Kurumu buffeted her wings, shifting her weight to swing her feet down as she neared the grassy field where the tulips once bloomed. She arched her wings, free falling the last meter. She landed heavily on her loafers, hopping thrice to diminish her impact.
"Done already?"
Kurumu chuckled, curling her tail about her ankle as she turned to regard the grinning sylph. Antai hovered a couple meters over the ground, wearing a yellow shirt with black, short sleeves. Those brown shorts of hers were made of the same fabric used for dress slacks. Kurumu gestured at the floating girl.
"How is that flying?"
"I'm like a hummingbird. My wings are moving so fast that the eye can't perceive them."
"Lies."
"I have captured the essence of time about me, allowing my body to fall in super slow motion."
Nomura touched down beside them, flexing her wings and panting.
"Is that tiresome?"
"Not at all. I could do this all day if I wanted to."
Nomura laughed, tucking her wings in at her side. She let out a heavy breath as she absently touched her bosom conservatively hidden in the black halter bodice. The smooth fabric slipped beneath the hem of her khaki capris.
"Well I am thoroughly exhausted."
Kiki spiraled down to them. The russet haired girl had not bothered putting her tresses up in their usual tails, allowing her locks to flutter in the wind against her bare shoulders and upon her wings. The girl was wearing a baby blue top which was almost identical to the pastel green tank top Kurumu had on. The straps came together behind the neck and went down in the center of the back, perfectly between the wings. Touching down on her brown loafers, Kiki tucked the small length of excess fabric into her black slacks for at least the sixth time since leaving the dining hall after breakfast.
"I don't think I've flown this long ever."
Kurumu smirked at this pair.
"You both took a ten minute break."
Nomura laughed with a shake of her head.
"That doesn't mean we can't be tired."
"I wonder what time it is."
"That would be a Yukari question. She has all the phones."
Kurumu pointed off in the direction of the two witches. Yukari was sitting at the edge of the clearing, having donned that black jumper dress which was patterned with white stars. The silhouette of a woman riding a broom towards a crescent moon was printed across her subtle bosom.
Rubi was seated in the grass nearby with Mizore and Tsukune. The older witch had donned that indigo blouse with the loose long sleeves and open, pleated collar. The excess fabric was tucked in that long pair of black satin shorts with the brass buttons.
Mizore was garbed in her peach, long sleeved blouse with the crimped collar and cuffs which she had been wearing yesterday, coupled with that pleated white skirt with the purple stripes along the bottom hem. And Tsukune still had on his school clothes from Friday. Arriving with Tora and Ms. Nekonome, he had quite the story to tell on the way to the field.
The short version was that Lord Chiki was watching the hospital closely and refused to let anyone be released without him performing a thorough investigation. It sounded reasonable, considering most monsters would only be taken to the hospital under dire circumstances. Tsukune had made the error of mentioning he was human which was unacceptable to Lord Chiki. He had refused to release Tsukune because humans attending monster schools was something he was supposed to be notified about for approval. Umizake had steered Mizore out of the hospital the moment Lord Chiki implied that they were contributing to a breach of security.
Familiar with the PSC walk, Umizake had taken Mizore to Sawayaka's home so that they could get Satsuki whom knew where Ms. Nekonome lived. Unfortunately Tokori's brother was the only one home at that time since his mother was at work and the girls were all at Mr. Tensai's place. He had no idea where Mr. Tensai's place was, so Umizake had to ask around. Eventually they got in contact with Satsuki and Tora but Ms. Nekonome had not been home. It was hours before the teacher returned.
Ms. Nekonome had contacted the Headmaster immediately whom quickly came to Tsukune's rescue. Lord Chiki had argued with the Headmaster before agreeing to Tsukune's release on the condition that the Headmaster surrender the key which allowed him control of whom entered and left the great barrier. It had been after eight when Tsukune had finally been allowed to leave the hospital.
Michiko landed near them with a huge gust of wind. The girl had on a faded blue shirt with the back torn out which also bared her midriff. It was the first time Kurumu had seen the tall girl in denim jeans which was a new acquisition over the summer. Michiko adjusted her shirt as Hatoko cackled down at her.
"Why ya landing?"
Michiko turned about and wagged a finger at the smirking girl whom was lazily circling about overhead. Hatoko had on that long sleeved, gray spandex shirt with the back torn out. She was also sporting jeans, though Kurumu had seen her wear this stonewash pair before.
"Ya need stop tugging on my clothes. What if my top tears?"
"I'll loan ya one of mine."
"Lots good that does if ya yank me tit out here."
"Bah. We play rougher alls the time."
"You should ease off, Ms. Hanetsume."
"We are in the company of a man."
Hatoko huffed at Kiki's protest.
"Aono seeing one more tit won't kill him."
"Attack!"
Kazehana zipped through the air, clipping Hatoko's wing and sending her in an awkward spiral. The twin tailed girl laughed, banking hard and soaring off. Clothed in a black tube top and mini skirt, the girl quickly became a black speck as she sped away.
"Come back here!"
Hatoko pumped her wings and shot out after her assailant. Michiko chuckled, hopping a couple steps before launching after the pair.
"Hey Antai!"
Suzume swung over to them, batting her wings to allow her to hover. The golden ring fixed to the end of her long obsidian braid bounced against her rump which was swathed in a pair of black biker shorts. The girl had on this flimsy, short sleeved, open back, white top which barely reached the hem of her shorts.
"Are you still playing?"
Antai grinned, twirling about and elevating from the ground another few meters.
"Sure."
"Race you to the boundary."
The tengu shot out towards the ocean. Angling forward, the sylph zipped away with enough speed to catch her rival almost immediately.
"She's going to lose."
Nomura nodded, fussing with her feathers.
"Sylphs are usually faster than us when it comes to flying."
Kurumu nodded, starting off towards Yukari's group.
"We should ask the time."
The two girls followed after her. Nomura continued to fret over her feathers, plucking unsightly ones free and letting them fall to the ground.
"Have you ever thought about dyeing your feathers, Ms. Honda?"
"I have but I didn't feel comfortable asking my mother for money to do it."
"I dyed mine black once in junior high. Most girls in Hateshinai have black feathers. I didn't like mine being this blond hue."
Kurumu grinned, turning about and backpedaling.
"I used to dye my hair black when I lived among humans."
Nomura smiled, letting another feather flutter to the ground.
"The dye made my feathers molt prematurely. I was so upset."
"What about just dyeing your hair?"
Nomura shrugged, ceasing her preening.
"I'll probably do that when I start living among humans. Not much reason to do it now."
Kurumu nodded, spinning about. She grinned as she neared Yukari's group. The little witch was making gestures over Kokoa's red phone and the black flip phone which belonged to Ishiko.
"You almost done with your spells?"
Yukari continued with her motions with her attention fixated on the phones. Rubi waved at her.
"She still has a few more phones to link up."
"She's on her fifth spell."
Kurumu glanced over at Kokoa's group which were fooling around in the woods not far away. Kokoa had on that pink midriff shirt with the long, black sleeves which had a vented mesh between her shoulders and elbows. Black cargo shorts stretched almost down to her knees. Her legs were swathed in black stockings and crimson sneakers graced her feet.
The vampire hovered close to Taniguchi, whom was garbed in this loose, white blouse with puffy short sleeves and a lacy hem which hung over her form fitting navy blue jeans. The pair were watching the other two whom were a couple paces further into the forest.
Ishiko was making something out of the stones she scavenged from their surroundings. Dressed in that pumpkin colored shirt with the black snaps and a pair of black utility pants, the gnome was using her innate powers to bend and shape the stone into curves for whatever it was she was constructing. On the walk over, Ishiko had shown Kurumu a little gear she had made from a rock smaller than her fist.
Akegawa was serving as an assistant, holding things which Ishiko handed over to her. The salamander wore a mint green shirt with short, black sleeves which hung over the loops of her white denim capris. She glanced over at Kokoa, making a slight smile as the gnome continued with the project.
"What time is it?"
"Rubi. Can you hand me one of the phones?"
Tsukune laughed as the older witch grabbed Yukari's pink toy phone.
"Tora's phone. The silver one."
"There's two of them."
Yukari sighed dramatically, looking up from the phones in front of her.
"You could have given him either one, Rubi. I'm finished with them both."
Rubi grabbed both of the silver phones resting on the ground next to Yukari. She presented both to Tsukune, whom promptly flipped Moka's open. Identical to Kurumu's and Kokoa's, Moka's silver phone was more rounded than Tora's flip phone.
