"That is correct, Ms. Kurono."
Kurumu smiled, promptly taking her seat as Ms. Nekonome continued to pace about the front of the classroom, reading from her notebook. Knowing it unlikely that she would be called on again for the remainder of the lecture, Kurumu relaxed her attentiveness.
The academy as a whole was buckling down for midterms. To her surprise, eighth period was converted to a study hall yesterday and would remain so for today and tomorrow. Unprepared to study, Kurumu had spent most of that hour chatting with Satsuki and Yukari about tomorrow's study session, ultimately convincing Yukari to host the event. Satsuki agreed that traveling to and from Mononoke would be a hassle, and was glad the brat would tolerate her dander for one evening.
Having noted Satsuki was on day duty, they got Ms. Sunao's permission to clean the room up before the final bell. As far as Satsuki knew, her partner would remain Hazumi for the rest of the term. Most of the class had been paired up, though Kinzoku and Kurumu were late additions. Kurumu had helped Yukari and Deshi last Wednesday, but did not ask if that would become a permanent thing. Kinzoku had never been added to the roster, considering the news of her imminent departure.
Shirayuki was gone by the time Kurumu had made it over to class three to report in for club. Hearing that most clubs were suspending activities till the weekend, it was no surprise that the classroom was almost empty. Even the two boys that had been on day duty were gone.
Ginei had wanted to get updated on what sort of articles Tora, Yukari and Tsukune were planning on doing. Tora was thinking a side by side piece of living with humans would be interesting, since their main article would be about the disturbances in the human world. While Moka was visibly disappointed that she could not do the article with Tsukune, Tora reminded the vampire that she was already doing an article for the drama club and a combined interview with Ms. Sano and her manga club. Tora had nothing on her plate.
Ginei admitted that he might have over committed himself on articles and wanted Yukari to author the main headline covering their field trip. Yukari had been displeased, voicing her distaste for setting foot in a human city. Showering her with a mix of praises he had overheard concerning her last article and some ego stroking, Ginei weaseled Yukari into accepting the task.
Curious how he overbooked himself, Kurumu had pulled him aside to see how serious he was about letting Yukari have the front page. Apparently he had promised Sangi that he would do an article for the film club. Adding that with his promises to the swim club so they could use the pool on Tsukune's birthday, he genuinely felt he could not handle another topic. Several of his female acquaintances loved Yukari's last article, which Kurumu supposed was possible. It had been such a charming piece about the every day troubles of being short.
With little else to discuss, Ginei had let them go for the day. Tora had accompanied Moka to assist with that drama club article. The rest of them had went to the dining hall, convincing Yukari to give commoner food a chance and that it would taste better in good company.
Learning that Yukari had no intentions of studying, Kana had invited Yukari over to her dorm room to peruse her manga collection. Kurumu had studied a couple hours with the blonde while Yukari had settled on reading the entirety of the first volume of GTO. Kana had the whole series which was about some brutish guy that vowed to become the greatest teacher in all of Japan. Kana had seen the anime, but felt the manga was better. When they had left, Yukari had borrowed three more volumes, thinking she could easily read a volume a day before restocking on Friday when they had their little sleepover to visit the other Moka. Inadvertently they had ended up inviting the curious blonde to participate.
"It's a few minutes early, but we shall stop here. Remember this test is on Friday for you, so prioritize your studying properly."
Some of the class had stopped listening, the shaggy haired Senyou boldly walking in front of Ms. Nekonome intent on the door. Realizing the futility, Ms. Nekonome smiled.
"I'll see everyone in class tomorrow."
Kurumu grinned, allowing the woman to leave the room before getting up from her desk. On a whim she stretched her arms up over her head, gripping her wrist. Her shoulders felt sore today for some reason. She wondered if she had slept wrong. Maybe this whole cuddling a little girl was not the best way to sleep, since it put her on one shoulder all night. Then again, she had spent a lot of time sleeping on harder surfaces, so two nights in a row on a soft mattress might be the issue.
Kurumu had forgotten about Yukari's intent to wash her sheets. With how late they returned to the suites, Yukari had decided she would have to deal with the scent. Kurumu had only playfully suggested sleeping with her, but Yukari had taken the offer on the condition that they did not face each other. She had still woken up spooning the girl.
Thinking of beds, she realized she had forgotten to mention hers in her quick letter to her mother last night which she had scrawled out before leaving Kana's room. At this point it probably was better to wait till she got a response before throwing another letter her mother's way.
"Showing them off?"
Kurumu smiled at Satsuki, lowering her arms to drape one across Satsuki's shoulder. She turned, stepping in closer to her friend as she absently brushed off a small bit of fluff that had found its way upon the right shoulder of Satsuki's green jacket.
"Not really. My shoulders are stiff."
"I see she has the satchel again. So not today, huh?"
"Yea, I should eat a few lunches with Shirayuki till she gets used to the group. Maybe tomorrow?"
"I won't hold my breath."
"Besides, you promised Nerume you would eat with Kakeru and Goto today. You need to invite them to our study session tomorrow."
Satsuki sighed.
"I hope it's just the two of them. I can't deal with all those girly girls from the fashion club."
"Aw… are they a bunch of tall girls like Goto?"
"Goto was the tallest of them. A couple were about your boyfriend's height but most were shorter."
"How many girls are in the fashion club?"
"I don't know. Are you interested in them for an article or something?"
"I'm mildly interested in meeting that Herikuda girl that Juri spoke so highly of."
"She's a lively, commanding girl. Not much taller than me. She has that same, dark hair that the senior track girl has, except she has crimson highlights. You might like her."
"You didn't?"
Satsuki shrugged.
"She fussed with my hair and face too much for my liking."
A small hand touched Kurumu's waist as Yukari peered up at her.
"We can go now."
Satsuki smirked.
"Do you place a trap on your desk?"
"Yes."
"What if someone accidentally stumbles into your desk?"
"They would forget why they wanted to touch my desk."
"Wait. That's it?"
"That should be enough. If they forget why they were going to tamper with my desk, they would stop."
"That's a lot tamer than I thought it would be."
"I could do other things, but that requires more energy compared to a simple befuddlement cantrip."
Feeling it was best not to allow the witch to elaborate on that, Kurumu started for the door. The last thing Yukari needed was more rumors of how she cruelly caused misfortune upon some poor soul that randomly thought to sit on her desk. Even though they were the last to exit their classroom, the halls were surprisingly quiet as many other classes continued their lectures closer to the bell.
"It must be disappointing to wait on Nerume when you could get your lunch faster without her."
"Not really. The line isn't as bad with the fourth period gym being released much earlier than usual."
"Now there's a better suggestion."
"What?"
"I remember talking with Uchiyama from the film club about shortening eighth period to a half hour so we could have a longer lunch hour."
"Yea… so?"
They stopped at the closed back door of class three, purposely standing aside to allow any of the occupants to leave before they ventured in.
"Well, what if they swapped fourth period gym with lunch? That way a third of the school could have lunch before the actual lunch hour."
"Then you would have a lot of students with stomach aches."
"Oh. Yea, nevermind."
"They should switch over to the hours schedule the humans use."
"What's that?"
"The formula Yokai uses is more western based, with a fixed day schedule that does not change. This promotes laziness. The ministry of education felt the human youth would be more stimulated if you did not have a certain subject at the same time on the same day. They assign a certain number of hours to the subjects that are most demanding and then arrange them throughout the week. I understand some high schools will do this over a two week period."
Kurumu smiled, recalling her elementary school days had been more complex than any schooling she had received in the spiritual realm. It was not as great as Yukari made it sound as you did get used to the pattern quickly.
"It's not just Yokai. My school in Kengamine had a fixed daily schedule."
"So did ours in Semboku."
"Thus explaining your poor educational states."
"Hey, I'm doing fine. I'll get that eighty percent and join the PSC."
"Such lofty aspirations."
"How would an hour system work in this school?"
