My Trip Abroad

by Ravenhale1

This is the tenth installment of the AU recreation of Rosario Vampire told through Kurumu's POV. This story covers the events over winter break (December 16th - January 1st, 2006 & January 6th, 2006), including the trip to China which is second season's Chapters 27-42 and a modified version of Chapters 47-49. Not strictly canon.

1. Cat's Cradle

"Answer the door."

Kurono Kurumu huffed as she continued to scrub the skillet beneath the running water in their sink. She had rolled the tight, long sleeves of her maid outfit as high as she could comfortably get them to keep the black fabric dry. The velvet garment stretched over her bosom while the heavy pleated skirt hid the clingy underlining below her waist. A white apron was fished through the loops of the garment.

"They can wait until I finish dishes."

"I could get it."

"The only thing you're getting is another kiss."

The giggle was cut off with a happy moan. Kurumu opened the dishwasher below the cabinet on her left, placing the skillet on the rack. She glanced over her shoulder, confirming the two girls were kissing.

Shuzen Kokoa had crawled over the corner of the black table to make good on her threat. The vampire was still dressed in her yellow silk chemise. Her reddish locks hung freely down her back as she pushed the other girl against the back of the pink couch.

Taniguchi Nagisa mewled softly with her eyes closed, moving her head with the kiss. The undine had on a lavender chemise which contrasted nicely with her unbound toffee colored tresses. Her hands gently caressed Kokoa's sides as she yielded to the smaller girl's affections.

Akashiya Moka sighed at the sound of another knock on the door. The older sister's crimson eyes met Kurumu's and she offered a slight smile. The tips of her silver tresses brushed the floor behind her. Having helped Kurumu with laundry last night, she was wearing her black chemise with a pair of gray sleep pants. The vampire pushed up onto her feet.

"I'll take care of it."

Kurumu voiced her thanks before returning to her chore. She had made an omelet breakfast without the rice since it would have been a hassle to clean the rice cooker again. She had used everything from the refrigerator which might spoil since they would be gone at least three weeks over winter break.

Moka turned back the deadbolt, standing on the other side of a half wall that divided the entry from the kitchen. The stove was against that half wall with the dishwasher beside it. The switch for the lights was by the door, serving as the only source of illumination since these suites lacked windows. On the counter to Kurumu's right was the microwave and rice cooker. The refrigerator was at the end of the counter.

As Kurumu added the four plates to the dishwasher rack, Moka eased the door open.

"Good morning, my beloved Moka."

Moka laughed as she stepped aside to allow the young girl inside.

"Are you moving in?"

Sendou Yukari smirked as she paused to remove her shoes. Since they were required to wear the school uniform when leaving on the bus, the witch was garbed in the green school jacket with the red bow tied perfectly at her collar. As it was December, Yukari had on white stockings with her pleated tartan skirt. Her dark bangs were cut across her brow while the rest of her locks were long enough to hide her ears.

"I saw little reason to delay packing."

Toujou Rubi shuffled inside once Yukari drifted further into the room. The older witch was also garbed in school attire though she was not a student. Swaths of her dark tresses were pulled into tails held up with white ribbons to expose her ears. Garnet studs were poked through her lower ear lobes, serving as her magical artifact to speed up her spell casting.

"Good morning, Rubi. Have you also packed?"

"It's not like she needs to pack when she's coming back to work right after the wedding. She already set aside the two outfits she plans to bring."

Rubi nodded at Yukari's response to Kurumu's greeting as Moka closed the door. Rubi parked Yukari's large black suitcase with the rollers against the half wall.

"I will pack after my work for today is done."

Kurumu placed the last of the tumblers in the rack. She turned off the faucet, opening the cabinet beneath the sink to fetch the bottle of dishwasher soap. Pulling the bottle out, she filled the soap compartment on the dishwasher door. She closed up the dishwasher, spinning the dials to set the machine in motion before returning the bottle to its place beneath the sink.

"Don't forget to include pajamas. Mrs. Senda won't want you sleeping naked in her home."

"Of course, Ms. Kurono. I will also bring enough lingerie for the trip."

Nagisa giggled, absently caressing Kokoa's head while the vampire remained cozy in their embrace.

"The fact that she has to reassure us of that is disturbing."

Kurumu sighed, drying her hands on her white apron.

"Lingerie is a foreign concept to Rubi. She didn't even own a bra until after the cultural festival."

"I've never needed a bra before."

"She probably spent more money on the materials to make that outfit she brought home yesterday than what it would have cost to buy herself more lingerie."

"What kind of outfit did you make?"

Rubi brightened up at Kurumu's inquiry.

"I want to wear it as a surprise for your departure. Yukari promised not to tell."

"Okay. Does the Headmaster really need you to work the whole winter break?"

"The Headmaster wants to make sure he has everything handled before he retires."

"Your nights are going to be very boring once we all leave."

"I will have dinner with Ms. Chouda tonight."

Kurumu rolled her eyes at the simple answer, tugging her long sleeves back down her arms.

"But Chouda leaves tomorrow. What are you going to do with yourself next week?"

"There isn't much reason for us to stay in Hong Kong after my Moka's seal is repaired."

"Aono needs Touhou Fuhai to accelerate his transformation into a Shinso vampire. And if the High Court is planning to come after him, it might be best for him to stay in Hong Kong."

Yukari huffed at Moka's statement.

"I am merely stating that we can come back to Mononoke with my magic if there is concern that Rubi is lonely. Don't forget that Tsukune also requires her blood."

Kurumu nodded, gesturing at the witch whom remained in the entry with Moka.

"What time are you leaving Mononoke?"

"Mrs. Senda asked me to meet her at the bus stop at nine thirty. Our bus will leave after Mr. Nurari has finished his last stop at Morihochou."

"All that talk about not changing the bus schedule. The Yuzawa bus was the last bus last term."

"All of my junior high friends were cool with the Sado community buses being rescheduled to right after the Umiman morning bus since the driver takes everyone to the same lot near Tsushimi."

"That was one of the many things on the Headmaster's list to change. I just hope that the parents were informed in time."

Kurumu huffed at Rubi's remark.

"It will be more troublesome if students miss their bus. Waiting until Wednesday to notify us about the changes was very last minute."

"They didn't want to make any announcements while the exams were being held."

"Don't you have work to run off to?"

Rubi smiled apologetically at Yukari's reminder.

"Yes. I should go. See you tomorrow."

Kurumu offered her farewell as Moka opened the door, allowing Rubi to exit. The older witch nodded at Moka before slipping out. Moka closed the door, locking it this time.

"Has she already taken your blood?"

Nagisa nodded at Yukari's inquiry while continuing to cuddle with Kokoa.

"Mhm. We had a long bath last night."

"Your bus is before ours. Do you still need to pack?"

"After lunch. Kokoa wants to hang out with all of us before my bus."

Kokoa sighed, nuzzling her cheek against Nagisa's shoulder.

"They should have had weekend hours for the dining hall. It sucks that they won't be open at five."

Yukari snorted, sitting down on Moka's bed which was in the corner of the room. The crimson comforter was drawn over the mattress with black pillows arranged at the top. A huge, golden brown teddy bear rested against the wall with a black fedora stitched upon its head.

"As if they serve anything worth putting into my digestive system. I can only hope that Ms. Nekonome's mother has better culinary skills."

"You are way too picky of an eater."

Kurumu wagged a finger at Kokoa.

"I don't want to hear that from you when you criticize every meal I make."

Nagisa giggled, toying with Kokoa's hair.

"When you think about it, the only big change in the schedule was swapping the two Sado buses with the two for the Kabashita junior high kids. My bus is exactly the same time and day as it was last term."

"Yea but the Yuzawa kids have a four forty five bus instead of a bus at ten. That's a huge difference."

"Because the Myoko region has only one bus this term. It wouldn't surprise me if the bus schedule has always been flexible to shift late night buses into earlier spots."

Yukari was echoing what Kumiko had said yesterday. The Myoko region had forty students enrolled at Yokai Academy which was barely over what one bus could handle. Kumiko was staying on campus with her sister, Lady Hineri, and several students were participating in the basketball and volleyball regionals this weekend.

"I wonder how close the head count is for the Aga area. There were only a dozen or so students on the second bus that I took last term."

"That was about how many were on our bus to Ikinakawa but I doubt that they'd ever roll us in with the other Joetsu region bus. Our bus was a few minutes late last term because it has to make separate stops at Tamari and Sawamura."

"I just hope that nobody misses their bus. I wouldn't want to be stranded here all winter break."

"Nobody is going to miss their bus, Kurumu."

"But it's more than just one swap. The times of everything changed."

Nagisa giggled at Kurumu's protest.

"I doubt any of my Umiman friends are upset about their morning bus getting pushed back an hour."

"But that changed the time of every bus after that. Chouda's bus is forty five minutes later."

"Later is never an issue, Kurumu. That just means people show up too early for their bus. There is more justified concern that the students of Sado will miss their bus than someone like Ms. Morisato."

"Ms. Morisato?"

Yukari nodded at Nagisa's puzzled expression.

"A classmate of ours whom went to junior high in Kabashita. She would be on the second bus which goes directly to Okataiyou."

"But every afternoon bus is leaving fifteen minutes earlier than last term. Do we really trust someone like Hotaru to show up on time for her bus?"

Kokoa snickered at the mention of the sylph from Hateshinai. The vampire scooted away from Nagisa, releasing the undine.

"That dummy would deserve it if she missed her bus. But she'll show up early for something she wants."

Kokoa pushed up onto her feet, grabbing the back of the couch. She offered a hand to Nagisa.

"What should we do now?"

Kokoa shrugged once the undine was up on her feet.

"Get dressed. Maybe pack so I don't have to after lunch."

