If she had to spend another whole day in these restraints, she was going to lose her mind. There was nothing to do. Unlike exam rooms, the patient rooms lacked a clock, so she could not entertain herself with watching a device monitor the slow, monotonous passage of time. The station behind her continued to keep pace with the beating of her heart, which had ceased being amusing hours ago.
The staff was avoiding her this morning. They would not touch her nor look at her, following the orders of the Headmaster. She had protested this news from the first nurse whom attended her this morning, but the young man had reassured her that she did not require much assistance prior to her scheduled surgeries. Other than changing out her fluid and medicine bags, there was no reason to feed her and she could call them in case she needed to use the restroom.
In that regard, she was mildly surprised she had not felt the urge to do such a thing. She thought being hydrated meant you would have to pee. She doubted she was sweating it all off, but she did feel dirty. She had not showered since the morning of the attack.
She understood her clothes from that day had been disposed of. She had been much closer to death this time around than her incident with Mizore. That made two destroyed blouses in two weeks. She sighed, wondering if her wardrobe issues would ever cease.
Starting out with five complete uniforms with one green jacket she had yet to wear, she had lost a blouse and sweater that first week which had resulted in wearing a uniform twice. With the focus on clubs, she had doubled up on those days with the swim club without much thought. The following week Yukari had cast a spell on Tsukune that resulted in him tearing one of her skirts beyond repair. She had avoided doubling up blouses that week due to her sudden acquisition of a uniform that Friday during Tora's mess of trying to send Tsukune home with her spiritual magic. That gave her a second jacket which was fitted nicely enough to actually wear.
Things had gone smoothly that fourth week and half of the fifth since wearing a skirt twice was never a big deal and wearing a soiled uniform to her Saturday morning lessons was not an all-day thing. Then that crap with the PSC happened which resulted in the loss of another skirt, blouse and sweater. It had been annoying going back to the issue of wearing things twice a week and then Mizore had poked a hole through her chest that cost her another sweater and blouse.
Satsuki had taken pity on her and allowed her to keep a sweater, skirt and blouse the next day. Then Mother's order with the store came through which gave her three blouses, three jackets and three skirts, which prompted Satsuki to demand her donated blouse back. Since then she had lost a blouse to the attack on the sunflower field and now a blouse and skirt in the abandoned building. She was lucky she had forgotten to wear a sweater or jacket as she imagined that would have been destroyed too.
She sighed. While she still had plenty of jackets and skirts to get through a week, she had never actually recuperated her losses in sweaters and she was back to four blouses. That last one had been a custom blouse too, which really sucked. At least the one she had lost in the human world had been one of her remaining generic ones. She only had one of those left. She wondered if she should spend some of her remaining funds on picking up another uniform or if she should ask her mother to donate to the cause of keeping her in clean blouses.
She sighed in boredom, having nothing to do but think over random nonsense. It was Friday. Mail was coming today and she had missed her chance to send a letter to her mother, thanking her for the funds to finance her kitchen. Not that she could have written one with her arms restrained. She supposed she could have written a letter back on Monday night after folding up all those papers. She did have her copy of the paper back in her suite.
Why did everything have to be so crazy? One week ago she was fighting the creations of a damn witch whom wanted to kill every human being that crossed her path. If she thought back, there had not been a single week without some major drama unfolding. While she understood that she was in a monster school and things would be different, there were students like Tobuyoku and Uchiyama whom dealt with none of this garbage. It was like she was cursed to have a tumultuous high school experience.
She wished she could have spoken to Nerume this morning. The second attendant that had changed her antibiotics had informed her about Nerume having her procedure done at that time. She was not likely to see the girl until late in the evening after introducing the kirin to physical therapy.
Kurumu knew her procedure would be done around lunch. She had no idea why anyone would want to operate on someone's intestines after eating, so she assumed it would be before. She knew the surgery would be performed by some other doctor, since Ms. Sasayaki had school to attend to.
She highly doubted they would clear her to leave the hospital tomorrow. Even Sunday felt like a stretch. She could see them willingly letting her go on Monday. She sighed, wanting Satsuki to have the birthday they had planned together. She knew she could get both Nerume and her out of here. Her only concern was if such a thing would be detrimental to their health.
When she returned to school, she needed to figure out how to find this Fusamina. She would have to start by checking with Tokori to determine if the girl was aware of his survival. If she was, than that probably meant the guy was not easy to find. Kurumu could not imagine Tokori holding out his location from the PSC.
She supposed she should also attempt to fulfill her obligations to the softball and baseball teams. It felt odd to think that the paper was important, but it was something to do. If her friends were expelled, she still had to carry on until there was a way to either join them or reverse the faculty decision. It was not a simple matter of running away with them, since she was well aware how difficult it was to leave Mononoke without permission.
There was still Mizore to care for. She had to be here for Mizore. Mizore and Nerume both needed her.
A knock on her door gave her so much relief. The door opened and a familiar black haired young woman stepped in. Rubi wore the same black, sleeveless top about her bosom. Her tattered skirt had been replaced by a long, ruffled skirt that fell to her ankles.
A pair of garnet studs poked through each bottom earlobe which had silver bands clipped all the way up the remaining curve. The jewelry made Kurumu think of Yukari and she wept.
"Oh! Are you hurt?"
Rubi came into the room quickly, her face full of concern as she placed her hands on Kurumu's arm and shoulder. The witch looked her over, confused at what she should do.
Moka slipped in quietly, shutting the door behind her. The vampire was dressed in her usual school outfit with the green jacket. Her eyes were reddened as she timidly approached the bed.
"You were supposed to wait. You were supposed to do it with Yukari."
Rubi looked to Moka.
"What is she talking about?"
Moka glanced at Rubi. She sighed, looking down at the floor.
"Your earrings."
Rubi touched her studs as she smiled softly at Kurumu.
"I'm sorry. There's not much for me to do at Ms. Nekonome's place. She left money for me to buy things if I wanted, so I went out. I thought I would surprise Yukari."
"How is Yukari?"
Kurumu forced herself to calm with deeper breaths. She could see how dejected Moka's posture was. It made her worry. Once the beeping behind her had stabilized, she flopped her restrained arms.
"I haven't been allowed to leave this room."
Rubi smiled, taking Kurumu's right hand.
"The staff feigned ignorance when we asked about her."
