The fourth floor patient rooms were not meant for long term visitation. There was no table and the counter space only had enough room for one person. The bed and chair were both fine for one person, but any group activity required getting down on the floor in the small areas between furniture.
Kurumu sighed as she listened to the rough music blaring in her ears while resting her cheek in the crook of her elbow upon the bed. Her feet were tucked in the stool base, toes touching the floor to keep her perch from rolling far. Her tail was coiled about the cylinder connecting the base to the black cushion seat. She drew lazy circles upon the white mat, wondering why Mizore liked this band.
Tora and Mizore had both been gone when she had woken up for the day. Tsukune had greeted her and they had talked for some time before succumbing to physical temptation. She was still unsure what would have happened if the staff had not stopped by to transfer Tsukune to room 404 downstairs. Her neck was still sore from the rough lovemaking which had included some biting.
When they had barely settled in their new room when a familiar teacher had greeted them. She recognized his jagged, inky black locks and formal attire from when they had picked up the PSC applications. This Mr. Yokoyama asked her to leave the room while he spoke with Tsukune about the incident. He had seemed surprisingly apathetic when he had left, thanking them for their cooperation. Tsukune doubted his statements had been any useful, genuinely not recalling most of the incident.
Tsukune was different. Her heart and mind still longed for him, but her body lacked response. She worried her body no longer craved him. There was no impulse to grab him and rub against him. She wanted to. She even had, but it was not the same. It was not the former helplessness that she yielded to. Now she held him to keep this feeling of drifting apart at bay.
This was depressing. She realized Tsukune was now drawn to her. His departure from humanity made him need her more. Confused by the attraction, Tsukune was mixing instinctual motives. Perhaps this had become one of those hunter prey relationships Hazumi fantasized about. Kurumu sighed as the music from Dir En Gray continued to play in her ears. This was not the right.
"You need happy music, Mizore."
Mizore was curled up on the armchair in the corner of the room. Every patient room had one of these things. They were old, some with cushions that were split open. Silver tape had been drawn over the tears of this one.
If there had not been blood stains on her other outfit, it would not have been obvious that the girl had changed clothes. Kurumu had teased the girl over smelling nicer. Mizore was not a good target for this, since she either responded with apologies or apathy. Often both.
"That would disgrace my CD player."
"There's nothing wrong with happy music."
Mizore glanced up from the notebook she had been writing in since returning from the hospital lunch served in the cafeteria.
"What would you call happy music?"
Kurumu paused, rolling that thought around. She had listened to quite a bit of Tsukune's collection, but not enough to confidently say it was happy.
"Karaoke music is happy music."
Mizore rolled her eyes.
"I don't do karaoke."
Kurumu brightened up, lifting her head from her elbow.
"We should take her to Siren's Lullaby, Tora. That would be fun."
Tora was seated on a chair pulled up against the counter near the door. Dressed in pristine white slacks and an olive green buttoned up shirt, the girl had brought several things to keep herself busy. She was presently taking notes from her English textbook. Her dark hair fell down past her shoulders.
"I suspect you would only embarrass her."
"It would give her a chance to listen to different kinds of music."
"Why would I want to listen to the promotion of false hopes and dreams?"
Kurumu sighed, shaking her head. She closed her eyes as his fingers caressed through her hair. She smiled at Tsukune, whom was seated on the bed with his legs crossed. The staff had given him a pair of black slacks and a simple white shirt under the direction of the Headmaster. Tsukune had been thrilled to get out of that flimsy hospital gown.
"I think it would be fun, Mizore."
Tsukune chuckled, picking up the CD case.
"This is a good album when you're in the right mood."
Tora snorted, shaking her head as she took down another note.
"I don't know why anyone would listen to such noise."
"That has more feeling than the popular stuff found in karaoke."
"At least that is music that people will dance to."
"What does dancing have to do with good music?"
Tsukune laughed at the developing squabble.
"There's quite a large selection of what you can find in karaoke. I wouldn't be surprised if one or two songs from Dir En Gray are in there."
"What kind of music do you listen to, Tora?"
Tora shrugged, setting her pencil down. She turned in her chair to regard Kurumu.
"I don't own any music. I listen to whatever Father is playing. He has a preference for gospel."
"Yea. You did mention your father was a Christian teacher."
"Missionary. But if you insist on making her listen to happy music, I would pick gospel over your karaoke selection. Some of those upbeat popular songs have melancholy lyrics if you pay close attention."
"I would prefer not to be indoctrinated."
"I doubt listening to gospel will brainwash you, Ms. Shirayuki."
Tsukune sighed, patting Kurumu's head.
"I honestly don't get it."
"Get what?"
"The whole church thing. What is the point of that?"
Tora shrugged.
"I suppose the idea is to build a sense of community. Our schools function the same way."
Tsukune nodded thoughtfully.
"Does your mother go to this stuff?"
Tora smirked, shaking her head.
"Occasionally she will humor Father, but it is mostly his thing. Our thing."
"Does your father work?"
"He does volunteer and charity work around our community."
"My mother is the same. Said she would lose her mind if she stayed home all day."
All attention turned to Mizore as the girl continued to write in her notebook. Showing no signs of continuing that, Kurumu sat up in her stool and spun the seat about.
"I thought your mother would be like a priestess or something."
Mizore glanced up. Letting her notebook rest in her lap, she absently touched the stick nestled in the corner of her mouth.
"She does her part with the shrine as an attendant. There is only one priestess."
"What does your father do?"
"He helps run the ski lodge with his brothers. He is the youngest of three and handles the finances."
"You have uncles?"
Mizore nodded.
"Cousins?"
"Do you?"
"I only have one cousin."
"I have four cousins from two aunts whom are younger than Mother. The oldest is only eight."
"What is your cousin like, Aono?"
"Kyoko? I guess she's somewhat of a troublemaker."
"You never said that."
Tsukune grinned at Kurumu.