"It's ten twenty six."
"That's almost an hour since we got here."
"I doubt I've ever flown for that long."
Kurumu smirked, electing not to remind these two of their break. She was impressed though with how long she had kept in the air.
"Can I have Moka's phone?"
Yukari huffed as she grabbed Kurumu's phone and placed it with the other phones in front of her.
"I'll link these phones with Kurumu's next. You can take those phones back to Tora and Moka."
Tsukune nodded, absently surrendering the phones to Kurumu. Kurumu grinned, flipping open Moka's phone while she held Tora's to her breast.
"Do you think Moka will mind if I take a couple photos?"
"Please don't, Ms. Kurono."
"How much longer are we going to be here?"
Kokoa traipsed over to them with Taniguchi in her wake. Yukari sighed, adjusting the placement of the phones before her.
"This spell takes time. Give me another fifteen minutes to connect your phones with Kurumu's."
"Are you going to connect your phone to theirs?"
"I don't need to call her."
Yukari glared at Kokoa.
"I will if my Moka insists that I do."
"It's too bad that I didn't have my phone on me."
Rubi smiled sweetly at Tsukune.
"It's okay. I forgot to bring my vibrator."
"What?!"
Kurumu laughed, making placating gestures at Kiki and Nomura as Tsukune gagged incomprehensibly.
"It's something she owns which Yukari can use the spell on because it's powered by batteries."
Kiki blushed as Nomura frowned.
"Why would she own one of those?"
"Somebody from Milady's estate gave it to her."
Kokoa stared dumbly at her.
"What's a vibrator?"
"Oh dear."
Kiki wrung her hands, glancing at Nomura.
"Should we explain it to her?"
Taniguchi chuckled, slipping an arm about Kokoa's shoulder. The undine leaned in and whispered into Kokoa's ear. The vampire's eyes widened as she blushed.
"How does that work?"
Taniguchi giggled, backing away. She absently toyed with the side braid behind her ear.
"I think you can figure that out."
"Where can I buy one?"
Kurumu could only shake her head as everyone but the two witches blushed over this. Yukari was intent on starting her next spell and Rubi merely shrugged at the question. Taniguchi laughed, reaching over to pat Kokoa's head.
"You don't need one, silly girl."
"Maybe I could buy you one."
"I'd rather have the CDs you promised."
Kokoa sighed, regarding them.
"What's his problem?"
Kurumu chuckled at Tsukune's distress. His hands were clasped over his ears and his eyes were closed.
"He's desperately trying to preserve an innocent image of you."
"Whatever. I'm bored."
Kurumu smirked, holding Moka's phone up so that the little screen had the image of Kokoa. She pressed the center button to take the picture.
"What is Ishiko up to?"
"She's making a bicycle."
"She can do that?"
Kokoa shrugged, gesturing at the pair in the woods.
"I guess. I wish I could fly around and play like the other girls."
"Can you fly after taking her blood?"
"I don't even know how to try to."
"Maybe you should ask her how to fly."
Kurumu snorted at Taniguchi's suggestion.
"I've asked her how she does it and she has the weirdest explanations."
"How does Ms. Antai fly?"
Kurumu shrugged at Kiki.
"She says it's mostly wishing to fly. She jumps up and concentrates hard on not touching the ground."
"That is a strange explanation."
Kokoa hopped up, stretching her hands up to the sky. The vampire had an impressive jump, her sneakers easily lifting higher than Taniguchi's head. But the vampire was back on the ground in the next second.
"Maybe try it after you take her blood?"
Kokoa sighed, grabbing the undine by her shirt and resting her head against Taniguchi's bosom.
"She's last. I'll take Ishiko's next."
Taniguchi sighed, reluctantly embracing the vampire.
"At least you can bathe for as long as you like."
"I bet she's not immune to water now."
"She isn't?"
"Her tolerance for water wears off after a few hours."
Kokoa took in a deep breath, lifting her head up.
"It might be almost a day by now. I should test it tonight."
Taniguchi giggled, tapping Kokoa on the nose.
"Preferably without me."
"Why?"
"Because you are naughty."
Kokoa pouted but made no response. Kurumu wandered back to have an angle with both Taniguchi and Kokoa, snapping another picture.
"Why don't you play tag or something?"
Taniguchi giggled as Kokoa rolled her eyes.
"That's dumb."
"She's much faster than all of us."
"Hotaru is the only one that's remotely a challenge."
"Because she flies away if you get too close."
"I can still catch her."
Taniguchi grinned, tousling Kokoa's locks.
"Sometimes. If she's too low. This girl can jump much higher than she just did."
Kurumu nodded, thinking Kokoa's physical feats were already impressive.
"Well that's all they are doing up there. It's mostly tag, racing and roughhousing."
"I know. I want to go shopping in Mononoke."
"Let Yukari finish up with her spells and then we can take off."
"Will you be treating us to lunch?"
"I will be treating the four of you to lunch. I have no idea what the rest of this group is doing."
Kurumu smiled, glancing at the last trio whom lingered near the start of the trail back to the road. Tora still had her huge, raven wings out and was chatting with Ms. Nekonome. The sphinx, whom had her raven locks up in their usual braid, was wearing her black halter top with a pair of khaki shorts. Their teacher had left her white, long sleeved blouse unbuttoned, revealing a pink, spaghetti string tank top beneath. The flaps of her blouse hung over her denim jeans.
"I'm going to return these phones. I'll be right back."
Kurumu started off, noting Moka was not participating in the conversation. The vampire had thrown on her simple, pink sundress which was worn over a white, strapless bra and a pair of boring briefs. Moka had admitted they felt so much better than the thongs she had soldiered through the past several days.
"Good afternoon, ladies."
The trio glanced at her as she crossed the last stretch of field to join them. She held out Moka's phone.
"Yukari has finished linking your phones."
Moka smiled, taking her phone. Switching hands, Kurumu presented the other phone to Tora.
"It's a good thing I started carrying this around. After the dinner with Lord Chiki, I started thinking I should make myself easy to contact if any of you needed me."
"It honestly didn't cross my mind to call you."
Tora smirked, squeezing her phone into the back pocket of her khaki shorts.
"That's hardly a surprise. I'm going to bring this with me to school from here on out too."
"So few of us teachers have phones since we spend most of our time in this barrier."
Kurumu smiled as she glanced back at Yukari.
"Yukari is going to connect my phone to Ishiko's and Kokoa's before we go. We're thinking of having lunch in Mononoke, if that's possible."
"Should be. We can stop by the Sand Witch by my place. They would love the business."
"I suppose. At least it's cheap for a family restaurant."
Kurumu grinned at Ms. Nekonome.
"I should thank you for saving Tsukune yesterday."
"That was the Headmaster's doing."
Kurumu smiled, taking in a deep breath as she regarded Yukari's group.
"Do you think he will be fine returning to school tomorrow?"
"He should be."
Kurumu nodded, regarding Tsukune intently.
"I'm a little worried. Lord Chiki made such a fuss over this."
"He is the prefectural officer of Niigata, Ms. Kurono. He was right that he should have been notified."
"I have a feeling that would have only made things worse, considering how Kuyo acted."
Moka grimaced.
"I don't believe this Lord Chiki is the same."
"I'm not saying he is. But Kuyo might have targeted Tsukune right away if he knew about him being human. We should keep a close eye on him at school. And Umizake can help monitor him at the dorm."
"I'll let him know when I see him tomorrow."
Kurumu smirked, shaking her head.
"We might see him tonight. We're planning on dropping by the dorms to celebrate Aku's birthday."
"Aku?"
"Tanboshi. One of the boys on Tsukune's floor. He turned sixteen today."
Tora nodded thoughtfully.
"Which one is Tanboshi?"
"He's the swarthy boy whom lives in the room next to Tsukune. Curly black hair."
"Oh yes. I think I remember Mr. Tanboshi. He's in Kana's homeroom."
Kurumu nodded, certain that Tora could not confuse Tanboshi with Takoshine.
"Yes. That's the one. They're having a party after dinner."
"Whom all is attending this?"
Kurumu shrugged, gesturing at Moka.
"I know Moka and Mizore will. I doubt any of the other girls would be interested."
"Are you wanting to join us?"
"No. I shall be fine."
"That ass of yours certainly is."
Tora rolled her eyes at the sound of Ginei's voice. Strolling along the trail towards them was the werewolf in the company of a small, frail girl dressed in a white sundress whom had short, onyx locks. Surprisingly casual for a weekend, Ginei only had on a simple, white tee and the slacks from school.
