Kurumu groaned as she was roughly shook by her shoulder.
"Get up, Kurumu! Everybody's gone!"
The panic in Yukari's voice demanded her attention. She jerked her head up, only to groan as a wave of dizziness assaulted her. The shoulder she had been favoring in sleep was sore and her back ached. She was not on the futon Coach Yaisoku had rolled out for her to share with Yukari, though it was within reach. She blinked her eyes as her vision slowly focused.
"Quickly! I don't know how long they've been gone!"
Kurumu sat up, grimacing. Her hip was also sore. As none of them had brought a change of clothes, they had all turned in for the night in their school uniforms. Moka and her sister had taken the bed and Ishiko somehow had squeezed in with them. Mizore had taken the couch and Tsukune had slept in a second futon between the couch and the television. Coach Yaisoku had still been awake at midnight when Kurumu had finally turned in, waiting for the older girls to return. There was nobody at the table now.
"What time is it?"
Yukari stalked off quickly. She opened up the closet near the entryway.
"It's after seven."
Kurumu frowned, picking herself up off the floor.
"But before eight?"
"Not by much. About a quarter till."
"But Moka's groggy in the mornings. They can't be that far ahead."
Yukari let out a happy cry. She rummaged about for a moment before setting a pink tote aside. Shutting the closet door, she picked up the tote and fished her slender arm through the loops.
"I'm not taking that chance. Let's go."
Kurumu nodded dumbly, shuffling over to the couch. She frowned upon seeing Mizore curled up on the couch with her back to an empty futon on the floor.
"Mizore's here."
"So?"
Kurumu sighed, reaching over to give the girl's shoulder a shake.
"We're not leaving her behind."
"When has she ever been useful?"
Kurumu was in no mood to argue. She ignored the witch as she shook Mizore's shoulder more firmly.
"Hey. Mizore. Tsukune might be in trouble."
Mizore moaned softly, rolling on her back. The girl had unfastened the buttons of her blouse, baring her black sports bra. Her eyes opened slightly as she wet her lips.
"Tsukune?"
Kurumu smirked, tapping the girl's nose.
"Button up. We're getting out of here."
The snow girl frowned. She glanced over at the futon and groaned. She rolled off the side of the couch onto her knees.
"Ms. Yaisoku taped a note to the door. It says Lord Chiki's men came for her and that Lady Hineri and Ms. Zanzou had not yet returned. She left the time that this happened at one forty."
Kurumu nodded, as Mizore stumbled up onto her feet. She glanced at the doorway as Yukari slipped into her loafers at the entryway.
"Did anyone else leave any helpful notes?"
"Unfortunately not. Knowing that brat, she probably saw the note and took that as permission to carry out her insane plan of storming the underground prison for those killers."
"I have to pee."
Kurumu smirked as Mizore made her way over to the tiny bathroom. The snow girl tugged open the door and slipped inside.
"This is a serious issue. We have no idea how far behind we are."
"I know, Yukari. But we're not leaving Mizore behind and I just realized that I also have to pee."
Yukari sighed dramatically.
"Fine. Go ahead and pee. I used the restroom before realizing everyone was gone."
Kurumu smiled, wandering over to wait by the bathroom door. She waited in tense silence.
"I'm surprised she took Tsukune with her."
"Who knows what that girl is thinking? Maybe she thinks he'll unseal Moka if they get into trouble."
"That doesn't mean she should be seeking it out."
Yukari sighed again as the toilet flushed.
"Well… I have tracking spells on Moka's rosary and Tsukune's holy lock. I can find those two. Everyone else I can't do much about."
"Hopefully they'll all be together."
The door swung open and Mizore stepped out.
"It's all yours."
Kurumu murmured her thanks, slipping behind Mizore and grabbing the doorknob. She tugged it shut as she backed into the room, sitting down on the toilet directly behind the door. She flipped up her skirt and tugged her black boyshorts with the white dots down to her knees before relaxing her bladder.
"How will we lock the door when we leave?"
Yukari huffed as Mizore's footsteps retreated from the bathroom door.
"That isn't a problem for me. I'm annoyed that the stupid brat left the door unlocked when she ran off with the others. Who knows how long we were sleeping here completely defenseless?"
"If someone wanted to hurt us, the door would not deter them."
Kurumu dabbed herself with a square of paper before flushing the toilet. Tugging her panties back up in a snug, comfortable position, she fixed her skirt before opening the door.
"Now that all the little kids have used the potty, we can go."
Kurumu smirked as the witch tugged open the door and slipped out into the hallway. Shaking her head, she crossed the room to fetch her loafers.
"Yes, Mother."
"That is dark."
Yukari peered into the dark hole they had found after searching this forest for what had felt like an eternity. Kurumu glanced about nervously. She assumed they were near the prison but could only see trees and foliage in all directions.
"Are you sure they're down there?"
Yukari nodded, tapping her earlobe.
"This is where their signal is coming from."
After locking up the apartment, they had briskly made their way out of Mononoke. With Yukari worried about Lord Chiki's men arresting them, they had stuck to the forest instead of following the road. The moment they had left civilization, Yukari had turned on the audio to her tracker on Moka's rosary.
The first thing they learned was Kokoa had not taken Ishiko or Tsukune. She was only with Moka and had just found an entrance to the underground prison. She was happy about feeling stronger, having drank Ishiko's blood before they had left. She told Moka that she needed to get better friends since she would never get stronger drinking the blood of a succubus and a human. Moka had naturally protested, stating she needed those two.
Kokoa had then went on a long rant about how different vampires were to other monsters and how Moka needed to learn that. That it was no good being powerful some of the time and that she needed to let Tsukune unseal her for her own good. That she could never protect her friends in her current state.
At that point, Yukari had been so annoyed that she killed the audio. She had assured them that it was nothing worth listening to and they had continued for silence for a good fifteen or so minutes.
Then Yukari had barked out a laugh.
She explained that Tsukune had somehow found Moka which Yukari deduced was because of Ishiko's sonar. Apparently Moka had hit him in the darkness under Kokoa's urging before realizing it was him. Moka was in tears and Kokoa was having a meltdown over how useless he was.
Yukari was all grins relaying this when something happened. Her smile fled and she hurried through the underbrush in the direction of the signal. She admitted that it sounded like they had been attacked.
"Ladies first?"
Yukari snorted at her.
"Afraid of the dark?"
"I can see better in the dark than you can."
"Then you go first."
Mizore hopped into the darkness, startling them. There was a heavy thud and Mizore groaned. Kurumu chuckled slightly, shaking her head. She peered down into the darkness, unable to see Mizore at all.
"Are you okay down there?"
"It's farther down than it looks. I don't recommend Ms. Sendou jumping down here."
Kurumu glanced at Yukari. The witch bit her lip.
"Hold me?"
Kurumu nodded. She lifted Yukari up in her arms as the witch wrapped her arms about Kurumu's neck. Kurumu took in a deep breath, steeling her nerves as she regarded the hole.
"Move aside, Mizore."