"It would work normally. There are already two recognized programs, one being business and the other computer systems. So those students would have set schedules."
"Wouldn't that mean they would have to be their own homerooms?"
"Not necessarily, thought that would be easiest. The downfall of this fixed system Yokai employs is that subjects like Gym are given as much attention as Algebra. That is ridiculous. Gym is nowhere near as important as Algebra."
Kurumu shrugged, having no love for either subject.
"I recall music and art being part of everybody's schedule."
"I don't see much value in either of those subjects."
"I'm just recalling how things were back in elementary school before I switched over. We had maybe two hours of music, two hours of art and two hours of gym a week. I think we only had two hours of English. Things that got more attention were history, Japanese and math."
"As it should be."
"I guess."
The bell sounded the end of fourth period. They waited for the back door to slide open. Takurami did the honors, sparing them only a moment's glance before heading down the hall. Mr. Nagamushi came out the front door with Tomisaki and Izanai on his heels. Kurumu smiled, thinking there was a time she would see some of these guys and think about their hair color or some other defining characteristic. Now she was so familiar with them that the name came easily.
"Kurumu."
She grinned at the familiar feel of Burumoto's interest. Always mindful of her charm, she cocked her head so that she could regard him without direct eye contact. She noted Tamaishi was standing by his shoulder, the burly pair effectively blocking the rear entrance.
"Good afternoon, Ushio. Tamaishi."
"Rumor has it you'll be donning that cheerleader outfit soon."
This young man was relentless.
"I am doing an article for them but there's no reason to try an outfit on."
"I doubt they'd have one in your size."
"Of course they would. They have some bouncy girls in that squad, if you know what I mean."
Smirking at his hand motions, Kurumu gestured for him to move down the hall.
"Yes, I've met Ms. Kukioba."
Satsuki frowned.
"Who's that?"
"A second year for the cheer squad that happens to be in my home ec class. You remember the seniors we slept with over the weekend."
"What about them?"
Kurumu shivered at the dirty thoughts that assailed her. She gestured at the two boys.
"Move along you perverts. You're blocking the way."
"I don't know. I'm interested in hearing about your weekend."
"It's not what you're thinking. They were a couple nekomusume girls."
"Nothing wrong with having more girls in the picture."
Yukari huffed, stepping up to jab a finger into Burumoto's waist.
"Stand aside. You are delaying my time with Moka."
"Sure thing, squirt."
"I'm not a squirt. She squirts. Now move it."
With a wave of her hand, the witch sent the two boys staggering out into the hall. She nodded once to Arashimideru, whom had been waiting patiently for the boys to vacate the doorway. As the quiet girl made her way around the perplexed boys, Yukari hoisted her white satchel up and crossed the back of the classroom quickly to join her friends.
"So, Kurumu."
She could feel Burumoto's curiosity. Blushing, she held a hand up.
"Anyways, those senior girls had a friend in the cheer squad named Ms. Tsubuyama, another nekomusume, whom happens to be in my home ec class with Ms. Kukioba. Ms. Kukioba mentioned several girls from her home town were part of the squad."
Satsuki grabbed her by the wrist, tugging her towards the door. Her cat ears were standing up in agitation as the girl blushed hotly.
"We shouldn't talk about this out in the hall."
Aware that Satsuki was sensitive about her true form being discussed, Kurumu allowed the girl to lead her into the classroom.
"I'll keep that squirting thing in mind for later tonight, Kurumu. Hope to see you out in the field Friday."
Kurumu cringed at the dirty thoughts in his head. She wanted to strangle that witch whom was handing out the bento boxes as Tsukune worked on arranging the desks. Shaking her head, she glanced down the first aisle as Satsuki let her wrist go to attend to the snoozing Nerume.
"Fine, you can eat with me but no touching."
Irewata had draped herself over the small Hiboshi. The little, auburn fox girl was struggling to remain upright as she pushed against Irewata's busty torso.
"It was better when you were taller."
"Shut up and let go."
Irewata pouted as she pulled back, leaving her wrists resting on Hiboshi's narrow shoulders. The mousy haired girl cocked her head aside.
"I just want you to be happy, Netsuki."
"I'll be happy if you stop fussing over me."
Irewata reluctantly withdrew her hands, clasping them at her waist. With a huff, Hiboshi turned her nose up and confidently walked around the girl, intent on the front door.
"Now keep your distance and keep quiet. Do not embarrass me in front of Ms. Dakuhime's friends."
"Hey Kurumu."
Nerume covered her yawn as she stretched one arm up over her head. Satsuki smacked the girl in the back of the head.
"No greeting for the girl that woke you up?"
Kurumu smiled as the fox girl walked out of the class with her friend in tow. She was relieved Hiboshi was finally caving in to Irewata's attempts to reconnect after the omamori incident. Now if only things would smooth over with the younger Hineri, it would almost be like nothing happened at all.
"You want a kiss?"
"Don't even joke about things like that. All the boys around here are perverts."
Nerume shrugged, favoring Kurumu with a slight smile.
"I wonder why is that."
"Why is what?"
"Why guys find girls kissing attractive. I don't get it."
"I guess they're envious."
"I wouldn't be envious if I saw two guys kissing."
Satsuki grimaced.
"That's just gross."
Kurumu smiled, wondering if Kana felt differently about this subject.
"I've never really thought about stuff like that."
"Would you find the thought of Aono kissing another guy attractive?"
"I don't think I'd be disgusted. Depressed is more likely."
"Yea, that's not really the same thing, Satsuki. If a guy I was crushing on was kissing another guy, I would be devastated."
"Hey, we will be having that study session at my place tomorrow, okay?"
"Okay. I spoke with Chisa yesterday and she said she doesn't have practice for the rest of the week. I'm sure if we ask her, she'll come."
Kurumu frowned, briefly wondering why Ms. Uchikawa was putting off the shoot till five on Friday. Then again she was close friends with Ms. Kibashiro, so the track team taking the rest of the week off was understandable. The cheer advisor was probably worried about other clubs. The season for soccer would be starting this weekend, so those boys probably would want to practice all week.
"Are you okay?"
"Just thinking of stuff."
"I'm sure Aono isn't gay."
Kurumu smirked at the girl whom had stood up from her desk. Nerume looked dead serious with concern as she gently placed a hand on Kurumu's shoulder.
"I wasn't thinking about that, Nerume."
"Yea, he kind of pounded her rather convincingly in that dream."
Kurumu blushed, wishing Satsuki would forget about that.
"I think Tsukune and I are doing fine right now."
"Did something happen?"
"Did he buy condoms?"
"Sheesh, Nerume, keep your voice down."
Burning hotly, Kurumu gestured to the door.
"You two should go to lunch. I promise we'll talk later."
"Maybe tomorrow or at the study session."
"There's going to be way too many girls around to talk about the stuff on my mind."
"What are you wanting to talk about?"
Grabbing Nerume by the elbow, Satsuki tugged the girl toward the door.
"It's nothing. I'll see you in class later."
Kurumu frowned, a little worried as she sauntered over to the arranged desks. Yukari had set aside the periwinkle bento on the vacant desk on her right. During the quick visit to the commissary to deliver her letter, they had picked up some stock to make breakfast and lunch for the rest of the week. While it was not a whole lot of food, it was more than she had ever seen Moka grab from the lunch line. Tsukune was probably the only one suffering from the smaller portions.
"It's about time you joined us."
Kurumu chuckled as she took her seat beside the annoyed witch.
"I'm sorry. I like hanging out with those two."
"You don't spend much time with Aono."
Kurumu smiled, glancing at Tsukune whom had already started on his meal.
"I think Tsukune doesn't mind the freedom I give him."
"I appreciate every second that you allow me to retain my sanity."
"Is she really that bad to you?"
Tsukune smiled at Mizore's comment.
"She's difficult to be around when she does get me alone."
"Yea, I make some things hard for Tsukune."
