Kurumu bobbed her head as the next song started playing through the earpiece which was connected to the CD player in Mizore's lap. The snow girl had the other earpiece and was leaning against Kurumu in the back seat of the limo. She had no idea which song this was but it was from the Muzai Moratorium album by Sheena Ringo.
Kurumu had decided to wear this long sleeved, silky blouse which could pass as a guy's dress shirt. The olive suspender skirt made of thicker, heavier material was worn over it. The garment had a tight corset section nestled beneath her bosom and transitioned into a pleated skirt at the hips. She had borrowed a pair of black leggings from Moka to cover her bared legs between her furry zipped up boots and the lower hem of the knee length skirt.
Mizore hummed along as the singer started into the chorus. The snow girl had on a simple, mint green sundress which betrayed her black sports bra which had thicker straps. She had stubbornly worn those striped stocking again despite how horrible they looked with the dress.
Seated on Kurumu's other side was Huang whom wore the same thing as always. He was closest to the only door for the back portion of this limo. The driver's side of the car was lined with a small shelf which had different flavors of alcohol stowed away in the compartments.
The seat she shared with Mizore and Huang was more like a couch with soft cushions. It stretched the whole width of the limo and went all the way up to the roof with no way of looking behind them. With the windows tinted, it felt more like they were inside a moving room than a vehicle.
Kurumu faced Ms. Huang whom was sitting in the middle of an identical couch with its back to the front compartment were Mr. Hao was with the driver whom had remained with the limo all of yesterday. Like her brother, the foreigner was garbed in her usual attire.
Tsukune sat on Ms. Huang's right. He was sporting his black, Dragon Ash tee shirt with a pair of navy blue jeans. It was the last set of clean clothes he had brought with him.
As space was limited, Yukari had to sit in Moka's lap. The witch had donned her simple black sundress with the sunflower pattern. The fabric was loose about the girl's chest and legs but was snug about her waist and hips. She had tied knots in the straps at her pale shoulders to make the upper portion tighter. Black leggings stretched down to her black sneakers with pristine white laces.
Moka was wearing that black sweater over the sheep pattern shirt she had slept in since the sweater was too itchy for her comfort. Her white denim jeans hugged her curves, slipping into long, black leather boots which laced up to her calves. Her crimson tote and Yukari's yellow tote rested by her ankles.
As the singer rolled into another chorus, Kurumu patted Mizore's knee.
"You need to get more shoes."
Mizore grunted noncommittally, caressing her CD player. Kurumu's purse was nestled between Mizore's thigh and the side of the car.
"I'm serious. What would you have done if you had lost one of your shoes in the ocean?"
"I have another pair at school."
"That wouldn't have helped you at all."
"We would have bought new shoes for Ms. Shirayuki in Xiamen."
Kurumu was not satisfied with Ms. Huang's reassurance. As far as she knew, Mizore only owned sandals and school loafers. The snow girl needed sneakers and dress shoes and boots.
"Don't you own any sneakers?"
"I have gym shoes."
Yukari snickered with the shake of her head.
"That's surprising since she doesn't participate in gym."
"You're not one to talk."
"I have been participating in gym since the start of the second term."
"But Mizore still had issues with controlling her temperature. She only figured that out a week or two before gym was canceled."
"Are you feeling better, Mizore?"
Mizore lifted her head off Kurumu's shoulder to regard Moka.
"A little. Lunch helped."
"Mother ate baked tofu and bok choy often while pregnant with Fang. I'm glad you liked it."
"I didn't say I liked it."
Kurumu giggled at Mizore's flat remark, thinking they should keep this conversation in Japanese.
"Don't expect this girl to compliment food when her diet was nothing but vanilla ice cream before she got pregnant."
"She needs to get used to eating regular food. She has a baby to think about."
Tsukune nodded at Moka's stern remark.
"Yea. I know that this baby will be treated as Mr. Umizake's child-"
"She will be his daughter."
Tsukune smiled at Mizore's prompt interjection.
"I know. And I won't push to be in this child's life if you don't want me to be."
Kurumu shared a glance with Moka, unsure if she should say anything.
"Tsukune. You do realize that this baby girl will be a succubus?"
"Yea. I guessed that much."
"When she gets to be a certain age, her body might respond to yours like mine did."
"I doubt that it will work like that."
Kurumu frowned at Yukari.
"But my mother's body responded to his. Related succubi have high chances of that happening."
"She was made from his sperm, Kurumu. I would hope that the rules would be different."
Tsukune laughed with flush cheeks.
"Even if that was to happen, I wouldn't entertain the affections of that little girl. It would feel wrong on so many different levels."
Kurumu flinched, feeling guilty. She looked at Moka whom simply shook her head with a sigh.
"I regret that we brought her along. Shirayuki would have been safer staying with Tora and Ms. Unari."
"After all of the trouble your mother went through to help us save this baby, she wouldn't let us bring Mizore along if there was a problem."
"What trouble are you talking about? She looked into the future to humor our desires. That baby and Shirayuki mean nothing to her."
"Moka. Mizore is the next snow priestess. I'm going to agree with Kurumu here."
Moka sighed again, leaning against the side of the car.
"Whatever. I just don't want Tsukune giving her grief over that baby."
"I won't. I respect her decision and am happy for both her and Mr. Umizake."
A moment of silence fell over them as the limo continued its smooth drive. A softer song was playing through the earpiece with just a violin and a guitar but the melody was becoming more disjointed and grating as the song neared its conclusion. Upon reaching the final lyrics, Mizore softly sung along with the squealed notes.
"Nakiwameku, umi ni, tachidomaru koto mo. Furerarenai, kimi wo, tada omou koto mo. Onaji, sora wa, ashita wo hajimete shimau. Tatoe kimi ga koko ni inakute mo."
The screech of the violin continued for another fifteen or seconds before the next song started with a stronger, louder beat.
"I hope that you are all enjoying your time in Hong Kong."
Kurumu smirked at Ms. Huang.
"It's hard to enjoy the drive. It's like we're being taken to your home blindfolded."
"And that's not mentioning the fact that our plane crashed."
"That was beyond our control, Ms. Sendou. Our home security is much better."
"Yes. No harm shall befall my guests."
Kurumu drawled out her disbelief at his pompous claim.
"I'm just glad that we got to roam around the city after breakfast. While yesterday was fun, it's not like it felt like we were in Hong Kong."
"Speak for yourself. There was nothing special about the city."
"Don't be like that, Yukari. We've never seen buildings that tall."
Yukari huffed at Kurumu defiantly.
"Big deal. The buildings in Shenzhen were tall."
"Mizore liked it."
"Not really."
Kurumu pouted, looking at Moka for support. The vampire shrugged.
"Don't look at me. I don't understand Cantonese."
Kurumu sighed, not realizing she had switched languages. She gestured at Yukari.
"What else were we going to do? Their parents aren't planning to see us until two."
"It was a luxury hotel, Kurumu. I'm sure there were things we could have done other than eat."
"I hope you enjoyed your stay in the Landmark Mandarin Oriental. Our family donated heavily to the construction of that establishment. It just opened this year."
"Speaking of time, are we almost there?"
"It's over a forty minute drive from the city, Ms. Sendou."
"This album is forty one minutes and we're on the last song."
Ms. Huang laughed at Mizore's comment.
"Then we must almost be there."
"I must confess that this trip has been disappointing for me."
Tsukune perked up at Huang's comment made in Japanese.
