My Resolve

by Ravenhale1

This is the sixth installment of the AU recreation of Rosario Vampire told through Kurumu's POV. This story starts with the obon festival and carries through the first month of the second term (August 19th - September 22nd, 2005). This story includes second season's Chapters 1-9 & 17-22 and the Cursed Tengu Flute (though 18-22 happen first). Not strictly canon.

5. Swimsuit Service

Kurumu groaned into warm softness pressed against her face. Indistinct and confusing thoughts lingered as she squirmed on her side. There were no arms holding her or body pressed against her back and this shape in her grasp was not a person. Nothing was satisfying her aching parts and she whimpered with disappointment. Realizing what she held, she squeezed and nuzzled her cheek against the pillow.

Kurumu was aroused from a lovely dream. With another groan, she relaxed her grip and shifted her hip over. She could tell by the way her silky, powder blue chemise rested on her waist that the garment must have slipped up to bare her rump in her restless slumber. The sheet she had slept beneath was tangled about her ankles.

Contemplating if making a mess of herself was worth it, Kurumu lifted her head off the pillow. Her vision was bleary as she slowly blinked her eyes in the murky darkness of their room. The curtains were drawn over the two street facing windows but she could tell by the muffled glow that it was morning. Glancing at the closets on her left, she spied one of the incense bowls Mizore had set out for the night.

"Oh. You're awake."

Tora's voice dispelled any hopes for orgasm. She shifted her hand beneath the pillow out, placing it on her futon and pushing herself up as she drew her knees in. Resting on her hip, she moved her left hand up to massage her aching nipple. She yawned grandly, hoping her body would calm quickly.

Her eyes trailed from one incense bowl to the next. Mizore had put out four of those things about the corner she had tucked herself into. The snow girl was wearing that Faith, Hope, Love shirt which Ginei had bought Tora from the Mononoke hospital gift shop. The long shirt could stretch halfway down Mizore's thighs, but was presently hiked up and baring her creamy ass to the door while she nuzzled her face into a pillow. Already troubled by the heat, Mizore had not bothered with a sheet.

Scooting up and turning to sit on her rump, Kurumu managed a tired smile for the sphinx whom was over by the luggage pulling her black sailor pant over chartreuse panties. A lime bra wrapped about Tora's tanned torso, holding the slight curve of her bosom.

"What time is it?"

"Around seven thirty. Breakfast is being served."

With a nod, Kurumu took note of the other two in the room. Their sheet was drawn up over Moka's shoulder but had drifted up to her hip. Judging by how their legs were entwined, Yukari probably had her face buried in Moka's bosom while the vampire's head rested upon their pillow. The slight shift beneath the sheets assured that the witch was still breathing within that embrace.

Stifling another yawn, Kurumu freed her feet before crawling towards Tora. The sphinx was slipping her arms into the short sleeves of a dark green blouse with a wide, pointed collar. She had not put her raven locks up into her usual braids.

"Have you eaten?"

Tora shook her head as Kurumu stopped by her luggage and flipped up the top. She tugged her chemise up over her head, dropping it on the floor nearby. She glanced over her outfits, unsure what she should wear for the day.

"Is Tsukune awake?"

"I have no idea. I only went downstairs to use the bathroom and I bumped into Ms. Udetama. She tried to convince me to eat breakfast in my pajamas."

Kurumu frowned, absently pulling a beige bra out. She slung the thing on, fastening the front hooks and tucking her breasts in the stretched cups of this old bra.

"What's wrong with that?"

"I didn't like the amused look in Senior's eye. He's in the dining area with Mr. Koike and Mr. Miyamoto."

Kurumu nodded as she stared dumbly at her options. Her body ached, still feeling moist and aroused.

"I'm horny."

Tora snorted as she buttoned up her blouse.

"Obviously. You seemed to be enjoying your dream when I returned."

Kurumu decided to grab the fancy white blouse with the ruffled lace collar. She fished her arms through the baggy short sleeves which barely covered her shoulders.

"It's annoying. I always wake up before climax."

"I'm surprised you can behave so sexually despite our circumstances."

Kurumu shrugged as she started to push these black buttons through their respective slits.

"Tsukune touched me several times yesterday. My body longs for more."

"It bothers me how quickly you rushed your relationship. Did you two ever go on a single date?"

Kurumu sighed as she steadily finished up her task. She flipped up the lacy collar to hide her neck before fishing out the black ribbon which was part of this outfit. She wrapped it about the collar, carefully tying the ends in a bow before fixing the collar down to hide most of it.

"Don't you ever dream of Ginei?"

Tora glared at her with jade eyes.

"Not sexually, Kurumu. When I do have dreams of him, it's usually of him teasing and frustrating me."

"Some teasing can be sexual."

"I never wake up wanting to rub myself."

"So you do rub yourself."

"Having seen twelve years of my life, you should know that I don't indulge in such behavior. Could you finish dressing? I would like an ally for breakfast."

Kurumu frowned, grabbing the black and pink checkered shorts which had been bought with this blouse. She remembered to snatch a pair of boring briefs before getting up on her feet. Putting those on first, she stepped into her shorts and pulled them up over her rump. As Tora slipped around behind her, Kurumu hesitated in buttoning her shorts up.

"Should I have put on the stockings that go with this? They go on before the shorts."

Tora paused at the door, glancing her over.

"I wouldn't bother."

Kurumu nodded, resuming her task.

"I know you both were curious about sex. How have you not masturbated ever?"

Tora sighed dramatically, relaxing her shoulders.

"Fine. I have. It's difficult to enjoy, knowing that imp is watching from the shadows. Can we go now?"

Kurumu managed a smile, supposing that would be bothersome. It was why Moka never tried it either.

"Should we wake the others?"

"Ms. Shirayuki has yet to eat a warm breakfast and I think Ms. Sendou is comfortable where she is."

"Mizore should wear one of those cute outfits today."

"She should wash those things first. There's no telling how many people tried those outfits on before Moka purchased them."

Kurumu shrugged, glancing at her dirty clothes which she had piled up beside her luggage.

"I might want to double up my pajamas unless I want to do my laundry here."

"I don't think Ms. Shirayuki has washed that shirt once."

Kurumu chuckled as they headed out of the room into the short corridor. To keep Mizore from sleeping in the buff, Tora had loaned that shirt to the snow girl earlier this week. Tora had been appalled upon hearing Mizore had slept naked at Tsukune's house.

Kurumu smiled as they came to the end of this hall. A lovely ocean view with the waves glittering from the rising sun greeted them.

"So beautiful."

Tora hesitated a couple steps off to the left. The sphinx glanced at her before turning her attention to the sight on the other side of the windows which lined this corridor.

"It is nice."

Kurumu took in a deep breath. She glanced down this corridor to her right, aware that Otonashi stayed in room 208. After their bath last night, the girl had gone to her room with Udetama. The second year from class five had been ecstatic to see Otonashi and had eagerly bathed with them. It had been difficult to get a word in around the chatty Udetama, but they had at least confirmed Otonashi was similar to Tora. This quiet girl possessed shapely hips and a cute, bubble butt.

"Do you think Otonashi is okay?"

"In any case, she's better now than she was yesterday."

Hearing Tora retreat, Kurumu sighed before following after the sphinx. They walked by the door to room 201 before arriving at the end of this long hall which had a window facing the other side of the lot. She could see that the ocean curved in on the north side, making this the last lot on this side of the private drive. There was no sandy beach to greet the water. A narrow path winded out from their patio below to meet the jagged rocks on this north side before the trail jutted out to the east in a narrow line. This path continued out to the sea like a wall, much higher than the sandy beach beside it.

"I wouldn't mind living in a place like this."

Tora huffed as Kurumu absently started down the stairs on her left. This stairway was identical to the one on the other side, including the storage closet beneath it. Though on this side, there was a second closet instead of a genkan.

"Disregarding the criminal activity which had one of us kidnapped on our first day here."

Kurumu smirked, having no protest to that. She shuffled down the steps, arriving at the landing and turning about into the adjacent corridor. This ended at the main hall which cut across the inn from the genkan flanking the front counter. There was a sliding door immediately across the main hall which Tora stopped at to tug open to her left.

"Morning, Ladies!"

Koike waved at them. He was standing beside Miyamoto while Ginei and Udetama were seated in two of the four white chairs arranged about the round table. The furniture inside was the same as the stuff out on the patio. Smiling, Kurumu headed over to the older students.

The indoor dining area was the largest room in the inn, taking up about a quarter of the first floor space. Windows lined the exterior walls with a sliding glass door opening out onto the patio at the center of the inn. Across the dining area from the glass door was a second sliding door for the main hall. The small service corridor with the bathrooms and laundry room was across the main hall from that door. There was one other door in this room not far from the glass door which opened into the kitchen.

"Have a seat."

Kurumu grinned at Koike's offer as he tugged out one of the vacant chairs for her. The young man was wearing a gray tee shirt and blue track shorts with a yellow stripe down the sides. She would claim he was the most casually dressed male in the room as she took the seat next to Ginei.

