My Serenity

by Ravenhale1

This is the thirteenth installment of the AU recreation of Rosario Vampire told through Kurumu's POV. This story covers the last weeks of Kurumu's first year at Yokai Academy (March 3rd - March 20th, 2006). Not strictly canon.

1. Tweenage Witch

Kurono Kurumu groaned as her dream was chased away by the persistent chimes of her phone. Her eyes fluttered open while squeezing the pillow in her arms. The pink strings lining the hem of her dark blue blanket tickled her elbow as she shifted slightly upon her old mattress. She breathed in deep, detecting the faint aroma of sex from her romp with her boyfriend, Amesuki Nijiro, last weekend.

Stifling a yawn, Kurumu released her pillow. She pushed up onto her hip, dragging her feet up. Her silken cream chemise clung to her breasts, making the garment's straps lax. Dragging the blanket aside, she swung her legs over the side of her bed. Her chemise pooled at her waist, baring most of her thighs.

The chime of her phone demanded her attention. It was placed on her old desk in the other corner of her room next to the white lamp. The cord for the phone charger was ran to the back of her desk alongside the lamp's cord, sharing the same outlet. Sleeping was easier when she left the lamp on.

Her eyes drifted to the butsudan pushed into the back corner of the desk. On one side of the varnished shrine was a white vase with a bluebird pattern which lacked flowers. An old cloth doll with a white face and black yarn for hair rested against the vase. A crimson kimono was wrapped about the doll's torso. Tiny white limbs peeked out from beneath the kimono with black balls for feet.

Kurumu scooted off her bed, padding over to the desk. Picking up her phone, she silenced the alarm. An unused journal was stacked on top of a prayer book near the lamp. A decorative bowl for offerings was placed next to a ceremonial fan and some prayer beads. She had not touched most of these things.

A black urn with a white lily design rested on the other side of the butsudan. Next to the urn was a silver framed picture from their visit of the Tottori sand dunes in the summer of 98. Mommy was wearing a watermelon sarong and pink bikini, smiling brightly for the person taking the picture with the vast ocean behind her. Wearing a white one piece with pink frills, a small Kurumu stood in front of her mother.

"I'll try my best."

Kurumu pressed two fingertips to her lips before touching her mother's grinning face. Managing a smile, she sauntered over to the magical doorway connecting this suite to the adjacent one. Her body tingled from passing through the opening. She rubbed her arms as she regarded the room's occupant.

Chouda Sumire slept on her back beneath a soft pink sheet drawn over this mattress supported by a mahogany, varnished frame. Her long mint tresses spilled across her cream pillows beneath her head. She looked so peaceful with her face relaxed and her hands clasping the hem of her sheet.

Despite being a third year, Chouda had only turned fifteen a few weeks ago. The sylph had traded suites with Sendou Yukari, the creator of that magical doorway. The witch had saved Chouda's life during a trip that the film and newspaper clubs had taken back in June. That was when they had met Toujou Rubi.

That felt so long ago as Kurumu leaned over and gently shook the shoulder of the young girl.

"Sumire. Time to get up."

Chouda groaned, dragging her sheet down to her waist. The sylph was garbed in a long sleeved, white sleep shirt with a yellow cat pattern. The matching sleep pant was still hidden beneath the sheet as the groggy girl lifted into a seated position. Chouda yawned grandly, stretching her right arm out.

Kurumu giggled, backing out of the way of the girl's stretches. She hopped into her room, shivering from passing through the magic opening. She grabbed her sheet and quickly tidied up her bed.

"We should check on Rubi after we get dressed. She might even make us breakfast."

Chouda sounded an affirmative as Kurumu finished up her task. The white wood bed frame holding was as ancient as her three drawer dresser standing between the doors to her closet and bathroom. A mirror was mounted to the top of the dresser. The brown jewelry box resting in front of the mirror had been a Christmas gift from Rubi.

As Kurumu drifted over to her bathroom door, she noticed her yunomi collection which she had left on the kitchen counter between her sink and stove. She had fourteen yunomi, most of which were marked with the flags of the prefectures she had been in. The two exceptions were the ones from Hong Kong Disneyland and Tokyo Tower. She also had a shot glass for Kumamoto.

She tugged the door open, stepping onto the tiled floor and turning on the light. The bathrooms for the single suites were so tiny. Directly in front of her was the wall sink which she had left her dental hygiene products on. To the right was the toilet with two plush, pink towels stacked on top of the tank. To the left was the shower compartment. She absently closed the door behind her.

She turned on the sink, running the bristles of her toothbrush under the water before grabbing the tube of toothpaste. She twisted off the top and squeezed some mint paste onto the bristles. Twisted the cap back on, she set the tube aside and started brushing her teeth.

The largest omission from her yunomi collection was Hokkaido. She had spent almost a whole week in Yukimura, home of Shirayuki Mizore. The snow girl whom was living with her fiancé was seventeen weeks pregnant with Kurumu's child. Hatsue, the tsukumogami whom had resided within the rosary, would soon be born. It hardly felt like she would be a mother since succubi used other women to carry their babies. She wondered if this was how fathers felt.

Kurumu spit out the paste into the sink, rinsing out the bristles. Turning the faucet off, she set aside the toothbrush. She grabbed the lower hem of her chemise and pulled it up over her head, dropping it on the floor. Opening the shower stall door, she stepped over the lip. A lavender mesh tote with her cherry red loofa and her peach scented shampoo and bodywash hung from the showerhead.

Closing the stall door behind her, Kurumu turned on the water. She promptly ducked her head under the stream, closing her eyes and opening her mouth. Closing her mouth, she swished the water about in her mouth before spitting it out. She did this two more times before running her fingers through her arctic blue tresses to make sure that they were thoroughly drenched.

Lifting up on her toes, Kurumu snatched her shampoo bottle out of her tote. She popped the top open, filling her palm with peach scented gel. Snapping the top shut, she lifted up on her toes to return the bottle to the tote. Lowering back down, she briskly scrubbed the shampoo into a lather within her hair which was almost shoulder length now. It was finally long enough to wear it in an updo with her ribbon.

Today was Yukari's twelfth birthday. The last three days had gone by so fast with very little progress in finding out what Mr. Fujita had to do with her parents leaving Mononoke seventeen years ago. One of the girls in the choir, Okimune Hitsumi, was in Mr. Fujita's homeroom and had told Kurumu that his free hour was third period. Sadly there was no way she could skip Mr. Hakuru's chemistry lab.

Kurumu fetched the bodywash bottle and loofa from her tote. Stepping out of the stream of water, she squirted some gel into the loofa. Leaning over, she set the bodywash bottle on the tiled floor. Working the gel into a lather, she scrubbed her arms and breasts before working down.

Okimune was an undine from Umishiro whom looked very much like Kurumu. She was in Kurumu's gym period which meant that Mr. Fujita had sixth and seventh period free. Kurumu had tried skipping gym on Wednesday only to learn that Mr. Fujita had already left campus. Okimune had apologized to her in choir practice later on that day, admitting that Mr. Fujita had canceled his last period class weeks ago when the yearbook pictures had been announced.

Thinking she had covered enough of her body in peach scented suds, Kurumu stepped into the water to rinse off. She sighed as she absently moved the loofa about to free it of bodywash. She wished that bus driver had just told her the truth. Getting in contact with Mr. Fujita was proving difficult and there was just no time between classes now that everyone was gearing up for the final term exams.

Kurumu ducked her head into the water, using one hand to free her locks of shampoo.

Mr. Fujita had been the newspaper club advisor. He had been mommy's homeroom teacher during her second year. That was also the year that mommy had shared homeroom with Kunai Kenji, the grandson of an important town elder.

Kunai had planned to meet with the newspaper club president with evidence about whom had caused the big fire in Mononoke earlier that year. But that meeting never happened. Instead Kunai turned up dead over the winter break which was the same time Kurumu's parents had left Mononoke with Mr. Nurari's assistance. The ornery bus driver had implied that Mr. Fujita had been the person responsible for arranging their departure.

Deciding she was finished, Kurumu turned the water off. She leaned down to fetch the bodywash bottle. Lifting up on her toes, she placed the bodywash and loofa inside the mesh tote. Turning about, she opened the shower stall and stepped out. Closing the stall, she pranced over to the toilet to snatch up one of her plush towels.

It only took a few seconds to dry up all the beads of moisture upon her skin. As she took her time drying her hair, she wondered if she should trim her curls again. The last time she had tended her garden had been the day before Chouda's birthday in anticipation of Nijiro's return. It was unlikely that she would see her boyfriend this weekend due to the choir trip.

Thinking she should save the grooming for next week, she picked up her chemise and turned off the light as she exited her bathroom. Naked, she pranced around her dresser to reach the closet door which was near her empty refrigerator. Tugging the closet door open, she slipped inside and turned on the light.

