"Thank you very much for the library time."
Fukai held her plate up which included a small soup bowl. Placing Moka's bowl on Fukai's plate, Kurumu stacked the dishes before turning to Kokoa. The vampire stuffed down the last rice ball. Kurumu had mixed these onigiri with seasoned ground sausage before wrapping them in nori, which she thought made them much tastier.
"It was okay."
Kokoa surrendered her dishes to Kurumu. After rearranging the dishes, Kurumu retreated to the sink. She turned on the faucet, starting to scrub the pot she had made their miso soup in.
"Hey, Fukai. You don't mind if I start calling you Ishiko? I noticed Moka already does it."
"I don't mind."
"When's that brat going to get here?"
"Maybe you shouldn't do this."
"What's the matter, Sister? Afraid that I will surpass your beauty?"
Moka was wide awake despite not turning in any earlier last night. Like the other two, she was already dressed in her school blouse and skirt. Kurumu hastened her task, still needing to change into hers.
"I think you are fine the way you are."
"So you want everyone to treat me like a child?"
"That's not what I said."
"These fools are too stupid to recognize greatness when they see it. I'm doing this to open their eyes."
"But you know it won't last. What will you do when it wears off?"
"I've already thought about that. It's a little after seven. If I take it now, her potion will wear off during my seventh period computer class. We're not likely to be doing anything today that I can't make up later so I'll go home after gym."
"But it will last a whole sixteen hours. Do you really want to spend the whole evening as a little kid?"
"It's not like I plan to socialize with other students when this wears off. If it bothers you that much, you can spend the night with one of your newspaper friends."
Kurumu tugged open the door to the dishwasher, stowing away the skillet and pot. She made quick work of the plates before adding them to the rack.
"I'm sure once Yukari does figure out how to shorten the duration of the side effect, she'll never come to school as a little kid again."
"Why does it have a side effect?"
Kurumu shrugged as she wiped out the soup bowls.
"That's a Yukari question. I don't understand how her magic spells work."
"Most of sorcery is forcing energy to do something. It shouldn't have side effects."
Kurumu finished up the bowls, placing them in the top rack by themselves. All that was left was the cooking utensils and chopsticks.
"This is experimental stuff Yukari is doing. Nobody taught her how to do this."
"She can't be the first witch to think about changing her age."
Kurumu snorted as she scoured the spatulas clean.
"I doubt her parents would teach her this kind of spell."
"Help me with the table, Kokoa."
"Don't order me around like a child."
Shutting off the water, Kurumu placed all the utensils in the little bin hanging on the front of the lower rack. She closed up the dishwasher door, spinning the dials to start the appliance. She wiped her hands dry on the heavy crimson apron worn over her black maid uniform.
As Moka pushed the table beneath the couch, there was a knock on the door.
"That must be her. Answer the door, Ishiko."
Kurumu chuckled as she reached back to loosen the knots of this frilly apron. She shook her head as the gnome headed over to the genkan to obey her friend's command.
"Are you wearing a bra, Milady?"
"Of course I am."
Kurumu smirked as she tugged the apron up over her head. She hung it over her left arm.
"Will it fit when you get bigger?"
"Morning, little girls."
Moka gasped at the greeting. While the voice had a slightly deeper tone to it, Kurumu could tell it was Yukari without looking. But curiosity wanted to compare this to what Kurumu had seen in her dreams.
"Ms. Sendou?"
An older version of Yukari stood in the doorway, quite taller than Fukai. The witch had tucked her fine, black locks behind her ears and clipped them with white pins to keep them out of her eyes. The rest of her tresses fell straight down to the middle of her back.
Yukari nodded at the confused Fukai whom pushed up her goggles over her eyes as if that was the problem with what she was witnessing. The witch had on a school blouse and skirt like the other girls. She casually held her schoolbag behind her with her left hand up at her shoulder. There was a rosy glow about her which Kurumu doubted had anything to do with magic.
"Where did you get the school blouse?"
"I bought a generic size last week."
Fukai adjusted her goggles with one hand while the other gave Yukari's right breast a squeeze. Yukari gasped, backing away sharply and covering her bosom protectively with her free hand.
"They're real."
"And sensitive. Don't do that."
Kokoa stalked over to the genkan and thrust her hand out.
"Give me!"
Yukari regarded the hand. She sighed dramatically, swinging her schoolbag around. She pulled aside the flap and rummaged through her bag.
"Remember that this will make you eight years older for eight hours. When this wears off, you'll lose eight years for the next sixteen."
"I understood that the first time. Now hand it over."
Yukari plucked a crimson sphere which looked like hard candy. She presented it to Kokoa whom promptly snatched it up and tossed it into her mouth. Yukari smirked as Kokoa swallowed it down.
"And now you will die a hideous death in less than five minutes."
"What?!"
Yukari snickered at Kokoa's alarm. Shaking her head, she pulled another candy out of her bag.
"I'm joking. Do you want one, Ms. Fukai?"
Fukai took the offered sphere, cocking her head and regarding the candy dubiously.
"Even if they were poisonous, I doubt that could kill you. Gnomes have amazing constitutions."
"Eggs make us sick."
"That's not life threatening. It's equivalent to a human getting salmonella poisoning."
Fukai shrugged, stuffing the candy in her mouth. Kurumu frowned as the girl swallowed it down.
"We've served you breakfasts with eggs before."
"Yes. It's unreliable to refuse a meal."
"Impolite."
"You don't have to eat food if it will make you sick."
Fukai shrugged again, clearly paying more attention to her flat chest. Kokoa was also absently feeling herself up.
"So… when do I get my tits?"
"This doesn't happen immediately. It takes about three to five minutes to initiate."
Kurumu chuckled, stalking over to Moka's closet.
"I'm going to get dressed."
"I should take my bra off."
"Do you even need one?"
"Yes!"
"Please don't fight."
Kurumu shook her head as she slipped into the closet. She grabbed a hanger and draped the apron over it before putting it back up. She preferred hanging the apron separately since it was always more wet than the dress. Unlike the stretchy maid uniform Kokoa had bought her, this one came off easily. Slipping out of the dress, Kurumu was naked as she hung up the long sleeved garment.
"Yukari. Shall I go blue, strapless or thong today?"
"Is my Moka wearing a thong?"
"What does that have to do with my question?"
"I was thinking to borrow your red set of lingerie."
Kurumu snorted, grabbing her crimson thong and stepping into it.
"You are not wearing my panties, Yukari."
"It's not like you can't wash them."
Kurumu tugged the thong up, still uncomfortable with the way it fit.
"Not wanting to upset you, but you can't wear my bra without some padding. If you're dead set on borrowing lingerie, ask Moka."
"I don't think she could fit mine either."
"I have breasts!"
Kurumu chuckled at Yukari's angry declaration. She slipped into her crimson bra which had a floral lace pattern. For some reason the hooks on this bra were smaller, forcing her to be more careful as she fastened the front clasps.
"I noticed. They might be as big as Rubi's."
There was a notable pause as Kurumu finished her task. She smoothed her cups over her breasts before selecting her last fitted blouse, leaving the generic sized one for tomorrow.
"They're bigger than my mom's."
"Face it, brat. That tiny chest of yours will never please a man."
Yukari huffed indignantly.
"A titty fuck is nothing but an awkward hand job. There are better ways to please a man."
"What's a titty fuck?"
"And you dare call me a child?"
"Uh… I also don't know what that means."
Kurumu snorted as she fished her arms through her school blouse. Leave it to Yukari to expose the innocence of those vampires. She started buttoning up her shirt.
"You're serious?"
"It's rubbing a man's dick with your tits."
"Why would I want to do that?"
"Precisely. As I said before, there are better ways to please a man."
"I think that would be very embarrassing."
"Yours are large enough to do it."
"That's disgusting."
Kurumu smirked, fixing her skirt in place. She was mildly surprised Fukai had known what one was. Taking her last sweater and a pair of socks, she wandered back out into the room.
Both Fukai and Kokoa had decided to shed their tops. Kokoa's small breasts featured small aureoles tipped with dark, erect nipples. They were almost the perfect size to push through the hole of a five yen coin. Her innocent white bra and blouse were draped over the back of the couch.
It was difficult to describe what Fukai possessed. Her breasts were subtle in size, but each featured a perfectly rounded, textured disc. It sort of reminded Kurumu of a rice cracker. She was unsure where the nipple was in those dark circles, assuming Fukai had nipples. The gnome's blouse was hanging over her elbow with no indication that she had worn a bra.
"Where's Rubi?"
"She already left for school. The Headmaster wanted her there to discuss a new assignment for her."
"He's offering her a job?"
Yukari shrugged indifferently.
"I have no idea what he wants to do with her. But I can't watch over that idiot all day long."
Kurumu smirked, pulling the sweater on.
"You do realize that when this wears off, you will only be three."
"I was a very lucid three year old."
"Will you be okay?"
"This should wear off at the end of computer class. I will have Ms. Nazohashi assist me."
"What will you do about clothes?"
Yukari blushed, glancing aside.
"I'm unsure. I hope she won't mind taking me home."
Moka smiled softly.
"Tora won't refuse."
"I will walk home with Ishiko."
"Absolutely not. Do you have anything planned for after school today?"
Kurumu shrugged at Moka's question.
"Nope. Mr. Tagami said I could stop by after any of his practices to finish the dozen or so interviews I have left. I don't have to do that today."
"I'll let Mr. Uchiyama know about showing up at one to help with the pictures on Saturday. Then we should both cut out of our last classes to watch over these two."
"I don't need you."
Moka frowned as Kurumu bent down to pull on her socks.
"This isn't a negotiation, Kokoa. How much longer will this potion take?"
"It should happen any moment now. Assuming these two will have any growth in eight years."
"I will grow. Mother promised I would have another growth spurt this year."
"Hopefully she wasn't talking about this temporary one when she said that."
Kokoa pouted at the snickering witch.
"That's not fair!"
When Kokoa stomped her foot on the floor, she suddenly shot up in height. The vampire stumbled as her bosom filled out and her skirt strained against her new curves. Her unbound hair grew almost to the same length as Moka's while losing all of its reddish hue. As Kokoa cupped her breasts, she turned a wide grin on her sister. There was still a slight height difference in Moka's favor.
"Ha! I told you! Ishiko! Look!"
Fukai was taller, though she remained shorter than this mature Yukari. Like Kokoa, the gnome's hips had thickened and threatened her skirt's limits. Her scraggly hair was down to her shoulders. Her bosom had swelled out slightly but was probably not much more than what Kokoa's had been moments ago. Those rice crackers remained the same size, now seeming to protrude from her breasts.
"Hey. Why is she still flat?"
Fukai gave her breasts a slight jiggle.
"I'm not flat. I'm a gnome."
"Gnomes often mature in their mid-twenties. It might be twelve years before Ms. Fukai fully matures."
Kurumu sighed, wandering over to the side of the couch to retrieve her schoolbag.
"You're all taller than I am."
"You might get taller in eight years."
Kurumu pouted at Moka as she hung her schoolbag across her torso.
"Knowing my luck, I'll gain a couple cup sizes before catching up to Mizore and Tora."
"Oh, boo hoo."
Yukari huffed indignantly, crossing her arms below her enhanced bosom.
"What do you think about my cup size?"
Kokoa grinned, placing her hands behind her head and thrusting her chest out. Her milky globes of flesh still featured those erect nipples, though the aureoles might have enlarged slightly.
"That's probably as big as you'll get."
Kokoa gasped when Yukari placed her hands on her breasts, kneading them roughly. The witch wiggled her thumbs across those nipples, causing the vampire to seize her by the wrists.
"Stop!"
That raspy plea lacked volume as the vampire stumbled back a step. Yukari continued the assault.
"I don't think they are as big as my Moka's. Though you do seem to be as sensitive as her."
"Let go! Please!"
"Make me."
"Stop it, Yukari."
