"And the voting favors Ms. Sendou as class manager with Mr. Ichida as vice manager."

There was a short round of applause upon Ms. Shuzen's announcement. The ebony haired teacher was wearing a long sleeved, crimson blouse with a frilly collar. The loose garment was fluffed out at the waist where it was tucked in a long, pencil skirt which ended below her knees. The stretchy, black fabric moved with her stride, perfectly outlining the curve of her hips.

"Is there anything you would like to say, Ms. Sendou?"

Yukari shook her head as Ichida huffed with disappointment.

"I was robbed."

Kurumu smirked at him, noting his indifferent expression.

"How do you figure that?"

"I had no chance. Ms. Sendou was helping your club hand out papers today."

"It's my club too."

"And Mr. Kaneshiro complimented her in his short speech today."

"Hey man. Don't be a sore loser."

"I'm loathe to agree with Mr. Abe, but expecting to win after your lack of presence in recent affairs is conceited. Nobody should win because they cowered in a corner."

Ichida frowned at Kumiko.

"I wasn't cowering."

"Well since Ms. Sendou has nothing to add, I'm turning the rest of the hour over for free study. You may chat with your friends, provided you keep the noise down."

As Ms. Shuzen strut over to the teacher's desk, Ichida wagged a finger at Yukari.

"You should make a duty roster."

Yukari stared at him for a moment before nodding.

"Yes. We have neglected that."

"I was thinking of bringing it up at the start of the second week, but then the whole boycott school movement started."

"I understand your hesitation. Ms. Shuzen. I'm going to write a duty roster on the board."

The teacher nodded, having settled down in her chair.

"You may proceed."

Yukari stood up and walked over to the blackboard, grabbing a piece of chalk. She wrote September twentieth and then wrote out her name and Kurumu's. Senyou snickered, shaking his head.

"That was predictable."

Yukari then wrote the numeral one and circled it. She circled her number two before listing Unari with Deshi. She wrote in large enough characters for Kurumu to see it clearly from her desk.

The third pairing went to Madosuki and Hazumi followed by the fourth pair of Morisato and Hineri. Yukari paused, tapping the chalk.

"We need a group of three. That will make nine pairs and one trio for a perfect biweekly rotation."

There was murmured agreements before Yukari grabbed the eraser. She rubbed out Juri's name, replacing it with Endo. She then put another slash by group one and added Morisato to their group.

"Abuse of power!"

Kurumu giggled along with other girls at Senyou's lighthearted protest. His name went up for group five and he was paired with Osakebi.

"Aw, not with him."

Yukari huffed as she made a circle about her six.

"He's your lab partner."

"Give me Abe or Shouhei instead."

Yukari ignored him as she scrawled out the characters for Wanibuchi and Yakihara. She followed that with a pairing of Hisakata and Tandoku. She made a circle for eight and put down Ichida's name.

"Do you have anyone you prefer to be with, Mr. Ichida?"

"Anybody is fine with me."

Yukari glanced over the boys for a moment. She then put Ichiboku with him. It made sense considering they were Kurumu's science lab partners.

Abe chuckled when his name got paired with Shouhei for the ninth group. That left the final group as Yano and Nakai. Yukari set the chalk down and stalked over to the podium.

"Could everyone write this down? I'm sure someone will erase it before the end of the day."

Kurumu smiled, seeing little reason to. Juri tapped her shoulder as Yukari returned to her desk.

"I'm glad everything turned out well."

"I wouldn't say that, but it could have been worse."

"I'm still surprised that guy apologized to the Headmaster. It even sounded genuine."

Kurumu smiled softly, recalling the lengthy apology Lord Chiki had given at this morning's assembly. He confessed to letting his emotions regarding old grudges override the evidence.

"He sounded like a man resigned to death."

Juri giggled nervously at Abe's remark.

"It wasn't that bad."

"Don't fool yourself. He admitted he killed Ms. Rin because he wanted her to be guilty of something. He admitted that she was completely innocent."

"He should be tried for murder!"

Hazumi nodded vehemently.

"I agree with Yasi. We should burn him at the stake."

Ichida chuckled, shaking his head.

"This is why sentencing shouldn't be based on public opinion."

"He killed someone. This isn't the old days where if you ran over a child with your carriage, you could get away with it by throwing the parents some coins for their trouble."

Kurumu frowned at Hazumi.

"That used to happen?"

"To commoners. And that's what we are to the kitsune."

"We should hang him and burn him."

Kurumu smiled at Madosuki's bloodlust. She took in a deep breath and glanced at Ichida.

"So… any progress in your love life?"

Ichida coughed out a laugh, catching the attention of all. He shook his head with a wide grin.

"No. Unfortunately this crisis put a halt to any attempt to change my relationship status."

"No kidding. Who can think about that stuff with this craziness going on?"

Kurumu smiled at Juri, thinking now was a good time to start moving forward.

Last night's sleepover had been a big success. The call to Kokoa confirmed that she had planned to spend the night in the dorms with her girls. The call to Kana had not happened, because Kurumu sheepishly realized Kana's phone had never been linked up to theirs. A quick call to Yukari revealed that the witch was already working on a dinner for them, but would make some more for Tora and Kana.

While Tora went to the dorms to fetch Kana and a change of clothes, they had swung by Moka's suite to do the same. Naturally they arrived at Yukari's place ahead of the others. Dinner was finished along with the extra portion. It was only a short wait for their last guests.

Kana had brought her phone and the rest of the Gravitation volumes, which Yukari was thrilled about continuing. After dinner, Yukari linked Kana's phone to everyone whom had theirs on hand. They had played cards and listened to music. Moka unsurprisingly was the first to turn in around nine.

Things felt right between them. But nothing important had been resolved. Yukari was no closer to getting the seal Moka separate from the vampire Moka. Fujisaki still wanted Moka's blood to revive Alucard. They had no idea where Yoshii Kiria was. Mizore was still engaged to marry someone soon.

And Tsukune was no closer to genuinely becoming her boyfriend.

"You know… I could talk to Kagami in home ec for you."

"I think I should blow off my business elective and cause a scene in the choir room."

