A delicious aroma tantalized Kurumu from the depths of her slumber. She breathed in deeply as her eyes fluttered open. Someone warm and soft pressed against her side with an arm draped across her breasts. Her left arm lacked any feeling, trapped beneath this creamy beige haired girl beside her.

Kurumu groaned softly, glancing at her couch companion. Antai Hotaru wore a loose yellow tee which bunched about the curves of her bosom. Hot breath tickled her neck as Antai squeezed her leg between soft thighs. Yawning, Kurumu patted Antai's arm.

"Hey. Get up."

The sizzling of a skillet had Kurumu wondering what time it was. She stretched her arm up over her head as she let out a sensual groan. Her breasts strained against her black tank top as she tried to move her other hand. Sighing she brought her hand back to give Antai's shoulder a firmer shake.

"Off me. Dummy."

Antai grumbled as her nose crinkled with annoyance. Her hand drifted to Kurumu's right breast, giving it a squeeze. A slight smile touched her lips as her body relaxed.

Kurumu sighed deeply, poking the sylph's cheek. The girl grimaced, releasing Kurumu's tit to fend off the nuisance. Kurumu scooted away from the mild struggle, causing the girl to groan loudly.

"Stop."

Kurumu chuckled, wiggling her arm free of the grumbling sylph. Lifting up to a seated position, Kurumu brought her arm across her chest, rubbing her left shoulder to bring back some feeling. Antai whined as she rubbed her own face, rolling onto her back. She drew her right knee up, causing the hem of her black shorts to slide down her creamy thigh.

Kurumu yawned again, glancing at the unmoving figure resting on her right. Wearing a spaghetti string tank top, Fukai was nestled against the arm of the pink sofa with her back to Kurumu. Contrasting with her dark orange attire, a long, black pillow was hugged tightly in her limbs. The bottom end which poked out from between her thighs was a duller shade of black than the lacy briefs girding Fukai's loins.

As her arm burned under the assault of a thousand pins and needles, Kurumu glanced over at Moka's bed. The crimson comforter was smoothed out over the mattress and all of the black cushions with pink hearts had been lined up neatly against the ebony headboard. The inviting scent of eggs and sausage beckoned her attention.

The missing trio were hanging out by the kitchen counters. Both vampires and Akegawa were dressed in their school blouses and skirts, though none had donned their green jackets. Moka had her sleeves rolled back and was tending the skillet on the stove while Akegawa was fetching plates from the cabinet above the sink. Kokoa was lingering between the girls with her arms crossed, leaning against the counter.

"It's about time you woke up."

Kurumu frowned at Kokoa's glare.

"What time is it?"

"About six thirty."

Kurumu nodded dumbly at Moka's quip. While this was not horribly late, it was unusual to see Moka up and wide awake before seven. She was only like this on Sunday mornings and normally that was due to Moka turning in early the night before. That had certainly been the case last night.

After being healed by Yukari, they had lingered in the cemetery, discussing what they should do next. The vampire Moka was annoyed with their experiment and frustrated that Tsukune had taken so long to free her from her addled partner's antics. He should be thankful that she only kicked him once for handling her in such an inappropriate manner.

The vampire Moka had surprised them with a declaration that she wished the other Moka had a body of her own. But since this was her body, she refused to give up her virginity without a fight. She asked if he was willing to fight for her body but he had unsurprisingly backed out of that challenge.

Deciding against risking an encounter with Kokoa, the vampire Moka had agreed to hide in Tsukune's room until the effects of the potion wore off. Not wanting to explain the concept of different versions of Moka to the other boys, they had sneaked onto the floor from the side with all the vacancies, ducking into his room before anyone noticed they were there.

The first thing Kurumu had done in his room was change out of her sex soaked panties and skirt. Slipping into a pair of his shorts which she was still wearing, she had stuffed her soiled clothes into her schoolbag. They had killed an hour listening to his CDs before putting the rosary back on Moka. Since the sealed Moka had shown no signs of waking up, Yukari had cast that weight shifting spell to make it easier to carry the vampire home.

It had been after eight when she had arrived at Moka's suite. An angry Kokoa had demanded for her to start making dinner and had questioned her over where she had been and why Moka was comatose. Aware of Kokoa's distaste for Yukari, Kurumu had summarily blamed it on an experiment.

"When did you get up?"

"About an hour ago. The three of us took a bath."

Kurumu glanced at Akegawa, impressed that the girl had endured such a painful experience.

"Why didn't you wake me up to make breakfast?"

"Because I'm starving. You should get dressed."

"Moka told us a different story about yesterday's events."

Kurumu frowned as she stumbled off the sofa.

"How? It was Yukari's experiment."

"You didn't mention unsealing Moka."

Kurumu glanced at Moka whom had started to dole out portions onto the plates Akegawa had set out on the counter beside the oven.

"What did you tell her?"

Moka glanced over her shoulder. She smiled softly before resuming her task.

"That Yukari tried an experiment to determine if I was magic or spirit."

"That's what I told her."

"Mr. Aono had to remove her seal to break the spell because things were getting out of control."

Kurumu sighed as she wandered over to them.

"He did have to do that."

"Why didn't you tell me?"

"Because it didn't seem important."

"It is important. I want to challenge my sister."

"Kokoa."

"If you're going to be unsealed, it better be for a good reason."

Moka blushed as she set the empty skillet aside.

"It was a good reason. I was not in my right mind."

"Why would you want a kiss from that guy anyways?"

"I think Tsukune is a wonderful person."

"Of course you would think that. He keeps bringing you back when you should be gone."

Moka flinched. Looking away, she turned off the burner as Akegawa placed a hand on Kokoa's shoulder.

"You shouldn't say that."

"But it's true. He must really hate my sister to keep doing this to her."

"What is going on?"

Kurumu glanced at the bewildered Antai whom was up on her knees atop the couch.

"Could you wake up Fukai? Breakfast is ready."

Antai grunted, scooting across the couch to prod the gnome.

"Tsukune cares enough about your sister to not take advantage of me."

"Are you stupid? I refuse Hotaru's advances all the time."

"But you care for Hotaru."

"Are you trying to say that he cares about my sister the same way I care about Hotaru?"

Akegawa wrung her hands.

"I don't know."

"What about me?"

"Stay out of this, Hotaru. This thing posing as my sister is trying to justify her existence."

Antai crawled off the couch with a frown.

"You're not making any sense."

