Kurumu sighed as she tapped her pencil against her notebook while Ms. Sunao spoke in front of the class. The tiny teacher had to stand beside the podium in order to be seen. Her ashen hair was done up in buns held in place by gold and black needles. Kurumu recalled the first half of her term with a slight smile. Sitting in the back row, she had to really want to hear Ms. Sunao's lecture. It was nicer near the front as she at least felt she had a choice in whether or not she was paying attention.
She had decided to go straight home after the shoot to attend to her laundry. To her surprise, Mrs. Meirowasa had cooked a dinner for them. After eating dinner, the mother went to work while Tokori had accompanied her on a laundry trip.
Umizake must have reported the incident to the PSC while handing over the video tape and recording to his superiors at the PSC meeting. Tokori had mixed feelings about it, agreeing that the evidence would have resulted in the execution of those boys, but disliking how Umizake had bypassed a proper trial. Apparently Lady Hineri agreed as it sounded like Umizake might end up suspended for a week or two, based on faculty review of the case.
Liquid manipulation. According to Tokori, powerful Undines could force water molecules apart with their will. Pure spirits would be able to withstand such an attack, but weaker things like akaname or kappas would die in the blink of an eye. Tokori assured her that since Umizake clearly had that level of control, he could have let them live.
It had been silly to knock on Moka's door last night. By the time they had finished laundry, it had almost been ten. She had no idea what she would have talked about, but she was starting to worry about the vampire. As far as she could tell, Moka was not coming to breakfasts or dinners. Nobody had seen her. It worried her that Moka was not leaving her room at all.
It was Friday, the first day of July. That letter to her mother would finally go out today. No doubt her candid remarks about the situation would prompt a call. That meant her mother would find out about the pending expulsion. She might even be told about Kurumu's deal with Mrs. Shuzen. Surely she would be allowed some time with her mother before she had to honor her promise to Kokoa.
She swallowed down thick feelings. It hurt to think about it. It hurt to think that this could be her last days of high school. Her final moments to talk with Nerume and Satsuki. That she might never get to see Yukari again. Tora. Kana. Ginei. Maybe even Mizore, despite her headstrong assurances. Would it really be enough to only have time with Tsukune and Moka?
"Morning, Ms. Sunao! I need to steal a girl from your class."
Kurumu blinked. Ginei had appeared beside the diminutive instructor. He was dressed casually in a burgundy dress shirt and black slacks. He was sporting a black bandana today. Ms. Sunao peered up at him with unmasked shock.
"Mr. Morioka? You're not supposed to be here."
"And in a few seconds I won't be. If you don't mind, I shall be moving along with Ms. Kurono."
Ginei strode purposefully by Yukari's vacant desk to hold out his hand.
"What are you doing?"
"Running away with you, my dear."
She rolled her eyes as Juri giggled behind her. Favoring the bewildered Ms. Sunao an apologetic smile, Kurumu slipped out of her seat deliberately on the other side of the desk. She started for the front of the class, shaking her head.
"This better be good."
"I always am."
He flashed a grin at Ms. Sunao as he snatched Kurumu by the hand.
"I'll try not to keep her too long."
His grip was firm and he tugged so hard that it was difficult to keep her footing. She trotted out into the hall with an awkward bounce. She whimpered after passing by both doors to class one.
"Stop it!"
"Keep your voice down."
"Let me go!"
He relinquished his grip once they reached the main hall. She quickly pulled her hand to her chest, clasping her wrist. She scowled at him while his attention was on the classrooms.
"What do you think you're doing?"
"Can't a guy stop by and visit a girl precious to him?"
She wanted to smack the smirk off his face. Her lower lip trembled.
"Where have you been?"
"I've been looking all over Mononoke looking for clues about Fusamina. Not an easy task with everyone thinking he's dead."
"And that prevented you from stopping by the dining hall? Nobody has heard anything from you the past couple days."
He grinned.
"What can I say? Investigative work knows no convenient time or place."
"You could have at least said something to Tora."
He smirked, stepping in to squeeze her left tit. She swiped at his hand, which he deftly placed atop her head, tousling her short locks.
"Is it really that hard to admit you missed seeing me around?"
She sighed in disgust. Somehow this idiot had turned a depressing mood into annoyance. Smacking his hand off her head, she started off for the main foyer.
"So where are we going?'
"I think it's time to enlist the services of the Voice."
She frowned as he effortlessly took the lead with his longer stride.
"The Voice?"
"Tashikana Ichigo, president of the Broadcasting Club and the Voice of Yokai Academy. I figure if we can get his help, we can spread the message of Fusamina being alive."
Kurumu grimaced.
"Why would we want to do that?"
"Because I'm getting nowhere. Everyone is playing dumb or they genuinely don't have a clue. I figure if you get your voice on the PA system, we might have better luck."
Kurumu rolled her eyes.
"I doubt my charm will work through an electronic device."
"You underestimate a man's willingness to help a damsel in distress. You don't need a magic charm to make guys want to help you. We get your cute voice sounding out to every classroom and someone is bound to jump through hoops to make things right for you."
She shook her head, noting they had already reached the main foyer.
"If Fusamina isn't already dead, sending a message about him will quickly make him so."
"I'm pretty sure my search about town hasn't gone unnoticed. This is the only place left for us to look."
Kurumu sighed, supposing they were running out of options. Her thoughts drifted to this Voice. She remembered being told about him when flirting with the idea of their popularity contest.
"I heard he doesn't have access to the PA system."
Ginei chuckled.
"So you've heard about that?"
"A little bit."
"Shortly after last year's cultural festival, Voice made a minor complaint over how the PSC controlled the student council and that we needed to vote in better people to stand up to those tyrants."
Kurumu smiled.
"I imagine that did not end well."
"More peacefully than you'd think. The former student council president demanded that the Voice return the keys to the broadcasting room. The room has been locked up ever since."
"Did his club disband?"
Ginei waved his hand dismissively.
"It wouldn't matter. His club never used funds. Even if it stopped being official, he'd keep it going."
"Would you keep this club going by yourself?"
Ginei laughed as he continued with a steady stride. She hesitated as she regarded the other hall.
"I doubt they would let me."
She mildly wondered where they were going as she followed him to the stairs at the end of this hall.
"So what does the Broadcasting Club do?"
"Not much. Usually they would pop in either at the start of the day or the end of the day, listing off school announcements. Lady Otonashi would often use them to promote our paper. Other clubs would do the same."
"My mother used to be in the Broadcasting Club. She didn't have much to say about it."
Ginei chuckled as they started down the stairs.
"Not surprising. I doubt I could tell you the names of anyone else in his club. A club like that is going to only be known for its most charismatic member. I don't even know if it had seniors last year."
"I wonder whom their advisor is."
"That would be Ms. Senda."
Kurumu frowned, pausing at the landing.
"I haven't heard of her."
"Not surprising. I doubt you first years know half the teachers for the seniors. Speaking of which, we will be stopping in class ten for Tashikana. I hope Ms. Okumura won't give me a hard time."
She was familiar with the name, since it was the homeroom teacher for Uchiyama's older sister and the quiet Chouda from the film club. She slowly started her descent of the second flight.
"Why would she do that?"
"She used to be my advisor. I don't know if you remember, but the newspaper club wasn't my first choice. I used to be part of the Outdoors club. It's a club dedicated to roughing it out in the wild. Our club president would talk about planning camping and hiking trips for the summer break."
Ginei turned a wistful smile back at her as he waited at the bottom of the stairs.
