"I'm so bored."

Kurumu hopped up from the genkan onto the front desk counter. She scooted back till her school skirt felt comfortable against this surface. She had not bothered fastening all of the buttons of this blouse since this was the one which did not quite fit. Normally she would throw on her sweater to cover her bared cleavage held in this dingy, cream bra but she had not felt like it when the only guy on the premises was Tsukune.

"Get off the counter."

Tora was parked on the black cushioned stool behind the counter. The sphinx had put her hair up in the usual braids and was wearing a white polo with khaki shorts. A futon was rolled up in the corner against the back wall by a pillow. The tanned girl had spent the night here since she had made the front entrance the focal point of her barrier where people would have to gather for permission to enter.

"You have the only chair."

"I think there's a rolling one in the office."

Kurumu glanced at the door leading to the small room where the crime had taken place. She sighed, swinging her right leg up and planting her bare foot on the counter next to Tora's elbow. Her skirt drifted up her thigh as she leaned back against the wall.

"Go get it for me."

"You're wearing thongs."

Yukari stood at the edge of the genkan with her head resting in her forearms crossed upon the counter. The witch had put on a genuine school uniform today. They did have students like Dakuhime and Nerume whom were not that much bigger than Yukari.

"Yea. I brought the silly things with me and haven't worn them all summer. Figured why not."

Tora sighed, resting her cheek on her right palm. Her jade eyes absently swept over Kurumu.

"I left the pair I own at school. I don't know how Ms. Uchikawa got used to wearing those things."

"What is the point of wearing that tiny bit of fabric beneath your clothes?"

Rubi stood by the door which gave access to the space behind the counter. The older witch wore a pink corset with a long black skirt which stretched down to her ankles. A mesh of cords descended from the black leather collar about her throat to connect to the top of her bustier. Rubi absently fidgeted with the end of her dark tail tied with a white ribbon on her left side.

"I imagine it's useful if you're on your period."

Rubi frowned at her which made Kurumu hesitate a moment.

"You have to have one. Yukari bragged about having hers when I admitted to not having one."

"It's when blood leaks out from down there, Ms. Toujou."

"Oh! I don't bother putting clothes on those days."

"You can't be serious."

"My mother gave her a pair of panties for her period but she intentionally left them at home."

"But it's messy wearing anything while bleeding. I would rather remain naked until it passes."

"That old witch let you do that?"

"She'll probably have her period again soon. The two she had at my parents' house were almost exactly a month apart."

"I wish mine were that regular."

"I'm too young to have mine regularly. The three times I've bled have been random months apart."

"But if you're not bleeding, than you shouldn't need panties."

"You do if you're going to sit on a counter with your skirt up."

Kurumu stuck her tongue out at Tora. She turned a smile on Rubi.

"Could you go upstairs and get my purse?"

"What for?"

"It has my phone, CDs and player in it. I need something to do."

Rubi nodded, disappearing down the passage to the nearest stairway.

"Why don't the two of you do your laundry?"

"Because I plan to do that tomorrow so I don't have to take a bunch of dirty clothes back to school."

"We can't even practice magic inside your barrier. Right now the only thing I feel confident having Rubi do is healing support."

"I can't imagine her being any more destructive than you are with magic."

Yukari huffed, nuzzling her cheek on her forearm.

"I don't know if she is or not."

Kurumu sighed, drawing her foot back which caused her skirt to drift even higher up.

"All I know is that the driver is supposed to take us back Saturday. That means this vision Moka's mother had is going to happen today or tomorrow. That's a lot of time doing nothing."

Tora drummed her fingers on the counter as she leaned her cheek heavier on her right hand.

"I finished my book last night."

Kurumu nodded, having stayed up with Tora, Udetama, Mizore and Tsukune until around two. She had finished her English homework and Tsukune had finished both of his articles. She probably should have Yukari check her work at some point since she lacked distinct memories from that last hour.

"Did Tsukune carry me upstairs last night?"

"That was Ms. Udetama."

"Really? I don't remember that."

"Mhm. It was sweet of her to keep me company down here."

Kurumu smiled, placing her right hand on her knee. She had spoken with Udetama at breakfast. As far as she knew, the girl was out on the patio practicing with Tsukune.

"Do you ever have sexy dreams, Tora?"

"I already said I don't ever dream of Ginei in that way."

"I dreamed of having sex with Tsukune."

"That makes me suspicious."

"About what?"

Tora smirked, glancing at Yukari.

"Did you wake up aroused this morning, Ms. Sendou?"

"I've been flush every morning waking up beside my beloved."

"I suppose I should ask Ms. Shirayuki then."

"What are you worried about?"

"I've noticed that some nights when I share a room with you, I wake up unusually aroused."

"Are you saying that I make you horny?"

"Crude. But yes. I think when you're aroused you set a mood about you."

Kurumu felt a familiar sugary sensation from Yukari. She glanced at the witch as the girl reached over to touch her left thigh.

"I think it's a scent."

The witch stepped down in the genkan. Her small fingers slid up Kurumu's thigh underneath her skirt. Kurumu shivered from the gentle touch, feeling her thong tugged aside.

"Ms. Sendou?"

Kurumu blushed, grabbing Yukari's elbow with her left hand.

"What are you doing?"

"Yours doesn't look like mine."

Kurumu glanced at Tora whom was flush and shaking her head.

"That's inappropriate, Ms. Sendou."

"Is yours like this?"

Tora crossed her arms as she looked away.

"I wouldn't know."

"Why not?"

"Could you cover up, Kurumu?"

"Why? We're all girls."

Kurumu chuckled nervously, letting go of Yukari's arm.

"Girls don't randomly poke other girls' pussies."

Kurumu shuddered at another wave of sugary hunger when Yukari turned her attention back.

"I'm not poking it, but I easily could. I can clearly see the hole where it should go."

"Ms. Sendou, please!"

Yukari withdrew her hand, stepping back up from the genkan.

"Mine doesn't look like that."

"Have you charmed Ms. Sendou?"

Kurumu blushed, reaching beneath her skirt to slip her thong back to its proper place.

"Not to my knowledge."

"Mine is adorable. My inner folds protrude like little lips. You have to spread them to see inside. It's like they suckle my finger when I play with myself."

"Oh my God, I did not want that image."

Kurumu chuckled at Tora's distress. She turned her head at a sound, smiling in relief at Rubi's arrival. The witch grinned, stepping down on the genkan and holding out Kurumu's lavender purse by the thin strap.

"Thanks. We needed a distraction."

"I'm glad to be of service. What were you talking about?"

"That our vaginas look different."

Kurumu glanced away with wide eyes as Tora hid her face in her hands. Rubi cocked her head with a contemplative expression.

"I guess that's true."

"Do we want to know how you are quick to concede that fact?"

"I've bathed with Mrs. Sendou and the other ladies at this inn."

Kurumu frowned as she placed her purse in her lap.

"Yea. I've bathed with many girls but I tend to only notice their pubic hair. I'm not paying attention to anything below that."

Rubi bit her lip, glancing aside.

"Well… I also had my hairs removed by Ms. Akegawa. I noticed the shape of Ms. Shuzen's was slightly different than Ms. Akegawa's or mine."

"Yours is like a pink sponge. There's folds of flesh all over the place."

Kurumu smirked at Yukari's comment. While she had glimpsed Rubi's nethers once, it had been a brief, hectic moment. Chouda had a picture documenting this debacle which had taken place in Yukari's new suite if Kurumu wanted to see Rubi bent over and exposed to a crop wielding Tsukune.

