Kurumu woke up suddenly, shivering from the oppressive cold. Her eyes quickly adjusted to the dim lighting as she felt about for the blanket. Her hand touched the coarse fabric and she gripped hold of it. Tugging it towards her, her companion groaned and tugged back.
"Five more minutes."
Kurumu shuddered, thinking she would freeze to death in five minutes. But that thought was instantly followed with an awareness of another distress. She really needed to empty her bladder.
Grumbling, Kurumu picked herself up. She hugged herself, feeling her pert nipples against her arms as she pranced off the second blanket protecting her from the frigid floor. She darted inside a tiny chamber which was almost pitch black. Turning about, she sat down while still holding herself tight.
Kurumu whimpered when she felt the icy surface against her rump. She forced her knees apart and relaxed her body as much as she could. The sound of water striking a surface filled the dark space as her thighs warmed from pungent steam.
As this toilet did not flush and there was nothing to wipe with, Kurumu stumbled back upright once she was finished. Pressing her thighs together, she darting back out into the dimly lit room to get her poor feet back on top of the blanket. She saw Tarumi snuggled up with the other blanket. It was not like the cold blooded brat needed it even if she was in her human form.
Kurumu glanced at the far wall, forcing her body to still so that she could read the numbers on the digital clock. Eight thirteen. It was morning.
Deciding that was the perfect excuse to get dressed, Kurumu padded over to the far wall where she had left her swimsuit and diving gear. As annoying as it was to wear that astronaut cosplay, it was so much warmer. Stopping at her things, she bent over to snatch up her swimsuit.
It only took seconds to wiggle into the clingy fabric. She tugged at the hems, adjusting the swimsuit to cover as much of her skin as possible. It would not be enough to keep her warm but it was thick and dry. Once she was satisfied with its fit, she padded over to the diving gear.
"Tarumi. Get up. I can't put this thing on by myself."
Her words came out as loud and steady as she could manage. Getting a grumble for a response, Kurumu focused her efforts on squeezing her foot into the leg of the diving gear. The interior was cold and chilly but would warm up quickly. She grunted and struggled for several seconds before finally getting her numb toes into the gear's boot.
"Wake up, Tarumi! I need help!"
As Kurumu desperately wrestled her other foot into the gear, Tarumi groaned in protest. The undine sat up, clutching the blanket to her torso.
"What time is it?"
Kurumu panted white clouds as she forced her aching foot deeper inside the suit's tight confines.
"After eight. Hurry over here."
"What do you need?"
Trembling from the cold, Kurumu finally succeeded in her task. She looked up in annoyance as Tarumi slowly wandered over with the blanket wrapped about her. Kurumu grabbed the suit, wiggling it up her legs as the girl yawned grandly.
"Putting this on. I'm freezing because someone keeps hogging the blanket."
Tarumi smacked her lips, letting the blanket fall to the floor. The nude undine in her human form was quite underdeveloped in the chest but had a full tuft of indigo locks on her crotch.
"Sorry. Just hate being cold."
Kurumu grunted as she got the suit up over her ass. Her legs were already starting to feel better as her toes burned from the new warmth enveloping them. Hauling the suit up in front, she thrust her right hand into the gear's sleeve.
"I hate it more."
Tarumi sighed, slipping around her. The undine grabbed the sides of the suit, tugging them up.
"Most people from this village have never been to the surface. They don't realize how cold it is down here. Then they act all surprised when most kids that go to high school don't want to come back."
Managing to get her hand into the glove, Kurumu flexed her fingers as Tarumi adjusted the suit to cover her right shoulder.
"Didn't your dad go to Yokai Academy?"
Tarumi shifted to her other side, lifting the suit up so she could insert her hand into the other sleeve.
"He graduated the same year as Manami's dad back in the early eighties. Her dad went to college while mine worked with Fairy Tale in Umiman before he met mom."
Kurumu frowned as she flexed her hand in the other glove. Her fingers hurt so much.
"Your father didn't know your mother?"
"Nope. She's much younger than him. They were married the moment she graduated from junior high and I was born before she turned seventeen."
Tarumi finished securing the suit about her body which was already warming up. Kurumu turned about as Tarumi wandered off. She watched as the undine started putting on her bikini.
"Isn't Mr. Tanigawa older than your dad?"
"Nope. He's two years younger."
"But all of his kids are older than you."
Tarumi giggled as she adjusted the fabric to cover her nipples.
"Well uncle didn't go to Yokai Academy. He's a firm believer of making Aranami bigger so he immediately registered with Fairy Tale to find a bride. We occasionally joke about my aunt, saying that she must have been desperate to marry such a silly guy."
Tarumi said those last words as she opened up the closet with the snacks.
"What makes you say that?"
Tarumi shrugged, rummaging through the wares.
"My aunt is older than my dad. She's also a lot smarter than him. She went to college and has a teaching degree but I guess she couldn't find a job. She's now a teacher at our elementary school. What do you want me to feed you for breakfast?"
Kurumu smiled with a slight tremor coursing through her system.
"I'm fine with whatever."
"Then rice crackers and green tea it is."
Tarumi twirled about with the goods hugged against her body. She pranced over, kneeling down. Taking the hint, Kurumu hunkered down in the suit before settling on her rump.
"And here I thought your parents would be childhood sweethearts just like Manami's."
Tarumi snickered, setting the cans aside. She tore open the rice cracker package, pulling one out.
"Dad barely knew Mr. Tanigawa. Mom is like ten years younger than Dad. I think Manami's mother is only a year older than her dad."
Kurumu opened her mouth when Tarumi presented her with a cracker. She chewed on the stale morsel, finishing it before the undine took one for herself.
"I didn't expect her to be older."
"Yea. She didn't go to Yokai Academy either. I understand that she lounged about in Aranami for years before she married Mr. Amesuki."
Kurumu held back her words, taking another cracker from Tarumi instead. Her mouth was starting to feel dry from the salty food when she swallowed it down.
"I'm going to need a drink."
Tarumi nodded, quickly disposing of her own cracker. The undine popped the tab of a tea can.
"Sure thing. I'll try not to spill it."
Kurumu leaned in as Tarumi lifted up. The undine managed to get the icy cold tea into Kurumu's mouth with no mess. Kurumu swallowed it down with a satisfied sigh.
"So she waited for him."
Tarumi snorted, putting the can aside.
"Her family didn't want to wait for him, considering he didn't come back to Aranami at all during his college years. Manami said her mom had been turning down marriage prospects every other month despite the silence. Her father was genuinely surprised that her mother was still single."
Kurumu grinned as Tarumi presented her with another cracker. She made short work of it.
"Sounds like their love withstood the test of time."
