Voices.
Dreaming? Her mind was blank. Only darkness. But voices. Distant and indistinct. Blurred and measured. Only the pauses of silence assured her this was conversation. Like trying to hear something on the shore while submerged in the ocean.
She could not move her arms. A weight was cinched about her torso, holding her down by the breasts. Her back pressed against something firm but yielding. She felt warm and her left hand was held. Fingers brushed across the side of her forehead.
Though she was lying down, her upper body was slightly elevated. She could feel another firm band drawn about her thighs. She was wearing an unfamiliar thin fabric and a coarse sheet was drawn over her legs and waist. She flexed her hand.
"… waking."
Someone squeezed her hands as her eyelids slowly drew back. She winced at the light stabbing through her comforting darkness. She groaned as more voices crowded her consciousness. Another set of hands touched her right shoulder and side. Squeezing one eye shut, she forced the other to try and focus as she blinked frequently.
Two figures hovered nearby. A girl with shaggy, shoulder length hair wearing a black jacket. The spotted hair of black and white was familiar. Tokori. The girl had an unusual, soft smile as she peered down at Kurumu with caramel eyes.
The tiled ceiling was white with two lights spaced equally about the room. Though her vision was still blurry, she quickly took in the shapes of counters and chairs to determine she was in a hospital room. She had seen these rooms too much. A steady beep sounded behind her. After a couple instances she realized this matched the rhythm of her heart.
The girl holding her left hand was Tora. The sphinx continued to caress the side of her head as Kurumu managed to open her other eye. The tanned girl had her usual braids in and was also wearing the black jacket of the PSC. Her eyes were reddened and her cheeks were flush.
"There you are."
Kurumu breathed softly. She became aware of an uncomfortable device shoved into her inner right arm just below the elbow. Her right hand felt numb as she looked over this protrusion, noting it was a tube jabbed into her and held down with gauze and tape. A cord stretched from the tube up to a bag of fluids. She had seen these things hooked up to Tsukune. They did this when someone was unable to take fluids conventionally.
There were others in the room. Mizore was tucked up in the cushioned chair, her feet drawn beneath her. She was wearing her usual outfit, though her left arm was in a sling that was wrapped tightly about her torso. More bandages were wrapped about her head and throat which reminded Kurumu of the nurse at Yokai. The only thing Mizore needed was to wrap some around her mouth.
Satsuki was also in the room, dressed in her usual school uniform with the khakis. She had the white armband pinned to her green jacket. She was wearing a ball cap on her head, obscuring the bandages wrapped about her sienna locks.
"Time?"
Her voice was ragged and her throat hurt. She could not move her hands to touch her neck. Wetting her lips, her eyes settled on Tora.
"What time?"
"A little after three."
Her mind worked that over.
"Shouldn't you be in gym?"
Tora laughed a moment, drawing a similar response from Tokori. The sphinx drew back her hand to touch her chest as her jade eyes watered.
"The three of us came over after fifth period to check on the three of you."
Tokori smiled, brushing a hand through Kurumu's locks.
"Unlike these two, I actually had a class I should have attended."
"I couldn't leave the runt all day by herself."
Kurumu's heart twisted as the small kirin rolled about the foot of bed into view. Nerume was wearing one of the hospital gowns while seated in a wheelchair. Her long, ebony tresses spilled all down her sides, her left side more full. She pushed the wheels awkwardly with her hands to maneuver herself next to Tora. She wryly grinned as she struggled to get to a satisfactory spot.
"You're doing it wrong. You grab the outer ring, not the wheel."
Tears started rolling down her cheeks as the beeps on the machine behind her slowed. She let go of Tora's hand, reaching out for Nerume. Tora grabbed her hand firmly, leaning in closer to press the side of her head against Kurumu's breast.
"It's okay. Breathe, Kurumu. It's okay."
"Should I call the nurse?"
"What's wrong with her? Does it hurt?"
Satsuki stepped over to grab the handles of the wheelchair. The girl managed a weak smile.
"It's probably from seeing you like this."
"I'm okay, Kurumu. It's okay."
Tokori pressed a red button on a cord that was attached to the hospital bed. Placing this small grip in Kurumu's right hand, Tokori stepped closer and caressed Kurumu's cheek.
"Try not to move, Kurumu. Your stomach needs more time to heal."
Kurumu wept as she looked away from Nerume. She remembered the carnage within the abandoned building. The beeping behind her spreading further apart.
"Tsukune. I want Tsukune."
Tora scooted up closer, pressing lips against her temple. Letting go of her hand, the sphinx draped her arm across Kurumu to give her a squeeze.
"Easy, Kurumu. Tsukune is in another room."
"And in much better physical condition from what I hear."
Satsuki snorted at Tokori's remark.
"All we know is that the Headmaster is watching over him. Nobody else has been allowed to see him."
"They wouldn't lie to us."
Tokori sighed at Nerume. The girl crossed her arms about her chest as she regarded the closed door.
"Of course they would. Aono is supposed to be a vampire. They're not going to say otherwise."
Tora continued to caress and hold Kurumu, drawing her troubled attention back.
"He's fine, Kurumu. I have a feeling if he was dead, the faculty would have happily reported his demise. It would shut up all the Outcasts calling for justice."
Kurumu gazed up at Tora, wanting to see Tsukune. The sphinx promptly averted her eyes, resting her head on Kurumu's breast.
"Don't do that. We can't let you up. You're hurt and need more time to heal. It's only been a day."
Kurumu closed her eyes, knowing Tora meant well. She was scared. The memories of Moka tearing into Tsukune were burned in her mind. Frantic cries dulled by pain.
"Where's Moka?"
The door opened as a young man stepped into the room. His head was shaven and he was dressed in a blue shirt and matching leggings. He smiled with thick lips as he regarded the group.
"Is she in need of anything?"
Tokori smiled.
"Water and maybe something to calm her."
The man nodded, his hand remaining on the door.
"I will see what I can do and notify the doctor of her status."
He slipped back out of the room, the door soundly closing behind him.
"I want to cuddle with Kurumu."
Satsuki chuckled, tousling Nerume's hair.
"There's not enough room in the bed for that."
Tora sighed, pulling away from Kurumu. She turned in her stool and gestured for Nerume.
"I could try holding you in my lap."
"She'll be fine. You don't need to baby her."
Kurumu let out a long breath, glancing among the girls.
"Where's Moka?"
Tora squeezed her hand with a smile.
"Moka is staying with Ms. Nekonome and Rubi. Ginei felt it would be best for her to stay away from her dorm room while this discussion unfolds."
"Discussion?"
Tokori sighed, tucking her hands beneath her armpits.
"Expulsion. Several boys died and there will be people upset about this."
"It will be no different than the time those three PSC seniors died when I lost control."
