"Are you feeling better?"

Kurumu took in a deep breath of the fresh ocean breeze. The pink convertible cruised down this road alongside the shore. A stretch of grass and sand separated her from the steady ebb and flow of the endless waves. The wind caressed her locks and rustled her white sundress.

"I think so."

Mommy drove this vehicle, also garbed in a white sundress. Her longer arctic tresses danced about her shoulders and massive bosom. One hand steered the white wheel with confidence while the other was holding Kurumu's hand. The leather seats and interior all shared the same beige hue.

"Good. What do you think of the car?"

Kurumu squeezed mommy's hand, feeling the warmth. Rolling green hills dominated the other side of the ride, occasionally interrupted by the presence of nondescript buildings. They were passing blue signs with the distance to intersections and cities. She paid little attention to them, aware that they were near the city of Tottori.

"You should get your license."

"I'll need citizenship first."

"Ms. Shuzen has taken care of that for you."

Kurumu closed her eyes, enjoying the feel of the wind.

"What do I need a license for?"

"This will be the closest you get to flying when you start living with the humans."

Kurumu smiled softly as the road drifted slightly from the shore.

"You should have bought a car years ago."

"They're not that useful if you don't have places to go."

"But we could have gone anywhere."

"Being with you was the only place I needed to be."

A stretch of silence followed as they passed by a string of rundown low houses flanking the coast. They were approaching a few homes on both sides of the street.

"Could you have let daddy go if you didn't have me?"

"Look at this world, love. Isn't it beautiful?"

But her mind was rapidly deciphering the illusion. They were the only car on this highway. There were no other people. They were speeding towards a city which would be devoid of life.

"There's nothing here."

"You'll go places and do things that a silly girl like me could never do. That's what we always dreamed of. So don't go waking up yet. You're too young to give up on life."

"But Tsukune-"

"Don't make my mistake, love. Keep him close. Keep him safe. And live for love."

Kurumu clenched her hand, aware that mommy's hand was gone. She was standing in the woods with the sight of her old home in Kengamine before her. She was barefoot and alone.

"Am I dreaming?"

"You are about to wake up."

A woman with a smooth, delicate face stood at the edge of consciousness. She had a beauty mark below plump lips. Her long, luxurious black hair pooled about her white business jacket over an indigo blouse. One hand rested on her hip which was swathed in slacks matching her jacket. The other tugged a pair of sunglasses off her pert nose.

"Ms. Kiyoshi? Why are you here?"

"You realized this is a dream and still ask that?"

Kurumu's eyes fluttered open, feeling warm. The blanket drawn over her was not the sole reason. Hot breath tickled her breasts as she noticed reddish tresses below her chin. Lifting her hand which had been resting on Kokoa's shoulder, Kurumu pulled aside the blanket to expose the vampire whom was dressed in a yellow, silk chemise.

Kokoa's presence confused her. Kurumu scooted up on her hip, glancing about the suite. A figure was still resting beneath the covers of the bed which presumably was Moka. Sitting further up, Kurumu tugged the sheet entirely off and proceeded to fold it up in her arms.

Since she could never wear her chemises to the commissary, Kurumu preferred wearing each of them on the next three days after doing laundry. She had on her cream one today. In moments, she was finished with her task and set the sheet on the floor beside the couch.

Not caring if she was up too early, Kurumu jostled the vampire by her shoulder. Kokoa groaned, rolling onto her back. For some reason, her nipples were well defined beneath that garment. Smirking, Kurumu poked one causing the vampire to whimper.

"Get up."

Kokoa's eyes lazily opened. The girl groaned, reaching up to massage her bosom.

"Bathe me."

It had been weeks since Kokoa had asked her to do that. She mildly wondered if it had been weeks since the silly girl had bathed, aware of how troublesome water was for vampires.

"As long as Milady behaves herself, I shall run you a bath."

Kokoa's frown instantly turned into a yawn. The vampire sat up and stretched her arms over her head. She groaned softly, holding that position for a moment. Lifting her rump up, she tugged her chemise up over her head and chucked it onto the floor beside the television stand.

"I thought you slept in the bed."

Kurumu slipped off the couch, grabbing the bottom hem of her own chemise. Pulling it off, she draped the garment over the side of the couch.

Kokoa remained silent, pushing off the couch. She staggered away, intent on the bathroom. Kurumu leaned down to depress a latch on the side of the couch. Grabbing the back of the couch, she held it up as she drifted over to the other side to get the other latch. Once both sides were released, the back swung up with her guidance into an upright position before snapping in place.

It took a few seconds to locate and arrange all of the couch cushions. She snatched up Kokoa's chemise from the floor, moving over to Kokoa's closet. Tugging the door open, she pitched the chemise into Kokoa's green hamper. Leaving the closet open, Kurumu wandered over to the bathroom.

Kokoa was already seated on a black stool in front of the toilet. Kurumu flipped on the light switch, causing the vampire to grumble. A plush black towel rested on the toilet seat along with a black loofa and bottles for shampoo and bodywash. As Kurumu shuffled closer, she noted that Kokoa had selected the sea-breeze scent.

Kurumu grinned, kneeling down behind the vampire. She reached over the lip of the tub to fetch the shower wand.

"Does Milady wish to smell like the ocean today?"

"Can you summon ghosts?"

Kurumu frowned, turning on the water.

"No. What makes you think I could?"

"I think I saw your mother."

Kurumu hesitated. After a moment, she sprayed the vampire with water, causing the girl to flinch and whimper. Kurumu waved the wand back and forth, waiting for Kokoa's reddish tresses to become matted to her pale skin. The subtle crackle of energy permeated the air.

"Don't be silly."

Kokoa whimpered as Kurumu made certain the wetness was thorough by running her fingers through the thick tresses. Satisfied with the completion of her task, Kurumu turned the wand on her own hair.

"I'm not. I had to pee. When I came out of the bathroom, this woman whom looked so much like you was cradling your head in her lap. She pressed a finger to her lips and vanished."

Kurumu shivered at the thought. She continued to douse her locks with water, not bothering to respond. Once she was finished, she set the wand aside in the tub, leaving it running. She reached around Kokoa to fetch the shampoo bottle.

"You were crying in your sleep. So I laid down with you."

Kurumu squeezed some shampoo into her palm, setting the shampoo bottle down beside the stool. She started working the shampoo into Kokoa's thick locks.

"I think Milady was tired."

"Why were you crying?"

Kurumu was hesitant to answer as she continued her task. She had a feeling that if she said anything about her mother it would unsettle Kokoa. The vampire made slight groans as her fingers pushed against Kokoa's scalp, spreading the suds evenly throughout her hair.

"I'm still having trouble accepting that things are over with Tsukune."

"Kurumu. I think you need to see one of Mother's doctors."

"I'm fine."

"Mother won't let you have the operation if she sees you'll die from it."

Kurumu shuddered at the thought as she worked the suds down the tresses pressed to Kokoa's back. The operation Kokoa spoke of was the removal of the strings about her heart which threatened to crush her precious organ if she suffered too much grief and anxiety. Ms. Kiyoshi had spoken adamantly against it since the operation was dangerous for a young girl.

"I'll think about it."

Grabbing the shampoo bottle, Kurumu squeezed another dollop into her palm. Setting the bottle aside again, she started to work the soap into her own arctic tresses.

"Winter break then. That feels so far away."

"It will be here faster than you think. We're already at midterms."

Kokoa offered no response as the sound of water running continued. Kurumu finished her hair, leaning over Kokoa to fetch the bodywash and loofa. Setting both by the stool, Kurumu grabbed the wand.

