My Devotion

by Ravenhale1

This is the third installment in the AU recreation of Rosario Vampire told through Kurumu's POV. This story starts around midterms and continues through the following month (June 4th - July 9th, 2005) to cover first season's Chapters 13-28 (though 18&19 happen first). Not strictly canon.

31. Vampire Debut

Kurumu groaned at the repetitive banging. Her eyes fluttered open, her mind unable to cling to the sweet fantasy of flying with someone. It felt like it had been Nerume. Maybe Tora. She whimpered as the angry summons persisted in the darkness.

She drew her sheet aside, sitting up with a slight wobble. The white tee strained uncomfortably about her torso. She swung her legs to the side, rolling forward onto her knees. She stumbled up on her feet, glancing about the dark room.

She saw two forms on the floor huddled close together and swaddled in dark sheets. Tokori groaned, stirring from the continued disturbance. Her brother was tucked in her arms with his face in her chest. The monstrel would strangle him when she woke up.

Kurumu did not see Mrs. Meirowasa. Stretching her arms over her head, she shuffled across the room towards the ruckus at the door. She wondered if the woman had lost her key. That would suck. Stepping down in the small foyer, Kurumu unlocked the door and pushed it open.

"Finally!"

Kurumu stared blankly at the redhead on the other side. The short girl had pink slippers and a yellow, silky chemise that hung to her knees. She was holding a black garment with white lace in her hands.

"Kokoa?"

"I knew you would forget. You'll be late starting my breakfast."

Kurumu started to frown, but lifted her hand to cover her yawn. Her other hand lingered on the knob.

"What time is it?"

Slinging the garment over her shoulder, Kokoa held up her wrist and gestured at the silver dial.

"It's five to six."

Kurumu effortlessly closed the door. She groaned, leaning her head upon the barricade as she wondered about the sanity of this girl. She had no idea if she had any food in the fridge to make.

In seconds the pounding on the door resumed.

"You will open this door, Ms. Kurono! I will have my mother come get us today if you don't!"

Kurumu sighed, twisting the knob and pushing the door open again. Kokoa's emerald eyes were wide with disbelief as she shook her head.

"Others are trying to sleep in here."

"Then you best hurry."

Kokoa tugged the garment off her shoulder and held it up. It was a black, long sleeved dress with a thick white collar. There was more white fabric cinched about the lower half.

"What is that?"

"Your uniform."

Kurumu realized it was a maid outfit. She shuddered at the memory of the last time she had worn one. Reflexively she pulled the door shut once again, drawing an angry cry from the redhead.

"What is your problem?!"

Kurumu cringed, holding the knob tightly. She whimpered, pushing the door back open.

"Do I have to?"

Kokoa blinked.

"Yes."

Kurumu glanced at the garment. It was far more conservative than the thing Nagare had made her wear. The fabric was thicker and without any frills.

"Will it fit?"

"Of course it will."

Kurumu let go of the door to take the outfit. It felt soft, sort of like velvet. She gathered it up in her arms, noting the apron in the midsection was removable but presently was tied through black loops stitched about the waist.

"I doubt there is anything my size you could buy."

"We can have a tailor adjust it later if it ends up too loose for your liking."

Kurumu shrugged, supposing the guy in the school store did know what he was doing. She backed away from the door, cradling the dress in her arms. Tokori had sat up and was yawning, having pushed her brother aside.

"What are you dawdling about for?"

Kokoa had stepped inside, folding her arms about her chest. This young vampire did not look much like a fifteen year old girl. She was very much like Nerume, whom also possessed a subtle bosom.

"And what are you wearing?"

Kurumu shook her head, stepping up from the foyer and slowly crossing the room.

"What's going on?"

Kurumu waved a hand at Tokori as she headed for the closet.

"It's only six."

Tokori groaned, stretching her hands above her head.

"Where's mom?"

Kurumu shrugged, opening the closet and slipping inside. She turned on the light, setting the maid uniform on top of one of the shelves.

"What are you doing here?"

"I am here for breakfast."

"I don't think mom will be in the mood. I'll just have breakfast at the dining hall."

"Your plans are not my plans."

Kurumu smiled at the pause that followed. Shutting the door, she tugged the tight shirt over her head and dumped it in her hamper.

"I'm going to take a shower."

As Kurumu slipped into a bra, she realized she needed to use the toilet. It was not an emergency, but she probably should not wait too long. Hooking her bra together in the front, she wondered if she should change into new panties. It was not like this pair was from yesterday, considering those still reeked of sex. While toying with the hem of her cottons, the door opened and the redhead regarded her curiously.

"Do you need help?"

Kurumu shook her head, tugging the maid outfit over her head while slipping her arms into the sleeves. It was a little more difficult than expected but she finally got one hand free. Once that was done, she popped her head out through the collar and tugged her other hand free. She smoothed the dress down her torso, tugging the fabric around her curves as necessary. The fabric had some stretch to it, allowing a snug fit about her curves.

"You need better sleep wear."

Kurumu laughed softly, shaking her head. She made her selections for a sweater, blouse and skirt, imagining she would have to change for school afterwards.

"I'm serious. I want to take you shopping with me tonight."

"Why?"

"Because I want you to look pretty for me."

Kurumu chuckled as she grabbed a pair of socks before turning off the light. Clutching her school outfit to her chest, she slipped around Kokoa. She heard the shower start up as she made her way over to the counter where she had left her ribbon.

She had stayed out fairly late last night. Before leaving Nerume's room, Ms. Nekonome had surprised them with a visit. The older woman had reeked of booze and had insisted on them coming over for dinner. Worried about leaving their drunken teacher alone, they had taken her offer.

As rough as Kurumu felt she had things, she kept reminding herself how hard things were for everyone else. She had welcomed the opportunity of caring for her teacher. The apartment had been a complete mess and the fridge had been empty. They had to run to the nearest grocer to buy food for dinner. For the most part, Ms. Nekonome talked amicably about her past adventures with her classmates which included their mothers and her old friends. She had also embarrassed Tsukune with inappropriate talk about how to sexually satisfy women and requested Mizore and Kurumu to name a daughter after her, promising to name her babies after them. She had cried off and on about how she had squandered her whole life away when she could have been a mother by now. They had stuck around well past nine, pulling a sheet over the woman when she finally passed out on her couch.

"That doesn't look quite right."

Kurumu frowned as Kokoa accosted her after tying her lace ribbon about her wrist. The vampire pulled the apron about Kurumu's stomach, smoothing it out. The girl turned her attention to the collar, tugging the cloth out so it spread evenly. Seizing Kurumu's school uniform, the girl set it aside on the counter to continue making small adjustments. Kokoa pulled the top of the sleeves out so they puffed out around Kurumu's shoulders in their defined creases.

"What type of breakfast are you expecting?"

"Please refrain from addressing your lady as 'you'."

"Okay."

Kokoa pulled the sleeve over Kurumu's lace. The sleeves were already tight past the elbows so this made her wrist uncomfortable. Kokoa released her arms, smiling up at her.

"Yes, milady."

"Huh?"

"You respond 'yes, milady'."

"Okay."

Kokoa pouted, crossing her arms about her chest. Realizing her error, Kurumu smiled with a slight bow of her head.

"Sorry, milady."

"Good. Is there anything else you need before we go?"

Kurumu frowned.

"Go?"

"Yes. You shall accompany me to my quarters."

"Why?"

"To make my breakfast. You can't honestly be this dense. Now come along."

Kurumu sighed, retrieving her school outfit from the counter. She did not want to get in an argument over being insulted, especially since she had not seriously thought about how she would make a breakfast for Kokoa. She followed after the vampire whom had already opened the exterior door. Grabbing up her school bag and slipping on her shoes, she paused at the threshold.

"I'm heading out, Tokori. I have to leave the door unlocked."

The brother shifted in his sheets and there was no response from the shower. Figuring Mrs. Meirowasa would return from work in the next ten or so minutes, Kurumu closed the door. Kokoa was lingering at the top step, holding the black railing. With a slight nod, the vampire started down the stairs.

"It might be better if you spend your nights in my quarters."

"Is there something wrong with me staying here?"

"I should not have to fetch you every morning."

"I do have an alarm clock."

"Which I presume will be troublesome for your companions."

Kurumu shrugged. She had not thought about using her alarm clock since moving here. Yukari had been waking her reliably and things had been so crazy since Yukari left.

"You will serve my breakfast before seven every morning."

"Isn't it only six?"

"That is still before seven."

Kurumu sighed as they reached the bottom of the stairs. The vampire was walking briskly towards the space between the buildings. Kurumu shifted her things in her arms so she could better hasten her pace to keep up with the short redhead.

"You will also serve my dinner and do my laundry."

"You realize I have school and club duties to attend to."

"These chores are hardly time consuming. As for your academics, I understand that you are dimwitted."

Kurumu scowled as they walked across the wide path that divided the apartments from the commissary. Kokoa was angling around the back with no signs of slowing.

"My scores in English are poor. The rest of my grades are fine."

"Fine and acceptable are different things. You shall strive to be in the ninety percentile."

Kurumu stumbled.

"That's ridiculous."

"I will come up with some form of punishment should you fail to achieve this on the term exam."

She was too confused to be angry with the unreasonable demand. She felt the girl was being a little presumptuous about her even being able to take the term exam. She said nothing as they finished making their way along the back side of the commissary, only sparing a glance at the door to Mizore's suite. She wondered if the girl was awake.

"I understand that you are popular among your classmates."

Kurumu frowned as Kokoa started on a straight line to their destination.