"That is my elective you are talking about. I hope you're not planning something embarrassing."

He grinned at Kumiko.

"Nobody should win by cowering in the corner."

"That's my choir class too. What do you have in mind?"

"I shall prostrate myself before her and beg her to go out with me."

Madosuki frowned, exchanging looks with Kumiko. Juri giggled, shaking her head.

"Don't do that. You'll embarrass her."

Kumiko, Madosuki and Hazumi all nodded in agreement.

"This isn't a winning situation even if she says yes."

"Yea… how about we tell Ms. Ontoriki to meet you somewhere?"

"Damn. I wish a bunch of girls would help me get a girlfriend."

Kumiko scowled at Abe.

"We don't hate any girl enough to help you."

Senyou barked out a laugh.

"Harsh. So what are the plans for October?"

"October?"

"Yea. We got Sports Day and the cultural festival."

Ichida leaned back in his chair.

"We didn't have a meeting last Saturday because of weekend school classes. But I'm sure that will be a topic of conversation at our next meeting."

Yukari nodded enthusiastically.

"I think all of us should attend that. Is that okay with both secretaries?"

"Yea, I'm cool with that."

Kumiko nodded in agreement with Senyou.

"I don't have any plans for Saturday morning."

"Will you be joining us, Ms. Kurono?"

Kurumu sucked in a deep breath upon hearing Ichida's inquiry. She shrugged nonchalantly.

"I suppose I could. I don't think the track meet starts before that's finished."

Senyou grinned at her.

"Finally going to attend a sports event?"

"Yea. It's hosted here and I want to see how my friends do."

Hazumi perked up with a bright smile. Her ears popped out of her head.

"That's wonderful news. I'll have to tell the other girls. If we have practice today."

Kumiko snorted.

"You should. When's the last time you attended practice?"

"It's been almost two weeks."

Kurumu smiled, feeling content. Her eyes settled on Satsuki. The girl held her cheek in her palm and was tapping her notebook with her pencil. She had not spoken up at all today.

"Hey Satsuki. Do you think you'll get a job?"

Satsuki frowned, glancing at her.

"Most of the money was recovered and returned to the bank. So… places should start hiring, right?"

"Oh. Yea. I'll have to ask Tokori about that."

"Are you going to keep stopping by her place?"

"I suppose I could. I'll have to ask."

Yukari snickered.

"You might be able to claim your independence if they agree to take you in. You've practically had room and board for free a whole month."

"You make it sound like I've been using them."

"If you get a job, maybe you could help them out with food costs."

Satsuki frowned at Senyou.

"Why would I need to do that?"

"Because you eat food. Their house will cost the same whether you're there or not, but they probably had to increase their food budget with you around."

"I don't eat that much."

"Really? You seem a little round to me."

That playful barb lit a fire in her marigold eyes. She wagged a finger at him.

"Listen here, dog."

"Wolf."

"I said listen, not speak."

Abe snorted a laugh at the quick retort.

"I'm not even remotely fat."

"But it is a waste of your parents' money if you're never in your room."

Satsuki frowned at Yukari. She leaned back in her chair.

"I'll have to talk to Tokori's mother and see what she thinks. It's pointless though if I don't have a job, so there's no reason to call my parents yet."

The bell sounded, causing Senyou to groan.

"So much for that. I guess it's time to walk over to the lab and see what Mr. Hakuru has in store for us."

Grabbing a notebook and pencil, Kurumu hoped it would be a simple lecture she could tune out.


Kurumu stretched her arms over her head as everyone put away their things for lunch. Abe was admiring the outline of her breasts beneath her sweater. Letting out a deep breath, she slipped out of her chair.

"Can I have the lunches you made for Moka and me?"

Yukari sighed as she grabbed the strap for her white satchel. With a slight shake of her head, she opened the satchel and fished out the periwinkle bento with the white daisy petals.

"You don't have to spend time with that brat."

Kurumu smiled softly, taking the bento as Yukari rummaged about her satchel for the faded pink bento with the red hearts and white clouds.

"She's Moka's sister."

"Her stupid stunt would have got Moka killed. She's lucky we all came after her."

Kurumu took the bento for Moka.

"You could join us."

Yukari snorted, getting up from her chair and picking up the satchel.

"I told you this morning that Rubi and I would be eating with Tsukune. I don't want anything to do with that sociopath."

Kurumu flinched as a hand touched her shoulder. Juri smiled apologetically.

"Trouble with Moka's sister?"

"Yukari's upset about her running down to the prison with Moka."

Yukari slung her satchel on her shoulder.

"You should challenge her to a fight for your freedom."

"I can't win a fight against her."

"I think you could. She's an idiot that relies on brute strength and speed to win. That won't help her if she's fighting illusions or you get inside her head."

Kurumu paused, thinking about how effortlessly Ms. Shikaru had defeated Lord Chiki.

"I don't know. Rumors say she's a pretty strong vampire."

"Kurumu could make you forget things."

"I'm not fighting Kokoa. I have nothing to offer her in exchange for my freedom."

"That idiot doesn't back down from challenges. She's not that smart."

Kurumu grinned, tousling Yukari's locks much to her annoyance.

"Is there some reason why we're all standing around here?"

Kurumu shrugged at Kumiko. The jorougumo was lingering in front of Yukari's desk with Satsuki beside her. Hazumi and Madosuki were dawdling behind Juri. Deshi stood in front of her desk with her staff up on her shoulders. All of the boys and Endo had already vacated the room.

"I was waiting on Kurumu. Didn't know if she had other lunch plans."

Juri laughed at Satsuki's remark.

"Same. I should have asked earlier."

Hazumi smiled sheepishly, glancing at Madosuki.

"I was waiting on you, Kumiko. We normally walk to lunch together."

"I'm eating with the PSC today. My sister will be eating with the rest of her PSC from now on."

Satsuki frowned as Deshi slowly started for the door, prompting everyone else to follow.

"She is?"

"I spent last night with my sister. Mr. Utsubari stopped by to let her know he would be withdrawing from the club and transferring from the school after midterms. Since that leaves her only with Mr. Sabaku, she decided it would be best to have him and her join the rest of the group."

