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.

2. Vocal Rivals

Kurumu lifted a hand to cover her yawn as she walked along the trail to the bus stop. Her other hand remained on the strap of her schoolbag which contained clothes for tomorrow and pajamas for tonight. As this was a school function, she was wearing her green jacket with a red bow tied at the collar of her school blouse. The bottom hem of her pleated skirt brushed against her skin right above her knees.

"How can you still be tired?"

Kurumu lowered her hand, favoring Tora an apologetic smile.

"Maybe I ate too much breakfast. Mrs. Sendou's cooking is just as good as Yukari's."

The sphinx shook her head as they passed by an intersecting narrow trail which ran from the dining hall to the clearing with the second year dormitories. She was also wearing a proper school uniform and had a spare set of clothes in her schoolbag. Tora had spent the night with Kurumu which was always better than sleeping alone.

"We should walk faster."

Kurumu fished her black flip phone out of her pocket, taking note of the time before putting it away.

"We still have over twenty minutes."

"No reason to arrive at the very last minute."

Kurumu smiled as they continued in silence. The walk to the bus stop from the suites was longer than the walk to the school's front gate. Tora was right that they should move a little faster since it might be another five minutes before they arrived at the clearing. Kurumu pointedly took longer strides.

After a minute or two, Kurumu abandoned the faster pace when they passed by a narrow trail which cut through the woods to the left. That was the rugged path to Baratoge, the first year girls' dorm.

"Hey Tora."

The sphinx made an inquisitive sound as they adjusted to their original pace.

"Did you get any news about your father?"

"I'm surprised you didn't ask about that last night."

"It was Yukari's birthday and I didn't want to say anything around her family."

"I did get a letter from my mother yesterday."

The monster world had two major forms of long distance communication. The faster method was using the speakers whom used some sort of spiritual magic to send simple messages between communities. The other option was the mail which only came on Friday afternoons.

"What did she say?"

"It sounds like she is relieved with my decision to let father go. She admitted that it was quite hard on her to control him while having a job that required most of her attention."

"So he was a puppet."

Tora nodded, giving off a depressing aura.

"Yea. The reason why his later memories were such a mess was because my parents had grown apart even before I had started school. Father never approved of Mother working for Fairy Tale."

Tora's mother had been a lawyer for Fairy Tale. Now Tora's mother was a judge for the Osaka prefectural court. Instead of going to a monster high school closer to their home in Izumi, Tora had enrolled in Yokai Academy because Mrs. Shuzen had suggested the school to Tora's mother.

"So that's it then. You'll come home and she'll stop keeping him alive."

"No. She's going to stop before spring break."

"What?! Why?!"

"Because it will take time to arrange the funeral. She wants our family to be present."

"But what about saying goodbye?"

Tora let out an abrupt laugh.

"To who? He's not my father, Kurumu. He hasn't been for years. He's just a collection of memories and Mother's spirit moving his corpse about."

Kurumu swallowed, thinking about the many times she had manifested an illusion of her mother after mommy's death. Saying goodbye to that apparition was no different than saying goodbye to herself.

"I still wish one of us could be there with you. Make this easier."

"I don't want things to be more awkward. Most of my extended family haven't had any interactions with him since my parents split up after my school incident."

Kurumu frowned at the revelation.

"I thought your family got together in Kyoto every summer."

"Yes. For the Kameoka Peace Festival. This will come as a surprise since you didn't see my most recent memories, but my extended family isn't aware that Father is living with us. We haven't been bringing him along to these family events."

Six years ago, Tora had killed three boys whom had been bullying her in school. The leader of that trio had fully intended on killing the 'monster' he had found. It was self-defense but Tora's father had not seen it that way. He had left the family after the incident, disgusted with how Fairy Tale had covered up his daughter's crimes. Two years later he had come back on Tora's birthday. When he refused to stay, Tora devoured his soul, not fully understanding how her powers worked.

"What about his family?"

"Father was an only child and his parents passed away before I was born. Mother hopes to wrap this up in the first week of spring break. Things are too busy at her work for her to take off both weeks."

Kurumu nodded, knowing that Fairy Tale was scrambling in the aftermath of losing so many prominent members. Having reached the end of the trail, Kurumu noticed the gathering of students in the clearing near the bus stop.

"If you're going to be home alone, maybe you should go on that Disneyland trip."

Tora laughed, shaking her head.

"Assuming that happens. I'll see what Mother has to say about that."

Most of the choir girls were hovering around the scarecrow which served as the sign for the bus stop. All were wearing the green jackets with red bows and tartan skirts. Most were holding schoolbags but a few had duffle bags.

The only exception was Mrs. Tomarigi, their choir instructor. The harpy was sporting a black, long sleeved jacket over a lime blouse. A black pencil skirt ended shy of her knees which were swathed in black hose stretching down to her black flats. A black bag with an extended handle rested beside the teacher.

Kurumu gestured at the empty curb of the street which wrapped around Mononoke. This road ended in the Kurai dining hall parking lot and started at that dark tunnel cut into the cliff side. A lone tree stood at the edge with a view of the ocean beyond.

"Looks like we got here before the bus."

"Ms. Kurono. Over here."

The choir teacher beckoned to her. The buxom harpy had short peach locks with the tips frosted white. Standing beside the teacher was Bouzuki Kanari from first year class five. The short harpy with creamy blond tresses and curled bangs had gone to human schools instead of being with the other harpies from Hankyouta. Kanari's dream was to become an idol of the music industry.

Two pairs of sisters also accompanied the teacher. The Umou sisters from Hankyouta could almost pass as twins. Both had their cinnamon hair styled in twin tailed spirals resembling drills. Saezuri was taller despite being the younger sister. Ren was more endowed and was actually in the band. The third year would be playing the flute for one of their songs today.

The Tadayo sisters were sprites from Kabashita. The older sister was Korogi. She had short amber locks with her bangs hiding her left hazelnut eye. She was shorter and less endowed than her sister, Hotaru. Hotaru had curly, shoulder length hair with a carrot like hue. She also had hazelnut eyes and had been chosen to be their new club president.

The former club president was Saiwakami Takara. The silver eyed third year with her mulberry tresses pulled in an offside ponytail was chatting with Kichida and Sakibarai. Saiwakami had gone to the junior high in Aserutani. She and Korogi were the only choir girls whom had taken the college entrance exams.

Kichida was a long haired brunette and one of their true sopranos. Sakibarai had scruffy, short ginger locks. Both third years had gone to the junior high in Kabashita.

All of the choir seniors were present. The undines from Ikinakawa stood apart from the group by the curb. Kawano had the greenish hair while Yanagisawa had locks that were a shade of blue. The third year harpies from Uchimori were chatting with the harpies from Kabashita. Hayabusa had the ivory tresses while Karasu was the one with the ebony hair.

The last third year was Sazayama Megumi. The giantess was the tallest in the choir. She had short, dark locks and was chatting with Maruyuchi whom was almost the same height as Sazayama. Maruyuchi was a second year and was engaged to the judo captain whom had graduated from Yokai Academy last year. Both of those big girls had gone to the junior high in Akichi.

There were three harpies from Kabashita. The two second years were Noboto and Oso. Noboto was the shorter one with the short, ashen curls. Oso was more buxom with cotton white tresses stretching down to her rump. Oso had recently lost her virginity to the younger Ijouyama brother. They were not officially dating but had plans to study together for exams next week.

The last harpy was Utachi Fumenko. Her raisin locks were styled up in two buns. She was in first year class twelve. The girl with her greenish blond hair pulled into twin braided tails standing next to Utachi was Chousei Akiko. Chousei was in Tora's homeroom.

"Now we just need the rest of our first years to show up."

Kurumu frowned at the teacher's remark. She glanced about and realized that all of the second years were also present. Sangi Mitsuki stood with the remaining second years. The tall brunette in charge of the film club had short hair. Okimune was the buxom girl with the gorgeous arctic blue curls which were held back in an updo very similar to Kurumu. Amatsu was the statuesque girl with the golden hair.

The last of that group was Ikeda. The forgettable brunette was Amatsu's roommate. Amatsu was a tennin from Okataiyou and had attended the junior high in Kabashita with Ikeda. Though Ikeda was in the choir, the dryad would be playing the piano for two of their songs.

"You'll need this. That has our room assignments and performance schedule."

Tora nodded, taking a sheet from Hotaru. Kurumu had received a copy of that after choir practice yesterday. The choir had reserved four hotel rooms. Kurumu's group included Tora, Sangi, Okimune, Kanari, the Umou sisters and Mrs. Tomarigi.

"You have Ms. Miyazaki in one of your rooms. Isn't she from the band?"

"We put some band girls in with us to save money. The band would have needed another room."

"So your performance is at two twenty today and the band is at one tomorrow."

"That is correct, Ms. Nazohashi. Houjin High goes before us on both days."

Houjin High was the prefectural school for Yamagata. Kurumu did not recall the entire order but knew that Gaiketsu Institute of Miyagi prefecture went first and Minemine Institute of Gunma prefecture went last. The order of schools was the same for both days but the bands would start at ten tomorrow while the choirs started at one today. The final performance by Minemine Institute was at five on both days.

