"Hey."
Kurumu glanced over her shoulder at the sound of Tora's voice. The sphinx had her hair up in her usual braid and wore the sleeveless PSC jacket and black slacks. Her jade eyes met Kurumu's and she offered a slight smile as she drifted over to Tsukune whom stood on the other side of the table they had set up behind the serving line registers. Yukari hovered beside Tsukune, tidying up the remaining papers in neat stacks upon the table. With Moka's encouragement, the witch was wearing the school's jacket and had even tied the red bow about her collar.
"They'll be starting at the sound of the bell. You should head on in."
"What about the papers?"
"I'll watch over this table."
Kurumu frowned, glancing over to the other door. Ginei had set up a second table and was standing behind it with Kiki. Moka and Kana were in front and had been handing out papers to the older students favoring that entrance. Ginei was chatting with Ms. Yoshino whom was dressed in a white jacket over a crimson blouse tucked in tan slacks. The teacher gestured for the girls to enter the auditorium.
"Will you be fine by yourself?"
"I think most students are already inside."
Mizore placed the half dozen papers in her arms upon the table. The snow girl was wearing a proper school uniform with the green jacket and white blouse. She had not bothered with the bow and had left the top buttons unfastened, displaying the golden locket about her neck. Mizore silently wandered around the table to join Tsukune whom regarded Tora with concern.
"Are you sure?"
"I've been directing traffic all morning. Handing out a few papers to stragglers won't be a problem."
Kurumu had last seen the sphinx near the front entrance with Deshi and Kousuke. The trio had been reminding students to report to the auditorium for the morning assembly. Other PSC members had been stationed in the hallways, passing on the message to any whom might have not used the front entrance.
"Good luck."
Setting down her leftover papers on top of Mizore's stack, Kurumu nodded at Yukari and started for the door. She held out her hand as Yukari hurried to her side, but the witch ignored the offering, slipping into the auditorium ahead of her.
The murmurs of hundreds of conversations permeated the large gym. The students had lined up in the same manner as they had for the last two assemblies. There were three notable columns representing the different years. The students were grouped according to homerooms, with class one being closest to the stage. Many classes had two rows of students with the girls standing in front of the boys.
Kurumu walked along the narrow aisle alongside the exterior wall. Being short, she was unable to see much beyond the few students nearest the aisle. She heard the bell sound over the cacophony.
"Settle down, everyone. I would like to make this quick."
The Headmaster's voice carried from the stage. Kurumu glanced at the students as she passed, noting a girl with honey locks styled in an updo similar to hers. This girl was standing beside a tiny girl with inky black hair tied back in twin tails. That small girl was Katahara's little sister whom had been added to the popularity contest when Sawayaka had withdrew. Kurumu guessed this other girl was the Naratoki she had heard so much about from Meisai and Shinayaka.
"I want to thank you all for returning to school for your second term. I am well aware of the concerns so many of your parents expressed about the safety and security of our school over the summer. I am also aware that some of you may have lost extended family to a mysterious and unprecedented attack upon Fairy Tale, ending the lives of nearly a thousand agents across the nation. To you I express my sincerest condolences, and assure you that our faculty will strive to provide you with all the support you require in these troublesome times."
Kurumu offered an unnoticed wave to Hatoko and Suzume whom stood by the aisle for class three. With a sheepish grin, she followed Yukari around Tandoku and Yakihara to slip in with the girls of class two.
"Two months ago we lost three tenured teachers to an unfortunate disagreement over my policies. I want to thank Ms. Idatsu, Mr. Yokoyama and Ms. Hitori for their flexibility to cover for these unexpected vacancies in our staff. I would like everyone to recognize their efforts with a quick round of applause."
Even with only one class ahead of her, Kurumu had to shift closer to Endo to see the stage between the young men of class one. The Headmaster stood behind a podium in the center of the stage and had turned slightly to regard the other teachers as he clapped for them.
Kurumu doubted she would ever like the Headmaster, thinking for the first time that his hooded figure had much in common with the Emperor Palpatine, the villain of Star Wars. While she cared little for Mr. Saitou whom had died trying to kill the Headmaster when his connection to Yoshii had been exposed, she empathized with Mr. Sawayaka's reasons to oppose the Headmaster. She felt horrible about how Sawayaka watched her father die on stage, protecting the Headmaster from Mr. Saitou's attack.
When the applause died down, the Headmaster turned to regard the assembly.
"I would also like to thank Ms. Sano, Mr. Hirata, Mrs. Itou and Ms. Uchikawa for their willingness to cover for the unfortunate resignations of other teachers during the first term. I wish I could say that we have found replacements to fill all of these vacancies, but I could only achieve so much."
The Headmaster gestured to the teachers.
"The most pressing need was to fill our vacant homeroom positions. So without further delay, I would like to introduce Mr. Kazeken Hi, whom shall be taking over class nine for the second years."
Kurumu recalled that was Mr. Fukushima's homeroom, former coach of the rugby team. The angry man had resigned his position upon hearing that the Newspaper Club would be pardoned of all their crimes.
A slender, tall man with silvery whiskers beneath his pert nose stepped out from the throng of teachers and approached the podium. His black hair was trimmed short, baring his pointed ears. The man had a black tie nestled in the collar of his long sleeved, navy shirt which was tucked in black slacks with a rich brown belt about his waist. The Headmaster stepped aside, allowing the new teacher to step up and adjust the microphone before facing the students.
"Thank you, Headmaster. It is good to be back at Yokai Academy."
The man took in a deep breath and smiled.
"It has been more than twenty years since I graduated in 77 with my twin brother. I have always been appreciative of Yokai Academy. There were not many prefectural schools back then which would take in anyone not regarded as a pureblood, let alone students whom were out of prefecture."
Mr. Kazeken paused.
"I am from Zakimiya, a village about half the size as Mononoke in the Miyagi prefecture. The nearest high school is Shigonuma Tech in Shonuma. While Shigonuma Tech did have their doors open to anyone, the school was much smaller back then and was already overwhelmed with the surplus of students turned away by Gaiketsu Institute. When my mother realized getting into Shigonuma wasn't guaranteed, she applied to other prefectural schools like Houjin High in Yamagata, Shoudo Academy in Akita and Yokai Academy, hoping one would take us in."
Mr. Kazeken grinned.
"As fortune would have it, Yokai Academy had recently expanded and was looking to fill their classrooms with anyone whom could afford it. Our time at Yokai was enjoyable and we made friends whom we still are in contact with to this day."
Mr. Kazeken turned and gestured to the other teachers.
"I was delighted to see both Mr. Tenkawa and Mr. Shini, my fellow graduates, among your faculty. Like these fine gentlemen, my brother and I pursued teaching degrees, hoping to alleviate our struggling education system, which still is years behind the humans."
Mr. Kazeken returned his attention upon the assembly.
"As much as I had wanted to remain at my brother's side, teachers are needed all across our nation. While he accepted a local position in Zakimiya to remain close to family, I took a job at Shizukana junior high with Mr. Yokoyama, another good friend whom I graduated with. He is the man responsible for making me aware of Yokai's present situation and for convincing me to force Headmaster Mendou to find a replacement for me at Shizukana."
Mr. Kazeken chuckled, glancing down at the podium.
"I considered coming here with Mr. Yokoyama in 85. But since he had helped me get that job in his hometown, I felt it would be too ungrateful to throw that away. Then there was Yokai's expansion in 94."
Mr. Kazeken nodded, looking at the assembly.
"My brother's wife passed away two winters ago. He resigned the following spring and has been doing nothing with himself for more than a year. It was so difficult on him that our parents had to take in his twin daughters. With our parents pestering me to do something for him and hearing about this new job opportunity, I made the same stipulation I had made back in 94. If my brother was willing to come back to Yokai, so would I."
Grinning, Mr. Kazeken turned and gestured at the teachers.
"So as I was given permission to, I would like to introduce my brother, Tsuki. He will be taking over class six for the first years."
Mr. Kazeken backed away from the podium, clapping his hands. Some of the teachers followed suit as a man about the same height stepped out of the group of teachers. He had the same silvery whiskers and pert nose, but he was much stockier than his twin. Many students were clapping as the man arrived at the podium. The husky gentlemen had on a gray jacket over a white shirt tucked in matching gray slacks. A black and gray striped tie dangled from his collar as he wagged his hand at the crowd.
"Thank you. I know the Headmaster wants this brief, so I won't say nearly as much as my brother."
A few chuckles answered his remark. The brother took in a deep breath.
"I won't make any excuses about my behavior. Many people lose loved ones and it took months for me to accept that. I am thankful for the patience our parents have shown me and hope that my daughters can forgive me for abandoning them during those tough times. I can only hope that when they graduate this year, they will follow the suggestion I have given so many other youths of our community."
He paused, slouching his shoulders.
"Consider Yokai Academy. I have nothing more to say. Thank you for having me and I look forward to serving as your teacher."
The man stepped aside and bowed to the assembly. Straightening up, he turned about and headed back to the teachers. His brother waved before returning to the ranks.
"Thank you for your brevity, Mr. Ashibue."
The Headmaster readjusted the microphone.
"I realize there might be some confusion but Mr. Kazeken's brother adopted his late wife's surname. And as we are on the topic of family, I shall introduce our next teacher. Taking over class one for our first years is Ms. Shuzen Kuzu."
