"This is the best."
Kurumu laughed at the mother's comment. Flying alongside her was Mrs. Umou. Like her daughters, the woman had cinnamon locks though hers were not long enough to reach her shoulders. The mother was wearing a brown halter top dress which had barely been long enough to hide her knees.
Kurumu pumped her chiropteran wings to gain altitude as they soared over the ocean. She had on her teal halter top which bared her midriff. It felt like she was wearing a sports bra with the two swaths of fabric crossing over to cup her breasts. Black denim jeans hugged her hips and legs while platform white sneakers graced her feet.
The Umou sisters trailed in their wake. Zuri was sporting a hot pink tube top with a loose black skirt that barely covered her derriere. Ren had on a sleeveless, yellow shirt with denim shorts. Since the arms of harpies became their wings, they did not require special clothing considerations to fly like Kurumu did.
"I so rarely get to fly with my girls back at home."
"Really? I thought all harpies in Hankyouta learned how to fly."
"They do but that doesn't mean we fly often. Humans would notice such activity if it was frequent."
Kurumu frowned at that revelation as she took note of Tora's approach. The sphinx had on a golden halter top with black shorts. Her unbound raven tresses fluttered in the wind.
"Isn't your town hidden by a barrier?"
"It's not. We ask the elders of Koutoukumo to provide us an illusion when our town has a festival."
"Which we only do twice a year and only for a weekend."
Mrs. Umou laughed at Zuri's complaint.
"Don't forget that these elders leave Koutoukumo exposed during our festivals."
"It wouldn't be an issue if they let us go to their festivals."
"Think. I'm done."
Kurumu laughed at Tora's breathy remark. The sphinx drifted about to fly beside her.
"You look as tired as I feel, Ms. Nazohashi."
"You don't sound tired."
"I don't fly that often, Ms. Kurono. I could use another break."
"That sounds great to me."
"What do you think, girls?"
"I'm fine with that."
"Well I'm not. I'll go play with Kaede if you're all calling it quits."
"Just be careful."
Zuri took off in the direction of the girls roughhousing in the sky. Currently it was just the trio of Suzume, Michiko and Kagami. Suzume was easy to spot with her crimson spandex shorts and that black garment that looked more like an apron than a genuine top. Michiko had on a faded blue tube top with blue spandex shorts. Kagami was also sporting a tube top but hers was black to match her black denim jeans.
"I should check the time."
"I'm sure you have lots of time before your teacher's retirement party."
Kurumu laughed at the mother's statement as the group altered their course. In the distance was the cliff with the solitary tree. Beyond that was the flower field where the rest of their group was waiting.
"I know that. But I promised to help Sumire move out after lunch and want to check on Moka."
"I'm sure that Moka got the keys to her new room."
Kurumu smiled at Tora's reassurance. To her surprise, Akua had been with Tora and Moka at the church service. Yukari had gone with the vampires to the school to pick up their new keys while the rest of the group had come here.
It felt like a small turnout for Tora's last flying session of the school year. Three of the four waiting in the clearing were not even dressed to fly. Kiki's family had tagged along, killing time until their moving van arrived. Kiki's brother, Yasashiro, was wearing a cornflower blue dress shirt and black slacks.
Kiki's mother, Namako, looked just like Kiki, having long russet tresses and golden eyes. The woman was wearing a long sleeved, black blouse with a conservative collar and textured gray slacks. Kiki had on a short sleeved, white blouse with a pleated skirt having a black and pink tartan pattern.
Standing away from the group was Ontoriki. The harpy was sporting a gray corduroy racerback top with black denim shorts. She had been flying but was not interested in the roughhousing antics the other girls enjoyed. She was keeping watch over their things since Mrs. Umou had wanted to fly.
They swept by the solitary tree, rapidly approaching Kiki's family. Kurumu angled her wings to slow her momentum as Tora hit the ground at a sprint with her wings tucked in. As the sphinx kicked up chunks of dirt with her long strides, Kurumu banked about in a circle. She quickly realized that Mrs. Umou and Ren had altered course and were making their descent by Ontoriki's location.
"Finished for the day?"
Kurumu laughed at his query as she whipped her wings up. She landed on her feet with a hop. Favoring the young man a grin, she folded her wings against her back.
"Just checking the time."
Kiki's brother smirked as Kurumu sauntered over. She could feel his approval of her appearance.
"I'd join you but my mother doesn't want me taking off my shirt."
"There is no practical purpose in flying."
"But it's fun."
"It's a useless talent with no place in the human world. My children are better off learning how to drive."
Kurumu had no argument against that.
"Do you know the time?"
The mother pulled back her sleeve, regarding a silver dial held by a narrow pink strap.
"It is twelve after eleven."
"Do you think it's too early to quit? I told Sumire and Moka that I would check on them after noon."
"We could walk slow."
Kurumu smirked at the brother's suggestion as a panting Tora approached them.
"Or we could waste another twenty minutes."
"I am not flying another twenty minutes."
Kiki's brother laughed at Tora's declaration.
"I daresay you are better at flying than my sister."
Kiki huffed indignantly as Tora joined them.
"And mother just said it was a useless talent."
"On that I agree. But it is good exercise."
Kurumu grinned at Tora's sentiment.
"I know. My wings feel much stronger than they did a year ago."
Tora nodded, taking a moment to flex her wings.
"I'm certainly more used to them now. But these extra back muscles get sore so quickly."
"I noticed that too when I first learned how to fly."
"You girls don't need to know how to fly or to get stronger."
Kurumu smirked at the mother.
"I have some vampire friends that would disagree with you."
"I won't pretend to understand the values of vampire society. But tengu men don't need women taking away their roles. A man lives to provide and protect his family. If you take those things away, men won't know what to do with themselves."
"I think I have a pretty good idea what I will be doing at Nagaoka University."
The mother scowled at her son's amusement.
"You are earning an education to provide for a family."
"I know. Should I also be looking for a wife while I'm there?"
The mother rolled her eyes with a shake of her head.
"We can worry about that after you find a job with that college degree. No sense in doing anything now that would jeopardize your future."
Kurumu smiled softly, thinking about her own future which was shrouded in uncertainty.
"I'd offer to help you move out this afternoon but it sounds like you have that covered."
"I don't know why she bothered renting a van for just a desk. I could have left that with Kiki."
"That was your father's desk. I want it to stay with you."
The young man sighed, glancing at Kiki.
"I guess it's your money to waste."
"Lack of furniture does make it easier to move. Did you get your new dorm assignment?"
Kiki smiled at Tora's question.
"No. My class schedule didn't have an elective or new dorm room written on it."
"Well you are in class eleven and Rubi was doing the homerooms in order. She admitted just last night that she still hasn't contacted the parents of about fifty students."
"We must be one of those fifty. Our small community has to go to Machinise to get speakers' messages."
Kurumu grinned at the mother's declaration as Kiki gestured at Tora.
"Which room did you get assigned to?"
"I'm in 209 by myself. I don't know whom is in there now but it's across the hall from Ms. Hajihachi."
Kurumu recalled Hajihachi was living in 210 with Roniushi.
"Anagume is with Tsubuyama in 212 and Noboru's sister is in 211 with Shikichi. I can't remember if 209 has Kukioba and Garakuta in it or if it's just Kagayama."
"I'm surprised that you remember that."
Kurumu grinned at Tora as she started walking away.
"Hajihachi mentioned that she lived by a bunch of cheerleaders. I'm going to get my things."
"Oh? Are we leaving?"
"We can walk slowly."
Tora followed her on the short journey to the harpies. Ontoriki smiled at their approach, leaning down to pick up Kurumu's lavender purse. She presented it to Kurumu when they arrived.
"Mrs. Umou suggests that we should head back for lunch."
Kurumu giggled, taking her purse. The harpy promptly bent over to fetch Tora's purple clutch.
"Yea. We also came to that conclusion."
"Someone should go tell the others."
"I'll go do that. Be back in a minute."