Ginei smirked at her as he turned a page in the black folder resting on the table. The werewolf was dressed in that royal purple, crushed velvet shirt with the dark green corduroy pants he had worn to Kiki's birthday party. A white bandana rested in his dark locks.

Tora strolled around the table to take the other vacant chair next to Udetama. The older girl with short, sandy blond locks and arctic blue eyes was picking at the few remaining morsels on her plate. A royal blue tee shirt failed to betray anything to confirm her gender. Kurumu assumed the girl was wearing pants as she glanced at Miyamoto whom was still wearing his white karate robes.

"Are you seriously going to wear that all week?"

"I have clothes at school and at home. I did not anticipate a need to bring anything more than I had to, and I could only fit so much in my schoolbag."

Kurumu waved her hand dismissively at Miyamoto.

"You already told me this. I didn't forget."

"Then why did you ask the question?"

Kurumu sighed at his confusion as Koike chuckled.

"I'll get the two of you some breakfast. I'll be right back."

Koike bounded off with a spring to his step, amusing Kurumu.

"So have any of our teachers come down for this breakfast?"

"Ms. Aimai and Ms. Nekonome were finishing up with breakfast when I came down."

"Morioka says they off booze shopping."

Tora grimaced at Udetama's remark. Her crass accent and boyish tone made her words sound harsh.

"Isn't it too early for that?"

"I not knows liquor store hours."

"They took Kitajima with them since he looks so much older than he is."

Kurumu nodded at Ginei, gesturing at the folder.

"I see you pilfered Ms. Otonashi's information."

"I'm hurt that you think I would steal such a thing."

"That woman handed it off to him. They were discussing the contents with our little bird when the four of us came downstairs for breakfast."

"What about Tsukune?"

Miyamoto chuckled, crossing his arms about his chest.

"I think our exercises last night thoroughly tired him out."

"I'm glad you are helping him."

"Don't worry. I'll make him a real man."

Udetama snickered, brandishing her barren chopsticks.

"Mind ya words. Starting sounds indecent here."

"What is indecent about training?"

Ginei snorted at Miyamoto's confusion. The werewolf pushed the folder over to Tora.

"Anyways, Ms. Aimai is planning to take some of us to visit these relatives Lady Otonashi has been looking for. While she's out and about, the rest of us will be keeping an eye on Lady Otonashi."

Tora nodded, picking the folder up and glancing at the first page.

"I'm mildly surprised Ms. Otonashi isn't going with Ms. Aimai."

"I don't quite get it either, but she seems to think it's better this way. They plan to head out when Ms. Okumura wakes up."

"Which mights be long since Auntie sleeps hard."

"Are both of our teachers leaving us here?"

"I don't know what they've decided on, Kurumu."

"I gots a question."

Udetama wagged a chopstick at Kurumu.

"Saw that woman made herself like Ms. Yoshino. Can she also do men?"

Kurumu frowned, unsure if she should answer this girl whom had a mischievous glint in her eyes.

"Ms. Aimai indicated she could imitate a man if we wanted."

Kurumu sighed at Tora's absent response. The sphinx was paying more attention to the contents of the folder. Noting Udetama's quirked eyebrow, Kurumu forced a smile.

"A succubus can imitate any person if they have enough information about them."

"So ya coulds be a guy if you wants."

"Why would I want to do that?"

Ginei smirked.

"Consider it part of Tsukune's training."

"What does this have to do with training?"

"I am equally confused."

Miyamoto's admission was not comforting so Kurumu glanced at Tora whom was still engrossed with the contents of the folder.

"That cute guys like Aono mights want their yaoi hole pounded."

Kurumu frowned at the unfamiliar term and could tell Miyamoto was similarly confused. Tora blushed a deep shade of crimson as she closed her eyes and shook her head and the folder in her hands.

"I don't think Kurumu would do that."

Ginei smirked.

"If she can figure out how to transform her tail, she could have a convincing loaded weapon."

Kurumu's eyes widened as she realized these two were insinuating she perform a forbidden act upon Tsukune. Blushing hard, she looked down at the table and shook her head.

"I hate you, Ginei. I sincerely hate you."

"It bothers me that you put that much thought into it. You should learn to restrain your perversions."

Ginei snorted, waving a hand dismissively at the distressed Tora.

"That thought crossed my mind the first time I was told how she has babies. It's no different than how a guy does it, so this wasn't some huge leap of perversion on my part."

Kurumu grimaced at him as the door to the kitchen slid open. Koike strolled through the door, carrying a plate in each hand. Grinning, he hurried over to their table and set down a plate for Tora whom promptly put aside Otonashi's folder. Kurumu bowed politely with a murmur of thanks as he placed the other plate laden with an omelet made from sausage, red peppers and green onions before her.

"So what did I miss?"

"Ms. Kurono can be a man."

Kurumu sighed heavily as she grabbed her chopsticks. She regarded Udetama with a slight shake of her head. Figuring it was best to leave Koike clueless, she proceeded to cut up her omelet.

"Since we need something better to talk about, would either of you two know Ms. Zanzou?"

"Sure do. Little Manzou paired with Shiname and me for networking class."

Kurumu frowned as she picked up the first morsel in her chopsticks.

"Manzou?"

Miyamoto huffed.

"A twist on her name. They swap the first kanji out with the character for ridicule."

"Is she being bullied?"

"Doubts she knows if she was."

"What does Ms. Zanzou look like?"

"Bouts your height with shiny black hair and golden eyes."

Ginei nodded, snapping his finger at Tora.

"Really short hair. Shorter than mine. Katsukara was also in class four. She told me it was weird to have homeroom with a ten year old version of herself."

Kurumu nodded at Ginei's addition as she finally popped her first morsel in her mouth. She knew this girl was in her gym class but could not think of any short girls with short, black hair.

"And you just remembered this?"

"I didn't have that many conversations with Katsukara or the girls from class four."

Koike snorted as Miyamoto huffed.

"Considering what you did."

"Surprised you weren't expelled for that."

"I was helping a young woman out."

Kurumu was trying to enjoy her meal but this was intriguing. The food was good, though needed more seasoning. This was not on the level of Mr. Kondo's cooking and she could only guess what Yukari would say about this. She seized up another morsel, putting it in her mouth as Tora glared at Ginei.

"I worry what you would define as help."

"Zanzou is… confused. She had a strong admiration for her brother."

"Hopefully not like Ms. Roniushi has for her cousin."

Ginei chuckled at Tora's remark, wagging his finger.

"Funny you should mention her. She was also in class four."

"Ms. Zanzou has a pure admiration for her brother. She aspires to be as manly as him."

Kurumu paused, glancing up at Miyamoto.

"What?"

"I know. It is strange, considering her brother was not some pinnacle of manhood. Ms. Zanzou has many better alternatives to look up to."

"That isn't the issue here."

"I have often petitioned for her to be honored by our club as a precious little sister whom exhibits fierce loyalty and devotion to her family beliefs."

"Nobody in your degenerate club is going to want a picture of a girl whom wishes she was a boy."

Miyamoto huffed at Ginei, turning his head aside.

"My club is not about taking indecent pictures, Morioka."

Kurumu poked at her omelet, wanting to continue her meal but worried she might choke if these idiots said something outlandish at the wrong moment.

"I'm a little confused. Are you saying Ms. Zanzou, this girl whom is buying Ginei clothes because she thought he dressed poorly, wants to be a guy?"

Koike nodded.

"Yea. That about sums it up."

"Okay. I can see why the other girls did not think of her as a love interest."

"Ya thoughts Manzou had a thing for Morioka?"

"It's not normal for a girl to buy a guy clothing."

"Ms. Zanzou's brother was… how should I say this… a player. He dressed very nice and dated at least three different girls in the short time I knew him."

Koike smirked at Miyamoto's stiff delivery.

"That guy was a dirtbag. I swear he taught Inui everything he knew about objectifying women. That's what happens when pretty boys have money to throw at women. I bet Morioka would have gone down a darker path if he had disposable income like Zanzou."

"Thankfully Ms. Zanzou had slightly different ideals on what manliness was. While she retains some of her brother's distasteful outlook upon the fairer gender, she admires strength, discipline and aggression. She was naturally drawn to the squabbles of our homeroom and sided with Morioka after he shared his sob story of pursuing revenge against the PSC whom he felt murdered his friend."

Koike snorted.

"For all the injustices Lady Hineri revealed to have been performed by the PSC, Hirose Kaito was not killed by the PSC. You were wrong, Morioka."

"Whatever, Kousuke. Short of Lady Hineri being the culprit, I think I have found justice for Kaito."

"Bets Morioka coulds convince Manzou to serve him. She loves samurai stuff."

Miyamoto chuckled, nodding his head.

"Indeed. She refused to join your fencing club because she wanted to be in kendo."

"Crazy girl. Should talks to Kitajima bout her. She followed him around before taking interest in Morioka."

