"That concludes class for today."

Mr. Ashibue closed his portfolio. The husky teacher had on a black sweater vest with a silver diamond pattern across his girth. The flaps of the collar of a long sleeved, periwinkle dress shirt was folded over the top hem of the vest while the bottom hem hid the loops of his khakis. Rich brown shoes with argyle socks graced his large feet.

"Your peers should have received these homework packets last Friday. While some may have completed this work, I trust that you will help your classmates whom have not finished these assignments which will be due next Wednesday."

While they did have a student from each homeroom present, Kurumu doubted that Yakedo from class eight or Bakugen from class twelve would heed this suggestion. And the two girls from class ten were not sociable. While Reiki might help her friends from band, Kitamura was too shy to talk to her peers.

"Don't forget that we will be meeting in the auditorium for first period on Monday. That is all and I hope that you enjoy your weekend. Could you dismiss the class, Ms. Sawayaka?"

Mikomi promptly stood up. As their new student council president, she would unquestionably help her fellow classmates in homeroom six.

"Rise."

Kurumu got to her feet roughly at the same time as the rest of the students. She glanced to her right, noting Unsei. The son of a teacher and the representative of class seven would not shirk his duties.

"Bow. Dismissed."

Kurumu straightened up, regarding Noboru and Ichida in the front row. If Yukari was reluctant to help their classmates from homeroom two, Ichida or Kumiko would do it. And Noboru was the representative for class five. There was no way he would refuse to help.

Kurumu freed her schoolbag off the desk's hanger as Mr. Ashibue left the room. Class four had Yaisoku and Anko here. Both were exemplary students. Tsuchiyama was a bit standoffish but she was not the only student from class one. There was also Tokeru, whom was friendly and quite popular.

Katahara cackled as Kurumu opened her schoolbag to stuff her homework packet inside.

"Someone is going to get all naughty with her boyfriend this weekend."

Kurumu smirked, wondering if she should. Having sex would be awesome but it was more important to spend time reconnecting with him.

"Maybe. But I also am looking forward to seeing everyone else."

"Absolutely agree. Nagisa's bus should be here at six fifteen."

Kokoa carefully pulled her schoolbag strap over her head, avoiding her diamond encrusted, golden cross barrette. She rested the strap on her far shoulder. Kurumu elected to do the same as Kokoa stood up.

"Nagisa is going to be so shocked with your new appearance."

"She'll take it better than Hotaru. I'm worried how that idiot will react."

"She'll probably molest you even more than she did before."

Ikazuchi laughed heartily as Unsei sauntered off. Mikomi, Tokori and Bunii were all heading out the open front door on the heels of Kumoyuki.

"I am also looking forward to a touching reunion with the love of my life."

"I'm afraid to ask whom that might be."

Ikazuchi sighed dramatically, holding the strap of his schoolbag while his free hand touched his chest.

"Our fling ends today, Tiny Troll. As of tonight, my heart will once again belong to Mini Minx."

Katahara cackled, getting up as her two friends started to head towards the back. Bakugen, Reiki and Kitamura were all gone and the four tengu girls were filtering out through the open door. Mizore and Umizake were taking their time gathering their things as Tokeru and Yakedo walked off.

"As if we did anything a proper couple would do."

"Come on, runt. We're leaving."

Katahara giggled, skipping to the back of the class. As the trio of gnomes headed out, Kurumu shifted her attention to the front of the class where Ichida and Noboru were waiting for Uchiyama to join them.

"Hey, Ichida."

The young man looked up with soft green eyes. Kurumu did not bother averting her gaze, confident that any charming of him was harmless and that he would still speak his own mind.

"Are you looking forward to seeing Ritsu tomorrow?"

"It's a pity that she won't be here until four. But we will have all of Sunday together."

Kumiko and Yaisoku wandered off as Uchiyama joined the two guys.

"Going to have a double date with Noboru and Michiko?"

Ichida chuckled as Ikazuchi and Yokoshi slipped behind the trio, making their way to the front door.

"If we do that, it will end up being homework. Ms. Dangai is worried about her half-sister getting scolded by Ms. Nemoto if she returns to school without it being finished."

Michiko had mentioned that on Wednesday when Kurumu had shared lunch with the tengu girls to chat about her experience in Shimane. Both girls had heard about Toukai but had not realized that it was a village of succubi. Their community, Neguratori, was in the center of the Onan district while Toukai was on the outskirts. That tunnel on E74 was the same one that the bus driver used for them.

"Michiko is wanting to hear good news from Kaede about their new sibling."

"Well that's still many months away. Have a good weekend."

Kurumu echoed the sentiment as the trio walked off. She turned slightly, seeing that Hasegawa had joined Kumiko and Yaisoku. The three girls were heading for the back door.

"Is the PSC not having lunch together?"

Satsuki sounded a negative as Tora slipped behind her desk to stand beside Kurumu. The sphinx had her raven locks braided about her head above her ears and was sporting the PSC attire. Satsuki also had on the uniform but remained in the other aisle, holding the strap of her schoolbag upon her shoulder.

"Mr. Sabaku said that he had other business to attend to in Mononoke today."

"What sort of business?"

"Didn't ask. Are you ready to go, Ms. Sendou? We could share a table."

Yukari sighed dramatically, ceasing her writing on the back of the homework packet.

"I suppose that I can join your indulgence in crude comestibles."