Once Tora had taken her clutch from Ontoriki, the harpy stepped away and shook out her arms, causing feathers matching her hair color to sprout along them. Her hands vanished as her arms lengthened and became wings. Two long, triangular tufts jutted up from the sides of her head. Stretching her wings out, she thrust down. Dust kicked up as the harpy shot into the sky.
"That girl needs to not worry so much about the sharp tongues of tengu women."
"What do you mean?"
The mother thumbed at Kiki's family.
"I guess that girl informed her mother of Ritsu's boyfriend. Ritsu got scolded over it."
"My mother would scold most girls for dabbling in relationships at such a young age."
"Your mother doesn't understand the issues harpies face. Having a baby naturally becomes more life threatening for a harpy in her thirties."
Kurumu frowned at this revelation, glancing at Ren.
"Why is that?"
"It's not like we have a scientific explanation. It's just a pattern that we have noticed over the years. Some speculate that it's because our bodies aren't that much different from tengu whom lack wombs suitable for carrying babies. Younger women have stronger constitutions, allowing them to survive the labor of childbirth."
Tora nodded thoughtfully, sharing a glance with Kurumu.
"Can't you go to a hospital to have your babies?"
"There isn't a hospital in Koutoukumo. I'm not even sure where the nearest monster hospital is."
"Can't you use a human hospital?"
"Not an option, Ms. Nazohashi. Harpies are born with their wings."
"What about the hospital here?"
Mrs. Umou giggled at Kurumu's suggestion.
"Most residents of Hankyouta don't own a vehicle. I had to arrange a ride with the bus driver."
"And she took off work for the whole week to be here."
Kurumu giggled at Ren's resigned comment.
"You're staying the whole week?"
"Have to. Luckily my Ren doesn't own much. We can fit everything into three suitcases. It's not like the bus for Hankyouta next Saturday will have that many people on it."
"Are you staying in a hotel or with your daughters?"
"We will stay with Zuri after checking Ren out of her room. It's a pity that the boys didn't join us. I would have liked to meet Ritsu's boyfriend and this young man whom my daughters are enamored with."
Ren blushed, shaking her head vigorously.
"I am not enamored with Mr. Uchiyama."
The mother giggled, fussing with the strap of her black purse.
"I suppose not. But Zuri must be. You don't dress exactly like your sister in that scenario. That little rascal was hoping he would do her too."
"That would have been terrible."
"Nobody would ever accuse my Zuri of being smart."
Kurumu smirked before her thoughts wandered to Ren's situation. The girl was graduating soon and had no hope of being with her first love.
"What will you do with Ren after she graduates?"
Mrs. Umou smiled, draping an arm over Ren's shoulder.
"I'll let her stay at least until Zuri graduates. After that, she needs to find a man. I was told about little Kanari's offer but her mother doesn't live in a town. Ren won't find many potential mates staying with them. She needs to live in a city."
"If I do that, I'm not returning to Hankyouta."
"It's hard to find a man whom will accept you as not being human, Ren. And it will be even harder trying to raise a baby on your own."
Ren glanced away with a sullen attitude.
"Maybe having a baby isn't in my future."
"Your life will be very empty without a child. You know how happy Satori is with her little girl."
Ren sighed at the mention of her older sister whom had gotten pregnant in junior high.
"I should apologize to Mr. Uchiyama before I leave."
"Let Zuri handle the apologies. It was her idea."
Kurumu smiled, recalling what Michiko had told her earlier.
"Noboru and Uchiyama were helping Yamanaka move out this morning. They should have finished up by now and might be having lunch in the dining hall. Ichida might even be with them."
"That sounds promising. I would like to meet these boys soon."
Ren grimaced, slipping out of her mother's grasp.
"I'd rather you not."
The rustle of wings drew Kurumu's attention as Suzume landed near them.
"What did I miss?"
Kurumu grinned as Zuri and Ontoriki touched down in almost perfect unison.
"Just a mother embarrassing her daughter."
Michiko landed on the ground a half second after Kagami. The tengu folded her wings in as the harpies shook their wings until they returned to being arms.
"Why ya over here?"
Mrs. Umou smirked, gesturing at Kiki's family.
"Just maintaining the usual segregation of our societies."
"That so? Never knew a harpy before Yokai Academy."
"Oh? There isn't a harpy community near yours?"
Suzume giggled as Michiko shook her head.
"There isn't one near us either. Most of our knowledge of your kind is second hand."
"Same. Mostly bad things. But Kaede been good."
Kagami smiled thinly with her beak gone. She was the only harpy that Kurumu knew whom had the beak that tengu possessed. Kagami attributed that to being because her father was a tengu.
"Ms. Hanetsume doesn't seem to like me."
"Whom is this Ms. Hanetsume?"
Michiko turned to address the mother.
"My childhood friend."
"And she doesn't fly with you?"
"She did but she got a job at a maid café."
Michiko nodded at Suzume's input.
"Rights. Why she not fly now. Nothing to do with Kaede."
"Ms. Kurono!"
Kiki's call drew Kurumu's attention. The girl was pointing towards the trail leading out of the clearing.
"You have a visitor."
Kurumu grinned upon seeing Tsukune. The young man was wearing a school dress shirt and slacks. He was walking briskly towards Kiki's group.
Moving at a comfortable pace behind the young man was Ms. Kiyoshi. The succubus had her rich black hair down for a change. Her ginormous bosom was within the confines of a soft blue blouse. Navy slacks with a matching navy blazer completed her ensemble.
Kurumu took off in a jog, cradling her purse against her bosom to keep everything still. She passed by Kiki's family, reaching Tsukune in seconds. Her body shivered with satisfaction as he admired the jiggle of her restrained breasts. He stopped right before she arrived.
"That is why I never jog."
Kurumu stuck her tongue out at the amused Ms. Kiyoshi whom was still several paces away. She moved her hands away from her bosom, enjoying his continued lechery.
"I don't mind it that much."
"Where is Moka?"
Kurumu pouted as he tore his attention away from her.
"She's with her sisters. Akua planned to help move her sister into their new suite if she could."
"So Akua is here. That's good."
Kurumu nodded at Ms. Kiyoshi when the woman arrived. Favoring Tsukune a smile, she gestured at him.
"Where is your mother?"
"We stopped in town first to leave her with Ms. Atsumoto. We had several boxes of clothes and trinkets that Kyoko's family salvaged from our home."
"Mrs. Aono was quite relieved to have a wardrobe again."
Kurumu smirked at Ms. Kiyoshi's addition.
"Welcome back, Tsukune. I trust your trip went well."
Tsukune grinned, nodding at Tora as the rest of the group joined them.
"It did. Kyoko's graduated and I got a bunch of my things back."
Kurumu sighed with mild disappointment.
"Let me guess. You got your gaming console."
"Not just the console. I also got my games, television and CD collection."
"Which I hope you left with your mother or you'll end up moving it all again."
"Yes, Kurumu. My mother told me the same thing."
"Will you be spending the night, Ms. Kiyoshi?"
The succubus smiled at Tora's question.
"I have an appointment with Lord Matsusaki tomorrow so I'll be staying in a hotel in Toukaitani."
Kurumu wagged a finger at Ms. Kiyoshi.
"You need to keep that promise you made me."
The woman laughed pleasantly with a soft look in her amethyst eyes.
"I know. Perhaps things will be much less hectic after the Presidential election."
"But that's in October!"
"The time will fly by so quickly that you won't even notice."
Kurumu pouted at the lighthearted reassurance. Six months would feel like years.
"Are you related to Ms. Kurono?"
Ms. Kiyoshi grinned at Mrs. Umou's query.
"Not exactly. Her mother was going to be one of my colleagues until her unfortunate accident."
"I see. I am Umou Mayu and these are my girls, Ren and Saezuri. My girls are friends with Ms. Kurono."
Kurumu was unsure if she could claim that as a brief round of introductions was exchanged.
"Shall we walk back with you to your car? We had just finished up flying for the day."
Ms. Kiyoshi laughed at Tora's proposition.
"Of course. I need to leave Mononoke soon or I won't have any weekend left to enjoy."
