Kurumu shivered at the cool breeze against her neck. She breathed in the scent of peppermint which contrasted with the view of the ocean. These arms holding her felt different. It was not her mother standing behind her. Someone was facing her. Someone she was sleeping with.
Kurumu sighed, opening her eyes as her pleasant dream faded into obscurity. She was lying on her side in a comfortable bed, holding Mizore close. She had draped her right leg over the chilly snow girl with only her foot beneath the thin covers. Her powder blue chemise had hiked up about her waist, baring her ass to anyone whom might come to wake them.
Kurumu moved her right hand up Mizore's torso, feeling the silken fabric of Mizore's pink chemise. Her skin felt so cold but Kurumu had grown accustomed to sleeping with this girl. Her fingers found their way into Mizore's thick, purple locks. Mizore moaned softly as she caressed the girl's head.
Kurumu withdrew her leg from Mizore's thigh as she scooted down the mattress to bring her face closer to Mizore's. Her heart melted at the soft expressions Mizore made from having her hair toyed with. She felt the temperature dip slightly as Mizore's dream became more emotional. Mizore's left hand gently moved against Kurumu's waist.
Impulsively Kurumu leaned in to press her lips gently against Mizore's. The snow girl mewled softly into her lips, pushing closer. Kurumu obliged, pulling the snow girl in closer with a firm grip on the back of Mizore's head. She closed her eyes, slipping her tongue inside to coil about Mizore's tongue.
Mizore groaned in the kiss as the temperature dropped severely. Her left hand moved up to firmly push Kurumu back by her shoulder. Kurumu reluctantly abandoned the kiss, opening her eyes as she drew her head back. She continued to run her fingers through Mizore's hair.
"Good morning."
Mizore sighed, regarding her with drowsy sapphire eyes. The temperature steadily recovered.
"It's just you."
"Is that a bad thing?"
"I want Aoi."
Kurumu smiled warmly, bringing her finger over to tap Mizore's nose.
"I know. But these lips were begging to be kissed."
Mizore's hand snaked up to grab Kurumu's, pulling it away from her face.
"Don't touch my face."
"Why not?"
"Don't know where your fingers have been."
Kurumu snickered, entwining her fingers with Mizore's.
"I haven't touched myself in weeks, dork. It's not something I can do with another girl lying next to me. Closest I got was the morning after your birthday."
Mizore sighed, nuzzling her cheek against their pillow.
"Sex is better but I miss my magic wand."
Kurumu laughed, squeezing Mizore's hand.
"Would you use it next to me?"
"No. I have lots of free time during the day."
Only two days had passed for Mizore since the Christmas party in Mononoke. But that was weeks ago to Kurumu because of how time worked in Touhou's mirror world.
"We should get dressed. Eat breakfast."
"Do I have to?"
"Yes. You can't be skipping meals and are far too sexy to show up to breakfast wearing that."
"My nipples are hard."
Kurumu giggled, noting that was true. Hers were also standing proudly out against the silken fabric of her chemise. She freed her hand of Mizore's to absently caress the sensitive nub.
"We both need our boyfriends."
Mizore groaned, rolling onto her back. The snow girl wiggled her right arm out from beneath Kurumu, holding it straight up. She opened and closed her hand slowly.
"I hope to hear from Aoi today. It's boring only listening to music while writing."
Kurumu grinned, pushing up on her left hand to sit on her hip. She had luckily not slept with her arm beneath the snow girl, sparing her the whole numb arm scenario.
"Isn't that what you used to do with all of your free time?"
"I often watched Tsukune."
Kurumu smirked as the snow girl continued to make fists.
"I notice you haven't been calling him Mr. Aono lately."
"I only do that while he's around."
Mizore lowered her hand to her belly. She cocked her head upon the pillow.
"Are you okay with this? Giving him what he wants?"
Kurumu breathed in deep. She scooted her legs beneath her to kneel upon the bed.
"Yea. I've never wanted to be nothing to him. And now that my body isn't craving his, I can love him without a primal urge for more."
Mizore nodded, bringing her left hand over to join her other upon her belly. She looked at the ceiling.
"If Aoi is okay with it, I'll be friends with Tsukune."
"What does your heart want, Mizore?"
"Aoi."
Kurumu laughed, pushing off the bed to touch down lightly upon her feet.
"I meant in regards to Tsukune."
"I don't really know what I want from him. He never wanted me, Kurumu. He rejected me. I don't know why he wants to be my friend."
"Do you want to be his friend?"
Mizore sighed, rolling away and turning into a seated position with her legs dangling over the side. She settled onto her feet and grabbed the hem of her chemise. She pulled it up over her head, dropping the garment on the floor. Her pale skin was smooth and without blemish.
"I haven't allowed myself to have friends since Kunio died, Kurumu. I'm a terrible person."
Kurumu snorted as the snow girl started walking towards the open bathroom door.
"You are thinking too much about that."
Mizore grunted a response, ducking through the open doorway. Kurumu sighed, wandering over to the corner of the room where their luggage remained. She tugged her chemise off, dropping it beside her bag before she knelt down. She flipped open the top flap, perusing her outfits.
Hopefully they would get outfits better suited for training this soon. She figured the teal halter top was better than her other options which meant no bra. She pulled the silky garment on, fixing her perky breasts in the wraps of fabric. Her nipples were still annoyingly sensitive and erect but the fabric did not betray this. She patted her bared belly, hoping she would not be partnered with Ginei this morning.
During the conversation at dinner last night, she had been told to expect a succubus trainer today. Mrs. Huang had apologized for not contacting this succubus sooner. Not that Kurumu held that against them. The mother needed more recovery time and her husband still lacked the strength to get out of bed.
Pulling on her black boyshorts with the white heart pattern, Kurumu wondered what sort of training she would get. This woman was a freelance agent, helping the monsters of Hong Kong to avoid exposure if they had the coin.
Smoothing out the hem of her boyshorts, she grabbed her black denim jeans and stood up. She fished one leg through and then the other. She wiggled the jeans up over her rump but left them unfastened. She bent over to grab a pair of socks, untying them before pulling one onto each foot.
"I hope you finished peeing because I also have to go."
Finished with her task, Kurumu headed over to the open bathroom door. She frowned when she heard no response, stepping into the room.
"Mizore?"
The toilet flushed, causing her to laugh. Mizore stood up into view, sauntering towards her. Kurumu simply had to grab the nude girl about the waist, causing Mizore to frown.
"What?"
Kurumu let her hands slip down to cup Mizore's chilly cheeks.
"How do we manage not to do anything inappropriate?"
"You kiss me too much. I get dazed and then you don't satisfy me."
"Oh? Do you want me to satisfy you?"
Mizore sighed when Kurumu squeezed her ass, returning the embrace.
"I lied. I'm satisfied with this."
Kurumu drew her hands up to hold Mizore more tenderly. She remained this close for a long moment, breathing the girl in. She felt so cold but her heart was warm.
"We can't. It might hurt the baby."
Kurumu laughed, stepping back to arms' length. Her eyes swept over Mizore's milky white curves, taking note of her cherry red nipples and her womanly curls of the same purple hue as her hair. It was probably her imagination but she thought she saw a slight curve to Mizore's belly.
"Okay. Get dressed. I'll pee."
