"Feel free to board the bus when you are ready."
Mr. Nurari chuckled with his head slightly bowed as he puffed on his cigar. He hovered next to the open back door of the bus as Miyamoto hefted up Yukari's luggage to hand over to Kitajima whom arranged it in the back seats. Instead of their robes, both boys were dressed in school uniforms.
Kurumu lingered in the back of this line with her schoolbag hanging off her shoulder while her purse dangled from her elbow. Tora stood in front of her with her raven locks fixed up in her usual braid. Nobody had expected the bus to roll up into the parking lot at eight on the dot resulting in a rushed breakfast. Ms. Nekonome had apologized profusely, having mistakenly thought he was coming at nine.
The two teachers had been the first to offer up their luggage. Both stood off to the side with Udetama, fending off the giggling girl's playful touches. Both wore short sleeved blouses, though Okumura's was a periwinkle button up with breast pockets while Nekonome's was a mint pullover with a dangerously low cut which exposed some of her smooth cotton black bra. Nekonome looked young in that pair of denim shorts which bared so much inner thigh it would not be appropriate for school. Okumura looked more professional with those loose black slacks.
Rubi handed over the last of Yukari's luggage, prompting Moka to step forward. The witch was wearing a long sleeved, fishnet shirt over a black tank top. A glossy black suspender skirt wrapped tightly about Rubi's waist, nestling below her bosom and stretching down almost to her knees. A silver zipper slashed up the center of this garment in the front. Fishnet stockings covered the small stretch of her bared legs, tucked in black, platform boots which hid most of her calves.
"Mr. Nurari. I was wondering if I could be taken home first. I wanted to properly part ways with my parents before being gone another whole term."
Tsukune stepped slightly out of line, holding both his suitcase and schoolbag by their straps which rested on his right shoulder. The driver glanced up and chuckled darkly.
"Sure thing, kid. I thought you might want to, since I doubt your parents will be allowed to attend any of the fall activities."
"Thank you, Sir."
"You'll have to spend the night though. I'll swing by to pick you up around one tomorrow."
"Hey, Ginei! Will me being absent till tomorrow afternoon be a problem?"
Ginei perked up at the sound of his name. The older boy stood in a small group near the front bus door with Koike, Otonashi and Mrs. Kawamoto. The innkeeper had on a pink halter top with a lacy frill about the collar and straps. A tight fitting pair of faded blue denim capris clung to her hips as the woman held a rolled up piece of fabric in her arms. Otonashi wore that yellow dress with the black spots and the black bow stitched in the white lace collar. She smiled softly, loosely holding her sketchbook against her belly.
"As long as you can be at the computer room around two tomorrow, you should be good. I'll be spending the rest of my day looking through everyone's articles so I can make informed suggestions when we meet up. We should have enough time to wrap this paper up and release it during our first week back."
"Don't you have an article to write about our thrilling summer trip?"
"Don't worry about that, Tora. I'll have that finished tonight."
"Can I stay with you?"
Tsukune frowned at Mizore whom lingered in his shadow. Mizore was the only student not in a proper school uniform since she lacked one.
"Why would you want to do that?"
"Nothing better to do. And I should thank your parents properly."
As he absently handed over his luggage to Miyamoto, Tsukune regarded the driver.
"Don't look at me, kid. I have no opinion over whom spends the night with you."
"You have no business imposing on his family again."
Mizore cocked her head at Yukari.
"What else would I do today?"
Kurumu smiled as she shuffled forward on Tora's heels.
"You could always hang out with us. It's not like any of us have plans after unpacking."
"Excuse me, but I have plans for you, Kurumu."
Kurumu frowned at Yukari whom had her arms crossed defiantly.
"For what?"
"I've wanted to have some time alone with you for weeks."
"What do you want from Kurumu?"
"That's not important. Do you think you could take Rubi off my hands for the night?"
Tora smiled as she presented her luggage to Miyamoto.
"Moka was planning to spend the night with me. I don't know if we can have Rubi at the dorms."
"I'm not allowed near the girls' dorm either."
There was a moment of awkward silence following Mizore's statement. Kurumu offered her luggage to Miyamoto, turning a smile on the group.
"I don't mind if she spends another night with Tsukune, though that should be up to his parents."
"Yea. I guess if my parents are cool with it, you can come with me."
The driver chuckled, waving them away.
"If you're all done chatting, we should be taking off."
After Miyamoto handed off her luggage, they all cleared out, allowing the driver to close the back door of the bus. As she meandered towards the front with the others, a car horn called their attention to the driveway. A cherry red sedan glided across the parking lot, pulling up behind the bus. Mr. Nurari grinned with a puff on his cigar.
"Perfect timing."
The sedan parked as the window started to roll down. A familiar woman with long, silvery hair and frosty blue eyes poked her head out. Ms. Juunan turned her amused grin upon her passenger.
"My oh my. You best hurry, Anzu."
The far door popped open and Ms. Aimai stepped out. The wavy, fiery haired woman strut around the vehicle wearing her textured gray blazer over a yellow pleated blouse which struggled to contain her ginormous bosom. She clutched a small white bag to her side as her heels clipped against the pavement. Black capris clung tightly to her curves.
"I don't think we have room for any more."
Ms. Aimai glared at the grinning driver. She shook her head, coming over to Kurumu.
"Wish I could go with. Beats covering up this mess. I'll be glad when little Mayu returns."
Kurumu smiled as she took the bag thrust out to her.
"What's this?"
"That stupid yunomi you were bugging me about."
Kurumu laughed, pulling the beige glass out. The red circle had a smaller red circle within the upper half, matching the Okinawan flags she had seen at the Peace Museum. Smiling warmly, she dropped the glass back in the bag.
"How did you find it so quickly?"
"Quickly? I spent half of yesterday looking for that dumb thing."
"She left me to handle all of the work."
"It's your region. I can't wait to get back to Osaka."
Moka bowed slightly to Ms. Aimai.
"Thank you for watching over us."
"Bah. I only did what I was asked. Would have been nice if we had got more time on the beach, but I was never promised this would be a real vacation. It's good that all of you kids survived."
Kurumu smiled softly, glancing over at Koike whom was hugging Otonashi while Udetama boarded the bus ahead of their teachers.
"Yea. Do you think we'll ever see you again?"
"I guess that depends on Mrs. President. Considering your success here, she might ask you to swing by and knock some sense into old man Gairen's head."
Kurumu laughed at the mention of the Fairy Tale region commander for Kansai, shaking her head.
"I'd rather not get mixed up with more Fairy Tale politics."
"I trust you will fix the situation with Ms. Otonashi and Mrs. Kawamoto."
The smug succubus in the car hung through the window in a manner which threatened to spill her assets out the top of her peach dress.
"I will settle matters with your gracious host after we have regained control of this prefecture. Restoring Umishita and Ranten Academy come first."
"But the inn needs to be fixed."
"I only follow the orders our Lady gives. If you wish for better results, you can try asking her yourself."
Kurumu grimaced, sharing a look with Moka. The vampire sighed, nodding.
"Thank you, Ms. Juunan. I will do so."
Kurumu staggered from a sudden slap on the shoulder. Ms. Aimai nodded, retreating back to the car.
"Good luck, girls."
Kurumu let out a deep breath as she watched the woman get back in the car. If it had been Ms. Kiyoshi, this parting would have been more emotional. Despite this gruff sendoff, Kurumu felt better as the car eased in reverse. In seconds the sedan pulled out of the drive and carried down the road.
"Best be getting on the bus, young ladies."
Kurumu nodded, slowly drifting over to the group lingering near the bus door. Ginei had his arm about Otonashi's shoulder as he gestured at Tsukune. Tsukune frowned as Mrs. Kawamoto made her own gesture, prompting him to step away from the bus door as Rubi boarded behind Yukari. Other than Mizore whom remained in Tsukune's shadow, it looked like everyone else was on the bus.
"I understand that you used to be human."
Tsukune chuckled nervously, favoring Moka a glance.
"I sort of still am. This bracelet here keeps me from fully becoming a vampire."
"Oh? So it's like the limiter Ms. Akashiya wears."
Kurumu reflexively wandered over to the group with Moka.
"I guess that's accurate. Rescuing Ms. Otonashi was the first time I've ever seen Tsukune do anything beyond a human's ability."
"All thanks to my training. I pushed this kid hard for days before his heroic act. Nothing like hearing how all that hard work and effort paid off."
"All you did was shove me around and laugh at me."
"There's no rule that training has to be miserable for the instructor."
Mrs. Kawamoto laughed, shaking her head. She wagged the fabric roll at Tsukune.
"So are you and Ms. Akashiya lovers?"
Tsukune gagged as Moka blushed brightly. Mizore favored Moka a suspicious look as Kurumu sighed.
"Does it really look that way?"
Mrs. Kawamoto chuckled sheepishly, fidgeting with the locks about her ear.
"I've been curious about this since Ms. Kurono mentioned that he technically was her boyfriend. Was I wrong? When I saw him holding Ms. Akashiya on the gazebo last night, I was certain they were kissing."
Moka blushed darker, lowering her head as Tsukune made frantic hand gestures.
"No! We were talking and then she decided to drink my blood! That's all it was!"
"So you're both vampires? I wasn't aware vampires drank blood from other vampires."
"Moka turned him into a vampire. These three have a silly crush on him for some odd reason."
Kurumu fought the urge to challenge Ginei's statement, unaware of how things went last night between Moka and Tsukune. Otonashi nodded with a smile, lifting up her sketchbook to scrawl some words.
"I thought she couldn't drink his blood."
Moka turned pleading eyes on Mizore.
"It wasn't my decision. She says since you gave your blood to him, it was okay for a tiny nip."
"I'm not giving him my blood so you can leech off him."
"It was fine, Mizore. I gave her permission."