"Such a horrible description. I like to think of it as a pretty, pink rose."

Yukari snickered, shaking her head.

"A guy would need a map for your mess. I bet if we put yours next to Kurumu's they'd pick hers."

Kurumu blushed as Rubi pouted. She absently lifted her left foot up to rest on the counter.

"Is it really that different?"

"Yours is very sexy."

Kurumu blushed darker, pressing her knees together. Yukari let out a sigh as she leaned her cheek back on the counter while gripping the edge.

"It's actually sexier than my Moka's. Hers is weird."

"When were you looking at Moka's?"

"Several times. I was wondering if mine would become more like hers when I got older, but after seeing Kurumu's and Rubi's, I'm starting to think that's not going to happen."

Kurumu smiled softly, placing her left hand on her left knee. She took in a deep breath.

"I imagine I'll regret this… but what's Moka's look like?"

"It's just a split. I guess that's cute in its own way, but not what I'd call sexy. Short of spreading her legs wide, I don't think you can see anything of hers."

"You mean like Kurumu's legs were spread a second ago."

"No. I bet if I look right now, I can still see most of Kurumu's."

Kurumu chuckled, slipping her hands down to unzip her lavender purse. She tugged her CD player out along with the Utada CD since she had not listened to it in a couple days.

"I don't care if you look again, but you better not touch."

Yukari promptly hopped back down into the genkan and reached beneath Kurumu's thigh. The witch tugged Kurumu's thong aside and made a sound of triumph.

"See! Her outer doesn't hide her inner at all. It's naturally spread apart. And her hole is just… there. Her folds don't hide it at all. I wonder if it's because she has sex."

Kurumu smiled as she felt some sweet warmth from Tora. The sphinx was peering beneath her skirt intently as Kurumu freed the CD from its case.

"I thought you watched a bunch of sex videos to determine Tsukune was larger than average. Didn't the women in those sleazy things have different pussies?"

Yukari blushed, glancing aside.

"I was too fascinated with the penises to notice."

Tora laughed nervously, looking away.

"That's something an eleven year old shouldn't be saying."

"I can't believe you've never looked at yours, Ms. Nazohashi. Don't you ever masturbate?"

"Occasionally. Usually with my face buried in a pillow and focusing on dirty thoughts. I don't want to see or hear anything to ruin the fantasy."

"Oh. That makes sense. I've done that before."

"I did not need to know that."

Kurumu chuckled as she closed up the CD player and plugged in the jack for the earphones. She reached over to tousle Yukari's head near her calf. The witch had resumed studying her with sugary interest.

"Are you going to keep staring at it?"

Yukari made a slight sound of disappointment, reaching in to slip the fabric back in place.

"Do either of you want to listen to Utada with me?"

"I'll pass on that. I'm not in the mood for love songs after this disturbing conversation."

Kurumu pouted at Tora. Sighing, she held the earbud out to Yukari.

"I don't think you've listened to any of my CDs yet."

"I suppose I can."

Yukari took the earbud and promptly pushed it in her left ear.

"Could you plug this in for us?"

Kurumu held out the power cord to Tora. Tora sighed, hopping off the chair to take the black cord. She bent over, pushing the prongs into an outlet on the exterior wall beside the counter.

"So you have never looked at yours with a mirror, Ms. Nazohashi?"

Tora snorted, hopping back up on the stool.

"I'm not about to give that brat something to play with."

Kurumu chuckled, mildly curious what Tora's phantom could do with that image.

"I'm sure it wouldn't be that bad."

"Oh, I bet it could be. Could you imagine someone wanting to enter my barrier and being greeted by a girl playing with herself?"

"Can't she do that now?"

Tora smirked at Yukari.

"No. She's like a reflection. She can only work with things captured in mirrors, photographs and film."

"Oh. That's intriguing."

"I'm going to push play now."

Yukari made a sound as Kurumu tucked the other earbud in her right ear. Pushing play, she reached over and tugged Yukari to her side. The witch settled in closer, resting the side of her head against Kurumu's waist. Yukari started to hum with the song as she absently caressed Kurumu's left thigh.

It was hard not to start singing along since she knew the words. Time will tell. Take it easy. It was a soothing, relaxing song. She petted Yukari's hair as she bobbed her head to the rhythm.

"What should I do?"

Kurumu shrugged at Rubi, noting Ms. Nekonome was approaching. The teacher had on a sleeveless, peach crochet crop top and faded denim capris.

"Your panties are showing, Ms. Kurono."

"She knows, Ms. Nekonome."

Ms. Nekonome stopped at the end of the counter, smiling at Tora. The teacher was not wearing a bra with that open patterned top. It was miraculous that her nipples remained obscured.

"Are you girls doing fine?"

"We are now that we've stopped comparing pussies."

Kurumu snickered at Tora's blunt admission.

"I would hope you would save that exploration for bath time."

"I would hope you would discourage that activity entirely."

Ms. Nekonome chuckled at Tora.

"Some curiosity is normal."

"I suppose as long as all participants are willing."

Kurumu bobbed her head as the next song started up. It was also slow and relaxed and it's Automatic. She resisted the urge to sing along the opening lyrics, humming as she swayed to the steady cadence.

"Is there something I can do?"

"Sure, Ms. Toujou. I just left a game of cards with the other girls to see what your group was up to. Have them teach you how to play Daifuugo."

"What's that?"

Ms. Nekonome laughed, gesturing at the hall behind her.

"Go and find out."

Kurumu smiled as Rubi retreated down the corridor.

"Mizore is playing cards with Moka?"

"Yes. And it's quite intense in there. Ms. Otonashi is doing her best to keep the peace."

"Sounds like a wholesome way to pass the time."

Kurumu smirked, rocking her shoulders to the song. She fished her phone out of her purse as she continued to absently caress the lock about Yukari's ear.

"Do you want to call Ms. Aimai?"

"She'll probably chew us out if we do."

"I called her before coming over. She's meeting a coworker this afternoon. She'll be tied up all day."

"Any news from the others?"

"We can't contact them while they're in Umishita."

Kurumu nodded, supposing there was nothing else for her to do. She probably could call one of her friends but that could wait until after she finished the CD. She slipped her phone back in her purse as the next song came on.

"Nothing's gonna stop me. Only you can stop me. Nothing's gonna stop me. Only you can stop me."

"Cute English."

Kurumu glanced up with a blush, sticking her tongue out at Tora.

"I like these songs. All of Moka's music is guys."

"You don't like hearing guys sing?"

Yukari shrugged, nuzzling her cheek against Kurumu's skirt.

"You smell sexy."

Kurumu smiled, having nothing to say to that. She closed her eyes, enjoying the music for now.

"What do you plan to do today, Teacher?"

"I guess we are waiting until Mrs. Kawamoto wakes up."

"Are we going to tell her the truth about monsters?"

"I believe we should leave that up to Ms. Otonashi."

Ms. Nekonome leaned on the counter without another comment as the song continued in Kurumu's ear. The woman peeked beneath Kurumu's skirt, shaking her head as she turned about and leaned back with her shoulders on the counter. She deliberately stood in a manner to block the view of Kurumu's thong to anyone walking down the hall.

The next song, First Love, was very slow and soft. This was the kind of tune she should be dancing close against Tsukune. She could imagine the gentle sway in his arms and kissing deeply. She sighed.

There was a thud against the wall and a groan as the song came to a close. The door to Mrs. Kawamoto's suite slid open and the innkeeper stumbled out, rubbing her shoulder. A soft pink blouse struggled to keep her assets hidden and black leggings clung to her hips, thighs and calves. The sandy haired woman shambled over to them with a confused expression.

