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.

35. Important Gatherings

There was an indecipherable murmur throughout the large gym as the students gathered according to the instructions of their homeroom teachers. Kurumu stood in front of the chair next to the aisle which divided the first years from the second years. Satsuki stood beside her with Juri on her other side. All the girls from Ms. Sunao's homeroom had been lined up in the dozen chairs of the third row for the first years. The row in front of them was for the boys of class one while the row behind them was for the boys in their class. Being the representatives, Ichida and Watanabe were at the ends of the row with Ichida being directly behind her. She surmised this tall guy with the jagged white locks in front of her was the Hayate boy whom served as class one's rep. In front of him was the red haired Asakira.

Due to her short stature, Kurumu could not see much of the gathering beyond those nearest the aisle. She was aware that the third years were in their own block on the other side of the second years, divided by another aisle. Each block consisted of twenty four rows of a dozen chairs, with two rows reserved for each class. She saw some familiar faces in the second years.

Moka was standing at the aisle chair behind Ichida with Tora next to her. Being the class rep, Tsukune was behind Moka. Kurumu waved back at him, but his attention was elsewhere. Kamitsuku, whom was beside Tsukune, made a slight nod of his head. She sighed, seeing no signs of Mizore or Nerume.

"Did you see Nerume today?"

"I thought your senior was taking care of that."

Kurumu had no idea if Ginei was here. With him being in Yoshino's homeroom, he would be all the way in the back. It was hard for her to see much that far away. She could not even say if Mikomi was here, knowing Mr. Sawayaka's daughter should be in an aisle seat as she was the rep for class six.

"Are they going to make a big show of expelling your club?"

"Did you finish our softball article?"

"Is this about the Fusamina guy you captured?"

Kurumu shrugged at the other girls. While she had told them about capturing the people whom made the fake paper, she had only admitted Fusamina being a part of it. She had no idea what the faculty had in store for the other three and did not want to say anything that could make things harder on them.

"Could you all leave her alone?"

"Did you pack your things last night?"

"I did a small load of laundry."

"Obviously small. You have more wardrobe woes than anyone else on campus."

Kurumu sighed, realizing something last night.

"I've finally reached the point that I can't wear bras on the weekends."

"You don't wear bras on the weekends half the time anyways."

"I used to have a choice in that."

"I guess you have an excuse to get new ones. I know you hated how bland yours were."

"That's not going to change. Bland is the only color in my size."

Satsuki smirked.

"How big are you anyways?"

"75G."

"Holy fuck."

Kurumu chuckled at Juri's surprise. With a dramatic sigh, she cupped her breasts and jiggled them.

"It's annoying. I want pretty lingerie but it's all for smaller girls."

Kumiko rolled her eyes.

"Then get a breast reduction. Nobody needs tits that big."

"What size should I get them reduced to?"

"Don't listen to that flat brat, Ms. Kurono."

"Your breasts are beautiful as they are!"

"Bigger are better!"

"Boobs! Boobs!"

The four of them blushed as the boys about them started crude chants which prompted Ms. Sunao to hurry to the front of the stage and squeak out protests to cease and desist. While their comments had probably only been overheard by about four or five of these boys, the rest of these chanters were simply going along with the flow. It did not take long before several homeroom teachers had to abandon their posts at the stage to calm the silly crowd down.

A podium had been rolled out to the center of the stage with the Headmaster standing behind it. His face could not be seen within the shadows of his hood. His weathered hands gripped the top of the wooden pedestal. A spongy black microphone was mounted by a flexible silver cord at the center of the front. Several black cables stretched up from the stage floor to hook into the side of the podium, providing power and sound.

There were three rows of chairs behind him lined from one end of the stage to the other. Many of these were vacated as the homeroom teachers tried to regain order. The gym teachers were all bunched together near the boys' locker room side. The teachers on the girls' locker room side were probably those that taught the electives since she saw Mr. Agano, Ms. Hitori and Ms. Idatsu in their ranks.

A little more to the center Ms. Rin was chatting with Ms. Uchikawa. The bouncy science teacher grinned as she cupped herself which caused the other woman to laugh and shake her head. Mr. Saitou scowled at them while Mr. Miyanohara regarded the exchange without any emotion.

The boys finally settled down as the teachers returned to their seats. The Headmaster chuckled softly over the speaker, waiting for Mr. Umatobi to waddle his way up the steps. After a long pause, the heavy man sat down in his chair behind Ms. Nekonome, resulting in an audible groan.

"Yes, yes. Boobs indeed. It's refreshing to hear things have not changed in all these years."

The boys laughed and started up the chant but the Headmaster held up a hand and shook his head.

"I admire the enthusiasm, but now is not the time. I am sure everyone is wondering what we have all gathered here today for, and unfortunately it is not to send our Soccer team out with the strength of our spirit to secure a victory against Shimote Technical tomorrow."

Mr. Hirata chuckled, standing in the front row of homeroom teachers not far from Ms. Kurihara and Ms. Nakamura. Kurumu guessed the front row was the first four homerooms of each respective grade since she saw Mr. Nagamushi, Ms. Nekonome and Ms. Sunao. They even had Mrs. Itou with them.

"No. Today we are gathered to discuss the fate of the Newspaper Club. I am sure all have been made aware of the staggering loss of life associated with the Skating Club's decision to avenge the lives of three young first years: Sumita Sora, Saizou Komiya and Miki Moroha."

The Headmaster gestured to the assembly.

"Twenty eight. We have had twenty eight deaths since the start of the year, seventeen of those being first years. We've been forced to expel six third years and we have had three first years transfer out due to concerns for their safety."

The Headmaster paused.

"This needs to stop. Now I realize many of you must be thinking that these high numbers are due to the troubles the Newspaper Club stirs up. This is not entirely true, though they are often involved in one way or another."

The Headmaster chuckled despite the heavy atmosphere.

"When I call your name, I want you to line up near the stage facing the podium. Morioka Ginei."

There was a long pause, allowing Ginei to make his way up the aisle. Kurumu smiled, noting he was carrying Nerume with him. She was wearing the same clothes from last night.

"That dork."

Nerume waved at them as Ginei walked by. The werewolf smirked, continuing on without breaking stride. Nerume placed her arm back around his neck as they approached the stage.

"I see you have brought Genzouyaki Nerume. This girl is a new member of the club, whom was severely injured in the encounter. She had nothing to do with the Skating Club's grievances."

Mr. Saitou scowled at the back of the Headmaster.

"Aono Tsukune."

Tsukune stiffly made his way to the front. The Headmaster gestured at Tsukune as he took his place next to Ginei.

"This young man was not a vampire when I brought him to our school. He is part of a small project of mine to test our school's ability to integrate into human society. Every year, I try to find one or two humans whom I believe can withstand the difficulties of living among us."

The Headmaster paused, turning to regard the faculty.

"For years we have allowed humans whom grew up in monster communities through these doors as peers. But I have always wanted more. Most of these candidates, such as Hirose Kaito, volunteer for the experience. I assure you that all are approved through Fairy Tale before admittance."

The faculty murmured among themselves as the Headmaster turned back to the assembly. Kurumu could tell by the tenseness of Ginei's body that he wanted to say something, no doubt bitter about the fate of his human friend.

"I want you to speak clearly, Mr. Aono Tsukune. Do you wish to remain at Yokai Academy?"

Tsukune stiffened his shoulders as he looked up at the Headmaster.

"I do."

The Headmaster chuckled as the murmurs now passed along the students. Kumiko was huffing about how she knew all along as others were struggling to believe Tsukune had been a simple human.

"Akashiya Moka."

Moka quickly stepped out into the aisle and briskly walked over to join Tsukune.

"As some of you have realized, this young lady is the daughter of the president of Fairy Tale. Now I realize that there is quite a bit of disbelief that a noble vampire could possibly be taken captive by the Skating Club. Unfortunately this young lady has a weakness."

The Headmaster chuckled, causing Kurumu to tense with concern. The Headmaster gestured at Tsukune.

"Ms. Akashiya has fallen in love with Mr. Aono."

Kurumu frowned, unsure if she should feel relief or dismay.

"She has initiated the Rite of Ascension, a process of making a preferred companion into a vampire. Not much is known about the process, but it usually is done over a long span of time. In her haste to claim her lover, she has considerably weakened herself. In conversation with Mr. Fusamina, we learned that the Skating Club was aware of her inability to fight back, thus prompting their decision to kidnap her."

"Objection!"

Mr. Saitou angrily stepped towards the front of the stage.

"Offering secret rituals as a defense for her actions and forcing words into a dead boy's mouth is nothing more than your continued pandering to the purebloods whom would kill us all if they could."

"Mr. Ikuhata. Would you please step forward and confirm that Mr. Fusamina is alive."

The massive teacher lumbered to the front of the elective teachers, nodding at the scowling teacher.

"Was alive. I'm sure he was disposed of the moment you had what you needed."

"Mr. Saitou, this is the faculty you speak of. This was not something handled by the old PSC."

The white haired teacher grumbled something indistinct, crossing his arms about his chest.

"If I have your permission, shall I carry on with the assembly?"

Kurumu smiled, pleased with the way Mr. Saitou backed off. She was curious how much truth there was behind the Headmaster's claims. She knew the loss of blood did weaken Moka, but it was difficult to say by how much. It was not like she had seen Moka unsealed since the day of the Skating Club massacre.

"Kurono Kurumu."

