Kurumu sighed at the warm feeling pressed against her back. She nuzzled her cheek upon the soft pillow in her arm as her dream drifted into obscurity. A firm hand was placed against her bottom thigh, pushing to spread her cheeks. She groaned in confusion, rolling away from this warmth onto her belly. She lifted her head and regarded her companion with eyes reluctant to open.
"Morning."
It took a moment for her to recognize it was Ginei. He was lying on his right side with his chin resting on his palm while propped up on his elbow. The top three buttons of his pink, satin shirt were left undone, allowing his silver wolf pendant to dangle freely. She glanced down, noting his other hand rested on his hip which was swathed in his black corduroy cargo pants.
"Were you touching my butt?"
"That depends on if you wanted me to."
Kurumu groaned, letting go of the pillow. She pushed herself up as she drew her knees in. Settling on her hip, she stretched her arms overhead. The silky feel of her cream chemise teased her body.
Ginei was a simmering source of yummy desire. She grabbed her pillow and chucked it at his goofy grin. He laughed, taking the hit and rolling onto his back.
"You shouldn't be here."
"Such a cruel thing to say to a man whom spent the past couple nights in a cold hospital bed."
Kurumu smoothed out her chemise, reassuring herself that everything was covered. Her nipples were behaving despite his sensual thoughts. Her eyes wandered to the door to their room, confirming it was shut. She glanced over the smirking werewolf to acknowledge the other girls strewn about the room, enjoying their slumber.
Moka was on the other side of Ginei, holding Yukari close. She could not see Yukari's face since the witch seemed determined to smother herself with that pillow clutched firmly in her arms. A blanket was drawn over the pair's midsections, hiding their bottoms if they were bared. Kurumu could not recall if either girl was wearing panties with their camisoles. Yukari's was a soft pink while Moka's was mint green.
Different colors. Kurumu glanced at Ginei again. She cocked her head at him.
"Your eyes don't match."
Ginei chuckled, sitting up. He tossed the pillow back at her which she made no attempt to catch. The pillow bounced off her and his eyes wandered her figure for a moment. His left remained the smoky gray she remembered. His right was mint green. He glanced aside with a smirk.
"They've always been like that."
"No. I would have noticed you having different eye colors a long time ago, Ginei."
"Oh? Do you look into my eyes often?"
Kurumu said nothing as he turned his gaze to meet hers. Maybe in other circumstances she would have reflexively charmed him, but at this moment she felt a twinge of sorrow. He had lost one.
"Are you okay?"
Ginei laughed, hopping up on his feet.
"Of course! Why wouldn't I be?"
"It was just one eye, right?"
Ginei grinned as he grabbed the hem of his pants.
"Are you wanting a thorough inspection?"
Kurumu sighed, glancing away. She shook her head as she crawled towards the wall where her luggage rested. It was not worth worrying over if he was going to be like that. Sitting up on her haunches, she pushed up the top flap of her bag to regard her clothes. She only had one school uniform left which she supposed she could wear if she did laundry tonight.
"What do you think I should wear?"
"I doubt anyone would complain if you spent the day wearing that."
She snorted, certain most of the girls would say something if she agreed to that stupidity. Regarding her choices, she wondered if she could wear her checkered shorts and fancy blouse again. It was not like she had gotten a full day with that outfit. It would be funny to wear the cheongsam, but not something she wanted to wander about the city in. She hoped they would go out today.
"Did you hear that we beat that Kamiya guy?"
He made a sound of acknowledgment, though the source was off. She glanced back, noting he had moved over to Tora. Her sheet was gathered about her upper torso, leaving her bottom half exposed. Ginei scooted in closer, daintily drawing her yellow chemise up to bare her tanned rump.
"Get off her."
"I wonder if she has the same nerve."
Kurumu frowned as he slipped two fingers up Tora's chemise. There was a subtle change in the soft purr Tora made with each exhale.
"What are you doing?"
"Okami girls have a tender spot in the small of their back. If you rub it firmly, it causes their tails to come out even when they're not in heat."
"Tora is going to kill you."
Tora's purring changed into a raspy whimper. Ginei chuckled.
"And here it comes. I heard nekomusume girls have the same reaction. It's like a nerve. I'm pretty sure I have it too but Mika refused to test it out on me."
Ginei lifted up a ropy, tanned tail topped with a bushy black poof of fur. Tora was making soft sounds, pushing her butt against him and squirming.
"Get out of here, Ginei."
"Such a naughty girl getting worked up from a simple back rub. Mika had much more restraint."
"Mika was probably awake."
Kurumu was shocked when Ginei smacked Tora's ass. The sphinx yelped, jerking up from her pillow. The girl quickly crawled forward, struggling with the sheet. Her face hit the floor with her rump up in the air. Her agitated tail swished back and forth, keeping her chemise up to her waist.
"Calm down, Tora. It's just me."
"Get out!"
Tora slashed her way out of the sheets. She whirled about on her hands and knees, growling at Ginei with a deep tone Kurumu had never heard before. Her jaw had widened to make room for the large, yellowed fangs she bared.
Ginei settled on his haunches, rubbing the back of his neck as he laughed.
"Don't be like that. I have returned, safe and sound."
"Go away and die!"
Ginei chuckled as he crossed his arms and cocked his head.
"Make me."
Yukari gasped loudly. The witch pushed her pillow aside, fumbling with the sheets to free her body. The little brat was not wearing anything beneath her pink camisole. She groaned as she tugged on Moka's forearm wrapped tightly about her chest.
"Help."
"Let me take care of that."
Ginei scooted over to Yukari's side, reaching over to rub Moka's side. The vampire giggled, releasing her hold to swipe at the intrusive hand. The witch took this opportunity to roll out of Moka's grasp, grabbing Ginei to pull herself upright. Ginei chuckled, tousling Yukari's locks as Moka settled on snuggling with the nearby pillow. The confused witch peered up at him.
"Why are you here?"
"Exactly my thoughts."
The threatening aura around Tora had diminished as the girl continued to glare at Ginei. Her talon tipped paws gripped the tatami mat as her tail lifted up.
"I'm done with your games, Ginei. If you touch me again, I shall resign from this club."
Ginei chuckled as Yukari scooted away from him with a frown.
"I guess that means I can't be asking you to become my girlfriend then."
"Fuck off! If you can't take a hint, I'll transfer schools. Anything to get away from your bullshit!"
"What is going on?"
Ginei laughed, tousling the confused Yukari's locks again.
"Tora is upset I gave her naughty booty a swat. It looked like we were about to have a playful fight before you woke up."
Ginei grinned as Tora trembled.
"Why would I? So you can put your hands on me more?"
"It wouldn't be much of a fight if I didn't."
Tora bowed her head at his confident smirk.
"No more. You touch me once, I quit the club. You touch me twice, I transfer schools. You don't get a third chance."
Kurumu shivered from the conviction in those words.
"You don't mean that."
"I have to. This idiot won't understand it any other way."
Ginei smiled nervously as the tension in the room did not waver.
"That doesn't sound like fun."
"When has this ever been fun for me?"
He sighed heavily, glancing away.
"What do you want me to say?"
"I want you out of this room or I will turn in my resignation to Ms. Nekonome today."
Forcing a smile, Ginei got to his feet. He stalked around Tora, patting Kurumu's head as he passed. The sphinx turned slowly to not lose sight of him as he reached the door. Sliding the door open, he glanced over his shoulder and offered a two fingered salute. Stepping out, he pulled the door shut. His footsteps retreated down the hall.
"What was he doing in here?"
Kurumu smiled apologetically at Yukari.
"I guess they are back from the hospital."
The soft sob startled Kurumu. Tora had lowered on her haunches with her tail lazily slithering about the floor. She was rubbing her eyes as her shoulders bobbed with each breath.
"Are you okay?"
"He touched me."
Kurumu crawled over to Tora's side. She grabbed the girl by the shoulders and pulled her in close. The sphinx started to weep into Kurumu's bosom, trembling.
"It's okay. I'm pretty sure he was grabbing my ass when I woke up."
Yukari snorted as she stumbled over to her suitcase.
"That doesn't make it any better."
"I know. But it's not like this is new. He has groped our tits and asses for days, calling it training."
Tora sniffled and nuzzled against Kurumu's breasts. Kurumu slipped a hand up to caress the back of Tora's head as Yukari started sifting through her bag.
"I'm relieved that pervert wasn't hard because of me. I doubt he's wearing underwear."
"What?"
"When I got up, I accidentally grabbed his dick. I was so confused and almost apologized before realizing something else was going on."
Kurumu frowned.
"But he's wearing pants."
Tora sobbed, slightly shaking her head.
"I wish I was dead."
Comprehension dawned upon Kurumu and she tugged the sphinx closer.
"I am so sorry, Tora. I told him to get out, but I didn't think he'd do something that stupid. I'm so sorry."