Tora forced a smile.
"It was my fault that they killed each other. I was only excused because there was information that suggested all of those seniors would have been convicted of murder."
"Which is unlikely to happen this time around. Those boys from the skating club were a bunch of idiots, but they weren't murderers."
"But they were going to kill us."
Nerume swallowed.
"I heard him say it. No witnesses. No survivors. He told Mr. Aono it was his fault. That we would all die because of him."
Tokori shrugged.
"Your testimony won't mean much."
"Fuck it won't!"
Satsuki glared at Tokori, her voice trembling.
"You see what they did. You know what happened to Yukari. Don't say their testimonies won't matter."
Tokori's shoulders sagged as she shook her head.
"I'm saying you guys won. That's all that matters to the people that will be upset about their sons dying. You get to live while their boys don't."
Kurumu understood Tokori's position. It was possible she had known some of those boys.
"Did you guys find that boy you were looking for? The one that gave you the list?"
Tokori paused, staring at the floor. Her face twisted with emotions as she touched her chest.
"Yea."
"Tokori?"
"I can't talk about it."
Tora frowned.
"You said you found nothing when I spoke with you guys at lunch."
Tokori shook her head.
"I can't talk about it."
"What was the list?"
Tokori took a deep breath.
"Every name on that list is dead. It only looks bad for us."
There was a brief knock on the door and the same man from before stepped in. He flashed them a grin as he crossed the room, holding a small bag.
"I have some medicine and pain killer for the young lady. This should make her feel more comfortable."
They went silent as the man hooked up the bag to the chrome stand nearby. He adjusted the tubing and made new connections, letting the fluids slowly drip and mix with the other fluids. Kurumu sighed, closing her eyes as she felt her arm tingle from the warmth pushing into her veins.
"It might take a minute for it to kick in, but that should help you relax. I've notified the doctor on call that you're awake, but I believe your care is in Ms. Sasayaki's. Is there anything else?"
With everyone shaking their heads, the young man chuckled. He bowed slightly and backed out of the room, closing the door with the same finality as before.
Kurumu felt slightly different, though she could not say if it was the medicine kicking in. It was more like she could not decide if she needed to pee or not. For that matter, how was she supposed to pee while laid up like this? She was not wearing anything beneath this flimsy gown.
"How is Yukari?"
Tora let out a heavy breath as she glanced at Tokori. The standing girl glanced at the door.
"I guess her parents are coming for her this weekend."
Panic crept into her heart at Satsuki's remark.
"What's wrong?"
Tokori sighed.
"Around lunch she wandered out of her room and killed the three boys that survived, including Midou."
Kurumu shook her head.
"No. That's not possible."
"She's broken, Kurumu. Mako saw her leaving Midou's room."
"I want to talk to Yukari."
Tora squeezed her hand.
"They have her heavily sedated. Even before the drugs, she wouldn't talk sensibly with anyone."
"Yukari wouldn't kill anyone."
Satsuki snorted.
"I'd fucking kill the boys that gang raped me."
Tokori sighed, shaking her head.
"We don't know that happened."
"The fuck we don't."
"Neither of us were there and the rest of you arrived late. Ms. Genzouyaki didn't even see Yukari."
"Tora saw her clothes were torn off and your nurse friend is certain Yukari was raped."
"That doesn't mean gang rape, Ms. Unari. Her lab results haven't come back yet."
"They planned to kill her and you know it."
Tokori glanced away, sighing.
"I think it's clear that nobody wants to punish her."
"It's bullshit that she would be punished at all."
"They called her parents. I think everyone is fine with sending her home."
Kurumu knew she should feel angry but she was too exhausted. She closed her eyes, listening to her heartbeat. She swallowed, her throat still parched.
"Can I have some water?"
Tokori nodded, moving over to a counter and checking the cabinets. She found a plastic cup and pulled it out of a sleeve before putting everything back in its place. Favoring Kurumu with a smile, Tokori slipped out of the room.
"I'm worried for Ms. Meirowasa."
Satsuki frowned at Tora.
"When the Outcasts hear about Mr. Midou and the other two boys dying in the hospital, things will only get worse for her."
"She has nothing to do with what happened."
"That's not how they will see it."
"Fuck the Outcasts. If they had any knowledge of what was going on, they should all be expelled."
Tora sighed.
"We can't start expelling a bunch of students over knowing something might happen. If that was the case, you may as well expel the entire student council, PSC and newspaper club since we all had some warning about this possibility."
Kurumu weakly squeezed Tora's hand.
"Has something happened to Tokori?"
"I get the feeling that she's afraid. Something happened to that guy she checked on. When they reported their findings, Mr. Koike did most of the talking. All she did was confirm what he said."
"He must be dead."
Attention shifted to the small girl in the wheelchair. Nerume smiled nervously.
"I mean… that would explain it, right?"
Tora bit her lip as she absently touched her breast.
"That would indicate someone else is involved."
"Or those fuckers killed him for handing out a list of their names."
Tora sighed, glancing at the window.
"We need Moka to tell us what happened."
"I don't think the faculty cares what really happened. They have a school's reputation to protect."
"We can't leave things as they are. To them this is a couple vampires putting a bunch of boys in shallow graves over kidnapping and an accident."
"Accident? Three boys don't accidentally mistake my friend for the fucking floor and kick her back in."
"They might turn things around and say Moka and Yukari were there willingly and that Ms. Genzouyaki's injuries were part of Tsukune's rampage."
"If they're not going to believe anything Akashiya says, what's the point of her saying anything?"
"Her reluctance to say anything is the problem."
"Maybe it's fucking hard to tell people that you were raped."
Satsuki's voice broke on the last words as her face betrayed her hurt. The thought had not even crossed Kurumu's mind and it hurt so much. Tora squeezed her hand as she started to cry.
"We don't know that. I don't think they did anything to Moka."
"She refused to be tested."
The door opened as Tokori returned with an apologetic smile. Silence fell over the group as she came over to Kurumu's side. She wiped the tears off Kurumu's cheek as she leaned in with the cup.
"I'm sorry. I'll try not to make a mess."
Kurumu nodded, parting her lips as Tokori pressed the plastic against her. Tokori tilted the cup slightly, causing a rush of fluids to spill in her mouth. Kurumu coughed up some, but managed a couple swallows to ease the pain in her throat.
"I'm sorry."
Kurumu groaned, grasping with her right hand but unable to do anything. She swallowed down a few more gulps, the excess dribbling across her cheeks onto the pillow beneath her head. She shook her head to prompt Tokori to stop. As the girl drew away, Kurumu licked her lips and closed her eyes.
"Ms. Meirowasa. Is the guy you went to look for dead?"
Tokori set the cup down on the counter. She glanced at the door with concern.
