Author's Note 8/26/19:

Previously, I wrote that Makoto and Principal Kobayakawa did not know each other. I felt this was a mistake as he is an important character in Makoto's life. I've changed Chapter 6, wherein Shiho falls, to make them recognize each other. So you will see that recognition continues in this chapter as they meet again.

"An outdoor assembly? That won't be difficult," said Mrs. Suzui, "I'll have Mr. Kobayakawa convene one."

Hearing Kobayakawa's name sent a surge of confusing emotions through Makoto. Suddenly, she was less confident of her plan. How could they convince the man to do what was needed? When she'd been student council president of this school, she took Kobayakawa's directives and carried them out to the best of her ability.

"You won't have any trouble with him?" asked Makoto, trying to keep her voice neutral.

Mrs. Suzui's face suddenly turned vicious. Makoto was taken aback at the look of hatred on the other woman's face. Then, just as quickly, Mrs. Suzuis face went back to a more neutral, business-like look.

"No, Ms. Niijima. He won't be any trouble," said Mrs. Suzui. "Not for much longer."

Before Makoto could ask what she meant, the coach pulled into the front courtyard of the campus and came to a stately stop. The general murmur of students waiting for first bell was notable now. The school was a different place during classes. As the coachman thumped his way down from his seat to prepare the steps for his passengers, Mr. Suzui peeked covertly from behind his window curtain.

"No one to meet us, it seems," he said.

"Don't worry," said Mrs. Suzui, not bothering to look for herself, "He's watching from his office window this very moment, worrying whose parents we are- likely forming a thin sheen of sweat on his fat head."

Makoto was shocked. Mrs. Suzui really didn't think much of Principal Kobayakawa! Could she really do as she claimed? Makoto felt the stirrings of anxious doubt in her chest. They were going to march up to the principal's office and demand he act! It was such an alien concept. Makoto took a deep breath and tried to calm herself. She wasn't a student anymore. She was as much an adult as Mrs. Suzui.

The coach door opened from the outside, the coachman bowing them out. Mrs. Suzui smiled at Makoto then put on a serious expression and stepped out of the coach- Mr. Suzui followed, then Makoto, and finally, Amamiya in the rear. They proceeded up the school steps, and the only note of their passing was the heads of students taking a second look at Amamiya- hopefully due to his rather unique clothing style.

They entered the first floor of the school, a moderate atrium illuminated by the large windows surrounding the main door. Dark wood construction evoked a somber aura, but the rich crimson of the school's colors on the rugs and tapestries held the place back from seeming like a nunnery. Though Makoto had always thought that was a near thing.

The office was on the second floor, so they proceeded up the curved stairs. Mrs. Suzui then lead them to an office door, knocked, and entered without waiting for an answer.

"Excuse me, you can't-" said a surprised female voice, "Oh! Mrs. Suzui! Good morning! I'm sorry, I wasn't expecting you..."

Mr. Suzui was blocking the doorway, so Makoto couldn't see who was speaking. But she knew from experience this was the secretary's office- the gatekeeper. Beyond this room was the larger office of the academy administrator.

"...I was so shocked to hear about your-"

"Not as shocked as I, Ms. Kondo," said Mrs. Suzui. Her voice was the motherly equivalent of the hissing fuse on a stick of dynamite. "I'm here to talk to Principal Kobayakawa."

"Oh- all right, let me set up an appointment and-"

"Ms. Ogawa…"

A short silence passed.

"Uh- he's- he is in his office right now, Mrs. Suzui. Let me tell him you're here."

"That won't be necessary," said Mrs. Suzui, moving into the room. Mr. Suzui was close on her heels, finally emptying the doorway for Makoto to enter the secretary's office. It was a gloomy, small room- having no windows and partitioned awkwardly between the hallway and the walls of the building. The wide-eyed secretary was obviously a student, and a young one at that- she was watching Mrs. Suzui cross the room towards the inner door, powerless to stop her.

Mrs. Suzui flung open the door. Makoto caught sight of an obviously scared balding man rise from his desk. It was a stark difference to the stern and vaguely disapproving Principal Kobayakawa who Makoto remembered. Then Mr. Suzui stepped in, cutting off Makoto's view until she was able to follow him into the principal's office. It was a nostalgic room- she'd entered this office many times to stand before the principal as the student body president. To receive her orders and march back out.

