Kurumu sighed as her stomach growled. It was not like she ever ate a whole lot so her body should behave itself. It was embarrassing for it to make such noises while he was relaxed up against her with the back of his head nestled between her breasts. At least he was too polite to say anything.
They had slept in and missed breakfast. Saedi's parents had a policy of only making food for guests that came down to the main floor by nine. Not only had there been no breakfast, but most of their fellow students and their hosts had already taken off for the day.
Ms. Nekonome had stayed behind to watch after her snoozing club, which also included Yukari and Moka. Despite being awake Tora had also remained in the inn, not wanting to participate in the film club's antics on the hill. Apparently Saedi and Kana were filling the role Sangi had tried to offer Moka. Ginei had tagged along as an extra set of eyes to keep their wandering mascot out of trouble.
They had both woken up a little after ten before Yukari. The young girl had quickly responded to Kurumu's nudging as Tsukune wandered off to find out where everyone was. Yukari had sighed over the lateness of the morning but admitted she had slept soundly after their little adventure.
Kurumu still felt guilty about that. She had no idea what time it had been, but she had done something highly inappropriate. While she had been quiet enough not to disturb Ms. Nekonome, Yukari had been struggling with sleep and had roused during her climax. For something that could not have lasted more than five minutes, she honestly had not thought about being caught.
While Tsukune had fled the room to clean up and use the toilet, Kurumu had dreamily apologized to Yukari for her indiscretion. The witch was at a loss, not understanding how Kurumu could justify taking advantage of Tsukune like that or behaving so wantonly while under the same roof as a murderer. His confession of love was the only justification Kurumu could manage.
Not long after Tsukune returned with a fumbled apology, Yukari had excused herself to relieve her body of stress. The witch had robbed Tsukune of the innocent belief of it being merely a bathroom break, declaring him in no position to judge her decision when she would have to somehow sleep in a room reeking of lust. Kurumu had managed to fall asleep before the girl returned, despite her halfhearted wishes for him to continue in Yukari's absence.
Moka had been the last to rouse this morning. The vampire had conditioned her body to ten plus hours of sleep for so long that she was difficult to get up. She had been so clingy and whiny and wanting to drink Tsukune's blood. They had shooed her out the door with Ms. Nekonome to fetch an early lunch.
Presently it was just the three of them watching over the unconscious witch. Tora had finished the book she had brought with and was currently reading something Saedi had left her. Dressed in her school uniform, she was sitting in the far corner of the room next to the witch.
Wearing a black shirt and denim jeans, Tsukune was relaxed up between her thighs with his CD player resting off to the side. He had already listened through one of his Spitz albums and was on the second one as he flipped through the pages of a Faust magazine. His cousin had introduced him to the magazine last summer though he had not read the whole volume she had shown him. This was a current volume that had been released last month.
She wished he would hold still. Her breasts were sore and ached with longing. It was like her body could not decide if it wanted to be touched or not. Her nipples jutted out proudly through her blouse, too sensitive for her liking. The teacher had scolded her about not wearing a bra, but it was not like she enjoyed her current state. Sure, she liked how this caused Tsukune to want her, but she was seriously toying with the idea of spending the rest of the day soaking in the bath.
She had decided on the denim shorts, knowing she was too aroused for a skirt today. She also doubted Tora would tolerate her clinging about Tsukune like this. Having a guy between her thighs in a skirt was undoubtedly more inappropriate.
"Hey, Tora. Have you healed that girl?"
Tora looked up from the manga, glancing aside at the witch.
"I have not felt it necessary. Her wounds are healing, albeit slowly."
"Yukari said most witches use healing magic. They might heal faster than humans, but it's nowhere near the level Kurumu pulls off."
Kurumu chuckled, moving one of her hands to run her fingers through his hair.
"Do you think you could heal her?"
"Why?"
"I don't feel right about leaving her like that. You know that if she doesn't wake up, that creepy driver guy will take her off to who knows where."
"That's not really our problem."
Kurumu moved her hand back to his waist to join the other, gently squeezing him.
"Please. I'm worried about the others."
Tora smirked, setting the manga aside.
"The only thing they have to worry about is rain. Yokai made me forget how crummy this month usually is. I can't wait for this trip to be over."
"Have you called your parents?"
Tora sighed.
"No. I didn't even tell them about this trip."
"Why not?"
"Because he would have called and I would rather not hear his voice."
"I thought you got along with your father."
"I want to be home, Kurumu. A phone call won't make that happen."
"I get that. It didn't really hit me that first call, what with Kurumu making my poor mother worry about me doing all sorts of inappropriate things."
"There's nothing inappropriate about loving me."
Tsukune snorted.
"You realize Ms. Nekonome knows you were sleeping naked in my arms. I worry how many others know about that."
"I imagine nobody knew that, Tsukune. Including me till you confessed to it."
He stiffened a moment. Resting his magazine in his lap, he sighed.
