"When my Moka requested that you move back to your own room, I doubt that she intended for you to come over and mooch off of my limited stock."
Kurumu chuckled, lounging on the floor next to the low table in Yukari's room. She had decided to wear the sweater vest over her school blouse and had succeeded in putting her hair back in an updo with the purple lace ribbon her father allegedly had given her. Her schoolbag and loafers were over by the entry not far from where Yukari was preparing bentos for lunch.
"It's not like I have any food in my refrigerator."
Yukari huffed, continuing with her chore as Rubi washed the dishes in the sink beside her. The witch had on the standard school blouse and skirt while her older companion was wearing black sailor pants and a white blouse with a frilly collar. The long sleeves of Rubi's blouse were rolled up to her elbows.
"I did suggest going to the dining hall."
Kurumu stuck her tongue out at Tora whom sat across the table from her. The sphinx had her raven locks crimped and folded in the usual braid about her head and was wearing the black, short sleeved jacket of the PSC with black slacks. She had also left her schoolbag and loafers over by the entry.
"It's fine. I already deal with an extra guest on a regular basis."
Chouda bowed her head slightly with her hands clasped in prayer. Her mint tresses brushed the floor beside her knees. The petite third year had also decided to wear the sweater vest over the blouse.
"Thank you for always taking care of me."
Kurumu smirked, having heard about this frequent imposition. Realizing that Yukari's cooked meal was superior to any microwaveable one, Chouda had often joined Yukari for breakfast this last month. This normally would have been inconvenient given how there was a dedicated stair for each of these upper suites, but Yukari had installed magic doorways connecting her former suite to this one and Kurumu's.
"Are you done with that?"
"Yea. Try not to get wet."
Rubi laughed as Yukari handed over the skillet and spatula.
"I'll do my best."
Kurumu grinned with a cursory glance about the room. In the back corner was Yukari's four poster bed. Pink pillows were carefully arranged on the cerulean comforter stretched over the mattress. The ivory framing of this bed were of the same elegant style as the ivory dresser pushed against the wall beside it.
On the other side of the dresser was the plain, white headboard or Rubi's bed. Black sheets and black pillows graced Rubi's humble mattress. There was enough space between the bottom of Rubi's bed and the other corner of the room to fully open the bathroom door.
The last piece of furniture in the room was Yukari's black cherry desk. Resting on top of the varnished surface were portraits of Yukari's grandparents and parents. There was also a mirror fixed to an arched piece of glossy black wood mounted to a matching stand and a wooden box with silver handles and buckles filled with cosmetics. Both of those had been Christmas gifts from Yukari's mother.
"Have you tried using your makeup kit yet?"
Yukari huffed, putting the bento boxes into her white satchel.
"I don't have a clue how to use most of that stuff and none of you have offered to help."
Kurumu nodded, recalling that they were going to request the aid of one of the fashion club members.
"Would you like to have lunch with Herikuda today? I'm sure that she would enjoy helping you."
Yukari glanced back at her, frowning.
"I thought we were having lunch with Ms. Morisato today."
Kurumu hesitated, suddenly thinking about Nijiro's suggestion to stop being around girls like Juri and Iko. She smiled, reassuring herself that her impulse had nothing to do with that.
"We should do this today, Yukari. Our yearbook pictures are tomorrow. What better time is there to be using makeup than for pictures?"
Yukari nodded thoughtfully, bringing the strap of the satchel up over her head to rest upon her opposing shoulder. She let the satchel dangle as Rubi opened up the dishwasher door to place the skillet.
"That is a good point."
Kurumu grinned, getting up on her feet as Yukari wandered over to her closet.
"Juri will understand."
Her decision to stand up prompted Tora and Chouda to follow her example. Yukari ducked inside the closet, coming out only seconds later with a school jacket worn over the satchel and left open. Rubi closed up the dishwasher and turned the dial, setting the machine in motion.
"I'm finished up here."
"Then we should get going."
Kurumu stepped over the table, making her way to the entry while Rubi fixed up her long sleeves. She arrived shortly after Yukari whom had promptly donned her school loafers. Kurumu leaned down to pick her schoolbag up by its strap, hefting it over her head.
"Somebody will have to look after this girl tomorrow."
Kurumu frowned at Tora's remark, drifting over to step into her loafers.
"What do you mean by that?"
"That you have issues being alone."
Kurumu pouted as Yukari huffed. The witch pushed opened the door as Tora picked up her schoolbag.
"That isn't news. Kurumu has always been a big baby."
"I was fine last night."
"You were crying in your sleep."
Kurumu grimaced, drifting out onto the landing as Tora put on her shoes.
"What do you expect? You pretty much told me that my mother was going to hell."
"I said no such thing."
Kurumu grumbled, fixing the strap of her schoolbag to rest in the valley between her breasts.
"Well she isn't in heaven with your silly God. That means you believe she's in hell."
Tora sighed, sauntering out of the apartment.
"I'm no expert on how that all works. I'm just worried for you. You nearly suffocated me last night."
"It's not my fault that you crawled into my bed."
Tora gave her a look that made her feel guilty as Chouda joined them on the landing.
"Kurumu has always been a clingy person."
Kurumu sighed at Yukari's dismissive remark, doubting she would get any sympathy here. She wandered down a few steps to make room for the witches.
"It's not like you believe in this religious nonsense."
Yukari stepped out of the suite on the heels of Rubi. She closed the door, locking it up. She made a shooing gesture, prompting them to start a steady descent.
"My parents never pushed that sort of thing. But I'm not smothering people with my tits in my sleep."
"Wouldn't work if you tried."
Tora snickered at Kurumu's muttering.
"I could leave the door open between our suites if that would help."
Kurumu favored Chouda a grin when they reached the bottom of the stairs.
"That would be nice of you."
They moved at a casual pace towards the gap between the corner of the commissary and the stair down from the single suite of the adjacent building. Kurumu breathed in deep of the brisk morning air, thinking about how all of those girls residing within the adjacent building would be graduating soon.
"Will we be assigned different suites next year? Kokoa mentioned that might happen."
