"Get a copy of our paper! Last one of the school year!"
The group of stocky guys darted by Kana to swarm the silver haired vampire. The blond laughed as Moka forced a smile while handing out papers.
Kurumu chuckled, walking on the school path alongside Chouda. She had her schoolbag strap nestled in the valley of her breasts with her school jacket left open. She had her hair fixed in an updo with her lace ribbon and was wearing her emerald studs because it was Thursday.
"That is one thing that I don't miss about being in that club."
"Do you want to stop for a paper?"
Kurumu nodded as she slowed her pace. Noting her presence, Kana smiled slightly. The blond shrugged with a full stack of papers in her arms.
"Come help me, Kana."
Kana sounded an affirmative, moving to aid Moka though it was unlikely that any of those guys would take a paper from the blond. Now that Kurumu had left the club, every guy insisted on getting his paper from the silver haired vampire.
Standing off to the side of the path with a bored expression was Yukari. The little witch also had a stack of papers which might never get replenished.
A short distance behind the witch was the table where the rest of the club was stationed. Tsukune was trotting over with two stacks of papers to aid Moka and Kana with the kappa boys of the fishing and diving clubs. Ginei was doing his best to annoy Hajihachi while she tried to keep count of how many papers they had distributed. Tora was surprisingly absent.
"Yukari! I'll take a paper."
The witch glanced at Kurumu's approach. Grabbing the top paper from her stack, Yukari held it out with no real interest as Kurumu crossed the remaining distance.
Before Kurumu could take the paper, Ginei snatched it up with a fanged grin. His bangs were pushed back by a dark green bandana as he regarded Kurumu with mischief.
"Your paper, Kurumu."
Kurumu snickered, taking it from the werewolf.
"What about Sumire?"
"I can give her this one."
Yukari presented another paper from her stack which Chouda promptly acquired.
"Thank you, Ms. Sendou."
"One of the few people to actually want to take a paper from me."
Ginei laughed, tousling Yukari's dark locks much to the witch's displeasure.
"Not entirely true. You always have a few fans."
Yukari scowled, stepping out of his reach.
"You mean perverts."
Ginei took in a deep breath and turned a smirk upon Kurumu.
"Smells like someone had sex today."
Kurumu blushed slightly, wagging her paper dismissively.
"You must be imagining things."
"Guess I must have also imagined seeing Mr. Amesuki walk by almost an hour ago when we were just setting up. It was so early that I dare say he must have skipped breakfast."
Kurumu flinched but quickly regained her composure. Nijiro had insisted on leaving early to avoid any suspicions. It had ruined her hopes for a lovey dovey morning with her lover.
"Nijiro often comes to school early."
Ginei's grin widened as his different colored eyes regarded her with smug confidence.
"When I gave him a paper, I could smell it."
Kurumu pursed her lips, not wanting to argue this any further. She glanced at Yukari.
"Did you make a bento for me today?"
"Ginei wanted us here early so there was no time to make any lunches."
"Are you going to brave the lunch line?"
"I'll have lunch with my grandfather. It won't be an issue."
"But what about me?"
"Don't you eat with the PSC on Thursdays?"
Kurumu smirked at Yukari's prompt response to her halfhearted question.
"That's not every Thursday."
"Then have the normal cafeteria lunch. It's not like it will kill you."
Kurumu sighed dramatically, noting the fishing club boys had cleared out. Moka was now handing out papers to the guys from the basketball team. Shuryou Kenshin was glaring over in their direction as he took a paper from the silver haired vampire. The okami from Morihochou hated the fact that Hajihachi was dating Ginei. His jet black hair had been frosted silver in the front.
"I guess that means no heavenly breakfast or lunch from my best friend today."
"Were you too busy having sex to eat breakfast?"
Kurumu smirked at Ginei's mischievous grin. Nijiro really should have showered before leaving. Tsuiseki Shohei was the guy with the wild ashen locks standing next to Shuryou. The okami was in Nijiro's class. If Ginei could smell it on them, there was a good chance Tsuiseki could too.
"I had breakfast with Sumire. She needs to empty her refrigerator before she moves out."
Ginei snickered, cocking his head at the sylph.
"When is your last day on campus?"
"I will leave on Monday after dinner."
"Need any help?"
"No. My father will have all of my furniture moved out on Sunday."
"I'm going to need more papers!"
Moka's declaration caused Kurumu to glance over her shoulder, confirming the approach of the soccer team. The captain, Tsutsushi, had his dark locks braided close to his scalp and was leading the group. Fumusuna was absent but Tanboshi Aku was with them despite being on the judo team. He lived on the same floor as Tsukune and had the same dark curls that his older brother on the soccer team possessed.
"I've got you covered."
Tsukune darted over to Moka's side with a huge stack of papers.
"Did you hear the news about those two officially becoming a couple?"
Ginei smirked at her, crossing his arms.
"I heard about it from Tora last night. Tsukune confessed that he used Master Touhou's secret technique to subdue her with minimal physical harm. I only regret that I hadn't been there to see it myself."
"You would want to see Moka in her underwear."
Ginei gasped at her accusation, clutching his chest.
"Underwear? You mean she was not naked?!"
Kurumu snickered, doubting he was genuinely surprised.
"I doubt that Tsukune could continue the fight if he had striped her naked."
"You lied to me, Tsukune!"
Tsukune frowned at Ginei as Moka took the stack of papers from him.
"The point of Master Touhou's secret technique is to leave your opponent completely bared. You have disgraced his memory by stopping halfway."
Tsukune laughed nervously as the guys about Moka shared confused looks. Tanboshi took a paper from Moka after his older brother did.
"What is he talking about?"
"It's nothing."
The huge Burumoto Ushio from Tsukune's classroom shrugged, taking his paper.
"Probably has to do with Aono becoming Akashiya's boyfriend."
The stocky Tamaishi, also from Tsukune's homeroom, nodded.