Kokoa guided Nagisa by the hand over to the middle door on the far wall which was for her closet. The farthest door was for the bathroom.

"That actually sounds like a good idea. Come on, Kurumu."

Kurumu frowned at Moka whom started walking towards her as the others entered Kokoa's closet.

"Can't we listen to some music first?"

Kurumu gestured at the karaoke machine which was on the floor at the foot of Moka's bed. It was next to the ebony stand, supporting the large silver television which the couch faced. A DVD player rested on one side of the television with Kokoa's small collection of movies. On the other side was the CD selection which had diminished when Hotaru had reclaimed her music earlier this week.

"We can do that after. Unless you want to stay dressed as a maid."

Kurumu stuck her tongue out at Moka whom stood by her own closet door by the refrigerator. Moka's red bike was leaned against the wall between the two closet doors.

"Fine. I guess Yukari will have to entertain herself."

"It won't take the two of you that long if you're just packing."

Moka smirked, tugging her closet door open and turning on the light.

"Are we matching lingerie today?"

"Not that I'm aware of. Fridays have always been a free day so I wore my yellow."

Kurumu frowned as she drifted over to the closet, prompting Moka to enter it.

"That was only because we didn't have a fifth set of matching lingerie. We could have all worn white."

"I thought that we should save white for the wedding tomorrow."

"That's a good idea. Kokoa! Kurumu and you will wear your red today."

Kokoa sounded an affirmative as Kurumu shuffled into Moka's closet. Kurumu grabbed the stretchy white collar of the maid outfit, pulling it up over her chin.

"Can't I just wear my other black?"

"Kokoa only has one black."

Kurumu sighed, struggling to free herself of the clingy maid outfit. It took her a couple of moments to pull the entire garment over her head. As she started freeing her arms of the sleeves, she noticed that Moka was pulling on those dark blue boyshorts with the yellow star pattern which the vampire had acquired last week. The vampire smoothed out the yellow lace hem about her waist.

"How do you like those boyshorts?"

"They are comfortable and the color matches this bra which I haven't worn in weeks."

Kurumu smirked as Moka selected her indigo bra with the little black bow stitched between the cups.

"You have a matching thong for that."

"So? You have a matching thong for your red bra but I doubt you'll be wearing it."

Finally free of the maid outfit, Kurumu chuckled as she shook it out.

"True. This will be a thong free trip."

"Agreed. Don't hang that up. Kokoa will want you packing both of your maid outfits."

Kurumu sighed, folding the garment in her arms. She glanced at the other maid uniform which was also black but the fabric was not as clingy. The full body, crimson apron which went with that outfit she had on a separate hanger since it was heavier.

"Can you fetch my suitcase? Short girl problems here."

Moka chuckled, fixing her breasts for a snug fit inside the cups of her bra. The vampire lifted up on her toes, pulling down the travel suitcase Kurumu had used over summer break. Moka handed it over before grabbing her own silver suitcase which had rollers.

Kurumu wished her luggage had that feature. She knelt down with her suitcase, unzipping the top and flipping it open. She placed the folded maid outfit inside before hopping back to her feet. She fetched her other maid outfit, freeing it of its hanger.

"Are you going to pack while naked?"

Kurumu shrugged at the amused vampire while folding up the long sleeved, black dress.

"Why not?"

"Did you trim yourself again?"

Kurumu snorted as Moka pulled a school skirt up over her hips.

"Tuesday night. My garden had to look good for my boyfriend."

"Put some panties on you hussy."

Kurumu chuckled, kneeling down to place the black garment next to the other one. She pushed both into the corner, wondering if she would have enough space.

"How many days should we pack for?"

"At least four. Maybe five."

Kurumu drifted over to her pile of lingerie. Her selection consisted of two strapless bras, five bras with front clasps, two lace thongs, five boyshorts and three bikini style, lace panties. Unfortunately she lacked a bra to go with her new yellow boyshorts with the pink cherry blossom pattern and pink lace.

"I should get a yellow bra from that lingerie shop in Kumamoto."

"If you are swinging by that place, have them order me a new red one the same style as before."

Kurumu nodded at the vampire whom was slipping into her long sleeved, white school blouse. Kurumu grabbed her lacy crimson panties, stepping into them and pulling them up over her rump. She smoothed the hem about her waist before grabbing her crimson bra.

"What are you planning to wear to the wedding?"

Moka shrugged, buttoning her blouse up as high as the black collar about her throat allowed. The rosary which had been home to Hatsue dangled lifelessly from the silver buckle.

"I'll just wear what I wore to Kahlua's wedding."

"That is what I plan to do."

Kurumu pouted, glancing through the open door to see Yukari leaning against the counter.

"But I had this fancy ballroom gown that Kokoa bought me. There is no way I'm wearing that without knowing what Ms. Nekonome will be wearing."

"You could wear your Chinese dress."

Kurumu laughed at Moka's suggestion as she threw on her bra like a jacket. She hooked the front clasps together, tucking her breasts into the cups and fixing up the straps.

"Kokoa! Are you wearing your Chinese dress to the wedding?"

There was a moment of silence as Moka grabbed her school jacket. Kurumu picked up the other four boyshorts and the white lace panties, dropping them into her suitcase.

"Kokoa?"

"I don't think those would be appropriate."

"But we wore them to a funeral."

"Mother did too so that was fine. Would our ballroom gowns be too flashy?"

"Yes, Kokoa. Should we wear our yukata?"

"Those aren't formal enough for a wedding."

Kurumu frowned at Kokoa's response as Moka took her scarlet corset dress down from its hanger.

"But you suggested those for Mizore's flower ceremony."

"I wasn't sure how formal that ceremony would be."

"She's actually correct, Kurumu. A kimono would be more appropriate for a wedding."

Kurumu sighed, placing her four custom bras and the mauve strapless into her suitcase.

"I don't have a kimono, Moka. I don't think Kokoa has one either."

"I have one back at home. Would this halter dress be okay?"

"Oh my, Kokoa. That dress is hot pink."

"I like pink!"

Kurumu grinned at the sound of Nagisa's giggles. She glanced about, confirming that her halter dress was not in this closet.

"I'll have to swing by my suite to get my halter dress if those are okay for a wedding."

"I'm wearing my corset dress. Your halter dresses should be fine."

Moka placed two pairs of denim jeans and two pairs of black leggings into her suitcase. The vampire had acquired several articles of clothing when she had bought Kurumu a new pair of black jeans on that day when they had moved Hatsue from the rosary into Mizore's baby.

"We should check on Mizore."

Moka snorted, adding her new tan turtleneck and black crochet sweater to her suitcase.

"After lunch. No need to interrupt whatever those two are doing right now."

Kurumu nodded, glancing over her selection of casual clothes. She grabbed her pink halter top and the teal cross wrap halter top off the shelves, matching these with her two pairs of denim jeans. She moved all four articles of clothing into her suitcase.

"You should take both of your strapless bras if you're wearing a bunch of halter tops."

"But you guys want to wear white tomorrow. I don't have a white strapless for the wedding."

Moka smirked, freeing her baby blue, long sleeved blouse with the white lace collar from its hanger.

"You know what I meant."

Kurumu chuckled, trading her normal black bra for the black strapless one.

"Remember that you're going to be in Kumamoto. Not Hong Kong. You should avoid shorts and skirts."

Kurumu pouted as Moka added a lacy white skirt to her suitcase.

"If you failed to notice, I don't have winter wear."

"Bring the same stuff you brought to Yukimura."

"I was freezing my ass off."

"And bring your coat."

Kurumu sighed, knowing Moka was right. She grabbed the long sleeved, black shirt which was hanging with the olive suspender skirt. It was fairly warm though it bared some of her legs. She also had a knee length, ruffled black skirt which went with the long sleeved, indigo blouse with the snaps.

"I should have asked you to buy me some black leggings."

"You could bring that bodysuit we had for training inside the Headmaster's magic world."

"I doubt that would be warm."

"Neither are leggings. It's better than nothing."

Once Kurumu had the hanger free of the black blouse, she added the outfit to her suitcase. The snap blouse with the useless breast pockets was much easier to get off its hanger. She tossed it and the ruffled skirt into the suitcase before fetching her deep purple winter coat with the gray fur hem.

"Are you going to get dressed or continue packing in your underwear?"

Kurumu stuck her tongue out at Moka as the vampire closed up her luggage. The vampire picked up her discarded pajamas, chucking them into her pink hamper.

"And don't forget your pajamas."

Kurumu folded up her winter coat as Moka sauntered out of the closet with her suitcase. Kurumu knelt by her luggage, shifting the contents around to make room for her coat.

"I'm not going to have enough room for my laptop."

"Just put that in your schoolbag."

Kurumu crawled over to her pile of pajamas, grabbing all three of her chemises along with her powder blue corduroy tank top and navy cotton shorts. Hoping this was enough, she almost turned away from the shelf before remembering to grab four pairs of socks.

It was quite the struggle to close her suitcase which had her wonder if it would even be possible to get her halter dress in here. Once she achieved this miraculous task, she hopped back up on her feet and sashayed over to the shelf to fetch one of her school skirts.

"I hope they don't extend winter break too long. I'd rather be here with my friends."

"Are you sure you don't mean more time with your boyfriend?"

Kurumu smirked at Yukari as she tugged her skirt up over her hips. She tightened up the waist.

"There is nothing wrong with that."

"There is when you go missing a whole day."

"I was not missing the whole day."

"We didn't see you until after lunch yesterday."

Kurumu snickered at Moka's comment as she freed a school blouse from its hanger. She promptly slipped her arms through the sleeves and started to button up.

"But you saw me yesterday and Wednesday so I was not gone the whole day."

"Did you two even make it out of his room?"