"Why didn't you throw that mutt out when you woke up?"
Kurumu smiled at Yukari whom was folding up her black dress with the sunflower print.
"I haven't been awake much longer than you two. I was still reeling from the fact that he lost an eye."
Tora stiffened. The sphinx slipped her hands up to Kurumu's sides, pushing for space.
"I'm not taking back what I said. I can't deal with him anymore."
Kurumu sighed, letting her hands rest at her sides.
"I guess. A small part of me has always hoped things would work out between you and him. But Ginei consistently proves he's too much of a childish jerk."
"I hope this doesn't mean you've been using that aura charm of yours to push me towards him."
"I don't think I was. You were infatuated with him from the start."
"No, I wasn't!"
"You threw up a barrier around the school to force Tsukune to resign because Ginei convinced you to. There's no way my charm caused that."
Tora withdrew her hands to hug herself as she looked away.
"That was respecting my senior's perspective."
Kurumu smirked, turning about and crawling back to her luggage.
"We should get dressed. Do you think we can go out today? We've been in Okinawa a whole week and barely set foot outside this inn."
Tora sighed heavily as she crawled over to her suitcase.
"As long as we don't go to a beach, I don't care."
"But we haven't gone to a real beach."
"I'm not wearing a swimsuit today."
Kurumu smiled, noting Yukari was tugging on her dress. Her camisole rested on the floor by her thigh.
"I need a sundress."
"Didn't Kokoa buy you a dress?"
Kurumu huffed as she pulled out her long sleeved black blouse and olive suspender skirt.
"She bought me two dresses. The crimson one she got me for the wedding is ridiculously cumbersome. The halter dress is nicer, but it's heavier than a sundress and took up too much space."
"What about that Chinese dress?"
"That doesn't feel like something I should wear on any random day."
Yukari snorted as she stood up and smoothed out her dress.
"The cheongsam is supposed to be casual wear."
"If you wear that, I will pretend that I don't know you."
Kurumu chuckled, tugging her chemise up over her head and dropping it on the floor beside her.
"Don't you own any dresses?"
After discarding her chemise, Tora fished out some clothes from her belongings.
"I don't like the way most dresses fit. Strap dresses hang too loosely, making me feel like a little girl. I had two tight, strapless dresses but one was ruined my first week here. I'm too scared to wear my other one, since I know how much my mother spent on it."
Kurumu smiled, curious what this other dress looked like. Deciding to forego her bra, Kurumu slipped her arms into the sleeves of her blouse, buttoning it up from the bottom. The silky fabric felt so nice against her skin. As she passed the apex of her bosom, she glanced over at Yukari.
"Do you need us to fix your straps?"
"You may."
Tora frowned as Yukari made her way over to Kurumu's side. The sphinx arranged her cerulean bra with the floral lace pattern over the place where her bosom should be.
"Why aren't either of you wearing a bra?"
Kurumu shrugged as Yukari knelt down beside her. Scooting behind the witch, she promptly tightened the straps of Yukari's dress, tying the excess in an overhand knot in the back below the shoulder.
"Does it matter if she wears one?"
Tora paused as she slung on her short sleeved, white blouse.
"Aren't your nipples sensitive?"
"Sometimes."
"I was asking Ms. Sendou."
"Only if something keeps rubbing them. Tied up in the back like that keeps the hem off my sweet spots."
Kurumu smirked as she finished the other knot. Snatching her black boyshorts with the white hearts, Kurumu got up on her feet and stepped into her panties. Tora finished buttoning up her blouse.
"At least you're wearing panties."
"No, I'm not."
Kurumu giggled, shaking her head at the look Tora favored Yukari. She had no comment for that as she grabbed her suspender skirt, stepping into the pleated garment.
"Morning."
Tora laughed softly at the sleepy greeting as she stood up while putting on her dark green cardigan.
"Good morning, Ms. Shirayuki."
Kurumu smiled as she wiggled the skirt over her hips. She glanced over her shoulder as Mizore freed herself of the white sheet. Her skin was so pale, delicate and far too much was exposed.
"Why are you naked?"
Mizore grumbled, rubbing her eyes as she flung off the sheet. Having slept in the corner, the snow girl had a convenient nearby wall to use for support to get upright. She stumbled a step towards the door.
"It's only Tsukune."
Tora sighed dramatically as she pulled her cerulean boyshorts with the white clouds up to her thighs. Her tail brushed across the floor behind her ankles as she remained bent over to grab her black denim skirt.
"Unfortunately the boys have returned. You can't wander about without clothes."
"I thought you slept in that shirt Tora gave you."
Mizore groaned, glancing at the windows. Light trickled through the drapes.
"Took it off."
Kurumu tugged the false corset portion of this suspender skirt up beneath her bosom.
"Why don't throw on that blue dress Moka bought for you?"
Mizore whimpered, reaching down to massage herself.
"I have to pee."
"Are you playing with yourself?"
"It helps."
Yukari frowned.
"I think I'd wet myself if I did that."
"Get dressed, Mizore. You're not going downstairs like that."
Mizore whined, shuffling over to the closet and pushing the door open. The girl slid down to her knees, reaching inside to fetch her knapsack.
"I'm having a devil of a time getting my tail back in. What the hell did he do?"
Tora pouted as she wiggled her ass. She held both her panties and skirt high up her thighs while her tail flopped about on the floor.
"Maybe you're aroused."
Tora blushed, glancing aside.
"That shouldn't matter. It keeps twitching and going numb when I try to pull it back in."
Kurumu smiled, adjusting the suspenders so they rested properly on her shoulders. There was a crimson tie for this outfit which she felt no desire to put on. The servants at Shuzen Estate had washed it, ruining her premade slip knot. She was in no mood to figure out how to do that again.
"Pull it up as high as you can."
Tora sighed, tugging the panties and black denim up over her rump.
"What am I going to do with my tail?"
"Maybe you can coil it about your ankle?"
"I don't have that much control over it."
"Can't you hold it?"
Tora sighed again, fixing her skirt up in the front. She reached back, grabbing the poof of her tail.
"Can we go? Her squirming is making me realize I also have to use the restroom."
Kurumu chuckled, patting Yukari's head. Mizore was pulling the garment Kurumu had suggested over her body. While the fabric of the long sleeves where sheer enough to see Mizore's arms, the front obscured any trace of a bra or lack thereof. The girl whimpered as she pulled herself up to her feet. This garment cinched about her thin waist, falling loosely in thin layers which almost reached her clenched knees.
"Are you ready to go?"
Mizore answered with a whimper as she tugged the closet door shut.
"I wonder if she'll pee herself."
Kurumu shook her head as she walked over to Mizore, slipping behind the girl.
"Here. I'll zip you up."
Kurumu tugged the tiny white zipper nestled at the small of Mizore's back. She drew it all the way up to the nape of Mizore's neck, snapping a white button on a flap over the end to hide the zipper.
"Is it okay to leave Moka like this?"
The vampire remained on the floor, snuggling with the pillow. She had shifted slightly, allowing the sheet to cover her lower half. Kurumu shrugged at Tora whom had wandered over to the door and was holding her tail with her right hand. The sphinx slid open the door, allowing Yukari to venture out into the hall first. Boisterous laughter carried down the corridor.
"Probably. I'm guessing everyone else is downstairs."
Tora nodded, slipping out into the hall. Kurumu followed slowly behind Mizore as the snow girl shuffled her way to the opening. Yukari poorly hid her annoyance as they filtered out of the room and walked down the short corridor.
Off to the right was the section of hall Yukari had collapsed on Kamiya. Technically there was enough floor to get to the door of room 204 but she doubted Mrs. Kawamoto would be renting that room any time soon, assuming she would be able to stay open with the building in this state.
They slowly made their way down the hallway to the left, favoring the left side of the hall since shards of glass covered the other side. They reached the end of the hall, turning left for the stairs. Kurumu glanced back at the wreckage, shaking her head. While the sounds of the boys downstairs were cheerful, she worried about the future of this place.
"How long do you think it will take for her to repair all of that?"
Tora sighed, absently twirling the tip of her tail as they started down the stairs with Yukari in the lead.
"Who knows? Even if she had the money, it might take a month."
"Don't worry. I'm sure Moka's mother will pay for all the damages."
"We hope so."
"Why not? It was a rogue Fairy Tale Commander whom attacked this place."
Kurumu smirked, gingerly touching Mizore's back as they slowly descended.
"Yea, but you're the one whom caused all the damage."
"I had nothing to do with the windows."
"It would have been nice if you had told the rest of us about your plan with Rubi."
"I did. I said I would run offense and she would handle the healing."
"You should have gone into more detail than that. And warned us that you would not be able to hear anything we said."
Yukari shrugged as she reached the bottom landing. She turned about with her hands on her hips.
"You should have had more faith in me and let me cast my spells instead of tackling me like a dummy. You are all lucky that idiot was more interested in bragging than trying to kill us."
