"You should wear your maid outfit to school."
Kurumu glanced back at Kana. The blond had attempted to help her this morning with breakfast, but was too scatterbrained to watch a skillet. After being shooed away, Kana had dressed and sat at the table with her sketchbook, barely paying attention to the morning conversation.
"On the brink of expulsion and you encourage cosplay. I doubt that is the image Kurumu wants to leave our classmates with."
Tora shook her head as she clung to her schoolbag. Being dressed in her PSC jacket, Tora stood out in their group as they walked steadily along the path to school.
"Nobody will be expelled."
Kokoa huffed, turning her nose up. While Kiki and Kana wore the standard green jackets, the vampire had continued to follow Kurumu's suggestion for the sweater look. She was walking slightly ahead of them on her own.
"She keeps saying that but I don't know what you guys can do."
"I doubt last night's antics would change anything."
Kurumu smirked, recalling Moka learning how to draw blood more pleasantly. Under Kokoa's guidance, Moka eventually found the spot that Unabara girl had grazed with her bite. Kurumu had a feeling that if Kokoa had done something similar to Taniguchi, it might not have been an involuntary loss of bladder control. She might have made the poor girl orgasm.
"I guess something will happen today or tomorrow."
"Well if nothing happens, I know what is best to do."
Tora had no plans to continue the club in Ginei's absence. The sphinx hoped some of Ginei's friends from the farewell party would help her organize the distribution of their final paper.
"Maybe this Fusamina will turn himself in."
Kurumu sighed, knowing that was wishful thinking from Kana.
"I find that unlikely, considering how much trouble he would be in."
They had left the suite about twenty after seven, about fifteen minutes later than her last two mornings. As the walk to school from the suites was about the same as the walk from the dining hall, they would still be about twenty minutes before the bell. They were already on the main trail and would be seeing the front entrance soon.
"Hopefully I can finish my article after school today."
"I would like my thumb drive back from the student council first."
"Why?"
"Because it has your baseball article on it."
Kurumu frowned.
"I thought I saved that on the computer."
"Mr. Karatsuki discourages us from saving anything on the computer. The lab is accessible to everyone."
Kurumu frowned at Kiki.
"I'm serious. I just hit the save thingie."
"Don't worry, Ms. Honda. I normally move all her stuff onto my thumb drive when she wanders off to flirt with Tsukune."
Kiki nodded, smiling softly.
"I have that article you guys had me write on my drive."
"You have a drive?"
Tora snorted.
"Everybody in that elective is supposed to get one."
"I wonder if Ms. Shuzen would reconsider joining the club."
Kurumu nodded, glancing over her shoulder. The small trio of girls behind them was Endo and her two friends, Matsuri and Sugimoto. At least Kurumu assumed the chubby girl with the top pigtail whom was the shortest of these three must be Sugimoto. She knew Matsuri from class one in gym, aware that her long black curls often obscured her eyes.
There had been some mild chatter over breakfast about clubs. At first it had been about which clubs Kiki and Kana might join before Kokoa reassured them against the expulsion. The optimistic vampire would not have to join a club until the start of second term, declining Tora's offer to join their newspaper club.
"What's that up there?"
There was a large gathering at the front of the school. They were still a short walk from the boards that displayed the exams, but beyond the gate was dozens of students milling about in murmured confusion.
"The school shall rain blood."
Kokoa smirked, pointing at some red scrawl painted on the first board.
"Sounds promising."
It was hard to tell what was going on. Each one of the boards was marked up in different colors with racial slurs against curs, winged rats, parasites and sewer trash. Even some of the trees with wider trunks had been sprayed with the hateful phrases.
"So juvenile."
Kiki nodded at Tora's assessment. Kurumu noticed there were other remarks that boasted the superiority of purebloods. She felt bad that her first thought was this whole display was some nonsense cooked up by the Outcasts to pretend they were being victimized by purebloods. The chatter in the crowd was becoming more distinguishable as they neared.
"PSC censure again."
"Different leader, same thing."
"But should they have written this stuff?"
"It's their club. They can write what they want."
Kurumu noticed that several of the students had papers in their hands. She frowned, aware that several members of the faculty along with the PSC second years were gathered at the front of the crowd. The student council vice president, Utsutei, stood beside Lady Hineri as he gestured to the schoolbag of a young woman. The blond handed over a paper with a shrug before she was waved through.
"What is going on?"
Kurumu shook her head as she looked over the school, noting several markings had been sprayed across the entrance. It was mostly random markings but was occasionally interrupted with threats and curses.
"There's the newspaper club!"
"It's Ms. Kurono!"
Kurumu flinched as she felt a lot of attention turned in their direction. Mixed in with the usual feelings of lust, she felt some strong killing intents. It was intimidating to take another step. Tora and Kiki hesitated, likely feeling the same hatred. Kurumu staggered a step forward when Kana obliviously walked into her. The blond murmured an apology as Kokoa boldly continued forward.
"Move aside, commoners. You're in the way."
One large boy with a mullet lashed out at Kokoa with a broad fist. The vampire effortlessly caught the strike, shoving her assailant back so hard that he fell flat on his back. The rest of the students parted to give her free passage to front. Seizing the opening, Kurumu grabbed Kiki by the sleeve and followed in Kokoa's wake. A hush had fallen over the crowd as Tora and Kana kept close by.