"Where have you been?"
"It's good that you're okay."
"Who is this girl with you?"
Ginei chuckled at their bombardment of questions. At Tora's suspicious remark, he draped his arm over the girl beside him and tugged her against him. The girl frowned, stumbling a step before matching the new stride of the walk.
"This is the new love of my life."
Kurumu snorted, shaking her head.
"That's Zanzou Miya. She's the girl whom spends all gym period lifting weights."
Tora and Moka shared an astonished look.
"Oh my God. It is her."
"I've always wondered about her."
Ginei chuckled, finally coming to a stop near them. The frowning girl stared at the hand on her shoulder. She had golden eyes.
"Say hello, Darling."
"Sir. Is this still necessary?"
"It is."
Zanzou frowned. Regarding them, the girl managed a crooked smile.
"Hello Darling."
"Very funny, Ginei. You can drop the act."
Ginei gasped, clutching the tiny girl tightly to him.
"My love for Miya is no joke."
The girl gasped, pushing against him to no avail.
"Sir. Too close."
"No good, Miya. You should address me as I asked."
The girl stiffened. With a slight blush, she glanced aside.
"Honey. Let me go."
Ginei chuckled, loosening his grip on the girl.
"Isn't she the most adorable thing in the world?"
Tora sighed, shaking her head.
"This is a new low for you."
"I'm unsure what you are trying to accomplish here, Mr. Morioka, but it is clear that Ms. Zanzou would like you to release her."
"Miya could get away from me if she really wanted to."
"Technically true, Sir."
"Darling."
Zanzou flinched with a frown.
"Honey."
"Cut the crap, Ginei. We've all been worried about you."
Tora snorted at Kurumu's comment.
"You've been worried. I only recently heard about his prolonged absence."
Ginei finally withdrew his arm from Zanzou's shoulder. He grinned, crossing his arms.
"Sounds like the PSC has gone lax on their gathering of intel. I suppose that's to be expected when your leader ran off to watch her sister sit on the bench."
"I thought the teams couldn't have fans at the regionals."
"The coach made an exception for family."
"You seem well informed for someone skipping school."
"I have my sources."
Kurumu nodded, glancing at Zanzou before eyeing him suspiciously.
"So what's the real reason why you ran off with Ms. Zanzou on Wednesday?"
"The agreement between Mika and I was that she would keep my hands busy. Clearly she has failed to hold up her end of the bargain."
Kurumu sighed at his smug grin.
"Ginei. Did you at least go see her in the hospital?"
"You know how squeamish I get about those places."
"I've spoken with Ms. Hajihachi."
"Darling."
Zanzou smiled nervously at his admonishing tone.
"I see. So you had Ms. Zanzou check on Ms. Hajihachi for you."
Ginei sighed dramatically at Tora's deduction, draping his arm heavily across Zanzou's shoulder.
"Fine. You have caught me. Unable to bear with my guilt over what happened to her, I had to send my new girlfriend in to see how she was doing."
"You can stop this nonsense. We were told by the staff yesterday that Ms. Hajihachi was released."
Ginei snorted at Tora, withdrawing his arm from Zanzou.
"I wasn't aware that sending someone to prison is called released these days."
"Prison?"
"Yea. You know the building where the put really bad people to protect all law abiding citizens."
"We know what a prison is."
Kurumu nodded at Tora's annoyance.
"I'm surprised a town the size of Mononoke would have one."
"It does, but the facility was abandoned before I was a student here."
"There are a couple buildings which are fully operational with electricity and security cameras. Our kind Lord Chiki has taken residence there and has added a few residents to the cell block."
Ms. Nekonome frowned at his revelation.
"Kuyo occasionally talked about reopening the prison, but it would have cost too much to repair the structure. There were far too many entryways to the underground network."
"I wouldn't know about that. What I can tell you is that the section he has occupied looks secure to me. Miya had a difficult time getting in there to check on his guests."
"What guests are we talking about?"
"He has a handful of locals and some students. Mika, Kaiketsu, Zoushiki-"
Kurumu's eyes widened.
"Zoushiki!? I thought she was participating in the boycott with the rest of her sewing club."
"I don't know why he has her. As for Kaiketsu, I think that one is my fault. I might have mentioned the death of those two girls back when I was trying to get his band to play at the little pup's birthday."
Tora sighed heavily, shaking her head.
"And Lord Chiki wants someone to confirm they are dead and that we are covering up crimes."
Ginei grinned broadly.
"Correct. Before I was so rudely cut off, I was about to add Utsubari and Sabaku to the list of his guests."
"When did this happen?"
Ginei chuckled at Tora's surprise. He reached over to tousle Zanzou's short locks.
"Can't say for sure. We stopped by the hospital late Friday evening after Miya recovered from her injuries. She was promptly apprehended by Lord Chiki."
"Injuries? What happened?"
"I was attacked in a red mist after our date."
Ginei chuckled, wagging a finger at Zanzou.
"You're not supposed to talk about that, Darling."
Tora eyed him suspiciously.
"Ginei. This is the fourth red mist attack I've heard about."
"Yea. Roniushi, the Ohira cousins and Hajihachi."
"That's not important right now."
"But that's why you requested my services, Sir."
"Darling."
Zanzou grimaced.
"Honey."
"While I'm sure you find this routine amusing, I'd like to know what is going on."
Ginei chuckled at Tora's distress.
"I have this situation under control. You don't need to worry about this red mist slasher."
"Fine. I'll trust you on that. What about Mr. Sabaku and Mr. Utsubari?"
"Like I was saying, Lord Chiki grabbed Miya but she's a slippery little minx."
"Bear, Sir."
"Darling."
"I would prefer to be called a bear, Honey."
Ginei smirked.
"Anyways. We tailed Lord Chiki back to his hideout and Miya sneaked inside to visit with his guests."
"So they might not be there today."
"I suppose it is possible that he released them yesterday. I didn't get the impression that would happen based on Mika's words to Miya."
"Maybe we should stop by the prison."
"I'd rather not. It sounds like I might be wanted for sexual assault."
Kurumu snickered.
"That's appropriate."
"It's ridiculous. How can I sexually assault my girlfriend?"
Tora snorted.
"I imagine no differently than how you sexually assault every other girl you are friends with."
"We probably shouldn't visit the prison with Mr. Aono in our company."
Tora groaned at Ms. Nekonome's casual reminder.
"That's right. I guess I can ask Mr. Koike about this tomorrow."
"So what are you planning to do?"
Ginei smirked at Kurumu.
"If you can get those girls out of the sky, I've got something we can do in Mononoke."
"It will have to be something after lunch. I trust you can fend for yourself in that matter, Mr. Morioka."
Ginei chuckled, tugging Zanzou back to his side.
"I will have my sugar momma pay for it."
Kurumu snickered, gesturing at Zanzou.
"How? Your sugar momma doesn't have a purse for her wallet."
Ginei patted his left pocket.
"I'm carrying her wallet here."
"If Ms. Zanzou has no objections, then I won't question it further. I'll go get the girls."
Kurumu nodded as Ms. Nekonome started off in the direction of Yukari's group which still included Kokoa and Taniguchi. Taking in a deep breath, Kurumu glanced over Zanzou.
"That is a different look for you, Ms. Zanzou."
"I agree. I'm used to seeing you with the school slacks in the weight room."
"Sir wouldn't allow me to buy normal clothes."
"You look amazing, Darling."
"I look hideous. Can't we stop by our dorm rooms?"
"Lord Chiki is looking for you too."
"Understood, Sir."
Ginei sighed, slipping behind the frowning girl to massage her narrow shoulders. The girl let out a soft moan, closing her eyes.
"You need to revel in your womanhood, Miya. Those little moans of yours are exquisite."
"Moaning is embarrassing, Sir."
"Embarrassing was your first performance. You sounded like you were having a bowel movement."
"Is this something Ms. Hajihachi needs to be made aware of?"
Ginei chuckled at Tora.
"Just something we were doing alone in the dark."
"He was very manly about touching me."
"You're doing a very poor job at keeping your promise to Hajihachi."
Ginei snickered, pressing against Zanzou's back while draping his arms down her front.
"There is a perfect explanation for this which I will share when the time is right. But for now… did you know that this silly girl doesn't have any lingerie on beneath this?"
Zanzou huffed with a slight blush as she turned her head aside.
"A man doesn't wear undergarments."
"Ginei."
"That's her beliefs, not mine. After our time together, I'm curious what my Darling looks like in a thong."