"There is the rest of our group."

Kurumu glanced over her shoulder at Mrs. Tomarigi's remark. Emerging from the woods on the only trail leading out of this clearing were the last four first year girls. The tallest girl of this group with the dark blue hair kept in a simple ponytail was Natsudera Sayuri from Tora's homeroom. She had attended junior high in Chirasu with the dark haired girl beside her. That was Akushita Natsume from first year class five.

The shortest girl in the choir was Dakuhime Mayumi, standing more than ten centimeters shorter than Kurumu. The tiny girl had her grayish locks braided about her head similar to Tora's style. She had gone to the junior high in Aserutani with the quiet girl at her side. That was Yokumoto Toshiko. Her sable hair stretched all the way down to her ankles.

"Move quickly, girls! The bus should be here any moment!"

As if answering Mrs. Tomarigi's summons, the roar of an engine sounded nearby. Kurumu turned her head as the bus careened out of the dark tunnel. It hurtled over to the bus stop in seconds, parking alongside the curb. The door was opened before the other girls arrived.

"Partner up girls. No need to take every seat."

Kurumu shivered as the enigmatic bus driver sauntered down the steps. The moment he was out on the curb, Mr. Nurari pulled a cigar out from the pocket of his black uniform. White gloves adorned his hands and a driver's cap rested upon his dark locks. He stuffed the end of the cigar in his thin lips, reaching into his pocket to pull out a silver lighter. His dark moustache flexed as he lit the end of the cigar.

"Um, Kurumu. Would you ride with me?"

Kurumu tore her gaze away from the bus driver, offering Kanari an apologetic smile.

"I should stick with Tora."

Mrs. Tomarigi laughed, draping an arm over the shoulder of the pouting girl.

"No worries, Ms. Bouzuki. This won't be a long drive."

Kurumu walked with Tora over to the bus, stopping behind the trio of Kichida, Sakibarai and Saiwakami. As the girls were boarding at a steady pace, it was only a few moments before it was Kurumu's turn. She hopped up the stairs in Kichida's wake.

Kurumu followed the senior to the back of the bus, noting Saiwakami was claiming the seat across from Okimune and Sangi for herself. As Sakibarai and Kichida were taking the left seat, Kurumu scooted over to the window in the next vacant seat on the bus driver's side. Tora took the aisle portion of the seat.

"I don't know why that guy bothered lighting up a cigar. This won't take long."

Kurumu smirked as she followed Tora's example of putting her schoolbag in her lap. The Umou sisters claimed the seat in front of Kichida while Mrs. Tomarigi and Kanari had the seat in front of Kurumu. In less than a minute, the remaining six girls had taken their seats.

"Bakufu Academy is the school hosting this event, right?"

"Mhm. In Tochigi prefecture. I'll need to get another yunomi."

Tora rolled her eyes as the bus driver clambered up the steps of the bus.

"You don't need more of those."

"I should get some sort of display case for them."

Kurumu's heart fluttered when she heard the bus door close. She would be in a completely different part of Japan soon. The bus started moving slowly as Mr. Nurari steered them about. She saw the scarecrow sign and the solitary tree as the driver corrected their direction. Then the bus started picking up speed as they approached the ocean and the final curve in the road before the tunnel.

It was only a few seconds before they were swallowed up in darkness. Kurumu held her breath, touching the window as she counted her heartbeats. She had not even reached thirty before there were bathed in light. The bus turned with a gradual curve as Kurumu's eyes adjusted to the new world.

There was a fantastic view on the other side of this guardrail. Forest spread out across the land below with a huge lake in the center. They were driving up the side of a mountain. She was glad to have picked this side of the bus as the view on the other side was a bland rocky face.

They drove for about a minute up this gradual ascent before they finally leveled off with a right hand turn. They started down the center lane of a parking lot as a similar bus passed by them in the opposite direction. A massive wall stood at the end of this lot, denying view of anything else.

The bus reached the end of the lane and turned to park alongside a curb. The bus driver opened up the door and beckoned to them.

"Hurry along. I have other choirs to fetch."

Kurumu snickered, getting up with the other girls. Tora waited for the girls in front to start towards the door before stepping out into the aisle. Kurumu followed the sphinx with the older girls on her heels. It only took a few moments for her to reach the front and start down the bus steps.

As Kurumu exited the bus, she marveled at the sheer size of the massive structure standing at the end of this paved walkway. Gold bars were mounted to the top of the gate and nearby walls, stretching up as far as she could see. These bars had a gradual inward curve and were connected by golden rings which glimmered in the sun. It reminded her of the silver lattice holding the glass panes of the Kurai dining hall.

"This place is a fortress."

"More like a birdcage."

Kurumu wondered if Zuri's observation was right as she drifted away from the bus to make room for the other girls. Tearing her gaze away from the impressive structure, she took note of the gathering in front of the gate. Several students wearing navy blazers were walking away from a podium where a lone dark haired woman stood. This woman wore the black uniform of Fairy Tale.

Nearly a dozen men garbed in Fairy Tale uniforms stood about the gate. None had colored tassels like the lady at the podium, indicating that she outranked them. One of the guards opened a small door cut into the massive gate as another guard escorted the students to the other side.

"Come along, girls. No point in dallying here."

Mrs. Tomarigi started off as Mr. Nurari closed the bus door. Kurumu managed a smile as the bus pulled away from the curb. She looked back to the gate as she followed the choir instructor.

"This is going to sound silly, but I would swear that other bus driver looked just like ours."

Kurumu smirked at Sangi's comment, withholding her tongue. Yukari had a strong suspicion that their mysterious bus driver was capable of being everywhere at all times.

"Has anyone been to this school before?"

"We haven't, Ms. Nazohashi."

Saiwakami nodded at Kichida's response.

"Last year this event was hosted by Kaisai Tech. Minemine Institute was the host the year before that."

Kaisai Tech was the main school for the Fukushima prefecture. Fairy Tale allowed every prefecture to have one main school though most prefectures had alternatives. Yokai Academy was in the Niigata prefecture which was also home to Mimori High in Watasora and Hisoshi High in Agano.

"This is the second time Bakufu Academy has hosted this competition since I became choir instructor. I believe Houjin High will be asked to host the next one, since they've only hosted this once in my tenure."

Kurumu noticed the teacher's gesture at the group disappearing through the gate. She had thought that group to be Houjin High, having seen students wearing uniforms with those colors at the fall concert.

"When will Yokai Academy be the host for this?"

"That is up to the elders of Mononoke. They refused the one time I tried to have it held there, declaring they lacked the ability to put up hundreds of students from other schools for a weekend. Their objection was fair, considering we struggle to have space for all of the family visiting during our cultural festival."

In moments they had closed the remaining distance to the podium. The lady looked them over with clear blue eyes. Her dark locks were trimmed in a stylish pixie cut.

"Which school are you from?"

"Yokai Academy."

"I assume that you are the one in charge. Do you have your paperwork?"

Mrs. Tomarigi stepped forward to present a sheet of paper. The lady snatched it up, looking it over.

"Do your students have photo identification?"

Mrs. Tomarigi frowned, glancing over the group.

"The invitation did not say that was required."

The woman gestured at a small structure off to their right. Two guards flanked a door.

"Any students lacking a photo ID will be provided one. Lord Tsuyodake prefers his guests to have passes that are tied to an identity. That is for your safety as much as it is for ours."

Mrs. Tomarigi giggled, turning to face them.

"None of you girls have an issue with being photographed?"

"You obviously don't."

Kurumu huffed at Tora's remark as other girls answered with indifference.

"I have a passport."

"You brought that?"

"In my purse."

"Listen up, children. I'm going to go down this list and you will provide me a photo ID or you will be sent to that office to get one. Your guest pass will be registered with your photo ID. It is in your best interest to keep your guest pass and photo ID on you at all times. The locals are encouraged to report outsiders without passes to the authorities. You will get arrested if you don't have your pass and photo ID. That means you won't get to go home. Nobody here wants that."

"A little dramatic."

Kurumu chuckled at Zuri's hushed remark.

"Not really. When I was in Yukimura, we were required to have passes when out in the public."

"My sister had to get a pass at most of the away games she played."

Sazayama's sister was a first year in class twelve. She played on the volleyball team.

"Keep the chatter to a minimum. I'm going down the list in its order. Akushita Natsume."

Akushita made her way to the podium, drawing the woman's attention.

"Do you have a photo ID?"

"Yes Ma'am."

"Hand it up."

Akushita nodded, fishing in her schoolbag. The action inspired Kurumu to do the same. She opened up her schoolbag and quickly found her purse among her spare clothes. She unzipped the lavender bag and pulled her passport out. She zipped her purse back up before taking her passport out of her schoolbag.

"Always keep this on you."

The woman presented Akushita a white card enclosed in clear plastic. The rectangle had a hole punched in it with a black cord fished through it. Akushita took the badge and stepped away from the podium.

"Amatsu Riki."

The blond stepped up to the podium, holding out a card to the lady. The woman took the card, jotting something down in a booklet. She pulled a similar badge from a white bin on the podium and wrote down more things in her booklet.

