The meeting place for the student council was a two story, white panel building which stood in a clearing along this jogging trail that ran from the second years' dormitories to the school's main parking lot. That old building may have been a dormitory long ago. It had four bedrooms on each floor of the two wings flanking the common living area.
Carrying her budget request form, Kurumu strolled along this level trail with Moka at her side. Kurumu was sporting her white blouse with the ruffled collar that hung over the short sleeves. She had fixed the black ribbon into a bow at the base of the collar. Black buttons trailed down the curve of her bosom, holding the blouse together.
A white belt lined with fake gemstones was fished through the loops of her black and pink checkered shorts. A slim silver buckle in the shape of a heart was fastened in the center. Black fishnet stockings stretched up from her white platform sneakers, disappearing beneath the bottom hem of her shorts.
Moka sighed when they finally could see their destination through the thinning woods up ahead on the right. The silver haired vampire was wearing a school blouse and skirt but had foregone the jacket and ribbon. Her collar was left open, revealing the black choker about her throat.
"What are you worrying about now?"
Moka made a dismissive sound as the trail became free of the forest. Up the trail on the left was a short, paved flight of steps leading up to another short flight before that narrow path cut through the woods towards the school's main gate.
On the right was the student council building. A single story gazebo was wrapped around the nearest corner with a double door which appeared to be the only entrance to the structure. Windows flanked with green shutters marked each of the tiny bedrooms of the wing facing the trail.
"Morning my dearest friends."
Kurumu snickered at the greeting. Morioka Ginei stood a short distance from the double door with his arms about the waist of Hajihachi Mika. The grinning werewolf had his dark bangs pushed back with a dark red bandana and had left his jacket open with the top buttons of his shirt undone. He was likely wearing his silver wolf head pendant though it was not visible while holding his girlfriend against him.
Hajihachi was about six centimeters shorter than the werewolf. Her smoky black, wavy tresses were held up in twin tails with dark red ribbons. The okami had naturally tanned skin and hailed from Morihochou. While she had helped write some articles for the newspaper club after she had officially started dating Ginei back in September, she remained in the fashion club which she would be taking over next year.
"Morning, Ginei. Didn't expect to see you here."
"I must fulfill my duties as the newspaper club president."
Kurumu smirked, closing in on the couple. She nodded at the other second years lingering nearby.
"Did none of you turn your budget requests in early?"
Sangi Mitsuki chuckled, holding up a folded sheet of paper. The short haired brunette with topaz eyes was a little taller than Hajihachi.
"With this scramble over the yearbook, it completely slipped my mind."
"Indeed. We have been rigorously training in the dojo every single day these last two weeks."
Miyamoto Haiji stood proudly next to the double door, wearing a proper school uniform for a change. His ashen gray hair was a wild mess, defying the stoic look in his sky blue eyes. His arms were crossed about his stocky torso with a slip of paper clutched in one hand. The tengu from Koutoukumo of the Aga region had been involved in the fight in Tokyo alongside Ginei.
"Your excuse has nothing to do with mine."
Kurumu snickered at Sangi's remark, coming to a stop by the couple.
"It's unusual to not see you wearing your karate gi."
"It is an official school gathering, Ms. Kurono."
"Speaking of that, aren't you dressed a little too casual for this?"
Kurumu smirked at Ginei's fanged grin. His left eye had the smoky gray iris that he had been born with. His right eye with the green iris was fake as he had lost it in the Okinawa incident.
"I don't have a surplus of school uniforms to be wasting on a meeting that won't last an hour."
"Is there a reason why you aren't inside?"
Ginei chuckled at Moka's inquiry, giving Hajihachi a squeeze.
"I can't be molesting my girlfriend in front of others."
Hajihachi pouted with amethyst eyes, patting his hands about his waist.
"You don't seem to mind making Mitsuki uncomfortable."
"Oh, don't mind me. Continue flaunting your lovey dovey relationship."
"Jealous?"
Sangi snorted a laugh at his grin.
"Of you? Never."
"We should go inside."
Kurumu nodded at Moka's suggestion, following the vampire to the door.
"Fair warning. There are about twenty or so students already in there."
Sangi nodded at Ginei's remark, drawing back her left sleeve to reveal a black watch.
"Yea. We figured we wouldn't go in until it officially started. Still have a few minutes."
Kurumu paused as Miyamoto drew open the door for them. While Moka headed inside, Kurumu noted two second years emerging from the woods on the jogging trail. The girl with the waist length, chestnut tresses was one of the Kitamura sisters in the calligraphy club. She was notoriously shy.
The other beauty with the wavy, scarlet hair threatening to touch the ground was Zoushiki Koufuku. The salamander was taking over the sewing club. Both were in Kurumu's home economics class and both came from Nenshouchi, a small village on the border between the Niigata and Fukushima prefectures.
"Kurumu?"
Kurumu entered under Moka's prompting. There was a shoe shelf built against the far wall near an opening for the corridor leading to the central chamber. Kurumu paused to wiggle out of her platform sneakers which lacked laces or straps. These stockings were firm enough along the feet to not require socks, having a thin layer beneath the black strings coursing up her legs.
Prancing over to Moka's side, she stepped up onto the tatami flooring which lined the narrow corridor. It was short walk, passing by an intersection with another narrow corridor running down the center of the wing with doors to each of the tiny bedrooms. A little further down this first corridor brought them into the main central chamber where the meetings were held.
Every chair surrounding the table in the center of the domed chamber had been taken. Mikomi was seated at the head of the table with her back to a chalkboard which stood in front of a door that opened into this facility's kitchen. The dark haired, traditional beauty was fidgeting with a little gavel.
The curved, white topped table was open in the center, creating a large, vacant space. This forced many to linger in the corners of the room or behind those whom had been fortunate to claim one of the white wood chairs. Grabbing Moka by the hand, Kurumu steered the vampire towards the head of the table.
To the right of Mikomi was the golden haired Amatsu. On Mikomi's left was Nijiro. She could feel his attention mixed in with those of the other young men in the room. Since he had actual experience with her body, his desire had a distinct taste to it that made her feel slightly flush.
To Nijiro's left was Ishikure Yama, the student council treasurer. He had short, silver locks and a slim pair of green glasses with rectangular lenses. He was a gnome from Touboe in the Murakami region but had not joined the auto club like his younger sister. He was in the computer club instead.
Kurumu had no idea whom the whitish haired guy to the left of Ishikure was, suspecting he had not been present at Mikomi's first student council meeting. But the next guy she had seen. She could not recall the name of this portly guy with greenish black hair, but he was the diving club's new president. The last guy on that side of the table was another kappa whom was taking over the fishing club.
As they made their way around the table behind the chairs, Kurumu noticed that Herikuda Yoko had claimed the chair across from Mikomi. The popular third year from Hisomuri had attended the same junior high as Juri. She had curly, sable locks with crimson highlights and sparkling, ruby eyes. She was the former president of the fashion club so her presence here was unexpected.
Sitting on Herikuda's left was Yasumono Kichou. The second year was among the few girls shorter than Kurumu. Like most gnomes, Yasumono required glasses. Her tiny oval lenses were held in a thin, silver wire frame resting on her tiny nose. Her silky, raven tresses were twirled up in a bun with silver needles holding them in place. She would be the next president of the kimono club and came from Chirasu.
