Kurumu stopped at her cubby inside these black painted shelves that held her slippers. She leaned down to unbuckle the straps of her Mary Janes as Yukari joined her, promptly stepping out of her loafers.

"Could you save a desk for me?"

Yukari huffed, fetching her slippers from the cubby beneath Kurumu's.

"We don't need a new seating arrangement."

Kurumu chuckled, removing her shoes. Her schoolbag dangled against her left hip with the strap upon her right shoulder. She grabbed her slippers before stuffing her Mary Janes inside her cubby.

"They put ten more desks in every classroom. People might be tempted to switch things up."

Yukari sighed as she donned her slippers. The witch had a white satchel with her schoolbag. Inside that satchel was homemade bento boxes to spare them the woes of the ridiculous lunch line.

"I don't know why they bothered bringing in those extra desks. It's not like we can have more students per grade level. We don't have the housing for it."

Kurumu nestled her feet inside her slippers as Mizore strolled over to join them. All three of them were wearing the standard school skirt, but there was difference in their tops. Yukari had gone fully proper with the green school jacket and red bow. Mizore only had the school blouse with the dark lines of her black sports bra showing through. And Kurumu had on a beige sweater vest over her blouse.

"Maybe they will have two girls sharing a room in Baratoge like they did when my mother was here."

Yukari frowned, drifting over to step up from the genkan onto the floor of the school's lobby.

"I doubt that Grandfather would push for that. And he hasn't mentioned any plans to start building the new student housing in that clearing between the school and dining hall."

The grand foyer of the school had been refurbished over the winter break. A new chandelier hung in the center of the area open to the second floor. The black metal twisted about with crystal bulbs shaped like flames. The new railing of the balcony was painted black, matching the railing that flanked the new stair. This stair ascended to a central landing before splitting into two narrow flights curving up to the corners of the balcony above.

"They might happen after they finish the town's primary school. I wouldn't be surprised if they try to expand the school population a year or two before they have the new housing built."

"Are we going?"

Kurumu chuckled as Mizore gestured at the stair. Moka and Kokoa were already making their way to the base while Umizake drifted towards them. Kurumu stepped up from the genkan.

"You two are. I have to do morning announcements."

"Good luck with that."

Kurumu grinned, grabbing her schoolbag strap as Mizore turned around. The snow girl made a slight sound of surprise but did not hesitate to take Umizake's offered hand. As the couple stalked off with Yukari in tow, Kurumu made her way along the wall to the door for the teachers' lounge.

She arrived at her destination in seconds, opening the door up and slipping into the teachers' lounge. Like much of the school, the lounge had been remodeled with new furniture, fixtures and finishes. The desk of the head secretary, Mrs. Hagimoto, was not in the far corner. It must have been moved up to the admission's office on the second floor.

"There you are."

Her attention shifted to the woman seated at the first cubicle in the row lined against the wall on her right. Senda Shiki had short, dark hair with bangs trimmed across her eyebrows. Her brown eyes were behind a pair of rectangular glasses resting on her freckled nose. The science teacher had on a long sleeved, pastel blue blouse and ankle length, black skirt.

"I'm here to pick up the announcements."

The woman sounded an affirmative as Kurumu sauntered over. Mrs. Senda's new chair with rich black cushions rolled back when the woman shifted to grab a sheet from the top of her white desk supported between the gray partitions. Mrs. Senda turned in her chair, presenting the paper to Kurumu.

"It's mostly a reminder of things mentioned at the last school assembly."

Kurumu nodded, taking the sheet. She looked it over and one sentence caught her interest.

"They are closing the third year science rooms?"

"Yes. They plan to update them with all the features the other rooms now have."

Kurumu nodded thoughtfully, bringing the sheet to the strap across her breasts.

"How are you going to teach your science class?"

"It's physics, Ms. Kurono. We can finish out their year with lectures in the homerooms. And it's not like I have many students that need the last term to graduate."

Kurumu grinned, supposing that would be true.

"I never asked but why did you become a science teacher?"

"I've always liked science and math. I actually applied for both positions when they last expanded the school. I was a little disappointed that I ended up with the art elective."

Kurumu frowned at the revelation.

"You were an art teacher?"

"For three years. The former art teacher, Mrs. Sugano, retired in 92 so the elective was being handled by Ms. Tsumugi. The school had enough prospects that they asked some of us women if we would take the art program if our choice of subject was unavailable."

Kurumu snickered, wondering if there was a position that the school nurse had not filled in for during her long tenure at Yokai Academy. It sounded like Mrs. Itou had also done a lot of substitute work.

"Why women?"

"It was a preference. Both Ms. Iwasaki and Mrs. Sunao also agreed to do it but I got the job."

Kurumu mulled that over, trying to recall when Lord Sendou retired.

"You took over Lord Sendou's physics class when he retired?"

Mrs. Senda laughed, shaking her head.

"You forget, Ms. Kurono. I decided to have my babies."

Kurumu gasped with understanding as the teacher smiled softly.

"I left after the graduation of 97. Ms. Yumeito was hired on to replace Lord Sendou since she was having trouble at her Fairy Tale job. As English ceased being an elective the next school year, Ms. Sano was able to cover the art elective in my absence. I was honestly thinking about staying home with my girls but I was asked to come back to fill one of the two vacancies they had in 2001."

"Two vacancies?"

"Mr. Yokei and Mr. Fuyunagi both left."

"Who is Mr. Fuyunagi?"

"A classmate of mine. He got hired on at Minemine Institute in Gunma prefecture where his fiancee was living. He's friends with the Miwa family and sends them the occasional post card. Mr. Hakuru was quite willing to come out of retirement to take back his chemistry class."

Kurumu nodded, recalling that Mr. Hakuru had retired right before the last school expansion. He had come back after his wife passed away.

"What happened with Mr. Yokei?"

Mrs. Senda hesitated before gesturing at the door.

"That's a personal matter, Ms. Kurono. You should head upstairs to the club room. Mr. Tashikana was here earlier for the new key. He's probably waiting for you."

Kurumu smiled apologetically, supposing she should go despite her new interest in what had caused Mr. Yokei to leave the faculty. She retreated two steps before turning about. She hurried to the lounge door, slipping back out into the grand foyer.

