Kurumu absently fussed with the two wrapped CDs that Rubi had given her. She had tried to convince the witch that she had about the same odds of meeting Moka as Rubi did, but Yukari had pointed out that they would at least be in Japan if they went with Mrs. Shuzen.
Kurumu placed her hands atop the CDs in her lap. She was wearing her green halter dress, not liking her other options of clean attire. The laundry room had been destroyed in the attack, forcing her to pack her dirty and bloodied laundry into a garbage bag. It was in the trunk along with the rest of their luggage.
The witch sat beside her in the back of this limo with her yellow tote and Kurumu's lavender purse between them. Yukari had decided to wear that fancy, sleeveless dress with the black lace draped over her shoulders to mask the strap of her white bra. The black corset accentuated the slight swell of her bosom behind a smooth span of crimson fabric which was topped by a crimped hem.
Mrs. Huang was on Kurumu's other side with the only door to the mother's left. The widow was garbed in a short sleeved, black cheongsam with an orange floral pattern. The dress split all the way up at her waist, baring so much of her hip that it would be surprising if the mother was wearing lingerie. Her dark hair was styled in the usual twin bun fashion with black ribbons tied about them. Her hands were folded in her lap as her attention was fixated upon the trio in the other seat across from them.
Routier was snuggling against Fang with her hands held behind her back with an enchanted restraint. Her small horns poked out from short, pink locks and had black ribbons tied to their base. Mrs. Huang had given the girl a sleeveless cheongsam similar to her own. The black silk which hugged her feminine curves had a golden floral pattern and hem.
Sitting in the middle of the young man, Routier was too much trouble with her hands free. She would not leave Fang alone. His bare arms and neck bore the marks of a morning full of playful torment. Fang hissed when she bit down on his shoulder. He promptly reached over to push her head away.
"That hurts!"
Routier giggled, stopping to lick his palm. Fang grimaced, withdrawing his hand.
"Do I have to muzzle you?"
Routier immediately went back to nuzzling against him.
"You like it."
"He sure does."
Fang frowned at Yukari's comment. The young man was sporting a sleeveless, crimson silk shirt with a black rose design. His slacks betrayed his arousal.
"I don't like being abused."
"You could fool me."
Xia Long chuckled, sitting on the other side of his cousin. The young man was still garbed in his bloodied clothes, having refused Mrs. Huang's halfhearted offer to give him fresh clothes. He looked tired, having spent the night in the cellar with his cousin. It was the closest thing the Huang family had to a prison.
"I suppose it would be hard to watch the man you love being adored by another."
Yukari huffed, turning her face away.
"He is not the man I love."
"Then why are you two ladies accompanying us to my estate?"
"They are meeting with Mrs. Shuzen, Nephew."
Xia Long nodded with a sound of understanding. He relaxed in his seat, glancing aside as Fang made another protest caused by another nip from his amorous fiancée.
Routier was four months older than Ms. Xinyi which was difficult for Kurumu to believe. Routier was so childish and simple. Pushing her heart to prefer Fang over Xia Long had been remarkably simple.
Routier was an obsessive, passionate girl. At the age of seventeen, she had hunted down the man whom had tortured and killed her father before her eyes. She had done the same to him, making him give up the names of the rest of the men involved in her father's demise. Over the next two years, Routier had tracked down and eliminated them all with the exceptions of Feihong and Haitao.
It was her efforts in figuring out how to kill the leaders of the Huang family which had brought Fang to her attention. Apparently Haitao wanted the kid dead and was helping the Miao family by giving enough information to Xia Long to arrange for assassins. Not wanting loose ends, Routier had killed the assassin whom had enlightened her before heading back to confront Xia Long about the situation.
It only took one encounter for Routier to determine that Xia Long was not seriously after Fang's life. He hired cheap assassins. People with no real experience with such a prominent target. This fascinated her, inspiring her to learn more about this boy her cousin was reluctant to kill.
Routier got her hands on one of those bypass security devices by killing one of the better assassins Xia Long had hired. For over a year, Routier had been like a guardian angel to Fang. An angel of death. She was obsessed with him, though only as an extension of her love for Xia Long. Xia Long could hire better people because she was there. His ruse for the Masked King was stronger.
But something changed in June. The Masked King became more serious, killing several officers loyal to Xia Long over his failures. It was no longer a game. She had to kill Fang and get her revenge.
Her first and only serious attempt on Fang's life was that first week of August. But she was thwarted by Master Touhou. He had his way with her, touching her battered and broken body. To her surprise, he did not violate her further. He invited her to come back, promising he would have an outfit for her. Confused by the mercy, she fled and never returned.
That was all there was to this young woman whom was nibbling on Fang's arm. Kurumu felt guilty that she had slightly altered Routier's perception of these two young men but only because it seemed to bother Yukari so much. She reached over to pat Yukari's thigh.
"Hey. Are you feeling better?"
Yukari huffed, scooting as far away as she could from Kurumu.
"Are you asking about Fang or my period?"
Kurumu smiled softly, bringing her hand back to her own lap.
"Have your cramps got any better?"
Yukari sighed heavily, leaning her head against the tinted window.
"I spent an extra fifty two days in that mirror world. If you include that with all of the time we did in the Headmaster's paradise, my body is easily two months older than it should be."
Yukari sighed again.
"My body is twelve but nobody will say that until March third."
Fang laughed heartily as he pushed Routier's head away from his arm again.
"I see. Perhaps we should all be celebrating our birthdays earlier."
"Don't be silly, Son. That would only be confusing."
"When is your birthday anyways?"
"His birthday is the fourteenth of August."
"Why would you know his birthday?"
Kurumu smiled at Yukari, gesturing at the others.
"Routier knew his birthday."
"She does?"
"Mhm. But then you ran off to Japan."
Fang chuckled nervously, fending off her attempts to snuggle.
"Yes, well. Master Touhou wanted us to aid Ms. Akashiya."
Yukari grimaced at the affectionate display.
"You do realize that this girl is six years older than you."
"Seven, Ms. Sendou. I'm only fifteen."
Kurumu blinked, sharing a look with Yukari.
"You're a year younger than me?"
"How do you know his birthday but not his age?!"
"Routier never thought about his age."
Yukari grimaced with a shake of her head.
"I should have looked closer at that marriage certificate he tried to fill out for me. It probably had his birth date on it."
"Are the two of you married?"
Yukari blushed at Xia Long's amused inquiry.
"He attempted to forge my name! I had nothing to do with it!"
Mrs. Huang laughed politely, holding a hand over her mouth.
"Ling told me about that. She is truly confused why Fang chased after this Chiyu girl when he clearly has interest in you."
"I'm not interested in him!"
"Ms. Chiyu is a sweet angel. Very open and honest about her feelings towards me unlike Ms. Sendou."
"I don't have feelings for you!"
Fang gasped when Routier clamped down on his arm again. He winced, twisting away with a hand on the girl's head. He hissed, swatting the girl on the cheek. Routier growled, releasing his arm with blood dribbling down her lip. His arm bled from two of the fang marks.