Kurumu could not recall the names of the two guys sitting to the right of Amatsu. The guy with the spiky mohawk was from the bowling club. The other guy also had dark hair but his was carefully groomed and trimmed short. He was from the manga club and was in Tsukune's art class.
The last person at the table between the manga club guy and Yasumono was the soft spoken Koe Mari. Kurumu had officially met Koe at Mikomi's first student council meeting but had seen the brunette in their shared gym period. Koe was the new president for the English club and had attended the junior high in Chirasu despite living in the human city of Gosen.
A majority of the people standing about the room were guys. The only obvious group of girls was the trio of dance club seniors led by Akiramochi Ichika. Akiramochi was a gorgeous sylph from Koutoukumo with flowing, sky blue curls wafting down to her hips. The two girls with her were from Kabashita. One had jet black, braided twin tails while the other had bright yellow hair styled in a blend of a pixie and bob cut.
"You are not appropriately dressed for this meeting."
Kurumu smirked at Nijiro's remark as they arrived at his side. She let go of Moka's hand to lean in and give the seated young man a polite hug.
"If I came dressed for school, then we both would have reasons to take off our clothes."
He smirked at her hushed comment as she withdrew. She was unafraid of her charm as she looked into his periwinkle eyes, caressing his cheek for a moment before stepping back.
"Any particular reason why Ms. Akashiya is with you?"
Moka laughed politely, placing a hand on Kurumu's shoulder.
"I'm here to keep this girl behaved while in your room."
"Oh? But our double date with Ms. Shirayuki and Mr. Umizake doesn't begin until after lunch."
"She wants to spend the morning with you."
"I can't pretend that there is much to do in my room."
"Then we can hang out in mine. I do live close to Mizore."
"And she may even go bowling with us tonight."
"I'm not doing that."
Kurumu pouted at Moka, cocking her head.
"If you're that scared of Tsukune, you could bring Yukari as your date."
Moka laughed, withdrawing her hand.
"I suppose that's true. We can ask what she thinks about that."
"Good. It's not like you were having your club meeting until after dinner."
Mikomi pounded the gavel, demanding attention. The student council president smiled at them, making a shooing gesture.
"I know that we are a couple of minutes early, but we can start as soon as Ms. Kurono stops flirting with my vice president."
A few students chuckled as Kurumu blushed, moving away from the table with Moka.
"I would like to thank everyone for coming. Before we start collecting budget request forms, is anyone here for the graduation committee?"
"That would be me."
Akiramochi stepped over to the table between Herikuda and the stout fishing club guy.
"Are you here with questions or hopefully to volunteer?"
The girls behind Akiramochi giggled as the sylph smirked.
"Probably both. What would I have to do?"
"You would first have to put together a committee. Do you have anyone you prefer working with?"
"The members of my club would be willing to help even if they aren't on the committee."
"That is a good start. It would be beneficial if you had one of the former student council members on your committee. They might have some knowledge on the proceedings of the last graduation ceremony."
"I could ask Ms. Komeichi if she'd want to help Ms. Akiramochi out."
Mikomi smiled at Herikuda's input.
"Thank you, Ms. Herikuda. Do you also plan to help out with this?"
"I can if Ms. Akiramochi doesn't mind."
"I'm not going to turn away help."
"Well if you aren't picky about whom helps you, perhaps we could have a chat with Mr. Machida. See what he had in mind for the graduation ceremony when he brought it up during the election."
Akiramochi grimaced at Herikuda's suggestion.
"I suppose we could do that."
"Do the two of you think that you could put together a list of committee members by the time of this meeting next week?"
Akiramochi had a look of uncertainty while Herikuda shrugged nonchalantly.
"I can ask some former club presidents to see whom all would like to get involved. I can also find out what sort of ideas they have in mind for a graduation ceremony."
Akiramochi laughed nervously.
"Well thanks for helping me out. I wasn't quite sure what I should be doing."
The twin tailed girl snickered, glancing at her blond companion.
"Yoko has always had a take charge attitude."
"Yea. She was much worse in junior high."
Herikuda huffed at the pair, flicking her curly hair off her shoulder.
"We only graduate once and I would like some control over the process. If Ms. Akiramochi does put you on the committee, you better not be slacking off."
The two girls giggled, waving dismissive hands at Herikuda as they started off.
"Sure thing, Ms. Herikuda."
"You can swing by our suite later today after noon. We can chat about your vision for our graduation."
"I'll see if I can bring Ms. Komeichi with me."
Akiramochi nodded at Herikuda's remark before following her two companions out of the room just as Ginei entered with Hajihachi and his friends.
"With that out of the way, I believe we can begin with collecting the budget request forms. Ms. Amatsu."
Amatsu nodded, flipping open a huge binder filled with folders for each club at Yokai Academy. It had been arranged in the order of the advisor's hire date by a former student council secretary. This must have been done in 2000 because the cheerleading club was placed at Ms. Uchikawa's hire date in 99. Prior to 2000, the club had been advised by Ms. Tachibana, a history teacher whom had been around when Kurumu's mother had attended Yokai Academy.
"We did have several club presidents turn these in so I'll try to make this as brief as possible. First on the list is Mr. Maruyama's skiing club. Is Mr. Fuyunaga here?"
A young man with feathered, mahogany locks wandered out from the shadows of the room with a sheet of paper in hand. Kurumu had met the tengu from Koutoukumo, lacking any real opinion of the guy. He wordlessly handed over the sheet which Amatsu perused for a moment.
"No funding?"
"Yea. Can I leave?"
Amatsu giggled, tucking the form into the folder.
"You may, Mr. Fuyunaga. The same goes for everybody else once I have your form."
"If anyone does have other business here, please wait until the end. We don't want to keep others tied up in matters not involving them."
As Mikomi finished her statement, Amatsu turned the folders over, skipping one.
"I have the astronomy club's form. Next is Mr. Gyousan's diving club."
The stocky kappa scooted his chair back, standing up. He waddled around the table between Kurumu and her boyfriend. He presented his form to Amatsu whom promptly took it.
"Thank you, Mr. Shimanuma."
The guy grunted as Amatsu looked it over.
"No funding?"
The guy grunted again, starting off for the door. Amatsu giggled, stuffing the form into the folder. She turned over to the next folder, making a gesture at the door.
"Mrs. Itou's sewing club is next. I saw Ms. Zoushiki over there."
"Coming!"
The salamander pranced over to the blond, holding out her form.
"Sorry about the delay. I had to discuss this with my club."
Amatsu took the form, nodding thoughtfully as she looked it over.
"You're requesting funds."
"It can't hurt to ask. We can't always be mooching off Ms. Hitori's stock."
Amatsu nodded again, slipping the form into the folder.
"We will see what we can authorize."
"Many thanks."
Zoushiki grinned, prancing back to where Kitamura stood.
"I have the form for the paranormal club. Next is Mr. Nakanishi's Leisure club."
"It's the Daifuugo club."
Kurumu snickered at the correction from a guy with tawny locks. As he was a tengu from Hateshinai, his short hair was naturally feathered. He made his way over to the head of the table, surrendering his form.
"Thank you, Mr. Kuchikaze. I need to mark that out from the folder and put the new name."
"No funds so I'm taking off now."
Amatsu made a sound of acknowledgment as the young man stalked off. The blond carefully turned the next folder over, grinning as she opened it up.
"The wrestling club."
"Guess I won't be here forever this time."