Kurumu puffed up with feigned indignation at Yukari's query.

"Of course we did. We needed to take breaks for hydration purposes."

"But they have a vending machine in their laundry room."

Kurumu grabbed a school jacket, thinking she would rather have the convenience of pockets than wear one of her sleeveless sweater vests.

"You asked if I left his room. Not if I left the dorm."

Kurumu slipped her arms through the sleeves of the jacket. Leaving it open, she leaned down to grab her swollen suitcase by its handle, hauling it up into her arms. She shuffled out of the closet.

Kokoa and Nagisa were dressed in school attire, sitting on the couch. Moka was leaning against the back of the couch, holding the handle of her suitcase which was parked next to an identical silver suitcase. The handle and wheels to Moka's suitcase were black while Kokoa's had a shiny metallic hue.

"Hopefully with Mr. Amesuki being an undine, he has some resistance to her succubus toxins."

Kurumu strolled over to Moka's desk which was on the other side of the television stand.

"It wasn't all sex. I had dinner with Nijiro and his sister Tuesday night and didn't pay his room a visit until after three with photographic proof that I didn't have any retakes."

"Did he ask you to have that?"

Kurumu stuck her tongue out at Nagisa, setting her luggage aside. She picked up her journal off Moka's desk which had the vampire's laptop and portraits of her family members. A color printer rested on the floor beside the desk next to the stand.

"No. I just did that so he wouldn't doubt my success at breaking four hundred again."

"But you didn't break four hundred. Scoring four hundred isn't breaking it."

Kurumu saw no reason to respond to Yukari's correction. She opened the hidden compartment in the back of this journal her father had left her. Inside was five sets of earrings. Since she was wearing red lingerie, she picked out the ruby studs before closing the compartment.

"I wish I had done better on the exams."

"Don't fret over it, Ms. Akashiya. You were under a lot of stress."

"Don't downplay your performance. You beat my sister by a point."

Nagisa grinned as Kurumu put in her other earring.

"True, but I scored four less points than I did on midterms. It was a harder set of exams."

"She knows that. Her four seventy five would have barely been enough for the top ten in October but here she gets to be third with such a low score."

"You're just a freak of nature. How does anyone get a perfect score multiple times?"

"It's easy when I don't have to rely on lab partner performance."

Kurumu chuckled, clutching the journal to her bosom.

"I should stuff this in my schoolbag with my laptop and purse."

"Should I bring my laptop and CD player?"

"I would if the two of you expect to have a lot of free time."

Kokoa nodded at Nagisa's suggestion, getting up from the couch. She trotted to her closet as Kurumu sauntered over to the bed. Kurumu smiled at Moka as she leaned down to grab her laptop.

"I'm glad that Tora did well. She was only three points behind Kokoa."

"I don't know how she did it. She was under as much stress as the rest of us."

Kurumu understood how. Studying was how Tora coped. The sphinx had snagged fifth while Moka had fallen to seventeenth. Kurumu had unsurprisingly failed to make the top hundred board but neither had Hotaru. Kokoa had made her displeasure known yesterday since Kurumu had avoided her mistress most of Wednesday when the results had been posted.

Kurumu carried her laptop and journal over to her schoolbag which rested on this side of the couch. She knelt down, opening it up. She had already pulled out her textbooks last weekend so there was only her purse, her five CDs and her CD player inside. She added her journal and laptop to the bag's contents.

"Hey, Moka. Would you care if Kokoa borrowed some of your music for the break?"

"What do I need her music for?"

Kurumu huffed at Kokoa, lifting her schoolbag up onto the couch. The younger vampire wandered over to the karaoke machine to retrieve her CDs.

"Because you only have three CDs and one of those is my Utada best single compilation."

There was a knock on the door in the middle of her explanation. Kurumu glanced at the door, frowning as she tugged her purse up to the rim of her schoolbag.

"Are we expecting any guests this morning?"

"Maybe it's Shirayuki?"

Kurumu nodded at Moka's guess, absently unzipping her purse. She fished her black flip phone out of her purse before zipping it up. She glanced at the small screen on the top of the phone, confirming that it was eight thirty three before stuffing her phone into the pocket of her jacket.

"It's later than I thought. What time did you and Rubi come over?"

"She was running late for work but insisted on helping me pack."

Kurumu wandered over to the door, arriving at the same time as a second firm knock. She chuckled with a glance at her shoes while unlocking the deadbolt.

"I should bring all of my shoes. I still haven't worn those fancy gray booties-"

Her words died on her lips upon realizing whom waited for her on the other side of the door.

"Are my daughters here?"

Shuzen Gyokuro peered down at Kurumu with intense crimson eyes. Her short silver locks threatened to touch the lush green suit jacket she was wearing over a plum blouse with black buttons. Her bangs were held back by a diamond encrusted barrette. A black skirt hugged her hips down to her exposed, tanned knees. Silver heels graced her feet.

"Morning, Ms. Kurono."

Kurumu managed a smile at the cheerful greeting from the buxom lady accompanying the intimidating president of Fairy Tale. This golden haired beauty with the emerald eyes was Ohno Yokina. The succubus was garbed in a lavender blouse with short, puffy sleeves and a crimped section below her large bosom. The blouse flared out, hanging over a pair of khaki capris.

"Mother?"

Mrs. Shuzen stalked by Kurumu, pausing in the entryway to remove her heels as Kokoa hurried over to them. Moka remained by the couch, taking a defensive posture.

"We didn't expect you."

Mrs. Shuzen huffed, stepping over to touch the Kokoa's cheek.

"You requested that I send someone to the wedding to pick you up. Since I was in the region, I decided I may as well come myself."

Kurumu nodded at Ms. Ohno as the woman drifted inside allowing her to close the door.

"Why were you in the region?"

Mrs. Shuzen cocked her head, regarding Moka coldly.

"Why are you wearing that silly bauble again? I thought you were leaving that in Ms. Sendou's care."

Moka flinched, absently touching the rosary.

"I accidentally put it back on last week."

"And you didn't have that boy take it off for you?"

"We moved Hatsue, Mother. I was worried about explaining her absence to Aono."

"I could care less about the feelings of that simpleton. I gave you the guidance to find a new home for your doll. I was hoping with that excuse out of the way that you would surrender the rosary to me."

Moka shook her head, backing away around the couch.

"Surrender? No. We need to take the rosary to Hong Kong to have the seal repaired."

"The situation is spiraling out of my control. I need leverage."

"He needs my blood to awaken that monster!"

"I was arguing with the High Court!"

Everyone but Ms. Ohno recoiled from the fierceness of Mrs. Shuzen's statement. The mother's fists were clenched as she trembled with emotions.

"The High Court is in Shinnosekai of the Nagano prefecture. I have been in this area since last Saturday because of this mess in Yukimura. When I failed to make any headway with the High Court, I took my argument to Lord Kenmei. He agreed to not arrest Mr. Aono on school grounds this week."

"That wouldn't have happened if you had sent someone else to fix Kahlua's crimes in Yukimura."

"I needed Ms. Suukei on our side. If she had turned on Lord Fujisaki, the High Court would at least be calling for his resignation instead of Mr. Aono's arrest."

Kurumu shivered in the uncomfortable silence which followed.

"What happens now?"

"I would prefer Moka to hand over the rosary and go to Hong Kong to have a new seal created which does not require Mr. Aono's ability to remove it."

"No. We don't know if Touhou Fuhai can make another seal."

"Stubborn girl. If Lord Fujisaki has acquired Mr. Aono's ability to remove that seal, this trip to Hong Kong will be pointless. He will come for you soon. And if that rosary is the key to destroying Alucard, I would prefer him not to get his hands on it."

"Do you believe that he is Alucard?"

"It hardly matters whom Lord Fujisaki is at this point. He is my adversary. If he plans to wake up Alucard, then I would like the means to stop it."

"What do you plan to do with Aono?"

"The High Court will not dismiss the case against him. When Lord Kenmei fails to bring Mr. Aono to them this weekend, they will order Lord Sakigake to have Mr. Aono arrested at his home."

Yukari snorted at Mrs. Shuzen's declaration.

"What home does Tsukune have to return to? His mother is here and his father is dead."

"The High Court is unaware of Mrs. Aono's survival. As far as they know, Mr. Aono has not been notified of his parents' demise."

"But Tsukune plans to come to Hong Kong with us."

"That might delay things for now but the High Court will pressure Lord Kenmei into arresting Mr. Aono when he returns for school."

"And you will allow this?"

Mrs. Shuzen regarded Moka sternly.

"The boy is becoming too much trouble to protect. I need the High Court on my side if I wish to take down Lord Fujisaki in a public manner."

"You are not sacrificing him over crimes he did not commit!"

"I will do what is best! Don't act like I'm the villain here. If not for the Shuzen blood in his veins and his ability to remove your seal, I would have already given that boy up. Aggravating the High Court is not in any of our best interests."

"No. I'll have Tsukune stay in Hong Kong before letting you use him in your political games."

"Lord Fujisaki will send the Miao family after you. Don't think that you're safe in Hong Kong."

"I would rather fight than surrender!"

Mrs. Shuzen smirked, grabbing Kokoa by the shoulder and pulling the girl to her side.

"I would hope that you do."

"Do you really need this High Court to take down Lord Fujisaki? He killed Sho. And if he is the Masked King, then he also had Momma killed."

Mrs. Shuzen sighed, glancing down at Kokoa's expectant gaze.

"The High Court doesn't like vampires. Nothing would please them more than to have a reasonable excuse to strip us both of our positions."

"But the Headmaster told us that Fujisaki has already killed a member of the high court."

"I'm well aware of Sorahi Kirai's death. We can't prove Lord Fujisaki was responsible for that."

"What about Ms. Shikaru? Couldn't she kill him like she did to Lord Chiki?"