Mizore sounded an affirmative as they both let go. They slipped by each other. Kurumu started tugging down her jeans and boyshorts as she turned into the small area with the toilet. Getting both to her thighs, she twirled about and sat on the seat. She sighed, relaxing her bladder.
"Umizake better contact us soon. I can't handle your sexiness much longer."
She got no response, wondering if Mizore had heard her. After a squeeze to reassure herself that her bladder was completely emptied, Kurumu tore off a square of toilet paper from the roll mounted to the wall beside her. She dabbed herself dry, dropping the square into the toilet. She pushed the chrome lever to flush the toilet before she stood up, tugging her boyshorts and pants back up.
Kurumu sashayed out of the bathroom while fastening her jeans. Mizore was fluffing out her mint green sundress. The thin straps were resting almost perfectly upon the thick straps of her black sports bra.
"Did you wear panties with that?"
"Do I have to?"
"Yes, you silly girl."
Mizore turned about, glancing down her torso.
"Why? Is my bush showing through?"
"Mizore. It will take you a whole of ten seconds to put some panties on."
Mizore sighed, bending over to rummage through her suitcase. She pulled out a pair of pink and white striped briefs. Stepping into them, she pulled them up while lifting her sundress in the process.
"Good enough?"
Kurumu smiled at the girl as her dress fell back in place. She held out her hand.
"Yes. Time to eat."
Mizore took her hand which Kurumu rewarded with a firm squeeze. She steered the snow girl over to the door to the hallway, pausing to lean over and grab her platform sneakers.
"Could you open the door for us?"
Mizore acquiesced with her free hand and they drifted out into the hallway together. Kurumu grinned as Mizore closed the door behind them. Squeezing Mizore's hand again, she started slowly down the hall.
"I wonder what Nijiro is doing with his break."
"Didn't he tell you?"
"He gave the generic answer of spending time with his family. I tried to get a better answer out of his sister, but she made it sound like it would be dreadfully boring in Aranami."
"Isn't Aranami a small town?"
"Yea, but they must be celebrating the holidays. They can't be doing nothing."
They entered the large foyer which had yet to be repaired. Kurumu guided the snow girl to the right, approaching the flight of steps down to the central landing.
"How is that story of yours coming along?"
"I'm almost finished."
Kurumu frowned as she took her first hesitant step down the stairs.
"I know my sense of time is off but you just started that story a few days ago."
"It's not that long of a story, Kurumu. And I have nothing better to do."
Kurumu nodded, continuing her descent. She arrived at the central landing, turning left and starting down the next flight.
"I suppose that's true. It will be a nice tribute to Hatsue."
"This isn't about Hatsue."
Mizore rewarded Kurumu's drawl of disbelief with a firm squeeze.
"It's not about her, Kurumu. It's about reconciling with a painful past."
Kurumu paused, curious what this was about. But she knew this answer as she resumed her descent.
"Kunio was an accident."
"That doesn't make him any less dead."
Kurumu sighed, reaching the bottom of the stairs. She steered Mizore over to walk beneath the stairs they had descended moments ago.
"Maybe you could seek out his parents."
"No. This was about saying goodbye to him. Goodbye and I'm so sorry."
Kurumu swallowed thickly, understanding that. She could never properly say goodbye or apologize to her mother. She could only take some comfort in that they had been on better terms before her death.
It only took a few seconds to reach the open doors to the dining room. Kurumu let go of Mizore's hand as she entered the room, noting that Rubi and Yukari were seated on this side of the table. On the other side of the table was the Han family and Mrs. Huang.
"Good morning, girls."
Kurumu echoed Mrs. Huang's greeting, pulling out the chair beside Rubi. She settled down as Mizore claimed the chair beside her. Chopsticks, silverware and mugs of tea were placed before each chair.
"I'll have breakfast brought to you right away."
Mrs. Huang picked up a silver bell beside her plate and rung it with a flick of her wrist. The mother's ebony tresses were unbound, spilling across her bared shoulders. Her lithe body was wrapped up in a white cheongsam with a red bird pattern. She set aside the bell, picking up her chopsticks to fetch the last few morsels upon her plate.
Seated by the mother was Mrs. Han whom was also garbed in a white Chinese dress, though hers had long sleeves and a lily pad upon water pattern. Her ebony hair was braided back in the twin tails which dropped out of sight below the table.
The person seated across from Rubi was Mr. Han. His boxy black glasses rested upon his hawk like nose as he regarded the paper in his hands. His right hand held a pen which he marked against the paper. He was wearing a black suit over a pinstripe dress shirt with a black tie. His plate was polished clean just like his wife's, but his mug was still steaming.
"Yes, Mrs. Huang."
Mrs. Huang smiled at the words from Mr. Liang whom lingered at the entrance to the kitchen. The huge man was dressed in a white suit and black slacks.
"A plate of breakfast for Ms. Kurono and something soft for Ms. Shirayuki."
Mr. Liang nodded before disappearing into the kitchen.
"Should I get a Chinese dress?"
Kurumu laughed at Mizore's random question.
"Why do you ask?"
"Rubi has one."
Rubi had on that form fitting Chinese dress she had bought back when Fang had first petitioned Tsukune to join his family. The black silk sported a scarlet dragon design.
"I don't have one."
Yukari huffed, wearing her black dress with the sunflower pattern. As usual her straps were knotted up for a better fit about her budding bosom.
"We should get you one!"
Ms. Xinyi grinned from her place beside her father. The young woman's slender torso was swathed in a bright orange cheongsam with a red rose pattern. Her ebony hair was pulled up in her usual twin buns with bright orange ribbons to match her dress.
"That best not be a veiled request for funds."
"I could buy her one without asking you for money."
Yukari waved her hands defensively.
"You really don't have to."
"But I want to. Maybe we could go shopping instead of training today."
"If you put it that way…"
Kurumu snickered, knowing Yukari's acceptance was more about avoiding training than wanting a dress.
"What made you decide to wear your cheongsam today?"
Rubi smiled nervously, toying with the remnants of her meal.
"I thought it would be better to train in than the last two outfits I picked."
Ms. Xinyi giggled, nodding as Mr. Liang returned with a plate in one hand and a bowl in the other.
"I was wondering how you were managing the training while wearing those cumbersome skirts. And I must say that dress you have on is lovely. Where did you get it?"
"You can order these from a shop in Mononoke. I was lucky that they had one that fit me in stock."
Mr. Han sighed heavily with a shake of his head. He picked up his steaming mug to take a sip as Mr. Liang placed a bowl of rice porridge in front of Mizore. Mizore murmured her thanks as the large man set a plate with three steamed buns before Kurumu. Kurumu echoed Mizore's sentiment as the large man silently retreated.
"This is a terrible time to be training anyways."
"I wholeheartedly agree. These boys aren't taking the training seriously anyways. A waste of my time."
Mr. Han perked up at Yukari's quick response in Cantonese.
"I forgot that half of you girls can speak our language."
"It's not like you've said anything insulting while we've been here."
Mr. Han set aside his paper, gesturing towards the front of the mansion.
"Both of the family patrons are injured. It is foolish of Master Touhou to be playing around in his mirror world while the real threat of an assault by the Miao family is all but guaranteed."
Kurumu frowned, paying little attention to her breakfast.
"But they already have Moka. Why would they come back?"
"Because we are at war. There was no peace deal made. Several members of the Miao family must know that we are in a weakened state."