The witch pouted at Moka, releasing the breathy vampire. Kokoa retreated another step, panting as she gingerly touched her breasts.
"How dare you… accost me… like that."
Kurumu stepped over and grabbed the dazed vampire's tits. Ignoring her mewl, Kurumu squeezed them gently. They were warm and soft. Her hands were too small to fully cup them.
"They're not that much smaller than Moka's. I don't think she's a D cup, but she's probably a C."
"I'd rather you not compare her body to mine."
"I think she can fit in one of your bras. You don't mind, right?"
"I guess not."
Kokoa rubbed her hands on Kurumu's arms, not resisting. The vampire had a longing in her eyes as she bit her lower lip. Kurumu smirked, releasing her hold. She stepped back as the vampire whimpered.
"Milady should go put these lovely things away."
Kokoa shivered, gingerly placing her hands over her breasts. She closed her eyes and panted.
"Too tingly. Ishiko. Help."
The gnome frowned, cocking her head.
"With what?"
"Bathroom. Come."
The vampire stumbled back into the couch. She shuddered with another gasp, beckoning to the gnome.
"Help."
As the gnome stalked over to Kokoa's side, Kurumu glanced at Moka.
"I think Ishiko could wear that bra Kokoa took off."
"Probably. I'll go get one of mine for Kokoa to try on."
Moka headed to her closet as Kokoa tugged Fukai into a sudden kiss. The gnome made a startled sound, resting her hands on Kokoa's waist as the vampire pressed against her.
"Kokoa?"
The vampire gasped, breaking the kiss to rest her head on Fukai's shoulder while holding the gnome tightly. The gnome rubbed Kokoa's sides.
"Are you okay?"
Kokoa pressed a kiss on the side of Fukai's head. She drew back, tugging on the gnome.
"Bathroom."
"You're not going to drink her blood."
Kokoa shook her head at Moka's concern. She eased back around the couch, angling for the bathroom.
"They ache. Help me, Ishiko."
As the bathroom door closed behind those two, Kurumu shared a glance with Moka. A lilting moan shortly followed, causing Yukari to snicker.
"Seems I'm not the only one curious if it feels better in the older body."
"Should we tell her we can hear her?"
Moka shook her head, ducking into the closet. She came back out in seconds with a pristine white bra.
"I'm sure she'll be embarrassed enough about this."
Moka placed the bra on the couch next to Kokoa's things.
"We'll be leaving now, Kokoa. There's a bra on the couch for you."
Another melodious moan answered them. Sharing a blush, Moka and Kurumu retreated to the genkan to slip into their loafers. Moka grabbed her schoolbag resting against the partition wall.
"I hope you don't plan to try out your new body on Moka."
Yukari smirked, pushing open the door and slipping outside.
"I played with myself after Rubi left."
"That explains your rosy cheeks."
Kurumu grinned, joining Yukari as Moka secured her schoolbag strap between her breasts. Like Yukari, the vampire was without the green jacket as she exited the suite.
"No jacket?"
Moka blushed as she turned about to lock up the door.
"Mizore doesn't wear a jacket."
"What does Ms. Shirayuki have to do with this?"
Kurumu shrugged, glancing over at the other building.
"Should we go wake her?"
"I'd rather not."
Kurumu frowned as Moka put away the keys.
"I'm surprised you would say that."
"Why? She's not our friend."
"I wasn't talking to you."
Moka sighed as they walked steadily away from the suites.
"I'm a little worried that Tsukune is becoming too familiar with her."
"I don't think you have to worry about Tsukune starting anything."
"He might become drawn to her."
Kurumu frowned. She recalled the Headmaster saying this about Tsukune's reaction to her presence when he first woke up with that holy lock.
"Drawn to her blood?"
Moka blushed, fidgeting with her strap.
"Yea. Only having one source can be… confusing. He should get blood from someone else."
"I would give him mine but someone doesn't want me to."
"I'm being serious, Kurumu. Getting blood continuously from one source creates a dependency. While your blood might make him immune to your charm, he won't be immune to this. His body will start to crave for your blood."
Kurumu frowned, mulling that over.
"But you've gotten blood from your mother for years."
"Once a year. That's not enough to make me dependent on her."
"But you were drinking from Tsukune practically every other day at the start."
Moka laughed nervously.
"Well… I got carried away."
Kurumu smirked.
"Are you sure that it isn't blood dependency which draws you to him?"
Moka pouted.
"Some of it is. But it's not as simple as longing for blood. Drinking blood is arousing. It's much better than having it given to you."
"I think I understand now why your sister has become so… sexual with her friends. I wish you would drink my blood."
"I don't want to do that to you, Yukari. I'm already doing things I shouldn't with Kurumu."
Kurumu smirked at Moka's blush.
"Most of the time when we do weird stuff, it's because one of us is messed up in the head. You can't even compare us to how Kokoa interacts with her girls."
"You could drink my blood now. This body is old enough."
Moka shivered as they reached the point of where the trails came together. The vampire shook her head as she started down this trail to the main path.
"Don't tease me, Yukari. You smell so good right now."
Yukari sighed, letting a moment of silence pass.
"I can see how you would get confused if drinking blood stimulates you. It must be frustrating as a vampire to feel this way towards a man whom refuses to fight."
Kurumu nodded at Yukari's observation.
"Moka. How serious do you think she would be in a fight against Tsukune?"
"She would beat him soundly."
"She wouldn't let him win?"
"Of course not. I… well… hmm. I've never thought about letting him win."
"Most people wouldn't. She has too much pride to throw a fight."
"Yea… she's angry that you would even suggest such a thing."
"I don't know. She seemed fine with the idea of him removing her dress."
Moka laughed, shaking her head.
"Now she's really angry. Can you hold still for a moment?"
Kurumu frowned, stopping to regard Moka.
"Why?"
Moka stepped in, draping an arm over Kurumu's shoulder while the other slipped behind her waist, tugging her in close. Kurumu flinched when Moka darted her head in. She gripped Moka's sides as fangs sank in her throat. She whimpered in pain, clenching her teeth as some of her life was siphoned away.
"Moka?"
At the wavered word from Yukari, the vampire withdrew her fangs with a gasp, breathing hotly against Kurumu's neck. Still whimpering, Kurumu clung to Moka's waist for support. Her legs felt shaky.
"Meanie."
Moka laughed softly, pulling her close in a hug and leaning back.
"Sorry. She told me to."
"That doesn't mean you have to."
"I wanted to."
"It hurt."
"You'd wet yourself if I did it the other way."
Kurumu pouted as Moka drew back to arms' length.
"At least kiss me."
Moka tapped her nose.
"Nope. I needed a little boost since Mr. Kyuushutsu is getting too friendly and you needed a reminder that your blood belongs to her. We can't have the last fangs in your neck be my sister's."
Kurumu absently rubbed her sore neck as Moka resumed walking down the trail. She sulked as she followed the vampire with Yukari falling in step beside her.
"Wish she would have taken my blood."
"Nope. I have to process this sickly sweet blood of hers so no more teasing me."
"Sorry my blood isn't up to your standards."
"At least she'll take yours."
Kurumu smirked as they neared the main school path.
"Maybe you could bottle some for Tsukune?"
"We don't need him getting addicted to Yukari."
"Whom do you want him to get blood from?"
"I don't know. Just not Yukari."
"If you're going to be possessive like that, you should take my blood."
"Stop tempting me, you wicked witch."
Kurumu chuckled at the pleading expression Moka threw back at the girl.
"Give him your blood, Yukari. One time won't break him."
Moka bit her lip as she drifted left up the main school path.
"Give him Rubi."
Yukari sighed.
"I suppose we could. She would agree to it."
Kurumu frowned.
"Yea, but she might be weird about it."
"We could call it her punishment. Maybe then she'll stop pursuing spankings from him."
Kurumu smirked, liking Yukari's suggestion. She was about to comment when she realized Yukari was not carrying her white satchel.
"What are you planning to do for lunch?"
Yukari grinned.
"I'm planning to show Tsukune what he should be waiting for."
The bell sounded out the start of the lunch hour. Kurumu quickly put away her notebook and mechanical pencil as Ms. Nekonome told them to be ready for an assessment quiz tomorrow. History was the least of Kurumu's worries. It was always her highest exam score.
The back door was always first to open. She doubted those guys bothered with taking notes. Wanibuchi opened the front door, nodding at Ms. Nekonome before slipping out with Yakihara ahead of her.
"Come on."
Kurumu grinned up at Yukari whom stood beside Deshi.
"You're going to get jumped the moment we walk in."
"I know. May as well get it over with."
They had stopped by Tsukune's homeroom after science lab for a quick chat. Kurumu had told Kamitsuku when to show up to take the band article photos while Yukari flaunted her new body. Yukari's teasing of Tsukune had been cut short when Hiboshi returned from her bathroom break. The kitsune had pounced over, demanding to know how Yukari had made herself mature. Luckily the bell had saved them from a lengthy explanation.
"Tell me how it all works out."
Kurumu nodded at Juri whom started off for the back. Up on her feet, she drifted over to Yukari as Satsuki came over to join them.
"I think she's taller than her mother."
Kurumu nodded, recalling Satsuki had been about the same height as Yukari's mother. Yukari smirked as they started for the front door, cupping her bosom.
"I'm also more endowed."
Satsuki swatted the back of Yukari's head as they stepped out into the hallway.
"Stop grabbing yourself."
Yukari smirked, lowering her hands.
"I have more than you do."
"Like I care."
In the restroom, Satsuki had admitted to only being an A cup. Kurumu would have sworn the girl was a B but Satsuki begrudgingly corrected her.
"Kurono."
Kurumu smiled as they approached Bikiyama and Kakeru whom were standing near the back door of class three. Despite the bell, the doors remained closed.
"Looks like another long English lecture."
"As if you were paying attention to the last one."
"At least she showed up yesterday."
"As if I could understand what Mr. Nagamushi is saying. He could be discussing how to bake cookies."
"You should bring your textbook and study in class. That's what I do."
"I don't recall you having a strong performance in English."
"At least I didn't have to retake my exam."
Bikiyama gestured at the witch as they came to a stop.
"Did Sendou send her sister to school in her place?"
"I'm an only child, Ms. Bikiyama."
The amused girl turned hazel eyes on Kurumu.
"So… what's the story here?"
"Magic potion made her eight years older. It's an experimental thing."
"Yea. When this wears off, she'll become a toddler until tomorrow morning."
"Hence why I won't be doing this again until I fix the potion. Today is a trial run."
"Sounds crazy."
The back doors slid open and the usual big boys stepped out to greet them. Ushio grinned, holding his arms out to Yukari.
"Can I have a hug from the future Ms. Sendou?"
"That's future Mrs. Shuzen to you."
"I thought you had a thing for Moka."
Yukari huffed at Satsuki.
"Akashiya is her alias. Obviously I would have my Moka's legal last name."
"Step aside, boys. You're blocking traffic."
Ushio chuckled, stepping out of the doorway with Tamaishi. He placed his hand on Bikiyama's head, tousling her locks.
"I'm still waiting on a hug."
Kurumu smirked as Bikiyama slipped out from beneath his hand, following Kakeru into the classroom.
"She's still eleven."
"Where is she?! Sendou!"
Hiboshi bounded out of the room with Irewata on her heels. The auburn haired girl grabbed Yukari by the blouse as the quiet Arashimideru wandered out into the hallway, joining them.
"You have to tell me how you did this!"
"Don't do it, Sendou!"
"Stay a child forever, Mini Minx!"
Hiboshi whirled about to address the chuckling duo whom must have exited out the other door. She scowled at the big boys lurking in the hallway.
"Why are you two still here?"
Ushio guffawed, shaking his head and retreating a step.
"Fine. I'll take a rain check on that squeeze."
"I'm not squeezing anything of yours, Mr. Burumoto."