Mizore glanced at him. With a slight shake of her head, the snow girl stalked off to board the bus.
"What's this?"
Kurumu glanced at Ginei's comment, noting Otonashi had finished her message. With a slight blush on her cheeks, the girl admitted she admired Tsukune too.
"This guy?"
Otonashi nodded at Ginei's disbelief.
"You fight for a peaceful world. If you ever need help in that fight, I will fly to your aid."
They all regarded her with shock, aware how seldom Otonashi spoke.
"You can fly?"
Ginei smacked Tsukune in the back of the head, nearly toppling the boy.
"Of course she can fly, you dolt. Haiji would never toss her around if he had to worry about that."
Kurumu smiled, sensing Ginei's frustration. She glanced at the bus, noting the driver lingering by the open door. She grabbed Moka's hand.
"We should get going."
Ginei chuckled, draping his arm over Tsukune's shoulder as he steered the stumbling boy away.
"If you ever change your mind about staying in this dump, you know where to find me."
"Watch your tone, young man. I swear on my husband's grave that this will be the best inn on the island the next time you visit."
"I'll hold you to that."
Ginei waved with his free hand without looking back, dragging Tsukune to the bus stairs. Squeezing Moka's hand, Kurumu tugged the vampire with her towards the pair as Tsukune boarded the bus.
"It was very nice meeting you Otonashi and Mrs. Kawamoto."
"I hope Fairy Tale will be quick in helping you get back on your feet."
"Thank you. All of you. I know your visit here has made things so much better for San."
Kurumu took in a deep breath, pausing to allow Moka to board the bus first. She glanced at the smirking driver whom dropped his cigar on the ground, crushing it underfoot.
"Looks like this time it might end up Happily Ever After for Ms. Otonashi."
Kurumu smiled softly, supposing she would never understand this guy. With a shake of her head, she grabbed the rail and pulled herself up onto the first step. She slowly ascended on Moka's heels, noting Ms. Nekonome was standing in the seat behind the driver's chair. The teacher was making checkmarks in a notebook as they passed by. Ms. Okumura sat across the aisle from the teacher. In the seat behind her, Rubi was paired with Tora while Koike sat by himself behind Ms. Nekonome.
"Here, Moka!"
Yukari patted the open aisle seat behind Koike. Moka smiled, taking the offered seat while Kurumu hesitated to take the vacant seat across the aisle from them. Tsukune was sitting with Ginei in the seat behind this vacant one, which would make it difficult for her to converse with him since Tsukune was favoring the window. There was also nobody sitting in the seat behind the one Yukari and Moka shared.
"As soon as everyone is seated, we can head out."
The driver sat down heavily, tugging the lever which closed the door. Wishing Mizore had claimed one of these seats to make her decision easier, Kurumu decided to take the seat in front of Tsukune. It was not like this would be a long drive as she rested her schoolbag in her lap and set her purse aside.
"Hey. What's that?"
"They're holding something up."
Kurumu glanced out the window as Yukari and Moka got up from their seats to join her. She smiled as her friends pressed in around her to look out at Otonashi and Mrs. Kawamoto. The pair had unraveled that fabric roll the innkeeper had been holding and were smiling.
Thank you! Come back anytime! We love you!
The bus jostled into motion, causing Yukari and Moka to stagger against her. They glanced at each other as the bus pulled out of the parking lot.
"I guess we can all sit together."
"We've done it before."
Something so simple made her feel better.
Kurumu sighed as she flopped on her back atop the crimson comforter drawn over the bed in the corner of Moka's suite. The ebony headboard had golden insets pushed into its curves and a slight bend at the top which prevented it from being flush with the wall. A row of black cushions dotted with pink hearts lined across the top of the bed with a huge, golden brown bear wearing a black fedora tucked in the corner. This stuffed beast grinned with a toothless maw and a cherry red tongue hanging out.
There was a giggle from Moka's closet as Yukari helped Moka put away her belongings. Kurumu bobbed her legs as she glanced towards the noise. Pushed up against the wall not far from the ebony footboard was a matching ebony stand with a large silver TV resting upon it. Facing the TV was a pink sofa with a low back which could be rolled down, allowing it to be used as a second bed. The sofa was set back far enough to allow a small passage between the corner of the sofa and the end of the bed.
It felt strange to be back. Less than two hours ago they had been boarding the bus in Okinawa. After unloading the bus, they had parted ways with the juniors in favor of walking Tora to Baratoge. They had not stuck around to visit, Kurumu wishing to unpack before meeting back at the dining hall around noon. Even with Yukari's helpful spell to make hauling her luggage about easier, it had taken quite some time to walk from Tora's dorm to the suite complex. At least Moka had reclaimed her bike.
She could understand Ginei's frustration. It would have been easy for Otonashi to have come back to the school. She would have been with friends instead of wasting months fixing up that inn. It was not like she could attend Ryukyu University until next year anyways. She could have lived like Rubi. Udetama lived in a double by herself in the junior dorms and had pounced on the idea of having a roommate. It was for Mrs. Kawamoto's sake that Otonashi had remained in Okinawa.
With another heavy sigh, Kurumu sat back up. This suite felt so small compared to Moka's room at the Shuzen Estate. There were three doors on the far wall. The one closest to the bed opened into a small bathroom. As this was a double suite, the bathroom had a tub. The single Kurumu lived in had a shower. She failed to recall if she had left her toothbrush in Moka's suite or her own. She knew her lavender mesh tote was in her suite, pointedly not bringing her shower things along for the summer.
The middle door was for Kokoa's closet. The girl had at least a dozen outfits handed down to her from Kahlua which she could not wear due to her inability to fill them out. The last door which swung open in front of the refrigerator belonged to Moka. Since all of these doors swung out into the main living space, the vampires had avoided putting any furniture along that wall, though there was enough space for it. Kurumu had managed to squeeze her dresser between her closet and bathroom doors. Unsure if she would ever use it again, Moka had leaned her bike against the wall between the closet doors.
The only difference between a double and a single in regards to the kitchen area was the amount of glossy black counter space. There were no windows for the suites. A row of recessed cabinetry stretched from the side of the refrigerator to the vent hood above the stove. In a single, the dishwasher was next to the refrigerator and beside that was the single compartment sink. There was a small open space between the sink and the stove. For the doubles, the dishwasher and sink remained by each other but there was space on both sides of these features. Thinking she had most of the things a kitchen required, she had no idea what anyone would do with all that cabinet space.
Next to the stove was a partial height wall dividing the entryway from the rest of the suite. The suites had small, recessed genkans but did not use tatami flooring. This smooth beige floor which matched the walls was hard and unforgiving. Sleeping on a futon here was no different than being in the dorms.
Rubi lingered in the genkan with all the luggage. Since the exterior door swung out, they could use all of the entryway space. Kurumu was unsure if this was a feature of all double suites, aware that the doors of at least three single suites swung in: hers, Mizore's and the suite Yukari used to live in which she had swapped with Chouda. The double Yukari now resided in had a door which swung out. Kurumu had been in other doubles for Satsuki's birthday and Hiboshi's birthday, but she had not thought about paying attention to how the doors opened. It had not crossed her mind that there would be a difference until that day Moka had clocked her with her front door.
"Are we ready to go?"
Moka shut the door to her closet while Yukari nuzzled up against her side with her small arms wrapped about Moka's waist. A silky, burgundy blouse with buttons graced her curvy torso. The buttons started low enough to not be a problem for the rosary while still covering the swell of her ample bosom. This sleeveless garment had an extra layer stitched to the collar which hung down like a jacket to wisp across the back of her thighs. The blouse was tucked in a black leather skirt which came down her thighs to about the same spot. Her schoolbag was slung across her shoulders, hanging at her hip.
"You're finally wearing that."
"I haven't had any opportunities to. You don't think it's too much, right?"
Kurumu grinned, pushing off the bed onto her feet.
"I think you should have brought that to school the first time around."
"Well… it's not something I would wear to church."
Kurumu shook her head, aware that Moka had bought this on a whim last year while feeling sad about not getting to visit family at the Estate last summer. It was not a good outfit for Ginei's training, so this was the first time Kurumu had seen her wear it.
"You're going to wear that all day?"
"Yea. I didn't see a reason to stay in the school uniform."
Kurumu nodded, drifting over to the genkan. Rubi took the cue to push open the door, grabbing up Yukari's black bag and hefting it onto her shoulder. Seizing the black suitcase by its extended handle, the witch retreated outside.
"Maybe I should change too. I will only have five school uniforms after I pick that one up in the store."
As Kurumu slipped her schoolbag strap across her shoulder, Rubi returned to fetch the gray suitcase.
"Don't worry about both suitcases, Rubi. I can help now that I don't have anything to carry."
"Are you sure?"
"I don't mind."
"Thank you, Ms. Akashiya."
As Rubi went back outside, Kurumu noted Moka's schoolbag. Kurumu fished her arm through the strap for her lavender purse before slipping on her Mary Janes.
"What's the schoolbag for?"
"Clothes for tomorrow. I also have souvenirs."
Nodding, Kurumu hauled her luggage up in her arms. She shuffled through the door as the other two put on their shoes. The temperature outside was far less troublesome than the summer heat of the real world. She took in a deep breath, stepping away from the two story structure.
The suite complex consisted of twenty buildings arranged in four circles with short trails coming together in a wide path which connected to the main path to the school. From overhead, it looked similar to a four leaf clover with each petal consisting of four apartment buildings standing in a loose circle about a squat, single story building which served as a commissary. The forest dividing these petals was thick enough to make each section feel independent of the others.