She had not managed two steps into the aisle before the crude chants started up again. She shook her head at the stupidity of boys. Oddly it was not as lust driven as she would have anticipated. Sure, she did feel some lecherous eyes upon her, but she had a suspicion those were from boys politely keeping quiet. The idiots chanting were mostly the dumb jocks whom tried not to take anything seriously.

"I had a feeling she instigated the earlier outburst."

Kurumu blushed as she came over to her friends. She glanced at Moka for a moment, shaking her head as she gestured for Ginei to scoot over. The werewolf chuckled, making space between him and Tsukune so that she could stand between them.

"To be frank, of all the expulsions that felt deserved, it was hers. She is the most troublesome individual, barging into my office whenever she wishes and forcing herself upon me."

Kurumu regarded the chuckling Headmaster in shock. She suddenly wished he would quickly expel them so she would not have to explain his jest to all the girls whom undoubtedly would want to know what the heck he was talking about. The Headmaster waited for the laughter to die down.

"Despite her complete lack of proper etiquette, I know her earnest feelings have won over many hearts."

Kurumu forced a smile, wondering if that was supposed to be a compliment.

"Nazohashi Tora."

Kurumu was disappointed how quickly the Headmaster moved on to the next member. Then again, she supposed her part in the cause of the event was minor. Most of her participation was after the fact.

"The last of the original first years whom has been under much scrutiny since her barrier about the school and the deaths of three PSC seniors."

Kurumu frowned as Tora took her place on the other side of Moka. She wondered if this was more nonsense by the Headmaster or if Tora was genuinely under some kind of surveillance.

"Now Sendou Yukari has already been taken home by her parents. I understand that she may return, pending examinations of her physical and mental health. I won't spend much time discussing the loss of the possible valedictorian of our first years."

She could tell the remark was directed at Mr. Saitou, whom continued to stew in his silent anger.

"Zukkutani Kana."

The crowd was back to a soft murmur as the blond steadily came up the aisle.

"Ms. Zukkutani and Ms. Genzouyaki are two of the eight girls whom went missing at the start of the year. The Newspaper Club rescued these girls, and as you can tell, two were grateful enough to join their club. Two of our three transfers are other survivors rescued by the club whom were unable to convince their parents to allow their continued enrollment."

Kana stopped in a spot beside Tora, offering a wave at them. Kurumu chuckled, shaking her head.

"Shirayuki Mizore."

There was a long pause. Kurumu glanced over her shoulder but there was no movement.

"Shirayuki Mizore."

There was a soft murmur in response to the Headmaster's second call.

"Did she come to school today?"

Tsukune shrugged and Moka offered the same. Tora shook her head. Kurumu sighed.

"Shirayuki Mizore?"

Ms. Nekonome stepped away from the other teachers, quickly approaching the podium. She motioned to the Headmaster, whom leaned in as she murmured something to him. The Headmaster chuckled, pulling away and gesturing to the assembly.

"It seems Ms. Shirayuki did not feel this important enough to attend. I suppose I don't have to go into great detail why she was being discussed for expulsion."

Kurumu shook her head as the crowd took the Headmaster's pause to mutter about Shirayuki. She could tell the public opinion on Mizore was not favorable.

"And our final member is Honda Kiki, whom I understand will be having her first article in the real paper the club shall be releasing next week. Not to be confused with the fake paper released earlier this week."

The Headmaster waited for Kiki to make her way up the aisle to the group. Once the girl had settled in beside Kana, the Headmaster turned with a gesture at Ms. Kurihara.

"I will turn things over to the head of our investigation committee to dispense the final verdict."

Ms. Kurihara nodded, walking forward with her cream heels clapping against the stage. She had a faded pink blouse with a wide collar. Her top two buttons were unfastened for no apparent reason. She had a pinstripe skirt which clung about her hips. Being short, the teacher freed the microphone from the holster and stood beside the podium.

"Thank you, Mr. Mikogami. I first wish to thank Ms. Kurono for her diligence to uncover the plot behind the false paper distributed by Mr. Fusamina. The committee has decided against revealing the names of those that assisted in his mischief, seeing no reason to publicly shame them. These students have agreed to serve out their punishments over the summer break instead of returning home to their families."

Kurumu smiled, relieved that she had not given any names. She glanced at Kana, hoping the blond would show similar restraint.

"Mr. Fusamina will be suspended for the remainder of the term. We are discussing with his family about covering the costs to transfer him to Hisoshi High, along with the Hajimeru twins whom last weekend took part in an assault against the PSC which resulted in the death of Kusutate Tsuya."

"Hand that over."

Mr. Fukushima stomped over to the podium, gesturing for the microphone. The woman frowned at him, bringing the black device closer to her bosom. The burly man's shoulders relaxed and he gestured again. Reluctantly Ms. Kurihara surrendered the device to him.

"My apologies, Ms. Kurihara. I'm sure the Headmaster has some elaborate story sold to you about some shady figure by the name of Yoshii Kiria whom supposedly sliced a second year in half when fleeing from the PSC after a botched attempt to kidnap Ms. Akashiya."

The man sighed heavily, his attention fixated on the device in his hands that he did not notice the sudden tenseness of Mr. Saitou.

"I honestly don't know anything about this but I'm thinking we are about to hear a public pardon for the murder of a dozen boys."

"Mr. Fukushima, please."

"I'm resigning."

Mr. Fukushima handed back the microphone to Ms. Kurihara. He turned to the assembly, bowed his head and stalked off to the side of the stage. The woman sighed as she clutched the microphone to her bosom, glancing at the Headmaster, whom only shook his head.

"We thank you for your service, Mr. Fukushima."

The burly man nodded as he walked down the steps and came out in the small hallway that preceded the girls' locker room. There was a long moment of silence, allowing Mr. Fukushima to exit the gym. The moment the teacher had left, the murmurs in the crowd started up and Ms. Kurihara straightened up.

"Yes. As Mr. Fukushima predicted, we have concluded that both the Skating Club and Newspaper Club were manipulated into this encounter by Yoshii Kiria, a man whom has been confirmed to exist by Mr. Fusamina and his associates whom helped him publish that paper."

"Instigating crimes is not the same as committing crimes. Do we excuse murderers on the basis that they watched too much damn television?"

"This is hardly the same situation, Mr. Saitou."

"There is no reason for these students to not be expelled. In fact, execution is the law."

Ms. Kurihara regarded the angry science teacher calmly.

"Were you aware of Mr. Yoshii's existence?"

Mr. Saitou scowled.

"No. As far as I'm concerned, he is a figment of your imagination, created for the sole purpose to excuse these murderers from their crimes."

"Then allow us to reassure you that this man is real. Mr. Sawayaka."

Ms. Kurihara turned, holding the microphone out to the teachers behind them. The balding Sawayaka stepped around the teachers in front of him, slowly moving towards the podium. He had a black suit jacket and a black tie upon a white dress shirt. Faded black slacks were held up by a tan belt with a simple, square buckle. The teacher managed a smile as he took the microphone from Ms. Kurihara, promptly putting it back in its holster. Nodding to the woman, he gripped the sides of the podium as he turned his tired eyes upon the assembly.

"Kakure, my old friend. I think it is time to let go of this foolish notion that things at Yokai Academy will ever change. We cannot make the past any better."

"It is never wrong to stand up for the truth, Sashiki."

Mr. Sawayaka chuckled mirthlessly.

"What is truth? There are as many truths in this room as there are students. And I think it is long overdue that I finally share mine."

Mr. Sawayaka turned his attention back to the students, staring beyond the Newspaper Club.

"Twelve years ago, Yoshii Kiria approached me with an offer I could not refuse. I know that will make no sense to any students in this room. Most of you were not even in a school twelve years ago, considering how few communities of our nature have elementary schools. And I doubt if you asked my colleagues about this, most would be similarly confused what Yoshii Kiria could ever offer me."

Mr. Sawayaka smiled, nodding his head.

"I suppose I should fill in some background. Like many members of the staff, I'm a former alumni of Yokai Academy, graduating before the first expansion in 71 when the Headmaster finally decided having over forty students a homeroom was too much for one teacher to handle. Back then, there wasn't second year dorms. Baratoge and Chikara had enough space for both grade levels and most of the seniors lived in the apartment buildings in Mononoke, encouraged to interact with the local community."

He sighed.

"It was an interesting time. While Fairy Tale was tightening down on purity of blood, Yokai Academy openly promoted the freedom to choose whomever your heart desired. Encouraged to rebel against authority, I finally confessed my love to a Tennin girl I had known since Junior High. While my blood was not the purest, I still was classified as a Shinigami by Fairy Tale standards. We were in a sense, polar opposites, but it all worked out."

He chuckled, offering a slight shrug of his shoulders.

"Well, at least until I tried to get a job. It was difficult to secure employment among humans when I lacked any contacts. Fairy Tale refused to help unsanctioned couples so after several years of struggling to make ends meet, I turned back to Yokai. While I had missed the grand expansion of 71, I was taken as an assistant in 73 and encouraged to pursue a degree in education in case I ever wished to leave."

Mr. Sawayaka smiled wistfully.

"Perhaps I should have considered leaving back in 89 when it seemed Yokai was yielding to Fairy Tale. But my son, Teruma was looking forward to Yokai hosting school athletics. He really believed in it."

He straightened up.

"I have two children. Teruma and Mikomi. My wife and I struggled to have children. Teruma was born in 76 while Mikomi was born thirteen years later. She barely remembers her brother. Or her mother for that matter."

