Warmth enveloped Kurumu in the darkness. Distant chatter tugged at her consciousness, demanding her attention. A warm body was pressed to her back and her left breast was held loosely in the hand of an arm draped over her side. As her eyes fluttered open, she felt her hot breath upon her cheeks. A black pillow came into focus mere centimeters from her face.
She heard the voices better. One sounded vaguely familiar while the other was cuter and higher pitched. The two distinct voices were conversing in a foreign language within this room. Kurumu drifted her hand beneath the thin, silver sheet to caress the other upon her breast. She smiled softly, certain this slender hand upon her belonged to Moka.
Grabbing the hand gently, she guided it down to her hip. Shifting upon the soft mattress, Kurumu slipped free of the warmth. She drew the blanket aside as she scooted up to a seated position. Wispy curtains of sheer black fabric hung down the sides of this canopy bed, darkening this space. An ebony nightstand flanked this side of the bed.
There had not been much of a warning or explanation last night. They had followed Mrs. Shuzen into her suite and she had left them for a moment to fetch something from her bedroom. When she had come back, she had instructed Moka to hold her sleeve and for Kurumu to take Moka's other hand. Then the woman had slipped on something like a ring. The world had popped into an array of colors and in the next instant they were at the Garden.
Moka had collapsed against Kurumu upon arrival. It was like the magic nature of the trip had sapped Moka of all the adrenaline keeping her upright. While Kurumu struggled to keep Moka off the ground, Mrs. Shuzen had ventured off to find some workers to carry Moka to this room. Naturally Kurumu had remained with Moka, having fallen asleep after at least an hour of waiting for an audience.
The familiar voice laughed and the cute voice said something firm in response. Kurumu crawled to the side of the bed, pushing the drape aside. The room beyond had smooth, beige ceiling and tan walls. It was bathed in a soft glow. She stepped gingerly upon the cool, gray tiled floor.
There was not much space on this side of the bed. Kurumu crept over to the foot, grabbing the poster as she looked about. Two girls were seated on a silver couch which faced a flat panel television mounted on the far wall. There was a door in the corner of that far wall which opened into a restroom Kurumu had used last night. She felt no need to use it now.
Off to the left in the center of the room was the door which led out into a corridor. Last night there had been a man stationed out there whom had not protested when she had stepped out of the room for a moment. He had merely advised against wandering the compound dressed as she was.
There was not much else to this room. Kurumu drifted over to the couch, noting the closer girl had shoulder length, ebony locks which were gathered at each side in cute dog tails. It reminded Kurumu of the Aori girl from Moka's new homeroom. The girl was wearing a sleeveless indigo cheongsam with golden trim about the collar.
Her attention was fixed on her indigo handheld. It was different from the DS handheld Tanboshi owned which had a top screen which folded down on a bottom screen. The label under the screen identified this was a Gameboy Advance. This girl was playing some colorful game with balls of fluff running about and sucking up enemies. Her handheld was linked to her companion's white device. She spoke again in that cute, serious tone, working the gray buttons with her thumbs.
Kurumu's breath caught in her chest upon realizing whom this other girl with the long, reddish plum tresses was. Deshi from her homeroom looked different with her hair unbound. She was dressed in a similar cheongsam, though hers was a pristine white with black trim, oddly matching her handheld.
"What are you doing here?"
Deshi glanced up at her. Her narrow, canary yellow eyes closed as she favored Kurumu with a sly smile.
"Playing game."
Kurumu fought back the urge to smack the girl upside the head. She took a deep breath.
"Deshi. Do you realize where you are?"
Deshi shrugged, turning her attention back to her game.
"In room with friends."
Kurumu shook her head as she walked about the edge of the couch. These dresses were much sexier than the one she owned. Instead of hugging the hips and stretching down to the thighs, these garments had long, hemmed slits reaching up to the waist on each side. With how much pale skin was exposed, it was blatant that neither girl was wearing panties. A floral pattern started at the top of the slit, stretching down the front to an embroidered hem at their ankles.
"Is your friend Akua Shuzen?"
The other girl looked up with eyes of a deep purple hue. The chime on her portable brought her gaze back down as she spoke something foreign to Deshi. Deshi giggled, offering a response before working diligently on the buttons. The girl said something else which Deshi replied with a comment which included Kurumu's name. This carried on for a couple more brief exchanges which frustrated Kurumu.
"Does she not speak Japanese?"
Deshi giggled, responding to the other girl. The girl replied, sitting up straighter which made it apparent that she was at least the same height as Deshi and possibly taller. Deshi giggled again, speaking rapidly in the foreign language which the other girl curtly answered.
"Deshi."
"Yes?"
Kurumu sighed as the two continued fooling on their games.
"This isn't much of a game at this point. Mrs. Shuzen brought us to the Garden to speak with Akua. You being here clearly shows that you have been working for Moka's sister all this time."
"Maybe coincidence."
"What other reason could you possibly have to be here?"
"Game hard to play by self. Needed friend."
"And by some happy coincidence that friend happens to be Akua Shuzen?"
"You noisy. Quiet, quiet."
Kurumu glanced at the owner of that cute voice. She sounded young. This girl was no more developed than Deshi, which did give Kurumu pause. She looked nothing like Moka or Kahlua.
"Could you introduce me to your friend, Deshi?"
"Am Shuzen Akua."
Kurumu sighed, feeling that had been rather anticlimactic.
"Did you speak with Mrs. Shuzen last night?"
"Yes."
"So you know why we are here."
"Know why Moka here. Not why you here."
Kurumu sighed as this cute woman continued to play that game without looking up.
"I guess she figures I can be more convincing."
Deshi giggled, saying something in Chinese to Akua. Akua laughed pleasantly with a shake of her head.
"Always want answer. Where Issa? How Akasha die? Who hire me? Why Alucard wake? Question, question, question. Not any matter."
Akua looked up at her with a deepness in her eyes.
"Protect Moka. That matter."
Deshi squealed something in Chinese and Akua gasped as she quickly mashed the buttons. She let out the most adorable of groans and lowered her Gameboy.
"You kill Kirby."
"What's a Kirby?"
"Don't know? You live in hole?"
Kurumu smiled sheepishly.
"Video games are not my thing."
Akua turned to Deshi and said something in Chinese. Deshi responded and they both giggled. Akua said something else and the two continued a lengthy discussion. Kurumu felt so insecure about this whole exchange, wishing she understood them. The only Chinese words she knew were from cartoons she had seen during her early childhood days which consisted of simple phrases like hello and I love you.