Tarumi snickered, chewing on her own cracker while fishing another one out for Kurumu.
"Maybe you could say that about her mother but her father has always been distant. He has worked on the surface for as long as I've been alive. His only time down here was on weekends. He doesn't dote on his kids or his wife."
Kurumu swallowed down the last cracker given to her.
"Some people are like that though."
"Oh I know that."
Tarumi paused to take a drink from the other tea can.
"It's just with how little he is around, I would think he would be friendlier."
Kurumu smiled when Tarumi held up another cracker.
"I'm going to need a drink after this one."
Tarumi sounded an affirmative, holding the cracker as Kurumu nibbled it down to nothing. Leaning over, Tarumi grabbed the can of tea and aided Kurumu in another drink. The chilled tea somehow felt warmer than her face as she gulped it down.
"So what do you want to do for the morning?"
Kurumu frowned as Tarumi set the can aside.
"What do you mean?"
"Well Ms. Uta and Takikawa won't be meeting us before lunch. We have hours to kill."
Kurumu paused in contemplation as Tarumi wiggled out another rice cracker. The undine tossed it into her mouth before freeing the last one from the plastic package.
"Maybe we could visit Yukawa?"
"Not a bad idea. Her house isn't that far from Manami's so we could swing by there first."
Kurumu frowned as Tarumi presented the final cracker to her.
"But they're not here today."
"That doesn't mean I can't show you their home."
Kurumu rolled her eyes, wondering if Tarumi had forgotten they had just been there yesterday. After chewing down the cracker, she accepted Tarumi's aid to gulp down the rest of her tea. She sighed when the undine withdrew and started collecting up their trash.
"I never thought much about it."
"About what?"
"About how little their father was around. I knew that he lived away from them but for some reason, I was thinking it was something that had only started in their junior high years."
"Nope. Been that way forever. Do you want to put your helmet on?"
Kurumu snorted at Tarumi's gesture at the helmet. She struggled to get up on her feet.
"We should call for Mr. Akenuma first. He has my oxygen tank hooked up to something that I don't want to tamper with."
"Fair point. I'll buzz our man and hopefully he gets here soon."
Kurumu giggled as Tarumi pranced around her. Kurumu suddenly shivered, remembering to take her air in through her nostrils to avoid drying out her throat.
"I don't know how you lived down here for years. Even if I wasn't freezing to death, this is boring."
Tarumi let out a dramatic sigh, pushing the button near the hatch. She twirled about, bending over to pick up the helmet. The undine hefted it up, hugging it against her scrawny torso.
"Well it's not like I knew life could be more exciting. Sure I heard rumors but most adults discouraged me from the temptations of the surface. It's not until junior high that I got a taste of real entertainment."
Kurumu shook her head, recalling how little Umiman had offered.
"Isn't most of Umiman underwater?"
"It is but I always had more fun topside. The surface was even better once I got used to how bright everything was. I used to have horrible headaches from how hard sunlight was on my eyes. Getting a guest pass to Kuminagawa isn't hard and I sometimes spent the weekend with Mami in Ikinakawa. I kept my topside clothes at her place."
"Mami?"
Tarumi grinned brightly.
"Kurotaki. She's an undine from Ikinakawa whom is only a year younger than us. I saw her over winter break and she promised me that she's coming to Yokai Academy. I don't know if she'll join gymnastics or not because she's always wanted to be a cheerleader."
Kurumu nodded thoughtfully, recalling the first time she had met Tarumi's family.
"Your brother and parents were at the school festival. What happened to their clothes?"
"Kuminagawa has a clothing rental shop set up not far from the jump station on their end since they don't want guests walking around in swimsuits."
Tarumi paused when a motor sounded, heralding the imminent arrival of Mr. Akenuma.
"Don't know what Tsushimi village has but you have to buy your clothes in Ikinakawa."
Kurumu glanced at the hatch as she thought about Ikinakawa. Most of her knowledge about the village had come from Nagisa. It was not a big community, lacking electricity. Nagisa and her friends had acted like Umiman was an improvement which was hard to believe after seeing Umiman for herself.
"Umiman is a boarding school, right? You had a room there?"
Tarumi let out a laugh as the door started squealing.
"Of course! No way was I making that daily commute like my crazy father. He should have moved us to Umiman years ago. The water there is so much nicer. It's warmer and not as thick."
The hatch swung open, catching their attention. The hotel owner stepped over the lip, sporting a black, skin tight speedo.
"Good morning, ladies. I take it you are ready to head out."
Tarumi nodded as he made his way over to the latch for the other chamber.
"You bet! Is Hiyori coming with us?"
Mr. Akenuma threw back the latch with a loud clank. The hinges protested as the panel swung out. He disappeared into the chamber as he answered.
"Nope. Her mother is keeping her busy but Hiyori mentioned meeting up with you in the afternoon. Something about playing with the others."
Kurumu heard him disengaging her tank. She smiled softly, glancing at Tarumi.
"You said weekends but Umiman has a jump station to Ikinakawa. Couldn't you have stayed at Kurotaki's place whenever you wanted?"
"I wish. Most people in Ikinakawa are undines so they encourage their kids to stay in Umiman during the week. You know. Just in case they marry into an underwater community."
Mr. Akenuma chuckled as he wandered back into the room with the oxygen tank in his arms.
"Is little Tarumi looking to settle down soon?"
Tarumi huffed as the man made his way over to Kurumu.
"No way! If I wanted that, I would have quit after junior high."
Mr. Akenuma snickered, slipping behind Kurumu. Taking the hint, she moved her arms through the loops of the harness as he hooked the tank up in the back.
"I'll take that helmet now."
Tarumi sounded an affirmative, hopping to Kurumu's side. The familiar hiss of oxygen greeted her once the tank was connected. As Mr. Akenuma tightened up the straps of her harness, she lowered her head to make it easier on Tarumi. The undine grunted, finally getting the helmet over Kurumu's head.
It took a few moments before both the helmet and the harness were secure. Kurumu took in a deep breath, thinking it was only Monday as Mr. Akenuma left to fetch her scooter. She had a whole week of this before her departure.
"Go ahead and get in the antechamber. I'll be there in a bit."
Tarumi promptly complied with his instructions, shifting into her true form the moment she was in the dark antechamber. Taking in another deep breath, Kurumu swung her foot over the lip and exited her barren room. She glimpsed the small pile of their trash, hearing the clank of the door as the hotel owner secured the small equipment room. Moments later the hotel manager joined them. After handing her the scooter, he closed the hatch which cast them into darkness.
'What do you do with your trash?'
She heard the door creak as the hotel owner cranked on the wheel to tighten down the hatch.
"We give it to scavengers. They keep our town clean by disposing of unwanted debris."