"Where's San?"

"She's in the dining room with the other girls."

Mrs. Kawamoto nodded, grimacing as she lifted a hand to touch her temple. Kurumu refrained from moving too much to the opening beats of the next song. She scratched her fingers through Yukari's locks, causing the girl to let out a sigh.

"What time is it?"

"It was a little after ten when I was playing cards with the girls."

Mrs. Kawamoto frowned, glancing back down the hall.

"That late? Where's Mie?"

"We took the groceries from Mrs. Wayama and sent her home. We had these two cook breakfast with Ms. Otonashi. We have some leftovers set aside for you."

Mrs. Kawamoto stumbled over to Ms. Nekonome's side. The innkeeper regarded Kurumu with confusion as the song continue to play in Kurumu's ear. She offered a slight wave as she hummed along with the lyrics for Addicted to You. There was a long pause as the woman processed Tora's statement.

"Mie's not here?"

"No, Mrs. Kawamoto. We felt it would be easier if we handled this without Mrs. Wayama."

"But what about lunch? Dinner?"

Ms. Nekonome laughed, placing a hand on the confused woman's shoulder.

"We were hoping you would wake up before we had to address that. It seems Ms. Okumura and Ms. Aimai have both of our rentals, so I need your help to fetch groceries."

"Oh. Of course. I… I should put a bra on."

The woman stumbled back towards the open door to her suite. As the song continued, Kurumu thought about how this morning had went. Mrs. Wayama had arrived around six thirty, snapping Tora out of her slumber before her phantom did anything reckless. The sphinx had taken the groceries and shooed the older woman off, giving some random excuse about Mrs. Kawamoto feeling unwell and that they could handle it. The older woman had been reluctant to leave, but Tora's phantom had roused Otonashi and Ms. Nekonome to come down and verify things were fine.

Surprisingly, none of the three felt confident enough with their cooking skills to handle breakfast. Tora had roused both Yukari and Kurumu to handle the chore while Otonashi helped out. Kurumu had tried taking a nap after breakfast, but had given up before coming down here to hang out.

"You're wall dancing."

Kurumu grinned at Yukari's comment, having not realized how much she had started rocking her hips to this song. She scratched the girl's locks about her ear as she diminished her wiggles while the song rolled into its final stretch. The innkeeper popped back out of her suite, this time closing the door behind her.

"Okay. I should be ready to go."

Ms. Nekonome laughed as Mrs. Kawamoto shuffled over to join them.

"We're not in that big of a rush. Half of our party is still out."

"Oh? That's right. I came in so late yesterday that… I didn't think to ask. Did you find that boy of yours?"

Kurumu had to suppress her urge to sing that opening note to Wait and See. Kurumu bobbed her head as the lyrics of the first verse rolled out.

"The others found him. Ms. Udetama returned late last night to tell us the others would be spending the night in Umishita."

"Yes, and they may come back for dinner. We don't know yet."

Mrs. Kawamoto smiled thinly.

"You wouldn't know if he had the money?"

There was a slight pause in which Kurumu only heard the catchy lines from the song.

"We were hoping you found that when you got news of Mr. Takahashi."

Mrs. Kawamoto sighed and another pause followed.

"I suppose San told you."

"Ms. Otonashi informed us of his passing."

Mrs. Kawamoto sighed again, brushing a lock behind her ear.

"There isn't much to say. An officer was watching my bank and noticed I was opening new accounts. I guess he was called while I was doing that and took me down to the station to identify a body they had found earlier in the afternoon. I had to go through another round of questioning and they also brought in his sister. It was difficult. They didn't find anything on his body. If he had robbed us, someone must have taken all of the money from him."

"Was everything fine with your accounts?"

"Oh, yes! Yes. Nothing was stolen. Whomever took the books for my accounts never tried to use them. The bank charged me five percent to transfer my funds but at least we're up and running. I can pay my bills and buy your lunch."

"That's good news."

Mrs. Kawamoto nodded as the last chorus of the song played in Kurumu's ear.

"Yea. It doesn't make any sense."

"What doesn't?"

"How he died. It… it didn't make sense. Jiro never used drugs. I know it's pending a toxicology report, but he's never done that. What kind of drugs would make you bleed from your ears and eyes?"

Kurumu decided to stop her CD at the end of the song. Yukari frowned, glancing up at her. Smiling, she tousled Yukari's locks.

"Mrs. Kawamoto?"

The innkeeper looked up at Kurumu.

"Um… how did your husband die?"

The woman's reddened hazel eyes went distant. She glanced aside.

"That… that's unreal."

"What happened?"

Mrs. Kawamoto laughed mirthlessly.

"Do you want what I think or what the psychiatrist said?"

"Ms. Otonashi told us that you believe a singing monster was responsible."

The innkeeper pulled her black purse up closer to her bosom.

"San probably thinks I'm crazy."

"Ms. Otonashi cares much for you, Mrs. Kawamoto."

"Yea. For what it's worth, we believe you."

Mrs. Kawamoto laughed again, looking up at Kurumu.

"You can't seriously believe that."

"Could you explain what happened?"

"I suppose. Four years ago during the summer, a tall man with long, silver hair and enchanting blue eyes came to this inn. I would swear he was a foreigner but he spoke fluent Japanese."

Kurumu stiffened, immediately thinking of Lord Kamiya.

"Did he tell you his name?"

Mrs. Kawamoto sighed, tilting her head with a wistful smile.

"Ryuga handled those matters. I thought he registered this man's arrival, but there was no record of any visitors that night. It was evening. The man came on a Tuesday night, when business was often slow. He wanted to speak business with Ryuga and invited him up to the room we gave him."

"Room 208."

"Yes. That's right. But I was never interested in how everything worked. I just wanted Ryuga happy. He asked that I make a night snack for our guest. While I'm not as good as Mie, I can manage a few things. I spent a half hour making the sweets I know Ryuga loved."

Her grip on her purse tightened as she glanced down at the floor.

"I… when I went upstairs. I thought I heard singing. But not words. More like… notes. Impossible to describe. I opened the door to the room, curious if they were listening to music."

Mrs. Kawamoto looked up with eyes brimming with emotion.

"He was… eating Ryuga. I… pretty. Beautiful white wings. He was eating him. I didn't understand."

She shook her head, looking back down.

"I don't… the song changed? I was pulled to him. The angel. He claimed he was a messenger of God. He… he had his way with me. I couldn't do anything."

"A siren."

"What?"

"A siren. That's no angel."

Mrs. Kawamoto laughed with a shake of her head.

"The police called it a hallucinogen. Claimed that I was doped up, though they found nothing in the toxicology report to back that up. Then the psychiatrist argued I was in an agitated state and created a fantasy to cope with my rape."

The innkeeper sighed heavily.

"Nobody believes me. Some of his family still think that I killed him. Even the ones that don't… well… they don't believe me. Only Mie and Jiro stuck with me."

Yukari lifted her head from Kurumu's lap.

"We all believe you, Mrs. Kawamoto. We might even know whom your angel is."

"Yukari."

"You must be thinking it too."

"I don't understand."

Ms. Nekonome laughed, grabbing Mrs. Kawamoto by the arm.

"I think we can do a little shopping for our lunch. Some fresh air would help."

"But Ms. Nekonome-"

"We are leaving this revelation to Ms. Otonashi."

Yukari pouted as the teacher put on her sandals.

"What are you talking about?"

"You should speak with Ms. Otonashi when we come back. It is her place to explain the situation."