Kurumu smirked, waiting for Yukari to put away her things. She glanced at Satsuki.

"Are you working tonight?"

"Yea. Two to six and full shifts tomorrow and Sunday. I'd like to sit by Wanibuchi if we could. I'm staying with her and Hanetsume this weekend instead of crashing at Sawayaka's place."

Kurumu nodded thoughtfully, glancing back at the couple. They were kissing. She felt envious.

"Yea. We could sit at the choir table. Only Tadayo will be there."

"Okay. I'm ready."

Kurumu chuckled at Yukari's announcement. She turned about and started down the aisle, matching Kokoa's pace in the adjacent aisle. The others followed closely behind.

"Are you two planning to join us for lunch or shall you continue making out?"

Umizake pulled out of a kiss with a grin. He turned as he pulled Mizore to his side, draping his right arm across her shoulders. The snow girl let out a content sigh, resting her head against him.

"We need to get her some proper sustenance. We slept in too late to make a trip to the dining hall."

Yukari snorted as they gathered about the couple.

"You should have just gone to breakfast. It's not like you didn't miss most of first period as is."

"Shall we get going before Ms. Unari leaves without us?"

Kurumu nodded at Tora's remark, following Satsuki to the open back door. She paused upon reaching it.

"So Aoi. Are you going to help Kokoa out with any students whom haven't done their homework?"

"I can if she wants."

Kurumu exited the class, keeping ahead of the others.

"You should. I doubt that Kumoyuki would be willing to help her."

"I wouldn't mind but I don't expect much. Most of our classmates are intimidated by him."

Kurumu grinned at Kokoa's comment, nearing the crossover with stairs going down in either direction.

"Are you going to do it yourself then?"

"I am the class representative. Maybe it will be easier with my new look."

"That's rather responsible of you."

Kurumu chuckled at Yukari's response as they passed by the crossover, following Satsuki's lead.

"Are you going to help our classmates?"

"I won't turn away anyone seeking my superior guidance."

Satsuki snickered, walking by the first closed door of the vacant class seven.

"Which translates to leaving everything in Ichida's hands."

"Oh? Don't think anyone would turn to Kumiko instead?"

"No chance. They'd talk to Sendou first."

They shared a laugh as they neared the next crossover with the opening for the bathrooms on the other side of the hall. Grinning, Kurumu glanced over her shoulder at Tora.

"I presume that you will handle class three since nobody would rely on Ikazuchi for help."

"Naturally. I may not be the class rep but I am a PSC member. And it's not like we can expect Tsukune to do it. He might not even be finished with his own homework."

Kurumu snickered, having no doubt about that as Satsuki drifted right, starting down the crossover.

"Yea. Moka will be in the same boat."

She slowed her walk, letting her hand slide across the balcony railing as she neared the stairs.

"Do you think Michiko would step up for class eleven?"

Tora shrugged, prompting Kurumu with a gesture to follow Satsuki down the stairs.

"I can chat with her tonight and see if she would."

Kurumu nodded, meandering down the stairs at a pace that was allowing Satsuki to get quite the lead.

"I wouldn't expect Kiki to do it with how reserved she is around guys. But Michiko has always been fairly easy going. Though I've never seen her as the leader type."

Kurumu reached the landing at about the same time as Satsuki reached the bottom floor. Satsuki looked back with a smirk, crossing her arms.

"Says someone whom hadn't even started her homework packet until Wednesday."

Kurumu started down the second flight with a pout.

"I was busy saving the world."

"We got our homework packets weeks ago, Kurumu. I was done with mine before the third years left for their college entrance exam."

"Likewise. I had to help Kokoa and this dummy finish theirs."

Kurumu sighed at Yukari's response to Tora, joining Satsuki at the bottom of the stairs.

"Which wasn't fun at all. I was supposed to bring Kabuki over for a visit with Ms. Odayakana. But all I've been doing is homework these last two nights."

Kokoa laughed softly, arriving at the bottom of the stairs a few steps behind Tora and Yukari.

"It can't be helped. Neither of us wanted to spend this weekend doing homework."

Satsuki walked off, prompting them all to follow.

"Perhaps you could have that visit tonight."

"Impossible. Milady has need of my maid services tonight. She wants to seduce Nagisa with her new body and drink her blood."

Kokoa drawled out a note which started with a tone of protest but ended dismissive.

"I guess that I am."

"When is your little sister going home?"

Kurumu grinned at Satsuki's query as they passed by the closed doors of the band hall and one of the third year science labs.

"That depends. We are waiting to hear from her mother. No point sending her back home when her family is still living in exile."

"Are you supposed to arrange something with the bus driver?"

"I honestly have no idea. I hope that her family handles all of that."

Satsuki nodded as she drifted left into the intersecting hallway that went to the cafeteria.

"Well if you don't get that letter today, you probably have all week to visit with Ms. Odayakana."

Yukari huffed as they followed the PSC duo. The opening for another bathroom was on their right.

"Not entirely true. We could be contacted through the speakers at any point during the week."

"That's correct. You should try doing your visit as early as possible. Perhaps this weekend."

Kurumu grimaced at Tora's suggestion as they passed by the first door to the library.

"I'm going to be super busy this weekend. Yukari and I are trying to throw a birthday party for Chouda tomorrow and I would like to spend most of Sunday with Nijiro."