Kurumu smiled, having made some progress with her meal during their rants.

"I'm surprised I've never heard anything about this girl. She sounds like she would stand out."

Koike laughed, shaking his head.

"Not at all. She probably could show Ms. Shirayuki a thing or two about skulking in the shadows."

"Indeed. Ms. Zanzou is very humble to the point of demeaning herself. She only speaks up if there is something of great interest to her."

Tora sighed dramatically, setting her chopsticks aside.

"I'm still curious what Senior did with Ms. Zanzou which should have had him expelled."

"This dummy convinced Ms. Zanzou that she should help him recover the growth charts for the girls' annual physical."

"I only told her the truth. Every man would desire to have that knowledge and that it would be a great show of her manliness if she recovered that information for me."

"Oh my God, Ginei."

Kurumu giggled at Tora's disbelief. Grinning, Ginei held his hands up.

"Hold up. There is a story here. Zanzou was dodging gym class because she felt uncomfortable being in a locker room full of sexy girls. Mika and Hitsumi were worried about Zanzou getting in trouble because of her many unexcused absences and begged me to do something since Zanzou looked up to me."

"How does that translate to stealing body measurements?"

"I spent two whole weeks psyching her up about the manliness of peeping and how she didn't even have to hide to do it. Once she was going to gym regularly, it felt like a waste to not take things further."

Kurumu sighed as she stuffed another morsel in her mouth. Nothing surprised her about Ginei.

"As amusing as it is to hear about the crazy schemes Ginei pulled during the second term, I'm curious what we plan to do with Lady Otonashi."

"Protect her."

Koike rolled his eyes at Miyamoto's adroit response.

"Yea, I figured that much. Some corrupt Fairy Tale guys are out to grab her, but it doesn't sound like the men from yesterday were monsters."

"True. Only humans would stoop to defiling someone as pure and innocent as Lady Otonashi."

"I didn't realize you had such a low opinion about humans."

"Correction. Humans and Morioka."

"Should we take her to Umishita? They have a hospital there."

Kurumu grimaced as she swallowed down another morsel.

"We don't know if anything happened. It's not like we watched the video."

The boys all glanced down at the table. Tora sighed, picking at her food.

"The fact that we recovered a video isn't good for optimism, Kurumu."

"What do you think, Haiji? Her race is closest to yours."

Miyamoto paused to reflect on Ginei's words.

"The only concern would be pregnancy. There's no reason to rush her to a hospital."

"Agreed. The hospital in Umishita is too dangerous right now."

"Don't gets this. Why woulds anyone wants to have sex with San. She's like a kid."

Kurumu smirked at Udetama's protest.

"You bathed with her last night and know that's not true."

Udetama waved dismissively.

"Bah. Not sees a figure with her choice of clothes. Even then, not much of one."

Tora glanced at Udetama as she chewed on a mouthful.

"I hope you don't believe that. You and I are not that much better on the feminine scale."

"It's all about womanizing a girl."

Udetama favored Ginei a dubious look.

"Womanizing? How's pumping a chick full of drugs to have sex with her womanizing?"

Ginei sighed, glancing at the other two guys.

"Help me out here. You know… the idea of bringing a girl into her womanhood."

Kurumu snorted, scooting things about on her plate to make another morsel.

"Losing virginity isn't some graduation process. You can't tell a thirty year old virgin she isn't a woman because she didn't have a dick put in her."

"That's a fair point, Morioka. You're on your own here."

"I'm not saying it's right. I'm saying some guys think like that. Especially the ones that watch these kind of films. I bet you there are guys on campus whom would pay to see super tomboy Udetama lose hers."

"Who says I haven't?"

"You're as virgin as I am. I can smell it."

Udetama frowned at Koike whom was grinning ear to ear.

"Really?"

"Anyways, that's what I meant by womanizing."

"Sounds like objectifying and whoring to me."

"I concur with Ms. Nazohashi. In my opinion, womanizing Lady Otonashi would be a simple matter of dressing more maturely."

"But that would break your loli loving heart."

Miyamoto flinched at Ginei's comment as Koike chuckled.

"Womanizing is more about choice of clothes, speech patterns and behavior. Could you imagine making Ms. Udetama into a debutante?"

"What the fucks that?"

Kurumu grinned, picking up her plate to scrape the last vestiges of her meal into her mouth. Ginei was clearly amused with Tora's definition.

"That could be fun too. Sadly I don't have the money."

"Perhaps you could persuade Ms. Zanzou to fund this womanize Ms. Udetama project."

"Hells no. If ya needs a chick to womanize, start with Manzou."

There was a loud clatter from the kitchen.

"Dammit! I told you to do the dishes, you stupid, useless brat!"

Kurumu hopped up on her feet at Takahashi's angry voice, certain that this involved Otonashi. Ginei had already knocked over his chair and was briskly moving towards the kitchen door.

"For fuck's sake, the only thing you're good at is looking cute. You should have never come back."

"Calm down, Takahashi."

The door slid open right as Ginei reached it. Takahashi scowled at Ginei.

"I can't deal with her, Mie. I'm going out for a smoke."

Kurumu arrived at the scene a couple paces behind Miyamoto and Koike. As Takahashi stalked over to the glass door, sliding it open and stomping out onto the terrace, the two boys hurried into the kitchen to attend to Otonashi. The young woman was on the floor next to a pair of skillets and a pile of broken dishes. Chopsticks and cooking utensils were mixed in with the shards of ceramic. Otonashi's head hung low as her shoulders shook with silent sobs.

Mrs. Wayama sighed, drying her hands with a towel. The short haired woman had her dark locks tucked up in a black net. A white crew shirt snugly fit her stocky frame while dark blue jeans hugged her hips and thighs. She was not overweight but nobody would say she was thin. The older woman chucked the towel aside before moving over to fetch a broom and dustpan.

"Did you cut yourself, San?"

Otonashi shook her head as she clutched her hands to her bosom. She made a slight yelp as Miyamoto hefted her up by her shoulders. Her face twisted in grief as he cocked his head and stared up at her. Koike chuckled, patting Miyamoto's shoulder before holding his hand out to Mrs. Wayama whom took the cue to hand over the dustpan.

"This has to stop."

Ginei angrily stormed out the door. Kurumu hesitated a moment before deciding she would rather see what Ginei did. Takahashi was at the far end of the terrace by the gate which marked the start of the dirt trail down to the beach. The man flicked his wrist before pocketing his white lighter in his black slacks. A puff of smoke tainted the air about his head as he turned about to plant his ass on the railing. He glanced up from his cigarette, rolling his eyes upon seeing them.

"I don't want to hear it."

"You need to apologize to San."

"Why should I apologize for telling the truth?"

Ginei scowled, pointing back at the open door.

"She spent the past four days with men doing horrible things to her and this is how you greet her?"

"Life doesn't give a shit about what happens to you, kid. Any other inn, her useless ass would have been fired within weeks unless she was fucking the boss."

Ginei grabbed Takahashi by his white shirt, yanking the taller man off his perch.

"Don't say that about her!"

The man grabbed Ginei by the wrist, laughing nervously.

"Or what? Are you planning to hit me? Will that change anything?"

"It does if it keeps you from treating her like this."

Takahashi snorted, pressing a hand to Ginei's shoulder but unable to budge the werewolf.

"Look, kid. Maybe beating people up works in school when you don't get your way, but that don't mean shit out in the real world. Go ahead and hit me if it makes you feel better. You ain't doing her any favors."

Ginei grimaced, shoving Takahashi back against the rail.

"You're not worth it."

"I'll tell you what's not worth it. A mute girl the size of a twelve year old. Sure, she's cute, but this is a business. She keeps proving she's too damn clumsy to work the kitchen and with her being mute, she can't manage the front counter by herself. Cleaning the rooms is about the only thing we can trust her to do without fucking it up."

"Then why was she in the kitchen?"

Takahashi shook his head at her as he took a puff on his cigarette.

"Because the dumb shit insists on helping. It's easier for us to give her something to do than deal with her following us around like a lost puppy."

"You shouldn't say such cruel things about her."

Takahashi flinched at her reproach.

"Look. She's not cut out for this line of work. I honestly thought she was some homeless kid running a scam on Marin since I wasn't here when that teacher of yours dropped San off."

"San would never do something like that."

"You don't know people, kid. But since this Happily Ever After thing is real, how about you do us all a favor? Take San with you when you leave."

Kurumu stared wide eyed at Takahashi as he took another long pull on his cigarette.

"Why would you want us to do that?"

"This inn is dead. Ever since Ryuga passed away, we've been lucky to break even. That first year Marin spent more time drunk under a table than at our front counter. I tried my hand at gambling with our profits but lady luck hates me. Lost so much that I practically work here for free. I was sure Marin would sell out to Shuei this year before all of her savings dried up but then your San showed up. I swear Marin's holding onto this place solely for that girl's sake."

Ginei snorted, crossing his arms.

"If you like Shuei so much, why didn't you take their offer?"