Yukari let out a thoughtful sound as they passed through the gap, making their way to the start of the trail leading out of the clearing.
"Grandfather should be able to keep my suite the same. I can't really say the same about you."
"Well I would prefer not having to move all of my furniture if it can be avoided."
"I doubt the next tenant of Sumire's suite will appreciate you wandering through their room to visit me."
Kurumu smiled at Yukari's use of Chouda's given name.
"Yea. Maybe it could be someone like Hajihachi?"
"Maybe you could move into my room."
Kurumu grinned at Chouda's suggestion, feeling silly that she had not thought of that first.
"I'll ask Grandfather if he can arrange that. As for my Moka and her sister, they should get moved into our building if possible. There isn't a reason to have their building open with only one tenant."
They started down the path through the woods. Tora was to Kurumu's left while Chouda was on her right. The witches remained a few steps behind them as they steadily progressed towards the small clearing where all these trails combined.
"Is Rubi going to continue working as your grandfather's secretary?"
"I have no idea, Ms. Kurono. He doesn't particularly require my services. He turns to his wife for most things and has me aid the faculty as needed."
"Your grandmother is here?"
Yukari huffed at Kurumu's surprise.
"Obviously she is here. Grandfather wouldn't leave her alone. They're thinking about selling their house in Sekikawa and getting one in town."
Kurumu nodded, supposing that made sense as they neared the small clearing. It only took a few more seconds to reach that point. Kurumu drifted to the right, leading the group onto the wider trail which would take them to the main school path.
"Did your grandfather get a copy of Rubi's citizenship papers?"
"He did, Ms. Kurono. I have it in my purse."
Kurumu grinned, glancing back to see the witch indicate her expensive, black leather weave purse.
"When is your birthday?"
Rubi brightened up with a genuine smile.
"I'll be turning twenty one on the eighteenth of April."
"Congratulations, Ms. Toujou. It's too bad that I won't be here to celebrate your birthday with you."
"That's sweet of you, Ms. Chouda."
Kurumu grinned as they continued their methodical pace towards the main school path.
"Sumire will be studying abroad. I wonder which college she'll enroll in when she gets back."
Chouda blushed slightly, thumbing the strap of her schoolbag.
"I might stay in England. There are many nice colleges for photography over there."
"I hope that you come back for our graduation."
"Of course I will."
Kurumu took in a deep breath. She regarded the remaining stretch of trail, seeing the end up ahead. They walked the remaining distance in silence as she contemplated the future.
"Twenty one. I have no idea where I will be when I'm that old."
"Probably still picking up after my Moka's sister."
Kurumu pouted at Yukari as they turned left on the main school path, keeping the same formation.
"I could be married to Nijiro by then."
"I distinctly recall that he was putting that off until after he graduated college."
Kurumu grumbled over Yukari's perfect memory as Tora snickered beside her.
"That's years from now. Lots of time for him to change his mind."
"Or you changing it for him."
Kurumu stuck her tongue out at Tora and the group fell into another lull of conversation. They passed by the thinning woods with the pond on the left without a word. They were almost to the point where the path split up when Yukari broke the silence.
"Hatsue will be four when you're twenty one."
Kurumu nodded, realizing that Mizore would have such a full life in four years. She felt envious.
"Do you think they'll have another baby by then?"
"Possibly. Though the yuki'onna race are prone to miscarriages."
Tora sighed at Yukari's sentiment.
"I just hope that those two don't try to have another baby during high school. It will be hard enough as is taking care of one baby while juggling schoolwork."
Kurumu smiled as they ignored the path cutting off to the left, keeping to the right side trail.
"We can all help out."
"In my opinion, Ms. Shirayuki should drop out. I didn't have the impression that her education was vital to her duties as the next Snow Priestess."
"She doesn't need to quit school."
"If she takes care of the baby, then Mr. Umizake can focus on his studies."
"Her mother can take care of the baby if you think it's that big of a deal."
Yukari frowned at Kurumu.
"I'm not saying that Ms. Shirayuki should leave Mononoke. But she should stay with her baby."
"I'm agreeing to an extent with you. Staying with the baby is the right decision but a class representative or Mr. Umizake could keep Ms. Shirayuki current with her schoolwork. She's not a bad student."
"While that could work, I don't see why she should stress herself with school if she doesn't need it."
Kurumu mulled the situation over, disliking the idea of Mizore not attending school.
"Doesn't the town have a nanny service?"
"Humans have that sort of thing but I doubt that monsters do. Trust isn't in surplus around here."
"They have a cleaning service."
"That's different from leaving your baby in the care of someone whom might get hungry."
Kurumu laughed despite the seriousness of Tora's remark.
"Well it couldn't hurt to ask."
It was no surprise that there was no response to that. Kurumu sighed as they continued on in silence. She thought about the conversation at breakfast and how she had teased Rubi over missing out an encounter with her future husband. Naturally Rubi had thought Kurumu was talking about Tsukune.
The bank was not open on weekends so Rubi was going to take a long lunch today with Mrs. Takizawa to take care of that. The witches had ended up doing only some grocery shopping yesterday, coming back home well before dinner. All told, it had been a rather uneventful Sunday.
The start of the perimeter wall was visible through the thinning woods on the left of the main school path. Kurumu smiled with thoughts of her time with the newspaper club.
"Have any of you decided on your next articles for the last paper of the year?"
Tora shrugged indifferently.
"Not really. It might be a good idea for someone to do an article on that spring concert you're going to."
"I could ask Mrs. Tomarigi if someone from the newspaper club could come with us."
"I would like to take the pictures if Ms. Sendou is doing the article."
Kurumu chuckled at Chouda's offer.
"Are you good with that, Yukari?"
"I don't care. It's not like I have a better idea for an article."
"So what will you do?"
"That article about the town fire still seems promising. I haven't brought that up to Senior yet. He's been so busy with the yearbook."
Kurumu nodded at Tora's response.
"Yea. His class has pictures today. You might not see him until real late since they've been doing the homerooms in order."
"Will you be getting your picture taken, Ms. Toujou?"
Rubi laughed brightly at Chouda's query, shaking her head.