The squealing ceased and a short moment later, Kurumu heard the room start to fill with water.
'Can that hatch be opened with water in here?'
"Yes and no. Technically it can be opened right now when the pressure difference isn't too great. But once I start pressurizing this room to match the outside water, it becomes very dangerous. I've had a few times where I don't have a good seal and the hatch is thrown open."
'You flooded the room with guests inside?!'
"It's not that much water, Ms. Kurono. I shut off the pump and reseal the hatch. That's why I tell you to stay clear of the hatch when I'm leaving."
As the room continued to flood, Kurumu's thoughts wandered back to her original question.
'Could that hatch be opened when the other hatch is open?'
"Not safely. If you are trying to open that hatch with all the pressure behind you, the moment that seal gives, you'll lose your arms. Literally. That's why I empty this chamber first."
'What if the seal on the other hatch is bad?'
Mr. Akenuma laughed heartily.
"That hatch has the pressure working for it. I won't be able to open that hatch until the compressor here shuts off, which only happens when the pressure on both sides are equal."
Kurumu mulled that over for a moment.
'Then why do you have the room hatch swinging in? Would it not seal better the other way around?'
"Because I wanted this antechamber small. Small spaces takes less time to pressurize."
Supposing that made sense, Kurumu waited for the sound of the motor to cease. Once it did, she felt the hotel owner brush by her. The door groaned as the man worked the other wheel to loosen the seal. A few moments later, the hinges screeched as the hatch was pushed open.
"I'll see you two around lunch when you need that air tank refueled."
Kurumu nodded, turning on the scooter's light. She hopped up from the floor, switching the fan on with the dial still at the lowest setting. She lazily cruised in Tarumi's wake, heading for the main room. At her slow speed she did not have to stop for Tarumi opening the outer door.
As she ventured into the abyss outside, she shuddered at the oppressive darkness. It reminded her of that time she and Yukari had dropped into the underground prison of Mononoke. A flashlight could only penetrate so far, even if the medium was air.
Tarumi drifted beside her, motioning her to follow. As the undine took off, Kurumu twisted the dial to the highest speed. Tarumi glanced back, adjusting her pace to stay in Kurumu's vision.
It still amazed Kurumu how easily the undines navigated this town. As far as she could tell, there was no difference between one house and the next. There were no street names or house numbers. Tarumi and the other undines simply went to places off their memory.
Minutes passed without any noteworthy scenery. Despite Aranami being a relatively small community, it was spread out. Keeping Tarumi in sight, Kurumu started to wonder how much farther they had to go.
"Morning, Mr. Junsui!"
Tarumi slowed down as another figure materialized from the darkness. Kurumu twisted the dial to the lowest setting before turning it off, coasting over to the undines. The man was garbed in a black speedo which matched the wisps of hair split by the fin on his head. His dark eyes had a deep blue tint to them.
"Morning, little Tarumi."
Tarumi huffed, coming to a stop as Kurumu's feet touched down on the uneven ground. At the edge of her vision, Kurumu could see a house behind the pair.
"I'm not little!"
"I suppose not. I hope you weren't planning to visit Manami. Her family left early this morning."
"I know that. We were just passing by since it's on the way to Mr. Yukawa's house."
"This must be the Kurono I've heard about. I understand that she is dating Nijiro."
Kurumu shivered when the undine turned his attention upon her. Something felt wrong.
"Mhm. So what brings you here?"
"Well I was out and about and heard the noise. That device of hers does draw attention."
"But you don't live anywhere near here."
The undine chuckled heartily, reaching out with a clawed hand to tousle Tarumi's hair.
"I'm getting old and need the exercise."
Tarumi batted his hands away before drifting out of his reach.
"Whatever. You're only a year older than my dad."
"And he makes the journey to and from Umiman every day."
"If you're that worried about the exercise, why don't you join the hunters again?"
The undine glanced at the door to the house.
"Oh, I've thought about it, child."
"I'm not a child."
The undine laughed, returning his attention to Tarumi.
"If you're still playing around in school, I can't be calling you an adult."
"Says a guy that didn't go to high school."
His thin lips pulled back in an unsettling grin.
"Don't let me keep you. Hurry on to Mr. Yukawa's."
"Don't tell me what to do. Come on, Kurumu. It's this way."
Tarumi took off, prompting Kurumu to turn her scooter back on. She immediately twisted the dial to max speed but she had already lost sight of Tarumi. Thankfully it was only a few seconds before Tarumi flitted back into view. They kept the row of residences on Kurumu's left as they continued.
"Sorry. Forgot you move slowly."
'Who was that?'
"Mr. Junsui. Calls himself an adult but he barely does anything. Mostly does odd jobs around town since he won't hunt."
'Why not?'
"Had an accident a long time ago. Like before I was born. Heard his testicles got ripped off which is why his parents never bothered finding a mate for him."
Kurumu laughed but immediately felt bad about it. As unsettling as that encounter had been, he was essentially a man with no future. She felt sorry for him.
"We're here."
Kurumu twisted the dial down to the lowest setting as Tarumi zipped ahead to the door of the next structure that had appeared on the left. The undine yanked the portal open, allowing Kurumu to coast into the interior at her lowest speed.
The large space was exactly the same as Tarumi's home. Bioluminescent plants were arranged along the ceilings and walls. She turned the scooter and its light off, letting her feet settle on the smooth floor as Tarumi closed up the main door.
'Does anybody keep valuables in the upper space?'
"Most families don't. Old man Umiyuri has a door that locks from the inside but I can't think of anyone that has one that locks from the outside."
Kurumu smiled as the undine drifted over to the hatch to the lower level. Tarumi pushed a small button beside the hatch, alerting the occupants of the presence of guests.
'But you can lock the lower level.'
Tarumi nodded as Kurumu shuffled over. The undine gestured at a black spot on the hatch.
"Yea. Each of these secure hatches have a wheel with a sculpted rod that works like a key. It was an invention by Elder Kawakuchi back in the forties, inspired by his time on the surface. Before then, there was no way to keep any valuables to yourself. Anyone stronger than you would just take them."
'Sounds terrible.'
"It was. Back in his days, girls were still regarded as property. His home was the first to have one of these hatches because he didn't want his daughters to suffer the same fate as his sisters."
Kurumu smiled despite the gravity of that sentiment. She was well aware of how much worse things had been decades ago. Her own kind had been hunted down. Succubi whom were not killed immediately were pressed into slavery or were experimented upon.
'Still think that you could have this hatch for your exterior door.'
Tarumi laughed, shrugging.
"Nobody owns enough stuff to fill the lower rooms, let alone this huge space."
There was a screech as a panel was drawn back. Two seafoam eyes parted by a reptilian nose peered at them through a tiny opening.
