My Liberation

by Ravenhale1

This is the eleventh installment of the AU recreation of Rosario Vampire told through Kurumu's POV. This story covers their final showdown with Alucard and the weeks prior to it (January 13th - January 24th & January 27th, 2006). The story has modified versions of second season's Chapters 43-46 and Chapters 50-64. Not strictly canon.

1. Beginning of the End

The ringing of a phone demanded attention. Kurono Kurumu groaned as her dream fled her awareness. She opened her eyes, holding a small girl captive against her. She yawned in the darkness of this suite which belonged to the vampire sisters.

Sakurai Kabuki breathed hotly upon Kurumu's breasts. Kurumu absently ran her fingers through Kabuki's thick, dark locks as the phone continued to ring. The noisome device was on the floor by Moka's desk, connected to its charger which was plugged into the wall.

Kurumu regretted learning about her phone's alarm function. She sighed, reaching behind her to pull the blanket off. Not wanting to disturb Kabuki, she scooted away while keeping the girl under the sheet. Her ass was bared because her silky black chemise had hiked up to her hips.

Kabuki murmured, reaching for Kurumu. Kurumu put a wad of blanket in the girl's hand, placating the nine year old. The girl slept in a tee shirt and shorts upon the pink couch with its back lowered for the night. Kurumu scooted her legs and rump off the couch, letting her knees touch the floor.

Kurumu admired the girl for a moment, ignoring her phone's persistent ringing. Kabuki had a different father and mother, but because they were succubi, they shared the same birth mother. Despite being sisters of a sort, they looked nothing alike. Kabuki was also quite different from her mother. She probably took after Ms. Garimasu, their undine birth mother, whom Kabuki had never met.

Kurumu pushed up onto her feet. Her eyes had adjusted to the darkness to make out the shape of the television resting upon the stand. Kurumu pranced around the couch to arrive at the desk beside the television stand. Leaning over, she grabbed her phone off the floor beside Moka's printer. She turned the device over and pushed a button to silence the alarm. It was already six seventeen.

Kurumu tiptoed to the other side of the television stand, leaning down to push a button on the karaoke machine. The first song of her Mr. Children's Wonderful World album started playing over the speakers as she trotted around the foot of the bed pushed into the corner of the room.

Shuzen Kokoa slept beneath the crimson comforter and black sheets drawn over the mattress held up by an ebony wood frame. Black pillows with a pink heart pattern lined the headboard while a huge stuffed bear wearing a fedora rested in the corner. Kurumu started shaking the bulge in the center of the bed.

"Wake up, Milady. Time for your bath."

Kokoa grumbled but made no movement.

"You are not doing this a third day in a row."

Kurumu grabbed the top of the blankets, dragging them down to expose Kokoa's silver locks. The girl groaned as Kurumu pulled the sheets further down, revealing a canary camisole which barely contained the mature vampire's body. Once the girl's creamy thighs were bared, Kurumu dropped the sheets on Kokoa's knees. Kurumu patted the mattress around Kokoa's rump.

"Did you have an accident?"

"Shut up."

Kurumu giggled, grabbing the girl's left arm and tugging. Kokoa growled, yanking her arm free as she scooted away. The vampire crawled up onto her knees, touching the far wall with her back to Kurumu. She remained like that for several heartbeats.

"I haven't bathed you since Tuesday night."

Kokoa grunted, pushing off the wall. When the girl started towards her, Kurumu backed off to give Kokoa space. The vampire stumbled out of bed, grabbing Kurumu for support. Kurumu was about to help the vampire to the bathroom when Kokoa batted her hands away and stalked off.

"I'm serious about that bath, Kokoa."

The vampire passed through an open doorway near Moka's desk. Kurumu winced when Kokoa flicked on a light before drifting out of sight. She trotted after the vampire, entering the bathroom as Kokoa's camisole was tossed against her feet. Kokoa lifted the toilet lid and sat down, relieving her bladder.

"Do you have a preference in scent?"

Kurumu tugged her chemise up over her head, dropping it next to Kokoa's camisole. She turned her back on the vampire, regarding a rack stacked with towels and bathing goods. Despite their issue with water, the vampires had a large selection of scents including peppermint, cherry, vanilla, lavender, tangerine and sea breeze. Kurumu grabbed the purple bottles of lavender.

"Lavender it is. Do you want a full blown bath or just a scrub and rinse?"

Kokoa lifted up from the toilet seat with her crimson eyes downcast. She stepped over the lip of the tub and laid down on her side.

Kurumu smiled softly, guessing they would not need the black stool stuffed between the toilet and tub. She sauntered over to the toilet, dropping the seat and leaning over to place the bottles of shampoo and bodywash on the drain grates flanking the tub. She wandered back to the rack, grabbing a loofa and two plush, black towels. She strolled back to the tub, placing the towels on the toilet seat.

"I know you can talk. Don't be like this."

But Kokoa kept quiet. The nude vampire was curled up in the tub with her back to Kurumu.

"This will hurt a little."

Kurumu tugged the wand free from its mount on the wall above the tub. She turned the dial, causing a spray of water to rush out. It struck the vampire's body, causing a crackling sound as blinding flashes of electricity danced about. Kokoa did not flinch.

"You should come to school today."

Kurumu continued spraying down the despondent girl in silence, making sure that those thick, silver tresses were thoroughly drenched. When Kokoa was thoroughly soaked, Kurumu put the wand back in its holster as she turned off the water.

"You need to sit up, Kokoa. It will be easier for me."

As Kurumu grabbed the shampoo bottle, the vampire graciously complied. Kurumu squirted a dollop of whitish gel into her palm. She clambered over the lip of the tub to sit upon it before she started running her fingers through Kokoa's sodden tresses.

"It's Friday. Mr. Nurari might have mail for us."

Kurumu worked the shampoo into Kokoa's hair. Realizing she needed more, Kurumu reached over for the bottle to add another dollop to her palm.

"We might get a package with all of that new lingerie we ordered. While you are bigger now, it shouldn't take as long to make your stuff as it will mine."

Kurumu continued spreading the shampoo throughout Kokoa's thick locks. Three weeks ago Kokoa had put in a lingerie order for Kurumu and Moka. But it had only been last Monday when they had put the order in for Kokoa's new stuff. The clerk had been annoyed since she already had a new yellow lingerie set for Kokoa but it no longer fit the girl.

"You'll need to stand up so I can scrub your body."

Kurumu reached over to grab the loofa and bodywash as the vampire acquiesced. Kurumu squirted a huge dollop of creamy white gel into the loofa before setting the bottle aside. She stood up as she squished the gel into suds within the loofa.

"I wonder if you're going to have another growth spurt this year."

Kurumu started scrubbing the vampire's back. She was shorter than Kokoa now. The one time she had brought Kokoa to school this week, she had realized the vampire was as tall as Suzume. Then Kokoa had freaked out, forcing Kurumu to take the hysterical vampire back home. That had delayed their plans of checking if Kaneshiro had made contact with Yoshii.

Kurumu lowered the loofa, scrubbing the top of Kokoa's butt. The vampire sighed, placing her hands on the tiled wall. Snickering, Kurumu leaned in to rub the loofa up and down the back of Kokoa's thighs.

"You still enjoy your bath."

Kokoa kept silent which disappointed Kurumu. She continued all the way down to Kokoa's ankles before lifting back up. She reached over for the bodywash to replenish the suds within the loofa.

"Turn around, Milady."

Kurumu smiled as Kokoa yielded to her instructions. She set the bodywash bottle aside, working the gel into suds as she regarded the curvy vampire before her. Kokoa still had dark, small aureoles topped with erect nipples. And they were just as sensitive as they had been before. The vampire gasped as Kurumu started massaging her breasts.

"I bet you'll be a genuine C cup by your birthday. As long as you don't jump to an E, your new lingerie should fit you for at least a year."

Kurumu lowered the loofa to Kokoa's belly, eliciting a whimper from the vampire. Kurumu hunkered down, scrubbing from Kokoa's navel to her thighs. Kokoa sighed as Kurumu continued down her legs to her ankles before coming back up for her arms and hands. The vampire made no further sounds as Kurumu lifted her limbs to do her armpits and sides.

"We should go shopping this weekend. I was so focused on taking care of your lingerie issue that I didn't realize you had an entire wardrobe issue. Our fault for only putting you in dresses last weekend."

The moment Kurumu was finished, Kokoa turned away and lowered back on her knees and haunches. Kurumu frowned, wondering if she should rinse the vampire off or tend to her own bathing needs.

"If you're going to be like that, then I'll just take care of myself for a bit."

Kurumu stepped over the lip, kneeling on the tiled floor. She reached over for the wand, freeing it from its mount. She turned on the spray and brought the wand over her own head, feeling the water rapidly soak her arctic blue tresses.

"You should come to school today. We could bring Kabuki with us."

Kurumu ran her fingers through her locks while her other hand held the wand. Once her hair was thoroughly saturated, she turned the water on her body. In seconds she was dripping everywhere. Putting the wand back in its holster, she turned off the water.

"I get it, Kokoa. You don't want to look people in their eyes because of your new powers. But I've been that way for years because of my charm. You can just avoid direct eye contact."

Kurumu picked up the shampoo bottle and squirted out a huge dollop into her palm. Setting the bottle aside, she reached up and vigorously worked the shampoo into her locks. She sighed when she still had no sort of response once she was finished with her task.

"If I wasn't worried about leaving Kabuki alone again, I wouldn't let you wallow in your misery like this. Come on. I want to show my sister to my friends."

Kurumu squeezed the bodywash bottle to get a huge wad into the loofa. Dropping the bottle on the grates, she lifted up to scrub her body. Her pink nipples poked out like erasers from her G cup breasts. She made certain to get suds in every crevasse of her body before kneeling back down and tossing the loofa into the tub.

"You should at least do something with Kabuki. She says that you just stay in bed the whole day while she entertains herself."

Kurumu tugged the wand out of its holster and turned the water on.

"I'm about to rinse you off so don't be mad at me if it hurts."

She sighed, turning the wand upon Kokoa. Energy crackled as the spray doused the unflinching vampire. Kurumu wagged the wand about, watching the suds run off Kokoa's body.

"You don't have to get up but you at least need to turn around."

Kokoa obliged, allowing Kurumu to rinse off the vampire's front. Steeling her nerves, Kurumu stepped over the lip of the tub and directed the spray into Kokoa's locks. She shuddered as energy struck her, causing her whole body to tingle. She ignored the discomfort, moving her free hand through Kokoa's thick hair. She kept at her task until the water running down Kokoa's body was clear.

Thankful that was over, Kurumu stepped away from the vampire as she turned the water on herself. It only took a few seconds to force the suds off her body. She hunkered down on her knees as she raised the wand over her own head. She attacked her own tresses with zeal, getting the shampoo out faster than it had taken to get it in. Once the water ran clear, she turned the faucet off and returned the wand to its holster. She reached over to grab a towel off the toilet, turning about to face Kokoa.

"Stand up. I need to dry you."

Kokoa crackled with energy as she stood up. Kurumu briskly wiped the girl's torso down, starting with her breasts and stomach. She leaned down, drying Kokoa's thighs and legs.

"Turn around. We need to pick you up some new uniforms when the school store reopens."

Finished with the body, Kurumu turned her efforts upon Kokoa's hair. But the vampire grabbed the towel from her and stepped over the tub lip. Kurumu frowned as the girl sauntered off, drying her own hair.

"You better be heading towards your closet. You're not spending the day naked."

Kurumu grabbed the other towel and quickly dried herself. Draping it over her shoulders, she stepped out of the tub. She stopped to pick up the discarded pajamas before heading out of the room where she was greeted by the tail end of the One Two Three song. Kokoa's closet door was open with the light on. Moka's red bike was leaned against the wall between the two closet doors.

Kurumu sauntered into the closet, noting that Kokoa was still drying her hair. Kurumu tossed Kokoa's camisole into Kokoa's green hamper.

"Are you going to dress yourself today?"

"Pick something for me."

