulder and was gesturing wildly at the door. The intense atmosphere lessened as the two vampires took notice of the situation. Kahlua giggled at her plight while Fujisaki chuckled darkly.
"My apologies, Madame President. I assumed I could match your threat without concern for our audience. The poor girl must have been terrified."
Ms. Juunan helped pull Kurumu up on her feet as she blubbered in shame. Thoughts of weakness and how useless she was in the presence of this man was overwhelming. She felt so pathetic. She stumbled as Ms. Juunan tried to move her way from the couch.
"Kokoa. Fetch Ms. Fukuda and have her bring some towels."
Kokoa's hands left her as the young vampire hurried out of the room. Kurumu shivered as she pressed tightly to Ms. Juunan, unable to move. She could see the unmistakable amusement in his eyes.
"Shall you be spending the night, Lord Fujisaki?"
"I think not. My fiancée needs a break. My decision to accompany her on her last mission proved to be quite exhausting for her."
Sniffling, Kurumu turned her head enough to see everyone. Kahlua was blushing as Kurumu held her breath to ignore the obnoxious scent rising from her chilly thighs.
"Then I presume you have broken her in to your satisfaction."
"I have no complaints."
"Good. I will kill you if you fail to show up to this wedding."
Fujisaki chuckled.
"I am thankful for your blessing."
It was not a blessing. Moka was possibly the only one in the room whom did not understand the weight of Mrs. Shuzen's words.
"You want to remove Moka's seal to revive Alucard and destroy the world."
The demeanor about Fujisaki changed. Kurumu shivered as she felt the weight of his horror upon her. He wanted her dead. He wanted everyone she cared about dead. It was so heavy that she could neither cry nor breathe.
"What is this nonsense I'm hearing from this child?"
"My daughter has shared the nature of Akasha's demise with some of her friends. She claims Alucard stirred because of her, which is why Akasha placed the seal upon her."
The weight passed off Kurumu, allowing her to gasp and wheeze. Fujisaki regarded Moka whom was still being cradled in Kahlua's arms.
"Preposterous. There's nothing special about this girl's blood. Unsealing her is a matter of her best interests, especially now that she is attending an academy full of monsters."
"Headmaster Mikogami assures me her safety is being looked after and that the seal shall be removed."
"That old fool? What is his opinion about Alucard? Does he believe she was sealed for that purpose?"
"He believes that to be the case, but does not know if unsealing the child would awaken Alucard. His primary concern is proximity, so we are keeping her away from Alucard."
"I'm pleased you were willing to share this with me."
"I am sharing things you already know."
"I wish you luck in your endeavor to recover your lost daughter."
He started off as the door opened. Kokoa and Ms. Fukuda hurried into the room. Fujisaki grinned at Kurumu as he stalked by her while Kokoa timidly padded her damp dress with a towel.
"Lord Fujisaki. The revival of Alucard is not wanted by anyone. Nobody would support such a plan."
Fujisaki paused at the door. He chuckled.
"Or course, Madame President. Nobody sane would desire the end of this world."
The atmosphere in the room immediately became easier to bear the moment he walked out. Kurumu sniffled, thoroughly embarrassed as she let go of Ms. Juunan's dress. She snatched the towel from Kokoa's hands and proceeded to wipe herself down. Ms. Fukuda had removed the soiled cushion from the couch and was retreating to the door with it. Kahlua giggled as she played with Moka's hair while Moka tried her best to remain dignified though it was obvious she wanted to acknowledge her sister.
"Is that true about unsealing Moka? Did her blood wake the monster beneath the castle?"
Mrs. Shuzen sighed at her giggling daughter.
"I don't believe so. Moka's blood is Akasha's blood. Alucard should have stirred for Akasha before Moka."
Kurumu glanced at Moka and they shared a moment. An understanding that Mrs. Shuzen was not wrong with thinking that. While that did not guarantee Mrs. Shuzen was right, the logic was sound.
"Maybe Akua could explain it."
Kahlua giggled as Mrs. Shuzen glanced at Moka.
"When did the doll learn of Akua?"
"Maybe our Moka has finally found her voice. Lord Fujisaki said he had news about Moka and her time at Yokai. He said she is starting to remember us."