Principal Kobayakawa's sudden smile was welcoming, but his eyes showed obvious anxiety and fear towards Mrs. Suzui. It was a look Makoto had never seen on his face before. In a sudden revelation, Makoto realized that Kobayakawa was afraid of Mrs. Suzui. Why would he look like that when confronted in his office, the very heart of his power? He'd always looked confident and stern to Makoto- secure in his greater power over her as a student. But now… did Mrs. Suzui command more power than he? Ann had said Mrs. Suzui held social events for parents at the school, and Mrs. Suzui herself said she could stir the PTA to action. Just how much clout did Mrs. Suzui wield amongst the school's parents?

"Ah- uh- Mrs. Suzui, I hope your daughter-" said Kobayakawa.

"My daughter is recovering, thanks to you, Mr. Kobayakawa," said Mrs. Suzui, her voice suddenly warm and grateful. She bowed. Mr. Suzui missed a beat, but then followed his wife's lead.

Makoto was taken aback. Just a moment ago, Mrs. Suzui had intimidated the secretary, and now she was transformed into a bowing, deferential woman. What was she doing? If her plan was surprising Mr. Kobayakawa, it was working: his mouth gaped open like a koi.

"What?"

"It's true," continued Mrs. Suzui, "If you had not directed Ms. Niijima here to take my daughter to that physician… well, God only knows."

"Of- of course. I'm glad it went as well as it could," said Kobayakawa, his eyes shifting to Makoto. He pales slightly, then motioned towards the two chairs in front of his desk. "Won't you and Mr. Suzui have a seat? Shall I send for tea?"

Makoto experienced yet another surreal shock as she watched her formal principal collapse back into his groaning chair. He was accepting this. He was accepting the credit, even though he'd tried to prevent Makoto from saving Shiho. Her mouth opened to protest, words forming in her throat, but then she remembered this was Mrs. Suzui's ploy. Makoto held herself back.

"Tea sounds lovely," said Mrs. Suzui, "Doesn't it, Mr. Suzui?"

Mr. Suzui looked at his wife. She raised her eyebrows at him.

"Yes, the dust in the coach made me quite parched," said Mr. Suzui.

"And uh- for you, Ms. Niijima? And, uh… sir?" said Kobayakawa, eyes traveling between Makoto and Amamiya.

"Yes, tea for them, too, please," said Mrs. Suzui.

"Ms. Ogawa," called Kobayakawa and his secretary appeared in the doorway, "Tea and four cups."

The secretary left, and Kobayakawa's eyes shifted back to Makoto and Amamiya. "I know Ms. Niijima, but not that man. Why are they here, Mrs. Suzui?"

"If you know, Ms. Niijima, you already know the answer. They are vampire hunters. They're here to search the school for the vampire."

"What!" Kobayakawa coughed loudly a few times. "There's no vampire here, Mrs. Suzui!" Some of the earlier fear was visible on Kobayakawa's face again. "And I can't allow strangers to search a private academy! No, no. Out of the question."

"I see."

Mrs. Suzui settled back into her seat. A tense silence fell.

Mr. Suzui looked at his wife, but she remained demure and her head was somewhat down. He twiddled his mustache and then turned back to Kobayakawa. "A new crop of red beans is due in from Zen-Dai..."

"Oh, yes?" said Kobayakawa, obviously eager for the change of topic. The two men leaned forward to talk about the new subject. Mrs. Suzui started to pay polite attention.

What was this? An immediate denial of their objective and then… deference? An early tea and small-talk about confections? The disaster of Suzui Shiho hung over the room like a dark cloud, but Mrs. Suzui was apparently accepting defeat? No, that couldn't be. She was up to something. She must be waiting to start the real attack. Makoto was morbidly eager to see how Mrs. Suzui would handle this man- this authority of Makoto's childhood.

Makoto glanced at Amamiya. He was standing easily next to her, arms crossed, watching the proceedings with idle interest. Since he wasn't bored, Makoto thought he must be waiting for Mrs. Suzui, too. Then he apparently felt her gaze and his eyes turned to look at her. Their eyes met. A flush of heat traveled across Makoto's face, but she nodded at him. After a slight pause, he nodded back slowly with a quizzical look. He thought she was trying to send him some kind of message. But she wasn't. She jerked her head back to look at the Suzuis and Kobayakawa.