"I'm going to spray down your torso. Ready?"

Kokoa made a slight sound which turned into a high pitched squeal the moment the spray splashed against her back. The vampire gasped when Kurumu brought the wand over to spray down her front. Her panting could easily be misconstrued as something erotic.

"Maybe you are a masochist."

"Shut up."

Chuckling, Kurumu leaned back on her haunches and started to spray down her own torso. The excess water ran across the hard floor into the drain tiles flanking the tub.

Feeling drenched, Kurumu dropped the wand back in the tub. She picked up the loofa and bodywash bottle again, squirting out a generous amount of scented goo. Putting the bottle aside, she worked the gel into suds within the loofa before pressing it to Kokoa's back. The vampire groaned as her pale skin was scrubbed.

"Are you behaving yourself with your girls?"

"That's none of your business."

"You'll be taking Taniguchi's blood next. Are you planning to do that soon?"

"After exams."

Having finished with her arms and back, Kurumu crawled around the stool to have access to Kokoa's front. She smiled into Kokoa's emerald eyes before she started scrubbing the girl's feet and calves.

"Are you going to become my sister's lover?"

Kurumu laughed as she worked her way up Kokoa's thighs. The girl parted them to give Kurumu better access to her naval and pubic region.

"I don't think so."

"So you only love that puppet on the surface."

Kokoa gasped when Kurumu started to firmly grind the loofa into the vampire's nethers.

"When it comes to Moka, I'm usually reacting to something arousing she has done to me."

Kokoa grabbed her forearm, mewling as Kurumu continued to twist the loofa in.

"I guess I'm like Hotaru. You make me feel good and I want to return the favor. Understand?"

Kokoa whimpered as Kurumu finally withdrew the loofa.

"Don't stop."

"Let me finish your front and you can help yourself."

Kokoa whined as Kurumu guided the loofa along her smooth belly and about her slight bosom. Not wanting to tease the poor girl further, she avoided drawing the loofa over Kokoa's hard nipples.

Kurumu had not even finished her task when the needy girl started to service herself. Shaking her head, Kurumu leaned back on her haunches and started rubbing her own torso down. She tried her best to ignore the moaning vampire.

As the panting girl doubled over on the stool, Kurumu methodically covered every speck of her bare flesh with suds. Kokoa's erotic noises had made her slightly aroused, but she ignored her body's response. Dropping the loofa aside, she leaned into the tub to grab the shower wand.

"Do you need a moment before I rinse you off?"

She smirked as the girl nodded. Kurumu rinsed herself off as meticulously as she had soaped herself. Lowering her head, she then doused her tresses. Working her fingers into her locks, she waited for the water to run clear.

"Can we go to Yowsan?"

"Why?"

"I want to see what it's like."

"You don't need a sex toy."

"I'll buy one for Shirayuki if you take me."

Kurumu laughed. She turned the sprayer on the vampire, causing the girl to yelp.

"She doesn't need a sex toy."

The vampire continue to whimper and whine as Kurumu waved the sprayer about, careful not to shoot any across the room since the door was open and they did have a rack of towels against the far wall. That shelf by the sink also included all the bathing and dental goods.

Finishing with Kokoa's front, Kurumu shuffled around the vampire to take care of her backside and hair. With her free hand, she ran her fingers through Kokoa's reddish locks. It took a good minute for the water to run clear.

"Can't we?"

Kurumu smirked, reaching over to cut off the water and mount the shower wand back in its place.

"Why don't you go with your friends?"

"I'd rather go with you."

The vampire snatched up the towel as she got up. She handed it over to Kurumu, lifting her arms. Taking the cue, Kurumu started to dry off the blushing girl.

She understood Kokoa's reluctance to go with her friends. While Kurumu had agreed to go with Yukari to the place at a different date, it had been a random remark which they had not discussed since. A part of her hoped the witch never brought it up again.

"Maybe after midterms and if Mizore is with us."

"Why does she have to come with us?"

"Because she might have a preference in the kind of toy you're buying her."

Kurumu proceeding to roughly dry the girl's hair. Kokoa growled in annoyance but endured the several seconds of firm treatment. Thinking the hair was dry enough, Kurumu pulled back and handed the towel over. Once Kokoa took it, Kurumu retreated to the rack to grab her own towel to dry herself off.

"I'll go get your maid outfit."

The vampire exited the room. Kurumu dried herself only enough to make sure she was not dripping everywhere. Once that was done, she got down on her hands and knees and wiped the floor dry. By the time she was finished, Kokoa was back at the door with the clingy outfit she had bought for Kurumu.

"Thank you, Milady."

Kurumu traded her towel for the maid uniform. She promptly pulled the black, velvety fabric over her head, sliding her arms into the sleeves. Tugging on the sleeves, she freed her hands first. Then she got her head through the stretchy collar. Strolling out into the main room, she picked at the fabric and smoothed it out over the curves of her bosom. She paused at the refrigerator to wiggle the hidden, snug bottom over her rump before allowing the long pleated skirt on top to fall to her ankles.

"Do you think the natto I prepared last night is ready?"

"Does it smell like it's ready?"

Kurumu shrugged, glancing at the oven. She wandered over to the oven, tugging the door open. There was a slight smell.

"I don't think so. Will it be fine leaving this oven on the whole day?"

"You left it on overnight."

Kurumu wondered if this would actually take the whole day like she had been told. Supposing it was not that important to eat today, she closed up the oven and retreated to the refrigerator.

"I guess we'll have the salmon I salted last night."

Kurumu tugged out her covered plate with the slices of fish. Setting it aside, she also grabbed a container of onions she had sliced up weeks ago, another with diced tofu and one with kombu dashi.

Closing the refrigerator, Kurumu opened the nearby cabinet which had all their dry goods. She pulled out a bag of rice, a bottle of sesame oil and a package of miso.

Stalking over to the sink, she fetched the stool from the compartment beneath it. Getting up on the stool, she fetched a pot and skillet from the overhead cabinet. Stepping down, she scooted the stool over to the next overhead cabinet. Putting the pot and skillet aside, she hopped up and fetched the rice cooker and a measuring cup out.

Back down, she measured out three cups to dump into the cooker. Turning on the sink faucet, she added three cups of water before closing the rice cooker and plugging it in. She pushed the button to start it up, knowing it would take almost a half hour to finish.

With that done, she measured out the water to add to the pot. Turning off the faucet, she carried the pot over to the stove and set the burner to a low setting.

Moving the stool again, Kurumu opened another overhead cabinet to fetch the soup bowls and plates they would need for the meal. She heard the closet door shut as she hopped down from the stool. Arranging the dishes, she turned and smiled at Kokoa as the vampire wandered over to drape her jacket over the back of the couch.

"Are you going to remind Hotaru to talk to Ms. Hitori about training or shall I ask the teacher myself?"

"I'm not relying on Hotaru to do that. I can blow off fencing practice to ask the Headmaster himself."

Kurumu nodded. She grabbed the skillet and the bottle of oil, bringing them over to the stove. Pouring a thin layer of oil into the skillet, she placed it on another burner set to low heat.

"If you're asking him for Ms. Hitori's help, see if you can find someone for Taniguchi. While Umizake agreed to train with us, we still don't know if he can teach Mizore anything."

"Will you see that blond girl today? The one you helped do the article for."

"That's Kana. And I'm sure she'll be at the club meeting."

"I'm going to leave that eighth volume of Gravitation with you since I'll go to Hikari's gymnastics practice right after talking to the Headmaster."

"Are you going to spend the night with her?"

"Not much reason to wait here. You and Moka will be out doing that study session with the literature club in the library. I can tell you all about my meeting with the Headmaster tomorrow."

