Kurumu dried her hands off on the crimson apron of her new maid uniform. While the dress was snug about her bosom, the pleated collar was stretchy and much more comfortable than the stiff, buttoned up, white collar of the maid outfit Kokoa had bought her. This black fabric breathed and hung loose on her body. She imagined she could wear this multiple days of the week without too much discomfort, though the apron was a different story. It was made of heavier, coarser fabric.
Mr. Kondo was arranging her platter to carry out. The stout satyr had his dark locks slicked back which accentuated his receding hairline. He arguably had a healthier mane of hair on his jaw. The former owner of a restaurant in Fukuoka had been working for Mrs. Shuzen ever since she had bought his business on her twenty fourth birthday back in November of 1983. Like the other servants, he was wearing a crimson apron over black attire. He had rolled back the sleeves of his shirt to bare his thick, hairy arms.
On Wednesday Mr. Kondo had compiled a list of ingredients, spices and recipes for Kurumu to utilize in her services to Kokoa. This natto Kurumu had made for breakfast today was on that list. Kurumu could not recall the last time she had eaten this stuff, not caring for the smell or taste in the slightest, but it was something Kokoa had used to eat on a regular basis.
"Do I have to carry it out on my shoulder?"
Mr. Kondo chuckled at her protest, stepping aside.
"You've been practicing all week. I want to see you manage at least once."
"I'll be handling the soup for you. Don't worry."
Mrs. Chinoashi grinned as she tugged the other platter of bowls to the edge of the counter. The shaggy haired woman had the telltale snaggletooth grin most okami possessed. Her hazel eyes lit up with her frequent smiles while her rounded cheeks betrayed pleasant dimples. While not as buxom as Kurumu, the stocky woman had her fair share of enticing curves.
Her husband was cleaning off the stove behind them. He was a portly gentlemen with his dark locks tucked beneath a white cap. The okami couple had been hired by Mrs. Shuzen shortly after Moka's sealing, watching over the home in Iromori where Kokoa and Kahlua had resided until the construction of this Estate had finished four years ago. That was also about the time Mr. Kondo had closed down his restaurant to continue his service to Mrs. Shuzen as their personal chef.
Kurumu took in a deep breath as she grabbed the edge of the platter. A blessing of being short was that she did not have to dip down far or lift this up as high to get the platter up at her shoulder. She timidly scooted away from the counter, walking slowly towards the doors which opened into the dining room. She kept her eyes forward, leaning slightly to keep the center of her balance in check.
She pouted at Mr. Kondo's chuckling, doubting he would open the door for her. She removed her left hand steadying the tray to grip the inset handle. Sliding the door to the side, she shuffled into the next room where her friends had gathered for the meal.
The dining room of the Shuzen Estate was a large room lit up by three tall windows off to the right which had their heavy, crimson drapes drawn aside and secured by golden cords. Three chandeliers hung from the ceiling with the center one being twice the size as the ones hovering over the head and foot of the table. The only furniture in the room was the dining set, which consisted of a long table made of black wood with a shiny finish. The top consisted of inset polished stone tiles. Each side of this table was flanked by six black chairs with an additional chair at the head and foot. Each seat and back had been upholstered with crimson cushions.
Since the door opened up near the foot of the table, the first guests she saw were those with their backs to her furthest away from the windows. Both Ginei and Tsukune were seated on this side, with Mizore on Tsukune's right. Hesitant to be near Tsukune, Kurumu angled to the end of the table and placed the tray down on Ginei's left side.
"Morning, Ms. Kurono."
Kurumu smiled at Ms. Aimai whom sat at the foot of the table. The succubus sipped on a cup of tea Mrs. Chinoashi had brought out to the guests earlier. The succubus was garbed in a thin burgundy blouse tucked in a pair of khaki capris. A thin black belt with a golden buckle was fished through the loops.
"It's a pity she gets a new maid outfit and it's just as long as her first one."
Kurumu smirked as she set out a bowl for Ms. Aimai and Ginei. The grinning werewolf had tucked his blue dress shirt in a pair of black corduroys. The three top buttons had been left undone to expose the silver wolf head pendant dangling from the thin chain about his neck.
"I assure you that it's no issue hiking it up, if fooling is what you have in mind."
Kurumu blushed at Mrs. Chinoashi's candid remark as the woman set soup bowls down for Mizore and Tsukune. Ginei chuckled as Tsukune gagged on lecherous thoughts.
"That was not my point. I was meaning in the context of admiring from afar."
"Short of Mononoke opening a maid cafe, I don't see that dream of yours happening any time soon."
As Kurumu picked up two bowls of natto, she grinned at Tora whom was sitting on Ms. Aimai's left. The sphinx was dressed in her yellow polo and black, denim capris. She had fixed up her hair in her usual braids wrapping above her ears towards the back of her head. Holding the bowls to her bosom, Kurumu slipped behind Ginei.
"I've been curious, but did you buy that wolf pendant?"
"Nope. My mother gave me this when I started junior high."
Kurumu nodded as she set down the bowls for Tsukune and Mizore. The snow girl was back to wearing her usual outfit with the school skirt. She probably would not touch the miso on the basis of it being too hot, but Kurumu hoped the girl would give the natto a try.
"Thank you."
Kurumu shivered from Tsukune brushing her arm. He was dressed in a plain black tee and black cargo shorts. She pulled away without comment, slipping back around Ginei to retrieve her platter.
"My mother told me that my lace ribbon is the only gift I got from my father before he had to leave."
Ginei chuckled as Kurumu hauled the platter up on her shoulder.
"I won't pretend that this thing has any special sentimental value. I think it looks cool and it certainly caught the attention of Mika and Nagita."
"Nagita?"
"Katsukara from the tennis club. She used to be in class four with Noboru last year."
Kurumu set the tray down between a sighing Tora and a snoozing Moka. The vampire was sprawled over the table, resting her head on her forearms. The straps of her pastel yellow sundress hung limply off her shoulders. Kurumu daintily placed a bowl on the other side of Moka, favoring Yukari a smile. The young witch was wearing the black sundress with the sunflower print. Her spaghetti straps had been tightened up to diminish the looseness of the fabric about the bosom.
"Your list of admirers continues to grow."
"I was voted as the most popular second year in the school."
"I wouldn't consider Katsukara as an admirer, Tora. She didn't mention him once during the interview."
"That has me worried he did something traumatic."
Ginei sighed dramatically as Kurumu carried bowls over to Rubi and Yukari. The older witch had long, black hair which cascaded down the back of the chair. Some of her tresses were gathered up in two tails tied with white ribbons above her ears.
"There's no winning if I lose regardless of how she reacts."
"You can eat with your friends, Ms. Kurono. I will take the trays back to the kitchen."
Kurumu nodded as Mrs. Chinoashi set aside the last natto bowl from Kurumu's tray before picking it up from the table. Kurumu mildly wondered where she was supposed to sit, spying Mrs. Chinoashi had left the extra soup bowl in the chair next to Mizore. Kurumu smiled, setting down a bowl for Rubi.
"I see you are back to your normal age."
Rubi was dressed in this loose, indigo blouse with long sleeves. It had a wide, pleated collar that bared enough of Rubi's shoulders to rule out the thought she was wearing a bra with straps, though Kurumu had been informed by Yukari that the older witch lacked any such undergarments, mostly due to her mother's oversight and her father not being comfortable to correct the situation. The smooth silky fabric was loose enough about the bosom to not accentuate certain aspects that young men would enjoy.
This fancy blouse was tucked in a long pair of black, satin shorts with brass buttons. It mildly reminded Kurumu of one of the outfits Kokoa had bought for her which she had left behind by Tsukune's choice. For that matter, he had not encouraged her to bring any of her tight shorts, preferring garments with easier access to her panties.
"Yes, though it is fun being a child again."
"As if you stopped being one."
Kurumu grinned at Yukari's comment as she walked back to fetch her bowl of natto. She wandered back around the table, intent on taking her place on Mizore's right.
"How many outfits do you own, Rubi?"
"Hmm. Seven? I think?"
"How many do you own?"
Kurumu smiled softly at Tsukune, slipping around Mizore to settle down in her chair.
"Kokoa bought eight outfits alone for me. You've seen it all."
Tsukune chuckled nervously, poking at the contents of his bowl with his chopsticks.
"I don't think I've had natto since junior high. I wish you would have served it with rice."
"You should eat natto more often. It puts hair on your chest."
Tora snorted at Ginei's jovial remark as she stirred her natto.
"I sincerely hope not."
"I have no qualms about a healthy layer of fur over an ample bosom."
"Are you being serious?"