Moka lived in suite 413 with her sister. They were the only tenants of this building just like Mizore whom lived in suite 402 was the only tenant in hers. Each building had twelve suites, half of which faced the commissary building in the center of this section. There was a wrought iron stair on her right which went up to the single suite 417. The upper level double suites were accessed by stairs built into the sides of these apartments. She could see this side stair of the building on her right which led up to suite 406. She hoped Tsukune's parents would accommodate Mizore one more night, unsure what the driver planned to do with Mizore if they refused.
She heard Moka draw the deadbolt back in place. Unlike the dorms, the suite doors had no locks other than the deadbolt. Kurumu preferred the difference since she had always worried about locking herself out of her dorm when using the restroom.
"Do you know when your sister is arriving tomorrow?"
Moka shook her head as they started walking off towards the trail which connected the commissary to the main path. They had stopped in the commissary first, checking their mail. Kurumu had been happy to find Nerume's letter in her mailbox. Moka had received a postcard from Kokoa, warning her to prepare herself for a humiliating defeat.
"You should come with us after lunch. We need to restock our refrigerator. You can always catch up with your friends another day."
Kurumu shrugged indifferently as they cut left before reaching the end of Moka's building. The small commissary building remained on their left with the glass double door at the end of the trail. The door had an automatic sensor which would only open for school cards with the blue borders. Her lunch card did not give her access to any of the dorms.
The nearest building in this direction housed senior girls from the volleyball and track teams. Kurumu had no idea if the volleyball girls would be back, but she knew the track and tennis teams had returned a week early to resume practice for their seasons which started in September. Most of the girls from Myoko also resided in that building.
With that thought, Kurumu wondered how things went on that summer trip to Kyoto the younger Hineri had mentioned. Coach Yaisoku had arranged something with Ms. Yumeito to take all the jorougumo girls for a two week educational experience. She assumed the tennis coach would be back which probably meant both Hineri sisters and Yaisoku sisters were on campus. Lady Hineri lived in suite 303 with Kinasute, one of the tennis seniors. That corner unit was the closest to their building.
As they neared the front door of suite 303, Kurumu recalled the track girl with the second year sister lived in suite 309 which was the ground floor corner unit behind suite 303. She could not recall which suites the other track girls lived in, only aware that the Ohira cousins lived together and Uchiyama's older sister lived with another Tengu girl from Koutoukumo, the Aga community.
Kurumu hesitated as Yukari and Rubi continued on a straight line for the side stair which would take them up to their suite 316. One of the differences between the doubles on the ground floor and the upper level was that the doors of the ground units were on the front of the building instead of the side. She glanced at the door to suite 313, unsure if that was the right one or if it was suite 315. She did know for a fact that Herikuda, the popular president of the fashion club, lived in suite 314. Denshou, Juri's cousin and president of the ikebana club lived with the karaoke club president in 313 or 315.
"Should we talk to Ms. Shiruba about Ms. Otonashi?"
Yukari glanced back at Kurumu.
"I doubt that would change anything."
"Is she in 313 or 315?"
"313. But what are you hoping for? If Ms. Shiruba has never talked with Ms. Otonashi before, she's not going to have a reason to attend a college in Okinawa."
"Maybe she would know something about Ms. Otonashi's family."
"We could ask if she knows of the Shinkoku family name. But I want to unpack first."
Kurumu smiled, following the witches over to the side of their building. Yukari grabbed the rail and headed up first. Rubi turned about, dragging the suitcase up on its wheels one step at a time.
"So did you bring church appropriate attire for tomorrow?"
Moka smiled as Kurumu slowly followed Rubi. The vampire waited for Kurumu to get up a couple steps before collapsing the handle to the gray suitcase and hauling the luggage up in her arms.
"More appropriate than this."
"You might have to remind Kana about tomorrow."
Moka laughed as Yukari reached the top of the stairs, fishing her keys out of her schoolbag.
"I will."
"Are you planning to attend our grand reunion?"
Yukari snorted as she drew the deadbolt back, tugging the door open.
"I have to return Ms. Zukkutani's GTO volumes. I can hang out for a few minutes, but I have more important things to be working on this weekend."
Kurumu chuckled as the witch disappeared inside her apartment. Rubi slowly made progress up to the top landing.
"I thought you were going to hang out with us more on the weekends."
"I need to refine that fragrance so we can finally determine if this Moka is a spirit or not."
"Do we have to spend all day working on potions again?"
Kurumu grinned at Rubi's whimper. The witch turned around the corner through the open door, tugging the luggage out of sight. Kurumu hopped up the last couple steps, clutching her luggage close as she shuffled over the threshold into the small genkan. Rubi was bent over, tugging on the laces of her long boots with the black suitcase parked beside her.
"What else would you do with your free time? Hurry up so the others don't have to stand around."
Yukari strolled across the room towards her full sized bed pushed in the corner with the ivory footboard facing the genkan. The witch freed herself of the straps of her schoolbag and laptop satchel, setting both down on the cerulean comforter. Carnation pink pillows were perfectly placed across the top of the bed against the matching ivory headboard. Each corner had sturdy posts which indicated it could be made into a canopy bed.
Beside the bed was an elegant, ivory dresser which clearly was part of a set with Yukari's bed. The insets about the handles and drawers were identical to the pattern upon the footboard.
Next to the dresser was a second bed, though this white frame was simplistic in design. Black sheets were pulled over a mattress with a pair of pillows stuffed in matching pillowcases. This bed was pushed against the wall with its short footboard facing the bathroom door.
The only other furniture in this room was Yukari's black cherry desk which they had pushed up against the wall between the doors for the bathroom and the middle closet. Yukari's family portraits rested on the smooth surface.
"You should both fly with us."
Rubi frowned as she stepped up from the genkan.
"Fly?"
Kurumu nodded as she set her luggage down. Bending over to slip out of her Mary Janes, she noted Moka enter the apartment, pulling the door shut behind her.
"Mhm. We get together with a bunch of Tengu girls and fly around a field with Tora. It's good practice."
"That sounds like a lot of fun. Can we?"
Yukari frowned as she wandered over to them.
"I can't fly for that long."
"You could build up your endurance."
"That's not the issue."
Kurumu shrugged, picking up her luggage and stepping up from the genkan. Moka was freeing herself of her own pair of Mary Janes, though hers lacked the extra thick soles and were covered in a glossy black layer of sequins.
"You'll have to unpack this. I don't know how to access your special place."
Yukari snorted as she took the black suitcase from Rubi. She turned and gestured to the bed.
"Leave my bag on my bed. You can put away your things. We're going over to Kurumu's room to unpack her stuff first. She has a few things in my pocket dimension that needs to be pulled out."
Rubi nodded as she reached for the gray suitcase in Moka's arms. Hugging her luggage to her chest, Kurumu followed Yukari across the room to the middle closet door. The witch tugged it open, stepping inside. Kurumu glanced over her shoulder, favoring Moka a smile.
This closet was quite similar to the one Kurumu had. All the lower shelving was on the left side away from the door. A steel rod hung below the upper shelving which wrapped about the entire closet, but Kurumu was too short to use that high storage space without a stepstool. Currently there was nothing stored in this closet.
Yukari made a slight motion across the wall, causing a silver box to appear on the wall below the steel rod. She tapped the box, causing the device to hum. In the matter of seconds, a rectangular section of the wall vanished. Yukari strolled into suite 317 which had belonged to her most of last term.
This opening was considerably shorter than the first one Yukari had made, likely because someone of Moka's height already would have to duck beneath the rod. Kurumu was short enough for this not to be a concern, but she reflexively ducked anyways. Her body tingled as she slipped through the opening.
"Oh. She's sleeping."
This was not the first time for Kurumu to be in this suite after Chouda had moved in. The young senior had her mahogany varnished bed pushed in a corner with the rounded footboard facing the genkan. A soft pink fuzzy sheet was drawn over the mattress. Chouda was nestled in the center of her bed lying on her side with her mint green locks pooled about her cream pillows.
The girl had her own desk pushed in the far corner where Yukari had once had hers. A wide dresser with three drawers was pushed up tightly against the desk to avoid blocking the bathroom door. Both the desk and her dresser had the same mahogany finish as the bed. A wooden stool with a pink cushion tied to the top rested beneath the desk. A full height mirror flanked the other side of the bathroom door.
Yukari walked over to the empty space between the desk and bed, passing her hand over the wall which made another silver box appear at her shoulder's height. She tapped this box, causing it to hum like the other one. In moments, a large rectangular gap appeared allowing entrance into Kurumu's suite 323. The witch stalked through first.
Kurumu smiled as she glanced at Chouda's relaxed expression. Chouda Sumire was the only senior from the film club whom had accompanied them on their trip to Kofu. She had graduated from the junior high in Machinise near Nagaoka, which was the same junior high Suzume and Kiki had attended. Like Yukari, she had skipped grades due to her intelligence. She would turn fifteen in January.
Stepping through the magical doorway, Kurumu glanced about her suite with mixed feelings. Her mother had shipped her furniture and most of her belongings to her a couple weeks prior to summer break. Her dingy white dresser and flimsy wooden bed had been bought about a decade ago while the cheap, white desk and chair had been donated by one of mother's admirers back in Kurumu's first year of junior high. She gestured at the desk.
"You can put the butsudan on the desk. I know I can sit on that old thing, so it's sturdy enough for it."
Yukari wheeled the black suitcase over next to the desk, lowering it on its side as she knelt down.
"I'll take your dress out first so you can hang it up."
Kurumu nodded as she drifted over to the side of her bed, setting her luggage down. She had made her bed prior to departure, though she knew these sheets needed washed. Hours before the bus had taken her home for the summer, she had been giving the springs of this old mattress a workout with Tsukune. At least this dark blue blanket with the pink strings along the hem had been spared of their adventure. Her pale blue sheets beneath would betray how naughty she had been. She hoped it did not smell like him or she would have a terrible time sleeping tonight.
"I should do laundry."
