My Trip Abroad

by Ravenhale1

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

2. Wedding Bells

Kurumu stifled a yawn as she followed Ms. Nekonome and her mother down this trail cutting through the woods. The short haired blond teacher had on a yellow sundress which would be quick to take off once they arrived at the Gokoku Shrine. The grandmother was garbed in a dark blue kimono with a crimson maple leaf pattern and a black sash tied into a perfect ribbon in the back.

Aserutani was much less intimidating in the morning light. The village strongly resembled Kengamine in the Tottori prefecture where Kurumu had spent her junior high years. The homes and businesses were weaved into the forest in an unobtrusive manner. And everything was spread out. Even with this long walk across the town, they were not seeing even a fifth of the city's footprint.

Mizore grunted behind her, dragging her suitcase over a root which had invaded the trail. The snow girl was also garbed in a dark blue kimono though hers had a pink cherry blossom pattern and a pink sash which she had effortlessly tied into a bow due to her years of experience wearing kimonos.

Trailing further behind was Satsuki and Tora though neither of them had brought luggage. Satsuki had a look of annoyance while wearing that soft pink kimono with the white dandelion pattern. Mizore had helped her fix that white sash into the bow since Satsuki had refused her grandmother's assistance.

Tora's attire was more in line with Kurumu's dark green halter dress. The sphinx was sporting a crimson sweater vest pulled over a long sleeved, white blouse with the hem tucked in her black slacks. A narrow silver belt with a white circular buckle was fished through the loops about her waist.

"Namiki!"

Ms. Nekonome trotted the remaining distance of this trail before it emptied into the paved parking lot. The Anagume family were standing in the lot with several unfamiliar people. They clearly knew each other as the young Anagume boys were chatting with the other boy and two of the girls. The smallest girl was wrapped about the legs of one of an unfamiliar woman chatting with Mrs. Anagume Namiki.

Mrs. Anagume was garbed in a long sleeved, white blouse and black pencil skirt. The mother had a black cardigan draped over her shoulders as she conversed with the other woman and a man whom seemed familiar to Kurumu. Mrs. Anagume had the same dark locks as her daughters and was not much taller than Arukune. Her husband was the tallest of their family and had on a black suit jacket over a white dress shirt with black slacks and a black tie.

Arukune and her sister, Kosame, were wearing the same white polo shirts as their junior high brothers and the kids of this other family. The three boys had black slacks while the five girls had black, pleated skirts which hung below their knees. All of these kids had the same shiny, black loafers.

The shy Kosame was surprisingly engaged with the two girls, chatting like a normal girl. She was shorter than one of these girls and about the same height as the other. They all had the same dark locks and even had similar facial structures. The taller girl had her hair pulled up in an offside ponytail to the right.

Kurumu's black wedges sounded sharply against the paved surface when she reached the lot. There were more cars parked here than she recalled seeing at Koutoukumo or Kengamine. She watched her teacher hug Mrs. Anagume before giving a brief embrace with Mr. Anagume. Ms. Nekonome turned to face the other couple.

"Taka. How have you been?"

"That will cost you a hug."

Kurumu's eyes widened, realizing that this other group was the Nyuuwa family. Nyuuwa Taka had been the broadcasting club president during mommy's final year. He was wearing a cerulean dress shirt with a black tie and black slacks. He was slightly shorter than Ms. Nekonome as they shared a brief embrace.

"Finally getting married. Are you pregnant this time?"

Ms. Nekonome laughed, swatting the grinning man. She turned to the woman whom was absently toying with her daughter's hair. Mrs. Nyuuwa had on a sleeveless, soft blue dress which brushed her ankles with a black cardigan draped over her shoulders. Her glossy dark locks were styled in a pixie cut.

"You need to work on his manners, Saki."

"I have my hands full."

Dakiashi and Asobitani stood further down the aisle of parked cars. Dakiashi was wrapped up in an off white kimono with a dark blue sash while Asobitani had on a simple black kimono. They were with a white haired woman whom had her tresses pinned in an updo just like Kurumu had done with hers. A soft yellow kimono with a purple sash hugged her slender frame.

"Hey, Kurono!"

Kurumu grinned at Arukune's greeting, adjusting her path to meet up with the kids. Kosame instantly stopped her chatter, ducking behind her sister.

"She's gorgeous!"

Kurumu smirked at the gasp from the little Nyuuwa boy.

"So these are your cousins."

The taller girl with the ponytail immediately jumped to her, stopping Kurumu in her tracks.

"Yes! I'm Nyuuwa Ageha. I'll be attending Yokai Academy next year."

Kurumu's heart fluttered at the sound of mommy's name.

"Is that the girl?"

"Has to be. She's the spitting image of her mother."

"Yes. That's Kurono Kurumu. And that other girl is Shirayuki Mizore, Tsurara's little girl."

"I can see the resemblance."

"Aru said that you are the broadcasting club president just like my dad. I'm totally joining your club."

Kurumu laughed nervously when the Nyuuwa girl grabbed hold of her arm. She wanted to hug this bright eyed, grinning girl but her hands were full since she was carrying her schoolbag instead of letting it hang by its strap. The halter dress was just not a good outfit for that.

"Um. I'm also in the choir."

"You're in Mayu's club too? That's cool but I'm not that interested in singing."

"You know Dakuhime?"

"Of course I know Mayu. She's only a year ahead of me."

"Wow! More kimonos!"

Kurumu giggled at the little boy's awe as her friends joined her.

"Yea. Why are you all dressed the same?"

Arukune sighed dramatically, hugging Kosame.

"Because our moms are afraid that we might get lost in the city. They think having us all wear the same thing will make it easier to find us."

"I can hear you Aru."

Arukune drawled out an affirmative as the Nyuuwa girl grinned broadly.

"That's a pretty dress, Ms. Kurono."

"Thank you. How old is your sister?"

"Yoshiko turned fourteen on the seventh of November. I'll be sixteen on the twenty third of April."

"I'm almost four whole months older than Yoshiko."

"Nobody asked you, Eigo."

Arukune giggled at her brother being sassed by her cousin. Kurumu smiled, thinking that she would see these two at Yokai when she was a third year. Several of her classmates had siblings that age.

"Mom. Can I get a kimono?"

"We can buy you one for your graduation if you still want one by then."

Grandmother Nekonome chuckled at Yoshiko's whimpered protest.

"You should be more encouraging of our traditions, Saki. Too many girls are become westernized. My granddaughter tried to wear a tee shirt and jeans to the wedding."

Satsuki huffed, crossing her arms below the subtle swell of her bosom.

"I don't own dresses. Has nothing to do with being westernized."

"It was a good thing that she's the same size as her mother."

"Joy to the fucking world."

Mrs. Anagume smiled politely, touching Ms. Nekonome's arm.

"I thought you wanted to leave at six thirty. Is there a reason why we are still standing around?"

"Nonki will be coming with his son. Some more of my students were staying at his home."

"You invited that dog?"

"It's just him and Kousuke. The rest of the kids are staying with his wife."

"I would have rather had Momoi than him."

"Mr. Koike has siblings?"

Ms. Nekonome grinned at Tora's interest.

"He has two siblings in junior high and younger twin brothers. I think they turned ten this year."

"Eleven. They are the same age as Ryuu."

Ms. Nekonome nodded at Mrs. Nyuuwa's correction.

"Ryouki is their only girl. She should be attending Yokai next year."

"Yea. Ryouki is a lot of fun to be around. I hope that she's in my homeroom."

Kurumu smiled at the Nyuuwa girl's enthusiasm. Ageha. It was difficult to see this girl as an Ageha. She felt bad that she had no desire to even try.

"It would have been nice to meet her today."

"They won't have room in their car, Ms. Kurono."

"So true. I was tempted to have Akatsuki stay at home with the boys. This long drive won't be fun."

"I thought about doing the same with my little Hana. Sure, she can easily squeeze in the back seat with the other kids, but they will start complaining within an hour."

"Ms. Kurono. Ms. Shirayuki. Go with my mother to the car to load up your luggage."

Kurumu drawled out an affirmative. She giggled when the Nyuuwa girl continued to cling to her arm as she followed the grandmother over to an old, green sedan.

"Do you have a bunch of friends coming to Yokai with you?"

"Mari, Taiga and Suki. I don't know if any of them will want to join your broadcasting club, but they might be cool with the choir."

"I'm not trying to recruit for my club."

The grandmother turned the key in the lock of the trunk which popped it open. She lifted it up which prompted the Nyuuwa girl to finally release Kurumu's arm. Kurumu hefted her travel suitcase up, setting it inside the trunk first.

"I need to take my purse out. One second."

Kurumu rested her schoolbag on the car as Mizore loaded up her suitcase. Kurumu opened her bag and fished her purse out which had her phone inside. She closed her schoolbag back up and placed it on top of her suitcase. She stepped away, allowing the grandmother to close the trunk.

"There is the guilty party. You are late."

Both Koike and an older man whom looked very much like him were dressed in black suits over white shirts with black ties and black slacks. Koike had his left sleeve pinned to his shoulder.

"Sorry, ladies. This kitten had to be convinced to wear one of Momoi's kimonos. Silly girl was going to show up in a tee shirt and jeans."

