My Kouhai

by Ravenhale1

This is the fourteenth installment of the AU continuation of Rosario Vampire told through Kurumu's POV. This story covers spring break and the first weeks of Kurumu's second year at Yokai Academy (March 25th - April 29th, 2006). Not strictly canon.

12. Disney Promises

"Here we are. Toyko Disneyland Hotel."

Mr. Nurari cackled as he steered the bus along this private drive leading up to a tall castle like building with many windows behind arched openings. Blue pointed domes topped the towers built alongside the structure. They glided under a canopy with square pillars before coming to a stop.

"Everybody out."

Kurumu patted Rubi whom had shared this seat on their short trip through the city. The older witch was garbed in a sleeveless, plum blouse with the ruffled hem down the center to hide the buttons. Kurumu had helped her exhausted bed companion into a tight fitting pair of black denim jeans.

"Time to get off, Rubi."

Rubi grumbled, nuzzling her cheek against the window.

"Five more minutes."

Kurumu giggled as Tora and Yukari strolled by them in the bus center aisle. After securing her lavender purse against her side, she grabbed Rubi firmly by the shoulder.

"Nope. We're already at Disney."

Rubi turned her head, favoring Kurumu a bleary look. She swallowed as she weakly reached for her black leather weave purse resting on the seat between them.

"My head is killing me."

Kurumu smirked, letting go of the witch as she stood up. Her breasts felt snug within the confines of her teal halter top which bared her midriff. The swaths of fabric coming down from her neck crossed over before securing her assets. Hugging Kurumu's hips was a pleated, denim skirt which buttoned up like a pair of shorts. It even had pockets but Kurumu was keeping everything important in her purse.

"You're going to have to walk on your own. I'm not carrying you even if Yukari has that spell on you."

Yukari's spell which diminished gravity's pull was the only way Kurumu had gotten the lethargic witch to the bus stop this morning. She could have used that spell last night, considering this dummy had drunk herself unconscious. Kurumu had been forced to take off her blouse and fly the wasted witch home.

"Moka!"

Yukari's cry pulled Kurumu's attention away. The young witch threw herself into Moka's arms. Yukari had decided to wear her pink tee shirt with the Minnie mouse graphic that she had bought in Hong Kong. The ends of her black denim jeans were pulled over her white platform boots, giving the girl a boost to her height. Having the same idea, Kurumu had on her white, platform sneakers.

"Get up, Rubi. Or the driver might take you home."

Kurumu sauntered down the center aisle, watching Moka draw back to arms' length with the little girl. The silver haired vampire was wearing a lime green racerback shirt with a white denim skirt which was probably a pair of disguised shorts like what Tora had on.

"Mr. Nurari. We're going to leave our luggage on the bus."

Kokoa made this declaration as she strolled into view pulling a silver suitcase behind her. The younger vampire had thick, silver hair which had been drastically shortened since Kurumu had last seen her. Her tresses were held back in a single ponytail with a black bow which was likely her shapeshifting familiar. Her mature body was clothed in a hot pink, racerback shirt and a knee length, ruffled white skirt.

"Are you sure you want to do that, Ms. Shuzen?"

Kurumu smirked at the playful tone in Mr. Nurari's voice. The driver was wearing his usual outfit, grinning through the open door at the vampire.

"We already checked out of the hotel and can't be dragging our luggage all over the park."

Kurumu stepped between the pair, hopping down the steps.

"You cut your hair."

Kokoa smiled with a gleam in her emerald eyes.

"Feels better. My hair was way too thick to be that long."

Kurumu stepped off the bus, immediately wrapping the younger vampire up in a hug. Squeezing Kokoa, she felt the softness of her body while breathing in the floral scent of shampoo.

"You smell nice."

"You smell like booze."

Kurumu laughed, releasing the girl. She realized that the vampire sisters were wearing strapless bras.

"Sorry, Milady. I meant to bathe but my companion last night had other plans."

Rubi stumbled down the steps, nearly falling into them. Kokoa snickered as Kurumu helped the older witch regain her footing.

"What happened to her?"

"She got a little carried away at my party last night."

Mrs. Aono lingered by her son whom was sharing an embrace with Moka. The mother was garbed in a short sleeved, white blouse with a pair of black slacks. She held a black tote in her hands.

"I missed you."

Tsukune stepped back, leaving his hands at Moka's sides. He was dressed in a simple, dark green tee shirt and black cargo shorts. He stared into Moka's turquoise eyes.

"No kiss?"