"Shoo, you senseless oaf. I have serious business to discuss with Ms. Sendou."
Kurumu smiled apologetically, offering the big guy a wave which he acknowledged with a nod. Turning on his heel, he clapped his hand on Tamaishi's broad shoulder before heading off. Arashimideru silently followed after them.
"Netsuki?"
"Not now, Haruhi. You were saying, Ms. Sendou?"
"I wasn't saying anything."
"I'll go get Nazohashi."
"Don't forget about Tsukune and Mizore."
Satsuki waved a dismissive hand, slipping through the doorway as Goto and Kakeru came out. Kurumu nodded at the pair whom started off towards the cafeteria.
Hiboshi gently placed her hands on Yukari's shoulders.
"I can get you something. Anything you want. I can get Ms. Yoshino to accompany us to Mononoke."
"That's not the problem. This is a temporary change."
Hiboshi paused with a frown.
"How temporary?"
"Only a few hours. It will wear off before the end of the school day."
"Can't you create something more permanent?"
"I'm working on that. You'll be the first to know when I succeed."
Kurumu grinned as Tora exited the classroom with Satsuki. She bounced over a step to hug the sphinx, stopping the girl in her tracks. She had barely seen Tora since the weekend, having only a few minutes between classes which were often lost chatting with everyone else.
"Kurumu?"
Kurumu took in a deep breath, smelling the jasmine on her. Bikiyama's chuckle broke her out of her warm reverie. Tsukune was beside her with Mizore lurking in his shadow.
"I don't know about the hugging, but we should get down to the line before it gets too long."
Kurumu sighed, withdrawing from Tora.
"But you cut in line anyways."
"Come on, Kurono."
As a large group, they all started down the hall in the direction of the cafeteria. Except Mizore. As usual, the snow girl wandered off in the other direction, intent on selecting her lunch from the school store.
"Is something wrong?"
Kurumu smiled, walking between Tora and Yukari. Hiboshi and Irewata were slightly ahead of them while Tsukune was behind her with Bikiyama and Satsuki.
"No. I was wondering how you've been is all."
"I'm fine, Kurumu. Nothing's really changed these past couple days."
"But you're always gone by the time Ginei shows up."
"Because the walk leaves at five fifteen."
"Don't you need to watch where you're going?"
Hiboshi frowned at the grinning Deshi. The plum haired girl backpedaled with confidence ahead of their group, holding her staff behind her neck.
"Is fine."
"I think you should talk to Ginei."
"I will when I have the time."
"Make the time."
"Don't push too hard on her, Kurumu. Your influence isn't limited to guys."
"What's that supposed to mean?"
"Nothing, Satsuki. And I'm not pushing Tora to love Ginei right now. I think Hajihachi is good for him."
"It's almost sickening how cute those two are together. Morioka dragged Mika over to our last two practices and he's all over her. Coach chased him off yesterday after he made some comment about taking things under the bleachers."
"It's a private place where I hear some girls can practice their moaning."
Bikiyama's eyes widened. She gestured down the hall as they reached the crossover between classes five and eight.
"Did she tell you that?"
"She might have mentioned it."
Bikiyama's cheeks were flush as Deshi hopped her way backwards down the stairs ahead of them.
"We weren't under the bleachers when we did that."
"Karaoke."
Kurumu frowned at Yukari's sudden remark as they started down the stairs.
"What about karaoke?"
"That would be a better place to practice moaning."
They all shared a blush.
"I think you could have kept that thought to yourself, Ms. Sendou."
"I was only suggesting it, Ms. Nazohashi."
"So… whom are you eating with, Kurono?"
"I'm going to stick with Yukari today. I'll have lunch with Tora tomorrow."
"I could handle Tsukune by myself."
"I'm more worried about what you might do to Mizore."
"It's not like I would kill her."
Bikiyama chuckled as they neared the bottom of the stairs.
"What do you guys think about this morning's challenge?"
Kurumu smirked. In the middle of the announcements, Tashikana had been interrupted by Miyamoto. The young man had demanded Kokoa fight him at lunch today for the honor of his club. He vowed to shut down the club for the rest of the year if he lost. But if he won, he wanted her to make a formal, public apology before joining his club.
"I'm just hoping there aren't a whole bunch of witnesses to that."
"She has nothing to lose. The school wants her to join a club by the end of the week anyways."
Satsuki snorted at Yukari's remark.
"I thought you said she wouldn't lose."
"She won't. She's a fearsome fighter even without the potion. I can't fathom how she will lose with her current body."
Hiboshi whirled about upon reaching the bottom of the stairs.
"You have more of that potion?!"
Yukari held her hands up defensively, coming to a stop.
"It's temporary."
"You should have let me try it out with you."
"Do you really want to lose eight years when it wears off?"
Hiboshi frowned as they all gathered at the foot of the stairs.
"Eight years?"
Yukari regarded the kitsune with a firm expression.
"When this wears off, I will turn into a three year old for the next sixteen hours. When I repaired your omamori, you lost five years and five months of your life. That means your current body is younger than mine by nine months. You would be a two year old."
There was a pause as Hiboshi digested that revelation.
"That would be adorable!"
"Shut up, Haruhi!"
Arashimideru shrugged, starting off towards the end of the line. Hiboshi faltered back a step.
"I can accept why you didn't include me in this experiment. That would be embarrassing. What do you plan to do about clothes?"
Yukari smiled nervously, glancing back at Tsukune.
"Well… I was hoping Ms. Nazohashi would take me home either before computer class or right after it. Hopefully that won't be a problem."
"I suppose that wouldn't be, but you'll still need to do something about clothes."
Hiboshi nodded at Tora's remark, retreating back another step.
"Ms. Yoshino mentioned that the sewing room has a collection of donations from the town. Of course I refuse to wear any hand me downs from the local community, but you might lack such reservations when you will only need this attire for one day."
Kurumu grinned.
"Thank you, Hiboshi. We'll keep that in mind."
"Good luck with being three years old, Ms. Sendou. And none of you tease her over it."
Hiboshi wagged a finger at them before turning about. Irewata smiled, bowing slightly before hopping away to join her friend.
"Let's not keep Akari waiting."
Kurumu grinned, nodding at Bikiyama before they all started moving towards the cafeteria again. Deshi led the way with swaying, exaggerated steps.
"Are you enjoying yourself, Deshi?"
"Always. Good to be alive."
"I hope you aren't plotting anything."
The jiangshi cocked her head with a mischievous glint in her canary eyes.
"Would never."
"I'm hoping we won't be told to break up this fight. I'm too hungry for that."
"Shouldn't that be something the PSC does?"
"While technically true, I don't think Ms. Hineri would ask the first years to handle this. Mr. Miyamoto is friends with Mr. Koike and Mr. Kitajima. It would make sense for either of them to address the situation."
"I'm more worried about Mr. Miyamoto. Kokoa can be vicious when she wants to be."
"Agreed. While he spoke highly of Mr. Miyamoto's skills, Moka's sister is dangerous."
"Where is Moka?"
Kurumu shrugged at Tora's inquiry, glancing at the line as they neared the intersecting hallway.
"She was supposed to be with Kokoa and her girls. But with Kokoa running off to a challenge, I don't know if Moka will be with her or not."
"Do you think she'll actually answer his challenge?"
Yukari huffed at Tora's question.
"She's a vampire. She won't refuse."
"Akari!"
Bikiyama waved animatedly at the trio of girls waiting halfway down the diagonal section of the lunch line. Akari returned the gesture, saying something to the boys in the line.
"I believe that's our cue to part ways. I'll see you at the start of computer class."
"That would be nice of you."
Kurumu murmured a farewell as Tora and Satsuki continued following Deshi while the rest of them angled over to join Uchikawa's group. Kiba had a wide, toothy grin as they stopped.
"Surprised none of you are going to watch the big fight."
Kurumu smirked, falling in line beside Akari.
"I'd rather not be a witness to that."
"I wonder if issuing challenges over the PA will become the new way of doing it."
Tsukune chuckled, settling in beside Matsudera. Yukari slipped in ahead of him while Bikiyama joined Kurumu and Akari. Kiba remained in front.
"I wouldn't mind. It's much easier to avoid a fight called out like that."
"You would blow off a fight?"
"I'm not that confident in my fighting skills."
"Funny to hear that from a guy whom beat Kuyo and the Outcasts."
Tsukune managed a smile at Kiba.
"The others handled Kuyo. And I don't remember much from my fight with the Outcasts. All I can say is that I wasn't a good enough fighter to avoid that outcome."
Akari nodded with a soft smile.
"A reasonable response. The more skilled you are, the better you can disable an opponent without resorting to lethal tactics."
"My Moka uses such tactics."
"What happened to Ms. Sendou?"
Bikiyama snickered at Matsudera.
"She grew up."
"Can witches do that?"
Yukari giggled at Matsudera's reaction.
"It's a potion, Ms. Matsudera. It will wear off in a couple hours."
Kurumu grinned at Akari.
"So when are you girls going to karaoke with us?"
"We're never doing karaoke."
"My moaning is better than yours."
Akari blushed slightly.
"What does that have to do with karaoke?"
"Sendou suggested we practice our moaning when we do karaoke."
"Why are you practicing moaning?"
Matsudera blushed deeply at Kiba's amused inquiry.
"Why would you tell anyone about that?"
"Kurono brought it up. Shirayuki must have ratted us out."
"It was in her diary which she destroyed after I read it."
"That's horrible of you to read another girl's diary."
Kurumu smiled apologetically at Matsudera's remark.
"Coach Kotsubo gave me the diary. I didn't expect it to have stuff like that in it."
"That's kind of cool that she wrote about us."
"I'd rather her not document embarrassing things like that."
"Ms. Kurono just said the diary was destroyed so the evidence is gone."
Kurumu smiled at Akari.
"I'm fine with you calling me Kurumu."
"Oh? Are we going to first names now?"
"Kurumu and Ginei both have a problem with showing proper respect."
"I'm not like Ginei."
Tsukune chuckled as they neared the cart laden with trays.
"You don't use honorifics that much. It stands out when you do."
Kurumu pouted, supposing she did drop the honorifics often.
"It's not like I talk to everyone on a first name basis."
"I'm cool with it, Kurumu."
Hearing Bikiyama use her name gave her a warm feeling in her heart.
"Thanks. Nozomi."
"Wow. You're both blushing."
Kurumu grinned, resisting the urge to hide her face in her hands. It felt more embarrassing to have it called out like this.
"So… you are the best moaner of this bunch?"
Bikiyama blushed as she giggled. Matsudera shook her head as Akari covered her mouth as she giggled.
"I bet I could moan better than her."
"You would try to compete in that."
Kiba smirked at Matsudera.
"These two are probably too shy to do it. Am I right?"
"Nozomi is the boldest of us."
"It was her idea."
"Nuh uh. You're the one that brought up licking dicks to please men."
Matsudera's eyes went wide.
"That was you!"
"It was?"
"She's right, Nozomi. That was you."
"Huh. Why did I bring it up?"
"I believe Ms. Shirayuki was asking what a man found sexual satisfying in a partner."
"That's right! She told us about her having a fiancé she wanted to please."
"I still think Mr. Umizake would be good for her. It's a pity she doesn't take it seriously."
"Yea. That still peeves me that she was planning to use that information to cheat on her fiancé. Sure, I get the whole, not wanting an arranged marriage and that she can't call it off. Still annoying though."
Kurumu grinned as Kiba grabbed a tray.
"So which one of you suggested the moaning?"
Bikiyama immediately pointed at Akari. The girl blushed slightly.
"Well… I'm sure that's true."
"It's true. We like our dicks licked and our girls to moan like whores."
Kurumu broke out in giggles from the random comment from the tall, dark haired guy behind them. She held her hand out to him, shaking her head. To her surprise, the guy gave her a high five.
A flush Tsukune shook his head as he grabbed a tray and held it out to Yukari.
