"I think we have to hit the cell store first. That place will be swamped if we do lunch now."
Ms. Fukuda turned the wheel as she accelerated through the intersection. Dressed in a navy suit jacket over a periwinkle blouse, the woman held her silver phone against her ear as she guided the sedan through the traffic of Kumamoto city. She had matching navy slacks and black flats.
"It's already ten to noon. The only way we can have a quick lunch is if we stop at a fast food place. Lady Shuzen would scold me if I take her daughters to a place like that."
Moka sat on Kurumu's left, wearing that pretty lavender dress with the ruffled, loose sleeves cinched shy of her elbows. It buttoned up from the belly to the collar though Moka left the top two undone for her rosary. A cloth sash was stitched at the hips to tighten the loose outfit about her waist. The hem which graced her knees was lined with frayed white threads. The only time she had seen Moka wear this was the day she had frantically tried to copulate with Moka.
Having pushed that thought aside for the millionth time, Kurumu shifted her bag of shoes in her lap. They had spent almost two hours at ABC Mart from the moment it had opened, trying on all sorts of heels, boots and sneakers. Kurumu might have felt worse about the generosity shown to her if the sisters had not all picked up four to five pairs of shoes too. Apparently Moka was the only one of them to have bought new footwear since last summer with Kokoa confessing her feet had grown a size.
Kokoa had dressed casual with a pea green tank top which hung dangerously loose on her torso, allowing her arm in the sling to be worn beneath the fabric. The top was still long enough to reach the dark blue shorts the vampire had squeezed into. Despite the snug fit, these shorts stretched halfway down her thighs. She had already swapped out the sandals she had been wearing this morning for a white pair of canvas sneakers with crimson laces.
"I'm not saying you have to wait with us in the store. That could take an hour. It's probably best you say your farewell to Ms. Kurono and head off for the airport."
Kurumu bit her lip as she realized her time with Ms. Kiyoshi was about at its end. Her heart fluttered with uncertainty. The woman had been so helpful and had been keeping mommy's urn safe all day. Kurumu glanced over her shoulder but did not see the black cherry sedan in the traffic behind them.
"With traffic, it might take you an hour to get to the airport. You'll have enough time to eat something."
Kurumu and Ms. Kiyoshi had been the first to wake this morning a quarter before seven. After dressing in this fancy blouse with the ruffled lace about the collar and shoulders, they had eaten breakfast together. She had helped Kurumu practice her illusion with the urn. Moka and Kokoa had slept through the meal, having to make do with snacks when they left Kikuchi at eight.
"I know it doesn't take time to get on a plane. If you're bored, you can leave Ms. Kurono your number."
Kahlua giggled, pawing at Ms. Fukuda's sleeve. The young woman's body was wrapped in a form fitting, indigo sheath dress. The bride to be had picked out several sexy garments at their first stop of the morning, hoping to please her husband on their honeymoon. Since Ms. Juunan had a relationship with the owner of the lingerie store, they were allowed to enter the shop an hour before it opened. Not much actually fit the voluptuous Kahlua as the stock on the shelves seldom exceeded D cup status, but that did not prevent Kahlua from buying undersized lingerie. Bragging about how it would be promptly removed anyways, Kahlua refrained from ordering anything from the catalog.
Encouraged by Ms. Kiyoshi, Kurumu had ordered several cute bras with her preferred front clasps to be shipped to her suite at Yokai Academy. She had selected four different bra colors with a lacy floral design to match her sexy panties. The clerk had even assured that they could make her strapless bras if she liked, so she had added two of those to the mix. The only color she had doubled up on was black, with the other strapless being a mauve color which should match her lavender boyshorts. She had purposely avoided white since all of her older lingerie was this boring dingy cream or tan.
While there had been lingerie in her size, Moka had decided to special order four bras to match the sexy thongs she had purchased before exams. The only item she had walked out of the store with was a pink camisole. Kokoa had left empty handed after being mercilessly teased by Kahlua over her tiny bosom.
They had arrived at the shoe store before Kurumu realized she had not bought any panties to match with her new bras. She wanted more boyshorts like this black pair with the white hearts she had on beneath these black and pink checkered shorts. This style was so much better than the old loose briefs which she had far too many of. She would have to check out Bows and Strings when they returned to school to pick up at least a couple more pairs. Then she could finally throw out all of her old underwear.
"We're almost there. I'll send the girls in so you can do your thing."
Ms. Fukuda hung up the phone as she rolled through a left turn. She drove a short distance to pull up through a break in the curb into a parking lot about a single story building. The sign over the glass doors announced the place as Vodaphone.
"Is Mother getting all of us phones?"
Ms. Fukuda steered the vehicle about the parking lot, guiding it between the white lines near the front of the store. She put the sedan in park and turned off the engine.
"That's what I was told. Four phones for four girls."
"And here she was so against work giving me one when I first started training."
"I don't try to understand your mother."
Ms. Kiyoshi's black cherry sedan pulled up in the adjacent parking space.
"Go inside, ladies. I have some things to discuss with Ms. Kiyoshi and Ms. Kurono before she leaves."
Kokoa popped her door open and flashed Kurumu a wide grin.
"We're finally going to be modern!"
Kahlua slipped out of the car as Kurumu exchanged a confused glance with Moka.
"All four of us?"
Ms. Fukuda pushed her door open.
"That's what I said. Get going."
Moka dumbly pulled the handle to release her door. She got out while Kurumu set her bag of shoes aside and scooted out through Kokoa's open door. The young vampire had already bolted to the front door and was waving at Kahlua to join her. Kurumu absently shut the door as Ms. Kiyoshi exited her vehicle.
Ms. Fukuda grabbed Kurumu by the arm and steered her around to the back of Ms. Kiyoshi's sedan. Ms. Kiyoshi was already at her trunk, holding the vase in her left hand. She wore a pumpkin orange blouse today without the suit jacket. The loose blouse with the daring low cut was tucked in a tight pencil skirt made of ebony velvet. The succubus smiled, presenting the vase to Kurumu.
"Just like this morning. Believe that this is what you are holding and that will be what everyone sees."
Kurumu forced a smile as she regarded the slender white vase with the red roses. It was hard to imagine it was anything else. She took it from Ms. Kiyoshi, sighing with contentment as she brought the vase close to her breast. It was not nearly as difficult to manage as the illusion of her longer hair.