"I guess."

"Good. Then you shall accompany me on my first day of school."

"What?"

"I shall be attending school today. You shall properly introduce me to my classmates."

Kurumu slowed her step, confused at this new development. She had known the girl would be attending school, but now nothing made sense. It was like Mrs. Shuzen knew they would not be expelled.

"Um… uh… shouldn't you wait the week first?"

Kokoa steadily pulled away, crossing the path.

"Why?"

"Well… we might be expelled."

Kokoa paused on the other side of the path, turning sharply.

"Mother would not send me here to waste my time. It is more likely that I will finish my term here than any other possibility. She was quite clear about that."

Kurumu had caught up to the girl before she finished her remark. Before she could think of a response, Kokoa turned on her heel and headed for the door to her suite.

"Do you have any friends in class nine?"

Kurumu could not immediately think of anyone, her mind still wrapped up on Kokoa's confidence.

"Did your mother say how we avoided expulsion?"

"She did not."

Kurumu sighed, not feeling any better about their situation.

"Did she tell you to do anything?"

Kokoa arrived at her suite door. Kurumu wondered a moment where Kokoa had her key, but the vampire opened the door without fussing with the lock. She stepped in, kicking off her slippers.

"Mother told me several things which are irrelevant at the moment. Right now, you need to prepare my breakfast and answer my question."

Kurumu frowned as she entered the room. The light had been left on and she could see that Moka was still snoozing away on the bed. Kokoa started off for the closet, tugging her chemise up over her head and draping it over her arm. She was wearing nothing beneath.

"Shut the door and remove your shoes."

Kurumu politely followed the instructions, locking the door and setting her school things down. She draped her school uniform over the half wall as Kokoa slipped into the closet.

"Um… milady."

Kokoa darted her head out.

"Yes?"

Kurumu hesitated. Perhaps it was not her place to advise Kokoa against wandering about campus without any undergarments. She was not that much older than Kokoa and easily had her own share of instances of indecent exposure.

"I'm in class two. I don't really know anybody that well from class nine."

Kokoa nodded, slipping back out of sight.

"You shall be spending the entire day in my company."

Kurumu wandered across the room, stopping at the closet.

"Um… I don't think I can. Class nine has different teachers and a different elective hour."

"Should I wear the sweater or the jacket?"

Kokoa had already pulled on a black, lacy bra and matching panties. While the band fit snug about her torso, the straps needed adjustment to prevent the cups from sagging so much. The girl turned, holding the two tops up.

"Sweater."

Kokoa nodded, hanging the green jacket up and draping the sweater over her shoulder. She seized a blouse from a hanger, undoing the first couple buttons.

"Are you in home economics?"

"Of course not. Mother has me enrolled in the computer program. I have been assured I can easily catch up with what little has been done in that class."

Kurumu forced a smile as Kokoa tugged the blouse over her head. The vampire tugged her hands free of her sleeves before adjusting the blouse. She bent over to grab a white disc which she stuffed inside her blouse. She grabbed another one, tucking it in the other side and fixing herself till she had the illusion of a modest bosom.

"I don't think they would appreciate me hanging around a computer class for no reason."

"Your reason is to keep me company. Mother insisted that you stay with me on my first day."

Kurumu frowned as Kokoa pulled out a school skirt from a drawer. The vampire stepped in the garment, tugging it up over her hips and fastening it tight about her waist.

"Will this help prevent our expulsion?"

Kokoa sighed, absently fixing her skirt.

"I don't know. I find it best to do what Mother says. Everything should work, though I'm a little worried."

"Worried?"

"About meeting these girls."

Kokoa smiled.

"I can't make a poor first impression."

Kurumu nodded, though she was unsure why Kokoa would be worried about meeting Moka's friends. Not a single one would feel poorly about her, considering half were aware of Kokoa saving Tsukune. As far as other students went, most would adore Kokoa simply for being Moka's little sister.

"Should I wake up Moka?"

Kokoa shook her head, pulling the sweater over her head.

"Mother said she should stay home until the right moment."

"What does that mean?"

Kokoa fluffed her hair out of the sweater, smoothing out the wrinkles.

"I have no idea."

Kurumu sighed, glancing about the closet. There were a lot of fancy clothes in here. The different sizes suggested quite a bit of this was for Moka. That or Kokoa had high hopes of filling out dresses when she got a little taller.

"You need to start on my breakfast."

Kurumu snorted out a laugh. Covering her mouth, she nodded as she eased off the doorway.

"Well. Get on with it."

---

"Hey, Kurono. I heard you knew Ms. Sasayaki pretty well. What do you think about her resigning?"

Kurumu smiled at the younger Kyubane whom sat beside her. The buxom cheerleader absently fiddled with her wavy, platinum blond hair which rested upon her shoulders.

"I didn't know her that well. I just crossed paths were her a lot because of all my trips to the hospital."

"Do you think she eloped with a doctor?"

Kurumu smirked at Juntaku. Like the other cheerleader, the girl with the vermilion, pleated bangs was wearing the sweater since the jackets were a tight fit on all girls with large breasts. It was notable that none of the other girls in this homeroom wore sweaters except Yamane from the broadcasting club.

"I doubt that. She was always working."

"That doesn't mean anything. That article Akashiya wrote gave me the impression she was a lonely woman that longed to have a family."

"Did the hospital have any new doctors?"

Kurumu chuckled, shaking her head. The morning broadcast indicated that the science teachers were all having a meeting today to discuss the recent changes and help Ms. Uchikawa adjust to her new role. For this reason all science classes would be suspended for the day with the class representatives left in charge to maintain order during this study hall. Class nine was enjoying this freedom early in the day, having their science class second period.

Though she had arrived at school fairly early with Kokoa, they had been encouraged to remain in the teacher's lounge so that Kokoa could introduce herself properly before taking her seat. She had officially met Mr. Hino Yukiro, though she had seen this man around the halls before. The math teacher had a short, braided tail of whitish blue hair which hung behind his right ear. Given how he also dressed in brown and white robes, he had a distinct look reminiscent of the Jedi from Star Wars, which would have another movie out this summer. For some reason, the teacher had no issue with her sitting in with his class, actually pleased to finally have an excuse to meet her. He spoke with Ms. Sunao on her behalf, whom naturally offered no resistance.

They were brought in for introductions after the morning broadcast. Kokoa had taken it on herself to explain Kurumu's presence, stating that Kurumu was a servant of the Shuzen household and would assist her for the day.

Kokoa had scoffed at the teacher's suggestion that she would have to sit separate of Kurumu. Yamane had spoken up, offering the two vacant desks behind the class rep. At first Mr. Hino had been reluctant to give up the seats but Yamane had stated the two girls those desks belonged to were never coming back.

Kurumu had quickly recognized several faces in the class before taking her seat. It was not just Yamane and the cheerleader girls. Doronuma sat in the front row next to a toffee haired girl with a ponytail and a side braid behind each ear. Also there was that creamy blond mermaid girl, Sawaguchi, whom was sitting on the other side of Yamane.

As far as boys went, she had remembered Umizake was in the class before seeing him but had not felt like bringing that to Kokoa's attention. The reclusive young man sat in the desk behind the vacant desk behind her, closest to the back door of the class. He had unsurprisingly made no attempts to talk to her, let alone acknowledge her presence.

The back row desk beside him was vacant. In the middle of the back row was Machida, whom she recalled from Tsukune's birthday party. She honestly was surprised she remembered his name, though she knew nothing about him. The rest of the back row seats were empty.

Sitting behind Juntaku was one of Wanibuchi's friends. She remembered the mohawk boy from that time they had jumped Yukari. She had no real interest ever knowing his name. While she had sort of come to terms with Wanibuchi not being a psychopathic killer, she had not cared to extend her forgiveness to his comrades. She supposed if she had to talk with them, she would eventually let that go.

Sitting on the lizard boy's left was the bulky Hazama from the baseball team. She had a distinct feeling that Kokoa would not find the big guy interesting.

A loud snap drew her attention to a pouting Kokoa.

"These young ladies are asking questions. I would appreciate you paying attention."

Kurumu turned an apologetic smile on Kyubane.

"I'm sorry. I was just noticing all the empty desks."

This was true. There was an empty desk beside Juntaku and one behind Kyubane.

"Well… Chikafuji, Umigame and Furukawa were all in our class."

Kyubane nodded at Yamane's remark.

"Yea, Mr. Umizake said that some boys from class six killed them along with our two girls. Is that true?"

Kurumu sighed, glancing back at Umizake whom remained oblivious.

"Unfortunately. Kiki wrote an article about the whole thing."

"Kiki?"

"Honda from class eleven."

"Oh. We know her. She's in your club?"

Kurumu smiled, aware that Honda's inclusion was probably not common knowledge. There had been several girls helping them pass out their last paper whom were not club members.

"She recently joined."

"I guess that's good news. It would be bad if your club shut down since most of you are being expelled."

"That will not happen."

Kurumu grinned at Kokoa's prompt denial.

"Milady here is quite optimistic."

"I am wondering how much longer you will delay introducing your friends to me."

Kyubane giggled, flashing a grin at the other gyokuto girl.

"I wouldn't say Ms. Kurono is a friend, but she was nice enough to write an article for our club."

"I'm curious if Mr. Aono was feeling up Ms. Honda because she was new to your club."

Kurumu's eyes widened at Juntaku's remark.

"That does make some sense. He's about to be expelled so his time is short."

"They do say he's been running on pure instincts since he got too much vampire blood in him."

