"This kitchen isn't big enough for the two of us."
Kurumu chuckled, moving aside so Yukari could slide the large omelet out of the skillet onto the plate. Having been the first to wake up this morning, the witch had started on their breakfast despite being a guest. She had rolled back the sleeves of the black and white striped shirt, which was worn beneath her denim coveralls with the sunflower stitched in the center of the bosom.
"I can help."
"You can do the dishes."
Kurumu pouted as Yukari snatched up the last sausages to arrange about the plate.
"You should let my servant do her duty."
Sitting with her back to the closet door in a way that favored her right side, Kokoa absently picked at her massive breakfast. The left spaghetti string of her white tank top had drifted down her arm, baring much of the creamy swell of her slight bosom. Dark blue track shorts graced her hips.
"What I do for my Moka is my business."
With both skillets empty, Yukari picked up the plate and walked over to the low table. As the witch knelt down to attend to Moka, Kurumu turned off the stove burners, moving all of the pans to the sink.
"I can feed myself."
The silver haired Moka sat with her back against the couch. The vampire had on that white tank top with the big pink heart in the center and the accompanying pink sleep pant with the multitude of different sized white hearts. Moka grimaced as she struggled to hold her chopsticks.
"Let her pamper you."
Moka scowled, transferring her chopsticks to her left hand. While she handled them awkwardly, the vampire was able to stuff a wad of omelet in her mouth.
"Can we fight again today?"
"Can you walk?"
Kokoa frowned, rubbing her left thigh.
"I can manage."
"Those dishes won't do themselves."
Kurumu stuck her tongue at Yukari before grabbing a sponge and turning on the water. After donning her maid uniform, Yukari had handed her a breakfast plate and they had eaten together before waking the vampires. The little tyrant had refused to let her cook and both vampires had turned down her offer to help them bathe, leaving Kurumu with very little to do.
"How is the food?"
"It's good."
"Are you going to spend the whole day unsealed?"
"She should spend the rest of her life unsealed."
"I wasn't asking you."
"Doesn't change the truth. Sis is safer like this."
There was a pause as Kurumu finished scouring all the debris free from the other skillet. She placed it into the dishwasher beside the first one before attending to the utensils.
"I don't want her to deal with this pain."
"She is a pain."
"She is a handful. But she's important to me."
"You better figure out how to get that girl her own body. Sis can't protect anyone when she's sealed."
"I hope we can make some progress with that teleportation spell I have Rubi dissecting."
"Teleportation?"
"Yes. We're trying to isolate the portion of the spell which moves the soul. That way we can move that Moka and nothing else."
"How is that going to work when Sis has a soul too?"
"The rosary has the other Moka's soul. Obviously we would remove it first."
Kurumu turned off the water and dried her hands on the white apron fished through her uniform. With a smile, she turned about and leaned back against the counter.
"Any luck on finding a place to move her too?"
"It's only been a couple of days, Kurumu."
"Yea, but we sort of know what we need. Do you think your mother would help us find someone whom is like in a coma or something?"
Kokoa regarded her like she was crazy.
"What?!"
"Kurumu is right. We would need a usable body which lacks a mind. Perhaps your mother has access to insane asylums? Those people have little need of their bodies."
Moka grimaced, shaking her head.
"I'm not liking this line of discussion."
"It's the best option we have to saving her."
"I'm sorry, but I don't think she'd approve of this. You are essentially killing someone."
"The people we would consider using wouldn't have much of a life or any awareness of it."
"Wouldn't she end up with an old man's body?"
Kurumu snorted a laugh at Kokoa's remark. Yukari shot her a look of reproach.
"Coma victims and insane people aren't limited to the elderly. Would your mother help us?"
Kokoa frowned, poking at her meal.
"How would I even ask for something like that? My mother has wanted to get rid of that girl forever."
"No. Your mother has wanted to get rid of the seal. That girl is not the seal."
Kokoa popped a morsel in her mouth, chewing thoughtfully.
"Can't we leave Sis unsealed?"
"That could cause trouble at school."
"Why?"
Moka sighed, skewering one of the sausages.
"Because I don't know how to act like her."
"But you see how she behaves all the time."
Moka huffed with a glance at Kurumu.
"Do you think you could mimic her perfectly?"
"I'm not saying you should stay unsealed, but a lot of people barely know Moka. It's not like she has a group of close friends that we don't know about."
Moka chewed on a sausage. She seemed angry or annoyed. Maybe both.
"Doesn't everyone prefer the other Moka?"
"I prefer-"
"Everyone but Kokoa."
Yukari placed her hand on Moka's.
"I've never wanted to pick between the two of you. Whether we merge your souls or find her a new body, I will always want you as my friend."
Moka snorted, pulling her hand away. She winced, flexing her hand.
"Look. You don't even know me."
"Friendships aren't based in knowledge. It's all about desire."
"You just want her body."
Yukari blushed, averting her gaze.
"I love her more than you do."
"Doubtful. I'm family."
"You broke her arm and dislocated her other shoulder."
"It was a fair fight."
Moka smirked at Kokoa, spearing the last of her sausages.
"Fair fight? You broke several of my ribs in gym and then ran me through before I even got started. Do you have any idea how much pain I was in?"
"It's not my fault that boy won't unseal you on command."
"That is a problem. I'm working on it."
"Let me drink his blood."
"No way!"
"I want to be able to remove your seal."
"It's enough if I can remove it."
"Why are you being stubborn?"
"Because I know you're really after the taste of his blood."
"I'll give you back your rights to her blood."
"I never lost that. Thrashing the other Moka in gym was not a true fight."
"I'll fight you for him."
"We're not doing that again."
"Please? It's a disgrace to leave our last fight as a draw."
"Draw? I won."
"I never yielded."
Yukari snorted, shaking her head.
"Because you're an idiot. You couldn't stand up."
"I could have kept fighting."
"What could you do? Nibble her ankles?"
"I have a lot of upper body strength."
"I won that fight, Kokoa. And her blood is still mine."
"She's still my servant."
As the two vampires slowly ate their meals, Kurumu reflected on the aftermath of the fight. While both vampires had been in poor condition, both had stubbornly refused assistance in getting back to the suites. Kokoa had literally dragged herself all the way to the main school path before trying to hop the rest of the distance on her one good leg. It had been painful to watch.
Mizore had parted ways with them to accompany Tsukune to his dorm. Moka had encouraged him to drink Mizore's blood, admitting her concern about him going ghoul if he became too weak to fight off the Shinso blood. Kurumu hoped Mizore had not taken that as permission to spend the night with him.
"I told you that nothing would change if you fought her."
Kokoa stuffed down the last bit of her meal before handing up her plate to Kurumu. Kurumu was able to retreat back to the sink before Kokoa responded.
"I feel much better. It's a relief to see that Sis is still strong despite her pathetic choices for blood claims."
"Both of them have blood which is useful to me."
"It must be that Shinso blood Mother talked about that keeps you strong. Do you think you could beat Kahlua?"
Moka shuddered, prodding at the remnants of her meal.
"I have no desire to find out."
"Are you sure we can't fight again tonight?"
"Why are you so obsessed with fighting?"
"Because it's exhilarating. Your senses are on edge and your heart is pounding madly in your chest. Nothing else could make me feel so alive."
Yukari huffed, glancing aside.
"The same could be said about sex."
Kokoa laughed with a healthy flush to her cheeks.
"No way! Sex is far too embarrassing to enjoy."
Kurumu smiled, having never thought of it like that. It did make sense though. It was not an experience to share with a complete stranger.
"Admit it, Sis. You felt much better after the fight than before."
"Not physically. But my head did feel a bit clearer."
"You could get the same feeling if you ran a couple laps around the track. It's called a runner's high."
"Don't you have some science experiment to run off to?"
"I do. But I'm constantly harassed about being unsociable. I was thinking I should at least spend half of my day in Moka's company."
Kurumu smiled, noting Moka was nearly finished with her meal.
"We should bring Rubi along."
"What for?"
"Because she's been locked up in your suite all week."
"I don't have her locked up. She could go wherever she pleases, if she finishes the tasks I assign her."
Kurumu grinned, walking back to the table to hold out her hand. With a grimace, Moka surrendered her plate and chopsticks. Retreating to the sink, Kurumu turned on the spigot while fetching the sponge.
"So what sort of thing do we have planned for today?"
"I'm surprised you don't have something scheduled."
Kurumu shrugged as she quickly cleared the plate of what little debris remained on the surface.
"I know Matsudera's birthday party is tomorrow, but we never got the details on when and where that is being held. I don't know if I'm allowed to attend the track meet, so I was hoping that maybe one of you would come with me to the class rep meeting. I know Akari will be there."
"You want to attend the class rep meeting to confirm birthday details?"
Kurumu nodded, propping the plate in the dishwasher rack before moving to clean the other one.
"Both of you are talking about becoming class managers like Tsukune."
"I'm not going to that meeting like this."
"Yea… and I'm not going anywhere without Moka."
Kurumu sighed, putting away the other plate and chopsticks before shutting off the water. She closed up the dishwasher and spun the dials to set it in motion.
"I suppose we could swing by the dorms. Kiba might not go to the meet and should know something."
"Well… if we are heading to the dorms, do you think you guys could help me convince Nagisa to come back to school?"
"Kurumu could do that."
"You greatly overestimate my ability to influence people."
Kokoa groaned, stiffly getting up on her one good foot.
"Could you at least try? It doesn't feel like school without Nagisa there."
With Yukari's unwanted help, Moka stood up.
"I'm hesitant to go anywhere in my condition."
"Because I won the fight."
"No! I don't want the hassle of trying to be the Moka everyone expects."
"You don't have to be her. If anyone asks about you being different, we'll say you're not feeling well."
Moka grunted at Kurumu, glancing over at the closet doors.
"What should I wear?"
Moka scowled at Kurumu's giggle.
"I'm serious. I always let her decide on that dumb stuff."
"I could pick something out for you, Sis."
Kurumu wagged her hand dismissively as she walked over to the genkan.
"We can think on that while we walk. I've been wanting to check my mail since last night."
"You want to go to the commissary?"
Kurumu sounded an affirmative as she slipped on her school loafers.
"Shouldn't we get dressed first?"
"You're fine, Sis. The only students around here are girls."
Kurumu snatched up her keys and lunch card before pushing open the door. She stepped out as the other girls came over to put on their shoes.
"I also want to wear something from my suite. I only have my school clothes here."
Moka sighed heavily, exiting the suite last. Shaking her head, she closed the door and locked it.
"What is it that you're so eager to check your mail for?"
Kurumu grinned brightly at Yukari as she started off for the commissary.