Knowing she had some time before she had to watch the stove diligently, Kurumu stalked over to the bed. She hunkered down, grabbing the low table and dragging it out from the shadows. She tugged it over to the back of the couch, arranging it nicely.

"Would you wake Moka for me?"

It had been after nine when Moka had finally come home. The vampire had stayed with Tsukune until nightfall, waiting on an eclipse which had never happened. The club seniors had no idea why it had not happened, certain that their information had been correct. Mr. Kuroishi had been quite annoyed with setting up a camcorder for nothing.

"Get up, you miserable excuse for a vampire."

"No. Five more minutes."

Kurumu chuckled at Moka's complaint. She wandered over to grab the plate of salted salmon. Returning to the stove, she promptly placed the strips in the skillet. With that task finished, she proceeded to open the containers of onions and tofu to drop some of each into the three miso bowls.

A loud thump caused Kurumu to turn. Snickering, Kokoa yanked the blankets away, leaving the pink haired beauty sprawled on the floor in only a mint green camisole which was not long enough to hide her naughty parts. The vampire rolled onto her side as Kokoa made the bed.

"Get dressed, Moka. I'll have breakfast done in about twenty minutes."

"Wake me up in twenty then."

It only took a few seconds for Kokoa to finish smoothing out the bed. The vampire prodded Moka with her feet, causing Moka to grumble complaints. Snickering, Kokoa hopped over her sister and grabbed her by one of her arms.

"Here we go."

Moka protested as Kokoa dragged her across the room. About halfway there, Moka scrambled up onto her feet, staggering into her shorter sister.

"Stop."

Yanking her hand free, Moka stumbled back. Shaking her head with a whimper, the vampire lethargically plodded over to the closet in front of the refrigerator. Tugging the door open, she disappeared inside.

"Do you think she'll try to sleep in there?"

Smirking, Kurumu was about to answer when a knock on the door surprised her. Kurumu wandered over to the entryway, drawing back the deadbolt and easing the door open.

"Morning."

Kurumu frowned at the little witch waiting on the other side.

"Isn't it too early for you to be here?"

"Not really. It's about a quarter to seven."

"We haven't eaten breakfast yet."

"That's not my problem."

"Where's Rubi?"

Entering the suite, Yukari slipped out of her shoes and set her schoolbag aside.

"Trying to wake that troublesome friend of yours."

Kurumu sighed, shutting the door and locking it again. She returned to the stove, suspecting it was time to turn the fish.

"Did you finish that soul swapping project last night?"

"I finished building the device but it will take hours to enchant that. I decided to do my laundry instead."

"It doesn't seem to take you that much time to enchant rocks."

"That's because I've done it before. I have to be cautious with a spell I'm unfamiliar with. I don't want to make a mistake."

Kurumu nodded, regarding the soup which was starting to bubble.

"No bentos for us today?"

"Ms. Nazohashi said that the Sadou Club would be providing your lunch today."

Kurumu smiled sheepishly, honestly not recalling that.

"Sorry. Guess I was busy thinking about Kana's article."

"How did that go?"

Kurumu shrugged as she grabbed the package of miso. Tearing it open, she dumped the powder into the pot. She quickly stirred it in with a spatula.

"Fine, I guess. Ginei and Hajihachi took pictures while Kana and Juri chatted with the club. I didn't do much of anything."

"I don't get why your club president is having you waste time on such pathetic clubs. Who would want to read articles about flowers and stars?"

"I'm still curious what happened with that whole solar eclipse that never happened."

"My guess is that it was not visible to Japan. While an annual solar eclipse is a guaranteed event, it doesn't mean every part of the globe will see it."

"That sounds like something the club should have known."

"Kurumu."

Moka wobbled into the doorway, completely naked.

"What color are we wearing today?"

Kurumu snickered, shaking her head.

"I guess that depends on Yukari."

"Surmising that my Moka hasn't washed her recently purchased panties, I decided to wear blue today."

"You guys are weird."

"And that is all I have for today. Please study and review the course materials thoroughly. I will spend the entire hour tomorrow going over any questions you may have about your midterm exam."

Ms. Nekonome placed the chalk on the metallic ledge beneath the blackboard. Sporting a sleeveless denim dress today, the teacher had on a long sleeved shirt beneath to not bare her shoulders.

"It's a few minutes early but if you can be quiet and respectful, I will allow you to leave for lunch."

Wanibuchi pounced from his chair, arriving at the front door in a second. The blond slid open the door and was out of the classroom before Yakihara could finish putting away his things.

Grinning, Kurumu reached over to push her history notebook into her schoolbag. As she was wearing a jacket today, she had her phone and lunch card in her pocket instead of her purse. Doubting she needed to bring her interview notebook, Kurumu slowly got up from her chair and stretched her arms overhead.

"Ms. Kurono."

Kagami waved enthusiastically from the doorway as Yakihara departed. The short haired, buxom girl caught the attention of the guys around Kurumu.

"Such a lovely girl. If only she had grown her hair longer."

Kurumu smirked at Ichida as he stood up. Hisakata and Tandoku solemnly made their way to the door.

"Aren't you shooting for Ontoriki?"

"I'm admiring the scenery about Ms. Ontoriki. Pass along my greetings to her."

Ichida stalked off, passing by Deshi as the girl hoisted her staff up on her shoulders.

"What a weird way to ask you to tell a girl hello."

Kurumu shrugged, familiar with Ichida's distant behavior.

"I'll see you after lunch."

Juri drawled out an acknowledgment before following Hazumi and Madosuki down the aisle towards the back door. The three guys in the back row and Ichiboku were already gone.

"Still messing with that taboo magic?"

Senyou's amused inquiry drew her attention to Yukari. The witch had pulled that device out. Frowning, Kurumu wandered up to Yukari's side.

"I thought you said you were done with this."

"I'm going to spend my lunch hour setting up some of the parameters."

Abe chuckled, patting Senyou's shoulder. Shouhei and Endo silently passed behind the pair, intent on the front door.

"Do you think sexy Yukari will grace us with her presence tomorrow?"

"I always grace you with my presence."

"Move it, dogs. Shoo, shoo."

Senyou chuckled at Satsuki's gestures. He stalked off with Abe on his heels.

"Don't do it, Sendou. It would be like cheating on an exam."

Satsuki snickered at his remark as she walked with Kumiko to the door where Deshi waited.

"Are you sure you don't want to eat lunch with us?"

"I'll be fine, Kurumu. Don't keep Ms. Kagami waiting."

Supposing she would only annoy the witch if she protested further, Kurumu thrust her hands in her pockets. Feeling her phone, she grinned at Kagami and started walking for the door.

"Tora will be with us so we'll have to stop by class three first."

Kagami nodded as she fell in step with Kurumu. The hallway beyond was quiet as the few students released early hastily made their way to the lunch line below.

"What did he mean by cheating on an exam?"

"They were teasing her about the gym physical exam we have tomorrow. Yukari has that spell which makes her older."

Kagami's eyes lit up as they neared the back door to class three. As the PSC girls were aware that Tora would be at this Sadou club lunch today, they were continuing down the hall intent on the stairs.

"I remember that."

Kurumu grinned as they came to a stop by the door. Aware that Mrs. Sunao had left half of her lecture period to free study and questioning, it was no surprise that Kagami was out of class early.

"So why were you waiting in front of my class? Aren't you also expecting Tora and Moka?"

Kagami grinned with a slight blush.

"Well I have no idea what Ms. Akashiya's schedule is like. And I knew that Mr. Nagamushi would hold his lecture period up to the bell."