"Hey, Ms. Yukawa. We're here to visit."
"My dad took the wheel so I can't go outside with you."
"I noticed that. Did you sleep in?"
"No. Ms. Uta came over yesterday, inviting me to your afternoon game. My father said no which is why he took the wheel. Maybe Miyoko's mother will be more reasonable."
"That sucks. Can we come inside?"
Yukawa tugged the panel back, causing another shrill sound. Shortly after was the sound of the door being loosened from the other side. It only took a few moments before the lock disengaged. Tarumi drifted back as the hatch was pushed out with the hinges protesting the movement. Yukawa slithered through the opening, revealing a true form quite different from an undine.
While undines looked like a cross between lizards and fish, Yukawa had a more serpentine appearance. Her head was flattened like a spade with that reptilian nose parting her eyes. Her forked black tongue flickered out between white lips as she circled about. Her teal tresses were gathered in a swath of fur that stretched down her spine.
Like mermaids, she had no legs, but her tail simply tapered off without ever being a fin. In some ways it reminded Kurumu of Ms. Kagome, a lamia whom had taught at Mononoke during her first term. Kurumu was a little curious how Yukawa had children, knowing lamia and succubi both required surrogates.
Yukawa did have arms and hands. These thin, pale white appendages were connected directly to her serpentine torso. At the moment, she had them close to her body to not interfere with her movement. Back in Umiman, Kurumu had seen Yukawa move these arms with more flexibility than possible for a human arm. Like undines, Yukawa had talons instead of fingers.
"I could show you my room but I don't have much to entertain you with."
"That's fine. It's not like there was anything for us to do back at the hotel."
Yukawa slithered back through the opening.
"Come on down. I'll close the hatch behind you."
Taking the invitation, Kurumu hopped through the opening. She descended steadily, touching down on the smooth lower floor while clutching her scooter against her chest. This lower chamber was also lit up with the same plants from above. There was a shelf which was laden with trinkets. No furniture which she understood was normal. Obviously no electronics.
She heard the crank of a wheel, drawing her attention upwards. Yukawa was tightening down the hatch as Tarumi floated down to join Kurumu. Yukawa's arm movements were very similar to how Kurumu's tail operated. Strong and without the restrictions of bone.
"Will your father come back for lunch? Maybe I could talk to him about letting you play with us."
Yukawa grunted as she finished her task. She slithered down to them, revealing her white underbelly. Her breasts were barely noticeable though that had been the case even in her human form. Far down her torso before it started to drastically thin and taper was an indent. Kurumu had an idea what that indent was, having seen a mermaid lay eggs.
"He won't be back. I'm sorry that I can't go with you."
"It's not your fault. Do you have anything cool in your room?"
Yukawa hissed out a giggle, twirling about. She slithered towards an opening.
"Not really. Just some pictures and baubles I picked up over the years."
Kurumu shuffled after the girl as Tarumi sped by into the dim corridor.
'You have pictures down here?'
Tarumi snickered, turning about and motioning for her.
"Of course we can have pictures down here. You just have to print them on special paper."
It was a short walk down the corridor to where Yukawa waited. The naga gestured through an opening on Kurumu's right. Kurumu followed Tarumi into the adjacent space.
Like every other room, the dim light was provided by plants. The room was mostly empty, having only a black chest pushed up in a corner. Yukawa slithered by them, lifting up the top.
"I also have a deck of cards if you want to play a game or two."
"That could be fun."
Kurumu trudged over to the center of the room, taking in a deep breath. She watched as Tarumi helped Yukawa rummage through her things.
'Would an undine marry you?'
Yukawa ceased her search, keeping her back to Kurumu. Tarumi lifted up, glancing over her shoulder.
"We've never had a mixed breed like her marry into our community. But that doesn't mean other undine communities would be so close minded."
Yukawa nodded firmly, pulling out a black book. She turned about and slithered over to Kurumu.
"I'll let Father worry about that. Here is my collection of photos from the last six years."
Kurumu managed a smile as the graduate flipped open the book. In the dim lighting, it was difficult for Kurumu to make out any fine details of the photos.
'Sorry if that was rude. I just have never seen one like you before.'
Yukawa looked up, bringing the open album closer to her torso.
"It's a little unfair. Some of us don't have legs while the ones that do get classified as kappas. A few even get recognized as undines if their parents have the money and the mother was an undine."
"Like Numasaki. Then again, she's way too skinny for a kappa girl."
Yukawa hissed out a laugh at Tarumi's mention of Nagisa's childhood friend. Numasaki Ayame was an undine girl with a human father.
"I remember that girl. The one with the cousin that molested her."
Kurumu held back her thoughts, seeing no reason to defend Numasaki Fumio.
'Do you lay eggs?'
Tarumi snorted a giggle as Yukawa's eyes went wide. The graduate hastily shook her spade head.
"Of course not! I'm not a mermaid!"
'I was just curious.'
Yukawa let out an exasperated hiss.
"To my knowledge, all of the mixed breeds with undine ancestors carry their young in a womb."
Kurumu accepted that answer but her thoughts quickly turned to Yamabato.
'But undines can have kids with mermaids.'
"That's true but I think mermaids can only have mermaids. The ones in Umiman mate with kappas often and I've never heard of them having a kappa daughter."
Tarumi nodded at Yukawa's response.
"Yea. They are notorious about getting rid of their sons. Mermen tend to be savage beasts."
Kurumu smirked, wondering if it would be acceptable to tell them about Yamabato's origins.
'We should play cards.'
Both girls were quick to agree with her suggestion.
"Who's the alien?"
Tarumi giggled as they steadily approached a group of undines hovering on the outskirts of the town. Having borrowed Tarumi's vision, Kurumu could see the distinct differences between each of the kids. The speaker was a young man with inky black locks that reached his narrow shoulders. His large eyes were a dark shade of green, matching the speedo girding his loins.
"That's Ms. Kurono, moron."
Hiyori wagged a finger at the young man. She was hovering beside the Takikawa girl from yesterday. Her bikini was a dark red while Takikawa had on a bright pink version.
"We could hear that thing long before we saw them. How can she even play?"
The androgynous voice from that undine with long, silvery hair and pale blue eyes could have belonged to a female, but the speaker was garbed in only an indigo speedo. As he hovered beside Uta, Kurumu surmised he was related due to their similar features.
"We can let her partner up with Watakoma."
"Won't that slow her down?"
"No more than these two."
Ranryuu clucked at Uta's gesture. The naga was circling off to the side with Usabara. Both were nude, having come straight here after their weekend stay with Ranryuu's father.
"We'll keep up just fine."
"Hey, Ms. Kurono."