Kurumu jumped into the darkness. She shivered in that long moment of her descent into the void. With no vision of the bottom, she was unable to brace herself for the jarring impact of her feet hitting the unforgiving floor. She grunted, forcing herself to spring up in a hop.
Her body struck something soft and cool, Mizore crying out as she tumbled away. Kurumu twisted with Yukari in her arms, falling hard on her back. She groaned as Yukari crawled off her.
"I told you to move aside."
Mizore groaned from nearby.
"Thought I did."
It was pitch black. Her eyes had trouble adjusting to the light with that strong source above. Kurumu rolled over, getting up on her hands and knees. It helped not to look up.
"Can you see?"
"I'm not blind."
Kurumu smirked at Mizore's flat reply. She got up on her feet and looked about but could see nothing at all. She worried that her night vision was not good enough for this environment.
"Okay. What's in this room?"
"Darkness."
Yukari sighed heavily. Her face suddenly appeared, bathed in a yellowish light. This light swung down, shining in Kurumu's face and causing her to flinch. She lifted a hand to shield her eyes.
"I was worried this might happen. Take this."
Kurumu felt something thrust into her other hand at her waist. It was a cylinder. She glanced down, unable to clearly see it as she felt the device. It felt smooth from one end to the other.
"Is there a word I need to say to activate this?"
Yukari snickered, turning her light down to illuminate the gray cylinder in Kurumu's hands.
"You can't be that stupid."
Kurumu smiled sheepishly as she pushed the rubber end in, causing a click and a light to come forth.
"Ms. Yaisoku had four of these in her closet. I don't know how good the batteries are, so I'm giving you this one. I need my hands free to cast spells."
Kurumu swung her flashlight about, taking note of her surroundings. But the light only illuminated so far and this room they were in was cavernous. The hole they had jumped through had to be at least five meters overhead if not seven. Swinging the beam down, she noted that the floor was smooth with minimal debris so it was not like this was a caved in section.
"Where are we?"
"The mines of Moria."
Kurumu smirked, shaking her head.
"What do you think, Yukari?"
"I think it doesn't matter. We follow the spell."
Kurumu frowned, swinging her light about.
"Okay. Which way is that?"
"Let me try something."
Kurumu flinched when Mizore swung her light upon her.
"I should freeze this to my arm."
Kurumu heard ice forming and then the light swung away.
"Yea. That's much better."
A line of red particles cut through the darkness.
"We follow this trail. But stay alert. The enemy can see this trail and it will lead them to me."
Kurumu shivered, nodding. She took care to keep her flashlight mostly aimed at the floor as they walked in the direction of the red line. In less than a minute, they had reached a wall. Bringing her light up the smooth surface, she saw that the red line ended.
"Now what?"
"It's a straight line, Kurumu. All I did was give my tracker a visible representation between me and Moka's rosary. We'll have to find a door."
Kurumu supposed it was pointless to ask if Yukari had a preference in going left or right. She headed to the right, passing through Mizore's light beam as she followed the line of the wall. She soon found a break, noting it was the steel frame for a door. Swinging her light up, she found the door on the other side of the break. It had been left open.
"Look at that."
Kurumu glanced back. Mizore was shining her light up above them, revealing a ceiling close by. Frowning, Kurumu turned her light back to the door, moving so she could shine her light past it. She spied a stair leading up to another level.
"Do we go up?"
"No. The red line aims slightly down. We probably need to go down a level or two."
Kurumu shuddered at the thought of going further down. Shining her light back to the open doorway, she spied the far wall on the other side of a corridor beyond.
"This way, I guess."
They stalked out of the big chamber into the adjoining hallway. Kurumu flashed her light about, deciding to go back to the left. She passed by at least two closed doors before she came to an intersecting hallway. She paused, confirming with her flashlight that this hall continued off to the left.
The moment Yukari joined her, the red line cut down this corridor with a notable decline.
It felt eerie navigating this place. The flashlights only gave them two to three meters of vision. Kurumu wondered how massive this place was. She had easily walked the length of the gymnasium, noting doors on either side of them. Most were closed and she had no interest peering into the rooms of the few that were open. The line urged them forward.
"It's definitely down a floor. Start looking for a staircase."
Kurumu huffed as she swiveled her light from one side of the hall to the other.
"Easier said than done."
"Found it."
The screech of a door caught her attention. She swung her light over as Mizore pushed a protesting door into a small chamber.
"What are you doing?!"
"It's here."
Mizore aimed her light at the door. A black sign mounted upon it declared this was a stairway.
"How did you notice that?"
Mizore shrugged, starting down a flight of steps. Kurumu stepped into the small space, noting there were stairs also going up. She sighed, heading down as the snow girl turned about on a landing and descended to the next floor.
"I swear that this place is bigger than the school."
"It is."
For some reason, Yukari's curt agreement bothered her. Mizore was waiting at the next floor by the door. There was not another flight down.
"After you."
"Gee. Thanks."
Kurumu grabbed the wheel of the door, pulling it back. It screeched as angrily as the one upstairs. She shivered with tingles dancing along her spine. She imagined the enemy could hear their approach.
"I don't think Tsukune came this way."
"Agreed. There are other entrances to this compound. I think we dropped through a broken skylight."
Kurumu timidly stepped into the adjacent corridor. She swung her light in both directions, frowning as she immediately saw a wall on her right. She stepped out and drifted to her left.
The red line cut down the corridor with only a minor decline. Kurumu took the lead once again. Sucking in a deep breath of stale air, she walked firmly into the darkness.
There were no doors to this corridor. After about the length of a classroom, Kurumu came upon a set of double doors. There was no handle. She placed her hands on it, giving it a push. It refused to move. She grunted, leaning her shoulder against it and pushing harder.
"Maybe it's a pull door?"
Kurumu laughed at Mizore's comment.
"I would if there was something to pull."
"Move over."
Kurumu happily obliged as Yukari came up to touch the door. The witch frowned.
"This has been magically sealed."
"How do we get through?"
"By breaking the seal. Give me a moment."
Yukari placed her hands on the door. She pressed her forehead to the door and there was a slight tremor in the air. This persisted for several seconds. Then it stopped. Yukari backed off and gestured at the door.
"You can push it now."
Kurumu stepped in and gave the door a push. It squealed as the heavy portal yielded to her efforts. The floor beneath her feet changed in texture. The slab concrete became cobblestone.
The floor was not the only change. The walls were comprised of brick and mortar. And for the first time, Kurumu saw a door which consisted of iron bars instead of the solid steel doors she had seen above.
"What is this?"
"This is the old prison."
Kurumu frowned as she wandered further down the corridor. Shining the light through the bars, she saw that the floors inside the cells was compacted dirt. Nothing else was inside.
"I thought we were in the old prison."
"No. Those were abandoned levels of the new prison. Lord Chiki has only occupied the above ground section nearest the road."
Kurumu nodded as she slowly continue down this corridor. An intersecting pathway cut off in both directions, but the red line insisted that she stay on this path.
"So we're like three levels below the surface."
Kurumu glanced up at Mizore's light. That ceiling made her nervous. She had no idea what it was made of but it was not concrete.
"Will this cave in?"
"Some sections have."
Kurumu grit her teeth, not wanting that answer.
