Kurumu groaned from the annoying push on her shoulder. She lacked any desire to open her eyes, wanting this warmth in her arms against her body to stay with her. She grumbled a protest when the shaking persisted. A weight settled in behind her, disturbing the comfortable shape of the soft mattress beneath her. The sharp nail of a finger poked her cheek.
"Wake up, Kurumu. The servants are here."
Kurumu slowly opened her eyes as fragmented images fled her awareness. She was holding Moka in her arms whom was wearing that soft, sleeveless black nightgown. Her right arm was trapped beneath the vampire without any feeling. She flexed her left hand to confirm it was not numb while inadvertently squeezing the breast she was holding. Moka mewled, letting out a breathy whisper of Tsukune's name.
Kurumu suspected Moka's bed was too small for any juicy threesomes she might be dreaming about. She nuzzled her face against Moka's shoulder while her breasts squashed against the vampire's back. A thin gray sheet was pulled over them. Moka had a pillow stuffed in a silver pillowcase tucked under her head.
"Wake up, Kurumu."
Heeding Kokoa's demands, Kurumu lifted her head up while struggling to pull out her limp arm. There were no signs of the other pillows and she dimly recalled she had shoved the silver comforter on the floor before turning in. This silly vampire had barely been awake to dress herself after their bath.
"What time is it?"
"It's a quarter after six. Come on."
Kurumu frowned as her maid uniform was placed on her side. She scooted up, grabbing the garment in her hand while she shook the other to get some feeling. She glanced over her shoulder when the weight left the mattress, noting Kokoa was dressed in a hot pink bodysuit which defined every curve of her petite body. A black stripe ran up each side of this long sleeved, one piece outfit from ankle to armpit.
"What are you wearing?"
"My battle attire."
Kurumu drew the sheet aside, scooting away from Moka to swing her legs off the side of the bed. She absently stared at Kokoa as she brought her maid uniform into her lap. Kokoa's nipples popped through this outfit even more obvious than the cheongsam from yesterday. This stretchy garment also clung in the groin in a manner that revealed the outline of things a young woman should not want visible.
"That leaves very little to the imagination."
Shaking her head at Kokoa's response, Kurumu pulled her creamy white chemise off. She wadded it up in her hands and tossed it over in the direction of Moka' hamper. Yawning, she turned the maid outfit about in her hands till she had the bottom hem in her hands. While this maid uniform was conservative with long sleeves and a long skirt without any frills or lace, the stretchy fabric would hug every curve of Kurumu's body. The most rigid part of the garment was the white collar about the throat. A removable apron fished through black loops was cinched about the waist. It was more a feature for drying her hands than anything else. She favored Kokoa a smile before slipping the black, velvety fabric over her head, tugging it down her torso.
"That's a sexy outfit, Kokoa. You should wear panties."
"But I am wearing panties."
Kurumu paused, regarding the frowning girl. She smiled again as she buttoned up the stiff collar.
"Your folds are showing."
"Folds?"
Kurumu had no desire to explain that further. She got up from the bed, tugging the sleeves out to her wrists. Her right arm tingled like it was on fire due to the snug fit. All that was left was to tug this tight garment down around her hips and rump, since the rest of the dress was pleated and would hang loosely down to her ankles.
"Did you bring panties for me?"
"A servant must be prepared to serve her Master at a moment's notice."
"What does that have to do with panties?"
Kokoa blushed.
"Well… if your Master wanted your body…"
"Unless I missed something, I thought you were Milady."
Kokoa blushed even darker. She snatched Kurumu by the arm and started dragging her to the door which would take them out into Moka's living room.
"It's standard practice so you should get used to it."
Kurumu stumbled through the open door, whimpering as Kokoa tugged on the arm which was still under assault from an army of angry nerves waking up.
"Wait! Kokoa!"
"If we dally much longer they will start breakfast preparations without you."
"At least let me cover my ass!"
Kokoa stopped halfway through Moka's room, releasing Kurumu's arm. Kurumu nursed her arm a few seconds before fixing up the uniform so it was snug about her rump.
"Where do you get these weird ideas?"
"What do you mean?"
Kurumu sighed as she collected herself.
"This whole thing about servants not wearing panties. That's weird."
"Well… when I asked Sho which panties I should bring you, she told me a proper servant doesn't wear any undergarments."
Kurumu grimaced as Kokoa tugged open the door for them.
"Why was Ms. Juunan in your room?"
Kokoa followed Kurumu into the hall, closing the door behind her.
"She was gathering up the laundry from last night and helped me get dressed."
"Shouldn't one of the servants be doing that?"
"Speaking of servants, you're supposed to be mine. Why do you keep sleeping with Moka?"
"Is there something wrong with that?"
"It is when you leave your smelly clothes in my hamper. I had to sleep on my couch. A servant shouldn't force her Lady into such a position. She should aspire to make her Lady's life easier."
Kurumu smiled apologetically as they started down the stairs. Last night had been a mix of difficult emotions which had ended with Moka drawing a pinch of her blood and sharing lethargic kisses in the bath. The other Moka had been correct about that making her feel calmer and loved.
"Are you wanting me to be your servant in the same capacity as Ms. Juunan is to your mother?"
Kokoa paused near the bottom of the stairs.
"Maybe. Though it's not like I knew Sho belonged to Mother at first. Sho has been working with Mother at Fairy Tale longer than Kahlua has been alive. For a long time, I thought Sho was some work associate whom stopped by the castle frequently."
Kurumu nodded, glancing at the dining room doors. Having no real desire to hurry to the kitchen, she grabbed the railing and halted her descent.
"How did you find out she belonged to your mother?"
Kokoa blushed, looking down at the floor.
"Well… Sho came by more than any other person from Fairy Tale. The first time I noticed she was special was when she came with us to Sydney. She behaved like what I would expect from an assistant. And she was close to Momma and Mother. She also let Father… use her."
Kurumu was unsure how she felt about this revelation. She instinctively wanted to challenge Issa's behavior here, already having her doubts over how good a person he was with the matter of Akasha and Mrs. Shuzen. But she could also see this as something instigated by Ms. Juunan.
"Did your Father love Ms. Juunan?"
Kokoa shook her head vehemently as she headed for the dining room door.
"Not at all. She's only a servant and Mother said it was fine since Sho belonged to her. Her property was Father's property and it was okay if Sho made him happy. That's all it was."
Kurumu sighed, not wanting to understand this as she followed after the vampire.
"When you do marry, Kokoa, promise me that you won't offer to share me with your husband."
"I don't think I could do that. Kahlua says that Mother never loved Father and that's why she let him do things with Sho. That Mother only cares about her job. But I don't think that's true. Mother would never abandon us the way Father did."
Kurumu struggled with what she could say about this. She watched Kokoa open the dining room door, slipping in ahead of her. Kurumu felt a twinge of guilt, grabbing the door and smiling at Kokoa. The girl smiled back, wandering into the room so Kurumu could shut the door behind them.
"Do you think your Father is alive?"
"I hope so. I'm so angry at what he did to us. If the only reason he hasn't returned is because he is gone, I… I would be so upset at myself. I want him to be alive so I can be angry. I don't want him to be dead."
Kurumu nodded, guessing Kokoa had thought over this many times since Moka's sealing.
"Were you close to Akasha?"
Kokoa paused at the door to the kitchen.
"Of course I was close to her. She was effortless to love."