Kurumu grinned at Akenuma's greeting as they closed the remaining distance. The young man was with Takanuma, Minato and the Nurasume boy. All four had on dark colored speedos.
'Afternoon, Akenuma.'
The young man flinched but quickly recovered with a toothy smile.
"Still blows my mind that you can do that."
"Do what?"
Takanuma snickered, nudging the confused Minato.
"She projected her thoughts. Didn't you hear her?"
"Hear what?"
Kurumu smirked as Tarumi left her side. She turned the dial of her scooter down to the lowest setting.
'That was my fault. I have to focus better to connect to more people.'
Minato's thin lips pulled back in a sinister grin.
"I heard that."
Kurumu turned her scooter off as she glanced over in Tarumi's direction. The undine had joined the older Nurasume girl whom was in the company of another girl with faint blond tresses and periwinkle eyes. Both girls were wearing white bikinis.
'Who is that with Ms. Nurasume?'
The four guys all turned to look at the trio.
"That's Ms. Kaitei. She's older than us."
"She's my cousin."
Takanuma growled at Minato.
"No she's not. Neither of your parents are related to hers."
"They are through marriage."
"Doesn't make her your cousin."
Kurumu chuckled at the exchange, suspecting this young woman was quite popular with the boys.
'Is she cousins with Manami?'
"Yea. Ms. Kaitei's father is the younger brother of Mrs. Amesuki."
"Are we going to start this game?"
Takanuma whirled about to face the young man whom had first spoken about Kurumu's arrival.
"That depends on Ms. Kurono. We need to explain the rules."
"It's nipping tails. Nothing to explain."
'Who is that?'
Akenuma chuckled, gesturing at the young man with the dark hair.
"That is Wan Naiki. He's in love with Urafune despite knowing he's a guy."
"Fuck off, Akenuma."
Kurumu giggled, gesturing with her free hand at the young man with Uta.
'Is that Urafune?'
"Mhm. Ms. Uta's cousin if you hadn't already guessed."
"How is she his cousin when you say I'm not cousins with Joumi?"
Takanuma swatted Minato in the back of the head.
"They have the same grandparents. You're only related to Ms. Kaitei by marriage."
"Don't know why you bother arguing that he could marry her."
Takanuma turned upon Akenuma.
"As if Ms. Kaitei would ever give this tadpole the time of day."
"Have you ever played tag?"
Kurumu laughed at the question from Nurasume. But before she could answer, she realized the truth.
'No. But I think I know the rules.'
"How have you not played tag?"
Kurumu was hesitant to answer Akenuma. She had not been in contact with other kids before school. Not long after enrollment she had been ostracized due to rumors about her mother being a whore. That isolation had persisted all the way up to the manifestation of her charm in her junior high years. She had avoided most physical contact with the guys she had charmed into adoring her. The closest thing to tag that she had ever done was the roughhousing with the tengu girls back at Yokai Academy.
'Never found it interesting.'
"Well if you hadn't noticed, there isn't much to do in Aranami."
Kurumu laughed, thinking about her recent card game with Yukawa. Handling cards with these gloves had been nearly impossible.
'I realized. What are the rules?'
"Which version of nipping tails do we want to play?"
"Shark!"
Takanuma snorted at Minato's enthusiasm.
"That's the most boring version."
"Yea. If you get eaten early, you have to wait a long time before the next game."
Akenuma nodded at Nurasume's comment.
"Barnacles is better. Keeps everyone engaged until the end."
"Barnacles is stupid. If I had barnacles, I couldn't give them to someone else just by touching them."
"It's a game, moron. It doesn't have to make sense."
Tarumi glided over with the older undine girls in tow.
"Are we about to start?"
"We're just trying to decide what version we should play."
Tarumi grinned, gesturing at the blond undine.
"Figured I should introduce Kaitei Joumi since you might be related soon. This is Kurono Kurumu."
Kurumu blushed, bowing her head slightly.
'Pleased to meet you.'
"I hear that you are very pretty, Ms. Kurono."
Kurumu looked up as the older undine cocked her head.
"So cute."
Akenuma thumped Takanuma in the chest.
"Stop swooning."
Kurumu had no idea what there was to swoon over. The true form of an undine was hideous to her. She even felt that way about Nijiro. But love was supposed to be more than physical attraction.
'I understand that you are older than Nijiro.'
"Yes. Though I am the youngest of three. My aunt started her family late."
"Not like you're rushing to get married."
Kaitei giggled at the remark from the Nurasume girl.
"Neither are you."
"I had high school these last three years. What was your excuse?"
'Did you not go to high school?'
"She would have graduated with me."
"My father was already struggling financially with both of my brothers in high school. There was no reason for me to prolong his burden when getting married and having a family are my only aspirations."
"Oh please. After Osuke graduated, it would have just been you for two years. You're just lazy."
Kaitei giggled with a shrug.
"You make it sound like I've enjoyed being in a town with nothing to do these last three years."
"What versions are up for discussion?"
Akenuma chuckled at Tarumi's question.
"So far we've only brought up shark and barnacles. We could try seeker since that eliminates the whole issue of some of us not being as fast as others."
"That version is only fun if the seeker has a poor sense of smell."
Tarumi smirked at Minato's complaint.
"Then I guess you'll be the seeker."
"He does have a point though."
Attention shifted to Uta as she slithered over with Urafune and Wan in tow.
"Either the seeker has a good sense of smell and finds everyone quickly, or the seeker has a bad sense of smell and the game takes forever."
"I was just thinking of ways for our weaker swimmers to participate since only the seeker can move once that game starts."
"What about playing a team version?"
Akenuma perked up at Urafune's suggestion.
"You mean like territories?"
"Yes. We could do three groups of five"
Uta turned and beckoned to the four still hovering away from the group.
"We're playing territories. Ms. Kurono will be one of the team leaders."
Kurumu immediately waved her free hand.
'It might not be a good idea having me as a team leader for a game I have never played before.'
"Don't worry. It's a capture based game which can last for hours."
Akenuma nodded at the explanation from the Nurasume boy.
"Right. Two players from your team have to capture an opposing player. That player is then sent to your team's jail. You can be rescued from jail by any of your teammates, but you can't help capture anyone right away. You have to go to your own team's jail first."
"They aren't sent to jail. They are escorted."
Akenuma sighed at Takanuma's correction.
"It's almost the same thing."
"Who should be the other captains?"
Wan perked up at the inquiry from the Nurasume boy.
"I nominate Mako!"
"Sounds fair to me unless he doesn't want it."
Urafune shrugged at Uta.
"I'm fine being a captain."
"Will our senior take the other leader position?"
Kaitei giggled at Uta's prompting.
"I'm no more a senior here than Shizuka."
"Or Miyoko for that matter."