Moka and Tsukune both laughed, throwing Yukari pleading looks as they stepped further apart.

"Not in front of my mother."

"Right. We can do that later."

"Others want know if man fine with leaving luggage."

Kurumu gasped as a familiar girl came around the front of the bus with another silver suitcase and a black duffle bag. She had short twin tails possessing an ebony hue. Much of her pale skin was revealed as only a swath of dark blue fabric wrapped about her torso to hide her subtle bosom. A scandalous pair of black denim shorts were painted on her hips, baring most of her creamy thighs.

"Akua?"

The girl turned her eyes upon Kurumu. The iris had a deep purple hue.

"What?"

Kurumu shook her head in disbelief.

"You look …."

"Normal."

Kurumu laughed at Kokoa's interjection.

"I was about to say sexy."

"How? They only bought this to make fun of my body."

"We would have bought looser clothes but she complained about not being able to fight in them. What's your answer, Mr. Nurari?"

The bus driver chuckled, getting up from his seat.

"Follow me to the back, ladies."

Mr. Nurari shuffled down the steps, hopping out of the vehicle. Akua made a beckoning gesture.

"We good. Meet over at back of bus."

Kurumu's heart skipped a beat. While still in Rubi's embrace, she looked at Kokoa.

"Is Mizore here?"

"She arrived about fifteen minutes before you did. She's with her fiancé and her mother."

Kurumu frowned as she attempted to follow the vampire sisters with Rubi clinging to her.

"Her mother is here?"

"She's very worried about her daughter."

"Look ready to burst."

Kurumu giggled at Akua's sentiment, struggling with the heavy footed Rubi as they made their way to the back of the bus. The moment she came around the back, she saw Tora with Mizore. The sphinx had on that sage, ribbed knit, short sleeved top baring her midriff with the matching pleated shorts. Her raven locks were braided about her head above her ears like she often did. Her hands were touching Mizore's swollen belly as the driver opened the back door.

"Hand over the luggage."

Umizake Aoi responded first, stepping away from Mrs. Shirayuki's side with a suitcase in each hand. The tall fiancé had on a white shirt with short, black sleeves and a pair of blue jeans. The shirt had a graphic of a tree and clouds.

Shirayuki Tsurara was wearing a sky blue kimono with a dark blue sash. Her purple hair had a silvery hue and was balled up in the back and secured with an ivory needle. Like her daughter, she had sapphire eyes and a lollipop in her mouth. The mother held a white tote with a purple floral pattern in her hands.

Mizore was huge. There was a small bump in the curvature of her mint green sundress, betraying that her belly button had popped out. The thin straps of the sundress rested upon the thicker straps of a black sports bra containing Mizore's ample bosom. Sandals graced the snow girl's feet.

"She's moving."

Mizore sighed at Tora's happy discovery. Her sapphire eyes turned upon Kurumu, betraying her lethargy. Her thick purple locks had been trimmed with most of her pulled back in a short tail held with a black band. Her skin was pale like ice. The white stick of a lollipop was nestled in the crook of her mouth.

"Hey, Kurumu."

"Morning, Mizore. I didn't expect your mother to be here."

"This is my first grandchild. I want to be here when Mizore gives birth."

"She'll be living with us until summer break."

Umizake's declaration surprised Kurumu. She dumbly nodded as the vampire sisters surrendered their suitcases and duffle bag to Mr. Nurari.

"Will your family be fine with your absence?"

Mrs. Shirayuki laughed at Tora's question.

"They will manage. Mizore would miss far too much school if she has to care for a newborn. I'll help them get through the first months. Things might be easier after summer break."

"Anything else, Ms. Shuzen?"

"No. Just be here at ten to pick us up."

"Ten?"

Kokoa nodded at Tora as Mr. Nurari closed the bus door.

"The park closes at ten. We'll need every hour we can get if you want to see everything."

Tora laughed softly as the bus driver stalked off.

"Maybe I should just spend the night with Kurumu after all."

"I'll be happy to have you."

"We will be wearing your chemises this time. No excuses."

"Okay, kiddos! Back away from the bus as I'm about to leave!"

Taking the hint, Kurumu shuffled away from the vehicle as best she could with Rubi's antics. Umizake draped an arm around Mizore's shoulders, steering her over to the sidewalk. The snow girl sighed, leaning her head against him as Tora walked alongside Mrs. Shirayuki behind them.