Mrs. Shuzen glared at Kahlua whom was nuzzling against Moka unaware of the scrutiny.
"Yes, Kahlua. The girl has become more expressive just as Headmaster Mikogami promised. Might I ask whom Lord Fujisaki has spying over your sisters?"
Kahlua loosened her grip on Moka to lean back in the couch. She sighed dramatically.
"Lord Fujisaki is as secretive as you are, Mother. He won't tell me anything."
Mrs. Shuzen sat back in her chair, drawing her leg over the other as she leaned back.
"Try harder, child. If you must share his bed, you should get something out of it."
Kahlua huffed, pushing Moka aside. She stood up and crossed her arms about her chest, regarding her mother defiantly.
"Why don't you try harder?"
"Because I'm not the one he challenged to marry."
"Only because you won't declare daddy dead."
Mrs. Shuzen glared at Kahlua.
"Do you doubt my ability to defeat your fiancé?"
"If you can defeat him, then do it. I don't want to be his prize."
"You are the Eldest Daughter of the Shuzen Estate. I would dishonor the family to deny his claim over you. You lost."
"That's not what Lord Fujisaki says."
"Oh? Enlighten me."
"He says Akua is alive and you know where she is."
Mrs. Shuzen scowled at Kahlua.
"Are you so childish that you would refuse the honor of being the Eldest Daughter?"
"It would be scandalous if I assumed the role of Eldest Daughter when the true Eldest Daughter is alive."
"You lost, Kahlua. You lost a challenge for your hand."
"I would not have to accept that challenge if I'm not the Eldest."
Mrs. Shuzen smirked at Kahlua.
"You haven't changed one bit. Always looking for the easy way out. I heard all about how you failed to reclaim your title. You never challenged her without Issa's prompting."
"But she was older, Mother. And trained as an assassin. I did beat her now and then. Unofficially."
"Your best performances should be when it matters. That is the difference between Akua and you."
For the first time Kahlua had an angry aura about her.
"Is my sister alive?"
Mrs. Shuzen shook her head solemnly, staring Kahlua in the eye.
"I will not listen to a daughter whom wishes to walk a path of weakness. You will marry Lord Fujisaki and not speak of your dead sister again. You disgrace her memory."
Kahlua straightened up.
"I see how it is. Perhaps I shall tell Lord Fujisaki he is right about Akua being alive."
"Go ahead. I have no intentions of producing a dead daughter to cover for a weak one."
Kahlua clenched her fists. She grabbed the hem of her dress and bowed slightly.
"I shall retire for the night, Mother."
None spoke a word as a composed Kahlua retreated from the room. As the eldest daughter closed the door behind her, Kurumu absently squeezed the towel in her hands. Then she had a moment of panic when she realized the scrap of paper with Kabuki's information was not in her grasp. She looked about wildly, spying it in the couch. She grabbed it up from the cushion, thankful that it was dry.
"I'm sorry."
Holding the scrap to her bosom, Kurumu frowned at Kokoa whom smiled sheepishly.
"What for?"
"Well… I was happy you peed yourself before I did."
"My oh my."
"That was hard. I haven't been put under that much pressure in years."
"Clearly we have been neglecting your battle training."
"What battle training? Both of my sisters have been absent for years. And the only guys you let me fight are pushovers."
"That's because you defeat them with sheer brute strength. They're trying to teach you finesse, Kokoa. You can't overpower an opponent like Kahlua. Akua never overpowered Kahlua."
There was a pause as Kokoa regarded her hands. She glanced at Moka before regarding her mother.
"Why didn't you tell her about Akua?"
Mrs. Shuzen huffed, waving her hand dismissively.
"Because that was not what was best for Kahlua."
"But she's correct. Akua is the Eldest Daughter."
"I have seen what happens to Akua if I had allowed Kahlua to back out of her duty years ago. I think we all would prefer your sister to remain alive."
There was another pause. Kokoa took in another deep breath.
"Any chance that I win if I challenge Kahlua tomorrow?"
Mrs. Shuzen laughed, bringing her hand up to her throat. She sighed, her shoulders relaxing.
"You're going to surprise your sister tomorrow."
While that was not an assurance of victory, Kokoa grinned with confidence.