As she made her way to the stairs, Kurumu recalled the teachers from her mother's photo albums. In the late eighties there had only been two science teachers per grade level. Mr. Hakuru had been mommy's chemistry teacher. A picture of Mr. Katai had confirmed that he was the other. Mr. Miyanohara had been mommy's biology teacher and her mother's physics teacher had been Mr. Saiyama. There had not been pictures of Lord Sendou or Mr. Saitou but Kurumu knew that those had been the other two.

Heading up the stairs, she wondered when Mr. Saiyama had retired. It must have been before the last school expansion since only three science teachers had been hired in 94. The three were Mr. Daijou for physics, Mr. Yokei for biology and Ms. Sasayaki for chemisty. Mr. Miyanohara must have taken over Mr. Saiyama's physics class after her mother graduated in 89.

Then she remembered Ms. Rin whom had been hired in 89. She had no idea if the former gymnastics advisor had been hired on as a biology teacher, but Ms. Rin had clearly taken Mr. Saiyama's place. She nodded with satisfaction as she arrived at the top of the stairs, certain that she knew the truth.

She drifted to her left as she walked away from the grand foyer, entering the hall which would take her to the first year wing. This first door on her left was for the broadcasting club. It was new since the room had been broken into with everything inside getting trashed. She drifted over to the door, grabbing the knob and twisting. She pushed the door open, slipping inside.

The first things she noticed was how clean and barren the broadcasting room was. The partitions that had divided this room were gone and so was the shelving that had been littered with CDs and records. A new shelf adorned with multiple buttons and dials was pushed up against the wall in the center of the room with glossy black stools flanking it.

The Voice of Yokai, Tashikana Ichigo, glanced over his shoulder at the sound of the door closing. He had wavy, lilac locks which were trimmed short. His jacket and schoolbag were on the floor by his stool. The third year gestured at the stool beside him as the first bell sounded throughout the school.

"Come and have a seat, Ms. Kurono."

Kurumu nodded, glancing to her right. In the corner of the room was a pair of stools facing a camcorder. Black cables connected the camcorder to a port on this long shelf.

"What's the camcorder for?"

Tashikana grinned as Kurumu placed the sheet with the announcements on the shelf. She tugged the strap of her schoolbag up over her head.

"Plans for the future. My persistence in having the PA system upgraded got more than I bargained for. They fitted the classrooms in your wing with wiring capable of giving a video feed."

Kurumu frowned, leaning her schoolbag against the base of the stool. She clambered up onto the stool

"You mean like television?"

"Precisely, Ms. Kurono. I don't know when they will go back and do the same for the third year wing but it might not be long before the broadcasting club will be delivering the announcements like the news."

Kurumu laughed nervously, smoothing out her skirt. She disliked the thought of being on television.

"Well I'll leave that to your cousin. I'm only here because you needed an upperclassmen to fill in as the club president."

Tashikana chuckled, pushing a sheet of paper on the shelf towards her.

"Which I am thankful for. I also have this for you."

Kurumu picked up the sheet, looking it over. The first part was a list of names with dates. BoA was listed with Outgrow dated this Wednesday. On that same day was Rainbow 7 with Morning Musume beside it.

"What's this?"

"One of the benefits of my part time job at Spinning Discs is access to the release schedule of new CDs. I wrote down all of the artists releasing CDs this month."

Kurumu nodded, glancing below this dated list to another short list. She smirked, recognizing the names of the movies playing. She guessed that the number by the name was the theater it was playing in.

"Is this the movies playing this week? Because I heard that they change the schedule on Friday."

"That's next weekend's lineup. I got my hands on it yesterday after I was got off work. Most students won't be running to town to watch a movie in the middle of the week."

She nodded again, noting that Uchouten Hotel was in theater one. She was mildly curious about this Zorro movie, thinking that might be fun even if it was a foreign film. She had no interest in Flightplan, Munich and Oliver Twist, knowing that they were foreign films. She had already seen Otoko no Yamato and Harry Potter. She wondered what this Professor's Beloved Equation was about.

"Feels like we should share that on Friday instead of Monday."

"I'll leave that up to you."

She frowned at his grin, setting the sheet aside.

"What do you mean by that?"

"I mean that you will be doing the announcements from here on out. I'll work the equipment."

Kurumu grimaced, looking over the many dials and buttons. She wanted to refuse but felt like he was offering her the easier task.

"I guess that's fine. How are things between you and Lady Hineri?"

Tashikana chuckled, reaching off to his right to grab a microphone. He tugged it out of its holster, sitting back down and turning to present the device to Kurumu.

"She hasn't eaten me yet, so that's good."

Kurumu smiled, taking the microphone.

"What exactly are the two of you going to do?"

Tashikana chuckled, crossing his arms about his chest.

"It'll be fine, Ms. Kurono. It's not like we are the first graduates to cancel college plans because of an unplanned pregnancy. We'll get through this minor delay."

"You better not knock her up again while she's in college."

"No promises."

Kurumu smiled softly at his amused demeanor. Her thoughts drifted to Mr. Kasahara's story.

"You should talk to her mother."

He regarded her with a smug look.

"Already have, Ms. Kurono. While Keito might be deathly afraid of causing her mother worry, I have no such qualms. I actually got a letter back last Friday, blessing our union."

"Have you told Lady Hineri about this?"

Tashikana shook his head, lifting up slightly to reach for another microphone.

"Not yet. I haven't decided when I should tell her. My only worry is that her mother might spoil the news if I wait for graduation."

Kurumu managed a smile as he sat back down with a second microphone in hand.

"Where do you plan to live after graduation?"

"Now that is a great question. I can't very well stay at Ms. Yaisoku's place with Keito. While I might have luck on my side, I'm not silly enough to sleep with two pregnant jorougumo."

Kurumu snickered, wondering how much luck his species had.

"You must have some sort of plan."

"Not yet. I might see if one of my coworkers are willing to put me up until after Keito has her baby."

"But she was thinking that won't be until July. That's months away."

"I'm well aware of that. It will be the perfect time to start plans for a summer wedding."

Kurumu could only shake her head at his optimism. She watched him push a few buttons which lit them up. He adjusted two sliders and turned a dial. Before she could think of a new topic to chat about in the lingering silence, the second bell sounded. The school day had officially started.