"You have a picture ID, right?"

Kanari nodded at Zuri's query.

"From junior high."

"Same here."

Tora showed Kurumu her identification. Kurumu smiled, seeing the marking for the Shinoda Junior High which Tora had attended.

"Ikeda Yui."

The second year nervously approached the podium, holding up a card. The woman snatched it out of the brunette's hand, glancing it over. She started writing in her booklet.

"I don't have a picture ID. Koutoukumo didn't bother doing that stuff."

Kurumu nodded at Zuri's declaration, watching the woman hand a badge to Ikeda. The lady made a shooing gesture as she finished her notes.

"Utachi Fumenko."

Utachi winced, stepping up to the podium.

"I didn't bring mine."

The lady favored the girl a dubious look.

"You have one but didn't bring it?"

"If the invitation had stated a need for photo identification, I would have told my girls."

The woman clucked her tongue at the choir teacher's explanation, gesturing at the office.

"Go in there, Ms. Utachi. They will take your picture and assign a badge to you. When you are finished, show it to me and I'll check you off the list."

Utachi nodded, stalking off in the direction of the office. The lady made a circle on their list.

"Umou Saezuri."

"My sister and I don't have picture IDs."

The woman frowned, glancing over the list.

"Sister? I only see one Umou on the list."

"That is my fault, Ma'am. Some of these girls aren't on that list."

The lady's frown deepened at Mrs. Tomarigi's admission.

"We can't just let random people inside our city."

"Ren is on Mr. Tagami's list."

"Then she can wait here until Mr. Tagami arrives."

"That's not possible, Ma'am. Our performance will be over before Mr. Tagami arrives with the rest of the band. Ren will be playing her flute for one of our songs."

The shy third year held up her flute case for the lady to see. The lady sighed, relaxing her shoulders. She made a dismissive gesture in the direction of the office.

"Fine. You two join the other girl in the office."

Ren bowed deeply, murmuring her thanks before following her sister.

"You implied that there are others in this group whom are not on the list."

"Technically I did list two unnamed guests on the bottom of the form. I wasn't told whom would be here for the newspaper club in time when I filled out our application."

"Do these guests have photo identification?"

"I do."

"Me too."

Kurumu grinned when Sangi held up a card.

"I'm guessing the junior high in Chirasu had them."

"Yea. Natsume and I both have ours."

Natsudera held up her own identification as proof.

"May as well get the guests out of the way. You two come up here."

Tora sounded an affirmative, stepping up to the podium. Okimune drifted over to Kurumu's side as Sangi joined Tora. The undine nudged Kurumu.

"It's always something."

Kurumu smiled softly at this girl whom often joked about being her sister. She wagged her passport.

"Do you have a picture ID?"

"Of course. I am the daughter of an important man."

Kurumu smirked, knowing that Okimune's father was one of six men running Umishiro. She turned her attention back to the podium as the woman handed off a badge to Tora. The lady gestured at Sangi whom surrendered her photo identification.

"I'm assuming that I will also need a badge."

The lady nodded at Mrs. Tomarigi's remark.

"Yes. I'll do yours next."

Kurumu glanced at the door to the office where the three harpies had gone. She wondered how long it would take for the girls to get their pictures taken.

The grumble of an engine caught her attention. She looked over her shoulder as a bus came into view at the far end of the lot.

"Your turn, Mrs. Tomarigi Kyouko."

As the choir teacher moved to present the lady her identification, Tora wandered over to rejoin Kurumu. The sphinx had her badge hanging by a cord about her neck. She gestured at the oncoming bus.

"I wonder which choir he is bringing next."

"There are six other schools attending this. Maybe it's Shinkan High."

"Which prefecture is that school from?"

Kurumu grinned at Tora, having asked this question just yesterday.

"Ibaraki."

The bus parked when the lady called for Okimune Hitsumi to come up. Kurumu's attention remained on the bus. Several students filtered off the vehicle, sporting pastel yellow blazers.

"Which school is that?"

Saiwakami giggled as more students shuffled off the bus. So far all of them were wearing skirts but that was not a surprise. Houjin High had only four of five guys in their choir.

"That's Gaiketsu Institute. Their choir instructor is a haughty bitch."

"Oso Kashiko."

"Present!"

Kurumu giggled with the other girls as the buxom harpy bounded over to the podium. The lady rolled her eyes, taking the girl's identification. She started writing in her booklet.

"Am I next on the list?"

"Depends on whom is speaking."

"Karasu Kuroko."

The lady set her pen aside to grab a badge from the bin.

"Yes, you are."

"We didn't have these fancy picture IDs in Uchimori."

The lady nodded, making a circle on her sheet before writing more.

"Then go to the office and get one."

Karasu chirped an affirmative, skipping off to the office. Kurumu frowned as Utachi wandered out of the door. The harpy politely held the door open for her senior.

"How did she know that she was next?"

Some girls snickered and Tora gave her a dubious look. Kanari smiled nervously with flush cheeks.

"It's the hiragana chart order."

Kurumu paused and laughed at her own lapse of awareness.

"Right. Guess that means you'll be at the end."

"Yea. Only P syllables come after B."

"Kawano Nagano."

"My junior high was in Umiman. Underwater city. We didn't have those things."

"That applies to me too. Should I wait for you to call my name?"

The lady sighed at the responses from the third year undines.

"What's your name?"

"Yanagisawa Kuheki."

The lady nodded, making circles on their list.

"Both of you go to the office. Kichida Sara."

Kichida nervously approached the podium as the undines wandered over to the office. The third year presented her card which the lady promptly took. As she wrote in her booklet, Utachi timidly made her way to the podium.

"Ma'am? You wanted to see this?"

The lady looked up as Utachi held a badge up with its black cord around her neck.

"You are Utachi Fumenko, right?"

When Utachi nodded, the lady made a shooing gesture. She resumed writing in her booklet.

The bus engine revved up, drawing Kurumu's attention away from the podium. The bus pulled away as the group started walking in their direction. All of them were wearing yellow blazers and navy skirts. She could not immediately tell which one of these women was the choir instructor.

"Kurono Kurumu."

Kurumu tore her attention away from the approaching throng. She pranced over to the podium, handing over the black booklet that Mrs. Shuzen had given her at the end of last year. The woman's blue eyes lit up with interest as she took the passport. She flipped it open and nodded.

"A passport? Don't see many of these. From Otoyo of Kochi prefecture. What are you doing here?"

Kurumu giggled, supposing that was a long way from here.

"My mother graduated from Yokai Academy."

The woman nodded, writing down in her booklet.

"Are we in Tochigi prefecture right now?"

The woman snorted a laugh, pulling a badge out of the bin.

"In a sense. This city exists above Mount Nantai."

The woman finished her notes, handing Kurumu her passport and a badge. Kurumu smiled, taking both.

"How do humans not see this? Illusion?"

"Spiritual plane, young lady."

"But that was the real world we saw as we drove up, right?"

"It's a one way view. Now move aside. Saiwakami Takara."

Kurumu smiled, drifting away from the podium. She wandered back to Tora's side, putting the badge around her neck like all of the others had done. With that finished, she slipped her passport back into her schoolbag.

Now that the other group was almost upon them, it was obvious which one was the instructor. The lady leading the group had a simple skirt unlike the other girls. The students' navy skirts had a soft blue tartan pattern with the dark navy.

"Well, well. If it isn't the harpy."

"Morning, Ms. Kumokaze."

The regal woman puffed up at the formal address. Her sky blue hair fell down to her chin in waves with her bangs pushed to the sides of her narrow face. Her almond shaped eyes had a silver hue.

"Morning, Mrs. Tomarigi. Rumors about your school are not kind."

"They never are."

"Sakibarai Amabyo."

Both women glanced at the lady standing at the podium. The scruffy haired third year scampered over to the podium, presenting her identification. The Umou sisters were wandering over to the podium with their badges about their necks.

"Rumor is that Headmaster Sugahara of Hisoshi High might petition for prefectural status next year. This could be the last time we see of each other."

Mrs. Tomarigi smiled at Ms. Kumokaze.

"What a shame that would be. But rumors of Yokai Academy losing prefectural status have been around since I took this job. I've learned to pay them little attention."

The regal woman snapped her tongue, looking over the Yokai Academy choir.

"You still haven't broken thirty."

"Quality over quantity."

"You say that every year. You need to take this seriously."

"I'm not going to force students to join my choir."

"Nobody is telling you to do that. My girls join this program out of respect. That's how it works in every school. Except yours."

"I work with what I can get."

"I have you and your sister, Ms. Umou. Next is Sazayama Megumi."

"I don't have a picture ID."

Ms. Kumokaze stared at Mrs. Tomarigi whom managed a weak smile. The big girl hurried off to the office as the lady moved down the list.

"Tadayo Korogi."

"I never know if I should feel sorry for you working at that school. Any other prefectural school wouldn't consider hiring a harpy for this position."

"Harpies aren't banned from competitions."

"I'm aware of that. I have two lovely songbirds of my own."