He sighed.

"Even if I had taken a job in the human world, I imagine my boy would still not be alive today. Having more strength and speed than the average human, his love for baseball would have been detrimental. Fairy Tale does not tolerate monstrels becoming famous, already struggling to keep safe the identities of purebloods whom elect to take their talents into the human realm. He would not be allowed to play baseball there any sooner than he was here."

Kurumu bowed her head, already suspecting where this was going.

"Yokai Academy, being as open minded as always, allowed Teruma to be an unofficial member of the baseball team. I know Coach Miyazawa enjoyed my boy's enthusiasm and allowed him to practice with the team and attend the games. As far as we all knew, there was no harm in this."

Mr. Sawayaka paused.

"My boy was executed at an away game when he was sixteen in the summer of 92. For being a monstrel on the bench of a baseball team."

There was dead silence for a long moment.

"Of course there were excuses made. Claims against his behavior. Fairy Tale revoked the baseball team's eligibility because Coach Miyazawa refused to testify in their favor. They also demanded his resignation and mine for allowing this violation of the rules, though there was no such rule against my boy simply sitting on the bench. As Coach Miyazawa stated, my boy should have been safer on his bench than in the stands of a hostile school mired in antiquated values."

Mr. Sawayaka's shoulders sagged as he sighed.

"Mr. Mikogami was able to save our jobs but that was no consolation to my wife. My poor angel decided she would tie up her wings and throw herself from a rooftop while I was at work. It was a miracle Mikomi survived the fall."

He forced a smile.

"I know. It seems wrong for me to hold a grudge against Mr. Mikogami for failing to protect my family from Fairy Tale. But when Yoshii Kiria explained to me that our dear Headmaster is one of the founders of that vile organization, well… a lot fell into place."

The crowd erupted in murmurs at the revelation.

"This was no lie. The Headmaster will confirm he established Fairy Tale before he founded this Academy. But when things became too cumbersome for him to manage, he chose protecting the rights of those within the Academy over protecting the rights of all within our nation. For this reason I have found it difficult to pardon his neglect, regardless of how helpful he has been to those whom remain within this barrier."

Mr. Sawayaka turned to regard the Headmaster, whom stood silently behind Ms. Kurihara.

"The goal of Yoshii Kiria was to end Mr. Mikogami's life. And I believed he was correct. Yokai Academy does not need to be led by a tyrant whom is beyond reproach. Any other school ran in such a defiant manner would have had its Headmaster pulled out of their seat of power by Fairy Tale. I realize this is a blessing, but it is also a curse."

Mr. Sawayaka sighed.

"He boldly boasts about bringing humans into our school, risking their lives without consequence upon himself. I remember Mr. Hirose Kaito, an intelligent young man whom disappeared within a month of his enrollment here. And recently Ms. Sasayaki was forced into resignation for her unauthorized efforts to conceal Mr. Aono's true identity from the hospital staff."

The Headmaster chuckled.

"I consider Mr. Aono to be a success."

"I regard the fact that he is no longer human, a failure. That is not coexistence."

"Change is inevitable, Mr. Sawayaka."

"I find that remark condescending from a man whom has not changed since I first set foot in this school. It is unfortunate that the assassination attempt failed."

"Have you never considered the possibility that it was meant to fail?"

Mr. Sawayaka smiled softly.

"The thought has crossed my mind. The quick response from Fairy Tale to install Mr. Kuyo as your chief of security was unprecedented. I believe no other school has such a position."

"Then why do you refuse to hand Yoshii Kiria over to us? Clearly he has used you."

"I disagree with your assessment. That dog Fairy Tale sent to watch over you was a wild beast, lacking any sensible direction. He killed monstrels when it pleased him to do so. If controlling Yokai Academy was the goal of Fairy Tale, Mr. Kuyo was a poor choice."

"Where is Yoshii Kiria?"

The teacher sighed, shaking his head.

"I told you the truth yesterday. Yoshii came in contact with a cleaner from Fairy Tale. Worried about exposure, Yoshii warned me of the agent and left my household Sunday night. As far as I know, he has left Mononoke the same way he has come and gone through your precious barrier the past decade. I don't know how he does it, and I never cared to know."

Mr. Sawayaka turned to face the students.

"Yoshii Kiria is not responsible for a tenth of the monstrel murders committed during Kuyo's reign. The man was not around consistently enough to be linked to any of those crimes. In truth, I did not think that charming man was capable of murdering anyone with his own hands. I fully believed Ms. Yakumaru had been responsible for most of the other deaths until I heard the testimony of several PSC members linking Mr. Yoshii to the death of Mr. Kusutate. Realizing that he was not above getting his own hands dirty, I can see how some actions, such as the burning of the Meirowasa household, made more sense as his doing."

"This is unacceptable."

The teacher sighed, turning to face Mr. Saitou.

"It is over, Kakure. For both of us."

Mr. Saitou scowled.

"You may have been involved in some assassination attempt, but I had nothing to do with it."

"In exchange for Mikomi's safety, I agreed to turn myself in. Unlike most whom are convicted of treason, my family will be allowed to retain all our belongings. As for you, unfortunately Mr. Fusamina betrayed your ties to Mr. Yoshii before I was approached last night. I merely confirmed it to be true."

"Then so be it!"

Mr. Saitou lunged for the Headmaster, his body becoming like fluid. Several teachers hopped forward from the chairs as the smoking mass closed in on the Headmaster whom only had the tiny Ms. Kurihara standing in the angry teacher's path. The woman threw up her arms to shield her face as she stumbled back a step.

Ms. Kurihara was shoved aside by Mr. Sawayaka, whom took the brunt of the assault. There was a loud hissing as the balding man cried out for a short moment before going silent. The whitish mass that was Saitou tossed the withered corpse of his colleague aside.

Bright fire and howling filled the auditorium as Ms. Hitori descended upon Mr. Saitou. Kurumu had to hold her hands up to protect her eyes as the woman blazed with such intensity. It continued for almost half a minute before there was nothing left but bright spots in Kurumu's field of vision. She blinked and rubbed her eyes, noting Ms. Hitori stood nude among a pile of ash on the stage.

There was a moment of silence. Actually her ears were ringing and there was a girl crying behind her in the crowd. She glanced over her shoulder, spying the source. Mikomi was on her knees in the aisle, being held still by Tokori and some strawberry blond haired girl she vaguely recalled from class five. Adding to the confusion, some boys in the crowd started up another round of boob chants.

"This is certainly not the time for that."

The crowd went silent as the Headmaster resumed his place at the podium. Mr. Nagamushi quickly shed his jacket, draping it over Ms. Hitori. The crimson haired woman nodded her thanks, allowing herself to be led away to the steps down to the hall for the girls' locker room. Coach Kibashiro was the first to dash over to the pair, withdrawing her keys from her track suit.

"I am saddened by this turn of events. I had hoped Mr. Saitou would be as reasonable as his friend and resign peacefully."

Kurumu glanced away, shaking her head. She had a feeling being charged with treason would be a death sentence, so Saitou's actions should not have been too surprising.

"Ms. Idatsu was informed of Mr. Sawayaka's resignation this morning and agreed to take over his classes till we find a suitable replacement for him."

The woman shook her head slowly, her eyes wavering as she regarded the ashes.

"I will do my best."

"It would also be nice if you could fill in for the advisor of the Rugby team. I know Mr. Hirata has his hands too full to juggle both clubs."

The woman nodded, covering her face with her hand as she bowed her head. Some other teachers were in a similar state of visible grief at the loss of their colleagues.

With a heavy sigh, the Headmaster leaned on the podium.

"I have to apologize to my second years in class nine. Hopefully one of our elective teachers shall volunteer to handle his lectures until we can find a more permanent replacement."

None of the elective teachers spoke up, causing the Headmaster to sigh again.

"Ms. Hitori has agreed to relieve Mr. Saitou of his duties…"

The Headmaster chuckled morbidly.

"Judging by the crowd reaction, I doubt any of the young men shall object."

Kurumu had to snort, surprised he could jest at a time like this.

"As you can see, she was quite upset to give up her home ec class, which shall be handled by Ms. Kuwabara. I wish to express my gratitude to my staff whom have been working extra hard this year to cover our shortcomings."

The Headmaster turned and formally bowed to his teachers. For the first time in this entire assembly, Kurumu felt she could relax. The expulsion was lifted and now life would go back to normal.

"With that said, I am concluding our assembly. Please return to your homerooms quietly."

Kurumu huffed. Like that was going to happen.

---

"This was not what I had in mind."

Kurumu smiled at Ushio whom was seated across the table from her with his massive lunch in front of him. She had invited him to lunch with her, honoring his request but not quite the way he had wanted.

"I don't mind it."

Kurumu was leaning on the table beside Tsukune's tray. Tsukune was attempting to eat his lunch despite her presence in his lap. She could feel his distress and longing though she was behaving. It was not like she was grinding or had her skirt flipped up, though she wondered if skirt sex was enjoyable.

Kurumu had already finished her lunch. Ushio had insisted on her eating with the soccer club but the boys in the cafeteria had already struck up another chorus of boobs when her presence became known due to Kokoa's antics. Reluctantly he had agreed to eat in a quieter location with Bikiyama's group, whom had joined them in the middle of that embarrassment.

