Kurumu gasped as an icy chill shocked her system. She whimpered, pulling away from that frigid touch against the back of her neck. Hugging the pillow tighter against her face, she dragged her knees up to her elbows.
"Get up."
She squealed when Mizore's hand touched her waist below the fabric of her tank top. The chill radiated across her midsection, making the warmth inside her urgent and pressing. She rasped out protests as Mizore's hand dragged up her top to caress her spine, causing her to squirm.
"Stop! You'll make me pee."
Kurumu whined until Mizore's touch mercifully withdrew. Chucking her pillow aside, Kurumu pushed herself up on her hip. She shivered, glancing about the room momentarily disoriented due to the lack of windows. Then she recalled they had spent the night with Otonashi.
Mizore was kneeling nearby, wearing the black tank top and red shorts from last night. As the snow girl squirmed in distress, it was impossible not to acknowledge her rock hard nipples protruding through the fabric. One of her hands was squeezed between her thighs.
"What time is it?"
"I have to go."
Moka was the only other occupant in the room presently. The vampire rested peacefully on her side facing them with her head upon the corner of a pillow held loosely in her arms. Her shoulder lifted slightly with each soft breath.
"Where's everyone else?"
"Can you carry me?"
Kurumu laughed, slowly getting up on her feet. She absently ran her fingers through her locks about her ear. Without meaning to, her fingers caught on the side of her ribbon and tugged it free. She regarded the purple lace, yawning. She wondered if she should leave her hair down for today because it felt nice upon her shoulders. She had no idea how long her hair actually was anymore. Maintaining this illusion was as easy as suppressing her true form.
"Kurumu. Please."
"You know with Tora gone you didn't need me to go with you. Her barrier is down."
Mizore peered up with pleading eyes.
"I don't know if I can make it down the stairs."
Kurumu frowned at the girl, thinking this over.
"Well… I'm not carrying you if it's that bad. I don't need you peeing on me."
Mizore whimpered as Kurumu stalked over to the door. Sliding it open, Kurumu stepped out into the bright hall and took a deep breath. She drifted to her right a couple paces to reach the end of the hall.
"Wait for me!"
Kurumu paused at the top of the stairs. She watched Mizore hobble out of the room. The snow girl shut the door behind her before shuffling over to Kurumu without ever truly parting her thighs. With a laugh, Kurumu started down the steps.
"I thought you were in a hurry."
"Why can't she have a toilet upstairs?"
Amused, Kurumu shook her head as she quickly reached the bottom of the stairs. She could relate to Mizore's condition, thankful that her urge to empty her bladder was not as desperate. She glanced up as she drifted to the edge of the landing on her right. Mizore was holding her crotch while her other hand slid down the wall with each labored step.
"You should eat breakfast with us today."
"Can't think. Going to burst."
Smirking, Kurumu slowly started down the passage back to the main hall. A few paces down, she heard Mizore breathily thank the spirits. She paused, glancing back as the snow girl rounded the corner. Mizore was now massaging her crotch with both hands as she shuffled towards Kurumu.
"I am not explaining what you are doing to anyone whom asks."
Kurumu stalked away to the main hall, noting there was nobody at the front counter. She heard voices coming from the dining area, mostly male. Tsukune and Koike were talking to some unfamiliar men. She headed down the hall.
The first door on her right opened into an office behind the front counter. The next door on her right was for the pantry behind the kitchen. This pass through space lined with shelves opened into the area for washing dishes. A walk in cooler and freezer were nestled in along the exterior wall behind the office.
On the left side was the door to Mrs. Kawamoto's suite. Kurumu understood it was a three compartment area with a living room, bedroom and bathroom. The innkeeper had to leave the comforts of her suite to cook her meals and do her laundry.
Kurumu wondered if she should do her laundry. She had no idea what the plan for today was. It seemed like they were supposed to wait here until Lord Kamiya attacked them. She halfheartedly wished the guy would do it soon since she hated the idea of spending the rest of her summer vacation with this uneasy feeling of anticipation.
She paused at the center of the hall with a sliding door on either side. Both were drawn open. Through the right she saw Mrs. Wayama dressed in a blue tee shirt and black capris talking with a police officer. The older woman told the officer that she left the inn before nine last night and arrived this morning around six thirty to start breakfast.
"What's wrong?"
Kurumu shrugged at Mizore's whimpered inquiry. She ducked through the opening on her left into the service corridor. The first door on her left was for some janitor closet with cleaning supplies and a mop sink. Further down the corridor on the left side was the door to the laundry room. Kurumu drifted over to the first door on their right, pushing it open to reveal a small alcove with an opening on the right.
"You first."
After Mizore pranced through the opening, Kurumu closed the door behind them. As Kurumu slipped around the corner of the alcove, Mizore ducked behind the white plastic curtain of one of the four stalls on the left. Kurumu glanced at her reflection in the long mirror mounted over the trio of sinks on the right wall. A wooden shelf was built at the end of the sink counter which was stocked with towels and bathing supplies. Next to the shelf was a half dozen vacant cubbies for guests to store their belongings.
"Oh, that's hot."
Kurumu chuckled at Mizore's gasp of relief which was accompanied by the sound of a strong stream striking a surface. Sparing a glance at the wrapped toothbrushes and small toothpaste tubes set out beside the sinks, Kurumu wandered over to the nearest stall and drew aside the curtain. Squatting down over a porcelain floor trough, she tugged her black shorts up to her knees. She sighed in relief as she emptied her bladder.
"Does your steam up?"
"Huh?"
"Steam. Do you have steam from your pee?"
Kurumu blinked at the absurd question.
"I have never thought to look."
Mizore sighed heavily as the steady patter from her stall finally ended.
"I feel much better."
Kurumu chuckled, squeezing to get a little more out.
"That sounded like a lot. How long were you holding that?"
"I only woke up a minute or two before you."
Kurumu laughed again as she stood up, tugging her shorts back in place. She stepped on the button by the end of the trough nearest the wall which flushed the porcelain clean. She shook her head, slipping around the curtain as she heard Mizore flush her trough.
"When was the last time you used a toilet?"
"Before we changed into swimsuits yesterday."
"No wonder you had to go so bad. We all took care of that last night before our bath."
Kurumu wandered over to the sinks to pick up one of the toothbrushes while glancing off to the left. There was a curtain drawn across the opening to the bathing room. They had to step over a tiled lip which kept the water in the bathing area.
"Have you taken a bath since the first night?"
"No."
Kurumu turned about as Mizore emerged from her stall. She held up the red toothbrush in her hand.
"Do you think these are complimentary?"
"I've never brushed my teeth before."
Kurumu stared at Mizore. Shaking her head, she unwrapped the toothbrush.
"How is that even possible? You're sucking on candy every day. Your teeth will rot out."
"Since when do monsters get cavities?"
"I'm not going to stop brushing to find out."
"I don't have to brush my teeth."
Kurumu rolled her eyes as she thrust the brush at Mizore.
"That's the dumbest thing I've ever heard. It's basic hygiene. You may as well be saying monsters don't have to take baths or change their clothes."
The way Mizore stared at her made Kurumu brace herself for a smart ass reply. This was a girl whom wore the exact same outfit most of the time and Kurumu had no idea how often Mizore bathed.
"I've seriously not brushed my teeth before."
"Yet you know what it is. Take it."