The group started towards the trail leading out of the clearing. Kurumu settled in behind Ms. Kiyoshi with Tsukune and Tora at her side. The rest of the group followed on their heels.
"Did Akua have good news concerning Disney and your spring break plans?"
Kurumu managed a smile, thinking about the situation with Kaneshiro.
"Yea. She also came with two vampires. One gave blood to Kaneshiro to complete his Rite of Ascension."
"That's very good news!"
Kurumu grimaced at his enthusiasm.
"I wouldn't say that. He basically agreed to be shackled to the Shuzen family."
Tsukune chuckled, shaking his head as they neared the edge of the clearing.
"I wouldn't call that a bad thing. Moka's father is a good man."
Kurumu sighed, lacking the energy to fight over this.
"Did you get your new identity?"
Tsukune grinned, nodding at Tora.
"Yes. I'm officially Sato Hiroshi now."
Kurumu snickered as they exited the clearing, following Ms. Kiyoshi down this narrow, rugged path.
"Is that the name you will be graduating with?"
"I believe so. It wouldn't be much of an alias if I kept using my original name."
"You'll have to tell the school because they still have you enrolled as Aono Tsukune."
"That's right! You're in the same homeroom as Ritsu, Kaede and me!"
Tsukune chuckled at Zuri's energetic response.
"Which homeroom is that?"
"Second year class eleven. We have Ms. Kuwabara as our homeroom teacher."
Tsukune nodded at Ontoriki's answer.
"Is Moka in our class?"
"She's in class twelve with Mr. Hiramatsu. You'll have the same lunch period as her."
Tsukune grinned at Tora's remarks.
"So what classes did the rest of you get?"
Kurumu smirked, feeling mildly disappointed that she was being lumped in with everyone else.
"We have a lot to catch you up on."
Kurumu frowned when Kaneshiro strolled out of the second year girls' dormitory on his own. The young man was wearing his school jacket with the red tie and had a pair of glasses resting on his nose. He only had his schoolbag, having left the rest of his belongings with Lady Akemi yesterday.
Despite that being the girls' dormitory, the first floor was occupied by guys. The nearby boys' dormitory was fully occupied, though many rooms only had one tenant instead of the two that they were designed for. Both of these identical four story buildings had been part of the last school expansion back in 94.
Since Akua was leaving with Kaneshiro, both Moka and Kokoa were present. The oldest sister had on a short sleeved, golden blouse with a mandarin collar. Glossy black toggles down the center of her mild bosom secured a flap which concealed a zipper. Black pants made from loose silk graced her legs.
Moka had on that long sleeved, baby blue blouse with the white lace collar and brown buttons. White stockings came up her long legs, disappearing beneath her fluffy, white skirt. Kokoa was dressed more casually, sporting a hot pink racerback top with black denim jeans.
Tsukune had tagged along, wanting to see Kaneshiro off. He had not bothered to change clothes, figuring his attire would be good enough for the retirement party.
Yukari was the last of their group. She was wearing the new birthday outfit her parents had acquired for her. The sleeveless, lavender blouse had a lacy, flamboyant collar. The ruffled plum skirt had black lace lining the lower hem which graced her calves. Black hose swept up from her flats.
"Is Mr. Sabaku not coming with us?"
Kaneshiro chuckled at Tsukune's question as he arrived.
"He wasn't there."
"Then we go now."
Kurumu pouted at Akua's declaration which prompted the group to follow.
"But you at least have to say goodbye to him."
"I told him my departure time this morning, Ms. Kurono. We can't expect Lord Meichi to wait."
Kurumu sighed, falling in step with Yukari. They trailed behind Kaneshiro and Tsukune while the vampire sisters took the lead. It took less than a minute before they started down the uneven path which would take them to the clearing about the Kurai dining hall.
"I'm still surprised that you're getting married soon."
Kaneshiro chuckled at Tsukune's remark.
"You are not alone in that regard. I have never envisioned myself as a husband."
"Seriously?"
"Considering my family circumstances, any thoughts of having one of my own were quickly dismissed."
Kurumu grimaced at his response to her. Kaneshiro was the bastard son of a wealthy businessman. After his mother died, his estranged father only continued supporting him until his junior high graduation. It was unclear how Headmaster Mikogami had taken an interest in him, but the headmaster had offered Kaneshiro a free high school education on the condition that he never revealed that he was a human.
"Well at least you no longer have to worry about dying."
"Very true, Mr. Aono."
"I wouldn't claim you are entirely free of that concern, Mr. Kaneshiro. While Lady Akemi is a pureblood, my blood was much stronger. You should consider having one more donor just to be safe."
"I will discuss that with Lady Akemi."
The sisters stepped out onto the wide, level trail which ran from the main school path to the bus stop. They turned right, ignoring the narrow trail that continued on to the dining hall. Kurumu sighed, keeping behind the guys whom followed the sisters.
"Did her blood make you need your glasses again?"
"No, Ms. Kurono. I'm only wearing them out of nostalgia. Perhaps I will get a cosmetic pair in the future."
"Do you still want to be a lawyer fighting for monstrel rights?"
"I honestly don't know it that will be allowed. Most of my discussion has been with Lady Akemi and she has no insight as to what will be expected from me beyond having children with her. Lord Meichi intends to support my pursuit of a law degree. That is good enough for now."
Kurumu grimaced at his casual dismissal.
"Vampires don't have strong ties with Fairy Tale."
"But that can change. It will take years for me to get my degree. No reason to worry over this now."
"Do you know when you are getting married?"
Kaneshiro chuckled at Tsukune's inquiry.
"They are trying to put something together before the start of the next school year. I'm hoping to talk them out of being too hasty but I doubt that I can put it off for long."
"Father never care if Lady Akemi marry this boy after giving blood. She would have marry a different Shuzen man. Lord Ikiro's sons and nephews will marry all available women from Lord Meichi's family."
"That was part of the deal?"
Akua nodded with her attention upon the trail before her.
"Many weddings expected before summer."
"Hopefully Father doesn't expect us to attend these weddings."
"Only I attend. Moka is in exile and you useless."
"Keep telling yourself that. We both know that I beat you in both of our duels yesterday."
Akua scowled at her smug little sister.
"Because Aono show you technique! I wish for rematch without your cheat!"
"You can't beat me without your dimensional blade."
"Fine! I want rematch with Aono!"
"He'd only embarrass you if he took it seriously."
Kurumu snickered, nudging Yukari.
"Or if he undressed her like he did Moka."
"I'm not going to do that."
Akua was slightly flush as she glanced back at them.
"Make you pay for that! Never accept you as Moka's husband!"
"I would have lost, Akua. While his decision to strip me of my clothes was humiliating, I must concede that I am not his equal at the moment."
"You stripped Ms. Akashiya in a fight?"
Tsukune chuckled nervously at Kaneshiro's confusion.
"It's a vampire custom to challenge a woman for her hand. But since I don't want to hurt her, I tried out this technique Master Touhou taught me to incapacitate an enemy."
"So the two of you are engaged?"
Moka blushed and Akua turned red with a mix of emotions. Tsukune continued to laugh nervously.
"It wasn't an official match for marriage. It was more of a reassurance to Moka that I would challenge her properly in the future."
"You are not stripping me in front of my father."
"Of course not. I'll fight you properly that one time."
Kaneshiro nodded thoughtfully.
"Sounds interesting. Are all of these upcoming vampire weddings requiring this step?"
"Depends on woman. Many lazy and will yield without fight."
"I wouldn't call Lady Akemi lazy but she won't deny her grandfather's wishes. You'll probably have some ceremony in which she submits to you. I admit that I don't have a very good impression of her."
"You don't approve of Lady Akemi?"
"She lacks ambition, Mr. Kaneshiro. She felt more like a servant than a proud vampire."
"I agree that she is far too amicable with the situation. That is part of why I want to stall this wedding. I want to be sure that I'm seeing the real Lady Akemi first."
"A fair point. Perhaps what I find detestable is just an act to appease her grandfather."