"I did say she got me out of the house doing all sorts of things. She likes to be active and talks nonsense all the time. Tobuyoku is a lot like her, though Kyoko would never wear some of those outfits. She's more like Dangai when it comes to fashion. Throws on whatever is comfortable."
"Those girls have really grown on you."
Tsukune smiled.
"It's not like Kyoko was alone. She had a small group of friends."
"And here I thought with your timid behavior that you had never spoken with a girl."
"It's not like I considered Kyoko and her friends as girls. More like a bunch of older sisters whom only saw me as a servant or a plaything."
"Servant?"
"Plaything?"
Tsukune held his hands up defensively.
"Bad word choice. It's just… Kyoko was the only one that cared about my feelings. Out of the four, Honda is probably the only one that comes close to caring about me the way the three of you do."
Tora sighed softly.
"Ms. Honda is more expressive than her friends. You should not discount the others simply because they don't make things as obvious."
"But the three of you are here for me. That says a lot."
Kurumu flinched at his remark.
"Nobody was allowed to see you, Tsukune. You know the guys from your floor would have come."
Tsukune laughed.
"You don't understand guys that well."
"I think Moka would have checked on you the day she came to see me."
He smiled softly.
"I'm aware why she would be reluctant to be here."
"Considering she tried to kill you."
Kurumu grimaced at Mizore's calm observation. She managed a smile.
"So… you didn't have a crush on any of those older girls?"
Tsukune laughed heartily, shaking his head.
"No. That would have been weird."
"I wonder if one of them liked you."
Attention shifted back to Mizore, whom stared off thoughtfully. The snow girl tilted her head, turning her attention back to her notebook to jot down a couple lines.
"You have cousins, Mizore."
"I've seen them in passing."
Kurumu smiled.
"All boys?"
"Uncle Seiichi has two high school boys and a girl in junior high. Uncle Hiyasu has two girls about the same age as my brothers."
"Oh. Since you're the oldest-"
"They're humans, Kurumu. My uncles married human women and don't live in our village. The ski lodge my father works for is not part of our community."
Kurumu paused, somewhat aware of what the answers would be if she posed the questions on her mind. Her cousins did not live in the village so they would lack the years of building up a resistance to cold. She probably only saw her cousins once in a while due to fear of her powers manifesting, which might have prompted her desire to be a human.
"Do you know their names?"
"Why does that matter?"
"You could write them. I write my cousins a letter at least twice a year. Once for new years and the other around their respective birthdays."
Mizore shrugged at Tora's remark, writing in her notebook.
"I realized Uncle Hiyasu was throwing away my letters to his girls so I stopped trying. And Fumi went to school with the boy that I met at Chubetsu Lake."
Tsukune frowned.
"What boy?"
"An accident a long time ago. My uncles left our village with good reasons. Why would they want their children to keep in touch with a past they left behind?"
Tora sighed as Kurumu remained quiet, enjoying the subtle caresses of his fingers through her hair.
"I understand your frustration with being assigned a job and husband."
"I doubt that."
"Do you not want children?"
"It would depend on the husband."
"That should be irrelevant."
"Not to me."
"Is a child worth more if she is born from parents in love?"
Mizore frowned, cocking her head.
"Her life would be better."
"That was not the question."
"Well. If her life is worse-"
"Then she is worth less."
Mizore's jaw quivered.
"Not what I said."
"Can you guarantee that the passion of today will last the entire span of a child's life?"
"Ease off her, Tora."
Tora shook her head slowly.
"No. I understand her frustration but there's really no choice. You can't throw away family. There's nothing to replace it with."
Kurumu smiled softly.
"Sure you can. Our club is a family."
"Considering our club is under threat of disbanding and some of us might end up expelled, I don't feel like your example is appropriate."
"Yea, but there's no reason to pretend like our parents define the rest of our lives. I do love my mother more than I care to admit, but I'm not going to do everything she asks of me."
Tora frowned.
"What has she ever asked you to do something that you don't like?"
"I didn't get myself wrapped up in a relationship with a teacher."
Tora snorted, shaking her head.
"Your mother is not a demanding parent. Tsukune's parents have higher expectations."
"Gee, thanks."
"Ms. Shirayuki has more in common with Moka and myself. And while I sympathize for that, I can't condone her decision to rebel."
"Would you marry a man your mother picked out for you?"
"I trust my mother to know men better than I."
"Not the same."
With a frustrated sigh, Kurumu regarded Mizore.
"I'm trying to fend for you."
"The Snow Priestess arranged my marriage. My parents had little say in it."
Kurumu frowned.
"I… what?"
"My mother cried when she gave me the news. I have wondered what it must have felt like to inform your nine year old daughter that she will have to marry someone you have never met."
"I assumed your parents had agreed to it."
With a shrug, Mizore turned her attention back to her notebook.
"It's not like they could refuse. Not many places welcome my kind."
Tora took a deep breath as she rested her cheek in her palm.
"Okay that does change things quite a bit. I could see yielding to an arranged marriage set up by my parents, but not by a town committee."
"I love my family, but all I can do is cause them pain. I just want the suffering to end."
There was a notable pause as Mizore filled in the last of her page before turning it over.
"To be honest, I have no desire to be a lawyer. I know following in my mother's footsteps is the easiest path for her approval."
"Why are you so obsessed with pleasing your mother?"
"It's not like I have any real desire to be anything else. And I do feel indebted to her for my existence."
Mizore snorted.
"Why should anyone feel grateful for that? Nobody asks to be born."
"Oh please, don't walk down that line of thought. Without being born you would not be around to voice how miserable your life is and every other sad nonsense that pops in your head. Life shall always be what you make of it. There are as many people that hate the rain as those that love it."
A thoughtful look crossed Mizore's face. She jotted down a couple lines in her notebook without responding to Tora, causing Kurumu to smile.
"Fuel for your story?"