"Too bad Kaito didn't even live through the first month."
Kurumu hesitated at the bottom step as the familiar melancholy crept through her. She hated this. It felt like everyone she cared about was hurting. He was slowly walking away from her, intent on the far side of the senior hallway. She followed at her own pace, forcing him to stop and wait for her near the first senior classroom. He favored her with his usual grin.
"Have you ever thought about going back?"
"To what?"
"To the Outdoors Club."
He waved dismissively, turning about to continue past the first door of class twelve. The senior hallway was flipped with the higher numbered classrooms on the courtyard side. The band room was in place of the home ec room. She had passed through the hallway, but had never had a reason to set foot in any of these classrooms.
"Why didn't you visit us in the hospital?"
"Did you hit your head or something? You saw me there."
She walked slowly by the doors of classes twelve and eleven.
"Not really. You were in the lobby but never came up to any of the patient rooms."
He turned on his heel, backpedaling by the back door of class eleven. He flashed her another empty grin.
"I doubt taking advantage of a girl tied to her bed would be that much fun."
She smirked, surmising Tora must have informed him about that.
"It would have been nice to see you."
"None of you were going to get better because I wasted my time there. I'd rather be useful."
That felt more serious than his grin betrayed. Turning about he finished the short walk to the front door of class ten.
"Now it would be different if you were pushing out my baby. I would spoil you rotten with attention."
She chuckled, shaking her head as that silly wolf drew open the door and walked inside.
"Ms. Okumura. Pardon the intrusion, but I require the help of one of your students."
Kurumu poked her head around the door. Ginei was addressing a young woman whom was slightly shorter than him. She had shaggy, platinum blond hair which possessed a boyish charm. Her icy blue eyes were tickled with amusement as she leaned on the podium with a multi fanged grin.
"Should I send you to the nurse before or after I pound some sense into you?"
Ginei gestured at the guy sitting in the center of the second row. The young man had lilac, wavy hair which was trimmed nicely at the sides and back. Sitting on his left was the dark haired track girl and on her other side by the window was Uchiyama's sister. She smiled, noting the mint haired Chouda sitting in the front row window seat, staring off at the courtyard, oblivious to the class.
"I need the Voice of Yokai for a few minutes."
Kurumu noted the pink, curly haired senior from the cheerleader squad was sitting in the third row next to a buxom girl with a long, ebony ponytail. A girl with curly, magenta hair sat behind Tashikana, whom had stood up from Ginei's gesturing.
"You realize there are penalties for a suspended student to show up on campus."
Ginei waved his hand dismissively.
"I'll be in and out before you notice."
"You sure about this, Morioka?"
Ginei laughed at Tashikana.
"I'm already here, aren't I? Come on. Can't hold up her lesson any longer."
Tashikana started towards Ginei but Ms. Okumura held her hand up.
"Not how it works, Mr. Morioka."
Ginei smirked as he grabbed Tashikana by the sleeve of his jacket.
"I could run an article for your club."
"Empty promises from a club that's about to be closed down."
"The Voice can speak up for you."
Ms. Okumura smiled with bared fangs. She shook her head slowly.
"Really not the problem. Do you think I can let this go after a whole class has seen you?"
Ginei flashed the classroom a grin and a quick wave. Tugging Tashikana towards the door, Ginei made a parting salute to Ms. Okumura.
"Do what you have to."
Ms. Okumura sighed, tousling her own locks.
"Be quiet when you return, Mr. Tashikana."
"Yes, Ms. Okumura."
Kurumu closed the door for them after they passed through. She frowned as Ginei quickly walked off, gesturing for them to follow. Tashikana was only slightly shorter than Ginei, effortlessly keeping up with the brisk stride. Kurumu had to keep her bounce in check as they made their way past the other classes.
"You're Ms. Kurono."
She nodded, favoring the senior a smile.
"I've heard some things about you. Did us all a favor getting rid of that bastard, Kachidoki."
She frowned, causing him to grin.
"One of the PSC seniors. Used to sit in front of me. Dark hair, glasses."
She did recall him. That was the first senior that had tried to stop their rescue. He was one of the boys Tora's phantom had killed.
"We rarely hear Ms. Chouda speak but she could not stop talking about her adventure in Kofu. She really likes Ms. Sendou."
Kurumu smiled.
"I'm glad she had a good time."
"Terrible thing happening to your club."
"I guess."
"That older Sumita boy sat in the back by the window in our class. Don't think a damn person in our room cares he is gone."
Of all the boys that had perished, she felt his death was the most deserving. But she could not voice that sentiment. She noted the washrooms were off to the right on that side of the hall as Ginei tugged open the first door to the band room. Kurumu was mildly surprised the room was open, though she guessed Ms. Hitori only bothered to lock the pantry in her absence.
There was nothing special about the band room. There were rows of chairs and black music stands all about. Only a few large instruments like the piano and drums were left out in the open. She never saw anyone carrying about instruments, so she assumed the rest were stored away in the room on her left.
"So what is this about, Morioka?"
"I need you to help this young lady send a message to the school."
Tashikana snorted, shaking his head.
"I think you've forgotten I don't have a key to the broadcasting room anymore."
Ginei brushed a hand over his ear.
"Why not? Kuyo's gone."
"I don't know. I've petitioned the student council to give me back the key, but Mr. Kaneshiro keeps putting it off. Says there are more crucial things going on."
"Would you help if I got you a key?"
Tashikana rubbed the back of his neck as he regarded Kurumu.
"That would be awesome, but I don't know if I should mix things up with the newspaper club."
"Come on, Ichigo. Don't you want to get back on the air?"
"Of course I do. But seriously, man, this isn't worth it."
"Don't worry about it. I'll take the blame on how you get your key back."
Tashikana pawed at the floor.
"Fuck, Ginei. They're going to expel your ass."
And it hit her. She shook her head as she quickly moved to grab him by the sleeve.
"No, you can't!"
Ginei laughed, effortlessly dodging her attempt. He planted a hand firmly on her head. She swiped at his hand but he darted away with a grin.
"Too late to back out now. Are you in, Ichigo?"
It was over. If Ginei was expelled too, that would be the end of the club.
"Sure. Can I give a plug for my club first?"
Ginei chuckled as Kurumu wavered on the brink of tears. Nothing mattered anymore.
"We won't have much time before one of the faculty shuts you down."
"A couple seconds is all I need. It was fucking hard to recruit for a club that was silenced."
"I know what you mean. Shall we meet up at the broadcasting room towards the end of lunch? I should have the key by then."
"Sounds good to me."
"You okay, Kurumu?"
Kurumu struggled to hold back the pain in her heart. She knew the broadcasting room was on the second floor near the main foyer by the stairs that went up to the third floor. The door faced the hall instead of the foyer. She forced a smile as she nodded.
"I'll meet you at lunch."
Ginei grinned as he offered his hand.
"Shall I accompany you back to class?"
The sensations oozing from him suggested she would be in for more harassment if he did. Annoyance helped smother the pain.
"I can manage that much."
"Smile, Kurumu. I landed you a date with the most popular guy in school."
Tashikana chuckled as she choked out a laugh. The senior started for the open door.
"Whatever, man. Don't get yourself caught before lunch."
Kurumu paced about the broadcasting room nervously. Too anxious to eat, she had arrived early. She wondered if that was a mistake with all the fake smiles she had to hand out to the curious students and teachers that passed by. There were more than she expected.