"I'm not supposed to say."
Tora sighed.
"What will the official statement be?"
Tokori turned about, sighing with a shake of her head.
"I don't know much more than you, Ms. Nazohashi."
Kurumu sighed, regarding the reluctant girl.
"Tokori. You know this was self-defense."
"How is what happened self-defense? It sounds like Mr. Aono went on a murderous rampage."
Tora sighed.
"It's undeniable that Tsukune went berserk. Both Mr. Kitajima and Mr. Sabaku would testify this to be the case. I admitted this to the review board before I realized that was all they wanted to confirm."
"He had too much of Moka's blood."
Tokori shrugged at Mizore's remark.
"Shifting the blame to Ms. Akashiya won't quiet the protests. She's the daughter of the president of Fairy Tale. She won't be executed, which means a dozen boys died because a pure blood felt like it."
"A dozen boys died because they gang raped a little girl and broke the back of my best friend."
"They were going to kill us."
Tokori paused at Nerume's remark. She sighed, slowly shaking her head.
"The Outcasts are known to make empty threats."
Nerume regarded Tokori for a moment.
"I'm okay with this. I do feel bad that those boys died. But it's okay that we survived. I don't see how you could feel it would be better if we died."
"I didn't say that."
Nerume's voice broke a little.
"I mean… it would be great if they had left us alone. It would have been nice."
"I doubt they would leave Ms. Akashiya alone after murdering three of them."
"You make it sound like we should have died. I don't think that's right. I don't think that's right at all."
Tokori hugged herself, shaking her head. Her face twisted with emotions once again.
"Are we ignoring the fact that Mr. Aono nearly killed two people in this room? Are we really ignoring that? He is dangerous. And if you say Ms. Akashiya made him that way, then they both need to go."
Mizore pointedly got up from her chair. She thrust her free hand in the center pocket of her blouse.
"This matter is all Ms. Akashiya's fault and she should be expelled. With her gone, Mr. Aono can heal from her influence and return to being harmless."
Tokori sighed, regarding the snow girl.
"Can he really go back to being human? I understood it was Mr. Sabaku's holy powers that made it possible to subdue Mr. Aono."
"Holy powers?"
Tora squeezed Kurumu's hand.
"Mr. Sabaku is an ammit, a race with origins similar to mine. He has the ability to fire holy powers from his maw that strip away an opponent's desire to fight. It's extremely effective against creatures whom solely exist for such."
"The creature Mr. Aono has become. A ghoul that will kill anything in his path."
Kurumu winced at Tokori's words. That made things sound hopeless.
"But you said the Headmaster is watching over him. That must mean something."
"I don't know what that means. Maybe he also has holy powers to keep Tsukune in check."
"Maybe he can cure him."
Tokori laughed, shaking her head.
"That would be unheard of. I won't pretend to be an expert on ghouls, but I don't see why they would bother curing Mr. Aono. Why return him to being a mere human when there is discussion over whether or not he should be executed for murder?"
"And I think that whole thing is bullshit. They wanted that fight. They picked that fight."
Tokori managed a smile.
"I know that. But the faculty can't pretend the deaths of a dozen boys doesn't matter to them."
"Fuck that. Aono is human. He would have died without Akashiya's blood. Do you really want to pretend that if Akashiya had let him die, that they would have let the rest of them live?"
"I stand by my statement that Ms. Akashiya started it by killing three boys."
"And you know that's bullshit because they kidnapped her to get to Aono."
"They thought he was a vampire."
"Which means they didn't witness anything. You and I both know there's no way Aono, as a human, could have killed those boys."
"What if he had some of Moka's blood?"
Tora shook her head.
"Tsukune was conscious the day after those boys disappeared. Sure, he looked out of sorts, but that's nothing compared to the shape he was in the last time I know he got her blood."
Tokori sighed.
"You know none of this will be useful. We can't argue his humanity as proof of innocence. Going that direction might end up with everyone in this room expelled for harboring a human."
"Mr. Aono is not the first human on campus. Kurumu's father attended Yokai."
Tokori paused at Mizore's remark. She sighed.
"Even if that isn't an issue, how are we going to argue Ms. Akashiya's actions? I still don't understand why she didn't fight them. She's a vampire. It doesn't make sense."
Tora sighed.
"I suppose we can't make it public knowledge that her true form is protected by a seal that only Tsukune can remove."
"Wait, what?!"
Kurumu smiled softly at Satsuki's surprise.
"Yea. It's why Tsukune was allowed to come to Yokai."
Tokori grimaced.
"I've never heard of a monster whom is unable to release their true form without help."
"That is kind of messed up, but explains a lot. I've been wondering if Aono was some kind of player, but if Akashiya can't protect herself without his help, I get why he didn't just break things off with her."
"They should both leave the school."
Attention shifted back to Mizore, whom shrugged.
"It's what you guys have been plotting for weeks. To have Mr. Aono transfer to a human school."
Tora sighed.
"This is true. Though I think we have gravely underestimated how Moka's mother might react. We have been assuming she would let us interfere with her plans to remove Moka's seal permanently."
"I'm not completely following everything here, but Mrs. Shuzen might not have a choice here. The Headmaster would need a real good reason not to at least expel the two of them."
"What if we tell the truth about the seal?"
Satsuki snorted at Nerume.
"May as well admit Akashiya is as helpless as a human. It's kind of bad as is with a lot of people realizing she is the daughter of Mrs. Shuzen. Throw in that she's helpless will only invite more trouble."
Tokori sighed, shaking her head.
"Yea. It would be best in her position to let them be expelled without explaining everything."
"Still think she doesn't need tested?"
There was a heavy silence that followed Satsuki's comment. Kurumu did not want to think anything like that had also happened to Moka. It was hard enough to accept it being done to Yukari. Forcing a smile, Kurumu turned her attention to Mizore.
"How are you feeling? He put you through that wall pretty hard."
Mizore tapped the bandages on her shoulder above the sling.
"Broke my collarbone and shoulder. Tucked my head in at the last moment so it only broke my neck instead of crushing my skull."
"Only broke your neck."
"They had me in a neck brace last night."
Kurumu smiled, glancing over her attire.
"You're not in a hospital gown."
"They released me at lunch. Said I could heal at home on my own."
"I'm surprised you evaded death. Thought you had a death wish."
Nerume pouted, glancing up at Satsuki.
"Don't say that."
"It was a reflex."
"Well I'm glad that you lived, Mizore."
Mizore smiled softly at Nerume, turning her gaze back to Kurumu.
"I'm sorry about what happened to you. I don't know why I suddenly lost control like that."
Tora sighed.
"That would be my fault. Yukari has told me that claiming a domain with my barrier changes the properties of the environment."
"It's not your fault, Tora. You had no idea what was going on inside."
