Kurumu groaned with satisfaction as she stretched her arms over her head while seated in the shade of the bleachers. Her tray rested in the dirt nearby, held down by an unopened can of yuzu juice. The good thing about grabbing a cup of miso soup was that she never got thirsty in the middle of the meal.

Kurumu made a slight sound of protest when her companion suddenly hugged her. The shojo snuggled her cheek against Kurumu's right breast. Her strawberry blond locks were in their usual mess of ribbons and curls. Smiling, Kurumu lowered her arm to mildly return the embrace while reaching for her can of juice with her free hand.

"Do you think we should take our trays back inside?"

Asuka huffed at Kiki's question. Sitting cross-legged, the blond leaned back on her palms in the dirt. The skirt was long enough to prevent any unintentional panty flashing.

"Why should we? It's their job to clean up after us."

"There's a trash can right there."

Taijin gestured to a row of five bins flanking the gap between the bleachers and the black, chain link fence which wrapped around the track and soccer field. There was a different receptacle for glass, paper, plastic and metals while the last bin was for anything else. Each bin had the logo and name of the town's waste and recycling service center which was located by the hotel.

"I think we should take our trays back inside. We've never left them out here before."

Asuka shrugged, gesturing at her emptied tray.

"You're more than welcome to take mine. I plan to go straight to our class meeting."

"Where are you guys having yours?"

"In the archery pavilion."

Suzume nodded at Kiki's response. Like the other three tengu girls, she was seated on Kiki's white sheet with blue embroidering along the hem.

"Tsubaki said they be on the other ballfield. Guess all first years got put outside."

Hatoko was sprawled across a good portion of the blanket. Lying on her back, the tengu had her knees drawn up and facing the steady decline of the bleachers. Michiko sat beside her friend, resting on her hip with her legs stretched off the side of the blanket. The brunette had stacked their trays together with their empty containers piled on top.

"I can't wait to hear the list of events."

"Must have a relay race. Should do it fer sure."

"Absolutely. With the three of us, we'll mop the floor with the competition."

Kurumu smirked at Asuka's enthusiasm.

"Don't you mean four? You also have Nozomi."

"I suppose we could use her."

"Might have to. Tsubaki has Kirizumi, Uchikawa and Matsudera."

"Kirizumi does the long jump. She's not a relay runner."

"Knows that. But they also have Izumi."

"But we also have Ms. Nomura and Ms. Hazumi. I kind of feel bad about your group, Michiko. Ms. Aori is the only track girl in your gym group."

"Sure we manage fine."

Kurumu sighed, rubbing her hand back and forth on Sakamori's side.

"I'm just happy that exams are over with."

Hatoko snickered as Suzume and Asuka giggled.

"Thinks all glad that over."

"I'm going to have to tease Moka over not telling me about you two being her lab partners."

"It probably didn't cross her mind with all that was going on last month. I'm glad that you joined us for lunch today."

Suzume nodded in agreement with Kiki.

"Totally. It feels like it's been forever since you ate lunch with us."

"She barely eats lunch with us. This is like the second time this term."

"That's twice as much as I did last term."

Asuka answered Kurumu's smug remark with a tongue. As the girls giggled, Kurumu squeezed Sakamori.

"Well I hope Hinoko did better on her exams this time."

"Mhm. Sure did."

Suzume groaned. She wagged a finger at the locker rooms as she stumbled up off the blanket.

"We might need to get going."

The fiery haired Asakira was walking across the empty space between the bleachers and the lockers. The class one manager was accompanied by Kokoa and the other fencing club girls. Aware that both Akebara sisters were class managers, Kurumu knew the meetings would begin soon.

"Come on, Hinoko. We need to get up."

Sakamori grunted but allowed Kurumu to haul her upright.

"Out of curiosity, but are any of you having family over for Sports Day?"

Michiko chuckled as she helped Hatoko to her feet.

"Did ya forget we not from here?"

Asuka popped up on her feet with a huge grin.

"My parents are coming to the cultural festival."

"See. Being out of prefecture doesn't mean you won't have family over for these events."

Suzume giggled as she helped Kiki fold up the blanket.

"My parents won't be here this weekend, but they will show up to the cultural festival."

"Hopes they not bring that useless boy that dumped ya."

"I'm sure they won't."

Kiki sighed, clutching the blanket to her chest.

"My mother can't make it this weekend. She'll be here for the cultural festival though."

"Is nobody going to have family here this weekend?"

Sakamori giggled, holding her hand up.

"My mum will be here today."

"That's cool. I guess you're the only lucky girl here."

"Mhm. She's here to take me home."

Kurumu laughed at the tipsy girl, patting her head.

"Don't be silly. Nobody's going home after midterms."

"Yea. You probably have plenty of retakes next week."

Kurumu stuck her tongue out at Asuka.

"If it's all the same, I have to take my blanket inside. I may as well take the trays with me."

"Do you need help?"

"I can help. Yall can go on."

Kurumu shared a glance with Suzume whom simply shrugged as Michiko gathered up the trays.

"Guess I'll see you guys later then."

Asuka started off which prompted Taijin to follow her. Kurumu nudged Sakamori, encouraging the girl to move with her. They stepped out into the warm sunlight, slowly making their way to the track on the other side of the fence.

"Do you need help with her?"

Kurumu giggled at Suzume's offer.

"I doubt an extra set of hands will help."

Off to her right, Ichida was walking across the field with other members of the tennis team including Hayate and Arashimideru. Beyond the tennis kids was a group of second years forming at the soccer goal on that side of the field. The sandy blond Udetama Imi was laughing and pushing around a blond guy with shoulder length, wavy tresses. The older Akebara sister was keeping a safe distance from this pair. One of the dark haired tennis girls approached this trio while accompanied by the stoic Soratani Soyo, the Silent Prince.

Kurumu glanced at the other soccer goal on her right, confirming that Shikichi Akatori was standing guard with her arms crossed. Hovering close to her was Negai Tenshi, with ebony tresses which fell to her knees. Two of the second year tennis guys had joined them but the girls paid them no attention.

Further beyond the goal on the other side of the fence enclosing the track and field was the archery pavilion. Kokoa was helping the younger Akebara over the fence while Zenpyou calmly vaulted over the barrier. Already on the other side of the fence, Taniguchi strolled toward the pavilion with that angry guy from her homeroom with the whitish hair that was swept up in defiance of gravity. The other guy accompanying them with the short, cyan locks was Kishita Sora, Moka's vice manager.

"Hey, Kurumu. Do you have any weekend plans?"

"Nothing in particular. Why?"

"Well… we won't have practice on Saturdays anymore. I don't know if you want to do something then or after we fly on Sunday. But I'd like to hang out in Mononoke doing something if you know what I mean."

"I guess that's fine with me."

Mizudake and her cousin, Shiname, were heading to the tennis courts which were beyond the meter high chain link fence surrounding the track field. Both undines were class managers, which probably meant that the second years Kurumu shared gym with were meeting over there. The eight tennis courts were enclosed by a tall, black chain link fence and were flanked by bleachers on both sides. A small service building stood all the way at the end of the courts not too far from where the line of the forest started, obscuring the start of the trail to the pool.

Asuka and Taijin slipped through one of the breaks in the fence on the far side of the track field. They had two baseball fields enclosed with the same black, chain link fence which surrounded the tennis courts. This perimeter fence was only super tall in front of the dugouts and bleachers. The rest of the fence which curved along the outfield was easily twice the height of Tsukune.

Between the baseball fields was another compound similar to the one at the end of the tennis courts. It was a small storage room and concession stand with bathrooms for anyone to use. Following the dirt path between the bleachers facing each of these diamonds would take one to a trail which cut through the forest to the judo and karate buildings preceding the parking lot for visiting athletic teams.

Having crossed the lanes of track, Kurumu walked the short stretch of grass to the gap in the perimeter fence. Asakira was the only manager present on the diamond they were heading to while the honey haired Naratoki from class six was taking her spot at the pitcher's mound on the other diamond. Asuka and Taijin had already caught up to Ichida, Hayate and Hibiki whom were stepping down into the dugout on the third base side. In seconds the group was through the break in the fence and heading across the dirt to join Asakira.