Kurumu grinned at the response. She pranced over to the lingerie section, snatching up the new black lace bra and panties set that they had bought in Iromori with the million yen Kokoa's mother had left her for New Years. She presented the lingerie to Kokoa.

"May as well wear this since it's the only set that fits."

Kokoa chucked her towel into her hamper before taking the lingerie. They had also acquired a white lace bra and panties set that Kokoa had worn to school on Tuesday. From that same store in Iromori, they had picked up two strapless bras and two sports bras. And they had five colorful sets on order for Kokoa from that lingerie store in Kumamoto.

Kurumu sighed as she looked over Kokoa's selection of casual clothes. She had spent most of Tuesday night forcing Kokoa to try on her outfits. Not many fit, including some that Kokoa had just bought last October. The vampire had been still wearing her pajamas when Kurumu had returned these last two days, only changing clothes when Kurumu made her.

"Will you come to school if I give you a school blouse?"

Getting only a grunt for a response, Kurumu glanced at the small section of attire that Kokoa could still wear. Most were dresses which seemed a waste to put on a girl determined to stay inside all day. Kurumu grabbed the pleated, dark green dress, slipping the garment off its hanger and presenting it to Kokoa.

"Do you want to donate all of the clothes that no longer fit?"

Having put on her lingerie, Kokoa quietly took the dress. She pulled it over her head, tugging the fabric down her body. She fixed the dress straps to hide her bra straps before fluffing out the fabric about her hips. The pleats ended halfway down her thighs instead of covering her knees like they had last summer.

"Maybe Kabuki would like some of these outfits. I know that she wanted a Chinese dress."

Kokoa stalked out of the closet without a word. Kurumu sighed, drifting over to the door.

"We have to pick you up a new Chinese dress to match your girls."

There had been several fancy dresses in this closet. Hand downs from Kahlua that Kurumu had avoided having Kokoa try on. But the vampire had destroyed them. That had been the biggest reason why she had not forced Kokoa to go to school on Wednesday. She had found Kokoa on the floor of her closet that morning, crying in the aftermath.

With another sigh, Kurumu turned off the closet light and wandered back into the main room. Kawaita Kiss was playing as she shut the door. Taking in a deep breath, she wandered over to the closet door near the refrigerator. She tugged it open, slipping inside and turning on the light.

Kurumu tossed her chemise and towel into her busted, black wicker hamper. She sashayed over to her pile of lingerie, grabbing her black lace bra which had been special ordered with front clasps. She slung the bra on like a jacket, but paused as she brought the cups together.

She absently touched the scar in the center of her chest. Proof that her heart had been fixed. She smiled as she hooked the clasps together. She shifted her breasts for a comfortable fit before grabbing her black boyshorts with the white heart pattern. She slipped her feet through the holes, tugging the cotton up over her patch which might need a minor trim since it had been over a month. She smoothed the fabric out about her hips and waist.

She would have to do laundry tonight. She took the last of her school blouses off its hanger and slipped her arms into the long sleeves. She pulled the flaps together and started buttoning up from the bottom. Hopefully Kokoa would not mind buying her a fifth blouse since the one she had taken on the recent trip to Hong Kong had been destroyed.

As Kurumu finished buttoning up, she wondered what they would do when Kokoa's final monetary gift ran out. But it felt wrong to worry about finances while more serious things were happening. They could deal with that after rescuing Kokoa's sister, Akashiya Moka, and stopping Fujisaki Miyabi's plans of reviving Alucard with Moka's blood and starting a war against humanity.

Aono Tsukune was still in Hong Kong, training under Master Touhou Fuhai to accomplish both of those goals. Tsukune was fully committed to Moka now. She was worried that Tsukune would neglect himself and she doubted she could rely on the boys with him in Hong Kong to keep him in check. It was not like Mizore could watch over him in Touhou's mirror world.

She grabbed one of her school's pleated skirts. These skirts had a tartan pattern with different shades of brown. She pulled the skirt up over her hips, tightening it at her waist. With the garment cinched, she snatched up a pair of tied socks.

She decided not to wear the green school jacket or the beige sweater vest. She sauntered back into the main room, turning the light off before shutting the closet door. The tune of Youthful Days was playing in the background as she opened the refrigerator.

"We're going to have natto and rice again."

She pulled the clear container of natto out and chucked it on the counter before closing the refrigerator. She opened the nearby lower cabinet, pulling out a bag of rice. Setting that on the counter, she dragged the rice cooker over which was resting by the microwave. Opening the top, she fetched the measuring cup she had left out. She measured out three full cups of rice, adding each to the rice cooker.

Kurumu stepped over to the sink, turning on the faucet. She filled up three cups of water, adding each to the rice cooker. She turned off the water and closed the top of the rice cooker. She pushed the button for the three cup setting, causing the digital display to start counting down from thirty minutes.

Thinking she could warm up the natto in the microwave when the rice was closer to being done, Kurumu walked over to the entry where the suite's light switch was. The entry was on the other side of this half wall that the suite stove was pushed against. They had arranged Kabuki's sneakers and their school loafers neatly on the floor along the half wall. The rest of Kurumu's casual shoes were in the closet.

She flipped on the room's lights, causing Kabuki to grumble from the couch. Kurumu grinned as the girl pulled the sheet over her head. Kokoa was lying on the bed with her back to the entry.

"Wake up, Kabuki. No reason to stay in bed."

Kurumu stalked over to the couch, seizing the blanket. She yanked it off the groaning girl, gathering the sheet up in her arms. Kabuki whimpered, pushing up on her hands as Kurumu started folding the sheet.

"Go use the toilet. Bathe if you like."

"What time is it, huh?"

"I'd have to check. Now go."

Kabuki grumbled, scooting off the couch. She shuffled over to the bathroom which still had its light on. She slipped out of sight before Kurumu finished her task.

Once Kurumu had the sheet folded, she set it aside on the arm of the couch. She leaned down, pushing a lever on the couch's side. She tugged on the back of the couch as she scooted to the other side. There was another lever there which she pushed, freeing the pins holding the couch's back down. She pushed the back up to a vertical position, hearing the pins snap in place.

As the first notes of Fastener started to play, Kurumu wandered over to Moka's desk. She leaned down, taking her phone off its charger. She noted the time before setting the phone on the desk beside her brown jewelry box. The gift from Rubi had a relief engraved on the top which consisted of a red bird flying over a blue pond with a full white moon.

"Kabuki. It's six forty three."

The flush of the toilet answered her. Kurumu lifted the top of her jewelry box, prompting a simple tune to play. She had stored some precious things inside this. The friendship bracelet with the tiny silver hearts that she never remembered to wear. A silver locket with a picture of her father. Five gemstone stud earrings that her father had given her. And her purple lace ribbon.

Deciding to keep her hair down today, Kurumu selected her citrine studs to go with her black lingerie. She closed up the box, hearing the sound of the water spray. She removed the back from a stud, forcing the pin through her right earlobe. It was annoying that her ears healed up so fast that she had to pierce them every morning.

It was well into the song when Kurumu finished securing her earrings. She sashayed over to the bed, walking around to its side. She hunkered down, reaching beneath the bed to grab the black wood of the low table. Gripping it firmly, she shuffled back to pull it out. Once the table was clear of the couch, she let it flop on the floor. She stepped over to the side, pushing the table behind the couch.

Kurumu glanced at the rice cooker, noting she still had over twenty six minutes to go. She opened the cabinet below the sink beside the dishwasher to fetch the stool. She scooted the stool over, stepping up on it to reach the overhead cabinets. She pulled out three tumblers and bowls, setting them aside on the counter before hopping off the stool.

Still feeling it was too early to warm up the natto, Kurumu wandered over to the open bathroom door. She poked her head inside, smirking upon seeing the girl lathering herself up while kneeling in the tub.

"You'll be getting your wings and tail in less than two years."

Kabuki shrieked, glancing over her shoulder with sea green eyes. Kurumu laughed, causing the girl to giggle. Kabuki shook her head as she resumed her task.

"I know, huh? Might even start needing a bra, huh?"

Kurumu smirked as the girl started working shampoo into her indigo locks. The shoulder length tresses had a natural wave to them.

"Yea. Those come too, but don't expect to get super big right away."

"What are we doing today, huh?"

"I am going to school. You will stay here and watch over Kokoa."

Kabuki groaned as she grabbed the wand which was still spraying water. She tugged it out of its holster, lifting slightly up to rinse her smooth, pale skin.

"I did that the last two days, huh? Can't we do something different, huh?"

"It's not that big of a deal. I'm always back before two."

"Yea. After you have a nice cooked lunch, huh?"

Kurumu frowned as the girl started rinsing out her dark locks.

"You can cook your lunch."

"We only have microwave stuff, huh?"

Kurumu snickered, shaking her head. When they had arrived in Mononoke on Monday night, Yukari had insisted on Mr. Nurari letting them off in the town so that they could shop for food. Since Kabuki had admitted her inexperience with operating a stove, Kurumu had bought mostly microwaveable meals.

"Technically that is cooked."

"We're not having natto for breakfast again, huh?"

"We're also having rice."

Kabuki whined as she put the wand back in its holster. She turned off the water before snatching up the black towel she had left on the toilet seat.

"A diet of ramen and natto is child abuse, huh?"

Kurumu chuckled as the girl vigorously dried herself.

"Kokoa likes natto."

"We had it yesterday, huh?"

"Then I guess you'll be happy to go back home."

Kabuki grimaced as she finished up. She sighed, hopping out of the tub.

"This is boring. I almost wish I was going to school, huh?"

Kurumu giggled, retreating from the doorway. Kabuki trotted out, heading over to the front of the couch where she had left a bright blue duffle bag full of her things. She knelt by it, reaching inside the unzipped bag to fish out a pair of red shorts and white panties. She pulled out an orange, yellow and red striped tank top which she tossed onto the couch.

"Do you think you might want some of Kokoa's clothes?"

"Naw. I'm too little for that, huh? Just donate it all."

Kurumu smirked as the girl rapidly donned her panties and shorts.

"We can't donate her old lingerie."

"Gross. I don't want used lingerie, huh?"

Kurumu chuckled as Kabuki pulled on the top.

"What about that nice Chinese dress?"

"Nope. I'm good, huh? Are you going to town tomorrow, huh? Take me with."

Kurumu smiled softly as the girl pranced over to the karaoke machine to fetch her PlayStation Portable which she had left on its charger overnight.

"Yea. Hopefully we will have a lot of fun this weekend. We have to pick up a whole new wardrobe for Kokoa and the girls are wanting to have a flying session on Sunday after church."

"Church, huh? Are you religious, huh?"

Kurumu laughed, shaking her head as Kabuki returned to the couch. The girl sat down, turning on her handheld which started playing its own background music.

"No. But Tora is. We'll meet at our usual place around ten. I want to bring you with to meet my friends."

"You could have done that days ago."

Kurumu glanced at the bed where Kokoa remained. While bringing Kabuki to school might be frowned upon, she could have always brought the girl with her to the Kurai dining hall.

"Kokoa isn't ready to deal with other people yet."

"Will she be ready this weekend, huh?"

Kurumu wandered over to check on the rice cooker. It had a few seconds more than twenty minutes.

"I can ask Yukari to look after her for a few hours if she isn't."

Kabuki grunted an acknowledgment as the Bird Cage song came to its end. Kurumu sighed, leaning against the counter as the next song started up with a catchy rhythm. She glanced at the plastic container with the natto, wondering if she should put it in now. But she liked this next song.

The song started with lyrics about a meeting with a woman remarking someone was the same and the singer laughed, unsure how to respond. Then the song spoke of the neon light city and remembering a movie of a girl being stabbed in a hotel by an old man. Kurumu assumed the song continued about the original pair as the singer spoke about buying food from a mobile vendor and the woman eating.

"Love, hajimemashita. Soitsu de oukiku narimashita. Love, hajimemashita. Aa. Okuchi ni aimashita ka?"

The next verse was about people gathered at a murder scene to kill time. Students taking pictures with their phones making peace signs. The singer claimed these people are as bad as the murderer. But there was an interview on the television that he would rather watch.

