Kurumu groaned, setting aside the knife. She rubbed her eyes with the back of her wrist. She hated how they always watered up. With the tears wiped aside, she picked up the blade and the cutting board. She scooted the sliced onions into the plastic container with plans to use this batch for the rest of the week.
Garbed in her velvety maid attire, Kurumu dumped the cutting board into the sink. She stepped up on the stool, opening the upper cabinet to fetch the plates and bowls. She probably needed four of each, assuming their mysterious guest would stay for breakfast.
Setting the dishes on the counter, she stepped down and scooted over to the oven. The pot of miso was starting to simmer. She turned down the heat, not wanting to portion out the soup before the rest of the meal was ready. She had yet to start grilling up the salmon she had salted and put into the refrigerator last night before turning in.
A soft groan sounded from the bed. As Kurumu headed over to the refrigerator, Kokoa lifted up on her hands. The vampire's torso was swathed in a lush green, velvet nightgown which was tightened at her waist with a golden, satin sash.
Kurumu tugged open the refrigerator, grabbing the container of salmon and a bag of diced tofu. Before leaving Mononoke, Kokoa had insisted on buying a bunch of fresh goods which could not be found in the commissary. Worried about time, Ms. Nekonome had encouraged them to shop at Stockers, the local grocery store, instead of stopping at the many different specialty stores in the marketplace district.
Kurumu had felt uneasy about shopping there. Stockers was across the street from the old homes of the original town and next to a public bathhouse. But it was also located by the apartment building which had Hatsutori's studio. It instigated bad memories about Nagare which she would rather not dwell on.
"Why is Moka naked?"
Kurumu chuckled as she set the containers down next to the bag of dried seaweed. She grabbed the four bowls, setting them apart.
"Her sundress reeked of sake and I saw no reason to leave her in her bra."
Kokoa groaned, slipping out of the bed.
"What time is it?"
Kurumu shrugged as she tossed pinches of seaweed scraps into each bowl.
"It was a little after six when I woke up. I doubt it's after six thirty."
As Kurumu opened the bag of diced tofu, Kokoa grumbled and shuffled across the room. Kurumu picked out four cubes and dumped them in one bowl before moving to the next.
"What are you making?"
"Breakfast. Shall our guest be joining us?"
Kokoa stopped at the counter, toying with her sash as she regarded the counter with bleary eyes. Kurumu finished doling out the tofu and started adding onions to each bowl.
"What time did you two get home?"
"It was after ten."
"I thought she couldn't stay up that late."
Kurumu smirked as she continued portioning out the onions.
"I didn't say she was conscious. I thought you were going to spend the night with your friends."
Kokoa yawned grandly, leaning against Kurumu's shoulder.
"Nagisa's friends were mad about us going to town."
Finished with her task, Kurumu gently pushed Kokoa aside before snapping a lid on the onions.
"You were supposed to keep that secret."
"Hotaru has a big mouth."
Kurumu nodded, picking up the tofu and onions. She wandered back over to the refrigerator, tugging it open and putting the goods away.
"So… you couldn't spend the night with Taniguchi and were too mad at Antai to stay with Akegawa. I'm surprised you didn't bring one of them home with you."
Kokoa placed a hand on Kurumu's wrist when she reached for the salmon.
"Don't start the fish yet. I want a bath."
Kurumu smirked, grabbing the bag of seaweed.
"Curious if your immunity has worn off?"
Kokoa huffed, loosening her sash as she stalked off.
"Do as you're told."
"Yes, Milady."
Grinning, Kurumu sidled over to the stove to stir the miso with a spoon. Doubting it would burn, she set the spoon aside and scooted over to the cabinet by the refrigerator to put away the seaweed bag with the other dry goods. With a final glance about the counter, Kurumu started off for the bathroom door which Kokoa had left open.
The girl sprawled upon the couch, whose presence had forced Kurumu to spend her night on the unforgiving floor, had short, dark locks with a greenish hue. Her mint green jacket had been slashed up and was stained with blood. Black stripes lined the long sleeves and the bottom hem. There was a Yokai Academy insignia over her left breast.
These jackets were sold in the school store but this was the first time Kurumu had seen anyone wearing one. It resembled athletic wear but Kurumu doubted that this unfamiliar girl was from a sports club. The girl had worn this jacket over a white shirt and with a pleated brown skirt. Both had also been torn up.
Slipping into the bathroom, Kurumu noticed that Kokoa had already shed her nightgown and was seated on the stool with her back to the door. The vampire was setting aside a towel and the white bottles of shampoo and bodywash which had the vanilla scent. Smirking, Kurumu knelt down behind the vampire.
"So… does Milady wish to explain why she brutally attacked that girl and left her on the couch so this poor servant had to sleep on the floor?"
"I did no such thing!"
Kurumu smirked, reaching over to grab the shower wand and shampoo.
"Who is she?"
"I have no idea."
Setting the bottle of shampoo beside the stool, Kurumu turned on the water.
"Attacking random strangers now?"
"It wasn't me-"
Kokoa squealed as Kurumu turned the spray upon the vampire. The girl tensed up, clenching her fists as Kurumu wagged the wand about to cover all of Kokoa's reddish tresses. Kurumu used her free hand to work the moisture through the thick strands.
"I see that the immunity didn't last."
"Shut up."
Kurumu chuckled, steadily drenching the vampire's hair.
"I hope Milady wasn't tempted by all that blood."
Kokoa shivered, shaking her head slightly.
"It tasted vile."
"Such a bad girl."
"It was being wasted. I had no idea it would taste rotten."
Kurumu smirked, cutting off the water. Leaning back, she picked up the shampoo bottle and squirted a bunch into her palm. Smearing it in both hands, she started working it into Kokoa's tresses.
"Does she smell powerful?"
"Not at all. The okami whom attacked her seemed familiar though."
Kurumu frowned, working up and down Kokoa's tresses.
"Okami?"
"Yea. Strong blood. Familiar scent. Do okami girls have boobs when they transform?"
Kurumu shook her head slightly.
"I have no idea."
And had no idea how she could politely ask.
"I think I might have stumbled across Mizumi's murderer."
Kurumu took in a deep breath as she worked her fingers more firmly against Kokoa's scalp. The girl groaned softly, pushing her head back.
"Maybe. Can you tell me what happened?"
"Mhm. After I left the dorm, I roamed about aimlessly. I was walking by the cemetery near the chapel when I heard the howl of a wolf and then a scream. I ran over to see what was going on."
Kokoa paused, taking in a deep breath as Kurumu steadily covered every bit of hair in vanilla lather.
"When I got there, this okami was standing over that girl. They were bathed in this red mist. The killer told me I had bad timing and that I saw nothing before running off into the night."
Kurumu grimaced, knowing this had nothing to do with Mizumi's killer.
"What makes you think it was a girl?"
"The killer was wearing a hairband like Hikari does. The killer also had a silver necklace."
Kurumu stiffened. Familiar with how every red mist incident was tied to Ginei, the description of the perpetrator was hitting far too close to home. She reached over to grab the showerhead, turning the water back on.
"Anything else you remember about this monster?"
"Yea. They don't have the local accent all my girls have, so this killer can't be a student. I think it was a Kansai accent."
Kokoa squeaked when Kurumu directed the water on her. Kurumu sighed, wondering what the hell Ginei was up to. With Kokoa's testimony, he would have a hard time talking his way out of all of these attacks upon girls he was friendly with. Sighing again, she ran her fingers through Kokoa's thick tresses to speed up this process. Once the water was dripping clear, Kurumu leaned forward to cut off the flow and seize up the loofa and bodywash.
"I hate to break it to you, Kokoa, but the serious attacks have all happened off campus."
"But travel to Mononoke is strictly monitored now. The killer has moved to safer hunter grounds."