Ginei grinned at Tsukune.
"It is for okami girls. Can't vouch for other species."
Tora blushed as the attention shifted to her.
"Don't look at me. I don't spend that much time in my true form, and I'm certainly not checking my breasts when I am."
Kurumu stowed away some natto in her mouth as Tsukune hastily apologized. This was not the most pleasant of things to eat, but she had spiced it up with mustard and soy sauce.
"I hope none of you dislike my first attempt at natto. Hey, Moka!"
Moka made a slight sound, sitting up sharply. She glanced about confused.
"I heard you used to eat natto for breakfast regularly."
Moka sat back in her chair, pulling the bowl with her. She frowned, pawing about for her chopsticks.
"I haven't ever tasted anything like this before."
"I'm frightened to hear what you are used to eating."
Rubi shrugged at Tora, stuffing another mouthful away.
"We had a small garden by our homestead. Mostly fruits and vegetables."
"You would think this girl was having an orgasm the first time she had an omelet."
Rubi blushed, glancing away from Yukari.
"It wasn't that good."
"This is good."
Moka grinned, stirring up the contents of the bowl.
"Did you make this?"
"Do you like natto?"
Moka nodded at Yukari as she eagerly scooped another batch into her chopsticks.
"The stuff they serve in the dining hall is terrible. Way too bland."
Moka stowed the mouthful away, immediately putting her chopsticks back in her bowl to fetch more.
"Mr. Kondo had me spice it up with the stuff Kokoa likes."
"Really good."
Yukari absently stirred her natto with a contemplative look.
"Maybe I should make natto."
"Do you even like natto?"
Yukari huffed, bringing up a morsel to her lips.
"I will like what my Moka likes."
Kurumu smirked as the witch forced herself to eat more. Everyone else seemed to be taking their time with the natto or they were favoring the soup. Mizore stared at the meal, questioning the point of life.
"You can stick to your omelets we all love."
"I can change up what I serve if my Moka wants something different."
Ms. Aimai set aside her bowl of soup, relaxing back in her chair.
"I'll be leaving the Estate soon. I heard from the virgin that you forgot to bring a swimsuit."
Kurumu grinned when Ginei flinched.
"That's correct."
"I'll be sure to stop in the city and pick you up something."
"They're not going to have anything in my size."
"It's a swimsuit, not a bra. Cough up your size."
"75G. And Tora is a 75A."
Tora grimaced at Ginei's quick response.
"Why do you remember my size?"
"That's an important thing to a man."
"Anyone else at the table needing a swimsuit?"
Kurumu smiled, prodding Mizore's shoulder. The snow girl glanced up with a frown.
"Do you need a swimsuit?"
Mizore touched the end of the white stick nestled in her mouth, cocking her head aside.
"I can't be on a beach in the summer."
"Mizore would need a light jacket to go with her suit. She's prone to heatstroke."
"She looks good in stripes."
All eyes turned on Tsukune. He gagged, shaking his head vehemently.
"I meant she usually wears stripes. That's all!"
"If we're making requests on swimsuits, no one pieces."
"I prefer one pieces."
Ginei grinned at Tora.
"Exactly."
"I don't give a shit about that, though I will need a size for princess popsicle here."
Mizore absently reached up to cup her bosom.
"70C. Or 75B."
Tsukune frowned.
"Which is it?"
"Depends on how much you want them to jiggle."
As Tsukune looked away uncomfortably, Kurumu waved a hand dismissively.
"It's basically the same thing, Tsukune. One is tighter about the torso."
"A looser band causes more jiggle."
Kurumu frowned at Mizore, having no idea if that was true or not. As far as she could tell, she always jiggled. She was not about to squeeze herself into a 70H to prove a point.
"Whatever. Other than the swimsuit, maybe you could pick me up a proper yunomi for Kumamoto?"
Over the summer, Kurumu had started collecting decorative cups called yunomi for each prefecture she had visited. She had started with one from Niigata on her last trip with her mother and had found one for Yamagata by chance on her birthday only two days later. The decision to collect them had been an impulsive want the day after the cremation of her mother. She had tasked Ms. Kiyoshi to find her a yunomi for Miyagi, since they had flown to Kumamoto from the Sendai airport. The woman had followed through on her promise, sending Yukari to the Estate with a yunomi. The succubus had also notified Ms. Aimai about this goal since their flight from Sendai had stopped in the Osaka International Airport in Itami. The fiery haired woman had handed over a yunomi for Hyogo shortly after her arrival.
"I don't know if I have time for that. It took me hours to find the last one."
"It's okay if you can't. It's just a thought."
Technically she did have something for Kumamoto, though it was more like a shot glass with it being a third of the size of the other yunomi.
"One more thing. I heard Mrs. President will be on the same flight. I guess she was in Niigata yesterday making arrangements with that dead guy whom runs Yokai Academy."
"Dead guy?"
"I don't know all the details of what she was doing there, but I'm sure she'll explain everything today. If none of you have any other shopping requests, I'll be heading out now."
Kurumu nodded, nothing coming to mind. She glanced about the table, confirming similar blank looks from the other girls. Moka had pushed aside her empty natto bowl and was sipping her soup.
"I'll take a digital camera."
Ms. Aimai smirked as she got up from her chair.
"That's more expensive than swimsuits. Speaking of which, are you boys good on suits?"
"I know I'm good."
Tsukune nodded, prompting Ms. Aimai to turn on her heel and head for the double door which opened into the main foyer which divided the Estate.
"On that note, I'm out. Don't cause the servants too much grief in my absence."
Yukari snorted after the woman slipped out of the room.
"As if that woman has done anything all week."
Kurumu smiled, aware that Ms. Aimai had kept to the guest quarters most of the time. Occasionally she would go outside of the barrier with Nagi to make phone calls, but their Fairy Tale escort for their upcoming adventure had not bothered to participate or observe their training. This negligence left Kurumu feeling anxious about their inevitable encounter with Lord Kamiya.
"Short of her suddenly becoming generous, it sounds like you'll have to resort to the old fashioned way of getting my attention."
"Hopefully that doesn't involve one of us exposing ourselves."
Ginei chuckled at Tora's curt remark.
"Only if Moka has forgotten her whistle."
Moka shook her head, raising her left arm which had the whistle attached to the pewter bracelet.
"I will need your phone, Tsukune. I need to link it up with everyone else."
"But I have everyone's number-"
"This is a witch spell, Tsukune. They brought it up last night and asked if I had anything with batteries to use as a communicator. It's why I playfully asked for that camera."
Tsukune nodded dumbly.
"Okay. I can get my phone to you before I get pushed around like an idiot for an hour by Morioka."
"Don't be so hard on yourself, Tsukune. You've improved enough to proudly call yourself a moron."
"That's an improvement?"
Kurumu smiled politely, turning her attention on Rubi.
"I'm curious what device Rubi has to communicate with."
Rubi promptly set down her chopsticks, holding up a finger as she reached below the table. She shifted in her seat, pulling her fist up into view. Turning her hand over, she opened her fist to reveal a pink oval which had a black cord fixed to the back. A black rectangle rested in her palm beside this odd device which resembled an egg.
"It's a bullet massager. Lady Juunan gave it to me before the memorial."
Kurumu frowned at the device, glancing at Mizore. The snow girl shrugged. Ginei was snickering as Tsukune regarded the device with blatant confusion.
"What does it do?"
Rubi scooted up in her seat, grabbing the rectangle. There was more cord than Kurumu had anticipated as Rubi was able to tug it at least a half meter away. She wagged it in her other hand.
"This thing is a switch. The batteries go inside this. You switch it on and there's a slider which adjusts the intensity of the massage."
Rubi demonstrated which caused the pink oval to make a slight hum. Rubi cupped her palm to keep the wiggling device from jumping out of her hand.
"Oh my God."
Kurumu frowned at Tora, still confused over the purpose of this device. She glanced at Mizore, whom shrugged as Ginei continued to chuckle like a toddler whom had heard a dirty word. Tsukune remained equally perplexed.
"How would that massage anything?"
Rubi blushed.
"Well… it goes inside."
Kurumu's eyes lit up and Mizore made a slight sound of understanding.
"Does that feel good?"
Rubi blushed at Mizore's inquiry.
"I haven't managed to get it up there. It's much bigger than my pinky."
Yukari sighed dramatically.
"I can't believe Ms. Juunan gave that thing to Rubi without any instructions. It was not my idea of fun showing her how to properly use it."
Tsukune finally grasped the concept as Ginei proceeded to lose any pretense of restraint. Tora was shaking her head while Moka blushed deeply, looking away from Rubi.