"Didn't you do that last night?"
Kurumu smiled as she set her schoolbag and purse beside her luggage before moving it about. As she unzipped the large bag, she absently regarded the footboard which faced the bathroom door. This flimsy thing was identical to the headboard, making them interchangeable. Two square posts were connected by two flat boards, one being in line with the mattress while the other was maybe a half meter higher. Thin dowels connected the two boards. She supposed it was elegant in its simplicity but she had worried about breaking the dumb things when Tsukune had been passionately pounding away at her.
"Shall I pick out some clothes for you to change into?"
Kurumu shrugged as Moka stalked over to her closet door.
"Sure. Bring some hangers while you're at it."
Kurumu unzipped her suitcase, glancing over the contents. She pulled out her two school blouses first, wondering if she should fix that button she popped on that standard blouse. It was not like it was a fitted one which she could wear without the sweater, so it probably was not worth the trouble. She pulled the school skirt out next, setting it on the other side beside her schoolbag.
She glanced at the dresser which had a mirror mounted on it. Up until exam week before summer, she had always thought having a mirror made a dresser into a vanity. Yukari had promptly informed her of her ignorance, explaining that a vanity was a desk with a mirror meant for doing makeup and hair. It usually had small drawers to hold these accessories. She had argued a little over this, since the dresser was not very tall and she could theoretically stand in front of it and do her makeup and hair. Not that she owned any makeup and she only had a brush and ribbon for her hair.
Turning her attention back to her open luggage, she wondered if she should hang up her new bras when they arrived. She had moved anything which did not require hanging from the shelving in her closet to her dresser. These dingy old bras had about as much rigidity as a pair of socks. She put the three bras in a pile with her panties, figuring she would put them in the top drawer with her socks. She set aside her two cotton shorts, the black and pink checkered shorts and the three chemises aside for placement in the middle drawer which was reserved for her soft casual clothes. She probably could hang the chemises but they took up no space in the dresser. She added her white denim jeans to her skirts which would go in the bottom drawer for all her heavier clothes.
"How about this?"
Kurumu glanced at the outfit Moka presented her. She smirked at the orchid, short sleeved blouse. The silky garment was pleated from the collar down to a stitched hem meant to ride beneath the bosom. There was a black zipper which started at that hemline in the back, tightening the garment for a quaint, conservative look.
"Are you wanting me to wear the silly shorts which go with this?"
"Where did you put them?"
"In the middle drawer. Hangers?"
"I need one for this thing."
Yukari stood near the open black suitcase which appeared empty. The witch shook the crimson hoop dress which Kurumu had worn to Kahlua's wedding. The garment had fluffy, pleated short sleeves and had a golden lace, floral pattern stitched along the bottom hem and up the center to the navel.
"I forgot the hangers, but I'll take that."
Moka set the blouse down, promptly walking over to relieve Yukari of the dress. The vampire hurried back to the open closet as Kurumu shook her head, returning her attention to her task.
There was little else in this bag. She fluffed out her black blouse which she had folded within the olive suspender skirt. She could hang this up as a set. Putting that with her school blouses, she took out the last few garments which included the fancy white blouse, two tank tops, her pink halter top and her indigo cheongsam. Everything else in this bag was souvenirs and shoes, some of which were stuffed with her yunomi.
"I need eight hangers."
Moka popped out of the closet with much more than that. The vampire smiled sheepishly as she came up beside Kurumu. She handed one over.
"Sorry. I thought you needed more."
Kurumu shook her head as she promptly slipped her pink halter top on the hanger.
"How much clothes do you think I own?"
"I don't know. As much as I do?"
Kurumu probably did own almost as much as the vampire at this point. She traded the garment for the dozen hangers Moka had, putting all but one aside. She fluffed out the cheongsam, slipping the silky garment into the hanger before handing it over to Moka.
"I'm surprised you didn't bring me the dress."
Moka smiled as she held the garments close.
"It's a halter dress. You should wear it tomorrow."
Kurumu smirked as she fished a hanger into the short sleeves of the fancy blouse.
"You want me to fly in a dress?"
"Kiki did it."
Kurumu handed over the blouse, grabbing another hanger and the black tank top.
"I suppose I can."
Kurumu quickly finished both tank tops, giving both to Moka. Picking up another hanger, she hefted up the black blouse and olive skirt ensemble.
"Shall I fetch your fancy shorts?"
Kurumu smirked. The black shorts which Kokoa had bought with that orchid blouse stretched down to her knees in curve hugging fashion. The interior velvet fabric felt sensual but the exterior of those shorts had a loose, silky layer stitched from hem to hem which ballooned out, denying a sexy appearance.
"Put these away first."
"Okay. I'll be right back."
Moka took off once Kurumu handed over the suspender skirt outfit. She grabbed her school blouses, putting both on hangers and setting them aside. Supposing she might as well start changing now, she unbuttoned her blouse, slipping out of it and putting it on its own hanger before Moka returned.
"Do you need help with that?"
"Please. This dumb thing got heavy the moment it crossed the plane."
Kurumu glanced over as Moka quickly crossed the room to help the struggling Yukari pull the butsudan free from her pocket dimension. She absently unhooked the front clasps of her bra, tugging the thing off and folding it neatly in her hands. Moka grabbed hold of the butsudan still disguised as a jewelry box, easily tugging it free of the empty suitcase.
"Push it into the corner."
Moka nodded, hefting the butsudan up like it weighed nothing. The vampire carried it over to the desk, setting it down and pushing it into the corner as directed. She opened up the panels tugging out both of Kurumu's maid uniforms which had been nestled inside the butsudan to protect mommy's urn. Moka rolled the white vase with crimson roses out of the black fabric, setting it next to the butsudan.
"I may need help with her box. That thing is heavier than the butsudan."
Kurumu smiled as the vampire moved to Yukari's aid. She turned about, putting the bra with the pile of other lingerie. It sucked that she only had four to get her through the week and they had no clue when to expect the new lingerie they had ordered from that store in Kumamoto before Kahlua's wedding. She grabbed the orchid blouse, drawing down the zipper to slip it off the hanger with ease. She tugged the garment over her head, pushing her arms through the short sleeves. Pulling her head through, she tugged the middle hem down below her breasts, letting them naturally fill out the pleated section. She reached behind her, tugging the zipper up to her collar so the garment fit snug about her.
"Got it?"
"I think so."
"Where do you want this?"
Kurumu shrugged as she wiggled out of her school skirt.
"Leave it on the floor by the desk for now."
Bending down, she stepped out of the garment and folded it up before placing it with her skirt and jeans. She thought about the shorts Moka wanted her to wear, letting her hands drift back to the hem of her panties. Deciding it was fine, she rolled these boring white briefs down to her ankles. Stepping free of them, she clutched them in her hand as she grabbed her three school blouses and headed for the closet.
Her closet was where things ended up if she had no better place to put them. Embarrassed with all the stuffed animals mommy had sent her, she had dedicated time for hopping and chucking the childish things up onto the top shelf with hopes Tsukune would never notice them. She imagined several things from that box Moka and Yukari were handling would end up in here among the rest of these trinkets from her youth.
Kurumu chucked her panties into the busted hamper, figuring there was no good reason for her to wear them later. She should have bought a new hamper. Then again, it was not that important. Shaking her head, she hung up the school blouses next to the other two.
She wandered back out into the main room, stopping at her dresser. She tugged open the middle drawer, quickly finding the balloon shorts next to her navy cotton shorts and khaki elastic shorts. She glanced at her khaki micro shorts with the back cut out for her tail, mildly wondering if she would ever wear those tight things again. She had only brought them because she lacked selection when it came to bottoms which could accommodate her tail.
"Unless you need anything else, I'm going to finish unpacking with Rubi."
Kurumu glanced at Yukari whom had picked up the suitcase. Moka was over by the bed, putting the maid uniforms on hangers.
"I think I'm good. I'll be there after I get dressed and straighten a few things out."
Yukari made a dismissive sound before walking out of the room with her suitcase. Kurumu shook out the shorts before she fished one foot into the stretchy fabric. She had to tug on the hem to get her foot out the other side. Putting her foot down, she did the same with the other. With both feet planted, she yanked and tugged the clingy garment up around her rump.
"You should get a small table."
Kurumu laughed as she fixed the fabric about places it grabbed less pleasantly than it should.
"What for?"
"In case you have company over."
"I didn't have Yukari put illusions on that butsudan so I could have company over. I'm fine doing all my socializing in other peoples' homes."
Moka frowned as she pulled one of Kurumu's platform sneakers out of the suitcase. She tugged out the glass with the Niigata markings, setting the shoe aside before tugging the pair of socks out of the glass.
"Where do you want to put these?"
Kurumu felt she had fixed her shorts up as comfortable as they could get. These things felt like an extended pair of boyshorts with the legs ending shy of her knees. At least these baggy things had pockets unlike most of her cotton shorts.
"I suppose we can put those on the counter for now."
Kurumu wandered over, picking up the stack of pajamas and comfort wear. Tucking them up to her chest, she walked back to the open drawer and arranged the clothes as she felt appropriate.
"Could you put my shoes by the front door?"
Moka nodded, tugging the Yamagata yunomi out of the other platform sneaker. By the time Kurumu finished her chore with the middle drawer, Moka was freeing the Miyagi yunomi from one of her booties which required unzipping them. Kurumu grinned as she came over to grab her skirts and jeans to put them away in the bottom drawer.
"I hope I don't have too many shoes now. It would be annoying if I can't open my front door without knocking a bunch of shoes around."
"I only leave the ones I wear the most in the entryway."
"I was kidding, Moka."
Moka shrugged as she grabbed the other bootie which had the Hyogo yunomi. Kurumu liked those furry gray booties with thick black soles. Closing the bottom drawer, she got back up.