Congratulations had been spread around upon return to her homeroom. The timid Ms. Sunao allowed them to chat, planning to give her first period lecture during last period instead of the human integration material. Kurumu had no idea what subject matter they had been discussing, doubting she had paid any attention to that course since switching homerooms.

Not much had happened since the start of second period. She had reassured Kumiko that she would finish her softball article tomorrow and that she would mention the archery team qualifying at last weekend's hosted event. Naturally Senyou checked on if she was still planning to do articles for the cycling and badminton clubs which she reminded him that she had made no such commitments. She was sticking to her promise for the Judo Club and was thinking about taking on the tennis club next. Kokoa had reminded her last night that Taniguchi's club would start their season with the second term.

That noisy brat had flagged them down in the lunch line, demanding Moka eat lunch with her new friends. Kurumu had encouraged the vampire to be with her sister, thinking it would be nice if Kokoa became more attached to this Moka.

Tora and Satsuki were off to their lunch with the PSC. She was curious how Tokori was faring, wondering if she should ask Satsuki next period or if she should wait until she saw the girl in home ec the following period. Nobody had a clue where Mizore was.

"Pity your senior took the little one back to the hospital. I wouldn't have minded a lap girl for myself."

Kurumu smirked at him, shaking her head.

"She whined about having to go back."

"School has to be more enjoyable than spending your whole day stuck in a hospital."

"Have you thought about going to visit her?"

Kiba shrugged, poking at her food.

"I don't know if she would want me to."

"Of course she would. She's bored to tears over there."

Kiba chuckled, favoring her a toothy grin.

"If the other girls are up for it, I'll drop in this weekend."

"It's not like we have any plans."

"We could stop by after lunch. Maybe they'll let us take her out to a movie."

"That could be fun. What all is playing?"

Kurumu grinned at the girls.

"I know they had a new Batman movie out last week."

Bikiyama laughed, shaking her head.

"I'm not watching a cheesy show for toddlers."

"May as well be watching an anime."

The girls giggled, Kurumu joining in. She had not thought to ask how the movie was, though she doubted it could be any worse than that last one with the frosty guy. She mildly wondered what Mizore would think about it.

"How is Kana doing?"

Kiba frowned at her.

"Isn't she in your club?"

Kurumu chuckled for a moment, sighing when she felt Tsukune's left hand rub her back.

"Yea, well, I still don't know if she's making friends in your class."

"I really don't pay that much attention to any of the girls in the back row."

"That's because you spend all your time flirting with the boys."

Laughing, Kiba shoved Matsudera whom promptly jabbed her back with her chopsticks hard enough to snap them. Kiba swore at her and smacked her friend upside the head which prompted a tussle with Matsudera launching out of her chair to tackle Kiba to the ground. The girls rolled about in the dirt in a flurry of yelps and wagging tails.

"Hey! Hey!"

Uchikawa stood up, shaking her head as Ushio chuckled. Bikiyama, whom happened to sit between Ushio and Tsukune, was safe from the scuffle and observing it with a grin.

"I didn't realize you had pink panties, Nikki."

Matsudera stiffened up, which gave Kiba the advantage, rolling her friend over on her back and pinning her. Straddled over her friend while holding her down by the wrists, Kiba ducked her head low to lap her long tongue all over her struggling friend's face. Her slender black tail wagged about her skirt as Matsudera giggled and begged her to stop.

Kurumu shook her head, feeling a tug on her sweater. Feeling his other hand on her side she leaned back into his embrace. One hand snaked around her waist as his left hand gingerly cupped her breast. She sighed, covering his hand with hers as she closed her eyes.

"Now that is more what I had in mind for a lunch date."

Kurumu snorted at him, shaking her head.

"Get yourself a girlfriend."

Ushio chuckled as she heard chairs being righted. She opened her eyes, glancing aside at the girls sitting back down. Matsudera had dirt and grass in her shaggy, gray locks.

"I think I would settle for finally seeing you in a cheerleader outfit."

Kurumu had to laugh, aware that she had managed to avoid wearing one when doing the cheer article.

"Are you still hung up on that?"

"My dreams were all but crushed when I saw your article did not include a picture of you in our school's traditional attire."

"The cheerleader squad was started up by Ms. Uchikawa only six years ago. I don't think the word traditional can be assigned to the cheerleader outfit."

Kurumu mewled from a sudden squeeze. Blushing, she smacked Tsukune's other hand at her waist as the other girls perked up with interest.

"What was that?"

Tsukune chuckled, shifting beneath her.

"Sorry. I was about to say I wouldn't mind seeing her in the cheerleader outfit, but I squeezed her first."

The girls giggled at him, though Ms. Uchikawa made a point to frown.

"You should be nicer to your girlfriend, Mr. Aono."

Recovered from the moment, Kurumu pointedly dragged his hand from her breast to join his other at her waist. She smiled at Ushio.

"I guess I could ask Ms. Uchikawa if she will lend me a uniform for a weekend."

The big man grinned, stuffing his mouth full.

"Please do. We might be away all day tomorrow, but hopefully we can get together after lunch Sunday."

"If I get the outfit."

Ushio chuckled, nodding.

"I could ask my Aunt for you."

Kurumu smiled at Uchikawa, wondering if she should start using first names for these girls. Then again, she would be embarrassed to admit not remembering most of them. Maybe if this turned out to be a permanent lunch group, she should in a week or so.

"How is Ms. Hitori managing?"

Uchikawa frowned.

"Ms. Hitori?"

"For science. I'm curious how she will do."

Matsudera giggled, waving a hand.

"We don't have science until sixth period."

"And I don't have her until fifth period, so don't look at me."

Kurumu nodded at Kiba as her thoughts drifted to Ms. Kuwabara. The second year English teacher was homeroom for class three. She doubted these girls could tell her any more than what she knew.

"I wonder why they had Ms. Hitori give up her home ec elective. It's not like Mr. Hakuru has a class sixth or seven periods."

"I think that has more to do with whom was being replaced. Mr. Saitou was the science teacher for the students with fourth period gym, as was Ms. Sasayaki. I know my Aunt was offered to keep her seventh period elective if she wanted it. They might do the same for Ms. Hitori."

"That reminds me. I didn't see Meirowasa or Sawayaka in gym today."

Kurumu frowned at Matsudera's remark.

"Do you have any idea why?"

Matsudera and Kiba both shrugged.

"I feel sad for her. To see her father die like that."

Uchikawa nodded at Bikiyama's sentiment.

"I hope he spoke with his daughter before the assembly."

"That would be a lot to take in. Finding out your father plotted to kill someone and that he had been harboring a terrorist all these years."

"Yea, but, can you really blame him? I mean, he did have a point about the Headmaster being a jerk."

Kurumu chuckled at Kiba, shaking her head.

"He certainly is no angel."

"More like evil mastermind. How do you feel about this, Aono?"

Tsukune sighed. Taking in a deep breath, he gave Kurumu a squeeze.

"Kurumu has known about my situation for months and so has most of our club. I've come to accept things as they are."

Ushio snorted.

"Of course you would, considering the prize in your lap."

Everyone had a laugh for a short moment.

"But seriously, I don't understand the Headmaster's goals. What does this prove?"

"I agree. It's a huge risk with no apparent benefit to bring in a human, especially these days with how easily a person can spread information. I imagine you have a cell phone."

Tsukune chuckled, nodding at Uchikawa.

"I've been pestered thoroughly by my classmates about the dangers of revealing this world to the humans. It's like everyone forgets Tora has known for months. I've been lectured about all of this."

Ushio grunted, stuffing down another huge portion of food down his gullet.

"You know we will look out for you. We can't have you breaking loose and killing a bunch of idiots that think you're weak."

Kurumu smiled, aware that several of the boys from class two and three had offered to help Tsukune in any spot of trouble. Kamitsuku had also assured that all the boys from Tsukune's floor would stand with him. When she teased him about not showing up for the farewell party, he had brushed that off as not wanting to trouble Ms. Okimune. He had no idea why the rest of the film club had not attended.

"I'm thankful things turned out the way they did, though I wished it could have been better."

"I do think that is why the Headmaster made such a solid point about Ms. Genzouyaki and Ms. Sendou. He doesn't want anyone to think the Newspaper Club got out of this without any hardship."

Kurumu nodded at Uchikawa.

"It's sad Nerume will only finish out the term."

"I do hope Ms. Sendou's injuries are not nearly as debilitating."

Kurumu supposed that depended on how Yukari dealt with the loss of her memories.

"I think she will return for next term."

Matsudera chuckled with a wide grin.

"Hopefully we have a Japanese instructor that knows what she's doing. I swear, Ms. Idatsu is a complete ditz. Akari had to run the lesson for her."

Uchikawa smiled softly, glancing down.

"I wouldn't say that. Mr. Heniki helped as much as I did."

"That's not my point. Did she do okay in your class?"

Kiba huffed with a shrug.

"I wasn't really paying attention."

"My mistake for asking."

Kiba shoved Matsudera's shoulder hard enough to tip over her chair. Matsudera caught the arm of Tsukune's chair with a firm grip, easing her chair back on its legs while scowling at her friend. Bikiyama chuckled, shaking her head.

"Before these two start at it again, I wanted to know if you were planning to do an article for Enoko's badminton club."

Kurumu frowned at Bikiyama.

"Where did you hear that?"

"Tanimoto is in my homeroom. He was bragging about your club doing an article for them since you weren't about to be shafted."

"I hadn't heard about this."

Kurumu smiled at Kiba.

