"What's your mistress like?"
Kurumu smiled softly at Hazumi. She was sitting on Satsuki's desk with her legs crossed. One hand rested on her knee while the other gripped the side of the desk. Not wanting to talk across the room, Hazumi and Juri had both wandered over to Kumiko's desk.
At some point, Kurumu had felt it easier to think of the younger Hineri by her first name. She had also dropped the formality with Juri since they talked so much between classes. She had considered doing the same for Hazumi but she disliked her first name, Furiko, and Kurumu was not comfortable calling her Fufi like Meisai did. She forgot what Meisai's real first name was, since Shinayaka also addressed her new friend by her nickname, Nyanya.
Ms. Nekonome had allowed a study hall hour. The blond woman sat at the teacher's desk with weary eyes, occasionally writing in an open notebook. Most of the time she stared off emptily at the door. Realizing she was unavailable to answer questions, Ichida had set up at the blackboard to help in her stead. Deshi was making a point to give him a hard time while the rest of the class socialized.
"Would you drop it already?"
Hazumi frowned over her shoulder at Kumiko, whom remained seated in her desk.
"I'm only curious."
"And I only want to know when you're going to start our article."
The plum haired Kumiko tilted her head with her usual look of discontent.
"It's not like you can wait for the weekend. We'll be leaving after school tomorrow and won't be back until late Saturday."
"What about Sunday?"
Satsuki was slouched in her seat with one arm around the wooden back while the other lingered beside Kurumu's hip. Kurumu reached over to scratch Satsuki's sienna locks. Satsuki grunted with annoyance, but closed her eyes as she tilted her head.
"Can't. Ginei has something planned on Sunday."
"Like what?"
"Honda turns sixteen on Monday."
"That's cool. Mine's next Wednesday."
The short haired Endo grinned as she lowered her yellow booklet. After the field trip the rokurokubi girl had taken the vacant window seat. She was in the poetry club with her two friends from the Shibata district. The three of them lived in the city but had attended the junior high near Uchinokura Lake.
"Will your friends have a party?"
Endo shook her head, turning her attention back to her poems.
"I doubt it. Moe might do something but Yukino has been spending all her time with her new friends after those two girls from class nine went missing."
"When did this happen?"
"I guess over the weekend. It's got Ms. Yamane so scared that she won't come to school. Yukino and her classmate, Ms. Gyozoku, have been keeping this girl company."
Juri sighed, tapping Kumiko's desk.
"At least we know Mr. Aono had nothing to do with that. He was in the hospital."
"Do we really know that?"
Kurumu smiled softly at Madosuki, whom was fidgeting with her pigtails while sitting on the corner of her desktop. The girl quickly glanced aside.
"Shirayuki was with him the entire time at the hospital."
Kumiko huffed, shaking her head.
"I want you to promise you'll get our article finished before they send you home."
"Sheesh, Hineri. Cut the girl some slack."
Kumiko scowled at Satsuki.
"Slack? Are you aware that my sister was under threat of losing her position over this mess? The student council even held a vote over the weekend to decide if Mr. Sabaku should take her place."
"Why?"
"Because Lady Hineri authorized Ms. Nazohashi's actions."
Kurumu sighed at Hazumi, shaking her head as she withdrew her fingers from Satsuki's hair.
"I'm surprised the council would behave so petty."
"Lady Hineri also challenged the testimonies of her juniors."
Kumiko huffed, nodding in agreement with Hazumi.
"That's right. By the time you arrived with Ms. Nazohashi, those boys were all dead."
Kurumu grimaced, recalling the brutal death of one of the boys.
"That's a flimsy argument. It was fairly obvious he had killed them."
"Circumstantial evidence, Ms. Morisato. By the time Mr. Kitajima and Mr. Sabaku arrived, any of their club could have been responsible. Kurono could have charmed those boys into killing each other."
Pushing the grisly memories away, Kurumu shook her head slowly.
"I don't think my charm can do that."
"I understand you forced Mr. Sabaku to leave."
"I encouraged him to report me to the faculty which was something he wanted to do. It's much harder to get someone to do something they don't want to do."
"Whatever. My point is that those two only saw your senior and Ms. Akashiya trying to stop Mr. Aono. Ms. Akashiya passed out during Mr. Sabaku's attack. When she came to, Ms. Akashiya had no memory of any murders. Ms. Nazohashi's statements were about Mr. Aono harming you and Ms. Shirayuki."
Kurumu managed a smile.
"I remember Mr. Yokoyama coming to get Tsukune's version, though he doesn't remember any of it either. I don't know why I was never asked."
"Because you would lie."
Kurumu frowned at Hazumi. The girl shrugged sheepishly.
"Well it's true. She's your mistress."
"Kokoa is my mistress. I had never met her sister before coming to Yokai."
Kumiko waved her hand dismissively.
"Sister said they didn't bother getting a statement from Ms. Shirayuki and they couldn't get one from Ms. Sendou before her parents took her away. This whole investigation was a sham."
"What do you think should be done?"
"I think Yokai's reputation will come out worse by expelling the daughter of the president of Fairy Tale."
Madosuki grimaced.
"But they have to do something."
"If an earthquake kills half a dozen people, you don't blame the person standing in the center of it."
Juri let out a short laugh at Kumiko's remark.
"This isn't the same as a natural disaster."
"The Aono I remember is a sniveling little coward whom we locked up in a storage shed because we caught him looking through the changing room window. You were both there."
Hazumi and Juri winced, Kurumu recalling that event from so long ago. There had never been a reason to believe his antagonists had only been Hiboshi's group of friends.
"But Mr. Aono defeated Kuyo."
"Helped defeat Kuyo. Netsuki was quite clear about that."
"Are you two back to being friends?"
Kumiko huffed, shaking her head at Kurumu.
"Somebody had to be Ami's gym partner when you were off on your field trip and in the hospital. I am too busy with my softball team to waste my spare time on a petulant child. You better finish our article."
"I'll try to arrange something with Coach Kanatoko on Monday."
Satsuki tapped Kurumu's hip with the back of her hand.
"Does that give you any time to write it?"
"Ginei complains about my writing anyways. As long as I have all the information and pictures, he can have someone else write it."
Kumiko sighed, resting her cheek in her palm.
"I don't understand why they don't let you finish the term. They seem to have no issue letting Mr. Aono back on campus."
"I'm more confused with Ms. Akashiya being suspended. She didn't kill anyone."
Hazumi shrugged with a glance at Juri.
"Maybe there is more concern for her safety than his. Those Outcasts were calling for an execution."
"Naw, I think it's more because the two of them get into so much trouble when together."
Kurumu smirked, tousling Satsuki's hair. The girl frowned at her.
"It's true though."
Juri giggled.
"That could be said about the entire newspaper club."
"Not really. I don't feel like Tora or Kana have ever caused a problem."
"Note how she does not bother to defend herself."
Kurumu smiled at Juri.
"Mizore and I have caused our fair share of problems."
"So has your senior. I wouldn't call him innocent."
Kurumu shrugged, not seeing a point arguing with Kumiko about that. She smiled at Madosuki.
"Is Honda still coming to your club meetings?"
"Not really."
"With her gone, aren't you the only girl in that club?"
"Yea. So?"
"Doesn't it bother you being the only girl in a club? I know Kiba felt uncomfortable being the only girl in the badminton club."
Endo snickered, shaking her head in an odd way as her neck was so flexible.
"That's her problem. She tried to recruit us, but I'm not going to run about with a bunch of rowdy boys."
"She's so weird. Roughhousing with boys while wearing a skirt is just asking for it."
Juri had another cousin whom sat next to Aku in class seven with Kana and Kiba. He was from Kabashita, the same village in Ojiya that Chousei was from. The junior high there was a boarding school which also served Minamiuonuma and Uonuma. Minamiuonuma did not appear to have any notable settlements. Okataiyou, where Juri was from, was in the mountains that bordered Minamiuonuma. There was a second Uonuma village, Hisomuri, near Mt. Asakusa, which was where Ms. Horie hailed from.
