Mommy looked like she was sleeping. Her head rested on a white pillow with her wavy, arctic blue tresses sprawled about. Her cheeks had been powdered heavily with pink blush and her eyelids were darkened with an indigo hue. Mommy had never worn makeup before. It made her look older.
They had clothed mommy in a pristine white kimono. Her hands had been placed together upon her belly. It felt unreal. Kurumu reached out over the edge of the glossy, black coffin, placing her white lily next to mommy's shoulder. She took in a deep breath, resting her hand on the curve of mommy's breast.
There was nothing here. This body was no more her mother than Ms. Kiyoshi's illusion last night. She felt like she should be crying. The dull ache in her heart assured that her grief remained. She absently lifted her hand up to trace her fingers upon mommy's cold, stiff cheek. Disliking the feeling, Kurumu let her fingers move to mommy's soft tresses. She sighed, swallowing down regret.
Kurumu had dressed in this long sleeved, black blouse stuffed beneath this olive, pleated, suspender skirt with the false corset midsection below her bosom. She had even foregone the bra beneath this silky blouse, picking the same lacy black panties as before. She was exactly the way she had dressed the day she had not tried hard enough to convince mommy to come with.
"I'm so sorry."
The first tear fell since they had arrived here twenty minutes ago.
"I could have saved you."
A hand touched her shoulder. Ms. Kiyoshi placed another lily in the casket near mommy's hands. The woman was dressed in the same black suit jacket and crimson blouse she had worn to the airport with her hair styled in the same fashion. It felt unreal.
"It's not fair."
Ms. Kiyoshi pulled her away from the coffin to make room for Ms. Juunan. The silver haired beauty had pulled her tresses in a simple tail over her right shoulder. A crimson shawl was draped over her bared shoulders while a black dress wrapped about her voluptuous figure down to her knees. The succubus placed her lily inside the coffin, bowing her head.
Kurumu struggled not to break into more tears as she leaned against Ms. Kiyoshi. The woman kindly held Kurumu to her bosom, resting one hand on the back of Kurumu's head while the other gently stroked her back. Kurumu felt the soothing suggestion as she gripped Ms. Kiyoshi's jacket.
"I wanted more."
Mrs. Shuzen was last to the coffin, garbed in a black kimono without any pattern. Resolutely she placed a lily in the coffin, turning her attention to the funeral director whom stood off to the side. Taking the cue, this man in the black jacket and gray vest over a black tie and white dress shirt approached the casket.
"I wanted more."
"Shall we move things to the crematorium?"
Mrs. Shuzen held a hand up to the man.
"When she's ready."
The director nodded, grabbing the side of the casket and closing it up. He moved around the casket, securing the golden latches.
Kurumu shivered as she felt a hand touch her back, glancing over her shoulder at Ms. Juunan. The woman smiled, letting her hand fall back to her side as Mrs. Shuzen joined them.
"You've made the right choice, Ms. Kurono. About your guardianship and the delay of your mother's funeral. I owe you much thanks for choosing not to disrupt my daughter's wedding."
Kurumu sniffled as she clung to Ms. Kiyoshi, having not spared a thought over Kahlua's wedding. Her breathing was ragged as she trembled on the brink of sobs.
"She wanted to see me graduate."
Kurumu paused to calm her breathing.
"She wanted me to go to college."
"You can still do these things, Ms. Kurono. It pains me to admit this, but my Kokoa is not experienced in ordering others about. You could easily convince her to attend college with you."
Kurumu's heart twisted as tears rolled down her cheeks.
"She wanted to hold my baby."
Perhaps she imagined it. Nothing felt real anyways. There was this moment of softness in Mrs. Shuzen's demeanor. The woman cocked her head with a thin smile.
"That is a beautiful sentiment. Not common for vampire women, I assure you."
Kurumu closed her eyes as more tears fell. She pressed the side of her head against Ms. Kiyoshi's bosom as she cried for some time.
"We really should be going, Lady Shuzen."
This was their last stop in Iromori. They had arrived about a half hour before noon, making their first stop in the prefectural office to sign some paperwork to finalize her guardianship. Then they had eaten lunch at a cozy family restaurant. Kurumu remembered little of the conversation, only knowing they had talked about the daughters spending time in the city while Mrs. Shuzen visited the region office in Fukuoka to address the recent crisis. If not for the wedding, Mrs. Shuzen would have been making plans to visit every region office this week.
"Will she be fine, Ms. Kiyoshi? I can order Ms. Yashin to continue working in your place."
"A pleasant offer, but there won't be any place to stay."
"You could share the room with Ms. Kurono."
Ms. Kiyoshi brought a hand up to caress Kurumu's cheek.
"Do you want me to spend the rest of the week with you?"
Kurumu swallowed the thickness in her throat as she peered up at the woman.
"I don't know what I want. I don't know what to do."
"Do you want me to stay with you?"
Kurumu sighed, relaxing against Ms. Kiyoshi.
"Does it matter? There's nothing left. All those dreams. None of it matters anymore."
Ms. Kiyoshi rubbed her hands on Kurumu's back, pressing her close.
"Don't say things like that. That's too hard on your heart. Think of your boyfriend. You have a lot of future ahead of you."
Kurumu started to bawl. She could not escape the guilt. If she had tried harder, mommy would have lived. It was all her fault. She could never share this with Tsukune. She could never hurt him this way.
"Moka. I want Moka."
Ms. Kiyoshi continued to hold and comfort her, smothering her with that comfortable aura. It diminished the sharpness of the heart pains and kept her breathing from going wild.
"I hope she's not still fretting over her body not reacting."
"Now is not the time."
"Perhaps we should discuss having her heart strings removed."
Ms. Kiyoshi pulled her in tighter. Kurumu choked on her sobs, stumbling a moment.
"No. She's too young."
"I disagree. If this girl is serious about her boyfriend, she might not live through the year. A heart can only take so much abuse."
"There is no evidence that supports that claim."
"My oh my. Do you believe there is evidence that backs those percentages you flaunt concerning the fatality rates of the operation? How many succubi do you believe have gone under the knife?"
Ms. Kiyoshi stiffened against Kurumu.
"I know the ones that have died were all younger than twenty two. That's enough evidence for me."
"If anything happens to that precious boyfriend of hers while she relies on him, she will die."
Mrs. Shuzen took in a deep breath. She placed a firm hand on Kurumu's shoulder.
"We can discuss this matter at a different time. Right now it would be best for Ms. Kurono to set aside thoughts of Mr. Aono and focus on her duties to Kokoa."
"Are you sure that is wise, Lady Shuzen? Breaking up with someone her body reacts to might kill her."
"As if you would have any experience with your body reacting to someone."
"Nor do you, Narau."
"Enough with this quarrel. I will make a decision concerning what is best for Ms. Kurono at a later time. The only advice I feel safe giving to her is concerning Kokoa. Understand?"