She promptly pitched her chemise and towel into her baby blue hamper which already contained one of her school outfits and her green lingerie from yesterday. She padded over to her lingerie pile which had the cornflower blue bra on top. As far as she knew, her friends were still wearing lingerie according to the schedule they had created. The only change was they were doing red on Tuesdays instead of pink.

Kurumu slipped on her bra like a jacket, hooking the front clasps together. She tucked her breasts into the cups for a comfortable fit before picking up her sky blue boyshorts with the white cloud pattern. Stepping into the cotton fabric, she pulled the white lace hem up to her waist. Smoothing the fabric out, she regarded the clothes she had hanging up.

The crimson ballroom gown with golden trim looked out of place among the rest of the outfits. Short of attending another vampire wedding, she doubted that she would ever wear that silly thing again. The only garment coming close to this formality was the satin, dark green halter dress hanging beside it.

As that gown took up so much space, she only had one other outfit hanging on that short rod. It was the short sleeved, white and black checkered dress with a buttoned up collar that featured a silken black tie. She had torn out the black shorts beneath the knee length skirt to make it more convenient to wear.

The rest of her wardrobe was on the longer rod flanking the wall shared with the neighboring suite. The first one in the corner was her long sleeved black dress shirt with the olive suspender skirt. She had bothered to fix the crimson tie at the collar of that shirt. Beside it was the short sleeved orchid blouse with the pleated bosom section. And next was the long sleeved indigo dress shirt with the black snaps and tiny breast pockets. It also had a black tie but she had left that one on the shelf by her lingerie.

While these first six outfits had been bought for her by Shuzen Kokoa, this bright pink sundress that came next on the rod had been given to her by Kagami Kaede's mother. After that was the fancy blouse with the ruffled collar and short sleeves. That was part of an outfit that Kokoa had also acquired for her back in June when Kurumu had pledged her service to the younger vampire.

Her school jackets and three white school blouses were next. She was expecting to get two more school blouses soon, allowing her to get through the whole week without doing laundry. She would return from the choir trip early enough to do laundry on Sunday night, since she would need to bring these other two school blouses on the trip.

The last garments on the rod were a deep purple winter coat that she had picked up in Yukimura and two black maid outfits which she had not had to wear since Kokoa had dismissed her services for the remainder of the school year. One had a white apron fished through the loops while the other had a heavy crimson apron.

As she took down a school blouse, she contemplated getting more casual outfits. She only had three tops that she was not using as pajamas. A pastel green tank top, an off shoulder pink shirt and a teal cross wrap top. Those were stored in the middle drawer along with her tops designated for sleep wear.

Having slipped her arms into the long sleeves, Kurumu started buttoning up. The upper shelves of her closet were filled with dozens of stuffed animals that her mother had given her over the years. She had no idea where else to put the silly things as she was not going to sleep with them. She probably should have left them in the box they had come in. That was also up on the shelf with her travel suitcases.

Finished up with the task, she seized one of her school skirts from the lower shelf. Other than her school skirts and lingerie, she only had the black ruffled skirt on the lower shelf because it was too cumbersome to stuff into her lower drawer with the rest of her jeans and shorts.

With her skirt snug about her waist, she grabbed one of the sleeveless beige school sweater vests. It only took a few seconds to pull the garment on and smooth it over her curves. Thinking she should check the school store today on those blouses, she turned off the light and sauntered out into the main room. She shut the closet door and drifted over to her dresser, opening the top drawer.

This was where she kept her socks, boring panties and swimsuits. She also had a pair of black fishnet stockings and a black lace teddie which she had only worn once since it was not sleepwear. It only came up to the underside of her breasts and the crotch was open. Yukari had bought her this silly thing.

The only other garments she had in this top drawer were an indigo cheongsam with a white lily pattern that Kokoa had bought for her and a black yukata with a pink carnation pattern that she had bought with the last money her mother had given her. The burgundy sash for the yukata was folded up beside it.

As they would be using the pool today, Kurumu grabbed her black bikini swimsuit with the sunflower pattern. Setting it beside the jewelry box, she fetched a pair of socks before closing the drawer. She bent over to put on the long socks which almost reached her knees. Finished with that, she straightened up.

Her jewelry box had a relief on the top which consisted of a red bird flying over a blue pond with white clouds above it. Flipping the top open caused a simple tune to start playing. The contents of her jewelry box included her purple lace ribbon, a silver locket with her father's portrait and five pairs of colored gemstone studs. She selected the sapphire set to match her lingerie.

She always had a hard time with her right earlobe. The silly thing had a habit of closing up overnight due to how fast her body healed. Her left ear was easier due to the many times she had poked larger things through it. Hopefully she would never need to use Lilith's Eye again.

With her earrings in place, Kurumu grabbed her lace ribbon and closed her jewelry box. Snatching up the swimsuit, she sashayed over to her desk to retrieve her phone. Disconnecting it from the charger, she turned off the lamp and headed to the opening. She stepped through and turned about, feeling up the wall for the hidden device. She tapped the invisible button, causing the wall to solidify.

Kurumu glanced about, noting the mahogany desk pushed in the other corner. A little stool topped with a pink cushion was pushed beneath the writing surface. Beside the desk was a wide, tall three drawer dresser. The bathroom door on the other side of the dresser was closed. Between the bathroom door and the shut closet door was a full size mirror.

"Chouda? Are you in the closet?"

The absent sylph sounded an affirmative. Like Kurumu's suite, the closet door was near the refrigerator. On the counter by the refrigerator was a microwave. It was the only appliance the sylph owned.

Kurumu strolled over to the small entryway on the other side of the half wall flanked by the stove. Her schoolbag and loafers rested there since Kurumu had spent the evening with Chouda. She leaned down and opened up her schoolbag, stowing her phone and swimsuit inside. Her lavender purse with her keys was already inside the schoolbag.

"I'm ready."

Chouda shut the closet door as Kurumu picked up her schoolbag and loafers. The sylph drifted over to collect her things as Kurumu moved over to the edge of the bed.

"Hopefully Rubi is awake."

Kurumu felt up the wall for another device. It hummed with energy when she touched it, pulling the wall at the foot of the bed apart. Kurumu shivered as she passed though the arcane opening into the unused closet of Yukari's double suite. Grabbing the knob of the closet door, she gave it a twist and pushed out.

Kurumu was pleasantly surprised to see Rubi tending the stove. The witch had her dark hair pulled out over her ears in tails held in place with white ribbons. The long sleeves of her white blouse with the frilly collar were pulled back to bare her elbows. Her black sailor pants stretched down to her ankles.

"Morning, Rubi."

The witch regarded Kurumu with bright eyes and a warm smile.

"Morning, Ms. Kurono."

Kurumu chuckled at the formality as she crossed the room. She passed behind the witch, stopping to set her schoolbag and loafers on the floor in the entryway on the other side of the half wall.

"You could just call me Kurumu."

"The school discourages faculty from being too familiar with students."

Kurumu balked upon realizing that Rubi was not the only occupant of the room. Yukari was kneeling by the black table in the center of the room. The young witch was already dressed for school with her green school jacket zipped up and a red bow tied at the collar of her white blouse.

"Yukari? I thought you were spending the night with Moka."

"Happy birthday, Ms. Sendou."

"Thank you, Ms. Chouda."

"Do you mind if we join you?"

"Not at all. It's nice that some people have manners."

Kurumu pouted as she strolled over to the table.

"I didn't expect to see you. But happy birthday."

"Moka carried me home last night."

Kurumu frowned, kneeling at the table as Chouda moved to put her things in the entryway.

"What happened?"

"I must have fainted from the pleasure of having my blood taken. My body is still tingling with ecstasy."

Kurumu smirked, thinking this girl was too lecherous for a twelve year old.

"I'm glad that you had a nice date with your beloved."

"She also bought me a set of red lingerie so that I can match everyone on Tuesdays. Not as fancy or sexy as I would have liked, but not blatantly childish."

"You'll have to show me them."

"Not right now. Rubi should be finished up with breakfast soon."

Kurumu nodded as Chouda knelt down on the other side of the table.

Against the wall behind Yukari was a simple, white wood frame bed which belonged to Rubi. Black sheets were drawn over the mattress with black pillows placed along the top. The bottom was far enough away from the corner to allow for the full swing of their bathroom door.

The other back corner of this room had Yukari's poster bed. A cerulean comforter was drawn over the mattress with carnation pink pillows methodically arranged. The ivory posts were sculpted in a manner similar to the dresser which stood against the wall between the two beds.

A black cherry desk was nestled between the closet door they had come through and the door for the bathroom. Portraits of Yukari's parents and grandparents were propped up in frames upon the desk's surface. An arched mirror on a glossy black stand and a wooden crate filled with cosmetics were also resting on top of the desk.

"When will your parents get here?"

"They won't be here until seven."