"That's a good girl. Such a fast learner."
Kurumu smiled as Ms. Kiyoshi caressed the hair about her left ear.
"You'll get one for me? One for Miyagi?"
Ms. Kiyoshi nodded, slipping two fingers behind her phone which was tucked inside a strained blouse pocket. She tugged a slip of paper out.
"You should pick one up for Kumamoto before heading back to the Estate. And ask Juunan to get one for Kagoshima if you want a memento from every prefecture you have visited."
"Kagoshima?"
"The funeral for Ms. Sugawara."
Kurumu nodded with an apologetic smile. She should have known that but this whole week had been confusing. This souvenir idea was a random request she had made this morning after failing to find one at the hot springs resort. She reminded Ms. Kiyoshi about the decorative cups she had shown her the night they had slept together, curious if every prefecture had that sort of thing.
"Itami too."
Ms. Kiyoshi chuckled, handing over the paper slip.
"That one will be a little harder to come by. Here's my number. I also wrote down Michi's and Saikou's in case you want to reach out to them."
"Did you know I was going to get a phone?"
Ms. Kiyoshi smiled softly with a glance at Ms. Fukuda.
"We talked about it over dinner last night."
"We should wrap your mother up in a towel and place her inside the butsudan, Ms. Kurono."
Kurumu shook her head as she clutched the vase closer to her breast. She stuffed the slip of paper in the pocket of her shorts, thinking how she also had the number for Kabuki inside her purse which she had left at the Estate.
"I want to keep her close for today."
"I guess this is where we say goodbye."
Ms. Kiyoshi stepped in to give her a loose hug so as not to trouble the vase. Kurumu sighed, leaning in to place one arm around Ms. Kiyoshi's torso.
"Thank you."
Ms. Kiyoshi gave her a brief squeeze.
"You'll be fine. I'll hear from you soon."
Ms. Kiyoshi made a slight wave before retreating to the driver door she had left open. Kurumu smiled, backing away from the vehicle. She clutched the vase tighter to her bosom as the sedan eased out of the parking space. In moments the car had turned out of the lot and down the street out of sight.
"I hope she doesn't get lost."
Kurumu laughed, shaking her head as she followed after Ms. Fukuda. Stepping up on the curb, they crossed the tiled sidewalk before Ms. Fukuda tugged upon the glass door, letting Kurumu enter first.
There was nothing special about the sales floor. It had displays of the latest phone models not far from the door and there were racks of products pushed against the far wall on the left. There were three desks off to the right with chairs positioned about them. Each was manned by someone in a white dress shirt whom was speaking with customers sitting across from them. Some other customers milled about the open space while the sisters were relaxing on a couch, watching a television mounted on the wall.
"Go sit with the girls while I fetch us some help."
Kurumu nodded, wandering off to the right. Moka noticed her first, offering a slight wave. She scooted closer to Kokoa to make some space between her and the couch arm. Kokoa frowned at her sister, but grinned upon seeing Kurumu. She gestured animatedly for Kurumu to join them. Smiling sheepishly, Kurumu walked about the couch to sit down.
"The first thing I'm doing with my phone is calling Ishiko."
"Do you know her number?"
"I'll have to dig it out of my schoolbag."
"You know we don't have service back at the Estate."
Kokoa pouted at her older sister whom was fussing with her reddish locks.
"I can always have Sho take us into Itsuki for the afternoon. There's no reason to sit around the house doing nothing all day."
"I'll go with you when you do."
"I wish I remembered Tsukune's number."
Kurumu smiled at Moka, placing her right hand on Moka's thigh.
"I don't have his number either but he is coming before the wedding."
"He is? Did Mother remember to bring that Sendou girl too?"
"Ms. Kiyoshi is going to pick them both up tomorrow."
"I knew it! That must be why Ms. Fukuda knew nothing about needing to get a dress for you. And Mother told me the other night that all of my girls are coming too. I'm so happy!"
Kahlua sighed heavily.
"I'm the one getting married and my sisters have more guests than me."
Kokoa cringed while Moka bowed her head.
"I'm sorry, Big Sister."
"Don't you have any friends from work?"
Kahlua smirked as she continued to preen her little sister's hair.
"My line of work isn't conducive to healthy friendships."
There was a long pause and the conversation died. Kurumu glanced at the television which was tuned to a sports station. The broadcasters were doing a short segment over some American Bowl which had been held in the Tokyo Dome last Saturday. Kurumu vaguely knew this was some glorified rugby game the Americans liked to play. The Falcons beat the Colts. She wondered why anyone outside of America would care about that. The broadcasters were talking about attendance and revenue.
"Come this way, ladies."
Ms. Fukuda gestured for them. They all got up from the couch and followed the pixie haired succubus over to a vanilla desk with a grinning young man. His short black hair was swept over to one side and he had warm, brown eyes. He nodded and gestured at the cushioned seats across from him.
"Thank you. I hope you are all having a lovely afternoon."
Kurumu nodded at Moka as the other sisters took two of the three seats. Moka managed a smile as she reluctantly took the last seat. Ms. Fukuda placed her hand on Kahlua's shoulder, gesturing to them.
"As I said earlier, I work for the mother of these three young ladies while the last one is a close friend of the family. Our company uses NTT Docomo, but my boss insists on trying the services of a competitor."
"And we are thankful to you for this opportunity. Their mother must be quite a beautiful woman to have such lovely daughters. Do you speak Japanese?"
Kahlua laughed pleasantly, touching her breast.
"I get that question so often."
"Why does everyone think we're not Japanese?"
"It's normal, Kokoa. The teachers in school asked me about my hair all the time."
The clerk smiled with a polite nod.
"If you all speak Japanese, then I presume a phone with hiragana shall be acceptable."
"That will be fine."
The clerk regarded Kurumu with a soft smile.
"My sister had blue hair for a short while. The school sent her home for the whole month until she could wash get her hair back to its normal color."
"Yea. It's summer break so I dyed it. I'll fix it before going back to school."
"How about we focus on the best phones and services you can offer us?"
The man grinned, nodding enthusiastically.
"Right. First I would like to state that Vodaphone provides a reliable 3G network the same as our competitors. Our latest flip phone model is the 902T released by Toshiba only two months ago."
