"Here is your lunch."
Kurumu smiled as Yukari placed the periwinkle bento with the white daisy pattern on her desk. Ichida was exiting the classroom through the front door that Wanibuchi had opened for Mrs. Takizawa a few seconds ago. Discussing the answers for the quiz had taken them all the way to the lunch bell.
"Are you sure you won't join me today?"
Yukari huffed as Kurumu grabbed the bento. Still in her seat, the witch turned her back, zipping up the white satchel on her desk.
"I need to meet these girls my Moka is fraternizing with. Determine if they are worthy of her."
Kurumu snickered, scooting off her chair. Senyou and Abe headed out the front door with Shouhei not far behind them. Kumiko was lingering by the teacher's podium.
"I thought you were trying to be her lover. Not her mother."
The witch crossed her arms, making no indication of leaving her desk.
"As her lover, I can have an opinion on whom she spends her time with. I won't tolerate anyone whom stands in the way of our future."
Kurumu smirked as Satsuki struggled to get the drowsy Nerume upright.
"Give up on those fantasies of sharing a bed with Moka and Tsukune."
Yukari pouted with a slight blush.
"It's still possible if they take things slow. If we all go to the same college, I know it will come true."
"I swear I'm going to drop you on purpose."
Kurumu giggled, glancing at Satsuki. She had Nerume by the shoulders as the kirin wobbled unsteadily.
"It's time to eat, Nerume."
Nerume's deep purple eyes focused on the swell of Kurumu's sweater vest.
"How did you get such big tits when you're eating tiny lunches like that?"
Kurumu snickered, drifting by Yukari's desk to join Kumiko.
"The blessings of being a succubus. Last chance to join me, Yukari."
Yukari made a shooing gesture.
"Go have fun with those crazy girls."
"Which crazy girls are you with now?"
Kurumu shrugged at Kumiko, watching Satsuki steer Nerume over to them.
"Hard to say. Maybe she means Asuka?"
"Or Hanetsume. That girl can be crazy."
Kurumu smirked at Satsuki's remark. She moved with Kumiko towards the door.
"I think there are better adjectives to describe Hatoko."
"That's true. Have you guys made any plans for my aunt's birthday and retirement?"
Kurumu shook her head as they exited the classroom. They started down the busy hall. It looked like all of the teachers had let out early. Tsukune and Tora were waiting at the front door of class three.
"Not to my knowledge."
"Well I want to be a part of that so keep me updated."
"You could always ask Tora. She probably knows more than me."
"Nazohashi!"
Kurumu giggled as Tora's jade eyes focused on their approach. The sphinx smiled thinly as they arrived.
"Yes, Ms. Unari?"
"I was wondering if there are any plans made for my aunt's retirement."
Tora shrugged, taking a step towards the cafeteria. Kumiko immediately resumed walking which spurned the rest of them to follow.
"I asked Senior about that at my birthday party. He said he would handle it but I haven't heard anything since. He's probably busy with the yearbook."
Kurumu nodded as they steadily made their way to the crossover between classes five and eight.
"What happened to Mizore?"
Tsukune thumbed behind them as they drifted to the right once they reached the crossover.
"Umizake was waiting at the back door when our class let out. It seems like they decided this morning not to grab a PSC lunch as I saw them heading for the school store."
Kurumu frowned as they started down the stairs a few steps ahead of Satsuki and Nerume.
"Are they seriously going to have snacks for lunch?"
"Maybe. It didn't look like they brought a lunch."
Kurumu shook her head, supposing it was too much to expect Mizore to keep eating normally.
"Are you going to keep having lunch with the PSC?"
Tsukune chuckled as they reached the landing. They started down the second flight.
"I certainly don't mind the company."
"I'm surprised they haven't asked you to join."
"Mr. Koike has. Did you actually have a CD release schedule for the month?"
Kurumu grinned at his question.
"Tashikana works at a music store. He was able to get one for me."
"I wonder if he could get a video game release schedule."
"You don't need that."
They shared a laugh, arriving at the bottom of the stairs where Kumiko and Tora waited.
"Did you even know any of the bands you mentioned today?"
Kurumu shrugged at his lighthearted remark.
"I know BoA. I think I've heard of Morning Musume."
"That's a pop idol group. They've been around five or six years."
Kurumu nodded at Satsuki's input.
"Yea. I probably know a song or two from them."
"TRF has been around for a decade. They are sort of a rave, dance, party mix group."
Nerume paused her comment to stifle a yawn.
"I don't have any of their albums but I know some of their songs."
Kurumu grinned as Nerume lowered her hand.
"Did you get any new albums for the holidays?"
"My dad replaced that Miss Monday album he broke but I only got clothes for Christmas."
"You bought an album with your New Year's money."
Nerume nodded at Satsuki's remark.
"That's true. You also bought me an album."
"Oh? What did you buy her?"
"That new M Flo album since she loves them. She got herself that new album from Bennie K."
"Kurumu!"
Kurumu turned about. Suzume waved with a broad grin. The tengu stood beside the scowling Hatoko near the doors to classes nine and eight. Michiko and Kiki were with the pair.
"I believe that's my cue to leave. You all have fun at lunch."
As her friends said their farewells, Kurumu pranced off. In front of Suzume's group was Arashimideru and Hiboshi whom was fending off Irewata's affections. Behind them was the massive duo of Burumoto and Tamaishi. The soccer guys must have allowed their teammate, Yano, to join them.
"Hey, Ushio! You don't mind if I join my friends?"
Burumoto smirked as she stopped by Suzume whom reached out to her.
"I suppose that we can allow that."
Tamaishi and Yano both grunted their approval, rewarding her with licks of desire. She smiled, stepping in to give Suzume a side hug while holding her bento in her right hand.
"Thank you. So how is everyone doing?"
Hatoko huffed, crossing her arms about her bosom.
"Wonder if food worth the wait."
Kurumu snickered, withdrawing her arm from Suzume.
"Yea. Hopefully they fix this lunch situation."
"Are you getting by with just that?"
Kurumu grinned at Suzume's gesture at the bento.
"I can manage. Maybe pick up a drink."
"Do you have your lunch card?"
Kurumu paused and smiled sheepishly.
"Left that in my schoolbag. Would you mind getting me one?"
"I could."
"Could also go get her card."
Kurumu stuck her tongue out at Hatoko. Michiko chuckled while Kiki rolled her golden eyes. They slowly moved towards the cafeteria, still not even with the bottom of the stairs that Kurumu had descended.
"So what happened to Asuka and Taijin?"
Suzume shrugged, gesturing up at the opening to the floor above.
"I saw Ms. Taijin waiting by the doors to Mr. Hakuru's lab."