"No talking about other girls. I'm your only one."
Kurumu felt the car come to a stop as Fang blubbered a protest about his right to marry more women. She glanced at the door since she could see nothing else through these tinted windows. After a few seconds, the door was opened with a familiar face on the other side.
Mr. Hao was wearing his usual black suit with sunglasses perched on his thin nose. His dark locks were swept up in a faux hawk. Due to the circumstances, he had returned to duty this morning along with the limo driver whom had also been absent for yesterday's attack.
"Mrs. Huang. Are you certain that the directions you gave us are correct?"
Mrs. Huang frowned, hesitating as she moved to exit the vehicle.
"Yes. Grandfather confirmed the directions with Xia Long last night."
"Then we may have an issue."
The mother's frown deepened as the agent helped her out of the car. She let out a soft gasp.
"Oh dear. Nephew. I fear your failure has already been punished."
Xia Long quickly pushed his way out of the car, letting out a curse. Kurumu's heart cinched up with worry as she pulled her purse strap up over her shoulder while gripping the wrapped CDs firmly.
"No! This can't be! You betrayed me! You must have sent men overnight!"
"Calm yourself, Nephew. This was not our doing."
"Mother? What happened?"
Mrs. Huang sighed as Xia Long cursed again under his breath.
"Remove her bindings. Your fiancée needs to see this."
As Fang prompted a concerned Routier to turn away from him, Kurumu eased out of the vehicle. She gasped upon seeing the ashen remains of a structure. Clutching the gifts to her bosom, she wandered away from the vehicle to allow Yukari to exit.
They were on a narrow road which flanked what must have been a sprawling estate. Parts of scorched walls still stood in some areas. Thankfully there were no charred corpses in plain sight.
The hillside continued on up, covered in green foliage. As Yukari stepped out of the vehicle, Kurumu turned about. This verdant foliage continued down until it reached the sea. In the distant, foggy horizon was a narrow line connecting two indistinct land masses.
"Mrs. Shuzen is here."
Kurumu shivered at Yukari's comment. Her eyes swept over to the drive, finding the Fairy Tale President standing beside a silver sedan. The silver haired vampire had donned that sleeveless, black cheongsam with the golden hem that she had worn to the funeral over the summer. The remains of three other vehicles were parked in a turnabout with their wheels still burning.
Kokoa stood in her mother's shadow, wearing her dark green cheongsam with the white lily pattern. Her reddish twin tails had been braided and wrapped into buns which were held in place with red and black checkered ribbons. Her hands were clasped at her navel.
"Our home."
Fang gasped as Routier whimpered. He gently placed his hands on Routier's shoulders.
"What happened?"
"I'll tell you what happened. Your grandfather burned my home down in the middle of the night!"
"Nephew, please."
"No! This is clearly retaliation! Touhou Fuhai did this."
"No, Xia Long. This is the result of your stubborn foolishness."
Xia Long turned upon Mrs. Shuzen as the vampire strolled over to them with Kokoa in her wake.
"You did this?"
Mrs. Shuzen regarded him impassively as she came to a stop beside Mr. Hao.
"I warned you. If you launched an assault against the Huang family, your family would perish."
Xia Long scowled, gesturing at the smoldering remains of his home.
"The Masked King has never been this swift with his punishment!"
"You foolishly took most of your men on a suicide mission against Master Touhou Fuhai."
"We had an insider. The fearsome Touhou Fuhai was trapped in a pocket world."
"And yet you still failed. You left your home vulnerable. How many did you have here? A dozen, maybe twenty guards? I bet there were more women and children than able bodied men to defend this place."
"This was your doing!"
Xia Long snarled, lunging forward. But before he could lay a hand on Mrs. Shuzen, she snatched him up by the throat, effortlessly lifting him up off his feet. He gasped, grabbing for her thin, tanned arm.
Routier cried out in protest but Fang held her firmly, preventing her from moving.
"You are a fool, Xia Long. And this time, it cost you."
"Mrs. Shuzen. Please."
Crimson eyes looked upon Mrs. Huang. The vampire released the young man, letting him fall to his knees, gasping and clutching at his throat.
"You put the life of someone I need in jeopardy. But it seems that your sworn enemy wishes for your miserable existence to not end this day."
Xia Long pounded the dirt beneath him with his fists.
"But we had a deal. You promised never to move against me."
"A deal which means nothing when I learned that your Masked King was Lord Fujisaki. How long have you known that you were working for my enemy?"
Xia Long stiffened up. He looked up at the vampire, shaking his head.
"I had no choice."
Mrs. Shuzen smashed his face with her foot, causing his nostrils to spray blood as he was knocked back on his ass. Routier broke free of Fang, diving against Xia Long to hold him protectively.
"No choice? You picked the wrong side and never looked back."
Routier threw a hand up, holding Xia Long's bleeding visage against her bosom.
"If you hit him again, I'll cut you."
Mrs. Shuzen cocked her head, pushing out an aura that made Kurumu weak in her knees.
"Do you want this fight, little girl?"
Routier trembled as a puddle formed beneath her.
"Please. Don't hurt him."
"I'm waiting for an answer, Xia Long. Why did you defy me?"
Kurumu shivered as Xia Long lifted his bloodied face from Routier's side.
"I was a child. I didn't know whom I could trust."
Mrs. Shuzen pointed at the carnage.
"How many lives were lost because of your cowardice?"
"The Masked King is our leader. Our founder. Even if I had defied him, he would have just killed me and put someone else in my place."
"Someone whom would have tried harder to kill Fang and wipe out the Huang family."
Xia Long whimpered at Kurumu's explanation. Tears fell down his cheeks, mixing with his blood.
"It was all I could do."
"Mrs. Shuzen. Did you do this?"
The vampire regarded Mrs. Huang for a long, tense moment. The vampire looked back at the wreckage.
"There was no time to stop it. Even if he had followed my advice, this would have happened."
"What do you mean?"
Mrs. Shuzen scowled at Xia Long's confusion.
"I'm saying that you were never a match for my daughter."
Kurumu shuddered as she realized what Mrs. Shuzen was saying.
"Kahlua."
"Kahlua? The Masked King's bride?"
Mrs. Shuzen's scowl deepened at his confusion.
"Which would have never happened if you had told me years ago whom the Masked King was. Now my daughter is running errands for that madman."
Xia Long laughed incredulously.
"Errands? My home is gone, Mrs. Shuzen."
"You are expendable, Xia Long. Whether you followed orders or not, Kahlua was coming to exterminate your family. Your Masked King has no further need of the Miao family."
"He couldn't have killed them all. There are several members whom don't live in the main home."
Mrs. Shuzen regarded Routier coldly.
"Kahlua would have been thorough. Anything known by the Masked King will be destroyed."
Routier winced and Xia Long grimaced. He struggled up to his feet with Routier's help.
"I can check on them. See whom we still have."
"Did any of your men survive your pointless assault?"
Xia Long grit his teeth, shaking his head. Mrs. Shuzen sighed, turning her eyes upon Mrs. Huang.