"Like a little boy in a thong."
Kurumu smirked at Tora's remark.
"Yea, Ginei. I might have to warn Yukari to stay away from you."
"I hope he hasn't molested you, Ms. Zanzou."
"He might have. I woke up naked in a room with him."
"Darling. There's important context to go with that statement."
"But you could not call yourself a man if you had not taken advantage of the situation."
Kurumu eyed him suspiciously, aware that Moka and Tora were favoring him similar expressions.
"I think you might have to explain this one now."
"It's not going to hurt, right?"
Ginei chuckled at Kiki's concern, shaking his head as they neared the intersection. The squat, single story building of Bottomless Bowls was on their right while the cozy, two story building on the left was for the Raw Deal. Both restaurants had their doors open, allowing the scent of food to advertise for them.
"As long as you're not aiming for anyone's head, you should be fine."
"They issue goggles to avoid eye injuries."
"And they provide camouflage gear so nobody has to worry about their clothes."
Kurumu frowned as the older pair crossed the street without slowing.
"Won't that be hot?"
"You're more than welcome to strip down if you're worried about that."
Kurumu grimaced at his grin, though she did have a pleasant sensation from Tsukune.
"Why are we doing this?"
Ginei laughed at Tora's sentiment.
"Because it will be fun and different. That little vampire is ready for some action."
"He's right about that."
Kiki sighed at Kokoa's enthusiasm.
"I don't even know how to hold a gun, let alone fire one."
Kazehana chuckled, slapping Kiki in the back.
"It can't be that hard."
"I'll be gunning at the pervy wolf boy."
Kurumu laughed along with the rest of the girls as they walked by these buildings across the street from the restaurants. The one on the right was three stories with a sign indicating multiple businesses within. The names did not reveal what services these places offered. The left building seemed vacant.
"So… you're really going to abandon the article on the bank robbery."
"I have to. With the way things currently are, I'll get thrown in prison if I try asking around about that."
Kurumu nodded as they passed by another squat building on the right. This street came to an end at a large, wraparound warehouse. The street turned left, continuing through the main drive till it ended at the skating rink. This massive, tall building which marked the end of the street was Warzone.
"I don't know how effective an article about the attractions of Mononoke will be with travel from the school still heavily restricted."
Ginei chuckled as they closed in on their destination.
"That might be true, but we probably won't be able to release a paper until things ease up. I hope this whole thing blows over before the end of the month."
"You better be making progress on finding whomever is responsible for killing those girls."
Ginei wagged a hand dismissively at Kokoa.
"I can't be doing much investigating of that either. You'll have to take that grievance up with Lady Hineri when she gets her butt back in town."
"She's going to have much to deal with if Mr. Sabaku and Mr. Utsubari are still confined."
"When you think about it, Mononoke does have a lot of cool things to do."
Kurumu smirked at Tsukune.
"It doesn't have a maid café."
"I regret admitting I have gone to one."
Several girls chuckled at his distress as they neared the end of the street. The entrance to the facility was on the building front further down on the left side. Hanging over the entrance was a huge black sign with Warzone scrawled across it in big, crimson kana.
"What's a maid café?"
Another round of giggles followed as Taniguchi stepped in closer to whisper in Kokoa's ear. The vampire blushed, huffing and turning her nose away.
"You're a complete embarrassment to the vampire race, Mr. Aono."
"What did you say a maid café was?"
"I only told her that it's a place where maids serve you food and drink."
"A vampire has no business in such an establishment. If he wants a maid to wait on him, he should earn himself one properly."
Kurumu smirked as Ginei reached the door and drew it aside for them.
"Well… he was human at the time."
"That's no excuse."
Kurumu glanced off to the left, noting the adjacent building. Sure enough, it did have a sign declaring it was Sinkhole. She had always thought that place was abandoned, having no idea that it was an indoor mini golf course. Ginei had taken Zanzou there on Thursday for a date, training her in the art of being a woman. He playfully refused to explain why he had taken Zanzou on the date to begin with. Zanzou had tried to illuminate the situation but Ginei had shushed her.
At least the waking up naked had been somewhat explained. After the mist attack, Zanzou had been in a dazed, feverish state for the rest of that night and most of Friday, slipping in and out of consciousness. During one period of awareness, Ginei had been removing her bandages. He had helped her slip into this simple dress he had bought with her money, aware that she would not approve of fancier apparel.
"Daydreaming over my perfect physique."
Kurumu snorted at his grin.
"You wish."
Shaking her head, she crossed the threshold into the receiving room. A bald man wearing a camouflage shirt and tan coveralls stood behind the counter. A huge sign with pricing was mounted against the wall behind him. There were prices based on ammo and time. Kurumu had no idea what was a good deal.
There were two open exits from the room on each wall. The one on her left indicated women while the one on the right was for men. Pictures of people splattered with paint and holding guns were hung on both walls. Kurumu smirked at one where the guy held his hands up high in victory. Unlike the others in the photograph, there was not a hint of paint on him.
"I see you are back, Mr. Morioka."
Ginei chuckled, striding quickly across the room.
"Indeed I am. I figured if you were going to give me a free game for an article, I'd better bring a crew."
The portly man behind the counter was a hair shorter than Ginei. His brown eyes looked over the group and he nodded.
"You certainly have. What are we gunning for? I only have five different paint colors so you can't have seven groups of three."
Ms. Nekonome chuckled, shaking her head.
"I'm not participating."
"Come on, Teacher. You can do it."
"You should all enjoy your youth. I'll be waiting out here."
The man behind the counter laughed.
"I won't mind the company."
Tora sighed heavily.
"Well that does make it easy to divide things up. Either four groups of five or five groups of four."
"Four groups of five! My girls and I will mop the floor with the rest of you."
Kurumu grinned at Kokoa's eager declaration.
"But I've never shot a gun before."
Kokoa hugged the pouting Akegawa.
"Don't worry. We got this."
Ginei snickered, shaking his head.
"I don't know if we want to call out the teams like that. It would be fairer if we picked them in rounds."
"Rounds?"
"Yea. Basically the captain whom picks first in the first round, picks last in the next and so forth."
"How do we decide our captains?"
"I'm a captain!"
Ginei chuckled at Kokoa, nodding.
"Clearly she is one. I'll be another unless there are any objections."
Tora snorted.
"You probably would have to be a captain if you don't want to be the last one picked."
"On the contrary. I was worried you girls would fight over which of you had the honor of my services."
Several girls snickered, shaking their heads. Kurumu gestured at Tsukune.
"If that's your reasoning, than Tsukune has to be a captain."
"Me?"
"That's a wonderful idea."
"I agree."
Mizore nodded, giving it a thumbs up as Tsukune shook his head and waved his hands.
"Hold on. I didn't agree to this."
"Would you rather have the girls fight over you?"
The smirk on Ginei's face dared Tsukune to agree.
"Fine. I'll be a captain."
Hatoko huffed, crossing her arms.
"I not wants to end up with any of ya. I be the fourth captain."
"Okay. Just want to make sure everyone agrees that we will do four groups of five."
Everyone murmured their agreement to the proposal. Ginei grinned, turning to the man.
"How many shots will you be giving a group of twenty for free?"
The man stroked his smooth chin with a pensive look.
"If the article is good, I'll give you a dozen each."
"I'll give you the best article I can write."
"That doesn't sound like much."
The man chuckled at Kokoa's protest.
"That's over two hundred shots for free, little lady. I suggest you girls use your ammunition wisely."
"He is being fair, Kokoa."
Kokoa pouted at Taniguchi.
"Have you done this before?"
"Of course not."
"This is going to be fun."
"Sounds like it's going to be short."
Taniguchi grinned at Kokoa's complaining.
"It's more time for shopping."
The owner chuckled, gesturing at the group.
"The four captains should step aside. The way this works is each team will get a different pain color. If you get shot in a critical area, you leave the battlefield. Points are tallied up at the end by the number of kills each team makes."
As the four captains moved apart into distinct positions, Kurumu pointed at one of the photographs.
"What if you get hit by two different colors?"
"Both teams get a point."
Ginei suddenly laughed, raising his hand.
"Oh. Your team won't get a point for shooting your captain. So whomever I pick, please don't shoot me."
Kurumu snickered, sharing a smirk with Tora.
"Come on. I want to pick my team."
Ginei chuckled, gesturing at Kokoa.
"You are more than welcome to go first. I'll go last so I can double pick."
"Double pick?"
He grinned at Tsukune.