Kurumu nodded as they stepped out into the hallway. Nozomi and Kakeru were hanging out by the back door to class three.

"Is Sabaku going to take over the PSC when she graduates?"

"Most likely. None of the other second years want to."

Deshi grinned, swaying as she walked down the hall ahead of the group.

"Need new advisor."

"My sister hopes to find someone before the cultural festival."

Before Kurumu could say a greeting to Nozomi, the back door to class three opened. Tamaishi and Ushio stepped out and Kurumu grinned when his eyes fell upon her. His desire pleasantly licked all over her.

"Kurumu!"

Kurumu wagged the two bentos at him as she neared.

"I'm eating with someone else so save your breath."

Ushio chuckled, reaching out to place his massive hand on top of her head the moment she arrived. She smiled up at him as he messed with her hair.

"What's it going to take to get you to eat with the soccer team?"

"Winning regionals."

Tamaishi laughed deeply as Ushio frowned.

"But our season is over."

"I guess you'll have to wait until next year."

Juri giggled, patting Kurumu's shoulder.

"I'll see you after lunch."

Kurumu murmured a farewell to Juri as the sprite followed after Hazumi and Madosuki. Deshi moved further down the hall to lean against the balcony railing. Satsuki stopped by Kakeru while Nozomi fussed with Yukari's jacket collar.

"Can't you squeeze us into your schedule?"

Kurumu grinned up at him as he removed his palm.

"I've been wanting to eat with Kakeru and the fashion club girls for weeks."

Nozomi frowned at her.

"You're eating with them?"

"She's eating with Moka's sister."

"Yea… I just meant that I haven't gotten around to eating with the fashion club yet."

Goto slipped out of the room, giving Ushio a slight push.

"You're in the way, Burumoto."

"You're not missing much."

Goto frowned at the blushing Kakeru as she joined her friend.

"Missing what?"

"Ms. Kurono wants to eat lunch with us."

"Eventually. I keep meaning to but it doesn't happen."

Goto laughed at her quick explanation. Grabbing Kakeru by the arm, she started away.

"We'll be looking forward to it when you do."

"Guess that's our cue. See you around, Kurumu."

Kurumu smiled as Ushio took off with Tamaishi. The moment the big guys walked away from the door, Takurami exited the room with his usual scowl. The ebony haired boy shook his head with displeasure as he quickly strode away.

"I see things are back to normal."

Kurumu grinned as Tora walked out with Tsukune. Mizore was close behind them.

"Nagamushi torturing us with another long lecture?"

Tora smirked at her.

"Something like that."

"You can go on without us, Ms. Bikiyama. I have a lunch for Tsukune."

Yukari strolled over to Tsukune, grabbing him by the sleeve. Tsukune yielded to the tug, stepping around Kurumu. He turned his head.

"Um… we'll see you out there, Ms. Bikiyama."

"Sure thing."

Kurumu turned slightly as he passed her by. She thought to say something but he kept walking away without sparing her a glance. Mizore offered a two fingered wave as she passed by. Kurumu managed a smile and nodded at the snow girl. Grabbing Tora's arm, she started towards the cafeteria.

"Did you guys do class elections today?"

"We did. I agreed to a secretary role and so did Ms. Arashimideru."

"Is Tsukune still your class manager?"

"He is and Ms. Hiboshi took the vice manager role."

"What happened to Tomisaki being a secretary?"

"He still is. There's no limit to how many secretaries your class can have."

"Yukari won our manager spot with Ichida taking the vice role. Our secretaries are Kumiko and Senyou."

Kumiko huffed with a shake of her head.

"That's Ms. Hineri to you."

"Yea, whatever. How did things go in your class, Nozomi?"

"Mostly the same. Asakira took the main role with Hayate as her vice."

"Who did you get to be secretaries?"

Nozomi grinned back at them, flashing her snaggletooth.

"Tokeru and Asuka. We tried to tell that dumb brat not to, but she immediately volunteered."

"The first thing Yukari did was make up a duty roster. I guess the only one cleaning the classroom since the start of the year was Ichida. And only when he felt like it."

"I've honestly not thought much about it since that safety walk had me out the door at the end of class. I'll have to ask Tsukune how that was being handled."

Nozomi snorted, pausing at the top of the stairs at the crossover between classes eight and five. Deshi started hopping down.

"Everybody knows Asakira was the one stepping in for the absences the boycott caused which is why nobody challenged her for manager."

"I guess I'll see everyone later."

They all murmured farewells before Kurumu continued along the crossover to the other side. She walked through the open back door to class eight, hearing the sound of moving desks. She smiled, noting that Moka was already making their table.

"Did you make sure that Kokoa will be with us and not her fencing club?"

Moka glanced up after scooting the last desk in place. Kurumu grinned, strolling over and handing the faded pink bento to Moka.

"I spoke with her between classes. She says she will be eating with her girls Tuesdays and Thursdays."

Kurumu nodded, grabbing a chair and scooting it over to the side.

"How is Ishiko doing?"

"She's fine. Kokoa came by to get her before going down to lunch. Nagisa was with her."

Kurumu smiled, settling in a chair with her back to the door. Moka came over to sit on her right, sharing the same desk. She reached over to brush pink tresses off Moka's shoulder.

"Did your class do elections today?"

Moka nodded with a smile. She tugged the top of her bento off and grabbed the pair of chopsticks. Kurumu did the same with hers.

"I'm the class manager."

"Whom did they pick to be the vice manager?"

"Mr. Kishita."

Kurumu nodded with a frown. The name was familiar.

"I don't remember that guy."

"He's from the tennis team."

Kurumu nodded, immediately remembering the guy as one of the nominees from Moka's classroom for the popularity contest.

"Any secretaries?"

"Ms. Zenpyou and Ms. Honemoto."

Kurumu smiled, supposing that was unsurprising. Honemoto was the former class rep and Zenpyou was a top student and fairly popular. Chewing down a mouthful of omelet, Kurumu took in a deep breath.

"I guess it's over."

"For now. There is someone coming here for the cultural festival. I doubt letting those guys out was the only thing they had on their agenda."

Kurumu nodded, having shared all of this information last night with the other girls.