What was that feeling? Get a grip! Makoto turned her mind to their main objective: the vampire. While they were here, having tea, the creature may be in the school this very moment doing who knows what! She wanted to rush this along, but that was an impossibility. Create a scene? Ruin whatever manipulation Mrs. Suzui was planning? No, it would be faster to just wait.

Makoto clenched her jaw and tried to pay attention to what Mr. Suzui was saying about the rumored red bean yield of Zen-Dai, but it did little to halt the growing anxious energy welling up in her body. Today was the day something big would happen. No mere skirmish. But a life-changing event. Makoto could feel it. She wanted it to hurry up already.

Instead, tea arrived. The distinctive smell of steeping green tea filled the room. Everyone fell silent as the drink was poured into five clay cups. Ms. Ogawa, the little secretary girl, served the others before handing steaming cups to Amamiya and Makoto. They both accepted.

Green tea was an uncommon treat, as black teas were more common due to the fermentation of the imported leaves. Kobayakawa must know a local artisan who was growing the plants. Makoto made a mental note to talk with Yoshida about it. She blew softly on the surface of the liquid to cool it. Well, today would happen as it happened. No reason not to enjoy this.

She sipped, savoring the clean bitterness. Her eyes traveled to Amamiya again. He was sniffing at the cup with a dubious curl at the corner of his mouth. Green tea was new to him? That was interesting. It wasn't so rare or expensive that a common person would never experience it. So, again… where was Amamiya from?

Makoto watched him take a tentative sip. He frowned. Then the frown faded. He sniffed. Sipped again. His lips pursed and then he sipped yet again. He liked it. So, Amamiya liked bitter things. Interesting.

"Ah, a relaxing drink, Mr. Kobayakawa, thank you," said Mrs. Suzui. "I've not been able to relax these last few days."

"I can imagine," said Kabayakawa.

"I think the last time I drank tea in this office… it was just after the second Shujin girl disappeared."

Kobayakawa froze, teacup against his lips. He pulled it away slowly. "Mrs. Suzui-"

"What was it that you said to me then? Oh, yes. You said the girls were pregnant and they fled their families out of shame. Am I remembering that correctly?"

"Uh-"

The new tension in the room was palpable to Makoto. She couldn't see Mrs. Suzui's face, but the woman was leaning forward in her chair. Her head was riveted on Kobayakawa, and his uneasy eyes were glued to Mrs. Suzui. He seemed like a mouse cornered by a patient cat.

Pregnant girls? The second missing Shujin girl? That's right- the papers had sensationalized that- offering all sorts of idle theories. Makoto had followed the story, since Shujin was her alma mater. But in three days, the papers bored of the disappearances and moved on. Going by what Mrs. Suzui just said, she must have also followed those papers; and presumably fearing for the safety of her own daughter, came here to meet Kobayakawa about the subject. That made sense, since she was apparently politically active amongst the students' families.

"And I believed you. Fool, that I am. You know what I said to myself a few days ago, Kobayakawa? When I read the headline about a third missing Shujin girl? I said to myself, 'my, my, girls can't keep their skirts down these days,' But my Shiho is safe. She's a smart girl."

"Of course she is, Mrs. Suzu-"

"But she wasn't safe. She fell. It was sorcery. Some foul vampire sorcery, Kobayakawa, from inside your school."

Kobayakawa put his cup on his desk with a thunk. "Don't be absurd, Mrs. Suzui! Those rumors of a vampire-"

"The rumors!" said Mrs. Suzui, her voice suddenly vicious. "The rumors are untrue? So you mean to say my Shiho fell of her own volition!? Perhaps she is pregnant and she was leaping from the shame of it?! Is that your suggestion!?"

"Na- na- no!" babbled Kobayakawa, his face going pale as he leaned as far back in his desk chair as he could, as if trying to escape the sudden escalation of this meeting. "That's not-"

Mr. Suzui cleared his throat loudly. "The rumors are true, sir. What do you intend to do about it?"

"Da- da- do?"

"Yes! Do!" yelled Mrs. Suzui, "You fat lard of a man! It drove my daughter off the roof! What are your plans?"

Kobayakawa's mouth opened and closed. It was the koi impression again, but much more intense.

"So. It's as I thought. You were just going to wait and hope for it all to go away. Well, I have a plan for you, Kobayakawa. I've hired two vampire hunters," Mrs. Suzui raised her hand to indicate Makoto and Amamiya against the rear wall. "They will scour the school and find this creature."

"No! Then everyone will know that-"" Kobayakawa's mouth shut with a click.