"Yea. Going last means I go first in the second round."
"I'm taking Nagisa first."
Akegawa pouted as the undine glanced at the other girls. With a sly smile, she sauntered over to Kokoa.
"I don't think I've ever been picked first in a competitive game before."
"Hey Aono. Ya wants go next?"
"It doesn't matter to me."
"Fine. Then I'll take Michiko."
Tsukune nodded, glancing over the group. Kurumu shivered as his eyes passed over her. He smiled.
"I'll take Moka."
Kurumu masked her disappointment with a soft smile and slightly lowering her head. She knew she should have counted on that happening.
"I'll start with Miya and also take Mizore."
Kurumu perked up, exchanging a glance with Mizore. The snow girl shrugged, stalking over to the grinning wolf's corner.
"What are you doing?"
"Winning. Your pick, Tsukune."
Tsukune frowned, looking over the group once more. Kurumu felt his eyes on her once again.
"Kurumu."
As she walked over to his side, she mildly wondered if she would have been his second choice if Mizore had been available. She smiled at Moka, taking in a deep breath.
"Kazehana."
Kazehana barked out a laugh as she strutted over to Hatoko's corner.
"Fuck me. I'm the first one called by the surname."
"Can it, ya wench."
Several girls giggled as Kokoa wagged her finger at Ginei.
"I get to pick two, right?"
"Correct. You get two now."
"I'll take Hotaru and Hikari then."
Antai skipped happily over to Kokoa's side while Akegawa followed, still pouting. Kokoa wrapped the girl up in a hug, murmuring something as Antai poked Taniguchi in the shoulder. It looked like Kokoa would get all of her girls anyways unless someone absolutely wanted Ishiko.
Kurumu was still surprised that the bicycle she had made actually worked. The gnome had even made a stone chain connecting the gears, though the bicycle only had one speed. They had parked the stone contraption by Nekonome's apartment.
"Suzume."
"You bitch."
"Fuck ya."
"You never call her by her given name."
"I have."
Suzume giggled as she came over to Hatoko's team.
"Not very often."
"Your pick, Tsukune."
Yukari scowled, crossing her arms.
"If you want any hope of beating him, you better pick me."
"Who cares about winning? Pick me so I don't have to be on his team."
"I promise to be useful to you, Mr. Aono. You can use me however you want."
Kurumu realized Ginei had a double pick next. He would most likely take two of the three petitioning for Tsukune's bid. Well… maybe not Rubi. But he would certainly take Yukari and Tora.
"Yukari."
As the little witch bounded over to join them, Ginei chuckled. He gestured to the small group of girls remaining which included a pouting witch and a glaring sphinx.
"I'll take the two women he scorned."
"You better not touch me."
Ginei held his hands up as Tora stomped over to his group.
"I would not dream of it."
Rubi walked over, casting a longing gaze upon Tsukune.
"I would have done anything for you."
"And now you shall do anything for me."
"I've been sold to another man."
"I did no such thing!"
"Hurry up, Aono."
Tsukune regained his composure, turning his gaze on the trio of girls remaining.
"Kiki."
Kiki smiled softly, bowing her head slightly as she started over to their group.
"Nomura."
Hatoko smirked at Kazehana.
"Ya happy now?"
"It shows that you aren't real friends with half your team."
"Whatever."
"Over here, Ishiko."
The gnome wandered over to Kokoa. Ginei nodded with a smug, satisfied look.
"That's it then. Meet me on the battlefield girls. I shall give you my orders."
"Ignore Mr. Morioka. I'll meet everyone out there and explain how to use your equipment before setting each team out in their respective areas. No particular area has an advantage over another and there is a time limit, so you shouldn't sit and wait in cover. This isn't a real battle of life and death. There are no points for surviving. Only kills matter."
"We're going to kill them all!"
The man chuckled at Kokoa's enthusiasm.
"If you don't have any more questions, gear up."
Kurumu smirked, slowly following the rest of the girls into the changing room.
Kurumu frowned, reaching up to wipe away the moisture from her goggles. While the weather outside was mild, the inside of this warehouse was humid and hot. She would swear that her crimson thong inside these tight khaki shorts was wedged inside of her. She could feel the sweat staining the denim about the hole she had cut for her tail. A similar sweat trail was nestled in the valley of her bosom.
These camouflage ponchos were heavy and stifling. They were also super noisy to move about in which made her partner way too scared to move about the battlefield. She had been lingering in this crevasse with Kiki for at least five minutes.
At least everyone was dressed the same so they were all working with the same disadvantage. Everyone had these black helmets, black boots and goofy goggles. They had been given rifles with black grips and green barrels. They looked like toys and were pretty easy to use. She had playfully tagged Tsukune in the ass during the demonstration. It had cost her a shot but it had been worth it.
Things had been fairly quiet since the manager had called for the start of the fight over a megaphone. He had promised to give them a ten minute warning before their time was up. It seemed like everyone was waiting for that to happen, perhaps worried about giving their location away.
The only casualties Kurumu knew about were Rubi, Michiko, Akegawa and Nomura. About ten minutes in, Rubi had strolled out into the open, immediately getting splattered by the red and yellow teams. There had been several shots exchanged thereafter which ended with Nomura stepping out and calling a ceasefire. The blond had already been tagged with blue and red paint and wanted to leave the field.
The manager had called for everyone to stop shooting over his megaphone so the casualties could leave the field. Akegawa had come out of cover with a big splash of yellow paint across her goggles. Michiko had also stepped out, marked with three splotches of blue, which would only count for one point.
"Are we the only ones left?"
Kurumu smirked at Kiki's whisper. As far as she knew, her green team had yet to lose a player but had also not scored a kill. She shook her head, pressing a finger to Kiki's lips.
She poked her head over the random stretch of wooden fence which served as their cover. Lighting inside the warehouse was poor and these goggles only made her vision worse. Most of the illumination came from dim overhead lights. Spotlights were mounted to the columns spaced evenly throughout the building. The bulbs were aimed in different directions, but nobody was foolish enough to lurk in these bright, open areas. Most of the structures scattered about the compound were intentionally erected in the darker portions of the warehouse.
The warehouse floor was compacted dirt which had Kurumu wonder what the original purpose of this building had been. It was mostly level though there were a few spots which had recessed under the common passage of combatants. There were some underground tunnels accessed by trapdoors, but they were both too squeamish to venture down into those cramped spaces. There was no maneuvering down in there since it required one to crawl about on hands and knees.
There were two major play areas inside the building which was divided by a large multistory structure at the point where the building turned to flank the streets outside. This wooden fortress had several doors which could be opened up to double the battlefield for larger groups. Ginei had declined the manager's offer on the basis that each play area was arranged with four teams in mind.
Kurumu's team had started in the bunker farther away from the reception area. It was primarily a series of fences, barrels and crates positioned in a defensible manner. They had three trapdoors presumably leading to the other three starting areas which were purposely placed inconveniently within their area, but a team of eight could easily cover all of their access points. Kiki was supposed to be watching over one of these trap doors but had insisted on someone sticking with her.
Ginei had graciously allowed the two girl captains to pick their starting areas first, both selecting the bigger structures at either end of the play area. While it may have seemed like an advantage, both compounds were easier to infiltrate. There was enough small cover between their bunker and the other starting areas to scurry around without being seen if one was quick and careful.
Kurumu watched the northern compound where Hatoko's group was holed up. She wondered if they were still there, considering their team had participated in the skirmish outside of Ginei's bunker. For that matter, Kurumu doubted Akegawa had wandered off by herself from Kokoa's base to the south.
The whistle of rifles firing sounded off. She instinctively ducked, but quickly realized the exchange was happening within the northern fortress. She heard Suzume swear as a couple more shots were fired.
"That's cheating."
Kurumu smirked at Kazehana's protest. She resisted the urge to look out, waiting for the silence.
"Can we have a cease fire?"
"Yall cheated."
"Nothing says we can't make shields."
"At least we got one of them."
"What good that be if we all dead?"
Hatoko's huff was followed by a couple rifle shots.
"Can we have a cease fire before these dead girls shoot us?"
"Cease fire!"
Soon the portly, bald man hustled into view with the white megaphone gripped firmly in his left hand. He quickly crossed the open ground, slowing once he neared one of the doorways. Ishiko stepped out to greet him, riddled in yellow marks. The gnome held her helmet in her hands.
"No revenge fire after you've been critically shot, girls. You know the rules."
"Don ya dare claim that! We hit her fair and square."