Kurumu nodded. There were still members of the Outcasts whom might get it in their heads to take revenge. Taking in another deep breath, she regarded Moka, whom had drawn closer to her left side.
"How have you been?"
Moka shrugged without comment.
"I heard Ginei told you to stay with Ms. Nekonome."
"Yea."
Kurumu sighed, squeezing Rubi's hand.
"You would think he would come to visit me after all the flirting he does."
"Maybe."
Pain. Moka was in so much pain that she had shut down. Her downcast eyes were distant and empty. It was difficult to watch.
Kurumu glanced at Rubi, toying with the thought of having the witch free her. She wanted to get up and hold Moka. She wanted to, but knew it was best to remain as she was. When the doctors felt she was good enough to not be restrained, then she could escape.
"How have you been Rubi? I haven't seen you all week."
The witch laughed softly.
"I say I fared better than most of you."
Rubi sighed, brushing her fingertips against Kurumu's bangs.
"I recall everyone acting like this place was such a wonderful alternative to living with Lady Oyakata. In less than a week, you have all been torn to pieces."
Kurumu realized the sadness in that truth.
"I'm sorry, Rubi."
"I just feel like it might have been better to die with her than to see this happen."
"Don't think that way. Nobody would have been happy to see you die."
Rubi shrugged.
"It's not really a matter of me worrying about how you feel. I thought things would be better here. That's all. I was looking forward to spending time with Yukari. To make things better with her. Now I don't know if I will get the chance."
Kurumu nodded.
"Well… her parents are coming. I don't know if it's today or tomorrow."
"Yukari's parents are coming here?"
Kurumu smiled at Rubi.
"Yea. I think if you keep waiting in the lobby all weekend, you should have a chance of meeting them."
"Why are her parents coming here?"
Kurumu had to wonder what all Rubi knew about current events. It would depend on what Mizore and Ms. Nekonome had been willing to share, having her doubts about Moka sharing anything. The vampire seemed content to say nothing.
"Yukari was raped. Her parents are taking her home."
Moka flinched as Rubi's eyes went wide.
"That's not possible."
Kurumu sighed, supposing Rubi had not been told much of anything.
"I was there, Rubi. I know she was."
"But she's too young. That can't be possible."
"I'm sorry, Rubi."
Rubi took in a ragged breath as she started to cry. She nodded, placing the back of her hand to her lips. Tears rolled down her cheek as she nodded again.
"I'm sorry."
"I knew it was bad. They said she was beaten up real bad."
"She was."
Kurumu regarded the vampire, whom remained quiet throughout all this.
"Moka. Are you okay?"
"I'm fine."
Kurumu paused.
"Did they touch you?"
"No."
"You know they can test you for it."
"I said no."
Kurumu tensed up, trying not to cry. It was so hard to remain optimistic.
"Please, Moka. Tell me it's okay."
Moka turned eyes brimming with tears upon Kurumu.
"It's not okay."
Tears rolled down her cheeks as she shook her head.
"It should have been me."
Kurumu felt a mix of emotions. She could understand what Moka felt. If Kurumu could take Yukari's place, she would. And yet, she felt so much relief. So much better knowing that Moka had been spared. And that hurt. It made her question her love for Yukari.
"I'm so sorry."
Moka nodded, taking a raspy breath as she turned her gaze back to the floor. The vampire sniffled, rubbing her nose as she returned to an empty shell.
"I understand you haven't said anything to the faculty."
Rubi sighed, tugging nervously on her braid.
"A man has come by a couple times asking for a statement, but I send him away. I know Ms. Akashiya has been in no mood to entertain guests."
"Did you see what happened to Fusamina?"
"Fusamina?"
Kurumu smiled at Rubi.
"The guy that runs the skating club. He was the one that got on the rink with us that time we went skating with Tobuyoku and Hanetsume."
Moka shrugged despondently.
"I don't remember."
"Please, Moka. This is important."
"I don't remember."
Kurumu sighed.
"I was told last night that Fusamina is the only survivor of that incident. The Headmaster said they are intentionally presenting things as if the entire club died."
Rubi frowned.
"Are you sure he is not trying to entrap you? If something happens to this man, he can claim you were the only one that knew about Fusamina being alive."
Kurumu paused thoughtfully. It had not crossed her mind that the Headmaster would pin another murder on their hands.
"I hope that is not the case. The Headmaster has suspicions that Fusamina might have ties to Antithesis, a terrorist organization that attempted to assassinate him a decade ago."
"So by claiming this man dead, your Headmaster can interrogate him at leisure."
"The Headmaster wants me to find him."
Rubi's eyes lit up.
"Oh, I see. By claiming Fusamina dead, the man has no choice but to go underground. He can't walk around in public without being pulled in for questioning."
Kurumu shrugged, clueless as to what was planned.
"All I understand is the Headmaster wants us to catch him and force him to confess his ties to Antithesis. If this whole thing is regarded as a terrorist act, the calls for expulsion would cease."
"Expulsion?"
Kurumu smiled at Rubi.
"Yes. The Outcasts and some faculty are calling for Tsukune and Moka to be expelled."
Rubi sighed.
"I suppose that's better than the rumors of execution we were first warned about."
Kurumu managed a smile.
"Yea. They probably felt execution was a bit too steep for the daughter of Fairy Tale's leader."
"It's all my fault."
Kurumu regarded the sullen vampire.
"Did Mizore speak with you last night?"
"Yea."
Rubi huffed.
"I trust this is the ice girl whom caused quite the spectacle. She was going on and on about how Ms. Akashiya had turned Mr. Aono into a murderer and taken your future away."
Kurumu chuckled, shaking her head.
"I still have a future."
Rubi squeezed her hand.
"I'm sorry you became sterile."
It hit harder than she expected. She forced a laugh but it was mixed with tears and sobs. She shook her head as she willed herself to stop wishing things could be different.
"It's okay."
Moka bowed her head without comment.
"It's not like I'm dead. There are lots of people in the world that can't have children."
Moka nodded, tears dripping to the floor.
"It's not your fault. She told me to stay back."
Kurumu desperately tried to keep her tears in check, having spent too much time like this.
"Moka. Please say something."
The vampire turned pain stricken eyes up.
"I don't deserve you."
Kurumu managed a laugh, glancing at Rubi. The witch smiled, clearly uncomfortable with this.