A woman with high cheekbones and a sharp nose slipped out from behind the portly Mr. Umatobi. Her black flats clipped loudly on the stage as she quickly approached the podium. Her shapely hips moved like liquid beneath that clingy white skirt which stretched tightly down to her calves. A short sleeved, pink blouse with a frilly collar smoothed over her upper torso, betraying her modest bosom.
Ms. Shuzen paused at the podium, her eyes sweeping across the assembly. Her ebony hair was pulled back in a high ponytail, making a pale line about her scalp. Everything below this line had been shaved short, drawing attention to her pale, pointed ears which had black earrings shaped like bats hanging from the bottom lobes. A pair of crimson and amethyst studs pierced the top of each ear.
"Thank you. I… I always wanted… thank you."
The woman clutched her breast with a soft smile. The Headmaster chuckled stepping in.
"You can say more if you like."
Ms. Shuzen laughed nervously, nodding.
"Sorry. It's just… sorry. I should introduce myself."
"You have been introduced."
The woman smiled, glancing aside.
"Yes. Yes, of course."
The Headmaster gestured to the assembly, prompting the woman to nod again.
"Um… I'm from the noble Shuzen family. I think everyone knows what that means."
Ms. Shuzen paused to absently touch her cheek.
"I trained to be the family tutor. As such I am more than capable of teaching any subject."
She smiled, lowering her hand back to her bosom.
"The family wished for me to attend to Lady Kokoa and Lady Moka in particular, but I understand that the Headmaster won't have teachers switch homerooms for my sake."
Ms. Shuzen laughed nervously, bringing her hand up to fidget with her earring.
"I… I'm also single. My brother promised I could marry anyone whom could beat me into submission."
As the boys in the crowd started laughing and cheering, the Headmaster stepped closer to the podium and gestured to the teachers. His mirth was apparent in his voice.
"Thank you, Ms. Shuzen. Though we can't have you encouraging violence."
"But it's tradition."
"Please. We do have one more teacher to introduce."
Ms. Shuzen frowned. With a nod, she retreated back to the other teachers as the boys continued to cheer and whistle at the stage. Kurumu shook her head, supposing it was not as bad as when they had chanted boobs for her. It took about a minute for the clamor to die down.
"This last teacher I am about to introduce will still be receiving assistance from Ms. Hitori for three of her four chemistry classes. She came by recommendation of an old friend and is accompanied by her brother whom has been enrolled as a first year in class six. They are both from Hong Kong so please be patient with their Japanese. Would Ms. Huang Ling please come to the podium to say a few words?"
Kurumu perked up at the name, aware that this new teacher would be related to the young man they had encountered yesterday. She had thought nothing wrong with his language, though his accent and clothing had heavily suggested he was from China.
The woman whom stepped out from behind the other teachers clearly was unfamiliar with dress code. While the black jacket was long sleeved and stretched beyond her knees, the white hemmed window below the mandarin collar bared a dangerous amount of milky white cleavage. This hem curved over the swell of her breasts to meet in the center before plunging down to her navel. A golden bell hung from a crimson ribbon about her collar and a string of pearls hung from her neck to dangle below her bosom.
Ms. Huang crossed over to the podium without her heeled black boots making a sound. A black Chinese hat with a golden ball stitched at the top rested upon her ebony locks. Like her brother, she had pulled her hair back in a tail though hers was not braided. Smaller golden bells dangled from her earlobes.
The foreign woman smiled at the microphone. Tugging it free, Ms. Huang reached into her cleavage and pulled out a yellowed paper with black markings. She proceeded to wrap this paper about the bottom of the microphone. With a look of satisfaction, she regarded the assembly.
"I hope nobody objects to my use of a charm. I don't want to be misunderstood."
Ms. Huang smiled, nodding.
"My master has become quite concerned with the situation developing in Japan. He worries he may once again have to return to this land to settle an old score with those whom scoff at the notion of coexistence. My primary reason for taking this position is to assist Mr. Mikogami in this matter."
She gestured to the assembly.
"I admit I have no experience as a teacher. But I assure you that I am skilled in the fields of chemistry and math. I will not fail to provide the education you need to understand these universal truths."
Ms. Huang bowed slightly.
"That is all."
The woman fumbled with the microphone for a moment, causing quite the noise while wiggling it back into the holster. The Headmaster stepped up, shooing her off but she continued to fuss with the device until she was satisfied. With a grin, Ms. Huang nodded once more before retreating back to the other teachers. The Headmaster shook his head as he readjusted the microphone and regarded the assembly.
"I do have one final speaker to introduce before concluding this. I assume most students are aware of the situation in Mononoke. An unruly trio of vagabonds robbed the bank and have thrown the townsfolk into despair. As these villains have yet to be apprehended, we are discouraging all travel to Mononoke that is not deemed necessary."
The Headmaster paused, taking in a deep breath.
"Due to this issue and the concerns of many parents, Lord Chiki, the prefectural officer for Fairy Tale, has been brought into Mononoke to assess the security and safety of the town and our school. He has requested to speak with you today. Lord Chiki."
Kurumu shivered as the tall man walked out from the shadows. Two thick, bulky men trailed behind him as he approached the podium. All three were dressed in long sleeved black jackets with golden buttons, tassels and hem. The regal man with scarlet locks mixed with silver strands regarded the assembly with an air of superiority. The man took in a deep breath.
"So this is Yokai Academy. I haven't set foot in these halls since I placed Lord Kuyo here to bring order to this chaotic place. It seems it didn't take long for his forced absence to result in this… mess."
Lord Chiki huffed, shaking his head.
"Rest assured, I will find these criminals. Provided that I have Mr. Mikogami's complete cooperation."
"I am doing everything within my power to assist your efforts."
"Considering it is your power which decides whom can enter and leave your barrier, I question the sincerity of that claim."
"And I remind you that all Fairy Tale officers of your rank or higher have the means to bypass my barrier."
"I do not appreciate the insinuation that Fairy Tale is endangering the inhabitants of this town to depose of a troublesome Headmaster whom has long overstayed his welcome. Fairy Tale has always existed to protect all monster races."
"Fairy Tale wasn't made to protect monsters. It was a brotherhood dedicated to the idea of coexistence."
"I will not bicker with a deranged sociopath. The people demand safety and security. That is what I shall be giving to them."
"In exchange for their freedom."
"Don't bark about freedom when you hide this entire school from the world. This is a prison and you are negligent in your duties to keep your wards safe."
"If you don't like the way I run things, you should have done something to improve Mimori High. Yokai Academy remains the prefectural school of Niigata because Hisoshi lacks boarding facilities and Mimori is barely bigger than the junior high next door."
Lord Chiki glared at the Headmaster.
"Mark my words, Mikogami. I will root out these rats and they will tell me that you were the one whom let them in. This is the end for you."
"Oh, I'm sure they will say what you want them to. Forced confessions is what your kind does best."
Lord Chiki huffed, turning to regard the assembly.
"I implore each one of you to write to your parents this weekend. If we can get enough requests, Lord Kenmei will have to honor my requests to install a branch office in Mononoke. Know that all other prefectural schools across this nation have a Fairy Tale branch office in the town of their prefectural school. Yokai Academy is the only exception."
Lord Chiki thrust a finger at the Headmaster.
"It is because of him that we had to compromise by only giving you Lord Kuyo to manage security. It was always my desire to have a fully staffed office."
"Careful there, Lord Chiki. It sounds like you are admitting Lord Kuyo couldn't handle the job alone."
"Don't toy with me, Mikogami. It is the future of our youth that matters, and you care more for ideals than people. Young men and women, I speak to you. Help me bring life back to Mononoke. With Fairy Tale in control, this sanctuary could be as impressive as Yamanoshita or Isogashi."
Kurumu frowned, unfamiliar with either of those places.
"I look forward to what we can achieve together."
Lord Chiki bowed slightly. Turning stiffly about, he retreated back into the shadows with his entourage. The Headmaster chuckled as he reclaimed his position behind the podium.
"I won't ask any of you to write on my behalf. Have faith that the matter will be handled soon enough. This concludes our assembly. You may return to your homerooms."
As the murmurs in the auditorium picked up in volume, Kurumu wondered what other surprises this day would bring.
"Kurumu!"
Asuka was leaning against the balcony across from the front door of their classroom. The blond regarded Kurumu with blue eyes which had an electric spark to them.
"What are you doing here?"
Asuka waved her hand dismissively as Kurumu crossed the hall with Juri and Hazumi on her heels. The blond started walking alongside them.
"Mrs. Sunao let us out early so I've been waiting here for you."
"Aren't you worried about being late?"
"I told the twins to warn Ms. Hitori. Looks like Mr. Nagamushi dragged your class out too. What a tool."
Kurumu smiled, mildly curious how the Unabara twins were doing. She had barely spoken with those girls since Tsukune's birthday party.
"So why were you hanging outside the classroom? You know we could talk during class."
"In theory. Who knows what mood Ms. Hitori will be in today?"
"You're too loud."
Asuka stuck her tongue out at Hazumi.
"She's right though. We often hear you talking."
Kurumu chuckled, aware that Juri was on the other side of the classroom at station two.
"Whatever. What did you guys think about that new teacher, Ms. Shuzen?"