Mizore reluctantly took the brush. Kurumu grabbed a blue toothbrush from the pile and one of the small tubes of white mint paste. She handed the white tube with red streaks over to Mizore.
"I haven't ever seen you brush your teeth."
Kurumu sighed as she squeezed a dollop of white onto the bristles. She turned the faucet on for a trickle of water to wet the brush before cutting the water back off.
"I forgot my toothbrush at school."
Mizore snorted, unscrewing the cap of her tube to squeeze out the paste.
"So you haven't brushed all month."
"Shut up."
Kurumu spent the next minute scrubbing her teeth while watching her reflection. Mizore mimicked her motions fairly well for someone claiming to have never done it before. Kurumu had to admit the brush looked as natural in Mizore's mouth as her lollipop sticks.
Kurumu grabbed a red plastic cup from the stack. Letting go of her toothbrush, she filled the cup with water. Taking the brush out of her mouth, she dumped the bristles in the cup and shook the brush vigorously. She spilled the water into the sink basin, setting the brush aside as she filled the cup again. Upending the water in her mouth, she swished the water about and spit back in the cup. She repeated the process three times before turning the sink off.
"See. That was easy."
Mizore nodded, gesturing for a cup. Kurumu absently handed hers over which Mizore proceeded to fill.
"I can't believe your mother never had you brush your teeth. Aren't your brothers human?"
Mizore shrugged as she set her water cup aside and rinsed her brush under the stream of water.
"I miss my family."
Kurumu paused as Mizore thoroughly cleaned her bristles.
"Well… you haven't seen her since the start of the year. That's normal."
Mizore nodded, setting her brush aside.
"I plan to invite my mother to sports day. Ginei said parents can come to that. You should have your mother come too."
Kurumu absently touched her breast.
"I could, but her work might keep her busy."
Mizore picked up the cup, holding it to her lips.
"I think it would be nice for them to make up. They were friends before."
Kurumu had no response as Mizore quaffed the contents of the cup. The snow girl swished maybe once or twice but she unmistakably swallowed.
"Wait. You're not supposed to swallow that."
Mizore favored her a dubious look, setting the cup aside as the outer door was rolled open.
"You're supposed to spit it out when you're finished."
"But it tastes good."
A boyish laugh announced Udetama's arrival. The short haired blond poked her head around the alcove with a fanged grin.
"Bets context of those words matters, but we've been robbed."
Kurumu frowned at the playful glint in Udetama's blue eyes.
"Are you serious?"
"Why the cops here. Almost done with all in there. They plan to interrogate all on the premises. Heard ya two chatting and figured I'd warn ya."
Kurumu nodded, taking a reluctant step towards the door and Mizore. She placed her hands on Mizore's shoulder and side, giving her a nudge to start moving.
"What are they planning to ask us?"
"Nothing serious. Running upstairs to change. Not right be seen in my jammies."
Kurumu had no idea what was wrong with Udetama's white shirt and black sweat pants. Electing not to comment, they followed the blond out into the service corridor. Mizore lagged behind, closing the door.
"Do they have any suspects?"
"Probably. Rights back."
As they entered the main hall, Udetama cut off to the right with a slight jog. Otonashi stood across the hall next to the door into the dining area. She smiled at them, wearing a sleeveless chocolate dress with a rounded white collar. She lifted a sign which asked them to cooperate with the investigation.
Kurumu wandered over to Otonashi's side, placing a hand on the girl's slender arm. Otonashi peered up at Kurumu with eyes on the brink of tears.
"What happened?"
"That's what they're trying to figure out."
Tora stood next to a nearby table with her arms crossed, already dressed for the day in her yellow polo and black denim capris. Yukari was seated in a chair beside the sphinx, though the witch remained in her pajamas from last night.
"I heard the inn was robbed."
"It looks that way. The culprit took everything."
There were two officers taking statements. The one whom had been with Mrs. Wayama earlier stood by the terrace door and was talking with Ms. Okumura. The platinum haired teacher was dressed in a short sleeved, pale green blouse tucked in loose black slacks which touched her brown loafers. She was almost as tall as him.
The other officer was three tables away. This tall, burly, bald man was exchanging words with Ms. Aimai whom was wearing a wispy green nightgown which was barely suitable to be seen in public. The woman was openly flirting with the heavyset man whom looked like he was only a sentence or two away from taking her aside for a private conversation.
There was no sign of Mrs. Wayama but Mrs. Kawamoto was sitting by herself at a table not far from where Ms. Okumura was being interviewed. The innkeeper was wearing black leggings and a loose, peach blouse with a daring low cut. Her head was bowed as she regarded the table with a vacant stare.
Kurumu shivered as an icy hand touched her shoulder. She smiled at Mizore, unsure what they were supposed to do with both officers occupied. The only other group in the room was the four boys whom were standing about a table in the center of the room. As Otonashi came up to rest a hand on Mrs. Kawamoto's shoulder, Kurumu noted Ginei was not with them.
As expected, Kitajima and Miyamoto were wearing their robes. She was thankful she was not sharing a room with either of them, imagining those robes must reek by now. She hoped these two idiots were at least changing their underwear. Assuming they had underwear. She shuddered at the thought that these two knuckleheads were romping about in robes without anything underneath.
Tsukune was wearing a faded green tee shirt with gray sweat pants. He laughed nervously, rubbing the back of his head as Koike grinned and jostled his shoulder. The inugami had on the white tee and khaki cargo shorts he had worn the day of his arrival at the estate.
"Where's Ginei?"
Koike looked up at her inquiry.
"No idea. When I got back from my jog last night, both Morioka and Mr. Takahashi were gone."
"It is a pity that Morioka has fallen so far from Lady Otonashi's guidance that he has turned to a life of petty thievery."
"I agree that the wretch deserves a swift and merciless death."
Koike snickered at Kitajima's declaration.
"Isn't making it swift merciful by nature?"
"Some seconds can last a lifetime."
"I don't know why Senior requested these friends to help us."
Koike chuckled, slapping Tsukune on the back.
"It's all in good fun, Ms. Nazohashi. But rest assured, if Morioka has stolen from Mrs. Kawamoto in some misguided attempt to force Lady Otonashi to come back with us, I have no issue seeing justice carried out. Ends never justify the means."
Kurumu grimaced, supposing Koike had presented a believable situation with Ginei as the guilty party. She clenched a fist, stepping towards them.
"What about Takahashi? What does he have to say about this?"
Mrs. Kawamoto sighed, reaching up to touch Otonashi's hand on her shoulder.
"We don't know. He isn't answering his phone. The police sent a car out to his place but I was just told that nobody is there. We don't know where he is."
"Have you called his sister?"
"Mie is in the kitchen calling her now. But I doubt he would be there. They had a big falling out after my husband died. They barely talk to each other anymore."
"Where else could he be?"
Mrs. Kawamoto sighed again, relaxing her shoulders.
"I don't know. I… I can't say I've paid much attention to Jiro these past years, despite him sticking with me. I don't know what he does when he's not at the inn."
"I don't know what these three stooges have told you, but I know Ginei. He didn't take your money so it has to be Takahashi."
"Maybe. But why now? I don't understand."
A hand clamped down on her shoulder. Koike chuckled at her.
"You're troubling the nice lady, Ms. Kurono. And Ms. Nazohashi has told us about Morioka's angry rant about Mr. Takahashi. Kitajima was out on the patio and says the two never exchanged words."