"Perhaps."
Tora smirked, regarding Tsukune.
"You've gone quiet, Tsukune."
He laughed nervously.
"Yea. I feel like I have nothing to add. My dad sells health and life insurance plans to companies, which is not a line of work anybody would admire. My mom stays at home. I don't even have a clue what Kyoko's parents do. I never thought to ask, but I know that both of them work. They're never home. That's why Kyoko was always out with me and her friends. She hated being alone in that house."
"And you ditched her for video games."
"I was not going to a school that was over ninety percent female."
"Oh? From the look of things, you seem to enjoy being surrounded by women."
"Honestly I feel like that's your fault."
There was a firm knock at the door. Tora turned about in her chair as all attention shifted.
"You can come in."
The door opened and a blond haired man with short hair and stubble on his chin stepped into the room holding a clipboard. He had a white lab coat over a white dress shirt with a black and white tie cinched about the collar. He smiled warmly as he approached the bed.
"Mr. Aono. I'm pleased to see you are still doing well."
Doctor Yuji Yutaka had visited them within an hour of them being brought to this room. He had both of them sent off to different rooms for scans, much to Tsukune's surprise. Sheepishly she had to explain that she had technically not been released but could not sit around in a hospital doing nothing while her friend turned sixteen.
"And it looks like you are ready to be released, Ms. Kurono. And please bring back Ms. Genzouyaki. That poor girl is in no condition to be fooling around on campus."
With a chuckle, the doctor turned and handed his clipboard off to a sullen figure standing in his shadow. The brunette forced a smile as she took the clipboard, pressing it against the short sleeved, white frock that swathed her torso.
"Yakumaru?"
Blue eyes peered at Kurumu through thin glasses.
"Yea?"
A wave of relief coursed through Kurumu. Thoughts of Ginei's discovery last night had gnawed at the corners of her mind.
"You're alive."
Yakumaru made a short, nervous laugh.
"Should I not be?"
"Ginei went to check on you last night. Your door was broken down and your apartment ransacked. Nobody knew where you were."
Yakumaru's eyes widened.
"That doesn't sound good, Ms. Yakumaru. If you are having problems-"
"No, no. I've been staying with a friend all weekend. Probably just another break in. You know how bad my neighborhood can be."
"My door is always open if you need it."
Yakumaru rolled her eyes, forcing a smile.
"That won't be needed, Doctor. I am fine."
Kurumu got up from her stool, walking around the doctor to place a hand on Yakumaru's shoulder.
"Are you sure? We were with Tokori last night. She had no idea where you could be."
Yakumaru's shoulders slumped.
"How was she? Was she happy last night?"
Kurumu frowned at the odd reaction. But she could not share Tokori's reaction to not knowing where Yakumaru was. She felt that would make things worse with Yakumaru.
"You know how she is. Tokori acts like nothing bothers her."
"Yea. That's how she always was."
"Are you okay?"
Yakumaru looked up to regard Tsukune.
"If you don't mind, I will be in your office."
The doctor clearly was interested. The man pulled his stethoscope out of his coat.
"I suppose I can handle this on my own. I'll be down in a few."
Yakumaru touched Kurumu's hand.
"You and your friends should go home, Ms. Kurono. A vampire doesn't need your help."
"Huh?"
Yakumaru pushed away from her, stepping through the open door and walking briskly down the hallway. Her footsteps clapped loudly upon the floor.
"She's been like that all day. I wouldn't take it personally."
Kurumu managed a smile as she wandered over to Tora.
"Do you think you could find out about this friend she has been staying with?"
The doctor chuckled.
"Of course. I'm curious about that. Now, Mr. Aono. Hop down off that bed so I can take your vitals."
Tsukune did as instructed and the doctor was quick to use the stethoscope and various other gizmos he had stuffed in the pockets of his coat. After checking lungs, pulse, eyes and ears, the doctor stepped back with a smug grin.
"I suppose I should not be surprised with your health. You were not in that bad of shape when they brought you in. At least the blood poisoning seems to have cleared up."
"Blood poisoning?"
The doctor chuckled.
"I'm sure you noticed the blackness of your veins is no longer so pronounced. That seemed to clear up rapidly over the weekend after Mrs. Shuzen provided a supplement to your blood."
Kurumu snickered, drawing a curious look from the man. Sensing no explanation, he smiled.
"Anyways, we should keep you at least one more day just to be safe. It's not like we are in a hurry to shove you back into the wild. I hear it will be rough for you out there."
"What do you mean?"
"The Outcasts have been quite vocal about getting justice. I wouldn't be surprised if a couple of them get impatient and take matters into their own hands. If I were you, I'd watch my back."
Kurumu stepped around the doctor to take Tsukune's hand in both of hers. She felt the chain upon her skin and she smiled, stepping in close to lean her head on his shoulder.
"He will be fine. He has friends to help him."
Tora got up, fluffing her hair over her shoulder.
"Don't get carried away. You're helping us find that guy for the Headmaster."
Mizore tucked her notebook inside her center pocket and freed herself of the squeaky cushion. Cocking her head, she walked over to Tsukune's left side.
"I will keep him safe. I promise to not take my eyes off him."
The doctor chuckled, retreating slowly to the door.
"It's a good thing you have so many friends. Hopefully I won't be seeing you in here any time soon."
Tsukune laughed as Kurumu and Mizore pressed in on his sides.
"Yea, I hope so too."
The doctor made a casual salute as he stepped out into the hall. His expression quickly changed when he looked down the hall.
"No need to be shy, young miss. I'm well aware whom you are."
Tsukune stiffened a moment. With a surge of energy, he bolted for the door before Kurumu could react. She shared a confused look with Mizore before heading out into the hall to see what was going on.
"Moka!"
It was her. Moka stood at the end of the hall, dressed for school. Tsukune stood several paces down the hall, slowly approaching the distraught vampire. Kurumu could see the pain in Moka's eyes.