"You spoiled purebloods!"
Kokoa paused, glancing over her shoulder at the guy whom had attacked her.
"Make me care."
"That will not be necessary, Ms. Shuzen."
Ms. Kurihara and Sabaku had moved through the crowd to meet them. The swarthy second year wore a scowl on his lips as he regarded the tiny vampire. His black hair was braided in tight rows along his broad, tanned head. The sleeves of his black jacket strained under the flex of his biceps as he crossed his arms.
"Whose idea was it to run your paper?"
Kokoa cocked her head at the large young man. She sniffed loudly, turning her head aside with a grimace.
"Holy aura. Gross."
"Shut it, brat."
Kokoa leaned back, placing her hands behind her head.
"Make me."
Kurumu shook her head as she placed a hand on Kokoa's shoulder.
"What is going on?"
As Sabaku growled at the smirking vampire, Ms. Kurihara handed over a paper to Tora. The small, pixie haired teacher wore a scarlet blouse tucked into cream capris that clung tightly about her slender calves. A slender white tie cut down the center of the blouse.
"Stacks of these papers were left at the dining hall."
Kurumu glanced over Tora's shoulder as the sphinx regarded the paper. The familiar headline graphics declared it was a publication of the Yokai Times. She frowned as it was their graphic. Letting go of Kokoa's shoulder she stepped in closer to Tora as she glanced over the first article, supposedly penned by Tsukune. It was a lengthy confession of murder, lacking any semblance of an apology.
"What the hell is this?"
"It's a convincing fake. The writing style matches something Tsukune would author."
"I'm sure you understand how much trouble this will cause."
Tora turned the page over, revealing another article supposedly penned by the sphinx. Tora huffed in mild amusement, shaking her head as she scanned over the text.
"Vocabulary usage here resembles articles I have done. This person has done their research."
"So you insist that you did not publish this?"
Kurumu scowled at Sabaku, whom pointedly averted his eyes with his own scowl.
"Of course we didn't. Tora gave her article to the student council yesterday for approval."
"Mr. Utsutei said nothing about that."
"That would be because I gave my thumb drive directly to Mr. Kaneshiro. You are quite welcome to interrogate him over whether or not this article is the one I wrote."
"It doesn't mean that you couldn't write another. You could have handed a different article to Mr. Kaneshiro to feign your innocence."
Kurumu sighed, aware that this guilty until proven innocent garbage was quite prevalent among those that wanted to find guilt.
"We didn't have time to do something like this."
"Correct. All these girls spent the night in my suite."
Sabaku snarled at Kokoa.
"As if we can take the word of a vampire as an alibi."
"Either take my word, or my fist."
"That will be enough, you two. We should move this discussion inside."
The students gathered about were murmuring things. She heard a few comments in their favor, doubting the authenticity over the lack of an article by Kurumu. Tora sighed, shaking her head. She turned to the next page and smirked. She handed the paper back to Kana with a chuckle.
"They drew something for you, Kana."
The blond frowned, taking the paper. Kurumu glimpsed the word bubbles of the panel, quickly realizing it was a pureblood zealot justifying murder in the name of God as a healthy form of exercising demons. Unsurprisingly Kana chuckled at the dialogue.
"This is not a funny matter, Ms. Zukkutani. Did you draw that?"
Kana shook her head as she glanced it over.
"No. Tobi did this."
Ms. Kurihara promptly turned a hand on the crowd which had started up a more heated gossip.
"Nothing is official at this time, students. Please hand over the papers as we escort these girls to the Headmaster for questioning. Regardless of whom authored them, the distribution of this material was not authorized by the student council."
"You heard the woman so stop your chatter and line up."
Sabaku gruffly stalked off as Ms. Kurihara gestured for them to follow her. The teacher walked briskly for the front door, nodding to the silent Mr. Miyanohara whom stood with the other big PSC second year. The gathered students grumbled as they resumed the process of handing over their contraband before being allowed through the front doors.
The girls filtered through the front door on the heels of the small teacher. Their guide walked by the shoe shelves without slowing. There was a slight hesitation by Kiki but she quickly fell in step with them as it was apparent that changing into their slippers was not required.
"So who painted up your school?"
"The present theory is that Mr. Morioka is responsible."
Kurumu scowled as they made their way to the grand staircase.
"Why would you accuse him?"
"Because the vandalism happened remarkably fast. When Mr. Enkan arrived around six thirty, he assures us that none of the markings had been in place. That means everything happened within the half hour between then and when Ms. Hineri reported finding a paper on her doorstep."
They slowly started up the stairs.
"I thought Sabaku said the fake papers were in the dining hall."
Ms. Kurihara nodded.
"That also appears to be the case. We were already considering setting up a checkpoint at the front door when he came charging in, angrily waving a copy of the paper."
"And you say Lady Hineri had a copy because it was left at her suite?"
"She arrived a little after seven, informing us about the vandalism and the paper. Someone had left a copy of that paper at all of her neighbors' doorsteps."
Kokoa snorted as they neared the top of the stairs.
"Nothing was left at my suite."
"Assuming your innocence, your suite is not known to be occupied."
Kurumu grimaced. Shaking her head, she glanced back at Kana.
"You mentioned Tobi. Isn't that the local monstrel girl in the manga club?"
As Kana nodded, Ms. Kurihara sighed.