"That is mostly true. Morioka came out and spoke with me. When Mr. Takahashi went inside, we called out to the man. He told us that he was closing up and that we should go inside. I informed him about Koike's absence and that I would stay outside till Koike's return. Then he went inside and after a minute or two, Morioka followed."
"Then the two of them could have talked."
Koike chuckled, nodding at her.
"Yes, but it would have been inside the inn. Nobody saw either of them leave. It was still a little before eleven when I came back and found Kitajima twirling his blade on the patio."
"I was not twirling my blade."
"Whatever. I'm saying Mr. Takahashi's van was gone when I came back and nobody saw Morioka since Kitajima spoke with him. I'm not seeing how Mr. Takahashi could have possibly stolen anything without Morioka knowing about it."
Mrs. Kawamoto sighed heavily.
"If it is any consolation, I don't think your friend did it. The thief was in the office. While anyone could quickly empty the till of the register, this thief also took my savings book and the company checkbook. Both of those are in my desk drawer beneath a family photo album."
"But they weren't in secure places. Anybody could find those things with enough time."
Kitajima huffed.
"Or with enough speed."
"I know that, but the office wasn't ransacked. While I know this looks poorly on Jiro, I do have former employees whom now work for Shuei Industrial. It's possible our thief is someone else. It's not like I thought to check the office when we stumbled in around two in the morning so I can't confirm when the money was stolen. I'm lucky Mie decided she should buy some juice with the loose cash."
Kurumu grimaced at the thought that anyone could have walked into the inn after hours.
"How bad are we talking about here?"
"The loose cash from the till is a loss unless we catch the thief. I can call the bank when they open to put a freeze on my accounts. But we are nearing the end of the month. I can't afford to be locked out of my accounts. I have to pay the mortgage and utilities."
"Would you have to close down?"
The innkeeper chuckled softly.
"I certainly hope the bank won't take the inn away for another late payment. If that's the case, I don't know where I'll be staying, let alone what would happen to San."
The woman sighed, caressing Otonashi's hand on her shoulder.
"I need a drink. Could you ask Mie to bring one for me, San?"
"Excuse me, Ma'am."
Kurumu favored the officer a smile as he approached with Ms. Okumura at his side. Otonashi slipped free of Mrs. Kawamoto, silently stalking off to duck through the open kitchen door. With a quick glance about, Kurumu realized Ms. Aimai had slipped away with the other officer.
"I would like to ask you some questions."
"Sure. I'm Kurono Kurumu, a first year student from a Niigata prefectural school."
"Yes, your teacher has informed us of how many students were on the premises. I take it the other young lady is another student."
"Shirayuki Mizore, Sir."
"Miss anything?!"
Udetama careened through the doorway, hopping a couple steps to regain her balance. The blond grinned wide, now sporting a gray shirt with short navy sleeves and blue jeans. She padded across the floor in bright white socks.
"Nope. I think you're back in time, Imi. We're ready to leave."
The officer turned and held a palm up at the teacher.
"Hold up, Ma'am."
"Is there a problem?"
"I want to make sure you aren't leaving with anyone we haven't spoken with."
"Wait! You guys are leaving?!"
Ms. Okumura laughed at Kurumu's shock.
"We can't sit around here doing nothing. We have a lost puppy to find."
The officer frowned, flipping over pages in his writing pad.
"I don't recall anyone mentioning a lost dog."
"He's an ornery, young boy whom likes to give girls a hard time. But don't worry. Mr. Koike here has a knack at finding our troublesome pet."
Koike chuckled, holding a thumb up at the teacher.
"I'll track him down. I'm sure he can't have gone too far."
"I'm glad that you are not worried, but I need to confirm that you are not taking a Ms. Akashiya, uh… Ms. Nekonome or Ms. Toujou with you."
Ms. Okumura nodded, snapping a finger before pointing to Tsukune.
"Mr. Aono. Could you fetch those three young ladies and explain things to them? I'll be taking the other boys and my niece out for a drive."
Tsukune nodded, heading off for the back door. The officer cleared his throat, still holding his hand up.
"Yes, but before you go, Ms. uh… Okumura. I need your number."
Ms. Okumura giggled as the boys drifted around the officer to settle behind her.
"I sadly don't know it. I'm borrowing Ms. Nazohashi's. Could you assist the officer in this matter?"
"Of course, Ms. Okumura."
"Then if you have nothing else, we shall be going."
"Thank you, Ms. Okumura. We shall contact you if we have any further questions or news."
Ms. Okumura smiled, nodding politely before leading the four second year students out of the room. Tora started to ramble off the digits for her number upon the officer's prompting. While he jotted down her number, Otonashi returned from the kitchen with a six pack of beer. The innkeeper smiled, taking the beer cans and setting them down on the table beside her.
"You are an angel, San."
"Okay. Where were we?"
A pop answered the officer as Mrs. Kawamoto opened the first can. The officer smiled politely and turned his attention back on Kurumu.
"I understand from Ms. Nazohashi that you spent the night with Ms. Otonashi and the rest of the girls."
"That is correct. I believe I entered the room before ten and didn't come out until now."
"And would you say the same for you, Ms. Shirayuki."
"They had me move to their room about a half hour or so after the others."
"Any reason why you entered the room after the others?"
"I was working on her laptop. Since I was alone in our usual room, they felt better about moving me to Ms. Otonashi's room."
"Why is that?"
"Because Mr. Morioka looks at our bodies while we sleep."
Kurumu flinched at Mizore's blunt statement as Yukari started to giggle.
"Is this true?"
"Well… yes. He did walk into our room last morning and saw all of us in a state of undress."
"Including Ms. Sendou?"
Kurumu had a feeling that Ginei would have a criminal record before the end of the day.
"I am sorry to make this announcement but our kitchen is closed! Everyone please disperse! We hope you come back!"
Yukari hopped off the box next to the podium shaking her head. Many groans followed her declaration, but they had no choice. There was absolutely nothing in the kitchen to make and Mrs. Kawamoto was not in the mood to take today's profits and run to the grocery store to buy more stock.
Kurumu set down two plates of yakisoba for the pair of lucky men whom got her last order. She knew the other three girls were doing the same. Almost every table was full because they had nobody to actively chase guys out whom were lingering after eating.
"Kurumu!"
She nodded at Yukari's distress, sashaying over to the witch dressed in her black and yellow layered swimsuit. Otonashi was standing in front of the open gate, bowing in her floral one piece suit while holding a sign with a written apology. Coming up beside Otonashi, Kurumu placed a hand on her hip and grinned at the throng of guys. The wave of lust came crashing through her core as they admired her white bikini, but this was tame compared to the crowd they had mustered yesterday.
"Don't worry, boys. I'm sure we will have more food for your appetites tomorrow."
Chortles and whistles answered her statement. But with a slow, passing gaze, this turbulent sea of desire lessened in severity as she convinced them all to come back another day. With the situation under control, she turned a smile upon Otonashi.
"How was your day?"
Otonashi smiled, turning the notebook about and scribbling 'fun' beneath her apology.
"I'm glad you're having fun."
Yukari sighed dramatically, shaking her head as she leaned against the podium.
"I guess that's fine, but we had to shut down so early."
Kurumu shrugged, having no clue what the time was.
"You called Tsukune?"
"Of course I did. I can't have the two of them bringing in more customers."