"Then do it Monday night. It's very unlikely that you will be contacted through the speakers Monday morning for a Monday night departure."

Kurumu smiled, hoping that Tora's sentiment was true.

"It's going to be great having everyone back in school."

Yukari huffed as the hallway opened up on the left with a row of glass doors giving access to the enclosed courtyard which featured a massive tree.

"I'm not looking forward to having classes in the auditorium. Homerooms seven and eight are lucky to be in the library."

Kokoa laughed softly as they walked along this open area with the cafeteria seating area on their right. They headed for the wall separating the serving line from the seating area. The curly haired Tadayo was already sitting at the choir table by herself.

"I would prefer the library over one of the science rooms. I'll be standing for hours."

Yukari huffed indignantly as Mikomi and her two friends joined Myaku at the table beside Tadayo.

"Which should be no problem for a vampire like you. How could you get tired from just standing?"

Kurumu smirked, recognizing the irony.

"Yea. I think classes nine, ten and eleven have it the worst."

Tora frowned at Satsuki as they followed the nekomusume around the end of the wall, turning right.

"But they have stools in the science rooms. You don't have to stand."

"Have you sat on a stool for hours?"

"It must be more comfortable than standing."

"Maybe if you mix it up. Trust me. Your ass will hate you."

Kurumu snickered, glancing over her shoulder to confirm that Kokoa and the couple were still there. She looked back ahead as Satsuki closed in on the cart with the trays which was by a door on the left which opened into the kitchen staff break room area.

"I wonder how much longer it will take for our wing to be finished."

"I'll ask Mother to talk with Grandfather before she goes back home. Maybe he has a reliable estimate."

Satsuki paused at the cart with the trays, handing one over to Tora.

"When is your mother going back?"

"Sunday after Mr. Nurari brings back the out of prefecture students from the north. Tentatively around three but it could be later."

Satsuki smirked, handing trays to Kurumu and Yukari.

"Bring her by the maid café that morning. I want to serve her."

Yukari sighed dramatically as Satsuki presented a tray to Kokoa while Tora headed down the serving line.

"I suppose that I could try but she might want to go home earlier. My father is getting lonely."

Kurumu snickered, following Satsuki down the serving line. She glanced over the white boxes, noting the black markings which identified the contents.

"And here I thought that your father could only complain about your mother."

"The people you love the most, bother you the most."

Satsuki snickered, grabbing a box of yakitori with rice.

"Guess you love lots of people then, eh Sendou? Everybody seems to bother you."

Yukari blushed as she grabbed a box of tamagoyaki.

"Shut up, you stupid cat."

Kurumu giggled, deciding she would have a box of nikujaga today with the hopes that it was better than the one she had last Friday. She added a dinner roll to her tray before stepping out of line to head for the refrigerated carts at the end. There was no line at either of the open registers.

Kurumu opened up the cart, holding her tray in one hand as she leaned down to fetch a can of yuzu juice. Yukari appeared next to her, grabbing her own can of yuzu juice.

Kurumu wandered over to the register where Satsuki was already handing over her tray. Kurumu set her juice can on her tray, balancing it with one hand as she slipped her other into her schoolbag to fumble about for her lunch card. Yukari took her things to the other register a step ahead of Tora.

"The thing I dread the most about school starting up again is English with Mr. Nagamushi."

Satsuki snickered, collecting up her things and moving aside.

"No disagreement there. If only there was a way to keep Ms. Kuwabara for the rest of the year."

Kurumu chuckled, stepping forward to hand over her tray to the worker. As the woman began entering codes into the register, she held out her lunch card.

"I absolutely must have Ms. Kuwabara for English next year. I don't want anybody else."

Tora smirked, stepping forward once Yukari moved aside. As she handed over her things to the other register worker, Kurumu's card was taking by the woman working this register.

"I wouldn't be so rigid. I understand that Mrs. Unsei is also quite competent in that subject."

Kurumu nodded as Kokoa settled in behind her while Mizore and Umizake lined up behind Tora.

"I guess I wouldn't mind her but I know for a fact that Ms. Kuwabara is good."

Kurumu's tray and lunch card were returned to her. She sauntered over to where Satsuki and Yukari waited. She glanced over at the relatively empty cafeteria as Tora joined them. This was as lively as it would get since the third years had been given the week off.

"January is almost over. Your birthday is coming up."

Tora smirked at Satsuki's observation as Kokoa drifted over to their spot.

"Yes. The twelfth."

"And Yukari's is the third of March. It feels like the end of this school year is right around the corner."

Yukari snorted as Mizore started in their direction with Umizake getting his meal rung up.

"Because it is, Kurumu. Term exams are only six weeks away with graduation the week after that."

"Now that we're here, it feels like this whole year flew by so fast."

"You may think so but this has been the longest year of my life. One year ago, I didn't know any of you. Now I feel like I've known many of you for as long as I have lived."

"Which isn't that long for an eleven year old."

Kurumu snickered at Satsuki's comment which caused Yukari to pout. Umizake joined them in a few more seconds, prompting the start of their journey down the center aisle of the seating area.

Tora groaned as they passed by the table full of the tengu girls and boys.

"Is that Senior with Ms. Sawayaka?"

Ginei was sitting at the table beside Myaku across from Mikomi, Tokori and Bunii. The dark haired werewolf had a dark blue band holding his bangs back. He favored them a wolfish grin and a wave as they approached.