Kurumu smiled, recalling the soft spoken woman. The first ten minutes of her class had felt like a dating interview. Thankfully none of the boys had taken up her challenge, comfortable with heckling her and disrupting her lecture until she had knocked Osakebi out with an eraser. The projectile literally knocked the back row boy out of his seat, leaving the guy unconscious for most of their third period.
"She's different."
"I can't believe she gave her three sizes."
Asuka giggled at Juri's remark, nodding enthusiastically.
"She did the same for our class. The boys found it funny."
"She's not as endowed as Ms. Akashiya."
Kurumu shrugged at Hazumi's remark.
"It's a big family. Moka and Kokoa have the same father but different mothers. This Ms. Shuzen is most likely a cousin of their father."
"She's too quiet. It's rough having Mrs. Sunao first period if I stayed up too late."
Kurumu smirked at Juri.
"Why would you stay up? I know you don't have a TV, so what could you possibly be doing?"
"Some nights I can't sleep. Other nights Miho can't sleep which means I don't get to sleep either."
Kurumu chuckled, aware that Kisurusu lived across the hall from Juri.
"Keeping each other up late in the night?"
"I'm not as lovey as you are when it comes to my friends."
Kurumu grinned, bumping her hip against Juri.
"I can't imagine having those two teachers back to back. If I have too big of a lunch, I get so sleepy that I pass out within minutes of Mrs. Sunao's lecture."
"I've noticed several students doze off during Mrs. Sunao's lecture."
Kurumu nodded, guilty of that. Passing by the back door to class five, they drifted over onto the crosswalk that connected the balconies. Asuka started down the stairs facing the cafeteria.
"I wonder what the other teachers are like. Do you think Momiji has met her new science teacher yet?"
"She should have. I know classes seven and eight don't have chemistry before lunch."
"Yea. Miho had Ms. Huang second period but doesn't have Mr. Ashibue until seventh period."
"What's Ms. Huang like?"
"She's extremely confident."
Asuka giggled, nodding.
"That was obvious. You saw her outfit."
"I hope she considers different attire for the future."
"Says the bunny with massive tits."
"Mine are not bigger than Ms. Kurono's."
Asuka sighed heavily as they reached the landing halfway down the stairs.
"I love hanging out with you girls but it can be so depressing at times. I swear Hinoko has bigger boobs than I do."
"We're still growing, Ms. Shindou. My mother and my aunt are both C cups."
Asuka pouted at Juri.
"My mother is an A cup. There's no hope for me."
Kurumu chuckled as Juri shook her head.
"Boob talk aside, I heard that Ms. Hitori speaks Chinese. I guess there is some vocabulary Ms. Huang is unfamiliar with so she turned to Ms. Hitori for quick translations during her lecture."
"That's interesting. I heard from Nozomi that you ate lunch with your boyfriend yesterday."
Kurumu grinned at Asuka. The blond liked to use first names for most of the girls she interacted with.
"I did."
"Though she abandoned him to eat lunch with me today."
Kurumu chuckled, nodding. She had wanted to talk with Kisurusu about Tennin families. Somehow the conversation had led up to locking the classroom doors and showing off their wings. Juri and Fujino were both sprites with sets of six gossamer wings shaped like oars. Like Chousei, they regarded their wings in more of a cosmetic sense than practical, since neither could fly for more than three minutes.
"Oh? She never eats lunch with me."
"That's not true."
"One time."
"That's more than never."
Asuka pouted as they arrived at the bottom of the stairs. They drifted to the right on a direct path to the nearest door for the home economics class.
"And you're friends with all the girls I'm with. I don't know why you avoid me like this."
"I'm not avoiding you. I just have lunch with different people."
"Where do you guys eat lunch?"
Juri shrugged as Asuka paused at the door.
"We meet in class five down here because it's U's homeroom. Usually Ms. Shitchi is in there but she only eats with us when Kurumu is there. They're both in our home ec class."
The bell sounded out their tardiness, causing Asuka to sigh.
"Maybe I should try eating with different groups."
"I've never considered it."
"We should go inside before Ms. Hitori gets upset."
The home economics room was the largest classroom on campus. The far wall was lined with seven wraparound cubbies with island counters in the center. It was like booths at a restaurant without the seating. Two stations were assigned to each booth. Each station had its own oven, drawers filled with cooking utensils and cupboards filled with pots, pans and cooking sheets. The stations shared the island counter space and a single compartment sink which was placed against the back wall.
Immediately on their right after entering was one of the partial booths built into the front corner of the classroom. That was station one which only had one oven. Kurumu had never spoken with the trio of juniors at station one but knew the girl with her cerulean hair done up in a twisted French braid was Hanahara Mimi from the ikebana club.
"There's the last of our students."
Ms. Hitori stood behind her desk at the center of the classroom. The woman's hairstyle was quite similar to Ms. Shuzen's as she had shaved sides betraying her ears and a long ponytail falling down her back. But Ms. Hitori had reddish locks and wavy bangs which seemed constantly in motion. The teacher gestured at a small stack of white cards on her desk.
"Come over and retrieve your numbered slips."
With a glance and a shared shrug, they walked over to the tall teacher dressed in a canary yellow blouse which was tucked in black capris. Her eyes flashed from hazel to gold as Asuka took the first index card. Kurumu acquired the next one, turning it over to reveal the number one.
"What are these for?"
"New term, new groups. What is your number, Ms. Morisato?"
"Six."
"Mine too!"
"Thank you, Ms. Shindou. Ms. Hazumi?"
"Five."
"And Ms. Kurono."
"One."
Ms. Hitori marked down the last number in her notebook. She turned her attention on the girls whom were standing at their usual stations.
"We shall be meeting in the sewing room starting tomorrow. The numbers you have drawn today only identify whom you will be partnered with. In a few moments, I will escort the juniors to the sewing room where they shall pick out their stations. When we are finished, I will come back for the rest of you."
"Where is the sewing room?"
"In the elective hall, Ms. Shindou. I will show you where it is."
Ms. Hitori flipped her notebook back a page as she straightened up.
"Line up at the door when I call your name. Group one is Ms. Hashimoto, Ms. Zoushiki and Ms. Samurakami."
Two of the track girls at station four started for the door. The shorter one with the bowl cut charcoal hair was Samurakami whom lived with her older sister in the suites. The other girl, Hashimoto, was about the same height as Taijin and had short, slate gray locks.
"Kofi isn't here, Ms. Hitori."
Ms. Hitori glanced up at the cherry haired girl at station ten with the braided pigtails. The reserved girl usually kept to herself, only talking with Zoushiki and their quiet partner with the russet locks hanging over her head like a mop. Their group often would include the tall girl with the bright orange afro at station eleven.
"I'm aware of that, Ms. Honourou. I assigned Ms. Zoushiki the last number available."
Zoushiki Koufuku was the most outgoing and prettiest of this bunch. The statuesque beauty had wavy scarlet tresses which fell down to her ankles. Kurumu had spoken with the girl after hearing she was an out of prefecture at Kiki's birthday party from Kaiketsu, the lead guitarist of the music club. Zoushiki had confirmed all three of her friends in home economics were from the same village and that they had all joined Mrs. Itou's sewing club.
"Group two is Ms. Watanabe, Ms. Shigashima and Ms. Honourou."
Honourou stalked away from her station with a pout. Watanabe from the gymnastics club parted ways with the girls at station seven to fall in step with the shorter Shigashima whom had been from station five. Kurumu had never paid any attention to the juniors at station five. She honestly could not recall if this squat girl with her oily black hair pulled up in a top knot had ever been called by name in class.
"Group three is Ms. Kagaku, Ms. Tsubuyama and Ms. Ekizo."
Tsubuyama was the only familiar name in that trio. Her short amber locks had more in common with a porcupine than any reasonable hairstyle. The member of the cheerleading squad offered a salute to the other girl at station seven, Kukioba, whom was also a cheerleader.
The other two responding to those names were the afro girl from station eleven and the flowing, white haired beauty from station five. The silent girl with pristine tresses curling down to the small of her back was about the same height as Honourou and Watanabe.
"Group four is Ms. Hageshii, Ms. Kukioba and Ms. Hanahara."
Familiar with Kukioba and Hanahara, Kurumu smiled as the russet haired mystery girl at station ten headed over to the door. Kukioba was a gyokuto with a bouncy bosom and curly, cinnamon locks which brushed her shoulders. Being at station one by the door, Hanahara lined up before the other two.
"Group five is Ms. Shitchi, Ms. Karashi and Ms. Karada."
Karashi Yui was the girl at station eleven with the ebony hair which reached down to the small of her back. She was from Okataiyou, was a member of the manga club and was in class five, having joined them for lunch one of the times Kurumu had eaten with Juri.
Shitchi Hogo was the first junior called away from station six. This quiet girl with indigo locks which seemed to constantly be in motion lived in the single suite below Kurumu. She usually brought her own meals to school and ate in her homeroom which happened to be the same one as Karashi and Fujino.
Karada was an unknown name to Kurumu but she realized it belonged to the chocolate haired girl with the bob cut favoring the right side while her short tail in the back favored the left. Karada was first to the line since she had been at station one.
"Group six is Ms. Kitamura, Ms. Mizudake and Ms. Fujino."
Fujino U was the last girl at station eleven. Her teal locks hung down straight to the middle of her back, refusing to curl despite all her attempts. The archery girl from Okataiyou had pretty, silvery eyes.