Kurumu had to giggle at the remark as she sauntered back over to the group while holding her purse. Udetama had flush cheeks while wearing a lavender kimono with a white snowflake pattern. A vermilion sash was tied about her waist into a bow.

"Bad look for me."

"You look pretty, Ms. Udetama."

"Feels wrong."

"It's no different than the yukata you wore in Okinawa."

Udetama huffed at Ms. Nekonome's remark.

"That much lighter fabric. This feels like might suffocate."

Ginei had on a black suit jacket over a vermilion dress shirt with a black tie. His shirt was tucked in with a pair of gray, textured slacks. Tsukune was wearing a black dress shirt with the school slacks. He held his duffle bag by its strap upon his shoulder.

"What happened to your arm?"

Koike grinned at the wide eyed Eigo.

"An accident. Don't ever masturbate with your off hand."

Tora sighed with a shake of her head.

"You just had to go there."

"I'm just having a bit of fun."

"And you never mentioned having siblings."

"I don't recall ever being asked."

"You and Mr. Umizake are both terrible. Did you know about him having a family?"

Ginei smirked at Tora, shaking his head.

"Nope. He never mentioned his spunky little sister."

"Hey now! I know how you are and we both know how Miyamoto is about little sisters. There was no way I was going to admit to having one to either of you degenerates."

Kurumu chuckled at his protest, gesturing at him.

"I didn't know your dad was classmates with Ms. Nekonome."

"He wasn't."

Kurumu laughed at Mrs. Anagume's immediate correction.

"Right. He does have an older son. He must have been your classmate."

"Sorry to disappoint you, little lady, but I'm an 85 graduate."

Ms. Nekonome giggled, gesturing over at Dakiashi whom was fussing with Asobitani.

"That young lady over there is Youhi's little girl."

"Is Youhi coming to your wedding?"

Mr. Koike grinned broadly when Ms. Nekonome nodded.

"Sounds like fun. So you're little Tabi."

Dakiashi perked up at the father's call, nodding with a grin. She giggled, batting Asobitani's hands away.

"Why are you hanging out with Asobitani's kids?"

"Kids? I thought the woman with them was his mother."

The ladies giggled at Kurumu's admission.

"That's Teina. She's four years older than her baby brother. Her big brother was in my first homeroom."

Mr. Nyuuwa chuckled, tapping a watch on his wrist.

"We should get going. It's already twelve minutes later than you wanted to leave."

"Hey! Ms. Teina! Can I ride with you?"

Teina frowned as Satsuki started over to her group.

"I suppose that we have room for two more."

"If that's the case, would you take Eigo for us? His brother will behave much better without him."

"Hey! I'm better behaved than Musashi."

Teina laughed, beckoning to the protesting boy.

"It's fine. You can sit in the back and keep these two behaved."

Kurumu grinned at the antics of the playful couple before wandering back to the green sedan. The two mujina families had been next to their cars and were already loading up. Mr. Nyuuwa had a silver sedan while the Anagume family's sedan used to be black. Mrs. Nyuuwa was getting into the back seat with her daughters, probably intent on riding with her little girl in her lap.

"Mizore should take a window seat. Do you want the other one or the middle?"

Kurumu shrugged indifferently at Tora's inquiry as she opened the back seat.

"I'm fine sitting in the middle."

Tora nodded, strolling over to the driver's side to open the other back door. Smiling at the grandmother, Kurumu got into the car and scooted to the middle. She rested her purse in her lap.

"Go ahead, deary."

Mizore slipped inside, closing the door. The snow girl smiled softly as the grandmother opened up the front door while Tora entered the back seat from the other side. As the grandmother took her seat, Ms. Nekonome tugged open her door.

"I know where we are going so I'll take the lead. Keep track of the vehicle behind you."

The adults sounded an acknowledgment before Ms. Nekonome entered the sedan. The teacher closed the door and pushed the key into the ignition, starting the engine. She eased the car back to clear the vehicles parked next to her, turning in a slight arc the moment it was safe. Once her front end was far enough from the bumper of that brown sedan, she switched gears and started forward.

"So how do we leave Aserutani?"

Grandmother Nekonome chuckled at Kurumu's inquiry. She tapped a weasel figurine hanging by a cord from the windshield mirror.

"A little tanuki magic. This charm will take us to the human realm once we pass through that tunnel."

"Like the bus driver?"

"No. This connects to a dead end dirt road."

Grandmother Nekonome nodded at her daughter's answer.

"The only other way into Aserutani is to cross the Mikura bridge over the Nakatsu river. On some special nights, humans can accidentally stumble into our city by crossing that bridge."

"What do you do when that happens?"

"We have guards stationed there. They promptly liquor unwanted guests up and send them back home."

Kurumu nodded, glancing over her shoulder. They were being followed out of the parking lot by a bright red car. Satsuki's marigold eyes met hers and the nekomusume smirked, offering a wave.

It was not a long drive through the forest before they reached the tunnel they had come through last night. Kurumu leaned back in the seat when they passed into the darkness. Before she could even count ten heartbeats, they were back in the woods on a narrow dirt trail.

They exited the woods in seconds and the road became gravel as they drove into a clearing. A few houses were up ahead with an open field on the right. The road curved to run between two of the homes before continuing on by another home on the right.

"That Mikura bridge is on the other side of those woods to your right."

"You're so close to humans."

Grandmother Nekonome huffed with a shake of her head as they turned left, driving by a parking lot on the right which had a few vehicles.

"Humans are everywhere, child. We are lucky that they haven't taken every bit of land for themselves."

Kurumu nodded as they followed this winding road around to the left.

"Is Tsunan a city or a district?"

"It's a town in the Nakauonuma District."

"The only town left after the restructure."

"Oh? They changed things up here too?"

Ms. Nekonome chuckled as she followed the curve of the road up the hill.

"I'm surprised you even know about that."

"Well we did move to Hekitawa in the new Aga district."

"Aga was a new town. Not a new district. The district has always been Higashikanbara."

"I don't know much about this prefecture. It doesn't help that the bus schedule literally says Aga."

"It actually said that three or four years before Aga was officially founded. Our Headmaster had some input on the process."

They slowed down as they passed some buildings on their left before coming to a stop at an intersection with a larger road. Ms. Nekonome paused only long enough to confirm it was clear before turning right. This tall building to the right had a sign indicating that it was the Tsumari Pottery Museum.

"The Nakauonuma district used to have Tokamachi before it became a recognized city back in Mama's time. It swallowed up Nakasato and Kawanishi earlier this year in the restructure."

They passed by a hotel on the left and a red torii which preceded a stairway up the hillside. Lots of trees lined the hillside while steel wires served as a guardrail for the road on the right.

"The Great Heisei mergers. The old Higashikubiki district vanished this year. Half of the towns went to Tokamachi while the rest were absorbed by Joetsu."

Kurumu frowned as their sedan cut through the woods along this road.

"Did we already leave Tsunan?"

Ms. Nekonome laughed, shaking her head as they continued down the road. There were trees on both sides though there was clearly a drop on the right side.

"No. This whole area belongs to the village though the humans can't use it. We will pass through larger settlements as we get closer to Tokamachi."

Many of the trees had shed their leaves for winter but it was still pretty. It reminded her of the summer drive with Kyuushutsu and his mother. The day before mommy had taken her to the aquarium. Before she died.

"This doesn't seem like a true two lane road."

"It isn't, Ms. Nazohashi. But there is enough space on the curb to manage if someone does come this way. Many of the country roads in Niigata are like this."

They started down the hill with the left side rising up like a wall of stone. The wire railing continued on the right side. Tora laughed softly, fussing with her braid.

"There's the river."

"Yup. That's the Nakatsu river Mama was talking about. We'll cross it soon."

In less than a minute they crossed a narrow bridge. The small stream had a two tier, manmade waterfall on the right. They came off the bridge, passing by a shack on the left before turning to follow alongside the stream. Now it was the right side with the wooded hill though this gave way to a white masonry wall overgrown with moss. Then it was back to underbrush and trees with another shack on their left.

Shortly after they passed the shack, a blue sign on the road indicated they were on route 405. Kurumu fished her phone out of her purse, confirming that it was still six minutes before seven.

In seconds they were passing through a concrete tunnel which was open on the left side. She recalled the other road through Aga having several of these. Her heart ached with thoughts of her mother.

"I have a map of the prefecture which was made in June after the restructure in my closet."

"I might want to see that. I don't know much about this prefecture."

Kurumu nodded at Tora as they exited the tunnel, passing through some forest.

"It's in the box with all the stuff mommy left behind."

"Are you feeling okay?"

Kurumu smiled softly at Tora as they crossed over a very short bridge. The hill on the right was shored up with fencing to keep the land in check.

"Yea. I should have studied that map more. I have absolutely no clue where we are."

"We are actually not far from the Nagano prefecture. If we had gone the other way on 405, we would have been in Nagano in less than fifteen minutes."

That sounded interesting but Kurumu knew barely anything about the Nagano prefecture. It was home to the High Court and Kuyo had ended up as the prefectural officer over there. The prefectural school was currently Joukuu High but it had been Shirosei Academy in the past.

They started driving along another partial tunnel. This time the supports on the left were red iron.

"Will we pass by any other monster communities?"

Ms. Nekonome hummed in thought.