"What do you think of Mr. Ichida?"

"He's cool. Ritsu is so lucky."

"Does she want to date him?"

Kagami smirked, glancing aside.

"I'm sure she would do more than that."

"Then why doesn't she start dating him?"

Kagami sighed, clasping her hands and rocking back and forth on her heels.

"It's not that simple. She still talks about Mr. Noboru."

"I didn't get the impression from Mr. Ichida that his friend was interested in dating anyone. And Mr. Noboru has an older sister whom was angry at the notion of any girl wanting to date her brother."

"Tengu girls can be such a pain at times."

"Really? You seem to get along with Kazehana and Nomura."

"They'd be at our throats if we were showing interest in any guys they cared about."

Kurumu paused, unsure how true this was. The only tengu guy that she knew from Hateshinai was that second year in tennis named Genkidzukeru whom was somewhat popular.

"Would she rather date Mr. Noboru?"

"No. But Ms. Nemoto made Ritsu feel bad about considering Mr. Ichida. Said that it proved her feelings were shallow if she could switch guys that fast."

Kurumu had worried that Ontoriki would feel that way without external influence. She heard laughter down the hall, noting that class one was leaving Mr. Hakuru's lab. She realized Taijin had been hanging out down there with Sakamori. The duo joined up with Asuka, heading down the nearest set of stairs with most of their classmates.

"I heard that she refused to let the two date unless he found more guys to make it an outing."

"That sucked. She had to know that he was from out of prefecture and couldn't come up with three more guys to even the numbers."

"Well he does have three guy friends from Hongu, but one of them is Noboru. He's aware that Ontoriki has a crush on his friend."

"Oh? Are these other guys tengu?"

Kurumu smirked at Kagami's interest.

"Tatakai from class one and Uchiyama from class eleven. I don't know much about Tatakai other than he shaved his head bald. Uchiyama is from the film club and recently got shot down after trying to ask out a second year harpy."

"That sounds promising."

"He likes short girls with long hair."

Kagami whimpered, absently reaching up to toy with her feathered locks.

"What's with the long hair fetish? Don't guys know how troublesome long hair is?"

"That's simply how he is."

Kagami pouted, clasping her hands and resuming the rocking about on her heels.

"I suppose I don't mind if a guy is bald."

"Don't force yourself."

Nozomi waved at her as she joined them with Kakeru in tow.

"Afternoon, Kurumu. Ms. Kagami."

"Uh, I'm sorry. I don't know-"

"This is Kakeru Chisa and Bikiyama Nozomi from class one. Both are on the track team."

Kagami bowed politely.

"Pleased to meet you."

"I recognized you from your picture in the popularity contest pamphlet."

"Oh. That makes sense."

"Moka, Tora and I shall be eating with the Sadou club today."

"I see, I see. Several girls from that club made it into that pamphlet."

"Mhm. We're doing an article for them in our next issue. They asked me to tag along since I'm done with both of my articles."

"I saw you in the line yesterday with Irewata and Hiboshi."

Kurumu nodded, unsure if she had to respond to that.

"I heard about the track regionals. How is Nikki doing?"

"She'll get over it."

The bell sounded the start of the lunch period. The back door slid open and the two big boys lumbered out. Kurumu instinctively grabbed up Kagami in a side hug.

"I'm with this one today."

Ushio chuckled, stepping over to pat her on the head.

"It sounds like I need to ditch my buds if I want some quality time with you."

"Good luck with that, Burumoto. I'll fetch Nazohashi and Goto for you guys."

Nozomi darted inside the classroom as Takurami exited. The boy scowled at her with a shake of his head before heading down the hall.

"Let me know when you'll be having lunch with Aono. We'll join you."

"Can we do that after exams?"

Ushio grinned wide, tousling her locks rather forcefully.

"Sure. I'll hold you to that."

Kurumu managed a smile as the chuckling brute walked off. Tamaishi stoically followed his partner.

"You have some scary friends, Ms. Kurono."

"I don't know if Ushio is a friend or not."

"I hear I have some girls waiting for me."

Kurumu grinned at Tora whom strolled out of the classroom alongside Goto. The sphinx had her hair down today and was dressed in the usual school blouse and green jacket.

"I almost forgot how you look in normal school clothes."

"Ha ha. Very funny."

Goto prompted them to walk as she started down the hall alongside Kakeru.

"So have you decided where the two of you are going for your date?"

Kakeru shook her head, offering no vocal response.

"How are things going with Mr. Kitamori?"

"Can you believe she hasn't kissed him yet?"

Kurumu blinked in surprise as Tora waved dismissively.

"There is little reason to rush things."

"Maybe not for her, but he's graduating this year."

"We might kiss this next date."

Goto grinned, nudging her taller friend.

"Oh? Getting a little extra for your birthday?"

"Birthday?"

"This lovely lady will be turning sixteen on Thursday."

Kakeru wilted under the announcement.

"Congratulations! Are you having a party?"

"I doubt she's told anyone about it."

Kakeru wrung her hands as she blushed.

"I don't want to cause trouble for everyone."

"It's your birthday. That's not trouble."

"It is strange you would think of it that way."

Goto smirked as they neared the stairs at the crossover between classes five and eight.

"That's Chisa for you. If you want to do any birthday plans, you'll have to pick another day. She's going on a lovey dovey date with Mr. Kitamori right after Thursday exams wrap up."

"I doubt we would plan anything before exams finished."

Kurumu paused as the two tall girls started down the stairs.

"Should we check on Moka?"

"I'll go get her. Go on without me."

"We're in second year class seven, Ms. Nazohashi."

Tora nodded, briskly walking away. With a smile Kagami started down the steps.

"What kind of party would you like?"

"My family is coming this weekend, Ms. Kurono. Please don't trouble yourselves."

Kurumu nodded, feeling silly. With a birthday this close to an open event, of course Kakeru would have family here. She would have to scold Nerume for not mentioning this to her.

Mizore had written a letter to Nerume, giving it to the man working the commissary this morning before they met up with Tsukune. The snow girl had been in a better mood until Moka decided to perk herself up with a nip of Tsukune's blood. Kurumu had missed almost half of Mrs. Sunao's lecture, calming down a distraught Mizore whom she had left in the infirmary.

"You know… Mr. Ichida has a tennis meet on Saturday."

"We know. I doubt we can go there without Ms. Nemoto knowing about it."

"She only worries about you."

"Do you think you could find her a boyfriend?"

Kurumu laughed, shaking her head as they started down the second flight of steps.

"I'm serious. She's pretty. Intelligent. She's always helpful."

"I'm sure I could find a guy, but would she be willing to date one?"

"Every girl wants to be in love."

"Maybe so, but that doesn't mean she'll date anyone. Most girls aren't willing to date outside of their race unless it's with a human. And we don't exactly have a bunch of humans in this school."

Kagami giggled as they reached the bottom of the stairs. The two tall girls were heading for the back of the line which had not reached the closer door to the home economics room.

"Too true. Though I'd be willing to date a sylph. I'm sure that would work out."

Kurumu smirked, following the girl. The door for class seven was directly to the right of the stairs. This was the homeroom for Mrs. Unsei whom was the Sadou club advisor. The English teacher was also the mother of a young man on Tsukune's dorm floor whom was the manager for the first year class seven.

Inside the classroom were a half dozen girls gathered about a makeshift table consisting of six desks and several chairs. A woman about Moka's height tended to a kettle resting on a portable burner placed upon the teacher's desk. This girl had glistening black tresses which cascaded down her torso to pool about her ankles. Her locks were pinned at her ears to keep her hair out of her dark, abysmal eyes.

"My dear sister!"