"Well… after everything calmed down last night, I was thinking about how Kana finally got her new laptop and that gave me the passing thought that a certain package might have come for me."
"Package?"
"There should be one for you too, Moka."
Moka frowned for a moment. Then she looked up with a smirk.
"That's right. I wouldn't get your hopes up. It might not be here this week."
"I know, but it's still something I've been looking forward to."
"What are we talking about?"
Moka grinned, tousling Yukari's locks.
"Don't worry about it."
"Yea. You guys have more important things to focus on. Like finding Mizumi's killer."
Kurumu forced a smile. She had not meant to, but in an argument last night before turning in, she had inadvertently confirmed the rumor about Mizumi's death was true.
"I'm sure this is the big thing your mother wants you to stay out of."
"That only makes it more frustrating. It's not like Mizumi was some forgettable face nobody would notice disappearing. She's Hikari's lab partner and Nagisa's friend."
Kurumu nodded, aware that Mizumi had been very likable.
"I'm a little worried about Kiki not showing up for club yesterday."
"She was in gym before Kokoa picked that fight."
"I think you're worried over nothing. It's not like Ginei showed up. She may have been with him."
Kurumu felt that made things more worrisome. Shaking her head, she held up her card to trigger the automatic doors for the commissary. The glass doors parted, allowing her to enter.
The same swarthy man with short, black hair and dark eyes worked the counter. Kurumu offered a quick wave as she walked about the counter, keeping to the right. Passing by the counter section which could lift up, Kurumu perused the wall lined with small doors bearing the numbers of the suites. Finding hers, she spun the dial to the appropriate three characters to release the latch.
"Do you think they change these combinations every year?"
"I don't know why they would bother. These are for seniors whom graduate."
"But we're not seniors."
Yukari shrugged, tugging open her door and pulling out an envelope.
"It's not that hard to change the locking mechanism. I'm sure they must do it for the other dorms."
Kurumu's mailbox only had a white slip of paper. Tugging it out, Kurumu glanced it over and grinned.
"Hey, Moka."
Moka wagged a slip of paper as she closed up her mailbox.
"I got one too. So did Kokoa."
"Why would she get one?"
Kokoa peered at her slip of paper as they started back to the counter.
"It's from Mr. Nagi. Why would he send me something?"
Moka snorted.
"Because Kurumu wasn't the only girl getting a maid uniform."
For the first time in years, Kurumu actually felt sexy because of a bra. Ever since her breasts had grown out of the cute bra section, the sexiness of her undergarments had taken a backseat to functionality. The drab color and designs available in her size had honestly made it sexier to not wear one.
Those days were finally over.
This black lace, front clasp bra holding her perky breasts was the sexy lingerie that men wanted to see a woman wearing. She had even donned her black thong despite the discomfort, wanting her lingerie to match. Now she had to come up with an innocent way of Tsukune seeing it.
With that goal in mind, Kurumu had slipped into one of the heavier outfits Kokoa had bought her which she had yet to wear. This long sleeved, indigo blouse made of thick fabric was held together by black snaps instead of normal buttons. All it would take was a brisk tug to bare her glory to him.
This blouse had come with a black satin ribbon to tie about the stiff collar, but Kurumu had opted against fussing with that. Her blouse was tucked in a black, knee length, ruffled skirt which could easily be hiked up if desired. The black stockings Yukari had loaned her stretched up from her booties to her mid-thigh, covering every bit of her visible legs.
While this blouse technically had breast pockets, her phone was too big to squeeze into one. With how snug this blouse fit over the curve of her bosom, she doubted she could use these breast pockets for anything but scraps of paper and her lunch card. A top flap which snapped down discouraged stowing away pencils, since it looked kind of silly with the flap left up.
With thoughts of her phone and pencil, she had brought her lavender purse which contained both as well as her CD player. They had discussed possibly going to Mononoke today, since Yukari was jealous over their acquisitions and wanted to shop lingerie with them. She had brought up the idea of them all getting teddies again, which Kurumu felt would be a waste of what little money she had left.
With travel plans being discussed, Yukari had allowed Rubi to accompany them. The older witch wore that pink corset bustier with the long, black skirt stitched into its bottom hem. Rubi had her hands folded neatly at her navel as she walked alongside Yukari down this trail to Baratoge. Yukari hoped they would find some form of employment for Rubi, annoyed with Rubi's lack of progress with that teleportation spell. Kurumu felt they should at least get this silly girl some underwear and pajamas.
"So what happens if we don't walk by anybody?"
Kokoa had her arms crossed about her chest, clutching a black package to her bosom. Still walking with a slight hobble, the vampire had changed into that crimson blouse with the frilly collar and puffy, short sleeves. She had squeezed her rump into a tight, ebony skirt which stretched halfway down her thighs.
"Yukari has magic which lets her walk through walls."
"I do. But the housemother will notice anyone entering her domain."
Kurumu smiled, recalling the elderly woman whom lived on the first floor of Baratoge. To her knowledge, the housemother had never set foot outside of the dorm.
"I've never seen this housemother."
"That's no good, Kokoa. A vampire should be more alert."
The silver Moka's body was tense as she warily regarded the encroaching woods. With some help, they had stuffed Moka into a black dress which clung tightly about her bosom and waist before it billowed out at her thighs. The sleeveless garment had straps which they had arranged to hide the straps of Moka's lacy, crimson bra. She was keeping her rosary in her crimson purse which dangled from her elbow.
"You should try to relax, Moka."
Moka frowned at her. Her lips were marked with shiny pink gloss which they had passed around before heading out. Only Rubi had opted out, not wanting to remove her black lipstick she had donned prior to them coming over.
"No. I'm dressed like a prize and you're pumping out an aura, begging to be ravaged."
"I'm not begging-"
"Unless you get those hormones under control, you can forget about me joining you in the dining hall."
Kurumu pouted, unsure how she could stop feeling sexy.
"I think you're being overly conscious."
"I have to agree. I don't feel flustered at all."
"Why did you insist that I wear these cursed things? I'd feel better wearing nothing at all."
Moka's slight wiggle in her last step clued Kurumu in. She smirked.
"Because they match. Besides. It's not like this is the first time you've worn a thong."
"It's different when I'm processing this sensation without her filter. This nuisance is distracting."
"But she was wearing one during Yukari's experiment. You even went to the boys' dorm like that."
Moka blushed, glancing away sharply.
"I wasn't going to complain about my thong in his presence."
"Someone's coming."
Kurumu snapped her attention to the trail before them. As Kokoa had warned, a pair of small girls exited the dormitory which they could now see through the thinning woods. Both dark haired girls had glasses. The tiny one with her hair swirled up into balls which sprouted twin tails was Katahara from class six. She was dressed in faded blue jeans and a sleeveless white tee with a pink floral pattern. The other one with the ponytail was Tsuchiyama. She was sporting a lime green tank top with khaki shorts.
"Act normal."
"You act normal."
Grinning, Kurumu waved at the two girls.
"Ms. Tsuchiyama! Can you hold the door for us?!"
The two gnome girls glanced at each other before coming to a stop. It only took a few moments to cross the distance between them.
"Good morning, Ms. Kurono."
"We won't get in trouble for opening the door, right?"
Kurumu frowned at Katahara whom regarded them nervously.
"Not that I'm aware of."
Tsuchiyama stumbled back a step before turning about.
"Yea. It's not like we're letting boys in."
Katahara grabbed Tsuchiyama by the arm as the two headed back to the dorm.
"So… where are you two going? It's a little too early for lunch."
Katahara hazarded a glance back at them.
"Well… our club is meeting at the garage after the class rep meeting."
"Yea. It's our first meeting since the break. We're having a catered lunch."
Kurumu nodded, aware that both girls were in the Auto Club. Kokoa's friend, Fukai, had been kicked out of that club due to a poor score on her assessments, though Kurumu wondered if that had been the sole reason. It was hard to say since the gnome girls usually kept to themselves.
Worried that Kokoa might become agitated if she inquired about their club activities, Kurumu could think of nothing else to say as they silently followed the girls. Tsuchiyama fished her card out of her shorts and held it up to catch the attention of the sensor, prompting the glass doors to part.
"Thanks."
Kurumu headed inside, stopping at the end of the genkan. There were lockers for shoes on either side of the entryway. The genkan ended at a hallway which cut down the middle of the dorm. Off to the right was the laundry room and a bunch of multipurpose rooms which were all locked up. The housemother's office was off to the left by the mail alcove. She had the keys to those rooms, which primarily served as group study rooms.
Bending over, Kurumu tugged at the zippers on the sides of her booties. Kokoa dropped her package nearby, stooping down to tug at the crimson laces of her white canvas sneakers. Rubi sat down on the genkan's edge beside Kurumu, loosening the straps of her leather boots.
"You have a fancy, platform pair of boots, right?"
"Mhm. The Sendous kindly bought me those with that dress for the wedding."
Kurumu nodded, stepping out of her booties.
"Did they buy those too?"
"That's an older pair my mom gave to her."
Kurumu frowned as Yukari neatly aligned her black sneakers against the edge of the genkan. Moka was doing the same with her glossy black, high heel boots.
"They have the same shoe size?"
"They're close enough."
Kurumu nodded as Yukari and Moka walked across the hall into the empty elevator lobby. Quickly placing her booties next to Moka's, Kurumu hurried over to join them. There was a door on the far wall which opened into the dorm's only stairway. Moka pushed the button for the elevator, which prompted both of the doors for the elevators to slowly draw open.
"So… which of your girls do you want to visit first?"
Kokoa wandered over with her package in her arms as Moka drifted into one of the elevators behind Yukari. Rubi was still struggling with her boots as Kurumu stepped in the elevator doorway.
"Hotaru is up on the seventh floor. I should dump this off on her first."
"Come on, Rubi."
"I'm sorry. These are hard to take off."
"We can go without her."
"But she doesn't know anybody."
Yukari sighed, leaning back into the corner. Moka had already pushed the button for the seventh floor while Kokoa was rocking back and forth on her heels and toes.
"Don't worry, Kokoa. Yukari can get us through Taniguchi's door."
"I could have gotten through that door if I really wanted to."
"Yea, but Yukari can do it without breaking anything."
Rubi pranced over in her black stockings, allowing Kurumu to finally enter the elevator.
"Sorry. So sorry."
The door slowly closed.
"I don't know what you think you can do that I haven't tried."
"Kurumu could use her influence."
"She won't be able to do anything."
Kurumu winced at Moka's harsh remark.
"I'm sorry."
"You're expecting too much from her."
"No, I'm not. She made me wet myself by having a sexy daydream in the middle of class."
"She can do that?"
Kurumu smiled sheepishly at Kokoa.
