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.

5. Hound of Justice

"Oh dear!"

Having noted the time, Mrs. Takizawa hastily gathered up her things into her portfolio which prompted several students to follow her example. The history teacher was wearing a short sleeved, cream blouse with a long denim skirt.

"Just a reminder that your history exam is on Thursday and will be administered by Mrs. Sunao."

Mrs. Takizawa closed up her portfolio and smiled at her class.

"Good luck with your exams."

Juri hopped to her feet, opening her mouth and gesturing at it.

"Yes, yes, Ms. Morisato. You can go to lunch. Class is dismissed."

Kurumu smirked as the history teacher briskly walked over to the front door. Wanibuchi slipped out of his seat, arriving a half second before the teacher to open the door. The teacher exited the classroom as Wanibuchi gestured at Yakihara. The guy with the pompadour chuckled, strolling over and following Wanibuchi out into the hall.

Leaning over the side of her desk, Kurumu opened up her schoolbag. She stuffed her history notebook inside with her mechanical pencil within the notebook. As she straightened back up, Juri thrust a folded sheet of paper at her.

Kurumu sighed, having dealt with Juri's juvenile actions all day long. She snatched up the paper, looking over the written accusation. This time the falsehood included a threat to report her to the faculty. With a shake of her head, Kurumu stuffed the note into the pocket of her open school jacket.

"Do whatever you want. I don't care."

Juri scowled, making angry gestures but no sounds. She was trying to convince everyone that Kurumu had made her mute. Three of their teachers had remained oblivious to Juri's antics.

Ms. Shuzen had called Juri to the board to do a math problem which allowed Juri to write on the board her malady. The math teacher had asked Kurumu if it was true which she had effortlessly denied. That had been enough to satisfy Ms. Shuzen.

"Can I have my lunch, Yukari?"

Yukari huffed, continuing to write in her notebook.

"You should ask more politely."

Kurumu frowned, wondering what had been wrong with her request.

"May I please have the bento that you prepared for me out of the kindness of your heart?"

"In a moment. Let me finish this first."

"Could you give it a rest, Morisato? Nobody is buying it."

Kurumu giggled at Satsuki's remark. She glanced back as Nerume stood up beside the nekomusume whom was dressed in the usual PSC attire. The kirin smiled apologetically.

"I don't know why she thinks Kurumu would do this to her."

"I'm not doing anything."

Juri started gesturing angrily at Kurumu's denial.

"I warned her not to provoke the wrath of the cock block demon."

Kurumu turned in her seat, wagging a finger at Ichida. His expression was solemn.

"Don't start spreading that nonsense. This is all an act."

Yukari set aside her notebook, leaning over to fetch her white satchel.

"Kurumu could do this but she's probably not smart enough to pull it off."

"Oh gee thanks."

Juri threw up her hands in exasperation. She stomped off, passing by Kumiko. The jorougumo watched the other girl depart.

"What do you think about this, Ms. Hineri?"

Kumiko glanced at Abe whom had just stood up from his seat.

"I think Mrs. Morisato and Ms. Kurono should be punished for disrupting class."

"I'm not doing anything!"

Yukari huffed, pulling out the periwinkle bento with the daisy petal pattern.

"But you're not entirely innocent either. Have fun with Mr. Fujita."

Kurumu pouted as the witch placed a bento on her desk. The bell sounded the start of the lunch hour.

"I didn't do this, Yukari."

"I think that is our cue to leave."

Ichida nodded at Abe's remark. His serious expression remained.

"Indeed. I'll be sure to give Ms. Kurono my usual tithe after school."

"What the fuck is a tithe?"

Ichida smirked at Abe as he started towards the door.

"A bribe to keep her pacified."

"I am not being bribed!"

Satsuki snickered, walking by Kurumu.

"You're too broke to be getting bribed."

Kurumu pouted, looking up at Nerume as the girl stumbled by.

"I'm seriously innocent here."

Nerume favored her a slight smile.

"See you after lunch."

Kurumu sighed, getting up from her chair. It felt like arguing her innocence was only making her peers doubt her. She shuffled by Yukari's desk, heading for the door.

"Have fun with Moka."

Yukari sounded an acknowledgment as Kurumu exited the classroom. There was quite a bit of chatter from the lunch line below but Kurumu turned right, walking away from it. She passed by the closed doors of class one, turning at the end of the hallway to face the vending machines around the corner.

It only took a few seconds to select her drink. As she leaned down to fetch her fruit passion can from the bin, she felt lustful eyes evaluating her posture. Straightening up, she turned about and was startled by Mr. Fujita's presence. The second year math teacher had his silver locks swept up in a pompadour and regarded her with fierce, hazel eyes. His teal, long sleeved dress had black buttons and was tucked in. A black belt with a chrome buckle was fished through the loops of textured gray slacks.

"Rumor around the school is you've been wanting to talk with me."

Kurumu swallowed nervously. She gestured to the left with her hand holding her bento.

"Yea. I was thinking we could have lunch together."

Mr. Fujita snickered, stalking down the hall.

"Guess it's my lucky day."

Kurumu frowned, following after him.

"What makes you say that?"

"Nothing. Do as you wish."

Kurumu felt uneasy as they neared the door to the broadcasting room.

"I was hoping that you could answer some questions about my mother."

"Information isn't free, Ms. Kurono. What do you plan to offer?"

Kurumu shivered as they turned right when they reached the main foyer. He walked steadily along the balcony, ignoring the opening in the railing for the curved stair down to the central landing. An opening in the wall on the right was for a stair leading up to the third floor where the Headmaster's office was.

"I'm not doing anything sexual for you."

Mr. Fujita snickered, stopping at the door for the printing room. He looked her over with an intense level of sexual appreciation that had her body quiver in anticipation.

"You're a student and I'm a teacher. As tempting as that body of yours is, it's not worth my livelihood. Now get your sexy ass inside here before someone sees us and gets the wrong idea."

He drew the door open and gestured inside. She flashed him a nervous smile, hurrying into the printing room. She immediately noticed that the huge printer was gone, making the space feel empty. Three smaller, new printers were pushed up against the wall. New shelves stacked with papers and supplies took up the remaining space on the walls.

"Have a seat on the couch."

Kurumu shuddered when he closed the door. He was gesturing at a black leather couch resting against the wall on her right. She nodded, moving to comply with his instruction.

"What exactly do you want from me?"

"I haven't decided yet."

Kurumu settled down on the couch which had a new smell to it. She leaned forward to place her juice can on the floor, keeping her bento in her lap. She smiled nervously as he sat down by the end of the couch. She tugged the top of her bento off, fetching her chopsticks.

"What are you eating?"

Mr. Fujita chuckled, reaching over the side of the couch. He pulled a white plastic bag into view, setting it on his lap. He pulled out a sandwich wrapped in clear plastic.

"This. It won't squirm or make any sounds when I put my mouth on it."

Kurumu blushed, forcing back the naughty thoughts. She watched him pull out a bag of chips.

"Is that from the school store?"

"No. I pick this up every morning before coming to work. I only eat the stuff from the school store if I forget my lunch."

"And you leave it in here?"

"When I plan to eat in here. The balcony is also nice. So is the roof."

Kurumu decided it was best to eat her meal now. She plucked an omelet roll out of her bento, stuffing it into her mouth. She savored the taste, chewing it into tiny bits before reluctantly swallowing it down.

They ate in silence. Occasionally the teacher would glance at her, causing her body to tense up from the surge of sexual interest. This man had a vivid imagination that rivaled Ginei's. It was making her wet which was annoying. It was difficult to enjoy her meal when her other appetite was being stuffed.

In disappointment she returned her chopsticks to her empty bento. Putting the lid back on, she set the box aside. Leaning down, she picked up her can of fruit passion juice. She popped the top, taking a sip as she noted he was finished with his sandwich. He pulled a handful of fried seaweed out of his chip bag.

"My mother was in your homeroom for her second year."

Mr. Fujita grunted, chewing on his snack. He swallowed, grabbing another handful.

"I recall that being the case."

"Mr. Nurari implied that you helped my parents leave Mononoke."

Mr. Fujita chuckled, setting aside his bag of chips. He leaned over the side of the couch, pulling a can of lemon tea into view. He opened it up and took a hearty swig.

"So that old codger was the one that tattled on me. I guess that I can admit to that."

Kurumu smiled thinly, holding her juice can against her bosom.

"I should thank you then."

"Not many would. I helped a young girl run off with a married man without consulting my colleagues. I nearly got fired over that."

Kurumu flinched, feeling somewhat responsible.

"I still must thank you. Without your assistance, I would have never been born."

Kurumu shivered when he looked her over with lewd fantasies.

"I always knew how strongly your mother felt about your father. That bus driver got me out of trouble by claiming I was charmed. Don't know if that was true or not. It certainly felt like something I would do."

Kurumu managed a smile as the man took a drink.

"Did my mother come to you for help?"

"I've given enough information for free. If you want more, you'll have to pay the price."

Kurumu shuddered with worry despite his claim of not requesting a sexual favor.

"What do you want?"

Mr. Fujita straightened up, lifting the can to his lips.

"You girls are swimming today. Persuade your gym teachers into letting me hang out at the pool."

Kurumu frowned at his request.

"I shouldn't be using my powers on teachers."