Both women murmured their responses. Mrs. Shuzen withdrew her hand from Kurumu's shoulder.
"I do regret your mother could not join our ranks. I could tell she would have been another bright and cheerful face like Ms. Ohno and Ms. Sakurai. While they may not be the most effective at getting the job done, they are good for morale."
Kurumu stared at Mrs. Shuzen without a clue what the woman expected her to say in the pause. The vampire forced a thin smile upon realizing she would get no response.
"I have an assignment for you, Ms. Kiyoshi, if you are able to return to Sendai."
"What do you have in mind?"
"Kokoa visited me in the middle of last night, requesting the presence of an additional young woman I would like you to collect. This new girl is the granddaughter of the esteemed scholar, Lord Sendou."
Kurumu bowed her head with a slight sniffle. She felt a tear crawl down her cheek.
"Doesn't that old nutcase live in Niigata?"
"The young lady lives in Oguni with her parents."
"That's still close enough for Yokina to handle her."
"Ms. Ohno will have her hands full with other girls I've tasked her to collect. I'll only trouble her with this if you are unable to return to Sendai."
"Yes, Madame President."
"Good. Make sure you put her on a plane Thursday morning. There is one other whom I think it would be beneficial to bring to the Estate. I want Mr. Aono. He lives where you picked Ms. Kurono up."
"Is that safe to bring her boyfriend here?"
"Sho will watch over his interactions with Ms. Kurono so we can make a better decision over if an operation is required. He is not here as a wedding guest. He is to make no contact with the bride or the groom. Do you understand this?"
"Yes, Lady Shuzen."
"I'll stop by the airport when we are finished here. If they don't have a flight available tomorrow, I'll call you and ask what you want me to do. I doubt I can gather both these kids in time for a Thursday flight if I'm leaving here Wednesday afternoon."
"You'll have a flight tomorrow if she lets you go."
Mrs. Shuzen placed her hand on Kurumu's shoulder, giving a firm squeeze.
"We shall be going now, Ms. Kurono. Don't put your heart in that doll."
Kurumu frowned as Mrs. Shuzen let go, gesturing at the director.
"I believe the young lady is as ready as she can be."
The man stepped away from the casket, bowing slightly.
"Thank you, Lady Shuzen. Will you be staying for the rest of the service?"
"Unfortunately not. I want you to help this girl select an urn and anything else she might want for her mother. Add the cost to the services you are providing. The Shuzen Estate will cover all expenses."
"Thank you again, Lady Shuzen. I will be generous in my pricing."
"It's only money."
Mrs. Shuzen straightened up with regal posture as she started off for the door. Ms. Juunan smiled with a nod before walking after her employer. The two women crossed over to the wooden double door in the back of this reception room, Ms. Juunan hurrying around Mrs. Shuzen to open the door for her. They slipped out without another word.
"Shall we proceed?"
The man had moved back to the top of the casket. He had both hands on a glossy black handle. With a slight tug, the casket rolled quietly towards him.
"Come along, little one."
Kurumu yielded to Ms. Kiyoshi's guidance, allowing her to steer her along. They followed the man pulling the casket through a side door into a white corridor.
It felt unreal.
The black cherry sedan rolled to a stop in the pavement marked off by white lines defining the parking spaces. Seated in the front with Ms. Kiyoshi, Kurumu clutched the black urn against her bosom. It was a smooth, sealed ceramic piece decorated with lilies. The time on the dashboard declared it was only four minutes after six when Ms. Kiyoshi turned off the engine. Ms. Kiyoshi fished her phone out of her suit jacket, flipping it open. She punched a few buttons before bringing it up to her ear.
"Yea. We're out in the parking lot. I need to move her things to your car."
Kurumu caressed the urn which held mommy. It felt so small. They had left Iromori around four, stopping at the airport for Ms. Kiyoshi to purchase her plane ticket.
"No. Nothing like that. She only has a change of clothes. It's something else."
They had a pretty butsudan for mommy. She had never been a religious person, relying on Ms. Kiyoshi to pick out all the necessities from incense burners to the little mandala scroll. Michi had put together one of these a year after Saikou was born. Ms. Kiyoshi had confessed to crying the first time she had seen the butsudan with the picture of their father.
Ms. Kiyoshi was not a religious person either. Their father had been a Christian man whom had claimed their mother was a demon and that they would all go to hell one day. Despite that condemnation, he showed them no malice. She had likened it to the resigned acceptance a patient has when told about a terminal illness. He had told them if they prayed enough that God might be kind enough to take away their wings and tails. He had prayed so much for the strength to resist their temptations. So many unanswered prayers. Their father passed away in the throes of depravity the night of Christmas Eve in 1970. She had not bothered celebrating Christmas or setting foot in a church since.
But Michi had turned to Buddhism with the hope that their father's soul would be reborn and that he would have an easier path in the next life. Michi rejected the notion of eternal damnation. While Ms. Kiyoshi doubted there was anything like heaven or hell waiting for them after death, she liked this belief that they all would get second chances.
"We'll be going inside soon. I should hold the urn for now."
Kurumu absently clutched the urn tighter to her bosom as she glanced at Ms. Kiyoshi. The woman softly smiled, holding her hand out as she opened up the door.
"I'm sure the other girls will worry if you cling tightly to that. Don't worry. I'll keep her safe."
Kurumu reluctantly handed the urn over to Ms. Kiyoshi. The moment the woman touched it, the urn was replaced by a slender white vase with red roses stuffed in it. Ms. Kiyoshi smiled again, pressing a button to pop the trunk of the car before she slipped out the side.
The ease in which Ms. Kiyoshi produced illusions continued to amaze Kurumu. It had taken her hours last night to figure out the trick to making her hair longer. Most of her difficulty was her acceptance of having short hair. They had washed out her black hair dye in the hopes that it would ease her ability to visualize and believe her hair was long. It was so much more demanding than suppressing her true form, which was more instinctual due to self-preservation and the innate desire to fit in with others. In a word, this was insanity. Believing something false to be true.
Ms. Kiyoshi had shown her how to handle the butsudan once she had it in her room back at Yokai. The easiest thing would be to present it as a jewelry box, which Ms. Kiyoshi had demonstrated different looks she might wish for Yukari to utilize. The woman seemed happy about Yukari being a witch friend.
"Don't forget your clothes, Ms. Kurono."
Kurumu nodded dumbly, reaching behind her seat for the plastic bag which held an outfit for tomorrow, pajamas and some lingerie. She stepped out of the car and closed the door. As Ms. Kiyoshi pressed the button which locked up the doors with a chirp, Kurumu regarded the Shichijo Hot Springs Dome of Kikuchi. A carport with a rounded green tiled roof was stretched out over the drive which flanked the parking lot. The section to one side of the carport was two storied. This black tiled roof was tiered, sweeping out with a slight curve at the corners. A multi storied section stretched up behind the carport canopy. This high part had a balcony which wrapped about the topmost layer. On the other side of the carport was a high single story dome.