"Makes sense. He ran late with class four which made him start us late. And that made him hold us even later. I'm surprised that I didn't notice Taijin up there."
Suzume smirked, shuffling forward with the line.
"I'm not. You forgot your lunch card."
"Guess we having long lab after lunch."
Suzume nodded at Hatoko's conclusion. Kiki cocked her head with an inquisitive look.
"What happened to Ms. Sendou?"
"She decided to have her lunch with Moka instead."
"Then she's in for a wait. Ms. Akashiya isn't that much farther ahead in the line."
Michiko nodded firmly at Kiki's remark.
"With Hayate's friends from class ten."
Kurumu smiled, resisting the urge to go and tease Moka with her new friends. She gestured at Hatoko.
"You've been working for weeks now. What have you bought with your money?"
Hatoko huffed, maintaining her defensive posture.
"Nothing. Saving it."
"Saving it? Do you have a bank account?"
"Why have one of those?"
Kurumu frowned, thinking that was rather obvious.
"Because most people that save money do? Satsuki opened up a bank account after she was hired."
"That dumb. That bank got robbed."
Kiki let out an incredulous laugh.
"You're the dumb one. It's much easier to rob a dorm room than a bank."
"Who robs a dorm room?"
Burumoto chuckled in his deep voice.
"People that know you have money. Your friends are right. Open a bank account."
"Not needs advice from a stupid cow."
Kurumu forced a smile, patting Hatoko's shoulder with her bento.
"Have Satsuki go with you. She's saving up for her citizenship."
A thoughtful look crossed Hatoko's face.
"Not a bad idea. Should get mine too."
"Why bother? You're too stupid to be useful to society."
Hatoko whirled on Kiki, brandishing her fist.
"Shut ya beak before I break it."
"No mind this spoiled chick. Her ma buying hers."
Kiki pouted at Michiko.
"Many parents buy citizenship for their kids."
"Mine might not. Have siblings to think of."
Kurumu flinched at the declaration. Michiko had younger siblings but Kurumu could not recall how close they were to her age. Iko was having the same reservations of asking her parents to buy her citizenship.
"Little Spark!"
Ikazuchi's shout drew Kurumu's attention to the young man standing behind Natsudera and Chousei. It was no surprise that he was with Yougan. The two guys were directly in front of Kokoa whom was with Nagisa and Ishiko. Ikazuchi made a beckoning gesture.
"I have a special offer. You can cut the line if you ride on my shoulders."
Kurumu glanced to the stairs which they had finally came even with. Asuka was with Taijin and the pair strolled directly over to them.
"I'm not a little kid, moron!"
"I didn't say which way you would be facing!"
Asuka laughed with flush cheeks. She shook her head as she joined their group.
"Unbelievable. Did you hear that degenerate?"
"Did you ask for permission to cut in front of these young men?"
Asuka snorted at Kurumu, making a dismissive gesture at Burumoto and his friends.
"It's not like they would refuse a pretty girl."
"Little kids lack manners these days."
Tamaishi grunted with a nod.
"Parents don't spank them enough."
"I'm not a little kid."
"Perhaps we should help discipline this runt. For her parents' sake."
Asuka snickered at Burumoto's playful threat, wagging a finger that crackled with electricity.
"Don't even try it."
Taijin put her large, thin hand on Asuka's head, causing the raiji to flinch.
"Behave yourself. May we stand in line with our friends?"
Burumoto sighed when the tall girl bowed her head. He glanced at his soccer mates.
"I guess if my companions are okay with it."
Yano grunted dismissively while Tamaishi grinned broadly.
"I would never deny a lady of her stature."
Asuka frowned at his gruff remark as Taijin murmured her thanks.
"That's cool, I guess. But Yuu doesn't have any political value."
Tamaishi laughed heartily as Taijin removed her hand from Asuka's head.
"I was meaning her height. How tall are you, Ms. Taijin?"
Taijin blushed slightly, forcing a smile for the big guy. He had such an aggressive delivery with his words that it made Kurumu feel like he was angry despite his grin.
"Uh… one eighty. I don't really know your name."
"Tamaishi Kagomu. You're about as tall as the Sazayama sisters."
Kurumu managed a laugh as they slowly drifted forward with the lunch line crawl.
"Why would you know their height?"
"Because I went to junior high with them in Akichi."
Kurumu giggled at his fierce answer, shaking her head.
"I knew that much. I was wondering why you knew their height."
The big brute had such an intimidating grin. It was different since most of the time this guy would stand in Burumoto's shadow, making no memorable expressions.
"Height is rather important to my race. Are you a kirin, Ms. Taijin? Some of those girls are tall."
Taijin laughed nervously.
"We're not supposed to discuss true forms."
"Yuu is a giantess."
Taijin shot Asuka a look of disbelief as the raiji puffed her chest out proudly.
"We went to junior high together."
Tamaishi nodded with that huge grin.
"Good. I was hoping that was the case. Kenji was too hesitant to find out."
"Kenji?"
"Munemoshi. He shares homeroom with Ms. Taijin."
Taijin had another nervous laugh after the guy clarified things for her.
"Oh yea. Mr. Munemoshi. He doesn't talk much in class. Sits in the back by the window."
"Ms. Yotsumure is also in your class. She went to junior high with Kenji and me."
Taijin forced a polite smile.
"That's nice. She's in home economics with me, Asuka and Ms. Kurono."
"Sounds like I need to talk with her now that I know your race."
"I don't want any trouble."
"No trouble at all. I just want to know her opinion of you."
"If you're wanting dirt on this girl, I've got you covered. I've known her forever."
"Asuka! Don't!"
Asuka grinned wide, stepping towards the big guys.
"She had a growth spurt over the summer of our seventh grade year and got too big for her sports bras. So she wore a regular one and it broke in gym."
Taijin snatched up a handful of Asuka's hair, tugging the girl back. Asuka cried out, stumbling against her scowling friend.
"Shut up!"
Burumoto shared a laugh with Tamaishi and Yano.
"A broken bra is nothing too embarrassing. I'm sure that has happened to Kurumu."
Kurumu smirked at him, refusing to comment on that.
"See! It's no big deal! Let go of my hair."
Taijin sighed, releasing Asuka. The raiji promptly ran her fingers through her own hair.
"They don't need to know these embarrassing things."
Asuka turned about with a mischievous grin.
"Now if I had told them about how you got a rash from shaving your pubes which made you miss school half a week, I'd understand."
Taijin snatched Asuka up, throwing the girl up on her shoulder.
"Mr. Ikazuchi. I've got a package for you!"
"Don't you dare put my cooch in his face!"
Kurumu giggled as Taijin stomped off with the squirming girl.