Kurumu smiled, reaching over to pull Yukari back to her side. The witch glanced up inquisitively before resting her head against Kurumu's hip.

"What does San have to do with this?"

"You'll be prepared to let us back in."

"I'll be waiting."

Ms. Nekonome drew open the door. Grabbing Mrs. Kawamoto by the arm, she led the confused woman out to her car. Tora sighed, scooting off her stool and wandering around the open door. They could hear the start of the engine as Tora closed the exterior door.

"We should have revealed the truth to her."

"It could be coincidence. We don't know that Lord Kamiya killed her husband."

Tora huffed as she wandered back to the counter.

"But why? Ms. Otonashi didn't even make a request to live here until after Mr. Kawamoto died."

"If Lord Kamiya knew anything about Ms. Otonashi, he would have grabbed her months ago. This has nothing to do with her. And why he killed Mr. Kawamoto is irrelevant."

"It's not irrelevant to Mrs. Kawamoto."

Yukari sighed, nuzzling her cheek against Kurumu's skirt.

"I know that. But that knowledge won't help us."

"Maybe not. But I'm going to warn the others that our fight is against a siren."

Kurumu nodded as Tora stalked off. She smiled, caressing the locks about Yukari's ear.

"So what should we do?"

"We should listen to the rest of your CD."

Kurumu chuckled, supposing they could do that.

"Ya wastes way too much time training with Morioka."

Udetama shook her head as she offered a hand to Tsukune whom had fallen on his butt after failing to land a punch. Tsukune grinned sheepishly, allowing the assistance of the shorter, slimmer, sandy haired blond. Udetama looked like a younger boy, wearing a blue tee shirt and black shorts while Tsukune's attire was almost the same. His blue shirt was darker while his shorts were the red ones with the yellow stripe down the sides.

"I've been working a little with Mr. Kitajima on my form."

Udetama laughed, patting his shoulder. The girl stepped aside, lowering slightly in a stance on the patio. All the tables and chairs had been stacked up in the northeast corner of the terrace to maximize space for their training session. With the sky darkening from the sun's departure, these two had been going at it for almost the entire day, only taking breaks for meals and the toilet.

"Yea, yea. Ya not handling a sword so not the same."

"Mr. Miyamoto seemed to think it was close enough."

"There's some overlap, but ya better learns from Miyamoto. Been in karate since like seven or eight. Knows all to know bouts unarmed combat."

Kurumu grinned at the pair as she leaned her lower back against the railing. She was near the gate to the dirt trail which winded down to the beach. Mizore, whom was dressed in her usual attire despite her protests that the snow girl should have worn one of her new outfits, was leaning on the rail beside her with hands thrust in her center pocket.

"I thought you said Kitajima was the only one without a scratch on him."

"Sure did. Miyamoto took a nasty hit covering for Koike. Thoughts both fools might die but Auntie says they'll live before I ran off."

"Evasion is still the best form of defense."

Udetama glanced at Moka whom was lingering over by the stacked furniture. The vampire was wearing her blue and white striped dress with the short sleeves and crimped midsection. Rubi hovered beside the smiling vampire, absently fussing with her ribbon tied tails.

"Rights. But ya not win fights dancing bouts. Need to hit ya opponent."

"How can you not do this?"

Otonashi pouted at the frustrated Yukari. The older girl was wearing a wispy, white dress with a frilly collar and sleeves which ended shy of her elbows. Her white strapless bra was visible through the sheer fabric which descended down her torso, transitioning into a three layered skirt which fell past her knees. Yukari shook her head, working the red string in her fingers.

"You have to memorize what to do with your fingers."

Otonashi smiled, reaching in and attempting to take the string from Yukari in a way to create a specific shape. The witch had been teaching Otonashi how to play cat's cradle. At first she had demonstrated the patterns with Rubi, stating it was good practice to learn quick, specific hand movements. The two had done it for a solid half hour without any mistakes, Rubi admitting she had been taught how to do this solo from Lady Oyakata. Kurumu felt sorry that Rubi regarded this as a form of entertainment.

As far as Kurumu knew, Otonashi had not revealed the truth of her nature to Mrs. Kawamoto. The two had eaten lunch together, but Otonashi had not written anything in her sketchbook. The girl had spent most of the meal nestled against the innkeeper's side. They had washed all of the dishes before the two finished their lunch.

That was around the time when Ms. Nekonome had fielded a call from Ms. Okumura, updating the status on the boys whom would not be released from the hospital until tomorrow. With that news, their teacher had encouraged Mrs. Kawamoto to head out with her to shop for dinner and drinking. After their dinner, those two had wandered over to the front counter to hang out with Tora.

This day had dragged on forever. After finishing her CD with Yukari, they had chatted over random topics. The innkeeper had returned with ingredients for udon which had been fun to make with Yukari. After lunch while Yukari had started her cat's cradle tutorial, Kurumu had exhausted her phone battery on calls to her friends which had prompted Moka to do the same.

Kurumu had let her battery life determine the length of her call to Kabuki, the middle daughter of Ms. Sakurai whom worked over the Shikoku region. They shared the same birth mother so they were sort of half-sisters. The silly nine year old had mentioned attending Yokai Academy before realizing Kurumu would graduate long before her high school years.

After letting her phone recover, Kurumu had made a second call with her phone plugged in around four. This time she had called Ms. Kiyoshi, updating her on how things were going with Ms. Aimai and sharing her concerns about their imminent encounter with Lord Kamiya. The friendly succubus felt confident that they would all be fine and that she should not hesitate to use her Lilith's Eye if things got too bad.

She would have called Kana, but that had been Moka's first call. Their illustrator had enjoyed an uneventful summer and was looking forward to seeing them all this weekend. The bus driver would be picking her up tomorrow with the rest of her friends from Fukui. She was hopeful that her laptop would be replaced as promised by Ms. Tensai Tobi, a local monstrel girl from the manga club whom had been involved in the fake paper created to disparage their newspaper club. Moka had arranged to meet up with the blond at the chapel after Sunday service.

Moka had also attempted to contact Kokoa but the call had went straight to voicemail. Moka had the same results trying to call Fukai, the gnome girl whom shared Moka's homeroom and was with Kokoa. Tsukune had suggested that the calls might not go through with those girls being in Hawaii. When Moka also failed to reach Ms. Fukuda whom was acting as Kokoa's escort, she agreed that had to be the case.

After their yakitori dinner, Kurumu had learned how to play Daifuugo. The rules were not that difficult. Threes had the lowest value while jokers were considered as the only thing higher than two, though they were wild and could be used as anything else. Each player had to play a card higher than the last one played and of the same amount. So if someone played a pair of threes, the next player had to play a pair of something higher. If someone played a seven, you could not follow that with a pair of eights. The number of cards had to be the same. The person whom ran out of cards first was the Daifuugo whom in a game of four scored two points towards the goal which they had set at ten. The daihinmin whom was the last player to get rid of their cards would have to shuffle and deal the next round while giving up their two highest cards to the daifuugo whom gave them their two lowest cards.

Mizore was either very good, or extremely lucky. She stomped them soundly in the one round Kurumu had played. Rubi had been thankful for Kurumu's participation, happy to not spend the whole game as the daihinmin.

"What ya blushing for?"

Tsukune laughed nervously as Udetama peered up at his face. The girl huffed as she continued touching his arms and waist to adjust his stance.

"Sheesh, been all day at this and ya still gets flush over touching."

"I'm sorry."

"Not even sexy like ya girlfriend."

Udetama turned her back to him, settling in a similar stance.