"Should we sit somewhere else?"

Kurumu laughed at Satsuki's inquiry.

"Come on. We're sitting with Tadayo anyways."

"My fellow saviors of the world, welcome!"

Kurumu snickered at Ginei's broad grin, shaking her head as she guided the group behind Mikomi's trio. She turned into the space between Mikomi's table and the choir table.

"Afternoon, Ginei. Are you prepared to meet your girlfriend tonight?"

"I have box of condoms with her name on it."

Kurumu smirked, sitting down at the end of the table with her back to the corridor. Yukari slipped around her, sitting down in the space between Kurumu and Tadayo.

"I hope that you don't mind us joining you, Ms. Tadayo."

The second year smiled at Tora's remark as the sphinx sat down across from her.

"Of course not, Ms. Nazohashi."

Mizore drifted all the way to the wall, sitting at the end of the bench with Umizake on her left. Kokoa took the spot at the other end of the bench, forcing Satsuki to sit between her and Tora.

"So what inspired you to share a meal with our new student council president?"

Ginei chuckled, draping his arm over Myaku's shoulders. The girl tensed up as he pulled her to his side.

"I was discussing the future since we thankfully have one due to my participation in saving the world."

Kurumu snickered, holding back her words as she rested her schoolbag by her feet.

"Well don't forget that Tora has a birthday on the twelfth."

"Oh, I haven't. I'll put together a party that she'll never forget."

"Please do not trouble yourself, Senior."

"No trouble at all. But I'll let Mika help me. Can't risk having you quit school over my antics."

Tora sighed with a shake of her head. She pushed her chopsticks out of their cellophane wrapping.

"Ms. Tadayo. Will you be resuming choir practice next week?"

Tadayo giggled nervously as she picked at what was left of her meal.

"We'll try but we can't do much when our choir room is still in the construction area. I'm guessing that we will just resume our Tuesday and Thursday after school meetings in the band room."

Kurumu nodded at the answer, feeling more determined to have her visit with Odayakana on Monday.

"Are we still going to do that spring concert?"

"I think that we would. I don't know. I haven't spoken with Mrs. Tomarigi at all since we've been back. I don't see why another school would cancel on us, but maybe we can't go?"

"Isn't that like the first weekend of March?"

"Usually it is. Sometimes it's the last weekend of February. I don't know what we're going to do if our choir room isn't restored soon. It's not like we can use the band room when they also go to this concert. Maybe we could practice on the stage without a piano?"

"That seems like a reasonable direction. I doubt that the drama club are in urgent need of it."

Mizore was more interested in her vanilla pudding than confirming Tora's remark.

"Just so you know, my birthday falls on a Friday this year."

Kurumu flinched at Yukari's announcement.

"Ms. Tadayo? Do we leave on Friday night for this concert?"

"Not in the last two years. They left first thing Saturday morning and returned Sunday evening."

Tora nodded, swallowing down a mouthful of rice.

"Probably to avoid doubling the cost of lodging."

"Well that's good news. I was suddenly worried that I wouldn't be able to throw Yukari a birthday party."

"They could have had one without you."

Kurumu pouted at Satsuki. She shook her head as she pushed her chopsticks out of their clear wrapping.

"That wouldn't be any fun."

"I'm guessing that you haven't had a chance to talk with Mr. Tashikana."

Kurumu frowned at Mikomi's comment. She regarded the girl as she opened up her entrée box.

"I can't say that I have. Why?"

"I was curious if the PA system was functioning. It sounds like I need to make a few announcements."

Ginei waved his hand dismissively. Myaku had politely removed his arm from her shoulder but his other hand had found its way to her butt.

"Stop by the teacher's lounge and ask if they will give you a few moments at the Monday assembly."

"What are you needing?"

Mikomi managed a smile as Tokori and Bunii continued to eat nonchalantly.

"It sounds like we need to make a yearbook committee."

Kurumu gasped with wide eyes, nearly dropping her chopsticks.

"The yearbook!"

"Mitsuki and I have tons of pictures of clubs and events that can be used but we don't have homeroom pictures. I know there is a crunch on time but we need to get this done for the third years."

"I can be on the committee."

Tadayo laughed at Kurumu's declaration.

"Um… we might have that concert, Ms. Kurono. You really shouldn't."

Kurumu whimpered as the others giggled about her.

"We will find people, Ms. Kurono. I just feel flustered by this since there isn't much time left in the year. The yearbook committee is supposed to be selected by the former student council before the festivals."

"Mr. Kaneshiro probably got sidetracked with the crazy stuff going on in September."

Satsuki snorted with a mouthful of chicken, setting aside an empty skewer.

"Or he was too busy plotting the destruction of the school."

Mikomi giggled, poking absently at her meal.

"I highly doubt that. He did put together the cultural festival committee and helped organize the Sports Day. As Mr. Morioka says, he probably just forgot."

"We could always just ask him what happened. He will be spending most of Saturday at her dad's shop."

Myaku blushed when Tokori gestured at her with chopsticks.

"Just visiting. Please don't cause a scene."

"You're the one swooning over him ever since he took your blood directly from your neck."

Kurumu perked up at Tokori's remark.

"When did this happen?"

Myaku blushed darker, hiding her face in her hands as Tokori snickered.

"Sunday night. I guess he showed up at her house and surprised her with a nip."