"Love, yoku hieteorimasu. Jidai no mukaikaze mo ukete. Love, yoku hieteorimasu. Aa. Ikki ni nomihosetara na."

The next lines were about walking through a crowded city, polishing their hearts. There was a tongue twister about a monk followed by a claim of singing a song without a twist. No meaning. No depth. No rhyme. Just genuine without decoration. Only unmistakable thoughts.

"Love, hajimemashita. Maido maido no koto desu ga. Love, hajimemashita. Kyounen yori oishiku dekimashita. Love, hajimemashita. Soitsu de otona ni narimashita. Love, hajimemashita. Aa. Okuchi ni aimashita ka?"

The song continued with the occasional Love, Hajimemashita thrown in. She glanced at the rice cooker, noting it was just under thirteen minutes. She grabbed the container of natto, pushing the button which popped the microwave door open. She placed the container inside, shutting the door and pressing the numbers to add two and a half minutes. The microwave whirred into motion upon touching start.

As the opening to UFO sounded over the speaker, Kurumu heard a knock at the door. Suspecting that would be Yukari, Kurumu sashayed over to the entry. She turned back the deadbolt and eased the door open, keeping hold of the knob.

"Morning, Yukari."

Sendou Yukari echoed her greeting, promptly stepping inside. The witch was wearing the green school jacket over the white blouse. She had a red ribbon tied in a bow at her collar. Her dark locks were long enough to hide her ears as she shuffled out of her school loafers while Kurumu closed the door.

"We're not finished with breakfast yet."

"Unsurprising. Will Kokoa be joining us today?"

"She would be wearing a school outfit if she was."

Yukari wandered over to the table, regarding the vampire on the bed.

"It's not like any of her uniforms fit properly. They should allow her to wear casual attire."

Kurumu sighed, sauntering back over to the whirring microwave.

"And it's not like our attendance is mandatory. Your grandfather convinced the village elders to push the reopening of the school back to the thirtieth."

"Which isn't a bad thing. That brat can't handle being around the few students that are on campus."

"Maybe true. But I know that Kokoa would feel better with Nagisa and Hikari around."

"I suppose we should just be happy that she isn't shitting herself."

"I was never doing that!"

Kurumu smiled at the angry retort. The vampire still had her back to them.

"She hasn't had a single accident here."

"Probably because she knows how impossible it would be to clean that mattress. I still can't believe that she pissed herself twice at Lord Ruben's house."

These accidents had happened on Wednesday while Yukari and Kabuki had watched over Kurumu in the hospital. Kokoa had been wearing diapers when Kurumu had been released last Friday night.

"She's been fine all week, Yukari."

"You should go to school, Kokoa. Hiding in this room won't bring your mother back."

Kokoa remained silent as the UFO song continued playing along with the background music of Kabuki's portable game. The microwave beeped twice, prompting Kurumu to turn about and push the button that popped the door open. She tugged the container out.

"Wait. You're not even done making breakfast?"

Kurumu laughed as she set the warm container aside.

"Yea. We got about ten minutes left."

"But it was practically seven when I came here."

"It's natto over rice. This won't take long to eat."

"I would like to go to school on time."

"It's less than a twenty minute walk to school from here."

"We're not doing this again, Kurumu. We were barely there before the teacher."

Kurumu sighed heavily as the UFO song entered its last part. She stalked over to Moka's desk, picking up her phone to note the time.

"It's only four minutes after seven."

"With ten minutes on the rice. You also need to eat and do dishes."

"Which is like another ten minutes. We should still be out before seven thirty."

"I was here yesterday, Kurumu. It took you eighteen minutes to do all of that."

Kurumu chuckled as she strolled over to her schoolbag leaning against the couch. She hefted it up by its strap, resting it on the couch's arm.

"That's because we were chatting. You are part to blame for why that took so long."

"Hey! Did you find out if those succubi are here like Big Sis said, huh?"

Yukari sighed at the young girl whom had lifted up to lean over the back of the couch.

"Rubi forgot to ask the former Headmaster last night."

As the next song started to play, Kurumu opened up her schoolbag and dropped her phone inside it. One of Kokoa's mother's final orders had been for Ms. Aimai and Ms. Ohno to report to Yokai Academy.

"I would also like to know that answer, Yukari. I'm worried that something may have happened to them."

Yukari frowned as Kurumu pulled the strap of her schoolbag over her head.

"What are you doing?"

Kurumu guided the strap into the valley between her breasts, fixing the schoolbag to rest comfortably against her hip.

"I don't see a reason to stick around here. I'm sure that Kabuki can handle a rice cooker."

"What?! No way are you leaving me to finish your nasty natto meal, huh?"

"Hold on. I didn't say you had to skip breakfast."

"Eh. I can have a bigger lunch."

"A better lunch. It's cruel to make that junk and expect me to eat it, huh?"

Kurumu chuckled, sauntering over to the entryway which prompted the frowning witch to follow.

"You can leave the dishes in the sink if you don't feel comfortable using the dishwasher."

Kabuki sighed dramatically, pausing her game as Kurumu stepped into her school loafers.

"I know how to use a dishwasher, huh?"

Kurumu smiled, drifting over to the door. She twisted the knob and pushed it open.

"I'm leaving Kokoa in your care. Lock up after us, okay?"

Kabuki grumbled as she pushed off the couch, starting their way. The girl arrived a second after Yukari had slipped back into her shoes. Kurumu stepped outside while holding the door, letting Yukari exit.

"I'll see you around two."

Kabuki continued to grumble as Kurumu closed the door which had the number 413 upon it. Kurumu heard the deadbolt fall in place before she turned about.

The vampire sisters had been the only occupants of this two story apartment building until Lady Hineri had moved into suite 414 right before the cultural festival. The landing for suite 417 was directly above the door to 414 with a black iron stair working its way up to it. Like the other three apartment buildings in this clearing, it had twelve suites with half of them facing the forest. Black iron stairs were mounted to the sides of these concrete buildings, leading up to each of the double units.

Suite 413 was on the side that faced the single story, squat structure in the center of this clearing. That building made from rose colored stones was the commissary. It had a small shop, the mailboxes for the suites of this clearing and a laundry room. The counter was ran by Mr. You in the mornings and Mrs. Kurokira in the evenings.

"I was worried about leaving after seven thirty. Not seven fifteen."

Kurumu chuckled as they headed for the trail which cut out of the clearing directly across from the glass doors of the commissary. That apartment building somewhat ahead of them on the other side of the commissary was home to many third year girls from the volleyball and track teams. She was aware that several of them were on campus, preparing for the national college entrance exam.

"Didn't you used to show up at school before seven fifteen?"

"A long time ago. Like June."

"Did the Headmaster have any news about the others in Hong Kong?"

"You could always stop by and have dinner with us if you want to speak with Rubi that badly."

Kurumu chuckled, starting down the trail through the forest. Yukari lived with Rubi in 316, an upper level double suite of another building in their clearing. Kurumu had her own suite in that building though she had not visited it since Christmas. Her single suite 323 was also upper level, facing the forest.

"You wouldn't mind having Kabuki and Kokoa over?"

"You don't have to bring them."

"Can I have an answer without making dinner plans?"

"The Headmaster has been spending a lot of time outside of the barrier. He hasn't told Rubi much about what he is doing. We can only hope that he's preparing for this fight against Lord Fujisaki."

They steadily neared the place where several trails combined. Three trails cut off to clearings similar to the one they had left. Each had four apartment buildings for the third years and a central commissary. The last trail cut over to the main school path between the Kurai dining hall and Yokai Academy.

"I'm mildly surprised there aren't more seniors on the trail."

"I saw Ms. Horie and Ms. Shiruba when I came over to your place."

Kurumu nodded at the mention of the valedictorian and her roommate. The track seniors lived in the double suite below Yukari.

"I wonder how many third years are here for the entrance exam prep class."

"Ninety nine."

"You just happen to know that?"

"I asked Grandfather when he had dinner with him Tuesday night."

Kurumu smirked upon seeing a trio arrive at the spot where the trails converged ahead of them. The trio were all dressed in the green school jackets with red ties and tan slacks. They also all had glasses and short, dark hair. But one of these young men was in a wheelchair.

"Doroishi! Do I have to pull you over for exceeding the speed limit?!"

The young man with boxy, black glasses pushing the wheelchair halted to regard them. Doroishi had been the auto club president and was the third ranked student among the third years. This ashen haired boy with the rounded glasses was Doroishi's roommate and vice president of the auto club. He was also a top ten student but Kurumu could not recall his name.

"I am being a good neighbor."

Kaneshiro Hokuto was the young man in the wheelchair. The former student council president was their neighbor, living in suite 520 by himself.

"I thought you were still sharing a room with Mr. Sabaku."

Kaneshiro smiled politely at Yukari as they approached.

"I must have neglected to mention that when we spoke on Wednesday."

That was not the extent of his deception. Kurumu was fully aware of the truth as they joined the trio.

"Why would he be sharing a room with a second year?"

Yukari sighed at Doroishi's inquiry.

"Mr. Kaneshiro lost the key to his room."

"But I had a new key made last week. I returned to my humble abode last Friday."

"How did Kaneshiro trick you into helping him?"

"No tricks involved, Ms. Kurono."

Kaneshiro smirked, glancing up at Doroishi's grin.

"These two are reveling in their victory over me."

"I've always been ahead of you, Mr. Kaneshiro."

"Barely. I could have caught you with that last exam."

"Big words from a man whom dropped to forty fifth."

"Forty fifth?"

"We received our overall rankings yesterday, Ms. Kurono. I am fortunate that I remained in the top fifty despite my poor winter exam performance."

"We should continue walking."

Kurumu nodded at the roommate's suggestion, starting down the trail towards the main school path. She walked ahead of the trio with Yukari at her side.

"So how did the two of you end up?"

"Sadly no change for me, Ms. Kurono. I could not dethrone Ms. Kosai or Ms. Horie from their spots."

Kurumu nodded at the mention of Kosai Mirai whom was the former captain of Kokoa's fencing club.

"I ended up sixth overall."

"Congratulations, Mr. Fumoutochi."

"I confess my disappointment over falling so far with one test. Clearly my peers were not as far behind me as I had thought."

Doroishi chuckled heartily at Kaneshiro's remark.

"You scored below eighty percent on that last exam. I'm surprised that you didn't fall farther."

Kurumu smirked, thinking she should change the subject.

"Yukari just told me that ninety nine students are taking the entrance exam."

"That is correct, Ms. Kurono. I understand that it is the highest number of students taking the exam."

"Which clearly is due to the new computer program. My older brothers and their peers saw little reason to bother with college."

"Indeed. These last two years we've had almost every gnome from Touboe take the entrance exam."

Kurumu frowned at Doroishi's comment.

"Two years? Wasn't the computer program started up in 2002?"

"True, Ms. Kurono. But the first students of that program did not graduate until last year."

Kurumu blushed, supposing that should have been obvious. She tightened her grip on her schoolbag strap, pushing out the awareness of her mind. She felt Kaneshiro's presence behind her, easily catching it with her own. She pushed into his mind, glimpsing his memories of the last two days.

"This is where we part, Ms. Kurono."

Kurumu snapped out of her reverie, realizing that they had made it to the end of the trail. The level path to the left would take them to Yokai Academy while the path to the right ended in the clearing about the Kurai dining hall. She frowned at Kaneshiro.

"You're going to breakfast?"

"I don't own any cookware, Ms. Kurono. The best I could do is make myself some tea."

"Likewise. Cooking is best left to people whom know how to do it."

"Like women."

Kurumu smirked, wondering if these two were joking or genuinely believed in the sexism rumored to be prevalent in the Touboe gnome community.

"Perhaps we'll see you later."

"Perhaps. Farewell, Ms. Kurono."

Kurumu echoed the farewell before starting down the path on the left. Yukari trotted to catch up and fall in step with her. They walked a few seconds in silence, nearing the place where the trees thinned out on the left of the trail. A small pond was not far from here.