"Showtime."

Tashikana flipped a switch and brought the microphone up to his lips.

"Greetings, students of Yokai Academy. It is I, your Voice, coming to you through our new PA system."

Green bars fluctuated across a digital display built into this counter, matching his volume.

"Looks like this is working so I shall turn things over to my gorgeous successor, Ms. Kurono Kurumu."

He pushed a button that turned off its light before pressing the adjacent one. He gestured at Kurumu. Sighing, Kurumu lifted the microphone to her face as she reached for the sheet of announcements.

"Morning, everyone. I have a few announcements-"

"Turn your microphone on."

Kurumu blushed at his comment. She pushed up the little rectangle on the base of the device to turn it on. There was a pop with the green bars spiking for a moment. She laughed nervously.

"Sorry, everyone. I'll try this again. I'm Kurono Kurumu and I have a few morning announcements."

Tashikana gave her a thumbs up which she answered with sticking out her tongue. With a shake of her head, she returned her attention to the sheet.

"Please swing by the school store to pick up your school slippers if you haven't already done so. All class representatives should make new duty rosters today. Also confirm that your homeroom's cleaning locker is fully stocked. Report any shortages to your homeroom teacher during last period today."

Kurumu paused, taking in a deep breath.

"Third year homerooms one through four will have yearbook pictures during last period today. Your homeroom teacher will accompany you to the stage for this."

Kurumu thought about encouraging third years to leave campus if they felt unprepared for pictures. She shook her head, deciding that would be silly.

"Third years. Your science lectures will be in your homerooms. A construction crew will be remodeling your science labs. Please do not distract these men with conversation."

She smirked at the next paragraph on the sheet.

"Attendance will be taken at gym today. Another construction crew will be fixing the bleachers that flank the track and soccer field. As boys will be outside today, please keep clear of their work area. Girls will be in the gymnasiums."

She lifted the sheet higher, shifting on the stool.

"Just a reminder to be courteous to the four new members of our staff. These are Ms. Suda in art, Mrs. Meirowasa in health and wellness, Mr. Yuutan in first year gym and Mr. Yokei in first year chemistry."

She paused after saying his name. She wondered again why he had left Yokai Academy.

"Finished?"

Kurumu smiled apologetically at his hushed query. She glanced at the last paragraphs on the sheet.

"Don't forget that the school store has perishables. You can use your lunch cards for the purchase of food, beverages and snacks. We also have new vending machines but those require cash."

She grinned, setting the sheet aside.

"The new student council will resume having lunches on the third floor with the former student council. If you have any concerns requiring their attention, feel free to join them for lunch."

She was about to call it quits when a thought crossed her mind.

"Oh and there were a few club leaders whom didn't turn in a budget request form last Saturday. Please make sure to do so. That should be all I have to say."

Kurumu lowered the microphone, cocking her head. He chuckled, pushing a button on the counter which turned a light off. He pushed another button, lighting it up before he brought his microphone up.

"You heard the lady. Now you all make sure to make the most of this day."

He pushed the button again and flashed her a grin. He turned off his microphone which reminded her to do the same for hers.

"You did good enough."

Kurumu smirked, scooting off the stool. She handed him the microphone, waiting for him to take it before turning away. She leaned down to grab her schoolbag by its strap, hauling it up to her hip.

"I'm still not going to do this when your cousin gets here."

"Don't forget that sheet."

Kurumu glanced at his list of CDs and movies which rested beside her announcements.

"Can't I just leave it here?"

"I suppose you could. I'll lock the room up."

Kurumu sounded her understanding as she sashayed away from him. She grabbed the door's knob with a quick twist, tugging it open. She slipped out into the empty hall, walking towards the left.

She spied two of the new vending machines that the announcements had mentioned on the other side of the opening for her wing. They were nestled against the wall in the space before the stair going down to the first level. It only took a few seconds to reach her wing.

She had not been upstairs on Saturday. Everything looked so clean and bright. New lights and fresh paint on the railing flanking the openings to the floor below. She drifted to the far left side of this hall, noting the first door to class one was closed. Ms. Shuzen probably had already started her algebra lesson.

She held her schoolbag close as she made her way to her classroom which was before the first crossover connecting these balconies flanking this wing. That crossover was in line with the back doors of classes three and ten. A stair came down from that first crossover towards the entrance.

It was only a few steps beyond the second door for class one to reach the first door of class two. Letting go of the strap with one hand, she put her hand in her classroom door's inset and drew it aside. She murmured an apology as she slipped inside, closing the door behind her.

Mrs. Sunao stood at the podium in the front of the class with her back to the chalkboard. The diminutive teacher was wearing a navy jacket over a pink dress shirt with navy slacks. Her new desk in the corner of the room had a glossy finish matching that of the podium.

"You did well, Ms. Kurono. Now take a seat."

A glance confirmed her suspicions that her peers would alter the seating order. Wanibuchi, whom was of no relation to Bunii, still had the front row desk closest to the door. He had rugged, bleach blond locks and had hung his school jacket on his chair. Like most guys from Tamari, he had joined the bowling club.

Yakihara with the amber pompadour was still sitting behind Wanibuchi. He was a salamander from Hikari's village and had joined the rugby club.

As there were now seven desks in the front row, Hisakata Unkei had claimed the one beside Wanibuchi. He was a sylph whom had gone to junior high with Suzume. He had short, silvery white hair and had joined the kendo club which his older brother had been a captain of last year.

The burly guy with the muddy black locks styled in a bowl cut was Tandoku. He also came from Hikari's village and had joined the kendo club with the younger Tokeru brother. He was sitting behind Hisakata instead of behind Yakihara.

"Over here, Kurumu."

Yukari gestured at the vacant desk behind her. As expected, the witch had taken the middle seat of the front row. On Yukari's left was Kumiko while Ichida sat to the witch's right. Kurumu smirked, offering Juri a wave as she approached the vacant desk. The sprite had taken the seat behind Kumiko. Satsuki was behind Juri while Nerume had claimed the desk behind the one reserved for Kurumu.

Abe Hizume was seated at the desk behind Ichida. Kurumu had no issue with that as she set her bag on her desk and opened it up. She had sat beside the young man from Watasora before. The kirin from the baseball team had his chestnut hair pulled in a ponytail.