"He did know," said Mr. Suzui, turning to his wife. "The story about pregnant girls was a blatant lie, my dear. He knew the truth as he fed it to you."

"And I ate it up, fool that I am." Mrs. Suzui appeared to have transformed once again. Now she seemed calm and serious. "Three Shujin girls already missing and yet the school remained open so our Shiho could be the fourth. And I let her come here, day after day."

"That's not what-"

But the Suzuis were ignoring him now, focused on each other.

"What should we do with this man, Mr. Suzui?"

"Our daughter may be crippled. Let's tell the papers and let the mob burn him. "

Kobayakawa let out a nervous laugh. "Surely, you jest. Such a thing-"

Mrs. Suzui shook her head at Mr. Suzui, "Even if we made the city think Kobayakawa is a conspirator, I don't think the parents would do that on their own.."

"I'll hire some men to be in the crowd and they'll get it started."

"Oh, that would work…"

Kobayakawa was seriously sweating now. "Mrs. Suzui, there's no need for such dark thoughts. Your vampire hunters are more than welcome to search the school."

Mrs. Suzui turned back to Kobayakawa. "Oh, that's right. We don't need papers or a mob. We have vampire hunters right here." She turned back towards Makoto. "You two. You heard this man. He knew a vampire was targeting his students and he did nothing. He's a conspirator. If you kill him and swear he's a vampire, I'll double your fee."

Makoto's mouth gaped open like a koi fish this time. What? Murder her old principal and lie? Unthinkable! And Mrs. Suzui suggesting it! Such a vile act didn't seem in character for her. But then again… she'd already switched three masks in the last hour. Who's to say what she was really like? Regardless, Makoto was certainly not going to do such a thing. And certainly Amamiya wouldn't-

Amamiya drew his sword and began walking towards Kobayakawa. The man's eyes went to the blade and then grew to enormous size. Makoto felt her own body freeze in fear. Was this really happening? She should stop this! Could she stop this? These were her own allies! And all of them seemed more formidable than herself right now!

"Please, no!" gabbled Kobayakawa, "I knew, yes, I knew! But it wasn't my idea to keep the school open! I was told!"

Mrs. Suzui raised a hand. "Hold, Mr. Amamiya."

And Mr. Amamiya held, stopping in the middle of the room. Makoto and Kobayakawa both let out relieved sighs. Makoto unconsciously put a hand over her own heart. It was thumping its way back to a calmer pace. God! What was going on here? Mrs. Suzui ordering Makoto's old principal killed! Amamiya stepping forward to do it like a hired dog! Had she misjudged them that badly? Was she now associated with vile people?

No! It couldn't be. Mrs. Suzui loved her daughter deeply. Someone capable of that surely couldn't be capable of murder. Or- or was that love exactly what made Mrs. Suzui capable of murder? A ruthlessness born of motherhood?

Wrapped up in her own mind, Makoto vaguely heard Mrs. Suzui ask Kobayakawa a question. Something about keeping the school open.

No. No. No. Makoto realized she was overthinking this. No one was dead. No one was going to murder anyone here. It was just a threat. Ah! That was it! This was an act. All of it an act. Amamiya had seen it and stepped readily in his assigned role! This was just the final part of Mrs. Suzui's strategy against Kobayakawa- but… she already had his permission to search the school. What more did Mrs. Suzui want?

"Akechi!?" exclaimed Mrs. Suzui. "Akechi Masayoshi told you to keep the school open!?"

"Yes! I swear! And he's the one who appointed me here!'

"Fool! Your cushy office here is worth more than my child!?" yelled Mrs. Suzui. "I really should have you-!"

Mr. Suzui put a hand atop hers. She halted herself and took a deep breath. Mr. Suzui leaned forward in her place. "Why did Akechi want the school open?"

"He didn't say. He would never tell me things like that."

"Well, I certainly believe that!" said Mrs. Suzui.

Akechi again! Makoto frowned to herself. Mrs. Suzui was seeking the source of the cover-up, and now the Akechi name popped back into the situation. And Akechi Goro popped into the clinic two days ago. What did that mean?

A silence fell as Mrs. Suzui regained control of her breathing. Mr. Suzui was steadily tapping his fingers on the arm of his chair. Kobayakawa's eyes shifted between the two of them with desperation.

"My dear, I hold no value for this man's life," said Mr. Suzui, "But he may be valuable in his current position. Revenge would rob us of that value."