"Morihochou is the closest community to Aserutani. I will tell you when we pass by the road that Mr. Nurari uses to take those students home."

"Does it have a full tunnel or is it like what you have in Aserutani?"

"It's actually one on a human road. Some villages are lucky to have one near them."

They exited the partial tunnel, cutting through a short stretch of road flanked by old buildings before ducking into another partial tunnel.

"We built that silly tunnel for the school to use back in the sixties. There were many people against it, saying it would look unnatural. But then Mr. Komeichi figured out how to tie the tunnel to a road in the human world. Now almost half of the community owns a vehicle and have jobs with the humans."

"I doubt it's that many."

"You'd be surprised, Shizuka. Our people are trying harder and harder to become humans. It's sad."

They came out of the tunnel, starting up a slight incline. The river was to their immediate left with a steel guardrail dividing the road from the sharp drop. The rocky hill on the right side of the road looked like it had been chiseled.

"When did Teina get that car?"

"I believe she got it at the start of the year."

Kurumu glanced over her shoulder, confirming the red sedan was following them closely.

"Does she has a job with humans?"

"She was working in the Fairy Tale office in Watasora last I checked."

"She still does. Makes that commute daily."

They crested the hill, driving by a dam. A single lane road cut down from this road to cross over the dam.

"So Watasora is close?"

"Mhm. In Beauty Forest. Actually we will pass by the road which Mr. Nurari uses for those kids before we reach the one for Morihochou. Though I'm pretty sure it's farther away."

"So they have their own tunnel?"

"On 353. The tunnel is only about five minutes away from Watasora."

Kurumu nodded as they continued steadily down the road. They came around and bend and started crossing a bridge over a valley.

"Did you attend Yokai Academy?"

Grandmother Nekonome chuckled, shaking her head.

"Never made it to high school, deary. I got married to Hiro in 55 at the age of fourteen. We had our first baby girl that December. Hard to believe that Kiten is fifty years old now."

It was only seconds after crossing the bridge that the road became flanked by open fields. Several houses stood further up the road on the right side with trees looming at the edge of these fields on either side.

"Where does Kiten live now?"

"My older sister lives in Hoshizora."

"Ran off with that Fujihara boy in 71. Foolish girl."

"Don't act like you were any different."

"Hiro was an established young man. He had a job and the means to have a family. Sure people frowned on him for having a human father, but that wasn't his fault. Shigemi was two years younger than Kiten with nothing but dreams and pretty words."

"They made things work and that's all that matters."

There were some vending machines in front of what was probably a grocery store on the right side of the road. They followed the curving road, passing by many two story homes which were spaced sporadically.

"We rode the bus with a Ms. Fujihara. I'm assuming that she's related."

"Every nekomusume family in Aserutani is related in one way or another, Ms. Nazohashi. The Fujihara in your grade is the daughter of one of Shigemi's cousins."

The road continued to bend with a slight incline. They passed by some fields but the trees were steadily drawing closer. These were evergreens which remained their lush look despite the weather.

"Where is Hoshizora?"

"That's home to Chisiki Institute, the big school of the Nara prefecture."

"Nara prefecture is right next to Osaka."

"That's right, Ms. Nazohashi."

And just like that they were back into the forest with trees on either side. Kurumu glanced over her shoulder, confirming the red sedan was still on their heels. She also noticed the black and silver sedans further behind. She wondered if that grungy white sedan all the way back there was Koike's vehicle.

"Does Ms. Kiten have any kids?"

"Ms. Kiten. I'll have to call her that the next time I see her."

"I'm sorry, Ms. Nekonome. I don't know how I'm expected to address her."

"I have two nephews and a niece, Ms. Nazohashi. The oldest, Shinji, is only a few months younger than me. The youngest, Kyoku, is two years older than Teina."

Kurumu smiled softly, noting that Mizore was leaning against the door with her head against the glass.

"It's a pity that none of them will be at your wedding."

"Only because I canceled my wedding two days before the ceremony in the summer of 2003. Kiten was so mad at me. They were already here and had spent all that money for hotels and travel."

They came out of the woods with some large warehouse buildings on the left and some fields on the right. They continued up the slight incline at a brisk pace.

"Why did you cancel your wedding?"

"Because she's afraid to be a wife."

Ms. Nekonome sighed as they blew by barren crop fields.

"I got this weird thought that he was cheating on me with one of his coworkers. But Mama is right. It was unwarranted suspicion because I was suddenly scared to retire and settle down."

"Girl acts like her life will be over when she starts having a family."

"I'm not as bad as Kira. She never liked men."

"At least she married young. Having babies only gets harder with age."

They followed the curve of the road with the forest rising up on the left. The trees on the right side of the rode were quickly closing in as they progressed down the street.

"Isn't Satsuki's mother twelve years older than you?"

"Almost twelve. Kira was born in May."

"Does that mean you were born in the early months of 71?"

"That's correct, Ms. Nazohashi. I'll turn thirty five on March twenty first."

Kurumu grinned as the forest surrounded them. The road curved through the woods on a slight decline.

"Maybe we could do something like a birthday and retirement party."

"I'm sure that Senior would be on board with that."

Ms. Nekonome chuckled, steering the car along the curves of the road.

"Well I won't stop you."

Kurumu grinned, glancing behind her to confirm the other cars were still following. She sucked in a deep breath, watching the scenery rapidly pass them by. It looked like the road was going to do a sharp bend down this hill. She could see many buildings in the distance ahead of them.

"How old was Satsuki's mom when she got married?"

"Twenty three. Four months after Hiro passed away."

Ms. Nekonome sighed, swinging the car about to match the path of the road.

"Yea. As bad as 82 was, 83 was even worse. The house was so empty with everyone gone."

"It's sad that Hiro didn't live to see any of his daughters marry."

"Hey now. I was only eleven."

Kurumu had to giggle at that. In seconds they were out of the woods, approaching a bunch of two story buildings on the right which had trees peering over their roofs.

"Are we in Tsunan?"

"Most of this land is used for farming. It won't be like Mononoke until we get closer to 117."

"What's on 117?"

"Pretty much everything. Town hall. Restaurants. Shops. And the school."

Kurumu nodded as they started passing by many two story residences flanking either side of the road. The homes on the right side had the forest in their backyards while the left side was more open fields and more homes. This continued for a solid minute before they came out in an open area with fields on both sides. A short drive further and they came across a billboard on the right which had a huge carrot.

There were still houses on the right side of the road but they were on the other side of a barren field. The forest remained far away to the left on the other side of fields. She imagined that the river was still somewhere over there.

They shot by a patch of woods on their left. Then there was a random cemetery after that on the other side of a field. The homes on the right side remained comfortably away from the road with these barren rice fields protecting them.

"I heard from some of the girls that it snows a lot in January."

"That's right, Ms. Nazohashi. Niigata has the second highest snowfall of all of the prefectures in Japan."

"This must look very pretty with snow."

Ms. Nekonome chuckled as they passed by a café on the right side. The empty crop fields continued on either side of the road with homes in front of the woods on the right.

"It certainly does, Ms. Nazohashi."

They continued in silence with nothing special about the scenery. The fields on the left side soon ended and were replaced by trees while the right side fields were shored up higher than the road. Moments later the trees made room for some warehouses on the left. A row of trees started on the right, blocking the view of any homes beyond but allowing a small crop field to flank the road. And seconds later they had these warehouse buildings on both sides.

They passed by a gas station on the right. These old shop buildings reminded Kurumu of the abandoned sections of Mononoke. These were in use since there were many cars parked around them.

The woods crowded back in on the left side of the road while the decrepit buildings continued on the right. A tall brown metal building swept up towards the sky like a triangle. A two story red building was beyond that and then a squat gray structure. The occasional vending machine flanked the road.

"This doesn't feel much like a town."

"We're almost there."

Kurumu sighed again, feeling the car slow down. She glanced over her shoulder, confirming that the red sedan was still keeping up with them. There was nothing special about the environment.

And suddenly there was a baseball field on her left. She laughed as they quickly passed by it and the adjacent track field.

"Are we by the school?"

"Yea. Not much further."

This time when the buildings closed in on both sides of the road, there was not much space between them. Kurumu shivered, suddenly feeling claustrophobic.

"Does the junior high at Aserutani have sports?"

"Indoor sports, yes. The elders aren't keen with the idea of clearing out some forest for a soccer field."

"It's not needed, Shizuka."

The car slowed down even more as they passed by multistory buildings.

"I think it would be cool if the junior highs had sports. I know several students that would have preferred a more competitive experience before high school."

"High school is for academics."

"Says the woman whom didn't even go to high school."

"I know what it was for."

"There's the school, Ms. Kurono."

Ms. Nekonome gestured at a four story building on the left side of the road. A blue sign hung over the road on the right side which indicated that the intersection with 117 was up ahead. Nagano and Iiyama were to the left with Ojiya and Tokamachi to the right. Kurumu recalled that Kabashita was in Ojiya.

"How close is Kabashita?"

"It's on the way. We will drive right by it."

Kurumu pouted as they cruised by the school and several multistory apartment buildings.

"I asked if we were driving by any monster communities."

"You did? Hmm. I must have misunderstood your question."

They passed by some shops before coming to a stop at an intersection with traffic lights.