"Xia Long doesn't want war."
"It doesn't matter what Xia Long wants, Tian. The men under his command will get restless as rumors of our vulnerable situation spreads. He will be forced to act if he wants to stay in power."
"My brother will figure out how the headquarters security was breached."
Mr. Han huffed at his wife's declaration. He picked up his paper.
"A waste of time. Finding the traitor doesn't magically make this place secure. Master Touhou should be dedicating himself to redesigning a new illusion to keep this place safe."
"It doesn't work that way, Sicong. The devices to bypass his illusion would get by any magic barrier Master Touhou could create."
Mr. Han slammed his paper down hard enough to cause the dishes to clatter.
"Then they should move! Staying here is asking for death."
Mrs. Han smiled softly, reaching over to touch his shoulder.
"I know you are worried about Xinyi being here."
"It's not just Xinyi. What does Haitao even have? Maybe twenty men at best whom aren't dead or in the hospital. Most of those will be guarding the perimeter. If Miao rolls through the front entrance, they could be executing Feihong and Tian before his guards even know we are under attack."
"I'd like to see them try."
"Tian. Please. Stay with us."
Mrs. Huang sighed, shaking her head.
"We can't do that without knowing whom has betrayed us. That would compromise your family."
"We live in the city. The Miao family would risk exposure if they attacked us."
"This is our home, Sicong. I won't leave it unless Master Touhou believes that we must."
Mr. Han scowled, picking his paper back up.
"That old man is a fool with a God complex. He'd sooner die than admit that he can't defend his home."
"Maybe you could send some of our men to help security here?"
The father sighed at his daughter's suggestion.
"I only have twenty two men, child. And they don't just guard us. They also keep your brothers safe."
"You have brothers?"
Ms. Xinyi giggled at Kurumu's interest.
"Yes. Two older brothers. Jie is a year younger than Ms. Ling and Chao will be twenty seven next month."
"She doesn't need to know the specifics of our family."
"Oh come on, Dad. She is not the breach in our security."
Mr. Han rolled his eyes with a shake of his head. He scratched a character in his paper.
"That wasn't the basis of my protest."
"Frankly I'm surprised to hear that you have men watching over Chao. Didn't you disown him?"
"I did no such thing."
"You haven't seen him once since he opened that restaurant of his with his husband three years ago."
"Bin is not his husband. Hong Kong doesn't recognize marriage between men."
"I've spoken with Chao. He says the two of you don't talk."
"There isn't anything to be said."
"Then if everything is fine, why don't we go to his birthday party that he's having at his restaurant?"
Mr. Han glared at his daughter.
"Chao knows where to go if he is in trouble. It was Huang money that opened his restaurant."
Ms. Xinyi sighed dramatically.
"Will you come with me to his birthday, Mother?"
"I would love to but Bin is… outrageous."
"Outrageous is not the issue. He's a hopeless gambler, pissing away every bit of profit Chao makes with that restaurant. If it was my call, he'd be in the bottom of the bay."
Mrs. Han patted the table.
"I will join you, Xinyi. Hopefully Bin will not be so… affectionate this time."
"Oh! You don't like the hugging."
"Yea. Not my thing."
"I understand that."
Kurumu snickered at Yukari's interjection. She picked up her chopsticks.
"You secretly enjoy being hugged."
"I'm sure every molester claims the same thing about their victims."
Kurumu smirked, not wanting to fight that. She cut apart the first of her steamed buns.
"You haven't said anything about Jie."
"Jie is in his final year of medical school."
Ms. Xinyi giggled, nodding at her father's dismissive tone.
"I suppose you can still call it school but it's more like an internship."
"It's school until he graduates."
Mrs. Han smiled warmly, patting her husband's shoulder.
"We will be spending the weekend with Jie and the family of his fiancée."
"How long has he been engaged?"
"Almost two years. He plans to marry after he graduates."
"It's a bad fit."
"Oh stop. You love Meili."
"I didn't chase around girls four years younger than me, complicating their lives."
Mrs. Han huffed, swatting him on the shoulder.
"You didn't chase girls. If I hadn't noticed you, you would still be alone with your numbers."
"She doesn't know what she wants. One week she acts like she'll drop out of college and the next week she's planning to graduate. I feel bad for her parents funding the education of such a whimsical girl."
"Every woman goes through this, Sicong. Balancing the desire to have a family and a meaningful career."
"He could have picked any dumb, pretty girl off the street. It would make things simpler."
"You love talking with her. She's very intelligent."
"If she was so intelligent, she would have ran the moment she realized Jie was part of a mafia family."
Mrs. Han smirked, reaching up to toy with his locks about his ear as he scribbled in his paper.
"You didn't run from me."
The husband batted her hand away with a slight look of annoyance. He reached for his mug, picking it up to take another sip. He nodded at Kurumu.
"That meal isn't going to disappear on its own."
Kurumu blushed, finally putting the first morsel of steamed bun in her mouth. The contents within were a mix of spiced meat and vegetables.
"Are you finished with yours, Ms. Shirayuki?"
Kurumu chewed down her meal as Mizore made a slight sound of confirmation. She glanced at the bowl, noting Mizore had put away the whole thing.
"Would you perhaps want to join us for a shopping trip today?"
"If Yukari doesn't object."
Yukari huffed indignantly.
"Don't act like I'm an issue. I'd rather shop with you than train with those morons."
"Good. I don't know if I have enough money to buy you a dress too, but we could look around."
"My parents gave me New Year's money."
Kurumu picked up another section of her first steamed bun.
"Get something sexy for when you meet Umizake."
A slight smile touched the corner of Mizore's thin lips.
"That was my intent."
"Then it's settled. The three of us can take a shopping day."
"Will Master Touhou be okay with that?"
Ms. Xinyi shrugged at Rubi's concerned tone.
"Don't know. I'm surprised he hasn't shown up for breakfast yet."
"That's not unusual for Grandfather."
"Your Grandfather shouldn't be so careless. Just because you are up on your feet doesn't mean you are in any condition to be receiving guests."
Mrs. Huang smiled at Mr. Han's huffed protest.
"Grandfather was up very late last night making an artifact for Mr. Aono."
"And what is your son's excuse?"
"Xinyi. Could you go wake up your cousin before you leave with these girls?"
"Yes, Mother."
Mrs. Huang smiled with a nod at Mrs. Han as Ms. Xinyi pushed her chair back and hopped to her feet. Ms. Xinyi made a slight bow before hurrying around the table. She slipped out of the door as Kurumu stuffed her mouth with the last bit of her first bun.
"I swear that your son is becoming more like your Grandfather every day."
"Nonsense, Sicong. We haven't had to bribe the authorities to ignore any of his crimes."
Kurumu's eyes widened at his wife's flippant remark. She wondered what sort of things Master Touhou had done to require that.
Kurumu was on her second bite of the second bun when she felt the arrival of Ginei. She chewed on the morsel, glancing over her shoulder as the leering werewolf passed through the open doorway ahead of Miyamoto and Tsukune.
"Ah, Mr. Aono. We were just talking about you."
Tsukune chuckled nervously as he made his way to the vacant chair beside Yukari. He was garbed in the same Yokai Academy track suit he had worn throughout all of his training.
"Oh? What about?"
"About your inability to wear clean clothes."