"I thought the new prison was built on top of the old prison."
"More like it was built beside it. You can see the tower of the old prison from the new prison. I'm thinking Moka and the others took that entrance, since it is more obvious and easier to find."
"Why didn't you have us enter in that way?"
"I'm tracking them, Kurumu. This has been the straightest path to Moka."
"Quiet. I hear something."
Sucking in her breath, Kurumu also heard something. It sounded like short breaths. No. Sobs. Someone was crying. While the red line urged them to continue down this path, Kurumu recognized this sound was coming from a side passage on their left. Keeping her light aimed at the floor, she turned down the passage and hastened her step.
The darkness was doing her no favors. She only had so much vision to work with. But she could manage a slight trot, noting the corridor continued. And the sniffling beckoned her.
The wall on her right turned away and the soft sobs stopped. Kurumu directed her light over in that direction, quickly finding the twin tailed vampire sitting against a wall. Kokoa grimaced, shielding her eyes. Blood was smeared across her face and arm.
"Who's there?"
"It's Kurumu. Where are the others?"
Kurumu swung her light about. The wall on the left had also ended and started up a flight of stairs chiseled into the stone. This flight stopped at a landing before cutting up the wall and disappearing into the darkness overhead. This room was at least two levels high.
"Gone. The killers took them."
"She's covered in blood."
"It's not mine."
"Is that Ms. Fukai?"
Worried, Kurumu stopped her perusal of the room to trot over to the vampire. Mizore had her light shining on Kokoa. As Yukari had stated, Ishiko was lying on the floor with her head in Kokoa's lap. Her nostrils, upper lip and left ear were caked in blood. Kokoa looked like she had taken a bath in blood.
Yukari knelt down by the two girls. She pressed two fingers against Ishiko's neck.
"She's alive."
"She won't wake up."
"Have you tried to give her blood?"
"That might kill her. I don't know what to do."
"I'll heal her."
As Yukari tugged the limp gnome out of Kokoa's lap, Kurumu flashed her light about. Standing in the center of this large room, she could not tell how many passages emptied into this chamber.
"Where's Tsukune and Moka?"
"We can track them, Kurumu. It's not an issue."
Kurumu nodded at Yukari's curt reminder.
"What happened?"
"It's his fault."
"No. It's your fault."
Kokoa grimaced in the spotlight.
"We would have been fine! If he hadn't shown up and distracted us, we could have taken those killers. There isn't much left of the one that stayed behind to finish the 'kids' off."
"We might want to watch our step."
Kurumu glanced at Mizore's remark. The snow girl was shining her light on the mangled remains of what might have been a minotaur. Kurumu grimaced when Mizore directed the light upon the entrails strewn across the floor.
"She tore him in half. There's a leg over here."
Kurumu shook her head, turning her attention back to Kokoa. Yukari pushed a blue energy trail in the shape of a diamond upon Ishiko's chest.
"Will she be okay?"
Yukari sighed, relaxing back on her haunches.
"She might need to be hospitalized, Kurumu. It's a head injury."
"I've been knocked out before."
"You should have been hospitalized. There's no way of knowing if her brain is bleeding or not. I could throw another healing spell on her but I'd feel better if a doctor cleared her."
"He shouldn't have brought her here."
Yukari sighed again.
"What's done is done."
"That boy is stupid. What did he think she could do?"
"He needed her to find you."
Kokoa snarled at Yukari.
"We were fine! She didn't need to get hurt."
"Shut up. If you hadn't ran off with my Moka, he wouldn't have come after you. Don't even think once that any of us would come down here to save your sorry ass."
"That's not true."
Yukari flinched at Kurumu's quick denial. Scowling she got up and wagged a finger at Kurumu.
"You are too nice. This brat hurts people for fun. She killed that guy."
"He was a murderer."
Yukari whirled on Kokoa.
"So are you! Don't act like you're different because you're a vampire."
"What's this?"
Kurumu glanced over at Mizore. She held up a wide, black circlet which had a glossy finish in the light.
"Some belt the guy was wearing."
Mizore frowned, walking back over to them while holding the belt. As she came closer, Kurumu realized this thing had many loops stitched across the middle of the wide band.
"But he has a belt. This is something else."
"Let me see that."
Yukari took the accessory from Mizore.
"These loops are for shotgun shells. Did they shoot at you?"
"No. But they appeared out of nowhere. It was like they were ghosts. It was similar to my fight against Mr. Miyamoto. They perfectly masked their harmful intentions."
Yukari let out a sharp note of surprise, pitching the thing on the floor.
"That thing is enchanted. It's similar to my invisibility spell. It will mask a person perfectly. The only way you can sense them is by touch."
"They cheated."
Yukari snorted at Kokoa's protest.
"Don't expect criminals to play by your vampire rules."
"We're wasting time. We have to rescue Tsukune."
"For once, I agree with you. I believe it's this way."
"Don't be fools! You weaklings can't fight these guys."
Kurumu laughed at the vampire.
"Don't be stupid. If you think vampires are the only ones that can take these guys down, you are sorely mistaken. Yukari will probably incinerate them the moment they try to attack."
"Um… no. That spell takes time to cast so you two would have to keep them busy."
"Why don't one of you useless monsters stay behind and watch over Ishiko? I'll take care of this."
"You won't find my Moka without me."
"Fine. It'll have to be one of these other two."
Kurumu glanced at Mizore. She disliked the thought of arguing with Mizore over which of them was more useful in this situation. She already knew Yukari would side with her if she turned on Mizore.
"Why don't you stay with Ishiko?"
"I just said you guys are no match for them."
Kurumu smiled softly.
"Maybe so. But if a killer comes back here, do you really want one of us to be all that stands between them and Ishiko?"
She could tell by the hesitance in Kokoa's eyes that she had won.
"You… won't get yourselves killed, right?"
"Don't worry about it. You watch over Ishiko and we'll take care of these phantom slashers."
"If we are done negotiating with this bitch, can we go rescue my Moka?"
"There you guys are."
The familiar voice startled Kurumu. She turned about to witness a glowing Rubi carefully pick her way down the stairs. The witch was garbed in that pink corset bustier with the long, black skirt.
"Where have you been?"
Rubi smiled apologetically as she descended the last steps.
"I'm sorry. I was with the Headmaster. He said I would find you in the ruins of the old prison."
Kurumu shivered at that revelation.
"The Headmaster knows that the killers are here?"
Rubi frowned, cocking her head as she crossed the room to join them.
"Killers?"
"We don't have time for this."
"Yes. We have to find Tsukune."
"Oh my goodness. What happened to this man?"
"He lost an argument with a vampire."
Rubi frowned at Mizore's casual explanation.
"It's this way."
Yukari stalked out of the room down a corridor on the right side of this chamber. Kurumu hurried after, shining her light ahead but it felt pointless. Rubi was bathing the entire corridor in her brilliance as she followed after them.
"Um… will it be fine with her shining like that?"
"The enemy knows we're coming. They were arguing over how to get rid of Moka's rosary before we even entered the old prison. They sent a spy up to check on us and it saw us when we found Moka's sister. They were shocked to learn of their friend's demise."