"Kurumu isn't feeling well. Her body temperature is elevated."
"Is it?"
Tsukune chuckled, reaching over to rub her knee and thigh which caused her to shiver.
"You're burning up. I'm wondering if it's possible that you have a fever."
"Don't be silly. I can't get sick."
"You face is flush, Kurumu. I have been curious about that."
"Are you feeling okay?"
"I feel aroused."
Tsukune heaved a sigh.
"I'm sorry for asking."
"You should keep such things to yourself, Kurumu."
Kurumu shrugged.
"I don't know what else to say. My body is being weird but it's not like I feel tired."
"I've never heard of a person getting a fever from arousal. Are you sure you're not just cold, Tsukune?"
"Come over here and feel her yourself."
Tora got up and crossed the room, kneeling down next to Kurumu. The sphinx pressed the back of her hand against Kurumu's cheek, causing her to flinch.
"She really is burning up."
"I told you."
Kurumu glanced in Tora's jade eyes as the sphinx leaned in to press her forehead against hers. She could feel Tora's cool breath upon her cheek. Kurumu glanced aside as she clung tighter to Tsukune. She shivered when the girl sat back on her haunches.
"That's definitely a fever."
"Have you ever had one?"
"No. But I've known several kids that were sick."
She turned her attention back to Kurumu.
"Do you have any congestion? Trouble breathing?"
"I feel a little lightheaded if I breathe too deep."
"Not what I'm asking. Is your nose fine? Nothing dripping out?"
Kurumu hoped that was a question about her nose.
"I'm fine."
"Has she ever been like this before?"
"Not that I'm aware of."
"I can't imagine this is the first time she's been aroused around you. There's something else wrong."
Kurumu smiled at the concern, mildly curious if there was something wrong. She supposed it might have something to do with having sex, but it could also be linked to last night's mind rescue.
"Well… I did die several times last night. That probably isn't good for my body."
Tora smiled softly, caressing the side of Kurumu's face.
"Maybe I should heal you again. It might help."
Kurumu sighed, closing her eyes as she enjoyed the soft touch of Tora's thumb across her temple.
"She's in much worse condition than I am. Could you heal her?"
"I do feel bad that she's still unconscious, but is it safe for us if she wakes up now?"
Tora shrugged at him.
"I still have my barrier up so she can't use magic. The most she could do is run away so one of us has to keep her from leaving the room."
"Without her magic she'll be about as strong as you are, Tsukune."
He chuckled, sitting up. Picking up his CD player, he crawled over her leg towards the door.
"I don't know about that, but I can try keeping this door closed for you guys."
"Take off your blouse."
Kurumu frowned as Tora wandered over to her things and started rummaging through her faded blue suitcase. The sphinx discarded a black wad of fabric beside her before starting to unfasten the buttons of her blouse.
"What are we doing?"
"From what I heard, she attacked Tsukune immediately because she thought he was human."
"I am human."
"That's not the point, Tsukune. If she sees we're not human, she might not be hostile."
"But witches are hated by monsters and humans. Yukari has said that several times."
"This woman may not share that sentiment. She might not be aware that other monsters exist."
Kurumu nodded as Tora slipped out of her blouse. The sphinx set the garment aside before reaching back behind her to unhook the three clasps of the dark green bra. Rolling her shoulders forward, she tugged it off and dropped it in her suitcase.
"I didn't realize you were so bold."
Tora snorted as she picked up the black wad of fabric. It was that other halter top she had bought with the gold one she had worn a couple weeks ago.
"My back is to him."
As the girl pulled her top over her tanned torso, Kurumu started undoing the buttons to her blouse. She smiled softly as she felt Tsukune's interest swell up. Scooting her legs around to kneel up, she finished with the buttons and slipped out of the thin fabric.
Tora sighed as her large wings eased out of her back. Unlike Kurumu and the Tengu girls, Tora had a huge base to her wings that was slightly lower down her back. It made it impossible for the sphinx to wear any sort of bra with them out. The halter tops she had bought recently were cut extremely low in the back which was perfect for her massive wings filled with raven black feathers. Tora flexed her wings, tucking them about her body like wrapping a towel about her.
Getting up on her feet, Kurumu stretched her arms over her head as she let her chiropteran wings knife out from her shoulder blades. She groaned with pleasure, though it was more from his hunger at seeing her topless. She let her hands come down and linger at the hem of her shorts.
"Should we do tails?"
Tora was on her feet and frowned at her.
"I don't have anything low enough for my tail."
"We could strip down to our panties."
Tora shook her head, stalking over to the witch.
"I don't think that's the image we want to give this young woman upon waking."
Kurumu nodded, quickly realizing her whim to get a stronger reaction from Tsukune would be awkward for Tora. While she was mildly interested in seeing Tora's tail again, she realized that was an image she would prefer Tsukune not to have.
"Have you been doing your stretches?"