"I'm not a student."
"But we are taking pictures of faculty members. Maybe you could be with the new headmaster."
Kurumu contemplated that as they drew closer to the boards flanking the path.
"When are you taking pictures of the faculty?"
"We've been doing homeroom teachers with their classes but everyone else will have theirs taken on Friday. There won't be any clubs or sports meeting that day."
"That's the first I've heard about that."
"It will probably be in the morning announcements later this week."
Kurumu nodded as they passed by the first of the boards with the open school gate in sight. She glanced at the boards, wondering if their new classroom assignments would be posted on these.
"End of the year is almost here. We'll all have new homerooms soon."
"True. Hopefully my next homeroom won't have a bunch of troublemakers."
Kurumu giggled at Tora's remark.
"I'm a little nervous about having new classmates."
"Considering how many girls you share lunch with, you have the least to worry about."
Kurumu pouted at Yukari.
"I would prefer to end up in a homeroom with one of my closest friends. Like you or Tora. Mizore."
"Are you deliberately omitting my Moka?"
"I don't know where I stand with her or her sister."
"You are making too much of a fuss over being told to live in your own room."
Kurumu hoped that Yukari was right as they passed through the school gate. They walked up the slight incline preceding the main door. Tora quickly stepped forward to open the door for them. With a smile Kurumu crossed the threshold.
Turning to the right, Kurumu hurried over to the last aisle. She turned left, walking down to the very end. It was so much quicker getting out of her school loafers than her Mary Janes. She had swapped into her school slippers before Yukari arrived.
"I'll see you up in class."
Yukari sounded an acknowledgment as Kurumu stepped up from the genkan. Gripping the strap of her schoolbag, Kurumu trotted over to the door for the teachers' lounge. She eased it open just enough to slip inside, closing it behind her.
Kurumu grinned as she approached the nearest cubicle. Mrs. Senda was garbed in a black turtleneck with a snowflake pattern which stretched down to a pair of tan capris.
"Morning, Mrs. Senda."
The woman glanced at her through rectangular glasses perched upon her freckled nose.
"Morning, Ms. Kurono. You're here rather early."
"I'm on Yukari's time today. Is Tashikana here yet?"
The teacher smiled, fetching a sheet from her desk.
"You just missed him. Here are the announcements for today."
"He could have grabbed that himself."
"True. But then your visit would have been unrewarded."
Kurumu smirked, taking the sheet and glancing it over. It was much shorter than the list from last week.
"I assume that you know about the sewing room being closed down."
"Yea. Ms. Hitori mentioned that. I also just found out about your faculty pictures on Friday."
"I don't recall that being in the announcements for today."
Kurumu smiled, lowering the sheet.
"It isn't but Chouda told me about that. How was your weekend?"
Mrs. Senda sighed heavily, relaxing in her swivel chair.
"Dreadfully boring. I can't wait for spring break to see my family again."
"Don't you go home once a month to see them?"
"Normally we do but Shizuka and I are skipping February since we had a very long winter break."
Kurumu smiled with thoughts of her history teacher.
"One more month before her retirement."
The teacher nodded, staring off in silence for a long moment.
"Mhm. It won't be the same without her and Gusuriko around."
Sasayaki Gusuriko had been a chemistry teacher whom also worked in the hospital. She had done a few tests on Kurumu to learn important things about Kurumu's body which were not common knowledge. Later she had found out that most of these secrets were already known to some Fairy Tale doctors with much experience working on succubi. Her mother had even known some of them.
"Have you heard from Ms. Sasayaki?"
"We did get a call from Gusuriko over the break. She's working as a nurse in a hospital not too far from Reizan. That's where Shinsui Technical is located and where Ms. Kagome got hired."
"Well that's good news."
"Yea. She was upset that she couldn't get time off for Shizuka's wedding. I guess human bosses are quite strict with new employees."
Kurumu smiled, clutching the announcement sheet against her bosom.
"Guess we won't see her at Mrs. Takizawa's retirement party."
"Very doubtful. But she has a phone now. I could get you the number since I know you have a phone."
Kurumu grinned, retreating back a step.
"That would be nice. I should be going now."
"I'll have that number for you tomorrow."
Kurumu nodded, retreating to the door. She slipped back out into the main lobby, shutting the door before making her way over to the base of the stairs. With mixed emotions, she headed up the stairs.
Ms. Sasayaki had been forced to resign over keeping Tsukune's true form secret back when the locals had been angry at Tsukune for killing several monstrels whom had kidnapped Moka and Yukari. That still made no sense. Tsukune was not the first human to attend Yokai Academy and it was the Headmaster whom had allowed that. She wondered if there had been another reason she had not been told about.
Before she knew it, she was already at the door to the broadcasting room. She pushed open the door, stepping inside to an unexpected sight.
"Could you help me talk sense into this girl?"
Sitting in one of the stools, Tashikana gestured at a familiar girl standing by another stool. Doronuma's sapphire eyes met Kurumu's when the girl turned to face her. The tall girl with short, ebony locks styled in a boyish manner was wearing her school jacket open along with a pair of tan slacks. She could have passed for a guy if that white school blouse better hid the swell of her bosom.
"He's the one that needs sense talked into."
"What are you doing here?"
Doronuma scowled, turning her attention back on Tashikana. He also had left his school jacket open but he was wearing a red tie properly about his collar.
"I heard about the student council's refusal to let us do our concert."
Kurumu nodded, drifting over to the stool between the two.
"Nagisa must have told you about that."
"Took her time with that. It was already after dinner when she remembered to tell me. I wanted to talk to Yubikiri right away but none of my friends knew which floor she lived on in the dorm."
"Airing your grievances over the PA system won't make things any better."
Doronuma pounded her fist on the shelf in a place without any buttons or dials.
"I need this addressed now!"
Kurumu set the announcement sheet on the shelf.
"Can't you talk to her privately? She's in Moka's homeroom."
Doronuma grimaced as Kurumu lifted the strap of her schoolbag over her head.
"There isn't a private way of going about this. That girl will make a scene no matter what I do."