It sounded logical but Kurumu knew it was flawed. She squirted some bodywash into the loofa.
"This isn't the first girl attacked in red mist. There's been four others. Actually five, counting Zanzou."
"Zanzou? That shadow girl from yesterday?"
"Mhm. None of these attacks have been serious. Just slashed up clothes."
Kurumu worked the bodywash into a lather before pushing it against Kokoa's back.
"That club president of yours has a similar accent. Maybe he knows something."
Kurumu snorted. A part of her wanted to conclude that he was the red mist slasher but the motive for this crime was lacking. And if she was assuming he was innocent, she could only conclude that he knew exactly whom the culprit was.
"He probably does. Getting him to give a straight answer might be difficult."
"But you think this is unrelated to Mizumi."
"It has nothing to do with her."
Kurumu prompted Kokoa to lift up her left arm so Kurumu could scrub the entire length before doing the same to the other.
"Well that sucks. I thought we would finally get somewhere."
There was a knock on the door frame as Kurumu scooted around the stool. The dark haired girl poked her head around the corner, frowning at them.
"Um… there's blood on your couch. I'm so sorry."
"Don't worry about that."
Kurumu scrubbed the loofa across Kokoa's sensitive chest, causing the vampire to gasp.
"I have to go."
"You will not!"
The girl flinched at Kokoa's harsh response. Kurumu smirked, dragging the loofa down to scrub the vampire's belly and navel.
"Milady insists that you join us for breakfast."
The girl lingered in the doorway as Kurumu worked her way down Kokoa's left leg.
"I have to pee."
Kurumu chuckled as she worked her way back up Kokoa's right leg.
"We'll be done soon."
Kokoa closed her eyes for the short seconds in which Kurumu lathered up her nethers. Kurumu shook her head, setting aside the loofa to seize up the shower wand. Turning on the water, she caused the vampire to whimper as she rinsed all the suds off her pale skin.
"I've never seen a maid bathe someone before."
"It's not that special."
"I've always heard that vampires were like nobility. That's so cool."
Kurumu grinned as she finished torturing the whining princess. She reached over to turn off the water, mounting the shower head back in its holster.
"I assume you know whom we are."
"Yes. Ms. Shuzen Kokoa and Ms. Kurono Kurumu."
Kurumu nodded, grabbing a towel and holding it up. Kokoa huffed, standing up and holding her arms up high. Taking the cue, Kurumu lifted up on her feet and started drying off the vampire.
"And whom might you be?"
"Nakamoto Kokko."
Kurumu glanced at the girl. This was the crazy girl whom had slipped a love potion to Ginei which Koike had taken by accident, causing him to profess his love to Hidarimeki. By the time the potion had worn off, the damage had already been done.
"I've heard of you. Your cousin, Oyanagi, is in the film club."
The girl had the same ruby eyes. She forced a smile, nervously brushing a lock behind her ear.
"Nothing bad, I hope."
"Kokko is a good name. Your parents have good taste."
Kurumu snorted, balling up the towel and tossing it in Kokoa's face.
"Nakamoto is one of Ginei's friends."
"I wouldn't say that."
Kurumu smiled at the quick denial. Kokoa huffed as she used the towel to dry her hair.
"If she's not his friend, then what is she?"
Nakamoto's eyes went distant with that forlorn smile on her lips.
"Nothing. I'm nothing to him."
There was a heavy pause as Kokoa finished up with her task. She absently wrapped the towel about her torso, turning about.
"Who attacked you last night?"
"Excuse me?"
"Attacked you. I saw an okami standing over you."
Nakamoto flinched. She shook her head.
"I saw nothing."
"You had to have seen something."
Kurumu placed a hand on Kokoa's shoulder.
"When was the last time you spoke with Ginei?"
Nakamoto blinked. She swallowed, glancing away.
"I don't know. Months ago, I guess."
"That's not a friend, Kurumu."
Kurumu sighed, roughly tousling the vampire's locks to make her protest.
"Friends don't have to talk all the time."
"I have him in my home economics class. But… I don't think we've spoken much since… well… I guess it doesn't really matter."
"Did something happen between you two?"
Nakamoto smiled nervously.
"You could say that."
Kurumu pushed Kokoa gently on the back.
"Did you hear that he is engaged to Hajihachi?"
The girl would not make eye contact.
"Yes."
Kurumu sighed. She had no idea why the red mist slasher would target Nakamoto. Maybe Ginei was guilty after all.
"Well… I have breakfast to make and Milady must get dressed."
The girl smiled nervously.
"Right. I… still have to pee."
Giggling, Kurumu guided Kokoa out of the room so their guest could take care of that.
"I was hoping Kurumu would be wrong about your intentions."
Satsuki chuckled as they exited the classroom to join the pair of vampires waiting in the hallway with Tora. Kokoa scowled at the witch.
"You should be grateful that I'm agreeing to eat with you."
Yukari huffed as they started towards the cafeteria with Deshi leading the way.
"Shouldn't you eat with your friends? Maybe your new club?"
"I need to talk with those okami girls Aono lunches with."
Yukari patted the white satchel at her side.
"I didn't make a lunch for you so you're on your own."
Kurumu laughed as they neared the open back door to class three.
"I'm sure Milady is fine getting her lunch the same way as she always does."
"I hope you're not planning to pawn your lunch off again."
"Nope. But I will walk with Milady through the lunch line to introduce her to Akari and her friends."
"I'll be seeing you guys after school."
Kurumu nodded at Tora. She doubted the vampires had told Tora about the latest red mist attack upon Nakamoto, suspecting the sphinx would have more of a reaction than this to such news.
They parted ways with the PSC girls at the back door to class three. Strolling inside, Kurumu noted there were only three students present. Bikiyama was chatting with Tsukune while Mizore lurked nearby.
Nozomi. Nozomi, Nikki and Akari. Kiba was shorter than Enoko so she would stick with Kiba.
Tsukune frowned at their arrival.
"Um… why is Kokoa here?"
"Is there a problem?"
"Yes."
Kurumu giggled at Yukari's prompt reply.
"No. Kokoa wanted to meet more girls."
"And I don't understand why it has to be the ones I wanted to share my lunch with."
"It'll be fine, Yukari."
Yukari pouted at Moka.
"But she has a club full of girls she can meet. I can answer any questions she might have about okami."
"Okay. Do wolf girls have tits when they transform?"
Kurumu's eyes widened at the blunt delivery of that question. Yukari stood there dumbfounded.
"Well… yea."
Nozomi blushed as attention shifted to her.
"They're smaller though. In our true form. Um… and some girls have up to eight."
"Eight?"
Nozomi blushed deeper, rubbing the back of her neck.
"Yea. That's how it is."
Kokoa nodded with a blank expression.
"Good. I think I can conclude that the attacker was male."
"What?!"
"Attacker?!"
Kurumu held her hand up, sharing a quick knowing glance with Moka. They had talked about this on the walk to school with Kokoa. Short of Moka being a complete idiot, she probably had also drawn the same conclusion about the identity of the red mist slasher. Nakamoto had not accompanied them, admitting that she was boycotting the school like so many others. She had only been out on a walk last night for some fresh air, since things get pretty dull staying in a dorm room all day.
"It's nothing important. Just some prankster, slashing up girl's clothing."
"We have another one of those?"
"Another one?"
"We can chat about this later. That lunch line isn't getting any shorter."
Nozomi nodded with a grin, wandering over to Kurumu's side.
"I agree. Unless the gracious Ms. Sendou made a lunch for me?"
"Don't press your luck."
Yukari huffed as she retreated for the back door, prompting everyone to follow.
"You may want to fill them in while I'm in line."
Moka nodded at her as they exited the classroom.
"I'll do my best."