Yukari snickered as Tsukune blushed. Grinning, Kurumu removed the top of her bento to retrieve her chopsticks and start on her lunch.
"Kurumu likes to make things hard on everyone."
Kurumu sighed, aware that the innuendo had went over the vampire's head.
"So why did we move Takurami's desk?"
"Tora will be joining us after she gets her lunch."
"That would be nice. What's the special occasion?"
"She wanted to talk with you since there won't be a club meeting today."
Kurumu frowned, wondering what the sphinx might possibly have to say. They had talked at club yesterday so it was not like there had been a lot of time for something to happen.
"Any idea what she wants to talk about?"
"I didn't think to ask."
Kurumu shrugged, taking down her first mouthful. She gestured at Tsukune with her chopsticks.
"How did the elections go?"
Tsukune sighed, confirming his victory.
"I don't understand why so many voted for Ms. Akashiya for vice manager. I felt Ms. Arashimideru was better suited for the role."
"Moka is pretty popular around school, Mizore."
"Why?"
Yukari huffed.
"Because she is beautiful, intelligent and is polite to everyone she interacts with."
"Do you also think she's perfect, Mr. Aono?"
Kurumu smiled as Tsukune fumbled over a response. She wondered if that was what Kamitsuku had meant about Moka being difficult to approach.
"I suppose she is."
Kurumu frowned at his sheepish response.
"Don't mind him, Mizore. He would never say anything bad about Moka."
"It must be exhausting to be perfect all the time."
Yukari set her chopsticks down and stared at Shirayuki.
"Are you insulting my Moka?"
"No."
Kurumu patted Yukari's shoulder before gesturing at Mizore, whom was nursing a cup of tea slowly.
"Are you going to eat anything today?"
"I don't feel like it."
"Do you have club today?"
Mizore shrugged.
"Hey, do you guys want to throw like a party or something after class? We will be baking cookies in home ec today, so we could bring some treats."
"We?"
"We might not be station partners anymore, but you'll be baking cookies too. Maybe sneak in a pinch of love potion to make things interesting."
Yukari snorted.
"As if you would have such a thing."
"Do love potions even exist?"
"Sort of. Usually it's a strong aphrodisiac. I'm sure you're familiar with one source."
Kurumu blushed, doubting she could ever ask Ms. Kagome to help make a love potion.
"I'm only kidding. I don't need some potion to convince Tsukune I'm the only girl he wants."
"I don't understand you guys."
"What do you mean?"
"Why have a party? Did something special happen?"
"That's Kurumu being spontaneous. There's no way we could do such a thing on short notice."
"It could be fun. We could buy snacks together at the school store."
"I'm really not in the mood to celebrate."
"But the two of you won an election. It would be strange not to have some sort of party."
"I hardly consider that much of an accomplishment."
Kurumu grinned.
"So who did Ms. Nekonome award the other secretary position to?"
"Ms. Arashimideru took the role, saying she was the most familiar working with us."
"I guess that makes sense. The three of you are science lab partners."
Kurumu glanced up, noting Tora had entered the room holding a tray heaped with portions. Familiar with the prepared lunches the PSC enjoyed, Kurumu wondered if Tora would gain weight eating that much on a regular basis. Then again, the sphinx barely ate anything at breakfast.
Unlike yesterday, Tora was garbed in the standard black uniform of the PSC that Deshi and Tokori wore. This sleeveless garment was buttoned up in the front and was much longer in the back. As Tora was the shortest of the three, hers stretched almost to her ankles. She was wearing a black dress pant beneath which lacked any notable pockets.
"Hello, Tora."
Tora came over to Takurami's vacant desk, glancing the group over. She set her tray down and promptly took her seat.
"Hello, Kurumu. Ms. Sendou."
"Hello, Ms. Nazohashi."
"That look is good on you."
"I'm thrilled to hear your approval."
"I'm serious. You look proper and controlling."
"I've always been proper."
"You know, I don't even really notice Tokori's outfit anymore. I'm so used to it."
"That girl has an odd sense of what is appropriate attire."
Kurumu smiled, aware that Tokori often changed her pants. One day it would be a dress pant and the next it would be black sweats. It would not surprise Kurumu if the girl tried wearing a pair of black shorts with that jacket.
"I understand you had something to talk to me about."
"It's a matter concerning our senior."
"Is there something wrong with Ginei?"
Kurumu smirked at Moka's concern.
"Is there something right with him?"
"Yes… playful banter aside, I'm concerned about his dating practices."
Stowing away a mouthful of food, Kurumu noted that Tsukune and Moka were nearly finished with theirs. Yukari was finished, though Kurumu suspected the witch had put less in her bento. The girl had been bothered by Kurumu's comments this morning about eating more to stimulate growth. It had only been a joke since the witch had eaten an extra two slices of toast this morning.
"He's not dating anyone."
"Yes, well… he's made it seem obvious that he's willing to date anyone."
"A lot of guys are like that."
"Perhaps. I find the notion of him agreeing to date any girl that asks him troublesome."
"Are you jealous?"
Tora sighed in frustration, pulling off the lid from one of the many containers on her tray. She stirred the noodle dish before taking the first serving into her mouth.
"You may not notice, but Senior does a lot for this club. If he nonchalantly decides to become some woman's boyfriend, I'm sure our club will suffer for it."
"Maybe you should ask him out."
Tora rolled her eyes while shaking her head.
"Are you sure you can't handle the club without him, Ms. Nazohashi?"
"I would prefer not to. There's also my role in the PSC to consider."
"Why not have Ms. Akashiya date him?"
"Absolutely not! I will not allow my Moka to be sullied by the hands of that beast."
Kurumu smiled wistfully after swallowing down the last of her main dish.
"While Ginei is a nice enough guy, nobody has really thought of him as dating material. I've teased Tora a lot over her admiration for him, but she's adamantly against dating him."
Shirayuki dried off her cup with a small rag she pulled from her schoolbag. Filling it with tea from the silver thermos, she placed the cup next to Tora's tray. Tora paused, regarding Shirayuki.
"I'm sorry. I only brought five cups."
"What is this?"
"It's tea that she brewed with berries from her village. It acclimates your body to her temperature."
Tora touched the cup thoughtfully but continued her efforts on finishing the first of her dishes.
"I'm aware of Ms. Shirayuki's condition. It is not an issue if you respect her boundaries."
Tsukune chuckled. He glanced at Kurumu with a touch of longing, reminiscent of yesterday.
"You should refill Kurumu's cup, Shirayuki. She's always the one pushing boundaries."
Mizore touched the end of the stick nestled in her lips, glancing down at her lap. A slight smile crossed her face.
"So I have noticed."
"On a different subject, I want to stress the importance of you attending your club meetings, Ms. Shirayuki. I was helping Moka with her drama club article and Ms. Hitori mentioned you had yet to attend any meetings since you joined."
Kurumu recalled Shirayuki had spoken a little about the club.
"I thought you were going to be a stagehand."
"I am."
"Then why haven't you gone to any meetings."
"I haven't felt like it."
"Feelings aside, you must respect your predicament. While I trust Kurumu's assessment that your injuring her was an accident, many others might refuse to be so lenient."
"What does it matter? I don't know if Satsuki has attended a poetry club meeting after her first couple weeks. And who knows what Inui is doing."
"Those are irrelevant to Ms. Shirayuki's situation. While Ms. Hitori might not make a fuss about her attendance, there's no guarantee that the club president, Mr. Yakedo, will be so forgiving."
"He's an ass if he kicks her out of a club that isn't doing anything."
"Any club can request use of the stage to host an event. The drama club have performed plays during the first term in the past."
Kurumu shrugged, still thinking the guy would be a jerk to kick out someone that only works behind the stage to change props. She picked at what was left of her meal, noting everyone else had finished except Tora. Tora would be lucky to finish before the end of the period.
"Well if he does kick her out she could always join our club."