Kurumu clucked her tongue, stirring up the contents of her box.

"That shameless womanizer. If I asked him, he would dismiss it as an experiment of trying out his fangs."

Myaku withdrew her hands from her flush cheeks with her head bowed.

"He did say it like that."

"Well he still needs blood from one more vampire. My blood might have given him more vitality but I suspect that it's going to dominate the blood he got from Kiria."

"You sound awfully confident."

Kokoa huffed at Yukari.

"Of course my blood would overpower the blood of a half breed. He might even need a fourth."

Kurumu nodded, picking up her first chunk of meat.

"Did you mention that in the letter you sent to your father this morning?"

"Yes, Kurumu. That and all of your concerns about Otonashi not getting the funds to enroll into Ryukyu University. Father will take care of it."

Kurumu stuffed her mouth, making sure to register the flavor as she chewed. It was better than it had been last week. Everything was better now. The world had not ended yesterday. She swallowed the morsel down, picking through her box for another chunk of meat.

"There will be big changes in Mononoke. We have a new headmaster and a new prefectural officer. I wonder if this Lord Inazuma is related to the President Inazuma in charge of Fairy Tale a century ago."

Yukari nodded, swallowing down another tamagoyaki.

"I also recognized the potential connection. We would have to ask him."

"I'm just glad our prefecture isn't being manipulated by a bunch of kitsune pricks. Now if we can get the two kitsune prefectural judges to resign, maybe we can have some real change."

Kurumu smirked as she chewed on her second morsel. She wagged her chopsticks at Tokori.

"I doubt that the judges have any say over the development of Mononoke. Your community needs to build that school."

"Yea. Guess we could ask Tobi if her dad is going to revive that project."

"Here you are worried about the community and I'm worried about these next few school weeks. Not only do I need a yearbook committee, but I've also got to put together a graduation committee."

Kurumu giggled, chewing on a chunk of potato. She swallowed it down, gathering up some rice.

"It sounds like Ginei and Sangi will help you manage the yearbook."

"I guess he is good for something other than making every girl around him uncomfortable."

Ginei laughed heartily at Yukari's remark, withdrawing his hand from Myaku's ass.

"Hey now. I've done a lot for this school. I even came close to winning the student council election."

Mikomi smirked at him with a slight shake of her head.

"I'm surprised that you didn't bring the yearbook up in your campaign."

"It didn't seem fair. It was something that Mr. Kaneshiro was supposed to have handled."

"You're an interesting man, Mr. Morioka. I'm glad that you brought this to my attention."

"I figured that I should do it now since everybody will be returning this weekend. I'll reach out to Mitsuki and we can show you what we got as early as Monday night."

Kurumu swallowed down the rice, enjoying the sensation of it descending into her gullet. She fished out another chunk of meat.

"What about the other promises that you were going to attempt? Like the school trip and changing the way we have lunch?"

"I think we have no chance of putting together a school trip committee. We'll try to do that early for the third years. Maybe right after midterms?"

"I have no objection to that though Machida did have a point. There is a rainy season to consider."

"True but that is probably the best time for it. As for the lunch change, we could pass around a ballot next week to see if there is enough interest to schedule a student body meeting in February. If most of the students want to make a change, we could have a new lunch schedule next year."

Kurumu grinned, swallowing down another morsel.

"I'm all on board for voting on that. Anything would be better than how lunch is handled now."

"Sounds like life has returned to normal here."

Kurumu shivered at the familiar voice behind her. Kokoa immediately got up, hurrying through the gap to the speaker. Kurumu turned in her seat as Kokoa hugged her sister. Moka was wearing that pink sundress that she had left at Ms. Suukei's cottage. Her silver hair spilled down her back as she held her little sister against her bosom. Her crimson eyes betrayed a hint of turquoise.

"Welcome home."

Moka smiled as Kokoa stepped back to arms' length.

"Yes. I'm home."

Kurumu slipped off the bench onto her feet, bounding over to Kokoa's side. The vampire relinquished her hold, allowing Kurumu to step in and hug Moka firmly. She breathed Moka in deep as she pressed her cheek against the softness of Moka's shoulder.

"I missed you."

"I missed you too."

Kurumu breathed in deep again, feeling a slight nudge on her side.

"Scoot."

She withdrew her face, stepping back to arms' length. She glanced at the pouting witch beside her.

"Wait your turn."

"I am. Now scoot."

Kurumu smirked, letting go of Moka so that Yukari could hug her beloved. She crossed her arms below her bosom as she regarded the witch brazenly rubbing her face in Moka's tits.

"When was the last time you had a bath?"

Moka huffed indignantly at Kurumu.

"I have issues with water. I'll bathe when I'm home."

Kokoa snickered as Yukari released her sister.

"You should have time to do that before we meet up with Nagisa."

"Where is Akua and Tsukune?"

Moka smiled softly, absently caressing Yukari's shoulders.

"I asked Akua to stay with Father. He's already given the region commander position to Lord Iroshu but he still needs help with those girls. He plans to move back to Kumamoto. He feels that would be better for the girls than staying in a house with the graves of their mothers in the backyard."

Kurumu nodded with a passing thought of her mother's urn in her room.

"He should still bring them back to visit."

"He probably will. It's just easier for him to restore the Shuzen family from Kumamoto."

"What about Tsukune?"

Moka grimaced slightly, glancing away.