Kurumu headed off for the cafeteria with Nozomi and Kokoa while the others all went the other way. Nozomi chuckled as they progressed to the crossover between classes five and eight.
"What was that all about?"
"Just some trouble with Ginei."
"Ms. Sendou has an issue with Mr. Morioka?"
"She was sore over losing the paintball game yesterday."
Kurumu smirked at Kokoa.
"You were more upset over the loss."
"I didn't lose!"
"You guys went to Mononoke to play paintball?"
Kurumu grinned as they started down the stairs.
"Yukari was fine until I mentioned Moka getting tipsy at the birthday party last night."
"Why should that brat care if the two of you got drunk?"
"Whose birthday was it?"
"Tanboshi Aku. A boy on the judo team whom lives next door to Tsukune."
"Answer me."
Kurumu favored Kokoa a placating smile.
"Yukari is upset that she wasn't part of it. We thought the boys only had one bottle of sake but Tanboshi brought Sakamori along."
"Sakamori?"
Kurumu nodded at Nozomi.
"Sakamori Hinoko from class four. She's got curly red hair and different colored eyes. She's a shojo with the ability to turn water into sake."
Nozomi gave a snaggletooth grin.
"I remember her. She was at Shindou's birthday party. Shindou wanted her to make booze for us but the teachers discouraged it."
Kurumu smirked, vaguely recalling that.
"Yea. Yukari is miffed about going home and reading another volume of Gravitation when she could have spent time with a tipsy Moka."
"Gravitation?"
"Some manga series Kana introduced her to. I guess she gave Yukari six volumes on Saturday and she's already read four of them."
"What is your name?"
Nozomi chuckled at Kokoa's sudden request.
"Bikiyama Nozomi from class one."
"Shuzen Kokoa from class nine."
"I think everyone knows whom you are."
"As they should. What did you mean by another one?"
"It's the same one, Nozomi. Kokoa saw an okami attack a girl last night using red mist."
Nozomi paused as they reached the end of the stairs.
"An okami? Which girl got slashed up this time?"
"Nakamoto Kokko. Kurumu assures me that this criminal isn't connected to the murder of Mizumi."
Kurumu jostled the vampire. She gestured at the line of students waiting for lunch.
"Hey. Don't say stuff like that in the hallway."
Nozomi pursed her lips contemplatively.
"I don't know of an okami by the name of Nakamoto."
"It isn't an okami girl this time."
"Really? Do you think there's been more attacks?"
"Would you happen to know any okami guys with a Kansai accent?"
Nozomi snickered.
"He's not a pure okami, but Morioka is the only wolf boy I know with that sort of accent."
Kurumu flinched as Kokoa stopped dead in her tracks with eyes wide.
"Morioka is the murderer!"
Kurumu quickly grabbed the startled girl, snapping a hand over the vampire's mouth. Kurumu favored the line an apologetic smile as the vampire started to struggle.
"How badly was this girl hurt?"
Kurumu sighed, releasing Kokoa.
"Nakamoto is fine, though her clothes were ruined. This silly girl should realize that Ginei wasn't even in Mononoke to be responsible for Mizumi."
"So that's why you knew it wasn't related."
Kurumu sighed again at the scowling vampire, gesturing towards the cafeteria.
"We don't know what is going on with Ginei but this isn't the place to talk about it."
"We should expose him for what he's done."
Frustrated, Kurumu wagged a finger at Kokoa.
"He has no motive for this. One of the victims is his girlfriend."
Kokoa huffed, crossing her arms.
"Motives only matter to find a criminal. I saw him slash up that girl."
Kurumu glanced at the line. Several students had taken notice of their conversation. Shaking her head, she stalked off, prompting the other two to follow.
"We shouldn't keep Akari waiting."
"I'm agreeing with Kurumu here. There's not much reason for him to do it."
"I know what I saw."
"Are you sure it was him?"
"Positive. I didn't think about it right away because he wasn't wearing a hairband yesterday and I usually associate that stuff with girls. But how many okami guys with Kansai accents are there?"
"I see your point. What are you thinking, Kurumu?"
Kurumu sighed as they neared the end of the hallway.
"I think he at least knows what is going on."
"He's guilty."
Kurumu lacked the will to argue on his behalf. Akari stood with her two friends in her usual place at the diagonal stretch of the line. The dark eyed girl smiled, offering a wave as they approached.
"Big news Akari. Morioka is a criminal."
Kiba snickered as Nikki managed a smile.
"So he's graduated from a pervert."
"These three are with us if you don't mind."
"Not at all."
The trio of chubby, black haired boys nodded at Akari's polite bow. Kurumu flashed them a smile, noting at least one of them had the ochre eyes she associated with kappas.
"So what's this about Mr. Morioka?"
"I saw Morioka standing over a girl he slashed up. The area was bathed in a red mist."
Kurumu sighed as the girls shared curious glances.
"That sounds like what happened to the Ohira cousins."
"And Mika. Whom is the victim this time?"
Nozomi waved her hand dismissively.
"It's nobody we know. Some Nakamoto chick."
"Nakamoto, you say. Now that's a girl Mr. Morioka has a reason to slash up."
Kurumu frowned at the boys behind them.
"And you are?"
The chubby boy whom had spoken chuckled, pounding his chest. He was the shortest of the trio and his dark locks styled in a bowl cut.
"Tekikawa Nigiri. Mr. Morioka was in my homeroom last year. That girl caused him some grief with that love potion she tried to slip him."
"Love potion?"
Kurumu sighed heavily, thinking she had rotten luck.
"Nakamoto is an admirer of Ginei."
"But she seemed like a nice, respectable girl."
The boys chuckled at Kokoa's pout. The tallest one with his dark locks slicked back nodded.
"She is nice. We went to junior high with her."
Tekikawa snorted, gesturing to the tall guy.
"Shimasaki was her accomplice in making that potion."
"It was a request from a shy girl. As an aspiring chemist, I couldn't turn her down."
"There's your motive. He was taking revenge on her."
Kurumu scowled at Kokoa.
"And how does any of the others make sense?"
"We should hang him."
Nozomi and Kiba chuckled at Tekikawa's suggestion.
"Where can we get some rope?"
"Isn't that a bit drastic for cutting up a few skirts and blouses?!"
Kiba smirked at Kurumu.
"Hanging isn't fatal to most monsters."
"It is if the fall breaks their neck and they asphyxiate."
Kurumu grimaced at Akari's response.
"Am I the only thinking that's too harsh of a punishment?"
"It's about time you admitted he was guilty."
Kurumu sighed as they neared the cart with the trays.
"Even if he is guilty, I don't think this is a big deal. Maybe have him pay for all the clothes he slashed up."
"That's the least he should do."
"He should pay for the mental anguish every girl has suffered at his hands."
"What the fuck is that?"
Nozomi chuckled at Kiba.
"It's the stress of having weird, unwanted things happening to you. I bet he was feeling these girls up as he slashed their clothing."
"But he's fast enough to do that without cutting up clothes."
Nozomi shrugged at Kurumu's protest.
"Maybe he was bored."
"Maybe he wanted it to look like someone else."
Kurumu sighed, thinking it might be nice for Ginei to pay for all the embarrassing things he had done to her over the summer.
"I should properly introduce you to Milady. This is Uchikawa Akari, rep for class eight and Nozomi's childhood friend. This is Matsudera Nikki, whom also is in class eight and in track with these two. And this last lady is Kiba Enoko from class seven. She went to junior high with Nikki."
The girls muttered greetings to Kokoa. Kurumu sighed again as Kiba reached the cart with the trays.
"I suppose if Ginei is guilty, we could let Tora write the article."
Akari giggled, taking a tray from Kiba as the girl started handing them out to everyone.
"That would be tragic. Writing an article like that about your club president."