"You don't hate Hotaru."

"That's not the point!"

"What are you upset about?"

"Everything!"

Kokoa accentuated her word with a pounding of her fist upon the counter, causing it to crack.

"Kokoa?"

Kokoa's emerald eyes wavered with emotion.

"Everything. A servant whom won't do her job. A sister whom is stuck in a cage. This weakling I gave my blood to keeps my sister locked up despite having the power to save her. This… thing that molests little girls and chases after a guy whom she knows has a girlfriend."

"I haven't done anything with Yukari."

Kokoa shook her head, gesturing at Kurumu while her eyes remained fixed on Moka.

"You're her friend, right? Are you trying to do what your mother did to mine?"

Moka winced, clutching her hand to her breast.

"But… you loved Momma."

"That didn't make it right. My sister knows that."

An uneasy silence settled over them.

"I'm going to take a piss."

Kurumu laughed as Antai stalked off. She shook her head as everyone visibly relaxed.

"We should eat breakfast."

"Yea… but we can't pull out the table with the couch like that."

Akegawa slipped through them, heading over to the couch. Fukai was seated and looking about with confusion. The gnome kept a tight grip on the pillow nestled under her chin.

"Are you two okay?"

"I don't know what she wants me to do."

"I don't want you doing anything to disgrace my sister."

"I've already apologized for that."

"Are you still upset about Ms. Taniguchi?"

Kurumu frowned at Akegawa's inquiry.

"What's this about Taniguchi?"

"Nagisa has skipped the last two days of school. I don't know what's going on but she wouldn't open her door the night I spent in the dorms."

Kurumu bit her lip, sharing a glance with Moka.

"Well… her friend is missing."

"That's not a reason to start skipping school. I want you to find these missing girls for me."

"We plan to."

Kokoa took in a deep breath as she regarded her friends. Akegawa was putting the couch back into its upright position while Fukai stumbled about clueless and disoriented.

"What sort of experiment makes a person want to make out? That witch is a pest."

"It's not her fault."

"Knowing that brat, she probably hoped your deviance would be directed upon her."

Kurumu chuckled as she picked up a breakfast plate.

"She was hoping for a threesome."


"I think that will be all for our lesson today."

Ms. Nekonome looked away from her watch to favor the class with a smile. Their teacher had on a short sleeved, denim jacket over a camouflage top with spaghetti strings. The fabric stretched over the hem of the black capris which clung to the blonde's hips.

"It's still a few minutes before the bell but you may go. Keep the noise down in the hall."

Before the teacher finished her sentence the back door was drawn open. Kurumu glimpsed Osakebi darting out before she put away her things. Her classmates hastily did the same, stuffing marked up homework packets, notebooks and mechanical pencils into their schoolbags.

Every class was reviewing the summer work today. Both Mrs. Sunao's lecture and Ms. Shuzen's had run longer than the bell, so this early release was a blessing. Only Mr. Hakuru had wrapped up his review this fast, though he was back in his normal, irritating routine of giving his lessons in the lab. It was annoying taking notes while standing for almost a whole hour.

"You two ready?"

Kurumu zipped up her schoolbag, glancing at Satsuki whom was in her usual PSC attire. She nodded, hanging her schoolbag by its strap upon the two hooks bolted on the side of her desk. Ms. Nekonome slipped out of the room with her portfolio tucked against her bosom.

"Are you sure you won't eat with Moka?"

Yukari sighed dramatically as she slipped out of her desk, bending down to fetch her bento satchel from beneath her desk. Slinging the strap over her shoulder, she straightened up and adjusted the strap to nestle across her torso in a manner which did not trouble the bow tied neatly beneath her blouse collar.

"I gave a bento to her this morning."

"Lover's quarrel?"

Yukari rolled her eyes at Satsuki's amusement.

"I don't want to deal with her sister."

Satsuki chuckled, gesturing for them to follow as Deshi started for the door. Kurumu offered her hand to Yukari, but the witch huffed and stalked after Satsuki. Kurumu smiled softly, effortlessly keeping up with the indignant girl as they made their way out of the classroom.

Kokoa had said some nasty things to Yukari during the morning walk to school. Kurumu swore it would have become a fight if those two had been by themselves. Kurumu hoped this was some passing mood which could be fixed by Taniguchi showing up for class, considering most of Kokoa's complaints were nothing new.

"I would prefer you eating with us."

Kurumu smiled as they came to a stop at the closed back door to class three.

"I want to chat with Tokori today. I haven't had a chance to yet."

"Not like she talks much at these lunches."

Kurumu lacked a rebuttal to Satsuki's remark. She sighed, tousling Yukari's hair which earned her a glare.

"I'm going to sit in his lap since you are abandoning me."

Kurumu smirked, thinking Mizore might object to that. Before Ms. Nekonome's class had started, Yukari had declared her intent to eat lunch with Tsukune and Mizore.

"You'll be fine without me. I'm also curious how things are going with Tora."

With the safety walk going on, having lunch with the PSC was the only way Kurumu could keep in touch with her two friends. Tucked away in the back corner of the sewing room, the only station whom could effortlessly visit with her was the one directly in front of them which was Asuka's group with Juri and Nomura. All the girls had to do was turn around and chat across the desk. Having quickly realized this convenience, Asuka had convinced Taijin and the twins to take the station in front of her.

Orochi was taking the aisle side of their workstation so that she could chat with her cousin at the station to their left. Meisai was doing the same on the other aisle so that she could chat with Shinayaka whom was at the station closest to the back door. Hazumi was directly in front of Meisai with Tokori in the middle of their workstation. While the diagonal station was closer than how things had been with Tokori at station sixteen in the home economics room, Kurumu doubted she could inconspicuously chat with this arrangement. She had not asked where the other three groups had ended up but had heard that the juniors had taken all the stations in the front closest to Ms. Hitori's podium.

"Hey Kurono."

Kurumu smiled as Bikiyama sauntered over to them with her notebook clutched to her bosom. On her heels was Kakeru Chisa, Nerume's tall friend. The kirin had most of her silvery hair cut short but she had a long tail bound at the nape of her neck which brushed the back of her knees. Kakeru was surprisingly thin for someone so tall, but she still possessed some notable curves to distinguish her femininity.

"Hey Bikiyama. Kakeru."

The tall girl murmured a greeting as her pink eyes nervously regarded the other students from class one passing by Kurumu's group. Kurumu spied Asuka further down the hall, having stopped at the back door to class four nearest the stairs down.