"Good work, Ms. Kurono."
Ms. Hitori handed back the black pillow to Kurumu. The pillow was roughly the same size and shape as a notebook. She had stuffed this pillow with white cotton fluff, making it as solid as a chair cushion. The red heart and baby blue bubbles were felt cut outs which she had hand stitched to the front surface.
The phoenix was garbed in a canary yellow blouse with short, puffy sleeves and a pair of black slacks. She stood behind a desk at the front of the class, beckoning for the dark haired girl beside Kurumu. A door to the storage room for the sewing room was behind the teacher.
Orochi stepped up to present her yellow pillow with red maple leaf shapes. The teacher took the disc shaped pillow, examining it. Kurumu shared a glance with her station partner and smiled.
Clutching the pillow to her chest, Kurumu turned about to regard the other girls standing at the stations arranged in six rows with three columns. These stations had levers on the sides which rotated part of the surface about. Ivory sewing machines were anchored to the bottom of these panels.
Kurumu's station had been the last called up for the teacher's inspection. Asuka, Juri and Nomura had the station by the window in front of hers which was in the back row.
Taijin had claimed the station in front of Asuka's. Her partners were the Unabara twins from class one. The mermaids had shoulder length, dark green tresses. Haraka had bangs covering her left, mint eye while Tarako's bangs covered the right. The twins had joined the swimming club to be with the other mermaids from Umiman.
Two of these second years in the front row stations had gone to junior high in Umiman. Mizudake Yuri stood behind the station closest to the door with Kitamura and Fujino. She had wavy, bluish locks with pink highlights. The undine was from Nagisa's village and had joined the tennis team with her cousin, Shiname. They had been a mixed pair until she got upset over him blowing off her birthday to go on a date with Okimune.
The girl at the middle station with the silvery blue hair touching her shoulders was Uta Kuriko. Uta was from Nijiro's village and had joined the volleyball team. The undine was partnered up with a girl with dirty blond, shoulder length hair. That was Yamasaki, a tengu from Koutoukumo whom had joined track. The tiny girl with her dingy white hair braided in a rat tail was Toboshi from the drama club.
The other front row station by the window belonged to the beautiful Zoushiki. The salamander was with the younger Samurakami and a tall, broad girl with short, slate gray locks. That big girl was Hashimoto, a giantess from Chouten whom had joined the track team.
"Very good, Ms. Orochi. You and Ms. Kurono may return to your station."
Kurumu took the lead, heading down the aisle between the stations with Uta and Zoushiki.
The second row stations belonged entirely to second years. The girl with her cherry locks braided into pig tails was Honourou. She was part of the sewing club with Zoushiki, Kagaku and Hageshii since they were all from Nenshouchi. She shared her station behind Zoushiki with a stocky girl and a lanky brunette. The big girl was Shigashima while the other was Watanabe Mei from gymnastics.
Kagaku was the grouchy looking girl with the bright orange afro standing at the station behind Uta's. Her partners were Tsubuyama Kosuru from the cheerleader squad and Ekizo Anzu from the greetings club. Tsubuyama had thick, spiky, short amber locks. Ekizo was a statuesque beauty, having pristine white tresses flowing down to the small of her back and icy blue eyes. She was usually clueless about things.
The next two stations in the third row that Kurumu passed by were vacant. Taijin's station came next with Mikomi's station on the right. The student council president had been paired with two short haired girls. The stout girl with curly black hair was Umigame Okarina, a kappa from class four whom had joined the travel club. The frail girl with swirly, dark blue locks was Fujinuma Amaya from Mikomi's class six. She was another mermaid from Umiman whom had joined the swimming club.
The station beside Asuka's belonged to Tokori whom had been partnered up with Hazumi and a chubby kappa. That was Torokiboshi from class one whom had also joined the travel club.
The trio of girls standing at the middle back row station included Tategami Minobi, Tonari Emiko and Meisai Nadako. Tategami was tall and had her ashen hair pulled into a right side ponytail. The kirin was from Watasora and was dating her childhood friend on the soccer team. She was in class five and had joined the skiing club.
Tonari was Orochi's cousin and had also come from Bokuseki. Her copper braids had a nasty habit of hissing at people. She was in class four with her cousin and had joined the archery club.
Meisai was a buxom gyokuto with black hair that was puffy like cotton. She was from Aranoiji and had joined the volleyball team with her classmate, Shinayaka Momiji. The other girl from class six was at the back row station closest to the door.
Shinayaka had white spotted curls which touched her ample bosom. The gyokuto from Aserutani shared her station with two girls with twin tails. The one with the strawberry tresses was Hibiki Mina whom was also on the volleyball team. Hibiki was in class one and was adamantly a sylph from Koutoukumo. The other with the jet black hair was Kazehana Tsubaki from track. She was a tengu from Hateshinai.
"This will be the last time we are in this sewing room."
Kurumu frowned, turning about at her station. Orochi drifted behind her to stand closer to the window.
"They want to close this room for remodel next week. We will be meeting in the home economics room for the rest of the year."
"Will we be getting new equipment?"
Ms. Hitori glanced at Mizudake.
"No. It's just new lights and new finishes. Maybe new shelving for the storage room."
"Shame that they won't install new sewing machines. I bet these things have been here forever."
"This wing was built in the nineties, Ms. Mizudake. The equipment here isn't that old."
Several girls giggled at the teacher's calm dismissal.
"It's not like you are taking this class again."
"Oh hush, Kuriko. I can be concerned for my juniors."
"You are welcome to stay for the bell but you may go to your next class. Just keep quiet in the hall."
As the teacher picked up her magazine, Asuka twirled about.
"We should head to gym."
Kurumu snickered as the blond brandished her baby blue pillow at Juri.
"You're a bit too eager to play dodgeball."
"And you're not because you're team sucks. No offense, Airi."
Juri giggled as Nomura rolled her eyes.
"I'm on that team too."
"In theory. We should go."
Juri let out a dramatic sigh.
"Shouldn't we stop at our classrooms first? Leave our pillows at our desks."
"And leave my precious work of art vulnerable to theft? No way."
Kurumu smirked, regarding the yellow thing the raiji had stitched onto her pillow cover. That jagged and misshapen design was supposed to be a famous, electric rodent. At least the lightning bolts were decent enough to be recognized as such by the average onlooker.
"You don't have to worry about that."
"Come on, Yuu. We can put our pillows in our gym lockers."
"I'll walk with you if Kurumu is."
Kurumu shrugged at Juri's declaration.
"I guess we could. Are you coming with us, Orochi?"
Orochi smiled politely with lovely, sea green eyes.
"I'll leave with Emiko."
Kurumu glanced at Tonari whom was regarding their exchange with pistachio eyes.