"We should not make accusations against a monstrel right now. This discussion is best held in the Headmaster's office where it will not cause a scene."
"But that would make sense. The manga club still have Ms. Zukkutani's laptop, which has copies of our past articles and our graphics."
"They also have the means to print out a paper."
Ms. Kurihara pressed a finger to her lips as she paused in her walk along the balcony. She shook her head before resuming her steady march to the stairs that would take them up to the third floor.
Kurumu sighed as they continued to the foot of the next flight of stairs in silence. Those determined to find fault with them would probably regard Kana handing over her laptop as an attempt to frame the manga club. To be honest, it was hard to believe the manga club would publish such a thing. Kurumu doubted one angry girl could handle all of this on her own.
"How have the Outcasts responded to this?"
Ms. Kurihara shrugged as they started up the flight of stairs.
"As you might guess, the Outcasts have been outraged. We have already sent the Arukage brothers to sit in detention with the Kinugomi twins for picking a fight."
The twins were unfamiliar but Kurumu recalled Arukage being mentioned before. Her thoughts turned to Tsukune and she wondered how the other students would receive him with this going on.
"What do you plan to do with Tsukune?"
"Ms. Hineri has already sent Mr. Koike back to the dining hall to intercept Mr. Aono. He is to remain in his dorm room with Mr. Umizake, which is rather convenient as the faculty has decided to suspend him for the remainder of the term."
Kurumu snorted.
"You're expelling him in two days. What's the point?"
"I was referring to Mr. Umizake."
Ms. Kurihara smiled as she paused at the top of the stairs.
"While we understand his reasons to execute the two murderers, we cannot allow such behavior among our students. He will only be permitted back on campus to take his term exams."
"So the assumption is that we printed out the paper on campus and distributed them to all of the seniors and left the rest of the copies at the dining hall."
Ms. Kurihara nodded as she walked down the hall intent on the Headmaster's door.
"Mr. Morioka is one of four people having a key to the printing room, the faculty copy being in the care of Ms. Nekonome. The only other keys are in the position of the Headmaster and Mr. Kaneshiro. I doubt you could make a case against either of them."
Kurumu had mixed opinions on the unhelpful student council president. With his way of mollifying matters, she could see him doing something as ridiculous as surrendering his key to Mr. Saitou. She considered voicing her thoughts but decided it would get quickly dismissed. Heavens forbid she level an accusation against a faculty member.
"Will you at least agree that the manga club has the means to publish this?"
"We can discuss that with the Headmaster. Ultimately it shall be his decision what will be acceptable."
Ms. Kurihara stopped in front of the door, glancing over the group. Satisfied, she knocked on the door.
"Come in, Ms. Kurihara."
The teacher opened the door, holding it open as they filtered into the large room. The Headmaster was seated behind his desk and there were two familiar teachers in the room. The broad Mr. Fukushima glared at them angrily as Mr. Sawayaka nodded in acknowledgment. Both were standing in front of the desk as they crossed the room while Ms. Kurihara secured the door behind them.
"Greetings, Ms. Kurono. It seems you have encouraged your club to do something drastic."
Mr. Fukushima had a reddish hue to his face as he scowled at them. A black polo shirt strained across his stocky frame, too short to be tucked in his tan khakis. His mild mannered companion had a gray sports jacket drawn over a white dress shirt and navy blue tie. Matching gray slacks were held up by a narrow, black belt with a golden buckle.
"We did no such thing."
The big man glared at Tora.
"Of course you would make such claims."
"Calm down, Mr. Fukushima. If this was a last attempt to convince the faculty to reverse their decisions, they would have no reason to make such a claim."
The Headmaster cackled, leaning forward on his desk with his hands clasped as if in prayer.
"Indeed. What sort of game are you playing, Ms. Kurono?"
Kurumu relaxed her shoulders as she regarded the Headmaster.
"I'm not the one that plays games. Kana said the artwork in this paper was done by Tobi."
Mr. Fukushima's confusion was unmistakable. He turned a frown upon Mr. Sawayaka, whom sighed.
"Surely you can't be suggesting Ms. Tensai created this paper."
The blond meekly shrugged.
"I can't say that."
"Whom is Ms. Tensai?"
Mr. Sawayaka smiled at the burly teacher.
"A senior in Mr. Maruyama's homeroom. She's a monstrel."
Mr. Fukushima scowled upon them.
"More baseless claims against the monstrels."
"Indeed. I would like to know why you are so quick to lay the blame on Ms. Tensai?"
Annoyed with the Headmaster, Kurumu stepped in front of Kana.
"We know Kana gave her laptop to the manga club. That's how they have all our graphics. The manga club also could print this paper without access to the printing room."
"Isn't that convenient."
Kurumu glowered at the sneering Fukushima.
"I have to agree with Mr. Fukushima. Again I must ask the young lady, why she suspects Ms. Tensai?"
Kana sighed, walking up to the desk and setting the paper down. She pointed at the comic, fingertip deliberately pressed to a spot at the base of the tree where some other characters where hanging from. There was a small swirl of characters nestled in the trunk.
"Tobi leaves her mark in everything she draws. You can look at anything else she has drawn this term and find the same mark."
Mr. Fukushima snorted.
"Sounds like you know enough about her to frame her."
Kana sighed with a slight shake of her head.