"Tora would enjoy it. He's caused her so much grief."
"If he's such a bad person, why are you so reluctant to see his guilt?"
Kurumu pouted at Kokoa as she took a tray from Kiba.
"I don't mind him getting in trouble if it's justified. You have no idea the humiliation he put us through under the ruse of training our reflexes."
Nozomi smirked at her as they shuffled down the serving line.
"I sense a story there. That pervert should be punished."
"Let us handle this."
Kurumu frowned at Tekikawa's suggestion.
"Shimasaki has Mr. Morioka in homeroom this year. He can slip something in his drink."
The tall guy chuckled, shaking his head.
"Mr. Morioka hasn't been to school in days."
"Wait. Is that dog part of the boycott?"
Kurumu was unsure how to answer Nozomi. She absently grabbed a bowl of yakisoba as she mulled over the merits of airing the truth. She added a cup of soup to her tray.
"Ginei is staying with Ms. Nekonome while he investigates some things in Mononoke for his articles."
"Is that so? I'll have to break the news to Ms. Shikichi."
Kurumu grimaced as she picked up a bread roll.
"Wonderful. That girl doesn't need more reasons to hate Ginei."
Shimasaki chuckled as she walked over to the juice cart.
"True. She recently claimed that Ginei had hospitalized Ms. Hajihachi, but most of us were writing that off as nonsense."
"How I'd love to see that dog hanging from the ceiling."
Kurumu smirked. She remembered now. Tekikawa was the guy they had glued to the ceiling. Shaking her head, she grabbed a can of yuzu juice and stalked over to the back of the line for the registers.
"Akari. You went to school in Watasora. Do you know anything about this Lord Chiki?"
Akari smiled softly from the adjacent line.
"Not much. He used to be the Headmaster for Mimori High a long time ago. Once or twice a week he would stop by the junior high to check up on the orphans in his care."
"Orphans?"
"Watasora has a small orphanage ran by Fairy Tale. Abandoned kids from all over the prefecture end up there. I heard that Lord Chiki did a lot to make that place into a respectable learning environment for those kids, teaching them life skills you won't get from school."
"It kind of has to since none of them can afford tuition for high schools. There are some programs for the smarter kids which will help them get into Hisoshi if they can find a place to stay."
Akari nodded at Nozomi's input.
"And some can come here. I believe that Ms. Otonashi your club wrote about in your last paper was the last orphan to graduate from Watasora and attend Yokai Academy. She was a valedictorian."
Kurumu smiled softly as she came up to the register. She set her tray down for the worker, reaching into her jacket pocket for her lunch card. She had to admit this jacket did come in handy as she presented her card to the bored worker.
"Ms. Otonashi is important to Ginei."
"I could tell by the way he wrote about her."
Kurumu grinned, taking back her card and tray. She wandered over to join Nikki and Kiba, glancing at the empty tables. As Dakuhime had warned, none of the members of the auto club were here. It was strange seeing absolutely nobody at the first couple tables.
"That orphanage is cursed though."
Kurumu frowned as Nozomi came over to join them.
"Seems like every few years, a girl kills herself over there. The last one was Hidzume Haruka."
"Abe made it sound like Ms. Otonashi had something to do with her dying."
"Abe is two brain cells short of a pair."
Kiba snickered, shaking her head.
"Don't laugh, Enoko. I often think the same of you."
"Shut your trap, bitch."
"There's no way Otonashi would ever hurt Hidzume. I know they say she killed herself because she couldn't go to Yokai with Otonashi, but that felt so unlike her."
Akari sighed as she strolled over to join them.
"You can never know what is going on in someone's heart"
"Or in someone's head. I thought Sendou made you a lunch."
Kurumu blinked as Nozomi smirk at her. She regarded her tray for a moment and then pouted.
"Why didn't you say something?"
"I just now thought about it."
Kokoa snorted as she stalked by them.
"You're both airheads."
They followed the vampire down the wide aisle in the cafeteria. Tekikawa and his two pals had taken up seats with three other kappa boys. She knew the one wearing glasses and with the moppish hair was Sawahito, the president for the arcade club. The other two she assumed were part of the club.
The next occupied tables on her right were for the track team. Both would be at full occupancy with little Yuniko already sitting in Hayagawa's lap. Some members of the softball team were seated at the next two tables. Kumiko had mentioned their first round exit in regionals with a resounding loss to Shimote. Her classmate was not present at the moment, likely still in line.
At least one cheerleader was still coming to school. Kagayama was nuzzled up against Michi's side, caring little for the food on her tray. The pixie haired salamander ignored the affection, chatting with her friend with the magenta, fluffy, shoulder length curls.
"Ms. Shuzen."
The ginger, ponytailed captain of the fencing club stood up from her place at the end of their table. The senior stepped in front of Kokoa, causing them to halt.
"Afternoon, Ms. Kosai."
The captain nodded at Akari's greeting.
"Ms. Uchikawa. Ms. Kurono. Will you be joining us for lunch, Ms. Shuzen?"
"I wasn't planning to eat with you."
Kurumu smirked with a glance at the table. On the side Kosai had been seated were the Akebara sisters. The honey haired Naratoki sat beside the younger sister while Asakira sat at the end closest to the table for the tennis first years, though Shiname and Mizudake always ate there. She had also noticed that the older Tawamuru brother ate with them since there was no more room at the table for the tennis boys.
"They do have a spot for you."
There were only four girls on the other side of the fencing table. Having recently met Fukuda, Kurumu concluded this tall girl sitting on the end with the raven braids which fell down to her ample bosom was Tadashiguchi. The broad girl had silver eyes and strong features.
On Fukuda's right side was the lovely Negai. She looked exactly like her picture in the popularity contest pamphlets. Negai had fine, ebony tresses which spilled down her shoulders to reach below the seat and enticing, amethyst eyes.
The vacant spot was between Negai and Shikichi. The girl with short, feathered, cinnamon locks was paying more attention to her meal than this exchange.
"I'm eating with Ms. Bikiyama today."
"But Nozomi already answered your question."
Kokoa blushed, turning her nose up.
"We have other important things to discuss."
Kosai forced a smile.
"If you insist. I hope you plan to attend practice again."
"I'm busy investigating a murder right now."
Kurumu stiffened as all the girls at the table turned to regard them.
"Murder?"
"What happened?"
"Is it someone we know?"
Kurumu shook her head vehemently.
"Nobody is dead. This is a small matter of someone causing mischief."
"Cutting up clothes and feeling girls up."
Tadashiguchi stood up at Nozomi's remark, pounding a fist to her bosom.
"Allow me to assist your investigation."
Shikichi also hopped to her feet, nodding.
"I agree. If there is a pervert on the loose, I am willing to put such a fiend to the sword."
"We don't know much about the situation."
"What do you mean we don't? We have ironclad evidence against your degenerate club president."
Kurumu winced at Kokoa's big mouth. Shikichi cocked her head.
"What's Morioka up to now?"
"Nothing that you don't already suspect him of."
Nozomi chuckled, nodding at Kokoa.
"Ms. Shuzen saw him at the scene of a crime."
"I knew it!"
Kurumu sighed.
"Yea… I guess we're going to hang him from the ceiling when we find him."
"We need some rope and someone fast enough to catch him."
Shikichi huffed at Kiba's amusement.
"That is often the issue. Nobody can catch that fool when he wants to run."
"What about Ms. Udetama?"
Shikichi scowled at Azami.
"I asked her for help earlier and she blew me off. Says she's not interested in Morioka's love life."
"This doesn't sound like that sort of issue."
"I tried to explain that to her but she didn't care."
Kurumu managed a smile.
"So… you're Ms. Tadashiguchi. I heard that you're from Okinawa."
The girl with the braids grinned.