Ms. Kumokaze gestured to her group and two buxom girls managed meek smiles. One had shaggy, shoulder length auburn curls. The other had her raven tresses pulled back in a high ponytail.

"You just have to keep them on a tight leash since your kind obsesses over mating."

"You seem to have no issue insulting them."

The woman turned her gaze upon Kurumu. Kurumu stood firmly without flinching, staring back at the woman. She could sense what this woman was without invading her mind. A pureblood sylph.

"This one is curious. Not a harpy and I've never seen a gyokuto with blue hair. Are you so desperate for members that you are bringing in monstrels?"

"She's a succubus."

Ms. Kumokaze perked up at Zuri's declaration as the Umou sisters joined their group. The rival choir teacher regarded Mrs. Tomarigi sternly.

"You do realize that I will have to say something if your little band of misfits ranks too well. There are male judges in this competition."

Kurumu shivered at the accusation. The thought of cheating had not even crossed her mind and it was an ignorant remark. She could influence both genders but this woman clearly believed the mainstream lie that succubi were just whores using sexual guile to make men do as they please.

"I will keep that in mind, Ms. Kumokaze."

"Tadayo Hotaru."

"What is this lady upset about?"

Kurumu laughed at Zuri's confusion. She waved a hand dismissively.

"Nothing important. How did your picture turn out?"

"Have a look."

Zuri proudly presented her badge which included her photo. The girl had blown a kiss at the camera.

"Were you flirting with the cameraman?"

Zuri grinned, nudging her sister's arm.

"He was a handsome tengu. Ren should have at least smiled for him."

Ren glanced aside with a shrug.

"Whatever. It doesn't matter."

"Is this a choir or a breeding ground?"

Several girls giggled at the comment from a tall girl with greenish blond hair styled in twin tails.

"Quiet girls."

The sharp gesture from Ms. Kumokaze silenced their mirth.

"Yes. Keep that annoying chatter down. Chousei Akiko."

Kurumu managed a smile as the sprite hurried over to the podium with her identification in hand. They still had about a third of the choir to go and she had no desire to remain with these rival school girls. She realized that Maruyuchi must have preemptively walked over to the office since the big girl was missing. Karasu strolled out of the office with a badge dangling from her neck.

"We should talk about something else. How is your family?"

Mrs. Tomarigi laughed softly. The rival instructor had lowered her volume considerably.

"Fine. The girls are a handful but they are getting older."

"Any plans to have another?"

"Not in the slightest. Maybe if I forget how troublesome babies and toddlers are, I will have a third. You should try dating again."

The regal woman stiffened up.

"No. It's still too soon."

"It's been seven years, Kiri."

Ms. Kumokaze eyes became colder.

"New subject. You had Houjin High over for your fall fun. How are they?"

Mrs. Tomarigi smiled warmly.

"Nothing for you to worry about. Are you upset that Ms. Toushahari gave you first slot?"

"It is vexing that Ms. Yureoka has the last slot. Nobody should get the last slot three years in a row."

"I wholeheartedly agree. While it isn't unusual for the host to put themselves at the end, I'm surprised that Ms. Toushahari gave the last slot to Minemine Institute. She should have put them first, especially with how lucky they got with Ms. Aburu's randomized order last year."

Ms. Kumokaze laughed sincerely.

"You have to give her credit. In all of my years, I've never seen a host take second slot."

"Thank you, Ms. Karasu. Natsudera Sayuri."

The regal woman sighed, looking at the podium as Natsudera approached it.

"The Kanto region schools have enough advantages in this competition as is. Most of our judges are from that region and have a predisposition towards those schools."

Mrs. Tomarigi nodded in agreement.

"I only hope that we get mentioned. In all of my years, we haven't even placed."

"You can only blame the judges so much for your shortcomings. You need to be more active with your junior highs if you want your choir to improve."

"Easier said than done. The barrier around Mononoke-"

"I've heard your excuses before and I don't care. Your girls deserve more from you."

"Hey dummy. Go get your picture taken."

Kurumu had to laugh at Karasu's random comment. The harpy thumbed in the direction of the office, prompting a scowling Hayabusa to walk off from the group.

"Noboto Setsuwa."

Noboto pranced over to the podium, presenting her identification card as Natsudera sauntered off. The woman promptly took it and started jotting in her booklet. Movement drew Kurumu's attention to the office as the undine third years strolled out. Both walked leisurely towards the podium.

"I'm curious but where did they put your school?"

"What do you mean?"

Ms. Kumokaze smiled thinly at their instructor.

"Lodging. When I tried reserving rooms, the Tobikiri was already at no vacancy. I was able to get our choir into the Yasumu Shashi but our band had to stay at the Usagi no Tsuki."

"Both our band and choir are staying at the Gin Ireko."

"The Gin Ireko? I haven't heard of that place."

"All three of those hotels were booked so I asked Ms. Toushahari what I could do. It's a smaller venue. Bed and breakfast. We almost have every room there with just our students."

"Kind of her to help you out like that."

Mrs. Tomarigi chuckled nervously.

"Actually it was more expensive than the hotels. We're over budget but Mr. Tagami is covering that out of his own pocket."

"Hayabusa Rei."

Kurumu turned her attention back to the podium as the lady was shooing off Noboto. By the way the undines were wandering off, Kurumu surmised that they were also accounted for.

"She's in the office."

The lady glanced up at Karasu whom pointed at the office. The woman nodded, making a circle.

"Maruyuchi Fushiko."

"Also in the office."

"Okay then. I already have Yanagisawa. Next is Yokumoto Toshiko."

The quiet, long haired girl floated over to the podium, holding up her identification with both hands as if presenting an offering. The lady favored the girl an odd look before taking the card.

The low grumble of an engine sounded behind them. Kurumu glanced over her shoulder as another bus came into view, making its way steadily across the lot. The vehicle eventually parked alongside the curb. Moments later, students wearing crimson blazers and black skirts poured out.

"Looks like Kaisai Tech has arrived."

Mrs. Tomarigi giggled nervously.

"I need to get out of here quickly before both of you scold me over my laziness."

"Dakuhime Mayumi."

Kurumu smiled as the tiny girl approached the podium, brandishing her card.

"Now I'm curious what Dakuhime's junior high picture looks like."

"Can you imagine her being any tinier?"

"I can hear you!"

Kurumu giggled with the other girls at the response to Zuri's remark. The lady at the podium made marks in her booklet, reaching into the bin for another badge.

"Ms. Sazayama. How many of our girls are in the office?"

Sazayama lumbered over to their group.

"Just Ms. Hayabusa and Fushiko."

"Over here, Ms. Sazayama. I need to at least look at your badge."

"Ladies, listen up. Take your school IDs out now. That will make things go faster."

The girls of Gaiketsu Institute sounded an affirmative to Ms. Kumokaze's instruction. The girls started fishing in their schoolbags for their IDs. In the distance, the crowd by the parked bus continued to grow. A tall figure wearing black slacks and a short sleeved, crimson shirt appeared to be addressing the group. This figure had bouncy garnet curls reaching the small of the back.

"Is that Ms. Aburu?"

Saiwakami peered in the direction Kurumu pointed before nodding.

"Mhm. She's fun but can have a sharp tongue."

"Thank you, Ms. Sazayama. Last on the list is Bouzuki Kanari."

Kanari tiptoed over to the podium with her junior high identification card, meekly presenting it to the lady. The woman snatched it up and made quick notes in her booklet as Maruyuchi shuffled out of the office with a badge around her neck. As the big girl walked towards the podium, the sound of an engine heralded the vehicle's departure. The students of Kaisai Tech started towards them at a brisk pace.

"Looks like I won't escape without a greeting."

Ms. Kumokaze smirked at Mrs. Tomarigi's remark.

"Maybe if you talked some sense into your school to provide student IDs you would get through this process faster. You had the same issue in Hamanigahara."

That community was where Minemine Institute was located. The three seniors in the suites below Yukari and Chouda were planning to reside there while attending Kanto Gakuen University.

"Not every town with a school in this competition requires such things. That includes your Shiroashi."

"But half of them do. And things might change for the Tohoku region schools now that we have a new Fairy Tale region commander."

"What are the two of you bickering about?"

Ms. Kumokaze turned at the comment from the lady moving swiftly to join them. Emerald green eyes sparkled as she closed the remaining distance with her students following in her wake.

"Morning, Ms. Aburu. I was telling Mrs. Tomarigi that she needs her school to invest in student IDs."

"Pestering her over nothing. You and I both know that Yokai Academy won't start doing that unless their athletics programs need it. Take your complaint up with whomever is in charge of the Chubu region."

Mrs. Tomarigi smiled thinly, nodding at the woman.

"Morning, Ms. Aburu."

"Hello, dearie. Looks like you're still struggling to fill a bus."

"Quality over quantity."

Ms. Aburu clucked her tongue with a shake of her head.

"Presentation, my darling. Judges are impressed with large choirs filled with young men and women."

"I don't see any men in your group."

Ms. Aburu grinned at Ms. Kumokaze's gruff observation.

"They will arrive with my assistant on the second bus. I see that your man hating days persist."

"I would accept boys into my choir if they took singing serious. The ones that try to join only want to fool around with my girls."