"That sounds stupid. We're friends."
"Are we?"
Before she could respond, there was a knock on the door. A familiar brunette with a white nurse hat tied about her head left the door open wide as she stepped in. She regarded them with blue eyes behind thin wire spectacles as she smiled curtly.
"I am here to escort Ms. Kurono to her operation."
"Operation?"
Kurumu sighed, somewhat thankful for the interruption. She forced a smile at Moka, wagging her hands.
"Yes. They plan to permanently stitch my arms to my sides so I can always be like a penguin."
Rubi snorted, shaking her head as the nurse walked around the foot of the bed. Moka regarded the nurse as the woman strolled about her to attend to the machine behind Kurumu.
"What are they going to do?"
"I guess Mizore didn't explain that. Well… my organs got all messed up so they have to put them back in proper places so I don't have problems."
Rubi regarded her with disbelief.
"It's amazing you're alive."
"The joy of being a monster, I guess."
She heard the beeping behind her cease. The nurse slipped behind her head to unhook the bags from the stand and set them down on the pillow.
"How have you been, Ms. Yakumaru?"
The young woman frowned, timidly placing the second bag next to Kurumu's head.
"I am well, Ms. Kurono."
"This is Yakumaru Mako, Tokori's friend."
Yakumaru sighed, popping a release beneath the bed. She pushed the whole bed forward, gesturing for Rubi to stand aside.
"Could we see Yukari?"
Yakumaru glared at the witch.
"I don't know whom you are, but we have nobody by that name in this facility."
"These are friends of mine. They know Yukari is here."
"That may be, but I'm not authorized to allow anyone up on the fifth floor where she is being kept. As Ms. Kurono won't be allowed visitors for the remainder of the day, I suggest you take that vampire trash out to the curb where it belongs."
Seeing Moka flinch, Kurumu scowled at the nurse.
"You don't have to be like that."
Pushing another lever, Yakumaru lowered the upper half of the bed some. Guiding the bed to the door, she pushed Kurumu out into the hall.
"I would offer you to accompany us to the lounge, but the elevators are only so big."
With a huff, Yakumaru started down the hall without looking back.
"What's wrong with you?"
Yakumaru glared at her.
"Wrong with me? That girl is trouble. The sooner she leaves, the safer we all are."
"Moka's a good girl."
"So was Ran."
Kurumu frowned as she was steered out into the elevator lobby. There was only one elevator large enough for the beds. Yakumaru wheeled her past the chrome door, reaching over to punch the button.
"Who is Ran?"
Yakumaru's right hand clenched on the bed. The nurse messed with the fluid bags beside her head as Yakumaru watched the white circles light up which revealed the ascent of the elevator.
"Yakumaru?"
"You need to stop prying in this matter, Ms. Kurono."
Kurumu recalled the first encounter with Yakumaru and how Tokori had discouraged the older girl from showing too much interest in them.
"So how long have you been part of the Outcasts?"
The elevator chimed upon arrival, the doors slowly pulling apart. Yakumaru grabbed the head of the bed and tugged her back inside the larger elevator. The bed barely fit inside. The nurse stepped aside as she pulled Kurumu in the rest of the way, moving to the front to push the button for the first floor.
"What happened to that boy? He came to Tokori's place the night they raped Yukari."
Yakumaru hung her head as they descended two floors.
"Ran was his little sister. They're all dead. Hideo, his mother and Ran."
Kurumu paused, the weight of that revelation hitting harder than she thought. She had suspected he was dead but not this.
"I'm sorry."
Yakumaru glanced over her shoulder, her eyes distant and haunted. The elevator stopped, but the nurse absently pressed the button that kept the door from opening.
"I would like to keep living. Don't you?"
Kurumu swallowed. She felt there was more. Terror.
"Does Tokori know?"
Yakumaru turned away, pushing a button. The doors slowly started to open.
"Tokori told me, Ms. Kurono. I only walked him home that night. I thought he would be safe."
Kurumu could not think of a response to the pained tone in her voice. The brunette grabbed the foot of the bed and pulled her out of the elevator. Yakumaru remained distant and out of reach all the way to the operating room.
"Do they have those available in different colors?"
Nerume looked down at the slender poles that were attached to the black handles she clutched in her fists. The gray rods looked about as sturdy as the racks which Kurumu's medicine bags hung from. At the top of these rods was a black cuff that could be strapped about Nerume's forearms.
"I hope so. Flat black would be better than this metallic look."
"No other color preferences? Why not green or purple?"
Nerume made a slight shrug which forced her to shift her crutches. She sighed.
"Black is fine. This is so annoying."
Kurumu smiled softly as she touched the rack beside her. They had given her one with wheels, allowing her to roam the building after serving her dinner. Not that there was much to do after eight in a hospital other than visit with Nerume.
She was not in the slightest bit tired. They had doped her up with so much anesthesia that she had not woken up from her surgeries until almost seven. According to Nerume, the trio of PSC girls had stopped by around five but had left around six thirty to make it back to the dining hall while Tokori went home.
Apparently Mizore had not visited today, which worried Kurumu. She hoped the girl had gone to school and attended club, though there might not have been club. Then again, it was not like all of their club was in the hospital. Ginei technically could carry on with Kana and Honda. She wondered how Kana was doing. Surely someone would have said something by now if anything had happened to the blond. She hoped Honda had not resigned from the club over this mess.
She sighed, wondering if those two even had a clue what was going on. She could see Ginei calling those girls together yesterday and telling them both not to worry about club for the week. It was possible the girls knew they were in the hospital. She had no idea what the rumor mill was cranking out.
Nerume pouted as she failed to balance herself on one crutch. This was like her seventh or eighth attempt since Kurumu had wandered into the girl's room.
"I don't know how I'm ever going to open a damn door."
Kurumu smiled, patting the girl's head.
"You'll have to walk with someone."
"All that rumbling about me needing to be more independent and now I can't shower by myself."
"Or pee."
Nerume whimpered.
"Don't remind me."
Kurumu's stomach grumbled. She sighed, grabbing her rack and absently rolling it to and fro. She was still restricted to a liquid sort of diet. Puddings and soups were allowed but nothing solid. It sounded like they wanted her to avoid that until they could confirm all her insides were properly functioning. She had her doubts they would be doing that over the weekend.