"If you were curious about getting to Aranoiji where Irewata lives, the fastest way is to take 117 to the E18 tollway in Nagano. It's over an hour and a half drive from here."

"You go through Nagano?"

Ms. Nekonome chuckled as she turned right when the light turned green. The road was lined with shops and restaurants crowding in upon each other.

"It's much faster than trying to stay in Niigata. You'd have to take 353 to 253 and cut through Joetsu. That's easily an extra half hour of driving."

"The town hall is over there."

Kurumu glanced to the right under the grandmother's prompting, noting a five story beige building set back from the road. It had a circular awning over a canopy which faced the parking lot but not the road. They were by it in a moment with a gas station on their left and a blue sign indicating that 405 would continue on to the left at the next intersection.

"Will Irewata be taking this road?"

"No way. It's much faster for them to take E18 to Joetsu and connect with E8. We'll be getting onto that toll road ourselves once we reach Nagaoka."

Kurumu shivered with excitement as they passed through the intersection with 405. The many buildings continued to encroach upon the road.

"We're going through Nagaoka? How close will we be to Machinise?"

Ms. Nekonome giggled, hesitating to answer. They broke free of the buildings and the teacher increased her speed. The hills on either side of the road had been shored up with zigzagged concrete tiles as they hurried towards a bridge they would drive under.

"I believe hearing Machinise is on the east side of the city in the woods. We will be on E17 which swings to the west side of the city before it merges with E8."

Kurumu nodded as they passed under the bridge. She glanced over her shoulder, smiling upon seeing the red sedan still on their trail. Looking back to the road ahead of them, she noticed that the shoring was lowering and the buildings would resume though not as tightly packed together as before.

"Do you know how to get to it?"

"I've never thought about that one, Ms. Kurono. Most of my friends were from southern villages."

Kurumu sighed, supposing she could always ask Suzume how they got to Machinise. It was not like they had actually lived in that community themselves.

"What about Akichi? I'm pretty sure that Yuzawa is a southern region."

Ms. Nekonome giggled as they steadily passed by buildings on either side of the road.

"I know how to get to the human settlement of Yuzawa. But I have no clue how to get to Akichi."

"Is that on the way to Joetsu?"

"Nope. You take 353 east instead of west. 353 ends in the old village of Shiozawa which is now part of new city of Minamiuonuma. The toll road E17 runs north and south through that city before it cuts over to Ojiya. If you go south, you'll be in Yuzawa right away while Uonuma is to the north."

They passed by another gas station on their right which was in front of a three story elementary school. The buildings had become more sparse but continued to line the road. Trees were starting to mix in with the structures further up ahead. They coasted by an open view on the left which overlooked the valley filled with crop fields and homes.

"Juri lives in Okataiyou. I think she said that was near Uonuma."

"When I was in college, I visited Kaori's home in Okataiyou a few times. The tunnel Mr. Nurari uses for their village is near Juji gorge."

"Where's that?"

"You head east on 233 which you can get to by taking the Muikamachi exit off E17. It's still a good half hour hike through the wilderness to get to their village but their town elders decided to live with that instead of making a tunnel for their community."

They passed by a pachinko parlor on the right. Her thoughts returned to the junior high Juri had attended in Kabashita. Kids from Okataiyou and Hisomeru both went there since it was the closest junior high to them with housing.

"Do you know where Hisomeru is?"

"That is way north at the end of 385 near Mt. Asakusa. That road has a tunnel Mr. Nurari can use."

Kurumu sighed, having no idea where that was. They were driving up a hill with forgettable scenery. A blue sign stood up on the left, indicating an intersection with 482 coming up for Greenpia Tsunan.

"How close to Kabashita will we be?"

"Very close. If not for their barrier, we would be able to see it."

They passed by the intersection on their right with a gas station immediately after it. An empty field was on their left between two story buildings.

"How does their barrier work? Is it like the Mononoke barrier?"

"I honestly never asked Kaori about it. Kabashita could be like Aserutani. Our village exists on a different plane of reality. We sometimes have different weather."

"It's the spirit world, deary. Our town elders take turns, using their life force to maintain our separation from the human world."

Ms. Nekonome chuckled as they passed by a gas station on their left. The stoplight at the intersection up ahead was green, allowing them to pass through without slowing.

"True. It's why you don't see a bunch of elderly folks over the age of two hundred. But Kabashita could be different. Some villages like Okataiyou just have a barrier of misdirection and camouflage. They don't have enough elders to support what we have in Aserutani."

They drove by more two story homes, shops and restaurants. Leafless trees were mixed in with the structures with power and telephone poles flanking the sidewalks on either side of the road. It felt like this was the only road in Tsunan since every visible human structure was built alongside it.

"What road has the tunnel for Morihochou?"

"That's on 76. The tunnel is right by a ski resort."

Kurumu smirked at a random thought.

"I wonder if that's why Ms. Komida was in the skiing club."

"I think her seniors had more to do with that. That club has always had a unique draw to it. I've seen students from just about every community join it."

"How old of a club is it?"

"I can't say for certain but it was around when I was a student."

They coasted by another intersection monitored by a stoplight, though the street that ran off to the left did not look like it went anywhere. None of these side streets were main roads. They passed by more homes and through another stoplight which did not look like it was even at an intersection. After a few more buildings, the scenery opened up on the right with barren fields separated them from the tree line.

After a short distance, the homes resumed. A sign on the left indicated an intersection with 49 was coming up for Tatsunokuchi and Matsunoyama. It also had a symbol for 353.

"Is that the way to Watasora?"

"Mhm. That is faster than taking the actual intersection with 353 which is on the other side of the river."

The intersection with 49 did not even have a stoplight. The road which ended at 117 cut off to the left, winding up the hillside and back around some homes before disappearing from sight. A short way down 117 was another sign on the left, indicating an intersection with 284 to Tashiro and Kuramata. This one had a stoplight which they were forced to wait at.

Kurumu sighed, glancing behind them. Satsuki waved at her and she felt compelled to wave back. Parked in a straight line, she could not see the other sedans. She breathed in deep, noting Mizore continued to rest against her door. Tora was checking her phone.

"Are you taking pictures?"

"Not even worth trying that while in a moving vehicle. I have at least one voicemail message but the service dropped right after I got it."

"You'll have better service when we go through the heart of Tokamachi."

The light changed, allowing them to continue. In seconds they were crossing a long bridge overlooking the valley.

"This is the Kiyotsu River, ladies. On the other side is Nakasato."

Kurumu smiled, aware that they were leaving Tsunan and would be in Tokamachi soon.

"Do you think we have time for a bathroom break?"

Tora snorted, dropping her phone in her lap.

"You can't be serious. You went before we left."

"I know. But I'd like to get my CD player out of the trunk. Mizore looks like she needs some music."

Mizore perked up, lifting off the door.

"Could we do that?"

Ms. Nekonome chuckled as they came off the bridge, passing by a gas station on the right.

"We should stop before we get on the toll road in Ojiya. Make sure that we are all still together and that the younger kids don't need a potty break. You can get your stuff then."

"How much further is that?"

"Roughly forty minutes."

Kurumu groaned, hoping that time would pass quickly.

---

"Otonashi!"

Kurumu hustled across the reception hall to the group standing around the surprise guest Miyamoto had brought to the wedding. Her feet confined in these black wedges protested her pace, clipping loudly upon the white laminate flooring. Her breasts jiggled within the confines of her halter dress and might have spilled out if not for the snug fit of her new white bra. She shivered from the male attention her jog rewarded her but ignored it with thoughts of what she wanted to say to the siren.

Otonashi San was wearing a white dress with puffy short sleeves and a ruffled skirt portion which almost reached her ankles. Her black locks brushed against her narrow shoulders as she wrote in her notebook. She smiled brightly, holding it up to greet Kurumu when she arrived.

Kurumu paid no attention to that as she wrapped the shorter girl into a hug, pressing the girl's face into her bosom. The siren made a soft giggle, letting one arm slip around Kurumu's waist while the other held her notebook between them.

"Calm down, Ms. Kurono. Don't smother the poor girl."

Kurumu grinned at Ms. Okumura's admonishment. The third year teacher was sporting a peach blouse beneath a long sleeved, navy jacket. A slim white belt with a chrome tiger head buckle was fed through the loops of her ebony slacks. Her platinum blond locks where short and styled in a boyish cut. Her icy blue eyes betrayed her amusement.

"No worries, Ms. Okumura. I would gladly administer our little bird CPR if she passed out."

Miyamoto Haiji chuckled heartily, standing beside his mother whom looked almost the same as she had in his memories. The second year tengu was garbed in a black kimono instead of his usual karate gi.

His mother had golden eyes but the same ashen gray locks as him. The tips of her tresses barely touched her slender shoulders. She was wearing a white kimono with a blue bird pattern and a dark blue sash tied about her waist. She was almost a whole head shorter than her son.

"Allow me to introduce you to my mother. This amorous girl is Kurono Kurumu, a former member of Morioka's newspaper club."

"I see this is the surprise Kurumu said that you had for the wedding, Mr. Miyamoto."

Kurumu relaxed her hold about Otonashi as her companions caught up to her. She turned with a grin, nodding at Tora whom had Kurumu's purse. Mizore trailed further behind with the chatty Nyuuwa girl.