"Did you learn anything?"

"He hasn't been in contact with Yoshii since we spoke with him."

"You could have told me about him living by himself."

Kurumu shrugged, thinking about how these thin woods coming up on their left was where she had first met Tsukune in an attempt to steal him away from Moka.

"I told you that he has met with Yoshii twice. The first time Yoshii made a threat on Sabaku's life which is why Kaneshiro moved back to his old suite."

"I don't see the reason why he felt he had to lie to us about Yoshii contacting him."

"Because we talked to him at lunch. He didn't want to worry Utsutei and Sabaku."

Yukari sighed as they drifted to the right, following the curve of the trail.

"It's dangerous for him, Kurumu. He has no idea when Yoshii will come back."

"That depends on how serious Yoshii was about finding Mrs. Aono for Kaneshiro."

"It would have been nice if he had found out where Yoshii was staying."

"Yoshii wouldn't have told him even if he had asked. We both know that."

Yukari sighed again as they approached a fork in the path. The left side trail cut through the woods and would end at the bike path running between Yokai Academy and the hospital in Mononoke. The right side trail which they were staying on would take them to the front gate.

"Those three might not even be late."

"You were the one desperate to get me out the door."

Yukari snorted, initiating a stretch of silence. They followed the gradual curve of the trail to the right.

"Do you think Moka is okay?"

"She's more likely to be than Akua."

Kurumu grimaced, knowing that was true.

"Do you think Fujisaki will come here for Mrs. Aono?"

Yukari sighed heavily as they continued walking along this trail with thick forest on either side.

"There are four ways to remove Moka's seal. Tsukune and Mrs. Aono are two of them. If Master Touhou was being honest, he is the third."

"What is the fourth?"

"A nullifying field."

"What the heck is that?"

"It's basically a method of destroying magic. The bus Mr. Nurari drives has one equipped."

Kurumu nodded, recalling that the bus had destroyed the spell Tora had cast over Tsukune long ago. It also disabled all of Yukari's active enchantments.

"But Moka has been on the bus."

"For a very short period of time. The nullifying field was created to lift curses. The afflicted is supposed to remain inside the nullifying field until the harmful magic is destroyed."

"Does Lady Chuujitsu know how to make a nullifying field?"

"Of course she does. She explained the origins of the nullifying field in her book."

They were close to where they had handed out papers for the first time. The start of the perimeter wall was visible through the thinning woods on the left as the trail continued its gradual curve to the right.

"So Lady Chuujitsu could remove the seal."

"In theory. You must take into account how strong this seal is. And Master Touhou just reinforced it so it's practically new. This could take days. Maybe weeks."

"But they've had Moka for weeks."

"You don't understand how this works. If the patient leaves before the curse is lifted, the nullifying field is reset and has to start from scratch. An unwilling patient would have to be put inside a magic barrier."

"Like the barrier Touhou put up to keep Tsukune inside."

"Exactly. Nobody can go in and nobody can come out."

"So you think that they've had Moka locked up inside a barrier for days?"

"Probably. Someone capable of barrier magic would have to be watching over my Moka to keep her fed and hydrated. And to avoid any trouble, this person should wait for my Moka to sleep before lowering the barrier."

Kurumu nodded thoughtfully as they reached the first of the four boards flanking the trail which were used to post exam results.

"Why didn't Mrs. Shuzen have this done years ago?"

"There is no way of knowing how long this would take. And it doesn't sound like Headmaster Mikogami or Master Touhou were that interested in helping her. For all we know, she may have tried it. It's not like we know everything that happened to my Moka after she was sealed."

Kurumu sighed, passing by the last of the boards. She could see the front of the school towering beyond the top of this perimeter wall. The main school gate was not much further ahead. She could not recall if she had ever seen the gate closed.

"I wonder if we'll be the first ones to class."

Yukari huffed as they passed through the open gate, heading up the hill to the school's main doors.

"I doubt that we are more than ten minutes ahead of the others."

The central building which had Yokai Academy's main entrance looked like an old European mansion. It was larger on the lowest level with a sloping black roof that featured many dormer windows. White rails marked an outer balcony surrounding the second and third floors but Kurumu had never seen a door to access those balconies. At the top of the pitched third roof was a platform with the school's bell tower.

Kurumu trotted ahead to open the main door for Yukari. The huge genkan beyond was once again full of shoe shelves that were painted black. The nine aisles had been recreated, allowing students to resume the pattern of four homerooms per aisle. But the new shelving was more compact and not as deep. Now there were thirty six above and below compartments per shelf.

Kurumu followed Yukari inside, allowing the door to close under its own weight. To the left was one of the doors to the school store which was still boarded up. They headed to the right which had a door for the teachers' lounge which had been completely remodeled before winter break.

Since they were in class two, their shoe cubbies were at the end of this aisle along the wall shared by the teachers' lounge. Kurumu caught up to Yukari, walking to where the genkan ended. They paused at their cubbies, slipping out of their loafers. Yukari had claimed the one below Kurumu's.

"I wonder if they'll make us buy new slippers when the school store reopens."

"I don't know what Grandfather has planned but this week has not been good on my socks."

They stepped up from the genkan space and started across the grand foyer. The space was open to the second floor with a balcony on both sides and over the far hallway. A new chandelier hung from the center of this chamber. This chandelier was made from black metal and curled and coiled about with small lights enclosed within crystals shaped like flames.

The framing for the new grand stair was in place. It was different than the original winding staircase. Now a wide flight of stairs went up to a central landing. From this landing, two narrow flights of stairs curved to the corners of the upper balcony. A sign at the foot of the stairs discouraged use.

To the left was the other door for the school store which was also boarded up. They passed by a door on the right which was another entrance into the teachers' lounge. An opening for a pair of bathrooms was next on their right before they reached the hall which connected this building to the classroom wings.

They turned right, walking away from the wing which was still being remodeled. This hall was fully open now with access to the exterior door and stairway on each end. So was the hall on the other side of the wings that flanked the cafeteria and library, but the stairway up to the first year hall was blocked at the landing. The remaining barricades denied access to the first and second year wing.

"It would be nice if we could return to our classrooms when the school reopens on the thirtieth."

"If not, we will end up in the auditorium with our original classmates and teachers."

Kurumu smirked as they started passing by the third year wing on the left. While they could take the first stair up to a crossover balcony, Yukari preferred using this stair by the exterior door.

"I can't say that I'm looking forward to having Mr. Nagamushi again for English."

"I'm curious if they will resume the science program on the thirtieth. I understand Mr. Hakuru's protests over the lack of science labs, but chemistry is more important than a foreign language."

They arrived at the stairs, heading up the first flight alongside each other.

"I can't claim to care about chemistry but I would have liked to do more with my home economics class."

"You could take that elective again if you absolutely wanted to."

Kurumu huffed as they reached the landing. They turned about and started up the other flight.

"I'm not that disappointed. I'm taking choir as my elective next year since I joined the choir club."

"I'm just glad that we will resume our computer classes on the thirtieth."

The computer labs had been miraculously spared of the chaos that had transpired on the final day of the cultural festival due to Lilith's mirror. But with all of the homerooms wrecked, the first and second years had been moved off campus to continue their courses. For that reason, gym and most electives had been canceled. But since the third years had held their classes in the gyms and library, their classes in the computer and business programs had continued.

Having reached the top of the stairs, they headed back towards the elective wing. On the thirtieth, the second years would be using this upper hall until the other wing reopened. The second years with sixth period electives would be using the classrooms where the business and wellness electives were held. This arrangement would allow all electives to resume on the thirtieth.

They drifted over to the left side balcony, walking by the open door to class 4-12. The second years were using that classroom though it was currently empty. There were less second years returning early than first years but both only required one classroom due to the new desk arrangement. Each class now had five rows of seven. Narrow aisles divided the desks with no space between the desks flanking the walls.

They passed by the other door to class 4-12, stepping through the open door to class 4-11 right next to it. The teacher's podium and desk for each of these classrooms were closest to these doors. As they made their way to their desks, Kurumu noticed a girl seated in the fourth row desk closest to the hall.

"Morning, Hasegawa."

Hasegawa Kasumi smiled with a slight nod. The girl was wearing her school jacket with the red bow at her collar. Her pistachio locks were cut in the hime style across her brow. Her ponytail fell lower than the chair she was sitting on. She was one of Moka's classmates from homeroom eleven. The undine from Umiman was in the kimono club with Kiki and Ishiko.

Hasegawa had returned to Yokai Academy with her older brother whom was taking the exam despite his poor academics. The drama club senior had the audacity to take the national college entrance exam despite consistently being on the board of shame.

Kurumu lifted her school bag over her head, hanging it by its strap upon the hooks mounted to the side of the middle desk in the third row behind Yukari's desk. The witch would have preferred sitting in the front row but those desks had all been claimed the day before they had returned to school.

Kurumu settled into her chair, thinking about her history teacher whom had married at the start of winter break. Ms. Nekonome was Mrs. Takizawa now. She had returned from her honeymoon in Paris.

"I wish Mrs. Takizawa had volunteered to be our teacher."

"There's nothing wrong with Mr. Ashibue."

Mr. Ashibue and his twin brother, Mr. Kazeken, were handling these optional lessons for the younger returning students. It was mostly going over the lengthy homework packets that would be mailed to the rest of the students next Friday. Both had been hired at the start of the second term.

"I'm just saying it would have been nice to visit with her."

"You know where she lives. You could pay her a visit this weekend."

Kurumu nodded, thinking about her other instructors. Her chemistry teacher, Mr. Hakuru, had not bothered returning. Her Japanese literature and language teacher was Mrs. Sunao. She had no idea about her. Her math teacher was another second term new hire whom was related to Kokoa.

"Do you think Ms. Shuzen is in Mononoke?"

"Assuming she hasn't been arrested, it would make sense for her to be. Now that the Shuzen family have been declared traitors to Fairy Tale, it's probably safer for her to be in Mononoke."

"I wish we knew where she lived. Maybe we could have rotated teachers like the third years."

"That is just stupid. There are almost a hundred third years on campus with students in every classroom. The third year teachers have a full work day moving from class to class. We literally have one class. It would be rude to ask Mr. Ashibue to show up for one hour of work."

"Sounds like someone is getting scolded."

Kurumu grinned at the arrival of two familiar girls. The speaker had been Yaisoku Ami from class four. The jorougumo had her dark hair worked into multiple braids against her scalp. Like Hasegawa, she wore the school jacket, bow and skirt. She placed her schoolbag atop the desk in the middle of the front row.

"You two are here early."

Hineri Kumiko drifted to her desk beside Yaisoku. She was wearing the black PSC jacket with a black mini skirt. The jorougumo had auburn eyes and chin length, plum locks. Kumiko had remained on campus the whole winter break with her sister, Lady Hineri Keito. Kumiko shared homeroom with Yukari and Kurumu and hailed from the Myoko region just like Yaisoku.

"Kurumu decided not to take forever today."

Yaisoku giggled, taking her seat. She was the niece of the tennis coach which was probably why she and her second year sister were back on campus early. Most of the returning first and second years had the same story. They were here either because of a relative or a friend.

"It seems that Ms. Shuzen won't be joining us today."

"Yea. She's not ready to be around others."

"It must be hard being betrayed by her family like that. They killed her mother."

Fujisaki's lies about the Shuzen family had spread like wildfire. While the deaths of region commanders seemed to go unnoticed by the residents of Niigata prefecture, Kokoa's mother had been the president of Fairy Tale. Half of their peers had known Fujisaki's story and wanted to know if it was true. And Kokoa suddenly being mature only made that first encounter with their peers even worse.

"Do either of you know if Ms. Shuzen Kuzu returned to Yokai?"

Both girls shook their heads at Yukari's question.

"I haven't seen her in the teachers' lounge. Do you think she was involved in the coup?"

"I doubt that, Ami. Though Fairy Tale might want to bring her in for questioning."

Kumiko knew the truth since she had been at the table when they had told everything to Kaneshiro and Sabaku. Tora and Satsuki had also been there. They had all agreed to keep silent about Fujisaki.