She had not seen Ms. Sasayaki today, nor did Nerume know if the woman had even shown up. Kurumu kind of wanted to talk to someone about Yakumaru. Kurumu sensed there was more to the story than a simple walk home, but it was something Yakumaru was afraid to embellish. There would be no reason for Yakumaru to fear unless there was something else going on.
Antithesis.
"Do you think they will let us leave tomorrow morning for Satsuki's birthday?"
Kurumu smirked as she leaned her head against the rack.
"I think they will need some convincing."
"You're so bad."
Kurumu smiled. Her thoughts drifted to Tsukune and Yukari. She knew both were being kept up on the fifth floor. Having never been to the fifth floor before, Kurumu had quickly learned that the elevators did not go up there without a key. She had abandoned the notion of using the stairs, aware how difficult that would have been for Nerume.
Kurumu shook her head, gesturing at Nerume.
"You have way stronger arms than I do. I could not hold myself up like that for hours."
"It's not that hard to hold myself upright. Moving is a pain in the ass because I have to take small steps. Is it still called steps when I use these things?"
Kurumu shrugged as there was a knock on Nerume's door. They looked up as the door swung open and a familiar young girl with reddish pigtails and shoulder length hair stepped through. She had a red sailor uniform with a wide white collar and a red tie that matched the ribbons in her hair. The girl bowed her head silently, gesturing out to the hall.
An imperious, tanned woman stepped through the opening. Her short silver hair clung neatly about her neck with her bangs pushed back on the left side with a diamond cross pin while the right bangs teased her crimson eyes. A crimson, velvet bodice clung tightly about her torso and down her thighs. A part slashed up the side past her hip to allow more freedom of movement as her black heels clipped the white tiled floor.
"You are not in your room."
Kurumu nodded, absently touching her simple hospital gown which was identical to Nerume's. They looked like peasants in comparison to this woman in the sleeveless, strapless dress.
"Introductions."
"Uh… this woman is Shuzen Gyokuro, Moka's mother. And her daughter, Kokoa."
Nerume smiled, nodding her head slightly.
"Genzouyaki Nerume. I'm sorry I can't bow for you."
The vampire glanced the kirin over. After a moment she turned her gaze on Kurumu.
"I see you failed to keep that boy out of trouble and away from my daughter."
Kurumu sighed, vaguely recalling such a warning.
"I thought you brought him here for the specific purpose of removing her seal."
Mrs. Shuzen huffed in amusement.
"That would be Mikogami, your dear Headmaster. That boy was his leverage to persuade me to enroll my daughter in his school."
This revelation caught Kurumu by surprise. She had assumed the whole thing was Mrs. Shuzen's idea. Then again, she had only found out last night about the Headmaster's personal investment in putting down the creature that had devoured Moka's birth mother. It would make some sense, considering he had spoken with concern about Mrs. Shuzen taking an expelled Tsukune and Moka under her wing to hasten the seal's removal.
"I'm sorry, Mrs. Shuzen. I am frustrated with how things turned out."
"You are not alone in that regard."
The vampire regarded her daughter.
"Kokoa. Take Ms. Genzouyaki for a walk."
Nerume frowned, glancing between Mrs. Shuzen and Kurumu.
"I don't mind but it will be slow."
"You may take all the time you need. I require some time alone with Ms. Kurono."
Nerume started trekking toward the door in small, exaggerated movements. She was getting better at it, but she had also been doing this for hours. The adrenaline from frustration was instrumental in keeping the girl awake and motivated.
"May I carry her?"
Mrs. Shuzen turned her head.
"No! I can do it."
A slight smile touched the older woman's thin lips. She stepped aside, allowing the girl to steadily pass.
"Admirable. Pride is a strong trait. Encourage her to move faster, Kokoa."
The younger vampire frowned.
"Um… okay?"
Nerume put one crutch down, dragging her feet as she went to move the other. She panted as she tried to move faster, getting out in the hall with notable effort. She paused as Kokoa closed the door. They could hear Nerume's struggles as she started down the hall.
Mrs. Shuzen wandered over to Kurumu's side, glancing at the door.
"There was a time such a thing would be put out of her misery."
Kurumu regarded the woman with wide eyes.
"Why would you say such a thing?"
"Because it is true. A child like that requires far more attention and care than she is worth."
Kurumu scowled, drawing away from the woman.
"What would you know of worth?"
"I know I would not save that girl if it came to a choice between her and a healthier individual. It might be best if she somehow found her way into human society. They are more tolerant of weakness."
"Nerume will be fine. Her parents will take care of her."
"I believe they will cease funding her education when they realize nothing will come of it. Short of her being an only child, I can't see how they would logically do anything else."
It was difficult to remain respectful when such cruelty was spoken. Kurumu bit back her first and second retorts, calming her anger to a slow simmer.
"Not every mother would abandon her child."
"True. It is far more common that they will die for them."
Kurumu frowned. She did not disagree, but the remark felt out of place.
"I was requested by your Headmaster to attend to this issue. I almost dismissed his summons, before I realized this could turn out for the best."
"So you will save Tsukune?"
The woman reached over to caress the short hairs about Kurumu's ear.
"I would like to see your eyes."
Kurumu frowned again. She recalled the last time the woman had peered into her eyes. It had not been a pleasant sensation.
"Why?"
"Aren't you curious?"
The woman stepped around to face her directly. She touched the diamond pin in her bangs as she gazed, unblinking. Her other fingers lovingly caressed Kurumu's cheek.
Kurumu realized what the woman meant. She stared back, thinking this was a chance that she could get some answers. Her push inside the Headmaster had been somewhat of a success. Perhaps she could do the same. Letting go of the rack, she touched the woman's hand upon her cheek.
She was at the small table in her home in Kengamine. The vampire sat across the table, grinning. Everything about her was home. The aged refrigerator and the dingy stove which Kurumu had spent hours trying to clean during her seventh grade summer break.
"I have surrounded myself with ladies of your powers. Occasionally I have a drink."
Mrs. Shuzen smiled, baring her fangs.
Kurumu paused with uncertainty. She thought about it, and decided it did not matter. This was the mind of Mrs. Shuzen. She reached out across the table.
The vampire grinned, snatching up her hand. She felt weightless and grounded. The light within the room diminished so only shapes and shadows remained.