Ms. Aburu waved her hand dismissively with a roll of her eyes.

"What do you expect from high school boys? Of course they will flirt."

"Mrs. Tomarigi. Come over here for your paperwork."

Their choir instructor grinned at the call from the lady at the podium. Hayabusa pranced away from the woman's station with a badge dangling from her neck. The lady wagged the sheet of paper.

"That is my cue. I'll see you at the school."

"Yes. And we must have a drink afterwards."

"Find us a place and I'll be there."

Mrs. Tomarigi hurried over to fetch the sheet from the lady. The woman gestured to the guards.

"Take your group through the gate."

"This way, girls."

Mrs. Tomarigi started walking quickly towards the men flanking the door cut into the gate. As Kurumu joined the exodus, the lady suddenly called out.

"And welcome to Doufuushakai."

---

"Here we are. Bakufu Academy."

Kurumu looked in awe upon the structure as the open air bus trundled across the parking lot.

Castle. That was the most fitting word for what she saw over the cobblestone perimeter wall. The gray stone structure had towers, parapets, peaked windows and black tiled roofs topped with poles bearing black and silver flags. It was massive like the front gate. Intimidating and powerful.

"Is that a school?"

Tora chuckled softly as their vehicle approached the end of the lot.

"Your guess is as good as mine."

Kurumu clutched the strap of her schoolbag. Though they had checked in at the hotel, Mrs. Tomarigi had encouraged them to take their things. It would be hours before they returned to their rooms.

Their hotel was in the heart of the town which was nowhere near the city gate or the school. This was not unusual, considering Yokai Academy was over an hour walk from Mononoke and Touge Tech of the Kumamoto prefecture was also far from the town of Iromori. Doufuushakai was slightly different since the Fairy Tale office, hospital and two of the hotels had been right on the other side of that massive gate. It made things convenient for guests whom had no business with the actual town.

The bus parked alongside the curb. A paved walkway continued on to a courtyard with a pool of water in the middle. A statue of a samurai stood in the center, sputtering water from its nose. The statue faced a domed building. A dozen three story buildings surrounded the domed structure.

"Thank you for the ride. Off the bus, girls."

Mrs. Tomarigi moved into the aisle, prompting Kurumu and the rest of the students to stand up. The choir teacher stepped down on the curb, strolling towards the courtyard. Kurumu followed Tora down the aisle and off the bus, staying with the group.

Kurumu breathed in deep as they neared the courtyard, enjoying the crispness of the cool air. She had not seen a single tree in this place but the landscape was not flat. Even without the dour structures, there were several natural rock formations obstructing her distant view. If Zuri was right about this place being a birdcage, the bars overhead were too high to be seen.

All of these three story buildings on their left were the same. Winged stone gargoyles were perched on the corners of the roofs. Every window had black iron bars mounted to the exterior. The spacing of the windows suggested small rooms. These buildings only appeared to have one entrance in the center of the side facing the domed structure in the middle.

"Dormitories."

Tora nodded at Kurumu's assessment. The sphinx gestured at the domed structure.

"That's probably their dining hall."

Kurumu had to appreciate the proximity of everything. There was more than one set of double doors for that building, one of which faced the fountain. They were close enough for Kurumu to realize that the face of the statue resembled the tengu from folklore. Water shot out from the tip of the long nose.

"This way."

Mrs. Tomarigi gestured to the arched opening in the perimeter wall. The iron points of a gate peeked out from the top of the opening. Kurumu shook her head in disbelief as they neared the entrance.

"The only things this is missing is a moat and a drawbridge."

Zuri cackled, flashing Kurumu a wide grin.

"I know. I wonder if they have guards wearing suits of armor."

Kurumu smirked as they passed through the entrance. There was no grass on this side of the perimeter wall. The ground was entirely covered with bricks of different shades of gray.

"Hey, Ren. Were the other prefectural schools like this?"

The older girl managed a smile as they approached a huge wooden door with black metal bands.

"Kaisai Tech was a fairly normal school. It would be hard to describe Minemine Institute. The whole city of Hamanigahara is underground."

"That's different from what I expected."

Sangi grinned, holding her camera with its strap about her neck.

"Underground towns aren't unusual though. Chirasu is underground."

Kurumu was shocked by this revelation. She had known that Chirasu was a compact town with all of the amenities that humans enjoyed. She had never expected it to be underground.

"Come on, Kurumu."

Kurumu nodded dumbly at Tora as the sphinx steered her through the open door. A massive foyer was on the other side. Rows of open shelves made aisles much like the arrangement at Yokai Academy. Kurumu followed the others, stopping to remove her loafers and place them in an empty cubby.

There were no stairs visible in this open space. Black doors were on each of the flanking walls and there was a kiosk in the center of the space. The choir teacher walked purposefully towards the kiosk. It was a square enclosure formed by a counter with a glossy black marble top.

Three guys and two girls were standing inside the kiosk. The boys had short black hair while both girls had their black hair pulled back in ponytails. All of them wore silver blazers. The guys had black slacks and the girls had pleated black skirts with a gray zigzag pattern. The tallest of the guys with a crew cut perked up at their approach.

"Welcome! I am Suzuki Haruto, the student council vice president of Bakufu Academy. Are you here for the Fukushima Performing Arts Invitational?"

Mrs. Tomarigi nodded, coming to a stop at the kiosk.

"We are the choir from Yokai Academy."

"Very good. Do you need a map of the campus?"

"Yes, please. I'll need five."

The young man nodded, reaching below the counter. He brought up a small stack of papers.

"Do you need schedules for the event?"

"No. My girls have schedules."

The young man smiled, pushing five papers across the counter.

"The cafeteria will be closed this weekend. Your complimentary meals will be served in the dining hall. That is the central building on the other side of the fountain."

Mrs. Tomarigi swept up the maps and nodded at the young man.

"Thank you, Mr. Suzuki. Over here, girls."

Mrs. Tomarigi motioned for them to follow as she moved several paces away from the kiosk.

"I want all of you to remain with your groups. Ms. Tadayo."

Both of the sisters stepped forward, causing the older girl to giggle. She gestured for her sister to take the map from the choir teacher. Their group was the same as their hotel room since their missing two roommates were from the band. Hotaru took the map with a nervous smile, stepping aside.

"Ms. Sazayama."

The big girl stepped forward to take a map. The eight girls in her room had been split up with a pair going to each of the new groups.

"Ms. Saiwakami."

The former club president had the smallest group since the hotel room that she shared with the older harpies was missing Miyazaki. Snatching up the map, Saiwakami gestured for the third year undines and her juniors from Tsunan to join her.

"We should eat our meal now."

"Before you leave, I must remind you that we need to report to the choir room a half hour before our performance. That means we have a little more than two hours to spare."

"Can we watch the other choirs?"

Mrs. Tomarigi chuckled at Kanari's query. The choir teacher tapped the watch on her wrist.

"We certainly can but it's not even noon. I suggest familiarizing ourselves with the school and having our free meal to pass the time."

"Okay, Mrs. Tomarigi. See you then."

The choir teacher nodded as Saiwakami took off with her group.

"Ms. Kichida."

The dark haired third year stepped up to take the map.

"We're also off to the dining hall."

Sazayama waved at the rest of her group, starting off with Maruyuchi at her side. Noboto giggled as she skipped over to the thick girls.

"Maybe there will be some hot guys on the menu."

"Behave yourself."

Karasu snickered as she walked alongside Oso and Hayabusa.

"When has she ever?"

"Okay then. I'm in no hurry for the meal. If you girls are fine with it, I would like to check out the choir room and the stage. It's been years since I've been here."

The girls in Mrs. Tomarigi's group sounded an affirmative, falling in step with the choir teacher. Half of Kurumu's hotel room was in that group which also included Amatsu and Ikeda. She exchanged waves with Kanari as the girl departed.

"What would you like to do?"

Kurumu shrugged at Kichida's question as the girl wandered over to them with Sakibarai on her heels.

"I guess whatever makes sense for Tora's article."

Sangi chuckled, brandishing her camera.

"Just tell me what I need to take pictures of."

Tora nodded, glancing about the spacious foyer.

"The article should be about the choirs and bands but pictures of the environment might be useful."

"I can always take them and you can decide what you use later."

"Do you have any preferences of where to go?"

Okimune smiled at Kurumu, shaking her head.

"I'm fine just following the group."

"Probably should eat soon. I don't want to sing on a full stomach."

Kichida huffed at Sakibarai's remark.

"If we eat now, you'll be complaining about your stomach being empty when it's time to sing."

"I'm not going to be hungry again in two hours."

Kurumu giggled as a thought popped in her head.

"Do they have a school store?"

Kichida unfolded the campus map and glanced it over.

"They do. It's actually right here."

Kichida turned about and pointed at one of the black doors.

"We can pop in there and take a quick look about."

"Well we are going to head to the choir room."

Korogi nodded at her sister's declaration.

"Yea. We'll see you later."

Kurumu sounded a farewell, beckoning for her group to follow her as she started off. The Tadayo sisters' group walked off in the same direction as Mrs. Tomarigi's group as Kurumu reached the door. She tugged the door open, waiting for the other girls to enter before slipping inside.