Kurumu nodded again, absently rubbing her left breast.
"How did you live?"
"Live?"
"After. How did you live after she was gone?"
Kokoa pondered for a moment.
"I guess I didn't accept it. For a long time I pretended it never happened which was easy. There was no body or proof that Momma died. Only Mother said it was true and there were a lot of people whom doubted her testimony. Momma was a hero among vampires. Nobody wanted to believe she was dead. Akasha was known for disappearing for decades. Many think Mother wanted Momma dead."
"So when did you accept Akasha was dead?"
Kokoa glanced aside as her posture changed subtly.
"When I saw Mother cry at the first memorial we held two years after her disappearance. She told me I was imagining things and had me fix my yukata before she excused herself. There was no reason for that if Mother didn't believe she was gone forever."
The atmosphere was starting to feel too heavy as Kurumu neared Kokoa. She forced a smile.
"I hope your Father is alive."
Kokoa nodded, reaching for the inset door handle.
"I hope so too."
Kurumu grabbed Kokoa's wrist before the girl could open. She brought her other hand up to caress Kokoa's cheek, causing the vampire to flinch.
"What?"
Kurumu let go of Kokoa's wrist, drawing her hand back to her chest.
"I… um… what would you do? If you lost your Mother too."
"That's not possible."
"I'm just saying… like… what would you do if she died too?"
"Mother can see the future. There's no way she can die. I know she can't always prevent another person from dying, but I can't imagine her being unable to prevent her own death."
Kurumu nodded, realizing that was not what she wanted to say.
"I mean hypothetical. Like… what would you do if you had no parents? How would you keep on living?"
"I guess I would have to live with another family member."
Kurumu sighed with frustration.
"I'm not asking whom would take care of you. I was… wondering how you live in that world."
Kokoa paused with a contemplative look.
"It would suck. Accepting Momma's death was hard. Very hard. I don't want to think of losing Mother too. Mother is dependable. She has everything in control. I know she's not as enjoyable to be around like Momma was, but Mother doesn't let us down if we stick to what she wants."
"That doesn't sound right. A parent should love their child unconditionally."
"It's not like that, Kurumu. Mother won't praise and respect us for doing nothing. You saw how it was with Kahlua last night. She's much stronger than I am but that doesn't mean Mother showers her with affection. If I win the bloodright today, it won't drastically change how Mother treats me. If anything, it will raise her expectations from me and make things harder between us. But I still want that."
Kurumu stepped back from the door. She had not meant for this to become an argument over parenting, though she did see Kokoa's point. Mrs. Shuzen was a good beacon to rely on during tough times. She did seem to have everything under control and there was security in sticking close to someone whom would tell you what to do. She wondered if Moka shared this sentiment and could see Tora being the same way.
"It would be easier if she held you."
Kokoa smiled as put her hand in the door inset.
"Mother never was one to baby us. It's time for introductions."
The kitchen was the first room in the Estate which had an acoustical tile ceiling. In a glance, Kurumu guessed it had to be the same footprint as Moka's suite. The right wall was lined with counters and cabinets, only interrupted by the double door into the ballroom. On the left wall was the ovens and cooking surfaces with a long, steel vent hood jutting down from the white ceiling. That explained why the wall between the suites was thicker, guessing all those fumes were vented out the roof.
There was a wall opening on the left between the counters and the stove. Two stocky middle aged men were chatting in that adjacent room and were accompanied by a shaggy, black haired woman whom had a crimson bonnet and matching apron over her black dress. Her dark mane was pulled up into a ponytail with a dingy, white ribbon.
Kokoa tugged Kurumu further into the room before she could fully register the details of the two dark haired men. She frowned, following Kokoa's guidance. Beyond the stoves was another wall opening for another adjacent room. The far wall of the kitchen was lined with more counters, though these had sinks and a dishwasher. Kokoa gestured to the adjacent room.
"The laundry room is through there. There's also a side door for the servants and a bathroom. That first room back there was for the pantry. We also have a walk in cooler and freezer."
Kurumu barely registered the words as her eyes focused on the trio in the other room. Ms. Juunan was holding a dark haired woman dressed in the same crimson and black attire she had seen on the other woman. The captive woman whom had her dark tresses twisted and tied up in a bun was at least half a head shorter than the succubus. She pouted at Ms. Juunan whom was wearing a white business jacket over a yellow blouse tucked in white capris.
The man in the room cleared his throat, alerting all to Kokoa's presence. As Ms. Juunan flashed them a grin while her captive blushed and studied the floor, this dark haired man wearing a black, heavy jacket over a buttoned up crimson shirt approached them. His black jeans which were tucked inside weathered boots looked heavier than his jacket. A perfectly sculpted growth of facial hair lined his jaw and mouth with the black hairs on his chin stretching out longer in a deliberate spike.
"Ms. Juunan mentioned you would be bringing us a new girl for training."
Kokoa nodded, turning to present Kurumu.
"This is my personal servant, Kurono Kurumu."
Kurumu bowed her head slightly, unsure if everyone had been waiting for her.
"This is Shuzen Nagi, Father's cousin and caretaker of our Estate."
Kurumu smiled softly, noting his emerald eyes were similar to Kokoa's. The man chuckled, glancing aside.
"Careful, child. I am much older than I look so don't be falling for me."
Kokoa snorted, shaking her head. She gestured to Ms. Juunan.
"This is his sister, Shuzen Tara. She helps out if Mrs. Chinoashi becomes overwhelmed."
The woman pouted, unsuccessful in her attempt to extract herself from Ms. Juunan's grip.
"I help around the estate more than that, young lady. That is when I'm allowed to."
Ms. Juunan giggled, releasing her grip to caress the woman's cheek.
"My oh my. Are you upset? I was only having a snack before I ran off for the day. Your dearest brother enjoys watching us."
Nagi chuckled as his sister scowled at him.
"It is disturbing to think my brother approves of my molestation."
"She barely touched you."
"This time."
The way he smirked under his sister's comment had Kurumu wonder how common this was.
"I suppose I shall be running off. I'm sure Mayu is wondering what is taking me so long."
Ms. Juunan sashayed over to them, her glossy black heels clipping against the tiled floor.
"Where are you going?"
"Mayu and I shall be making some arrangements in Iromori."
"But today is Sunday. What places are open for you to make arrangements with?"
Ms. Juunan smiled, patting Kokoa's confused head.
"My oh my. Don't worry. We will be back in time for dinner. I can't leave poor Nagi starving all day."
The way Ms. Juunan crossed the room to the door had Kurumu wondering if she ever looked that sexy from behind. The succubus paused, glancing over her shoulder with a smug grin before slipping out into the ballroom. She closed up the doors which were heavy enough to mask the sounds of her departure.
"I would appreciate some help dealing with her."
Nagi huffed, shaking his head.
"I see no reason to get involved in your affairs."
"That's not an excuse."
"She's not here all the time."
"She's here enough that you could do something other than watch."
"If I wasn't watching, she'd take things further."
Tara blushed at her brother's smirk, glancing aside. She shook her head, glancing up at Kurumu.
"If you have any questions about how to do laundry, where the cleaning supplies are stored or how to clean something, you can ask me."
"I was hoping Kurumu could start fulfilling her duties for our two suites as of today. Like after her cooking lessons with Mr. Kondo, I would like her to follow you or Mrs. Chinoashi around."