"I'm so glad that you came."
Moka's eyes met Kurumu's. The vampire clutched the rosary at her chest. She turned her gaze to him.
"I'm so sorry, Tsukune."
"It's okay, Moka. Nobody blames you for this."
"I blame her."
Kurumu rolled her eyes at Mizore. Shaking her head, she started down the hall with the others in tow.
"Mizore is right. I should be expelled."
Mizore sighed as they came to a stop behind Tsukune.
"Akashiya leaving would force Kurumu to leave."
"What?"
Mizore cocked her head at his confusion.
"There was a blood price. Kurumu paid for it."
Moka's body relaxed as tears rolled down her cheek. She stared through Kurumu.
"What have you done?"
"It's no big deal. Tsukune was saved."
"She swore her life to your little sister."
Moka favored Kurumu a pained look and sighed.
"Why would you do something so stupid?"
Kurumu rolled her eyes.
"Kokoa gave her blood to him so he could live. He would have died."
Moka looked down, shaking her head.
"So… Moka's sister gave her blood to me on the condition that you become her servant?"
"Pretty much. Mrs. Shuzen told the Headmaster to make arrangements for Kokoa to come here, but I guess that won't happen if Moka gets expelled."
Tora's breath caught in her throat.
"Wait. Are we losing you too?"
Kurumu waved her hands animatedly, realizing how hurt Tora looked.
"No! That's only if Moka gets expelled."
A palm gripped her shoulder with painful firmness.
"Let me take that oath from you, Kurumu. I know my sister would approve."
"Is that what the other Moka feels is best?"
Moka glanced away.
"I don't care what she thinks."
Kurumu chuckled, shaking her head.
"I don't think that will work. Kokoa likes you, but she wants her sister inside you."
Tsukune smiled, stepping in close to Moka.
"Don't worry, Moka. I'm sure Tora and Kurumu have something in mind that will cause this whole thing to blow over. We can go back to how things were before."
He held his hand out, the chain dangling from his wrist. Moka jerked back, pulling Kurumu up into her arms to be protectively between them.
"You need to stay away from me, Tsukune."
"What?"
Moka shook her head, releasing Kurumu.
"We can never see each other again."
Moka turned sharply on her heel and ran down the hall. Tsukune took a step, but Kurumu thrust her arm out, shaking her head. Frowning, he glanced at Tora whom grabbed him by the sleeve.
Mizore tugged her notebook out of her center pocket, flipping it open.
"Good dramatic exit. I might use that."
"This is serious, Mizore."
Mizore shrugged, jotting in her book.
"What is wrong with Moka?"
Kurumu sighed, turning a smile on him. She had several ideas what could be going through Moka's head, but it might be best to discuss this in private. Kurumu grabbed him by the sleeve and tugged him in the direction of the room. She flashed a smile at the doctor, nodding her head.
"If you have no further need of him, I suggest you hurry and see to Ms. Yakumaru."
The doctor grinned.
"Right. You kids behave yourselves."
Kurumu shook her head as the doctor walked off. Slipping back into the room, she sighed.
"Behave ourselves? What exactly could we do?"
"I could think of a few things."
She frowned as a mild sensation of desire wafted from him. He laughed sheepishly, glancing away as she halfheartedly backhanded his shoulder.
"Right. On a serious note, you will have to be extra cautious about removing Moka's seal from here on out. We know Deshi swiped it that one time, forcing the other Moka to chase her down and get it back. That could be the case if that seal ever comes off in Kokoa's presence."
Tsukune nodded thoughtfully, turning at the sound of the door closing. Mizore drifted around them, making her way back to the armchair.
"Okay. But Moka has to be stronger than her little sister, right?"
Kurumu shrugged.
"I don't want to take that risk."
"Fair enough. So what do you have planned?"
Kurumu glanced at Tora.
"Maybe we should check on Yakumaru with the doctor?"
"What business do you have with the nurse?"
Tora smiled at his confusion as she gestured to Mizore.
"You keep an eye on him, Ms. Shirayuki."
"I'll protect him with my life."
Kurumu grinned as she joined Tora out in the hall. She could not tell if that was sincere or just Mizore trying out dramatic lines for her story.
Kurumu sighed, glancing at the literature book he was holding. She relaxed against his chest, resting the back of her head on his shoulder. He shifted slightly to turn the page.
They had found no signs of Yakumaru or the doctor. There had been nobody in his office and the few staff members they came across were too busy to be of any help. The elevators were acting up and would be offline until they could get a repair technician, forcing the orderlies to spend most their time helping patients up and down the stairs.
Breaking off the search to eat dinner, they had decided to call it quits. Tora highly doubted either would be working a shift past six, thinking it might be best to stick with finding Fusamina. She even suspected Fusamina could be the friend Yakumaru had been staying with all weekend. Seeing no reason to contest Tora's logic, Kurumu was content to curl up in Tsukune's lap for as long as the staff allowed them to remain on the premises.
There was a rap at the door. Tora glanced up from her library book. Mizore continued to write.
"I bring delectable treats!"
A familiar blond with locks that fell just shy of her shoulders strolled into the room with a plastic sack full of ice cream cartons. She held it up with soft blue eyes sparkling.
"Dear lord, Kana found the hospital."
Tora grinned at Kurumu, setting her book down. She slipped out of her chair as Kana fumbled through the bag to offer a carton and spoon to the sphinx.
"I try to avoid this place, but Mr. Morioka convinced me to drag a few young ladies home."
"Where is Ginei?"
"He was in the lobby for a few minutes but he got edgy and said he would wait outside."
Mizore had extracted herself from the armchair, stretching her arms over her head as she wandered over to the foot of the bed.
"And how are you, Ms. Shirayuki? You know there's a rumor going around that you died."
Mizore cocked her head.
"Really?"
Kana handed over another carton to the snow girl. She smiled at Kurumu.