Despite having some opportunities to drag Satsuki and Tora into this, she had talked herself out of it. She worried she would only increase Ginei's risk if she said something in class three. And she worried even more what sort of things Satsuki would encourage her to say.
She had talked a little with Juri and Satsuki about if there was any difference between talking and hearing something on the radio. Sound was sound. Saying something in person or through a recording should have the same result. She had let the issue drop, not wanting to explain her reasoning. She was literally toying with the idea of charming the entire school. It would not surprise her if this message would be grounds to suspend her for the small time she had left.
"Damn, you're here early."
Kurumu smiled up at Tashikana. The fair haired boy was accompanied by a large man with muddy black hair, shaped in an unimaginative bowl that hung over his eyes. Despite the thick bangs, she could see his glowing, cyan eyes. It was unsettling.
"This is Ms. Kurono Kurumu. And this is Mr. Iwayuru Yowai, my roommate from class one. He's the other senior in our magnificent club."
Tashikana's eyes flickered colors from a soft green to a soft blue. She frowned while nodding at the large brute whom bowed his broad head politely. Tashikana thumbed at his companion.
"Yowai here has been with me since he was a first year. I guess his former junior high mates from Murakami didn't care much for him, so he spends all his free time making me feel important."
Kurumu managed a smile under that steady gaze. He was no bigger than Ushio or Tamaishi, but lacked all the jovial nature of those two. It made her uncomfortable and she wanted him to look away. Her charm clearly was working as the man dutifully obeyed.
"So how many members are in your club?"
Tashikana chuckled, leaning up against the wall beside the door. He patted the wall next to him. Taking the hint, she parked her butt against the wall on his left.
"Recruiting was impossible. I was only able to keep one of our first years after they pulled the plug on us. Luckily Himeko has a younger sister, so we were able to remain an official club."
Kurumu smiled, resting her palms on the wall while he crossed his arms about his chest.
"I might know this sister. What's her name?"
"Gyozoku Hayako from Mr. Sawayaka's class. I believe she's in the business elective."
Kurumu frowned, unfamiliar with that name. She probably knew half the girls from class six, considering five of them were in home ec. There was also that Undine from Itoigawa and that wide, indigo eyed girl from the choir. She thought Endo's friend, Sugimoto, was also in there. She sighed.
"That's one I don't know."
Tashikana chuckled.
"No worries. She's a chubby little thing, just like her sister. She also brought in another first year, Yamane Yuri, from Hino's class."
Kurumu perked up.
"Wait. I have heard of both of these girls just yesterday. They're in your club?"
Tashikana arched a brow.
"Yea?"
"Ms. Yamane has been missing school this week."
"Really? I figured they were just ditching club."
"Do you know the names of the two girls that went missing this weekend?"
Tashikana frowned.
"Missing girls?"
Kurumu smiled, supposing it was not a big issue. Tsukune was going to get those names from Kamitsuku or Umizake. It was his article.
"Sorry. It's nothing."
"Is Ms. Yamane in trouble?"
Kurumu shook her head.
"No. She got frightened because two friends of hers from class nine disappeared. I know a friend of a classmate this is keeping her company."
"This is news to me. I had no idea there was a real reason to her absence."
Kurumu managed a smile.
"Never a dull moment."
Tashikana sighed, bumping his head back against the wall.
"Are you guys writing something about that? I know Morioka loved keeping everyone in the loop about people disappearing. Said it was the only thing we could do to keep the PSC honest."
"I don't think he knows about this one."
She paused with a wistful smile.
"We're just kids."
Tashikana chuckled, clearly not understanding her line of thinking.
"Yea. So?"
"Have you ever thought about how your mother might feel if something happened to you?"
Tashikana frowned. He glanced up at his silent companion.
"Not really."
"Sixteen years is a long time. That's a long time for someone to just be gone."
Tashikana straightened up, pushing slightly off the wall. He fidgeted with his jacket, offering a shrug.
"Getting homesick?"
She smiled softly.
"A little."
"Did you find those girls?"
There was a long pause. She figured he knew the results without her having to go in further detail.
"So what sort of message are you planning to send to the school?"
"We need to find someone."
He sighed.
"I imagine the PSC and faculty are unable or unwilling to help."
"Yea."
"Is this about those two girls?"
Kurumu smiled, supposing that was a fair guess.
"Actually this is about the mess our club is in. We're hoping to find someone that can help us figure out why things turned out the way they did."
"Sounded pretty simple to me. Idiots kidnapped a couple of your friends and got killed over it."
Kurumu smiled, aware that the Yakumaru and Hinagiku incidents were not common knowledge. She glanced at the door on his other side.
"If that's been locked up this whole time, where has your club been meeting?"
"We haven't decided yet. We tried to have a couple meetings in Ms. Senda's science room, but that's not a great environment. Since Mr. Sawayaka doesn't have a club, we started hanging out in class six around the time your club gave Kuyo the boot."
Kurumu frowned.
"Mr. Sawayaka doesn't have a club?"
"Nope."
"Surprised. Sounds like most teachers are advisors for something."
"There's a small handful that don't."
Tashikana took in a deep breath as he pushed away from the wall.
"Now this is interesting."
Kurumu frowned as Ginei came towards them from the senior side of the school. Beside the grinning werewolf was Lady Hineri, dressed in her PSC uniform which differed from the first years. Her short sleeved jacket had a zipper that cut diagonally across her bosom and she always wore it with a black pencil skirt. The leader of the PSC had an amused smirk on her thin lips. Her slender eyes glanced them over as she tilted her head.
Following in their shadows was a familiar, intimidating figure. The ashen haired Kusutate also had on his solemn PSC jacket and favored them with his usual stern expression. As the trio came to a stop, Kusutate turned his gaze upon the larger Iwayuru.
"Lady Hineri."
Tashikana nodded his head politely.
"Is there a reason for this visit?"
Hineri zipped down her front and turned slightly to face Morioka.
"As agreed."
Ginei smirked, slowly reaching inside the jacket and feeling about. Lady Hineri glanced up with a slight shake of her head.
"It's not that hard to find."
"No need to rush."
Lady Hineri sighed when it was quite obvious Ginei was copping a feel.
"Would you pull it out already?"
"Are you sure you don't want me to go deeper?"
"Fine. I'll do it myself."
Lady Hineri moved her hand but Ginei quickly snatched her by the wrist. The senior sighed again. She glanced at Tashikana. Her amber eyes had a sensual moment as she let out a softer sigh.
"Starting to enjoy yourself?"
"Just take it."
Ginei chuckled, darting out of reach when Kusutate tried to intervene. Ginei wagged a metal key in his fingers, tossing it over to a flustered Tashikana. The unsuspecting senior snapped his hands against his chest to keep it from bouncing off him.
Lady Hineri shifted uncomfortably, adjusting her jacket before zipping it back up. She pushed aside Kusutate's hand, favoring Ginei with a sour look.
"That was uncalled for."
"I'm getting the full value of the crime we agreed upon."
"You could have done it faster."
"I've never been asked that before."
Lady Hineri smirked as the bell sounded the end of the lunch hour.
"Clearly your partners must be too kind."
"We should step inside before someone sees us.
Tashikana motioned to Kurumu as he placed the key into the lock. With a quick twist, he tugged the door open and gestured for her to enter first. Kurumu hesitated with a glance down the halls.
"A pity you don't have a pocket beneath that skirt."
"I would be forced to kill you."
"Some things are worth dying for."
Lady Hineri smirked as Kurumu slowly wandered through the open door. The senior tapped Ginei's nose.