"I trust you didn't feel it was necessary to put that inside Ms. Toujou."
"Of course not. I cleaned it up before I put it inside me."
Ginei's mirth was lost in an instant. He shared an indecisive look with Tsukune whom was grimacing.
"What's your opinion about the experience?"
Kurumu blinked in disbelief at Mizore's blunt acceptance of the situation as is.
"It felt weird. It made me want to pee."
"Perhaps a different subject is in order?"
Kurumu nodded in agreement with Tora's suggestion.
"While I'm not interested in hearing about the sexual exploits of an eleven year old, I am curious if this means Rubi has been dabbling in self-gratification."
Rubi frowned at Yukari.
"He means playing with yourself to you reach orgasm."
Rubi's brown eyes lit up and she nodded while setting down her sex toy.
"Oh, that! I've known how to do that for years, though I didn't know what it was called."
"Well if you ever need help getting more than a pinky up in there, I have lots of free time."
"I'm sorry, Mr. Morioka, but Yukari has informed me that being assisted in orgasm is only permissible with people whom I have a lifelong commitment to."
"Little brat. Why would you fill her head with such antiquated idealisms?"
"I think that's a wholesome prospect."
"I agree with Tora."
Kurumu nodded in agreement with the other girls.
"Come on, Tsukune. As my fellow man, you have to back me up on this."
"Well… I think relationships should be taken seriously."
"I wish you would take our relationship seriously."
Tsukune frowned at Rubi's pout.
"What relationship?"
"As a true representative of humanity, you haven't properly punished me."
"I never agreed to that!"
"Here we go again."
"Well… I suppose if he continues to refuse his duties I could be persuaded to take up your whip."
"Don't aggravate the situation."
"I'm merely regretting my decision to push the girl off on Tsukune. Let me have her for the rest of the summer. I'll properly punish that behind."
Kurumu smirked.
"You talk big for a virgin."
"I'm a fast learner."
"Could everyone stop for a moment?"
Attention shifted to Tsukune whom chuckled nervously in the sudden silence.
"Look. Rubi. I can't. I know you think being punished will make you feel better about the human lives lost back at your hill."
"That's not true. I know it feels better when I'm spanked."
There was a pause. Yukari held her hands up defensively.
"That's not my fault. My dad had a lapse of judgment and got carried away with a young, willing woman. I've tried explaining this to no avail. She's weird."
"Okay. Let's try this again. I can't punish your bare butt. That's way too much for me. You will have to start wearing panties before we can even consider doing anything of this nature."
"What about thongs?"
"Not helping."
Kurumu snickered at Tsukune's quick response to Ginei's playful inquiry.
"I think that's a fair compromise for now."
Rubi pouted, gesturing at the door.
"Should I run out and ask Ms. Aimai to pick me up some panties?"
"If you can catch her."
Rubi pushed her chair back and got to her feet. She quickly exited the room to Ginei's amusement.
"That spanking is very important to her."
"Are you going to be able to spank her when she gets panties?"
Tsukune sighed heavily, shaking his head.
"Let me worry about one thing at a time."
"You should mention the other thing from last night."
Kurumu frowned at Mizore as Tsukune sighed again.
"What happened last night?"
"Tsukune and I became one."
"No! She gave blood to me!"
Kurumu smiled, glad that things between these two had not changed even with her charm diminished.
"I guess that is good. You need more blood."
Kurumu shivered, aware that Tsukune's gaze was upon her.
"I need your blood."
"I object."
Moka's quick response startled Kurumu.
"Moka. I'm not saying this because I want to be closer to Kurumu. I need to be immune to her so I don't accidentally fall under her charm again."
"Yea. He'll need my blood so we can have a real relationship."
"Well… right now I'm only thinking about how things will be when we return to school. There's no way I could pretend to be your boyfriend if I have to avoid you."
Kurumu pouted, reaching up to massage the ache in her bosom as she glanced aside.
"I wouldn't worry too much about that. We're not in the same homeroom and I was only eating lunch with you once a week at the end."
"And I don't want that. I'm not saying I dislike Uchikawa and her friends, but I do feel out of place."
"I don't like it."
Tsukune balked at Moka's curt rejection.
"But I would like for all of us to eat together. Like we did for that short time when Yukari was making the lunches for everyone."
"That's not the issue. I don't want you drinking her blood."
"But that's what's best-"
"Kurumu's mine."
Ginei regarded this with amusement.
"Now that's an interesting development."
"But isn't it okay? You have blood claims on both of them."
"That doesn't mean I want him sucking her blood."
"You don't seem to protest her sucking his fluids."
Moka blushed at Yukari's crass remark.
"Wanting his blood and wanting that are different things."
Tsukune laughed nervously.
"Yea. Moka wouldn't want that from me."
"If Tsukune wants her blood that much, he has to fight me for it."
Tsukune blinked. He regarded the vampire in disbelief.
"Seriously?"
Moka crossed her arms about her chest, not bothering to respond.
"But he's not challenging your claim, Moka. We're talking about having her bleed into a bottle."
"I don't care, Yukari. She's mine."
"I find this hilarious."
"Can't we be reasonable about this?"
"You're being selfish, Akashiya. It's Kurumu's blood, not yours."
"Hearing you call anyone selfish is laughable. You haven't done anything for anyone else ever."
"She did save us in the hospital."
Kurumu nodded at Tora's comment.
"A little blood is not that big of a deal, Moka."
"No. He should fight me for it. That is our way."
Ginei chuckled, slapping a hand firmly on Tsukune's shoulder.
"Sounds like you need some immediate training."
Kurumu was sprawled across the floor in front of the couch in Moka's suite. She was dressed down in the black tank top and gray shorts Moka had bought for her before term exams, having worn these in her training session against Ginei. She had finished up about six songs ago, letting Tsukune start his third round of punishment today.
It was cool that laptops had built in speakers. She absently bobbed her feet against her rump as she swayed to the rhythm of Cross Road. She stumbled over the lyrics because it had some English mixed in but she knew most of it. She had listened to both of her Mr. Children CDs at least once a day since buying them in Iromori last Sunday. She knew several of these songs from her childhood in Yonago before her wings had sprouted, forcing her move to Kengamine.
She glanced over at the corner where mommy's butsudan rested. The shrine was currently masked as an ornate jewelry box. A white vase with crimson roses was placed beside it. This actually was an urn which held mommy's ashes. Yukari's illusions made it possible to have guests over without needing to explain the passing of her mother. She had tentatively agreed to reveal this around the cultural festival, blaming a generic accident at work since mommy was supposed to be in Mrs. Shuzen's employ now.
Only one of the nine boxes had survived Kurumu's decision to part ways with all the stuff Mrs. Shuzen had brought over from mommy's cabin in Hekitawa. She had pitched both boxes of the kitchen things, having no sentimental value for any of that. She had donated the three boxes of mommy's clothes and the one box of shoes. It was a simple fact that she was shorter, had smaller feet and was not as endowed as mommy, so almost none of it fit. That left only pictures and trinkets, which she had repackaged the ones she valued into a single box.
Innocent World started playing and she sang along with confidence. She had actually put effort into learning the lyrics for this song along with Tomorrow Never Knows since she knew there had to be a karaoke version of that. She had also memorized Namonaki Uta which was the first track on the other CD, which she liked less than this CD simply due to not knowing as many of the songs. Not that the songs were bad but it seemed like everything after Mirror felt drawn out. The marketers should not have put two seven minute songs back to back in the middle of the album.
Kurumu huffed as a weight planted firmly on her rump, interrupting the final measures of her song. She glanced over her shoulder, frowning at Yukari whom was straddled over her. The witch grinned, slipping her small hands beneath Kurumu's tank top to massage her back.
"Shouldn't you be doing more productive things?"
"I'm relaxing. Unlike some people, I've been working and training all day."
"Have you finished your English homework?"
Kurumu groaned. It was the only subject she had left to do and she had no interest to do it now. She was tired and sore from her session with Ginei since they had spent over an hour this time.
"I'll do that later. What have you been doing all day?"
"I linked up Tsukune's phone and concocted a new magical incense."
As Dance Dance Dance played over the speakers of the laptop Moka had purchased for her as a birthday present, Kurumu sighed.
"What does this incense do?"
"It's meant to help focus your thoughts, but it caused Rubi to behave poorly."
Rubi had failed to intercept Ms. Aimai and had spent most of her day in Kokoa's suite with Yukari. Both witches had skipped lunch. Yukari had given a suspicious excuse of Rubi not feeling well.
"You shouldn't keep using Rubi as a lab rat."