"And the Huang family? Any important casualties?"
Mrs. Huang scowled as she crossed her arms.
"I care little for how you phrased that."
"And I care little for the affairs of Hong Kong. Yet I would like to know if Feihong is still in charge."
"My father died. And both of my uncles."
Mrs. Shuzen glanced at Fang before turning her attention back upon the scowling Mrs. Huang.
"Will your family acknowledge you as leader? That boy is too young."
Mrs. Huang glanced at her son and sighed.
"They will tolerate Xiang's leadership until Fang is old enough to take over. We were planning to have him marry Lady Routier to establish peace between our families."
"A good strategy if there are enough Miao family members still alive."
"She couldn't have killed them all. Some run businesses in the city. There would be media-"
"No, Xia Long. I contacted Ms. Shao last night to cover up any of my daughter's doings, but she was already contracted for the task. Both her and her daughter made certain that this fiery display and several others within the city would not become known to the public."
"You know Ms. Shao?"
Mrs. Shuzen frowned at Kurumu.
"Of course I do. There are not many in Hong Kong with the ability to cover up situations of this scale."
Mrs. Huang sighed, looking at the rubble with a shake of her head.
"It was our plan to have these two marry right after the Chinese New Year. Though I don't know how much this marriage benefits us now."
"Mother. I don't think we should back out-"
"We can discuss this later, Fang. I'm certain that Mrs. Shuzen has other business to attend to."
"Yes. The reason why I came to Hong Kong was to collect Ms. Sendou."
Yukari stepped forward, nodding.
"I brought my luggage with me as you requested. I would like to know why you need me."
"There is a task before me which will require your magical expertise. You are going to help my daughter get out of a dangerous situation."
"I will gladly do anything for my Moka."
Mrs. Shuzen chuckled, turning and beckoning at Kokoa. The girl quietly approached.
"Not that daughter. This one."
"What dangerous situation are we talking about?"
Mrs. Shuzen placed her hand on Kokoa's shoulder, causing the girl to shudder.
"There is a New Year's party at Lord Tomi's mansion which I have been invited to. The consequences for blowing off this invitation are not agreeable with me."
"You need Kokoa to attend because you saw this party through her eyes."
"Precisely, Ms. Kurono. It was difficult to comprehend the vision of this party. Kahlua's behavior made me want to investigate her movements. Then I learned that she had left for Hong Kong."
"Are you fighting your daughter?"
"If I must. But she can't defeat me, so don't fret over that."
Kurumu glanced at Kokoa, noting how much the girl trembled. Something was wrong. She pushed her awareness out, caressing against the anxious girl's presence. Kokoa was scared that this would turn out like the Christmas Party.
"Fujisaki killed everyone at the Christmas party."
Mrs. Shuzen paused, cocking her head.
"How do you know that?"
"You told Kokoa. Her grandfather and the other four elders whom attended. They all died."
Mrs. Shuzen smirked at her.
"I see that someone is getting better with her powers."
"Yes. We brought in Ms. Shao for two days. She said there wasn't much for her to teach this girl."
Mrs. Shuzen smiled at Mrs. Huang and bowed her head.
"My thanks, Mrs. Huang. I never wanted to bring these girls into this. But they might just be insignificant enough to get across the board."
"As long as this board stays away from Hong Kong and my son, I will be content."
Mrs. Shuzen breathed in deep as she regarded Kurumu.
"You are an intrusive and mischievous girl. If you weren't Kokoa's, I would want you to join my cause. I know that Ms. Kiyoshi is fond of you."
"Are you worried that Fujisaki will kill Lord Tomi if you don't attend?"
"That is part of the issue. Losing five of the family elders is a huge blow to the family. I have no idea how many members of Elder Tsuyosei's family were in attendance with it being his home. It will be quite the chore trying to figure out whom is available to replace them."
"Or still alive."
Mrs. Shuzen snickered at Kokoa's soft utterance.
"Not everyone attended that party. I trust that you also brought your things."
Kurumu clutched the CD gifts to her bosom, nodding at the vampire.
"Yes. In the trunk."
"Good. We have a plane back to Tokyo which departs at one. We don't have time to be running back and forth to the Huang family mansion so you best have everything."
"I'm not going to die in this dangerous situation, right?"
Mrs. Shuzen smirked at Yukari's concerned inquiry.
"Not if all of you follow my instructions to the letter. I'm counting on you, Ms. Sendou."
"You're going to check her future? For the operation?"
"Yes, Kokoa. I need to see if she is a viable replacement for Ms. Fukuda."
Kurumu frowned at the answer to Kokoa's meek questions.
"Replacement? For what?"
Mrs. Shuzen stepped up close to Kurumu, placing her hands on Kurumu's shoulders.
"For a power source. The situation will require Ms. Sendou to move you to safety. As there will be no time to prepare the spell, she will have to pull power from herself and her companions."
"But a teleport spell is very short range."
Mrs. Shuzen nodded, lifting her hands to Kurumu's temples.
"I'm well aware of that, Ms. Sendou. I will explain everything tomorrow. Right now, I need to see if bringing Ms. Kurono is even worthwhile. The future in Kokoa's eyes is unclear about her operation."
"Do I need to kneel down or something?"
Mrs. Shuzen stared into her eyes. That crimson looked so deep.
"No. This will be quick."
Kurumu was thrust back onto the beach with the waves gently rolling back and forth. She was small and garbed in a simple white dress. She felt the sand beneath her small toes.
A small Gyokuro wearing a similar white dress snatched up Kurumu's hand and started guiding her to a spot on the beach with a familiar umbrella and towel. Before the diminutive girl took four steps, Kurumu yanked the child back for a hug. Gyokuro giggled in confusion but returned the embrace.
"What are you doing?"
"Is there any way that I can make this easier?"
Gyokuro sighed, pushing gently on her. Kurumu loosened her grip, easing back to arms' length.
"Such a good girl. Like Sho."
"Is there anything I can do?"
Gyokuro looked up into her eyes with a surprising softness.
"Protect Kokoa."
"Milady is a much better fighter than I am. She'll probably be the one protecting me."
"When I acquired my powers, I needed Sho to keep me sane. That is what I ask of you."
Kurumu frowned at the statement. She pushed towards Gyokuro, wanting to understand it.
"That is enough."
Kurumu staggered when she found herself back on the hillside with the ruins of the estate nearby. Mrs. Shuzen gripped her shoulders firmly, helping her remain steady.
"She survives the operation. It appears that she has found her reason to live."
Kurumu felt scared as the vampire withdrew her hands. The mother was hiding something from them.
"When can we do the operation?"
Mrs. Shuzen laughed, patting Kokoa on the shoulder.
"After this party. I'll make arrangements with the hospital for Monday."
"Good. Because I want it done right away."
Kurumu clutched the CD gifts against her bosom. Her heart would be fixed in two days. The biggest threat to her life would be gone.
"I am taking these two girls back to Japan with me."
"I figured that much. Mr. Hao. Get their luggage."
The agent nodded at Mrs. Huang before stalking over to the back of the limo.