"What are the two of you saying?"
Deshi turned a wide grin.
"Talk about Kirby. Akua thinks him a vampire."
"Kirby is vampire. He get special power by eat enemy. Like vampire."
"You silly. Kirby too cute for vampire."
"I am vampire. More cute than Kirby."
"He die too easy. Kirby weakling."
"Game too easy, Kirby hold back."
"Continue play?"
Akua sighed, setting her handheld down on the couch between them.
"No. Take break. Wake Moka."
Kurumu nodded enthusiastically, hoping that meant these two would avoid long discussions in a foreign language. Dealing with Mr. Nagamushi's ridiculous English lectures was torture enough.
The girls stood up, confirming Kurumu's suspicions that Akua was taller, though not by much. Akua was shorter than Moka without a doubt and probably shorter than Ms. Kiyoshi. As Kurumu followed the girls over to the bed, she realized that this young woman whom easily could be mistaken for a first year high school student was twenty three years old.
Akua pulled back the drapes to tie them off with a ribbon at each poster on this side of the bed. Smiling the vampire turned and sat down next to Moka's shoulder. She reached over to stroke her fingers across Moka's cheek.
"So pretty. She sleep so long. After eight."
"Is it?"
Deshi giggled at her, walking over to the front poster and leaning her back to the wall. She cocked her head and grinned, stretching her arms up over her head.
"We ate breakfast at seven and then come here. You both sleep soundly. Play game to pass time."
"Why you here?"
"I'm supposed to convince you to talk or Mrs. Shuzen will have me make you talk."
Akua laughed beautifully.
"How you make talk?"
Kurumu sighed, easing her tail out. She held her left hand aside, lifting her tail up to coil about her forearm. She let the spade end open to reveal the stigma.
"I'm a succubus."
"That woman have many of you. You make truth. Not find it."
"It's not an empty threat, Akua. If I don't help her, she'll probably force me to change schools. That goes the same for Moka."
Akua regarded her.
"Why work for that lady? You mark by Moka."
"There are things beyond my control. I am also sworn to serve your sister, Kokoa."
Akua glanced over at Deshi and said something in Chinese. Kurumu sighed as the two started another conversation which lasted a whole minute in the foreign language.
"Deshi."
Deshi turned a wry smile upon her.
"Talk over whom you are. I assure you good friend. Even say you in my class."
"Couldn't you have told her that before?"
"She not ask."
"Lie, lie. I ask who this girl mark by Moka. You said toy."
"Toy?"
"Accurate, yes?"
Kurumu sighed heavily at Deshi's mischievous grin.
"I guess it's reassuring to know you give everyone a hard time."
"Have mind to take Moka to China. Copy seal. Kill Alucard."
Akua made a soft, delectable sound. She scooted down the bed to lie with her head at the same level as Moka's. With one leg off the bed, Akua lifted the other up with her knee bent and her foot on the bed. Her attention was fixated on Moka, clearly unaware how she had spread her legs with so much of her creamy inner thigh exposed.
"So beautiful. So innocent."
"Why would you take her to China?"
"Touhou make copy. We try but no good. Need real one."
"I don't understand. What are you making a copy of?"
"Of seal. Make new bomb. Alucard boom."
Deshi smirked at Kurumu's confusion.
"Touhou tried make another pretty bauble after see this one. Use same concept. Make special thing tie to object. Much progress."
"Try but fail. Touhou memory of Akasha no good. Need better. Need real. Make copy from real."
"I'm not understanding."
Akua sighed and said something in Chinese to Deshi. The two had a quick exchange before Deshi smiled at Kurumu with her eyes closed.
"Touhou think this girl magic spell. Spell can be copied."
"You want to make another Moka?"
"Yes. New bomb. Alucard boom."
Kurumu laughed with a slight shake of her head. This girl was so annoyingly cute.
"What do you mean by a bomb? Isn't this Moka a magical seal?"
Akua shook head and spoke to Deshi. Deshi pouted and said something back. The two carried on for another minute of foreign conversation. Deshi sighed.
"Hard explain. Seal old magic. Magic made by Touhou long ago. Magic to suppress Alucard blood and make him killable. This Moka new magic. Very unusual. Touhou think she fuse."
"Fuse?"
"Like bomb has fuse. This Moka fuse."
Akua sat back up, nodding enthusiastically.
"Yes, yes. Wrong word. Not bomb. This girl fuse. Akasha bomb."
The two started into another Chinese dialogue. Kurumu sighed heavily, walking over to the side of the bed which caught Akua's attention. She knelt down on the floor beside Akua's leg and touched her thigh.
"What doing?"
Kurumu closed her eyes, bowed her head and held up her hands. She thought how much she wanted Akua to hold her hands and that she would be able to understand her. Feeling warmth against her palms, Kurumu relaxed her body and pushed.
They were in a black space with nothing about them. Kurumu squeezed Akua's hands as the girl looked about with a confused look.
"What did you do?"
"I was having difficulty understanding you. Could you please explain what is going on?"
"Where's Deshi? Where's Moka?"
Akua tugged away but Kurumu kept her grip tightly. She floated with Akua's pull, not letting the girl throw her out of this moment.
"Calm down. I just want to understand."
"Where are we?"
"It's nowhere, Akua. What do you mean by Akasha being a bomb?"
Akua paused, regarding her suspiciously.
"How are you speaking fluent Chinese?"
"I'm not. I brought our minds together for a moment."
"Let go of me!"
Kurumu sighed, releasing her grip. She was once again in the room against the bed near Akua's leg with her empty hands held up. She smiled meekly, lowering down on her haunches and drawing her hands to her lap. The two started jabbering in Chinese as Akua quickly scooted away from her. Kurumu sighed again, crawling up onto the bed to sit down. She smiled meekly at Deshi.
"I'm sorry. I was trying to cheat around the language barrier."
Deshi commented something to Akua before regarding Kurumu with amusement.
"You can do that?"
"I can push my consciousness into another person by touch."
Deshi said something to Akua, whom immediately turned a concerned look upon her.
"Can other succubi do this?"
Kurumu paused for a moment.
"Yes. Has Mrs. Shuzen never had you questioned by a succubus before?"
The two girls exchanged a look. Akua shook her head.
"She threaten, but never bring one."
Kurumu nodded, wondering why Mrs. Shuzen had never done this.