"It worked fine on me. I was able to achieve my tasks faster since the incense keeps distracting thoughts at bay. But I guess the fragrance only helps you succeed if that is what your heart truly desires."
"What does that mean?"
Yukari shrugged as she rubbed her small hands firmly about Kurumu's back.
"It causes a person to shamelessly pursue their heart's desires. Nobody would accuse Rubi of knowing proper behavior, but she was more annoying than usual with her pleas for punishment. I had to seal her in Kokoa's bedroom until the effects wore off."
"Why would you make something like that?"
"I thought it was a good idea. If you wanted to study, it would help you study. It could also help you focus for taking tests."
"Yea, but wouldn't it be better to have that as a potion instead of something you breath in?"
"It wears off faster as a vapor. Rubi probably recovered from it within an hour but I was busy and forgot to check on her. When I did, she was fooling around with herself, so I left her locked up."
Kurumu smirked, shaking her head.
"Are you sure it wore off?"
"Yea… I think she was just bored. I'm curious what that incense would do to Moka."
"I doubt she will return your affections."
Yukari pouted, squeezing Kurumu's shoulders.
"That's not nice."
"I'm sorry."
"I wasn't thinking she would do anything with me anyways. I was more curious if this would draw out the desires of the other Moka."
"Why would you want that?"
"I'm not wanting anything. I'm wondering how this fragrance would work on a person whom has two distinct personalities. It's meant to bring clarity to the mind. A magical spell has no mind, so the incense should not do anything. It would only impact the other Moka."
Kurumu nodded, starting to grasp where Yukari was going with this.
"But if Hatsue is a tsukumogami, then it should impact both of them."
Hatsue was the name Kurumu had given to the pink haired Moka after learning about the first days after Moka regained consciousness after her sealing. The girl had argued with Mrs. Shuzen and Akua that her name was not Moka but Hatsukoi. It was a name given her by Akasha Bloodriver, Moka's birth mother.
Mikogami, the Headmaster of Yokai Academy, had presented the possibility that this Moka was a tsukumogami which inhabited the rosary which had been in Akasha's possession for over a century. They had sent the confused Moka to Touhou, whom had created the original spells for the rosary. It was his conclusion that Moka was a magical spell which linked back to Akasha. He believed placing the rosary on Alucard with this new spell would awaken Akasha whom had been devoured by Alucard. Akua had described this Moka and Akasha as a fuse and a bomb, destined to destroy Alucard once and for all.
"Yes. I'm interested to see if they have different desires, as that would settle matters."
"What happens if she proves to be a tsukumogami?"
"I know how to move soul energy. I took some of Ms. Nazohashi's soul to help fix Ms. Hiboshi."
"Then you can move her?"
"I have no place to put her, Kurumu. I've said this several times now."
"But that was about her being a magical spell."
"This is no different. It's not like Ms. Hiboshi changed substantially with a chunk of Ms. Nazohashi inside of her. If I take this Moka out and put her somewhere else, she would disappear. That's probably true even if I move her inside the other Moka."
Kurumu sighed, knowing they had discussed this several times to no avail.
"Do you think Akua will be able to make a copy that can work in Hatsue's place? I know she doesn't want to be destroyed."
"I'm certain this Touhou from China has already copied this spell. The reason why it has failed is probably some technicality that we are missing."
"What do you mean?"
"The original spell on the rosary which this man created is meant to suppress the Shinso blood and make the wearer mortal. But the spell failed because something was not normal about Alucard."
Kurumu smirked, recalling her short visit to Alucard's holding cell.
"If you had seen that thing, you would know that's obvious."
"What I'm saying is that there are probably certain conditions required to be in place for the rosary to work in the desired manner. We are overlooking something."
"Like what?"
"How would I know?"
Kurumu sighed, supposing she was expecting too much. They had told Yukari about Mrs. Shuzen looking into Akua's eyes and discerning that placing the seal on Alucard did nothing. Other than not wanting Alucard destroyed, Yukari could not fathom a reason for Mrs. Shuzen to be lying.
"Have you learned anything else about Moka's seal?"
"The only thing I've done with her seal this week is place an inactive tracking spell on it."
Kurumu nodded, aware why Yukari was making her spells inactive. Such spells were harder to detect by anyone whom might kidnap Moka and leaving them inactive also meant magic cancelers like the one installed on the bus would not erase them. The witch had also put a tracking spell on Kurumu's ribbon.
"Have you placed a tracker on anyone else?"
"I can track you and Rubi. Nobody else has something they consistently wear."
"I want to roll over."
Yukari made a slight sound, withdrawing her hands and lifting up slightly. Ame Nochi Hare was playing as Kurumu shifted and turned over onto her back. She grunted when Yukari sat down heavily on her gut with a knee placed on either side of her. The witch tugged up the fabric of Kurumu's tank top, wiggling herself till her furry warmth rested comfortably on Kurumu's stomach.
"You're not wearing panties."
"Don't worry. I'm not going to start grinding on your flabby tummy."
"I'm not fat."
"These massive things aren't muscle."
To accentuate her comment, Yukari slipped her hands beneath the tank top to squeeze Kurumu's breasts. Kurumu sighed softly, not minding the gentle massage.
"Where's Moka?"
"She was downstairs in the lounge with Ms. Shirayuki and Ms. Nazohashi when I left them. They were trying to reason with her about letting Tsukune have your blood."
Kurumu smirked, recalling how seriously Moka had taken her training today. Even sealed, Moka was stronger than Kurumu. She had caught Ginei four times, busting his lip open with that last kick. Ginei claimed it was worth it since he got an excellent view of Moka's panties.
"What's your opinion?"
"I think there's some benefit in having him fight Moka for your blood."
"But Tsukune doesn't like fighting. Ginei has focused more on Tsukune's defenses since he can't inspire Tsukune to fight aggressively."
"He has to get over it. He needs your blood to be with you and he needs to be willing to fight Moka to be with her. Backing down is saying he doesn't want either of you."
Kurumu grimaced.
"I hope you didn't say that to Tsukune."
"No. I said that to the others before I left."
Kurumu bit her lip. She reached up to cup her bosom, squeezing Yukari's hands through the fabric to cease the girl's sudden decision to tease her nipples.
"Those are tender."
"You've had lots of sex."
Kurumu blushed, glancing aside.
"I guess."
"Can you take me into your dream world?"
"Huh? Why?"
"I want to feel what it's like to make love to Tsukune."
Kurumu groaned, squeezing both of Yukari's hands which refused to leave her nipples alone.
"Stop. You're making them hard."
"Please, Kurumu."
"But bringing Tsukune into my dream world might charm him."
"We don't have to bring him along. You have memories to work with."
Kurumu pondered that for a moment.
"I don't need my dream world to give you a memory."
"I don't want your memory. I want a dream you construct with the information you have acquired with those memories. Something unique and special to replace what I lost."
"I don't quite understand."
Yukari wiggled on Kurumu's stomach.
"I want you to create a fantasy based on that time I was raped. You have that memory so I know you can make something sweet and passionate for me."
"What exactly do you have in mind?"
"Maybe have Tsukune swoop in and rescue me from the bad men. But then he succumbs to my exposed charms and ravishes my body until I pass out from overwhelming bliss."
Kurumu snorted at this nonsense.
"Wouldn't that be the same as making Tsukune into a pedophile?"
"I want a dream, not a replacement. Use my older body."
"Why do you want this?"
Yukari hesitated, biting her lip. Feeling a tug, Kurumu let go of the Yukari's wrists, allowing the witch to draw her hands back to her own bosom. There was a sadness in her eyes.
"I don't enjoy masturbating anymore."
"Is that really important?"
"It is if it makes me cry."
There was a loud knock on the door.
"Hello? Ms. Kurono?"
That was Shuzen Tara, Nagi's older sister. She used to tend the flowers at the old mansion which had been destroyed by Alucard's awakening. She currently helped Mrs. Chinoashi about the house, though there were not nearly as many chores to manage in this smaller Estate.
"Yes?"
"Mrs. Shuzen and Ms. Aimai have returned. Everyone else is gathered in the lounge."
"Okay. We'll be right down."
Yukari sighed, crawling off Kurumu's stomach as the servant's footsteps retreated from the door. Kurumu rolled back on her stomach, closing the music software which had nearly finished Over. She closed up her laptop, getting up on her feet as Yukari slowly picked her way around the black couch.
As she followed the witch over to the suite door, Kurumu spared a glance at the low table behind the couch and the small pantry area tucked in the front corner of the suite. The kitchenette had everything but an oven and sink, though they had not used it once the entire time they had been here. If there had been some food or snacks in the refrigerator or cupboards she would have succumbed to the temptation of convenience and boredom.