"Ms. Fukai was marked before I called for the cease fire, Sir."
"And this one?"
"Ms. Antai was shot after the call."
"Yea. Shot me in the back."
"Ya cheated."
"My rule is no destruction of my property. Where did you get these shields?"
"I made them."
"Out of what?"
"Dirt."
"Cheating."
"Do I have holes in my ground somewhere?"
"I can put the dirt back the way it was."
The man chuckled, tousling the gnome's locks.
"Then I'll allow it."
"Not fair!"
The man turned and placed the megaphone to his mouth.
"Ten minute warning. Once these four are off the field, you have ten minutes to wrap it up."
A couple groans followed as the man retreated from the structure with Ishiko behind him. Suzume was the first to step out from cover, giggling. She was tagged once in the side of the head and was nursing her ear. Her long hair remained hidden beneath the poncho like every other girl whom could not stuff their tresses up in these dorky helmets.
Kazehana walked out next with a pout. The girl's whole front was lit up in red, likely having taken the brunt of the ambush. A grouchy Hatoko walked out last with a red mark on her check and chest. She had taken off her helmet and was fussing with her chestnut tresses which had flecks of paint in them.
Kokoa's team had five points. Hatoko's team had three but could not get any more. Ginei's team had two and they still had none. Doing the numbers, they had to hit six of the seven remaining opponents to have enough points to win this game. Kurumu chuckled.
"I think we're going to lose this game."
"I don't care."
"But Ginei does."
Kurumu flinched at Yukari's sudden appearance. The rifle looked huge in her hands.
"I guarantee that guy will try something sneaky. I'll back you up."
"What do you mean?"
"Keep your eyes open."
Yukari immediately blinked out of sight. Kiki frowned at Kurumu.
"Is that cheating?"
Kurumu shrugged, returning her attention to the field. There was no signs of the man or the four girls that had followed him.
"You may continue."
Kurumu sucked in a breath, wondering what they should do. With the time running out, there was no pressure on Kokoa's team to do anything. If Tsukune had any desire to win, they should probably try to rush Ginei's team.
She wondered what Moka and Tsukune were doing. They were supposedly watching different points of entry but she had this nagging suspicion that they were close together. She was reluctant to check on them, worried that she would find them together.
"Come on."
Kurumu pulled away from the barricade, causing Kiki to frown.
"What are you doing?"
"I'm going to talk with Tsukune and find out what he wants us to do."
"Yukari!"
Kurumu stiffened at the sudden call. She glanced over in the direction of the other bunker.
"I need your assistance."
Kurumu shared a suspicious glance with Kiki before creeping over towards the sound of Tora's voice. Kiki reluctantly followed.
"Mizore passed out. I've tried healing her but you have a better way of doing it."
"Shouldn't they pause the game?"
Kurumu shrugged as they made their way over to the side of the bunker facing Ginei's base. Kurumu managed a smile at Moka and Tsukune whom had already beaten them over to this point. Tsukune looked like a soldier straight out of a movie. Like Kiki, Moka had gathered her hair back in a ponytail which she had slipped down her back beneath the poncho. Fortunately Kiki had brought her hair ties despite not wearing them today.
"Where's Yukari?"
"Saw her for a moment. She warned us of Ginei trying to pull a stunt."
Tsukune nodded, inching closer to the edge of the barricade. There was a path between them. Kurumu poked her head around her cover. The sphinx was waving her hand but that was all she exposed. There were several patches of cover between them and Ginei's bunker.
"Should we help?"
"If it's about her temperature, only Yukari can help."
Moka frowned at him.
"Why don't they drag her off the field?"
It was a good question. Ginei's bunker was much closer to the exit. Even the compound to the south was further away from the doors to the ladies' changing room.
"I don't know. Maybe he's worried that Kokoa would shoot them."
Kurumu clutched her rifle closer to her bosom.
"We can go out there if you provide cover."
"We?"
Kurumu smirked at Kiki.
"I'm not going out there by myself. Follow me closely."
"I'd rather provide cover."
"I'll go with you."
Tsukune place a hand on Moka's shoulder, shaking his head.
"No. Let me go."
"Tsukune?"
He smiled softly, glancing back out across the field.
"It's Mizore. I'll check on her."
While he was talking about another girl, Kurumu still felt some warmth in her heart.
"Cover me from the north at that fence line."
Tsukune took off first, darting for the nearby trio of barrels arranged in a way that gave some protection from the north compound and the opposing bunker. Kurumu scurried after him, angling towards the corner as he scooted to the edge. She arrived in seconds, pressing her hand to the cool wood. With a glance, she nodded at him.
As he lifted his rifle to look about, Kurumu rolled over the barrel and scampered off to the fence line in the northern center of the open space. She arrived without a shot fired at her. Keeping low, she crept to the edge and peered around it with her weapon ready. Looking down the sights of her rifle, she saw no movement. She glanced back and motioned to Tsukune.
Tsukune vaulted over the barrel and sprinted across the wide space to another trio of barrels, though the pattern here only provided protection from the opposing bunker when on this side. Kurumu kept her eye on the north, prepared to fire at anyone whom dared shoot at him.
"Tora. Call a cease fire."
"I've been told not to."
"So… it's a trap."
Tora laughed from her cover.
"Not really. Ginei said he doesn't care if you guys shoot us."
"But he'll shoot us if we come over there."
"He's trying to hunt down Kokoa's team with Ms. Zanzou."
Kurumu glanced at Tsukune. He shrugged.
"I'm going to hop over the wall, Tora. I hope you don't shoot me."
"Wait, Tsukune. Could you stand up, Tora?"
Kurumu lifted slightly from her cover as she swung her rifle about.
"Why?"
"Because I'm going to shoot you."
Tora laughed. The moment she popped into view, Kurumu squeezed the trigger. There was a gush of air followed by a whistle. The pellet smashed square upon Tora's sternum, spattering green up her neck and chin. The sphinx pouted, touching the spot.
"No hesitation."
Kurumu smiled, lowering back down and peering with concern to the north.
"Sorry Tora."
"I hope you brought Yukari with you."
"She's somewhere."
Tsukune scooted around the barrier. Tora remained standing and pouting.
"That's not very helpful."
Reluctantly, Kurumu skulked over to where he had been as he crossed over to the opposing bunker. She leveled her gun at the opposing bunker, noting the sphinx and watching him the rest of the way. He slipped through the opening of their defenses.
"It's just Mizore, Kurumu. Come over."
Needing no permission to stay out in the open, Kurumu hurried around the barricade. In seconds she passed through the opening, quickly assessing that the bunker was nearly identical to theirs.
Mizore was lying in the dirt at Tora's feet. The snow girl had the back of her hand over her forehead while the other rested on her bosom. Her weapon was propped up against the wall by Tora's, closer to her feet than her hands. Her cheeks were flush and her helmet was lying beside her.
"You came for me."
Tsukune chuckled softly, kneeling down next to the snow girl. Mizore weakly reached for him.
"I'm here."
Mizore smiled, drawing his hand to her cheek. Her locks were matted to her head with sweat.
"Go on. Unload your weapon. I'm ready."
"I'm not going to shoot you."
"Fill me with your ammo."
Two quick whistles heralded the attack. Mizore's chest was bathed in green with the second shot painting her poncho below the navel. Mizore frowned at Kurumu.
"That wasn't me."
"So… she is here."
Kurumu shrugged, supposing Yukari had followed them and decided to end Mizore's suffering.
"That wasn't very nice, Yukari."
Tora chuckled, shaking her head.
"Ginei wanted us to shoot whomever came over here but Ms. Shirayuki chickened out the moment she heard Tsukune was coming."
"Can we leave? I'm melting in here."
Tora nodded, kneeling down and slipping her arms about Mizore's torso.
"We can leave now. Ginei was adamant that if we were to get shot, it had to be by your team."
Tsukune grinned, helping lift Mizore up.
"He's still playing to win."
"Correct. And he can't do that if more points go to Ms. Shuzen's team."
Tora struggled to get Mizore up on her feet. With his help, they managed to get the wobbly girl upright, though leaning heavily on the sphinx.
"Sorry. Too hot."
"I'm surprised Ginei picked her so early when he knew she can't handle hot places."
"He was hoping she would be able to make stealth attacks since she's one of the best at masking her presence. But she started wilting on us shortly after we sacrificed Rubi. He's been having Ms. Zanzou run off to the front desk to bring her water every few minutes."
Kurumu smirked as they all started slowly making their way to the back access of the bunker. There was a small stretch of open space between it and the doors to the ladies' changing room.