"Do you have trouble understanding my Japanese?"
"No. Know lots words. Understand most."
Kurumu sighed, wishing this would be easier. She had assumed Akua would be fluent in Japanese, but she supposed it made sense for her not to be. Mrs. Shuzen had married Akua's father before the girl was four years old and had never met the girl. Kurumu distinctly remembered struggling to read simple books when she started school as a five year old.
"Well… here is how I understand things. The rosary was made by Touhou to destroy Alucard, but it failed. It put Alucard to sleep. Then a hundred years later, Alucard stirred and caused a big problem for Fairy Tale. They struck a deal with Akasha and the Shuzen family hid Alucard's body."
She gestured at Akua.
"When Mrs. Shuzen got news of your arrival, she saw a vision of you killing Akasha. This upset your father and he kicked her out of the home. Then one year later, Alucard stirs once more after you attack Akasha. It goes for Moka but ends up eating Akasha instead after she put the rosary on Moka."
Akua pondered that for a moment before posing a question to Deshi. The two exchange a few foreign words before Akua nods.
"Sound right."
"Okay. Now I have some questions. If the rosary is a seal for Alucard, who removed it?"
"Remove? No remove. Not need."
"What does that mean?"
Akua spoke to Deshi and the girl nodded. Akua reached over to touch Kurumu's thigh.
"Seal put Alucard sleep. Not need keep him sleep. Akasha kept rosary. How she put him sleep again."
Those broken sentences explained much.
"But why put it on Moka? Why not put it on Alucard again?"
Akua paused. She turned to Deshi and started to say something. Kurumu reached over to touch Akua's hand, causing her to cut off in midsentence. The girl frowned as Kurumu kept her thought simple. She only wanted to understand the language here and now. Akua eyed her warily.
"Is this better?"
Akua glanced at Deshi whom had an unusual look of surprise. She looked at Kurumu, measuring her up.
"The succubi are a tricky race. That woman must think I won't harm you."
Kurumu smiled sheepishly.
"I would like to be unharmed."
"You're not trying anything funny, right? Like read my mind or something?"
"I won't lie. I could if I wanted to. I might even be able to do it without you noticing."
"I should kill you, even if you are special to her."
Kurumu shivered at the cold declaration delivered in that cute voice.
"Moka believes her blood caused Alucard to stir. She's already told this to Mrs. Shuzen. If that is one of the questions she is pestering you about, she is wanting you to confirm it."
"I don't know if that is what caused it or not. It could have been the fact that I cut Akasha in half and the scent of her Shinso blood caused Alucard to stir."
"Shinso blood?"
"The bloodline of Alucard and his people. That blood flows in Moka's veins."
Kurumu nodded, giving Akua's hand a squeeze.
"So you think Alucard could have reacted to Moka."
Akua regarded her.
"Are you aware that woman is giving Moka blood?"
"Kokoa mentioned it to me. Said there was something wrong with Akasha's blood."
"The only thing wrong with Akasha's blood is that it is too strong for a child to bear."
Akua paused.
"Not long after Moka's tenth birthday, Akasha had a long talk with me about Moka and why I could never take her down to see Alucard again."
Akua glanced over her shoulder, smiling at the slumbering vampire.
"When Moka was a baby, she was fragile and weak. Akasha was terrified of losing her so she injected her blood into Moka, despite knowing the risks. She knew there was a chance that Moka would become tainted with the Shinso blood."
"I don't quite understand. Wasn't Moka tainted with Shinso blood anyways? She is Akasha's daughter."
"Shinso blood is not inherited through birth. If that were true, I would have Shinso blood in my veins."
Kurumu frowned.
"Your father has Shinso blood?"
"No. I'm a direct descendant of Alucard on my mother's side."
"How do you know this?"
"That's not important right now. The Shinso blood in Moka was too much for a baby and she was borderline a ghoul. To keep the poor girl sane, Father ordered that woman to give her blood to Moka. It seemed to have worked, but all bets are off when a vampire reaches puberty. Moka's Shinso blood spiked in power the day Alucard stirred. Perhaps the sight of me cutting Akasha in half triggered it."
Akua paused, taking a deep breath.
"So I can't say for certain what trigged Alucard's awakening. All I know is that Alucard initially went after Moka. So Akasha sealed Moka and allowed Alucard to eat her."
"Which doesn't make sense. Why didn't she put the rosary on Alucard?"
Akua smiled softly as she looked at her lap.
"Because Akasha made herself into a bomb."
Kurumu let that sentiment sink in.
"You said that before. That this Moka is a fuse and that Akasha is a bomb."
"Akasha sleeps within Alucard. This Moka is a fuse that will detonate Akasha."
"And Mrs. Shuzen is aware of this."
Akua laughed beautifully.
"She thinks I'm crazy."
Akua sighed, turning a reluctant smile on Kurumu.
"We don't know how this precious girl ended up in the rosary. It's not like any magic Touhou has ever seen before. Akasha must have been working with someone to create a memory storing spell which could take the shape of a personality."
"Master Touhou has been attempting to recreate this spell. He thought he had a strong enough iteration to serve as a duplicate. Akua returned two summers ago to test it out on Alucard."
"Which failed miserably. That woman had moved the corpse so I had to make a deal with her and then the damn thing didn't even work. I was so frustrated."
Kurumu nodded, already knowing about Akua's return and the failure to destroy Alucard. She glanced at Moka and squeezed Akua's hand.
"Do you want the seal broken?"
"Yes. When I heard about the priest's little plan of having Moka in the same class as some kid whom could break her seal, I had Touhou pull some strings to get Deshi enrolled at the academy. It was my hope that she could steal the rosary and bring it to me so I could kill Alucard."
"Wait. If she's a fuse, does that mean she would die too?"
"Deshi has informed me that Moka has become very attached to the seal. I have considered swiping the rosary to give to Touhou instead with the hopes that he can make a better duplicate. That way we could return this precious thing to Moka."
Kurumu sighed.
"You might get your wish. Mrs. Shuzen intends to have Tsukune remove Moka's seal soon."
"Tsukune? Is this the name of the boy whom can break the seal?"
"Yes, that would be Mr. Aono."
Akua yanked her hand out of Kurumu's grip, shaking her head. She sweetly muttered in Chinese which caused Deshi to smile. Kurumu pouted, reaching for Akua.
"No! Hold hand long time. Is weird."
"But it helps me understand."
