My Regrets

by Ravenhale1

This is the fifth installment in the AU recreation of Rosario Vampire told through Kurumu's POV. This story covers the start of summer vacation (July 29th - August 15th, 2005) and includes a heavily modified version of first season's Chapter 39. Not strictly canon.

1. Mononoke Meetings

"You know what I find annoying about sequels?"

Kurono Kurumu shrugged at the inquiry from Taniguchi Nagisa. The toffee haired girl had her locks styled in her usual fashion of a short braid behind each ear while the rest of her tresses were held back in a ponytail. Nobody offered a response to the Undine's question. They were all dressed in school blouses and skirts, having started this walk to Mononoke shortly after lunch. Taniguchi had foregone the green jacket today, admitting she had packed both of hers last night with the rest of her things.

"Flashbacks. It's a waste of time. The audience doesn't need to be reminded about what some guy did in the past. We could watch the other movie if we need to."

"Yea, but this is Star Wars we are talking about. They're not going to bother doing that."

Antai Hotaru whom was walking beside Taniguchi had also foregone the jacket and had left the top three buttons of her blouse undone for no apparent reason. The sylph's beige locks were slashed in the front across her eyebrows in a traditional hime style while her long tresses in the back were twisted and folded in an updo held in place with a black tie.

"I hope not. It's bad enough that everybody knows how this one will end. Anakin is going to become Darth Vader and he's going to have twins with that Padme chick."

"Yea, but I still wouldn't mind seeing how that will happen."

"The journey is more demand than the liquor."

The conversation paused as everyone tried to decipher Fukai Ishiko's words. The gnome often used the wrong syllables in some of her statements. Her black hair was a tangled mess of short locks which could not be tamed by a brush. Goggles were fastened over her caramel eyes by a black elastic band wrapped about her tiny head.

"I don't mind quick flashbacks. Some sequels take years to come out."

Akegawa Hikari had a contemplative expression as she held Kokoa's hand. The salamander's cherry bangs were pushed back by a black hairband while the rest of her wavy hair spilled over her ears to touch her narrow shoulders. Her pistachio eyes were a softer hue than the school jacket.

"You guys can watch them all at my place when you come over for Kahlua's wedding."

Shuzen Kokoa wore the sweater vest over her blouse as Kurumu had suggested when the vampire had started classes at Yokai. The vampire with the reddish, bushy pigtails and emerald eyes stood about the same height as Fukai, which meant both were shorter than Kurumu. Kokoa had drank the blood of all four of these girls in the hopes of increasing her power enough to challenge Kahlua this summer break before Kahlua's wedding on the twelfth of August.

"Not every reader has a perfect memory so I can tolerate some repetition, especially if it's about obscure characters whom are irrelevant to the overall plot."

Sendou Yukari was the shortest of their group, though being eleven made this understandable. The witch had short, black hair with fine strands perfectly trimmed across her brow. Her locks on the sides which often covered her ears had been cut in line with her jaw. It was still different to see the witch in the standard school uniform without her hat and cape. Her hat had been incinerated and the brooch to her cape had been smashed during the fight to rescue Rubi from her insane master.

"Are there books for Star Wars?"

Akashiya Moka was the tallest of their group. The vampire with turquoise eyes and long, pink tresses walked casually alongside Yukari with her school jacket parted, revealing the swell of a bosom which only Kurumu could rival.

"Probably. Though they're going to be in English."

"Sucks that we can't watch it together today."

"Wouldn't you prefer watching it with your family?"

"Hateshinai doesn't have a theater. The nearest human village is Oguni which doesn't have shit."

Kurumu grinned at Antai whom had placed her hands behind her head.

"Yukari lives near Oguni."

"I am considering taking the Hateshinai bus."

"Really?"

"I see no reason for me to take the last bus out of Yokai. If the bus driver is agreeable to the idea and there is a seat available on the bus for us, I would prefer being home a day earlier."

There were two bus routes departing Yokai on Sunday for the out of prefecture students. The morning route covered five regions while the afternoon route handled the rest. Moka and Kokoa would be on the morning bus while Tsukune and Yukari were on the afternoon.

"Don't you have to notify your parents?"

"I have a small device which allows me to communicate with my mother whenever I want to."

"Like a cellphone?"

"No. More like a walkie talkie. It only reacts with the corresponding device in my mother's possession."

"I wonder if I should get a cellphone."

Kurumu grinned at Kokoa's offhand remark.

"I'm sure your mother can afford it."

"It's not so much about affording it as it is about using it. I know Ikinakawa doesn't have human services like internet or electricity. You kind of need to be living in the human world to use their stuff."

"Tochimoeru is the same way. I remember going to junior high and being surprised by all the human stuff. I didn't even know what a television was until I was ten since nobody owned one."

"Don't your elders know that you don't need cable for a television to work?"

Akegawa blushed at Antai's comment.

"We don't have electricity."

"Why not? It's super convenient"

"Not all villages are built with electricity in mind, Ms. Antai. Ikinakawa doesn't have electricity."

"Sweet merciful Buddha! And here I thought Hateshinai was hopelessly country. Do I dare ask if you have a toilet in your homes?"

"What's a toilet?"

Taniguchi grinned at Antai's perplexed reaction while Akegawa shook her head vehemently.

"Does Hateshinai have indoor plumbing?"

"Of course it does. We have a mountain spring which our community depends on."

"Isn't that a limited water source?"

"I don't know how everything works. It just does."

"It probably works no different than our estate. We have indoor plumbing."

Kurumu smiled at Kokoa, thankful for that revelation.

"So how does that work?"

"As if I would bother knowing that."

"I suspect it would be some sort of recirculating system in which the waste water is purified. There are some spirits capable of doing this such as Undines."

"So you must have a toilet!"

Taniguchi pressed a palm to her cheek as her creamy eyes sparkled with innocence.

"I truly have no clue what you are talking about Ms. Antai."

Kurumu chuckled as she noticed the forest was thinning out. She could see the five story hospital at the end of this bike trail which connected Mononoke to Yokai. Glancing at her watch which was secured about her wrist by a white leather band, she confirmed it was six after noon.

"I hope my new home has indoor plumbing. I've never lived anywhere that didn't have that."

"It's not like that matters. You won't be spending that much time there."

"I guess that's true. So when are we expected to show up for Kahlua's wedding?"

"I can't say when Mother will call for you. It might be a day or two before the wedding."

"I wish I could stay with you the whole summer."

"I don't know if Mother would allow that. I should have asked."

"Do you think the speakers' offices are open? Maybe we could send her a message."

Taniguchi laughed as they finally broke free of the forest. The hospital loomed on the left with a bike rack flanking the right side of the path across from it. There was a paved path which stretched off to the right towards a parking lot which was hidden behind a row of trees.

"You know your brother won't allow that, Ms. Akegawa."

"If I had no indoor plumbing or electricity, I would not want to go home either."

Kurumu chuckled at Antai's sentiment, fully agreeing. Smiling, she glanced at Fukai whom was trailing slightly behind her in Kokoa's shadow.

"What's your home like in Chirasu?"

"I have a cellphone."

"You do?"

"And internet. We are as Sendai as humans."

"I thought the humans can find you if you use their stuff."

"Not necessarily. I know Mother operates in the human world all the time."

"Well… I would like a cellphone."

Kurumu smiled at Antai as they walked by the hospital.

"I heard service up in the mountains can be really bad."

"I don't plan to live my whole life up in the mountains."

"Don't you have a bunch of young friends in Hateshinai?"

"I doubt they plan to spend their whole lives up there either."

"Some dummies need to spend their time on their studies or they will have no choice but to live their whole lives up in the mountains."

Kurumu winced at Kokoa's remark, despite the comment being aimed at Antai. The final scores for the exams had been posted yesterday morning for the top hundred students for every grade level. They had also posted the bottom thirty for each year on a separate board. Both Kurumu and Antai had avoided either board, which was good but also bad. Both of them had to retake their English exams this morning in one of the vacant rooms across the hall from the disciplinary room.

Despite bombing her English exam again, Kurumu had scored a 392 out of 500, which was almost the eighty percentile required to join the PSC. Yukari had reminded her that her midterm score had been 381 so this was a minor improvement. Antai had scored a 380.

"Hey, I'm not the only that fell short of your expectations. Hikari didn't get in your ninety percentile."

Kokoa huffed, letting go of Akegawa's hand to drape her arm around the salamander's shoulder.

"She fell short but you didn't even come close. I can forgive being eight points shy. How am I supposed to respond to someone whom falls seventy points below expectations?"

Antai shrugged as they started walking by the first nondescript buildings of Mononoke. She reached over to place her hand on Kokoa's.

"You could privately tutor me."

"As if I could trust you to behave yourself."

"I have behaved."

"You should be thankful that I'm buying you a dress for the wedding. You're the only one here that could not place in the top hundred."

"Kurono didn't place in the top hundred."

"Kurumu needed thirty points to break the top hundred. That would be about the same score as Ms. Hazumi, whom I don't regard as particularly bright."

Kurumu smiled at Yukari's mention of the gyokuto girl whom shared their homeroom and Kurumu's home economics class. She had not seen the track girl at school today since attendance was not required for those whom had passed all their exams. Many students still came to school to socialize and eat lunch, since the Kurai dining hall was not serving lunch today.

After her retake, Kurumu had to wait an hour for the results to confirm she would not have to return a week early for summer classes. Shortly after that, Kokoa had arrived to collect Kurumu for the lunch outing they had decided upon last night. Kurumu hoped it would be a pleasant surprise.

As they approached the first intersection, Antai wagged her finger.

"Can we stop at the studio? I need to pick up my things since Hikari didn't get them for me."

"I thought your cousin would do that for you."

Antai sighed dramatically.

"And I'm sure Konomi thought you would do it for me since we live by each other."

Kurumu smiled as they walked across the first intersection of Mononoke. Off to the left a short ways down was the gated residential complex where Ms. Sasayaki had once lived. To the right was a bunch of specialty shops which Kurumu had never had a reason to visit.

"Will you be able to get your stuff?"

"Yea. Ms. Rin lives there."

"That doesn't mean she's there."

"I doubt Ms. Rin came to school today. She was drinking heavily at the party last night."