"I suppose I could, but what's the point? I'm not saying Tobi made these articles. Either she made this artwork and accidentally put in her mark out of habit, or someone wants people to think she did it."
The Headmaster chuckled.
"I think it is safe to say one girl could not possibly write three pages worth of articles, distribute them all across campus and vandalize the whole school."
"Clearly this is a work involving several members. Something the Newspaper Club could easily pull off."
Kurumu scowled at Mr. Fukushima.
"If this Tobi had the help of the Outcasts, she could easily get this paper around the school."
Ms. Kurihara giggled, shaking her head.
"I don't mean to sound rude, but the Outcasts are not the best of students. To propose that they were capable of writing articles of this caliber is as unrealistic as claiming Ms. Tensai did everything by herself."
Mr. Fukushima snorted, thrusting his thumb in his chest.
"I would know if my boys were up to something this complex. Who do you think yanked those idiots into detention for starting a fuss with those twins?"
Mr. Sawayaka sighed.
"There is the possibility that Mr. Fusamina is involved."
"Now that would be interesting."
Kurumu frowned at the Headmaster, glancing at the balding teacher for explanation. He smiled softly.
"Mr. Fusamina often boasted about his speed around the skating rink. It is possible that he is the Graffiti Demon causing all this trouble on campus."
"Assuming that boy is even alive."
Kurumu glanced at the Headmaster, whose face remained hidden in the shadows of his white hood. She had a feeling he was amused with this development. This was their only chance to avoid expulsion.
"He is alive."
"Fine. So what? That's still too much for one girl and one guy, no matter how fast he claims to be."
Mr. Sawayaka nodded, gesturing at Ms. Kurihara.
"I have to agree with Mr. Fukushima. While Mr. Fusamina might be capable of doing the vandalism and distribution on his own, I doubt he is capable of writing those articles."
"I agree with that assessment. It might be worth bringing Ms. Tensai in for questioning."
"On what basis?"
Ms. Kurihara regarded Mr. Fukushima calmly.
"To bring in Mr. Fusamina and any others whom might have helped in this."
Mr. Fukushima scowled, gesturing at Kurumu.
"Are you all charmed by this witch? I've already lost three seniors due to her antics."
"You can't blame Ms. Kurono over Mr. Midou's fate."
"And your two seniors were involved with a dangerous individual whom killed a member of the PSC."
Mr. Fukushima scowled at the Headmaster.
"I have no idea whom this Yoshii fellow is. He could have been a secret member of the Newspaper Club for all I know."
Mr. Sawayaka frowned glancing at Ms. Kurihara, whom also shrugged. Kurumu realized she was the only person in this room whom knew the name of the killer.
"I thought you were keeping that name a secret."
The Headmaster chuckled.
"I felt informing Mr. Fukushima was necessary given the circumstances."
"It is troublesome news indeed that we have a killer in Mononoke. I agree it would be best to bring Ms. Tensai in and confirm the identities of any whom might be involved in this."
Mr. Fukushima scowled at Mr. Sawayaka.
"I see how quickly you turn on your own brethren."
Mr. Sawayaka calmly regarded the angry teacher.
"If Ms. Tensai is involved, then she will need to be protected. As will any whom might have helped her."
"I agree with Mr. Sawayaka. I would like Ms. Kurono to handle the questioning of Ms. Tensai."
Kurumu frowned as Mr. Fukushima growled.
"We can't have this witch meddling in the minds of others. She might convince Ms. Tensai of something she did not do."
Ms. Kurihara cleared her throat. She waved her hand with a slight smile.
"I offer to stand witness. Ms. Tensai is in my class rotations, so I know she has gym seventh period. I can request Mr. Miyanohara to serve as a second witness, since neither of us have classes at that time. I believe we could also bring in Mr. Hanabi and Mr. Gijutsu for additional questioning."
Kana raised her hand with a frown.
"Why are you calling in the other manga club seniors?"
"I believe it unlikely that Ms. Tensai did these things on her own and I know both of those young men are in her homeroom. I will also ask Ms. Sano whom all might have access to their printing equipment."
"Do you have any objections to this, Mr. Fukushima?"
The burly man huffed.
"I can't vouch for Mr. Saitou's opinion. What about you?"
"I have a class that period."
"Fine. I will stand in as your third witness. My classes have their electives that period."
Kurumu smiled, thinking it would be nice to get out of gym.
"I'm surprised Mr. Saitou isn't here."
"I hope that isn't an implication of guilt."
Ms. Kurihara smiled at the harshness of her fellow teacher.
"As a science teacher, Mr. Saitou isn't always here first thing in the morning."
The Headmaster chuckled, sitting back in his chair.
"Speaking of those whom don't need to be here, I would prefer Ms. Kurihara to escort these three ladies to the gym offices. Have one of the gym instructors accompany these girls back to Ms. Shuzen's suite."
Kurumu frowned, exchanging glances with Kiki and Tora.
"What is wrong?"
"I believe it shall be in their best interests to remain off campus until this matter is resolved. Please pass this message along to Mr. Aono and Ms. Shirayuki as well. With the exception of Ms. Kurono, none of the Newspaper Club members are to set foot on campus."
"You're suspending us?"
"Indeed I am. This is for your safety."
Kokoa huffed, crossing her arms about her chest.
"If you are concerned with her safety, I demand my servant spend the rest of the week in my company."
Kurumu frowned.