"There are some conversations not suitable for a lunch line."
All three okami girls were blushing like cherries as they took trays from Tsukune. Despite the hotness of her cheeks, Kurumu smirked as Tsukune handed over a tray to her. She was tempted to call him out as liking both things, but knew it would only embarrass him.
They silently made their selections for lunch. Not particularly hungry, Kurumu picked a bowl of yakisoba and a cup of soup, skipping the bread roll and juice. She lined up for a register before any of the others. After grabbing a can of juice, Yukari stepped in line behind her.
"I'll need my lunch card."
"I'll pull it out at the register."
Kurumu nodded, mildly curious where Yukari had put it. It was not like the witch was wearing a bra.
"Give it now."
Yukari sighed, balancing her tray with one hand as she reached to her side. She untucked her blouse at her left hip, unfolding the white fabric to reveal the two lunch cards. She held one out to Kurumu.
"I don't know how you forget yours."
Kurumu shrugged, taking her card. It was not like that had gone poorly last time. Numasaki had even let her keep the change, despite the meal costing less than half of the thousand he had given her.
Kurumu stepped forward when the worker prompted her to. She surrendered her tray and card, waiting for the lady to do her thing. In seconds, everything was handed back to her.
Wandering off to the side, Kurumu regarded the two nearest tables which the auto club had claimed. The one favoring the aisle was all guys, none of which stood taller than Tsukune. Almost all of them wore glasses though Kurumu had been told by Anko from the judo team that gnomes could wear contacts.
The other table up against the wall which divided the seating from the serving line had mostly girls. Only two guys sat at that table, and they were on the end closest to the other table. The trio of first years she was most familiar with were facing the registers. Tiny Katahara sat between Anko and Tsuchiyama.
On Anko's other side was a girl about Fukai's size with her short, shale bangs clipped back with glossy red floral clips. She deduced this girl with the amethyst eyes and a pale face littered with tiny dark splotches had to be Makenuki Ritsuki, since she was the only girl with freckles in the group. While regarded as the most popular diva of the faction which adored little girls wearing glasses, the class rep had not been nominated by her class to participate in the popularity contest, losing to the likes of Negai from the fencing club and Kagayama from the cheerleader squad.
The guy sitting by Makenuki also had a pale face and freckles. Both wore thick glasses with black rims, but Makenuki had sprinkled her frame with silver glitter. She also had sparkling silver studs in her ears.
"That girl with the freckles at the auto club table is Makenuki, right? Is the guy beside her related?"
Akari glanced at the table and nodded.
"Yea. That guy next to her is her little brother, Kachi. He tags along to the rep meetings though he never says anything. I believe he's in class five since he sometimes interacts with Ms. Noboru."
"Yea, he's in five. I've seen him with the boys of my homeroom during gym."
"Why are you scoping out the boys in your gym?"
Kiba snorted at Bikiyama.
"I'm not scoping anything. I have eyes and notice things."
"Are we standing around for some reason?"
Kurumu grinned at Matsudera, shaking her head. Walking beside Yukari, she followed the girls down the wide aisle which cut through the cafeteria. There was about the same amount of students present today as yesterday. She had been mildly worried that Kaneshiro's speech last morning would instigate more to join the boycott. As far as she knew, the only new absence was Dokiniji from Tsukune's homeroom.
"So… I got cut short the other day when talking about Ginei."
Akari giggled, nodding.
"Yes. Yes, you did."
"I trust you had a good time with those boys."
Kurumu smirked at Kiba's smirk.
"I finished up their interviews for my article."
"At this rate, I think Kurumu will finish her articles before I even get started on mine."
"I thought you met up with Ms. Nekonome while I went to the band hall."
"Well… she didn't have any information for me. I just hung around in the lounge while Moka talked with those two new teachers."
Kurumu nodded, aware that Moka had interviewed the brothers. They had been in the middle of doing that when she had stopped by after her conversation with Mr. Tagami.
"So is Ginei getting married soon?"
"What?!"
The girls giggled at Tsukune's reaction as they turned right in the hallway.
"I thought you were present when he proposed."
"Um… sort of. And I think it was Ms. Hajihachi whom proposed."
"Excuse us."
Exchanging polite murmurings, they slipped through the line. Nothing was said for a short while as they made their way over to the far side of the second year's hall.
"Ms. Kurono mentioned it the other day and I informed her that the two could marry right away if the elders and families all agree on it."
"Seriously?"
"Yea. I thought they would have to wait for him to turn eighteen, but they seem to think that human laws don't apply here."
"I asked Mika yesterday after practice about her citizenship. Her mother put in an application with Fairy Tale after Mika turned sixteen, but it has yet to be approved."
"Why not?"
"I have no idea how long these things take."
Kurumu glanced at Yukari, whom shrugged with a shake of her head.
"So they won't be able to marry legally."
"That's not uncommon, Ms. Kurono."
"Yea. I don't think either of my parents are registered citizens."
"My dad is registered because he works in the city."
Kurumu nodded at Matsudera as they passed by the bathrooms.
"Are your parents coming to the October events?"
"My mom and younger sister are coming to the cultural festival while Dad stays home with the twins. They didn't say anything about Sport's Day and it's probably too short notice to ask them to come."
"Yea. Don't think anyone from my household will bother showing up to either event. Uncle works and my Aunt isn't that friendly now that we're both in high school."
There was a long moment of silence following Kiba's remark.
"I don't think my family will be coming to either, if that's any consolation."
"That was obvious, Aono."
"My dad might come to both. Mom will stay home with my little brother."
Akari nodded at Bikiyama's remark.
"My whole family is coming to the cultural festival. I doubt they'll want to spend that much money to attend the other, so maybe Mom or Dad might come alone."
"What about you, Kurumu? Is your mother coming to these events?"
Kurumu smiled softly at Bikiyama.
"It depends on if she can get away from work."
"And Sendou?"
Yukari shrugged as they neared the end of the hall.
"They haven't mentioned any plans, but I'm sure they will let me know if they come."
"I wonder if Ms. Shirayuki will have family attending these events."
Having reached the end of the hall, they drifted to the right, intent on the exterior door by the stairs.
"She mentioned her mother would come."
"I wonder what her mother is like."
Tsukune opened the door for them. As Kurumu stepped outside, the first thing she noticed was the cafe tables and metal chairs. Kiba took the first chair at the nearest table. Kurumu followed Yukari over to the next table, setting her tray down in front of the chair closest to the other table.
"Did you meet anyone whom struck your fancy at her birthday party?"
Bikiyama shrugged, settling down beside Kiba while Matsudera took the other chair on Kiba's left.
"The twins smelled nice, but I can't say I would go for them."
Akari nodded, taking the last open chair at that table.
"It felt like those boys were more interested in our teachers."
Kurumu smiled as Tsukune wandered around their table to take the chair beside Yukari.
"What about Senyou from our homeroom?"
Bikiyama chuckled as Akari grinned.
"He was nice."
"Nice? He had a better scent than Hitomure, but was not the least bit interesting."
"Mr. Hitomure was incorrigible."
"He likes you."
Akari frowned at Bikiyama's mirth.
"If I wanted that sort of behavior, I would have played along more with Mr. Morioka."
"True. I would take rolling in the grass with Morioka before Hitomure."
"Wait. You guys are interested in Ginei?"
Akari smiled softly as Bikiyama chuckled.
"He smells good."
"And he's bold. Sure, it's annoying that he squeezed my tits and messed with my hair. But that's sort of what I'd want from a guy I'm dating."
"If I had not known about Mika, I would have been open to dating him."
"Yea. Seeing him with Ms. Hajihachi made me so envious of her."
Bikiyama smirked at Matsudera.
"I thought you were hung up on Touma."
"I can be envious of a relationship."
Kurumu agreed with that as she pulled off the lid to her bowl of yakisoba. Snapping her chopsticks apart, she stirred up the contents.
"You're quiet, Enoko."
Kiba paused at Kurumu's prompt, swallowing down her food.
"I'm eating."
"Are you interested in any guys?"
"Nobuyuki mentioned there were a couple inugami boys in his club that weren't invited. I might check them out if I'm bored."
"So… no okami guys?"
Kiba snickered, stuffing her mouth instead of answering.
"While we can mix, some families have reservations against it. In the eyes of elders, Mr. Hitomure would be dating up if Nozomi succumbed to his charm."
"Hey!"
Akari smirked at Bikiyama. She lifted a cup of soup, sipping from it.
"And any okami guy whom wanted me would be dating down. Like Mr. Daijou."
Kurumu elected not to push on this subject, turning her attention on her meal.
"Mizore!"
Tsukune's shout startled Kurumu. With her mouth full, she waved at Mizore whom steadily approached them. As usual, the snow girl had a half liter of ice cream. Mizore took the vacant chair beside Kurumu.
"Are you enjoying being older, Ms. Sendou?"
"It has been different. At first a lot of boys in our homeroom were intrigued with my appearance, but they lost interest by third period."
"You didn't do anything, right?"
Yukari huffed at Tsukune's suspicion.
"I share homeroom with Kurumu. While I am more womanly than before, I can't compete with her."
"It's okay. I don't think any of us can compete with Ms. Kurono."
Kurumu considered teasing Yukari about her plot to flirt with Tsukune but decided to finish her yakisoba first. She stowed away another mouthful.
"I think your tits might be bigger than mine."
Kurumu coughed, covering her mouth.
"Nozomi."
"What? Don't you think so?"
Akari sighed, glancing over Yukari.
"I think she's about my size."
"Are you wearing a bra?"
Yukari blushed at Bikiyama's question.
"There was nothing in my size that I could borrow."
"That's because you hang out with Akashiya and Kurono. Kurumu."
Bikiyama blushed over correcting herself.
"If you take this potion again, you may visit us. I'm sure either Nozomi or I will have something suitable."
"Thank you, Ms. Uchikawa."
The pause which followed was long enough for Kurumu to finish her yakisoba. She tugged off the lid to her soup, blowing across the steamy surface.
"Hers are smaller than mine."
Kurumu smirked at Mizore. Shaking her head she sipped her soup.
"I'm taller."
Bikiyama chuckled at Yukari's protest.
"I don't think guys mind it if a girl is short."
Matsudera sighed heavily.
"I know. I hope I don't get any taller."
Things went quite for a short while, allowing Kurumu to almost finish her soup.
"This is eight years from now, Tsukune. Do you like it?"
"I think you're very pretty."
Yukari nodded with a slight smile.
"So… not interested."
"What?"
"It's nothing."
"He doesn't want you, Sendou."
Yukari scowled at the snow girl.
"We weren't talking to you, Shirayuki."
"It's that first impression."
Akari smiled when attention shifted to her.
"It's why so many of us don't date within our communities."
"Childhood friends sometimes date."
"Not really, Ms. Kurono."
"Maybe if Morihochou wasn't so small, we wouldn't look at the guys like brothers."
Kurumu sipped down the last of her soup. Setting the carton aside, she leaned back in her seat.
"Roniushi seems to like her cousin a lot."
"Kajiru will never see Chiku as a woman."
"Are you sure about that?"
"He's seen her naked. Recently. If that didn't work, nothing will."
Yukari sighed at Bikiyama's declaration.
"That would be depressing to bare myself to a guy and still be rejected."
"You get over it."
Yukari stared at Mizore whom calmly continued eating her ice cream.
"How do you cope with that?"
Mizore paused, leaving the wooden spoon in her mouth as she cocked her head.
"Writing."
Kurumu smiled, picking up her lunch card and pushing her tray aside.
"How is your writing coming along?"
"Struggling. Would prefer experience."
"With what?"
"A dinner date."
Tsukune turned pale.
"Mizore. I seriously don't know if my stomach could handle that durian."
"Someone is coming."