"We tried that years ago, Ms. Kurono."

"You did?"

Mrs. Shuzen nodded at Ms. Ohno's query.

"I gave Ms. Shikaru orders to investigate his mind and eliminate him if he was a threat to Fairy Tale when he attempted to run against me for president. She was unable to penetrate his defenses. When he made the offer to become my vice president, he revealed his awareness of the attack. While I knew that he could not prove anything, I decided to take his offer. I often regret that decision."

"So much for your ability to see the future."

Mrs. Shuzen scowled at Moka.

"It is not perfect. I only see what a person sees. There are no sounds or thoughts and there are too many possibilities to analyze if I take things too far out into the future. Lord Fujisaki has been playing a long game from the start."

"Could you look into Kurumu's future?"

"What for?"

Kokoa smiled meekly at her mother.

"To know if she survives that operation to remove her heart strings."

Mrs. Shuzen paused a moment. She chuckled, patting Kokoa's head.

"I suppose that I could spare time to look a few days into her future. No reason to have you come home with me if that fails."

"What do you mean by that?"

"I'm saying that it might be best for you to go to Hong Kong with your sister. I'll check your future tonight before I make that decision."

Kokoa frowned as her mother strolled over to the bed, sitting down.

"Tonight? But we are spending the evening with Ms. Nekonome's mother."

"No reason for that. I have already acquired a hotel room in the city and intend to spend the next two nights with both of my daughters. We will attend your teacher's wedding tomorrow."

"Do I have a say in that?"

"You don't. Now come here, Ms. Kurono. And you best behave yourself. I don't want a repeat of what you tried to do last time."

Kurumu smiled nervously at the beckoning mother. She slowly crossed the room as the mother removed her diamond encrusted pin.

"Can I spend the night with my Moka?"

Kurumu laughed at Yukari's inquiry, kneeling down at Mrs. Shuzen's feet.

"Are you that worried about your allergies?"

"Yes. I only agreed to stay there because it seemed like my only option."

"You could have stayed with Ginei at Koike's place."

"As if that was an option."

"I only rented one room, Ms. Sendou. And you are not sharing a bed with my daughter."

"She could stay in my room."

Mrs. Shuzen sighed at Ms. Ohno's offer.

"I suppose we have room in the back seat. You girls should finish packing. We are leaving immediately after I finish reading Ms. Kurono's future."

"But I was going to have lunch with my friends."

"This is not a negotiation, Kokoa. You can have Ms. Taniguchi pass word along to your other friends."

Nagisa giggled nervously on the couch.

"I'm surprised that you remember my name."

"She mentions you frequently in her letters. Now, Ms. Kurono. Are you ready?"

Kurumu took in a deep breath, clasping her wrist at her navel. She nodded, prompting Mrs. Shuzen to scoot forward on the mattress. The vampire touched her temples and peered steadily into her eyes. Kurumu shivered as she fell into that sea of crimson.

A small hand grabbed hold of hers, pulling her out of the red water. The owner of that hand was a young version of Gyokuro. The silver haired girl was wearing a white sundress and steered Kurumu across the sand to a place beneath a black umbrella.

"I notice that you like the ocean. Sit down in the shade."

Kurumu acquiesced, realizing that she was also wearing a white sundress. A blue towel materialized beneath them as they sat down in the sand.

"Do you play shogi?"

The girl gestured at the spot between them, causing a board to appear with the pieces in place.

"I don't really know the rules."

Gyokuro nodded, tapping one of the gold general pieces on her side of the board.

"I used to be a horrible player even though Grandpa tried so hard to teach me. When I took his blood, I also took some of his knowledge. It also helped that I could see my opponent's moves in their eyes."

Kurumu sighed as Gyokuro moved a piece.

"Even if I learned the rules by stealing someone's memories, I doubt that I would become a good player."

"The trick to this game is to create a situation which allows an inevitable victory."

"How do I do that?"

"By making sacrifices. Nobody wins a game with all of their pieces on the board, Ms. Kurono."

Kurumu grimaced, aware of the comparison. She shivered as Gyokuro started moving more pieces.

"I don't want to play this game."

"Not every game requires willing participation."

With that said, Gyokuro started moving pieces on Kurumu's side.

"What you need to figure out, Ms. Kurono, is what your role is. Are you the king? Or are you a pawn?"

Kurumu swallowed nervously, watching the game unfold before her.

"Are you the king?"

Gyokuro looked up at her with a mischievous smile.

"No. I am the dragon."

Kurumu frowned, looking over the pieces.

"I don't see a dragon piece on the board."

"It's called promotion, Ms. Kurono. If it does come down to you kids fighting Lord Fujisaki, you will need to get stronger. That will never happen if you stay in one place."

Kurumu could never defeat Lord Fujisaki if Ms. Shikaru had been unable to get by his defenses. In this game, she was a useless piece. Moka was right. She would only get in the way.

"Life is worth living, Ms. Kurono."

Kurumu frowned at the random sentiment. The young girl was staring at her, demanding her response.

"Of course it is."

"But you don't believe that. I can see your heart. So full of sorrow. You have zero chance of surviving this operation if it is done within the next week."

"The operation has a high rate of failure-"

"Do you want to be with your mother that badly?"

Kurumu felt a wave of grief wash over her as she thought about all of the things she had wanted with her mother. Even when she had thought the worst about mommy, she had never wished for her death. She had wanted to prove that she could do better with her life. Now there was nobody to prove anything to.

"I have lots of friends."

"But they will continue living without you. Just like they did after your dear mother died. You don't feel needed. Not by your friends. Not by your new boyfriend. Not by Mr. Aono whom your heart still longs for. You lack the desire to survive this operation."

Kurumu wanted to deny this but it felt true. She was not needed by anyone. Her friends might mourn her passing for a day or two but would carry on with their lives, forgetting about her within a year if not a month. Moka and Yukari would take it the hardest but they were good students and had each other. Assuming they defeated Fujisaki, they both had bright futures ahead of them.

Mizore would marry Aoi. They could take care of Hatsue without her. Nijiro would be better off with any other girl. Her Grandmother Yumekawa would be disappointed but had lived many years without her.

And Tsukune. He would either concede his stupidity and settle down with Moka or hold out for years until he could legally try to make things work with Hatsue. There was no future for her with him.

"Go to Hong Kong, Ms. Kurono. Find something worth living for and we can revisit this discussion."

Kurumu gasped as the sounds of the real world assaulted her senses. She touched her bosom as Mrs. Shuzen picked up her barrette, pinning it back in place.

"Ms. Kurono is not in the right frame of mind to survive the operation."

"But I thought-"

"She doesn't live, Kokoa. I looked ten days into her future. I also saw some troubling things developing at home which has me more convinced that all of you should go to Hong Kong."

Kurumu stumbled up onto her feet, touching her temple. Kokoa and Nagisa were getting up from the couch while the other three were standing by the table.

"How long were we out, Ms. Ohno?"

"Almost a half hour."

"Good. It is time to go, Kokoa. Say your farewells to Ms. Taniguchi."

Kokoa pouted, adjusting the strap of her schoolbag hanging across her torso. Her silver suitcase rested against the wall near the entryway with Moka's and Yukari's luggage.

"Can't she come with us to see us off?"

"I never agreed to doing that. Now give me a hug."

Kokoa sighed, stepping in to embrace Nagisa. While they had their moment, the others drifted over to the door to recover their footwear. Kurumu brushed her fingers along the wall as she approached them.

"You should do something nice with your daughters. Like take them to the city aquarium."

Mrs. Shuzen snorted as she stepped into her heels.

"It is December, Ms. Kurono."

"Many aquariums are open all year long, Mrs. Shuzen."

The mother frowned as Ms. Ohno opened the door with a bright smile.

"I suppose we still have some spare time if the girls want to visit that after lunch."

"That won't be necessary, Mother."

Yukari huffed in agreement with Moka, following Ms. Ohno outside while pulling her suitcase.

"If it is anything like the animal prison, I'll pass."

"Animal prison?"

"Humans call them zoos, Ms. Ohno."

"I want to check out the aquarium."

Mrs. Shuzen smirked, drifting outside with Moka as Kokoa bounded over for her shoes.

"We can decide what we will do in the car."

"Yes, Mother. Lock up for us, Kurumu."

Kurumu sighed as the younger vampire wiggled her feet into her loafers.

"It's going to be boring for me with you all leaving so early."

"Have lunch with my girls for me."

Kurumu smirked as Kokoa tugged her luggage with her out of the suite.

"I could never take your place."

They all said generic farewells before walking away. Kurumu sighed again, closing the door. She glanced over to the couch where Nagisa remained. The undine smiled softly.

"What do you want to do?"

"I don't know. Listen to music?"

"They took all of their CDs."

Kurumu groaned, not in the mood for a movie. She was reluctant to get any of her CDs out as she was worried she might leave them behind.

"I suppose we could go get my halter dress."

Nagisa giggled, hopping out of her seat.

"Lead the way."

---

"Nerume's stomach wants to know the time."

"It does not!"

Kurumu giggled at the small kirin's protest. She fished her phone out of her pocket while seated upon her luggage near the scarecrow sign for the bus stop. It was too dark to see the display despite there being a full moon out. Kurumu pushed a button on the side of the phone, lighting up the rectangle.

"Six thirty four."

"It wasn't asking for the time."

Unari Satsuki snickered from her perch upon her duffle bag. The nekomusume preferred wearing slacks with her school blouse and jacket. Her short sienna locks appeared to be black in the current lighting.

Genzouyaki Nerume was sitting cross legged on the ground. As her bus was not leaving today, the kirin was dressed in a black tank top and skinny denim jeans. The short girl had her ebony tresses pulled into an offside ponytail favoring her left side.