Tora shuddered, shaking her head.
"There's a rush of information when I make a place my own. I knew immediately how many boys were dead and then I felt Ms. Shirayuki nearly die. I could have got there faster but I was… overwhelmed. I didn't expect that. I could have gotten there faster."
Kurumu smiled at Tora, squeezing her hand.
"I'm fine, Tora. I know you must have healed me."
Tora laughed softly.
"You overestimate my ability to heal. I barely kept you alive."
"Clearly it was enough."
Tokori wandered over to the door.
"We should head back to school for our PSC meeting. I, uh… think I should bring Mako along. Lady Hineri might want to hear about what happened with Ms. Sendou."
Tora nodded at Tokori's remark. She leaned in to hug Kurumu once more, slipping out of her stool. With a deep exhale, Tora pulled away.
"If it's all the same, I would like to keep Moka's seal between us. Don't tell anyone else."
Tokori nodded. The monstrel opened the door as Tora slowly made her way around the foot of the bed.
"Give me a minute, you guys. I wanted to talk a little more with Kurumu."
"Don't take too long, Ms. Unari."
Satsuki nodded as the two girls left the room. She waited for the door to close before wandering over to Kurumu's side. Sighing heavily, she plopped down on the stool.
"This is all crazy."
"How is your head?"
"It's fine. I just wear the bandages because there are fuckers trying to say Midou did nothing wrong."
Kurumu smirked.
"You shouldn't do that."
Satsuki shrugged, a forlorn look creeping in her marigold eyes.
"I don't feel like you guys did anything wrong."
Kurumu laughed, pawing at the girl. Noting the gesture, Satsuki took her hand.
"We messed up. Too many times. The first was Kuyo and then there was Kotsubo."
Mizore perked up, frowning.
"And then another time on the field trip. We didn't protect him so this is what happened."
Mizore shook her head.
"No. This is on Akashiya."
"I'm sure she already feels that way, Mizore."
Mizore glanced aside.
"It's her fault."
Satsuki's eyes were moist as she shrugged.
"I don't care if it's her fault. Even more reason to bring her in for testing, since she probably feels she deserved it."
Mizore flinched. Kurumu could not bring herself to voice optimism, since Satsuki's conclusion felt real.
"Satsuki."
"I should get going. Get that flashy jacket I wanted."
"Are you okay?"
A tear crawled down her left cheek as she shrugged.
"I just… I didn't want to fuss… something small. That's all I wanted. And now I don't know if I will get it."
Nerume smiled softly.
"What's wrong?"
"Will you guys even be able to leave? It's the day after tomorrow."
Kurumu remembered the birthday plans. She took a steadying breath as she tried to keep calm.
"We can do that. Right, Nerume? We don't have to cancel this weekend."
Nerume bit her lip.
"Well… it will be difficult getting up stairs. Maybe you could have it in those girls' suite downstairs."
Satsuki chuckled despite her tears. Kurumu squeezed her hand.
"Don't cancel anything. I might be out of here tomorrow afternoon."
"God, I hope I'm out of this chair tomorrow afternoon. This thing makes me feel even shorter."
Satsuki sighed as she let go of Kurumu's hand. She hopped down from the stool and tousled Nerume's hair. Leaning in she placed a kiss on Kurumu's cheek.
"I love you guys."
Nerume pouted.
"No love for Mizore?"
"I think she prefers not to be messed with."
Satsuki walked behind the wheelchair and started for the door.
"Watch over them for me."
Mizore nodded as Satsuki turned and headed out of the room. She closed the door behind her.
"She sounded like Yukari. They picked a fight and lost."
Nerume giggled, grabbing the outer ring and pulling it to back up.
"This thing is so weird. I need that call button of yours."
Kurumu frowned.
"Why?"
"Because I have to pee."
Kurumu smirked, pressing the button with her right thumb.
"I pressed it for you."
"That works too."
Kurumu chuckled, shaking her head as the silly girl wheeled back to her.
"Is it really that hard to move in that thing?"
"Opening doors is annoying. I need help getting in and out of anywhere."
Kurumu wanted to pat the girl's head, but she could not move her arm far from the bed. She sighed.
"I guess it's a good thing I didn't schedule anything for my articles this week."
"You're doing the baseball club next, right?"
"Mhm."
Nerume smiled as she struggled to get her wheelchair in as close as possible to the bed. She managed to knock over the stool in the process before she settled on a spot. She grinned, reaching over to hold Kurumu's hand.
"I want to meet the guy that's dating Chisa. Let me help."
Kurumu grinned, amazed that this girl could still think about such small things.
Kurumu was annoyed at the level of care thrust upon her. It would have been nice to feed herself. If she absolutely had to be fed by someone else, they could have let Nerume or Mizore do it. It's not like being dressed in scrubs made them more qualified than her friends to shove food in her mouth.
Nerume's appetite had not diminished in the slightest. That girl put down her meal in seconds and was thankful about Kurumu surrendering the other half of her meal. It was hard to say if Kurumu was full or done with being embarrassed. Probably both as her stomach did not care for the rice pudding.
It had been a long, boring five hours. The staff did not seem to mind that Nerume was hanging out in her room, though she imagined they would be sending Mizore home soon. The discharged girl had been relieved of her sling and bandages hours ago and had talked quite a bit about her hopes for how things would turn out. She could not be swayed from her belief that things would be better with Moka expelled and was hoping the vampire would do the right thing and shoulder all the responsibility for this outcome. Then Tsukune would be free to have a good life with Kurumu and she would hopefully find her own freedom through them, either simply as a friend or as the woman to bear their children.
Ms. Sasayaki had arrived about an hour after the girls had departed for their PSC meeting. The teacher had been pleased with Kurumu being awake and had scheduled a bunch of internal scans to determine the extent of the damages. Apparently her wound to her midsection had been closed up by Tora's healing, so the staff genuinely did not know the state of her organs and had not wanted to run any tests while she remained unconscious.
While this was going on, other doctors and nurses attended to Nerume. The kirin complained about having more tests, since she had been subjected to them since she had regained consciousness mid-morning. They refused her suggestions of reverting to her true form, stating concerns about her not being able to change back due to her injuries.
"I should have had Satsuki get my CD player."
Kurumu sighed as she regarded the despondent girl.
"I doubt she wanted to make another trip to Mononoke after dinner. That's a lot of walking for someone that has school tomorrow."
"I'm bored. Can you get your music, Mizore?"
Kurumu smiled as the snow girl looked up from the crook of her elbow.
"It's too late for that. They won't let her back in after she leaves."
"Then what are we supposed to do?"
"It's after eight. I guess they expect us to go to bed."
Nerume leaned back in her hair, crossing her arms about her tiny chest.
"I don't want to sleep in a strange room alone."