Tsukune had been standing out at the corner with Rubi, since his presence simply had not been enough to drum up any business their first half hour. Rubi had protested at first, saying they all made fun of her swimsuit and she had no reason to wear it. Somehow Yukari had convinced Rubi to strip down and run out to Tsukune's side.
"I wish I could help you more, Otonashi. I know Ginei has his doubts on if we should leave you in Mrs. Kawamoto's care, but I don't want you to leave this place if you don't want to. I think it would be nice if we could all do what we want for as long as we want to."
Yukari snorted.
"Some people have wants that don't mesh with our wants."
"I want to be with you guys for as long as I can."
Yukari glanced at her. Blushing, the witch looked away.
"Dummy."
"I see you've handled the crowd."
Tora strolled into view, crossing her arms about her periwinkle tube top. The sphinx had stuffed her writing pad in her top between her breasts since it stretched. The frill along the top hem masked the pad's presence.
"Yea… I hope this cheers Mrs. Kawamoto up."
"It was a temporary fix for her financial woes."
"I'm tempted to leave Rubi here. She worked out fine for the advertising today."
Kurumu smirked.
"Are you that annoyed with the prospect of sharing your suite with her next term?"
"What else is she going to do? We don't know if any place in Mononoke is hiring. This inn could use her."
"I worry about the lack of supervision. Ms. Toujou is not the smartest person."
"She needs to fess up about her true form to Mrs. Kawamoto."
Otonashi clutched her sketchbook to her chest, shaking her head.
"Ms. Sendou is correct. I know you are concerned about what she will say, but it would be best to find that out while we are around. That way if she does reject you, we can take you with us."
Otonashi whimpered, continuing to shake her head. Kurumu smiled softly, resting a hand on Otonashi's shoulder. She was about to say something when a delicious shiver tickled her spine. Tsukune had arrived.
"Hey, Tora!"
Tsukune marched across the parking lot with an exaggerated gait and his eyes forward. He was wearing his swim trunks from yesterday and was holding the sign at his side.
"Mr. Aono. I can't keep up."
Rubi was holding her tits as she pranced across the lot in her sandals and slingshot thong. Her cheeks were flush as men whistled at her passing. Despite her pleas, Tsukune made no signs of slowing.
"She at least needs a different swimsuit."
"I wonder what Moka would look like in that."
Kurumu smirked at Yukari, shaking her head. She took in a deep breath as Tsukune stepped around Mrs. Kawamoto's vehicle, crossing the last distance to the gate.
"I'm worried about Ginei."
Tsukune frowned at her, promptly averting his eyes.
"What's this about Ginei?"
"Who knows? Kurumu randomly brought him up."
Kurumu sighed as she thought about this morning. At least they had convinced the police that Ginei's transgressions were harmless enough to not press charges. But this mark against his character had elevated suspicions of him being the thief. Kurumu worried that the police would catch him but Otonashi was convinced that Koike would find him first.
"So how was it working the street corner with Rubi?"
Tsukune laughed nervously, handing over the sign to Yukari.
"Uncomfortable."
"Did you spank her for being a naughty girl?"
"Did you tell her I would?!"
Rubi pouted as she padded over to join them.
"He didn't spank me once the whole time!"
"I can't do that in public!"
"Then can we do it inside now?"
"No!"
"Hey!"
Moka hopped out through the open door onto the patio. She bounced on her toes, waving both her arms. Her breasts jiggled in their black leather confines.
"Mrs. Kawamoto wants us to come inside!"
"Absolutely!"
Kurumu shared a smirk with Tora as Tsukune bounded across the terrace to join the grinning vampire. Kurumu followed in Tora's wake as everyone headed for the door. She shivered as many eyes followed them every step of the way, making her wonder how many of these guys were finished with their meals.
Most of the customers had cleared out from the indoor dining area. Both Ms. Aimai and Ms. Nekonome remained in their pajamas, drinking beers at the table nearest the door to the main hallway. Kurumu had known from the lingering scent on Ms. Aimai's nightgown that she had thoroughly enjoyed giving her statement to the big police officer. At least their teacher had thrown on some black leggings beneath her white, satin nightgown which threatened to slip off her shoulders and potentially bare her perky breasts.
Mrs. Kawamoto stood near the kitchen door with Mrs. Wayama and Mizore. Both older women had aprons about their torsos while Mizore sported her striped bikini. The innkeeper brightened up at their arrival while drying her hands on her apron.
"Thank you all so much for the help. At least if we have to close now, we won't have anything spoiling in the kitchen."
"This old girl isn't done yet. I see you kiddos cleaned the hallway so good that it sparkled."
Yukari barked out a laugh. Placing a hand on her hip, she thrust out a thumb.
"That's nothing. A little light magic is child's play for a genius like me."
Kurumu grinned, recalling how they had helped Otonashi clean the rooms and windows today after the officers had left. As it was the middle of the week, they had tied up the washers and dryers with futons, towels and sheets. They had yet to finish that chore since it took more than two hours to dry everything.
"You're not going to close down, right?"
Mrs. Kawamoto chuckled at her concerns. The woman untied the strings of her apron about her waist, slipping her head free of the loop. Smiling, she handed it over to Mrs. Wayama.
"I'll hold onto this place as long as I can. It's my home. But we haven't been able to keep this restaurant open ever since my husband passed away."
"Marin almost lost everything back then. The inn was closed for six months while the investigation was going on. We were so far behind on the mortgage, Mateo and I tried to convince her to sell the inn and stay with us until she was ready to start again."
"I couldn't do that. This was our dream and dreams never have to die. I had to hold onto this tightly since it was all I had left of him."
Mrs. Wayama huffed, patting Mrs. Kawamoto's shoulder.
"I won't fault you for holding on, but you should be thinking about your future. We've never recovered from the bad publicity this inn got after Ryuga's death. After four years, we're still two months behind on the mortgage."
"I bet you would have been caught up if it wasn't for Takahashi's gambling."
Mrs. Kawamoto smiled at Kurumu.
"Jiro told you about that?"
"I wouldn't blame him for everything. It's a sad fact that we haven't had two back to back days where we've made over a hundred thousand yen worth of profit since Ryuga's passing."
"There were some good holidays."
"I'll give you that. But can you remember any other time when we've had success like this?"
"True. But I made San a promise that we could turn this inn around. After seeing what you kids could do these past two days, I'm sure we can do it."
"Not staffed the way we are. And we've struggled these past two years to keep anyone on board with Shuei Industrial buying them off."
"Maybe if Ms. Aimai straightens up things with the local Happily Ever After program, I can have more loyal workers like San."
"I'd give you Rubi now if you don't mind her being a witch."
Rubi flinched at Yukari's blunt declaration.
"Huh? What did I do wrong?"
The innkeeper laughed as attention shifted to the scantily clad witch.
"I don't know if I could do that. I understand Ms. Toujou has made a lifelong commitment to Mr. Aono."
"Wait! What?!"
"You don't know?"
Tsukune gagged at Mrs. Kawamoto's confusion. Rubi cupped her cheeks, blushing as she looked away.
"He's just shy."
Kurumu timidly raised her hand.
"Technically Tsukune is my boyfriend."
"Technically?"
"It's complicated."
Mrs. Kawamoto chuckled as Rubi started to writhe her hips.
"In any case, I don't think I should take Ms. Toujou away when she seems attached to Mr. Aono."
"We are not attached!"
"Perhaps San has a friend back at the academy graduating soon whom will come down and help us. I'm sure that we can hold out until then."