"We're going to put up our notebooks but we'll be right back."

"Is Kakeru eating with you today?"

Bikiyama laughed, wagging a dismissive hand.

"Naw. Kakeru here is waiting for that art class friend of hers. Goto, I think."

"Excuse us."

"Later."

The pair continued down the hall. Students from class twelve started filtering out on the other side of the hall. Mizumi's homeroom. Kurumu sighed, looking back to the closed door of class three.

"You brought a lunch for Aono, right?"

"Of course."

Satsuki thumbed down the hall.

"You might want to tell that girl that you're not planning to use the lunch line."

Kurumu brightened up.

"Actually, you could give her the bento you made for me."

Yukari sighed heavily with a shake of her head.

"I don't know why I bother making lunches for four people."

"It'll be fine, Yukari."

The bell sounded the start of the lunch hour. Kurumu turned her attention back to the door, expecting the bulky Ushio and Tamaishi to come bounding through it at any moment. She saw class four letting out, Asuka gesturing for Taijin to join her. Students from Moka's and Kokoa's classes were also filtering into the hall on the other side. So were the students from class ten. But both doors to class three remained shut. Kurumu sighed.

"Are we up for a long English lecture?"

"You'll sleep through it."

"That depends on how much I eat."

"Wish I could sleep in class."

Kurumu chuckled, aware that Satsuki had dozed off a couple times during Mr. Nagamushi's lecture. But due to her being a nekomusume, she would start purring. While this was undeniably adorable, it was too loud to go undetected.

The door finally slid open and two young men stepped out. Both guys from soccer were thick, standing more than a whole head taller than Satsuki. Burumoto Ushio favored Kurumu with a feral grin, peering down at her with narrow, crimson eyes. His broad nose had a stud pierced through his left nostril. His short, dark locks nestled about his ears, the left one sporting three garnet studs.

"Kurumu!"

Kurumu grinned, nodding to the pair of boys. Tamaishi was slightly taller than Ushio and had his black hair shaved to a fuzz on the sides and back, leaving some length to the patch on top of his square head. He had gone to the same junior high as Aku in Akichi which was in the Yuzawa region.

"Ushio. Tamaishi."

"Would it be possible to convince you to join the soccer boys for lunch today?"

Ushio was the first young man she had encountered at Yokai Academy. He was from the Sorachi region of Hokkaido, having come to Yokai to play on the same soccer team as Tsutsushi, the senior captain of the team. The two had played together in junior high, Tsutsushi coming to Yokai because Coach Kotsubo had been his coach his first year of junior high. Ever since Kotsubo's resignation, Kurumu had inadvertently avoided the soccer club, though she had pranced about in a cheerleader outfit one time for them.

"I'm eating with the PSC today."

"Oh, you are?"

Kurumu smiled, glancing over her shoulder at Bikiyama's voice. The okami was nearly upon them with Kakeru in her wake.

"Yea. Yukari was going to give you the bento she made for me. She will be joining you today."

Ushio guffawed, patting Kurumu on the head.

"We tried. I'll be seeing you after school."

Kurumu chuckled, batting away at the air above her head as the duo of brutes started off.

"Yea. Later."

Satsuki clapped her shoulder and pushed her for the door.

"Come on."

Under Satsuki's guidance, Kurumu stepped into the bustling classroom. Half the students were gone with most favoring the front door. Takurami, the young man with wavy ebony locks whom was the same height as Tsukune and sat in the middle of the fourth row, weaved his way through Kurumu's group with an annoyed huff before slipping out the back.

Hatoko was chatting in front of her desk by the windows in the front row with Suzume whom sat beside her. The two heavyset guys whom sat behind them were still putting away their things. The bulkier of the two behind Hatoko was Hedoyami. He had shaggy black hair and an unsettling waddle to his gait.

The taller one was Yamazaru from Aku's judo team. He was from Chouten which was a community of giants in the Murakami region. As far as Kurumu knew, there was only one other village for giants in Niigata which happened to attend the junior high in Akichi. This had been important before the summer because Taijin was a giant and Asuka had been toying with the idea of finding Taijin a boyfriend.

Motion caught her attention and Kurumu threw up a hand to stop the grayish brown haired girl walking by them. The locks on her right side had been shaved short but her left tresses were long, hanging below her shoulder. The hair in her back had been gathered up in a ball and pinned in place with a golden spire. Her exposed ear was lined with gold and silver rings.

"Goto."

The tall girl turned rich brown eyes upon Kurumu.

"I've been wondering where your fashion group eats."

Goto chuckled, gesturing at Satsuki.

"This kitten knows where."

Satsuki shrugged as Bikiyama and Yukari continued crossing the class without them to meet up with Tsukune and Mizore. Like yesterday, Mizore was sporting the standard school uniform, though she had kept her knee high, striped stockings. The snow girl regarded Yukari with a blank expression, cocking her head aside as Bikiyama greeted the pair.

"I only ate with you guys once. It's one of the senior classrooms, but I don't remember which one."

"Ms. Kurihara's homeroom. Class three. Are you coming?"

Kurumu grinned, shaking her head.

"Maybe another time. I'm going to catch up with my friends in the PSC today."

Tora favored her a curious look as the sphinx wandered over.

"See you around then."

Kurumu waved as Goto departed for the door where Kakeru was waiting with Deshi. Tora placed a hand on Kurumu's shoulder as the tall girls slipped out of sight.

"What was that all about?"

"I was thinking it might be fun to visit Herikuda's club for a lunch at some point."

"Whatever. Let's go."

"I didn't get the impression that you liked her."

Kurumu shrugged, following after Satsuki.

"That was because she was looking down on me. Maybe with the contest over, things will be different."

"Kurumu!"

Kurumu paused at the door, glancing back at Bikiyama. The okami was a couple steps ahead of the others, grinning.

"Tell Akari she can go on without us. We'll be picking up drinks in the store."

Kurumu nodded, leaving the classroom with Tora at her side. Deshi was already backpedaling down the balcony with her staff across her shoulders behind her head. As the others headed off towards the main foyer, Kurumu quickened her step to catch up to Satsuki.

"It feels so strange to see Mizore and Yukari both in normal school clothes."

Tora huffed, keeping pace with her.

"It only took the whole school term."

"Did you hear the news about Moka?"

"What news?"