"Young man. Huang Fang?"
Fang perked up at Mrs. Shuzen's words.
"The Huang family is a global syndicate. Not many families can boast that. Even Fairy Tale has little to no influence outside of Japan. I trust that you won't let this legacy fall to ruin while under your watch."
Fang laughed heartily, pounding his chest.
"Of course not. I will do my best."
"Take this advice. Go with your fiancée on a global honeymoon. Visit all of your foreign offices and let them know about the change in leadership. Your mother should accompany you."
"But that could take months."
"Yes. So you will be much too busy to concern yourselves with the affairs of Japan."
Mrs. Huang smiled at Mrs. Shuzen and nodded.
"I understand. Good luck on your journey."
"And you on yours. Come along, Ladies. Into the car."
Kurumu shivered, following after the mother. Her emotions were all over the place. Kokoa bumped against her shoulder, bringing her out of her worries.
"Hey. Is that the CD that witch girl bought me for Christmas?"
Kurumu laughed, handing both CDs over to the vampire.
"Yea. Your name is written on yours but Rubi insisted on me taking Moka's too."
"Cool. I should get something for her."
Kurumu smiled, pausing to open the car door for Kokoa. She hoped that she would get the chance to show her appreciation to Rubi soon.
The taxi pulled up alongside the Hong Kong International Airport, driving under an opaque canopy which diminished the sunlight. The curved canopy was supported by a row of pillars standing up from an island between their road and another one. Despite the separation, all traffic was going in the same direction.
The airport wall facing the street was almost entirely glass with metal framing. Vestibules stood out with blue markings on the glass, declaring Terminal 1. They drove by the second of these vestibules and were rapidly approaching the third. Blue signs stated the area was drop off only with no pick up allowed. The driver slowed the vehicle down, coming to a stop near the third vestibule.
"Thank you, Sir. Keep the change."
The man gasped as Mrs. Shuzen handed him several bills. He started to protest but the vampire opened her door and stepped out. Kurumu checked her phone before stuffing it back into her purse. They were here four minutes after noon despite it taking almost a half hour to get this taxi to ferry them from the car rental place. Not wanting to deal with any potential luggage problems, Mrs. Shuzen had instructed Yukari to put the rest of their things into her pocket dimension while they had waited for this taxi.
Yukari gestured for them to follow her as she opened her door on the curb side. Kurumu scooted across the back seat, getting out behind Kokoa. She adjusted the strap of her purse as she trotted to catch up with Mrs. Shuzen whom had already triggered the side glass doors of the vestibule to open.
Kurumu hurried into the vestibule, following the others down a ramp. Thick glass paneling served as half walls flanking the ramp with a steel top and a round, steel handrail. The ramp floor consisted of grainy, beige tiles. Curved white panels cut into a multitude of triangles served as the ceiling. Some of these triangles were actually skylights. Curved, round white steel supports spanned from column to column.
They hit the end of the ramp and continued down an aisle between counters and booths. A purple sign hung down from the ceiling with the letter G. Many people were lined up at these booths, checking in luggage and acquiring tickets. The signs over the booths on the right were for Japan Airlines.
"Do we need to get tickets?"
"I acquired tickets for you and Ms. Sendou last night."
"How? Don't you need identification to purchase tickets?"
"I acquired passports for you and Ms. Kurono."
Kurumu's heart skipped a beat as they neared the end of this aisle. A row of retail shops stood before them with what looked to be a seating area on top of these shops. Mrs. Shuzen turned sharply to the right, walking towards another purple sign hanging down which indicated departures.
"You got me a passport?"
"And your citizenship, Ms. Kurono. Don't dally."
Kurumu swallowed, easily catching up with Yukari since the witch had a shorter stride.
"Did you hear that, Yukari? She got citizenship for you."
Yukari huffed as they briskly approached an area with many people lined around a path created by steel posts, rails and stretchy black cords. Another purple sign declaring departures hung from the structure.
"I already had my citizenship."
"But she got you a passport."
"My father works for a human high school and many of his coworkers know about me. I may not have had a passport, but I did have my citizenship."
Kurumu frowned as they passed through the start of the path, making their way to the end of the line.
"But how did you get on a plane? Did Ms. Kiyoshi trick the airport staff?"
Yukari sighed dramatically, pulling her Minnie Mouse clutch out of her yellow tote.
"It's not like Tsukune has a passport, Kurumu. It was a domestic flight. We only needed proper photo identification. Rubi was the only one that needed Ms. Kiyoshi's help to get on that plane."
Kurumu nodded thoughtfully as Mrs. Shuzen handed a black booklet to her. She wondered what kind of photo identification Yukari had. She knew that Tsukune still had his junior high student ID.
"Take your passport, Ms. Kurono. Congratulations on becoming a proper citizen of Japan."
Kurumu complied with the direction, flipping the black booklet open. She wondered when this photo of herself had been taken. It looked recent. She noted her address was from Otoyo.
"Isn't this Ms. Sakurai's address?"
"I had to use something and I knew she wouldn't mind. Ms. Sendou."
Yukari nodded, taking a black booklet from Mrs. Shuzen. The witch opened it up and nodded again.
"I see that you used the address we have on file."
Kurumu smiled, feeling warm as she clutched the passport to her bosom.
"This feels a little anti climatic."
"What does?"
"Becoming a citizen. It's such a big deal to most of our peers."
"It's just a piece of paper, validating your existence."
"Validation is important, Ms. Sendou. Many don't ever get that."
Yukari shrugged, holding her passport and clutch against her slight bosom.
"I guess I can't appreciate it since I've always had it."
"A benefit of being a witch. Your kind can be born in a hospital without worry of any complications."
"Does that mean Rubi is a citizen?"
"That's something we can do for her, Mother! You could either give her citizenship or recover it."
Mrs. Shuzen smirked at Kokoa's enthusiasm.
"I can ask one of my ladies to look into it. If Ms. Toujou was a citizen, we may need to explain how the young woman has been missing all of these years."
"That would be so awesome of you. Please."
The mother's smile softened as she regarded Kokoa.
"It was the Yamanashi prefecture where Ms. Toujou disappeared, correct? I will call Ms. Shikaru once we are in Japan. One way or another, she will take care of this for Ms. Toujou."
"Thank you so much."
Mrs. Shuzen sighed when Kokoa bowed to her.
"You are making a scene, Child."
Kokoa murmured apologies as they resumed their slow progress to a man standing behind a podium. This guy garbed in a short sleeved, white dress shirt and black slacks was looking over the passports of every individual whom passed by him.
"You'll also need your boarding passes."
Mrs. Shuzen promptly pulled out a set of white sheets from her black purse. She looked at each, handing a pair to Kokoa before giving Kurumu hers. As Yukari took her set, Kurumu looked over the passes which had seat designations, travel destinations, times of departure and terminals.
"We're flying to Tokyo. I've never been to Tokyo before."
"We will only be in Tokyo for an hour, Ms. Kurono. Barely enough time to have a decent meal before we get on our flight to Kumamoto."