"I'm not saying she can't do it. But in her current state of mind, I don't think we should be pushing Kurumu to do anything."
"What's wrong with her?"
Moka snorted, glancing up at the circles which lit up for each floor they passed.
"We could start with the fact that she's dating a guy whom is fixated on my other half."
"And possibly spent the night with another woman because he's too much of a pushover."
Kurumu sighed heavily. They had stopped by Mizore's apartment but nobody had answered the door.
"I could get Taniguchi out of her room if I truly believe she wants to be out."
"She can't want to be stuck in her room."
"She might feel safer that way."
It took only a few moments of silence for the elevator to reach the top floor of the dorm, announcing their arrival with a ding. Kurumu waited for the door to slowly move aside, revealing the small lobby area of the seventh floor. All of the lobbies had a three cushion couch facing a television which had no service. Some girls had DVD players and could make use of it, though Kurumu had never seen anyone on her floor do that in the few weeks she had lived in the dorm.
Each floor of Baratoge had twenty two, tiny apartments meant for one student. There was one hallway which went from one end of the building to the other. Off to the right were the first eight apartments and across from the lobby were rooms ten and twelve. There was a break in the odd numbers due to the lobby, elevators, toilets and showers all being on this side of the hall. Kurumu had lived in 616, directly across from the bathroom, while Moka had been in 510. That felt like ages ago.
Kokoa knocked on the door for Antai's room, which happened to be 714. Moka peered down the hall to the left with the wariness of a caged, wild animal. She flinched when Kurumu tapped her shoulder.
"Have you ever been up on this floor?"
"I've never had a reason to."
"I've been up here only once. I don't think I've ever been on the fourth floor."
"Can't say that I have either. Though she did get off on the third floor by mistake one time."
"How did that happen?"
"She was tired and the elevator stopped at the third floor for some reason."
Kokoa sighed, knocking harder on the door.
"Hotaru. Get your lazy butt up."
"Maybe she's not in her room."
"Where else would she be?"
On the way here, Kokoa had poked her head in Kurai to confirm none of her friends were inside. While the dining hall stopped serving breakfast at nine on weekends, the doors were left open for students to linger at their leisure. You could still buy anything left out on the line but the staff would not restock until a few minutes before eleven when they opened up for lunch.
"We could try Akegawa's room."
With a shrug, Kokoa headed down the hall to the left. The opening into the bathroom and shower area was on their right while the even numbered rooms continued on their left. Goto and Kakeru lived in the next two rooms before the odd apartments started up again with 721, which happened to be Akegawa's room. Kokoa paused at the door as the sound of several girls chatting carried out to them. With a glance back at them, Kokoa pushed open the door which had been resting on its deadbolt.
"- not turn that to green because this game is getting boring."
"I'm not drawing a card if I can play one."
Six girls were seated in a circle in the middle of the small room, each holding cards though the amount varied. Akegawa was one of the girls facing the doorway so she quickly took note of their arrival. The salamander had her cherry bangs pushed back with a dark green headband and was dressed in a loose, peach shirt with a black design printed on the front.
"Kokoa!"
The redhead hopped to her feet, revealing that the black design was a palm tree standing close to the shore with black waves rolling in while a black sun sparkled on top of her left breast. The fabric hung over a pair of white denim shorts which almost reached Akegawa's pale knees.
"You're playing Uno?"
Akegawa smiled as Kurumu wandered away from the door to the small cubby space which could serve as a desk. Despite her gesture, Moka remained in the doorway while Yukari and Rubi remained in the hall.
"Yea, well… there isn't much else we can do."
"It's not like we have homework."
Antai tossed a card into the pile in the center of the girls. The sylph had her beige hair pulled up in her usual updo and was wearing a faded, rainbow striped tee shirt with a pair of stonewash jeans.
"We could study if you're that bored."
Kaimura smirked, sitting to the right of the sylph with a raven haired girl between them. The salamander had wavy, magma tresses which brushed against the floor as she wagged her remaining pair of cards. Her black dress hung loosely off her shoulders, betraying her flat black bra. Black spandex swathed her legs all the way down to her ankles.
"I want to go out."
Akegawa pranced around the circle to hold one arm out to Kokoa but the vampire shook her head. Kokoa stepped up behind the raven haired girl with the twin braids resting over her ample bosom. Kurumu had seen this girl before in Kokoa's gym class, aware that she was in Moka's new homeroom.
"Why is your room locked?"
"Because I haven't been back in my room since we had breakfast."
"This came for you."
Antai caught the package chucked at her, frowning as Kokoa promptly turned to give Akegawa a hug. The salamander sighed, relaxing into the embrace.
"What's this?"
"It's that uniform you requested from our family."
All attention turned to Moka for a moment. Antai set her cards aside to push in the side of the box, freeing it from the masking tape. Tugging the tape off, she pulled the side flap out and peered inside. A smug grin crossed her face.
"Shall I try it on to see if it fits?"
Kokoa leaned back to arms' length, glancing over her shoulder.
"Mrs. Rena sized you. It will fit."
Antai got up from the floor, clutching the package to her chest.
"I'm going to slip into something sexy for Milady."
"You don't have-"
Kokoa sighed as Antai ducked out of the room. Akegawa smiled, toying with some errant locks about Kokoa's ear.
"Is everything okay between you and your sister?"
"No. But I got her take off her dumb limiter."
"What's up with her hair?"
Kokoa let go of Akegawa to gesture at Moka.
"That is my sister's true form."
There was a pause as the girls absorbed that revelation. Akiyama, whom had been sitting between Antai and Akegawa, tossed her cards into the pile. None of the buttons of her white polo were fastened, allowing the fabric to freely stretch with her ample bosom. The length of her brown skirt was folded beneath her knees. She had vibrant maroon tresses which were almost as long as Kaimura's. Her pretty lilac eyes regarded Moka and her thin lips turned into a tiny frown.
"She's not smiling."
"You look tense, Ms. Akashiya."
That girl with the braids had a lilt to her words. Her sleeveless, pastel pink top had a stretchy collar and pleated midsection which flared out into a lacy mock skirt which was far too short to be worn in public without something beneath like that black skirt she had on.
"Our fight yesterday has me on edge."
"Do you realize that you caused quite the buzz? Half the kids in our class thought you two were fighting over Kurono's boyfriend."
"We were."
"No! It was over his blood."
"Same thing."
"No, Kokoa. It's not."
"Yea. Akashiya explained everything at lunch."
"Speaking of that, where were you during lunch?"
"Our Aunt, or whatever she is, decided that I needed to have lunch with her. I guess she felt it was her duty to lecture me over causing trouble in school."
The girl with the braids cocked her head.
"But… we had gym after lunch."
"Yea. We always do."
Kaimura's amethyst eyes lit up with amusement.
"Don't try to understand it, Miyazaki."
Kurumu perked up at the name.
"Miyazaki. You're in band."
The girl smiled softly.
"I am."
Kurumu snapped her fingers, suddenly wishing she had brought her notebook. She did have a pencil in her purse. Miyazaki was a harpy whom had went to junior high with Antai.
"Where do you eat lunch?"
"With Mr. Kyuushutsu."
Kurumu frowned. Kyuushutsu was the incubus in the poetry club whom flaunted his power over women. He had been one of the finalists for the second year boys.
"Why would you eat with him?"
"Because my friends are in his club. I don't have any friends in band."
"Onishi is in the band, but I don't know if she talks with anyone other than Kubo."
"I met Onishi yesterday. I asked her if you two were friends."
Kaimura snorted, finally putting aside her cards.
"And I bet she said nothing. She lives up here across the hall from Kubo."
"She's very quiet."
That hushed remark came from the last girl in the room whom was wearing a long sleeved, black shirt which had been tucked in a pair of black slacks. This was the small girl with the long black hair whom Kurumu had seen the other day waking Hitsuji. Clearly she was not their class rep.
"I don't believe I've met you."
The girl meekly held her cards up in front of her face.
"Kitamura."
"She's in my art class."
"Oh? How is that going? Is Kyuushutsu trying to charm you?"
"He hasn't tried anything yet. Most of his attention has been on Ms. Ine."
"That poor girl."
Miyazaki smiled at the sudden attention, tossing her cards into the pile.
"I just found out this week that Hitomi is from the same village that guitarist comes from."
Kurumu smirked at Kaimura's mention of the salamander.
"Oh? Does that interest you?"
"Maybe. I did pay Murata a visit over the summer. His parents were cool."
"Hold up. You met Murata's parents?"
"Yea. I spent the weekend at his place."
Kurumu kept her surprise in check, knowing she was in no position to criticize that. But the other girls were suddenly interested in this revelation.
"I didn't know you were that close."
"They let you stay?"
"I'm more surprised her parents let her stay."
"Why? It's not like they'd let me keep a baby if I did something rash."
"That's not right."
Kaimura chuckled at Akegawa's pout.
"I'm not interested in Murata. He suggested that I visit him over the summer and I did."
"What if he has a thing for you?"
"That's his problem. All that mattered was that I had fun. At least one weekend wasn't squandered in my crummy, backwaters town."
"You never mentioned this at all this week."
"Why would I? You and Antai were off in Hawaii and Akiyama was in Kyoto. A weekend getaway in a suburb is not worth talking about."
There was an uncomfortable pause. Kurumu glanced over the girls, trying to think of a different topic. She doubted bringing up Akiyama's Kyoto trip would go over well.
"Does anyone have paper? I could do Miyazaki's interview while we wait."
"We don't need to wait for Hotaru. Do you want to come downstairs with us?"
Akegawa frowned at the offer.
"Downstairs? What for?"
"We're going to drag Nagisa out of her room and take her with us to Mononoke."
"I guess I can."
"What makes you think it will work this time?"
Kokoa huffed at Kaimura's doubt.
"Sendou says she can get by Nagisa's door and Kurumu can brainwash her."
"I'm not going to brainwash her."
"But it's not safe to go to Mononoke."
Kurumu smiled at Kitamura's concern.
"We're in a large group. We'll be fine."
"My sister says a junior got hacked to pieces this week."
Kaimura waved a hand dismissively.
"Your sister is trying to scare you."
"I'm being serious. This girl from the archery team was murdered just like those other two girls before school started back up."
"I know that Ms. Yoshizawa was reported missing by Ms. Zoushiki on Tuesday. But I didn't hear anything about her being killed."
"Don't worry about it, Kurono. I've met her sister and I'm certain that she is just messing with Kitamura."
"I really don't care about more missing girls. It's not going to take that loud mouth long to figure out how to put on that outfit. I'd rather talk with Nagisa without Hotaru around to mess it up."
"Don't be like that."
"Come on, Kurumu."
