"If this takes. Much longer. You have. To carry me."

Kurumu chuckled at Yukari's panting. Holding that silver crow pendant, the witch dictated their pace through the uneven terrain of this forest with her shorter stride.

Aware that this would be a long walk in the chilly January weather, they had all dressed as warm as they could. Yukari was rocking those denim coveralls with the sunflower graphic in the center over a white and black striped, long sleeve shirt. She held the strap of her yellow tote as she trudged along in her white platform boots which had become scuffed from the trek.

Kurumu had on her white platform sneakers which probably looked tacky with her attire. Her long sleeved, black blouse buttoned all the way up to a conservative collar. A pleated, olive suspender skirt with a decorative corset midsection was worn over the blouse. She had borrowed a pair of Moka's black leggings so that none of her skin was exposed to the elements.

Kokoa trailed a few steps behind them, showing no signs of fatigue. Her body was swathed in that new velvet outfit that was indecisive about being black or dark green. The high collar almost touched the underside of her jaw and the long sleeves could be extended over her hands if she desired. That pleated skirt could not hide the curves of her hips while the stitched in leggings stretched all the way down to her ankles. Her feet were nestled within crimson tennis shoes with black laces.

"What time is it?"

Kurumu let the strap of her lavender purse slide down to her elbow as she brought it in front of her. She fished around for her phone, tugging it out. While it had no service, the display gave her the time. She eased the phone back inside to not clink against her yunomi, returning the strap to her shoulder.

"Twelve after noon."

"I thought. You said. Two hour walk."

Kurumu giggled at Yukari's ragged breaths as they continued through the rugged forest.

"Well you are a lot shorter than Kiria."

"I should have flown."

"You were the one that fussed this morning about flying when we were getting dressed."

"I regret. My concerns."

They had said their goodbyes to their friends after getting off the bus in Unayama around nine thirty. The bus driver would be taking Otonashi to Okinawa and everyone else to Yokai Academy. He promised he would be back in Unayama in time for them.

"This wouldn't be so bad if there was actually a trail."

"Yea. Guess. We do need this."

Yukari wagged the pendant as she picked her way over a log. She hopped down with a sigh.

"I think that's it."

Kokoa pointed ahead of them but Kurumu saw nothing but trees.

"I don't see anything."

Kokoa smirked, adjusting the strap of her dark green tote.

"We'll be there in less than two minutes."

Yukari let out a huge sigh of relief as she continued her steady trek.

"Thank goodness. No way. We walking back."

"I can't fly while wearing this outfit."

"You've flown. In lingerie. Before."

Yukari cried out shortly after Kurumu noticed the brown structure lurking within the trees. The cottage was exactly how Kurumu recalled from Kiria's memories. A brown wood porch with brown wood walls and a black shingle roof. The trees stood so close to the structure that it was a wonder that there had been any space for it to be built. Kurumu surmised some magic had been involved.

Yukari picked up her pace to a trot, prompting them to do the same. In moments they were clambering up the two steps onto the porch. Yukari let out a heavy sigh as she pounded on the door. She turned to offer a weak smile to Kurumu as she continued to pant.

"I'll cast. An invisibility. Spell on you."

"That's a long way to fly and you know it."

"You need to participate more in gym, brat."

"Shut up. A witch. Doesn't require. Brute strength."

Kurumu grinned, stepping forward to knock on the door.

"I was getting pretty tired too."

"Who gets winded from just walking?"

"That was. Up hills. No trail. Nothing like. Our walks. To Mononoke."

"Walking is walking. I could do that forever."

"Moron. Most people. Can't stand. All day long."

Kokoa smirked, turning her attention to the door the moment it was eased open. Kurumu and Yukari retreated out of the path of the door, allowing Lady Chuujitsu to fully open it.

"Well isn't this a surprise."

Lady Chuujitsu was wearing a simple black blouse which was buttoned up, though that last button was only a little above her bosom. The wide collar had large flaps which touched the swell of her breasts. A ruffled black skirt nearly touched the floor as she regarded them with her mint green eyes. Her raven tresses were unbound, spilling down her back.

"While I know that Ms. Sendou is resourceful and Ms. Kurono has seen this place through memories, my enchantments should have turned you away."

"Not with this."

Yukari held out the silver crow pendant, causing the witch to frown.

"Did my father have more of these trinkets in his home?"

"No. We got this. From Kiria."

Lady Chuujitsu's frown deepened.

"Not possible. He had it on him this morning and hasn't left this house."

"Can we come inside?"

"Fine. Wait in the living room while I get Kiria."

"Could you also get my sister? That is the reason why we came."

"I will try. She has been sleeping since we last spoke."

Kurumu entered first as Lady Chuujitsu retreated down the corridor beyond. Kurumu sauntered over to the genkan's edge, wiggling out of her platform sneakers as Kokoa closed the door behind them.

"Thank goodness it wasn't raining. That trip was miserable for Kiria decades ago."

Yukari grumbled as she worked her feet out of her boots.

"Kurumu. It was freezing out there. Snow was more likely than rain."

Kurumu laughed as Kokoa joined her on the tatami. Yukari struggled to remove her other boot.

"This was nothing compared to Yukimura."

"Kurumu. It was two degrees."

"It warmed up a little."

Yukari rubbed her arms as she stepped up on the tatami.

"I should have worn my coat."

Kurumu smirked, sashaying down the hall and dipping through the first opening on the left. The room was exactly how she remembered it. Bookshelves lined the wall on the right while a fireplace was built into the far corner of the room. Two windows were on the walls that met that corner fireplace with views of the forest and porch. A couch flanked by a wooden rocking chair faced the fireplace. Kurumu meandered over to the back of the couch, touching it.

"It hasn't changed at all."

Yukari took in a deep, steadying breath.

"This will be a waste of time if your sister isn't awake."

"She's awake. While I may not be doing in depth looks, I do have glimpses whenever our eyes meet. The first futures are the most likely ones."

They heard the sound of feet hurrying towards them, heralding the arrival of the silver haired beauty. Kahlua paused in the opening, wearing a white satin chemise which bared most of her thighs. Her ample bosom strained the fabric so much that the thin straps on her tanned shoulders were lax.

"Kokoa?"

Kokoa stepped forward with her arms out.

"Kahlua."

Kahlua rushed in, folding her sister up in a hug. She pressed her cheek against the side of Kokoa's head as there was not nearly as much a height difference between the two now. Kahlua began crying as she rubbed her hands on Kokoa's shoulder and back.

"I'm so sorry. I'm so sorry."

"It's okay. You're safe now. I got you."

"Now that is a touching reunion."

Kiria smirked, standing in the opening with an arm draped over Lady Chuujitsu's shoulders. He had on a black dress shirt which was fully buttoned up with a pair of khakis.

"I just realized that you had different furniture in the other home."

Kiria chuckled at Kurumu's observation, tugging his lover closer to his side.

"Yup. Fairy Tale gave her a fully furnished home in Edatani. She didn't even have to bring anything from the kitchen. The only thing she brought with her were clothes."

Lady Chuujitsu snorted.