"So… should we ditch the flashlights?"
Yukari nodded as they came to the end of the corridor. She turned right.
"We need to be ready for a fight."
Kurumu nodded, turning off her flashlight. She handed it to Rubi whom reflexively took it.
"What am I to do with this?"
Kurumu shrugged, having no reason to respond to that. They walked a short distance before returning to the long hallway they had been in earlier. The red line cut diagonally and down. After a short pause, Yukari decisively headed left.
"We need to go down another floor."
"This goes deeper?"
"Be on the lookout for a stair."
Kurumu nodded glancing back at Rubi.
"What were you doing with the Headmaster?"
"He was teaching me a sealing spell."
"As if that would help. You still can't properly teleport."
Rubi pouted at Yukari.
"This sealing spell isn't as difficult but it does take more time to cast."
"Why would he teach you a sealing spell?"
"He said that I might have to cast this spell if the holy lock suppressing Mr. Aono's vampire blood was ever compromised. It will put Mr. Aono into a comatose state until the holy lock can be repaired."
There was an uneasy silence as they continued down this corridor. The red line tilted and finally aimed straight down through the cell beside them. Yukari sighed.
"She's directly below us."
"I hope you're not thinking of blowing up the floor."
Yukari snickered, shaking her head.
"Too much could go wrong. We need to find a stair."
With a wave of her hand, Yukari made the red line vanish. She resumed walking down the hall.
"That sounds like a useful spell, but if Tsukune goes berserk, how will you have time to cast it?"
"Someone will have to subdue him first. I understand that last time Mr. Aono lost control, Mr. Sabaku was able to quell his fighting spirit with his holy power."
"But we don't have access to Mr. Sabaku."
"Mizore could freeze him in place."
"If there's enough water available."
"Can't you make ice from your body?"
"I can make enough to fight for a short while, but it takes a lot of moisture to freeze someone in place. I can't even make an ice clone in a stale environment like this dungeon."
"Found it."
Yukari grabbed the iron bars on her left. She pulled the door out, causing the hinges to protest loudly. The room beyond was a simple square with a stair which descended down to a landing at each of the far corners of the room. An iron railing flanked this upper landing and the stairs all the way down to the next level. Yukari took the lead down the stairs as they descended to the final floor.
"Where is the Headmaster?"
"He left the barrier this morning."
Kurumu frowned, hesitating on the second landing.
"This morning? What was he doing the day Ms. Rin was executed?"
"Whom is Ms. Rin?"
Kurumu sighed, shaking her head as she continued down the last flight of steps. Yukari pushed the iron bars of the door at the bottom out into the adjacent corridor.
"When did you meet up with the Headmaster?"
"It was a couple days ago. He stopped me before heading home and said he had something special for me to do. He then took me to this hidden world of his to teach me this spell."
Yukari sighed, waiting for them to join her out in the corridor. This corridor was a dead end on the right. Having no alternative, they started off to the left before turning down a hallway on the right.
"Figures. The one day I don't check on you, you run away with an old man."
"It was hard work. He kept me up all night long, not letting me rest until he was satisfied."
Kurumu smirked, thinking that was a statement that could be misunderstood without context.
"So he woke you up this morning, told you to find us and left."
"Yes. He said he was going to get help."
"How did he leave the barrier? I thought he gave that key control thing to Lord Chiki."
"I don't know, Ms. Kurono. He was adamant that I find you and aid your endeavor."
"Do you even know what we're doing down here?"
"Um… looking for Mr. Aono?"
"There you girls are."
Kurumu shivered at the familiar voice. Tsukune stepped out of the darkness of the hallway, wearing his school jacket with even the red tie. He held his hands out at his sides.
"I'm so glad you found me. We just captured the bad guys."
Yukari stopped in her tracks, crossing her arms.
"Where's my Moka?"
"She's tying them up. I was going to look for help."
Kurumu grinned with relief. She was thankful to see that he was unharmed.
"Tsukune! I'm so happy you're okay."
Tsukune laughed, holding his arms out wide.
"Of course. I'm fine."
Kurumu pushed Yukari aside and started trotting over to him. He had such a confident smile as she approached. Her heart skipped at the thought that he was accepting of her. With arms out like that, what else could he want but a hug?
He was not charmed. He wanted to hug her and he was not charmed. She felt so happy. So relieved.
"That's it. Come here."
She cried out in joy as she jumped up into his arms. As he staggered back and wrapped his arms about her torso, she grabbed the back of his head and smothered his face against her bosom. She crossed her ankles behind his back as she wiggled against him. A surge of lust poured into her soul. It felt good.
It felt different.
"Off of him, you lecher."
A cold fist bopped the back of her head. She grimaced, letting go of his head to rub her own. She leaned back, resting a hand on his shoulder as she glanced back at Mizore.
"He wanted it."
Tsukune gasped and his knees buckled. With his grip about her going lax, the sudden impact of him hitting the floor caused her to fall roughly on her back. She groaned, reluctantly uncrossing her ankles so she could scoot away from her dazed lover.
"Are you okay Tsukune?"
"Yea. Never better."
Kurumu giggled at his breathy response.
"And here Kokoa called you useless. Wait till she hears how you took out the killers."
Yukari held a hand down to her, eyeing Tsukune.
"I'm guessing that he unsealed my Moka."
Kurumu smiled softly, taking the hand and getting up.
"Yea. You're probably right."
"Mr. Aono. I'm glad to see you're safe."
Mizore helped Tsukune to his feet as the shining Rubi walked by Kurumu and Yukari.
"Too many of you."
"I'm ready to-"
Tsukune bounced up and jabbed his elbow hard into Rubi's gut. Kurumu gasped, hopping back with Yukari. Rubi doubled over Tsukune as he leaned in with the blow.
"One down."
Tsukune straightened up but Rubi wrapped her arms about his neck. She let out a sensuous moan.
"Oh, Tsukune. That was so rough."
Tsukune's eyes went wide as he fell back a step. Rubi clung to him tighter, pressing the side of her head to his chest.
"Please. Do it again."
"Get off me!"
Yukari snickered, grabbing Rubi by the skirt and tugging.
"Let go of him, Rubi. He can't hit you again if you're that close."
Rubi whined but relinquished her hold on the flustered Tsukune. She sucked in a deep breath and clasped her hands at her waist.
"Do with me as you will."
"What is wrong with you?!"
Mizore cocked her head, frowning at him.
"She is always like this, Tsukune."
Kurumu was about to say something similar when she finally realized something. Her body was not stirring to his presence. Her heart yearned for him, but the primal urge to mate was absent.
Tsukune laughed nervously, rubbing the back of his head.
"Sorry. I forgot how annoying she can be."
Yukari sighed dramatically, pointing a finger at him.
"You may as well give it up. We all know that Tsukune wears the holy lock on his right wrist. It's the seal the Headmaster gave him to keep his vampire powers in check. And since I don't think you're turning into a ghoul right now-"
Yukari paused for dramatic effect as Mizore drifted to block the path back into the darkness. Kurumu stepped away from Yukari to better surround this Tsukune. Rubi was doing the same.