"Ya needs move quick but strike precise. Speed means nothing if ya not hit shit."

Udetama twisted in a blink of an eye, pushing Tsukune back a step. Tsukune coughed, bouncing back on his heels but remaining upright.

"Better. But twist and retaliate."

"I can barely track that punch."

"Anticipate. That stance should allow it."

"But where am I supposed to hit you?"

"Anywhere. Twist and accelerate."

"Could you slow it more? It's hard to get the timing down."

"Half speed, Aono. I'm already at half speed."

"I know, I know. It's amazing you could do that faster."

Udetama snorted.

"Should see Miyamoto. May well try looking at air."

"You must be real good at fencing with that speed."

Udetama smirked at Kurumu.

"Naw. Fencing bouts points. No goods being too fast if judges not see ya hit."

"But aren't the judges monsters?"

"Still have adjust to their vision of speed. Not so good. Plus my form was shit. Judges like proper form and blatant hits. Lost my matches in our July and November tournaments."

Kurumu nodded, vaguely recalling Satsuki mentioning overhearing Hisakata, this white haired guy whom sat next to Juri in her homeroom and lived on Tsukune's floor, talk about a kendo tournament in July.

"Does your fencing club have the same tournament schedule as the kendo club?"

"Yep. Three tourneys a year, four months apart. Ya fights with people same rank as ya. Place high enough in the tournament and they move ya up a rank. Won my March tournament outright, finally got boosted to D status. Not so good in July, but high enough that a second good finish in November could move me up to C. Be tough, but might get A rank by graduation."

"That's amazing, Ms. Udetama."

Udetama blushed slightly at his praise, shaking her head.

"Whatever. Not like it matters. Ours is different from the humans so my rank means nothing."

"What's this tournament like?"

Udetama grinned, easing out of her stance.

"It's a big event for all the prefectural schools. The summer tournament is held at Keikai High in Tenfuku the first weekend of summer break every year. Hundreds of girls be fighting for new ranks. Barely any junior highs have programs so most first years like me starts out as E ranks. The winter tournament is held at Shuugou Tech in Hayatori."

Kurumu nodded, aware that Keikai High was the first school Moka's father had suggested she attend when he asked for her to live with him.

"Where's Hayatori?"

Udetama paused with a thoughtful look.

"I think that's near Kyoto. The summer one is in Tokyo."

"What about the March tournament?"

Udetama grinned wide.

"That one's close to home. Held at Meisou Academy in Arukasa near Fukuoka. Not as many go to that one since it's during spring break after the third years have graduated."

Kurumu smiled as she thought about her first encounter with Udetama during the popularity contest.

"Do you want me to do an article for your club before your November tournament?"

"Naw. Bets ya busy with other clubs. Both volleyball and basketball starts up in November so ya should do them first."

Kurumu frowned at Udetama's dismissive response.

"I guess that's true but we'll probably do a paper at least once a month. I know we're releasing my tennis and judo articles the first week we're back and we'll probably release the next paper with my band and gymnastics articles before the end of September. How early is your tournament in November?"

Udetama chuckled, wagging a hand at her.

"Ya forgets October has the cultural festival and sports day. Not worry about it. Just like giving Morioka a hard time for avoiding me."

Kurumu smiled, supposing she did have more important things to deal with in October.

"Well… I would like to do your club and Miyamoto's karate club at some point."

"That's some dedication by Mr. Miyamoto."

Udetama glanced over her shoulder at Tsukune.

"What is?"

"Being in karate for that long. That's almost a decade."

Udetama snorted a laugh.

"That dumb bird says it's his way to protect the little sisters of the world."

"What?!"

"Yea. No idea why he gots that stuck in his head. Smart guy but so dumb."

Yukari snickered, shaking her head.

"Mr. Miyamoto is a top fifty student. Whom would expect that his brain was so rotten with deviance?"

Kurumu smirked as Otonashi timidly took the strings from Yukari.

"As if you're one to talk."

There was a subtle change in the atmosphere. Kurumu frowned as a shiver tickled up her spine. Yukari stiffened up, ignoring the string Otonashi presented her.

"What was that?"

Rubi touched her breast and Moka's shoulder.

"Ms. Nazohashi's barrier just went down."

"Tora?"

The glass door to the terrace rolled open, drawing their attention. Lord Kamiya strolled through the opening, holding Mrs. Kawamoto in his arms. The silver haired man grinned as his eyes swept over their group, clutching the limp body of the innkeeper close to the loose, white tunic he wore. Blood dripped from her eyes, ears and nose, staining Kamiya's long sleeved shirt. The garment hung over black slacks which stretched down to his shiny black loafers.

"How rude! You didn't take off your shoes."

Lord Kamiya chuckled at Yukari's indignant remark.

"My apologies, but I don't intend to stay long. I have only come for Ms. Otonashi."

Yukari held a hand back at Otonashi as the witch stepped forward. Kurumu gave a brief nod at Mizore as they eased a couple steps apart to face the threat.

"What have you done with Tora?"

Kamiya titled his head.

"Tora? Do you mean the young lady whom had this pesky soul shield about this hovel?"

"You better not have hurt her!"

Kamiya chuckled darkly.

"Don't fret, little ones. I merely disabled her. This poor human woman did not fare as well."

"Lord Kamiya Kanade. I'll give you a chance to surrender yourself."

The man glanced at Moka and laughed.

"Surrender? I'm sorry, Princess, but I have no reason to do that."

"You're whole division under Lord Rokurou's command was wiped out yesterday. My mother has agreed that she will allow us to capture you."

"Oh? That's a terrible crime to admit being a part of, Princess. To orchestrate the overthrow of one of my prefectural officers. You could be tried for treason."

Kurumu scowled at the grinning Kamiya.

"I'm sure there are survivors whom will confess to what was going on here."

"Oh, please. Confessions forced from succubi? I will play along with Mrs. Shuzen if that is what she wants. She can have this pathetic island. All I desire is companionship from Ms. Otonashi."

Tsukune and Udetama both settled into their fighting stances.

"What do you want with Ms. Otonashi?"

"Hmm. I don't believe I've met this young man."

"Aono Tsukune."

"Yes. Well, Aono Tsukune, I have seen evidence that Ms. Otonashi is one of my kind. Aside from obvious, natural reasons to desire her companionship, I have suspicions that a young siren wouldn't randomly come all the way from Niigata to Okinawa. You've come for family, haven't you, Ms. Otonashi?"

Otonashi gasped, falling back a step. Kamiya smirked at her reaction.

"I see that you understand. Perhaps you shall be more agreeable than your late relatives to share your knowledge about the Book of Transcendence."

"Could someone do something about Mrs. Kawamoto?"

Kurumu frowned, glancing at Yukari. The witch was staring intently at Kamiya, her hands up and ready.

"Are you claiming to have murdered her family?"

"What of it? If I kill every person this child cares about, she will have no choice but to come with me. How about it, Ms. Otonashi? Will you join me, or shall I start by making this woman disappear?"

It was confusing when Mrs. Kawamoto suddenly disappeared. Kamiya staggered back a step, bewildered as they all looked about. Udetama snickered, handing off the unconscious woman to Otonashi. Realizing what had happened, Kurumu smirked at the stunned Kamiya while Rubi hustled across the terrace to attend to the woman.

"You were saying?"

Kamiya chuckled. He took a slight bow, spreading his arms out.

"I concede you have some tricky allies, Princess."

Rubi knelt down with Otonashi as she went through the motions to cast a healing spell. Udetama clapped her hands together as she stalked back over in front of Kurumu and Mizore.