"Ms. Unari is in a class full of boys but has the good sense to wear pants."
Satsuki snorted at Juri.
"That has nothing to do with it."
"I'm saying if someone as timid as Mr. Aono can lose control, Ms. Kiba is playing with fire."
Kurumu disagreed but knew her charm would be argued against her having a normal opinion.
"I guess Madosuki must be playing with fire then."
"She does have Mr. Tawamuru to protect her."
Madosuki blushed at Hazumi's remark.
"You're so stupid, Fufi."
"But he's been with you for a long time."
"He joined that club because he wanted to. I only joined because I didn't feel comfortable with him being in a club with nobody we knew. I'm the one protecting him."
Hazumi smirked, glancing aside. Kumiko regarded Madosuki with annoyed disbelief.
"Hajime has played tennis with his older brother before junior high. If you weren't so bad at it, he would have joined the team with his brother."
Madosuki sulked.
"He didn't play last year."
"I wonder why."
"Hey girls."
Kurumu glanced at Abe whom had turned in his seat and had spoken softly. He nodded to the front.
"Is it just me or is Ms. Nekonome crying?"
Ms. Nekonome brushed her bangs back as she leaned over her desk on her elbows. She made a slight sniffle as she wrote something in the notebook. Setting the pen down, she rubbed her reddish eyes.
"She's been like that most the hour."
Kumiko nodded at Juri's hushed remark.
"Something new might have happened."
"Do you think it's about the newspaper club? She is the advisor."
"I know she was reprimanded but that was days ago."
Kurumu scooted off Satsuki's desk to settle down on her feet. She stepped around the brunette, touching Juri's shoulder as she passed.
"What are you doing?"
Kurumu wandered up the aisle between Abe's and Shouhei's desk. She nodded at Senyou, whom had stopped talking with the blondish blue haired Shouhei. Walking by the young man, she stopped at the teacher's desk, placing her hands on the smooth surface.
"Ms. Nekonome?"
The teacher was writing a letter to a man. She sniffled as she finished another sentence about missing him. Kurumu presumed this Shouji was Ms. Nekonome's long term fiancé. Kurumu smiled, but noticed another sentence mentioning resignation.
"Ms. Nekonome?"
The blond looked up, a small tear nestled at the corner of her blue eyes. She managed a smile, quickly wiping away the moisture and fixing her glasses.
"Yes?"
"Are you resigning?"
The teacher laughed breathily, closing her eyes and cocking her head.
"No. Course not. Why would I…?"
She had to take a steadying breath.
"I'm fine."
Kurumu touched Ms. Nekonome's hand. She had barely seen Ms. Nekonome outside of class since leaving the hospital. While it was normal for the teacher to not be involved in the club meetings, this was a tough time for the club. It was not like she had to run home to her apartment now that Rubi and Moka were both gone. It seemed odd that their faculty advisor had left everything to Ginei.
"Tell me the truth."
She had not meant for it. Only a slight push to know what was wrong. The result was Ms. Nekonome bowing her head and sobbing. Unrestrained. It caught the attention of everyone. Ms. Nekonome held her head in her hands as she tensed up, tears hitting the back of her glasses and rolling off to strike the paper below. Murmurs of concern flared up as several students got up from their desks to better see what the fuss was about.
Kurumu turned and made a quick gesture for Satsuki. The girl made a sour look as she reluctantly stalked over to join her. The other girls were content to whisper amongst themselves though Ichida abandoned his post at the blackboard to offer his assistance.
"What happened?"
"I just touched her."
Satsuki stepped around the desk to gingerly place her hand on Ms. Nekonome's shoulder.
"Are you okay, Auntie?"
The teacher shook her head as she sobbed, pushing down on the desk.
"Is there anything I can do, Ms. Nekonome?"
Kurumu smiled at his nervous request, doubting there was. Stepping in closer, she reached over to touch Ms. Nekonome's head.
"It's okay."
"… losing every… so sorry… can't help… so sorry."
Kurumu could feel the grief seep into her. She pulled her hand away, refusing to despair
"It's okay, Ms. Nekonome."
"Should I get another teacher?"
Kurumu shrugged, clueless. Ichida nodded, walking off with purpose. He headed out into the hall as Satsuki decided to caress the tufts of Ms. Nekonome's ears. The girl pointedly looked aside.
"It's not your fault."
"Do you want to go to your office?"
A hand rested on her shoulder and she frowned up at Abe.
"Hey, Ms. Nekonome. If you don't mind, some of us will head off to lunch."
Kurumu sighed, waving her hand dismissively.
"Just go."
Abe laughed, turning about to regard the class.
"We can go."
That was all the approval the boys in the back row needed. Already lingering near the back door, Yano and Osakebi were gone before Abe could pick up his stuff. Wanibuchi and Yakihara made their escape out the front while her group of girls slowly made their way to the back. She sighed, supposing it was normal for most people to walk away from an awkward situation.
"I'm sorry, Ms. Nekonome. I didn't mean to."
"Don't you start blubbing too. I've been wondering how Auntie was handling all of this."
"She's still engaged, right?"
"As far as I know."
Ms. Nekonome was still making breathy sobs without any sensible words. Mostly apologies. Deshi slowly made her way over to the desk, tapping the top with her staff.
"We lunch?"
Satsuki shrugged, petting her aunt's head.
"I might help her back to the faculty offices. Maybe she'll calm down there."
"I just wanted her to tell me what was wrong."
Kurumu sighed with guilt as Satsuki stepped in closer to touch the teacher's side.
"Do you want me to go home with you tonight?"
Ms. Nekonome lifted off the desk. She sniffled and took off her glasses to wipe her eyes. Setting the glasses aside, she turned slightly and pressed her head against Satsuki's stomach. Her body shuddered as she sniffled again.
"I'm sorry. I'm so sorry."
"Nobody's blaming you, Ms. Nekonome."
"I want to quit."
Kurumu smiled, a little lost as to why. Some thoughts came to mind, but it seemed silly.
"I'm sure my mother won't hold it against you that I got kicked out. Same goes for Mizore."
The pained look in her eyes told Kurumu she had only added concerns.
"I'm tired. Tired of not making a difference and watching the people I care about being forced to leave."
Kurumu frowned as Ms. Nekonome let out a heavy sigh. The teacher pulled away from Satsuki to gather up her things and scoot the seat back so she could stand.
"I'm sorry about Ms. Kagome."
Ms. Nekonome placed her glasses back on her nose and forced a smile.
"She wasn't the first. Or the last."
Clutching her things to her chest, she strode purposefully for the front door. Satsuki exhaled loudly once the teacher had disappeared down the hall. Hopefully she would intercept Ichida to save the boy some trouble. As Kurumu mulled over this, the bell for lunch rang out.
"Were you serious about going home with her?"
Satsuki shrugged, sauntering around the desk. Kurumu turned about to lean her butt against the desk while Satsuki stopped next to her.
"I was thinking about visiting the runt. She's probably bored to tears at the hospital. You can only listen to the same CDs so many times."
Kurumu nodded.
"I have my baseball shoot tonight. Short of flying, I don't think I could get to the hospital before seven. That means no dinner for me."
"You don't have to come."
Kurumu sighed.
"I'm too broke to come. I can't believe they charge you for their crummy cafeteria food if you're not a patient. They should be paying me to be experimented on with whatever that slop was."
"Don't worry about it. The track team isn't having practice the rest of the week, so I'm thinking Kakeru will be heading straight there like she did yesterday."
"Did you go see her yesterday?"
Satsuki nodded.
"We have meeting today."
Satsuki snorted at Deshi.
"So? If I'm staying with Auntie for the night, it really doesn't matter if I stick around another hour for a silly meeting."
Kurumu smiled, slightly wondering what the sleeping arrangement had been with both Moka and Rubi. She did not recall Ms. Nekonome's apartment being much bigger than her place. They were struggling with Tokori's little brother, since he liked to snuggle with Kurumu. Tokori's mother had vehemently apologized for her son and promised he would not molest her again. Kurumu had been so out of it that first night that she had slept through anything he might have done.