Tora shrugged as she knelt down beside the prone witch.
"I suppose I can do them after. I'm unsure how effective they are without the weights."
"Do you think you'll be able to fly before the end of the month?"
Tora shrugged, gesturing for her to come over.
"If she panics, you should kiss her to calm her down."
Kurumu smiled as she got down next to Tora. She had to shift her wings back to allow Tora more room. She reached over to brush the back of her hand against the witch's cheek. Her skin was so cold, but her chest lifted with each steady breath. She noted her petite nose and the small indent beneath her nostrils that preceded her thin lips.
"I suppose I could. She is pretty."
Tora giggled with a slight shake of her head. Closing her eyes, the sphinx breathed in deep as she brought her fingers up to her chest. Forming a small diamond pattern with her thumbs and forefingers, Tora pushed a bluish trail of energy from her body to the witch's chest.
The girl shot upright, looking about wildly. Her creamy chocolate eyes caught sight of Kurumu and the witch cried out, jerking back.
"Easy, Ms. Witch."
Tora scooted in, holding her hands up. The witch glanced at her and whimpered, frantically scrambling back into a corner.
"Stay away from me!"
Kurumu crawled over to her left as Tora closed in on the right. Taking Tora's example, Kurumu held a hand up as she smiled at the frightened woman.
"It's okay. Tora healed you."
The witch glanced between them and then beyond. She stiffened and drew her arms up protectively over her chest.
"Where am I?"
"You're at a bed and breakfast."
"What's that?"
"It's a hotel that gives you food in the morning."
The witch frowned, regarding them. She lowered a hand to feel about the fabric she had wrapped about her legs. She tensed in panic as her other hand quickly joined a desperate search of her garment.
"Where is it?!"
"Yukari has your wand, Ms. Witch."
The witch bit her lower lip as she pressed back against the corner. She clutched her arms to her chest.
"Yukari? The little girl. Where is she?"
"We healed you to answer our questions, Ms. Witch. What business do you have with our friend?"
The witch looked away. She remained quiet long enough for Tora to sigh.
"We need you to talk with us, Ms. Witch. If I understand things correctly, one of the adults with us will take you with him if you don't cooperate."
The witch shuddered.
"Please, let me go."
"Did you murder humans around the sunflower hill?"
The woman tensed up. She meekly turned her eyes on them.
"Why should you care? You're not human."
"Because it's not smart to antagonize the humans. There's too many of them."
The woman bit her lower lip, her eyes glancing about.
"Who are you people?"
Kurumu grinned.
"I'm Kurono Kurumu and this is Nazohashi Tora. My boyfriend back there is Aono Tsukune."
The witch frowned.
"I meant what are you people? You're not witches."
Tora sighed.
"Kurumu is a succubus and I am a sphinx. Her boyfriend is a vampire."
The witch's eyes widened.
"You're monsters? I thought that was nonsense made up by humans."
"We attend a monster school in the Niigata prefecture. We are here on a school trip for the week. The daughter of the owner of this inn is a cousin of one of our friends and suggested that we explore the mystery of your sunflower hill."
The witch nodded dumbly.
"I remember this Yukari came with a bunch of people brought up to our hill by a school bus. So all of you are monsters?"
Tora cocked her head.
"Our hill?"
The witch flinched.
"I'm sorry. I thought you were humans."
"So you do murder humans that come to your hill."
The witch squeezed tighter into her corner.
"Please, let me go. I won't cause you any more trouble."
"You haven't told us what business you have with Yukari."
"Why is a young witch in the company of monsters?"
Kurumu smiled, scooting in as close as her wings allowed. Tora was further back on her side, but there was no way the witch could get through them without force.
"Because her grandfather was a teacher at our school. That little girl is a genius. She's a first year high school student with us."
The woman peered into her eyes.
"I'm sorry for hurting him. Please, let me go."
Tora sighed.
"Do you think she'll answer our questions if you kiss her?"
Kurumu knew it would calm the witch. She scooted in to press her knee on the witch's makeshift skirt, leaning upright as she pressed her right hand on the wall. She stared into those chocolate eyes, noting the panic. Kurumu shivered at the rise of Tsukune's interest in the situation. She wondered why he was fascinated with her kissing another woman. She was tempted to kiss this girl to sate his curiosity.
"She might."
Kurumu cupped the witch's chin, firmly holding her head in place. She felt the witch try to push on her breasts and side, but this woman was so much weaker than Moka. As Kurumu tilted her head, she could feel the sweetness of the girl's want for her flaring up.
"Please, don't!"
Kurumu paused, feeling the girl's breath against her lips.
"Are you sure?"
"My Lady Oyakata asked me to bring the girl to her."
Kurumu let the girl's chin go and the witch promptly turned her head aside. Kurumu lowered back on her haunches, absently cupping her right breast. The slight struggle had made her poor things ache more. She had to massage them to diminish the sensation.