"We heard about it yesterday."
"This is news to me."
Several boys chimed in similar protests to the glossy black haired second year.
"Tsukune challenged for the right to be Moka's boyfriend and beat her in a fight."
Ginei's announcement caused all of the guys to look upon Tsukune with threatening auras.
"You beat her into submission?"
Tsukune threw his hands up, moving them in a placating manner.
"It's a vampire tradition! I couldn't just ask her out!"
Kurumu giggled, guessing she should have mentioned this yesterday.
"It's no big deal, guys. He didn't actually harm her."
Moka grimaced, handing a paper off to the Hatatachi brother with the faux hawk.
"Though my pride took a severe blow."
"What exactly did he do?"
"He stripped her down to her underwear."
Yukari's revelation caused the intensity of the threatening auras to increase. Moka blushed as Tsukune continued to flail with stammered and inarticulate excuses.
"And therein lies the shame. You know very well that the technique involves the removal of all clothing."
Tsukune turned pleading eyes upon Ginei.
"There was no way that I could do that to Moka!"
Tsutsushi chuckled, pounding a fist into his palm.
"Seems like we need to give Mr. Aono some punishment for mistreating a lady."
Tanboshi snickered, stepping forward to grab Tsukune by the collar.
"Don't take this wrong, Tsukune. Consider this our congratulations."
When more guys stepped forward to join in on the hazing, Moka pushed out a terrifying presence that forced them back. Tanboshi released Tsukune's collar, staggering as Tsutsushi and many other members of the club were literally brought to their knees. Moka glared at them with a fierce glint in her crimson eyes as her silver tresses fluttered up with the flow of her power.
"If any of you think of harming my man, you will answer to me."
Tanboshi laughed nervously, holding his hands up.
"It was just a joke, Akashiya. Guys being guys."
Moka looked at the boy, causing him to shudder.
"That includes your silly dorm antics."
Tsutsushi started to chuckle, picking himself up. Several other guys including Burumoto and Tamaishi managed to do the same as the density of Moka's presence diminished.
"Understood, Ms. Akashiya. As long as you are happy."
Several other guys echoed that sentiment, prompting Moka to cease her spiritual attack. The vampire glanced them over, taking a paper off the top of her stack.
"Since it looks like you all have a paper, I suggest that you get lost. I have others waiting."
The soccer team murmured their apologies as they departed. Several giggling second year girls from the track team stepped forward, congratulating Moka on her relationship as they received papers.
"You really know how to cause me trouble."
Ginei wagged a finger at Tsukune as the young man wandered over to join them.
"You could have told the truth about it yesterday."
"You had to have known that I would never actually strip Moka down to nothing. It was difficult enough to continue the fight as it was."
Ginei nodded in a sagely manner.
"Indeed. The technique is treacherous but you clearly have not trained enough with women."
"Because we never trained with women."
Ginei continued to nod as if this was important.
"Isn't it terrible that we have far more experience undressing men than women?"
Tsukune laughed with flush cheeks.
"I'd rather not remember that."
"It's decided then. Bring Moka to the bus stop tonight and I shall oversee your training."
Hajihachi appeared at Ginei's side, swatting him in the back of the head.
"You are not sneaking out tonight to help Mr. Aono embarrass Ms. Akashiya"
Ginei turned a grin upon his scowling girlfriend.
"Better yet. I can bring Mika along and we can practice together."
The girl's amethyst eyes widened as she covered her chest.
"You are not stripping me naked on the night of a full moon!"
"That's what you said two nights ago but you eventually came around."
Hajihachi blushed darkly, glancing aside.
"Which was stupid. We missed the first two periods because of that."
Kurumu smirked, having some clue what happened.
"Did you end up sleeping in his room?"
"We slept under the stars after a night filled with passionate love making."
Hajihachi grabbed him by the back of the collar, dragging him away.
"Could you shut up?! Just stay behind the table where you can't cause trouble."
Kurumu giggled, shaking her head. She glanced down at Yukari, brandishing her paper.
"Guess I will leave you to your work. Try to give out those papers."
"Yea, whatever. See you in class."
Kurumu smirked, stalking off which prompted Chouda to follow. She nodded at Moka whom was too busy handing out papers to notice. Smiling softly, she continued down the trail with the four boards flanking the trail coming up. Tomorrow those boards would have their new homeroom assignments.
"This is the first paper that I haven't seen a single draft for. I have no clue what was written this time."
"Yea. I'm going to miss Yokai Academy. Hopefully I will have fun in London."
"I have no idea how you will handle being in a foreign country by yourself. I don't think I could do that."
"It won't be so bad. My father found a nice family that was willing to take me in for six months."
Kurumu nodded thoughtfully as they passed by the first board.
"That's right. Foreign colleges start in the fall."
"Yea. If a college takes me in, I will only have to stay with that family for five months."
"If they take you in?"
"College and universities in England aren't that much different from Japan. They prefer their students to be eighteen years old. If you are younger than that, you have to make a good case as to why they should accept your application."
Kurumu frowned as they passed through the school gate, starting up the incline to the main door. It had never crossed her mind that Chouda would not be admitted into college.
"But you're a top twenty student. Ninety percentile."
"That might not be good enough, considering I'm graduating from a high school that even local colleges have never heard of. America is the only place I know of without minimum age requirements. And that place is dangerous. Everybody has a gun."
Kurumu forced a smile as she hurried to the main door, tugging it open for the third year.
"What will you do if the colleges in England refuse your application?"
Chouda shrugged as she stepped through the door and stopped inside.
"I'll just come back home. That was always the plan."
"I thought the plan was to study overseas."
"Which I will do for six months. Getting into college was always a long shot. I was serious about being able to come back for your graduation."
Kurumu registered that news with mixed feelings.
"Won't you be bored being at home with your parents?"
Chouda made a dismissive gesture with her hand before she started off.