"Are we having lunch here? That hotel breakfast wasn't much."
"No. I'd rather be waiting to board our plane. They will serve a meal an hour after takeoff."
Kokoa made a look of disgust.
"That meal wasn't very filling."
"We will try to eat something in Tokyo this time."
Mrs. Shuzen stepped up to the man behind the podium, handing up her boarding pass and passport. The man looked it over, returning both before gesturing for them. Kokoa promptly stepped up, surrendering her boarding pass and passport.
Kurumu shivered when the man looked upon her. He was aroused by the sight of her cleavage which he had an amazing view due to his elevated position and her short stature. She smiled, letting herself know his full thoughts as she handed up her things.
He was definitely happy that he had come to work today. Though he was confused why they were all so nicely dressed. His first guess was that they had been here for a wedding which was why she was not related to the mother and daughter. A niece perhaps or a friend of the daughter since they were so close in age. Such a pity that she had ruined her hair.
"Miss?"
Kurumu smiled apologetically, taking back her things from the man and stepping aside. Yukari presented her documentation which confused the man even more. But she was adorable. He had to go with the niece guess on Yukari since she was too young to be a friend.
"This way, girls."
Kurumu grinned, following Mrs. Shuzen and Kokoa through the opening of the glass barrier at the end of this line. They passed through into another area with a short line preceding the security station.
"Do you think the airport would have a shop that sells yunomi?"
Yukari barked out a laugh, shaking her head.
"Don't you have enough souvenir glasses?"
"I see no reason to stop now. I've acquired a yunomi for every other prefecture I've been in."
"You didn't get one from Hokkaido."
Kurumu wagged her finger at Yukari.
"Yet. Mizore lives there so I'm bound to get one soon. And I really like the one I got from Disneyland."
"Disneyland? You guys went to Disneyland?"
Kurumu laughed at Kokoa's expression.
"Yea. Apparently they just opened up a Disneyland in Hong Kong."
"No fair! I didn't get to do anything while I was here!"
"Hush, Kokoa. You didn't need to do anything here."
Kokoa pouted as they drifted closer to the men working the security station. These men were dressed in the same attire as the man at the podium and were pushing luggage and plastic bins through a scanning device. Passengers were directed through a metal detector before retrieving their things.
"I should have gone to Hong Kong with the others."
"The risk did not outweigh the benefits of keeping you in Iromori."
Kokoa sulked, fussing with the strap of her dark green tote.
"I've done nothing in Iromori."
"This might interest you, Ms. Kurono. Lord Tomi's mansion is in the Fukuoka prefecture. The fastest way to get there from Iromori requires driving through the Oita prefecture."
Kurumu grinned broadly as they eased closer to the man in charge of the gray bins that people were putting their belongings into.
"Sounds like I will need two more yunomi."
It was only a few seconds later when Mrs. Shuzen arrived at the bins. She set her purse inside the gray container, reaching inside to pull out her keys and phone.
"Take all of your electronics out of your bags, ladies. Anything metal goes into the bin."
Mrs. Shuzen accentuated that point when she removed her diamond encrusted, golden cross barrette from her silver locks, placing it beside her keys. The vampire added her watch before continuing over to the man in charge of the metal detector.
"Do I have to take out my earrings?"
"Everything, Ms. Kurono. Hurry up."
Kurumu pouted as she waited for Kokoa to part with her things. The girl pulled her CD player and the three CDs out of her purse which included the one still wrapped for Moka. Kokoa had brought her SMAP CD and her gift from Rubi had been the Hitomi H compilations album which Hotaru did not own. They had listened to the first three songs while waiting for the taxi driver to show up.
"We need to finish listening to that CD."
Kokoa nodded, giving the bin to the man whom placed it on a belt which fed through the scanner.
"It's a long flight. I should have brought more CDs."
Kurumu smirked as she placed her passport, tickets and lavender tote in a bin. That SMAP Vest album was two discs with over two hours' worth of music. And that Hitomi album had fourteen songs. Unless the later songs got much shorter, it was going to be an hour long.
Shaking her head, Kurumu emptied the contents of her purse. She had managed to get all five of her CDs and her CD player into her purse with her phone, surmising that she could get another three or four CDs in here before it became an issue. She pulled out her keys which were on a steel ring with the Niigata Marinepia dolphin figurine and a Hong Kong Disneyland plaque with the Sleeping Beauty Castle on it. She even had that silly friendship bracelet in here that she never remembered to put on.
Sighing, she reached up to pull out the backs of her citrine studs. The man on the other side of the bin chuckled, thinking the jewelry removal was not necessary. But knowing she would only cause a scene if she stopped now, Kurumu finished her task. She nodded at him as he took her bin, walking over to the man by the metal detector.
The man gestured for her to step through the little archway. Kurumu did so and stopped when he held his hand up. He started waving a little wand about her and then gestured for her to go on. As Kurumu wandered over to the conveyor to retrieve her bin of things, Yukari stepped up to be examined.
"I remember the security making such a fuss over Moka's rosary."
Kokoa chuckled as she stuffed most of her things back into her purse. She dragged the tote's strap up on her shoulder, keeping her CD player and Hitomi CD out.
"Yea. It took us more time getting through security yesterday."
Kurumu frowned as she put her earrings back in.
"Is security here easier?"
Kokoa smirked, shaking her head as Yukari sauntered over to join them.
"No. It's customs, Kurumu. They check your stuff thoroughly when you are coming into the country."
"We will have a similar delay in Tokyo but since Ms. Sendou has stowed away most of our belongings, it should not take up too much of our time."
"But what about dinner?"
"We will try, Kokoa. I can't control everything. If we lack the time for a meal in Tokyo, we can pick up something in Kumamoto before we go to Iromori."
"But it will almost be nine when we land in Kumamoto. Will anything even be open on New Year's Eve?"
Kurumu frowned as she started putting her things in her purse.
"Is the flight from Tokyo to Kumamoto that long?"
"We lose an hour when we go back to Japan, Kurumu. You can see that on the boarding passes."
Kurumu perked up at Yukari's comment, moving her passport aside to check her tickets. Sure enough their flight from Hong Kong was an hour longer. She nodded, continuing to stuff her CDs into her purse.
"They tend to start boarding a half hour before departure. We won't be waiting here for long."
"Can't we have lunch here?"
"You can have my meal if it bothers you that much."
Kurumu chuckled at the mother's offer, finishing her task a little after Yukari. Mrs. Shuzen acknowledged their readiness before starting off, prompting them all to follow.
The wall to the right was made from glass panes, giving a clear view of the planes parking alongside the chutes extending from the building. Kurumu followed Mrs. Shuzen into a wide, long space with seating on either side of a motorized sidewalk. Below the first white metal bar spanning this space was a black column with the number 20. A similar column with the number 21 was on the left side of the walkway.
Mrs. Shuzen stepped onto the moving walkway, grabbing the black belt which topped the glass panels flanking it. Kokoa got on next with Kurumu a step behind her. Kurumu favored Yukari a smile as the witch hopped gingerly onto the moving surface.