"You would let me?"
"Why not? I always see you writing in that notebook of yours."
Yukari huffed.
"I hardly think keeping a diary is proof that she would be good for our club."
"It's not a matter of being good. We're going to need the help if Tora can't write as many articles due to the student police or if Ginei gets a girlfriend."
"There's also this plan of yours to have Tsukune change schools."
"Wait what?!"
Kurumu grimaced at Moka's reaction. Tsukune frowned, rubbing the back of his head.
"There's no plan for me to leave this school."
"They didn't tell you?"
"We did talk about this, Tsukune. Back when I questioned how serious you were about having a relationship with Kurumu."
"Why have I not heard about this?"
"Because nothing was decided. I'm not going anywhere."
Kurumu smiled wistfully.
"Yea… I don't know if we could do that anyways now that you're the class manager."
"That's a small matter. I'm sure Ms. Hiboshi would gladly take the role if Tsukune had to vacate the position for personal reasons."
"I've already said that I have no intentions of quitting this school."
Shirayuki reached over to touch a finger against Tsukune's temple, causing him to flinch. Pensively she brought her finger back to toy with the end of the stick.
"Why would a vampire need to leave the school for his safety?"
Yukari crossed her arms about her chest, regarding Shirayuki warily.
"Is there a reason to mention this?"
"Akashiya is a threat to him, because he's not a vampire. Correct?"
Kurumu managed a smile, glancing at the open doors.
"Not exactly. It's only an issue if he entertains that silly notion in his head that he has to undergo some dangerous ritual to be able to fend for himself."
"It's not a silly notion."
Tora glared at him.
"It's a bad idea, Tsukune. Even Moka would not ask you to do it."
"Fine. It's not like anyone here knows how the Rite is performed anyways."
"So you will look into applying for a local high school in Yamagata?"
"Of course not. My leaving does not help Moka at all."
Shirayuki frowned.
"Why does Ms. Akashiya need help?"
Kurumu sighed, leaning back in her seat.
"Tsukune has a unique ability. He is able to remove Moka's rosary, which draws out the other Moka that lurks in her head."
"We believe this is the reason why Mr. Aono was brought out of prefecture to attend Yokai. Moka's family has connections with the Headmaster of the school."
"So he's being used."
"It's not like that."
"Yet that is exactly how it is. What other explanation is there?"
"Tora… it's not like Moka set this up."
"I didn't say she did."
"I can't leave this school when my whole purpose of being here is to help keep her safe."
"You were given no such instruction."
Yukari snorted a tiny laugh.
"Face it, Tsukune. You were duped into attending this school."
Kurumu placed a hand on Yukari's shoulder, noting the confusion on Shirayuki's face. They were dangerously treading the line on what Tsukune's true form was. Given Shirayuki's familiarity with humans being in her family, it was possible the girl already had suspicions.
"Tsukune… nobody wants anything bad to happen to Moka. And nobody is saying that you haven't helped keep her safe. But we don't understand what's going on with Moka."
"We also are talking about end of term, which is a couple months away. Maybe we will learn some things that allow us to make a different decision."
"I appreciate the concern, Tora, but you're not deciding anything for me."
Shirayuki glanced at Tsukune, her face emotionless.
"But isn't staying here for Moka's sake doing exactly what someone else has decided for you?"
Tsukune paused, momentarily confused.
"I guess but it doesn't feel like that. I want to protect Moka."
Yukari giggled, shaking her head.
"I don't know how you consider removing her seal protecting her."
"Nobody else can remove her seal."
Kurumu sighed at his stubbornness.
"Tsukune… has she ever thanked you?"
"What do you mean?"
"The other Moka. Every time I've encountered her, she's been angry about being brought out."
"I don't recall if she has."
Shirayuki cocked her head, regarding Tsukune.
"It's like you are in a loveless, arranged marriage."
Tsukune blushed, rubbing the back of his head.
"I wouldn't say that."
"You should not allow such a thing to determine the course of your life."
"Maybe, but why else would I have this power? Sure, someone sought me out and brought me here without me knowing all the details. But I was kind of in a pinch and had no other place to go. I didn't want to spend a year out of school with my parents."
"Out of school?"
"Mr. Aono's family is very close to the human world, like my own family. The humans require students to pass an entrance exam to get into high school. While I did well enough to continue my education with humans if my mother had allowed it, Tsukune did not fare so well."
Shirayuki nodded, turning her gaze back to Tsukune.
"So you believe this gift you have makes you destined to be close to Ms. Akashiya?"
"I suppose that's accurate."
"You are silly, Aono Tsukune. Having a gift does not burden you with the task of using it. If I could lock away my powers, I would have done so. All you have to do is be away from her."
"I'm sorry, Tsukune. I'm causing you trouble."
"That's not true, Moka."
"Don't worry about it, Moka. Mizore is relating her situation to Tsukune's."
Yukari huffed.
"She's being rude."
Kurumu smiled, aware that Mizore had thanked her to not bring up the engagement.
"Remember that Mizore has been told that she will become her village's next priestess because of her powers. It's not something she wants."
"That makes sense. I guess I do look foolish to her in comparison."
"And yet you still embrace this destiny."
"Well yea. Moka's an important person to me."
"I don't understand why anyone would embrace the chain that denies them freedom."
Kurumu chuckled.
"Hey now. I'm the girlfriend so I believe I have first claim on being Tsukune's chain."
"I'll believe that when Tsukune finally takes you on a date."
"Well… doing laundry together sort of counts as a date, right?"
Tora shook her head while smirking.
"You have very low expectations of a date. At least Ginei has the decency to take me out to dinner."
"Well maybe you should start dating him."
"Maybe you should. Did you notice how similar in looks you are to Ms. Okimune?"
Kurumu absently touched the short hairs about her ear. The arctic blue haired junior from choir whom had been a former classmate of Ginei was a very pretty and popular girl. She had worn her hair in a similar updo but Okimune's had always been longer and curly.
"I have a boyfriend."
Tsukune chuckled as Tora picked away at her large lunch that she was not even halfway through.
"So you say, Kurumu. So you say."
The two boys in the back of the classroom, Osakebi and Yano, had cleanup duty today. Yano had stuck around because he had soccer practice, confirming that the soccer team would be practicing every day this week in preparation of their first games this weekend. Many of the other kids had cut out halfway through the eighth period study hall, having little else to do with many clubs canceled for the week.
Not much had happened after lunch. Shirayuki had remained quiet the rest of the lunch with the talk shifting to club matters and how far along everyone was with their articles. Tora had reminded Kurumu to stay on top of her articles, since the field trip would rob them of a lot of time next week. Figuring she would put off studying, Kurumu had promised to knock out her archery article tonight.
They had finished up with all the basic skill tests in gym today, meaning they would have a free seventh period tomorrow. They had already talked about moving the start of the study session at her suite to five but now she was wondering if they could start even earlier. Technically she would not have any mandatory classes after two, since both home ec and gym would be optional.
"Do you think we can head over to class three?"
Kurumu shrugged at Satsuki, whom was slouched over Abe's desk. Glancing at her wrist, she saw that they still had a good sixteen minutes before the final bell sounded. Absently swaying her legs as she sat on her desktop, she reached over to tousle Yukari's locks whom was keeping herself busy with the second volume of that teacher manga.
"I suppose we could. You want to go, Yukari?"
"There's no reason to. Moka is not in class."
"She isn't? What's she doing?"
"She is hiding in the school store, spying on Tsukune."
"Why would she be doing that?"
"Because he is with Shirayuki."
Kurumu frowned.
"That's no good. Mizore's anxious around Moka as is."
"Any idea what they are saying?"
"No. But I imagine Tsukune is tolerating the girl because Kurumu told him to."
"Tsukune would be nice to her even if I had said nothing."
"I can't imagine that. She nearly killed you."
"That was an accident."
"Can I have my hat back?"