"These beds are too small for two people."
"I didn't mean that. Can't they bring my bed in here?"
Kurumu shrugged. She had been on this floor several times and had never seen a room large enough for two beds. That chair would have to be pulled out of the room. That might make enough space.
"How are you holding up, Mizore?"
Mizore shrugged.
"I don't want to go home."
"I know. I can't believe they will send you home. I thought people could spend the night in hospitals. You always see people doing that in movies."
"Movies aren't grounded in reality."
"I don't care about reality. How do they expect anybody to get better by making them miserable?"
Kurumu chuckled, wagging her hands as much as her restraints allowed.
"I feel like I've been wrapped in a cocoon. I feel lucky that I haven't had to pee."
Nerume groaned with disgust.
"It's horrible. I'm too old to go back to potty training."
Kurumu grinned, aware that Nerume had required assistance both times to use the restroom.
"Has your doctor said anything?"
"They did mention breaking my back again. Something about resetting it so it would heal properly. I guess my body is being dumb."
There was a knock on the door preceding the arrival of Ms. Sasayaki. The woman smiled at them, letting the door close behind her.
"It is getting late, young ladies. You should be heading home, Ms. Shirayuki."
"You could probably explain it better than me. They said they would break my back again so it can heal. Will that really help?"
The teacher smiled at the small girl. She wandered over to the foot of Kurumu's bed.
"It's not likely to make your condition worse, Ms. Genzouyaki. There is hope that if we break and reset your back that the bone will heal more straight than the condition you arrived in."
She regarded Kurumu.
"One of the drawbacks of such a great healing system is that it takes matters into its own hands and is not the best at putting things properly back together."
Nerume chuckled.
"Yea. Since right now my silly head can't seem to remember how to walk or pee. How does a body forget how to pee?"
Ms. Sasayaki sighed.
"It's not that you've forgotten. Your nerve connection has been severed."
Kurumu pawed for Nerume, though the girl's attention was elsewhere.
"Will she be okay? I mean, if you break her back, will her connection be restored?"
"There is a better chance of that happening if we do."
"As long as I'm out of this chair, I'm good with it."
Ms. Sasayaki reached over to touch the girl's hair. She smiled softly.
"We will avoid the chair this time around. Your arms should be strong enough to handle arm crutches. It's our hope that if we keep you upright or prone, with your back braced properly, that things will turn out better this time."
"That does sound better than sitting on my ass."
"Do you need to use the restroom?"
"No, I'm good. Can you believe your body can forget the sensation of a full bladder? Like you would wet yourself without knowing you had to go."
"Yes, that is an unfortunate possibility with injuries like yours."
"Will she get better?"
Ms. Sasayaki smiled at Mizore's soft question.
"That is mostly up to her body. It is so difficult to judge these things."
Nerume waved her hand dismissively.
"You're worried over nothing, Mizore. I promised Ms. Kiba that I would join her club and I can't let her down. I'll be back on my feet, running like a fool in no time."
"Yes. Well. It is late and you should be leaving, Ms. Shirayuki. Could you take Ms. Genzouyaki to her room when you go? I would like to be alone with Ms. Kurono."
Mizore stood up from the chair, crossing her arms about her chest. She glanced at Kurumu.
"Is something wrong with Kurumu?"
Ms. Sasayaki paused with a distant, thoughtful look.
"There is a sensitive subject that I feel she should be made aware of."
Kurumu smiled as Nerume caught up her hand in both of hers.
"She's not hurt like me, right?"
Kurumu grinned, already aware that was not the case. They had hours of random conversations and Kurumu had wiggled her feet to prove they were in working condition. It was a simple thing Nerume could not manage, much to her frustration.
"Nothing like that. This is different."
"I don't mind if these two hear whatever you have to say."
"That would be inappropriate."
"I'm going to tell them."
"And I won't stop you if that is what you want. But the proper thing to do is to tell you first."
"No. I don't want to go."
"Ms. Genzouyaki."
The girl shook her head.
"If it's that bad, then Kurumu will need support. If it's so bad that you think she wouldn't tell us, than I can't go. I don't want her to suffer by herself."
This talk and oppressive air made Kurumu's heart twist with worry. What could possibly be wrong with her? It was not like her body hurt excessively. Her midsection ached but that was to be expected after having it torn up. She had been on medicine and pain killers all day. Could she not tell?
"I guess if it's bad I might not want to tell Tsukune. You guys both understand that, right? I don't want Tsukune to know."
"I'm fine with that. Mizore?"
"Yea."
Ms. Sasayaki sighed.
"This might be something you wouldn't tell anyone."
There was a notable pause but Mizore made no move for the door.
"I'm sure everyone has realized that I might never walk again."
Kurumu's heart sank, hearing Nerume admit what she feared. Mizore brought her hand over her face as she bowed her head. She nodded, rubbing a crystal off her cheek as she looked away.
"But that's okay. Because I know I have friends that will be here for me. Like Satsuki. Kurumu and Mizore. Chisa. I have so many friends. I'll be fine."
"I'm sorry, Ms. Genzouyaki."
Mizore gasped out a sharp breath.
"She's not dying. Please say she's not dying."
Ms. Sasayaki managed a slight smile.
"She's not dying."
The doctor placed a hand on Nerume's shoulder.
"After we try that last fix for your back, we will be putting Kurumu under anesthesia to properly put her back together."
"What does that mean?"
"Like you, her body is healing itself improperly. At least we think so."
Kurumu laughed softly, drawing a frown from Ms. Sasayaki.
"I know that sounds unprofessional, but we don't know how her internal organs looked like prior to this incident. We will put her back together in what makes most sense to us."
"She'll be fine when you're finished?"
"Yes. We will have to remove some sections that are damaged beyond repair, but a human can live with several sections of the intestines removed."
Nerume giggled, squeezing Kurumu's hand.
"She already is a light eater."
"Yes. Well… we presume her digestive system isn't much different from a human's. We will do what we can to restore that and remove the rest to prevent blood poisoning."
Kurumu frowned.
"I could have blood poisoning?"
"The body isn't meant to have ruptured organs. If you were human, you would be dead by now."
The teacher gestured at the bags hanging from the chrome rack beside her right arm.
"Those fluids contain medicines to alleviate any issues with sepsis. One of our scans today was to examine your heart to ensure that it was not damaged from this trauma."
"Is my heart okay?"
Ms. Sasayaki paused, glancing away in thought.
"It's difficult to say. Your heart isn't like a human's."
"Is that a bad thing?"
"It's a curious thing. I would like to run more tests."
"Some monsters have different hearts. I know mine is encased in something solid."
Ms. Sasayaki smiled at Mizore.
"That can't be entirely true. A heart has arteries and veins to enable it distribute blood through your system. If you want, I could have a look at your heart and show you how it works."