"I'm sorry, but I'm not joining your family regardless of how many times you ask."
"It's not just that, Mr. Aono. I thought I would be more useful. Since my sister can't walk around with a charm pressed to her lips all of the time, I was thinking that I would be your guide and interpreter."
Huang paused with a heavy sigh.
"But then Ms. Kurono and Ms. Shirayuki suddenly knew Cantonese. And then she passed that knowledge on to Ms. Sendou."
"I know. Kurumu is amazing. I wish she had taught me the language."
"Tsukune. It was after eight when we got to the hotel and we had dinner first. I'm not spending the night in your room to teach you a foreign language."
"Yea. She was too busy being naked with my Moka."
Kurumu shivered at the interest Yukari's comment inspired from the two boys. She could feel her panties moisten from Tsukune's arousal.
"She wanted my blood and I didn't want to make a mess. Don't act like you didn't join us."
"It was a little uncomfortable but worth it."
Huang leered at Yukari.
"It sounds like you girls had too much fun last night."
"She means the bathtub, pervert."
"Disregarding the issue of fitting three of us in there, my Moka has a volatile reaction to water."
"Where was Mizore in all of this?"
"She turned in right away."
Mizore sighed, tugging her earpiece out at the conclusion of the song.
"Are we there yet?"
"I imagine that we must be on our family's property."
"Will you carry my luggage again?"
Huang whimpered at Mizore's request.
"Am I just a bellhop to you?"
"You mentioned yesterday that your family home was hidden in one of the country parks."
"That is correct, Ms. Sendou. The road to our estate is masked by an illusion and our compound cannot be seen from the sky."
"But an illusion wouldn't keep humans from wandering into your territory."
"Master Touhou has a complex spell in place which allows humans to pass through our territory without seeing anything but what he wants them to see. Other monster races also succumb to his sorcery."
Kurumu perked up at his answer.
"Are you saying that we won't be able to see your home?"
"No. The fact that you are in this vehicle will make you part of the spell. Nobody outside of the spell will be able to see you. Occasionally humans will wander through our territory but we have guards which can redirect these uninvited guests so that they don't collide with our home."
"A spell like that must take a lot of energy to maintain. Wouldn't it be better to just have a barrier like monster communities have?"
"I understand that it used to be like that, Ms. Sendou. But then cellphones grew in popularity and were more convenient than relying on a Speaker. The new spell allows for cellphone service."
Kurumu felt the limo's engine turn off. Seconds later the side door was opened by Mr. Hao. He was wearing the same outfit as yesterday. Ms. Huang lifted up from her seat, stepping out of the limo.
"Be sure to help with the luggage."
Mr. Hao murmured his understanding, moving out of sight as Huang stepped out to join his sister. As Yukari slipped out of Moka's lap, Kurumu waited for Tsukune to exit. She tugged her earpiece out, handing it to Mizore before getting up.
Stepping out of the limo, Kurumu was surprised with the appearance of the mansion before her. It had a European feel to it with the white horizontal paneling and the black shingle roof. The canopy stretching out to their parked limo had a wooden rail on top of it, suggesting guests could walk on top of it. At the end of the canopy elevated up three wooden steps was a double door with glass panes.
"I did not expect to see this."
Kurumu nodded at Yukari's remark. There were four windows on either side of this canopy in line with the recessed wall of the mansion. Half of these windows were on the second floor. These windows had three sections. The smallest top section was divided into three panes. The other sections were divided into four panes with two on top and bottom. The lowest section was recessed, meaning it could be pulled up to air out the interior.
At the end of the recessed walls on both sides were small room sized protrusions. These had a single window of similar style halfway up the wall instead of being in line with the others. The wall recessed back after the protrusions, stretching out in both directions with more of these identical windows.
"This place is gigantic. It's probably bigger than the school."
Yukari snickered, shaking her head.
"Doubtful. Unless you're only talking about the portion of the school that looks like an old mansion."
"Looks more like the home of an aristocrat than a Chinese mafia leader."
Kurumu smiled at Mizore's comment as the snow girl handed over her purse. Mizore clutched her CD player and both Sheena Ringo CDs against her bosom.
"I'm tempted to have you guys stand in front of Huang's palace for some pictures."
"Huang is just a poor little rich boy."
"Couldn't one of you help out with the luggage?"
Kurumu grinned, glancing back at the young man standing behind the limo. Mr. Hao had his hands full with Kurumu's travel suitcase and her schoolbag. Tsukune had his own duffle bag, Moka's schoolbag and the handle of Moka's silver suitcase. Huang had hold of the handles to Mizore's and Yukari's suitcases.
"It looks like you can manage."
Mr. Hao closed the trunk and strode purposefully away from the limo. As he passed by them, Kurumu grabbed Mizore's hand and started to follow. Despite his protests, Huang quickly overtook them as they passed under the canopy. He hopped up the steps, dragging both suitcases behind him. He reached the door at the same moment Mr. Hao opened it.
"I'm home! Huang Fang has returned!"
Kurumu chuckled as the cheerful boy strolled into the mansion. She nodded at Mr. Hao as she ascended the wooden steps preceding the door. She sauntered through the opening with Mizore at her side.
The foyer was a large chamber reminiscent of the school. A red carpet stretched from the doorway all the way to a wide stair before them. This stair went up to a central landing before splitting off in both directions with stairs going up to a balcony which wrapped around the entire room. Decorative white railing lined the stairs and the balcony. A beautiful chandelier hung down from the center of the foyer.
Huang parked the two suitcases near one of the columns holding up the balcony above the entrance before he ventured deeper into the large room. To his left were three closed doors. Arched passageways flanked either side of the wide stairway, leading further into the mansion. There were no doors on the right but there was another arched opening marking the start of another corridor.
"No need to stand on ceremony. Please come inside."
Kurumu frowned at his inviting gesture. She wandered out from beneath the balcony.
"Make yourselves at home."
"What's the matter with him?"
Yukari snickered at Mizore's soft query as she strolled over to join them.
"It's Huang. There's a long list of shortcomings."
Huang pranced over to an end table which flanked the wide stairs. He picked up a small bell and started ringing it enthusiastically.
"Hello! It's Huang Fang. I've brought guests!"
"Something doesn't feel right."
Kurumu glanced at Moka. The vampire was tense as Tsukune parked her suitcase by the others.
"What's wrong?"
"The presence. Or lack thereof."
Huang laughed merrily as he continued to ring the bell.
"Come out, Mr. Gao. I'd like to show my guests to their rooms."
"Ugh. Why he is so annoyingly happy?"
Ms. Huang laughed softly, drifting to Yukari's side.
"It's because you're here. I'm sure that you know that Fang is the heir to the Huang family. Because of this, he's had quite an isolated childhood."
Yukari snorted, crossing her arms below her bosom.
"I've had an isolated childhood. You don't see me cackling like an idiot."
"I believe this is the first time he's ever had friends over."
"Really? What about that Xia Long you told us about yesterday?"
"Are you forgetting whom these young men are, Ms. Kurono? Even with a truce, the leaders of our families would never have those two meet anywhere but on neutral ground."
Kurumu smiled as the young man continued to ring the bell and call out for Mr. Gao.
"Well. I hope that someday he will have friends over."
Mizore nodded solemnly.
"He'll have to make friends first."
"Can't you girls just play along?"
Yukari huffed at Ms. Huang's request, turning her nose aside.
"He can have his new girlfriend do that."