Tara smiled softly. Her eyes were the same hue as her brother's.
"I could do that."
Kurumu regarded these two whom were members of the Shuzen family.
"Um… did you two work for Kokoa's mother before they lived here?"
Nagi chuckled, glancing at his sister.
"Technically we worked for Lord Issa. Lady Gyokuro offered me a home if I wanted to continue my services with her until Lord Issa returned. My father agreed that I should keep watch over her."
"Most of the servants working under Lord Issa were reassigned. My brother and I worked the grounds."
Tara paused.
"I miss the flowers. We had so many… beautiful flowers."
"We have flowers."
"It's not the same. It used to take me all day to tend to the garden. Now I end up coming inside to find something else to do, assuming there is anything to be done in a household that is empty more often than not. It doesn't help matters that Mrs. Chinoashi is a fast worker."
"Were you there when they say Moka's mother died?"
Nagi chuckled again, shaking his head.
"You shouldn't fret over such things, young lady. These are family issues long in the past."
"All the servants were excused from services that Friday night. The only person whom remained on the grounds was Daisuke, the chauffeur. We were told that Lady Akasha was joining Lord Issa and the other girls on their vacation because she was feeling better, so none of us would be needed at the castle for the rest of the month."
Nagi sighed at his sister's glibness.
"That is what we were told. Lady Gyokuro assures that Daisuke was part of a plan to bring Lady Moka to her which was interrupted by Alucard stirring."
Tara laughed softly.
"None of the family elders believe that happened. They believe Lady Gyokuro murdered Lord Issa, Lady Akasha and Lady Akua while destroying the castle. That she is only pretending her husband is alive to prevent the family from deposing her from the position of Head of the family. That she was angry that Lady Akua stole the Eldest Daughter position from Lady Kahlua."
Nagi chuckled.
"She even moved that corpse known as Alucard somewhere else. Claimed it was no longer safe in the care of the Shuzen family and put it in some secret Fairy Tale facility."
"Good riddance if you ask me. That thing should have never been left to us."
"Do you believe Alucard stirred?"
Tara paused.
"I'm unsure what I believe. I doubt Lady Gyokuro would do such things, but the only body found in the rubble was Daisuke's."
"If we can trust the hotel manager at Inemuri and the autopsy report at Iromori, Daisuke was dead on Saturday afternoon a whole day before Issa could have arrived. It was the following Saturday when Lady Gyokuro brought Lady Moka to the Iromori hospital."
"That's a lot of time. Anything could have happened."
Nagi shook his head.
"Tara and I came back Monday because she could not abandon her flowers. The castle was in ruins. We couldn't get in touch with Lord Issa and had no idea where he was staying, since he had changed their vacation plans last minute."
"Yea. Father wanted to take all of us to Hawaii that year, but Momma said she wasn't feeling well. She begged Father to let Moka stay behind with her."
Nagi chuckled, reaching over to tousle Kokoa's hair much to her annoyance.
"I remember this young lady bawling her eyes out when they left."
"Kahlua was crying too."
"Lady Akua tried so hard to convince Lady Akasha and Lord Issa to let Lady Moka go. She said she could take care of Lady Akasha on her own."
Kurumu noted the subtle reaction Nagi had to Akua's name.
"What is your opinion on Akua?"
"My opinion?"
"She was a darling girl whom often helped me in the garden. She cared little for the castle, spending most of her time outside. She would often drag Lady Moka off on her little adventures."
"Because this young lady would challenge one of them every chance she got."
"But that was what we were supposed to do."
"Is Akua really the Eldest Daughter?"
Nagi grinned at Kurumu.
"You have an unusual interest in our family."
"Ms. Kurono is my friend, Mr. Nagi. Mother has said things as of late that have made us question the official status of my sister's demise. Even Kahlua suspects Akua is alive."
Kurumu studied Nagi's reaction.
"Is it a problem if Akua was alive?"
"It's difficult to say how the family elders would respond to such a thing. While they would enjoy taking the title from Lady Kahlua, giving it to Lady Akua would not be much better."
Nagi nodded in agreement with his sister.
"Indeed. The only reason to fuss over the titles would be to undermine Lady Kahlua's wedding. I know Lord Gun has been itching for an excuse to claim the title as Head of the Shuzen Family."
"Lord Gun?"
"Eldest Son of the Shuzen Family."
"So he's like Issa's brother."
"No, Ms. Kurono. The Eldest Son and Eldest Daughter are titles which can be held by any willing to fight for them. Lord Gun is the son of Lord Yoshiro, one of the eight family elders. He is seven years older than Lord Issa, whom is the only member of the family capable of besting him."
"Not entirely true. He challenged Lady Gyokuro at the New Year's party after Lord Issa's disappearance."
"A humiliating defeat. Forcing Lord Yoshiro to swear his loyalty in exchange for Lord Gun's life. Lord Gun retains his title as none care to take it from him while Lady Gyokuro is in charge. There have also been no attempts to take the Eldest role from Lady Kahlua."
"Unlike you boys whom fight over whom is in control of the family, us ladies have no desire to become a prize for other vampire households to pursue."
"It guarantees you'll have a strong husband."
"I admire Lady Gyokuro for having higher aspirations than the role of a subservient womb."
"She is admirable and deserving of my loyalty. I've never seen the family elders at such a loss over how to handle a woman. As a culture which takes pride in strength, the notion that they have turned to espionage and subterfuge is saddening."
Kurumu smiled, wondering if the direct approach would work best.
"Would you be able to admit it if you have you seen Akua?"
"No. But I feel good about saying she was not killed by Lady Gyokuro."
"Brother?"
"It's hypothetical. If that child is still alive, I have no idea where she is."
"Would you understand it if I said she was in the garden?"
His look of confusion was genuine and he shrugged with a glance at his sister.
"You reminded me that the Eldest is a title. How is Akua related to the Shuzen household?"
"Now there's a question I've heard from Lady Gyokuro several times. Akua is Issa's daughter by blood."
"She was Hanami's little girl."
Kokoa frowned at Tara.
"Who's Hanami?"
"Hanami was a young vampire girl whom was born a servant of the Estate, much like my son, Hazeru."
"Vampires can be born as servants?"
"When the child is born without permission from the elders. Lord Issa acquired Hanami from Lord Tomi, though I can't say if her mother was one of his girls or not. We don't discuss the details of scandals. The elders threatened this fate upon Lady Akua when they learned he had taken a servant girl into his bed."
"That is why he sent Lady Akua away to be trained as an assassin. He wanted her to possess the skills to take the title of Eldest away from whomever held it and avoid the life of servitude Hanami had endured."
Nagi chuckled, nodding in agreement.
"I remember how amused Lord Issa was when it ended up being a fight between his daughters."
"Was Akua sixteen when she returned to Japan?"
"Why would you care to know that?"
Kurumu smiled apologetically.
"Mrs. Shuzen said Hanami died in childbirth two whole years after Akua claimed to have been born."
"I suppose it would do no harm at this point to admit Hanami almost had another baby girl."
"But she died with her mother. Lord Issa lacked the heart to give the poor soul a name."
"So what is all this gossip about?"
The shaggy haired woman regarded them with a familiar snaggletooth grin. She had hazel eyes and rounded cheeks marked with dimples. She was stocky like the two men whom were prepping the stoves, but she had curves in all the right places.