Kurumu smiled softly, leaning her schoolbag against the base of the stool before sitting on the stool.
"You're overreacting. You could easily do this in gym. You're both in the same group."
"Yubikiri hasn't been attending gym. She came that first day and hasn't been back since."
Kurumu frowned at the revelation as Tashikana gestured at their guest.
"Is there a way for you to get your point across without blatantly calling Ms. Yubikiri out?"
"I could try."
"You have to do better than that. I can't let you on the air if you're issuing threats."
"I'm not threatening her. I just want to play some damn music for a guy whom was in my club that died over the break. I don't understand why her feelings get to matter more than mine."
"Because he raped her, Ms. Doronuma. A lot of students are aware of what he did."
"It was the mirror."
"Not every guy became a rapist because of that mirror."
Doronuma scowled at him.
"No. Some became killers. I don't see anybody getting arrested over that."
"Mr. Tassei wasn't arrested."
"I went to junior high with Hedoyami Kouji of first year class three. In all three years that I knew that guy, he was a complete loner and a total creep to any girls he took a fancy to. Nobody gives a shit that he was killed because of that mirror. Nobody even cares who did it."
Kurumu felt a little guilty because Doronuma was right. She had never thought to ask whom had killed Hedoyami. And he was not the only person killed at the festival. Most people were not calling for justice over the deaths of the Gokuya brothers from Suzume's junior high. Or that Mugen guy from band. Both of those tragedies had included the entirety of their visiting families.
"What about his parents?"
"See. She gets it."
Tashikana sighed heavily.
"Well technically Ms. Kurono is the club president. Should we let her on the air?"
Kurumu flinched, disliking this matter being put on her.
"As much as I agree with her, others will know this is a tribute for Mr. Tassei."
"Can you avoid mentioning any details about Mr. Tassei?"
"It's not like I know any details. Just that he committed suicide over the break."
"Why bother going through all this trouble? Nothing will change."
Doronuma grimaced at him.
"You still don't get it. People like Hedoyami and Tassei shouldn't just be forgotten because they weren't perfect. They deserve to be missed just as much as Mizumi and Niwakame."
Tashikana nodded thoughtfully.
"The two undine girls murdered right after summer break. What does that have to do with this?"
"Their bodies were never recovered because Ms. Yoshino had them burned. I heard that there was a big memorial in Umiman over winter break for those two. I bet they all forgot about Hedoyami."
Tashikana groaned, drumming his fingers on the shelf.
"I'll let you speak but you can't talk about suicide, rape or murder. Make this very generic. That you wanted to perform a concert but your request was refused. Don't blame anybody for it. Okay?"
"But I need Yubikiri-"
"Get your message across without incriminating her. Promise me."
Doronuma held back her words for a moment.
"Yea. I can manage that."
Kurumu smiled softly, hoping things worked out for Doronuma.
The bell sounded the start of the lunch hour, causing Mrs. Takizawa to flinch. The history teacher was wearing a beige, sweater jacket over a pink blouse and a fluffy, cream skirt. She closed her portfolio, offering the class an apologetic smile.
"Sorry for running late. Try to have a good rest of your day."
Juri snickered as the teacher hurried over to the door.
"Yea. Enjoy your time in detention."
Kurumu pouted as she stuffed her history notebook inside her schoolbag.
"This isn't funny. I'm supposed to be with the choir, practicing for our concert."
"Maybe you can practice your singing with Ms. Doronuma. I heard that she's quite talented."
Kurumu sighed, sitting back in her chair.
"She was supposed to be vague with her request."
"Warning someone that you know where they live is always going to sound like a threat."
Kurumu grimaced, knowing that was why the three of them would be in detention for the rest of the week instead of going to their club activities.
"She never said a name."
"Maybe not but it was obviously a threat to the person denying her concert request."
"It wasn't a threat. She just wanted to talk to Yubikiri."
Juri shrugged, getting up from her chair.
"I have no clue how dangerous Ms. Doronuma is. She doesn't have a nice girl reputation."
"It's not like she has a bad reputation."
"Here is your lunch."
Kurumu frowned when Yukari placed the periwinkle bento with the daisy pattern on Kurumu's desk.
"Why are you giving me that now? You're coming with me."
Yukari huffed indignantly, turning her back on Kurumu.
"I don't want to be seen with a hoodlum."
"Don't mess with me, Yukari. The whole reason we are having lunch with Herikuda is for your sake."
"Learning how to use makeup shouldn't come at the price of my reputation."
Juri snickered, walking by them.
"You two have fun."
"I'm only the president in name, Yukari. It really wasn't my call."
Yukari sighed dramatically.
"I suppose that I could have a lunch with Ms. Herikuda and that you just happen to be going the same direction. But don't walk too close to me or people might think we are together."
"Girls are so cruel to each other."
Kurumu nodded at Abe's amused remark.
"I know. All of my friends are being mean to me lately."
"You were told to go back to living in your own room. Hardly an act of cruelty."
Satsuki chuckled, helping Nerume stand up straight.
"Kurumu has always been a child about stuff like this."
"I'm not a child. I have more experience being a woman than any other girl in this room."
Satsuki snickered, shaking her head as the rest of their classmates departed.
"That's not something to boast about."
"Are we ready to go?"
Satsuki nodded at Kumiko's inquiry, guiding Nerume towards the waiting jorougumo. The trio slowly made their way to the front door, leaving Kurumu and Yukari alone in the class.
"You're not actually expecting us to go separately, right?"
"Ms. Herikuda's group has lunch in third year class three."
"Yukari. It was the last thing she said. It's not like teachers came rushing in to stop our broadcast."
Yukari huffed, scooting off her chair as she snatched up her white bento with the red bird hovering over the blue rose.
"You were called to the office before the end of first period. Everybody knew why."
Kurumu sighed, getting up from her chair.
"Can we at least walk together?"
"I won't stop you from following me. I'll even buy you a drink if nobody is watching."
Kurumu smirked, following after the witch. They slipped out the open front door, turning to the right. Kurumu felt no attention from any guys as they passed by the closed doors of class one.
"Do you think Tsukune and his mother are back yet?"