"I'm in no hurry for gym. I'd rather wait for the bell."
"Will you be joining us, Ms. Nomura?"
Nomura huffed at Juri's query.
"I don't need to walk to the gym with that spaz."
"You're just jealous of my superior nature."
Asuka laughed at her own remark, stalking off. This prompted Juri and Taijin to follow. Kurumu let the others pass, falling in step with them as she noted the twins coming down the aisle towards her.
"Good luck on your date tomorrow."
Kurumu paused at Meisai's encouragement. She grinned, letting the twins pass by her.
"You too. Maybe try to do more than holding hands."
Meisai giggled with a slight flush to her cheeks.
"That's good enough for now. Maybe we can try kissing over the spring break."
Kurumu grinned, thinking about Hatahana Yuya from the basketball team. He was Meisai's childhood friend. The two had started dating after the cultural festival.
"Once you start kissing, things will move much faster. You two might go all the way before the summer."
"I doubt that, Ms. Kurono. It's still awkward holding hands."
"Will the school slut move her sexy ass?"
Kurumu gasped, turning her indignation upon the grinning Asuka. The blond was lingering at the back door with a giggling Juri. Pouting, Kurumu started over to the pair.
"I am not the school slut."
She walked out the back door with her friends. Taijin was with the twins on the nearby crossover, waiting by the stairs. Kurumu followed her friends a short distance to the right before turning at the crossover.
"Would you be able to help us out, Ms. Kurono?"
Kurumu forced a smile at Tarako as they joined the others. Taijin started down the stairs first with Asuka and Juri next. Tarako stepped down the flight of stairs alongside Kurumu as the quiet twin was content to remain behind the rest of the group.
"What exactly do you think I can do for you?"
"Our club is in shambles. Our third years will graduate soon and one of our second years seems to have quit the club. It took us all weekend to clean the pool."
"Was the pool closed?"
"Not really. But Ms. Amekoshi had us empty it last Thursday after practice. Cleaning it took forever."
The other twin snorted.
"Only because all of you are lazy."
"There was only five of us."
"Yea, and I was the only one cleaning."
Juri glanced over her shoulder as she descended the last few steps.
"Will we be using the pool for gym?"
Tarako nodded as they reached the ground floor.
"After we finish with dodgeball. The boys will be using it next week."
"That pool is too small to host a competition in."
Kurumu frowned at Haraka's complaint as they started walking to the end of the hall. The doors to the science rooms on either side of them had been removed with yellow construction tape blocking access.
"You want to host a competition?"
Tarako nodded with a bright smile.
"That's what I wanted your help with. Some schools have serious swimming clubs. They compete against other schools in diving, races and relays."
Asuka whirled about, backpedaling with a grin.
"Kind of like a track meet."
"Exactly like one. But the pool we have is barely big enough to practice in."
Kurumu understood the issue as they drifted left, turning down the hall which would take them to the cafeteria. To the right was an opening for restrooms.
"Could you use the city pool?"
"I don't know. I've never been there."
"Wouldn't the city have to reopen the pool for that?"
Kurumu shrugged at Juri's question.
"Maybe. I don't see why that would be a problem."
"They'd have to kick a bunch of mermaids out first."
Tarako giggled as they passed by the doors to the library on the right.
"That won't be an issue, Ms. Shindou. Our third years will graduate and go home with their babies."
Kurumu smirked, recalling the trouble those third years had caused Tsukune and Moka long ago.
"It would be nice if the swimming club was a proper club with competitions against other schools."
Tarako sighed as they passed by the other door to the library. The wall to the right opened up for the cafeteria seating area. All of the tables were drawn up. To the left was a row of glass doors providing access to the enclosed courtyard.
"We need a proper pool first. We can check if the city pool will work. But if not, I was hoping that you could use your influence to get us one."
Kurumu smirked as they drifted right, cutting diagonally through the seating area. It was best to use the door for the auditorium behind the registers to avoid disrupting the gym class.
"I'm not going to use my charm to get someone to build you a pool."
"Even if you did, we'd cease being a mermaid only club. Undines tend to be better at everything."
Tarako favored her cousin an apologetic smile.
"But you want to compete. Swimming clubs from other schools won't be mermaids only."
As they drew closer to the end of the wall dividing the serving area from the seating area, the sound of balls bouncing became more distinct. Two games were hosted in the auditorium while the other game was in the practice gym to the right. One of the doors to the practice gym was by the right corner of the cafeteria. The other door near that corner opened into the middle of the auditorium.
"I think Yuu has the wrong design on her pillow."
Taijin frowned at Asuka's mischievous smirk. The tall girl had made the design of a black mountain with a white crescent moon upon the gray surface of her pillow.
"There's nothing wrong with my design."
"You should have just stitched yes on one side and no on the other. That way you won't be embarrassed asking for it when spending the night with Mr. Tamaishi."
Taijin swatted the blond with her pillow as they passed behind the registers.
"I don't even know Mr. Tamaishi."
Asuka snickered, darting ahead to reach the door first.
"We know that he's from Akichi, in class three and plays soccer."
Taijin huffed as Asuka opened the door.
"I'm not trying to find a boyfriend. You should worry more about your love life."
Asuka clucked her tongue though the sound was lost in the mix of balls bouncing, shoes squeaking and girls clapping and cheering. The blond waved a dismissive hand.
"One of my potential mates is graduating and the other prefers little girls."
Taijin smirked, finally entering the auditorium.
"Guess you're in luck then."
Asuka gasped as Kurumu and Juri passed through the open door.
"I am not a little girl!"
The game taking place nearest the doors was between the second years of Ginei's homeroom and the first year group that the silver haired vampire sisters shared. Moka hurtled a ball in their direction, catching Roniushi in the thigh with enough force to send the silver pigtailed girl in a spin to the floor.
Coach Yaisoku blew a whistle, confirming the elimination. The tennis coach had on a baby blue sweater and pink sweats. She stood in the center of the gym with a handful of girls already taken out from her team which included the Hitozen twins, Noboru's sister and both class representatives. The freckled girl with the glasses was Makenuki while the girl with the short, feathered, cinnamon locks was Shikichi.
Moka's group had a much higher number of casualties to the point that it would be easier counting the few still standing with the vampire sisters. The pixie haired blond in charge of Moka's group impassively held the whistle to her lips. That was Coach Hoshineru of the volleyball team. She was in charge of the first year girls from odd numbered homerooms.
"I have plenty to handle."
Kurumu snickered as Asuka cupped her slight bosom with a deliberate shake.
"You are plenty to handle."