"You two are looking comfy. I hope Moka didn't see you making out or something."
Kurumu laughed, shaking her head. She sat up, scooting forward to free herself of Tsukune's clutches. She smiled, reaching out for the chocolate ice cream carton offered to her.
"Nothing like that. Anything special happen since I saw you Saturday?"
"Not really. Just another manic Monday."
Tsukune swung his leg over the right side of the bed, slipping off into that small space between the bed and counter.
"It's good to see you, Kana."
"I should bring sweets more often. I've never been so popular."
Tsukune held his hand out as Kana pulled the last carton from the bag. Smiling, she kept the carton close to her blouse.
"Sorry, Aono. I didn't know Ms. Shirayuki would be here."
Tsukune laughed nervously, pulling his hand back to rub his neck.
"That's okay. We just had dinner a half hour ago."
"Same. Ginei treated me to dinner before coming here."
Tora smiled softly as she spooned a mouthful of mint cream into her mouth.
"I hope he behaved himself."
"It was sort of an impromptu club meeting. Mostly him asking how my comic was coming along."
Tsukune chuckled.
"It's amazing how you do that."
"Do what?"
"I don't know. Come up with a story."
"It's more like a collection of gags and skits I have picked up over the years. It's nothing special."
"That's more than what I can think of."
Tora shrugged.
"Kana reads more manga than I do."
"You've seen some anime, Aono. That's sort of the same thing I'm doing."
Kurumu smiled, tugging the top of the carton off. It felt better having a fresh face around. She scooped out a small chunk with the wooden spoon, lifting the sweet mixture to her lips.
"I wouldn't say your content is the sort I'm used to seeing on TV."
"You're clearly not watching the same shows."
"In his defense, some titles are released straight to DVD."
Kana made a slight smile.
"Heard about Yukari. Shame she had to leave like that."
Kurumu nodded, letting her spoon linger in the carton.
"It's not forever. She will be back."
"I hope so. She still has a good chunk of my GTO collection."
Tora snorted, shaking her head.
"Glad to hear your priorities are in order."
"I need to augment my selection next term. I could introduce Yukari to Gravitation, The Tyrant Falls in Love and Man's Best Friend."
Tora glanced at Kana with disdain.
"We don't need you damaging that poor girl further."
"Nothing wrong with broadening her horizons."
"She doesn't need to wander down that path. Don't you have anything more wholesome?"
"Like what?"
"Don't you have something silly like Slayers or Orphen?"
"I didn't have you pegged as the action fantasy sort."
Tora waved her hand dismissively.
"I'm not. I'm just thinking of sorcerers."
Tsukune chuckled, slipping between Tora and Kana as he tugged open the door. Kurumu frowned, resting her full spoon in her carton.
"Where are you going?"
"I feel awkward watching all of you eat ice cream. I'm going downstairs to check if I can get something sweet in the cafeteria."
"Can you get some drinks while you're down there?"
Kurumu set her carton aside on the bed.
"I'll come with you."
Tsukune smirked with a glance as he lingered in the doorway.
"I think I can manage running down to the cafeteria on my own."
Kurumu hesitated as he slipped out into the hall. She glanced at Mizore.
"Do you want to follow him?"
Kana laughed, scooting back to block the door. Mizore cocked her head inquisitively.
"You two are overly protective. Give the guy some breathing room."
"It's not without reason, Kana. There are people out to get him."
Kana reluctantly nodded with a slight hand gesture.
"I know that, but it's not like anyone is going to follow him into the men's room."
"Why not?"
Kana favored Mizore with a dubious look.
"You're not serious, right?"
Kurumu smirked at a sour thought.
"She's seen more of Tsukune than I would have liked."
"I was doing as you asked."
Kana shook her head, waving at them dismissively.
"Whatever. I just know Moka was lurking about, mumbling about needing to be alone with Aono."
Tora frowned.
"Moka is still here?"
"Yea. Saw her in the stairway. Seemed pretty shook up which is why I wondered if she had seen the two of you making out."
Kurumu pushed around Kana and stepped out into the hall. Seeing no signs of Tsukune, she jogged in the direction of the floor lobby with the stair and elevators. She quickly reached the end of the hall and angled off towards the winding stair on her right. She noted the steel gate drawn across the aisle that preceded the stairs to the top floor. Turning down the short corridor, she started down the steps that would take her to the lobby.
There was a short flight of steps to a landing before it turned down a long flight that emptied on the next floor. She glanced about the lobby as she hurried to the corridor on her left. Trotting down the short path, she turned left down the next short flight of steps.
Hitting the landing, she spied Tsukune lingering at the bottom of the steps. He was clutching his arm to his chest as he backed against the wall. Moka shuffled into view with heavy, deliberate steps. The vampire held a knife or razor in her right hand. The blade was dripping with blood. Moka lifted her arm up slowly as she advanced.
"But why?"
Not knowing or caring why, Kurumu hustled down the steps. As Moka's hand swiped down in a dangerous arc, Kurumu sprung from the stairs to slam her head into Moka's torso. She winced from the impact of hitting the floor, though Moka's body took most of it.
Crawling up to straddle the vampire, Kurumu grabbed Moka by the shoulders and slammed her down hard. There were tears in Moka's turquoise eyes. A small hint of drool graced the corner of her lips as Moka stared vacantly up at her.
"Moka?"
The blade cut into her side, effortlessly cutting through fabric and skin. Gritting her teeth, Kurumu freed her right hand to slap Moka hard across the cheek. A light flickered in Moka's eyes. Kurumu yanked Moka's head up and peered intently at the girl.
"You have to wake up!"
Kurumu winced as Moka yanked the blade free of her side. Moka's eyes drifted to regard the blade as Kurumu felt the blood drip freely to her waist. Snaking a hand out to seize Moka's wrist, Kurumu turned Moka's head to see the fresh puncture wound on her neck. It was the same as Yukari's.