Kurumu glanced over her shoulder, frowning at what she witnessed. She quickly deduced the young man wearing the white gi with a black sash tied about his waist was Miyamoto. But he had a child thrown over his shoulder. Slim legs kicked wildly. A school skirt was in his free hand. The young girl in his care had a white bikini covering her tiny rump. White laces were tied at her slender hips.
"Is that Kokoa?"
"Either that or we should report a crime."
Kurumu smirked at Yukari's calm remark.
"That can't be Ms. Shuzen."
"She took some of Yukari's potion too. But I thought she said it would last till sixth period."
"It should last almost the whole sixth period."
"I'm pretty certain that child is too small to be Ms. Shuzen."
Bikiyama chuckled at Akari's confusion.
"They mentioned this potion would make them much younger when it wore off."
Miyamoto was walking at a brisk pace. As he neared, Kurumu could see his face had a couple bruises and there was a gash over his eye. The squirming girl was making cute grunts and whines as she writhed in his grasp. Her pale bottom had an unmistakable, reddish hand print across her left cheek.
"I never thought you would actually do it, Miyamoto."
The young man with his wild mess of ashen locks came to a halt near them. He frowned at Kurumu as she got to her feet.
"You snatched yourself a child."
"Put me down, you brute!"
He scowled, handing the skirt over to her.
"I'm returning this brat to you."
Miyamoto huffed, bending down to put the kicking girl on her feet. His action was not as stable as holding her aloft, causing her to shift freely out of his grip.
With surprising agility, Kokoa hit the ground and snapped up a high kick which nearly connected with Miyamoto's chin. He hopped back a mere second before impact, holding his hands up.
"Enough, little girl! I delivered you to your friends as promised."
"I could have walked!"
The oversized school blouse had fallen loosely back in place now that the vampire was upright. Kokoa spun about with a wide punch. The next action was a complete blur, but the vampire stumbled back a step, clutching her forehead.
"You jerk!"
"I'll do worse if you don't concede your loss."
"I didn't lose! I shrank!"
Kurumu chuckled, draping her arms over the angry vampire. The girl whimpered but allowed Kurumu to draw her back. Her small head pressed against Kurumu's bosom.
"What exactly happened?"
"I was winning!"
"Don't lie. It was an even match prior to your diminished state."
"You look beat up."
"That happened after her transformation. I was momentarily confused and let my guard down."
Kurumu smirked as he crossed his arms about his chest.
"Care to explain the hand print on her ass?"
He flinched.
"She was misbehaving. You spank a child that misbehaves."
"I'm not a child!"
"He's lucky there isn't a local police force."
"She's lucky that I'm a nice guy."
"I was winning."
Miyamoto scowled, flicking the girl in the forehead with enough force to cause Kurumu to stagger back.
"Lies. You tripped over your own skirt after pulling this devious secret technique against me."
"I've told you it wasn't a technique! It's a stupid potion! It wasn't supposed to wear off in the middle of the lunch hour!"
Miyamoto drew back, shaking his head.
"I won't be tricked. Clearly Morioka informed you of my past and you thought to exploit it."
"It's as she says, Miyamoto. She wasn't planning to turn into a little girl for you."
Miyamoto regarded her sternly. He thrust a finger at Kokoa.
"You would have lost that fight. Your emotions telegraph every movement you make."
"You only seem fast because you mask your harmful intent by being detached."
"Blind passion will cause errors in judgment. You won't win any matches throwing wild punches."
"I was winning."
"I expect you to make your formal apology by the end of today."
"I didn't lose!"
"When you regain your normal body, I would welcome you into our club. You have much raw talent, but lack discipline."
"I'm not joining your pathetic club!"
Miyamoto smirked.
"Is a vampire refusing to honor the terms of a challenge? I thought your word was worth something."
Kokoa flinched, squeezing Kurumu's wrists.
"I didn't lose."
"I bid you farewell, Ms. Shuzen."
Miyamoto bowed stiffly. With a sharp turn on his heel, he stalked off towards the school. Kurumu stepped back, drawing Kokoa back with her as she turned.
"So… Yukari. Why is she small?"
Kokoa struggled in her grasp.
"Yea! What gives?! I thought you said it would last eight hours!"
Yukari shrugged, getting up from her chair.
"It should work that way."
"What happened?"
"Metabolism?"
Yukari snorted at Mizore's suggestion.
"This has nothing to do with metabolism."
"I think we should fetch Ms. Akashiya."
Kokoa stiffened.
"No! You can't!"
Akari frowned as she got up at the same time as the other girls.
"Why not?"
Kokoa gritted her teeth.
"I don't want her to see me like this."
"But you were going to be like this all night."
"And I told her to spend the night somewhere else."
"Where is Akashiya eating?"
Bikiyama shrugged at Kiba, gesturing at Kurumu.
"They said something about her eating with her sister and her friends."
"They would be in class eight."
"No! Please don't get her!"
"That's convenient. I'm done with my lunch."
Akari nodded at Matsudera.
"Me too. We'll send her down to you."
Kokoa whimpered as the girls started for the nearest door.
"No. I don't want her."
"I know this must be embarrassing, but this is the right thing to do. It's part of being a family. While I'm sure Ms. Kurono will help as much as she can, this burden should belong to your sister."
"It's been fun, Kurumu."
Kurumu grinned, nodding at Bikiyama.
"I'll see you tomorrow, Nozomi."
Favoring her a wide grin, Bikiyama retreated with the other girls. Kiba reached the door first, holding it open for them. Kurumu sighed as Kokoa whined in her arms.
"What are we going to do with you?"
"Ms. Hiboshi mentioned those community donations in the sewing room."
Kurumu smiled at Yukari's suggestion.
"We could check that out. Unless My Little Lady would prefer to go home now."
"Don't call me that."
Kurumu giggled, hugging Kokoa close into her bosom and swaying side to side.
"Don't pout. I'll take good care of you."
"You're just trying to avoid your English lecture."
Kurumu stuck her tongue out at Yukari.
"We should wait for Moka."
"But I don't want her."
Tsukune smiled softly.
"Ms. Uchikawa was right about the importance of family. We made a promise, Kokoa. That whenever one of us is in trouble, we would all come to help."
"But Moka's sister wasn't included in that."
Kurumu laughed at Yukari's objection.
"Yes. Kokoa is very important to your Moka and would be part of that."
Yukari sighed, crossing her arms.
"I suppose I could magically connect her phone to everyone else. I just need all the phones again."
"What is she talking about?"
"That's right. I'm supposed to get a sex toy."
Kurumu laughed as Tsukune cringed.
"You don't have to do that, Mizore."
"Well My Little Lady already has a phone. You could also add Ishiko to our network."
"Stop calling me that."
"I could do that tonight if Ms. Fukai brings her phone."
Kurumu smiled, taking in a deep breath. She glanced at the door and then to the woods.
"Maybe I should take off with Kokoa now. You guys could tell Moka that we went home."
"I'm tempted to go with you. I'm worried that mine won't last the correct time."
"Metabolism."
"That is not the issue."
"I'm staying here."
Kurumu frowned at Kokoa's defiance.
"I thought you were going home when this wore off."
Kokoa shook her head against Kurumu's breasts.
"I can't leave now. That would be admitting I lost. I have to face him."
"You want to fight him in your current state?"
"My pride demands it."
Kurumu shivered from the delightful cuteness of that declaration. She squeezed Kokoa against her, swaying side to side.
"She's so fucking adorable!"
"Stop it!"
Kokoa tugged on her arms futilely as Kurumu lavished affection upon this cute child.
"I'm definitely bathing you tonight."
"Am I needing to report another crime?"
Kurumu chuckled, loosening her grip at Yukari's remark. A chilly hand touched her shoulder. Mizore regarded her with a blank expression.
"Can I hold her?"
"Uh… sure."
"I'm not a plaything!"
Despite her protest, Kokoa barely resisted when Kurumu guided her into Mizore's chilly grasp. The vampire shivered as Mizore wrapped her arms against her, peering down at the vampire.
"I've always wanted a little sister."
Kurumu giggled, absently playing with Kokoa's dark locks. They were much shorter than this morning.
"I've thought about having one."
"Kidnapping isn't a legal means of acquiring one."
Kurumu laughed, kneeling down beside the pouting vampire.
"We aren't kidnapping her."
"We need a white van."
Kurumu grinned, handing the skirt back to Kokoa.
"So… you wore a swimsuit."
"Yea. Top and bottom. I figured I could adjust them when I changed."
Kurumu nodded as Kokoa clutched her skirt to her tiny frame.
"I'm glad it worked out."
Kokoa blushed, glancing aside.
"They came off."
"Because you were struggling with Miyamoto?"
"No. They came off with the skirt."
Her first impulse was to laugh at the image that came to mind. A tiny Kokoa launching forward with a kick but tripping up in her skirt and falling face first with her bare bottom in the air. But Kokoa was so adorable, helping her find the strength to keep it painfully in.
"Oh. That's unfortunate."
Tsukune chuckled nervously.
"I hope Miyamoto is okay."
"How dare you sympathize with him when I was the one exposed!"
Mizore snickered which made it even harder for Kurumu to suppress her own giggles.
"Are you laughing at me?"
Kurumu whimpered, shaking her head. Her eyes were moist when she looked up at Kokoa.
"I'm crying. It must have been horrible."
"So tragic."
"It's suspicious that Mr. Miyamoto would not mention this incident."
"He was probably worried about embarrassing her."
"Or he did something shameful."
The seriousness of that put a damper on the mood. Kurumu wiped the tears away.
"I'm sure Miyamoto wouldn't put a hand on her."
"He spanked my butt real hard."
That voice and the pout were too much. She whimpered out her giggles, doing her best to hide her face.
"Kokoa!"
Wiping fresh tears away, Kurumu looked up as Moka hurried over to join them.
"What happened?"
Kokoa grabbed hold of Kurumu.
"Go away!"
"But Kokoa."
"She was molested."
"That has not been confirmed!"
Kurumu was all too willing to nuzzle up with the tiny girl. She shivered with amusement.
"The potion wore off in the middle of her challenge with Mr. Miyamoto."
"Go away."
"It's okay. I'm not ashamed of you."
Kokoa pressed her face into Kurumu's shoulder and started to sob.
"I don't… know what… to do."
"I can take you home."
Kokoa continued to bawl, destroying Kurumu's light hearted feeling. Frustration. Powerless. She sighed, properly embracing the vampire and rubbing her tiny back.
"She can't."
"Why not?"
"Pride."
"She lost to Mr. Miyamoto."
"I didn't lose. I didn't lose."
Moka smiled warmly.
"We should go inside."
"No!"
"She doesn't want to be seen like this."
Moka nodded as the first bell sounded.
"Why did the potion wear off?"
"Metabolism."
"Stop with that nonsense. The duration of this potion is extended by the amount of potion. Clearly I made an error in the amount I put in the candy she took."
Kurumu smiled, patting Kokoa's back.
"That's good news. It means you won't be like this as long."
"What do I do? I can't leave."
"You can't fight him like this."
"Well if you insist on staying on campus, we'll have to do something about your clothes. I know the drama club has costumes."
Kurumu grinned at how quickly Moka came up with a solution.
"We were thinking of taking her to the sewing room. Hiboshi told us that the school has some donations from the community in there."
"We can also try that. Shall we head over there now?"
"No! After the bell!"
Moka smiled warmly.
"We can walk around the school if you're worried about being seen."
Kokoa paused, loosening her grip on Kurumu.
"Have you had anything to eat?"
"No."
Kurumu picked herself up and held her hand out to Kokoa. The vampire timidly took it.
"I can stop in the store and buy you something."
They walked away from the tables, leaving their trays for the cleaning crew to handle. That was one of the benefits of eating out here, though they usually took their trays back to the cafeteria.
"You know… I'm short. I know she's like seven, but are seven year olds this tiny?"
"Kokoa has always been little. Kahlua often teased her over it."
"I was shorter than that at seven."
"Yea, but you said you were short for your age."