"Maybe, but he did it in front of everyone."

"What are we talking about?"

Both girls regarded her with concern. They shared a glance.

"Mr. Aono was on top of Ms. Honda this morning by the shoe lockers."

"Yea, he pushed her down and had hiked up her skirt."

Kurumu shook her head in disbelief.

"Tsukune would never do that."

"He looked like he was going to do more but that crazy girl intervened."

Kyubane waved a placating hand at her friend, shaking her head.

"I wouldn't call Ms. Shirayuki crazy. She's emotionally unstable."

It made no sense. There was no reason for Tsukune to molest Kiki. It was not like he had any pent up sexual frustration. She was fairly sure he had exhausted that urge inside her. Twice.

"I will have to ask Kiki what happened. She's in your gym class, right?"

The girls nodded which helped Kurumu push these unpleasant thoughts aside.

"I'm still waiting for my introductions."

Kurumu smiled, regaining her composure. She gestured at the blond beside her.

"This is Kyubane from the cheerleader squad. Her friend is Juntaku. I'm sorry that I don't remember your first names."

Kyubane laughed, touching her breast.

"It's Mizuki. And she's Masami."

"And I'm Yamane Yumi."

Kokoa turned her nose up with a pompous huff.

"I am Shuzen Kokoa. Are any of you ladies capable of introducing me to the most intelligent student of your class?"

The gyokuto girls glanced at each other. Both turned in their seats and pointed at Umizake, causing Kurumu to giggle, shaking her head.

"What is funny?"

"That is Umizake Aoi. He is Mizore's fiancé."

"What?!"

Kurumu stiffened.

"You're not serious?"

"You're kidding me?"

Kurumu held her hands up defensively.

"Uh… no. That one is true."

The surprise had caught the attention of more than the girls near her. Sawaguchi was leaning closer in her seat, her hazel eyes sparkling with interest. The toffee haired girl had also slipped out of her seat, wandering over with a slight nod at the curious pair of girls sitting behind Doronuma. Only the singer and the girl across the vacant seat beside Juntaku appeared uninterested in the revelation.

"When did this happen?"

Kurumu bit her lower lip, aware that her reactions would make it hard to play it off as a joke. She was surprised this rumor had not spread around by now, but there had been bigger things going on.

"It's an arranged marriage. I understand it happened several years ago."

She thumbed in his direction.

"You could ask him. I don't think he'd deny a direct question."

Kyubane glanced at Juntaku, whom shook her head vehemently. Kyubane gestured at Yamane, whom promptly held her hands up.

"I'll ask him."

The toffee haired girl smiled with a slight wave of her hand.

"My first."

It was a soft murmur. Kurumu glanced at Kokoa whom regarded this new girl intently. The girl slipped between the desks occupied by Hazama and the lizard boy. She walked with confidence as she made her way along the back of the class to Umizake's desk.

"Who is that?"

"Taniguchi Nagisa. She's really smart and is in the tennis club."

"She's not any smarter than Ms. Doronuma or her other two friends. They all have good grades."

Kyubane shrugged at Yamane's remark. They all watched as Taniguchi talked pleasantly with Umizake.

"She's much nicer than her friends."

"Yea. Ms. Doronuma has that cool detached feel about her but the other two are annoying snobs. Ms. Taniguchi is the only one you can really talk to."

Upon the completion of Juntaku's observation, Taniguchi nodded and smiled at Umizake. The girl walked up the aisle to Kurumu's side.

"It would seem Ms. Kurono's statement is true. He is engaged to Ms. Shirayuki."

Kurumu sighed in relief, worried that he might deny it to protect Mizore. The other girls squealed in delight, Sawaguchi hopping out of her seat to grab the girl on her left by the jacket. The girl with the wavy, green hair which graced her modest bosom frowned at the mermaid, nodding in understanding.

"Could you harlots keep your mating shrieks down? Some of us are trying to study."

The guy sitting in front of Yamane scowled, shaking his head. His grayish hair was tied up in a ponytail which defied gravity. If it was a little longer, he could turn his head and strike the short haired boy sitting on his left.

"There's no need to be rude, Mr. Kumoyuki. It's not every day you learn a classmate of yours is arranged to marry someone."

The guy huffed at Taniguchi. Shaking his head, he gestured at the stringy, black haired boy sitting at the teacher's desk. Kurumu could honestly say she had never seen Yokokara Ryuga until Mr. Hino had introduced the class rep. He was not a very talkative or interactive person.

"You need to get this class under control, class rep."

Yokokara waved a hand dismissively, paying more attention to his textbook. He brought his hand back to turn a page, causing the boy next to Kumoyuki to snicker. This boy had black locks tinged with blue which were trimmed short and evenly about the sides.

"Don't even start with me, tuba boy."

Kokoa slipped out of her seat and held a hand out to Taniguchi. The girl hesitated, smiling as she daintily took Kokoa's hand. Kokoa quickly pressed her other hand against the back of Taniguchi's, peering up at the girl with her mouth slightly open.

"I like you."

"Uh… thanks."

Kokoa closed her eyes, holding Taniguchi's hands in both of hers. She took in a deep breath, relaxing her shoulders as she licked her lips.

"An undine. Your scent is so pure."

Taniguchi blushed, withdrawing her hand from Kokoa's lax grip.

"I'm pleased you think so."

Kokoa stepped in close, clutching her hands to her chest. The demeanor and posture implied she was about to beg.

"Mother says the purest of Undines can heal any wound. I hope you don't aspire to be a doctor. It's very hard on Fairy Tale to cover up miracles."

Taniguchi giggled, shaking her head.

"I've never tried to use my powers. Father would scold me when I did the smallest of things."

Kokoa placed a hand gently on Taniguchi's sleeve above the elbow.

"I can tell you are strong."

Taniguchi backed up a step, grinning as she drew her hands behind her back. She cocked her head.

"I don't know why you would think that."

"One of the traits I picked up from my father was a strong sense of power. I couldn't quite sort out which of you had it, since all four of you feel similar."

Taniguchi smiled, glancing over to where Doronuma sat. Sawaguchi had returned to her seat and was watching them with open interest.

"I grew up with those three. All four of us are from Ikinakawa in Joetsu."

"Five."

Taniguchi smiled at the boy sitting next to Kumoyuki.

"Five. Ikinakawa is Mr. Hino's hometown, so he tends to ensure all the students from Ikinakawa end up in his homeroom."

Kurumu nodded, aware that this was not the same village the kappa boys and Ms. Nakamura came from. She could not recall the name.

"Would you introduce me to them?"

Taniguchi giggled at Kokoa, drawing an angry glare from Kumoyuki. She smiled, glancing aside.

"I think Mr. Kumoyuki would be displeased if we roam about the classroom."

Kurumu pointed across the room.

"The girl in the front by the window is Doronuma Kiriko. She's the singer in the band that performed at Kiki's birthday party yesterday."

"No way!"

"Is the band any good?"

Kurumu smiled at the cheerleaders, nodding. Sawaguchi squealed again, hopping out of her seat to share her news enthusiastically with the girl beside her. Kumoyuki was obviously agitated with the commotion.

"Will they do another show?"

"Is there a place that they play at?"

Kurumu held her hands up defensively with a slight shrug.

"So who are the other two?"

Taniguchi smiled at Kokoa.

"The taller girl Ms. Sawaguchi keeps jostling about is Ms. Numasaki Ayame and the young man in front is her cousin, Fumio. Also Numasaki, so we usually call them by their first names to avoid confusion."

Sawaguchi waved her hand as she returned to her seat.

"I'm Yuriko."

"Yes. Yes, you are. And the other girl by the window is Ms. Umiyama Chiharu. The two of them wanted to be in Kiriko's music club, but Ayame can only play the flute, which is not quite the same thing Kiriko was wanting to do. Chiharu is… well tone deaf. So she's useless even for band."

"That didn't stop her from torturing us for three years in Junior High."

Taniguchi grinned at Fumio whom promptly had a notebook slapped upside his head. Fumio scooted back as Kumoyuki brandished the rolled up weapon at the boy.

"This is a study hall! Not time to socialize like a bunch of twits without any responsibilities."

Kokoa stalked over as the guy turned about. He was about to confront her when the vampire grabbed him by the collar and yanked him down to her level.

"Stop your blustering."

"Unhand me you-"

She snatched his wrist, squeezing to cut off his protest. Kokoa regarded him coldly.

"You will behave, or I will put you through the floor."

A sense of dread flooded through the room. It was cold, calculating and imminent. Kurumu shuddered as she realized Kokoa was pushing out her aura to accentuate her threat. It was mild compared to some of the auras Kurumu had experienced, but not something to dismiss.

"You don't frighten me little girl."

Kokoa pivoted hard on her right foot. She had such a firm grip on Kumoyuki that she pulled the taller guy off the floor for a moment. She was about to shove him through the desk at her side when a figure slipped through the path in a fluid motion. Umizake snatched Kumoyuki from behind, spinning the boy out of Kokoa's grasp to stumble across the front of the class. The guy caught himself on the blackboard, frowning with confusion.

Taniguchi had quickly slipped behind Kokoa and draped her arms over the vampire's shoulders. She sighed, pulling the agitated and confused girl back against her.

"We can't have that, Ms. Shuzen. He is part of my tennis club. They might get mad at me if he happened to get hurt."

"She attacked me!"

Umizake held a hand up at the angry young man. He glanced at Kumoyuki and shook his head.

"I don't care if she is the daughter of the President. We don't govern ourselves with brute force."