Ginei chuckled at Yukari's protest, taking the vacant seat beside Mizore while Miyamoto claimed the other vacant seat on the end. Both older boys were wearing what they had been training in yesterday.
"These are clean, kid. Apparently these two were having their training gear washed and dried by the staff at night."
Kurumu nodded thoughtfully as she picked up the last section of her second steamed bun.
"Maybe if the staff was fine with it, we could change our clothes before starting the afternoon session."
"I don't know if Haiji owns a second karate gi."
"I do but I didn't think to bring it."
"I honestly should have thought about bringing better clothes to be training in."
"Wasn't that the whole reason the two of you were asked to come?"
"Don't get snippy with me, kid. I'll make you pay for it if we get paired up again."
Yukari huffed indignantly with a blush.
"I don't have time for a pedophile like you. I'm going shopping with Ms. Xinyi."
Kurumu snickered as she cut up her last steamed bun. Mrs. Huang rung the bell before setting it down beside her empty plate.
"Apologize my Japanese. Grandfather too tired. Not likely make it before lunch."
"What about Master Yao?"
The mother perked up at Miyamoto's mention of the name.
"Master Yao already here. Train with revered Huang. Little girl with Suzaku."
"Our little bird is already in the mirror world?"
"They were leaving when we arrived for breakfast."
Kurumu grinned at Rubi's answer before stowing away the first mouthful of her last bun. She chewed it thoroughly as the large Mr. Liang appeared in the room.
"Bring four more meals out. Xinyi should return with my son."
Kurumu swallowed as Mr. Liang slipped back out of sight.
"Did Master Touhou finish your new holy lock?"
Tsukune grinned, holding up his right arm. He drew back the sleeve to reveal a black chain and lock nearly identical to the silver one he had worn before.
"Yea. It was almost midnight when we had dinner. I passed out shortly after that."
Kurumu nodded thoughtfully before putting the next morsel into her mouth. She glanced across the table, blushing as she chewed. She was the only person with an unfinished breakfast. Rubi was probably waiting on her since they were not supposed to enter the mirror world on their own. She picked up her last morsel, smiling at Mrs. Huang.
"How is your husband?"
"Better. I should go fetch his dishes after my son arrives. He must be finished with his breakfast."
"I shall go with you. I'm curious how well Brother is doing."
Mr. Han huffed at his wife as he marked in his paper.
"You may do as you please. I shall remain here with the comfort of my tea and paper."
As Kurumu chewed on her final morsel, Mr. Liang returned with a large platter laden with meals. Mrs. Huang gestured to the massive man, taking the first plate and setting it in front of the vacant chair beside her. Mr. Liang nodded before handing plates over to Miyamoto and Ginei. The hulking servant took the last meal off the platter, stalking over to where Tsukune sat. Tsukune murmured his thanks as he took the dish from Mr. Liang's huge hands.
Kurumu chased her meal down with a mouthful of tea as Mr. Liang departed. She let out a content sigh as she put aside her glass. She nodded decisively.
"I should call Moka."
"I don't know if calling my Moka is wise. I can't fathom why she would still have her phone. If I were Fujisaki, I would have her phone and mock us when we tried to call."
Kurumu grimaced, knowing Yukari was right about that.
"Makes sense. But we never did find out how much Mrs. Shuzen knew about the situation. Kokoa must have news about it by now."
"True, but you might not be able to reach her if she's back in Iromori."
"I understand that there is a young woman in need of guidance."
Those words had been warbled in such a lovely, melodious voice. Kurumu glanced over her shoulder and her heart skipped a beat. A gorgeous, voluptuous beauty stood beside Mr. Gao. A sleeveless, ruby sequin cheongsam with an orange sunburst pattern hugged her alluring curves. The garment had a mandarin collar but an open window below it to bare much of her creamy white bosom.
"May I present to you, Ms. Shao Mingmei."
The silver haired steward gestured with hands swathed in white gloves. The older gentlemen was garbed in a gray suit and gray slacks with a black tie over a white dress shirt.
"Thank you, Mr. Gao. You may go."
The steward nodded at Mrs. Huang before departing.
"So you're the one."
Sparkling emerald eyes locked with Kurumu's. Like the other women here, Ms. Shao's eyes had that exotic shape to them which was further accentuated with black eyeliner. A soft pink coloring surrounded her charming eyes while the pink brushed across her full lips had the hint of glitter. Her raven tresses which graced her bosom were as bouncy and vibrant as the rest of her body. Bright green highlights marked the tips of her bangs which framed her angelic face.
Kurumu swallowed thickly, pushing back her seat. She turned to face the woman, bowing politely.
"Yes. I'm Kurono Kurumu. I'm pleased to meet you."
"A greeting in Cantonese. That will make this easier."
"Will that make things cheaper?"
The succubus laughed heavenly.
"I see you haven't changed, Mr. Han."
"I have to be. These fools would write you a blank check if I let them."
"I can't say that I've ever trained a girl before. My price shall depend on how much time this takes."
"Are we talking about real world time or magical time?"
Ms. Shao's frown was an expression which begged to be corrected. Kurumu had an inexplicable urge to kiss this woman which she knew was not of her own will.
"Magical time? I haven't heard of that one."
Yukari snickered with a shake of her head.
"You are about to find out."
"This looks like a promising location."
Kurumu frowned when the woman pointed at a door cut into the metal shutter below the sign for the 3,2,1 Imperial Cinema. These metal shutters were drawn over the building front in three sections.
"You want to see a movie?"
The woman laughed in that vibrant, disarming manner. She tugged open the door, turning to smile upon Kurumu as she gestured inside.
"Don't be silly, Ms. Kurono. There is no electricity in this world."
Kurumu's frown deepened as she paused at the doorway. She could barely see anything inside.
"Won't it be too dark to be in there?"
"What I was trying to teach you yesterday does not require your sense of sight. Plus this location might spare us any more interruptions by an ornery phoenix whom desperately wants to part me with my unmentionables."
Kurumu smirked, sauntering inside the murky interior. A stair cut up on her left while the rest of this floor seemed like an abandoned space.
"I think everybody heard you enjoying his company last night."
"I was curious and got carried away. Shall we begin?"
Ms. Shao closed the door behind them, casting the room into absolute darkness. Kurumu shivered, turning about. Her eyes strained to make out shapes in the gloomy environment.
"Sit down, Ms. Kurono. I don't want you floundering about."
Kurumu pouted, lowering down to the floor. She considered kneeling but suspected that would be too uncomfortable if they were here for a long time. She settled into a cross legged position, fairly confident that she was facing the woman. No light was casting through those metal shutters.
"This doesn't look like a theater."
"It closed last year. Now focus, Ms. Kurono. I want you to tell me about myself."
Kurumu sighed. This had been the entirety of her lesson yesterday.
"Can't I just touch you?"
"Ms. Kurono. I can defend myself far better from a direct, physical intrusion. You are quite capable of doing what I am asking for."
"Can't you show me how to do this? I learned Cantonese and karate by experiencing it through the memories of others. I can even regulate my body temperature better which is probably why I don't ever have an issue sleeping with Mizore."
"I told you yesterday. Charming me with your voice isn't going to help."
"I'm not trying to charm you with my voice."
"You are far too oblivious to your own powers. You aren't even aware of when you are using them."
Kurumu bit her lip, feeling frustrated.