"There's nothing we can do about that. We don't have a name or an exact time."

"I'm just glad everyone is okay."

Kurumu huffed as she put another wad of food in her mouth.

"You weren't so grateful last night. Fussing over the fact that I kissed him."

"You didn't see it from my perspective. He was holding you so tight while you kissed."

"That was a desperate situation, Moka. That kiss doesn't count."

"Even so. I don't want you complaining about me taking his blood."

"He's still recovering."

"I can tell they gave him lots of blood from Rubi and Mizore. He smelled so delicious yesterday."

"We agreed last night that you should wait till next week."

Moka's eyes went distant as her chopsticks hovered by her lips.

"I don't know if I can wait that long. I want him inside me."

"If you bite him, I'm going to smother his face in my tits."

"That's not fair. Getting his blood is a need."

"Don't pretend like you wouldn't enjoy it. A pleasure for a pleasure."

Moka had no response to that. They ate in silence for the next couple minutes, which was all it took to put most of the meal down.

"Looks like they've started without us."

Antai strolled in through the back door with her tray in hand. Kaimura walked alongside Akegawa behind her. Akiyama came in last as the girls came over to the table.

"Did Kokoa play nice with you last night?"

Antai grinned as she took the seat on Kurumu's left. Akegawa hesitated as the other girls continued walking around her to the other side.

"She was in a good mood."

"Did she take anyone's blood?"

Akegawa frowned as Kaimura took the seat on Antai's left. Akiyama left the seat on Kaimura's side open, taking the chair across from Antai.

"No. She spent most of the time clinging to Ms. Fukai."

"Have a seat, Hikari."

Akegawa pouted at Kaimura.

"Where will Kokoa sit?"

"Who cares? Sit by me."

Still pouting, Akegawa reluctantly took the spot between Kaimura and Akiyama.

"What did you guys do?"

Antai shrugged as she pulled the lid off her entree.

"Nothing much. Played UNO. Talked about school."

Kurumu nodded, putting the lid back on her empty bento.

"If I remember the order correctly, she should be after Akegawa next."

Akegawa blushed at Kurumu's remark.

"She said she might do it this weekend."

"That's a relief. I'm worried she'll come after me again like she did last time."

"Are you two going to fight again if she does?"

"I hope it doesn't come to that."

Sensing a need for a new topic, Kurumu tapped Antai's shoulder.

"Did your class also host elections?"

Antai snickered, pointing across the table with her chopsticks.

"Akiyama decided her calling was that of a secretary."

"No I didn't. You blurted out in class that I should do it because I look like one."

"Did you agree to do it then?"

Both Akegawa and Akiyama shook their heads. Kaimura chuckled, wagging her chopsticks.

"The only official secretary we have is Ms. Matsudera. Our class representatives took the manager and vice manager positions."

"Did Akari take the class manager spot?"

"Naw. She let Heniki have that."

"Not like he cared for it. Both of them were indifferent to the idea, so they flipped a coin."

"Yea. It's misleading to say she let him have it."

Kurumu smiled as the girls slowly worked in bites around the conversation.

"Doesn't your class require two secretaries?"

"We have two."

"No we don't."

"The other is Takanuma. He sits behind me."

Kurumu perked up at Antai's mention of an unfamiliar name.

"He said he wanted to help. He didn't officially take a secretary spot."

"Does that matter?"

The other girls let the issue drop as Kurumu glanced at the vacant desk behind Antai's desk.

"What's this Takanuma like?"

"Quiet."

"Scrawny and effeminate. You're kind of guy."

Kurumu frowned at Kaimura.

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"I'm saying he's about as cute as your boyfriend."

"Tsukune isn't scrawny or girly looking. That's Heniki."

Antai wagged her chopsticks at Kurumu.

"Heniki is gorgeous. There's nothing scrawny about him."

"Definitely agree there. Comparing Mr. Heniki with Mr. Takanuma is insulting."

Akegawa frowned at Kaimura.

"I don't think Mr. Aono looks like Mr. Takanuma."

"I suppose you're right. Mr. Takanuma is cuter."

"Oh? Would you say he's cuter than Mr. Kaiketsu?"

Kaimura paused at Kurumu's smirk. She stuffed her mouth as she pondered over that.

"Does it take that much thought?"

"I haven't seen him since last term exams."

"Well… he's in class twelve with Ginei. You could always stop by and talk to him."

Kaimura chuckled, shaking her head.

"I'd rather chat with Murata."

"Why?"

"Because the only thing I can think to talk to Kaiketsu about is him getting arrested."

"That was Lord Chiki being too anxious to find a conspiracy."

"Yea. Well I can't talk to him. And I doubt he'll want to talk to me."

"You could try."

Kaimura smiled softly at Kurumu.

"I'm not even friends with him. There's no reason to talk to the guy."

"Maybe you could try becoming friends."

Kaimura laughed with a slight shake of her head.

"I wasn't thinking of being friends with him, Hikari. I was thinking of being a girlfriend. Kissing, holding… even sex. How do you just become friends with someone when you have that in your head?"

Akegawa blushed.

"But you want to be friends with someone you are doing those things with."

While the other girls quickly agreed, Kurumu understood where Kaimura was coming from. There was a difference between Tsukune and Ginei. She wanted to have sex with one of them. Tsukune could never be the type of friend Ginei was. He could never be close to her the way she was with Moka or Yukari.

"If you could only be friends with him, would you?"

"What do you mean?"

"That you could never be lovers with him. Would you still want to be his friend?"

"That's way too heavy for me. I've never looked at him like we would be friends, so I can't say that I'd want to be his friend. That's like settling on being rejected for the rest of my life. Screw that."

Kurumu laughed softly, supposing that made sense. Like she said at the start. They were not friends.

"It's probably different if you had known him from before. Our friend, Suzume, got dumped by this guy she had been dating a couple years. They were friends before-"

"Oh, hell no."

Kaimura shook her head, wagging her chopsticks.

"There's no way you can go back to being just friends."

"Who would even want to?"

Kurumu was surprised with how quickly Antai and Kaimura shot that down.

"It's not like she hates him."