"I don't care how you manage to get me poolside. It's been over a decade since I've seen a woman in a swimsuit. Curse Kuyo and his campaign to take everything of value away from me."

"What does Kuyo have to do with this?"

Mr. Fujita scowled with a fire in his hazel eyes.

"That tightwad banned me from being at the pool because I let my paper write articles challenging his methods. There was nothing harmful about me watching pretty girls in swimsuits."

Kurumu turned her face away to hide her smirk.

"Well you probably made the girls uncomfortable."

"If you get me poolside, I'll tell you everything. That is the deal."

Her body was able to relax as the intense passion in his eyes was for something else. She smiled softly.

"I have gym seventh period, Mr. Fujita. Are you planning to stay on campus today?"

"I will for this."

Kurumu chuckled, shaking her head. She took another sip of her fruity drink.

"When do you plan to make good on your promise?"

"Tonight. I've been asked to help supervise a study session in the dining hall."

Kurumu regarded him dubiously.

"They asked you for help?"

"Well I heard about it and doubt they would refuse my help."

"I guess that will work. I was already planning to attend that."

"Perfect. I'll meet you behind the locker rooms around seventh period."

Kurumu became suddenly concerned with his plan.

"You know that there is gym sixth period. If you make a nuisance of yourself before I even get there, I won't be able to help you without blatantly using my powers."

He favored her a familiar fanged grin.

"I promise to keep to the shadows. Nobody will know I'm there."

Kurumu sighed. She gulped down a large mouthful, leaving little left in the can.

"You really do remind me of Ginei."

"I'm unsure if that should be taken as a compliment. Mr. Morioka is quite popular but he has a notorious reputation as a shameless womanizer."

"From what I've heard, the same could be said about you."

"Unjustified slander. I haven't been on a date with a woman in more years than you've been alive."

Kurumu frowned. She knew about him being single but was surprised with that statement.

"When was the last time you were on a date?"

"That isn't something to discuss with a student."

"I'm serious. I don't understand why you've been single this long."

He favored her a patronizing look.

"Dating is different for men, Ms. Kurono. My first rule is that I don't date students. Makes no sense to be chasing girls younger than half my age. So for twenty years, I have had no options available to me."

Kurumu conceded that excluding students was a fair decision.

"What about women from Mononoke?"

"I've been working at Yokai Academy since 76. It didn't take that many years to determine that I had no interest in the women this community had to offer. And the town hasn't been getting any new blood ever since the fire of 88. It's just students that didn't leave for one reason or another."

Kurumu nodded, contemplating his dilemma. She swallowed down what was left in her can.

"Have you tried using the Fairy Tale matchmaking service?"

"You can't be that unaware of how poor things were between Lord Chiki and Headmaster Mikogami. You think Fairy Tale was going to help me find a woman?"

"Did he not let you register with the program?"

Mr. Fujita sighed, resting his drink against his leg.

"My mother signed me up back in 85 but you can't lie. I'm a teacher at Yokai Academy, a school with a bad reputation. I have had zero requests to meet me."

Kurumu shook her head in disbelief. It baffled her that he could be in the system for twenty years and not have a single date. She held her empty can against her breast.

"Maybe your listing was taken down. You should register again."

Mr. Fujita snorted, taking a hearty drink from his can.

"Now you sound like my mother."

"Do your parents live in Ashikantai?"

"Yea. What of it?"

Kurumu smiled apologetically, feeling curious about this man whom had helped her come into existence.

"Do you have siblings?"

"Twins that are four years older than me. My sister was married and had babies before I graduated from Yokai Academy. That was back in 70 before the first school expansion."

Kurumu mulled over that revelation.

"How old are you?"

"I'll be fifty five in the summer."

She wondered if that was old for an inugami.

"Is your sister in Ashikantai?"

"No. She lives in Shitakusa of Nagano prefecture. Her kids have kids."

Mr. Fujita sighed heavily, toying with the can in his lap.

"My brother got married back in 79. He used that Fairy Tale program to find his wife so that's why my mother was so hopeful about it working for me. He lives in Tanikage of Fukushima prefecture. His oldest daughter is already married with twin boys."

The teacher paused, staring across the room.

"It often feels like I missed an important part of my life. A part of me rationalized that it was fine that I didn't have a wife and kids because I was a teacher. Every year I would have kids to mentor and guide. But it's not like any are coming back after graduation to thank me. I come home to an empty apartment at the end of all of my days."

Kurumu shivered, thinking about how lonely it was to come back to her suite.

"You could still have your own children, right?"

Mr. Fujita snapped out of his trance with a chuckle.

"A woman my age of my race would be lucky to have kids. If I really want a family, my wife will probably have to be a decade younger than me at this point. And I don't have much faith that Fairy Tale will have any women that old. Inugami women tend to find a partner before thirty."

Kurumu swallowed, reaching over to pick up her bento.

"So what? Any woman over the age of twenty should be okay."

"I'm a teacher, Ms. Kurono. Not some wealthy businessman looking for a trophy wife."

The bitterness in his voice surprised her.

"I'm just saying that a young woman can be happy with an older man."

Mr. Fujita regarded her with hazel eyes betraying anger.

"I'm well aware of that, Ms. Kurono. But I wouldn't feel right doing that."

He lifted his drink and upended it, obviously emptying it of its contents. He swallowed with a hearty gasp, stuffing the can into his bag.

"You should run along now. I'll wait a few minutes before leaving."

Kurumu smiled, pushing up onto her feet with both her empty bento and can in hand. With nothing else to say, she made her way over to the door. As she opened the door, she felt his lustful eyes upon her body. Shaking her head, she left the bachelor.

"Dirty old man."

---

"You girls are free to leave."

Kurumu murmured her thanks to the phoenix whom was garbed in a white blouse with puffy, short sleeves and a black pencil skirt barely covering her knees. The home economics had only finished eleven stations the other day, forcing Kurumu to be here. She was fine with that as it lessened the time she had to deal with Juri's stupidity.

"Do you mind if I stay here with Yuu?"

Ms. Hitori shrugged, moving over to the last station where Taijin and Meirowasa waited.

"Suit yourself, Ms. Shindou."

Kurumu walked with the other girls of her double station, inadvertently following the instructor since the nearest exit from this room was by the last station. Meisai bounded ahead of them, drawing the door open so they could keep walking without breaking stride.

"Do you think we should head to the gym?"

Kurumu shrugged at Hazumi's question as they drifted to the center of the hall. Shinayaka lingered by them as Meisai closed the door and hurried over to join them.

"It's probably still too early for that."

"I guess. Hopefully Ms. Morisato isn't still acting like a moron."

Kurumu chuckled as they all started walking towards the base of the nearest flight of stairs.

"I'm just glad that you believe me."

"Are you sure that you don't know why she is doing this?"

"I sort of know but it seems so stupid. I got a girl in trouble with the faculty and Juri thinks I should be the one in trouble. Now she's desperately trying to frame me for something I'm not doing."

"Some girls just have nothing better to do."

Hazumi nodded at Meisai's remark as they headed up the stairs.

"Yasi is also petty like that."

"Yea. But she's too stupid to be sneaky about it."

Shinayaka sighed, shuffling up the steps behind them.

"These next two weeks will feel dreadfully long."

"No kidding. I hope they move our seventh period history lecture to fourth period now that gym is over."

Kurumu smirked as they reached the landing. Two steps later and they were starting up the other flight.

"Technically we still have the exam."

"That doesn't count."

"It's too bad they won't send us home after fifth period. Some electives still have classes."

They finished their ascent, arriving on the crossover that ran between the bathrooms and the first door of the choir room. They kept to the balcony on their right, passing by the back door to class six.

"As long as they move our history lecture to fourth period, I'm satisfied. We can take a long nap after fifth period if they insist we stay on campus."

Meisai ended her remark as they reached the front door of class six. She drew it open.

"See you around, Kurono."

Kurumu murmured a farewell, continuing down the hall with Hazumi.

"What do you plan to do about Ms. Morisato?"

Kurumu shrugged as they walked by the crossover with the two stairs. They continued on at a steady pace, nearing the front doors to classes four and three.

"I have no idea. I'll ignore her and hope she doesn't pull this crap during exams."

It took only a few more seconds to reach the back door to class two. Hearing amused voices, Kurumu drew the door open quietly.

"- into it. I swear if we had a guy there, she would have done a live action performance."

"This is a study hall, Ms. Morisato. Keep your voice down."

Kurumu swallowed thickly at the giggles from Madosuki. Juri waved a dismissive hand at Kumiko.

"If Mrs. Sunao has a problem with it, she should say so."

"And I can pick a copy of this up?"

Juri nodded at Abe's inquiry.

"Yea. They're selling it at the porn shop."

"Ms. Kurono!"

Endo's gasp caused everyone to notice Kurumu's presence. Nerume smiled apologetically, looking confused. Madosuki and Abe hastily looked away out of guilt. But Juri met her gaze with a smirk.

"Looks like she can talk again."

The moment Hazumi said that, Juri's eyes went wide. She clutched at her throat and fell out of her chair. The sudden collapse caught the attention of Mrs. Sunao. The diminutive teacher stood up from behind her desk with a concerned look. The collar of a lavender dress shirt hung over the hem of a black, short sleeved sweater. The long black skirt the tiny teacher had almost touched the floor. Her ashen gray locks were twirled into a bun which was held in place with gold and black needles.