"Things not want you understand."
Kurumu sighed, resting her hands in her lap.
"I guess. What I don't understand is why you are withholding information from Mrs. Shuzen. It sounds like the two of you have the same agenda."
"Maybe not same. Who can tell?"
"Both of you want to remove the seal without any care about saving this Moka."
Deshi spoke a quick sentence in Chinese which Akua responded to. Deshi said another sentence and Akua nodded. She reached over to brush Moka's tresses.
"Alucard has one goal. Make Japan paradise for monster. That woman has same goal."
Kurumu paused. She understood that there was a difference in the methods to reach that goal.
"I don't like Mrs. Shuzen that much either, but I doubt she wants to ruin the lives of her daughters."
"Moka not hers. Neither am I."
Kurumu frowned with a slight shake of her head.
"Mrs. Shuzen doesn't need you at all. She can remove the seal with Tsukune. That means she could revive or destroy Alucard without you doing anything."
Akua regarded Kurumu with a cold, menacing stare.
"I should kill this boy."
"That wasn't my point. Why the hell doesn't she throw you to Fujisaki if she had no use for you?"
"How you know that name?"
"Fujisaki Miyabi. Since you were pronounced dead, Kahlua was the Eldest Daughter and had to accept his challenge for her hand in marriage. She lost and will be marrying him this week."
Akua barked cute Chinese at Deshi whom jovially replied. Akua winced and said more in words brimming with emotions. Deshi smiled slyly upon Kurumu.
"Could go either way. Maybe woman ally with him."
"That doesn't feel right. I've seen these two together. Fujisaki wants to take Mrs. Shuzen's place. I'm sure you remember that assembly where Tsukune was pardoned for his crimes."
"Yes. Big event. Very happy for your club."
"The man whom orchestrated all that nonsense was Yoshii Kiria and he works for Fujisaki."
Deshi's eyebrow lifted. The girl turned to Akua and spoke in Chinese. Akua sighed heavily, scooting off the bed and stretching her arms overhead. She replied to Deshi before turning to Kurumu.
"You come. Deshi will stay with her. I show you around."
Kurumu frowned as she stood up. She absently felt the fabric of her chemise, wondering if she should protest the offer on the basis of having nothing else to wear. Then again, she would be in the company of a vampire wearing a skimpy garment which was even more convenient for sexual advances.
"Is there a reason why Fujisaki would kill you?"
Akua smirked as she strolled off to the door, gesturing for Kurumu to follow.
"Perhaps. I took long time to do his mission."
"What mission?"
"To kill Akasha."
"Say ah."
Moka pouted from her seat at the table. Akua had scooted her chair next to Moka and was holding a fork laden with seasoned meat. Moka lowered her own chopsticks upon her plate of food as she regarded Kurumu with a pleading look. Sitting across this ebony table, Kurumu could only offer a shrug.
"Ah."
Moka opened her mouth wide with her eyes closing. Akua squealed in delight as she placed the morsel inside Moka's mouth. Moka dutifully began to chew with a healthy blush across her cheeks. Akua quickly began picking through the contents of her own plate for another morsel.
The tour of the facility had taken over three hours. It was a long, tedious experience filled with awkward moments due to their language barrier. Akua would not allow Kurumu to touch her, stating there was no need for Kurumu to fully understand anything.
Their first stop had been topside for a breath of fresh air. It had been chilly but invigorating. Akua had taken her about the grounds before leading her down a catwalk. It was at that point when Kurumu realized there was nothing below them. Akua had laughed over her reaction, saying it was a long drop to the ocean below, likely to kill even monsters from this height. The catwalk ended at a security station which required Akua to have her eye scanned before the door would open.
The Garden was primarily a research facility with the sole purpose of the analysis and containment of Alucard. There were three major areas within the compound but only the research area had limitations on entry. A majority of staff and security could only enter the facility at specific times of the day. Akua was among a special few whom could come and go as she pleased.
Akua had been notified about Moka rousing shortly after they had entered the facility. She had ordered Deshi to entertain Moka while she continued with the tour. Kurumu had wanted to go back for Moka but Akua felt there was no need to bring Moka any closer to Alucard.
Most of the employees they came across were either scientists or security. It was fairly easy to tell the difference since all the security personnel were dressed in black suits with black ties and sunglasses. All of these men also carried machine guns, Akua mocking how weak monsters relied on human weaponry.
There was a third group whom were dedicated to the maintenance and upkeep of the facility, though not nearly as visible as the former groups. Many of these were sylphs in charge of the turbines which kept this village afloat in the clouds. They did not require access to the research facility.
Akua had not elaborated much on her knowledge of Fujisaki. Her major comments had been about how Fujisaki had been her contact but not the one whom ordered Akasha's death. That had been the Masked King whom was Akua's grandfather. It was Fujisaki whom had educated Akua on Alucard, her lineage and why it was her destiny to slay Akasha and become the next Shinso vampire.
It was about that time when Akua had revealed Alucard's corpse to Kurumu, which had been a terrifying experience. She would have emptied her bladder on the spot if it had anything in it. Akua had laughed about her falling to her knees, saying many new hires coming to work here had similar reactions.
It was almost noon. Akua had taken Kurumu back topside before the employees were excused for lunch. Their sleeping quarters and this private dining room were located inside the President's suite which was part of the residential barracks. As far as Akua knew, everybody lived in the barracks and the catwalk was the only way to get inside the facility.
"Say ah."
Moka was chewing as she lowered her chopsticks. She made a whimpering pout as she continued to chew a couple more seconds.
"Sister."
"Ah."
Moka sighed and opened her mouth, making a slight sound. Akua giggled sweetly as she dumped the morsel into Moka's mouth. Setting aside her chopsticks, Moka covered her mouth as she chewed.
"Sister, please. Eat your own meal."
Akua grinned as she poked through her plate again.
"Want feed beloved. One meal no loss."
Deshi giggled and spoke to Akua, pointing with her chopsticks. Akua glanced down before turning an adorable pout upon her friend. She protested in her sweet voice, wagging her chopsticks which caused Deshi to giggle more.
This was the most animated Kurumu had ever seen Deshi behave. She sat at the head of the table in a fancy chair with golden balls rimmed along the line where the burgundy cushion was embedded into the ebony wood. This chair was bigger than the others and was the only one with arms.
"What were you talking about?"
"Say she need eat or Kokoa have bigger chest soon."
"Taller than you."
"Not used to be."