Tora glanced at Kurumu, shaking her head.
"So this Lady Oyakata is an older witch that lives on the hill with you."
"Yes."
"Are there other witches on the hill?"
"No."
"Do you know why she wanted Yukari?"
The witch regarded Tora.
"She's a witch. We have to stand together if we are to protect our home."
"That's not possible. If the humans have decided to take that hill, you have to find somewhere else."
For the first time anger crossed the witch's eyes.
"That's not right! They have no right to take my home from me!"
"It's not about being right, Ms. Witch. Someone has bought that land and they will make use of it. Killing humans will only delay the inevitable."
Kurumu smiled, moving her attention to her left breast.
"Yukari said your name is Rubi, correct?"
"Toujou Rubi."
"Did you make those magical beasts on the hill?"
Rubi studied her with eyes that wandered to take in her actions.
"I am their caretaker."
"Did those things devour the humans that came to your hill?"
"Yes. They guard our hill from intruders. Your young friend killed most of them."
Tora sighed, getting up on her feet. She turned about and headed over to her suitcase.
"I should call the others. Let them know there might be more of those things."
"But there's no service up on the hill."
Tora sighed at his remark as she fetched her phone.
"I guess I could try sending a text. They might have service long enough for a short warning."
Kurumu frowned at Rubi, letting her hands rest on her knees.
"Will these things attack our friends on the hill?"
"You went back?"
"Only a few of us stayed behind to watch over you. The rest of our classmates are trying to make a film since it was rumored your hill was haunted."
Rubi glanced around her at the door. She sighed, her body relaxing.
"The guardians are smart enough to not engage with a numbers disadvantage. If your group stays together, they won't be in danger."
Tora chuckled as she worked the buttons of her phone.
"Eventually the humans would have brought heavy equipment once that road was suitable. You should take your pets and that older witch of yours to a new home."
"Then let me go so I can advise my lady of your assessment."
Kurumu cocked her head as she stared at Rubi. The witch averted her eyes.
"You're just saying that. We shouldn't let you leave if you will go back to killing humans."
"It's my home and I will defend it as I see fit."
In the long pause that followed, a knock sounded on the other side of the door as Tora set her phone down. Tsukune stepped back from the door as it slid open.
Yukari strolled through the door with bags of goods in her hands and on her shoulder. She wore a sleeveless denim shirt with loops on the shoulders for the black suspenders that stretched down her torso in the front. The shirt had huge breast pockets that swelled with the young witch's bosom. The suspenders were clipped in two places in the front of a matching denim skirt with a bottom hem which was deliberately frayed. In the back the suspenders came together to clip in the center. The skirt was loose about the waist, but hardly noticeable with the shirt tucked in.
"I bring sustenance."
Yukari glanced about the room. She turned her attention back to Tsukune and held the bag to him.
"We would have been back sooner, but I had to shop by myself."
Tsukune took the bag from her, glancing through the contents.
"That's amazing, Yukari. It's good to see that you're adapting to the humans so well."
Yukari shrugged, pulling the second bag off her shoulder and handing it over.
"It's not like this was a busy time of the day. Most humans are at school or work."
"But it's good that you're not afraid of the city like you were before."
"I wasn't scared."
Kurumu felt a surge of sickly sweet desire as the vampire slipped around the open door. Moka had a simple pink sundress with white straps and hem. The vampire's eyes swept over her body as Moka cupped a hand over her mouth.
"Ms. Kurono! Show some decency!"
Ms. Nekonome had followed on the vampire's heels. Her ears wagged about in agitation as her tail sawed angrily about her legs, mostly trapped within her knee length, denim skirt.
Kurumu giggled, covering her breasts with her hands as she scooted away from Rubi.
"I asked her to remove her blouse, Ms. Nekonome. I didn't want our guest to mistake us for humans."
Kurumu gestured to Moka.
"This is Akashiya Moka, another vampire. And that's our teacher, Ms. Nekonome."
"I understand your reasons, Ms. Nazohashi, but we are in a human city. We must do our best to hide our true forms at all times."
Yukari rolled her eyes.
"Moka had to pull her into an alley after she got too worked up over a fish market. That's why I ended up doing most of the shopping on my own."
Rubi got to her feet and pressed a hand to her chest.
"Please, would you help me defend my home?"
Yukari regarded the older witch.
"Moka said there was no chance of this girl waking today. Why did you heal her, Tora?"
"I had some questions for her. It seems there is an older witch on the hill and Rubi was only the caretaker of the garigari creatures you dispatched."
"Interesting."
"My Lady Oyakata requested that you join us. You belong with your sister witches."
Yukari stepped closer to clasp her arms around Tsukune's waist.
"I belong with my friends."
"You can't trust these monsters."
Yukari regarded Rubi coldly.
"If it had been my choice, you would have been a pile of ash. You owe your life to these monsters."
Rubi scowled.