"That's even worse. It's like she's only being his friend because she hopes he'll change his mind."

"Maybe you should help her find a boyfriend."

Kurumu frowned at the suggestion from Akiyama.

"I've thought about that."

"She could be friends with him if she has a boyfriend."

Kaimura nodded at Akiyama's remark.

"That's actually not a bad angle. If she's found a new love, she won't be stuck in limbo."

"What's limbo?"

"It means you're waiting around in a state of uncertainty. She won't worry about getting back together with him because she has someone else."

Kurumu smiled softly, thinking how this advice could apply to herself. She could easily find a guy willing to take Tsukune's place. But what point would there be if her heart was still his? She wondered if Suzume secretly felt the same way.

"Ms. Akashiya?"

Akegawa smiled nervously as everyone glanced at her.

"Do you think Ms. Shuzen would agree to become our new gymnastics instructor?"

"Kokoa suggested it last night when we were talking about the future of our club. I personally think that's something for the older girls to figure out."

"Does she know anything about gymnastics?"

Moka smiled politely at Akegawa.

"I don't know much about Ms. Shuzen."

"Mr. Nagamushi is the current advisor for the archery club and Juri has been quite glib in regards to how little he knows about the sport."

Kaimura nodded in agreement with Kurumu.

"It depends on your seniors, Hikari. It's not like you're in a sport that's competing with anyone, so your advisor could be anyone."

Akegawa brightened up and waved at the door.

"Kokoa!"

Kokoa entered the room a step ahead of Taniguchi and Ishiko. She wandered over to the makeshift table, placing her tray on the corner of the desk.

"We need an extra chair."

"I'll get one."

Kokoa shook her head at Taniguchi and pointed at the chair by Moka.

"Sit here. I'll go get one."

Taniguchi giggled, obediently taking the chair on Moka's right. As Kokoa walked over to grab a chair, Ishiko took the last vacant spot on Akiyama's left.

"How is Milady doing today?"

Kokoa huffed as she placed her chair at the corner of the desk between Taniguchi and Ishiko.

"Annoyed with Ms. Kosai. Acting like she can boss me around when she did nothing to help catch those criminals."

Taniguchi giggled, shaking her head.

"That's not her job, Kokoa."

"It wasn't mine either."

"But nobody told you that you had to."

Kokoa scowled at Kaimura.

"I wanted to catch those killers. Am I the only person at this table that wanted this resolved?"

Taniguchi reached over to fuss with Kokoa's reddish tail.

"You're stronger than us, Kokoa. Even Mr. Kaneshiro praised you for your initiative."

"I was told by Mother not to get involved. Getting public acknowledgment that I went against Mother's will is not reassuring."

"Now you're just being difficult."

Kokoa huffed at Taniguchi.

"Am I really? If that moron would unseal my sister, things would have been so much better."

"That's not true. They were using magic items to conceal their presence."

"My real sister could have handled it."

Moka paused with a frown. Instead of a response, she simply shook her head.

"There's no guarantee Moka would have won that fight even unsealed."

"Are you doubting my sister?"

Kurumu scowled, wishing Moka would back her up on this. But she imagined Moka was being told by the other Moka that Kokoa was right.

"There was no reason for you to go down there by yourself. If you had brought all of us-"

"We would have all been ambushed. Face it. Moka and I are the most durable members of the group. There was no reason for that guy to drag Ishiko down there when she was already weak from blood loss. He could have gotten her killed."

"It wasn't Tsukune's fault."

"You can't blame me when he did the exact same thing. He took one person with him."

Moka's demeanor changed suddenly when she looked at her sister.

"You froze. When they hit Tsukune, you just stood there."

"It's not like you did anything."

"I ran to check on Tsukune. You stood there and let an opponent hit you."

Kokoa trembled with emotions as she looked down at her meal.

"I couldn't detect him."

"I know. She's curious how you defeated that guy."

Kokoa growled as she turned on her sister.

"I tore him apart."

"She found him breaking me."

Kokoa flinched at Ishiko's revelation.

"I… couldn't detect him."

Kurumu glanced at Moka, hoping Ishiko had used a wrong word again. It was kind of a generic word which could also mean smash and destroy. It also could mean violate and rape.

"You're okay, right? Ishiko?"

"I'm sad those seniors died."

Kurumu nodded, disliking the heavy atmosphere.

"Hey, Ishiko. Do you know where Sakamori stays in your dorm?"

"No. Why?"

Kurumu smiled softly.

"I was thinking… you both are from Chirasu. Maybe you could bond when she gets out of the hospital."

Ishiko shrugged indifferently, turning her attention back on her meal. After a long moment in which everyone made steady progress on their lunch, Kurumu sighed and leaned back in her chair.

"Someone say something interesting."

Taniguchi giggled, wagging her chopsticks.

"Our dear Kokoa successfully bullied her way into class manager."

"You wanted to be class manager?"

"This dummy nominated me when the teacher brought it up today. I couldn't back down."

"She won with almost a unanimous vote. Only Mr. Kumoyuki objected to her taking the spot."

"I'm surprised Yokokara didn't put up a fight."

"He agreed to take the vice manager role."

"Which should have been you."

Taniguchi waved her hand dismissively at the angry vampire.

"Nonsense. We couldn't demote poor Mr. Yokokara to secretary status. I'm content to serve our class as a humble secretary."

"So… whom else did you guys get to be a secretary?"

"I convinced Ayame and Chiharu to help me since they don't do anything in their club. What about you, Ms. Kurono?"

Kurumu promptly shook her head, waving her hand dismissively.

"No way. Yukari is our new class manager with Ichida as our vice. Senyou and Hineri are the secretaries."

"There's no limit to how many secretaries a classroom can have."

"So I've been told. I might show up for a meeting or two, but I don't want an official position."

"I am class manager of my homeroom and Mr. Kishita is our vice. Both Ms. Honemoto and Ms. Zenpyou will be our secretaries."

Taniguchi grinned.

"That's nice. From my limited experience, Mr. Kishita is an easy person to work with."

"Thank you, Kurumu."

Kurumu paused at the sudden statement from Kokoa.

"What for?"