Kurumu grinned as Yukari fussed with the strap of her tote. The machine pulled her forward at its pace. People were seated in the many chairs which were placed back to back near the glass panes looking out at the planes. On the right side was a room with a red sign of a white figure which probably indicated a women's restroom. That sign was by the door which was near the end of this walkway.
A little further ahead on the left was a similar room. The red sign by this door had a white figure which seemed more masculine. The door was at the start of another of these walkways. Across from that room was a black column with the number 22.
They stepped off the walkway and proceeded over to the next one. Further down this corridor were columns with the numbers for 23 and 24. The odds were on the left and the evens on the right.
"I wish we could have told Mizore that we were leaving."
"We tried, Kurumu. She must be out with Umizake."
Kurumu sighed, knowing that was the most likely explanation of why Mizore had not answered her CD player which was enchanted with the same spell Yukari had on their phones. It was her own fault for not wanting to call Mizore before knowing for certain that they would be leaving with Mrs. Shuzen.
"She doesn't even know about yesterday's attack."
"It would be funny if the others forgot about her."
Kurumu pouted as they reached the end of this walkway right at the column for 23. The column for 24 was near the start of another of these walkways which Mrs. Shuzen was clearly intent on getting on.
"What if they leave Hong Kong without her?"
Yukari smirked as they got onto the next walkway.
"Even if they did, she's with Mr. Umizake. He'll take her back to Mononoke when the school reopens."
They let the motor bring them further down the hall. There was a white room on the right side which Kurumu was certain now was a women's restroom. The door was near the end of this walkway and across from it was the column for 25.
They stepped off the walk, moving over to the next one. On the left was the door to the men's room while the column for 26 was on the right. Kurumu noticed the destination for 26 was Fukuoka.
"They have direct flights to Fukuoka?"
Mrs. Shuzen nodded as the walkway pulled them closer to a set of retail shops on both sides.
"I was unable to book a direct flight on such short notice. It would have saved us so much time. It's only an hour and a half drive from Fukuoka International to Kumamoto's airport."
"And we would have been guaranteed a good dinner."
Mrs. Shuzen chuckled as they neared the end of the walkway.
"Yes. That too. Here is our gate."
Mrs. Shuzen gestured at the upcoming column for 28 which was directly across from the column for 27. The vampire stepped off the walkway, heading over to the seating area on the right side. Kurumu kept close to Kokoa as the president glanced over the monitors before taking a vacant seat.
"Looks like we have a short wait but our plane isn't delayed."
Kokoa sighed, taking the vacant seat by her mother. Kurumu smiled at Yukari, gesturing for her to take the other open seat by Mrs. Shuzen while settling for a vacant spot across from them.
"I still wished I could have gone with you guys."
Yukari snickered, resting her tote in her lap.
"Are you that desperate to play with your big brother?"
"I don't have any brothers."
"She means Miyamoto."
"What does that dummy have to do with Hong Kong?"
"He is one of the reinforcements that the Headmaster gave to us on Christmas Day to take back with us to Hong Kong for training."
Kokoa grimaced at Kurumu, shaking her head.
"What good will training that moron do? He'll be useless in a fight against a vampire."
Kurumu laughed nervously, looking at Mrs. Shuzen.
"What happens if you fight Kahlua tomorrow?"
"She will learn an important lesson."
Kokoa sighed dramatically, slouching in her chair.
"I just hope that we can go back to the Estate after this. Anything would be better than another week in Iromori with Lord Ruben's annoying boys."
"You won't be going back to the Estate. I asked Nagi to move everything belonging to you and Moka to Lord Ruben's place before we left."
"But why?"
"Because our home is compromised. Once it became obvious that Lady Chuujitsu could not be trusted, I have spent almost no time there. I probably should have told you but I already dismissed Mr. Kondo and Mr. and Mrs. Chinoashi."
"You dismissed them?!"
"Yes. I bought a nice little restaurant for Mr. Kondo to operate in Arukasa and a quiet home in Ominami for Mr. And Mrs. Chinoashi."
Kokoa nodded thoughtfully as her shock diminished.
"I've been to Arukasa. That's where the main Fairy Tale office that Ms. Fukuda works out of is. I've never heard of Ominami."
"Ominami is a small town about an hour away from Lord Tomi's mansion. The town is home to Kyoumi High which gets a third of their students from small villages in the Oita prefecture."
Kokoa cocked her head with a frown.
"What do you plan to do with Nagi and Tara?"
"They will be staying with Lord Uniki until the situation stabilizes. Hopefully Lord Fujisaki doesn't know where our youngest family elder resides. He did move into a new home after Issa's disappearance."
Kokoa huffed, setting her CD player in her lap.
"They could have told me. I saw them at the Christmas party."
"I didn't ask them to stay with Rena's father until the end of the party. If everything turns out well, they will be able to return to the estate."
Kokoa sighed heavily as she opened up the case of her Hitomi CD.
"Guess it is back to being stranded in Iromori for weeks. Hey. Did your grandfather say how long he plans to extend the break?"
Kurumu shared a look with Yukari as Kokoa put her CD into her player.
"Do you want to tell her?"
"You'll need to end that call, Ms. Kurono."
Kurumu laughed at Ms. Fukuda's suggestion. The woman had her ashen locks styled in a pixie cut and was driving this dark blue sedan along a winding path up the hillside. It was too dark to tell the color of Ms. Fukuda's garments, though Kurumu knew the blouse was a dark green and the slacks were black.
"I got to go, Kabuki. I'll see you soon."
"K. Love ya!"
Kurumu giggled as the line went dead. She noted the time was almost ten before she stuffed her phone inside her purse. Yukari sighed, sitting between Kurumu and Kokoa on this journey to Iromori.
"I don't know how you can be so cheerful."
Kurumu was happy that she had received a text from Tora when they had arrived in Tokyo. Apparently Satsuki had arranged something with Ms. Nekonome before the wedding. They would be returning to Yokai Academy with their teacher on the night of the eighth.
"We got good news about Tora and Satsuki."
"That wasn't even a surprise."
"I'm surprised she even has signal this close to Iromori."
Kurumu perked up at Ms. Fukuda's sentiment.
"Oh? Are we almost there?"
"Less than five minutes to the tunnel but we still have a few minutes once we are inside."
Kurumu nodded, glancing out the window. There was not much to see beyond the shapes of trees. The stars dotted the inky sky overhead. And with it being a new moon, there was not much light at all.
"Thank goodness. I don't know how I can be so tired. All we did is sit on our asses all day long."
"Are you ladies not staying up until midnight? It's only two more hours."
"What would even be the point?"
"I'll stay up if Mother does."
"I will be turning in, Kokoa. We have a long day tomorrow."
Kokoa sighed heavily, slouching against her car door behind her mother.
"I hope Lord Ruben's wife makes a big breakfast."
Despite their lack of luggage, customs had made it impossible to have dinner in Tokyo. By the time they had landed in Kumamoto, none of them had been interested in a meal. As there was not much to see in the dark, Kurumu had called Kabuki within minutes and had been on the phone ever since.