"Don't worry. Umizake will escort your grumbling stomach to the dining hall after he finishes snacking on Shirayuki's tonsils."

Shirayuki Mizore was in the lap of her fiancé on a black and white checkered blanket he had brought for the occasion. The snow girl had on the long sleeved blouse and skirt required by the school, though she never bothered with the jacket. Her eyes were closed as she moved her head in another kiss. Her small hands timidly pawed at his chest and sides as she made soft sounds of approval.

Umizake Aoi ran his fingers through Mizore's thick, purple locks while his other hand rested comfortably at her waist. The mizuchi was garbed in a black tee with the red graphic of XJapan and a pair of black denim jeans. He had placed Mizore's luggage at the corner of the blanket shortly after Nagisa's bus had left. His inky black locks were groomed for a change. The lanky guy was so much taller than Mizore.

"You're dropping the temperature again."

Mizore pulled out of the kiss, turning her hazy sapphire eyes upon the protester.

"Sorry. Felt good."

Nazohashi Tora shook her head, sitting by her faded blue suitcase upon the checkered blanket. Tora had her raven tresses held up in her usual braid which wrapped about her head above her ears. Like all other students getting on a bus today, Tora was dressed in the school uniform. The sphinx wore her school jacket closed with the red bow at the collar. Her naturally tanned legs were tucked neatly beneath her.

"Haven't you two kissed enough for one day?"

Umizake chuckled as Mizore rested her head upon his chest.

"Sorry, Ms. Nazohashi."

"Doesn't her getting cold bother you?"

"Not at all, Ms. Unari. I take it as a sign that I'm doing it right."

Kurumu sighed, stuffing her phone back into her pocket. She wanted to take pictures of the amorous couple but night photographs never came out good even with the phone's flash.

"Do you think the old PSC was as amicable with each other?"

"Where did that come from?"

"I was just thinking how the three of you get along just fine with Tokori and Kumiko."

"That's Hineri to you."

Kurumu stuck her tongue out at Satsuki, caring little for Kumiko's insistence on the formality. To Kurumu, Keito would always be Lady Hineri.

"Has Koike ever talked about the club dynamic while under Kuyo's control?"

"I thought he told you that the second years were under Lady Hineri's tutelage. He had minimal contact with the third years."

"Looks like we finally have company."

Satsuki's remark drew attention to the wide trail which ended at the bus stop. Five figures were making their way across the clearing, carrying or pulling their luggage. Four had black locks which reflected the moonlight while the other had stringy, dark hair. Only one was female and she had a cute ponytail.

It took Kurumu a moment to recognize the Tebayai siblings. Itsuki was dating Yochimaru, one of Kana's friends. He was a second year while his sister was a third year. Then Kurumu realized these other three were also members of the band. That tall, serious looking guy was Morita Kane, whom would be taking over as president of the band. She could not recall the name of the stringy haired kid but he was also a second year. The last kid was Tsukihara and he was a first year from class four.

"Where is the love of your life?"

Morita immediately placed his hand on the Tebayai girl.

"Right here."

"Get your hand off me!"

Kurumu snickered as the quintet closed in on their location. She gestured at Itsuki.

"That question was for Itsuki. I didn't see Yochimaru at lunch today."

"We had lunch in Mononoke and were enjoying a lovely date until this shrew ruined the day by making us leave right after the movie."

"Oh hush. These two hadn't even packed their things."

"Did you watch the new Harry Potter movie?"

"Yes. It was a splendid double date."

"We were not on a date!"

Kurumu grinned, turning her attention on the shy first year guy.

"Did you also tag along with your seniors on their date?"

"Um… no. I was hanging out in Hyou's room."

"Yea. I live next door to these two. We saw them packing up so we joined them."

"What brings you here, Ms. Kurono?"

Kurumu smiled up at Morita.

"Four of us are attending Ms. Nekonome's wedding. She wanted us on the first bus to Aserutani."

"The first bus is for the kids living in Aserutani. It was almost a full bus last term."

"Ms. Nekonome warned us of that. Some of us might have to take the second bus."

"Looks like we have more couples coming."

Prompted by Satsuki's announcement, Kurumu glanced at the trail. The couple politely holding hands were Asobitani and Dakiashi. Asobitani had short hair which was white in the moonlight while Dakiashi's scruffy locks appeared black despite being a dark orange. Both were pulling luggage which had Kurumu momentarily confused since Dakiashi lived out of prefecture.

The other couple whom were walking much closer with arms draped around each other was another softball and baseball pairing. The guy with the braids was the older Borohata while the girl with the fluffy, frosted tresses was Hajimari. The guy was pulling his girlfriend's luggage.

Trailing in the wake of the couples were more players from the two teams. The three girls with the glossy black hair were the Takeuchi twins and a second year. One twin had her hair in a ponytail while the other had pigtails. Kurumu could not remember which twin was which or the older girl's name.

The two boys were third years. Zaisan had the same glossy black hair all these tanuki kids possessed. The other guy with the unruly shaggy mess of dark hair was Oshaberi whom was cousins with Hajimari.

"Dakiashi! Are you coming to Ms. Nekonome's wedding?"

The girl giggled, steering her boyfriend in their direction as the others headed for the curb of the road which disappeared into the tunnel that would take them outside of Mononoke's barrier.

"Mhm. I'm spending the night with Irouji and will meet up with my father at the wedding."

"I totally forgot that your dad was Ms. Nekonome's childhood friend."

"And her first crush, though she didn't tell him about that until after he got married."

Kurumu grinned as the couple joined them.

"I didn't see a Dakiashi in any of my mother's pictures from school."

"He's much older than her. He graduated from Yokai Academy in 85."

"Kurono, Nazohashi and Shirayuki will be staying with me at Grandma's house. Do you know if we can all fit on the first bus?"

Dakiashi chuckled with a shrug.

"No idea though I'm a little surprised Ms. Nekonome isn't here yet."

"Are any of you taking the college entrance exam?"

Dakiashi nodded at Kurumu.

"I will be. I don't think it will be too hard to get into the women's junior college in Yonezawa. They have a teaching license program."

"What about your boyfriend?"

"Not much reason for me to try, Ms. Kurono. I never made the top hundred board."

"But Irouji did apply for his citizenship. He should have that before he graduates."

"Yea. I'll try getting a computer related job in Yonezawa."

"I wish my parents had applied for my citizenship."

"They're not going to waste their money on a girl whom barely stays off the board of shame."

Tebayai scowled at her brother.

"You never make the top hundred board either so I don't want to hear it."

"Don't worry, my love. I'll take care of you once I graduate."

The sister rolled her eyes at Morita's offer.

"I should put my name in for marriage at the Fairy Tale office in Watasora tomorrow."

"They won't be open on the weekend."

"Monday then! I'd rather be married within a year than to wait for the likes of you!"

Morita staggered back a step, clutching his hand to his bosom.

"How cruel. You would choose a loveless marriage over a life with me."

"It would be the same thing from my perspective."

"She's doing you a favor, Kane. I'm just looking forward to a whole year of school without her nagging me over my behavior around girls."

His sister sighed, relaxing her shoulders.

"At least graduate a virgin."

"What would be the point of that?"

"Because Ms. Yochimaru is a first year. I agree that you should wait until after graduation."

"Thank you, Ms. Nazohashi."

Kurumu chuckled, taking note of more arrivals. They were all tanuki kids which was unsurprising since Aserutani was primarily a tanuki community. She recognized Boyogaro from Kokoa's homeroom whom was taking over Nijiro's math club. The other guy with him was unfamiliar.

The three girls behind this pair were the two Samurakami sisters from track and Komeichi. Saeko was the older, thicker and curvier sister while Atae was a second year. Komeichi was the daughter of Aserutani's mayor and had been the former student council's secretary.

"Whom is that guy with Boyogaro?"

The band kids looked over their shoulders almost in perfect unison.

"That guy is Yakuza Kazuya. He's a first year."

Kurumu nodded at Morita's answer, mildly curious which class Yakuza was from.

"What brings Ms. Kurono here?"

Kurumu grinned at Atae's inquiry as the trio of girls strolled over to join them.

"Ms. Nekonome's wedding. We're hoping there is room on your bus."

"Yea. These four girls and Ms. Dakiashi all have the same plan."

"It will be a tight fit. I think there was almost thirty on our bus last term."

Satsuki nodded at Komeichi's response to Morita. Komeichi looked about the gathered students.

"There were thirty four of us on the afternoon out of prefecture bus and two were riding solo."

"Ms. Hajimari! Keep your hands out of his pants!"

Several students snickered and giggled at Komeichi's protest. Hajimari pouted in their direction.

"It was just my fingers."

"No excuses. Keep your hands above his waist."

Hajimari sighed, complying with the demand.

"She needs to get laid."

"Zaisan. You have a job to do."

The guys chuckled at Borohata's statement. Komeichi huffed, shaking her head.

"It's a miracle Setsuna hasn't gotten pregnant yet."

Kurumu's memory clicked the moment she saw three more tanuki guys arrive in the clearing. Two were cousins from the judo club. Nishida had taken that softball girl's virginity. He currently had his sights on the tanuki girls from Aranoiji. His older cousin was planning to live with an uncle whom owned a flower shop in the Ibaraki prefecture. She had no idea whom the third tanuki guy was.

"Whom is the guy with Nishida and his cousin?"

"That's Hanadzura. He lives with Mr. Zentarou."

Kurumu nodded at the answer, recalling that was the name of the other astronomy club senior.

"Do you want to say hi to your senior, Nerume?"

"No. How much time do we have left?"

Kurumu chuckled, pulling the phone out of her pocket. She lit up the display with the push of a button.

"Twelve minutes. Do you girls have any opinions on Nishida?"

