"Hey, Fumi, I have a question."

"What is it, Tamao?"

"You'd love me no matter what, right?"

"Of course. No matter how you change I'll always love you."

"I'm glad."

To anyone else, it would seem like a simple conversation. Just a little doubt put at ease. But, to Tamao it was a lot more than just that. That meant a lot to her, but it didn't fully ease her doubts.

"But, what if one day you saw me as a completely different person. Someone who only looked like me but acted completely different. Would you still love me even then?"

"As long as you still love me, I'd give you the same love back." Fumi continued to reassure her, "Are you worried you'll change after we graduate?"

"A little bit." Tamao couldn't tell her the truth.

To put it simply, she wasn't human. She was a demon. A demon who lived as a mortal. And a demon who had fallen in love with a mortal. There was a lot to handle with all of that.

Tamao shared her name with her demon form. Normally demons chose a new name for when they were mortals, but Tamao decided not to. No one suspected her and the demon were one and the same. Their personalities were quite different.

Mortal Tamao was a kind girl who wanted to make others happy. Demon Tamao was... evil. Someone to fear. Completely the opposite of how Tamao acted as her mortal form.

"I doubt much will change."

"I hope so."

If only they knew how those words would not hold much truth for much longer.

DIVIDER--

It had been a few days since then. Nothing had really changed. Every day went by as usual. Today, Tamao and Fumi were in the garden. Tamao was tending to some flowers while Fumi watched. They were making small talk whilst doing so.

"You know, I shouldn't be surprised that she did something like that, but I am."

They were talking about Ichie at the moment. She had gotten up to some crazy shenanigans and had gotten herself in quite a bit of trouble.

"She's gotten bolder, don't you think?" Tamao replied.

"Maybe she has." Fumi agreed.

Moments like these were quite treasured between the two of them. Just being alone together was more than enough for them. Neither needed much to be satisfied.

Their peace was short lived. A scream sounded from the school. Soon, more followed.

"What's going on?" Fumi was trying to see if she could spot the disturbance.

"Demon!"

"Ah! Get away!"

"Help!"

"Demons are attacking us!"

Tamao froze in place. There were demons in the school. That was bad. What if she was exposed? What if she had to expose herself? What if someone she cared about got hurt or God forbid killed?

"W-what do we do?" Fumi was nervously looking around.

"We better find a place to hide." Tamao stated.

She needed to stay hidden. It was her best chance of staying like this.

"Where? How do we hide from a demon? We never learned that."

Tamao sighed, "I don't know. We have to just try."

"Let's go then."

They took off running, unsure where exactly to go. Unfortunately, they didn't get anywhere. Two demons blocked their path. They both stopped dead in their tracks. This was bad.

"This should be fun." One demon said.

"Shall we play a little game? You run and we chase. If we catch you, you're going to die." The other smirked evily at them.

"Three seconds to run."

Fumi grabbed Tamao's arm and started running. They had no clue where they could go. Could they outrun the demons?

Tamao looked back. She regretted doing so. The demons were hot on their tails. It wouldn't take much for them to catch up. One hesitation could mean death for them.

And unfortunately that happened. Tamao stumbled over a rock and fell down. It only took seconds for the demons to grab her and hold her captive. One held their claws against her neck.

"T-Tamao!" Fumi didn't know what to do. She knew if she tried to save her she would most likely end up in the same situation. She was watching in anguish as she realized she couldn't do anything.

"Oh, I see. We got some lovers here. All the better. They always give the best reaction when their dearest dies." The demon not holding Tamao laughed.

"Fumi..." Tamao whispered.

"Tamao..."

"Named after a demon, huh? What an ironic way to die then." The one holding Tamao chuckled sadistically.

"Oh. You think it's a coincidence?" Tamao knew she only had one chance at getting free, "Actually, I am Tamao. I didn't bother making a new name."

Both demons laughed at her, not believing a word she said. Tamao growled. Looks like that threat wasn't enough. She had to shift if she was to get free.

Tamao didn't want to. Fumi would see. What if Fumi hated her then? What if she was afraid of her? Everything she had worked so hard to get could be taken away in an instant. But if she didn't she would lose it anyway. She had to try.

Tamao closed her eyes and took a deep breath. She felt herself shifting. She hadn't done this in a long long time. It was painful, to say the least. Normally if you constantly shifted you'd get used to the pain. She didn't have that luxury.

Her wings were the most painful to come out. Their growth caused the demon to drop her and back away. Tamao caught herself and stood up straight. Her shift had concluded. She was now a demon again.

"Believe me now?" Tamao growled.

"Just because you are her doesn't mean you haven't gone soft. You love a mortal. That's pathetic." One spat at her.

"I don't care."

A fight erupted between the three of them. Despite Tamao not shifting for ages, she was very quickly remembering how to fight again. Her strength was increased. It was a bit hard to work with at first, but soon she fell into a rhythm.