"Hey, Ichida!"

He looked over in her direction as they passed between the bleachers and the concession building.

"Is your meet tomorrow afternoon?"

"It's at two after the parent orientation."

Kurumu frowned as she guided the redhead around the bleachers, walking along the fence towards the dugout. She glanced at Suzume and Hatoko, both offering only shrugs at her look.

"Orientation?"

"I'll explain everything later."

"Can we have a list of events?"

"Be patient. We'll be announcing the list when enough people are here."

Kurumu stepped down into the dugout, shuffling the entire length to reach the opening in the fence at the other end.

"Taijin. Do you want to hold her for me for a bit?"

The tall girl shrugged, walking over to meet them before they reached third base. Kurumu felt relief the moment the heavy girl released her. Grinning she patted Hinoko's head.

"Will you need to sit down, Hinoko?"

"I guess I can take her out to the grass."

Kurumu followed the pair over to where the grass began. Taijin helped Hinoko down before kneeling beside the shojo. Kurumu slipped behind them, gesturing for Suzume to join her. As they both knelt down, Hatoko wandered over with an uncertain look.

"This be fine?"

"Ichida! Are we fine over here?"

Ichida smirked, jostling Hayate with the back of his hand. Hayate also smirked.

"If you can hear us, you're fine."

With his approval, Hatoko sat down beside them. Clearly not wanting to be left out, Asuka bounded over to join them.

"I hope everyone gets here soon."

Asakira was exchanging words with Arashimideru and Hibiki. Their attention shifted which brought focus to new arrivals. Hiboshi stepped through the gap in the fence with Irewata, Hazumi and Yaisoku on her heels. Not far behind them walking in front of the bleachers was a large group of boys from the soccer, basketball and baseball teams.

"What are you girls doing?"

"Sitting."

Hiboshi frowned at Hatoko's prompt response. With a shake of her auburn curls, the kitsune walked over to the group forming at the mound.

"How long do you think they'll have us wait?"

"They probably want all of the class managers and vice managers to be present."

Hitomure strolled through the break of the fence with Munemoshi and Abe in tow. Not far behind him was Ikazuchi and Yougan. Ushio was in the lead of Tamaishi, Yano and Nishimura from class four.

"Look, Hinoko. It's your Satoshi."

The redhead grinned as Hitomure passed, letting out a silly giggle.

"Kurumu."

Ushio stopped in front of their group as the rest of the boys continued to the growing group at the mound without him. Kurumu shivered at the gaze Ushio favored her.

"I might have a letter of approval waiting for me in my mailbox."

"Can we wait until after you get it?"

"What sort of approval is he hoping to get?"

Ushio chuckled at Asuka's inquiry.

"Approval to date a succubus."

"Aren't you too tall?"

"I've already pointed that out."

"I think she should be more worried about my girth."

Kurumu blushed at his lewd thoughts behind that grin, waving a hand in a shooing gesture.

"Go play with your boys."

"I guess you are kind of fat."

Kurumu flinched as he chuckled. Shaking his head, he stalked off.

"I'll let Kurumu explain that to you, little spark."

"Who are you calling little spark?"

Kurumu grabbed Asuka by the shoulder when she moved to stand up.

"Leave it, Asuka."

"But I don't get it."

"You don't need to understand."

"How would you feel if people started calling you big boobs?"

Kurumu paused, realizing this had nothing to do with her misunderstanding girth.

"That's what you're upset about?"

"Several guys just started calling me little spark last week. It's annoying."

"I think it's kind of cute."

Asuka pouted at Suzume.

"I don't want to be cute. If I have to get a strange nickname, I'd want it to be something sexy."

"Are sexy nicknames a thing?"

"Ya want yerself called a whore?"

"I don't mean that!"

"Okay! Listen up!"

Hitomure was waving his hands over his head.

"Everyone whom is not a team captain, please take a seat back in the grass."

Kurumu smirked as the large group started to disperse quickly. Most of the girls naturally came towards them while the boys took up a seat in the grass behind second base. It seemed at some point Osakebi, Senyou and Tanimoto had arrived.

"Hello, Ms. Kurono."

Kurumu nodded at Irewata whom hunkered down next to Hatoko. Hazumi and Hibiki knelt down beside the gyokuto while Yaisoku remained standing.

"I heard that Kumiko will be helping the PSC with security."

"Mhm. She won't be participating in this or the cultural festival."

"She tries so hard to follow in her sister's footsteps."

"Well… it won't mean anything if the PSC end up disbanded."

"Disbanded?"

"They need an advisor to remain an official club with some semblance of authority. They still didn't have one as of yesterday and need one before the new student council is elected."

"Afternoon, Ms. Kurono."

Kurumu grinned as Tsuchiyama strolled over to them. Anko headed over to the mound with a notebook in hand while the Unabara twins took seats in the grass nearby.

"Afternoon, Ms. Tsuchiyama."

"Iwa has a quest prepared for your party if you have time this weekend."

Kurumu paused to digest this.

"Right. I'll tell Yukari and Moka about it. I'm sure they can talk with Ms. Ishikure at tomorrow's meeting."

"What's this about?"

Kurumu smiled at Suzume.

"Just a game we started up with the girls from the auto club."

"Not exactly. Your party is on your own quest. Iwa hasn't said when our groups will meet up."

"Quest? Party?"

Hazumi snickered, shaking her head.

"Sounds like someone is dabbling in roleplay."

"Roleplay? You mean like playing house or doctor?"

Tsuchiyama regarded Asuka with a frown.

"Are you dumb?"

Suzume giggled, shaking her head.

"House and doctor roleplay tends to progress to different sorts of activities."

"Welcome home. Would you like dinner, bath, or me?"

Tsuchiyama turned wide eyes on Yaisoku.

"It's DND. You people are uncivilized."

"What's DND?"

"It's pretending you're an adventurer. You go on quests to kill monsters or bad people."

Tsuchiyama let out a sigh of relief upon Hazumi's explanation.

"Thank goodness someone here has some sense."

"And I thought only little boys played DND. It's strange to hear a bunch of high school girls are into it."

"It's not strange!"

"Whatever. Can we get started? The only managers that we're missing are Aono and Sendou."

Asuka was correct. Several others had arrived, including both gorgon cousins, Chousei and Natsudera. Juri was walking to the dugout with Madosuki. Nomura was a little further behind with Endo and her friend, Matsuri, from class one.

"Will you have family over for the weekend, Ms. Tsuchiyama?"

"I will but Iwa won't. She'll have lots of time to do your quest."

"Well… I think Yukari's parents will be here but Moka and I should be free. Is anyone else here expecting family for the weekend? That is other than Irewata and Sakamori."

"My mother is coming."

Arashimideru nodded at Yaisoku's announcement.

"My father will be here. He rented a room at the hotel."

"My father plans to be here too."

Kurumu grinned at Juri's announcement, gesturing to a nearby patch of grass.

"You said that earlier this week."

Juri smirked, taking a seat a second before Madosuki joined them.

"Mhm. But it sounded like we're sharing this news with the whole group now."

"I suppose we are. Madosuki's parents will be here too."

"Nobody needs to know that."

Asuka hopped to her feet, gesturing at the boys.

"Ikazuchi! Are your parents coming?!"

"I'm sorry, little spark. I'm not ready to introduce you to my parents."

Asuka blushed, wagging her finger.

"Shut up! It's my civil duty to tell your parents that you're a loli lover!"

"Mini Minx! Little spark reminded me that my mother will be present when I ask for your hand!"

"Silence, you deviant!"

"I swear the baby is yours! I've been with no other kindergartner."

Three tails sprouted from her skirt as Hiboshi launched at the boy with a snarl. With a laugh, Hitomure snatched the kitsune by the collar, yanking her back.

"Easy, girl. He just wants to rile you up."

"I'll murder him in front of his parents."

Kurumu shared a laugh with the other girls, shaking her head.