"Did I?"
"Why didn't you go home? You shouldn't be here."
"What's going on?"
Kurumu glanced over her shoulder, noting Tora and Kana had arrived at the landing. Both girls were slowly descending the last flight of stairs.
"I need you to take Moka out to Ginei, Kana."
Moka gasped, dropping the razor.
"What did I do?"
"Shut up, Moka. You said you were going away so why are you still here?"
Moka shook her head, her eyes brimming with fresh tears.
"I don't know. I don't remember."
Grabbing Moka by the collar, Kurumu shook the vampire.
"I don't care! You were told not to wander around by yourself! Stop making everything worse!"
"Kurumu?"
Kurumu tucked her head against Moka's breast and broke into sobs. It was too much. Everything was too much. What was Yakumaru trying to do? Why? She already killed Midou and the other survivors. Was she being pressured to kill Tsukune?
"Go away, Moka. Just go away."
Hands touched her shoulder. She glanced over at Kana, whom had knelt down at her side.
"I got her, Kurumu. Are you okay?"
"I don't know what to do."
"I'll take her outside to Ginei."
Tears rolled down Moka's cheeks.
"When did you get here?"
Kurumu picked herself off Moka. Tora was pushing blue essence into Tsukune's wound, mending the flesh. The torn and bloodied sleeve remained. She winced, touching the dampness at her side. Her wound would heal quickly on its own, though she was annoyed Moka had ruined her shirt. She hoped the blood would wash out of her gray shorts or she would lose this whole outfit.
"Where's Mizore?"
"Back in the room. I figured one of us should stay."
Kurumu shook her head.
"It's not safe for anyone to be alone."
Tsukune regarded Moka as the vampire stumbled up on her feet, leaning against Kana. The blond draped an arm around Moka's back and slowly guided Moka off to the left of the stairs.
"What happened to Moka?"
"We can discuss this in the room. Let's go."
"Moka."
The vampire paused before disappearing down the short corridor to the next flight of steps. Tsukune smiled, lifting his arm.
"It's fine. I will be okay."
Moka's lip quivered as she glanced away, a tear crawling down her cheek. Shaking her head, she walked away with Kana's guidance.
Pressing her hand to her side, Kurumu started back up the stairs. Tora quickly came up beside her while Tsukune followed a couple stairs behind.
"Maybe we should have gone downstairs with Moka."
"No. We can't leave Mizore alone."
"She'll be fine. It's Moka I'm worried about."
Kurumu paused at the landing. Shaking her head, she continued up to the next floor.
"I think Moka is fine for now."
"Was she being controlled like Yukari?"
Kurumu smiled softly as she walked down the short corridor on the third floor.
"Yea. She had the same mark on her neck."
"Then she must still be in the hospital."
Kurumu nodded, regarding the empty lobby of the third floor for a moment. Turning right, she headed for the stairs that would take them back up to Mizore.
"I don't understand what is going on."
"You remember why we left you after your quick exam with the doctor?"
"Weren't you going to check on that nurse?"
"Yea. She's a friend of Tokori."
Tsukune laughed nervously as they started up the next flight of steps.
"Who is that?"
"Meirowasa. You've met this girl before. She was there when the PSC gave us that lunch."
"Oh, right. She's the one in your home ec."
"Yea. Well, both Tokori and Yakumaru are monstrels. I think Yakumaru is or was involved with the Outcasts and has herself caught up in a mess of tying up loose ends. I hoped she was done when she had Yukari kill Midou and the other survivors."
Tsukune had a look of astonishment.
"Do you think she was told to kill Tsukune?"
"All I know is someone has her convinced that they will hurt Tokori's family if she doesn't cooperate. If we can capture her, we should be able to find out whom is threatening her."
Tora huffed as they turned up the last flight of steps.
"We don't even know where to start looking."
"I just hope Mizore is okay."
Mizore stepped into view at the top of the stairs, startling them. Her hands were stuffed in her center pocket as she cocked her head to regard them.
"I'm fine."
Tora clutched her chest, shaking her head.
"Sweet Lord in heaven, I thought you would be in the room."
"Where did the other girl go?"
"Do you mean Kana?"
Mizore shrugged.
"Kana is taking Moka outside to be with Ginei. We were coming up to make sure Yakumaru hadn't gotten to you."
"Who?"
Kurumu shook her head, not wanting to explain everything again.
"Whatever. All that matters is that you're not under some spell."
Tora forced a smile, glancing at Tsukune.
"Now we have to find Yakumaru."
"Why is Kurumu bleeding?"
Kurumu smiled, waving for Mizore to follow as she started back down the stairs.
"Come on. She might have been somewhere on the second floor, watching the attack."
"Are you okay, Aono?"
"It's fine, Mizore. Tora patched me up."
"Did Akashiya do that?"
Tora sighed as they steadily descended the long flight down to the third floor.
"Yes and no. We think Yakumaru got inside her head and forced her to attack Tsukune."
"Are you sure it wasn't the other Moka?"
Kurumu flinched at how casually Mizore suspected Moka.
"It's not like that, Mizore. I know Yakumaru is responsible. We have to find her before she tries anything more drastic."
They reached the third floor, hugging the left wall as they made their way over to the other corridor.
"What does this Yakumaru want?"
Tsukune chuckled nervously.
"I guess she wants me dead. She had Moka slash at me."
"You need to stop, Tsukune."
Tsukune paused, regarding Mizore whom had stopped to stare dispassionately at the corners of the corridor. Kurumu touched Tsukune's clean sleeve as Tora also came to a halt.
"What's wrong?"
"How much more has to happen before you accept that Akashiya is your problem?"
Kurumu let his sleeve go, taking a step towards Mizore.
"That's not the point. We need Yakumaru to stop the expulsion."
"What will that accomplish? We both know the only way for him to be safe is to stay away from her."