Kurumu grinned as a buxom girl bounded over to her with arms wide. Odayakana Suteki had warm, mint green eyes and cornflower blue tresses fixed in an updo quite similar to Kurumu's.

"We never did have that talk."

Kurumu hugged the girl, closing her eyes as she relaxed in Odayakana's cinnamon scented embrace.

"Which suite were you in?"

"212. Come. We have food and sweets."

Kagami giggled as the embrace ended. She gestured at the two baskets of cookies and four large, tiered bento boxes arranged in the center of their makeshift table.

"Normally it's only the sweets."

"Well we can't have guests without a proper meal. Have a seat."

Kagami promptly took the invitation, settling down in a chair next to Ontoriki. The harpy had strawberry locks which were fluffed and vibrant, spilling across her ample bosom. Noting her attention, Ontoriki waved with bright, sapphire eyes.

Sitting on the corner with her back to the teacher's desk was Nemoto Nikki. The prim and proper girl wore white gloves stitched with pink lace at her wrists. She had gorgeous, bubblegum pink curls which drifted along her shoulders. She was taller than the harpies but equally endowed.

Next to Nemoto was a frail girl with curled, ebony bangs and a coiled ponytail. This tiny girl had to be about the same height as the second year girl sitting across from her. That was Utagemori Chinatsu whom was promised to be the next club president. Also nominated into the popularity contest, this girl with caterpillar clips holding back her banana yellow bangs had her thick tresses styled in a ponytail bun.

Kurumu had no idea whom the two girls seated about Utagemori were. Both were about the same height as Utagemori. The brunette had shaggy twin tails while the other had misty blue, vibrant hair which fluttered about her shoulders.

The last two seats had been claimed by the local monstrel girls. Like Tora, Tokori was wearing her normal school uniform. They had probably put her by this tiny girl so she would not feel as small.

Mikomi sat at the other corner of the table, easily as tall as Nemoto. Mikomi was a traditional beauty with elegant black hair and powder blue eyes. She had perfect posture, daintily picking at the meal on her plate. Like most of the other girls, it looked like she was almost finished.

"Should I start eating?"

"Be our guest. Inori, Kaede and I are the only ones not in fourth period gym. It seemed a waste to have them wait when I'm sure we want to talk."

Kurumu wandered over to the corner next to Mikomi, claiming one of the three vacant chairs. The next moment, Tora and Moka arrived. Moka clutched a notebook to her bosom as she glanced about.

"Ms. Nazohashi and Ms. Akashiya. So pleased you could come. Have a seat."

"Where will you sit?"

"Don't fret over me. I can stand for now. Is the tea almost ready, Miyoko?"

"Almost."

The high pitched lilt was a surprise to hear from the dark girl watching over the kettle closely. Kurumu grinned as Tora took the seat beside one of the second years, leaving the seat next to Kurumu open for Moka. Odayakana clapped her hands.

"Please help yourself to anything you like, be it desserts, rice or meat. If you don't, I'll have to take it home and worry over getting fat."

The harpies and the older girls giggled at the remark.

"I'm guessing that you're Niwa Miki."

The tiny girl blushed at Kurumu's deduction. Her toffee eyes met Kurumu's for a moment before glancing away. She nodded without further response.

"Juri's told me about you."

"Hopefully nothing bad."

"Of course not. I was just surprised to hear you were from Okataiyou. I assumed you and Ms. Nemoto were from the same place since Kiba says you two stick together."

"We have much in common, Ms. Kurono."

Kurumu nodded at Nemoto's response, glancing over the goods in the nearest bento. A half dozen of rolled sandwiches remained. Sliced into sections, the spiral of meat, rice and nori could be seen. Another bento had sliced carrots and potatoes skewered on sticks which were wrapped with fried noodles. And another had an assortment of cut up sausages.

"It looks like you went all out."

"Namiko and I got up real early to make this. We hope you enjoy it."

"I'll say! This beats eating cookies for lunch."

Ontoriki huffed, batting Kagami's shoulder as the girl scarfed down an egg sandwich.

"You could get a lunch like a normal person."

"I'm not waiting in a line."

"Is that even healthy?"

"I have a big breakfast so I can get by on snacks till dinner."

Kurumu leaned over to seize two skewers, handing one over to Moka whom was busy readying her notebook. Intrigued by the smell, she grabbed a couple spiral sandwiches for them both.

"I noticed that Okimune and Nakamoto are absent."

"My cousin usually eats with her friends in the dance club."

"And if she's not with them, she's with her friends in choir."

Odayakana nodded at the blue haired girl's input.

"Or with her friends in gymnastics. My Hitsumi is a social butterfly."

"Much like someone else we know."

Kurumu smirked at Tora as the sphinx helped herself to some of the entrees.

"And Nakamoto?"

Utagemori sighed, holding a pastry at her tiny bosom.

"She's usually eating alone in our homeroom. I've invited her before but she never comes."

"Which is probably a blessing. I hope you don't mind squeezing in next to me, Ms. Nazohashi."

Tora smiled at the blue haired girl whom was slightly taller than her.

"No trouble at all, Ms. -"

"Hyoushou. Hyoushou Namiko."

"Namiko is my roommate and dearest friend since kindergarten. I know this might seem belated, but are there any of my young ladies that you are not familiar with?"

Kurumu glanced at Moka and shared a smile.

"I'm thinking we know all of the first years. Tokori is a friend of mine and I've spoken with Mikomi on several occasions."

Mikomi flinched, favoring her a frown.

"Ms. Kurono. I don't think we are on first name terms."

"Sorry. No disrespect."

"I see that Mr. Morioka has rubbed off on you. It feels different to address people by their first names. I've been trying it out these past couple of weeks."

"I don't know if Ms. Nazohashi knows me so I'm Utagemori Chinatsu. This is Kusachi Inori, my friend from junior high. We live together in the dorms."

"And our final lady whom has decided to join us for a change is Ranryuu Miyoko. She's another third year whom spends more time in her sewing club."

"Sewing is fun. I have a lovely first year I have so much in common with."

Kurumu was curious whom that might be but kept her thoughts to herself.

"So you said Nakamoto is in your homeroom? How is she doing these days?"

Utagemori hesitated to answer.

"She seems more relaxed lately. She started talking with Ms. Hajihachi in gym last week. She's never done that before. It was surprising since we all know that she has a thing for Mr. Morioka."

"And you know that he's dating Hajihachi now?"

The blond giggled, nodding.

"That's a hard thing not to notice. And Ms. Hajihachi has been quite open about it. Many think it might be a big ruse, but I can't see her going along with it if it is."

"They're dating. And I'm glad that Nakamoto is taking it well."

"We didn't come here to talk about Senior's love life."

Moka laughed pleasantly.

"Yes. Perhaps we should start with what your club plans to do for the cultural festival."

"We are going to have a tea for all."

Kurumu frowned at Odayakana's announcement.

"What's that?"

Hyoushou grinned brightly.

"It's a café which will be serving tea. We just need the student council to approve our usage of one of the free rooms."

"We will make up a menu with fancy names but no explanation of what sort of tea it is. Then we have our customers pick a number."

"Number?"

"Yes. We will have a different number assigned to each tea which will change every hour. That way you will never know exactly what you'll get, but you will know by the descriptions of what kind of teas you could end up with."

"Won't that upset your customers?"

"We have to be entertaining, Ms. Kurono. It would be boring if you could just order what you want."

"Will they have to pay?"

"Of course."

Kurumu pondered that a moment, sharing a dubious glance with Tora.

"That sounds like a recipe for disaster."

Odayakana smiled sweetly.