Ms. Fukuda was approaching rapidly with her flats clipping angrily against the pavement. This buxom woman with the ashen locks styled in a short pixie cut had an openly distressed expression as she approached. The sleeves of her lavender blouse which was tucked in a pair of khaki capris had been rolled back to her elbows. The woman noted their presence, waving her keys at them.
"Pop your trunk."
Ms. Fukuda nodded, pointing her fab. A nearby car chirped as the woman continued over to them. She sighed heavily, shaking her head.
"These girls are driving me insane. The little one has already smashed three walls."
Ms. Kiyoshi chuckled, waving for them to follow her to the back of the sedan.
"Isn't she still in her sling?"
"You'd be amazed what that child can manage with one hand. I've had to charm the staff into ignoring the destruction with assurances that we will pay for all the damages."
"Are the other two giving you any grief?"
"Both of them look like foreign models with their natural hair color. I spent the whole day shooing folks with cameras away."
Kurumu smiled softly as Ms. Kiyoshi lifted the top of the trunk up.
"You're pretty too."
Ms. Fukuda huffed.
"That's why I cut my hair. It was much worse when I had long hair and big tits. Though I like what you've done with your hair. Pity you didn't leave your hair color black."
Kurumu blushed as she absently reached back to touch her lace ribbon securely tied in her long tresses. It was truly amazing. She looked exactly the same as she had during the first month at school.
Ms. Kiyoshi pulled out her luggage. She gestured in the trunk with the hand holding the vase.
"Can you carry this to your car? I have my hands full."
Ms. Fukuda placed her hand on the butsudan, regarding Ms. Kiyoshi with a frown.
"Why do you have one of these?"
"Her hair isn't the only illusion."
Ms. Fukuda glanced at the vase as Ms. Kiyoshi tugged out the handle to her suitcase. The younger succubus turned her attention on Kurumu. Her eyes returned to the butsudan.
"I understand."
Ms. Fukuda bent down and picked up the butsudan. She hauled it out of the trunk, nodding at Kurumu.
"Could you close up her trunk? It's a short walk to my car."
Kurumu nodded, complying with the request as the two women started across the parking lot.
"Seems like Juunan didn't tell you about the loss of her new trainee."
"I'm kept so busy in the region office that I don't have much time to gossip with Lady Juunan. Kyushu has become a difficult region to work in. The times are changing."
"That's the truth. I wish I could say it was for the better."
"I'm glad you are spending the night. I don't know if I can survive another day with these girls."
Ms. Kiyoshi chuckled as they arrived at the dreamy dark blue sedan Kurumu had seen parked outside of the Estate on the day of the funeral.
"How many rooms did you reserve?"
"We could only get one on such short notice. You won't be able to get another."
Ms. Kiyoshi sighed as they made their way to the back of the vehicle.
"I suppose that means a late night and an early morning."
"What for?"
"I doubt the young lady wants me to leave her mother in a car for the night."
Ms. Fukuda paused, adjusting her grip on the butsudan. She smiled over at Kurumu.
"Could you lift the top, Ms. Kurono?"
Kurumu quickly stepped over to complete the task. Ms. Fukuda lowered the shrine into her trunk, shifting some things around before closing up her car. She sighed again before smiling at Kurumu.
"I didn't know anything about your mother. Lady Juunan mentioned she would start training a new girl a couple weeks ago but I only had a name and didn't want to press for details if it meant getting into another long, drawn out conversation with her. I'm sorry for not knowing your situation better."
"You don't have to be like that, Mayu. I'm guessing Ms. Kurono and I found out about the situation even before Juunan. I thought Juunan would have told you when you went to Iromori yesterday to make the arrangements at the funeral home."
Ms. Fukuda shook her head as she started walking towards the carport.
"I don't know what Lady Juunan did, but I was investigating Ms. Sugawara's death. The manner in which she died points to a small set of suspects, but none have a motive for killing her. She wasn't raped and senseless killing which doesn't involve devouring is uncommon. Her murderer wanted us to find her."
"I'm guessing you've already looked into the person whom discovered her body."
"It was an anonymous tip written on a scrap of paper tied to his door. I saw that memory clearly. I've looked through the memories of several prime suspects. Nothing. I'm starting to think we may want to open our list of suspects to people whom can freely cross barriers."
Ms. Kiyoshi chuckled with a shake of her head.
"You can have fun with that."
"How did she die?"
Ms. Fukuda smiled at Kurumu.
"You shouldn't fret over that. A girl in your position needs to strengthen her bonds with friends. That will ease the strain on your heart."
Kurumu nodded as they reached the island where the covered canopy started.
"Do you have your heart strings removed?"
"Why would you bring that up?"
"Juunan was saying the girl should get them snipped."
"Unsurprising. Lady Juunan is rather eager to rush us all under the knife. Suggests it will enhance our love lives, though I have yet to see her take any relationship seriously."
Even at a slow walk it did not take them that long to cross the drive. The sensors picked up their presence, prompting the glass doors to part.
"Do you have a boyfriend?"
Ms. Fukuda laughed, shaking her head vehemently.
"No, no, no. Boyfriends are far too clingy and I doubt I could ever hide one from Lady Juunan. I tend to break things off before I become too attached."
They walked into the front vestibule and Ms. Fukuda gestured to the shoe lockers on the left. The young woman stepped out of her shoes, prompting Kurumu and Ms. Kiyoshi to do the same. Pulling out a small key from her pocket, Ms. Fukuda walked off to the lockers with her shoes in hand. Kurumu followed after the woman while Ms. Kiyoshi momentarily abandoned her luggage.
"You could tell her about Yume."
Ms. Fukuda stopped at a locker, inserting the key and giving it a twist. She pulled back the door and placed her flats inside before retrieving a pair of indoor slippers.
"Why would I want to do that?"
"Because she's the reason why you won't have the operation."
"Who's Yume?"
"Mayu's older sister. Died when she was seventeen because she listened to Juunan's advice."
Ms. Fukuda sighed as took Kurumu's shoes and placed them inside her locker.
"That was not Lady Juunan's fault."
Ms. Kiyoshi huffed as she handed over her heels.
"There was no reason to suggest the operation to begin with."
"Her heart ached for a married teacher."
"The obvious solution was to change schools. Both of you would have been fine in Meisou Academy."
"My mothers didn't want us in monster schools."
"There are dozens of human high schools in Fukuoka. She could have transferred."
Ms. Fukuda sighed again, closing up the locker and twisting the key.
"She was a second year. She didn't want to switch schools. She just wanted her heart to stop bothering her every time she crossed paths with him."
"Her heart definitely stopped. And they flew me in to keep Mayu from joining her."
Ms. Fukuda glanced away as she slipped the key back inside her pocket.
"I haven't forgotten."