"But you have computer class seventh period."
"And you don't. You can have your little interrogation while I have some alone time with Ms. Akegawa."
The Headmaster laughed heartily.
"I see no reason to deny such a simple request. I don't think Ms. Hitori would mind a few more absences from one of her most troublesome students."
Kurumu sighed, supposing Ms. Hitori would think poorly of her considering the issues with Mizore and how many times their station got scolded for excessive chatter.
"Will you guys be okay at Moka's place?"
"I suppose we can manage. I would like to stop at our dorms to pick up some changes of clothes and other things if this will be for the rest of the week."
"You may certainly do so. If you would, Ms. Kurihara."
The woman nodded, gesturing at the door as she turned on her heel.
"Come with me, young ladies."
The Headmaster chuckled as Kurumu started slowly for the door behind her friends.
"Good luck, Ms. Kurono."
"So can anyone care to explain what this is all about?"
Hanabi Ikari was a tall, slender guy with strawberry curls. He had narrow shoulders and strong, angular features which defined his jaw and cheekbones. His thin nose was like an afterthought between his almond shaped, indigo eyes.
Sitting on his right across the table from Kurumu was Tensai Tobi. The girl had russet toned hair similar to Kiki, but had settled on pulling her entire mane back in a single tail which hung loosely down her back. Her hands were folded in her lap as she averted her green eyes.
On Tensai's right was Gijutsu Shigeo. He was a thicker young man, not quite as tall as Hanabi. His hair was a rich burgundy, cut simply across his brow and back with enough length to hide his ears. He had a pocket notebook on the table which he absently scribbled on. The broad, random lines formed no familiar shapes.
It was still between the bells that changed periods. All three seniors had been present in the room when Kurumu had arrived from her torturous gym hour. The three teachers had also been present, Mr. Fukushima and Mr. Miyanohara standing guard at the two doors which opened into the student council room. Ms. Kurihara had already taken her seat across the table from Hanabi.
"Ms. Sano informed me that only the club president has keys to her studio. I am curious if you are aware that the Yokai Times wrongfully distributed this morning were printed by your club."
Hanabi snorted, waving a hand dismissively.
"That's nonsense. Why would we agree to print anything that contained those antiquated values?"
The teacher gestured at Kurumu.
"Ms. Kurono assures us that her club did not author those articles."
"I was as surprised as everyone else to find a paper on my doorstep this morning. I have no idea what you are insinuating."
Kurumu sighed. It had been a long day in Kokoa's homeroom. The girls had tired of bombarding her with questions by fourth period. She wished Kokoa would have sat by her to ease some of the pressure, but the vampire had spent all her free time chatting with Taniguchi. It genuinely looked like the vampire was still on friendly terms with the girl.
Kurumu had enjoyed her first science lecture with Mr. Katai, whom did not require the class to stand about in a lab they would not be using. It honestly had her thinking it would not be a bad thing to transfer to class nine permanently. She felt Ms. Houkai was a better English teacher and Mr. Hino was a nicer math teacher. As far as Japanese instructors went, Mr. Hirojima was easier to hear. If it was not for her slight bias towards Ms. Nekonome, she would conclude Mr. Gyousan an acceptable alternative. She did not even have to worry about electives since the other female casualty had been in home ec, partnered with two kappa girls from class eight.
"Do you have the key in your possession?"
Hanabi frowned, glancing at her.
"Why do you ask?"
"Because it would be extremely difficult for my club to print this paper on campus."
"You have had no problems in the past."
Kurumu sighed, shaking her head.
"Without being noticed? If we had printed this on campus, why hasn't a faculty member, or anyone for that matter, claim that we were seen on campus?"
Ms. Kurihara perked up, glancing at Mr. Fukushima.
"That is a curious point. While we have questioned their alibi, we don't have any witnesses."
"They could have done everything in the late hours."
Kurumu felt annoyed with this conviction over convenience. She wanted to comment over how unlikely it would be for them to sneak in the school after hours without the Headmaster knowing it, but had a feeling that guy would claim some inability to know everything.
She regarded Hanabi, aware that he was a salamander from Tochimoeru, the same village as Akegawa. For that matter, so was Gijutsu, though he was a mud blood. These two ate lunch together with Ms. Tensai and Ms. Netsukaze, another salamander from Tochimoeru whom happened to be in gymnastics.
Kurumu had picked up all these facts while eating lunch today in class eight. She had meant it to be a harmless effort to help Kokoa become closer to the tiny salamander. It had ended up being a much more fruitful conversation than she could have imagined.
Since Asakira ate lunch with her fencing club and Kirizumi did her own thing, Kaimura had given up her efforts to have lunch with her hometown friends within the first month. She had considered eating with her Karaoke club, but that had proven too difficult to manage. Realizing Akegawa was suffering similar issues in finding suitable lunch partners, Kaimura had befriended her fellow salamander and started their own group with Antai Hotaru, another classmate whom had joined the gymnastics club due to having an older cousin in it.
Antai was a cream haired girl with her bangs and front tresses cut in the hime style while her hair in back was twisted in an updo. This tiger eyed girl was a sylph from the same village as Arashimideru. She was a goofy, excitable girl whom loved talking about anything with a fervor similar to Asuka. It was easy to see why Arashimideru preferred not to lunch with such a noisy, rowdy girl.