Akua barked something in Chinese and Deshi responded while waving her chopsticks. Akua turned to Moka, grabbing her by the arm.
"You want see? Deshi get hairpin."
Deshi pouted and protested in Chinese.
"You no eat. Get hairpin. Show sister."
"Why?"
"Show progress. Meet sister. Go, go."
Deshi pouted again.
"Not my sister."
Akua glared at Deshi with a sudden ominous presence.
"Go."
Deshi sighed, setting aside her chopsticks. Without a word, she slipped out of her chair and headed for the door which opened into the corridor. That corridor wrapped about this suite which had two other bedrooms identical to the one Kurumu had spent the night in.
"Show special girl. Touhou and I work many year. She precious."
Moka nodded as she chewed on a mouthful of noodles. Like Kurumu, the vampire was still dressed in her pajamas from last night.
"Are you planning to answer Mrs. Shuzen's questions tonight?"
"What for? She have room ears. Record our talk."
Kurumu paused.
"Is that why you are speaking Chinese so much?"
Akua cocked her head with a condescending look.
"That woman speak Chinese. Only answer she lack concern Fujisaki. Have told all other before. She no like my answer but true."
"What answers doesn't she like?"
Akua sighed, reaching over to caress Moka's hair.
"She think I meet Father. But I honest. Roam alone with Moka for days. Never saw him. Had no choice."
Akua grimaced with a slight shake of her head.
"I no want. But had no choice. Could not care for Moka. She might die. Could not trust humans. Had no choice. No want give her to that woman. But what else could do?"
"But I understand it took you days to bring Moka to Mrs. Shuzen. And according to Mr. Nagi, your father was never seen at the ruins of the estate after he discovered it that way only two days after it happened. I can understand why Mrs. Shuzen feels you must have met up with him."
Akua huffed with a shake of her head and rolling her eyes.
"Why stay there? Not safe. Fujisaki might come. Carried Moka. Ran far away."
"Do you think Fujisaki had your father killed?"
"Maybe. Want Akasha dead. No reason leave Father alive."
Moka shook her head.
"No. Father can't be dead."
"Know Fujisaki. Quite powerful. Would kill Father."
"But Issa's body was not found. What benefit does Fujisaki have hiding his body if he killed him?"
"Maybe she hid his body."
"Then why would she bother pestering you about him? You're not even recognized as being alive so pretending to look for him through you makes no sense."
Akua cupped her chin as she glanced at the door. She made a slight nod.
"Reluctant to trust more than need. Fujisaki lied. Worry she lie too. Only trust Touhou and Deshi."
"And Moka."
Akua giggled, grabbing up Moka by the arm and leaning her head against Moka's shoulder. She closed her eyes and took in a deep breath.
"Love Moka. But this not Moka. This special girl."
Kurumu smiled, glancing up at Moka whom was nearly finished with her meal. Setting aside her utensils, Moka timidly reached over to pat Akua's head.
"But I am Moka."
"Not what say in China."
Moka stiffened.
"I was confused."
"Tell friend real name. Tell what tell us when you woke."
Moka blushed, glancing aside.
"I had no idea where I was or whom I was."
"Not true. You answer Touhou clearly with name. Not Moka."
"What is she talking about?"
"It doesn't matter, Kurumu. I woke up very confused."
"Not true. She was not Moka. Spoke good Japanese. Cry over Akasha being gone."
Moka's face twisted in grief.
"Of course I cried over mother being dead. Who wouldn't cry?"
"I thought you knew nothing about Akasha."
Moka turned pained eyes upon Kurumu.
"I never said that. I always knew there was another woman whom I had lost."
"Hatsukoi."
Moka shivered. She pawed at Akua, shaking her head.
"Don't. Please, don't."
"Touhou ask for name. She say Hatsukoi."
Kurumu nodded as Moka started to cry. She felt distant and detached, unsure how to process this.
"Why didn't you tell any of us about this?"
Moka offered no answer, shaking her head as tears rolled down her cheeks.
"No secret from that woman. She knows."
The door opened. Deshi came into the room with her hand clenched about something. She frowned at them as she closed the door.
"What I miss?"
"Akua has outed Moka for having a different name."
Moka sniffled as she rubbed her eyes.
"I was confused. That word felt right."
"So much she argue with Touhou. He try correct her but she insist."
"I had amnesia."
Akua favored Moka with a dubious look, shaking her head.
"She knew that woman. She knew me. Not amnesia. She knew Moka was someone else."
"Why didn't you say something?"
Moka looked at Kurumu with frustration.
"Because Hatsukoi means nothing. It's not a name. I'm supposed to be Moka. Mother was very clear about that. This is Moka's body and I have to be her. It's not right to be anyone else."
Akua got up from her chair and gestured at Deshi.
"Here. Sit. We show."
Deshi pouted.
"Right now?"
"Yes now."
Deshi sighed, handing something over to Akua. The plum haired girl sat down heavily in the seat beside Moka whom was still recovering from her emotional outburst. Akua began fussing with Deshi's tresses with a soft smile on her lips.
"Deshi no remember her name. Nickname we call her."
Deshi pouted, looking up.
"No. That's a secret."
Akua smiled, tapping the girl's nose.
"She so sweet to us. Offer place to stay. We hide from Miao family."
Deshi sighed, relaxing in the chair.
"I do nothing. Let you sleep in father's barn. Father so angry."
Akua's gaze darkened.
"He beat you to death"
Deshi smirked.
"He very angry."
"Humans cruel. What harm two vampire girls be? Bad harvest not our fault. Bad harvest…"
Her cute voice trembled with emotions as she gripped Deshi's hair in a small fist. Deshi reached up to touch Akua's hand.
"Is fine. Not fault."
"I killed you. I killed both you."
"You protect sister."
"No. Jealous. Scared."
"Akua?"
Akua glanced at Moka with a wistful smile.
"Jasmine like little sister. Was to be assassin, like me. No want that for her, so I stole her. On mission we share, we not return. We disappear. Ran from Miao."
Akua held up something in her hand. It was a colorful pin in the shape of a small flower with pink petals and a golden center.
"Deshi help. Hide for many months. But Jasmine too close with villagers. She like play. Sneak out while I get food or work. Drew suspicion."
"I'm not following this. Deshi isn't dead."
Deshi smirked, bringing a finger up to her lips.
"I blame self. Some days. Think if not hurt boy, maybe they do nothing."