"Are you okay, Ms. Morisato?"

Endo shivered, leaning against the window as Abe regarded Juri's behavior. He got up.

"Is she having a seizure?"

Kurumu snorted, shaking her head as she started walking towards her desk.

"Just ignore her. That's what I'm going to do."

Madosuki stood up, cocking her head.

"I think she's choking."

"If she's choking, maybe I should offer CPR."

Kurumu smirked when Juri miraculously recovered at Abe's remark. The girl made a dramatic show of getting back to her knees as Mrs. Sunao hurried over to her side.

"Do you need to go to the infirmary?"

Kurumu stopped by Nerume's desk, glancing at Juri.

"There's nothing a doctor can do to fix what is wrong with her."

"Could you just leave her alone?"

Kurumu shot a glare at Endo as Mrs. Sunao helped Juri to her feet.

"I'm not doing anything. This is just a stupid act."

"A rather convincing one. She was fine until you walked in."

Hazumi huffed at Madosuki as she strolled over to her desk.

"Anybody could have done that."

"You should have kept choking her for longer, Kurono."

Kurumu scowled at Abe's amused remark.

"I wasn't choking her!"

Juri angrily stalked over to the chalkboard, grabbing a chunk of chalk. She started writing on the board in huge characters, declaring Kurumu was attacking her. The teacher turned wide eyes upon Kurumu.

"Is this true?!"

"I'm not doing anything!"

"Can't you do something?"

Kurumu looked incredulously at Nerume, causing the kirin to flinch.

"What am I supposed to do? Short of using my powers, I can't make her stop."

Juri scrawled furiously on the chalkboard, declaring that Kurumu was trying to silence her from telling the truth. Kurumu rolled her eyes.

"I just heard you trash talking me."

"Which is why you silenced her."

Kurumu shot a scathing look at Madosuki.

"Stay out of this!"

"Calm down, Ms. Kurono. You're only hurting your position."

Kurumu whimpered at Kumiko's remark. The PSC girl was calmly going over her notes.

"These two don't have a clue how my powers work. If I really wanted to silence Juri, she would not be able to talk ever. I don't have to be in the room with her to keep her mouth shut."

"Well Ms. Sendou did say you weren't very smart on how to use your powers."

Kurumu gave Hazumi a pleading look.

"It's mental telepathy, okay. Anything that happens to anyone could be blamed on me on the basis that I could do that. It doesn't mean that I am."

"Did you use your powers on Ms. Morisato?"

Kurumu flinched at the direct question from Kumiko. She turned to meet the jorougumo's gaze, noting the lack of interest in her auburn eyes. The scratch of chalk made Kurumu look at what Juri was doing. On the board was a new message, declaring that Kurumu was using her powers on all of them on a daily basis. She was halfway through her next message that already said something about being expelled.

"So that's your game. You're a pathetic hypocrite. Everything you accused me of, you're doing right now."

Juri finished the demand for expulsion, turning angry eyes at Kurumu.

"I think that is a bit much, Ms. Morisato."

Abe chuckled after Mrs. Sunao's remark.

"Not everything, Kurono. She still has her clothes on."

Kurumu shivered with anger. She met Juri's fierce gaze.

"Maybe I should change that."

Juri dramatically stumbled back, tearing her gaze away. She wrote frantically on the board, declaring that she was fighting the urge to undress. Abe chuckled, clapping his hands.

"Go on. Give in to the temptation. You can blame Kurono."

Kurumu seethed at his playful banter, keeping her mind focused. It was not like she needed eye contact to push into Juri's mind. The girl was a weakling with no defenses to prevent her intrusion. She pushed her awareness against Juri and immediately saw the sprite's memories.

"I see why Mr. Nagamushi called on you so much. You told him to do that so that you could demonstrate my powers of making you unable to speak in class. You don't know if you were successful yet but plan to talk to him after school."

"Ms. Kurono."

Ignoring Kumiko, Kurumu moved further back in Juri's memories.

"You and Miho came up with this plan last night because you knew it would be difficult to prove that I was using my powers. You didn't tell her about how you really think she's an airhead over obsessed with relationships. If she had a boyfriend, she'd probably be no different than me."

Juri scowled, wielding the chalk loudly. Kurumu knew the message before Juri wrote it.

Whore.

Anger. Impulse. She was already deep in Juri's mind so it was easy to issue the command. It helped that Juri had been too busy with her scheming to relieve her body's distress.

Juri dropped the chalk as her eyes went wide. The front of her skirt darkened and soon the top of her socks did as well. The girl fell to her knees with a sob.

"What did you do?"

Kurumu snapped out of it, backing away a step. She looked at Kumiko, shaking her head.

"Nothing."

"She made me pee myself!"

The brunette wailed, covering her face as a puddle spread out beneath her. Abe barked out a laugh but was rewarded with a backhand from Hazumi. Mrs. Sunao hurried over to comfort the girl.

"Kurumu."

Kurumu flinched at Nerume's voice. She clenched her hands, looking down at her feet.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean-"

"You made me pee!"

Mrs. Sunao gently patted Juri's shoulders.

"It's okay. Accidents happen."

Juri gasped and sobbed, shaking her head.

"It's not an accident! She made me. I didn't. I didn't. I swear."

"Hey, Kurono. How much is Ichida paying you?"

"Stop it, Mr. Abe."

The grinning guy flinched at Kumiko's glare.

"This is serious. Not the time or place."

"Get up, Ms. Morisato. We should take you to the bathroom to clean up."

Juri allowed the teacher to help her to her feet. But the moment she was upright, she thrust a finger at Kurumu. Her flush face was twisted in grief and rage.

"You bitch! You whore!"

"Shut up, Ms. Morisato."

Juri turned her rage upon Kumiko.

"You saw what she did!"

"If you have any common sense, you would shut up. If she can make you pee, think about your position."

"You can't let her get away with this."

As Juri started to bawl in frustration, Kumiko took in a deep breath. She turned to regard Mrs. Sunao whom wrung her hands indecisively.

"Mrs. Sunao. Take Ms. Morisato to the infirmary and leave her there for the rest of the day. She will need to settle down. I'll handle reporting this to the faculty."

"Thank you, Ms. Hineri. Come with me."

Juri continued to cry as Mrs. Sunao steered her out of the room. Kumiko turned about and gestured at Abe whom was still smirking.

"Mr. Abe. Clean up the mess."

"What? Why me?"

"Because you're an asshole. There should be a mop and bucket."

"You want me to mop it?"

"Of course I want you to mop it. It's piss. You can't sweep it."

Abe sighed heavily. Shaking his head, he turned about and walked to the cleaning locker in the back.

"Now what?"

Kumiko glanced at Hazumi.

"Like I said. I have to report this abuse of power to the faculty."

"But it was provoked."

Kumiko gave Nerume a look that quieted the kirin.

"Even if it was, there is no excuse for what Ms. Kurono did."

"She was talking bad about me. You and Mrs. Sunao just sat there and let her do it."

"Gossip isn't against the rules, Ms. Kurono. Get over it."

"Do I need to fill the whole bucket?"

Attention shifted to Abe whom held up a bucket. The mop was in his other hand.

"If you don't bring enough to clean it up, you'll have to go back for more."

"Yea, yea. Figures the man gets tasked with the grunt work."

Kurumu managed a smile as Abe walked over to the door that they had left open. He ducked out into the hall with his grumbling complaints fading into silence.

"I didn't want to say this before, but Ms. Morisato has often called me into her dorm room to validate things about Ms. Kurono to Ms. Kisurusu."

Kurumu regarded Endo with mild disappointment.

"Why didn't you ever say anything?"

"I didn't know if I could. You seemed to think Ms. Morisato was a friend. I thought if I said anything, she would just call me a liar and you wouldn't believe me."

"Not a surprise. You tend to keep to yourself."

Hazumi nodded at Kumiko's observation.

"I would have also had a hard time believing her if she came out. There wasn't any indication that Ms. Morisato and Ms. Kurono weren't friends. Did you know about this, Yasi?"

Madosuki held her hands up defensively.

"No way. I'm innocent."

Kumiko smirked, crossing her arms below her bosom.

"You should know that Yasi gossips too much. If she knew about Ms. Morisato talking trash about Ms. Kurono, we would have heard about it within an hour."

"I'm not that bad."

Hazumi and Kumiko shared a smirk. The PSC girl shook her head, gesturing at them.

"The five of you should head down to the gym. I know it's early, but there isn't a reason for you to stick around here. I'll stay behind and make sure that degenerate doesn't lick up the piss."

Nerume giggled, getting up from her seat.

"I doubt he would do something like that."

"You never know. Now get going."

Nerume touched the small of Kurumu's back, causing Kurumu to smile. Kurumu turned about, gesturing for Nerume to do the same. She slipped her left arm about Nerume's right arm before starting the walk to the back of the classroom.

"And here I thought Sendou was scary. I had no idea that Kurono could make you piss yourself."

"It's not like that was the first time you've seen someone do that. Kitsune were notorious for flaunting their powers over girls like me."

Kurumu glanced over her shoulder as she exited the class with Nerume at her side. Endo was trailing behind Madosuki and Hazumi.