Mizore shrugged dismissively.
"If there's nothing wrong with her heart, then what is the issue you are worried about?"
"Hold on. I'm curious what makes you say her heart is different."
Ms. Sasayaki smiled at Nerume.
"The most notable thing is that the muscle structure is unusual. While there is the muscle for pumping blood through the system, her heart has additional muscles that seem to have no function. It's unusual."
While Kurumu did find this interesting, she also felt anxious.
"What is wrong with me?"
"Yes. I've wandered off subject. I'm sorry."
Kurumu forced a smile.
"I understand. Would this have been easier without them here?"
Ms. Sasayaki sighed.
"Doubtful. We will have to clean up some areas where organs were either removed by Mr. Aono or obliterated. We don't know if you ever had a gall bladder, but you don't anymore. You might lose some of your liver and we already talked about your intestines."
"Okay. So… my diet will have to change?"
Ms. Sasayaki touched her sternum as she nodded. She stared off as she swallowed.
"There's no trace of your special organ, Ms. Kurono. I don't know if it was destroyed or if it was removed. It's not there."
"Special organ?"
Kurumu nodded dumbly as she realized this was something that was not life threatening.
"You have to understand that it's very unlikely for a removed organ to reconstruct itself. We should be able to repair the passage properly but… I don't think you will ever have a child."
Nerume sank back in her chair.
"Oh. Um. Oh."
Mizore strode for the door, shaking her head. Even across the room, Kurumu could feel the chill.
"Mizore, wait."
The girl yanked open the door.
"Where are you going?"
"It's not fair. It's her fault. And I'm going to tell her that she took away your future."
A tear crawled down Kurumu's right cheek.
"Don't say that. It's not her fault."
"Do you know where Ms. Nekonome lives?"
Mizore paused at Nerume's inquiry, leaning against the door. She started to sob as she pressed her forehead upon the door, her shoulders shaking. A thin layer of ice formed upon the floor about her feet.
Ms. Sasayaki sighed.
"This is why I felt I should only have told you."
Kurumu struggled to keep her breathing calm. Hearing Mizore cry kept her from doing the same. It also helped that Nerume clung so tightly to her hand.
"Ms. Sasayaki. Could you take her to Moka and then take her home?"
"Are you sure that's what you want?"
"Yea. I don't want Mizore to be alone. Please."
Ms. Sasayaki regarded her a moment before turning her eyes on the crying snow girl. The door was already frozen in place and half the passage out into the hall was solid ice.
"I'll do this. Make sure to call a nurse to take Ms. Genzouyaki back to her room. We don't want her sleeping in a seated position."
"Thank you."
"Come with me, Ms. Shirayuki. I will take you to Ms. Nekonome's apartment."
It took a few moments for Mizore to calm down enough for Ms. Sasayaki to safely escort the snow girl from the small opening that remained. Kurumu felt like a huge weight had been lifted from her chest soon after their departure. She could hear the steady beeps of the machine behind her as her heart relaxed. She glanced at the small girl still clutching her hand firmly. Nerume's cheeks were dry but her eyes were red.
"Are you going to be okay?"
"I'm sorry, Kurumu."
"It's okay. Didn't Satsuki say there was always adoption?"
Nerume nodded, fresh tears crawling down her cheeks.
"It won't be as fun, but it does work."
"Don't cry. Having a baby would have been so much trouble for me. I'll be fine."
"It's not that. What if I can't have a baby either? I can't even fucking pee."
Kurumu could not hold back as they cried together over the futures they had lost.
Something pressed to her lips, causing her to stir from her slumber. She could feel a powerful presence looming before she opened her eyes. It was dark, and the large figure over her was massive and indistinct. The finger pulled away as her eyes adjusted to assigning different shades of gray.
"Greetings, Ms. Kurono."
The voice was familiar. She noted the figure was swathed in a long, flowing hooded robe. A cross hung from a beaded chain about his neck. The Headmaster of Yokai Academy was lurking in her room.
"It is welcome to see you are still among the living."
She had no idea what time it was. Within an hour of Ms. Sasayaki departing, she had reluctantly parted ways with Nerume. Having nothing else to do, she had cried herself to sleep.
She jerked against her restraints. Why was the Headmaster here? She thought he was watching over Tsukune. Had something happened?
"Calm down, Ms. Kurono. You don't want to hurt yourself."
She whimpered as he placed a hand on her cheek.
"Are you afraid?"
"Tsukune!"
"The boy is resting. I have that beast within him sealed away. For now."
She relaxed her body, trusting he spoke the truth. His cold hands caressed her gently but he gave off no hints of desire. She was relieved and confused.
"Why are you here?"
"I am checking on the woman that loves him. The poor boy is quite troubled."
"Is he okay?"
"He is dead."
Kurumu's heart lurched at the words, but she knew the Headmaster was talking in riddles. She could hear the amusement in his voice.
"You said you sealed him."
"Indeed I did."
"So he can return to being human."
The man shook his head.
"No. This seal that took me all day to create is but a bandage. That young man has no path back to humanity. His only hope lies in his ability to become a true vampire."
That was it then. It was all over. She could no longer have children and he could no longer be the sweet, innocent young man he had come to Yokai as. Her role in his life was over. Only Moka could save him.
Kurumu started to weep. Nothing seemed to matter now. The beeping slowed as her heart became heavy. She could feel it tighten down, her stomach turning. She felt nauseous.
"Easy now, child. You're putting too much strain on your heart."
She coughed up a sob, shaking her head.
"What do you expect me to do?"
The Headmaster pulled up the stool to sit beside her bed. His face remained hidden in the shadows of the hood with his eyes protected from her gaze.
"Hope, my dear child. I expect you to believe in good outcomes and remain positive in the face of overwhelming odds. It is a difficult path, but preferable to the cold, apathetic approach many of your kind elect to take."
"What is there for me to hope for? That he becomes a vampire?"
"Precisely."
"That isn't what I wanted."
"Would you prefer him to die?"
"Of course not!"
"Then you should hope that he lives. Despite that meaning he shall do so as a vampire."
Kurumu cried, knowing that he was right about that. It felt so empty. He said nothing, allowing her fit of tears to pass. Feeling exhausted, she looked back at him.
"Can he go home?"
"That has been under much debate since I brought him here. He will be supervised. Most humans that become aware of our world are."
"Supervised? By whom?"
"By Fairy Tale. This is standard procedure for them and has nothing to do with his current state. The decision to monitor him was made before bringing him here."
Kurumu shook her head in disbelief.
"Why did you do this to him? Why did you bring him here?"
"Are you regretting meeting him?"
She groaned. She hated being toyed with. She stared into the cowl, hoping she was meeting his gaze but could feel nothing. She wanted him to tell her the truth without these torturous games.