Ms. Kiyoshi wandered back over to retrieve her luggage. She pushed down the handle and grabbed her case by another grip stitched to the side. She hauled it up to avoid dragging it across the floor.
"It's much safer when you're older, Ms. Kurumu. There is no value in risking your life over heartache. Yume's teacher was not even told she passed away. And Mayu took my advice to not go to that school."
There was a small pause as Ms. Kiyoshi came back over to join them.
"The girls were eating dinner when you called. I should have asked if the two of you have eaten."
"We have not."
"We can eat first before taking your things up to the room. With any luck my meal might still be warm."
Kurumu managed a smile as she followed the women through another set of glass doors. The room beyond was a large lounge which was deeper on the right than the left side. The front desk on her left was mounted with registers which were watched over by two employees in yellow tee shirts. Rows of display stands stocked with souvenirs and bathing supplies filled up the left half of this large room.
Ms. Fukuda walked on the tatami squares which cut down the center of this smooth wood finish floor. This tatami path continued further into the room before it veered off to the right at a row of tatami benches flanked by vending machines. The far wall was lined with black massage chairs with another hallway leading further in. Ms. Fukuda turned off to the left before they reached the vending machines, taking a small path between the wall and the souvenir stands.
This wall was lined by trash and recyclable receptors. Beyond the rows of souvenirs was a small glass enclosure about green ferns. A corridor slipped behind the souvenir stands along this glass wall, but Ms. Fukuda continued through a small break in this glass enclosure into a dining seating area beyond.
It was easy to spot the stunning figure of Kahlua in this bright environment. The silver haired beauty clothed in a daring black gown which hung low enough to betray the lack of a bra, was sitting by herself in a wooden chair which flanked a simple, cherry table. Every chair in the room was embedded with black cushions in the back and seat. Kahlua glanced up at them, grinning brightly and gesturing for them to join her. The few other guests in the room paused their ogling to acknowledge their arrival.
Ms. Fukuda tugged out a chair in front of an abandoned meal. Kurumu noted there were empty dishes placed in front of the chairs beside Ms. Fukuda and Kahlua.
"Where are your sisters?"
"They finished eating. They ran upstairs to fetch their things for a dip in the bath."
Ms. Fukuda sighed as she took her seat. Kurumu lingered behind a chair on this side of the table while Ms. Kiyoshi made her way over to Kahlua's side. She set her luggage down next to the table as she took the vacant seat on that side which lacked any dishes in front of it.
"I asked you girls to stay put."
"I thought of going with them, but worried that might prompt another halfhearted attack. She's so lively. You would not suspect she was fatally wounded yesterday."
"I understand she tore your arm off."
Kahlua nodded, rubbing her shoulder.
"It's still sore. I would also like that drink you promised."
Ms. Fukuda sighed, glancing at Ms. Kiyoshi.
"Kahlua would like to get smashed tonight. Do you have any objections?"
"Considering the girl is about to be married… How functional do you want to be tomorrow morning?"
"I doubt my constitution will allow me to get to that point. I want a taste of everything."
"Expensive, but I can manage. We should save the drinking till after we retire to our room. No drunk bathing. We don't want to learn what kind of drunk you are in a nude environment."
Kahlua smirked, reaching up to fluff her hair. Both of her cross earrings were in place.
"At least let me have a sip of something right now while my stomach is full."
"Fine. I'll get you whatever suits my fancy. Anything you would like, Ms. Kurono?"
Kurumu shook her head, not feeling the slightest big hungry. There was so much desire in this room that it was difficult to sense any stomach based hunger. These middle aged men were thinking all sorts of lewd fantasies involving busty young girls.
"Then I'll get myself something and be right back."
Clutching the vase to her bosom, Ms. Kiyoshi slipped out of her chair to head over to the counter which they had walked by when entering this space.
"I hope that story about my sister didn't ruin your appetite."
"I've been off all day. I barely ate anything at lunch."
Ms. Fukuda nodded. She took in a deep breath.
"She technically wasn't my sister. Yume is my Aunt's daughter. My Aunt and Mother live together and they stumbled across a man whom they were compatible with. That's part of why I stayed away from Yume's high school. Being related drastically increases the odds of compatibility with the same guy."
"You're talking about Mother's first field assignment."
Kahlua grinned as she swirled the contents about in her glass with a thin black straw.
"Before any of us were born. She had been with Fairy Tale for about three months before she got put in charge of a cleanup and investigation. Some human girl had died of an overdose of an unknown opiate. The humans keep writing those sort of things off as heroin junkies getting bad product."
Kahlua laughed as her crimson eyes fixed on Kurumu.
"You know, if the humans ever tested your blood, they'd put you in a halfway house. That's what they did with her Aunt and mother. Snatched them all up. Bunch of addicts abusing children and pumping them full of drugs. That's the only conclusion they can come up with."
"Lady Shuzen helped us. She got the four of us out. Left our birth father to rot in human custody."
"Oh, rubbish. Mother doesn't help anybody. She took the gamble that one of you would become her dutiful little servant and here we are."
Ms. Fukuda smirked.
"Well… the money is better than what I could have hoped to get pursuing a normal career."
"A succubus could charm her way into any fortune she wanted."
"Not without someone noticing."
"Would you be willing to work for me?"
"Why would I want to do that?"
"Mother gave this darling thing to Kokoa. She never gave a handmaiden to me. It's unfair."
Ms. Fukuda laughed with a slight shake of her head.
"I have no idea what you're expecting, but I'm terrible at the whole servant girl thing. You can ask my mother how well I kept my room."
"Do you look at Sho and think of her as a servant girl?"
Ms. Fukuda smirked as she swallowed down a piece of meat.
"Point taken. But I don't see why you would care so much to have a personal secretary."
"Come on, Mayu. You're the only one I want."
Ms. Fukuda paused.
"You're about to be married, Kahlua. What's yours becomes his. It might be smarter to ask him how he feels about this whim of yours before we get carried away. I'm not exactly part of a popular race."
Kahlua looked up, pouting as Ms. Kiyoshi returned with only a tray of food.
"Where are the drinks?"
"Sorry, Princess. They don't serve anything worth drinking here. I'll take Mayu with me into the city and get us something proper to addle your wits."
"Maybe I don't want to have her wits addled."
Kahlua stood up decisively.
"Since the drinking shall be delayed, I shall accompany Ms. Kurono up to our room. Gather up this woman's things."
Kurumu smiled, wondering if Kahlua knew Ms. Kiyoshi's name. Shifting her bag of cloths, she glanced at Ms. Kiyoshi for permission as she grabbed the side grip of Ms. Kiyoshi's luggage.
"I'll keep the vase with me, if it's all the same."
Kahlua shrugged before gesturing for Kurumu to follow. The eldest Shuzen daughter made her way to the back of the dining area, turning back towards the glass enclosure which had a small path on this side of it too. Kurumu hauled the luggage up into both her arms as she slipped through this passage before they turned into the corridor she had seen earlier.