Kurumu exchanged a greeting with Juri as she tugged her Japanese literature notebook out of her bag. She noticed that Hazumi had taken the desk behind Abe with Madosuki claiming the next desk over. Endo had taken the last desk in the third row by the windows.

Ichiboku Naoki had the window desk in front of Endo. The effeminate young man had curly pink hair held in a loose tail. He had followed Kana to Yokai Academy and had joined the manga club, hoping that Kana would do the same.

In front of Ichiboku sitting in the front row desk closest to the teacher's desk was Senyou Nobuyuki. The okami had shaggy, thick, charcoal locks and had joined the cycling club. He was prone to giving Satsuki a hard time whenever he could.

Next to Senyou in the last front row desk was Shouhei. He was a sylph from Hotaru's village and had joined the billiards club. His sky blue hair was also pulled back in a ponytail.

Kurumu hung her schoolbag by its strap upon the hooks mounted to the side of the desk before sitting down. She spared a glance over her shoulder to note the last three guys in the room whom had all taken desks in the back like they had in the past.

Nakai was the short guy in the desk in the fourth row closest to the door. The young guy with the braided rat tail had joined the karate club which his brother was part of. In the desk behind him was Osakebi. He had short black curls and had joined the badminton club with his cousin from class eight. The bulky guy in the desk beside Osakebi was Yano from the soccer club.

"Now that Ms. Kurono has settled in, I believe that we can start."

Kurumu smiled with one last glance at the many empty desks. As her classmates sounded an affirmative, she hoped that would change someday.


The sound of the bell for lunch stopped Mrs. Takizawa in the middle of her sentence. The history teacher was garbed in a short sleeved, cream blouse and long denim skirt. She chuckled, closing her notebook.

"It seems that I lost track of the time. I hope that the rest of your first day back in a proper classroom is equally productive."

Kurumu pulled her schoolbag strap off the hooks to drag it up into her lap. Everyone hastily put away their materials, eager to get into the lunch line ahead of the other classes.

"Are you having lunch with us?"

Kurumu smirked at Juri as she stuffed her notebook inside her schoolbag.

"That depends on how long it takes you to get through the lunch line."

"That's not what I asked."

"Are you going to be in second year class five?"

The pouting Juri turned her attention upon Yukari.

"I believe so. Don't leave if you finish your lunch before I get there."

Kurumu snickered, hanging her schoolbag back on the hooks.

"We won't. Have fun in the line."

"As if."

As Juri stalked off, Satsuki helped the snoozing Nerume to her feet.

"Get up already."

"Carry me."

Satsuki grimaced when the kirin wrapped her arms about the nekomusume, leaning enough to force Satsuki back against her desk.

"I'm going to leave you behind if you don't stand up straight."

"How about giving me a pass to skip the lunch line?"

Satsuki scowled at the snaggletooth grin Senyou favored her. The young man paused at Endo's vacant desk. Satsuki pushed on Nerume's shoulders as she stepped closer to the girl.

"I'm only allowed one guest. You'd have to ask Hineri."

Kumiko huffed as she stalked over to Satsuki's side.

"Not a chance. Please behave yourself, Ms. Genzouyaki. You are embarrassing a PSC member."

Kurumu grinned when Nerume finally detached from Satsuki. The kirin wobbled alongside Satsuki when they started for the back of the class with Kumiko on their heels. The PSC members had the privilege of skipping the line and getting prepared lunches from the kitchen staff. Senyou strolled along the back of the class, leaving through the back door seconds ahead of the trio.

Things were finally back to normal. They were in their classrooms again and most of their teachers had returned. She was only missing Ms. Kagome whom had resigned before summer break and had been replaced with Ms. Shuzen. She sighed, hoping that Mr. Hakuru had only been joking about having labs every day for the rest of the year. Then again, he had always held his lectures in his lab.

"What are you sighing about now?"

Kurumu smiled at Yukari, noting that all of their classmates had left during her reverie.

"Just thinking how nice it is to have things back to normal."

Yukari shrugged, hefting her satchel up to hang it by its strap upon her slender shoulder.

"Having a reliable routine is nice. Are you ready to go?"

Kurumu laughed, slipping out of her chair.

"We can go. No reason to stick around here."

"Well I could write this week's duty roster on the board if you wanted to wait a little."

Kurumu glanced at the chalkboard. Above it was a clock. A small shelf was built in the upper corner next to the front door with black wiring. Ichida had guessed that would be for a television when she had told them about the future plans of the PA system.

"You already made it?"

Yukari gestured for her to retreat. Giving an apologetic smile, Kurumu acquiesced.

"It's not like I forgot the original one. I just need to swap Ms. Genzouyaki with Ms. Deshi. Unless you have an objection, I think today should be you, me and Ms. Morisato."

Kurumu had a passing thought about the jiangshi whom had posed as a student at Yokai Academy. Deshi had been here on Akua's bidding but had been kidnapped in the chaos of the cultural festival. Fujisaki had killed her shortly after Akua brought Moka to him, having no further need of the jiangshi.

"No. That's fine. Thank you for making my lunch today."

Yukari huffed as they reached the back door, stepping out into the noisy hallway beyond.

"I have to. Otherwise we wouldn't get our meals before the tardy bell sounded."

Kurumu snickered as they passed by the first crossover which was close to their back door.

"Only because you insist to leave so late from class which puts us at the end of the line."

"Why should I be in a hurry to acquire substandard sustenance?"

Kurumu knew the real reason for Yukari's hesitance as they passed by the open front doors of classes three and four. The witch still got nervous in large crowds. She could deal with school assemblies due to their orderly nature but stuck close to the teacher the whole time.

It only took a few seconds to reach the next crossover which ran between the back doors of classes five and eight. This was the only one with stairs going down in both directions. Grabbing the railing, Kurumu started down the flight of stairs towards the cafeteria.

"Why do you think Mr. Yokei left the school?"

"Personal reasons."

Kurumu snickered at Yukari's prompt response.

"Gee thanks. Tell me something that we weren't told at the school assembly."

"What's the point in guessing? Either ask him or use your powers if you want to know."