"Am I eating lunch with you guys or Tsukune?"
"I don't really care. He's your boyfriend."
Kurumu wanted to eat with Tsukune, but that meant a long lunch line.
"Can I swipe one of your lunches and eat with him?"
"So bad."
"What will they do? Expel her more?"
Kurumu groaned, pushing off the desk and starting slowly for the door. Deshi whipped up her staff to rest on her shoulders while Satsuki fell in step on her left.
"I wonder if Tsukune is going to eat from the school store again."
"There she is."
Kurumu paused before leaving the room. Tora was at the back door and gestured at them. Kamitsuku wandered in behind the sphinx with a serious look on his face. Frowning, Kurumu altered her course to walk down the aisle between the desks.
"What's up?"
"Tsukune has himself mixed up in trouble again."
Kurumu sighed, walking faster. Both Tora and Kamitsuku turned about and started down the hall ahead of her. She frowned, having to keep her brisk pace to catch up to the two. Satsuki and Deshi were trailing in her wake.
"Where are we going?"
"Tsukune headed over to the film club room."
"Why is he there?"
Kamitsuku grimaced.
"We… found something. I was hoping you could help us."
"What do you know about this?"
Tora shrugged with an exasperated sigh.
"I know that this should be left to the faculty."
"Tsukune has a point. If your club helps capture these two, it would help your case."
"I don't think they care how much good we do. They only care about the bad."
Kurumu was confused as they continued down the hall at the brisk pace. Their long delay in the classroom had allowed most of the students to congregate downstairs in the lunch line. Only a couple students lingered upstairs.
"What the hell is this all about?"
"I'm not sure. Kamitsuku?"
"It's about the boys from our floor. We found the murderers."
Kurumu grimaced at his remark.
"Who has been murdered this time?"
Kurumu was reluctant to explain the situation to Satsuki as they neared the end of the hall. The film club room was off to the right. Mizore hovered in the open doorway, her hands thrust in her center pocket as usual. She glanced at them upon approach, saying nothing as they filtered into the small room.
A shudder coursed down her spine as Kurumu regarded the boys gathered in the room. Unpleasant thoughts of Nagare made her uneasy as she walked closer to Tsukune, whom stood on the right side of the chair Kinusawa was in. Kinusawa faced a monitor which was playing a video. Umizake stood on Kinusawa's left, paying no attention to her arrival.
Tsukune lifted a hand and managed a word before she wrapped her arms about him and pressed her head to his chest. He tensed up, gingerly placing his hands on her shoulders.
"Kurumu?"
She needed a moment. The fresh memory of Nagare and the recent condition of Ms. Nekonome was too much for her. Sensing she was about to watch a murder, she wanted his support.
"Do the two of you need some time alone? We have a dark room."
Kurumu chuckled as Tsukune started to stammer out a denial. She sighed, allowing her body to relax as she loosened her grip on him.
"I'm fine. Just frightened what you guys might want from me."
She murmured pleasantly as his fingers brushed through her locks, encouraging her to hold him firmer.
"I didn't think you would be afraid."
"Sounds like we're here for murders. I'd be scared too."
"Well… if you need someone to hold you-"
Kurumu glanced over at Kamitsuku whom was glancing away as Satsuki snorted with a prompt backhand to his shoulder. Kinusawa cleared his throat.
"Two more boys went missing last night and it's my fault."
Kinusawa sighed, shaking his head as he worked the mouse to replay the grainy video.
"I shouldn't have said anything to Umigame about the damn cameras."
Kurumu frowned, recalling this was the guy that had started this investigation. Letting go of Tsukune, she stepped closer and rested a hand on the chair as she regarded the screen.
"Why didn't he know?"
"Umizake suggested we keep the camera stuff between the four of us. I mentioned it to Umigame and I guess he got cocky. Decided to confront Gomitsuro with Tsurukou."
"We have footage of those two going into Mr. Gomitsuro's room around eleven. Neither came out."
"Perhaps they passed out from the stench of being in his room."
Kurumu giggled at Tora's offhand remark which had lightened the grim mood.
"Around midnight, Gomitsuro leaves his room and heads out the door."
Kurumu frowned as Kinusawa pointed at the screen. As Gomitsuro lived at the far end of the fourth floor, there was a door to the other exterior stairwell next to his room.
"Where's he going?"
"He comes back in a few minutes with this guy."
The film quality was not great. All she could tell was the other guy was huge, tall and ugly. So was Gomitsuro for that matter. They were both dressed in rags that served as pajamas.
"Then around two, that guy leaves by himself. And around seven, Gomitsuro continues with his normal daily routine."
Tora huffed, having drawn closer on the other side between Umizake and Kinusawa.
"So turn this over to the faculty. If those two boys remain missing, you have a clear case of murder."
Umizake shook his head.
"While that might prove these two murders, we should find out whom this other suspect is and if these two can be connected to the rest of the missing guys."
"The faculty can do that."
Kinusawa snorted.
"The faculty is likely to charge us with violating the privacy of an akaname. Gomitsuro is on the same level as a monstrel. They might suspend us."
"But you have Umizake helping you."
"I might not get in trouble. I can't vouch for anyone else."
Kurumu grimaced, regarding the paused footage of the two massive men.
"I don't know what you want me to do."
"They're boys. Susceptible to your charm."
"Say Tsukune made the video and hand it over to the faculty. Leave Kurumu out of it."
"This video isn't clean enough to identify the other suspect."
Tora sighed, favoring Kurumu a pleading look. Kurumu shrugged, prompting Tora to regard the screen.
"There can't be that many ugly guys the size of grizzly bears wandering about campus."
"You'd be surprised."
"First years?"
Umizake paused with a thoughtful look.
"I think it could not hurt for Kurumu to get the name of this accomplice out of Mr. Gomitsuro before we turn him over to the faculty. Maybe even a confession. Mr. Kinusawa has a recording device."
"I'm sure Kurumu can handle this guy for a few minutes. Have more faith in her."
"What do you think, Kurumu?"
Kurumu pondered over the images on the screen. While she agreed with Tsukune that this should not be a problem, her charm had failed her with Nagare. She shuddered at the thought.
"They don't have paralyzing powers, right?"
"Akaname are unpredictable. It's impossible to know what powers he has."
Kurumu grimaced. If it was only a statement, she could probably get it out of the guy. All she had to do was convince him that he loved her so much that he would share all of his secrets. She shuddered at the thought of encouraging that boy to want her.
"I guess I can do it."
"When is she supposed to do this?"
"I understand Mr. Gomitsuro is in class six and shares elective hours with Ms. Kurono. She could convince him to come to the practice gym to have a word in private. As both gym classes are outside, there shouldn't be anyone there."
Satsuki huffed loudly, drawing attention back to the trio still hovering near the door. Satsuki had her arms crossed below her bosom while Deshi had hers over the staff across her shoulders. Kamitsuku looked out of place with his hand lingering on the door to the dark room.
"I don't like the idea of Kurumu being alone with a murderer."
"I know you have the same home economics class. Could you excuse Ms. Kurono's absence?"
Mizore shrugged in response. Tora sighed again, shaking her head.
"I suppose I could tell Mr. Karatsuki that Mr. Gomitsuro will be late for computer class."
"That would be useful. I have gym that hour so I will be masking my presence in the cafeteria."
Umizake turned to Kurumu.
"You won't see me, but I will be there. I will react if he does try anything. Any questions?"
Kurumu shook her head as Kinusawa handed a small silver rectangle with black buttons. She glanced at the others and managed a slight smile. Even without Moka, they could find trouble.
Mr. Nagamushi continued to ramble on excitedly in that useless foreign tongue. She only cared about what they would put on the stupid test. Not that she would have any more tests to take. One silver lining about getting booted from Yokai.