"You would betray your kind?"
"Considering you tried to have me eaten, yes."
"That was a mistake! I thought you were humans."
"Do you know the names of the humans you killed?"
Rubi glared at Yukari.
"Why would I bother knowing something so pointless?"
"So you don't. You kill on sight, without hesitation. You're not much different than a wild beast."
"Those humans were trespassing!"
Tora snorted.
"You can't trespass on land you purchased."
"It wasn't theirs to buy!"
"You couldn't sell it because you never owned it."
"You are aware that humans don't kill other humans for trespassing."
Rubi scowled at Yukari.
"Should I care what those pests do?"
"If you were human and owned that land, do you understand what the other humans would do to you after killing eighteen trespassers? Tsukune?"
Tsukune sighed as the question was turned upon him.
"She would be found guilty of murder and executed by hanging."
Rubi rolled her eyes.
"Barbaric. More proof that humans are despicable creatures."
"Despicable creatures that have higher standards than you. I guess that makes you entirely worthless."
"How dare you insinuate that I am less than a human!"
Yukari let go of Tsukune to cross her arms about her chest. She cocked her head, regarding Rubi.
"What other explanation can be made? There's not a human in this city that would attack you on sight."
"Humans killed my parents!"
Yukari backed up a step, her eyes glancing aside. The silence that fell over the room was thick as Rubi clenched her fists, her whole body shaking.
"Don't lie to me! Humans kill whatever they want to! They destroy everything!"
Tora sighed, flexing her wings.
"Did your parents die because the humans found out they were witches?"
"Huh?"
"When a boy found out I was a monster, he tried to kill me multiple times."
Kurumu felt her heart tighten at the thought.
"Tora?"
"Humans will kill us, Kurumu. The only reason why they don't is because we can look like them."
Rubi turned to them, her eyes burning with zeal.
"Then all of you should join me. We can make a stand against the humans."
Ms. Nekonome sighed.
"Young lady, that topic has been discussed many times by souls much older than us. Most agree that a war with the humans would only result in our genocide."
"How did your parents die, Rubi?"
Rubi regarded Yukari, whom had recovered her stoic expression. Rubi paused, glancing aside.
"It happened when I was six. I was walking with my parents at night in this city and a driver ran my parents over."
"And yet you survived?"
"Are you saying I should have died?"
"I question your memory."
"They pushed me to safety."
Yukari scowled.
"You're describing an accident! Did you accidentally have your creatures eat humans on your hill?"
Tsukune patted Yukari's head.
"Yukari, stop. What happened to her parents was unfortunate."
"Yes, unfortunate. So what was the name of the driver?"
Rubi stared at Yukari. Her brow furrowed as she glanced at the floor.
"Why does that matter?"
"You started hating humans over this person. He should be important to you."
Rubi shook her head.
"I never knew his name. Lady Oyakata killed him."
"How convenient. Do you believe everything she tells you?"
Rubi glared at Yukari.
"Lady Oyakata has taken care of me for fourteen years. She has done everything for me."
"Oh, I see she has done an excellent job. I suppose we should be thankful that she taught you to speak."
"She was six, Yukari. I'm sure she knew how to speak."
Yukari glanced at Tora.
"Then I guess the only thing she taught her was how to not be human. I hope your deceased parents approve of the education."
Rubi's voice cracked as she wagged a finger at Yukari.
"You have no right! You don't understand what it's like to be alone!"
Yukari shook her head, stalking over to the door. She paused next to Moka.
"You're a disgrace to witches, Rubi. I've never been so disappointed in someone before."
Walking around Moka, the young witch disappeared down the hall. A heavy silence lingered once again that ended with Moka sighing.
"I'll keep her company."
The vampire smiled at them, grabbing the door and closing it.
"That was rather dramatic."
Tsukune chuckled at Ms. Nekonome's assessment. He opened up the bag and pulled a drink out. Walking over to the dejected witch, he held the can out.
"Here. It looks like she didn't get one for you, so you can have mine."
Rubi took the can and stared at it.
"Why would I want human food?"
"Because it tastes good?"
Rubi sighed.
"Have none of you any pride?"
Ms. Nekonome shrugged.
"A lot of human wars are started over pride. Humans killing other humans because they believe their truth is the one truth. Monsters don't have the numbers to indulge in such a destructive emotion."
Tsukune chuckled.
"It might surprise you, but most of us here grew up around humans, Yukari being the only exception. Yea, humans have their faults, but I think all creatures should be judged by their deeds alone. The man whom killed your parents was a horrible human being, but there are many good ones."
Rubi shook her head, backing away from him.
"No. You're trying to trick me. There's no such thing as good humans."
Kurumu sidled up next to Rubi, draping an arm over the witch's shoulder. The taller girl flinched but could not pull away from her stronger grip.
"Let me go!"
"Calm. Okay?"