Mrs. Suzui took a deep breath. "Very well. Mr. Kobayakawa, you will help us find this creature and you will advise me of anything else Akechi says or requests from now on."

Kobayakawa nodded eagerly.

"Then call an outdoors assembly," said Mrs. Suzui, "I want all of the staff and all the students outside."

"Of course! Ms. Ogama! Ms. Ogama!"

"Yes?" The secretary looked into the room, her face flushed and afraid. How much of Mrs. Suzui's yelling had she heard? Enough, apparently.

"Call an assembly for students and staff. Have all the teachers assemble their students in the front courtyard."

"An assembly?" said the secretary.

"Just do it!" yelled Mr. Kobayakawa. His face now red and sweaty.

The secretary startled- then bowed quickly and fled. Makoto watched her go. That was herself two years ago. Doing the bidding of this pudding of a man. She turned back to watch Kobayakawa sit back into his chair, breathing heavily, wiping the sweat from his head with a handkerchief. Makoto realized this was a man who could only order schoolgirls around. Kobayakawa derived the entirety of his personal authority from his position and title. He commanded none himself.

And the Suzuis! Makoto felt like she'd misjudged them. They came in here, got what they wanted, and effectively turned Kobayakawa into their agent. What manner of people were they? Not born wealthy, Makoto knew, but they'd made themselves wealthy. Was this how it was done? Manipulation and back-room threats? It was an alien world to Makoto. She could learn a lot from these people.

In less than an hour, Makoto was on the top of the school's front steps, watching the assembled teachers complete the roll call of their classes. Amamiya waited nearby in the shade of the entryway. Ann was in the crowd, standing with her classmates. Ryuji was visible near the front gate, still holding his polearm- maybe intending to stop anyone trying to ditch out.

Kobayakawa stood tensely nearby, with the Suzuis in close proximity. Makoto was anxious for the count to be complete, as everyone standing out here was obviously not a suspect. She stepped towards Kobayakawa's bulk.

"Is anyone missing, sir?" Makoto asked, feeling vague nostalgia for her past as she did so. "Any teacher or staff member?"

"Mr. Hiruta isn't here," said Kobayakawa, his eyes scanning the adults. "Neither is Mr. Kamoshida."

Makoto felt a thrill of excitement. That was two of her names! Both of them were close to Shiho and Ann. Now why were they not coming outside? But she needed to rule out the others.

"Ms. Chouno?" asked Makoto.

"She's over there." He indicated a tan woman standing before long lines of students with her hands on her hips.

"Kaneshiro?"

"What? Who?"

"You don't know anyone named Kaneshiro?"

"No, Ms. Niijima. No one by that name works here. Perhaps amongst the students?"

"I see."

That didn't entirely rule this Kaneshiro out. While it seemed unlikely that a vampire would be a high school student, it couldn't be ruled out. And perhaps Kaneshiro was just another fake name among many for the same creature.

Ms. Chouno turned and climbed the steps. "All students accounted for, Mr. Kobayakawa."

Mrs. Suzui looked at Makoto. Well, that was a boon. No absentees. Thank goodness for the obedient nature of private school students. The assembly had worked. All but two people were entirely eliminated from suspicion. Makoto nodded at Mrs. Suzui.

"That will be all, Mr. Kobayakawa," said Mrs. Suzui.

"Yes," said Kobayakwa. "Mrs. Chouno, you can dismiss the assembly."

Ms. Chouno blinked and then scowled in disapproval at Mrs. Suzui. But she turned and started yelling instructions to the gathered student body. A vast murmuring sound grew as the students began talking and dispersing in all directions.

"Where might Mr. Hiruta and Mr. Kamoshida be, Mr. Kobayakawa?" said Makoto.

"They should be here. No one told me they were missing today."

"Yes. But if they are here, where might they be?"

"Mr. Hiruta likes his private office on the third floor. Mr. Kamoshida is almost always in the equine arena over there."

Makoto turned to where Kobayakawa was pointing. A bulging, roundish structure was scrunched in the corner of the campus. The roof had a second round layer, and that layer was filled with windows to allow light in on the interior. Horses would be brought from the stables and housed there for the daily riding classes. Makoto could almost smell the sawdust and horse dung from memory.

Amamiya stepped forward next to her and gazed at the equine arena. "You investigate there. I'll go to Mr. Hiruta's office."