"Do you think those booties will go with my halter dress?"
"You should wear leggings or long stockings."
Kurumu nodded, wandering back over to the bed. She glanced at her suitcase which had some more shoes and the Kumamoto yunomi. It must have slipped out of the wedge she had tried to put it in. She snatched it up, tugging out the pair of socks as Moka did the same for the Hyogo yunomi.
"I'll take that. You can hang up those maid uniforms for me."
Moka handed over the yunomi, picking up the uniforms as instructed. Kurumu wandered over to her sink, setting down the two yunomi. As Moka ducked into the closet, Kurumu returned to the bed to fetch the other three yunomi.
"I think Yukari has leggings you could borrow."
"I doubt they would fit."
"Stockings are generic in size, Kurumu. They'll stretch."
Kurumu shrugged as Moka came out of the closet, shutting the door behind her. She headed back to the bed a couple steps ahead of Moka. She unzipped her schoolbag, pulling out the plastic bag with the yunomi Ms. Aimai had given her this morning. Grabbing her platform sneakers, she walked back to the counter and set the last of her yunomi beside the others.
"What shoes should I wear with this?"
"I think the ones you had on before are best."
Kurumu nodded as she wandered over to her entryway. She bent down and placed her sneakers neatly in the corner farthest from the door. On a whim, she stepped down in the genkan and turned back the deadbolt. She swung open the door, gauging how much space she had.
"What's that?"
Kurumu glanced up at Moka's inquiry. A sheet of paper was taped to her door.
For someone heartless, I have left a gift for you in the freezer.
As Kurumu tugged the sheet off the door, her heart tightened.
"Moka? What do you think this means?"
Moka came over, trading booties for the paper. Kurumu absently set the booties on the floor as the vampire read over the letter.
"Your door was locked, right?"
"Yea."
"Maybe it's some sort of prank?"
Kurumu swallowed, glancing at the refrigerator. She wished she could believe that.
"Should we check my freezer?"
Moka regarded the refrigerator. She turned about and started for the magical door.
"Yukari. We might need your help."
Kurumu squeezed her aching breast as they waited in the decorated hall of the third floor above the grand foyer at Yokai Academy. She sat on a wooden bench lined with crimson cushions between Moka and Tora, whom was still dressed in her school uniform. Yukari whom also remained in school attire was sitting on Moka's other side.
Two intricate chandeliers hung over the pedestals displaying relics of the school history down the center of this wide hall. Paintings lined the walls over these crafted benches, creating this impression that they were in some sort of art gallery. On Kurumu's right, an ebony wooden bench was carved into the half wall framing the top of the stairway down to the second floor.
Across the hall near that bench was one of the two doors to the student council room. The next door along that wall also opened into that large conference room. She had no clue what the last door on that wall was for. The only other door in this hallway was at the end of this wall. She sighed, wondering how much longer his meeting would take.
Yukari had defused the freezer situation, holding the small white carton they had found in her lap. The witch had cast a simple charm to keep the contents of that box frozen while they waited for an audience with the Headmaster. Having checked her phone in her pocket, it had already been more than an hour.
Kurumu had wanted to come straight here after the unwanted discovery, but Moka had insisted on meeting up with Tora first. Tora had arrived in the dining hall with Kiki, Michiko and Kana around noon as planned. Moka had happily handed over her souvenirs to the trio, curious over the whereabouts of Suzume and Hatoko. Apparently the two had taken an earlier lunch so that they could get to track practice sooner. Tora had already given them her souvenirs, still retaining her third one for Deshi whom she had yet to encounter. Sharing their intent to visit the Headmaster, Tora had encouraged them to eat first on the basis that the Headmaster was probably unavailable during the lunch hour.
Simply appearing in the dining hall had delayed her ability to address this issue. There were so many students greeting her and all Kurumu could do was smile and massage her pained chest. She had no idea what Kana or Kiki had chatted about, finding it difficult to participate in the conversation. She was lucky she had managed to eat her meal.
They had arrived on campus a few minutes before one. To her surprise, the Headmaster waltzed by them shortly after they knocked on his door. He had been with a tall, regal man with sharp features whom was dressed in a black jacket with golden buttons and hem. Recognizing the uniform as one belonging to an officer of Fairy Tale, Kurumu had not protested much about being told they would have to wait for his meeting to conclude.
About fifteen minutes ago, Ms. Yoshino had stormed by. They had told her about the meeting but the teacher had glared at them, stating her awareness of whom the Headmaster was with before thrusting the door aside. Firmly announcing herself, the auburn haired teacher had strut into his office, slamming the door behind her.
"It's a good thing we had nothing planned for today."
Yukari huffed at Tora's optimism.
"Speak for yourself. We still need to go to Mononoke and shop for groceries. If I had known this would take so long, I would have brought Rubi with us."
Kurumu sighed, glancing at the schoolbag hanging from Moka's shoulder.
"Do we have to go to Mononoke? I'm not in the mood."
"I suppose we can manage with the stock our commissary carries. I thought you had this big plan of buying things from a list that head chef at Moka's place gave you."
Kurumu forced a smile.
"I can do that with Kokoa later. I just want to go home."
"We don't know if that's safe. You are spending the night with me."
"No! She owes me!"
Moka was shocked by Yukari's outburst. The witch shook her head with her jaw clenched.
"All I want is one memory. Something so I won't feel crummy all the time."
"What is wrong, Yukari?"
"You watched it happen. You know what those boys did to me."
An uneasy silence settled over them as Yukari gripped the carton in her lap.
"What are you wanting Kurumu to do?"
"That's between me and Kurumu."
"You shouldn't focus on this, Yukari. That's over."
"No. It's not. The whole exam week, Ms. Unari couldn't even look at me while talking."
Kurumu sighed. She managed a smile, lowering her hand from her breast.
"There's not that many people whom know what happened to you, Yukari. Even if I give you an alternate fantasy of what happened, it won't change how others behave around you. The truth is that you were brutally raped and they planned to kill you. There's no memory I could create which will change that."
"I know that. But I can't push away these bad feelings. What if I never enjoy sex because of this?"
Tora cleared her throat at Yukari pitiful whimper.
"Yes. Well. I think you're too worried about that."
Kurumu smiled softly, nodding in agreement.
"I don't know if I'm in the best shape to do this tonight."
"But it has to be tonight. Who knows what her sister has planned for you?"
Kurumu took in a deep breath, accepting Kokoa's presence could prevent Yukari from having access to her whenever she wanted. Kurumu sighed again.
"Maybe I'll feel better after this meeting and writing a letter to Nerume."
The door off to their left slid open and the tall man with shoulder length hair strolled out. Silver strands intermingled with his scarlet locks.
"I shall take my leave. I do wish you luck in solving your problems before I do."
The haughty tone of his voice grated on Kurumu's nerves. She studied him as he strolled down the hall. Narrow, pistachio eyes glanced them over as he neared. His gaze met Kurumu's and he stiffened.
"One of those."
His eyes promptly swept aside and a grin crossed his thin lips.
"You must be Lord Sendou's genius grandchild. Truly a magnificent man."
"Get away from her."
The firmness of that demand caught Kurumu off guard. Ms. Yoshino stood at the open door with her arms crossed below her ample bosom. An open crimson jacket was worn over a buttoned up, white blouse tucked in tan slacks. Her auburn hair was styled in her usual pompadour with her locks above her ears trimmed short while her tresses in the back had been braided into a tail.
"Must everything be confrontational with you? I was merely greeting the top student, Inari."
"Come inside, girls. The Headmaster will see you now."
Kurumu was first to pick herself up off the bench. She bowed her head slightly to the man, realizing how tall he was before doing so. He was easily as tall as Burumoto whom had tried talking to her at lunch. Not slender, but not stocky. She murmured a parting before stalking away ahead of the others.
Ms. Yoshino stared down the hall as Kurumu neared. The woman kept her gaze firm as Kurumu slipped through the open door into the Headmaster's office. It was unsettling seeing Ms. Yoshino behave so sternly when she normally possessed a playful, mischievous demeanor.
The Headmaster's office was a cavernous room with a high ceiling which allowed for the tall windows overlooking the courtyard with the ancient monster tree. Heavy burgundy curtains were drawn back with golden cords to the sides of these massive sheets of glass framed in black iron.
In the center of the room before this grand view was an extravagant desk carved out of polished wood and stone. A row of black cushioned chairs faced this desk with an opulent, white cushioned chair on the other side. The Headmaster garbed in his hooded white robe sat comfortable with his elbows on his desk and hands clasped as if in prayer. A golden cross dangled from his neck while the rest of his features were hidden in the shadows of his hood.
The door closed as Kurumu took a seat across from the Headmaster. She heard Ms. Yoshino's heels clip across the floor as the teacher returned to the desk while Tora and Moka took seats beside Kurumu.
"So what brings a bunch of healthy, young girls into my company today?"
"This."
Yukari placed the white carton on his desk. The witch drew back a step but remained standing.
"I confess that I've already had lunch."
Kurumu grimaced at the jest.
"That was put inside my freezer while I was away for the summer. I would like to know how."
"I have serious issues to attend to, young ladies. A minor prank of someone leaving food in your freezer is not worthy of my time."
"Open it."
The Headmaster lowered his hands, gesturing at Ms. Yoshino. The woman huffed, stalking over to the desk. The teacher picked up the carton and tugged open the top flaps. She frowned at the contents.
"What is this?"
"We have reason to believe it is Mrs. Kurono's heart."
The teacher handed the carton over to the Headmaster, turning upon Kurumu.
"She seems to be doing well without it."
"Her mother's heart."
The woman paused, looking to the Headmaster. The man was studying the contents of the carton.
"Why do you think this heart belongs to her mother?"