"Is he always like that?"

"Those two are lab partners, Kurumu. We see them go at it almost every day."

"I try to keep them civil, but he pushes her buttons all the time."

It dawned on Kurumu that Mr. Hakuru's alphabetical preference would place Ikazuchi with Irewata and Hiboshi. She should have known that but it had been months since she had been in their homeroom.

"There you are, Aono. Get up here so we can get started!"

Tsukune was walking towards the dugout with Mizore, Yukari and Nozomi. Not too far behind them was Masataka, Kakeru and Goto.

"So how are you doing, Ms. Sakamori?"

Sakamori grinned at Juri, lethargically swiping at Juri's nose.

"I'm going home."

"Not yet. We have to talk about which events you might be in."

"Is there a drinking contest?"

Several girls giggled. Grinning with a blush, Kurumu shook her head.

"I doubt that will be a thing, Hinoko."

The boys started to clap as Tsukune trotted to the mound with Yukari trailing behind him at her own pace. Nozomi waved at Kurumu before walking over to stand beside Nomura. Mizore had taken a seat in the shade of the dugout, content to be separate from the rest of the group.

"Listen up!"

Hitomure favored them with a fanged grin as he waved for their attention.

"There are twenty four events that we will be competing in. These are not mixed gender events. Boys will be up against boys and girls will be up against girls."

He paused as Goto, Kakeru and Masataka joined the rest of the girls.

"There are ten events for guys and fourteen events for girls. They haven't decided the exact order of events yet but Sports Day always starts with the boys' hundred meter dash and ends with the girls' eight hundred meter relay."

"Participation is meant to be a team effort."

Asakira stressed her words.

"There are sixty spots open for these events. Thirty for boys and thirty for girls. We are not allowed to sign up one individual in multiple events. We have to win as a team."

Hitomure chuckled, nodding vehemently.

"That's right. You can't rely on me to win everything for you. Some of you will need to step up."

"Unfortunately not everyone will get to be in an event. But everyone is encouraged to participate in cheering on your teammates in their events. Everyone will have lots of free time to do this."

"Speak for yourself, Aono. Hayate and I will be tied up most of the day in our events."

Ichida rolled his eyes at the snickering Hitomure, taking a paper from Anko.

"Yes. There are four major team events, each requiring a captain from our pool of class managers. Three of these events are for the guys. These are Capture the Flag, Kickball and Tug of War. Each will be a one on one competition against other gym groups."

Hayate placed a hand on Ichida's shoulder, nodding.

"Due to their nature, these will take several hours to complete. Our team will keep playing until we've lost two games or had three draws."

"And the scoring for these four events are handled differently than the others. Each loss is worth ten points. Draws are worth twenty five and wins are worth forty. At the end, the overall winner will be given an additional forty points while second and third will get twenty five and ten points respectively."

Hitomure grinned, thumbing his chest.

"I'm captain of our team for Capture the Flag. I'll need seven teammates. Hayate here agreed to be our captain for Kickball. He needs nine. This is why the boys have less events. The biggest team event the girls have is the water balloon fight which is a group of six led by Asakira."

"Oh. That sounds fun."

Kurumu smirked at Juri as other girls murmured their interest in a water balloon fight.

"How can draws happen?"

Hitomure grinned at Tanimoto's inquiry.

"Remember that there are eight other groups we are competing with. Capture the Flag will be held on the soccer field and they can only run one game at a time. There will be a ten minute time limit so if both teams fail to capture the flag of the opposing team, it's a draw."

"Yes. And my event will be limited to three innings. They will host two games on the baseball fields at a time and innings end with three outs or ten runs. A tied score will be a draw."

Ichida chuckled at Hayate's addition.

"I suppose draws are possible in the balloon fight and the Tug of War event which I'm the captain for. There is a time limit on both events but I'm sure there will be a clear cut winner in each bout."

"Serious question! Will the girls be in white tee shirts for the water balloon fight?"

Several boys chuckled at Ikazuchi's interjection. Asakira frowned, shaking her head as the amusement was shared by Hayate and Hitomure.

"The girls will be in school swimsuits for this event. Points are scored by hits on opponents which are recorded by the referees overseeing the event. I'll need girls with strong arms and good aim."

"Since shirts were brought up, all first years will be wearing red shirts which the school will provide tomorrow at the parent orientation at one. Everyone should attend."

Hayate nodded at Ichida's comment.

"We will be wearing yellow bandanas to distinguish our gym period from the other first years. You will also receive your bandanas at this orientation. If you cannot attend, we will have spare bandanas and shirts on hand to give out on Monday morning."

"The opening ceremony is held at eight with the hundred meter dash kicking things off. There will be a two hour lunch break at noon. The closing ceremony is estimated to be around five. Those with family over this weekend will have the evening available as Mr. Nurari has agreed to schedule some departures for the following day while we are at school."

"For reference, what colors of shirts and bandanas will the other groups be wearing?"

"Blue shirts will be our second years and green shirts will be our third years. Orange bandanas will be for those with sixth period gym and purple bandanas for fourth period gym."

"How will the scoring be done for other events?"

Asakira perked up at Touzoku's inquiry. Kurumu had not seen the girl arrive. She noted that Kagami had also joined them in the middle of this discussion. Spying Yotsumure, Umigame and Torokiboshi, Kurumu surmised every girl of their group was present.

"The rest of the events are scored based on placement. First place will get a hundred twenty points with each subsequent place receiving fifteen points less. There are no points for last place."

"Most points are in these events so we should have our best athletes handle the solo events. We can throw our leftovers into things like the balloon fight."

Hitomure snickered at Yukari's declaration.

"Ignore the twerp. I want only the strongest men in my conquest for glory."

"It's strategy, Mr. Hitomure."

"Screw your strategy."

Ichida chuckled, shaking his head.

"Well… I would prefer a bunch of heavy guys to hold the rope with me. I only get three partners since the student council decided to limit us to thirty participants to match the girls."

"Why don't they increase the number of girls?"

"Because the third years don't have enough girls. The student council picked thirty because one of the senior groups only have thirty one girls."

"I guess in the past, they didn't care if the number of boys matched the girls. Tug of War used to have eight guys and the wheelbarrow race Aono took was supposed to have four guys. But Mr. Kaneshiro spouted some nonsense about gender equality."

"There's nothing wrong with that, Mr. Hitomure."

"Whatever, Asakira. I want to know the names of the seven guys whom will prove we are the toughest bunch on campus."

"Count me in!"

Hitomure grinned, favoring Tanimoto a thumb up.

"Knew I could. Any other takers?"

"Right here."

Munemoshi stepped forward, pounding his chest as Osakebi waved his hands excitedly.

"Definitely!"

"Question. Is this going to be somewhat like a rugby game?"

Upon hearing Yakihara's question, Hitomure glanced at Hayate and shrugged.

"I guess there's some similar elements to rugby and soccer. We have a goalie, four defenders and three attackers. The attackers have to get the flag from the goalie and run it back to their own goal without getting sacked by one of the defenders. They can pass this flag to other attackers but they can't interfere with the other team's attackers and can't pass the flag to one of their defenders."

Hayate nodded with a slight smile.

"It actually sounded like a fun game but I felt Mr. Hitomure would be better suited for it."

"I'll give it a shot."

"Everyone wait!"

Several chuckles answered Yukari's angry demand.

"You haven't even heard the list of the other events. With eliminations, the most points any group can get in these events is less than three hundred. We can't sacrifice other events for this one event."

Ichida chuckled at Yukari's distress.

"Before we have any more people rush to join Mr. Hitomure's cult, I'll share the list of remaining events. Pie eating. Tire Race. Hundred meter dash. Long Jump. Ball Toss. Balance Race."

"What's a balance race?"

"They put a glass of water on your head and you run a hundred meters. If the glass is empty, you have to run back to the start and refill it."

There was a moment of silence following Ichida's explanation.

"That sounds hard."

"Yea. I think I'm fine sticking with Capture the Flag."

Yougan waved his hand in the air.

"I got a question. What's the ball toss?"