Kurumu sighed, supposing she had no argument against that.
"We do owe Rubi a lot. She saved us by saving Otonashi."
"I'm struggling to comprehend Ms. Toujou's interest in Tsukune. It can't only be this misconception that he is the most suitable person to punish her for her crimes against humanity."
"She's a masochist."
Tora paused upon joining Yukari on the landing.
"While that's true, Ms. Shirayuki, that doesn't explain why she has delegated Tsukune to this task."
"I think she feels bad for almost killing him when we first met."
Kurumu smiled at Yukari, arriving at the landing a step ahead of Mizore.
"Did she tell you that?"
Yukari sighed as she started down the corridor. The door to the dining area at the end was open.
"She used to fret over how she should interact with Tsukune if she ever met him again. Though I didn't expect her to go this way with her guilt. I blame Ginei."
Kurumu had no comment to that as they made their way to the main hall. Yukari promptly turned right, intent on the bathroom. Tora wandered over to the open door, fidgeting with her tail. Smiling softly, Kurumu walked over to Tora's side, pausing to see Mizore's progress. The snow girl skulked slowly with soft sounds of distress, hugging the wall as she turned down the main hall.
"Light as a feather!"
Miyamoto laughed, hefting Otonashi off the floor with ease. The young man looked like he had finished slaughtering a wild animal with how blood soaked his outfit was. There was barely any white spots left of that gi and it was torn in several spots with a large gash down the back. Otonashi grinned as she held his forearms while her caramel slip drifted about her knees.
"Put her down, ya dork. Let her eat."
Udetama was seated at the table nearest Miyamoto. The sandy haired blond was dressed in a pea green shirt and red track shorts. She wagged her chopsticks at him before poking at the meal on her plate. There was a second plate unattended upon the table in front of the chair on Udetama's right while Ginei was casually seated on her left. Across the table from Udetama, Koike grinned while absently gripping the back of a chair. His black and white, vertical striped jersey hung over a faded pair of denim jeans.
"Mie! Two more breakfast plates!"
Mrs. Kawamoto was seated at the adjacent table with two open beer cans beside her empty plate. The innkeeper took a sip from a third can in her hand, paying no mind to the thin white strap of her camisole which hung below her shoulder. The older woman had thrown on a black strapless which could not be concealed with her sleepwear. With the angle of Kurumu's approach, she could not confirm if the woman was wearing anything else.
On the innkeeper's right was Ms. Nekonome whom also remained in sleep attire. Their teacher had on a silky plum nightgown with white lace about the top. Thin straps obediently held the garment in place as the teacher picked at the remnants of food on her plate.
On her left was Ms. Okumura whom was dressed in a black tee shirt with red lettering, proudly declaring Ranten Academy about a white oval. In the center was the hindquarters of a horse with the back legs reared up and hooves thrusting out. The tail was different from what Kurumu expected from a horse. It was more like Tora's tail instead of the bushy, hairlike tail horses possess. The teacher had scooted her chair back from the table with her left foot up on her chair. Her tight denim shorts rode high up her legs, exposing most of her thighs. Like the innkeeper, the teacher was working on her third beer.
"Make room, Morioka."
Ginei smirked at Udetama's shooing gesture, glancing over his shoulder at them.
"They can eat at a different table."
"I wholeheartedly agree."
Tora huffed, stopping at a table near the occupied ones. Drifting over to the side closer to the teachers, Tora tugged a chair out and sat down defiantly, grimacing as she shifted forward for her tail. Kurumu forced a smile as she arrived behind the chair on Tora's left, reluctant to take her seat.
"How long have the two of you been up?"
Udetama shrugged as Otonashi politely took her seat and picked up her chopsticks.
"Fifteen or twenty minutes. Just missed that Fairy Tale chick whom poses as Ms. Yoshino."
"Ms. Aimai."
"Yea, her. Anyways, she lefts a dozen tickets for Okinawa World."
"What's that?"
"It's a theme park of sorts with this massive cave."
Kurumu smiled with thoughts of the last two amusement parks she had been to this summer. At least the cave sounded different.
"It better have some thrilling rides. Yukari was disappointed with Lina World."
Ms. Okumura laughed, waving a hand at her.
"It's not that kind of park, Ms. Kurono. There's a snake museum and a bunch of craft stores which allow you to make your own souvenirs."
Kurumu glanced up as Kitajima strolled over to their table, carrying two plates of breakfast. The young man remained in his blue robe which was splattered with bloodstains. Other than the countless spots, the garment lacked any notable damage. He quietly placed a plate laden with pancakes and sausage in front of Tora before reaching over to rest the other plate by Kurumu.
"Is Ms. Aimai coming with us?"
"I don't think she plans on that. She freed us from the clutches of Umishita's hospital at the break of dawn. I think we got here around seven."
"She left me the car I rented before taking off with another agent."
"I hope we get a chance to say goodbye before we leave tomorrow."
"Who knows what that woman is thinking?"
Kurumu smiled as Kitajima retreated to the other table.
"I see your robe is in better shape than Miyamoto's."
Kitajima snorted, hovering behind Udetama.
"That is because these fools show mercy. In the face of superior numbers, mercy is an expensive luxury."
Miyamoto chuckled, grabbing the hems of his gi and pulling it taut.
"I wear my scars of mercy with pride."
"He says this but he probably killed half a dozen men by caving in their skulls."
"A swift death can be considered merciful."
"I concur."
The boys all laughed in unison.
"What happened to your arm?!"
The gasp from Tora drew Kurumu's attention to the situation. Koike had turned slightly in the jovial exchanged, revealing an insignia below his left shoulder. But the left sleeve of his jersey was empty. He chuckled, making a fist with his right hand. With a grin, he flexed his muscles.
"You noticed? I have been working out."
Udetama snickered, wagging her chopsticks.
"She meant ya other one."
"Bah. It's just a scratch."
"Scratch?! Your arm's gone!"
Koike glanced down at Tora's remark, gasping dramatically.
"Oh no! When did this happen?!"
Miyamoto and Ginei chuckled as Kitajima shook his head with a smirk. Kurumu wandered over to the other table, her eyes wide. She could not imagine what it would be like to lose a limb. Even Nerume had a small chance of regaining use of her legs.
"This fool is lucky to be alive."
"Damn! I knew I forgot something at the hospital!"
Miyamoto smacked Koike in the back of the head.
"You can cut the act out. He was bawling like a baby over it yesterday."
Koike huffed, stepping away from the bloodied fighter.
"I was in shock."
He turned a grin upon Kurumu as she timidly touched his arm.
"Then I remembered I was right handed, so it's not as horrible of a loss as I first thought."
Ginei snorted, leaning back in his chair.
"Yea. Masturbating just isn't the same with your offhand."
Udetama snickered as Kurumu reeled from that crude remark. Kitajima sucked in a breath, shaking his head as Miyamoto politely glanced aside with a smirk. Koike chuckled, tousling Kurumu's locks.
"I think you should save those jokes for when we're not around Lady Otonashi."
"I'm so sorry, Koike. About your arm."
"I'm also sorry, Mr. Koike. For having to put up with that jerk."
"It was a joke. Obviously there were other things that are difficult to do with your offhand, but that was the funniest thing that came to mind."
Kurumu cocked her head, peering up at Koike.
"Would you like a hug?"
"Sure. Why not?"
Kurumu stepped in, wrapping her arms about his stocky torso. She pressed in close, resting her head against his chest as she felt his hand gently touch her back.
"Clearly an arm is worth more than an eye."
Kurumu rasped out a laugh, thinking a boy whom had been feeling up her ass had no right to comment. She eased back as Koike's hand returned to tousle her locks once again.
"I must confess, Ms. Kurono, that you were not my first."
She frowned at his mischievous grin.
"I had my first sympathy hug from Lady Otonashi."
Kurumu smirked, crossing her arms about her chest as she glanced over the boys.
"That's what happens when the whole lot of you sleep past eight."
Udetama wagged her chopsticks at Ginei. The blond was finished with her meal and Otonashi was making steady progress.
"Bah. We was hurt. Let us enjoy the rest of summer."
"Did the rest of you eat?"
"These boys chowed down before telling us they here."
Kurumu nodded, wandering back over to her table. She smiled at Yukari whom entered through the other open door to the main hallway. Mizore drifted in behind the witch as Kurumu tugged her chair back to finally attend to her meal.
"Looks like it's back to the kitchen, Kitajima."
Kitajima snorted, grabbing Udetama's plate and stalking off to the kitchen as the two arrivals wordlessly came over to join them. Yukari slipped behind Kurumu to take the seat on Kurumu's left while Mizore took the last vacant chair on Tora's right. Mizore cocked her head, regarding the boys.
"What happened to his arm?"
"They should have taken a healer with them."