"Rub it in my face, Hikari. I really wanted to go."

"Maybe if you did not fail your English exam, you could have gone."

Antai pouted at Kokoa but held back any response. Kurumu smiled, having no room to comment. She had spent last night with Kokoa and Yukari studying for her retake with Antai.

"There was only forty students in the ninety percentile. Maybe you expect too much from her."

Kokoa smiled, rubbing Akegawa's shoulder as they continued down the street.

"Don't worry. I know you can do it, Hikari. Look at how much Ishiko has improved."

Fukai had scored exactly 450 and was ranked fortieth. It was incomprehensible how this girl had bombed her assessments so horribly that she had ranked below Kurumu at the start.

"Ms. Fukai is an anomaly. There are better people to suggest as examples for Ms. Akegawa to look up to. Ms. Taniguchi has notably improved."

"Thank you, Ms. Sendou, but I think Ms. Akegawa has done well on her own."

"I know she has improved. I was suggesting you since you ranked higher."

"I'm still surprised that Ms. Shuzen outperformed her sister. I did not expect that."

Kokoa huffed as she glanced back at Moka.

"Of course I bested her. Mother ensured that I would have a superior education."

"I hardly consider it a superior education if you can't manage a perfect score like myself."

"I intentionally missed a few so as not to crush the aspirations of my fellow students."

Kurumu doubted that was true but had no desire to get involved in that petty squabble. Kokoa had taken third overall while Moka and Tora had reprised their ninth and tenth places. The only top ten student whom had fallen out had been Zenpyou Manako from Moka's homeroom, taking twelfth.

"I worked hard and I couldn't break the top twenty five. Those girls from Umishiro though are quite intelligent. I tied with Ms. Izumi from class five and Ms. Masataka got seventeenth."

"Ms. Masataka had the same score as Mr. Ichida. It would be fair to say she shared sixteenth instead of showing favoritism to someone simply because their name comes first in the alphabet."

Kurumu smiled as they arrived at the next intersection. Off to the left was the small cul-de-sac which had the manga club studio. The street to the right went a couple blocks before ending at the Change of Seasons shop where they had bought swimsuits.

"Yukari could tell you the score, homeroom and rank of every student in the top hundred. She has them all memorized, including those unlucky enough to end up on the board of shame."

"Is that correct, Ms. Sendou?"

"It is, Ms. Taniguchi. I know fourth, fifth and sixth all had the same score of four hundred eighty. That would be Mr. Heniki from class eight, Ms. Nemoto from class seven and Mr. Yokoana from class six."

"I'm going to randomly pick a number and see if she knows whom it is."

"Why test her if you don't know the answer yourself?"

Antai frowned at Taniguchi's remark.

"But why would she lie?"

"That's… not the point."

Kurumu chuckled, shaking her head.

"What do you guys know about that Musousaki kid whom ranked second?"

"He's in our computer class at station one with Mr. Heniki and Ms. Yumihara. Don't you remember that Mr. Heniki admitted the two of them joined that travel club Ayame and Chiharu are in?"

Kurumu vaguely recalled that conversation, though Musousaki had not been the focus of it.

"Yukari mentioned that he was from class ten but he wasn't nominated."

"The only person I know from class ten is Hitsuji."

"I can't say much about him either. I barely talk with my lab partners in that class."

Kurumu doubted Fukai had anything useful to add. She sighed as they reached the next intersection. To the left was another cul-de-sac with one of these buildings being the gymnastics studio.

"I feel like I should know this guy. Like I've heard his name before from one of the guys I interviewed."

"Might he be a friend of Mr. Ichida?"

Kurumu shook her head as they crossed the street.

"No. He has three friends and I know Uchiyama and Noboru. The last is in class one so it can't be him."

"Perhaps a friend of Mr. Senyou or Mr. Burumoto?"

Kurumu paused a step. It could have been Senyou since he had been chatty about all his acquaintances in the dorm which included the popular Hitomure from the baseball team.

"I guess it could have been Ushio, but he came to Yokai to be with that popular senior, Tsutsushi, on the soccer team whom is also from Hokkaido. I mean… if Musousaki isn't from Niigata, it would make sense why nobody knows about him. I can ask Matsudera if she knows him, since she's from Senyou's village."

Moka smiled apologetically as they crossed the street.

"I can't think of any other guys you frequently speak with other than Tsukune."

"Do you know if he met with Mr. Daijou last night to do the cycling club article? I checked in class three after my exam but he wasn't there. Tora said he didn't come to school today."

"Did Kamitsuku have anything to say?"

"Whom is Mr. Kamitsuku?"

"Yamabato Kamitsuku. He's from Umishiro and part of the film club we often work with. He lives on Tsukune's floor and is in class three."

Antai stepped up the small flight of stairs onto a porch which preceded a two story building. She pressed a black square mounted next to the door as the rest of them gathered about. Porch space was limited so Fukai, Moka and Yukari did not bother ascending.

Kurumu would not have expected this brick structure to be the studio. It had black bars over the arched windows, giving it an intimidating aura. The front face had a concrete parapet at the top with a pair of gargoyle statues at each corner looking out protectively.

"I wonder if gargoyles are a real monster race."

"I don't think they are native to Japan if they do exist."

"I just wondered since I've seen a few statues like that around Mononoke."

"They are foreign guardian spirits. I think they are classified as gremlins in Japan since their masters can order them to do anything, which often includes mischief and sabotage."

"Is that the other you talking?"

Moka smiled, glancing aside.

"I know this is unrelated, but I spoke with Mr. Umizake after our English exam about Ms. Shirayuki. He says that the two of them will be spending the summer together."

Kurumu grinned at Taniguchi whom shared homeroom with Mizore's fiancé and Kokoa. Umizake Aoi had ranked seventh in the term exams and also lived on Tsukune's floor. The young man from Hokkaido had agreed to claim Mizore was staying with him over the summer, regardless of whether or not Mizore did.

"Tsukune told me about this. Did you know Unsei from class seven also lives on their floor?"

"Why would I care about that?"

"I was just thinking of our top ten is all."

Kurumu shrugged, the thought only crossing her mind since Unsei was ranked eighth. If the popularity contest had done anything for Kurumu, it had made her aware of whom the top ranked students were. Yokokara, whom was the rep for Taniguchi's class and lived on Tsukune's floor, had ranked twenty first.

"How did your boyfriend do on the exams?"

"He was in the top hundred next to Ms. Shirayuki."

"They had sixty fifth and sixty sixth with sixty seventh going to Mr. Kumoyuki from class nine."

Kokoa grimaced at Yukari's declaration.

"As much as I'd like to join the tennis club to be with Nagisa, I don't know if I could tolerate that jerk."

"The boys and girls operate independently. I'm cool with you joining if you want to."

"I don't have to make a decision right away."

"But they want you to be registered with a club for the second term."

"You could join the newspaper club."

Kokoa snorted at her sister's offer.

"Why would I join your boring club? All you do is write articles about boring school stuff."

Kurumu chuckled along with Antai and Taniguchi. The sylph shook her head as she pushed the button again which caused a distant buzz to be sounded inside the building.

"You could join our gymnastics club."

"But you don't compete in anything."

"You could be with Hikari and me more."

"I could also join Ishiko's silly kimono club. But I'd rather be in a club where I can prove I'm the best."

"Not everything is a competition, Kokoa."

"Of course it is. If it wasn't, they would not post our academic scores in public."

"They post the bottom thirty which I guarantee is not a competition."

"It was thirty one this time since Mr. Seigake from class eight and Mr. Fuyukake from class ten tied with three hundred fifty eight points."

Kurumu smiled softly, deciding not to mention her friend Sakamori Hinoko whom had ranked last with an abysmal score of three hundred. She had not seen the curly haired shojo from class four all week since they had not had home economics since last Friday.

"Now that I realize Ms. Sendou is a worthy opponent, I will not hold back."

"I suppose you could tie with perfection."

"Speaking of ties, we had a three way tie from our study group."

"You mean those girls whom you and Ms. Nazohashi studied with?"

"Mhm. Since they all live on the second floor, it was convenient to study together. Ms. Nomura, Suzume and Kiki all had a score of four twenty two."

"Ms. Matsudera and Ms. Yumihara, both from class eight, also had that score. They all barely made the cutoff for the top hundred."

"I wonder how the others from Uchikawa's group did."

"Ms. Uchikawa placed fifteenth, one point ahead of Mr. Ichida. Ms. Bikiyama placed seventy third with four hundred thirty points, tying with Ms. Hitsuji from class ten and Ms. Kagami from class four."

"She really does know everybody's rank and score."

"Only the ones which were posted. I know she can't tell me how Nerume, Kamitsuku or Hatoko scored."

"True, though I know Ms. Unari had four hundred seventeen points."

Satsuki had bragged over her success since she needed to maintain a score over four hundred to remain in the PSC. Obviously Tora and Umizake had achieved this and so had the other new PSC girl, Meirowasa Tokori. Her monstrel friend from home ec had been on the top hundred board with a score of 423.

"This Hatoko is the one having the birthday tonight, right?"

Kurumu nodded at Antai.

"Kind of wish I could go. I don't get to hang out that much with anyone these days. These gymnastics girls don't ever make any plans."

"We sometimes do things on Saturdays but it's way too late to do anything on the weekdays. We would miss dinner if we stayed in Mononoke after practice."

"Considering I was in remedial classes until midterms, I didn't have many Saturdays with you guys."

"That's your fault for being stupid."

"At least I'm not in the bottom thirty."

Kurumu chuckled, shaking her head. She had never considered herself smart and knew quite a few of those students in the bottom rung. Some had even placed as finalists in the recent popularity contest. Kagayama Kuki and Kyuushutsu Tokei were both second years whom had been in the top ten. Kochimaru Usagi was a first year from class twelve whom had been in the top fifteen.

"Kochimaru is a lovely girl despite her grades."

"I didn't mean it like that."

The sound of a deadbolt drawing back alerted them a second before the heavy, black door was drawn back. It was dark in the room beyond, making it difficult to see whom had opened the door.

"Hotaru!"

A short, buxom woman hopped out of the darkness into Antai, causing the sylph to stagger back. Dressed in a silky, white chemise, the familiar teacher nuzzled up against Antai with her arms wrapped around Antai's shoulders.