"Well detach from her."

Kurumu released Otonashi, allowing Tora to have her own brief embrace. The sphinx breathed in deep, backing away from the siren after the exchange.

"How have you been?"

Otonashi smiled, flipping the notebook over to an earlier page. She held it up, showing that she was fine.

"And this young lady is Nazohashi Tora. She still is in the newspaper club."

"Is this your mother?"

"Miyamoto Watage. Thanks for putting up with my son."

Kurumu giggled as the woman bowed her head.

"Please don't worry, Mrs. Miyamoto. Your son is tame compared to Ginei."

"And this quiet lady is Shirayuki Mizore. She also left Morioka's club."

"I hear you talking crap about me."

Kurumu smirked as Ginei strolled over with most of the group that had been in Mr. Koike's car. Tsukune was thankfully absent.

"It's the truth."

"Aono is why you both left. I'm completely innocent."

Otonashi quickly scrawled in her notebook before holding it up, requesting to know Tsukune's location.

"He's over there trying to charm his way into Moka's panties."

Tora clucked her tongue with a shake of her head.

"He's not at all like you, Senior."

"So this is the nefarious president of the newspaper club."

Mizore nodded solemnly, pulling the Nyuuwa girl closer.

"Yes. He molests every girl in his club."

"Don't start spreading lies in that flat tone of yours."

"It's mostly true though. Unless you have put your hands on Yukari without us knowing."

Ginei smirked at Tora.

"I don't recall doing anything to Kana either."

"Can I have a hug or have you ran out of stock?"

Otonashi grinned, offering an arm to Koike. The boy favored her a fanged grin, stepping in to drape his one arm over her shoulder. He pulled her in for a brief squeeze against his side.

"It must be rough staying in the home of an aspiring pedophile."

Otonashi chirped a laugh, busily writing into her notebook. She beamed brightly, holding the sheet up to announce that Miyamoto was helping her find her mother's family.

"That's wonderful news."

Ginei grinned at Kurumu's remark, stepping in to pat Otonashi on the head.

"You should thank Kurumu for getting that name to me."

Otonashi smiled, turning and bowing to Kurumu. Kurumu felt her heart fill with warmth.

"I'm happy that I could help you."

"We picked her up from the airport on Tuesday and already paid the Fairy Tale office in Watasora a visit to hunt down the Hikokawa family. We'll be checking in again on Monday to see if they found anything before we head back to Okinawa."

"When are you leaving?"

The teacher flashed her a multi fanged grin which was identical to the one Udetama possessed.

"Ms. Udetama and I will be flying out on Monday afternoon. Don't know when Ms. Otonashi plans to go back since she hasn't bought herself a ticket."

"You're not staying with Koike all winter break?"

"Hell no. His place be crawling with noisy kids."

"The twins love her."

"Be glad to leave. Hope Monday comes fast."

"Speaking of that, I had no idea that it was a three and a half hour drive from Koutoukumo to Watasora. Hopefully it isn't that much further to Aserutani."

Mr. Koike grinned at the teacher.

"I could ask Teina to drop her off in Watasora for you. It would save you a half hour."

"Teina?"

"Ms. Asobitani. She's over there with her little brother. And that's Youhi with his little girl, Tabi."

Kurumu glanced in the direction of his gesture. Dakiashi's father must be that guy sporting the black suit over a pink dress shirt and black slacks. He had shaggy, marmalade locks just like his daughter.

"Ah yes. I remember Teina. Why not offer to do it yourself?"

"Teina works at that Fairy Tale office and has work on Monday. May as well have this kitten with her."

"I nots a kitten."

"Go ask for her permission, Ms. Udetama."

Udetama sighed heavily, stalking off without further comment.

"How long do you plan to stay with Mr. Miyamoto?"

Otonashi smiled at Tora before starting another message. She finished it up with a grin, tapping the words for as long as it takes.

"Will that be fine with Mrs. Kawamoto?"

Miyamoto chuckled, stepping in to place a hand on Otonashi's shoulder as the siren started a new sheet.

"I understand that the inn is closed."

"Why? Are the repairs not finished?"

"No. That was fine. They were too busy for her to come down for the cultural festival. But I guess she closed for winter break because business is slow this time of year."

Otonashi grinned, holding up a sheet declaring that Mrs. Kawamoto would understand.

"Won't she get lonely?"

Otonashi's brown eyes softened at Kurumu's sentiment. She jotted down a curt message which reminded Kurumu that Mrs. Kawamoto does have family.

"I see. It is good for both of you to try and reconnect with your families."

Otonashi smiled, nodding at Tora. She flipped over to a previous sheet, holding it up to display a generic request of how they had been. Tora chuckled, glancing at Mizore.

"I'm doing well. Not much has changed for me since the summer."

"I'm pregnant."

The Nyuuwa girl gasped, turning wide eyes upon Ginei.

"Did this wolf defile you?"

"What have you been telling this poor child?"

"He did but he's not the father."

"I'm going to drag you over me knee and give you a spanking."

"The girl whom likes spankings is over there."

Kurumu snickered when Mizore pointed at Rubi. The older witch was garbed in the indigo kimono she had bought in Yukimura. The fabric had the shirayuki flower pattern with a black sash tied about her waist into a tidy bow. Rubi was in the company of Yukari, Moka and Tsukune.

Yukari and Moka had on the outfits they had worn to Kahlua's wedding. Yukari's sleeveless dress was a mix of crimson fabric and black lace. A black corset was tightened about her torso, pushing up her slight bosom to announce its presence. A thin black shawl was draped over her slender shoulders, hiding the straps of her bra. Her hands were swathed in fingerless black gloves which stretched up to her elbows. This was the first time Kurumu had seen Yukari wear her white platform boots.

Moka's scarlet corset dress was also sleeveless and hemmed with black lace. The gown was shorter in the front, failing to cover the knees but nearly as low as her ankles in the back. The vampire was sporting those glossy black, high heel boots despite having no need to be taller.

"Young lady. I'll have you know that the father of Mizore's child is Umizake Aoi. A fine, upstanding and lucky man. He's a top student and a member of the PSC just like my dear Tora."

"I am not your dear."

"Thank you, Mr. Morioka."

"I can personally vouch that Mizore has a firm, feminine physique well suited for breeding."

"I take back my gratitude."

Otonashi swatted the grinning werewolf with her notebook. Ginei chuckled at her pout.

"I mean no insult. I'm sure that you will grow up eventually."

Otonashi gasped, immediately starting to scribble on her paper.

"You've angered our little bird."

"It's not my fault she looks like a ten year old."

The guys shared a brief laugh before Otonashi held up a sign, threatening to tell his mother. Ginei smiled softly, patting the agitated girl on the head again.

"I wish you could have met them. They came to the festival."

All of her ire dissipated. Otonashi sighed, penning another message. She turned to Mizore and held up the notebook, congratulating her. Mizore murmured her thanks and Ms. Okumura sighed heavily.

"Your thoughts, Teacher?"

Ms. Okumura managed a smile for Tora.

"It troubles me when I hear about high school girls getting pregnant."

"I feel the same way, though I think Mizore's case is understandable due to her society's expectations."

"It's not so much them being too young as it is me feeling old."

"You don't seem that old to me."

Ms. Okumura smirked at Mr. Koike.

"I'm two years older than the bride."

"And I'm four years older than her. That makes me your senior."

"Dad. Please don't hit on my teacher."

"I'm not. I love your mother, very much."

"I need to mingle. Maybe snag one of these doctors that Shouji works with."

"Good luck on your hunt."

Ms. Okumura smirked at the grinning father. She shook her head and stalked off.

Kurumu sucked in a deep breath, taking a look about the reception hall. Everyone from the wedding had come here by now. As they would be having lunch in here, some of the families were taking their seats about the round tables placed to the sides of this hall. The Irewata family had two parents and six kids which meant that they had a table all to themselves.

The center of the pavilion was left open, possibly to be used for a dance floor after the meal. At one end in front of the stage was the table for the bride and groom. People were lined up, making their way to this table to give their congratulations. Mrs. Senda and her family were currently doing the honors.

This was the first time Kurumu had seen Mrs. Senda's family. The third year science teacher whom was the broadcasting club advisor had two young girls and a husband. They all had dark hair. Mrs. Senda had on a caramel cardigan over a white, long sleeved blouse with a black pencil skirt which ended shy of her knees. Black stockings stretched up from her black loafers.

Both of her girls were dressed in the same yellow blouse and black pleated skirts with white stockings. One girl had her bangs pushed back with blue baubles and her hair styled in pigtails. The other girl had her hair pulled up into a top knot with the rest braided into a short rattail.

Her husband blended in with most of these forgettable men lurking about the room. He wore a black jacket over a white shirt and with black slacks. The only thing that set him apart was that he had a silly checkered tie which was blue and yellow.

"We should get in line to congratulate our teacher."

Kurumu prompted the others to join her on her journey to the end of the line which was currently being held by the Unsei family. Mrs. Unsei was a second year English teacher and was wearing a plum blouse beneath a black sweater vest. A ruffled black skirt wisped across the floor as she drifted forward with the line. She had her glossy black locks styled in a chin length bob.