"It will be fine. Have a good day at school, Kurumu."
Kurumu sighed, feeling depressed as she walked off in the other direction. She wondered if Yukari knew about Chouda's situation. Kurumu had just assumed that Chouda was going to study abroad forever. It had never crossed her mind that it was only going to last six months and that the sylph would then stay at home until she was old enough for a local college.
She arrived at her shoe cubby, thinking she was just stupid. She had been satisfied with an assumption that things were okay just like she had done with Sakamori. She took her slippers out of her cubby, dropping them by her feet. Exchanging her footwear, Kurumu sighed as she stuffed her loafers into the cubby. She stepped up from the genkan area, moving slowly towards the door to the teachers' lounge.
Kurumu drew open the door, slipping inside the adjacent room. Leaving the door open, she drifted over to Mrs. Senda's station. The woman was wearing a long sleeved, pinstripe blouse with black slacks.
"Good morning, Mrs. Senda."
The freckled woman looked up at her approach, grinning. Glasses rested upon her freckled nose.
"Morning, Ms. Kurono. You seem to be getting here at different times each day this week."
Kurumu smiled thinly, thinking that was because she had slept in several different places.
"This isn't as late as when I came in with Ms. Kiyomizu."
Mrs. Senda chuckled, getting up. She grabbed two sheets of paper, handing them off to Kurumu.
"True. We may as well head up to the broadcasting room now."
Kurumu nodded, glancing over the sheets as the teacher fetched her keys. She took note of the movie list that she had seen earlier this week. She knew Mobile Suit Gundam and Doraemon were animated films and she vaguely recalled One Piece being a comic book. That was probably also animated. The only other new movie to the list was Narnia. She recalled the poster for that at the movie theater had a lion.
"This way, Ms. Kurono."
Kurumu turned about, realizing the teacher was already waiting for her at the door. She murmured an apology, hurrying out of the room. She allowed Mrs. Senda to catch up with her before matching the teacher's pace to the base of the central stairs. They started up as other students entered the school.
"You will have some work to do next month."
"What do you mean?"
Mrs. Senda smirked as they reached the central landing. The physics teacher started up the curving flight of steps on the left.
"You'll need to recruit new club members. While you were in detention yesterday, the Gyozoku sisters and their cousin, Ms. Yamane, all turned in their club resignations."
Kurumu gasped, stopping at the top of the stairs.
"Why did they quit?"
Mrs. Senda turned and beckoned for her to follow. Kurumu quickly caught up to the teacher whom was already making her way to the door. Mrs. Senda pushed her key into the lock, twisting it.
"I don't know if you were aware of this, but those three already had joined the diving club months ago. I guess with Mr. Tashikana graduating, they felt no need to continue being in the broadcasting club."
Kurumu frowned, entering the broadcasting room once the door was open. She made her way over to the stool, setting the sheets aside as the teacher locked up. She lifted her schoolbag strap up over her head, letting it rest against the base of the stool before clambering up onto the seat.
"But they don't really participate as is. There was no reason for them to quit."
Mrs. Senda smiled thinly, making her way over to the other stool.
"The younger sister said she wanted nothing to do with someone whom was apathetic towards victims of sexual assault. The other two simply agreed with her."
"What makes her think that I'm apathetic?!"
"Because you let Ms. Doronuma talk on the PA system."
Kurumu stared at the teacher dumbfounded.
"I was never apathetic over what happened to Ms. Yubikiri."
"But you were sympathetic to Mr. Tassei, her rapist."
"That doesn't mean that I don't care."
"That's not how it works, Ms. Kurono. Most people want to see the world with just two sides. It keeps things simple. One side is right and one side is wrong."
Kurumu scowled at that willful ignorance.
"That's bullshit. There are tons of times were both sides are wrong."
"Nobody is going to say Ms. Yubikiri is wrong in this situation."
Kurumu winced, doubting she could convince anyone that Yubikiri had been wrong to deny Doronuma's request to hold a tribute for her rapist. At least not without using her powers.
"Maybe not in this particular situation, but that doesn't mean you can't feel sorry for a guy that ended up killing himself because nobody was on his side."
Mrs. Senda smiled thinly.
"That's how society works, Ms. Kurono. The undesirable elements are pushed out for the better of the majority. Most people won't care that a rapist killed himself."
"It was a mistake and it wasn't even entirely his fault!"
"Which is why no charges were going to be pressed."
"He only did it one time! How does that make him a rapist?"
"One time is all it takes."
Kurumu scoffed at the patronizing tone.
"Really? If I cook food for myself one time, that doesn't make me a fucking chef. Nobody should ever be defined by something they rarely ever do."
"Why does this bother you so much? I don't recall ever seeing you around Mr. Tassei?"
Kurumu grimaced in a swirl of emotions. She latched onto the first thought that came to mind.
"Because most of society would call me a fucking whore, that's why. I don't give a damn about society when it's done nothing but diminish succubi to nymphomaniacs. You are aware that for most of the last century, my race has either been killed or forced into sexual slavery?"
Mrs. Senda smiled softly.
"No. Before I met Ageha, I didn't even realize that succubi were real."
"And you saw how she was treated."
Mrs. Senda paused, glancing down.
"Are other students here making things difficult for you?"
Kurumu simmered, wanting to call Juri out but she held her tongue. Most teachers already knew about her issue with Juri so it was not worth bringing it up.
"I realize that society is full of people whom are only nice to you when everything is fine. The moment something serious happens is when you find out whom is really there for you."
The first bell sounded as if to accentuate her point. The teacher sighed.
"It shouldn't be too hard. We know that Tashikana's cousin will join and it seemed like little Ageha is determined to follow in her father's footsteps. You only need to find one other student to join."
Kurumu groaned, having no serious interest in running this silly club.
"Maybe one of those girls have a friend that will join."
"Or maybe you could smile and convince some young man to help with the equipment?"