Otonashi smiled, scrawling out a message and holding it up. Kurumu had anticipated a name but instead it was a generic encouragement to do their best.
"Frankly I wouldn't count on that happening. The Happily Ever After program targets top students. While Ms. Udetama might consider coming here since she already lives in Amami, she's only a second year. I haven't met any third year top students whom betrayed any interest in Ms. Otonashi."
Kurumu grimaced at Yukari's gruff analysis.
"It's not like you talk to any third year students."
"I have spoken with Ms. Horie and Ms. Shiruba whom live downstairs from me. They are both top twenty students like Ms. Chouda."
Otonashi brightened up, turning her sketchbook in her hands. She wrote frantically with a blush on her cheeks. Grinning, she held up her message which admitted she had always admired Ms. Shiruba but had never spoken with her.
Kurumu smirked.
"Well… you're mute so that was kind of given."
Otonashi pouted, tapping her second sentence. It declared she wished to be friends with Ms. Shiruba and would someday like to visit Okataiyou.
"Okataiyou? That's where Juri from our homeroom is from. Why would you want to go there?"
Otonashi smiled softly, shrugging as she brought her sketchbook back to her chest. The girl made no attempts to explain herself.
"Perhaps you kids can talk to this Ms. Shiruba for her. I know San has written letters to her friends back at school but we never had a working address to send them to. Your teacher says we could have mailed them through Umishita, but continues to dodge giving me an answer where exactly that is."
"We've never been there either, but I imagine it's a hidden town full of monsters like Mononoke."
Everyone gagged at Yukari's glib statement. Mrs. Kawamoto chuckled, tousling Yukari's locks.
"You're silly. I'm sure you're parents have told you there are no such things as monsters."
"Not at all. My Grandfather has done extensive research on many monster races."
Mrs. Kawamoto smiled with a sigh.
"Well… I suppose the world is full of them. I should be going. Mie suggested transferring all of our funds to new accounts before the end of the day. I should have done that instead of freezing them."
Mrs. Wayama huffed, handing over a zipper bag.
"Take this half of today's profits while you're at it. No point leaving this here."
"Are you sure you can manage without me?"
Mrs. Wayama snorted, drifting back to the open kitchen door.
"I've done it before. You can help me with the dishes, San, but let me put them away."
Otonashi nodded enthusiastically, ducking through the kitchen door behind the older woman. Mrs. Kawamoto sighed heavily, clutching the zipper bag to her chest.
"Thanks again for all of your help. Feel free to keep any tips our lingering guests may have left for you."
The innkeeper bowed slightly as they murmured their thanks. She turned on her heel and walked by the table with their escorts, disappearing into the main hall.
"What was the big idea, Yukari? Were you trying to blow Otonashi's cover?"
Yukari huffed at Kurumu.
"Of course."
Tora sighed, shaking her head.
"While I agree that is for the best, the setting was not suitable. There are too many eavesdroppers."
"We have someone with us whom could make everyone forget they were here today."
Ms. Aimai glanced at them upon Yukari's gesture. The succubus shrugged, popping open another beer.
"I think we should reveal the truth to Mrs. Kawamoto tonight. Kurumu and Tora should do it."
"Why us?"
Moka smiled at Kurumu.
"Because you both have wings."
"Rubi and I both know how to make our bodies have wings."
"Please don't complicate this, Ms. Sendou."
"I wonder why she was fixated on Ms. Shiruba."
Kurumu perked up at Tsukune's musing.
"Do you think it's because Ms. Shiruba knows sign language?"
"What does that have to do with anything?"
Kurumu smiled sheepishly at Yukari.
"Well… all of the senior track girls learned sign language to speak with the albino okami girl."
"If that was the case, she would have written about Ms. Horie. She is on pace to graduate as the school valedictorian and finished third in our recent popularity contest."
Kurumu supposed that was true. Horie surpassed her roommate in every category, though Kurumu felt Shiruba was prettier. Like Miyamoto, the golden haired senior had placed high but fell short of being included in the final round. Golden hair and fair eyes.
"Do you think she's related to Otonashi's mother?"
"That's a sudden leap in logic."
"My glimpse into her childhood had visits to her mother's family. They were all golden haired and had hazel or blue eyes."
Yukari crossed her arms about her chest.
"I suppose that is possible. The records show that she was kept in an orphanage in Watasora which I assumed meant she would have no contact with her mother's family while there."
"If she grew up in Watasora, shouldn't she have friends from there?"
"I imagine she does, but they might not be kids eligible for Happily Ever After. With ninety percent being the cutoff, we're talking about students whom are in the top fifty."
Kurumu sighed, having no idea which seniors might have gone to junior high with Otonashi. She knew a bunch of second and first years since Ginei flirted with half of them.
"What about Kitamori from the baseball team?"
"What about him?"
"I don't know. He's dating Nerume's friend and he's from Watasora."
"He placed fiftieth last exam. He probably doesn't qualify."
"I'm surprised Kurumu knew about the guy."
Kurumu pouted at Tsukune.
"He's dating Kakeru. She participated in the discussion about Mizore spending the summer with you."
"Is this the tall girl from my art class?"
"Yea. Short, whitish hair with pink eyes."
"She rarely speaks. Ms. Goto and Ms. Unari were more vocal about the situation."
"Excuse me, Miss?"
Attention shifted to a young man lingering in the door to the terrace. He smiled sheepishly.
"Is it okay that we leave our plates on the table? We need to go."
Moka nodded, walking briskly to the door.
"Yes, yes. Sorry about that. We need to tend to our guests."
Kurumu and Tora followed Moka out onto the patio. It looked like a quarter of their customers had taken the initiative to depart unattended. Kurumu quickly made the rounds at her tables, asking if anyone needed water and apologizing if they requested anything else. Usually it was for tea, but there were a couple inquiries for her number. She could honestly admit not remembering it.
She only had to fetch three waters while returning the dishes from four tables. None had left tips but that was not surprising. Only foreigners whom spoke broken Japanese left tips and they had not seen many of them today. A guy had offered her five hundred yen yesterday if she let him stick it in her bikini top. Five hundred yen was not so bad for something that hardly qualified as a feel.
They barely chatted with each other for the next fifteen or so minutes as they tended to their customers. Kurumu brought in dishes from three more tables, cutting her workload down by half. The six men whom lingered in her section were making a monumental effort not to finish, so she gave them a mental nudge to hurry up and play with different girls on a beach. Noting that Moka was having similar issues, Kurumu helped those guys reach a similar conclusion.
"It's finally over."
Kurumu chuckled as she helped clear off the dishes from Moka's last table.
"Yea. I think we can both agree that Tora won if this was a race."
Moka smiled, picking up her stack of plates. Kurumu dumped the utensils in the cups. They started for the open door without a single customer out on the terrace.
"Most of her guests had left before we came out."
"At least she didn't have to wait on any of them."
They strolled back inside. Yukari and Tora were seated at a table while Tsukune chatted with them. Rubi hovered off to his right while Mizore was on his left. All the guests inside had left. Kurumu had no idea where Ms. Nekonome and Ms. Aimai had slipped off too.
"Should we help with the dishes?"
Kurumu groaned, shaking her head as they ducked through the open door into the stuffy kitchen. The stoves were unattended off to the right. She stepped across the aisle, promptly placing her cups down on the nearest red tiled counter.
"I'd rather talk with Tsukune and the others."