"They are going to put up three posts south of the archery pavilion which will have three baskets on the top. The contestants will be split up by their grades and given balls that match the color of their bandanas. The person with the most points at the end of a time limit wins the event."

"That's totally mine. You know that's going to be a contest between basketball players."

Hitomure grinned, gesturing at Yougan.

"It's all yours, man."

"Write that down, Ms. Anko."

Anko nodded, jotting in her notebook under Asakira's prompting.

"I'll take the pie eating."

"Hold up. I might want to try that."

The massive Hedoyami scowled at the stocky Yamazaru.

"It's pie eating or nothing."

"You don't even know what the event is about."

"Neither do you."

Ichida chuckled as the behemoths looked ready to exchange blows.

"Calm down you two. Pie eating is exactly what it sounds like. You eat as many outdated meat pies as you can in a certain time limit. If you puke, you're out."

Yamazaru staggered back a step.

"Uh… maybe something else would be better."

"How outdated are we talking about?"

"I have no idea, Mr. Hedoyami."

Hedoyami frowned thoughtfully.

"I think I'll stick with it."

"What's that tire race like?"

"You push a tractor tire end over end from one side of the track field to the other. It will have to be later in the day since it will have to be after the Capture the Flag event is over."

Yamazaru nodded at Hayate's explanation.

"I guess I can do that if nobody else cares."

Ichida grinned at the big guy.

"Are you sure you don't want to be on my tug of war team."

Ushio clapped his hands loudly.

"Don't worry about that, Mr. Ichida. Tamaishi, Yano and I have you covered."

The two bulky soccer boys grunted their agreement. Ichida smirked, glancing back at Anko.

"I think I have my team."

"And put Mr. Yamazaru down for the Tire Race."

Anko nodded, scribbling in her notebook.

"Whom are those three boys?"

"Mr. Burumoto, Mr. Yano and Mr. Tamaishi."

"We still require volunteers for the Balance Race, Long Jump and Hundred Meter dash."

Tsukune nodded at Yukari's remark.

"I also need a partner for the wheelbarrow race."

"I'll do it."

Tsukune grinned at Kamitsuku.

"Do you even know what we'll be doing?"

"Pushing a wheelbarrow?"

"Sort of. One of us gets in the wheelbarrow. The other pushes them to one side of the track. Then they switch spots and run back to the start."

"If you don't mind pushing me around, I have no complaints."

"Mr. Yamabato for the wheelbarrow race with Mr. Aono."

"I think I will try the Balance Race."

Attention shifted to the small Nakai. The young man bowed his head, folding his hands in prayer.

"Karate is a discipline of balance. I would like to see how far my training has come."

"Who's that?"

Anko pointed at the boy with her pencil.

"Mr. Nakai."

"Good luck, kid. I don't think anyone else wants that one."

Hayate chuckled at Hitomure's comment.

"Come on, guys. Most of the volunteers have come from class two and three. My class needs to step up."

Tatakai grimaced, holding his hand up.

"I guess I'll give the hundred meter dash a shot. If nobody else wants it."

"Nobuyuki. You're fast at running away from things."

Senyou smirked at Hitomure's comment.

"I'm thinking of doing kickball."

"Me too."

Ichida chuckled at Abe's addition.

"Before we rush to put names down for the team events, we need to fill these two spots. Is there anyone present wanting to do the long jump or hundred meter dash?"

"Come on, Nobuyuki. Be a team player."

"I'll be a kickball team player."

Hitomure sighed, glancing back at Anko.

"Go ahead and put Mr. Tatakai down for the dash. Oh, and start writing out my amazing team. That's Mr. Munemoshi, Mr. Osakebi and Mr. Tanimoto."

"And me!"

"Yea. Who are you?"

"Yakihara Ijiro from class two."

"My friend and I will also join your team for capture the flag."

Yakihara grinned at Wanibuchi's announcement. Wanibuchi had his arm draped over the shoulders of one of his bowling club buddies from class four.

"Cool. That's Mr. Wanibuchi and Mr. Saguri. I need one more."

"We still need a jumper."

Hiboshi huffed, thrusting a finger at the boys.

"I volunteer Mr. Ikazuchi to jump off a cliff."

"Of course, Mini Minx. I will do the jump for you."

Several guys chuckled. With a wry grin, Ichida gestured at the raiji.

"Are you seriously wanting to do the long jump event for us?"

"It sounds like it's that or kickball. And if I do kickball, I won't have as much free time to cheer for my lovely little lady."

"Drop dead and die!"

More chuckling as Anko wrote in her notebook. An amused Hitomure gestured to the crowd.

"Okay. I got one more spot on my team and we need nine guys to do kickball."

"I already said I'm doing kickball."

"Yea. So am I."

"Put down Mr. Abe and Mr. Senyou for kickball."

"I'll take the last spot on your team, Mr. Hitomure."

"Thanks, Mr. Nishimura. That just leaves seven spots on the kickball team."

"Come on, class one. It's kickball. This isn't difficult."

"The three of us will join you, Mr. Hayate."

A nondescript dark haired guy standing with Shouhei and another forgettable guy was waving to Hayate.

"Thank you, Mr. Aida. I'll need the names of your friends."

"Shouhei Norio and Hirano Minoru."

As Anko jotted down the names, Hayate gestured to the group.

"I know there's four more guys from class one alone. Speak up."

The russet haired Tomisaki laughed, waving his hand.

"I'll join your group if you want me to. I was kind of hoping to be left in charge of our cheer squad, but if you need the help."

"Hopefully that won't be necessary. Mr. Gorimatsu. We need a big guy for this game."

A large guy from class one grunted at Hayate's suggestion.

"Guess I can."

"What else would you do? Put him down. I need three more."

"I guess kickball isn't too hard."

The speaker was a blond with slick, short hair. Kurumu recalled he was from band. The charcoal haired, crew cut boy beside him was also from class one and in band.

"Yea. We'll do it. Do you want to join us, Mr. Tsukihara?"

Another band boy from class four with glossy black hair stood with him. The boy shrugged indifferently.

"That's good enough. Add Mr. Mamorinuku, Mr. Hiritsuki and Mr. Tsukihara to my team."

"That should conclude the boys. I'll turn things over to Ms. Asakira regarding the girls."

"Thank you, Mr. Ichida. Hopefully we won't have as many troubles finding volunteers."

Yukari made a sharp sound as held up a finger.

"We also have four events with captains and multiple single events. We also have two paired races like the boys' wheelbarrow race which won't have an official captain. These are the egg race and the three legged race. I'm sure I don't have to explain the three legged race, but the egg race involves one person running down the track while holding an egg on a spoon. They pass it off to their partner whom then runs it back to the start. Dropping the egg requires the runner to go back to where they started to get a new egg. Unlike the balance race, it doesn't restart the whole race."

Asuka threw her hand up, jumping to be seen.

"Which one of you is the captain of the relay race?"

"That would be me."

Asuka grinned at Hiboshi's admission.

"Suzume, Hatoko and I will be on your team. We have lots of chemistry."

"We shall take that into consideration, Ms. Shindou. You have not heard the rest of the events."

"To be fair, Ms. Sendou, the relay team is scored like an individual event. Only my event is different."

"Maybe so, but they should hear the whole list first. The other individual events are: Scavenger Hunt, Shot Put, Bread Eating, High Jump, Sack Race, Archery, Limbo and Push Out."

Several girls murmured about the list.

"Excuse me, but what is Push Out?"

"Push Out is a battle royal. A rope is laid out in a circle in which all participants in the event are to try and stay within the boundaries for as long as possible. The winner is the last one standing inside the ring."

"That sounds so cool."

"So we need either a big or strong girl for that event. Hopefully both."

"Won't bread eating also require a big girl?"

Yukari shook her head at Asuka's inquiry.

"No. Bread Eating will be held at those same posts the boys will be using for Ball Toss. They will hang a piece of bread from each basket and the participants are supposed to eat this bread. Since their hands will be tied behind their back, height and the ability to jump are more important than anything."