Kurumu pouted at the lighthearted remark.
"Are you implying that I could get a guy to join because of my looks?"
"You could also use your personality."
Kurumu chuckled, wondering if Mrs. Senda was aware that some guys thought that was the same thing.
Mrs. Takizawa stopped in the middle of her sentence, closing her notebook. The teacher had on a canary yellow blouse with a white ruffled skirt. She held the notebook against the swell of her bosom.
"While I could continue on to the next subject, I will save that for tomorrow. I'm sure that none of you mind being released a little early for lunch."
Kurumu glanced at the clock above the chalkboard, confirming they still had fifteen minutes before the bell sounded. Not questioning her fortune, she closed her notebook with her mechanical pencil inside. She reached over to her schoolbag, opening it up to put her things away.
"Have you decided if you're going to eat with the PSC?"
Kurumu smirked at Satsuki whom was already getting on her feet.
"I don't know if I want to deal with Sabaku and Koike just yet. They probably will have a lot to say about Ms. Kiyomizu making me an auxiliary member."
"You could always just grab your free meal and eat with someone else."
Kumiko clucked her tongue as she put away her things.
"Ms. Kurono technically isn't a full member of the PSC. There is no reason for the cafeteria staff to be handing her one of our reserved meals."
"She could just use her powers to get whatever she wants anyways."
Satsuki scowled as Juri stood up.
"We don't need your input."
Juri huffed, facing the nekomusume.
"Someone in this class needs to be an example of proper morals. You and Sendou are clearly too lenient when it comes to sexual transgressions."
The slap was loud, causing Juri to stagger against the desk Tandoku had already vacated. The sprite held her cheek as she regarded the trembling Satsuki with wide eyed disbelief.
"You don't have a fucking clue what you are talking about!"
"Satsuki."
Satsuki clenched her fists, turning her fierce gaze upon the teacher. Mrs. Takizawa stood near the open door, shaking her head slightly.
"You hit me."
"Every word out of your mouth is vile. I should tear your tongue out for what you just said."
"Come with me, Satsuki."
Satsuki seethed at her aunt's command. She thrust a finger at Juri, causing the sprite to flinch and step back. Juri stumbled against Hisakata's empty desk.
"This dumb bitch thinks her tits being grabbed is on the same level as the shit that I went through!"
"This isn't the time or place to discuss that."
Satsuki let out a frustrated cry.
"Yukari was brutally raped! This piece of shit knows that!"
The look in Juri's eyes quickly changed from shock to uncertainty. She glanced at Yukari whom was still writing in her notebook, ignoring the situation.
"But Kurono took her memories away."
Satsuki intentionally bumped her shoulder against Juri as she passed.
"Well I remember what happened to me. Fuck you."
Mrs. Takizawa held an arm out, draping it over Satsuki's shoulder when the girl arrived. She steered the girl out into the hall, leaving the class in uneasy silence.
"What just happened?"
Abe chuckled at the drowsy inquiry from Nerume.
"Cat fight. Morisato stirring up shit again."
Ichida huffed, getting to his feet.
"Hardly a fight. We should all head to lunch."
Senyou snickered, passing by Ichida's desk before the tengu moved to join him.
"No kidding. Morisato just stood there."
Juri scowled as Abe, Shouhei and Ichiboku joined the exodus.
"Because I'm civilized, unlike some people in this school."
Kumiko stood up beside the sprite, crossing her arms below her subtle bosom.
"Maybe your behavior was tolerated in Kabashita, but you would have never lived long in Aranoiji."
"Only proving my point. Aranoiji is run by tyrannical kitsune. Kabashita is more civilized."
Kumiko's posture and demeanor became cold and threatening.
"You are weak. And weaklings with bad attitudes never made it out of junior high. Isn't that right, Fufi?"
Hazumi laughed nervously, deciding to put away her things which prompted Madosuki to do the same.
"Which is why I don't miss being there."
"Yea. You always had to be careful about what you said about any of the kitsune."
"What does that have to do with anything?"
Kumiko cocked her head at the confused sprite.
"You are picking fights, Ms. Morisato. If Lord Kuyo was still in charge of the PSC, antagonizing Ms. Unari would not go unpunished."
"Unari wouldn't even be in the PSC if that psychopath was still in charge."
"Not my point. Ms. Sendou smashed my face into my desk just for speaking ill about her. I'm surprised she hasn't done anything to you."
Yukari sighed dramatically, ceasing her writing.
"Because this is Kurumu's problem. She could easily fix this if she wanted to."
"I'm not going to use my powers on Juri."
Yukari turned her attention upon Juri.
"I may have no memory of it, but I still have my braces. I know what happened."
"That's not the same thing."
"Kurumu has that memory, Ms. Morisato. She could give it to you so that you would fully understand why I was catatonic for a couple of days after the incident."
"She can do that?"
Kurumu laughed nervously at the sprite's concern.
"I'm not going to use my powers on her, Yukari."
"Why not? You gave that memory to Ms. Tensai."
Kurumu flinched at Yukari's calm remark.
"Which I deeply regret. There were better ways to handle that situation."
"The list of your crimes just keeps growing."
Juri shook her head as she walked off.
"I don't know why any of you are still on her side."
Kumiko sighed, lowering her arms once Juri had left the room.
"I shouldn't have said anything. Now if any harm does happen to that moron, I'll be a suspect."
"You're not planning on doing anything?"
Kumiko huffed at Kurumu.
"Of course not. But she has been annoying me for days now and her behavior has bothered several girls. And there is always the case of accidents happening."
Hazumi giggled nervously, starting towards the front with Madosuki at her side.
"You mean like what happened with your sister?"
Kumiko nodded, gesturing towards Kurumu.
"Stop dallying, Ms. Genzouyaki. I won't get you a complimentary meal if you take your time."