"Who says I liked them? Marin has always been good to me, so I'll stick with her even if I think this ship is sinking. I always said it was a mistake to open an inn here but Ryuga argued the deal on this property was too good to pass up. I suppose he was right but we're in the middle of nowhere. The nearest beach worth visiting is an hour walk from here."

"I wouldn't say the public Ishikawa beach Mrs. Kawamoto recommended was worth visiting."

Takahashi chuckled at her with a shake of his head.

"Why would she send you there? Igei to the north is much nicer."

"If your location is so bad, why would Shuei want it?"

Takahashi shrugged at Ginei, taking another puff.

"Who knows? Who cares? Money is money. Marin could use it to get a real home away from this place. Away from the memories."

"Memories?"

Takahashi gestured at the inn.

"Ryuga was murdered in this place. In room 208. Some folks still think Marin did it."

"What?!"

"She should cut ties with this place and stop forcing San to take his place."

Kurumu glanced at Ginei, uncertain how to respond to that revelation. Takahashi puffed on his cigarette as if he had said something unimportant. While she could understand why this guy felt getting out of this inn would be best for everyone, she felt that decision was not his to make.

"Wouldn't things be bad for you if she sold the inn?"

"Depends on how long it takes me to find another job. I probably should patch things up with Shina."

"You are too resigned to giving up. Can't you do something to increase your business here? Advertising?"

"That costs money, girl. It also doesn't get immediate results. Right now, it's not even smart to keep our kitchen stocked because food only keeps fresh for so long and our customer base is unreliable. We had to close the restaurant within a year of Ryuga's passing."

Takahashi crushed the cigarette on the railing, letting the butt fall to the ground.

"Anyways, I'm guessing we might not survive another winter. You should take San with you, unless you want her to end up homeless."

Takahashi strolled between them, heading back for the open door to the dining room. Kurumu took in a deep breath, grimacing at the taste of smoke mixed in with the ocean breeze. She glanced at Ginei.

"What do you think we should do?"

Ginei smirked.

"I think we need to show him a thing or two about advertising."

"Like what?"

"You'll see."

---

"Don't hold it up so high. I'm not as tall as you."

Moka smiled apologetically, wearing the black leather swimsuit. The vampire lowered her side of the poster board which promoted the yakisoba and other lunch entrees the inn's restaurant was serving. They had been standing out on the corner of the main street where the private drive started, calling out to every car which passed by.

Kurumu grinned as another vehicle approached. She shook her hips and rocked her shoulders as she wagged her side of the sign, aware that her little dance caused her assets to jiggle in this white bikini. It was almost scary how effective it was, only failing to capture the attention of speeding drivers.

Kurumu felt the desire of two young men strengthen as the car slowed down. The passenger window rolled down and a dark haired guy held his phone out, grinning while taking a picture. The driver eased over to the side as the passenger grinned, glancing up.

"Hey, there! Come have lunch at our restaurant!"

"Are the two of you on the menu?"

Kurumu smirked as the white sedan stopped. The dark haired driver grinned, looking over the shoulder of his taller companion. Both young men were dressed in short sleeved dress shirts.

"No, but we have lots of tasty treats at the Seaside Hostel. Follow this drive and come check us out."

The passenger chuckled, taking another picture.

"We are checking you out. Can I have your number?"

Kurumu glanced down at her lavender purse which had her phone and CD player. Moka's crimson tote rested beside it. She laughed, shaking her head.

"We're not locals."

"Yea. We're only here for summer break."

"Our senior works at the Seaside Hostel where we're staying but business is slow."

"Your senior is a lucky guy to have two cuties willing to help out."

Kurumu grinned, meeting the dark eyes of the driver.

"Our senior is a cute girl. You should stop by and have something to eat."

"We definitely will!"

The driver eased off his brake and coasted around the curve. Kurumu waved once more as the vehicle sped off down the private drive. Moka pouted at her.

"You used your charm."

"I can't have them holding up traffic."

As Moka continued to admonish her with her eyes, Kurumu huffed and looked away. It took much longer to convince guys to head to the restaurant if she let Moka politely handle it. After the first three vehicles, Kurumu had stealthily used her wiles to encourage guys to move along. Having wasted away under the sun for over two hours, Kurumu was no longer in the mood to hide her efforts.

"I'm hungry. Can we go back?"

It was partly true. They had not eaten since breakfast. It would be more accurate to say Kurumu was bored and wanted to hang out with her friends.

"Tsukune said he would call to relieve us."

Kurumu groaned for a moment, perking up when she saw another vehicle approach. She repeated her little wiggle and dance, ensnaring another pair of men enjoying an afternoon drive.

This was not how Kurumu had imagined the day would turn out. She had hoped they could go to a real beach and have fun unlike yesterday. She also wanted to go souvenir shopping for her other friends at Yokai Academy like Satsuki and Tokori. And she needed to find a gift shop with a yunomi for Okinawa.

It was three or four cars later when she felt Tsukune's gaze upon her. She shivered from his yummy thoughts, wondering if she should shake her behind to make things harder for him. Before she could muster the courage, she felt his attention shift away. She sighed, guessing he was admonishing himself for having naughty thoughts.

Thinking he would feel guilty if she acknowledged his presence before he spoke to them, Kurumu relaxed her shoulders. She had to be patient and make things easy on him until he developed an immunity to her charm. She would first need to talk some sense into Moka about making Tsukune fight for her blood.

"Hey, Moka."

Moka turned, smiling brightly at Tsukune. The young man was wearing the black and green trunks he had bought before his birthday. His chest was marked with scars from his confrontations prior to the fateful day he had become a ghoul. Kurumu had not been there when he had received the pair of crossing diagonal slashes from shoulder to waist, but she had witnessed the slash from Rubi that had nearly cut him in half.

"Tsukune!"

As Moka let go of the sign with one hand to wave him over, Kurumu felt something was different. She had failed to notice it the last time she had seen him topless because… well… reasons… but his chest and shoulders seemed more defined than they had been on her birthday. She blushed slightly, wondering if he would let her touch him.

"Ginei said to take your place. Things are getting crazy at the restaurant. We had to drag Mrs. Kawamoto into the kitchen as it was too much for Mrs. Wayama to handle on her own."

"That's good news."

Tsukune nodded as he stepped up between them, grabbing the top of the sign in the center.

"Yea. Mr. Takahashi had to run out with Mr. Kitajima to fetch more stock from the supermarket. He has no idea how two girls can drum up so much business."

"We're too charming to resist."

Tsukune chuckled nervously, pointedly avoiding her gaze.

"I was guessing that was your doing."

"Oh? Are you admitting Moka could never get so many guys to come to a restaurant?"

"I… I didn't say that!"

"Will you be okay out here by yourself?"

Tsukune smiled at Moka.

"I think holding a sign is within my abilities."

Kurumu giggled, letting go of her end of the sign. She skulked over to his side.

"Make sure you hold it up high. You don't want to hide this."

She smacked his rump before he could respond, skipping away with a laugh. Moka made a short cry of protest, apologizing to a blushing Tsukune before hurrying over to her side. The vampire shook her head, casting an admonishing look.

"You shouldn't do that to Tsukune."

"What was wrong with that?"

Moka pouted, casting a glance over her shoulder. Kurumu continued walking steadily away, not wanting to look back because it would make it harder to leave.

"I guess nothing. You two are technically still dating."

"You make it sound like a ruse."

Moka was quiet for a few paces.

"Would it be better if you two broke up?"

"I don't know, Moka. You're the one refusing him access to my blood."

"I can't stop you from doing that any better than I stopped you from being his girlfriend."

Kurumu sighed as the drive veered to the left. She glanced out at the ocean on the other side of these multistory white buildings.

"What do you plan to do after high school?"

"I'll count myself lucky if I'm around for that long."

"Don't talk like that."

"I'm sorry, but it's true. As much as I adore Tsukune, his ability to take me from Moka frightens me. I keep thinking there will come a time when it will go dark forever."

"I'm sure we can save you from that. Yukari needs time."

Moka smiled softly.

"I know she doesn't like this, but I think she needs to prepare for a future without me. Whether I'm destroyed or saved by Yukari, she needs to think about a future for herself. Ms. Shirayuki told me about what Mother said and I agree. You should prioritize the real Moka."

"There's no reason for us to choose between the two of you. I would never make you choose between Tsukune and me."

Moka nervously pressed her index fingers and thumbs together.

"Well… that's not the same thing and if he became powerful enough, vampire traditions would allow it."

Kurumu smirked.

"What happened to marriage being a sacred union between two people blessed by God?"

"My union would be sacred. You would be our plaything."

"Does the other Moka agree with this?"

Moka grinned as they neared the parking lot for the Seaside Hostel. Every available parking spot was taken with some vehicles parked alongside the drive preceding the inn.

"She says she would have to honor vampire traditions. If he bests her, than she will marry him and let him make use of you if he wishes."

"I didn't realize I was part of a package deal."

Moka laughed softly as they turned into the lot.