Tsukune had bought her a yakisoba sandwich from the school store. Not her first choice but with how late they had arrived, the best of the school store stock had already been purchased. Sharing lunch with Uchikawa's group had been quieter than last week. Tsukune confessed that Ms. Dokugo had called him an evil murderer the other day, explaining the absence of her group. The wolf girls had no issue being around them, chatting as if nothing had changed.
Perhaps feeling guilty about the gossip in class, Kurumu had directed the conversation back to Kiba every chance she could. While she was curious about the girl, she was also interested about Kana's class as a whole. She also hoped that Kiba might befriend Kana.
Kiba sat in the second row, second seat, behind Nemoto Nikki, the smartest girl in their class. Nemoto was one of the top ten students of their grade, whom sat beside Unsei Kenji, their class rep and another top ten student. Unsei was the son of Ms. Unsei, a second year teacher whom had filled in for Ms. Hitori one time. Apparently Nemoto and the other front row girl, Niwa Miki, were both in Ms. Unsei's Sadou club. Kurumu mildly wondered if Tokori was still attending those club meetings.
While Kiba had clearly learned a bit about those three, she could not say much about the rest of the class. She knew Sukihara, whom sat beside her, was Niwa's acquaintance and played in the band. She also knew Yamadachi from the baseball club whom sat behind her liked to flirt with her and pester Sasaki for dirt on her past in junior high. Matsudera teased her about being lazy in meeting new people since she spent all her time chatting with Shimuzu and Sasaki.
Shimuzu was from their junior high and had joined the notorious chemistry club. Both girls suspected he had hopes of concocting a love potion to capture the interests of Yamaguchi Nagisa, a senior volleyball player. Shimuzu had become infatuated with the girl before she graduated junior high. Having seen the two interact, both felt Shimuzu was doomed to remain as a surrogate little brother.
Kiba was not romantically interested in Sasaki or Senyou, joking both were more suited for Matsudera. Her friend was annoyed with the insinuation, reassuring everyone she had no plans to fall in love with a pup she grew up with. Matsudera felt she should work harder on her studies and break the top hundred. Kiba would settle for getting off the shame board, having the lowest score in class seven.
Curious when Kiba would turn sixteen, Kurumu was surprised to learn Mizore was the youngest at the table by a little more than a week with an early December birthday. It was something Tsukune had known, which mildly bothered her. Mizore was her friend. She should have known Mizore's birthday first. It was not like Tsukune knew Nerume's birthday and she hardly considered his knowledge of Satsuki's or Honda's birthdays something to his credit. Both had been advertised directly to him a week or so before the event. The idea bothered her that he knew Mizore's birthday with it being so far out into the future. She sighed, wondering if he remembered when her birthday was.
The bell sounded out the end of fifth period, sparing her further agony on this matter. It was time to catch a murderer. She absently touched her breast, feeling the recording device she had tucked away in her bra. She wondered if she should take a notebook along. It would make sense. Then again, if she said it was about an article, she might be fine showing the recorder.
Deciding she trusted her charm enough to get her out of trouble, she left her things at her desk. She glanced at the back row, more aware of the vacant desks behind Endo and Madosuki. The window seat had belonged to Miki. The other belonged to Tsurukou. Nobody had spoken up about his absence.
Despite having purpose, she was one of the last students out of her class. She wandered down the congested hall towards class six. A lot of her classmates and those from class one walked by the grand hall to get to the computer, band, art and shop electives. Even Ushio and Tamaishi walked that route since they slipped out the back of class three. Once she passed by the back door of class three, all the traffic was moving in her direction towards the gym.
"Kurumu."
She smiled as Tora fell in step beside her. She noted Mizore was also nearby.
"Aren't you going to computer class?"
"It's better if I let him know he will be excused."
Kurumu nodded, not minding the company. They moved quickly by class four and the crossover with the sets of stairs going down both ways. Kurumu spied the poofy black hair of Meisai slipping out of the back door of class six near the bathrooms. Quickening her step, Kurumu raised her hand.
"Meisai!"
The girl paused at the bathrooms and the spotted white haired Shinayaka soon joined her. The two regarded her approach with confused interest.
"What are you doing?"
"I was going to ask them where Gomitsuro is."
"That's not necessary."
Tora gestured at the first door to class six and nodded for Kurumu to follow her.
"I know what he looks like."
Pausing a step in indecision, Kurumu glanced over her shoulder at Mizore.
"Tell those two I'm going to be late, okay?"
Getting the usual shrug, Kurumu followed Tora through the front door of class six. Most of the class had already dispersed. Kurumu quickly recognized Fujinuma, the mermaid girl with dark blue, swirly hair. She was talking with and smiling at that kappa boy from Tsukune's birthday party. It was the one that had his head shaven. She could not recall the name.
Tora paused abruptly.
"I think we've found them both."
Both boys that sat in the back row were huge. The one by the window was shorter and not as heavyset. He had dripping, greenish black hair that touched his shoulders. His face was broad with a bulbous nose and a string of pox marks upon his chubby cheeks and wrinkled forehead. He struggled to get free of his desk, bringing memories of Hedoyami to mind.
The beefy man next to him would make Mr. Umatobi seem thin. He had looked slimmer in the grainy videos. She had no idea how he could fit in a desk. He had black, spongy braids that hung about his head like an upturned mop. His lower jaw was massive. She would not be surprised if he could pull his bottom lip over the top of his head. His nose was thrown on like an afterthought and his beady eyes would vanish with each blink. His fingers were so thick she doubted in his ability to hold a pencil, let alone write his name on a paper.
Grabbing Tora by the shoulder, Kurumu tugged the reluctant girl down the middle aisle of the class. Both boys took note of her, Gomitsuro finally freeing himself to manage an upright position. With how far his belly hung down, she was surprised he could move at all. His partner was holding up his belly with both hands. The big boy chuckled heartily.
"I'll be smitten. If it isn't Ms. Kurono and that PSC class rep of hers."
Gomitsuro nodded as Kurumu reached the end of the aisle.
"Ms. Nazohashi."
"Uh… yes. Um… I was to… excuse you."
Gomitsuro frowned as his partner chuckled. Letting Tora go, Kurumu fished a hand into her blouse to pull out the recording device. Both boys blushed with desire as she wagged it for them.
"I was wanting to interview Mr. Gomitsuro."
"I have class."
Tora nodded, glancing at the open doors.
"I was to tell Mr. Karatsuki that you would be late."
The other boy guffawed.
"Course we be late. We always be late."
"Is this important?"
Kurumu smiled, cupping the recorder in both hands at her waist.
"It might be our last paper. So I think it is."
"I don't know."
"It's just an article about what daily life is like. Your opinions are valuable."
"Why me?"
Kurumu smiled softly, gesturing to the door.
"We could talk somewhere else if that would make you more comfortable. All the gym classes are outside so the practice gym should be empty."
The bigger guy grinned so wide his nose disappeared.
"You lucky devil, Suteru. Be a crime not to take her offer."
Gomitsuro shook his head. He waddled in front of his partner.
"We should head to class."
Kurumu touched his upper arm, shuddering from the disgust that oozed into her body. She firmed her grip and decision, cocking her head with a smile.
"Tora will talk to the teacher for you. There's no rush."
The boy remained still, staring vacantly at her.
"Kurumu?"
She smiled at Tora.
"Don't worry."
Tora frowned, shaking her head.
"We don't need to do this."
"Would you mind if I tag along?"
Kurumu released the dazed Gomitsuro. She lifted the recording device and pushed the button to start the wheels.
"Would you mind being recorded?"
The young man chuckled, smacking Gomitsuro's shoulder roughly enough to stagger his partner.
"Not at all. The name is Okamoto Naizou."
She grinned, pulling the recorder back to her breast.
"Perhaps I can interview you later. Right now I just need Mr. Gomitsuro."
Okamoto grabbed hold of Gomitsuro and started slowly for the back door.
"No worries. It's a long walk to my shop class. Your gym is on the way."
Tora tugged anxiously on her sleeve.
"What are you doing?"
Kurumu regarded the two boys while waving Tora away. It was difficult to say if Gomitsuro was still under her charm or if he naturally walked like that.