Kokoa stalked out of the room with a reluctant Akegawa on her heels. Kurumu smiled at the other girls, bowing slightly before moving to the door.
"Are we coming back up here?"
"Why wouldn't we?"
Yukari sighed dramatically, gesturing at the room.
"If that's the case, Rubi should stay up here."
"Huh? Why?"
"Because you don't know Ms. Taniguchi and won't be of any help."
Rubi pouted as Kokoa drifting further down the hall with Akegawa.
"Whatever. Let's go."
"I'm staying here."
Kurumu frowned at Moka.
"Are you sure?"
"I'll keep an eye on Rubi and let Hotaru know where you guys went."
Kurumu nodded, wandering away from the room to join Yukari.
"We'll be right back."
Kokoa was walking steadily away. Akegawa hesitated for a moment near Antai's door but continued on without protest. Kurumu hastened her pace as the pair slipped out of sight into the lobby, prompting Yukari to do the same.
"We're taking the stairs."
Kurumu reached the lobby as Kokoa pushed open the door to the stairwell. Hurrying over so Akegawa would not have to hold the door for long, Kurumu quickly noted that the top landing had a steel ladder up to a roof hatch. Kurumu wandered down a couple steps before Yukari joined them, allowing Akegawa to move from the door which slowly closed on its own.
"Are you guys really going to Mononoke today?"
"Yes. My Moka and I will be buying matching teddies."
"Stuffed animals?"
"Don't ask."
"It's lingerie."
They were almost down to the sixth floor landing when Akegawa paused at this revelation.
"I've never thought of doing something like that."
"Because it's not normal to think of that."
"It is perfectly normal for a woman to dress in a manner which pleases her lover."
"You are neither a woman nor my sister's lover."
"I am more experienced in matters of sex than you."
"That's not something to brag about."
Akegawa shot Kurumu a glance as they descended, sharing an uncomfortable smile.
"Well… I wish I could go with you guys."
"Of course you're coming with us."
"We have gymnastics practice at two in the junior dorms."
Kokoa groaned as she slowed her step.
"Can't you skip?"
"But we haven't had a real practice since last term. That wouldn't be right."
Kokoa pouted, shuffling down onto the fifth floor landing.
"How will I convince Nagisa to come with me to Mononoke if it's just me and her?"
"Maybe we could all go to her practice? I'm sure convincing Taniguchi to go to another dorm would be easier than getting her to go to town."
"But what about our teddies?"
"We can do that tomorrow. I'm sure they didn't cancel Matsudera's birthday party."
"Ms. Matsudera is having a birthday party?"
Kurumu grinned at Akegawa whom shared homeroom with Matsudera and Uchikawa.
"Yea, though we don't exactly know when or where this is happening. I was planning to ask one of her friends before we headed out."
"I think they won't be back until dinner. I heard that their track meet starts at eleven but doesn't finish until three."
Kurumu nodded, still thinking it weird to schedule the meet like that. Some kids would be starving by the time their event took place. She wondered if Yukari was right about this being done to improve sales at the concession stand.
"I was going to ask Ms. Kiba."
"That girl whom was nominated for class seven? She went with them."
"Really? I guess we could ask Ms. Roniushi from your club. She's close friends with Ms. Hajihachi."
Yukari sighed dramatically.
"Well if we're not going to Mononoke today, I'm heading back to my suite with Rubi after our chat with Ms. Taniguchi. I see no reason for me to watch the gymnastics club practice."
"That's fine by me."
Kokoa huffed as she reached the fourth floor landing. The vampire tugged open the door, stalking off into the lobby. Kurumu hopped over to catch the door before it shut, holding it open for the other girls to pass through before joining them.
"Do the girls on your floor always get together like that?"
"It's not all of us. Yuko tries to get her friends involved, but they're often too busy."
Kurumu nodded as they followed Kokoa down the left side hall. A pair of giggling girls stepped out from the bathroom as Kokoa walked by. The girl with the faint blond, shoulder length hair was Amesuki. The other girl with her indigo bangs done up in beaded braids smiled at them with bright, peridot eyes.
"Morning, Ms. Akegawa."
"What brings Ms. Kurono to our floor?"
The greetings caused Kokoa to stop and regard them with a slight frown. Kurumu smiled at the pair of girls as she came to a stop in front of 416.
"Visiting friends. How are you?"
Amesuki grinned, absently brushing her tresses about her ear. The blond with periwinkle eyes was about the same height as Akegawa and was wearing a pastel yellow top which was meant to bare her shoulders despite having sleeves which wafted halfway down her forearms. If she was wearing a bra for her almost nonexistent bosom, it was not hiding her nipples which poked out to make their presence known. The loose garment hung over a faded pair of denim capris.
"I'm well. Are you planning to do our article today?"
"Your article?"
Amesuki frowned, glancing at the other girl. Her partner was shorter, making her about Tora's height. This girl was skinnier and even more flat chested, if that was possible. The short sleeves of her faded pink shirt were gray. For some reason the girl had tucked her shirt in her white leggings, which clung so tightly about her navel that it betrayed the start of a split most girls would be embarrassed about.
"Gymnastics. Ms. Touzoku said you were going to do our article."
"Oh! You're in gymnastics?"
Both girls giggled and Akegawa joined in.
"I don't know if she's doing our article today, but she might come to our practice."
"It sounded like that was a sure thing to me."
"And you brought Ms. Sendou along. I must say that it is different seeing her in gym class."
"I have to be a good example if I plan to take over as our class manager."
Amesuki grinned.
"My brother is the representative for his class."
"You have a brother?"
Amesuki laughed at Kurumu's surprise.
"That must be the Amesuki whom took fifth in the term exams for the second years."
"That would be my Nijiro. He's terribly gifted. I could never compete with him."
"Tell me about it. Gifted older brothers suck."
"You do have it worse. Mine is just devilishly cute. Yours is handsome and overprotective"
Akegawa's older brother was a top twenty student whom had also been a finalist for the second year boys. He had convinced his fellow members of the kendo club to escort the girls from the gymnastics club from the school to Ms. Rin's studio in Mononoke for their practice every Tuesday and Thursday.
"I don't recall your brother being among the nominees for the contest."
"My brother represents class eleven, which has Mr. Kyuushutsu and Mr. Miyamoto."
That would be a tough preliminary round, considering Miyamoto had narrowly missed being a finalist.
"So… whom is your friend?"
With a laugh, Amesuki slipped behind the other girl and placed her hands on the girl's slender shoulders.
"This is Watakoma Tarumi. She's in class seven and my best friend since the third grade."
"Are you also in gymnastics?"
The girl nodded as her eyes lit up.
"We're from Aranami. Have you heard of it?"
"That's an Undine village."
"Half the girls on this floor we went to junior high with."
"So you both went to junior high with Nagisa."
Amesuki glanced back at Kokoa whom was leaning against the wall by the door to 418.
"That's right. The junior high in Umiman."
"Are you also boycotting the school?"
"Nagisa wants us to, but I don't know if I should. That might cause problems for my brother."
"I'm joining the boycott next week. Aoi and Kora were both such sweet girls. It's horrible that the Headmaster sacrificed them to settle the school debts."
"What?!"
Watakoma flinched.
"It's true, right? That's why that Fairy Tale guy is investigating the Headmaster."
"I hope they let us watch him get executed just like he made us watch those two teachers die. He's a murderer whom doesn't even try to hide it anymore."
Kurumu was reeling from these opinions. While she harbored no love for the Headmaster, she had often felt alone in her frustrations.
"He did help Tsukune…"
"What? After robbing him of his humanity?"
"Yea… Mr. Aono would have died if Ms. Akashiya had not turned him into a vampire. That Headmaster had no right to put a defenseless human into our school."
"Sure, I get that we have no human services here, so there was no way Mr. Aono could alert other humans. But did they plan to dispose of him if he refused to stick with school?"
Yukari sighed dramatically.
"What would have happened is not important. While the Headmaster and that driver of his are shady, despicable creatures whom should not have the right to breathe, I doubt they played any part in the disappearance of Ms. Mizumi and Ms. Niwakame."
"I'm curious, but what makes you think they were murdered."
The two girls shared a glance.
"Kiriko heard from one of her band mates that the bodies of the two girls were found by the PSC."
"We've known her for years. She's not lying."
"And Kiriko is…?"
"Ms. Doronuma from class nine."
"The singer, Kurumu."
Kurumu smiled apologetically at Kokoa.
"Maybe that friend of hers was wrong."
"Mr. Kaiketsu was told this by Mr. Morioka."
"Yea. Maybe your club president is keeping the truth from you."
Kurumu sighed heavily, not seeing a point to correct this if they would write her off as ignorant. Kokoa was tapping her foot impatiently with her arms crossed.
"It wouldn't be the first time he did that. We're actually here to convince Taniguchi to come with us to Mononoke. But Akegawa reminded us that she had practice, so now we're hoping we can convince Taniguchi to come with us to your practice."
Amesuki giggled with a slight shake of her head. She wandered over to the door for 418.
"Well… good luck with Nagisa. I'll be in my room with Tarumi if you need anything."
"Sure. We could eat lunch together."
"Speak for yourself. I'm heading back to my suite with Rubi after this."
"I hope you enjoy your weekend, Ms. Sendou."
Yukari frowned as Amesuki pushed the door off its deadbolt. Watakoma offered a slight wave before ducking into the room behind her friend.
"What did she mean by that?"
Kurumu smiled as she started down the hall after Kokoa, prompting the others to follow.
"Your disappointment over not getting to shop lingerie with Moka today is blatant."
"I'm more annoyed with the thought that I will be spending the rest of my day with Rubi."
"It can't be that bad."
"She's weird."
It was not long before they reached the end of the hall where Kokoa was waiting. The vampire knocked on the door for 427.
"Hey, Nagisa! It's Kokoa. Open up."
There was a long silence which followed.
"Maybe I should do some interviews for the gymnastics club today. There's enough time for me to run back to Moka's suite and get my notebook."
"Is that all you ever think about?"
"Sorry."
Kokoa shook her head, knocking on the door again.
"Come on, Nagisa. Open up. I'm coming in whether you like it or not."
Only silence answered the threat. Kokoa sighed, looking at Yukari and gesturing at the door.
"Do your thing."
"We should have Tsukune drop by and give this door his mighty kick."
Kurumu snorted out a laugh as the other two girls looked confused. She shook her head.
"Just open it."
With a smirk, Yukari stepped up to the door and placed her hand on the knob. Taking in a deep breath, she pushed her fingers against the door above the knob. The hallway lights flickered and a slight hum filled the air. The witch twisted her fingers away from the draw with the audible sound of the deadbolt being drawn back. All went silent as she moved her hand aside and twisted the knob with a push.