A girl with short, white curls whipped a ball which snagged the ankle of a girl with her orchid locks styled in a pixie cut. Zenpyou Manako grimaced, hopping a step before another ball bounced off her hip. The volleyball coach sounded her whistle and the girl from Aranoiji nodded. She wagged her finger as she walked off the court at the white haired Hidarimeki.
The vampire sisters fired their balls at a girl with long, ebony hair. Negai Tenshi tried to turn out of the path of the first but Kokoa's ball had a slight curve that caught Negai in the side. The shrill cry of Coach Yaisoku's whistle acknowledged the elimination of the fencing club girl.
"Good job, Kokoa!"
Kurumu clapped loudly, drawing Kokoa's attention. A ball shot towards the vampire which she snapped her hand up to catch at the last moment. Asuka swatted Kurumu's arm as Coach Yaisoku blew a whistle, calling for the elimination of Hidarimeki.
"Don't distract them."
Asuka stalked off. Taijin and the Unabara twins were already halfway to the stage. Juri was walking a bit slower than the others, looking back at Kurumu. Smirking, Kurumu trotted after the raiji.
"I thought you hated dodgeball."
"I was only mad because we lost our first game. It wasn't fair pitting us against the best team first."
Kurumu glanced at the other game as they made their way to the end of the auditorium. It was between the other first year group and the third year group managed by Ms. Amesuki. The mermaid in charge of the swimming club had whitish blond curls touching her narrow shoulders. The short girl with long, mint tresses at the gym teacher's feet was Chouda Sumire.
It was hard to say who would win this other match. The Takeuchi twins were grouped with Azayaka and Fugohara. Those four softball girls were steadily felling their opponents but the rest of their team were fodder for the Ohira cousins, Uchiyama's sister, her roommate and Rodan. Rodan with the shoulder length magenta curls was also a softball player and she tagged the ponytailed Azayaka in the face.
Coach Kibashiro motioned for Azayaka to get off the court to notice. The shaggy haired track coach was an okami from Morihochou. She was in charge of the first year girls from even numbered homerooms.
Kurumu spied Uta and Mizudake entering the auditorium as she turned down the passage flanking the stage which went to the girls' locker room. She quickly made her way to the end, passing through the door that Asuka was holding open for her.
The locker room was divided up into three sections. This first section was the changing area which had seven bays of lockers, each with a central bench. These bays had one small window cut into the exterior wall close to the ceiling. Kurumu's locker was in the last bay closest to the exterior door facing the track.
She passed by an opening on her right which was the wet area of the locker room. Showers were to one side of that passage while the toilets and sinks were on the other. That passage continued on to the last section which was a weight room. In that weight room was a door to the offices for the gym teachers.
Kurumu had somehow ended up as the only girl with a locker in this last bay. Juri had been back here but had given her locker to Moka. The rest of these lockers in this back row were either empty or belonged to girls in other gym periods.
She made her way over to her locker, turning the dial of her padlock back and forth to free the latch. Tugging the padlock off, she opened up the locker and set the padlock inside. These sneakers she had in here were from her last year of junior high but this textured gray sports bra she had picked up after the cultural festival. The white tee shirt and red spandex shorts were standard school attire.
After moving all of these items to the bench, Kurumu first stepped out of her school slippers. Stowing those away in the locker, she grabbed the bottom hem of the sweater vest and tugged it up over her head. Once it was off, she shook the beige garment out before placing it on top of her slippers. Then she started unfastening the buttons of her school blouse.
In seconds she had her long sleeved, school blouse off, folding it up before putting it inside her locker. Her fingers moved to unhook the front clasps of her cornflower blue lace bra. The moment she had it undone, her breasts slightly sagged. She slipped out of the straps, folding the cups together before placing it on top of her blouse.
Turning about, Kurumu picked up her sports bra and pulled it on. She adjusted the stretchy fabric to fit comfortably about her breasts before fixing up the thick straps on her shoulders. Once she was satisfied, she grabbed the tee shirt and pulled it on in a similar fashion.
Kurumu had just loosened her skirt when Asuka came bounding into her bay.
"If we both win our games today, my team will be tied for second."
Kurumu smirked, letting her skirt fall to her feet. She shook her head, bending over to fetch the garment as she stepped out of it. Her sky blue boyshorts with the white cloud pattern and white lace hem snugly fit about her hips and waist.
"You are too obsessed with team records."
"You could win."
Kurumu straightened up, favoring the grinning girl a dubious look. Shaking her head again, she folded up her skirt before putting it in her locker. She snatched up the padlock, closing the locker. She fished the latch through the locker hole and secured the padlock, spinning the dial.
"Unlike your group, we don't have any standout athletes."
"You have several track girls."
Kurumu snorted, snatching up her spandex shorts. She stepped into them one leg at a time, dragging them up over her boyshorts.
"I wouldn't call Hazumi and Nomura aggressive athletes. For that matter, neither is Taijin."
Asuka nodded thoughtfully as Kurumu smoothed out her red bloomers.
"That's true. And being so tall, Yuu gets eliminated pretty early like Chisa and Tama always do. But your group did beat the group we will be facing today."
Kurumu giggled as she slipped into her sneakers.
"That was mostly luck and took all five games. Kumiko and Yaisoku played extra hard since we were up against her older sister. It also helps that Mizudake and Uta are the only other athletes in that group."
"Well try to win. Somebody has to beat our third years."
Kurumu was almost finished tying up her laces when she heard the doors open. A bunch of girls laughed as they made their way to their lockers. Straightening up, Kurumu gestured for Asuka to stand beside her. The blond shrugged but acquiesced right as Moka came around the corner. The vampire smirked, stalking over to her locker.
"What do you want?"
Kurumu grinned as several other girls joined their bay.
"I was only going to ask if you guys won."
"We won four of the five sets. That last game was just to kill time."
Kurumu snickered, knowing that most of these games took less than ten minutes.
"The vampire sisters remain undefeated."
Moka freed the latch of her padlock, tugging it off.
"It's just dodgeball. I'll see you after school."
Kurumu gave Asuka a slight pat on the shoulder before she wandered out of the bay. The raiji walked with her to the end of the locker room which had filled up with over eighty girls. Asuka bounded ahead a step, opening the door for Kurumu. She murmured her thanks, passing through.
In a few seconds they were back out into the nearly empty auditorium. Taijin was chatting with Coach Kibashiro while the Unabara twins were conversing with Ms. Amesuki. Coach Hoshineru was exiting the auditorium through one of the doors to the practice gym. Coach Yaisoku was leaning against one of the bins which had been filled with the different sized rubber balls.
"Kurumu! Here!"
Juri beckoned to her, sitting on the stage. Asuka headed in Juri's direction but Kurumu hesitated.