They walked by an intersecting corridor before Kahlua slipped through an opening on her left. Kurumu followed after the vampire, starting up the flight of steps on her left. They turned about on the landing before heading up another flight of steps.
"We are staying in the Masunaga Castle suite. Do you know anything about the history of Kikuchi?"
"No."
"No loss, I suppose."
Kahlua giggled as she walked off to her right down the corridor at the top of the stairs.
"Bathrooms are off to the left. Our room is this first door ahead of us. There is another stair down that dumps you in front of the serving line for the restaurant."
Kurumu nodded as she followed Kahlua to the end of this hall. As stated, the corridor turned off to the right, eventually starting down a flight of stairs. Kahlua knocked on the door in front of them.
"Coming in, Kokoa. I have a friend with me whom would appreciate you not hitting her."
Kahlua slide the door off to the left, holding her right arm into the room before walking in the rest of the way. Kurumu followed in after, quickly noting Moka had a towel wrapped about her torso and was kneeling on the floor across from Kokoa. She had a deck of cards resting against her thigh.
Kokoa had her towel wrapped about her waist since her arm was still in a sling which was secured tightly to her torso with bandages. The young vampire had left her reddish hair down. She turned and waved a hand holding cards at them.
"About time you came up."
"Where should I put this?"
Moka set aside her cards, hopping up to her feet. She quickly padded across the tatami floor, pushing aside the white door to reveal the closet space. Kurumu nodded with a smile, hauling the luggage over to the space and setting it inside. As an afterthought she added her bag of spare clothes.
"Are you doing okay?"
Kurumu frowned at Moka.
"Why?"
"Well… your hospital checkup."
Kurumu had momentarily forgotten about the excuse to explain her absence to the other girls.
"Yea. Everything is fine."
"Right then! It's time to hit the bath!"
Kahlua grabbed Kokoa by the shoulder before she could escape.
"Not dressed like that."
"It's a bath! How else am I to dress for a bath?"
Kahlua giggled, releasing her sister. She reached up to tousle Kokoa's hair.
"Silly girl. They have lockers for our clothes."
"They do?"
"You're not actually thinking of running across the lobby wearing only in a towel."
Moka smiled softly with a shake of her head. She parted her towel, revealing the undersized white floral bikini she had bought for the pool party they had held on Tsukune's birthday.
"Traitor!"
"There's nothing wrong with wearing a swimsuit until we are in the safety of the girl's bath."
"Not that Kokoa dear has anything to worry about. Her bandages cover every naughty bit of her."
Kokoa huffed, pounding her chest with her good hand.
"There's nothing naughty about my nipples."
"I'm actually surprised that you are going to take a bath here. It's not like the water will be treated the same like your reservoir at the Estate."
Moka smiled sheepishly, grabbing a small bin filled with bathing supplies.
"We brought some additives which would make the water more bearable."
"Right! We have to use the outdoor baths though. Too much could go wrong if we're inside."
"The fumes from the additives can be overwhelming for humans in an enclosed environment."
Kahlua left the room, prompting Kokoa to follow. Kurumu smiled at Moka before chasing after the pair.
"Do they have towels in the locker room?"
Kahlua paused, snatching Kokoa up in a hold. The small girl protested and squirmed as the eldest girl pulled her sister to her side.
"Probably. Mother took me here once three years ago. I don't remember the small details."
"Do I have to pay for my locker?"
"I have coins if you do."
"Fine! Carry me!"
Kahlua laughed, hauling Kokoa up into her arms. Kokoa pouted as she slung her good arm over Kahlua's shoulder before they started down the stairs.
"You're so adorable. I wish Mother would let me keep you."
"Why'd you have to lose to that guy? Now we won't have any more fun."
"I know. But it hasn't been that much fun for me anyways."
"Why not? You always win."
Kahlua turned on the landing and started down the second flight.
"It's not always about winning."
"Easy to say when you always win."
Kahlua giggled with a slight nod of her head.
"So… this towel of yours is not from here. Are you wearing your familiar again?"
"What of it?"
"Such a perverted little beast. I'm sure it's happy to be wrapped about your lithe body."
"I like having him around in case of emergencies."
"Hopefully not as your panties."
"A ribbon! I keep him as a ribbon in my hair!"
Kurumu had to laugh as they turned down the hall which flanked the glass enclosure. Kokoa often wore her hair up in tails held by ribbons.
"Did she bring that thing to school?"
Moka nodded which Kurumu could only blink in response. She noted Ms. Kiyoshi and Ms. Fukuda were conversing at the table on the other side of the glass enclosure. She thought to wave but they seemed quite focused on their topic.
"If you want something pressed against your body, we could have a young man give you a massage."
Kokoa blushed as they turned right, walking through the small path through the souvenir area.
"I don't need anything like that!"
"We'll scrub you clean, have some fun in the bath and sweat out all your impurities in the sauna."
Kokoa frowned as they crossed the lobby to the doors on the far wall.
"I've never been in a sauna before."
"When you're pushed to the edge of exhaustion, then we take you to a young man to work out any stress which might linger in your body."
"I'm not stressed."
"I don't know if any man working here would be comfortable handling Kokoa."
Kahlua giggled as she leaned in with her shoulder to push the door to the women's lockers open.
"Why not?"
Moka paused, timidly pushing her forefingers together as the small bin dangled from her forearm.
"Well… Kokoa looks a lot younger than she actually is. Like two to three years younger."
Kahlua giggled, nodding with her head for them to hurry in after her. Kurumu caught the door before it closed allowing a blushing Moka to follow in after them. Kahlua finally set her sister down in the middle of the green and white tiled locker room floor.
"I'm certain if our precious sister made the right noises, a young man would cease to care about age."
Moka blushed darker, glancing aside as a flush Kokoa shook her head at Kahlua's mirth.
"I doubt Kokoa wants to make a complete stranger like her that way."
"Whatever. I'm going in ahead since I don't need to fuss with the lockers."
Kokoa flipped her towel off which promptly resized itself into a golden ring about her finger. She strutted off to the far door.
"Make sure to bring me a real towel."
Kahlua giggled as she gestured for them to follow her over to a row of lockers. It was quickly apparent that these were not coin operated. Kahlua was out of her dress in seconds, having nothing on beneath it. Stuffing the locker with her garment and indoor slippers, she twisted the orange end mounted to the locker door and removed the brass key. Slipping the black cord tied to the key about her wrist, she waved at them before heading over to a table to fetch a complimentary towel from a bin.
"Are you sure you are feeling okay?"
Moka had already parted with the bikini top, having set her towel and bin aside. Kurumu nodded, hiking up her skirt to pull down her panties while Moka did the same to her bikini bottom.
"It's been a rough day. They were talking about cutting my heart."
"Why would they want to do that?"
"Because I'm with Tsukune. They're worried. It's complicated."