"Seems late."

"Don't forget that my father is a high school teacher. He has responsibilities to his students."

"Is your mother making you a cake?"

"She is bringing two cakes since we will have more than eight people here. That should be enough."

"I'm finished!"

Rubi turned off the stove burners, hefting up the skillet. The witch started scrapping off scrambled eggs onto the four plates already set out on the counter.

"Looks like you expected our company."

Yukari huffed at Kurumu's grin.

"That was easy to predict. But I didn't have enough stock to make bento lunches. You'll have to endure cafeteria wares for today."

Kurumu frowned at the revelation.

"What are you going to do for lunch?"

"I'm going to eat with my Grandfather."

Yukari's grandfather was the new headmaster of Yokai Academy. He had been a physics teacher back when Kurumu's mother had attended Yokai Academy.

"Will this be okay with Moka? She's been relying on you to make lunch for her friends recently."

After the death of Alucard and the loss of the rosary, Akashiya Moka had been trying to find her place. The vampire had befriended a group of sylphs from Koutoukumo. Two were from her homeroom, class eleven, while the other two were in class ten. Three of these sylphs were in band and would be going with Kurumu on the trip this weekend.

"My Moka is aware of the situation and will provide lunch for her friends."

"But she only has four bento boxes."

"They can share or one of them can wait in line."

"Has the quality of her cooking improved?"

Yukari snorted as Rubi arrived at the table.

"It's not like my Moka's cooking was that bad to begin with. They will live."

The older witch set plates on the table in front of Yukari and Chouda before walking back to the counter. The meals consisted of scrambled eggs, sausage, carrots and rice. In moments Rubi returned with two more plates, giving one to Kurumu and leaving the last one on the table.

"I'll be right back with tea."

Kurumu murmured her thanks as the witch hurried back to the counter.

"Are you going to try to have lunch with Mr. Fujita again?"

Kurumu snorted as she picked up her chopsticks. She recalled her lunch hour from yesterday. She had hoped to catch Mr. Fujita in the lounge but had ended up eating Yukari's bento lunch with Mrs. Takizawa and Mrs. Sunao. She had strolled around the lounge to ask a few other teachers about Mr. Fujita but none had been able to help.

"I don't know where he eats his lunch. And none of the teachers I talked with yesterday had a clue. It sounds like he takes his meal to his fourth period class and disappears until the start of his fifth period."

"Perhaps he has a car. Mr. Karatsuki eats his lunch in his vehicle."

Kurumu was mildly surprised at Rubi's mention of the instructor for the first year computer class as Rubi set a glass of tea before her. She had never thought about checking the parking lot.

"I could ask if he has one."

Kurumu seized up her first morsel, stuffing her mouth full. The quality was not as perfected as Yukari's cooking, but it was still delicious. She murmured a compliment to Rubi before continuing with her meal.

Nothing more was said as they ate breakfast. Her thoughts wandered in the silence. She needed to turn in her sheet with her elective and room preferences today. Term exams were next week and graduation was at the end of the following week. Her first year at Yokai Academy was almost over.

Chouda finished first, pushing her plate to the center of the table and thanking Rubi for meal. Kurumu was next, placing her dish on top of Chouda's. She quaffed down the rest of her tea as Yukari and Rubi finished up their meals.

"Did you remember to pack your swimsuit for gym today?"

Yukari huffed indignantly as she set her dishes on top of Kurumu's.

"Of course I did. My memory is superior to yours."

Rubi sighed as she stacked up the rest of the dishes.

"I wish that I could go swimming with you."

"If you asked, I'm sure that they would let you."

Kurumu snickered at Chouda's innocent remark.

"Rubi's swimsuit isn't exactly school appropriate."

"The same could be said of your bikini."

Kurumu rolled her eyes at Yukari's remark.

"My bikini is tame compared to what Rubi wore over summer break."

Rubi laughed nervously, hauling the dishes up with her as she stood.

"Maybe I should buy a new swimsuit with the money from my last paycheck."

"You absolutely should."

Kurumu giggled at Yukari's emphatic answer.

"I'm surprised she hasn't already."

Yukari huffed as Rubi stalked off to the sink.

"That dummy wastes too much of her money on her cosplay habit."

"But that's fun."

Kurumu smiled at Rubi's mild protest as the witch unloaded the dishes into the sink.

"Is her swimsuit really that bad?"

"It's mostly a string."

"If there was any less fabric, I could use it as floss."

Yukari bared her teeth which still had braces. The witch had received those braces when she had been brutally raped last June by a bunch of monstrel boys. Kurumu had deleted Yukari's memory of the event but the braces were a physical reminder of what had happened to her.

"Could you help me pick out a swimsuit this weekend?"

Yukari sighed as Rubi started scrubbing the dishes.

"I suppose that we can do that. I doubt that my parents have the entirety of tomorrow planned out."

Kurumu smiled softly, thinking how she would miss out on being around Yukari's parents.

"It's too bad that Sumire and I will be busy with the concert most of the weekend."

"Oh! I forgot to tell you that Ms. Sangi will be doing the pictures for Ms. Nazohashi's article."

Kurumu blinked at Chouda's announcement.

"But we talked about my concert last night."

"I'm so sorry. I thought I had told you earlier but maybe not?"

"You might have told her. Kurumu's memory leaves much to be desired."

Kurumu frowned at Yukari. She pushed up onto her feet.

"I think I would have remembered this."

"I really wanted to hang around Ms. Sendou and her parents."

Kurumu shrugged as the senior stood up. Kurumu turned about, drifting over to the entryway.

"It's no big deal. I would have done the same in your shoes."

Rubi was swiftly doing the dishes, already having the dishwasher door down. The dishwasher was below the counter between the sink and the stove. The plates and chopsticks were already stowed in the racks as Kurumu slipped on her loafers.

"Are you going to spend spring break with Yukari's family, Rubi?"

Rubi looked up from her task of scrubbing the skillet.

"Most of it. I'm looking forward to the trip to Disneyland that Mr. Aono promised us."

Kurumu giggled, lifting the strap of her schoolbag over her head. She rested it upon her other shoulder, fixing the strap to rest in the valley between her breasts.

"We still don't know if Moka's father will pay for that."

"Are you even planning to go?"

Kurumu shrugged at Yukari's question as the witch and Chouda drifted over to join her.

"I don't know. I might spend the whole spring break with Nijiro's family."

"Maybe you could go to Disneyland with Mr. Amesuki."

Kurumu smiled softly at Chouda's suggestion.

"I doubt Nijiro would agree to that. He doesn't like being around Tsukune."

Yukari shooed Kurumu to the door as she leaned down to fetch her schoolbag.

"Will there be a lot for you to do in Aranami?"

"It didn't sound like their community has much to do. On the positive side, I will have plenty of time to do my spring break homework."

Yukari snickered, stepping into her loafers as Chouda retrieved her things. Rubi finished loading up the dishwasher, squirting some soap into the door before closing it up and starting the device.

"Aranami is under water. Kurumu is going to be bored to tears and unable to do anything."

"Nijiro's mother can create an air pocket in her home so it will be fine."

"When you get there. Your clothes and homework won't survive the trip. Open the door already."

Kurumu frowned at Yukari's remark. She opened the door, drifting out onto the landing at the top of a flight of stairs anchored to the side of this two story apartment building.

"What makes you say that?"

Yukari wandered out onto the landing, fishing her keys out of her schoolbag.

"Not all fabrics can endure being submerged for extended periods of time. With how often you replace your school uniforms, you might want to figure out how to protect them."

"But Nijiro and Manami have school outfits."

"I don't know what they do with their clothes, but these uniforms are not waterproof."

"I doubt everyone in their community is naked all of the time."

Yukari shrugged as Chouda joined them on the landing. She pushed her key into the door's lock.

"Swimsuits are meant to be submerged. If they have clothes, it would be made with that kind of fabric. You'll have to put your homework in some sort of waterproof case since these schoolbags won't work."

Kurumu giggled at the thought of spending her entire spring break in a swimsuit.

"I'm going to need more than two swimsuits."

"You need to talk to your boyfriend to figure out how this will work. Have lunch with him today."

Kurumu frowned as Rubi strolled out of the apartment. She slowly started down the stairs.

"I can't blow off Asuka today. I'd never hear the end of it."

Yukari huffed as she locked up the door.

"This is not something you should be putting off until the last minute."

"It's not going to be last minute, Yukari. I'll have my lunch with him on Monday."

Kurumu stopped at the bottom of the stairs, waiting for the others.

"Have you informed Ms. Morisato about your decision to turn Ms. Uboku in?"

Kurumu grimaced at Yukari's query, glancing at the adjacent building. It was identical to the one they lived in. There were four of these two story, windowless structures in this clearing, each with twelve units. Half of the units faced the forest while the other half faced the single story commissary.