"You're cute, but not the person I want for my first time."
Ginei grinned wide.
"Oh? This lady is still pure?"
"In that sense, I am."
She tilted her head with a smile at Kurumu.
"It will be comforting to hear your voice again, Ichigo. This school has been missing your positive words. If you need anything else, you know where to find me."
Lady Hineri turned on her heel and started back for the senior hall. Kusutate lingered for a moment, shaking his head before following after his leader. Kurumu backed out of the doorway to allow Ginei in, turning her attention to the rest of the room.
The room felt smaller because makeshift partitions had been erected to divide the room in three. The partition to her right was full height but the upper half was a clear plastic. She could see a microphone dangling from a black stand that thrust out from a silver machine. The partition had a door that was lined with a black flap. Tashikana tugged open this door and slipped inside.
Off to her left beyond the half partition was a small compartment lined with shelves. There were numerous CDs and even a shelf dedicated to records. Her former boyfriend's grandparents had owned a number of those with music from the sixties.
"Get in here, Ms. Kurono."
Iwayuru had closed the door and was hovering in front of it like a barricade. She favored the large man a smile before heading to the door which Ginei held open for her. This middle room mostly had seating. Butted up against the partition was a stool in front of a machine with dials and sliders. A headset rested in the midst of all those controls.
"We will wait a minute or two into fifth period to let all the students settle in."
Kurumu nodded as she entered the enclosed compartment. It also had a machine similar to the one on the other side of the door. There were a couple headsets and more microphones jacked into ports. There were only two chairs, both on rollers. Tashikana had occupied one and gestured for her to take the other. She smiled, settling down as Ginei pulled the partition door shut.
"How did you convince her to let you grope her?"
Ginei shrugged, leaning against the door.
"I snatched her when she came out for gym."
"You snatched her?"
"Yea. She's not that heavy."
Kurumu cocked her head aside with a slight shake of disbelief.
"You're crazy."
"I needed some privacy. Told her that I needed the key with plans to put the Voice back on the air. I was surprised she quickly agreed."
"Considering you kidnapped her, she probably felt she had to."
Ginei chuckled.
"Her only condition was that she had to see me give it to Tashikana. Since she told me she would claim I molested her to get the key, I joked about doing it for real."
"And she said you could if it was in front of me."
Ginei smirked at Tashikana.
"Yea. Surprised me again. I'm thinking there's a story behind that."
Tashikana pawed at a headset as he slouched in the black chair.
"A little before your time. I have family in Myoko so I would drop by one or two weekends to visit. My cousin is in her third year of junior high over there. Anyways, I bumped into Keito when she was picking up her little sister from the elementary school there."
"Ah, so she was your girlfriend."
"Sort of. We started swapping letters the year before we came to Yokai. Ended up in different classes and different electives, despite her applying for the business program. They dumped her in choir."
Kurumu giggled at the thought of Lady Hineri being a choir girl. Tashikana smiled wistfully.
"We tried dating. It was fun. But things got difficult after she joined the PSC. Her mother had been a leader of it back in the day, so she wanted to follow her lead. It was something she often talked about."
"And you told her to quit."
Tashikana shook his head at Ginei's conclusion.
"We were first years. Neither of us had a clue about PSC corruption. Kuyo had to take her because of her ties to Myoko. He was looking for an excuse to get rid of her."
Tashikana paused with a wide grin.
"And I was going to be his excuse to get rid of her. The PSC are supposed to be perfect, model students. Relationships are strictly prohibited. So I dumped her."
Kurumu smiled, glancing through the plastic barricade at Iwayuru whom remained at the door.
"I think she still likes you."
"That might be true, but I was kind of popular by the time the cultural festival came around. I was dating another girl within a week of dropping Keito."
Kurumu grimaced at his boast while Ginei chuckled.
"How'd that turn out for you?"
Tashikana grinned.
"Let's say I'm not as pure as the maiden."
Kurumu sighed as the two boys chuckled. She crossed her legs and arms as Tashikana started coughing up intimate details of his three month romp with Ms. Kunahiyo Yorisou, a junior high friend whom had crushed on him for years. Tuning most of it out, she wondered if Tsukune ever bragged about doing her. He had spent several nights watching cameras with the boys and she knew how much they pestered him while in her company. She certainly hoped he would not talk about her in such an uncouth manner.
The bell announced the start of the fifth hour. Tashikana paused his comment, rolling his chair over so he could grab the dangling microphone. Once he was satisfied with its position, he reached over to adjust some dials on the machine.
"What about you, Ms. Kurono?"
"Huh?"
"I assume you've had sex with your boyfriend."
She smiled softly, offering a shrug. Ginei laughed heartily.
"Unlike you, she took a couple months before she crossed that line."
"To be fair, I've known Yorisou since our first year in junior high. It blew my mind that she asked me out. She's gorgeous. To think someone like her had been crushing on me for years."
He grinned, shaking his head.
"I needed someone to help Keito know it was over. But I didn't expect Yorisou to let me do, well… everything. I won't pretend that I didn't love it at the time, but I lost something."
"Yea. Your virginity."
Tashikana smirked at Ginei.
"Anyways, after breaking things off with Yorisou, I've never let things get that serious with a girl since. I've been out on dates, but not with any girl consistent enough to claim I'm in a relationship."
"That's the Tashikana I know. The shameless flirt."
"I hear you're quite the same."
Ginei shrugged nonchalantly.
"I can be. Thought it would be cooler to show up Midou. Impress the ladies."
"Oh? I heard you let him walk away without a fight."
"The girls I care about dig that passive approach."
Ginei smiled, shaking his head.
"I should have whooped his ass, then and there. Might have avoided everything."
Tashikana nodded, turning about in his seat. Kurumu thought about saying something but, Tashikana held a finger up at them as he touched a switch on the board. He grabbed the microphone and pulled it down beside his head.
"I think we've waited long enough. There's a microphone over here, Ms. Kurono. I'll turn it on when it's your turn to speak."
He gestured to a microphone holstered in the machine on his left. A black wire slipped out the bottom and was jacked into a nearby port. Kurumu hopped out of her chair, strolling over to tug the silver device free of its restraint. Smiling softly, she brought it up to her chest.
"I'll gesture for you to start speaking. Till then, everyone keep quiet."
Kurumu nodded, turning a glance on Ginei. He favored her a grin and a nonchalant shrug. When did it all become painfully superficial? She had always known Ginei was putting up a front. It had never bothered her before.
There was a hum in the air as Tashikana flipped a couple switches. He deftly adjusted the dangling microphone again, leaning his head to it. His lips hovered close to the silver mesh.
"Wake up, Yokai Academy. It is I, Tashikana Ichigo, your voice."
Tashikana took a soft breath as he closed his eyes.
"Apologies, good teachers. I know you all have serious jobs with important knowledge to impart to our young, impressionable minds, but I must take this opportunity to announce that I am back in business."
He paused with a slight smile.
"Now all you first years, listen and consider. This club is about spreading the news, sharing ideas and enjoying the music. I realize many passed our club by and I don't blame you. Who would want to join a club that doesn't seem to do anything?"
He laughed heartily, tugging the microphone to keep it close as he shifted in his seat.
"But as a third year with only so much time left, I need a successor. An heir to my throne. So if you have a burning desire to be the next voice of Yokai Academy, to spread the words that must be shared, then stop by our club in Mr. Sawayaka's homeroom, class 1-6 after school today."
Tashikana paused again, favoring her a smile.