Mizudake Yuri was the slender girl at station six with the short, bluish hair with pink highlights. The undine was a class representative and part of the tennis team as one of the mixed pairs. She was a boisterous brat whom had placed in the top ten finalists of the popularity contest.
As with the last two groups, Kitamura was the only unknown name so Kurumu easily matched it with the last girl from station five whom was about the same height as Mizudake. This short girl had shaggy, chestnut tresses which hung down to her waist in a chaotic manner.
"And the last group is Ms. Uta, Ms. Yamasaki and Ms. Toboshi."
Uta was Mizudake's friend at station six whom was on the volleyball team. The undine had fine, silvery blue tresses which touched her shoulders. Yamasaki was the other track junior at station four with the shoulder length, dirty blond hair. By process of elimination, that made Toboshi the tiny girl at station one with the dingy white, braided rat tail.
Kurumu doubted she would remember half of this by the start of next week.
"That's it. The rest of you sit tight and try not to make too much noise. I'll be back in a few."
Clutching the notebook to her bosom, Ms. Hitori nodded at them before heading over to the throng of students lined up near the door. Hashimoto stepped aside, allowing the teacher to open the door and slip out into the hall. The girls filed out of the room in their groups.
"Keep quiet in the halls. We don't need to disturb the other classes. Close the door behind us, Ms. Uta."
Kurumu watched as the juniors steadily exited the room. She glanced at Asuka, forcing a smile.
"I guess we won't be partners anymore."
"Yea, that sucks. But at least I have Ms. Morisato."
"I wonder whom our third partner is."
Kurumu shrugged, wondering if they should wait at their stations.
"Hey! Which one of you drew a six?!"
Kurumu chuckled at Asuka's outburst, shaking her head.
"That's me."
Nomura raised her hand with a wave. The blond was at station twelve with Kazehana and Kagami. Kagami Kaede was a buxom brunette from Hankyouta, the harpy community in Aga. The girl from class four had been nominated for the popularity contest along with her childhood friend Ontoriki Ritsu from class five. Both girls had joined the Sadou club under Okimune's recommendation since the club was ran by her cousin.
"Awesome. Maybe I can finally convince Airi to join my lunch group."
Kurumu chuckled, aware that Nomura and Kazehana ate with a small group of juniors from the track team which included Yamasaki. It also included Aori from Moka's class eleven.
"Where does Nomura's group eat?"
"They don't have a specific spot. Everyone in their group is from different homerooms. They thought about taking one of the cafeteria tables but the swim club claimed both tables next to ours and softball had already claimed the other two. Since they couldn't have a table by the rest of the team, they just eat wherever they feel like."
Kurumu nodded, aware of how quickly all of the tables in the cafeteria had been claimed. By the time she had done the soccer article, the seating had been fixed.
"I'm surprised your team didn't have three tables claimed at the start of the year like the tennis team. Even without the first years, you had close to thirty girls."
"That's the problem when your team lacks a captain. Our seniors are a tight group but don't interact much with the younger girls. Ms. Samurakami made sure the juniors had a table, but they needed two."
"But you eat with the volleyball girls."
"They only have fifteen girls. There's plenty of room for me at their second table."
"You should be having lunch with some of your teammates."
Hazumi sighed heavily, ignoring Asuka.
"I hope Nyanya drew a five."
"You need to be open to meeting more people. Come on, Ms. Morisato. I'll introduce you to Airi."
Juri giggled as Asuka seized her by the hand and tugged her away from the teacher's desk.
"I'm aware whom Ms. Nomura is."
"You don't know her well enough to call her Airi."
Kurumu smirked as she started after them. This was not the first class to shuffle her around. At the start of her third period chemistry class, Mr. Hakuru had reassigned stations to be in the alphabetical order he preferred. This pulled her out of her comfortable duo with Satsuki, though she supposed gaining Ichida as her lab partner was an academic improvement. Her other lab partner was Ichiboku.
Satsuki had been bumped into group six with Shouhei and Tandoku to replace Tsurukou whom had been one of the kappa boys killed on Tsukune's floor. The only other change was Madosuki getting moved into Juri's group. Miki Moroha had been one of the casualties in Tsukune's ghoul massacre, resulting in Juri working alone with Nakai for a good part of the term. Not wishing to sound rude, but Juri suspected that the quiet boy was retarded.
Kurumu's eyes swept over the girls at station thirteen as she neared her station. Naturally she first took note of Makiba whom was about Tsukune's height. The dark haired girl had short bangs and a ponytail. She was standing beside her taller childhood friend Keishutani Irumi, whom was engaged to marry. The brunette from class five was closer to Ginei's height and had short, boyish hair.
The last girl of station thirteen was Tategami from class five. The kirin had her ashen gray locks pulled into a right side ponytail. She was dating Nishimura from class four, a first year on the soccer team.
Stations fourteen and fifteen were tucked in the back corner of the room while station sixteen was at the other corner and was identical to station one. A door between these stations opened into the pantry, which included a walk in cooler.
Shinayaka had her arms full with Sakamori. They gyokuto had whitish curls which were spotted with flecks of brown, gray and black. Her curls rested comfortably upon her ample bosom. Her pink eyes met Kurumu's and she grinned.
"I'm keeping her warm for you."
"You can keep her."
Meisai chuckled as they joined the trio. The other girl had poofy black hair but the same color of eyes which nearly all gyokuto had.
"I'm nervous about the new groups. I'm not paired with either of these girls."
"What number did you get?"
"Seven. Momiji pulled four."
Hazumi pouted.
"I got five. Ms. Kurono has one."
"One? You hash one?!"
Kurumu smiled as the shojo released Shinayaka. The redhead stumbled over to Kurumu, draping her arms about Kurumu's neck. She breathed hotly against Kurumu's face, reeking of alcohol.
"I hash one."
Kurumu sighed as the girl slouched heavily against her. She was cursed.
"Please tell me that we have a third member."
Meisai giggled, nodding.
"Ms. Hitori gave Sakamori her number. I doubt she would intentionally put her in a group of two."
Kurumu nodded, hoping that was true. Squeezing the taller shojo in her arms, Kurumu backed up a couple steps. She peered over at Asuka and grinned.
"I got Hinoko again."
"You did? My condolences."
Asuka thumbed at Kazehana.
"Tsubaki has a four. These two have a three."
Asuka gestured at Kagami and then at one of the girls across the station.
"She's a nine and she's a seven."
Kurumu shuffled back with a giggling Sakamori to better see whom Asuka was referring to. The other girls wandered over with her.
"Which one of you has the seven?"
Tategami waved her hand at Meisai's inquiry.
"Nice. I'm a seven. Momiji is a four."
Kazehana threw her hands up.
"Yay! Do you think Ms. Hitori would mind if we figured out our groups?"
"I don't see why she would care."
"Hey, Yuu! What's your number?!"
Taijin was one of the two girls at station sixteen, the other being Tokori. The tall girl frowned at Asuka's shout, shaking her head. She gestured at Tokori whom had shoulder length hair which was peppered black and white so evenly that it was impossible to say which one was the predominant color. She was the only girl in class wearing the sleeveless PSC jacket, though she was wearing it with black sweatpants.
"Eight. She has five."
"So I'm paired with Ms. Meirowasa. At least she is a diligent worker."
"I'm going to find out what the other girls have. Be right back."
Kazehana bolted from their group, dashing over to the girls at stations eight and nine whom were directly across from the teacher's desk. Of all those girls, Kurumu was most curious which group Sawayaka ended up in.
Sawayaka Mikomi was a traditional beauty with silky, black hair and pale skin. Like Tokori, she was a monstrel from the local town. She was the representative for her father's homeroom and had joined the Sadou club with Tokori. As her mother had died long ago, Sawayaka had moved in with Tokori's family after her father's death. Or more accurately, they had moved in with her because Yoshii had burned down Tokori's home.
The other girls were all about the same level of interest to Kurumu. Three of the girls were from Asuka's homeroom. Masataka Midori was an undine from Umishiro, the same village Okimune and Kamitsuku were from. The girl with greenish blond locks was a member of the fashion club. Hibiki Mina was the one with strawberry curls pulled into twin tails whom had joined the volleyball team. Torokiboshi was the kappa girl whom Kurumu had partnered with for gym before she had switched to Moka.
The other two girls were from class four. Yotsumure was a girl about Moka's height with black hair which hung down to her waist while Umigame was another kappa girl with curly, black, shoulder length hair.
"So… which one of you had nine?"
"That's me."
Kurumu nodded at Makiba. She glanced back at Kazehana whom was gesturing at the girls and talking animatedly though in hushed tones.
"She probably should ask the girls at two and three what numbers they got."
"I know Ms. Hitori put the twins together so she wouldn't have to deal with them pulling any pranks. Only one of them got to draw a number."
Kurumu grinned at Meisai.
"Do you know what number they got?"
"Well… since most of us have at least one partner, it's got to be two, eight or nine. And one of those will only have one partner."
"Have any of you been in the sewing room?"
Keishutani nodded at Asuka.
"I have. My club meets in there."
"Your club meets in the sewing room?"
"It's a sewing club."
"Oh? You're in Mrs. Itou's sewing club?"
Keishutani nodded at Kurumu.
"Are these stations close together? Like can we still be by each other like we are now?"
"The spacing of workstations is more like a science lab."
Asuka pouted.
"That kind of sucks. But I guess we can still be somewhat by each other."
"Why did you join the sewing club?"