"I made no such promises. Senyou asked me about it last week but I've already promised to cover the Judo and Tennis clubs. It would have to happen next term."

Matsudera leaned on the table, grinning.

"I wonder if you'll get through all the clubs."

Tsukune chuckled, giving Kurumu a squeeze.

"I don't think that's possible. Now that I think about it, I still haven't talked with Ms. Nakamura. The boys were trying to get me to do a quick piece on the Fishing Club."

"We have a fishing club?"

Kurumu smiled at the shared confusion.

"I think Ms. Nakamura is class one. Just run down there after last period and take care of it."

"Shouldn't I wait until after the club meeting?"

"I can tell you all about it later tonight."

"Needing to do laundry?"

Kurumu snickered, shaking her head. She could feel the invitation for more than a simple chore.

"You should come over to our place."

He groaned, relaxing his grip.

"I don't know if Ms. Meirowasa would welcome my company."

"I meant Moka's suite. Kokoa has me sleeping over there so I can be ready to prepare her breakfast every morning."

"I heard a rumor about you being a servant of their household."

Tsukune chuckled at Matsudera's interest.

"It is a new development. I've barely spoken with Moka's sister."

Kurumu smiled, curious how much Tsukune remembered from that time when he had carried a bloodied Mizore into the classroom.

"She's a clingy girl. You might like her."

"I do like clingy girls."

"Ms. Kurono!"

Kurumu stiffened up, immediately finding the speaker. Ms. Uchikawa, the teacher, was walking briskly towards them. The woman shook her head, gesturing at her.

"Please refrain from behaving inappropriately in public."

Kurumu sheepishly slipped out of Tsukune's lap, aware that he was blushing and nervously looking aside. Forcing a smile she looked about to find another chair. She started off for one of the vacant tables which still had chairs about it.

"Wait, Ms. Kurono. I need you to come with me."

Kurumu cringed, turning about.

"I'm sorry."

"Yes, as punishment she should wear a cheerleader outfit for the rest of the day."

Kurumu turned her head aside to hide her smirk as Ms. Uchikawa frowned at Ushio. The teacher shook her head, walking by their table.

"I assume I don't have to explain why a young lady should not be seated in a young man's lap."

Kurumu nodded, aware that it was best to keep such activities behind closed doors. The teacher turned on her heel and gestured for Kurumu.

"Come along then."

The first bell sounded out, announcing the end of the lunch hour. Kurumu bit her lower lip as she slowly started after the teacher. She glanced at the others whom were getting up from the chairs, none of the girls daring to look her in the eye.

"Should I come too?"

"That won't be needed, Mr. Aono. Hurry along, Ms. Kurono. I have a lab this next period so I can't have you dallying about."

Ms. Uchikawa reached the side door for the stairs, holding it open for her. Kurumu smiled apologetically, kicking up her feet to trot through the opening. Once inside, she waited for Ms. Uchikawa to come beside her before walking down the hall to match her stride.

"I'm really sorry."

Ms. Uchikawa chuckled.

"This isn't about some PDA, Ms. Kurono. Though you should be more mindful of that."

Kurumu nodded, feeling relieved that she had not managed to get in trouble within a day of being excused from expulsion. As they quickly approached the grand foyer, she frowned in confusion.

"Where are we going?"

"To the teachers' lounge."

"Oh. Is there something else I did wrong?"

Ms. Uchikawa chuckled.

"You have a visitor."

Picking up that this was something good, Kurumu smiled. They had already reached the grand foyer and were crossing the last stretch to the back door. Ms. Uchikawa hopped a couple steps in front to tug open the door for her as Kurumu contemplated whom her visitor could be.

She hoped it would be Yukari. Surely the Headmaster had reached out to the family to let them know everything was fine. But that sort of depended on Yukari's parents. As she passed through the door, she had already ruled that possibility unlikely.

"There is my baby."

That familiar voice broke the passing thoughts of it being Ms. Kagome or Ms. Sasayaki. She froze in place, incapable of taking a step towards the grinning, blue haired woman standing beside Ms. Nekonome. Her mother rushed over to her as Kurumu tensed up and covered her face, tears rolling down her cheeks as she choked on overwhelming emotions.

She was firmly pulled against the softness of mommy, and hand rubbing the back of her head. She sobbed, clutching mommy's periwinkle blouse. She stepped in closer as mommy warmly lowered her arms to hold her tight, holding her weight.

"You poor thing. We'll have to fix your hair."

---

Kurumu timidly approached the establishment known as The Sumeragi. There was a sign on the door that clearly stated none under the age of eighteen were allowed inside the premises. She regarded her mother with concern.

"Are you sure I can go with you?"

"I can't go in here alone. Come along."

Kurumu sighed, following mommy to the door. She hoped mommy was right, considering she was still dressed in her school uniform. She supposed she could pass as a senior as she slipped through the door into a dim, smoky haze.

The day felt like it had dragged on when she had finally parted ways with mommy halfway through fifth period. Ms. Nekonome had been with them the whole time, having no class fifth period. The teacher had eventually pried her off mommy, shooing her off to her worthless English lecture. Mommy had promised to meet up with her in her suite.

Ms. Kuwabara turned out to be the pink haired woman Kurumu had seen in the lounge whom also lacked a fifth period. She spent most the period talking about herself, admitting her father was British to explain her love for the English language. She apologized in advance for not being the best of cooks by Japan standards, but promised she would introduce them to some English cuisine in the remaining time they had in the cooking portion of that class.

In what little free time the new instructor gave them to chat, Kurumu had been assaulted by a torrent of questions from the gyokuto girls and Asuka. Hazumi was no help despite knowing most of these answers, only interjecting her opinions on Kurumu's role as a servant. Kurumu had wanted to ask her questions about the continued absences of Mikomi and Tokori but the bell sounded the end of the class which prompted Shinayaka and Meisai to leave while Asuka kept her busy.

After that, Kurumu gave up on worrying over things, only wanting to get home to be with mommy. She had faked a cramp to get out of gym and was supposed to wait out the hour in her classroom. But not wanting to risk being apprehended by Kokoa, Kurumu had went straight home.

Her arrival came with a worrisome surprise. Mommy was in the suite alone, offering a small apology about not having a meal ready for a daughter whom came home early, though the empty refrigerator was an equally valid excuse. Brushing off mommy's humor, Kurumu learned that the Meirowasa family had moved out during the day, leaving a note on the counter along with Kurumu's key. Mommy had not crossed paths with them, admitting she had found the suite unlocked. The note had a simple message, confirming Mikomi was taking them in and thanking her for her hospitality.

With mommy already having examined the extents of her belongings in her hour of boredom, they left her apartment. Mommy had treated her to a simple dinner at Mix it Up, Kurumu explaining it was the place Tokori worked part time at. Mommy did not know Mrs. Meirowasa which had Kurumu wondering if her last name was different or if she remembered something wrong.

After getting her hair touched up at a salon, they had did a little window shopping. Mommy had scoffed at some of the prices for furniture, clothes and kitchenware. Knowing there was a gathering planned with Ms. Nekonome, mommy refrained from buying anything other than a fifteen hundred yen watch with a white, leather band and a floral pattern inside the shiny dial.

There did not appear to be anyone contesting her presence as they made their way into the dimly lit bar. Kurumu saw a couple large men seated at the counter on black, square stools. It was still shy of eight, which Kurumu hoped was early for drinking. She was unsure if she wanted to be here past ten, worried that was when the violent drunks came out.

"Over there, honey."

Mommy gestured to a spot around the bar. Kurumu nodded meekly, walking towards the destination while trying to maintain a safe distance from the patrons at the counter. She could hear the clip of mommy's heels as the woman urged her forward with gentle pushes. Mommy had on that white denim skirt which had a row of buttons down the front past her knees. It was something Kurumu had picked out for mommy's last birthday. Mommy would turn thirty five on the twenty sixth of July. She often joked about Kurumu being a belated gift.

"In there."

Kurumu nodded, realizing there was a side room. She stepped through the break in the wall into a small recess. Noting the heels and flats on the floor, she bent down to slip out of her shoes. Mommy sat down on the raised tatami in the adjacent room, carefully removing her heels.

It was a pretty room with cherry wood lanterns hanging from the ceiling. Black paneling reached halfway up the walls to meet white drapes spaced equally along the far wall to cover the windows. A mahogany table stretched across the center of the room, presently attended by four occupants. One was Ms. Nekonome, still dressed in her canary yellow blouse and white skirt. She was kneeling on the far side of the table next to other familiar teachers. Ms. Nekonome grinned, raising a small, black cup.

"There she is."

Kurumu crawled over to the table, grabbing up a white cushion to place beneath her. Settling down, she waved at the other women while mommy drew up beside her, tugging her close. Kurumu smiled, relaxing against mommy as greetings were exchanged.

The one Kurumu had the most experience with was Ms. Sunao. The tiny teacher had let her hair free of the buns normally dominating the sides of her small head. Her ashen gray locks were surprisingly long, touching the floor where she knelt. Her black jacket was folded up on the floor next to her cushion. She was wearing the same white, short sleeved blouse and black dress pant from school.

The woman on the other side of Ms. Nekonome was Mrs. Senda. Kurumu had completely forgotten to mention this woman to mommy, having talked more about why she had come and how much she knew about the situation. Mommy had tried to come right away but had been denied her request until last night. She had not been given a reason and cared little about having it explained now.