"Did they ever assign a new prefectural officer for Niigata?"

Both girls shrugged as a young man entered the room. That was Unsei Keiji whom was the son of one of the second year English instructors. He was dressed in the green school jacket with a red tie and tan slacks. Despite his family having a home in Mononoke, he lived on the fourth floor of Chikara, the first year boys' dorm. Like most tanuki, he had glossy black hair that was plagued with cowlicks.

He exchanged polite greetings before taking the desk by the windows in Kurumu's row. Kurumu had nothing new to say to the guy, having visited with him back on Wednesday. His mother was enjoying the extra time off and he admitted that it felt eerie being the only guy on his floor in the dorm. He was the representative for class seven.

In the ensuing silence, Kurumu rummaged through her schoolbag. She pulled out a notebook which had a mechanical pencil hooked to the front pages. Placing both on the desk, her thoughts returned to the vacant prefectural officer position. The region commander of Chubu had mentioned picking a new one after the Headmaster resigned.

The chuckling of boys caught her attention. Five guys from the sixth floor of Chikara bumped and jostled each other as they came through the door. The guy with the scruffy, sienna locks whom was wearing his jacket open without a tie was Bakugen from the basketball team. He separated from the group, drifting down the first aisle to take his seat in the back row closest to the door.

"Morning, Kurono. Are you ready to be educated?"

Kurumu smirked at the cheerful greeting from the guy with the short platinum locks which were shaved on the sides. That was Ikazuchi Inuki of the baseball team whom shared homeroom with Tsukune and Mizore. He was a raiji from Uchimori and had electric blue eyes. He was also foregoing the tie.

The chuckling boy steered the group over to the aisle nearest to the windows. The guy behind Ikazuchi also had platinum hair and blue eyes but his bangs were longer and his frame was more feminine. That was Yokoshi from the chess club whom was also from Uchimori. This quiet guy whom wore the red tie with his uniform took the window desk in front of Unsei while Ikazuchi claimed the desk beside Unsei.

These last two boys were salamanders but from different communities. The guy with the short, magenta curls and ruby eyes was Tokeru Takeo from Tochimoeru. He was from class one and had joined the kendo club with his older brother. Unlike his partner, he wore his jacket closed with the red tie. He claimed the desk behind Ikazuchi while the other guy took the window seat behind Unsei.

The other boy was from Moegara and looked just like his brother whom had been the president of the drama club. His bluish white locks were rugged and short while his eyes were a fiery orange. That was where the similarities ended. Yakedo from class eight had joined the rugby club. He wore his jacket open with several buttons undone to bare the bluish hair on his chest.

Four of these guys had older brothers taking the college entrance exam. In Ikazuchi's case, it was his older cousin whom had been the starter pitcher for their team which had gone to the nationals.

"When are you going to bring that hot chick back to class?"

Kurumu smirked across the vacant desk at the grinning Ikazuchi.

"That was Kokoa."

"Hey, Sendou. Is it normal for a vampire to mature that much when they hit puberty?"

Kurumu's eyes widened as Yukari started giggling, shaking her head.

"This is why Kokoa can't come back to school."

"Puberty?"

Kurumu scowled at his mischievous grin.

"Because you pestered her the most about her new look."

"Not really. I couldn't even touch her with all those girls crowded about her."

Kurumu was trying to think of a protest when she heard the giggles and conversation carrying out in the hall. The distinct drawl of Hatoko's voice confirmed that they were about to be joined by the large group of girls from the second floor of Baratoge, the first year girls' dorm. The four guys from the seventh floor of Chikara would be with them since they all shared the same table for breakfast in the Kurai dining hall.

Nazohashi Tora was first through the door. The naturally tanned sphinx from Izumi had her raven hair braided over her ears and around her head. She was garbed in the black PSC jacket with a pair of black slacks. Tora was still in the newspaper club and was in class three with Tsukune. Her smile reached her jade eyes as she moved to the desk beside Yukari.

As Tora exchanged greetings with them, the rest of the group arrived. Honda Kiki had her russet tresses up in five different tails. Two were braided to pull her bangs away from her face while two more held most of her tresses off to the sides. The last tail came down from the nape of her neck, nearly touching the floor. The former member of the newspaper club was wearing the school jacket and red bow with the pleated tartan skirt of Yokai Academy. She was now in the kimono club and made her way over to Hasegawa whom was also in her homeroom.

"Morning, Kurumu. Here early?"

"Yea. Morning, Suzume. Hatoko."

Tobuyoku Suzume was one of the few present whom had tagged along with a friend. Hailing from a tiny tengu community in the Nagaoka area, Suzume had joined Kiki and her older brother. Her obsidian hair was pulled back in a braid which ended in a golden ring that bounced against her rump.

Hatoko huffed as she followed Suzume down this aisle between Tora and Yukari. The tengu from the Onan district of the Shimane prefecture had her chestnut tresses pulled back in a high ponytail held by a bright blue ribbon. She had stayed in Mononoke over the winter break since she had a job. She and Suzume were on the track team and they both shared homeroom with Tora.

As the two claimed desks behind Kurumu, the last tengu whom had helped Tora learn how to fly walked across the front of the class, holding the hand of her boyfriend. Dangai Michiko was Hatoko's junior high friend and had spent the winter break at Noboru's house. She was not wearing her red ribbon and had left her green jacket open. The brunette was in Kiki's homeroom and had joined the gymnastics club.

Her boyfriend was Noboru Kuroi. Like most tengu with short hair, his locks were naturally feathered. As the representative of class five and a chess club member, Noboru wore his uniform with the tie. He came from Hongu of the Okayama prefecture. They paused at his desk by the window, sharing a polite kiss as the other young men of this group claimed their seats.

"Morning, Ladies."

Kurumu smirked at Ichida's comment as he hung his schoolbag on the front row desk beside Noboru. Ichida Taka had been their class representative before Yukari won the position from him in the second term. His short golden brown hair was naturally feathered but he had soft green eyes instead of the golden hue that many tengu possessed.

As the girls exchanged polite greetings with Ichida, Uchiyama Makoto settled down in the chair beside Yokoshi. His black hair was short and feathered and his eyes were golden. He hailed from Hongu with an older sister on the track team. He had joined the film club and shared homeroom with Kiki. He was the only guy of this group not wearing his tie. The desk between him and Yukari would remain vacant.

The last guy of the group whom was taking the desk between Yaisoku and Ichida was Kumoyuki Yasuo. His grayish white hair was pulled up in a ponytail that defied gravity. The disagreeable sylph from Koutoukumo was in the tennis club with Ichida and Yaisoku. He was from Kokoa's class nine.

Kumoyuki and Reiki both had older relatives in the dance club whom were taking the entrance exam. Reiki Himari was a member of this group only because she lived on the second floor. The quiet girl from Koutoukumo with the pistachio curls that graced her shoulders was silently making her way to the back row, sitting in the desk behind Suzume. She was from class ten and had joined the band.

"Will Ms. Shuzen come back to school soon?"

Kurumu smiled at Suzume whom was seated at the desk between Kiki and Hatoko.

"Maybe next week."

"Could you convince her to come to the flying session on Sunday?"

"Why? She can't fly."

Kurumu giggled at Hatoko's gruff response as Michiko settled into the desk between Hatoko and Tokeru.

"Neither can Kabuki but I'm bringing her. If Kokoa doesn't feeling like coming, I'll leave her with Yukari."

"I didn't agree to babysit that girl."

"Come on, Yukari. I can't leave Kokoa alone. I've put off introducing Kabuki to my friends long enough."

Suzume nodded emphatically.

"Yea. I really want to meet this half-sister of yours. I would have stopped by but you said not to."

"I'm also curious what this girl looks like."

Kurumu perked up at Kiki's remark. She fumbled in her bag for her phone.

"That's right. I promised you guys a picture. I took a few last night."

Kurumu pulled out her phone and handed it over to Suzume. The girl giggled nervously.

"I don't know how to use a phone."

"Give it to me."

Suzume smiled apologetically, surrendering it to Kiki.

"I want that when you're done with it."

Kurumu frowned at Ikazuchi's grin.

"You don't need to see Kabuki's picture."

"You shouldn't be stingy. Let me see this girl."

"She's only nine."

"Even better."

Yukari promptly pulled her toy phone out of her schoolbag, holding it to her ear.

"Hello. Police. I need to report a crime."

"She's cute. Here."

Suzume nodded, taking the phone from Kiki. The tengu frowned.

"She doesn't look anything like you."

"Can I see?"

Kurumu frowned at Uchiyama's request.

"Why?"

"I'm curious what she looks like and the quality of that phone's camera."

"It's a little better than mine, Mr. Uchiyama."

Uchiyama nodded at Tora's answer.

"Have you seen Ms. Kurono's sister?"

"I haven't yet."

Kurumu sighed as her phone was passed between Hatoko and Michiko. It had not been her intent to keep Tora away from Kokoa. The sphinx was too polite.

"I'll show you in a second."

"Looks like a boy."

Kurumu smirked, taking her black flip phone when Michiko offered it. She turned in her seat, handing the phone over to Tora.

"Yea. She hates dresses. She only brought a bunch of tees and shorts with her."

"Wonder if a tomboy succubus a thing."

Kurumu smirked at Michiko's comment, doubting it was. Then again, Michiko was not particularly girly but had a boyfriend. Since she had been spending the break with Noboru, she and the Noboru siblings had been allowed to return with the Uchiyama siblings. Ichida and Shikichi had managed to tag along.

"If you cut her hair, she could pass as a boy."

Kurumu laughed as Tora handed the phone back to her.

"I doubt she wants her hair cut."

"More like her mother doesn't want it cut. My mother is the only reason I still have long hair."

Kurumu nodded thoughtfully at Tora's remark. Before she could respond, a trio of giggling girls stumbled through the front door. Kurumu grinned as quick greetings were exchanged.

These gnomes from Touboe were all dressed in standard school attire and all had older brothers taking the exam. The girl with the thick, tortoiseshell glasses bounding over to take the desk beside Kurumu was Katahara Tomiko. She was the smallest of the trio and had her inky black hair balled up in twin buns which sprouted twin tails. She was the spunky one, causing the most mischief. She was from class six and lived on the sixth floor with these other two. They were all in the auto club.

"I might need a favor from you."

Katahara grinned as she settled into her seat.

"What do you have in mind?"

"I may need you to be a distraction for when I take my little sister out this weekend. Do you think you can keep some degenerates occupied with your cuteness?"

"Hey now. I'm not a degenerate."

Katahara puffed up at Ikazuchi's mild protest.

"But I am adorable."

Tsuchiyama Chiriko huffed, taking the desk on the other side of Katahara. She was the haughty one from class one and had her dark hair pulled in a simple ponytail. Cherry glasses rested on her nose with the legs held together by a black elastic band dangling behind her head.

"Nobody was asking you that."

Katahara cupped her nonexistent bosom.

"Shall I charm them with my personality?"

"Calm down, dummy. We don't even know what we're doing this weekend."

Kurumu glanced at the last girl claiming the desk in front of Hasegawa whom had yet to speak. Anko Kaori was the most standoffish of this trio, having a brother in the judo club whom she felt was wasting his time since he barely kept his name off the board of shame. Anko had been class four's representative before being demoted to a vice manager in September like Ichida had been.

Like most gnomes, Anko wore glasses with hers being blue rimmed aviators. The gnome had her obsidian locks pulled into tails with white ribbons, looking like handlebars over her ears.

The fourth member of this group was Ishikure Iwa whom was unfortunately not on campus. Her older brother was only a second year so they had remained in Touboe. Iwa was the most polite of the group.

"But Iwa isn't here. What plans might you have?"

Tsuchiyama snorted at Kurumu, getting her notebook out.

"We have many members of the auto club here. We might have a club meeting."

Most of the auto club members were gnomes and Doroishi had just told her that most of them were taking the exam. She dropped her phone back inside her schoolbag.

"It was only a joke. You guys have fun this weekend."