"You want to split up?" Makoto balked at the idea of seeking the vampire out by herself. A noble! On her own? Could she handle that?

"You're a hunter, aren't you? Time is of the essence. If it's here, the assembly will have tipped the creature off. We need to find it now."

Makoto took a deep breath, staring at the equine arena. "What if I find it?"

"Don't let it know you know- and wait for me. Otherwise, make lots of noise and I'll come."

"Oh- okay."

"Mr. Kobayakawa," said Amamiya, "Please lead me to Mr. Hiruta's office."

And with that, he vanished into the school's interior. Makoto looked after him, her heart pounding, unsure of herself. She turned back to the equine arena, took a deep breath, and tried to steady her pulse. This was it. This is what she wanted for her life, wasn't it? Danger and all? If she didn't do this, who would?

She let her palm fall against the revolver at her hip, comforting herself with its presence. Then she went down the stairs and strode for the equine arena under the bright grey sky. It was surprising that Amamiya had enough confidence in her to go alone.

Wait a minute.

Makoto's stride faulted. Amamiya didn't have much confidence in her at all. He regarded her a novice. Was he so cold as to send her to a likely death? Like throwing a child in the lake to teach it to swim? He was cold, but Makoto didn't think he was that cold. So what was he up to?

Makoto paused to look at the equine arena again. What had he seen? She traced the building's outline with her eyes. God damnit! The roof windows! The building was as good as being outside! If this Mr. Kamoshida was inside, then it was already a sure bet that he wasn't the vampire. Amamiya had selected the best suspect for himself and sent Makoto off to a safe distance. The bastard!

Rapid footsteps approached her. Makoto turned to find Ann and Ryuji jogging up, eager looks on their faces. Great! And now she had the kids in her charge, too!

"Ms. Niijima! What's up?" said Ryuji.

"Do you know who it might be?" said Ann.

Makoto held in her frustration. She wanted to march back to the school and follow Amamiya to Mr. Hiruta, but that would now mean the Sakamotos would come with her. She wasn't willing to lead them into such danger- and despite her suspicions, she still needed to check the arena. At least to see if Kamoshida was there. If he wasn't, he was still a suspect.

"I'm going to see if Mr. Kamoshida is in the equine arena. He wasn't at the assembly."

"Nice! Let's go!" Ryuji set off immediately.

"Umm- It can't be him. It's a really bright place and he's in there every day," said Ann.

Could Makoto just trust Ann's word? Not really. Amamiya said Ann was a target, so maybe she was being influenced in some way. Makoto still wanted to check for herself. "Well, then let's rule him out quickly, okay Ann?"

"Oh, okay."

They followed Ryuji towards the building. The interior of the equine arena was indeed bright with sunlight. Golden morning rays spread out over the sawdust floor. A muscular man with fluffy brown hair was standing in the middle of the light, brushing a black horse.

"Hey," called Ryuji, "You Kamoshida?"

The man looked up and gave a friendly wave. "That's me! What can I do for you? Oh, Ms. Sakamoto! Good morning!"

Ann stepped past Makoto and entered the building. "Good morning, Mr. Kamoshida."

"Wait! Is this that brother you are always talking about?"

"Yes, this is Ryuji."

"I see! Good to meet you, young man."

"Hey."

Makoto stepped in and gazed around the arena. No dark alcoves. No cellar doors. No attic. There didn't seem to be any places to hide from the sun. She began to relax.

"And who is that woman by the door?"

Ann turned to look back at Makoto. "Oh, that's a... friend. Ms. Niijima."

"Oh, well… good morning, Ms. Niijima."

Makoto turned back to Kamoshida, finding him beaming at her with a genuine-looking smile.

"Good morning," she said, bowing slightly thanks to social instinct. Kamoshida returned a small bow, still smiling. Sunlight and smiles. Well… they could cross Kamoshida off the suspect list. "Sorry, I was just curious about this building. I'll be going now."

"Oh, okay!" said Kamoshida, "It's a public place. No need to apologize."

"Ann. Ryuji. Let's find Amamiya."

They both nodded at her, so Makoto turned and walked from the arena.

Meanwhile, Ann turned to follow Makoto and Ryuji out of the equine arena. But then she suddenly didn't know why she should follow Ms. Niijima and her stupid brother around anyway. She was at school. It was a school day. And she should be spending time with Mr. Kamoshida, her handsome teacher. Without speaking, Ann turned away from their backs and the open door. And she turned back towards Mr. Kamoshida. He was grinning at her with that eager, bright smile of his. Ann felt her heart flutter. He was so handsome.