"Ya not seems so tough to me."

Kamiya grinned, straightening back up.

"Can you outrun sound?"

"Rubi. Healing and buffer."

Kurumu glanced at Yukari as the witch made a twirling gesture about her ears. Rubi caressed Mrs. Kawamoto's before making a similar motion about her ears.

"What are they-"

A loud boom shook the area, causing Kurumu to stagger. Every window of the hostel shattered as a figure was thrown up overhead.

"Ms. Udetama!"

Kurumu whirled about, seeing the girl tossed like a ragdoll halfway down the trail. Her body hit the ground, rolling recklessly till it hit the sand of the beach and stopped.

"You shall learn to respect your betters!"

Kurumu staggered, falling to her knees. Something indescribable was forcing her down. She grimaced, glancing aside at Mizore whom was also down on her knees, holding her hands over both her ears. Was it sound? Kurumu could not tell. This hum reverberated in every fiber of her body, denying her the ability to stand.

"Ha, ha, ha, ha! That's it. Kneel before your God!"

It took a monumental effort to turn her head about to face him. Both Moka and Tsukune had also fallen to their knees, in no better condition than her. She grimaced, trying to make eye contact with this lunatic but his eyes were looking up at the sky as wings tore out from his back, rending his blouse. The pitch intensified, pushing her down.

The laughter turned to blood curdled screams. The pressure lessened, Kurumu looking up. Something had torn multiple lacerations about Kamiya's torso. Crimson dripped all about his tattered shirt as he turned frantic blue eyes upon his adversary. Yukari continued to move her hands, pulling more shards of glass off the ground.

"Why?! How are you standing?!"

With a flick of her wrist, the shards zipped across the space to slice into Kamiya. The witch slowly stepped away from Otonashi whom was cradling Mrs. Kawamoto against her. Rubi was not with them.

"Little bitch!"

The pitch returned in full, Kurumu groaning as she struggled to keep her head up. Yukari continued to walk slowly, facing Kamiya.

"I'm sorry, Mrs. Kawamoto."

Yukari thrust both her hands out. Kamiya was thrown back, smashing through the terrace door. The pressure vanished once again.

"What is going on?"

"Yukari!"

The witch remained focused on the inn. She had her hands out, ready to cast the next spell.

"Is he dead?"

Kurumu doubted they were that fortunate as she stumbled up on her feet. As Moka and Tsukune did the same, Kurumu glanced about. Rubi was missing and Otonashi was helping Mrs. Kawamoto get to her feet. The innkeeper made feeble motions, assuring she was alive.

"We should retreat to the beach!"

Yukari was shouting. She glanced at Moka.

"Everyone!"

"Yukari?"

"Go!"

Laughter emitted from the inn. Kamiya poked his head back out in the open, his visage bloodied and drawn back in a wicked grin. Yukari's attention snapped back to him.

"I get it. She's turned off her sound."

"I'm so sorry."

Yukari reached up and pulled down. Kamiya glanced up at the sound of splintering wood and glass. A whole section of the corridor above him swung down, smashing him back through the door.

"Yukari! Please don't destroy the inn!"

Kurumu hopped over to Yukari's side, shaking the witch by the shoulders. Yukari staggered forward, glancing back. She shook her head vehemently.

"I can't hear you! Retreat to the beach!"

"How's Mrs. Kawamoto?"

Upon hearing Moka's question, Kurumu glanced back at Otonashi. The girl was gingerly assisting the innkeeper whom was holding her temple. Her hazel eyes remained dazed as she regarded the wreckage.

"What happened to my home?"

"An overzealous witch is what happened."

Kurumu frowned at Mizore, pointedly drawing Yukari back in a hug. The witch squirmed.

"Hey! Stop! I'm fighting for our lives! Dummy!"

There was a labored grunt as the floor was pushed up and over. Kamiya staggered out of the rubble, flexing his wings out. He kicked aside a loose board as she stepped out onto the patio.

"Little shit."

"It can't be!"

Mrs. Kawamoto stumbled a step forward.

"My angel."

Kamiya laughed maniacally.

"Oh! I remember this now! Fate has brought us together!"

Mrs. Kawamoto shook her head with eyes wide in disbelief.

"No. I was good. I was good. I did no wrong."

Yukari writhed in Kurumu's grasp.

"Let me go, moron!"

"Why? So you can blow up her home more?"

It was pointless to talk as Yukari continued to squirm and push on Kurumu. She felt one of her buttons pop which upset her as she squeezed the troublesome brat closer to her bosom.

"Just stop."

"That's right! Your husband was part of that insipid coexistence program. The audacity to think humans were fit to make God's chosen into their servants."

Kamiya laughed, throwing his head back.

"It was glorious. The fools here were so ashamed that they didn't dare report their incompetence."

"I don't understand. Please. Just leave me alone. I've done no wrong."

Otonashi wrapped the trembling innkeeper up in her arms. Mrs. Kawamoto reflexively returned the embrace, holding Otonashi close as she continued to shake her head. Tears mixed with the dry blood upon her cheeks.

"Please. Leave me alone."

"You have committed the same crime as your husband. You have dared to subjugate an angel."

"I have done no such thing. Please, angel. Please let me live in peace with San."

Kamiya cackled, clutching his bloodied chest.

"You miserable human! Your precious San is an angel, just like me. You have no right to take her from those she truly belongs with."

Mrs. Kawamoto shook her head, clutching Otonashi closer.

"No! My San is nothing like you. Go back to your heaven. Don't take her with you."

Kamiya laughed, shaking his head.

"Humans are so willfully stupid. I can only offer you the peace of death. Farewell."

Kamiya held out a hand as he opened his bleeding mouth. Kurumu grimaced as she was forced down on her knees, causing her to lose her grip on Yukari. Yukari stumbled a moment, hopping out of her reach as everyone else succumbed to Kamiya's power.

"I'm sorry."

Such a sweet, tender voice. The tension suddenly relieved as all turned in awe upon Otonashi. Tears rolled down her cheeks as she touched a hand to her bosom. White wings tore out her back, slicing through her dress which settled loosely on her shoulders.

"San! You really are…"

Otonashi smiled at Mrs. Kawamoto's shock, tilting her head. She lifted a hand out to her adversary.

"I wasn't aware you could cancel my song. But can you handle this!"

Kamiya tilted his head and clenched his fists. Otonashi lifted her hand higher, soothing every discomfort which sprung up the moment it started. Kurumu grimaced as she slowly got back on her feet, noticing Yukari was back to making hand motions. She barely understood what was going on, but wondered if she should try tackling him. Maybe if she touched him she could mess with his mind or create an opening for the others to disable him.

"Do you eat humans too?"

Otonashi shook her head vehemently as her mouth remained open. No sound came forth but she was smoothing out the dissonance Kamiya wrought. With a scowl, Kamiya drew back.

"Such a foolish human. We don't require your flesh for sustenance. We kill you to remind you of your place. It is what we have done for all time."

"Why do men like you even exist? Can't you see that Ms. Otonashi just wants to live in peace?"

"Peace? Do you even understand history, boy? The first sirens of legend were a pair of goddesses whom lived on an island. The two had a friendly competition to see whose songs lured the most sailors to their doom. Our nature has always been to slaughter humans. Why should we suppress it?"

"There's your truth, Mrs. Kawamoto. He is no angel. He is a siren."

Kamiya cackled at Moka's stern conclusion.

"What are sirens if not Gods? And once I have the Book of Transcendence, I can finally achieve my goal."

"And what exactly is that?"