Like the foyer, the store was cavernous. Stained glass windows lined the far wall. The bottom of the black framing that held the colored glass panes was easily twice Kurumu's height off the floor. Lights hung down from the sloped ceiling high above them.

Tearing her eyes off the structure, Kurumu noted the carousels of school clothes. Everything from the fancy silver blazers to the pleated skirts was hung up. They also had some casual clothes. Silver hooded sweatshirts and sweatpants. Silver and black track suits. White tee shirts and black spandex shorts. The selection of attire was similar to what their school store had though the colors were different.

"This is spread out more but doesn't look any different than our school store."

Kurumu nodded at Kichida's observation. This store also had aisle laden with school paraphernalia. She wandered over to pick up one of the mugs with the school logo on it.

"Do you think they have a yunomi for the prefecture?"

Tora snickered as Kurumu returned the mug to the shelf.

"Should have known that was your motive."

Kurumu smiled as she continued perusing the shelves. All of the souvenir like baubles had the school's logo on it. Nothing hinted at them being in Tochigi. She sighed as the items became more mundane. Simple notebooks and packets of paper. Mechanical pencils. Standard school supplies. They even had nifty silver schoolbags here with the school logo etched into the top flap.

"Should I take a picture in here?"

"No point. Even if I mentioned this school store, I'd just say it was like ours."

"Can we leave? This is just boring."

Kurumu sighed at Sakibarai's complaint.

"I guess. Maybe we can try souvenir shopping in the town tomorrow."

Kurumu followed the other girls to another door which was closer to the checkout counter. A pudgy dark haired man garbed in a silver polo and black slacks stood by the register. Kichida pushed open the door for them with Sangi strolling out of the stoor first.

"What kind of souvenir shopping are you wanting to do?"

Kurumu grinned at Kichida, drifting out of the store on Tora's heels. Kichida wandered after them, letting the door close on its own.

"I'm trying to collect yunomi for every prefecture I've set foot in."

"Does this even count? It is the spiritual plane."

Kurumu pouted at Sangi's remark.

"We are above a mountain in Tochigi. We could see it."

"I wouldn't count on this town having a yunomi that matches your collection. I would bet that all of the ones you have thus far have been bought from human stores."

Kurumu sighed at Tora's logic.

"I still want to walk about the town tomorrow. It's not like I've been in that many monster towns."

"Should we check out the choir room next?"

Kichida gestured off to her right while holding the map. Kurumu shrugged nonchalantly.

"Sure. Why not?"

The other girls echoed Kurumu's indifference but Sakibarai groaned.

"And let me die from starvation."

"You are not dying any time soon. This way."

Kurumu giggled, following Kichida down the cavernous chamber towards the arches at the end of the room. Their socks padded quietly upon the stone floor. Kurumu could only imagine how noisy this foyer would have been with a bunch of students wearing thick soled slippers.

Right before they reached the arches, Kurumu noticed an opening on her left which was for a flight of stairs. Surmising that those went up to an upper hallway, Kurumu passed beneath the arches into a hallway that ran in both directions. Kichida turned to the left, walking briskly to the end of this hall.

The black doors in front of them were flanked by a white sign with black letters. That was the library. The hall turned right, flanked by stone walls. Black iron sconces were mounted to the walls. The white bulbs pushed back the shadows as they headed deeper into the school.

The first door they passed by on the right had a sign identifying it as the disciplinary room. The next left side door was also for the library. Kurumu could tell that these rooms were large as it was several paces before they reached the next door on the right which was for the nurse while the next door on the left was for the art room.

Kichida stopped when they reached an intersecting corridor. To the left of them was a flight of stairs while the corridor on the right ended in a set of double doors. Kichida gestured at the doors.

"That should be the auditorium. The choir room is further down."

Kichida resumed their trek down this hallway. The first set of doors came soon. The one on the right was labeled for the band while the left door was for home economics. There was a sign placed in the middle of this hall with a big arrow pointing to the right. The hallway continued on but it was obvious that sign was pointing to their destination.

The next set of doors came before the sign. They were the same as the last set which was not surprising since the band and home economics rooms usually were big. Chatter from many girls was spilling out of the open door on the right. Kurumu glanced at the door on the left, reading the sign. She guessed that this textiles room would be like Yokai Academy's sewing room.

"Should we go in?"

Kichida strolled through the open door without answering Sangi's question. Kurumu chuckled, noting the sign by the open door confirmed that this was the choir room. She followed Kichida inside.

This room felt dark. It was a big room and the only lights were mounted to the walls. A piano was set to the side and a music stand was facing a three tiered riser. Dozens of girls and some guys were standing on the riser while a guy was at the piano. All of them were wearing the navy blazers of Houjin High.

The Tadayo sisters were by the music stand, chatting with a tall woman garbed in a short sleeved white blouse and black skirt. That was the Houjin High choir teacher. Her fine blond tresses curled shy of her shoulders and her eyes were a bright emerald hue.

"Chousei!"

Kurumu waved to catch the attention of the other Yokai Academy girls. The twin tailed girl turned and smiled as Kurumu approached with the rest of their group.

"Did you see Mrs. Tomarigi?"

Chousei nodded, gesturing at the open door.

"Her group went into the auditorium a short while ago."

"She was in a hurry to chat with Ms. Chiruhana."

Kurumu smiled at the Houjin High instructor's addition.

"I'm guessing that is another school's choir teacher."

"Shinkan High. If you girls don't mind stepping out, I would like to do some quick exercises."

"Sure thing, Ms. Kangai. Come on."

Korogi gestured for them to follow her as she retreated. Kurumu nodded at the woman before skipping back to Tora's side. In moments both of their groups were back out in the hallway.

"I haven't seen any classrooms."

Tora nodded at Sangi's remark.

"Maybe they are on the other side of the school?"

"We should check out the auditorium."

The girls sounded their agreement with Kichida's suggestion, following the third year down the hall. In seconds they were back to the small corridor, turning left towards the double doors. Kichida reached the doors first, tugging one open to allow the rest of the group to pass through.

Once again, Kurumu was astonished by the enormity of this place. The auditorium was huge. Way up on the walls overhead were arched stain glass windows which looked outright inaccessible to any person incapable of flying.

Her eyes trailed down the wall, spying a balcony which started at a double door above the double door across this chamber. This balcony swept off to the right, reaching the wall on her right. But this wall was not as tall as the chamber. Instead the railing of the balcony turned, running atop this wall with a series of bleachers rising up to a back wall even further away. That high far back wall had more doors to exit this gymnasium and the wall continued further up with arched stain glass windows above.

"There is our teacher."

Kurumu tore her gaze away from the impressive bleachers. Standing off to their left in front of a raised stage was a gathering of students in orange blazers. Most were girls with pleated, dark green skirts but a few boys stood in their ranks with green slacks. Mrs. Tomarigi was chatting with a tall woman garbed in a yellow blouse and a black hoop skirt. Teal curls spilled down her slender frame.

Kurumu shuffled slowly towards their teacher, casting a glance at the wall below the bleachers. There were four black doors spaced along that wall. She wagged a finger at them.

"Do you think those are to the locker rooms?"

Tora glanced in the direction where she indicated. She nodded without breaking stride.

"Most likely. At least one of those doors is for storage."

Kurumu turned her attention back on the group they were approaching. She smiled upon seeing Kanari wave, quickly returning her own.

"-will be our last year with Ms. Amatsu. She joined the student council."

The lady touched the swell of her bosom, glancing with her pink eyes from Mrs. Tomarigi to Amatsu.

"Surely your school would allow her to remain in your club."

"It's considered a conflict of interest."

"I can't pretend like those rules don't also exist for us. I lost our next team captain to that last year."

"Mingling with the enemy?"

Mrs. Tomarigi giggled at Korogi's accusation.

"Hardly. These are more of my first year girls. Ms. Natsudera whom is a welcome addition to my alto section. Ms. Akushita whom is a true soprano."

Their choir teacher gestured to Utachi when Zuri nudged her.

"Ms. Utachi whom is another strong voice. Ms. Chousei and our newest addition, Ms. Kurono."

Kurumu bowed her head slightly, murmuring an obligatory greeting.

"This is Chiruhana Aya of Sanken High."

"Such kindness. I would extend that to yourself if I did not have so many new faces in my choir."

Mrs. Tomarigi tittered, waving a dismissive hand.

"No worries. One of the benefits of working with a small choir."

"Damn that girl is sexy."

Kurumu blushed, knowing that remark from the guy with his black locks styled in faux hawk was directed upon her. The scruffy haired guy beside him had clear blue eyes and was also appraising her looks.

"Ryo. Mind your manners."

Several girls giggled at their teacher's admonishment. One girl with braided, pink twin tails and bright green eyes gestured at Kurumu.

"But she is pretty. Is she your cousin?"

Okimune giggled at the directed question.

"No, though I get asked that often."

"What hotel are you in?"

Okimune grinned at the inquisitive girl.

"The Gin Ireko."

"Where is that?"

Okimune laughed, making a dismissive gesture.