"Naughty girl. You should have come last night."

It had been a long time since Kurumu had seen Ms. Rin up close. Her last glimpse of the science teacher had been at the popularity contest with the amorous woman hanging all over Ms. Yoshino, the advisor for the PSC. The pompous, foxy teacher always talked with Ginei during their paper releases since she was his homeroom teacher.

"I had to study for my English retake."

Ms. Rin settled back on her heels, crossing her wrists behind Antai's neck. The pink eyed teacher was shorter than the sylph and her long, dark chocolate tresses fell down her back well below the hem of the chemise. Like most gyokuto women, Ms. Rin was well endowed.

"So did Usagi but she didn't stand me up."

"I'm here to get my stuff."

Ms. Rin pouted, cocking her head.

"I suppose. Would all you pretty ladies like to come inside?"

"I think we're fine, Ms. Rin. Though you might want to stay inside."

Kurumu smiled as the blushing Akegawa pointedly avoided looking upon the teacher. The chemise was too thin and too short, betraying dark aureoles and a carefully trimmed patch below her navel. Kurumu absently glanced back to the main street, confirming there were no witnesses to this. Given the time of the day, most residents would be at one of the restaurants or at home.

"My Hikari is here too!"

Ms. Rin released Antai to snatch up Akegawa in a snuggling embrace. Antai chuckled, shaking her head as Akegawa whimpered under the woman's affections. The sylph slipped inside with a slight wave.

"I'll be quick."

"Please, Ms. Rin. This is inappropriate."

Ms. Rin sighed, drawing back. She fussed a moment with Akegawa's curls.

"It will be so lonely all summer without you girls around."

"Don't you have Ms. Yoshino?"

Ms. Rin stuck her tongue out at Kurumu, favoring her with a raspberry.

"Ms. Rin. Please."

"Inari goes home for the summer and I'm not allowed to be with her."

"But I thought she got you into Mimori High."

Ms. Rin cocked her head as she released Akegawa.

"Curious that you know that. Hmm. I was allowed to accompany her. But the elders of Aranoiji have only so much patience. I'm afraid they no longer wish to tolerate me."

"So why doesn't she stay here with you?"

Ms. Rin smiled softly.

"Nobody wants to give up on their family, Ms. Kurono. But enough of that talk. I hear rumors from many of the girls that you intend to write an article for our club next term."

Kurumu nodded with a wide grin.

"Yea, though I still haven't finished writing the articles for the last two clubs I did. It might be a week or two after we return before I schedule something with you."

"I do hope you bring Mr. Aono with you. He was positively delicious."

Kurumu frowned as the woman blatantly fondled her left breast while rubbing her abdomen.

"Um… there's no reason for me to bring him. I might let Ginei do the pictures but I hear he doesn't get along with Mr. Roniushi from your club."

Ms. Rin smiled, placing her other hand on her abdomen.

"I wouldn't say they don't get along. Mr. Morioka makes her uncomfortable. Chiku wants to be cute and affectionate and uses her cousin, Mr. Korogaru, as a safe outlet for those emotions. It also doesn't help that Mr. Morioka only seems to come around during the times when Chiku is most vulnerable."

"Why would he do that?"

"Because Mr. Morioka enjoys causing trouble. Last year he crashed our study session before the second term exams. He had Ms. Hajihachi with him and he was experimenting."

"Experimenting?"

"Apparently the poor girl had confessed to him while in her heat cycle so he sought out Chiku to see if he could get her to do the same thing. I had to throw the idiot out before he broke her."

Kurumu grimaced. As much as she wanted to believe Ginei was better than that… she sighed.

"I do have other friends whom can take the pictures for your club. Kamitsuku agreed he would do it."

"That would be preferable."

"I'm back!"

Antai skipped out of the building, holding a plastic bag of clothes in her left hand. She gave it a shake as she looked at Ms. Rin before presenting it to Kokoa.

"This is my training gear. I haven't washed it in a couple weeks so you can enjoy my aroma."

"Keep that away from me!"

Kokoa made a face, holding her hands up defensively as she retreated down the stairs. Antai giggled, tossing the bag to Fukai whom reflexively caught it without protest. The gnome tucked the bag against her chest and started walking down the street, prompting Kokoa to follow.

"We will be going now, Ms. Rin. I hope you enjoy your summer."

Ms. Rin smiled reaching over to tousle Akegawa's locks.

"I'll survive. Have a lovely afternoon."

The teacher slipped back into the darkness, closing the door and turning the deadbolt. Shaking her head, Kurumu followed on the heels of Antai with Taniguchi and Akegawa behind her.

"Do you think she was alone?"

"We've never seen Ms. Yoshino at the studio despite the rumors about them. Ms. Netsukaze told me that Ms. Yoshino has her own apartment."

"Lovers and wives are different things. A lover doesn't have to live with you."

"I would prefer them to be the same thing."

"I promise to do my best as your lover and wife."

Antai snickered as Yukari snuggled up against Moka's arm. Kokoa had an unmistakable look of disgust while Akegawa blushed.

"These sudden mood swings by Ms. Sendou are surprising."

"She's only like that with Moka."

"I hope Mother does something about this. There is no excuse for this relationship."

"It's called love, Ms. Shuzen."

"Looks more like pedophilia to me."

"That is a simplification of our relationship into a crude physical exchange of bodily fluids. Our bond transcends our corporeal forms, connecting on a spiritual level."

"Use all the pretty words you like but I know what I saw. Two naked girls panting heavily."

Kurumu giggled, unable to deny the hilarity of that day. They were approaching the first intersection and were intent on continuing through as they were headed to Mix it Up for lunch. She hoped to say a few things to Tokori before leaving, since she had not spoken to the girl since last Friday.

"While I can't condone the relationship due to Ms. Sendou's age, I don't find a sexual relationship between women to be entirely wrong."

"I definitely wouldn't protest a sexual relationship with Kokoa."

Kokoa grimaced at Antai, shaking her head.

"Another comment like that and I'm sending you home."

"Ms. Sendou said last night that it was common among vampires-"

"I don't care, Hotaru. Special doesn't mean sexual, okay? It doesn't have to be like that."

"Kokoa."

Akegawa grabbed Antai's sleeve and shook her head.

"Don't."

The look in Antai's tiger orange eyes was brimming with emotion.

"Yea. Sure. Whatever."

The sylph rubbed her eyes before placing her hands behind her head.

"I don't really care."

There was a moment of heavy silence as they crossed the intersection. Kurumu hated this atmosphere, wanting to change it before they arrived at their destination.

"Are you going to join us for Hatoko's birthday party, Yukari?"

"I've already declined that offer twice now."

"Yes, but you came to Mononoke. It's not like you planned to do that."

"Of course I planned this. If I had no intentions of coming here, I would have made lunch for us as I did the other days of this week."

Kurumu supposed that could be true. Yukari had spent last night sleeping with Moka much to Kokoa's displeasure. The witch had not offered to help Kurumu prepare breakfast this morning, claiming it would be rude to cook as a guest though she had shown no such reservations against using Kurumu's kitchen.

"For how much you've avoided Rubi this week, I'm surprised you want to run back to the suites."

"I don't want to. I have to. I can't leave the packing up to her."

"You can trust Rubi."

"She would pack everything, Moka. I don't need to take everything back home."

"But that's not going to take all day, Yukari. You could pack tomorrow. I haven't bothered packing yet."

Yukari regarded her dubiously.

"I don't want to take that kind of advice from you. Besides. I don't know Ms. Hanetsume. A birthday should be spent among close friends and I fail to see how I meet this criteria."

"But you've met all these girls. You hosted a study session for them in your suite. You spoke highly of Michiko for being a top student."

"Ms. Dangai is impressive. She broke the top fifty this time with a score of four hundred forty six."

"She outscored me again."

Antai chuckled at Akegawa's disappointed remark.

"I didn't realize either of you were that smart until Kokoa started fussing over my grades."

"I've never heard of the love of a person. The sky will not give it to me."

"What the fuck?"

Kurumu shrugged, having no clue what Fukai had meant to say there.

"You know… I never asked how Kana or her friends did."

"Kana broke four hundred. I didn't ask how her friends did."

"I wonder if I'll see her before I leave tomorrow."

"Maybe we could stop by the dorms after Hatoko's party?"

They turned right at the next intersection and walked by Butcher's Row which sold all sorts of meats. Across the street was Baker's Dozen which sold pastries, pies and sweet rolls. After the next booth filled with fresh legumes was the Mix it Up Diner where Tokori worked most weekends.

The Mononoke market was about three blocks of vendors whom sold fresh cooking stock. Across the street were the booths for Fruit Valley and Rise and Shine. Beyond that was Market Cuts which mostly did poultry. Then there was that Ocean Harvest Ms. Nekonome often boasted about. There was also the Score which was that bar Ginei had goaded Tsukune into going inside. Considering most students could not drink, they had not even gotten a sponsor from that place.

Moka hesitated at the veranda preceding the small café nestled between the Fresh from the Coast and Green Thumb vendors. A yellow sign declaring the diner's name hung from the open trellis.

"Do you think Ms. Meirowasa will be working here today?"

"You're the one that told me Tora said she'd be here today."

None of these girls were from class five to verify if Tokori had shown up for school today. Fukai was from Moka's homeroom while Antai and Akegawa were from class eight.

"There's no point dallying in the street."

Taniguchi crossed the small veranda to tug open the glass door. A bell sounded their presence as the Undine gestured for them to head in before her. Moka smiled apologetically, walking in first with Yukari glued to her side. Kokoa followed in next with Fukai a half step behind her.

The place was packed. Nearly every cherry varnished table had someone seated in the matching chair. Even the booths at the far side of the dining area were occupied with families. Kurumu had not seen this many Mononoke residents in the same location ever. In her few experiences with the town, there was hardly anyone around.

These people were not kids from the school. At least a quarter of the students would be departing Yokai today, which included Taniguchi. Her bus for Ikinakawa would leave at six fifteen. Any students whom might come to Mononoke for lunch would probably be at the Raw Deal, Pizza Express, Dip and Sip, Stickers, Bottomless Bowls or Fried Delights. All of those places had faster services.