"I'm going to chat with Coach Yaisoku."
Juri frowned but made no move to abandon her perch as Kurumu walked off.
Before Kurumu reached the tennis coach, the door on the corner to the cafeteria opened up. Many girls entered the auditorium though there were a few guys mixed in the throng. Tomisaki was with Hiboshi, Irewata, Madosuki, Kumiko and the younger Yaisoku sister from first year class four whom had her dark hair braided against her scalp. While these Aranoiji girls had all decided to take choir as their elective, Tomisaki had just happened to list it as his third choice. As he would say, luck had put him there.
Naturally the group had a bunch of girls from the choir including the two harpy third years, the older Sazayama sister, Okimune, Natsudera and Chouda. Kana's friend, Touzoku, was trailing behind the group, accompanying an elegant girl with silken black hair gracing her bosom and the small of her back. That was Seinou Hanii. That third year was from Juri's village and had been the karaoke club president.
But the girl in the group that changed Kurumu's course was Okutomo. The girl with the sky blue hair held back by a pink heart barrette was chatting with one of her guy friends from Shizukana whom had joined her greetings club. It was the one with the ashen black hair styled in a middle part.
"Okutomo!"
Kurumu waved, trotting over to intercept the girl whom was about the same height as Kurumu. Both Okutomo and her friend stopped.
"Afternoon, Ms. Kurono."
Kurumu flashed the pair a grin as the other students continued their journey to their lockers.
"I forgot that you had choir as your elective."
"Yea. I felt like singing my final year."
"How is the yearbook coming along?"
"We're getting the hang of it. It helps that most of our crew have had their pictures taken now."
Okutomo smiled at her companion's upbeat answer.
"Yea. The first day was the worst. Himawari, Naoki and I all had pictures that day so we were trying to juggle that with coordinating everything. Thankfully Ms. Sangi is the only person from our group having her picture taken today."
"Don't forget Ms. Hajihachi."
Okutomo giggled at her friend's reminder.
"Of course. She and several others have stepped up."
Chatter drew Kurumu's attention to the left. Many girls started filtering through the door to the practice gym being held open by Coach Hoshineru. Kurumu favored Okutomo a grin.
"I should let you go change. I'm going to be gunning for you on the court."
Okutomo frowned for a moment. Then her fair eyes brightened up.
"That's right. We play against each other today."
Her friend chuckled.
"Sounds like I should wish both of you luck."
"Yes. Well. I'll do my best."
Kurumu grinned, mirroring the nod the girl offered her. As Okutomo hurried off, Kurumu vowed to at least get that girl out once today.
"May I help you?"
Kurumu glanced at the door and her heart fluttered. Standing in the doorway was a gorgeous woman with a ginormous bosom barely contained within the low cut of that black blouse. A blood red, long sleeved business jacket with black buttons was secured at her thin waist. A crimson pencil skirt stretched from the curves of her hips to her knees swathed in black hose down to her glossy black high heels.
"I'm here for a quick visit with Ms. Kurono."
Kiyoshi Narau had her rich black hair balled up and secured with crimson rods. A beauty mark graced her skin beneath full lips. Her amethyst eyes swept over to Kurumu's location and she smiled.
Not waiting for permission, Kurumu hopped out of her seat and hurried over to the visitor. Ms. Kiyoshi held her arms out, inviting the embrace. Wrapping her arms about the succubus whom had watched over her after the passing of her mother, Kurumu breathed in deep. A flowery fragrance greeted her as the woman gently caressed her back.
"Whom is that lady again?"
"That's Ms. Kiyoshi. She's a Fairy Tale agent in charge of the Tohoku region."
Ms. Kiyoshi laughed softly at Yukari's answer, pushing out a soothing aura as she held Kurumu.
"Technically Lord Matsusaki is in charge."
With another deep breath, Kurumu relaxed her grip about the succubus.
"Matsusaki? Wasn't he in charge of the Fukushima prefecture?"
"We've been very busy."
Mrs. Sunao cleared her throat, demanding their attention. The diminutive woman was seated behind the teacher's desk. She had on a dark blue blouse beneath her black jacket. The blouse hung over the hem of her black slacks.
"I would prefer you to take your business with Ms. Kurono elsewhere. I'm trying to conduct a class."
"But it's just a study hall."
Ms. Kiyoshi chuckled at Abe's remark. She released Kurumu and retreated a step.
"We can chat out in the hall."
The pouting teacher sighed, returning her attention to the succubus.
"I suppose that is fine if you keep it down."
"Thank you. I won't keep her long."
"May I join them in the hall?"
Mrs. Sunao frowned as Yukari got up from her seat.
"I guess if they don't mind."
"Of course not. I'm sure that Ms. Sendou is curious about my visit."
Kurumu was starting to wonder what had brought the succubus here as she followed Ms. Kiyoshi out of the classroom. Yukari joined them moments later, closing the door behind her.
"I'm guessing this isn't the lengthy visit I was promised when everything was over."
Ms. Kiyoshi laughed softly, backing up to the railing which flanked the openings to the floor below.
"Unfortunately not. We have been very busy and that doesn't look like it will change any time soon."
"Understandable. Fairy Tale needs to replace all of its upper positions of power."
Kurumu smiled at Yukari's comment.
"Yea. We heard from Ms. Sakurai that Lord Dakimori is now in charge of her region. And a letter from Moka's father indicated that Lord Onikawa will be the commander for the Kyushu region."
"And we know from my Moka that her father appointed Lord Iroshu to take charge of the Kanto region."
"We already have all of the region commanders replaced."
"Even Hokkaido?"
Ms. Kiyoshi nodded at Kurumu's surprise.
"Even Hokkaido. I got a call from Michi on the last day of January. She had already taken Saikou back to school and was wondering what she needed to do. I told her the situation and within a week, I got the news that Lord Hiyaken was their new region commander."
"That's the guy that helped my Moka in Sapporo."
Kurumu perked up at Yukari making the connection for her.
"That's good. He sounded important."
"I got the impression from my sister that he is the most influential officer in Hokkaido since he has been in charge of Hageshikaze for decades. I met him for the first time just yesterday."
Kurumu smiled, digesting that information. It sounded like Ms. Mawari and her daughter were okay and that their lives were back to normal.
"So your region commander is Lord Matsusaki now."
"I had three prefectural lords interested in taking the role but I had to convince Lord Ohi to step down. He doesn't have any subordinates prepared to handle the responsibility of the prefectural officer for Miyagi. And I'm too busy to cover for that inexperience."
Kurumu smirked, guessing this convincing had some charm to it.
"Isn't Fukushima a large prefecture?"