"You know that I can hear you guys and understand Cantonese."
Kurumu laughed at Huang's deep frown as he set the bell down.
"Sorry. But when your sister talks it feels so natural to respond in your native tongue."
"That's your apology?!"
Tsukune chuckled, drifting back over to them with his hands free. Mr. Hao had closed the door behind them and was setting Kurumu's things with the rest of the luggage.
"I don't know what was said, but I'm sure that they mean no harm."
"It's okay. I am happy that you all came. It means that I'm one step closer to achieving my dream."
"Let me get one thing clear."
Moka spoke in a harsh tone, demanding attention.
"Does the person we came to meet actually live here?"
"He lives in a separate annex but yes. He is on the premises."
"Really? Because right now, I don't sense anyone besides us."
Huang laughed, waving a dismissive hand.
"Don't be silly. I'm sure that Mr. Gao is busy with the other servants."
"I realize that this place might be larger than the new Shuzen Estate, but I could still feel them if I tried. I'm sensing nothing other than us and the driver outside."
Kurumu shivered, suddenly feeling very anxious about the absence of a reception.
"Is it possible that there is an error with Master Touhou's spell?"
Huang snapped his finger at Yukari's suggestion.
"That could be true. Normally our steward, Mr. Gao, would come out to greet us."
"Father told us to meet him here at two. What is the time, Mr. Hao?"
"Two fourteen."
"And you spoke with him before we started our drive?"
"Yes. I informed him that we would be a few minutes late."
Yukari sighed heavily.
"If it is an error in the spell, I can't figure it out. We are seeing what is real. Your family might be caught on the other side of the illusion."
"Sister. Do you think it's an attack by the Miao family?"
Ms. Huang cupped her chin thoughtfully at his serious tone.
"That is possible. Mr. Hao. You are with me. The rest of you can wait in the guest room."
"Are you sure about that?"
Ms. Huang nodded at Moka.
"It's a big house and the security won't know whom you are. It would be best for you all to stay with my brother while Mr. Hao and I determine what is going on."
"The guest room is over here. Follow me."
Kurumu felt this eerie tingle upon her spine as she followed Huang to the first of the doors on the left side. She noticed to the left of them in the bump out portion was a circular stair leading up to the balcony overhead. Huang pushed open the door and gestured inside.
"If it is an issue with the spell, Sister will be able to find Master Touhou and have him correct it. This shouldn't take long."
"An excellent point, dear Brother. We should go to the annex first."
After watching Ms. Huang and Mr. Hao disappear beneath the arched passageway on the far side of the central stair, Kurumu drifted into the guest room. There were two windows looking out the front while the rest of the walls had wood paneling which mimicked the framing of windows. Three white leather couches surrounded a glossy black wooden circular table. A lamp rested on a table tucked in the corner of the room between two of these couches.
Kurumu wandered over to the corner, sitting on the couch while placing her purse in her lap. She forced a smile as Mizore settled down beside her. Tsukune sat across from them on the other couch.
"Moka? Are you coming?"
Yukari drifted into the room as the sound of Moka's footsteps carried to them. Moka paused at the door.
"This makes no sense. If the Miao family is tampering with your illusion, why aren't they here? Why are we the only ones on this side of reality?"
"I have no answers for you, Ms. Akashiya. We could make some tea, if you like?"
Moka huffed with a shake of her head as she entered the room.
"This better not take too long."
Yukari snickered as she plopped down on the couch beside Tsukune.
"Won't you have to go to the kitchen to make us some tea?"
Huang chuckled as he closed the door. He stalked over to some cabinetry Kurumu had not noticed in the corner of the room to the right of the door. He opened up a cabinet and pulled a kettle out.
"We have a hot plate and a sink built into this guest room. I can have some tea ready for you in minutes."
Kurumu smirked as Mizore popped open her CD player to swap out discs.
"As amazing as it is for them to have a little kitchenette in here, the thought of him being able to make tea surprises me more."
"I'll save my surprise for after he serves us."
Huang whimpered at Yukari's remark as he filled the kettle.
"I can hear you."
Kurumu sighed as the last song finished playing. She regarded her empty tea cup resting on the circular table beside the tea kettle.
"Okay. This is ridiculous."
"Maybe she got lost?"
Kurumu laughed at Tsukune's comment as he paced around the table. She tugged the earpiece out and handed it to Mizore as the snow girl opened her CD player.
"In her own home?"
Moka huffed, sitting apart from the group in a black armchair flanking a bookcase.
"I've been saying this from the start."
"I'm sure that Sister will return soon."
Kurumu favored Huang a doubtful look.
"That album we finished was like an hour long."
"Even if your house is big, it shouldn't take this long. Something must have happened to her."
Yukari nodded at Tsukune's assessment, setting down her cup of tea.
"It is possible that she got pulled to the other side of the illusion like everybody else."
"We don't even know if there is an issue with the illusion."
Yukari stood up from the couch to regard Moka.
"What other explanation is there? I agree with you that this seems like the wrong approach for an attack by the Miao family."
Huang bit his lip. He turned and started swiftly for the door.
"I'll go look for her."
"Hold up, Huang! Now is not the time to be going off on your own. Let me come with-"
"No, Mr. Aono."
Huang paused defiantly at the door, glancing over his shoulder.
"You are my guests. I can't expose you to any potential dangers while under my care."
"I have to pee."
Yukari cackled at Mizore's flat announcement, shaking her head.
"And here I was about to remind this idiot of our recent plane crash."
"Insults aside, you are the heir of your family. If this is some sort of assassination attempt, you would be in more danger than us."
Kurumu nodded in agreement with Moka, hopping to her feet. She dragged her purse strap further up her shoulder before offering a hand to Mizore.
"I don't mind if you go looking for your sister, but we need to stop by a bathroom first."
"We're trying to be serious here."
Kurumu frowned at Moka as Mizore took her hand.
"We have no idea how long this will take and I have no clue where the bathroom is."
"Very well. I can escort the two of you to the bathroom. While you're in there, I can have a quick look about that area."
"What part of you being in the most danger do you not understand?"
"I'm aware of that, Ms. Akashiya. But they could also be after you."
"Then we should all go with you."
"No, Mr. Aono. You should stay here and protect Ms. Akashiya."
"I don't need his protection."
"But somebody must stay here in case my sister returns. We can't all leave."
"I am more than capable of protecting my Moka by myself. Tsukune can keep you company."
"I appreciate the sentiment but I don't need-"
"This is not negotiable, Huang. None of us should be alone."
Huang sighed at the firmness of Moka's tone. He tugged open the door.
"Fine. Follow me."
Kurumu followed Tsukune to the door, holding Mizore's hand. She snickered upon realizing that the snow girl was carrying her CD player and CDs in her other hand.
"You could have left those here."
"I want to swap out CDs."
Kurumu smirked as they strolled out into the foyer. Their luggage remained stacked around a column.
"We can do that on the way back."
They crossed the foyer with Huang leading them to the same arched opening his sister had taken. This corridor ended at a double door and its walls had the dark wood paneling stretching up to the height of her waist. Halfway down the hall was a double door on the left and the start to another corridor on the right. Huang turned into the new corridor.
They passed by doors on both sides of the corridor, steadily approaching a double door at the end. All of these doors were made of thick, black wood with shiny black knobs. Round teardrop lights hung from golden chains mounted to the black wood ceiling in even intervals.