"Some of you know what got our club silenced, but I know that time is over. The heavy hand of Kuyo's PSC has been lifted and the key to my sanctuary has been delivered to me. Both magnanimous gestures performed by the controversial Newspaper Club."
He patted the microphone deliberately to make a popping sound.
"So I owe them this favor. And one last word for all you teachers and club presidents. If you have things you need shared, events you need people to know about, please pay us a visit and I will do what I can to get your vital information out to the eager masses. And I haven't forgotten about your music requests, which we can play during club and lunch hours."
Tashikana pushed a switch on the board.
"I will now turn you over to Ms. Kurono. This is Tashikana Ichigo, your Voice, signing off."
"Hello. I, uh… yea."
Breathe. Believe.
"I'm Kurono Kurumu. I imagine some of you have heard of me. The girlfriend of Aono Tsukune."
She smiled, glancing at Ginei. She wished Moka was here to challenge that.
"I'm sure everyone knows by now that we had an issue with Midou and what we thought were the Outcasts. I suppose some of the boys might have been. I don't know. I understand most were part of Fusamina's skating club. I was told the two groups normally did not mix."
She exhaled softly.
"And nobody seems to question that. I guess to most of you, a monstrel is a monstrel. But that isn't true. I've met several that I felt were no different than anyone else. I know a friend will say, yea, well, those are girls. And she's right. I haven't met a girl monstrel that I didn't feel good about."
She closed her eyes, collecting her thoughts. She was rambling and they did not have the time. The faculty might not have reacted to Tashikana, but there was no way they would let her talk for long. They probably feared she was using her powers.
"The situation was unfortunate. Tsukune was pushed into a state that had him turn on friends. It's not something he remembers nor do I wish to remember. I was never asked by the investigation team what happened. I will confirm that I watched him kill two boys. I wish you could understand. It's not what he wanted. That's not who he is."
She paused to refocus her will.
"I want you to listen. I want you to know. There is more to this than a bunch of boys grabbing a vampire and holding her hostage for a showdown. There is someone that pushed Midou and Fusamina together. Someone so desperate to hide their involvement that they murdered Hinagiku and his family because he abandoned the scene."
She cocked her head, pushing belief.
"Hinagiku Hideo is a local boy. His family was killed the night before. The investigation team feels this is the work of Yakumaru Mako. Yakumaru is a family friend of my friend Meirowasa Tokori. Yakumaru was pushed to kill all the boys that were hospitalized in the fight, Midou included."
She paused, glancing at the door. She could not hear anything, but it was clear Iwayuru was straining to keep the door shut. She steadied her resolve.
"I suppose if you don't know Yakumaru, it's fine to believe this. But the Yakumaru I know would not burn down the Meirowasa household. When we apprehended her, she was so terrified to fail in her task of killing Tsukune that she decided to put a hole in her head instead of telling us why."
She nodded at Ginei. He nodded back, grabbing the handle of the door.
"Does that sound like someone acting on their own? The Outcasts are not killers. Someone has pushed them to do this. Someone is using them. And we can't know this will stop simply because you send two young vampires away."
The door was tugged open violently. Hands grabbed Iwayuru by the collar and hauled the large boy out into the hall. A familiar man with his dark hair pulled up in a top knot stormed into the room with a scowl on his face. His reddish eyes glared at them as Mr. Fukushima approached the partition door.
"There is one survivor of the incident that the faculty has kept quiet about. Fusamina. The leader of the skating club was not found among the deceased. I believe he can help us put an end to this."
The angry teacher grabbed the partition door and tugged. For all his posturing, Ginei was immediately yanked out of the sound room with the door. Mr. Fukushima grabbed for Ginei, but the werewolf dropped to the floor. Ginei darted through the teacher's legs.
"If you care about Fusamina's safety. If you care about this school. You will come talk with me. We can make Yokai Academy a safer place."
Giving up on Ginei, Mr. Fukushima stalked over to yank the microphone out of her hands. She smiled at the teacher, tilting her head aside.
"Is there a problem?"
Mr. Fukushima snorted, averting his gaze. She saw Ginei remained in the other room, unable to get around the large, black haired man blocking the door. He was much broader and taller than Iwayuru. It did not look like anyone was leaving this room without permission.
"It sounds like the four of you are in need of detention."
Tashikana smiled as he turned on a switch.
"It sounds like we are being punished for speaking the truth."
"Turn that off or I will smash everything in here."
Tashikana held his hands up in surrender. With a nod of his head, he leaned forward to flick off several switches. The hum in the room died with the last switch.
"I don't know if what she said was true or not, but she can't be talking about things meant for the investigation board. And none of you have permission to use the broadcasting room."
"I can put in a word for your rugby team. Monstrels welcome."
Mr. Fukushima scowled at Tashikana. Shaking his head, he regarded the werewolf.
"Mr. Morioka. If you don't go quietly with Mr. Ikuhata, you will be going home in a measuring cup."
Ginei tucked his hand in his pocket, grinning.
"I suppose I could do that. Mr. Ikuhata. How's that mechanic class of yours?"
The large man grunted, not budging from the door. Ginei sighed, walking up next to the teacher.
"I bet all your third years are disappointed. You're quite the downgrade from Ms. Idatsu."
Failing to get a response, Ginei sighed again. He lifted up his hands, wrists together.
"Fine. I give up."
The large teacher did not react. This stalemate lasted for several minutes.
Ms. Idatsu Kimara was a crass and chatty woman with mottled brown hair held up in disheveled and tangled ponytail. The buxom woman had soft pink eyes and a wry smile as she leaned upon the podium with her cheek in her palm and her rump thrust out. Due to the nature of the course she taught, her jeans were coarse denim without frills or laces tucked into heavy black boots which stretched halfway up her calves. The sleeves of a denim blue shirt were tied about her waist leaving her upper torso clothed in only a ribbed tank top which had notable sweat stains in the front. Posed as she was on the podium, the oblivious woman left little to the imagination with so much tanned skin bared.
"Ms. Idatsu. I simply must ask. Are you part gyokuto?"
The young woman wagged a finger at Ginei, whom now sat in the center of the classroom but pointedly in the second row for a better view over the podium. He had been placed in the front row by the window by Mr. Fukushima, whom had no classes during the elective hours or fifth period. The stern teacher had split them up intentionally, insisting on complete silence for the two hours he had watched over the three of them. The accused fourth, Mr. Iwayuru, had wandered off long before they left the broadcasting room. For whatever reason, the faculty elected not to bring him back for punishment.
Tashikana had been sitting in the back row by the door. Several girls had tried to visit him in the breaks after fifth and sixth period, wanting to confirm if he truly was back on the air. Apparently they had two other teachers stationed at the doors, whom were curtly turning students away. Right before Ms. Idatsu had arrived to relieve Mr. Fukushima, there had been a PA announcement requesting Tashikana to report to the broadcasting room.
That was possibly the first time in Kurumu's life that she had heard multiple girls squeal in glee. She had mixed feelings over the smirking Tashikana slipping out the back with Mr. Fukushima's permission. In a sense, this was a guy that had casually admitted to breaking up with two young women that deeply cared for him. It felt like a young version of Coach Kotsubo. Sure, he was a nice guy and could make you feel special, but he would quit on you.
Not long after Ms. Idatsu allowed Ginei to take a new seat, Tashikana came on the air to announce that the Headmaster had approved of his club having a copy of the key again and that it all had been a minor misunderstanding by the student council. The student council president, Kaneshiro, had also spoken up, delivering a formal apology with the remark that he had been under the impression that other factors had been involved in the revoking of the club's usage of the room.