The demons ran off, not wishing to be killed. Tamao watched them go. She wasn't going to give chase. That wasn't her priority.

She turned around to look at Fumi. She could barely meet her gaze. It was tough. She didn't know if she wanted to see the reaction Fumi had.

"Tamao... you're... you're a demon." Fumi still couldn't believe her eyes.

"I... I am." Tamao gulped, "I understand if... you want nothing to do with me anymore."

"Tamao..." Fumi whispered as she walked closer, "I told you before. I'll love you no matter how much you change."

"Fumi..." Tamao finally met her gaze. She was met with a caring look.

"Fumi!"

They whipped around. It seemed the other three found them. It was obvious they didn't recognize Tamao. She didn't exactly look like her mortal form. It wasn't that much of a surprise.

Tamao was ready to run, but Fumi grabbed her hand to keep her in place. Tamao was scared of how they would all react to her. What if they were afraid of her? Even if Fumi still trusted her, they all might not.

"Can you go back to how we all know you?" Fumi asked.

Tamao nodded, "Could I... at least do it in private?"

"Go ahead."

Tamao quickly ran off and hid. She willed herself to shift back as quickly as she could. She couldn't risk staying in her demon form for too long. There may be hunters around now. They wouldn't hesitate to kill her on sight.

"Are you okay?"

"Did that demon hurt you?"

"Are you hurt?"

Tamao could hear them all bombarding Fumi with questions. She let out a sigh. She quietly made her way back over to them. Fumi smiled at her.

"Tamao! Are you okay?"

"I'm fine."

"But you're bleeding!" Rui said and pointed to her right arm.

"I am...?" Tamao hadn't felt the pain.

She looked at her arm. There was a nasty gash on it. Now that she saw it, the pain came to her.

"Let's go to the nurse. The demons should all be gone now." Fumi grabbed her uninjured hand and started walking.

"Here!" Ichie pulled off the light jacket she had on, "To try and stop the bleeding."

She carefully wrapped it around the wound. Tamao would wince in pain every now and again. Soon enough her arm was wrapped in the jacket. They continued their walk to the nurse.

The nurse immediately tended to her. There were other students in the office as well. No one had as major of a wound as Tamao. She was the priority right now.

Thankfully she didn't need to go to the hospital. It wasn't that severe. She had her arm wrapped in bandages and was told to take it easy.

"Let's go to the dorms. It's probably more comfortable." Yuyuko suggested.

"Yeah. Leave room for other students that might need help." Ichie agreed.

"You okay to walk there?" Fumi asked Tamao.

"Yeah... I think I can walk." Tamao nodded.

"You sure?"

"Um... I don't know..." Tamao didn't want to admit she felt unsteady.

"Let me carry you. Just to be safe, okay?" Fumi requested.

"Okay." Tamao agreed to the request.

Fumi carefully picked her up. Once she was secure, the five of them made their way to the dorms. It wasn't that long of a walk, but it gave them a chance to see some of the destruction caused by the demons.

"Man... that's a lot for how little time they were here for." Rui gulped.

"Is anyone going to investigate this attack?" Yuyuko questioned.

"If anything it'll either be the actual branch for demon hunters or they very well may just send Siegfeld or Seisho students to do it." Fumi replied.

"And I bet our school will get a scolding for not having wards to keep demons away..." Ichie frowned.

"Why don't they have wards exactly?" Tamao asked.

"I think I heard it's because select members can form a pact with a demon. It would make that impossible then." Fumi said.

"Oh..."

They soon entered the dorms. Fumi took Tamao to her room to rest. Everyone decided to stay in her room and talk.

"Tamao, where were you at?"

"With Fumi."

"And you got separated?"

"No. Uh..."

Tamao realized she screwed up that. She should've said they did get separated.

"But you guys weren't together when we first arrived. Fumi was with a demon who was probably gonna kill her."

Tamao sighed. Perhaps it was time to tell them all the truth.

"That was me. I... I'm a demon."

"What!?"

"Eh?!"

"Y-you..."

Tamao was scared to see how they were looking at her, but she looked. They were all staring at her in shock.

"Are you... scared of me now?" Tamao asked.

The way the three of them looked at each other answered the question enough. They were scared.

"There's no reason to fear her." Fumi stated, "She's still the same."

"But..."

"She wouldn't hurt us." Fumi said, "There's nothing to be afraid of."

"I know my... profile may say I'm horrible, but... I don't want to be a demon! I want to be a mortal like you guys. If... if this hadn't happened I never would have shifted back into that form. I hate it." Tamao said.

"You... don't like being a demon?"

That was a confusing statement to hear. A demon that wasn't happy being a demon was not something anyone had ever encountered before. This was really new to them all and they weren't sure how to react.