"Which I thankfully brought here when the investigations against me became too serious. I suspected that you were still using this place as a home on your longer stints away from me."

"Guilty as charged. Though I imagine Ms. Kurono knows all about that."

Kurumu smirked at him as the sisters finally parted to arms' length.

"Where is Moka?"

"She is safe with Akua."

"I would like an explanation on that duplicate pendant, Ms. Sendou. Kiria is wearing the original."

Yukari nodded, holding the silver crow pendant up as she stepped forward.

"This is something a Yoshii Kiria from another timeline gave us."

Kiria regarded the item with interest as the witch brought it over to him. He took it, giving it a brief look before handing it to Lady Chuujitsu.

"What do you think, Shizuka?"

The woman looked it over, nodding

"It does have the guiding spell on it to bring the holder here. It's identical in every sense."

"Why would this other me give this to you?"

"Because Lord Fujisaki instigated the destruction of Japan. We honestly don't know exactly whom was at fault but millions of Japanese citizens died. I presume that many monsters, including us, also perished. The other you told us where to find Fujisaki and Kahlua."

Kiria grimaced at Yukari's explanation, sharing a look with his lover.

"Miyabi admitted that was a possibility when he explained everything to us."

"He was a madman. Exposing the existence of monsters in this manner was never going to be accepted even if he was seen as the common enemy. How many times have people come together in war only to go back to bickering in times of peace? If he wanted to die so badly, he should have done it long ago."

Kiria chuckled softly at the end of her tirade.

"He couldn't, Shizuka. He couldn't die. No matter what happened. No matter how many times his heart was broken. Death refused him."

"I hope that your presence here means that he has failed."

Kokoa nodded, loosely holding her sister's sides.

"Yes. Akua and Moka put him down. I can't say for certain if that means that the world has been saved since I haven't been doing any long looks into our future. But I feel good about it."

"What was his plan anyways? We were first told the attack would be on Monday but then her visions revealed that we needed to be ready a day early."

Lady Chuujitsu laughed warmly, turning the pendant over in her hands.

"That was Ms. Suukei's doing. She influenced Lord Shingai and the staff of the Garden to launch the assault ahead of schedule because Sunday belonged to God. She was a crazy one."

"The idea was that he would take over the Japan government and then challenge a nearby nation. He was thinking South Korea to get the attention of America. He also mentioned China as an option. He hadn't quite decided yet."

Kiria paused, taking in a deep breath.

"It was his hope that the humans would help free the Japanese people from their oppressors. And since he was immortal, he could be the eternal common enemy forcing monsters and humans to coexist."

"But he wasn't immortal. The rosary could destroy him."

Kokoa's sentiment caused Lady Chuujitsu's eyes to flicker with understanding.

"But the rosary didn't work. He beat Ms. Suukei for trying to use it on him."

"It only worked when Fujisaki merged with his host body. We got the rosary back from Ms. Suukei after she killed herself."

Lady Chuujitsu laughed with a shake of her head.

"That is so… unbelievable. Everything fell perfectly into place. Her keeping the rosary and launching the attack a day early. You asking me to save Kahlua so that we would know where he is."

"What does saving Kahlua have to do with that?"

Lady Chuujitsu smiled softly.

"Our mad King had my beloved chained up at his shrine in Hokkaido. He was being forced to accompany that maniac on this foolish journey. I used my ring to take me and Kahlua to his location. That madman was in the middle of explaining his vision when we appeared."

"Which I was thankful for. There are only so many times in one week that I can endure his monologues."

Lady Chuujitsu chuckled, leaning her head against his side.

"He was confused and enraged over what happened to Kahlua. After I explained the situation as quickly as I could, he gave her his blood."

Kahlua smiled, letting go of Kokoa to touch her neck.

"Shinso blood. A lot of it. Brought me back."

"She was nothing but a wild beast at first. He had to restrain her. Calm her. With more blood and kisses."

Kahlua blushed slightly at Kiria's remark, glancing aside.

"I don't remember any of that."

"She was to become his immortal bride. We were supposed to care for her until she was able to join him in his conquest."

"Well he's dead so none of you have to worry about that."

Lady Chuujitsu laughed at Yukari's remark.

"Yes. Apparently so. I'm still in shock at how perfectly everything lined up. You even had another Kiria show up and help you prevent this madness."

"It was a parallel universe where most of the situations are the same. I don't know if Alucard was still alive in that world but it was clear that the two of you had decided to sacrifice your lives to give another universe a chance."

"Sacrifice?"

Lady Chuujitsu smiled at his reaction to Yukari's explanation.

"Of course. I should have realized it sooner. I sent him here."

"So you know this spell."

The older witch laughed at Yukari. She smiled with a nod.

"Yes. It's much safer sending inanimate objects. But even then you might need someone to watch over you since you could be unconscious for a few days. I've received a few messages from myself over the years. The first being to not use this spell unless absolutely necessary."

Kiria chuckled, giving her a shake.

"And I have watched over her the few times she has sent them."

"If he knew that his plan was compromised, why did he not leave immediately?"

Kiria laughed brightly at Yukari's inquiry.

"Because he knocked himself out. Gave too much blood to his princess that Shizuka had to watch over him. Miyabi didn't wake up until around ten."

"And promptly shooed us out the door. Didn't even thank us for watching over him."

"Well he is immortal so it's not like he would have died."

Lady Chuujitsu sighed heavily.

"I tried to talk him out of it. That the four of us could all disappear somewhere."

"And got threatened for that. It is a pity that things turned out like this but Miyabi would not have it any other way. I'm curious what happened to this other Kiria. He might be an interesting fellow."

Lady Chuujitsu snorted, shaking her head.

"Probably dead. That spell isn't meant to send living things."

"Oh. That sounds dreadful."

"You do realize that we both gave up our lives in that parallel universe to save this one?"

He frowned, glancing down at her.

"We did?"

"Yes, Kiria. Some spells have too high of costs. If not for my mixed blood, I wouldn't be able to send little messages to myself."

Kiria grinned, leaning in to kiss the side of Lady Chuujitsu's head. His lover giggled, pressing to his side.

"So what happens now?"

Kokoa sucked in a deep breath, drawing the straps of her purse back up to her shoulder.

"Now we have to figure out what to do with you three. Two of you are already wanted by the High Court and I'm not sure what will be said of my sister."

"Your mother made sure that Kahlua's connection to the slaughters of Kengamine and Yukimura would remain a secret. I doubt that the transcript of our recent high court visit were salvaged to change that."

Kurumu laughed nervously at Yukari's statement.

"But we can't let the Yukimura incident remain as Tsukune's fault."

"I'm sure that the whole thing can be blamed on Lord Fujisaki like Mrs. Shuzen originally intended. It just requires one of the succubi to head up there and fix what Ms. Suukei did."

"You could just tell the truth."

Kokoa shook her head, stepping in to touch Kahlua's forearm.

"No. That's not what Mother wanted."

"But I-"

"Can never change what happened. Let it go, Kahlua. You can discuss your future with Father."

Kahlua's crimson eyes brightened up.