"Students aren't supposed to talk about their true forms."
"But you're not a student."
"I used to be."
"So I've heard. You're one of the local kids."
Kurumu perked up, regarding the grinning woman.
"You're from Mononoke?"
"I am. My parents went to school here and decided to stick around after graduation."
"What kind of work does your parents do?"
"Dad owns a garage where he can work on cars and the like, though most folks here don't own one. He ends up spending most his time running about fixing things for the neighbors."
"And your mother?"
The woman straightened up. Though she was slouching, Kurumu guessed the teacher had to be about Tsukune's height.
"Being a parent of a monstrel can be tough. Not everyone will be kind about it. Mom got tired of being isolated and went back to Granddad. Heard she remarried and has normal kiddos."
Ginei smiled softly, sitting up in his desk.
"Sounds like that would make you pretty close with your father."
"Sure am. Even before high school, I was helping him out all the time. Learning all sorts of things about how appliances and machines worked. My dad loved getting his hands dirty."
"I love getting my hands dirty."
"Says the girly boy in Ms. Hitori's wife prep class."
"Home economics is valuable to both genders."
Ms. Idatsu waved her hand dismissively as Kurumu smiled with a sidelong glance at Ginei.
"He's only in it to be surrounded by girls."
"I was guessing the hairband had them thinking he was a girl."
Kurumu laughed as Ginei frowned, touching his bandana.
"But I have to wear this. If I were ever to remove this, my true powers would be unsealed."
Kurumu smirked, wondering if she could recall a time she had seen him without it. She was confident he had not been wearing it at night during the field trip.
"You don't sleep with that on."
Ginei clutched his chest.
"Kurumu, we mustn't. If word got out that we were sleeping together-"
"We're not! Gah, you jerk!"
She blushed crimson, shaking her head as he laughed heartily.
"While you're both a bit young, I don't have a real objection to it."
"It's not true! Everybody knows Tsukune is the one I'm sleeping with!"
Ms. Idatsu glanced aside, notably uncomfortable.
"Well… you're very young. Be safe about it when you have more than one man."
She could feel her ears burning as she looked away. She thrust a finger at Ginei without looking at him.
"He is a pervert. He slept in a room with two girls and exposed himself to them."
"I… don't follow. When did this happen?"
"She's fussing over nothing. During our club's trip, I was in a room with two of the girls from our club. One of them is dead to the world at night, so she doesn't count. And the other was fooling with me so I did a bit of fooling back."
Ms. Idatsu sighed, shaking her head.
"There's too much fooling around going on in your club. I should scold Ms. Nekonome to get a better handle on things."
Kurumu blinked. She regarded the thoughtful teacher.
"But we're all being expelled."
"Oh! Right."
The teacher laughed, waving a hand dismissively.
"Forgot about that. What were we talking about before this?"
"We were discussing the woes of oversized mammaries. You two were about to compare sizes."
Kurumu smirked, certain nobody would ever fall for that.
"I'm only an 85E. I'm a little thicker about the top so guys think I have more than I do."
Kurumu could only shake her head in disbelief.
"That's still quite a handful."
"So I've been told."
Kurumu groaned, pressing the heels of her hands against her eyes. With a heavy sigh, she lifted her head back up with a slight smile.
"Did you know my mother went to school with Ms. Nekonome?"
"She may have mentioned that."
"What year did you graduate?"
The teacher leaned back on the podium, plopping her chin on her hand.
"I graduated in 98. That was the first year they made English part of the regular curriculum. It was still optional for those of us graduating."
"I heard they hired quite a few teachers then."
"Had to. Prior to that, English was just worked into the curriculum like music and art. You could not pick electives. You took the classes the staff decided was best for you."
"I thought the business electives were introduced back in the eighties."
"Yea. Surprising all three of those old bastards are here."
Ginei chuckled as Ms. Idatsu cleared her throat.
"Sorry. Those respectable gentlemen whom were notably selective in whom they allowed to take their courses due to Fairy Tale's exclusive standards."
Kurumu smiled, recalling Mr. Nagamushi having been hired either in 98 or 97.
"So… all the English teachers are relatively new to the staff."
"No, we had three brought in at the same time the business courses were introduced. One of them retired recently and was replaced by Ms. Houkai. The other two are still here. Kind of makes me wonder how old Ms. Sano is."
Ginei grinned as the teacher stared off thoughtfully.
"When did you get hired?"
"Five years ago. The Headmaster was restructuring the way classes were done. He wanted students to have more agency in their future instead of having a board of faculty members decide what was best. He broke several regular parts of the curriculum out and made them optional. You didn't have to sing in a choir if you didn't want to. You didn't have to paint stupid pictures or learn how to cook."
She rolled her eyes.
"I mean seriously. Who needs a whole year to learn how to do those things? Either you want to do it, or you don't. Back then, only boys got to do the cool stuff. I had to stitch a stupid shirt."
Kurumu smiled.
"But why construction stuff?"
"Why not?"
"It seems like that's an odd course to have in a high school."
Ms. Idatsu shrugged.
"It's a broad course that touches on a lot of things. You get to learn how to make concrete, lay bricks. Pretty useful to know how to weld or solder. Fuck, I'd teach smithing if they would let me. I just want to show the guys all the cool shit you can make with your hands."
Ginei chuckled.
"I truly regret not taking your course."
"You should."
"But in all fairness, Ms. Hitori is a smoking hot chick."
Ms. Idatsu smirked.
"Phoenix jokes aside, Yokai needed teachers for new electives. Since things were rough with minorities due to Kuyo's presence, he decided to bring in some teachers that no other respectable school would consider hiring. I don't have a teaching degree or even a year of college."
Kurumu frowned.
"Why were you thinking about quitting?"
"Huh?"
Kurumu paused.
"Well… I heard that you were part of Mr. Saitou's threat to resign if we were not punished."
Ms. Idatsu stared thoughtfully at her. She sighed as her pink eyes regained focus.
"It's a tough call. You have to understand that Mr. Ikuhata and I were both brought in as gestures of good faith to those Fairy Tale would abandon. Even Mr. Umatobi could be seen as such, considering his tarnished history."
"I heard he was forced to leave the human world."
"An akaname has a hard time finding a place in Fairy Tale. And it is difficult for one of his kind to hold a job in the human world forever. Accidents are bound to happen."
Kurumu shuddered at the thought of yesterday's events.
"He didn't kill anyone, right?"
Ms. Idatsu laughed, shaking her head.
"No. He accidentally exposed himself to some junior high girls which made such a mess for Fairy Tale to cover up. If he had killed someone, I'm sure they would have executed him."
Kurumu managed a smile, disliking how casually people talked of executions.
"You realize you told us his true form."
The woman blinked.
"Oh? Uh… forget I said that."
Ginei chuckled, waving his hand dismissively.
"Don't worry, Ms. Idatsu. It's no secret about the true forms of you three. It was stated in the brochure that Yokai was the only school to hire monstrels, akaname, witches and giants."
Kurumu frowned.
"What's wrong with giants?"
"Nothing really. From what I gather, it sounds like they're just presumed to be too stupid for school."
"Which is dumb. I've known several giants with better grades than me."
Ginei smirked.
"But you're a monstrel. That argument won't convince most people."
"Yea. That's true."
"If you don't mind me prying, why have you not been approached to be a club advisor?"
Ms. Idatsu waved off his question.
"My class is off campus. Clubs need meeting places and classrooms are better suited."