"Not exactly. My father moved to Amami during my first year at Yokai Academy. We used to live in the Philippines but Ms. Okumura convinced him to move somewhere in Japan. I guess that make things easier for Mr. Nurari."
"Why are we still standing about here?"
The okami girls laughed at Kokoa's displeasure.
"I appreciate the offer to help capture Morioka, but I am curious what he has to say about it before we carry out any executions."
Shikichi huffed at Kurumu.
"You mean how he'll lie his way out of it."
Kosai snickered, nodding.
"I won't hold you up any longer. I hope to see you at practice, Ms. Shuzen. I would like you to be ready to participate in the November tourney."
"I'll be ready. I'll win that thing for sure."
The fencing girls shared amused glances. Even Shikichi lightened up.
"I like your enthusiasm. You know where to find us."
With a brief exchange of farewells, they resumed their walk through the cafeteria. Hiboshi was sitting at the volleyball table with Irewata instead of with the Yaisoku sisters and Arashimideru. Considering half of the volleyball girls were absent, it made sense. The last two tables were often occupied by the choir. Kanari was eating by herself with no signs of the other girls. Kurumu hoped they were all in line.
"You know… Ms. Shikichi is Ginei's class rep."
"She has mentioned that at our meetings."
"I guess that explains her poor opinion of him."
Kurumu sighed at how flippant these girls were about this.
"He better be guilty at this point."
"I wouldn't worry about that, Ms. Kurono. I'm sure he's guilty of something."
With murmured apologies, they slipped through the line to get on the other side of the hallway.
"So… how was your track meet?"
"Dull."
"Boring."
"Did you guys win?"
Akari giggled, shaking her head.
"We won the 800 relay."
"Which I wish I was part of."
Nikki smirked at Nozomi.
"Earn your spot."
"You're not in the relay?"
"I'm an alternate. Nikki is barely faster than me."
"Barely? I'm the fastest off the blocks."
"Nikki also runs in the 100 dash. She hasn't placed either time."
Nikki grimaced.
"Way too many fast girls. Second place got disqualified at our last meet because a judge had a recording that proved her feet weren't touching the ground."
"Fucking sylphs."
"I wouldn't say that, but yea… I hate cheaters."
"A fast start doesn't mean squat in the 800. Consistency is what matters."
"She still beats you by more than five seconds."
Nozomi pouted at Akari.
"I could be your first runner. We're in last when she hands you the baton anyways."
"And I would be five more seconds behind the competition. I'd rather not put more of a burden on Ms. Ohira than we already do."
"But you said you won."
Akari grinned.
"We did. Ms. Ohira is very fast."
"Yea. She can't hear worth a shit but she can book it. She also won the 3200."
"That girl seems destined to make a return to nationals this year."
"What events are you in, Nozomi?"
"I'm in the 1600. And no, I didn't win."
"I didn't win my 400 hurdles."
Nozomi snorted at Akari.
"Which I don't know why you even try."
"Because I'm good at it."
"Ms. Kakeru and Ms. Hayagawa always beat you. Hurdles is a tall girl thing. You're not tall enough for it."
"It's not like you ever beat Ms. Miyake or Mr. Kokawa in your only event."
"Can we not talk about how bad we are compared to our juniors?"
Kiba snickered at Nikki.
"Don't want them to mention how far behind you are from your rivals?"
"It's a dash. I'm not even a whole second behind my competition."
"I don't get the appeal to running around in a circle."
Akari giggled at Kokoa's comment.
"Neither do I. An 800 is my limit."
"And she's not fast enough to be on the 400 relay team."
Akari grinned at Nozomi.
"That depends on which team you are talking about."
"You have more than one?"
Nikki nodded.
"Mhm. There's the one the Samurakami sisters are on. Neither of them are that fast but Ms. Uchiyama and Ms. Yamanaka make up for that. Then there's Ms. Yamasaki's team which has Ms. Imano and Ms. Miyauchi. They've been using Ms. Kazehana as their fourth."
"Neither team won."
Nozomi chuckled, nodding in agreement with Akari.
"Yea. And this was up against Nakamune and Joukuu. Basically we're all doomed at this point."
"There's no guarantee that Imoshinai and Shimote will have better athletes. This is primarily a sport for the individual."
"I guess this is fascinating for all of you but I'm not here to talk about track."
Kurumu sighed at Kokoa.
"I gave you an out to sit with your fencing friends."
"I want to talk about Morioka."
"Such obsession. Oh, to be young and in love."
Kokoa blushed at Nozomi's remark.
"I'm not in love!"
"You don't think he'll target us, right?"
Kurumu favored Nikki a slight smile.
"I don't know what he's doing. But this red mist attack hasn't been limited to okami girls. The most recent girl was not an okami and neither was Zanzou."
"Whom is Zanzou?"
"Do you know that girl whom wears the slacks even in gym and only uses the weight room?"
"That weird girl?"
"That's Zanzou."
Nozomi frowned.
"I'm completely confused."
"It was obviously done to throw us off track."
Leave it to Kokoa to dismiss the evidence. She might become fast friends with Shikichi.
"What's her connection to Morioka?"
"She looks up to him. Views him as a role model."
"That poor thing."
Kurumu chuckled at Akari's comment.
"He's a likable guy. I know all of you would have been open to dating him if not for Hajihachi."
"Why would anyone want to date that guy?"
Akari smiled softly at Kokoa.
"He smells nice and he carries himself with much confidence."
"He's also cute. His flirting is a bit over the top, but I'd be fine with it if we were dating."
"And he's strong. He knows how to put a girl at ease."
Kokoa frowned at this unanimous approval of Ginei. She looked to Kiba whom promptly shrugged.
"The guy is cool. I'd have fun scrapping with him."
"What is wrong with you all?"
Kurumu grinned as they finally reached the end of the hall and veered off to the right, intent on the exterior door by the stairs.
"This is one of the most popular guys in school we are talking about, Kokoa. It shouldn't be a surprise that people like him."
"Well… I know he's strong. I could sense that. But… he's a criminal."
Kurumu snorted, thinking of all the times Ginei had groped her.
"He certainly is that. We'll get to the bottom of this soon."
Kurumu reached the door first, sliding it open for the others. She heard Kokoa's startled gasp. Frowning, she stepped outside to see what her reaction was for.
Ginei had pulled up an extra chair to sit at a table with the others. Dressed in a black dress shirt with white, vertical stripes, the werewolf grinned and leaned back in his seat. A pair of gray slacks were held up by a brown belt with a silver buckle. As always he had left a couple buttons undone to reveal the silver wolf pendant dangling against his chest. His dark bangs were pushed back by a white hairband.
"Oh? I didn't expect the little lady to be joining us."
"You're the one!"
Kokoa pitched her tray, darting over to Ginei.
"What's this all-"
The vampire bowled Ginei and the chair over. She rolled up on top of him and grabbed him by the collar. She proceeded to slam his head repeatedly into the dirt.
"Kokoa!"
"Stop her!"
While they hurried as fast as they could to the scene, Moka was the first to spring out of her chair. Lacking a lunch tray, the vampire pulled her sister off Ginei before she rattled his head into the dirt a sixth time. Kokoa struggled, clawing for Ginei as Moka backed away.
"I'm so sorry, Ginei. She's very hotheaded."
Kiba shook her head in disbelief as she put down her tray on a table. Seeing the situation was under control, the okami girls followed suit.
"It's a good thing you bought that lunch, Kurumu."
Kurumu was confused for a moment over Nozomi's statement before she realized Kokoa had pitched her lunch into the dirt. Smirking, she placed her tray between the chairs Akari and Nozomi had claimed.
"Why would you attach him like that?"
"He's a criminal!"
"Calm down, Kokoa."
"We need to turn him in to the authorities!"
"What did he do this time?"