"He's a shameless womanizer."

Itsuki snickered at his sister's immediate answer.

"You say that about every guy."

"But she is undoubtedly correct in this case."

Atae nodded in agreement with Komeichi.

"Yea. What he did to Shinko was terrible."

"You made it worse by telling the whole class."

"Because he was planning to take my virginity too. Telling me how he was experienced in making girls feel good so I shouldn't be scared."

"He's a complete scumbag."

Kurumu shivered at the sisters' remarks. She had never pressed for details on how Atae had found out.

"I thought the two of you parted on amicable terms."

"Amicable?! Who told you that?"

Kurumu smiled apologetically, gesturing in Nishida's direction.

"That's what he said in his interview and his cousin didn't correct him."

"I'll show him amicable!"

The band boys chuckled as Atae stormed off. Saeko chased after her sister, quickly catching up but not trying to discourage her. They were over to the cousins in seconds and Atae immediately slapped him.

"You stirred up a hornets' nest with that."

Atae started shouting at the cousins for spreading misinformation. The older cousin simply shook his head and walked off, claiming it was not his fault. Nishida tried arguing that it was a harmless stretch of truth but was slapped again.

"Here comes more trouble."

Tora's comment helped Kurumu tear her gaze away from the heated exchange. Morioka Ginei was approaching them with his blue duffle bag in one hand and his girlfriend's hand in the other. His school jacket was left open with the top buttons of his shirt undone to expose the silver wolf head pendant dangling from his neck. A black bandana pushed the bangs out of the werewolf's face.

Hajihachi Mika was also dressed for school since she was catching the last bus of the evening. The okami lacked the school jacket and was intentionally bumping her shoulder against him every other step. Her smoky black hair was held back in her usual twin tails as she chatted with her boyfriend.

Koike Kousuke trailed behind the couple, holding his black duffle bag. The inugami was wearing the school jacket and the red tie with his tan slacks. His left sleeve was pinned to his shoulder since he had lost his arm in the Okinawa altercation. His tawny locks appeared darker in the moonlight.

The girl at his side was Udetama Imi. The byakko had also foregone the school jacket and was wearing the slacks instead of the skirt most girls wore. Her short, sandy blond hair looked silver at the moment. She pulled a pastel green suitcase behind her.

The pair was followed by a familiar tanuki boy. He was a second year from the soccer club but Kurumu could not recall his name.

"What is that nuisance doing here?"

Kurumu giggled at Komeichi's question.

"Ginei and Udetama are attending Ms. Nekonome's wedding. They are staying with Koike."

"Morioka! This bus isn't big enough for the both of us."

Ginei snickered as he guided his girlfriend over to them. He nodded at Itsuki.

"I got room in my duffle bag. I could stuff your scrawny ass into it if I need to."

The band boys chuckled as Ginei and his friends joined them. The soccer kid wandered off to check on the loud altercation still going on between Nishida and Atae.

"Does anyone care to explain what is going on with Mr. Nishida?"

Komeichi sighed at Koike's amused inquiry.

"Just him lying about how highly we think of him. I hope you boys understand that this bus only has so many seats."

"That's fine by me. I can take my woman out to the woods and kill some time waiting for the next one."

Hajihachi giggled, swatting his side.

"You will do no such thing."

"But you haven't had dinner yet. I have some sausage and puppy pudding ready for you."

Hajihachi sighed at his smirk. She leaned against him, nuzzling her head against his shoulder.

"I can't go home reeking of sex. My mother would kill me."

"As if you don't. This naughty girl assaulted me last night. I was lucky that I had a full box of condoms."

"That's your fault for opening the door."

"I had to gag her. She was making so much noise that I was worried about disturbing the neighbors."

Hajihachi pouted at his amused grin.

"It's my cycle. I just woke up with an insatiable urge to get pregnant."

"I wish tanuki girls were like that during their cycle."

Komeichi sighed at Itsuki's smirk.

"Fear and uncertainty prevents most inexperienced girls from behaving that way, Mr. Tebayai. Resisting those impulses became much harder for my cousin after she was comfortable having sex."

"That's completely true. It's so difficult to talk myself out of it now."

"Are you sure you don't want to slip off into the woods? I don't have any condoms and I know you don't have any panties on beneath that skirt."

Hajihachi bit her lip. Before she could answer, the grumble of an engine announced the arrival of the bus. The vehicle sailed out of the tunnel, taking the curve of the road without slowing down. Hajihachi giggled, tapping him on the nose.

"Saved by the bus."

"Aunt Nekonome needs to get here soon or she will be taking the next one."

Kurumu nodded in agreement with Satsuki, taking this as her cue to get up. She grabbed the strap of her schoolbag as she did so, lifting it up over her head to rest on her opposite shoulder. Her friends followed suit, getting to their feet as Komeichi walked towards the curb, prompting the band kids to follow.

"Who be those cute kittens coming this ways?"

Kurumu glanced to the trail at Udetama's query. She recognized both girls from Satsuki's birthday party. Those first year girls were from the karaoke club. The shorter girl had waist length dark hair while the taller girl with the more mature physique had very dark, short hair.

"That's Ms. Gizamimi and Ms. Fujihara."

"Are all of the students riding the bus here?"

Asobitani drawled out a thoughtful sound as he stroked his chin.

"I don't see Mr. Nukugata."

Koike nodded at the mention of the first year boy from the manga club.

"Yea. Mr. Biyasaki and Mr. Nabemaru are also missing."

Kurumu was unfamiliar with those names, glancing to the trail as the bus came to a stop alongside the curb. Her heart fluttered upon seeing their teacher walking out of the woods alongside Aono Tsukune. He was wearing the school jacket closed with the red tie and slacks, carrying his black duffle bag.

Nekonome Shizuka was sporting that spaghetti string tank top with the camouflage pattern. Perhaps out of habit of complying with school rules, the teacher wore a cream cardigan over her shoulders. A pair of denim jeans completed her ensemble as she pulled her white suitcase behind her.

The sound of the bus door drew Kurumu's attention back to the road. Mr. Nurari clambered down the steps of the bus, hopping out onto the curb. His dark, long sleeved uniform appeared colorless in the moonlight. A driver's cap with a shiny black bill rested atop his dark locks. He paused to light up a cigar before making his way to the back of the bus.

"We will head out once we have everyone on board."

Kurumu noted that Umizake had folded up the blanket and was holding it against his side. She followed on Satsuki's heels towards the group of students as the driver opened up the back doors.

"This will be a full bus so no solo riders. The first people on should go all the way to the back seats."

"Thank you, Ms. Komeichi. Will some healthy young men hop up here and load the luggage for me?"

"That's you, Oshaberi."

"Fuck off!"

Despite the protest, the grinning boy clambered up onto the back ledge of the bus. He offered a hand to Zaisan whom quickly joined him. Once the two were up they gestured for the others to hand over their luggage, taking the belongings of the Takeuchi twins first.

"Mr. Nishida. You and your cousin should sit in the back row with Mr. Zaisan and Mr. Oshaberi. Take your luggage with you and get on the bus."

The cousins drawled out an affirmative, stalking off as Hajimari kissed her boyfriend while the second year softball girl surrendered her luggage.

"Tabi! Sit with me!"

"Hold that thought, Ms. Hajimari. We haven't determined if there is room for our guests."

Hajimari frowned at Komeichi, detaching from Borohata before giving her suitcase up to her cousin.

"You want me to sit with Shinko instead?"

"Yes. We'll figure out where Ms. Dakiashi will sit afterwards."

Hajimari grinned, draping an arm over the other softball girl's shoulders.

"Looks like you're with me. See you after the break, Gimpei."

Borohata chuckled, backing away from the crowd.

"Keep her warm for me, Takameru."

Kurumu sighed, watching the tanuki students hand over their things. She could feel Tsukune's approach since he was appreciating the curves of her body. She tried not to think about it. Boyogaro and Yakuza were next, followed by the soccer guy and Hanadzura. Then the four band boys took their turn.

"Hey guys. Will there be room for us?"

Kurumu bristled at Tsukune's inquiry as Itsuki and Morita walked off to board the bus.

"We haven't determined that yet, Mr. Aono. We're loading up the locals first."

Mr. Nurari nodded at Komeichi's answer, puffing out a cloud of smoke.

"Should be twenty seven students on this bus. If we can pack things nice and tight, we could take on another nine passengers."

"Where is Moka?"

Kurumu scowled, refusing to answer as the Samurakami sisters handed over their luggage next. Tebayai drifted over to the line, glancing at Komeichi for approval.

"Moka, her sister and Yukari left before lunch. Mrs. Shuzen came to pick them up."

"Mrs. Shuzen was here? Are they still coming to the wedding?"

"That is what Kurumu told me."

Ms. Nekonome chuckled at Tora's responses as the two karaoke girls surrendered their luggage to the boys in the back. Tebayai was lingering nearby with just her schoolbag.

"That will be a shock to my mother. I told her to expect seven guests."

"Can you direct things from here, Mr. Koike?"

Koike grinned as Komeichi presented her luggage to Oshaberi.

"Yea. We're just waiting on three first years."

"I'll leave it to you then."

Komeichi stalked off with Tebayai as the karaoke girls boarded the bus.

"Mr. Asobitani. You and Ms. Dakiashi can get on."

The third years voiced their thanks to Mr. Nurari, stepping up to surrender their luggage to the two boys. Oshaberi flashed Asobitani a fanged grin.

"Lucky dog. Sitting with your girl."

"You're just jealous because you're stuck sitting with luggage."

"I'll be sure to sit on yours. Keep it nice and warm."

"You better not fart on it."

Oshaberi snickered at Asobitani, making a shooing gesture.

"Get on the bus."