While Kokoa loved Antai's enthusiasm, she was not convinced Antai was her sylph. Kurumu had teased over being certain about Akegawa, but Kokoa had complete faith in Mother's predictions. Akegawa had to be her salamander. It was not like Taniguchi was the only undine Kokoa had in her classes. She knew and that was all there was to it. But Kokoa did admit Antai was tempting since she was more pure than that blowhard Kumoyuki whom sat next to her.
"Ms. Kurono?"
Kurumu sighed, favoring Ms. Kurihara a slight smile.
"He still hasn't answered if he has the key."
"And Mr. Fukushima stated that your club could have made the papers on campus."
"Maybe the school should just expel everybody that could have printed that paper. Including these uncooperative seniors whom probably have no better an alibi than we do for last night."
"That's absurd!"
Kurumu shrugged.
"No that's when you cease caring whom is right or wrong and simply want it to stop. So if you have the key, then you could be responsible for the papers and the vandalism about the school."
Hanabi sat back in his chair, glancing at Mr. Fukushima.
"There is no threat of your club being expelled, Mr. Hanabi."
"But there is an issue with Ms. Tensai. I presented the paper to Ms. Sano and she agreed the comic provided has her trademark."
Tensai glanced away as Hanabi huffed.
"Anybody can make that mark. We've had members of their newspaper club in Ms. Sano's studio."
"You had Kana over, Mr. Hanabi. I don't even know where your studio is."
"It's not like that girl is incapable of sharing information."
"You seem to be quite resistant to the idea."
"Mr. Hanabi. We are aware that Ms. Tensai is not in the art elective and hasn't been since her first year. The ability to see her artwork is limited to your club activities."
"The Newspaper club ran an article on our club. They are familiar with her work."
Kurumu rolled her eyes.
"But we didn't publish any of your club's artwork. I've read that article. You're basically saying Kana framed Ms. Tensai."
"I believe you have two other members of your club in Ms. Sano's art elective."
Kurumu glanced at Gijutsu. While she knew Tsukune had talent, the same could not be said about Moka.
"Clearly you haven't seen Moka's puppies."
The guy frowned at her.
"Kana is the only member of our club with any skill doing digital art. I know my boyfriend can draw something good on a notepad, but he hasn't done anything on a computer."
"That's a small thing. A simple drawing tablet and wand could cross that gap."
"Kana owns those things. Not Tsukune. And your club still has Kana's laptop because you wanted to work on a digital comic."
Hanabi frowned, glancing at his companions.
"You have her laptop?"
"Of course we don't!"
"Just stop."
Tensai sighed as she closed her eyes.
"Tobi."
The girl glanced at Gijutsu.
"You're not going to get Yochimaru to lie for us. She'll confirm that she borrowed the laptop for us."
The girl shook her head. Gijutsu sighed, sitting back in his chair. He grimaced as he crossed out his scribbles on the notepad.
"Fine. I broke her laptop."
Kurumu frowned at him.
"Why?"
"Accident."
"Convenient."
Tensai smirked.
"Not that convenient. I'll have to talk with my parents to see if they will let me reimburse her."
"Can we have the broken laptop?"
Tensai glanced at Gijutsu.
"I pitched it."
"Damn, Shigeo. What the fuck?"
Gijutsu sighed.
"What else would I do with a broken laptop? It's not like it would do any good returning it."
"So you borrowed her laptop, broke it, threw it away and then planned to lie about having it."
Gijutsu shrugged.
"That sums it up."
"I thought this was for a club project."
Tensai shook her head.
"It's just between the two of us. You could ask anybody else in the club and they won't know a thing about it."
"Other than Yochimaru."
"Yea, her, but she only knew that was why we borrowed the laptop. She wasn't part of the project."
Kurumu nodded, having a feeling that Hanabi was completely clueless in any schemes.
"Would either of you happen to know where Fusamina is?"
"This is ridiculous. Nobody knows anything about a guy that is supposed to be dead."
Kurumu smiled, staring directly in Hanabi's eyes.
"Do you have the key to Ms. Sano's studio?"
"No."
"Who has it?"
"Shigeo."
"Ms. Kurono!"
Kurumu glanced aside, aware that Mr. Fukushima was irritated.
"Is this true, Mr. Gijutsu?"
The guy sighed as his friend recovered from Kurumu's charm with a frown. The guy nodded which prompted Ms. Kurihara to gesture at the door.
"That will be all, Mr. Hanabi."
The boy stood up, touching his chest as he gestured at his companions.
"Wait! I gave Shigeo the key this weekend. It's not unusual for him to have the key."
"But you have no knowledge about this project these two were working on or the laptop they borrowed from the newspaper club."
Hanabi hesitated.
"It doesn't make sense. There's no reason for them to print a paper with that garbage in it."
"There is if you're trying to get my whole club expelled."
Hanabi grimaced, glancing to Mr. Fukushima. The teacher snorted, nodding at the door.
"Go to your gym class."
"You may go, Mr. Hanabi. The circumstances are not in their favor."
"I can go get Samayo. She has gym. She can vouch for Ms. Tensai."
Tensai shook her head.
"I didn't spend the night with her, Ikari. I was at my parents' house."
"So you were in Mononoke last night?"
Tensai turned to regard Ms. Kurihara.
"I was."
"And Mr. Gijutsu lives in a suite by himself."