"Is this an attempt to bend me to your will? You will find that quite difficult."
"Leave me alone."
He chuckled at her.
"I understand Ms. Sasayaki is wanting to run more tests on your heart. Such a lovely woman. So devoted to unraveling the mysteries of our uniqueness."
He pressed a finger into the shadows of his hood.
"You will promise not to tell her what I'm about to reveal to you. I don't wish to spoil her fun."
Kurumu frowned. He lowered his hand, pressing the fingertip to her lips. She turned her head away, causing him to chuckle again.
"A succubus is a cursed creature, living for the sole purpose of love. A succubus is to love and to be loved. These are essential for one to survive."
"I don't consider a body that hungers for sexual attention to be made for love."
"Passion and lust is a simple form of love. A succubus appears sexual because it allows her to acquire the simplest form of love without much effort on her part. The deeper forms of love created with bonds of friendship and commitment are healthier, yet more dangerous to pursue."
"Dangerous?"
The hood tilted and she could sense him grinning.
"As I said, a succubus is meant to love. She is not built to grieve or despair. It was a trick played upon Lilith, whom so desperately wanted a child to love. She was given daughters that could only love."
She hated these restraints as she could not pull away from him as he touched her hair.
"So that is why I ask of you to hope. Each time you grieve or despair, those strange muscles about your precious heart will tighten. They constrict and become stronger with each sadness that weighs on your soul. And eventually, one of these times, your poor heart will be crushed. It is the curse of your kind."
Kurumu swallowed, unable to bring herself to call him out on this. It felt true. It did feel like she could die if she gave up on Tsukune.
"But I can't give him anything. He has no future with me. It's better if he is with someone else."
"That might be true, but did you love him only because you thought everything would work out? Is it no longer love because you can't have a family with him? Are you no longer friends if it is better to leave him in the care of the young vampire you both hold so dear?"
His quick line of questioning made her aware how shallow she was thinking. All those times she had scoffed at girls refusing to date boys on the basis of not having a family. And she knew Nerume was right. Adoption had always been possible. Families could be made. Just like the seniors from the track team. It never had to be perfect. It never had to be blood.
But to become a vampire. She was scared.
"What if he doesn't love me back? It's to love and to be loved."
"You have to believe in both. It's not someone loving you that holds your heart hostage. It's your belief that they love you. As long as you have hope, you can carry on indefinitely."
Kurumu grimaced at the thought of spending years in unrequited love. She did not have such strength.
"I can't pretend that I'm loved."
"You're a succubus. A creature whom specializes in the perception of reality. I know you've been toying within your mind and the minds of your friends. If you believe in it, it will happen."
Kurumu regarded the figure before her, wondering why he even cared. She was nothing to him. Tsukune was only part of a promise he had made to Mrs. Shuzen to help her unseal her daughter. What did he gain in doing this for Mrs. Shuzen? Maybe he was repaying a debt. She had to know.
And he would tell her.
The moment his annoying hand touched her cheek, she focused on the contact and pushed in. She felt her vision shatter as images tumbled before her consciousness. Thousands of images. Glimpses of things through his eyes. So many unfamiliar people. So many unfamiliar places. She could see him. A reflection of himself and his eyes were deep and haunting.
She was standing in an endless field of grass. There was no sun in the blue sky which was littered with poofy clouds. The slight breeze kicked up her white dress which hung loosely from her shoulders on thin straps. The hem danced along her knees as she breathed in the fresh smell of the morning.
A young man sat on the only stump in this expanse, his attention upon an easel. He had long, flowing black hair that was parted on the sides by sharp white horns. A thin dress shirt clung to his chiseled torso, failing to obscure his strength. He sighed as he stroked his brush across the canvas, adding details to an unfamiliar young woman with a golden, braided ponytail and angelic features.
"I see you are maturing rapidly. I doubt your mother has figured out what you've done."
Kurumu frowned at the man whom kept his back to her. She sensed this was the Headmaster, but this form was nothing like the robed figure she was familiar with. Perhaps this was an image of his youth.
"Or perhaps what you see is what I wish you to see."
This was not the place to find answers. She looked deeper, glancing through images upon images. There was so many. She let more of her look, cutting her consciousness to cover more ground. There had to be a beginning. She needed a sequence.
"Please, stop, Ms. Kurono. I do not appreciate you rummaging through my mind."
Her awareness was full of closed doors. Everything was locked. She should have a key.
A door opened and the young man smiled upon her. He had a toothy grin and lively eyes. He gestured for her to come inside. He was wearing the same shirt, though it was unbuttoned. A gem was lodged in the center of his chest with the skin pulled back in a jagged scar. It looked foreign. She reached out for it.
"So curious."
He snatched up her hand, pulling her inside. The door slammed shut on its own as she entered a warm study. Shelves lined the walls, filled with books of all shapes and sizes. A fire cackled in a stone hearth behind a large, alabaster desk. The young man guided her over to a crimson cushioned chair made of white marble. He let her go in front of it, gesturing as he took a seat on the desk. His black pants were torn in shreds below the calves and he was barefoot. Talons graces his toes.
"I want to know what's going on."
"Right now you are trying to take control of my mind and I'm desperately trying to keep you out of places you don't belong, without causing you harm."
With a thought a copy of her appeared on his desk. She draped her arms over his shoulders and leaned against his sturdy frame.
"I want to know everything."
He smiled at her, ignoring the Kurumu hanging on him.
"You are dangerous, Ms. Kurono. This act alone is grounds to expel you. Tampering with the mind of the Headmaster of Yokai."
"I want to protect my friends."
Kurumu nodded at herself.
"I don't know if you care for them like I do."
"Indeed. Your investment in Ms. Akashiya and Mr. Aono is much higher than mine. To me, I regard them as necessary tools to finish something I started long ago."
Kurumu nuzzled her cheek against his, feeling his will to deny her lessen.
"What would that be?"
He laughed, grabbing her by the arm and tugging her forward. He sighed as she picked up a book from the shelf, noting the title was in some foreign language that she understood. She flipped the cover and recalled him reading this.
"You are invasive and persistent. I will tell you that there is a survivor of Mr. Aono's skirmish with the skating club. The club president was not among the injured or deceased. The local young man, Fusamina Hayato, is missing."
She cocked her head, putting the book aside while another Kurumu leaned back in the comfortable cushion of the wide chair. She poked the white horn jutting out of his dark locks, realizing these things were extensions of his ears.
"How is this relevant?"
"It means his capture would be quite useful for your friends."
She picked up another book, realizing this one was about magic. It was a guide to help those with talents of the spirit dabble in the arcane. She knew this information was useless to her.
"You must love playing games."