"But that was using aura, Fufi. It didn't feel like Kurono did that."

Kurumu shivered slightly at the conversation, strolling by a crossover with her arms linked with Nerume. She recalled Fujisaki using his aura against her. She had wet herself twice over last summer break.

"And Ms. Kurono just explained that it was mental telepathy."

"I know. It's still scary knowing she can do that."

Kurumu sighed, passing by the front doors of classes three and four. She saw no signs of Abe whom was probably in the bathroom filling up his bucket. Not wanting to deal with him, she tugged on Nerume's arm as they neared the next crossover between the back doors of classes five and eight.

The kirin took the hint, allowing Kurumu to steer her to the top of the stairs. They started down the first flight. A quick glance confirmed that the other three girls were following.

"I hope we get to swim more than we did yesterday."

Kurumu laughed softly at Nerume's remark as they reached the landing.

"I doubt that we will. We have over a hundred girls in our gym period. That pool is too tiny."

Hazumi huffed behind her as they started down the second flight.

"That pool is too small for even fifty girls. That's why they only let one grade level use it at a time."

"Maybe that's why they don't use the pool that often."

Madosuki snickered at Endo's remark as they reached the bottom of the stairs.

"I think the mermaids are the reason for that."

"I doubt the mermaids have much say in how the school uses its property."

Kurumu smiled at Hazumi's response as they made their way down the second year hallway. She passed by the first closed door of the home economics room on her right. She could tell that the other door was also closed. She wondered if Ms. Hitori was still doing inventory with the last station.

"How much time do we have before our gym period starts?"

She glanced back to see Hazumi and Madosuki both shrug. Endo smiled nervously.

"I think it was almost thirty minutes."

Kurumu nodded, looking back in front of her as she passed the other door to the home economics room. The next two doors on her right were for Ms. Yumeito's biology lab.

"We probably should take our time changing."

In moments they reached the end of the hall. Kurumu steered Nerume to the right before turning back left to walk along the serving line path. A cart laden with trays rested against the wall on her left with the door to the worker area before it. After this cart was the empty shelves that had been stocked with lunch entrees only an hour ago.

"I wish I had a swimsuit to bring to school."

Kurumu frowned at Nerume's complaint.

"Didn't you have one at Tsukune's birthday party?"

"I didn't think to bring that with me back to school. School swimsuits are bland and boring."

Kurumu giggled, noting the four registers mounted on stands ahead of them. At the end of the shelves were the refrigerated carts with drinks. After those carts was the door to the kitchen. A double door on the wall ahead of them behind the registers opened into the auditorium.

"Most girls are wearing school swimsuits."

"Yea. Only a few are trying to stand out."

Hazumi huffed at Madosuki's accusation.

"I'd rather not squeeze into a school swimsuit. They are clearly not sized for gyokuto girls."

Kurumu recalled how scandalous Kukioba Tappuri had looked in one. Kukioba was a second year gyokuto in her home economics class. The cheerleader from Aserutani had been told to wear her regular gym clothes since she lacked a suitable swimsuit.

"I'm glad that I didn't even attempt to put one on."

"I don't want to hear you two bragging about your big tits."

Kurumu pouted at Madosuki's words.

"I'm not."

"Says the girl with two bikinis."

"You're just jealous that you don't even look good in a one piece."

Kurumu laughed at Hazumi's response. She let go of Nerume, prancing ahead to reach the door first. The volume of the guys playing dodgeball increased as she opened the door. Gesturing for the girls to enter, Kurumu waited for all four to pass through before joining them on the other side.

Closing the door, Kurumu spotted Umizake among the participants on the court. The tall, lanky mizuchi held a ball in each hand. He calmly gunned down a big guy on the other team with raven locks done up in braids. His opponents were the third year class with Tsutsushi. That stocky guy with the cinnamon braids was the former captain of the soccer team. And this quick guy with the scruffy, sienna locks was Bakugen, former captain of the basketball team.

Kurumu followed the other girls along the wall, staying clear of the two games going on. It looked like Umizake's team was losing. He had more teammates seated at the feet of Mr. Yuutan than on the court. Uchiyama Makoto was among the eliminated. The tengu from Moka's homeroom had short, black hair that was feathered. Like every other guy in gym, he had on a white shirt and red shorts.

Ginei was playing in the other game closer to the stage. His second year team was demolishing their first year opponents, having already eliminated the younger Bakugen and the athletic Yabuhame twins. There was less than six guys sitting out with the younger Mr. Miwa whom was in charge of the karate club.

Reaching the end of the auditorium, they turned right and passed by a door to a storage room. They turned left into a passage flanking the stage. It was a short walk with a door on the left for a drama club storage room that the PSC used for lunch. Across from that door was a small flight of steps for the stage. At the end of the passage was the door to the girls' locker room.

Hazumi reached the door first, holding it open. Kurumu entered a locker room that surprisingly was not silent. She chuckled, recognizing Asuka's voice as she walked by the first bays of lockers on her left.

"Figures you would come straight here."

Asuka bounded over to Kurumu's side, wearing a navy one piece swimsuit with the 1-1 digits written on a white placard stitched across her subtle bosom.

"And here I thought we had the locker room to ourselves."

Kurumu smirked, continuing on to the last bay of lockers on her left. A bench was mounted to the floor between the lockers. A small window was cut high into the left wall above the lockers.

"Do you think they will mind if we show up at the pool early?"

Kurumu shrugged with a dismissive sound, stopping in front of her locker. She grabbed her padlock and spun the dial about to match the numbers that would release it. She tugged the lock down when she was finished, fishing the curved bolt through the hole before opening up her locker.

Kurumu pulled out her white bikini with the black hem which was placed on top of her gym clothes. Turning to set that on the bench behind her, Kurumu slipped her arms out of the sleeves of her jacket.

"Do you think I should get a one piece swimsuit?"

Asuka frowned as Kurumu folded up her school jacket.

"Why would you want that?"

Kurumu took her tennis shoes out before stuffing her school jacket into her locker. Dropping her shoes on the floor, she reached down and tugged the hem of her blouse free from her skirt.

"Because I'm going to see Nijiro's parents over spring break. It sounds like my options of attire are scuba gear or swimsuits. I don't think I should show up in a bikini."

Asuka nodded as Kurumu unbuttoned her blouse to bare her crimson lace bra.

"Sounds like a question for Manami."

Kurumu supposed that was fair as she folded up her school blouse. She set it inside her locker.

"Do you think I could talk Nijiro into buying me one over the weekend?"

Asuka smirked as Kurumu unhooked the front clasps of her bra. Her bountiful breasts spilled out as she pulled down the straps of her bra to remove it.

"I think you could talk a random stranger into doing that."

Kurumu made a flatulent sound with her tongue before placing her bra on top of her clothes. She turned about and snatched up her bikini top.

"I'm not going to do that. If Manami thinks I should get one, I'll ask Nijiro while we are out on our date."

Asuka sighed as Kurumu fixed her breasts to be snug inside the cups.

"I should get a boyfriend."

Kurumu smirked, stepping out of her slippers. She leaned down to remove her socks.

"You could always ask out Ikazuchi?"

"As if that guy would buy me nice things. He's too busy acting like I'm a grade schooler."

"You don't get a boyfriend for that reason."

"I know. It just would be nice to be spoiled by someone not related to me."

Kurumu giggled, setting her school slippers and socks on the bench beside her bikini bottom. Reaching under her skirt, she felt for the hem of her panties. Hooking her fingers, she dragged the crimson lace down to her knees as she bent over. She stepped out of them, setting them next to her things.

Nerume strolled into her bay as Kurumu grabbed her bikini bottoms. The tiny kirin smiled as Kurumu stepped into the flimsy garment, drawing it up under her skirt. The white placard on Nerume's slight bosom had the 1-2 digits.

"Do you think we will go first today?"

"Anything would be better than going last again."

Asuka nodded emphatically as Taijin sauntered over to join them. The tall girl's swimsuit had a white placard with 1-4.

"Yea. I'd like to be somewhat dry before walking back here."

"You would just use your powers to steam off excess moisture like you always do."

Asuka wagged her finger at her friend as Kurumu stepped out of her skirt.

"Coach Hoshineru scolded me for that yesterday. I'll get in trouble if I do it again."

Kurumu chuckled, placing her skirt on top of her socks, panties and slippers. Picking up the pile, she stuffed it inside her locker. She snatched up her padlock off the bench before closing up her locker and securing it with the padlock.

"Guess we can find out if they'll let us in the pool early."

Asuka grinned broadly, pouncing over to the exterior door as Kurumu wiggled her bare feet into her tennis shoes. She pushed the door open, gesturing for them to head out.

"Now we're talking. We're heading out!"

Kurumu giggled, guessing that was directed at the other three in the locker room. Taking Nerume by the hand, she followed Taijin out into the warmth of the afternoon. They walked several steps away from the locker room before Asuka came bounding up to her side to join them.

"We should spend the rest of our school year trying to get Yuu a date."

"Ms. Kurono!"

The call from a familiar male voice halted any thoughts of responding to the blond. Standing in the shadows of one of the storage buildings near the track was Mr. Fujita. She could feel his eyes already appreciating her bikini attire.

"You're here a bit early!"