Ranryuu giggled at Usabara's indignant huff.
"I don't want to be a captain."
"Neither do I. Do you mind, Shizuka?"
The Nurasume girl sighed before offering a shrug.
"Sure, I guess. But Ms. Kurono should pick first."
Kurumu grimaced, disliking how she had been delegated a leader. But she supposed this was better than being one of the last people picked for a game she had never played before.
'Then I pick Tarumi.'
Tarumi laughed, drifting over to Kurumu's side.
"That's probably the first time I've ever been picked first in a team game."
"And she'll soon find out why."
Tarumi stuck her black tongue out at Akenuma.
"Do you want to go next?"
Shizuka sighed at the question from Urafune.
"Sure. I'll pick Akenuma."
Kaitei gasped, touching the swell of her bosom.
"Didn't want me?"
"I'll pick you later."
Several undines giggled before Urafune spoke up.
"I'll take Wan."
Akenuma and Takanuma snickered. The two boys glanced over at Kurumu.
"You're next."
Kurumu paused, suspecting that the two naga girls would not get picked until the last round.
'Usabara.'
Her thought stifled the amusement of the group.
"Are you trying to lose?"
Takanuma swatted Minato in the back of the head.
"She just doesn't know any better."
Usabara hissed as she slithered over to Kurumu's side.
"I can play this game as good as anyone else."
There was a long pause with the group's attention eventually settling on Shizuka.
"I should pick Ms. Ranryuu."
"You don't-"
"It's fine."
Ranryuu quieted when her classmate cut her off.
"I would have picked you eventually but if I don't pick you now, Ms. Kurono will pick you next round."
Kurumu flinched, wondering if her intentions had been that obvious. She was certain that she had only projected Usabara's name.
"Then I'm taking Mr. Takanuma."
Tarumi patted Kurumu on the shoulder.
"You should pick a guy next. Minato might be dumb but he's a stronger swimmer than any of the girls."
"Hey now. I could swim circles around that idiot."
Kurumu giggled at Uta's mild protest.
'Fine. I pick Minato.'
"I'll do my best but no promises."
Tarumi wagged a talon at the young guy as he drifted over.
"You should respect your elders."
"I'll pick my brother."
"You really are leaving me for last."
Shizuka clucked her tongue at Kaitei.
"I can't let him have four guys. It won't be much of a game."
Wan and Takanuma chuckled as Urafune regarded the four remaining undine girls.
"I'll take Kuriko."
Uta huffed, drifting over to her cousin's group.
"Did you really have to think about it?"
Kurumu smiled, regarding the final three. She felt like she should leave Kaitei to Nurasume which made it a choice between Hiyori and Takikawa.
'Hiyori.'
"I'll take Joumi then."
Kaitei giggled, drifting over to her friend's group.
"Saving the best for last."
"Whatever makes you feel better. We're going to set up our territory."
Urafune nodded as Nurasume's group took off.
"We shall do the same. Good luck, Ms. Kurono."
Takikawa huffed as her group departed. Turning about, she swam away.
"To be picked last and by my rival, no less."
"Because you suck. Hurry up, slowpoke."
Kurumu giggled at Wan's response. She felt a little guilty over that but someone had to be picked last. She turned slightly, regarding her group.
'So what do we do next?'
Minato drifted backwards, beckoning to them.
"I know just the spot to set up. Follow me."
Kurumu turned to fully face him as she turned on her scooter. But before she could turn the dial up, Minato zipped over to her side in an instant.
"Don't do that."
Kurumu frowned, moving her glove away from the dial.
'Why not?'
"Because that thing is loud and you'll tell everyone where we are."
Tarumi giggled, keeping up with Kurumu's lazy pace.
"They will know where we are when we take prisoners to our jail."
Minato huffed, reaching over to turn off Kurumu's scooter. He even turned off the light before grabbing her by the arm. He started swimming away at a much faster pace.
"Only if they follow our prisoner escort into our territory. Two of you will have to lie in wait to capture anyone daring to follow us."
The girls quickly caught up to them, inspiring Minato to go faster.
"I'm assuming you want Ms. Kurono to do that part."
"I'd rather her be our jail guard."
"Could you slow down?"
Minato laughed at Usabara's distant request.
"I thought you could keep up."
"Shut up, goldfish."
Minato snickered, continuing through the absolute darkness at a slightly slower pace.
"You or Watakoma should stay behind with Usabara."
"I'll do that. I'm supposed to keep a close eye on Kurumu."
"Guess you're with me then."
"Don't let it get to your head."
"As if I'd want a scrawny thing like you. I have bigger fish in mind."
Having tapped into Minato's mind to see her surroundings better, Kurumu smirked. This guy was hoping that she would put in a good word for him, believing she was good friends with Nagisa. Not that he was entirely wrong but she was not about to tell Nagisa whom she should consider dating.
Even with his better field of vision, Kurumu saw nothing. She reached out to the minds of Hiyori and Tarumi to expand her perceptions but the result was the same. There was only darkness. The undines were navigating the water by sound and smell alone.
"Are we heading to the scavenger's lair?"
Minato chuckled at Usabara's concern.
"Don't worry. We're not going inside their cavern."
"Hold up. That's not safe for Kurumu or Ms. Usabara."
Usabara's anger flared up at Tarumi's words.
"I'm not that slow of a swimmer. I'll be fine."
'I thought the scavengers kept your town clean.'
"They do but they don't come into town. Only men are allowed inside their cavern."
"We're not going inside."
"But what if a scavenger wanders out? They say scavengers will eat anything slower than them."
Minato laughed at Tarumi.
"She's in a diving suit. Scavengers might be dumb but I've never heard of one eating a rock. Ms. Kurono is probably safer than Usabara."
"I'm not a slow swimmer!"
Feeling concerned with the situation, Kurumu perused the thoughts of her companions. Unfortunately none of them had ever seen a scavenger. The consensus was that scavengers were dumb monsters that ate trash and waste. Apparently this cavern was beneath Aranami. Each home in Aranami had a chute which went down to the scavenger's lair.
"You should be safe here."
Minato genuinely believed that as he steered her about, helping her touch down on the uneven ground. He had scouted this location several times and had never seen a scavenger.
"Come on, Hiyori. Time to find us some prisoners."
Minato took off suddenly, prompting Hiyori to follow.
"Don't say my name like we're friends!"
Kurumu severed her connection with the pair when they got too far away. Able to see herself through Tarumi's eyes, she reached out for the girl.
'Wait here with me.'
Tarumi laughed, sweeping over to her side.
"I'm tempted to but it kind of defeats the purpose of the game. If Minato is being followed, we won't be able to catch them before they know where our jail is."