"This woman is Chinoashi Shizue. I would like to introduce you to my personal servant, Kurono Kurumu. Mrs. Chinoashi and her husband were hired to work for this Estate shortly after it was built. They used to live in Iromori, minding the small home Mother had rented out for us that year."
Kurumu smiled, glancing over at the two men. One had his dark locks slicked back to reveal his receding hairline but also had a healthy mane of coarse facial hair. The other had his dark locks tucked under a white cap and had a heavier, stouter build.
"Which one is your husband?"
"Hey, Pochi! Come over and greets the ladies."
The portly one frowned at the shaggy haired servant, shaking his head.
"Not know, love. Already put the oil down and can't be yipping with the rest of you."
Kokoa sighed heavily.
"We dallied so long that they've started the breakfast without you."
"I'm sorry."
"Ms. Kurono here is new to the arts of servitude and is to shadow us today."
"Sounds right by me. Not that hard but I can show you an efficient way of going about things."
"I promise to do my best."
"Any questions before you run off for your cooking lessons?"
Kurumu smiled with a glance between the two ladies.
"Perhaps you can start off by telling Milady that underwear can be worn with the maid outfit."
Tara blushed while Mrs. Chinoashi smirked.
"Well… I know my husband has no complaints."
"It depends on if Ms. Juunan will be present. Her teasing is worse if she catches me with them."
Nagi chuckled, crossing his arms about his chest.
"I have no complaints either way."
"You should!"
Nagi looked Kurumu over with more sensual desire than before.
"While I'm not that interested in my sister's undergarments, it does have me wonder if the young lady's inquiry comes from being in this state of undress."
"She's a child, Nagi."
"So was Hanami."
Tara backhanded her brother's shoulder. Walking over to Kurumu, she grabbed her by the shoulder.
"I think it's time we introduce you to Mr. Kondo Youta. He used to own a restaurant in Fukuoka, so he's very good at what he does."
Kurumu was thankful for the prompt escape.
"This is ridiculous, Mother."
"The only thing ridiculous is your attempt to back out of this challenge."
They were gathered in the wide expanse of grass behind the Estate. The afternoon sun provided the familiar warmth Kurumu had enjoyed all her days inside the barrier around Yokai Academy. A slight breeze swept across the field, unable to stir the heavy attire Kurumu wore. Only Kahlua's wispy, white dress betrayed the current.
It was almost two hours after the lunch at which Kokoa had issued the challenge. Kahlua had dismissed Kokoa's demand, excusing herself from the meal. There had been a simple warning from Mrs. Shuzen about not being late to the challenge. With how Kahlua had walked off in a huff, Kurumu had doubted the older girl would show up.
Kurumu had spent most of her day with Mrs. Chinoashi and Mr. Kondo. Both were enjoyable characters to be around whom loved their work and had cheerful dispositions. Neither had an opinion about Shuzen family affairs, letting Nagi and Tara handle those people if they did come to the Estate.
Mr. Kondo had been working for Mrs. Shuzen even before her marriage. She had bought his restaurant on her twenty fourth birthday, which he had continued to operate until four years ago. He had visited the castle on special occasions to help the kitchen staff, but with him being a satyr, Mrs. Shuzen had limited his exposure to the family. Mr. Kondo admitted even now he never left the kitchen area unless it was to retire for the night, allowing Mr. Chinoashi to fetch midday supplies and handle the trash.
"I am here since you encourage this nonsense."
Mrs. Shuzen smirked at her elder daughter. The mother was wrapped up in a bright red, sleeveless dress which stretched over the curves of her torso. The garment ended halfway down her tanned thighs. Black flats graced her feet in the short grass.
"Nonsense? A challenge for your bloodright is nonsense?"
"Would you prefer I call it a waste of time?"
Mrs. Shuzen glanced at Tara whom stood next to her with a blank expression.
"Such a horrible thing to say about your sister."
Kahlua gestured at Kokoa whom was still wearing that tight outfit from this morning. The young vampire was holding a thin sword with a decorative guard in the shape of bat wings.
"What do you expect will happen here, Mother? The difference in our skill levels has only increased since the last time we fought."
"I expect you to fight for your bloodright. If you refuse, than I won't reward blood to either of you."
"But that's mine."
"Your Father explicitly stated it was to be earned."
Kahlua whimpered, turning her attention upon a scowling Kokoa.
"But… I don't want to fight Kokoa. I could hurt her."
"I'm not afraid of you, Big Sister. I will defeat you today."
Kahlua squealed with delight.
"That is so adorable. Please don't make me crush her, Mother. It's horrible of you to keep encouraging her to do impossible things."
"But you must have an opponent, Kahlua."
"But Kokoa doesn't even qualify as an opponent."
"I will make you regret saying that!"
Mrs. Shuzen smirked at Kokoa's outrage, turning her attention on Kahlua.
"Are you saying you would prefer to challenge me for my blood?"
The mirth fled Kahlua's eyes as she took a step back from her mother.
"But this isn't right, Mother."
"This will be the last time you can fight Kokoa for my blood. After this you can only earn it the way true vampires do. Victory in direct combat."
Kahlua settled back in a firm posture.
"Perhaps I no longer need your blood, Mother. Now that I have become an assassin, I have my own prey to draw strength from."
"It was clearly not enough to avoid defeat at Lord Fujisaki's hands."
"You ask the impossible. Even using your tricks, you can't best him."
"If he was certain of victory, he would not resort to petty politics to undermine my authority. He would challenge me per our customs and force me into submission."
Kahlua turned a bright smile on her mother.
"Maybe he knows something it took years for Father to figure out. That you are not worth possessing."
"A poor insult considering that mistake is the reason why you exist. If you won't fight for my blood, then perhaps Kokoa is willing to challenge me."
Kahlua's eyes widened as Mrs. Shuzen turned on Kokoa.
"Are you prepared to face your mother, Kokoa?"
Kokoa stared in shock at her mother as a heavy pressure permeated the air. Her fist clenched the hilt of her sword as she faltered back a step.
"No! I will fight my sister, if that is what she wishes."
Kahlua paused to regain her composure. She turned a warm smile on Kokoa.
"Sister. Do you really want her blood? It gets you nothing."
Kokoa's emotions regained a center as she scowled at Kahlua.
"How would you know when you have had everything from the start?"
Kahlua sighed, bowing her head.
"Very well then. Shall we begin?"
Kokoa changed her stance, stepping to the side as she held her sword at the ready. Her eyes fixed on Kahlua whom remained relaxed where she stood.
Kurumu glanced at Moka whom stood next to her. The vampire was wearing that blue and white striped dress Kurumu had not seen since April. The dress had short sleeves and a crimped section about the waist. Kurumu reached up to tug on Moka's left sleeve.
"Hey. What's with the sword?"
"It's a familiar."
"That looks like a sword."
"It can shift into whatever shape its master wishes for it to take."
"What?"
"It's a familiar. That's what they do."
Kurumu shook her head slightly, having only this vague idea that a familiar was like a witch's cat. She had never heard of a cat turning into a sword.
Kokoa lunged at Kahlua whom effortlessly stepped aside. The vampire swung her blade and thrust a couple more times, seeming to get dangerously close to striking her sister. She would swear in one instance the sword passed clean through Kahlua whom instantly was elsewhere out of harm's reach.