Moka sighed, putting away her bottoms. She absently drew the towel about her nudity as Kurumu put her panties into the locker with Moka's things.
"Did they suggest that you break up with him?"
Kurumu smirked as she unhooked the suspenders. She slipped a finger in the collar to loosen the tie enough to slip it over her head.
"I'm not breaking up with him. For all they know, that could hurt me. Your mother said she was bringing Tsukune here so Ms. Juunan can make a better opinion about the situation."
Moka nodded, slipping around behind her. Kurumu sighed as she felt the vampire loosen the ties in the back. While the buttons and stuff in the front served no purpose, the ties in the back had to be undone if she ever hoped to get this thing down around her hips.
"She's worried about Tsukune being brought here. She thinks Mother will make him remove the seal."
"What can we do about it? All I know is what I heard today. Ms. Kiyoshi was asked to bring Tsukune and Yukari. They'll be here on Thursday and I guess Tsukune is not to attend the wedding."
Moka paused having finished up with the ties. Kurumu pushed the fabric down, tugging it firmly off her hips. Clear of that obstacle, the suspender skirt came off easily.
"That's odd. I wonder what she's up to."
Kurumu placed the skirt and tie up in the locker. She started unfastening the buttons to the dress shirt.
"I have been so confused lately. It didn't cross my mind that Tsukune being here could be a bad thing. But we all knew she might send for him. Kokoa has acted like he's Shuzen property for weeks."
"I don't know what we should do."
"Maybe we can make something up. Say that the rosary will only come off if your life is in danger."
Moka stared at her.
"I don't think that would deter Mother."
Kurumu sighed as she finished the last of her buttons. She tugged the shirt off, slipping one arm out before the other. Stuffing the blouse in with the other clothes, Kurumu added her lace ribbon from her hair before closing the door and twisting out the key. She slipped it about her wrist, sighing again.
"I don't even know what I should be doing with Tsukune at this point. I don't want to give him up but I feel like I'm depending more on Yukari and you than I am him. I love him. But I don't turn to him when things get really hard. I would have never told him about being sterile if Mizore had not outed me."
"That doesn't sound right. If you can't trust your secrets with the person you love, whom can you trust?"
Kurumu placed a finger on Moka's lips.
"The people I have to, Moka."
A tear crawled down Moka's cheek. She backed away with surprise, reaching up to brush the tear aside.
"Kurumu? Are you really okay?"
Kurumu grimaced, stalking over to the table with towels. She snatched one up and held it to her bosom.
"And I thought she said she couldn't make you feel things."
Moka wiped away another tear.
"What happened?"
"Please give me more time. It will be easier with Yukari here."
Kurumu briskly walked over to the door and tugged it open. She stepped out into the bath which was filled with the sounds of water. She was on a small platform and the dome overhead was continuous. The wall dividing the sides of the dome was not full height. There was a room off to the side near the platform which was labeled as the sauna which hugged the outer wall closest to the locker room. The rest of the outer wall was lined with bubbling pools of water which stretched all the way to doors which probably led to the outside baths.
"Over here."
Kahlua was standing in a gap between the dividing wall and another partition wall. Kokoa was pouting beside her sister while leaning against the white tiled wall. Kurumu stepped down from the platform onto the white and gray tiles which covered the entire floor. She wandered over to the vampire, noting Moka was not far behind her, holding her towel and small bin.
"Took you long enough."
"I had to undress."
"Kokoa is fussing over being washed by her big sister."
"I have a servant for that. Go molest Moka."
Kahlua pouted, holding her hand out to Moka.
"It seems I must make do with you, my sealed sister. It has been ages since we bathed together. I believe the last time was before Akua came along and spoiled my fun."
Moka shuddered as she placed her hand in Kahlua's.
"Please be gentle with me."
"Oh? So she's shared those memories with you? That will make this much more enjoyable."
Kurumu had all sorts of questions as Kahlua led Moka away into this alcove. Kurumu followed for a few steps, realizing this alcove was filled with stools, shelves and mirrors. Showerheads were mounted on the wall in regular intervals. A tap on her back drew her attention to Kokoa.
"Down here."
Kokoa strolled over to a stool and plopped her butt down. The shelf was stocked with shower goods, though all of the adjacent stations lacked these things.
"When did you get bathing supplies?"
"I stuffed it in Kou."
"Kou?"
"My familiar. He can store things if I want him to. Sometimes."
Kurumu frowned as she knelt down behind Kokoa.
"Sometimes?"
"Now and then he swallows things for good. I'll never let him have anything I really care about."
There was a sensual moan from further down which drew both of their attention. Kahlua giggled and then another whimper followed. Kahlua was rubbing her breasts against Moka's back while her hands worked up a lather across Moka's front. Moka made another suggestive sound.
"You should wash my body now."
"What are they doing?"
"We've always been sensitive. Big Sis loved making us squirm in the bath when she was left alone with us. Now wash me so I can drown out these bad memories."
Kurumu pulled the showerhead off the wall.
"Won't this hurt?"
"Yea."
"When will you get used to water?"
"I have no idea. Ten… maybe twenty times. The only way to get immediate, permanent effects is to drink the last drop and I'm not about to kill any of my girls."
Kurumu smiled, brushing her fingers through Kokoa's hair.
"Okay then. Are you ready?"
The squeals Kokoa gave clearly betrayed she was not.
"I think I'm going to throw up. Or pee. I haven't decided yet."
Ms. Kiyoshi laughed as Kahlua wobbled to her feet, wearing only a pink slip. The vampire staggered over to the door, drawing it aside. Kahlua stumbled out into the hall, carrying the bottle of vodka with her.
"I think we should call it a night."
Ms. Kiyoshi gave Kurumu's shoulder a squeeze. Kurumu smiled, rubbing her cheek against Ms. Kiyoshi's bosom. The succubus had worn a black nightgown which felt nice to touch. Kurumu mildly wished she had not worn her black chemise yesterday so they could have matched. Instead she was dressed in the black tank top and gray shorts Moka had bought for her.
"Too early."
Ms. Fukuda pouted with a lazy drift of her hazel eyes. She lifted a bottle of soju and shook it with a slight rock of her wrist. The pixie haired woman had slipped into a pastel yellow shirt made from soft fabric which she had let Kurumu feel up along with her perky and massive bosom. She had paired this with a black, fleece sleep pant.
"Not even close."
"You should save the rest for another day. It's a quarter to eleven and we need to get up early."
Ms. Fukuda grumbled as she brought the bottle to her lips and took another swig. She let out a raspy breath as she set the bottle down at her side.
"Drink more with me."
Kurumu felt a strong urge to comply with the request but Ms. Kiyoshi held her back firmly. The woman caressed her hair while the other arm was wrapped around her torso. Ms. Kiyoshi had set aside the urn inside the closet after Moka and Kokoa had passed out. At that time Kahlua had been out on a snack run so none but those in the know had seen the dropped illusion.