Kurumu smirked as she took off the black, wizard's hat and plopped it on top of Satsuki's head.
"I don't have it."
"Now I have to wash it."
Satsuki scowled, sitting up and removing the hat.
"I didn't ask for it. Here."
Yukari flinched, drawing back when Satsuki tried to put it on her head.
"I don't want that filthy thing on my head. Leave it on the desk."
Standing up, Satsuki walked over to absently place the hat on Yukari's desk.
"Hey, Ms. Sunao. Can we go to class three?"
The teacher, whom was seated behind the small desk in the front corner of the room, looked up from her book. Her tiny nose wiggled thoughtfully.
"Um… thank you for asking, Ms. Unari. You are free to leave as you see fit."
"Come on, let's go."
Kurumu scooted off her desk onto her feet. She patted Yukari's shoulder.
"Come with us."
"Fine."
Shaking her head, Yukari picked up her schoolbag and stuffed the manga volume inside. With a grimace she snatched up the hat and meticulously folded it before placing it in her bag. Closing it up, Yukari draped it over her shoulder and picked up the white satchel that had been stowed away at her feet beneath the desk.
"You don't have to bring everything. It's not like they lock up this classroom."
"I will do as I see fit."
Kurumu shrugged, wondering if she should grab her bag simply because. Deciding not to, she smiled and headed out the front door with Yukari a half step behind on her left.
"Your poetry club not having a meeting today?"
"I have no idea."
"Does Ms. Sunao run your club?"
"Not really. One of our second years, Mr. Kyuushutsu loosely runs things."
"Your club president is a guy?"
"No. Our only senior, Ms. Yukawa, is the president. She lets him run the club because she's infatuated with him."
Kurumu chuckled as they angled for the open back door of class three.
"I'm surprised you would have a guy in a poetry club."
"He's the only one and a complete flirt at that. All the girls hang on every word he speaks. It's sickening."
"You probably should show up for a meeting next week."
"Fuck that. If I do well on midterms, I'm dropping that club and joining the PSC."
There was quite the gathering of girls about Nerume's desk. Nerume was the only one seated in a chair, but she was surrounded by many familiar faces. Hanetsume was seated on Tamaishi's desk with Tobuyoku standing beside her. The shorter Tengu girl with the long braided tail that ended in a golden ring was absently grooming Hanetsume's chestnut tresses.
Tora, Kamitsuku and Tomisaki hovered about the aisle between Irewata's and Arashimideru's desks. A quick glance confirmed that the only other students in class were Chousei and Natsudera, whom were slowly completing the classroom duties. As the board was cleaned off, it was hard to say if Irewata had ducked out of her responsibilities.
"If you do plan to join the PSC, you'll have to use better language, Ms. Unari."
"Yea, yea. What's with the group?"
Kamitsuku shrugged.
"Nothing better to do. I hear you're going to be hosting some big study party."
Kurumu smirked.
"For girls only."
"Really? Kiki will be a little disappointed if Mr. Aono isn't there."
"So the four of you are coming?"
"Don't know bouts Michiko but Honda was all out of sorts bouts it. Fretting over what she would wear. Complete loon she be."
"She's always been like that."
"She does know Tsukune is my boyfriend."
There was no question about it. None of the Tengu girls had ever been confused about the situation.
"That's how she is. First year of Junior High she pined away after our math teacher whom was married. Then when I started going out with my boyfriend, she was suddenly interested in him."
Tora frowned.
"I had no idea she was so troublesome."
"She has her quirks. Put her in a room with a single guy and she won't make eye contact, but tell her the guy is dating someone else and suddenly she is sharing life histories."
"She's a chicken."
Tobuyoku frowned, poking Hanetsume hard enough to make the other girl scowl.
"She's sweet and nice. You don't have to fret over her interest in Mr. Aono. She's too reserved to do anything forward."
Kurumu smiled, resting a hand on Yukari's head much to her displeasure.
"I don't know if I've properly introduced our little genius here."
"I think everyone knows her."
"More likely she don't be knowing us."
"I'm familiar with you, Ms. Hanetsume Hatoko. I have read our paper."
A smile crossed the girl's face as she drummed the desktop between her thighs. For some reason the girl had fluffed her skirt back so that she was sitting with her panties on Tamaishi's desk. Kurumu bit her lip, thinking it best not to bring attention to the oddity with two boys standing about.
"Well ain't that a hoot. Nazohashi mentioned ya have some big brain thing going for ya."
"Not in those terms, but yes, Ms. Sendou is special."
"You should set your things down, Ms. Sendou."
Yukari glowed at Tobuyoku's honorifics.
"I shall, Ms. Tobuyoku."
Nodding at the girl, she started off towards Moka's desk. Tobuyoku's gaze followed her as she grinned.
"She's adorable."
"So do you have club or something?"
Kamitsuku shrugged.
"Not really. Ms. Sangi let us know about your cheerleader project on Friday. Other than that, we have nothing planned."
"Yea, Ms. Uchikawa isn't having us practice all week so that we can focus on our midterms. Not to pick on the girls, but our club is pretty well known for them being a bunch of airheads."
Kurumu grinned at the russet haired Tomisaki.
"As if the boys are any better."
"Actually Mr. Tomisaki did well on the assessments."
"Ryoute was boasting about having the best grades among the seniors. I can't say much about Mr. Shirenai other than half the girls worship him."
Kurumu smiled as Yukari came back to join them.
"Is Shirenai the Yuuki Ms. Kukioba mentioned?"
"He is."
"How tall he be?"
"Huh?"
"How tall? Ya be kinda short so if he be tall, might explain why the girls care mores bout having his hands on them than yers."
"He's not that tall. Maybe a little taller than Ryoute, but both of them are taller than any girls we have in our club. I'm the only one that struggles a little with the taller girls, but hey, accidents happen."
Kurumu smirked, having an idea of what sort of accidents he meant.
"So Ryoute must be the other guy?"
"He's our senior and co captain with the elder Ms. Kyubane. I've known him for a while, though I admit I didn't think about joining the club till I was told I had to have one."
"So what ya do? Just feel girls up all day?"
"Ms. Uchikawa is trying to get us to toss the girls now and then, but Ryoute said we would stick with rallying up the crowd. It's fun to practice lifting the girls but none of us have the guts to actually toss one of them."
"What ya mean by lift?"
"I could show you."
Hanetsume snorted. She pushed off the desk to stand up next to the boy whom was a hair taller.
"Sure. Though ya look kind of weak."
Tomisaki grinned, his bright blue eyes twinkling with amusement.
"I hear that all the time. Now turn around."
"What? Why?"
"Because it will be less embarrassing."
"Yea, yea."
As the girl turned about, Tomisaki ducked down and grabbed the girl about the thighs at the end of the skirt. Hanetsume made an uncharacteristic yelp as she was hauled up. She quickly wrapped her left arm about his head as he stood back up, though leaning to his left. Hanetsume wiggled on his right shoulder.
"Stay still. It's hard enough to manage this with my shoulders."
"I'll say, ya scrawny lil shit, now puts me down."
Laughing, Tomisaki bent down low enough to allow the girl to hop free of him. Hanetsume fluffed out her skirt, shaking her head.
"Swear ya doing this to touch a girl's panties."
"My hands were nowhere close. Besides, the skirts the girls wear for practice are also shorts. With all the tumbles and cartwheels those girls do, it would be indecent to have them any other way."
"Still think ya too short to be handling a lady. Leave that sorts to a real man."
Tobuyoku giggled as she poked Hanetsume's side.
"You're getting all flustered."
"I ain't flustered."
The bell sounded the end of the school day. Grinning, Tomisaki touched his chest, bowing slightly.
"That's my cue to call it a day."
"Seriously ya could have left long ago."
"Ah, but then I would have missed a chance to pick up a girl. I have to keep practicing if I'm ever to live up to Ms. Uchikawa's expectations."