"You don't want inside my head, child. There's too much."
Kurumu tightened her hold on the vampire's hand, pushing.
"It's not years you will find. It's possibilities. Endless possibilities."
Concern? Kurumu hesitated, regarding the woman. Now it was only her and the vampire in a shroud of emptiness. There was nothing else.
"Let me look. And then I will decide what is best."
It was difficult to describe the next few moments. Her hand was let go and she was once again in Nerume's room. She wet her lips, grabbing for her rack as the vampire sighed.
"As I feared. You can't resolve this."
"Meaning?"
"We cannot allow you to enter his mind. He will kill you in your current condition."
Kurumu rolled her eyes. She had heard this from the silver Moka days ago.
"You said you were surrounded by others of my kind. Maybe one of them-"
"No. You are special to this young man. You have an advantage that they don't, regardless of what you might feel about their experience or strengths. He frankly is not worth risking one of them."
Kurumu scowled.
"So… you don't plan to save him?"
"I see you have a strong desire that I do something to fix the mistakes of my daughter. Are you willing to sacrifice your life to save his?"
Kurumu paused for a moment.
"I am willing to enter his mind and die for him, if that is what it takes to bring him back."
Mrs. Shuzen smirked.
"Nothing that dramatic is required. We can gamble on giving him blood if you agree to pay the price."
Kurumu sighed, having been warned about this.
"So you want me to join Fairy Tale and be part of your movement to brainwash the humans into accepting monsters among them."
Mrs. Shuzen favored her with an appreciative look.
"That is tempting. Though I would feel wrong about making a child pay off her mother's debts."
"My mother has nothing to do with this."
"Your mother is refusing to be reasonable. We agreed to delay her commitment till you were capable of taking care of yourself. Disregarding your present condition, I believe you could manage without her."
Kurumu paused, not wanting to argue about any arrangements her mother might have made.
"Do you not need him anymore?"
"The boy? He is a safer alternative than other methods of removing my daughter's seal. I prefer using him, but his cost has become rather steep. You should appreciate the value of blood."
There was a knock on the door. The young vampire held it open so she could peer inside.
"She's tired."
"I can do another lap."
Mrs. Shuzen gestured for Kurumu as she started toward the door.
"You may rest now, Ms. Genzouyaki. I am taking Ms. Kurono upstairs to visit her boyfriend."
Nerume glanced down the hall.
"Can I come too?"
"No."
Mrs. Shuzen stalked out into the hall to stand by Nerume. She gestured in the room.
"Come along, Ms. Kurono. This is the only path in which he lives."
Kurumu sighed, grabbing her rack and dragging it with her as she neared the door. She managed a smile as she waited for Nerume to get through the opening.
"You sleep well, Nerume."
"Say hi to Tsukune for me."
Kurumu chuckled. Once Nerume was safely in the clear, Kurumu slipped out into the hall. She waved at Nerume's back as Kokoa closed the door.
"Shall we?"
Kurumu started down the hall alongside Mrs. Shuzen with Kokoa trailing behind them. There was nothing special about the corridor. It was wide enough for beds and had a continuous gray rail along the wall. Every few steps they passed by an empty patient room.
"So how is my daughter doing?"
Kurumu hesitated her response as they walked by another set of patient rooms.
"She is staying with Ms. Nekonome. You could ask her yourself."
"I have no interest in talking with the doll."
"Moka is not a doll."
"That thing is not Moka."
Kurumu swallowed, trying not to get caught up in the emotions that swirled in her heart. They arrived in the lobby, crossing the small space to the elevators.
"Would it help if you thought of her as Akashiya Moka instead of Shuzen Moka?"
Kokoa giggled but quickly looked away from the stern glare her mother cast upon her. The silver haired woman touched the button to summon the elevator.
"Surely you've talked with my daughter by now. She can't always be hiding behind her doll."
Kurumu mulled over what she should say. She had no idea what this woman wanted from her and she had no reason to surrender it unless Mrs. Shuzen would suddenly refuse to help.
"Why don't you see her as a person?"
"Because a person is born. That thing is a prison, placed upon my daughter."
"Moka's mother, Akasha Bloodriver, put that seal on her to prevent that monster from hunting her."
The elevator dinged its arrival. The doors slowly pulled apart.
"So you have spoken with her."
"What is she talking about?"
Mrs. Shuzen stepped into the elevator and gestured for them.
"You have the key, Kokoa. Use it to unlock the fifth floor."
The girl frowned, regarding Kurumu.
"Yes, Mother."
Kokoa entered the elevator, pulling a small circular key from her blouse pocket. Kurumu rolled her rack with her into the large space as the vampire pushed the key into the circular hole beneath the buttons. The doors slowly closed after she pressed the button for the fifth floor.
"So you haven't told your daughters how Moka's mother died."
"It is enough that they know that she died."
The elevator started its ascent.
"What happened to Akua?"
Mrs. Shuzen paused, allowing the elevator to reach its destination. As the car settled and the doors pulled apart, the vampire sighed.
"I will answer this only for Kokoa's sake. Akua is alive."
Kokoa turned her head sharply, emerald eyes wide.
"But you said she died. That she died with momma."
"And I am correcting that statement. It was easier for Akua to operate if everyone believed she was dead. Including your father."
Kokoa's hand lingered on the key while the other was clenched in a fist. The girl's jaw clenched as she regarded the fifth floor lobby.
"What happened to their father?"
"Let's move on, Ms. Kurono. Your boyfriend is waiting."
"He left us."
Kurumu hesitated.
"Kokoa."
"Yes, Mother."
The younger vampire withdrew the key and grabbed Kurumu by the shoulder. She tugged firmly, almost dragging Kurumu out of the elevator as her mother followed them out into the lobby.
"The fact remains that whatever reason Akasha had to seal our daughter away has expired. This monster which you speak of has not stirred once since the day it wrecked our country home."
Kurumu frowned at the girl roughly guiding her to the long hall that divided the building.
"Gently, please."
Kokoa stopped to regard her. The shorter girl let go of Kurumu's arm and pocketed the elevator key.
"I'm sure Mr. Aono has removed the seal several times. I have heard no news from the Garden these past months about the creature stirring."
Kurumu refrained from asking about the garden, realizing this must be the location where the monster was being restrained. She followed Kokoa down the hallway, noting the space between patient rooms was much larger than downstairs.