The man reached under the desk, pulling out a black phone. Grinning, the man handed over the phone to Kahlua. It had a square screen inset in the center of the top half and a white logo stenciled beneath it.
"The phone has ten megabytes of internal memory with a micro SD port for up to 256 more megabytes if you desire. This phone has software to browse the internet and a camera which can take pictures with a maximum resolution of 1200 by 1600 pixels. It comes with a charger and a battery which allows for up to three hours of active use and can last 360 hours on standby."
While the man rambled about features, Kurumu scooted behind Kokoa for a better look at the phone. Kahlua had flipped it open, revealing another screen within which had a colorful splash. A blue bar with icons lined the bottom of this screen. There was a large directional button on the lower half of this phone which had two black buttons with white icons on each side. Beneath these buttons were three columns of more buttons. The top row side buttons had phone icons. The middle three rows had the numbers and hiragana while the last row had the star, pound and zero buttons.
"This phone is available in three different colors. We also have it available in silver and red."
"I want a red one. Get a red one with me, Moka."
"Could we see a red one?"
"Sure. I can bring over a box for the other two colors."
Kahlua wagged the phone.
"Can I call someone with this right now?"
The clerk chuckled, shaking his head.
"That's a display model. It doesn't have a SIM card in it. If you would like a black one, I'll get you a phone fresh out of the box."
"Could you bring one of each?"
"Certainly. I will be back in a moment."
The man nodded at them, scooting back in his chair. He got up and walked over to a door behind the three sales desks. He punched in some code on the buttons mounted beside the door before turning the handle down and disappearing into the back.
"What color are you thinking to get?"
Kurumu smiled at Moka.
"I don't know. Probably silver or black."
"You should do red too."
"That depends on the red."
"Yea, I'm thinking the same thing, Kokoa."
"Red is always awesome."
"I'm going to go with silver. Just like Mayu's."
The clerk returned from the back room, carrying three boxes in his arms. He promptly made his way back over to the desk, setting the boxes down in front of them. Kokoa immediately snatched up the red one with an eager sound of approval.
"These phones are compatible with all the plans we offer. We can wrap up the cost of these devices in a two year service agreement. There are initial costs, like setup fees and taxes which must be settled today, but nothing exorbitant."
Ms. Fukuda smiled fishing a black clutch out of her suit jacket. She popped open the golden clasp, reaching in to pull out a silver credit card.
"I'm not terribly concerned with the price. I want to hear about your services."
The man nodded, absently touching the back of his chair.
"Right. As far as plans go, I would recommend the family discount service. This plan allows up to five lines to be bundled under one plan, with all additional lines being charged at half the cost when talking or texting with another member on the plan."
"You should get a phone, Mayu."
"I don't need another phone."
"But it's a family discount."
Ms. Fukuda smiled at the clerk.
"I should be able to open the account under my name and give the four lines to these girls."
"Correct. There's nothing saying a number must be assigned to the person whom is accountable for the plan. Though I must say it is rather peculiar that your employer is having you do this."
"I'll be reimbursed. I do want to make it clear that three of these girls are attending a boarding school in Niigata. You do have coverage for that area, correct? I'd hate to open a plan with your company only to discover they can't use their phones at all."
"We have a reliable 3G network the same as our competitors."
"Rumors are saying otherwise. If we have too much trouble, don't think a cancellation fee will deter my boss from switching to KDDI or NTT Docomo."
"I assure you, Ma'am. If we don't have service there, none of our competitors will either."
Ms. Fukuda grinned, handing over the credit card.
"And how much would a family discount plan cost?"
"That is highly dependent on usage."
"Can we get a fixed rate for unlimited calls and text within our plan?"
"We do have a flat rate plan for family but only for calls. Video calls are better covered on the family discount plan, which includes free email services. The discount plan is five thousand yen a month. Video calls within the plan are charged at eighteen yen per minute while normal calls within plan would only cost five. Texts are charged at three yen per message up to 140 kilobytes. These costs double when contacting anyone outside the plan. I can give you a packet to show all the rates for data usage."
"If you don't mind. I imagine you also need my identification."
Ms. Fukuda pulled out another card from her clutch, presenting it to the clerk. The man nodded, adding it to the credit card he was holding.
"Do you want to look over the packet first?"
"I was told to try your product out. At this point, the only questions are what plan you think is best for these four girls, and what color of phone they want."
Kahlua set the display phone aside and grabbed the box with the silver phone image.
"I'm going with the silver."
"I still don't know."
Kurumu regarded the display phone, thinking black went with everything.
"I think I'll take the black one."
"Aww. You should get red."
The clerk chuckled, grabbing the box for the black phone.
"I'll run a quick check and be back with some SIM cards."
"Take your time."
The man nodded to Ms. Fukuda, walking off with the box and her cards. He headed over to an unused desk in the back which was by a white phone mounted to the wall. Sitting down, he placed the box aside and tugged a drawer open. He pulled out a few squares, tossing them aside before grabbing the receiver of the mounted phone. He punched the buttons on the base while pressing the receiver to his ear.
"It might take him five to ten minutes to verify my credentials."
"Why does he have to do that?"
"Mostly it's checking my credit history to make sure I won't run off with a bunch of phones."
"Can we request a phone number?"
Ms. Fukuda smirked at Kokoa.
"You can, but it won't mean they will have it. Most cell numbers start 090 followed by eight digits."
"I'd do my birthday if they have it."
"Why bother doing something as boring as that? I want it to be something cool."
"I don't really care what they give me."
"That's a pretty vase. Did Ms. Kiyoshi give it to you?"
Kurumu nodded at Kahlua, clutching the vase closer to her chest.
"What's he doing to the phone?"
Kurumu glanced over to the clerk. He had the phone pinched between his shoulder and ear while his hands were busy with the black cellphone. He had popped off the back of it.
"He's installing a SIM card."
"What's a SIM card?"
"It's a little chip which helps the network recognize your phone. A cellphone can't do much without it."
Kurumu nodded as she watched the guy push a square onto the phone.
"Looks kind of big to me."
Ms. Fukuda chuckled.
"That's the battery. He already put the chip in before it."
"Is he putting her phone together first?"
"He had hers in hand. Don't worry. He'll assemble the rest of yours in a bit."
"Do the SIM cards have our numbers?"