Kurumu sighed as they reached the landing. She was not going to invade his mind over something so trivial. She started down the next flight of stairs, wondering if she should try meeting up with him. He would have Ms. Sasayaki's schedule, which meant he had classes second, third, fifth and sixth periods. If Mr. Hakuru let her out of their third period lab early, she could stop next door to have a quick chat.

"I feel sorry for Juri."

Kurumu frowned at Yukari's remark as she stepped down on the ground floor. She followed the witch's line of sight, spying Juri in the line which stretched beyond the doors of second year class nine. Juri was with two of Kana's friends from Tatekanai. Both girls had glossy black hair plagued with cowlicks which was a common trait among tanuki. The one with the ponytail was Itazura Fuyuki. She was from class ten and had joined the band. The shorter one was Touzoku Ran. She was from class one and in gymnastics.

"We'll be done eating long before Juri joins us."

Yukari sounded an acknowledgment, drifting over to the closed front doors of classes five and six which were right next to the bottom of this stair. The witch slid open the door for class five, stepping inside and turning on the lights.

Seeing no reason to linger, Kurumu trotted into the homeroom which was vacant since these students had fourth period gym. Yukari drifted over to the front row desk in the center, placing her white satchel on top. The witch gestured at the desks.

"Do you want to set up?"

Kurumu hummed an affirmative, moving quickly to a desk near Yukari. Suspecting that Kana and her three friends would join them, they would need nine chairs. They could make this work with six desks. She scooted the desk over to press up to the center one as Yukari opened up her satchel.

"It's too bad that Moka won't join us."

Yukari huffed as Kurumu slipped behind the witch to fetch the other desk.

"My Moka wants to eat with her sister's friends. I am content that she accepted the bento I prepared."

Kurumu pushed the other desk against the center one as Yukari set out two bento boxes. The periwinkle one with the the daisy petals was Kurumu's. Yukari's was the white one with the red bird and blue rose.

"Maybe you should make her sister a bento."

"Maybe if she asked me to, I would."

Kurumu doubted Kokoa would do that. She grabbed the chair belonging to the desk she had just moved, dragging it around to the front of it. Walking around the desk, she fetched the chairs for the other two.

As Kurumu placed these chairs at the fronts of their respective desks, a familiar girl with indigo locks that always seemed in motion entered the classroom. That was Shitchi Hogo whom lived in suite 320 directly below Kurumu's suite. This was Shitchi's homeroom. She also shared Kurumu's home economics class.

"Afternoon, Shitchi. I bet you are glad to have your homeroom back."

Shitchi smiled politely as she made her way over to her window desk.

"It is nicer than eating out in the courtyard by myself."

Kurumu nodded, wandering over to the second row desk in the center. She grabbed it, dragging it with her to put it up against the front row desk.

"Why don't you eat with someone from the kimono club?"

"I don't want to be a bother."

Kurumu frowned at the sentiment as the girl sat at her desk. As Shitchi pulled a black bento out of her schoolbag, Kurumu grabbed another second row desk. She dragged it into place, wondering if there was an issue between Shitchi and the other girls in the kimono club.

"Well I can't say that I enjoy eating in the courtyard either. And there isn't enough seats in the cafeteria for everyone. I had to eat on the stage with Asuka's group last Thursday."

Kurumu stalked over to fetch another second row desk, pushing it in place. Yukari had already sat down at the central front desk with her back to the teacher's podium. The witch had put her white satchel on the floor and was waiting for Kurumu to finish before opening her bento. Kurumu smiled apologetically, hurrying to fetch chairs and put them in place.

"Did gym let out late today?"

"No. I just took my time changing."

Kurumu nodded, claiming the chair on Yukari's right since the witch had placed her bento there. She gestured at the extra chair she had dragged over.

"You could eat with us if you want."

"Maybe another time."

Kurumu smiled as Yukari opened up her own bento. Deciding not to push the issue, Kurumu tugged the top off the periwinkle bento. Yukari had placed steamed carrots and tiny sausages with her balled up omelets. Savoring the scent, Kurumu snagged up the chopsticks and started her meal.

Kurumu shivered with delight as she chewed down the first omelet. After swallowing, she snatched up the second one, wishing these boxes were bigger. Not that she would be hungry but this lunch was too good to be so limited.

"Are you ever going to make a lunch for Tsukune again?"

Yukari shrugged, popping a sausage in her mouth. The witch chewed and swallowed before replying.

"That depends on my Moka. If she suggests for me to, I will. But I'm not going to ask for her permission or ask him if he wants one. It would be different if we all ate together."

Kurumu nodded, swallowing down another omelet ball. She seized up one of the sausages.

"I don't know if Nijiro would want me to eat lunch with Tsukune daily."

Yukari offered no response, steadily depleting the contents of her bento. Kurumu followed her example and was nearly finished with her meal when the trio arrived.

The first through the door was Fujino U from the archery club and Juri's village. Like Shitchi, this was her homeroom and she was in Kurumu's home economics class. Her long teal tresses spilled down her back as she steered the group over to the arranged desks.

The golden haired girl beside Kana was Kisurusu Miho. Kisurusu was also from Juri's village and in the archery club. She shared homeroom with Tokori, Ontoriki and Kanari.

"Where do you want us to sit?"

Yukari answered the grinning Kana with a gesture at the corner chair closest to Kurumu.

"Where is Ms. Yochimaru?"

Kana sighed, taking the proposed seat while Kisurusu and Fujino wandered around the desks to claim the chairs across from Yukari and Kurumu.

"Riku decided to eat with her lover."

Yochimaru Riku was the other girl that had come to Yokai with Kana. The tanuki from class eight had joined the manga club and was dating Tebayai Itsuki, a second year in band. Kurumu could not recall if the tanuki from Aserutani had fourth period gym.

"Oh? Were they with you guys in the lunch line?"

"You forget that Mr. Tebayai has an overprotective sister. She always brings him a bento lunch."

Kurumu chuckled, supposed she had forgotten about that along with that sister's name.

"I guess that means we will have two open spots then. Moka decided not to eat with us."

Kana nodded, opening up the white container on her tray which contained her entree of choice.

"That's unfortunate. Congratulations, though. You didn't butcher the morning announcements."

Kurumu smirked at the snarky tone. She seized up the last of her sausages.

"It's not like that was difficult."

"I'm finished. I'm going to get a drink from the vending machines. Would you like one?"