Slipping into the room after Kokoa, Kurumu quickly noted that Taniguchi was not the only girl present. Both of her friends from class nine were sprawled out on the floor, stark naked with comics in their hands and bags of snacks within reach. The one with the wavy, greenish black hair which reminded Kurumu of a watermelon was Numasaki. Her curly tresses brushed the small of her back as she bobbed her heels against her rump. The girl glanced over her shoulder upon their entrance, her strawberry eyes betraying intrigue.
"They opened your door."
Umiyama squeaked in alarm, slapping her comic over her aquamarine curls which matched the color of her long tresses which normally were held in a ponytail. Being nude, her breasts were actually notable.
"I thought you told the Housemother not to hand your key out!"
Taniguchi chuckled, grabbing clothes out of her closet. It was unusual to see the toffee haired girl with her tresses unbraided. She pulled a cream camisole over her torso to compliment her beige shorts.
"And I told you two to bring clothes."
"Clothes are restrictive to my growth as a woman."
"We're not fish in a bowl, you dork."
"I don't see you wearing anything."
Numasaki smirked, turning the page of her comic.
"I'm not ashamed of my ass."
Taniguchi shut her closet and smoothed out her camisole before wandering over with a slight smile.
"You could have warned me better."
"You should have opened the door."
"I was naked."
"I've seen everything of you."
Taniguchi breathed in deeply with a warmth in her cream eyes. She draped her forearms on Kokoa's shoulders, standing taller than any other girl in the room whom was upright.
"Are you wanting my blood?"
"I wanted you to come with me to Mononoke."
"Why would I want to do that?"
"That doesn't matter. Hikari reminded me that she has gymnastics practice. So now I want you to come to their practice and hang out for a bit."
Taniguchi glanced over Akegawa whom smiled nervously.
"That would defeat the purpose of my boycott."
"We should go."
Taniguchi frowned at Numasaki.
"We're not leaving this dorm."
"We're boycotting the school. Not her gymnastics club."
"It's sponsored by the school."
Yukari snorted.
"So is the dining hall and the dorms. I don't see you living in the woods, foraging for your food."
Numasaki giggled, setting aside her comic. She snatched up a nearby pillow, nuzzling her face upon it.
"You're a traitor, Ayame."
"I'm bored. I don't give a fuck about going to school or town, but I don't want to stay in this dorm all the time. You know it's bad when gymnastics practice actually sounds like it could be fun."
"But it is fun."
"I know that you mean well Ms. Akegawa, but there simply is no good reason for us to leave. A school which cannot promise a safe environment has no reason to be supported."
"I wrote my parents to see if Ishou Academy will take us in."
Kurumu's eyes widened at Numasaki's flippant remark.
"Ishou Academy?! Are you planning to transfer schools?"
"Some kids from Umiman enroll there instead of coming to Yokai."
"You can't, Nagisa. You have to stay with me."
Taniguchi cocked her head with a pout, patting her hands on Kokoa's back.
"If it's my blood you're worried about, I'm sure your mother could arrange something."
"No. I want you in class again. I want to attend school with you."
"But you came here to be with your sister. You'll be fine without me."
"Assuming they take us. We don't know if Ishou Academy is open to transfers this late in the year, or if our parents will let us."
"I think mentioning Aoi and Kora getting killed by the Headmaster will be enough for our parents."
Kurumu sighed at Umiyama's declaration.
"The Headmaster didn't kill your friends."
"There isn't a good excuse for what happened to Aoi and Kora. Nobody should support this school."
"It's life, Nagisa. Every monster school has a dozen or so incidents because Mother can't control how people rear their children."
"Then we are better off attending human schools. At least they can behave themselves."
Kurumu had mixed feelings over how well humans behaved, but murder usually was not on the table. Being exposed as a monster was the bigger issue.
"I'll join your tennis club."
"What would that accomplish?"
"It means that I'll be closer to you. That I can keep you safe."
"You're being silly."
"No. That's why I'm becoming stronger. If you're the strongest, you can do anything you want."
Taniguchi sighed, patting Kokoa's back.
"That's not going to change anything for Aoi."
"Neither will transferring schools."
"If we get enough students to transfer out, it would avenge her. Shutting this pet project of a school down is the right thing to do. You can even ask Mr. Kaneshiro."
Kurumu frowned at the mention of the student council president.
"What does he have to do with this?"
"He simply agreed that my boycott was the right thing to do."
Kurumu shook her head, perplexed that the student council president would endorse this activity.
"Avenging your friends would involve catching the people that did it."
"You mean like how the PSC caught all those monstrels that committed crimes over the past decade?"
Kurumu flinched, having no rebuttal for that.
"There is no justice at Yokai Academy, Ms. Kurono. Like Kokoa said, it's whomever is the strongest. And right now, the strongest appears to be a Headmaster whom doesn't care for our safety."
Kurumu swallowed thickly, glancing at Yukari. The witch shrugged, clearly indifferent.
"Our newspaper club will figure this out."
Taniguchi took in a deep breath, finally withdrawing her arms from Kokoa's shoulders.
"Maybe you will. But I'm not leaving this room until you do."
There was a long, heavy pause. Kurumu knew they would not convince this girl to leave the dorm.
"Does this mean I don't have to get dressed?"
"I wonder if Ginei is in his room."
Moka glanced at her as they walked out into the clearing which preceded the junior dorms. The pair of four story buildings could have made a large rectangle with an enclosed courtyard if they had been built end to end and facing each other. As was, there was a small gap between two of the building ends which marked the start of a paved path leading back up to the main school path for those whom did not wish to cut through the narrow trail which intersected with the paved path to the bus stop. That narrow trail continued on through the woods until it reached the clearing for the dining hall.
"I'd rather not deal with that wolf today."
"I hope we're not too late."
Antai snorted at Akegawa whom walked close to Kokoa's side. Both girls were carrying their schoolbags which had their practice gear, since neither felt comfortable walking about in spandex.
"The only way we're late is if they started early. When has Ms. Rin ever done that?"
Akegawa pouted as they veered towards the south building which was the East dorm. Nobody seemed to know why the building had been named this way.
Failing to convince Taniguchi to come with them had left Kokoa in a sour mood. But Taniguchi had promised to sleep upstairs with Kokoa tonight. It was a small victory which also freed up Kurumu's evening and tomorrow morning from any kitchen chores.
Antai had welcomed them upon their return to Akegawa's room, gussied up in the Shuzen household maid uniform. Kokoa had surprised everyone by suddenly hugging the sylph and then holding her for almost a whole minute without saying a word. A snarky comment from Yukari about her troublesome harem snapped Kokoa's mood. Shortly after exchanging some insults, the witch had left with Rubi, whom was quite disappointed that she would have to work another whole day on that spell.
After fetching some loose sheets of paper, Kurumu had taken care of Miyazaki's interview. It was obvious that the harpy had a crush on Uchiyama but was worried over becoming more than friends. She would have to ask Uchiyama about this girl, certain that Miyazaki, whom was well endowed and had long hair, met most of what he was looking for in a woman. She hoped he would not fuss over Miyazaki's height. While the harpy was slightly taller than Moka, there was no way she was taller than Uchiyama.
She had also interviewed the four first year girls in gymnastics whom she had eaten lunch with. She had finished Antai and Akegawa first, already knowing most of their simple facts. Kokoa had actively been a part of those interviews, learning new things about her friends. Nothing that Kurumu would include in an article, but it made for good conversation.
With those two finished, Kurumu had went back downstairs with Antai to do Amesuki and Watakoma. It was crazy that the tiny Watakoma was one of the oldest students of their grade, born on the first of April. Sakamori was the only older girl whom came to mind, having admitted to being held back a year. And Amesuki would be turning sixteen on the third of October.
During lunch with these girls, Kurumu had asked for their help to compile a list of names for the other girls in the club. The gymnastics club of Yokai Academy consisted of seventeen girls. With only two unfamiliar names on the list, Kurumu hoped to finish all of the interviews in this two hour practice.
"I noticed her limp is all but gone. How are you feeling?"
"Good enough to put the seal back on."
"You don't need that limiter."
"It's annoying dealing with the questions about my hair and what your announcement was all about."
"Why do you care about explaining yourself to weaklings?"
Moka smirked as they neared the glass doors to the East dorm.
"Fine. I won't."
Despite being decades younger, the dorms for the second years looked as weathered as Baratoge. Narrow windows marked each apartment, far too small for most to squeeze. It would take a special shapeshifting ability, at which point using the window was more troublesome than the door.
Unlike Baratoge, the glass doors for the East dorm parted upon sensing their approach. The entry foyer was also a genkan, though the walls on either side of the genkan were lined with shoe cubbies instead of little lockers. Three groups of girls were chatting in the hall flanking the genkan, keeping to their groups.
Kochimaru Usagi stood with the center group which included Amesuki, Watakoma and Makitoru Nanase, a senior girl whom was also from Tsunan. Worried about boys gawking at her breasts, the shy gyokuto was wearing a long sleeved, hooded, gray sweatshirt with a dark red pagoda design. Her chestnut tresses reached almost the back of her knees. Bubblegum pink sweatpants hung loosely upon her hips.
Makitoru was also a gyokuto from Tsunan, though not as endowed as Kochimaru. Her oily black hair was short and curly, and she stood about as tall as Moka. Dressed in a loose white tee which threatened to spill her assets, the senior clung a black duffle bag by its strap against her hip. She had squeezed her rump into a pair of frayed denim shorts.
Makitoru and Kochimaru usually ate lunch together with five other gyokuto girls from Tsunan whom were all on the cheerleader squad. It was her close ties with the cheerleaders which had influenced Amesuki and Watakoma to join gymnastics. Fretting over what being a cheerleader might do to her brother's reputation, Amesuki had declined an offer to join the squad. Tanigawa Nabiki, one of the two Aranami seniors on the squad, was Watakoma's cousin.
"Ms. Kurono."
Kurumu smiled at Touzoku's enthusiastic greeting. The tanuki was with Michiko and two other girls with glossy black hair, one having turned her cowlick into a respectable pompadour while the other had left her short locks in a tangled mess. Touzoku was the only girl present whom was already sporting the black tights worn by their club. Amesuki had called it a unitard since the sleeveless garment was one piece.
"Hey, Touzoku. Michiko."
Kurumu wandered over to this group, stopping at the edge of the genkan. She reached down to work the zippers of her booties as Moka came over to do the same.
"That's a different look ya got."
Moka glanced up at Michiko as she wiggled her feet out of her high heel boots.
"I'll change it back by tomorrow."
As always, Michiko's weekend wear looked like something she had worn to bed. Her black tee shirt featured bleach stains while her black sweats were faded with age.