"It won't matter if they can't rescue any prisoners. Three jail guards are better than one."
"If they come with reinforcements, they'll just capture us instead. Come on. I'll keep Kurumu in sight."
Kurumu grimaced as Tarumi pulled away from her. Through Tarumi's senses, Kurumu was aware that Usabara was following her.
'Fine. But I am staying in your head.'
Tarumi stopped short, turning about.
"You can talk to me this far away?"
Kurumu swallowed, seeing nothing with her own eyes.
'Yes. You better come for me if anything happens.'
"How much range do you have?"
"Are you talking with her?"
"Yea. You don't hear her?"
'I am only focused on you right now.'
"I'll swim out until I can't see you."
'Please keep close. I have no desire to test the limits of my range today.'
Kurumu grit her teeth when Tarumi put more distance between them. It was so far that Tarumi could not detect Kurumu even with her sonar.
"Still there?"
'Yes.'
"Should we chat?"
"If you are going to just gab, we may as well have stayed with her."
"Fair point. Maybe I can talk in thoughts?"
'Sure. Anything to take my mind off the emptiness around me.'
It took a few moments for Tarumi to get the hang of controlling her thoughts. It was easy for Kurumu to differentiate random thoughts from ones meant for conversation. Tarumi was probably not expecting her to discuss what having sex with Nijiro was like or if Yukawa had lost her virginity to Kyuushutsu. It was not like Kurumu had glanced inside Yukawa's mind to confirm anything on that subject.
It was more blatant that Tarumi wanted to talk about her upcoming birthday plans. She was adamant that they should spend that day in Umiman. Maybe even visit Ikinakawa or Kuminagawa. When Kurumu reminded the girl about her rental being until Monday, Tarumi suggested staying with Mr. Ranryuu in Umiman. They could hang out the whole weekend in Umiman and she might even get some money back if she returned her diving gear early.
Assuming Mr. Ranryuu allowed them to stay, Kurumu liked this proposition. Kokoa's reassurances that Umiman was safe made this idea even more attractive. Tarumi was so happy with her agreeing to the plan that the girl even spoke aloud her response which garnered a reproach from Usabara. Tarumi was going to ask Ranryuu about it later today.
Kurotaki was not the only girl from Ikinakawa that Tarumi suspected would come to Yokai Academy. There was Kawakami Shizuka and Yoshikawa Fuyuki. These two fawned over Mizudake back in junior high. Other prospects of new first years included Yanagisawa Kou, the younger brother of a choir girl whom had just graduated. His best friend, Tareru Suji, would probably come with him.
There was also Doronuma Shin, Kiriko's little brother. While Kiriko had taken on the traits of a naga, her brother had remained humanoid enough to be classified as an undine. Tarumi thought favorably of him on the surface but her deeper thoughts betrayed a distaste for that arrogant little shit.
Tarumi mentioned several other kids from junior high whom might attend Yokai Academy, but Kurumu could quickly tell which ones Tarumi had doubts about. Kawano Akito from Umiman was related to the other choir girl whom had graduated this year.
Tarumi had a crush on Kiyomizu Kazuhiro from Umiman. It was obvious. He was the only guy Tarumi had brought up with the same level of enthusiasm as a girl. Tarumi was hoping Kazuhiro was related to the third year teacher, guaranteeing he would come to Yokai Academy. Knowing Ms. Kiyomizu was actually from Australia, Kurumu decided not to squash her friend's hope.
'Help me.'
That foreign thought cut through her awareness like a hot knife. She jerked her head, glancing over her shoulder. Of course she saw nothing with her own eyes.
'Did you hear that?'
Tarumi's confusion at her question answered her before the girl focused her own inquiry.
'Hear what?'
'A voice behind me. I think.'
'Help me.'
Kurumu intentionally sent the memory of that thought to Tarumi, causing the girl to shudder.
"Is that a scavenger?"
"A scavenger?! Where?"
"Sorry. I spoke aloud. Kurumu might be in danger."
"Then go get her!"
Tarumi did not hesitate. In seconds, Kurumu could sense herself through Tarumi's sonar.
'Help me.'
Kurumu clutched her scooter to her chest as Tarumi closed the remaining distance in seconds. These thoughts were coming from a presence in a dark place. The stench was overwhelming.
"I don't see anything by you. Who was that calling for help?"
Tarumi touched Kurumu's shoulders, peering through the murky depths. The undine could sense the passage of her kin. Through Tarumi's senses, Kurumu could see the opening of a cave which Tarumi thought was the scavengers' lair. She knew the desperate person crying for help was inside there.
'What if this is an undine trapped in there?'
"Then we should go get help."
Kurumu sucked in a deep breath and focused her mind. She turned the scooter's light on.
'Usabara. Get help. Someone is trapped inside the scavenger lair.'
She felt Usabara jerk from the sudden intrusion. The girl nodded, swimming away. Satisfied with that, Kurumu turned on the motor and kicked off the ground. She twisted the dial to the highest setting as Tarumi frantically swam up to her.
"What are you doing?"
'Going to help. Come on.'
"We're not supposed to go in there! We'll get in trouble!"
'Stick by me, Tarumi. Everything will be fine if I have company.'
Kurumu earnestly hoped she was right as they came close enough to the opening for the light of her scooter to reveal it. They cruised through the maw with her light revealing the cavern's boundaries. Unlike the homes in Aranami, these walls were uneven like the ground beneath them. They had not gone too far before Kurumu sensed Tarumi's disgust. The filth of this water was thick and nauseating. The presence continued to plead for assistance, feeling closer than before.
'Almost there, Tarumi. Keep going.'
Kurumu had to adjust her dial to lower her speed as these passages were not straight. She leaned into her curves, trying to remain in the center of this natural tunnel. Thankfully none of the turns were too sharp. Only once did they have to go down a level.
Kurumu giggled, feeling guilty about dragging Tarumi along on this rescue mission. She turned with a gradual descending curve. At the end of that descent was an open space that her light could not reach the boundaries. Even Tarumi's better vision revealed nothing.
'No hurt. Please no hurt.'
The presence was on her right. She leaned towards the source, adjusting the dial to the lowest setting. A few seconds later, a large creature came into view. The scaly hide was the same texture and color as an undine but the bulbous head was more like a frog.
"Is that a kappa?"
Kurumu grimaced, turning off her scooter so she could coast the remaining distance. She had no idea if Tarumi was right, but this creature was definitely a mixed breed. It had short, trunk like legs which were anchored to the floor with steel manacles. Both of its thick, bulbous arms had been secured to the wall in a similar fashion. The restraints were done in a way that gave the captive no leverage to move his arms or feet. Her feet touched against the floor which was somewhat level.
'You said this is the scavenger lair, right? Why would anyone be chained up down here?'