"I'll get the confession. Don't worry."
"But there's two of them."
"I can charm dozens of people at the same time, Tora. It's not difficult."
"Kurumu!"
They did not have time for this. Even with how slow those boys walked, they were both out of sight somewhere down the hall.
"Go talk with the teacher like we planned."
Kurumu yanked her arm away and quickly headed for the door. She darted out into the hall, spying the two boys whom were slowly walking by the first set of doors to Mr. Hakuru's lab. Clutching the recorder to her chest, she hurried to catch up to them.
"I'm sorry. She's worried about leaving me alone with a couple boys."
Gomitsuro glanced over his bulky shoulder, his shuffle incapable of slowing any further.
"She's right though. Best leave us be."
Kurumu smiled as they steadily made their way past Mr. Hakuru's lab.
"You don't mind if I ask a few, simple questions about school life?"
"What sort of article is this?"
She held up the recorder, pressing the button.
"I was curious if you've been bullied by anyone since coming to Yokai?"
He frowned, his brow furrowed in thought. He smelled awful. Like she was standing next to a toilet that had been out of order for weeks but people still had the nerve to keep using it. She had not immediately noticed it in the classroom, which made her wonder if there was some trick to it.
"Can't say that I have been in particular."
"Uh… is it difficult being an akaname?"
The boy snorted, a wad of mucus slinging down his cheek. She turned her head away to hide her disgust.
"Is it difficult being a succubus?"
She forced a smile, noting that they were almost to the end of the hall. Okamoto had stopped at the top of the stairs on their left, holding his gut with an amused expression upon their steady approach.
"Yes. I was no different than a normal human girl being raised by a single mother for the first decade of my life. My mother didn't raise me to understand that a normal human relationship between a man and a woman would never be possible for me."
"Would knowing have helped?"
Kurumu shrugged with thoughts of Sonoda, whom had been raised in a community where having fathers and marriages were unusual.
"It might have made me less human."
Gomitsuro chortled as they arrived at the top of the stairs.
"Slowpokes."
"Go to your shop."
Okamoto guffawed as he started down the stairs.
"If you finish with him, come with me. I know a good spot for a quiet interview."
Gomitsuro scowled as he followed after the bigger boy.
"Leave her be."
"So uh… is it difficult?"
"What she asking?"
"She wonders if we get bullied and have difficult lives."
"Why she wonder that?"
"Because we're akaname."
Okamoto shook his large head as he turned slowly on the landing to descend the other flight of stairs.
"Too broad to compare. Some have it worse than others."
Kurumu smiled as she kept a suitable distance from Gomitsuro to prevent her stomach from turning.
"I don't know much about your species. They say you feed on trash."
Gomitsuro snorted.
"More like the result of trash. Spiritual homes soiled by years of human abuse that cause children to be born without favor. An akaname is always a curse. My parents threw me out when I was five. Fairy Tale took over the rest."
Kurumu grimaced as they reached the bottom of the stairs.
"Was it because of the smell?"
Gomitsuro scowled as Okamoto laughed.
"Shut up."
"He has poor control. Happens to orphans."
"Are your parents akaname?"
"Heavens no, missy. You heard him. We be a curse. Born when something is not quite right with the environment. While my parents might have been too ashamed to have me attend public school, they were not about to turn me over to the government. That's a sure way to turn one of our kind down the wrong path."
"As if you're one to talk."
They walked by the serving line and continued down the hall. She gestured across the cafeteria.
"We should be fine in the practice gym."
"You can walk with me to shop. He's already being excused."
Kurumu frowned as the bigger guy kept walking. Gomitsuro shrugged at her.
"Do you need any more for your article?"
Kurumu sighed, wondering if Umizake truly was in the cafeteria. She did not sense him at all.
"Can you tell me any hardships your kind might face?"
"Why are you interested in akaname? Most avoid our kind."
Kurumu smiled as they started walking by the library.
"I'm sure you know our club is getting in a lot of trouble over our interaction with the monstrels. I was hoping maybe an awareness piece about your kind might help us."
Gomitsuro sighed, shaking his massive head.
"You shouldn't bother. Head back to your class."
"Don't be stingy, Suteru. If you're done with her, I'll take her to our spot in the woods."
"That's your spot."
"How about it, Ms. Kurono? Care to have a private interview with me?"
The big man paused at the bathrooms, turning to regard her with another massive grin. She toyed with the idea of walking away, but her interview thus far was mostly sympathetic. At least Gomitsuro was. The other boy was questionable. Maybe it would be easier to get him to brag about murders.
"I think I wouldn't mind that."
"You really shouldn't, Ms. Kurono."
"Bah. Run off to your keyboard class, you big baby. Come with me, Ms. Kurono. I'll show you something real special."
Kurumu smirked, suspecting this guy was already thinking about killing her. This spot could be where the other bodies were. If she charmed him and escaped, she would also be able to bring the faculty to the location where the other murders had been committed.
"I'll be fine, Mr. Gomitsuro."
Everything was kind of falling in place. Okamoto was the confident sociopath while Gomitsuro was a reluctant accomplice. She started to follow the big man as he made his way past the stairs for the door that would take them outside.
"Is this really necessary?"
Okamoto laughed, holding open the door.
"Why not? Poor girl is about to expelled and everyone will soon forget about her. May as well show her something interesting for her last article."
Gomitsuro sighed, shuffling by the stairs to join them.
"But she doesn't write the other articles. This isn't normal for her."
Okamoto waved his large hand dismissively as he gestured for her to step out first. Once she had, he squeezed his large frame through the door into the warmth of the midday sun. Gomitsuro reluctantly followed after them.
"He's right. I normally don't do these pieces."
She smiled as she walked slowly, allowing Okamoto to take the lead.
"I was putting this one together for Tsukune, my boyfriend."
"The vampire?"
"We really shouldn't be with her."
"Bah, who cares?"
Okamoto gestured to the field. Most of the students were well on their way to the out buildings, paying little attention to the school behind them. Okamoto was steadily leading them down a rough, diagonal course across the field to the woods that no other students would take.
"I really don't want trouble with a guy that killed a bunch of monstrels."
Kurumu smiled innocently.
"Why would there be any trouble?"
"Well… uh… he might get jealous."
Okamoto chortled over that.
"Shut up."
"Funny thought, that. But he's right. Men get jealous."
"And Ms. Nazohashi would know I was last with her."
"So go back now. I ain't forcing you."
"I don't trust you."
Okamoto laughed heartily.
Kurumu wondered if she could turn the two on each other. It would make it easier for her to escape. She smiled with a glance at the distant buildings.
"Aren't you concerned about being late to your shop elective?"
"Bah. Nobody cares about shop. Skipped it before to have a late lunch."
"I have some friends in shop. Two girls, though Kinzoku transferred out."
"Remember that one. Tall but kind of thin. Prefer girls with a bit of meat on them."
"Shut up."
Okamoto laughed again as they neared the woods.
"I was wondering if you were worried about all the boys that have gone missing in the apartments near you, Mr. Gomitsuro."
"Huh?"
"I know some boys that live in the rooms next to Tsukune and they mentioned guys from your floor had been vanishing the past couple months. I understand Umigame was thinking you would be next."
Gomitsuro frowned as he glanced back at the school.
"I don't think he thought that."
"That was what I was told."
Gomitsuro managed a laugh, shaking his head. They had reached the edge of the woods. Okamoto was scooting through a narrow dirt trail which was slightly overgrown. Realizing she would have to carefully tread between the boys, Kurumu allowed Okamoto some distance before stepping into the woods.
"I also have a classmate, Mr. Tsurukou that also lives on your floor. He wasn't in class today."
"I can't say I'm familiar with that name."
Kurumu shrugged, supposing that could be true.
"I don't know. It's just an odd thing when a bunch of your neighbors up and disappear, don't you think?"
"Umigame thought I was killing them. He was pestering me about it even before that other guy went missing after midterms."