Kurumu grinned as the witch scooted back in her chair and got up.

"I'd like a yuzu juice if they have it."

"I'll add that to your debts to me."

Kurumu smirked as the witch stalked off. She shook her head, stuffing the sausage in her mouth. Yukari closed the door behind her as Kurumu chewed the delicious morsel.

There was a short stretch of silence which allowed Kurumu to finish her meal. Still disappointed in the size of the meal, Kurumu placed her chopsticks inside the bento before putting the lid back on. Grabbing the box, she leaned over the side of the desk to slip the bento into the open white satchel.

"Hey, Ms. Kurono. Were you at the last student council meeting?"

Kurumu nodded, resting her hands on the desk before her.

"Yea. I spent the whole day with my boyfriend."

"But he didn't show up to Tora's birthday party."

Kurumu stuck her tongue out at Kana's remark.

"Is it true that the music club wants to do a tribute for Tassei?"

Kisurusu's agitated tone made Kurumu hesitant to respond. Fujino sighed in the pause.

"Ms. Herikuda wouldn't lie to us."

"Ms. Herikuda likes to stir up mischief."

Kurumu managed a smile, recalling the exchange between Doronuma and Amatsu.

"Tassei is the drummer, right?"

Kisurusu scowled, stabbing her meal.

"Yea. He's the bastard that raped Naomi."

Kurumu grimaced, remembering that was one of the many terrible things that had happened during the chaos caused by Lilith's mirror. Yubikiri Naomi was a girl from Moka's homeroom whom had quit the archery club to join the paranormal club because of the trouble Ms. Ishigami caused. Both Yubikiri and Tassei were from Juri's village.

"Riki better not allow that."

Fujino sighed again at Kisurusu's angry declaration.

"It's not like Naomi would speak out against this."

These scowls felt out of place on Kisurusu's face. The blond was normally so cheerful and full of gossip.

"Only because she feels guilty. It's not right what he did to her."

Fujino picked at her meal without any real interest.

"It hardly matters now that he's gone."

Kurumu's heart fluttered at the remark in the following silence.

"You mean like he dropped out?"

Kana's query lightened the mood. Kurumu nodded hopefully.

"Yea. Doronuma did say they might need a drummer. And it's not like third years have to show up for the third term if they are guaranteed to graduate."

She looked at the girls across the table. Both glanced away, perpetuating the uneasy atmosphere.

"Nothing but a fucking coward. That bitch Doronuma has no tact asking for this."

"We grew up with him, Miho."

"I don't care. This isn't fair to Naomi. His parents already blame her for everything."

"Riki knows the situation. She will talk to Naomi before approving anything."

"He dropped out, right?"

Neither girl bothered to answer Kana's question, eating their meals instead. Realizing she would get no answer, Kana followed their example.

It was effortless to learn the truth since the subject was fresh on their minds. Her awareness brushed against theirs, revealing that the young man had killed himself the day after New Year's. Fujino felt sorrow for all involved while Kisurusu was angry over how Yubikiri had been victimized again over the selfish actions of Tassei Nebari.

The door slid open. Yukari entered the room holding two cans with Uboku Iko behind her. Iko was from Hisomuri which attended the same junior high in Kabashita that Juri had gone to. This girl from class twelve was roughly Kurumu's height and had joined the manga club. She had her white ash locks styled in a bob that favored her left side while the right side was shaved short. Her school jacket was left open despite her not having any semblance of a bosom to flaunt.

"Why did you bring this troublemaker with you?"

Yukari shrugged as she slipped behind Kurumu to reclaim her seat.

"She followed me."

Iko chuckled, drifting over to the vacant chair next to Kana. She had a white plastic bag.

"I'm not crazy enough to deal with that lunch line. The school store line is much shorter."

"Your juice."

Kurumu murmured her thanks, taking the chilled can from Yukari. Iko pulled a can of tea from her bag, setting it on the desk. A bag of Country Ma'am cookies and a bag of Calbee chips joined her wares before the girl sat down.

"You're going to get fat eating that stuff."

"A day or two won't kill me. I've been needing to talk to you."

Kurumu held up a hand.

"I am not posing for any more of your raunchy comics."

Iko snickered, popping the tab of her can of tea. The girl set the can aside, reaching into the pocket of her school jacket.

"Don't worry. I've brought your cut."

Kurumu frowned in confusion as Iko tugged out a wad of bills held together with a rubber band. Iko tossed it over to land on the desk that Kurumu shared with Kana.

"What is that?"

"You said I had to give you the profits."

Kurumu gagged as Yukari giggled.

"You actually sold them?!"

"The entire stock. Eighteen thousand, five hundred yen worth."

Kurumu grimaced but snatched up the yen when Kana reached for it. The blond giggled, earning a pout from Kurumu.

"I was joking about that. I didn't want you to distribute porn with my likeness about the school."

"Won't you get in trouble with the student council?"

Iko grinned, giving Fujino a thumbs up.

"No worries. I sold everything to Yowsan's last Friday night."

Kurumu flinched at the mention of the adult store.

"That isn't much better. Now the locals will see me naked."

"Maybe you can charge for autographs if people say something."

Kurumu pouted at Kana's teasing.

"This isn't funny."

Yukari snickered, opening her can of tea.

"You're the dummy that posed for her comic in the first place. Besides. If anyone accuses you of being in this comic, they would be admitting to having seen it."

Kurumu sighed, holding the cash against her breast.

"Are you sure that we won't get in trouble with the school over this?"

"Hard to say. It's not like they can call this a job unless the two of you start doing this regularly."

"Well I'm not doing this again. And nobody better say a thing to Juri about this."

The giggles about the table were not the least bit reassuring.

"This is much better than the other topic."

Iko favored Kana a curious glance as she opened up her bag of chips.

"What topic was this?"

"We were talking about how insensitive Ms. Doronuma is."

Iko frowned at Kisurusu's explanation.

"Doronuma? The girl from class nine? What did she do?"

"She asked if the school could have a tribute for that rapist, Tassei."

Fujino flinched as Iko nonchalantly put a chip into her mouth, crunching it between her teeth.

"Didn't that guy kill himself?"

Kurumu sighed, feeling Kana's disappointment. Some things were best left unsaid.