"You don't have a bag. Are you practicing in that?"
Touzoku and the two other girls giggled as Michiko shrugged.
"I'll manage."
Antai had led Kokoa over to the other trio which included Watanabe Mei from Kurumu's home ec class. One girl was about Akegawa's height and had her sable hair done in a French braid while the other one looked so much like Antai. Her beige hair was swept up into a ball which was twisted and pinned in place.
"Are you doing our article today?"
Kurumu grinned at Touzoku after neatly setting her booties aside.
"Interviews only. We'll do the pictures later."
"Thank goodness. My hair is awful today."
Both of these unfamiliar girls were about the same height as Touzoku. The pompadour girl had on a crimson tank top and black cargo shorts while the other wore jeans and a loose brown tee with pleated short sleeves. As she stepped up from the genkan, Kurumu mildly wondered how this complaining girl normally styled her hair.
"I haven't met either of you. I'm Kurono Kurumu."
"Araiguma Saki. I have Morioka in my homeroom."
This girl was one of Kyuushutsu's victims last year. Kurumu wagged her finger at the pompadour girl, now recalling her picture from the pamphlet for the popularity contest. She was another girl whom Kyuushutsu had used to sate the cravings of his incubus soul.
"You're Yamakusa."
The other girl grinned with sparkling sapphire eyes.
"Yes. Yamakusa Chiharu."
"I heard that both of you are from Aranoiji."
Yamakusa slung an arm over Touzoku, dragging her closer.
"Has our Touzoku been bragging about us?"
"I don't think I have been."
Kurumu waved a hand dismissively as she stepped up onto the tatami of the hallway. Unlike the senior suites, or first year dorms, these junior dorms were lined with tatami flooring. Behind the girls on the other side of the hall was the door for the Housemother's suite. The hallway ended off to the right with a door to a small toilet room and a double door which opened into the large laundry room. She could not see it, but the elevator lobby was around the bend while the hallway continued down another wing dedicated for the boys whom lived on the first floor of this girls' dorm. The sensors for the doors for the elevator lobby and the stairwells at the ends of both wings only responded to the cards given to the girls.
"Actually it was a guy from judo whom aspires to run off into the sunset with one of you."
Yamakusa smirked.
"Nishida."
"Zero chance of that happening. There are much better options for us."
"I hope you don't mean Kyuushutsu."
Araiguma held her breast with a dreamy, distant look. Yamakusa sighed dramatically.
"He's busy fooling around with my cousin."
"He hasn't caused Ms. Ine trouble yet this term to my knowledge."
"That's right. Ginko mentioned you transferring into her art class."
"I should have taken art."
"But you enjoy sharing home ec with Jirito and Yuniko."
"I did. But Ms. Hitori jumbled up our groups for the second term. I'm now stuck with fatty Takimura and crazy Nakamoto. The rest of this year is going to suck."
"Isn't Ms. Takimura in your homeroom?"
"As if I wanted to have her company another hour."
"I wonder what group Ginei ended up with. He was with those harpy girls from karaoke."
Araiguma smirked.
"I think Ms. Hitori deliberately stuffed him in a group with our sweet Ms. Hitsuji."
Kurumu grinned, reaching into her purse to retrieve her mechanical pencil.
"I don't remember which class you're from, Ms. Yamakusa."
"Class seven."
"Oh. You're with Ms. Sangi."
"Are you starting their interviews now?"
Kurumu smiled at an annoyed Moka.
"I can jot down a few facts. Like what elective she's taking."
"I'm in Mrs. Itou's culture class."
"And your birthdays?"
"Mine is the eighth of May while Saki won't turn seventeen until the third of February."
"Cool. I'll be the same age as you in December."
Kurumu grinned at Touzoku.
"I didn't know your birthday was in December."
"Mhm. The twentieth."
Kurumu nodded, jotting that down in a margin.
"I recall that Michiko has a November birthday."
"Yes. The twelfth."
"Kurono!"
Antai bounded over to her side, grabbing her by the arm and shoulder. Kurumu frowned, staggering a step with the girl when she tugged on her. She clutched her pencil and notebook to her bosom.
"What are you doing?"
"I'm going to introduce you to my cousin."
"That's awfully rude, Ms. Antai."
Antai let go of Kurumu's arm, gesturing at Yamakusa.
"Yea, but if Ms. Rin ever gets here, then she'll start up practice and I'll miss my chance. She can interview you guys after my introduction."
Kurumu chuckled, glancing over at the trio of girls whom were conversing with Akegawa and Kokoa.
"Where is Ms. Rin?"
"She said that she would be at the track meet today. Knowing how scatterbrained our teacher can be, Ms. Roniushi volunteered to attend the track meet and make sure Ms. Rin got here on time."
Araiguma snickered.
"Which clearly didn't happen. I'm thinking that Ms. Roniushi got sidetracked with that business she had with the track coach."
"I wonder what that was all about."
As Araiguma shrugged at her friend, Kurumu felt she had a good idea about what Roniushi would need from the track coach.
"Whatever. Come with me."
Kurumu chuckled, allowing Antai to steer her away. They walked around Makitoru's group, Kurumu smiling at Akegawa as they approached. Antai gestured at the girl whom was obviously related to her.
"This is my cousin, Aegu Konami."
The cousin was slightly taller than Antai and had the same tiger orange irises. The sylph had a dark green tube top wrapped about her torso and a black miniskirt. She clutched her white bag by the straps with both hands resting upon her navel. The girl bowed her head slightly.
"Ms. Kurono."
"It's nice to meet you. Hotaru has said so little about you."
Kokoa smirked while Akegawa turned her amused smile aside. The sable haired girl giggled.
"Not surprising. Hotaru only talks about herself."
"I mentioned that you were the reason why I joined this club."
"What class are you from?"
"Class seven."
Kurumu nodded, flipping open her notebook to jot that down in the margin.
"Elective?"
"Culture."
Kurumu smiled apologetically at Watanabe. While the girl was only about Tsukune's height, she was one of the tallest girls in the room, the other being Michiko. Unlike Michiko, Watanabe was thin and lanky with that loose yellow tank top betraying how slight her bosom was. Her faded blue jeans tapered down to her ankles. Kurumu could not recall which homeroom Watanabe was currently from, aware that she had been in Ginei's homeroom last year. Watanabe did not share Kurumu's gym period.
"I don't remember which class Ms. Watanabe is from."
"It's class six."
"I don't think I ever knew which town you came from."
The sable haired girl giggled again. A carnation pink halter top hung loosely from her slender shoulders. Her schoolbag hung from her shoulder against her hip. This girl was rocking black bellbottoms, which Kurumu had not seen anyone on campus wear. Her mother had owned a pair but they had been much too loose for Kurumu to wear without a belt. Maybe she should have kept it.
"We're both from Shizukana."
Pushing aside the moment of melancholy, Kurumu perked up at the mention of that place.
"Really? And whom might you be?"
The girl grinned with mischievous hazel eyes.
"Tomihana Yonagi. I'm a second year from class ten and have home economics this year."
Adding that information to the margin, Kurumu realized they were missing four girls.
"Where's your club president?"
"She's in the office. They have chairs and a couch in there."
Kurumu chuckled at Aegu's remark. Closing her notebook, she peered down the hall behind the girls. On the other side of this wall lined with shoe cubbies was the alcove for the mailboxes. That meant this first door on the left was for the office. The rest of these rooms down this wing were the study and recreation rooms while that door all the way at the end would be for the stairwell.
"I'm going to pay her a quick visit and be right back."
Kurumu slipped between Watanabe and Aegu as the girls murmured responses. It was a short walk past the alcove before she stopped at the office door. Turning the knob, she pushed it open and stepped into the small room beyond.
The office was similar to the one in Baratoge. There was a door directly across from her which opened into the housemother's workspace. A platinum haired woman sat on the other side of this half wall, slowly turning the pages of a magazine. This lady dressed in a periwinkle blouse was most likely the housemother. The woman glanced up at her arrival.
Offering a quick smile, Kurumu turned her attention upon the other occupants of the room. Two girls sat on a black cushioned couch which was on the other side of the wall to the corridor. Another girl was on a matching armchair pushed against the other wall. A small table with a magazine rack rested in the corner between these. Two more vacant chairs were pushed up against the counter facing the housemother.
The girl with the short, tangerine locks had to be Netsukaze. Almost every salamander girl seemed to have some shade of red or orange to their hair. Despite her boyish hairstyle, the girl was sporting a lacy black dress with flimsy sleeves and a daring front cut. The darker bra was obviously pushing up what little assets the girl had to declare their existence.
The other girl on the couch had her slate black hair styled up in a pixie cut. Dressed in a royal blue polo shirt and khakis, the girl cocked her head and regarded Kurumu with rich chocolate eyes.
"Ms. Kurono. Why are you here?"
Quickly taking note of the third girl whom had her dusty gray locks swirled about in a short, curly bob, Kurumu smiled at the speaker.
"I'm sort of doing your interviews today. Assuming nobody minds."
The redhead snorted as the other girl laughed.
"Knock yourself out. Ms. Takahashi here won't give up the keys to our rooms."
The housemother sighed dramatically, turning the page of her magazine.
"I can't give out keys to anyone other than the person whom signed for them."
Kurumu smiled, noting the clock on the wall behind the housemother. It was only a couple minutes after two so they might have been late, though it clearly had not mattered.
"Can't they rent out different rooms?"
The woman glanced up. A slight smile crossed her thin lips before she returned her attention to the contents of her magazine.
"They can wait for Ms. Rin."
"Maybe we should have the girls change into their outfits upstairs."
The third girl had such a soft, meek voice. Kurumu would be surprised if that tiny girl was taller than her. Wearing a Hello Kitty tee shirt and pink shorts, she could easily pass as a grade school student.
"That would be pointless if Ms. Rin doesn't show up."
"We'll give her a half hour."
Smiling softly, Kurumu flipped open her notebook.
"So… I know that you are Netsukaze and are from Tochimoeru."
The redhead perked up. She had lively chartreuse eyes. Getting up from the couch, she placed her hands defiantly on her hips. Her exaggerated motions made Kurumu aware of the long braided rattail down her back. She had even tied a black satin bow at the end of it.
"I suppose you would know about me. You did mess with the head of my roommate."
Kurumu smiled apologetically.
"She was going to end up in trouble no matter what I did."
"Yea. Being a monstrel tends to cause that to happen."
"She's here as our guest, Samayo."
Netsukaze huffed, crossing her arms below her slight bosom.
"Tobi still cries in her sleep even after the summer break. Whatever you did to her, it wasn't right."
It probably had been cruel to give Tensai the memory of Yukari's rape. It was not some detached point of view like one would have in a movie. It was the memory of having it done to you.