"As if. They're not going to let us do anything interesting and Chichan knows it."

"Don't call me that."

Kurumu giggled, opening up her notebook and tugging her mechanical pencil free. She drummed the pencil against the paper.

The next person through the door was Mr. Ashibue. The stocky man had silvery whiskers beneath a pert nose and was sporting a black suit and tie over a white dress shirt which was tucked in a pair of black dress pants. The instructor stalked over to the teacher's desk, setting his black briefcase upon it.

"Morning, Students. I hope that you are ready for another day of learning."

"Mr. Ashibue. Do you know if Ms. Shuzen, the teacher, is in Mononoke?"

"I honestly don't know, Ms. Yaisoku."

Musing over how much they actually got out of these four hour sessions, Kurumu regarded the teacher as he made his way to the podium with a folder that he had pulled out of his briefcase.

"Didn't you mention having daughters whom would graduate this year?"

"That is correct, Ms. Kurono. Twin girls, Towa and Chiyo."

"Are you going to have them in your homeroom?"

"That is the plan. I'm glad that they decided to come to Yokai Academy."

"Will they be living with you?"

Mr. Ashibue chuckled, glancing towards the door at the sound of footsteps.

"I don't believe so, Ms. Kurono. They both want to live in the dorms."

The trio of local girls passed through the open doorway. The silky, black haired beauty was Sawayaka Mikomi. She murmured polite greetings as she placed her things at the front row desk closest to the door. Mikomi had been the representative for class six but had become the student council president right before winter break. It was the first time a local student had been elected to that position.

Meirowasa Tokori was taking the last vacant front row desk between Kumiko and Mikomi. The girl from class five was the first student from Mononoke to be a member of the PSC since it had been founded by Kuyo in 94. Her shaggy, shoulder length locks were a mix of black and white, making it impossible to tell which color was the dominant one. She had the nice PSC jacket but was wearing it with a pair of black sweat pants. Both she and Mikomi were still members of the Sadou club.

The blond claiming the desk behind Mikomi was Wanibuchi Bunko. Her uncle owned the maid café that Satsuki and Hatoko worked at. She was from class seven and had joined the sewing club. Like Mikomi, she was wearing the green school jacket and red bow with her tartan, pleated skirt.

"Since it looks like most of our students are present, I shall start a few minutes early so we can leave for lunch early. Any objections?"

Despite Yukari's complaints, Mr. Ashibue never started class before the local girls arrived. Satsuki was still absent but that was not new. She was the only girl on the fifth floor and blamed the silence. She usually slipped in a half hour late, taking the vacant desk between Tora and Bunii.

"How about we get started with this worksheet?"

Kurumu smiled as Mr. Ashibue walked over to Mikomi with a stack of papers. She hoped this day would go fast. She had a weekend to get to.

---

"That is all we need to do today. I hope that you all have a good weekend. Ms. Sawayaka, if you would?"

Mikomi stood up, prompting everyone else to follow suit.

"Stand. Bow. Dismissed."

Kurumu sighed, slouching back in her seat. The black hands of the new clock on the wall behind the teacher's podium showed that they still had twenty minutes before noon.

"Yukari. I'm too hungry to walk. Carry me."

"Now that is just ridiculous."

"You could teleport us to the cafeteria."

Unari Satsuki snickered, hauling her schoolbag strap up onto her shoulder. The nekomusume had short, sienna locks, marigold eyes and was garbed in the black PSC jacket with a pair of black slacks. She came from Kaigen of the Akita prefecture. Part of the reason why she had enrolled in Yokai Academy was due to her being Ms. Nekonome's niece. She shared homeroom with Yukari and Kurumu.

"Save the drama and get your butt up."

Kurumu smirked as Satsuki stood up. The nekomusume had not been the last student to class. That had been Kitamura Hitomi whom was in the back row behind Hatoko. Kitamura was on campus with her two older sisters and had joined their calligraphy club. The quiet girl from class ten had shiny black hair which almost reached her ankles. Being the only girl on the seventh floor, she had slept in and missed the first two hours of lecture.

"Why hurry? It's not like there will be a long lunch line."

Satsuki shrugged as Mikomi and Bunii headed out the front door.

"True but I do have work this afternoon."

Hatoko huffed, drawing Kurumu's attention. The tengu adjusted the strap of her schoolbag across her body as Bakugen, Reiki and Kitamura slipped out the back door.

"Work be slow over break. Boring."

"Not like being in the dorm is any less boring. At least I'll get paid."

Suzume giggled, grabbing Hatoko by the sleeve.

"Are you sure you don't want to eat with us today? We do have room at our table."

Kurumu smiled, shaking her head as Tokeru and Yakedo headed out the back door.

"I'll stick with the PSC again."

"Okay. But you should eat with us next week."

Kurumu sounded an affirmative, prompting Suzume to start off with Hatoko in tow. They met up with Kiki in the back before cutting for the door.

"I'm surprised that you haven't eaten with other lunch groups."

Kurumu smirked at Satsuki. She noticed Michiko heading out the front door while holding Noboru's hand. Ichida and Uchiyama followed the couple out. Kumoyuki was already gone.

"I'll start up the habit again when everyone is back at school on the thirtieth."

"You could always have lunch with us."

Kurumu giggled at Ikazuchi's offer as he stood up.

"Am I not too much of a woman for your tastes?"

"Nonsense. I appreciate women of all shapes and sizes."

Kurumu drawled out her disbelief as the grinning boy looked up.

"Katahara. I've got to kidnap you to prove a point."

Katahara cackled as she followed her two friends towards the back door.

"You'll have to catch me first."

Kurumu giggled as Ikazuchi started trotting for the back. Katahara squealed in glee, darting ahead of her friends through the open door.

"Don't run, you dummy."

Ikazuchi snickered as he passed by the two girls before they exited the room.

"Won't matter with her tiny legs."

Kurumu grinned, shaking her head. She took in a deep breath as she got up. Unsei and Yokoshi slipped out the front door as she pulled her schoolbag strap over her head to rest on her other shoulder.

"Guess I'm with Ms. Hasegawa again."

Kumiko huffed at Yaisoku as her friend drifted over to the first aisle.

"You eat with your sister anyways."

"Are you ready to go, Ms. Hasegawa?"

Hasegawa smiled at Yaisoku's approach. She nodded, getting up with her schoolbag. The pair headed for the back as Yukari finally got up from her desk.

"It's nice that she called out to Hasegawa. Girl was eating by herself the first three days."

Kurumu nodded at Satsuki's remark, having seen Hasegawa alone in the cafeteria on Wednesday. She drifted over to tousle Yukari's locks, earning a frown.

"Don't do that."

"Time to go."

Kumiko started for the front door with Tokori at her side. Tokori had been eating lunch with Mikomi but Kumiko had demanded for Tokori to eat with the PSC since lunch was presently their club meeting. Tokori had relented after Mikomi encouraged her to humor Kumiko's request.

"Hey, Satsuki. Did you write a letter to Nerume?"

Satsuki snorted as she exited the classroom alongside Tora. With Yukari at her side, Kurumu followed the pair out onto the balcony flanking these classrooms.

"I told you yesterday that I was going to wait for her response to the letter I wrote her on New Year."

"That was two weeks ago, Satsuki. What if she sent the response to the wrong address?"

"I can't help it if she's stupid. I told her I would be here on the eighth."

"The mail comes today. Perhaps Ms. Unari has a letter from Ms. Genzouyaki in her mailbox."

Kurumu huffed at Yukari's response as they arrived at the crossover which had stairs going down in each direction. Kumiko and Tokori started down the stairs in the direction of the cafeteria.

"But Satsuki isn't going back to her dorm until Monday afternoon. She's staying with Tokori the whole weekend like she usually does."

Satsuki snickered as she headed down the stairs a few steps ahead of Kurumu.

"What difference does that make? Mail only goes out on Fridays. I can read and respond to her letter on Monday and it won't be there any later than if I did it on Saturday."

Kurumu sighed, thinking about the tiny kirin whom had come to Yokai Academy with Satsuki. Nerume had been paralyzed after an incident in June and had stayed in Kaigan after the summer break. Due to issues with her father, she had come back to Yokai for the cultural festival on a long shot hope that Ms. Kiyomizu could heal her. It had worked, allowing Nerume to return to school here.

Kurumu reached the first landing with these worrisome thoughts. She had no idea if things were better with Nerume's father. She had not heard anything from Nerume over the break. She felt guilty about not writing the girl sooner but she had been in Hong Kong for most of her winter break and Iromori for the rest of it. She honestly had no idea what the address had been for either place she had stayed at.

"Well I sent Nerume a letter last night. I updated her on everything that happened over the break."

Kumiko glanced over her shoulder with a frown, arriving at the bottom of the stairs.

"I certainly hope not. There is little reason to inform Ms. Genzouyaki about these things."

"She already knows about Fujisaki and it didn't feel right letting her believe the lie about Mrs. Shuzen."

"Lie? What are you talking about?"

Kumiko sighed, shaking her head at Tokori's confusion.

"If you ever ate with us, you would understand what she meant."

"I am now so could you explain it?"

Kurumu reached the bottom of the stairs which was near the door for the third year's sixth homeroom.

"Fujisaki killed Kokoa's mother. It wasn't a coup by the Shuzen family."

"That girl better keep her mouth shut. She might endanger herself and her family."

Tora shook her head as they walked away from the stairs, drifting to the left side of the hall.

"Doubtful. Lord Fujisaki must have more pressing matters than to worry about the claims of one girl."

"Yea. It's not like the runt has any credibility."

Kurumu smiled at Satsuki's remark as they passed by the first door to the band room. The opening for a set of bathrooms was across the hall and so was the door of one of the science classrooms. Another stair from a crossover came down on that side.

"Do you think the third years are using their science labs?"

"The college entrance exam is a written exam, Kurumu. They're not going to waste their time with labs."

Kurumu nodded thoughtfully at Yukari's comment as they continued down the hall.

"Do you think they'll remodel these rooms then? It's not like they'll be in use until the thirtieth."

"I don't know their construction plans."

"They remodeled the library over the break."

Yukari gave her a look that made her smile apologetically. Mikomi had mentioned the library remodel yesterday which had prompted Kurumu to check it out after lunch. Everything had been replaced with new walls, ceiling, lights, flooring and furniture. She had no idea what had happened to all of the books as the new shelves had been barren.

They passed by the last open door to a science room which looked old compared to the remodeled rooms. They turned left in the intersecting corridor with an exterior door and a stairwell behind them. An opening for a set of bathrooms was on the right side of this hall before the first door to the library.

"I kind of wish we were eating with the third years. Do they really need five hours to study for one test?"

"It's not one test, Kurumu. It's a series of tests held over the course of two days. They administer tests for physics, chemistry and biology. So Mrs. Senda has to prepare those third years for all three tests."

"They take three science tests?!"

"Most universities will require students to take two. Some require three. It all depends on which colleges you are trying to get into."

They passed by the other door of the library before the space on the right opened up for the cafeteria seating area. All of the tables were down for use, though not many students were present. Only twenty second year students were attending class on campus.

"And most students will have to take a second round of tests at the specific colleges they want."

"They have more tests? How do they take them?"

"Most of these second tests are on weekends. They will have to make arrangements with Mr. Nurari."

They wandered around the wall and turned right, approaching the cart stacked with lunch trays. A door for the back kitchen area was right before the cart. Shelves holding boxes of lunch entrees stretched along the wall after the cart. At the end of the shelves were the refrigerated carts with drinks.

Kumiko arrived at the cart, grabbing a tray and handing it over to Tokori. She took one for herself before the pair headed down the shelves to find a lunch that suited their preferences.

Kurumu murmured her thanks when Satsuki handed trays to her, Tora and Yukari. She let Satsuki stay ahead of her, drifting along the shelves with halfhearted interest.

"Do you think the PSC will ever go back to having premade lunches?"

Satsuki snickered as she grabbed a box of chicken teriyaki with rice.

"That's a question for Mr. Sabaku."