"Who are you?"
This Tsukune laughed, shaking his head. He reached into the pocket of his school jacket, withdrawing a pack of cigarettes and a lighter. He shook the pack, fishing one out before placing it in his lips.
"Does it matter?"
"Where's Tsukune?"
"He's dead."
Kurumu scowled.
"Liar."
The fake laughed, bowing his head to light up his cigarette.
"You seem confident. Trust me. He's a goner. The guy I left him with is a total psychopath and gets easily bored. Killing is like a hobby for him. He takes time with girls but he's not that patient with guys."
"I guess that means we have to take you out quickly."
This Tsukune chuckled, slipping out of the jacket. He dropped it by his feet.
"Go ahead and attack me. I have no qualms about fighting girls."
"Capture or kill?"
Kurumu flinched at Yukari's comment. The fake laughed.
"Capture? I think you girls greatly underestimate your opponent here."
Kurumu scowled at him. She met his gaze.
"No. I think you underestimate us."
He staggered back, quickly turning his head.
"Oh. I get it now."
He glanced up but kept his gaze averted.
"You're one of those."
"You're going to tell us whom you are working for."
The guy laughed, clapping his hands slowly.
"Excellent. This will be a challenge. But if you can't kill me, I think I have the upper hand."
"Are you working for Lord Chiki?"
"You'll have to defeat me if you want your answers."
Kurumu lunged at him. The fake frowned, deftly hopping out of her path.
"What kind of attack was that? Are you trying to hit me or hug me?"
Kurumu smirked as she caught herself against the opposing wall. Like most people, he thought her charm was limited to her vision. All she needed to do was get on him.
"Maybe a hug is fine with me. You're awfully cute right now."
The guy laughed, his body shifting slightly. His features sharpened and his eyes became exotic. His black hair become longer, touching his narrow shoulders. He took a pull from his cigarette.
"Is this better?"
"A doppelganger."
"What's a doppelganger?"
Yukari frowned at Rubi. She shook her head.
"It's a rare breed of monster. Fairy Tale tries to keep a close eye on them since they can be extremely dangerous. Most are employed as assassins."
"I find working freelance is far more profitable."
"So you don't work for Lord Chiki?"
The fake clucked his tongue.
"No answers for you."
"Doppelgangers are weak without their disguises. You should be able to take him."
Emboldened by Yukari's words, Kurumu lunged at the fake again. He nimbly sidestepped to avoid her.
"While that is true that we aren't meant for attacking head on, I have spent years training to make up for that weakness. Karate, kung fu, boxing… I've mastered them all. Don't take this lightly."
Kurumu scowled, glancing over at Mizore.
"You could help."
"I'm worried I would hit you."
Kurumu huffed, darting in with another attempt to grab him. This time he pushed her hand aside and spun around behind her. She twirled about to try again but was shocked when a hand grabbed her by the head. He chuckled at her.
"I think I'll try you out."
Kurumu staggered back when he pushed her. He hopped back as his figure rapidly diminished.
"Copying faces isn't the only thing we can do."
His voice became hers as his hair lightened into her arctic blue color. The school shirt bulged as his chest swelled to womanly proportions. His pants sagged about the waist though clung tightly about his curvy hips. Fabric tore as chiropteran wings slashed out his back and her black tail forced its way out of the middle seam of his pants. The spade end whipped about and his wings flexed.
"I can copy your powers too."
"Wow. He copied you exactly. Right down to your-"
"Wings."
Kurumu nodded dumbly, falling back a step.
"Too bad you're all girls. I hear the gaze of a succubus is a powerful thing."
Kurumu smirked, glancing at Yukari. Her power was linked to her beliefs. This fool would be as limited as she had been when she first arrived at Yokai Academy.
"Hmm. I feel a bit off balance. It's not the wings."
He hopped a bit and his eyes went wide. His hands instantly cupped his breasts.
"Oh sweet heavens. I've hit the motherload!"
Kurumu blushed as the guy started brazenly fondling his breasts.
"Leave my body alone!"
"Oh hell no! I didn't mention this before, but I can change back into any form I've taken once. You can bet your panties that I plan on using this body!"
Kurumu lunged at him with a scream. He darted about, evading several of her swipes. His hands never left his new tits.
"And they're sensitive too! I try to avoid changing into girls, but I doubt any guy could resist these tits!"
Kurumu cried with tears in her eyes.
"Change back!"
The man laughed with her voice as she tried to hurt this vile creature.
"I wonder how sex would feel in this body. Damn. I can feel it getting wet."
Kurumu's eyes widened with hatred. She wanted him dead. They could ask the other one whom they were working for. This one was not walking out of this dungeon alive.
"Die!"
"My thoughts exactly."
He laughed as he effortlessly pushed aside all of her attacks.
"You know what they say when you cross paths with your doppelganger."
Her face was right next to hers.
"You die."
Kurumu tumbled away as a body struck her. The fake hopped back, shaking his fist as a pillar of ice between him and Mizore crumbled. Mizore panted, shaking her head.
"Calm down, Kurumu. You're too flustered and telegraphing all of your attacks."
Kurumu nodded, taking in a deep breath.
"Power over ice, eh? That might be useful."
Yukari cried out, thrusting her fingers at him. The fake staggered, growling. He grimaced, quickly unbuttoning the top two buttons of his shirt to pull a pendant out. It glowed brightly as he held it away from his bosom.
"What is that?"
Yukari gasped.
"A magic canceler."
The fake scowled, whirling about to face the witch.
"That's right. Any spells cast directly on my body will get sucked into this bauble. Must have been a real nasty one to make it burn that hot."
Yukari grit her teeth.
"I'm not letting you walk out of here wearing her skin."
"That's cute. But you can't hurt me, little witch."
Yukari started moving her hands quickly.
"That toy only works with direct spells. Maybe I'll bury you instead."
The fake darted over to Yukari's side, twisting hard on his heel to bring the back of his fist against her temple. The little girl went down in a heap as Rubi lunged at him with a cry. With another spinning maneuver, the fake whipped his heel up to catch Rubi's head and knock her into the wall. Rubi groaned, sliding down the wall to the floor.
"Stupid witch. Like I would give you the time to cast another spell."
As much as Kurumu wanted to charge at him, she knew he would only evade an emotion charged attack. She took in a steadying breath and glanced at Mizore.
"Are you going to help me fight him?"
"Do I have a choice?"
The fake laughed, clapping his hands the way one would after finishing a task.
"This is over, girls. You might have a chance to escape if you start running."
"Like hell we're going to do that. We can't leave our friends behind."
Mizore smirked, making her hand into a series of ice shards.
"Your powers are stolen. That's nothing to be proud about."
Kurumu elongated her fingers into talons.
"Yea. There's no way your copy of me is stronger."
"Copy? Are you forgetting something?"
Kurumu sprung first, slashing at his head as Mizore darted in with a low jab. Kurumu expected him to duck but he stepped in and grabbed her arm. He twisted about to avoid Mizore's strike while hefting Kurumu off her feet. He threw her against the wall as he continued twirling about. Kurumu groaned as her back struck the wall and she fell unceremoniously upon her head. A nearby thud against the wall suggested Mizore had suffered a similar fate.