Kurumu favored Yukari a smile as the witch tugged the door open for them.
"Do you really cry when you play with yourself?"
Yukari shrugged, gesturing for Kurumu to exit the room first. Kurumu reluctantly stepped out into the hall but waited for Yukari to join her. The witch sighed, closing the door.
"I quit before I cry. It's all messed up now."
"But you don't remember what happened. I made sure of that."
"My braces are a very physical reminder that something bad happened, even if I don't remember it. It used to be a great way to relieve stress but now… it makes me feel dirty and ashamed."
"But you were helping Rubi-"
"That was different. Educational for her. Not very enjoyable for me. I couldn't do it for long."
Kurumu wandered a couple steps out onto the balcony since the door to Moka's suite was so close to the end of the hall. This balcony cut across the center of the main foyer which divided the estate. Crystal chandeliers hung from this two story room, casting light in all directions. A winding staircase was located in the center of the balcony, carved out of the same black stone which made up the balcony floor and the waist height railing which flanked it.
Across the room was another hallway for the upper level on that side of the estate. One side was Mrs. Shuzen's luxurious suite while the other was supposedly a bar which Kurumu had never set foot in. For that matter, she had not ever visited the two story library behind it.
Kurumu sighed at the sullen demeanor Yukari possessed as they made their way to the staircase.
"Don't worry over it, Yukari. When we get back to school, I'm going to drag you into more fun things. You also said you would be running for our class manager. We can talk with Ichida about that."
"I'm sorry."
"What for?"
Yukari managed a smile as they started down the stone staircase.
"Making you worry about me over something stupid. I know you have harder things to deal with."
"No good will come from me feeling depressed. One of my earliest lessons in life was that if I kept smiling and said positive things, I wouldn't ever have to deal with awkward explanations about my problems."
"That doesn't sound like a good life lesson."
"Maybe not, but denial works until it doesn't. And then you only have two options. You can sulk and despair, or you can get pissed. I prefer pissed and I'm counting on Mrs. Shuzen to gut that bastard."
"You did piss yourself the last time you faced Mr. Fujisaki."
Kurumu blushed, not needing that reminder. She shook her head as they descended the last steps which had them facing the door to the dining room. Stepping down on the smooth, marble floor, she veered off to her left towards the lounge.
"My point is that there isn't anything I can do to change the past. And since despair hurts too much, I have to pick other ways to deal with it."
Even without the tall, tiered windows framed in black iron set in polished stone, it was effortless to distinguish an exterior wall from an interior one. The two interior walls were stained a blood red finish, each side having three sets of symmetrically placed double doors framed with decorative black trim. These paneled doors had bronze insets, allowing each to be slid inside the hollow of the thick walls. There was a door placed perfectly beneath the balcony for each of these walls, one of which opened into the dining room. The other was for the studio which had been assigned to Tsukune and Ginei as male sleeping quarters.
Dim voices could be heard through the lounge door as they neared. Kurumu glanced back to confirm Yukari was still nearby before drawing the door aside. Chatter stopped for a moment as the occupants paused to acknowledge their arrival.
Like most of the rooms on the lower floor, the lounge was spacious and had tall windows which were covered by crimson drapes. Golden sconces were mounted to the wall between the windows and along the interior walls. All the walls in here had black paneling up to waist height before transitioning to a lush green finish. There was no overhead lighting, but there were dozens of lamps placed on small tables which flanked the many comfortable couches and armchairs arranged about the room.
The wall shared with the dining room had a black brick fireplace built in the center. The smooth mantle lined with family portraits was held up by polished, ebony pillars. Standing off to the side of the fireplace further into the room was an extravagant clock with golden trim about a cherry wood finish.
"With your delay, I am surprised at the state of your dress, Ms. Kurono."
Kurumu shivered at Mrs. Shuzen's reproach, though it was not her words that caused the reaction. Every young man in the room suddenly realized there was nothing beneath her tank top. Tsukune and Ginei's three friends had the decency to quickly avert their eyes and squash their lecherous thoughts.
Kurumu managed a slight smile, lifting her hands to tuck them beneath her armpits and effectively cover any response her nipples might make. Ginei continued to grin unabashed while Nagi favored her with a polite smirk from his comfortable position on the couch near the armchair which Mrs. Shuzen reclined within. The president had a full wineglass held in her palm with her fingers about the stem. A bottle of wine rested on the small table between the two vampires.
Nagi was swathed in a dark coat and black slacks tucked in heavy, black boots. The dark haired vampire had a carefully trimmed and styled beard which swept out into a spike. He was Issa's cousin and served as the groundskeeper, before and after the sealing. He was loyal to Mrs. Shuzen and had driven a second vehicle out to the airport to bring Mrs. Shuzen back to the Estate.
Mrs. Shuzen was a short, silver haired beauty with tan skin and crimson eyes. She was presently dressed in a white suit jacket worn over a sleeveless, strapless top. The black fabric hung freely off her perky bosom, pooling upon the white, stretchy microskirt which bared most of her thighs. If the vampire ever uncrossed her legs, everyone in the room would catch a glimpse of something scandalous.
"I apologize. Ms. Tara suggested we should come down."
Nagi shared the couch with Moka and Tora. Rubi was quietly standing near the clock while Mizore was hovering in Tsukune's shadow on this side of the fireplace. As Yukari made her way over to take a seat in Moka's lap, Kurumu wandered over to place her hand on the back of an armchair facing Mrs. Shuzen. She offered a slight smile as Ms. Aimai glanced up.
"Yes. I felt it would be best to discuss the situation with as many people present as possible."
Kurumu nodded, glancing off to the left. Behind the couch was another loveseat facing away from the fireplace. There were two more armchairs on either end of it and another couch on the other side of a low table. Ginei and his three friends were standing about the table. For some reason, Miyamoto was dressed in a white gi with a black sash tied about his waist while Kitajima was wearing a royal blue robe with a black scabbard secured about his midsection.
Both young men looked prepared for a fight, though Kitajima had a more dangerous appearance due to his dark hair being drawn back in a top knot which brought attention to his sharp widow's peak. Coupled with his fine moustache, Kitajima looked more like a middle aged man than a teenager. Miyamoto also had a formidable aura, though his wild, spiky mess of ashen locks contrasted with his stoic behavior.
Koike had more in common with Ginei, having a jovial grin with his arms crossed about his broad chest. It was different to see him without his PSC uniform. The short haired inugami had on a simple white shirt and khaki cargo shorts. His tawny locks seemed more frazzled than usual.
The newspaper club advisor and Tsukune's homeroom teacher, Ms. Nekonome, was turned about on the loveseat with her arm draped over the back. Amusingly the short haired blond was also wearing a yellow sundress, though hers was a darker, richer color than the one Moka had on. A pair of glasses rested on the teacher's dainty nose.
"Are you still going to get married this year?"
Attention shifted as Ms. Nekonome chuckled nervously at Kurumu's random question.
"Well… I guess Mr. Morioka must have mentioned that."
"This was not what I planned to discuss, Ms. Kurono."
"I'm sorry, Mrs. Shuzen. She's not only our teacher but she's also a friend of my mother."
Mrs. Shuzen paused, glancing at Ms. Nekonome.
"I see. Have you been engaged for long?"
Ms. Nekonome blushed slightly, nodding.
"Too long. I'm grateful for his patience. We have reserved a venue for the seventeenth of December. That will be after term exams, so… I guess that is it. This will be my final year of teaching at Yokai."
"My daughter was married last weekend. Quite the troublesome experience. I hope you have the good sense to keep things small."
"Yes. It will mostly be his family in attendance since I don't have many to invite from my side. I doubt either of my sisters would trouble themselves coming to a wedding that has been delayed for years."
"I'm sure Satsuki would go to your wedding."
"She might. And of course my mother will come. She's the only one whom still lives in Niigata. Truth be told, I'm sure Ageha would show up before any of my three sisters do."
Kurumu big her lip.
"Yea."
"I heard Ageha will be working for you."
"That is correct. She should start working the Chugoku region when she is trained."
"I hope she does well for you. She was quite the handful back in school."
"Yes. Now if we are done with the small chat, I would like to remind everyone that the purpose of this trip is to aid Ms. Otonashi. As a participant of our Happily Ever After program, she was assigned to the Kawamoto family whom operate the Seaside Hostel in Okinawa."
"If you don't mind me asking… why Okinawa?"
Mrs. Shuzen regarded Koike for a moment. She turned her attention to Ms. Aimai.