"I might stay up for midnight. Do my laundry."
"Ugh. I should probably join you."
"Are you also running out of clothes?"
"No. But I want to properly wash out yesterday's clothes. All we could do was rinse the blood out."
Kurumu nodded as they drove into the darkness of a tunnel, knowing the hidden city of Iromori would be on the other side. Her anxiety about tomorrow was threatening to return. But Mrs. Shuzen had seen this party through Kokoa's eyes and presumably through hers too. The mother knew exactly what they had to do to get them through this dangerous situation unscathed.
"I only have one clean outfit for tomorrow."
"How do you only have one? Didn't they do your laundry when you were in the city with Shirayuki?"
Kurumu pouted as they came out the other side of the tunnel.
"I only had six outfits to begin with, Yukari. My school blouse and pink halter top got trashed and I left my black skirt and the blouse with the snaps back in Mononoke. And since I'm wearing this and I wore the suspender skirt outfit on my outing with Mizore, it only leaves me with my teal top and jeans."
"Yea but you had two tank tops with shorts that you were wearing as pajamas that you could use. Unless you wore your corduroy tank top to bed the night before the attack, you should have that."
"I'd rather wear my teal top and jeans."
"Didn't you pack your maid outfits?"
Kurumu frowned as they passed by the looped drive in front of the town's hospital. She could see the many buildings of Iromori sprawled out beyond the six story structure.
"I only had room in my suitcase for one. Do you want me to dress up as your maid tomorrow?"
"It would be warmer than a tank top. Iromori doesn't control its temperature. You'll freeze your tits off."
The land Iromori was built upon looked nothing like how the real world looked on the other side of the tunnel that had brought them here. It was flat with more than half of it being tilled for farming. That vendor had boasted about how Iromori made enough rice to even sell to other monster communities.
They passed by several two story structures. According to a chatty festival vendor, many shop owners lived above their shops. Unlike Mononoke, there was much space between these buildings. Streetlights stood at the corners of every intersection with signs prompting drivers to stop.
As they passed through the third intersection, Kurumu appreciated how large Iromori felt. It was much bigger than Mononoke but Touge Technical, the prefectural school which stood on the other side of the river flanking the city, had about thirty less students per grade than Yokai Academy.
At least that was what Mrs. Ruben had told her. Lord Ruben's wife worked as a junior high math teacher which provided housing for students just like the high school did. Kurumu was mildly curious how many junior highs and high schools the Kumamoto prefecture had. As they would be staying with Lord Ruben, she hoped to learn a lot about the prefecture Moka and Kokoa had grown up in.
After passing by several three story apartment buildings, the road curved to the left. They coasted by two story residences flanking the road. At least one vehicle was parked in the paved drives between these homes. A few of these drives were covered. They stopped at an intersection in compliance with the signs, waiting a few seconds before continuing on.
Ms. Fukuda brought the car to a stop alongside the curb in front of a two story home on their left. The residence had white paneling and black shutters flanking the windows overlooking the grassy lawn. A covered, recessed porch was lit up at the end of a bricked path which connected to the sidewalk at the curb. A coffered black door marked the entrance.
"This is it."
"Meet us here after lunch tomorrow. Around one should be fine."
Ms. Fukuda nodded as Mrs. Shuzen opened her door almost at the same time as Kokoa opened hers. Both vampires stepped out onto the curb.
"You don't mind if I stay in town? It's a long drive back to my apartment in Arukasa."
"You are welcome to stay at the hotel if you like."
Kurumu scooted across the back seat, getting out of the vehicle after Yukari.
"I will. Happy New Year, Madame President."
Mrs. Shuzen echoed the sentiment, closing her door. Kurumu closed the other one, adjusting the strap of her purse on her shoulder. The dark blue sedan eased away from the curb, picking up speed to reach the next intersection. The blinker signaled her turn to the left.
"Kurumu. Come."
Kurumu smiled at Kokoa's prompting. The others were already halfway up the walk to the door. Kurumu hurried to join them, surmising that the covered drive would belong to the Ruben family. It had two sedans parked beneath it. One was a faded black while the other was a glossy dark red.
Kokoa arrived first at the door, grabbing a little golden ball in the center of the door and lifting it up on its golden arms. She pounded it firmly against the golden inset three times before letting it go. She adjusted the strap of her green tote on her shoulder as they waited for a response.
Seconds later, the sound of a lock being drawn back greeted them. Kokoa retreated as the door opened, swinging out towards them. A slender woman with her long pink hair pulled back in a high ponytail smiled at them. Mrs. Ruben was garbed in a short sleeved, yellow shirt dress with white buttons down the center and white dots scattered about the fabric. The hem of the pleated skirt brushed her calves.
"Evening, Madame President. Ms. Shuzen."
"Is Lord Ruben awake?"
"In the living room. My two boys are in bed though. They want to see the first New Year sunrise."
Mrs. Shuzen stepped across the threshold into the small genkan preceding the hall.
"We shall join you in that endeavor."
Kokoa perked up as she followed her mother inside.
"Are we going to the shrine?"
"Yes, Kokoa."
"Madame President!"
Lord Ruben stepped into the hallway with a broad smile. The scarlet haired man had a ruddy complexion and was garbed in a yellow polo and black slacks. He briskly strode over to the edge of the genkan.
"Evening, Lord Ruben."
"You honor my home with your presence. Mr. Nagi stopped by this afternoon with several boxes that we put up in the room which your daughter is staying in."
"We prepared the other guest room for you."
Mrs. Shuzen slipped out of her heels, stepping up onto the tatami flooring.
"That won't be necessary. I can share the room with Kokoa."
"Perhaps the other girls-"
"Kurumu is sleeping in our room."
Kurumu chuckled as Kokoa removed her black flats. She let Yukari enter before her.
"As you wish, Milady."
"Will it be crowded?"
Mrs. Ruben shook her head as Yukari wiggled out of her glossy black, platform Mary Janes that her Grandparents had given her for Christmas.
"There should be enough room for the four of you if you don't want to sleep alone."
"These two young ladies would like to do some laundry tonight if possible."
Kurumu entered, allowing Mrs. Ruben to close the door behind her. She immediately stepped out of her wedges, feeling the warmth of the interior.
"They could do one load tonight. They shouldn't stay up too late if they want to be up for the sunrise."
"I'm fine with that if Kurumu is. I'm only worried about yesterday's clothing."
"I guess that's fine. But I will need to do the rest of my laundry soon."
This central hall divided the home with a flight of stairs behind Lord Ruben. He stood near an opening on the right. A living room with a television, couch and armchairs were beyond. The opening on the left was for a room with a desk and a bunch of bookcases.
"We should unpack and change into our pajamas first. You two can come back down for your laundry."
"Will you require anything else this evening?"
Mrs. Shuzen paused before Lord Ruben as Kokoa trotted noisily up the stairs.
"No, Lord Ruben. Thank you for your hospitality."
Lord Ruben bowed his head, retreating into his living room.
"Understood. I hope you sleep well."