"Please keep it down, Mr. Kumoyuki. You're disturbing the class."

Kumoyuki favored the class rep with an incredulous glare.

"This class would have been better run by me."

Taniguchi giggled, relaxing her grip on Kokoa.

"Nobody would have voted for you."

"What else should I expect from a bunch of lazy water spirits?"

Kumoyuki fumed, stalking over to his desk and gathering up his things. He huffed at them one last time before storming out of the room.

Kokoa regarded Umizake for a moment. She tilted her nose, taking in a breath. Glancing aside, she stepped back into Taniguchi, grabbing the girl's hands.

"Is there anything else you can tell me?"

Taniguchi giggled, stepping back but unable to separate from the vampire. She strained her arms to no avail. She favored Kurumu with a pleading look.

"Your lady seems to be quite attached to me."

Kurumu chuckled, slipping out of the seat. She walked up the aisle and patted Kokoa's head. The redhead sighed, releasing Taniguchi to attach to Kurumu's side.

"What was that about?"

"Something's odd about him."

"Who?"

Kokoa nodded at Umizake whom was slowly walking back to his desk. Kurumu chuckled.

"There's always something odd about him."

"If you were wanting someone strong, I'm certain he far outclasses me."

"It's not only strength that matters. So who's the girl that sits behind your friends?"

Kokoa nodded at the quiet girl sitting by the window. She was as tall as Juntaku and had shoulder length, seaweed green hair which was darker than the green of the school jacket. The girl was staring out into the courtyard, oblivious to the classroom antics.

"That's Ms. Usabara Wakumi. She doesn't talk in class. The teachers have stopped calling on her."

"She's in our home ec class."

Juntaku nodded, glancing over the vacant desk.

"Yea. I think she's paired with a couple girls from class seven. She doesn't talk in there either."

Kurumu smiled, brushing her fingers through Kokoa's hair.

"Are you curious about any of the guys? I know the big guy is Hazama from the baseball team I just did an article on. That other guy in the back row is Machida whom is friends with some of the guys on Tsukune's floor in the dorm."

"I don't really care about any of them."

Kurumu chuckled. She was not alone as several of the girls joined in. Kurumu was a little curious about the guy sitting in the window seat behind Usabara, but supposed it did not matter. It was not like she was coming back to this class any time soon.

"I see how high I rank in your priorities."

Taniguchi smiled at Fumio's feigned indignation.

"Nobody wants to hear about your skills with the tuba."

"It's not like I have to brag about myself. Ayame can attest to my skills."

"Why would I?"

Fumio turned a pained look upon his cousin.

"Do you really intend to betray me so coldly? I might have to tell the truth about all those years practicing that flute."

The girl's strawberry eyes widened.

"Fuck off, you brat or I'll tell everyone how you really got that rash last summer."

Fumio flinched. With a grimace, he gestured to the class rep.

"Ryuga is also in band, so he can vouch for my talents."

Taniguchi grinned.

"So… about that rash…"

Fumio laughed nervously, gesturing at his cousin.

"These two are in some useless travel club that they don't even attend."

"We had to join a club."

Fumio smirked, crossing his arms about his chest as he leaned back in his seat.

"I don't see the point of joining a club and doing nothing."

"I sort of know Ms. Umigame from junior high."

Kurumu frowned, glancing at one of the vacant desks.

"Umigame?"

Ayame shook her head.

"He said he wasn't related."

"I don't see the point of joining a club with a girl you never talked to in junior high."

"What choices did we have? We can't play tennis and Kiriko's senior won't let us join in name only."

Kurumu paused at a thought of Kamitsuku.

"What about the literature club?"

"What about it?"

"Well… I know two of the girls in that club which watches over the library are from Itoigawa. I… they're undines so I thought… maybe."

The girl glanced at her friend, getting a shrug for a response.

"I suppose we could hang out in the library and see if we get along with them."

"If you guys just want to hang with more Undines, we have two seniors in our squad."

Fumio snickered, shaking his head.

"You don't want those uncoordinated surfboards in your club. It would demoralize our athletes."

"Surfboards?"

Fumio grinned as he swept his hands down his chest.

"Smooth but flat."

Taniguchi smacked his head with the back of her hand.

"I resemble that remark."

"At least you're coordinated."

Taniguchi sighed, backing away from Fumio to sit on Kumoyuki's desk. She glanced over her right shoulder, smiling at Kokoa and Kurumu.

"So… I'm confused why the President of Fairy Tale would send another daughter to this school when one is about to be expelled."

"That would be because Moka is not going to be expelled."

Taniguchi giggled as the other girls started murmuring.

"That would certainly be good news. Is there a reason why the faculty will change their mind?"

"I've been trying to weasel that out of her all morning. I can only guess it has something to do with my announcement about Fusamina on Friday."

"You spoke to the whole school on Friday?"

Kurumu paused her absent caressing of Kokoa's hair, smiling at the vampire.

"I did."

Kokoa nodded, her eyes going distant.

"Something scary happened Saturday. Mother changed my departure from morning to afternoon on Friday night. After making the change, she saw a clear path for us."

Kokoa looked up at Taniguchi.

"One that involved you."

"That's… sweet. Does your mother dabble in fortune telling?"

Kokoa shook her head.

"Probability. This newspaper club will not shut down. Nobody will be expelled."

Taniguchi smiled softly. Tilting her head, she lifted her gaze to Kurumu.

"Well… in that case. Could I persuade you to do our tennis club next?"

---

Kurumu flopped down on the dirt next to the fence that walled off the tennis courts from the rest of the field. Her breasts ached from the sharp turns and quick dashes to keep the ball off her side of the net. She hated this game. It required far too much precision.

Yamane gasped like a fish out of water nearby. The husky girl had tried valiantly but she was even worse at tennis than Kurumu, which was quite remarkable. The pixie haired Zenpyou whom had helped salvage her hair after the incident with Hiboshi was scary good at this game. It was surprising she was not on the tennis team with how effortlessly she handled things. She could have beaten them without Goto's help.

Taniguchi's two friends, Numasaki and Umiyama, were preparing to face off against Kagomure and Honemoto. Kagomure had wavy, blond hair which was crimped and pleated all the way down to her shoulders. Kurumu had met her at the skating rink and recalled the kirin boys saying she was dating a second year on the basketball team.

Honemoto was the huge girl with the glowing white hair. She was the class rep for class eleven. She was not athletic but her size made her intimidating. Neither undine girl looked thrilled as Ms. Hoshineru tooted on the whistle nestled in her thin lips to start the match.

She had forgotten how strict the blond coach was about everything. When Kurumu had switched to Ms. Sunao's homeroom, she had also changed gym instructors. The even classes were handled by Ms. Kibashiro whom was taking her time with her students. It was quite likely that half of them would not even set foot on the court. Kurumu was envious.

The demon that ruled over the odd numbered classes had her blond hair styled in a pixie cut, though where her hair was long it curled in on itself. The volleyball coach had already tormented half the class and showed no signs of slowing. The only girls spared of this madness were the three tasked with watching Kokoa run laps about the track.

Kokoa was quite the handful. Their third period had been English with Ms. Houkai, a tall, burly woman with short, boyish hair and a braided rat tail that almost reached her waist. Unlike most teachers, Ms. Houkai wore a white tee shirt which bulged from the sheer muscle mass beneath. It was difficult to say if the woman had breasts. She was as solid as a rock and that shirt did not betray any lines of a bra. Even her voice was fairly deep so Kurumu did not feel bad about her early thoughts of Houkai being a man. In all fairness, why would anyone think this teacher whom was the advisor of the wrestling club was a member of the fairer sex?

Kokoa had gotten in an argument over pronunciations and had managed to get herself handed two buckets to stand out in the hall with. She had laughed at the ridiculous form of punishment, stating her strength would hardly be taxed by a mere bucket of water. Buckets only had capacity for ten liters and when filled with water would weigh a minuscule ten kilos. The teacher congratulated Kokoa on her math before placing a hundred kilos of lead in each bucket. Kumoyuki had eagerly volunteered to stand watch over Kokoa to ensure the vampire did not put the buckets down.

When the period ended, the two returned to class. Kumoyuki had a haunted look as he took his seat while Kokoa groaned and stretched her arms over her head. Before the next period started, Kumoyuki shuddered while mumbling eight hundred sixty nine. It was the number of curls Kokoa had done with the buckets to pass the time.

They had Mr. Hirojima's Japanese lecture fourth period. The man was as tall as Ms. Houkai but was massive in comparison. He was easily in the same category as Mr. Umatobi and those akaname boys. She recalled Mr. Kotsubo had taken advantage of this bald man's niece. It was a topic she had brought up with the girls they ate lunch with, which certainly amused the gyokuto girls.

Kokoa had reluctantly agreed to eat lunch with Kyubane's friends. She had wanted to join Taniguchi's group, but the tennis girl felt obligated to eat with her club at least three days a week. Doubting Kokoa would enjoy the company of Kumoyuki, she encouraged the vampire to eat with the cheerleaders for now, promising they could have lunch together tomorrow.

Kyubane's lunch group was a total of seven gyokuto girls from the Tsunan community. Kurumu had already met five of them from the cheerleader squad. She introduced the older Kyubane, Naho, and easily recalled Kukioba from her home ec class. She had to be reminded about Garakuta Etsuko, whom was the most endowed of the group. The girl was slightly annoyed that Kurumu had forgotten her, considering they were rivals.