"Ya keep yer scrawny mitts to yerselfs."
Chuckling Tomisaki stalked off to the front of the class to retrieve his things from his desk.
"You were asking for that, Hatoko."
"How ya figure that?"
"You wanted him to pick you up."
"Ya misunderstand. He has no business picking any girl up looking like that. He be a tiny thing that has no business reproducing unless that be normal for his kind."
Kurumu shrugged, thinking he was about Moka's height.
"He is short. Might be perfect for Nerume."
"Maybe, but I don't really get the sense that he's a Kirin."
"That's kind of important, isn't it?"
Nerume smiled at Kamitsuku's inquiry.
"It would be nice."
"What about you, Ms. Unari?"
"What about me?"
"Your thoughts on height and the importance of true forms."
"You mean if I would date Tomisaki?"
"I suppose you could say that."
"He's kind of thin. I mean, yea, he picked her up, but I could do that."
"Ya want to?"
"Not with you wearing a skirt."
"Why don't you wear a skirt, Ms. Unari?"
"I don't like the idea of being so accessible."
Nearly everyone blushed at the comment.
"That was surprisingly direct, Ms. Unari."
"You know a pair of pants aren't much of a deterrent if a guy is determined."
Satsuki smirked.
"You're a virgin, Kurumu. Don't try scaring me with your rape fantasies."
Tora cleared her throat.
"On a different note, Ms. Unari does bring up an interesting point. You do seem the sort that would not be wearing a skirt, Ms. Hanetsume. Are you aware that the tan slacks are an acceptable alternative?"
"Mum didn't buy such for me. Says I need to learn to be ladylike."
Tobuyoku giggled, prodding her friend again.
"I hope three years will be enough."
Kurumu smiled as a couple laughed at the sentiment.
"Hey, Suzume. Um… how long have you been dating your boyfriend?"
"A couple years now. Why?"
Kurumu glanced at Kamitsuku, wishing he was not around.
"How long have you known him?"
"A couple years longer than Kiki. You could almost say he's like an older brother."
"That's not the terminology I would expect one would apply to their boyfriend."
Tobuyoku smiled at Tora.
"He is a year older than me and it had never crossed my mind that he would ask me out."
"You weren't interested in dating him?"
"Well… I had never thought about it. But I didn't want to hurt him by turning him down. It's not like I had any guy that I was crushing on, so I figured why not."
Moka squeaked as Yukari promptly hugged her the moment she stepped through the doorway. There was a depressive air about the vampire which quickly turned to confusion as she noted the large group. She had a plastic bag full of snacks in one hand while the other tentatively touched Yukari.
"What is everyone doing?"
"We're discussing Suzume's love life."
Hanetsume snorted.
"Or lack of one. She done told me, she still be a virgin."
"That is not surprising. She is sixteen at best, which is still young to be having a sexual relationship."
"My sister was married at sixteen."
"That's not normal, Ms. Genzouyaki."
"Maybe not for the human world, but a lot of monster communities condone young relationships. I know my mother hoped I would start having babies with Shuiro. When I suggested coming to Yokai instead of Hisoshi, my father had to convince her. She acted like I was breaking up with Shuiro."
Kurumu smiled, feeling some concern that her relationship was similar.
"Do you love him?"
"Of course I do."
"Well… what if Utsutei asked you out?"
Tobuyoku giggled, shaking her head and waving her hand dismissively.
"Okay, that would never happen. But to humor this fanciful idea that some perfect Tengu man would swoop down into my life, of course I would agree to a date."
"Really?"
"I love Shuiro, but I'm not going to pretend like he's perfect. If for some divine reason I am allowed a perfect alternative, wouldn't it be foolish not to take that?"
"I understand the reasoning, Ms. Tobuyoku. And I find it admirable that you are remaining celibate in your relationship."
Tobuyoku giggled.
"Well it's hard work with him trying to fool with me every chance he gets. I swear if we hadn't started out such good friends, I would have broken up with him within a month of him going to high school."
"How often were you seeing each other after he started high school?"
"Only the weekends. The daily commute to our village would have been more than an hour each way so his parents decided to have him live on campus."
"That's kind of how my parents felt about me attending Mimori. But if I was going to end up living on campus, may as well send me to the most prestigious school in Niigata."
"Our village is about the same distance from Mimori as Hisoshi. Where are you from, Mr. Yamabato?"
"Itoigawa."
"That is way south."
"Not as south as me, I reckon."
"Obviously, you twit."
"I don't know how it is for girls, but I can imagine your boyfriend just wants to spend what limited time he has with you doing what he feels strongest about."
"I'd rather spend it chatting and reconnecting than having his hands all over me. I feel like I don't even know him anymore. Kiki stopped hanging out with us last year, saying he was different."
"Hopefully your boyfriend is more considerate of your feelings when we leave for summer break."
"Fat chance of that happening. I'll have to beat him off with a stick."
Chuckling, Kamitsuku fidgeted with his jacket as he regarded them.
"I'm sure most of you are aware that Tsukune is turning sixteen after midterms."
"Actually I did not know that."
Kurumu grinned.
"I was going to pass along a few details about some plans in motion about that tomorrow at the study session."
"I don't know how large a party Senior is anticipating."
"Ginei is arranging a party for Tsukune?"
"First I've heard of this."
"Are we invited?"
"All I knew was Kurumu didn't want us guys to plan anything."
Kurumu sighed, holding her hands out to stave off any questions.
"It's something Ginei is working on. I don't know if Tora has more information about it, but-"
"I have about as much as you do. Time and place but I should check to see how many people he is figuring will show up. I can go do that now if you want."
Kamitsuku chuckled, shaking his head.
"Before anyone runs out, I was curious who here was the youngest."
"Yukari."
"I meant of the rest of us."
Kurumu frowned as she glanced about her friends. She honestly did not recall the birthdates of either of the Tengu girls but her other two friends were older than her.
"I think it's Tora, right?"
Tora shrugged.
"Unless someone here is a March baby, that's probably right."
"I'm a March baby, but I realize that's irrelevant."
Kurumu chuckled, noting Yukari was nuzzling close to Moka. The vampire absently ran her fingers through Yukari's hair as she quietly watched the group.
"Hmm. I don't know why, but I was thinking it would be Ms. Genzouyaki."
"I'm older than Kurumu and will turn sixteen in July right before midterms."
"Shoot ya got me by like a week. I'm right after midterms."
Kurumu perked up at Hanetsume's comment.
"Really? What day?"
"The thirtieth."
"I'm the second of August."
"Damn, you're all older than me."
Kurumu smirked.
"By like a month. Tsukune mentioned both you and Aku had September birthdays."
"I'm a September baby. The nineteenth."
Kamitsuku shook a fist in mock victory.
"I shall take my small successes where I find them. How about you, Ms. Unari?"
"Twenty fifth of this month."
She promptly wagged her finger at Kurumu.
"And no planning any major thing for my birthday. It's already on a weekend and I'm fine with just hanging out with a couple friends. I don't need half the student body telling me how cute and adorable the little cat girl is."
"Yea, I heard from Tsukune that you're Ms. Nekonome's niece."
"And?"
"I… was just saying."
"You want to come with me to check up on Morioka?"
Kamitsuku frowned at Tora.
"Uh… sure. But why me?"
"Because you're part of the film club and I think he wants you involved. I don't know if he's got in touch with Ms. Sangi or not and I'd rather not leave things up to his whims."
"Sure, I'll walk with you."
"If I don't see you guys at dinner tonight, I'll see you in the morning tomorrow."
"You'll see me tonight because you still need to exercise your wings."
"Can you spare me the week of midterms."
Tobuyoku giggled.
"Not after you mentioned skipping out next week for some club trip."
Tora sighed, heading off to her desk.
"You're a monster."
Kamitsuku, whom had been holding his schoolbag discretely behind him, wandered over to join Tora. The girl had her things by the time he arrived and gestured for him to fall in step as she made her way to the front of the classroom. Kurumu noticed Natsudera and Chousei must have left some time ago.