"It is. But I feel more confident helping Lord Tatsuben transition into his new duties than any of the men Lord Ohi has under his command. Sendai is like a carousel for his junior officers. They don't mind being in charge of it for like a month or two but quickly request a transfer if things push longer than that."
Kurumu chuckled at the image of a carousel full of stoic guys in Fairy Tale uniforms.
"You said three. Was Lord Moritani the third?"
"No. He's content to remain in Yamagata. The third was Lord Tomobishi of Aomori prefecture."
That was not a surprise. Kurumu had met Lord Tomobishi's father whom had been the High Court judge representing the Tohoku region.
"Is he anything like his father?"
"His father was much easier to work with."
Kurumu found that hard to believe. She glanced at Yukari but the witch was focused on Ms. Kiyoshi.
"Whom took over this region?"
"That would be Lord Souken. You should have heard about him from Yokina since he spends most of his time in Nagoya."
Kurumu grinned at the mention of the succubus working their region.
"Yea. We've heard about him. How is Ms. Ohno doing?"
Ms. Kiyoshi smiled softly.
"Keeping busy. She has to handle everything Ms. Shikaru was tending to and help Lord Shijima adjust to his new role. Things will get a little easier after she graduates next month."
"I assume this Lord Shijima is taking Lord Souken's former position?"
"Correct, Ms. Sendou. I got the impression from Lord Souken that Lord Shijima is a childhood friend."
Yukari paused thoughtfully as Kurumu had a sudden concern.
"Is Ms. Ohno going to be working the Chubu region by herself?"
"Is that an offer to help?"
"I can't be doing that. I still got two more years of high school."
Ms. Kiyoshi smiled warmly, cocking her head.
"I wouldn't mind the wait. Michi and I have been wanting help for years and the Kanto region has way too much happening for poor Mujou to handle by herself. And we all know how inexperienced Yokina is since Ms. Shikaru carried most of the workload."
Kurumu forced a smile.
"I'd have to ask Nijiro about that."
"More like you need Kokoa's permission. You are her property."
Kurumu laughed at Yukari's huffed correction.
"That is true. I'm not the one that got exiled."
"Whom took over the other two regions?"
Ms. Kiyoshi regarded Yukari with intrigue.
"Why would you want to know that?"
"Mostly out of curiosity."
"You probably won't know them but Lord Kengo will be in charge of the Chugoku region."
Kurumu grinned, stepping closer to the succubus.
"Actually we do know that one. He was the prefectural officer of Hiroshima. Ms. Ontai mentioned him when we visited Toukai."
"You visited Ms. Ontai?"
"Mhm. The bus driver took us to a succubus village ran by Elder Hajinai. Only she wasn't the great old granny you thought she was. This Elder Hajinai is actually the original Elder Hajinai's granddaughter."
Ms. Kiyoshi let out a brief laugh.
"That sly minx. She could have mentioned that yesterday."
"You spoke with her yesterday?"
"Yes. We actually had a big meeting with all of the new region commanders in Fuhamori."
"That's in Chiba prefecture?"
"Yes, Ms. Sendou. Beautiful town. You should visit if you ever get the chance."
Yukari huffed dismissively.
"I'm more curious what this meeting was about."
"Oh. Just discussing the future of Fairy Tale. Our new commanders agreed to appoint a High Court Judge to represent each of their regions by the end of April. We will leave it up to those judges to elect a new supreme judge. Hopefully that will be determined before the end of summer."
"What do you plan to do about the vacant president and vice president positions?"
Ms. Kiyoshi favored Yukari a smug grin.
"I think we can manage without those until the next election in October."
"But that's more than half a year away!"
Kurumu flinched at the admonishing look Ms. Kiyoshi threw at her for raising her voice.
"Most of the daily duties of Fairy Tale are handled at a local level, young ladies. For example, Niigata prefecture has three notable Fairy Tale offices in Watasora, Agano and Umiman."
"I didn't know there was one in Umiman."
"Yes, Ms. Kurono. Each of those offices have a junior prefectural officer whom handles that area. This allows the prefectural officer to focus his efforts on relationships between villages. The same can be said of the upper positions. Region commanders focus on relationships between the prefectures. And our president keeps things running smoothly between the regions. Many would argue that the loss of your local officer is a bigger setback than losing your prefectural officer."
"But Mrs. Shuzen was always so busy."
Ms. Kiyoshi smiled softly, glancing down at the floor.
"She was. Madame President had lofty goals. For our integration with human society and international relations with monsters abroad. All of that will have to be abandoned. Perhaps the new president will want to pick up that torch."
Kurumu grimaced. After all of the sacrifices made to put Alucard down before he started a war with humanity, the monster races were no closer to being accepted by human society.
"Do you know whom will run for president?"
"Not a clue. Our region commanders will make nominations when the High Court is ready. The ones that get approved will be on the October ballot."
"You never told us whom became the commander for the Kansai region."
Ms. Kiyoshi chuckled at Yukari's reminder.
"That would be Lord Nagikaze whom used to be the prefectural officer in Hyogo. He isn't the most reputable officer from Kansai but he somehow won the vote held by his peers."
"Are you suggesting that the vote was rigged?"
Ms. Kiyoshi smirked at Yukari.
"Lord Yuruyomi of Osaka prefecture is much better known. And Ms. Aimai openly admitted that she persuaded Lord Ishibashi of Kyoto prefecture to not run and to vote against Lord Yuroyomi."
"You do realize how bad it looks for succubi to be directly involved in determining whom ends up with all of these important positions."
"We have wisely kept our presence to a minimum, Ms. Sendou. And every new region commander was a prefectural officer first. I don't know the officers of Kansai well enough to object over why Lord Nagikaze was picked over his peers. I'm trusting that Ms. Kyuusai knows what is best for her region."
As reasonable as that sounded, Kurumu knew the hatred some races harbored against her kind had no logical basis. It was something passed down through the generations. Most would never interact with a succubus, keeping those demeaning stereotypes forever.
"Will you at least spend the night?"
"Once again the girl with two brain cells forgets that she has plans for the evening. You're supposed to be a dutiful maid for Kokoa's date with Ms. Taniguchi."
Kurumu pouted at Yukari, having forgotten about that for a moment.
"Kokoa doesn't know if Nagisa will spend the night. And even if she does, Ms. Kiyoshi could stay with me in my own room."
Kurumu flinched when Ms. Kiyoshi placed her hand on Kurumu's shoulder.
"I can't stay. I'm only here to collect Mr. Aono."
"Collect him? Why?"
Ms. Kiyoshi withdrew her hand with a smile.
"I have a free weekend and wanted to address this matter. I intend to take Mr. Aono and his mother to see their relatives in Yamagata."
"Why are you doing that?"