"What do you plan to do with the 'doll'?"
"Either Mr. Aono will break her, or Akua will perfect the ritual to make her disappear."
Kurumu grimaced, shaking her head.
"Isn't there something else you could do?"
Kokoa frowned at her.
"Like what?"
"Uh… I don't know. Something that doesn't involve her dying."
Kokoa glanced back at her mother, whom merely shrugged.
"She's… not alive, Ms. Kurono."
Kokoa held up a hand defensively.
"Don't misunderstand. I like her, but she's supposed to be liked. That's what she is."
"You don't have to grovel for her approval, Kokoa. She's a succubus."
Kurumu scowled.
"Is there something wrong with that?"
"Your heart is vulnerable."
"We don't hate her, Ms. Kurono. It's more like… she's served her purpose and I would like to have my sister back. It's been a long time."
"You abandoned her."
Kokoa frowned with confusion.
"How long have you known the doll, Ms. Kurono?"
Kurumu hated hearing Mrs. Shuzen address her friend so disparagingly.
"Would you say that you love her?"
"Clearly more than you."
"How will you feel when she expires?"
Kurumu shook her head. She refused to think of this.
"Should I have wanted that for my daughters? Should I have encouraged them to befriend an object destined to expire?"
It hurt. She understood the reasoning, but it felt wrong. There could have been so much more for Moka. They could have loved her and looked for some other way of fixing this. Why did it have to end with Moka disappearing? Was there really no other way to bring the original back?
"Can't you do something?"
"She's not real, Ms. Kurono. She's like a lovable character out of a book. If we could pull her out of the pages, I think Sister would love that. But it doesn't work that way."
"It's this room, Kokoa."
Kokoa nodded, opening the door on the right. The room beyond was easily twice the size of the patient rooms of the fourth floor. All the counters and workspaces were arranged on the right side of the room with a pair of beds on the left. In the far bed closest to the exterior wall, Tsukune was hooked up to a machine that monitored his heart rate and an IV rack similar to hers. The other bed was vacant.
The hooded figure of the Headmaster stood up from the cushioned chair near the center of the back wall beneath the window. His face remained hidden in the shadows of his cowl as he slowly approached the trio. The cross dangling about his neck swayed with each step.
"I am pleased that you have humbled yourself to stand in my presence."
Mrs. Shuzen snorted as Kokoa closed the door.
"Spare me of your attempts to stroke my ego. I am not amused."
"You are impatient, Mrs. Shuzen. I would consider surrendering the boy to you if he was not wrapped up in this discussion of expulsion."
Mrs. Shuzen stalked by him, shaking her head. She strode purposefully to Tsukune's side, brushing his locks aside and lifting his hands.
"And to think this is one of the Dark Lords that defeated Alucard. Reduced to placating the complaints of a bunch of degenerates that refuse to reproduce responsibly."
"The burden of those in power that refuse to rule by fear."
Mrs. Shuzen held up Tsukune's right arm, turning to regard the Headmaster. A small chain with a lock was coiled about Tsukune's wrist and forearm. The vampire rolled her eyes.
"You put a magical artifact on a boy that breaks magical artifacts."
The Headmaster held his hands out wide.
"You are more than welcome to fly the boy to China for a more appropriate seal. This will have to do."
Mrs. Shuzen released Tsukune's arm, allowing it to fall back to his side. She stalked over to the Headmaster, shaking her head.
"Your reputation is the only reason Fairy Tale continues to ignore your poor management skills. Do you understand that the next president of Fairy Tale may not be so lenient?"
"I doubt you have any intentions of giving up your dream so easily."
Mrs. Shuzen stepped in close to him, cocking her head as she peered up into his cowl.
"You assume my dream requires me to remain in charge of Fairy Tale. I assure you, it does not."
The Headmaster chuckled, backing away.
"I apologize for not informing you fully of the situation. I imagine you wish to take the boy with you to perform the Rite, but I cannot allow that."
Mrs. Shuzen smirked.
"That is correct. To complete the Rite and have a chance at becoming a true vampire, Mr. Aono requires the blood of another vampire. Mine will not suffice."
"And you have found another vampire willing to donate blood to this young man on such short notice? How remarkably resourceful of you. I thought your husband's departure put you on bad terms with all the remaining vampire families in Japan."
Mrs. Shuzen straightened up as she regarded the Headmaster. She turned her firm gaze on Kurumu a moment before flicking her eyes to Kokoa.
"Give blood to the young man, Kokoa."
All attention went to the young vampire. The girl trembled, shaking her head.
"But why?"
"That is unnecessary, Gyokuro. I'm sure my seal would hold long enough for another vampire to assist."
"Seconds ago you mocked my ability to find someone else."
"You can buy the help from another family."
"You can't buy blood, Mikogami. No vampire would ever agree to that."
"She's a child. Your child."
Kokoa was shaking her head, clutching her arms tightly about her torso.
"No. It's mine. My blood is mine."
"She's only a year younger than Moka. You made no fuss about her siphoning her life away."
The Headmaster stiffened.
"I had no control over that."
"You elected to not control that. Don't play with me, Mikogami. You wanted this."
"At least use Kahlua. She's stronger. Older."
Mrs. Shuzen glared at him.
"Do you hear that, Kokoa? This man says your blood is not good enough for Mr. Aono."
"I don't care. It's my blood. I don't want to."
The Headmaster growled, thrusting a finger at Mrs. Shuzen.
"The Rite requires willing participants. You will kill that boy."
"You killed that boy. I am offering a solution."
"No doubt at a cost to Ms. Kurono. What did you demand of her?"
"I have demanded nothing of her other than to honor her debt."
"And how will she server that debt? Will she become another tool in your schemes?"
Mrs. Shuzen glanced at Kurumu.
"Her debt isn't to me. Her debt will be to Kokoa."
Kurumu regarded Kokoa, whom was still muttering denials. The vampire was on the brink of tears, which made it hard for Kurumu to know what she should want.
"Already ordering your daughter about. It's essentially the same thing."
"I can't afford to create a debt with anyone right now, Mikogami. And Kahlua will be married soon."
The Headmaster sighed in frustration.
"You are moving too fast, Gyokuro."
"That remains to be seen."
Mrs. Shuzen turned to regard her daughter.