"That fragrance Yukari was working on proved that this Moka is a soul."

"Are you sure about that?"

"I always believed that and now Yukari does too."

"It's crazy to think that girl has two souls."

Tora nodded thoughtfully at Satsuki's remark as they neared the crossover with two stairs. Deshi regarded them with sly, yellow eyes as she continued to backpedal. Her awareness of her surroundings was amazing. Without glancing behind her, the jiangshi drifted to the top of the stairs and started hopping backwards down the steps on one foot.

"Have you talked with Deshi about Akua?"

Tora snorted as they started down the stairs.

"I've tried but she won't give any straight answers about what she was doing since you saw her."

"Yea… why didn't you tell me about that?"

"About what?"

"About this rascal being a spy for one of Moka's sisters."

"I didn't think it was the sort of thing to mention in school."

"Bah, nobody in our class would bat an eye if you said Moka had an older, foreign sister."

Kurumu sighed, mulling over what was worth saying. She had felt it important to make Deshi aware of the confirmation that Moka was a tsukumogami, hoping Deshi would pass that information along to Akua. Sadly she had spoken too loudly which forced Yukari to briefly explain what a tsukumogami was to the rest of the class and how Moka could have two distinct souls in one body.

"In any case, you don't have to pester her about the hairpin."

"What hairpin?"

"I haven't asked her about that yet, but I doubt that she would have admitted to having it anyways."

Kurumu chuckled as they neared the bottom of the stairs. Akua had a hairpin which could transform Deshi into Jasmine, a vampire girl whom Akua had tried to run away with to save the girl from becoming an assassin for the Miao family. This hairpin was imbued with a magical program built around Akua's memories of the young girl. As a jiangshi was dead, Deshi's soul was able to be suppressed when this hairpin was placed on her body, allowing this fabricated personality to assume control.

"What's this about a hairpin?"

Deshi hopped down the last step. The girl smirked at Satsuki, pressing a finger to her lips.

"That's a secret."

Tora snorted as Deshi twirled about and stalked away. The sphinx shook her head as they reached the bottom of the stairs.

"So… do I want to know what happened that has Yukari convinced about this conclusion?"

"Doubtful."

"She wouldn't tell us either."

"Because it's not important. Are you going to stick around for the club meeting tonight?"

Tora shrugged as they steadily walked down the hall.

"The PSC has the safety walk."

"Yea, but it's not required. I'm sure Ginei will want to go over next paper article assignments."

"We already discussed that."

"Not officially. Sure, we know what I'm going to do and have a good idea that Kana and Mizore will be doing the same thing that they normally do. But other than the bank robbery and missing girls, we don't have any other article ideas."

Tora sighed heavily.

"I suppose I should update Senior on what is going on. The Headmaster did suggest our club work closely with the PSC."

"Have you spoken with Mr. Sabaku?"

"He took us all out to dinner last night."

"Yea… should we tell her?"

"Tell me what?"

"Not out in the hallway. We can talk about that after we get our lunches."

Kurumu frowned at the sudden secrecy between her friends.

"Is this bad?"

"We can talk about it later."

Kurumu nodded at Tora's stern reply, feeling a knot form in the pit of her stomach. She suspected another girl had been killed. Her heart tightened at the thought of it being Taniguchi.

"So… you're coming to the meeting?"

"Yes. Though I'm leaving if Senior does something stupid."

"Isn't that inevitable?"

Kurumu chuckled as they reached the end of the hall and drifted diagonally towards the serving line. She spied Uchikawa and her two friends. She raised both her hands and waved grandly.

"Hey! Bikiyama told me to tell you to go ahead. She's buying her food at the school store."

"That bitch!"

Matsudera backhanded Kiba for the comment, whom promptly shoved her back. Uchikawa quickly stepped between the two friends, shaking her head and favoring Kurumu a resigned smile and wave.

"Oh yea… has anyone told you about Matsudera's birthday party this weekend?"

"Tsukune has mentioned it."

"Are you coming?"

"No."

"Why not?"

"Because it sounds like I would only be there to watch Senior misbehave. I don't feel comfortable attending a birthday party for a girl I don't know. It was awkward enough to attend Ms. Shindou's party."

Kurumu failed to think of a protest before they arrived at the door near the stack of trays. Deshi lingered at the door to the break room, having pushed it open. Managing a smile, Kurumu followed the other two into the short corridor on the other side of the door.

Kurumu never felt comfortable chatting in this area. She silently followed the girls into the large receiving area which doubled as a break room. It had a double door for a loading dock, but there was no road on the other side. These cafeteria workers had to drag their kitchen goods all the way from the nearest parking lot which was by the shop building and on the other side of the school. She wondered if there had been plans of making a road. Or maybe there had been a road. There were several abandoned buildings out in the woods to the west, including the place where the outcasts had kidnapped Moka.

They turned to the right, walking by a corridor which flanked a cooler and freezer. The clamor in the kitchen area which was worse than the cafeteria greeted them on the other side. Several workers bustled about the stoves while others washed dishes. One worker dressed in white lingered by a silver cart stacked with premade lunches. This woman lifted her head upon seeing their approach.

The worker wordlessly handed off a tray laden with Styrofoam containers to Satsuki and then to Tora. Kurumu smiled pointlessly at this woman as a tray was thrust into her hands. Quickly moving aside so Deshi could receive hers, Kurumu followed after Tora whom was already making her way to the door at the corner of the room on the right.

They stepped back out into the cafeteria behind the registers. It was a short walk over to the entryway for the auditorium. Kurumu grinned as they started down the side of this large gymnasium, noting all the nets had been set up for volleyball once again.

"I wonder which boys' team will prove the best."

"Why is that relevant?"

Kurumu chuckled at Tora's response. Asuka would have shown more interest, since she had taken much pride in how her class had performed.

Despite having Tora here, Kurumu could think of nothing special to talk about. She knew it was pointless to ask how things were going with Ginei, certain that he was avoiding Tora. And it sounded like she had to wait for an update on the other things she wanted to talk to Tora about.

They angled away from the wall for a corridor which was flanked by the stage and storage rooms. At the end of this nearest corridor was the locker room for the girls. The door across from the stairs up to the stage on the left was for drama club props. The PSC had commandeered the room at the start of the year to serve as a lunch space for the new recruits.