Kurumu managed a smile over her shoulder. It would be impossible to get around Gomitsuro on the path, but she could run through the woods. She doubted either of this massive brutes could navigate through a forest as easily as she could.
"What about you, Mr. Okamoto?"
"I'm not good with names of guys, Ms. Kurono. I only remember the ladies."
"Shut up."
Okamoto chuckled at Gomitsuro's displeasure.
"I left one for you. Though I felt bad for yours. At least Ms. Hikisawa had a good time at the end."
Kurumu frowned, unfamiliar with the name.
"It was torture."
"Her panties said otherwise."
"Shut up."
"You can't deny the hunger, Suteru."
Okamoto came to a small clearing in the woods. There was nothing special about it. The trees were spaced far enough apart to allow the growth of a sizable patch of grass and rose bushes. There was no path leading out, suggesting it may have been a private garden at one time. There were even some large stones placed randomly about the bushes which were choked with weeds.
"There's a void in the soul that can only be filled by specific things."
Kurumu smiled as Okamoto stalked over to the bushes. She walked away from the trail as Gomitsuro lingered behind her. She could easily slip out once she had what she wanted.
"I suppose we should stop playing games."
Okamoto grinned savagely. His face was all teeth and maw.
"Whatever do you mean, Ms. Kurono?"
"We have footage of Mr. Umigame and Mr. Tsurukou entering Mr. Gomitsuro's room. There is no footage of either coming out. Once we turn that over to the faculty, they will check his room and find those boys. For your sake, I hope they are alive."
Gomitsuro tensed up, looking away. Okamoto grabbed his belly and laughed heartily.
"Won't be finding nothing, Ms. Kurono. His room will be found as soiled as it always is."
Kurumu frowned.
"What did you do with them?"
Okamoto chuckled again, slapping his belly. Kurumu shuddered, backing away a step.
"I admit, we were still a bit full from this weekend, but a couple Kappa boys do go down nicely if you take it nice and slow."
Kurumu threw a look at Gomitsuro, whom had his head bowed with shame.
"Two girls from class nine."
"Poor girl. It was his first so I suppose it couldn't be helped."
"Shut up."
"But enough of this."
Okamoto darted towards her with surprising speed. She hopped back, thrusting her hands out to intercept. His body swelled up and caved around her like liquid. She immediately put her thoughts to drive the boy to please her. She felt his grossness strike upon her palms, forcing her back.
He was everywhere. His body dripped around her fingers and up her arms. She could not pull free. She closed her eyes and concentrated her will as she felt him slither up her ankles and about her knees.
"Don't worry, Ms. Kurono. I will surely bring you pleasure."
There was a whistle as something solid tore by her ear through him. Glancing over her shoulder, she saw Mizore stumble out of the woods, leveling her palms at the black tar of Okamoto. Several more shards lanced out to pierce through the beast assailing her.
While the Headmaster could boast all he wanted, Mizore was damn good at masking her presence. She wondered if her constant state of emotionless helped. She could not ponder this long as something disgusting slithered its way up her thighs beneath her skirt. She renewed her push of thoughts, hoping to convince Okamoto to save this for another time. Several more spears streaked by her, dangerously close, though it did not appear to bother Okamoto too much. She shuddered as something forced aside her panties before pushing up inside her.
Mizore yelped in surprise. Kurumu gritted her teeth, ignoring the invasion as she turned her concerns over to Mizore. Gomitsuro had broken out of his stagnant position to assist his partner. The bulbous man had hauled Mizore off the ground and stuffed her headfirst into his huge maw. Her legs were kicking madly about with her striped panties bared to the world.
They were going to die. Kurumu whipped her tail out, realizing she had to push these idiots into her dream world and make vegetables out of them both.
Gore. A huge spray of gore splashed against her. The sound had been so sharp, like a cannon. Her ears were ringing. She shuddered as she stared dumbly at Mizore. The girl was coughing in a pile of what was left of Gomitsuro. Mizore retched as she got up on her hands and knees.
"Mizore?"
There was no warning. Another boom. Kurumu fell hard to the ground as Okamoto was scattered across the clearing. There was nothing pushing against her. Nothing molesting her. Just blood and guts. She could even see narrow limbs that could possibly be the undigested portions of the boys these two had devoured this morning. Their assailants were dead.
Kurumu was shocked. She sat in the mess, her tail curling about her waist. Blood and guts stained every bit of her body and uniform. She would probably need to wear gym clothes the rest of the day. She hoped this stuff would wash out. She had to do laundry tonight anyways.
It felt like minutes had passed when she finally picked herself up off the ground. She finally noticed Umizake lurking at the edge of the clearing. He had an empty expression on his face as he regarded Mizore. The snow girl had stopped retching and was now crying softly in an icy puddle of gore.
"Umizake?"
She was lost. She staggered forward, her foot catching something solid. She bent over to pick up the recorder. It was still turning. She pushed the button to stop.
"I'll be going back to gym."
Kurumu frowned as he turned away.
"Wait."
He paused.
"There's nothing to discuss."
Kurumu shook her head.
"Wait. Why did you kill them?"
"Because she's an amateur."
"Huh?"
"She's spent more time avoiding her powers than learning how to use them. She couldn't help you."
Kurumu sort of understood that but she was shaking her head angrily.
"No. No, no. We could have won that."
Umizake glanced over his shoulder with a dubious frown.
"Not from what I was seeing."
"We could have captured them. They didn't have to die."
He cocked his head.
"What would be the point of that?"
He made a gesture at the recording device in her hand.
"You have a voice confession and we have a video. These two aren't vampires. They would have been summarily executed."
"That's not the point."
He glared at her with his cold eyes.
"I saved you. Take care of her."
Kurumu nodded despite how wrong the situation felt. She regarded Mizore, unsure what she could do. She had seen Mizore like this before and it was not a state that could be approached without proper precautions. It might be best to wait this out.
When she looked back up, Umizake was already gone.
Kurumu was relieved to have a sports bra among her gym things. The lecherous thoughts of these boys were bad enough from her wearing these tight red bloomers that she could not imagine how it would have been with her nipples poking through this white shirt. Her soiled clothes were sitting in a plastic bag at the end of the dugout beside her schoolbag, far enough away to spare them the stench.
Kurumu tapped her pencil against her article notebook. Asuka sat on the bench beside her, fidgeting with the strap and zipper of her schoolbag. The blond had wandered over to the field a few minutes ago on her own, claiming Taijin was off with the other track girls on a random long run Coach Kibashiro had sprung on them. Asuka had bowed out under the premise of menstrual cramps, which was partially true. It was never that bad, but she had felt crummy all day.
Sangi was leaning against the fence on her right shoulder. The brunette's hands were thrust in the pockets of her unfastened green jacket as she pawed at the dirt with her shoes. She had shown up but her help was not needed. Oyanagi had convinced Kuroishi to bring the camcorder, so the two boys had filmed some of the practice and were currently helping Kamitsuku with the group photos.
It had been near the start of the gym hour when Mizore was calm enough to return to campus. Mizore had left to go home and change clothes, having no interest spending the rest of the day in gym apparel. Kurumu had left Tsukune in Kiki's care, since Tora had to slip out for the PSC meeting.
Tsukune had been troubled by her explanation of the event. She reassured him that Umizake had saved them and that from his perspective, he could not risk waiting for them to save themselves. Kamitsuku felt the whole thing rather anti-climatic, wishing they had gotten video of Umizake dispensing justice. Umizake would know the names of the two girls which they could add to the article. It had hurt to smile from Kamitsuku's jokes about breathing easier.
"Hey Kurumu?"
She glanced up. Sangi was peering out at the boys milling about aimlessly near the other dugout. It did look like they had finished up with the pictures.
"You mentioned having some interviews left to do. Do you have the names?"
Kurumu nodded, having picked that up during eighth period from Abe. Tapping her pencil against the sheet, she managed a slight smile.
"They're all boys from Tokamachi. Mr. Yamadachi is a first year from class seven. There's also Mr. Hatsura and Mr. Korogaru, whom are outfielders. The last one is Mr. Tsuneni."