"We should probably head out too."
"Not sure what for, but guess makes no difference. Yall sticking round for some reason?"
"Our club is going to have a little bit of a celebration."
"What for?"
"Isn't Ms. Nazohashi part of your club? Seems odd to let her leave."
"It's more of a party for Tsukune since he got elected as class manager."
"Yall must be really bored to do that."
"I voted for him because I thought it would be funny if he won."
"I cared little either ways. Don't know how I'd feel about a midget fox girl running our class."
"She's only a little shorter than Nerume."
"Wouldn't vote for her either. Sides, if Aono be the only one man enough to take the job, makes him man enough for me."
Nerume snickered, glancing aside. Satsuki smirked, sitting down on Nerume's desktop.
"Speaking of Aono, where is he?"
"Moka was with him in the school store."
Moka shrugged, lifting up her plastic bag of goodies.
"I asked him on a date to get the snacks for our party but he decided it would be more fun to go on a walk with Ms. Shirayuki."
Satsuki frowned.
"That's a date?"
"Well… sort of."
Kurumu laughed sheepishly.
"Tsukune's not an easy guy to get on any sort of date. I've considered our laundry outings as dates, since I know he doesn't have a whole lot of money."
"You both have pretty low standards for a date."
"You've never been on a date, Satsuki."
"You haven't either."
"Going on a walk with a guy you admire can feel like a date if it's just the two of you."
Satsuki huffed at her friend.
"In that case, sounds like Shirayuki is on a date with Aono."
Kurumu winced. She glanced over to the desks, noting that their schoolbags were still at their desks.
"Well… they have to come back. We'll just have to wait for them."
"Yer awful calm bouts a dangerous chick running off with yer man."
"Shirayuki is in a delicate position right now. She needs to make some friends and none of you seem interested in helping me out."
"Gee, I wonder why. Couldn't be that she's a cuckoo that tries to poke holes in yer heart."
Tobuyoku smiled, walking up to rest a hand on Kurumu's shoulder.
"It's kind of cool that you can be brave like that, but she's scary. If you're planning on waiting around for her to come back, I think we'll go."
"Come on, guys. Half the school thinks Yukari is scary."
"Yea, but Yukari's cute and smart. You kind of forget all the bad stuff people say about her when she's around you and Moka."
"If I may inquire, how much bad stuff is being said?"
Tobuyoku smiled, regarding Yukari. She let her hand drift off Kurumu's shoulder to rest at her side.
"Quite a few things. But, Kurumu. Honestly. What redeeming qualities does Shirayuki have?"
Kurumu swallowed. The words that came to mind felt like they would be immediately dismissed. Every trait she associated with Shirayuki was more detrimental than beneficial. Reclusive. Lonely. Repressed. Trapped. Frightened. Her eyes began to water as she could not think of anything.
"What redeeming qualities do I have?"
Tobuyoku smiled, cocking her head as she reached up to brush Kurumu's cheek.
"Don't be like that. You're going to make me feel bad."
"I'm sorry."
"Look. It would be different if she was trying to be friends with us. I just can't go charging in like you do."
"That's because she's an idiot."
"I concur with Ms. Unari. Kurumu is reckless, without regard to her welfare or that of her friends."
"That's not true."
"Are you two staying for their party?"
Satsuki shrugged.
"I don't have anything better to do. What about you, Nerume?"
"It is a party for his victory."
"Did you vote for him?"
"Why would you ask that?"
"It was surprisingly close. A twelve nine vote in his favor."
"I voted for Ms. Hiboshi because Ms. Nazohashi asked me to."
Kurumu grinned.
"Tora tried to get him out of it?"
"She also asked us, but I didn't think she was all that serious about him not getting it. Was there a reason that we should have voted for Hiboshi?"
Kurumu waved dismissively.
"Not really. He was fussing over it yesterday, but it's not a big deal. I'm sure Tora and Moka will help him handle the new role."
"All right. I'll see you guys tomorrow."
The girl backed off to pick up her schoolbag that she had set on the floor next to Tamaishi's desk. Hanetsume had already slung hers about her shoulders and was waiting with her arms about her chest.
"Bouts time we gets out of here. Later folks."
The two girls strolled around them and disappeared out into the hallway.
"You guys should sit down. Who knows how long a romantic walk about the campus will take."
Kurumu snorted, drifting over to Tamaishi's seat and flopping down. She sighed as Moka slowly made her way over to Irewata's desk.
"You'll have to let me go so I can sit."
"Can I sit in your lap?"
"That's not very comfortable, Yukari."
"Sit at Arashimideru's desk."
"Fine."
The two parted ways, taking their respective seats across the aisle. Moka set the bag of snacks down on the desktop and leaned across the desk, sighing.
"Didn't you say you had cookies or something for this party?"
Kurumu smiled at Satsuki.
"That's right. I probably should get those in case Ms. Hitori thinks to lock up the home ec class."
"Did you get any drinks, Akashiya?"
"No."
Satsuki managed a smile at the vampire's sullen tone. She hopped off the desk and grabbed Nerume by the elbow.
"Come on, Nerume. Let's go get some drinks for this party."
Nerume staggered out of her desk. Briefly hugging her friend to steady herself, they started out the door together.
"How many do you think we should get?"
"I don't know. A dozen should be enough."
Kurumu smiled as the two voices became more distant. She lifted out of the seat and gestured to Yukari.
"I'm going to get those cookies."
"Okay, have fun."
"You're coming with me."
Yukari sat back, favoring her with an incredulous stare.
"Why?"
Kurumu chuckled as she patted Moka's head.
"Because I'm not about to leave Moka alone with you. Who knows what your version of cheering her up would include."
Yukari huffed.
"Even if I were to do that, I guarantee she would feel better."
"Yea, disregarding the years it would take to heal the emotional scarring."
"Would it really be that horrible?"
Kurumu smiled, gesturing at the open front door.
"Get up. You can spy on Moka all you want with those invisible spectacles you're wearing."
"Yes. I am thoroughly captivated with the view of the desk."
Moka whimpered out a giggle.
"Go with Kurumu, Yukari. I can be alone for a few minutes."
Yukari sighed.
"Suit yourself."
Kurumu snatched up the girl's hand before Yukari could get free of the desk. Frowning, the witch allowed Kurumu to lead her out of the front door of the classroom. The school was dreadfully quiet despite it only being twenty or so minutes since the last bell had sounded. It almost felt like they were the only two students in the hall.
"I can walk myself."
"So what did you think of Tobuyoku and Hanetsume?"
"Hanetsume is an illiterate oaf and Tobuyoku is careless with her relationships."
"I'm glad to hear you approve."
"This Kiki girl whom they talked about. Would this be Honda Kiki from class eleven?"
"It is."
"She sounds like she could be a problem for Tsukune. Have you thought about helping her find a boyfriend?"
"I barely know her."
"Yes, but surely you've made some male acquaintances whom could break her of this peculiar habit of chasing after taken men."
Kurumu shrugged. She knew about Uchiyama, Utsutei and that PSC guy that hung around in Lady Hineri's shadow all the time. Miyamoto was another but she did not recall the other names that harpy Sonoda had been throwing out.
"I know a lot more Tengu girls than boys. Keep in mind my only male oriented article was the soccer team and that was mostly Kirin and Okami."
"Yes, but if you know girls than it stands to reason you could easily find the boys, since they will be from the same communities."
"That might be true but I'm not about to walk around and ask guys which town they came from."
"I don't know this girl. Will she be at the study session if she learns Tsukune will not be attending?"
"I have no idea. She's… different. I've only seen her a couple times so I can't act like I know her."
They reached the sets of stairs that went in both directions from the crossing balcony near the back door of class five. She started down the flight that faced the cafeteria. This was the fastest way to the home ec classroom.