"It's in town. Have you checked into your hotel yet?"

Ms. Chiruhana laughed abruptly.

"Heavens no. We literally came straight here after getting through the gate. Took forever."

"I imagine so. How many do you have this year?"

"Fifty three but half of them are first years. We will see if this works."

"What do you mean by that?"

Mrs. Tomarigi smiled at Kurumu's confusion, gesturing at their rivals.

"Normally Aya only brings her upperclassmen to this competition."

"And if I had done that, I would have a smaller choir than you. You know how judges can be."

"Ms. Aburu has lectured me plenty of times over that."

Ms. Chiruhana smiled softly.

"I'm going into this with very low expectations. We picked fun songs so we will at least enjoy ourselves if we are criticized too heavily over our inexperience."

"How big is your school?"

Ms. Chiruhana glanced at Sangi whom was aiming her camera at the group.

"And you are?"

"Sangi Mitsuki. I'm helping Ms. Nazohashi do an article on this concert for our school paper."

Tora bowed slightly when Sangi nodded in her direction.

"That's nice. Perhaps Kyouko hasn't told you that Yokai Academy was invited to this competition because your school is about the same size as all of the other participants."

Kurumu balked at that revelation.

"No way. This place is huge."

The pink haired girl laughed.

"Bakufu Academy is the smallest Kanto region prefectural school. The only school in this competition with lower enrollment is Houjin High."

Ms. Chiruhana giggled.

"Now you're just confusing her, Ms. Umeki. Bakufu Academy also includes the largest junior high of Tochigi prefecture."

Kurumu's eyes lit up with understanding.

"Now that makes more sense. Touge Tech of Iromori has the same thing."

"Touge Tech?"

Kurumu grinned at the woman's confused expression.

"It's the prefectural school of Kumamoto."

"Why would you know that?"

"I have a friend in Iromori."

Ms. Chiruhana nodded thoughtfully.

"Yokai Academy does have a reputation of bringing students in from other prefectures. We don't have much of that in Sanken High."

"How do you end up with over fifty students in choir if you don't have more students?"

The woman giggled at Sangi's query.

"It might surprise you but many prefectural schools require students to participate in a competitive club. So someone like yourself would also have to be in a club that is recognized competitively."

"It's something all of the other prefectural schools in this competition have in place. I've often informed Ms. Aburu and Ms. Kumokaze that our school policy is different but they ignore that."

"It wouldn't be a bad thing for Yokai Academy to require that. Many blame idle hands for the high death rate reported by your school."

Mrs. Tomarigi sighed, placing a hand on her bosom.

"I am but a humble choir teacher. It is not my place to demand for those policy changes."

"I won't harass you over things beyond your control. I do look forward to your performance."

"As do I. We should probably head over to the dining hall. Are you sure that you won't join us?"

Ms. Chiruhana waved a dismissive hand.

"No. I want my kids to sing a little in the auditorium first. Get a feel for the acoustics."

"Then I shall see you later. This way, girls."

Mrs. Tomarigi motioned for them to follow as she started walking purposefully for the door across the auditorium. Kurumu was mildly confused at this decision but remained quiet. It only took a few seconds for the teacher to reach the door. She pushed one of the doors open, standing in the swing to keep it ajar for the rest of them to pass through.

Kurumu flashed Kanari a grin as she walked into a short corridor. This short corridor was intersected by a wider one before continuing on to a stair. They stopped at the intersection, waiting for the rest of the group. The doors to the left had signs with the numbers 1-9 and 1-10. The doors to the right had signs with the numbers 1-7 and 1-8. The doors with the odd numbers were on the side of the gym.

"I wonder where the cafeteria is."

Kichida held up her map and gestured in the direction of the higher number classrooms.

"It is way back there behind the stage."

"Come along girls. No reason to linger here."

Several girls laughed at Mrs. Tomarigi's statement as the choir teacher started walking down the hall with the numbers to the doors diminishing. Kurumu fell in step with Tora on one side of her and Kanari on the other. Sangi, Amatsu, Ikeda and Okimune shuffled slightly ahead of them.

"It feels surreal being in another school like this."

"Why do you think that?"

"It's just… different. Like I wonder how school life here is."

"Probably more peaceful."

Amatsu chuckled at Okimune's sentiment.

"True. Yokai Academy has one of the worst reputations."

"Because they allow monstrels to attend high school."

Kurumu frowned at Ikeda's comment.

"I'm sure that monstrels can go to high school."

Amatsu laughed brightly.

"I'm certain they can. How else could they threaten to make Hisoshi High the prefectural school? It's not like that school is as pureblood focused as Mimori High."

Mrs. Tomarigi sighed heavily as they reached the end of the hall. She turned right, heading towards the arches that preceded the main foyer.

"Attending high school isn't the issue. The problem is monstrels are often banned from competitions. So schools with policies in place that force students to be in competitive clubs don't allow monstrels."

"But our band has several monstrels."

"The restrictions against monstrels competing in performing arts were removed back in 99 but not many prefectural schools have changed their enrollment policies. Houjin High is one of the exceptions."

Kurumu nodded thoughtfully as they turned left, passing under the archers to enter the huge foyer. As they walked steadily across the foyer, she noticed the five students gathered at the kiosk. They were laughing and chatting with themselves.

"Still I can't help but wonder. Every school must have exceptional students. They probably have a fashion queen like Herikuda and a valedictorian like Horie. Someone as infamous as Bouncy Bunny Haneru and athletic like Kurukaze."

"Are you just listing the girls that placed high in the popularity contest?"

Kurumu pouted at Tora, unable to deny that.

"I'm just saying that every school has people like that. Doesn't it make you wonder?"

"I just wonder why my dear cousin didn't make your list."

Kurumu smirked, thinking about Odayakana Suteki. Okimune's cousin had been the president of the Sadou club and had taken the college entrance exam.

"Your cousin is dead to me. She refused to attend a college in Okinawa."

"I heard about that. She doesn't want to be that far away from home."

"What did she need to go to a college in Okinawa?"

Kurumu smiled at Kanari's confusion as they stopped by the shelves to fetch their shoes. She thought about the young siren whom had been in charge of the newspaper club the year before Ginei took it over. The girl was working at a hotel in Okinawa, far from everyone else.

"I just wanted Otonashi to have company."

Sangi chuckled, wiggling her feet into her shoes.

"I think you worry too much about Lady Otonashi. She's a tough cookie."

Sangi was right about that.

---

"Our next performance will be from the Yokai Academy choir, led by Mrs. Tomarigi."

Kurumu's heart fluttered, standing in line inside this short corridor which connected the choir and band rooms to the stage. She glanced down the corridor, noting Ikeda at the very end. The first three girls of their choir were up on a short flight of stairs with Mrs. Tomarigi.

Ikeda started up the stairs, disappearing from sight. This prompted the rest of their line to slowly move with Amatsu following her roommate up the stairs. Oso was next with Utachi behind her. Then it was Hayabusa with Karasu being the last girl in their top row.

Kurumu kept up with Kichida whom was the last girl in the second row. Since Kurumu was the second shortest girl in the choir, she was on the end of the front row. Behind her was Yokumoto and Sakibarai. None of them were altos but they would sing the alto parts.

Umou started up the stairs and then it was Akushita's turn. Kurumu took in a deep breath when Kichida went next, following the older girl up the three steps. They came up into a shadowed area and moved towards the three tiered riser standing in the center of the stage which was flooded in light.

Kurumu moved around Kichida whom was stepping up onto the side of the riser. As the older girl moved down the riser to finish her row, Kurumu quickly walked along the front. Three microphones were set up in front of the riser. Mrs. Tomarigi stood by a music stand placed behind the center microphone. A young man in a silver blazer was sitting on the bench of a piano off to the side out of the spotlight.

Once she had reached her place, Kurumu stepped up onto the riser and turned to face the audience. The two undine third years were at the end of the second row behind her. Behind them in the top row were the two big girls. Maruyuchi was at the end since she was their only true contralto.

Kurumu could not see anything behind Mrs. Tomarigi. It was just a dark blur which her eyes could not penetrate due to the lights bathing her area. She knew that chairs had been set out in the auditorium for the judges and guests. Tora and Sangi were somewhere out there.

She resisted the urge to look at the other girls in her nervousness. She knew the order. It was the same they had been using for weeks. Okimune was in the second row between Natsudera and Chousei. Kanari was in the first row between Noboto and Hotaru. Hotaru was by her sister on the other side of Sakibarai. Dakuhime was at the other end of the front row. Kurumu breathed in deep, focusing on her teacher.

Mrs. Tomarigi spoke a few words to a young woman holding a microphone. This woman had on a long sleeved, silver blouse and ruffled black skirt which almost reached her ankles. Her dark tresses in the back were twirled into a bun held in place with silver rods. The woman nodded, facing the audience.

"Their first performance will be Hitori."

The woman walked away, looking at the young man at the piano. The guy nodded, placing his hands on the keys. He looked at Mrs. Tomarigi in anticipation. The choir teacher smiled, gesturing for them to take a big breath. Kurumu did so but the anxiety remained.