The attacks became more frantic and difficult to read. Kokoa's weapon moved like liquid through the air at times, elongating at times. After a couple minutes of near strikes, Kokoa ceased her barrage to hop back a few steps. The young vampire panted with her sword in hand that was clearly not the same shape as it had been before.
"What is going on?"
"Kahlua is waiting for Kokoa to tire herself out. It will make it easier for her to knock her out in one shot."
"I meant with the sword."
"The familiar."
"Whatever. Is it like a magical item?"
Moka smiled, shaking her head.
"Kokoa caught one in the wild. Akua helped her tame it. She wanted to give it to me for my birthday but familiars are impressionable creatures. It made itself too heavy for anyone but Kokoa to pick it up."
"Do you intend to fight your sister or continue running away like you always do?"
"It's called strategy, Mother."
"Based on the presumption that she will tire first."
Kokoa grinned as she shot forward on her toes, twisting her lunge through Kahlua. In the blink of an eye, Kahlua darted aside but Kokoa slashed through that space with an impossible reverse only a flexible blade could fulfill. A rend tore across Kahlua's dress causing her bosom to spill out.
Kurumu's eyes widened as Kahlua hopped aside from multiple sword slashes mere milliseconds ahead of the pliable blade. There were so many instances that Kurumu saw the blade pass through Kahlua only for the vampire to slip away without even a scratch though her dress was quickly being slashed apart.
"Is she healing instantly?"
"Afterimages. She's throwing them up quickly to keep Kokoa off guard."
Kahlua's dress was testament that she was not doing it fast enough. The next time Kokoa took a break to catch her breath, there was not enough fabric hanging off of Kahlua's shoulders to be considered a dress. She had nice tanned breasts at least one cup size larger than Moka's. They were surprisingly perky and firm, lifting with each labored breath. Kahlua still had a calm grin on her lips.
Kokoa was blushing fiercely as she regarded her sister. She whipped her blade out at Kahlua.
"Why did you wear that silly thing into a challenge? I gave you time to dress properly!"
"I'm sorry, Little Sis. I thought your blade would be slower."
"You're doing this on purpose!"
"Are you embarrassed to see your sister's body?"
"Take me seriously!"
It happened in a blur of motion. Even with her ability to pick up things as fast as Ginei's gestures, Kurumu was at a loss to explain how Kokoa ended up in close quarters with Kahlua. Her sword arm was trapped and her weapon was on the ground. Kokoa struggled with her footing while pushing Kahlua's back with her free hand. Kahlua dipped her foot under the sword guard, snapping her leg up with enough force to launch the weapon out to the line of the woods.
"Do you really wish to fight me without your toy, Little Sis?"
Kokoa balled her hand into a fist and struck her sister's back. Kahlua laughed yanking Kokoa forward roughly. Kokoa flipped over into the dirt while Kahlua retained her vice grip on Kokoa's right arm. Kahlua stepped down on the side of Kokoa's head, yanking her arm up.
"This time you should yield."
Kokoa grunted and flailed. She grabbed at Kahlua's foot which the older sister quickly moved aside. In the next instant, Kahlua slammed her foot down on Kokoa's left forearm to neutralize a second attempt.
"Yield. You're not getting your arm back."
Kokoa's response was that of a wild trapped animal pinned under an immovable object.
"Do you yield, Kokoa?"
"I'm not done!"
"I suppose this won't take too long to heal."
Kokoa screamed as her shoulder was audibly popped out of its socket. Kahlua stepped off of Kokoa's forearm before releasing her right arm which fell limply against the squirming vampire. Kahlua sighed as she moved several paces away to regard her howling sister.
"I hope you are satisfied."
"Do you yield, Kokoa?"
The firm question was like tossing water on a fire. Kokoa's cries instantly became labored breaths. The vampire rolled onto her belly. Kokoa's face turned in the grass so that one eye could regard her sister. There was a reddish tint in the center of her emerald iris.
"I'm not done."
Kokoa hit the ground with her left fist and a cloud of dirt erupted about her. Kokoa spun out of the haze with a vicious roundhouse kick which her sister stepped in to meet. Kahlua caught her sister, slamming her on her back against the ground.
"Call the match."
"I'm not done."
Kahlua stomped her foot down on Kokoa's chest with a sickening crunch.
"Stay down!"
Kurumu stepped forward but Moka grabbed her by the shoulder firmly. Moka shook her head.
Kahlua was thrown off balance, stumbling as Kokoa somehow was back on her feet in Kurumu's moment of distraction. The smaller vampire charged in at her sister whom looked ready to drop her persistent sister once again. But this time when Kahlua stepped in to meet the attack she stumbled forward as Kokoa blinked behind her. A kick connected into Kahlua's back with enough force to cause something to break. For the first time in this fight, the elder sister was thrown into the dirt.
"I'm not done."
Kahlua bounced back to her feet before Kokoa could stomp on her. She spun with a kick that clocked Kokoa's temple hard enough to throw her sister to the ground. Kokoa's body was trembling as she pushed herself up on her hands and knees. Kahlua kicked the wheezing vampire in the gut hard enough to spin Kokoa through the air a couple paces before landing hard on her back.
"Call the match, Mother. She's beyond her limits."
"She's still moving."
Kurumu saw it clearly this time. When Kokoa hit the ground with her good hand, she struck with enough force to throw her entire body up into the air. She twisted in the air to land on her feet. Kokoa growled as she wobbled on her feet.
"She's not even conscious of what she's doing."
"Then put her down."
Kahlua sighed. She launched towards Kokoa in a blur but her target flashed into brilliance. Kahlua veered off course, the remnants of her attire blackened along with some of her silver tresses. She quickly patted herself down as she turned wide eyes upon her mother.
"What have you done to her?"
A ring of black surrounded Kokoa. Every strand of grass was razed to ash. Only the tiny circle upon which Kokoa stood had been spared. Kokoa's head cocked aside, her pupils gleaming crimson.
"Not done."
"Is she too much for you, Kahlua?"
Kahlua hand lifted to her ear, touching the golden cross dangling from the lobe. She gripped the lower shaft, tearing it down. She started to bawl.
"Why did you do this? Why can't you let her stay my baby sister?"
Mrs. Shuzen smirked as Kokoa shot towards Kahlua like a rocket.
Kahlua was thrown to the ground like a ragdoll in a massive spray of blood. At least most of her was. Her right arm had been torn off. She was still bawling like a baby though without any signs of pain. She sat up and rubbed her eyes with the back of her hand.
"Why did you? Why did you?"
Kokoa tumbled across the dirt with the extra appendage. The vampire rolled to a stop, getting up on her knees and holding the arm. There was a moment of dazed confusion before her eyes fixed on Kahlua. Tossing the limb aside, Kokoa scampered across the grass like a wolf closing in on its prey.
"I don't want to kill her."
Five crimson wings shot out from Kahlua's vacant arm socket. Black veins pulsed within the membranes which quickly coalesced as Kokoa approached. Kahlua held her other palm out to Kokoa as the growing wings stretched out longer than the lost arm.
"Please."
Kokoa hit her sister with enough force to push Kahlua to the ground. Her hands slapped about Kahlua's throat the same instant Kahlua's wing tips snapped in like a bear trap. The tips pierced though Kokoa's back and side, resulting in the younger sister going limp against her bawling sister.