"It's impossible for me to charm people into doing things they don't want to do."
"That is true for all of us, child. You need to stop putting limitations on others."
"I don't even know you. I don't have a reason to believe you won't tell me about yourself."
"That isn't the direction I need you to go with this. You won't be able to brute force this information out of me. You need to be… subtle."
"I seriously don't understand what you are expecting me to do."
"I'm expecting you to read my mind."
"How?"
"The same way I have been reading yours. I know about how your body is no longer compatible with Mr. Aono. How your mother was killed by Yoshii Kiria. I know this Yoshii works for Fujisaki Miyabi whom is both the Masked King and Alucard. How Fujisaki has forced Akua to abduct her own sister to bring to him because Moka's blood is the key to reviving Alucard."
"Anybody could have told you those things."
"Not every game requires willing participation. Are you the king? Or are you a pawn?"
Kurumu breathed softly in awe upon hearing Mrs. Shuzen's words echoed in Ms. Shao's lovely voice.
"How are you doing that?"
"You should know that we are not creatures restricted by charm. Your illusions aren't the result of you becoming something you believe others can accept you as. That is a forced desire to make others see what you want them to see."
"But I can't charm people to do crazy things."
"Yes, you can, Ms. Kurono. The only times you will find yourself unable to control others is when you lack faith in yourself or are faced against someone with similar abilities."
Kurumu felt her frustrations rise.
"But you just said that I need to be subtle."
"I did. You are the one that brought up charming people to do uncharacteristic things."
Kurumu sighed heavily with a shake of her head.
"I don't know what you expect me to do."
"Read my thoughts. Tell me about myself."
"I don't know how."
"Come now. I expect more from a girl that figured out how to dive into a magical artifact."
"Wait. Do you want me to use Lilith's Eye?"
"There you go wanting to bludgeon your way to the truth. Do you think Ms. Shikaru used Lilith's Eye to pull you and Lord Chiki into her special place?"
Kurumu faltered as she remembered that moment. She had asked Ms. Shikaru about Lilith's Eye and the woman had immediately dismissed it.
"Lilith's Eye is a desperation move, Ms. Kurono. I see everything about it in your thoughts. How it makes the user and all caught inside it vulnerable. I've never used this tactic myself but I can see why I would never wish to employ it. Not when there are more subtle, safer techniques at my disposal."
"But it was necessary to get around Moka's seal. It was how we first talked to the real Moka. It was also how I knew I could get inside the memory matrix since the rosary was connected to Moka's mind."
"I'm not saying your technique is useless. My methods might not be capable of getting around a magic seal. It might be why Ms. Shikaru was unable to help Mrs. Shuzen to contact her daughter."
"You can make a world like the Lilith's Eye?"
"It's a dream, Ms. Kurono. The trick is pulling others into it. But when you figure out how to do what I'm asking you to, you'll be able to cross that bridge."
"How am I supposed to read your thoughts?"
"Thoughts are just clear manifestations of feelings. You can read feelings."
Kurumu mulled that over for a moment.
"Are you sure I'm not projecting what others feel about me?"
"This isn't about conversations, Ms. Kurono. This is about silence."
"That isn't helpful at all."
"Daft girl. Every succubus can feel the desire of dozens of men that they never talk to. Often men that they don't even make eye contact with."
Kurumu's eyes widened. She shook her head.
"That's different."
"No. It's not. You can read minds, Ms. Kurono. You simply aren't trying to."
"I don't know how."
"You charmed hundreds of students all at once."
"What does that have to do with reading minds?"
"Mass hypnosis. A permanent alteration in how those students perceive reality. Do you know how long it takes most succubi to figure that out?"
"I'm sure every succubi working for Mrs. Shuzen knows how to do that."
"Most succubi don't get involved in this line of work, Ms. Kurono. I daresay you are almost at my level of competence. The only thing holding you back is your lack of awareness."
Kurumu was hesitant to believe that she was as skilled as the women working under Mrs. Shuzen. All of them seemed more-
"Confident. Yes. Confidence makes us far more potent and dangerous. You need to abandon any beliefs that you are some damsel in distress."
"But Fujisaki isn't an enemy I can defeat."
"That may be true. We don't need to work on you becoming stronger with the more blatant aspects of our powers. That is simply a matter of your confidence. What I need you to focus on is becoming more aware of your subtle abilities."
Kurumu sighed as she was brought back to this impassable wall.
"I don't know how to be subtle."
Ms. Shao giggled brightly, lightening the mood.
"I suppose that isn't a surprise. Our race is meant to stand out in a crowd."
"What am I supposed to do?"
"First you need to want to do it."
"I don't even know how to do what you want. Sure. I understand that I can sense a guy having sexy fantasies about me. That doesn't mean I actually see them."
"Do you want to see them?"
Kurumu grimaced at the thought.
"No. My body gets riled up just from knowing it is wanted. I don't need to feed it more fuel."
"You are too fixated on doing things in ways that you are familiar with. You want to convince me with charm laden words or touch me to push your awareness against mine. If you approach your enemies in this way, you would have to make them forget the encounter."
"That isn't hard to do."
"It's dangerous, Ms. Kurono. If it doesn't work, you could be killed on the spot. None of the women under Mrs. Shuzen's command would be working there if they were so blatant with their powers."
"I never claimed to be as good as any of them."
"I need you to appreciate the importance of this. I need you to want to do things this way. You are more than adequate in direct confrontation. Memory alteration. Memory suppression. Mass hypnosis. Illusion. Even personality reprogramming. You are quite terrifying."
"Personality reprogramming?"
"What did you think would happen to someone if you flooded them with a bunch of false memories?"
Kurumu blushed at the mild reprimand.
"I wanted the ghoul to be incapable of harming me."
"Yes. A core change in Mr. Aono's personality to establish yourself as a childhood friend."
"I wasn't trying to change his personality."
"I doubt you had a clue what you were doing. But if you did that to an enemy, you could change them."
Kurumu shivered with her first thoughts being of Yoshii Kiria.
"Yes, Ms. Kurono. You could destroy that man's personality. Reshape him into an ally."
"I'd rather see him dead."
"We won't bother working on these things. I need you to become more aware of the presence and strength of your feelings."
"My feelings? What does that have to do with reading a person's mind?"
"Have you heard of the sentiment of wanting your feelings to reach someone? That is not a sentiment. Our kind can literally do that."
"How do I do that?"
"Focus. Awareness. Desire. Determination."
"I can also ramble off a bunch of words. It doesn't mean I can do it."
Ms. Shao laughed pleasantly.
"I'm sorry, Ms. Kurono. I haven't officially trained another girl before. And while I could just let you touch me and figure it out, I insist upon you learning this skill without that crutch. Because you do know how to do it. You simply aren't aware when you are."
Kurumu sighed with a deep breath. She grimaced at the dusty taste of the air.
"Did you intentionally put us in this dark room so I couldn't use my eyes?"
"Yes. You need to use your mind without your senses."
"I hate to break it to you, but I'm pretty sure I'm looking at you."
"Silly girl. I never entered the room."
Kurumu frowned in confusion.
"But you closed the door behind you."
"No. I closed the door and am patiently waiting on the other side."
"But I hear you inside the room."
"Do you really?"
Kurumu shivered at the voice which had come from behind her.