Yukari snorted, stuffing a mouthful of omelet in her mouth. Kurumu pouted at Moka.
"I thought you would explain this to them."
Moka pouted back, doing her best to hold Kokoa still.
"I was but Ginei was here when we arrived."
Kurumu sighed, favoring the confused Tsukune a smile. Mizore impassively continued with her ice cream.
"Another girl was attacked in red mist last night. Kokoa saw Ginei standing over the victim."
"Red mist?"
"This is the fourth attack now."
Kurumu smiled at Yukari.
"Fifth. Zanzou admitted to being attacked after her date with Ginei."
"Why would Morioka date that girl?"
Akari frowned, nodding at Nozomi's statement.
"Why indeed? I'll ask my Aunt to arrange a visit with Mika today."
"And is this new victim also tied to Ginei?"
"It's Nakamoto."
Yukari nodded thoughtfully as she stowed away another morsel in her mouth.
"Let me go!"
Ginei lifted up on his palms. His head lolled about as he blinked.
"Somebody get the plate on the truck that hit me?"
"I'm so sorry, Ginei."
"Don't apologize, Moka. I'm seriously considering the possibility that he's the slasher."
"Should we get a teacher?"
"Or rope?"
Kurumu frowned at the eagerness to lynch him.
"But it doesn't make any sense."
"It's only circumstantial evidence if she didn't witness the attack."
Kurumu paused at Mizore's calm remark. The snow girl scooped out another spoonful of ice cream to stuff in her mouth.
"Kokoa. Did you actually see him attack Nakamoto?"
"It was obvious that he did!"
"What if Ginei happened to stumble on the crime right after it happened?"
Akari nodded at Tsukune's theory.
"That is possible, though we shouldn't dismiss that all of the victims are tied to Mr. Morioka."
Ginei shook his head, slowly picking himself out of the dirt.
"Didn't think she'd hit me that hard. She's definitely Moka's sister."
Kurumu smirked, crossing her arms below her bosom.
"I think it's time you explain what exactly is going on."
Ginei chuckled, smoothing his shirt out.
"Since my Darling is busy running an errand for me, I was needing a new companion for the day. Are any of you ladies free for the evening?"
Akari smiled sweetly at Kiba.
"I think there's rope in the storage shack by the track bleachers."
"I'm on it."
Kiba hopped up from her seat and sprinted off. Ginei wagged a finger at the girls, shaking his head.
"Everyone is too serious these days."
"We want answers, Ginei."
Ginei frowned at Kurumu.
"I had to visit a few girls on campus to refresh my information. And you've been a naughty girl."
"What makes you say that?"
"I heard from Mitsuki that you're doing the photos for the gymnastics club tomorrow. You know how important that was to me."
Kurumu sighed, wondering why Sangi had coughed up that information.
"I thought you were trying to keep a low profile."
"Time with Ms. Rin would be worth the risk."
"Cut the crap! We all know you slashed up those girls!"
Ginei smirked, stepping closer to the restrained Kokoa. As Moka was holding her sister off the ground, the vampire had no leverage to mount an attack. Ginei stroked his chin as he peered at the scowling girl.
"I can see why Miyamoto thinks so highly of you. Kurumu. Could you come over here?"
Kurumu frowned, glancing at the others. Getting only shrugs, she stalked over to the werewolf.
"What do you want?"
"But as cute as you might be, a real woman needs these kind of curves."
Kurumu gasped as his hand promptly squeezed her right tit. She backhanded his cheek, slightly surprised he let the hit land. He staggered away, chuckling as he rubbed his cheek.
"Always a good sport."
"That wasn't permission to grope me!"
"And after you promised Ms. Hajihachi not to touch other girls."
Ginei smirked at Moka.
"Considering how vindictive you girls all seem to be, I figure I may as well go for broke. Darling lacks such soft and supple assets."
"I think Mika has a nice figure."
Kurumu sighed at Akari's remark, shaking her head.
"He's talking about Zanzou."
Nozomi snickered.
"Why would he even try groping that girl?"
"Why are we discussing this instead of making an arrest?"
Mizore stalked over to Kurumu's side, spooning another dollop of vanilla ice cream into her mouth.
"Where were you last night?"
"Yea, Ginei. I thought you were going back to Mononoke with Ms. Nekonome."
Ginei grinned at them.
"I convinced Hitsumi to let us stay with her instead."
"You spent the night with Ms. Okimune?"
"I feel bad for Mika."
"How many girls are you cheating on her with?"
"She knew what she signed up for when she begged me to marry her."
Kurumu frowned at his casual dismissal of Nozomi's question.
"Why did you spend the night with her?"
"Because I could?"
Kurumu rolled her eyes as Mizore chuckled softly. The snow girl cocked her head and regarded him.
"Did you attack a girl in red mist last night?"
"Attack is such a violent word."
"Ginei."
"Being charged with a crime would be very inconvenient for me right now. I think we should all let it go."
"Of course you would say that!"
Ginei smirked at Kokoa.
"I'm not going down over some cut up clothing. Come at me with a serious grievance."
Kurumu snorted, crossing her arms below her bosom.
"Like sexual assault."
Kurumu gasped as Ginei suddenly sprung into action. His hand firmly massaged her breast while the other slipped under her skirt to caress her inner thighs. She grabbed at him for support, but he slipped around behind her in the blink of an eye to flip up her skirt. She whirled about but he moved with her, rubbing up her thighs which sent shivers up her spine. After a few dizzying turns, she lost the ability to stand, falling down on her hands and knees.
"Green with white clovers. Seems like someone was hoping to get lucky."
Kurumu whimpered, pressing her knees together as she fixed her skirt.
"And how's your reflexes?"
Mizore mewled about the spoon in her mouth when Ginei turned his attack upon her. The snow girl clutched her half liter of dessert to her bosom as she staggered back against the table. Mizore lifted up to sit on the surface but Ginei continued his assault. With a whimper, Mizore lowered upon the table, narrowly missing Moka's bento.
"Stop it!"
Ginei chuckled at Tsukune's protest, leaving Mizore's skirt up to reveal her striped thong.
"Serves them right to make a big deal about nothing."
Mizore panted still holding her ice cream against her breast. Kurumu stumbled back up on her feet.
"You jerk."
"Does anyone else have a complaint?"
The trio of okami girls shook their heads in unison.
"Nope. I'm good."
"I didn't see anything."
"Mika's a lucky girl."
Kokoa writhed her way out of Moka's grasp, causing her sister to stumble back. She stalked over to Ginei, wagging her finger.
"I do! You're a criminal that needs to be put down."
Ginei turned a sneer upon the vampire.
"Are you wanting a taste of what I can do?"
Kokoa flinched. Clenching her fists, she turned her nose up at him.
"You don't scare me."
Ginei glared at her, lifting his chin.
"Didn't I tell you not to get involved."
"Don't you dare touch her."
Ginei laughed at Moka's stern reproach. He turned about and started walking off.
"She's not my type. But if you want to know the truth about this red mist, you should meet me tonight in the cemetery where Nakamoto was attacked."
"That's a confession! Only the culprit would know where she was attacked!"
"Maybe I am. Later."
Nobody tried to stop him as he steadily departed. He effortlessly vaulted over the perimeter wall.
"Are we letting him go?"
Kurumu scowled at Kokoa.
"You're more than welcome to try stopping him if you want."
"Tsukune. Could you finish me?"
Yukari snorted, reaching over to tug Mizore's skirt down as Tsukune gagged.
"Nobody needs to see your frozen goods."
"I think we should all finish our lunches."
Kurumu chuckled as she strolled over to Mizore, offering the flush girl a hand. Mizore glanced at her hand but made no move to take it. Instead she relaxed her body, setting her half liter aside.
"I need a moment."