Kurumu smiled, sensing no malice in Yukari's statement. She picked up the small cup of syrup nestled among the sausages, emptying the contents on the top, golden brown disc. She drew lines across the pancake with her chopsticks, cutting the circle into manageable portions.
"Have you ever made pancakes?"
"I like mine with too much sugar. It's not a healthy diet so I haven't thought to make them."
"You don't have to make omelet all the time."
"It's called optimal nutrition. Pancakes offer nothing of value."
Kurumu grinned as she popped the first warm morsel into her mouth.
"It offers joy."
"Unless there is some other benefit like scientific proof that it will add padding to my chest, I'd rather not give my dentist any more excuses to torment me."
"Have you been brushing your teeth?"
Kurumu swallowed down her food, sticking her tongue out at Mizore.
"I do every morning."
"I wonder if they bought frozen custard."
Kurumu shook her head as she seized up another bite.
"You need to eat more than once a day."
"I was when we had ice cream."
"Ice cream doesn't count."
"It does count for calories. I'm surprised she doesn't get fat."
Mizore promptly cupped her breasts which were more pronounced in her new dress.
"I have fat."
"That's a pretty dress, Mizore."
Mizore blushed at Ginei's comment, letting go of herself to hide her hands beneath the table.
"That does suit her. Perhaps we should find something similar for Lady Otonashi."
"Right idea. Lost a pretty dress last night."
Otonashi waved her hands at Udetama's remark.
"Why not, little bird? It's important to replace damaged garments."
Kurumu smirked as she chewed on another mouthful. Given his state of dress, he was in no position to say that. She doubted his gi could be washed out any better than her skirt, which she had pitched after failing to clean it in the ocean. Moka's dress and Tsukune's clothes had also gone into the garbage.
As the group about her chuckled, Otonashi scrawled on the notebook beside her emptied plate. She smiled apologetically as she held it up for the others to see that she considered it more important to spend money fixing the inn than on a new dress. Ginei sighed heavily, shaking his head.
"Well… if that's how you feel…"
Ginei hopped to his feet and strolled over to the table with the older women. He thrust his hand in his pocket and pulled out a couple folded booklets. Placing them in front of Ms. Nekonome, he reached in his pocket and pulled out a huge wad of yen.
"I followed Takahashi that night. Something was up, like he was afraid of something. It's not easy tailing a guy in a vehicle, so I was barely able to keep up."
"Jiro would have never stolen from me."
Ginei sighed at Mrs. Kawamoto's conviction.
"I don't know what his plan was. I tracked him to the city but that Rokurou guy found him first. I don't know if it was a planned meeting or what. It looked like things were going bad so I tried to break it up."
Ginei sighed again, rubbing the back of his neck.
"That Rokurou guy confused me. He jumped in, shook my hand and tried to recruit me. Because I told him he could take his offer and shove it where the sun don't shine, he played this song. Damn thing stunned me and killed Takahashi. I let the fool think I was out for the count so he would take me to this boss of his."
"Only Lord Kamiya was not at the headquarters."
Ginei grimaced at Miyamoto's comment.
"How was I supposed to know that? That jerk was blabbing about how I was going to be brainwashed into joining their cause. I figured he was taking me straight to their mind controlling master."
"You're lucky we got there in time, Mr. Morioka. You owe your life to Mr. Koike."
"I admit it was reckless. But a little lecture about how I don't care about people put me in a foul mood that night. I wasn't thinking straight."
Tora set aside her chopsticks, glaring in his direction.
"That is not what I said."
Mrs. Kawamoto sighed heavily as she pulled the yen over to her stack of beer cans. She was on her fourth which meant she had a case somewhere nearby.
"In any case, this will help us survive September. I hope your friend from Fairy Tale can lend assistance. I doubt I can have any guests with the inn broken up like this. One visit from the building department would shut me down anyways."
"I believe Ms. Aimai will do what she can to get your inn back on its feet."
"You might even get some money for Ms. Otonashi. She did pass the national college test. It's not your fault that Happily Ever After failed to contact her in time to provide funds for her enrollment."
Kurumu smiled, having her doubts that Ms. Aimai would be involved with this situation much longer. For all they knew, the woman was taking a flight back to Osaka today and leaving things in Ms. Juunan's hands. It was Ms. Juunan's region.
"We just have to hold out till next year. Maybe get another friend for San."
Kitajima strode confidently from the kitchen with two plates in hand. Mrs. Kawamoto smiled softly as the young man swiftly made his way over to Kurumu's table. He placed a plate of steaming pancakes in front of Mizore before doing the same for Yukari.
"I don't know if there are any seniors from Yokai whom would come. There is Ms. Tadashiguchi-"
"No way!"
Ms. Okumura chuckled at her niece's prompt refusal.
"Why not? You both are in the fencing club and she now lives with her father in Amami."
"Ya the one convince him move here. All that ninny does is nitpick and complain. Feel sorry for Otonashi if that nag agreed to go to a college here."
"Ms. Tadashiguchi is currently ranked ninth among the seniors."
Udetama waved a hand dismissively at Yukari's remark.
"Not saying she dumb. More likely she wants a better college."
"I was only throwing it out there since I can't think of any other Yokai seniors whom might come."
"What about Ms. Shiruba? Otonashi showed interest in her."
Ms. Okumura shrugged at Kurumu's suggestion. With a quick glance, she realized none of the juniors betrayed any understanding why she would bring up the golden haired track girl. Otonashi smiled softly, glancing down at her sketchbook.
"That's that blond friend of Ms. Horie, right? The valedictorian."
Kurumu nodded at Koike's inquiry. Otonashi held up a sign, admitting she was not related to Shiruba.
"But I thought you wanted to visit Okataiyou."
Otonashi nodded, setting her sketchbook down.
"Do you think your mother's family reside in Okataiyou?"
The gesture from Otonashi was clearly one of uncertainty.
"Shiruba is a golden angel, like your mother."
"There's no such thing as angels, Kurumu."
Despite Yukari's prompt denial, Otonashi nodded. Mrs. Kawamoto sighed dramatically.
"This is a lot to take in. This whole concept that there are a bunch of monsters living in hidden towns and that they can look like humans whenever they want to."
Ms. Nekonome giggled, gesturing at Ms. Okumura. The other teacher dipped down and brought up a beer, handing it over.
"I know it sounds scary, but most monsters are terrified of being discovered. Fairy Tale and the elders of many communities work hard to keep our worlds as separate as possible so that we can live in peace."
"I thought you said coexistence."
"We do have programs like this. Fairy Tale even mandated a coexistence course for all prefectural schools, designed to keep human casualties to a minimum."
"That sounds horrifying."
"Well… Fairy Tale is a monster ran organization. Think of it as our government. They have to do what they can to keep our world safe. Monsters running wild and killing humans makes their job of keeping all the other law abiding monsters safe harder. They will cover up deaths like your husband's to protect kids like Otonashi whom had nothing to do with it. They're not good guys, but they're not bad guys."
"But Kamiya worked for Fairy Tale."
Ms. Okumura sighed, popping the tab of her fifth beer.
"Yea. I guess there will always be corruption in government. But you can't write everyone off because of a few bad apples. I teach a lot more good kids than bad."
Mrs. Kawamoto forced a smile as she rolled her wrist while holding a beer can.
"I know that. I spent hours yesterday chatting with Ms. Nazohashi. And there she is, holding her tail like that's a normal thing to do."
"I'm holding my tail because somebody molested me this morning and now the dumb thing is too agitated to go back in."
"I rubbed a nerve on your back. Do I need to molest you so you can recognize the difference?"
"Mr. Morioka."
"Hey! I'm being accused of a crime I didn't commit."
"Debatable."
"There's nothing to debate."
"Say we string him up by his testicles."
Mizore cocked her head.
"Is that physically possible?"
"I think that would depend on the size of his sack."
"Ms. Sendou."
Kurumu resumed eating her meal as the girls continued to gang up on a flustered Ginei with the boys occasionally adding their support for the werewolf's persecution. Finally polishing off her pancakes, she smiled at Otonashi whom had a wistful smile as she caressed her sketchbook.
"That song for Kamiya. You've sung it before."
Silence settled on the room as Otonashi lifted her eyes to meet Kurumu's gaze.
"For your father?"
Otonashi slowly wrote a message on her sketchbook.
I wanted to make him proud.
"That must have been devastating for you."
Otonashi smiled softly at Yukari's comment, shrugging as she glanced aside.
"Is that why your mother gave you away?"
Otonashi took a deep breath, picking up her pencil to wield against the sketchbook. Kurumu knew the others were uncomfortable with her pushing these sensitive questions, but she wanted to know how Otonashi felt about these things. The girl smiled, holding up her answer.
She couldn't take me with her.
To see daddy.
Miyamoto sighed, crossing his arms and looking away.
"Such is the fate of lovebirds. When one passes, the other loses the will to live."
"I can relate with that."