"Doubtful. Even if they wrapped up the things they needed to do in the Fairy Tale office, they most likely won't be back in Mononoke until late tonight. Don't forget that Ms. Kiyoshi can't travel through space and time like Mr. Nurari does."
Kurumu nodded as they rounded the corner with the vending machines immediately on their right. They stopped in front of the machine with the drinks.
"Makes sense. It is a long drive from Yamagata."
Yukari snorted, pulling some change out of her school jacket's pocket.
"I don't even know where Yutakayama is in Yamagata. He might not be back in time for dinner."
Yukari pushed coins into the slot with each one tumbling inside with an audible clink.
"Which drink did you want?"
"Um, yuzu juice."
Yukari tapped the button for Kurumu's drink, causing a can to fall into the bin below.
"Do you still have that cash from selling your body?"
Kurumu pouted as Yukari fetched the can from the bin.
"I didn't sell my body."
Yukari made a dismissive sound, handing the can over to Kurumu. Kurumu sighed, taking the juice.
"Why are you asking?"
Yukari shrugged, pulling more coins out of her pocket.
"Just curious what you plan to do with it."
"I don't know. It was originally supposed to be for the school trip."
Dropping the last coin into the slot, Yukari tapped the button for a Georgia cafe au lait.
"You do realize that trip will be for the third years. You won't be allowed to go."
Kurumu groaned as the witch leaned down to fetch the can of coffee.
"Well Nijiro doesn't want me spending the money on him."
Yukari snickered as she started walking towards the nearby stairs, prompting Kurumu to follow.
"I'm surprised that guy hasn't dumped you yet. He must be keeping you around for the sex."
Kurumu pouted as they headed down the stairs.
"We don't do that enough for that to be the reason."
"But if he broke up with you, that option wouldn't be available. Most guys don't have a girl willing to have sex with them."
Kurumu grimaced, reaching the landing and turning about to head down the second flight.
"Nijiro doesn't think of me in that way."
"Maybe not intentionally. But it's not like I've ever seen him going out of his way to be around you."
Kurumu bit her lip as she stepped down on the ground floor. She mulled that over as she followed Yukari down the hall towards the main lobby.
"Maybe I should have lunch with him."
Yukari whirled about, wagging her coffee can at Kurumu as she backpedaled.
"Not today. I'm not eating by myself with Ms. Herikuda's group."
Kurumu laughed, quickly catching up to the witch.
"I was meaning later this week, silly."
"I'm not the silly one."
Kurumu smiled, breathing in deep. In moments they were passing by the grand foyer. A few students were coming out of the school store with snacks and drinks in hand.
"Your birthday is next week. Do you want anything?"
"Depends. Are you willing to charm Tsukune into doing a strip tease for me?"
"Of course not."
"I don't want anything big. Something small like what you guys did for Ms. Shirayuki."
Kurumu grimaced, recalling the tiny gathering they had in Mizore's suite.
"That was a lame party."
"Unless you have something scandalous planned for me, I won't have any motivation to prevent my parents from coming. My parents know how to get around the barrier."
Kurumu frowned as they turned left into the third year wing. It was not like she could plan something sexy for a girl only turning twelve.
"But we just talked this morning about you doing an article for the concert."
"It's not like I have to do that article. Someone else can handle it if my parents have other plans."
Kurumu pouted as they walked the remaining distance to the back door of third year class three which was on the right. Pinching the juice can between her left arm and her bosom, she drew open the door with her freed right hand to allow Yukari through. Leaving it open, Kurumu entered while transferring her juice can back to her right hand.
Several girls were seated about a makeshift table made from six desks. Chouda had her back to them, sitting between two third years from her junior high. The taller girl on Chouda's left was Manzoku. Her silvery hair was balled up near her right ear with the rest of her silken tresses spilling freely down her back. She was a member of the kimono club. The pale girl on the other side of Chouda was Gawauchi from the fashion club. Her vibrant, white tresses were a shade darker than her skin.
"Ms. Kurono and Ms. Sendou. What brings the two of you here today?"
Kurumu smirked at Herikuda whom was sitting across from Chouda. To Herikuda's right was Betsutama, former president of the kimono club. The ebony haired debutante was more interested in her bento than their approach. The other girl beside Herikuda was Kunahiyo. That fashion club senior had bouncy, chocolate curls gracing her shoulders. She was the most buxom girl of the group.
"I have a young lady in desperate need of a lesson with makeup."
Yukari huffed as she strolled around to the side of the desk that Gawauchi was using. She set her bento and can down, wandering off to fetch a chair.
"Only because none of my friends have any skills in applying cosmetics."
Kurumu giggled, sashaying over to place her things on Kunahiyo's desk.
"Guilty as charged."
"That's not the only thing you are guilty of. What compelled you to let that ruffian on the air?"
Kurumu wagged her finger at the sable haired beauty with crimson highlights.
"That was ultimately Tashikana's decision even if I am the new club president. And we only let her speak because she promised not to be blunt."
Herikuda snickered as Yukari returned with a pair of chairs. Kurumu murmured her gratitude, taking a seat beside the witch.
"You both made quite the mess of this. You probably don't know but Mr. Tassei was in my homeroom. Everybody in my class knew what Ms. Doronuma was talking about and whom she was threatening."
"She only meant that Yubikiri couldn't avoid her forever."
"Poor Naomi is probably having an anxiety attack right about now. She might be too scared to go back to the dorm with that crazy chick after her."
Kurumu sighed heavily, detecting no genuine concern in Herikuda's tone.
"Doronuma didn't mean any harm by that."
"That stunt got all three of them a week of detention."
Herikuda smirked at Yukari's input.
"Not surprised. Are they still going to let you do morning announcements?"
Kurumu shook her head, tugging the top of her bento off. She pulled the chopsticks out.
"Not this week. Mrs. Senda will be handling that for us."
"Back to the point of our visit. Did you want to come up to my room or shall we meet in yours?"
Herikuda sat up straighter, tapping her chopsticks on the side of her emptied black bento.
"That is a good question. Depends on if you are okay we me bringing a couple of friends."