She reached over to touch his gem which he protectively covered as another Kurumu appeared by his thigh. She pouted, having been certain he would have snatched her hand away so she could touch it.
"Ms. Kurono. Understand that I'm restraining myself. I am not your prisoner."
She sat up in the chair, staring at him.
"But you have made my friends yours. You brought them here for your own selfish reasons and allow bad things to happen to them."
He chuckled, wagging a finger at her.
"I am being invaded by a fifteen year old girl. You overestimate my ability to play God over the entirety of Mononoke and Yokai Academy. While Kuyo was a nuisance, I did have uses for him."
This next book was about gardening techniques. She smiled, pleased with the light-hearted thoughts of proper flower care and the best seasons for growth.
"I want to protect my friends. I'm not here to play games."
He grinned, pushing away the hands pawing at the one covering his gem.
"Imagine what Mr. Fusamina would tell you. Think about it. If you could get your hands on him, it could be the end of Antithesis."
She frowned, aware that this was the rumored terrorist organization that attempted to murder the Headmaster years ago. It was this event that had brought about Kuyo's appointment to chief of security and leader of the PSC.
"Why would you assume he is part of Antithesis?"
"I don't. But for the sake of your friends, it would be fortunate for you if he was. If this event could be categorized as a terrorist attack made against the school, I'm sure any talks of expulsion would be swept away in the face of criminal activity."
Kurumu disliked his tone. It felt as if he was suggesting that they capture and portray Fusamina as a criminal to protect her friends. This was what the PSC had been doing for the past decade.
"You must hate monstrels."
"I admire your heart, Ms. Kurono. You realize Mr. Fusamina was part of the group that damaged your friends. Are you saying that you would spare him after this?"
"Whom is demanding the expulsion of Tsukune?"
"Mr. Saitou is the most vocal. Since we have not admitted any survivors, it is his understanding that his entire skating club is dead. As far as he is concerned, a vampire went on a rampage and killed everyone that could possibly testify in favor of his boys."
Kurumu snorted.
"How could anyone testify in favor of them after what happened to Yukari?"
"You've been assaulted twice in such a fashion. You know removal is the preferred course of action. Nobody would have been executed."
Kurumu wondered if that was just. Did she want Nagare dead? No. A part of her felt she was to blame for his deranged behavior. But she knew Yukari was less forgiving.
"Didn't you get testimonies from the boys that were admitted to the hospital?"
"None were conscious and young Sendou removed them from the equation before we could find out."
She mulled that over as she picked up another book. This one was about creating magical seals to contain demonic energies. She traced a fingertip down his chin.
"Tsukune isn't a demon. He's a vampire. How did you seal him?"
The Headmaster chuckled.
"I did the best I could. If you want an expert on seals, you would have to talk with Touhou Fuhai."
"A great man from China. Deshi Deshiko says she knows him."
"The young lady from China that enlisted in the PSC. Her credentials are fabricated."
"Fabricated?"
"Yes. Her background is entirely made up. On the surface all of her references are valid, but there's no depth to it. I could verify things with Touhou if that girl is here on his behalf, if I deemed it necessary."
Kurumu set the book down.
"Is there any other way to fix Tsukune beyond making him a vampire?"
"None that I'm aware of. I asked Mrs. Shuzen to pay the boy a visit at the start of the week under Ms. Sasayaki's recommendation. She agreed to come."
"So she will turn him."
"Or kill him."
Every Kurumu in the room scowled at him.
"Why would she do that? Isn't he vital to her efforts to remove the seal?"
He gestured with his free hand at the shelves.
"I've tried my hand at divination but the boy's future has always been unstable. Mrs. Shuzen may feel that the investment has become too high and abandon him. There's also the simple fact that Mr. Aono could die from receiving more vampire blood."
Kurumu sighed, slouching back in the chair while she continued to prod at his hand with mild interest in what she might discover if she touched him and went deeper.
"You have given me nothing."
"I have given you a way to keep your friends from being expelled."
"I doubt Mrs. Shuzen would allow her daughter to be expelled. She is here specifically to be in contact with Tsukune."
"If both Ms. Akashiya and Mr. Aono are expelled, I imagine she would take him under her wing as property of the Shuzen estate."
He sighed dramatically.
"And thus would end my attempts to keep things from developing faster than I would like. Those two are not ready for the ordeal of his awakening. Mrs. Shuzen is too impatient. Her haste to reclaim her daughter could be disastrous to us all."
Kurumu saw an image of the beast, only this time the setting was different. This young man stood with another, facing the monster that had devoured Moka's mother. For a moment, she realized Akasha Bloodriver was poised to strike the blow that would push the beast into slumber.
"You were there."
"I see you snatched up a memory because I brought it here. As much as I enjoy the attention of a nubile, young woman, I really need to push you out."
She gasped as her consciousness returned to the dark hospital room. A hand was clamped down on her throat, squeezing hard. She could not move to push away his hand.
He sighed as the beating of her heart quickened with panic. He withdrew his hand, though the pressure lingered for several seconds. She choked and coughed. Her eyes felt dry like she had not blinked for many minutes.
"I do apologize, Ms. Kurono. I hope that did not hurt too much, but it is an effective way to break your trance. If I had not secured the door, I would have not indulged your antics as long."
She coughed more with her throat ragged and parched. She wanted to talk but it hurt. She could only managed pained sounds.
"A word of advice. Don't make any deals with Mrs. Shuzen. Since becoming part of Fairy Tale, she has had an unusual fascination with your kind. She has tried recruiting many succubi, including your mother over the years. I know she has convinced at least three such women and all of them can do what you have done today."
Kurumu wet her lips, shaking her head.
"So what."
"It means she will want you. Mrs. Shuzen dreams of a world that she can control. A haven for all monster races created by the illusion that everything is normal. She wants more of your kind to help convince the humans that integration is in their best interests."
Was that possible? Could she make humans accept them, simply by wanting it enough?
"Isn't that what we want? A future where we can all be safe."
The Headmaster started slowly for the door.
"It's not a future that everyone wants. As respected as Mrs. Shuzen is, the other leaders of Fairy Tale don't enjoy the idea that they can be manipulated into peace. After all, you are well aware that the powers of a succubus are not limited to controlling human minds."
Kurumu had never given much thought about Mrs. Shuzen's agenda. She supposed it was a bad thing to force people to accept each other. No. It was not. If she could go back in time, she would not hesitate to stop those boys from hurting Yukari and Nerume.
"I wanted more."
He opened the door and paused.
"There was a time when I wanted more. Now I just want it to end."
Kurumu sighed as he left her. She had her truth. This whole thing was about some ancient evil bent on destroying the world. As bad as things were, it had her feeling like it would only get worse.
Having no idea what time it was, she pressed the red button near her right hand to summon a nurse.