"I have provided Ms. Aimai with her file on record at our office in Watasora. I also paid a visit to your Headmaster to see if he had any additional information. The only thing he had to offer me was an old songbook which was surrendered to him when Ms. Otonashi started her education at Yokai."
Ms. Aimai nodded, reaching to a black folder tucked in the side of her armchair. She pulled it over to her lap, parting the flaps to reveal an extensive collection of notes and paperwork.
"Is there any reason why the name on file is Shinkoku San?"
"Apparently that was her name prior to her mother surrendering her to Fairy Tale. Lord Chiki decided to rename the girl since the mother had insisted on her name being removed from all records."
"So this is her father's name."
"I thought she was orphaned."
Mrs. Shuzen waved a hand dismissively at the boys.
"Abandoned is no different than orphaned. Fairy Tale always has a few cases like this every year where a parent decides they cannot deal with their child."
"Does this mean Lady Otonashi has family?"
Ms. Aimai nodded, turning pages in the folder.
"Her father graduated from Ranten Academy in Okinawa back in 56. He is reported as deceased but has family in Okinawa. I imagine Ms. Otonashi had hopes of reconnecting with her father's family."
"Her mother?"
"Stricken from the record."
"Why would they do that? Wouldn't that be important to Fairy Tale?"
"There are some circumstances which would merit such a decision. Or Lord Chiki could have done it on a whim. The kitsune tribe in Niigata are a troublesome group to deal with."
Kurumu glanced at the boys, aware that none of them were happy about this revelation.
"You could have Ms. Ohno learn the identity of this mother from Lord Chiki."
"We should focus on the present task at hand."
"Indeed. We shouldn't trouble ourselves with a family whom was so heartless to cast a precious dove out from their nest."
Koike nodded in agreement with Miyamoto.
"Yea. It irks me to think anyone would treat Lady Otonashi with such cruelty."
"I presume we will be visiting these relatives if Lady Otonashi is not at the Seaside Hostel."
Mrs. Shuzen nodded at Kitajima.
"That is correct. While I do believe the girl resides at the Seaside Hostel, we don't have a cooperative officer running things in Okinawa."
Ms. Aimai patted her hand on the current sheet she was regarding in the folder.
"This is a rejected transfer request. She tried to enroll in Ranten Academy during her last year of junior high in Watasora."
"She was a minor when she filed that request so Lord Chiki's refusal is unsurprising. She was sixteen when she submitted her application to Happily Ever After, which Lord Choutei approved."
"Excuse me, but what is Happily Ever After?"
Kurumu shrugged at Tsukune's inquiry. Her head was full of similar questions at the moment.
"Happily Ever After is a work program sponsored by Fairy Tale for exceptional students whom plan to attend university. I helped Ms. Otonashi fill out the paperwork when she was a first year."
"She never mentioned college or a work program."
"Our little bird was a woman of few words."
"I admit her hasty departure from school after winter midterms troubled me greatly."
Koike chuckled at Kitajima.
"Yea. We both had a private meeting with the Headmaster about it."
"Whom said nothing of relevance and made us look like fools. He treated us like unwanted fanboys."
"But he was right. If Lady Otonashi wanted us to know her whereabouts, she would have told us."
Ms. Nekonome sighed.
"I've been worried about it myself. Ms. Otonashi promised to write letters but none has ever come."
"She did make us that promise. But then your dogs turned on our club and shut it down."
"Because you resorted to slander."
"It's not slander when it was proven true."
"Well… at the time it resembled slander. You happened to be right without any evidence."
"Can anyone enroll in this Happily Ever After?"
Ms. Nekonome shook her head with a smile.
"A student must be scoring in the ninety percentile to apply. The idea of Happily Ever After is a step towards coexistence. Fairy Tale doesn't have colleges, so students wishing to acquire a higher education must do so through universities operated by humans. Students whom enroll in this program are expected to live and work with human families. Fairy Tale reimburses half of the university costs provided the applicant continues to perform well."
Mrs. Shuzen sighed.
"Unfortunately Lord Kamiya appointed Lord Rokurou whom has effectively cut off most communication with Okinawa. Ranten Academy withdrew from participation in athletics at the start of the calendar year. I've had both Ms. Juunan and Ms. Fukuda check in on things in Okinawa, but they are intercepted by fools whom know so little about what is going on that charming them resulted in nothing. Our only consolation is that Ranten Academy in Umishita appears to still be teaching students. The prefectural office Lord Choutei operated in Umishita before his untimely demise was abandoned."
"Ms. Fukuda called it an obvious coup."
"It was. As far as we can tell, everyone whom used to work for Lord Choutei is either dead or was fired within a month of Lord Rokurou's approved paperwork being turned over to our Fukuoka headquarters. We tried to reopen the office in Umishita back in November but the agents we sent down there were killed along with the small handful of Umishita residents whom had helped us."
"Will this be dangerous?"
Mrs. Shuzen regarded the concerned Ms. Nekonome.
"Possibly. If everything works out as I hope, Lord Kamiya will come to the Seaside Hostel himself and attempt to kill Ms. Otonashi. I trust you will ensure that his failure to do so is fatal."
"Mother. I'm sure that I speak for everyone when I say that we are not murderers. If possible, we would prefer to capture Lord Kamiya for you."
Mrs. Shuzen chuckled darkly.
"I don't object to your proposal. He would be summarily executed once found guilty of treason."
"Is this the same court system which pardoned Kuyo from his crimes at Yokai Academy?"
"Kuyo? Oh, yes. That's the former security advisor Lord Chiki had installed at Yokai Academy. Considering two of the judges in the Niigata court are also elders from the kitsune community, it was unlikely for an execution to have ever been carried out for his participation in crimes against monstrels."
"Do all of your courts operate like that?"
Mrs. Shuzen waved her hand dismissively.
"I don't involve myself that heavily in the prefectural courts. On a few occasions, I have encouraged my ladies to step in and assist some judges to make them more amicable to my cause. This young lady's mother is one such case, whom presently serves as one of the seven judges of the Osaka court."
"I thought your mother was a lawyer."
Tora shook her head, also surprised by this revelation.
"She is. I knew she worked for Fairy Tale but not her exact job title."
"I've met with Mrs. Nazohashi Toku. She replaced a troublesome judge we used to have in Osaka."
"Good riddance if you ask me. Seemed like every year we had to clean up a mess that bastard caused."
"I admit I was surprised that she sent her daughter to Yokai Academy. I had only recommended it on a whim since the notion of enrolling Moka there was fresh on my mind."
"Are you certain that Kamiya would be found guilty of treason?"
Mrs. Shuzen smirked, taking a sip from her wine.
"I would prefer for his death, but it sounds like your friends are squeamish about carrying out that task. Due to his position of authority, Lord Kamiya would have to face the High Court. All nine of those judges have been in place since the court was established in 1874 by the Tsuyama presidency."
"What if Lord Fujisaki has control over some of these judges?"
Ms. Aimai snorted.
"Doubtful. Those prejudiced bastards hate vampires and succubi more than lesser races. They turned a blind eye to all the shit the Taizai regime inflicted upon any races whom deserved it."
"True, but they would not allow Lord Fujisaki to revive Alucard. When we capture Yoshii Kiria, the young man bedding with Lady Chuujitsu, we will offer him a pardon in exchange for his master. Having Lord Fujisaki executed for his crimes would be an excellent platform to build my reelection campaign upon."
"Assuming we don't end up in civil war."
"Lord Fujisaki might have some strong supporters, but losing a battle in the courts would be death to his cause. Men like Lord Umizake and Lord Sakigake will not support a rebellion. They wish for a unified Fairy Tale to stand firm against the growing threat of humanity."
"How is humanity a threat?"
Mrs. Shuzen frowned at Tsukune.
"Humanity is always a threat, even to itself. Do they not teach history in human schools?"
"Uh… I… I don't think humanity is a threat."
"I understand that when you learned Yokai Academy was a school for monsters, you tried to withdraw."
"I was scared."
"Correct. Fear is the natural response. Now remove the ability to flee. Where in your history books has a resident population surrendered without a fight to an invading force?"
"But we're not invading."
"What else would you call it? Forceful immigration?"
"As a history teacher, I agree that there isn't anything resembling our situation in documented history. I don't foresee a happy future for monster races if we were revealed tomorrow."
"That's not true. There are plenty of humans whom would accept monsters. You were just bragging about this program specifically designed for coexistence."
"We've discussed this before, Mr. Aono. There are always people whom will accept us. And there will always be people whom reject us."
"The issue is that we need global acceptance. Even if we do convince the leaders of Japan to pardon our existence, there are other world leaders whom might reject the idea. Take America for example. Those militants start wars to boost their economy."