"I haven't felt like bringing it up."

Yukari rolled her eyes, shaking her head as she started for the gap between the front corner of the commissary and the stair coming down from the adjacent building's upper single suite.

"Ms. Uboku will be punished soon if she hasn't been already. You should have told Ms. Morisato."

Kurumu sighed, effortlessly keeping up with the shorter stride of the witch. They passed through the gap and headed for the start of the trail which led out of this clearing.

"Did you tell Kana about it?"

"I only confirmed that she had not seen the comic. I felt that if I told her your decision, she would break the news to Ms. Morisato for you. You should talk to Ms. Morisato today."

Kurumu dreaded an encounter with Juri. Uboku Iko had drawn a lewd comic using Kurumu's likeness and had sold it to Yowsan, the local porn shop. Morisato Juri had gone to the junior high in Kabashita with Iko and had encouraged Kurumu to pose for the comic under the premise of getting money for the class trip. While Iko was in class twelve and not convenient to talk to, Juri was in class two with Kurumu and Yukari.

"Did your Grandfather say what Iko's punishment would be?"

"I don't know. When I reported Kana's involvement to him on Monday night, they wanted to get a copy of the comic to determine what punishment was appropriate. They probably have a copy by now."

Kurumu sighed as they exited the clearing. She glanced over her shoulder, noting the glass doors to the commissary behind Rubi and Chouda. Her eyes settled on Chouda and they shared a smile.

All of the third years living in their building and the building adjacent to theirs would be graduating soon. The other two buildings were mostly vacant. Moka and Kokoa shared a suite in one while Mizore lived in the other with her fiancé. Moka's only neighbor was Lady Hineri, whom had moved into the single suite next to them shortly after getting pregnant with Tashikana's child. The former PSC leader and her lover were the only seniors whom would be staying in Mononoke after graduation.

"Hard to believe that most of our neighbors will be graduating. Two more years before we graduate."

Yukari snorted with a shake of her head.

"A lot could happen in two years."

"Obviously. Hey, Rubi. What do you plan to do when we graduate?"

"I will remain at Mr. Aono's side."

Kurumu laughed at Rubi's response. Aono Tsukune. The young man whom had been brought to Yokai Academy for his ability to break magical items. He had started out as a simple human and had ended up a Shinso vampire due to Moka's blood.

Before his transformation had completed, Tsukune had been a mate of destiny for Kurumu. Her body had longed for his since succubi could only have children with specific individuals. Now the attraction was gone. It was a little sad that things had not worked out between them. His new vampire status probably gave him as much of an immunity to her opiate as undines like Nijiro possessed.

"Moka might object to any plans of you moving in with him."

"I could be their servant."

"You have a job at Yokai Academy."

Rubi pouted at Yukari's statement.

"I have no reason to work here after you have all graduated."

"Aren't you making friends with the other teachers?"

"I am but Mrs. Takizawa is leaving this year and Mrs. Sunao might retire soon. The only other teacher I am frequently around is Ms. Hitori."

Mrs. Takizawa had been Ms. Nekonome until very recently. The history teacher had married the doctor whom she had been engaged to for over a decade. Mrs. Sunao had married a student of hers back in the summer of 99. Her husband was in law school and would graduate soon. The literature teacher planned to retire once her husband had a job. Ms. Hitori taught home economics and was helping Rubi with her silly cosplay hobby.

Kurumu's thoughts wandered to Tsukune's mother. She was living with Ms. Atsumoto, a second year math teacher whom was friends with Mrs. Takizawa.

"I wonder what Mrs. Aono plans to do after Tsukune graduates."

"That is a question for Mrs. Aono."

Kurumu chuckled, supposing Yukari was right as they reached the small clearing where several trails combined. Three of these trails went off to clearings that had four apartment buildings for third years. Each clearing also had a commissary just like theirs. The last trail cut off to the right and would end at the main path between the school and the dining hall. They headed down this last trail.

"Short of Nijiro changing his mind about marrying me after my graduation, I'll probably follow Kokoa to her college. Hopefully she picks the one in Hokkaido as it would be nice to keep in touch with Mizore."

"Which I still think is silly. While my Moka's sister is annoying, she is much too smart to be wasting her time in Hokkaido if she can get into Tokyo University."

"Will Moka be able to go to college? Her father did exile her and Tsukune."

"He exiled them from the Shuzen family to free her from any family politics. I'm sure that he will pay for her college if she asks. I can't say the same for Tsukune."

Kurumu nodded as they walked steadily along the trail. There were no other students around since her phone alarm had been set very early with the belief that she might have to wake Rubi up.

"What do you plan to do after you graduate?"

Yukari sighed heavily.

"Father was right about no universities in Japan accepting a student under the age of sixteen. I would have to consider a foreign university if I wanted to pursue higher education right after my graduation."

"Maybe you should do that. I heard that many schools in America have no age restrictions."

Yukari glanced back at Chouda and sighed again.

"I know. But I don't want to be that far away from my parents."

"Can't you just use your magic to visit them whenever you want?"

Yukari rolled her eyes at Kurumu.

"Gate spells take energy, Kurumu. Do you have any idea how much energy it would take to make a portal between my parents' house and a college in America? I'd probably cause a black out."

Chouda giggled, fussing with the strap of her schoolbag.

"It will be hard being so far away from my family. I hope that London won't be too scary of a place."

"You are much braver than I am. I wouldn't dare leave Japan on my own."

Kurumu smiled as they neared the end of the trail.

"Are you going to stay home with your mother and help take care of your baby sibling?"

Yukari let out a sound as she mulled it over.

"My sibling will be born in the summer. While I can't claim that I was capable of taking care of myself at that age, I was never told any stories to suggest that I was difficult. By the time I graduate, my mother shouldn't need much help."

Having reached the end of the trail, they turned left towards the school. The main school path was wider and the ground was more level.

"But what else would you do? It's not like you're going to live with Moka."

"I would if she allowed it. But I sense my age will prevent my Moka from indulging in my body."

Kurumu snickered, shaking her head.

"I think most sensible people would be hesitant because of that."

"I suppose that I could help with my sibling until I am old enough for a college."

"That will get boring fast. Siblings can be annoying."

Kurumu laughed at Chouda's remark.

"That's right. You have a younger brother."

"Mhm. Though you will all graduate before he is in high school."

"I wonder what Mr. Aono will do after he graduates."

Kurumu smirked at Rubi's musing.

"Probably marry Moka."

"Hopefully not. There is no reason for them to marry right after high school graduation."

Kurumu smiled at Yukari's prompt response.

"I know. But what else are those two going to do?"

"There are lots of things my Moka can do. She has two whole years to decide on her course of action. So does Tsukune for that matter."

Two years was a long time. The woods on the left of the trail had thinned out as they were near a large pond. This was where Kurumu had first spoken to Tsukune last April. Not even a year ago.

"Yea. One year ago I was still in Kengamine, angry at my mother because my first boyfriend had broken up with me. He told me some nonsense that I needed to be with a human. And like a fool, I actually believed a boy my age knew more about succubi than I did. It didn't help that my mother played along with his lie, using that as an excuse to not put me in a human high school."

"Well nobody would accuse you of being smart."

Kurumu pouted at Yukari's curt remark.

"My mother kept so many secrets from me and I never was told why."

"Is that why you can't just ignore the rumor that your mother killed Elder Kunai's grandson?"

Kurumu sighed, toying with the strap of her schoolbag.

"I honestly haven't put that much thought into it."

"One year ago I was killing humans for trespassing on our land under Lady Oyakata's command."

Kurumu grimaced at Rubi's remark.

"How about we don't compare how terrible we were a year ago?"

"What is there to compare? I'm a genius and helped save the world."

"Yea, yea, Yukari. You were just a great person one year ago."

"Well I certainly didn't think I'd behead someone this year."

Kurumu frowned at Chouda's confession before she remembered the doppelganger. The man had taken the form of Yukari and had stabbed Kurumu in her room. In a last ditch effort, Kurumu had forced the criminal into Lilith's Eye where she had learned everything of value about him. She had almost resigned herself to death when the man's mind suddenly disappeared when Chouda killed him.

"Yea. You really saved me there. I would have died if you hadn't done that."

"I know. I'm glad to have helped you. Though I sometimes have nightmares about what I did."

Kurumu smiled softly, having heard similar sentiments from Tsukune and Tora. The memory of killing someone was hard even when justified.

"Too much has happened this year. Hopefully our next two years won't be as crazy."

"If a peaceful life is what you desire, you probably should have broken up with Mr. Amesuki."

Kurumu pouted at Yukari's conclusion.

"I don't have to do that."

Chouda giggled and they continued walking without saying much. It was not long before they reached the spot where the trail split up. The left side trail would end at the bike trail between Yokai Academy and Mononoke. The right side trail which they remained on would eventually take them to the school.