"Because she didn't want to join volleyball with me."
Keishutani grinned, pushing on Makiba's shoulder.
"That and Ms. Zoushiki was very persuasive. She also convinced Ms. Yotsumure to join."
Kurumu nodded thoughtfully as Kazehana bounded over to them.
"I bear news! Our final member is Hibiki."
Meisai chuckled, shaking her head.
"Whose final member?"
Kazehana padded her chest.
"Ours."
"I'm with Ms. Tategami. Momiji is your partner."
Kazehana grinned sheepishly, turning to Shinayaka.
"Sorry."
"Don't worry about it."
"So what about the others?"
"Did Ms. Sawayaka have a three?"
Kazehana shook her head at Kagami's hopeful inquiry.
"Ms. Sawayaka has a two and she is with Ms. Umigame. Your missing three is Ms. Masataka."
"I guess that's okay."
Kurumu chuckled at Kagami's blatant disappointment.
"Did you find our missing one?"
"Nope. Ms. Torokiboshi is a five and Ms. Yotsumure is a nine."
"I've never spoken with Ms. Torokiboshi."
"Now you have an excuse to."
Hazumi regarded Asuka with an expression bordering annoyance.
"I'm going to chat with Ms. Meirowasa. Excuse me."
"Could someone take Hinoko off my hands? I want to check with the girls at station two and three to find our missing partner."
"Assuming you have a partner."
Kurumu had no response to the feisty blond, shaking her head.
"The twins have to be eight. Every other number has a partner."
Asuka giggled at Meisai's deduction. She slipped behind Kurumu, clapping her shoulder.
"I'll go tell Yuu the bad news."
Kurumu smirked as the blond stalked over to her friend. Shaking her head, she regarded the other girls.
"Seriously. Can someone take her?"
"Let me come wiff."
Kurumu sighed at the murmured request and the lack of response from her amused classmates.
"If you're coming with, you'll have to walk yourself."
"I'll tag along. I'm curious whom my archery friends ended up with."
Kurumu breathed easier with Sakamori's weight off her chest. She grabbed the shojo by the hand before turning and walking towards the other corner of the room. Juri hovered on Sakamori's left as they passed by the vacant stations ten and eleven.
Kurumu knew all five girls which had shared Juri's booth at stations two and three. Two were gorgon girls in Juri's archery club. The cousins were from Bokuseki, a village in the Sanjo area. Both girls were from class four. Tonari was the one with copper braids whom was about Moka's height. Orochi was the shorter one with long, oily black hair which slithered about her ankles.
The other three girls were mermaids from Umiman, an underwater city off the coast of Kashiwazaki. The Unabara twins were from class one. Tarako was the chatty one while Haraka was always sour. Both girls had dark green, shoulder length locks. One of the girls had her bangs covering her left eye while the other covered the right. Fujinuma was the mermaid from class six whom had started dating a kappa boy from her homeroom after Tsukune's birthday party. Kurumu could not recall his name.
"Hey, Ms. Kurono! My sister and I were assigned to station eight!"
Right eye covered was Tarako. Kurumu grinned at the happy girl as they came to a stop. Orochi gave a polite wave while Fujinuma bowed her head. The shy girl had short, swirly locks which were such a dark shade of blue that it was almost black.
"We deduced that much, Tarako."
Juri paused, smiling at the other girls.
"I'm sorry. It seems I won't be partnered with either of you this term."
"That is most unfortunate. My cousin is taking the news hard."
Tonari huffed, crossing her arms about her slight bosom.
"I don't care."
"What number did you get?"
Orochi nodded with a soft look in her sea green eyes.
"I am in group one. Emiko is in group seven."
Kurumu smiled, gesturing at the polite girl whom was about the same height as Sakamori.
"There you go, Hinoko. We've found our third."
"Yesh. We happy ashep you."
Sakamori let go of Kurumu's hand to shamble over to Orochi. Tonari snickered, shaking her head.
"Good luck with that, Maki."
Orochi staggered back as Sakamori threw her arms around her neck. Orochi's hair started to hiss and writhe in agitation, her tresses coalescing into ropy serpents with diamond heads.
"Ms. Sakamori, please. You're scaring my babies."
Sakamori giggled, squeezing the girl. She squeaked out in alarm as one mouth clamped on her calf.
"Ow! That bit me."
"Calm girls. Calm."
Tonari rolled her pistachio eyes, shaking her head as Orochi's serpents latched onto Sakamori's waist, arms and legs. Some even slithered up the shojo's skirt to draw more yelps from the redhead.
"This isn't the first time for this dork to end up petrified."
Kurumu chuckled, watching in mild fascination as the redhead became a solid statue draped over Orochi. The girl sighed with a slight shake of her head.
"They do hate being squeezed so hard. There, there, girls. You can let her go."
"I'll go get Mr. Nagamushi."
Tonari slipped around her cousin, nodding to them before hurrying over to the door.
"So Ms. Fujinuma. What number did you get?"
"I thought we didn't have club today."
"We don't. We are waiting for my Moka."
Kurumu smiled apologetically at Mizore whom looked so different in proper school attire. She even had a schoolbag slung over her shoulder with the strap nestled in her bosom.
"You can sit down, Mizore. It won't take Moka long to get here."
Kurumu turned her attention on the hallway doors for class three, waiting for Moka's arrival. It felt like the day had flown by. Kurumu had spent the rest of her sixth period in the infirmary, stopping in the sewing room across the hall to confirm where her station was.
They had done nothing but run laps in gym. Yukari had tried her best but had to sit on the sidelines after five minutes, too pooped to continue. As far as Kurumu could tell, Mizore had skipped gym as usual. Last period had been a study hall, so Kurumu had spent that time chatting with the other girls about Yukari's plans to become class manager. It seemed like she had a valid shot at getting elected for it. Ichida was indifferent and Wanibuchi had ceased caring about that stuff months ago.
As Yukari preferred letting the hallways die down in traffic before exiting the class, there had only been a couple students in Tsukune's homeroom when they had arrived. Tora had left with Satsuki and Deshi for their PSC safety walk which Kurumu felt was too early since some clubs had meetings. Satsuki could offer no reason for it other than that was how they had been told to do it. Having no idea what clubs the local kids were in, Kurumu was in a poor position to protest.
"Moka!"
Yukari waved her hands emphatically as the pink haired vampire stepped through the back door with Kana at her side. The blond grinned as they crossed the room.
"Did you take the candy?"
Kana chuckled, shaking her head.
"She forgot to. She popped it in her mouth only a few seconds ago when I stopped by her class."
"It slipped my mind."
Yukari sighed, shaking her head. She unzipped her white satchel.
"What are we talking about?"
Tsukune had stood up from his chair and was frowning in confusion.
"It's an experiment we discussed yesterday. Yukari made something which will help determine if this Moka has a soul or if she's a program."
Yukari pulled out a white vase with a red heart etched in the side. A jagged red design ringed the top of the vase which she held out to Moka. Two red protrusions jutted out where the ceramic swept in for the narrow neck preceding the lip.
"There might be a delay since the catalyst has not been fully digested into your system, but one whiff of this fragrance will free your heart's desires."
Moka frowned, taking the vase.
"How does this work?"
"You depress both switches to release the scent. After I made the candy, I realized the school might not appreciate it if I burned incense in the classroom."
Moka nodded, holding the end of the vase close to her face. With her thumbs, she pushed both switches in, causing an audible puff of air. Moka closed her eyes and breathed in deeply. The vampire let out a content sigh, lowering the vase.
"Do you… feel any different?"
Moka's eyes turned on Tsukune. She smiled, shaking her head.
"No. But this smells nice. Do you want to try it?"
Tsukune laughed nervously, waving away the offered vase.
"I would rather not."
"It's perfectly harmless without the candy."
Tsukune shook his head at Yukari's reassurance. With a shrug, the witch took the vase from Moka and stowed it back inside her white satchel.
"So how long does this take?"
"If she had eaten the candy earlier, it would have been instantly. As is, it could be ten or so minutes before the potion starts to work."
"And this will last for exactly one hundred minutes."
Yukari nodded, zipping up her satchel.
"Correct. All we do now is wait to see what happens."
Moka smiled nervously, glancing back at the door.
"Can we walk home?"
Kurumu glanced at Mizore and Tsukune before turning back to Moka and shrugging.
"I don't see why not. Yukari?"
"I have no objections to that proposition. Shall we?"
Needing no further encouragement, Kana turned about and headed for the open door a couple steps ahead of Moka and Yukari. Kurumu followed her friends out into the hall with Tsukune on her heels. Mizore skulked along in his shadow.
"Where is your sister?"
"Kokoa stopped by class but decided to go with Kiki and Michiko to the gymnastics club meeting they are holding in Ms. Rin's science room."
Kurumu nodded, supposing that made sense. Kokoa had two friends in the club.
"Did Taniguchi eat with you guys today?"
Kana laughed, twirling about to backpedal.
"These two ate lunch with me today."
"You did?"
Yukari huffed as Kana twirled back around.
"Of course we did. I refuse to deal with that child any more than I have to."
"She's not that difficult."
"She doubts our love is pure."
Moka laughed pleasantly, nodding.
"You are a naughty girl, Yukari. Regardless of how genuine your affections are."
"There is nothing naughty about sex. It is a natural process required to continue life."
Kana snickered.
"Not between two girls."