"I will talk to Ms. Yubikiri about it, Ms. Kurono."

Kurumu pouted at Amatsu whom stood by the piano inside the newly remodeled choir room. Like every other room it looked so clean and the new lights were so bright. Even this black piano was new with the white keys unblemished. Amatsu's junior high friend and roommate, Ikeda Yui, was sitting on the wide bench poised above the piano pedals. The brunette was the only piano player in the choir.

"I'm not saying you wouldn't. I don't even know what the right thing is to do here."

"Neither do I. But I should get Ms. Yubikiri's approval. I've told Ms. Sawayaka about the situation."

"That's so sad. I can't say that I knew much about Mr. Tassei."

The elder Tadayo sister sighed, lingering nearby with her sister. Korogi had short amber locks with her left hazelnut eye hidden behind bangs. She was barely taller than Kurumu and not nearly as endowed as her taller sister. Hotaru, the new choir club president, had carrot orange curls which reached her narrow shoulders. The sisters and Ikeda all hailed from Kabashita.

"I just thought that he didn't return because he didn't need to. I had no idea that he died."

Amatsu smiled apologetically at her friends.

"I'm sorry that I didn't say anything sooner but it wasn't something I wanted to talk about."

"I'm curious how Ms. Doronuma found out about this."

Kurumu laughed nervously at Hotaru's query, glancing towards a girl with silver eyes and her mulberry tresses pulled off to the side in a tail. That was Saiwakami Takara, former choir club president. The third year had gone to junior high in Aserutani. She was trying to keep the other girls quiet while the choir instructor made copies of sheet music.

"Well Murata from class twelve must have told her. He shares homeroom with Iko and somehow knew that she had gone to junior high with Tassei. He asked about their missing drummer and Iko told him."

Amatsu frowned thoughtfully.

"Iko…? Uboku?"

"How do the Hisomuri kids know about this?"

Amatsu shrugged at Korogi's confusion.

"Maybe through Ms. Herikuda. She is close friends with Ms. Horie whom lives with Ms. Shiruba."

Kurumu was hesitant to admit that Iko had found this out when asking for help to print that dirty comic.

"Iko actually found out through Ms. Karashi. They're both in the manga club."

Amatsu snapped her finger with a nod.

"The other Yui. I'll have to scold her for blabbing about such a sensitive subject."

"Enough!"

Kurumu flinched at Saiwakami's sudden shout. The girl clapped her hands loudly.

"Mrs. Tomarigi will be back any second. We should decide how we will be lining up on a riser for our performance at the spring concert."

Several girls giggled at the declaration. The riser was a three tiered structure with black textured tops and black metal framing. It was set up in the middle of the room facing a music stand. Their piano was behind the stand and over by the windows overlooking the enclosed courtyard with the solitary tree.

Including Kurumu, there were twenty five girls in the choir. Seven of them were harpies whom were all decently endowed. Kanari was with Umou while Utachi was with a slim girl with blondish green locks braided into twin tails. That was Chousei Akiko from Tsukune's homeroom. She was from Kabashita and had convinced her classmate, Natsudera Sayuri, to join the choir.

Natsudera had her long blue hair pulled into a ponytail. She was hanging out with Akushita Natsume from class five. Both first years were from Chirasu.

The last two first years were Dakuhime Mayumi and Yokumoto Toshiko. Dakuhime from class twelve was the tiniest girl in the room, standing ten centimeters shorter than Kurumu. Her grayish hair was braided to the sides of her head. Yokumoto from class six was slightly taller than Kurumu. Her sable tresses were so long that they threatened to touch the floor. Both quiet girls had gone to the junior high in Aserutani.

The second year harpies, Oso and Noboto, were from Kabashita and shared homeroom with Ginei. The third year harpies, Hayabusa Rei and Karasu Kuroko, were from Uchimori. Both were in class one, sharing Kurumu's gym period. Hayabusa was slightly taller and had ivory hair. Karasu had ebony locks.

There were two more second years in the choir. One was Okimune whom could have passed as Kurumu's sister. She had recently started dating Shiname Nureto, an undine from Nagisa's village. He was a popular guy from the tennis team.

The other was Maruyuchi Fushiko. She was the tall, thick girl hanging out with the third year Sazayama Megumi. Both had gone to the junior in Akichi. Sazayama had a younger sister on the volleyball team. Sazayama was as tall as Maruyuchi, but her dark hair was shorter.

"Over here, Ms. Tadayo. You should help arrange this."

"We probably should be ready to sing when Mrs. Tomarigi returns."

They all sounded an agreement, drifting away from the piano to join Saiwakami in front of the riser.

Okimune had been chatting with the undine third years hailing from Nagisa's village. It was difficult to say if those two approved of Okimune's relationship with Shiname. Both possessed this standoffish aura, discouraging small talk. Yanagisawa Kuheki was the taller girl with the cold, sea green eyes while Kawano Nagano had olive locks and periwinkle eyes.

The last two choir girls were both from Kabashita. Kichida Sara was the brunette while Sakibarai Amabyo had the scruffy, ginger locks. Sakibarai was as short as the older Tadayo sister.

"Do I have everyone's attention?"

All the girls sounded an affirmative, earning a broad smile from Saiwakami.

"Good. This shouldn't be much different than how we normally stand. We should have the true sopranos on the hall side and the altos and contralto on the window side. Ms. Ikeda might have to play the piano for us so we should have eight girls a row. Shorter girls in front and taller girls on the upper levels."

"Guess that puts little Dakuhime in the front."

Several girls giggled at Umou's declaration.

"Yes. We should have Ms. Dakuhime in the front row on the end. Ms. Noboto should stand next to her."

"Should we line up now?"

"Yes. Our other two sopranos should stand in the row behind you."

"I would like to be at the end."

Saiwakami nodded at Kichida's request.

"That's fine by me. I hope Ms. Akushita has no protest to that."

"I'll respect my senior's wishes."

The four true sopranos drifted over to the riser, taking their respective places. There was a lot more room on these riser. They could easily fit twenty girls in a row if they ever got that many members.

"Ms. Maruyuchi. You should be in the top row on the other side. Sazayama should be next to you."

Both girls sounded their understanding, moving under Saiwakami's direction.