A wiry young man with short, cinnamon curls and hazel eyes moved swiftly over to Amatsu's side. Ms. Houkai had become the club's advisor in 2004 but there had been no folder for his club at the end of the binder. Turned out that Amatsu had skipped his club's folder by mistake at their last meeting. His folder was near the start since Mr. Mitani had been the advisor when this binder had been arranged.
"Thank you, Mr. Ishizuka. Any funding?"
"No. We're good. Have a lovely weekend."
Amatsu stuffed his form into his folder, turning to the next one as the young man walked away.
"Mr. Kikuchi's ping pong club."
A young man with fawn, feathered locks drifted around the table with a form in his hand. He was a tengu from Hateshinai and had a younger sister whom was friends with Hotaru. He gave the form to Amatsu whom looked it over with a slight frown.
"That's a rather large budget request, Mr. Suzuki."
The young man laughed nervously, rubbing the back of his neck.
"We were thinking about doing some travel to other high schools. Find out if they have ping pong clubs that we could compete against."
"You could check with the administration of other schools."
"I suppose that we could. Would they share that information with students from other schools?"
"You should talk with Mr. Kikuchi about this. We will keep this request but we can't be funding a bunch of weekend stays at other schools."
"I understand. It's just that we want to do more. It feels like we should do more. You know?"
"I completely understand. I encourage you to talk more with your advisor. He can contact other schools for you. That would be much safer and cheaper."
"Yes. Thank you."
He nodded and Amatsu nodded back. He walked off as Amatsu wiggled his form into the folder. Once her task was finished, she flipped it over to the next folder which was thick.
"Mr. Enjin's auto club."
Jishin Iwao stepped away from the corner. The tall gnome with the blond crew cut had his eyes hidden behind tinted glasses with a golden frame in the shape of a scuba mask. He held his form out to Amatsu as Kurumu regarded the two girls he had been standing with.
The girl with the twin tailed caramel hair was Kiyohara from class seven. She was going to be the new president for the travel club that her third year brother had started up for her.
The other girl with the short, ebony locks cut in a boyish manner was Doronuma Kiriko. She was in class nine with Kokoa and Nagisa, her childhood friend. She had also become the singer of the music club. But Doronuma had no reason to be here. The next music club president was the guitarist, Kaiketsu Inochi.
"You have funds for a trip here."
"Yes. While our third years can't go to the event in March, the rest of our club might be able to go to another one later on in the year."
"Do you know when this trip will be?"
"Not yet. We hope that information will be available over spring break."
Amatsu nodded, stuffing the form into the thick folder.
"Get back with us when you have more information. We will try to authorize some funds for this."
"Thank you, Ms. Amatsu."
Kurumu smiled as the gnome retreated. It was a little sad that the third years could not go to that formula one race like they had hoped since the event fell on the same weekend as their graduation.
"Mr. Fujita's badminton club."
There was a pause but nobody moved in response.
"Is Mr. Kiba here?"
Ginei snickered at Amatsu's inquiry.
"I'll chase that dog down. Move on to the next club."
"Thank you, Mr. Morioka. Hopefully we don't have too many no shows."
Amatsu pushed aside the thick folder that came next. She nodded again, turning the following one over.
"I have the forms for the band and archery clubs. Next up is Mr. Tenkawa's billiards club."
A young man with short, wavy, silvery hair slithered around the table to Amatsu's position. His forked black tongue snaked out as he handed over his sheet. Amatsu smiled, taking it with a nod.
"Thank you, Mr. Zensou."
"No funding required."
Amatsu giggled, looking over the form.
"I can see that. Thank you again."
As the young man took off, Amatsu placed his form in his folder. She turned it over, taking note of the next folder. She turned that folder and chuckled, turning the next one over.
"I have the forms for the arcade and chess clubs."
She paused, noting the next folder with a grin. She turned the folder over.
"Also have the form for the dance club. Next up is Mr. Agano's music club."
Kurumu was mildly surprised when Doronuma stalked over to Amatsu. The blond looked up with a frown as the first year handed over a form.
"What happened to Mr. Kaiketsu?"
"No idea. Haven't seen him since I came back to school. It's just been me, Mr. Murata and Mr. Namida."
Amatsu took the form from Doronuma, glancing it over. She sighed, looking up at the first year.
"Normally we don't accept forms that aren't signed by their club leaders."
"Hopefully that won't be an issue."
Attention shifted to a young man, wagging a sheet of paper. The young man with glossy black hair was Unsei Keiji. The tanuki was the son of a second year English teacher and was the representative for class seven. He was also a member of the outdoors club which had a reluctant president. It would not surprise Kurumu if Udetama had not signed his budget request form.
"We can talk about that later, Mr. Unsei. But we do need either the club president or the club advisor to sign off on these forms before we can authorize any funding."
Doronuma grimaced when Amatsu handed the form back to her.
"But we want to put on a concert soon."
"If you just require the stage, you simply need to ask. We could mention your concert in the morning announcements if you these funds were for advertising."
Doronuma nodded at Mikomi's remarks, holding the form to the swell of her blouse.
"That would help. Do you know if we can use the stage?"
"That depends on when you plan to use it. Ms. Hitori keeps track of the stage schedule."
"How are you going to put on a concert without your lead guitarist?"
Doronuma flinched at Amatsu's inquiry.
"We can work something out. Three person bands aren't that uncommon."
"Why do you want to put on this concert?"
"It's a tribute. It has to be done soon."
Amatsu sighed, glancing away from the girl.
"It's for Nebari."
Doronuma nodded solemnly.
"Do you know anybody that can play drums? I'm horrible at it and Mr. Namida is somehow worse."
Amatsu laughed brightly, shaking her head.
"I can't pretend like I do. You could talk with Mr. Tagami. As long as your material isn't too difficult, maybe one of the guys from band can help you out."
"Thank you, Ms. Amatsu. Thank you."
Amatsu managed a smile as Doronuma retreated back to the corner with Kiyohara. The blond took in a deep breath, turning the folder over to the next one.
"Next up is Ms. Sano's manga club."
The young man between the mohawk guy and Koe scooted back his chair. Snatching up his sheet, he trotted over to Amatsu. The blond grinned, taking the form from him.
"Thank you, Mr. Tokage."
"That should cover the comic we want to release before the summer."
Amatsu laughed, looking over the sheet.
"I think this is a bit too much."
"We plan to surrender all profits to the student council. It's only a loss if we don't break even."
"If you can promise us that you'll at least break even, we can authorize the funds."
Tokage grinned at Ishikure, nodding.
"We know that we can. We hear nothing but positive feedback about the simple comic that is running in the school paper. We could easily double what we are asking for."
Ishikure waved a dismissive hand.
"Just promise to break even. I'll want to see how you plan to do that."
"Of course, Mr. Ishikure."
"Do we need anything else from Mr. Tokage?"
Amatsu shook her head at Mikomi's query, stuffing the form into the folder.
"No. I think Mr. Ishikure will handle things from here. He may go."
"Thank you all."
Tokage stiffly turned about on his heel, striding purposefully out of the room.
"Next on the list is Mr. Miyanohara's chemistry club."
The whitish haired guy next to Ishikure scooted his chair back, standing up. The guy silently grabbed his paper, walking around the table to Amatsu's chair.
"Glad to see that you joined us this time, Mr. Jouromura."
"Sorry, Ms. Amatsu. I kept my schedule clear this time."