"Maybe, but I know about half the science teachers are advisors and you can't say that their labs are good places to hold a club meeting."
"I believe Mr. Miyanohara is still the Chemistry Club advisor."
"Yea, but-"
"And Ms. Rin holds her gymnastics club meetings off campus. So did Mr. Saitou."
Ms. Idatsu sighed.
"When he had a club. I do hope you two have luck finding Mr. Fusamina. If there is someone out there instigating this fighting… well I want that to stop."
Kurumu managed a smile in the pause that followed.
"Would you really quit if we weren't punished?"
"I know Mr. Saitou would be disappointed, but it's not like Yokai needs a trade or mechanic elective. Encouraging Mr. Ikuhata and I to quit isn't much a threat functionally. It's telling the Headmaster that his olive branches to our communities don't mean anything."
The teacher smiled wistfully.
"And I'm just not that ungrateful. Quitting won't bring those boys back. I admire Mr. Saitou's resolve. He's been here forever. One of the twelve teachers that were hired when Yokai first expanded"
"That was early seventies, right? The little brat's grandpa was part of that group."
"Yea, he retired my graduation year. Ms. Yumeito took his place."
"I approve of the switch."
Ms. Idatsu chuckled, shaking her head.
"I think he's the only one that's gone. I heard Ms. Tsumugi switched to the nurse position when they hired on Ms. Yoshino. Mrs. Itou has bounced around roles quite a bit. She was running home economics when I was in school."
"Well Yokai does boast about upholding traditional values. Easy to make that claim when a third of your staff has been here since the seventies."
Kurumu smiled at his remark.
"I guess the computer program was added recently."
Ms. Idatsu nodded.
"Very recently. Last year's seniors were the first to graduate from the program."
"I feel like we should be taking notes. There's still so much that I don't know about this school."
Ginei laughed at her comment.
"Kind of pointless when we're about to be expelled."
Kurumu sighed.
"If for some reason we can stay, I wouldn't mind if one of us did an article about the school faculty. Maybe a short rundown on how Yokai Academy came to be the school it is today."
"Lady Otonashi wrote that article as a first year."
For some reason his tone made her blush.
"Despite not making the cut to be part of the program, she was fascinated with the new computer elective. She made friends with a couple boys in the program whom picked out the software for our newspaper formatting. I understand they also had to teach her how to use it."
Ginei chuckled, leaning back in his seat with his hands behind his head.
"I read a lot of her articles. She really loved this school. It's why I know most the things I do."
The front door was drawn open. Ms. Sasayaki strolled through with her long, raven tresses brushing the back of her calves. Her periwinkle blouse was tucked neatly in a black, ruffled skirt. Kurumu could not recall if she had ever seen the woman wear one. The science teacher walked calmly over to the podium as Ms. Idatsu straightened up. They exchanged smiles and Ms. Idatsu made a quick step over to bring the other woman up in an unprecedented embrace. Ms. Sasayaki reluctantly let her hands rest against Ms. Idatsu's midsection above the tied off shirt.
"I'm never going to get out of this place at this rate."
Ms. Idatsu giggled, drawing back and cocking her head.
"Are you in a hurry?"
"I do have a schedule to keep."
Relinquishing her hold, Ms. Idatsu turned to them and gestured at the other teacher.
"Obviously this old hag is one of my teachers."
Kurumu frowned. She was aware that Ms. Sasayaki did not have classes after sixth period.
"Why aren't you at the hospital?"
"I am here for Mr. Morioka."
"Why?"
Ms. Sasayaki smiled, tilting her head.
"Because I knew he was here with you, and I felt this would be a convenient opportunity to request his help and to say goodbye."
Kurumu frowned, not understanding. She glanced at Ginei, whom offered a shrug.
"I have been asked to resign."
A tightness clamped inside her and she shook her head. Her eyes quickly watered.
"No."
Ms. Sasayaki continued to smile as she allowed her softer, sibilant voice to explain.
"When Ms. Yoshino revealed Mr. Aono's true form, Mr. Saitou issued threats to expose the Headmaster to Fairy Tale for compromising our safety."
Ginei snorted, shaking his head.
"It's not like Tsukune is the first human to come through those doors."
"True, but he might be the first human brought in without any idea about this school's nature."
"No."
It was all she could manage. She pushed out of her chair, staggering.
"Everybody knows you couldn't authorize that."
Ms. Sasayaki turned her smile on Ms. Idatsu.
"I altered hospital records to keep his secret without bothering to confirm Fairy Tale's participation. I was fortunate Mrs. Shuzen was involved to avoid being charged with treason."
Kurumu shook her head as she slowly walked over to the teacher.
"No. You can't."
Ms. Sasayaki smiled, reaching over to caress the back of Kurumu's head.
"This is a serious matter, Ms. Kurono. It's reopened discussion of full disclosure to the faculty about the nature of all our students, instead of pushing the entire burden on a student's homeroom teacher."
Kurumu fell against the woman, clutching at her for support. Her head bowed, pressed against Ms. Sasayaki's breast, Kurumu felt tears roll down her cheeks.
"No. Please don't."
"I don't get Mr. Saitou there. The whole reason why true forms were limited to the homeroom teacher was to prevent bullying."
"No, my dear. It was to make it more difficult for Kuyo to cause the monstrel community grief."
Kurumu heard Ginei sigh heavily as Ms. Sasayaki gently caressed the back of her head. Her mind was blank as she could only sob against the woman. Her heart hurt too much.
"Why doesn't the Headmaster just fire his ass?"
"I'm sure he has considered it."
"Can they even afford to fire you? You're both science teachers."
"Mr. Saitou has enough experience to cover my class. And Ms. Uchikawa got her degree in biology, so she should be able to handle the course material for second years."
"Doesn't she have an elective to teach?"
"Ms. Tsumugi doesn't need to be in the nurse office all day and the health elective is just down the hall from her office. She's more than capable."
Ginei sighed again, his hand touching Kurumu's head.
"Stupid. If you can be replaced that fast, they could have done the same to him."
"Maybe so, but the Headmaster lacks a good reason to fire Mr. Saitou whereas I did not follow the proper procedures for this discovery."
Kurumu had recovered enough to pull her head away from the teacher. Gripping Ms. Sasayaki at the waist, Kurumu peered up at her.
"Please. You should stay. You have so much work you wanted to do."
Ms. Sasayaki grinned, cupping Kurumu's face in her hands.
"Oh, you sweet devil. I can feel you tugging on my heart."
Kurumu felt the tightness intensify in her chest as her tears refreshed.
"No. I'm not."
"I'm lucky you don't really know what you want. I doubt anyone could resist you."
"Please."
Ms. Sasayaki smiled, brushing a tear off Kurumu's cheek.
"I've left all your research with the Headmaster. Don't worry. It won't go to waste."
"I don't want you to leave."
Ms. Sasayaki cocked her head, leaving the smile in place as she whispered softly.
"Time for me to go, little one. I've put off living with humans far too long. Time to put that expensive medical degree for human anatomy to use."
Kurumu stepped back in for a tight hug. Trembling in this embrace, she felt like she would fall without this woman to support her. She knew this would be the last time she saw Ms. Sasayaki. There was no reason for their paths to ever cross again.
"It's okay. You will find a beautiful future without me."
Kurumu peered out over the empty courtyard, her eyes still red. Ginei had left with Ms. Sasayaki to help her pack. Mr. Nurari would have picked the woman up by now, spiriting her out of Kurumu's life. How many more people did she have to lose before her antagonist was satisfied?