Mr. Unsei was another forgettable male. His dark hair was parted at the cowlick most tanuki possessed. He was garbed in the same black suit, white shirt, black tie and black slacks. He had encouraged both of his sons to wear this drab attire. The older boy had a dorm room on Tsukune's floor despite his family having a home in Mononoke. The younger boy would be in high school next year.

"Hello, Mrs. Unsei. I can't remember if your girl is a year or two behind your other son."

The twin tailed daughter beamed happily. She had on a dark green blouse and a black ruffled skirt similar to her mother's.

"I turn fourteen in March."

"Akane is one year behind Etsuji."

"Hello, Sachiko. When are you going to move back to Aserutani?"

Mrs. Unsei glared at Mr. Koike's fanged grin.

"Never. Is it safe for you to be in the city?"

"Don't worry. I chase cars from the safety of my own these days."

Mr. Unsei snickered with a shake of his head.

"How have you been, Nonki?"

"The usual. Work keeps me busy and Momoi keeps me sane."

"What kind of work do you do?"

Mr. Koike grinned at Kurumu.

"I'm a city plumber. That lovely water coming to the homes of Aserutani was not something we had when I was growing up there."

"He digs holes all day long like the dog he is."

"Hey. It's not just digging. I stuff those holes with my pipe."

Koike and Ginei chuckled as Mr. Unsei smirked.

"We didn't see you at Sports' Day or the cultural festival this year."

Mr. Koike chuckled, slapping his son on the shoulder.

"This boy was embarrassed over losing his arm. Thought we would freak out."

"Hey! I was right that Mom would."

"His brothers think it's cool. The jokes at the dinner table were nonstop last night."

"Yea. I think they handled it well."

Kurumu rolled her eyes at Ginei's pun. She glanced down the line, noting that Mrs. Sunao was having one of the Yaisoku girls take her pictures with the bride and groom. Kurumu's diminutive homeroom teacher had left her gray tresses down for the occasion. She had on a black jacket over a pink dress shirt which was tucked in with a glossy black pencil skirt.

The young man accompanying Mrs. Sunao was presumably her husband, Yahiro, whom had been one of her first students. He was a whole head taller than Mrs. Sunao and had smoky black hair styled in a sleek crew cut. Unfortunately he was dressed in the same formal attire every other guy had decided to wear.

Yaisoku Ami was a jorougumo from class four. She had her black hair braided and was wearing a short sleeved, black dress which flared out at her waist into a three tiered skirt which brushed the floor. She continued taking pictures for Mrs. Sunao with a silver camera with a scoping lens.

Her older sister stood by her Aunt and was garbed in a sleeveless black dress which ended just below the knees. A black shawl was draped over her shoulders, hiding the thin straps holding up her dress. Both girls were in their Aunt's tennis club with Modoka taking over as captain next year.

Coach Yaisoku had her pregnant body swathed in a lush green kimono with a black cobweb pattern. A shiny black sash was tied about her waist into a bow at her back. Her long auburn hair was unbound for a change, flowing like silk down her back.

The dark haired woman beside the gym teacher was most likely her sister and mother to these two girls. She had an ebony kimono with a crimson leaf pattern and crimson sash. Her hair was styled in a formal and regal manner, giving her a commanding aura. After Ami returned the camera to Mr. Sunao and returned to her family, the jorougumo women stepped up to offer their congratulations to the couple.

Between these ladies and some forgettable men was Ms. Yumeito, a second year science teacher whom had been the valedictorian of mommy's grade. The tiny woman's eyes were hidden behind stringy, silver bangs while the rest of her tresses brushed her bared shoulders. The buxom teacher was sporting a dark blue, form fitting dress which looked like it had been wrapped about her body and tied off at her hip. She had to shuffle since the clingy garment came down lower than her knees. The tall men behind her clearly enjoyed the view over her slender shoulders.

Kurumu sighed, glancing about the room again. The rest of the Nyuuwa family had lined up behind Koike and his father with the Anagume and Irewata families even further behind. She was mildly disappointed that the Hazumi family had not shown up, wanting to chat with the younger sisters again. She had not met Irewata's family so she would have to chat with them before this was over.

Hitori Miko was at a table with that dark haired man whom was the phoenix Huang's family had been named after. He had on a long sleeved scarlet shirt with a black tie and dark brown slacks while their home economics teacher was sporting a yellow blouse and black slacks. A white shawl was draped over her shoulders. Her scarlet hair was trimmed short on the sides with the rest pulled back in a ponytail.

The phoenix couple had arrived with the Huang siblings whom were presently having a chat with Mrs. Shuzen. The president of Fairy Tale was wrapped up in a soft pink kimono with a white sash tied about her into a bow. It was a much kinder pink than the shade of Kokoa's halter dress which was identical in style and cut as Kurumu's since it had been bought from the same place.

The Huang siblings had on the same stuff that they always wore. The brother's attire consisted of that white, long sleeved coat with the black mandarin collar and the black hem which came down the center with the brown toggles holding it shut. Simple black slacks completed his ensemble.

His sister's outfit was more revealing. Her black, long sleeved jacket had a white hem which came out in the front to reveal much of her cleavage. A golden bell hung from a white collar about her neck which was probably not part of the jacket. Either she wore a black skirt beneath the jacket or that part hanging down to her ankles was an underlining. The rest of her attire was a pair of glossy black boots and a black circular cap lined with a white hem and topped with a white ball.

It felt like the crowd was mostly people associated with the bride. There were roughly twenty single men scattered throughout the room. Three were trying to court the lovely Ms. Ohno whom was enduring the attention. The gorgeous blond was barely contained in her short sleeved, white dress which was more conservative than the garment that Ms. Yumeito had on.

There were six families belonging to the groom's guests, though none had more than two children. His parents and siblings were seated at the table to the right of their bride and groom table while Satsuki was seated with her grandmother at the table to the left.

Kurumu nodded, running numbers in her head. She would be surprised if he had fifty guests and she was fairly certain that Ms. Nekonome had over sixty. It was a larger turnout than Kahlua's wedding.

"Congratulations, Mr. and Mrs. Takizawa."

Their teacher smiled brightly at Mrs. Unsei's greeting.

"Thank you, Sachiko."

"It's about time you tied this girl down, Shouji."

The groom chuckled with a wide grin, nodding at Mr. Unsei's comment. He was still swathed in the black kimono he had worn during the wedding ceremony.

"Not from a lack of trying."

"Are you really retiring?"

Ms. Neko- Mrs. Takizawa smiled softly at the Unsei girl. Her face was powdered up and her blond hair had been pulled into a tight bun. A red kimono with a bright floral pattern was drawn over her torso, having replaced the white one she had on before.

"For now. I may come back like Mrs. Senda did if I get bored with my babies."

"Are you pregnant?"

"She hopefully will be soon."

"That's the plan. To have our first before the end of next year."

"Keiji. Take some pictures for us."

The oldest son stepped away from the table, leveling a black camera at them.

"Do you want to be included in the picture?"

Mrs. Unsei chuckled at her coworker's inquiry, dragging her daughter aside.

"Oh no. This is your moment. Etsuji. Back off."

Mr. Unsei steered the younger son away as the older boy started taking pictures. Kurumu could hear the clicks of the digital camera. After he had taken a dozen, the young man lowered the camera.

"I think that's good enough."

"Thank you. Enjoy your meal."

The family exchanged more sentiments before moving away. Kurumu's heart fluttered as Miyamoto steered Otonashi up to the table with his mother at his side.

"Congratulations, Teacher."

Otonashi grinned brightly, holding up a sign which made the bride touch her chest.

"Thank you. I'm so glad that you could come."

"Can she hug you?"

"Certainly. Come around. Come around."

Otonashi scampered over to a break in the table, hurrying around the back to reach her teacher's side. The teacher scooted back in her chair, accepting an embrace from her student.

"Can I take a picture of that?"

Ms. Neko-Takizawa giggled at Kurumu's request. She remained holding Otonashi as she nodded.

"Sure, Ms. Kurono."

Kurumu gestured for Tora whom promptly handed over her purse. She quickly fished out her phone, slinging her purse up on her shoulder by its strap. She flipped the top open and pushed the buttons to activate the camera function, leveling the display to capture the pair. She took two pictures.

"This is my first wedding. I didn't expect it to be over so soon."

Their teacher grinned at Tora.

"I know. I feel like it took more time to do my makeup and hair."

"Don't kid yourself. You weren't here early enough for that."

She laughed at her husband's remark, absently caressing Otonashi.

"Come closer, Shouji. They must want pictures of us both."

Kurumu grinned as the groom scooted closer and leaned in to touch his shoulder against his wife's. She took three more pictures of that.

"Tora. Mizore. I want you both in the picture too."

"Hey now. There's a line here."

Kurumu stuck her tongue out at Ginei as Tora held a hand out to her.

"I'll take a picture of you with our teacher if you like."

"Are you sure you don't want a picture with her?"

"I'm fine. What about you, Mizore?"

"I'll go with Kurumu."

Kurumu grinned, surrendering her phone to Tora. She took Mizore by the hand.

"Protect my baby."

Tora snickered, gesturing for the Nyuuwa girl to come to her side as Kurumu steered Mizore over to the gap between the tables. They made their way to the couple in seconds.

"How shall we do this?"

"Most people just stand behind us."