Reflecting upon the year, Kurumu had endured her share of heartbreak. Her mother had died and her first true love had failed. Despite those heavy losses, she had gained much. She had genuine friends like Yukari whom would look out for her best interests. Odd that a twelve year old was her closest friend but she sincerely believed that she was closer to Yukari than Moka or Mizore.

She had also been freed of her heart strings. There was a scar between her breasts where doctors had cut her open to remove the extra muscles about her heart which were known to strangle succubi under emotional stress. A 'broken heart' was a common cause of death among succubi. She could grieve as much as any other person without that strain. A parting gift from Mrs. Shuzen.

The thought of Kokoa's mother caused a moment of sorrow. So rigid. So distant. Always doing what she felt was best for her daughters, regardless of their feelings. Even dying for their sake.

"Hey. Did Moka finish that article about her mothers?"

"I didn't think to ask her yesterday."

They had reached the point where the start of the perimeter wall was visible through the forest. This was where they had distributed the first paper for the newspaper club last May. She was no longer a member since Nijiro had wanted her to quit that club.

"When does Ginei plan to release the last paper?"

"The Thursday after exam retakes."

The four boards were not much farther down the trail. The school used those boards to post the results of the top hundred exam scores. She wondered if they would post the new homerooms on those boards after graduation like they had done for the first years on her first day of school.

"Are you done with your article about the town's history?"

"I was going to finish that up on Sunday. I have a tour of the town with Mr. Bakudai in the morning."

"What about your parents?"

"They can tag along."

"I agreed to take pictures of any landmarks for her."

"Oh? So Yukari knew about you bailing out on my concert for days now."

"I truly am sorry."

"It's fine. Sangi gets along with several of the second year choir members."

Sangi Mitsuki was the film club president and a friend of Morioka Ginei, the newspaper club president. She also seemed to be friends with Okimune and Amatsu Riki, the choir girl whom had become the new student council secretary. Kurumu knew that Sangi was reliable. Sangi had helped her out with her track team article which had been her first article for the paper.

It only took a few moments to reach the boards. After the last board, the trail turned towards the open gate of the perimeter wall. She could already see the vaulted roofs of the upper level of Yokai Academy.

"Did Tsukune ever decide on an article?"

"Ginei assigned a farewell article for Mrs. Takizawa."

"That's nice. What does Ginei plan to write about?"

"He's doing an article on the graduating class but we all know it's just an excuse to pester the older girls. Ms. Hajihachi has nothing but complaints about his behavior at every meeting."

Kurumu laughed, knowing how troublesome Ginei could be. He was not above flirting with any girl despite being in a relationship. Not long ago he had been flirting with Sangi while they were taking the pictures for the yearbook. The boy had no filter when it came to giving out sexual compliments.

"She certainly has her hands full."

Hajihachi Mika was a second year okami from Morihochou whom had been in Ginei's homeroom last year. Ginei had managed to talk the girl into dating him back in September and it looked like they would stay a couple. Her mother seemed tolerant of the idea and his parents had not voiced any complaints.

Passing through the school gate, Kurumu turned her attention upon the school before her. The lower level was larger than the upper level so there was a sloping black roof with several dormers. White railing marked a balcony which ringed the second level. The roof sloped up higher to a third floor and there was even a bell tower all the way up there. That was only used at the start of the school day.

Her attention shifted back to the door. Decisively she skipped ahead, opening the door for Yukari. The witch nodded, passing through without breaking stride. Chouda murmured her thanks, entering next. Rubi smiled and gestured for her to go first which Kurumu did not hesitate to do.

Much of the interior of the school had been remodeled after the chaos caused by the Lilith's Mirror on the last day of the cultural festival back in October. There were still nine aisles made by the shoe cubbies built in the genkan but these new black shelves were more compact, allowing for more compartments. The aisles were also wider as the compartments were not as deep as they had been.

Kurumu made her way over to the first aisle on her right which was built along the wall shared by the teachers' lounge. She ignored the first door for the lounge, turning left into her aisle. She easily caught up with Yukari as they made their way all the way to the end of the aisle where the genkan stopped.

In moments she had swapped her school loafers with a pair of slippers. Murmuring a brief farewell to Yukari, she stepped up into the main foyer. A huge chandelier made from black iron hung down in the center of the opening to the second floor. Flame shaped crystals were placed at the ends of the curled metal, flickering with light.

The new central stair ascended to a landing before splitting into two curled stairs which met the corners of the opening above. The black railing of the stairs matched that of the balcony overhead.

As Kurumu made her way to the other door for the lounge, she noted the door for the school store on the other side of this massive chamber. The store opened after first period which would make it difficult to check on the status of her new school blouses until the lunch hour. Considering how long the lunch line was, it would be best to save that visit for after the meal.

Opening the teachers' lounge door, she slipped inside. As she closed the door, she took note of the three aisles made by the new partitions forming the cubicles for each teacher. In the very first cubicle flanking the wall shared with the main foyer was the advisor of her broadcasting club.

Senda Shiki was a physics teacher for the third year students. The short, dark haired woman was dressed in a short sleeved yellow blouse and a long black skirt. She was seated in a swivel chair, writing on a sheet of paper. Rectangular glasses rested upon her freckled nose.

"Morning, Mrs. Senda."

The woman turned her head and her smile reached her soft brown eyes.

"You are here rather early."

Kurumu grinned, approaching the teacher whom had graduated a year ahead of mommy. Mrs. Senda had been the president of the broadcasting club which had included Kurumu's parents.

"Not when we are leaving on Yukari's time."

"I was thinking about your question last night. While I don't know where Mr. Fujita has lunch, there is a possibility that Mr. Tagami might know."

Kurumu frowned at the mention of the band instructor.

"Are they friends?"

"I can't really say. Mr. Fujita has always been a lone wolf. But Mr. Tagami was hired alongside Mr. Fujita and they went to school together. I figure since you will be away for the weekend with the band, you could at least ask the question."

Kurumu nodded, supposing this was as good as the suggestion to ask Mr. Hirojima which she had been given yesterday. The history teacher in charge of first year class ten had also been absent during the lunch hour. And like Mr. Fujita, none of the teachers seemed to know where he ate his meal.

"I forgot to ask yesterday, but do you have any plans for Mrs. Takizawa's retirement?"

"Nothing special. We'll just have our usual meeting at the Sumeragi next Saturday night."

"Won't you all be busy grading term exams?"

Mrs. Senda laughed, shaking her head.

"The science test is on Wednesday, Ms. Kurono. I should be done grading my exams before Friday night. The only person whom might struggle to have her work done is Mrs. Unsei. But if she starts right after lunch on Friday, she should be finished before Saturday night."

Mrs. Unsei was a second year English instructor whom had graduated with Mrs. Senda. Both women had families though Mrs. Unsei's kids were closer to Kurumu's age. Mrs. Unsei's family lived in Mononoke while Mrs. Senda's kids remained with her husband in the human world.

"Ginei said he would arrange some sort of retirement birthday party for Mrs. Takizawa."

"I haven't heard anything about that."

Kurumu smirked as the teacher fished a sheet of paper out of her tote which rested on the floor.

"Well Ginei has a way of making things happen."

Mrs. Senda grinned, presenting the sheet to Kurumu.

"I received this from Mr. Tashikana last night."

Kurumu took the sheet and glanced it over. It was similar to the sheet the former club president had given to her last month. This first list of names and dates were the CDs which would be released this month. She recognized Dreams Come True as a band that Nagisa, one of Kokoa's friends, had albums from. Their new album was Love Rocks. She also recognized Toshinobu Kobuto whom Moka declared was the best male singer of the nineties. His new album was For Real?

This Crystal Kay with the Call me Miss album sounded familiar. Probably an artist Nerume would know about. The Second Best album by Kumi Koda was likely a compilation of popular songs. Kurumu knew this artist had songs in the selection list at Siren's Lullaby, the karaoke place in Mononoke. And Kurumu was certain that this Nightmare band with the Anima album was one of Mizore's favorites.

Like last month, the rest of the bands and artists on the list were unknown to Kurumu. Monkey Majik, Rhymester, Soul'd Out, Straightener, Asian Kung Fu, Ulfuls, Megaryu, Heartsdales. She shook her head, wondering why bands came up with such weird names.

The bottom of the sheet had a short list of the movies playing in the local theater. Uchouten Hotel, Otoko no Yamato and the Professor's Beloved Equation were all still playing. So were the foreign films Munich, Flightplan and Oliver Twist. She was mildly disappointed that Zorro was not on the list. She had considered seeing that one. Replacing Zorro and Harry Potter were Siren and the Promise. She had no idea what those two were about.

"How is Tashikana doing? I honestly haven't tried visiting him since his suspension."

"He wouldn't be there even if you had tried. He moved out of his suite last Sunday."

"He already found a new place to live?"