Kurumu glanced over her tray, noting it was packed like it always was. There were two entrees, a cup of rice, a bread roll, dessert, tea and soup. One of the entrees would be noodle based. She would be stuffed if she managed to eat all of this.

Clutching the tray precariously to her bosom, Satsuki slid open the door. She headed in first.

"Kurumu is with us."

The room was the same as it had been when she first dined here before Kuyo's defeat. A low table was centered in the room while all the props had been pushed and stacked against the walls. Four occupants were already seated about the table.

"Ah, Ms. Kurono. Always a pleasure to have your company."

Kurumu smirked at Koike's warm welcome. The tawny haired guy favored her a toothy smile with enough fangs to betray his inugami heritage. The empty left sleeve of his PSC jacket had been folded and pinned to his shoulder. Seated on his left was the dour Kitajima whom turned and nodded at their entrance. He promptly turned his attention back to his meal.

"I understand we have some big news that can't be shared in public."

"Unfortunately we do."

Kurumu made her way around to the far side of the table where Tokori was sitting. Satsuki knelt down on Tokori's right, forcing Kurumu to take the spot on Tokori's left. Kurumu nodded at the last young man at this table as she knelt down next to him. This tall boy with the inky black mess of hair and steel blue eyes was Umizake Aoi, Mizore's unwanted fiancé.

Kurumu took in a deep breath, noting Deshi had closed the door behind her. She waited for Deshi to take her seat next to Kitajima.

"So… what happened?"

"Yes… Ms. Nazohashi informed us last night that you are aware of the true fate of the two girls whom went missing last week."

"We have another girl whom has gone missing. Yoshizawa Asumi from class seven."

Kurumu paused, idly touching the lid to her soup.

"That's one of the archery girls."

"Yes, and a damn popular one too."

"What does that have to do with anything?"

Koike sighed heavily.

"I know it might sound cruel, but people don't notice when low profile students vanish. When news of this gets out, we might have a panic on our hands."

Kurumu grimaced, thinking his priorities were wrong.

"Don't we have a bigger issue to worry about? Someone is snatching up girls and butchering them."

"We don't know if this is related to the other girls whom went missing."

Koike nodded at Kitajima's sentiment.

"That's true. And we would prefer to hunt down these killers without the mass hysteria."

Kurumu sighed, supposing they had a point.

"When did this girl disappear?"

"Hard to say. Several people saw her on campus last week but she hasn't attended any of her classes."

"I know at least one girl like that. It doesn't mean she's missing."

"What's her name?"

The firmness of his request demanded an answer.

"Taniguchi Nagisa. She's a first year in class nine and a close friend to Kokoa."

"Can someone confirm that she is in her room?"

"I can check on her. Kurumu wants me to attend our club meeting today, so I'll have to miss our walk."

"That's fine. Make sure the girl is there. Visual confirmation."

Tora nodded as Kurumu absently rubbed the plastic lid.

"So… Yoshizawa is missing from her room?"

"Yes. One of her neighbors, Ms. Zoushiki, has not seen her in the dorms since Sunday morning."

"Zoushiki was absent from school yesterday."

Koike shook his head.

"No. Ms. Zoushiki shares gym class with Ms. Yoshizawa and noticed her absence yesterday. She talked with the girls in class seven and determined that Ms. Yoshizawa was not at school. She skipped lunch to check the dorms, confirming that Ms. Yoshizawa wasn't in her room either. And then she came back to school to report Ms. Yoshizawa was missing to the faculty."

Kurumu sighed, picking up the soup cup. She peeled back the lid and a waft of fragrant steam followed.

"Have you any clues on where she might be?"

"Unfortunately not. We don't know where or when she went missing."

"Which is why it is possible that this is unrelated to the other two girls."

"Have you found anything else about those two?"

"Lord Sabaku is working on that with Lady Hineri and Mr. Utsubari. Kitajima and I have been asked to escort our younger members back from their safety walk."

Kurumu sighed, taking a sip of soup. She had hoped for more news than this.

"So… are all of the local monstrels attending Yokai Academy part of this escort program?"

Koike chuckled, shaking his head.

"It's mostly the girls."

Kurumu nodded, having met at least three of them.

"I'm guessing you two don't know anything about the bank robbery either."

"I'm afraid not."

"There's not a whole lot to tell. Mr. Sabaku spoke with me about it on the way home last night. He knows about as much as the Headmaster did."

Kurumu took another sip, disappointed with Tora's answer though not upset. They were starting an investigation weeks after the incident. She turned a smile on Tokori.

"So… how has your summer been?"

"Chaotic."

"I hear you've been letting Satsuki sleep over at your place."

"We tried letting her sleep up in the loft, but my little brother kept bothering her. She sleeps in our room with Mikomi."

"The little brat pokes my ass when I'm trying to sleep."

Kurumu chuckled, aware of how obnoxious Tokori's little brother was.

"Is Sawayaka doing okay?"

Tokori smiled softly.

"Yea… she's doing okay."

"I know this will sound weird, but do you know if Tensai will be replacing Kana's laptop soon?"

Tokori smirked, shaking her head as she poked at her meal with her chopsticks.

"I can certainly ask her."

"Is this what you wanted to talk to her about?"

Kurumu smiled softly at Satsuki's remark. She had a lot she wanted to talk about, but she was struggling to think of a good order without sounding weird.

"I'm sitting next to a black hole which is demanding that I talk about Mizore."

"I'm surprised he goes with us on the walks."

Kurumu smirked after sucking down another mouthful of soup.

"I wonder what would happen if we gave Umizake that potion Yukari was working on."

"Potion?"

Kurumu grinned at Koike.

"It's something that unlocks your innermost desire."

"As long as it's not something which creates desire, I might be interested in seeing this."

Kurumu smiled softly, aware that Koike had once been given something which had made him confess his love to a classmate.

"It's not. Though it will make him more honest about his feelings for Mizore."

Umizake glanced at her without betraying any emotion in his steel blue eyes.

"You'll be disappointed."

Kurumu shrugged, letting the cup hover against her lips.

"It wouldn't be the first time."


Considering Yukari's usual delay to enter a congested hallway, there were some unexpected faces in class three at the end of school today. Kurumu was curious why Ikazuchi and Yougan were still hanging out by their desks in the middle of the third row. The tall duo chatted with Tora, Tsukune and Kamitsuku while Mizore quietly hovered nearby.