"Has she told you what I gave her?"
"No."
Kurumu smiled, glancing away from Netsukaze's scowl.
"Then it's not your business."
"Not my business? She's my roommate."
"I'm sorry for the inconvenience that must cause you."
Netsukaze mentally stumbled over that remark.
"I… no. You can't end this like that. She's suffering. This can't go on."
Kurumu felt there was nothing else she could say. If Tensai refused to talk about it, it was not her place to enlighten this girl.
"I'm sorry for the inconvenience that must cause you."
"Don't say that!"
"If you two must fight, take it outside."
The disinterested remark from the housemother had a smothering effect on Netsukaze.
"Drop it, Samayo. She's not here to answer for something that happened months ago."
"But I-"
"Just do the interview. Nobody is saying you have to be friends with Ms. Kurono."
Grimacing, Netsukaze sat down heavily.
"I'll do it later."
Kurumu smiled at the other girl on the couch.
"I wasn't actually doing the interviews now. I was going to wait for Ms. Rin first."
"Well… I suppose that's fine. She rented out two rooms, so we'll be split up. I'm guessing she'll work with the first years while leaving the rest of us to do our own thing. I don't know how you want to go about doing this, but if you pick our room, I can send you over one girl at a time."
Kurumu nodded, finding that reasonable.
"I was taking some basic facts like names, hometowns, homerooms, electives and birthdays."
"Isn't that like half of your article?"
Kurumu smiled at the gruff remark.
"Yea… anyways… I'm assuming you're the captain."
The captain grinned.
"Shiawase Kiko. I'm actually from Akichi, which very few whom attend junior high in Yuzawa can claim. All the villages in that area are pretty small but they had to put a junior high somewhere. I'm a senior in class five and have the health and wellness course along with Ms. Makitoru and Ms. Yawarakai."
Kurumu grinned, gesturing at the small girl.
"So that's Ms. Yawarakai?"
The girl perked up with a brightness in her dark eyes.
"I am. Yawarakai Chiri from class two. I'm also from the Yuzawa area but my parents felt it was easier to make the commute to Aserutani. But I was in grade school with Ms. Shiawase for two years before my parents made that decision. I was born on the thirteenth of June."
"She's four months older than I am."
Netsukaze snorted.
"She's the oldest of the seniors."
"Ms. Makitoru's is the twenty sixth of this month, right?"
"I don't remember the exact date, but it is near the end of September."
"And yours is the fourth of January."
"Fifth."
"Fifth?"
"I know my own birthday."
The door swung open and a familiar buxom woman bounded in. Dressed in only a simple pink sundress, Ms. Rin's bosom jiggled unrestrained as she hurried over to the counter. Her dark chocolate tresses were tied up in two long tails which started behind her ears.
"I am so sorry. Lost track of the time."
The housemother smiled as she bent out of sight. She lifted back up, handing over a pair of keys.
"Sign these out for me."
"Wait. She hadn't even signed them out yet?"
Ms. Rin hastily scrawled on a sheet of paper as the housemother smirked at her.
"She reserved the room. I never said that I gave her the keys."
"Oh. Ms. Kurono is here."
"Remember to bring those back when you are finished."
"Yes, yes. Let's get moving, ladies."
As quickly as she had entered, Ms. Rin hurried back out the door. The seniors slowly picked themselves out of their seats as Kurumu absently wandered out into the hall.
"I don't understand. Couldn't she have allowed any of you to sign out the keys?"
Shiawase shrugged as she started down the hall after her instructor.
"It's Ms. Takahashi. She's always been a pest."
Netsukaze glared at her before following her captain while Yawarakai scurried after her fellow seniors. Noting none of the other girls were ahead of the seniors, Kurumu lingered in the hallway. She waved at Akegawa's group whom approached first.
"Where's Ms. Roniushi?"
Antai grinned, walking by her.
"She's back there with Akashiya."
Nodding, Kurumu retreated to the lobby. She passed by Makitoru's group, seeing Michiko's group slowly making their way over to her. Moka was lingering in the back, conversing with Roniushi.
Roniushi Chiku was a silver haired okami with braided pigtails. She was about the same height as Moka and was sporting a ruffled, sleeveless blouse with a rich green hue. Her black capris fit so snug about her curves that it looked painted on. If not for the pockets, Kurumu would have mistakenly thought them to be spandex.
"Hey, Ms. Roniushi."
The okami turned cerulean eyes upon Kurumu as she stood aside to let the tanuki girls pass.
"I've been wanting to talk to you about a birthday."
The okami smirked.
"And I need to run up to my room to get my practice gear."
"Can we do both?"
"What details are you needing?"
"When and where."
"We're meeting at Swings at three."
Kurumu nodded, certain she could find the place.
"Okay. That's pretty much all we needed."
Roniushi laughed, backing up a step.
"Good. And if you see that dog Morioka before I do, tell him it wasn't very funny."
"What are you talking about?"
"His jokes about sleeping together. I didn't request to be paired with him in sewing class."
Kurumu smirked, thinking that was somewhat amusing.
"I wasn't aware that you had home economics with him."
"I was paired with Ms. Tomihana and Ms. Hatameku last term. I don't know why Ms. Hitori felt the need to change things up."
"I'll be doing the interviews today, so I guess I'll see you in a few."
Roniushi nodded, backpedaling a couple steps.
"Kay. You two wouldn't know anything about being slashed up, right?"
"Slashed up?"
"Somehow I ended up alone with Morioka last night after finalizing details for this party. So since I can't trust that dog, I'm walking home alone and this red mist surrounded me and then I got slashed up."
"You were attacked?"
"Did you see whom did it?"
"I didn't see anything. But I wasn't seriously hurt. Just annoyed. The jerk ruined my school uniform."
Kurumu smiled sympathetically.
"Yea. It feels like I go through uniforms all the time. This is news to us."
Roniushi nodded, retreating further away.
"Well if you find that bastard, they owe me a uniform. And I love your hair."
Moka sighed as the okami girl slipped around the corner of the hall out of sight. She glanced at Kurumu with a shake of her head.
"It's always about my hair."
"I don't know how, but I completely forgot that you were in band."
Yokokara Ryuga chuckled, sitting beside her on the couch in room 418 which belonged to Takoshine. The stringy, black haired kappa was the class rep for Kokoa's homeroom. Yokokara was dressed in a school shirt and black slacks, claiming he had no reason to change his attire after the morning meeting.
"It's not like we interact on a daily basis, Ms. Kurono."
Kurumu shook her head slowly, suddenly recalling the other guy in class nine was also in band. Numasaki's cousin. She had already forgotten his name.
"And Mr. Numasaki is in band."
"He is."
Kurumu nodded, glancing at the four boys seated on the floor in front of them. These kappa boys were competing in a racing game which they clearly could play for hours. They had been at it before dinner and had already clocked in an hour after the meal. The unsealed Moka whom sat on the other side of Yokokara was scowling, annoyed with the 'loser sits' rule which kept putting her back on the couch.
Kinusawa was the furthest from Kurumu, wearing a boring white tee shirt and faded jeans. He was the tallest of the boys. Beside him was Machida from Kokoa's homeroom. The burly boy had jagged, dark locks and was wearing a bland yellow tee with black sweatpants. The guy had shamelessly admitted those were his pajamas he had worn since last night.
Takoshine Koma was the next boy over with curly brown locks. He had on a buttoned up Hawaiian shirt and white leggings. It was disturbing since his bulge was impossible to ignore. It was a poor choice in attire since he frequently got erections.
Kamitsuku was the last boy in the room and seemed to be the one most often rotating to the couch. It somewhat made sense, considering these other three dorks were in the arcade club. He had thrown on a gray tank top which magnified his husky status. His knit cotton shorts cut into his waistline.
Aku was notably absent from the group. He was out for the day because the Judo team had a match at Ishou Academy tomorrow morning. He would not be back until dinner.
"Do you two eat together?"
"We eat with Mr. Kawakuchi."
"Kawakuchi. I understand he's like a band captain."
"He is a senior."
Kurumu nodded thoughtfully.
"How many are in your group?"
"There's ten of us."
"All from band?"
"Yes. All from band."
"Where do you guys eat?"
Moka sighed heavily, leaning forward to glare at her.
"If only you showed this much initiative with your academics."
"Yea… If I had remembered he was in band, I would have kept my notebook."
Moka huffed, leaning back in the couch and glancing over her shoulder at the door.
"I'm thinking we should be getting out of here."
It was almost nine. Kokoa had parted ways with them right after the conclusion of gymnastics practice. Kurumu still had three interviews to do, but she would see Michiko tomorrow and both Touzoku and Kochimaru were easy to find. Thinking they were done for the day, Kurumu had convinced Moka to come with her to the boys' dorms after dropping off her notebook in Moka's suite.
Kurumu was thoroughly disappointed with Tsukune. They had found him in the company of Mizore, whom was wearing a school skirt and that long sleeved, pink crochet blouse with the dangling fuzzy spheres. Mizore had blithely admitted to sleeping in his room after giving him her blood. He had meekly defended against the claim of spending all day in his room with a woman, admitting that they did go out around lunch so that Mizore could change her clothes.
Her frustrations had taken a back seat to Moka's ire. Unlike the nice Moka, this vampire gave Tsukune quite the verbal lashing for his behavior. The outburst had caught the attention of Kamitsuku, whom rushed to the rescue by convincing Moka to play games with them. Unable to refuse a challenge, the vampire had warned Tsukune that it was not over. Then Moka had learned how much she sucked at video games but was too stubborn to quit.
"So… where do you guys eat?"
"Three of our second years have class four as their homeroom so we eat there."
"How far along have you gotten with that band article?"
Kurumu smiled at Kamitsuku's offhand remark. His eyes never left the screen.
"I've done eighteen so far and hope to get another sixteen on Monday with Kana's help. We should be able to finish off Sagimori's and Fuzen's groups."
"How many does that leave you with?"
Kurumu paused to do the math.
"If I can get Kawakuchi's group done Tuesday, I should have sixteen left, including Mr. Tagami."
"Shall I put you on our schedule for Tuesday?"
Kurumu grinned at Yokokara's amused tone.
"Yes. Yes, you should."
"Are there any other large band groups for her to tackle?"
"I heard that a bunch of our first year girls are in class ten."
"That was the first group I did."
"Sorry then. I can't say I know of any other large groups to speak of."
"It's fine. Since we are looking at being down to sixteen soon, maybe Mr. Tagami would let me do the last handful after one of his practices."
"If it's after practice, I'm sure he won't have any objections."
"How much longer are those two going to take?"