Ginei chuckled, shaking his head.
"I know this is all serious stuff and might be important to my future, but can we discuss our trip to Okinawa."
"Yes. Getting back to the matter at hand, I was informed by your Headmaster that a school requires two faculty to be present to be an official outing."
"The young pup made me aware of this earlier this week. I agreed to pose as his homeroom teacher."
Mrs. Shuzen waved her hand dismissively.
"That won't be required, Ms. Aimai. While you might require a disguise since we have no idea how well known you are to whomever might be working with Lord Rokurou, the Headmaster has arranged for a second teacher to join this group on Monday."
"What exactly am I supposed to be doing on this trip then?"
"Damage control. I'm sure there will be matters which require your succubus charm to smooth over, since these things have a good chance happening in the human world."
Ms. Aimai nodded, tapping the folder.
"Do you want me to drop by Umishita?"
"It would be better if you gave your device to Ms. Nekonome and have her handle anything you might require from the local community. Only interact if the situation absolutely requires it."
"Fine by me. I'll park my ass on the beach and wait for a call. These three girls have my number."
"Whom did we get as our second teacher?"
"Since she lives in Amami, Ms. Okumura agreed to swing by for the week. She didn't have a chance to check up on Ms. Otonashi over spring break and is curious how things are going since she left her in the care of Mrs. Kawamoto."
Ginei frowned at Ms. Nekonome.
"Ms. Okumura knew about this?"
"We didn't send her off to Okinawa unaccompanied."
"That explains why the faculty weren't that worried about her early graduation."
"Indeed. I did question their nonchalant dismissal of Lady Otonashi."
"That also explains why our little bird spent so much time with Ms. Okumura the second term, despite not being part of her Outdoors Club."
"Is this going to be all there is?"
Attention shifted to Tora whom had raised her hand.
"I mean… we're not expecting any other students, right? We're not bringing in Ms. Zukkutani or Ms. Honda to further this ruse of a school trip."
Ginei chuckled, nodding.
"As far as I know, this is it. It didn't cross my mind to give Kana a call and I have no idea how to get in contact with Kiki if we had wanted her to come with."
"Quick check, but do any of our new arrivals have phones?"
Ginei and his friends looked at each other for a moment before smiling and shaking their heads to Ms. Aimai's inquiry. Ms. Nekonome laughed sheepishly, rubbing the back of her head.
"I also don't have a phone."
"Does this Ms. Okumura have a phone?"
"The Headmaster contacted Ms. Okumura via the speakers in Mononoke. I can't verify if she will have a phone or not, but I encourage one of the young ladies to lend their phone to Ms. Nekonome."
"She can have mine."
Kurumu stifled her impulsive chuckle at Yukari's quick offer.
"Thank you, Ms. Sendou."
"I have also made arrangements for Mr. Nurari to provide transportation to and from Okinawa. This will avoid any hassle which might come about from having Ms. Aimai at the airport, which I understand is closely monitored by Lord Rokurou. As the new term is about to begin, Mr. Nurari will be too busy to act as your chaperone. Your transportation during the week must be handled by your teachers. Mr. Nurari will swing by next Saturday morning to take all of you to Yokai Academy."
"Would it be possible to stop by my home? I didn't exactly have a proper farewell with my parents."
"I can't make that promise, Mr. Aono. If anyone needs to stop at home prior to returning to Yokai Academy, you will have to speak with Mr. Nurari when he comes to the Estate tomorrow."
Koike chuckled, nudging Ginei.
"Good thing we haven't bothered to settle in."
"Mr. Nurari shall arrive in the afternoon. I will not be here to see you off so I will have words with Mr. Aono and my daughter tonight after dinner."
Kurumu perked up with sudden concern.
"Does this have anything to do with Moka's seal?"
"It is a family matter which does not concern you."
"Mother."
Mrs. Shuzen favored Moka an annoyed look.
"When requesting the services of Mr. Nurari, I decided to allow Mikogami to have the seal. I know he was only playfully joking about compensating him for his troubles, but I believe this is for the best."
Moka grasped her rosary, shaking her head softly.
"Please. Let me go back to school."
"I am letting you return, silly girl. Even wearing the seal if you insist. But understand that I have given your Headmaster permission to take it from you."
"I'm surprised you don't wish to keep it for yourself."
Mrs. Shuzen shrugged at Yukari's remark.
"I have little use for the seal. It does not destroy Alucard. At best it might put him to sleep again. I think I can trust Mikogami to handle that matter if it comes to pass."
"What is this chatter all about?"
Ginei grinned, jostling Koike.
"End of the world stuff. From what I've pieced together, Alucard is some bad ass monster whom tried to destroy humanity a long time ago but Moka's mother put him to sleep with that rosary Moka wears."
"Which is why I stated this was a family matter so we didn't have confused peons asking questions. I shall discuss this further tonight in the privacy of my room. Do you understand?"
"Yes, Mother."
"Good. Then unless anyone else has questions pertaining to the trip to Okinawa, I shall conclude this meeting. I will see everyone at dinner."
Kurumu smiled thinly as Mrs. Shuzen got up from her armchair, holding the wineglass to her bosom. Nagi grabbed the wine bottle and promptly followed Moka's mother out of the lounge.
"I think we might need some explanations about this end of the world stuff, Morioka."
"Agreed. If this might cause trouble for Moka's precious little sister, I must be involved."
"Hold up, guys. I don't have this whole story either."
Ms. Aimai snorted, reaching down by her feet. She pulled a large white bag up into her lap.
"While the boys learn some world history, I have some things to hand off."
The succubus pulled a small bag out of the larger one, holding it up to Kurumu.
"I got that yunomi you requested and a white bikini with black trim in here. It might be a little skimpy but you can touch it up with a bit of illusion to make it look proper."
Kurumu smiled, taking the small bag and glancing down at the contents. The woman had stuffed the bikini inside the glass decorated with Kumamoto markings.
"I also have suits for snow girl and Toku's daughter."
Tora sighed, getting up from the couch to walk over to Ms. Aimai, taking the small bag the succubus had presented to her. Tsukune chuckled nervously as Mizore wandered over to get the last small bag.
"I know this is a bit late, but do you think you could buy a swimsuit for Rubi."
"But I have a swimsuit."
Glancing at the other girls, Kurumu bowed her head and giggled. They had all forgotten.
"Mother. I'm coming in."
Kurumu nodded at Moka, whom opened the door to the master suite. Squeezing Yukari's hand, she followed the vampire into the luxurious room beyond with Tsukune on her heels.
Three chandeliers hung from the ceiling of the master suite. Off to the left, cream curtains covered the windows and the sliding glass door which gave access to the balcony which wrapped around the entire Estate. Paintings lined the far wall between the two ebony doors at the sides and the fireplace in the center. One of those doors opened into Mrs. Shuzen's bedroom while the other was for a closet.
Mrs. Shuzen rested in the center of a white leather semicircular couch facing the fireplace. Two matching armchairs were spaced evenly between the couch and the fireplace on each side of a low table topped with black glass. The vampire was alone in the room, having yet to dress down for the night though they had only finished their meal less than a half hour ago.
As Kurumu walked around the couch, she noted the amusement in Mrs. Shuzen's eyes. The vampire lifted the wine bottle at her side, not bothering to fill a glass as she took a drink.
"You wished to speak with us."
Mrs. Shuzen brought the bottle down in her lap, cocking her head slightly. A golden cross encrusted with diamonds was fastened in her bangs.
"I did not want this large of an audience."
"I'm sorry, Mrs. Shuzen. I know you said you would send her back to the school with her seal, but I can't stand by and do nothing. Both Tsukune and Moka are very important to me."
"Yes. While I'm not as attached to Tsukune as Kurumu, Moka will be my wife someday."
Mrs. Shuzen smiled at Yukari. With a smirk, she traced her finger along the lip of the bottle.
"And what is your excuse?"
Kurumu frowned, glancing at Tsukune whom shrugged. Moka and Yukari were similarly confused.
"When we first met in the hospital, I was not familiar enough with your presence to recognize you. But I now know whom you are, Ms. Shirayuki."
Mizore appeared beside one of the armchairs. The girl cocked her head.
"I will protect Tsukune from all threats."
"How did she get in here?"
"I closed the door when I came in."
"She was here when I arrived. I understand from Mr. Kondo that she frequently skips meals."
Kurumu nodded. It was so common that nobody questioned when Mizore missed a meal.
"I'm sorry for her, Mrs. Shuzen. She means well."
"All of this fuss when all I want is for Mr. Aono to remove my daughter's seal."
"But that is not what she wants, Mother."