"I told you. I've mastered every martial art. I can do things with your body that you never could do."
Kurumu whimpered with ringing ears. She cradled her head as she managed to get up on her knees. She saw Mizore was crumpled against the wall, not moving or making a sound.
Strong fingers grabbed her by the hair and yanked her head up. She whined grabbing at the wrist as the fake peered down at her. The other hand was drawn back with talons ready to strike.
"Say hi to your mother."
And then something unexpected happened. A bloodied head was tossed upon the floor between them. Her assailant released her hair and backed off a step. Kurumu regarded this severed head with confusion. It was a dark haired man whom had mandibles like an insect.
"Well, well. Seems she was right. You aren't dead."
Tsukune stepped out of the shadows, dressed in only a pair of boxers. His chest was scarred up from old wounds. Two more gashes were upon his torso, dripping blood. One up above his right nipple while the other was on the left below the ribs. There was something wrong about his eyes.
"Tsukune?"
"How did you kill my friend? You didn't have any special powers."
Rubi groaned, picking herself up from the floor. The witch glanced at Tsukune as he steadily closed in.
"Mr. Aono?"
"What's with the silent act? Think it makes you look tough?"
Tsukune paused, his eyes glancing down at her. Kurumu shivered as a horrific aura flooded out from him. His lip turned up in sinister grin.
Kurumu dove aside as Tsukune's fist crushed the wall behind her. She scurried down the hallway away from the terrifying ghoul Tsukune had become.
"Don't like that girl much, eh? Can't say I care much for succubi either."
Tsukune straightened up, shaking his fist with the holy lock dangling from his wrist. His eyes regarded the doppelganger. Kurumu shuddered as the corridor filled with menacing intentions. The fake settled into a defensive posture.
"Clearly I picked the wrong girl to change into. No matter. If that girl can dodge your attack, you're no threat to me."
"I don't understand. Why did he try to attack Ms. Kurono?"
Kurumu hopped up on her feet and wagged a finger at Tsukune.
"I don't know but the holy lock isn't working."
Rubi gasped.
"Blood loss. The Headmaster said if he lost too much blood, the seal might lose its hold on him."
Tsukune charged forward, swiping at the doppelganger. The fake narrowly slipped out of harm's way. Tsukune instantly recovered, striking out again which prompted the doppelganger to spring back into a somersault. Tsukune sneered as his quarry retreated.
"Whoa. That is fast. But no better than her fighting."
Kurumu blushed angrily as she retreated down the corridor with the fake and Rubi. Tsukune steadily walked after them, staying at the edge of Rubi's illumination.
"Shut up. He's going to kill you."
"And I thought you were friends."
"Shut up!"
The fake smirked as Tsukune charged forward with an overhand punch.
"Watch this."
Kurumu knew in an instant what the doppelganger planned to do. He was going to deflect the attack and retaliate. It was obvious, but fundamentally flawed.
Kurumu grimaced as Tsukune tore through his opponent's defenses. She heard bones shatter as the fake was sent sprawling across the floor.
Kurumu dove into Tsukune, pushing him down before he could recover. She rolled out of his reach as he fell on his ass, scurrying away to the edge of the light.
"Rubi! Start casting the sealing spell!"
"But he has to stay still!"
The fake coughed, getting up on his hands and knees.
"Fuck. What happened to taking me alive?"
Tsukune picked himself off the floor and glared at Kurumu. His eyes then turned upon the fake. His lips turned up in a cruel sneer.
Tsukune swung down with a punch which cratered the floor where the doppelganger had been a half second before. Cackling madly, Tsukune sprung up and launched a roundhouse kick that cleaved through the wall above the fake. The fake launched a counterattack with a knifing strike to Tsukune's side only to hop back in pain, shaking his hand.
"Like hitting a wall."
Tsukune slowly picked himself back up. He turned to face his opponent with his eyes glowing crimson.
"You can't hate this girl that much."
The fake shook his head, retreating from the approaching death.
"Not when she has these!"
The doppelganger tore his blouse open, baring his unbound tits.
Kurumu gagged as the fake laughed maniacally. Rubi gasped as Tsukune staggered back.
"He stopped!"
"Put your clothes back on!"
The silliness ended with a swift roundhouse to the side of the laughing fake's head. He went silent as Tsukune started his own dark laughter. Kurumu shivered as Tsukune prepared to deliver a killing blow. She had to do something.
Kurumu pounced towards him. As expected, he instantly turned on her. But she was already inside his reach, wrapping her arms about his bloodied torso. She pressed her lips against his as the beast returned the embrace with the intent to crush her. She had to get inside.
Kurumu abandoned her consciousness, pushing inside the chaotic mess of his. Darkness and blood. Death and suffering. And an overwhelming hatred for her.
"Die, you bitch!"
"Stupid whore!"
"Know your place!"
The insults and jeers flooded her awareness in a jumbled cacophony. She spread herself out, making millions of copies as she scoured this void of his consciousness for an opening.
"Go away!"
"There's nothing left for you to save!"
"He's dead!"
"Die!"
Hands came out of the darkness to accost her. She was broken, strangled, disemboweled, beheaded and dismembered. She died thousands of times at the hands of this monster within him.
And with every death, she made two more.
"Liar!"
"Deceiver!"
"Temptress!"
"Begone!"
In unison, the thousands of pieces of her scattered about the abyss resonated and shone in brilliance. A droplet of her found a crack in the darkness. It wormed its way in and she found herself inside Tsukune's home. She was in Tsukune's room. She was Tsukune.
Memories. She divided herself into millions of moments. Seeing everything. Learning all there was to know about him. All his dreams. All his hopes. Every thought he had. Like Tora, she was rapidly becoming familiar with every second of his life. Experiencing it through him while also witnessing it like a third party observer.
But this would not be enough to save him. As her heart flooded in emotions from all these new things she was learning about her beloved, she sought for a moment to ingrain herself permanently within him. She had to break this demon's hold on him. A subconscious desire to never cause her harm was the path to its undoing.
She needed a memory. Something strong. Something he would always remember. Something she could integrate herself into.
His grandmother's funeral at Hosho Temple. He was nine years old. It was a hot summer evening. The second of August to be exact. His hair was shiny from the spray his mother had forced upon him to prevent his locks from being too unruly. He was dressed in a little black suit with a white shirt beneath and a clip on black tie. He wanted to put his hands in the pockets of his black slacks but Mother would scold him again. His shoes were shiny and new, like this outfit.
He was holding Kyoko's hand. His cousin was garbed in a simple, black sundress which fell to her ankles. She never wore dresses, so her parents must have bought it for this occasion. She squeezed his hand and he sniffled. She looked at him inquisitively and he quickly wiped away the tear from his cheek before she noticed. The last thing he needed was to be teased about crying.
Mother and Father were sifting through Grandmother's ashes. As Mother was an only child, there were not that many people here. Kyoko's family had come because they were familiar with Mother's parents. Since Uncle was related to Father, he was helping with the ashes. Both Father and Uncle were wearing black suits, white shirts and black ties. It seemed like all the dads were wearing the same thing. He was glad Mother had picked this out for him.