Tarumi drifted into view, holding a hand over her mouth. Kurumu sensed Tarumi's scattered thoughts. The girl genuinely had no clue what she was seeing but the undine knew that there were more beings down here. Tarumi wanted to leave.
'Does your town have a jail?'
"Nobody has mentioned us having one."
'Can you break his shackles?'
Tarumi glided over to the whimpering captive. The beast was easily twice her size in girth and height.
"I can try. Will he hurt us if we let him go?"
That was a good question. Kurumu trudged closer, reaching out with her free hand. The creature flinched when she touched it, pleading desperately for her not to hurt it.
'We are here for you. Set you free. Okay?'
The beast calmed as Tarumi grabbed hold of one of the floor restraints.
'Friend?'
'Can you talk?'
The beast reared back its head, opening its maw. Tarumi gasped, hopping away from the captive.
"What is it doing?!"
Kurumu grimaced, seeing nothing but teeth. The beast closed its maw and made a sound resembling speech but heavily impaired.
'They not like us talking.'
Kurumu shivered, understanding the situation better. She glimpsed many memories of this creature being served refuse. Countless memories. Kurumu took in a deep, steadying breath.
'So this is a scavenger. Slaves that your town uses to dispose of their waste.'
Tarumi touched Kurumu's side.
"We have to leave."
Kurumu shook her head, leaning down to grab hold of the nearest floor restraint.
'We have to free them.'
Tarumi jostled Kurumu.
"We have no time! You sent Ms. Usabara for help. If you are right, we are going to be in big trouble."
Kurumu realized Tarumi was absolutely correct.
'We free just this one, okay? We can do that much.'
Tarumi whimpered, pushing away from Kurumu. She wiggled up to the shackle holding the creature's arm against the wall.
"Just one. If I free his arm, he might be able to free himself."
Kurumu nodded, touching the creature.
'She will free your arm first.'
'You leaving me?'
'We will do what we can. Trust us.'
There was a clink followed by a crumble.
"Okay. That's go-"
Tarumi's sentence was cut short when the thick arm swatted the undine aside. The creature roared as Kurumu pressed her hands against its torso.
'Calm down! Calm down!'
"What are you kids doing down here?!"
A hand shoved Kurumu back, causing her to fall on her rump. The beast grabbed its other arm, grunting in an attempt to free it from the wall.
"It's trying to get loose! Stop it!"
A pair of undine men were on the beast in a moment. And before Kurumu could think to sever her link to the creature's mind, they tore into its flesh.
Screaming in empathetic agony, Kurumu quickly lost consciousness.
Kurumu groaned from a dull, throbbing ache in her head. She reflexively lifted her hand up, realizing it was not within the confines of her diving suit. She groaned again, her eyes fluttering open to take in the dim lighting. Her body was wrapped up in a course blanket, warding off the chill of the hotel room.
"Looks like someone is finally awake."
Mr. Akenuma stepped into view. For the first time, she was seeing him in his human appearance. He had a thick chest and a chiseled jaw. He regarded her with disappointment in his coral pink eyes.
"You're lucky to be alive."
"We thought someone needed help."
The man turned at the sound of Tarumi's voice.
"You know that you are not supposed to be in the scavenger's lair."
"She heard someone crying for help."
"Unlikely."
"But it's true! We even sent Usabara for help."
"There is no way you heard anything."
Kurumu sucked in a deep breath, preferring to remain lying on her back.
'You may have cut out their tongues, but they still have their thoughts.'
The hotel owner stiffened up.
"Ms. Kurono. You have a good heart. But that creature tried to kill you."
"He panicked because the guards were coming."
"There was a reason why that one was chained up."
Kurumu smiled thinly, perusing the hotel owner's memories. He was lying but not because he knew the truth. He was afraid that this incident might upset the town elders.
"You don't know that."
Mr. Akenuma scowled in frustration.
"And I suppose that creature told you all about it?"
Kurumu looked away. She had her suspicions but it was not like she had been in that thing's head long enough to know why it had ended up there.
"No. All I saw was pain, misery and shit being stuffed down its throat."
There was a short stretch of silence but Kurumu knew his mind was racing for an explanation.
"Akaname. That's what you're thinking."
Kurumu flinched when he suddenly sat down beside her. She turned her head just as he put his hand on top of it. Despite the instinctual fear, she felt no malice in him.
"I would advise you not to be reading minds, young lady. There are things that we are all better off not knowing. Aranami is a peaceful town. Okay?"
The sincerity of his concern touched her. She thought of the prisoner, realizing her attempt to free him had led to his death. Tears started to form in her eyes.
"I just wanted to help him."
Mr. Akenuma let out a breath, running his fingers through her hair.
"I understand that. Despite little Watakoma's claims of hearing a cry for help, the two guards that came to your rescue think she was trying to kill you."
Kurumu gasped in shock.
"That's not true!"
"I've reassured them of that but they don't know about you two being friends. To be fair, with you being an outsider, they wouldn't even hold it against little Watakoma if that was the case."
Tarumi grumbled, wandering over into Kurumu's line of sight.
"They wouldn't buy my story about the guy breaking free on his own. And seeing how restrictive your diving gear is, they concluded that I must have broken the arm restraint."
Kurumu frowned with a sniffle.
"I'm sorry, Tarumi. It's my fault."
"It will be fine. Though I'm sure she will get quite the scolding when her father gets home."
Tarumi sighed dramatically, crossing her arms below her slight bosom.
"Which is why I'm not going home tonight. If Mr. Akenuma had not vouched for me, my mother would have not let me spend the night here."
Mr. Akenuma chuckled, withdrawing his hand as he scooted away from Kurumu.
"I preferred this outcome over having Hiyori spend the night with her. This way we can all have the same story if someone important asks questions about today's activities."
Kurumu grimaced, resisting the urge to sit up.
"What story did you want us to say?"
"That little Watakoma was bored and thought it would be fun to take you into a dangerous area. You told Usabara a lie so that she would not stop your little adventure. While navigating the tunnels, Ms. Kurono knocked herself out. The guards found you and brought you back here."
Kurumu frowned as Mr. Akenuma stood up.
"What about the scavenger?"
"It's best that neither of you mention your encounter with that creature. The guards only told me and her mother about it because they were trying to figure out why the two of you were even down there."
Kurumu swallowed thickly, hearing the man's footsteps retreat.
"Don't you want to know the truth about the scavengers, Mr. Akenuma?"
The hotel owner paused.
"Maybe when you are safely away from here, Ms. Kurono. You are my guest, after all. You two have a good night. I understand that tomorrow is a big day."
As he closed up the hatch, Kurumu hoped that her visit with Nijiro's family would be more pleasant.