"Mr. Nurari is aware of her passing. I assume you would also be aware of it."
The Headmaster pushed the carton across the desk towards Yukari.
"I am aware of it. That does not mean this is hers."
"When did she die?"
Kurumu favored the teacher a soft smile.
"The night of my birthday."
Ms. Yoshino smiled thinly, glancing aside.
"I was hoping for specifics, Ms. Kurono. I don't know your birthday."
"Oh. Uh… the second. Or early morning on the third. One of those days."
"That's two weeks prior to any of the recent incidents."
The Headmaster nodded, bringing his hands back up with fingers intertwined.
"I agree that you are worried over nothing, young ladies. This is coincidence."
Kurumu shook her head.
"No. On the night of Kahlua's wedding, Fujisaki Miyabi danced with me. He called me heartless and told me I could put my mother's heart inside me if I ever found it."
"The note on Kurumu's door said they had left a gift in the freezer for someone whom was heartless."
"That is not coincidence. These people have a way to get around your barrier."
"Are these girls talking about the vice president of Fairy Tale?"
The Headmaster wagged a placating hand at Ms. Yoshino.
"I assure you that Lord Fujisaki has not set foot in Mononoke. While the region commanders and some prefectural officers have the means to pass through my barriers, they cannot do so undetected. I made you aware of Lord Chiki's presence when he arrived this morning."
Ms. Yoshino grimaced, glancing away.
"Because you enjoy making me uncomfortable."
"I didn't make you come to today's meeting."
Ms. Yoshino glared at him.
"I don't trust Elder Chiki."
"Obviously. You tried so hard to have him removed from your elder council."
"The girls did not come here to discuss the politics of my village. Why do you think Lord Fujisaki would go through the trouble of putting your mother's heart in your freezer?"
Yukari huffed.
"The why is irrelevant. Our concern is how and what you intend to do about it."
"This is a monster world, girls. Anybody can break into a suite, stuff a hunk of flesh in a box and pretend it was important. A pretty girl like Ms. Kurono is bound to have enemies."
"My suite wasn't broken into. The door was locked and the message was taped to my door."
"There are dozens of monster races that can unlock a deadbolt without a key."
Kurumu frowned, recalling Umizake had opened Tsukune's door for her with his palm.
"Do you seriously believe this is all a coincidence?"
"I'm struggling to grasp why you believe Lord Fujisaki is out to get you."
"It is reasonable, Ms. Yoshino. I have spoken with Mrs. Shuzen last week whom mentioned Lord Fujisaki has plans to abduct her daughter, Ms. Akashiya. She also shared that Lady Chuujitsu mistakenly provided a prototype device which could bypass barriers undetected to Yoshii Kiria."
"We are talking about the same Lord Fujisaki, right? The one whom recently aligned himself with Mrs. Shuzen so she could secure her reelection?"
"The same. I'm aware that he is not well known outside of the Hokkaido and Tohoku regions."
Ms. Yoshino nodded thoughtfully.
"If Elder Chiki proves that your barrier system is compromised, he will motion to either have you removed or demand permission to install a Fairy Tale office here."
"Which is why we will make no mention of this. I know you don't want him here either."
"What if Lord Chiki is working for Lord Fujisaki?"
Ms. Yoshino laughed at Yukari's suggestion, shaking her head.
"Our council might respect the strength of vampires, but we have no interest needlessly involving with them. Our Prince Kuyo is presently mediating things between Lord Fujisaki and Elder Kenmei, whom despises vampires. I would be surprised if Elder Chiki has met Lord Fujisaki, considering how much time he spends in Watasora."
"That doesn't mean he can't be working for him."
Ms. Yoshino snorted.
"Nor is there any proof that this thing you have in your possession is your mother's heart. My advice is to wait a couple weeks and see if someone claims ownership of this prank."
Kurumu grimaced, wishing she could dismiss this as a mean spirited prank.
"What do you expect us to do with it?"
"Discard it."
"I can't do that."
"Burn it."
Kurumu glanced at the Headmaster. She nodded dumbly.
"But don't keep the ashes. Scatter them. Say a prayer. I believe you have enough of your mother that even if this is hers, you can part with it."
There was a short pause as Kurumu allowed those directions to sink in. She nodded at Yukari, whom picked up the carton and pushed the top flaps back in place.
"Mother mentioned a situation might develop that she wanted my sister to stay away from. Is this why Lord Chiki has come to Mononoke?"
The Headmaster chuckled darkly.
"I have been at odds with Lord Chiki for the past century, mostly because we had different ideals when we opened our respective schools. When the prefectural status was instituted in the late sixties, Yokai claimed the honor while Mimori diminished into obscurity."
"That's my alma mater you're speaking of."
The Headmaster chuckled at Ms. Yoshino's indignation.
"In the late seventies, Lord Chiki was forced to resign due to allegations made by Ms. Yoshino."
"That was Odori's doing. I only confirmed what she said was true."
The Headmaster nodded at the mention of the teacher whom was rumored to be Ms. Yoshino's lover.
"But in the end it changed nothing. Lord Chiki's granddaughter persuaded President Kamiken to give him the role of prefectural officer of Niigata which was unfortunately vacant at that time. Since then he has done everything short of blatant sabotage to ruin my school. It was his suggestion which brought Lord Kuyo into Mononoke as our Head of Security."
"I'm sure we are all fascinated with the history lesson but my Moka asked why is Lord Chiki here?"
The Headmaster sat back in his chair.
"On the sixteenth, a trio of men robbed the Mononoke bank in the middle of the night. They killed the guards on watch and emptied all the loose assets. Every resident whom relied on that bank are now broke. The town committee has been on my case all week, demanding I do something to alleviate the financial burden."
"The PSC has stepped in but there was only so much I could do with only Mr. Sabaku on campus when it happened. I'm relieved to see Ms. Nazohashi is here, since that means I can count on Mr. Kitajima and Mr. Koike to lend their aid to the investigation."
"What about Tokori? Ms. Meirowasa?"
Ms. Yoshino nodded with sudden understanding.
"Oh. The local girl. Yes. She has been busy organizing a safety walk with Ms. Unari and Mr. Umizake."
"Safety walk?"
Ms. Yoshino glanced at the Headmaster.
"We had two girls go missing earlier this week. On our weekly meeting, Ms. Meirowasa suggested creating a safe walk to and from Mononoke."
"They're dead."
Kurumu shivered at the Headmaster's flat declaration.
"This isn't wise, Mr. Mikogami."
"These young ladies are members of our useful Newspaper Club, Ms. Yoshino. I need both your clubs working together to sort out this mess before Lord Chiki does."
"We can't have the Newspaper Club report on a pair of girls killed on the first week of school. Ignoring the panic that might cause, Elder Chiki would have more ammunition to take over this town."
"I didn't realize you had such strong feelings against Fairy Tale."
Ms. Yoshino huffed at Kurumu.
"I object to Elder Chiki, not Elder Kenmei. If those two were on the same page, Mikogami would have been shut down decades ago."
"Akira and I have our disagreements, but he respects my seniority and status."
"I'm sorry, but I don't understand what you want from us."
The Headmaster chuckled at Tora's frown.
"I would like your paper to release a generic reminder of safety and make them aware of this walk your friends are organizing. From what I understood, your club was looking to release a paper right at the start of the term. A short article about being cautious would be nice."
"We will also be giving a similar word of caution at the assembly on Tuesday."
The Headmaster sighed dramatically.
"Busy, busy, busy. The work of running this school never stops."
"Maybe you could request Mother to open a small office here of agents whom you trust."
"I haven't grown so old to beg for help."
Yukari snorted.
"No. You demand student based clubs to handle your affairs."
Ms. Yoshino giggled, drawing a hand up to her mouth.
"You should have seen how he handled our Prince. Prince Kuyo wished to create a security force but none were willing to work for free and Mr. Mikogami refused to budget for it. He was so frustrated being forced to recruit students to aid his efforts."
"It all would have been for nothing if Akira had given Lord Kuyo more money."
"Elder Kenmei is a shrewd man."
The Headmaster nodded, letting out another deep breath.
"Small steps for now. I have to plan for the assembly. We have four new teachers to introduce, one being Ms. Shuzen Kuzu, whom I understand is here to keep an eye on Ms. Akashiya for the Shuzen family. After that, I will need to discuss with Mr. Yokoyama how we go about settling our debts with Mr. Tensai in a less suspicious manner."
Ms. Yoshino sighed, regarding the girls with frustration.
"That's the actual reason why Elder Chiki is here. This meeting today was a poorly disguised accusation of Mr. Mikogami robbing the bank so he could pay his debts and look like a hero."
"I suppose it is difficult to explain how I suddenly have the funds to cover the entirety of old debts I have ignored for over a decade."
"Why haven't you been paying your debts?"
"Lord Kuyo. He got his nose in our finances so I had Mr. Yokoyama figure out a way to siphon off excess funds into a separate, secret Niigata account without that clever fox noticing. Sadly Mr. Yokoyama covered our tracks so well that it is hard to prove those funds genuinely belonged to the school."
Kurumu nodded, supposing that made sense in a convoluted way.
"Does this mean Mr. Tensai will start building a local school?"
The Headmaster chuckled heartily.
"I think Mr. Tensai is more worried over being labeled as an accomplice to my evil scheme. Though speaking of debts, Mrs. Shuzen paid the entirety of your tuition for the year."
"Huh? Okay… What about Moka?"
"This young lady's tuition was paid at the start of the year."
"Excuse me, but do you want us to investigate the bank robbery or the murders?"
Ms. Yoshino sighed at Tora's inquiry.
"There isn't much that can be said about the bank robbery. Lady Hineri plans to enlist the services of the Newspaper Club at some point to release pictures of the three men which was captured on security footage. We had Ms. Tensai Tobi draw up profiles for the culprits, but she swears she has not seen any of them before. Elder Chiki is running with the theory that Mr. Mikogami hired three thugs and brought them in to rob the bank for him."