Yukari nodded as they continued through the grass, making a wide circle towards the front.
"I think her mouth is at your nipple height."
"I'm not going to breast feed her."
"But she's hungry."
"Isn't it your duty to serve your little lady?"
"I'm not a baby!"
Kurumu shivered as Tsukune had a naughty thought about her.
"You should stop teasing my sister."
Kurumu pouted at Moka's seriousness.
"We're just having a little fun."
"I wonder what that feels like."
"What?"
"Breast feeding."
Kurumu smirked at Mizore, somewhat familiar with how it felt to have her nipples suckled.
"I'll loan you my baby if you're curious."
"I'm not sucking anyone's tits!"
Sharing a laugh, they went silent for a short while. They came around the front of the school, quickly nearing the dirt path to the front door. Moka quickened her step, angling for the entrance.
"I'll meet you guys up in the sewing room. Don't tease Kokoa too much while I'm gone."
"We won't."
The vampire slipped inside. They walked across the path, continuing on this circular path.
"Should we take the first stairs, or the ones by the computer rooms?"
"First stairs. The seniors will see us if we walk over to the other stairs."
Kurumu nodded at Yukari's quick deduction.
"Could you cast an illusion on her?"
"No."
"Why not?"
"Because people have souls. A strong soul is difficult to mask with an illusion."
"But monsters suppress their true forms."
"Yes, Tsukune. That's natural. Monsters don't suppress another monster's true form. Even if the other monster is agreeable to it, their soul will resist such tampering."
"I was able to give Hiboshi an outfit after our durian incident."
"But you had to hold her hand the entire time. Are you planning to babysit her for the rest of the day?"
"Could you make me look older?"
Kurumu smiled at Kokoa's pleading look.
"I don't know. I definitely could fix your wardrobe."
Kokoa sulked.
"That's not what I wanted to hear."
Mizore let out an unusual, happy sigh.
"I wish I could take her home with me."
"Why?"
"I don't know. Maternal instinct?"
"She is adorable."
"Come home with me. I'll raise you proper."
Kurumu smiled warmly, glancing back at Tsukune.
"I wonder if this would be what it's like to have a child with you."
"Hold up now."
"Yea, back off, Kurumu."
Mizore snatched up Kokoa's free hand and tugged her towards her.
"She's my baby."
Kurumu pouted, squeezing Kokoa's hand and pulling her back to her side.
"No. She's mine."
Kurumu staggered when Mizore tugged sharply on Kokoa's other hand.
"Mine and Tsukune's."
Kurumu yanked Kokoa back to her.
"How is she Tsukune's?"
"Let me go."
Mizore pulled Kokoa back hard.
"I need her to practice for when I do have Tsukune's."
Kurumu scowled, tugging on Kokoa hard enough to make the vampire squeak.
"You're not having Tsukune's baby."
Mizore cocked her head.
"He doesn't have to fight Moka to put one in me."
Kurumu pouted as Mizore tugged Kokoa away again. She yanked sharply on Kokoa again.
"He doesn't have to fight Moka to put one in me either."
Kokoa's head lolled about as she was jerked in another direction.
"You can't have one. You'd still need my womb."
"Fine. I'll put Tsukune's baby in you after he puts it in me."
"Promise?"
"Yea. And then we can split the days we have her."
Kokoa stumbled with her head wobbling.
"My arms hurt."
"Okay. I'll take her now."
Kurumu stumbled from another sharp pull.
"Hey! This one isn't your baby!"
"Shouldn't someone stop this?"
Yukari snorted at him.
"I don't care what these idiots do to that brat."
Feeling scolded, Kurumu let go of Kokoa's hand. The girl stumbled against Mizore, whom happily took hold of the vampire. It was a short walk remaining to this other door and soon they were inside.
Identical to the other side, there was a stairway by the door. Yukari led the way, starting up the stairs with Tsukune close behind her. Kurumu was next, casting glances at Mizore whom helped the dazed Kokoa up the flight. They got up to the first landing without seeing a soul.
"What should we do after we get her clothes?"
"I intend to go to class."
Tsukune chuckled at Yukari's announcement.
"Yea. I should too. It would be wrong to leave Ms. Arashimideru by herself in chemistry class."
Kurumu nodded as she neared the top of the second flight.
"I have sewing class sixth period. Maybe I could stay with her until then?"
"You shouldn't skip another English lecture."
"I didn't skip the last one."
"I'll stay with her."
Kurumu frowned at Mizore.
"That's what I'm worried about."
Yukari sighed heavily as they made their way over to the elective hall.
"I guess you two can watch her for a period. I'll come get her after I meet up with Tora."
"Yukari. She doesn't want to leave the school."
"She'll have to eventually."
Kurumu nodded as they steadily made their way down the empty elective hall. They could hear the seniors in the hallway below, heading to their classes. She smiled at Tsukune's back.
"You probably should go to your class, Tsukune. We can handle this."
Tsukune turned slightly, his step slowing. He laughed sheepishly, nodding.
"Right. I'll see you guys later."
"I'll take good care of our daughter."
"He's not my dad!"
Kurumu chuckled as Tsukune hurried down the hall, pointedly not making eye contact with the angry vampire. Kokoa sulked with her arms crossed while Mizore hovered behind her, fondly fussing with her short hair. Kurumu resisted the urge to join her.
"You're adorable, Kokoa. I wouldn't mind if you stayed like that."
"I would!"
Kurumu smiled softly, resuming her walk to the sewing room in silence. She caught up to Yukari before they arrived, drawing open the door for the witch.
"What are you doing here?"
Kurumu paused upon hearing Yukari's question, frowning at Rubi whom was standing by the teacher's station. The older witch was wearing her pink corset outfit with the long, black skirt.
"I'm assisting Ms. Hitori's class today."
Kurumu wandered into the room after Kokoa and Mizore passed by her. She absently closed the door.
"Where's Ms. Hitori?"
Rubi smiled, stepping away from the teacher's station.
"I believe she will be helping Ms. Huang with her lab this period. Is there something I can do for you?"
"We need to dress Milady into more appropriate clothing."
Rubi's eyes settled on the tiny Kokoa and her eyes widened.
"What happened to her?"
"I must have made an error in the amount of potion I put in her candy. I can only hope that I didn't put too much in the ones Ms. Fukai and I took."
Kurumu smiled at Rubi.
"Do you have a key to the storage room? I'm sure that's where they would keep the donations."
"I do. Ms. Hitori gave it to me after we spoke this morning."
"Can we take a look in there?"
Rubi frowned, absently touching her bosom. She slipped her fingers between the black mesh cords connecting her leather collar to the top of the corset. The witch daintily pulled out a silver key.
"I won't get in trouble, right?"
"I can't imagine why you would."
Rubi retreated to the storage room door behind the teacher's station. Unlocking the door, she pushed it aside and slipped out of sight.
"This stuff belongs to the school. You should return anything you borrow."
"Why would I keep anything? It's not like I plan to use this potion again."
Kurumu wagged a finger at Kokoa.
"Don't fuss. Let's take a look at what they have."
Kurumu stepped into the storage room. It was a fairly large room with shelves and racks built along the walls. On her right were spools of thread arranged neatly on the shelves. Beside the many different colored threads was a bin full of needles and thimbles. A tray of crochet needles rested beside this.
In the center of the room, boxes were stacked haphazardly on racks which had been built up to the ceiling. Swaths of fabric hung out of their respective boxes, likely done on purpose to avoid lengthy searches. Kurumu stepped around this central obstruction, finding Rubi on the other side.
The witch was pushing hanging garments aside. This back wall had long rods supported between black, vertical boards. There were half a dozen of these things, each with two tiers of hanging clothes. Rubi pulled out a black shirt and coveralls, glancing at them with a smile.
"This might fit."
Kurumu frowned before turning her attention to the garments. She absently pushed a few aside.
"Are you sure?"
"She can roll up the bottoms if they are too long."
Kurumu nodded, kneeling down and pushing more clothes aside. Most of this looked like clothes for older kids. She glanced at Yukari as the bell rang, announcing the start of fifth period.
"You could probably wear half this stuff in your normal body."
"We'll need smaller clothes, Rubi."
Rubi nodded, draping the coveralls over her shoulder as she moved further down the wall to browse the other hanging racks. Doubting she would find anything better in this one, Kurumu straightened back up and wandered around Rubi. She grinned upon seeing the contents of the last rack tucked up in the far corner. The whole lower row was an identical set of blue school uniforms for little kids.
"We got something!"
She bounded over to the rack, seizing one of the uniforms which had a wide, white collar. It had white buttons down the center and pockets on each side. Parting the jacket revealed that a black skirt was suspended from the lower part of the hanger. Yanking the hanger off the rod, she twirled about and smoothed the garment against her belly.
"What do you think?"
Kokoa scowled from across the room. Lurking by the little girl, Mizore touched her bosom.
"I remember wearing one of those."
"Me too. Do you think these were for the local school?"
"I'm not wearing something that childish!"
Kurumu pouted, walking towards the seething vampire.
"Come on, Kokoa. You can't wear what you have on."
"It would be better than half a swimsuit and a school blouse that looks like it could fall off."
Mizore hunkered down beside Kokoa, smiling warmly.
"At least try it on to see if it fits."
The fire in Kokoa's eyes died out as she looked at each of them. She frowned, stepping over to take the garment from Kurumu.
"You can't laugh. Do you understand?"
Kurumu grinned, hoping she could keep this promise.
"We won't."
"You could put this on."
Yukari huffed as Rubi presented the coveralls.
"She'll look like a dork in that."
"But you own coveralls."
"Yea. And I don't wear them that often."
Kurumu smiled as Kokoa started undoing her buttons.
"Would you rather try on the coveralls?"
"Maybe. Isn't there something else that I could wear?"
Kurumu patted Kokoa's head.
"We will keep looking."
"Is there anything which will fit a three year old?"
Kurumu chuckled, retreating back to the rack with the school uniforms. She shook her head, not seeing anything like that. She glanced at the next rack, kneeling down and pushing things aside.
"I have no idea how small a three year old is."
"I would guess a whole thirty centimeters shorter than her."
Kurumu shivered at the thought of a Yukari even shorter than this Kokoa.
"That would be so cute."
"It won't be if I'm naked."
Kurumu chuckled, sifting through the garments.
"Maybe a little dress would work."
"I don't remember how narrow my shoulders were."
Kurumu smiled as Yukari placed a hand on her shoulder. Pushing another garment aside, she regarded the simple white shirt.
"Do you think you could fit in a shirt?"
"I can't only wear a shirt, Kurumu. I'll need underwear."
"I hate to break it to you, Yukari, but nobody donates their panties."
"Are you sure about that?"
"Would you want to wear someone else's panties?"
Yukari sighed, withdrawing a step.
"Extra small leggings or tights could also work."
"I suppose. Can you return those after wearing them on your bare bottom?"
"I can wash them."
Kurumu smirked, glancing at the shelving on the right. It looked like jeans and shorts had been stacked up over there. Getting back up, Kurumu wandered over to pick through these piles.
"I wish this was a little more organized."
"Rubi. You should organize this tomorrow."
"Huh? Why?"
"Because you have nothing better to do."
"How does it look?"
With a slight blush, Kokoa smoothed out the sleeves of the navy blue jacket. She peered up at them with a hopeful expression.
"I want a baby."
Kokoa scowled at Mizore.
"I'm not a baby!"
Kurumu abandoned her task, bounding over to Kokoa. She placed her hands on Kokoa's shoulders, alarming the vampire.
"You promised not to laugh."
Kurumu grinned, rubbing Kokoa's shoulders.
"I'm not laughing."
"Can we keep her?"
Kurumu smirked at Mizore.
"Are you going to be able to handle it when Yukari turns three?"
Mizore absently rubbed her navel. She stared at Kurumu.
"Can we have one?"
"What is wrong with her?"
Kurumu smiled softly, patting Kokoa's head.