"I suppose being so close to the front desk has its perks."
"I doubt she would have lasted this long if we had started anywhere else. I think Ginei knew it would happen but had hoped to get more than twenty minutes out of her."
"Nobody did anything for most of that."
"True. He only sent Rubi out like that because he wanted to see if everyone was still holed up."
Kurumu smirked as they finally reached the back of the bunker.
"I guess this means you two get to sit the next few minutes out in the comfort of the lockers."
"I'm surprised it's been almost an hour."
"You two be careful."
Kurumu smiled, sharing a glance with Tsukune as Tora limped the unsteady snow girl off. She took in a breath, absently reaching up to wipe away the moisture from her goggles again.
"We should get back to the others."
They had only returned to the front of this bunker when they heard the whistles of guns being fired at their bunker. Kokoa cackled in glee as Kurumu and Tsukune quickly took cover.
"I got Moka."
"Yeah! Two more kills!"
Kokoa swore loudly.
"What was that for?!"
Taniguchi giggled.
"Sorry. I couldn't resist."
Kurumu grimaced, doubting they could win now. She grabbed Tsukune by the sleeve when he moved.
"Don't. We can't."
There was a sudden rush of whistles and alarmed cries from the trio of girls. Kurumu frowned, peering over the barricade. While she could see the other bunker, it was impossible to see what was going on inside it. She aimed her rifle at the entrance directly opposing theirs.
"Tsukune!"
It was Ginei.
"Are you alive?"
"I am."
"We shot both Mizore and Tora."
Ginei sighed dramatically at her addition.
"Did they even try to fight back?"
"What's going on over there?"
"I've wiped out the other team. It's impossible for you to win. Lay down your weapons and surrender."
"You better not!"
Kurumu laughed at Kokoa's fierce objection.
"Quiet. The dead shouldn't talk."
"Can we go back to the lockers?"
"Tsukune. Are you fine with a temporary cease fire for these ladies to leave?"
"I am."
"You may go, Kiki."
Kiki was the first to exit the bunker. She had been tagged in the back twice with red paint. Moka followed out next, her front and face riddled with red circles. Kurumu smirked, imagining Kokoa had emptied her entire clip upon seeing her sister.
Antai came out with Taniguchi next. The sylph had two blue circles perfectly placed on the swell of her poncho. Taniguchi had been shot once in the side of the head, staining her hair blue. Luckily as an undine, Kurumu knew that would easily wash out. She had one other mark in the center of her chest, suggesting she had been shot by different attackers.
Kokoa was last to exit with her rifle slung back over her shoulder. The back of her helmet had been tagged in red from friendly fire while her goggles and face were drenched in blue. The vampire had let the goggles dangle by the strap upon her neck, unable to see with them on in their current state.
"I have a proposal for you, Tsukune. If you win a fight against me, I'll treat you to anything you like."
Kurumu snorted.
"You don't have money."
"I don't, but Darling does."
Tsukune chuckled, shaking his head.
"And if I lose?"
"When you lose, I'll shoot your whole team."
Tsukune smiled softly, sharing a glance with Kurumu.
"You know I don't like to fight."
"You can't win this game. So think of this as another round of training. You know you need it."
Tsukune sighed, leaning his rifle against the wall.
"This won't be funny if you shoot me the moment I step out in the open."
Ginei chuckled, stepping out from cover. He held his hands up high, revealing he was unarmed.
"I won't. Now get out here and show me how much you've improved since our last session."
Tsukune sighed again, nodding at Kurumu. He walked out from the bunker, Kurumu keeping her rifle ready in case Zanzou started shooting. The two boys stopped short of each other at the halfway mark.
"I haven't trained since the summer."
"That's a pity. You'll never get Kurumu's blood at that rate."
Tsukune settled into a defensive posture. Ginei smirked at him.
"What are you doing?"
"I'm taking a stance."
Ginei laughed, sweeping out with hand to tousle Tsukune's hair. Tsukune hopped back a step.
"You're not going to win a fight like that. Loosen your feet. You can't stand still in a fight."
"I'm prepared to defend myself."
Ginei's palm shot out, knocking Tsukune back.
"I'm serious. You'll never dodge anything being so stiff."
"You can't dodge everything."
"You don't want to eat any attack."
"Mr. Miyamoto told me that if you deflect attacks, you can diminish their impact."
Tsukune staggered back from another palm thrust.
"You don't want to start with that. That's the last resort, my friend. You want to dodge."
"But I can't-"
Tsukune was bowled over by an attack Kurumu could not even register.
"There was nowhere to deflect that, Tsukune. You had to duck."
Tsukune coughed in the dirt.
"Too fast."
Ginei chuckled, holding his hand down.
"Get up. We haven't even started this fight."
As Tsukune reached up, a whistle cut through the air. Ginei smirked, twisting aside as two more whistles sounded. The werewolf chuckled as he dropped to the dirt.
"Mistake."
Another whistle answered and suddenly a splash of blue paint appeared in the midst of the field. Yukari materialized with a frown.
"How?"
Ginei hopped up from the dirt, patting himself down. He was unscathed.
"I told you from the start. I'm winning."
A dark cylinder rose up from the shadow Tsukune cast upon the ground. A dark hand lifted up and soon a short haired head formed out of the darkness. The figure was only halfway up from the ground when it turned and leveled the barrel upon a bewildered Tsukune.
Kurumu pulled the trigger the same moment Tsukune's chest was bathed in blue, but the apparition blinked from existence. Some tense seconds later, a sharp sting pelted her back, square between the shoulders. She turned with wide eyes as the shadowy figure stepped out of the darkness behind her.
"Bang."
She understood now why this girl had easily escaped Lord Chiki.
"Offer ya drink, but we have namore."
Kurumu giggled as Aku poured out the last sake from the pitcher. The swarthy boy was still wearing his white gi from his judo match this morning, having met up with them in the dining hall shortly after the bus had dropped him off. He placed the pitcher back on the center of his low, bamboo table his parents had bought him over the summer. He should have asked for a wastebasket, considering the messy guy just pitched his garbage wherever. At least he had picked up his dirty clothes before inviting them in.
"I think I've had enough."
She sighed, leaning against Kamitsuku. She rubbed the side of her head against the short sleeve of his black shirt, glancing down at his denim jeans. The kappa had casually rested his hand upon her left shoulder. They were all a little tipsy.
"We could wake our grashes host fer more."
Aku chuckled as Kokutan Yuuta clapped his hand on Kurumu's back. She pouted at the guy whom she had invited over to talk about his cousin. He had on a dark green, short sleeved shirt which was flecked with many gray marks and a pair of black, cargo pants. His wavy, ebony locks brushed against his narrow shoulders. Unlike his cousin, his eyes were a softer, yellow hue.
"Here ya thought I not prepare."
Kinusawa snorted at Aku, setting his empty glass on the table. The tallest guy in the room was wearing a short sleeved, orange jersey with blue, vertical stripes making him seem even taller. The jersey was for the Albirex soccer team located in Niigata. Dressed in white shorts which bared most of his hairy legs, Kinusawa leaned back on his palms.
"Yes. You've bragged enough about that."
The object of their conversation was the young lady passed out on Aku's futon over in the far corner of his room. Aku had managed to get in contact with Sakamori. The strawberry haired shojo sported a pink shirt with the white Hello Kitty logo. A pair of plaid shorts graced her rump which was jutted out while her face was pressed into his pillow.
Aku had remembered there was a special girl whom could turn water into wine. He had talked about it with the other guys in his homeroom and Yamadachi from the baseball team had mentioned Sakamori being in Hitomure's homeroom and was still attending school.
So on Friday, Aku had recruited Munemoshi to ask for her to attend his birthday party. Munemoshi was the big guy living in the room next to Kokutan whom had went to junior high with Aku.
This request had been made after her sewing class. Sakamori had been overly excited to be invited to another birthday party and had blabbed about it to the girls on her floor in Baratoge. This boasting had led to the presence of the last two students seated at the table between Aku and Kinusawa.
For all of her claims of not being a couple with Tawamuru, Madosuki was comfortably seated between his legs. The pigtailed classmate had on a loose, short sleeved, periwinkle blouse which was tucked in a fluffy, white skirt. Her cheeks were flush as he held her hands at her waist in an effort to cease her advances. The glossy, black haired guy whom was about the same height as Tsukune had silently fixed the amorous girl's skirt twice in the past fifteen minutes.