Kurumu gagged upon realizing what the teacher had on. Silver hair covered a lithe chest, descending down his navel to the line of a black thong that barely contained the girth of his loins. She tore her gaze away as Asuka and Nerume giggled.

"What is he wearing?"

"Something I would never have the balls to wear."

Mr. Fujita laughed heartily, beckoning to them.

"Of course not, little lady. You have to be a man to have balls."

Taijin smirked with a glance at the blushing blond.

"You never know with Asuka."

"Oh shush! I'm one hundred percent female!"

Kurumu shook her head as she steered Nerume over to the shadows.

"You should have worn something more appropriate."

Mr. Fujita flashed her a fanged grin.

"I thought about wearing a shirt but decided I couldn't deprive you girls of my best attribute. Okami and inugami chicks dig a hairy chest."

Nerume giggled as they crossed the remaining distance in seconds.

"Nobody here is one of those races."

"Nozomi is. Do you plan to hit on my classmate?"

"I have no intentions of chasing after a high school girl."

Asuka crossed her arm below her slight bosom upon hearing his quick response to her question.

"So what do you want old man?"

"For Ms. Kurono to uphold her end of the bargain."

Kurumu grimaced when the other girls looked at her.

"You aren't making this easy. You're practically naked."

"Nonsense. I think all of the important bits are covered."

The teacher turned about, showing off his backside. Nerume and Asuka both cackled at the sight of his hairy ass with a swath of black cloth nestled between his cheeks. Taijin blushed and Kurumu averted her eyes as Mr. Fujita turned back around.

"See. Nothing to be ashamed of."

"What is this man doing here?"

Kurumu turned slightly, noting the approach of the trio. Hazumi was sporting a yellow bikini, walking in front of the other two in school swimsuits. Madosuki had an amused look while Endo's eyes went wide upon realizing what the teacher was wearing. The brunette hastily looked away.

"Something to do with Kurumu."

Mr. Fujita chuckled at Asuka's answer.

"I am just here to observe."

Hazumi frowned as she drifted into the shadow of the storage building.

"I don't know if that should be allowed."

"Of course it should be. I've been a teacher at this institution for thirty years. Stopping by the pool to witness young girls enjoying their high school lives is one of the perks of my employment."

Kurumu smirked, thinking this teacher lied as smoothly as Ginei.

"This guy is as brazen as Kurumu."

"There is nothing brazen about my swimsuit."

Madosuki smirked at her.

"I was talking about your comic."

Kurumu flinched, having no response to that. The teacher chuckled, lifting his left wrist. A large watch with a thick, silver link band was upon it.

"Still have about ten minutes before the sixth period girls will come back from the pool. Do any of you girls object to hanging out with your teacher?"

Endo laughed nervously, looking off to the side.

"You're not our teacher."

"Yet. I'm bound to get some of you next year."

"What did you agree to do for him?"

Kurumu managed a smile at Hazumi's question.

"He just wants me to convince our gym teachers to let him stay at the pool."

"She's fulfilling the wishes of a dying man."

"Since when are you dying?"

"We are all dying, Ms. Kurono. Albeit slowly."

Asuka snickered, thumbing at the guy.

"Why are you helping this pervert out?"

"What exactly is perverted about wanting to go to a pool?"

Asuka paused with a look of confusion.

"But you're not going there to swim, right?"

"I think that would be regarded as interfering with your gym class."

"Going to a pool to watch girls is perverted."

Mr. Fujita regarded Asuka with a genuine incredulous look.

"Nonsense. That's like claiming that going to watch a track event is perverted."

"That still doesn't answer why Ms. Kurono is doing you this favor."

Madosuki nodded at Hazumi's comment, stepping forward.

"Yea. If you're allowed to go to the pool, why would you need her help?"

"Because Mr. Kuyo came to the same silly conclusion that this young woman did. I did nothing wrong."

Kurumu laughed softly, thinking it was a reasonable conclusion.

"I agreed to help him because he has some information about my mother."

"So you're blackmailing her into using her mental telepathy against our gym teachers."

"What's this about mental telepathy?"

Madosuki huffed at the teacher's confusion.

"Kurono just made Morisato pee herself in class."

"Big deal. I've made Yuu pee herself."

"Don't you talk about that!"

Asuka grinned at the blushing tall girl.

"Yuu learned to never tell me about needing to use a bathroom."

"You need to learn to keep your hands to yourself."

"Did you tickle her?"

Asuka smirked at Hazumi, holding up her finger. A slight crackle of electricity flashed on the tip.

"You'd be surprised what a little shock to the system can do."

"I was mortified. And you did it in class in front of everybody."

Kurumu grimaced, knowing how embarrassed Juri must feel right now.

"It was impulse. I didn't think it through."

Asuka giggled with electricity dancing in her eyes.

"I know. Impulsive thoughts got me into so much trouble in junior high."

"I can't say this bodes well for your defense, Ms. Kurono. Confessing to a crime in front of a teacher."

Kurumu sighed at Mr. Fujita's comment.

"It's not like I could get away with it. Mrs. Sunao saw it happen and I was too shocked at what I did to deny anything. Kumiko already plans to report it to the faculty."

"I don't know why you feel the need to explain yourself to this degenerate."

"I'm only here to watch. I have no intentions to flirt with any high school girls."

"As if we should believe that."

Mr. Fujita favored Hazumi a fanged grin.

"As delicious as you look in that skimpy bikini, I prefer my women to be twice your age."

Kurumu sighed, thinking about how this guy claimed to have not been on a date in twenty years.

"Just be respectful of my classmates and try not to draw too much attention."

"I am paragon of politeness."

Kurumu smiled thinly as the girls continued to chatter about nothing in particular. She breathed in deep, regarding the framing of the new bleachers. The workers had halted this project when the girls had started using the pool to avoid any potential sexual harassment complaints. Kurumu wondered if these bleachers would be finished before the start of spring break.

It felt like forever before she saw any sixth period gym girls walking in their direction. Most girls walked on the school side of the tennis courts since there was nothing but open space on that side. Kurumu drifted closer to the building, hoping to not catch any attention as these girls neared.

One of the girls in the front was Shikichi Akatori from the fencing club. The tengu from Hongu had short, feathered cinnamon locks. She was the representative for Ginei's homeroom and was wearing the same school swimsuit that most girls had on. These girls were making a slight diagonal approach, intent on going directly to the locker room door.

The conversation around Kurumu settled down as these second year girls neared. Several first year girls were following this initial group. The vampire sisters stood out since both were wearing bikinis. Moka was sporting that white bikini swimsuit with the floral print and frills. Kokoa had on that new blood red bikini swimsuit with the black hem. Neither appeared to notice her.

Kokoa was chatting with Taniguchi Nagisa and Fukai Ishiko, two of the special girls she took blood from. Both of these girls had on school swimsuits. The undine from Ikinakawa had her toffee locks pulled back in a ponytail with braided side tails by her ears. Ishiko looked so different without her usual thick goggles over her eyes. The gnome from Chirasu had short black hair that was a scraggly mess.

Moka was with the four sylphs from Koutoukumo whom she shared lunch with. All four had donned the standard school swimsuit. The tall girl with sky blue hair hanging off the side of her head like dog ears was Aori Tomo from the track team.

When the first of the third years passed by, Kurumu started walking off to her right. Nerume took her cue, keeping up with her. The rest of the group followed in their wake, drawing only some curious looks from the girls returning from the pool.

They passed by the gap in black fencing between the track field and the tennis courts on their right. They kept moving ahead, walking behind the bleachers flanking the tennis courts. It probably took less than a minute to reach the far end of these bleachers. A small single story building for the tennis club rested at the edge of the fenced in tennis courts, providing club storage and lockers for visiting schools. Walking around this building, they angled for the edge of the clearing.

"The twins are right. They need to build a new pool closer to the school."

Kurumu laughed at Asuka's comment as they approached the start of a wide trail.

"I don't know if the school would fund that for just one club."

"A better pool was up for discussion after the last expansion. They were talking about putting it south of the proposed tennis courts to be closer to the girls' locker room."

Kurumu nodded at Mr. Fujita's remark. Taking hold of Nerume's hand, she started up the weathered trail.

"I heard about that from Mr. Ochi. The former swim club teacher couldn't get the funds."

"That's correct. Ms. Inukai couldn't convince that viper Mr. Tensai to work on another school project. He only agreed to Ms. Yaisoku's project because she found the funding."

"You don't like Mr. Tensai?"

Mr. Fujita snorted at her.

"I don't. You probably don't know this but his wife was a local girl that went to high school during a time that many girls didn't bother with it. He snatched her up the moment she graduated. The vulture."

Kurumu nodded, thinking about Mr. Tensai's daughter, Tobi, a third year in the manga club. As far as Kurumu knew, Tobi was an only child.

"Was his wife a student of yours?"

"Not the point, Ms. Kurono. But that is why I refuse to prey on high school girls."

"But you have no issues looking at them."

The teacher frowned at Hazumi's accusation.

"Looking isn't the same as touching."

Kurumu chuckled, wondering what his opinion was about Mr. Yokei. She held back the urge to ask him, knowing it was not common knowledge that the new science teacher had got a student pregnant and ran off with her. His former lover, Ms. Bakudai, certainly had issues with him getting hired back on.