"You look perfect in this."
"I guess that's fine, but I'm not wearing this for my rematch against Miyamoto."
"You could try these on."
Yukari huffed as Rubi presented the coveralls to Kokoa once again.
"Stop trying to make her wear those."
"I can't fight in that."
"There you guys are. I left drinks-"
Moka cut off her statement as she waltzed into the room. Her eyes locked on Kokoa.
"Hey Moka."
Moka ignored her, stepping slowly towards Kokoa. The tiny vampire turned to face her sister. She tucked her hands to her waist, turning her head slightly.
"It's horrible, isn't it?"
Moka knelt down in front of Kokoa. Her lower lip trembled as her eyes betrayed an immense grief. She threw her arms around Kokoa's neck, burying her face in Kokoa's shoulder with a soft sob.
"Moka?"
"Don't. Stop that."
Kokoa started tearing up, pushing weakly against her sister.
"What's going on?"
Kurumu shook her head at Yukari's bewildered inquiry. While she could not grasp why, the sound of Moka sobbing tore into her heart. She grabbed her chest, swallowing thickly as her own suffering reared its ugly head. She clenched her teeth, fighting back against this despair.
"It's not that bad, Moka. She'll turn back."
Moka drew back, holding a hand over her mouth as tears rolled down her cheek.
"We lost so much time."
Kokoa flinched. Shoving Moka's hand off her shoulder, she backed away a step.
"I'm the one who was left alone!"
Her tiny voice had a hitch to it. Moka lowered her hand to her lap as she continued to sob.
"Why are you crying? You're the reason why she had to leave!"
"Kokoa! Stop!"
Kokoa's voice broke.
"It's her fault! She took my sister away!"
Moka remained on her knees with her head bowed.
"You're… the same. Exactly how she remembers."
And Kurumu understood. The last time Moka had seen Kokoa like this was before being sealed.
"You shouldn't know-"
And Kokoa started to bawl, rubbing her eyes.
"I'm confused. Did Ms. Shuzen wear a uniform like that to her school?"
Yukari sighed heavily at Rubi's comment.
"She was home schooled. This issue is not the outfit."
"She wasn't like this when she first saw her."
Kurumu smiled at Mizore, whom shrugged after her own remark.
"I guess she just realized it when she saw Kokoa in clothes that fit."
Not enjoying this painful situation, Kurumu walked over and grabbed Moka by the shoulders.
"Come on. Let's give her some space."
"I'll find something else for her to wear."
Kurumu nodded at Mizore's words, struggling to get Moka up on her feet.
"And don't let Rubi put her in those coveralls."
"What's wrong with them?"
Kurumu assisted Moka back out into the main room. The vampire sniffled and leaned heavily against her side, shuffling every step. Four cans rested on the teacher's desk along with a wrapped sandwich.
"She's… crying."
"Kokoa will be fine."
Moka shook her head as she slumped against the teacher's station.
"No. She's hurting. So much time."
Kurumu let out a heavy breath, struggling against the urge to cry.
"She'll be fine, Moka. She's too proud to keep crying."
Moka clutched her chest. Her eyes were pained as she stared at Kurumu.
"Not Kokoa. We. She lost half her childhood, Kurumu. She lost it."
Kurumu let that sink in. It had not crossed her mind that the other Moka would hurt over this. She felt guilty about this oversight, knowing well that the other Moka was not heartless.
"You can't change the past."
"I've never had her cry inside me. It's too much."
"I'm sorry, Moka. I wish I could do something."
They shared a moment of silence. It was short as Yukari came out of the room, pushing Rubi ahead of her. The older witch still had the coveralls in her hands and was pouting.
"But I think she would look good in this."
"Just stop. Ms. Shirayuki found something much more suitable for her."
Kurumu smiled as the two witches came over to join them.
"This won't embarrass her, right?"
"It's a dress. Are you two okay?"
Moka nodded as Kurumu grinned.
"The other Moka is taking this hard. I guess she just realized how she lost half her childhood."
"It's not just that. She lost all that time with her sisters. Kahlua and Kokoa. She would only get to see them at our yearly visit. And she could only watch."
Kurumu sighed, glancing over the wares Moka had brought.
"Why are there only four cans? There's six of us."
Moka managed a weak laugh. She picked up one of the cans.
"They didn't have any of your yuzu juice."
"I can drink other things."
"Where's Tsukune?"
Yukari huffed, crossing her arms.
"His presence wasn't required."
"We told him to go to class."
Moka nodded, handing the can over to Yukari.
"I hope you don't mind coffee."
Yukari smirked, promptly popping the tab.
"I've been drinking coffee since I was eight."
"What's coffee taste like?"
Moka smiled, picking up another can and presenting it to Rubi.
"You can have the one I bought for Tsukune."
Yukari made a displeased sound.
"It's warm. Coffee is much better hot."
"I'm sorry. The school store doesn't have hot coffee."
"What's the point of serving warm coffee?"
Rubi studied the can with a frown.
"How do I operate this?"
Kurumu chuckled, holding her hand out to Rubi. Still frowning, the witch surrendered the can. Kurumu popped the tab, handing it back.
"Oh? That's a neat trick."
Kurumu sighed as Moka picked up another can.
"So… I'm guessing you didn't get one for Mizore."
"Um… I didn't think she would drink coffee."
"Well I can drink coffee."
Moka managed a smile, holding the can out to her.
"You can have mine."
"We can share."
"I want to share with my Moka."
"This tastes bitter."
Kurumu chuckled at Rubi's protest.
"That's coffee for you."
"A woman should get used to putting bitter things in her mouth."
"None of you can laugh!"
Kokoa stalked out of the storage room. The vampire had donned a black lolita dress with a wide, frilly white collar and chest piece. The short, black sleeves cinched upon her slender arms while the skirt fell down her torso in four layers, each hemmed with white lace. The first ring of lace was perfectly about her waist while the last ring was below her knees. White stockings came up to her calves and her feet were shod in loose, black boots. A black bow with white lace was carefully placed in her dark locks.
Kurumu clutched her chest.
"I think I'm going to die from this cuteness."
Mizore slipped out of the room.
"I'm surprised someone would donate such a pretty dress."
Kokoa blushed, absently scratching her chest through the frilly with fabric.
"Yea, yea. This thing is itchy and needs washed."
"Leave it to her to be so ungrateful."
"What do I have to be grateful about?"
"You're lucky to get a dress. I don't have high hopes from what little I saw in there."
Kurumu smiled softly, reaching over to toy with Yukari's locks.
"You knew this going in."
"That doesn't make it any less frustrating."
Moka grinned, grabbing the last can and sandwich. She presented the goods to Kokoa.
"Here. I bought you an egg salad sandwich and a cream soda. I know you like cream soda."
Kurumu pouted.
"I could have drank cream soda."
"I've never seen you drink cream soda."
Kokoa took the offerings, regarding the witches.
"What are they drinking?"
"Coffee."
"I could drink coffee."
Yukari rolled her eyes.
"Here we go again."
"I'm serious! I was drinking coffee in Hawaii."
"Won't that stunt your growth?"
Kokoa glared at Mizore.
"I'm sorry, Kokoa. I didn't know that you started drinking coffee."
"I bet she doesn't drink it black."
Kokoa grimaced.
"Ugh. Why would anyone do that?"
"A mature woman-"
"Oh shut up. People have added creamer, milk and sugar to coffee for decades."
"That's a crime against coffee."
"It's not a crime to add seasonings to your food."
Yukari and Kokoa glared at each other. Both turned away with huffs and arms crossed.
"I guess you can have my can of coffee."
"I don't want it!"
Moka staggered back.
"I'm sorry."
"I'm not a little kid anymore, Moka. We don't get to go back to how things were."
Moka whimpered.
"I'm sorry."
"Stop apologizing! We are strong vampires. Better than all other monster races. You might be just a stupid seal, but you can't embarrass my sister like this."
"I don't know what you want me to do."
Kokoa let out a frustrated cry.
"Just leave me alone!"
The vampire turned sharply on her heel and ran out of the room. There was a short moment of silence.
"Where is she going?"
Yukari sighed at Mizore's question.
"I think we should all go to our next class."
"But what about Kokoa?"
Yukari gestured at the sandwich.
"She'll probably come back to eat when she gets over herself."
Kurumu tapped her hands on the teacher's station.
"Well… if it's all the same, I will wait for her."
"You can't afford to miss another English lecture."
"I'm already late and won't understand a word Mr. Nagamushi says."
"Fine. Do what you please. Are you coming, Moka?"
"I think I should wait for her."
"No. You upset her."
Moka frowned at Mizore.
"But she's my sister."
"She's my baby."
"She's an idiot, but right about one thing. Your presence might make things worse."
"But I can't abandon her."
Kurumu patted Moka's back.
"It's just for tonight. She'll be back to her usual self tomorrow."
"Her usual rotten self."
Moka sighed, walking over to join Yukari at the door. She paused as the witch slipped out into the hall.
"Promise you'll be nice to her."
Kurumu nodded with a wide grin.
"Of course. She is My Little Lady."
The bell signaled the end of the school day. Kurumu let out a heavy sigh, regarding Yukari's vacant desk in front of her. The witch had stopped by after fifth period as promised, hanging out with Rubi and Kokoa while Ms. Hitori pretended to care about teaching them how to knit. By the end of sixth period, Yukari had still been in her mature body.
As Yukari had predicted, Kokoa returned for her meal though it was only minutes before the bell sounded the end of fifth period. Kurumu had decided to let the girl eat instead of interrogating her over where she had been or planned to do.
"Pity that we didn't get to see little Sendou."
"I was looking forward to teasing the toddler."
Satsuki swatted the chuckling Abe in the back of the head. She turned and wagged a finger at Senyou.
"She admitted she had nothing appropriate to wear."
"I'd loan her my gym shirt."
"Nothing sexier than a girl wearing your shirt."
Satsuki swatted Abe again.
"She's three years old right now. There's nothing sexy about that."
Senyou snickered as he got up from his desk.
"We better get out of her before she give you a concussion."
"PSC brutality."
Satsuki scowled, restraining herself from swatting Abe as he got up. The pair of boys walked off as Satsuki came over to Kurumu's desk.
"I swear those two."
"It's their way of showing affection."
Kurumu smirked, glancing back at Juri. The girl placed a hand on Kurumu's shoulder, giving it a squeeze.
"She'll be okay tomorrow, right?"
"Should be."
"I'll see you then."
Kurumu nodded as Juri took off for the front. During gym, Juri had offered to help Kurumu finish up her band article since she wanted an excuse to chat with Sukihara. Kurumu had passed on taking that offer today, reminding Juri that she needed to look after Yukari and Kokoa. She left the offer open for tomorrow, which Kurumu was hesitant to take up. While she had far too many interviews left to finish reasonably on her own, she felt compelled to ask Moka for help on this last stretch.
"Have a pleasant evening, Ms. Kurono."
Kurumu smiled at Ichida, nodding at him before slipping out of her seat. She groaned, stretching her arms over her head.
"Why am I friends with you?"
Kurumu frowned at Satsuki's sudden remark. The girl shook her head.
"You make stretching look sexy."
Kurumu blushed, lowering her arms. She leaned over her desk to retrieve her schoolbag which hung by its strap off the side. She flashed a smile at Kumiko and Madosuki. Kumiko stalked by oblivious while Madosuki returned the smile with a slight nod.
"Oh. Tora here."
Kurumu straightened up, lifting the strap of her bag over her head. Tora came over to join Deshi, nodding at Kurumu. The sphinx already had her schoolbag.
"What's up?"
"Nothing, Ms. Unari. I was out the door faster than usual."
Kurumu frowned at Tora as she wandered over to the PSC girls.
"Any particular reason why?"
Tora blushed slightly.
"A small disturbance in our classroom. Good luck with her."
Kurumu sighed as she followed after the girls when they started for the door.