Kurumu pushed against the girl's back as she gripped her wrist. She closed her eyes as she pressed the side of her face against the girl's neck. She felt the trickle of Rubi's desire once more.
"You will not tempt me, demon."
"Tempt you? I'm hot. Can't you tell?"
"Sorry about her, Ms. Witch. Kurumu is feeling off today."
Frowning, Ms. Nekonome walked over and placed the back of her hand against Kurumu's forehead. Kurumu lazily opened her eyes as the hand drew away.
"That is unusual. Your mother never had a fever."
"My mother doesn't fight vampires in her head."
Rubi hugged herself.
"This has nothing to do with me. Release me at once."
"I must agree with Ms. Toujou. It might be best if you lie down and rest, Ms. Kurono."
Kurumu took in a deep breath, squeezing the girl to her.
"No. She doesn't understand."
Tora came over to squeeze Kurumu's shoulder.
"I don't know how hugging the girl is going to make her understand something."
That was true, but it felt nice. Sighing, she let go of Rubi in favor of leaning against Tora.
"She doesn't understand. Did you expect Yukari to attack you on the rooftop?"
Rubi frowned, glancing away.
"Of course not. I thought she would be reasonable."
"What do you think went through the minds of the people being eaten by your creatures?"
Rubi paused.
"That's my home. They have no right to be there."
"There might be a little girl that never gets to see her father again because you decided she shouldn't."
Rubi touched her chest, backing away a step. She shook her head.
"You're trying to trick me."
Ms. Nekonome sighed. She turned to Tsukune.
"Could you leave some food and drink for the young lady and myself? I feel it may be best that I speak alone with her."
Tsukune frowned, carrying both bags over to the teacher. He held them out for her to move the goods about in the bags till one was straining with weight.
"What are you planning to do?"
"This poor thing is much too old for Yokai, but I may still be able to help her. Offer her a place to stay."
Tora frowned.
"You mean to allow her to live with you?"
"My fiancé has seen this sort of thing before. Women that come in with broken bones and won't admit that their husbands did it."
"She doesn't look abused."
"Not all abuse is physical. Go keep Ms. Sendou company. Leave this matter to me."
Tsukune sighed, hefting up the bigger bag and cradling it to his chest with both arms.
"I hope you work it out."
The teacher nodded as he headed for the door. Tora pulled free from Kurumu, but offered a hand. Smiling, Kurumu took it in both of hers as Tsukune slid the door open and slipped out of the room. As they were about to close the door behind them, Ms. Nekonome sighed.
"And put a blouse on, Ms. Kurono."
Kurumu moaned as strong hands shook her shoulder. She rubbed her cheek against the pillow beneath her as she heard her name hissed against her ear in a low male, voice. She shifted onto her back under her aggressor, drawing her knees up as she grabbed for him. She felt his robe in her hands, tugging him atop her. Her eyes barely opened enough to make out shapes as his body pressed to hers. She could feel his breath on her shoulder as her hands rubbed his back.
"Have you seen Yukari?"
She whimpered as she brought her left hand up to the back of his head. She glanced at his neck, noting how smooth and pale his flesh was. Looking over his dark locks, she saw Yukari's futon was empty. Their teacher was sleeping soundly at the far end of the room with a bottle of sake resting near her pillow.
"How is your neck?"
"Hurts. I can tell you're still burning up."
"Do you want me?"
Tsukune sighed. He pushed, but could not escape her grasp.
"Kurumu. I need to find Yukari."
"Maybe she's in the bathroom."
"I already checked."
She nodded, rubbing her cheek against his. She took in a deep breath.
"You smell nice."
"I should. I just bathed."
She dragged her right hand down to his posterior as she lowered her right knee. She tugged, intent on dragging him on top of her.
"Make love to me."
He groaned in frustration.
"Kurumu. Yukari's missing. Get up and help me find her."
She whimpered, lifting her hands from him. He promptly lifted out of her grasp, grabbing her right hand. He got up on his feet, tugging on her. She sighed, dismissing her playful thoughts of yanking him back down on her. She should help him find Yukari.
"Have you checked Moka's room?"
"No. I was hoping you would do that."
She frowned as she fixed her robe sash. She must have loosened it after lying down. Most of the time after dinner had been like this. She felt… detached. It was like her only strong feeling was one of arousal. Even another round of Tora's healing had not fixed this stupor. It made it difficult to feel anything else.
As she stumbled out into the hall, she let her hand linger on the wall as she walked off to her right for the neighboring room. It must have been after eleven since all the lights were off.
"Did you bathe alone?"
"I was with Ginei."
She nodded as she reached the adjacent room. She tugged the door open and glanced about. Moka's futon was the closest to the door. The girl had tossed her blanket aside and was sleeping on her side. Her robe had hiked up to expose most of her thigh but it was nothing to worry about. Tora rested on her side upon the next futon, facing Moka. She made soft purring sounds with each exhale.