Unbeknownst to Kurumu, there was a wager circulating the second year boys about breasts. Someone, most likely Ginei, was taking bets on which Yokai lady had the biggest set of mammaries. Even some teachers like Ms. Idatsu were being wagered on. Out of curiosity, Kurumu pulled the girl aside to share sizes. She would not have guessed the girl was the same cup size as her, though a larger band size. They both were curious how that would work out with the boys.

The two girls Kurumu had never met before were both from the gymnastics club. One was a third year, Makitoru Nanase, whom had short, curly hair which was black like oil. The other was a first year from class twelve whom wore glasses. Kochimaru was the shortest of the group but had the longest hair, her chestnut locks gracing the back of her knees. Her parents had playfully named her Usagi.

Kokoa had not spoken much during the meal, her eyes constantly roaming about the group. Towards the end of the lunch hour, she had demanded Kurumu to feed her what was left of her meal because her arms were too sore to move quickly. In between bites she had mumbled over how breast sizes hardly mattered when they were all a bunch of weaklings.

They had returned to class for their fifth period lesson in history with Mr. Gyousan whom was a kappa. His stringy black hair was flecked with silver and his eyes were that familiar shade of ochre. While she knew some kappas had different eye colors, she did not know any other monster that had this shade of yellowish orange. Yamane, whom admitted to being a kappa and had those ochre eyes, had mentioned Mr. Gyousan had extended family in her tiny village near Sado Island.

Kurumu picked herself up, glancing about the courts. It looked like the size advantage was not helping Honemoto. Kagomure was not very good either. Fumio had not been kidding about Umiyama's lack of coordination. This really was a game that would be determined by whom sucked less at tennis.

Ms. Kibashiro was finally pulling a new group onto her court. One was the tiny Hitsuji with her white hair curled about the sides of her head in a princess braid like Leia. The other was almost as tiny with shiny black hair that fell around her small frame, almost touching the court. It reminded her of that choir girl that lived across the hallway from Dakuhime.

Speaking of which, their opponents included the little mujina girl from class twelve. Dakuhime had her grayish hair done up in her usual braids. She was shorter than the girls from class ten, but her partner looked taller. This other girl had her ashen white hair shaved short on the right side but styled long in a bob on the left. She had to be about Tora's size and weight. Not a single one of those girls could do a training bra justice.

"We're still in high school, right?"

She had not noticed when Kiki had come to rest beside her. She and Dangai had been the first group subjected to Ms. Hoshineru's agenda. They had squared off against the cheerleader duo. Dangai was surprisingly athletic, narrowly securing the victory against the buxom gyokuto pair.

Turning her attention away from the courts, she noted Kokoa was still sprinting hard about the track like it was nothing. The vampire had mouthed off about not being the first allowed on the court since she needed the most practice. She also demanded that her and Kurumu face off against the best class eleven had to offer, feeling insulted that they would be matched against the shortest girls.

About halfway through the first match, Ms. Hoshineru finally tired of Kokoa's commentary, ordering her to run ten laps around the track. At first she was going to send Kurumu down to watch over Kokoa, along with their opponents. But then Kokoa bragged about being able to do forty laps. Thoroughly annoyed, Ms. Hoshineru told the vampire she could run laps for the rest of the hour and decided Taniguchi was the most reliable girl to watch over Kokoa's progress. This resulted in Kurumu being paired with Yamane, and they did play against the best class eleven had to offer, since Taniguchi was the only tennis player in the two classes.

Since there would be no final match, Ms. Hoshineru had allowed their opponents to join Taniguchi. One of those girls was Fukai Ishiko, Kurumu's former neighbor in the dorms. Even though she was dressed in the white shirt and red bloomers, the small girl still wore those heavy goggles over her caramel eyes. Her wild, scraggly black locks hung about her shoulders in complete disarray. She was curious what club that girl had ended up joining, recalling she had been kicked out of the auto club.

Their other opponent would have been that cerulean haired girl she had just heard about yesterday. Hanahara Momo had her pretty hair spiraled into a braided bun against the back of her small head. She was a soft spoken girl whom had shyly averted her amber eyes from Kurumu during the introductions.

These two girls had been their partners for stretching. Kokoa had seemed very interested in Fukai. She had done her whole sniffing thing and had been slow to relinquish her hold on Fukai after each exercise. It was somewhat similar to how she had behaved around Taniguchi, though this girl was not nearly as receptive to social interactions. She still mixed up her words and did not seem to be that interested in Kokoa at all. This familiarizing might have continued if Kokoa had not objected to the idea of Fukai being a suitable opponent for her.

"That looks exhausting. How can she run so much?"

Kurumu smirked at Kiki's observation of Kokoa. She draped an arm over the taller girl's shoulder.

"So how is your official birthday going?"

"Fine. Is she really making you go to all of her classes?"

"She said it would just be for today."

Kiki nodded, regarding the track.

"She seems so confidant."

Kurumu pressed her head against Kiki's shoulder.

"I heard Tsukune pushed you down today."

Kiki tensed up.

"It was an accident."

Kurumu shifted, stepping around to face the girl.

"So what happened?"

"Well… I was greeting him for the day and wasn't watching where I was going. I tripped over the step and hit the floor hard. He was leaning down as I turned over on my back."

Kiki frowned as her golden eyes stared off.

"I think he was going to offer me a hand but his eyes drifted down. At first I thought he was looking at my panties and I grabbed for my skirt, but he seized my leg."

"What?"

"It was weird. I had scraped my knee when I hit the floor. I think he was going to lick it. You know, they say saliva has stuff in it that kills infections. I think he was going to do that."

Kurumu grimaced at the thought of Tsukune licking a girl's knee in front of a bunch of students.

"That's weird."

"I know. But… I swear it was nothing like that time Shuiro pushed me down."

Kurumu blinked. She instantly recalled this was the name of Suzume's boyfriend.

"I thought he only took you on a date."

Kiki flinched, covering her mouth. She nodded quickly.

"That's right. Um… yea. I don't think Tsukune was trying to do anything sexual. You don't have to worry."

Kurumu already had doubted he was putting the moves on Kiki but this new information made her feel very sorry for Suzume and Kiki.

"Are you okay?"

"Yea. Of course."

Kiki smiled weakly.

"It is bothersome to field a lot of questions about what happened. I'm sure it looked bad. I'm glad Ms. Shirayuki popped in to stop him like she did as I think things would only be worse if he had licked my knee. It's bad enough that they say he had his hands up my skirt."

Kurumu tugged the girl in, hugging her while taking in a deep breath. She had no idea what had been going through Tsukune's head but was relieved that Kiki was convinced it had been harmless. She would have to ask Tsukune what he had been thinking for him to touch a girl's leg in front of so many witnesses.

She sighed, feeling Kiki relax in her arms. She knew some of the girls were taking notice of the embrace. She smiled at Dangai whom regarded her inquisitively.

"Don't worry. Everything is fine."

"I'm sorry, Kurumu. I don't know what I should have done."

"Settle down, young ladies."

Ms. Hoshineru had walked over to black fence and regarded them sternly.

"Ms. Aori and Ms. Hayate will be next against Ms. Usabara and Ms. Doronuma."

Kurumu took this as her cue to release her hold on Kiki. She sighed, stepping back and smiling at Kiki. The girl nodded, crossing her arms about her chest.

"Ms. Kurono."

Kurumu glanced to her left, noting the familiar Takeuchi twins whom lived in the rooms near Dakuhime. She honestly could not recall if they were from class ten or twelve. She also did not remember their first names. One had her jet black hair done up in pigtails while the other settled for a simple ponytail. Both girls were fairly tall, roughly Tsukune's height. She did know both were on the softball team.

"You're about to ask about the article, right?"

The pigtailed girl giggled, nodding.

"I was wondering how we were doing this tomorrow."

"Doing what?"

The ponytailed girl placed her hands behind her head and glanced at her twin.

"Lunch. Coach Kanatoko told me in the locker room that we all had to meet on the field tomorrow dressed in our uniforms."

Kurumu frowned, glancing over at the courts where the seniors were playing. Coach Kanatoko was the shortest of the gym teachers with raven black hair which was styled in victory rolls below her jaw line. She was a prim and proper woman whom was direct in her instructions yet soft spoken in her delivery. She also wore a dainty pair of glasses upon her pert nose.

"Um… I haven't been told anything."

"Strange."

"Maybe her senior arranged it? He does seem to get along well with Hineri's older sister."

The pigtailed girl nodded.

"That makes sense. Isn't he suspended?"

Kurumu held her hands up, shaking her head.

"I don't know anything, but I'm fine with it."

"Should we interview first?"

"That might be fun."

"Wait. I don't have my notebook for my articles."

"I'll go get the others."

The ponytailed twin held a thumb up at her sister.

"See if you can get the seniors."

The pigtailed giggled, shaking her head as she trotted off to the group of girls in Coach Kibashiro's class.

"No, seriously. I don't have anything to write your information down."

The ponytailed twin waved her hand dismissively.

"You can remember a few things, right? The two Okayama girls are in class ten. The four of us and Hineri are all the first years on the team."

Kurumu nodded, aware that the team had less first years and might struggle next year if they did not get some taller girls on the roster.

"So… you two are in class twelve?"

The girl grinned with a nod.

"I'm Rika. Normally I'm the one with the pigtails, but we decided to switch things up today."

"Why?"

The twin shrugged.

"Why not? For the record, I'm the smarter one though she's better at the athletic stuff."

"Is it weird being a twin?"

Rika frowned at Kiki.

"Um… why would it be weird?"

"Well… there's someone that looks exactly like you born on the exact same day. I think it would be unsettling to have someone that could take my place."