Kurumu gestured at a familiar brunette in a pastel blue shirt and black A-line skirt. The sleeveless blouse had a white peter pan collar which was the standard look for the waitresses of this establishment. The middle aged woman favored her with an annoyed expression before forcing a smile and coming over.

"Yes, Ma'am?"

"I wanted to know if Meirowasa was here today."

"She's in the back doing dishes. If you're here to socialize, I would suggest coming back in an hour or two. We're far too busy for schoolgirl nonsense."

"I am here to eat with my friends."

The woman regarded Kokoa for a moment. She glanced over the dining area.

"If you can find a seat for your group, you are more than welcome to sit down."

"Can Tokori serve us?"

The woman sighed.

"I can ask Mr. Setsuyaku. Now if you'll excuse me."

The woman darted off with her notepad in hand to one of the tables. There was another waitress taking orders near the booths. This younger woman wearing a pastel yellow blouse had her black hair balled up and pinned in a bun at the nape of her neck.

"I'll see if I can find two tables for us."

Antai wandered off into the seating area.

"I doubt she will find two next to each other. I will sit with Ms. Kurono and your sister."

Kokoa shook her head at Taniguchi's offer.

"No. Of all the girls to suggest that, you are the one I'm least likely to entertain. I have less time with you than any of the others."

"We're in the same homeroom."

"You haven't ate lunch with me once this week. Nor have you spent the night. All the others have."

Taniguchi smiled softly.

"I don't want you to exclude Ms. Antai."

Kokoa frowned, reaching over to grab up Akegawa.

"And I don't want to give you or Hikari up. I'm taking her blood tonight so I want her by me all night."

Akegawa blushed, closing her eyes and returning the awkward embrace.

"I'm fine with that. You should have seen Kokoa this morning. She was almost as lethargic as her sister."

Which was nothing like last night. While Fukai had passed out after having her blood taken, Kokoa had been pumped up and excited. She had shaken up the drowsy Moka, demanding to spar so she could show off her new powers. Akegawa had done her best to calm the younger vampire down while Yukari kept Kurumu and Antai focused on their studies.

Kurumu smiled at the memory of the bath she had given Kokoa this morning. If she could call that a bath. It was more like hosing down something you did not want to put in a bath, since vampires had a painful reaction to water. Kokoa had not taken enough blood from Taniguchi to permanently remove this vampire weakness.

"I'm sure Akegawa and Antai will be allowed to visit you this summer. Maybe it's best if you don't force yourself to take their blood before they leave."

"I will not be denied my Hikari tonight. As for Hotaru… we shall see how well I am tomorrow afternoon."

"This is unwise, Kokoa. You took too much from Ms. Fukai last night."

"I'm recovered enough for Hikari. You should save your concerns for yourself, sister. If Mother allows me to challenge you, I won't hesitate."

"We should move away from the door."

Kurumu nodded at Taniguchi's sentiment, though it did not seem like more customers would show up. With the stop at the studio and the slow walk about town it was already a quarter to one.

"Over here! It's just one though."

Antai waved at them. Taniguchi turned an inquisitive smile upon Kokoa.

"What do you want to do, Kokoa?"

Kokoa grimaced, glancing at Fukai whom was holding Antai's bag tightly against her chest.

"Ishiko?"

"I can stay here."

"Eat with Ms. Antai. You don't have to punish her over grades like Mother would."

Kokoa hesitated for a moment before tugging Akegawa to walk with her. Kurumu grinned at Antai's confused look when the pair approached without Fukai. Realizing the situation, the sylph offered a thankful wave which was lost on the gnome whom was looking out the door.

"Why do they have windows?"

"Huh?"

"Windows. There's no view here."

Kurumu chuckled at Fukai's assessment. That was true. The front windows overlooked a market and the side windows revealed the alley between the café and the adjacent building. With the veranda in the front, it was not like there was any direct sunlight to brighten up the place.

"That was nice of you to let Ms. Antai eat with Kokoa."

"It was?"

Moka smiled at Fukai, nodding.

"I was thinking I would petition for our class manager next term. A lot of nice people from the contest felt that I should get more involved. I spoke with Ms. Honemoto and she wants to step down. She only took the class rep position because she was nominated and nobody else spoke up."

"Interesting. I would have assumed a top twenty student would want that position."

"You're the top student and didn't try for a rep position."

"Why would I bother doing that when I knew a witch would never be voted in? I elected not to pursue my ambitions in the face of reality. Now that I know better, I will ask if Mr. Ichida will support me."

"So you're going to run for our class manager?"

"I most certainly shall. So whom do you have picked out for your vice manager? Ms. Honemoto?"

Moka smiled at Yukari, shaking her head.

"She doesn't want to be involved at all. I asked Kiki but she declined, saying she would prefer a smaller role like a secretary if I need one. Would you be interested, Ms. Fukai?"

"I hate politics."

"Maybe you could ask Ms. Zenpyou. She already helps Ms. Honemoto."

Though Kurumu knew Zenpyou was not that invested in those efforts. Taniguchi had remarked about the girl having slept through one of their meetings.

"If you're curious, Kurumu, I have no intentions of requesting your help as my vice manager. I suppose I could tolerate you as a secretary, but I believe someone whom is more responsible with their academics would be more suited as my vice manager."

"Don't worry, brat. The thought of being involved with the student council makes my stomach turn."

"I noticed that most of our class representatives placed in the top thirty. I'm sure if Tsukune studied more with me, he could be a top student."

"He scored better than Mr. Wanibuchi from our homeroom. When I take over as class manager I hope that Mr. Ichida will agree to become my vice manager and allow me to dismiss Mr. Wanibuchi. I have no desire to work with that fool."

Kurumu smiled, aware of how some of the class reps had done since she was sort of friends with Uchikawa and Ichida. She had also made a point to know that Noboru from class five had ranked fourteenth and Sawayaka from class six had ranked thirteenth. She had high hopes for Michiko possibly dating Noboru, though she had yet to meet him. And Tokori lived with Sawayaka now.

"I can't say I recall whom the class reps were from class ten, let alone how well they did on their exams. I know Ms. Akebara is from class twelve and she shares her role with some guy that nobody likes."

"That would be Mr. Yamashita whom ranked nineteenth. I don't know enough about him to contradict your impression. Ms. Akebara ranked twenty ninth."

"I think I heard a rumor that the two from class ten were some sort of unofficial couple."

"I can't confirm that, but the two class reps from class ten were nominated for the popularity contest. Ms. Ishikure took eleventh while Mr. Ganjou took twenty sixth."

Kurumu nodded, remembering the guy was part of the computer club and had noticed a discrepancy in the votes for his homeroom which had elevated Kochimaru into a finalist position which should have gone to Nemoto from class seven. She had convinced Tora not to comment about that in her next article which would expose how the senior votes had been skewed to include Chouda in the contest.

"So… Ms. Fukai. Do you have any summer plans?"

"I would spend all summer with her if killed."

Kurumu grimaced at the mistake, certain the girl had meant allowed. Nobody responded right away. It was something everyone quickly learned when dealing with Fukai.

"What's Chirasu like?"

"It's similar to Mononoke."

"So it's a small town."

"Not small. Compact."

"Is there a difference?"

"Compact means small footprint. Chirasu is home to five thousand, most being gnome families."

"There's no way Mononoke is that big."

"I would guess four thousand."

"That seems reasonable."

Kurumu shook her head vehemently.

"That would make it about the same size as Kengamine, which I know it isn't. Tokori said there was only about a hundred households in Mononoke."

"That's preposterous. There's no way a hundred households could sustain this amount of businesses."

"Huh?"

"A hundred households wouldn't even break five hundred residents. You can't seriously believe the town has a smaller population than the school has students."

Kurumu frowned at Yukari's casual dismissal of her evidence.

"But that's what I was told."

"You clearly heard wrong."

"It is possible that Ms. Meirowasa doesn't have an accurate count of the households in Mononoke."

"You seriously think there's four thousand people in Mononoke? The town often feels deserted."

Moka paused, tapping a finger against her cheek.

"I would guess it can't be less than two thousand."

"But that makes no sense. Wouldn't there be more local students if they have a population that high? Tokori said that there was less than ten local first years enrolled at Yokai."

"Do I want to know what this is about?"

Kurumu turned about and smiled at Meirowasa Tokori. The girl with shoulder length hair which was peppered black and white wore a gray blouse in the same style as the other waitresses. She had her arms crossed below her modest bosom and her head cocked.

"I was trying to figure out the population of Mononoke?"

"It's small enough that one arrogant Kitsune can terrorize everyone into submission."

Kurumu took in a deep breath, exhaling with a grin.

"How have you been doing, Tokori?"

"Fine. Working. Yamamoto said a bunch of girls requested my services."

"Is that the waitress in the blue shirt?"

Upon seeing Tokori's nod, Kurumu glanced about the dining area. The same two waitresses were working the floor, handing out meals to customers. It did not look like any tables had opened up but at least nobody else had come through the front door.

"How many waitresses do you have here?"

"There's four in total, including me and the owner's daughter."

Tokori gestured at the young woman in the yellow blouse.

"Sairi married the guy whom works the kitchen with her father."

"Family business."

"Most of them are. I was told there were more of you."

"Kokoa is at a table with three of her friends."

"I should take their orders. I'll be right back."

Tokori stalked off, tugging an order booklet free of the hem of her skirt.

"She seems more stable than I recall."

Kurumu smirked at Yukari.

"She was dealing with some serious things when you were around her. This is normal for her."

"I suppose. This is closer to how she behaved at the study session."

"I can't say I've ever spoken with her though I've seen her around."

Kurumu often forgot how disconnected her friends were from each other. Yukari did this intentionally but Moka was different. It was not a matter of turning down opportunities. It just seemed like people were reluctant to ask Moka to hang out and Moka was hesitant to ask others out. The vampire had such a poor experience in human schools that she was conditioned against trying.

"I think it will be good for you to be a class rep, Moka."

"Of course it will be good. I look forward to working with her."

"Assuming Ichida is willing to surrender his role to you."

"I'm confident he would prefer me as a vice manager over Mr. Wanibuchi if he does refuse to resign. I won the nomination for the class so I think the class would approve of me having either position."