Mrs. Kawamoto set her can down, smiling softly.
"I'm sorry, San. I'm sorry your mother wasn't strong enough to carry on for you. And I'm sorry I haven't been strong enough to fight harder to make this place better for you."
"She says as she's about to break open her sixth beer."
The innkeeper wagged a finger at Ginei.
"There's nothing wrong with drinking if you do it with the right attitude."
"Now that's the truth."
The teachers both grinned, favoring Ginei with thumbs up.
"You're both idiots."
"That's not a nice thing to say to your teacher and advisor."
"Bah. Don't play that card when all you did was sick Otonashi on me."
Ms. Nekonome grinned, resting her cheek on her palm.
"You say that like you regret meeting her."
Ginei smirked, glancing over at Otonashi.
"What can I say? She was the first person to ever beat me in a fight."
"Mad dog Morioka. This idiot went on a rampage after Hirose was reported dead by the PSC. He was one fight away from ending up in the PSC jail when Lady Otonashi reeled him in that week after midterms."
Kitajima snorted, shaking his head.
"This fool is thick headed. He was in Lady Otonashi's gang for almost a month before he listened to her."
"Gang? Don't you mean club?"
Koike grinned at Kurumu's confusion with Kitajima's word choice.
"At the time, rumors about the school were that Lady Otonashi ran some high profile gang that even the PSC was too scared to break up."
"Mr. Kuyo was always at odds with our club. Nobody ever wanted to be club president because it meant dealing with him."
Ms. Okumura smirked at her fellow teacher while wagging her beer.
"Because bad things happened to the club presidents whom dared to oppose him."
"That was not specific to my club. It was such a joy having Ms. Otonashi as our club president. For some reason, Mr. Kuyo never threatened her."
"The way I understood it, Lord Kuyo was hesitant to make Lady Otonashi cry. There was a rumor among the seniors in the PSC that she had leveled a building in junior high."
Koike chuckled, nodding in agreement with Kitajima.
"Over a poor test score."
"Indeed. How do you handle an enemy whom can bring you to your knees with the sound of her voice?"
Ginei smiled wistfully.
"Yea. I asked her about that. When she sobs she sometimes gets this subtle hitch in her voice which causes anyone around her to be stunned. It's why she tries so hard to keep smiling."
"Our little bird made me aware of this. Such a heavy burden to be scared to cry."
"It's okay, Haiji. We won't think any worse of you if you start crying."
Kurumu speared the first of her sausages, far too familiar with the inability to give in to despair. Instead of adding a comment, she stuffed her mouth and chewed.
"Unlike you, I only had to meet this infamous gang leader to realize she was worthy of my loyalty."
"Because you like little girls."
"No. Being with her was the closest I've been to getting back what I lost."
A slight silence settled over the group as Ginei turned a grin on Miyamoto.
"Are you forgetting that little girl is older than you?"
"Was Mr. Miyamoto part of the newspaper club?"
"He was a partial member just like Kamoko. He only came around to worship Lady Otonashi."
"I was there to protect her from your deviance."
"All you ever did was pick her up and try to get her to play with you."
Kurumu choked on her sausage as Tora blushed. Yukari shook her head as she swallowed her mouthful.
"Disgusting."
"Was this like doctor or house?"
Miyamoto blushed at Mizore's flat inquiry.
"Not that kind of play!"
"Was part of Morioka's plot to steal our physicals."
"I was only there to prevent Lady Otonashi's measurements from falling into the wrong hands."
"Because yours was the right hands."
"Precisely. Wait! No!"
Ginei laughed at Miyamoto's flustered reaction, leaning back on the table.
"The simple truth was Lady Otonashi never needed much protection. I doubt she could ever lose a fight if she wanted to fight. That sketchbook of hers is your last chance for a peaceful resolution."
"Unlike one mutt in this room, the PSC never pushed her to lower her sketchbook."
"Indeed. Rumors say she took down the Outcasts when that group was first forming. She was the only student on campus whom they gave up on trying to defeat."
Ginei chuckled, nodding his head.
"Yea. Lady Otonashi swung by that time Midou kicked my ass. I don't think I've ever seen a bunch of guys run away so fast from a little girl."
"She broke up several fights between us."
Koike grinned at Miyamoto's remark.
"Yea. The four of us would go at it at least twice a week. I suspect that was the biggest reason why Lady Hineri scouted me for the PSC. She knew how much of a chore the newspaper club would become once Lady Otonashi graduated."
Ginei sighed, regarding Otonashi with nostalgia.
"It certainly is not the same without her around. I wish she would come back with us."
Otonashi smiled at him, offering a slight shake of her head.
"Do you target girls with daddy issues?"
Kurumu almost choked on her last mouthful of sausage. All attention shifted to Yukari whom regarded the stunned Ginei with genuine interest.
"What makes you think that?"
"Ms. Otonashi was orphaned and Kurumu's father died when she was too young to remember. My Moka had not seen her father in over six years, occasionally talking about him with unmistakable longing."
Ginei laughed nervously.
"Don't be ridiculous."
"That is an interesting point. Ms. Hajihachi's father passed away six years ago."
Udetama barked out a laugh.
"This dog offered being my daddy when told him I not seen my pa since the divorce eight years ago."
"That was a joke!"
"I don't have any daddy issues."
Kurumu hesitated calling the blushing Tora out, curious if Ginei knew anything about Tora's messed up relationship with her father.
"See! I don't limit myself to girls whom are vulnerable with difficult family situations."
Otonashi gasped, shaking her head as she started to scribble furiously on her sketchbook. Kurumu could only shake her head, aware that his denial was not applicable to Tora or Mizore.
"Damn, Morioka. May well confess ya crimes."
"Indeed. Justice should be served."
With a huff, Otonashi held up her message.
I'm telling your mother.
Ms. Okumura turned away from the ticket counter, handing Udetama a pass and voucher before doing the same for Tora and Mizore. The teacher had bought her own pass since they had only been given twelve, not bothering with a voucher for herself. She handed the last pass and voucher to Kurumu.
"If any of you need to use the restroom-"
"Finished!"
Ms. Okumura smirked at Udetama whom grinned mischievously beside Tora. The older girl was still dressed in that shirt and shorts she had slept in, declaring it good enough for sightseeing.
"If anyone else has to go, the restrooms are right there."
Kurumu nodded, glancing over her shoulder. There was a recess in the red paneled wall with signs on either side of the wall indicating genders. A wooden bench painted red was pushed up against the wall below a poster for sweets and traditional crafts.
Doubting she had to go, Kurumu's eyes swept up the partial height bathroom wall to the wooden ceiling overhead. This false ceiling was a mesh of thin painted boards with square pockets offering a view into the murky attic space above. Her eyes drifted back over to one of the red columns flanking the wall with the ticket counter. They had signs for the pricing of the different passes available above the three sliding glass windows which rested on the black counter. Two of these windows were open with workers quietly waiting for the next customer. A clock on the wall revealed it was a little after two.
"Should we wait for the others?"
Kurumu shrugged, glancing back at the entrance. Two stone lions rested in front of red columns, holding up this roof which stretched beyond the walls to the bathroom and ticket booth. It could not be called a porch since the red tiles she stood upon were the same as those this side of those columns. The lions straddled a line with brown tiles outside and white tiles between them. On the far side of the courtyard were two flights of stairs which ascended to the parking lot. A vine covered structure was built in the center which consisted of four rounded struts holding up a spiraling staircase about a green tiled pillar.
"That dummy missed her turn off 331. There's no telling how long it will take her to get here."
It had taken less than twenty minutes to get here from the Okinawa Prefectural Peace Memorial Museum. Mrs. Kawamoto had insisted on taking Otonashi there, stating it was a place she used to visit with her husband every year in August in memory of his grandfather whom died in the great war. She had only been to the museum once since it had been modernized in 2000 and this was the first time she had eaten at the restaurant there.
While Ms. Okumura had called Ms. Nekonome from the parking lot to figure out where the teacher was, the innkeeper had headed in with Otonashi, Ginei and Miyamoto. The other boys had stayed at the inn with Mrs. Wayama. Koike had claimed his injury would draw too much attention to their group, which was silly considering so many people stared at their group anyways due to their unusual hair colors. She had no idea what Kitajima's real excuse was, doubting he preferred cleaning up the inn.
"We can check out the cave right now."
Kurumu frowned at Udetama whom was backpedaling across red tiles to the park side of this entrance.
"I'd rather wait for the others."
"I wouldn't put your faith in Shizuka getting here soon. It's a Friday afternoon and she's gotten lost in Niigata when visiting her fiancé."
Kurumu smiled at Ms. Okumura.
"Have you met her fiancé?"
"I've gone with Shizuka and Shiki when I don't feel like spending a weekend in Mononoke. That town is deader than a graveyard."
Mrs. Senda Shiki was a third year science teacher whom was the broadcasting club advisor. The woman had two daughters whom both lived with her husband in the human world.