Mrs. Tomarigi gestured to the piano player. The notes sounded out in a steady, simple cadence. Kurumu kept still, having been scolded over bobbing too much to this simple tune in practice. Her heart fluttered as the piano started into the second round which was the same as the first. She watched the motions of Mrs. Tomarigi's hands closely, knowing they would start singing at the start of the third round.

"Hitori, de sabishii. Futari de, mairimashou. Hitori, de sabishii. Futari de, mairimashou."

Kurumu kept her voice in the lower octave to match the altos behind her. The music picked up slightly but the delivery was similar.

"Miwata sukagiri. Yomena ni, tanpo. Imouto, no sukina. Murasaki, sumire."

The piano shifted back to the original pace as they sounded out the first verses.

"Hitori, de sabishii. Futari de, mairimashou. Hitori, de sabishii. Futari de, mairimashou."

Once again the pacing changed as they started into the next lines.

"Nano, hana saita. Yasashii, choucho. Kokono, tsuko meya. Touma de, maneku."

Kurumu relaxed as the song returned to the start.

"Hitori, de sabishii. Futari de, mairimashou. Hitori, de sabishii. Futari de, mairimashou."

Mrs. Tomarigi lowered her hands at the end of the lyrics. The piano kept playing the same tune as it had at the start. It played the pattern twice before everything went silent. Their teacher smiled with a nod.

"Their next performance will be Natsu no Owari no Harmony."

Kurumu heard Ikeda hop off the back of the riser. Ikeda's footsteps carried to the side of her. Without moving her head, she glanced at Ikeda as the girl made her way over to the piano player. The young man vacated the bench, allowing the brunette to sit.

Mrs. Tomarigi strolled over to the piano, handing Ikeda two sheets of paper. The girl nodded, placing them on the piano. The choir teacher promptly returned to the music stand. She smiled at them which did nothing to dispel Kurumu's anxiousness. There had been no applause. Kurumu had no idea if that was normal as she had not watched the performance by Gaiketsu Institute and they had been practicing in the choir room when Houjin High had been on the stage.

Kurumu shivered when the teacher gestured at Ikeda. The brunette started playing several notes. The altos would go first so Kurumu watched Mrs. Tomarigi's hands closely as she listened to the piano. She breathed in deep right before she saw her cue.

"Kyo no, sasayaki to. Kino no, arasou koe ga. Futari, dake no. Koi no Harmony."

The other girls joined in on that last word for a nice blend. She relaxed slightly as the piano continued playing the gentle melody. Mrs. Tomarigi gestured with her left hand, prompting the other girls to start.

"Yume mo, akogare mo. Doko ga, chigatteru kedo. Sore ga, boku to."

Kurumu readied to jump in on the same word.

"Kimi no Harmony."

The song shifted and Kurumu kept at the lower octave as all of them sang together.

"Yozora o, tada, samayou dake. Dare yori mo, ana, taga, sukida kara. Suteki na, yume, akogare o. Itsu made mo, zutto, wasurezu ni."

Kurumu breathed softly as the piano continued to play without them. She watched Mrs. Tomarigi's right hand, waiting for the cue to start the next part. It came right at the start of the next measure.

"Konya no, owakare ni."

The harpy gestured at the sopranos to follow up.

"Saigo no, futari no uta wa."

The teacher signaled them to join back in as they would sing the rest of the song together.

"Natsu no, yoru o. Kazaru Harmony."

Kurumu took a quick breath as they launched into the next part.

"Yozora o, tada, samayou dake. Hoshi kuzu no, ai, dao, yure no kara. Futari no, yume, akogare o. Itsu made mo, zutto, omoide ni."

Kurumu let go of the long note for another quick breath.

"Manatsu no, yume, akogare o. Itsu made mo, zutto, wasurezu ni."

Sighing softly in relief, Kurumu kept her eyes on Mrs. Tomarigi but their part was over. Ikeda continued playing the last measures of the song. And then there was eerie silence.

"Their final piece will be the Itsuki Lullaby."

Mrs. Tomarigi beckoned with her left hand. Kurumu heard the soft padding of feet as the older Umou sister hurried to the side of the stage. Keeping her head still, Kurumu saw the harpy dart into the corner of her view. The third year held her flute in her hands.

Mrs. Tomarigi smiled at them, making a gesture which Kurumu knew was an encouragement to take a deep breath. The choir teacher gestured to Ren, prompting the girl to lift her flute to her lips. Her next gesture was to Ikeda whom started playing a base line. After the first stanza, Ren's flute joined in with a slightly different melody. The choir teacher's hands moved and Kurumu anticipated their start.

"Odooo ma bon giri booon giri bon kara saaa kya o randooo. Bo n ga haaa yo kuryaaa hayo modoru."

They paused as the flute played a haunting melody with the piano maintaining a steady baseline. It was a short break before Mrs. Tomarigi signaled the sopranos to start the next part.

The lyrics were the same. Kurumu waited for the sopranos to say the second giri before starting up from the beginning. She and Yokumoto were singing with the girls in the middle. When they got to the second giri, the altos started up a third round with the same lyrics. Kurumu's group finished two stanzas behind the sopranos, waiting for the altos to finish. They immediately started into the next verse.

"Odooo ma kanjin kaaan jin an hi taaa chiyo ka shuuu. Yo ka hooo yo ka obiii yo ka kimon."

They paused once again, allowing Ren to play her flute with just the piano. The next part was another robin but the words would be different. She would jump in at the second chi.

"Odooo ga chi jini daaa chi yu te daaa re ga naiteee. Ya ka uraaa matsuyamaaa semi ga naku."

Kurumu's group finished with a short break with only the altos singing. The moment the altos were done, they all sung the next lines in their respective octaves.

"Semiii ja zo zan seee nu imoutooo degozaruuu. Imoutooo naku na yooo kini ka karu."

Kurumu breathed softly, keeping her eyes on Mrs. Tomarigi as the flute played in the short break. They would have another robin with different words. This time she would jump in on the first ba.

"Odooon ga uchi jini daaa ba michi baaa ta ikerooo. Touru hiii to go chiii hana a gyuu."

She had a short break in which the altos finished. This was the last part which they all sang together.

"Hanaaa wa na n nooo hana tsu nnn tsu n tsubakiii. Mizu waaa te n karaaa morai mizu."

As the last note left her lips, Kurumu felt a rush of relief. It was over and she had not made any mistakes. It was arguably their best performance as the flute and piano finally came to a stop. There was a short pause of silence with only Mrs. Tomarigi smiling at them.

The choir teacher nodded at them and turned about. The harpy bowed slightly to the unseen audience. Mrs. Tomarigi turned back to face them and gestured at Ren. The girl nodded, clutching the flute against her bosom. The third year retreated, prompting Dakuhime to follow.

Kurumu's heart fluttered when Yokumoto started moving. She fell in step behind the long haired girl, moving across the front of the riser. Once she was clear of the riser, Kichida stepped down from her row to follow her. They made their way back to the stairs hidden in the shadows.

Descending the three steps, Kurumu turned left and followed the other girls down the hall. They passed by the first door which was for the choir room. Kaisai Tech should be practicing in there so they had been told to go to the band room. These two rooms were completely soundproofed to not disturb students in the hall or the auditorium.

Ren stood at the end of this hall, holding the band door open. Kurumu smiled at the girl, turning right and stepping through the opening. The band room was littered with chairs and music stands. Bigger instruments like drums and the piano had been left out. Kurumu wandered over to Kanari's side, smiling at the girl as she turned to watch the other girls arrive.

Nobody spoke a word as the remaining girls filtered into the band room. Ikeda was the last choir girl to arrive, holding the two sheets of music. Mrs. Tomarigi gestured for Ren to enter, stepping into the room after the girl. The heavy door closed under its own weight as the teacher regarded them with a grin.

"You girls did wonderful out there."

Kurumu laughed nervously.

"Is that it?"

"Yes. You girls are free to do as you please with the remainder of the day."

Mrs. Tomarigi glanced down at her watch.

"It's still a quarter to three. The complimentary dinner won't be served until six."

"Can we go back to the town?"

The choir teacher looked up from her watch, smiling at Kurumu.

"If you can convince your group to go with you."

"But Tora and Sangi are going to stay here for her article."

Okimune giggled at Kurumu's protest.

"I will too. I want to see the other four choirs perform."

Several other girls echoed that sentiment, causing Kurumu to pout.

"That probably is the best course of action. I have no clue how reliable the bus system is and the town is easily more than an hour walk from here. After the meal we will go back to the hotel. It it isn't too late, you could explore the town a little but every girl better be in bed at nine. I will see to that."

Kurumu frowned, thinking nine was a bit early to turn in.

"When will we find out the results?"

Mrs. Tomarigi grinned at Kanari's query.

"We won't know until the award ceremony. That will be tomorrow at two right after our complimentary lunch. My suggestion to Ms. Kurono would be to save your town exploration for tomorrow morning."

Several girls giggled as Kurumu managed a meek smile. Their teacher took in a deep breath.

"Regardless of the results, I want you to know that I am proud of you. I don't think we could have done any of our songs better."

On that matter, Kurumu wholeheartedly agreed.