Kyubane giggled, shaking her head.

"I've swapped places with my sister and she's two years older than me. It's funny."

"I love having my sister. I actually don't sleep in my room unless she makes me. Riku is much more independent than I am."

The other twin returned with two girls. The blond was slightly shorter than the twin. Her hair was feathered and done up in faux hawk more common with boys. Her ears were pierced with soft blue stones and a silver hoop pierced her lower lip on the right side. The other girl was taller than the rest of them and had smoky black hair drawn back in a short ponytail. Her hair was fluffed about her ears to hide them. The ponytailed twin gestured to the girls.

"This is Fugohara Ibuki and Azayaka Nikori. They're both harpies."

The blond grimaced, backhanding the twin's shoulder. Kiki clutched Kurumu's arm, stepping in close.

"Don't say that crap, weasel."

"I don't really care if people know I'm a tanuki."

"That's not the point, Rika."

The twin grinned with a knowing glance at her sister. Kurumu sighed, supposing it would be amusing to find out how easy it was to fool the people around you with a minor change of appearance.

"Hey, did coach tell you any details about tomorrow?"

The blond shook her head, glancing at her companion. The dark haired girl was the most womanly of the four softball girls with shapely hips and an ample bosom. She shrugged upon realizing the question had been redirected to her.

Kurumu figured she would have to talk to Kumiko or Ginei about what was going on. She turned a smile on Kiki, curious why the girl seemed so tense.

"Could you ask Uchiyama to come join us on the field tomorrow?"

"Why?"

"I think we will need someone to take pictures. Coach Kanatoko wants you girls in uniforms, right? She must be expecting us to do pictures."

"It's your article."

Kurumu smiled at the snippy blond.

"Do you know Tamura? He should be in your class and is also in the film club. The more cameras we have on the field, the quicker things should go."

The confused blond frowned at her but the twin standing beside her waved a hand.

"Sure, I know that guy. He's actually in class twelve with us. I can tell him to come with."

Kurumu nodded, accidentally saying the wrong thing. She had known he was in class twelve but she had mixed herself up. She sighed, wishing she had a notebook to organize her thoughts.

"Uh… Ms. Kurono?"

Kurumu glanced at the tall harpy.

"I… is Makoto actually going to take our pictures?"

"Is there a problem with that?"

"No. I just. No."

The blond shook her head while rolling her eyes.

"Don't mind Nikori. She's shy around every Tengu boy. It's not just Makoto."

Riku smirked, poking the blond in the shoulder.

"Weren't you fussing over true forms a second ago?"

"Like there's a point after you fucking open your mouth?"

Kurumu smiled, supposing this was what Uchiyama had meant about the harpy girls from his village being mean. Still it did not seem like Azayaka was hostile.

"Well… I can't say I know much about what is being planned tomorrow, but as long as I get enough help from the film club and my friends, I'm sure I might be able to do the whole thing like I did the choir."

The blond nodded, gesturing back at her classmates. Kurumu realized there were a couple familiar choir girls whom Uchiyama had flirted with. She distinctly recalled the girl with the cinnamon curls that fell down her front like drills. That was Umou while the other was Utachi, Chousei's friend.

"Heard you had help from the PSC for their event. I wonder if Hineri could pull some strings with her sister to get a prepared lunch out to us."

"Do you think she already has?"

Rika shrugged, gesturing at the coach.

"It's not like Hineri had gym yet. At least not Kumiko. I think her sister has fourth period gym."

Kurumu frowned.

"I don't understand."

"I see what you're saying."

The blond crossed her arms about her chest, effectively covering her subtle bosom.

"We didn't get back from our trip until real late Saturday night. Coach didn't say anything about an article to us then."

Kurumu nodded, recalling both teams had been playing away games against Joukuu. She wondered how Hiyoshi's birthday party turned out, aware that only the four older neko girls had attended.

"Did you guys win?"

"Yea, both boys and girls did. They had the boys play first around two and then our game was an hour after they finished up. I understand that's how it always is."

"But as Fugohara was saying, Coach must have been told about these article plans after we got back."

"Yea and Kumiko was eager to talk to her sister about helping us get our article done before your club was expelled. I'm guessing she convinced her sister to do something about it."

Kurumu smiled, supposing their conclusions did make sense.

"It would have been nice if they had informed me about it."

"I bet she planned to but then you pulled this whole homeroom switcharoo on her."

Kurumu chuckled softly, nodding. She imagined Kumiko was deeply troubled by her absence and it was not like her presence in class nine would get spread around until after lunch.

"I'll have everything ready."

"So what all do you usually ask for these interviews?"

"Mostly random facts like where you are from, what homeroom you're in, what elective you're taking. I sometimes include birthdays if you want them known and any other things like the position you play, the goals you have, any favorite memories or preferences."

"I'm in the business program. Nikori wastes her time in choir even though she has a horrible voice."

"No I don't."

Fugohara smirked.

"Yea, you do. We both are relief pitchers. None of the first years are starters, so it probably doesn't matter. Still, I doubt we will be thrown anywhere else. We're here to pitch, not chase balls around."

"I really don't have my notebook on me. I'll have to do these interviews tomorrow."

Rika nodded at her sister.

"We both are in home economics. We're from Tsunan and Takameru Shinko is our cousin. She's a second year in class ten. She's over there with Ms. Hidarimeki. She told us that you've already spoken with her and Ms. Dakiashi."

Kurumu shook her head, not wanting to encourage this.

"I don't have a notebook. For that matter, I doubt we have the time."

The blond nodded. She gestured at the seniors.

"Yea… we also have two of our seniors here. Both redheads. Ms. Rodan has wavy, shoulder length hair from class ten. She's our shortstop. The other is Ms. Michi. Since she's our second tallest girl, Coach has her as our first baseman."

"Only Ms. Chiba is taller and she's too slow to play anything but catcher."

The blond smirked at Riku's comment.

"And not just physically."

"That's not nice."

"I can't help it that you're all a bunch of idiots. It's embarrassing."

Kurumu smiled, noting how the dark haired harpy was sulking at Fugohara's remark.

"I think I heard about this Michi. She's dating a cheerleader, right?"

Kyubane wagged a finger excitedly.

"That's right. Kuki always talks about how cool Ms. Michi is. I've even seen the two of them together."

Rika glanced at her twin and shrugged.

"I've seen a blond girl stop by after practice now and then. She hangs on our senior a lot."

Fugohara nodded, shifting her weight to her other foot.

"I've noticed it too. I haven't felt comfortable asking about it."

"Who would? Ms. Michi is not the most talkative girl."

"Has anyone seen the two of them kiss?"

All eyes turned on Juntaku, whom nervously smiled at the attention.

"What? It's a fair question."

"I haven't. I know Kuki hangs on her a lot."

"I'm assuming the blond is this Kuki you speak of."

"I hope so. Kuki has long, sandy blond hair and hazel eyes."

Fugohara nodded.

"That sounds right. I've never seen them do anything special. If anything, I'd say Ms. Michi was annoyed with all the attention."

"I wouldn't say that. Ms. Michi has never been hesitant to speak her displeasure for something."

"Yea, sis is right. Ms. Michi would tell her off if she hated her being around."

Kurumu was becoming quite curious, looking to the senior group in hopes to spy this red haired girl.

"Michi is quiet and reserved while Kuki is openly expressive. They're a perfect couple."

"But they're both girls."

Kyubane frowned at Kiki.

"Why should gender stand in the way of love?"

"Uh… because that doesn't sound natural."

Azayaka giggled softly, covering her mouth. Fugohara smirked.

"Might not be natural to make a baby, but works fine for everything else. Far as I'm concerned, I only need a man a few seconds. The rest of my life they can piss off."

Kiki shivered, pressing against Kurumu's side.

"What else would a harpy know?"

Kiki had muttered it soft enough to go unnoticed. Kurumu frowned, wondering if Kiki held some grudge against harpies. The girl had not betrayed any issues with the karaoke girls yesterday, but it was not like any of the Tengu girls had interacted much with the pair.

"I don't recall you girls being in my class. Could you please return to Ms. Kibashiro's group now?"

Ms. Hoshineru glared down at them imperiously. The softball girls uttered their apologies, quickly making their way back to their class. The blond coach turned her head and gestured for the girls on the court to hasten their exit.

"Last group up on the court. That's Ms. Sawaguchi with Ms. Hasegawa playing against Ms. Yubikiri and Ms. Miyazaki. Quickly ladies. We don't have time to waste."

Kurumu draped her arm over Kiki's shoulder as the called girls made their way through the small gate.

"How would you feel about helping me with the interviews tomorrow?"

---

"You should not walk so far from me."

Kurumu frowned at Kokoa whom was slowly walking down the balcony alongside class ten. The vampire had insisted that they wait for the classrooms to empty before heading over to class three. She had also demanded Umizake to accompany them. For some reason, the aloof young man had acquiesced.

Kurumu spied Kiki lingering at the walkway that connected the balconies near the back door of class ten. The russet haired girl was fussing with the strap of her school bag, glancing about the hall. The girl's eyes met hers and she made a slight wave. She made a slight nod of her head.

Curious, Kurumu glanced over her shoulder, noting Kana was briskly making her way across the crossover behind them. The blond had her sketchbook tucked under her arm and was likely to reach class three before them. Turning her attention back to Kiki, she returned the wave.

"It's so odd seeing you on this side of the hall."

Kurumu smiled glancing at the vampire whom was dawdling a couple steps behind her on her left. She gestured to Kokoa as she started across the walkway.