Ms. Fukuda pursed her lips in contemplation.
"I don't think so. I've had my number changed which didn't require a new SIM card. It's more like your number is assigned to that chip by the network."
"I want him to do mine next."
Kurumu smiled, resting her hand atop the pouting vampire's head.
"Will I be able to use that phone when he brings it back?"
Ms. Fukuda smirked, shaking her head.
"No. After he clears me for an account, he still has to assign the numbers and install all the SIM cards. We're going to be here for another half hour at least. That's why he was in no hurry to make this young lady pick a color for her phone."
Kokoa groaned, swatting away Kurumu's hand.
"That long? But I'm hungry."
Kurumu chuckled as she brought her other hand over to cradle the vase against her bosom, thankful that she had not slept in.
Kurumu sighed as she leaned her head against Moka's shoulder. She held her vase in one hand and her phone in the other since she had quickly learned her short pockets disagreed with carrying her phone. She should have brought her purse. Moka was messing with the keys on her silver phone, trying to get a hang of where each hiragana character was located. Some were straightforward but others took a bit of experimentation. Her crimson tote rested on the bench against her thigh.
They were taking a break at a picnic table in a small clearing of the botanical gardens section of this park. A field of tall grass with flowers was across the nearest brick pathway. The bathroom pavilion they had used a few minutes ago was by this field off to the right. Across the field stretching above the trees was the Ferris wheel they had taken a ride in earlier. This city park also had a small zoo section which Kokoa had been super excited about. She had pestered Ms. Fukuda a good five minutes about buying a couple kangaroos for the Estate.
Bells sounded from the top of a nearby structure off to their left on this side of the brick pathway. Kurumu glanced up, noting this sleek brown tower had clocks mounted on four sides facing each direction. The hands and the bells declared it was four in the afternoon.
It was an interesting tower. Four painted steel pillars rose up in the corners, coming closer together as the six sections of the towers diminished. These brown pillars came together at the topmost platform with the four bronze bells hanging down from the center.
The first four sections of this tower were octagonal. The bottom section was plated with marble stone while the next was brown painted steel with black vents on the four sides not blocked by the steel pillars. The next section diminished in size and was finished with white tiles. Above this was a slightly wider section which intermingled brown steel and what probably was white wood. The silver trimmed clocks were mounted at the apex of these white sections.
"When do you think we'll leave?"
Moka favored her a smile before putting away her phone.
"Probably before five."
Kurumu lifted off Moka's shoulder to regard the tower. It had a semicircle stone barrier about it. This barrier raised to about knee height in the center while tapering to nothing at the ends. There were six evenly spaced metal rectangles with a floral weave which sort of resembled the back of a chair mounted atop this barrier. Between each of these backs were four of black iron swirly designs which stood about half that height.
"I hope she doesn't think we need to eat before heading back. I'm still stuffed."
Around one they had finally left the phone store to eat lunch at a fancy restaurant which had taken forever. It had been almost two thirty when they had arrived here. Since they had parked on the zoo side, they had spent the first hour gawking at animals.
"Why didn't you leave that in the car?"
Kurumu smiled, holding the vase closer to her chest.
"Are you upset?"
"Kurumu."
"I'm sorry. You probably wanted to do more than a Ferris wheel ride."
"It's not that."
"I guess we also did the merry go round."
"Are you really okay, Kurumu?"
"I'm not going to say Lina World was fantastic, but this place is clearly meant for little kids."
"That's an illusion, Kurumu."
Kurumu stiffened. She glanced down and confirmed she was still holding a vase with pretty roses. She set her phone on the table so she could arrange the flowers.
"What are you talking about?"
Moka gently touched her shoulder.
"I don't think Kokoa has noticed, but when Kahlua asked you about it, for a moment I thought I saw something else. Something black without flowers."
Kurumu smiled softly, caressing the crimson petals.
"You're just imagining things. These poor flowers would wilt away to nothing if I left them in a hot car for hours. I can't let that happen."
"Can I hold it for you?"
Kurumu glanced up at Moka. In theory she could hold the illusion if she was touching Moka like Ms. Kiyoshi had done for her passport. But Kurumu had no practice doing that.
"No."
Moka's eyes wavered with a sudden sorrow. She pulled away, bringing a hand over her mouth.
"I'm so sorry, Kurumu. I… I'm so sorry."
Kurumu struggled with her emotions as she clutched the urn to her chest.
"You weren't supposed to tell."
Moka cried quietly as Kurumu focused on her breathing. She glanced at the urn, sighing at the familiar heartache. She closed her eyes, remembering that this was not real. That what she held was a pretty vase of flowers. It was a special gift from mommy which she had to take good care of. Despite the tinge of sadness, this was a truth she could bear.
"See. Such pretty flowers."
Moka sniffled, wiping the tears from her cheeks.
"She's sorry. But she doesn't understand why. I don't either."
"What are you talking about?"
Moka hesitated to respond.
"Is Mother making you hide this?"
The inquiry surprised Kurumu enough to break the illusion.
"No. It's… I can't share this. I'm going to ask Yukari for help. Ms. Kiyoshi said illusion spells from a witch are more permanent than anything I can do."
"Kurumu."
Kurumu smiled, caressing the urn. With a thought she perfectly replaced it with the vase once more.
"It does nobody any good to talk about this, Moka. Nothing can change what happened."
"But that's so lonely."
Kurumu shrugged as all of her darkest memories swirled about in her mind.
"Some things you can forget. If I wanted to, I could make everyone forget Yukari was raped."
"Don't say stuff like that!"
"What good does that memory do for anyone? Sure, Yukari was annoyed that I stole her memories of it. But if I had been smarter, I could have wiped Satsuki, Rubi and Yukari's parents clean of the incident. No stupid doctor visits to clue her in to what happened. It would have been better if she had never known."
"You can't do stuff like that, Kurumu."
"Why not?"
"Because I never want to forget the people I care about."
Kurumu smiled softly, clutching the vase to her chest.
"Moka. I have no intentions of making everyone forget about my mother."
Moka paused with a confused look.
"I don't understand. What are you planning to do about this then?"
"Eventually I was going to have Ms. Kiyoshi notify me of mommy dying at work. She was thinking we should wait at least until the cultural festival."
"So until then you wanted Yukari and me to act like nothing happened."