Several girls looked at Kakeru and Goto whom were still standing. Kakeru blushed, poking her fingers together as Goto laughed.

"Sounds like you got that."

"Could I rather do the High Jump?"

"It's not pole vaulting, Kakeru. It's a flat foot jump over a bar."

"She also does hurdles."

Asuka frowned at Suzume.

"It's not the same. She barely has to jump for hurdles."

Taijin threw her hand up.

"Put me down for the Shot Put. I do discus and javelin in track."

"Are there any objections to that?"

Silence answered Asakira's question. She nodded and Anko jotted in her notebook.

"Does anybody else want to do the high jump?"

"That's your event, Hazumi. You should do it."

Hazumi frowned at Asuka.

"I don't know. If she wants to give it a try, I don't mind doing something different."

"But it's silly to let her do something she's not used to. Let her do the bread eating."

"I'll take the bread eating if you let her do the high jump."

Asuka huffed at Goto.

"But if you both do those events, whom will have left to do the Push Out?"

"I don't know. Don't we have any fat chicks?"

Even if they did, nobody would volunteer for the event after Tonari's remark.

"What do you plan to do, Hazumi?"

"I'm unsure. What were the other events?"

"Hey Sendou. What was the entire list of events?"

"The four team events are the water balloon fight, the cavalry battle, the eight hundred relay race and the dress up relay. The two paired races are the egg race and the three legged race. The other eight events are scavenger hunt, shot put, bread eating, high jump, sack race, archery, limbo and push out."

"What's a dress up relay?"

"That would be my event. It's a four person relay. You run to one end of the track and swap clothes with the next girl. She runs to the start and swaps with the next."

"Wait! Girls are stripping in this event!"

Anko flinched from the boys' reaction. Hitomure and Hayate chuckled as Anko blushed.

"No! We will be wearing swimsuits beneath a school uniform that we are exchanging."

"And this is a backwards race."

"Right. The three girls need to be about the same size as me. And I don't mean just in height. Someone like Ms. Kurono would have no chance to fit in my school blouse."

Kurumu blushed as the boys chortled over this remark.

"You can count on me, Kaori."

Anko smiled at Tsuchiyama, nodding.

"Thanks, Chiriko. We need two more girls our size."

"You know, Little Spark is about your size in all aspects."

Asuka trembled angrily at Ikazuchi's remark.

"I am doing the eight hundred relay!"

"Oh, but my poor heart couldn't handle seeing two of my darlings in the same event."

Hiboshi scowled, shaking her head.

"Just die already."

"It is worth mentioning that the limbo event will require a short, flexible girl. We can't send them all to Ms. Anko's relay."

"Can I put down Ms. Kakeru for the high jump and the three girls for Ms. Hiboshi's relay?"

"We might want to explain the other events first. The scavenger hunt, for instance, is an event where the girls run to the announcer table, take a slip of paper and then go find the object written. Mr. Kaneshiro promises that there will be twenty objects to find and that all twenty will be visible for the participants. It's somewhat of a luck of the draw, but someone with good perception and decent speed would be our ideal candidate."

"Can I do it? I've always wanted to try a scavenger hunt."

"If nobody else wants it, you can have it."

"What's her name?"

"That's Ms. Dokiniji."

"What exactly will be involved in the archery event?"

"Each girl will be given ten arrows to shoot at one target. Places are determined by score."

"I can do it if my two club partners don't mind."

"You are more than welcome to it, Ms. Morisato."

"Yea. There's no way I want to be in an event where I'll be facing our seniors."

Juri managed a smile at Tonari's remark.

"I'll try my best."

"I'm sure that I don't need to explain limbo. And the sack race is fairly simple. Each girl gets inside a sack and hops to the other end of the track."

"Perfect for a jumper like you, Hazumi."

Hazumi grimaced, absently drawing an arm over her bosom.

"I'd rather do something else."

"Shall I start committing names now?"

"I suppose you may. The trio for Ms. Hiboshi's relay is Ms. Shindou, Ms. Tobuyoku and Ms. Hanetsume."

"What was the name of the girl doing the bread eating for us?"

"That is Ms. Goto."

Anko jotted down the names in her notebook.

"We are still missing two girls for my dress up relay, someone for limbo, someone for push out, someone for the sack race and… I'm missing a bunch."

"I might be a little taller, but I would like to try out the dress up relay with you."

In Kurumu's opinion, Touzoku was not just taller. She had a notable bosom compared to the gnome girls. Judging by Anko's frown, the gnome was also aware of this.

"Are you sure you don't want to try one of the other races?"

"Well… I don't want to do the sack race or the egg race. What's this cavalry battle?"

Yukari perked up, turning her nose up.

"That is my event. I need three strong and capable ladies to carry me on their shoulders. It is my goal to remove the hats of our competition without having my own hat removed."

"I want to be on your team, Yukari!"

Yukari crossed her arms, regarding Kurumu with a smug expression.

"I figured as much. But you are shorter than most of our classmates so you'll have to be the center support. Our other two partners will need to be closer to the same size."

"It sounds like I need to be close in size to someone to be on any team. Are you sure I can't be part of the dress up relay?"

"If height isn't too much of an issue, I'm also intrigued with this dress up relay."

"I don't think you'll be a problem, Ms. Yaisoku. Maybe Ms. Amesuki would like to join us as our fourth?"

The tiny undine from the gymnastics club shook her wavy blond tresses.

"I was thinking I would try the limbo if there wasn't anyone else."

"Come on, Ms. Anko. Let me be your anchor. I'm real good at running backwards."

Anko pondered over Touzoku's offer.

"I guess… but not as anchor. If you're our first runner, we won't lose time squeezing clothes onto you."

"Awesome! You won't regret it."

"Okay. And I'm putting you down for limbo, Ms. Amesuki."

"Thank you, Ms. Anko."

"Okay. We still have nobody for my balloon fight and need two people for the cavalry battle. We also need people for the egg race and three legged race."

"And we still need someone for Push Out and the Sack Race."

"Sack race is totally your thing, Hazumi."

Hazumi frowned at Asuka's grin.

"I'd rather not."

"Hey, Fufi. Maybe you could do the three legged race with Ms. Hibiki. You're about the same height."

Hazumi perked up at Irewata's suggestion.

"If she's okay with it…"

"Ms. Hibiki. Do you want to do the three legged race with Fufi?"

The strawberry haired girl shrugged indifferently. Irewata grinned, pointing at Hazumi's head.

"Fufi will do the three legged race with Ms. Hibiki."

"Fufi?"

Hiboshi blushed, shaking her head.

"She means Ms. Hazumi."

"I'll do Push Out."

Kurumu nodded at Arashimideru's calm and detached declaration. While Kurumu had her doubts how well the tall sylph would fare in such a physical event, she felt in no position to challenge her. It seemed the managers on the mound had no protests either as Anko wrote in her notebook.

"Nomura. Want to give that egg race a try?"

"It's better than the other options. I don't feel like being in a water balloon fight or jumping in a sack."

Nozomi grinned, holding her thumb out at her fellow track girl.

"We got it then."

"That's Ms. Bikiyama and Ms. Nomura for the Egg Race. That leaves the Sack Race, two more members for the cavalry battle and all five girls whom will be in my water balloon event."

"Yukari! We should have Mizore in our event."

"Absolutely not!"

"But she's our friend."

Yukari huffed, crossing her arms and turning her nose away.

"Friend or not, she's likely to collapse on us in the middle of the event. I'm not putting my victory in the hands of someone like her."

"That aside, Ms. Shirayuki is one of the shorter girls of the remaining group."

Kurumu snorted, thinking of the remaining girls. None of them were taller than Moka.

"There's nothing but short girls left. Yotsumure and Natsudera aren't exactly tall."

"I'll work with you, Ms. Kurono."

"Shouldn't you be doing the sack race?"

Irewata turned pleading, pink eyes upon her.

"You don't want me?"

"I didn't mean that. It's up to Yukari."

"I'd rather take her than Ms. Shirayuki."

"Yay! Now we just need a fourth!"

"I can do that! I'm about the same size as Irewata!"