"I hate it. I don't fit in."

"Is there a way to... not be a demon?" Ichie asked.

"Not that anyone knows of." Tamao replied, "No one has ever tried before so we don't know if there is a way to or not."

"I can't believe you're the only demon to hate being so." Fumi said.

"I'm probably not. Might be the only one alive, though. I... know demons who have... died because they couldn't handle it anymore."

"Why haven't you?" Yuyuko asked, before realizing that probably wasn't a good thing to ask about, "S-sorry! I probably shouldn't have asked that."

"I don't know why... I guess I'm scared to die."

"Where do demons go when they die? Is there like another spirit realm for them?" Rui asked.

"No. Once you're dead, you're dead. You just cease to exist." Tamao replied.

"I can see why you'd be scared then. Just thinking about being gone forever and not being able to see anyone again seems... horrible." Fumi grabbed one of Tamao's hands.

"But once it's over you wouldn't care anymore, right? Cause you wouldn't be there." Ichie said, "So, it's the dying part that scares you the most, right?"

"Yeah. You remember the class about demon biology, right? And how you have to strike to kill one? Try doing it yourself. Not possible. You have to have another kill you and... that's a daunting thought." Tamao nodded.

"Well, has this changed your views on her?" Fumi questioned the three girls.

They all nodded. That was good. Tamao felt relieved knowing that had been enough. She really did care about all of them. It would have really hurt if they started to hate her.

"Um..." Rui mumbled, "Could you be... detected by any hunters?"

"I don't know. I've been in this form for so long the aura of mine faded. I can tell it's back, and I'm not sure if I can hide it."

"So, keep hunters away from you for safe measures." Fumi stated.

"That would be best."

"So... what do we do now?"

"Let's go help clean up!" Ichie suggested.

"Sure. Why not."

"I'll catch up with you guys in a bit. Go ahead without me." Fumi said.

"Kay."

Soon enough it was just Fumi and Tamao in the room. They didn't speak for a while. Neither knew where to start.

"Are you going to be okay by yourself?" Fumi asked.

Tamao nodded, "I'll be fine. Can I ask one thing of you, though?"

"What is it?"

"Would you stay tonight?"

"I guess. I don't know if I'll even be allowed off sight right now so..." Fumi said.

"Right. They may have us on lockdown until they investigate." Tamao sighed.

"It's alright. We won't let any hunters hurt you." Fumi smiled at her.

"Okay..."

DIVIDER--

"I can't believe this. To think she's... that." Ichie said.

"Yeah... it doesn't feel real." Yuyuko agreed.

"Their personalities are completely different... it's really hard to believe..." Rui nodded.

They knew they needed to be careful about how they spoke. They couldn't risk the information falling into the wrong hands.

"I wonder how Fumi is taking it. They are dating, after all. I can't imagine how I'd feel if I was in that position." Yuyuko said.

"They seem like nothing has changed between them." Rui commented, "She was really quick to defend her when we were doubtful."

"That's true!" Ichie nodded, "I bet they're just fine."

"I do worry about the investigation, though." Rui said, "Will she be safe? They might do roll call and make sure everyone is here."

"Yeah... that's not going to be fun to deal with." Yuyuko agreed.

They stopped as they saw a group of hunters. They were already here.

"Hey-" Fumi caught up with them. She nervously eyed the hunters.

"Let's see if we can hear what's going on." Ichie walked closer.

"... sending Siegfeld here tomorrow."

"Good. We'll keep all students on lockdown until then."

Ichie gulped. That was bad. Lockdown was the worst scenario.

She quickly returned to where the others were waiting. Her expression told them everything they needed to know. They were in for a rough time.

"Siegfeld will be sending students. That most likely means... them."

"And we can't leave. What are we going to do?"

"We'll think of something." Fumi stated, "I know we will."

"We should head back. Incase we draw suspicion." Rui suggested.

"Yeah. Let's head back."

The walk back was one of silence. All of them were lost in their heads, trying to think of what to do. They needed to protect Tamao, but how could they?

Demon hunters were all told to show no mercy. They could end up getting in big trouble if they didn't. To convince them to leave her alone would be a very big challenge. Especially considering who was coming.

"You should be the one to tell her, Fumi."

Someone had to break the news to Tamao. Her reaction probably would not be a very good one. But, it had to happen. She'd find out one way or another. It was best to tell her themselves.

"Okay. I'll do that."

Fumi made her way to Tamao's room. She knocked and then entered. Tamao was sitting on her bed still, skimming through a book. She paused and looked at Fumi.

"Bad news... they're sending Siegfeld to investigate." Fumi said, "And we're on lockdown until they leave."

"Is there... anything we can do?"

"I don't know. I'm sorry."