Mother was the only adult wearing a kimono. It was all black and called a mofuku. She had worn it to Grandfather's funeral four years ago when they had moved into the house. Grandmother had kept his ashes in a butsudan in her room. He supposed Mother would move that to her room now and have Grandmother join him.
He frowned as his eyes met Masuda. Masuda Kaori was dressed in a black polo and black slacks. She had short hair but she had pulled a swath of it off to the side in a short tail. She smirked at him, brazenly thrusting her hands in her pockets. She had nobody here to scold her since her mother was working. She had come to this funeral with the Onishi family.
He wished Kyoko had not blabbed to her friends about Grandmother's funeral, figuring Masuda would only tease him more if she saw him doing anything she deemed unmanly.
Onishi Ena stood off to the side of Masuda in front of her parents. The short haired girl with glasses was taller than most of the boys. She wore a black skirt and a black, buttoned up blouse with long sleeves. Her tall mother was dressed identically. Her father was the tallest man in the room. It was not the first time he questioned if Onishi was something more than a human, since not many Japanese people stood so tall. Her mother was taller than Father.
At least one good thing had resulted from Kyoko's loose tongue. Kobayashi Sayaka was gorgeous in her black dress. She had long, black hair like silk and soft, rounded features. And she had lovely, bluish green eyes. Turquoise. She was the only girl in this group of tomboys. He would do anything for her.
He sighed as this ceremony continued. It sucked that he lacked any close friends to invite of his own. He had some guys at school he could talk to like Ishii and Hara, but he was worried about introducing them to Kyoko's friends. The last thing he wanted was for somebody else to realize how amazing Kobayashi is.
It seemed like forever before things were done. Mother came back to join him and was holding an urn with Grandmother inside. The priest said a final prayer and then it was over. Kyoko's mother came over to offer her condolences and a small gift for the occasion. Mother took it kindly and thanked her.
"Can we go in the back for a few minutes?"
Mother smiled down at Kyoko.
"Sure. But not for long. We will be going to dinner after this."
Kyoko squeezed his hand and tugged him.
"Come on, Tsuki."
He reluctantly allowed himself to be pulled away. The other three girls followed them into a small garden area behind the temple. Kyoko let out a huge sigh, releasing his hand. She stretched her arms overhead.
"It's finally over. That's the first time I've been to one of these."
Onishi huffed, adjusting her glasses.
"Obviously. Normally only close relatives are allowed to witness the collecting of ashes."
"I'm glad that you invited us Kyo."
Kyoko grinned, thrusting a thumb at Kobayashi.
"Of course. I couldn't let Tsuki see his precious Grandmother off by himself."
Tsukune pouted at his cousin.
"I would have been fine."
"Uh huh. I saw little Tsuki was about to bawl his eyes out."
He scowled at Masuda's smug grin.
"No I wasn't."
But he did feel sad. He would never see Grandmother again. No more little head pats. No more stories at night. No more cookies and sweets for no reason at all. Mother always scolded Grandmother for spoiling him. Now there was nobody to protect him from the wrath of Mom.
A hand rested on his shoulder. Kobayashi smiled beautifully for him.
"Don't worry. She's with the angels now."
Tsukune swallowed nervously. Kobayashi looked like an angel to him.
"I think you mean devas."
Kobayashi frowned at Onishi as the tall girl pushed her glasses up her slender nose.
"What are devas?"
"Beings whom have reached spiritual enlightenment. This is Buddhism, Saya."
Kobayashi laughed, bopping herself on the side of the head and sticking out her tongue.
"I don't ask many questions about Buddhism."
"I swear that your parents are foreigners."
"But they're not."
"You should keep something of hers."
All attention shifted to Masuda, whom grinned wide. She liked attention.
"His Grandmother. Kyo should keep a memento of hers."
Onishi adjusted her glasses again, purely out of habit than necessity.
"What sort of memento?"
"I don't know. Wasn't Saya looking for some sandals to complete some fancy getup she was making?"
Kobayashi frowned at Masuda.
"I don't think it appropriate to ask for his Grandmother's sandals."
"I'll do it."
Kyoko laughed, patting him on the head.
"You don't have to grab her sandals. Take something better. Like a cup she always used."
"It's okay. What else would Mother do with her sandals?"
Kyoko bit her lip as she looked at the other girls. Onishi shrugged and Kobayashi managed a lovely smile.
"If you feel that way, then I would be honored to have them."
"Sayaka! We're going!"
Kobayashi turned and smiled brightly.
"Coming!"
She skipped off towards her parents.
"Rats. Foiled again."
Tsukune frowned and Kyoko grinned at him.
"Will you be okay by yourself?"
"Um… I guess so."
"Come on, Kaori. We've got to convince Mr. Kobayashi to eat with us."
Kaori frowned as she reluctantly followed after Kyoko.
"What do you want me to say?"
"Be your persistent, normal self."
Onishi chuckled as the two took off. Fussing with her glasses, she stalked off.
"This I've got to see."
For the next few minutes, Tsukune would be alone in this garden. Kurumu decided this moment was when she would first meet him.
"Hello."
Tsukune stumbled back, confused. A young girl with arctic blue hair had appeared in the garden. She was wearing a black dress which swished about her ankles. She was shorter than him.
"Who are you?"
"I'm Kurono Kurumu."
He frowned, knowing nobody by that surname.
"What are you doing here?"
"I came to see you."
"Me? Why?"
"Because it's my birthday."
He frowned, cocking his head as this strange girl approached him. She had lavender eyes.
"Are you a foreigner?"
She giggled, stopping within reach of him.
"No. I'm special."
"Um… do you live around here?"
"Do you want to be my friend?"
Tsukune frowned, glancing back at the temple.
"I already have too many friends that are girls."
"Yes. Yes, you do."
This girl was strange.
"Well… I should go see if my parents need me."
The girl pouted, cocking her head and batting her eyes.
"You're leaving me?"
"Um… well…"
He looked about nervously as a scary thought crossed his mind.
"You're not an evil spirit, right?"
She giggled at him, shaking her head.
"Why would you think that?"
"Onishi said evil spirits follow you when you leave cemeteries. That's why we're going out for dinner first before we go home."
Tsukune flinched when this girl tapped him on the nose with a tiny finger.
"You're Aono Tsukune."
He shivered at the sound of his name.
"How do you know that?"
"I said I came to see you. How would I find you if I didn't know your name?"
"Are you sure you're not an evil spirit?"
She stepped in and hugged him, pressing her head to his shoulder.
"Do I feel like an evil spirit?"
She smelled like the ocean and she felt real. He timidly touched her sides, confirming this was normal fabric. He swallowed as his heart started to beat with excitement.
"No."
She loosened her grip, stepping back with a smile.
"I'm your friend, Tsukune. I don't have any friends where I am."
"Aren't you here?"
"No. I'm in Yonago of Tottori prefecture. I live with my mother. My father doesn't live with us. The other kids don't like me because I look like a foreigner."