"Father is alive?"

"Yes. He was being held hostage by Ms. Suukei. We have four little half-sisters."

Kahlua frowned at Kokoa, cocking her head.

"Father had more children?"

"Yes. They're all living at Ms. Suukei's cottage in Kunitama. We should take you there. He could use the help. It sounded like this Ms. Yutaka doesn't have any actual experience with kids."

"I don't have any experience with kids."

"You still could help. It might take him a few days to wrap up matters in the Kanto region before he can return home to address the situation of our family."

"I understand. I do want to see him again."

"That seems to address the matter with your sister. What about us? Any chance a succubus will step in our behalf for saving the world?"

Kokoa smirked at his grin.

"Well we can't blame everything on Lord Fujisaki. The women counseling my father are leaning towards blaming you for the destruction of the High Court and inciting this rebellion in the Kanto region."

"That doesn't sound very grateful."

"Oh hush. I would gladly take credit for the High Court's demise."

"But we would become wanted criminals, my love. Are you able to handle such a lifestyle?"

Lady Chuujitsu snickered at his playful tone.

"You've managed just fine for several months while they had a High Court."

"True. But many of my associates have perished since this summer. It won't be easy."

"I recommend leaving the country. From what I understand, there aren't monster governments in large countries like China and Australia. You only have to worry about the Huang family's presence."

Lady Chuujitsu smiled at Yukari's suggestion, looking up into Kiria's grin.

"I've always thought about travel."

"It could be interesting. Where would you like to go?"

"Go to Sydney, Australia. That was the best family vacation we went on."

Kahlua giggled at her sister's comment.

"I remember that. Nobody had any extra business to do and everyone was there."

"Sounds like we are starting with Australia. Shall I pack your bags?"

Lady Chuujitsu huffed as he removed his arm from her shoulder.

"I'm still miffed that I left a suitcase behind at the Garden."

Kiria chuckled as he wandered out of sight.

"You're fault for not putting them away in your magical space."

"Fault is irrelevant. It doesn't bring my favorite pair of heels back."

Yukari stepped up to the witch, placing her hand on Lady Chuujitsu's arm.

"Lady Chuujitsu. It's more than a two hour walk back to Unayama. Please tell me that you have a way to get us back there quickly."

The older witch laughed brightly, placing her hands on Yukari's shoulders.

"Of course, Ms. Sendou. I lived here for years. Getting groceries would have been too arduous of a task if I didn't have a shortcut to the nearest village."

Kurumu perked up at that revelation.

"That's great news. Hopefully we won't have to wait too long for the bus driver."

Lady Chuujitsu smirked, withdrawing her hands from Yukari.

"You probably won't. If that guy brought you to Unayama, he would expect me to bring you back soon. He may even offer us a ride to the nearest airport."

"You know Mr. Nurari?"

Lady Chuujitsu chuckled as she retreated a step.

"Young ladies. I don't think anybody truly does."

The dark haired woman wearing a dress shirt with a JAL logo embroidered over her subtle breast stared intently at the monitor as she pushed the buttons of her keyboard. People milled about the lobby of the Osaka international airport. Many hurried up the stairs and escalator on the right, having no need to purchase tickets or check their luggage.

Kurumu smiled at Yukari while they waited for this woman to find a flight for the two fugitives. People waited patiently behind them. And behind these people was a row of glass held in black framing riddled with glass doors providing entry into this long lobby. On the other side was a road for vehicles to drop off and pick up travelers. And even further beyond was a massive parking lot.

"It would seem that you are in luck, Ms. Chuujitsu. I have two seats open for a flight to Sydney which departs at four thirty."

The woman looked away from the screen to offer Lady Chuujitsu a smile. Kiria lingered beside the witch with his arm upon her shoulders.

"It's not a direct flight though. There will be an hour and a half layover at the Haneda Airport in Tokyo. But you will be in Sydney by tomorrow morning."

"I don't have any problems with that."

"And this will be one way, correct?"

Lady Chuujitsu sounded an affirmative, prompting the woman to start typing away again. After a few keystrokes, the woman looked up with another smile.

"For two one way tickets, that will be three hundred twenty six thousand, six hundred seventy four yen."

Kiria withdrew his arm from Lady Chuujitsu, fishing a black wallet out of khakis. He tugged a blue card out and presented it to the woman.

"Thank you, Mr. Akudama."

Yukari snorted a laugh, moving her hand to hide her smile. Kurumu also smirked as the woman slid the card through a slot mounted to the side of the monitor. The woman tapped a few keys and waited.

Kurumu glanced over at Kokoa whom stood with her sister. Lady Chuujitsu had given Kahlua a burgundy dress with long sleeves and a ruffled skirt. The collar was ragged and bared much of Kahlua's cleavage because they had cut the rigid fabric to give her bosom room. As Kahlua was only a centimeter or two taller than Lady Chuujitsu, the bottom hem of this dress reached her calves.

"Thank you again. Do you have any luggage that you would like to check in?"

The woman handed the card back to Kiria. Lady Chuujitsu smiled, patting the woven black tote which hung by a strap upon her left shoulder.

"Nope. We have everything we need inside here."

The woman laughed brightly as an unseen machine printed loudly beneath the counter.

"I see. I hope that you have a refreshing vacation."

The printing continued for a long moment, sounding very much like Moka's printer back home. It made Kurumu worry about Moka and wish they were back in Mononoke. The woman leaned down, tearing off the boarding passes. She straightened up, handing the perforated sheet over to Lady Chuujitsu.

"Thank you again for flying with Japanese Airlines."

Lady Chuujitsu mirrored the woman's slight bow before turning away. Kiria slipped his wallet back into his khakis while draping his arm about Lady Chuujitsu's shoulders. They all drifted away from the ticket counter lines to join Kokoa and Kahlua whom waited near the base of an escalator. A stair with a single landing flanked the motorized stairway.

"That seemed a little too easy."

Lady Chuujitsu laughed at Kurumu's remark as she held the boarding passes against her bosom.

"Not really. Fairy Tale has little control over the human world. They might get notified that I have left the country, but have no real method of preventing my departure."

"I still can't get over his alias."

Kiria grinned broadly at Yukari.

"Akudama Zuiichi is an appropriate name for someone of my talents."

"You should be fine in Australia for at least a few weeks. It will take time before Fairy Tale sends any assassins after you."

Kahlua nodded at her sister's comment.

"You shouldn't stay there though. They will follow that account you just used to buy your tickets."

Kiria chuckled, tugging Lady Chuujitsu closer to his side.

"The money trail. I'll have to drain this account when we get to Sydney. Hop to another country and start our new lives with new identities and a new bank account."

"There are so many places that I would like to see. We could be moving around the globe for years."

Kurumu took in a deep breath and sighed.

"So this is it then. Our final goodbye."

Kiria grinned, thumbing over her shoulder at the stairs.

"You could always come up with us to the security gates."

Kurumu laughed, shaking her head.

"No. I think we can say our farewells here."

A softness touched his yellow eyes as he regarded her.