Akua sighed.
"But know truth. She mark him. They know. They still come. They kill Deshi. They kill boy too. They kill Jasmine. Only change last words with Jasmine. Nothing else."
Akua smiled at Moka.
"So put all effort to this. She special like you."
Akua gathered up some tresses and clipped the pin about them. When she let the bound hair rest back against Deshi's head, the Chinese girl made a swift transformation. Her hair became a golden white and her eyes changed to a soft pink. Her facial features retained the same exotic appearance but seemed a little younger than before. Her bosom had also downgraded, if such a thing was possible.
This new girl looked about with a bewildered expression. She touched Akua's hand which was draped over her shoulder before glancing up. Relief crossed her face and she started talking in a lyrical voice much different than Deshi's. Akua smiled, caressing the girl's hair with her free hand. She said something in response and the two had a short exchange before Akua turned a smile upon Moka.
"This Jasmine."
Kurumu got up from her chair, amazed at this. This crazy girl had invented something which could do the same thing as Moka's rosary. She wandered around the table to get a better look at this girl, curious if there were any other notable changes to Deshi's physique.
The girl was speaking in Chinese with Akua. Akua was sweetly responding as Kurumu came up beside them. Both girls paused to regard her with Jasmine saying something to which Akua curtly responded to.
"What is she saying?"
"She confused. China last time she aware."
"Is she like Moka?"
"Touhou try. Jasmine but not Jasmine. Copy from memory. Good spell."
Jasmine asked Akua something. Akua gestured at Kurumu and Moka, sharing their names. She said a few more things in Chinese before Jasmine replied with a blush. Akua grinned at Moka.
"She says my friends pretty."
"It's impressive. Does she understand what is going on?"
Akua smiled softly.
"No. She now remember things, but confused often. No awareness when removed."
"Just like Moka."
"Hard explain how days pass. No help that Deshi jiangshi. Body no age."
"What's a jiangshi?"
"Soul refuse death. Keep body but hunt blood like ghoul. Gave Deshi my blood. Loyal servant now."
Jasmine spoke excitedly in that lyrical voice and Akua giggled. She responded with a slight shake of her head. Jasmine pouted and protested. Akua hugged the girl, closing her eyes.
"Wants outside. She mad but would scare her. Jasmine hate heights."
Jasmine continued to protest and Akua sighed. Akua responded and pointed at Moka. She spoke in a firm tone and Jasmine pouted. Jasmine finally nodded at Moka and muttered something in Chinese.
"She promise to remember you."
Moka smiled softly.
"I promise to remember her too."
Akua stroked her fingers through Jasmine's hair. Her fingers caught about the hairpin. She unhooked it and the tresses quickly filled back up with reddish plum color. Deshi slumped back against the chair with her eyes closed as Akua removed the hairpin.
"Only Touhou and I remove. Think Akasha had similar security on rosary, though Akasha gone. We not know how Akasha hope we get seal off Moka."
Kurumu nodded as she watched Akua straighten up the unconscious Deshi in the chair. Kurumu was no stranger to seeing Moka like this, but the roles were reversed. Normally removing the rosary brought the other Moka out alert and ready while resealing Moka had this lethargic effect.
"Did you find a way to remove the seal without Tsukune?"
Akua snorted.
"Sure. We cancel whole spell. Doubt Akasha want that. Why we make copy. Destroy Alucard first. Handle seal later."
Moka clutched her rosary.
"And that would be easier if you had the rosary."
"Easier. Not safer."
"But you admitted earlier today that you enrolled Deshi into Yokai Academy to steal the rosary."
"Not know Fujisaki involve. Much risky now."
Kurumu sighed heavily.
"You'll have to explain that to Mrs. Shuzen."
"Does Deshi have any memories of Jasmine?"
Akua nodded as she caressed Deshi's hair.
"She remember help us. She remember dying for Jasmine."
Moka smiled, bowing her head slightly.
"That wasn't what she meant. She wanted to know if Deshi would remember being Jasmine today."
"Heard you speak with Moka. Not know this before. Jasmine can't talk with Deshi. Think that why last duplicate fail. Fuse need way talk with bomb. We try harder. Make more like you."
Moka sighed.
"So in the end, I'm nothing but a magic spell."
"Don't say that. None of us think of you in those terms."
"Better if true."
Kurumu turned a look of disbelief upon Akua.
"How so? How is her not being a person better?"
"Can make copy of spell. Make her fancy jewel. Put her on lifeless body like Deshi."
"That sounds awful."
"Prefer priest man theory? That Hatsukoi has soul?"
Kurumu frowned, unsure whom the priest man was but not minding the idea of this Moka having a soul. She glanced at Moka and nodded.
"Yes. Moka has a soul. She's not some artificially created magical doll."
Akua smiled softly.
"Why that better? Did forget what Hatsukoi exists for? Too tragic."
"What are you rambling about now?"
"Hatsukoi is fuse to bomb."
They were seated in a lounge across the corridor from the dining room waiting for the arrival of Mrs. Shuzen. It was a quarter to eight and they had finished their dinner a half hour ago. This room was not as cozy as the lounge at the Estate since these sofa cushions were itchy. Maybe if she had been wearing thicker clothes which covered every speck of bared skin, Kurumu could tolerate these cushions better.
Moka and Akua shared a loveseat. Akua had convinced Deshi to loan out her Gameboy Advance so that Moka could spend the time playing Shining Soul II which was some dungeon crawler the two could play together. Akua was playing some werewolf dude by the name of Sachs while Moka was using the warrior guy named Alex. Apparently there was some half human half vampire dude by the name of Bloodstar which Akua forbade Moka from playing as he was a disgrace to all vampire kind. They had been playing since Deshi had roused from her stupor around two thirty, which had made this whole day so boring.
Having nothing better to do, Kurumu had done some of her summer schoolwork with Deshi. They had completed the entire assignment for Mrs. Sunao's Japanese class. Kurumu had written all the answers onto spare sheets of paper to take back home to copy later.
Naturally Deshi was good at high school. While her records stated she was sixteen years old as of April twenty seventh, that was actually the date twelve years ago when she had died. Akua had gone on a rampage after their deaths, wiping out the human village and three neighboring settlements. In a daze she had returned to discover Deshi had become jiangshi and weakened herself to stabilize Deshi's sanity. It had been terrible timing as the Miao family descended upon them that night, capturing them both. Akua had pledged her services under the condition that she could keep Deshi.