Nerume sounded an affirmative, slipping out of her seat. Kurumu frowned as the kirin pranced by her desk to join Kumiko.
"What happened with your sister?"
Kumiko glanced over her shoulder as Hazumi and Madosuki left the classroom.
"Back in junior high Keito was suspected of murdering an annoying tanuki girl. But since there was no body, the investigation was dropped after a few weeks."
Kurumu contemplated that explanation.
"Are they sure that the girl was dead?"
"Nobody knows. I just know that my sister didn't kill that brat. But that didn't stop my sister from using that incident to bolster her reputation. Reputations can sometimes be useful."
Kurumu knew that was true as she scooted off her seat. She stood up with a stretch.
"I probably can't get a free PSC meal without Satsuki around."
Kumiko glanced aside, absently touching the collar of her black jacket.
"I might be able to convince the staff to let you have one."
Kurumu laughed, putting her hands in her jacket's pockets to feel for her lunch card.
"I don't want to trouble you. I'll just wait in line with Manami. I haven't eaten with her in weeks."
"Then we shall see you after lunch."
Kurumu nodded as Kumiko started off. Nerume hovered by Kumiko's side, avoiding actual contact unlike how she walked with Satsuki or Kurumu. Once the pair was gone, Kurumu was alone in the classroom with Yukari whom had resumed writing in her notebook.
"You're not upset over what Juri said?"
"Ms. Hineri is correct that I would have done something back in the days before my rape. Since then I have faced far greater problems than insensitive words uttered by petty high school girls. This entire situation is beneath me."
Kurumu smiled slightly, starting a slow walk to the back of the classroom.
"Have fun with your grandfather."
Yukari made a dismissive sound as Kurumu reached the end of the aisle. Kurumu pranced over to the open back door, slipping out into the hallway. She was not surprised to see the back door to class three was still closed. Mr. Nagamushi was undoubtedly annoying Tsukune's classmates with his immersion approach to teaching English.
It only took her a few seconds to reach the front door of class four. She opened the door, catching the attention of Mrs. Sunao whom was seated at her desk. The diminutive teacher frowned as Kurumu entered the room. Mrs. Sunao had on a short sleeved, white blouse with a powder blue, ruffled skirt.
"May I help you?"
Kurumu grinned, glancing over the bored students. The gorgon cousins were seated in the front row desks closest to the teacher. Tonari with her copper braids had the desk by the window while the dark haired Orochi was beside her. The second row desks behind them were vacant.
The forgettable Yotsumure from home economics was in the next front row desk. The desk behind her was also vacant. Anko had claimed the central front desk with Umigame from home economics in the desk behind her. Yaisoku was in the next desk over with Kagami behind her. The grinning harpy waved, prompting Kurumu to wave back.
"I was actually hoping to have lunch with Manami today."
Kurumu said that as her eyes settled on the blond seated beside Yaisoku. The undine smiled brightly, lighting up her periwinkle eyes. Sitting beside Manami in the desk closest to the door was Utsumi Chisui. The undine had frosted blue curls which tumbled down her back. Her eyes were a taffy pink hue.
Behind Utsumi was Taijin. The tall girl was reading a book. Between her and Kagami was Nomura Airi. The blond was from Hateshinai and had joined the track team. The tengu was wearing the sweater vest over her ample curves.
"I suppose that I can dismiss the class now."
"Only about five minutes left anyways."
That comment had come from Hitomure Satoshi. All of the guys were seated in the back two rows, leaving the third row vacant. The inugami from Ashikantai was sitting in the middle of the back row. To the left of the baseball player was the massive Munemoshi from the basketball team while Nishimura from the soccer team was on Hitomure's right.
"Which is precisely why you may go. Please keep the volume down in the hallway."
Hitomure snorted as he got up from his chair, prompting many of the other guys to follow suit.
"As if there are any other homerooms still in class."
All of the students hastily put away their things as Mrs. Sunao stood up from her desk.
"Have a good afternoon. I shall see you all tomorrow."
Kurumu nodded as the teacher walked across the front of the classroom. She turned her attention upon Manami as the girl scooted out of her seat.
"I don't see you holding a lunch."
Kurumu grinned, fishing her lunch card out of her pocket to show it to the undine.
"I'll be joining you in the lunch line today."
"Shall we go then?"
Kurumu grinned at Utsumi before starting for the door.
"Of course. I haven't had a lunch with your group since they made the library off limits."
Manami giggled as they exited the classroom with Utsumi on their heels.
"I guess that's true. It has been a while."
They walked purposefully towards the crossover between the back doors of classes five and eight. While they were ahead of the girls, the guys of class four were already taking the stairs down.
"I haven't seen your group in the cafeteria. Where have you been eating your lunches?"
"In the courtyard. We saw you yesterday with Ms. Uchikawa's group."
Kurumu nodded as they turned slightly on the crossover before starting down the steps. The chatter of the lunch line below was not that loud.
"I honestly don't look around that much when I'm in the courtyard."
"Yea. There isn't that much to see there."
Utsumi snorted as they neared the landing.
"Only a big tree. They should do some gardening or something."
Kurumu grimaced at the thought of the tree and Nagare. Her expression caught Manami's attention.
"I hope that you aren't worried about my parents not putting you up for spring break."
"It's no big deal. I've always known that your father was not fully supportive of Nijiro having a serious relationship with me."
"That's probably only part of it. Keeping an air bubble intact for many days can be difficult. New mothers practice for months before having their babies and even then, they usually have someone to help keep up the bubble while they sleep. My mother probably doesn't feel safe having you over."
Utsumi giggled as they arrived at the bottom of the stairs, walking towards the end of the line.
"I'm glad that isn't an issue in Umishiro."
The guys from class four stood at the back of the lunch line near the first door to the home economics class. The chubby Saguri was standing in front of Tsukihara from band. Behind the glossy black haired kid was a familiar boy with his jet black locks styled in a bowl cut. This short guy had square framed glasses resting on his bulbous nose. He was from the computer club.