"Now, Kokoa. I have taught you how to give and take blood. He doesn't need much. A half minute should be enough to make him part of you."
"No. I don't want to."
Mrs. Shuzen rolled her eyes.
"Stop blubbering, child. Is this the way a Daughter of the Shuzen Estate behaves?"
"It's pointless if she doesn't agree."
"Ms. Kurono. Do you understand that when Kokoa gives Mr. Aono her blood, your life belongs to her?"
Kurumu sighed.
"I guess."
"Isn't that a bit overboard?"
"What is fair compensation for my daughter's blood? If his life is saved, should Ms. Kurono not be eternally grateful?"
The Headmaster snorted.
"He might still die."
"Kokoa's loss is permanent, regardless of results. Did you believe I would get an easier deal from another family? Kokoa is the only one we can turn to."
Kokoa shook her head.
"No, I don't want her. I want my blood."
"What about Akua?"
Gyokuro regarded Kurumu with mild amusement.
"Akua would kill this boy without a second thought. Perhaps you should convince my daughter that your lives are worth her losing a precious part of her."
Kurumu mulled her desires over. She wanted Tsukune to live. She had no idea what it meant to belong to Kokoa, but it was probably better than belonging to Mrs. Shuzen or Fairy Tale.
"It was your sister, unsealed that first gave blood to him. Your sister doesn't want Tsukune to die."
"This is truth, Kokoa. And I will have it arranged that you come to attend Yokai immediately."
The Headmaster perked up.
"Immediately? That's unusual."
"But not impossible, Mikogami. She can attend if she passes the assessment, which is a remarkably low standard."
"It is difficult to bring in a transfer student on short notice."
"I trust you can manage the paperwork. You shall make arrangement for my daughters to live together immediately. I will notify Mr. Nurari when to pick Kokoa up."
Kokoa faltered in her protests.
"I can live with Moka?"
"Yes. The exact timing is in question, but it should be soon."
Kokoa regarded Kurumu with a sorrowful gaze.
"But I'm weak. I can't beat any of my sisters. I can't give up my blood."
"Kokoa. You will be rewarded. I've promised you that you will one day be as strong as I am. Be a good girl and save that young man's life. You're the only one that can."
Kokoa regarded Tsukune, letting out a reluctant sigh. She wandered over to the bed, timidly placing her hand on the sheet. Drifting up to his shoulder, the vampire glanced back at them.
Feeling out of place, Kurumu decisively started for the bed. She wanted to touch him, hoping this would reassure her. Her movements gave Kokoa concern, whom lingered indecisively. Forcing a smile, Kurumu came up beside her to take Tsukune's left hand.
"She's a succubus, Mother. Can't she do something?"
"Unfortunately she dies in every foreseeable scenario. He is too far gone for her to recover. Your blood will stabilize him and he shall regain consciousness. I've known this from the start."
Kurumu regarded Mrs. Shuzen as she thought about that statement. She had insisted on seeing her eyes. While Kurumu had been trying to peer into the vampire's knowledge, the woman had been doing her own search.
"You looked into my future?"
The Headmaster chuckled.
"Mrs. Shuzen has an interesting gift of foresight. It enables her to effectively manipulate and control those around her in order to shape the future she desires."
Kurumu frowned as she thought of what a person could do with such a gift.
"Why did you let Moka's mother die?"
Mrs. Shuzen calmly regarded her.
"Unavoidable."
Kokoa touched Kurumu's shoulder, shaking her head.
"Don't. If Mother says this is the only way, then I have to."
This tore at her. She watched in frustration as Kokoa leaned over Tsukune, placing a hand on each of his shoulders. The girl cocked her head as she lowered closer, shutting her eyes. She opened her mouth, her fangs extended as she pressed them against his throat. The girl whimpered as her body tensed up.
"I will be sending an agent to your school in the near future. You will not interfere with his task."
"For what purpose shall I be entertaining this guest?"
"Mr. Hyakushiki will be given his usual orders."
The Headmaster stiffened as Kokoa let out a heavy gasp. The girl collapsed upon Tsukune, panting loudly as Kurumu regarded the adults with concern.
"What are you planning?"
"I assume your cleaner will be here for Mr. Aono."
"It is important to know if Mr. Aono will return to a ghoul status if your seal is tested. There is no action I can control that determines that outcome. Both have equal possibility."
"What's a cleaner?"
"One that cleans up messes for Fairy Tale."
"I trust you will observe his presence and handle the ghoul if it emerges."
The Headmaster chuckled, shaking his head beneath the cowl.
"You seem to forget there is still the matter of their expulsion."
Mrs. Shuzen smirked as she stalked over to the bedside.
"I have not forgotten. I'm sure you understand how am I unconcerned about that possibility."
Kurumu frowned as the woman reached up to caress the side of her face.
"But if this does come to pass, Ms. Kurono will be coming with us. As Kokoa's servant, she has no reason to stay in a school Kokoa is not attending."
Kurumu felt it was important that she find Fusamina and expose Antithesis. She wanted all her friends to continue enjoying a simple high school life away from the schemes of this vampire.
"I'm so tired."
Mrs. Shuzen huffed, regarding her weary daughter.
"You gave too much. We must go now, Kokoa. You must pack your things."
"Yes, Mother."
The girl crawled off Tsukune, settling down on her feet. She wobbled and grabbed her mother for support. Mrs. Shuzen pushed her off, causing the girl to stumble back against the bed. Shaking her head, Mrs. Shuzen headed for the door.
"Walk independently, Kokoa. Show more dignity despite your weakness."
Kurumu reached out a steadying hand, but the young vampire waved it off. Inhaling deeply, Kokoa straightened her shoulders and marched off for the open door. Like an obedient doll.
June 24th
I am sorry about the long delay. I honestly did not mean to take so long in writing you. I wanted to send you a letter with a copy of our newest paper, which we handed out earlier in the week. I'm still going to do that, although it will be a long time before this letter reaches you. It will be a whole week before they come for the mail.
I can't sleep. I can't. There's so much on my mind and I feel like I have to put it down on paper. I have to write you now or I might keep forgetting to. I don't know what will happen tomorrow or the day after. If I put things off, I have no idea when I will get another chance. I thought I had time. I didn't write you Monday night simply because I thought I would have time.