The other boy nodded as he flipped over another sheet and started scratching out a new design.
"You may go, Mr. Hanabi."
Hanabi scratched his strawberry curls as he reluctantly made his way over to the door. Shaking his head, he walked out.
There was roughly a minute of silence as Kurumu contemplated how she wanted to direct the course of conversation. She imagined she would get scolded if she leveled an obvious charm upon Gijutsu, but that would be the easiest way of finding out if the guy had seen Fusamina recently.
"I will make the statement that Ms. Hineri and Mr. Sabaku are searching the rooms of all the newspaper club members for evidence. We have already acquired the thumb drive Ms. Nazohashi spoke of that was provided to the student council president. The articles on it are not the same as the ones published."
Both seniors remained quiet as Ms. Kurihara leaned on the table, resting her cheek in her palm.
"And it sounds like you have conveniently destroyed a laptop that might have had different articles, though I understand files have timestamps. It would have been obvious if the files had been modified while the laptop was in your possession."
"They could have had other thumb drives which they got rid of."
Ms. Kurihara nodded at his remark.
"But I have started to question what they had to gain by incriminating the manga club."
"That is pure conjecture, Ms. Kurihara. The club could have put the paper out and then realized later it was a mistake."
"If we were that crazy, we would have set up a booth and handed out the papers personally like we always do. The argument here is whether we framed the manga club for no good reason or if these two decided to take down our club."
"Obviously you are making a case that monstrels are irrationally seeking vengeance."
Kurumu scowled.
"I didn't even know about Gijutsu until today. The first time I heard about Tensai was last week."
"Yet you are familiar with the article your club wrote."
"Clearly you didn't read that article. It doesn't list their club members. I only know a few names because of recent conversations with Kana."
Ms. Kurihara sighed.
"I don't mean to take sides, but I do find it more likely that this paper was printed off campus without witnesses than on campus without witnesses."
"And I stand by my statement that they could have done this in the late hours."
Kurumu rolled her eyes, shaking her head. She glanced up at Gijutsu. She had no choice. Relaxing her shoulders, she closed her eyes and focused. She wanted the truth. He would tell her the truth because people would get killed if he lied.
"Who wrote the articles?"
"Azuki."
"Shigeo! Why?"
Tensai's lips were curled up in pain as she regarded the perplexed boy. His eyes were wide as he shook his head.
"I didn't. I don't know."
"Who's Azuki?"
"I suspect that would be Ms. Dokugo of the literature club."
"She made me cough up a name of someone smart! That must be what she did!"
Mr. Fukushima scowled at Kurumu.
"Did you put words in his mouth, witch?"
"Calm down, Mr. Fukushima. You heard her."
"Don't mess with me. I know full well Ms. Dokugo is another monstrel. Damn smart one too. I'm not buying her feigned ignorance."
"That's exactly what she did! She had me say the name of the smartest monstrel I know!"
Kurumu groaned with frustration. Of course they would instantly not believe the truth.
"Fine! Since I'm clearly forcing confessions here, do you know Yoshii Kiria?"
Gijutsu frowned at her.
"Who?"
"Yoshii Kiria. Short haired blond. Has yellow eyes though one turns red."
The bewildered young man shook his head.
"I have no idea whom you are talking about."
"If I may interject."
Ms. Kurihara held a hand up to draw their attention.
"Mr. Miyanohara. I would like you to go find Ms. Dokugo and bring her here. We should hear her input on this matter."
"This girl is trying to frame every monstrel she can before she's expelled."
Mr. Miyanohara silently departed the room. Kurumu smiled how the man's departure seemed to annoy Mr. Fukushima even more. As far as she was concerned, things made a lot more sense with Dokugo involved. She remembered that girl had called Tsukune a murderer last week.
"So I'm going to make a guess here. Since Gijutsu is genuinely unaware of this man whom killed a PSC member last weekend, the three of you somehow came in contact with Fusamina and concocted this whole thing to sink our club."
"Ms. Tensai."
The girl looked up at Ms. Kurihara. Her eyes were wide and her face pale.
"Do you have anything to add?"
The girl shook her head, her eyes distant.
"I don't know anything about anyone being murdered. As far as I'm concerned, the Newspaper club made up this whole thing because they were angry about me breaking their stupid laptop."
Kurumu frowned at the nervous senior.
"How can I have a motive for something I didn't know about yesterday?"
"You are reaching on that one, boy."
"But the inclusion of Ms. Dokugo would make this whole thing sound more reasonable."
"And I'm still unconvinced that I should listen to anything that girl says."
Kurumu sighed. She had a feeling Dokugo would immediately deny involvement and that would be the end of discussion. It would come down to her word versus theirs. She knew she could not leave things like that. She had to win this girl over to get to Fusamina.
"I meant what I said last week. Fusamina is in danger. The staff already suspects he is the one responsible for the graffiti. If you don't help us bring him in, someone will kill him."
The girl shook her head, her green eyes meeting Kurumu's.
"No. You're lying."
Kurumu sighed again. Maybe she was approaching this wrong. She glanced up at Tensai. There was always that option. She knew how to push. She knew how to review. Perhaps she could pull.
"I want to show you something."
Kurumu reached her hand across the table. She nodded at Tensai.
"What are you plotting?"
Kurumu glanced at Mr. Fukushima.
"I want to show her a memory."