"The bus driver left him in town. Hopefully his mother is home, right?"

"I believe so. It's not like Ms. Atsumoto has returned to work yet."

"So it's over then. Alucard is destroyed?"

Moka smiled at her sister.

"Yes. It happened almost exactly like you predicted. He tried to kill me. Nearly succeeded but Tsukune was able to revive me with his blood."

Moka paused with a contemplative look.

"Which made me stronger just like you said it would. We beat him down and forced him to merge with his host. Tsukune put the rosary on Lord Fujisaki and Momma took over Alucard's body."

"What happened to Master Touhou?"

Moka flinched at Yukari's query. She withdrew her hands from Yukari's shoulders.

"He gave his life to make sure that Akua, Tsukune and I were clear of the blast."

Yukari made a slight sound of frustration. She turned her eyes upon Kurumu.

"Did you know?"

Kurumu bit her lip, glancing down.

"Kokoa told me about it after we came back to Yokai Academy."

"Why didn't you tell us?!"

Kokoa glanced aside at Yukari's angry, wavering eyes.

"I didn't know until I looked into Big Sister's future right before the sending. You were already making a big fuss about the Headmaster dying. I didn't want to bring that up too."

"Akua took it pretty hard. Said he was supposed to punish her for what she did in Hong Kong. Kept calling him an old fool."

Yukari grimaced at Moka's soft remark, clenching her fists.

"He was an old fool. Surely there was a way he could have saved himself."

Kurumu forced a smile, looking at Moka.

"Why did it take you so long? I've been worried about you for days and Kokoa refused to use her powers to see when you would return."

"I blacked out shortly after being thrown to safety. It was late at night when I regained consciousness. I roused the other two but we didn't find civilization until the following morning."

"That's Tuesday. It's Friday."

"Yes. And we were broke and not in contact with Fairy Tale."

"If this dummy would have told me about Master Touhou's imminent demise, I would have encouraged you to bring your purse with your phone in it."

Moka laughed softly with a shake of her head as Kokoa scowled.

"I doubt that would have helped much. I persuaded a couple to help us. We rode a train from Nayoro to Sapporo. Which wasn't cheap at all. I got their information so Father will reimburse those kind souls."

Moka paused with a deep breath.

"Then we made a big commotion. I know that Fairy Tale lacks presence in Hokkaido, but Sapporo is the main city. We were contacted and spent the night and following day in Hageshikaze. Lord Hiyaken was able to arrange a pickup with the bus driver to take us to Kunitama."

Kurumu sighed, guessing she had worried over nothing.

"And you spent yesterday with your father."

"Yes. We arrived early Thursday morning before he left to meet with the prefectural officers to announce his successor. They are having a service for Ms. Suukei today but I didn't feel comfortable being there. I asked Mr. Nurari to take Tsukune and I along for his mail run."

Kokoa stepped in, patting Moka on the shoulder.

"We found Kahlua. We left her with Ms. Fukuda in the succubi village that Kurumu was born in."

"I didn't know that you were born in a succubi village."

Kurumu laughed sheepishly at Moka's interest.

"Neither did I but I did know that I wasn't given to my mother right away because I was born too early. I learned a lot about Ms. Garimasu and Elder Hajinai. It would be fun visiting the place again with Kabuki."

Moka nodded, looking them over.

"And what of Lady Chuujitsu?"

Yukari sighed dramatically.

"She and her lover have left the country. We accompanied them to the airport where they bought tickets for a one way trip to Sydney, Australia. It is unlikely that we will ever see those two miscreants again."

"So it is all over then. No more enemies. No loose ends."

"That's right. You're finally free to live a mundane and boring, ordinary life."

Moka smirked, looking into Kurumu's eyes.

"I doubt that anyone could call life around you mundane and boring."

They all shared a laugh as Ginei got up to his feet.

"I believe that I have earned a hug."

Moka eyed Ginei warily as he stepped in with arms wide open.

"You better not touch anything inappropriately."

"When have I not?"

Moka exhaled, stepping in to embrace him. To everyone's surprise, he kept his hands at the small of her back in their brief hug. He stepped back with a roguish grin.

"I hope you don't think this means that you can throw away that whistle. I'll still come to your aid."

"Moka."

Moka turned as Tora stepped forward. She grinned, moving in to embrace the sphinx. They stepped back to arms' length, peering into each other's eyes for a long moment.

"Will you be flying on Sunday after mass?"

"I don't believe so. We might spend the day helping two harpies with their homework."

"I might join you for that."

Tora chuckled, letting go of the vampire.

"You are more than welcome to."

Moka smiled warmly, turning her attention to the others at the table. Satsuki made a dismissive wave and Umizake was more invested in his meal.

"Mizore. Have you been eating properly?"

"I have. Hold on."

The snow girl eased her legs over the bench one at a time before prancing over to the gap between the tables. She drifted over to Tora's side, letting her hands rest on her belly.

"It's not obvious but I can feel her move often. Would you-"

Moka wrapped Mizore up in a hug before she could finish her sentence.

"I care about you, Mizore. Don't ever think differently."

Kurumu felt the subtle temperature drop as Mizore trembled with emotions. The snow girl returned the embrace, hiding her face on Moka's shoulder.

"Thank you."

The two held each other for a long moment, making Kurumu choke up with emotions. They were going to be the best of friends from here on out. She drifted by the pair to sit down on the bench by her tray.