The blond nodded, looking over the sheet.
"You are requesting funds to replenish your stock."
"Yes. Like Ms. Zoushiki, we can only borrow so much from the school. I had Mr. Miyanohara assist me in estimating the cost."
"I see you even had him sign this. We will see what we can do."
"Thank you, Ms. Amatsu."
After a curt bow, the soft spoken guy wandered off while Amatsu started flipping through folders. The blond let out a deep breath as the young man disappeared down the hallway.
"I have forms already for gymnastics and the PSC."
Amatsu chuckled as she turned more folders in the binder.
"I also have forms for baseball, basketball, softball and volleyball."
Amatsu had mentioned this during their last choir practice. The team captains just copied their budget requests from prior years, only adjusting the numbers if they went over budget.
"Of course I have the form for the choir."
Amatsu paused, flipping over another folder.
"And I have the form for the poetry club. Next would be Ms. Neko- Mrs. Takizawa's newspaper club."
Ginei chuckled, jogging to the front of the room while wagging a paper.
"Requesting funds this time. Can't be asking the businesses of Mononoke to keep supporting a school paper when they rarely see the paper themselves."
Kurumu snickered, aware that a whole page of the school paper was devoted to ads for local businesses.
"This seems like a hefty number."
"Hey now. I print out close to a thousand papers at least once a month. It isn't cheap."
"Perhaps you should consider charging a small fee for the school paper."
Ginei frowned at Ishikure's suggestion.
"The school paper should be free."
"It isn't free if you are asking us for money."
Ginei snapped his finger, nodding at Ishikure's quick retort.
"Fair point. But I don't want to be in a position of having to sell papers to cover costs."
"We should talk, Mr. Morioka. Determine what exactly your expenses are and how much you should be getting for those advertisements."
"I suppose we could. You treating me to dinner?"
"Sure. I'll meet you in the dining hall tonight."
Amatsu giggled at Ishikure's calm response, turning a folder.
"Good day to you, Mr. Morioka. We need to keep moving this along."
Ginei chuckled, stalking back to Hajihachi's side.
"Next is the bowling club."
Kurumu smirked as the guy with the mohawk simply pushed his sheet over to Amatsu without getting up. The reason why Amatsu had not said a teacher's name was because the bowling club had been under Mr. Hino back in 2000 but was now under Mr. Wada.
"You aren't requesting any funds?"
"That is correct."
Amatsu frowned as the young man stood up.
"But I thought that your club was hoping to become competitive this year."
"We shall see how club recruitment week goes. We have to fill out another one of those forms in May so we can always change our mind about the funding."
"Very true, Mr. Shunsen. Thank you and have a nice day."
As he walked off, Amatsu stuffed his form in the folder. She flipped through the next folders.
"I have the forms for the math and rugby clubs. The next form I'm lacking is for the calligraphy club."
Ms. Atsumoto had been the advisor for the math club at the time this binder had been made. She had taken over the calligraphy club when her high school friend, Ms. Kumotani, retired in 2003 after getting married. She had given the math club to Mr. Hino shortly after Mr. Wada begged to take over Mr. Hino's bowling club since Mr. Wada had been a bowling club president.
"Thank you, Ms. Kitamura. No funds?"
Kitamura shook her head, remaining silent.
"Thank you and have a lovely weekend."
Kitamura nodded, silently retreating to Zoushiki's side as Amatsu put the form away. The salamander draped an arm over Kitamura's shoulders, steering the girl out of the room.
"Next up is Mr. Daijou's cycling club."
Kurumu's heart fluttered as the fluffy haired Horiguchi moved purposefully around the table to Amatsu's location. Her turn would come up soon. She held her form against her bosom as the guy with sienna curls surrendered his sheet to the secretary.
"Thank you, Mr. Horiguchi."
Amatsu frowned, looking over the form.
"You are requesting funds?"
"We want to purchase three bikes. It will be easier to recruit new members that don't have their own."
"This is an unusual request."
"Not really. We're not giving these bikes away. We're just lending them out for use. They would remain the property of the club."
Amatsu sighed heavily, shaking her head as she tucked the form into the folder.
"This needs to be discussed with your advisor. We can't just buy equipment for clubs."
"Why not? You don't make baseball players buy their own helmets and balls. Nobody would ever agree to be a catcher if they had to buy all of their own gear."
Nijiro surprised Kurumu with a sudden laugh.
"Somewhat true. But you would have to make your recruits pay for anything that they break. We can't just give you these bikes without that condition in place."
"Fully understand that."
Amatsu sighed again, turning the folder over.
"That is all, Mr. Horiguchi."
"Thank you, Ms. Amatsu. Thank you."
Horiguchi nodded again before stalking off. Amatsu shook her head, turning the folder over.
"Ms. Iwasaki's kimono club."
Yasumono slipped off the side of her chair, padding softly over to Amatsu. The girl smiled, handing over the form which Amatsu promptly looked over.
"No fund request, Ms. Yasumono?"
"Not at this time."
Amatsu thanked the gnome, prompting Yasumono to retreat. The girl stopped at the back of Koe's chair, clearly waiting for Koe's turn as Amatsu flipped over to the next folder.
"Next is Ms. Okumura's outdoors club."
"I'll warn you that I don't have her signature or one from Ms. Udetama."
Amatsu and Mikomi giggled at Unsei's declaration.
"Then you will have to get one of those signatures before you turn that in."
"Understood. When do I need that by?"
"That depends on if and when you need funds. I would like it before our next meeting."
Unsei chuckled at Mikomi's response.
"I do have a fund request but it would be for a summer camping trip."
"Get it signed by your advisor."
A thought popped into Kurumu's head.
"Hey, Unsei! Could I chat with you for a moment?"
"Uh… sure. What about?"
Kurumu smiled, starting in his direction when Amatsu flipped to the next folder.
"Hold up, Ms. Kurono. It's your broadcasting club next."
Kurumu blushed, immediately turning about. She pranced over to Amatsu with an embarrassed giggle.
"Sorry. Forgot my club was right after his."
Amatsu smirked, taking the sheet from Kurumu.
"I told you to give me this days ago."
"I know, I know. No funds."
Amatsu let out an exaggerated sigh, stuffing the form into the folder.
"Run along and enjoy your gossip. But keep it down."
Kurumu grinned, turning about with every intention to do that. She pranced over to Unsei whom was regarding her with a curious expression.
"I have the form for the karaoke club. Next up is Mr. Ochi's judo club."
"Can you do me a favor?"
Unsei laughed softly as Sakakihara Inoji sauntered over to Amatsu. Sakakihara was dating Tachioujou Maya of the track team whom he had grown up with in the Sekikawa region. His short, copper locks were in their usual mess.
"Depends on the favor."
She touched his arm, moving her lips but speaking with her thoughts so that others would not hear.
'Could you convince Tsukune to come to the home economics event after lunch?'
"Thank you, Mr. Sakakihara."
"Isn't that just for girls?"
She smiled at his audible response. He had no idea that she was speaking directly to his mind.
'Several boyfriends are going to be there. Moka would appreciate his presence.'
"Same request as last year?"
"I'll tell him to show up."
Kurumu murmured her thanks, withdrawing her hand as Sakakihara left Amatsu's side. She sauntered back to Moka as the blond put away the judo club's form. Amatsu flipped through the next folders.
"I have forms for the kendo and tennis clubs. Next one that I'm missing is Mr. Miwa's karate club."