After Kokoa's statement, they walked in silence for a minute. Kurumu sighed with melancholy thoughts. Many seniors had already left campus. Many she would never see again.
"Not much left for the day. Just Mrs. Takizawa's retirement party."
"Yes. We were fortunate that Mrs. Hagimoto allowed my Moka to have the keys for her new suite. The underclassmen were not supposed to be moving into their new rooms during graduation weekend."
"It would have been nice if that had been said in the announcements."
"It was just assumed that most underclassmen would not even try."
"It almost doesn't feel like we moved."
Kurumu smirked at Moka, shaking her head.
"Because you kept the same layout. You could have tried moving things around a little."
"There was nothing wrong with our layout."
Moka nodded at Kokoa's curt declaration.
"Yea. It's too bad that we couldn't turn in the keys for our original suite today."
"The third years have priority right now. You should be able to check out properly soon."
"I wish that I could have been there in time to help you move out. But the lunch was nice."
Moka blushed slightly at Tsukune's sentiment.
"I'm glad that you enjoyed my cooking."
"You two can flirt after I leave."
"I'm not flirting!"
Tsukune chuckled at the exchange.
"I'm glad to see things are good between Akua and her sisters. I'm looking forward to our Disney trip."
"No flirt with me either! I your wife's sister!"
Tsukune frowned at Akua's flustered demand.
"Where do I even begin to protest that?"
Kurumu snickered, noticing the narrow trail on their left which cut through the woods to Baratoge. It felt like they had arrived at this point rather quickly but it was hard to judge with all of the conversation. The melancholy returned with thoughts about the things they had done after lunch in Moka's new suite.
"We helped several seniors move out today. Sumire, Samurakami, Kettou and Kouyama."
Tsukune laughed at her mention of the volleyball senior living with the track senior.
"I got the impression that Ms. Kouyama was not that happy to graduate."
"Because her parents are planning to marry her off right away."
"Was Ms. Kouyama engaged?"
Kurumu shook her head at Kaneshiro's interest.
"No. Apparently there is a demand for kirin women. Her parents don't see a reason for her to stay single and live with them. They registered her in the Fairy Tale matchmaking program back in February and already have a marriage meeting scheduled for her next weekend."
"I can empathize. Being introduced to a complete stranger for the intent of marriage is not something I would wish upon anyone. I'm doing my best to remain rational about the situation."
"If it bothers you that much, you can always take a second wife."
Kaneshiro grimaced at Kokoa's nonchalant suggestion.
"I feel like that would be very unfair to Lady Akemi."
Tsukune chuckled softly with a slight nod. He glanced back at Kurumu with a smile.
"So when are you going to move your things into Chouda's suite?"
Kurumu shrugged, thinking about Sumire. Her brother and father had already left with her belongings. The sylph had gone to Mononoke with her mother and would see them at the retirement party.
"I can't move anything in before she has her room inspection tomorrow. Maybe Tuesday?"
"You could move in tomorrow night."
Kurumu frowned at Yukari.
"I won't get the key until Tuesday."
"Are you stupid? You have a magical door connecting your suites."
Kurumu laughed, supposing that was true.
"I didn't ask before but I'm assuming that Mizore and Aoi were allowed to live together."
Kurumu smiled warmly at his remark, guessing that was something that had not come up during their chat on the way to Moka's new suite.
"They are going to live together in 315. Right now that room is shared by Denshou and Seinou. They will be moving out Tuesday morning so the earliest our two lovebirds could move in would be Wednesday."
"It's too bad that none of you know which room I got assigned to."
Yukari huffed at Tsukune's comment.
"Rubi confirmed that you would be living on your own. As you were in class three, your schedule most likely has your room assignment on it. You can pick it up in the office tomorrow morning."
"None of my girls had their new dorm room assignments on theirs."
"Because Rubi finished homerooms eight and nine on Thursday. Kurumu mentioned that Ms. Uchikawa had a room assignment on hers."
"Yea. Akari and Nikki both had their dorm rooms assigned. Akari is in East dorm 424 with Nozomi while Nikki is in East dorm 402 with Kiba."
"So Kana must have her room assignment."
"She most likely does but I haven't spoken with her since we got our new schedules."
Kurumu smiled at Yukari's response to Tsukune.
"I haven't talked to her either. But she will be in our new homeroom so we can find out then."
"Assuming she isn't at the retirement party tonight."
"I wonder when we can start moving into the second year dorms."
Kurumu shrugged at Tsukune's musing.
"I get a feeling that most first years won't bother trying. Satsuki and Nerume will be in East 403 but since neither of them have furniture, they'll save that hassle for next year."
"403? So they'll be next door to Ms. Matsudera."
"Mhm. And Chisa and Goto are in 401. The four of them are in class eight with Tora."
"I'm going to miss being in Tora's homeroom. This new class assignment bothers me a little. I don't know any of the guys Yukari listed off."
"But you know all of the harpies and will be in homeroom again with Natsudera."
"And Ishiko."
Tsukune smiled at Kokoa's addition.
"Yes. I'm familiar with most of the girls."
"Should not be. Only Moka matters."
Tsukune laughed at Akua's sharp tone.
"I know. Maybe I'll get along with these guys."
"You'll share gym with Kamitsuku."
Tsukune smirked at Kurumu, shaking his head.
"Not quite the same thing. You never mentioned where Ginei ended up."
"That pervert is in Ms. Okumura's class one. He'll be in our lunch group."
Tsukune sighed heavily as they neared the end of the trail.
"It really is over. My first year of high school."
Kaneshiro chuckled at Tsukune's sentiment.
"Yes. It's hard to believe that I spent three years here. Now that I'm finally at the end, it feels like it was not that much time at all."
"Hopefully you will come back to visit us."
Kaneshiro smirked at Tsukune as they stepped out into the bus clearing.
"That will depend on what my college and life commitments look like."
Several moving vans and vehicles were parked along the curb. Not many people were standing around, making it easy for Kurumu to find the vampires. And Sabaku was in the company of Sukoyaka Myaku.
"It seems Mr. Sabaku has become as meddlesome as Ms. Kurono."
Kurumu stuck her tongue out at Kaneshiro as she trotted by him. She hurried across the clearing, holding an arm over her tits to minimize the jiggle. She felt Sabaku's appreciation of her approach.
Sabaku had not bothered braiding his dark hair up this morning. He was garbed in a simple black shirt and black denim jeans. He smirked with a slight nod as Kurumu closed in on his location.
"Myaku! I'm glad you're here!"
Myaku smiled politely. Her orchid bangs were pushed back with a black hairband. The young woman had on a short sleeved, white dress with a floral pattern. She looked so common compared to Lady Akemi.
That crimson dress with gold lace was much more gorgeous than the outfit Kurumu had first seen the vampire wearing. The color was rich and the style was elegant. It was modest without being boring. The lady bowed her head slightly at Kurumu's arrival.
Lord Meichi was more interested in the approach of her friends. The dour gentlemen was sporting a black suit almost identical to the last one.
"How long have you been here?"
"Not too long. Maybe a half hour."
Kurumu smirked at Sabaku.
"Have you been getting along with Kaneshiro's future bride?"
"She seems pleasant enough."
Myaku giggled nervously at his assessment.
"Yes. She has been quite accommodating."
"Mr. Kaneshiro. Your luggage is already in the vehicle and our escort is waiting."
Kaneshiro chuckled as he arrived a few steps ahead of the rest of the group.
"Thank you, Lord Meichi. It appears that I have some guests for this occasion."
Sabaku huffed, crossing his arms about his broad chest.
"You were the guest last night."
"True. I did need a place to stay after turning in my key last night."
"You checked out last night?"
"Yes, Ms. Kurono. I urged the faculty to give me the earliest checkout possible."
"Mr. Kaneshiro was too shy to spend another night with me."
Kaneshiro laughed with flush cheeks.
"Guilty as charged. Maybe if you had brought a change of clothes with you, I would have been willing to spend another night in your company."