He frowned, letting her go.
"How did you get here? Is your mother nearby?"
"No. I'm dreaming."
"Dreaming?"
"Yes. Right now, I'm dreaming. I can go places when I dream. And I came to visit you."
"Why?"
"Because your Grandmother died. You were very sad."
He bit his lip, glancing back at the temple. This was crazy.
"Um… how did you know that?"
"Because I know everything about you. Will you be my friend?"
"I… guess?"
She grabbed his hand, squeezing it in both of hers.
"Will you promise never to hurt me?"
"Uh… sure."
She smiled, letting go of his hand.
"I'll visit you again."
"Tsukune!"
He turned his head as his mother stepped into the garden. She let out a huge sigh of relief.
"There you are. I thought Kyoko was with you."
"No, Mother. She left a couple minutes ago."
"What are you standing out here by yourself for?"
"I'm not by my-"
But he was. The girl he had seen was gone.
And this was not the only memory she tweaked in her favor. She visited him again in his room a week later. She had turned nine that day of his grandmother's funeral in 1998 and was in third grade at the time. She dived into her own memories to recount what she had experienced that week. She started visiting him at least three times a week after that. It was always right before he turned in so these new memories never conflicted with reality.
The mind was an amazing thing. Despite none of this being real, these interactions built upon each other. He only needed a reminder whom she was before this young Tsukune would fill in the blanks on his own. To him, she was an imaginary friend. He never talked to his real friends about her.
Before the end of August, Tsukune had that embarrassing moment of being abandoned in the haunted house at Lina World in which he wet himself. While he said nothing about it, Kurumu had witnessed Masuda's teasing of him over the theft of the slippers and how his grandmother would find him in that house. It was adorable how Kyoko came to his rescue and convinced the others nothing serious had happened. The other girls never found out about his accident.
It was also in August that she had went to the Tottori sand dunes with her mother the second and final time. She kept things positive, despite seeing her childhood in a different, disturbing light. She felt so guilty that mommy had lived like that since it was mostly for her sake.
She recalled that it was in January of her third grade that her father had died. She presented that as the reason why they had moved from Yonago to Hino. She did not mention her altercation in February with Hayashi Koji, the fifth grade boy she had hospitalized when he had tried to rape her. His friends had lied about her peeing herself and attacking them because they had teased her about it.
Since he believed she was a figment of his imagination, she turned the emergence of her tail and wings into a less heated event. It had happened on December eleventh of 1999 during her fourth grade year while attending her new school in Hino. Thankfully that had been a Saturday.
Nervously she had shown off her wings and tail to the young Tsukune, saying she had to quit school with the humans because she had no idea how to put them away. Mommy was looking for a new home so they could be with other spirits. He thought that was cool.
On January sixteenth, she had moved to Kengamine. She told him crazy stories about the tengu village she lived in, presenting it like it was some cool place. She talked about how mommy always tried to brighten her day up. Mommy bought her new clothes and took her everywhere which was embarrassing but necessary. It was dangerous for her to walk around a monster community on her own.
She never cried, despite feeling so much guilt from reliving her childhood. She was cruel to her mother and barely interacted with her new peers for what little remained of her fourth grade year. Her mother was already sleeping around to make ends meet. With her inability to hide her wings and tail, every kid spoke in whispers around her. All succubi were whores.
But she loved talking about the cinema with him, since it was dark and it felt like she was alone with mommy. They had watched movies like Gladiator and Whiteout during her fifth grade year. It was much more frequent than she had believed. They had attended four movies in 2000 and five in 2001, including Jurassic Park III which had been a big hit in the community. For some reason, monsters enjoyed watching humans get eaten. There had also been a big turnout for the Mummy Returns and Onmyouji.
There was nothing special about her fifth and sixth grade years since she spent most of it avoiding her peers. She often told Tsukune that he was her only friend because mommy would worry if she tried making friends with other monster kids. She could tell that he felt sorry for her, but she would reassure him that mommy and Tsukune were all she needed.
By fifth grade, Tsukune was confident enough to call Ishii and Hara his friends, along with Nakagawa. The boys did play with the older girls on occasion, but it was debatable how enjoyable that was. Masuda was a tyrant and the other girls kind of let her do her thing.
It was during the first term of the sixth grade year that Kobayashi became an alien and they all had to address her as the Love Princess. Ishii and Hara stopped trying to hang out with Tsukune if he was with the girls, so he had to make a choice. He asked her if he should continue being with his cousin or spend more time with the boys. Knowing which path he would choose, she guided him towards the boys.
Kobayashi's little stunt to scare off Ishii had also broken Tsukune's crush on her. She was no longer this beautiful, perfect girl he had thought her to be. He had only put up with Masuda that long because of Kyo and Kobayashi. And since it was not like his cousin would stop being his cousin, he logically felt that his time would be better spent with the guys.
It was on Kurumu's birthday in 2001 that he started frequently encouraging her to make friends despite her mother's concerns. He had big plans of starting fresh in junior high and felt she should do the same. She reminded him that her home was a small village and that the junior high kids would be the same ones she knew in elementary. But he still felt she should at least try.
After graduation from their respective elementary schools, they both had celebrated their spring breaks by watching the first Lord of the Rings movie with their families in March of 2002.
He started school at that junior high close to his home. By the time he turned thirteen, he had already met Noguchi and Kubo. Wanting a change in his life, he had become friends with the two boys.
"You are a vile, wicked creature."
A black figure stood before her in oblivion. Chiropteran wings spread out behind him and he glared at her with crimson eyes. His short silver hair was wild and unruly. Pulsing red veins bulged from his ebony torso which was ripped with sculpted muscles. He snarled at her with gleaming white teeth, baring his vampire fangs.
"Hello pot. Meet kettle."
He snarled at her, tearing her apart as she continued to integrate into Tsukune's memories. It was late June of 2002 and she was talking positively about her trip to the cinema with mommy to see this terrible movie called the Scorpion King.
"Do you think you have won?"
"I think that one day, Tsukune shall devour you."
"I will be the one whom devours him. And I shall kill you for real."
She laughed as the Shinso blood tried to destroy her. Having been inside Mrs. Shuzen and Fujisaki, she knew one thing for certain.
"It's futile. You can't kill me. You're not strong enough."
"Silence, you bitch!"
She giggled from millions of directions. He was weaker than the first time she had fought him.
"You can't even throw me out of your head. All that blood from Mizore and Rubi has taken its toll."
The Shinso blood cried out in frustration and then it all went silent. She was forced out of his memories, which left her confused and disappointed since she had only gotten through the first term of his junior high days. It was like he had lost consciousness. She was alone in the dark.
"Kurumu!"
A sharp slap knocked her into reality. She grimaced as she entered a world of pain. Everything hurt. Her eyes fluttered open and she peered up at Moka's concerned expression.
"Can you move?"
Kurumu groaned, not wanting to. She felt so exhausted. She glanced at Tsukune, noting his face was next to hers. He looked like he was sleeping. That seemed like a good idea.
"I'm tired."
"Come on, Kurumu."
But she closed her eyes and drifted off to escape this cruel reality.