Tsukune laughed, shaking his head.
"That's not true, Mizore. Moka has helped me out of several difficult situations since coming to Yokai."
Mizore shrugged, glancing aside.
"You wouldn't be at Yokai if it wasn't for her."
Tsukune sighed. Turning about, he took his first step down the stairs.
"If she is my problem, then I should do my best to take care of her."
Kurumu scowled, gesturing for Tora to follow him as she stomped over to Mizore. She grabbed the girl by the collar, ignoring the chill as she pulled her closer.
"What the hell was that for?"
"You need to put some space between yourself and Aono."
"What?"
"Your relationship with him is over. It's painful to watch."
Kurumu grit her teeth, shaking her head.
"Now is not the time for this! Have you no comprehension of the situation we are in?"
"I'm only thinking of what is best for him. You should do the same."
Angrily, Kurumu snatched the girl by the sleeve and turned about. She tugged on the girl as she headed for the stairs.
"Don't be ridiculous. I can fret over that when her sister arrives. Right now we need to focus on finding Yakumaru and getting her to talk."
Mizore yanked her arm away. With a look, she stepped ahead of Kurumu to start down the stairs.
"If she wants Aono, she won't let him leave the hospital. She will try to stop us."
That made sense. Kurumu pushed Mizore aside as she bounded down the stairs, quickly reaching the second floor. She paused only a moment to notice the bloodstains on the wall and floor before hurrying around down the short corridor.
"Guys, wait up! She's probably in the lobby."
It was dark. She slowed her step as she descended the last stairs, an anxious feeling creeping across her. She glanced about upon reaching the bottom of the stairs, looking off to the right in the direction of the offices. To the left were the operating and emergency rooms. Both halls were dark without any signs of life. While she was aware the hospital was never that busy, this was intimidating.
"Tsukune?"
Kurumu pushed through the double doors and her heart skipped. The room was full of people, most milling about without purpose. Some had puncture wounds in their neck similar to what she had seen on Moka and Yukari. Others had been stabbed through their clothes. Most of them were orderlies and doctors, but there were a few patients in gowns and guests wearing street clothes. They all turned to regard her, vacant eyes staring in unison.
Kurumu froze in place, recognizing several staff members. The orderly that she had tricked was one of the people holding Tsukune about the torso. A young girl patient with short pig tails was wrapped about his legs while a black haired man in street clothes held Tsukune's left arm. He was facing Yakumaru, whom was standing in the center of the lobby. The brunette held Kana close, a dagger like finger pressed to the blonde's throat.
"Calm down, woman. We're not here to hurt you."
Ginei stood off to Yakumaru's right, holding his hands up. For some reason, none of the controlled tried to grab him. Perhaps Yakumaru had already realized the futility of it. Off to the left, Tora was being accosted from behind by Ms. Sasayaki. The science teacher's head was tilted slightly, the wound on her neck visible. The sphinx quietly wept without any attempt to break free from the authority figure.
"I asked you to leave! I will cut this girl open if you don't."
"I can't do that."
"I just need the vampires. Bring Ms. Akashiya back to me."
"I can't do that either."
Snapping out of her trance, Kurumu started across the room, favoring her right. She noted a heavyset man stumble towards her while the blond receptionist shuffled around Tora to intercept. If she could draw Yakumaru's attention, Ginei might have an opening.
"We can help you, Ms. Yakumaru."
Yakumaru pulled Kana in tighter, shaking her head. Her eyes were wild and desperate.
"Stay back, Ms. Kurono."
It happened in an instant. Yakumaru twisted aside, causing Ginei to hit the reception desk with his hands. He chuckled, shaking his head as he turned about. Blood dripped down Yakumaru's fingers as Kana whimpered in her arms.
"You made me cut her."
"Give me the girl."
"Just stop this, Yakumaru. You don't need to do this."
A hand roughly grabbed Kurumu by the shoulder. Kurumu turned to regard the large man with shaggy hair. His dark eyes were empty and lifeless. She pushed thoughts of him wanting to release her, but the burly man grabbed her by the other shoulder, yanking her into his sweaty chest. She forced her hands between them, pushing on him with all her might while forcing her will upon him. She had to break free.
Another set of hands grabbed her about her neck, tugging her head back. Crying out, Kurumu hopped up to kick at the heavy man. He released her shoulders, allowing her to fall into her other assailant's grasp. Realizing the other was the blond receptionist, she twisted and flailed for a moment. Her legs were seized and she was hauled up off the floor.
"This is your last chance."
"You are killing your friend."
Kurumu saw that Ginei was across the lobby once again. He must have made another attempt at Kana. There was more blood dripping down Yakumaru's arm.
"Don't make me hit a girl."
Yakumaru glanced at Tsukune.
"You have five seconds before I have Aono kill you all."
Ginei chuckled.
"Tsukune? Good luck making that happen."
"Five."
Kurumu struggled against her captors, aware how real that threat was. If Yakumaru took control of Tsukune, she might force him back into a ghoul state.
"Four."
"Don't! You'll die too!"
Yakumaru glanced in her direction. Amid the desperation was sorrow and grief.
"Three."
"We can protect you like we have Ms. Meirowasa's family."
Yakumaru's eyes wavered. She took in a labored breath.
"Two."
Ginei darted across the room in a blur of colors. Yakumaru twirled aside just at the moment of collision. Ginei reappeared with Kana across the room, holding the girl's gushing throat as the brunette lashed out at Tsukune. Her digit extended into a whip that crossed the distance in an instant.
"One."
Moka gasped as the digit bore into her neck, reopening the wound from before. The vampire clutched at Tsukune's shoulders, her face twitching with pained emotions as she stared into his eyes.
"Moka!"
Tsukune struggled against his captors as Moka collapsed at his feet. Yakumaru straightened up, glancing at Ginei whom was busy trying to stop Kana's bleeding. She turned her attention back to Moka, a slight smile on her lips.