"She is a handful. She should have gone home with you and Yukari."
"No argument here. I'll see you tomorrow."
They parted ways the moment they stepped out into the hallway. Taking in a deep breath, Kurumu slowly made her way to the back door to class three, not feeling any desire to rush to this spectacle Kokoa was causing. There was quite a bit of noise as she neared, though notably male amusement.
"Put me down."
That warbled whimper was not Kokoa. Kurumu hopped through the back door and she almost laughed at the sight before her. A tiny Yukari dressed in only a white shirt was held aloft in Ushio's huge hands. Tamaishi laughed in his deep voice, hovering nearby.
"Give her to me."
Ikazuchi grinned, holding his arms out. Yougan slugged his shoulder.
"Is this betrayal of your Mini Minx?"
"It doesn't count if I hold her for only three seconds."
Kurumu pushed her way into the boys, placing her hand on Ushio's side.
"Let her down."
Ushio chuckled, turning and lowering the tiny girl down. Kurumu reflexively held her arms up, grabbing hold of the cotton shirt and pulling the girl into her bosom. Yukari whimpered, squirming and resisting. Guessing her desire, Kurumu let Yukari's feet touch the ground.
"You boys should be ashamed of yourselves."
"Why?"
Kurumu honestly had no answer as a pouting Yukari wrapped her thin arms about Kurumu's thighs.
"You just should."
The boys shared a glance before chuckling. Ikazuchi hunkered down with his hands on his knees.
"I'm sorry. But seeing this adorable little girl is too much. Any man would want to lift her up in his arms."
"Well said. I was trying to get her up on my shoulder but she refused."
"I'm not dressed for that!"
The boys laughed at the toddler's protest. Kurumu giggled, glancing about the classroom. It seemed like all of the girls but Mizore had vacated the room. There was no sign of Tsukune.
"Where's Tsukune?"
"That's what I was trying to find out when these brutes accosted me!"
Ikazuchi grinned, straightening up to place an arm around Yougan's shoulder.
"That boy ran off with the teacher at the start of the period."
"Why?"
"Don't know. She left the class in Nazohashi's care."
Kurumu nodded, glancing at Mizore.
"Mizore! Do you know why Tsukune left with Ms. Nekonome?"
Mizore remained at her desk, shaking her head slowly.
"That girl is useless. She would have watched these boys molest me."
"Hey! We weren't doing anything of the sort."
"You had your hands all over my body."
Ushio chuckled, rubbing the back of his thick neck.
"Well… my hands are big and your body is tiny. Stands to reason that would happen."
Kurumu sighed, shaking her head.
"Run along, boys. I'll take care of my friend."
The boys chuckled, clearing out under her suggestion. She smiled softly, patting Yukari's head. She was trembling. The top of her head pressed against Kurumu's belly.
"You are so tiny."
"I'm three."
"Are you wearing anything beneath that shirt?"
The tiny angel blushed.
"Ms. Hitori had nothing suitable for me. She promised she would be back but that brat ran away."
"What?"
"Moka's sister. When Ms. Hitori left to get me some clothes, that brat decided to take off and challenge Mr. Miyamoto to a rematch."
"Serious?"
Yukari nodded with such huge, adorable eyes.
"You didn't stop her?"
The witch regarded her incredulously.
"How?"
"Fair point. Sorry."
Mizore wandered over, cocking her head.
"Is my baby in danger?"
Kurumu choked out a laugh.
"Yes. Your baby has gone on a quest to avenge her honor."
Mizore patted Yukari's head.
"You should have warned me."
"I didn't come here for you!"
"If anything happens to her, you'll have to take her place."
"This is serious! She might be a strong vampire, but I don't think she can fight Mr. Miyamoto."
"Yea… but he's not going to harm her."
"He spanked her butt."
Kurumu smirked. Miyamoto was going to be in a world of trouble when Kokoa regained her normal body.
"What exactly do you want us to do?"
Yukari let out a tiny, exasperated and extremely cute sigh.
"I went to Moka first. She told me to get Tsukune while she fetched my bag from the sewing room."
Kurumu nodded, digesting that news.
"So… why does Moka want your bag?"
"She wants us all to see her sister eye to eye."
That was confusing. Kurumu glanced at Mizore whom remained oblivious to the look.
"Oh my goodness. That's a baby Yukari."
Kurumu laughed at Kana's declaration. The blond giggled, holding her hands out as she quickly walked across the room with a starry eyed expression.
"Yes, Kana. Yukari has become the most adorable thing on this planet."
"So cute."
Kana stopped short, glancing up with baby blue eyes.
"Can I hold her?"
"Why does everyone want to hold me?"
"Because you're precious."
"We have a serious situation here."
"Yea… I don't have my phone."
Kana nodded at her own remark.
"We need pictures."
"I'm only wearing a tee shirt."
"We could take a bath together."
Yukari grabbed Kurumu tighter about the waist.
"Go home, Ms. Zukkutani."
"Come home with me. I have that Nana volume you want. And Gravitation. You'll love it."
Mizore waved a hand in front of Kana's face, unable to break Kana's gaze upon Yukari.
"I think we've lost her."
Kurumu grinned, placing her hand on Kana's shoulder.
"Kana. No club today. We'll see you tomorrow."
The blond blinked. She swallowed, drawing her thumb behind the strap of her schoolbag up and down between the slight swell of her breasts.
"Oh. Okay. Tomorrow then."
Kana stumbled off, disappearing into the hallway.
"Did you charm her?"
"Maybe. I hope I don't have to do that to Kiki."
"Ms. Honda wasn't in class. Moka told me that she went home with Ms. Fukai when her potion wore off in the middle of gym."
Moka trotted through the front door, holding Yukari's schoolbag.
"There she is."
Moka frowned as she came over to join them.
"Where's Tsukune?"
"With Ms. Nekonome. What did you need him for?"
Moka blushed.
"Well… I was thinking we would need someone to look after our clothes."
Kurumu frowned.
"What exactly do you have in mind?"
Kurumu shivered as they walked along the trail at the end of the clearing north of the ballfields. Everything looked so much bigger and scarier. That twenty some odd centimeters made a world of difference in how she perceived things. Also the lack of underwear made her feel more vulnerable.
"How is this going to work out?"
A tiny Mizore shrugged. Like Moka and Kurumu, the snow girl was wearing a simple white shirt with one of those black skirts from the school uniforms they had found earlier today. They had left their normal clothes in Rubi's care. The older witch remained in the sewing room, waiting for their return.
"It will. He can't fight us seriously while we look like this. And this way, Kokoa won't feel like we're looking down on her."
"Agreed. This was a genius idea by my Moka."
Kurumu felt uncertain about that. She had been a normal eight year old girl. She worried that her charm would not work at all with this prepubescent body. At least she could summon her talons and tail, though she questioned how useful that would be if this did become a fight against the karate club.
"Are you okay?"
Mizore looked like a little doll with how short her hair was in her current state. She was arguably as cute as Kokoa had been. In her diminished state, her cheek bulged from the candy in her mouth. The snow girl held up a tiny thumb.
"Foolish girl!"
Kurumu perked up at the sound of a shrill voice. She shared a glance with the other girls.
"You should have ran instead of trying to fight us."
"Damn, Nakai. That was super sneaky."
"This isn't a karate match, Nibuoto. She wanted a brawl. We're giving her one."
Several boys snickered. Kurumu hurried forward but Yukari grabbed her. The tiny girl pressed a finger to her lips, shaking her head.
"But!"
Yukari snapped her finger, shaking her head again. Then she touched her chest and started making a series of sharp hand gestures.
"Yukari?"
Yukari finished her motions with a swing up in the air.
"Okay. I cast a sphere of silence about me but you can't get too far ahead of me. Whomever is out there will sense you coming if we're not careful."
"We have to find out what we're up against."
"Can you do a quick fly by?"
"There's no time for that."
Moka started off decisively. Yukari whimpered, but quickly fell in step. Kurumu hurried over to catch up with Moka's longer stride, though that was not so difficult with the lack of her cumbersome bosom.
"Let's see what's beneath the pretty wrapping."
The sound of fabric being torn carried out to them. No longer caring about Yukari's stealth barrier, Moka kicked up into a sprint which Kurumu did her best to imitate. They came into a clearing in seconds.
In the middle of a bunch of guys, a laughing young man held Kokoa up by her ankles. The guy had his greasy black hair styled in a bowl cut and was dressed in the school shirt and slacks. His fingers had become huge talons from which a huge swath of black fabric hung from. Much of the dress had been torn, exposing Kokoa's white bikini bottoms.
Eight of them. Kurumu had seen this guy with the short, platinum blond hair before. She had also seen these two boys with the frosted blue locks. One had his hair styled in a faux hawk while the other wore his locks in the same broom cut as Midou. That was where she had seen this trio before. Outcasts.
"What's this?"
"More kids?"
"Grab her, Moka!"
A rock zipped through the air, clocking the guy holding Kokoa in the head. Moka darted into the middle of the guys, diving out to catch her sister as her assailant toppled to the dirt.
"What's going on?"
Kurumu glanced at Mizore as another rock dropped the guy with the broom cut next.
"Attack?"
"I guess."
With a shrug, Kurumu launched herself at the nearest guy. He had shaggy, bleach blond hair and a bit of stubble on his chin. He staggered back, letting her bowl him over. Coming up on his belly, she punched him in the face twice, causing his brown eyes to roll back.
Strong hands gripped her, yanking her off but she lashed her tail out. He dropped her and she quickly rolled away. When she got back to her feet, this guy with his cherry hair styled in a crew cut was encased in a solid block of ice. She glanced at Mizore, whom held a thumb out.
Moka and Kokoa had teamed up, taking down the faux hawk guy and the platinum blond. Yukari must have plunked that guy with the shoulder length, bright orange tresses, since he was lying still in the dirt. That left two.
Kurumu pounced towards the closest one. He was a bulky boy with wavy, ebony locks. He let out a terrified scream as she knocked him over. He flailed wildly but could not strike her when she was so close. She pounded on his chubby chest before finally getting a good angle to jab him in the nose.
"Don't let him get away!"
Kurumu popped her opponent one last time to silence him. Moka and Kokoa were chasing after this huge boy with slicked back hair. Yukari cut their pursuit short, zinging a rock into the back of his skull.
"What is going on here?!"
Kokoa whirled about, thrusting her finger at Miyamoto whom had arrived on the scene in his karate gi.
"That's him. He ordered these guys to attack me!"
Miyamoto frowned, pointing at himself.
"Attack? I heard a disturbance and-"
"Get him!"
Kokoa led the charge. Since Moka was eagerly following after her sister, Kurumu felt no reason not to join in on this madness. She pounced off her felled opponent, sprinting over.
"Wait? Why? Little girls? Why?"
Miyamoto lowered into a fighting stance with his fists clenched. Kurumu knew he was fast. She knew they would have to react quickly when he struck.
"Too cute."
Miyamoto failed to react to Kokoa's punch. He took it square in the face. He staggered back and then got sent up into the air by Moka's thrust kick to the chin. Kurumu hopped up into the air, twisting to plant both her feet on his midsection to send him outwards in his flight.
She landed on her feet as Miyamoto fell flat on his back. Yukari strolled over to the dazed karate captain.
"Divine punishment for those who love lolis."
She dropped a rock on his head, clapping her hands clean.
"Uh… Yukari?"
The little witch looked up from her victim.
"Yes?"
"You didn't kill him, right?"
"I don't think so."
"We should go."
Kurumu nodded at Mizore's suggestion.
"Yea. Before anyone finds out we mauled a bunch of guys."
Kokoa huffed, leaning on Moka's shoulder.
"Serves them right. They ruined this pretty dress."
Moka smiled, draping an arm over Kokoa's shoulder.
"Yes. We should go home."
Kokoa walked arm in arm with Moka all the way back to the school.