So much has happened in these past three weeks. It went by so fast, yet it feels like forever. I don't know where I should start or how I should talk about things. If I start with now, I think I couldn't bear it. I need you here. I want you here.
We've had some troubles with some of the faculty. I didn't tell you, but I had an issue with our math teacher that resulted in her taking a job offer in another school. I really liked her. Between her and Ms. Sasayaki, it was like I actually had teachers that cared. I suppose Ms. Nekonome cares too, but I don't know what to say. I didn't want her to go. I know she did something wrong but I feel like it will never be resolved. That I will never see her again. That everyone seems to think forgetting is what is best.
I know it will be even worse for Mizore. She really wanted something to work with one of our gym teachers. I doubt she would ever admit she loved him. I don't think she did. But she wanted him to help her and he didn't know what to do. He's one of those carefree, flirt with every girl that walks by sorts. He didn't know what to do with a girl that needed him. He wasn't even truly interested, but he still let her believe something could happen. I don't know. I hate him for being a coward. I hate him for not turning her down. But when he resigned and left, I felt bad. Because I know leaving things unresolved doesn't fix things. He just left her in his apartment. Let her believe that he was coming back. I guess her only consolation will be that they never had sex. And that's not a consolation for a girl that feels nobody will ever want her.
I'm trying to make things right. I'm trying to keep everyone together. We've brought Mizore in and I wanted to help her heal. I wanted to help her.
But then we had that field trip. We had to leave her and do our club stuff. I thought it would be good. I had friends like Nerume and Satsuki to look after Mizore. We were going to step away from school and have some fun. I even was becoming closer to Tsukune. After so much uncertainty, it looked like we could come back from this trip and officially declare ourselves a couple. He was finally comfortable with the idea of everyone knowing because he realized it changed nothing for Moka. Moka would be fine.
As much as Yukari fussed over coming to the human world, she is the only reason we all got out of there safe. If she had not saved Sangi and Chouda that first day, there's no telling what would have happened. I can't imagine we could have carried on. We needed her, but it cost her so much. And things have only gotten worse. I don't even know how she is right now. They won't let anyone talk to her.
I'm wandering off. I'm losing heart. It's hard. There's just so much wrong. I don't want to leave anything out. I don't want to gloss over my troubles. Because I can't pretend everything is fine. If I have to hide this from you, then I don't know what to do. My friends can't help. They're all torn up. Everyone is hurt.
We met a witch on the hill. The paper has some details about it. She was stolen from her parents and raised to believe humans were the worst things. This older witch was unreal. I don't know how else to describe her. To hate so much. To kill Rubi's parents and then pretend that they were killed by humans. To raise a little girl with the intent of stealing her body. I don't how people do this. I don't know how.
Yukari convinced Rubi to turn against the woman and she died. Not Rubi. I mean the old woman. Rubi insists that her master let her kill her. I guess that's okay. I don't know. I hadn't really seen Rubi since we left the human world until this morning. I guess she's okay. I think she hates it here. I can't blame her. We told her that this was better than living with a woman filled with hate. And then this happens.
God. I guess this is all that's left. I could say that I spent that money you sent. I did. I bought several things for my kitchen. I could do something trivial. I wish that was important. I wish my biggest issue was what I would be doing with Tsukune tomorrow. I seriously started this week sad because they told me I needed to cut back on my time with him. We were moving things too fast. I did have sex with him on his birthday for the first time. Why does that feel so long ago?
I don't know why I forgot that people could hate you simply for being you. Nobody has hated me for being a succubus. Nobody has cared. But a bunch of monstrel boys got it in their head that Moka and Tsukune were stuck up vampires that needed to be punished. This stupid fuck that was suspended once this year for causing us trouble was allowed back in Tsukune's class and picked a fight. I guess he died. I don't know. I wasn't there.
Because this jerk died, his buddies got angry and decided they had to avenge his death. But they didn't go after Tsukune directly. They grabbed Moka and Yukari. They raped my little friend. I don't believe they did anything to Moka. She said they didn't. I don't want to know if she lied.
So after grabbing them and holding them hostage, they went to fetch Tsukune. But we were all worried, so we weren't letting anyone be alone. So he was with Satsuki and Nerume when they came for him. Satsuki's fine. She's a member of the PSC and they didn't want her involved. They hit her over the head and left her there.
Nerume.
They broke her. I don't know. She might walk again. Maybe. I hope so. While they were hurting her, Tsukune managed to free Moka. They killed them. They killed all those boys. And I'm not sad about that. I'm not sad at all.
We arrived late. Mizore had followed them so she was there but hiding. Ginei brought Tora and me to the place since Mizore had contacted us through an ice double. I assume you know what that is.
Tsukune was beyond reason. He attacked us. We're all okay. Mizore had to spend one night in the hospital. I guess I should admit that I was bedridden till this afternoon. I tried to reach him. I couldn't watch Moka hurt him. I knew it was not what she wanted. That she was only doing it because she saw no other way to stop him.
So that's why I wasn't able to write you. I wasn't conscious the first night and I was restrained yesterday. I don't know if they would even tell you. They might since they are toying with the idea of punishing Tsukune and Moka for this. They will punish them for killing boys that planned to kill them. Boys that broke my Yukari and Nerume. It makes no sense.
I saw Tsukune for the first time a couple hours ago. He still isn't conscious. They are worried that he will never be the same. I know he won't be. How could he be? Even if losing control spares him the memory of killing those boys and hurting me, I don't think he will remain oblivious. Too many of our friends know what happened.
I wish you were here. I know by the time this letter reaches you, I will have calmed down. I know that right now I have to focus on the things I can do. I have to continue with the hope that everything will work out. That everyone will be safe. Even though it never feels that way.
Satsuki turns sixteen tomorrow. She was crying because we all got hurt while making birthday plans for her. Satsuki doesn't really cry. I want to make her happy. So I'm going to keep good with those plans. I'm taking Nerume with me and we will have a good birthday for her.
After that, I'm going to find out if there is anything I can do to prevent my friends from being punished. And I guess I can do my silly articles for the baseball and softball teams to kill the times between. I don't know what else I can do. I'm lonely. I want to be loved. I need you to love me.
I want to see you. Please. I don't care how, I just need you. I want you to hold me and tell me that it will all be okay. No matter what I do or say, I will always love you. You have to believe.