Mrs. Shuzen glared up at Moka.
"And how can anyone in this room prove that is true?"
There was a heavy pause as Kurumu contemplated a rebuttal. She doubted she would be acknowledged if all she could use was Moka's honesty.
"I don't believe Moka would lie about that."
"Mr. Aono. Everything about this doll is a lie. She is not my daughter."
Kurumu grimaced at the expected response.
"What are you talking about? Of course she's your daughter."
"I thought her seal only limits her power."
It dawned on Kurumu how uninformed Tsukune and Mizore were about Moka's seal.
"This thing is a prison forced upon my daughter. In an act of desperation, Moka's birth mother placed this seal upon Moka to prevent Alucard from fully awakening from his slumber. I have been informed that Mr. Aono has unsealed my daughter multiple times at Yokai Academy and I can assure you that there has been no response from Alucard. The seal has served its purpose and is no longer required."
Tsukune shook his head in disbelief as Kurumu reeled under the familiar argument.
"That can't be true."
"What is there that you don't understand? This doll is a parasite, feasting on the Shinso energy which flows in my daughter's veins. The reason behind your enrollment at Yokai Academy was to remove this hindrance from my daughter once and for all."
"You want him to destroy her."
The look on Mizore's face as she uttered those words betrayed a turmoil of emotions. The temperature in the room took a surprising dip as Mizore's negative emotions raged against her control.
"That is the curse of his blood. No magical artifact can withstand his touch."
"Everyone needs to calm down. If this Moka is actually a tsukumogami, the only thing Tsukune's touch is damaging is the magical seal which binds it to Moka's body. His curse should have no impact on a soul."
Kurumu nodded, placing her hand on Tsukune's shoulder.
"Yukari is right. It's not like you are harming this Moka by removing her seal."
Tsukune managed a smile.
"It's okay, Kurumu. I've known for some time that the two did treat each other independently, and that I was to avoid removing the seal because it was needed for something."
"I assure you, Mr. Aono, that the seal has served its purpose. Now remove it so that I can have a word with my daughter for the first time in more than six years."
"If Moka wants to…"
Moka glanced at Tsukune and sighed.
"Give the seal to Yukari for now."
"Good. Take this, Ms. Kurono."
Mrs. Shuzen scooted up on the couch, holding the bottle out to Kurumu. Kurumu reluctantly took the bottle as Tsukune slipped behind her to face Moka. As Mrs. Shuzen got up on her feet, Tsukune tugged the rosary off the chain which linked it to the leather collar about Moka's throat.
There was a rush of power spilling out as the color of Moka's tresses faded from pink to silver. It had been months since Tsukune had last removed the seal. Kurumu shivered, clutching the bottle to her bosom as Moka's crimson eyes opened to regard them with displeasure.
"I told her not to trust her!"
Tsukune staggered back a step with the rosary in his hands.
"But you said-"
"Give her to me, Tsukune."
Tsukune smiled apologetically at Moka as he handed Yukari the rosary.
"Are you siding with her too?"
Yukari frowned at the accusation as she held the rosary to her chest.
"If we can't handle your mother with five to one odds while you're unsealed, we have bigger problems."
Mrs. Shuzen chuckled, patting Yukari's head before she walked away.
"I like her. I'll be right back in a moment."
Kurumu felt confused as the mother calmly stalked by Mizore whom flinched at the vampire's passing. Mrs. Shuzen steadily crossed the room over to her bedroom door, pushing it open and disappearing from sight. Clutching the bottle, Kurumu gestured for Mizore to come closer to them.
"How are you holding up?"
Mizore shrugged, absently slipping into the chair instead of accepting the invitation.
"I… I don't know what is going on."
"She's going to grab that ring of hers to whisk me off to the Garden and revive Alucard."
"We don't know that, Moka."
Kurumu nodded in agreement with Yukari, but realizing Moka was correct that it was possible.
"What ring?"
Kurumu sighed at Tsukune's confusion.
"So you believe your father spoke the truth about reviving Alucard being your mother's plan?"
Moka scowled, crossing her arms about her chest. It was odd seeing this wild, silver haired beauty dressed in a pastel yellow sundress. While their faces and body shape were identical, the way this Moka composed herself was more alert and wary.
"Give me the seal, Yukari. I need to be ready to put her back on if Mother tries anything."
"All of this distrust over failing to prevent something I did not cause."
Mrs. Shuzen stalked across the room, holding a black frame to her bosom. Mizore flinched again as the woman passed by with a lazy sway to her hips.
"If I wanted to revive Alucard without any care for your wellbeing, I would have destroyed the seal years ago. Destroying it was always easier than removing it."
The vampire came to a stop beside Yukari, holding the frame out to Moka.
"As I promised to the doll, though I preferred giving it to you."
Moka's eyes wavered as she took the portrait of Akasha being held in Issa's arms.
"Is that it? All this drama so you could give me a stupid photo?"
Mrs. Shuzen smiled softly.
"I remember the days when you would play in the fields with your sisters."
Moka backed away a step, her eyes full of emotion.
"Oh please. You were barely home. When Father had you exiled, I didn't even notice the difference."
"This is what I meant, Mr. Aono. That doll is a cowardly suck up whom is afraid to make enemies. This is my true daughter. A vampire whom is willing to stand up for herself. I ask you, Mr. Aono. Where does your loyalties lie? Is it to the doll or to my daughter?"
"Don't listen to her, Tsukune. The other Moka is very important to me."
Tsukune frowned in confusion.
"Both?"
Mrs. Shuzen chuckled, shaking her head.
"Why? It is my daughter's blood which saved your life. And removing that pest allowed my true daughter to get you out of the messes you found yourselves in."
As Tsukune floundered for an answer, Kurumu took in a deep breath.
"Because she's important to all of us. Including your daughter."
"You are all looking at this irrationally. My daughter is safer without that thing chained to her neck. I gave my word that you would return to Yokai Academy with that seal, but I want you to do the right thing and surrender that doll to Mikogami. There are dangers still lurking in that school."
"I don't trust the Headmaster."
Mrs. Shuzen grinned, stepping in closer to Moka.
"Now that is something Akasha would have never said."
Moka flinched, falling back a step.
"Maybe so. But I'm not my mother."
"There is one other thing which I promised to give you."
Moka gasped as Mrs. Shuzen appeared behind her. Before Moka could turn, the mother snaked her arms about Moka, jerking her back. Moka let out a sensual moan as fangs sank into the base of her neck. The vampire's body tensed up, squeezing the portrait against her bosom as she leaned her head aside to ease her mother's act.
"Is she sucking her blood?"
Before anyone could answer Yukari, Mrs. Shuzen withdrew her fangs. Moka shivered, stepping away from her mother whom gently placed a hand on Moka's forearm to stop her retreat. Moka's lip quivered as she regarded her panting mother.
"Why? You said my bloodright was forfeit this year."
Mrs. Shuzen released Moka's forearm, taking in a deep breath. She straightened up.
"Because it didn't feel right. Do not mention this to Kokoa."
Moka bit her lower lip as her eyes roamed over her mother.
"Can I have more?"
"Spoiled brat. I gave Kahlua hers only two weeks ago so that is all I dare give. I can't allow myself to become so weak that any fool could challenge me."
Moka clutched the frame tighter to her chest.
"I can't let her go. Momma gave her to me. She said she would protect me."
"She has fulfilled her purpose, Moka. That's why I sent you to Yokai Academy for the seal to be removed. It's time for you to move on."
Kurumu whimpered, shaking her head.
"No. Don't give up. We can find a way to save this other Moka. I know we can. Right, Yukari?"
"I… Kurumu. We have no place to put her."
"I can't do that to her, Mother. I can't abandon her."
"Stop sniveling, child. Life is full of tough choices. It would be different if you could remove the seal on your own. You should be more considerate of Mr. Aono."
"Well… I'm personally fine resealing Moka. It's not like I will be changing schools any time soon."
Kurumu coughed out a laugh, shaking her head.
"Out of curiosity, what exactly do you plan to do with Tsukune after her seal is removed?"
Mrs. Shuzen shrugged indifferently.
"I haven't given it much thought. I know she has a blood claim over him, so I was leaving his eventual role in our household up to her whims. It's not like the Shuzen family has a shortage of weak men."
Moka nodded, wandering over to Yukari. She handed the witch the portrait.
"Do you want your rosary back?"
Moka smirked, tousling Yukari's locks.
"Not yet. I'm feeling quite energetic with Mother's blood and I have to pay Mr. Morioka a visit first."
"What for?"
Kurumu grinned, certain she knew the answer to Yukari's question.