Miyamoto stoically approached Amatsu, presenting his form once he arrived. The blond nodded, taking the form and looking it over.
"Is this the same budget from last year, Mr. Miyamoto?"
"It is, Ms. Amatsu."
Amatsu nodded, putting his form away.
"Thank you, Mr. Miyamoto."
He retreated in the same stoic manner. While Amatsu flipped to the next folder, Kurumu nudged Moka.
"Hey. Make chocolates with us this afternoon."
"I have the form for the fencing club. Next up is the swimming club."
Moka frowned at her.
"Why should I do that?"
"Because Mizore wanted to make Umizake chocolates before we went on our double date."
"Is Ms. Gouhara not here?"
Ginei chuckled in the moment of silence.
"I can chase that girl down for you."
"Thanks again, Mr. Morioka."
Moka sighed as the blond turned the folder over to the next one.
"Don't forget that Yukari and I have to be back before dinner for the newspaper club meeting."
"I have the form for the Ikebana club. Next one that I'm missing is Ms. Yumeito's acupuncture club."
Kurumu smiled softly as the dark haired Shirabe wandered over to present his form to Amatsu.
"I know. I was going to talk Mizore out of doing this but it would be easier than having you and Yukari go to Mononoke with us on a triple date. Yukari won't mind flaunting her superior culinary skills."
Moka sighed heavily as Amatsu confirmed that the acupuncture club had requested no funds.
"That is better if Yukari agrees to it."
"Thank you, Mr. Shirabe."
Kurumu grinned as the dark haired guy walked off. She was certain that Yukari would be up for this as Amatsu put away his form. The blond flipped over to the next folder.
"Next up is Ms. Nakamura's fishing club."
The other kappa seated at the table scooted his chair back before getting up. He shuffled around the table at a slow, deliberate pace, taking several seconds to get around to Amatsu. The blond managed a smile as she took his form, quickly looking it over.
"Thank you, Mr. Nurekawa. This fund request is for a summer fishing trip, correct?"
"Yes. The one we do every year."
Amatsu nodded, slipping the form into the folder.
"We will do what we can."
Nurekawa waddled away as Amatsu turned to the next folder.
"Next we have Ms. Kuwabara's English club."
Koe hopped out of her seat, heading over to Amatsu with a nervous smile. Amatsu took Koe's form with a murmur of thanks. The secretary looked it over.
"No fund request, Ms. Koe?"
Koe sounded an affirmative, prompting Amatsu to nod. The blond put the form away with a dismissive comment. Koe took that as her cue to head back to her chair. Sharing a smile with Yasumono, the pair walked out of the room while Amatsu turned folders in the binder.
"I have the forms for the sadou and cheerleader clubs. I also have forms for the track and soccer teams."
Amatsu turned over the next folder which was nearing the end of the binder.
"Next club is Ms. Bakudai's literature club."
A young man with his dark locks styled in a crew cut made his way around the table. He was among the few students remaining in this room. There was Ginei's group of friends whom were hanging out behind Herikuda. Doronuma was still waiting in the corner with Kiyohara. Unsei was sticking around for some reason. And there were two other young men keeping to themselves in the shadows.
"Thank you, Mr. Nukushime. No funds requested?"
"That is correct."
Amatsu nodded, tucking his form into the folder.
"Thank you again."
Nukushime nodded, stalking off as she turned to the next folder.
"Next up is Mr. Umatobi's film club."
Sangi chirped out her presence, prancing over to the blond. She wagged her form at Amatsu, causing the girl to smirk as she took it. The blond shook her head, looking the form over.
"No funds at this time, Ms. Sangi?"
"Not yet. We might request some after club recruitment week if we can have another outing. We won't always get a lucky break with free lodging."
Amatsu nodded, putting away the form. She turned the folder over.
"Okay then. Moving on to the next club. Ms. Hitori's drama club."
Sangi chuckled, walking back to Ginei's group as the shortest of the remaining guys made his way to the head of the table. The scrawny guy had dingy gray bangs masking his eyes and hiding his ears. He arrived with an air of uncertainty, timidly offering his form to the blond.
"Thank you, Mr. Shikusa."
The secretary glanced over the sheet, frowning.
"This request is quite steep."
"Assuming that Ms. Shirayuki is in condition to do so, we would like to put on a play before the summer."
As one of the few female members of the drama club, Mizore was the leading actress of this play. The club wanted to do sleeping beauty, having Umizake cast in the role of the prince by Mizore's request.
"I understand but a play isn't much different from the concert Ms. Doronuma requested. You reserve the stage and we can have it mentioned in the morning announcements."
"Yes, but we may need materials for props and costumes."
"That shouldn't require the amount you are requesting."
"Have you consulted with Ms. Hitori about how much you would need?"
Shikusa shook his head at Mikomi's question.
"As it sounds like you don't need this immediately, you should have that chat."
"You could also consider charging an entrance fee."
Shikusa gasped at Ishikure's suggestion.
"But it's a school function."
"I'm not saying that you need to make a profit. But if you need the funding, it would be easier for us to authorize that funding if we knew that you would at least break even."
"I see. I should discuss this with my club."
"And with your advisor, Mr. Shikusa."
"Of course, Ms. Sawayaka. Thank you all for your time."
He bowed slightly as Amatsu put his form away in the folder. She turned over to the next one as the young man scurried off.
"The next club is Ms. Zaiten's origami club."
While Ms. Zaiten had been a teacher back when Kurumu's mother had been a student, the origami club was newer than this binder. The other lone guy stalked towards the head of the table. This slender guy had his ebony hair pulled back in a top knot. A few of his bangs escaped the binding, thrust out from his head like daggers. He promptly handed over his sheet to the blond.
"Thank you, Mr. Suda."
"No need for funds."
Amatsu giggled as he started walking away. She nodded, putting the form into the folder.
"Ms. Kurihara's fashion club is next."
Hajihachi laughed, sauntering over to Amatsu's location as Suda made his exit.
"Sorry about not turning this in earlier. Ginei had me caught up in other things."
Amatsu drawled out her disbelief, taking the form. She looked it over with a shake of her head.
"No fund requests, Ms. Hajihachi?"
"We won't need any before club recruitment week."
"I hope that you didn't have your senior stick around for this."
Herikuda laughed brightly, hoisting up a bag that had been beside her chair.
"I actually have something else to discuss when we are finished with your list."
"Mhm. And I am sticking around to see what she's up to."
Amatsu giggled at Hajihachi's announcement. She shook her head again as the okami stalked away. She turned over the next two folders before coming to the last one in the binder.
"I have forms for the computer and greetings clubs. That just leaves Mr. Shini's travel club."
This was the same situation as the origami club, since Mr. Shini had also been a teacher when Kurumu's mother had been a student. Kiyohara skipped over to Amatsu's side, presenting her form to the blond. Amatsu took a cursory glance at the sheet.
"No fund request, Ms. Kiyohara?"
"Nope. We're good."
Amatsu giggled, putting the form away in the folder.
"That concludes our agenda for the day. Okay, Ms. Herikuda. What do you have for us?"
The two girls started walking out as attention shifted to Herikuda whom had stood up from her chair. The third year hefted a bag up in each hand, strolling over to the head of the table on Amatsu's side.
"I simply must bring this travesty to the attention of the student council."
"What travesty has befallen us now?"