"Which friends do you have in mind?"
"Fumiyo and Yumie. It's not like they have anything better to do with track practice being canceled for the rest of the year."
"Well we can't do it right after school. This dummy has detention."
"Even if I wasn't in detention, I would have had choir. We couldn't have done it right after anyways."
"Your meddlesome ways have finally caught up with you."
Kunahiyo snorted at Herikuda.
"As if you're one to talk."
"Oh? You haven't spoken up about your former lover playing a role in this debacle."
"Because I don't care. I'm graduating soon and will probably be married and pregnant before the end of the year. What that moron does has nothing to do with me."
Kurumu frowned at the dismissive tone.
"Aren't you going to college?"
"I'm in the business program, Ms. Kurono. I didn't bother taking that entrance exam test. I'll get a job with Fairy Tale to kill the time until some guy contacts me with a marriage offer."
"But what about love?"
Kunahiyo's pink eyes regarded her like she had asked something stupid.
"I've already given up my purity chasing that nonsense. No guy is going to want a girl that has been passed around by a bunch of men that she hoped was the one."
"It's not like you have to tell your whole past-"
"You intend to keep secrets from your husband?"
Kurumu flinched, knowing that she would if it meant being happy.
"Maybe the next guy you fall in love with will-"
"Not interested."
Kurumu lacked the heart to pursue this further. She managed a smile, looking at Herikuda.
"I thought all of your friends would take the college entrance exam."
Herikuda chuckled, picking up her can of lemon tea.
"Most of them did. Not many did well."
Betsutama sighed heavily, placing her chopsticks inside her bento before closing it up.
"I took the exam but did too poor for any college to accept me. I'll be much like Ms. Kunahiyo for the next few years. Living with my parents and hopefully finding a job among the humans."
Manzoku groaned, slouching back in her chair.
"I took so much time preparing for that test only to bomb it. Short of getting a letter of recommendation for a private university, I'm going back home to my parents."
"If you can't qualify for the Happily Ever After program, you aren't getting a letter of recommendation from Fairy Tale for any college."
Manzoku sighed at Betsutama's comment.
"I know. Luckily I'm a sylph so it won't take my parents too long to find a husband for me."
"I thought sylph couples are determined by sylph elders."
"I'm not from a sylph community, Ms. Kurono. That makes things a little easier."
"I can't say that my kind is in demand."
Kurumu perked up at Betsutama's remark.
"What kind are you?"
The third year gave her reproachful look.
"One that won't be able to use the Fairy Tale dating service. I just hope that any man whom does take an interest in me can accept my slight deviation from what a normal human being is."
"Herikuda is probably the only one at this table with an actual chance of going to college."
Herikuda smirked at Gawauchi's remark.
"You probably could get a letter of recommendation."
"I'm too close to the cut off for them to give me any serious consideration. I'll just go home and help my parents with their flower shop."
Herikuda snorted a laugh.
"Your parents run a flower shop?"
"Yea. What's weird about that?"
"Nothing. I just wouldn't expect you to be a flower child."
Gawauchi cocked her head, glaring at her amused companion.
"I'm not a dryad and neither are you."
"That's true. I had never been in a flower shop before junior high."
"You didn't have a flower shop in Hisomuri?"
Herikuda snickered at Gawauchi.
"Hisomuri doesn't even have indoor plumbing. Why would it have a flower shop?"
"Excuse me for being born in a civilized community."
Despite the moment of shared laughter, Kurumu could only feel sorrow over what she perceived to be a dim future for these young women.
"The whole purpose of makeup is to enhance beauty. It does no good if it looks too blatant or forced."
Herikuda was kneeling on the floor in the middle of Yukari's suite. The senior had on a silken black top with a floral lace hem and floral lace straps. The stretchy floral lace hem of those matching shorts was the only thing keeping the loose bottoms on.
Herikuda carefully drew a black line about Yukari's eye with one of the pencils from Yukari's makeup kit which was open and resting near the senior's thigh. The witch remained still with her back to the table left out in the center of the room. Yukari had changed into a black camisole and a pair of black sleep pants after they had finished dinner less than an hour ago.
Yukari's attention was on her mirror which was held by the dark haired Horie. The valedictorian had also shown up in her pajamas with her friends. Hers was a pink and white striped, sleeveless shirt with a pair of gray shorts. The simple garments betrayed a modest bosom about the same size as Herikuda's.
Shiruba sat on the other side of the table, applying pink lipstick to Chouda. The golden haired beauty was garbed in a silver chemise with thin straps. Though the silken fabric could hang below her rump, black spandex shorts were visible where her chemise pooled about her waist.
The trio had only been here a few minutes, having stayed at school to print out hundreds of copies of the graduation proposals for the third years to vote upon tomorrow.
Chouda had joined them for dinner despite Yukari's complaints of emptying her refrigerator. The sylph had on a mint, spaghetti string tank top patterned with white spots. The shorts gracing her tiny derriere matched the top.
Kurumu sighed, seated by the table between the two groups. A black silken chemise barely contained her assets and was pooled about her waist. Having no intentions of setting foot outside, she had not bothered putting on fresh panties for the occasion.
The last occupant of the room was Rubi. The older witch was still wearing her clothes from the day and was mixing batter in a bowl. She wanted to make brownies for their guests and had already turned on the stove. She hummed happily, seemingly oblivious to them.
"How often do you use makeup?"
Herikuda grinned at Kurumu's question but her attention remained on her task.
"Not as much as I'd like to. Fumiyo and I have very little use for eyeliner. We can just let some of our true form show if we want black lines about our eyes."
"Or black lipstick for that matter. Like this."
Suddenly Horie's thin lips were a rich shade of glossy black.
"That is so cool."
Herikuda giggled at Yukari's remark.
"Yes. To be honest, we could change our standard illusion to match whatever makeup we want to put on. But that simply isn't as fun."
"Though it would be a lot cheaper."
Herikuda huffed at Horie's remark, moving the pencil to Yukari's other eye.
"As if you have the diligence to keep up a variation of your illusion all day long."
"I don't mind my lips being a normal color."