Like Asuka, Ikazuchi Inuki was a raiji. He sat in front of Mizore and had short, platinum blond locks and electric blue eyes. He was from Uchimori and played on the baseball team with his cousin, Gizatochi Denji. Gizatochi was the senior ace pitcher whom had placed third in the popularity contest. Their family name had been Asuka's excuse to enroll in Yokai Academy under the premise that she would find a mate from his clan. Her real reason had been to continue going to school with Taijin whom would not have been allowed to attend Terasu Institute, the prefectural school in Iwate.

Yougan Kurai had his dark red hair swept up like a broomstick. The golden eyed salamander was as tall as Ushio but much more slender. The young man had joined the basketball team and had attended the junior high in Atsuen with Kaimura, Makiba and Asakira since Moegara lacked a junior high.

Yamabato Kamitsuku was a stocky boy whom was not that much taller than Tsukune. Like many kappa, he had ochre eyes and dark hair, his locks being short and slick. Kamitsuku was the only kappa whom lived in Umishiro, a community in the Itoigawa region which was exclusive to undines. His father was an Undine and Kurumu assumed his mother was a kappa whom had been working as a maid in Umishiro. The kappas whom attended the small junior high in Umishiro did not live there.

Kurumu fiddled with the strap of her schoolbag nestled between her breasts as she started up the aisle with Yukari on her heels. The boys were laughing about something but Kamitsuku took note of her and offered a slight wave. His gesture caught the interest of Yougan, whom grinned at her approach.

"Ms. Kurono. What's this about you skipping our basketball team so you can hang out with a bunch of boring band kids?"

Kurumu frowned as she came up beside Tora.

"I'm not skipping your team. I'm doing it next month with the volleyball team."

"I have to wait a whole month?!"

Ikazuchi snickered.

"Technically today is the last day of August."

"That's right. Does tomorrow work for you?"

Kurumu held her hands up at his swift recovery.

"I meant for the paper after the next one. Your season doesn't start until November anyways."

"That didn't stop you from releasing a track article months ahead of their season."

Kurumu pouted.

"That's not fair. The track team was my first article."

"Don't listen to him. He's jealous that my team got two articles."

"Are you talking about that quick review article I did? That wasn't more than a couple paragraphs and I also talked about the softball and track teams."

"Don't deny it, Kurono. You're secretly a fan of baseball."

"Why would anyone love a boring sport like baseball? Basketball is a real sport. Everyone is constantly in motion, trying to get the upper hand."

"There's no strategy in a mindless back and forth romp."

"Where's the skill in a game with half the players standing around doing nothing?"

"Okay, that's enough from you two."

Both boys glared at each other before turning upon Tora.

"Which sport would you rather see?"

"I don't watch sports."

Kurumu smirked as the duo regarded her.

"Don't look at me. I was banned from sport events in Kengamine because some of the elders thought I could interfere with the game."

"Seriously?"

"I thought I mentioned this months ago. Maybe I only told Ushio. Anyways, I've never been to any games for any sports. I was turned away at the first one I attended."

"That's monumentally disappointing. I had you pegged as a sports enthusiast since you practically are the sports column for our paper."

Kurumu chuckled at him, shaking her head.

"I've never thought of it that way. I did the choir and the cheerleader squad."

"For which I have no complaints."

Kurumu smirked, supposing these two would not object to articles about girls.

"The only thing I gave was the season record for our teams. I have no idea what the scores were or how most of the other teams in our region did."

"You'd have to talk with the coaches for that sort of stuff."

"Maybe you could try it out when you do his article."

Kurumu wagged a dismissive hand at his suggestion.

"I'm not that interested. If anything, I'm more curious if you two will be attending that track meet we are hosting this weekend."

Ikazuchi glanced at Yougan before shrugging indifferently.

"I know we're practicing for regionals all weekend. I can't speak for this guy."

"Why do you ask?"

"Well… I was curious if Ikazuchi was going to cheer for Asuka."

"That's right. Your cousin's fangirl is going to be there."

"I'm sorry, but there's room for only one gradeschool girl in my heart."

Kurumu frowned as Ikazuchi clapped a hand to his chest.

"I hope you're not joking about Yukari."

Ikazuchi laughed, wagging a finger at Yukari.

"She's also adorable but not whom I had in mind. I simply cannot betray Mini Minx. I've seen her panties far too many times to not be curious what delights await me beyond that sexy swath of fabric."

Yougan chuckled, clapping Ikazuchi's shoulder. Tsukune shook his head with a look of amusement as Kamitsuku snickered. Tora rolled her eyes.

"How crude."

Mini Minx was the nickname the class three boys had bestowed upon Hiboshi Netsuki. The kitsune girl whom was selected to be Kuyo's bride had been returned to her preadolescent body after Tsukune had torn up a charm she had made long ago to increase her power. Yukari had quickly saved Hiboshi's life by completing the ritual associated with that charm which reset a kitsune's physical body back to the time when the charm had been created.

Since then Hiboshi had struggled with controlling her body which was back at that difficult age for a kitsune when hormonal imbalances made keeping a human form troublesome. And since her body now had three tails, she was battling with more power than she had the last time she had gone through puberty. All too often her tails kicked up her skirt, betraying her mature undergarments.

It had taken weeks for Hiboshi to return to the cafeteria and eat lunch with the other girls from tennis. Hiboshi had been avoiding her teammates and her junior high friends from Aranoiji, too embarrassed to be seen in her diminutive state. By the time Hiboshi turned sixteen the week before the popularity contest, things had smoothed over.

"Does seeing a girl's panties often always bring about such curiosity?"

"Only among perverts."

"Are you claiming you wouldn't have any interest in a guy if you saw his boxers all the time?"

Tora snorted at Yougan.

"Of course not."

"Guys don't wear skirts."

Everyone chuckled at Yukari's random remark.

"I'm serious. How would I accidentally see a guy in his boxers?"

"Aha! Our former rep is lying."

"How did you come to that conclusion?"

"Because you have to be interested in a guy to see him in his boxers."

Tora groaned, shaking her head.

"Why are we discussing this?"

"I'm intrigued that men can find someone like Ms. Hiboshi attractive despite the age of her body."

Ikazuchi chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck.

"It helps knowing what she used to look like."

"Wow. It's a party in here."