"Come on, milady. I don't want to miss talking with Kamitsuku."

Kokoa glanced at Umizake whom was matching her slow stride along the open end of the balcony. She quick stepped over to follow in Kiki's shadow as they crossed the walkway.

"There's no need to hurry."

"I do if I want his help."

"That's not important."

Kurumu sighed, shaking her head. Kokoa had been kind of odd and distant during the eighth period. Kurumu was unsure if it was fatigue from all the track laps or discomfort from sharing a computer lab station with Umizake and some stout fellow by the name of Sawagashi from class twelve. Seeing how the guy had stringy black hair and ochre eyes, Kurumu was sure he was another kappa.

When Mr. Karatsuki had acknowledged their presence in the computer class, he had instructed Kurumu to stand quietly in the back of the class and for Kokoa to work in the vacant spot in lab station six with two guys. Perhaps wanting to be near Kurumu, Kokoa had firmly requested she be in the back station with Umizake since they also had a vacant spot. Though the teacher initially refused, Taniguchi informed him that Ms. Umeda had passed away and that Kokoa was already sitting at her desk in their homeroom. With Umiyama and Numasaki confirming their friend's statement, the teacher gave in.

Kurumu was slightly surprised that Kokoa had not taken her assigned spot. Taniguchi and her two friends were in station three, which was directly in front of station six. The vacant spot at station seven was on the interior side, which Kokoa did not seem to mind as it placed that Sawagashi boy between her and Umizake, whom she still regarded with unease.

Kokoa had tried being sociable with Kurumu and the girls at station eight, which included Kiki. The closer one to Kokoa was a cherry haired girl with curls which she pushed back out of her face with a black headband. The rest of her locks were gathered in a tail that she had twisted and tied on itself with the ends facing up. Her name was Akegawa Hikari and was a classmate and friend of Kaimura. She was very polite and somewhat on the short side, roughly Mizore's height and size.

The other girl, Mizumi Aoi, was from class twelve and had wispy, bluish hair that coiled down the sides of her head in twisty curls. The hazel eyed girl was about Kiki's height and had not spoken much before Mr. Karatsuki had scolded them for disrupting the class. He had specifically called Kurumu out, stating if any of the girls made a sound, she would spend the rest of the hour standing out in the hall. That silence had lasted about five minutes before she was enjoying the company of an empty corridor.

It was a straight path to the back door of class three from this crossover. Kurumu slipped through the open door, quickly noting Tora was at the blackboard wiping it down while Ushio and Tamaishi were slowly moving about the room with the broom and dustpan. Kana was lingering near Tora's former desk, glancing at them and flashing a smile.

"Oh! I forgot my day duties."

Kiki turned on her heel but before she could take a step, Kokoa placed a hand firmly on the girl's shoulder. The vampire shook her head.

"You need to stay here."

"Um… but it's my turn."

"Sit down, Ms. Honda. You too, Mr. Umizake."

Kurumu frowned at the seriousness of Kokoa's tone.

"What's wrong?"

Kokoa crossed her arms about her chest, nodding at Kiki.

"I want to talk with her about Ms. Akegawa."

Kiki frowned, backing into Tamaishi's desk. Umizake moved over to the side of the back door, crossing his arms and leaning against the wall.

"I really should do my duties."

Kokoa shook her head with a firm look.

"What do you know about her? She's your partner, so you must know something."

Kurumu smiled at Kiki while sitting on Irewata's desk. Kiki reluctantly settled down in Tamaishi's chair.

"I guess we can talk. I don't know much about Ms. Akegawa though. I only have her in that class."

"Surely you must know something. The first term is nearly over."

"Is there a reason why I'm here?"

Kokoa glanced at Umizake.

"Because this is the best place for you to be."

Umizake shrugged, seeming comfortable in his posture.

"What's going on?"

"Didn't you have someone you were needing to talk to?"

Kurumu frowned at the dismissive remark. She glanced about, noting Kana was chatting with Tora at the blackboard. The girl made an apologetic gesture before backpedaling a couple steps. The blond turned on her heel, waving at Kurumu before ducking out the front door.

"Kamitsuku is not here."

"Then talk to your other friends. I have serious matters to discuss."

Kurumu slipped off the desk, mildly curious what Kana was up to. She walked down the aisle, feeling the attention of the two boys. She smiled, offering a quick wave to them. Aware that Ushio was handing off the broom to his partner, Kurumu stalked over to the blackboard and rapped the back of her hand upon the cool surface.

"Hey Tora."

Tora nodded, setting the eraser down.

"I've heard you've been keeping Moka's sister company."

"Yea. What was Kana asking about?"

"She said her friend wanted her help with something and that she had to leave."

Kurumu nodded, wondering if this was one of her friends from Fukui or some friend from her class. She doubted Tora had bothered to ask as a large hand roughly tousled her locks.

"Five wins."

Kurumu ducked out of his touch, moving a hand to protect her head. He laughed as she darted around Tora, grabbing the sphinx by the back of her PSC jacket.

"Yes, Mr. Burumoto?"

"I was letting her know that we beat Joukuu. That's five wins. We're guaranteed to be one of the four teams that make the playoffs."

Tora glanced over her shoulder.

"Not necessarily."

He snorted, shaking his head.

"Of course it does. Most games we could lose is three. That means only three teams could possibly be better than us."

"No. There could be four teams."

"No. It's only three."

"No. If your three losses are against two loss teams and you managed to beat a team that beat all those two loss teams, you would take fifth."

"How you figure that?"

Tora favored him a sly smile.

"Well… the two loss teams would each lose a game to each other. So let's say Team A only lost one game against you. Team A beats teams B, C and D, giving each of them one loss. Then Team B beats Team C, Team C beats Team D and Team D beats Team B. But all three of these teams beat your team, giving your team three losses while each of them only have two losses. This makes you fifth in your league."

Ushio pondered over that will scratching his chin.

"I'll have to ask coach."

"Tora… that's a very specific situation which probably won't happen."

"True, but five wins does not mean they are guaranteed a spot in the top four. They could also be tied with another five win team, forcing them to play a tiebreaker before the regionals."

"Damn. Our last game is against Shimote, which is a tough school to beat. Not saying we can't but nobody would expect us to win. Especially with it being at Shimote."

Kurumu smiled as she slipped around Tora.

"Do you have any idea how well the other schools are doing?"

Ushio shrugged, glancing back at his partner. Tamaishi was putting the broom and pan away in the closet.

"Heard some guys from Joukuu brag about beating Nakamune, but we handed them their third loss. I know they were playing Katame next, which should be a guaranteed fourth win for them. No idea whom their last game is against."

"So they might end the season as a five win team."

Ushio nodded at Tora.

"Like I said, I might have to ask Coach how we stand. Anyways, I'll see you girls tomorrow."

He grinned at Kurumu.

"Maybe have lunch to celebrate our success?"

Kurumu smiled but Tora surprised her with a side hug.

"Kurumu has a special lunch with the softball team tomorrow."

"You knew about that?"

Tora nodded which caused Ushio to sigh heavily. He clutched his chest.

"You must eat with me at least one more time before… well, you know."

Kurumu smirked.

"I'll try, Ushio. There's a lot of people that are trying to squeeze last minute promises out of me."

Ushio chuckled. He turned aside and gestured at her.

"Just remember, I was your first classmate to speak with you. I should have some priority."

Kurumu smiled softly and nodded. With a grin, he headed for the back of the class to gather up his things and head out with Tamaishi, whom was already waiting for him. It looked like Kiki was keeping Kokoa occupied in conversation while Umizake did his usual silent lurking thing.

"So… who arranged the lunch?"

"Lady Hineri. She ate lunch with us and requested the first years to assist her by bringing the meal carts out to the field."

"I guess her sister did convince her to help."

Tora nodded. She took in a deep breath, leaning against Kurumu and rubbing her shoulder.

"Since it's during school hours, Ms. Unari said she would help with the interviews. I also agreed to help with that, since it did not sound like she needed more help with the lunch part."

Kurumu grinned, thankful to hear that she was getting so much support in what could be her last article for the paper. She gestured at the back of the class.

"Kiki also agreed to help with the interviews. With four of us, I don't think we'll have much trouble getting the team done in one shot."

"If not, Lady Hineri and Mr. Koike agreed to stay late and give passes for those returning late to their fifth period classes."

Kurumu paused. It did sound like this would run as smoothly as the choir shoot. Not that that had ran particularly smooth. That had lasted almost to the sixth period.

"I'll have to ask Kiki if she talked to Uchiyama about pictures. I also asked some girls from class twelve to pass word to Tamura."

"Who is Tamura?"

"He's the short first year from the film club."

Tora frowned.

"I think I know whom you are talking about. Well… I also asked Mr. Yamabato to help so I'm sure one way or another the film club will hear about it."

"I'm glad you did that. Maybe things will work out as well as she thinks."

Kurumu slipped out of Tora's lax grip, grabbing the girl by the wrist. She tugged on Tora as she started walking towards the trio at the back.

"Moka's sister is quite convinced that we won't be expelled, but she won't say anything beyond her mother's ability to predict the future."

"I guess that makes sense. Why else would her mother send her here?"

"It's not like Moka being expelled would be against Mrs. Shuzen's agenda. The Headmaster was quite clear about that."

"Do you think she's here to make sure that we are expelled?"

"Kokoa doesn't seem to think so."

The vampire glanced up at her arrival.

"What don't I think?"

Kurumu smiled, glancing at Kiki. The girl looked uncomfortable.