A chime sounded from the table. Kurumu grabbed her phone and flipped it open. She guided the cursor about with the big button to open the text. She smirked.
"Ms. Fukuda wants to know where we are."
Kurumu methodically pushed the buttons to find the correct hiragana to inform Ms. Fukuda about being at the clocktower near the botanical gardens. This was quite the tedious process which had Kurumu thinking it would have been faster to call.
Moka sighed, pulling her phone back out of her tote.
"I'm going to text my mother."
Kurumu frowned as she hit the send button for her message.
"What for?"
"Because she's my mother."
"She scolded Kokoa for calling her."
"A text is different. She can respond to it whenever wants to."
Kurumu decided against throwing in the likelihood that Mrs. Shuzen would ignore the text entirely. She smiled as Moka worked her buttons.
"What will you text her?"
"I'm telling her that I love her and want to spend more time with her."
That would definitely get ignored. Kurumu sighed as she leaned her head against Moka's shoulder again. Her phone chimed with the arrival of a new text. Kurumu lifted her phone screen, using her thumb on the big button to open the message.
"They are at the Ocean's Seven getting ice cream by the animal museum. Do you know where that is?"
Moka shrugged, putting her phone away in her tote.
"I think that was by the merry go round. Do you want to join them?"
Kurumu scooted off Moka to send a quick text agreeing to be there. At least as quick as she could manage. For a second she thought of using both hands but realized the phone was small and a second hand would not help in the slightest.
"Yea. I'm guessing they're done and don't have anything better to do."
Kurumu sent the text and got up from the bench. She started for the nearest brick pathway with Moka quickly catching up to her and matching her stride.
"What happened to your mother?"
Kurumu glanced at Moka as she stepped over a stone curb onto the brick pathway. She started following the path in the direction of the clocktower, guessing a path heading back to the Ferris wheel was correct.
"I didn't ask for details. I only know she died in the night. It was after I went to bed on my birthday."
Kurumu clutched the vase to her chest, taking in a deep breath.
"I felt her die. It was really hard. I didn't understand what was wrong and Yukari helped ease the pain with healing spells. We both wrote it off as worry over Mizore running out on us."
Kurumu paused as they followed this curving path about the field of tall grass and flowers. A trail broke off to the left but they ignored it. Bushes and trees rose up on the other side of the curb. Some of the sections had holes chiseled in them, as if to drain water off the brick path.
"At least Yukari did. I never felt right about it. There was this painful need to be with my mother. I think Yukari called me a baby at least four times that day."
Kurumu sighed.
"This will mess her up. But I need her, so I can't hide it from her."
"Yukari will be fine. I'm more worried about the notion of sharing a room with her."
Kurumu smirked.
"Perhaps you can comfort her for me."
"I'd rather not."
The brick path dumped into a black paved walkway. A row of drain grates lined the end of the brick path. Uncertain of where to go, Kurumu followed Moka off to the left. There was a wooden bridge over a small stream off to the right of this paved trail. On the other side of that bridge was a bunch of trees and some buildings. She guessed one of them was their destination.
"The bathhouse was the first place I took Yukari when we explored all I could do with Lilith's Eye. It must have crossed my mind, seeing all of us naked when I used the Eye for your mother."
"She said that was strange. That she was someone else and had to struggle to regain her identity in order for you to notice her. It took three tries for Mother to break free from your memories."
"I was confused. Those memories were so very real once more. I wanted to hold onto mommy. I wanted another chance for her to understand me."
"She still hasn't figured out what Mother's goal had been."
Kurumu smiled as they walked by the dirt path that wandered off and across the bridge. There was a stone bridge a little further up which looked like the paved path crossed.
"Maybe we are overthinking this. Maybe she just wanted to see her Moka again."
"That would be nice. But I was never her favorite."
Kurumu smiled, unsure if Mrs. Shuzen had a favorite. Looking back at her phone, she absently scrolled through her short contact list of nine numbers. She had the three Ms. Kiyoshi had given her and Ms. Fukuda had shared Ms. Juunan's and Mrs. Shuzen's numbers along with her own. Kurumu doubted she would ever have a reason to call Mrs. Shuzen, but had felt obligated to include it in case the vampire contacted her. She had also included Kahlua's number because it would have been too awkward to decline Kahlua's eager request.
"Do you think Ms. Fukuda has the numbers of all the succubi women working for your mother?"
Kurumu drifted to the right as they turned down the paved path which crossed the bridge.
"She probably has the ones she works the most with."
"Do you think it's safe to have a phone with a contact list that is mostly succubi?"
Moka nodded as they crossed this bridge which was wide enough for the passage of a small vehicle. This bridge had a raised stone curb on both sides with white metal railing between squat concrete pillars. A stone ledge lined the top of the railing and pillars which stood only as high as Kurumu's thigh.
"It's only a list of names and numbers. I doubt Ms. Fukuda has only succubi in her contact list."
Kurumu smiled, shaking aside the moment of paranoia. Obviously Ms. Fukuda would have more contacts than what Kurumu had. She might even have human contacts in her list. Kurumu would have to take the time to diversify her contact list, starting with the numbers of those in the newspaper and film clubs. Maybe not Oyanagi's though.
Having crossed the bridge, the path was lined by small bushes. A bamboo fence lined a dirt path off to the left. Further up on the right was a large A frame building with glass walls between white concrete pillars. The panes were held in black steel framing. There was seating inside and on the exterior porch beneath a canopy off to the right of the building. A small paved path drifted over to a short flight of steps which preceded this porch. Glass double doors for the interior were recessed in a concrete enclosure.
"I think that's the restaurant."
Kurumu shrugged, having no clue. They walked by the path for the porch. Further up was a set of tiled steps which got onto another porch which flanked this side of the rest of the building. It was like this A frame section connected with another A frame for an L shape building. There was a tiled handicap accessible ramp on the left side of the seating area defined by a wooden fence lined with bushes.
As they came closer to the tiled steps, Kurumu noticed the long brick building off to the left had a sign above the doors declaring it was the animal museum. They obviously were in the right place since the glass panes about the double doors of the building on their right had posters of kids holding ice cream cones. She followed Moka up the steps, wondering if they should find the others before going inside.
"There you two are."