"Our kind would make terrible spies, Ms. Kurono. People always notice us. But a skilled succubus can find out the secrets of someone without ever being in the same room as them. It is all about how aware you are of your own presence and the presence of those around you."
Kurumu swallowed as her mind stumbled to comprehend the words bombarding her from every angle. Her heart cinched up in fear, knowing she could not stand up against such a foe.
"Miryou Suteki. She was never at the diner with Mr. Umizake and his mother. She could have been outside in the parking lot or even in an adjacent building. Somewhere safe to carry out her orders."
"How do we stop her?"
"If you cannot convince her to join you, I don't know if your friends are up to the task. You might be the only person capable of resisting her mental assault."
"But you can knock a succubus out-"
"Impossible. You are connected the moment you feel intent. Create a decoy. Let the assailant believe they killed you. Then counterattack or escape."
The lesson Touhou had encouraged her to work on when fighting the phoenix. While she had yet to put that theory to the test, she was confident it could work. It was such an obvious tactic that it would be foolish to think Miryou was incapable of it.
"If we are so powerful, why doesn't Miryou oppose Fujisaki?"
"You know the answer. He has something she wants."
"What should we do?"
"Once your mind has connected with another, you can sift through their memories. Find out all of their dirty secrets. Make them forget important things. Remember things that didn't happen. It is so easy to slip by someone's defenses when they don't even realize that they are under attack."
Kurumu pouted at the disembodied voice which circled about her.
"How am I supposed to get by your defenses when you know I'm trying to do it?"
"You probably can't. I will be able to tell when your feelings reach me. But I want you to keep trying. It is very hard to keep a solid defense against such an insidious probe even when you know about it."
Kurumu grimaced, looking about in the darkness. She could not feel the presence of Ms. Shao.
"If you were a perverted old man, I could figure this out faster."
The succubus laughed all around her.
"Come now, Ms. Kurono. You can make physical manifestations of your dead mother. That takes a very loose hold on reality to do something so insane."
Kurumu whimpered at the playfulness in her voice over such a serious subject.
"I don't do that on purpose."
"Work on your awareness. Now focus. Listen to your heart. Reach out with your mind."
Kurumu took in a deep breath, closing her eyes. She frowned.
"You left the room so I couldn't use Lilith's Eye."
Ms. Shao giggled, confirming Kurumu's thoughts.
"Well. I couldn't let you cheat."
"How goes the training?"
Kurumu scowled at Yukari as the witch approached the makeshift camp with Ms. Xinyi beside her. Both young women were dressed as they had been at breakfast which had been days ago for Kurumu.
"I don't want to hear that from you."
Yukari giggled, kneeling just out of Kurumu's reach. The witch fluffed her dress about her knees.
"I don't see Ms. Shao with you."
"She abandoned me after lunch."
Yukari frowned, cocking her head as Ms. Xinyi joined her.
"When did you last have lunch?"
"The real world lunch. I'm supposed to figure this out by myself since she has better things to do."
Yukari forced a smile, glancing at Ms. Xinyi. The older girl smiled with a shrug.
"What does she want to figure out?"
"Apparently I have the ability to read minds but I'm too stupid to do it consciously."
Yukari favored her a smug expression.
"Don't be too hard on yourself."
"It isn't funny, Yukari. I finally have a succubus as a trainer and she gives up on me just because I can't learn the way she wants me to."
"How are you supposed to read another person's mind?"
Kurumu sighed, glancing at Ms. Xinyi.
"I'm supposed to feel them with my mind. Then I should be able to read their thoughts."
"And influence them."
Kurumu paused at Yukari's remark.
"Yes. She told me that a succubus can manipulate a person without being in the same room as them."
"That's… unexpected. But it make sense."
Kurumu huffed at Yukari, shaking her head.
"I'm glad it makes sense to you."
"Kurumu. I've told you this before. Your eyes don't send messages. They receive messages. The concept that you can charm someone by looking at them only makes sense in the context that you connect to the other person's mind when you see them."
"No amount of talking is going to help me understand what I'm supposed to be doing."
"You already are doing it. Ms. Shao is encouraging you to use your power without relying on your sight."
"It's not just my sight. She doesn't want me to use my voice or my touch."
"Because you can charm people by just looking at them, Kurumu. You're right. There probably isn't an easy way to explain how to do this. It's a passive skill that you already know how to do. You wanted so much for Tsukune to be your boyfriend."
"I didn't cause that."
"If it wasn't your influence, Ms. Juunan's blood would not have changed anything between you."
Kurumu grimaced, fully aware that her natural charm had manipulated him into loving her more.
"I acted the way any girl would."
"But you're not an ordinary girl, Kurumu. Your wants and desires can become reality."
"But I don't want to hear other people's thoughts. I'll never be so determined and passionate about having something the way I was when I wanted Tsukune to love me."
Yukari pursed her lips, staring beyond Kurumu.
"I don't think you need to be. You might need to be more focused but I doubt that a succubus needs to be passionate to use her powers. It's not like you are passionately charming people with your eyes."
"I suppose that's true. Ms. Shao better come back tomorrow morning. It's not like I was able to cheat."
"Cheat? What do you mean?"
Kurumu sighed, relaxing her shoulders.
"I tried touching her while she slept. But since she's been reading my mind from the start, she knew I was going to try it. She grabbed me and smothered me with an overwhelming sense of relaxation that left me helpless. That's why she left so early. Told me I needed to cool off and practice on my own."
"Have you made any progress?"
Kurumu grimaced, wringing her hands.
"Maybe. I am more aware of the presence of others. But I can't get beyond that. It feels wrong trying to delve into the minds of our friends without their permission."
"Tell them that it's part of your training."
"I know. I know. I probably can't do what she wants while being so reluctant."
"Ask Rubi. She won't refuse."
Kurumu smiled at Yukari. That simple suggestion eased her heart.
"I could try that."
"Where is Ms. Toujou?"
"She is paired with Master Touhou today. He's been having her practice in her divine garment."
"Divine garment? He had hers ready?"
"The outfits came after lunch with our provisions for this round of training. He was disappointed to learn about the two of you skipping out."
Yukari huffed indignantly while Ms. Xinyi giggled.
"I never gave him permission to acquire an outfit for me."
"Yours was kind of cute. It consisted of a white, long sleeved shirt with a black tie, an orange sleeveless vest, and a black mini skirt."
"That sounds almost like a normal outfit."
"It sort of is. The vest has a blue circle with the word nergal written inside it with western letters. The N is red but the rest of the letters are white."
Yukari glanced at Ms. Xinyi whom offered a shrug.
"Shopping was fun. Ms. Xinyi bought me a lovely lavender cheongsam with a cloud pattern."
"You should wear it tomorrow. I bet my cousin would love it."
Yukari blushed slightly, turning her head aside in a huff.
"I didn't get it to impress that dummy."
"Okay, okay. Mr. Aono and the other boys would also approve of the look."
"I don't need their approval either. It's enough for me to like how it looks."
Kurumu smiled softly, sensing they should change topics.
"Did Mizore get a dress for herself?"
"She picked up an odd one."
"What do you mean by odd?"
"It's a simple dress without any pattern but has loose, detached sleeves. I tried to convince her to buy a more traditional one but she preferred that one because it was unique."
"There they are. My beloved Hoshino Ruri and Mizuno Ami. If only you could swap your hairstyles."