"Isn't your community inland?"
Utsumi nodded as they took their place at the end of the line.
"It's by a deep pond. I understand Ikinakawa is also by a huge lake."
Kurumu grinned as the gorgon cousins and Yotsumure drifted over behind them.
"It would be fun to see all of these villages someday."
"There is nothing fun about Umishiro."
"I know. I'm worried that I'll be out of things to show Kurumu on her first day in Aranami."
"Short of introducing yourself to every family inside a community, I would expect that most villages can be toured in a few hours."
Kurumu smiled thinly, imagining Utsumi was right as the bell sounded the official start of the lunch hour.
"I'm assuming that you heard about me making arrangements at the hotel ran by Akenuma's uncle?"
Manami grinned, nodding enthusiastically.
"Nijiro mentioned it on Monday afternoon."
"This girl was more worried that he was going to blow off White Day."
Manami pouted at Utsumi's smirk.
"It was a valid concern. Nijiro hasn't bought me a White Day gift in years."
"Probably because you're not his girlfriend."
Manami sighed with a slight shake of her head.
"He said he bought you two CDs. Did you like them?"
"I've only listened to one so far. I need to get around to listening to the second one."
"Which albums did he get you?"
"Two compilation albums by Yuzu. I really liked Flightless Bird and Sentimental on the first album. Bridge of Glory is the first song on the album I haven't listened to yet."
"I don't know this band."
Manami giggled at Utsumi's dismissive remark.
"You'll have to save your enthusiasm for Tarumi. She was the one that told you about this band."
Kurumu smiled as they passed by the first door to Ms. Yumeito's lab.
"Watakoma and Yarimizu will probably be finished with their meals by the time we join them."
"They have been every other day this week."
"Chisui!"
A girl with greenish blond hair waved to them. She walked away from her peers from class one, making her way briskly to their location. That was Masataka Midori, another undine from Umishiro.
"I didn't know that she called you by your first name."
"She does when she wants something."
Kurumu giggled as Masataka crossed the remaining distance. The girl gestured at them.
"You don't mind if I join you?"
"Do you girls mind that she cuts in front of you?"
Tonari rolled her eyes as Orochi smiled slightly at Utsumi's inquiry.
"I have no objection to that."
Masataka smiled politely, nodding at the dark haired gorgon.
"My thanks, Ms. Orochi. I have no idea why Mr. Hakuru kept us after the bell. We were done with our final inventory more than ten minutes ago. He kept going on and on about how we were cheated."
Tonari grumbled with her hands thrust in her jacket pockets.
"That old man did the same thing to us."
"Same here. I'm surprised that he still hasn't vented all of his frustrations by now."
Midori nodded at Kurumu's addition.
"Seems we are being joined by Ms. Kurono. What were we talking about?"
Kurumu smirked as they drifted around the corner, drifting diagonally across the hall to the serving line.
"White Day. Did Numasaki get you a White Day gift?"
Utsumi brightened up with a broad grin. She started tugging back the sleeve of her jacket.
"He certainly did. Check this out."
The girl wiggled her arm out enough to reveal a silver bracelet. Attached to the links were silver trinkets shaped like hearts and spades.
"It's got lily pads and hearts."
"That is so cute."
"I think you mean nauseating."
Utsumi stuck her tongue out at Masataka.
"You're just jealous because you have nobody loving you."
"And I recall you being annoyed with that boyfriend."
Utsumi smiled softly, moving her sleeve back to hide the bracelet.
"He can be annoying at times but it's nice to have someone thinking about you."
Kurumu grinned as Manami allowed a pair of third years to merge into the line ahead of them.
"Do you have any spring break plans with your boyfriend?"
Utsumi giggled nervously.
"Sort of. Fumio wants me to visit Ikinakawa for a weekend to meet his parents."
"Fumio?"
Utsumi huffed at Masataka's drawled response.
"It is his name. I'm allowed to use it."
"Are you riding the bus to his place?"
"No way!"
Utsumi blushed at her outburst, shaking her head.
"I have to talk to my parents before doing something like that. I'll try going the next weekend."
"Couldn't you have written to your parents to get permission?"
"That's not something you can ask for in a letter. This needs to be in person."
Kurumu smiled at the girl's discomfort, understanding her reluctance.
"Well I hope that everything works out for you."
"Same to you. I think you're awfully courageous to go to Aranami despite their refusal to let you stay."
"Awfully stupid if you ask me."
"Well we didn't ask you."
Masataka huffed, regarding Kurumu coldly.
"Ms. Kurono isn't an undine and Mr. Amesuki is an only son. It will never happen."
"My mother was originally okay with it. She only became concerned when Nijiro told her that Kurumu would never be able to have a baby with him."
"Which is a valid concern. Having children is the primary purpose of a marriage."
Kurumu pouted at Masataka's gruff assessment.
"There is more to marriage than making babies."
Masataka glanced away.
"It's not like this is any of my business. But don't get your hopes up, Ms. Kurono. Marrying you would prevent Mr. Amesuki from ever having the life his parents wanted for him."
"My brother wasn't ever planning on living in an undine community so that isn't an issue."
"Yea. And we can always adopt a human child if that will make our marriage feel more valid."
Masataka shook her head as they shuffled further down the line.
"That's a long time for him to pretend being something he is not. He will never be happy."
"As if you would know anything about that."
Masataka huffed at Utsumi's remark.
"We both know how seldom relationships work with humans. We are hideous. And there is nothing we can do to change that."
Kurumu grimaced, recalling how Nijiro looked in his true form. It was not the least bit attractive.
"Last two days of having lunch like this. Starting next week, we will be on the new lunch schedule."
Manami perked up Kurumu's change of the subject as they closed in on the cart with the lunch trays.
"Yea. I'm a little nervous about getting our new homeroom assignments tomorrow."