Tawamuru Hajime looked very much like his brother on the tennis team. He wore a canary yellow polo with the black characters of his last name monogrammed on the top right of his shirt. Kurumu had never seen anyone with personalized clothing before, which Tawamuru had informed her was an easy thing to have done. Apparently Stamps, a shop in Mononoke, provided such services. The preppy boy whom lived on the third floor wore this polo with a pair of gray slacks held up by a leather belt with a silver buckle.
These two always ate their weekend meals together. Madosuki had mentioned Sakamori's plans of going to a guy's birthday party in the dorms and getting plastered. It was obvious that she had not meant for that talk to become an escort, but Tawamuru was a nice guy and had convinced her it was their duty. He had also refrained from drinking, stating he had to remain alert for when he walked the two girls home.
Kurumu grinned as Aku took a swig from his glass.
"Yukari will be so disappointed."
Kamitsuku chuckled.
"How come?"
"Because we're drinking."
"I says yester we would."
Kurumu giggled at his slurred response.
"She thought there wouldn't be enough."
"And shesh right."
Aku guffawed, holding his glass aloft.
"I not near done."
"Though that glass says otherwise."
"Ish telling liesh."
Madosuki gasped slightly from a squeeze.
"Gentlemen. I'm thinking it might be time to call it a night."
"No, Hajime."
"Yea, Hajime. Lishen your woman."
"Spend the night wiff you."
Tawamuru chuckled, leaning away from her lips.
"My lady has taken leave of her senses."
"Are you shure you're not dating?"
Madosuki lifted up in his arms, trying to get her mouth on his ear. He chuckled, letting her succeed as a blush crossed his cheeks.
"We're not."
"Why not?"
He smiled softly, squeezing the girl.
"Family reasons."
Madosuki pouted, her bleary eyes fixating on Kurumu.
"Are you supposh be wiff Aono?"
Kamitsuku chuckled, squeezing her shoulder.
"I'm keeping her warm."
"Thosh three taking time."
Kurumu sighed, glancing at the open door. Tsukune had wandered off with Moka and Mizore for a bathroom break. Neither girl could hold their liquor well, hanging all over him after only a half hour of drinking. Kurumu suspected they were not as drunk as they pretended, using it as an excuse to touch him all over. She wanted to join in on the fun of making Tsukune squirm but worried that one of them might blab about her not being allowed to touch him.
"I no condition to flirt. Take too far."
"I'm fine with watching."
Kurumu snorted a giggle. These guys would film it if she let them. She took in a deep breath and placed her hand on Kokutan's shoulder.
"What with cousin?"
"Wot bout her?"
"Come on. Asking."
Kokutan shrugged, brushing her hand off.
"Not much. She special."
"I'll say. Sounds good at paintball."
Kinusawa snickered at Aku.
"Can't belief they play that."
"Knows. Waste of free game. Girls no mix with guns."
Kurumu smirked, aware that some of the girls, like Kiki and Moka, had not even fired a shot. Kurumu had only used four of her free rounds, accidentally discharging her rifle before handing it over to the manager. Tsukune had only fired his weapon twice while Yukari had at least used half of her rounds.
Kokoa had argued heavily over not losing the game. Her team had seven points. She argued that Ginei could not count her as one of his eight points since Nagisa had shot her in the back of the head first. But it was not like there was any prize to winning beyond bragging rights. Ginei had opted against joining them for shopping, saying he would take Zanzou back to the dorms for fresh clothes. Kurumu hoped the pair could manage that much without getting into trouble.
Ms. Nekonome had offered the pair her place to stay. Claiming it would be too crowded, Tora decided to spend the night with Sawayaka. After finishing up with shopping, they had parted ways with the sphinx and walked back to campus with Ms. Nekonome serving as their escort.
"Yukari was good."
"Sounded like cheating."
Kurumu giggled, shaking her head.
"Zanzou walked through shadows."
"That so hard. Lost all my hair once. Hard take stuff like clothes."
"Was she naked?"
Kurumu snickered at Aku's interest.
"No. Also had her rifle."
"Fucking mazing. She mush praktish lots."
"Never spoke bout Ginei?"
Kokutan sighed heavily.
"Not talk much. Spend all club time read whore scopes."
"Thought Morioka has girl now. Why run off with his cousin?"
"True that weird. Miya more like little boy than girl."
"Have you know she taller than me."
Tawamuru chuckled with the other boys.
"I hate to say this, Ms. Kurono, but most girls are taller than you."
"Yea. But your boobs."
"So big."
"More than handful."
"Touch mine."
Tawamuru laughed as Kurumu blushed under the boys ravaging her with drunken gazes.
"Miya so flat. No way Morioka wants her."
The boys chuckled for a short while. Attention shifted to the door as the rest of their party returned. Moka wandered in first, shuffling her steps. Tsukune came in next, helping Mizore remain upright. The snow girl had a cloth wrapped about her wrist which had not been there before.
Behind them was the last guy whom had joined them for this celebration. Noroi Kyou was another guy from Kiki's junior high whom lived up on this floor in the room between Kokutan and Takoshine. He was about the same height as Kamitsuku and had his jet black hair pulled back in a ponytail. The silver eyed youth had on a simple, gray tee and navy blue jeans.
"So will you do an article for our club if you do another paper?"
Tsukune chuckled as he guided Mizore over to the table. As he carefully knelt down with the snow girl, Moka pitched herself onto Aku's futon and snuggled up with Sakamori. Aku snickered as Noroi knelt down between Kokutan and Mizore.
"Would any mind if I take a nap?"
Kinusawa smirked at him.
"If Koma find out, he murder you in sleep."
"Might be worth it."
Kurumu giggled, shaking her head. She hoped Takoshine wouldn't be like that but he was unpredictable. The weird guy had been too touchy with Moka. Drunk and annoyed, the vampire had clocked him. After confirming he was alive, they had given up on video games and left the unconscious boy in his room.
"Don't throw your life away."
"Yea. Only turn sixteen."
"All way too serious."
Mr. Tawamuru chuckled, glancing back at the vampire whom was settling in.
"I don't think we should let Ms. Akashiya get too comfortable."
Kurumu giggled, nodding at Mizore.
"We'll drag her home."
"We will?"
"We're not staying here."
"Why not?"
Kurumu pouted, thinking she should not have to explain that.
"What with the cloth?"
Tsukune chuckled, nodding.
"Mizore decided I needed her blood."
"I slashed my wrist for him."
"Holy shit, Aono."
"That's crazy love."
"I've explained it before that she gives me her blood to help ease my transition into becoming a vampire. You can stop teasing me over it."
Kurumu smiled at his calm delivery. He had also refrained from drinking.
"Will you walk us poor, helpless girls home, Mr. Powerful Vampire?"
"I might need some help with Moka."
Kamitsuku chuckled.
"I'll help."
"You can?"
"I'll try."
They all shared a chuckled. Kurumu took in a deep breath over the following silence as Aku drained the last of his glass.
"So… about the article."
Tsukune laughed.
"I don't know. I forgot that I had even suggested it that night before we left for summer break."
"The twins spoke with your senior earlier this week but he stopped coming to school."
Kurumu smiled softly at Noroi. While he had drank as much as anyone else, he was surprisingly lucid.
"Things complicated for Ginei now. Maybe next paper."
One of the helpful things Ginei had done on the walk back to campus was giving Kiki direction on how to find Betsutama and Manzoku, whom were living together in suite 121. He had also offered to escort Kiki, though she had promptly declined.
Tawamuru released Madosuki's hands, scooting back. The girl turned about and tried to sabotage his efforts of getting up. He chuckled, lifting the girl up with him.
"I think we should get going. It's after dark and there are rumors of girls getting attacked."
Kamitsuku sighed, pushing down on her shoulder as he staggered up.
"Yea. Good day."
Kurumu agreed with that sentiment. Before hitting up the music store for Kokoa to buy herself a CD player and fulfill her promises to her girls, they had stopped at the electronics store to pick up a printer and all the things needed to operate one. Moka had even bought thick paper to print their photos on, though it would not be the glossy surface Nerume's photos had possessed.
"Mhm. Must spend night figuring how print pictures."
"Pictures?"
Kurumu nodded at Tawamuru. She grunted, getting up on her feet.
"Yea. Promise Nerume pictures."
"How is Ms. Genzouyaki doing?"
Kurumu grinned at Kokutan.
"You should write her. She so bored. Lonely."
"We all are to some extent, Ms. Kurono."
She smiled at Tawamuru.
"Yea. We are."