Moka's slight push on Kurumu's shoulder broke her out of her trance. They both hurried over to Kokoa's side, Moka kneeling down to place one hand on Kokoa's back and the other on Kahlua's shoulder. Kahlua continued to cry as she caressed Kokoa's cheek.
"You have to let her go, Big Sister."
"I can't. She'll bleed out."
Kurumu shuddered at the thought of Kokoa dying here. Movement drew her attention to Mrs. Shuzen whom was calmly approaching them. Tara was walking over to retrieve Kahlua's arm.
"They could have killed each other."
Mrs. Shuzen snorted as she crossed her arms below her bosom.
"There was no situation where Kokoa killed Kahlua. The worse Kahlua would have suffered if this route continued in Kokoa's favor was a broken neck. Both will fully recover by Tuesday morning."
Kurumu grimaced before turning her attention back to the girls at her feet. Three of Kahlua's bloodied wing tips had been pulled out of Kokoa's side, leaving the two which speared through her shoulder and back. Blood was dripping slowly from the tears in Kokoa's outfit.
"The next one."
Kahlua sobbed, shaking her head at Moka.
"It's through her lung. I can't."
"Enough sniveling, child. Release your sister at once."
"You did this to her!"
Mrs. Shuzen glared down at her daughter.
"No. You had a choice."
"If I hadn't fought her, you would have taken her challenge."
"And I would not have toyed with her. Her condition is due to your lack of respect."
"Lady Shuzen."
Mrs. Shuzen glanced at Tara. She took the bloodied limb with a slight nod, cradling it to her bosom as she knelt down on Kahlua's other side.
"Take Kokoa to her room and tend to her wounds. She might not regain consciousness tonight but I shall have Sho watch over her if that is the case."
"Yes, Lady Shuzen."
Tara reached down and tugged on the wings still pierced through Kokoa. Kahlua sobbed as both bloodied tips popped free. Crimson rushed in to fill the jagged wound, smoothing it over. Some excess dribbled at the edges to stain Kokoa's garment.
"Why is her wound not bleeding more?"
Tara glanced at Kurumu, offering a faint smile as she reached down for Kokoa.
"Lady Kokoa has always been stingy with her blood. She's holding it in. Lady Moka."
Moka nodded as she helped Tara lift Kokoa off Kahlua. On her feet, Moka turned Kokoa over as Tara slipped an arm below Kokoa's legs. Tara adjusted her hold as Moka assisted arranging Kokoa into a comfortable position in Tara's arms.
"But you said she was unconscious."
"Accompany her, Moka."
"Yes, Mother."
Moka walked alongside Tara as they headed back to the Estate with Kokoa. Kahlua's sobs had diminished to whimpers when Mrs. Shuzen presented her missing appendage.
"I believe I have something which belongs to you."
"You're so cruel."
"Yes. Now sit up."
Kahlua took her limb from her mother, sniffling as she scooted up into a seated position. Mrs. Shuzen shifted over behind her daughter, placing her hands on Kahlua's shoulders.
"I dropped my limiter."
"You can look for it after your reward."
Kahlua bared the right side of her neck. Mrs. Shuzen darted her head in, baring her fangs. Kahlua made a soft moan, clutching her dismembered arm to her bared bosom. Her eyes closed as a pair of tears crawled down her cheeks. The crimson wings slowly drew back inside Kahlua's shoulder socket.
After a long moment, Mrs. Shuzen drew her head back with a slight gasp. Kahlua opened her eyes, letting out a sigh as the wings slipped out of sight. She whimpered as she held the severed limb up near her shoulder. Mrs. Shuzen reached over to guide the ragged ends together. Kurumu watched in disbelief as the skin rapidly repaired itself.
"You would get more if you took it yourself."
"I wouldn't win."
Mrs. Shuzen smacked Kahlua's shoulder, causing her daughter to wince. At that moment, Kahlua was able to move her right arm as if it had never been detached.
"I'm disappointed. Fetch your sister's familiar while you revel in your mediocrity."
Mrs. Shuzen got up on her feet behind her sniveling daughter. With a gesture at Kurumu, the vampire started off at a brisk pace for the Estate.
"With me, Ms. Kurono. My daughter needs a moment to reflect."
Kurumu complied without protest, though she felt compelled to voice her concerns.
"Why are you so hard on your daughters?"
"They need to be stronger. This world is unforgiving, Ms. Kurono."
"They need a place to call home. A place to be safe and loved."
"And how is that working out for you, Ms. Kurono?"
Kurumu's heart twisted as she faltered a step.
"That's not fair."
"Neither is the world."
"What if they start to hate you?"
"My role as a parent is to prepare my daughters for this world. Their feelings towards me are irrelevant."
"Don't you want to be loved by them?"
"Not if it makes them weak. Kahlua's issue is she has become complacent. She refuses to learn the truth that superior effort will surpass raw talent. Kokoa will defeat her one day if she continues this laziness."
"But wasn't this the last time Kokoa could challenge you for your blood?"
"That does not mean this will be the last time they fight. I have faith that one day my baby will save her spoiled sister. She has Akua's spirit. The determination to do whatever it takes to win."
Kurumu sighed as they stepped up the stairs to the glossy, marble veranda which preceded the back doors to the ballroom.
"What sort of future do you expect to have with your daughters?"
"None, Ms. Kurono."
Kurumu's eyes widened as she stopped. Mrs. Shuzen turned about with a serious look in her eyes.
"That is a reality we all must face. One day there will be a future without the people you want in it. I'm sure you understand this."
Kurumu clenched her fist as her heart ached.
"But I loved her. I would give anything to have her back."
Mrs. Shuzen cocked her head.
"And what good does that do? Spare me the argument that doing things like Akasha would make things any easier on my girls. You know it's not true."
It was so hard not to start crying as thoughts of mommy flooded her.
"I… I just want her back."
"I suggest you visit with Ms. Kiyoshi. She can make you feel better if your heart is giving you trouble."
Kurumu nodded, unable to think of anything to say as Mrs. Shuzen started to walk away.
"Life goes on, Ms. Kurono. Even if you don't want it to. I'll see you at dinner."
Kurumu lingered near the end table tucked between the black cushioned couch and matching armchair in Kokoa's suite. Tara hovered in the doorway to the bedroom with Moka nodding off against her. They were waiting for Ms. Juunan's diagnosis of the young vampire whom remained sleeping in her bed.
Contrary to Ms. Juunan's morning promises, she had not returned to the Estate in time for dinner. It had been almost nine when Ms. Juunan had arrived with Ms. Fukuda, claiming to have been sidetracked by a fabulous meal in Kumamoto. After a half hour of pleasantries and checking in with Mrs. Shuzen, the succubus had finally come to assess Kokoa's condition.
Kurumu had talked with Ms. Kiyoshi for over an hour. The woman whom had slept through lunch had been dressed in pajamas all day. She had remarked about rarely getting a day in which she had nothing to do and that if she had been home she would have been naked the whole day. Kurumu liked her. She smelled nice and had no qualms about holding and caressing her. It was almost like her mother. Almost.
By the time she had reported to the kitchen, Mr. Kondo was mostly finished with preparations for dinner. They had kept her busy for the entire meal, dumping the duty of dishes upon her afterwards. She had finished up about a half hour before Ms. Juunan's arrival.
Ms. Juunan walked into view, smiling at Tara.
"She will be awake in a couple hours."
"Can I stay with her?"