Right before they reached the double door, this corridor intersected with another hallway which ran in both directions. Huang promptly took the left side passage.
"How far away is this bathroom?"
Huang laughed, gesturing to the doors coming up on their left.
"They are right here. Sorry for the walk."
Kurumu frowned as they passed by a double door on their right before reaching the first door on the left. A sign was mounted on the door which declared it was for women. A little further down before the hall ended was a door with the sign for men. Neither of these doors had knobs.
"You have separate bathrooms for men and women?"
"Isn't that normal?"
Kurumu snickered, pushing the door open to allow Mizore to enter. The floor was covered in white tiles which stretched up to about knee height upon the walls which were painted a dark gray.
"Maybe for a business. Even the Shuzen Estate didn't have gender specific bathrooms."
"Well we are in the servant section of the house."
Kurumu frowned at him as Mizore drifted around a wall inside the bathroom, disappearing from view.
"You have enough women working here to warrant a separate bathroom?"
"If we exclude the numerous men working on the security detail, most of our staff are women."
Kurumu snickered, drifting further inside with one foot keeping the door open.
"Don't tell Yukari that. She'll scold your family for their sexism."
"Noted. We will check the surrounding rooms and the kitchen. Stay here until we come back."
"Don't wander off too far. We won't need to be in here for that long."
"Don't worry. Come with me, Mr. Aono."
Kurumu moved her foot away, allowing the door close under its own weight. She sauntered around the wall into a walkway which ran to the end of the bathroom. She heard the sound of Mizore's tinkling as she noted the huge mirror on her right. The first compartment had a wide mirror which stretched up from a marble counter to the black wood ceiling. The counter had three black sinks with black faucets and handles. A black trashcan with a chrome top was tucked beneath the counter.
"Are you feeling better, Mizore?"
"I feel like a balloon."
Kurumu giggled, taking her purse off to set it upon the counter.
"What makes you say that?"
"I feel fat. Like I've gained weight."
Kurumu hesitated to respond, flexing muscles to reassure herself that her bladder was fine. She opened her purse, tugging out her phone.
"When was the last time you weighed yourself?"
"We checked in gym for midterms."
"Don't you own a scale?"
"Do you?"
Kurumu chuckled, noting that it was twenty four minutes after three. She opened up her photo album, scrolling through the few she had taken this morning. She had already downloaded yesterday's pictures onto her laptop so there was less than a dozen despite the hours of sightseeing they had enjoyed.
"Fair point. We should think about getting one."
"I don't need another source of depression in my life."
Kurumu smirked, having no response for that. She leveled her phone at the mirror, wanting to capture her image. She took three with a simple smile. She momentarily toyed with the idea of doing some sexy poses but as it sounded like Mizore was finished, she did not want to be questioned over her activity.
"You know that yesterday was the start of your seventh week of pregnancy."
Kurumu stalked over to the counter, turning about. She lifted up, planting her butt on that small space between the sinks. She scrolled through the trio of pictures she had just taken while fixing up her skirt.
"That's like a quarter of the way done. You don't even look pregnant."
Kurumu deleted the two inferior photos. She continued to peruse her morning photographs, reaffirming her statement. Mizore looked no different than she had two months ago.
"I can't imagine you having your baby early at this point. Though I guess we should wait and see how you look like at eighteen weeks."
There was an abrupt cry followed by the clatter of something upon the floor. Kurumu frowned, leaning forward on the counter.
"Mizore? Are you okay?"
Kurumu's heart fluttered when she was given no response. She pushed off the counter, setting her phone aside. She wandered into the second area. The three stalls were unlike the ones she had seen at school or in businesses. The doors were made from wood while the walls were no different than the walls of the room. These black doors had gaps above and below while retaining the air of privacy.
"Mizore?"
Kurumu touched the first door, pushing it open. The porcelain commode on the other side was vacant. A chrome box holding toilet paper was mounted on the wall beside the toilet. She swallowed, moving to the next door. Like its predecessor, the door opened effortlessly with the same view waiting for her.
She uttered Mizore's name again with a growing sense of dread. She pushed on the third door but it refused to budge. She breathed lightly as she lowered down onto her knees, peering under the gap. She saw the CD player and the two CDs but no sign of Mizore's feet.
Kurumu squeaked in terror at the creaking sound of the main door opening behind her. Springing to her feet, she willed her fingers into talons. She peered down the length of the bathroom, ready to attack. The main door closed and several more seconds passed.
Taking in a steadying breath, she stealthily made her way back to the main door. Nothing stopped her approach as she grabbed the chrome handle mounted on this side of the door. She tugged it open, poking her head out into the hallway. There was nobody visible in either direction.
"Huang!"
Kurumu paused for a moment.
"Tsukune!"
Kurumu shivered from the quiet. A voice in her head screamed that they were gone like Mizore was.
"Somebody!"
Kurumu counted the heartbeats of deafening silence. Reaching twenty, she retreated into the bathroom. She quickly made her way to the last stall, hunkering back down on her hands and knees. She crawled under the door, grabbing Mizore's CD player and CDs. She dragged them out with her, getting back up on her knees. Cradling the belongings, she stood up and returned to the mirror.
Mizore was gone. That was unquestionable. She set Mizore's stuff by her purse, snatching up her phone. She had to know if there was anyone left.
"Call Yukari."
Her phone hummed as Yukari's spell activated. She brought the phone up to her ear.
"Kurumu?"
The sound of Yukari's voice flooded her with relief. Kurumu clutched her chest, nodding at her reflection.
"Yukari! Yes! It's me!"
"Why are you calling?"
"Mizore is gone! And I have no idea where Huang and Tsukune wandered off to."
"What do you mean Mizore is gone? Weren't you with her?"
"We were both in the bathroom and I was talking to her. Then she just stopped responding. I went to check on her but she wasn't in the stall."
"Did she leave without you noticing?"
"No! I was standing by the sink the whole time. I had to crawl under her toilet stall door to get her CD player because it was still locked."
"Okay. That is freaky."
"What do I do?"
There was a long pause before Yukari answered.
"Are you lost or stupid?"
Kurumu pouted at the words though the concerned tone had sounded genuine.
"Is this really the time to be making fun of me?"
"I don't know where you are, Kurumu. You're not wearing your ribbon so I can't track you with magic. Can you get back to us?"
"I think so. I was shouting earlier. I know this place is big, but you must have heard me."
"I haven't heard anything. Moka?"
There was another long pause.
"Moka can't even sense you. Or any of the others."
Kurumu shuddered, feeling like something was watching her.
"I'm going to hang up now."
"Be careful."
"You too. End call."
The spell ceased and her phone rapidly lost its warmth. She glanced at her mirror image, confirming there was nothing unusual behind her. Shivering, she unzipped her purse and stuffed her phone inside. She tried adding Mizore's things to her purse but there was no room with her own CD player in there.
Something slimy wrapped about her legs. She shrieked, dropping her purse into the nearest sink, trying to pull away. But the ropy tendrils coiled about her calves remained firm. Her efforts only caused her to fall back hard upon her rump as more tendrils slithered up her legs to wrap about her thighs and waist.
Kurumu screamed when she saw the gaping maw beneath the counter. Rows of white studs were embedded in a fleshy pink surface. These white tentacles stretched out from a void black center. Clear fluids dripped from these appendages as they seized her arms and tugged her across the floor.