It was not long before they came into the clearing about the elevated pool. A wide stair was sculpted out of the white stone, ascending up to a platform enclosed by chain link fencing. A plastic mesh sheathing was wrapped about the fence to keep debris from blowing into the pool. The top of the fencing angled inward, providing more protection from the surrounding trees.

"Let me do the talking, Mr. Fujita."

"Just remember your promise."

Kurumu smirked, releasing Nerume's hand. She pranced over to the gate denying access to the stairs. The doors along the base gave access to storage rooms and a small office with a unisex bathroom.

"Coach Kibashiro! I have a question!"

Before the count of ten heartbeats, the track coach appeared at the top of the stairs. Coach Kibashiro was wearing a sleek, black one piece that betrayed all of her curves. A pair of sunglasses rested in her tangled mess of tawny brown hair. She slowly descended the stairs with confused green eyes.

"What is old man Fujita doing with you?"

Kurumu giggled, thumbing at the teacher whom waited patiently at the start of the trail. The other girls had drifted over to Kurumu's side, probably not wanting to linger beside the scantily clad man.

"He said he wanted to watch us swim since it's the last day of gym."

"Absolutely not!"

The denial came from Coach Hoshineru whom stood at the top of the stairs. The volleyball coach had her blond hair styled in a pixie cut and was staring daggers at the second year math teacher. A white one piece swimsuit was stretched over her ample bosom and shapely hips.

"This man was banned from poolside."

Coach Kibashiro frowned, stopping at the other side of the gate.

"What did he do?"

"More like what he is doing right now. Do you see what he has on?"

Hazumi pointed at him, drawing the track coach's attention. The woman snickered, shaking her head.

"You dirty old man."

"There is nothing wrong with my swim attire."

Coach Kibashiro rolled her eyes, opening up the gate.

"Go on up, girls. Let me handle this deviant."

Hazumi quickly acquiesced with Madosuki and Endo following suit. Kurumu smiled thinly, gesturing at Mr. Fujita as Asuka and Taijin complied with the gym teacher's instruction.

"I kind of told this guy that I would help him out."

"Why would you do that?"

"She took pity on an old man whom had one of his joys in life taken away."

"Because girls complained about you being up here."

A short, buxom woman with her raven hair styled in victory rolls came up beside Coach Hoshineru. That was Coach Kanatoko of the softball team. A black whistle dangled in the valley of her breasts beneath a white gym shirt. Black track pants with a white line down the sides completed her ensemble. The woman frowned, adjusting the glasses upon her nose.

"What is that idiot wearing?"

Coach Hoshineru shrugged, turning her attention on the five girls coming up the stairs.

"Lose your shoes and partner up for stretches."

"Go on up there, Ms. Genzouyaki. They'll need an even number."

Nerume nodded at the track coach's command. She flashed Kurumu a smile, slipping through the open gate as the track coach pranced around Kurumu.

"Come here, old man. I'm sure that I can find a shirt that is long enough to hide your stupidity."

Kurumu giggled as the woman opened up one of the nearby doors. She drifted over to the opening as she heard the woman rummaging about.

"Does that mean he can go up with us?"

"If he behaves himself."

Mr. Fujita chuckled, walking over to Kurumu's side.

"I'm surprised that this is working out so well. Your powers are to be feared."

Kurumu pouted at his fanged grin.

"I'm not doing anything."

"Of course not."

Kurumu rolled her eyes, looking back to the stairs. The softball coach had almost reached the gate.

"Are you thinking Headmaster Sendou doesn't know about your poolside ban?"

"I was thinking of watching the girls and taking a swim after they leave."

Coach Kanatoko shook her head with sapphire eyes behind her glasses.

"That wasn't what I asked."

"Allow your teacher some pleasure in his twilight years."

Coach Kibashiro snickered as she strolled back out with a huge white shirt.

"Hopefully this will do. Put it on."

Mr. Fujita grinned, taking the long sleeved shirt. He shook it out and thrust his arms through the bottom. Working his arms through the sleeves, he pulled it up over his head.

"Was my chest too stimulating for you?"

"Shut up, old man."

Mr. Fujita snickered, smoothing the shirt down. The garment nearly reached his knees.

"Damn. Was this thing sized for a giant?"

"If you don't like it, you can leave."

"Can I take this off after the girls leave? There is no way I could swim in this tent."

Coach Kibashiro wagged a finger at him.

"After they leave. Our school has enough complaints as is."

"Are you seriously letting him go up?"

The track coach shrugged at Coach Kanatoko's question.

"I don't see the harm. But he needs to stick by my side."

Mr. Fujita chuckled, stepping in to drape an arm over her shoulder.

"I suppose that term is acceptable."

Coach Kibashiro slipped out from beneath his arm to poke him in the chest.

"Don't be touching anyone."

"I had no intentions of touching any of the girls."

"That includes me."

Mr. Fujita laughed, placing his hands at his waist.

"Don't be silly, Mizuki. You're like the daughter I never had."

"Behave yourself, old man."

Coach Kanatoko sighed, gesturing at the smirking track coach.

"Give him your sunglasses. It will make it easier on the girls if they can't see his eyes."

The track coach gave a snaggletooth grin, reaching into her hair to pull out her sunglasses.

"You heard her. Put these on."

The math teacher frowned, taking the sunglasses.

"So cruel of you, Ms. Kanatoko. Why I remember the days when you were as flat as a diving board."

The softball coach laughed, absently touching her ample bosom.

"He's your responsibility, Ms. Kibashiro. Keep him away from Ms. Hoshineru."

"Is there something I don't know about?"

"Not really. You just weren't around for the days when this dummy would eat wherever he pleased."

"I don't recall Ms. Hoshineru being among the students complaining about my lunch habits."

"Just keep quiet, Mr. Fujita. Go on up. I'll wait here by the gate."

The softball teacher motioned for them to pass through. Coach Kibashiro complied first, gesturing for them to follow. Kurumu grinned, walking through the gate behind Mr. Fujita.

"I got you in so you have to keep your promise."

"Debatable but I am in a generous mood."

Coach Kibashiro snickered as they neared the top of the stairs.

"You shouldn't be making deals with ornery old men."

"I have done nothing to deserve such verbal prosecution."

"Your history suggests otherwise."

Kurumu grinned at the familiar voice as they reached the top of the stairs. Coach Yaisoku was lounging on a pool chair by a glass table. The center spire of the table held up an umbrella, providing shade to the tennis coach. A gray sweatshirt with pink lettering stretched over her swollen belly. Most of her ivory legs were bared with red cotton shorts ending halfway down her thighs.

"How do you feel, Coach Yaisoku?"

The tennis coach turned her head in their direction. Her auburn ponytail was sticking to her neck.

"Tired. Shall I tell you about the time he molested your mother?"

Mr. Fujita puffed up his chest indignantly.

"That was a baseless rumor that Ms. Kurono even denied."

"There are plenty more concerning you."

"Don't listen to the stories of a bitter old woman whom ate a random stranger to have her baby."

"I'm decades younger than you."

A woman with ashen black braids tucked tightly to her scalp wandered over. She was garbed in a black swimsuit that had short sleeves and came halfway down her pale thighs. This was Coach Takaku of the fencing club. She thumbed at the math teacher.

"Are we drowning this dog today?"

"The level of disrespect here is appalling."

"Your presence here is appalling."

Coach Kibashiro giggled at the volleyball coach's curt retort. She grabbed hold of Mr. Fujita's hand, steering him away from the other teachers.

"Come with me, old man. Don't make me regret this."

Coach Hoshineru sighed as the track coach led the math teacher over to the far side of the pool.

"She's way too kind to that dog."

Coach Takaku shrugged indifferently.

"She probably just feels sorry for him."

"Probably. Go stretch with the others, Ms. Kurono."

Kurumu nodded at the Coach Hoshineru's instruction. She started walking over to where the other girls were stretching but realized that they had all paired up. Guessing she would have to wait, she wandered over to the edge of the pool. She immediately spied the last gym teacher swimming nearby.

"Coach Amekoshi!"

The swim club advisor lifted her head out of the water. Her flowing white curls brushed against her thin shoulders. The mermaid quickly darted over to her location.

"Yes, Ms. Kurono?"

Kurumu grinned at the young woman. She was the newest of these gym teachers, having graduated only four years ago. The woman placed her hands on the water and lifted herself up as if the water was solid. Her slender torso was wrapped in a pea green tube top.

"I was wondering which group would use the pool first."

"The second years followed by the first years."

Kurumu smiled, supposing that was better than being last.

"Did the city give your club permission to use the pool in their closed community center?"

The mermaid laughed, pulling herself further out to sit on top of the water. The strings of a pea green bikini bottom were tied at her hips.

"I went to a town meeting and brought it up but they tabled the discussion. Whatever that means."

Kurumu nodded, thinking that meant they had no desire to discuss it.

"Did you see the pool?"

"I did. It's not big enough for competitions but it is better than this. I can see why the girls were using it."

The third year mermaids had been using the community pool as a breeding ground. Long before Kurumu had come to Yokai Academy, the swimming club mermaids had found a merman and had been holding him hostage there. Kurumu had helped release the guy into the ocean but it was not like he could leave the barrier about Mononoke.

"Do the other prefectural schools have swim teams?"