"That is a taste of life. You put in the work and hope you get the results. But there are no guarantees."

"That sounds cool!"

"Count me in!"

Nemoto sighed at the eagerness of the harpies.

"Are we getting ahead of ourselves, Madame President? Perhaps we should postpone any plans for this café until after we confirm our homeroom projects won't need us."

"This also worries me. As a class manager, I may not be able to participate."

"It's fine, Mikomi. I understood when I proposed this that there was a chance that you and Nikki might be too involved to be of much help. But the rest of us aren't tied up in classroom politics."

"I will do all I can to help Ms. Nemoto so that she can be a part of this."

Nemoto sighed again, favoring Niwa a faint smile.

"Save your dramatic promises until after they get the room."

"We'll get the room, Nikki. Don't you worry."

"Have you put in a request?"

"They haven't even started discussion for the cultural festival, Kurumu."

Odayakana nodded, wagging a finger at Tora.

"But that will change after Sports Day. I'm sure that Mr. Kaneshiro will start scouting prospects for the annual festival committee next week."

Kurumu watched Kagami stuff her face. She contemplated bringing up Ichida's greeting to Ontoriki. But with Nemoto sitting there, she imagined it would only provoke the conservative girl.

"I'm curious but what sort of plans do you have for life, Ms. Nemoto?"

"Excuse me?"

"College? Marriage?"

"This isn't that kind of article, Kurumu."

"I'm curious why you are interested in my plans?"

Kurumu smiled softly, glancing at Kagami.

"I don't want to sound silly here, but you're an exceptional and beautiful girl. It has me curious what a top ten student plans to do with her future."

"I am in the business program for now with the intent of attending college."

"What career?"

"It's business, Ms. Kurono. A broad degree like that could be applied to many companies."

"And marriage?"

"I have no reason to think of that now while my studies should be my primary concern."

"You can be in love and still work towards your career goals."

"Perhaps true, but I don't need to seek it out. The boys in high school are as clueless about their futures as I am. The boys in college might be more suitable for marriage, but they won't be established in their careers. The ideal time to consider marriage is in the late twenties."

"A reasonable answer, Ms. Nemoto. Kurumu is obsessed with romance and has tried to discourage my pursuit of a career in law."

"I have done no such thing."

"You chided me over becoming my mother."

"Because you don't need to be her. My mother never wanted me to be like her."

Utagemori cleared her throat.

"I know I wasn't asked, but as her senior, I can totally relate. Inori and I don't have any plans to date in high school. It's like a complete waste of time."

"Yes. Right now we focus on getting good grades and our citizenship."

"I should be looking into doing that."

Hyoushou laughed at Odayakana's remark.

"You were supposed to do that over the summer."

"It was a busy summer."

"You're not going to be able to take the college entrance exam in January without it."

"Oh, I'm sure my father can pull some strings to at least get me in the door."

"What kind of career are you pursuing?"

"I've always had this dream of running a hot springs resort. Or a public bath. But it has to be somewhere far away from here as I don't want to hear my dad lecture me over such nonsense."

"The tea is ready."

"Feel free to serve our guests, Miyoko."

The long haired girl moved swiftly to place steaming teacups in front of each of them.

"What are your thoughts about being a hostess?"

"You mean like working at a restaurant?"

"That or a hotel."

"That could be fun."

Moka glanced at Kurumu, sparking a thought about Otonashi.

"Are your grades in the ninety percentile?"

"Barely. Why?"

Kurumu shared a grin with Moka. Tora rolled her eyes, shaking her head.

"How would you feel about going to Okinawa?"

Kurumu had always felt unwelcome in the library. Two of the times she had been in here, Ms. Bakudai had watched her every move, waiting for a reason to toss her out. Not that the woman would get angry or physical. She would politely and nervously request Kurumu to leave. She suspected this woman thought she was one of those bad girls trying to make good on that gossip.

The library consisted of two halves. There were the two rows of study tables arranged in the front half of the room. The first row was divided by a large desk for the librarian, hugging the wall between the two doors exiting the room. The second row had eight vacant tables at the moment since it had almost been eight the last time Kurumu had checked the phone in her pocket.

The other half was where all the books were. These stacks and shelves were arranged closely together, making small aisles. A big guy would be an impassable obstacle if he wanted to be. She had heard boys bragging about this being a good place for groping, but she doubted any of them actually did it. Girls gossiped about it being a place for bad girls to have sex, but that seemed even more outlandish.

"Okay boys and girls. I think you've studied long enough. Time to lock up."

Ms. Bakudai Chishiki was the librarian for Yokai Academy. Officially hired in 99, the brunette spent most of her time modernizing the selection available. Her long bangs framed her slender face with the rest of her tresses pulled in a ponytail. The legs of her tortoiseshell glasses were connected by a silver chain.

This reserved and quiet local lady from Mononoke had graduated from Yokai Academy in 94 alongside Mr. Kosaka, the second year instructor of the computer program, and Mr. Ikuhata. Kurumu had expected her to be older by the way she carried herself. A cream shawl was draped over her shoulders and cinched at the collar of her rich blue blouse. A chocolate, pleated skirt brushed across the floor as she approached the table they were gathered about.

"Thank you for your hospitality, Ms. Bakudai."

The woman smiled at Moka's words. With a nod, she headed over to the next table where the members of the literature club were studying. Getting up from her seat, Kurumu stuffed her notebooks into her schoolbag. Studying was difficult to begin with. The reproachful glare from Ms. Bakudai had discouraged her from her usual banter to avoid straining her mind with useless knowledge, but nothing could prevent her eyes from continuously wandering to Tsukune's face.

"This hardly felt like a club study session."

By the time Kurumu had finished up with her cleanup duties with Juri and Yukari, Mizore had already left the school premises. Tora said it had something to do with Mizore not feeling welcome in the library. She had been banned from the library by Ms. Bakudai, but it was not like the woman enforced that.

The others had random excuses of not being here. Yukari had said she would rather work on her soul swap device after their club meeting had concluded. She had still been in the classroom when they had headed to the library. Kana had made other study plans with her friends, apologizing over forgetting all about Tora's study session offer. Ginei and Hajihachi had to make arrangements for a large study session in Mononoke tomorrow.

"I hope what you have for the article will be enough."

"It will have to be as I doubt I have time to do this again."

The literature club had been created in the eighties by the former librarian. Ms. Bakudai had been a member of the club before taking it over shortly after the elderly woman passed away in the year of her graduation. She had worked as a volunteer librarian for years before Kuyo finally allowed her to be hired.

The club presently had six members. They had club meetings every Wednesday to discuss literature and what new additions should be made to the library. The club looked after the library on weekends so that Ms. Bakudai could enjoy some free time, but it was not uncommon for her to show up on her days off.

"Hurry along, students. Save your chatter for the hallway."

Despite her prodding, her club members betrayed no sense of urgency. Towering over the rest of the group, Honemoto Misao had long, white tresses which made her seem even taller. Glowing with an eerie, supernatural aura, her hair looked like a comic book character's with how it was blown up and out. The shy girl whom had been the representative for Moka's homeroom had taken a simple secretary role, not wanting to draw attention though her presence made that impossible.

The two boys were second years. The one with the black, poofy afro was Meisai's brother, Hekima, not to be confused with her oldest brother whom had been a basketball player and had already graduated. The other boy with his dark locks styled in a crew cut was Nukushime Hari. Other than the introduction, he had not spoken up since.