"To claim an island of my own and pile the bodies high like the legend!"

Mrs. Kawamoto stared at him with wide eyes, shaking her head.

"He's insane. He killed my husband over nothing."

"We want mankind and monsters to coexist! Even Fairy Tale was built with that goal in mind!"

Kamiya turned a maniacal glare upon Tsukune.

"I don't need Fairy Tale to overthrow humanity."

"I hope someone took notes because those are his last words."

Kamiya erupted in a bright ball of fire. His voice became a mix of howls and screams as he ran towards them. Kurumu pushed Yukari aside as the burning man hustled by them, blasting through the gate to shatter the posts. He cried unintelligibly all the way down the dirt trail.

"What just happened?"

Yukari pushed Kurumu aside, looking about frantically.

"Where did he go?!"

"We can't let him get away!"

"Don't let him get by you, Rubi!"

Kurumu picked herself up as Moka and Tsukune hurried down the dirt trail. Kurumu finally found Rubi whom was down on the beach tending to Udetama. The witch hunkered down as the burning Kamiya vaulted over her, fleeing across the beach towards the ocean. Kamiya dived into the water, snuffing out the flames as he splashed and flailed in the shallow water.

"Spontaneous combustion. Happens to bad angels."

Mrs. Kawamoto stared at Mizore in disbelief. Shaking her head, she regarded Otonashi.

"San. What's going on?"

Otonashi bent down to pick up her sketchbook and quickly scrawled across the page. Smiling with tears in her eyes, she dropped her sketchbook back on the terrace and turned about, running down the trail. Her message in big letters thanked Mrs. Kawamoto for everything before stating farewell.

As the innkeeper shook her head in denial, Kurumu grabbed Yukari by the arm and started jogging down the trail with Mizore at her side. There was no sign of Kamiya in the shallow waters near the beach as Moka and Tsukune came to Rubi's side. Tsukune gestured out at the ocean.

"Can you freeze him in the ocean?"

"Let go of me, Kurumu!"

"Shut up, you flat chested pervert."

"I can't cast my spells with you holding my arm, idiot!"

The witch had started her second sentence before Kurumu had finished her halfhearted insult. She smirked, shaking her head as they neared the others at the beach. Rubi got up on her feet, frowning at the ocean.

"I don't think I should put her out there, Mr. Aono. She's still unconscious."

"That's not what I said."

"She can't hear us, Tsukune."

Rubi flinched at their frustration, wringing her hands close to her chest.

"I'm sorry. I don't know what you want me to do."

Kurumu crossed the last tufts of uneven dirt which preceded the grains of sand which marked the beach. Udetama was sprawled at the edge of the sand with dry blood streaks marking her ears and nose. Her chest lifted slowly, confirming she was alive.

"Let go!"

Kurumu sighed, releasing the brat. Otonashi had wandered off to the side, scanning the waters intently. Mizore quickly crossed the beach, holding her hands out to the water.

"I'll try to freeze the water."

"Get out of the way, Shirayuki!"

"We should try and help."

Tsukune nodded at Moka, peering out at the waves.

"I want to, but I think he got away."

"He's not going to leave Ms. Otonashi like this."

Kurumu agreed that this could not be over. Mrs. Shuzen had seen Kamiya's demise and she felt confident that they were on the correct path. At least she hoped so.

Kurumu glanced down, noticing Yukari had popped her fourth button clean off in her struggles. She decided to start unfastening the rest of her blouse buttons. She was almost finished when she felt Tsukune gag with the yummy taste of desire.

"What are you doing?"

"I'm going to fly out there and have a look. I don't need to ruin the blouse."

Tsukune made a slight sound of acknowledgment as Kurumu pulled off the garment. Deciding to go the extra mile, she unhooked the front clasps of her bra, causing him to gag again.

"Kurumu!"

"Oh, shut up!"

She blushed as she dropped both her blouse and bra off to the side. Holding her hands up to cover her nipples which immediately had hardened under his attention, Kurumu eased her chiropteran wings out. She heard a slight gasp behind her, causing her to turn her head and offer the startled innkeeper a smile.

"Yea. I have wings too."

"So does Tora, Mrs. Kawamoto. Our school has many girls lucky to have wings."

Kurumu smirked at Moka.

"Is this wing envy I hear?"

"Oh. Okay. So… are any of you human?"

Tsukune chuckled sheepishly.

"I am."

"This siren is supposed to be in charge of your region, Mrs. Kawamoto. My mother sent us here with the hope that he would try to attack us."

Mrs. Kawamoto nodded dumbly, looking out at the water.

"I'd like to take him alive but I don't think Yukari will agree to that."

A whistle cut through the air and Yukari was inexplicably thrown backwards. The witch went limp in the sand as Rubi cried out. Rubi hustled across the beach, kneeling down at Yukari's head as crazed laughter greeted them.

"Little pests. I should kill you all!"

Something huge and monstrous reared up out of the water. The silver hair and white wings were all that was recognizable of Kamiya. His skin had taken a greenish hue and gills lined the sides of his torso with his chest hollowed out on both sides of his sternum like air bladders.

"If I use songs, Ms. Otonashi will cancel them out. But if I use allies, you have no chance."

Several figures emerged from the water. These bipedal creatures had webbed hands and feet with fish shaped heads. Their jaws hung open, revealing rows of serrated fangs.

"What are those?"

Mizore shook her head, backing away from the beasts which steadily approached her. She held her hands up as the nearest one curved his lips towards her as if seeking a kiss. There was a sudden whistle, prompting Mizore to swipe her hands in front of the projectile. It exploded in white powder just shy of her body. The snow girl choked out a nervous laugh.

"It's water. Compressed water."

"I think those are mermen."

Kurumu shrugged at Moka's deduction. She recalled mermen were regarded as voracious beasts with almost no intellect. That meant she could not use her Lilith's Eye as long as these mindless beasts were helping Kamiya. With a flap of her wings, she launched out over the beach. She swung about, taking a hard bank as she let her fingers elongate into talons. She slashed through the first of the trio closest to Mizore, feeling blood spray across her body. Her momentum carried her into the second, bowling him over as she rolled up on top of him. He barely put up a struggle before she knifed him through his head.

"Kurumu!"

She was doused in snowflakes as Mizore spared her from the multitude of attacks. She laughed.

"Hey, Tsukune! I'm covered in white stuff!"

"Could you not?!"

Kurumu laughed as Moka and Tsukune joined the fray. Kurumu pounced off the merman, skewering the nearest one as Moka's kick swiped over her head to catch another assailant. Kurumu heard bones crunch as Moka stomped on the beast's head, popping out its eye.

"I hate fish!"

"If we keep together, Mizore can manage the defense."

Tsukune effortlessly dodged a swipe from a merman whom he punched hard enough to knock off its feet. He turned into a powder of white, thrusting his fist into the mouth of a merman whom had tried to fire at them point blank. Mizore calmly hovered behind their group, her arms raised and intently staring at their adversaries.

"Surround them, you fools!"

But the enemies ignored Kamiya's orders. They kept attacking head on. Kurumu felt it was inexplicably crazy but would not question their good fortune as she gutted the next merman whom ventured too close. She twisted and slashed about, tucking her wings in to not trouble Moka whom fought nearby.

"I see. You're in their heads."

Kamiya cackled at Otonashi whom was standing on the beach, both arms uplifted with her head tilted and mouth open in a silent song.

"But there is one song you can't cancel out. The love song."

Kurumu had no idea what he was talking about. These fools kept throwing themselves into her talons and it was starting to make her sick. The smell of death and blood. Of bowels being released. Grimacing, she shoved another assailant aside whom staggered a step before pitching to the sand.