Herikuda gasped at Amatsu's smirk. The third year shook her head as she placed the bags on the table. Herikuda tugged a purple jacket with silver hem out of the white bag.
"This is the school jacket for Mimori High. Just look at it. Feel it."
Amatsu took the jacket from Herikuda, frowning as she felt the fabric.
"That is nice."
"I know. When you compare that to the thick linen that our school jackets are made from, the message is clear. We should be ashamed to claim ourselves a prefectural school when we have such shoddy attire."
Amatsu giggled, handing the jacket over to Mikomi.
"Mimori High has always been a school full of pureblood snobs."
Ishikure nodded as Mikomi examined the jacket.
"Agreed. That jacket probably costs twice as much as the one our school requires."
"It's our school jacket. Something to take pride in."
Mikomi frowned, handing the jacket over to Nijiro.
"I'm fairly sure that jacket is dry clean only."
"So what if it is? You shouldn't be washing your prestigious school jacket with your socks."
Kurumu snickered, hiding her smile. She was guilty of that.
"What is in this other bag?"
Herikuda grinned at Amatsu's inquiry. The popular girl reached into the gray bag and pulled out a yellow jacket with a red hem. She shook it out, presenting it to Amatsu.
"This is the new jacket that Hisoshi High will be making available at the start of next year."
"And you just happen to have it?"
"My sister has friends whom graduated from Hisoshi High. You all might not be aware of this but Hisoshi High got a huge donation over the summer. They are building more student housing, remodeling their cafeteria and expanding their auditorium. With this new school jacket, they might actually pose a threat to Yokai Academy's prefectural status."
Kurumu chuckled as Nijiro handed the jacket over to Ishikure.
"Aren't you exaggerating here? Last I heard, Hisoshi High isn't nearly as big as Yokai Academy."
"Being the biggest school doesn't guarantee prefectural status, Ms. Kurono. And Hisoshi High has almost two hundred students per grade. That's bigger than half of the prefectural schools of our region."
"These don't have zippers."
Herikuda perked up at Ishikure's remark.
"I'm glad that you noticed. My sister spoke extensively on that specific subject, stating we are being done a great injustice here at Yokai Academy."
Mikomi smirked, taking the yellow jacket from Amatsu.
"I wouldn't disagree but the great injustices that come to mind have nothing to do with school jackets."
"We are being denied a beloved human tradition, Ms. Sawayaka. These school jackets of our rival high schools have black buttons, enabling them to participate in that tradition."
"What are you talking about?"
Herikuda sighed dramatically at Kurumu's confusion.
"Many humans seek to acquire a button from the jacket of their crush upon graduation. How can we preach human coexistence when we deny our students the means to participate in this tradition?"
Amatsu gave her own theatrical sigh as Mikomi handed the yellow jacket over to Nijiro.
"What exactly are you expecting us to do about this?"
"The answer is obvious. The school jacket is a status symbol. Ours needs to be updated."
"We can't be asking students to spend twice as much on their school jackets."
Herikuda sighed at Ishikure's casual dismissal.
"I'm not saying that we need to change the dress code. But we need to provide school jackets of this quality for those that want them. An acceptable alternative."
Mikomi and Amatsu shared a look.
"If it's just an alternative, we probably don't need to get it approved through a school assembly."
"But we would have to get approval from someone. The new headmaster?"
Herikuda clapped her hands definitively.
"We should have a meeting with the new headmaster. Explain our concerns and see what can be done."
Mikomi nodded thoughtfully.
"That sounds fine. We can schedule a meeting with him next week."
"Excellent. That is all I had to say."
Nijiro chuckled, handing the yellow jacket up.
"Kurumu. What do you think about this?"
Kurumu smirked, stalking over to his side.
"I'm thinking it's time to get you out of those clothes."
The layout of the home economics room was exactly the same. Partitions divided the stations lining the far wall with cabinetry and counters built against them. The ovens had been replaced with black, electric stoves which had red circles marking the hot spots. The counter tops were a black marble with silver flecks and the cabinets were all made from black wood.
Each of the seven pairs of wraparound stations shared a central island and a two compartment sink. New windows above the sinks had a view of the enclosed courtyard. A large bag of chocolate had been placed on each of the islands. Just like before, the only stations not paired up were the two in the corners of the room flanking the hallway wall.
Like the rest of the remodeled rooms, the flooring, ceiling and wall finish had been replaced. The room felt much brighter with the new overhead lights. Even the teacher's station placed in the center of the room along the hallway wall had been redone.
Hitori Miko stood at her station with a magazine in hand. The phoenix had crimson locks which were shaved short on the sides while the longer tresses in the back were secured in a ponytail. Due to school policy against showing shoulders, the teacher was wearing a yellow, long sleeved blouse and a black pencil skirt stretching below her knees.
Toujou Rubi lingered next to the phoenix. The witch had her dark locks pulled up with white ribbons into twin tails over her ears. She was rocking a short sleeved, black maid outfit with a frilly white apron which she had made from scratch with Ms. Hitori's help. The witch had a knack at making her meager salary disappear over frivolous things like this.
Four to six girls were gathered in each of the paired stations. Kurumu felt a little out of place since most girls had decided to wear their school blouses to this event. Even Mizore and Yukari whom shared this station with her had elected to don school attire. Thankfully most girls had foregone the school jackets.
Despite living in the suites, Ms. Hitori had allowed them to participate in the first group using the stoves. Kurumu was the only one of their group still in home economics since Mizore had dropped out after the first term to take Nerume's spot in the art elective. The kirin would now be in the choir elective.
Kokoa and four girls from her lunch group stood in the adjacent paired station. Hotaru was the only one of that group in home economics as Kokoa and Hikari had the computer elective while Ishiko was one of two girls taking shop, the other being Satsuki.
The last girl with them was Kaimura Yuko whom had choir as her elective. Kaimura was a salamander from Moegara of the Sekikawa region. She was in class eight with Hotaru and Hikari. Her magma tresses flowed down to her waist.
The other adjacent paired station had familiar faces. Ontoriki Ritsu was the girl with vibrant, strawberry blond tresses spilling upon her ample bosom. She was with her childhood friend, Kagami Kaede, whom had peppered brown hair that was short and feathered. The older girl with the layered, crow black locks was Sonoda Kamoko. All three harpies hailed from the village of Hankyouta.
The pair with this trio were also harpies but came from Kabashita. The one with the cotton white tresses stretching all the way down to her rump was Oso Kashiko. The other girl with the short, ashen curls was Noboto Setsuwa. Those two were in Kurumu's choir and were second years like Sonoda.
There were a few other familiar faces in the room. Hajihachi was with her roommate, Roniushi Chiku, whom had her silver locks pulled up in braided pigtails. The okami girls were at one of the single stations with Okimune Hitsumi, an undine from Umishiro whom had a striking resemblance to Kurumu. Okimune even had her arctic blue hair styled in an updo but her locks had a natural, gorgeous curl.
Nerume and Chisa were at the other single station with Goto Tama. Goto was also a kirin, coming from the same village as Chisa. She had her grayish brown hair shaved short on her right side but had left the other side long. Goto was in the art elective with Chisa and had joined the fashion club.
Nijiro was out in the hallway with a few guys and some girls whom would have to wait for an opening. Tsukune had come, admitting that Unsei had told him to be here for Moka's sake. Kurumu could tell that Tsukune's presence bothered Nijiro but Umizake had no issue conversing with Tsukune. The two had a simple chat over how each of them were doing before Ms. Hitori had opened up the room.