"You shouldn't have much to worry about. We were told that we would be grouped by our junior highs. Umiman is a huge community. You'll probably know half of your lunch group."
Utsumi giggled nervously at Masataka's dismissive remarks.
"I'm more worried about us. Umishiro has a small junior high. We could end up in any lunch group."
"At least we wouldn't have to deal with your annoying boyfriend for a year."
Utsumi pouted, swatting Masataka's side with the back of her hand.
"Don't talk like that. It would be nice if having lunch with my boyfriend was an option."
Kurumu chuckled softly, feeling anxious about tomorrow's homeroom assignments.
"We will find out soon enough."
"I believe we are close enough to the final bell. Would you please dismiss the class, Ms. Sendou."
Yukari hopped out of her seat under Mrs. Sunao's prompting.
"Stand."
Kurumu got up from her chair along with all of her classmates.
"Bow."
Kurumu bowed slightly, thinking about her conversation at lunch. Even Numasaki was skeptical about this spring break visit, admitting he would not go if Utsumi's parents had laid out terms like that to him. It was his opinion that she should let Nijiro handle that matter without her interference.
"Dismissed."
Kurumu straightened up with mixed emotions. She had just spent a passionate night of lovemaking and now she was wondering if she should call this spring break trip off. Three hours of pointless study halls had not helped her sort this out in the slightest. At least she had plenty of time to read her newspaper.
"Kurumu and Ms. Morisato. We have cleaning duties today."
Juri scowled as Yukari stalked off towards the chalkboard.
"You do too."
"I'm cleaning the board."
"Why don't you let Morisato do that?"
Yukari huffed at Satsuki's suggestion, picking up the eraser as Mrs. Sunao left the room behind Yakihara and Wanibuchi. Hisakata and Tandoku were on their way to the door as the guys in the back departed.
"It's not like I'm that much shorter than Ms. Morisato or Kurumu."
Satsuki rolled her eyes, taking her schoolbag off the hooks of her desk.
"That wasn't my point, twerp."
"It's not like that board has been used all day."
Satsuki glared at Juri as she hauled her schoolbag strap up on her shoulder.
"Kurono and I both have detention because of your sorry ass."
"I didn't make you slap me in front of the whole class."
Kurumu laughed, stepping closer and moving her hands in a placating manner.
"It's no big deal, Satsuki. Just tell Ms. Idatsu that I might be a few minutes late. She'll understand if it's because of cleanup duties."
"Must be nice to know that your punishment was so lax."
Kurumu forced a smile upon Juri.
"It's the same punishment that Iko got."
"No, it's not! She got kicked out of the club that she loved!"
Kurumu sighed, motioning for Satsuki to go. The nekomusume pointedly turned about and walked for the back door instead.
"Go get the broom, Ms. Morisato."
Juri scowled at Kumiko.
"Why should I? Sendou and Kurono can handle sweeping the class without me."
"Iko doesn't even hold that against me."
"Then you must have charmed her. There is no reason for her to be okay with you betraying her trust like that. You knew that she was trying to avoid involving the school."
"Do you honestly think that people are only siding with me because of my charm?"
"Why else would anyone bother doing that? It was pretty easy to convince Ms. Yamane and Ms. Gyozoku to quit your stupid broadcasting club. Clearly you haven't been charming them."
Kurumu frowned at this confession.
"Those two were already in the diving club. They were not even participating in my club."
"Which I hope gets disbanded. Nobody wants to listen to you every morning."
"You are delusional, Ms. Morisato. You bitch about Ms. Kurono's charm ability and think that you have any chance of sabotaging her club."
Abe snickered at Kumiko's remark, holding his schoolbag by its strap.
"Maybe Kurono scrambled her marbles when she made Morisato piss herself."
Juri regarded the boy with displeasure.
"Get out of here."
"See you tomorrow, ladies."
Kurumu nodded as the young man took off, taking note that most of the others had also left. Even Endo, Hazumi and Madosuki had slipped out of the room. Nerume was still sleeping soundly on her desk.
"You don't know this, Juri, but Tashikana has a cousin that has wanted to join this club even before I was involved in it. Then there is Nyuuwa from Tsunan. Her father was the broadcasting club president back in my mother's time. When I talked to her at Mrs. Takizawa's wedding, she was eager to join this club."
Juri scowled at her.
"Maybe they will have a change of heart when they learn about your reputation."
"And what reputation might that be?"
Kurumu's heart lifted at the familiar voice. She looked at the open doorway and grinned at the woman standing there. That was Kiyoshi Narau, the Fairy Tale succubus agent in charge of the Tohoku region. Her ginormous bosom was confined in a stretchy peach blouse worn beneath a pristine white jacket. Matching slacks were held up by a black belt with a silver buckle.
Kurumu hurried down the aisle, holding her arms out slightly. The woman sensed her intentions, holding her own arms out to accept Kurumu's embrace. She had rich black hair that was balled up and pinned with ivory rods. A beauty mark helped define her full, crimson lips beneath amethyst eyes.
Kurumu wrapped her arms about the taller woman, breathing in her flowery scent. The woman laughed pleasantly, squeezing Kurumu gently. Kurumu sighed, feeling content in this moment.
"You're always like this."
Kurumu nodded, letting the moment last a bit longer. Taking in another deep breath, she loosened her hold and leaned back. She peered up into those amethyst eyes.
"You're here for Tsukune."
"Yes. His cousin's graduation is tomorrow."
Kurumu sighed as the woman released her. She reluctantly withdrew her own arms.
"I guess that means he will miss Miyamoto's birthday party."
"Miyamoto?"
"Some loli lover that helped us save the world."
Kurumu laughed at Yukari's curt explanation. She shook her head as the witch continued to clean the chalkboard which already looked as clean as it could get.
"He's much more than a loli lover."
"You're going to miss part of that too because of your detention."