Kurumu shrieked even louder when her feet were yanked up and pulled into the black nothingness. She could feel the ooze soaking through her clothes as she was devoured. She pushed out with her mind, trying to connect with her assailant to convince it that she was not food. But she felt no sentience as her waist was pulled into its gullet. Muscles pulled her legs deeper into the slimy interior.
She willed her fingers into talons but had no leverage to slash at her adversary. Her arms were devoured and in seconds her head was pulled into the darkness. She felt the sticky grossness against her face as she was drawn deeper inside the beast. Apparently she could have used the bathroom since she had no problem wetting herself from the terror of being eaten.
Then her legs were free to move about. More of her body was being pushed through a slimy opening. Her waist came through and then her arms. Finally her shoulders cleared the barrier and she dropped into a bright environment. Her feet hit paved concrete and she almost buckled down onto her knees.
"Welcome, Ms. Kurono. You'll want to clean up."
Kurumu whirled about to see Ms. Huang standing over the shoulder of a woman whom was seated in a chair framed with the same green metal holding a glass table surface up. This woman had her ebony hair pulled into a pair of buns tied with red ribbons on either side of her head. A crimson, short sleeved, silk blouse with orange hem and orange blossoms covered her slim torso. Black slacks graced her legs.
"What is going on?"
"You'll need to substitute the room."
"Ms. Huang is pulling a prank on her brother."
Kurumu's heart filled with relief upon hearing Mizore's voice. She turned to find the snow girl standing in front of a swimming pool. Mizore had a towel wrapped about her torso while she dried her locks with another. Two women stood behind the snow girl at the edge of the pool, beckoning for Kurumu.
"What happened to your clothes?"
"You'll want to get out of them when you register the smell."
Kurumu frowned at Mizore's comment before she suddenly was aware of the overwhelming stench of vomit surrounding her. Her stomach lurched and she nearly retched on the spot. She hastily slipped out of the suspenders, wiggling the clingy garment down her hips until it could fall under its own weight.
"What is this awful crap all over it?"
"Lubrication, Ms. Kurono. The transportation would be less pleasant without it."
Kurumu grimaced as she quickly unbuttoned the blouse.
"I can't imagine it being less pleasant than this."
"You'll want to lose the lingerie too. We will do your laundry tonight."
Finished with the buttons, Kurumu slipped her arms out of the sleeves and dropped the garment aside. She unhooked the front clasps of her pine green, lace bra with the paisley design. She shivered when she dropped that into the growing pile about her feet. Even with Hong Kong having mild December weather, standing naked outside in eighteen degrees was not comfortable.
"What sort of prank are you trying to pull on your brother?"
"I'll explain later. Wash up."
Kurumu grimaced, reaching down to her feet. She had to unzip the sides of her booties to get her feet out of the tight footwear. After wiggling one foot out, she chucked the bootie aside to work on the other. Once both feet were free, she rolled out of the leggings and her mint green boyshorts with the white clover pattern.
"That water better be warm."
"It's a heated pool, Ms. Kurono. Ms. Ma and Ms. Su will dry you off when you are done."
Kurumu managed a smile as she pranced over to the beckoning ladies. Both were garbed in long sleeved, black silk shirts with mandarin collars. These shirts hung over crimson slacks. One lady had her dark hair pulled into a braided ponytail while the other had short locks. Neither had much of a bosom.
Taking in a deep breath which she immediately regretted since this stench had soaked into her hair, Kurumu steeled herself for the dive. She hopped over the ledge and was immediately swallowed up in tepid water. Her body tensed up as it was chillier than she had expected.
Kurumu popped up from the surface to take a proper deep breath before submerging again. She ran her fingers vigorously through her hair, making certain that it felt clean of nastiness. She whipped her head back up out of the water with another gasp.
"This isn't warm water."
"It was warm for me."
Kurumu huffed at Mizore's comment, guessing the snow girl had dropped the pool's temperature. She quickly made her way to the edge of the pool, grabbing the curved, black tiles which defined the lip. She pushed her torso up out of the water, turning to sit down on the tile. Shivering, she scooted back to get her legs out. She got to her feet as the two ladies fell upon her with towels.
"I dare say that the young miss is more endowed than Ms. Huang."
"Are you here to marry the young master?"
"I am not marrying anyone!"
"Relax, Kurumu. They asked me the same thing."
Kurumu pouted when the ponytailed woman surrendered the black towel to her. She wrapped it around her torso while the other lady politely waited for her to finish.
"You are so pretty, though."
"We only want the young master to be happy."
Kurumu huffed, taking the other towel to dry her own hair.
"Well your young master has a girlfriend. Maybe he'll bring her home next school break."
"Are you ready to grab our next guest?"
Kurumu frowned as she stalked over to the table where Ms. Huang and the other lady remained. The seated woman was moving her hands over a floating sphere which rapidly changed colors.
"What is that?"
Ms. Huang gestured at the sphere which the other woman continued to spin without ever touching.
"That is a scrying sphere. My cousin has connected this magical artifact with the mansion's security cameras which are installed in every overhead light. We can locate anybody on the premises."
Kurumu shivered, recalling how many lights she had seen walking about the mansion.
"You have cameras in the bathrooms?"
"Naturally, Ms. Kurono. Are either of the young ladies seated?"
"Yes. The fair haired one."
"Take her now."
The woman sounded an affirmative as she held out her right hand. Her left hand remained under the sphere which was now fixated on a prism of images which all revealed Moka sitting in the armchair. There was a surge of power which caused the temperature to drop. Every facet of the sphere went black and the nearby sky made a horrific retching sound.
Kurumu looked over to her discarded clothes at the moment Moka was suddenly dropped into existence. The vampire landed hard on her ass. In the next instant, Moka sprung back to her feet with her fists out and ready. Her crimson eyes were filled with alarm as she whirled about.
"What just happened?!"
"Calm down, Ms. Akashiya. You've just had the pleasure of traveling via demon's gate."
"Demon's gate?"
Moka face screwed up as she made a dry heave.
"Oh, God. What is that smell?"
Kurumu laughed, gesturing at her pile of clothes near Moka's feet.
"You'll want to undress."
"Did you know about this?"
"I'm naked, Moka. I wouldn't have agreed to this."
Moka grimaced, pulling her black sweater up over her head and dropping it aside.
"I didn't even sense an attack."
"It isn't an attack, Ms. Akashiya. The demon's gate is a magical artifact which exists on a different plane of existence. It can materialize anywhere in this world under Ms. Han's command."
Moka dropped her sheep pattern shirt on the ground, revealing her mint green, lace bra with the purple satin bow stitched at the base between the two cups.
"I presume this Ms. Han is a sorceress in your family's employ?"
The woman spinning the sphere laughed brightly, though her attention remained fixed on the sphere.
"I am Han Xinyi, their cousin."
"Ms. Han is one of the few sorceresses willing to endure Master Touhou's training."
"Making baubles like this makes every moment of suffering worth it."
Moka grunted, freeing herself of a boot. She dropped it aside to start working on the laces of the other.
"Did you suddenly figure out how to speak Japanese?"
Ms. Huang chuckled, touching the bell on her collar.
"I followed Ms. Sendou's advice and had Ms. Han enchant my bell. No more speaking through a charm."
Moka huffed, pitching the other boot aside. She undid the buttons of her white jeans, wiggling down her hips. With the denim being so tight, the vampire was pulling down her mint green panties with them.
"So this demon's gate appeared and grabbed me instantly?"
"It became your armchair, Ms. Akashiya. You literally fell into the gate."