"I must admit feeling disappointed that Tsukune isn't here."

Moka grimaced, drawing back from Mizore as the snow girl wiped a solid tear from her cheek.

"Tsukune may need some time. He hasn't been much of a companion since the fight."

"Why? What happened?"

Moka sighed heavily as all attention remained upon her.

"Momma confessed her love to him."

"What?! Why?!"

Moka shrugged at Kurumu's surprise.

"I don't know. Momma got all of those memories stored in the rosary. She might have thought that she was Hatsue in her final moments."

Kurumu nodded thoughtfully, imagining that would be unsettling.

"How do you feel?"

Moka managed a laugh with flush cheeks.

"Embarrassed. Frustrated. Also confused."

"I'm so sorry."

"It's fine. I'm glad that I got to say goodbye to Momma. Even if she confessed to him and told him to look after me like I was his kid."

Moka sighed heavily.

"I'm just glad that Akua was there. Even though she spent most of her time complaining. I don't think I could have kept it together if it had just been the two of us."

Moka bit her lip with a strong emotion of sorrow.

"I don't even know whom I supposed to be around him."

Kokoa stepped in to hug her sister.

"Don't worry, Moka. We have time to figure that out."

"So is this Chouda girl another genius, huh?"

Kabuki handed up a pink streamer to Kurumu. Her little sister was sporting that black sweater with the sakura tree graphic. She also had on her black jeans as they had told her this morning that she would be going with them to meet Nagisa at the bus stop.

"I wouldn't say that she's Yukari's level of genius but she is super smart. Top twenty of her grade."

Kurumu lifted up on her toes upon the soft, pink blanket stretched over the mattress of Chouda's bed. She pressed the tape against the ceiling, firmly attaching it. She drifted from the rounded footboard facing the entry, heading towards the cream pillows lined against the mahogany headboard.

"But she's only turning fifteen, huh?"

"Yup. Her birthday is today but we won't see her until tomorrow."

Kurumu retrieved another streamer from her little sister. Kurumu had already changed into her stretchy maid outfit with the white apron. The pleated skirt hung down to her calves while the velvety interior hugged her like a bodysuit. She had worn this while doing laundry.

Kokoa landed heavily on her bare feet, having jumped up to stick a white streamer to the ceiling over by the kitchen. The vampire had on a vermilion tube top with a black, pleated skirt brushing her knees.

"I think we've done enough decorating."

Kurumu giggled, stretching to fix another black streamer to the ceiling near the bed. She had no desire to be hopping around the suite like Kokoa was. She was slightly surprised that Herikuda had not come up to see what the ruckus was all about.

"We have to kill some time. It's not like we knew that laundry would only take two hours today."

Thinking that these twenty some odd streamers near the bed was more than enough, Kurumu eased off the bed onto her bare feet. She drifted across the open space of wall which Chouda had left unhindered since Yukari had a magic device that would create a passage from Chouda's suite to Kurumu's suite.

"We should put some up by her desk and dresser."

"You're too short. You'd have to stand on them."

Kurumu stuck her tongue out at Kokoa as the vampire jumped to fix a baby blue streamer to the ceiling.

Ignoring the little stool with the pink cushion tucked beneath Chouda's mahogany desk pushed into the corner of the room, Kurumu clambered up onto the smooth, vacant surface. Once she was upright, she beckoned to Kabuki. Her little sister drifted over with a handful of crimped streamers that they had made from construction paper while waiting on laundry.

"Are you sure that you don't want to join me tomorrow? It sounded like Uchiyama has a whole day of fun planned for his film club senior."

Kokoa huffed, stalking over to the kitchen counter for another streamer. Other than a microwave and Kurumu's lavender purse, there was nothing else on Chouda's counter. The young third year had never bothered acquiring any actual cookware, filling her refrigerator with instant dinners.

"You know that I can't. Hikari's bus is a little before noon, Ishiko's bus is at one and Hotaru's bus won't get here until four forty five. I might even be late to this surprise party you want to throw."

Kurumu smiled softy as she fixed an orange streamer to the ceiling.

"Don't worry. We won't be bringing her back to her suite until around eight."

Kokoa snickered before jumping up to place another black streamer.

"Assuming Hotaru doesn't assault me after she unpacks and has dinner. I might end up her dessert."

Kurumu snorted, taking a red streamer from Kabuki.

"Your other girls will keep her behaved. Come a little early though. Yukari is making the cake so she will be here to let you in."

"Isn't your boyfriend going to be here tomorrow, huh?"

Kurumu giggled, snatching up the yellow streamer from her sister.

"Yes. He's arriving on the nine thirty bus right before Chouda's. I can introduce you to him but that's all. Maybe a quick chat to set up a date for Sunday and a few kisses."

"Ew. Kisses."

"Someday you'll like kissing too."

"Is that why you kiss girls, huh?"

Kurumu stuck her tongue out before fixing the streamer on the ceiling. She glanced at the dresser which also was made of mahogany. The wide, three drawer unit was a little taller than the desk. Carefully she lifted up onto the narrow unit, holding her hand down to Kabuki for another streamer.

Kokoa had nearly depleted her stack of streamers which were hung sporadically about the room. This dresser was pushed tight to the desk to avoid blocking the door to the tiny bathroom. Between the bathroom door and the closet door was a full size mirror.