Moka shrugged, setting down her plates beside Kurumu's dishes. Otonashi was off to the left, standing on a small box as she pulled a plate out of the sink filled with sudsy water. She grabbed the black sprayer which was connected to the sink by a silver hose, depressing a gray lever on the side by squeezing her fist. This caused the nozzle to shoot out many streams of water upon the surface, dousing the girl whom was already thoroughly soaked in water. Kurumu supposed this carelessness was fine since Otonashi was wearing a swimsuit. Finished with the plate, she handed it over to Mrs. Wayama whom daintily took it before Otonashi unleashed another reckless washing.
Kurumu shook her head as she headed back out into the dining area. She shivered slightly upon feeling Tsukune's attention, drifting over to stand beside Mizore.
"What were you guys talking about?"
Tora smiled, leaning back in her seat.
"We were talking about the future."
"Oh? You mean what you all will do after I marry Tsukune?"
Tora smirked as Tsukune laughed nervously. Kurumu let out a small squeal when Mizore touched her shoulder with ice cold fingers. Shivering, she stepped in to give the brat a chilly side hug. Mizore sighed, relaxing against her as Moka slipped in between Tsukune and the snow girl.
"You'll make me wet."
Kurumu knew Mizore had not meant that in a sexual way but could feel Tsukune's momentary reaction to those words. He promptly squashed that fantasy down, holding his hand over his mouth and nose as he looked away.
"Are you okay?"
"Yes, Moka. I'm fine."
"Blood is supposed to rush in the other direction."
Kurumu shivered as Tsukune responded to Yukari's playful remark.
"It's been some time since you've taken blood, Tsukune. Are you willing to fight me for Kurumu's blood?"
The question had a sobering effect on his struggles. He lowered his hand and managed a soft smile.
"Not yet. I need more training."
Moka nodded with a gentle smile.
"Tsukune. We should make a promise. That we shall always come together. No matter what happens. No matter how far apart our futures may take us. That if one of us is ever in trouble, we will come together and help. That none of us has to face the troubles of this world alone."
There was a long pause as everyone smiled at each other and nodded.
"Does this include Ms. Shirayuki?"
Tsukune choked out a laugh as Kurumu pouted at Yukari.
"Of course it does."
Yukari sighed dramatically.
"Then she's going to need a phone or something. Because right now, we have no means of contacting her. I'm guessing from the conversation earlier this week that you don't own a vibrator."
"Oh my God, Ms. Sendou. Please don't suggest that she get one."
Kurumu tingled from the thoughts assaulting Tsukune's mind. He was back to covering his mouth and nose, shaking his head while he examined the floor.
"She'll need something with a rechargeable battery."
"That doesn't limit her options to phones and sex toys."
"I don't care what she gets."
Kurumu chuckled as she gave her chilly companion a squeeze.
"I'm sure we can find something at an electronics store."
"Who do you think won today's contest?"
Kurumu frowned at Mizore.
"Contest?"
"To determine which of us was the most desirable."
Kurumu laughed, shaking her head.
"I wasn't keeping track of that today."
"I imagine it would be the same as yesterday."
"What are you girls talking about?"
Tora sighed at Tsukune's question, gesturing at them.
"These three were comparing how many times guys asked for their numbers."
"You were part of it."
"Oh, please. I had less than half of what either of you claimed."
"We should have Tsukune decide."
"What?!"
Tora frowned at Mizore.
"What are you wanting him to decide?"
"Which one of us looks best in our swimsuit?"
Kurumu laughed, letting Mizore go. She reached up and tousled the snow girl's thick locks.
"Don't be silly. You would all lose that contest."
"That's not true!"
Kurumu smirked at Moka's denial. The vampire blushed as the other girls looked at her. She lowered her head and pressed her index fingers and thumbs together.
"I mean… I almost got as many number requests as you did. I'm sure Tsukune likes my suit."
"Uh… of course! I love the black leather look."
Rubi turned a shade of crimson, clasping her cheeks as she started to happily squirm.
"That makes me so happy, Mr. Aono."
"He wasn't talking to you."
Tsukune laughed nervously, rubbing the back of his head as Rubi pouted at Yukari.
"Yea. Moka. Um… it looks real nice."
Kurumu smirked at his delivery.
"I'm sensing you preferred her other bikini. The white one with the frills."
"But that one was too small. This one fits better."
Tsukune blushed, glancing aside with a sheepish chuckle.
"Yea. That looks more comfortable for Moka."
Kurumu grinned. She thrust her bosom out as she placed a hand on the back of her neck.
"Oh? How about my swimsuit? It's adjusted for comfort."
His eyes swept hungrily over her as he held his hand over his mouth and nose.
"Uh… yes. That's very nice. It looks like your wearing lingerie, Kurumu."
"You're overreacting. You've seen her naked many times."
Kurumu huffed at Yukari, placing her hands on Mizore's shoulder and turning the girl to face Tsukune.
"So? He's also seen Mizore naked. What do you think of her swimsuit?"
His eyes swept over Mizore's porcelain skin, turning down.
"I think Mizore always looks good in stripes."
Mizore must have also noted the descent of his gaze. She cocked her head.
"Do you want me to take them off?"
Tsukune jerked his gaze aside.
"I'm good. You have a nice suit, Tora. I like the frill around the top."
"Thank you, but I don't care to win this contest. Last time the winner had to buy the losers drinks."
"And Yukari has a cute swimsuit too. It draws attention and perfectly fits her."
Yukari grinned, hopping out of her seat. The witch clambered up on top of her chair and pounded her breast with pride.
"Thank you. A genius like me deserves to be recognized."
"And what about me, Mr. Aono?"
Tsukune glanced at Rubi. The witch was still squirming like she had to use the restroom. He looked away.
"Yep! You all look fantastic!"
Rubi stared in shock at Tsukune.
"You… didn't say my name."
"I would be reluctant to acknowledge you."
"Is there something wrong with my swimsuit?"
Tora sighed dramatically, getting up from her chair. She walked over and grabbed Rubi by the arm.
"Come with me, Ms. Toujou. We should change into better clothes to do our afternoon chores."
"But I don't have any chores."
"Well I'm doing my laundry and you still need to change."
"Am I being punished with neglect?"
"Something like that."
Rubi squealed in delight as Tora guided the older witch out into the main hall. Kurumu shook her head, amazed that Rubi sounded happy about that.
"So… who won?"
Tsukune laughed nervously at Mizore's inquiry as he rubbed the back of his neck.
"I can't say. You all look so great."
Yukari snickered, placing her hands on her hips.
"While I appreciate the flattery, you'll have to wait a few years to enjoy this body."
"Yea… actually… I would say that Yukari has the best swimsuit. When I look at her, I'm not thinking about lingerie at all."
Yukari stared at him for a moment.
"I don't know if that means I win and I should be happy."
Moka smiled, walking over to hold a hand up to Yukari.
"I think it's a win. We don't want Tsukune thinking about you in lingerie."
"I guess that's right."
"We should play rock, paper, scissors to determine the winner."
Kurumu frowned at Mizore.
"How does that work?"
"We all throw at the same time, and whomever throws the same thing as Tsukune wins."
"I'm fine with declaring Yukari the winner here."
Yukari pouted at him.
"I don't want to win on the basis that you think I'm the least sexy. Count me in."
Kurumu had no idea what Yukari was hoping for here. If Tsukune called her sexy, she would label him a pedophile. She sighed, shaking her head as she held her left hand up.