Kurumu could not argue that. She smiled as Tokori headed back in their direction. She waved to cause the girl to slow her approach.

"Hey. I was curious what you think the population of Mononoke was."

"That again? We're kind of busy here, Kurumu."

"It's not like we can sit down."

Tokori sighed, crossing her arms about her chest.

"We can't help that. We make no claims about being a fast food restaurant. Meals take time to get out. I'm sure a table will clear up in the next ten or so minutes."

"I'm just confused that there aren't more local kids your age if Mononoke has four thousand residents."

Tokori coughed up a laugh, shaking her head.

"Four thousand? Where did you get that?"

"It seemed a logical estimate."

Fukai nodded in agreement with Yukari's statement. Tokori sighed with a slight smile.

"That might have been true a decade ago."

"But I thought you said there was only a hundred households in Mononoke."

"I was talking about my neighborhood, Kurumu. I think old town has twice that number of homes."

"Three hundred homes isn't enough for a population of four thousand."

"It's not like I walked around counting the number of homes. There's also that new residential complex and some other apartment buildings scattered throughout the town. It wouldn't surprise me if we did have close to four thousand before Kuyo came along to protect us all."

Kurumu paused with a frown. She stepped aside to allow a man and woman head out the door.

"When's your birthday, Tokori?"

"Why?"

"I remember you saying it snowed the day before you were born."

"The weather actually changes in Mononoke?"

Tokori smiled at Yukari's amusement.

"I believe it happens by community consent."

"When is your birthday?"

"When's yours?"

"You seriously don't know."

"I don't think you have ever told me."

"The second of August."

"Oh? I guess I should wish you a happy birthday."

"Thank you. So when is yours?"

"The sixth of January."

"So you were about five when Kuyo came to Mononoke."

"You didn't need to know my birthday to make that deduction."

"Did a lot of people leave because of him?"

Tokori sighed, her shoulders sagging.

"I'm not some historian of Mononoke, Kurumu. There probably were more kids my age when I was younger but I bet half of them moved out of Mononoke during the first five years of Kuyo's reign. The ones that stuck around were either too poor to leave or their parents had strong ties to the community."

"Fukai's home in Chirasu has the junior high for the Gosen area and it was only a little bigger than here. I can't imagine everyone here was relying on home schooling."

"We used to have a school but it burned down in the summer of 88 and nearly took a whole residential block with it. Siren's Lullaby is the only building that survived. Since then the town has made due with home schooling and Tutors. And before you ask, Tutors is more like a daycare than a school. It's not meant to educate anybody over the age of six."

"But that happened before Kuyo."

Tokori shrugged with indifference.

"They were going to build a new school. Mr. Tensai bought a bunch of homes in old town a couple years after the fire and leveled a whole block. But Kuyo put a halt on the funding of the project, arguing the money was better suited to strengthen the security of Yokai Academy."

"Why would Kuyo be able to stop funds to a community project?"

Tokori rolled her caramel eyes with a slight shake of her head.

"I don't know that, Kurumu. Tobi said her dad nearly went broke because the Headmaster would not pay up for the last school expansion and that Kuyo was the reason for it. He cut his losses, sold his business and took an early retirement. They make all their money off the mortgages from all the low income housing they built back when the town wasn't dying."

"Low income housing?"

"My neighborhood. There's a reason why all those houses are the same. They were built intentionally to keep us poor folk separate from the prosperous residents, mostly because there weren't any cheap homes in old town and the community didn't want more apartment buildings."

"What would you say the population is now, Ms. Meirowasa?"

"I don't know. Probably more than two thousand but I'd be surprised if it was over twenty five hundred."

"That still doesn't sound right. Shouldn't there be more like twenty kids your age?"

"I have no idea. It's not like I had a school to keep in touch with kids my age. I mostly hung out with Bunii from down the street and Mikomi. The only reason why I know some of the other kids in town was either because they lived on my street or they hung out with my friends."

"Remind me whom Bunii is."

Tokori chuckled, shaking her head.

"Wanibuchi from class seven."

"Is she related to a lizard boy from class two?"

"Not that I'm aware of."

"Do you think there are other local kids in the school you don't know about?"

"Maybe. But it's not like every kid would bother with high school. Bunii struggles with her academics, barely staying off that board of shame. It's not easy to go from no school to high school."

"Not wanting to break things up here, but you should clear off that table for your friends."

Tokori smiled at the brunette whom walked by them with a platter full of food. The woman wagged a finger at a table still littered with dishes but had been vacated at some point.

"I still need to turn in your sister's order."

Having nothing better to do, Kurumu followed Tokori to the vacant table.

"Do you think they'll restart construction of the school?"

"I think Mr. Tensai is content with his retirement."

"Isn't there someone else whom might do it?"

Tokori shrugged as she started stacking the plates.

"Mr. Tensai sold his business to his younger brother. The guy makes his living remodeling homes."

"Maybe he might do it."

Tokori laughed as she picked up the dishes and leaned them back against her bosom.

"Short of the Headmaster suddenly paying off those debts, I don't think that school is ever being built."

"Wouldn't it be nice if your little brother had a school to attend?"

Tokori paused after adding the last of the dishes to the pile.

"I don't think my brother cares about school as much as you do. And it's not like me worrying about this will change anything. Mikomi and I don't plan on staying in this dead town any longer than we have to. I'll be right back to wipe down your table and bring you menus."

As Tokori briskly walked off, Kurumu wondered if she had said something wrong.

---

It was a little after six as Kurumu walked out of the Skate On with the rest of the girls from Hatoko's birthday party. The event had kicked off around four with the pizza being delivered within the first half hour. With almost two thirds of these girls being from track, Kurumu had felt embarrassed about tiring out and sitting on the sidelines with Tora and Kiki for almost an entire hour.

The skating rink was an old warehouse located at the edge of town encircled by a forest. The street off to the left was flanked by an abandoned warehouse and other vacant buildings before it intersected with a road which cut through the forest. To the right was roughed up land before it yielded to the forest.

"Ready shoot me some pool."

Hanetsume Hatoko would officially turn sixteen tomorrow. Since most of the girls had attended school today, Hanetsume was dressed in her school uniform. The Tengu had her chestnut hair pulled back in a high ponytail tied with a blue ribbon. Her bangs were pushed back with a black hair band. She had her green jacket slung over her shoulder as she started down the paved walk towards the Siren's Lullaby.

"I've never played pool before. This will be awesome!"

Shindou Asuka skipped up to Hatoko's side, animatedly waving for the rest of them to follow. The short haired blond had tied her jacket about her tiny waist. Kurumu had to wonder if her energetic behavior had something to do with being a raiji.

"Can't we do karaoke instead?"

Honda Kiki trailed a little behind the group beside Nazohashi Tora. The russet haired Tengu had gathered all her tresses up into a single high ponytail held in place with a poofy green scrunchie while the sphinx had her raven locks braided above her ears before coming together in the back. Kiki had left her jacket in the dorms while Tora was wearing the sleeveless black jacket of the PSC and matching slacks.

"Hells no. No reason sit on me feathers crowing some nonsense."

Kurumu chuckled walking beside Moka as they passed by more derelict buildings. The Siren's Lullaby stood further down this path as the sole building on the right side after the first intersection.

"I would also advise against karaoke. Someone other than me would have to share a room with Nozomi."

Uchikawa Akari walked alongside her childhood friend, Bikiyama Nozomi. The class rep had short, thick, mahogany locks which tapered in the back while her shorter companion had peppered black hair which curled against her shoulders. Both okami girls had put their green jackets back on.

"Even if I wanted to sing, we don't have that much time. Our bus leaves at nine."

"That's so late."

"And the bus drops us off in Watasora. At least we packed last night to save us some trouble."

"I wonder if people think we're a gang looking for trouble."

Kazehana Tsubaki was a Tengu girl about the same height as Moka, Kiki and Uchikawa. The girl from class five had long, jet black twin tails and had her jacket tied about her waist. She was in Kurumu's home economics class at the same station as her junior high friend, Nomura Airi.

"I doubt a bunch of school girls in skirts would be that intimidating."

Nomura was one of the tallest girls of this group. She had pale blond hair which rested upon her ample bosom. Unlike the rest of the Tengu girls present, her eyes were silver instead of golden. The girl from class four had worn her sweater vest today.

"It might be to a guy afraid of girls."

A couple girls giggled at Suzume's joke. Tobuyoku Suzume had her obsidian hair done in a single braid which stretched all the way down in the back and ended in a golden ring. She was the shortest of the Tengu girls, which was still taller than Asuka, Tora and Kurumu. She had ditched her jacket back at the dorms and had rolled back the sleeves of her blouse.

"Thinks bests sticks to plan."

Dangai Michiko looked about the same height as Kazehana due to her slight slouch. The brunette came from the same community in the Shimane prefecture as Hatoko. Having not attended school today, she was wearing faded gray leggings and a pink tee shirt spotted with bleach stains.

They reached the first intersection, though the surroundings betrayed no life. Any other weekend there might have been some students hanging out at Siren's Lullaby, but the rest of these buildings looked like they had been vacant for years. At least she knew the theater which was down the street on the left was open. She had confirmed earlier that they still were not playing the new Star Wars movie.

"Has anyone here actually played pool before?"

Matsudera Nikki was the tallest of these okami track girls, though she hailed from a different junior high. She had dark gray locks which were shaggy and a pain to deal with so she kept it cut short. She had left her jacket in the dorms and was wearing a pair of black stockings beneath her skirt. Kurumu had asked her about the Musousaki kid during the party and Uchikawa had confirmed the guy was from Hokkaido.

"It can't be that hard. You push balls in holes with a stick."

Kiba Enoko was an inugami from Matsudera's junior high. She stood about Moka's height and had black hair which curled down to the small of her back. For some reason she had opted to wear tan slacks instead of her skirt today, giving some odd excuse that it would help her focus for her retakes. Kiba had been one of the girls on the board of shame with a score of 339.

"I suppose that perspective simplifies things, Ms. Kiba. I have never participated in this game before."

Kurumu grinned at Tora as they walked down the next block of vacant buildings on the left and empty lots on the right.

"At least we won't have any guys around teaching us how to hold a stick."