As Kurumu hung up her fourth streamer by the dresser, a hum of power preceded the parting of the wall near the foot of Chouda's bed. Moka sauntered into the suite, sporting her pink tee with the large, white cat head graphic in the center of her ample bosom. A pair of baggy gray shorts complimented her sleep attire that she had changed into after her bath. The vampire held Kokoa's CD player with one earphone dangling upon her bosom. She wagged her silver flip phone.

"It's five forty five. We should get going."

Kurumu smiled, easing off the dresser onto her feet.

"It's too bad that you and Tsukune didn't get to say a proper farewell to Otonashi."

"It's fine. I'm sure that we will get to see her again. Maybe over the summer."

Kurumu giggled, prancing over to the kitchen counter to retrieve her purse.

"I think we're going to be attending Mizore's wedding over the summer."

"True. But we do have her address. We can write to her."

Kurumu smiled, dragging her purse strap up on her shoulder while Kabuki placed the leftover streamers next to Kokoa's depleted stack.

"How is that Kome Kome Club CD?"

Moka smirked, holding the player to her breast.

"Surprisingly good. While I didn't recognize the band name, I definitely know several songs."

"Did you thank Rubi properly for it?"

"Yes, Kurumu. She was surprised that I hadn't opened it until today."

Kurumu breathed in deep, thinking about all of the presents her father had given her.

"Sometimes we get presents late."

Yukari stepped into her empty closet on the other side of the magical opening.

"What are you guys doing? You need to go if you want to be there in time for Ms. Taniguchi's bus."

Kurumu grinned, glancing at the open wall space between Chouda's bed and desk.

"One moment, Yukari. I need to stop in my suite."

"Go ahead. It's not like I care if you are late for that bus."

Kurumu chuckled as the others headed for Yukari's closet. She wandered over to the wall, reaching up to feel for the invisible box that would open up the wall. She found it, pushing it. There was a hum of power and the molecules of the wall were pulled apart, allowing her access to her suite.

She padded across her dark room, noting her old bed on her left. A dark blue blanket with pink strings lining the hem was stretched over a mattress between the old, interchangeable white boards that stood at either end. Between the doors to her bathroom and her closet was an equally old dresser which had a mirror mounted atop it. The three drawers barely had anything inside them.

She had not been inside this room since Christmas. Her Hong Kong Disney yunomi rested on the counter along with the rest of her collection. Grinning, she stopped at the counter and opened up her purse. She fished out her yunomi with the Tokyo Tower graphic, placing it beside the others.

Taking a deep breath of satisfaction, she turned about as she zipped up her purse. The black butsudan for her mother was nestled in the corner atop her old white desk which had come with a matching chair. The varnished black doors were closed but several things remained strewn about the desktop near the shrine, including Mommy's black urn with the white lily design and a picture of Mommy from their trip to the Tottori sand dunes in the summer of 98.

Kurumu sauntered over with her eyes fixated on the picture, also taking note of mommy's childhood doll with a featureless white face and black yarn hair arranged in a hime style. A crimson cloth with white flowers hid the doll's torso with tiny white hands and black balls for feet. A relic of mommy's past that the housemother of Baratoge had held onto.

Kurumu paused, taking in the smile of her mother in the photograph. Mommy had such a bright smile while wearing that pink bikini top and sarong with the green hem about the waist and the black almond shaped dots to represent the seeds of a watermelon. One of her arms was draped over a small Kurumu with shoulder length hair. The child had on a white one piece with pink frills stitched to the hems.

"I helped save the world, Mom. Think I went a little overboard but you should be proud of that."

"If you had to use the bathroom, you could have used mine."

Kurumu snickered at Yukari's statement. She let out a sigh as her heavy emotions passed.

"I'm coming, Yukari. Sheesh."

Kurumu shook her head, ducking out of her apartment. She reached up, padding around for the box. Another surge of power restored the wall. There was nobody inside Chouda's suite. Kurumu sauntered over to where Yukari was waiting in her empty closet.

"I hope that you weren't talking to a phantom of your mother again."

Kurumu huffed, stepping through the magical opening which caused her senses to tingle.

"No. I do have a picture of my mother in there that I can talk to."

"I guess that is saner than what you have done in the past."

Kurumu smirked, stepping into Yukari's room. Kokoa lingered in the open exterior doorway with Kabuki while Moka leaned against the half wall flanking the stove. Rubi was minding a skillet on the stove, preparing dinner. The older witch was wearing the apron over her indigo blouse with the ruffled long sleeves and collar. A long ruffled skirt completed her attire.

"Ready to go?"

Kurumu giggled as she pranced over to the entry where her Mary Janes with the silver buckles rested.

"Of course. So when is Tsukune going to make good on that promise to Rubi?"

"What promise?"

"For what he would do after saving the world. Your trip to Disney."

Moka snickered as Kokoa smirked. Rubi gasped, touching her breast.

"That's right. He did promise that."

Yukari snorted with a shake of her head.

"That is one promise that he is too broke to keep."

Moka grinned, retreating out of the suite with her sister.

"Maybe true. But we could always ask Father if he could help manage that."

"That would be so sweet of you, Ms. Akashiya."

"It's Moka, Rubi. I'm done treating all of you like strangers."

Kurumu grinned, buckling up her shoes.

"I'm ready. For a new world and a bright future."

And Kurumu left that suite with a warm heart full of love.