Kurumu smiled as Horie's lips returned to their normal hue.
"That seems odd that applying makeup to your true form would change your illusion."
"It works to an extent. With our lips being naturally black, we can only make dark shades of colors work. Like a dark cherry red or a dark raisin purple."
Herikuda sighed dramatically at Horie's remarks.
"No cute pink or pastel colors. The curse of being a Shinigami."
"But pastel colored blush works fine. Our true forms are very pale."
"Like a porcelain doll. And I am finished."
Herikuda grinned, presenting the pencil to Yukari.
"Do you want to wipe that off and try to do it yourself?"
Yukari nodded with her attention fixated on the mirror. She absently took the pencil.
"That does accentuate my eyes. Strange how such a small line makes such a notable difference."
"Let me see."
Yukari glanced over her shoulder under Kurumu's request. Her eyes did seem more defined.
"This kit even has a little cloth for mistakes."
Herikuda held out a tiny white handkerchief. Yukari looked back at the senior, taking the cloth before regarding the mirror. She carefully wiped away the black line about her eye.
"I can manage this if Ms. Horie holds this mirror."
Kurumu grinned as Yukari continued to remove the eyeliner. She glanced over at Shiruba whom was now padding Chouda's cheeks with pink blush.
"Does your true form benefit from makeup?"
Shiruba giggled, shaking her head.
"My true form is blinding. It's pointless to put makeup on myself but I love doing this for others."
"But your true form is physical, right?"
Shiruba nodded at Chouda's query with her attention fixed on her task.
"Mhm. But our skin emanates light constantly so we learn our illusions at a very young age."
"But Yumie was so scared of the dark that she didn't learn how to use her illusion in her sleep until her first year of junior high."
Shiruba paused her efforts to favor the grinning Herikuda an admonishing look.
"Using your illusion in your sleep takes practice. Nobody complained about it before junior high."
"Our true forms are barely tangible. We learn at a young age to stay solid."
Shiruba grinned at Chouda's remark.
"I've heard about that. You're not the first sylph I've met."
"Mhm. Shades like Kakuri also have very little substance when in their true forms. They can even travel through shadows."
Kurumu almost asked Herikuda whom Kakuri was when she realized that was Gawauchi. She had not known that Gawauchi was the same race as Zanzou.
"Can she use makeup?"
Herikuda sighed theatrically.
"I've tried to pretty her up but it's no use. I have no idea why shades always end up all pale and white haired in their illusions."
"Probably because they mimic their parents. Her kids will be pale too."
Horie grinned, keeping the mirror still as Yukari applied the eyeliner.
"An astute observation, Ms. Sendou. That does make the most sense."
"The first illusions we learn to use as kids have pointy ears. Humans often call sylphs elves."
Shiruba giggled as she closed up the blush container.
"Humans tend to call anything with pointy ears an elf. Sprites and dryads also have pointy ears."
Kurumu smirked. Her ears also were pointed when she let her entire true form out.
"Are the three of you going to the same college?"
"We certainly are trying. My uncle lives in Hamanigahara. That should be close enough for us to drive to and from Kanto Gakuen University."
"Where is that?"
"Gunma prefecture. Minemine Institute is in Hamanigahara if that helps."
Kurumu smiled at Shiruba's clarification. She had no idea where that was but she was aware of that being the prefectural school of Gunma.
"Do you have a lot of family there?"
"No. It's just my uncle."
"We will have to protect ourselves from the creepy old guy that's still single."
Shiruba smirked at Herikuda.
"Assuming you even get in."
"I can still get a letter of recommendation if I mess up on the campus test."
"That's an excellent job, Ms. Sendou."
Yukari grinned brightly, lowering the pencil from her eyes.
"Of course. I'm a genius."
Herikuda laughed, shaking her head as she took the pencil from Yukari.
"I can hardly believe that was your first try."
"Yukari has a very perceptive eye."
Herikuda giggled at Kurumu's remark. She returned the pencil to the makeup container.
"We should do your lips next. What color would you like?"
"What would you recommend?"
Herikuda made a thoughtful sound as she rummaged through the box.
"I'm thinking we can try black first."
"Are you trying to make her look like us?"
Herikuda pulled out a glossy black stick and turned a smirk upon Horie.
"She would look gorgeous and you know it."
"A bright red would be better."
Herikuda took the top off the tube, twisting the bottom to push the black stick out further.
"We can do that later. We could line her lips with black to better define them."
"That would look nice."
"Could you hold the mirror higher?"
Herikuda giggled, scooting in as Horie acquiesced to Yukari's request.
"No talking. You'll mess this up."
As Herikuda started on Yukari's lips, Kurumu glanced at Shiruba whom was brushing out Chouda's hair. Feeling bored, Kurumu pushed up onto her feet. Rubi was pouring the mix out into a cake pan, spooning the sticky texture out of the bowl with a spatula. Kurumu drifted over to take a seat at Yukari's desk.
"Would any of you know why Doronuma wasn't in detention today?"
"Nope. Did our infamous Voice at least show up?"
"He was there but had no idea why Doronuma wasn't. And Ms. Idatsu told me not to worry about it. I don't know if she expected Doronuma's absence or was just being lazy."
Herikuda let out a sound of understanding, easing back.
"Do you like?"
Yukari cocked her head, regarding her reflection.
"It looks more sinister than sexy."
"I told you that we should have done red."
Herikuda sighed heavily, fetching the cloth from the floor.
"Fine. You can wipe that off and we can do a bright red."
"I could apply it myself."
Herikuda twisted the bottom and returned the plastic top to the tube.
"Are you sure?"
Yukari sounded an affirmative while wiping her lips. The senior scooted back, turning to put the lipstick back in its place. She lifted a few tubes before finding the bright red. She handed it off to Yukari.
"I don't know how Ms. Idatsu isn't married yet. I understand that she's a monstrel but she's a buxom lady with a nice face. There must be some guys whom would find her gruff attitude charming."
Kurumu had nothing to add to Herikuda's assessment of the teacher for the construction trades elective. She randomly opened the drawer of Yukari's desk. She picked up an opened envelope resting on top of notebooks, mildly curious whom would send Yukari a letter when her parents had faster means to contact her. Kurumu turned it over and frowned at the name of the recipient.