"That caters to the notion that only the end result matters. If sex is only tolerated on the basis of procreation, then every individual should cease all sexual activity the moment they are deemed incapable of having a child."
"I don't object to the idea of two women being in love. Or two men for that matter."
Yukari grimaced at Kana's remark. Shaking her head, they followed the blond whom had turned to the left at the end of the hall, intent on the main foyer.
"I fail to see the attraction in that. As an experienced woman, I know the proper way to have sex."
"I would never have pegged you as the lights out, missionary style only type."
Yukari huffed at Kana.
"Of course not. The proper way is sandwiched between Moka and Tsukune."
"Why does it have to be with Tsukune?"
Yukari blushed, holding her hands up to her cheeks.
"Because he was my first."
"No, I wasn't!"
"That was a dream, Yukari."
"A very realistic one. Even down to the twitching and the warmth that follows."
"Way too much info, Sendou."
Kurumu sighed as they passed by the door to the broadcasting room. Around the corner she could see the large chandelier suspended over the main foyer.
"And as far as I'm concerned, if two women can be in love, so can two men."
Yukari glanced over her shoulder. After regarding Tsukune, her soft brown eyes met Kurumu's a moment. The witch turned her attention back to the front as they followed the blond whom was closing in on the top of the winding stair.
"I never said it was impossible. My thoughts is that it might be impractical."
"What is so impractical about it?"
Yukari sighed heavily.
"Why does it matter? I have no intentions of ever turning myself into a man so the notion of two men having a fulfilling, sexual relationship will never have any significant impact on my life."
Kana chuckled as she started down the winding stairs of the grand foyer.
"You need to read Gravitation. I can bring you all twelve volumes tomorrow."
"I suppose I do need something new. Was another issue of Nana released?"
"Mhm. Volume thirteen."
"Bring that too. Is this Gravitation a complete series or will I have to wait months for more?"
"It's complete."
A small moment of silence passed as they finished descending the stairs and headed for the cubbies. Moka and Kana angled towards their respective rows while the rest of them meandered to the one closest to the teachers' lounge. Stepping down in the genkan, Kurumu walked over to the middle of the row. Kurumu smiled as Mizore and Tsukune slipped by her to their own cubbies.
"You haven't said much, Mizore."
Mizore paused, peering at Kurumu with hopeful eyes.
"Could I have a dream with Tsukune?"
"Absolutely not!"
Kurumu laughed at his frantic response. With a sigh, she fetched her loafers from her cubby. Bending down she removed her slippers one at a time, exchanging them for her outdoor shoes.
"What do you think of the experiment?"
"It doesn't matter to me."
"We're trying to prove something important, Mizore."
Mizore shrugged again, putting her slippers in her cubby.
"I'm ready to freeze her in place if she goes crazy."
"I don't think that will be needed. This is Moka we are talking about."
"I don't trust her."
"You are being unreasonably pessimistic, Ms. Shirayuki. I am fairly confident that the spells of the rosary will prevent any chance of this fragrance drawing forth the desires of the sealed Moka. Either nothing will happen or my Moka might become more amorous with Tsukune."
Tsukune chuckled nervously as Kurumu placed her slippers in her cubby.
"I don't think she would become that way with me."
"It is possible, Tsukune. My Moka has not shown interest in any other guy."
"I'm still going to freeze her if she tries anything."
Kurumu chuckled, shaking her head as they started off. There was another door to the teachers' lounge at the end of the row of cubbies on the left. Turning right at the end of row, they proceeded towards the main doors. Kana held the portal open with her back while Moka hovered next to her.
"What took you so long?"
"Ms. Shirayuki was fretting over the idea that your inner self would break free and slaughter everyone."
As Moka pouted, Kurumu chuckled and shook her head.
"That's not what she said."
Kana giggled as Yukari strolled out into the afternoon sun with Moka. The blond fell in step with Tsukune behind Kurumu as they started down the wide path to the school gate. A stone perimeter wall stretched out in both directions, flanking the school path on the other side of the gate.
"I have never seen the unsealed version of Moka."
"Are you sure?"
"Yea. I saw her that one time in your dream thing but that was it."
Kurumu nodded as she mulled over that revelation. They passed through the open gate, turning to their right onto the school path which connected the school to the dining hall. The trail was flanked by a dense forest to the south. The school path continued off to the left, but it ceased at the end of the perimeter wall for no apparent reason. It became a narrow trail which cut southeast into the woods, eventually connecting with the jogging path. Whomever had made this main school path apparently had not seen a reason to continue the perimeter wall along the curved line of forest up to the buildings for the elective courses, possibly because those structures had not been there at the time.
"I guess she hasn't been out that much since the threat of expulsion."
"We were worried what my sister might do if I was unsealed."
"Yea. I think you've only been unsealed twice since then. And both times were when Kokoa was away on her trip to Hawaii."
"It's strange to realize I've been around you guys for so long and have never seen this other Moka."
Kurumu shrugged as they passed by the two sets of corkboards flanking the path. The school used these boards to post exam results and they had used them to post the totals of the first round of voting which had determined the finalists in their popularity contest.
"She scolded Tsukune for taking her out too much after the rescue of Yukari. I remember Tora admitting she had not seen the other Moka prior to that night we did the dream thing."
"Yea… I guess it wasn't that often. After our fight with the PSC, I think the next time she had to come out was for the kidnapping."
Kurumu nodded, realizing he was right. The perimeter wall on their right ended not that far after the boards. That small clearing at the end of the wall before the forest claimed both sides of the trail was where they had set up to distribute four of their five editions. The trail started to curve further south as they progressed deeper into the forest. After a solid minute of silence, Kana sighed heavily.
"I'm thinking this experiment of yours is a bust."
"This spell enhances and focuses desire. It's not going to create it."
"What are you expecting to happen?"
"I don't know. Maybe for Moka to profess her love for Tsukune."
Kurumu pouted as Moka and Tsukune blushed. It bothered her that this was a likely outcome, though it would confirm Moka's existence as genuine.
"I… I wouldn't mind being alone with Tsukune."
Yukari glanced at Moka.
"Are you wanting us to leave?"
Moka blushed furiously.
"No, no! I just… some time. Later."
"Why?"
Moka sucked in a deep breath.
"I… haven't had any real time with him since Okinawa. I wanted to talk."
Kurumu regarded Moka before glancing back at Tsukune.
"I've been curious but what did you two talk about before she drank your blood in Okinawa?"
Tsukune grimaced.
"Well… I tried to talk to her about what I wanted. And she told me what she needed was my blood."
"I'm sorry about that, Tsukune."
"It's not your fault, Moka. I understand her reasoning."
"It's wrong for her to use you like that."
Tsukune turned a soft smile on Mizore.
"She wants to be able to remove her seal."
"A logical decision. If she drinks enough of your blood, she should acquire that ability of yours."
Kurumu blinked, wondering why nobody had thought of this before.
"That would work."
"But she can't. If Akashiya drinks his blood, Tsukune will weaken and the ghoul will come out."
"Not if I'm drinking blood from others."
Kurumu nodded, letting that sink in.
"So… does this mean you can drink my blood?"
Tsukune barked out a laugh, shaking his head.
"No. She agrees with this Moka that I have to fight for that. But I am more than welcome to get my blood from anyone else whom is willing and is not claimed by her sister."
Kurumu smiled softly, supposing this meant his proposal to make this Moka into his girlfriend had failed.
"I'm sorry, Tsukune."
She felt his eyes on her, lacking anything resembling desire.
"Yea. She wants me to stick close by for as long as she needs me."
"That sounds like something a boss would say to an employee they just fired."
Nobody joined in Kana's mirth as the path curved further south through the woods. An uneasy silence settled over them. Kurumu felt like they should be talking about something but she was far more curious if this spell was working.
The woods started to thin out as they veered even further south. They were approaching a point where two paths merged into one. A trail of similar quality cut through the woods to the northwest, eventually connecting with the main trail between Mononoke and Yokai. The facility for the kendo and fencing clubs was somewhere directly north of them.
"Did Ginei make any progress with those plans for Matsudera's birthday party?"
"He didn't say anything to us while we were handing out papers."
"Ms. Uchikawa mentioned at lunch that they compiled a guest list."
Kurumu grinned, glancing back at Tsukune as they came to the wishbone shaped intersection.
"Oh? They actually went to his room?"
Tsukune chuckled, shaking his head.
"No. But the four of them met up with Ms. Hajihachi, whom shares her room with Ms. Roniushi. I don't know if Ginei got the list, since they left it with Ms. Hajihachi."
Kurumu nodded, mulling over what else they could talk about as the woods started to thin out on their right. She could see the pond where she had first spoken to Tsukune in an attempt to win him over from Moka's clutches. It was also where they had rescued Yukari from Wanibuchi and his lizard friends.
"We were talking last period about Yukari's bid for class manager."
"Oh yea? Is Mr. Ichida agreeable to the idea?"
Yukari beamed at Moka's inquiry.
"He is. I think if we held an election, they would nominate me right away."
"I need to remind Ms. Honemoto that I was interested in doing that."
"You should. Though Mrs. Sunao told us that they won't be hosting elections until the fifteenth."
"Do I need to inform Mr. Gyousan of my intent?"
"I think you have to. He is your homeroom teacher."
"I'll speak to him tomorrow."