"Already have two boys as vegetables. I won't allow you to tamper with another student's mind."
"May I tag along?"
Kurumu frowned at Ms. Kurihara. The teacher smiled softly, holding out her hand.
"It shouldn't be a problem if I witness what you do, correct?"
Mr. Fukushima scowled as he regarded them.
"Don't know why I would feel better about her messing with a teacher's head."
"If she does harm to me, you will be the first to respond."
The burly man snorted.
"If you insist."
The teacher took Kurumu's right hand and gestured at Tensai.
"Come now, Ms. Tensai. I'm curious what she plans to show you."
Kurumu smiled at the girl, glancing at her hand. Tensai bit her lip as she timidly reached over. She grasped her hand and Kurumu squeezed both hands to be sure. Closing her eyes, she breathed in deep and pulled inward.
But Kurumu had something else in mind. While she hoped Tensai would turn to her side with this revelation, she split her mind into fragments, pushing inside Tensai's consciousness. She wanted the truth even if the girl remained stubborn.
As she let Tensai and Ms. Kurihara relive the half hour of torture Yukari endured, she peeked through years and years of Tensai's memories. Unlike powerful beings like the Headmaster and Mrs. Shuzen, this young girl's mind was wide open.
Fusamina had been living in a small hideout on Tensai's property ever since the massacre. He had convinced Tensai that the vampires had started it and would kill him if he was found. She kept him hidden and safe, bringing him supplies twice a week to survive.
It had been Fusamina's idea to publish the paper. Tensai had convinced Dokugo and Gijutsu to help her make the paper and print it out. Neither knew about Fusamina being alive. Tensai was too scared to tell them, since that might take Fusamina away from her. She did not want things to go back to how they were before. She had longed for him for years and had confessed to him twice. He had finally realized she was the only one he could turn to.
Tensai was unaware of there being any plans beyond this. This was what Fusamina wanted. Dokugo was angry at the newspaper club and Gijutsu was always helpful when she asked for things. She held no malice in her heart. She just wanted to make Fusamina happy.
Pushing further back, Kurumu wanted to know if the girl had any ties to Yoshii. It took some time but she found glimpses of the man that wanted to kidnap Moka. And in those glimpses, she realized something terrifying. Yoshii Kiria was the frequent guest at Mr. Sawayaka's home. He was always nice and playful, just as Tokori had described him. A little scary when he smiled at times with those odd eyes. Tensai believed he was related to Mr. Sawayaka's deceased wife, though none of them, including Mikomi, knew how he was connected to her father.
Kurumu realized the others were coming to the end of Yukari's suffering. She withdrew from Tensai's mind, closing her many eyes. Taking in a deep breath, she released the hands she was holding.
She heard crying as she opened her eyes. Tensai was holding her head in her hands, shaking with sobs. Gijutsu was confused and tentatively reaching over to comfort the girl.
"What did you do?"
"I just showed her the truth."
Mr. Fukushima scowled with his arms crossed about his chest. It seemed Mr. Miyanohara had yet to return with Ms. Dokugo, which hopefully meant not too much time had passed.
"That was quite vivid, Ms. Kurono."
Kurumu smiled, regarding the pale teacher.
"Those were the memories I took from Yukari so that she could be normal again."
Ms. Kurihara nodded, her kaleidoscope eyes distant and haunted.
"I can see why."
"What sort of nonsense is she blathering about?"
"She has provided a rather convincing testimony on Ms. Sendou's behalf."
Ms. Kurihara sighed, closing her eyes.
"I do hope you will agree to help us, Ms. Tensai. Whatever feelings you might have towards those boys… I can see why Ms. Kurono gave us that. Those young men are not worth your loyalty."
Mr. Fukushima grunted.
"Fabricated memories."
"If Ms. Kurono created such a vivid image of that, I would have to conclude that she is a deeply troubled individual with personal experiences to fuel such a fabrication."
The burly teacher waved his hand dismissively.
"Whatever you say. I see no reason to believe her now than I did before."
Kurumu sighed as the door opened. The silent teacher gestured for the familiar, tall blond to enter the room. Dokugo took two steps in before realizing the state of her friend. She quickly hurried over to cradle Tensai in her arms.
"What did you do to her?"
Kurumu smiled.
"It's just these three along with Fusamina. Netsukaze Samayo can confirm all three were in the manga studio last night, having stopped by after her gymnastics practice. Tensai is keeping Fusamina in her private hideout at her home. These two don't know he is still alive."
"What is she talking about?"
"Are you sure about this?"
Kurumu nodded at Ms. Kurihara.
"One more thing. You need to ask Mr. Sawayaka what he knows about Yoshii Kiria. He might have no clue what that man is doing here."
"What's this about Yoshii?"
"Some guy that killed a PSC member."
Dokugo huffed at Mr. Fukushima.
"Nonsense. Yoshii is a harmless prankster."
Kurumu grinned, shaking her head. She was well aware what Tensai felt about Yoshii. It was unsurprising that Dokugo had similar opinions.
"Keep these girls safe. I have to warn Tokori."
Kurumu staggered when she stood upright. She touched her temple as her other hand pressed firmly to the table for support. She pushed off the table, taking her first couple unsteady steps.
"Where do you think you're going? You haven't asked a single question of Ms. Dokugo."
Kurumu smiled as she came around the table.
"I have all the answers I need."