"Cool that Ms. Nekonome finally getting married. She best send me an invite."
"Did you have her as your homeroom teacher?"
"Naw. Had Mr. Nagamushi and my history teacher was Mr. Imatubby."
"I think you meant Mr. Umatobi."
Udetama waved dismissively at Tora.
"Same thing."
"Do you ever go drinking with Ms. Nekonome in Mononoke?"
"Almost every other day."
Kurumu frowned at the frequency.
"I didn't have the impression the two of you were that close."
Ms. Okumura chuckled, resting a hand on her hip.
"Why would you think that? We were both hired on in 94 for the last major expansion. Shizuka has been a good friend for a non native like me to adjust to Yokai Academy."
"But you weren't at the drinking party my mother attended."
"Oh, that. I'm not an alumni of Yokai so I don't invite myself to that get together."
"How did you end up at Yokai Academy?"
Ms. Okumura grinned at Tora.
"I needed a job somewhere. I applied to several prefectural schools, including my alma mater. I actually graduated from Ranten Academy, since Umishita is closer to our village in Amami than Hokori Institute, the Kagoshima school in Nagusame."
Kurumu gestured at the woman's tee shirt.
"I'm surprised a monster school has a tee shirt."
"A relic of my youth. We tried convincing the school to adopt the donkey as our mascot. It fell through, but we kept the shirts."
"Come on, guys. Do ya wants leaving Morioka in a dark cave with Otonashi?"
Kurumu grimaced, sharing a glance with Mizore whom shrugged indifferently. Tora sighed.
"It's not like the two of them are alone."
"Miyamoto not any better."
"You girls can run along and find the others. I still have Ms. Nazohashi's phone."
"I suppose we can go. Mizore?"
Clutching her purse in one hand, Kurumu absently offered her hand to Mizore whom reflexively had her hands resting at her navel despite the lack of a center pocket. The girl glanced at Kurumu's hand before taking it. Udetama grinned, twirling about and stalking towards a pair of plant arrangement resembling beasts. These creatures had black horns, white cylinders for eyes and a gaping red maw behind a top and bottom row of porcelain teeth with four fangs at the front corners.
The older girl dipped left, following the curved, tiled trail flanked by white concrete partial walls. As the path descended slightly, both flanking walls became taller though the left wall ended abruptly where the path intersected with a service drive. Udetama followed the tiles which winded around the intersection and turned again at a sign declaring the cave entrance. A partial glass canopy was held up on green struts and pillars which flanked the right side of this curved trail. A silver handrail skirted the left side between them and the underbrush.
"Have you come here often?"
"Not much to do in Amami so we spends a week or two in Okinawa every year. Only been to the cave once though back when I was ten."
It was not far down the path before another silver handrail split the path in two. Udetama favored the left side, coming to the end of the trail and descending the flight of tiled stairs to a pavilion.
"Are you sixteen or seventeen?"
"Still sixteen. Born the third of December, couple weeks before Ms. Nekonome's wedding."
"Ginei mentioned you were like a nekomusume."
"Not some weakling tabby. Proud Byakko. Auntie too."
"Byakko?"
"Ya not know Chinese legends? Has tons of family overseas. Ma got fed up with pa so moved far ways to live with her cousin. That be Auntie. Bet my pa furring a kitten as we speak."
"We should not discuss such things in the presence of others."
"Bah. None knows what I means anyways. Smile and wave."
Udetama wagged a hand dismissively as they arrived at the bottom of the stairs. This open pavilion covered by a yellowish tarp had open, waist height walls which were in line with the ground outside. A silver sign was mounted on top of the wall on their left, listing the rules for the cave which included things like no smoking, eating or straying from the walkways.
There was a path marked by black poles with a stretch of red elastic connecting them. The path drifted to the other side across the circle of tiles in the center of this domed enclosure. On the left in front of this tiled circle was a desk with fliers for the cave and two attendants whom smiled at their approach. Udetama smiled, waved and presented her pass. The woman nodded and gestured to continue.
"See."
Kurumu smirked at Udetama's confidence, holding up her pass. The woman nodded at her and Kurumu squeezed Mizore's hand. Beyond the counter on the other side of the pavilion was a bench in front of a huge poster of some whitish brown thing. It looked like strings of clay. So many strings. She had never seen anything like that before.
"This way."
Kurumu nodded, veering off to the left and following the older girl. The thin tarp overhead was stretched over this red tiled path which connected with a concrete tunnel shooting off to the left. This tunnel was as wide as the upper balconies back at Yokai Academy, allowing Tora enough room to walk on the other side of Mizore while Udetama led the way.
"Your birthday is also in December."
Mizore nodded as they passed by a relief of a roaring lion recessed in the smooth wall above the white tiles which stretched up from the red tiled floor to waist height. There were two more pairs of reliefs further down the path.
"The seventh."
"I understand they also do Student Council elections in December."
Udetama whirled about with a grin as she backpedaled with confidence.
"Right. And our fencing tournament be that last weekend in November. Busy time."
Kurumu frowned at that revelation.
"You made it sound like I couldn't get an article done for your club before the tournament."
"Ya might not. Why say not worry. Try if ya wants but I not push ya."
Udetama turned about, starting down a flight of stairs which was divided by a center handrail. Tora took a step to be ahead of them as they favored the left side of the descent. Kurumu absently touched the wall mounted handrail while her purse dangled from her elbow. She saw two more landings and two more flights of stairs further down the path.
"Is this cave dark?"
"It's a cave. Course be dark."
"It seems pretty well lit to me."
"Along the walkways. Plenty dark places off the beaten path."
"Does it echo?"
Udetama glanced back upon reaching the first landing. She frowned at Mizore.
"Echo?"
"Do we have to be quiet?"
The girl shrugged as she started down the second flight.
"Not think so. No shouting though. Might cave in."
"For real?"
"Who knows? Might loosen them spears on the roof. Drops them on ya head and death."
"Please don't needlessly worry these idiots, Ms. Udetama."
The junior snickered as they descended deeper down this shaft.
"Bet that Kamiya could rattle those rocks loose. Who knows if shouting works too?"
"I'm certain none of us could be loud enough to cause rocks to fall from the ceiling."
"Do lovers come down here?"
Kurumu smiled softly at Mizore's inquiry.
"I doubt she would know that."
"Maybe we could find a spot and show it to Tsukune."
"I hope this line of questioning was not some misguided effort to rationalize having public sex with Tsukune. We all agreed that Kurumu should not chase after him so aggressively."
"Chase? Thought he belongs to Kurono."
"Tsukune doesn't belong to anyone."
Udetama favored Tora a confused look as she reached the next landing.
"Thought those two a couple."
"You could barely say they are dating."
"More like fucking."
Kurumu flinched at Mizore's blunt assessment.
"My Lina World trip on my birthday qualifies as a date."
"That is possibly the only thing you have done with him which resembles a date. You both need this break to start things over properly."
"Bah. Ya dumb to break up over that."
"We're not broken up!"
"Tsukune has agreed that this is the right course of action."
Udetama snorted as she steadily descended the last visible flight of steps. The path turned right at the end of the next flight with what looked to be an open, stainless steel door.
"That boy crazy. If I had a dick, no ways I stop using it on Kurono."
"I suppose we should be thankful that you lack such equipment."
"What more could he want? She perfect for fucking."
Kurumu pouted, squeezing Mizore's hand.
"My relationship with Tsukune is more than physical."
"Not the point. Guys and girls can gets all else from anyone. Friendship. Shared hobbies. Emotional support. None that gender specific. Fucking is."
"There are such things as same sex relationships."
Udetama huffed at Tora's remark, wagging a hand dismissively as she reached the bottom of the stairs.
"Bah. Might be fun fooling with another girl, but not able to give her a baby. Waste of her time."
Kurumu frowned as she followed the older girl through the open door into a large chamber. She lost the comment in her mind as she took in this foreign scenery. It looked similar to the backdrop they had seen behind the bench in the pavilion. She let go of Mizore's hand, wandering across the corrugated steel platform to grip the cool railing.
"It looks like ice cream."
Kurumu nodded dumbly at Mizore's comment. Icicles was the word that came to mind as she looked about his massive chamber. She noted the sign on the railing to her left, declaring this as Asia's Grand Hall which featured countless stalagmites two meters high. The chamber was twenty meters wide and eighty meters deep. She failed to comprehend why these icicles existed.
"It's not that cold in here, right?"
"Tad chilly, but not nipping out."
"Then why doesn't it melt?"
Tora rolled her eyes, shaking her head as she started to follow Udetama down the concrete stairs to the next corrugated steel platform.
"That's not water, Kurumu. That's calcium buildup over the course of centuries."
"But it's dripping."
Tora paused at the next landing, peering up at Mizore.