Mrs. Shuzen started up the stairs, prompting Kurumu and Yukari to follow. It was a long flight, going all the way up to the next floor without a landing. Kokoa stood at the top, gripping the white railing.
"That door is for the parents and this door is for a small bathroom."
Kokoa walked along the railing flanking an upper hallway.
"The first door on this side is for the boys. My room is the last one."
Kurumu reached the top, seeing three doors in the small turnabout of this hall. She guessed the door in front of them had to be the small bathroom which meant this door on her right was Lord Ruben's room. Kurumu surmised that middle door was for the other guest room Mrs. Ruben had prepared for them.
They walked to the end of this hall, stepping through the door which Kokoa had left open. The lights were already on and Kokoa was in the far right corner of the room, sliding open a closet door.
"They only have two futons in here but we can grab the ones from the adjacent room."
"That won't be necessary."
Kokoa frowned as her mother strolled into the center of the room. Several boxes were stacked along the wall to the right of the door and along that wall with the closet. The roof swept down from the center, making the opposing wall not much taller than Kokoa. A bay window facing the street was in the center of the left wall. The protrusion was tall and deep enough that one could sit on the ledge.
"You don't want your own futon?"
"Not tonight, Kokoa. If you don't mind."
Kokoa smiled, pulling a futon out of the closet.
"Of course I don't mind."
"Take out our luggage, Ms. Sendou."
Yukari nodded, kneeling down while slipping the strap of her yellow tote off her shoulder. She opened up the top as Kokoa pitched the futon on the floor by Kurumu's feet.
"Spread that out for us."
Kurumu smirked at Kokoa as the vampire returned to the closet to fetch the other futon. Shaking her head, she got down and complied with her lady's request. She felt the hum of power as Yukari pulled out a hand sized version of Mrs. Shuzen's luggage.
"Will you be fine sharing a futon with me?"
Yukari huffed, setting the tiny luggage aside.
"As long as you promise not to smother me in my sleep."
Kurumu snickered as she felt another draw of power. Before she was finished with her task, Kokoa pitched the other futon on the floor beside her.
"You don't mind if we have both futons by each other?"
"That won't be a problem."
Kokoa got down on her hands and knees, helping Kurumu spread out the other bedding. By the time they were finished, Yukari had pulled out miniature versions of Kokoa's silver suitcase and her own black suitcase. The witch held her hand over her tote, drawing power to retrieve the next item.
"Hey, Yukari. Are you going to stay with us?"
Yukari pulled out a diminished version of Kurumu's travel suitcase. The witch pushed her tote aside.
"What do you mean by that?"
"I mean after this party tomorrow. Are you going to stay here or do you plan to return to Hong Kong?"
Yukari snorted as she held her hands over Mrs. Shuzen's black suitcase. She refrained from answering, concentrating on the spell to restore Mrs. Shuzen's luggage back to its proper size.
"Neither. My parents scheduled a dental appointment for me on the fifth."
Kurumu frowned as Yukari pushed the correct sized black suitcase aside. The witch turned her attention on the silver suitcase next.
"But you don't have to stay there. You could come right back."
Once again Yukari took her time responding. The silver suitcase swelled up to the original size and Yukari sighed, lowering her hands.
"Could you pester me after I finish this?"
Kurumu chuckled as Kokoa steered the two suitcases over to her mother.
"Do you want to change in the bathroom?"
Mrs. Shuzen reached up to tug down on the tiny zipper at the collar of her cheongsam as she knelt down on the bedding.
"We are all women here, Kokoa. Get changed."
Kurumu shifted her focus on Yukari's task as the two vampires undressed. The witch had already sized up her own suitcase and was now working on Kurumu's.
"You didn't take out my dirty clothes bag or my schoolbag."
Yukari sighed heavily once she had restored Kurumu's travel suitcase. The witch shook her head as she grabbed her own suitcase and opened it up.
"I'll get that after we change."
Kurumu smiled apologetically, fetching her suitcase. She dragged it over to the edge of the bedding. It was much easier to open since much of her wardrobe was in that other bag.
Thinking she might want to save her corduroy tank top and shorts for another day, Kurumu pulled out her cream camisole and set it aside. She stood up to disrobe, parting with her halter dress and lingerie in seconds. In a few more seconds, she smoothed her silky camisole over the curves of her body.
The vampires had also finished changing. Kokoa had on her cherry nightgown while Mrs. Shuzen was sporting a sparkly gray nightie with a black fur hem.
The sound of a wrapper being torn drew Kurumu's attention back to Yukari. The nude witch pulled out a white pad which she pressed into the crotch of a pair of boring, white panties. Another boring pair of white briefs was nearby with its pad featuring a dark blood stain in the middle.
"What are you doing?"
Yukari huffed at Kokoa's inquiry.
"Changing my pad. Is there a trash can I should use for that?"
Kokoa grimaced as Yukari pulled up her panties.
"That is so gross."
"The body of a witch bleeds when her body is mature enough to have a baby. It's called a period."
"I know what a period is."
Yukari pulled her pink camisole over her head. She smoothed the fabric down her petite body, fixing the straps on her narrow shoulders.
"I couldn't be too sure. Vampires don't have them."
"They have a trashcan in the bathroom but the boys use that one. I don't know if you should be leaving that nasty thing in their garbage."
Yukari nodded, tearing the used pad off her panties. The fabric was spotted with blood.
"I'll check with Mrs. Ruben what she prefers when we go do our laundry."
Kokoa sighed when Yukari turned back to the tote. The witch summoned the power to retrieve Kurumu's bag of dirtied clothes.
"Did you guys see that red car in the driveway?"
"Yea. It looked new."
"It is new. Mother showed up in it."
"Oh? That's yours?"
Mrs. Shuzen smirked at Kurumu as Kokoa sighed dramatically.
"She bought that for Moka."
Yukari gasped, dropping the tiny garbage bag on the floor.
"You bought my Moka a car?"
"A 2005 Honda Acura TL. Mother didn't even buy Kahlua a car."
Mrs. Shuzen sighed, lying down on the futon.
"You spend far too much time envying your sisters."
"But it isn't fair."
"I've given Kahlua and you many things over the years. The only thing I've ever given Moka since she was sealed away was money."
Kokoa pouted as she settled down beside her mother.
"But you gave her blood. You never gave me blood."
Mrs. Shuzen sighed again, pulling her daughter closer. She absently ran her fingers through Kokoa's hair.
"You'll have everything I can give, Kokoa. We should sleep now."
Kurumu shivered as she felt the power surge. She glanced at Yukari, seeing that her garbage bag had been restored to its proper size. She pushed up on her feet, stalking over to grab the bag.
"I guess we should go downstairs and get this laundry started."
Yukari nodded dumbly, grabbing a plastic bag out of her suitcase which contained her bloodied garments. She snatched up her dirty pad and panties before hopping to her feet.
"Yea. I can't believe she bought Moka a car."
Kurumu chuckled, tousling Yukari's hair as they started for the open door.
"Me too. Does she even know how to drive?"
Yukari snorted, betraying her opinion as they exited the room.