"Whom all did you invite to this study group?"
"There's a fourth Tengu girl by the name of Dangai Michiko. She grew up in the same area as Hanetsume so they talk alike."
"Ms. Dangai scored the highest of those four in the assessments. That is surprising to hear she comes from the same background as Ms. Hanetsume."
"She's not as crass."
"Whom else?"
"There's the girls from my home ec class: Shindou Asuka, Taijin Yuu and Meirowasa Tokori. Asuka and Taijin are from track and Tokori is part of the PSC."
Kurumu smiled as they reached the landing, pleased that Tokori would be able to spend the night. She probably should let her bedding air out tonight before turning in. The stairs continued down another flight of steps which they promptly descended.
"Ms. Shindou is the girl that recently turned sixteen and Ms. Taijin is her friend. And Ms. Meirowasa is the local girl whom you spent the night with."
"You remember a lot about girls you have never met."
"I remember the things I am told."
Reaching the end of the stairs, they angled over to the home ec classroom. Kurumu smiled, noting that the doors had been left open. Having no reason to enter the first of the doors, Kurumu continued down the hall intent on the second which was closer to her station.
"Anyways, the only other two are Kakeru Chisa and Goto Tama."
"Yes, Ms. Unari has mentioned these two as being friends of Ms. Genzouyaki."
"You seem to be getting along well with Satsuki."
"Your persistence is wearing both of us down to a mutual tolerance."
Kurumu shrugged.
"Progress is progress regardless of what you call it."
"Hmm. Strange."
"What?"
"Ms. Shirayuki has returned but is not with Tsukune."
"Well he can't be too far behind."
Kurumu stepped in through the back classroom. She noted there were several students gathered about Ms. Hitori, Sakamori among them. A few boys looked in her direction, causing her to avert her eyes as she quickly offered an apologetic smile.
"Sorry. Left something here. I'll only be a second."
As Ms. Hitori waved dismissively before continuing a reading from some book, Kurumu hurried over to her station and rummaged through the cupboards to fetch the batch of cookies she had stashed within. With the covered platter in hand, she nodded to the nervous Yukari and hastened back out into the hall.
Getting several paces away from the class, Kurumu laughed while shaking her head.
"That was unexpected."
"We have to hurry."
"That was probably the drama club. We should tell Shirayuki about it."
"We certainly have to do something about her."
Yukari bit her lip as she nearly jogged to the base of the steps. She gestured animatedly for Kurumu to hurry, which was difficult to do while holding a platter. A quick walk was all she could manage without her breasts getting too much annoying motion.
"Hurry!"
"What's wrong?"
"I think she's hurting Moka. I can't tell. My vision angle is all messed up."
Kurumu forced a smile. Humoring the girl, she took the steps as quickly as she dared.
"Don't be silly. There's no reason for Shirayuki to hurt Moka."
"It's like she's on her back looking up at the ceiling. It makes no sense."
"Maybe she rolled over. Sheesh, Yukari."
"Why else would Shirayuki be hovering over her? We have to hurry!"
Kurumu sighed, having no clue what Yukari was seeing. They reached the top of the stairs. With another sigh, Kurumu ducked into class five, setting the platter of cookies down on the first desk.
"Fine. But I'm making you come back and get these if you're fretting over nothing."
Cupping her left tit with her right hand, Kurumu jogged down the hallway with Yukari at her side. A couple thoughts crossed her mind about Shirayuki hovering over a Moka whom was on her back, and neither were as scary as what Yukari was suggesting. She blushed at the thought that Shirayuki might try kissing Moka, but that was ridiculous. The girl was still not over the whole thing with Coach Kotsubo.
Kurumu darted through the open front door of class three. The temperature of the room was drastically lower than the hall, causing every bit of bared skin to prickle up with gooseflesh. Shirayuki hovered over Moka, one hand pressed on Moka's shoulder which was encased in ice. The other was poised like a knife about to strike.
"Mizore!"
The girl glanced up.
"Stop!"
Moka's free left hand slammed up against the side of Shirayuki's head. There was a crack and the girl staggered back. Parts of her jagged hair snapped like icicles, dropping to the floor. A visible crack cut down her forehead through her right eye, as if she was a piece of fractured glass.
"Don't come any closer!"
Mizore swiped down with her hand causing a block of ice to coalesce about Moka's other arm. The same had already been down to everything below Moka's waist, freezing her in place. The vampire struggled but had no leverage with all her limbs restrained.
"She's going to hurt Tsukune!"
"No. I'm going to save Tsukune. From you."
"Mizore, stop! Calm down! We can take you to the infirmary and have that fixed."
"There's no point in that."
Shivering, Yukari stepped by Kurumu while lifting her small hands. She made slight gestures.
"Yukari?"
"Don't interfere!"
A wall of ice slammed up from floor to ceiling between them, but was shattered into dust with a wave of Yukari's hand.
"This puppet does not have enough spirit to control the environment."
Mizore swung out her left hand, the entire limb forming into a spear of ice.
"He will never leave as long as she is here! If you care for him, Akashiya must be dealt with!"
"Nonsense."
With a sharp gesture, Mizore erupted into shards of ice much like the ice wall had been destroyed seconds ago. Kurumu clapped her hands over her mouth, making slight whimpers as she tried to digest the situation.
"You killed her."
Yukari scowled, glancing over her shoulder.
"I haven't yet."
The witch made a couple gestures, causing the ice about Moka to crumble into dust. As the vampire rolled about on the desk and got to her feet, the witch wandered over to where Mizore had been standing. Hunkering down, the girl picked up a chunk of the ice.
Kurumu clutched her chest as she wandered over to Moka. The air in the room was quickly returning to normal. She saw bits of Mizore everywhere and it hurt. At least there was no blood.
"That was a puppet, Kurumu. Shirayuki said the real her was with Tsukune."
"Yes, and now I'm going to track down the real one."
Kurumu shivered at the tone in her voice.
"Yukari, wait. We can talk with her."
Yukari whirled about, her lips trembling as her eyes brimmed with tears.
"About what, Kurumu! You understand that girl was going to kill Moka!"
"Yukari."
"No. This is not okay. She waited for us to leave Moka alone so she could kill her. And then she would have destroyed the clone so nobody would know."
"She hesitated."
"I won't!"
Clutching the shard of ice to her chest, Yukari bowed her head as a pair of wings slashed out the sides of her blouse. She turned and sprinted across the room, jumping towards the windows. Her body flickered as she phased through the glass without harm. Outside, Yukari pumped her wings hard, streaking off like a bullet away from the school.
Moka stared dumbly at the windows.
"She has wings?"
Yukari was going to kill Mizore.
"We have to find Tsukune!"
Panicking, Kurumu grabbed her sweater and quickly pulled it over her head. She tossed it on the floor and started undoing the buttons to her blouse.
"What are you doing?"
"We have to fly. It's the only way to find him faster than Yukari."
"That's impossible. She will track her with that ice shard."
"We have to try!"
Slipping free of her blouse, she whipped out her wings and grabbed Moka by the wrist. She yanked the vampire towards the windows, wondering if they could open them.
"Shirayuki was threatening me. Said if I cared for Tsukune, I should lie about the seal. Convince him that he did not need to stay."
Kurumu's chest tightened. Of course that was what had happened. Letting go of Moka, she looked about the window for some sort of latch or release that would allow them through.
"We have to save her."
Moka grabbed the frame and shoved it out. There was a loud pop as something was forced free. Smiling apologetically, the vampire grabbed the edge and shoved it aside. The pane slid on rails to fit perfectly behind the adjacent glass panel. The release was probably on the outside to keep students from opening them whenever they pleased.
Hopping up on the ledge, Kurumu turned about and held a hand to Moka.
"Kurumu. Who are we trying to save?"
"Everyone."
The vampire smiled, taking her hand and stepping up on the ledge. Holding each other about the waist, they fell and gave chase.