Ms. Kiyoshi chuckled at Yukari's frown.
"Because they are his family. While I could let the world continue to believe that the mother is dead and the son is missing, I will make an exception for his family. I will tell them that Mr. Aono and his mother are in a witness protection program and that I will act as their mediator."
"That would be nice for him to see his family again."
"But he has a date with my Moka tomorrow."
Kurumu bit her lip. She shot Yukari a pleading look.
"Moka would understand. It's his family."
Yukari sighed heavily, shaking her head.
"I suppose. He is in Mrs. Takizawa's homeroom. It's the next one down the hall."
"Thank you, Ms. Sendou. As part of this ruse, Mr. Aono and his mother will be getting new identities. We can handle all of that in Yutakayama on Monday."
"Yutakayama?"
"The city where the main office and prefectural school for Yamagata is located."
Kurumu smiled thinly, glancing in the direction of Tsukune's classroom.
"You'll have him back before Tuesday, right? He has yearbook pictures."
"Of course, Ms. Kurono."
"His mother is on campus. She works the cafeteria but she's probably in the teachers' lounge right now."
Ms. Kiyoshi chuckled as Yukari gestured towards the front of the school.
"I'm aware, Ms. Sendou. I have already spoken with Mrs. Aono and she knows of my intentions. I was only stopping by to check on Ms. Kurono before I left."
"When are you going to have time to just be with me?"
Ms. Kiyoshi touched Kurumu's cheek, favoring her a soft look.
"When things calm down. Maybe spring break."
Kurumu pouted, drawing away from the gentle touch.
"I'm staying with my boyfriend over spring break."
"Boyfriend? You found a new one?"
Kurumu huffed, wondering if she had failed to mention Nijiro to this woman.
"Yes. If you were ever around, I would have told you about him."
Ms. Kiyoshi gave her an apologetic smile.
"I'm sorry, Ms. Kurono. Things are just so busy right now. I haven't even been to my own home since I dropped Mrs. Aono off here. I wouldn't have time for a boyfriend even if I had one."
Kurumu sighed, starting at a slow, lazy walk towards the back doors of classes two and three.
"I know. But you should at least call Ms. Ontai to arrange a meeting with this Elder Hajinai. I'm sure she would find a mate for you. She's only upset with Ms. Kyuusai over getting her mother killed."
Ms. Kiyoshi laughed softly as they came to a stop at the back door to class three.
"I can't be having a baby now."
Kurumu frowned at the unexpected sound of laughter inside the classroom. She put her hand in the inset of the door, drawing it aside.
"It's not like you would be-"
"Put me down!"
Kurumu stopped her halfhearted protest over how succubi were not inconvenienced with pregnancy, considering they put their babies in other women. Her eyes went wide with surprise as she stepped into the classroom, wondering why she could see Hiboshi's bright red, lace panties.
"What are they doing?"
Kurumu had no answer for Yukari as she took in the scene. Ikazuchi had Hiboshi by the ankles and was holding her out and up. Her hands touched the floor a moment before she twisted up, trying to grab at his legs. He hopped back a step, narrowly evading capture. Her three burgundy tails writhed about, reflecting her frustration.
"I can't let you fall, Mini Minx. I won't let you down."
All of the desks had been pushed to the sides of the classroom with the rest of the students gathered about. Some giggled or chuckled while others pretended not to notice the altercation.
"This wasn't what I had in mind."
Mrs. Takizawa wrung her hands from where she stood in front of the podium. The teacher was wearing an open white blouse over an orange top with a pair of burgundy pants.
"Put her down, Mr. Ikazuchi."
Suzume giggled at Tora's request.
"Yea. I'm not participating if this is going to happen."
Yougan laughed heartily.
"Sorry, ladies, but we need to confirm your compliance with the new classroom dress code. Mr. Aono says all of you need to wear thongs."
"I said no such thing!"
"Enough!"
Hatoko stepped in and jabbed Ikazuchi hard in the side. The guy staggered at the same moment that Hiboshi whipped up to swipe at his arm with a clawed hand. Recognizing the danger, he let go of her ankles, causing the kitsune to sprawl upon the floor.
"I'm so sorry, Mini Minx. The angry bird wanted her turn."
Hatoko thrust a finger into the chest of the grinning boy.
"Ya nots holding me like that."
Hiboshi scowled, springing back to her feet. She hastily fixed up her skirt.
"What is even the point of this, Teacher?"
"It's supposed to be a trust building exercise."
"Aye. We trust boys to do anything to see panties."
Ikazuchi snickered at Hatoko's gruff declaration.
"Ridiculous. If that were true, guys would be hanging out in lingerie stores all of the time."
Yougan clapped his hand on Ikazuchi's shoulder and nodded.
"Right. Lingerie is only sexy when a girl is wearing it."
Tsukune chuckled nervously, rubbing the back of his neck.
"I think this exercise is a bust. They let me fall on the floor."
Kamitsuku smirked as his ochre eyes took notice of Kurumu's presence.
"Well. That was funny."
Tora noticed his attention and looked over in their direction. She smiled weakly.
"It seems we have company."
Kurumu grinned as the entire class turned their attention upon them. The desire for her was less than usual but that was because she had a sexier, more mature succubus with her.
"Ms. Kurono. Ms. Sendou. Whom have you brought with you?"
Kurumu paused at Mrs. Takizawa's question, realizing that these two had never officially met.
"This is Kiyoshi Narau, Mrs. Takizawa. She is a Fairy Tale agent."
"Pleased to meet you, Mrs. Takizawa. And congratulations on your marriage."
Mrs. Takizawa smiled warmly at the polite greeting and bow.
"Thanks. I've heard about you from Ms. Kurono. What brings you here today?"
"I'm actually here for Mr. Aono."
Tsukune straightened up, stepping away from the group.
"Really? What do you want with me?"
Kurumu laughed at his hesitant nature.
"It's about your family."
"Did something happen?"
"Nothing like that, Mr. Aono. I wanted to take you and your mother to see your uncle's family over the weekend. I've already notified your mother and she is waiting for us downstairs."
Tsukune blinked in disbelief.
"Um. Great! I would love to see Kyoko."
"Good. We can leave as soon as you are ready. We won't be back for your classes on Monday. I trust that your teacher will excuse your absence."
"I can inform the staff. Ms. Hiboshi can act as class representative while he is away."
Hiboshi huffed indignantly at Mrs. Takizawa's reassurances.
"I should have been the representative from the start."
Tsukune chuckled, trotting over to the wall where the desks were stacked up.
"Thanks, Ms. Hiboshi. Could someone tell Moka that I had a family matter come up?"
Kurumu grinned as he shouldered his schoolbag.
"You can count on that."