A few minutes ago, Mizore had expressed the need to use the bathroom. Being a boys' dorm, someone had to accompany the snow girl to discourage other guys from entering the bathroom while it was in use. Having lost the round of racing right before the announcement, Tsukune had volunteered to serve as the bathroom bouncer.
"Looks like you're the loser this time, Tomio."
Machida sighed heavily at Takoshine's grating tone. The guy set aside the controller and slowly picked himself up from the floor.
"It's your turn, Akashiya."
Moka glared at the cheerful Takoshine.
"Ms. Akashiya."
"Yes, my queen."
"What did you say?"
Takoshine shivered at Moka's words.
"Nothing, Ms. Akashiya."
Kamitsuku chuckled, smacking Takoshine's shoulder with the back of his hand.
"Dude. Keep your fella down."
"I can't help it."
"I'm not sitting by that deviant."
Moka waved aside Machida. The guy frowned, glancing at Yokokara.
"Your turn then?"
Yokokara sighed heavily, settling further back in the couch and resting his hands in his lap.
"The laws of science have their hold on me. This object at rest prefers to stay at rest."
"Blaming science when you'd rather sit between two girls than play that silly game."
Yokokara smirked at Kurumu.
"Biology is a science."
Machida chuckled, kneeling back down to pick up the controller.
"Speaking of girls, it seems like ours have quit school."
Kurumu smiled softly as the boys started up another racing tournament.
"We've heard of the boycott."
"Ms. Taniguchi is being childish. Boycotts never work."
"I wouldn't say that."
"Do you seriously believe a boycott would have fixed our issue with those akaname?"
"Refusing to go to school didn't even cross our minds."
"Yea. Catching the murderer was our priority."
Kurumu frowned at the comments from Kinusawa and Kamitsuku.
"You wanted Tsukune to do it."
"We asked him to investigate it. You guys are the newspaper club."
"Yea, and in the end, Umizake did the work."
"Where is Umizake? I haven't seen him around the dorms or for any meals lately."
Machida shrugged at Kinusawa.
"He comes to class."
"Mr. Umizake is participating in that safety walk the PSC is hosting for the local students."
"But it's the weekend."
The door swung open and Tsukune entered the room with Mizore following in his shadow.
"We could always check his room if you're worried."
"Check whose room?"
"We were talking about Umizake."
Tsukune nodded, visibly relieved.
"Oh. That's good."
"What took so long?"
"He was hesitant to watch over me as I peed."
Tsukune gagged, shaking his head vehemently.
"No! She was trying to get me to watch her pee!"
Kamitsuku and Kinusawa chuckled as Mizore shrugged nonchalantly. The white stick in her lips slowly moved to the other corner.
"I don't know if I'm alone in this opinion, but Mr. Umizake is a good guy. He saved these two ladies."
"He certainly saved me just now."
"How?"
Tsukune sheepishly rubbed the back of his neck.
"Well… he had to use the restroom and ignored my warning. I don't know what he said, but she came out before he did."
Kurumu smirked at Mizore.
"Did he chase you out?"
"I left when I finished."
Moka huffed, getting up from the couch.
"I need to finish my discussion with Tsukune."
"Is that what you're calling it?"
Moka turned to regard Kamitsuku whom was chuckling with his attention on the race.
"My frustrations boiled over upon seeing him today."
"Shame on you, Aono. You shouldn't leave a girl frustrated."
"Yea, it's common courtesy to make sure your woman is pleased before satisfying your own needs."
Moka blushed as Machida snickered over his friends' comments.
"My queen has no interest in Aono."
"I don't need you standing up for me."
"He definitely has something standing up."
Moka blushed a deeper scarlet.
"This doesn't concern any of you."
The vampire whirled on Tsukune whom was smiling sheepishly with flush cheeks.
"I need to talk with you in your room alone."
"A private chat is in his bedroom."
"I believe that's how I ended up here sixteen years later."
Kurumu smirked at Moka's distress. If this request had come from the other Moka, she might have been more concerned about what these boys were joking about. But seeing this Moka flounder under these halfhearted jests was enjoyable. It made Kurumu feel like she could identify more with this vampire, whom usually behaved so distant, combative and always right.
"I will not allow you to be alone with him."
Kurumu shivered as an oppressive aura spread out across the room. Moka glared at Mizore.
"I'll give you that training you requested right now."
Mizore trembled, falling back a step from Tsukune.
"I'm not afraid of you."
"You should be."
Tsukune stepped protectively in front of Mizore, shaking his head.
"It doesn't need to be like that."
"This is a serious matter we need to discuss. Her input isn't required."
Kurumu sprung up from the couch, holding a hand out at Moka.
"Maybe not, but I want to at least hear what this is about. We should all go to his room together."
"You stay out of it."
"That sounds like the start of something epic."
"I wonder if Kuroishi would let me borrow the camcorder."
Moka's ears shared in her blush.
"Fine. We can all go so I don't have to endure these juvenile remarks."
"Is this about making Akashiya into a woman?"
Tsukune gagged as Moka whirled about, flustered.
"If you don't hold your tongues, I will relieve you of them."
Kamitsuku waved a hand dismissively.
"It's just a joke. We all agreed to drop that this morning."
"But Tomio wasn't with us this morning."
Kurumu wandered over to the door while Mizore retreated out into the hall.
"I hope everyone in the room understands that Tsukune is my boyfriend and he is not having any sort of sexual relationship with either of my friends."
Lingering in the doorway, Tsukune smiled apologetically.
"I already told them that yesterday was just a fight between sisters."
"I'd hope being carried in by Ms. Shirayuki because you're unconscious isn't a typical day for you."
The boys chuckled at Yokokara's remark.
"It happens more than you would think."
"Should we check on you?"
"He's got three girls with him. He'll need at least a half hour."
"He better have more stamina than that."
"Does an hour sound better?"
Kurumu chuckled, slipping out into the hall with Tsukune. Mizore drifted over to the door for 419.
"Good night, boys. I won't be coming back when I'm finished."
"Understandable. Will he be coherent?"
"I'll go easy on him."
"It has been a pleasure, Ms. Akashiya."
Moka exited the room, shaking her head. Her crimson eyes were full of exasperation.
"I swear I should have sealed myself. I don't know how she deals with them."
Kurumu grinned as Mizore pushed open Tsukune's door which had been resting on its deadbolt.
"Unless you know something I don't, she doesn't visit Tsukune's dorm that often."
Moka glanced at her as they entered Tsukune's room.
"She's only been here with you lately. And they always behave like that."
The dorm rooms for the boys were no different than the girls. It was a small space with a closet and a tiny alcove of sorts which could be used as a desk. Kurumu had left her purse in that alcove next to Moka's after coming back from dinner. The rest of the room was barren since Tsukune had already rolled up and put away his futon by the time they had arrived.
The sound of the deadbolt being drawn caught her attention. Tsukune smiled sheepishly, moving away from the door to join them.
"Won't they be suspicious if you lock the door?"
"It's bad enough that they'll eavesdrop. I doubt Moka wants them walking in on us."
Moka took in a deep breath. Placing her right hand on her hip, she toyed with her tresses about her left ear with her head cocked to the right.
"This should be quick. Do you have any intentions of fighting me?"
Tsukune regarded the vampire with wide, confused eyes.
"No! Of course not!"
"Disappointing."
"What do you want from him?"
Moka smirked at Kurumu, lowering her hand to her side.
"I thought with his casual offer to fight my sister, that he might have grown some spine."
"Moka… I don't want to fight you."
Moka turned her hand over, rubbing her thumb against her curled digits.
"Would it be easier on you if you thought of it as rough foreplay?"
"What?!"
Moka leveled a confident gaze upon the wide eyed boy.
"I know you wish to do all of those naughty things you experienced with Kurumu upon this body."
"I… I… I only wanted us to go on a date."
"You still owe me a Durian dinner."
"He can give you that dinner later. Unless Kurumu has an objection."
Kurumu sighed. This felt like Tsukune was some kind of item for them to share.
"No. One dinner date isn't going to change anything."
"Which brings me back to the original question. Will you fight me?"
"I already said I wouldn't."
"So the only way this dress is coming off is if I decide to do it for you. Could you explain why I should make it that easy for you?"
Tsukune paused, still reeling from her first statement.
"Could you explain why it has to be hard?"
"I think it goes in easier if it's stiff."
Moka blushed at Mizore's remark.
"Stay out of this!"
Kurumu bit her lip, regarding the floor.
"Tsukune's right. You're not supposed to make life difficult for the person you love."
"You made it easy and look how little he appreciates that."
Kurumu flinched, clutching her bosom as her heart twisted painfully.
"That's not fair, Moka. My charm was influencing him."
"He could fight me for your blood, but he refuses."
"Why is fighting the only way?"
"What else do you have to offer? Do you think you could give me something more valuable than my claim on her blood?"
"It is her blood. Not yours."
"Then take it. And I will make you pay for that."
Tsukune took in a deep breath.
"You are being completely unreasonable. Just like your sister."
"This dress would come off so easily in a fight. Don't you want to see what I wore for you today?"
Kurumu blinked in surprise. She looked up at the smug vampire in shock.
"You want me to see your lingerie?"
Mizore placed her hand on his shoulder, shaking her head.
"I'll show you mine without a fight. I wore those striped thongs today."
"That won't be necessary."
"You should take that offer, Aono. Because you won't be seeing mine."
"I don't need to see anyone's lingerie right now."
Kurumu pouted, massaging her aching breast.
"This snap blouse comes apart real easy. My new bra actually matches my thong."
"Not helping!"
Moka sighed dramatically, wandering over to the alcove to grab her purse.
"We should go, Kurumu. It was a mistake to get my hopes up."
Kurumu frowned as the vampire returned, handing over Kurumu's purse.
"What were you hoping he would do?"
Moka smirked, stepping over to the door to draw back the deadbolt.
"I don't know if you're to blame or if it's this silly thong, but my body is ready for anything."
"You're all wearing thongs?"
Moka grinned at him as she pulled open the door.
"Good night, Aono. Don't have too much fun with Ms. Shirayuki."
"He's not going to have any fun with her. She's coming with us."
Mizore cocked her head as Moka slipped out into the hall.
"Do I have to?"
"Yes, you do."
Kurumu grinned at his remark, grabbing Mizore by the wrist.
"Come on. I don't want you teasing him with your thong."
Mizore pouted, allowing Kurumu to lead her out into the hall. Moka nodded at her before starting for the door at the end of the hall which opened out into an exterior, open stairwell which flanked the dorm.
"I wasn't going to show my thong to him."
Kurumu snorted as they steadily approached the door to the exterior stairwell.
"It's so hard to tell when you're joking."
"I'm not wearing any panties."