She gripped the railing that wrapped about the roof as she let out a ragged breath. She could not face the other club members. She had nothing good to say. The news of Ginei's expulsion or Ms. Sasayaki's resignation would not make anyone happy. Why was it so hard to be happy?
"I would do anything to make it right. Anything to save our club. Anything to make everyone happy."
She shook her head as fresh tears rolled down her cheeks.
"Anything to keep Tsukune in this school."
The door closed loudly. A short haired, blond man in a black jacket leaned back against the wall beside the door that would take her back down to the second floor. He flipped open a book as he swung his foot around to a relaxed state with all his weight on his back and the heel of his left foot. His plaid pants of dark blue and steel gray had loose buckles on the sides that could be tightened for a closer fit. The sleeves of his jacket had silver rings dangling from the cuffs. He glanced at her for a moment. With a slight smile, he looked back to his book as he turned a page with his thumb.
She felt uneasy. She took a hesitant step back, letting go of the rail with a hand.
"You look troubled, Ms. Kurono. Did something bad happen?"
She paused at the soothing sound of his voice, though the anxious feeling did not diminish. Something felt wrong. Menacing. Sinister.
"I'm sorry. Are you a member of the faculty?"
"I'm not."
She doubted he was one of those students whom challenged the dress code. There were not that many of those to begin with, despite her being friends with two of them.
"I should be going."
She let go of the railing, but she was hesitant to move towards him. She glanced over her shoulder, noting there was another stair that could take her down at the far end of the roof.
"And where could you go that I could not follow?"
The young man closed his book and turned a chesire grin upon her. This dread she felt was deliberate. He was pushing his aura upon her. Trembling, she stared back at him.
"Who are you?"
"Would you truly do anything to make things right?"
She firmed her resolve, pushing back against the intimidation. She let her fingers elongate into talons, helping her focus her anger.
"You will tell me what I want to know."
He clucked his tongue, tapping his cheek.
"That's no way to negotiate. Brute force of will only works when yours is the stronger will."
It was overwhelming. She staggered back a step as her heart quickened. Every slight move he made caused a tingle in her body.
"A simple trade. Fusamina for Akashiya."
She launched herself at him, swiping out with her talons. Her hands passed through empty air as she tore a chunk of wall away. She whirled about at the sense of his presence, noting he had reappeared behind her. He was seated precariously on the railing with his book tucked beneath his elbow. His hand touched his neck as he grinned.
"Such bad manners, Ms. Kurono. I was being fair."
She trembled, lowering her hands.
"Fair? What is fair about that?"
The young man lowered his hand and tilted his head. He grinned with mysterious, yellow eyes. One pupil was slit horizontally while the other was vertically.
"This was never about your precious Aono. That was Midou doing more than asked of him. Though I must admit, I was curious how that would turn out."
Waves of grief and anger flooded through her soul. This was the one pulling the strings. She wanted to kill him but was frightened. This guy felt far more powerful than Kuyo.
"What do you want with her?"
He was gone in an instant. In the next a warm pressure pushed against her back. She shuddered, aware that he was leaning with his back to her. She glanced over her shoulder as he did the same. He smirked.
"Not your concern."
She took in a breath and pushed back against him. The world went dark as she spun about. She could feel him nearby, reaching out with her consciousness to ensnare him. Separated and multiply. Hands upon hands to grab at the elusive enemy.
Hands snapped down on her shoulders, giving her a rough shake. The darkness receded back to the afternoon light as the young man grinned down at her.
"No, Ms. Kurono. I won't let you do that."
Her hands were holding him at the waist as she cocked her head, peering up at him.
"You hurt people I care about."
He grinned, lifting a hand to brush the back of his fingers against her cheek.
"And I could kill you all if that was my goal."
She turned her talons in but he instantly bounced out of her grasp. His hands slipped behind his back, as he laughed warmly.
"Silly girl. You're lucky I'm in a good mood."
She trembled as she lowered her hands. She realized there were not many options left to her. She was not fast enough to touch him. She was not in the right mood to make him lust for her and her mental assault was pushed back as easily as Mrs. Shuzen had done. Her dream world might be the only chance she had to defeat him.
"I'll restate my offer. Fusamina for Akashiya. Do you accept?"
She swallowed, easing her tail out as she faltered back a step.
"If I refuse?"
He grinned malevolently.
"Then your denial will be the last breath you take."
He was not bluffing. She was bombarded with killing intent. It made her doubt her ability to thrust them into her dream world before he cut her down.
"Why don't you grab her yourself?"
"I'm a busy man, Ms. Kurono. So many loose ends to tie up. Houses to burn, families to kill. I simply cannot squeeze another kidnapping into my schedule."
Kurumu bowed her head, her body trembling under his heavy aura.
"Besides, the Headmaster has placed a bothersome charm on her suite that prevents my entry. Of all of her friends, I believe you are the most capable of bringing her out of her protective shell."
She clenched her fists as she let her tail coil about her ankle. His intentions had not changed so it might be possible that he did not know anything about her powers. But if she brought him inside her, she realized she would die. She relaxed her body, deciding if he wanted to kill her, there was nothing she could do to stop him. Calming her heart, she stared at him.
"You won't kill me."
He cocked his head with an amused grin.
"So sure? I'm being quite patient with you, but I have only so much time before she is returned to her mother. I can give you Fusamina."
She grimaced, shaking her head.
"He must not be worth anything if you're willing to give him up."
The man chuckled.
"He does know about me and it would put some others in jeopardy, but I believe acquiring Ms. Akashiya would be worth the trouble. Bring her out to the bus stop by noon tomorrow. Agreed?"
"I can't."
Her body tensed at the sound of laughter. This time the sudden killing intent brought her to her knees, her bladder emptying across the roof. She started to sob uncontrollably.
"And here you said you would do anything to make things right."
She choked, shaking her head as he approached.
"I can't let you kill Moka."
"Who said anything about killing her? I need her. Her blood is special."
That made everything so much bigger. Her heart twisted as grief pushed upon her. Did the Headmaster know this? Why would he force her into a fight between powerful figures like himself?
"Please. Don't hurt her."
"Don't cry, Ms. Kurono. I'm giving you the chance to save your club. I think you realize I don't have to. It's just more convenient for me to do it this way."
He was upon her in an instant, gripping her chin fiercely as he forced her to look into his eyes.
"There is more than one way to kill a succubus. I don't even have to do it directly. Shall I kill that little family of yours staying in your suite? I bet that would hurt a lot."
She desperately swiped at him but his hand grabbed her by the wrist, squeezing painfully. Crying out, he silenced her by lowering his grip to her throat and hauling her up.
"Maybe drop in on your winged friends that are romping about with that tiger girl of yours. I hear she's almost learned to fly."
She gasped, struggling as his grip tightened. He slammed her back on the roof, withdrawing with a laugh as she gasped and groaned.
"Perhaps I could put that crippled girl in the hospital out of her misery."
She coughed, rolling back on her hands and knees.
"But I bet you would die if I killed your beloved Aono. That would be the easiest and surest way to break your heart."
As he knelt down beside her, she realized she had no choice.
"I'll do it."
"You'll do what?"
She sobbed, shaking her head.
"I'll bring Moka to you. Just… don't hurt Tsukune. Don't hurt my friends."
He patted her on the head.
"Good girl. The bus stop at noon. And come alone. I will kill anyone you dare to bring with."
He was gone in the blink of an eye, not waiting for her response.