Kagami grinned wide with a sparkle in her brown eyes. Several boys snickered with one commenting about Sendou having a jiggle crew under her command.

"Well with that settled, we just have my water balloon fight and the sack race. I need girls whom don't mind getting wet and have strong arms."

The snickering continued with hand jerking motions which caused Asakira to roll her eyes.

"Ignore the children. Don't be afraid to volunteer."

"You can count on us!"

"Hell no! I'm not going to be in some stupid water balloon fight."

The chatty Unabara twin frowned at the grumpy one.

"But Haraka. It's a water event."

"I don't care."

"Well I can't be in a water balloon fight and our grandparents will be here this weekend. One of us has to be in an event so put me down for the stupid sack race."

"You don't have to do that."

Tonari huffed at her cousin.

"As if you would be in the sack race."

Orochi frowned, caressing her hair.

"You know I can't. My babies are afraid of the dark."

"And they don't like being wet. So I've got to do the race."

"Thank you, Ms. Tonari. Now we need those volunteers for Ms. Asakira's team."

Madosuki sighed heavily.

"My parents will be here too. I guess I should do the water balloon fight."

"I won't mind being in the event if Chisui does it with me."

Utsumi grinned at Masataka, nodding.

"Yea. You can include us on your team, Ms. Asakira."

"I still need two more. Are you still in this, Ms. Unabara? We don't need your twin for the team."

The chatty Unabara frowned.

"I wouldn't feel right doing it without Haraka."

"Well… if there's two spots open then Ms. Natsudera and I would like to sign up. Her parents will also be here for the weekend."

"I don't have to be an event."

"Come on, Sayuri. It will be fun."

"Do you want it or not?"

"I guess I'll take it."

"Good. That concludes our signups."

Kurumu sighed, feeling disappointed that Mizore had not spoken up to be in any event. She glanced over at the dugout, frowning. Standing in the dugout with Mizore was the Headmaster and a middle aged woman with a dark ponytail. This lady was dressed in a long sleeved, soft blue blouse which was tucked in a long, cream skirt.

"Why is the Headmaster out here?"

Several girls turned to look at the dugout, murmuring guesses as to his presence and the lady with him. Some were guessing it was Mizore's mother, which seemed reasonable. Mizore's mother was expected to be here this weekend.

"We will be taking this roster to the meeting tomorrow morning. If anyone has a change of heart, you have to attend this meeting at nine. Please don't show up to simply drop out. Find a replacement."

Ichida nodded at Asakira's announcement.

"Yes. If you have to quit your event, bring the person whom will be replacing you to the meeting. We can't simply take your word on a replacement."

"If there is nothing else, you are all free to go now. Enjoy your weekend."

Several people broke out into conversation the moment Hayate dismissed them. Kurumu picked herself off the ground with her eyes fixated on the woman with Mizore.

"Do you think that's Ms. Shirayuki's mother?"

"They don't look alike."

"Maybe she takes after her father."

Kurumu stumbled forward as a giggling shojo hugged her from behind.

"I'm sorry, Ms. Kurono. She slipped out of my grasp."

Kurumu laughed, shifting about to get the girl in a comfortable embrace.

"We should take her to Tomisaki. Maybe he can whip her into shape."

"I doubt he can make her into a proper cheerleader in only a weekend."

"Hinoko? Could you come here?"

Kurumu flinched at the sound of the woman's voice. They all looked at the dugout where the woman stood with the Headmaster.

"Do you know that woman?"

Sakamori giggled, nuzzling against her shoulder.

"Mhm. My mum."

"That's cool. We should go say hello."

There was something in the woman's eyes that made Kurumu's heart flutter.

"I'm really thankful for the escort, girls. The Headmaster might boast about how safe his school is for humans, but recent events have made me doubt that."

Kurumu managed a smile as they walked through the woods along a narrow trail cutting from Baratoge to the bus stop. Sakamori's mother dragged one suitcase of Hinoko's belongings while Taijin carried the other. The shojo clung tightly to Asuka's side as the blond shuffled along with reddened eyes.

"It's no trouble, Ms. Sakamori."

Asuka sniffled, leaning her head against Sakamori while rubbing the shojo's shoulder.

"I can't believe you're just going."

The news of Sakamori's withdrawal had floored everyone. The mother had asked Sakamori why she didn't meet her in the teachers' lounge as discussed. Hinoko had laughed it off in her silly way, claiming she had forgot to because she had lunch with her friends and they took her to the class meeting. It was something the shojo had known about since last weekend. She was dropping out of school.

The Headmaster had playfully warned her not to charm the poor woman into changing her mind as the paperwork was already finished. With that in mind, Kurumu had barely spoken against the mother's decision, letting Asuka brave this fight on her own. It was painful to watch and there was no logical argument against the mother's decisions.

Ever since the incident which had nearly gotten the entire newspaper club expelled, Sakamori's mother had been considering dropping her little girl out of school. Hinoko had performed horribly in both the assessments and the midterms. Her best friend, Kinzoku, had also transferred to Hisoshi High after midterms due to the incident with the art teacher, Ms. Ishigami.

With rumors of how dangerous the school had become after Kuyo's dismissal, the mother had asked Hinoko how she felt about dropping out after bombing the first term exams. Sakamori had convinced her mother to send her back to school after summer break, claiming she wanted to enjoy more time with her drama club friends.

There was nothing to say. While Kurumu could wipe Sakamori's memories free of her kidnapping and her suicide attempt, she could not bring back the two seniors killed by those bank robbers. When news of their deaths and Hinoko's kidnapping reached the mother, she immediately filed the paperwork for her daughter's withdrawal from this unsafe environment.

The mother probably knew about her daughter's rape and torture. But almost nobody knew about Sakamori's suicide attempt. It was not something Kurumu had shared with anyone.

"Will she be able to come back to the cultural festival?"

The mother glanced over her shoulder with a thin smile to Asuka's request.

"Not this year. Maybe next time."

They would probably never see Sakamori again. Kurumu shivered at the thought of another person she had some attachment to, slipping entirely out of her life.

"Are you sure she can't attend Hisoshi High? Her friend is there."

"While Ms. Kinzoku can manage that daily commute, I wouldn't want to trouble her with the care of my daughter. I would have to move much closer to Hisoshi High so that I could personally take her. That's not something I can afford to do any time soon."

They stepped out of the woods onto the wider, flat trail which would take them to the bus stop clearing.

"Are you sure that you have to leave tonight? We're not her only friends."

Sakamori's mother glanced back at Kurumu, slowing her step.

"I'm sorry, Ms. Kurono. I thought she would tell everyone sooner."

Sakamori had apologized to everyone before heading for the dorms. She had meant to tell her new lunch friends and classmates about it but had felt unable to because of midterms. She had worried that the news would distract them from their studies.

"But Satsuki and Tokori won't even get to say goodbye."

"That happens sometimes, Ms. Kurono. I hope you understand that."

Asuka had taken everything the hardest on the surface. This was Sakamori they were talking about. The shojo had practically been her partner in home ec since day one. It had been her idea to add Hinoko to her lunch group after the kidnapping.

Taijin was holding up somewhat better. Being Sakamori's classmate and Asuka's station partner, she was arguably the most familiar with Hinoko.

Suzume and Hatoko had both been shocked but understanding of the situation. Suzume had expressed regret about not getting to know much about Sakamori until recently. Hatoko had mirrored Suzume's feelings, but had gruffly said it was for the best to part ways with the clingy girl.

The gorgon cousins had both been in tears when they had left Baratoge. Orochi had apologized for not being a better classmate and station partner, blaming her constant worries over petrifying Sakamori for her distant nature. Even with her standoffish behavior, Hinoko had spent at least a few hours every week in the nurse's office because of it. Tonari had nothing special to add, hoping Sakamori had never thought that she hated her. Echoing her cousin's sentiments, she wished Sakamori the best of luck.

Mizore had stalked off without saying a word after giving Sakamori a hug in the dugout. Judging by the drop in temperature, Kurumu suspected the girl had already been grieving.