Ms. Kiyoshi giggled as Kurumu pouted.
"Is this detention related to this reputation the young lady spoke of?"
Kurumu sighed, wondering if she should bother explaining the situation.
"Not entirely. Just some issues I'm having in class."
Kurumu had enough presence of mind to realize that her memories were being probed. She looked up at Ms. Kiyoshi, biting her lip. Her indecisiveness allowed the woman to effortlessly discover the situation.
"I see. This Ms. Morisato is giving you trouble."
"She is the troublemaker here."
Ms. Kiyoshi turned her gaze upon the brunette.
"You could always go to a different high school."
"She breaks the rules and betrays her friends. She should be punished more than she is."
"And when the school refuses to do as you wish, you will enroll somewhere else."
Kurumu stepped between Ms. Kiyoshi and Juri despite knowing line of sight meant nothing.
"Please don't. We are getting new homeroom assignments tomorrow."
Kiyoshi smiled softly upon Kurumu.
"When you get to be my age, you don't put up with this nonsense."
"Be that as it may, nobody is supposed to use their powers on campus. I trust that you are not planting any subliminal instructions inside Ms. Morisato's mind."
Ms. Kiyoshi laughed at Kumiko's stiff protest.
"Oh, you are cute. Most people that encounter my kind assume that we just deal in sex."
"We know all about how manipulative your kind are."
The succubus smirked at Juri.
"I hear Hisoshi High is becoming quite capable. It might even take Yokai Academy's prefectural status before the end of the decade."
"There are rules, Ma'am."
Ms. Kiyoshi sighed, returning her attention upon Kumiko.
"I suppose if Ms. Morisato did leave the school, Ms. Kurono would get blamed. That is how it works when people know the truth. They just blame everything on us."
"I'm not sticking around for this nonsense. Clean the room yourselves."
Juri snatched up her schoolbag, hauling it up onto her shoulder. In a huff, she made her way to the back door. Kurumu sighed once the girl was gone.
"I guess Yukari will have to help me sweep."
"I'll stick around and help, assuming Ms. Genzouyaki doesn't offer."
Kurumu smiled at Kumiko's remark.
"Thanks. Would you stay here for a moment? I want to be with Ms. Kiyoshi when she fetches Tsukune."
"If you don't take too long."
Kurumu grinned, beckoning for Yukari.
"Come on, Yukari."
"I don't need to go with you. I have to clean this board."
"Fine. I'll be right back then."
Kurumu slipped out into the hall with Ms. Kiyoshi following her. She turned and smiled at the woman as they made their way to the back door of class three.
"How have things been for you at work?"
"Busy with no end in sight. Hopefully everything will have calmed down by the summer."
Kurumu noticed that the back door to class three was also open. She stepped into the room, taking a quick survey. Most of the students had already left. Tsukune was up at the front of the class, having a chat with Tora whom was in her PSC attire. Suzume and Hatoko were making the rounds with the broom and dustpan. The only other occupant in the room was Mizore whom was resting at her desk.
"That girl is pregnant."
Kurumu laughed at Ms. Kiyoshi's observation.
"Yes. She has been for a few months now."
"I was vaguely aware of her being pregnant. But she was only two months or so along. That is quite the development at only four and a half months."
Kurumu grabbed Ms. Kiyoshi by the arm and pushed out a simple thought. The succubus smiled.
"I see. And Mr. Aono is the father."
Kurumu managed a smile, releasing the woman's arm.
"Not officially. That baby will belong to Mizore and Umizake."
"I knew that much from when I was first told about her being pregnant when I left Mrs. Aono here."
"It's not like I was trying to hide this. You were never really around to explain things to."
Ms. Kiyoshi smiled at her protest.
"Fair enough. Mr. Aono! I have come for you."
Tsukune looked up from his conversation with Tora and grinned broadly. He moved over to his desk, grabbing his schoolbag which had been resting on his chair.
"Looks like someone isn't surprised."
Tsukune chuckled at Kurumu's remark as he walked briskly over.
"I got her letter last Friday. I forgot to tell you about it."
Kurumu pouted as he arrived.
"Obviously. It would have been nice to know about Ms. Kiyoshi coming."
"Sorry. Were you able to get our new identities?"
The succubus nodded at his question.
"I have them in my car. Your mother is already waiting for us down in the lobby."
Kurumu perked up at the revelation.
"I guess that means that you won't need to travel to Yutakayama to pick them up."
Tsukune grinned broadly as Tora sauntered over to join them.
"That's correct. Short of my cousin's family having weekend plans for us, I might be back this Sunday in time for Mrs. Takizawa's retirement party."
"Sounds like everything is working out."
Kurumu pouted at Tora.
"Did you know about him leaving today?"
"He told us this morning before we started handing out papers."
Kurumu sighed, thinking this dummy would forget his own wedding date.
"Do you have your phone on you?"
Tsukune frowned, absently checking his jacket's pocket.
"It's not like I would need it. It won't have service."
"That's not the point. Your phone has a camera function."
Tsukune's eyes lit up with understanding.
"I should take pictures of my cousin's graduation."
"Exactly. Is your phone in your dorm room?"
Tsukune turned with an apologetic smile.
"Ms. Kiyoshi. Do you mind if I make a quick stop in my dorm to fetch my phone?"
"You should make it quick. It's about a two and a half hour drive from here to Yamagata city."
Tsukune grinned as the succubus backpedaled out of the room. He turned his smile on them.
"I'll see you two at Mrs. Takizawa's retirement party."
"Tell your cousin hi for us."
Tsukune chuckled at Kurumu's request. He nodded as he exited the room.
"Of course. Have a good weekend."
Kurumu and Tora echoed that sentiment as he disappeared down the hall with the succubus.
"So. Headed for detention?"
Kurumu smirked at Tora. She took in a deep breath as she walked out of the room.
"I have to sweep the floor first."