Michiko and Suzume giggled while Hatoko shuddered at the thought.

"I can't imagine that being a difficult thing."

Taijin Yuu was the final member of their group. The tall brunette towered over the rest of them by at least ten centimeters. Her hair was tufted and floppy like dog ears resting on the sides of her head. Taijin was a giant according to Asuka and would not have been allowed to attend the school where they lived. Both of these girls would be on Tsukune's afternoon bus, hailing from the Iwate prefecture.

As some of the girls giggled at the offhand comment, Kurumu smiled. Taijin was shy and rarely spoke up. She had probably uttered less than twenty sentences in the past two hours.

Kurumu glanced off to the right, noting the fences which marked this side of old town. She had never walked down that road which flanked those homes, though it looked like it might eventually connect with Tokori's residential district. The forest crept in after a couple blocks, preventing any certainty of that conclusion, but it would seem odd for the road to randomly end. Then again, Tokori and Mikomi both lived on streets which dead ended at the forest. Kurumu had always approached their district from the hospital side of town.

As they neared the next intersection, Kurumu grinned.

"I wonder if Hatoko has ever shopped at Bows and Strings."

"Never heards of it."

"I tried taking her in there before. She got all squeamish about it."

Michiko gestured up ahead.

"Talks bouts that boutique there?"

"Not shops there. For harlots and deviants."

"Bah. Ya dumb."

"I nots go ins that wicked den of sex."

"Sells underwear, ya twit. If had the yen, woulds buy me some."

"Ya featherin make ya silly."

"I stopped in last weekend and bought stuff for Shuiro."

"Sees. Deviant stuffs. Panties fer men."

Nomura giggled, shaking her head.

"I'm sure Suzume plans to wear them."

"Yea, Hatoko. When you say you're buying them for a guy, it means for him to see you wear them."

"That nots better!"

Kazehana laughed as they crossed the next intersection. The Bows and Strings store was the second shop on the left with the elegant store sign hanging over the walkway. It was a small, rundown building with a second story topped with a fluted parapet. The bricks had been freshly painted black and much of the front face had been torn out and replaced with steel reinforced glass which was etched in bold print, boasting of the many different wares within.

"I bet she's too embarrassed to go inside. Does anyone know her sizes?"

"I do."

"Don't you dare!"

"Come on, Hatoko. If we bought you some nice things, I'm sure you'd wear them."

"Whats it takes to gets through ya head I nots cares for this shit?"

"I said things. We could start with stuff like nightgowns."

Michiko snorted at Kurumu's suggestion.

"Wastes time there. This chick sleeps plumb bare."

"Not always! I leaves me undies on sometimes."

Kurumu chuckled, shaking her head as they passed by the long, vacant building beside the lingerie shop.

"Changing subjects… I know this might sound rude, but have you passed your egg, Suzume?"

"I haven't. I don't even have the little sensation about one coming along."

"I'm also running late on mine. Maybe it was the stress of exams."

"I wasn't stressed at all and I haven't had mine."

"You should have been stressed. An average student should be able to break four hundred."

Kazehana huffed at Nomura's admonition.

"At least I'm not on the board of shame."

"Ya crushing on a boy from that board."

"Oh please. Murakami is from my class and nothing more."

"Noboru from ya class and ya not sweet on him."

"Mr. Noboru flaunts his vocabulary to make him sound smart. I find it annoying."

Michiko chuckled as they neared the next intersection. The windows of this last building were lit up in a rosy glow. Like the vacant building, it was single story and built with gray bricks.

"Finds it funny. And smarts he be so alls good. Ya intimidated."

"Whatever. His two friends, Mr. Uchiyama and Mr. Tatakai, are much easier to get along with."

"What about Ichida?"

"He's… different."

"He's okay. Don't you agree, Ms. Honda?"

Kiki nodded at Nomura's prompting.

"He's polite and easy to be around."

"He's boring. But yea, he's easier to be around than Mr. Noboru."

"Bah, ya knows nothing."

"Yall silly to even talks of guys. Shoulds worry more for studies."

"Says the girl whom had an English exam retake this morning."

"English is hard. Ms. Komeshita said about eighty first years had to retake the exam."

"Didn't stop you from giving me a hard time about it."

"That's because you're a stupid bitch and had to retake your science and math exams."

Kurumu chuckled as Kiba smacked Matsudera's shoulder, whom shoved the girl back.

"Hey! Don't you two start."

Uchikawa shook her head as they turned left at the intersection. The building which was still on their left had the kana for illumination chiseled in the stone above the glass double door. It looked to be some sort of candle and light shop, which she had considered stopping in but lacked spare money. The large two story building on the right was Ito's Glass, which sold windows and window coverings.

"I'm curious but can you feel it coming on?"

"Huh?"

"Your egg. I know I can tell a day or two before I have my period."

Kurumu grinned at Asuka.

"So you have a period."

"Yea. Don't most girls?"

"Apparently not, Ms. Shindou. Ms. Uchikawa and her friends have a heat cycle which is different."

"For reals?"

"I'm surprised this isn't common knowledge. It's not like okami and inugami are the only races with a heat cycle. While I know there aren't that many kitsune, the tanuki race is quite abundant. There's also debate on whether or not gyokuto have a heat cycle, since they lack a menstrual cycle."

"I think they're always in heat."

Uchikawa grinned at Bikiyama, shaking her head as they walked by another building on their left. The simple white sign declared the place was Ueda's Fabrics in bold, black characters along with the comment of serving the community for twenty years. Kurumu wondered how old the sign was.

"Gyokuto ovulate upon orgasm so there is never a time where they can't have children. That's not the same as saying they're always in heat."

"Whatever. Mujina also have a heat cycle. I know nekomusume girls take more after humans than cats and all the kirin girls we went to junior high with have periods."

"You two seem to know a lot about other species."

"Morihochou has close ties with Aranoiji, Aserutani and Watasora. You learn some things in junior high when you realize your body doesn't work the same as others."

"So… back to my question of can you tell?"

Nomura giggled, nodding.

"We usually have a day's notice."

"Yea. It's kind of like, Oh! You could try passing it right then and there, but it's best to wait it out."

"Likely to shits yerself if ya force it."

"Do you ever pass more than one?"

Hatoko grimaced at Asuka.

"Fuck no. Hard enough with one."

"Passed two once. Sucks."

"I thought I was dying that time I passed three. I was begging my mother to make it stop."

"We can pass more than one?"

Suzume shrugged at Kiki's genuine confusion.

"First I've heard of it."

"Maybe it's because Michiko and Airi have more mature bodies."

Suzume waved a hand dismissively at Asuka's amused conclusion.

"My older sister and mother have never said a thing about having two. And my sister loves to complain."

"I've only passed one but my two older sisters occasionally pass two. They said when I get older I'll start having that joy."

"How much older are your sisters, Ms. Kazehana?"

"My big sis turns thirty this year and my other sis is six years younger than her. I also have a brother four years older than me and another brother five years younger."

"I miss the days when I only passed one. That stopped after the second year."

"Fuck. I miss when I passed none."

All the girls giggled at Hatoko's declaration. They were nearing the next intersection, having passed by the large bed and mattress store and were now by the antique shop. The large building on the right looked vacant but Kurumu had seen activity in it before, though she had no idea what they did. There was another long building beside it which was for the service and maintenance of air conditioners.

"I wonder if it's genetics."

"Maybe. My poor little sister already had her first passing of two and she's only twelve."

"Do you have any brothers, Ms. Nomura?"

"Uh… yea. I have a younger brother the same age as my sister. Father felt guilty about throwing out the other egg I had come with, saying he would never make a financial decision like that ever again."

"Married life must be hard on Tengu."

"What makes you say that?"

Uchikawa smiled softly at Nomura.

"You have physical representations of babies. That's not something I have to deal with."

"Yea, that sounds even worse than the girls that bleed. I think we have it best."

Kurumu wondered what these girls would think about her cycle. She never had to be pregnant and she never had a period. She only went into heat if she had sex with a compatible male. She probably had one of the most messed up reproduction cycles with some similarities to the lamia.

"I don't think I ever asked about your family, Kiba."

"Why are you asking?"

"I don't know. I just realized you're the only one here that I don't know much about. I know about your older cousin but that's it."

"Not much to say. I might have half siblings that I don't know about. Father ran off before I could walk and Mama never remarried. I had to move in with my cousin when Mama passed away nine years ago."

"Maybe we should talk of something else."

"I don't mind, Nikki. I'm long over it. I doubt I'll ever see my father so he's as good as dead. Even if some dog shows up claiming he fathered me, I'd ignore it. That bastard… he killed Mama. Maybe not the way people think of killing, but she was never happy. All I remember is her crying every night. So fuck him."

"Rights. Men be whores that use women."

"I'm going to remind you of all this nonsense when you end up happily married, Hatoko."

Hatoko huffed at Suzume as they reached the next intersection. Across the street on the left corner was The Clique. The square, squat structure had all sorts of fancy, expensive clothes. The stuff on display was mostly conservative but the tailors were willing to make just about anything. They had shopped there for Antai's dress, the sylph insisting on the simplest garment the store had to offer which Kokoa reluctantly agreed would be acceptable for her sister's wedding.

The building next to the Clique was Everlasting, which was an expensive jewelry store. There were cheaper places to buy jewelry like Mixed Bag or Sparkles. The store across from Everlasting was some fancy shoe and handbag shop which was fun to browse but way out of any average high school girl's budget. She wondered how either of those shops managed to stay in business.

The building on the other right corner was Always There, which sold a variety of junk. While it did seem to have a bunch of useless household decorations, the place also had a section for clocks and timepieces which was where she had bought Tsukune's birthday present.

This street they were crossing went all the way to the hospital. After Always There was another furniture store and a baby boutique. Across the street from Bundle of Joy was Keep it Casual, which carried regular clothes and simple underwear for Hatoko if the wares at Bows and Strings were too erotic for her.

The next block over had a bunch of specialty shops with different services. There was a video rental store, Sparkles for cosmetics and cheap jewelry, Hot Trots for casual shoes, Got You Covered for coats and umbrellas, some hat shop and a sports store which had athletic wear and sports equipment.