"Has she finished interrogating you?"

"I don't know what she hopes to hear. I really don't know Ms. Akegawa."

Kurumu chuckled, shaking her head.

"What's so interesting about this girl?"

"She's special to me."

Kurumu glanced at Tora.

"Have you heard of Ms. Akegawa from class eight?"

"Not in particular. I believe Ms. Uchikawa and Mr. Heniki are the class representatives. Both are top twenty students."

"Isn't it odd to spend three months in the same class as someone and not know anything about them?"

"Not really. I don't have much reason to know anyone that I'm not working directly with."

Kokoa waved her hand dismissively at Tora's remark.

"Yea, yea, but Ms. Honda here works with Ms. Akegawa. They're in the same computer lab station."

"In her defense, Ms. Honda is shy around most people. And while one may sit at the same station in computer class, the assignments are not collaborative."

Kokoa grinned.

"You're Nazohashi Tora."

"I am."

"Sister talks a lot about you. I'm tempted to steal you away from her."

Tora paused.

"I beg your pardon."

"Your scent is strong. Almost as strong as this guy."

Kokoa glanced at Umizake whom betrayed no interest in the conversation.

"Yes, well… Coach Hoshineru was rough with us today and there's not much time for showers."

Kurumu giggled, giving Tora a quick squeeze. As far as she could tell, Tora was no worse than her. She hoped that was a good sign.

"I don't think she's talking about that. Kokoa has been sniffing girls all day saying something about being able to determine strong monsters by their scent."

Tora blushed.

"Oh. I wouldn't say I'm strong."

"Yea, you wouldn't. Anyways, where is Tsukune?"

Tora frowned, regarding the door.

"He went to get a drink from the school store. He's made several complaints over the course of the day about being unusually thirsty."

"Has he been getting harassed over assaulting Kiki this morning?"

Tora sighed, relaxing her shoulders.

"Lord help us. You would think there wasn't a way to make things worse but Tsukune somehow finds a way to get himself branded a pervert in his final days of school."

"It was really an accident, Ms. Tora. It wasn't anything bad."

"I'm sure it wasn't but I doubt the way Ms. Shirayuki handled it made things any better. Are you encouraging that girl to talk about carrying your baby?"

Kurumu's eyes widened, shaking her head vehemently.

"Well she told everyone that the three of you are planning to elope after the expulsion. I had no idea if I should confirm or deny it, so I've had to play dumb all day."

Kurumu was at a loss why Mizore was acting up. Perhaps the thought of losing everything was becoming too much for her.

"How is Tsukune handling it?"

"Sort of denying it. Mostly saying he has no idea what will happen and that the incident with Ms. Honda was an accident."

"That sounds safe enough."

Tora sighed.

"Not exactly. He was spacing out and Mr. Ikazuchi asked him what color of panties Ms. Honda had been wearing. Um… are you wearing white with blue dots?"

Kiki blushed, immediately finding the floor interesting. Kurumu sighed, imagining how that played out.

"It gets worse. Ms. Shirayuki asked if he preferred stripes or dots and he replied stripes. She offered to show hers to him which finally snapped him out of whatever he had been thinking about. Poor Ms. Sunao begged the boys to keep it down and save discussing Tsukune's lechery for after her lecture."

Kurumu sighed, turning her frustrations on the only guy in the room.

"What are you planning to do about your fiancée?"

"Nothing."

Kurumu groaned, turning back to Tora.

"Where is that silly girl? Is she still stalking Tsukune?"

Tora smirked, glancing aside.

"Actually she passed out during gym class."

"Wait. What?"

"Yea. Heat stroke. Coach Yaisoku had to wrap her up in threads to carry her off the bleachers since she was too cold for any of the instructors to handle. They took her to the nurse's office."

Kurumu scowled.

"Coach Hoshineru should know better than to force that girl to participate in gym."

"She wasn't participating but she was dressed for gym. Something about Tsukune wanting her to dress in her gym clothes."

"What is that idiot thinking? I suppose we should go check on her."

Kokoa held up a hand and shook her head.

"No. We all stay here until Mr. Aono returns."

Kurumu frowned at the surprising firmness of Kokoa's statement.

"It will be fine. We can have Umizake wait for Tsukune."

"I was told clearly how this day was supposed to end with everyone surviving."

Kokoa gestured at the back door.

"Mr. Aono will arrive in his homeroom carrying a bloodied girl. I will be here and in the company of my servant, the girl I met on my first visit here, a girl with her hair pulled in five tails and a young man in a black jacket. I believe I have all the correct people in this room, so that means everything will be fine provided we stay here for him to arrive."

Kurumu frowned, glancing at Tora whom shrugged.

"What are you talking about? Does this have something to do with the expulsion?"

Kokoa crossed her arms about her chest.

"It seems you have forgotten something. I came to Yokai in the company of a cleaner. Today was meant to be Mr. Aono's test."

Kurumu realized she had forgotten that. She started forward but Kokoa sternly stepped in her path.

"This is where we are meant to be."

Before Kurumu could form a protest, she heard the labored struggle in the hall. Tsukune stumbled through the back door, his clothes bloodied and torn. Blood dripped across the floor with each of his steps with him finally collapsing to his knees four paces into the room. His brow was busted open and smeared in crimson. His torso was riddled with shallow wounds like someone had wrapped his body in wires before tightening them.

As predicted, he was carrying a bloodied girl in his arms. Mizore's clothes had also been ravaged, quite confirming she was wearing striped underwear. She was torn up worse than Tsukune, blood quickly pooling about her prone form. So much blood. A human would have died from the loss.

"Oh, that is positively delicious!"

Kokoa pounced over to Mizore's side, kneeling down in the vermilion puddle. She breathed in deeply, reaching across the girl to caress Tsukune's face.

"Did you have a taste?"

Tsukune looked up, his brown eyes filled with a wild panic. His words were jumbled in labored breaths.

"No choice. She was. Too cold. I had to. Keep warm. I'm sorry."

Kokoa shook her head as she lifted her other hand to caress his other cheek.

"No, no. It's not wrong. The man who attacked you. Where is he?"

Tsukune shuddered.

"Killed him. Had to. Save her."

"That would be amazing if you did."

Kurumu broke free of her trance to approach the scene. Tora quickly knelt down beside near Mizore's head. Kiki wandered over, holding herself tightly as she regarded them with concern.

"Is she dead?"

Kokoa let her hands slip free of Tsukune's face. As she leaned back, she drew her fingers through the puddle. She lifted her fingers up, rubbing her thumb in the scarlet moisture.

"No. Just bleeding magnificently."

"Yes, well… I hope you don't mind if I fix that."

Kokoa brought the fingers up to her nose and inhaled deeply. Her eyes were closed.

"Yes. Please do."

Tora nodded, closing her eyes and bringing her fingers to her chest, forming a diamond pattern. Taking in a deep breath, she summoned a bluish energy into her hands and pushed it down upon Mizore's chest. Tora shivered, withdrawing her hands.

"She is cold."

Kurumu smiled, glancing up at Umizake. The guy had decided the wall did not need his help to remain upright. He had drifted over, regarding Kokoa warily.

"Why don't you help heal her?"

Umizake tore his gaze from Kokoa to Mizore. The bleeding had slowed notably after Tora's first healing spell. The sphinx was forming a second diamond, preparing to transfer more of her spirit energy.

"I doubt she would appreciate anything of mine forced inside her."

Kurumu smirked, supposing that was true.

"Thanks, Tora."

Tora sighed, leaning back after completing her second spell. Most of Mizore's injuries had vanished, though her outfit remained in shambles. The sphinx smiled at him.

"This girl was saying things would be fine if you arrived like you did."

Tsukune turned his eyes upon Kokoa. His breathing was still ragged.

"Moka's sister?"

Kokoa grinned, pressing her bloodstained fingers against his lips.

"Tempting, isn't it? I'm sure you feel it. The urge to tear her apart and drink her essence."

Tsukune grimaced with a shudder. He glanced away.

"You're crazy."

"But you didn't. You're still you."

Kurumu frowned at the vampire.

"What are you doing?"

"Come closer, Aono. I want to tell you something."

Kokoa leaned over Mizore, grabbing Tsukune by his torn collar. The strength of her tug caused Tsukune to grip her shoulders for support. Kokoa darted her head in quickly, sinking her teeth in his neck. His body went lax and his eyes closed.

"Kokoa!"

She pulled away, glancing at Kurumu as she held the unconscious young man in her arms.

"What?"

"Did you drink his blood?"

"Of course not. I'm not about to pick a fight with my sister."

Kurumu frowned in confusion.

"But I saw you bite him."

"I pinched a nerve in his throat that would relieve him of his senses. I'm sure you would agree that he has had enough excitement for one day."

Kurumu sighed, supposing she could accept that explanation. She gestured at the pair.

"So what do we do with these two? I doubt anyone can handle Mizore for an extended period of time."

"She might wake up soon. I did heal her twice."

"I can take both of them to the infirmary."

Kurumu smirked at Umizake.

"Are you sure she won't complain about you putting your hands on her?"

"I don't intend to watch over them. She'll believe Aono saved her."

Kurumu smiled, wondering why he was so quick to let Tsukune take the credit. Kokoa stood up with Tsukune in her arms. She effortlessly lugged him over her shoulder.

"Lead the way, Mr. Umizake."

Umizake regarded the vampire as Tora stood up between them. With a slight shrug, the tall guy moved over to pick Mizore up.

Kiki sighed as they started out the doorway.

"When will we have normal club meetings?"