Kurumu smiled in relief as Ms. Fukuda popped out of the double doors next to the handicap ramp. She clipped across the tiles to the other set of double doors, tugging one open for them. Kurumu needed no further prompting to duck inside the air conditioned space.
There was not much of a line. Two young men in red shirts worked behind a counter with a painted relief of zoo animals. Behind the workers pinned against a soffit in the ceiling was pictures and prices of the items they had available. They had frankfurters, takoyaki, fries, chicken bits, meat sticks and ice cream. They also had curry, ramen, fried chicken and miso soup.
"We're just getting ice cream, right?"
Ms. Fukuda nodded, gesturing at the back of the line.
"This park closes at five. I shall inform Mr. Nagi that we shall be back at the Estate for a late dinner."
Kurumu nodded, aware that Mr. Nagi left the barrier every other hour to check messages.
"Do you have the number for Ms. Ohno? I was told she would be our contact when we went back to Yokai Academy."
"I can text you that number later. I was on the phone with Ms. Kiyoshi before texting you. She's still in Itami, waiting for her plane to start boarding. I'm sure she wouldn't mind a call from you."
Kurumu smiled, glancing at her phone.
"Could you hold my vase while I make that call?"
Ms. Fukuda chuckled, slipping her phone in the pocket of her suit jacket.
"I suppose I would have to take something off your hands for you to handle your ice cream."
Kurumu handed the vase over, pleased that the illusion remained intact. The woman grinned, gesturing at the line before she popped the golden clasps of her clutch apart with her thumb.
"Order your treats, girls."
Moka stepped up to the young man behind the counter and offered a pleasant smile.
"I would like a vanilla ice cream cone."
"Chocolate for me."
"Just the two cones, sir."
The man bowed his head slightly as he pressed buttons on the register.
"Four sixty yen."
While holding the vase, Ms. Fukuda fished out a five hundred yen coin and handed it over to Moka whom passed it over to the attendant. The young man rung up the amount which caused the register drawer to slide out. He tossed the coin in and fetched their change, handing over the four coins which Ms. Fukuda dumped in her clutch before closing it up and stuffing it in her other suit jacket pocket. The man wandered off to the silver, soft serve machine.
"You should call her now. I'm sure you can manage holding your cone and phone."
Kurumu grinned as the young man started filling a tan cone full of vanilla sweetness. She flipped her phone open and scrolled down her contact list. She selected Ms. Kiyoshi's number and pressed the call. Bringing the phone up to her ear, she listened to it ring while the man finished up with Moka's cone.
"Hello?"
"Ms. Kiyoshi."
"Who's this?"
"It's me. Kurono Kurumu."
The woman laughed on the other end.
"Sorry. And here I had her text me your number and I forgot to save it in my contacts."
"I wanted to thank you again for all the help. This would have been much harder without you here."
"Thanks. I had a little chat with Anzu when I got here."
"Anzu?"
"Ms. Aimai. She'll see about finding you a yunomi for Itami. I can't make a whole lot of promises though. I doubt anyone has thought about collecting a yunomi for every prefecture. Even disregarding the mess of Hokkaido, there's more than forty of them. Who needs forty teacups?"
"Miss."
Looking up, Kurumu nodded as she grabbed her cone filled with chocolate pleasure.
"This way, ladies."
Kurumu followed after Ms. Fukuda.
"Ms. Kurono?"
"Sorry. Distracted. We have ice cream."
"Thought the call might have dropped. Anyways, don't forget to pick one up while you're in Kumamoto. If any place is going to have that prefectural stuff you're looking for, it would be the capital."
"I'll be sure to remind Ms. Fukuda."
"I'll let you go so you can enjoy your ice cream."
Kurumu felt guilty for calling Ms. Kiyoshi at such an inopportune time. Before the apology came out, she remembered Ms. Fukuda had encouraged it. Kurumu smiled as she noticed they were nearing a wooden table with Kahlua and Kokoa seated in green cushioned chairs.
"Thank you again, Ms. Kiyoshi. I'll be sure to call."
"Okay then. You take care."
Kurumu nodded as she arrived at the table. She lingered behind the chair, waiting for the line to go dead. As Moka and Ms. Fukuda took their seats, Kurumu waited a couple more moments before checking the phone. Smiling, she closed it up and placed it on the table before taking her seat.
"So what is it you're supposed to remind me about?"
"Do you know of any gift shops which might carry prefectural trinkets? I have a cup from Niigata with markings on it to signify it's from Niigata and a similar one for Yamagata. Ms. Kiyoshi called them yunomi and I was hoping that I might be able to add Kumamoto to my small collection."
Ms. Fukuda pondered that for a moment.
"I might know of a place. Now hurry before that ice cream melts."
Kurumu needed no encouragement to attend to her sweets.
Kurumu had mixed feelings about her most recent acquisition. On a positive note, it was a small beige glass with the Kumamoto flag and name on it. But it was a shot glass, less than a third of the size of her other yunomi. They unfortunately had lacked the time to drive about Kumamoto looking for other gift shops that might have offered a better alternative.
The two hour drive to the Estate had taken them through the new town of Misato. Apparently Niigata was not the only prefecture combining municipalities. In an effort to reduce debts caused by minor local governments, the humans were merging villages and towns to diminish the number of governments they had to support. This was the third major attempt by the humans, the first one being under the Meiji era in which seventy thousand claimed villages had been reduced to sixteen thousand. The second attempt had been in the fifties by which point the humans had already been down to ten thousand. By the sixties, this number had been reduced to thirty five hundred. Presently the number was around two thousand with the hopes that it could be reduced to one thousand.
When they had arrived at seven thirty, they had carried their recent acquisitions up to their rooms. Ms. Fukuda had waited for them to start eating dinner before moving the butsudan into Moka's suite. She had placed mommy's urn inside the butsudan and had drawn a black sheet over it to make it less conspicuous. After dinner Kurumu had moved her belongings out of Kokoa's suite before changing into her pajamas for the night.
They were presently gathered in the lounge. The maids of the Estate had tended to her laundry in her absence, so Kurumu had been able to wear her black chemise. She had encouraged Moka to wear that long, sleeveless black nightgown so they could match. Being a quarter to nine, Moka was trying her best to mask her yawns and sit upright on the couch next to Kurumu.