Oddly it had been in August twelve years ago when Akua had first met her father. He had been called in by the Miao family due to her troublesome actions. Expecting a harsh punishment from a man she had no clear memories of, he had merely admonished her over letting emotions control her. Since then she had worked harder to become distant and detached from her work. She had nearly forgotten about his open invitation to claim the title of Eldest Daughter when Fujisaki came along to remind her.
Beyond these things, Akua had not been inclined to share much else about her past in those awkward first couple of hours while Deshi remained unconscious. She had tried to offer them clothes from her wardrobe only to get flustered and embarrassed over none of it having any hope to cover their bountiful assets. Amusingly Kurumu had noticed the girl had no bras or panties in her belongings, not wanting to open a discussion over why. Recalling the one time Deshi had swapped her PSC jacket with Satsuki, Kurumu suspected Deshi also lacked any such things and that it might be a culture thing.
There was a knock on the door. Deshi looked up from the book she was reading as Mrs. Shuzen entered the room. The vampire was dressed in a silver blouse with ribbed, short sleeves. The blouse was tucked in a glossy black skirt which hugged her hips and thighs. A white tote dangled from Mrs. Shuzen's elbow as she cocked her head.
"Evening, ladies. I hope you have enjoyed your stay."
Kurumu happily stood up from this uncomfortable cushion. She rubbed the back of her legs to help her skin forget the feeling of that texture.
"Save first."
Akua's attention remained on the handheld as she pressed the buttons. Moka smiled sheepishly up at Mrs. Shuzen.
"I don't know how."
"Save for you."
Akua took the device from Moka and worked the buttons. Moka smiled again, deciding she should also be standing. Deshi set aside her book but betrayed no intention to stand.
"I hope you have agreed to clarify some things for me this time. This game of feigned ignorance cannot be tolerated any longer."
Akua cocked her head. She turned off the handheld and set it aside before getting up on her feet.
"Hear you work with Fujisaki Miyabi."
"He is the Vice President of Fairy Tale. Naturally I must work with him."
"Aware his goal reviving Alucard?"
"I have been recently informed he has such a goal by Ms. Kurono. Prior to that, I assumed he was an annoying political rival determined to push us into war with the humans."
Akua stared at Mrs. Shuzen with dead, menacing eyes.
"You gave our sister to him."
"He won Kahlua's hand by right of challenge. The Eldest Daughter can't refuse a challenge."
"I am Eldest."
"You are dead, Akua. I buried you alongside Akasha."
"Not ask for that."
"What choice did you leave me? You vanished. The positions of Eldest and Head are not things you or your father can simply leave vacant. Somebody has to step in."
"But you didn't declare Father dead."
Mrs. Shuzen wagged a finger at Moka.
"Head is different. If I let the Elders declare him dead, they would have taken everything from us. All of you are daughters of the Estate. Do you believe they would leave any of you in my care? The only way I kept this family together is by refusing his demise."
Akua glared at Mrs. Shuzen.
"Let me challenge Fujisaki."
Mrs. Shuzen calmly regarded the young woman.
"No. You will not shame this family."
Akua pointed at the door.
"That man order death for Akasha. Said I take Akasha's blood and become next Shinso. As descendant of Alucard, my duty to purge world of humanity."
"Nonsense. Alucard has no descendants. Akasha would have mentioned if her dear, beloved Uncle had sired any children."
"My Grandfather son of Alucard. Known as Masked King."
Mrs. Shuzen laughed with a slight shake of her head. She lifted a hand to brush the locks about her ear.
"Now that is an amusing revelation. I take it the Masked King is the same one whom ordered the Miao family to assign you to Akasha's assassination."
"Yes."
Mrs. Shuzen smirked at the seriousness of Akua's claim.
"So… the Masked King claims to be the father of your mother, Hanami. You wouldn't by any chance happen to know the name of your grandmother?"
"Chirimi. Kanji of blood, reason and fascination. Daughter of Elder Tsuyosei."
"That is helpful."
"Mr. Nagi said Hanami was acquired from Lord Tomi."
Mrs. Shuzen nodded.
"I am aware of that. Lord Tomi would not share how Hanami came to be in his household. For all I knew, she could have been bought from another family. Fortunately Elder Tsuyosei is also one of ours. I can discuss with him about Chirimi at the wedding."
Mrs. Shuzen turned her attention back to Akua.
"I hope you realize that source of your information is highly questionable. Assuming Elder Tsuyosei is willing to admit his daughter had an illegitimate child, I'm certain I won't get anyone to ever say the Masked King is Hanami's father. A proper name for this man would be far more useful."
"No reason Fujisaki give me name of client."
"Yet he was so glib about sharing your ancestry."
"He knew Mother's name. Did you?"
"I agree that he had knowledge about you before I did. That means nothing in regards to your ancestry."
"Admit all could lie. Fujisaki care not about revenge for Jasmine. Only wanted Alucard revived."
Mrs. Shuzen pursed her lips.
"And what revived Alucard?"
"Say before. Moka's blood awakening."
"I understood there was a fight. That you attacked Akasha."
"Yes. Akasha has power. Power I want."
"To destroy humanity."
"To protect what I love."
Mrs. Shuzen laughed with a slight shake of her head.
"You tried to kill Akasha so you could protect her daughter."
"Made sense at time."
Mrs. Shuzen sighed.
"Such a troublesome girl. Where is Issa?"
"Annoying question. Tell many time. No idea."
"She said she left the scene immediately with concern that Fujisaki would come for her. She thinks it is possible that the two may have crossed paths."
Mrs. Shuzen glanced at Kurumu.
"That is an interesting proposition. This revelation of Fujisaki being involved in this assassination attempt upon Akasha does change the perspective of things."
She turned her attention back to Akua.
"Still you do your father injustice. I can't imagine him falling easily to the likes of Fujisaki."
"No more help. All have."
"Yes. I guess all that is left is to surrender the seal to you. I hope you understand that I do have some events to clear from my schedule before I am able to return to the Garden. Your sister's wedding and Akasha's memorial service are both coming up. Monday would be the earliest I could manage."
Akua glanced at Moka and shook her head.
"No. Not safe."
"Not safe? I am surrendering the seal to you so that you can run it off to Touhou and continue your little doll making project. Don't think I'm unaware of what you are trying to do."
"Fujisaki grab Moka first chance he get. Already infiltrated Yokai."
"Fine. I agree. We destroy Alucard now."