Kana chuckled as they passed by the thinnest stretch of land between the trail and pond.
"I'm not seeing any signs of innermost desires surfacing."
Kurumu sighed heavily, aware that the next milestone on this trail was the intersection for the path to the suites. She felt disappointed, wanting to believe that Moka was not something created.
"Well… there was always the possibility that there would be no reaction."
"Don't you have any urges to do something?"
Moka laughed nervously, fidgeting with the strap of her schoolbag.
"I was kind of wanting to go to the chapel."
"The chapel? Why would you want to go there?"
"I wonder if they do instant weddings."
Moka blushed hotly at Kana's musing.
"No! Not for that!"
Kurumu chuckled as the forest closed in around them once again.
"That is further down the trail than where we are going."
"Well… you guys can go. I can walk with Tsukune to the chapel."
"Oh? So it is a wedding she is after."
"No! I just want to talk to him. Alone."
Kurumu eyed Moka suspiciously.
"Why can't you talk to him now?"
Moka's blush deepened.
"Because it's embarrassing."
"Isn't the chapel like way out of the way from everything?"
"Not really."
Tsukune chuckled nervously when Kurumu and Kana favored him a look.
"I mean… there is a trail from Chikara to the path which runs by the cemetery and chapel. It's not that much of a detour for me."
Mizore glared icy daggers at Moka.
"I don't trust her."
"I don't want to go home yet. You understand, Yukari?"
Yukari peered up at Moka's pleading gaze.
"I'm in no hurry to be in Rubi's company either, but we could hang out in your suite. It's not like your sister will be there."
"They can't have gymnastics practice in a science lab, Yukari. How much time do you think we have?"
"We could hang out in Kurumu's suite."
Kurumu chuckled, shaking her head.
"That won't work if Moka is trying to avoid Kokoa. My suite is the first place Kokoa would look."
"I suppose we could use Ms. Shirayuki's suite."
"I don't know if she-"
"No."
Kana laughed at Mizore's quick refusal to Yukari's suggestion.
"You don't seem to like Moka."
The white stick in Mizore's mouth swung to the other corner as the snow girl glanced away.
"It's uncomfortable."
Kana sighed dramatically.
"Well… I'd offer my place but I suspect that would be disappointing for Moka since boys aren't allowed in the girls' dorm."
"I just want some time alone with him. That's all."
Kurumu regarded the blushing vampire, certain something was up.
"I can tag along with you to the chapel."
"You don't have to."
"I want to visit with the boys on Tsukune's floor. What about you guys?"
Mizore shrugged indifferently as Kana wagged her hand with a shake of her head.
"I think I'll pass. I'd rather go home than hang out with boys."
Kurumu chuckled, resisting the urge to tease Kana over dismissing guys like that after declaring such strong opinions about guys loving guys.
"Are you coming with, Yukari?"
Yukari huffed as they neared the point where the trail to the suites started.
"I suppose I can make an appearance."
Moka sighed, relaxing her shoulders.
"I guess you can walk with us. But I still want some time alone at the chapel with him. We can meet you on his floor after we've had our talk. I'm sure the boys will let you in."
Tsukune chuckled nervously.
"I wouldn't mind being alone with you either. There are some things I'd like to say too."
Kurumu grimaced, suddenly worried that he might try asking Moka out.
"How are you feeling, Moka?"
Moka blushed at Yukari's sudden inquiry. They passed by the trail to the suites which veered off to the right. The main path continued south with a slight cut back to the east.
"I will agree to you having alone time but I don't want to wait a whole hour in Tsukune's dorm for you to come to your senses if this potion is driving your desire."
"I object."
"You can do as you please, Ms. Shirayuki. A true friend would respect their wish to be alone."
Kana laughed, shaking her head.
"I don't know about that, but I trust I will hear a full report on how things turn out."
"Kurumu. There's no reason for them to be alone."
Kurumu bit her lip at Mizore's statement. She glanced at Yukari whom nodded at her.
"I think we can trust Yukari."
"If the potion is working, then the point has been proven."
"We don't know anything yet. For all I know, Moka could be pretending the potion is working so that she can have a serious talk with him without our interference."
Moka laughed nervously, balling her hand into a fist and bopping the side of her head.
"You got me. Was it that obvious?"
"We will know the truth soon enough."
The distance between the start of the trail to the suites and the start of the trail to the chapel was only a little more than the length of a soccer field. Kurumu recalled the time when Yukari had ran from the suites to rescue Moka from Inui's advances. The witch had actually passed by the start of the chapel trail since she had seen them and had hoped they would be able to help her. In moments they were at the bend of the trail which straightened back south while the chapel trail cut sharply off to the left.
"This is where I head out. Good luck."
"Will you be okay by yourself?"
"It's not that much further."
That was not entirely true. It was probably another good ten minutes to the dining hall. But since the blond was walking steadily away and the chapel path beckoned, Kurumu decided against pushing the issue. She offered a parting wave.
"See you tomorrow."
It felt awkward as they started down the less traveled chapel path. The glances Moka would cast over her shoulder at Tsukune were impossible to dismiss. She was convinced that the potion was working and that this Moka was going to make a pass at him. There was no way Yukari failed to notice this. Tsukune had probably picked up on Moka's elevated interest and was plotting to use this opportunity to convince Moka to go out with him.
No. Tsukune would never do that.
As she watched Moka and Tsukune play this odd game of eye tag, she considered the possibility that he was clueless. He would stare at her and then hastily glance at Moka when she looked at him. Moka would stare at him and then hastily glance away when he mustered the courage to look at her. While he might still have thoughts about asking Moka out, it had nothing to do with taking advantage of her.
"So… what is your plan for moving this Moka from the rosary?"
Yukari huffed indignantly.
"I have said several times that regardless of what she is, the problem lies in having no place to put her."
"There must be a difference between moving a soul and moving a magical program."
"I don't know if I can move a soul without it losing its identity."
"But you said there was a possibility of merging us into one person."
"I don't want to do that."
"But Kurumu."
"No. I wanted to prove that the two of you are different. Merging you into one person is like killing you. I won't do it."
"It's not your choice."
Kurumu stared at Moka in disbelief.
"To answer my Moka, merging a soul would be similar to how Tora's healing works. Instead of taking a tiny fragment of soul to mend the body, I would take the entirety of the soul bound to the rosary and put it inside the vampire. But I can't promise that this Moka will have an identity within the other Moka after casting such a spell."
"So… Kurumu is right that this would kill this Moka."
Yukari sighed again at his conclusion.
"Think of souls like paint. This Moka is pink and that Moka is silver. If I take all the pink and mix it with the silver, you will end up with something that isn't fully pink or fully silver. But if there is so much more silver, it might be impossible to notice the pink."
"But that's admitting that you would be changing both of them. I doubt the other Moka wants that."
"She might prefer that over losing me entirely."
Kurumu grimaced, shaking her head. She wished they had better solutions, but they had discussed this multiple times. They needed somewhere to put this Moka.
"I think we should start looking for a body."
Yukari laughed, shaking her head.
"How? We need a living body without a mind. The only places you'll find those are hospitals and mental institutions. We don't have access to those places."
"What about Moka's mother?"
Yukari rolled her eyes.
"You think Moka's mother is going to help us do this?"
Kurumu felt stupid for even asking.
"Could you make one?"
Yukari perked up at Mizore's suggestion.
"That is an intriguing prospect but not practical. While I might be able to do things like transform into an animal or grow wings, I can't create an animal. I could make a golem which resembles a human, but it would not be real flesh. I'm assuming we want the body Moka possesses to be real flesh."
"Didn't Frankenstein use real flesh?"
Yukari giggled at Mizore's remark.
"Yes. But if we want to use corpses for a body, we would still need a way to get our hands on them."
"We are on our way to a cemetery."
"No. This is where you leave."
Kurumu was surprised by the remark before realizing Moka was pointing at the dirt trail coming up on their right. Looking ahead she could see the church tower standing behind the trees off in the distance.
"Are you sure that's the trail to Chikara?"
"It is."
Kurumu managed a smile at his confirmation. They came to a stop at the start of this rugged, uneven trail which cut through the woods. It was as narrow as the trail which went from the church to the dining hall. Kurumu crossed her arms, reluctant to start down the trail.
"Can we wait here for you?"
Moka pouted.
"Why would you need to do that?"
Kurumu shrugged, glancing at Yukari and Mizore.
"There might not be anyone on the floor to let us in."
"There's more than a dozen guys on my floor. I'm sure at least one of them is at the dorm."
Kurumu frowned as she thought about the boys' dorm. Chikara was a seven story building with open air stairways on both ends. There was a door at each end of the central hall for these stairs which were held by a magnetic lock which could only be released by a lunch card belonging to one of the boys.
"I don't want to bang on the door until one of the boys answer. We can wait here."
Tsukune turned his smile on Moka.
"Will that be okay with you?"
"I don't know how long this will take."
"Why would it take long?"
Tsukune chuckled nervously at Mizore's suspicion.
"You're worrying over nothing. It's not like I'm going to be alone with Kurumu."
"That's not fair."
"He is correct. Leaving you alone with him is more dangerous."
Kurumu whimpered at Yukari's harsh judgment as Tsukune and Moka both chuckled.
"Well… we should get going. The church is still a walk from here."
"Yea. We'll be right back."