"I helped with the first bottle. I told you we only needed three."
"The lady wanted variety."
Four other bottles were pushed up against the wall not far from Ms. Fukuda. The rum and shochu bottles were emptied. The whiskey was over half full while the gin bottle was too dark to make an accurate guess at how much was left. Kurumu had sampled four of the drinks but her stomach had become too unstable after the shot of whiskey to attempt the vodka and gin.
Kokoa was curled up against Moka, sleeping soundly in her birthday suit. The young girl had sampled all six drinks and had vanished for a good half hour. Prompted to check on her sister, Kahlua had been full of giggles as she carried her naked sibling into the room, confessing to have found the girl passed out on the bathroom floor in a puddle of vomit. The girl must have discarded her cherry red nightgown prior to the accident, since the garment had not been soiled.
"Should you check on Kahlua?"
"Not yet."
As to be expected, Moka had been the first to retire for the evening. The drowsy vampire had managed to stay up a quarter after nine before rolling out her futon. She had abstained from drinking, blaming her other half for her refusal. She was sleeping in that white tank top with the pink heart in the center and the matching pink sleep pants patterned with white hearts of various sizes.
For the first hour of drinking in the room, they had mostly played cards and talked about Yokai Academy. Naturally Kurumu had avoided any talk about Yoshii and Fujisaki while the only major inquiry Kahlua had made was over this rumored boy whom could remove Moka's rosary. They had stuck with the story that it was not a consistent ability and Kokoa had kindly admitted to never seeing Tsukune remove the seal. Kokoa had confessed to giving him blood in exchange for Kurumu's servitude and that Tsukune was quite likely to survive the Rite of Ascension.
After Moka turned in they had given up on the cards. Kurumu could not recall what they talked about in that half hour before Kokoa wandered off, or what they had been discussing in Kokoa's absence. It was nothing important. She had mentioned the popularity contest and how other students loved her unlike the crap she dealt with in Kengamine. That was about when they had sent Kahlua off to find Kokoa. This past half hour had been slurred nonsense. Kahlua had downed the rest of the shochu and was trying her hardest to do the same to the vodka.
Kahlua stumbled back into the room, giggling as she failed to close the door twice. Ms. Fukuda took another pull from her bottle before Kahlua succeeded. The eldest daughter staggered over behind the succubus, kneeling down and draping her arms over Ms. Fukuda's shoulders. She cocked her head aside to take a hearty swig from the vodka bottle which looked like it held only a couple more swallows.
"Do you love me, Mayu?"
"You smell like booze."
Kahlua kissed Ms. Fukuda's cheek, causing the young woman to giggle. Her giggles became a frown when Kahlua started to kiss her neck.
"No. Don't bite me."
Kahlua lifted her head to rest her cheek against Ms. Fukuda's temple.
"I want you."
Kurumu smiled as Ms. Fukuda's lazy eyes met hers. The young woman sighed, closing her eyes as Kahlua lavished her neck with kisses.
"I know this is a rather late question, but is there something serious going on here?"
"Familiar with blood claim?"
"I wasn't aware you were around the Estate that often."
Ms. Fukuda took a deep, steadying breath.
"Before Estate finish. I was new so Lady Juunan work while I train in Iromori. Check on girls often."
Ms. Fukuda smiled, reaching over to push Kahlua's face aside.
"Such needy little sister. Give her blood for her birthday. Then she want more. Up to once a week before move to Estate."
"Now I never see you."
"Not true."
"I want you."
Ms. Fukuda groaned as more kisses were pressed to her neck.
"As bad as guys with sex. Cross line and all they want."
"Coming from a girl dodging serious relationships."
"Not my fault. Men don't love. Only like sex. Once you give it, all they want."
"No argument there. It's like the realization that they can have sex with you puts the desire to mate ahead of all other agendas."
"Do all succubi have this problem?"
"More like all women."
Ms. Fukuda groaned as Kahlua started kissing her neck again.
"Let me pee first."
Ms. Fukuda pushed Kahlua aside. She crawled over to the wall, setting down her bottle of soju before attempting to stand. She wavered on the balls of her feet before stumbling over to the door. Kahlua lifted the vodka bottle up to her lips and drained the rest as Ms. Fukuda staggered out of the room.
"I'm surprised you aren't asleep yet."
Kurumu smiled as Ms. Kiyoshi gave her a squeeze. She snuggled up against the woman.
"I'm scared."
"Scared?"
"Yea. Scared that I'll fall apart."
Kahlua gasped as she dropped the empty vodka bottle aside
"Fear is good. Keeps you alive."
"A quote from Madame President?"
Kahlua grinned, shaking her head.
"Lord Fujisaki."
Kurumu stiffened. She glanced at Kahlua and then at the open door.
"How much do you know about Fujisaki Miyabi?"
Kahlua giggled, reaching up to fondle her own breasts.
"He knows how to please a woman."
"I don't believe the girl was asking about his sexual prowess."
Kahlua giggled with a hiccup.
"Don't know much beyond that."
Ms. Kiyoshi sighed, rubbing Kurumu's shoulder.
"Lord Fujisaki became rather important in Hokkaido about five years ago. With the help of Lord Umizake, they had finally unified the region under Fairy Tale rule. I guess Lord Fujisaki no longer felt his presence was needed there and he started making a campaign against Madame President and nearly ruined her chances for reelection in 2001."
"Mhm. Called Mother weak. Stated how she could not keep our house in order, let alone the country."
"He had some supporters, but you can't win an election with Hokkaido and Tohoku. There was a third major player at the time whom was the Kanto region commander. He had most of Chubu and Kansai on his side. He was favored to win."
"But Mother asked Lord Fujisaki to run as her vice president. Stole the election out from under Lord Goshaku. I heard he was assassinated this spring."
"That's the rumor. I haven't met the new region commander, Lord Zensa. I heard he has an excellent reputation in the field."
Kahlua smiled, lazily closing her eyes.
"Lord Fujisaki told me that Lord Zensa was a former assassin."
"That's not what I heard from Madame President."
"Fairy Tale records are often wrong."
Ms. Kiyoshi chuckled, toying with Kurumu's tresses.
"That certainly is true. We already know Lord Fujisaki's record is entirely garbage. The official record is that he was an orphan survivor from the massacre of the Taizai household. But Lord Fujisaki is not a Shinigami which calls into question what we can believe is true about him."
Kahlua smirked.
"He challenged for my hand when I was sixteen. It took him almost two years to persuade our family elders to acknowledge his challenge. If the family elders liked Mother, it might have taken him longer."
Kurumu watched the door as she pondered this revelation.
"Wasn't the Taizai household the ones the vampires wiped out?"
"Mhm. They ruled Fairy Tale for almost thirty years."
Kurumu nodded, wondering if this meant Fujisaki had some involvement with the Alucard cover up orchestrated by the Taizai household.
"So… nobody knows anything about where this guy really came from."