Tsukune was done with his article, admitting that he had Ginei look it over yesterday. He had actually planned to spend the day gaming with the guys on his floor since he had not done that since coming back to Yokai. He had also admitted not planning to attend the newspaper meeting tonight.
"Okay, ladies. The clock shows that it is one so we can officially begin."
Attention shifted to Ms. Hitori whom had rolled up her magazine.
"I hope that I don't have to explain this concept in detail to a bunch of high school girls. You melt the chocolate down, add some flavor and then allow it to reform into a shape of your preference."
The teacher wagged her magazine.
"There are molds in the cabinets that you can use. Make sure to clean up your stations when you are finished. There are girls in the hall waiting for a turn so don't waste too much time."
"But this isn't a class so you should have fun."
Kurumu and several other girls giggled at Rubi's declaration.
"And when I say fun, I don't mean covering your bodies with whip cream."
Kurumu shared a look with Yukari before busting into a new fit of giggles.
"I'm serious! You girls are much too young for that kind of fun!"
Kurumu smirked, glancing at Yukari.
"Maybe I should try that out with Nijiro."
"I'm just confused as to when Rubi tried that sort of fun out on herself."
Kurumu snickered, wondering about that too. Rubi lived in the same suite as Yukari so there were not many opportunities for Rubi to have done this sort of experiment without Yukari knowing.
Moka tugged open the bag of chocolates with a thoughtful expression.
"Adding flavors."
"What are you thinking about?"
Moka looked up with a warm smile.
"Tsukune told me that he really likes pumpkin pie."
"We should all make pumpkin pie then!"
Ms. Hitori promptly swatted Rubi in the back of the head with her rolled up magazine.
"Stick to making chocolates, ladies. Ignore this goofball."
Kurumu giggled as Ms. Hitori turned her attention back to her magazine.
"Looks like Rubi is having the most fun of us all today."
"Do you think they have pumpkins in the pantry?"
Kurumu frowned at Mizore's inquiry.
"Are you seriously wanting to make pumpkin pie?"
Mizore shrugged with a blank expression.
"She said add flavoring to the chocolate."
"We don't have to all do pumpkin. I would like to try out lemon."
Kurumu chuckled at Yukari's declaration. She thumbed over her shoulder.
"I can go check the pantry to see if they have any spice and seasonings available."
"Bring coconut too if they have it."
Kurumu sounded an affirmative as she skipped away. The door to the pantry was between the paired station in the corner and the single station where Goto and Chisa remained. Kurumu was mildly curious where Nerume had slipped off to as she ducked inside the pantry.
To her right was a familiar silver door which pulled out, suggesting that the cooler and freezer had not been replaced in the remodel. She made a cursory glance about the shelves lining the wall, noting how little stock they had. She grinned as her eyes settled on the tiny kirin in the other corner.
"Hey, Nerume. What are you looking for?"
Nerume glanced over her shoulder with her fingers on little vials arranged neatly on the shelf.
"Chisa wanted umeboshi. I'm not really sure what I'm looking for."
Kurumu strolled over as Nerume grabbed a vial filled with pink dust.
"I don't know if we would have any plum paste. Is there any pumpkin spice in there?"
A sharp gasp drew Kurumu's attention to the door. Hotaru was dramatically touching her bosom as Kokoa sauntered into the pantry.
"We've been robbed!"
Kokoa snorted, swatting the sylph's shoulder with the back of her hand.
"Don't be stupid. They just reopened this wing yesterday."
"I don't see any pumpkin spice in here."
Kurumu sighed at Nerume's comment. She glanced about, spying two pumpkins with an assortment of fresh fruit. She strolled over, lifting up on her toes to pull down the bigger one.
"Looks like Ms. Hitori bought a bunch of fruit. She's even got a watermelon up here."
Hotaru snickered as Kurumu cradled the pumpkin against her belly.
"Why did she get that? Nobody is going to make watermelon flavored chocolate."
"Don't know. But I saw a bunch of lemons up there. Want to grab one for me?"
Hotaru snorted, drifting over to where the fresh goods have been stored.
"I suppose. That has to be better than what Kokoa wants."
"You can save your protests for after you try it."
Kokoa stalked over to Nerume's side.
"They must have curry spice in here."
Nerume giggled, snatching up a vial filled with brown powder and presenting it to the vampire.
"Certainly do. Never heard of anyone wanting to make curry flavored chocolate before."
"It's bound to be better than pumpkin flavored chocolate."
Kurumu smirked at Kokoa's remark as Hotaru juggled a pair of lemons.
"I'm surprised that Milady isn't asking for karashi."
"Now that's an idea. Do they have that?"
Nerume frowned, grabbing a nearby yellow bottle and handing it to Kokoa.
"Maybe you should try normal flavors? They do have lemon seasoning."
Kurumu perked up at the remark.
"I'll take that over actual lemons."
"Put those back where you got them."
Hotaru sounded an affirmative, turning about to return the lemons to the shelf. Kurumu chuckled as Nerume presented Kokoa with another vial filled with yellow powder. The vampire promptly wagged her hands which already had a bottle and the vial of curry powder.
"Give that to Hotaru."
Hotaru grinned, stepping over to take the vial of yellow powder. She gestured to the other one that was still in Nerume's hand.
"What seasoning do you have there?"
"It's cherry. Closest I could find to what Chisa wants."
Kurumu snickered, starting for the door as some other girls entered.
"Better than having to bring back a whole pumpkin."
Murmuring apologies as she slipped around the girls, Kurumu sashayed across the room at a steady pace. She noticed that Ritsu was already melting her chocolate in a skillet at the adjacent station.
"Have you ever made chocolate before?"
Moka shrugged as Yukari placed a skillet on the smooth surface of the stove.
"I've watched Hatsue cook but it wasn't like she did it that often."
"We can't be perfect. Did you bring a pumpkin?"
Kurumu giggled at Yukari's query. On a whim, she tugged her blouse free of the tight hem of her shorts. She wiggled the pumpkin beneath her blouse to rest on her belly, smoothing the fabric out.
"Looks like I'm further along than Mizore."
Yukari snickered with a shake of her head as Moka looked over at Mizore with a grin. The snow girl absently caressed the subtle swell of her abdomen.
"I better not get that big."
"Give birth to our ingredients, dummy."
Kurumu giggled, stepping over to the island. She freed the pumpkin from the confines of her blouse, setting it on top of the smooth, black marble counter.
"They didn't have any spice packets. I hope that you know how to make this work."
Moka nodded, tugging open a drawer next to the stove. The vampire pulled out a chef's knife.
"It can't be that hard."
"Wait up, Moka. I need to find a cutting board."
"But you are one."
Yukari frowned at Mizore. With a shake of her head, the witch opened up the cabinets.
"They do have lemon powder if you want to try that out."
Yukari nodded, pulling out a wooden board.
"That's nice but if we're cutting up a pumpkin, we should try to use as much as we can."
"Maybe you should cut that on the board."
Mizore's comment drew Kurumu's attention to Moka. She gasped upon seeing that Moka was holding the pumpkin against her belly. The vampire stabbed the chef's knife into the pumpkin.
"What are you doing?"
Moka kept her eyes on her task, stabbing the pumpkin in a different spot.
"Cutting this up."