Sakamori's other classmates were mostly apathetic, offering vague well wishes if anything at all. She was not well known and the girls whom lived with her on the third floor barely knew her. Madosuki, whom lived two rooms over from Hinoko, admitted that she had spoken more to Sakamori at Aku's birthday party than she had the entirety of last term.

Before she realized it, they had arrived at the bus stop. It was after six with the sun lowering in the west. A large tree flanked a cliff with a lovely view of the ocean behind it. A scarecrow with a pumpkin for its head was mounted upon the school sign planted near the base of the tree. The road ran towards the cliff with only a guardrail for protection, turning sharply and disappearing into a dark tunnel.

"Evening, Mr. Nurari. I apologize for taking so long."

The bus driver was sporting a black tuxedo and a bowler hat today. He was standing beside a boxy, black sedan with a silver hood ornament in the shape of an hourglass. The mustached man was puffing away on a cigar with a smirk on his lips.

"No rush, Mrs. Sakamori. I have all the time in the world."

Clutching her breast, Kurumu felt she had to do something.

"Please, Mrs. Sakamori. Could you give us your contact information?"

"Yea. I'll write letters to her."

"Since when do you write letters?"

Asuka sniffled at Taijin.

"You can write one with me."

The mother sighed, handing her luggage over to the driver. The man tipped his hat, taking the bag and walking over to the trunk. With a chirp, the rear compartment popped open, lifting up before he arrived.

"I suppose there's no harm in that."

As the mother fished in her purse, Taijin stalked over to the trunk and presented her bag to the man.

"And a good evening to you, ladies. You seem to be doing well, Ms. Taijin."

"I suppose I am."

"And you too, Ms. Shindou. Lord Sakigake's stories are always amusing to hear."

Asuka frowned at the mention of her uncle whom was the Fairy Tale commander of the Tohoku region. She absently rubbed her nose with the back of her hand.

"What does he have to do with me?"

The driver chuckled, closing up the trunk.

"It's only small talk, Ms. Shindou."

Mrs. Sakamori presented Kurumu a small index card.

"This is my business card. It has my phone number and email address."

Kurumu frowned, taking the card. She had heard that term before when she had received her phone.

"We don't have internet or phone service here."

"Oh, that's right. Give me that back. I need to write our physical address on it."

Kurumu nodded, returning the card to the woman as she fished a pen from her purse.

"Hug?"

Kurumu smiled softly, allowing the shojo to embrace her. While Sakamori was taller than her, it was never notable with how she always slouched. She breathed in the girl, squeezing her tight.

"I want a card too."

"Of course, Ms. Shindou. I have dozens of these business cards."

Hinoko breathed hotly against Kurumu's ear.

"Thank you, Kurumu. For letting me forget those horrible things Mr. Morioka told me about."

Feeling the embrace relax, Kurumu stepped back to arm's length and smiled at the shojo. She had such lovely eyes. One sky blue and the other a lush green.

"Are you going to be okay?"

Hinoko smiled beautifully.

"Course. I'll be safe with mum."

"I feel like I failed you as a friend."

"I had lots of fun, Kurumu. I don't regret it."

Asuka wagged the card she had received from the mother.

"Give me a proper hug before you run off."

Sakamori giggled, turning away to give the blond what she demanded. The mother was jotting on the back of another card.

"You're also looking well, Ms. Kurono. I trust school life hasn't been too hard on you these last weeks."

Kurumu scowled at his smug grin as he walked over to the rear passenger side door and opened it.

"I've been fine. No thanks to you."

Mr. Nurari chuckled, leaning against the car and taking a puff from his cigar.

"Don't be like that. I have some good news for you."

"Like what?"

"Something came through the barrier for you today."

"Are you reading my mail now?"

The man grinned as Mrs. Sakamori handed a card over to her.

"You'll see."

"I hope you do write to her. I imagine it will get boring for her to spend all day in the house with me."

"What kind of business do you do?"

The woman smiled at Asuka whom was regarding the card while Sakamori hugged Taijin.

"I work from home, selling crafts I make online."

"You can do that?"

"I've been doing it for four years now. It's not much but it pays the bills."

Kurumu sighed heavily, regarding the number on the card.

"I'd give you my phone number but I left it at home not thinking I would need it today."

"You just said you lacked services here."

"Well I don't plan to spend the rest of my life here."

"Maybe you could write it down for me?"

Kurumu pouted, kicking at the dirt.

"I don't remember my number."

The mother smiled as Sakamori drifted over to her side. She draped an arm around her daughter.

"I guess you'll have to include it in your first letter."

"Can't you pretend like you're too busy to take them home tonight like you did for Yukari?"

The driver chuckled at her with a slight shake of his head.

"No can do, Ms. Kurono. I have many arrivals scheduled for tomorrow and can't squeeze this one in."

"But she won't get to say goodbye to Satsuki or Tokori."

"You can pass the contact information along to those girls. I'm sure they will understand."

Kurumu pouted at the mother's casual dismissal.

"I wish we could have done more."

"Don't cry, Ms. Shindou. Nobody is blaming you."

In one of her earlier outbursts, Asuka had apologized for not inviting Sakamori into her lunch group months ago. Of course she was being silly, forgetting that Sakamori had been eating lunch with her drama club prior to her kidnapping.

"So this is it then."

The mother nodded, taking in a deep breath.

"I hope we will hear from you soon. Are you ready to go, Hinoko?'

Hinoko detached from her mother and bowed deeply to them.

"Thank you all for taking care of me. I hope to share a drink with you again."

"Perhaps they shall when you are all much older and legally allowed to do so."

"We'll keep in touch."

The mother nodded at her, nudging her daughter to retreat to the car. Hinoko clambered in first with the driver closing the door behind the mother. He grinned at them, opening the driver's door.

"Be strong, Ms. Kurono."

Kurumu frowned at the man as she ducked behind the wheel, yanking the door shut. The engine roared to life and he eased the vehicle off the curve. Turning the car about slowly, the tires squealed after they straightened out, accelerating towards the tunnel. In seconds they were gone.

"Is it just me, or is that guy extra creepy?"

"No. I think everyone is annoyed by that guy."

Asuka sniffled, starting to walk away.

"I don't care about that dummy. I want ice cream."

The mention of sweets suddenly gave Kurumu the craving.

"I'm in if they have chocolate."

Kurumu hefted her busted wicker hamper up into her arms. She was sporting the black tank top and gray shorts Moka had bought her before the end of last term to replace an outfit the vampire had ruined.

Moka finished changing into her pajamas which consisted of a short sleeved, pink tee shirt with a large, white cat's head printed on the swell of her bosom and a baggy pair of gray shorts. Unlike Kurumu, Moka was still wearing her cream colored, lacy bra and panties beneath her sleep attire. The vampire grabbed her pink hamper and smiled at Kurumu.

"Is Milady certain she doesn't wish to join us for laundry?"

Strolling out into the main room, Kurumu noted that Kokoa was still seated on the couch reading the eleventh volume of Gravitation. The vampire was wearing only a canary camisole which bared her rump.

"Shouldn't my servant do my laundry?"

Kurumu smirked, supposing she could do Kokoa's laundry again. There were six washers and six dryers in the back room of the commissary.

"But my hands are full, Milady. I would have to come back for it."

"That's not my problem. I don't know why you bother asking when it's obvious that I'm not wearing something appropriate to be seen outdoors."

"You could always throw on a pair of shorts."

"Leave me alone. I want to finish this series tonight before turning in."

Kurumu nodded, supposing there was nothing else to say. Clutching the hamper to her chest, she slowly made her way over to the entryway.

It was almost eight. Realizing she had to do laundry tonight, she had abandoned the idea of dessert and came straight home to start up a simple dinner which included rice, fried vegetables and chicken strips. It had only taken a little more than a half hour to make.

She had told the vampires about Sakamori's departure. Other than her being kidnapped, Kokoa had no clue whom the girl was and Moka only vaguely recalled her from the birthday parties they had attended. Moka hoped that Sakamori would be happy living with her mother.