"I am grateful that you decided to encourage me to face the truth about Miyabi. You didn't have to. Nobody would have blamed you for showing no mercy after what I did to your mother."

Kurumu smiled softly, glancing down.

"Nothing I could do to you would bring my mother back."

Kiria nodded, caressing Lady Chuujitsu's shoulder.

"Miyabi wasn't entirely bad. He killed my mother but he took care of me. Made me into the man that I am today. I appreciate that as much as Hokuto appreciates what I did for him."

"It's not the same. You saved Kaneshiro's life from a situation that you didn't cause."

"The PSC only existed because of the assassination attempt upon the Headmaster. It was my fault."

Kurumu nodded thoughtfully, having never thought of it in that light.

"Your mother could have done so much more for you."

"We can't hope for a better past, Ms. Kurono. We can only work on making ourselves a better future."

"I also feel sorry for Miyabi. I was a horrible wife to him. I was so wrapped up in my own emotions that I never tried to understand him."

"That man was a childish tyrant. After your mother's passing, I could tell that your will to live had been snuffed out. He denied your death, forcing you to share in his eternal misery."

Kahlua laughed meekly at Lady Chuujitsu's remark.

"I suppose that he did. But as someone whom hasn't even been alive for twenty years, I should save my complaints of longevity for the next century."

Kiria snickered, giving his lover a mild shake.

"Don't listen to her, Princess. Shizuka was always scared of that man."

"Farewell. I hope that you two have a happy life."

Kiria gave Kurumu a warm smile without any trace of mischief.

"Pass along my farewell to Hokuto. I hope that he does change the world like he always wanted to."

Kurumu's heart tightened as she managed a laugh.

"Yea. Though he wants to become a lawyer for Fairy Tale."

"We all have to start somewhere, Ms. Kurono."

"Farewell, Ms. Sendou. I would appreciate it if you passed along my thanks to your Grandfather. His interview with me changed the course of my life."

Yukari regarded the older witch with a stern expression.

"I suppose I can. I also hope that our paths never cross again."

"That seems a little rude to say."

Yukari huffed indignantly at Kurumu.

"She shot Lord Kenmei, causing our car to roll. That almost killed us all. I'm only being civil with these two because their counterparts saved this world."

"I understand your feelings, Ms. Sendou. I leave Japan in your capable hands."

"Just go already. We have other places to be."

Kiria laughed brightly at Yukari's gruff statement, steering his lover away.

"Take care of the princess, little sister."

The vampire sisters murmured their farewells as the couple started up the stairs. Kurumu watched them go all the way up and disappear into the hallway beyond.

"We should wait for that useless bus driver outside."

Kurumu laughed at Yukari's harsh remark as the witch started for the nearest door. She quickly caught up with the witch. The sensor of the door picked up their presence, letting them into the glass vestibule. In a few strides they were outside in the chilly January afternoon.

"What time is it?"

Kurumu smirked at Yukari's question as they drifted over to the curb. She fished her phone out to check the display before dumping it back inside.

"Three twenty four."

"Where is that idiot? We were only staying here long enough to confirm that those two bought tickets."

Kurumu smiled at Yukari's continued annoyance with Mr. Nurari. The witch had been furious at him this morning for allowing the Headmaster to die. The bus driver gave no apologies, saying it was good that his old friend had finally passed on. And being the mischievous type, he would not tell them if they had averted the crisis that the Headmaster had foreseen or if Alucard had been defeated.

Kurumu took in a deep breath as she watched the cars pass by. As they were by the departures, most of the nearby vehicles that did stop were dropping off passengers.

"Do you think we have time to explore the city?"

"You do not need to pick up another yunomi."

Kurumu pouted at Yukari.

"I'm not asking to go back to the Nara prefecture. But we are in Osaka."

"But you've been to this airport. Don't you already have a yunomi for Osaka?"

Kurumu grinned, turning upon Kokoa with a shake of her head.

"Nope. According to Ms. Aimai, the airport is in the Hyogo prefecture. That's the yunomi she got for me."

Kokoa snickered, crossing her arms below her bosom.

"Then you can always ask her to pick you up a yunomi for Osaka. She does work this region."

"I suppose. She could also pick one up for the Nara prefecture. And I still need ones for Oita and Fukuoka for our trip to Lord Tomi's mansion. And Hokkaido for Yukimura and we were in Kanagawa yesterday."

"Are you getting tea cups for all of these prefectures?"

Kurumu grinned at Kahlua's puzzled expression.

"Mhm. I have like a dozen already, not including the shot glass Ms. Fukuda bought me for Kumamoto."

Kahlua laughed softly, glancing down.

"I would like to see Mayu again."

"What are you kids standing around for?"

Mr. Nurari's voice drew Kurumu's attention to a black sedan parked alongside the curb. The driver had stepped out and was holding his car door. His bus attire had been swapped with a simple black suit. He waved at them with a hand swathed in a white glove.

"What happened to the bus?"

Mr. Nurari grinned as Yukari drifted over to the vehicle.

"No need for a group of four. Get in the front seat, Mrs. Fujisaki Kahlua."

Yukari sighed dramatically, opening up the back door. She clambered into the vehicle.

"I suppose the vehicle doesn't matter. I just want to go home and see my mother."

"Not just yet, Ms. Sendou. I got a special trip in mind for Mrs. Fujisaki Kahlua."

Kahlua frowned as she opened the front passenger door.

"What kind of trip?"

"One that I believe you and Ms. Kurono will appreciate. Get inside."

With a nervous smile, Kurumu entered the vehicle. She hoped that this was something good.

Mr. Nurari slowed the vehicle as they drifted along this narrow road cutting through the wooded hillside. There was nothing that spectacular to see through the windows. Not even a river as far as Kurumu could tell. There might be a stream hidden in the trees off to the left. There usually was a guardrail on that side of this one lane road, protecting them from the steep drop.

Kurumu fished her phone out of her purse in her lap, bringing it out just enough to check the time. It was a quarter after four which meant Kiria and Lady Chuujitsu had probably boarded their plane. She let her phone fall back inside, letting out a sigh.

The mysterious bus driver had taken them on a half hour drive through the Hyogo prefecture. According to him, the nearest tunnel that he used frequently was for Yamatari, home of Chihei Institute. Kurumu had recalled there being a Dentou Center in the Hyogo prefecture that hosted tournaments for karate which Mr. Nurari had confirmed. Dentou Center was the current prefectural school located in Iwashina. Chihei Institute occasionally had that honor as it was almost the same size as its rival.

"How much farther away is this place?"

"Don't worry, Ms. Shuzen. We're almost there."

Kokoa grumbled, slouching in her seat.

"Yea, well I'm hungry. That complimentary hotel breakfast can't carry me through this day."

Yukari sighed heavily, leaning her head against the window.

"I should have eaten more."

Kurumu smiled, mildly curious where they were. They had gone through a tunnel on Royu driveway and came out on the E74 tollway. They had taken the Mizuho Iwami exit, stopping to pay the toll. After a short drive through a small town on road 50, they had turned left onto this road not that long ago.

"Here we are."

They arrived at the end of this road with Mr. Nurari putting the car in park. Kahlua laughed.