Kurumu grinned at Kana's voice, glancing over at the back door. Their illustrator was with Moka, Kiki and two familiar boys. The gray haired guy whom was shorter than Moka and Kiki was Tamura Shigo from class twelve. He was a mujina from Aranoiji whom had joined the film club. The other young man with them was Uchiyama Makoto from class eleven. He was a tengu from Hongu like Ichida. He had golden eyes and black hair which was short and feathered. She had not seen either of these boys since the trio of film club first years had helped her out with the pictures for the softball girls.

"Why are the film club guys here?"

"Mr. Morioka crashed our rooftop lunch today to talk with Ms. Sangi. He convinced her to hold her club meeting with your club today."

"What is he up to?"

Ikazuchi chuckled at Tora's remark, slapping a hand on Tsukune's shoulder.

"Looks like my hopes of convincing your girlfriend to tag along with us to regionals is a bust. I'll see you tomorrow, Aono."

"Later."

"Stay cool, Shirayuki."

Mizore offered a nod as Ikazuchi turned about and started down the aisle. Kamitsuku promptly stepped aside to give Ikazuchi more space.

"Man. Another month before we get her to lunch with us."

Kurumu grinned as Yougan followed after his friend. She glanced at Mizore.

"Stay cool?"

Mizore shrugged as the others came over to join them. Yukari hopped over to Moka's side, snatching up the vampire's arm and resting her head against Moka's shoulder.

"Where's your sister?"

"She stopped by my class for Ishiko. She's heading straight home with her friends."

Kurumu frowned, slightly curious about Moka's sudden use of Fukai's given name.

"Am I making another big meal?"

"I don't know. She was still in a mood during lunch."

"Was Taniguchi at school today?"

Moka shook her head.

"Mr. Koike asked me to check up on her after our club meeting."

"Thank you, Tora."

Kurumu smiled, nodding at the two boys whom lingered behind the girls.

"Feels like forever since I saw the two of you."

"Do you know what this is about?"

"I have no idea what is going on with Ginei."

Kurumu glanced at the doors, figuring Ginei would show up soon. She was mildly curious what he had been up to since she had not spoken with him since Tuesday morning. She had already heard from Yukari in gym that there was no news on Matsudera's birthday. It was so different having Yukari in gym class.

"You know, Mizore… you should probably come to gym class."

"I go to gym."

Kamitsuku snickered.

"You come to our gym and watch us."

"No I don't."

Tsukune sighed at the quick, emotionless denial.

"You come to our gym to watch me."

"It's too hot for me to be outside."

Kurumu smirked, shaking her head. As reluctant as Yukari had been about eating with Mizore, the witch had enjoyed Uchikawa's company. She had lower opinions on the other three girls but had declared that all were better people than Mizore. She had failed to acquire Tsukune's lap as her seat due to Mizore's flat refusal and Bikiyama's offhand comment about it not being a good idea for a girl wearing a skirt to sit in a guy's lap. Yukari had huffed at Kurumu during their stretches over that having been the whole point.

Kurumu was glad she had visited with Tokori for lunch since chatting during sewing class had not been practical. They had gone over the syllabus for second term before Ms. Hitori started lecturing over the different types of fabrics and stitches. Kurumu had felt like she should have brought a notebook despite the elective not having a written exam.

Sawayaka's station was in front of Tokori's. It was notable that the two were on better terms than they had been at the start of the year. The two had chatted before and after the class which Kurumu had not seen at all last term. Much of Sawayaka's distant demeanor had been replaced with a soft melancholy.

"Good. It looks like everyone is here."

Ginei strolled through the back door with a short haired brunette whom was slightly shorter than him. This girl with topaz eyes was Sangi Mitsuki, the film club president. Formerly in Ginei's homeroom, she had been one of the first friends Ginei had turned to for help with the paper, recruiting her club to assist with Kurumu's track article before things went crazy with Kuyo. Kurumu usually turned to either Sangi or Kamitsuku for her pictures, allowing Ginei to handle photos for their major articles.

There was a trio of boys behind them. The portly one roughly Ginei's height with the greenish afro was Oyanagi. Another student from Ginei's former homeroom, Oyanagi was the most regular second year to show up to film club activities. Kurumu vaguely recalled he was related to Nakamoto, a crazy admirer of Ginei's whom had slipped that love potion to Koike by mistake last year.

The dark haired boy with the bowl cut and glasses was Kuroishi. It was unusual to see him without the camcorder and tripod. He had brought his setup to the Kofu trip where they had recorded some footage in the sunflower field with the intent of making some horror film for the cultural festival.

The last guy had a feminine look about him with his short blond hair brushed over to hide his left ear while his right ear was pierced multiple times with blue and yellow stones. She had only seen this guy one time at her softball article but could not recall if they had been introduced. She knew he was the elusive second year whom shared homeroom with Kuroishi.

"First thing. I want to thank everyone in both of these fine clubs for working hard to help us put out the news to our fellow students."

"It's been a pleasure working with your girls."

Ginei chuckled at Sangi's response.

"I'm going to be indisposed for pictures this next paper. After wrapping up some business this weekend, I will be devoting all my free time to the investigation of the bank robbery and the missing girls. If you need photographs for your articles, please contact Mitsuki. She is in Mrs. Unsei's class seven and usually hangs out in the film club room after school."

"In case anyone doesn't know, that's the room at the end of the hall across from the stairs."

Kurumu nodded at Sangi, certain most of them knew that.

"Now I know that Kurumu plans to cover the band and gymnastic clubs for this paper. I was reminded yesterday that the choir and band have a big event on the tenth. Both Hisoshi High and Mimori High will be here as well as Houjin High and Sentou Tech."

"I haven't heard of those last two."

"Those are the schools in Yamagata. I'm thinking Kuroishi should film it. It would also be the best time to do pictures for the band since they will all be dressed up nice for the performance."

Kurumu felt uneasy about her article being upgraded to a major event.

"Are you sure about this?"

"Don't worry, Ms. Kurono. I'll have all the boys there to make sure things go smoothly."

"She says this but we still have to work on the film for the festival."

Sangi smirked at the blond.

"That's months away. This will only cost you a day of your precious editing, Tatsumaki."

"Have you spoken with Mr. Tagami or Ms. Rin about setting up your articles?"

Kurumu smiled at Ginei, shaking her head.

"Not yet. I was thinking I would this week."

"I don't know if Ms. Rin is sticking around on days her club doesn't meet but I heard from Uzushio in my homeroom that band is already back to their regular practice. You should stop by to see how Mr. Tagami wants you to handle the article."