"Come to me, my love. You remember my mating call."

Kurumu flinched as she saw Mrs. Kawamoto stagger into her view. The woman had a dazed look in her eyes as she stared out to the sea. Several whistles heralded the attack in all directions.

"Mrs. Kawamoto!"

Powder erupted all around her and Moka as Otonashi shoved Mrs. Kawamoto aside.

"I'm sorry! There were way too many!"

The mermen backed away, no longer drawn to their deaths by Otonashi. The siren struggled back to her feet, crimson spreading out from three bloodied tears in the front of her white dress. She did not lift her right arm as she opened her mouth, blood dripping freely down her limb from the shoulder injury.

"You can't protect them now."

"Oh, San!"

"Hear my death melody!"

The world went black. Kurumu staggered to her knees, unable to see anything. All she could hear was the pained groans of Moka, Mizore and Tsukune whom were nearby.

"As I thought! You brats are helpless without her protection. Now you shall all die!"

"You… are a fool!"

Kurumu grimaced, clutching her head as she pawed about in the darkness.

"You won't kill anyone!"

"You're the foolish one. You can hardly stand up."

"I believe in a world where we coexist. And I believe we will defeat you."

"Whatever. If you are so eager to die, then you shall be first!"

Wet, sticky hotness splashed against Kurumu as something exploded nearby. Terror gripped her heart at the notion Tsukune had died.

"Use your senses, Tsukune! Close off the sound!"

She hoped Moka's encouragement meant Tsukune was fine as she still could see nothing. She flinched at the sound of another pop followed by the sound of guts scattering across the sand. She whimpered, unable to move as another person erupted.

"San. Please stay with us. I still love you. No matter what you are. Please don't leave me."

"A man like you will never win!"

"Idiot! You can't break free of my song with willpower! It's hopeless!"

"I believe."

"You can't escape sound. You can't touch me!"

"In Rubi!"

"Die!"

Her vision rushed back to her as the pain immediately dispersed. She looked up, seeing Rubi beside Otonashi and Marin. The siren was smiling, holding out a hand with her mouth open. The witch grinned, holding up a thumb.

There was a bloody howl. Kurumu turned as Kamiya staggered back from Tsukune's punch. With his jaw dislocated, Kamiya swiped at Tsukune whom effortlessly hopped out of the strike. Tsukune rocked on his heels a moment, before falling flat on his back. Feathers had pierced his right arm and side, gouging his blood soaked blue shirt. Kamiya chortled, lifting a hand to attend to his jaw.

"Foolish boy. A siren's song isn't our only weapon. My pinions can cause paralysis to annoying pests whom dare get too close to God."

"You are no God."

All attention turned to Otonashi. Her voice was soft and clear as she stared at Kamiya.

"How did you recover so quickly?"

"Rubi is a witch and has been immune to your song this whole time."

Kamiya snorted at Moka's declaration.

"Filthy witches. You keep poor company, Princess. When Lord Fujisaki takes over Fairy Tale, half of your friends will be burned at the stake."

"No. You will be the only one whom finds peace this day."

Kamiya glanced at Otonashi whom stood resolutely.

"You are a traitor, Otonashi San. These beings are beneath your protection. I offer you one final chance to join my cause."

"And I only have peace to offer."

"I'm through trying to negotiate with you. Unless you cast off that human illusion, you have no chance of canceling out my strongest song in my true form."

Otonashi shook her head.

"No. It's already over."

"Enough bluffing. Enjoy my melody of massacre. Symphony for the Devil!"

Kurumu tensed up but the only thing that came out of Kamiya's mouth was a huge gout of blood. He clutched his chest, shaking his head. He opened his mouth and another spurt of blood sloshed out.

"Can you hear it?"

Otonashi held her hand out to him.

"What? What have you done?"

Kamiya wheezed out bloodied breaths as he staggered back.

"A lovely song. I decided you needed it the moment you spoke of the book."

"But… how? Your songs only harmonized with mine."

"No. This one is special. This one can only be heard by the one I wish to give peace to."

Kamiya shook his head as he coughed up another gout of blood. He staggered down on one knee.

"No! You can't do this!"

Otonashi smiled, lifting both her arms up.

"It's lovely, isn't it? A beautiful song."

"No. Please."

"Listen, Kamiya Kanade. It won't hurt as much if you open your mind."

Blood started to dribble out from his eyes and ears. He wheezed as he placed his hand on the sand. Otonashi walked across the beach, her footsteps so light they failed to make an impression.

"Otonashi!"

She knelt down in front of the gasping Kamiya, holding her hands up to him.

"It's beautiful."

Kamiya glanced up, his face having reverted to his human state. His blue eyes bled as he made a pained smile. He nodded as blood trickled from his ears across his silver locks.

"Yes. So beautiful."

Otonashi caressed his cheek.

"It was a hard song to learn. Relax. The final notes are coming."

"I'm not ready."

"Close your eyes and hear the Silence in the Dark."

Kamiya's eyes closed. He then pitched over to her side, lifeless. Otonashi's shoulders relaxed.

"May you find peace."

For a long moment, Otonashi remained kneeling in the sand next to Kamiya. Kurumu's eyes were drawn to movement as Rubi came over to Tsukune's side. The witch hunkered down and plucked feathers out from his arm and side. She tossed each aside, stopping after the sixth to create a diamond pattern against her chest and press it upon him. Kurumu sighed, glancing about.

"How's Yukari doing?"

"She's fine. Could you put your clothes back on?"

Kurumu laughed at Moka, placing a hand on her hip.

"How does that matter right now?"

"You girls might want to take a bath first."

Kurumu glanced at Mrs. Kawamoto whom shuffled in a daze over to them. The woman shook her head.

"That can't be pleasant."

Kurumu smiled, aware her body was soaked in merman gore. Moka was in no better condition and that dress was probably a lost cause. At least Kurumu's school skirt was thicker material and this might come out. Mizore's outfit seemed perfectly fine, having been removed enough from the fight to avoid splatter.

"I suppose we could take a swim. I wouldn't want to dirty up your bath."

Mrs. Kawamoto managed a laugh.

"I think the condition of my bath is the least of my concerns."

"Is Lord Kamiya dead?"

"He is at peace now."

Otonashi took in a deep breath, standing up. She turned about with her dress soaked in her own blood from the wounds at her shoulder, side and thigh. She stalked over to them with her head bowed.

"I'm sorry. I promised my mother I would only use my voice if I had to."

"It's okay, San."

She glanced up with soft eyes.

"I never wanted you to see this. After hearing your story, I couldn't."

"I understand."

"I'm sorry. I feel like I've stolen your revenge. Please, forgive me."

Mrs. Kawamoto managed a soft laugh as Otonashi regarded the sand at her feet.

"I never believed I could ever have it, San. Not against an angel."

"I… I understand if you don't want me around anymore. I can leave with the others if you insist."

Mrs. Kawamoto took in a deep breath. She stepped up to the trembling girl and placed a hand on her bowed head. She gently tousled Otonashi's hair.

"San, don't be silly. You saved me. I can't imagine living in this inn without you."

Mrs. Kawamoto chuckled.

"At least what's left of it."

Otonashi let out a breathy laugh.

"Are you sure? Even though I'm a siren?"

"God sent an angel to take my husband away. I think it's only fair that he sent me another one to fix things up. You have your work cut out for you if we're going to make this inn the best on the island."

Crying, Otonashi collapsed into Mrs. Kawamoto's arms.