"I don't see anything but trees."

"This is as close as we can get to Toukai."

Yukari huffed, undoing her seat belt.

"Hidden? I guess that's an appropriate name since there isn't anything here."

Mr. Nurari chuckled, turning off the engine. He opened his door, getting out.

"If one of you could push out a demonic aura, one of the residents will come to check on us."

"I suppose I could do that."

Kahlua unfastened her seat belt and opened her door. The moment Kahlua stood up, Kurumu felt the older sister's terrifying presence.

"Much obliged, Mrs. Fujisaki. It won't take them long."

Mr. Nurari pulled out a cigar which he promptly lit up as Yukari opened her car door. Yukari stepped out, eyeing the bus driver warily with her hand still on the door.

"You aren't planning to ditch us here?"

Mr. Nurari chuckled in a cloud of smoke as he shut his door.

"As amusing as that would be, I'd rather not antagonize the new Headmaster of Yokai Academy."

Kurumu managed a smile at Kokoa as she unhooked her seat belt.

"Getting out?"

Kokoa grunted dismissively. Managing a smile, Kurumu scooted across the seat to exit the vehicle through Yukari's open door. She shivered from the brisk air as she drifted over to the trunk.

"What's so special about this place anyways?"

Mr. Nurari chuckled, taking another puff from his cigar as Kurumu leaned against the trunk.

"Well, Ms. Kurono. This is where you were born."

Kurumu's eyes widened as she looked at Yukari. The witch shrugged, still holding her door open.

"Are we in Tottori?"

"Not quite."

Kahlua closed her door at the same time as Kokoa opened hers. The younger sister got out with a grumble, leaving her door open.

"Is this going to take a long time? I really want dinner."

"Not long, Ms. Shuzen. I'm sure that someone has noticed your sister's presence and is on her way."

"I understand why this place might be important to Ms. Kurono, but you said that this trip was for me."

"You will see soon enough, Mrs. Fujisaki."

Kurumu felt anxious as the seconds became minutes. Yukari absently closed her door as the sounds of nature surrounded them. The witch drifted over to her side, leaning her head against Kurumu's bosom. Taking in a deep breath, Kurumu reached around to place her hand on Yukari's shoulder.

A slight rustle of wings drew her attention up as a pink haired woman with chiropteran wings came into view. The lady was wearing a black, sleeveless bodice with black laces down the front and a black pencil skirt which ended halfway down her pale thighs. She whipped her legs forward as her wings angled up, allowing her to land firmly on her glossy black flats.

"I trust that you aren't here to burn down another village, Mrs. Fujisaki Kahlua."

Kurumu grinned at the woman's melodious voice. Her wavy pink tresses spilled upon her pale, narrow shoulders. Her bangs had been braided and tucked behind her ears. Her eyes were a bright orange.

"No. I'm only here because of Mr. Nurari."

"How do you know my sister?"

The woman laughed brightly as she stalked over to the vehicle, tucking her wings to her torso.

"I know her reputation. I see that Mr. Sakuryaku is up to his old tricks."

"Naturally, Lady Ontai."

Kurumu gasped, looking upon this woman with sudden understanding.

"Ontai Riyuu. You're the daughter of one of the High Court judges."

The woman regarded Kurumu with sudden interest.

"That isn't common knowledge, Miss…"

"Kurono. Kurono Kurumu."

The woman's eyes softened.

"Ah. I see. My condolences about your mother. I was looking forward to working with her."

Kurumu swallowed thickly, nodding.

"My condolences about your father."

Ms. Ontai absently touched her breast.

"So he is gone then. Last Sunday?"

"Yes. We were there when the High Court was slaughtered."

The succubus tensed up, glancing at the bus driver.

"Is that true? The entire High Court is gone?"

"It is, Lady Ontai. No High Court. No president or vice president. Not even region commanders."

Ms. Ontai snickered with a shake of her head.

"Yes. I bet that you find this all very amusing."

"Change is interesting. It gets stale when things always stay the same."

Ms. Ontai smiled at his remark, turning her attention back to Kurumu.

"I'm a little surprised that I felt his passing. I can't claim to have been close to my father in years. He hated Lord Katai, calling him a lesser breed whom had no business holding an important position of power. Back when Lord Daihonou was in charge, I would see Father at least once a month."

Kurumu managed a smile, letting go of Yukari to fix her purse strap better upon her right shoulder.

"He mentioned that you had sisters but didn't know what happened to them."

"I never had the heart to tell him that his other little girls were butchered in Fairy Tale's experiments. They wanted to see if they could remove our heartstrings. Kimi died before the first successful operation was done on Ms. Juunan. They tried it on Tama within a year of her getting her wings."

Ms. Ontai sighed heavily.

"I was lucky because I was old enough to have my brains fucked out. By the time my turn came up for the operation, I was already sixteen. I survived and was returned to my service as Lord Gekido's whore."

Kurumu grimaced at her words.

"You could have told him."

"Father was already at odds with the High Court. They almost voted him out when they heard what he did for me. Claimed that he was compromised."

"What did he do for you?"

Ms. Ontai smiled wistfully.

"He found me. Got me assigned to Region Commander Daihonou whom was a close friend of his back in 69. And Lord Daihonou wasn't interested in fucking his friend's daughter. He even got me official training to become a proper agent by Ms. Miburui. I owe a lot to Father and Lord Daihonou, even though they were as prejudiced as they come."

Kurumu nodded thoughtfully, trying to recall what she had heard about this woman.

"Is your age not on file? Mrs. Shuzen and Ms. Juunan acted like they didn't know it."

Ms. Ontai laughed warmly, glancing about them.

"Fairy Tale had to change my last name and my sisters' last names to avoid there being an obvious connection between us and a High Court judge. I was 'discovered' when my wings came out in April of 61. So my birth date is not on file. But those two know that I was born August twenty third of 49."

Kurumu smirked, supposing she should not be surprised that they had feigned ignorance.

"When exactly did you start working for Mrs. Shuzen?"

"We're not here to chat with one of Mrs. Shuzen's agents."

Ms. Ontai chuckled at Yukari's protest as the young witch crossed her arms defiantly.

"Probably not. But I can answer that question. I was immediately transferred to Mrs. Shuzen's elite group when President Futten authorized it in November of 86. Lord Daihonou and my father hated this change since I was no longer their agent to control. It was really no surprise that Lord Daihonou stepped down when Mrs. Shuzen became the president."

"I'm still confused as to why we were brought here."

Kurumu perked up at Kahlua's remark.

"Yea. I was told that I was born here."

"You are near Toukai. This is the village where Elder Hajinai resides. I'm guessing this mischief maker wants you to learn a little about your origins."

Ms. Ontai gestured towards Kahlua.

"As for you, Mrs. Fujisaki. You are probably here for Mayu."

Kahlua gasped, touching her breast.

"Mayu is here?"

"So is Uwaki and two of her girls. I understand her third is hanging out at Yokai Academy."

"Yea. Yukari's mother is looking after her while we are gone."

Kahlua moved around her sister to the back of the car.