With a blush on her cheeks, Moka stalked off. Tsukune laughed nervously, rubbing the back of his neck before hurrying off to catch up with the vampire. The two shared a warm glance before their eyes drifted down to favor the road.
Kurumu managed a smile as Mizore came up beside her. The snow girl fidgeted with the strap between her breasts, peering intently at the retreating couple. Yukari stood at the start of the dirt trail, touching the emerald stud pierced through her right earlobe.
"We should follow them."
Yukari shook her head with a distant look in her eye.
"There's no need."
"What if she tries something?"
"Would that be a bad thing?"
Kurumu scowled at Yukari.
"Yes. While this Moka might be fine with it, the other Moka doesn't want anything to do with him."
"You're worried over nothing. I'll let you know if something serious is going on."
Kurumu frowned in confusion as Mizore cocked her head.
"You're spying on them."
"No. I'm eavesdropping. Spying is a visual thing."
"So much for that talk of being a true friend."
"Turn up the volume."
Yukari rolled her eyes at Mizore.
"They're not even talking yet. The only thing I hear is her breathing and footsteps."
Kurumu glanced down the trail on her left, noting that Moka and Tsukune were still in sight about a soccer field away. She frowned as Moka gestured for Tsukune to venture off the trail to their left.
"What is she doing?"
"She's encouraging him to talk in the cemetery."
"Let us hear it."
Yukari sighed, lifting her hand to her other earlobe.
"-of creepy."
"Not many people come into a cemetery. This is the best place to have a private conversation."
"I see your point. How much further are we going?"
"Just a little. I don't want us to be seen by anyone walking down the path."
The rustle of footsteps followed along with the Moka's breathing.
"She sounds aroused."
Kurumu laughed at Mizore, shaking her head.
"How can you say that?"
"The pace of her breathing."
Kurumu favored a dubious look upon Mizore.
"You start panting when the heat is too much for you."
"Does Akashiya have similar issues?"
"She's agitated. It could be arousal or merely anxiety."
Kurumu clutched her hand to her breast, relieved that Yukari was calm about the situation.
"Haven't we gone far enough? We're almost in the woods."
"Yea. This is good."
"Moka… I've been wanting to talk to you."
"Kiss me."
Kurumu's eyes widened.
"What?! Right now?!"
"Please."
"I can't believe it. I mean… I can, but I can't."
"Hurry!"
"The potion worked but… a kiss?!"
"Yes."
"That's your innermost desire?!"
Kurumu snatched Mizore by the arm before she could take off. The snow girl had already cast aside her schoolbag into the brush flanking the trail.
"Wait! Don't."
"We have to stop this."
"But with me?!"
"Yes. A kiss from you."
Kurumu grimaced as Tsukune made inarticulate responses to Moka's demand.
"It's just a kiss. I don't care if all she wants is a kiss."
"No! Not like that!"
They all paused at Moka's sudden remark.
"Not on the lips. Not that kind of kiss."
Kurumu frowned in confusion, letting go of Mizore's arm.
"What? You mean like… on the hand? Should I kneel down?"
"You can kneel down."
"What the hell is she doing?"
Kurumu shrugged at Yukari's remark.
"But not on the hand."
"What?"
"Here. I want you to kiss here."
Tsukune made some gargled noises.
"Hurry! Please!"
"Thong! That's a thong!"
"You can draw it aside."
Kurumu had a complete idea of what was going on. Chucking her schoolbag aside, she sprinted down the trail. She had been foolish to think Yukari had this situation under control. Sex was not some long drawn out process. Those two could be having intercourse in the span of seconds if she failed to stop them.
She could not rely on Mizore or Yukari getting there first since neither of them could run a lap around the track without getting winded. The biggest issue slowing her down was the jiggle of her bosom in this old bra. Worried she might break the dumb thing, she tucked her right arm over her breasts.
She veered to the left, darting through the open gate. She hurried through the rows of tombstones, hoping she would find them soon. She passed by the headstone Inui had smashed in his efforts to intimidate Moka into cutting all ties with Tsukune.
At the edge of the cemetery, Moka stood with her back to a tree. Tsukune knelt in front of her with his hands on her thighs. The vampire was holding her skirt up high, revealing the crimson thong with a black lace bow covering her loins. A bright blush rested on Moka's cheeks as her turquoise eyes took note of Kurumu. Her sultry gaze was full of hunger. There was nothing sweet about the sudden feeling rushing into Kurumu's core.
"You can't have this Kurumu. This is something he can only do for me."
"You have to stop, Tsukune! She's not herself."
Tsukune jerked back but Moka released her skirt to grab him by his head. He made a muffled protest as the vampire tugged his face into her thong. Moka's eyes closed as she let out a moan.
"That's right. Kiss there."
Kurumu launched herself into Moka. Her palms hit Moka's shoulders, knocking the vampire back against the tree. Moka's hands grabbed her sides as Kurumu shook Moka forcefully.
"Stop! You can't do this!"
"Leave me alone!"
"If Tsukune only wanted a physical relationship, he would stay with me!"
"Get out of my way!"
Kurumu gasped as Moka's arms cinched behind her back and squeezed. She grunted as she pushed on Moka's shoulders, but the vampire hauled her off her feet, squeezing tighter.
"Moka. Please."
"Let me be happy!"
Kurumu relaxed her body. Sliding her hands up around Moka's neck, she rested her head against Moka's.
"This won't make you happy."
Moka's squeeze became a genuine embrace as the vampire settled Kurumu down on her toes.
"I just want him once before I'm gone."
"I know. Don't give up. We will-"
Kurumu gasped as fangs sank into her neck. She whimpered a protest but was unable to fight off the vampire as her body tensed up. Moka had nipped the nerve which triggered a tingling chain of nerves to course down her spine and down around to her most sensitive of places. She felt her strength failing her as she clung to Moka for support.
She mewled as a rush of fluids drenched her lavender boyshorts and skirt. She rasped out pleas for the vampire to stop as her body twitched in ecstasy. Her vision blurred as more of her life was sucked out. She was on the brink of losing consciousness.
"Moka?"
Fangs left her throat. Moka released her limp, weak body, allowing Kurumu to hit the ground. Kurumu barely felt the impact. She lolled her head about, taking in her unfocused surroundings. Everything felt so far away.
"Kurumu is mine, Tsukune. Now come with me."
Moka grabbed Tsukune by the hand and started leading him away.
"Moka… you're not acting like yourself."
"I know you want me as much as I want you."
"That's far enough!"
An icy hand snaked up from the ground, latching onto Moka's calf. Surprised, Moka released Tsukune to lean back and try to shake her leg free. Another icy appendage materialized on the nearest gravestone, reaching around to grab Moka's arm and haul her back against it.
"I knew this was always your heart's desire."
Moka cried out in frustration as Mizore stalked over to Tsukune's side.
"Why do you hate me so much?!"
"I don't hate you. But I'm not going to stand by and watch you ruin the lives of everyone around you. Tsukune is better off without you."
"But he loves me! I know he loves me!"
Tsukune winced, pointedly looking away.
"Maybe we should wait for the potion to wear off."
"Please, Mizore. Let me go. Aren't we the same? I only want him one time."
Mizore cocked her head.
"Only if I can have him first."
"Mizore!"
Mizore turned about to face the perplexed boy.
"That potion only lasts for so long, so we need to make this quick."
"What are you talking about?!"
"Making a baby. Come on."
Mizore grabbed Tsukune by the hand as he stammered out protests.
"Wait! Shouldn't we think about his?!"
"Don't be so nervous. It's not your first time."
"But we shouldn't leave them like this!"
"I'm not losing my virginity in front of an audience. We'll come back for them later."
"Let him go!"
Moka stood tall with the gravestone over her head. Mizore's eyes widened as Moka chucked the heavy stone at her. Mizore instinctively shoved Tsukune aside, taking the brunt of the makeshift missile. Dust kicked up around the debris as Moka clapped her hands triumphantly.
"There. Now that the rivals are out of the way, we can continue."
Tsukune held his hands up defensively as Moka stalked over to him.
"Wait. As happy as I would be to take things to the next step, I have to know if she's okay with it."
Moka laughed, snatching up his hand.
"Don't worry about that, Tsukune. I could never do something she didn't want to do."
Tsukune gagged out a meaningless response as Moka tugged him out of sight. Kurumu murmured a protest, turning her head but unable to see where her friends were going. She whimpered, struggling to twist her torso. Every muscle in her body ached with exhaustion.
She rested on the ground for what felt like an eternity. It took willpower not to close her eyes and sleep. She heard footsteps nearby, followed by the sounds of rocks being chucked aside. Yukari was freeing Mizore from the debris.
"She did a number on you two."
"Yukari…"
"I'll get to you in a moment. Ms. Shirayuki is in worse shape."
"Why?"
Yukari paused in her efforts to frown at Kurumu.
"What?"
"Why didn't you stop them?"
Yukari snorted as she resumed uncovering Mizore.
"Because I had no desire to get pummeled."
Kurumu sighed, swallowing thickly. The act of talking was exhausting.
"Stop her. You have to."
Yukari giggled, kneeling down beside Mizore. The witch shook her head.
"I don't need to. Tsukune broke the spell."
Kurumu frowned as Yukari made a diamond pattern on her chest with her fingers. She swept her fingers down to touch upon Mizore's chest.
"Huh? How?"
Yukari glanced over her shoulder with a smirk.
"He took off her rosary."