"Why do you have a letter for Hitsuji in your drawer?"
"It isn't polite to rummage through other people's things."
Kurumu smirked at Yukari's admonishment, recognizing the sender of the letter. She regarded the witch whom had ceased her efforts to color her lips.
"This letter is from Huang. It's not yours."
"Ms. Hitsuji came by our place late last Friday night. She was upset over that letter."
Kurumu grinned as Yukari resumed her task. Curious what had upset Hitsuji, Kurumu tugged the sheet of paper out of the envelope and unfolded it. She frowned at the characters on the sheet.
"Did that dummy write to her in Cantonese?"
"Yes. Which I was reluctant to translate for her."
"Did you properly translate it for her or do I have to pay her a visit?"
"I don't care what that fool does."
Kurumu smirked, struggling to interpret the letter herself.
My dearest Chiyu.
My love for you continues to burn like a smoldering ember. I yearn to be at your side but a horrible attack was made upon my family before the New Year. Both of my uncles and my father were slain by the Miao family whom have opposed us for decades. The only good that came from this assault was the capture of the Miao family leader. He submitted to my manliness and the surviving remnants of his family have been absorbed into ours.
As a gesture of peace and goodwill, I married Lady Routier of the Miao family two weeks ago. She is an older cousin of the former leader and a feisty woman. Please understand that this union was done for the sake of my family and it is my duty to sire a child with this troublesome lass. But my love for you is genuine and pure. You are the only one that I can see as my first wife.
I am presently on a honeymoon, accompanied by my mother. I am thankful for her presence as she keeps Lady Routier behaved. We are visiting the many satellite offices that my family has scattered about the globe. I have no idea how long this journey will take, but I fully intend to return to Yokai Academy in the spring. My Aunt will be the interim leader of our family until my high school education is concluded.
Please be waiting for me. It is all that I can ask and hope for.
Eternally yours. Fang.
Kurumu giggled, folding the letter up and stuffing it back in the envelope.
"Sounds like he's officially married now. Did you tell her that?"
Yukari huffed, putting the cap on top of her lipstick.
"I told her that his family required him to marry and make a baby with a crazy chick. She was reluctant to believe me but I reassured her that he still wanted her."
"That looks fabulous, Ms. Sendou."
Herikuda giggled, rummaging through the makeup box.
"She does look nice. Now where is that black liner for those lips?"
Kurumu smirked as Yukari set the tube by Herikuda's knee.
"Why did you keep the letter?"
"She was trying to cast a spell on it."
Kurumu perked up at Rubi's input. The witch was doing dishes in the sink, having already put the cake pan in the oven.
"What kind of spell?"
"It doesn't matter. It didn't work."
Yukari's dismissal only made Kurumu more curious. Herikuda presented a pencil to the witch that she quickly took. A flustered Yukari turned to face her reflection with bright, cherry red lips.
"I should have told her the truth. He just wanted to fuck that crazy girl. It was his idea to marry her."
"You shouldn't talk while doing that."
Yukari grumbled at Horie's warning, cautiously wielding the pencil about her lips. Kurumu chuckled, putting the envelope back in the drawer and closing it.
"Well his letter is pretty close to the truth."
Shiruba giggled, setting her golden brush aside on the table.
"Speaking of letters, Fumiyo got another death threat."
Horie sighed, holding the mirror still for Yukari.
"Must you bring that up?"
"I think it is cute having such an adorable stalker."
Kurumu laughed nervously, recalling this being a recurring thing for their valedictorian.
"I wouldn't want a stalker."
"This one is frail, little boy."
Kurumu looked at Horie as Herikuda giggled at Shiruba's revelation. Horie smiled meekly.
"I don't know how to discourage him. And it is kind of amusing to get death threats from him."
"Fumiyo should be ashamed of herself. Capturing the heart of sweet, innocent boy."
Horie favored Herikuda a look of reproach.
"Hardly innocent."
"How old is this kid?"
Horie grinned at Yukari's query as the witch lowered the pencil.
"That looks amazing, Ms. Sendou."
"Thanks. Is he older than me?"
"He turned twelve in the summer."
Yukari nodded thoughtfully, handing the pencil to Herikuda.
"So he is older by a few months. Why is he sending you death threats?"
Horie smiled, lowering the mirror to her lap.
"He's frustrated that I'm so much older than him. He keeps saying that he'll kill me if I ever think of dating anyone else. That I better wait for him or I'm going to get it."
"How did you meet this kid?"
Horie laughed softly, shrugging with a slight smile.
"It was back during my first year. He was lost at the cultural festival. I helped him find his big sister whom was a third year. Ever since then he has been sending me these little notes mixed with admiration of my beauty and anger that I don't see him as a man."
"Then you must be talking to him."
Horie nodded at Yukari's deduction.
"I see him every now and then. His mother works in the Kurai dining hall and he often hangs out there since he doesn't want to stay at home alone. His father has been gone since he was five and he is the youngest child. His brother died in some PSC nonsense years ago and his sister left town."
"That explains how he can leave those death threats."
Shiruba snickered, wagging a finger at Horie.
"It helps that she told him where we lived."
"I can't help it. He is cute and I do feel bad for him."
"What do you plan to do after you graduate?"
Horie smiled at Kurumu's query.
"I don't know. I want to give him the address of Yumie's uncle. That way he can keep issuing those silly threats. I'll be sad if he does give up on me."
Herikuda snickered pulling out a gray square container from the makeup box. She opened it up, taking out a little brown brush.
"You should spend more time and energy chasing after a guy that you want to marry."
"It's not like I'm chasing after this kid. He's doing all of the pursuing."
"Mhm. I think it's time for us to show Ms. Sendou how to use blush."
Kurumu smiled softly, concerned with Yukari's silence. She had a feeling that Yukari was seeing herself in Horie's admirer. Same age and in love with someone much older.
Decisively, Kurumu got to her feet.
"Ruby. I'm going to put makeup on you."
Their laughter helped lighten her mood.