"I remember Korogaru. Used to be in our class with Ginei."
Kurumu smiled, wondering if any of this mattered anymore.
"My friend would also like to meet Mr. Gizatochi, their ace pitcher."
"No, I don't!"
"Ikazuchi, then?"
Asuka shrugged.
"That would be preferable."
"I also should talk with the coach. The guys tend to gloss over the whole baseball thing when I interview them. I can usually get a good paragraph or two about the actual club activities and expectations."
Sangi nodded, moving around the end of the fence to approach the first base line. She lifted one hand up beside her mouth to call out the names of the boys she wanted over. She even included Ikazuchi, which brought a slight smile to Asuka's lips.
"Are you nervous about meeting him?"
Asuka glanced up at the boys trotting across the field to answer Sangi's summons.
"Which one is Ikazuchi?"
"He's in class three. Don't you ever look at the boys in gym?"
Asuka shrugged.
"I don't pay that much attention to boys. I doubt I could list half of them in my own class."
"Really?"
"Yea. I know we have Mr. Hayate, our class rep. Then there's Mr. Tokeru, whom sits beside him. Mr. Mamorinuku, the guy that sits in front of me, and Mr. Tatakai that sits between him and Mr. Tokeru. The rest are just background noise that I don't pay much attention to."
Kurumu smiled, mildly familiar with those names. She probably knew their faces better.
"That's all?"
"Well… yea. I bet I could list off all the girls though."
Kurumu shrugged, supposing she could almost do that.
"There's Nozomi and Chisa, my partners in track. Our energetic gymnast Ran. Mina, our ace volleyball player that carried us to an undefeated gym season."
"You lost your last two games."
"Practically undefeated. Haraka and Tarako, the mermaid twins that love you so much. Asakira, our other class rep, whom gets angry when I call her by her first name. It's Yume, by the way."
Kurumu chuckled. While she did not know all the girls by their first names, Asuka's little added fact helped her realize which girl she was talking about.
"Quiet little Moe, whom spends most her time drawing and writing instead of taking notes. Prissy and pompous Midori whom always has something to talk about and her reluctant partner Kameko. They're both in our home economics."
Kurumu shook her head, standing up as the boys came around the open end of the dugout. The closest was a black haired guy with shaggy, coarse hair that covered his eyes. Beside him was the guy with the shoulder length, wavy locks the color of wheat.
"Oh and the little brat, Tsuchiyama, whom sits in the front by herself because she's too good to talk to the rest of us commoners. She also hates it when I call her by her first name, which is Chiriko."
The two boys chuckled as the others settled in behind them. Ikazuchi grabbed the post at this end of the dugout. A shorter guy with ebony hair that brushed his shoulders quietly lingered in the back. Another guy with short, silvery hair stood with his hands behind his head and a smirk on his lips.
"Don't know whom this Tsuchiyama is but I bet we could show her a good time."
The black haired one grinned with a familiar toothy smile. The snaggletooth of the other guy was equally telling. She was dealing with an inugami and an okami.
"I don't know if your coach still needs you after this, but I will need him."
"Lucky guy."
The fair haired one chuckled, jostling his partner.
"So… I shall start with Yamadachi."
"Yes! Guess you all get sloppy seconds."
A bunch of laughter followed accompanied with the usual sense of desire. She realized a lot of the young athletes had this level of interest. It was more subdued than the boys whom were outright reclusive and shy. These boys possessed a healthy, restrained lust which would be strengthened if she encouraged it. Smiling patiently for the boys to settle down, she cocked her head to regard the fair haired boy.
"It's Yamadachi Isamu, from class seven. I've actually heard quite a bit about you from Kiba and Kana."
"Kana? You mean Zukkutani. That's right. The comic girl does sit in the back."
"I understand you flirt a lot with Kiba."
He waved his hand dismissively with a nervous smile.
"I wouldn't say that."
"Who's this Kiba, Isamu?"
The dark haired one slung an arm about the shorter boy's shoulders, leaning in.
"Are you hiding a girl from us?"
"No, no. It's just a girl from my class that sits in front of me."
Kurumu grinned, noting the silver haired boy had also taken interest.
"If you guys know Bikiyama, you could always ask her."
"Oh! You're talking about Enoko. Yea, I've met her. She lives on our floor. Nozomi introduced us to her at dinner and I hear she's in some rough and tumble club with her older cousin."
Kurumu could tell by the way Yamadachi cringed at Asuka's remark that he had been trying to keep this girl secret.
"Oh, a friend of Nozomi."
The dark haired one hissed, withdrawing his arm. He glanced back at the silver haired guy.
"That might mean dealing with Akari."
The other boy shrugged indifferently.
"Which one are you?"
The dark haired boy touched his chest and she nodded with a smile.
"Hatsura Enjo. I'm in class eight with the younger Borohata."
"Are you also in his Finance elective?"
Hatsura shook his bushy head with a toothy grin.
"Naw. Don't care much for numbers and computers. I'm in the trade elective with the younger Zokubu."
Kurumu nodded. Unlike the soccer team, she had noticed the boys were kind of split on their choice of electives. She glanced up at Yamadachi.
"Are you in shop or business?"
Yamadachi grinned.
"Computers, actually."
"Any big plans for the future? College? Career?"
Both boys laughed after a glance at each other.
"You have one less year than I do to think about this."
"Shut up, whitey. I'll figure things out later."
"Girlfriends?"
"Yes please."
Yamadachi smirked at Hatsura's eager response.
"No, not at the time."
"But I'm open to offers."
"What about Kiba?"
Yamadachi grinned, shaking his head.
"Naw. She's fun but I don't think she's the dating kind."
"What the hell is that supposed to me?"
The boys laughed at Asuka's protest. The blond had got up from the bench to stand next to Kurumu.
"Enoko would be an awesome girl to take on a date."
"And would you be an awesome girl to take on a date?"
Kurumu smiled at Ikazuchi's inquiry as the boy stepped closer to regard Asuka.
"Of course I would be."
"Really? You don't look the type either."
Asuka scowled at him.
"There's no such thing as a type of girl for dating. It's like saying there are some girls that aren't fit for clothes. Every girl can wear clothes."
"Some girls we might prefer not to."
Asuka blushed as the boys all laughed at his remark. Sangi shook the fence with a clatter.
"Hey! Calm down."
The silver haired one chuckled at Sangi, making a placating hand gesture.
"We have this. Don't worry."
"Hurry along. I think your coach is holding the rest of your team hostage till you idiots finish."
Kurumu supposed it might be that way, considering they had already finished with their pictures.
"If that's the case, what exactly am I here for?"
Kurumu smiled at Ikazuchi. She thumbed at Asuka.
"Oh really? Is this mouthy blond causing you problems?"
Ikazuchi clucked his tongue and shook his head as he promptly stepped over to accost the bewildered Asuka by her shoulders.
"Shall I dispose of her?"
As the boys chuckled, Asuka promptly released her schoolbag strap to shove his chest.
"What are you doing?"
Ikazuchi was a whole head taller than the blond. He chuckled, letting his hands slide back to grab Asuka by the wrists. He smiled at Kurumu.
"What shall I do with her?"
"Introduce yourself like a normal guy, dummy."
"That's no fun. Besides. She knows who I am."
He let go of her wrists to step in. With a fluid motion, he grabbed her beneath her armpits and hauled her off her feet. Asuka squeaked in alarm as the boys laughed.
"Put me down!"
Ikazuchi chuckled as he peered slightly up at the hefted blond. To her credit, Asuka was not kicking or struggling, though her cheeks burned crimson.
"Watch where you're grabbing!"
"Don't fret, little one. There's not much for me to grab."
Asuka's eyes flashed as her lip quivered. Ikazuchi jerked back a half step as the boys laughed at him. Making an odd noise, Ikazuchi settled the girl back on her feet before letting her go. His shoulders trembled as he shook his hands.
"That's quite a kick you have."