Kurumu felt Ginei's sexual desire before she could make out his figure in the darkness. He was lying on his back with his hands behind his head. She smirked as he intentionally shifted his lower torso to bare more of his legs.
"You're awake, Ginei."
She could hear his sigh.
"Is it that obvious?"
She peered over him, noting there was nobody in the last futon.
"Where's Rubi?"
"Don't know. She wasn't here when I got back."
Kurumu shivered as she felt Tsukune's hand touch her shoulder.
"Yukari's missing too. Where could they have gone?"
Ginei was getting up and fixing his robe to be appropriate. For a moment there, Kurumu had seen something that suggested Ginei was being naughty. Then again, she had not slept in underwear a single night so she could not rightfully call him a pervert for doing the same.
"We didn't pass them on the way up, but they could have slipped out while we were in the bath."
Kurumu frowned as he joined them out in the hall. He closed the door behind him.
"But where would they go?"
"I have no idea. Should we check the roof first?"
That sounded as good a place as any for a start so she nodded. Tsukune led the way, heading further down the hall on the right. They reached the end, stepping up a small flight of stairs. Dim light filtered in the window on their left as they continued to the door at the end of this path.
Ginei hopped in front of them with a slight shush. Holding a finger to his lips, he gingerly pressed his ear to the door. He pointed up.
"Is she safe up there with Rubi?"
Ginei smirked.
"More like is Rubi safe up there with her."
"What are they doing?"
"Talking. Keep quiet."
He gently twisted the knob and eased it open into the exterior stairway. He gestured for them to head up first before carefully closing the door. The sounds of their voices was much clearer in the night air.
"- what you expect from me. I can't change the past."
"You should do something to atone for your sins."
Kurumu crept up the stairs ahead of Tsukune. With the inn being on the edge of the city, they could see the stars clearly. It was pretty night without a cloud in sight. She decided against ascending any higher once she could see over the lip of the roof. Both witches stood on the far side, peering out over the city.
"The human solution is to execute me. I hardly consider that atonement."
"Agreed."
Rubi sighed, gripping the rail.
"Why should I answer to these people? Look what they have done to this valley."
"I hate this place. There's too many people. Too much noise. Too much concrete. Too much garbage."
"Then why side with them?"
"Because I was not raised to hate humans. I don't trust them but there's never been a reason to kill."
"And what if they come for your home?"
"That's not a problem if you live in a small village among humans, Rubi. There are lots of pretty places along the countryside. The humans don't care if you play by their rules."
Rubi sighed.
"I remember my father often saying that there would come a day that humans and witches could live together. We were playing by their rules but they still killed him."
"How do you not comprehend the difference between an accident and murder?"
"That man did not care if he killed my parents."
"Did you ever speak with the man?"
Rubi stiffened.
"That was not possible. Lady Oyakata killed him shortly after rescuing me."
"Did she now? And how did she find him in all of this?"
Feeling cold, Kurumu pushed back against Tsukune. She glanced over her shoulder, noting his attention was fixed on the witches. Grabbing his hand, she pulled it down to rest on her belly. He could not protest without risking discovery.
"I don't know."
"How convenient for her to be able to locate a single human in this city without a name or any personal object of his to track. I believe that would be even beyond my skills."
"Lady Oyakata is powerful. If she wanted to kill someone, she could."
Yukari snorted.
"Oh, I have no doubt about that."
"Come with me, Yukari. We could try those methods you suggested."
Yukari sighed.
"If it was only you, I would. But I realize now that we are faced with someone whom can't be negotiated with. She's an enemy, Rubi."
"You don't know her like I do."
"You don't know any of the people you killed. Don't preach to me about lacking empathy."
"Lady Oyakata has taken care of me. She was there for me when nobody else was."
Yukari glanced up at the witch.
"How many people have you talked with?"
"Why does that matter?"
"You complain about being alone. How many people have you talked with since Lady Oyakata took you under her wing?"
"I have Lady Oyakata. There has never been a need for anyone else."
"You've never tried to communicate with another human?"
Rubi snorted, shaking her head.
"Why would I do that?"
"Heavens forbid you hear any opinions beyond those of your mentor."
Rubi stiffened.
"I have never had a chance to speak with anyone else. You're the first witch we have encountered."
Yukari sighed.
"How many days did it take for Lady Oyakata to find you?"
"It was not long."
"How many days?"
"I don't remember."
"I would think you would remember if you had to scavenge for food and water. How could you possibly forget such hardship?"
"I was young and it was a long time ago."
"Six isn't that young."
"I don't want to remember that time after my parents died."
"But you clearly remember them being hit by a car?"
"Yes."
Yukari sighed again.
"I have a friend. That girl that had the bat wings. If she wanted to, she could put any image in your head and you would not be able to tell it from a dream or a memory."
"Nobody has tampered with my memories."
Yukari regarded the witch.