The bus engine roared, startling Rubi. Kurumu giggled as they moved to the sidewalk to join the vampire sisters. Moka was holding Tsukune's hand and her black tote as they strolled along the sidewalk from the front of the bus. Yukari and Mrs. Aono followed in their wake.

"If you didn't know, you are in the Chiba prefecture, Kurumu."

Kurumu smirked at Moka as the bus started pulling away.

"Really? Sounds like I need to be on the lookout for another yunomi."

"Already taken care of. When we got here Monday, we decided to roam the nearby town after checking in at the hotel. Eventually we found a Chiba themed yunomi for you."

"Waste time at many souvenir shops."

"Moka and I didn't need to see the sights. That was all for your sake."

Akua nodded with a slight smile.

"True. Want see Moka's school and orphanage."

"That would be nice."

Moka grinned at Tsukune.

"Maybe another time. The orphanage in Narita is like an hour and a half drive from here."

"Your junior high in Sakura was about half the trip."

"Maybe we will have time this summer break to see my Moka's origins."

Kurumu snorted at Yukari's declaration.

"There are far too many things going on this summer as is. We have Mizore's wedding and your mother will be giving birth to your baby brother."

"I don't know if I want to be part of that."

"But he'll be your family."

"Mizore refused to visit the hospital when Jiro was born."

Kurumu laughed at Mrs. Shirayuki's comment. Jiro was Mizore's nine year old brother. She had another brother, Kaito, whom was twelve.

"I think this is different."

"Did you stay at this hotel?"

Mrs. Shirayuki shook her head at Yukari's query.

"No. We flew in last night and stayed at a cheaper one."

"We took a taxi here."

Kokoa clapped her hands after Umizake's addition, catching the attention of everyone.

"The park opens at nine but there are lots of people already here. We should go get our tickets."

"Can snow women handle fun rides? Seem like waste of money."

"I doubt they will let them enter the park without tickets."

"I'll be keeping my daughter company. We can buy our tickets."

"You don't need to do that, Mrs. Shirayuki. We will pay for your tickets."

Moka grinned, nodding in agreement with her younger sister.

"Yea. Save your money for souvenirs."

Mrs. Shirayuki smiled politely, bowing her head slightly.

"Very well. Since you insist."

"Can Rubi stand on her own?"

Kurumu laughed at Yukari's query. She was hesitant to let go of the wobbly witch.

"Maybe. I'm afraid to find out."

Yukari made a shooing gesture as she approached.

"Move away from her for a moment."

Kurumu reluctantly complied. She was about to ask what Yukari was planning to do when she felt a sudden surge of power. Yukari poked Rubi in the side and there was an audible crackle of energy. The older witch jerked upright with a loud gasp as her eyes went wide.

"I'm awake!"

"Hopefully that didn't make you pee yourself but you're wearing black so I doubt anyone will notice."

Kokoa snickered, waving for people to follow her as she headed for the hotel's main doors.

"We can always do a water ride first if she needs an excuse."

Akua shuddered with a slight shake of her head as she fell in step with Kurumu behind Kokoa.

"Hate water rides."

Kurumu giggled, knowing that the vampire sisters all had an issue with water.

"We don't have to do those."

"Yes we do, Kurumu."

Kurumu glanced over her shoulder as the automatic doors parted for their presence. Moka grinned, still holding Tsukune's hand as she walked with Tsukune. Rubi, Yukari and Mrs. Aono trailed behind them.

"I remember how disappointed Yukari was with our last Disney trip. We are not skipping anything."

Kurumu had the feeling that this was going to be a long day.

---

"Where are we going first?"

Kurumu shrugged at Tora's query as they finally exited the crowded marketplace. She glanced at Yukari whom was clinging tightly to Tora's side.

"That's up to our Disney park experts. How are you doing, Yukari?"

"Too many people. Way too many people."

Kurumu chuckled as Tsukune and the vampire sisters drifted into the crowd ahead of them. Kokoa had not been kidding. It felt like thousands of people had been waiting in line for tickets. It had taken over an hour to get into the park. Once they had entered the World Bazaar which was a bunch of shops under a covered glass roof, Mizore had begged for a bathroom break. They were finally able to explore the park.

"We can't let them get too far ahead of us. Keep up with us, Rubi."

Rubi and Mrs. Aono trailed behind them as they braved the crowds. The ground was paved in green with white bricks defining fenced in islands of vegetation. The two story structure on the left had peach walls and windows beset with teal shutters. The metal railing of the balconies in front of these windows was also painted that bluish green.

"First stop!"