Kokoa blushed.

"It's obvious."

Kurumu frowned in confusion. She noted Akegawa was smiling softly and Antai had a wide grin.

"What did I do?"

"You don't have to play dumb. The moment you're captured, Lord Chiki does a complete one eighty. You got to him. Everyone with a brain cell knows it."

Kurumu was hesitant to deny it. Mostly because nobody in the newspaper club had said anything about it. She glanced at Moka whom managed an apologetic smile.

"It does look that way."

"Does everyone think that?"

Kaimura chuckled, shaking her head.

"No. This is the first I've heard of it."

"But it does make sense. Succubi can charm men."

Kurumu pouted at Akiyama.

"Temporarily. I wouldn't be able to convince him to withdraw his troops permanently."

"No. There's a reason why Mother has ladies like you in her service. Succubi are master manipulators. Do you think all those cover ups they do for Fairy Tale go away after a short time? Those are permanent fixes, Kurumu. You convinced him he was wrong."

Kurumu knew the truth, but doubted she was supposed to say it.

"Well… it would make me happy if you apologized to Tsukune and Yukari."

Kokoa snorted, resuming her meal.

"Don't press your luck."


"This place really needed a cleaning."

Kurumu snorted as she swept the last pile of dirt into the dustpan Juri held for her. They probably should have mopped the place. They had a mop, bucket and cleaning supplies in that closet. But Kurumu kept that opinion to herself since she was not in a hurry to do more work.

Kurumu walked with Juri to the back closet where Juri promptly emptied her dustpan in the bin pushed against the storage locker. Kurumu tugged the door open, stowing the broom inside before taking the pan from Juri. She hung the dustpan up by its handle on a hook.

"It's about time you two finished. Everybody else is gone."

Kurumu smiled as she closed the locker. Yukari was sitting on top of her desk with her white satchel and schoolbag slung across her torso, hanging off different shoulders. The witch had finished cleaning the blackboard before they had even gotten halfway done.

"You could have helped."

"With what? It only takes one person to use a dustpan and broom."

Kurumu smirked as they walked up the aisle. Yukari hopped off her desk but remained where she stood. Kurumu stopped at her desk, reaching over to grab her schoolbag off the hook.

Not much had happened after lunch. English had been unintelligible. Ms. Hitori had nothing for them to do in sewing class, letting them gossip as they pleased. Gym had been chaos. Since the boys' volleyball season had been interrupted, the coaches were letting them run about outside for a couple days before resuming the season on Thursday which would end next Friday. The instructors claimed they were letting everyone blow off some steam and relax since the students had been deprived of their weekend.

"See you tomorrow."

Kurumu nodded as Juri headed off. Kurumu started for the back door, prompting Yukari to follow.

"So… do you think everyone believes I made Lord Chiki withdraw?"

"The thought had crossed my mind. I'm surprised that brat came to the same conclusion."

"I didn't do it."

"Don't worry about it. I doubt most of our fellow students are putting that much thought into it."

Kurumu sighed as they exited the classroom. Yukari was right. Kokoa had been the only person to say anything about her being the cause for Lord Chiki's withdrawal. And with it being a short walk between the back door of her homeroom and Tsukune's, they were at their destination before she could respond.

Tsukune was hovering by his desk with the usual crowd. Mizore was in his shadow while he exchanged pleasantries with Tora and Moka. Kana stood apart from the group, chatting with Hajihachi whom was being held about her waist by Ginei. He had a haggard aura about him as he smiled softly at their arrival.

"There's the last of them. I was wondering if you would skip out."

Kurumu strolled up to Ginei, glancing him over. She cocked her head.

"Are you sure you're okay?"

"Mika's nursing me back to health."

"Would you believe that I spent the night in his room and he didn't attempt to do anything with me?"

Ginei groaned at their shocked expressions.

"That's going to make them worry more."

"I'm serious. Are you okay?"

"I'll be fine. I lost something in there."

"I'll say. It's like you've lost your entire sex drive."

Ginei sighed as Hajihachi flinched. He leaned back, letting his hands slip to Hajihachi's sides.

"Fine. I lost a testicle. Do you want to see?"

Kurumu quickly backed off, turning her head.

"No thanks."

It felt good to hear him laugh.

"Didn't expect to see you here. I thought you said we weren't going to have a club meeting."

He shrugged, placing his hands on the desk behind him and leaning back to take a seat.

"Nothing too lengthy. Figure we should hang out a little and get some ideas of where we should go from here. We only have time for one more paper before the cultural festival."

"Just one?"

"There's no time to get one in before Sports Day because of midterms. So the smart thing to do would be to release the paper a day or two after that event. And there's not enough time after Sports Day to get another paper in before the cultural festival."

Tora strolled over, placing a hand on Yukari's shoulder.

"So we aren't doing anything for the cultural festival?"

"Nope. Last year we helped print out the programs which does mean we'll have to work with the festival committee, but that's not a full time job for the whole club. Maybe one or two of us could handle that, which we can decide on later. Everyone else will be able to do whatever it is your homerooms decide to do for the festival."

"That's a relief."

Ginei grinned as Moka came over to join them.

"That said, it means we only have one more paper before the cultural festival. I know I try to avoid having a paper all about school clubs, but this would be a good time to do it if said club knows what they will be doing for the cultural festival. I'll handle the articles about Sports Day so we don't need to worry about that. I'm assuming Kana will keep up with the comics and Mizore will keep up with her stories."

Mizore held a thumb up as she drifted over to their group on Tsukune's heels.

"That means it'll be on the rest of you to figure out which clubs to represent."

Kurumu smiled softly.

"Well… I was already planning to do the basketball and volleyball articles."

"Right, right. They both start their seasons in November."

"And the fencing and kendo clubs have a tournament in November. I was hoping to do them too."

Ginei chuckled, swaying his feet.

"Now you're probably getting too ambitious. You do have midterms, Kurumu. Short of doing one of those clubs this week, I don't think you can pull it off."

Kurumu frowned but understood his stance. If she had not started working on band interviews right away, she probably would have failed getting that article done.

Tsukune bumped her from behind with a swell of desire. She shivered, glancing back at him. He quickly glanced away, muttering an apology.