"Grandfather was supposed to come back with that."
"It was late and I didn't see an issue leaving you in his care."
"I hope that you weren't offended when I sent her back to you."
"Not at all. She had your possessions so I knew the deal was still intact."
"So what have you been doing with your day?"
Kaneshiro shrugged at Sabaku's query.
"Not much. Just hung out in the dining hall to say goodbye to any willing to chat with me. I didn't expect you to run off and fetch Ms. Sukoyaka."
"I had nothing better to do with my day."
"It's cruel that you were trying to leave without saying goodbye to me."
Kaneshiro sighed at the admonishment.
"I'm sorry, Ms. Sukoyaka. I wasn't sure how I would tell you about this development."
"You could have just told me how it was. I understand that you needed her blood."
Kurumu held her tongue, not wanting to clarify the terms of the deal Kaneshiro had made.
"I'm mildly surprised that you were using this girl to stabilize your condition. While this young man's blood is strong, hers is practical worthless. You may as well have been getting blood from a dog."
"Grandfather."
"She's a mongrel."
"She's special to Mr. Kaneshiro."
"I wouldn't say that."
Lady Akemi frowned at his soft remark.
"But she's your blood claim. She should come with us."
Sukoyaka giggled, making a dismissive gesture.
"I can't be doing that. I still have another year of high school."
"You don't need high school, young lady."
Kurumu bristled at the sweet reassurance from Lady Akemi.
"Are you planning to make her a servant or something?"
Lady Akemi frowned at her.
"If that is what Mr. Kaneshiro desires."
Kaneshiro chuckled, placing a hand on Kurumu's shoulder.
"Don't take it personally, Ms. Kurono. Lady Akemi never went to high school herself."
"A tutor can handle everything a woman needs to know."
Kurumu shivered with frustration at the stiff response from Lord Meichi. She had heard enough stories from vampires to know that the older generations still regarded women like property.
"While I must refuse the offer to come with you, can I at least attend your wedding?"
Kaneshiro smiled at Myaku's request.
"That depends on if I can convince Lord Meichi to hold off. Does the summer work for you?"
"I guess. I would still need someone to come pick me up."
"Do you have a drivers license?"
Lady Akemi smiled politely at Kaneshiro, shaking her head.
"I don't even have citizenship."
"As long as you have photo identification, you can get on a domestic flight."
Myaku winced at the gruff statement from the vampire lord.
"I don't have photo identification."
"I anticipated that which was why I asked about the drivers license. Unfortunately I don't have one so we will need to find one."
"Or you could get a license yourself."
Kaneshiro laughed at Kurumu's suggestion.
"I don't have a vehicle."
"We could get you one."
"Young lady. You are not in a position to make such promises."
Lady Akemi pouted at her grandfather.
"But a vehicle would be important for us if we are living in the city."
"You two should be able to manage with public transportation."
"Will you provide a driver when the time comes?"
Lord Meichi sighed at Kaneshiro's persistence.
"Yes, Mr. Kaneshiro. Having the wedding in the summer would allow me to prioritize other things."
Kaneshiro grinned in triumph as he regarded Myaku.
"Summer it is then. I'm glad that you don't object to this union."
"Would you seriously want me as a servant?"
"I'm not going to prevent you from graduating. You should keep your options open."
"Okay. Thank you, Mr. Kaneshiro."
Kaneshiro regarded the disappointed young woman. With a deep breath, he bowed his head to Myaku.
"No. I should be thanking you. While there is no way of knowing how much help your blood provided, you offered it without any fuss."
He grinned, straightening back up.
"And you were the first for me to sink my fangs into."
Myaku blushed, glancing aside.
"It was nothing."
Kaneshiro smirked, turning his attention upon Sabaku.
"Anything you want to say before I go?"
"Not really. Just stay out of trouble."
"Of course. You want to tag along to this wedding?"
"Nope. I'm good."
"Are we finished here?"
Kaneshiro nodded at Lord Meichi.
"I believe so. Which vehicle is yours?"
"We are in this one. Follow me."
The older vampire stalked off in the direction of the black sedan he had indicated.
"I have front seat!"
"Very well, Lady Akua."
Kurumu managed a smile as Lord Meichi reached the vehicle. He opened the back door, gesturing inside. There was a slight moment of uncertainty before Kaneshiro clambered in first.
"See you Friday in Arukasa."
Akua hugged Moka tightly. The taller, silver haired vampire sighed.
"Yea. Try to convince Father to see us while we are in Iromori."
Akua relaxed her grip, drawing back to arms' length.
"Try but no promise."
Kokoa huffed, stepping over to embrace Akua once she had let go of Moka.
"It will be a very boring week if he doesn't show up."
"Not much can do. Barely see him myself."
Kokoa snorted, releasing her sister.
"More like you don't want to deal with the man you've always hated."
Akua grimaced, retreating a step.
"Fair point. Better not lose at this tournament."
"I'm glad that you are going to that."
Akua glanced at Tsukune. She decisively stepped forward, holding out her hand.
"Better watch yourself. I get strong enough to prove you not worthy of Moka."
Tsukune smirked, shaking Akua's hand.
"I'll make sure to prove that you are wrong."
Akua let go of his hand, glancing aside.
"Still not accept you as family."
"Well he technically hasn't married Moka yet."
Akua scowled at Kokoa, stalking off.
"Not talking to you!"
Kurumu giggled as the stubborn girl made her way to the vehicle. Akua opened up the front passenger door, getting inside. Moments after she shut the door, the car's engine kicked on. The unseen driver eased away from the curb. Once he was clear of the other parked vehicles, the driver sped up. The car hurried along the road, making the curve and disappearing into the dark tunnel.
"Are we heading to Mononoke now?"
Kurumu shrugged at Yukari's question.
"I suppose we could. Rubi is meeting us at the party, right?"
"Well I'm not going to that party."
Kurumu frowned at Kokoa's declaration. The vampire started walking off.
"Why not?"
"Because I barely know your teacher. I'm going to visit Hikari. I need to take her blood tonight so that I can take Hotaru's blood before the start of spring break."
Kurumu frowned as the vampire put more distance between them.
"I hope that you aren't expecting me to make your dinner. I won't be back until very late tonight."
Kokoa waved a hand without looking back.
"I'll eat in the dining hall and spend the night with Hikari. See you tomorrow at school."
Myaku giggled, starting off but not in the direction of the trail.
"If you are heading to town, it's faster to walk alongside the road. Follow me."
"If it's all the same, I'll also take my leave. I trust you'll see Ms. Sukoyaka safely home."
Kurumu nodded at Sabaku as the young man headed off in the direction Kokoa was going. Yukari nudged her side, prompting her to follow after the others. She smiled when Tsukune took hold of Moka's hand.
"Nijiro better not stand me up."
Kurumu swayed to the familiar ballad playing over the speakers. She held Nijiro close, enjoying the feel of his arms about her. He was indulging in lecherous thoughts which made her body aroused. If she had been wearing a skirt or a dress, she would have been tempted to take advantage of him. Her boyfriend was wearing a white polo and black slacks.
Nijiro had been waiting at the Kasahara Kokka with Umizake and Mizore. The couple had taken off about two hours ago since Mizore had started feeling unwell. Many other students had left over the course of the night, making the dance floor much less crowded. Yukari had not even stuck around for an hour, leaving with Rubi, Chouda and Chouda's mother.
At this point there were probably less than sixty people in the building with half of those being faculty. Tashikana was up on the stage, serving as their DJ. His cousin had left with his mother yesterday, sparing Kurumu of any awkward moments. That impressionable girl might have concluded having a boyfriend was part of being popular. The last thing Kurumu wanted was to influence a girl to get into a relationship over such a shallow reason.
Not many were dancing right now. Ginei was being somewhat respectful in his holding of Hajihachi. The werewolf had on that burgundy crush velvet dress shirt with black cargo pants while his girlfriend was wearing a dark green, short sleeved dress. His hands had not been on her ass at all.