The tallest of the three remaining girls was Dokugo Azuki, the only senior of the club. The blond monstrel was the club president and had done most of the talking for the article. The other two were first year undines from Umishiro. The blond about Moka's height was Yarimizu Eika from class six while the girl with the frosted blue tresses curling down her back was Utsumi Chisui from class four. While both girls had been relatively silent, they had been throwing Kurumu looks most of the evening. Both sheepishly looked away from her gaze as they shouldered their bags.

Kurumu shivered at the feel of his hand on her shoulder.

"Come on."

Nodding, Kurumu followed after Tsukune. She absently tugged her open jacket out so it would hang over her schoolbag resting on her hip. Favoring Tora a smile as the sphinx fell in step with her, they headed for the door on the left side of the room. The librarian was at the door, waiting for them.

Everyone filtered out of the room with Tora and Kurumu exiting last. Ms. Bakudai stepped back inside to turn off the light switches. Closing the door, the librarian promptly locked it up.

"You all may go. I have to lock the other door."

As Ms. Bakudai stalked off towards the cafeteria, Utsumi let out a huge sigh of relief.

"My head can't take any more of this."

Yarimizu giggled, taking a hesitant step towards the third year wing.

"Totally. I'm ready for dinner. Will you be joining us?"

Kurumu smiled apologetically as the two guys walked off.

"I don't think we will. I have to run home and turn off a stove."

"These two might be declining, but I'm sure Mr. Aono and I could accept your invitation."

Tsukune smiled at Tora's remark, nodding.

"Dinner sounds good. Will you two be making your own dinner?"

"No need since Kokoa is staying with friends tonight. She had me buy some microwaveable food in the commissary yesterday. I figure now is the perfect time to test out Moka's microwave."

"I'm curious if it will be any good."

Tsukune offered Moka a warm smile.

"I always felt my mother's cooking was better than any instant food I ever had over at Kyo's place."

"We have plenty of it if you're willing to join us."

Tsukune blushed slightly, rubbing the back of his neck at Kurumu's invitation.

"I think I'll stick with dinner at Kurai."

"Is there a reason why you are all lingering here?"

Kurumu frowned at Dokugo, noting that Ms. Bakudai had finished her task and was walking back to them. Shrugging, she took a reluctant step towards the third year wing.

"I guess we were waiting for Ms. Bakudai?"

"It seemed a natural thing to do since her absence would not be that long."

"Yea. It's not like you were walking off."

Dokugo sighed as the teacher joined them with a curious look. The blond shook her head, opening up her schoolbag and tugging out a plastic bag. The senior pulled a pair of shoes out of the bag.

"I'm getting a ride with Ms. Bakudai."

Tucking the plastic back in her schoolbag, she started off which prompted everyone to follow suit.

"So what reading will you do for the cultural festival?"

"We haven't decided on that yet."

Every year the literature club reserved the stage to give a reading from a book. While they used to only read from traditional works, these last three years they had done excerpts from stories written in the last fifty years.

"Will you have one reader or multiple readers?"

"We're doing a reading, Ms. Kurono. Not putting on a play."

Kurumu smiled softly as they reached the start of the senior wing.

"I guess this is where we say goodbye."

After a quick exchange of farewells, they started down the third year wing with the other first years while the teacher and senior headed for the back exit with the path to the parking lot. Kurumu smiled at the two undines as she walked alongside Tora. They passed by the science labs in silence.

"Is there a reason why the two of you keep looking at me?"

The pair blushed. Utsumi shook her head vehemently.

"I guess I'm curious about your lunch. Ms. Nazohashi told us about it."

"But all three of us went to that lunch."

Yarimizu bit her lip, glancing at her blushing partner.

"Are you related to Ms. Okimune?"

"We've heard that Ms. Odayakana has called you her sister."

"She's joking. Though I am part undine."

"You are?"

Kurumu nodded. Both girls immediately hopped over to her.

"Was your father an undine?"

"What was his name?"

"My birth mother was an undine."

Both girls shared a look of confusion.

"Then your father was an incubus?"

"That's not how it works."

"Kurumu has two mothers because they don't have wombs to carry their own children."

Yarimizu nodded thoughtfully at Moka's revelation.

"So what's your birth mother's name?"

"Ms. Garimasu. I'm sure that she's not related to Odayakana."

"I guess. Cool though that you're part undine."

They passed by Odayakana's homeroom.

"Do you think Ms. Odayakana would go to Okinawa?"

"Why would she do that?"

Kurumu grinned at Yarimizu.

"Something we suggested to her at the lunch today. She seemed intrigued by the idea."

"No offense, Kurumu, but I think she was humoring the idea."

"I think it would be wonderful if Ms. Hyoushou and Ms. Odayakana joined Ms. Otonashi at the hostel."

"Oh. You're talking about that hotel you guys stayed at with that graduate from your club."

Moka beamed brightly.

"Right. And both of them have high enough grades to qualify for the Happily Ever After program."

"While that's true, you shouldn't expect them to move so far away from friends and family like that."

"Ginei thought it was a good idea."

Tora sighed at Kurumu, shaking her head.

"He's not going to argue against it."

Kurumu smiled softly as they turned in the intersecting hallway, heading for the main foyer. One of the things Ginei had mentioned in their brief meetings was about sending a letter to Otonashi with the name of her mother. He had meant to do it last week but got sidetracked by life. He was hoping that Otonashi would pay them a visit at the cultural festival.

"I hope she agrees to come to the festival. She could talk to Odayakana about employment."

"Talk?"

Kurumu smirked at Tora's grin.

"You know what I meant."

In the silence that followed, Kurumu thought about the upcoming exams. She expected to do well in her history and Japanese courses. Algebra was probably okay and since she had Ichida as a lab partner, she doubted he would let her do poorly as that would impact his grade. That only left English. As useless as she thought that foreign language was, it was the exam she was most likely to fail.

"I need to write my letter to Nerume tonight."

"How is Ms. Genzouyaki doing?"

"Bored, depressed and lonely."

"That is unfortunate."

"I should also write Ms. Kiyoshi tonight. Beg her to drag Nerume to the cultural festival in the odd chance her parents don't want her coming."

"That's highly inappropriate."

"I don't care about that. I just want Nerume to be happy."

Tora shook her head as they neared the aisles of cubbies with their shoes. The aisle flanking the left wall was for first year classes one through four. Half of them stepped down into this aisle while Yarimizu was alone in the adjacent aisle with Moka and Honemoto in the aisle after that.

"I don't recall this Nerume you're talking about."

"Genzouyaki from class three."

"Oh right! That little girl in your club those boys crippled."

Kurumu smiled softly, nodding. She turned her back on Utsumi, lifting up on her toes to fetch her shoes. Bending down, she stepped out of her slippers and wiggled on her shoes. In seconds her slippers were in her cubby and she was starting down the aisle towards Tsukune and Tora.

"Have you written to your family lately?"

"I was thinking I would after Sports Day."

"When was the last time you wrote to them?"

Tsukune smiled sheepishly as he stowed away his slippers.

"I haven't since summer break."

"Dear Lord, Tsukune. Your poor mother must be worried."

Tsukune chuckled nervously at Tora as they started to make their way to the front entrance. A door at the end of the aisle on the left opened into the teachers' lounge.

"Yea… my mother is worried. She seems to think I'm dating Kurumu."

"But that's understandable. Ms. Kurono had everyone under her spell."

Kurumu forced a smile as they veered right at the end of the aisle. It was a short walk to the entrance doors where Moka and Honemoto were already waiting. Yarimizu joined them on their way.

"I'm sorry, Tsukune. That's going to be an awkward letter."

"Tell me about it."

Kurumu was about to offer to help him write it when she realized there was no way she could. Thrusting her hands in her pockets, she felt her phone and lunch card as they slipped out into the night air. She took in a deep breath, and sighed.