"Can I see Mayu now?"

Ms. Ontai smiled as the vampire moved to her side.

"It's about a twenty minute hike through the woods."

"Could we fly?"

The succubus laughed at Yukari's suggestion.

"Even if Ms. Kurono was wearing clothing for that, I can only carry one of you."

"I'm a witch. I can fly and carry someone if I cast a weight adjustment spell on them."

Kurumu laughed at the bold declaration. She draped her arm over Yukari's shoulder.

"This is Sendou Yukari."

"Oh? Related to the infamous Sendou Seitou whom caused much trouble with his research?"

"My Grandfather was only trying to make the lives of other races easier."

Ms. Ontai chuckled under her breath.

"While that is nice to know that you can fly, there still are more people present than we can carry unless Ms. Kurono wants to lose that attire in this chilly weather."

Kurumu grimaced, glancing over at Kokoa.

"I suppose that I could take my top off."

Kokoa shook her head, making a dismissive gesture.

"I'm fine staying here with the car. Someone has to make sure that this guy doesn't ditch us."

"Is my character truly that untrustworthy?"

"Yes!"

Kurumu had to laugh that even Ms. Ontai had chimed in on that affirmation.

"By all means, get back in the car."

Kokoa huffed, following his instruction.

"You'll be fine carrying me?"

"Of course, Mrs. Fujisaki. I trust that the two of you can keep up."

Yukari stepped away from Kurumu, sprouting six magical wings riddled with black feathers.

"Of course I can. I'm a genius."

"Says the girl that was so tired from walking this morning."

"This isn't a long flight, right?"

Ms. Ontai slipped around Kahlua, hugging the vampire from behind. The succubus was slightly taller than the silver haired vampire.

"Less than five minutes. Let me know when you are ready."

Yukari moved behind Kurumu, wrapping her thin arms about Kurumu's waist. Kurumu felt the weight in her feet diminish.

"Ready."

It felt so different being the one carried in flight. Kurumu held Yukari's arms tightly as they cleared the trees, keeping the other pair in sight. She bent her knees up, trying to shift her weight but that felt odd. She quickly realized that Yukari's spell was taking care of that for her.

Kurumu shivered as the wind cut by them, pushing through her unbound tresses. She lowered her head, not wanting to interfere with Yukari's vision. The numerous trees stretched up to them, passing by with every beat of Yukari's wings.

Seconds became minutes as they angled with the slope of the land, keeping close to the tree tops. The strap of her purse slipped down to her elbow. Thankfully the zipper was closed so there was no fear of anything falling out. She kept a firm hold on Yukari's arms as she breathed in the brisk air.

Yukari started to pant with the beat of her wings. Kurumu was beginning to worry that they would not be able to keep up when Ms. Ontai dipped into a clearing. Yukari followed the couple, dispelling her wings the moment they touched down. The witch released Kurumu, dropping to her knees as Kurumu hopped away. Kurumu chuckled, turning about as she dragged her purse strap back to her shoulder.

"Need a hand?"

"Sisters! We have visitors!"

Buxom women started coming out of small huts weaved into the forest. Most wore simple earth toned outfits with open backs. These women had their black chiropteran wings and black tails with the spade ends out. There were easily more than twenty such women approaching them.

Mixed in with these voluptuous beauties were young girls without wings and tails. Some of these kids had the same open back garments but most had normal frocks.

It was easy to spy the visitors of this village due to their normal clothes. Ms. Fukuda was sporting a plum, long sleeved blouse with a stretchy collar to contour with her massive bosom and a pair of black slacks.

Next to her was Ms. Sakurai whom had on a white sweatshirt with a red leaf design and a pair of denim jeans. Her eldest daughter, Jona, was wearing a black sweatshirt with a white tiger head graphic and a pair of denim jeans. The little girl, Takara, was holding her mother's hand. She had also been thrown in a gray sweatshirt with a blue penguin graphic and black sweatpants.

"Mayu!"

Kahlua rushed over, hugging Ms. Fukuda. The succubus stumbled back with a laugh, returning the embrace. Most of the crowd ceased their advance, giggling at the reunion.

A buxom woman with raven tresses spilling down to the knees continued over to Ms. Ontai. She had bright blue eyes filled with amusement as she gestured at the pair.

"Looks like one of our visitors is happy to be here."

"Yes. Mr. Sakuryaku decided to bring her here."

The woman nodded, looking over them.

"Who is this young beauty? A new resident?"

Ms. Ontai laughed brightly, moving over to place a hand on Kurumu's shoulder.

"This is Kurono Kurumu. Her friend is Sendou Yukari."

The woman smiled with another nod.

"I am Elder Hajinai, founder of this peaceful village."

Kurumu swallowed thickly, glancing at Kahlua whom was showering Ms. Fukuda with kisses.

"My mother used your services sixteen years ago."

"Closer to seventeen, Ms. Kurono. I should know since I was the one that arranged her meeting with Elder Hajinai. As you said earlier, you were born here."

Kurumu nodded thoughtfully, looking over the many women.

"Does Ms. Garimasu live here?"

Elder Hajinai laughed, glancing over her shoulder.

"Ame did from the summer of 82 until the winter of 98. Riyuu found the poor woman, exiled from her community for having an illegitimate child. Often happens to women with succubi babies. Riyuu brought her and little Wakumi here and Ame agreed to be a surrogate in exchange for our help. After Wakumi graduated from Shuugen High and started college in Hiroshima University, Ame left to be with Wakumi."

"Oh. Where is she now?"

"In Akamura. Wakumi became a teacher at Fuyuhana Institute and is taking care of her. She no longer has babies for us but we are thankful for what she did. Having twelve babies in sixteen years would be hard on any person."

The thought of having ten other half-sisters was insane. This revelation of having a succubus daughter changed Kurumu's perspective about Ms. Garimasu. She had worried that popping out babies had been some sort of emotionless business arrangement.

"I would love to meet her someday. I bet that Kabuki would too."

"You'll have to arrange that with Riyuu. While Akamura isn't that far away, I try not to do much meddling outside of this village."

"Leaving all the hard work to me again."

"You know how much I depend on you."

Kurumu licked her lips as she pondered over how she wanted to bring up this subject.

"I spoke with Ms. Kyuusai just the other day. According to her, the village that she betrayed to Fairy Tale was run by Nagami. But when I first spoke with Ms. Juunan, she said that Elder Hajinai claimed to have been around since the purge of 1862 and had founded four succubi villages."

Elder Hajinai and Ms. Ontai shared amused looks and grins.

"Marketing, Ms. Kurono. She has more clout posing as her grandmother."

Elder Hajinai nodded at Ms. Ontai's remark.

"My name is Nagori. Nagami was my mother. I heard many stories about Grandmother Mume. How my grandfather died in the summer of 1867. Grandmother Mume found a new love in the fall of 1878 and started up a village of our kind. That first village was destroyed in the summer of 1883."

Elder Hajinai chuckled with a soft smile.

"Grandmother Mume had tried her hand at helping some of the women to find mates and Fairy Tale caught wind of it. My mother was only eighteen but she remembered it very well. It was a miracle that Mume got her whole family out of there alive."