"Skipping the lunch line was the bigger benefit of that."

Kurumu smiled at Tora's comment as she looked over the boxed entrees. Characters written with a black marker upon the white Styrofoam identified the contents. Her stomach growled but she genuinely had no interest in this first shelf of options. She decided on a box of chicken curry and rice.

"I could go for some Kung Pao Chicken."

Yukari grimaced as she grabbed a gyuudon box to put onto her tray.

"That stuff was way too spicy for me."

Tora nodded at Kurumu, picking out a katsudon lunch.

"I didn't think you would like spicy foods."

"I've always liked curry."

Satsuki snorted, walking over to the refrigerated carts for her drink.

"I hate spicy stuff but not all curry is spicy."

"I prefer my food to have taste."

Kurumu frowned at Yukari as she followed Satsuki. She waited for Satsuki to get a drink before reaching in to pull out a can of yuzu juice.

"Kung Pao Chicken has taste."

"Really? I couldn't notice that with my mouth on fire."

Tokori snickered, drifting to the nearest line behind Yokoshi. Satsuki and Tora wandered over to the line with Kumiko, Yaisoku and Hasegawa while Kurumu and Yukari settled in behind Tokori.

"We used to have a Chinese restaurant in Mononoke but it closed down four years ago."

"Why? What happened?"

Tokori shrugged as Unsei stepped up to have his meal rung up by the worker while Hasegawa was doing the same in the other line.

"Their youngest graduated from Yokai the year before. When she left, they moved out of town."

"Where did they go?"

"I have no idea. Many families that have left over the years just abandon their homes since there aren't many people moving in."

Kurumu nodded as Yaisoku and Yokoshi stepped up for their turns at the register.

"Do you think Mononoke will start growing now that Kuyo is gone and the Headmaster resigned?"

"It might be years before anything changes here. I'm not that interested in sticking around to see it."

Kurumu managed a smile as Tokori moved up to surrender her lunch tray to the dark haired woman tending the register. The woman looked over the contents and pushed a few buttons. She grabbed the card off Tokori's tray which reminded Kurumu to get hers.

Balancing her lunch tray in one hand, Kurumu rummaged inside her schoolbag to fish out her lunch card. By the time she had it out it was her turn. She shuffled forward, presenting her tray and card to the worker. The woman went through the motions, swiping Kurumu's card before giving everything back.

Kurumu clutched her tray to her bosom as she drifted away from the registers. The table closest to the registers by the dividing wall was used by the auto club. The trio of gnome girls were sitting with two second year guys. The guy with the silver wire framed glasses had an older sister. The stouter guy with the black glasses had an older cousin.

Yokoshi and Unsei were joining the four second years at the other auto club table near the aisle which ran down the center of the cafeteria. The girl at this table with the sandy blond hair was Udetama Imi. Unlike most girls, Udetama wore slacks and her hair was styled short like a boy. She was a member of the fencing club and was reluctantly the president of the Outdoors club.

She and her cousin had tagged along with Ms. Okumura. Her cousin whom was seated beside her also had short, sandy blond hair. Kurumu could not recall what club or class he was in, or even his name.

This other girl at the table with the hime cut bangs and silky black hair pulled into a high ponytail was actually a boy. Yokan Awateru was a member of the math club and had been part of Ginei's proposed student council, sharing homeroom with the werewolf. Yokan had an older brother and was wearing the standard uniform most guys did.

The last guy at the table was Fare from the chess club. He was a foreigner from China whom had stayed on campus over winter break. His fiery red hair was swept up in a broom cut.

"Ready?"

Kurumu nodded at Yukari, following the others over to where they would eat.

Sabaku Akira was the big guy with his dark hair worked into braids along his scalp quite similar to how Yaisoku had hers. As the new leader of the PSC, Sabaku was dressed in a black, long sleeved uniform and black slacks. He was seated at the judo club's cafeteria table located by the door to the practice gym. He was the only person sitting on that side of the aisle dividing the dining area.

Sabaku grunted an acknowledgment when they arrived. Kumiko and Tokori drifted over to the other side of the table to sit by Sabaku. Kurumu sat on the end with her back to the wall shared by the auditorium. Yukari sat between her and Tora. Satsuki settled in at the end, leaving space between her and Tora.

Kurumu smiled at Sabaku as she pushed her disposable chopsticks out of the cellophane wrapper.

"You know. Most of the students on campus won't be here after March."

"It's called spring break."

She pouted at him as she opened up her Styrofoam box.

"I was talking about the third years."

"Then it's called graduation."

Kurumu sighed as the other girls giggled at her. She absently stirred the curry in with the rice.

"I was meaning that I feel a little sad. It's not like I've gotten to know any of the third years that well."

Sabaku looked up from his meal which included four boxed entrees.

"I can appreciate that sentiment. I can't say that I knew any of the people graduating last year."

"I still haven't paid Ms. Odayakana a visit."

"Why would you need to do that?"

Kurumu smiled, guessing Tokori's sudden interest was due to Odayakana being the Sadou club president.

"She's my self-proclaimed sister. I would like to introduce her to my actual half-sister."

"You should do that after the exams. Ms. Odayakana doesn't need that kind of distraction."

Kurumu smirked at Tora, knowing how serious the sphinx took her academics. She started on her meal, thinking she should silence her growling stomach before striking up a conversation. As everyone ate in silence, Kurumu let her eyes wander about the dining area.

The younger Samurakami sister was by herself at the track table by the wall. Unlike most tanuki, her bowl cut locks were charcoal colored instead of glossy black. She would take over the track club and was currently living in the suites with her older sister. Last Wednesday, Atae had waited in the cafeteria for her sister and the other track seniors to arrive. Seven of the ten track seniors were taking the exam.

The Kitamura sisters were seated at the other track table favoring the aisle. The second year sister had shaggy chestnut tresses which reached the small of her back.

Yakedo, Tokeru and Bakugen were seated at the next aisle table which was for the softball team. They were with Mr. Hirata's nephew, Kuji, whom had his cherry red locks styled in a crew cut. Kuji was going to be the next rugby team captain. He actually had a green school jacket and red tie on today.

The nekomusume cousins whom lived in suite 319 were seated at the other softball table. Both girls had short, whitish gray locks though one was curly while the other was straight. Hidarimeki Tsuri had the curls and was on the softball team. Hiyoshi Itsuko was on the track team. They were from Yonezawa and had hitched a bus ride with Dakiashi Tabi, a third year on the softball team.

Ikazuchi and Borohata were with the cousins today instead of being with Bakugen. Borohata and his older brother were on the baseball team. He was from Morihochou and had unruly, peppered hair.

The next table along the wall was for the tennis leftovers but was being used by the seven tengu. The aisle table beside them was for the fencing club. Shikichi Akatori was seated there with Noboru Hazuka. Shikichi was the new fencing club captain. She was also the representative for Ginei's homeroom and had been part of his proposed student council. She had short, cinnamon locks which were feathered.

Hazuka looked very much like her brother, having the same peppered hair and honey eyes. Her locks were styled in a pixie cut with a natural feather to it. She was constantly scowling at her brother whom was holding hands with Michiko. Hazuka had more issue with the couple than her parents whom had been delighted that Kuroi had found such a lovely girlfriend.

The next aisle table was also for the tennis team. Hasegawa was there with the Yaisoku sisters. The older sister, Modoka, had short black hair with a silver arachnid barrette holding her bangs. Modoka would be the next captain for the girls' tennis team and was the representative for the second year class two.

The other tennis table by the wall had Kumoyuki and Reiki. Two other second years from the tennis team were with them. The girl was Ogawa Emiri and she had an older brother on the team whom was taking the exam. The other guy was her cousin whom was also on the team. They both had oily black hair but hers was pulled back into a short tail which was bound by a crimson ribbon.

After the vacant volleyball tables were the choir tables which stood by the end of the dividing wall. The solitary girl with the curly, carrot locks was Tadayo Hotaru whom had an older sister in the choir. She had become the next choir club president.

The other choir table was being used by Mikomi, Bunii and Sukoyaka Myaku. Myaku was the daughter of the owner of Guilty Pleasures, a sweet shop in Mononoke. She had orchid locks which curled at the ends near her narrow shoulders. The girl from band had a blatant crush on Kaneshiro.

Noting she was almost finished with her meal, Kurumu set her chopsticks aside to pick up her can of yuzu juice. She popped the top to take a big swig of the tangy liquid.

"Shouldn't you be in class, Mr. Kaneshiro?"

Kurumu glanced over her shoulder at Sabaku's comment. Kaneshiro worked the wheels of his chair with a lunch tray in his lap.

"My last period is math with Mr. Mitani. Math has never be an issue for me."

"You shouldn't be cutting out of any classes."

Kaneshiro wheeled over to the end by Kurumu and Sabaku. He placed his tray on the table.

"Maybe true. You need to look into recruiting some young men for your PSC."

Sabaku huffed, opening up his last container which was nikujaga.

"Mr. Kitajima needs to join us full time. We probably won't get any new members from the current first years so we'll need to recruit from the new students coming in April before they pick other clubs."

"I would suggest recruiting more locals. While allowing Ms. Meirowasa to join was good for the PSC's image, getting some young men would even be better."

Tokori snickered from the other side of Kumiko, shaking her head.

"I doubt that will happen."

"Surely you must know some boys whom might be interested."

"Only two local guys are definitely attending Yokai Academy next year. Suda will most likely join the origami club that his brother is taking over. And Kasahara has been crushing on Sukoyaka for years. I can't imagine him not joining band."

Kurumu was vaguely familiar with these guys. She had seen Kasahara in Guilty Pleasures and knew about the Suda guy taking over the origami club. She had not known about him having a younger brother.

"What about the girls whom hang out in Guilty Pleasures? Tifa and Kairi?"

"We were talking about guys, Ms. Kurono. I think I have enough ladies in my group."

"Surely the community has more than four new students to offer."

Tokori sighed dramatically.

"We don't have a junior high, Mr. Kaneshiro. I don't know every kid in Mononoke."

"How about Mr. Sakeru?"

"He's the same age as Fuwaki. Why do you have his name?"

"I was the unofficial leader of the Outcasts. Kiria had a list of boys with siblings killed at Yokai Academy."

Tokori grimaced, poking at her meal.

"Then you probably have Takagi on your list. His brother was killed in 2001. He's a year younger than me but he probably won't come to Yokai Academy."

"I remember seeing a Takagi. The other names we had were Ichikawa and Oonishi."

"Oonishi is just a kid. Like maybe eleven at best. Ichikawa is also young. He's always hanging out with Mr. Satomura's oldest. Probably thirteen."

Tokori paused a moment before nodding firmly.

"Yea. I'm sure of that. You'd have better luck with Takagi's friend, Kinoshita. Zuiichi should be the same age as Takagi and Kumatani."

"Zuiichi?"

Tokori chuckled with flush cheeks.

"I know Kinoshita. He helps his parents run the Mari's Berries shop in the market. He's never shown any interest in attending Yokai Academy but I could talk him into it. His parents might be fine with it now that the PSC isn't killing locals whenever they feel like it."

"Could you chat with Mr. Takagi?"

Tokori smiled softly at Kaneshiro's inquiry.

"I haven't spoken with him for almost three years now. It was difficult being around him after his brother was killed. Doesn't help that his father abandoned the family back when he was five."

"What does his mother do?"

"Her in-laws run the Sour Breeze but she works for Toji services, cleaning homes for a living."

"Is there that much demand for that?"

"You'd be surprised with how many people would rather have someone else clean their homes."

Kurumu nodded thoughtfully, taking a drink from her can. She set it aside, picking up her chopsticks with the intent to finish her meal. She started scraping the remaining rice into a pile.

"What does this guy do? It's not like you have a junior high."

"I honestly have no idea what Takagi does with his time. Zuiichi might still be in touch with him."

"It sounds like you have two young men to mold into respectable members of the PSC."

Sabaku huffed at Kaneshiro's remark, polishing off the last of his lunch.

"Assuming they want to be in the PSC. There will be other prospects among the new students."