"Stay with me, Ann," said Mr. Kamoshida.

Ann's pulse fluttered up further. She thought about doing that. Staying with him. Just the idea of it filled her with pleasure. She took three steps closer to him. His smile transformed from eagerness to satisfaction. Ann was happy to see that change. It was evident that she was doing the right thing.

Kamoshida reached out and cupped Ann's cheek. She sighed into his warm, smooth palm. It felt so good against her face. Why would she ever leave?

"You're so much more pliable than your friend, you know?"

All the pleasurable emotions in Ann's mind suddenly vanished, leaving her in a confused state of abrupt apathy. Something deep inside her screamed out, but it was drowned out by a sudden returning rush of all the pleasure and joy she'd been feeling up till that brief instant. Ann shook her head, trying to clear the lingering feeling.

"Oh. Well, perhaps best not to chance it," said Kamoshida.

"Chance what?" said Ann, her voice dreamy in her own head.

"Pabilsag."

"What? I don't-"

Ann shuddered. There was an abrupt pain in her stomach. She looked down. A sort of reddish, segmented limb was pressed into her gut. As she stared at it, it began to pull back away towards Kamoshida- revealing a long, sharp, stinger emerging from her own flesh and clothing. It was red with her blood.

This wasn't right, Ann thought, as her vision rapidly went dark.

Makoto stepped out into the stark light of a murky, overcast morning. She sighed in frustration. Amamiya had really sent her on a goose chase. The musk of impending rain was thick in the air. But at least it was another suspect eliminated from suspicion. She looked up at the main building of the school and wondered if she could find Amamiya before he found Mr. Hiruta, the likely vampire. The school seemed quiet, so it was unlikely he was dueling a noble vampire somewhere in there. Had they missed their target? Had their battle outside the gate last night tipped him off?

"Man, what now?" said Ryuji as he walked beside her.

Makoto only half heard him, her mind was already running through the events of the last few days, seeking clues. As she did, her eyes traveled skyward to the cloudy sky. The clouds were light and grey. It seemed Tock-Yo was due for a few spring showers. Makoto wondered if she missed something. Cloudy or clear, noble vampires could not be outside during the day, so that eliminated the student body and all the teachers who answered the outdoors assembly, Amamiya was verifying Mr. Hiruta, but that school was full of windows. If he wasn't fighting anyone right now, it was likely Hiruta wasn't the vampire either. And Makoto had already seen Mr. Kamoshida practically bathing in sunlight in the equine arena.

...Wait...

Makoto's heart skipped and she froze in her tracks. How could sunlight have been streaming down on Kamoshida? It was cloudy today... That meant...

Makoto spun back towards the arena.

"What?" said Ryuji, turning more slowly.

But Makoto's eyes were beyond him and focused back through the doorway of the equine arena. Ann was still inside, facing away from them, drooped into the arm of Mr. Kamoshida. Makoto felt goosebumps suddenly run up and down all of her limbs. Kamoshida looked up from Ann to connect with Makoto's wide-eyed stare. He grinned tauntingly, his eyes glowed gold, and then the interior of the arena went black, as if some dark curtain had fallen in front of the open door. Dread sunk into Makoto's gut like an icy stone.

"Ann!" shouted Makoto and Ryuji together.

Makoto drew her gun and pointed it uselessly at the opaque doorway. Her aim shook slightly, but there was nothing to aim at. Then Ryuji sprinted in front of her, halberd before him, and he plunged into the darkness, vanishing from sight.

"Ryuji! Don't!"

But he was already gone. He could hear him shouting Ann's name from inside the black. Makoto lowered her gun and reached into her belt pouches for one of her flares. She ignited it, the long-practiced motion flawless even as her hand shook with adrenaline and fear. She tossed the ignited flare into the horse arena, but it vanished as it passed through the threshold. Bright and blazing- then just gone, as if it never existed. Fuck! This was no normal darkness!

She was out of her depth. What was the right thing to do? Go into the dark? And be blind? What was the point! Ryuji was still screaming Ann's name from somewhere inside. Then there was a loud crunching noise and Ryuji yelled in agony. Then silence.

"Amamiya!" screamed Makoto. She turned her gun on a nearby stack of old barrels.

KOOM! KOOM!