The store she had blown most her yen in was that kitchen place across the street from Got You Covered. The place had all sizes of appliances, though Kurumu had only been able to afford the simple things like pots, pans, utensils and dishes. It was the last store on that block with a huge household goods and hardware store across the intersection.

"Something wrong?"

Kurumu smiled at Tora, realizing she had stopped after crossing the intersection.

"It's nothing."

Resuming her walk, Kurumu thought about their visit to the speaker's offices right after lunch. The place was on the corner of the next block across the street from the post office. Kokoa had failed to contact her mother but Fukai had confirmed her parents were against her staying the whole summer with the vampire. After hearing that, Akegawa had elected to not even try asking her parents.

Kurumu quickened her step which prompted Tora and Kiki to catch up to the rest of the group. They had already walked past the end of the corner buildings with the aroma of Fried Delights wafting out to them from the restaurant on their right. Across the street was the Loud and Clear which she heard was a place that sold musical instruments and even offered lessons.

Guilty Pleasures was the next shop beside Fried Delights. This was the snack shop ran by Sukoyaka's family, a second year monstrel girl whom was in band. Kurumu had yet to meet this girl whom was from Ginei's former homeroom.

"Did any of you girls have a theater in your communities? Kengamine had one, but it was a little smaller. We had six screens instead of eight."

"We just went to the city for movies."

Kurumu waved her hand dismissively at Kiki.

"I meant girls that came from a monster community. Like does Morihochou or Ashikantai have this?"

"Ashikantai doesn't have shit."

"We don't have much in Hateshinai. We have a grocery store, a hardware store and a clothing store."

Uchikawa nodded at Nomura's remarks.

"Morihochou is the same. If you want stuff like furniture, you have to either make it yourself or get it from the humans. Watasora is more like Mononoke, though their barrier is not nearly as restrictive."

"I heard Hateshinai has electricity. What about the other towns?"

"Ashikantai is mostly ran off generators."

"Morihochou is that way too. Watasora has everything you could want."

"Indoor plumbing?"

"Fuck yea. I wish my parents had let me stay at school since the junior high offered room and board."

"Watasora has Mimori High School which they promote to purebloods. That school would close down if they lacked convenient power and water."

"We have a power and water plant in Ashikantai since we're near Uchinokura Lake. But the services are only for the school and village center."

"Is there a river or lake near Watasora?"

"Not that I'm aware of."

"Watasora has well water they can tap into. As for Morihochou, most homes have a water tank, pump and generator. I know we had to refill our tank weekly."

Kurumu nodded as they neared the next intersection. The small building on the right corner was Toybox while this one of the left was Imagination. Imagination was a hobby shop with 'magic' tricks and board and card games. Kamitsuku mentioned the owners would rent out the vacant building by it once a month to host Pokemon and Yugioh tournaments. Those dorks had actually gone to two of them.

This next street was the one which ran through the market, though that was several blocks down to her right. The arcade was one building over from Toybox which many students frequented. Across the street from the arcade was the Spinning Discs music shop. If she ever got the money for a CD player, she would have more reason to look over the store's CD collection.

As they crossed the street, the shop on the right side corner was Hands On. It was another hobby shop like Imagination which sold models and puzzles for people into putting things together. It also had a bunch of figurines which collectors could paint. Basically more dorky stuff.

On the left side was Entertainment, which sold things like televisions, laptops, computers, game stations, DVD players, movies, video games and computer software. They also carried camcorders and cameras, so Kamitsuku had stopped in the place several times.

"Did you have anything like this in your town in Shimane?"

Hatoko snorted.

"Michiko and I from a place without these comforts."

"Heard Yagano where Shuugen High has stuff. Prefectural school towns be like that."

"What about your home, Asuka?"

"Well… Yuusei is a lot like Mononoke with a theater and a lot of shops. I'd say our town is bigger, though Terasu Institute is half Yokai Academy's size because it's too strict about whom can attend. I was always curious what the shopping district in a human city was like."

"Thankfully we could not leave the barrier."

Kurumu chuckled at Taijin's remark.

"Kengamine had a barrier but it was only meant to misdirect humans. It didn't keep us inside."

"That's how the barrier about Watasora works."

"Is there a reason why being unable to leave was a good thing?"

"It's Asuka."

"Hey! You say that like I'd be some sort of nuisance."

Taijin smirked, glancing aside without comment.

"What were you planning to do outside the barrier?"

"I don't know. I figure we could have checked out Morioka."

Kurumu frowned.

"Why would you want to check him out?"

"Not him, you dummy. Morioka is the capital of Iwate. It's not that far from Yuusei."

Stickers was the next building after Hands On and had a vacant building beside it. She wondered if she should have eaten more pizza as her stomach made a slight protest at the scent of the food.

Across the street from the restaurant was a barber shop which had the white, blue and red striped pole hanging off the side of the building. Kurumu absently reached back to touch her hair, wondering if it was long enough to put her ribbon in. She had left her purple lace in her suite after doing her laundry Wednesday night.

After the barber shop was a place called Puffs which carried liquor and cigarettes. Beyond that was their destination. The entrance for Corner Pockets was closer to the intersection, so they still had a short walk to go. Across the street from their destination was the Fresh Press dry cleaner.

"I had always thought this place was a bar."

"Thoughts so too when we firsts came."

"Do you plan to start dating Noboru?"

"Plans to not turn him down if he wants sit by me."

"Ya dumb. No reason to date in high school."

"I think it is fine if it happens naturally."

Kurumu grinned at Uchikawa.

"And do you have any natural attractions?"

"I do and I'm not about to chase after them."

"I've never been attracted to anyone, but I've always had guys bugging me more than I'd like."

"You are attractive, Ms. Nomura."

"Sylphs are far prettier than me."

"But not as curvy."

Nomura glanced at Kazehana, shaking her head.

"Boys thinks only bouts sex. Best nots mix lest ya wants a babe."

Kazehana snorted.

"Don't be silly. If Mr. Noboru wanted sex, he would have started dating Ms. Ontoriki in the first month. She's sweet, intelligent and obviously wanted him. Dangai is lucky the guy is clueless."

"He thoughts her pushy. Made him uneasy."

"Has he changed his attitude around her recently?"

Kazehana frowned at Kurumu.

"Not that I can tell. Why?"

"Well… I let Ichida know about her being a harpy last week so I figure Noboru must know by now."

"Airi and I have known about Kaede and Ontoriki being harpies since April. Ontoriki told me about Noboru being a Tengu since she felt she needed my permission to chase him."

"Did Noboru know?"

"I didn't care to let him know. It's not like I had any interest in him."

Kurumu shook her head as they finally neared the door to the establishment. She had no idea what the building across the street on the left side was for or if it was even occupied. The three story building on the other corner across from the dry cleaners had to be an apartment building. She could not fathom any other reason why there would be laundry hung out to dry on several balconies.

This street did not continue much further, ending at the bowling alley. This intersecting street eventually ended in the cemetery if she followed it off to the left, while heading the other direction would take her by a pachinko parlor, the Sumeragi bar and Nekonome's apartment building.

Kurumu slipped inside, nodding at Taijin whom had held the door open for everyone. It was dark but her eyes quickly adjusted to the warm, yellowish glow cast by the lights hanging from the black rafters. The dark red wall on her right had some scuff marks and there was a rich, wooden counter stretching off to her left which was flanked with black cushioned stools with wooden bases. A few patrons were seated on these, leaning over the counter. A man with a black vest over a long sleeved, white shirt stood behind the counter, polishing glasses with a rag.

"It is a bar."

"Don't worry. They won't bother school girls."

Suzume laughed at her own remark, gesturing for Tora and Taijin to catch up. Hatoko and Asuka had stepped down through an archway into the next room with Michiko and Nomura behind them.

It felt stuffy in here. Fans spun lazily overhead but she felt nothing from them. A pair of doors stood at the far end of this room, clearly marked for each gender. Not that she would ever consider using a bathroom here. She would gladly stop in the hospital on the way out of Mononoke before trusting the sanitation of this place. There was a slight tug on her sleeve, and Kurumu favored Kiki a smile. She accompanied the girl into the next room.

This place had no windows, but at least this room was better lit with fluorescent lighting strategically placed over each of the tables. There were sixteen tables in two rows. The walls were lined with a black cushioned bench. Racks which held pool sticks of various lengths and widths rested at the columns.

This was the first time Kurumu had ever seen a pool table in real life. She had seen them in movies before, some involving steamy encounters which she would rather forget. She pushed away the sexual fantasies involving Tsukune, knowing such a thing would never be fulfilled in this public setting.

"So are the two of you officially a couple?"

Tora's inquiry quickly made Kurumu aware that one of the tables was being used by a familiar group. Morioka Ginei was dressed in a short sleeved, dark green, silk shirt which was tucked in black slacks. The werewolf had a crimson headband today holding back his dark locks. He flashed them a smile, tugging the young woman in his arms closer to him.

Hajihachi Mika had left her smoky black hair unbound today. She was dressed in the school blouse and skirt and was holding a pool stick in her hands. Her amethyst eyes widened in alarm upon noting them and the girl suddenly struggled to break free of Ginei's grip about her waist.

"Let me go!"

"But why should I-"

Ginei grunted as the butt end of the pool stick found its way into his side. Hajihachi slipped out of his grasp to stand against the pool table while the werewolf absently rubbed the injury. Ginei smirked.

"Unfair advantage when my hands are full of something good."

Hajihachi blushed, shaking her head as the other couple laughed at the exchange.

Kurumu knew the silver haired guy with the short locks. This was Korogaru from the baseball team, whom was a former classmate of Ginei. She only remembered his name because of the conversation with Ms. Rin. The second year was dressed in an indigo shirt with glossy black buttons. He had the short sleeve shirt tucked in dark gray slacks and was wearing glossy black shoes as formal as Ginei's.

Kurumu imagined this meant this other silver haired girl with braided pigtails was Korogaru's cousin, Roniushi Chiku. The girl was wearing her school blouse and skirt and looked so tiny standing beside her cousin, though she probably was not that much shorter than Moka. With a glance at Taijin whom was beside Moka, it looked about the right difference.

Any doubts Kurumu might have had passed the moment Uchikawa stepped in to hug the silver haired girl. Bikiyama chuckled as Korogaru tousled her hair, playfully swiping his hand aside. Bikiyama gestured at the other girls whom wandered over to that side of the table.