Kokoa whom was sitting on Kurumu's right was wearing a silky, yellow chemise. She had gotten Tara's permission to take off her sling before coming down to join them. She huffed over being excessively babied, certain that she could have taken the sling off this morning.
They were waiting on the arrival of Mrs. Shuzen. Around seven she had called Ms. Fukuda to declare her desire to speak with them before retiring for the night. Kahlua suspected it was something concerning her wedding. The eldest daughter was sitting by herself dressed in a thin white slip which betrayed everything despite how much tan skin it covered.
"The kitchen is cleaned up, Ms. Fukuda. We will be heading out."
Ms. Fukuda was standing by the fireplace still wearing her suit jacket. She turned to regard Tara whom had appeared at the doorway, wearing the familiar black and crimson maid attire.
"Please wait. I wanted to call Ishiko."
Tara smiled at Kokoa whom was leaning over the side of the couch with an expectant gaze.
"It is rather late, Lady Kokoa. You should call your friend tomorrow."
"Can I spend the night at your place?"
Tara frowned, glancing at Ms. Fukuda whom only offered a shrug.
"Why not indulge her? If Mother needs her for tomorrow, you will be coming back as you always do."
"It is my brother's home. I am in no position to grant her request."
Kahlua smirked.
"And he is in no position to deny Mother's request. Inform him to wait here for Mother's decision on the matter before you scamper off to the carcass of our old home."
"I shall inform him."
Tara nodded politely before walking out of sight. There was a short silence that followed.
"I wonder what time Tsukune and the others will arrive."
"Probably the same time as we did when we flew in from Sendai. It's Ishiko and the rest of my girls that I don't have a clue about."
Kurumu nodded, recalling that their plane had arrived around two in the afternoon. With the three hour drive from the airport, Tsukune and Yukari would arrive here before dinner. That felt like a lot of time in which she had nothing to do.
"Do you think I should get a maid outfit like the one Ms. Tara wears?"
Kokoa's eyes brightened up as she grabbed Kurumu by the shoulder.
"We totally should! Not that the one I gave you isn't cute and proper but it's not the same as the official uniform. I know Ms. Tara owns more than one so it only makes sense if you had another."
"That shouldn't be difficult. That woman whom shares our Uncle's bed is the family seamstress."
Kurumu glanced at Kahlua whom had a pleasant smile. It was difficult to say if that remark had carried any disdain.
"Does she make clothes for the whole family?"
"Mostly mending but she does do requests. Perhaps I can convince Mayu to get sized up. I'm certain she would make a pretty maid in my service."
Ms. Fukuda smirked, crossing her arms below her bosom.
"I think I'll pass on your twisted fantasies."
"I promise to be a good master to you."
"This should not be a shock to you, but I prefer male company when it comes to pleasure."
"I don't mind sharing you with Lord Fujisaki."
Ms. Fukuda sighed, glancing over to the open door.
"I'm not resigning my position to become your plaything."
"Maybe Mother will give you to me like a wedding present."
"I'm not hers to give."
"Offer to spy on Lord Fujisaki for her."
"That is way too dangerous. If she wanted anyone to spy on him, she'd have you do it."
"Why would I do that? Once married, I have no reason to remain attached to this household."
"I won't be able to challenge you ever again."
Kahlua smiled, turning her attention to Kokoa.
"We could still have fun together. Pledge yourself to me."
"No way!"
"Despite all of her hypocrisies, Mother does adhere to some vampire traditions."
"I think her approach has been quite refreshing."
All attention turned to Nagi whom had arrived at the door. He bowed slightly.
"I understand a young lady wishes to spend the night in my humble household. I have no objection and am certain my wife will enjoy having a guest over for a change."
"Can I ready my things for tomorrow?"
Nagi chuckled with a shake of his head.
"We should wait for word from Lady Gyokuro. She might have need of you."
"How much longer must we wait?"
Nagi smiled at Kahlua, offering a slight shrug.
"I only know what Ms. Fukuda told me. Lady Shuzen could arrive here at any moment."
Kahlua sighed, relaxing back in the cushions of her armchair. There was a long silence that followed which was marked by the sounds of a clock ticking away the seconds. It was an extravagant clock with golden trim about a cherry wood finish standing off to the side of the fireplace. The arm clicked up and bells chimed out the ninth hour in a soothing yet definitive manner.
Kurumu smiled when Moka leaned her shoulder against hers. Moka's eyes were fluttering slowly while her head drooped. Moka lazily covered a yawn, straightening up so their shoulders stopped touching.
Nagi turned at the sound of the front door. Mrs. Shuzen walked through, wearing a lush green suit jacket over a plum blouse with black buttons. Her glossy black heels clipped the floor as she approached Nagi. Her hips confined in a tight black skirt moved in a smooth, sensuous manner.
"I see you have all my daughters gathered. You may go, Mr. Nagi."
He bowed his head slightly as Mrs. Shuzen walked by him into the room.
"The young Lady Kokoa has requested to stay with my family for the evening."
Mrs. Shuzen paused, turning her gaze upon an expectant Kokoa.
"I don't have a reason to deny her request. You can have her the whole day if that is what she wishes."
Kokoa's eyes widened.
"Can I?"
"I have nothing special for you to do at your sister's wedding. Kahlua and I will be quite busy these next couple of days and your friends won't arrive till Thursday afternoon."
Kokoa popped out of the couch onto her feet. She grinned at her mother, jumping forward with a clear intent to embrace only to be stopped with a firm palm pressed to her head.
"Manners, Kokoa."
Kokoa quickly fell back a step. She let her arms hang down at her sides as she bowed politely.
"Thank you, Mother."
"Good. Inform Ms. Tara that her services won't be needed tomorrow."
"I will, Lady Shuzen."
"Go fetch your things, Kokoa."
"Yes, Mother."
Kokoa marched out of the room. Nagi bowed once more, retreating from the room and closing the door.
"Now to more pressing matters. Ms. Fukuda. You shall accompany us to Iromori tomorrow. We have final arrangements to be made at our venues and a rehearsal."
"Yes, Madame President."
"Mother. I'm sure you are aware of my blood claim on Mayu."
Mrs. Shuzen turned a glare upon Kahlua.
"And what of it?"
Kahlua smiled brightly.
"I was hoping you could assign her to me."
"I think you would prefer your friend to remain alive."