Yukari huffed indignantly, glancing over her shoulder. The witch gasped at the elder's approach, though her surprise had nothing to do with his dark blue robe worn over a white one.
"What are you wearing?!"
Rubi laughed sheepishly with a blush. The older witch was garbed in a black outfit which looked more like a bikini swimsuit than anything else. Long high heeled black boots came up to her calves while long gloves did the same for her hands. A leather mesh weave stretched up from the gloves and boots, nearly touching Rubi's elbows and knees.
The oddest part of this outfit was the massive, steel spikes jutting up from black leather shoulder pads. These things rested upon the short sleeves of a black top which wrapped around her collar which might be attached to the tube top holding her bosom in check. A flowing black cape with red velvet interior fell down behind her, brushing the back of her calves.
"Ms. Toujou. What have I told you?"
"I'm sorry, Master Touhou. I didn't know how to answer Yukari."
"That is the wrong laugh for that outfit. You must hold a hand up to your mouth like so."
Kurumu held her hand over her mouth to hide her smile as the elder laughed like a haughty princess. Yukari sprung to her feet, wagging a finger at the old man.
"This is supposed to be training. Not you living out some sick fetish fantasies."
"I can assure you that I am being serious about the training, Ms. Sendou. I have made great progress with Ms. Toujou in these past three days."
"I can teleport with my clothes now!"
Ms. Xinyi snickered, looking away as Yukari struggled to hide her own mirth.
"I guess that is an improvement."
"That's not all. He's helped me master a spell which would eliminate our greatest weakness!"
Yukari frowned, glancing at the elder. Touhou shook his head, holding a hand up.
"This isn't a spell to teach to an eleven year old. Forget it."
"What kind of weakness are you talking about?"
"It takes too much time to cast spells. This technique allows me to fight as fluidly as someone like Mr. Morioka and Mr. Miyamoto."
"You're teaching her the dimensional sword?"
Touhou chuckled at Ms. Xinyi's frown.
"Of course not, child. I can't be handing out my greatest technique to an outsider."
"We are calling it the iron maiden."
"Iron maiden?"
Ms. Xinyi and Yukari exchanged confused looks.
"It is a magically enhanced suit of armor which grants the wearer superhuman abilities. This was the technique I used in fights back when I was young and dumb. I later created the dimensional sword which was much safer to use."
"Safer? What is wrong with this spell?"
"It feeds off the soul of the wearer."
Hearing Rubi's answer, Yukari turned wide eyes upon Touhou.
"Why would you be teaching such a dangerous spell to her?!"
"It wasn't my idea, Ms. Sendou."
"With this spell, I can make use of the karate lesson Ms. Kurono gave us."
"We are witches, Rubi! We fight with our minds! Not our bodies!"
"I requested to learn this."
Touhou huffed at Rubi's earnest response.
"Not entirely true. You asked for me to beat you to a pulp."
Rubi blushed, touching both of her cheeks with those gloved hands.
"Well that would have been okay too."
"That might be your thing, young lady, but not mine at all."
"But I felt it was necessary for me to learn how to keep casting spells regardless of how much physical abuse my body was subjected to."
Kurumu shared the sentiment within the looks that Ms. Xinyi and Yukari favored the flush Rubi.
"How taxing on the spirit is this spell? I might want to learn it."
"I didn't design that technique with a young woman in mind. The pain might be too much."
Ms. Xinyi frowned, glancing at Rubi.
"I would still like to try it. I do have some training in hand to hand combat."
"I suppose I can show you how, but don't have high expectations. If you don't pass out from the pain, you will pass out when the spell drains your reserves. You might not last a minute in this armor."
"Can you die from this spell?"
"No, Ms. Sendou. The spell requires constant concentration. Lose that and the armor vanishes."
"I can keep up the enchantment for almost three minutes now."
Yukari scowled at Rubi's cheerful declaration.
"This is stupid. We have better ways of handling one on one fights."
"Wards are not the answer."
Yukari whirled on Touhou.
"It's better than casting a spell that disables you in seconds. Wards give us time to cast offensive spells."
"Can you hit your target, Ms. Sendou?"
"I haven't had an issue thus far."
"In a one on one fight, you will never hit your target. Why do you think I made these techniques?"
"Because you're a perverted 2D maniac."
"Stubborn girl. I'm the greatest sorcerer to grace this planet. Pit me against an average pureblood and I would have no chance relying on my spells."
"I could beat morons like Miyamoto if they actually fought me seriously."
"Didn't he spend the whole time tossing you in the air and patting your head?"
Yukari blushed, turning her nose away in a huff.
"Because the ward doesn't register those actions as harmful intent! If he would fight me seriously, you would see that I can hold my own."
"The downfall of wards. A calm opponent can bypass your defenses by not betraying harmful intent."
"Those idiots aren't calm! I can beat them."
"What is the kid getting riled up about now?"
Kurumu grinned at the approach of Ginei. He was in the company of Miyamoto, Fang and Master Yao. Fang was looking amazing in that sleeveless, lush green silk shirt with a black mandarin collar. A black design of a coiling dragon was wrapped about his strong torso. Loose black pants had ties cinching the legs about his ankles. The bald master was dressed more conservatively, wearing a white robe with loose, long sleeves and a pair of black pants.
"Yukari is miffed that you boys don't train with her seriously."
"I wouldn't mind getting a second round with the kid."
Yukari gasped, touching her chest protectively.
"Pedophile!"
Ginei snickered, stalking over to Yukari. The witch flinched when he reached out to tousle her locks.
"There you go being too sensitive."
"They are sensitive!"
"Rubbing them encourages growth."
"A complete myth! I've rubbed them plenty."
"It only works when it's done by a guy."
Yukari thrust a finger in his face while keeping the other across her slight bosom.
"See! This is why I can't train with him!"
Kurumu giggled as the others settled down in the camp and started rummaging through the provisions.
"How did your morning session go?"
"I believe the student has finally surpassed the teacher."
Fang laughed, waving a hand dismissively.
"I was just lucky today."
"No, Son. You were already strong before you left for Japan."
"And here you called his work with Master Touhou a waste."
Master Yao huffed at Ms. Xinyi's amusement.
"It is a waste. If your mother is well enough, you should resume training with her. She knows several techniques which my race lack the aptitude to master."
Fang grinned, pulling out a bag of pistachios.
"I will petition for her to join us tomorrow at dinner."
"How many days do you have left in this session?"
Ginei chuckled, continuing to tousle Yukari's locks.
"We still have one more. How about being my partner tomorrow?"
"Drop dead!"
"If Ms. Sendou is willing, I would like to be her partner."
Yukari scowled at Miyamoto.
"You're not much better!"
"If you boys aren't willing to knock Ms. Sendou out, the day would be a complete waste."
Ginei withdrew his hand to stroke his chin.
"Seems kind of wrong to knock up a little girl."
"He said knock out, not knock up!"
"You're little butt wiggle seemed like it was open to the notion."
"My butt wasn't wiggling!"
Ginei sighed heavily, ignoring the blushing witch.
"I can't do it. She was way into it the last time we got paired up. Made me feel like a pedophile."
"Because you are one! You said you'd be better than Miyamoto but then you… you…"
"Left you in a quivering heap?"
"Shut up!"
"I promise to treat you with the utmost respect, Ms. Sendou."