The last of those present was a teacher Kurumu had only seen in passing. The glossy, black haired Ms. Unsei had filled in for home economics one time and was the advisor for the Sadou club and a second year English instructor like Ms. Kuwabara.

"I do hope my daughter isn't giving any of you troubles."

The teachers chuckled, shaking their heads.

"Do you remember these women?"

Mommy laughed, relinquishing her hold.

"I honestly don't know if I have ever met Ms. Sunao here."

Ms. Nekonome wagged her drink in the air.

"Nezumi graduated a year after us. You weren't one to pay attention to your juniors."

"That's true. I'm astonished I forgot about Shiki. My baby asked if I remembered anybody from school and I could only come up with a few names."

Mrs. Senda grinned, leaning on the table with an elbow. The cuffs of her long sleeved, faded blue blouse were loosened, baring her tanned skin.

"I'm curious to hear whom was important enough to remember."

Mommy chuckled, wagging a finger.

"I should have remembered you two. You were famous, Sachiko."

Ms. Unsei huffed, shaking her head. The shade of her yellow blouse was lighter than Ms. Nekonome's. The short sleeved garment was tucked in a tight, black skirt which glistened in the light like her hair.

"I hardly consider myself famous."

"This girl borrowed the keys to our broadcasting room and made love to her boyfriend during the cultural festival. They accidentally turned on the sound and the whole school heard it."

Ms. Unsei sighed.

"Of course you would remember that."

"She got married over the winter break because she was pregnant."

"I got married because I loved him. We sometimes argue over why he got married."

Mommy chuckled.

"So did you have a boy or a girl?"

"I miscarried."

"Oh. I'm sorry."

Mrs. Unsei smiled, waving a hand dismissively.

"No worries. Kai and I tried again and had a beautiful boy the following May."

"Her son is a class rep."

"For your homeroom?"

"I'm a second year instructor. I'll make sure to get him next year."

"I'm teaching third year physics, so I don't have your daughter either. These two do. She started out in Shizuka's homeroom and transferred to Nezumi's."

"I am so sorry that I don't remember you. I hope you weren't in my broadcasting club and I'm just a complete idiot."

Ms. Sunao giggled, shaking her head.

"No. I kept to myself and didn't know anyone at this table till I started working here."

Mommy took in a deep breath.

"Well… Shiki. I know Shizuka hasn't married or done anything crazy since I ran off with Kentou. What have you been up to?"

Mrs. Senda smirked.

"I also got married and had a couple girls, though I had mine after taking the job here. Sachiko did things the smart way. She had all three of hers first."

"I wouldn't call it that smart. I had all my babies while trying to go to college. That was a nightmare."

Mrs. Senda chuckled.

"You did graduate much later than I did despite starting college the same year."

"So how old are your babies?"

"My two girls are seven and five. I had to take a four year break so my husband wouldn't lose his sanity. I see them at least one weekend a month."

"You don't have your children here?"

Mrs. Senda chuckled at Kurumu's outburst.

"There's no reason to have them here. It's much safer to have my girls live in the human world with my husband's family."

"Shiki's girls haven't shown any indication of being monsters yet. It's possible both will remain human so Shiki has kept her true form secret from her girls."

Kurumu sighed, wondering if that was a good idea.

"I hope they do remain human."

"That would be nice."

"Why did you decide to teach at Yokai? I mean, if you can blend in with humans so well."

Mrs. Senda grinned.

"I love this school. And who knows? Maybe one day the school will be safe for humans to attend."

There was a short pause as a young man stepped into the room. He was holding a tray in his hands as he came over and knelt down at the table. He set several bottles down and waited for the ladies to set out their cups for them. Filling each to the brim, he set down two more in front of Kurumu and mommy. Bowing politely, the young man retreated from the room.

Kurumu regarded the cup set aside for her, unsure if she was supposed to drink. She watched as each of the teachers took a sip from theirs. Ms. Nekonome grinned as Ms. Sunao set hers back down.

"Nezumi is married."

Kurumu was shocked at the revelation. She had always assumed the tiny woman whom hung around Ms. Nekonome and her friends was part of the single lady crew. She frowned at Mrs. Senda, whom paid her no attention while sipping down her drink.

"No children though. We're waiting until after her gets his law degree."

Mommy smiled politely, drawing her fingertip about the lip of her cup.

"Have you been married long?"

"A little more than six years."

"Yahiro should be getting that degree soon. You'll be leaving us."

"Well… I'd also like him to be employed before retiring. That could be years from now."

Ms. Nekonome raised her drink with a grin.

"This is my last year."

All but mommy giggled at the declaration, Mrs. Senda shaking her head.

"You say that every year."

"This time it's different. With Ririko and Gusuriko both gone and seeing the babies of a handful of friends in my class, I think I need to start making my own legacy with Shouji."

Kurumu smiled, aware this was the name of Ms. Nekonome's long term fiancé.

"Do you see him often?"

"Shiki and I try to coordinate our outings. When she goes to see her family, I go with her to visit Shouji. It's less hassle for the Headmaster since they have the only known means of getting through the barrier."

"We'll be doing the whole weekend this next time."

"With term exams coming up, it will be our last trip before the break."

Kurumu cringed, aware that she was not prepared in the slightest for the term exams.

"I wouldn't mind tagging along. Are you doing this next weekend?"

Ms. Nekonome laughed, shaking her head.

"You can meet Shouji after we marry. The last thing I need him to see is my gorgeous, single classmate."

The all shared a laugh as mommy finally took a sip of her drink. Mommy smiled softly.

"So how are the old classmates? I know you talked about this Kagome girl of yours whom became a teacher and of Sasayaki, whom I don't remember at all."

"You're so horrible."

Mommy pouted at Mrs. Senda.

"I didn't remember the seniors from our club. Why would I remember the seniors from hers?"

"Megumi started teaching here. As for the other girls, I send them letters and occasionally visit."

Mommy nodded, turning her attention on Ms. Nekonome.

"What about Nyuuwa and that older sister of his?"

"Taka married a little girl fresh out of junior high and has three girls and a boy. The two girls are both in junior high with their baby girl turning six this summer. I can't remember how old their boy is."

"Sounds like he wasn't kidding about having a girl back at home. I never took that seriously."

"Nobody did. He never told us her name. I had to find that out through his nieces."

Mommy smiled.

"He has such a big family."

"His sister, Namiki, has four kids too. I had the oldest girl in my homeroom last year but couldn't get her sister. They have two younger brothers in junior high."

"She has Mimi's eldest and Tsurara's eldest in her homeroom this year."

Mommy nodded at Mrs. Senda's revelation.

"I've heard quite a bit about Tsurara's Mizore. I hear she's a good friend to my Kurumu."

Only Ms. Nekonome chuckled at the remark, the other women sharing looks of concern.

"I think your daughter tries to be friendly to everyone."

"That's quite a change from how she behaved in junior high. She was very obstinate."

"She's a wonderful girl to have in my homeroom. I see how she tries to bring all the girls into the group. Our precious Ms. Sendou was much more difficult to work with prior to her joining my homeroom."

Ms. Nekonome polished off the last of her drink. She reached over to her side, lifting up a golden bell with a black handle. She held it up, grinning at Shiki.

"Ready for another?"

"Slow down, Shizuka. You should at least still be coherent when the others arrive."

Kurumu frowned.

"Others?"

Mrs. Sunao set her drink down after a sip, smiling with a slight flush in her cheeks.

"Once or twice a month the ten of us would meet up for drinks on the weekend."

"That's a fairly large group. I didn't realize so many of you knew each other as classmates."

Mrs. Senda chuckled.

"Your mother wouldn't know Kyouko. She was a senior when I was a first year."

"Which class does she teach?"

Mrs. Senda laughed, shaking her head.

"That's Mrs. Tomarigi. You did her choir a couple papers ago."

Kurumu smiled sheepishly, regarding her untouched drink.

"I didn't ask that much about her personal life. Does she have kids?"

"A couple girls."

"Because she can only have girls."

Mrs. Senda smiled at Ms. Nekonome's remark.

"Kyouko married Unjou, a classmate of mine. You probably don't realize he's a third year gym instructor."

Kurumu perked up, aware that the baseball coach was one while the other third year gym instructor was the older Miwa brother whom was the advisor for the Kendo club.

"I didn't know that. Were they high school sweethearts?"

Mrs. Senda waved a hand dismissively.

"Neither of us knew her that well before we were employed here. They got married four years ago and she's had two baby girls."

"Since Kai stays home to tutor our kids, he also tries to watch over their girls. It's quite the handful having toddlers in the house again."

Mommy grinned, quaffing down the rest of her drink. Taking a deep breath, she reached over to rub Kurumu's shoulder.

"You haven't mentioned being friends with a Nyuuwa girl. Or anything about Mimi's eldest."

Ms. Nekonome chuckled, lifting her bell and giving it a firm shake before setting it aside.

"There isn't a Nyuuwa girl. Her name changed to Anagume and her older daughter is Arukune. Your daughter did an article on her cheerleader club last paper."

Kurumu smiled with an apologetic shrug. She did not remember the girl in particular.

"Her sister, Kosame, is in class five. I asked her to join our club but she declined, saying she was much too shy to be involved in a paper."

"I feel like I should know these girls but I'm not the best with names."

"Much like your mother."

Mommy smiled, glancing over her shoulder at the sound of company. Three more women had arrived and were removing their shoes. Kurumu had seen all three of them before but only knew Coach Yaisoku. The tennis coach was wearing blue track pants and a white polo. Her long auburn ponytail touched the floor as she sat on the floor while removing her beige sneakers with blue laces.