Kurumu nodded thoughtfully.

"So that's why she wasn't doing matchmaking in the second village at first."

"That's correct. She only changed her stance when her daughter, Niimi, left."

"Did Mrs. Shuzen know about you not being the original Elder Hajinai?"

Elder Hajinai giggled with a shrug.

"I only met her a couple of times. Riyuu handled most of our dealings with Mrs. Shuzen."

"To be fair, it isn't very relevant."

"I think Ms. Aimai and Ms. Kyuusai would like to know that Ms. Nagori survived."

Elder Hajinai turned and made a beckoning gesture.

"Come here. My guest has curious thoughts about my family."

Another raven haired woman stepped forth from the crowd, holding the hand of a little dark haired girl wearing a simple brown frock. This woman had the same bright blue eyes as she strolled over to them.

Kurumu took interest in the young woman at Terume's side. While her whitish hair fell straight, touching the swell of a bosom that could rival Kurumu's, it was her white chiropteran wings and tail that intrigued Kurumu. She held the hand of another girl wearing the open back garment though she lacked wings. This girl had a mess of russet curls brushing her shoulders.

Elder Hajinai reached out to touch the raven haired woman's shoulder when she arrived.

"This is Terume, my baby girl from that time. Her little one is Kisara. She turned six a week ago."

"And I'm Kaya!"

The girl with the russet curls grinned proudly.

"I'm turning twelve in July so I should be getting my wings any day now."

Kurumu grinned, gesturing at Yukari.

"Yukari will be turning twelve in March."

"They don't need to know that."

Kurumu laughed, gesturing at the white haired girl with pink eyes.

"And how old is she?"

"That is Koyomi. She'll turn seventeen a week before Kaya turns twelve."

Kurumu's heart filled with warmth.

"You're the first one I've met my age. I turn seventeen the first week of August."

The pale girl smiled, lowering her gaze without making a comment.

"I really think that you should tell Ms. Aimai and Ms. Kyuusai about this."

Elder Hajinai smiled warmly, turning her eyes upon Ms. Ontai.

"I don't care for Kaiga but I would like to see Anzu again. It's not her fault. Kaiga made the decision to sacrifice my mother and countless others."

"If that's what you want."

"She would like to have a baby."

Both of the women and Terume giggled at Kurumu's remark.

"Yes. That is what I do. As you can see, Terume has been given much joy and we did the same for our dear Uwaki. Most of our ladies seem content to stop after having one."

"Why aren't these girls in school? Are you homeschooling everyone?"

Elder Hajinai laughed at Yukari's questions.

"My daughter is our schoolteacher. She graduated from Hiroshima University back in 89 and has been managing the children ever since."

Terume laughed softly, turning with a gesture to the crowd.

"Nakidori helps me. It is difficult to manage the educational needs of seventeen girls of different ages."

A young woman with soft blue hair and hazel eyes heard the remark and offered a wave.

"You teach every grade level of education?"

Terume grinned at Yukari's disbelief.

"We have twenty six girls in the village under the age of nineteen. Five are too young and Koyomi has reasons why she can't go to a public school. The other three are attending the junior high in Akamura."

"That's right! I'm actually the third oldest student in Momma's class."

Terume chuckled at Kaya's proud declaration. She reached over to tussle Koyomi's hair.

"Because Koyomi doesn't attend. I truly am in no position to teach high school material. We are doing junior high for Hikari. She's terrified with the thought of being around boys."

Kurumu frowned at that remark.

"Junior high? What are you going to do when her body starts craving the attention of men?"

Elder Hajinai and her daughter shared a look and a soft laugh.

"Believe it or not, Ms. Kurono, but that only manifests when a succubus has been around members of the opposite sex. Koyomi here has never felt those pains."

Kurumu regarded the pale girl with disbelief.

"Seriously?"

"It actually goes away if you ween yourself off from it. But it can take over a year for some women."

"But I collapsed in junior high when he refused the attention of boys."

Elder Hajinai laughed charmingly.

"It won't work that way. That's like trying to lose weight while going to an all you can eat buffet on a regular basis. It genuinely takes out of sight, out of mind."

"So Kurumu's body could lose its desire for male attention if she lived here?"

Ms. Ontai smirked at Yukari's query.

"It would be very painful at first. Just ask Uwaki."

"What am I being asked?"

Ms. Ontai chuckled, looking over at Ms. Sakurai whom had drifted closer with her two girls. Kahlua was now snuggling with Ms. Fukuda. The two were having a quiet conversation.

"Your hunger for male attention. I was saying how you have been nothing but complaints since the fourth day of being here."

Ms. Sakurai sighed dramatically.

"It's awful. I never realized how much the attention of my work associates mattered to my body. I spend most of my time curled up in bed in a ball of agony."

Jona grumbled.

"Yea. This sucks. I miss school."

"School! School!"

Kurumu giggled at the little girl's addition.

"Kabuki was getting pretty bored at our place too."

Ms. Sakurai made another theatrical sigh.

"Well there's no reason for her to come here. No electricity or indoor plumbing. That poor girl would die in these harsh living conditions."

Ms. Ontai snickered with a shake of her head.

"I need to try calling Ms. Miburui again and see what's going on. It worries me that I haven't had an update in weeks."

Kurumu gasped, staggering back a step.

"You don't know? Ms. Miburui died weeks ago. Before Ms. Fukuda brought Ms. Sakurai's family here."

Ms. Fukuda cocked her head at the mention of her name.

"Mrs. Shuzen made no mention of that."

Ms. Ontai let out a soft whistle.

"Well that would explain the silence. With her gone and Mrs. Shuzen dead, whom is running the show? It can't be Kaiga. Please tell me that Ms. Shikaru decided to take charge."

Kurumu flinched.

"Ms. Shikaru died with the High Court."

Ms. Ontai grimaced, reaching back to rub her neck.

"Guess that does put Kaiga in charge then. I'll have to reach out to her tonight. See if she can look into the situation in Kyushu and Shikoku for us. We can't be sending Uwaki or Mayu back to their homes without knowing if there are orders for their arrest."

"And I'm hoping that was just Mrs. Shuzen being overly cautious. I would very much like to go home."

Ms. Ontai snickered at Ms. Sakurai's remark.

"We are all aware of your suffering."

Kurumu smiled, looking over the group.

"How long has this village been around?"

"I founded it in the summer of 77. Riyuu helped spread the word to get many of these ladies here over the years. It was much safer for succubi after the fall of the Taizai household."

Ms. Ontai snorted, crossing her arms below her bosom.

"Fairy Tale still had a way of forcing succubi into their ranks if they lacked parents. If you were found in the northern regions, you were going to end up as someone's toy unless you were really good with your powers like Narau and Michi. That didn't change until the late eighties."

Elder Hajinai laughed softly with her eyes going distant.

"True. But things were so much worse with the Taizai Household in control. And from what I was told, it was even more horrible before them."

"Many would argue that death was better than what started when President Inazuma changed the purge to a capture order back in 1904."