"At least you weren't teleported through a toilet."
Moka snickered at Mizore's remark. The vampire parted with her socks, leaving her only with the black collar bearing the rosary about her throat.
"I guess that would be worse."
"Seated transport is the fastest and preferred method. Less time. Less struggle. Less terror."
Kurumu pouted, dropping the towel for her hair at her feet.
"You could have just come inside and got us. I peed myself when that thing pulled me into the wall. I thought I was being eaten alive."
"You didn't realize it but Mr. Aono and my brother arrived just as you were swallowed up. It was perfect. I believe Mr. Aono was even brought to tears."
"Are you trying to torment Tsukune?"
Ms. Huang grinned at Moka. She gestured to the pool.
"Please wash up, Ms. Akashiya."
"Water doesn't exactly agree with me."
"Just rinse your body and your hair. Ms. Ma and Ms. Su shall take care of the rest."
Moka huffed, strutting over to the two women whom had new towels. Not even sparring the ladies a glance, the vampire hopped into the pool. The air crackled with energy as Moka cleansed herself.
"Where is Tsukune now?"
"Mr. Aono and my brother are being chased around by Mr. Liang right now. They are both under the impression that all of you are gone."
"But Yukari is still in the guest room."
"After witnessing your demise, Mr. Aono and my brother rushed back to the others. To avoid them from finding Ms. Akashiya and Ms. Sendou, I asked Ms. Han to substitute the room."
"I heard you say that but what does that mean?"
Ms. Han giggled as she continued to spin the sphere.
"I reassigned how the door works. My cousin opened the door and entered a different guest room. I had to cover that room with an illusion so he wouldn't realize the difference."
"How is Ms. Sendou faring?"
"She tried leaving the room but the door now opens into the illusion of a mirror version of itself."
The woman laughed, shaking her head.
"And she just blew out the windows. I won't be able to contain her in time."
"Dear Brother. You should have never let that girl get away from you."
"I've lost contact with the last girl. She's outside of the mansion."
Kurumu smiled, glancing over her shoulder as the crackle of energy increased in pitch. The ladies flinched as they handed the dripping vampire towels.
"Can you explain now why you want to cause trouble for Tsukune and your brother?"
"Scaring Mr. Aono was not my original intent. I just wanted to tease my brother."
"That's it? You just wanted to mess with your brother?"
"Naturally. I am his big sister so I'm allowed to trouble him on special occasions. We cooked this idea up yesterday to give Father a chance to dismiss a majority of the staff for this afternoon."
"Isn't that dangerous? What if the Miao family were to attack?"
"Just for today, Ms. Kurono. The staff will return in full force by tomorrow."
Moka stalked over to them, fixing the towel about her torso while the other rested on top of her head. Her body continued to crackle with energy.
"What happens now?"
"I imagine that Ms. Sendou will find us eventually. Once she does, I will give Father the signal to confront dear Brother. I'm sure that will confuse poor Mr. Aono."
Moka huffed, grabbing the towel on her head to start drying her silver tresses.
"Have you explained why you're troubling him?"
"No real reason. But perhaps this will be good for everyone. I've noticed a rift between Mr. Aono and you girls. Maybe realizing that he could lose you will make him appreciate you more."
"You are meddling in something you don't understand."
"Yukari is up there."
Mizore pointed to the sky, drawing everyone's attention up. Sure enough the little witch was flying over to them. Ms. Han gasped, hugging the sphere to her flat chest as she stood up from her chair.
"She can fly?"
"Yes, Ms. Han. Our Ms. Sendou is a genius witch."
The woman nodded with an expression of awe.
"Moka!"
Yukari glided in, dispelling her wings the moment she was close to the ground. She hit the paved stones, hurrying over to wrap the vampire up in a hug. Moka laughed, patting the girl on the head and shoulder.
"Were you worried?"
"I didn't know what was going on. But I realized it had to be the work of a witch."
"I prefer being called a sorceress."
Ms. Huang laughed, gesturing at the young woman cradling the sphere.
"Allow me to introduce you to Han Xinyi. She's the daughter of my Aunt."
Yukari detached from Moka with a gasp. She wandered over to Ms. Han.
"Is that a scyring sphere?"
Kurumu shared a glance with Moka, certain that the vampire was thinking the same thing.
"Now that we have you settled in, we must serve you the best meal you will find in all of Hong Kong."
Huang Feihong drew open the double doors in the middle of this corridor and gestured inside. The dark haired man had multiple scars across his face and neck. Facial hair ringed his mouth but the rest of his jaw was shaved. Weathered lines marked the corners of his narrow, dark eyes.
Kurumu followed Moka and Tsukune into a large room with a huge painting of a solitary tree standing from a landscape. Several small birds dotted the clear white sky. Below the painting was the same dark wood paneling seen throughout the corridors.
Spanning across the center of this room was a long table covered with a crimson tablecloth. Eight chairs with thick dark red cushion seats were pushed up against both sides of this table. Each of these black wood chairs had a dark red cushion section at the top. A dark brown weave stretched down from this cushion to a black wood slat connecting the two sides of the back of the chair.
Porcelain white plates had been placed in front of each chair. On one side of these plates was a napkin wrapped around flatware while on the other side was a white bowl filled with a familiar grainy soup. Slabs of meat graced each plate with a healthy side of what looked to be clams stacked on top of noodles and green vegetables.
"Is that Bird's Nest soup?"
The mafia leader grinned broadly at her question. He was garbed in a black dress shirt which he had left the top buttons undone. A gold chain necklace peeked out from the crimson interior of his open collar. His black dress slacks had a crimson belt with a golden buckle fished through the thin loops.
"Of course, little lady! We spared no expense."
Another dark haired man with his short hair styled in a simple middle part drifted over to the nearest chair. He was dressed in a navy, textured suit with matching slacks. The suit parted just enough to reveal the white dress shirt and black tie. He adjusted his boxy, black framed glasses atop his hawk like nose.
"Braised abalone. Peking duck. Was this really necessary?"
"It's the first time Fang has brought over friends. We must celebrate."
The man huffed, tugging back a chair and gesturing to a stoic beauty garbed in a Chinese dress similar to the one Kokoa had bought for Kurumu. The jade green silk had a crimson dragon pattern and bright red hem. The lady's ebony hair was braided over her ears before the tresses came down in twin tails which reached her thin waist. She nodded at the man before taking the seat.
The man was Han Sicong whom was in charge of the family finances. He was more annoyed with the loss of the private jet than the father had been. The lady was Han Xiang. They were the parents of Xinyi.
"Where shall we sit?"
Mr. Huang laughed merrily, draping an arm over Tsukune's shoulders and tugging him in close.
"You shall be sitting by me, young man."
Mr. Huang steered Tsukune over to a chair, pulling out the one next to the vacant one beside his sister. He gestured for Tsukune to sit while claiming the vacant one for himself. Tsukune reluctantly acquiesced.
"Please have a seat, young ladies. You should eat while the food is still available."
Huang Tian gestured at the many vacant chairs on the other side of the long table. Huang's mother was also garbed in a Chinese dress though hers was a soft lavender hue with a white floral pattern. Her dark hair was pulled up into twin buns which were tied at the base with white floral lace. Long bangs framed the side of her delicate face. A smear of salmon eyeliner touched the corner of her eyes quite similar to how Xiang's makeup was done. Both women had long, black lashes over alluring almond shaped eyes.
"That's an odd way to phrase it."