One of the women with the coach was taller and had a lime blouse which matched her eyes. Her rusty blond locks were pulled back in two braided tails which were tied with black bows below her shoulders. She had long black slacks which were loose about her ankles. She was the first to come to the table, leaving a space between herself and Kurumu.

The other woman was short with obsidian hair styled in a right side bob. She folded up her navy jacket in her arms as she tiptoed around the table to take a place beside Mrs. Sunao. Unlike the tiny teacher, this woman was well endowed with her cream blouse straining at the buttons as she knelt down, tucking her navy skirt over her knees swathed in black hose.

"I realize our guest won't know Ms. Iwasaki Saichiri. She was in my homeroom my graduation year."

The woman smiled, adjusting her thin glasses resting on her pert nose and fussing with the dark locks about her tiny ear.

"Hello. I'm a third year math teacher."

Coach Yaisoku solemnly took up a cushion beside Kurumu. She glanced across the table.

"Are drinks coming?"

"The next round should be served soon."

Kurumu felt slightly uncomfortable.

"Um… do you know my mother, Ms. Iwasaki?"

The teacher smiled, shaking her head.

"I knew about her, but we never spoke."

"Ageha only cared about Kentou. She was exhausting to be around."

Mommy sighed.

"How have you been, Michi?"

"Drinks first."

There was a notable silence in the pause that followed. The sounds of a new arrival drew Kurumu's attention to the back. The same waiter from before was carrying the same tray. He came quietly to the table, setting aside cups for the three new arrivals. He promptly refilled Ms. Nekonome's cup before doing the same for mommy and Mrs. Senda. After topping off the drinks of the other two, he silently retreated from the room.

"Before anything unpleasant develops, I'm Atsumoto Hotori. I graduated with Gusuriko so I don't expect our guests to know me. I'm a second year math instructor, hired in 94 along with everyone else at this table except Sachiko."

Kurumu smiled, aware that this woman was related to the softball seniors.

"Shizuka mentioned the school expanded to twelve homerooms that year and needed more staff."

Coach Yaisoku took down a heavy draft, setting the cup down. It was nearly drained.

"Are you going to pretend you did nothing wrong?"

"Be pleasant, Michi."

"I'll be pleasant later."

Mommy sighed again.

"I'm sorry."

Coach Yaisoku shook her head, downing the rest of her drink.

"Ring another one for me, Shizuka."

Ms. Nekonome nodded, making a point to slurp down hers before ringing for another round.

"So… I'm guessing you were hired with the English expansion."

Mrs. Unsei nodded at Kurumu's remark.

"Megumi and I were both brought on in 97."

"Oh. So Ms. Megumi teaches English?"

Mrs. Unsei laughed, shaking her head.

"Ms. Yumeito is a second year science teacher. There was an opening at the time."

There was a pause as everyone quieted during the arrival of the server. Kurumu noted the seven teachers in the room, figuring the absent Ms. Yumeito and Mrs. Tomarigi would be included in this group. The waiter had to refill Coach Yaisoku's cup a second time before departing.

"Is Megumi coming?"

Coach Yaisoku nodded.

"She's fussing over clothes. Kyouko?"

Mrs. Unsei shook her head.

"She never comes to these if we have it on a Friday night."

"So… who is the tenth?"

Ms. Nekonome smiled softly.

"That was Gusuriko."

Kurumu nodded, feeling like she should have known that. She frowned.

"You didn't have Ms. Kagome come to these?"

Mrs. Senda laughed, waving her hand dismissively.

"Not as a regular. We try not to invite our former students to these things."

"But Coach Kibashiro and Ms. Uchikawa would have graduated before you started teaching."

Mrs. Sunao nodded.

"Ms. Nakamura and Ms. Hanada also graduated a year before those two. But we really can't reminisce over high school days with them, being so far apart."

Mommy sipped on her cup.

"I still haven't heard the whole story behind Mimi and Kaori."

Ms. Nekonome chuckled, gesturing at Coach Yaisoku. The gym teacher rolled her eyes, content with drinking from her cup. With a wistful smile, Ms. Nekonome turned back to address mommy.

"There's not much to say about Kaori. She got married to some guy in Nagano and has a boy and a girl. I think the boy starts junior high this year. We send New Year's cards with small updates."

"New Year's cards would have been nice."

Ms. Nekonome smiled at Coach Yaisoku for a moment. She turned her eyes back to mommy.

"As for Mimi, she got married right after graduation and has six babies. Her oldest girl, Haruhi, is in my class and got suckered into joining volleyball."

Kurumu felt like her heart skipped a beat.

"Irewata?"

"That would be her."

"But you didn't call her out that first day. You made such a fuss over me."

Ms. Nekonome laughed, waving her hand dismissively as she nursed her cup in the other.

"I have visited Mimi's family several times over the years. I have spoken with little Haruhi many times. I had yet to meet you."

"You could have given us more warning. I nearly had a heart attack when I saw a Kurono in gym class."

Ms. Nekonome smiled apologetically.

"I found out about her enrollment only a week before classes began. I had to steal her from class six."

"Whom did you trade me for?"

"Ms. Makiba."

Kurumu flinched, thinking she definitely owed Ushio now. He probably would have preferred being in the same homeroom as his cousin.

"I suppose it couldn't be helped. Did you tell Tsurara about this girl?"

Ms. Nekonome shook her head.

"I haven't written to her since March in response to her New Year's card about sending Mizore to Yokai."

Coach Yaisoku sighed.

"I only send her New Year's cards."

"Have either of you gone to see her?"

Coach Yaisoku snorted at mommy, shaking her head before downing the rest of her cup.

"Yukimura is not a pleasant place to visit."

"That's not what I asked."

"You realize most of us thought you were dead. There was a rumor floating about school that the two of you committed a love pact suicide."

"I'm sorry."

"This dummy told nobody what she was doing and didn't leave a note. She just up and vanished."

Mommy pouted.

"That's not entirely true. I told our homeroom teacher. I was reassured that we had attended enough school to officially graduate before we left."

Ms. Nekonome chuckled, taking another swig from her cup.

"You know how Yokai can be. They cover up the truth so much that hearing your names listed off at graduation was not much consolation. It was over a decade before Tsurara admitted Kentou had returned to her village."

Mommy sighed, swirling the contents of her cup.

"That woman never changes. She won't tell anyone what she feels."

"I sense her daughter is the same way, though far more hostile."

"We had our fair share of fights."

Coach Yaisoku huffed, gesturing at the bell beside Ms. Nekonome. The teacher grinned, swallowing down the last of hers before sounding out another round request.

"Young Shirayuki is a menace. She's probably missed more school than she's attended."

"I recently learned her fiancé is in Hino's classroom."

Mrs. Unsei nodded.

"I heard that too. He's that new PSC boy that got suspended for killing the two boys whom had been killing a bunch of kappas."

Mrs. Sunao sighed.

"I had to be part of that investigation. It was not a fun thing to discuss."

"Investigations never are."

"I still think this town needs a proper law enforcement group."

"You know how the Headmaster feels about bringing Fairy Tale in."

"I'm not talking about a huge force. A dozen would be more than enough."

"I agree. I came to Yokai to be a teacher. Not investigate murders."

Kurumu smiled as Ms. Iwasaki and Ms. Atsumoto both took down their drinks in agreement that trials should not be in their job description. There was a moment of silence as their waiter returned, taking care of their emptied drinks before disappearing once more into obscurity.

"Are either of you married?"

Ms. Iwasaki sighed, shaking her head as Ms. Atsumoto grinned, holding her cup.

"It's hard to find a man to settle down with."

"Unless you decide to rob the cradle like Nezumi."

Mrs. Sunao pouted at her friend.

"That's not fair. Yahiro pushed on me."

Ms. Atsumoto chuckled, taking a sip.

"I think Yahiro made school history as being the first student to marry a teacher before graduation."

Mrs. Sunao blushed fiercely, pounding down her drink. She gasped out, shaking her head as her colleagues laughed at her.

"At least you two have that option. I should have snatched up a man when I was in college like Shiki did."

Mrs. Senda smiled at Coach Yaisoku.

"Maybe if Yokai starts letting more humans attend, you can use your charms to rope in a man."

Coach Yaisoku snorted, taking a heavy drink.

"I guess that means there hasn't been a man or any children in your life."

Coach Yaisoku glanced aside at mommy.

"Did you get another man after leaving Kentou?"

"No. My little girl has been more than enough for me."

Coach Yaisoku nodded slowly.

"Have you had any contact with Tsurara since?"

Mommy shook her head, taking a sip from her cup.

"So you've heard nothing about Kentou."

The group became quiet. Kurumu could tell all of the teachers were aware of the situation, suspecting this had been brought up in a drinking affair long ago.

"We should talk about something else."

"You know, Tsurara didn't tell us about Kentou until her New Year's cards five years ago. Does she even know you had a daughter?"

Mommy shrugged meekly.

"I might have mentioned it. That was a long time ago."

"I'm sure Kentou would have said something to Tsurara."

Coach Yaisoku sighed.

"Did he even know he had a daughter?"

"Yes. He knew that much."

"How's your health, Ageha? Everything okay?"

Mommy chuckled, shaking her head. Taking another sip, mommy set her cup down and smiled.

"January twenty seventh, 1999. It was a little after nine while Kurumu was still in school."