Kurumu directed Mizore to stand behind their teacher's chair while she stood behind the groom. She clasped her hands at her navel and grinned broadly as Tora leveled the phone at them. It was only a few seconds before Tora lowered the phone.

"I took five. I hope that's enough."

Kurumu laughed, nodding as she patted the groom's shoulder.

"I hope this isn't rude, but I think our teacher has more guests than you."

The man chuckled, glancing up at her though she wisely avoided their eyes from meeting.

"That might be true if we're counting minors."

Kurumu snickered, taking Mizore's hand and backing off.

"Oh? Am I a minor to you?"

"I don't tend to look upon high school girls as adults. And most of my colleagues agree with that stance."

The bride giggled as Kurumu steered Mizore back to the break of the tables.

"San is a graduate of Yokai Academy. Do you count her as a minor?"

"She is more than welcome to try and cure my poor colleagues of their single status. Though I think she has quite a bit of healthy competition against Ms. Yumeito and Ms. Ohno."

Kurumu laughed as she came back to Tora's side, trading Mizore's hand for her phone.

"I hope those guys don't seriously think they have a chance with Ms. Ohno."

"Why not? My wife assures me that she is legal."

Kurumu snickered, not wanting to explain why a succubus would avoid long term relationships.

"Come on, Ageha. I need to introduce you to our broadcasting club advisor."

"Our advisor is here?"

"Robbing the cradle for your club?"

"Her dad was a broadcasting club president, Ginei. I did nothing wrong."

"Congratulations again on your wedding, Mrs. Takizawa."

Kurumu echoed Tora's sentiment. It would be difficult adjusting to Ms. Nekonome's new surname.

"Which one is our advisor?"

"Follow me. She's with her family."

Kurumu started off with the three girls in tow. She quickly spied the table that Mrs. Senda's family had claimed as their own. With a grin, she strode purposefully over to the teacher.

"Mrs. Senda. I have a future first year whom wishes to join the club."

Both girls regarded her with wide, brown eyes. Like their mother, they both had glasses and freckles.

"She's pretty, Momma."

"Who is she?"

"This is Kurono Kurumu. The broadcasting club president."

"Mhm. And this is Nyuuwa Ageha."

Mrs. Senda gasped, touching her breast.

"Taka's girl. I've heard about you."

"You know my father?"

"Mhm. I was the broadcasting club president the year before him."

"You never mentioned that he named his first girl after my mother."

"I was hoping to have that as a surprise for your mother."

"What are the names of your girls?"

Mrs. Senda smiled at Tora's inquiry. She gestured at the girl with the baubles first.

"The little one is Nene and her sister is Kimi."

"Are these girls students at your school, Momma?"

"Yes they are. This is Shirayuki Mizore and Nazohashi Tora."

"I want to go to your school."

Mrs. Senda laughed at her older daughter with the top knot.

"You are much too young to worry about high school."

"You can get the same education at a nearby public school. There is no reason to send you off to a private boarding school."

Tora smiled at the father's addition.

"How old are the girls?"

"I'm eight!"

Mrs. Senda chuckled, nodding at the older girl.

"Her birthday was in October. Nene turned six over the summer."

"Maybe things will be more convenient for you to attend Yokai Academy when you're old enough."

The husband huffed with a shake of his head.

"Short of your new Headmaster making major policy changes in how that neighborhood is policed, I doubt there will ever be a good reason to send our girls there."

Kurumu managed a smile, wagging her phone.

"Do you mind if I take some pictures of you and your girls?"

"She has a phone? I want a phone!"

Mrs. Senda waved a placating hand at her older daughter.

"Maybe when you get to be her age. Now come over here, girls."

Both girls slipped out of their seats to hurry over to their mother's side. The father huffed, crossing his arms about his chest. He was close enough to get in the display when Kurumu stepped back a few times. She grinned, prompting them to smile before taking three pictures for good measure. She would delete any bad ones while they ate lunch.

"What class do you teach?"

"Physics for the third years."

The Nyuuwa girl pouted as the mother shooed her daughters back to their seats.

"Aw. So I won't have you next year."

"Kurumu!"

Kurumu glanced over her shoulder, seeing Kokoa beckoning for her from the other side of the room.

"Milady calls. I'll be right back."

Tora nodded at Kurumu as the Nyuuwa girl started to ask questions about the broadcasting club. Kurumu hurried across the open center area to reach where Kokoa was. The Huang siblings were still chatting with Mrs. Shuzen when Kurumu arrived.

"What is it?"

"Mother needs to look into your future again."

"What for?"

"Because she's not letting me go with you to Hong Kong. Something about one of us drowning if I go."

Kurumu frowned, wandering over to the older vampire.

"What do you mean one of us will drown?"

"It's simply what happens in most scenarios if both of my girls get on that plane tomorrow."

"I assure you that we have everything under control. Our private jet is stored at the airport."

"Which has standard security. The Miao family will make an attempt on your lives."

The sister sighed, pressing a charm to her lips.

"That is nothing new. With your warning, we can deal with the situation."

"Fools. Even with the warning, that plane will never make it to Hong Kong."

"Wait. What happens?"

"I don't know, Ms. Kurono. That's why I need to see your future. I can't see anything in Moka's eyes due to that silly rosary of hers. And I have no idea what happens if I let her go without Kokoa."

"Couldn't you have checked Yukari's future?"

Mrs. Shuzen laughed, breaking the tense atmosphere.

"I was planning to do that after the lunch. There simply was not enough time this morning after checking Kokoa's future. And she insists that I check yours instead since she doesn't want to be bored by herself."

Kurumu smirked at Kokoa. The vampire scowled.

"Don't look at me like that! You're my servant and I want you to keep me company!"

Kurumu chuckled, shaking her head. She squeezed her phone in her hand and had a sudden thought.

"Hey. Would you mind if I took a picture of you with your two daughters?"

"I have no objection to that. Moka! Come here."

Kurumu flinched at the severity of the order. The vampire excused herself from Tsukune's company and started towards them with a frown.

"What is it, Mother?"

"Ms. Kurono requests a picture."

Kurumu smiled apologetically at the silver haired vampire when she arrived.

"I'm sorry. I just thought it would be a nice picture to have."

"It's fine. I left my phone at the hotel. Are you going to give me a copy of these pictures you are taking?"

"Of course. I'll give Kokoa a copy too."

Kokoa huffed, gesturing at the nearby table.

"I have my phone. You can take my picture with it."

"Yes, Milady. Could you two stand with your mother for some pictures?"

The sisters silently acquiesced with her request. Mrs. Shuzen murmured for Kokoa to stand slightly in front of her on her left side while Moka naturally settled in on her right. The mother was not that much taller than Moka. She rested one hand on Kokoa's left shoulder while the other slipped around Moka's waist to encourage the girl closer. Moka frowned slightly but stepped closer.

"Good?"

Kurumu grinned, nodding as she stepped back. It was a nice picture.

---

"I'm done."

Kurumu dropped her travel suitcase beside the bed. She turned about, flopping back onto the mattress which was covered by a pale green comforter with a white floral pattern between tan lines running from the foot of the bed up to the white pillow resting on top of a white sheet which had been folded over.

A wood headboard with controls for an air conditioner was pressed against this wall which had a single window looking out from their room on the third floor of the Hotel Terminal Inn. A white curtain covered the window while a heavy pale green drape matching the comforter was held to the side of the window.

"Only one bed."

Kurumu smiled up at Mizore whom paused at the end of the short corridor which led out to the hallway. On the other side of this wall at the foot of the bed was a small bathroom with a toilet, sink and shower. A shelf was built into the corner upon which rested a small television.

"Is that a problem?"

"Only if we don't lock the door."

Kurumu smirked as Mizore wedged her suitcase on top of a small refrigerator resting beside a desk which lined the wall across from the bed. The snow girl wiggled the suitcase to fit snugly between the desk and a wall mounted cabinet. Finished with that task, Mizore sauntered back to the door to lock up.

Kurumu sighed, sitting up. She dragged her schoolbag strap up over her head, setting the schoolbag next to her suitcase. There was a wall mounted mirror over this desk which had a small cushioned stool underneath it next to a small trash can. On the desk's surface was a phone and a television remote.

"Do you need me to sleep in pajamas?"

Mizore drifted back into view, loosening the sash of her kimono. Kurumu smirked at the snow girl as she pulled her purse into her lap.

"Are you wanting to sleep naked?"

"If you don't mind."

Kurumu shrugged indifferently as she fished her phone out of her purse. She noted that the time was only eight twenty seven despite how long they had been at the fancy restaurant Mrs. Shuzen had treated them to for dinner after the wedding. The vampires were staying at a nicer hotel.

"I'm not going to bed right away. I need to move all of these pictures from my phone to my laptop."

Mizore nodded, setting the sash upon the desk. She slipped out of the sleeves of her kimono, letting it fall to the floor. The snow girl stood in only her black cotton lingerie. She parted with the thong first before freeing herself of the clingy sports bra.

"I miss sleeping with Aoi."

Kurumu snickered as she opened up her schoolbag to pull out her laptop.

"Is it the sleep or the sex you are missing?"

Mizore sat down on the bed, crawling behind Kurumu to lay with her back to the wall. The snow girl had bright red nipples which stood out proudly from her creamy white breasts. Mizore sighed, pulling the pillow under her temple.