"With original?"
"Yes. What else would we do it with?"
"What if Tsukumogami?"
Mrs. Shuzen sighed, shaking her head.
"I recall Touhou and you both rejected the notion that this doll is a soul. Now you want to dance to the tune of Mikogami?"
Akua paused.
"No. But want copy like Jasmine. Moka not want lose."
"Yet you protest that it is unsafe. Which do you value more? The life of your sister or her doll?"
Akua clenched her fists, trembling.
"No sure will work. Silly priest break seal with dumb boy."
"Then I offer you the seal. Take it back to China. Have Touhou repair it if necessary."
"Not safe."
"Why do you insist on making this difficult?"
"Give Moka to me. We keep seal on. We make duplicate. Kill Alucard. Then remove seal."
"And you expect me to surrender my daughter to you?"
"Not your daughter."
"More so than yours."
"You risk her life unseal her."
Mrs. Shuzen glared at Akua.
"And you risk everything taking my daughter to China with you. What would happen if Lord Fujisaki were to find you? He would have Moka, the seal and your path to the Garden all in one place. That is not how the game is played. You never put everything in one place. If he grabs Moka, what can he do with her? Nothing. She's useless to him without Alucard. The most he can do is barter with me."
Kurumu shivered from this thick tension within the room.
"What do you suggest to do?"
"We remove the seal on Monday. Then we destroy Alucard as originally intended."
"Can I go back to school?"
Mrs. Shuzen looked at Moka whom was pale as ice.
"Moka can go back to school. You will be fulfilling the duty Akasha gave to you."
Akua stepped in front of Moka, holding her hand out.
"No. We can make duplicate."
"What if she's a soul that you can't copy?"
Akua glanced down.
"Akasha not do that."
"At least not on purpose."
Akua glared at Mrs. Shuzen.
"We copy Hatsukoi. No need destroy original."
"You are much too attached to these dolls."
"Moka loves her."
"The truth is simple. Mikogami can continue protecting Moka at Yokai while we use the seal to destroy Alucard. There's no point duplicating something that is not guaranteed to work."
Kurumu highly questioned the quality of Mikogami's protection, but felt bringing that up would not help anything. She wandered over to Moka's side, noting how the girl was trembling and on the brink of tears. She offered Moka a hand, slipping in behind Akua as she faced Mrs. Shuzen.
"Must this happen now?"
"Why would we wait?"
Kurumu swallowed, giving Moka's hand a squeeze.
"If the rosary doesn't kill Alucard, why bother removing it now?"
Mrs. Shuzen chuckled, turning her gaze upon Akua.
"That would be quite frustrating. Akua has spent years on this magnificent idea of ridding the world of Alucard with a magical bauble."
"Then look into her eyes and see if it fails."
Mrs. Shuzen smirked.
"Would you be willing? It makes things much clearer if you agree."
Akua huffed, crossing her arms below her chest.
"Fine. If work, send seal with me to China. Leave Moka with Deshi at school. Touhou make copy. Bring back. Destroy Alucard."
Kurumu glanced at Moka with a flutter in her heart.
"Can Moka return with us to school?"
"We have already agreed to that."
"I meant this Moka. Can you let her return with me to school?"
Kurumu squeezed Moka's hand again as she regarded Mrs. Shuzen firmly.
"You can take the seal to China after giving her a chance to say goodbye to everyone."
"No goodbye. Make copy. No destroy her."
Mrs. Shuzen rolled her eyes.
"Stubborn, silly girls. This talent looks into her future so the only possibilities I can examine are the ones where Akua has the seal or Moka."
"You can look into mine next. Please."
Mrs. Shuzen sighed with a slight shake of her head.
"Very well. Akua first."
Akua nodded, stepping towards Mrs. Shuzen. The woman placed a hand on Akua's shoulder while the other rested against Akua's cheek. She turned her head slightly and peered with her crimson eyes into Akua. The elder sister tensed up but did not pull away. Several long moments passed without either vampire blinking.
Mrs. Shuzen finally let out a heavy sigh and Akua gasped. Mrs. Shuzen closed her eyes and brought her other hand up to caress Akua's other cheek. Akua hesitated under the unusual affection before placing her palms against Mrs. Shuzen's torso and pushing back. Mrs. Shuzen withdrew a step, crossing her arms about her bosom as she stared off to a corner.
"It fails."
Akua looked up sharply.
"No! Must work!"
Mrs. Shuzen glared down at Akua.
"It fails. This doll was never meant to destroy Alucard."
"Not true! You and priest break her with boy! Let me take to China! We fix!"
"I have already stated that I'm not sending her to China with you."
Akua clenched her fists and shook her head.
"No! Then give seal!"
Mrs. Shuzen gave Akua another threatening glare.
"I looked two weeks in. Giving you the seal changes nothing."
Akua continued to shake her head in disbelief.
"No. Touhou not wrong. Must work."
"Touhou can't fix whatever it is you think is broken. This doll is no different than when Touhou first created her. All she is meant to do is put Alucard to sleep."
"No. She fuse. Akasha will respond."
Mrs. Shuzen slapped Akua's cheek, promptly thrusting a finger at her face.
"Akasha is dead. Her last desperate act was to seal her daughter from a monster you helped revive. Stop spouting this nonsense."
"Don't ever touch me!"
"You ruined everything. I'm not giving you Moka or the seal. Run back to China and play with your toy. I have no further use of you."
Akua seethed, blood dripping from her clenched fists.
"Let me kill Fujisaki."
"If I wanted you dead, I would have done it years ago. Stay away from him."
Akua turned and barked something in Chinese at Deshi prompting the girl to stand up. Akua stormed around Mrs. Shuzen and the two foreign girls exited the room.
There was a long pause but the heavy atmosphere refused to diminish. Kurumu cleared her throat to catch the attention of the brooding vampire.
"Um. About Moka. Can she return to school as is?"
"Why do you insist she remain in such a helpless state?"
Kurumu smiled meekly under that imperious stare.
"It's sort of worked out so far."
Mrs. Shuzen stepped in menacingly. Her hand snaked out quickly to catch Kurumu's cheek in a startling caress. Crimson eyes gazed into Kurumu.
"I think I shall look into that at a later date. For now, we should head back to the Estate."
Kurumu swallowed as Mrs. Shuzen's hand withdrew. The woman turned sharply on her heel and started for the door.
"I swear I have spoiled every last one of you."