"You are more than welcome to sleep with her if you want. I'm sure she won't resist your advances like this pretty one whom continues to frustrate me."
Tara stiffened as Ms. Juunan pressed up against her.
"Ms. Juunan, please."
"My oh my. I certainly want to."
Tara shot Moka a pleading look which went unnoticed. Moka slipped out of sight into Kokoa's bedroom, forcing Tara to fend for herself. Tara pushed on Ms. Juunan's torso as she scooted away from the door.
"If you have no further need of me, I must join my brother. He said he would be waiting at the door."
Ms. Juunan grinned as she let the woman go. She followed the retreating servant to the door.
"Perhaps he would enjoy it if we take this downstairs."
"Please don't, Ms. Juunan. I shall see you in the morning."
"I suppose it will have to wait. It is rather late."
"I'll walk with you."
Tara smiled at Kurumu. She nodded opening the door and slipping out into the hall. Kurumu quickly exited the room a couple steps ahead of Ms. Juunan. Tara was briskly retreating down the corridor, prompting Kurumu to hurry on as Ms. Juunan closed the door behind them.
"I'll treat you extra special tomorrow."
Tara shivered as she reached the top of the winding staircase. She managed a smile at Kurumu before she started her descent. Kurumu finally caught up to the woman, noting that Nagi was standing at the front doors waiting for them.
"Is she always like that?"
"Yes. And if she wants something to happen, it is impossible to refuse her."
Kurumu bit her lip, strongly hoping that woman would never set her sights on her.
"Um… Ms. Tara. Do you think Mrs. Shuzen is too hard on her daughters?"
Tara laughed, shaking her head.
"I think Lady Gyokuro spoils her daughters. Any other family would have forced a fifteen year old girl to accept a subservient position to her betters. At twelve I accepted my fate as my elder sister's attendant until she married into another vampire household."
Kurumu frowned as they reached the bottom of the stairs.
"Do you have any children?"
"The only vampires I am ever in contact with are family and the elders have no interest presenting me as a candidate for marriage. I am more valuable to the Shuzen family as a loyal servant than sold to another household to make children."
"Why don't you leave?"
Tara laughed as they came to a stop next to Nagi. He threw her a curious glance as he touched the door.
"This young lady wishes me to run out into the world to find love."
Nagi chuckled, turning a grin upon Kurumu.
"My sister did live with the humans for a few years. It was like what… ten years? After Akina married."
"I returned a year before you married Rena."
"You're married?"
Nagi grinned broadly with a nod.
"I am to a beautiful lass whom makes the world a better place."
"He married our cousin. The family elders opposed it but Fairy Tale has less stringent views. I should also mention Rena had given him a daughter a month before the wedding."
"Whom those old codgers sold away to spite us. At least they let us keep our son."
"They sold your daughter!? Why would you put up with that?"
"It's not easy to live in the human world. The younger generation has the benefit that they can defect to Fairy Tale if they dislike how their elders run their respective families. An old timer like myself lacks the resources to convince Fairy Tale to assist in my escape from this cruel society."
"We're not that old, brother."
"My big sister is older than Ms. Juunan."
Tara blushed at his chuckling. She pouted.
"I'm younger than Lord Issa."
"By four years."
"What happened to your daughter?"
Nagi smiled wistfully.
"Who knows? My older brother forcefully took our Amaya away from Rena a year after our son was born. We were told she was sold to another family. Rena has never been the same, terrified of having another child. She's forced two miscarriages."
"Issa allowed this?"
"That's the trouble of having a Head whom spends entire months away from family matters to fulfill his duty as an assassin for Fairy Tale. The elders did many things without his knowledge. When I brought my grievances to Lord Issa, he took my family and my sister into his employ at the castle. That was right after the New Year's party in 1980. I've never been able to get an answer as to what happened to our Amaya. But at this point, I can only hope a young woman thirty years of age has managed to find happiness."
"I don't understand your culture. It seems so barbaric."
Tara huffed.
"And male dominated. That is one thing I appreciate about Lady Gyokuro. She defies antiquated gender limitations, demanding our elders to live up to their beliefs of the strongest rule even if that means they must bow to a woman."
"What else would you expect from the woman whom murdered the patriarch of Buyouken?"
"Murdered?"
Nagi smirked.
"At the age of twelve, that woman drank the last drop of the former President of Fairy Tale. If she had not fallen to Lord Issa, I imagine the Buyouken household would have eventually bowed to her will and granted her the rights to become the first female Head of a vampire family ever in recorded history."
Tara placed a hand on Kurumu's shoulder.
"Don't fret over the word murder, my dear. That's the bitter words of members of the Buyouken family whom wished to discredit Lady Gyokuro. From what I understand from Ms. Juunan, the former patriarch was rather fond of Lady Gyokuro and was tired of the squabble within his family over whom would take his place as the next Head."
Nagi pushed open the door and gestured outside.
"I think we've kept the others waiting in the car long enough. Shall we?"
"Good night, Ms. Kurono."
Kurumu murmured her farewells as the two vampires departed. Her thoughts mulled over these recent insights into Mrs. Shuzen's past and how vampire society behaved. While she knew some other races had troublesome customs like arranged marriages and low expectations for women, vampires were on a whole other level. They sold baby girls. She could think of no other race that would claim such a thing.
She wandered her way back up the stairs, thankful she was not a vampire. She still felt Mrs. Shuzen was wrong to behave the way she did. With life being so hard on them, her daughters needed every second of love and happiness they could have. But she doubted she could change Mrs. Shuzen's mind.
"Hey there."
Kurumu glanced up, smiling as she neared the top of the stairs. Ms. Kiyoshi was leaning on the railing, still wearing that pink camisole which ended at her navel. Her unbound ebony tresses stretched further down in the back to curl at the curve of her bared rump.
"What happened to the shorts?"
"Juunan is in one of her frisky moods."
Kurumu grimaced as she joined the woman on the upper balcony, unsure if she wanted details.
"What do you plan to do about it?"
Ms. Kiyoshi glanced off to the rooms. She started walking over to their suites.
"I think I shall spend the night with you instead."
Kurumu smiled softly as Ms. Kiyoshi opened the door to Moka's suite which was almost identical to Kokoa's. The main difference was the lack of an entertainment center. She wandered over to the sliding door which connected the suites as Ms. Kiyoshi shut the door behind them. She touched the handle and turned, favoring the woman with a smile.
"My pajamas are in Kokoa's room. If you're not tired, we could watch a movie or something."
Ms. Kiyoshi walked over to her, placing hands upon her shoulders.
"In a bit. First we should talk about tomorrow."
Kurumu's heart fluttered. She had worried Ms. Kiyoshi would bring this up earlier but the woman had safely kept the conversation away from mommy, favoring talk about her country home in Nishiwaga not far from the monster community of Oshushita in the Iwate prefecture. Oshushita was home to Shinjou High which happened to be larger than Terasu Institute, Iwate's flagship school in Yuusei.
"I've already informed Madame President that we should cancel my flight tomorrow so that I can be with you through the process at the funeral home. I know we have a situation on our hands, but I have faith Mujou can handle things in Tohoku for another day. Will you be able to make phone calls to all whom should know of your mother's passing tomorrow?"
Kurumu clutched her hands to her chest.
"I don't want a funeral."
"At some point you will have to hold one. We can delay for a month or two if needs be. Maybe say that your mother had an accident during training and that you were unable to arrange for a funeral until after the body was cremated. It happens."