"So you knew."

Mommy nodded, tracing her fingertip about the lip of her cup.

"Hurt like hell. Like someone was trying to tear my heart out. I had to keep my thoughts on my baby."

Ms. Nekonome smiled softly.

"It's good to hear the myths aren't true."

Coach Yaisoku smirked, holding the cup to her lips.

"You better outlive me because I'm not mourning you a third time, you stupid bitch."

Several teachers laughed at the remark, Kurumu understanding the message.

"You were close to my mother."

"I was close to your father. Ageha and I both encouraged him to break up with Tsurara, though I stopped trying after he married. Little brat here doesn't respect the sanctity of marriage."

Mommy stuck her tongue out, chuckling before taking another sip.

"You never mentioned knowing Ms. Yaisoku."

"Why would I mention this mischief maker? All she did was get me in trouble."

"I reported the crimes of a juvenile delinquent."

Ms. Nekonome chuckled.

"I was so worried about that myth that I told your daughter to keep quiet about Kentou."

"We were speculating over if you lived because you had no idea about it back in April. So what the hell have you been doing all these years?"

Mommy grinned at Mrs. Senda.

"I made a pact with the devil."

The teachers laughed, most having polished off their drinks. Kurumu smiled, wondering if she should do something about hers. Ms. Nekonome had a notable flush to her cheeks as she rang the bell.

"Seriously, what have you been up to?"

"Well… some of you know how I was orphaned and belonged to Fairy Tale, whether I graduated or not. My case got reassigned to a young woman whom had a baby girl. For some strange reason, she gave me the option to leave on the condition that I return to Fairy Tale when my baby was independent."

Mommy paused, setting aside her empty cup to play with Kurumu's tresses. Kurumu smiled, closing her eyes as she leaned against the contact.

"It was such a crazy offer. I wasn't even pregnant. But I decided to go with it and ran off with Kentou to this house she had set aside for us. We stayed there a couple months before she met up with us again and directed me to contact Ms. Hajinai, a succubus midwife whom knew how to help us have a baby."

Kurumu sighed when mommy withdrew her hand. She smiled softly at mommy.

"You know that was Mrs. Shuzen."

Mommy chuckled as the other teachers perked up with interest.

"I know that now. She showed up a month or so ago with another darling girl of hers, reminding me of my obligation. She caught me right before I moved back to Niigata."

"I noticed your daughter came from Kengamine out of Tottori."

Mrs. Senda chuckled at Ms. Nekonome's comment. She nodded, sipping her drink.

"We were wondering how you got there and why bother sending your girl all the way here when Kengamine has the main school for Tottori."

"My little girl needed her independence."

Coach Yaisoku snorted, glancing over as the server returned. Shaking her head, she gripped Kurumu by the shoulder, giving her a squeeze.

"That's a nice way of saying you got sick of putting up with her."

Another round of laughter passed as the waiter promptly refilled all their cups. All eyes followed him out of the room, mommy making a dramatic sigh as she raised her cup.

"I do hope if I drink myself under the table, one of my dear friends shall take me home."

"No chance here, though I'll sleep under the table with you."

Mommy chuckled, clanging her cup against Coach Yaisoku's before both women took a deep swallow. Mommy gasped out loud, clutching the cup to her breast.

"As for how we got there, not much to say. I hadn't had any contact with Mrs. Shuzen since Kurumu was born. Ms. Hajinai strongly suggested I move in case Kentou tried to find me, so I did. We bounced around a lot of towns before finally settling down in Hino. When my girl sprouted her wings, and thank the heavens that happened in her sleep, I found the nearest monster community that would take me in."

Kurumu had mixed feelings about her whole childhood being summed up like that. She supposed there was not much else to say outside of random stories, which would only embarrass her.

"Mother moved our things to a place called Hekitawa in the Aga district."

Ms. Nekonome chuckled.

"Yes, your mother has informed me of that. Don't worry. We will be updating your school record so you don't end up on the wrong bus when we send you all home for the summer."

Kurumu laughed, having not thought about that.

"Sorry. I'm so late."

The apology was in a sweet, soft voice. The woman had long silvery hair which hung over her left eye. Her right eye was large with a lilac iris which became darker the closer it got to the pupil. Her bangs on the right side were held back with a monarch butterfly clip. The woman had a sleeveless black dress which hugged tightly to the curves of her bosom and hips. The fabric was textured in silver dots arranged in circular and geometric patterns, with notable rows starting from her armpit to swing across the swell of her breast and slide down to the black hem that ended shy of her pale knees. Her skin was ghostly white, not much different from those faceless mannequins in clothing shops.

"Megu!"

Mommy popped up from her cushion, capturing the new arrival in an embrace before she could remove her shiny, black heels. The woman murmured protests as she was smothered in mommy's bosom.

"You are way overdressed for this, Megumi."

Mommy was not that tall of a woman. Kurumu would guess her mother could be no taller than Ms. Nekonome. But this little lady held in mommy's arms was about Nerume's size. She guessed only Mrs. Sunao was shorter, though Mrs. Sunao was shorter than every girl but Yukari.

"I take it this is another friend you forgot about."

Mommy relaxed her grip, the poor woman coughing in recovery as mommy pouted at Kurumu.

"I could never forget my precious Megu."

"You better not have."

Mommy stuck her tongue out at Coach Yaisoku. The woman in her arms was taking this moment to finish removing her shoes.

"Was she in the broadcasting club?"

Mrs. Senda chuckled, shaking her head.

"Ms. Yumeito was in the chemistry club. I don't know if that club has had a female member since."

"If Ageha wasn't messing with Kentou or Shizuka's friends, she was with Megumi studying. Megumi was our valedictorian."

With her shoes off, Ms. Yumeito had surrendered to the embrace, resting her head against mommy's shoulder with her pale arms wrapped about mommy.

"How have you been, Megu? Did you marry or have any kids?"

The woman sighed softly.

"Nobody wants a sickly thing like me."

"Having the same last name should have been a tip, Ageha. You know Megumi would have given that up if she had married."

Mommy pouted at Coach Yaisoku. Letting out her own sigh, she rested her cheek on Ms. Yumeito's head while petting the girl.

"I thought you were going to work in the human world. Become a world class physicist or something."

The woman laughed softly, pulling away to sit comfortably on the mat near the recess.

"I struggled with college. Humans are scary."

Coach Yaisoku sighed.

"She was quite the headache for Fairy Tale. She would pass out from anxiety every time she had a major presentation. She ended up taking a job with Fairy Tale."

Kurumu smiled as mommy returned to her place at the table. Ms. Yumeito took the place on mommy's other side, offering a small wave. With a grin, Ms. Nekonome lifted the bell and gave it a ring.

"I find it strange that she's never had a boyfriend before. She's as pretty as anyone else at the table."

Ms. Iwasaki cooed, tilting her head.

"Aw, that's so sweet. Megumi has had many admirers before coming to work at Yokai. Fairy Tale was eager to be rid of her."

Ms. Atsumoto snickered.

"They were starting to call her the angel of death."

Ms. Yumeito glanced away, her head bowed.

"It would have been different if they were nice men."

Mommy frowned.

"What happened?"

Coach Yaisoku snorted.

"Same thing that happened her first year at school. At least when she was with humans, none of them were psychopaths thinking tiny, vulnerable girl was an easy lunch."

"It's also why she doesn't teach the first years. The Headmaster figures the rumors will get around to the boys before they see her and get the wrong impression."

Mommy sighed, shaking her head.

"Any other girl begging for a boyfriend would have had a date for the cultural festival."

"Most other girls didn't have her reputation."

"What are we talking about?"

The room went silent as the server came in. He placed a cup for Ms. Yumeito before making the rounds to fill the rest of the cups. Mommy took a sip from her cup, letting out a sigh.

"Megumi wasn't in my homeroom my first year, but she was assaulted three times in the first term. She confessed to each incident, so the school made an announcement for boys to stop bothering her."

Ms. Yumeito murmured a thanks to the server, whom filled her cup up again before departing. She smiled at Kurumu.

"Some people think I lure men in and kill them."

Kurumu paused, realizing what had happened at Fairy Tale. It was difficult to believe this small woman was murdering men left and right.

"Perhaps they think she's concerned she would be found out."

Coach Yaisoku snorted, shaking her head. Ms. Iwasaki gestured across the table at the tiny woman sipping on her drink.

"There was no evidence found. All her aggressors vanish without a trace."

"Short of her confession, most of these idiots wouldn't have ever been linked to her."

Kurumu frowned, regarding the woman.

"Don't they execute people whom confess to murder?"

Ms. Yumeito smiled at her.

"I was scared. My body was being weird after the third guy so I checked in with the hospital to make sure he had not gotten me pregnant."

Kurumu made a slight whimper in the short pause that followed. She lowered her eyes, imagining the teachers understood her response.

"The faculty forgave my crimes due to the circumstances. Fortunately my ailment was nothing but a severe case of indigestion."

The other women giggled at Ms. Yumeito's remark. Kurumu managed a smile, supposing it was best not to dwell on bad things in a past that could not be changed. The small woman swirled the liquor about in her cup, taking a small sip. Lowering the drink, she regarded the group.

"Mr. Sawayaka was part of my investigation board. He was so good to me."

A somber moment fell over the group. Coach Yaisoku held up her glass.

"To Mr. Sawayaka. May we always remember the best of him."

To that, Kurumu took her first drink.