"Ms. Yanagisawa and Ms. Kawano are next. Since Ms. Kawano is shorter, she should be on the end."

"You want us in the middle row or the bottom row?"

Saiwakami grinned at Yanagisawa's query.

"Middle. Ms. Natsudera. Do you want to be in the bottom row or standing next to Ms. Yanagisawa?"

Natsudera shrugged indifferently as the third years stepped up onto the riser and shuffled over.

"Doesn't matter to me."

"Then we'll have you next to Ms. Yanagisawa since we have a bunch of girls shorter than you."

"Speaking of taller girls, shouldn't you be getting up there?"

Saiwakami smirked at the younger Tadayo's observation.

"We probably should fill out the top row with all the tall girls that are left. That should include myself, Ms. Amatsu and Ms. Oso. Maybe Ms. Hayabusa."

Hayabusa raised her hand.

"I'll stand behind Ms. Kichida."

"Okay then. I'll leave the rest of the order up to Ms. Tadayo."

Hotaru frowned as Saiwakami skipped over to the riser, bounding up to take her place beside Sazayama. Amatsu offered a smile before moving to join the former club president. Oso and Hayabusa clambered up to take the top row positions behind the true sopranos, leaving much room on the side.

"Finish up the top row first."

Hotaru sighed at Saiwakami's suggestion.

"I guess. Shouldn't a shorter girl go on the end of the top row?"

"Oh yes. That's true. Ms. Oso. Slide over next to Ms. Amatsu."

"Am I not okay behind Ms. Kichida?"

Several girls giggled at Hayabusa's question. Hotaru nodded with flush cheeks.

"You should probably scoot over too. I can't quite say whom should go next. Many of us are about the same height as you."

"If we're about the same height, than I can stay."

Karasu snickered, hopping up the riser.

"Scoot over, pigeon. I'll stand behind Ms. Kichida."

"I guess that's fine. I don't know which of you goes next though. Both Ms. Utachi and Ms. Umou look about the same height."

Utachi sighed dramatically.

"I'll take the top row."

Oso grinned, beckoning to the younger harpy.

"Up here, Fuu."

Hotaru chuckled nervously as Utachi climbed up the riser to take her place between Oso and Hayabusa.

"That's one row down. Would Ms. Umou be willing to stand in front of Ms. Utachi?"

Umou chirped an affirmative, prancing over to take her place as Hotaru regarded the remaining girls.

"Um… Ms. Okimune should be next."

"I wouldn't mind being placed with Ms. Kurono."

"That would be nice but you're quite taller than she is."

Kurumu supposed that was true but Okimune was shorter than Moka. The undine pouted.

"I guess. You want me where?"

"Um… next to Ms. Natsudera."

Okimune managed a smile, silently moving to take her place.

"I think it's me next. Oh! Ms. Chousei. You should be next to Ms. Umou."

Chousei moved to take her place as the door to the choir room opened. Mrs. Tomarigi sashayed into the room with an armful of sheets. The harpy instructor had short, peach locks with the ends frosted white. The buttons of her pink blouse strained under the swell of a bosom that rivaled Kurumu's. A ruffled black skirt fluttered about her ankles as she approached.

"Sorry for the delay. I should have realized we wouldn't have a bunch of copies lying about."

"No problem, Mrs. Tomarigi. We were deciding our arrangement."

The instructor grinned at Saiwakami's declaration, placing the stack of sheets upon the music stand.

"Very good then. Looks like you're almost finished."

"Yes. We only have the front row left."

"Don't forget that we might be provided a piano player."

"No worries, Mrs. Tomarigi. We can have Ms. Ikeda up in the top row between Ms. Amatsu and myself."

The choir instructor nodded at Saiwakami's answer.

"That works. You should have the next shortest girl at the other end."

All eyes drifted to Kurumu, causing her to blush.

"Am I really the next shortest in the group?"

The Tadayo sisters shared a look and both nodded with grins.

"Yes, Ms. Kurono. You're slightly shorter than my sister."

"I think Ms. Yokumoto is the next shortest after Ms. Kurono."

Sulking, Kurumu sauntered over to step up on the riser. She turned her back to Kawano as Yokumoto quietly took the place beside her. There were only four girls left with Hotaru being the tallest of them.

"Um… Ms. Bouziki. Do you want to be next to Ms. Yokumoto or Ms. Noboto?"

Kanari bit her lip, glancing at Umou whom beckoned to her.

"I should be in front of Zuri."

Hotaru nodded as the harpy drifted over to the grinning Umou.

"Do you mind being next to Ms. Yokumoto, Ms. Sakibarai?"

The third year scowled, crossing her arms below her slight bosom.

"You just want to be next to your sister."

Korogi chuckled at the accusation.

"Probably true. I'll stand next to you though."

Sakibarai huffed, stepping up on the riser and scooting over to Yokumoto's side.

"Don't like being picked last."

The Tadayo sisters giggled, taking up the last middle spaces of the front row.

"It looks like you are finished. I have no objections to how you have lined up so I will break the news about our spring concert."

Mrs. Tomarigi paused with a wide grin.

"The host is Bakufu Academy and it will be held the first weekend of March."

"Bakufu Academy? Where is that?"

"Bakufu Academy is the prefectural school of Tochigi, Ms. Kurono. In the city of Doufuushakai."

Kurumu smirked, thinking about her yunomi collection stored in her suite. She had at least a dozen, each bearing a design reflecting a prefecture she had visited.

"As always, we will be asked to sing three pieces. We only have this week to decide what to do and I have several compositions that I would like to try out."

Mrs. Tomarigi sorted through the stack for a moment, grabbing the top swath. She walked around the music stand, handing the stack to Dakuhime before walking off to give a sheet to Ikeda.

"We'll keep the ones that you girls feel the most confident about."

"The same as every other year."

Kurumu smirked at Kawano's comment, watching the stack get passed between the front row girls.

"She does this often?"

Yanagisawa snorted as Yokumoto handed the stack over to Kurumu.

"I just hope that she doesn't try making us sing Koujou no Tsuki again."

Kurumu frowned, taking a sheet and holding the stack up to Kawano.

"What's that?"

Kawano smirked, taking the stack.

"You'll find out soon enough."

Kurumu smiled nervously, looking over the lyrics for Akatonbo. She hoped that this would be easy.