Yukari quickly set the board on the island before reaching timidly for Moka.
"That's what the board is for, Moka."
Moka glanced up when Yukari's hands touched her side.
"How would you hold this thing still on a board?"
Kurumu laughed nervously, stepping towards the vampire.
"Have you never used a cutting board before?"
Moka shrugged, resuming her task which made Kurumu flinch. That blade looked long and the pumpkin juices were spilling out the sides with every stab.
"Hatsue never had a reason to."
"Perhaps you'd feel better if we got you a bowl to cut it up with?"
Moka paused at Yukari's suggestion.
"That could work."
The witch immediately opened up the cabinet she had been in earlier, tugging out a ceramic bowl. She placed it on the cutting board.
"Put the pumpkin in there."
Moka yanked out the knife which was dripping with pumpkin gore. She plopped the slashed up pumpkin into the bowl.
"Like watching a horror movie."
Moka frowned at Mizore's comment.
"What was?"
"You committing suicide over there."
Moka laughed, gripping the knife tightly.
"I wasn't doing that."
"It was scary to watch though. Most people don't stab towards themselves."
Moka nodded thoughtfully at Kurumu's remark. She started stabbing the pumpkin inside the bowl.
"This knife isn't that long. Even if I did cut myself, it's not like it would hurt."
Mizore sighed, patting her belly.
"You frightened poor Hatsue trying to gut yourself like that."
"Now you're just exaggerating."
The ceramic cracked when Moka stabbed too far into the pumpkin. The sharp sound cut through the random chatter of the classroom, catching the attention of Rubi and Ms. Hitori. Moka gasped, holding the knife up as Rubi started in their direction.
"I am so sorry."
Yukari laughed nervously as she checked on the bowl.
"It's no big deal. I probably should have grabbed a plastic bowl."
"What happened?"
Moka turned on Rubi, bowing deeply.
"I broke a bowl when I was cutting the pumpkin up."
Rubi clucked her tongue as Yukari pulled the pulverized mess of pumpkin out of the bowl. The white bowl had been fractured in the bottom.
"Oh dear. I guess accidents do happen."
"Maybe Moka needs a lesson in knife safety."
Moka frowned, straightening up.
"Why would I need that?"
"We can worry about that later. Give me the knife, Moka."
Moka turned on Yukari which caused Kurumu and Yukari to step back out of the path of the blade.
"But I wasn't finished."
"I think the pumpkin has been killed enough."
Kurumu snickered at Mizore's remark.
"I wholeheartedly agree. We can make plenty of pumpkin flavoring with that pulp. Now give me the knife so that I can clean it up."
Moka absently surrendered the knife to Yukari as she regarded the mess on the cutting board.
"Are you sure that will work?"
Rubi shrugged as Yukari hurried over to the sink.
"I have no idea. I've never made pumpkin pie before."
"My mother always makes it from a can."
Kurumu nodded at Mizore's input.
"Yea. The only pies my mother made were the ones you just put in the oven."
"You are all so ignorant."
Yukari strolled over to the stove, turning a dial to activate the circle beneath the skillet.
"My mother made pumpkin pies from an actual pumpkins."
Kurumu shared a glance with Mizore and they both nodded.
"I guess we'll leave this to Yukari then."
"Yes. Yukari can be the one to teach Moka how to cook."
Yukari gagged with wide eyes.
"But I'm too young to die!"
Moka blushed, glancing down at the floor.
"I'm not that bad at cooking."
Rubi laughed, placing a hand on Moka's shoulder.
"Nothing to worry about. The easiest way to cook is to follow instructions."
"Yea. If Yukari wrote down the directions, you could make a pumpkin pie."
"We're making chocolate, moron."
Kurumu waved her hand dismissively at Yukari.
"She knows what I meant."
Yukari sighed heavily at the expectant look from Moka.
"I'd just be writing down what you could find in any cook book. The method my mother uses has a habit of changing. I wouldn't recommend straying from standard instructions before mastering the basics."
"While that may be true, you probably won't find the most essential ingredient listed in any book."
Yukari frowned at Rubi.
"Why am I worried to ask what that might be?"
Rubi laughed warmly, wagging a finger at Yukari.
"The final ingredient is love."
Somehow a pumpkin seed struck Rubi in the center of her forehead, staggering the witch back.
"I knew it would be something stupid."
Rubi pouted, clasping her hands together.
"It's not stupid. If you fill your cooking with caring thoughts about the one you are serving, it improves the taste of the meal."
Yukari waved a hand dismissively.
"Just follow the instructions."
"But it's not like having loving thoughts would hurt cooking. You should try it, Moka."
Moka smiled nervously at Kurumu's suggestion.
"Loving thoughts. Okay."
Moka grabbed the bag of chocolates and turned to the stove. She upended the contents into the skillet, causing Yukari to gasp.
"Don't use it all!"
Moka flinched, yanking the bag away. She smiled apologetically, handing the half emptied bag to Yukari.
"Sorry. Wasn't thinking."
Yukari sighed, bringing the bag to her chest.
"I guess we did mash up a whole pumpkin. We can leave the rest of this chocolate for the next group."
Yukari set the bag by the sink. The witch tugged open a drawer, pulling out a spatula which she gave to Moka. Kurumu flinched when a cold hand touched her shoulder. Mizore nodded at the skillet which was steadily filling with melted chocolate.
"We should let her test that chocolate out on someone before giving it to our boyfriends."
"You mean like Tsukune?"
"I don't want to ruin our date tonight if this turns out to be poisonous."
"It's not going to be that bad."
Mizore pressed her palms together in prayer.
"May God accept Tsukune's sacrifice."
Kurumu shivered, feeling a threatening aura spill out from Moka.
"I can hear the two of you."
"We're just joking, Moka."
Moka whirled about, brandishing the spatula.
"I am making this for Tsukune. He should appreciate this even if it kills him."
Kurumu forced a grin, hoping that Moka was exaggerating.
"Yea. That's the spirit."
Moka gestured at the mess on the cutting board with the spatula.
"So how much of this are we supposed to add to the chocolate?"
Yukari let out a thoughtful sound as she pulled out a white spoon from the drawer.
"A spoonful should be fine. No rind and no seeds. That stuff won't melt."
Yukari handed the spoon over to Moka. The vampire grinned, trading the spatula for the spoon. She scooted a bunch of the orange pulp into the spoon, sorting out the rind and seeds. Once the spoon was full, the vampire turned about and dropped the contents into melted chocolate.
"Now stir it up. Once it looks completely blended, we can pour it into a mold."
"That's it?"
"We're only making flavored chocolate. There would be more steps if we were making a pumpkin pie."
Moka frowned, stirring the contents.
"It doesn't feel like I have many opportunities to put caring thoughts into this."
Kurumu laughed, stepping over to pat Moka's shoulder.
"Don't worry about it. Nobody makes something perfect on their first try. We can keep doing this until you get this right. It's not like Valentine's Day is tomorrow."
Mizore nodded with an affirmative sound.
"Buy a lot of chocolate. Just in case."
Kurumu snickered, shaking her head at Mizore.
"Don't listen to this naysayer."
"And I will help you too. You will undoubtedly succeed under my genius."
Moka laughed brightly at Yukari's remark, continuing to stir the simmering contents of the skillet.
"Thanks. All of you. I need more courage to try new things."
Kurumu grinned, nodding.
"We all do."