The same could not be said about the silver haired cousins beside them. While Korogaru kept a light hold of Roniushi's waist, the frisky gymnastics girl often had her hands placed inappropriately. The baseball player was sporting a short sleeved, black dress shirt with khaki pants. His cousin was boldly garbed in a loose, spaghetti string white dress that barely covered her derriere. It was practically a nightie.
Megumareta was swaying slowly with Sonoda not far from the okami couples. Megumareta had his mahogany locks styled in a faux hawk and was garbed in a short sleeved, white dress shirt and black slacks. Sonoda's thick, layered black hair brushed her bared shoulders. The archery girl had on a peach tube top and tight denim shorts baring most of her thighs.
Funsui was squeezing Kukioba's bountiful assets against him. The tennis player with wavy, sienna locks was dressed in a green polo and khaki pants. The second year cheerleader with the short, cinnamon curls was garbed in a white shirt that stretched to accommodate her bosom. The loose collar gave her boyfriend a generous view of her breasts. A short black skirt ended shy of her knees.
The gyokuto couple had no immediate plans for marriage, considering his parents were unaware of the relationship. His parents had not even shown up for his graduation which was fine by him. Now that his roommate had moved out, he had the place all to himself to do whatever he wanted with Kukioba.
Asobitani was sharing a kiss with Dakiashi as they danced. He had on a black tee shirt with a crimson flower design and denim jeans. Dakiashi was wearing a simple, red tee shirt with denim jeans.
Asobitani's sister was entertaining a dance with Dakiashi's father. The young woman had on a lavender blouse and black denim jeans while the father was wearing a white polo and black slacks.
The last couple on the dance floor was Koike and Tsubuyama. The inugami grinned as he twirled his partner about with his one hand. The left sleeve of his black dress shirt was pinned to his shoulder. A glossy black belt was fished through the loops of his textured gray slacks. His partner garbed in a periwinkle tee shirt and a short denim skirt was not his first tonight.
Tsubuyama was technically here to keep an eye on Kukioba but had spent most of her time chatting with the nekomusume cousins. The second year cheerleader had short and spiky amber locks and was going to be Kagayama's roommate next year in 109, confirming that the popular cheerleader was not dropping out of school to be with her girlfriend, Michi. Tsubuyama had also confirmed that Kagayama was the current resident of 209. The two would be moving into their suite as soon as they could.
That could be as early as tomorrow. Hajihachi had mentioned that suite 109 belonged to Fumusuna's twin sister and Komida. The twins had left last night while Komida and her boyfriend, Jiseki, had left this afternoon. That couple would marry on May fifth during the next golden week. The couple would stay with his family in Ashikantai until they could find their own place.
Everybody else in the establishment were either lingering on the sidelines or having a drink at the bar. Most of the faculty had gravitated to the bar within the first hour, preventing the students from ordering anything but water. Every seat about the counter had been taken with some faculty having to stand. Not many locals had made an appearance but the real surprise guest had been Mrs. Takizawa's husband.
The cousins that Tsubuyama kept looking at were Hiyoshi and Hidarimeki. Those two had kept their suite and were happy about finally sharing a homeroom. The cousins almost looked like twins with them both having short, whitish gray locks and blush pink eyes. Hiyoshi from track had on the pink tee shirt and blue jeans while Hidarimeki from softball was wearing the blue shirt and black denim jeans.
The cousins whom had also been Koike's dance partners were presently conversing with Nukugata from the manga club and his older cousin from band. Those two guys looked nothing alike. The guy from band had scraggly ginger hair and was wearing a white polo with khaki pants. Nukugata had grayish locks which hung over his eyes. He had on a black tee shirt with a Pokemon graphic and denim jeans.
Two other girls lingered by these boys. The shorter one with the fluffy, tortoiseshell tresses was Fujihara Asami while the girl with the short, shadowy locks was Gizamimi Mao. The two nekomusume girls were from Aserutani and had joined the karaoke club. Both had shown up in tee shirts and shorts. Fujihara had gone with a red top and bright blue bottoms while her friend had just worn black.
Miyamoto was by the stage being pestered by two karaoke club girls. The taller one with the braided, smoky black loops was Kazashimo Yuuga while the blond with the ponytail was Shouzou Majo. Those two harpies were Sonoda's friends. Kazashimo had on a gray tank top which bared most of her assets and a black miniskirt. The baby blue dress Shouzou had on was almost as daring as Roniushi's garment.
Sangi hovered next to Miyamoto, keeping the harpies in check. The girl had a camera in her hands and was wearing a black turtleneck and white denim jeans. Miyamoto had actually shown up wearing his karate gi for some strange reason. He had danced with all three girls at least once tonight.
Only two guys were lingering on the sidelines. Tsuiseki from Nijiro's homeroom had short ashen locks while Shuryou had dark bangs with the tips frosted silver. Both basketball guys had on black dress shirts and khaki pants. Tsuiseki was grinning as he talked but Shuryou was too busy glaring at Ginei to chat.
Kurumu frowned, shifting her attention to the small group lingering by the exit doors which were being watched by Ms. Atsumoto and Ms. Iwasaki. The teachers were not there to keep students from leaving but to prevent anyone from coming in. Two other faculty members were stationed at the main entrance.
Not interested in the teachers, Kurumu perused the small group of girls. Kosame was still clinging to Arukune, not interacting with the others. Arukune was wearing a soft blue blouse with a floral pattern and a loose black skirt. Her little sister had donned a pastel pink tee shirt and denim shorts.
Nerume was animatedly chatting, being much more energetic at night. The kirin had on a black sequin cocktail dress that she had acquired on her birthday. It certainly made her look more mature than most of the students in attendance. Satsuki lingered beside her, wearing a black Malice Mizer tee shirt with black corduroys.
The only other girls present were Goto and Chisa. The fashion club girl was sporting an off shoulder top that was made from purple crushed velvet. Black denim jeans completed her ensemble. Chisa had kept things simple with a pink sleeveless top and white skinny jeans that somehow made her look taller.
As the song came to an end, Kurumu tugged on Nijiro.
"I want to chat with Satsuki for a bit."
Nijiro sounded an affirmative, allowing Kurumu to steer him over to the group. Kurumu quickly checked about, confirming the absence of several of her friends. Tora, Moka and Tsukune were all missing. For that matter, so was Suzume, Hatoko and Kamitsuku.
"Hey, Satsuki. Where did Moka go?"
Satsuki chuckled as Kurumu joined their group with Nijiro in tow.
"She left with Aono about two songs ago."
"And they didn't tell me?"
Satsuki shrugged at Kurumu's surprise.
"You were dancing with your boyfriend."
"It is almost nine."
Goto accentuated that statement, tapping a watch about her wrist.
"Nazohashi suggested for all of us to leave since it is a long walk back to the dorm."
"That is reasonable. While this party may continue till ten, we should leave soon."
Kurumu pouted at Nijiro's statement.
"They could have told us that they were leaving. We could have gone with them."
"I'm fine with the way this turned out."
Kurumu sighed, guessing he still was sensitive about her friendship with Tsukune.
"I take it that Suzume and Hatoko left with them?"
Satsuki nodded and then her marigold eyes lit up.
"I forgot to mention this yesterday. Hanetsume beat the shit out of Morisato Friday night."
Kurumu blinked in shock.
"What? Why?"
"For running her mouth. I guess Hanetsume finally caught wind of it."
Kurumu shook her head, hardly believing this.
"But Juri looked fine yesterday. She didn't say-"
"She's not going to tell you that she got put in her place for being a bitch. As for her not looking hurt, I don't know if that's because she heals fast or she knows how to use cosmetics. Goto says you can hide a lot with makeup."
"Assuming she needed to. Some injuries don't show through our illusions."
Kurumu nodded at Goto's input.
"Is Hatoko mad at me?"
"I didn't get that impression at work today. While you may have aired her secret, you didn't spread it around beyond that. Hanetsume honestly thought Shindou would be the one to blab to everyone."
Kurumu laughed softly, understanding why Hatoko would think that. Asuka had a way of blurting out things that were best kept private.