"Am I going to meet this Touhou Fuhai or not?"
Fang laughed at Moka's annoyance. He tugged back the chair flanking Tsukune.
"Don't worry, Ms. Akashiya. Grandfather would never miss dinner."
Moka sighed, taking the seat with a flip of her silver tresses. Like Kurumu and Mizore, the vampire was dressed in a black robe which was tied about her waist. Moments ago they had been escorted to their guest rooms on the upper floor. They had emptied their luggage, surrendering all of their soiled clothes to servants whom would have their laundry finished by morning.
"Sit by me, Ms. Xinyi."
Ms. Han smiled as Yukari claimed the seat by Moka. The cousin looked to her parents whom were busy with their meal preparations. Her father was pouring drinks for her mother from one of the many bottles of liquor set out upon the table.
"We can't all sit on this side of the table. Follow me, girls."
Kurumu grabbed Mizore by the hand before following after Ms. Huang. Her brother and uncle trailed behind them. The uncle, Huang Haitao, was dressed in the same black suit and slacks that every man on the security detail wore. He was Mr. Huang's little brother and was in charge of security. His dark hair was swept up in faux hawk and his narrow, dark eyes regarded everyone with caution.
Kurumu stopped once she reached the chair across from Moka, releasing Mizore's hand to tug out the chairs for them. As Kurumu took her seat, Huang drifted behind her to claim the seat on her left while his uncle took the vacant chair on the other side of Mizore.
"Do you know how to make Bird's Nest, Ms. Xinyi?"
"Cooking has never been my strong point, Ms. Sendou."
"More like it has never been her interest."
The cousin grinned at her mother's correction.
"That's true. We have servants at our home whom do most of the menial chores."
"If you are interested, Ms. Sendou, you could speak with Mr. Liang. He is a master of the culinary arts. I assure you that this meal will be better than the ones we've had these past two nights."
Yukari made a happy sound as she shivered while holding a spoon in her mouth.
"Positively divine. I need to know the ingredients."
"Bird's nest is an expensive dish, young lady. It's made from the hardened saliva of a swiftlet bird. A kilogram of this delicacy can run as high as twenty thousand yuan."
"Just enjoy the meal, Sicong."
Kurumu dragged her soup bowl over, suddenly hesitant to put bird saliva in her mouth. But it had such a lovely fragrance. Closing her eyes, she stuffed a spoonful into her mouth. Her concerns vanished in an instant as she savored the taste. The sister was right about this being better than the Bird's Nest she had enjoyed at Mr. Yan's restaurant.
"I could get used to eating like this every day."
"So which one of you young ladies want to marry my boy?"
"Don't be silly, my love. Fang has already told us that his girlfriend didn't come with him."
His mother had taken the seat on the other side of his sister. Kurumu was still unsure of how she would address all of these people. She had always regarded his sister as Ms. Huang, though it would be more appropriate to reserve that honor for Huang's mother.
"Actually they haven't even recognized me as one of their friends."
Kurumu jabbed Huang in the side with her elbow.
"What are you talking about, Fang? I helped you meet your girlfriend."
"Oh? Are you friends with this girl?"
Kurumu paused to appreciate the soup in her mouth. She swallowed with a smile.
"I wouldn't say that. She's in class ten so I don't see her often. Moka might know her better."
Moka huffed as she gathered up a spoonful of Bird's Nest.
"Other than hearing my name, I have no idea what any of you are talking about."
The mafia leader laughed loudly.
"Sorry, young miss. Our Japanese is lacking. Your friend says that you know my boy's girlfriend."
"Not really. The only class we shared was gym which Ms. Hitsuji often slept through."
"Ms. Hitsuji is a neramu."
The father frowned at Yukari's declaration.
"Neramu? Forgive me but I'm unfamiliar with that term."
"She's a sheep girl, Mr. Huang. They have the power to make people sleep."
"A shuìdī?"
Yukari blinked at Huang's mother.
"I don't know that word."
"I've seen her true form. She's about half his height and has many sheep traits like white wool and black hooves for feet."
His mother nodded at Kurumu's explanation.
"Sounds like a shuìdī. And she's your age?"
"Yes. Her sister is less than a year older than her."
"Odd. Shuìdī aren't known to look for mates at such a young age."
"She's a delightful young woman, Mother. If I can convince her, I'll bring her home over spring break."
"Please do. I would like to meet this young lady."
Mr. Huang laughed merrily, slapping Tsukune on the back.
"That's quite a healthy appetite you have there."
Tsukune had already polished off the meat and was trying out the cooked clams. He smiled nervously.
"Sorry. But the food is delicious. I feel like I could eat like this forever."
Kurumu snickered as she put another spoonful into her mouth. She shivered in delight.
"I know. Maybe joining his family wouldn't be so bad."
"Don't say irresponsible things."
Kurumu wagged her empty spoon at Yukari.
"I'm stating my appreciation for the chef."
"That would be Mr. Liang."
"Isn't that the name of the guy whom was chasing the two of you around?"
Huang laughed merrily, holding a cooked clam in his chopsticks.
"I didn't recognize him with the bag over his head. It also didn't help that he was holding a cleaver and a club and his apron was drenched in blood. I was too scared to think."
"That was good."
Mizore pushed her empty soup bowl aside with a satisfied smile.
"You downed that Bird's Nest fast."
Mizore nodded at Kurumu, caressing her belly through the satin robe.
"I understand that it's good for the baby."
"Oh? Is the young miss pregnant?"
"Seven weeks along."
"Whom is the father?"
"Mr. Ao-"
Kurumu jabbed Huang in the side, causing him to drop his clam.
"My fiancé, Umizake Aoi."
"Umizake? That name is familiar."
"His father was the Fairy Tale commander in charge of the Hokkaido region."
The mafia leader nodded at his daughter's remark.
"That's where I've heard of him. While I have no love for Fairy Tale, I shall always be indebted to Mrs. Shuzen for what she did to save my daughter's life."
"Technically I'm still dead."
Ms. Huang giggled at her father's dismissive remark, gesturing at Tsukune's empty plate.
"Remember to leave some food behind to show that you are full."
Kurumu polished off the last of her Bird's Nest, setting the empty bowl aside.
"What problem do you have with Fairy Tale?"
"The organization is ran by hypocrites. According to Grandfather, Fairy Tale was supposed to facilitate the integration of monsters with humans. Coexistence for all species."
"Some ideas take time to achieve."
The mafia leader huffed at his wife's comment.
"They aren't even trying. How many humans have held positions in Fairy Tale since I was born on this miserable planet? I can answer that for you. None."
"Mrs. Shuzen is trying to make changes."
"She hasn't achieved anything since she put that giant, tengu and witch in charge of the three southern regions the year after her first election. The rest of their nation is still ran by purebloods. Nothing is ever going to change over there with those fossils clinging to their antiquated beliefs."
"There were many that said we would never be allowed to marry. That peace between our families was an impossible dream. Yet here we are."
"That peace lasted less than a decade because your nephew has no spine. Our dream was possible. We made the effort. I dare Mrs. Shuzen to put a human in charge of Tokyo."
Kurumu poked at the clams, unsure if she wanted to eat them. The fragrance was enticing but she had never eaten this sort of food before.
"Mr. Aono was human."
The mafia leader perked up at his son's statement. He chuckled, popping the cork off a bottle.
"If that's true, then this will be fun. Humans have a remarkably low tolerance to alcohol. I wonder how many bottles it will take to put him under the table."