Kahlua's smile lost most of its feeling.
"Must you always resort to such tricks?"
"Yes. It's the most effective way to achieve the best outcome."
Kahlua sighed.
"And this best outcome requires my marriage."
Mrs. Shuzen paused. She bowed her head slightly.
"I am sorry, Daughter. I do feel some failure in your shortcomings."
"If you had any honor you would have presented Akua as the true Eldest Daughter instead of protecting her with a fake claim about her death."
"You were defeated in a battle for your hand in marriage just as I was by your father. You will honor that tradition as I have."
"Why? So I can birth unwanted children like you?"
Mrs. Shuzen smirked.
"Such a feisty remark. We can have this conversation again about how we hate our children after you have given birth to your first."
Kahlua stood up, her body trembling with emotion. She bowed her head slightly with her clenched fists at her sides.
"I shall retire for the evening, Mother."
Mrs. Shuzen nodded, but held a hand up when Kahlua took her first step.
"We will be having breakfast in Iromori. That means we shall leave the Estate no later than six. Go with her, Ms. Fukuda."
"Yes, Madame President."
Mrs. Shuzen quietly waited for the two women to exit the room. She turned to regard Kurumu and Moka with a blank expression. The seconds ticked by loudly as the clock hands steadily advanced. Kurumu smiled meekly under Mrs. Shuzen's scrutiny, wondering if she should stand. She glanced aside at Moka, whom was nodding off.
"Not a single one of them show respect."
Mrs. Shuzen clapped her hands loudly, startling Moka.
"Stand up, child."
Moka sheepishly got to her feet as Kurumu did the same.
"She's tired, Mrs. Shuzen."
"I'm aware of her situation, Ms. Kurono. She should count herself lucky that I had all of their numbers saved in my contacts after Kokoa's call, else that text about love and spending time would have been highly questionable. I appreciate the sentiment, but lack the resources to do it justice."
Kurumu frowned without any understanding for this odd woman.
"Was that all you wanted to say to her?"
"No. I am taking the two of you to the Garden."
Moka grabbed the side of Kurumu's chemise at her hip. Her eyes were wide.
"Wait! She doesn't want that!"
"Must all my daughters insist on troubling me? This is not a negotiation, child."
"No! It's not safe!"
"I will be leaving you in your sister's care."
Kurumu fumbled with comprehending the situation, placing a steadying hand on Moka.
"Hold up. Isn't the Garden where you're keeping Alucard?"
"We can't go near that place!"
Mrs. Shuzen smirked at Moka's panic.
"Are you afraid Akua will try to revive Alucard?"
Moka let go of Kurumu's chemise, clutching her fist to her chest. She glanced aside.
"I don't know. It's not right."
"Right or wrong is irrelevant. I believe this course of action is for the best."
"But you will be spending the day in Iromori. What's the point of taking us to the Garden?"
"I will be able to eat dinner at the Garden with you. I hope by then the two of you will convince that stubborn girl to finally answer my questions."
"But I don't want this."
Mrs. Shuzen stared at Moka.
"I distinctly recall her wanting to speak with Akua. I am giving her the chance."
Moka paused, touching her rosary.
"That was before you mentioned Alucard was in the Garden. She is also concerned about your plans to bring Tsukune here."
Mrs. Shuzen smirked.
"You are overly protective of this doll, child. I am taking you to Akua before relieving you of this burden."
"No! I won't let you do this!"
Mrs. Shuzen rolled her eyes.
"And what do you intend to do? Your adrenaline might keep you awake another half hour at best. I don't need you conscious to take you to the garden."
Kurumu snapped out of her shock. She grabbed Moka's hand, tugging the girl to follow as she quickly moved for the door.
"Are you planning to abandon your mother again, Ms. Kurono?"
That cut through Kurumu as she reached for the door. Her hand balled into a fist.
"You can't leave the grounds of the Estate without one of the devices which allow you to cross barriers. It's time for my daughter to stop running away."
As Kurumu's heart ached from the harsh words, she regarded Moka.
"And what will you do with her rosary?"
"As I have no use for it, I plan to give it to Akua. Maybe she can kill Alucard with it. If you are correct about Lord Fujisaki's intentions, then he would have no further reason to pursue Moka."
Kurumu choked on her frustration as she let go of Moka's hand.
"So that's it? You plan to discard her?!"
"That doll is not alive, Ms. Kurono. I regret that you've become attached to it, but I hope you continue to be of help to my daughters."
Kurumu trembled with emotions as she pointed at Moka.
"This doll said she loved you and wanted to spend more time with you. Today."
Mrs. Shuzen stared at her impassively.
"And what would you have me do, Ms. Kurono? Do you think Akasha wanted her daughter to remain trapped inside a prison for the rest of her life?"
It hurt. She was so angry and frustrated but she could not deny the cold logic. The only response she could think of was a declaration of Moka's wants being more important but she knew where that would go if she voiced that.
"Why must you be like this?"
"Because I know no other way. I hope you understand that if you fail to convince Akua to willingly share her secrets with me, that I will be forced to use your Lilith's Eye to get my answers."
"No. I won't do that."
"You don't have a choice, Ms. Kurono. As a ward of the Shuzen Estate, I can hand your care over to any family member I please. If you wish to continue your education at Yokai Academy, you will make use of your Lilith's Eye if I require it."
"I think Kokoa would dislike that."
"I think I can convince Kokoa to do as I please."
"Mother. It's not safe. If Akua is unwilling, she won't hesitate to harm Kurumu."
"Then I suggest the two of you do your best to convince her to be reasonable. You want to know why she attacked Akasha as much as I do. It can't be a case of suddenly remembering to do her job. There had to have been plenty of opportunities over the course of the year to accomplish her task."
"Can I… can I be with Tsukune?"
Kurumu's heart twisted at the innocent request.
"Before you give me to Akua, could I be with him? He was my first real friend. Along with Kurumu, Tora, Ginei and Yukari. I would like to see them all before I go."
Mrs. Shuzen regarded Moka. She walked over, slipping between them to open the door.
"We can discuss that at a later time. Right now you should be focused on how you will deal with Akua. Follow me up to my room before someone has to carry you."
As Mrs. Shuzen strolled out into the large room, Kurumu took Moka's hand. Sharing a reluctant smile, they started down this path together.