"She meant your blood. With your life pledge to Kokoa, he would need her permission to marry you."

"That's getting way too complicated for me."

"What do you plan to do after high school?"

Kurumu sighed, stopping to regard Moka.

"I don't know. Mommy had all these grand, generic ideas for me. Go to college. Get a respectable job. Have a baby. Simple stuff."

"There's nothing wrong with that."

"It is when you're not smart and don't have a clue what you want to do for a job. Right now the only thing I want to do is be close to my friends at Yokai for as long as I can."

"So do I. Every day is precious to me."

Kurumu sighed heavily, glancing at the crowd of young men gathered at the end of the lot, waiting to enter the patio. She stepped in closer, placing her hands on Moka's waist.

"Otonashi had so many friends at Yokai. Takahashi told Ginei to take her back and I think we should. There's nothing out here for her. No family."

"We don't know that yet. And she does have Mrs. Kawamoto."

She knew it was presumptuous to think Ms. Aimai would find nothing but this nagging in her heart made it feel inevitable. Around ten, Ms. Aimai had taken Ms. Okumura, Koike and Miyamoto with her to follow up on the two leads mentioned in Otonashi's folder. Having visited Okinawa several times, Ms. Okumura was somewhat familiar with their destinations.

The groggy Mrs. Kawamoto had shown little enthusiasm about finally having the addresses of Otonashi's mysterious relatives. Her only input was an estimation of how long this trip would take, figuring with the two ferry rides that they most likely would not be back before dinner.

"It's not the same. I mean… what do I have out here waiting for me? I don't have anyone."

Moka reached up and pulled Kurumu's head against her shoulder. Kurumu relaxed her shoulders and closed her eyes, letting this sadness pass. The vampire felt as soft and warm as when mommy held her.

"I'm sure Kokoa will have something for you to do."

Kurumu choked out a laugh, nuzzling her face against Moka's bosom as Moka's arms lowered about her shoulders. That was not the reassurance she had expected.

"Now I know why Mizore hates her destiny so much. Having your life plotted out for you by someone else feels so unsatisfying."

"I wouldn't say she's plotted out anything."

"That makes it sound worse."

Moka took in a deep breath, squeezing Kurumu.

"You smell nice."

Kurumu shivered from a lick of desire a second before a whistle cut through the air. A slight commotion stirred as several guys took notice of Moka's embrace. Kurumu pushed gently on Moka's sides, easing her head back to peer up at the vampire. Moka promptly glanced aside with a blush as her grip became lax, embarrassed from the sudden attention.

"Man those two are hot!"

"Does this mean they will be serving us?!"

"I'm so lucky to be alive!"

"The tall one with the long hair is the cutest girl I have ever seen!"

Kurumu ignored the impulsive urge to steal a kiss, ducking out from Moka's grip. She turned towards the cheers of the young men whom were hoping to see some action. Placing her hands on her hips, she sashayed towards the crowd.

"Do you think they're natural blonds?"

"They have to be with those dye jobs."

"Who cares about their hair? Look at those tits!"

"Calm down, boys. This is a family friendly establishment."

She had almost reached this sea of lust when a familiar lewdness assaulted her. Ginei grinned as he made his way through the throng, wearing sandals and his black trunks with the white trim and laces. This was the second time Kurumu had seen Ginei topless and he was as sculpted now as he had been at Tsukune's pool party. She knew not all monster boys were chiseled, having seen several boys on Tsukune's floor in states of undress, which had her wonder if this was because of Ginei's race or if he exercised.

"Did I hear a succubus claim she was family friendly?"

Kurumu smirked at his blatant declaration of her true form, aware that the audience remained clueless.

"That's not a nice thing to say to your junior."

"Get your cute ass over here, Moka. I need the two of you to take over for some useless waitresses."

"What about the two of us eating first?"

"You could afford to miss a meal."

"I'm not fat."

Kurumu pushed the grinning Ginei back. Without missing a beat, he snatched her wrist and tugged.

"Come on. Someone needs to take over for Rubi immediately."

Kurumu stumbled the first couple steps. She grabbed his arm as he navigated her through the crowd of eager young men. She murmured apologies twice for brushing up too close, though she doubted either chuckling guy was offended and might have even stepped into her on purpose. At least none of these admirers had the audacity to cop a feel.

"Oh my God. She actually wore it."

Kurumu frowned back at Moka before following the vampire's gaze to the open gate beneath the gazebo. Rubi was standing to the left of the gate with a visible tremor. The witch was wearing that black leather garment which supposedly was a swimsuit. Despite the skimpy appearance, it was a one piece suit which tied about the neck and came down in two wide straps which covered the witch's nipples. A black cord was fished through golden eyelets on these straps starting at the apex of her bosom with the purpose of adjusting the straps for proper breast coverage. The two straps joined at the navel which wrapped about her crotch like a thong before it came up in the rear like a normal pair of triangular briefs. The corners of this triangle had cords which were tied about her waist.

"I have the suspicion this is your fault."

Ginei chuckled as he steered them over to the gate.

"All the other girls are wearing swimsuits. It didn't seem fair to let Rubi off the hook."

Rubi noted their presence and waved. Her cheeks were bright red as those at the front of the line stared slack jawed at her body.

"It's a slingshot thong!"

"I can almost see everything!"

"Can I have a picture with you?!"

Rubi shuddered, shaking her head vehemently.

"Please, don't. Yukari will punish me."

"Punish me!"

"I'll punish you both if you put a hand on her again."

A podium had been set up on the right side of the gate. Yukari stood on top of a box, allowing her to rest her elbows on the surface while she addressed customers. The young witch sported her yellow and black layered swimsuit from yesterday as she wagged an admonishing finger at the man holding up his phone.

Ginei let go of Kurumu to stroll in front of Rubi, waving his hands.

"Hey, hey. You can look but no touching. Management said no photos of the girls or I will have to make you leave. And I'd rather not have to do more work than I have to."

There was a collective groan which caused Kurumu to chuckle.

"Is Ms. Kurono here to take my place?"

"Not a chance. You have to stay out here and keep these men occupied."

Rubi glanced at the crowd. With a shiver, she glanced aside.

"But I'm not doing anything."

"You're keeping the line moving at a slow, manageable crawl."

"How many?"

The man in the front of the line tore his eyes from Rubi to regard Yukari.

"Uh… two."

Yukari nodded, taking two laminated menus from the stack piled on the podium and handing them down to Otonashi. The young woman was dressed in a white one piece with a pink floral design. The girl smiled and beckoned to the pair as she led the way into the dining area.

"You should have seen the look on Takahashi's face when he saw how well San works as a hostess."

"Ignoring the fact that I'm doing half of her job."

Ginei waved a hand dismissively at Yukari as he walked onto the terrace.

"We found out pretty fast that Rubi can't handle customers dressed like that."

"So have her change."

"Not a chance. I need you girls to pick up the slack."

"Maybe the little girls would like to play a game of tag on the beach."

"I'd let her catch me."

Yukari rolled her eyes at the guys whom settled in at the front of the line, leering at her. Scowling, she wagged a finger at Kurumu.

"You needed a better screening process for whom you sent to us. The only thing half these guys are hungry for is female attention."

"Don't be silly, Yukari. Guys are always hungry for that."

"I wish I could work in the kitchen."

Ginei chuckled, beckoning them to follow him.

"Come on. Half these tables haven't had their orders taken."

Most of the tables had occupants. Tora strolled out through the glass double doors holding a tray burdened with meals. The sphinx's unbound raven locks were wavy from all the time being kept up in braids, almost touching the top frill of her periwinkle tube top swimsuit. The lower frill on the bottom part of this suit was inadequate to fully hide the plumpness of Tora's curvy bottom and the small swath of periwinkle fabric which slipped to the front.

"Ya not hear me say since ya not have a dick ya not need underwear!"

Udetama snatched a stocky guy by his shirt, hauling him out of his chair. The sandy haired girl had a black bikini tied about her torso. The two triangle fabric sections had sheer black lace stitched along the inside from shoulder down to where the suit came together at the bottom of her chest. Kurumu would never say it to Udetama's face, but some of Tsukune's guy friends could fill out that bikini top better.

"Sorry, Sir!"

Udetama scowled, holding a fist back.

"I'm not a Sir!"

Given that Udetama was wearing the baggy white shorts she had been since this morning, Kurumu felt the mistake was reasonable. Ginei pounced to Udetama's side, slapping a hand down on her shoulder.

"What seems to be the problem here?"

Udetama shoved the stocky guy back against his chair, causing both to topple. She whirled on Ginei, smacking his hand off her shoulder.

"Don't start with me, Morioka."

"What's this the fourth, fifth time now?"

"Not my fault so many rude men here."

"They weren't saying it to your face. Your hearing is too good."

Udetama growled, thrusting a finger at the man whom was fixing his chair and burning with shame.

"So I'm to ignore what these shitheads say bout me?!"