Tsukune's eyes widened when Mr. Huang filled his glass with frothy white liquid.
"What is he doing?"
"My father wishes to drink with you."
"But I'm a minor!"
The mafia leader topped off the glass and gestured at his son.
"You too, my boy."
"My love. Please restrain yourself."
"I am. Now hand over your glass."
Huang sighed, surrendering the vessel which his father promptly filled.
"He has a weak stomach."
"The stomach is a muscle. You have to use it or it won't get any stronger."
Huang smiled thinly as he took his filled glass. His father poured his own glass.
"Now we drink. Too friendship, peace and prosperity."
The mafia leader set aside the bottle and raised his glass. He tilted his head back and quaffed the entire contents of the vessel in one go. He gasped, lowering his glass.
"Come on, boys. Don't make me drink alone."
"Drink, Mr. Aono. My father insists."
Tsukune grimaced, grabbing his glass. Both young men lifted their glasses to their lips.
"Is that how young men drink these days? I've seen pregnant women do better."
Huang dutifully tilted his head back to down his alcohol. He gagged, shaking his head as he put down the empty glass. His face screwed up in disgust as his father laughed while pouring himself another drink.
"That's the spirit. We've only started."
"Eat some rice, Fang. It will help."
"I think I'm going to be sick."
Kurumu chuckled at Tsukune as he rubbed his chest. He set aside his glass which the mafia leader was quick to refill.
"Don't worry, kid. I won't have you drink more than me."
Kurumu grinned, nudging Mizore.
"He really does look the part of a Chinese mafia leader."
"I guess. Though I never would have envisioned Romeo to be so brutish."
"He might not be a Romeo but his wife is definitely a Juliet."
Huang laughed nervously as his father refilled his glass.
"Actually my father is a skilled sorcerer. My mother is the-"
A whir of motion flashed across the table. Kurumu blinked in shock at the absence of her plate. Mizore and Yukari had suffered the same fate. The witch dropped her chopsticks, cupping her cheeks in dismay.
"What happened to my meal?!"
"Must you make a scene?"
Huang's mother was on her feet, wagging a black folded fan at a diminutive figure standing on top of the table in front of the Han couple. This figure had long silver hair and was garbed in a white robe. It turned about, holding three plates against its chest. A round pair of sunglasses rested upon a bulbous nose.
"Food always tastes better when we have guests."
Kurumu brandished her chopsticks at the cackling old person. The elder took one of the haunches of meat and stuffed it into its wide mouth while balancing all three plates in his other arm.
"Give us our dinners back!"
The air whistled and the old man fell face first into the table. The mother snapped open her fan and shook her head angrily.
"Sit in a chair like a normal person!"
"You're slipping, Grandfather."
The old man picked himself up, dusting the remnants of food off his robe which had a black one beneath. He hopped off the table, landing on the chair beside Huang's mother.
"When you get to be my age, any contact with a woman is acceptable."
Huang laughed nervously, standing up as his mother sat down.
"Allow me to introduce Touhou Fuhai, the founder of our family."
Kurumu shivered under the lechery this old man poured into her. She glanced at the others, noting that Tsukune and Yukari were openly shocked. Moka was calmly continuing her meal while Mizore continued to stare at the empty space on the table before her.
"Our food is still gone."
The mafia leader laughed, gesturing to the plates of food which remained unclaimed at the two vacant chairs at the head of the table.
"Sicong. Could you pass me those two plates? We have starving young women."
"I'll be fine with just another Bird's Nest."
Kurumu snickered at Mizore's remark as Mr. Han fetched the plate and soup bowl beside him. He gave both to the mafia leader whom handed them across the table to his son. Kurumu thanked Huang for the plate, passing the soup bowl over to Mizore.
"What's with that look, Boy? Is the food not agreeing with you?"
The mafia leader chuckled, swatting Tsukune in the back before holding a plate out to Yukari. Yukari snapped out of her stare, murmuring her thanks as she reached over Moka to take the meal.
"The boy might not be handling his liquor too well."
Master Touhou nodded, turning his attention upon the food on the plate before him.
"I am Touhou Fuhai. If you are wondering why I don't carry the same surname as the family I sired, that is because I let my only son adopt the name of an associate of mine, Huang Ju."
The old man had spoken that last sentiment in Japanese.
"Is this the phoenix we were traveling with?"
"Yes. And a certain grandson allowed him to break his contract. I can only hope my old friend doesn't burn down any villages this time."
"I'm truly sorry, Grandfather."
Tsukune chuckled nervously.
"I'm actually a little surprised with your appearance."
"What about it?"
"I knew that you would be older. But I didn't expect you to be so-"
"Handsome? Powerful? Intimidating?"
"Small?"
"Don't let his appearance deceive you. I can feel how powerful his aura is."
The old man chuckled at Moka's calm statement.
"So Akasha's little girl is finally free."
Moka politely put down her chopsticks, turning her attention upon the old man.
"I am. I need you to fix the seal."
"So I've been told by my granddaughter. I assume this young man beside you is the one whom Mikogami found. The one with the power to break your seal."
"Yes. I have the power to break magical artifacts."
"I have a request, Master Touhou. When you repair this seal, I need to be able to remove it myself. Not that I don't appreciate Tsukune's help, but his power is why the seal has deteriorated to this state."
"That won't be a problem. I did make those limiters for your sister."
"I would like this to be done tonight."
"This process could take hours, young lady. An old man like myself can't do an overnight project. Meet me at the shrine in my annex tomorrow afternoon after lunch."
He paused to take a bite and chew. He swallowed with a nod.
"Two sounds good. Need at least an hour to properly digest my food before any strenuous activity."
"It's not swimming, Grandfather."
"You will need to wear the divine garments to purify your body for the ritual to work properly."
Ms. Han snickered as Huang's mother rolled her eyes.
"Must she do this?"
"It is a necessary step to repair her precious rosary."
Ms. Han giggled at the old man's statement made in Cantonese.
"Which legendary costume do you want her to wear?"
Yukari perked up at Ms. Han's query.
"Legendary costume?!"
"It's something Master Touhou requests from every girl whom asks him for a favor."
"It would be better that you don't humor this dirty old man."
"The poor girl doesn't speak Cantonese, Mother."
Ms. Han's mother sighed, pointing across the table.
"Grandfather. Bad man. Wearing outfit. Very dangerous."
"I understand your concerns, but I'm willing to take the risk."
"Excellent, Ms. Shuzen. There is one other element that you must adhere to once you have donned this sacred outfit. You must end all of your sentences with 'ya know'."
Kurumu frowned at the old man's smooth transition back to Japanese.
"That's kind of an odd request."
Moka regarded him with genuine concern.
"I won't have to say much during this ritual, right?"
"I will do most of the talking."
"Good. Because that's such a weird thing to do. I'm bound to mess it up."
"That would be catastrophic, Ms. Shuzen. I suggest that you start practicing now."
"Yes, Master Touhou… Ya know."
Huang's mother sighed heavily with a slight shake of her head.
"Don't do anything that I would have to turn you over to the authorities for."
"This matter is very serious, young lady. The fate of the world may very well depend on my success."
"You can tell that to your judge and jury."
The mafia leader laughed heartily as he slapped a clueless Tsukune on the back.
"Enough talk about my grandpa's plans. Drink up, boy. The night is young and we've only started!"
Despite the language barrier, Tsukune knew what was expected of him.