Kurumu smirked, turning to Yukari.
"I'll take that bento you made for me."
Yukari huffed, leaning over her chair to fetch the white satchel.
"I don't get it. Why didn't he even try to deny it?"
Kokoa snorted at Moka.
"Because he's guilty."
"Ms. Akashiya is correct. Normally someone would claim their innocence regardless of if they were guilty or not. Mr. Morioka's response is ambiguous."
Yukari rolled her eyes as she handed over the periwinkle bento.
"That's also how Ms. Deshi behaves. It's called being coy, mischievous and vexing."
"Maybe so, but this is a serious case we have against him. He shouldn't be taking it so lightly."
"Then I suggest we take his invitation to find out what exactly is going on."
Kurumu nodded, absently tugging off the lid to the bento. The sound of footsteps drew her attention. She smirked as Kiba hurried over to join them, holding a coiled length of rope. The girl's jog slowed as she frowned, nearing the group.
"Where did that Morioka go?"
"He's gone for now. But we might still need that rope."
Kurumu rocked slowly on her toes while she was hunkered down behind this bush. She could see Ginei sitting on a thick, cross shaped gravestone in the chapel cemetery. It was late with some clouds covering the bright moon. It was not quite a full moon, but she knew Ginei was a tough opponent even without the extra boost the lunar cycle could give him.
The others were scattered about the grounds, masking their presence. Since Tsukune had trouble doing this, Yukari and Moka were helping him. Yukari had those magic rocks which turned the holder invisible. She had given one to Moka whom in turn was holding Tsukune's hand.
Kurumu sighed, wishing they would have left her with that task. Tsukune had blushed so cutely when Moka had won the coin toss against Mizore. Invisible, those two could be doing anything. It was not like Yukari's spell was limited to the sense of sight. So maybe invisible was the wrong word since they could not hear, smell or sense those two at all.
Kurumu wondered if Tsukune would ever realize that the other Moka would never kill him, no matter how far he took things with this Moka. He could easily push her down and claim her virginity. As long as he started with kissing, this Moka would happily yield.
She should think of less depressing things. Like school and the paper. Though school was boring. Nothing noteworthy had happened at all today. Just a bunch of forgettable conversations and one math test she had scored a seventy six on. She had finished her scarf in sewing class since she had forgotten to do it over the weekend. It was not like they had anything else to do that hour.
Gym had been hilarious. Since there were so many girls absent for the boycott, the instructors had decided to mix everyone up for the week and try out whichever track and field event they fancied. They had reserved one side of the track for the 100 meter dash while the other side was for the 100 meter hurdle. The other events had been long jump, pole vault, discus throw and shot put. Kurumu sucked at pretty much everything.
They had goaded Yukari into trying the hurdles out but the witch had surprised them by simply ducking under the hurdles as she jogged. An amused Hoshineru had kindly informed Yukari that this would not be tolerated in a real match.
After school, Kurumu had found out from Moka that Kiki had been absent today with no explanation from Michiko. With no reason to stick around for club, they had walked from school with Kana and had waited for Kurai to start serving dinner. They had not informed the blond about the recent developments with Ginei, discussing how they would go about confronting their club president after the meal.
"You must think I'm an easy target. Why else ask for me to come out here when you could have told me the truth in front of everyone else?"
Kokoa strolled into the graveyard as they had discussed. Kurumu tensed up, watching Ginei intently as the werewolf turned to acknowledge the vampire.
"Because that sweet Nozomi girl runs her mouth. I can't have everyone in the school knowing the truth."
"So that's it then? Planning to silence the only witness to your crime?"
Ginei chuckles, unbuttoning his shirt.
"Not at all. I plan to tell you the truth."
"I already know the truth."
"Is that so?"
Kokoa tugged on the end of her right side ribbon, causing her reddish tresses to spill freely down her back. She whipped out the ribbon which instantly lengthened into a blade.
"I'm going to cut you down."
Ginei chuckled, slipping out of the long sleeves of his shirt before folding it up and hanging it over a nearby gravestone. He shook his head, as his mouth jutted out into a canine muzzle.
"I heard you joined the fencing club. Fitting. None of those girls listen to reason."
"The only thing I want to hear from you is your begging for me to spare your miserable life."
Ginei growled out laughter as his torso quickly covered in a lush layer of dark fur. He reached down to his pants, unbuttoning them and drawing down the zipper.
"Hold off a second on the threats while I let something out."
"You lecher!"
Kokoa darted in with her blade, moving her weapon so fast it was nothing but a blur. The gravestone behind Ginei shattered into dust under the brutal assault.
"Rude."
Ginei snickered, safely several paces away from the destruction. He lowered the back hem of his pants, letting out a sigh as a huge, bushy tail fluttered out. With the appendage out, the werewolf refastened his britches as best he could.
"You're fast."
"I take my time when it matters."
"But you forget that I'm a vampire."
"Oh, I haven't forgotten."
Kokoa darted in a second time, leading with her blade. Ginei effortlessly twisted aside, but Kokoa reversed her swing, causing the blade to cut an impossible path towards him. He hopped back as Kokoa pivoted on her ankle and pushed towards him. A crimson line cut across his chest before he bounded out of her lethal reach.
"That's a cheap trick."
"I'm going to beat the truth out of you."
"Come at me."
Kokoa happily obliged, charging at him. He easily avoided her blade, even pushing her on the shoulder to knock her off balance. He laughed as she whirled about but skipped back when the blade lengthened.
"Is running away the only thing you can do?"
"Hey now. You have a magic blade that does its own thing. I have to respect that."
"Respect this!"
Ginei ducked under the thrust which inexplicably shot down. With nowhere else to go, the werewolf slid through Kokoa's legs. He pushed up from the ground, causing Kokoa to squeal.
"You fiend! How dare you touch a noble vampire so inappropriately?!"
Ginei chuckled, bouncing out of the barrage of wild thrusts the blushing vampire launched at him.
"Who would have thought the noble vampire wore kiddie panties?"
"They're comfortable!"
"You'll never hit anything with those raging emotions."
"Then eat this!"
Kokoa slammed a foot on the ground which caused a spire of dirt to shoot up between Ginei's legs. The werewolf hopped up to avoid the unusual attack at the same moment Kokoa thrust her blade out which shot out like a bullet. Ginei grunted, falling back hard against the dirt.
"It's over."
Kokoa slashed her weapon down, flinging crimson into the dirt. Wheezing, Ginei got up. He clutched a dripping wound below his left breast.
"You fight dirty."
"A degenerate like you has no right to complain."
"I guess I'll have to take this serious."
Kurumu failed to see the attack which spun Kokoa about. A slight trickle of blood crept from Kokoa's nostril as the vampire regained her composure. She grinned at Ginei with wild eyes as she took up a stance with her sword.
"I hope you have better than that."
Ginei shot by her two more passes, knocking the vampire about. Kokoa staggered with a red welt on her cheek and wide grin. She whipped her blade about.
"What are you doing, doggie? You'll never defeat me beating around the bush."
This time when Ginei darted by Kokoa, he let out a grunt. Wheezing, he came to a stop. A new wound was drawn across his chest. Kokoa turned to regard him with a blackened eye.
"I thought you were taking this seriously. You're just like that Miyamoto fool. Afraid to hit a girl?"
Kurumu frowned in confusion. Those injuries looked like he was hitting her in the face.
"Fine. If you want an early nap, I'll give you one."
That tone frightened Kurumu. She darted out of cover as a wall of ice shot up between her and Ginei. The werewolf smashed through the barrier like it was nothing, scattering chilly shards all about her as she collided with the turning vampire. A huge pressure struck Kurumu's left thigh, as a whistle sounded over her head. Her right knee hit the ground hard as she wrapped her arms about Kokoa's waist.
"Let go of me!"