Ginei sighed, glancing at Otonashi whom had finished seating her guests and was watching him. She smiled and nodded before hurrying back to the front podium.

"This isn't school, Imi. You'll have to figure out how to deal with jerks in a different way."

"I be a B cup like Auntie in six, seven years. Am I to hide under a rock for the next decade because some flabby fuck not like how awesome my body is now? Name any fucking physical activity. I can outdo this shithead, right here, right now."

She turned on the man.

"Come on, Fatso. Name something. I'll tear ya ass apart!"

The guy made a slight squeal, shrinking back into his seat.

"No, Sir! I'm very sorry, Sir!"

Udetama smacked her fist in her palm as her visage darkened.

"I'm not a Sir!"

Ginei chuckled, shaking his head.

"Show some sympathy, Imi. With your voice, body and demeanor, these guys doubt your femininity. Allow me to clear this up for all parties."

Ginei swept down in a flourish, taking Udetama's shorts with him. The girl's eyes widened as she quickly reached down for her bottoms now at her ankles. For a moment, Kurumu thought the girl was wearing nothing beneath as she saw everything of Udetama's bare, pale rump, including what looked like a heart shaped birthmark on her left cheek. Ginei sprung up to give that porcelain posterior a push, knocking the girl off her feet.

"So it's a thong swimsuit. I approve."

Udetama scowled as she wiggled on the ground, yanking her shorts back up over the black triangle which covered her front parts.

"Fuck off!"

"I hope this clears things up for you gentlemen."

"What are you doing now?"

Ginei grinned at Tora whom came up beside Kurumu. In the next instant, Udetama bowled him over. The girl straddled atop his waist, grabbing him by the shoulders and slamming him down on the terrace with enough force to cause the surface to crack. Ginei grimaced, grabbing at her to deny her the leverage to repeat the brutal assault.

Kurumu, Moka and Tora all held their hands out as the crowd gasped at the ferocious struggle unfolding. She had no clue what they should do, but they had to keep their guests clear of this quarrel.

"Hey, hey, hey!"

Ms. Nekonome came charging over. Their teacher wore a thin white jacket over a crimson two piece bikini. The blond pushed around Tora and gingerly hopped over the pair rolling about on the ground. She snaked her hand down, grabbing the hairs at the nape of Udetama's neck. Yanking up, Udetama let out a high pitched mewl as her body suddenly went limp. Udetama whimpered with her eyes closed as Ginei crawled out from under her.

"Thanks, Ms. Nekonome."

"If you two insist on playing, we can head down to the beach. I've been wanting to go fishing all day."

"But we're helping out with the restaurant."

Ms. Nekonome huffed, hauling Udetama up onto her knees. The girl's arms were tucked to her sides with her hands up and bent at the wrists like a puppy begging.

"Doesn't look that way to me. Do you need these two, Ms. Otonashi?"

All eyes turned to the young woman guiding a pair of men to another table. Otonashi paused and smiled, shaking her head.

"Fetch my fishing gear, Mr. Morioka. I'll be on the beach."

Ms. Nekonome clucked her tongue and turned on her heel. She stalked off, dragging the mewling girl on her knees through the open gate preceding the dirt trail to the beach. Before she dipped out of sight, the crowd began to clap.

"That was unexpected."

"Is Udetama a nekomusume?"

Ginei chuckled, shaking his head.

"Close enough. Guess I should go get her fishing gear."

Tora smirked as the werewolf retreated to the glass door.

"So are the two of you going to help me handle this crowd?"

Kurumu nodded with a smile.

"Sure. What happened to Mizore?"

"She's working the tables inside. She can't handle the heat out here."

"So what exactly do we do?"

"Come with me."

Tora waved at them as she retreated to the glass door. Kurumu shared a glance with Moka, following the sphinx after a short pause. Stepping through the double door was like walking into a wall of heat. It was surprisingly muggy inside as Tora led them over to the kitchen door.

"I'll get some writing pads and pencils for you two. Be right back."

As Tora ducked into the kitchen, Kurumu spotted Mizore attending to some guests near the far door to the main hallway. The snow girl was wearing her black and white striped bikini which had thin strings tied about her torso and neck to hold the top in place. Like Kurumu's bottoms, Mizore's briefs came apart at the sides. While Kurumu's strings were tied, Mizore's had black bands with white snaps.

The snow girl glanced over at them, managing a weak smile. She ran her fingers over her ear, making it apparent how matted with sweat her locks were. Clutching her writing pad to her bosom, Mizore spoke to her guests before heading over to them.

Tora popped out of the kitchen, thrusting a pad and pencil to each of them.

"That's all you should need. Note their table. Take their order. Politely ignore all the flirting and hope they don't ask for your number."

Kurumu smirked as Mizore joined them.

"Have you had many requests for your number?"

"Probably every other customer."

"Only three times for me, but I've never been asked for my number before. I accidentally gave it the first time because I wasn't thinking."

Grinning, Kurumu held her pad to her bosom.

"How about a competition then? Let's see whom can have her number asked for the most starting now."

"And what will this prove?"

"It won't be as annoying to you if it's a game."

"Well then I propose that the winner has to buy the rest of us drinks."

Kurumu frowned at Tora.

"That doesn't sound right."

Moka laughed, slipping an arm around her and propelling her towards the door.

"Don't try too hard to win."

Thinking how cheap drinks could be, Kurumu supposed she could afford the victory.

---

Kurumu sighed, draping her arms about Mizore's shoulders as she pressed cheek against the side of the snow girl's head. As Mizore was wearing her black tank top, much of her pale skin was bare and it felt so good to touch. Kurumu rubbed her breasts barely contained in her gray tank top against Mizore's back, wondering if this would feel better if they were both naked.

"I'm trying to write."

"But it's my laptop."

Kurumu relaxed against Mizore's cool body, peering at the screen as Mizore slowly transcribed her manuscript to digital format. While Kurumu had bathed with the other girls, Ginei had been upstairs discussing with Mizore what changes she should make to her story. After ten minutes of watching this girl steadily whittle away at this task one keystroke at a time, Kurumu wanted to share her frustrations with someone too occupied to push her away.

"I wish you would take my blood."

Yukari was curled up in Moka's arms as the vampire listened to one of her CDs. The witch was dressed in her yellow tank top with the large strawberry printed in the white oval nestled in the slight valley of her bosom. The cords of her sleep pant with the white hem lined with small strawberries had been tied in a lazy bow at her waist.

Yukari hooked a finger in the blue collar of Moka's sheep patterned sleep shirt. She tugged it down, tracing a finger on the bared, pale flesh. Moka whom was wearing the matching sleep pant, laughed softly and set her CD player aside to tap Yukari's nose. The witch sighed, wiped out by the fumes of the chemical bath. Closing her eyes, she nuzzled her head into the crook of Moka's arm.

"You seem wide awake for someone whom normally can't keep her head up after nine."

Moka smiled at Tora whom was sprawled on the floor reading a book. The sphinx was wearing a lavender, spaghetti string tank top and soft yellow sleep pants which cinched about her calves.

"I was tired in the bath but taking blood sometimes perks me up."

Kurumu pouted as she lifted her hands slightly to cup Mizore's breasts.

"She's a sore loser. Nipping me like that and leaving me all hot and bothered."

Mizore panted, relaxing her shoulders.

"You are hot."

Kurumu murmured an acknowledgment, squeezing and kneading Mizore's chilly bosom.

"That feels weird."

"Could you give Ms. Shirayuki some personal space?"

Kurumu eased back, letting her hands rest on Mizore's shoulders. She smiled at Moka's suggestion.

"I think Mizore needs to buy some pajamas in the future."

"I like these shorts."

Red shorts loosely encircled Mizore's waist but clung tightly about her hips. Tsukune had let her keep them since she needed something more than panties to sleep in while staying at his home.

"I'm surprised that you slept naked in a home with two younger brothers."

"My brothers avoid me."

"Probably because you sleep naked."

"I hope being seen naked doesn't make people avoid me."

Kurumu chuckled at Tora's visible frustration.

"I'm saying that you should have at least three pajamas. I'm considering letting you keep the shirt Ginei bought me since he's such a jerk."

Kurumu chuckled, recalling his comment at dinner. She still could not believe he had the balls to say that in front of Ms. Nekonome and his precious Otonashi. She had no idea how he thought that would play out after making such a crude remark. She supposed it was funny upon reflection, but nobody at the table would ever consider dating him.

"I guess I can keep it. I don't want to spend too much. I have to pay Akashiya back for the outfits."

"It's yours then. I have plenty of pajamas. Unless you sweat like crazy, you can get away with wearing most things twice."

"You can?"

Tora glanced at Moka and nodded.

"I only have four tops, all like this one, but different colors. If it's too hot, I'll sleep in just my sports bra."

"If it's too hot, I sleep naked."

"You can't leave your goods out on display, Ms. Shirayuki. You never know when some dog will swing by for some window shopping."

Kurumu purred with a thought as she massaged Mizore's shoulders.