"Ishou Academy has one. I know that they compete against Imoshinai Institute and Shimote Technical. But I don't remember if any other prefectural schools in our region has a team."

"So it's not a major sport."

"It's a secondary sport like judo and archery. Prefectural schools are encouraged to have teams for them if they can, but it's not pushed. Some smaller schools have a hard enough time getting players for the big sports like volleyball and basketball."

Kurumu nodded, recalling a conversation with some girls from Katame Institute. Those girls had been on multiple athletic teams.

"Ms. Kurono! Stop chatting and start stretching!"

Kurumu laughed, getting back to her feet. She hoped that the worst part of her day was over.

---

"Is this seat taken?"

Mr. Fujita glanced up at Kurumu. He chuckled, going back to tending the meal on his tray.

"You are here too early for the study session."

Kurumu smirked, setting her tray down before taking the seat across from him. It was not surprising that the teacher was eating alone in the dining hall. Most students preferred to eat with their friends.

"It's not like I had a whole lot to do after school. And with the dining hall not opening until six, I had to kill some time as is."

Mr. Fujita nodded with a mouthful of chicken fried rice. He swallowed, gesturing with his chopsticks.

"Heard about you getting in trouble over that altercation today."

Kurumu shrugged, pushing her disposable chopsticks out of the cellophane wrapping.

"It's just two weeks of detention. I didn't expect you would be here so early."

He took his time chewing down another mouthful.

"Not worth running home for dinner when I can just eat here. Not like the food here is worse."

Kurumu stirred up her nikujaga with the white rice inside the Styrofoam container.

"Aren't you always running around with the little witch girl and those two vampire sisters?"

Kurumu smirked, picking up a chunk of potato.

"Don't you know their names?"

"I see no reason to clarify."

Kurumu stuffed the morsel into her mouth, appreciating the taste. It was not the best but good enough. She swallowed it down, picking at her meal for her next bite.

"The other girls prefer to make their own dinners. They live in the suites."

"It's good to start working on being independent. Can't stay kids forever."

Kurumu knew that was not a bad way to see things but it still bothered her. It would be nice if being a kid was still an option for her. But that was gone now. While she was not fully taking care of herself, it was different appealing to the Shuzen family instead of her mother. As she swallowed down another morsel, she wondered if she should ask for permission to get a job. Did she even need their permission?

"You seemed to get along with Coach Kibashiro."

Mr. Fujita chuckled, pushing aside his empty tray. He picked up his can of coffee.

"She's just humoring an old man. I wasn't joking about her being like a daughter."

Kurumu frowned as she picked up her can of green tea.

"But she graduated in 93. She's like thirty years old."

"Doesn't change what I said."

Kurumu sighed, taking a sip before setting her tea back down. She fished out another chunk of meat.

"You could try asking her out."

"She's an okami, Ms. Kurono. I give it another five years or so before her and Ms. Uchikawa are pestered into settling down and having families with respectable okami men."

Kurumu detected the bitterness in his words.

"I don't understand why you are so resigned to being alone."

"And I don't understand why you care so much. I thought you wanted to hear about your mother?"

Kurumu frowned, picking at her meal without any real interest.

"I do but that doesn't mean that I can't care."

Mr. Fujita said nothing for a long while, forcing Kurumu to pay attention to her meal. It was difficult to enjoy the food with thoughts of how empty and lonely his life must be. It frightened her to think that such a fate could befall her.

"Okami value strong blood lines. Always have. Girls can get disowned for breaking those rules."

Kurumu swallowed, nearly finished with her dinner. She moved the last flecks of rice about in the box.

"Mr. Daijou-"

"is an okami. Guys breaking the rules has always been more tolerated."

Kurumu smiled at his immediate dismissal of the third year science teacher. The cycling club advisor had an inugami wife and four kids whom lived in Mononoke because the extended family in Ashikantai were too vocal about their disappointment in him.

"It doesn't seem like Ginei is struggling to get an approval from his girlfriend's family."

"You have no nose for this."

Kurumu frowned, leaving her disposable chopsticks inside the box.

"Ginei's father is human. He's a half breed at best."

Mr. Fujita smiled at her with a patronizing look.

"I met Mr. Morioka's mother at the cultural festival. I could smell it on her immediately. Raw power. Pure. It wouldn't surprise me one bit if it turned out that woman was a princess of an old okami tribe."

Kurumu stared at him in shock. She shook her head slowly in disbelief.

"That can't be true."

"No normal half breed okami would have any hope to compete against a full blood okami. Yet I've seen Mr. Morioka in action. When he's serious, he can outperform the okami guys."

Mr. Fujita leaned back on the bench bolted to this table.

"Surely you must have an okami friend that can confirm this. The girls can tell that his scent is different."

Kurumu swallowed thickly, recalling Akari and her friends commenting on Ginei's scent being desirable. She also knew that Ginei's mother had fled from her family.

"His mother is a runaway. She avoided the hospital when she gave birth to Ginei. Ginei said that it was to keep Fairy Tale from finding them."

Mr. Fujita chuckled with a pleased look.

"I knew it. That boy must be a bastard prince from one of the oldest okami tribes. He's from Kobe so my first guess would be the Kurotsume in Kyoto."

"Does Ginei know about this?"

Mr. Fujita shrugged, picking up his drink.

"Who knows? But I have no reason to give more fuel to that young man's ego."

Kurumu laughed, reeling in disbelief. But it all made perfect sense.

"Wow. I really wish I had gotten to speak more with his mother."

"Speaking of mothers, it's time that we should talk about yours."

Kurumu smiled, thankful that he had brought the subject back around.

"Yea. I want to know why she came to you for help."

Mr. Fujita took a hearty swig from his coffee can, lowering it with a long exhale.

"I always did have a soft spot for her. When I found out that she was living with the Shirayuki couple, I would drop by and check on them at least once a week."

"That seems a bit above and beyond a teacher's duty."

"Not as much as you would think. Back then I lived in the same apartment building so it was not that much of a detour from my normal routine."

Kurumu nodded, conceding that did change her initial reaction.

"Did you think it was okay for my mother to be living with them?"

"I think everybody had their doubts of that working out well for the wife. And I didn't visit much after that fire over the summer. It was October before I realized the wife had moved out."

He paused with a thoughtful expression.

"I don't really know why I suddenly felt the urge to help them run off together. Part of me thinks it was fulfilling a wish I once had for myself. Back in my high school days there had been an okami girl whom I had been completely smitten with. I often think about how my life could have turned out different if I had just ran off with her."

"But her family didn't approve."

Mr. Fujita chuckled, shaking his head.

"Something like that. After the cultural festival, I made up my mind to help your parents. And that was no easy feat. Not many people have the means to get through the barrier. Only Mr. Nurari and Fairy Tale officers can do it without assistance."

"How did you get in contact with Mr. Nurari?"

Mr. Fujita smirked.

"Dumb luck. It might surprise you but Headmaster Mikogami refused to help me. So did Elder Kunai."

Kurumu frowned in confusion.

"Elder Kunai? Why would you turn to him?"

The math teacher regarded her with a serious expression.

"It isn't talked about but everybody knows that Elder Kunai and Headmaster Mikogami can provide one time passes to get through the barrier."

"I've never heard this before."

"Think about it, Ms. Kurono. Did Mr. Nurari bring every parent that came into Mononoke for the October festivals on his bus?"

"I thought that he did."

Mr. Fujita rolled his eyes.

"Not every parent. You must have seen other students with furniture in their dorm rooms. That wasn't brought in by Mr. Nurari's bus."

Kurumu nodded but failed to see his point.

"My mother shipped furniture to me through a service. It may not have come in by bus, but Headmaster Mikogami-"

"-gave them a single use pass through the barrier. Do you honestly believe that the Headmaster of Yokai Academy would be in charge of giving out passes to every delivery truck for every business in town?"

Kurumu frowned, thinking it would make sense for him to be in charge of that.

"Well he is responsible for keeping the barrier up."

"Elder Kunai gives out those passes. There might have been a time it worked like that but there is no way he was still at the mercy of Headmaster Mikogami when I was a student here. If Mononoke still needed Mikogami for those passes, this place would have financially collapsed shortly after his death."

Kurumu mulled that over for a moment.

"But that sounds like it would have been easy for enemies to get through the barrier. All they would have to do is become a delivery truck driver."

"You give Kuyo too little credit. The security may not be as tight as students are led to believe, but it isn't easy getting around it. Getting a pass from Elder Kunai or the headmaster doesn't happen for no good reason. Your best bet is asking for one during school festivals and the three weeks after graduation."

Kurumu's eyes lit up, suddenly knowing why parents showing up to help kids move out mattered.

"Oh! I see. I guess that's why Lord Chiki had Elder Kunai arrested."

Mr. Fujita snorted, rolling his eyes.

"Who knows what was going through that madman's head. It's not like Elder Kunai had his bank insured and would be paid by someone when the money was stolen. That's something Fairy Tale banks do."

Kurumu nodded, guessing it was not worth her time to figure out why Lord Chiki had done that. Hearing about these passes did explain how the city businesses worked, but it was not like she had ever put that much thought into how the stores got their supplies. She frowned at a thought.

"But Mr. Nurari was the one that took my parents to the Chugoku region. What do these passes have to do with my parents?"