"There is water involved but the formations are rock. Since the drip is so slow, the sediment in the water has time to harden. It takes years for these stalactites to form."
Kurumu nodded, supposing she cared little for the explanation. She started down the stairs a step ahead of Mizore. There were so many of these rock formations, some stretching from top to bottom along the wall on her right side. There were spotlights scattered about this cavern, illuminating some formations along the wall while others were next to the walkway aimed upwards to cast the room in a warm glow.
There was another short flight of concrete steps down from the next platform on her left. She glanced about this place, noting small placards in some of the formations, identifying them. She supposed it was interesting, but it looked all the same to her.
"Will we see any diamonds or gems?"
Tora snorted as the sphinx followed Udetama down a diagonal stretch of stairs which ended on a corrugated steel walkway.
"If there was anything of value in a cave, humans would have taken it long ago. The only value these things have is how they look."
"Like most women."
"Or men."
Udetama laughed, heading down the walkway to the right.
"Never thought a man worth his looks."
Kurumu smiled as she glanced back to confirm Mizore was still following. She walked down the stairs quickly to catch up to the other two.
"Are there any guys you like?"
"Sure. Lots guys fun to hang with. My club pals always a hoot."
Kurumu laughed, shaking her head.
"I meant love interests."
"Like putting a dick in me?"
Kurumu blushed, glancing aside.
"I guess."
"Naw. Byakko not mates with most races. Might work with a nekomusume, but why want a weak boy like that? Might well fuck a human. Easier to find for same results."
Kurumu sighed heavily.
"Having a baby isn't the only reason to have sex."
"Though the primary purpose for having sex."
"Nazohashi rights. If ya just wants fun, better activities to do. No point tying ya heart down to someone ya have no future with."
Kurumu sighed again, doubting she could change Udetama's mind on this. She strolled along this walkway which was divided by a center rail. The path dipped into a small chamber with several more of those formations. At the base of some of those spires was a creamy, solid slush.
"You've never had any sexual feelings towards anyone?"
"The only guy made me think to part ways with my virginity was Kyuushutsu. He don't count."
Kurumu smirked, having heard about Udetama's reaction to Kyuushutsu's charm. The incubus whom had placed among the finalists for the boys was someone Kurumu was fine not interacting with again.
"So I guess we don't have to worry about you being fixated on Ginei like half a dozen other girls."
Udetama snorted out a laugh, shaking her head. The girl gestured at a sign which indicated one of the nearby formations was the Bell of the Rising Dragon.
"That dog has no chance of ever making my dragon rise."
Tora frowned at the older girl whom stalked off, favoring the other side of the walkway.
"But you're a girl. There's nothing of yours to rise. Right?"
Udetama smirked, momentarily wiggling her behind as she strut further down the passage into the large cavern. Undecided if the girl was teasing or serious, Kurumu followed after the girls while waving for Mizore to keep up.
"Got the impression ya have a thing for Morioka."
"No I don't!"
"Ya rushed to his defense this morning bouts the daddy issue."
Tora huffed as they crossed through the chamber, passing by the supports which held up the entrance platform to the cave.
"I merely stated that he flirts with me and that I lack that problem."
At the end of this corrugated walkway was a small flight of concrete stairs down to a paved landing. The top came down as they descended further into this smaller space. Rows upon rows of stalactites filled up all the visible space of the ceiling as they crossed the landing to another set of concrete stairs. There was a sign at the bottom of these stairs on the other side of the left railing which declared this feature was the speared ceiling. The poster boasted the cave having a million spears with twenty thousand of them being in this room alone. She felt bad for anyone whom actually wasted their time counting that.
"She kissed him back in April."
Udetama glanced at Kurumu with an intrigued expression. The older girl started down the first of three short flights of steps leading down to a tiled walkway at the bottom. Waist high metal railings flanked both sides of the path every step of the way.
"Ya kissed Morioka?"
"At most it was a generic curiosity. Ms. Kurono teased me over respecting our senior and pushed her wanton thoughts upon me."
"So now that's my fault?!"
"You have all but admitted a desire for me to care more for him than I actually do."
Kurumu bit back her comment, having no way of denying that. She said nothing as she followed the path which turned left twice before reaching the bottom.
"I did not make you put up a barrier about the school."
"I have conceded that much."
"Do ya regret it?"
"Regret what?"
"The kiss. Do ya regret it?"
Tora sighed as they walked around the bend along this tiled floor. The tiles were uneven with bumps, possibly to prevent slippage. Puddles flanked either side of the walkway which steadily descended.
"A little. I would have not kissed him if I had known he was involved with so many other girls."
"Ya first kiss?"
Tora sighed again as they walked down this wide passage. The ceiling here was also riddled with stalactites but the walls looked like layers of rock no different than what Kurumu had seen on drives through the countryside in the few places the road had carved about a bend.
"No worries. Gave mine to my cousin. Least ya not related to Morioka."
"That's not reassuring."
"Bah. Just a kiss."
"Have you kissed anyone else?"
Udetama smirked, turning about and backpedaling.
"How bouts ya, snow girl? Ya kiss anyone?"
"Nothing good has ever come from me kissing someone."
Kurumu flinched at that statement.
"Well I'm not supposed to be kissing people. I have a drug in my saliva which can cause people to get addicted to kissing me."
"For real? That's some neat trick."
"It's not something great."
"Kissing can be special, ya know. Would want keep a guy I'm willing to kiss."
"So true."
Kurumu smiled, agreeing with that despite how melancholy they all were with this fact. The path widened out as they arrived in a larger chamber lit up with more spotlights. A small, red roofed structure was held up by four gray pillars off to the left.
"They call this the first love square. Saw a couple kissing last time."
Kurumu smirked as the glanced about this chamber.
"I wouldn't say there are any dark spots in here to do anything else."
"If ya think ya have sex down here, not happening. Best off do that in the woods."
"How about we not consider the notion of intercourse at all?"
"I still think Tsukune should put a baby in me."
Udetama snorted out a laugh at Mizore's remark.
"Shit, Shirayuki. Girlfriend rights here and ya say that."
"Former girlfriend."
"We're not breaking up!"
"Unfortunately we've known about her attachment to Tsukune for weeks. I've talked with Mr. Umizake, her fiancé, about this. He seems to have no opinion."
"Ya have a fiancé?"
Mizore glanced aside without comment. As usual, Mizore became disheartened upon hearing her fiancé mentioned. Ignoring the slight chill about Mizore, Kurumu sidled over to squeeze Mizore's left hand.
"It's an old arrangement. He came to Yokai Academy to keep watch over her."
"Mr. Umizake ranked in our top ten academically and was nominated for the popularity contest."
Udetama huffed, stalking off to the other end of this space. A flight of concrete stairs went up into the next chamber.
"Never heard of him. Must be a first year."
"You could ask Mr. Koike or Mr. Kitajima about him. He joined the PSC."
Kurumu tugged Mizore along as they resumed their journey through the cave.
"He's also tall. I wouldn't say he's ugly, but he's horribly apathetic."
"Must be for her to talk bouts having your boyfriend's baby."
Kurumu glanced at Mizore whom continued to sulk.
"Do you think we'll catch up to Ginei? We are moving kind of fast through this cave."
Udetama wagged her hand dismissively as she walked up the stairs.
"Naw. Bet they at Habu Museum Park first."
"Why didn't we go there first?"
"Signs showed the performance at two. No point coming halfway through that with no guarantee they there. We wait for next show and watch with the others."
"That's the snake exhibit, correct?"
Udetama grinned as she stepped up onto a corrugated steel walkway.
"Rights. There we can observe Morioka in his natural habitat."
"What's that?"
"A snake in the grass."
Kurumu shook her head, not finding that as amusing as the blond thought it was.
"Hey. We're having watermelon out on the terrace."
Kurumu glanced up from her luggage, smiling at Tora. They were both dressed down in the inn's robes.
"I'll be right down."
Tora retreated from view, leaving the hallway door open. Kurumu resumed arranging her clean laundry in her suitcase, having already set aside a school uniform and lingerie for tomorrow's departure. She smiled at the souvenirs she had picked up at Okinawa World. The voucher had been enough to pick up three boxes of treats without delving into her personal funds. Conversing with the others, Kurumu had decided hers would go to Satsuki, Juri and Tokori. She was disappointed that the glass craft store had lacked a yunomi to add to her collection, supposing she could ask Ms. Juunan to find one for her someday.
Not much had happened today. They had left Okinawa World around five so that they could be back at the inn around six. Kurumu had started her laundry right away while Mrs. Kawamoto had ferried the two teachers to the rental place to return their cars. She had eaten dinner and taken a bath with the other girls, chatting about nothing in particular. The teachers had returned with watermelons and fireworks, promising to wait for dusk to say their farewells to this summer.
"Kurumu."
She shivered upon feeling his attention. She heard the door close as she glanced across the floor, noting his bare feet. She drew her hands to her waist as she thought about how she was not wearing anything beneath this robe. She dared not meet his gaze with these musings.