"I think I know why I woke up so horny."

"You don't think he touched us, right?"

Kurumu shook her head at Tora's sudden concern.

"I can get riled up from dirty thoughts. He didn't have to touch me."

"I… well… I guess I didn't feel like anything had touched me."

"Didn't you sleep with shorts last night?"

Tora blushed, glancing aside.

"Just because I wasn't bared like the rest of you doesn't mean he wouldn't touch me."

"I can't type when you're doing that."

Kurumu chuckled, relaxing her hands on Mizore's shoulders. The snow girl sighed.

"We should get Bikiyama to tag along with us to Bows and Strings. You should get at least one sexy thing to sleep in. So should Tora if her pajamas consist of tank tops and shorts."

"I have a yellow chemise which most of you have seen and is clearly too dangerous to wear here."

"He said it wouldn't have been such a shocking sight if we had slept with our heads to the door."

Kurumu smirked at Moka's remark. She was about to comment when there was a knock on the door.

"Are you ladies decent?"

Tora gestured at the door.

"See. There is a proper way of entering a room full of women."

Kurumu laughed, pushing on Mizore's shoulders to help her get up on her feet. She staggered a step as she turned about, fixing the hem of her black cotton shorts before heading over to the door.

"Sounds like the others have returned."

Taking a quick glance about the room to confirm all were presentable, Kurumu tugged the door aside. Miyamoto stood solemnly on the other side in his white robe with the black sash tied about his waist. He peered down upon her with sky blue eyes.

"I require feminine assistance."

"You'll never be as pretty as I am."

He frowned, glancing aside.

"I… not that kind of assistance."

"How did things go?"

Miyamoto regained his solemn demeanor.

"Not well. Ms. Udetama is with our little bird. I question her abilities to console her."

"What happened?"

Miyamoto sighed, glancing beyond Kurumu to the other girls.

"The ferry trip was a dead end. New residents live at the address with no clue about the whereabouts of the former tenants. The humans at the records office didn't know what happened to the Shinkoku family whom resided there for years, claiming they had mysteriously abandoned the home. After six months, the bank reclaimed the home and sold it to the current family."

"Well… that's not as bad as it could be."

"Indeed. The elderly couple whom lived north in Kunigami was killed by wild animals according to local police reports. Human coroners are not that dumb to not know the difference between a human and a monster, so clearly Lord Rokurou was involved in the cover up of that incident. Ms. Aimai suspects Lord Rokurou will be aware of our investigation by tomorrow at the latest, if not already."

"How is Ms. Otonashi doing?"

"Crying. I don't know what to do."

Kurumu slipped around him, stalking down the hall. She was uncertain what she could do, but maybe she could use that calming trick Ms. Kiyoshi had used on her. She glanced back over her shoulder, wondering if she should call the succubus to ask if there was some trick to that. Seeing Tora enter the hall spurred Kurumu to press on decisively, hoping she could figure it out on her own.

Stepping into the main upper hallway, Kurumu paused upon seeing Ginei hovering at the center of the hallway, staring out over the terrace. The werewolf had put back on his clothes from this morning and stood resolutely with his arms crossed about his chest.

Kurumu slowed her approach as she neared him, glancing at the terrace below. Kitajima had cleared out a space and was going through the motions of some swordplay with a steel katana.

"I thought kendo used wooden sticks."

"He was told this would be a fight. He's not here to play."

"Have you seen Otonashi?"

"I was with her when they shared the news."

"Koike?"

"Didn't have the balls to come inside. He's out jogging to clear his head or some other bullshit."

A hand touched her shoulder. Kurumu smiled at Tora and nodded at Moka whom turned around the corner. Taking a deep breath, she touched Ginei's sleeve.

"We're going to visit with Otonashi."

"What's the point? Words don't bring back the dead."

"It wasn't both families, Ginei."

"I'm not going in there to tell her everything will be fine. We're going back to school in less than a week, Kurumu. We don't have the right to demand her to hope so we can feel good about leaving her."

Kurumu withdrew her hand, clutching her bosom. She felt she had nothing to say to that.

"We also don't have the right to demand her to despair."

Ginei snorted, glancing at Tora.

"What would you know of despair?"

"I know it doesn't make anything better. You have to keep faith."

"I don't know a damn thing about faith. What I know is that a woman I care about is crying and there's nothing I can do to change her situation. I can't even clobber that piece of shit pacing the pier."

Kurumu glanced out with his gesture. Far off in the dark distance the form of a man was walking back and forth along the narrow elevated trail which flanked the beach.

"Is that Takahashi?"

"Do you know anyone else actively making San miserable?"

Kurumu sighed. Even after making a huge profit today, Takahashi had called their success a fluke. He pointed out several issues, stating that their profits were shortened because of the inability to buy in bulk. Their prices for food were not marked up high enough to cover buying grocery store goods at normal prices. They needed to buy in bulk and figure in the cost of labor. The profit only looked good because today they had been spoiled with free labor. When Mrs. Kawamoto suggested compensating them for their troubles, Takahashi apologized in his abrasive way, wanting them to understand that this victory meant nothing in the long scheme of things.

"I'm sure things will turn out better once Lord Kamiya is dealt with. Most of his frustrations about Otonashi have to do with Fairy Tale messing things up."

"I think we can only blame Fairy Tale so much for an alcoholic whom was under investigation for murdering her husband."

"We don't know the full story on that."

"I don't feel that sorry for a woman whom is out drinking again while Otonashi is left in her room crying."

Kurumu frowned.

"She went out?"

"Yea. With all of our lovely escorts and Rubi. I guess Takahashi is reliable enough to close up for them."

"I'm hesitant to believe that she left while knowing Ms. Otonashi was crying."

"If you care about someone, it's your business to know when something is wrong."

"If I made that a criteria to define the people whom care about me, it wouldn't include you."

Ginei paused, regarding Tora with a swirl of emotions.

"I guess it's a good thing we're not dating then."

Ginei slipped by Kurumu, not sparing Tora another glance as he stalked down the hall. Tora trembled, making a slight shake of her head. The girl did not budge from her spot until they heard Ginei's footsteps carrying him down the stairs.

"Fine. I'm not putting a barrier up around this place while everyone is out acting like a bunch of juvenile delinquents. If you two are in agreement, we shall convince Ms. Otonashi to sleep with us. As long as nobody has to pee in the middle of the night, protecting one room should work."

"Tora."

"It's fine, Moka. I provoked him and it's over. We were brought here for Ms. Otonashi's sake so we should go see her."

Kurumu nodded, taking the first step down the hall. She felt relief upon hearing the two follow. It did not take long to reach room 208 which was the closest room to the door leading out to the raised gazebo. She paused at the door, thinking she should knock before deciding that being all girls should waive that formality. She pushed the door aside.

Otonashi was kneeling in the center of the room between two futons. A baby blue slip hung from thin straps upon her shoulders as Otonashi clutched a thick, black book to her chest. Her head remained bowed as she wept silently.

The other occupant was nowhere near as silent. Udetama glanced up at their approach, blubbering incomprehensibly. The blond was garbed in a white tee and black sweat pants, furthering her gender neutral agenda. Tears rolled down her cheeks as she latched onto Moka, pulling the vampire down on her futon. The vampire gingerly touched Udetama's shoulders as the girl bawled.

"What's wrong?"

"Make her stop."

"Calm down, Ms. Udetama."

Her words came out in gasps between her sobs.

"I tried. Everything. Jokes. Smiling. Said I have. Smaller boobs. She won't stop."

Kurumu managed a smile as she knelt down beside Otonashi. She gently touched Otonashi's arm.

"Are you okay, Ms. Otonashi?"

"Where is her sketchbook?"

Kurumu scooted in closer so that her knee touched Otonashi's thigh. She had no need for a notebook. She reached a hand around Otonashi's shoulder, placing it firmly against her warm skin. She pressed her other hand against one of Otonashi's which held the book tightly.

"You can talk to me."

In the blink of an eye they were kneeling in the grass of the tulip field near the cliff overlooking the ocean. A solitary tree stood up near the edge as the gentle breeze wafted in. Kurumu recognized the subtle difference in smell, taste and feel between her memory of this experience and her recent joys of feeling the ocean breeze. There was something stagnant about Mononoke.

Otonashi looked up in surprise. The book was gone from her hands and she cried out. She pushed away from Kurumu, frantically crawling in the flowers and patting the dirt with her hands.

"It's not real, Otonashi. You can talk to me in here."

The panic in her eyes was not encouraging. Kurumu sighed, touching her hands together and spreading them open to create a sketchbook.

"Do you need one of these?"

Confusion. Otonashi tilted her head and crawled back to Kurumu. She timidly reached out for the blank pages, causing words to spill out with the touch of her finger.

It's mine. I need it. It's all I have left. Please give it back.

Kurumu reached through the book to touch the side of Otonashi's head, causing the girl to relax.