"Seems so. I have no idea how he convinced the family elders to recognize his challenge. He lives off his wages from Fairy Tale, which is too pathetic for bribery. His place in Tokyo is small."
"Every place in Tokyo is small and overpriced."
Kahlua giggled. She turned on her side and crawled over to the bottles. She picked up the whiskey and popped off the cork.
"Mother won't see a third term. Lord Fujisaki will be the next president."
Ms. Kiyoshi sighed as Ms. Fukuda stumbled back through the door. The wobbly woman closed up the door before making her way over with unsteady strides. Kahlua took a swig of whiskey, holding her arms up to catch Ms. Fukuda as the woman pitched heavily onto her knees.
"Probably true. I know Lord Sakigake is difficult to negotiate with these days. I have no problems with him if it's something he wants but it's like pulling teeth to get him to do anything Madame President thinks is best for the region."
Ms. Fukuda grumbled as she weakly pushed Kahlua. The vampire clung tighter, pulling Ms. Fukuda's head into her bosom. The succubus struggled with her feet, pushing herself to bowl over the giggling vampire. Ms. Fukuda panted as she came up on top of the silver haired beauty. She glanced at Ms. Kiyoshi.
"What was that?"
"We were discussing how Lord Fujisaki was positioning himself to be the next President. Word from Ms. Kyuusai is Lord Gairen now favors the vice president and has become resistant to her operations."
Ms. Fukuda grimaced when Kahlua waved the whiskey bottle in her face. She placed a hand on Kahlua's face as she frowned at Ms. Kiyoshi.
"Lord Kamiya is big brat. Half Kyushu officers avoid work with Lady Juunan and me. New guy in Okinawa, Mr. Rokurou, hasn't met once with us since Lord Kamiya promote him last summer."
"That was a mess."
"Obvious coup. Dozens nice people slaughter. Good agents and humans whom want coexist. Bet if I look in Mr. Rokurou head find truth."
"Or make it."
Ms. Fukuda tapped Kahlua's nose for that remark. She snatched the bottle of whiskey out of Kahlua's hand and rolled off the vampire. Kahlua immediately turned on her side to nuzzle against Ms. Fukuda's neck as the succubus tried to drink while lying on her back, spilling some on her shirt.
"Do you think Lord Fujisaki plans to revive Alucard by breaking Moka's seal?"
Both Kahlua and Ms. Fukuda snorted out laughs. Kahlua lifted up her head while draping an arm over Ms. Fukuda's bosom.
"The only seal Lord Fujisaki has broken is mine."
"Hopefully we won't go into further details."
Kahlua sighed, nuzzling against Ms. Fukuda.
"Have you had sex with that boyfriend whom can free my sister?"
As Kurumu nodded, Ms. Kiyoshi laughed and gave her shoulder a squeeze.
"I understand her body also reacted to him."
Ms. Fukuda perked up. She set the bottle carefully aside.
"Sounds serious."
"Shouldn't a woman's body always react to her man?"
Ms. Fukuda giggled as Kahlua followed that inquiry with a kiss on her throat.
"Yea. Different for us though. Means we can have a baby."
Ms. Fukuda forced her hand in Kahlua's face, pushing her mouth away.
"Stop."
Kurumu sighed against Ms. Kiyoshi.
"I'm serious. This Lord Fujisaki wants to use Moka to end the world."
Kahlua groaned, letting her cheek rest against Ms. Fukuda's bosom.
"I want to run away. Run away with me, Mayu. We'll take Moka and Kokoa with us. Far, far away."
Ms. Fukuda laughed, bringing a hand up to rub the back of Kahlua's head.
"Can't do that. They find us immediately."
"I don't want to play a game I don't care about. Fuck Mother's plan. And fuck Fujisaki."
"Sounds like you are."
Kahlua giggled.
"That's the best part. You'd like him too."
Ms. Fukuda let out a lazy, broken laugh before taking a deep breath.
"Maybe. He is handsome with strong presence."
"It's better than dealing with Mother. If you do what he wants, he pays it back tenfold."
"Oh? Like what?"
Kahlua made a soft whimper before crawling up on Ms. Fukuda. She bent her head down by Ms. Fukuda's ear, murmuring something which caused Ms. Fukuda to make an agreeable sound.
"It sounds like Kahlua is quickly adapting from spoiled daughter to spoiled wife."
Ms. Fukuda mewled as she weakly struggled under Kahlua. The catch in her breath and the way her hands clenched in fists against Kahlua's side betrayed this was more than a kiss. Her whole body was tensing up as Kahlua's face remained buried against her collarbone.
"She's drinking her blood."
"Why is this sexier than I expected?"
"They can make it feel nice."
"I'll take your word for it as I have no intention of letting a vampire suck my blood."
Kahlua gasped, lifting her head up. She slung her thigh over Ms. Fukuda's side, sitting up on the woman's belly. Her breasts heaved with her labored breathing while her hands caressed Ms. Fukuda's shoulders. The succubus beneath her was moving her hips and legs in a wanton manner.
"You're mean."
"It felt good."
"Now I'm horny."
Kahlua grinned as she caressed the Ms. Fukuda's cheek.
"I like you better this way."
"Will the two of you be able to sleep?"
Ms. Fukuda frowned while Kahlua smirked. The vampire closed her eyes.
"I could pass out right now."
"I want some dick first."
"Maybe another guest can help."
Ms. Fukuda whimpered, squirming beneath Kahlua's thighs.
"What's going to happen to us? Will Lord Fujisaki keep us if he takes over?"
Ms. Kiyoshi snorted.
"Maybe as playthings. You don't want to know the shit the older ladies put up with. Lord Fujisaki seems bent on returning us to the old ways."
Kahlua huffed, blowing a strand of bangs away from her eyes.
"The strongest prevail. That's the vampire way."
"Sure. That's how wars start."
Kahlua waved a hand dismissively before rolling off to the side, freeing Ms. Fukuda.
"You worry too much over war. I assure you that Lord Fujisaki finishes what he starts."
"Unlike some people."
Ms. Fukuda grumbled as she slowly picked herself off the floor.
"Be back after fucking someone."
Ms. Kiyoshi chuckled as Ms. Fukuda walked away from them with one of her hands massaging her crotch. She swiped the light off before slipping out into the hall.
"The only difference between Mother and Lord Fujisaki is how they approach the same goal. He wants this country for us."
"That's ridiculous. The other human nations are not going to simply let us drive the humans out of Japan. Those war mongering Americans would love for an excuse to drop more bombs on us."
Kahlua sighed, flopping on her back.
"I don't know. I'm just… tired."
A long silence followed. After a couple minutes, it was apparent by the steady breathing that Kahlua had fallen asleep. Ms. Kiyoshi chuckled, giving Kurumu a squeeze.
"I think that's our cue to get the futon."
Kurumu nodded but neither of them moved. It was too comfortable and Kurumu closed her eyes.