"Is Ms. Hanetsume in trouble for this?"
Satsuki shrugged at Nijiro's question.
"No idea. I'm pretty sure that bitch reported it but we won't know for sure until tomorrow."
Kurumu managed a smile, glancing at Arukune.
"I heard about your roommate abandoning you. Do you have a single suite next year?"
Arukune giggled, holding her sister close.
"No. Kosame hated living alone in Baratoge so she requested to be with me this year."
"Which suite were you assigned to?"
"We will be in 312."
Kurumu gasped while her heart fluttered with excitement.
"That's right by us! I know the girls that live there. Yamanaka already moved out but Uchiyama has to stay here until next Sunday."
"Sounds like we can't be moving in then."
Kurumu shook her head while making a dismissive gesture.
"Not necessarily. Uchiyama doesn't own any furniture. She was already talking about checking out early to stay with Samurakami but I reminded her that Samurakami will be leaving on Saturday. I'm not sure if she will end up staying with her brother or not."
"I don't want to cause trouble for her."
"It's already trouble for her as is. She doesn't want to stay with her brother. I think Rubi and Yukari are going to stay that whole weekend since they don't need a bus to go home. Maybe they would be willing to take Uchiyama in so that she could check out early for you two."
Arukune smiled softly, caressing her sister's back.
"It's not like we have anything difficult to move. It will be fine."
"But you'd probably want to do this now instead of next year. And you might have first years whom are waiting to move into your current room."
"I see your point. Are you having a good time with Mr. Amesuki?"
Kurumu grinned at the change of subject. She glanced over at him, snatching up his hand.
"Of course I am."
"We should join you on your departure. This girl might get ideas if we walk alone."
Kurumu stuck her tongue out at him, knowing he was indulging in fantasies of doing naughty things if they did end up leaving this establishment on their own. As much as she would like to take him home with her tonight, she did not want to risk Chouda's mother hearing any moans of pleasure.
"I'm sure that you noticed Kosame will be in my homeroom next year."
Arukune grinned as her sister nuzzled against her shoulder.
"I did. Hopefully you will look after her."
"We found out from Hiyoshi whom is living in our suites."
Kurumu perked up at Satsuki's announcement.
"Really? Who has them now?"
"Our new room is occupied by Miyauchi from track. Her roommate is in band with the two girls that are in 401. Don't know about those band girls but Hiyoshi understood that Miyauchi was going to have the same roommate again. She promised to find out for me when Miyauchi moves into her new suite."
Kurumu nodded thoughtfully.
"Well when you find out, let me know. I'll help."
"With what? Neither of us own much."
Nerume giggled with a brightness in her deep purple eyes.
"I can't be leaving my stuff here when I plan to stay with Chisa over the break. I'd have nothing to wear."
"Or do by the sounds of it."
Goto laughed heartily at Satsuki's addition.
"That can't be helped. Our little village isn't going to be modernized any time soon."
"Like the runt said, I'll just pack up my things and stay with Meirowasa over the break. No reason for me to be walking all the way to the dorms when I'll spend most of my time in town."
Kurumu smiled, lacking a reason to argue against that.
"I'm guessing things went well with Mr. Kitamori?"
Goto snickered as Chisa blushed.
"I'd say so. They shared a juicy kiss before he left with his parents."
Nerume cackled, nudging Satsuki.
"His hands were all over her."
Chisa blushed darker, glancing aside.
"I didn't expect him to do that in front of his parents."
"He was just making his intentions clear. They are a little concerned about you staying in high school."
"They wanted her to drop out?"
Goto sighed with a slight nod.
"Sounds like it. Kitamori is against it and hopes that Chisa's parents will agree with him. But his parents don't see a point in Chisa staying here when she could be making them grandchildren."
Kurumu bit her lip, understanding both sides of this.
"Would the two of them getting married make them feel better?"
Goto laughed as Chisa turned scarlet.
"I doubt that would help at all!"
"It's because Chisa's grades are so poor. She barely avoids the board of shame."
Satsuki snorted at Nerume's remark.
"You only scored twenty points more than her."
"That puts me more in the middle."
"I didn't make the top hundred and I was thirty points more than you."
Kurumu giggled, caring little for the comparison of test scores.
"When are you moving into your new place?"
Kurumu shrugged at Satsuki's random query.
"I've been asked that twice today. Technically I can't move in until I get the new key which Sumire won't be turning in until tomorrow afternoon. But I do have access to her room thanks to Yukari's magic. If I decide to move tomorrow night, Yukari has already offered to help me move all of my things."
"Why not have your boyfriend help you?"
"If I was there, I'm afraid that nothing would get done."
Kurumu smirked at Nijiro, squeezing his hand.
"My pussy would get done."
Arukune gasped, squeezing Kosame closer. She clucked her tongue as the other girls giggled.
"Such dirty language in front of my innocent sister."
Kurumu blushed slightly, regretting her impulsive words.
"I was just trying to fluster my boyfriend."
Arukune sighed dramatically, starting to walk off with her sister clinging to her side.
"I'm going to see if my roommate is interested in heading home. Have a good night."
Kurumu pouted as the sisters left. Koike was now entertaining a dance with Hidarimeki while his former partner was chatting with the group of nekomusume kids. She wondered how Hidarimeki felt about the situation. The girl had shared a momentary fling with Koike when he had been under the influence of a love potion that had been intended for Ginei.
"Are you ready to head out?"
Kurumu grimaced at his question. Shaking her head, she gestured at the bar.
"I want to talk with the teachers first. It was too crowded around them before."
"If you're not back here before nine fifteen, we are leaving without you."
Kurumu giggled at Satsuki's declaration. Squeezing Nijiro's hand, she started walking away.
"I'll try to make this quick."
There were only six seats on each side of the enclosed bar. The faculty members with their backs to the dance floor were Ms. Kurihara, Mr. Hirojima, Lord Sendou, Mr. Hakuru, Ms. Yumeito and Coach Yaisoku. The new headmaster was wearing a black kimono with a silver sash while his father in law was boldly wearing a pristine white suit. Mr. Hirojima had a textured gray suit jacket matching his slacks with a gray tie at the collar of a white dress shirt.
Ms. Kurihara was seated at the end of the counter closest to the main entrance and stage. Her greenish blond tresses rested on bared narrow shoulders. The sleeveless white dress had a high collar, giving off a modest appearance despite how tightly the fabric wrapped about her frail body.
Coach Yaisoku sat at the other end. A long sleeved, brown turtleneck was stretched over her pregnant torso, matching the pair of leggings coming up to her waist. If not for her swollen abdomen making a slight gap in the fabric, it could have passed as one garment. The tennis coach nursed a glass of water.
Ms. Yumeito had long, silvery tresses hanging well below the seat of her stool. A sparkling blue dress was wrapped about her voluptuous frame. She was one of the two teachers shorter than Kurumu, the other being Mrs. Sunao whom was seated across from Ms. Kurihara. For that matter, Ms. Kurihara was not that much taller than Kurumu if not the same height.
This was the first time Kurumu had seen Mrs. Sunao wearing a dress. The tiny teacher had on a scarlet, sleeveless dress which betrayed how slender her figure was. She looked like a child, sitting beside Mrs. Tomarigi. The buxom harpy was garbed in a frilly white blouse and a black ruffled skirt that reached her ankles. Her husband had already gone home to relieve Mr. Unsei of watching over their two little girls.
Mrs. Unsei was seated at the other end across from Coach Yaisoku. She was sporting a cream cardigan over a sleeveless, dark blue blouse. A black pencil skirt failed to cover her knees which were swathed in black hose. Beside her was Mrs. Senda whom Kurumu had also never seen in a dress. She looked much younger in that lime green sundress though the lack of her glasses was as much to blame for that.
The married couple sat in the center. Mrs. Takizawa was wearing a short sleeved, white vest over her yellow sundress. Her husband was in a cornflower blue dress shirt and black slacks. The history teacher smiled at her approach.
"Calling it a night, Ms. Kurono?"