"You are so stubborn. Why can't you accept the fact that Lady Oyakata murdered your parents?"
Rubi shook her head, backing away from Yukari.
"That's not true. She rescued me from the streets."
Yukari reached inside her robe and presented the curved branch to Rubi.
"I'm sure you've notice my friend's barrier does not extend to the roof. With this you can fly home to your master and die."
"Are you threatening me?"
"I am accepting the reality of the situation. When you return without me, she will kill you."
Rubi snatched the wand and leveled it at Yukari.
"You will come with me!"
The young witch cocked her head, betraying no concern.
"I have removed all the spells from your wand except your ability to transform."
"How did you-"
"I have also placed several enchantments on your attire. I could tear you apart before you figure out what I have done."
"But you don't have a wand! Every witch requires an artifact to cast spells."
"Anything inanimate object can be made into a wand, child. It's merely a matter of taking the time and I have had nothing better to do all day."
Rubi lowered her wand.
"You're wrong about her."
"Am I? There is a forbidden spell among witches. It involves taking your soul and placing it another living being. If you wish, you can cohabit with the other spirit, but most decide it best to simply switch vessels with the other participant. Since the spell requires expending a lot of energy, more often than not, your original body dies, leaving the other spirit homeless."
"What does that have to do with me?"
"You see, this spell has limited uses. If a witch were to use this against a human, they would cease being a witch. You might have the knowledge of a witch, but your body can't connect to nature anymore. The only way to keep casting this spell, is to steal the body of other witches. You could live for centuries, killing your sister witches."
Rubi shook her head.
"You're lying."
"Your master sent you to fetch me, so that she would have a choice of bodies. She already knows I'm the stronger witch. But if you go back without me, she'll have to settle for yours."
"You're trying to manipulate me."
"Yes. I want you to betray her by coming with us."
Rubi backed away, swinging her wand out. Six wings sprouted from her back as she laughed.
"I knew it! You were lying to me!"
"Are you that stupid that you don't see it? She's isolated you. She controls you. Did she empty your head of everything? What about uncles, aunts, grandparents? You probably have family."
Ruby faltered back a step.
"I don't have anyone."
"Is that your memory or what you've been told?"
"You're trying to trick me."
"To what end? Do you really think your company means anything to me?"
Yukari shook her head as she backed up against the railing.
"I hate you. You tried to kill my friends over nothing. You tried to kill me over nothing. Go ahead. Run to your master and die. I lose nothing."
Rubi brandished her wand at Yukari.
"You will come with me."
"If you take me to that hill, I will kill her. Make no mistake. The only way I ever go back there is to destroy your home."
"You're wrong. We never needed you."
Rubi pumped her wings to spring off the rooftop. Twisting with another flap of her wings, she sped off into the starry night.
Yukari sighed, shaking her head. She stalked over towards the break in the railing that connected to the top of the stairs.
Kurumu could feel Tsukune's body tense up, but she was not in a state of quick movement. She let him go, which allowed him to crawl down a couple steps before Yukari stepped over the lip onto the top landing. Kurumu managed to sit up only one step below her spying spot before Yukari took note of her.
"Hey."
"Oh. You saw that."
Kurumu pinched her fingers together, holding them up.
"A little bit."
Yukari sighed, walking down the few steps to sit next to Kurumu.
"She's an idiot."
Tsukune had given up trying to escape. He rubbed the back of his head, glancing about nervously. The door was open at the bottom of the stairs, indicating Ginei had succeeded.
"Is it okay to let her fly back to her hill?"
"It's not like we could follow her."
"We could fly."
Yukari pouted, leaning forward on her knees.
"I don't want to. She was supposed to be smart and not throw her life away. I'm not risking my life to chase after her."
"We have to do something."
"No we don't, Tsukune. We owe that girl nothing. The only reason to go to that hill is to kill those witches. And I don't think any of you want me doing that."
"Maybe if we talk-"
"You can't. These people have killed for their home. They won't hesitate to do it again."
Kurumu sighed, reaching over to pull Yukari against her side. Yukari sighed and relaxed.
"She's right. Just think how things went for you with the PSC. These people think they're right. It's reckless to think we can change their minds."
Tsukune sighed, scratching his head.
"Well what can we do?"
Kurumu smiled as she stroked her fingers through Yukari's hair.
"I can think of a few things."
Yukari snorted, pulling away from Kurumu.
"Please don't. Save your sex for when we get home tomorrow. I want to sleep."
Kurumu smirked as Tsukune blushed. He paused as Yukari descended the stairs, clearly indecisive if he should follow with Kurumu making no signs of movement. He waited for Yukari to slip through the open door at the bottom to turn a curious gaze upon Kurumu.
"Are we going?"
Kurumu regarded him. Any thoughts of chasing after either witch quickly passed with a new thought. She loosened her robe.
"You know… we could make love here."
He might have been charmed when he came to her. But she knew he was not when he was inside.