"How will that even work? Don't you have academic requirements?"

"It's not like that is a rule made by the school or the student council, Ms. Kurono. I can let people in with the understanding that they must meet those requirements or be expelled from the PSC."

"I guess that's just another thing that can be worked around."

Sabaku frowned as Kurumu stuffed the rest of her meal into her mouth.

"I'm unsure what you are meaning by that."

Kurumu took a moment to chew her food, setting aside her chopsticks. She swallowed the rice, chasing it down with a gulp from her juice can.

"Just that I thought there was a rule against working without parental permission. But Tashikana got hired at Spinning Discs without even talking to his parents."

Kaneshiro chuckled, shaking his head.

"That is not the same thing, Ms. Kurono."

"Satsuki and Hatoko both had to fill out a bunch of-"

"He's a third year, Ms. Kurono. And eighteen years old. The school is not going to enforce a rule like that when he can literally leave if his graduation is guaranteed. You do know that is what Ms. Otonashi did?"

Kurumu frowned, realizing he was correct. She was about to take another drink when she noticed that Rubi was walking briskly toward them. The older witch was garbed in a long sleeved blouse with a frilly collar and cuffs. A pair of black sailor pants hugged her hips. Rubi grinned wide as she approached.

"Has your master given you permission to eat lunch?"

Rubi giggled at Yukari's comment as she stopped beside Kaneshiro's wheelchair.

"No. The Headmaster actually instructed me to fetch you and Ms. Kurono. Also Mr. Kaneshiro whom I am surprised and thankful to see here with you."

"I'm assuming that you mean the former Headmaster."

"Yes, Mr. Kaneshiro. I would like to take you over to see him right away."

"What for?"

Rubi turned at Sabaku's inquiry.

"I can't say for certain. It might have something to do with this visit by the region commander."

"Lord Kenmei is here? Is he here for Tsukune?"

Rubi sighed at Kurumu's anxious queries, managing a smile.

"I don't know the nature of their conversation."

"Then I shall accompany you."

"No need to complicate this, Mr. Sabaku. If Ms. Toujou has no objections, she can push my wheelchair."

"But what do they need you for?"

Kaneshiro smiled at Sabaku's frown as Rubi settled behind him, gripping the handles of his wheelchair. He placed his chopsticks on his tray before folding his hands in his lap.

"I'll tell you all about it after. Trust me."

Kurumu smirked, doubting that was something anyone should do with this guy.

---

"I brought the three as requested."

Kurumu waited for Rubi to steer Kaneshiro through the open door before entering the art room with Yukari. The room consisted of four rows of two tables each with three chairs behind each table facing the front podium where the Headmaster stood. The Headmaster was wearing a hooded white robe with his face hidden the shadows of his cowl.

Kenmei Akira, Fairy Tale commander of the Chubu region, stood in the aisle between the tables of the first row. His auburn locks were short and his eyes were a soft shade of yellow. He was garbed in the black uniform of Fairy Tale with golden tassels and buttons signifying his rank as an officer. He looked them over once before returning his attention upon the Headmaster.

"They want the young man being accused of these crimes. Not his accomplices."

"I can't give you Mr. Aono."

"That was your excuse last Friday. I gave you a week to get him."

"The Huang family suffered a huge attack over the New Year. It's not easy communicating with them."

"Bullshit. I know you, Tenmei. You are keeping the boy out of Japan."

The Headmaster chuckled, leaning against the podium.

"I told you where he is, Akira. You are quite welcome to go get him."

"Give me a break here. I can't keep going back to the High Court empty handed."

"Then don't."

Lord Kenmei's shoulders slouched as he sighed, cocking his head at the Headmaster.

"They are anxious. They might even make a motion to strip me of my rank. Then where would we be?"

"I assume we would be having much more pleasant conversations."

Lord Kenmei snickered as the old man chuckled.

"You know very well what would happen. They will promote Lord Madaumi to region commander. And he will do anything that the High Court tells him to do."

"That's your fault for putting such an apathetic person in charge of Gifu after Lord Kitakawa retired."

"Decades ago, Tenmei. I couldn't plan for this. Honorable Tomobishi will have your school status revoked. You wouldn't just lose prefectural status. The education here would essentially mean nothing. It would be the death of Yokai Academy."

The Headmaster took in a deep breath and sighed.

"Akira. The fate of this school is not nearly as important as the fate of the world."

"That's not what you said when you established this place."

"Go home, Akira. Defend your home."

"The High Court can put a stop to Lord Fujisaki's plans. We just need to convince them."

"He is going to kill the High Court."

Lord Kenmei let out an exasperated huff.

"Which is why we need them on our side! If Mr. Aono can give them a good reason to at least strip Lord Fujisaki of his power, he would lose the backing of Fairy Tale."

"He's Alucard, Akira. He doesn't need Fairy Tale."

"But we do! We can't fight him when we are divided!"

"Those fools are why Fairy Tale remains divided after over a century. Let them die."

Kurumu shivered at the cold fury in the Headmaster's voice.

"Tenmei. There are only six now. If another judge dies, Honorable Tomobishi might call for your arrest."

"Then let us hope that Honorable Tomobishi is the next one to perish."

Kurumu frowned as the two men chuckled.

"I thought there were nine high court judges. You only told us about Sorahi Kirai being killed."

"I'm reluctant to explain the situation. Your ignorance might help prove your innocence."

"Innocence? For what?"

"You and Ms. Sendou have been incriminated in the most recent murder. The widow claims a witch and a succubus were involved in the slaying of her husband."

"That's ridiculous. I don't even know any high court judges."

"And I repeat that your ignorance is beneficial, Ms. Sendou. But it won't mean anything if I put this off another week and another judge dies. Tenmei is well aware of all of these men and can be accused of sending the three of you out as assassins."

"I care little what the High Court thinks."

Lord Kenmei sighed dramatically, scooting back to sit on the edge of the nearest tables.

"We are all aware of your animosity towards them. That isn't helpful."

"Nor is it helpful addressing these foolish charges made against these students. You know that they did not participate in the rumored Shuzen family rebellion. Nor did they kidnap Ms. Shuzen Kokoa and Ms. Akashiya Moka. This is nonsense to cover up the fact that Lord Fujisaki slaughtered the Shuzen family."

"They think we kidnapped Kokoa?"

"Yea. Nobody in their right mind would want to kidnap her."

Kurumu pouted at Yukari as the region commander chuckled.

"It's nonsense to rile up people whom don't know you or your relationship with these girls. I was also supposed to arrest Ms. Shuzen Kuzu, though your Headmaster claims she is not here."

"Former Headmaster due to someone forcing me to resign."

Lord Kenmei smirked at the chuckled Headmaster.

"For your own good, Teacher. Is she here?"

"Of course not. She and her brother must have caught wind of the allegations made against them and have gone into hiding. While vampires are reclusive, they are not ignorant of Fairy Tale's machinations."

"We are the government, Tenmei. There are no plots and schemes."

"Tell that to the succubi whom were hunted down for decades. It wasn't until the Taizai household was overthrown before a succubus could live anywhere and not get reported to Fairy Tale."

"Reported, Tenmei. It's not like they were killed on the spot after the purge was called off."

A tense moment of silent passed. Kurumu remembered Touhou's words about Hajinai Mume and how the Headmaster had betrayed her by allowing the first president of Fairy Tale to initiate a purge of her race. It was something Touhou held against his former comrade.

"What do you want to happen here, Lord Kenmei?"

The kitsune turned to regard Kaneshiro.

"I want the High Court to recognize the threat Lord Fujisaki poses and strip him of his power. In order to do that, I would need Mr. Aono to testify. I don't know if they will even entertain a testimony from Ms. Kurono, given what she is. And Ms. Sendou is only a child."

"I'm a genius."

Kurumu giggled at Yukari's interjection which also brought a smile to Kaneshiro's face.

"Of that I have no doubt, Ms. Sendou. But you will be facing a panel of six purebloods whom are older than I am. Most of them despise witches."

"The important question is do they care for the truth."

Lord Kenmei sighed at Kaneshiro's comment.

"We have to convince them that this is in their best interest. Three region commanders are dead. Two are missing and I am told that one is a doppelganger. If we could prove that, he would be stripped of his position immediately. Like succubi, doppelgangers are not supposed to be in positions of authority."

"Why are you playing their game, Akira?"

"Because we need the high court. Lady Chuujitsu has already been stripped of her position due to her ties with this Yoshii Kiria, which just leaves Lord Sakigake, Lord Gairen and myself. And nobody has seen Lord Gairen since Christmas."

"Because he is dead. Lady Chuujitsu trapped him inside a spirit mail. By the time we saw him, there was no way of saving him."

Lord Kenmei paused at Yukari's firm statement. He looked at the Headmaster.

"Did you know about this?"

"Ms. Toujou may have told me about it."

The region commander laughed, shaking his head.

"Ah, Tenmei. I know this all seems unimportant to you."

"It is meaningless."

"We need the High Court on our side. They will have to appoint Lord Sakigake or myself as an interim president of Fairy Tale. I can do so much more for this fight against Alucard if I'm the one chosen."

"Akira. My son. Don't go."

The softness of that request startled Kurumu.

"They'll take your school."

"They can have it."

"If you are right, he will kill the High Court off. We won't be able to mobilize Fairy Tale against him."

"It's Alucard, Akira. Throwing more bodies at him won't stop him. It only makes him stronger."

Lord Kenmei scowled with clenched fists.

"And hide in Aranoiji like my father did?"

"Your father survived. He kept your clan alive."

"By doing nothing! He let Alucard kill everything."

The Headmaster sighed with his shoulders slouching.

"I should have never told you about your father's contribution to our war with Alucard."

"Oh don't you start with that nonsense. You have benefited greatly from me joining Fairy Tale. If I had not become the officer for this prefecture, you would have never gotten your school status."

"Your family would still be in control of Aranoiji."

"Having a council of elders was better for everyone and you know that. I've worked too hard to obtain and keep this position of power, Teacher. Let me use it."

Kurumu felt the Headmaster's resignation as the elder nodded.

"Very well. I would encourage you to take both Mr. Kaneshiro and Ms. Toujou."

"I don't have room in the car for that."

"You can leave Ms. Ohno with the girl these two allegedly kidnapped."

"I could do that. But what need do I have with these two?"

"Ms. Toujou can corroborate the testimonies Ms. Sendou and Ms. Kurono can give. I'm sure that they will bring up the incidents in Okinawa and Yukimura which she was present for both. She is neither a child nor a succubus so they won't be so quick to dismiss her statements."

"Interesting. And what of the young man?"

"He has been in contact with Yoshii Kiria. He can shed some light on Fujisaki's plans. If all you need is to create reasonable doubt, these two should help immensely for that purpose."

Lord Kenmei bowed slightly to the Headmaster.

"Thank you, Teacher. I hope that none of you object to being taken to Shinnosekai right now. You most likely won't be back here until Monday."

"But I have plans this weekend."

Yukari poked her side, shaking her head at Kurumu's pout.

"I suppose that I can also abandon my plans for this weekend. I admit having concern that Yoshii might intercept me when I go to see Ms. Sukoyaka."

"You were going to visit her?"

"Of course, Ms. Kurono. I still need her."

Kurumu was about to say something when she realized what he meant. To slow down the vampire blood that was destroying his body, Kaneshiro was taking blood from Myaku and Sabaku. She blushed over her impulsive thought of him returning the girl's feelings.

"Before we go, I would suggest all of you to put everything into your schoolbags and leave them with Ms. Ohno. The process of seeing the High Court will require you to part with all of your belongings. It will be easier if you bring as little as possible on this trip."

Yukari frowned as the region commander walked around them.

"Does this mean we are going to wear the same clothes for the entire weekend?"

"Don't worry, Ms. Sendou. Clothes will be provided for you."

He paused at the door, beckoning to them.

"Follow me to the car. This will be a five hour drive. If we leave now, we'll be in time for dinner."

Kurumu grimaced, taking a reluctant step forward.

"So much for my weekend plans."