Moka pointed at the building's open doors, beckoning them to join her. As Kurumu came around, she saw a sign in the center of the balcony over the center door. A brown skull wearing a bandana was set in front of a pair of curved blades. Under the skull was western lettering for Pirates of Caribbean.

"Look Yukari. It's the pirates ride based off that movie Kokoa has."

Kokoa smirked, crossing her arms below her ample bosom.

"Other way around, Kurumu. This ride is much older than the movie."

"Why are so many people here?"

As she had an arm draped over Yukari's shoulders, Tora effortlessly toyed with Yukari's locks.

"It's spring break. Many people take off work to bring their families here."

Mrs. Aono laughed softly, stopping behind them.

"If you think this is bad, you should be here on a weekend and see how things are for cherry blossom viewing. We tried coming here once and realized we preferred the peaceful atmosphere of Yamagata."

Tsukune grinned, gesturing at his mother with his free hand.

"That was when I was only six. They nearly lost me in the crowd."

"Because somebody insisted he was too old to hold my hand."

Mizore let out a heavy sigh, fanning herself. Her purple bangs already dripped with sweat.

"Can we go inside? I'm melting."

Moka motioned for them to follow as her sisters entered.

"There's only one drop so Mizore should be able to ride this."

Kurumu grinned, clutching the strap of her lavender purse as she walked alongside Tora whom still had a crowd phobic witch glued to her hip. Neither had brought a purse, leaving their belongings with Rubi. Moka must have done the same as her sisters also lacked purses.

Upon entering, Kurumu passed by a wastebasket and turned right, following a path between black metal railings. Red tiles lined the floor and a white plaster ceiling was above. In front of them was a red brick half wall which curved. Kurumu could see what looked like boats floating on the other side.

Walking along with the curve of that wall, they straightened out and passed under a brick arch. The path started on a slight incline but there were people ahead of them, forcing them to stop. Beyond the arch on the right was a wall framed in wooden planks. After that was a wooden fence dividing them from a channel of water in which those boats moved. Wood posts held up wood rafters overhead.

"You don't have to hold me so tightly, Yukari. I'm not going anywhere."

"There were not nearly this many people at Hong Kong Disney."

Moving slowly forward with the line, Kurumu smiled softly at the exchange. The railing to her right had a varnished wood top which some people were resting their hands on.

"Well it was December."

The line went under a deck that had a short stair down to a bridge over the water channel. There was a sign on the side of the deck with more western lettering which read 'Avast there mates! Welcome to the Pirates of the Caribbean!' The kanji characters below sort of matched that message.

It was a slow and steady pace to get under that deck. The fence on the right ended at the bridge crossing the channel. Beneath the deck were several gates with lines marked on the floor. Numbers inside circles were etched on the floor at each of these gates. No more than four guests were lined up at each gate.

A recording was playing over the speakers, informing them to keep their limbs inside the boat and to keep their children secure. Each of these boats had five rows and they were loading up two boats. As there were ten gates, they were loading up two boats at a time.

A dark haired lady in a lavender blouse and black slacks stood at the end of the line, asking guests how many to each party before directing them to different lines. Gazing out over the boats, Kurumu noticed what appeared to be a restaurant seating area. Some guests were enjoying a very early lunch.

"Are we doing three groups of four or four groups of three?"

"I think we can do three groups of four."

Kurumu nodded at Tsukune's response to Tora, glancing at the others behind her.

"Does anyone mind if I ride with Mizore?"

Mrs. Aono laughed with a slight shake of her head.

"I don't mind that at all, Ms. Kurono."

"Then I'll slip back to join them."

Rubi made a slight sound of acknowledgment as Kurumu passed by. Umizake had his hands on Mizore's shoulders, towering over his fiancée whom regarded Kurumu with tired eyes.

"You look exhausted."

"I think she's excited to be here. She kept me up all night."

Kurumu smiled, caressing Mizore's cheek. Her skin was icy cold.

"Too bad you couldn't do much with your family over break."

"I wish Dad would have done something with them. I didn't need my brothers gawking at me every hour of the day like I was some freak."

"You weren't even notably pregnant when they saw you in November."

Mizore sighed at her mother's remark. She rested her head against Umizake whom stood behind her.

"Spring break was awful. Between them and Aunt Kosame… I would rather get married at school."

Aunt Kosame was the woman serving as the snow priestess as the original one had been killed by an agent of Fujisaki Miyabi after their visit. Kurumu only knew that this woman had four kids and wanted her daughter to be the next snow priestess over Mizore.