Mr. Nurari puffed a cloud of smoke as the couple took off.

"If you kids can sit with your luggage, you could board now."

"I'm fine with that. Want to sit with me?"

Tora glanced at Satsuki as the girl hauled her duffle bag up into her arms. The sphinx glanced over her shoulder at her suitcase before nodding.

"I guess I can sit on this."

"See you around, runt."

Nerume giggled as Satsuki stalked off.

"Yea. Hopefully no winter break extensions as being home won't be much fun after the holidays."

"There they are."

Koike wagged a finger at the start of the trail as Tora followed after Satsuki. Three figures were strolling into the clearing. Kurumu recognized Nukugata with the messy locks obscuring his eyes.

"Not much reason for you to stand around here and direct traffic. Sit with me."

Koike smirked at Ginei's declaration.

"Wouldn't you rather sit with your fellow club member?"

"Nope. Don't want his rotten luck with women rubbing off on me."

"What do you mean by that?"

Ginei chuckled at Tsukune, leaning in to kiss Hajihachi on the top of her head. The girl frowned, leaning back and touching her lips. Ginei smiled, promptly placing another kiss on those lips before pulling away.

"You can figure that out. We'll leave the front seat open for you, Ms. Nekonome."

"Thank you, Mr. Morioka."

"Behave yourself, Ginei."

"When have I not?"

Hajihachi pouted as Ginei strolled off for the door with Koike at his side. Kurumu glanced at Mizore, hoping she would be sharing a seat with the snow girl. Mizore was currently getting another deep kiss from Umizake. It made Kurumu feel jealous that Nijiro had not come to see her off.

"Can we get on? Those three not have much."

"Very well, Ms. Udetama. You kids can give up your luggage."

Udetama tossed her suitcase up to the chuckling Oshaberi.

"Finally. Guessing you with me, Teach."

Kurumu smiled as Ms. Nekonome walked over, pushing the handle of her suitcase down. She hefted it up, handing it up to Oshaberi. The third year nodded at Ms. Nekonome before placing the suitcase on top of a stack which was higher than the back seats.

"I guess I'll be sitting with one of those guys."

Kurumu could hear the disappointment in Tsukune's voice. She had no idea whom he had wanted to sit with. Letting out a deep breath, she stepped closer and offered her suitcase to Oshaberi. The moment it left her hands, she wandered over to Nerume to give the girl a hug.

"Mizore. You need to put your things on the bus."

The couple parted as Nerume patted Kurumu's sides.

"Will you be okay?"

Kurumu giggled at Nerume. She released the girl, tapping her nose.

"Of course. I'll be with Mizore all winter break."

Mizore drifted over to her side as Umizake presented Mizore's suitcase to Oshaberi.

"Can you hang out with Aoi? I don't want him being alone tomorrow."

"Sure. I'll keep him company."

Kurumu grinned, taking Mizore by the hand.

"Umizake. You make sure that Nerume gets to her dinner safely."

"I will. And you take care of Mizore for me. I promise to meet you guys in Hong Kong."

Kurumu nodded, guiding Mizore to the front of the bus as the trio of first years walked by them. She let go of Mizore's hand, gesturing for the snow girl to get on first. She absently touched the strap of her schoolbag as she followed Mizore up the steps.

It was a full bus with only three seats unclaimed. Udetama had taken the window behind the driver's seat while Ms. Nekonome had the aisle. Tora had the aisle of the other front seat with Satsuki at the window. Ginei had the aisle seat behind Tora. Mizore paused at the seat across the aisle from Ginei, glancing back at Kurumu. Kurumu nodded, prompting the snow girl to slip in and take the window seat. She sat down in the aisle seat, glancing at Ginei.

"I hope that Tsukune doesn't take an aisle seat."

"Why not? It would be like an old club outing."

Kurumu huffed at Ginei's smirk as luggage continued to get moved around in the back.

"I would rather focus on my new clubs."

Seconds later, Nukugata boarded the bus with Tsukune on his heels. She sighed as the pair claimed the seat behind hers with Tsukune taking the aisle. Ginei snickered at her as the back doors were closed up.

A few conversations were going on behind her but she paid them no attention. She sighed, reaching over to take Mizore's hand. The snow girl glanced at her but remained silent, resting her head against the window. Kurumu squeezed Mizore's hand and the snow girl squeezed back.

The last two guys came up the stairs of the bus with Mr. Nurari behind them, lacking his cigar. The bus driver promptly took his seat and closed the door, waiting for the two boys to sit down.

"I hope nobody minds the tight squeeze. We will be in Aserutani before you know it."

Kurumu hoped that was true.

---

"If there is anything else you need for the night, don't hesitate to ask."

Kurumu grinned at the older, frail woman standing in the doorway to the hall. Grandma Nekonome was garbed in a white and yellow striped shirt dress which buttoned up the front to a pleated collar and fell down to her ankles. Her blond hair which touched her shoulders had silver streaks mixed in.

"We are fine. The dinner was delicious."

Tora and Satsuki echoed those sentiments as they drifted over to the corner of the bedroom where they had left their suitcases. This room which had once belonged to Satsuki's mother was smaller than the dorm rooms inside Baratoge. It had a door for a tiny closet next to the doorway their host stood in.

"So beautiful. You truly do look like your mother. All of you girls do."

Satsuki snorted, kneeling by her duffle bag. She rifled through it to pull out a gray, spaghetti string tank top and a loose pair of crimson shorts.

"My hair and eye color both come from my father."

"True. But your face. You are the spitting image of Kira."

"I don't see that at all."

Kurumu heard the faint flush of a toilet down the hall. It was across the hall from Grandma Nekonome's room which was not much bigger than this one. Their teacher had her own room across the hall from theirs which was the exact same size.

"It's there, child. A pity that she won't come to the wedding."

"I don't want to talk about that, Grandma."

"I should let you sleep. We have all of winter break to catch up after the wedding."

"Good night, Grandma."

Kurumu and Tora echoed the sentiment, prompting the woman to retreat from the door. Seconds later, Mizore slipped into the room with an apologetic smile. The snow girl closed the door behind her.

"I swear if she calls me by my mother's name on a regular basis, I will beg Mr. Koike to take me in."

Tora chuckled, pulling out her pink and white spaghetti string tank top while Satsuki unbuttoned her blouse. The sphinx shifted the contents of her suitcase to find a pair of gray shorts before closing it up.

"It only happened once, Ms. Unari."

"We've only been here for two hours."

Kurumu tugged her phone out of her jacket pocket, checking the time. It was twelve minutes after nine.

"Less than that. We got here after seven thirty."

"She said the futons are in the closet."

Kurumu nodded at Tora's remark as the sphinx started to undress. Kurumu shuffled over to the closet, drawing it open. There were a bunch of outfits hanging in the small space. Above the bar was a shelf upon which rested two futons. Lifting up on her toes, Kurumu pulled one of the futons down.

"Will everyone be fine with me sleeping in here? I don't have my incense bowls."

Kurumu chuckled, dropping the futon on the floor.

"I think we can manage one night. I'll hold you if you're that worried about it."

"That would be nice."

Kurumu grinned, walking back to the closet to fetch the other futon.

"Change into your pajamas, Mizore. I'll be done with this soon."

Kurumu pulled down the second futon which was not as well bundled. She gathered it up in her arms, waddling back to the first futon. She dropped it on the floor, glancing out the only tiny window of this room though it was too dark to see anything in the back yard. With a sigh, she got down on her hands and knees to spread the futons out.

"It sucks that I won't get to see much of Aserutani."

"We walked across half of the town."

"In the dark. It's not like I could take pictures and we won't have the time tomorrow."

"I can buy a disposable camera if you absolutely want some pictures of the town."

Kurumu finished her task which had most of the floor covered with the bedding. Both Satsuki and Tora had dressed down into their pajamas and Mizore was now naked, having set aside her dark green velvet nightie. Kurumu crawled over to her suitcase, struggling to unzip the top.

"You don't have to waste your money, Tora. I'm just annoyed that we have to leave right after breakfast."

There had not been enough room for her halter dress and shoes. With no other choice, Kurumu had left her winter coat and the maid outfit with the heavier apron behind. She grabbed her corduroy tank top and cotton shorts, deciding to leave her suitcase open instead of trying to get it zipped up again.

"That can't be helped. It's like a twenty minute walk to the parking lot and a two and a half hour drive to the city. And she has to get ready for the wedding which is at ten."

Tora nodded at Satsuki's remark.

"I actually think us leaving at six thirty is cutting it too close. We should leave earlier if possible."

"I think a half hour is more than enough time for her to get ready."

"It's not like you'll stand around and do nothing. You're bound to chat with the other guests."

Kurumu chuckled, supposing that was true as she finished unbuttoning her blouse. She slipped off her jacket and then her blouse, setting both by her suitcase. She unhooked the clasps of her crimson bra, sighing as her breasts slouched without the support. She took off her bra, placing it in the pile of discarded clothes. She promptly tugged her powder blue tank top on.

"Do you think we should stay up and listen to music?"

"We should sleep. Unless you plan to skip breakfast, you need to be up before five thirty."

"I don't need more than six hours of sleep."

"Go to bed, Kurumu. I'm turning off the lights when you're finished changing."

Kurumu stuck her tongue out at Tora whom moved to the middle of the room and reached up for the string which hung from the square light fixture. Kurumu lifted up, wiggling out of her skirt and panties at the same time. She sat down on her bare rump, tugging the skirt and lingerie down around her ankles. She freed herself of her socks while she was at it, setting all aside in her pile of dirty clothes. She rolled back up on her feet, stepping into her navy cotton shorts.

Tora tugged the cord, sending the room into darkness.

"Sheesh, Tora. Let me cuddle with Mizore before you do that."