"Myaku told me that it's a big group. I doubt Mr. Tagami will want us bothering his students too much before the concert. You might have to do your interviews after it's over."

Kurumu mulled that over.

"Maybe. I've got about a dozen or so interviews started for the ones whom eat in class ten with Kana. If she helps me out tomorrow during lunch, we could probably knock all of those out."

"I'll do it if Yukari is bringing lunch."

"I guess I can do that."

"I'll help too."

"Me too!"

Kurumu smiled at Moka, Kana and Yukari adding their support.

"Thank you. That will really help."

"I'll let you iron out those details. Now we need to talk about what the rest of the club will be doing."

There was a pause as Ginei regarded the other members of the club.

"Well… I was thinking about spreading awareness of the Happily Ever After Program."

Tsukune smiled nervously when attention shifted to him.

"Our articles about Okinawa didn't talk a whole lot about it. I checked with the guys on the floor on Monday and none of them had a clue about it."

"Good, good. You should talk with Ms. Nekonome about this. She might not know everything about the program, but she should be able to get you in touch with someone whom does."

"I can stop by the teachers' lounge before I leave today."

"You might also want to look into if there are any other programs out there for graduates. Not everyone can be at the top of the class."

"I'll do that."

Ginei nodded, glancing over the group once again. He grinned.

"Don't talk all at once. I can't hear myself think."

Kurumu chuckled, shaking her head as Moka pouted at Ginei.

"I don't have any idea what I could write about."

Ginei wagged his finger at her.

"You could always do an article on the new hires. I know they all gave introductions at the assembly, but there has to be more to it than that."

"I suppose I could do that."

"It's as good a place to start as any. Plus you are related to one of them."

Moka nodded with obvious reluctance as Ginei gestured at Kiki.

"Does our newest member have any wonderful ideas to share with the school?"

"I'm sorry, Mr. Morioka."

"Ginei."

Kiki smiled at his quick interjection.

"I don't have any ideas. I was a little curious about Ms. Hajihachi."

"Ah yes, Mika. Actually… I might have an idea for you."

Kurumu worried over that grin.

"I might owe a small debt to the kimono club for a past transgression. As Ms. Betsutama's club often works with the fashion club, perhaps you could do an article about them while helping Mika put together her first fashion piece for our paper."

"I will do what I can, Mr. Morioka."

Ginei nodded, turning his attention on Kana whom stood next to Kiki.

"I'm guessing you will still be doing your usual thing."

"I will when I get that replacement laptop."

"Kurumu brought that up during lunch. Ms. Meirowasa intends to remind Ms. Tensai about your situation tonight, provided Ms. Tensai is with them on the safety walk."

"Isn't she a local?"

Kurumu smiled, nodding.

"She is, but Tokori reminded us that Tensai lives on campus with Netsukaze in the suites. She only goes home during the weekends."

Ginei grinned.

"Let me know if you've made any progress on that laptop. I can remind her tomorrow since I know which homeroom she's in."

"I won't have an answer for you until lunch tomorrow."

"That works too. So… any article ideas from you?"

Tora paused.

"I was thinking Lord Chiki would be an interesting character to interview."

"I don't know if we want to do an article for a man our Headmaster opposes."

"I think it's worth hearing his side of what he thinks Fairy Tale could bring to Mononoke. I'm thinking about asking Ms. Nekonome to put me up for the night so I don't have to come all the way back to the dorms after each safety walk."

"Is this laziness I hear?"

"I would rather not have to be up before five every morning. It would also free up Mr. Koike and Mr. Kitajima, since the only reason they were added to the walk was for my sake."

"Are you missing breakfast?"

Tora nodded at Kurumu, taking in a deep breath.

"Assuming Ms. Nekonome allows me to stay, I'll have plenty of time to talk with Lord Chiki."

"I suppose it's a decent enough idea. But it might get shot down by the student council if they deem it too controversial. Do you have any other ideas?"

"Kurumu mentioned the possibility of a local school being built."

Kurumu nodded enthusiastically.

"Tokori told me all about how Mr. Tensai bought up a bunch of land for the school but never got a start on the project because of Kuyo's interference."

Ginei stroked his chin with a thoughtful look.

"That sounds promising. It might even work well with your proposed article about Lord Chiki, since he made those grand claims he could make Mononoke into grand cities like the ones in Aichi and Nagasaki."

"I was also thinking that I might want to speak with Ms. Yoshino about Lord Chiki. As he is a member of her Elder Council, she knows him better than anyone else."

"That makes sense. What are you hoping to learn from her?"

"Mostly verification of character. I got the sense that she didn't like him and wanted to know why."

"Really? Well… I don't know how that helps your article on him. If you are wanting some sort of debate over policies, it might be better to interview the Headmaster."

"I think it will be easier to access Ms. Yoshino with my PSC duties than the Headmaster."

Ginei shrugged, turning his attention to Mizore.

"Fair enough. Moving on. I have only heard good things about your last piece, Mizore."

Mizore cocked her head.

"I guess. Felt… simple."

"Simple is good. Happy is good. I told you. People like happy stories. Warm and fluffy."

"It seems unrealistic."

Ginei chuckled.

"It's fiction, Mizore. Everything you write isn't real."

The snow girl shrugged. She glanced aside as the white stick in her mouth drifted to the other corner.

"I guess that just leaves our little genius. What do you got for me?"

"I'm busy."

Ginei smirked.

"That's not how this works, runt. You have to commit to something."

"I have more important things to do in regards to Moka."

Kurumu grinned at a random thought.

"I know. She could do an article about the lunch hour."

"What about it?"

"It's actually a known issue. Ms. Herikuda was talking about it during those lunches we had for the popularity contest. This school needs to address how they handle the lunch hour if they ever plan to expand any further."

Yukari huffed at her remark.

"They don't have the housing to expand any further. Right now they rely on the senior suites to pick up the overflow."

"That's also true. Perhaps you could write about all the things that need to improve to expand Yokai."

Yukari grimaced at Ginei.

"There's so many things that need improving. I wouldn't know where to start."

"Unless you have a better idea for an article, I'm thinking we can run with it. It would tie in nicely with Tora's article about Lord Chiki."

Yukari sighed heavily, rolling her eyes.

"Fine. I'll write the silly article. But you better not have me revise it three times."

Ginei chuckled, shaking his head.

"No promises there. Well… sounds like we need to get to work."