"Okay. I'm in it."
"Rock! Paper! Scissors!"
Kurumu pouted as she quickly noticed she was the only person to have kept her fist closed. Both Tsukune and Mizore had flattened their palms out for paper while Moka and Yukari went with scissors.
"I win. As your reward, you may drink my blood."
Moka laughed as Tsukune grimaced.
"Should I do that?"
"She thinks you should. More blood from Ms. Shirayuki will make you stronger."
"I'll go get the bottle."
Mizore slipped behind them and started for the door. Kurumu turned and wagged a finger at her.
"And you owe us drinks. The winner buys."
"Can I please take a break?"
Tora huffed at Kurumu, sitting across the table. The sphinx had on a spaghetti string tank top with a lush green hue with a matching pair of cotton shorts. She turned the page of that book she had been reading back at the estate, nearly at the end of her story.
"Shush. Do your English homework."
Kurumu pouted as she regarded these sheets of gibberish. She had changed into her black tank top with the gray cotton shorts. Mizore had asked why she mixed her colors when she owned a pair of black cotton shorts. Kurumu had not really thought about it, knowing that Moka had bought these as a set so she had been keeping them that way.
"I'm surprised that she hadn't finished it yet."
Tsukune chuckled, shaking his head. He was seated at the adjacent table, typing on Yukari's laptop. He was only wearing a black sleep pant as he regarded his notebook littered with comments relevant to his two articles for the badminton club and cycling club.
"Can I listen to my music?"
"You'll never get it done if we let you do that."
"Why?"
"Because she'll start singing."
"What's wrong with that?"
"You won't be doing your homework if you're singing."
Kurumu shrugged as she tapped her pencil against the worksheets.
"I bet Tsukune would love to hear me sing."
"I have half a mind to send him up to his room since you keep stealing glances at him."
"She is?"
Kurumu said nothing, unable to deny it. She kept thinking about how none of the second years had returned and how it was already after eight. While she knew that was a bad thing, it also meant that Tsukune had the room all to himself. She rubbed her knees as she contemplated sneaking into his room later tonight. Having done it before in Kofu, she knew it would not take long.
"If Ms. Kurono needs assistance, I might be able to figure out Mr. Nagamushi's course material."
Hearing that from Ms. Nekonome was discouraging. Their teacher was seated at a table with an inn towel slung over her shoulders. A black tee hung loosely upon her frame, stretching over the hem of her yellow fleece pant. The woman had ducked out after lunch with Ms. Aimai to go fishing at the pier. Ms. Aimai had gotten a call from Ms. Okumura around five which prompted her to abandon Ms. Nekonome, forcing their teacher to hoof it back on her own. The succubus had not answered her phone since.
Ms. Nekonome had ordered takeout for dinner. With their kitchen supplies exhausted, Mrs. Wayama had nothing to make for them and it sounded like Mrs. Kawamoto got called in by the police after her visit to the bank. The older woman was politely keeping watch at the front counter, waiting with Otonashi for the innkeeper to return.
"I moved your clothes to the dryer."
Kurumu smiled as Mizore strolled into the room, holding her knapsack against her chest. The snow girl was wearing that Faith, Hope and Love shirt which hung halfway down her thighs.
"Thank you."
"You should take your clothes upstairs."
Mizore shook her head at Tora's suggestion, wandering over to the other table. She placed her knapsack in one chair before tugging out the other. Tsukune smiled at her though his eyes went wide when she hiked her shirt up, baring her bottom. He made gagging sounds as she sat down on the chair.
"Why would you do that?"
Mizore shrugged at Tora's incredulous question.
"He's seen it before."
Tsukune blushed hard, shaking his head as his fingers curled on the keys of the laptop.
"I saw nothing!"
"Is it pretty?"
A pop sounded as Ms. Nekonome opened a can of beer.
"Ms. Shirayuki. Mr. Aono and Ms. Kurono are both trying to work on important things. Please don't distract them from their tasks."
Mizore rested her cheek on the table, peering intently at Tsukune.
"I won't say a thing."
Tsukune chuckled nervously, making a deliberate effort to resume his typing.
"I wonder what Moka is doing."
Kurumu sighed as she stared at her worksheets laden with words and definitions. It would have been nice if there was anything on this sheet which resembled language.
"Come help me, Mizore."
The snow girl sat up, glancing back at her. Mizore had finished transcribing her story before dinner. With a sigh, Mizore got up, fluffing her shirt back down around her thighs. She wandered over to Kurumu's side, taking the invitation to sit in her lap.
"You're never going to finish your homework."
Kurumu smiled as she wrapped her arms about Mizore, tugging her back. Mizore relaxed in her grasp.
"I have the rest of the week to do this. What's this word, Mizore?"
"Yogurt."
"When will I ever ask a foreigner for yogurt?"
"It's on the test, Kurumu. That's all you need to know."
Kurumu sighed, struggling with the point of learning useless vocabulary. She slipped her hand around and nudged Mizore's back.
"Lean forward."
Mizore sighed again, pushing her rump into Kurumu's belly as she sprawled over the table beside the worksheet. She rested her head on her arm as she looked at the sheet.
"Better?"
Kurumu scooted up in her chair so she could comfortably reach her worksheet.
"I'm right handed. Could you do the other side?"
Mizore made a slight sound, shifting in Kurumu's lap so that she could rest on the opposing side of the worksheet. Kurumu shivered from Mizore's chill and Tsukune's sudden interest. Mizore was now facing him as she nuzzled her temple on her forearm.
"I see you've worn Ms. Shirayuki into submission."
Kurumu chuckled as she timidly wrote down the definition for yogurt in the blank space beside it.
"She's teasing Tsukune."
Tora snorted, turning another page.
"I'd argue that you both are."
"I'm enjoying a cool surface pressed against me. The temperature they run their air conditioner at is way too high for me. If I had my suite this warm, I'd be sleeping nude."
"Mrs. Kawamoto is trying to keep her electric bills down."
"Do you have her number?"
Tora glanced at Tsukune's phone resting on the table in front of them. Tora was keeping it close by in case they were called by any of the missing parties.
"I don't know if Mrs. Kawamoto has a cellphone."
"But she called us."
"From the police station."
"But the police called her while she was at the bank."
Tora sighed, shaking her head.
"I don't have her number, Kurumu. And it goes straight to voicemail when calling my phone so they've either turned it off or the battery is dead."
"Do you think they're in trouble?"
Tora sighed again.
"Well I can't do anything about it if they are. It's not like I can put down a barrier while Mrs. Kawamoto is outside. And Ms. Aimai isn't answering her phone so I don't know what we should be doing."
"Maybe we should get Yukari and Rubi to come downstairs. That Kamiya guy might come tonight."
"Could you focus on doing your homework?"
Tsukune chuckled as Tora shook her head in frustration. Kurumu sighed, pointing at the next word.
"So what's this one?"
Kurumu went down the list methodically with Mizore's assistance. She supposed she was cheating, but it was not like she was having Mizore tell her the answers. Once she was done with the list, she started comparing her written definitions to the English text in the margin. She was supposed to match that gibberish to the vocabulary. Some words she knew and could make safe guesses.
She was almost done with the sheet when they heard the front door open. Mrs. Wayama was speaking with someone whom was barely audible. Kurumu regarded the open door to the hall, resisting the urge to investigate. It helped that Tora was glaring at her and Mizore was planted in her lap.