"Mhm. I confirmed with Mr. Maruyama that he had taken Mr. Tashikana in."

Mr. Maruyama was the oldest teacher at Yokai Academy, having graduated back in 24. Shortly after the former Headmaster had declared his imminent resignation, the third year history teacher had also put in his retirement notice.

"Is Mr. Maruyama planning to stay in Mononoke?"

"Most likely. He has lived here for decades and doesn't have any family that I'm aware of."

Kurumu smiled, thinking how lonely of an existence that was.

"Sounds like things worked out for Tashikana. Just like he said it would. He truly is a lucky guy."

Mrs. Senda chuckled at Kurumu's reference to Tashikana's true form.

"He certainly is."

---

Kurumu frowned when Shindou Asuka put her cafeteria tray and juice can on the stage. The raiji from class one placed her hands on the stage and hefted herself up with a twist, sitting down on the edge. The short haired blonde smoothed out her skirt before moving her tray to her lap.

"Are you sure that it will be fine to sit on the stage?"

Asuka grinned at Kurumu's reluctance. Her electric blue eyes sparkled with power. She scooted her juice can closer to her thigh and patted the spot beside her.

"The stage is part of the gymnasium. Nobody has scolded us for sitting up here yet."

"Your friends in the PSC use the drama club's storage room."

Kurumu laughed at Suzume's comment. The tengu from class three placed her tray to the side of Asuka. Her obsidian hair was styled in a long braid with a golden ring resting on her rump. She had gone to the same junior high as Chouda in Machinise.

"I think that the faculty will be more lenient with the rules when it comes to the PSC."

"Since when have you worried about the rules?"

Kurumu pouted at Asuka's grin. She reluctantly placed her tray and can of yuzu juice on the other side of Asuka. Putting her hands on the stage, she lifted herself up the same way as Asuka and Suzume had. She turned about and sat down, fixing her skirt as the rest of their lunch group closed in on their location.

"I try to be a good student."

"Reputation says otherwise."

Kurumu sighed at the gruff remark from the girl making her way to Suzume's other side. Hanetsume Hatoko was also a tengu from class three but she hailed from a small village in the Shimane prefecture. Her chestnut tresses were pulled back in a high ponytail held in place with a blue ribbon. She was on the track team with Suzume and Asuka.

In no mood to defend herself, Kurumu pulled her tray into her lap. She favored the tallest girl of this lunch group a smile as the brunette set her things down in the space between Kurumu and Asuka. Taijin Yuu was a giantess whom had gone to school with Asuka in Yuusei of the Iwate prefecture. She was in class four and had joined the track team. Both Asuka and Taijin were in home economics with Kurumu.

The last two girls of this group were tengu and from Moka's class eleven. The one with her russet locks styled in five tails was Honda Kiki from Suzume's community. She had been a member of the newspaper club for a short time but had dropped out to join the kimono club back in September. She quietly took the spot between Asuka and Suzume.

The brunette sitting on the other side of Hatoko was Dangai Michiko. She had gone to junior high with Hatoko and had come to Yokai Academy because her father had graduated from Yokai Academy the same year as Kurumu's mother. Michiko had joined the gymnastics club and had the highest test scores of this group. She was dating Noboru Kuroi, the representative of class five.

"Hey, Michiko. Have you made any plans for your boyfriend's birthday next weekend?"

"Naw. Figure we do same as always."

"Are you getting him a present?"

Michiko frowned at Asuka as she pushed her chopsticks out of the cellophane wrapper.

"Too broke for that."

Having freed her own chopsticks, Kurumu wagged hers in Michiko's direction.

"What about that pillow we made in home economics?"

"Already gave him that. Hardly call that a birthday gift now."

Kurumu nodded, having given her own pillow to Nijiro.

"Maybe the two of you should go on a date separate from our usual group activity?"

"Naw. Kuroi gets too nervous when just us alone."

"We could let him dictate our activities for the day."

Hatoko snorted at Suzume's suggestion.

"That boy lacks initiative. End up doing nothing."

Kiki huffed, stirring the contents of the white Styrofoam box containing her entrée.

"As if your opinion matters. You'll most likely be at work."

"Shut it, peacock."

Kurumu giggled at the exchange. Hatoko had a weekend job at the Gates of Heaven, a maid café.

"Can Yuu and I join this weekend get together?"

"We don't need to do that."

Asuka pouted at her friend.

"It's not like we do anything else with our weekends."

"I'm broke and you shouldn't squander your allowance."

"My allowance is meant to be squandered."

Suzume giggled, bringing a chunk of chicken up to her lips before blowing on it.

"You two are more than welcome to hang out with us on Sundays. We meet at the church around nine."

"The church? I didn't think you were the religious type."

"We're not but Ms. Nazohashi is. She's the reason why we're doing those flying sessions."

Kurumu nodded at Suzume's answer.

"I thought you knew all of this."

Asuka shrugged indifferently.

"I know about the flying on Sundays but I never asked for the details. It's not like I can fly."

"Where is the church?"

Asuka grinned at Taijin's interest.

"Oh? Thinking of getting married to Mr. Tamaishi?"

Taijin rolled her eyes at the reference to the big guy from class three whom was on the soccer team.

"Could you drop that already? I'm not the one that came to Yokai looking for a husband."

Asuka waved her hand dismissively.

"That was a pretense. I just wanted to go to a high school with you."

Suzume swallowed down a mouthful and giggled.

"You should meet up with us in the dining hall around eight thirty. You can walk with us to the chapel."

Kurumu grinned, seizing up a wad of chicken fried rice.

"Though I won't be there this weekend due to my concert."

There was a stretch of silence in which the girls all focused on their meals. That lunch line had taken so much time that there was no chance of visiting the school store now. She would have to ask Mrs. Sunao during their last period study hall for permission to leave early.

"Hard to believe Ms. Sendou is only twelve."

Kurumu grinned at Suzume's sentiment. Setting her tray aside, she opened up her can of yuzu juice.

"Mhm. I'm glad that you stopped by to wish her a happy birthday this morning."

"I feel a little bad that I didn't know it was her birthday."

Michiko waved a hand dismissively at Kiki's remark.

"No worry. Day not over yet."

Kurumu took a swig of her citrus drink. Swallowing it down, she sighed with the can against her bosom.

"Did Hatoko ever get around to opening a bank account?"

Suzume giggled as Hatoko grimaced.

"There never is any time. The bank isn't open on weekends and closes around five on weekdays."

Kurumu nodded at Suzume's explanation, knowing that Rubi had gone with Mrs. Takizawa to open her account after lunch on a school day.

"That makes sense. You can't just skip school with exams next week."

Kiki huffed, scooting off the edge of the stage to land daintily upon her feet.

"As if her grades would suffer."

"No worse than ya, dumb bird."

Kiki snorted, fetching her tray and can.

"I have almost been in the top hundred for every set of exams we have taken. You are probably barely avoiding having your name on the board of shame."

Kurumu laughed softly, thinking that insult could also be leveled at her. The board of shame was the list of the bottom thirty scores for students from each grade. She knew some of the girls on that list.

"Fuck off, pigeon."

Suzume giggled, patting the shoulder of the angry Hatoko.

"Let it go. It's almost time for next period."

Kurumu quaffed down another mouthful of juice. She sighed when the bell sounded.

"Guess that's our cue to get moving."

Kurumu pushed off the stage onto her feet, holding her tray in one hand and her juice in the other. She grabbed her lunch card off her tray, not wanting to accidentally throw it away.

"Three more weeks before spring break."

Asuka grimaced at Taijin's remark as they also gathered up their things.

"I have no desire to go home. If someone had given me a job, I would have a reason to stay here."

Taijin snickered as they started slowly walking across the large gymnasium.

"Your parents would have never given you permission to work."

"Not missing much. Customers at the café are strange."

Suzume chuckled at Hatoko's complaint, bumping against her classmate.

"You probably only get the strange ones."

"Not know bouts that. Is a maid café."

Kurumu giggled at Michiko's remark.

"She really needs to get herself a bank account."

Suzume nodded as they neared the doors on the other side of the gym.

"Maybe we could do it during exams."

"Ya crazy thinking that."

"Exam days are shorter. We might have time."

"That is true. Our home economics doesn't have an exam so we could do it on Wednesday."

Hatoko snorted at Kurumu's suggestion as Taijin reached the door first, opening it for them.

"No chance. We gots exam in business."

Suzume nodded in agreement as they passed through the door into the noisy cafeteria.

"That is true. We probably can't do it that day and there's no way of knowing how long our gym exam will take on the following afternoon."

Kurumu nodded as they made their way over to the nearest trash receptacles. She dumped the contents of her tray into a trash bin before placing the tray on top of the stack on the nearby shelf.

"What about Friday then? All of us only have the English exam."

"That was what I was thinking. Are you wanting to come along?"