"While my mother would not object to us getting married in a warmer place, she would not want the ceremony to happen in Mononoke."

Umizake's mother lived in Shitamizumi, another monster community in Hokkaido near Lake Saroma. It was home to one of the three Fairy Tale recognized schools of the Hokkaido region.

"The wedding will be in Yukimura, young man. Your mother has agreed to that."

"Kurumu!"

Kurumu perked up at Moka's call, realizing that they had drifted to the front of the line. The lady in the lavender blouse gestured behind her.

"First three gates, please."

Kurumu grabbed Mizore by the hand, pulling the shuffling girl as the others complied with the woman's instructions. Kokoa took up the first spot with Akua beside her. Moka was next with Tsukune at the end. Tora was first in the next row with Yukari between her and Rubi. Mrs. Aono was on the end.

Mizore grumbled as Kurumu steered the snow girl to the third gate. Umizake still had his hands on her shoulders while Mrs. Shirayuki drifted in his wake.

"Have you ever been to Disneyland before?"

"This will be my first time."

Kurumu grinned, adjusting the strap of her lavender purse.

"I should take many pictures then to commemorate the experience."

"That would be nice. I'm also hoping to pick up some souvenirs."

"I'll be certain to do that. Mizore's brothers are going to be so jealous."

It was a short wait before a teal boat rolled up alongside them and came to a stop. The gates opened and the attendants encouraged them to board quickly. Holding Mizore's hand, Kurumu stepped into the boat and moved to the far right end. She let go of Mizore's hand before sitting down, moving her purse to rest on her left side as Mizore eased into the space beside her.

Kurumu reached over and tapped Yukari's shoulder, startling the witch. Yukari pouted at her.

"This was one of the rides they didn't have in Hong Kong."

Yukari nodded, looking back ahead. It was only a short wait before a bell sounded. The boat lurched forward and the attendant waved. Kurumu grinned, waving back as they sailed by at a gentle pace.

The dining area remained on their right as they made a gradual right curve. To the left were several dioramas of the sort of houses that were built along rivers. One diorama had an animatronic of an elderly man sitting in a rocking chair as a banjo played and crickets chirped. The wall glowed blue which was interrupted by the black outlines of trees.

They rounded the bend, going into a passage behind the dining area. A man's voice spoke to them about the life of pirates as they drifted slowly around a corner. Kurumu smirked upon seeing a talking skull up ahead, wearing a bandana in front of two crossed swords. He warned them of Davy Jones as they passed under him into the dark tunnel beyond. He cackled as they eased forward.

Kurumu heard rushing water and was about to ask what that was when they suddenly pitched forward. The boat dropped down a slope rather rapidly. In seconds they reached the end with a large splash but no water infiltrated the boat. Umizake chuckled as they coasted further inside the cave. They passed by a treasure chest on left as a man spoke above them that dead men tell no tales.

"You okay?"

Mizore nodded with a sigh, resting her head against Umizake's shoulder as their pace slowed. They came around a bend with the right side opening up. Skeletons with pirate hats were strewn about. One stood with a parrot on his head in front of a treasure chest with shovels nearby.

Kurumu could hear the sound of fake thunder and wind blowing up ahead. She looked forward, seeing the flashing lights behind a skeleton on a boat. She realized the lights were meant to be rain as they neared and that the skeleton was at the helm of a boat. The whole atmosphere was creepy and grim.

They drifted to the left which had a new diorama on that side. Two skeletons were seated on a table with glowing orange flasks in their hands. One even had the bottle to its mouth. Surrounding them was a collection of things like rifles, axes and canteens. A chandelier with unlit candles hung from the top of the cave and a nearby table had an hourglass upon it.

Voices started cackling and music played as they rolled into the darkness ahead. Looking forward, she saw another skeleton buried in a pile of treasure. A man continued talking to them about the pirate life as they approached this skeleton. They drifted to the right as they neared, passing the rich dead man on the left. Echoing over the speakers, they were reminded that dead men tell no tales.

They rolled through another dark space, emerging in the midst of a battlefield. A pirate ship on the left was firing its cannons upon a city on the right. The pirates shouted at the soldiers to surrender as the soldiers shouted back threats of sinking their ship, having cannons of their own. Water splashed up on both sides of the boat in sync with the sounds of cannon fire.

Their vessel coasted about to the right and there were more animatronics of living people in a town. A man in a red coat with a sword stood by a well. Another man held a rope and was lifting and lowering another man tied up in the well. Another row of men were tied up nearby and a window above the well opened with a woman pleading for help as the man in the well was interrogated. Several pirates stood nearby, brandishing weapons as they laughed at the torture. One in a striped shirt was playing a flute.