They had chatted about the events they had signed up for. As class managers, both Moka and Kokoa were team captains. Naturally both vampires had avoided the water balloon fight. As the cavalry battle sounded more violent, Kokoa had taken that while Moka had agreed to do the eight hundred relay.

While Asuka was right about Moka's gym group lacking track girls, her relay team sounded decent. Moka had three athletic girls from her homeroom, including Michiko, Aori and Zenpyou. They would have a height advantage over Hiboshi's relay team.

Kokoa boasted that her cavalry team would mop the floor with the competition, swearing she would enjoy taking Yukari's hat. Her team consisted of Taniguchi and her two undine friends. Aware of how laid back and lazy those three were, Kurumu hardly thought of them as a threat.

Their other two captains were Iwa and Akebara. Aware that her older sister was doing the Dress Up relay, Akebara insisted on taking that event and leaving the water balloon fight to Iwa. Akebara's team included two of her classmates and the youngest Kitamura from class ten. The quiet Onishi was from band while Uboku Iko was from the manga club. Iko was one of those girls Kurumu knew better by her first name due to how Kana had presented her.

Kurumu had not thought to ask about the guy events, mostly because she barely knew any guys from Moka's gym group. She lacked any interest in knowing what Yokokara, Uchiyama or Kinusawa were doing for Sports Day. And Umizake was in the PSC so he would be doing security with Tora and Satsuki.

Setting her hamper down, she was about to draw back the deadbolt when there was a knock at the door. She glanced back at Moka whom was stifling a yawn. Thinking it might be Yukari, Kurumu unlocked the door and eased it open.

"There you are!"

Kurumu blinked at the woman standing outside. The buxom woman had wavy, golden tresses spilling across her bared shoulders. The fabric of the black top she had wrapped about her torso was so thin that her skin could be seen beneath. The garment had a keyhole halter top baring an indecent amount of cleavage and long sleeves which started at the swell of her bosom.

"Ms. Ohno?"

Ohno Yokina was one of the succubi Kurumu had met over the summer. Her emerald eyes sparkled with her bright smile. A glossy, black purse dangled from her right elbow and she was holding a crimson bag with white, cherry petals patterned across it. A tight denim skirt was wrapped about her hips while her legs were swathed in black hose down to her crimson flats.

"What are you doing here?"

Ms. Ohno held the bag out to her.

"I was told by Auntie Narau that you're ready to have your heart broken."

Kurumu absently took the bag. She felt mildly disappointed. She had always expected that it would be Ms. Kiyoshi to come and deliver the official news of her mother's death.

"Oh. About my mother. I guess so."

"How have you been doing, Ms. Ohno?"

"I've been doing well, Princess. Though this last week I've been running all over the region. It's hard to believe Momma can handle all of this work on her own."

There was a slight clink in the bag, catching Kurumu's attention. She parted the handles, noting a plastic bag was inside this decorative one.

"Would you like to come in?"

"No thanks, my dear. It's been a long day and I need to check in to my hotel."

Ms. Ohno poked Kurumu's cheek, drawing her attention away from the contents of the bag.

"I had such a devil of a time finding you. I had to ask one of your neighbors where you might be. It sounds like you don't spend much time in your own apartment."

Kurumu smiled sheepishly, clutching the bag to her chest which caused it to clink again.

"I'm sorry. But Milady likes having me around to make her breakfast in the morning. It works out much better if I'm sleeping here."

"Oh, no worries. I hope you like your gift."

Sensing she had permission, Kurumu slipped her hand into the bag and pulled out one of the two items. She could tell immediately by the shape that it was a glass. Fishing the object out of the plastic bag, she smiled at the familiar, white outline of the Tottori prefecture bird on the dark blue yunomi.

"Auntie Narau said you had a trip to Kofu earlier this year so I picked one up while I was doing some business in the Yamanashi prefecture. I hope you like it."

Kurumu smiled, reaching into the bag to carefully drop one yunomi and exchange it for the other. The next yunomi was white like most of the other ones she had collected. It had a purple rectangle with the white outline of a mountain and yellow markings in the center.

"How did you get your hands on a yunomi from Tottori?"

"Momma saw how important these were to you in your memories so she contacted Ms. Ontai to send her one. I'm sure Momma would have liked to give it to you herself but she's being investigated."

Kurumu frowned, slipping the Yamanashi yunomi back into the bag.

"Investigated? For what?"

Ms. Ohno giggled, waving a hand dismissively.

"One of our prefectural officers committed suicide a few days ago. Our region commander Lord Kenmei is not too pleased with Momma."

Kurumu staggered back, immediately realizing that his two weeks had passed. Lord Chiki had carried out his final instructions given to him by Ms. Shikaru.

"So that's why you've been busy."

"Mhm. It's been years since I've spoken with most of these prefectural officers. Not since those first months when I started working with Lord Souken in Nagoya."

"If you don't mind me asking, which prefectural officer committed suicide?"

Ms. Ohno cocked her head at Moka's inquiry.

"Lord Chiki. And since the Headmaster begged Lord Kenmei to send Momma here to help him alleviate the situation… Lord Kenmei has worked with Momma long enough to not dismiss this at face value."

The look Moka turned upon her made her shrink.

"Did you know he would die?"

Kurumu swallowed. While she had told Moka, Kokoa and Yukari about her not being responsible for Lord Chiki leaving Mononoke, she had not mentioned his imminent demise.

"If you had seen what I saw… you wouldn't have stopped her either."

"Ladies. Don't worry about it. This is more of a nuisance to Lord Kenmei as he now has to explain why this will be tolerated to the other prefectural officers and has to find someone to take Lord Chiki's place. I'm sure this whole thing will blow over shortly after a replacement for Lord Chiki is found."

"Why would he be okay with this?"

Ms. Ohno smiled brightly at Moka.

"Because Lord Chiki gave such a long suicide note, listing out several crimes he has committed over the past few decades. It seems Lord Chiki molested someone important to Lord Kenmei. I think he should authorize the execution but there are several officers whom would say the confession was fabricated by Momma. He would have to admit that these shameful things happened and he is reluctant to do so."

"Would they charge her with murder?"

Ms. Ohno giggled, shaking her head.

"How can they? There's no evidence. And we can't start allowing Fairy Tale to charge our sisters for murder simply because they happen to be around someone whom eventually kills themselves. These same men could blame you for the crime."

Kurumu flinched, realizing there was no proof of her innocence. There were several students in school whom had come to the same conclusion as Kokoa that Kurumu had made Lord Chiki leave.

"So… how do you plan to do this?"

"There's a parent orientation tomorrow after lunch. I will make the announcement then."

Kurumu grimaced, aware that most students would be attending this event. She disliked the idea of everybody in the entire school knowing about her mother's death.

"Can't you make a charmed announcement?"

"Charmed?"

"Like, make it so that only parents that know about my mother would get the announcement."

Ms. Ohno pursed her lips thoughtfully.

"That sounds intriguing so I'll do it. We'll have a viewing immediately after."

"That soon?"

Ms. Ohno cooed at her, patting her head.

"I'm sorry. But I have to leave tomorrow night. I think you'd prefer me to be around for this."

Kurumu closed her eyes and took in a deep breath.

"It's fine. I just thought I might have another day."

"Best to get these unpleasant things finished quickly."

Ms. Ohno tapped Kurumu's nose.

"Chin up, girl. We need to remind Ms. Juunan to find you a yunomi for Kagoshima. Momma told her about it but that woman claims she's too busy fixing things in Okinawa."

Kurumu smiled, placing the bag on top of her clothes in her hamper.

"Thank you, Ms. Ohno. I guess I'll see you tomorrow."

"Yes. Good night ladies."

With a playful curtsy, the woman turned about on her heel and skipped away.

"Are you going to be ready for this?"

Kurumu shrugged, picking up her hamper. She wandered out of the suite with Moka on her heels.

"Guess I don't have to wonder what the bus driver was cackling about this time."

"You still might want to check your mail since we'll be over there."

While Moka was right, Kurumu doubted she would have any mail to top this.