Kurumu nodded, having no interest in telling anyone the truth tomorrow.
"I know the high schools, particularly the ones in closed barriers, are stingy about letting parents visit the campus. But every school sanctioned by Fairy Tale is open to alumni and parents during their cultural festival. Some schools also allow parents to visit on Sports Day. Both of these events are in October. Do you intend to arrange for her funeral before that?"
Kurumu stared through Ms. Kiyoshi. She knew the truth. She lacked the strength to do this on her own.
"No. That's too soon."
"Fair enough. Would your mother attend these events?"
Kurumu's heart caught in her throat.
"Of course she would."
"Would you want me to stand in for her?"
"What do you mean?"
Ms. Kiyoshi smiled, resting her hands against her own stomach.
"Take off the dress and kneel down."
"Huh? Why?"
Ms. Kiyoshi's tail snaked out. The woman held up her right hand to catch the spade tip as it slithered about her forearm.
"If you don't mind, I would like a quick peek at your memories."
"Wouldn't it be better to do this in the bathroom?"
Ms. Kiyoshi chuckled as the petals of her spade opened up to reveal her stigma.
"I have much more experience with this sort of thing. I won't make a mess."
"Then why do I have to undress?"
"I might spill some on your shoulder. Unless you have another maid uniform, you don't want this sort of scent on you tomorrow morning. Juunan might tease you over playing with yourself."
That was all the encouragement Kurumu needed to start tugging the garment off. Getting it up to her bosom, she realized how sticky the fabric was. She had never worn this outfit all day long before. She loosened up the stiff collar and started working her arms out of the sleeves. It took some effort to finally get free of the uniform, panting from the struggle.
"That did not look fun."
Kurumu managed a smile as she shook out the outfit. She walked over to the couch, draping the garment over the back. Ms. Kiyoshi had already knelt down at the low table behind the couch.
"Now I want you to think of your mother. Happy thoughts if you can."
Kurumu nodded, kneeling down across from the buxom beauty. She clutched her hands to her bosom, letting her own tail slither out. She lifted her chin and closed her eyes, relaxing her shoulders.
"Absolutely gorgeous."
Kurumu shivered as a hand caressed her left cheek. She felt Ms. Kiyoshi's knees touch hers. There was a slight pinch of her left ear. The hand came back to brush softly upon her face as something pressed tightly against the side of her head.
With permission, Kurumu fled to the warmth of mommy's embrace. It was not one instance. It was every instance. From the times she could not even begin to describe or understand her environment to the hugs as recent as last week. Every moment of comfort blending into one soothing feeling.
She could feel Ms. Kiyoshi's presence. Was aware of her while she reveled in this protective sensation. She gave Ms. Kiyoshi a little girl, having turned four only the other day. The most innocent image she could remember clearly of herself. She let that little Kurumu be Ms. Kiyoshi's guide, running about her memories with the eagerness of a child with a new playmate.
There were places little Kurumu was not allowed into. Angry places. Frustrated places. Sexual places. Shameful places. That was because little Kurumu was human. All those painful early memories had only happened because she was a succubus. There was nothing good about being a succubus.
Ms. Kiyoshi requested a better guide. Someone with keys to open the other doors. But Kurumu had no other apparitions whom governed her memories. At least not any whom could show the things Ms. Kiyoshi desired. With much reluctance, Kurumu pulled the older woman into mommy's embrace.
"This is nice."
They were nowhere yet everywhere. The only thing here was warmth and awareness.
"Don't you have more good memories? It can't stop at the age of ten."
"I wasn't on the best terms with mommy these past six years."
"You can show more."
Thoughts swirled about but Kurumu yanked them out of Ms. Kiyoshi's grasp before they materialized.
"I can't separate the good from the bad."
"This feeling here is not comfort smothering joy. This is melancholy. You don't have to show me the pain. But you can show the moments your mother helped you through it."
Sadly there were not many moments Kurumu had allowed mommy to help. It was a small place which only had her most recent of memories with mommy. Mommy's visit to Yokai Academy and the days right before her death. That was all she had.
No. That was not right. She pulled the time when mommy came for her the day she had collapsed in junior high. That did not belong in shame. The movies they had watched in Kengamine. Why had that been in anger? Mommy had been so happy. She had been so angry and frustrated with mommy, but mommy had been no different than the times before. Birthdays belonged in this good place.
She reexamined the contents of anger and frustration, moving them here. Many were correctly placed, but there was no value pretending everything was worthless. If she had not been so stubborn, she might have had more than the fifty good moments. Fifty moments in the span of five years was a horrible ratio.
She felt the pressure lessen against the side of her head as a hot rivulet of fluid splashed upon her shoulder to run down her breast.
"Oops."
Kurumu's eyes flew open at the sound of the voice. Sitting across from her was mommy wearing the same pink camisole Ms. Kiyoshi had been. Mommy smiled at her, grabbing her tail below the spade end. She bopped Kurumu on the head with her spade.
"A lot came out."
Kurumu wrapped her mommy in a tight embrace, sobbing against her shoulder. She murmured apologies as hands gingerly pressed to her back. She cried, rubbing her face against the fabric as her heart ached.
"Oh dear. Oh dear, oh dear, oh dear. You're going to make me cry."
It was so real. Her voice. Her scent. Everything about her was mommy. Kurumu knew it was a lie but it was so beautiful.
"I'm so sorry. I'm so sorry. I wanted you to see."
Kurumu pulled back at the sound of Ms. Kiyoshi's voice. The woman's hands drifted to Kurumu's sides as she rubbed her eyes. She sniffled, fighting back the sobs as Ms. Kiyoshi was herself once more.
"Our memories of people can be powerful. The more we know about someone, the easier it is for us to make a perfect image of them. But we still must be good actors if we want to fool someone into thinking we are someone else. I have a good idea what your mother was like after seeing so many memories. If you absolutely need me to, I could take her place for special events. Until you are ready for the truth."
Kurumu shook her head with a sniffle.
"No. I don't think you can."
"Are you sure?"
Kurumu nodded, rubbing her eyes dry.
"I don't know enough about mommy's past. You could never fool her friends whom have become teachers at Yokai Academy. Maybe my friends, but not hers."
"Then it's settled. We will address this at your cultural festival. Okay?"
Kurumu nodded, supposing she was fine with that. She paused to take a deep breath as she thought about this latest revelation.
"So you could look like anyone you want to?"
"Yes. It's no different than the card I used as your passport. You have full control over your appearance to others. How you smell, sound, look… whatever you want."
"Seriously?"
Ms. Kiyoshi smiled softly.
"Ms. Miburui says our illusions are rooted in our beliefs. That the only thing which holds us back is our own doubts. The most powerful of succubi have a very loose grip on what is reality."
Kurumu pondered that for a moment. She sniffled again.
"But that's just illusions. We're not telepaths, right?"
"We can do anything, Ms. Kurono. If we truly believe that we can. This might surprise you but Ms. Shikaru was an assassin before she joined the unit. She could convince anybody to kill themselves."
Kurumu shuddered at the thought. She had no desire to follow down that road.
"I think I'm content if you can help me get my hair back to how it used to be. I miss having it long."
Ms. Kiyoshi laughed, reaching over to tap her nose.
"I believe I can help you figure that out after you dress for bed."