"It's been a long day."

"It certainly has been."

Kurumu smirked as they started down towards the front gate.

"My chest feels a little cold. Could you warm it up with your breath, Tsukune?"

He chuckled nervously with a blush.

"Maybe you should button up your jacket instead."

She playfully pouted, linking arms with Moka.

"Fine. Moka will keep me warm tonight."

The undine girls giggled as Tsukune stammered something unintelligible.

"Hurry, Tsukune. If you don't win her over soon, Kurumu will steal her away."

"Moka isn't like that."

"Kurumu might convince her otherwise."

He glanced back at her with concern. She smiled softly, rubbing her cheek on Moka's shoulder. A familiar lust passed over her but was quickly suppressed the moment he looked away.

"I don't think Kurumu is like that either."

Tora sighed dramatically, shaking her head.

"You know what they say about putting women on pedestals, Tsukune?"

"Not in particular."

"That you love the concept more than the reality."

"I don't think that's true."

They walked through the front gate and started down the level path which would eventually reach the dining hall. Kurumu snuggled with Moka's arm.

"I don't mind the pedestal, Tsukune. I'm very short. "

October 4th

Can you believe it's already October? I know it's only been about two weeks since I last wrote a letter to you, but I can't let Mizore steal all of your love.

I don't know if Satsuki wrote to you but she did talk about it last week. I probably could have asked her about it today but I already nag her enough about if she got a job in Mononoke. Which she still hasn't. She spends her weekends with Tokori and Mikomi with the hopes that she'll get a job eventually.

I don't remember if you know Mikomi, but you definitely know Tokori. We got drunk at her house with Satsuki. Her family stayed in my suite for a few days when you were hospitalized because their house was burned down. Mikomi is the daughter of that teacher whom died at the assembly Ginei carried you into. Tokori's family lives with her now.

Found out today that Kakeru hasn't even kissed that boyfriend of hers. Also found out that her birthday is in two days. Might have been nice to give me a heads up on that, you brat. It sounds like her family will be here on Sports Day, so it's too late to try and have a party for her. I guess she won't need one with Kitamura taking her on a date on her birthday and her family being here over the weekend.

I'll start with what I've been doing since I wrote my last letter. That Friday I went over to Tsukune's dorm to fix up Mizore and the boys so that everyone was on the same page. Then I went to the track event on Saturday, which is the first sports event I've ever been to. That was a lot of fun.

That next Sunday we finally celebrated Suzume's birthday. Since Kazehana's birthday was the day after Suzume's, we were celebrating hers too. We were supposed to do mini golf and karaoke, but Yukari saw that Nana was playing at the theater so I watched a movie instead. After that, we spent the rest of the day window shopping. Moka bought the birthday girls outfits. I got them keychains from the arcade since that was all I could afford.

I found out on Monday that the teachers know about my mother's death. So I wrote to Ms. Kiyoshi that night to tell her it was okay to break the news officially. That should happen this month.

I know this will be a jump forward, but I had Yukari remove the illusions on the butsudan and urn last Sunday. I let Mizore, Kokoa and Kana see it. We were having a newspaper club sleepover. They all know the truth about my mother. They also all know the truth about my erased relationship with Tsukune.

I did mess with Mizore's memories before I got your letter, but I took your advice and gave her the truth. Mizore hasn't pressed much over what all she has forgotten. She's still reeling over the fact that I lost my mother. I think she's taking her frustrations out on Moka.

As for the rest of the school, I think most are chalking up my deception at face value. Some of the girls like Juri, Suzume and Asuka think I should get a new boyfriend. Nobody seems to be upset over what I did. Either they feel sorry for me or want in my panties.

Last week was kind of crazy. Two of the days we were being hounded by this guy I think I might have mentioned in my last letter since he's related to one of the new teachers. Huang Fang is in class six and in Yukari's computer class. From our newspaper articles, he concluded that Tsukune was the true hero of the events that happened with Lord Chiki and in Okinawa. He demanded that Tsukune join his family and would not take no for an answer. He summoned monsters to fight us on back to back days.

Kokoa and Moka confirmed that this guy is part of the Chinese mafia. He wanted Tsukune to become a gangster with him. He promised Tsukune that he could marry all of us. He thinks we are some sort of harem. It doesn't help when you have girls like Rubi claiming she's a plaything.

Since he caused damage to the school, the faculty threatened to send him back to China if he continued to trouble us. He hasn't spoken to us since but I doubt we've heard the last from him. Yukari hopes he does something stupid soon so she doesn't have to see him again.

In the middle of this insanity, I finished my research to do my basketball and volleyball articles. Ginei wanted everyone to finish our articles before the midterms. Tsukune did an article on your astronomy club. I'm glad they wrote you a letter. We will be releasing our next paper after Sports Day.

I have no idea when we will release our next paper after that. It sounds like we can't release one before the cultural festival but I might be able to do the research for my next articles if I'm not too busy. I know I'm going to do the fencing and kendo articles. And Ginei suggested that I do the karate club as a favor to his friend, Miyamoto Haiji, whom is helping Tsukune train every morning.

Tsukune is more interested in training as of late. I wonder if that's because I took away his memories of me. It's not like he wants to beat Moka up and claim her as his wife according to vampire traditions. But he wants to be able to fight. I suppose he betrayed some of these desires long ago when he first got some of Moka's blood, but it went away when we started having sex.

I guess I was in the way.

The Headmaster is going to help us train after midterms. He is giving us a whip which suppresses Moka's seal so that the vampire version of her can train us. It's a bit of a surprise that she is willing to do it.

Things seem different with the vampire Moka. She took Yukari's blood and she took Tsukune out on a date. I'm thinking she has stronger feelings for him than she is willing to admit. But there's the whole vampire traditions which she won't ignore. So she wants him to fight her, but he refuses. I suspect she hopes that by training him, he'll overcome his stubbornness and challenge her for her hand.

I know that's all confusing. There's vampire Moka and seal Moka. But it sounds like we are closer to separating the two. The Headmaster taught Yukari some forbidden magic to swap souls. She's spent the past two days customizing the spell so it won't require the caster's soul to be swapped with a target. We will still need a body for the seal Moka, but now we don't have to worry about her somehow ending up lost in a spell.

I guess there isn't that much else to write about. These past three days have been studying for exams and helping the others with their articles. I know a part of me is sad about how things have turned out with Tsukune, but it's probably for the best. He seems happier this way. Then again, I'm not going out of my way to be around him. Maybe I'm fooling myself.

I'm including a few pictures of some of the girls at school. I've been taking pictures with my phone more often and Moka's printer is very convenient.

I don't know what to say about your new school. It sounds like it sucks. And I don't want you staying in a school that only makes you miserable. So if you think dropping out will make you happier, then I support that. But don't drop out because you think you'll save your parents money. I don't want to sound mean, but I think that's stupid. Let them make their financial decisions. It's their money.

I guess that is all I got. I'm writing the contact information for Ms. Kiyoshi on the back of this sheet. If for some reason your parents refuse to let you come to the cultural festival, I want you to contact her. I'm sure she will help you.

I'm also going to be writing to her about you since I have to ask her about how I should handle Tsukune's parents. I'm such a dummy. His mother and cousin both knew that I was having sex with him. I'm sure they aren't writing about sex in their letters to him, but it's going to trouble him. How can he explain to them that I'm a monster capable of making illusions? That's not going to make any sense to them.

Keep your chin up and find a way to get your cute butt back to me. I want to at least try to heal you. It might not work, but I have to try. I love you so much and I want you to be happy.

I'll save a kiss for you.