"It's a tough situation. Either I orchestrated a crime or three unknown men somehow slipped through my barrier without my knowledge. Many students sent word to their parents about Yoshii Kiria getting around my barrier which prompted several calls to the Fairy Tale office about the safety of my school. As some students stick around all summer, rumors have trickled to Lord Chiki that this bank robbery also betrays a lack of security."
"Do you think these bank robbers had anything to do with the murdered girls?"
"That would be convenient but not guaranteed. The two girls were last seen leaving practice on Tuesday night. That's a whole week after the bank robbery and a day after tensions with the town were notably high. Our culprit could be a local whom took out their frustrations with the school on those poor girls."
"A pity. Both were lovely Undine girls. Having such high regenerative abilities, their killer must have tortured them for hours before the poor girls died from exhaustion. The PSC found their naked bodies dumped on the trail to Mononoke earlier today."
Kurumu shivered, glancing at Moka and Tora.
"Whom were the two girls?"
"Niwakame Kora and Mizumi Aoi."
Kurumu felt her heart twist. She knew Mizumi Aoi. She was a nice girl whom was friends with Taniguchi.
"I don't understand. Mizumi is with the tennis team but I've never heard of Niwakame before."
"Ms. Niwakame is a senior from Umiman. From what I understand, Ms. Mizumi wanted to buy some CDs from Mononoke and tried to get Ms. Mizudake to tag along on Monday after practice. Ms. Mizudake refused, forcing Ms. Mizumi to recruit Ms. Niwakame to accompany her the next day. Ms. Mizudake noticed Ms. Mizumi's absence from Wednesday practice and confirmed she was not in the first year dorms. When she was unable to find Ms. Niwakame, she reported the matter to me."
Ms. Yoshino paused.
"Thankfully Mr. Sabaku handled the matter as discreetly as possible this morning. He confirmed with Ms. Yaisoku that one of the bodies was Ms. Mizumi. The only others aware of this tragedy are Mr. Utsubari and Ms. Hineri. I am hopeful that everyone keeps quiet about the particulars of this until we have things sorted out."
"I think it would be irresponsible not to warn the students that a killer is on the loose."
Ms. Yoshino shook her head vehemently.
"That's a horrible idea with Elder Chiki involved. If you want this school to stay open, you'll keep the students safe with blanket caution. I want you to work closely with Mr. Sabaku. He spent the whole summer here so he understands the situation better than most."
Kurumu grimaced at the thought of being involved with that two faced jerk.
"He's all yours, Tora."
"I guess. When we return to the dorms, I'll see what Ms. Unari and Ms. Deshi know about this."
"To my knowledge, Ms. Deshi has not returned to school yet. As for Ms. Unari, I understand that she has been spending her nights with Ms. Meirowasa since her return to school."
"I guess it can wait then. I'll put together a generic safety article tomorrow for you."
"If that is all you girls have to say, then I think it is time for you to leave this old man with his problems. I'm sure you all have much more exciting things to do after a fulfilling summer."
Kurumu favored the Headmaster a sour look as she got to her feet.
"Yes. What a wonderful summer I had. I lost my mother and probably my boyfriend. Can't top that."
While Ms. Yoshino politely looked away, the Headmaster laughed mirthlessly.
"It may sound rough, but it's for the best. You've grown stronger in the face of adversity."
"I don't feel stronger."
The Headmaster sat back in his chair, his expressions hidden in the shadows of his hood.
"I disagree. I'm looking at a young woman whom participated in the overthrow of a maniacal region commander and his private army bent on turning the Fairy Tale of Okinawa into a criminal organization."
Kurumu snorted.
"I didn't do shit all summer."
"You might need to watch your back, Ms. Akashiya. It's only a matter of time before news about Okinawa becomes common knowledge."
"Why me? I didn't do anything."
"She even got herself kidnapped for a couple hours."
"In truth, it was Ms. Sendou whom did most of the fighting while Ms. Toujou and Ms. Otonashi provided support. The boys are the ones whom took down the private army you speak of."
The Headmaster chuckled, shaking his head.
"That's not how stories work, young ladies. In all great battles, it is the person of most importance credited the victory. The daughter of Mrs. Shuzen is bound to get recognition for this deed."
Ms. Yoshino giggled.
"Or the credit shall go to Mr. Aono. I've noticed both boys and girls seem to prefer male heroes."
"Why would it go to Tsukune? There were four other guys with us."
The Headmaster chuckled, waving a hand dismissively.
"She means when the story gets here. Anywhere else, those boys and Mr. Aono are far too obscure to be acknowledged. I think the rumors of Ms. Akashiya and Mr. Aono are entrenched enough to solidify his position as the warrior defending his princess from the evil syndicate trying to overthrow humanity."
Kurumu grimaced, sadly realizing their logic was reasonable. She shook her head and turned about, stalking off for the door.
"You know. I don't even care."
"Good luck, girls. I hope you save our school once more."
She really hated that guy.
I am so sorry!
I love you! I love you! I really do!
I actually forgot! I didn't get your letter until like yesterday and it did not cross my mind to write you at all. I am so sorry. Damn! There's so much going on.
So I'm guessing you must be in Okinawa now. I wonder what that is like. Sure, I've seen the ocean. That is the ocean by Yokai, right? I think it is. I'll feel stupid if it's not. Then yea. I haven't seen the ocean. But Lake Tazawa is fucking huge so… yea. It doesn't count.
You'd think being so busy I'd have stuff to write. But it's been so dull. I spend like three hours every other day at the hospital for physical therapy. The doctors here have the same thoughts as the doctors in Mononoke. I'm broken with no reason to believe I'll ever get fixed. Still I want my legs to look sexy even if I can't use the damn things.
Papa bought an ugly passenger bike so it wouldn't take us so long to get to the hospital or the school. I have to wear a dorky helmet which makes me think people think I'm retarded. I whined about looking like an idiot and Satsuki told me to work on my grades. Something about if I have to be an idiot, may as well try to become a savant. I don't get it.
Oh! I had my period!
Like holy fuck, I can still have babies!
I swear I thought I was dying last Monday and freaked when I saw the blood. Then Satsuki reminded me I was a moron and that my cramps were no different than before. Our family physician checked it out last Thursday and he is 100% positive I can pop a baby out of my crotch. It's weird that I have cramps and can feel the need to pee, but I can't make myself pee. Maybe I need someone to fuck me real hard and it will knock my nerves back in place.
So yay!
We can both have babies! I want you to hold mine and I can hold yours.
And guess whom I bumped into at the family physician that day?!
Ameuma. She's having a baby with Kagayaki. Isn't that cool? Two people I care so much about are going to bring another life into this world. That's so awesome. Ameuma found out she was pregnant the week before term exams and was already two months along. They didn't waste much time.
I guess I was in the way.
I cried that night. I didn't want to, but I did. Kagayaki was this cool, brotherly guy. He loved my sister lots and lots. So when sis got knocked up with that older guy, Kagayaki was crushed.
I always loved him for loving my sister. I don't know why. Maybe I wished he could love me the same way. We are both silly airheads. Sure, she's sexier and curvier and taller. But it's what's inside that counts. That's what I told myself.
I didn't expect him to dive into my arms when sis found the other guy. I knew he needed time. I guess I thought he would naturally become mine. I never thought Ameuma would take interest in him or ask him out. She knew how I felt towards him.
But she's right. It would never work. I knew that when I helped you with those soccer boys. You can't date a brother. You can't date a sister. If things don't work out with one, you can't switch to the other.
Anyways, I'm glad that they are having a baby. They're estimating her delivery date to be about the second week of February, but Kirin have such unreliable pregnancy terms. We can carry anywhere from eight to eleven months. She hopes she can give birth around the time of his graduation. I did tell you Kagayaki was two years older than me, right?
Probably not. I think I avoided talking about him. Satsuki's right. I was running away.
I do wish Ameuma hangs out with me at school. I won't mind seeing her pregnant. I get it. I can't have him. But that didn't mean I wanted to lose them both. It shouldn't have ever meant that.
It was hard last year when they were dating. She would avoid me. Not like, dive out the window to avoid making contact avoidance. But she would never hang out with me. If I asked her to go shopping or if I could come over to her place, she would say she was busy. I know she was with him, but I wanted to be there too. I didn't care.
It feels ironic but Ameuma did the same thing my Sis did. They both got pregnant at fifteen.
I hope she will be my friend again. It's too annoying to see someone you care about pretend like they are a complete stranger. If she feels that guilty about dating Kagayaki, she can introduce me to someone. I can deal with my injury. I don't want to deal with being isolated again.
My sister has dropped by the last two weekends with her gorgeous niece. She is adorable. I can't believe she is already two years old. The munchkin tries so hard to outrun me but I'm a pro with these crutches. Sis keeps talking about having another baby but my Bro in Law wants to move up the corporate ladder some before expanding the family.
Chisa stayed the whole summer with me. Her parents stopped by that next weekend. We're a full house to begin with so having Chisa's folks, my sister and Satsuki… it was madness. I loved it.
Chisa went back to school yesterday with Satsuki. I know Chisa was supposed to be back on Monday for practice, but they did leave right after breakfast so it was probably okay. It was nice having her with me this weekend. I know Satsuki can't handle things if they get too emotional. Chisa is the sort whom will cry with you. Satsuki has always been the girl whom pulls away to cry in the safety of her own room.
Satsuki had one dinner with her father the entire summer. That was it. She never went home to see her mother or brother. I suppose I can't blame her.
I probably shouldn't, but I don't think I can help her. I don't think she'll ever ask for help. I know she'll be mad at me for blabbing, but there are some things that can't be fixed. Like my legs. Or her family.