"This brat is Kiba Enoko."

Bikiyama grinned at Korogaru, grabbing Matsudera and tugging her in close.

"And this adorable lady is Matsudera Nikki. She's one of us from Ashikantai."

"This is Korogaru Kajiru and his cousin, Roniushi Chiku."

"Must you say that?"

Uchikawa grinned with her snaggletooth at the shorter second year.

"I don't want Korogaru to be misrepresented as having a girlfriend."

Roniushi huffed, glancing at the two presented girls. Her nostrils flared a moment.

"Inugami."

"Don't fuss. I've heard of this pup from my teammates. But I haven't heard of this cutie."

Korogaru reached over to pat Matsudera's head. Matsudera flinched, leaning heavily against Bikiyama.

"She was at the study session last weekend. Touma watched over her."

Korogaru grinned, withdrawing his hand.

"Lucky him. She smells nice."

A hand slapped heavily on Kurumu's shoulder and Ginei grinned at her.

"So what brings the lot of you here?"

Kurumu smiled, glancing over at the other tables. It looked like Hatoko had already started up a game with Kazehana, Nomura and Michiko. She gestured at the table.

"Hatoko turns sixteen tomorrow so this is our last stop before calling it a night."

Asuka came over holding a pool stick and grinning wide.

"Come on, Yuu. I paid for a table. I put the money in and all the balls rolled out. That was so cool."

Yuu started towards Asuka as the blond waved at them.

"We need two more. Come on!"

"I'm in. You ready, Kiki?"

Kiki nodded at Suzume, slipping away to follow after the eager short girls.

"It was nice seeing you, Mr. Morioka."

"I'm not leaving yet, Kiki."

Ginei grinned as he watched the four girls set up the table.

"In case you forgot, Hatoko is the one with the chestnut hair that flies with Tora."

"I could never forget a girl that tried to kill me."

Tora snorted a laugh with a slight shake of her head.

"How have you been, Ms. Hajihachi? Has our senior been treating you well?"

The blushing Hajihachi managed a smile.

"He's being difficult."

"Difficult? Why I've offered to help you study for every exam."

"No girl would ever agree to study in your room alone."

"A girlfriend would."

Hajihachi's blush darkened as she shook her head vehemently.

"I already said no."

"So you asked her out again?"

Ginei waved his hand dismissively.

"I would not dream to ask a poor girl out before summer break. That's a horrible thing to do with imminent separation on the horizon."

"I refused to study with him. But I would also say no to being asked out. I heard what you did to Akari."

"You shouldn't believe everything Imi tells you."

"As if I would believe Imi flipped Akari's skirt after you admitted to squeezing Akari's ass."

"Why would I lie about the skirt after making such a confession?"

"You shouldn't put your hands on a girl you aren't dating."

"And yet you were fine being in my arms less than fifteen minutes ago."

Hajihachi huffed without her blush diminishing in the slightest. She turned her nose up.

"As if I could stop you."

"Is this dog causing more grief?"

Kurumu smiled as the silver haired girl wandered over to them. Roniushi crossed her arms about her chest as she cocked her head.

"No more than he usually does."

"I'll say he's worse than normal. This mutt gets a whiff of our distress and is suddenly everywhere. These past two weeks have been a nightmare."

"Yea. Term exams are always rough."

Hearing his playful remark, Roniushi rolled her cerulean eyes.

"Anyways. I'm thinking we should leave soon."

"We're on the same bus, Chiku. We have time for a game or two."

Roniushi grimaced at Bikiyama.

"I'm guessing Chiku doesn't want to be around with her cousin showing such favor to your friend."

The girl angrily grabbed Ginei by his shirt but shuddered when the werewolf touched her cheek. She shoved the chuckling werewolf back a step. She looked about to say something when she let out a whimper. Korogaru chuckled as he moved his fingers through the girl's silvery locks.

"It's a pity you took such a liking to Mika first. I would be more than happy to part ways with this rascal."

"Shut up! You're the only one for me."

"Don't pout. You're only angry at him because you know he's not serious about you."

"It's annoying because he's not serious about anything."

Ginei grinned wide.

"Ask me out and you'll find out if I'm serious."

"I'm not doing that again, Ginei."

"Yea, but you said it was during your heat cycle so it didn't count."

"You're going to do what you want to do no matter what I say."

"Of course. It's Nozomi, right? Ever play pool before?"

Bikiyama frowned at Ginei, sharing a glance with Uchikawa.

"I know we haven't. Have you played pool, Nikki?"

Kiba laughed as her friend shook her head. The inugami placed her hands behind her head.

"I've played pool with the guys in my club a couple times. Pretty simple."

"Hey, Kajiru. We have some new girls here. You up for teaching them how to play?"

Ginei grunted as Hajihachi's pool stick found his gut. Hajihachi smirked as he doubled over, shaking her head as the other girls giggled.

"If I had aimed lower, you would have moved."

"Well… I can't sacrifice our future together for a moment of satisfaction."

"I'm going to buy a table. Who's with me?"

Kiba started off, wagging a fistful of coins. Matsudera timidly nodded being the first to follow.

"Hold up. I'm sure Kajiru here wouldn't mind being your tutor."

Matsudera shook her head vehemently, scurrying off as the other girls chuckled.

"You're so mean."

Ginei waved a hand dismissively at Tora.

"Their cycle is over. I don't have to worry about some irrational mating desire messing with their heads."

Uchikawa giggled, shaking her head.

"You say that like we've become immune to flirting. You still smell nice, Mr. Morioka."

"Is that so? Well I'd be more than happy to give you a les-"

He was enjoying this. There was no way Hajihachi could hit him again and they all knew it.

"I think I shall pass on any offers to be bent over a pool table."

"Come on, Akari. I think these games are meant for four and Nikki is looking lost."

Bikiyama grabbed Uchikawa by the hand and tugged her friend off in the direction of the others. Kurumu chuckled, shaking her head as she looked over the group. They were the only ones here, which had her wonder if the locals ever used the place. It was a Friday night and nearly seven.

"I can't believe you let an opportunity like that slip through your fingers, man. What were you thinking?"

Korogaru smirked at Ginei.

"That Chiku is here and I'd rather not do anything stupid in front of her."

"Exactly. If he misbehaved with anyone other than me, I would tell his mother."

Ginei sighed dramatically, cupping his chin.

"I wonder if she is wearing black lace again."

This time he caught the end of the stick.

"Hey, hey! You don't even know whom I was thinking about."

"Obviously not me because I don't own any black lace!"

Ginei let go of the pool stick and wagged a finger at Roniushi.

"You are failing your duties as a friend and roommate. I know from a good source that buying lingerie is the duty of a girl's friends when she is too shy to take those first steps into womanhood on her own."

"What are you talking about?"

"There is absolutely no excuse for this lovely young woman to still be wearing kiddie panties."

Hajihachi blushed a deep crimson as she slammed the pool stick over Ginei's head, snapping it in half. Ginei grinned as blood started to spill down the side of his face.

"What? You're not really wearing kiddie panties, right?"

"I'm going home!"

Hajihachi snatched Roniushi by the arm as she passed, causing the shorter girl to stagger. Roniushi managed to get her footing but stumbled up the step into the adjacent room.

"Mika!"

"We're going!"

Korogaru shook his head as he walked over to the bench to collect two green jackets while Hajihachi stormed off. Kurumu clucked her tongue, shaking her head as she regarded Ginei.

"What?"

"You know what."

Ginei grinned mischievously.

"I know Tora owns some black lace."

Tora sighed at him.

"Please don't start with that nonsense."

Korogaru walked over, grinning at Ginei as he slung the jackets over his shoulder.

"Are you going to see them off at the bus stop?"

"Of course."

"After he flirts with every woman here."

Korogaru smiled at Tora.

"You know… most okami mate for life. I'm sure this idiot realizes that."

"I'm aware. Which is why I better have all my fun now."

Korogaru chuckled, slapping Ginei in the shoulder.

"Don't be late."

"I won't be."

Korogaru made a final wave as he walked off.

Kurumu let out a heavy sigh, turning a reluctant smile on Tora and Moka.

"How badly do the two of you want to play pool?"

"Well… I've never played it before. It looks interesting."

"Ah, I see. So there were more young ladies requiring my assistance. How fortunate I am to be in the right place in your time of need."

Moka smiled warmly.

"It's fine if you assist us. Though I will remind you that she knows everything, Ginei."

Ginei nodded sagely.

"Understood. I have also heard from a reliable source that you have discovered the joys of thongs."

"You are mistaken, Ginei. While I did purchase some, I have not had a reason to wear them."

Kurumu did her best to maintain a neutral expression. Moka clearly had blocked out most of what had transpired that night they had learned of Rubi living with Yukari. Ginei had seen Moka in a thong, though that had not been his goal. Kurumu honestly still had no idea what his goal had been. It had been such an odd evening.

"I presume this to mean that you are not wearing them today."

"That is correct."

"Then perhaps you would be fine learning by watching me demonstrate on another girl?"

Kurumu smacked his arm with the back of her hand.

"I'm not wearing a thong either."

"Must you really do this? Ms. Uchikawa and Ms. Bikiyama are friends with Ms. Hajihachi."

"Mika is quite accustomed to my behavior."

"That's not the point. Why don't you ask that girl out?"

"I believe I've already stated the cruelty of such a thing."

Tora let out a heavy, exasperated sigh.

"Fine! What about after summer break?"

Ginei nodded with a contemplative look.

"I suppose I could ask someone."

"Thank you."

"Does it have to be Mika?"

"I don't care. Just pick a girl."

"Would you sit on my lap on the bus ride home?"

"Preferably a different girl."

Ginei smirked with a glance at Kurumu.

"What do you say about dumping that loser and finally being with a real man?"

"Please don't use me as some sad excuse to get out of this."

"Well… you have all summer to think about my offer. Now let's play some pool."

"Fine, but I'm partnered with Moka."

"Don't thrust him on me."

"Yea, Kurumu. You should know girls prefer the thrusting in."

"Oh my God. Do we have to play pool with him?"

Kurumu chuckled, shaking her head. This was why she had asked.