Kurumu took another hearty swig of her drink before grinning at Suzume.

"Of course, though you might have to remind me."

Hatoko huffed as she started walking away.

"No reason for her to tag along."

Kurumu smiled, following the gruff girl. She hoped that there was no genuine animosity between them. While she had aired the secret about Hatoko's grandfather also being Hatoko's father, Kurumu had only done that to diffuse an argument between them. The tengu was treating her the same way as before.

"You know that you secretly love me."

Hatoko's derisive snort did not change Kurumu's mind.

---

"Are you going to expel Ms. Uboku?"

Sendou Seitou chuckled at Kurumu's concern. The silver haired headmaster was garbed in a black robe with white lining, standing beside his wife in Yukari's room. His wife, Ai, had on a black kimono with a dark blue sash about her waist. The elderly woman's silver locks were pulled up in a short tail.

"There is no need for such drastic measures. While her actions and yours are a disgrace to our school, Yokai Academy is not in a position to be heavy handed in this matter. Nobody's safety was compromised like in the case of Ms. Doronuma."

Kurumu grimaced at his mention of the singer of the music club. Doronuma had been suspended from campus for saying things that sounded like a threat to Yubikiri for not allowing a concert to be held for the drummer whom had committed suicide over winter break. The student council had asked Yubikiri if she was okay with the concert since the drummer had raped her during the Lilith Mirror chaos.

"I still think that was unnecessary."

"Suspension is not expulsion, Ms. Kurono. Hopefully she will learn from this and her parents will allow her to return to our school next year. Her friend, Ms. Taniguchi, did turn in an elective form for her."

Taniguchi Nagisa was an undine from Ikinakawa and had gone to the junior high in Umiman with Nijiro. She was one of Kokoa's four special girls whom the vampire took blood from to become more powerful. Nagisa shared homeroom with Kokoa and Mizore's fiancé, Umizake Aoi.

Kurumu's eyes drifted over to the young man sitting on Yukari's bed. Umizake was a tall, lanky youth with a mess of inky black locks. He was wearing the black jacket of the PSC with black slacks. He ran his long fingers through Mizore's tangled mess of purple locks.

Shirayuki Mizore was lying on the bed with a pillow behind her head. The snow girl's hands rested on her swollen belly beneath her school blouse. Purple and white striped leggings stretched up over her knees with only a small bit of leg visible before the start of the tan tartan, pleated school skirt.

Umizake's father had been the Fairy Tale commander of the Hokkaido region. His father had arranged a marriage between his youngest son and the girl picked to become the next snow priestess of Yukimura with the hopes of making a more prosperous and unified region. Mizore had rejected the arrangement and Umizake had betrayed a dismissive aloofness about the situation. Neither had shown any interest in the other when Kurumu had initially met each of them.

For many months, Mizore had made serious petitions for Tsukune to become her lover with the hopes that it would get her out of her arranged marriage and her snow priestess duty. It was not until their trip to Yukimura that Mizore's stance had changed. Tsukune rejected Mizore's desperate advances to get out of her sudden wedding plans and Mizore tried to commit suicide.

But it was the death of Umizake's father that had turned Mizore fully around to the young man at her side. Mizore fully gave herself to him when he came back to the school after burying his father. They were an obvious couple now. They had even requested to be placed in the same homeroom next year.

Umizake was firm in his statement of raising that baby girl in Mizore's womb as his own. Tsukune would not be recognized as the father. There was no anger between the two young men. Tsukune understood that he would only complicate things if he challenged that. So did Kurumu.

Kurumu turned her attention back to the Headmaster. Behind the elderly couple was an older man with a mess of white hair and a white lab coat. That was Mr. Hakuru, her chemistry teacher and Ai's father.

"Do you intend to suspend Ms. Uboku?"

"I intend to put her in detention after the exams. I'm tempted to do the same to you, though the fact that comic is available to the public is likely punishment enough."

Kurumu winced, knowing that was true. She was already being teased by several people over it.

"I wouldn't protest detention if you feel it is needed."

"The real issue here is the deception. Ms. Uboku lied to her fellow club members and lied about how much money she got for selling them. She gave her club president only enough to cover the costs and gave you only half of the profits."

Kurumu blinked in surprise.

"She kept money for herself?"

"Yes. Which she did surrender to us when we confronted her with the receipt of purchase from the owner of Yowsan."

"I didn't think she would do that."

The headmaster smiled thinly.

"We confronted her with her manga club seniors and Ms. Sano present. All of them were shocked with her actions. They kicked her out of the club which I feel is the bigger punishment here. She is obviously passionate about drawing."

"Well it's not like she has to give up drawing."

"True. But she will need to find a new club."

"We could always use another illustrator."

Kurumu smirked at the young man leaning against the counter near a cake covered in white icing and strawberries. Ginei's dark bangs were pushed back with a dark green bandana and his arms were about the waist of Hajihachi. He mirrored Kurumu's smirk with amusement in his smoky gray left eye. His right eye with the green iris was fake, having lost it over the summer.

"I think Kana has you covered with controversial art."

Ginei chuckled at her mention of the blond illustrator.

"Sometimes having fresh material is good for the industry."

Hajihachi huffed, patting his hands on her waist. The okami had her smoky black tresses pulled into twin tails with red ribbons. Her long legs beneath the school skirt had a natural tan. Despite being as tall as Tsukune, Hajihachi was still shorter than Ginei by several centimeters.

"You don't need a porn artist for the paper."

"I just think it is a crime for such talent to go to waste. Kurumu should feel ashamed for throwing her cohort under the bus like that."

"It's time to light these candles."

Attention shifted to the group of people gathered about the low table. Yukari knelt in front of a cake identical to the one on the counter. Sendou Fujiko, Yukari's mother and the headmaster's daughter, had a flickering flame attached to the end of her finger. The mother leaned over to touch her finger to each of the twelve candles. She was garbed in a short sleeved, brown blouse and long black skirt.

Sendou Tamanori was kneeling behind his daughter. He had on a white and black dress shirt with a pair of textured gray slacks that had a black belt fished through the loops.

Kurumu pranced over to the table, settling down in a spot between Rubi and Moka. The silver haired vampire had the top buttons of her school blouse undone but there was no black choker about her pale throat. According to Yukari, the vampire had not worn it the entire week. Moka smiled at Kurumu with warmth in her crimson eyes. Kurumu thought she detected a hint of turquoise in them.

Shuzen Kokoa knelt beside her sister. Her thick, silver hair was pulled back in a massive, bushy ponytail. The younger sister's physical appearance had changed drastically after taking the last drop from her mother. She was now taller than Kurumu and they had bought C cup bras to accommodate her new bosom. Like Moka, her crimson eyes sometimes betrayed their original emerald hue.

The last person at the table was Aono Tsukune. The young man had short, dark hair and was still dressed in his school clothes like most of the students in attendance. He grinned as Yukari's mother leaned back after lighting the last candle.

"Does anyone else want to come closer?"

"I can see things fine from here."

Kurumu smirked at the announcement from Tora. Nazohashi Tora was sitting on Rubi's bed with Chouda between her and Zukkutani Kana. Like Hajihachi, Tora's skin had a natural tan. Her raven locks were braided about her head above her ears and she had jade eyes. As a member of the PSC, Tora wore the black PSC jacket with black slacks. The sphinx shared homeroom with Mizore and Tsukune in class three.

"Are we singing?"

Yukari's mother giggled at Kana's query. The blond was from Tatekanai of the Fukui prefecture but her mother had graduated from Yokai Academy the year before Mrs. Senda had. She was a comic book enthusiast and often oblivious to the crazy situations the rest of the newspaper club had to deal with. The dryad was in class seven and was planning to take home economics as her elective next year.

"Yes. Shall we start?"

Everybody hesitated at first with Yukari's mother leading the song. It was a simple tune with English lyrics. Kurumu opted not to add any honorifics to Yukari's name though Tsukune, Rubi and the rest of Yukari's family clearly did. They ended the song moments later with a round of applause.

"Make a wish, Yukari."

Yukari smiled at her mother's direction. She took in a deep breath and blew out all of the candles. Kurumu clapped her hands with everyone else.

"And now we cut the cake."

Yukari's mother leaned over, picking up the knife beside the cake. She started plucking the candles free of the white icing.

"Should I cut up the other one?"

Yukari's mother sounded an affirmative at Rubi's question as she set aside the candles one by one. The older witch pushed up onto her feet, padding over to the counter.

"Cut it into eight pieces."

Rubi frowned as she pulled open the drawer.

"Are you sure? We have more than sixteen people here."

The headmaster chuckled, patting his gut.

"I think it will be fine. I have no stomach for sweets."

"Same. Though I would not object to tea."

Rubi laughed at Mr. Hakuru's statement.

"I'll be sure to start a kettle."