Satsuki snickered as Tora turned the light back on. Kurumu shook her head at the smirking sphinx. She knelt down to fix up her pile of dirty clothes before crawling over to where Mizore sat.

"Lie down on your side and face the door."

Mizore nodded, complying with her instructions. Kurumu lowered beside the snow girl, draping an arm over Mizore's side. She breathed in deep, unsure what scent this was lingering upon Mizore's thick locks.

"Is this good?"

Mizore sounded an affirmative and Tora turned off the light. The sphinx settled down behind Kurumu as she snuggled even closer against Mizore's back.

"I'm not really tired."

Mizore grabbed her hand, guiding it to her belly.

"Can you feel her heartbeat?"

Kurumu pressed her hand against the soft, chilly fabric. She could feel her own heartbeat and Mizore's through her breasts. But her hand sensed nothing.

"I don't think so."

"Sometimes I can. Is this better?"

Mizore shifted, tugging up her nightie. She guided Kurumu's hand to touch upon her cold navel. But the only thing Kurumu felt was colder.

"I wish I could."

"I wish you could have your own baby."

"What are you two whining about now?"

Kurumu chuckled at Satsuki's complaint.

"It's nothing."

"Though Mizore has a point. You won't ever have the joy of carrying your own baby."

"Big fucking deal. Half of the population doesn't get to do that."

"She's not a man, Ms. Unari."

"So she's a gorgeous sterile woman. Boo hoo."

"Have some sympathy."

"Life sucks, Nazohashi. Sympathy won't change that."

Kurumu sighed, wondering what Satsuki was upset about now. It was not like anybody was talking about virginity which she knew was a sore subject to bring up around the nekomusume.

"Satsuki is right. I can't change what I am. I should probably not hang around harpies so much. Those girls love to play up pregnancy like it is the best thing on the planet."

"They certainly do. Their chatter has made me think about how it might feel to be pregnant."

"Honestly it doesn't feel that different most of the time."

"You're not even two months in."

"But she's carrying a succubus baby. She could have morning sickness as early as six weeks."

"Not every woman has morning sickness."

"I had morning sickness."

Kurumu frowned at Satsuki's soft comment. Kurumu lifted up on her side, glancing over her shoulder. Tora was also seated, regarding the nekomusume girl whom had her back to them.

"Ms. Unari. Morning sickness is something pregnant girls can exper-"

"I know what it is."

Kurumu felt her heart tighten, fully aware of the implications.

"I'm so sorry."

"It's okay. I miscarried."

Kurumu could feel the temperature dip as Mizore responded to that. Kurumu turned back to face Mizore, caressing the snow girl.

"I'm also sorry, Ms. Unari. I wasn't aware that you had a boyfriend."

"I didn't."

"Oh."

The tone of that syllable betrayed Tora's understanding of the situation. Another stretch of silence.

"October twenty eighth. Two years ago. It was a Tuesday. I felt sick so I left school. After the… mess… I stayed at home for the next two weeks."

"Did you know that you were pregnant?"

"Yea. We knew."

"We?"

There was a pause following Tora's simple query.

"It was my brother's baby."

Feeling the temperature drop again at that whispered admission, Kurumu snuggled up against Mizore.

"It's okay. Mizore. It's okay."

"Sorry. That's just. Not right."

Satsuki let out a breathy laugh to Mizore's hesitant words.

"Obviously not. Nobody wants that."

"What happened?"

Satsuki sighed at Tora's soft request, remaining silent for a long moment.

"I bought mature panties for myself that summer. He must have thought that was permission to make me into his woman."

"He raped you?"

"At first."

"This happened more than once?"

Satsuki sniffled, hesitating to answer Tora's query.

"Ten nights in a row."

"Did you not tell your parents about it?"

"They knew on the first night. Dad pulled the fat fuck off of me. I was barely conscious."

"I can't believe that they would let that go on."

"Nazohashi. My brother is special. As in mentally stupid. My mother would never punish him."

"Special or not, you don't let your son beat your daughter into submission."

There was a long pause but it was not true silence. Kurumu could hear Satsuki's tears.

"He didn't hurt me. He just… outweighed me. Woke me up… Before I knew… what was happening… his dick was inside me."

"That explains one time. Not ten."

"Mom thought I started it."

"Dear God. Why?"

Only silence answered Tora for a long moment. Kurumu continued to caress and soothe Mizore whom was trying hard to keep her emotions in check.

"It felt… good. Maybe… if I had screamed… might have… different."

Satsuki took a steadying breath and sniffled.

"Didn't know what I was supposed to do. So I kept quiet. But I started caterwauling from pleasure."

There was another heavy pause.

"Okay. I suppose that makes sense from your mother's position. But ten times?"

Satsuki took in a ragged breath.

"She wanted to throw me out. Dad… he didn't know what to think. So they did nothing. I stayed up so late the next night. Scared. But the day. So much fighting."

Satsuki whimpered with a resigned laugh.

"I was too tired. It was so late when my brother came for me. His dick was inside me before I even had a chance to resist."

Satsuki inhaled deeply.

"It took no time for my body to respond. You wouldn't know this, but guys of our race have barbed dicks which is meant to stimulate ovulation. Some girls hate it but I was doing the whole growl and grind. Of course my mother thought that meant I wanted it."

"But you told them that you didn't want this."

Satsuki was slow to respond to Tora. Kurumu continued to caress Mizore whom had calmed a little. After several long seconds, Satsuki sighed with a sniffle.

"Mom wasn't in the habit of believing me. I had been giving her crap for years because she treated Dad like dirt. Days before my miscarriage, Dad admitted that he hadn't had sex with Mom since I was two."

Satsuki took in a deep breath to steady her words.

"Mom hated sex. I was just a shameless whore taking advantage of her mentally challenged son."

There was another stretch of uncomfortable silence.

"After the third night, I stopped caring. Mating felt amazing and my parents weren't stopping us. I started having weird thoughts of making a family with my brother. I was disappointed when Dad put an end to it. Part of the reason why Dad started sleeping in my room was to stop me from going to my brother."

"You went to him?"

Satsuki whimpered. Kurumu heard Satsuki roll over to face Tora.

"I was hooked. Five nights of having wild sex like lovers. I couldn't just stop."

"How did your Dad put a stop to it?"

"Dad beat the crap out of him. Told him that if he wanted pussy, he had to get his own home. After I went to my brother the next night, Dad decided to sleep with me. To make me feel safe and loved."

Satsuki paused, taking in a deep, steadying breath.

"And it worked. Eventually. I did sneak out that first night to get my pussy pounded. It took a week or so before Dad felt I had calmed down enough to sleep on my own."

"Ten days and you got pregnant."

Satsuki laughed mirthlessly.

"Yea. My luck, right? When I found out, I felt so disconnected. Mom hated me and Dad was asking me all these serious questions like if I wanted to keep the baby. I just wanted to feel loved."

Satsuki sighed heavily.

"So I went back to banging my brother. I put Dad in such a bad position. He was trying to help me but there I was, proving Mom was right. He had to go back to sleeping with me to keep me behaved."

Satsuki paused, letting that sentiment hang thickly in the air.

"It took months after the miscarriage before I felt normal again. But I still have these thoughts. Wishing I had been able to keep that baby. As fucked up as that sounds."

"That's probably just maternal instincts."

"Yea. Probably. Mom thinks the only reason Dad didn't kick me out was because we were having sex. Which was ridiculous. I was never quiet during sex so we obviously weren't doing that."

Satsuki paused with a resigned sigh.

"But did I tell her that. No. I told her that I would make Dad a better wife than her sorry ass ever could."

"That wasn't very smart."

"Yea. I sometimes think I miscarried because I said that. Divine judgment for being such a horrible person to even suggest such a thing."

"God doesn't punish the wicked. We do enough punishing of each other that he has no need to. Your stressful home environment is more likely to blame."

Satsuki sniffled and there was another stretch of silence.

"This ruined me. I can't even enjoy masturbation. I end up thinking about my brother's dick and how it was so much better. And then I just feel sick. And horrible about myself."

Kurumu shivered at the admission, continuing her tender caresses of Mizore.

"Satsuki. Would getting a boyfriend help?"

"Why would you even suggest that?"

"I've often thought about it, Nazohashi. I've also thought about what Mom would say. How Dad would feel about it. If having sex with another person would make me feel better about what happened. Or if I would be disappointed if the sex wasn't as good."

"I sincerely hope that you wouldn't make that comparison."

"I always have those thoughts, Nazohashi. I'm going to think about that whether I want to or not. My brother ruined my sexual life. And my mother destroyed my home."

Satsuki let out a resigned sigh.

"I still contemplate suicide at least once a week. That's better than last year. I still struggle with believing there is a future for me out there that is worth living for."

"It can get much better, Satsuki. I know it."

"I don't want to hear that from you, Shirayuki. I read your diary of death. You attempted to kill yourself. Multiple times. I never took things that far. I've always known how much that would devastate my dad."

Kurumu smiled, squeezing Mizore tight to reassure her.

"Satsuki. I know you don't want me to make you forget what happened, but maybe I could make you forget how good it felt?"

Satsuki groaned, audibly turning away from them.

"Most of these past two years wouldn't make much sense if you did that. I spent so much of my alone time thinking about this shit. What would even be left?"

"She's right, Kurumu. You may have been able to help Yukari since you fixed it right then and there. But Satsuki and I have carried our burdens for years. It's become a part of whom we are."

"Oh? You have a shitty story to share?"

Tora chuckled, lying down on the futon.

"I will if Mizore can promise me that she won't make this room so cold that I need a bathroom break."

Mizore took in a deep breath as she forced the temperature to rise ever so slightly.

"I'm not going to end up hating your mother, right?"

They all shared a melancholy laugh.