Kurumu was unable to make out the entirety of the conversation but she recognized Mrs. Kawamoto's voice. Mrs. Wayama was telling the innkeeper to get some sleep and promised to come back early in the morning. There were footsteps down the hall before a door was drawn aside. By the proximity, Kurumu guessed Mrs. Kawamoto had retired in her room.
It was difficult to focus, but Kurumu managed to complete this sheet. That put her halfway done as she heard the front door open once more. It closed and a few seconds later she heard the hum of a car's engine. The sound quickly became distant as Mrs. Wayama went home.
Footsteps carried down the hall towards them. Otonashi came around the corner, wearing her sleeveless chocolate dress from this morning. The girl had her sketchbook clutched to her bosom as she rubbed her eyes while sniffling.
"What's wrong, Ms. Otonashi?"
Otonashi lifted her head as she lowered her hand. Gripping her sketchbook, she flipped it over.
Takahashi died.
"What happened?"
Otonashi shook her head, holding the sketchbook close. She sobbed silently as Mizore scooted out of Kurumu's lap. Tora and Ms. Nekonome got up from their chairs before Kurumu did the same.
"That's terrible news."
"Did they find the money?"
"Ms. Shirayuki."
Mizore shrugged at Tora whom sighed, shaking her head. Their teacher walked over to Otonashi, reaching out to pull the smaller girl into her arms. Otonashi's shoulders bobbed as she continued to grieve for her coworker.
"I will take Ms. Otonashi to her room and spend the night with her. If you hear from the others, let me know right away."
They nodded as Ms. Nekonome led Otonashi back into the main hall. Kurumu sighed as their footsteps retreated down the hall.
"I take it we are not revealing Otonashi's secret tonight."
Tora sighed heavily, slumping back in her seat.
"I guess not. And here I had not bothered wearing a bra."
"You're not?"
Kurumu glanced at Tsukune with a frown.
"You couldn't tell?"
"I guess I wasn't really looking."
"I'm wondering if I should feel insulted."
"Since when did you care about Tsukune noticing you?"
"It's a generic disappointment. Now sit down and finish your homework."
Kurumu grimaced as she plopped back in her chair.
"Shouldn't you put down your barrier?"
"I shall when I hear from the others."
"Could you call Ms. Aimai?"
Tora sighed, grabbing Tsukune's phone off the table. She flipped his phone open and started pushed the redial button. With another sigh, she pressed the phone against her ear as Mizore wandered back over to Tsukune's table to fetch her knapsack.
"Hello. Ms. Aimai. It's Ms. Nazohashi."
Tora frowned, sitting up in her chair.
"Oh? I thought you knew this number. What? Hold up. What?"
Tora's frown deepened. She shook her head.
"No. Ms. Udetama is not here. What's going on?"
Tora groaned.
"I'm terribly sorry that she did that. I wouldn't think she would be so careless."
Tora paused, absently caressing her book.
"How is Ginei?"
Tora bit her lip, nodding.
"And the others?"
Tora sighed heavily.
"I'm sorry. What do you want us to do?"
There was a long pause as Tora listened to phone.
"Okay. I'll take care of it when she gets here."
Tora grimaced. She took in a deep breath.
"How much time should I give her?"
Tora's shoulders relaxed as she regarded Kurumu with anxious jade eyes.
"Okay. I'll tell Ms. Nekonome and keep watch for the night."
Tora nodded.
"Take care of those idiots. Thank you."
Tora managed a smile as she lowered the phone from her ear, folding it up.
"That didn't sound promising."
Tora laughed at Tsukune's remark, setting his phone down.
"Well… Ms. Udetama might be coming here tonight."
"By herself?"
Tora stared at the table, nodding her head.
"I guess they leveled a twelve story building in the middle of the city."
"What?!"
"Yea. Our escort has spent the last couple hours convincing the nearby television station that nothing happened and that the wreck of the building they are trying to film was something under construction. She's been on the phone with Ms. Juunan to get more aid to cover this mess up. There are dozens of bodies they need to discretely dispose of."
"Is Ginei okay?"
"All Ms. Aimai would tell me was that the boys and Ms. Okumura were spending the night in Umishita. I guess Ms. Udetama wanted to tell us what happened so she left the scene before Ms. Aimai arrived."
Kurumu nodded, wondering if Ms. Aimai would avoid telling them about any of their friends dying.
"What did you mean by her being careless?"
Tora laughed, standing up.
"I guess Ms. Udetama blasted out a bunch of windows when she took off. Apparently she's really fast. Ms. Aimai was concerned that she wasn't here yet, since this mess is only about forty kilometers away."
Tsukune chuckled nervously.
"That's a long way to cover in two hours. Maybe she realized she can't run that fast around humans."
"Maybe she got lost."
Tora nodded at Mizore's comment.
"It's probably a mix of both. I guess some good news is Ms. Aimai could confirm that Lord Rokurou was among the deceased."
Tora stared down at the table.
"The boys… they killed about thirty agents."
"What about Lord Kamiya?"
Tora snapped out of her reverie, shaking her head.
"No. Lord Kamiya was not there. Ms. Aimai wants me to put up the barrier. She thinks Lord Kamiya might come tonight, so we should sleep in shifts."
"Is she coming back?"
Tora closed her eyes, shaking her head.
"She can't. The mess is too big. We're on our own."
The front door slammed open. Kurumu popped to her feet as every muscle in her body tensed.
"Have I got a story to tell ya!"
Udetama careened through the open door with a wide grin. Her gray shirt was smeared in blood and her blue jeans were torn off and tattered high up her thighs so thoroughly that they could barely be defined as shorts. Other than the state of her attire, the blond appeared unharmed.
"We fought an army!"
Tora gasped out in relief, clutching a hand to her bosom.
"Thank goodness you are okay."
"Course I'm right. They not put a finger in me."
"I think you meant on."
"Whatever."
"How's Ginei?"
Udetama laughed, waving a hand dismissively.
"He'll live. Stupid mutt got way in over his head. Lucky Koike sniffed him out or he been in real trouble."
"I heard they were taken to the hospital."
Udetama shrugged.
"Bunch of sissies. Not a scratch on Kitajima. Cut through baddies like nothing. Wish I had a sword. Bare hand starts hurting after whiles."
Kurumu chuckled at Udetama's enthusiasm. She smiled, glancing at Tora.
"Do you need healing?"
"Naw, I'm fine. Damn fools dropped the building on us though. Desperate pansies. Place was bedlam. Humans going crazy. Auntie call that big boob chick to clean up for us."
Tora let out a deep exhale.
"Well if you don't need anything, I'm going to set a barrier about the entire inn."
Kurumu smiled as Tora started for the door.
"Do you need any help?"
Tora shook her head, wagging a finger at her.
"You're not getting out of finishing that homework tonight. If I need any help, I can ask Ms. Udetama."
Tsukune chuckled as Kurumu pouted. Udetama frowned, following Tora out into the hall.
"How would I be helping?"
"I suppose you could keep a lookout while I set up the barrier."
"Sounds cool."
Kurumu sighed as their footsteps retreated down the hall. She slumped back in her seat, regarding her worksheets. She shook her head, glancing up at Mizore and Tsukune at the other table. They were under threat of imminent attack by a region commander of Fairy Tale and she was doing foreign vocabulary.
"I swear, doing my English homework better not be the last thing I do."