"Both. I was so scared of sex at first. That I wouldn't control my emotions and hurt him. But I am starting to get the hang of it."

Kurumu nodded as her laptop continued through its startup process. She set the computer aside to rummage through her purse for that MicroSD to USB adapter Moka had bought back when she had acquired the printer. She found the black device in seconds and set it in her lap before she pulled the memory card out of her phone.

"As long as you're happy, that's all that matters."

"Are you upset that I decided to stay with you?"

Kurumu snorted as she dragged the laptop back into her lap. She signed in, allowing the computer to finish with its boot sequence.

"It's not like Kokoa wanted your company. She was mad that I was needed for the trip."

"Did Moka's mother say why you were needed?"

Kurumu shrugged, pushing the memory card into the adapter before plugging it into the USB port.

"She said that it would be obvious as things happen. Are you worried about what Moka said?"

"A little."

Kurumu opened up her picture file folder on her computer. She selected all of the photos on her memory card and dragged them into that file folder. A progress bar popped up, claiming it would need several minutes. She had taken a hundred and seventeen photographs these last two days and that was after she had deleted the duplicates at lunch and dinner.

"Mrs. Shuzen would have not been so apathetic about you coming if your life was in danger. There's no good reason for her to sacrifice you without any benefit to it."

"Are you sure?"

Kurumu let out a deep breath, fairly certain she was right as she set her laptop aside.

"She was fine with you staying with Kokoa. I'm probably in more danger than you are."

"I don't want anyone to die."

"Mrs. Shuzen promised that nobody would if I was there. I want to believe her."

Kurumu stood up, grabbing the satin fabric looped behind her neck and tugging it up over her head. The top fell down, baring her breasts confined in her white bra. She wiggled the stretchy fabric about her torso down to her waist where the heavy, pleated skirt section of this dress started.

"I wish I could have gone home to my family."

"Yea. It's frightening that Mrs. Shuzen doesn't even know what is going on in Yukimura right now. The guy she put in charge of Hokkaido was denied access to the city."

Once she had the clingy part clear of her hips, the halter dress fell to the floor under its own weight. She stepped out of the garment, leaning down to grab it and gather it up in her arms. She placed it on top of the desk beside Mizore's sash.

"Are you going to just leave your kimono on the floor?"

"I can put it up when we get dressed tomorrow."

Kurumu glanced at her travel suitcase, debating on if she wanted the hassle of getting out some pajamas. It was not like a chemise would offer her much protection from Mizore's cold. She tugged her purple lace ribbon out of her hair, causing her tresses to fall to her shoulders.

"Think I'll sleep naked too."

"Fine. But don't hurt my baby."

Kurumu smirked, unhooking the clasps of her white bra and slipping out of it. She set it on top of her dress beside her ribbon.

"I'm not going to molest you."

"But you promised Aoi that you would take care of me."

Kurumu snickered, pulling down her white panties and stepping out of them. She tossed them on top of her bra.

"I'm sure he didn't mean in that way."

"What else will we do with this much night left?"

Kurumu giggled, sitting back down on the mattress. She grabbed her phone, noting very little time had passed since she had last checked.

"Maybe I could call someone."

Mizore groaned in disappointment as Kurumu scrolled down her short list of contacts. She obviously had no need to call any of her friends that she had seen today which cut out half of the list. She had Kana's number but she was still in Mononoke. She had some numbers for the succubi working for Mrs. Shuzen. She was thinking how nice it would be to chat with Ms. Kiyoshi when she saw Kabuki's number.

"I'm going to call Kabuki."

"Whom is that?"

"One of Ms. Sakurai's girls. We share the same birth mother."

Kurumu pressed the call button, holding the phone up to her ear. She listened to it ring twice before the line became live.

"Kurono?"

"Kabuki! I'm outside of Mononoke and decided to give you a call."

"Hey! Are you in Kumamoto?"

Kurumu grinned at the icy touch of cold fingers upon her waist. She glanced over at Mizore whom looked at her with pleading, sapphire eyes.

"I'm in Niigata. I was at my teacher's wedding today."

"That's cool, huh? When are you coming to Kumamoto?"

"I actually have no idea. We're going to Hong Kong for a week or two."

"Hong Kong, huh? Why are you going there?"

"It's just a vacation we had planned a few months ago."

"It would be cool to vacation in another country, huh? Wish momma would do something like that."

"How has life been for you since summer?"

"Boring and lame, huh? School is a waste of time and Ms. Kurenai fusses over me playing video games. What else does she think I can do in this small town, huh?"

"Has your mother mentioned any problems with her work?"

"Not really, huh? Why?"

"Just that your region commander, Lady Chuujitsu, went missing."

"You mean that, huh? Momma doesn't mind working with the new guy. Dakimori? I think that's right, huh? From Ehime prefecture."

"I think that's what I heard from Mrs. Shuzen."

"Don't see much of momma cause of her work which is why we deal with Ms. Kurenai, huh? How has high school life been for you, huh?"

Kurumu giggled as the girl continued throwing in that syllable at the end of her sentences.

"Pretty crazy. Our school got trashed on the last day of the cultural festival so we have spent the last two months having our classes in our dorm study rooms. And our Headmaster is retiring over winter break so our winter break might get extended until the school repairs are completed."

"Lucky! I wish I didn't have to go to school, huh?"

"Well your Big Sis wouldn't mind going back to school. A long winter break sounds boring to me."

"When will you be coming back from Hong Kong, huh?"

"I don't know. But Kokoa wants me to have that operation to remove my heart strings soon. So if her mother sees a good chance of my survival, I'll be at the hospital in Iromori at some point."

"Aren't you too young for that, huh?"

"Mrs. Shuzen doesn't think so."

"Jona isn't having that operation until after high school. Maybe even after college, huh?"

Kurumu chuckled at the chilly caresses Mizore was lavishing upon her sides and lower back.

"Kokoa is concerned with the strength of my heart since my mother passed away this summer."

"Yea, that sucks, huh? But you'll be okay, huh? You're a better Big Sis than Jona."

"You're only saying that because you live together."

"I don't like living here, huh? Takara is five and she still blubbers like a baby. It's annoying, huh?"

Kurumu shivered when Mizore pressed against her back. Soft breasts pushed against her as the snow girl rested her cheek on Kurumu's shoulder. Kurumu grinned, grabbing one of Mizore's hands in hers and bringing it over to rest on her belly.

"Have you heard from Saeko?"

"Nope. Last call I got from her was the Sunday after her cultural festival, huh? She probably got grounded from her phone again, huh? My messages go straight to voicemail so her phone must be off, huh?"

Kurumu smiled, wondering if she should tell Kabuki what had happened to Saeko and her mother in Yukimura a month ago. Then again, Kabuki was only nine years old.

"What are you doing right now?"

"Fooling around on my PSP in my bed. Takara is sleeping, huh?"

Kurumu nodded, recalling that the girl shared a room with her baby sister.

"Did you get any new games?"

"Not yet. Momma gives us a huge allowance after the holiday so I should be able to buy that Ghost in the Shell game everybody at school talks about, huh?"

Her phone beeped. Kurumu pulled it away from her ear and sighed upon noticing her battery life.

"Hey, Kabuki. I just realized that my phone is dying since I've had it on all day taking pictures."

"That sucks, huh? I wanted to talk more."

"I know. I wish we could be closer like family."

"Am I not enough for you?"

Kabuki giggled on the other end of the line at Mizore's soft comment.

"Who was that?"

Kurumu grinned as Mizore continued to snuggle against her.

"A needy girl whom is plotting to molest me tonight."

"You took your clothes off on your own."

Kabuki cackled on the other end.

"Is Big Sis into girls?"

Kurumu smiled, hesitant to deny that with Mizore being so affectionate.

"Not all girls."

"I guess that's cool, huh? We're like faeries of love so gender isn't too important, huh?"

"Is my little sister trying to justify something?"

"No way! But girls are better than boys, huh? Boys are just gross."

"We'll see how you feel about that after your body starts craving male attention."

Kabuki made a sound of disgust.

"Anyways, if I can't get momma to take us to Iromori, you should totally stop by our place, huh?"

"I'd like to but I lost the scrap of paper with your address on it. That's why I haven't sent you any letters."

"But you have my phone number, huh?"

"I put that in my phone contacts right away."

"I can text you our address."

"That would be awesome."

"I can't do that on the phone so I'm going to hang up, huh? Love you lots."

The line went dead. Kurumu chuckled, lowering the phone from her ear to regard the display. Mizore's breath tickled her neck in the following silence. She could feel the snow girl's heartbeat against her back.

The phone buzzed with the display lighting up. Kurumu opened the text message from Kabuki, noting the address in Otoyo of the Kochi prefecture. She had remembered that much. She set her phone aside, reaching for the strap of her purse.

"You're going to have to let me go. I need to put my phone on its charger."

"I'm not letting you have any sleep tonight."

Kurumu snickered as she pulled her purse close enough to rummage through.

"Do I have to tell Umizake about this?"

"Don't you love me?"

Kurumu chuckled, taking the charger out and scooting away from the snow girl. Grabbing the phone, she got up on her feet and hopped over to the desk.

"Okay. But you asked for it."