Mr. Fujita chuckled, making a dismissive gesture.

"I only brought it up because I tried to get one. Headmaster Mikogami didn't want to risk damaging relationships with Yukimura and Elder Kunai was convinced that your mother was a Fairy Tale agent."

Kurumu laughed, shaking her head.

"My mother was never a Fairy Tale agent."

"That stubborn old man could never be convinced otherwise. Even years after your parents left, Elder Kunai holds to the belief that your mother was a murderer."

Kurumu contemplated her words as she took a drink. The math teacher also remained silent, waiting for her response. Kurumu debated on if she should address this or change the subject.

"What do you know about the death of Elder Kunai's grandson?"

A pleased look crossed Mr. Fujita's face.

"I'm a little surprised that you know about that. You must have friends in town."

"Actually I didn't know about this grandson until very recently when I was looking at old yearbooks. I knew my mother was in your second year homeroom and noticed a Kunai Kenji next to her picture. Ms. Bakudai and Mr. Yokei explained what happened."

"That's even more surprising. I didn't think those two would be on speaking terms."

Kurumu laughed at his amusement, realizing her mistake.

"I talked to each of them on different days. Ms. Bakudai didn't want to call my mother a murderer when she didn't know much about the situation. Mrs. Takizawa cleared things up for me a day or so later. She told me about Mr. Guchimori whom was the newspaper club president. I understand that Mr. Kunai was going to give him evidence about whom was responsible for the fire."

Mr. Fujita nodded, regarding her with appreciation that lacked a sexual component.

"Impressive. You are quite the investigative reporter. Pity that you quit the newspaper club."

"I wouldn't say that. This all started with an innocent question. And now I want to clear my mother's name. I don't believe my mother was a murderer even if this guy did try to stop her from leaving."

Mr. Fujita took in a deep breath, holding his tongue for several heartbeats.

"Your parents had nothing to do with that young man's demise. I was with them the whole afternoon on the day of their departure. I watched them get in the car with Mr. Nurari."

Kurumu smiled, appreciating his testimony.

"And it isn't possible that they killed him on a different day or that morning?"

"No. It was Wednesday, December twenty first, 1988. That was the day your parents left. Elder Kunai admitted to having a conversation with his grandson that morning."

Kurumu frowned at his revelation.

"I thought nobody had days for my parents' departure and Mr. Kunai's death."

"The public doesn't have the dates but the school investigation committee did."

"Were you a suspect?"

Mr. Fujita smirked at her.

"Elder Kunai was adamant that your mother killed his grandson. Apparently in that conversation with that stubborn old man, Mr. Kunai admitted that he was going to meet up with your mother. So it was a case of a student killing another student. That was why the school was tasked with the investigation."

Kurumu nodded thoughtfully, thinking he was not denying what Mr. Tagami had said.

"Whom was on the committee?"

"Only Mr. Hiramatsu is still around if you want to validate my story. Mrs. Tachibana retired three years ago and you know what happened to Mr. Saitou."

"I wasn't doubting your words."

He regarded her firmly.

"You should. As you guessed, I was considered an accomplice when I spoke up as your mother's alibi. Elder Kunai believed that I may have helped your mother murder his grandson."

Mr. Fujita paused, looking beyond her.

"I was also investigating the fire. I even encouraged Mr. Kunai to look into it, saying he had ties with the town elders that he could exploit. I never swallowed the story of a bunch of wild students burning down the poor neighborhood for fun or hatred of monstrels. I looked at whom would profit from it."

The math teacher looked firmly into her eyes.

"I suspected that vulture, Mr. Tensai, would make tons of cash rebuilding the town."

"But that means you wanted his evidence. It would make no sense for you to help my parents kill him."

"My bias against Mr. Tensai is well known. And you can't forget that your mother is a succubus. So my alibi was dismissed on the basis that I was either charmed or refused to believe any evidence Mr. Kunai provided that did not support my theory."

Kurumu pondered over his statements.

"I thought Mr. Kunai was going to give his evidence to Mr. Guchimori. How did my mother get involved?"

Mr. Fujita sighed, shrugging with a shake of his head.

"More dumb luck. Or bad luck depending on how you see it. He stopped by their place late the night before their departure. I should mention that he also believed your mother was a Fairy Tale agent."

"I actually know about that from Mrs. Takizawa."

Mr. Fujita paused, favoring her a fanged grin.

"Anyways. He must have just gotten his evidence that day and wanted her to give it to her Fairy Tale superiors. She tried to refuse him but he persisted. She told me about it the next day, saying she only agreed to it because she knew I would be with them to take care of it."

"Did he know that she was leaving Mononoke?"

"That's why I said it was dumb luck. He had no clue about my arrangement with Mr. Nurari to get the couple out. Your mother told Mr. Kunai to meet us at the bus stop."

Kurumu smiled thinly, agreeing that was unfortunate.

"Why didn't he give her the evidence that night?"

Mr. Fujita sighed heavily.

"I don't know. Maybe he didn't have it on him. He clearly wanted to confront his grandfather first. I even suggested that Elder Kunai was the one responsible for the boy's death. That the boy's evidence implied his involvement so he had the kid killed and was blaming us to cover his tracks."

"Do you believe that's what happened?"

"Hard to say. Elder Kunai would benefit from burning down a huge section of the town. Perhaps even more than Mr. Tensai would."

Kurumu mulled over his response.

"But that section of town was never rebuilt. Nobody profited off it."

The math teacher let out a deep sigh.

"Yes. With each passing year, I doubt my conclusions. I have no idea what Mr. Kunai found out. His body was found by Elder Tsuda on Christmas morning. Someone had left his corpse in the cemetery."

Kurumu grimaced, thinking that was a horrible way to start a holiday.

"Did Mr. Nurari confirm the day of departure?"

"Yes. But Elder Kunai refused to accept that as proof of innocence."

"But that's it. They left Mononoke four days before Mr. Kunai died."

"Elder Tsuda admitted that the boy had been dead for more than a day. Without an exact time of death, that stubborn old man insisted on our guilt. The investigative committee had to threaten dropping the charges for Elder Kunai to release his grandson's body to the hospital for an autopsy."

Kurumu nodded thoughtfully.

"Did the autopsy clear my parents?"

"Yes. They boy died the evening of the twenty third. The school dismissed the case but Elder Kunai refused to accept the autopsy since Fairy Tale funds the hospital."

Mr. Fujita sighed dramatically at her bewildered look.

"That stubborn fool thinks this was a huge conspiracy. In his version of the truth, your mother was an agent working for Lord Chiki. His grandson found out that Fairy Tale was responsible for burning down the town and was killed when he tried to show your mother the evidence of her wrong doing."

Kurumu laughed in disbelief, shaking her head.

"He must have really hated my mother."

"He hates Fairy Tale, Ms. Kurono. To this day, nobody truly knows whom killed that boy or started a fire that claimed the lives of hundreds. And it feels like nobody even cares."

Kurumu paused, letting that sink in.

"Well I'm glad that you kept your promise."

He chuckled, crushing his empty can with his hand.

"Surely that couldn't have been the only thing you wanted to ask about."

"That was the only thing bothering me. But I would welcome any pleasant stories you have about her."

Mr. Fujita smirked, setting the crushed can on his tray.

"I have some. But before that, I should mention that your father was in pretty bad shape that last month. I don't know what exactly was wrong but he was very twitchy. Paler than usual. Your mother missed a lot of school that month to take care of him."

Kurumu grimaced, thinking she knew the cause of this.

"You probably don't know but succubi naturally produce an opiate. It's in our sweat and spit."

"An opiate? Like a drug?"

"Yea. It makes it difficult for us to maintain safe, long term relationships."

Mr. Fujita nodded with a serious expression.

"That sounds tragic. Aren't you dating Mr. Amesuki?"

Kurumu laughed, nodding vigorously.

"Yes. He's an undine so he can dilute my opiate. It makes him more resistant and hopefully immune."

The math teacher flashed her a fanged grin.

"That's good to hear. It would be a pity for a beautiful young woman like yourself to end up like me."

"What are you doing over here with this old man?"

Kurumu smirked, turning her head as Ginei strolled over to their table. He held a tray and a can of tea in his hands. Hajihachi followed in his wake with her own meal.

"We were just talking."

"She was taking pity on an old man."

Ginei snickered, settling down on the bench beside Kurumu.

"I see. Community service hours for all of the mischief she has been causing."

Kurumu smiled softly, thinking about their earlier conversation.

"We even talked a little about you."

"Oh really? Why would you do that?"

"Because you and Mr. Fujita have a lot in common. You are both passionate about the newspaper."

Ginei snickered, shaking his head.

"I don't see the resemblance. This old dog gave up on the paper years ago."

"Politics, Mr. Morioka. It was only done to appease Mr. Kuyo."

Ginei chuckled, pushing his chopsticks out of a wrapper.

"Now that he's gone, do you want back in? I'm in need of a new club advisor."

"Maybe. I don't want to neglect my duties as advisor for the badminton club."

Kurumu smirked, doubting that required much.

"Are you two sticking around for the study session after dinner?"

"I wouldn't dare miss that."

Hajihachi huffed as she stirred up her meal with her chopsticks.

"You better behave yourself."

"Where's the fun in that?"

Hearing the two men say that in unison was too much.