"Fine! But you better be willing to hit me!"
Ginei snickered at Miyamoto's alarmed expression.
"Seems like both of these witches are into masochism."
"I'm not into that!"
"You like your hair being pulled."
Yukari blushed darkly at Kurumu's comment.
"Are you going to hit me or not?"
"I don't know if I could hit an adorable little girl."
"And this is why he can't train with Lady Otonashi either."
Miyamoto grimaced at Ginei's amused remark.
"I know I should help them. But I can't bring myself to do it. I just want to smother them with kindness."
Rubi laughed brightly.
"You have it all wrong, Mr. Miyamoto. Sometimes you must hurt the ones you love to show you care."
Miyamoto frowned, glancing at Ginei.
"Is she being serious?"
"She was raised by a woman plotting to take her body."
Rubi giggled, waving a dismissive hand as she wandered over to her bag of things.
"Lady Oyakata did care for me. Here. I'll let you borrow some of my accessories."
"Accessories?"
Rubi pulled out a whip, a box of matches and two fat candles from her bag.
"You can use these on Yukari to show her how much you care."
Yukari grimaced as Rubi presented the items to a confused Miyamoto.
"Fang. You're training with me tomorrow."
"Um… sure thing, Ms. Sendou."
"Oh dear. I guess I could be your partner then, Mr. Miyamoto."
Miyamoto frowned at Rubi.
"Do I still need these?"
Rubi eyed the items with a starry look.
"Yes, please."
Ginei snickered, strolling over to sit down beside Kurumu.
"Since the witches are claimed, would you care to join me tomorrow?"
Kurumu smirked at him as he draped his arm across her shoulders.
"Will I need to be your mother the whole day?"
"Now that's playing dirty."
"You don't deserve kindness after what you did to Yukari."
"I wasn't meaning any harm by it. Just got a little carried away."
"Clearly turning into a little kid won't deter you."
"She was wearing a tee shirt and jeans. I didn't expect her to be so aroused from getting felt up through casual clothes."
"Ginei. She's wearing a dress right now and you offered to train her."
"Maybe she wants to feel it better."
Kurumu smirked at the grinning werewolf, brushing his arm off her. Yukari was probably right about how molesters thought about their victims.
"Where is Tsukune?"
Fang perked up at Yukari's inquiry.
"He is training with Mr. Huang today. He is proving quite the challenge for Mr. Aono."
"Unlike the rest of us."
Ginei snickered at Miyamoto's deflated tone, nodding enthusiastically.
"Yea. That boy has no clue how to control his strength right now."
"Knocked me clean out the day we were supposed to train together."
"That's your fault for blocking. He hits too hard to block."
Miyamoto scowled at Ginei.
"Yes. I'm glad my misfortune was a useful learning experience for the rest of you."
"His technique is a little sloppy but his power…"
Master Yao nodded solemnly at Fang's sentiment.
"I concur. Like Mr. Morioka, the boy has raw talent to gloss over his weaknesses."
"You're just making up excuses for why you lose, old man."
"Speed isn't everything, Mr. Morioka. You could be so much more with discipline."
"I'm working on it. I hate to admit it but those karate lessons were useful. Tighten up my movements. Sharper. Crisper. I don't think I've ever beaten Haiji as soundly as I did today."
"I hate feeling like the weakest fighter here. I spent most of my childhood with karate."
"Nonsense, Mr. Miyamoto. Try spending decades to the art, only to be passed up by kids whom haven't even seen twenty summers."
"You said something about lacking the aptitude for certain techniques. What kind of monster are you?"
"I am a Satori, Ms. Kurono. Our kind is best known for the ability to predict the future. But I haven't used that skill in over sixty years."
"Because that shortens your life span."
"Correct, Ms. Sendou. So many of my kind ignore that in their youth. Abusing their powers over trivial things. Most end up with shorter lives than humans."
"How old are you? If you don't mind me asking."
Master Yao chuckled at Kurumu's hasty additional comment.
"Ninety three summers, young lady."
"Damn. I knew you were old but not that old."
Touhou huffed at Ginei.
"Bah. He's a youngster compared to me."
"Nobody asked you, Confucius."
Touhou nodded at Ginei, pulling his pipe out of his robe. He placed it in the crook of his mouth.
"Haven't heard that insult before. Not bad."
An explosion rocked the world, startling everyone. Kurumu hopped to her feet.
"Was that Tsukune?"
Touhou shrugged, lighting the end of his pipe.
"Maybe. It could also be Mr. Huang. He has been holding back with you kids."
Feeling her heart twist in concern, Kurumu bolted from the camp in the direction of the park. She heard the others following as she hurried down the curved road. She ignored a road running up this hill shored up with concrete stones on her right, running under a pedestrian bridge with a blue sign which read Island South Peak.
The seconds stretched out as she jogged towards the disturbance. Her heart beat rapidly with concern. She passed by another road taking off to the right with the huge community ambulatory care center on her left. That building was at least four stories of white stone and glass with multiple glass doors facing the street. All of the windows had been broken.
"Was the attack that devastating?!"
Fang laughed nervously as he pulled up alongside her.
"No. I was a little frustrated so Master Yao encouraged me to relieve some of my frustrations."
"You broke every window in the hospital?!"
"It's a mirror world. Master Touhou can fix this whenever he wants."
Yukari huffed and panted as she struggled to keep up with them.
"What do you have to be frustrated about?"
"My loss to Mr. Aono yesterday was so humiliating. I needed to blow off some steam."
Passing by the last multi story building, Kurumu gasped at the sight of the park on their left. It was a smoldering husk without any trees or foliage.
"Is that Mr. Aono?"
Kurumu nodded dumbly at Ms. Xinyi's breathy query. Standing tall in the middle of that devastation was Tsukune. His Yokai academy track suit was torn and blackened but his skin beneath was smooth and unharmed. His back remained to them.
"Tsukune!"
Tsukune turned about at Yukari's cry. His crimson eyes were distant for a moment. Then they gained focus, rapidly returning to their soft brown hue. He chuckled nervously, rubbing the back of his neck. His track suit was completely in tatters with some parts still burning.
"I think I overdid it."
Touhou appeared beside them with a chuckle and a puff of smoke.
"Seems like I might have to start training you personally."
Tsukune brightened up, hurrying away from the destruction to join them.
"Really?! You'll train me how to block the dimensional sword?!"
"Soon, Mr. Aono. Soon."
Touhou puffed on his pipe with a nod as the young man arrived. Kurumu blushed slightly, realizing his pants were damaged to a point that parts of him were practically exposed.
"When your partner regains his senses, I want you to continue training with him. Hopefully he will agree to train you tomorrow as well."
"But I can't be wasting any time."
Touhou snorted, tugging his pipe out to brandish at Tsukune.
"Training with Mr. Huang is not a waste of your time, boy. Besides. I have some ladies whom I must train in their divine garments before I get to work on you."
Yukari huffed indignantly.
"I am not cosplaying for you."
"I'm sure you'll change your mind soon. But first I have a date with a pretty soldier."
Ms. Xinyi giggled with a nod.
"I'll be glad to be your training partner tomorrow, Master Touhou."
"Excellent. Someone go get Mr. Huang. It's time to break for our humble rations."
Kurumu smirked, hoping the rest of her training session would not be as troublesome to her heart.