A man stood tall next to her. Her head came up to his waist as she hugged him about his thighs. She felt his hand tousle her hair and she giggled. She adored this man, her papa. He always said nice things about her. He always praised her. She wanted to do more for him. She wanted more praise.

He loved her voice. They lived high up in the mountains. She skipped around the yard about their small cabin. She never saw people around their home. Papa and mama were her whole world. And goats. Goats were fun and made yummy milk. They would eat everything if she took her eyes of them. She lost a pretty shoe to one.

Some nights she had to sleep in the main room instead of with mama and papa. On those nights, papa would sing lovely songs to mama in their room. They sounded happy. Mama would say they were polar opposites. Mama had golden hair and hazel eyes while papa had black hair and dark eyes. Day and night.

Once a month they went to see mama's family in the village. Papa would have her sing. Everybody loved to hear her sing. So many smiling faces. They would hug mama and say nice things. Mostly nice things. Papa would pick her up and take her outside. He would hold her high and have her spread her wings. Pretty white wings. Just like mama.

On her fourth birthday, papa sang with her when they saw the family. He had an amazing voice. She could see the awe in their faces. She could not recall if they had ever heard him sing before. It was a perfect melody he had spent the whole past month teaching her. She remembered every note. Every smile. Every breath. Every heartbeat.

She loved strawberry cake. Sprawled out in the backyard after the event, she wondered if death by cake was possible as she rubbed her stuffed belly. Contemplating this potential demise, she had overheard some family gossip. They did not like her hair. They did not like papa. Dark eyes reflected a dark soul. The blasphemous songs of a devil.

All of mama's family had golden hair, fair eyes and white wings. Like angels. So pretty. But papa was different. She asked mama that night if she was a devil. Mama laughed and called her silly. Papa said devils did not have wings. That meant she was not a devil.

Papa said they were black sheep. Rare but not different from normal sheep. He also said sheep were even worse to manage than goats, so she could not have one. She asked if they could see his family but he said that they lived far, far away. He said San and mama were the only family he needed now. He kissed her forehead and went to make music with mama.

Mama loved them both. Loved them so much. Loved her hair and her voice. Loved her eyes. The next time they visited mama's family, mama raised her voice. She said San was the most precious gift in the world. It was such a wild, confusing moment. A lot of shouting by mama. It was strange as it felt like mama was angry but none of the family responded. They were as polite as always. Mama cried on the way home that night. They did not go back to see her family for many months.

That was why papa revealed this book to her on her fifth birthday. It had special songs. Songs of the heavens. Songs of peace. Songs that could end suffering. It was hard to tell what each song was for so papa told her which one was the best to sing. If she sang this particular song, they could visit mama's family again. Then mama would not feel so lonely and unwelcome. This song would make mama's family love her as much as mama did. Because song was the language of love. With these notes, she could change the hardest of hearts.

She asked why he would not sing this song for mama's family but he smiled and told her he had all the love he needed. Some day he would teach her the other songs that he knew from the book, but this was the only one she should learn for now. As she flipped through the tome, she marveled over all the pretty songs he knew, which amused him. Papa said he knew no more than twenty of these hymns, with little clue over what some of them did. This was a relic from his grandfather handed down to him because his voice had the most natural talent.

There was a beautiful song she was learning to surprise papa. One which looked extremely difficult.

Firm hands tugged Kurumu back, causing her to flail in confusion.

"Easy, Kurumu!"

Kurumu gasped, grabbing the arms about her shoulders. She glanced at Tora, her breasts heaving with each labored breath.

Otonashi sat nearby with her shoulders relaxed. The girl's breaths were slow and shallow as she regarded Kurumu in a daze. Her book was resting in her lap.

"Is she okay?"

Udetama was kneeling in the same spot as she had been. Yukari had joined the room at some point and was standing off to the side with her arms crossed. Her eyes were reddened but Kurumu doubted it was from crying. Miyamoto hovered behind her.

"How long was I out?"

Tora sighed heavily, glancing aside at Moka whom was stifling a yawn.

"Maybe ten minutes. You should warn us before doing stuff like that. You were completely unresponsive. I pulled you out because it looked like you might have stopped breathing."

"I was hearing a song. A beautiful song."

Otonashi's eyes found focus. She cocked her head and smiled wistfully. She placed the book on the floor and opened it up. Like the memories, it was sheets of notes on measures.

"What is that?"

"A book of songs."

Tora relaxed her arms as she looked up at Yukari.

"But there aren't any words."

"There aren't any words in classical music."

"That is the book Ms. Aimai gave to Lady Otonashi before she left with the other women. It was shortly after that when our little bird started to cry."

"A book of notes made her cry?"

Kurumu could not explain it to Udetama but something terrifying had happened because of this book. Otonashi made a slight sound, holding her hands up. Miyamoto saw her hand gestures and nodded.

"Where is her sketchbook?"

"I'll get it."

Udetama sprung up, darting off to the side of the room. The blond snatched the white rectangle off the floor, skipping back over to Otonashi's side. With a grin, Udetama knelt down so close that she bumped Otonashi's shoulder as she handed it over.

"What were you doing in her head?"

As Otonashi scrawled out a message, Kurumu smiled at Yukari.

"Fragments of memories. I was trying to calm her down. She has a strong attachment to this book but I didn't see what happened. She had beautiful, loving parents."

"Interesting. Our little bird assured us that her parents were both dead, so you can imagine our surprise to hear about the actions of her mother."

"I didn't see that far. It stopped at the song she learned when she was five."

Otonashi held up her message which stated it was a songbook which belonged to her father. It also stated her belief that she had lost it a long time ago.

"What age were you when you became an orphan?"

Otonashi lowered her sketchbook and lifted one hand with all fingers splayed.

"That was written in her file, Kurumu."

"Well I didn't read her file, Yukari."

"That's a poor excuse when it was available to you."

Kurumu sighed, not in the mood to argue with that.

"How old were you when you last saw that book?"

Otonashi smiled thinly, raising her hand with the same gesture.

"I think we can say the book was linked to why she was orphaned."

"It was easy to conclude that a book like that would be taken from a child placed in Fairy Tale custody. Thankfully that sort of thing makes no sense to any creature not of her kind. Who knows what sort of things she can do with those songs?"

Kurumu paused, wondering if this book mattered in the immediate sense. It felt unlikely that a song could fix the financial situation with Mrs. Kawamoto. And she doubted having this book would change anything with Otonashi's family. She sighed again.

"Maybe Ginei is right. Nothing we do will change anything."

Otonashi scrawled out a new message. She held up the sign, begging them not to tell Mrs. Kawamoto.

"I'm sorry, Ms. Otonashi. We weren't discrete enough to avoid her concluding you were raped."

Otonashi breathed out a silent laugh. Grinning, she wrote down a quick message and held it up. She cocked her head as the sign proudly declared that she lacked any memory of it, only seeing the video.

Yukari sighed dramatically.

"Well there are some people here whom would say that is a great thing. I can't imagine how I would feel if I ever saw a video of what happened to me."

Otonashi scribbled another quick message on the bottom of the page. She smiled apologetically as her message stated she was more concerned with Mrs. Kawamoto seeing her true form than anything else.

"Seriously? If Mrs. Kawamoto plans to remain part of the Happily Ever After program and we fix things for this prefecture, she's going to need to know she's providing housing for monsters."

Otonashi frowned at Yukari. She flipped the sheet over to scrawl a new message. She turned it over and presented the disheartening fact that Mrs. Kawamoto believed a singing monster killed her husband.

Kurumu's heart sank in her chest. That was alarmingly specific. Sure, any monster could sing, but she could understand Otonashi's fears.

"I thought Mrs. Kawamoto said her husband died four years ago."

"That was what she said."

"But the coup by Lord Rokurou only happened last summer."

"Perhaps it is an unrelated attack."

Tora frowned at Miyamoto's suggestion.

"Maybe, but wouldn't an attack like this require Fairy Tale intervention?"

Otonashi shook her head as she started to scribble down a message below her other. She revealed that the police thought Mrs. Kawamoto was crazy. But since the way he had died was too impossible for her to have done, they blamed her hysteria on shock.

Tora nodded for a moment. Then she shook her head.

"No. Fairy Tale would have noticed this. They knew a participant of their program died and did nothing."

"Like an inside job."

Yukari rolled her eyes at Udetama's remark.

"We're already discussing a coup, so that's obviously the case. The question is whether or not any of this matters? Hiding the truth from Mrs. Kawamoto won't work out for Ms. Otonashi in the long term."

"She's right, little bird. You have to tell her the truth."

Otonashi looked up at Miyamoto with pleading eyes. He staggered back a step, averting his eyes.

"Well… not right away. But you know… when you're ready."

"Ya such a pushover."

Miyamoto huffed, turning his back on them.

"I wasn't the one bawling her eyes out because someone wouldn't stop crying."

Kurumu took in a deep breath, glancing at Tora.

"I guess that's it for the night. Ready to put up your pee barrier?"

Yukari snickered as Tora rolled her eyes.

"Could you be less crude?"