Kurumu smiled when a small plate with a slice of cake was set before her. She picked up the small fork, noting the small gathering. They had more guests here than what they had for Mizore's birthday. Her eyes settled on Yukari's mother as the woman set a plate before Kokoa. Yukari, Yukari's father and Moka already had plates.

"You don't look pregnant at all."

The mother giggled as she scooted a slice onto another small plate. She presented it to Tsukune.

"I am only about three months along. By the time of your next midterms I should look as pregnant as your friend on the bed."

Kurumu chuckled as the mother put the next plate in the open spot beside her.

"I'm leaving you a slice at the table, Ms. Toujou."

Rubi sounded an acknowledgment, putting cake slices onto plates. The older witch had already served Ginei and Hajihachi.

"Have you found out the baby's gender?"

The mother brightened up at Moka's question.

"We will be having a little boy."

"Hopefully he will be as gifted as his big sister."

Kurumu grinned at the father's remark. She watched Rubi walk over with a plate in each hand. She gave both to Umizake before prancing back to the counter.

"Are you still expecting a late July early August delivery date?"

The mother smiled, cutting her cake up into smaller slices.

"The doctor predicted the fourth of August but delivery dates are just guesses."

Kurumu nodded thoughtfully, glancing back to the bed.

"Have they picked out a date for your wedding yet?"

Umizake shrugged as he cut his slice up into smaller pieces to feed to Mizore.

"I only know that her village would prefer a taian wedding day. I'd have to see an August calendar."

"August fourth is a taian day, young man."

"Well there is your answer."

Kurumu pouted at his simple acceptance of Mrs. Sendou's answer.

"Couldn't you have it on a different taian day?"

Mrs. Sendou giggled, lifting a piece of cake up to her lips.

"Delivery dates are not set in stone, Ms. Kurono. My baby could be born earlier or later."

Yukari swallowed down a morsel and huffed.

"It's not like you need to be at my brother's birth. You should go to their wedding instead."

"But we could do both with your magic."

Mrs. Sendou laughed, picking up another bit with her small fork.

"Don't fret over these things, Ms. Kurono. Enjoy the cake."

Kurumu managed a smile, cutting off a chunk. Her eyes followed Rubi as the older witch walked by her with three plates. She watched as Rubi handed the plates off to the three girls on the bed. Stuffing her mouth, she chewed slowly as she turned her attention back to the parents. Rubi settled in next to her, starting on her own cake as Kurumu swallowed the morsel down.

"Have you decided on the baby's name?"

The father nodded solemnly.

"Tatsuhiko."

"That's a strong name."

The father nodded at Tsukune's remark.

"I've always wanted a boy with that name."

Kurumu swallowed down another morsel. It was good cake. Sweet and filling.

"Did Yukari tell you about us trying out her makeup kit?"

The father grimaced but the mother brightened up.

"She certainly has. I'm looking forward to seeing her yearbook picture."

Kurumu perked up at the mention of yearbooks.

"Do you have yearbooks from your time at Yokai Academy?"

Yukari shot her a quieting glare.

"My mother didn't go to school with yours."

Kurumu pouted, hesitating to put the next morsel in her mouth.

"I can still be curious about them."

"I'd have to go home to fetch them."

"Which we won't be doing now. The spell is quite tiresome."

Mrs. Sendou smiled at her husband.

"True. We will have to do that another night."

Kurumu sighed, plopping the cake into her mouth. She chewed it down, eventually swallowing.

"More like another trip. I'll be gone most of this weekend."

"That's right. You do have a thing with your choir. Perhaps we can bring them another time."

"Don't bother. If her plans with her boyfriend don't work out, she might end up with us."

Kurumu pouted at Yukari's declaration. The banter about the table continued but Kurumu paid little attention to it. She focused on finishing her cake but made certain to savor it. She sighed in satisfaction, putting her plate on top of the others stacked on the platter the whole cake had been on.

"It looks like most of us are done. Shall we start with the gifts?"

"Already gave mine."

Kurumu laughed at Kana's response to Yukari's mother.

"What did you give Yukari?"

"A portrait."

"And it was very nice. I also liked the gift from my Moka."

Kurumu smirked, having seen Yukari's red lingerie before her parents had arrived. It may not have been super sexy but it was as nice as most of Kurumu's things.

"Well you still need the presents from us."

Having said that, Yukari's father stood up. He strolled over to the empty closet, tugging the door open and dipping inside. He backed out a moment later with a box wrapped in black paper with a snowflake design. He returned to the table, presenting the box to Yukari.

"It's not Christmas, Dad."

"Christmas wrapping paper is always on discount after the holiday."

Yukari snorted, taking the box and scooting back to set it on the floor in front of her. She meticulously tugged off the tape holding the paper together.

"What are you doing?"

Yukari did not look up at Kokoa as she continued her methodical process.

"Opening my present."

"Why don't you open it like a normal person?"

"I'm not an uncivilized barbarian."

"She did this with her Christmas presents."

"I wish I had been there."

Tsukune chuckled at Moka's remark.

"I know. It doesn't surprise me but it is interesting to learn something new about Yukari."

Yukari huffed as she turned the box over to remove more tape.

"I didn't realize watching me open a present would be such a fascinating experience for you."

Yukari finished her task moments later, folding up the wrapping paper and setting it aside. She tugged off the top of a white cardboard box, reaching inside to pull out a black velvet garment. She lifted it high enough to show that there were no sleeves.

"Is that a blanket?"

Yukari shook her head as she set the box aside. She flipped the fabric behind her, fastening a small swath of fabric to a button on the other side. Kurumu gasped upon realizing what it was as Yukari reached into the box for something else.

"It's a cape."

"Obviously. And this is a hat."

Yukari pulled out a black velvet witch's hat with the pointed top. She promptly placed it on top of her dark locks. Kurumu felt a sudden pang of nostalgia, recalling how Yukari had looked when she had first met the witch. Even though she was not much physically different, her presence had matured greatly.

"We know how sad you were about losing your other ones. I know it isn't the fanciest of presents but we had no idea what else to give you."

The father nodded at his wife's words.

"I hope that letting you remain in this school despite your age should be gift enough."

Yukari smiled softly at her father.

"Thank you. Will I be able to wear this to school?"

The headmaster chuckled, shaking his head.

"We can't allow students to blatantly break the school dress code. You may be my granddaughter but I can't make any exceptions."

The mother placed a hand on Yukari's shoulder.

"It's normal, honey. Most high school girls know their best clothes are reserved for weekend wear."

Yukari nodded thoughtfully.

"You should get me more clothes. High school stuff."

"You might have to grow a few more centimeters for any of that to fit."

Yukari sighed at Kokoa's remark.

"Yea. Maybe I'll have a growth spurt this year."

Yukari's mother giggled, withdrawing her hand.

"You certainly are ready for one. We will buy you lots of clothes when that happens."

Kurumu smiled, glancing at Rubi. The older witch smiled with a shrug.

"Did you buy her a gift?"

"I did, Ms. Kurono. I gave her a necklace with a black cat pendant this morning."

"Right here."

Kurumu glanced at Yukari as the young witch pulled the pendant out from beneath her school blouse. It was a tiny glass bauble fixed to a silver chain. Kurumu sighed.

"I wish I could have got you a gift."

"It's fine. We all know that you're broke."

Tsukune chuckled along with the others as Kurumu pouted at Yukari's nonchalant dismissal.

"I know I shouldn't laugh because I share her sentiments. I would have liked to give you something."

Yukari regarded him, pursing her lips thoughtfully.

"You could give me a hug."

Kurumu giggled as Yukari got to her feet, knowing how much the witch refused embraces.

"I could do that."

Tsukune stood up which compelled Kurumu to do the same. Moka and Kokoa followed suit as Yukari stepped in to embrace the young man. She pressed her cheek against his chest with her arms about his torso as Rubi also stood up. Tsukune placed his arms about Yukari's shoulders, giving her a squeeze.

"Hello, Police? I'd like to report a crime."

Hajihachi swatted Ginei in the back of the head.

"Don't ruin this wholesome moment."

Yukari sighed, relaxing her grip. She stepped back as Tsukune's hands remained on her shoulders. She peered up into his eyes with visible disappointment.

"I'm still too short."

"I think that hug was fine."

Yukari bit her lip and Kurumu knew what the real issue was. Even if Yukari got up on the tips of her toes, she would not be able to kiss Tsukune without him bending over. The witch withdrew her hands.

"I better have a growth spurt this year."

Kurumu laughed, beckoning to Yukari.

"Come over here, Yukari."

"What for?"

Kurumu smiled at the look Yukari favored her. She held her arms out.

"If hugs are an okay gift, I'd be happy to give you one."

Yukari rolled her eyes.

"I have no interest being smothered by your tits."

Kurumu pouted as they all laughed. But she hoped this helped ease Yukari's disappointment.