The rumor in school floating around two years ago was about Satsuki having sex with her older brother. I think you know that he's dumb. Like clinically dumb. Anyways, I guess he was talking to other boys in high school and bragged about banging his sister. It was one of those things nobody could confirm, but talk like that doesn't need to be true to ruin you. And he's too dumb to realize he shouldn't say it.
I had never wanted to believe it was true. Because the rumors were so horrible. Everybody knew her brother was an idiot. I dismissed it as him bragging to fit in with other boys. Some took it at face value, deciding Satsuki was a whore taking advantage of her dumb brother.
But it's true. And her mother hates her. Says it's her fault for seducing him. For not fighting him off. He's dumb after all. He doesn't understand what he did. She spent her last two years of junior high sleeping with her father because that was the only thing that deterred her brother from coming after her in the middle of the night.
There's nothing I can do for her. By the time she admitted the truth to me, I was in a damn hospital and my parents were dead set on taking me home. I couldn't stay behind for her. And I know she'll just push it away if I try writing to her about it. I can't reach people the way you do, Kurumu. I couldn't make a difference with Mizore. I can't do anything.
I want you to take care of my friends for this new term. Both Satsuki and Chisa struggle in their own ways. I think that's all I can ask.
Damn. Crying while writing a letter. That's super pathetic.
Anyways. I did meet my new homeroom teacher yesterday. Papa took me to school and introduced me to the Headmaster and administration. They all seem very nice. I hope it will be a good year.
I can't think of anything else to say. I kind of got lost in all this stuff you wrote about in your letter. I can't decide if you were happy or sad when you wrote it. Maybe I'm just dumb.
It sounds like things will work out with Tsukune and your happy about being a ward of Ms. Shuzen's family now? I think that's right? What is a ward anyways? Is that like a servant? I thought you were a maid or something already. Was it not official or something?
It sounds like your body is back in baby making business with Tsukune and the rich Shuzen family is paying your maternity bills. That seems good. You also met several women like you. And you're collecting yunomi. Did you want a yunomi for Akita? I think Papa can find one for you.
Why do you have a yunomi for Hyogo? And where is Hyogo?
I doubt you want me to talk about Star Wars since you barely mentioned it in your letter. It's good though that you watched it with your mother. I think you should keep in touch with your mother even if you are being taken care of by Ms. Shuzen's family now. I know becoming independent is a nice thing, but family is important too. There is nothing wrong with depending on your family.
Damn it sounds like you did so much in your letter. And you got so many cool things. I'll probably never own a laptop or phone. I'm terrified of hearing how much all this hospital stuff will cost them. There's no way I could ever dare ask for more.
Ms. Shuzen's family sounds pretty messed up. I can't imagine having a father and multiple mothers. I guess being wealthy is worth that drama, but I'm glad I'm not dealing with it. I'm curious if this means Tsukune can have multiple wives if he becomes a strong vampire. Are you cool with that? I can't imagine sharing my heart with a guy sleeping around.
I do have a yukata and I can wear it with my arm crutches. We went out for the local obon festival. We even took pictures but I don't have any to send you. I have to go get the film developed so maybe I can send some your way with the next letter. I also have pictures of my family.
I hope you have fun in Okinawa and Ms. Shuzen has fun in Hawaii. I wish I could go on a vacation.
Music. Well… I can only recommend the artists I listen to. Hime is amazing and I really like M-Flo even if they have broken up with Lisa. Bennie K is okay and Miss Monday is definitely worth listening too. I think Mr. Aono is a fan of Dragon Ash, whom are also good. Rip Slyme is fun to bop to.
I miss dancing.
Love you, love you, love you.
I don't have anything else to say but I love you.
Save some kisses for me.
August 27th
How can you manage to write so much?
Thank you.
Thank you for this lovely gift waiting for me upon my return.
I know this sounds weird, but coming back from summer was like I was coming home. The cabin my mother had was so foreign a place to me and the Shuzen Estate was no different. They are places I have no investment in. I would feel more comfortable going back to my junior high than either of those places, and I hated my time at Kengamine.
I think I was distracted when I wrote my last letter. I was trying to report what happened and I guess that comes out as neutral? I have no idea without seeing the letter. But I won't pretend like I was super happy or super sad when I wrote that. More like I was reeling from all the changes, so maybe the word I'm looking for is detached?
Some clarity is that I am officially a member of the Shuzen Estate. But members of the Estate can be servants. Like half the damn family seem to be servants. Moka and her sisters are exceptions. That has a lot to do with Mrs. Shuzen shielding her girls from vampire traditions.
My tuition for the year has already been paid. I don't know if that means I have money or not. I haven't checked my balance on my school card. It would be crazy if I suddenly have an allowance. Like the only thing I can think of buying are clothes and music. And I don't know if I need any more clothes.
It was nice meeting other succubi. A little depressing knowing I can't contact any of them while at Yokai, but we shall see how things go with our next school break. Maybe I can arrange a stayover with Ms. Kiyoshi or her sister Ms. Mawari. Or Ms. Sakurai, though that might get crazy since she has three daughters and I didn't get the impression they had a large home.
Don't fret over a yunomi for Akita. I'm trying to collect only the ones from the prefectures I have been to. When I visit you in Kaigan, then I can buy myself one.
Then again, they can be hard to find. So maybe you should buy one and hold onto it until I can visit you.
I did pick a yunomi up for Okinawa and I got a full sized one for Kumamoto. As for your question about Hyogo, that's the prefecture with the Osaka International Airport. I know that sounds weird that the Osaka Airport is not in the Osaka prefecture, but that's how it is. When we flew from Sendai to Kumamoto, we had to switch planes in Hyogo. That's why I got a yunomi for there.
I didn't get a yunomi for Kagoshima, which is where the funeral for that girl was. I should also try and get a yunomi for Tottori and Kofu. I think that would cover all the prefectures I've been to.
Wait. Kofu is a city. I'll have to ask Yukari which prefecture Kofu is in.
I completely forgot about downloading my photos from my phone. I need to do that. I might have that done before I mail this off. It is Saturday night after all, so there's no need for me to shove this letter into the mailbox when it won't get picked up until Friday morning. Hopefully I can have some pretty pictures of my summer for you by then.
If nothing else, I will send you a copy of our paper. We'll be putting the finishing touches on it tomorrow and releasing it this week. I don't want you to feel like we've forgotten about you.
It's been less than two weeks since my last letter. It doesn't feel like we did that much. That first week I focused on finishing my articles and doing my homework. I didn't want to have anything school related to do when we left for our Okinawa trip.
As for the Okinawa trip, I can only say that it was a letdown. We stayed at this inn where the former newspaper club president was living. The inn was on hard times so we ended up working the restaurant two of the days we were there. I only went swimming once.
On the last day we went sightseeing before shooting fireworks on the beach and eating watermelon. I bought souvenirs for Juri, Satsuki and Tokori. I didn't think about Chisa. I'm sorry. She's always been distant from our group.
Otonashi San is the former president. She's adorable, just like you. She can't talk so she writes messages on a sketchbook to communicate. She was part of the Happily Ever After program, which is something Fairy Tale provides for working college students whom graduate in the ninety percentile. Maybe if you focus real hard on your academics, you can get into this program. I'm sure that would make your family happy, since I think they pay for college as long as you work at the new home they find for you. I could totally see you working the front desk of an inn, greeting guests and checking them in.
I'm sorry that things didn't work out for you and that boy. I'm sorry that girl doesn't try to be your friend. I hope you have better friends when you start school. You deserve better friends.
I imagine I'm going to have a busy day tomorrow. While I could have chatted with a bunch of friends today, I was out of it. I'll see many of them tomorrow. Like our classmates Suzume and Hatoko. Our clubmates Kiki and Kana. It will be a lot of fun.
I know I'll see Satsuki on Monday. I have no idea when I'll see Chisa. I don't know how I can help Chisa with how seldom our paths cross, but I can try to be there for Satsuki. That's all I can do. I know you gave me this heavy past of hers, but I can't bring it up.
I suppose I can touch her. And then I can tell her that I know what happened because I touched her. I found out way too much about Tora when I touched her. More than I think she would ever tell anyone. Stuff that I don't think anyone should ever know.
So… I can pretend I found out through that instead of your letter. I can also find out exactly how bad it was, if you want. I hope it's not as bad as Yukari's. Satsuki took that really hard.
People need their secrets, Nerume. I know that sounds painful, but I don't feel like I've made anyone happy by learning their secrets. I've never been happy learning how bad things were for others.
Would you be happy to know a boy at school paralyzed me with gas so he could lick my pussy?
See. It doesn't help me. It doesn't help you. It only spreads misery. I don't want that.
That's why Satsuki holds tightly to her secrets. That's why Tora never said a word.
The only thing worth spreading is happiness.
I want you happy, Nerume. That's more important than me trying to make you into another shoulder to cry on. I'm not going to tell you about all of the bad things that have happened to me.
Don't worry. I have shoulders to cry on. That's also important. You need someone. One of the women I met this summer told me a simple truth. Never cry alone. So I'll try to get Satsuki's head out of her ass. If I can't be her shoulder, I'll make her find someone else. That's what I'll do for her.
Now one of my shoulders to cry on is pestering me to give her a sexy dream with Tsukune. And no, it's not Mizore. I have no idea why Yukari is hung up on Tsukune. Her interest in him has always been weird. Like it's not love, but more curiosity. Anyways, I suppose I can give the brat what she wants. It's not like a dream counts as anything. We're not even going to drag him into it. He's still in the human world with his parents and won't be back till afternoon tomorrow.
I don't have anything else to say. I'll wait for your response before sending you another letter unless something crazy happens and I absolutely must write you that minute.
I love you.
Take care.