"I was wondering how long you would watch."
Kurumu grimaced, releasing Kokoa. She staggered back up on her feet, both legs aching.
"That was dumb."
Mizore appeared behind Kokoa whom still had that wild look in her eyes.
"Why are you both here? I was winning."
Kurumu scowled at the vampire.
"That's the problem. We're supposed to get answers out of him."
Mizore cocked her head as she turned her hand into a series of ice shards.
"Perhaps this is his answer."
Kurumu rubbed her thigh, knowing it was bruised.
"This is your last chance, Ginei. You better start talking."
"Or what?"
"After we pummel you within an inch of your life, we're going to tie you up and hang you naked from the gym ceiling."
"If you want me naked, you only had to ask."
Kurumu groaned in disgust. Before she could respond, a series of ice spikes shot out at Ginei. The werewolf deftly evaded the four spears while holding his injuries.
"Watch it. You might kill me with those."
"That was for all the times you left me unsatisfied."
"Would you have preferred me finishing?"
He deserved the second volley of spears, this time taking one in the shoulder. He laughed, though his face was twisted in pain.
"Perhaps you should leave the spearing to someone with experience."
"Cool it, Mizore. It's just a bad joke."
Mizore stared at her.
"Cool it?"
Kurumu blushed, shaking her head.
"I didn't mean it like that!"
"Whatever. This dog is all bark and no bite."
Kurumu snatched up Kokoa when the vampire made a step towards Ginei.
"Don't. We're supposed to capture him."
"We could say we had no choice."
Kurumu sighed at Mizore's remark.
"Can you freeze him?"
"Maybe. He is injured."
Kurumu sucked in a deep breath. She turned to regard the bleeding werewolf.
"Ginei. It's over. You can't escape us. And once I have my hands on you, I'll charm the truth out of you. No more games."
Ginei bowed his head slightly.
"Then I guess I'll have to take this secret to the grave."
"Get him!"
Kokoa charged. Kurumu darted after the girl, knowing there was no way she could get there before the bloodthirsty vampire ran Ginei through. She also doubted Mizore would do anything to stop Kokoa. Not that she could blame her. Ginei was thoroughly deplorable at times and the world might very well be a better place without him.
"Stop!"
Red mist was thrown up around them as a familiar girl materialized in front of Kokoa. The vampire held back her blade, bouncing to a stop in front of the girl whom had thrown her arms out wide.
"Ms. Nakamoto?!"
Kurumu staggered forward as Mizore bumped into her. The girl from this morning was dressed the same but she was now wearing glasses.
"Please. Don't kill him."
Kokoa looked about nervously. Her knuckles were white about the hilt of her blade.
"What are you doing here?"
"I… was on a walk. I heard voices-"
"That's not true."
Kurumu turned as Moka came out of hiding. Yukari was clinging to her side while Tsukune walked slowly behind them with a soft smile.
"Yukari sensed you were here several minutes ago. You were hoping this would play out differently."
Nakamoto shook her head.
"That's ridiculous."
"Ginei was flirting with every girl attacked in a red mist. Every girl, but you."
Kurumu felt so stupid at Moka's deduction. She should have seen that connection right away.
"You were stalking him."
"No."
"Everybody knows you had a crush on Ginei. You even tried to give him a love potion."
"That was almost a year ago. I don't have any feelings for him now."
The way her voice broke betrayed her.
"It's over, Ms. Nakamoto. The red mist is your doing. There's nobody else to blame."
Nakamoto looked up. Bloody tears crawled down her cheeks as the red mist vaporized from existence.
"It's not true."
"Why did you do it?"
The girl let out a piteous sob.
"He wasn't supposed to be anyone's."
Kokoa gasped, lowering her blade.
"It was fine. I could deal with him flirting. All those girls. So many different ones."
The girl lowered her head as blood dripped from her chin to splatter on the ground.
"But not a fiancée. There's no hope if he had one of those."
Kurumu frowned.
"But the engagement didn't happen until a week ago. You attacked three girls before that."
Ginei wheezed out a laugh, limping over to join them. His true form diminished till his muscled chest was smooth and pale, though lined with bloody gashes. He held his wound below his left breast.
"Remember the unwanted admirer leaving treats for me last term. That was this fool. When I announced that I had a girlfriend, she started stalking me to find out which girl it was."
Nakamoto bawled, shaking her head slowly.
"There were so many girls. Too many."
"And buzz in the halls at the start of this term was that my girlfriend was an okami girl. That's why she targeted them first."
Kurumu sighed at him as this girl continued to sob blood. It was unsettling.
"You could have told us without the theatrics."
Ginei coughed up blood. He grinned with crimson on his teeth.
"I doubt the little princess would have been satisfied with me blaming the girl she just rescued from the wicked man."
Kokoa huffed, flipping her sword back into a ribbon. She gathered up her tresses and started tying the ribbon up in a bow.
"You deserved it."
"Maybe so. But people always believe the girl. I actually had her cornered when she took down Miya, but she started screaming bloody murder."
Nakamoto sniffled, removing her glasses to wipe the blood from her eyes.
"I was frightened."
"I was pissed. You got Mika in trouble."
"I'm sorry."
"Lord Chiki would have loved to take me in for your crimes."
"What?"
Ginei sighed at the clueless girl.
"I knew I couldn't talk my way out of a girl screaming and Miya out like a light. I grabbed Miya and booked out of there."
"Are you okay bleeding like that?"
Nakamoto sniffled at Kokoa's question.
"It's okay. It always does this when I lose my composure. I have the power to control my blood."
"And you can lose that much of it?"
The girl managed a smile.
"I have before."
"Why did you ask Zanzou to help you for this?"
Ginei snorted which resulted in him coughing up another gout of blood. He wiped his mouth with the back of his hand.
"Miya is good at getting in places and I didn't want to set foot in that hospital. She went in and found out from Mika what had happened. By the time Miya talked to her, Lord Chiki already suspected I was involved because the Housemother told him I was Mika's boyfriend."
Kurumu frowned.
"But that doesn't mean you did it."
"Maybe the truth isn't what interests Lord Chiki. But everyone here witnessed the truth. So you can stop this, Nakamoto. No more stalking me."
"I'll turn myself in."
"No. I don't think that will help."
"But-"
"Don't. I'll take the blame. No reason for you to get yourself locked up."
Nakamoto started to bawl again.
"No. Don't."
"It does me no good. Lord Chiki wants me for this and probably other things. Telling him the truth won't get Mika out of his prison."
"What?"
Ginei placed a hand on her shoulder and smiled with a bloody froth on his lips.
"Go home. Say nothing. Leave it to me."
The girl continued to bawl, shaking her head.
"No. Don't be so nice to me."
"I have to. It would be a crime against nature if a guy with my stellar looks was cruel to pretty girls."
Kurumu promptly smacked him in the back of the head.
"Now is not the time for flirting."
Ginei wheezed out a chuckle, gesturing at Mizore with a bloodied hand.
"And I do owe you a proper finish."
"Are you wanting to die tonight?"
Tsukune chuckled, stepping in beside Mizore.
"I think you should quit while you're ahead."
Ginei glanced down at his battered torso. He withdrew his hand which revealed a nasty gash between his ribs. Blood trickled freely from the wound.
"Ahead? Wonder what behind looks like."
Kokoa snorted, crossing her arms defiantly.
"In the dirt."
"Could you heal him?"
Yukari huffed at Moka.
"I'm not touching that pervert. He can heal the old fashioned way."
"Got me good, little sister. Through the lung. Might be out all day tomorrow."
"You weren't going to school anyways."
Ginei laughed softly, causing bubbles to come out of his chest wound.
"True. So… which one of you ladies will share your bed with me tonight?"
For the first time that night, Nakamoto laughed.