"Why would you apologize for touching your girlfriend?"

"She's not my-"

His words died on his lips as her heart twisted painfully. Hajihachi frowned as Kana shied back a step with an uncomfortable expression. Ginei chuckled, patting Hajihachi's side.

"Sorry. We found out recently that Tsukune is gay."

Tsukune gagged and Tora managed an awkward laugh. Kurumu pouted at Ginei.

"We're having to step back."

"Step back?"

Kurumu nodded at Hajihachi.

"My charm and kiss are concerns. So we're waiting until he becomes immune to them."

Tsukune sighed heavily, backing away from her to inadvertently bump against Mizore. He did not apologize for that.

"Can't we go back?"

"Back?"

Tsukune glanced aside nervously.

"You know… like it was before."

"Before what?"

"Before Yokai."

Kurumu cringed at his response. Everybody was confused.

"You knew Kurumu before coming to Yokai Academy?"

Yukari's tone was filled with disbelief. Tsukune backed up another step, this time causing Mizore to grab him about the waist to keep her balance. This time he did murmur an apology.

There was a clear path down the aisle between the two pairs of Yukari and Tora and Tsukune and Mizore. It might be best to run away, but that would be admitting she had done something wrong.

"You never said anything about knowing each other before Yokai Academy."

Kurumu smiled nervously.

"It wasn't anything serious."

"Yea. Like a dream."

Tsukune looked at her. But his gaze was filled with thoughts of something else.

"I would always forget by the morning. This girl. For about four years, she'd come two or three times a week. Always right before I went to sleep. We'd talk or play for like an hour."

"And you're just remembering this now?"

Tsukune managed a smile.

"Yea. It's kind of crazy. But when I first met Kurumu at school, she told me we were friends. I just now realized she was that mysterious girl whom would appear in my room without any explanation."

His eyes lit up.

"I always thought you weren't real because you had wings and a tail."

"This is crazy. You never said anything about this."

Kurumu was unsure if she should go all in or not.

"What was I supposed to say?"

"You could have told us that you two knew each other."

Kurumu shrugged, glancing aside.

"I told him. Though he clearly didn't remember."

Tsukune laughed sheepishly.

"Yea… um… you were a kid."

"So were you."

"You know… I wish you would have approached me differently."

He rubbed the back of his head, glancing away.

"I mean… now that I remember all those nights… I guess you had a crush on me."

Kurumu blushed slightly.

"You could say that."

"Why did you stop coming?"

She smiled, having thought this one out. The extra audience was unexpected, but nobody was calling foul yet. She glanced at Yukari, noting the witch still had a dubious expression.

"Well. My dream walking was messed up when I hit puberty. I thought about seeing you, but I wasn't sure if you'd like me anymore. You were kind of staying away from Kyoko and her friends in junior high, saying you wanted to hang out with boys more."

Tsukune sucked in a breath. She could tell he believed it immediately.

"Kurumu."

She shivered at Moka's voice.

"Did you really know Tsukune before he came to Yokai Academy?"

Kurumu felt like she could cry when she looked at Moka. Was it really that big of a deal if she lied to everyone right now?

"We were just kids, Moka. Now that I remember her that way… I'm so sorry."

He looked away when she turned on him.

"What for?"

"I'm sorry, Kurumu. This… the whole relationship thing… I don't think I can do it."

Kurumu felt her heart squeeze. She absently lifted a hand to her chest.

"That little girl… you were always happy. Talking excitedly. Joking. Don't you see it?"

"See what?"

"This doesn't make you happy. Forcing this relationship."

"No. No. No. I can be happy. It's this blaming my charm for your feelings that makes me miserable."

Tsukune took in a deep breath. His eyes actually met hers.

"When I look at you now… it's like I'm trying to date Kyoko or one of her friends. It doesn't feel natural."

She clutched her fist tightly.

"You liked Kobayashi. Don't pretend you didn't."

"I know we did some things that are impossible to take back. But… can't we start over? You know. Like we used to be. Friends?"

Kurumu felt completely at a loss.

"Tsukune. I can't be that little girl for you. She's been gone for years."

Tsukune sighed, looking down at the floor.

"You shouldn't have pushed to have sex with me."

Kurumu swallowed down a thickness in her throat. This was going horribly.

"But… I love you."

"I know. You're body responds to me and you didn't completely understand your charm."

He glanced up at her with an apologetic smile.

"But you have to understand. I've never had sex with Mizore, despite all of the opportunities I've had. The only reason why I crossed the line with someone I see like a sister is because of your charm."

As Kurumu felt like her heart was about to break, Mizore cocked her head with a look of disbelief.

"You see us like sisters?"

Yukari let out a heavy sigh.

"Well I'm doomed in that case."

The realization that her tampering with his head had demoted her into sister status destroyed her. What would even be the point of admitting it was all a lie now? With a heavy sob, she started to bawl. And once the tears started, she could not turn them off.

"Wait! Don't!"

Arms grabbed her by the shoulders and pulled her in. It was Tora. She pressed her face against Tora's shoulder and held her sides.

"I still care about her."

"Not now, Tsukune. That's not helpful."

"Yea, Mr. Aono. That's pretty much breaking up with her."

Another set of strong hands grabbed her.

"Come on. Let's go for a walk."

Tora tightened her grip on Kurumu.

"What are you doing?"

"Getting her out of here. It's either this or Tsukune scrams."

"Can't we talk this out?"

Kurumu pushed on Tora, leaning back against Ginei.

"Let me go."

Tora frowned at her, loosening her grip. She reached up to brush Kurumu's bangs.

"Okay."

With a sniffle, Kurumu allowed Ginei to lead her down the aisle.

"Hold up."

They kept going at a steady pace despite the witch's request.

"I said wait."

"What do you want, short stuff?"

Yukari huffed as they exited the classroom.

"I'm worried. This whole situation is crazy. Don't you find it strange that he suddenly has memories of Kurumu from his childhood?"

Ginei pulled Kurumu in close to his side as they shuffled down the hall.

"If you're about to level an accusation, I think you better hold off."