Was there any hope that Tamao would be safe? A very tiny bit. There was the possibility they would not detect her. But, it seemed like a very slim possibility.

Fumi could sense her aura. That meant the others would be able to. Unless they could mask it, she would get found out. And there was no telling what would be the outcome of that. Would they spare her? Most likely not.

"We have a little bit of time to think. Hopefully someone will come up with a plan." Fumi tried to be optimistic, but it was hard.

"Maybe I should leave?" Tamao said, "It would be easier. I wouldn't put anyone else in danger."

That was another problem. The demon hunters' association had very strict rules about reporting demons. If you knew of a demon and didn't report them, you could find yourself losing your life if the offense was bad enough.

"If we can't come up with a plan by morning, I won't stop you." Fumi replied.

"Where are the others at?" Tamao asked, "How are they with all of this?"

"They care about you. Everyone is distraught at the turn of events. They were discussing options when I came to tell you." Fumi said.

"Should we tell them about... her?"

"I don't think she'll be able to do much to help you. Not without exposing herself. We shouldn't tell anyone without her permission anyway." Fumi shut down the idea.

"She can, though!" Tamao defended, "If we could get her here before everyone else she could hide my aura."

"Huh?" That was the first Fumi heard of that.

"How do you think Yachiyo keeps her aura undetectable? She can hide it and others' as well." Tamao explained.

"I don't know how we can get her here first, though." Fumi said.

"Maybe someone could... distract the others?"

"I'll discuss it with them. If you wouldn't mind I think I should do it now."

"I'll come out too." Tamao said.

"You good walking by yourself?" Fumi asked as she eyed Tamao's arm with worry.

"I think so. Let me see how standing is." Tamao replied as she carefully tried to stand up.

It was a bit of a challenge. She couldn't use one arm. Even trying to put pressure on her right arm caused pain to shoot through it.

"Need help?"

Tamao nodded and held out her good hand. Fumi grabbed it with one hand and wrapped her other arm around her back. With her help she was able to stand up.

"Feel steady?" Fumi asked, still keeping her arms where they were.

"I feel a little dizzy."

"Hold onto my arm. We'll go slow, okay?" Fumi said.

"Okay."

They readjusted position. Once Tamao had a firm grip on Fumi, they headed to find the others. They were all gathered in the living room. No one else was around. It seemed like it would be just them.

"Hey, so..." Ichie was the first to notice them.

"We have to make a plan." Fumi said, "We know the end goal, but to get there is another issue."

"What do we need to do?" Rui questioned.

"We need to somehow get Yachiyo in here before any of the others do. We can't say why, but just trust us." Fumi stated.

"So, we need to keep everyone else occupied until she gets in the dorms?" Yuyuko asked.

Tamao nodded, "Yes. While I can't give any details, she can help me hide."

"We'll do our best to keep the others away then."

"Maybe we could say we found something they need to look at and just quietly sneak her away while they're looking?" Ichie suggested.

"Maybe. But I think we'd need to actually have something to show." Yuyuko replied.

"Well... maybe there is something already we could use?"

"Can you sense anything?" Fumi asked Tamao.

Tamao took a few minutes to reply, "I can sense some energy by the courtyard doors."

"Let's hope it's still there in the morning and they'll be able to pick up on it."

"But we can't. How will they trust us?" Rui asked.

"I can." Fumi said, "I have that ability. How else did I ever get into a school for hunters. They'll hopefully trust me if I'm the one telling them."

"Hopefully."

"Students, please go to your rooms and do not leave until morning."

"Well, let's get to our rooms."

"What about Fumi?"

"I'm not going to even ask. I'll just stay with Tamao and hope they don't care." Fumi said.

"Kay."

Everyone went to their rooms. They didn't want to be caught out still.

"Do you think it'll work?" Tamao asked Fumi once they were alone again.

"I don't know. I hope it does." Fumi replied.

"You're staying on the bed with me?"

"As long as I don't hurt your arm by it, then sure."

"Okay."

Tamao lent Fumi some of her clothes so she didn't have to sleep in her school uniform. They weren't the best fit, but it would have to do for now.

They laid down on the bed together. Tamao laid on her back. Fumi was on her side gently hugging Tamao. She was on the left side so she wasn't thar close to her injured arm.

"Please wake me if it hurts. I don't want you to suffer all night." Fumi said.

"I will, Fumi." Tamao promised.

"Goodnight, then."

"Kiss?"

Fumi kissed her on the cheek and then rested her head onto the pillow. Tamao wished she could run her hand through Fumi's hair like she normally would, but she couldn't. That would hurt a lot.

"Night, Fumi."

Fumi had already fallen asleep. Tamao smiled and nuzzled her head. She closed her eyes and tried to sleep. It was hard with all the worries in her head, but with Fumi by her side, they seemed to calm down.

Now they just had to hope everything would work out for them in the morning.