Kurumu giggled, coming to a stop near Coach Yaisoku. She let go of Nijiro's hand, gesturing at the dark haired man standing in the center of the bar. That was Mr. Kasahara and he was wearing a black dress shirt and black slacks.
"I was hoping to get a drink first."
"You might be gorgeous but I can only give you water."
Kurumu clucked her tongue at the man whom was having naughty thoughts about her.
"This is my boyfriend, Nijiro. You can also give him a water."
"If it is no trouble."
The man chuckled, fetching two clear glasses from beneath the counter.
"Not a problem. One moment."
Kurumu smiled as the man started filling up the glasses with a black nozzle which was connected to a hose that disappeared beneath the counter. She gestured at the tennis coach.
"So how are you feeling?"
"Too pregnant to properly enjoy this occasion."
"When is Lady Hineri moving in with you?"
"Your waters."
Kurumu murmured her thanks as the man presented her both drinks. She took the glasses, handing one over to Nijiro.
"I'll check in with her tomorrow and see how she's feeling. She wanted to move out while the other students were at school."
Kurumu took a sip, immediately wishing this water was colder. Bringing the glass against her bosom, she smiled at the tennis coach.
"I have you as my gym teacher next year. Will you be able to do that in your condition?"
The woman laughed, absently caressing her swollen abdomen.
"I honestly don't know. This little girl should be ready to enter this world before the next midterms. That means I'll most likely be bedridden in May if not earlier than that."
"What will you do?"
"It will be fine. Ms. Kurohane has served as a substitute gym teacher before."
"Will you be in my biology class, Ms. Kurono?"
Kurumu grinned at Ms. Yumeito.
"No. I have Mr. Yokei."
"That's rather unfortunate."
"I wholeheartedly agree."
Kurumu pouted at Nijiro's quick response.
"There's nothing wrong with Mr. Yokei."
"I disagree. And while I have nothing personal against Ms. Uchikawa, she lacks experience as a teacher. Ms. Yumeito clearly is the best biology teacher we have."
Ms. Yumeito blushed slightly, shaking her head.
"I'm not worthy of such praise."
"All of our science teachers are capable, Mr. Amesuki."
Nijiro turned to address the new headmaster.
"It's my opinion, Sir. If I could pick my biology teacher, I would choose Ms. Yumeito."
"Hopefully you don't have any firm preferences on your physics teacher."
Nijiro chuckled at Mrs. Senda's remark.
"No. I'm quite satisfied with the rest of the science department. I just don't like Mr. Yokei."
Coach Yaisoku snickered at his statement.
"Well you would not be the first to feel that way. Hopefully he will behave himself this time around."
"I'm happy for Mr. Yokei."
Kurumu could not deny how soft and sweet Ms. Yumeito's voice was. Despite defending Mr. Yokei, she was a little disappointed that she had not ended up in this woman's biology class.
"And a little envious. It would be nice to have a family."
"You had your chance last summer."
The woman pouted at Coach Yaisoku.
"But I want to keep a husband. Not eat him."
Mr. Takizawa laughed nervously.
"Yes. I'm sure that your future partner would prefer that too."
Coach Yaisoku groaned softly, toying with her glass on the counter.
"Speaking of families, when are you going to put a baby in Shizuka?"
The husband chuckled as his wife blushed. He grabbed her shoulder, giving her a slight shake.
"I've already been trying. Unfortunately our honeymoon did not bear fruit."
"You shouldn't say such things in front of my students, Shouji."
Coach Yaisoku snickered, thumbing at Kurumu.
"I think this one is an exception."
"She shouldn't be. And even if she was, we don't need to encourage such behavior between students."
"This coming from the girl whom got knocked up in the broadcasting club room."
Mrs. Unsei blushed at Coach Yaisoku's smug response.
"Well I'm speaking from experience."
"You got pregnant as a student?"
The flush English teacher sighed at Nijiro's confusion.
"Yes, Mr. Amesuki. It was my senior year and I had every intention of marrying him. Which we did and have three lovely children to show for it."
"Sorry. I should not judge, considering I often give in to Kurumu's temptations."
"Oh? So now I'm to blame?"
Nijiro smirked at her.
"Yes. Yes you are."
Kurumu sighed dramatically, shaking her head. She turned her attention upon Mrs. Takizawa.
"When are you leaving Mononoke?"
"Well technically my apartment is paid up until the end of the month. But I could leave earlier."
"Certainly not in its current state. That place is a complete mess."
Mrs. Takizawa blushed, nudging her husband.
"It's not like I ever expected you to see that."
"It's your last year as a teacher. I wanted to see this town at least once."
"This is your first time in Mononoke?"
Mr. Takizawa nodded at Nijiro's inquiry.
"Yes. I wanted to visit years ago but I was strongly discouraged from making an appearance. Apparently the man in charge of security around her had a strong hatred for humans."
Kurumu smirked, thinking that was a fair assessment of Kuyo.
"How did you get in without your wife knowing about it?"
"Shiki betrayed me."
Mrs. Senda giggled, making a dismissive gesture.
"I only told him how to get a temporary pass. He drove himself here."
"I confess that I'm a little worried. I had no idea that her housekeeping skills would be so poor."
"I can keep a tidy home if I wanted to. There just was no reason to when I was living by myself."
"Don't fall for that nonsense, Shouji. My husband was a slob in high school and still is to this day."
Mrs. Takizawa wagged a finger at Mrs. Unsei.
"Because your husband never had to take care of himself. He went from his mother picking up after him to you doing it."
"A lot of good being independent has done you."
Mrs. Tomarigi giggled at Mrs. Unsei's quick retort.
"I have to agree with Sachiko here. Marriage isn't going to change Shizuka. She's going to be on her best behavior for like three months and then fall back into her slovenly ways."
"Both of your opinions are based on your husbands' behaviors. Of course men are sloppy."
Mr. Takizawa gave his wife a look.
"When have you ever seen my place a mess?"
Mrs. Takizawa bit her lip, looking about the room for support. Mrs. Senda snickered, shaking her head.
"I'll admit that I'm not the tidiest of people. It's a chore cleaning up after myself, let alone doing that for my kids. But not being able to keep a house clean doesn't mean she won't be a good mother."
Mrs. Takizawa whimpered, wringing her hands.
"You're all ganging up on me."
"I think it will be fine."
Mrs. Takizawa brightened up at Mrs. Sunao's reassurance.
"Thank you, Nezumi. My only true friend."
"She doesn't even live with her husband."
Mrs. Sunao frowned at Coach Yaisoku's remark.
"That's true but his place has never been a mess."
"Does your counter look like you are growing a culture for science class?"
Mrs. Sunao giggled at Mrs. Senda's wry query.
"Of course not. My place is squeaky clean."
Coach Yaisoku made a dismissive gesture.
"Her input doesn't count, Shizuka. The question here is will your behavior change with marriage."
Mrs. Takizawa pursed her lips.
"Maybe I shouldn't retire."
Her husband swatted her in the back of the head.
"Not a chance. You're coming home with me."
Mrs. Takizawa pouted, rubbing the back of her head.
"But what if I'm no good at this?"
"I've waited far too long. If I get fed up with your poor housekeeping skills, I can always send you back to work after the kids are somewhat able to look after themselves."
"That was what I worried about. I'm glad that I got a job offer before Minoru gave up on me. Now every trip home is like a little honeymoon."
"Maybe for you. I doubt he feels the same way."
Mrs. Senda smiled softly at Mrs. Unsei's admonishment.
"Of course he isn't entirely happy with the situation. But we are still together and that's what matters."
The husband sighed, reaching over to toy with a lock of Mrs. Takizawa's hair by her ear.
"Like I said. I've waited patiently and I know her mother is just as anxious as I am about getting started on making a family. If I was going to give up on her, I would have done so the first time she blew off one of our wedding dates."
Several of the teachers chuckled as Mrs. Takizawa blushed darker.
"I'll keep the house clean. I promise."
Kurumu giggled, thinking this was an example of unconditional love.