"Are you sure you should be in a room alone with me?"
"I hope we can manage a couple minutes."
Kurumu smiled softly, glancing aside.
"It only takes a couple minutes."
Feeling his blush, she flopped the side of her suitcase back in place, tugging the zipper about the edge to close it up. She tried to keep her thoughts neutral as his desire licked over her.
"I haven't forgotten any of it, Kurumu. It would be too easy to go back to how things were."
Kurumu sighed, caressing her luggage.
"What is it you want to talk about?"
"I… I won't fight Moka for your blood."
Kurumu sighed again, relaxing her shoulders.
"You know… we could just do it without her permission."
"I doubt we could pull that off. She says she'd know with one sip of my blood."
Kurumu nodded, suspecting that might be true.
"So… that's it then. You wanted to tell me we're done."
There was a good minute worth of silence. She hated this summer.
"When I was with you… I kept thinking it was okay because you knew you wanted me. With Moka… I couldn't tell. Most of the time I felt like I wasn't good enough for her. And I was often told things about Moka's culture which made a future with Moka seem too impossible for her to consider dating me."
"You will have to fight her if you want a future with her."
"Maybe not."
Kurumu frowned, regarding his feet.
"The other Moka doesn't like you that much, Tsukune. She's not going to surrender her body to you unless you defeat her."
He hesitated to reply.
"I've been thinking much about this over this week. I wanted to ask your opinion first. Is it possible for me to start dating the outside Moka?"
"Outside Moka?"
"The Moka I spent the whole day with. I mean… Mrs. Shuzen said this Moka is not her daughter. That means she's not a vampire. Those violent courtship rules don't apply to her."
Kurumu felt a painful twist about her heart. She absently rubbed her breast as she struggled to think over this objectively.
"Do you understand that this Moka is borrowing the vampire Moka's body?"
"I do."
"Okay. Do you understand that when we figure out how to free this Moka from the rosary, she will have a different body?"
Kurumu glanced up at his waist. He was garbed in the inn's robes like most of the others. She wondered if he was wearing anything beneath.
"Will you still want her sexually in her new body?"
Tsukune stiffened, falling back a step.
"That's… impossible to say."
"No. It's not."
"I can't commit to an answer when I have no idea what would happen. It would be like asking you if you would still love me if I had a different body."
Kurumu cocked her head, glancing at his feet.
"I've already passed that test, Tsukune. When I lost my baby organ, I didn't stop fucking you."
She could feel him blush.
"That's not the same thing."
"Why not?"
"Because my appearance didn't change."
Kurumu smirked, tempted to look up at him.
"And here I thought you were humble about your appearance."
Tsukune laughed nervously, falling back another step.
"Yea. I'm sorry."
Kurumu took in a deep breath. Placing her hands on the floor, she pushed up and lifted onto her feet.
"Right then. So will you love this Moka in any body we give her?"
"I believe I would."
Kurumu closed her eyes. After a long moment, she nodded.
"Okay. You should ask the vampire Moka her opinion tonight."
She stalked by him, drawing open the door as he whirled about in shock.
"Now?!"
She paused at the door, peering down the hallway.
"Of course now. It's almost nine. I bet Moka is struggling to keep awake."
Seeing no reason to delay any longer, Kurumu strolled down the short corridor towards the broken windows. She heard him close the door before he hurried to her side. She smiled, glancing at the wall away from him as they quickly reached the end and turned left down the upper hallway.
"You're not mad?"
Kurumu glanced at the floor, noting all the shards of glass had been cleaned up. Those two boys had done so much in the short time they had been out in the city. Sadly the windows could not be replaced as quickly, allowing the muggy air of the summer night permeate the inn.
"Did you want me to be?"
"Not really."
As they turned left at the end of this hall and started down the stairs, Kurumu wondered what the other Moka would have to say about this. She probably would be upset about unsealing her for something so juvenile when they could have used her help against Kamiya. She could see the other Moka tolerating a relationship if it only consisted of drinking blood and hanging out. It was hard to guess how agreeable she would be to holding hands or kissing. As far as Kurumu knew, Moka had only kissed Tsukune that one time during the weekend with Nagare.
"Are you planning to tell your friends that you dumped me?"
"I have no idea how I could make that believable."
Kurumu huffed as she quickly descended the stairs.
"I have no intention of saying I dumped you."
"Maybe we could blame our parents?"
Kurumu laughed as she arrived on the landing. She shook her head as she stepped about the wall into the short corridor back to the main hallway.
"Not mine. Too many teachers know that my mother was fine with you banging my brains out."
Tsukune sighed as he followed after her.
"I suppose only Yukari and Mizore had any notable time spent with mine. If I can get them on board with not contradicting any rumors they hear, I should be okay."
Kurumu smirked, casting a glance back at him.
"Are you sure you want to do this? The other Moka might not agree to letting you have her seal."
"It wouldn't feel right to ask her while still being your boyfriend."
Kurumu shook her head as she paused at the door to the indoor dining area. She figured there was a higher chance of him being rejected if he mentioned breaking up with her.
"Don't tell her you broke up with me. It won't work."
She smiled at his puzzled expression as she slid open the door.
"It's not official unless she says yes. Okay?"
Not caring for confirmation as he had no choice in the matter, Kurumu sashayed into the dining area. With all the windows out, this dining area was as humid as the terrace outside. She quickly spied Mrs. Kawamoto and the two teachers at one of the tables, chugging down beer like it was a competition.
Yukari was seated at another table between Moka and Mizore. Mizore was slowly chewing on a slice of watermelon while Moka was resting her head upon her forearm, sprawled across the table next to rind. Her other hand was absently brushing across Yukari's bangs as the witch quietly munched on a slice. Kurumu came to a stop next to Mizore, noting there were more slices resting on a plate on the table.
"What's up?"
"Want one?"
Kurumu shrugged, taking the slice Mizore promptly offered to her. Mizore touched the tip of her finger against the pink top, causing the slice to glaze over.
"What did you do?"
"Froze it. It makes it more like sherbet."
"Could you freeze mine too?"
Mizore nodded, grabbing a slice and handing it over to Tsukune before repeating the process.
"Took you long enough. We're waiting on you to start the fireworks."
Kurumu smiled as Yukari set down her half eaten slice. The witch rubbed a seed off her lip with the back of her hand. She plucked it off her wrist, dropping it in a bowl between her and Moka.
"Why are you three inside?"
"It's too hot."
Kurumu snorted, doubting the interior was any cooler than out on the terrace. She noted a couple tables had been pulled out, but only one was occupied. Tora was politely eating a watermelon while conversing in low tones with Rubi and Koike which could barely be heard over the shouts and laughter further away. It sounded like the rest of their upperclassmen were out on the beach goofing off.
"I think I'll turn in soon."
Yukari pouted.
"No. You have to stay awake to shoot fireworks with us out on the beach."
Moka yawned grandly, nuzzling her temple against her forearm while her pink tresses spilled about.
"I can't last much longer."
"No worries. Tsukune has to remove your seal."
Moka frowned as Yukari perked up with interest.
"What's going on?"
Tsukune chuckled nervously, rubbing the back of his neck.
"I need to talk to the other Moka."
Mizore cocked her head, regarding him suspiciously.
"What does he need to talk about?"
"Oh, nothing special. Something along the lines of reassuring her that he won't abandon her even if he marries me. That sort of stuff."
"That's not it!"
Kurumu grinned, wagging her hand dismissively.
"It's similar. Anyways. We should do it."
"I don't know…"
"She could shoot fireworks with Yukari."
"I approve of that."
"Yukari."
Yukari pouted at Moka.
"I love both Mokas. I barely get to spend any time with her."
"But this doesn't seem important."
Kurumu huffed.
"Of course this is important. You're not getting another Okinawa summer night so this is her last chance for some fun. It's not like we have to worry about Kamiya or any other baddie showing up tonight."
Moka took in a deep breath, lifting back into her seat. She smiled up at Tsukune.
"Okay. You can do it."
Tsukune gulped. He timidly stepped around Yukari, tucking his watermelon slice close to his chest as he reached out to Moka. His hand gripped firmly upon the rosary as Moka made a slight gasp.
"Take that sort of activity elsewhere, you two."
Moka and Tsukune blushed. Kurumu and Yukari shared a smirk at Ms. Okumura's misunderstanding.
"But they're first years. As a teacher, shouldn't you discourage that behavior?"
"We tend to only intervene when there's doubt of parental consent."
Kurumu wondered how Ms. Nekonome concluded there was parental consent here.
"Tsukune is taking off Moka's limiter so she can enjoy fireworks with us."
"Sure. Whatever. Just take it elsewhere and enjoy your youth."
Kurumu giggled, shaking her head. Not willing to argue, she acquiesced to her teacher's demands.