"Good girl. We still had work to do."
"Please stop this."
Yakumaru regarded Kurumu with haunted eyes.
"I don't care what happens after they die. That's all that matters."
Struggling was pointless when she had no footing on the ground. Her charm was unable to reach these people but maybe she could influence the source. Staring into Yakumaru's troubled eyes, Kurumu believed she could help her.
"You have to listen to me, Yakumaru. Tell us whom is making you do this. Once we catch him, everyone you care about will be safe. Tokori will be safe."
For a moment it felt like it had worked. The grip on her lessened and she saw Ms. Sasayaki let Tora go. As Moka staggered up on her feet, Yakumaru glanced at the sphinx.
"Heal your friend."
Tora needed no further prompting, rushing over to Ginei's side. Kneeling down, the sphinx made the diamond pattern at her chest, summoning the familiar bluish light that brought healing.
"Now, my little puppet. Kill Mr. Aono."
Moka wobbled a step forward.
"No! Yakumaru, stop!"
Moka drew back her hand, fingers extended. Kurumu realized what would happen next.
"Tsukune!"
"It's okay, Kurumu. I trust Moka."
Tsukune took in a deep breath, closing his eyes. Moka paused, a tear rolling down her cheek.
"It will be fine."
Moka slammed her hand into her own side, collapsing to her knees. Blood gushed from her abdomen as the vampire pitched forward on her good hand, gasping heavily as her hair brushed upon the floor.
"Tsukune. Sorry."
"Moka!"
Tsukune struggled, wresting a hand free to touch the vampire's bowed head. Moka yanked her hand out hard, scarlet droplets slinging across the floor in an arc. Placing her bloodied hand on the floor, Moka coughed and wheezed.
"You skipped a step. Killing yourself was to happen after."
Yakumaru shook her head slowly as she took menacing steps towards Moka. She grabbed the vampire by the hair, yanking her head back. Her other hand lengthened into a sickle as she turned her gaze upon Tsukune. She lowered her blade like an executioner.
Ginei clucked his tongue in admonishment as he yanked the brunette back from Moka. Yakumaru struggled, her fingers whipping about like vines seeking purchase in his flesh. He darted out of her reach, shaking his head as she turned about to regard him angrily.
"Don't interfere!"
Yakumaru swung about, her arm reforming into a scythe that could remove Moka's head. But the blade snapped off as something shot through the air that tore Yakumaru's arm off at the elbow. The temperature of the room dropped significantly as Mizore stepped out of the shadows.
"Where have you been, princess?"
"Sorry. Froze up."
Ginei smirked.
"Not really a time for puns."
Mizore shrugged as she started to cross the room. Yakumaru snarled at her, causing several servants to close in. With a glance, Mizore froze any that dared come close to her. She walked calmly towards the injured monstrel, gesturing to the floor. Ice rapidly formed on the surface, spreading out to encase everything that touched the tiles.
"You know she is the one that caused this!"
Mizore stared impassively at Yakumaru. With a gesture, she caused another spear to pierce through Yakumaru's torso in the same place Moka had stabbed herself. Yakumaru whimpered, collapsing to her knees. The spreading ice quickly crawled up over her ankles and hips.
"Uh, Mizore?"
Mizore glanced at Tsukune.
"You're freezing everyone to the floor."
Ginei chuckled, stepping lightly to avoid the ice that held Yakumaru captive as well as securing both Moka, Tsukune and all the controlled holding him.
"Since you look to have the crazy girl under control, I'm going back to check on Kana."
Kurumu hit the chilly floor hard on her shoulder. Her captors had finally been unable to keep hold of her. She quickly pushed back up on her feet, noting Mizore had stopped spreading the ice. She shuffled across the floor, mindful of her footing.
"How is Kana?"
Tora glanced up as Ginei came to join her. The sphinx held the blond up out of the ice which had encased both girls up to the waist. Kana's eyes were closed and there was a huge bloodstain down the front of her school blouse.
"She's breathing but unconscious. I think she'll be fine soon."
Kurumu nodded, supposing that was good enough. She glanced at Mizore, favoring the girl with a slight smile before kneeling down beside the sobbing Yakumaru. The girl held the stump of her arm against her chest while her other hand gripped her side. Tears rolled down her cheeks as she shook her head.
"You didn't have to spear her."
"I was angry."
Kurumu sighed. The monstrel gave off no danger sensations, so Kurumu reached over to pull the girl's head against her shoulder.
"You already took her hand off."
"I was angry at myself."
Kurumu sighed again, feeling this was not the time for Mizore's theatrics. She had to keep her focus on Yakumaru in case the girl tried anything else. With how the girl sobbed against her and made no attempt to get free, she hoped that was a good sign.
"Okay, Yakumaru. You need to calm down and behave yourself. We'll come up with something to tell Tokori that doesn't involve trying to kill us all."
Yakumaru wept, shaking her head against Kurumu.
"You don't even know what is going on."
"I know that. That's why we need you to tell us what happened."
"Kori's dead. He burned her whole family to ashes."
Kurumu paused with a frown. She loosened her grip, peering down at the young woman.
"When?"
"I saw it this morning. It's all gone."
Kurumu shook her head, doubting this.
"Tokori and her family stayed in my suite last night. There's no way she's dead."
Yakumaru looked up with wide eyes, her lips quivering.
"Really? She's alive?"
Kurumu smiled, confused why the girl would think otherwise.
"Of course she is. Now tell us who put you up to this."
Yakumaru glanced away. She brought her other hand up, touching her finger to her temple.
"Tell Kori I'm sorry."
A flash of pain shot through her as a sharp point pierced through her shoulder. As the young monstrel went limp in her arms, Kurumu dimly comprehended what happened. She shook her head, unable to accept it as fresh blood dripped from her shoulder to stain her already ruined shirt.
"Tora! I need help!"