Kurumu paused at that familiar name, thinking about the new prefectural officer of Niigata. She glanced at Yukari, thinking she would ask the witch about this afterwards.

"How did the two of you meet?"

"That was this young lady's fault. She was born from a virgin."

Ms. Sakurai huffed indignantly at Ms. Ontai's incriminating gesture.

"That's not that uncommon for our kind."

"True. Rumors of virgin births is how I find many of our girls. Uwaki just happened to be the first."

Elder Hajinai breathed in deep.

"Terume and I just happened to be in the village of this poor, baffled woman. Riyuu still toys with the notion that I'm the one responsible for it."

"Hey. A village has a girl miraculously become pregnant and that same village has a succubus that had lived there for a few years. It made more sense than the random wandering succubus theory. You were even helping the woman take care of her miracle baby."

"Because nobody else would. And I just knew Uwaki was one of ours. I could never forgive myself if I just let that poor child die."

"Anyways. I show up like late summer of 74 and she's trying her hardest to mess with my mind."

"I gave you Uwaki when her birth mother died. Would I do that to my own child?"

Ms. Ontai huffed, nodding at Terume.

"Maybe. You did have another girl to take care of."

"It wasn't my mother, Riyuu. Deep down you know it's true."

Ms. Ontai made a dismissive gesture.

"It hardly matters. I thoroughly enjoyed raising this brat."

"Excuse me."

Ms. Ontai and Elder Hajinai giggled at Ms. Sakurai's protest. Elder Hajinai smiled softly.

"I have always been grateful for your assistance. Helping me establish this village. Building up my reputation as a match maker. Finding mates for succubi throughout this nation."

"You should be. I do most of the work."

"How exactly do you operate this matchmaking service?"

Ms. Ontai glanced at Yukari before shrugging.

"It was difficult at first. Lots of word of mouth and giving her access to the Fairy Tale database."

"She has access to that?"

Ms. Ontai chuckled with a nod.

"I would take her to Hajougazou every Monday. It's only about an hour away."

"Hajougazou? Where is that?"

Ms. Ontai smirked at Kurumu's puzzled expression.

"It's near Akitakata of the Hirsoshima prefecture."

"We're in Hiroshima?"

The pink haired succubus chuckled with a shake of her head.

"No, Ms. Kurono. Toukai is near the border of Hiroshima. You're in Shimane prefecture right now."

Kurumu's heart fluttered, glancing at Yukari. The witch rolled her eyes.

"What's so special about Hajougazou?"

"Well that is the main Fairy Tale office that Lord Kengo operates out of. It's also home to Seizan Academy, the prefectural school."

Kurumu frowned at that response to Yukari.

"How far away is the prefectural school for Shimane?"

"That's in Yagano which is about a half hour further away to the northeast. If you were curious, Akamura is about the same distance away to the southwest. This actually was the perfect place for her village."

Kurumu smiled, wanting to talk about this to Hatoko and Michiko when she saw them tomorrow.

"Are you using the same database that the Fairy Tale matchmaking service uses?"

"Yes and no, Ms. Sendou. Please bear in mind that computers were still pretty basic in the eighties. The Fairy Tale free service is simply giving out a list of names of suitable partners. So a tengu girl putting her name into the system will get a list of eligible tengu bachelors in her region. As computers got better, these hopefuls could expand their search radius and set age criteria to their search. And due to certain politics, some races like harpies are not allowed to use the service."

"Seriously?"

Ms. Ontai giggled at Kurumu with a nod.

"Yes. Many races that lack a male counterpart are excluded from the service. That's where Elder Hajinai comes in. She's willing to help women find partners not of their race, including humans. For the most part we only operate in these southern three regions but we do make exceptions for succubi."

Elder Hajinai smirked, placing a hand on Ms. Ontai's shoulder.

"I'm telling you. She does most of the work."

"I already said that."

Kurumu giggled, glancing over these girls.

"Are any of my half-sisters here?"

Terume grinned, gesturing at the pale blue haired girl again.

"Nakidori is the only one. After Ms. Garimasu had her, she could not bear having children whom would remain in the village. So Mother used her for succubi whom came to us from other prefectures."

"I'm staying here!"

Kurumu flinched at Kahlua's sudden announcement. Yukari frowned, cocking her head.

"But Kokoa is waiting for our return."

"And you three are heading back to Yokai Academy. I have nothing to do there and I'm not going to face Father alone. I'd rather stay here with Mayu."

Ms. Fukuda snickered, giving the vampire a shake.

"I'm going back to work as soon as I can. You'll end up bored in my apartment."

"Then I'll go to work with you."

Ms. Fukuda grimaced.

"You'll just be a nuisance."

"But you live in Arukasa. I could reach out to Nagi and Tara."

"I'm pretty sure that your family was listed as traitors to Fairy Tale. I wouldn't count on being able to reach them until everything gets cleared up."

"But I need to do something. My sisters will need a place to come home to for spring break."

Ms. Fukuda sighed heavily, relaxing in Kahlua's embrace.

"I suppose that I could take you in until your family situation gets sorted out."

"But you were going to help your father with all those little girls he has."

Kahlua flinched at Kurumu's protest.

"I'd rather be alone at Mayu's place than babysitting four little girls I don't know."

Yukari snickered, shaking her head.

"Honestly can't fault her there."

Elder Hajinai chuckled softly.

"Sounds like we will have another guest. Do the two of you also intend to stay?"

Kurumu tensed up, glancing over at Nakidori. She was so curious about that young woman. And she was equally curious about this Koyomi girl.

"We shouldn't stick around much longer. Kokoa is waiting for us."

"Yea. I'm so hungry that I'd be willing to eat in the Kurai dining hall."

Elder Hajinai smiled warmly.

"I understand. If you ever find yourself in this region again, I hope that you stop by for a visit."

"I certainly would like to speak more with Koyomi. It's too bad that we aren't in school together."

The pale haired girl smiled, glancing down again.

"Is she shy?"

Terume laughed at Yukari's question.

"No. My Koyomi is mute."

Kurumu gasped as the pale girl blushed.

"I'm so sorry. Does she know sign language?"

Elder Hajinai laughed which Ms. Ontai and Terume joined in with. Kaya snickered, shaking her head.

"Silly. It's not like being mute is a handicap for us."

Terume patted Koyomi's shoulder.

"Go ahead, sweetie. She won't be afraid."

Koyomi blushed even darker as she looked up with her pink eyes at Kurumu.

'Goodbye.'

Kurumu's heart fluttered at the gentleness of that thought. She shivered, steeling her own nerves.

'I am so happy to meet you! You have such a beautiful mind!'

Koyomi somehow blushed even more as she lifted a hand to cover her face.

"Sheesh, Kurumu. What did you do?"

Kurumu giggled at Yukari's remark.

"Just complimenting her. We should get going."

"Do the two of you want an escort back to that troublesome bus driver?"

"That would be nice, Ms. Ontai. Would you happen to know if there are any souvenir shops nearby?"

Yukari swatted Kurumu's side.

"Just for that, she can carry you."

Kurumu had to laugh.