"Go back in there and tell him it's a lie. Whatever you did isn't worth this."

"Would it really change the outcome? That boy has his head so far up Moka's ass that he better fucking pray that works out."

"Don't you dare say that about my Moka."

"It's not Moka's fault. It's his."

Yukari grabbed Kurumu by the arm, walking quickly to keep up with them.

"Don't leave it like this, Kurumu. What's the point of breaking up with him if he doesn't get Moka?"

Ginei snorted as they angled off to the left towards the main foyer.

"That's not a reason to stick with a guy that doesn't want you."

Kurumu sobbed. It was over. It was really over. She felt sick.

"But Kurumu doesn't have much choice. Her body needs his to make a baby."

"So what? Harpies don't stick with the guys they mate with. If she wants a baby that badly, she can charm him and get one."

"That's not right."

"It's not wrong if that's all she does. What's wrong is making someone stay in a relationship they don't want to be in. Getting herself knocked up and disappearing wouldn't hurt him one bit."

"Are you okay, Kurumu? You're not dying, right?"

Kurumu felt like she could barely breathe. It took all her strength to hold Ginei.

"At least you can take one positive away from this. You won't have to argue with everyone about him being your boyfriend anymore."

It was a joke that she could not laugh at. Yukari gasped, likely amazed he could have such poor taste.

"What is she doing?"

That had her confused. She rubbed the tears in her eyes as she noted they were nearly at the railing with the break for the central stair. Beyond the open, vacant space below was the many rows of shoe cubbies. She saw nothing of interest.

Ginei's grip on her went lax. The sudden loss of support caused her to stumble.

"How did she get up there?"

Frowning, she noted he was looking at something. She followed his gaze up and paused. Sakamori was dressed in only a hospital gown and was clinging to the central support of the large chandelier. Her legs were wrapped about the thick cord with her bare butt exposed to anyone below.

"Why would she get up there?"

In that moment, Kurumu saw the image of Hidzume Haruka. That beautiful, happy girl had steadily become a lifeless husk, eventually hanging herself. Feeling her battered heart sink, Kurumu grabbed the railing as her mind centered on one thought. They had to get her down.

"Hinoko! Don't let go!"

The shojo turned her head. They were so far apart and Kurumu's vision was blurred with tears. She could see nothing with distinction. She could not say if the girl was smiling or crying. But she did see the drop. The moment this girl with her messy, strawberry curls, let go of the support and started to fall.

The balcony shuddered as bare feet slammed on it by her arm. Ginei launched out into the air. His outstretched hands snagged the nearest section of the chandelier, causing the massive display to swing. The girl's limp body collided with another part, causing her to twist and plummet.

Ginei slung himself from the chandelier. With a midair somersault, he corrected his trajectory to slam against Sakamori an instant before she hit the ground. He hit the floor hard on his back with the shojo wrapped up in his arms.

Yukari was hurrying down the stairs. This prompted Kurumu to put aside her grief over Tsukune to move. It was slow, uncertain steps, but by about the sixth or seventh, she descended the stairs with almost as much haste as the witch.

A couple teachers stepped out of the lounge, taking note of the swinging chandelier. The one in the mint green blouse and long brown skirt was Ms. Kuwabara. She had vibrant, carnation pink tresses which brushed against her shoulders. The other in the gray suit jacket over a white blouse with matching gray slacks was Ms. Nakamura. The teacher had her olive tresses pulled back and cinched in a ponytail.

Ginei's groaning and Sakamori's sobbing caught their attention. Both teachers quickly moved to the pair.

"What have you done, Mr. Morioka?"

The teachers got to the pair before Kurumu could reach the bottom of the stairs. Ms. Kuwabara knelt down, trying to grab Sakamori by the shoulders. The bawling girl clutched tighter to Ginei's jacket.

Ms. Kuwabara threw her partner a confused glance as Yukari finally arrived at the scene.

"What's going on?"

"She was on the chandelier. Ginei caught her when she fell down."

Ms. Nakamura glanced up at the chandelier which was slowly coming to a halt.

"How did she get up there?"

Yukari huffed as she knelt down on the other side of the couple.

"Does it matter? Ginei? Are you okay?"

Ginei winced as he chuckled.

"Nothing compared to prison."

Kurumu sniffled as she joined the scene. She wondered how long Sakamori had been up there. It was not like anybody leaving the building would think to look up at some silly girl hanging from the chandelier. Only the first years using the main stair might casually notice such a thing. And that assumed the first years had not taken a different flight of steps down.

"Kyuuri. Go to the gym office. This girl needs some clothes."

Ms. Nakamura nodded at the suggestion, promptly stalking off. Another pair of teachers stepped out of the lounge with looks of concern. This time it was the pixie haired Ms. Kurihara and the expressionless Mr. Miyanohara. Sakamori had nearly killed herself with all of these teachers nearby.

Feeling a surge of anger, Kurumu pushed Ms. Kuwabara aside as she knelt down.

"Go away!"

"Ms. Kurono!"

"None of you care about her. So go back to ignoring her."

Yukari regarded her in shock.

"It wasn't their fault."

But Kurumu was upset. She grabbed Sakamori.

"Come on, Hinoko. I'm here. I'm sorry."

Sakamori relaxed her grip on Ginei. She lifted her head off his chest, turning her eyes upon her. One green and one blue. Both were reddened from tears.

"I don't want to live."

"It's okay."

"They killed them. I watched them die."

"I'm so sorry."

"It should have been me."

"Don't say that."

"I'm useless."

"You're not."

"Last place. Worst exam scores in the school."

"Nobody cares about that."

"It hurts so much. I want to die."

Kurumu squeezed the girl tightly.

"No you don't. People love you."

"Nobody loves me."

"Your mother. Think of your mother."

"I can't. Not after this."

"You have to try."

"They took everything. Everything."

Kurumu's heart ached, knowing how cruel life could be. There was no reason for such a sweet, innocent girl like Sakamori to be ruined forever over this. What good would it do?

"Don't worry, Hinoko. I'll take it away."

In the midst of tears and sobs, Kurumu kissed her friend. Making Sakamori's pain and experience her own, she rewrote history.