Asuka crossed her arms about her chest as she huffed indignantly. Ikazuchi chuckled, patting the girl on her head before flashing a grin to the other boys.
"Definitely cute."
Hatsura grinned.
"But not one you'd prefer without clothes, am I right?"
"With the right lingerie I could be tempted to take it off."
The boys chuckled heartily as Asuka burned a deep shade of crimson.
"Was there anything else you needed from me?"
Kurumu smiled at Ikazuchi, shaking her head.
"An apology would be nice."
Ikazuchi laughed, gesturing at Asuka.
"Don't worry about it, Shindou. I wouldn't even mind if you're wearing kiddie panties."
Asuka gagged, clutching herself tightly as she wilted back to the bench.
"Behave yourself, Ikazuchi."
He grinned at Kurumu as he spun about the post onto the other side of the fence.
"I'm just messing around. I'll treat Shindou to something afterwards."
"Like a lollipop."
The boys chuckled over Yamadachi's jest. Ikazuchi grinned as he backpedaled away from the dugout.
"Or something better to suck on."
Kurumu could not believe the gesture Ikazuchi made with his hand and his mouth. She was relieved that Asuka was too busy sulking to notice it, though the boys all got a laugh out of it. Ikazuchi turned about and jogged off to join the rest of the team with the coach.
"I swear you're all a bunch of juveniles."
"It's all in fun, Michi."
The familiarity of the silver haired guy's remark guaranteed he was Korogaru Kajiru. That meant the slender kid with the ebony hair was Tsuneni Yukinari, the last kirin on the team. While he was the closest to Tsukune's height, Kurumu had her doubts that he was masculine enough for Nerume to have much interest in him. Then again, she was assuming Nerume would have the same standards. She had avoided talking about potential boyfriends to Nerume ever since the incident.
"You okay, Ms. Shindou?"
Asuka shook her head slightly. She finally lifted her head, glancing over her shoulder at Kurumu.
"I'm taller than you."
Kurumu frowned.
"Where did that come from?"
Asuka took in a deep breath. She shrugged.
"I doubt he would have picked you up like that."
Hatsura chuckled, promptly making indecent boob grabbing gestures.
"Well… she would be quite the handful."
Asuka nodded as she let a hand slide up and down the strap of her schoolbag. She was less endowed than Satsuki, but it was not like she had nothing.
"I'm going home."
She crossed in front of Kurumu to slip around Yamadachi.
"Wait, Asuka. What about Ikazuchi?"
Asuka paused, glancing over her shoulder. She shrugged again.
"Why would anyone seriously want me? I'll see you tomorrow, Kurono."
Kurumu flinched. The two boys murmured concerns of joking too hard as Asuka made her way to the break in the fence that opened to the bleachers. She slipped off the field and stalked steadily away.
"This is why you boys will remain single."
Korogaru smirked at Sangi.
"I don't see you with a boyfriend."
"I certainly wouldn't take an offer from you."
Kurumu sighed.
"Should I have stopped her?"
"She would have been a lousy date after what your boy pulled."
"He's not my boy."
"Friend?"
Kurumu shrugged, uncertain what she would classify Ikazuchi as.
"Well, whatever he is, that was going nowhere good."
"In his defense, she's not sexy. I'll agree she's cute, but not the sort you'd feel right about your body having a reaction to."
The two boys chuckled at Korogaru's explanation. Kurumu noticed Tsuneni lacked a reaction to this. She wondered if he had been that way throughout most of the exchange. It was hard to say considering the two in front of her had rather loud and distinctive laughs.
"She's a first year in high school. I don't think she's going to look much older."
Korogaru waved his hand dismissively before leaning up against the fence.
"That's not really true. We're not humans. Some of the smaller okami girls, like my little sister, might not bloom until college. You can't really say a girl has stopped maturing till maybe around thirty."
Sangi snorted.
"That's a stretch."
"I'm not saying okami, but some of the purebloods are like that. Gnomes are notorious for looking like little girls until their mid-twenties."
Hatsura snickered.
"Then they end up looking closer to Ms. Kurono. Tiny and stacked."
Yamadachi chuckled, jostling Hatsura as Kurumu shook her head.
"I suppose I should get on with the interviews. Mr. Korogaru Kajiru. I understand that Mr. Hatsura and you are outfielders. I'm guessing the same applies to Mr. Yamadachi."
"That would be correct."
"Do you have a girlfriend, Mr. Korogaru?"
He grinned wickedly.
"I do."
Sangi eyed him dubiously.
"Since when?"
"Oh, she's this super flexible pup that has always loved and adored me."
Yamadachi cocked his head while Hatsura grimaced.
"It's creepy when you talk about your cousin like that."
Korogaru snickered.
"Well… she'd be my girlfriend if I let her."
Both boys pulled away from the chuckling guy as Sangi shook her head.
"Um… so cousin relationships are bad among okami?"
Yamadachi shrugged.
"Sometimes they're allowed. Like if it's a cousin removed, and family arranged, nobody cares. But like he said… Chiku is kind of amorous around him."
"His cousin, Ms. Roniushi, is in the gymnastics club. You're not in the same class as her, right?"
"No. I'm in class five with Shizumaru. And I couldn't pass up Ms. Idatsu's construction trade course."
Kurumu did not push for more with that smirk on his face.
"So what about you, Mr. Tsuneni? You've been quiet."
Korogaru grinned.
"Yuki is in Ms. Yoshino's homeroom, though he always keeps to himself. He might even be sitting with the girls and nobody would notice."
The boys chuckled, eliciting a slight smile from Tsuneni.
"I sit in the front row by the window. Shigeru sits behind me."
"Who is Shigeru?"
Korogaru chuckled.
"Hashibata Shigeru from the basketball team. So is Shizumaru. Both of them are dating the first year girls in Fumusuna's skiing club."
Kurumu smiled, recalling she had been told this by the guys on the soccer team. It did seem like she knew just about every student at Yokai from the Tokamachi district at this point.
"I feel like I should do the basketball team next."
Hatsura snorted.
"Why bother doing that? They don't have games until after the cultural festival."
Kurumu nodded slightly, supposing she should avoid letting her thoughts wander to articles she would never write. She sighed with that thought.
"Sorry. Wasn't thinking. Anyways, uh… what elective are you in, Mr. Tsuneni?"
"He's in the computer program with me."
Kurumu frowned at the edge in Sangi's voice. The girl huffed.
"How much longer will this take?"
Kurumu shrugged, regarding the notes she had taken.
"I don't know. I guess I'm a little disorganized. Asuka leaving like that has me feeling down."
"I could pick you up if you like?"
Hatsura made some unwelcome gestures with his hands.
"I'll pass."
"Well… I'm wanting to get out of here, so I'm going to fetch the coach."
"Sorry. I'll try wrapping things up quickly."
"I'll be right back."
Kurumu nodded as the brunette jogged off to confront the blue haired man whom stood resolutely at the edge of the far dugout. The rest of the team had been gathered up on the bench while the coach watched over them like a jailer. Kamitsuku and the other two film club juniors were having a discussion about third base. Kuroishi had the tripod slung over his shoulder while Oyanagi animatedly gestured at the dugout while brandishing his camera. She mildly wondered what he was enthused about.
Sighing, she returned her attention back to the four boys.
"So… what position do you play, Mr. Tsuneni?"
"Bottom."
Kurumu frowned at Hatsura.
"Uh… what?"
"And probably for the other team, if you know what I mean."
The three boys laughed as Tsuneni simply smiled again. Kurumu wondered if this was an inside joke.
"Relief pitcher. He's decent but can't pitch a whole game."
Kurumu smiled, thankful that Korogaru had spared her from asking about it.
"Any goals or dreams?"
Tsuneni cocked his head with a smile. His lips were fuller than she felt was normal for a young man so thin. It was an unusual trait that made him look more feminine.
"I would like to create a world where we can be anything we want to be. You know. With a push of a button, you could be somewhere better. A place where dreams can come true."
For some reason the other boys found that funny.