"Don't recall this from the movie."

Kurumu snickered at Yukari's remark as they drifted through the town. On the left was a row of tied up ladies. At the top of the stairs a pirate in black was auctioning off the women to the men sitting on the steps to their right. They passed under an arch with drunken pirates standing above them whom were also taking part in the bidding.

On the other side of the arch was a series of pirates chasing lasses in circles about the buildings on the left. A big fat bloke sat by some barrels and was bellowing about a key as a dog barked at him. Kurumu smirked at the last pair of animatronics as this time it was a lady with a broom chasing a pirate.

They approached another arch with a pirate on the right. He was offering a drink to the cats hissing at him. Passing under the arch, they coasted by a trio of pirates singing that this was the life for them. More singing pirates with torches stood by the buildings up ahead. These structures were flickering to give the impression that they were burning from a raid. A lone pirate drinking from a jug sat upon another arch that they would soon pass under. He was humming along with the song.

Kurumu was unsure how she felt about the ride. Clearly a lot of work had gone into everything but the mood was not very happy. Even the singing was more of a drunken thing than a true happiness. As they drifted under the jug toting man, she saw a bunch of pirates behind the bars of a prison. Three of these incarcerated pirates were reaching out through the bars for a dog which had the keys in its mouth.

They eased into the next scene which was a bunch of drunk pirates shooting at each other while singing that pirate's life song. Their boat caught up to the one ahead of them in the next chamber. This looked to be a treasure room of sorts in which one pirate sat on a chair and sung to his bird. Kurumu smiled softly, wondering if this was the end of the ride.

The boats ahead of them rolled forward and she saw them stop alongside gates. Attendants gestured for the guests to disembark. In moments the boats were emptied and sent ahead. Their own boat lurched forward and they were brought to a stop at the first row of gates.

"Is that it?"

Moka laughed at Yukari's query.

"Yes. Come along."

Kurumu had to wait for Mizore to get up. Clutching her purse to her side, she followed the shuffling snow girl across the bench. She stepped up on the tiled platform, moving with the others to the start of a corridor. They headed up an escalator with cement block walls flanking their sides.

"You said this was a great ride."

"It's iconic, Yukari. It was strange not to see this in the Hong Kong Disneyland."

Yukari sighed heavily at Moka's response.

"I should have realized it was tame when you said Shirayuki could ride it."

They came around the corner at the top of the escalator, passing by an opening for a gift shop. The vampires continued down the passage into the bright world beyond. In seconds they were all outside.

"Where to next?"

"Sounds like Yukari wants a thrill ride so we'll do Big Thunder Mountain."

Yukari perked up, hopping to forward to grab Moka's side.

"That's the one you said was the best ride in the park!"

"Mhm. Though Mizore can't go on that one. We'll pass by the jungle cruise ride if she wants to do that."

"I don't care."

Kurumu giggled at Mizore's lethargic tone, sticking by the snow girl's side as they followed the others.

"What about you, Umizake? Are you going with us to Big Thunder Mountain?"

"I'll stay with Mizore."

Mizore glanced back at him.

"Are you sure? Sounds like a rollercoaster."

"I'd rather stay with you."

They passed by a peach building with three steps up to a blue and yellow framed door which looked like it could only open from the inside. Above the door in western lettering was Coral Landing Mercantile.

"Over there."

Moka stopped, pointing to the left. The green paved ground gave way to normal colored pavement on the way to an open structure with green posts holding up an open upper level with green railing and a pitched roof. A covered canopy stretched away from the canopy which had a sign with western lettering declaring that was the Jungle Cruise.

"Big Thunder Mountain always has a long line. Since I know that Yukari has no interest in riding this version of the Jungle Cruise, Mizore can do this instead of just waiting almost an hour for us."

"I'll stay with my daughter."

Moka nodded at Mrs. Shirayuki's declaration.

"You'll be done here first so you can wait for us over in front of Big Thunder Mountain. It's the next big attraction down this way so it's hard to miss."

Kokoa tapped Moka on the shoulder.

"They do have a shooting gallery near it so they could kill some time there."

"That is true! We'll see you in a bit."

"I'll also pass on the rollercoaster."

Tsukune frowned at his mother, holding Moka's hand to keep the vampire in place.

"Are you sure?"

"I'm not in the mood for a rollercoaster and I think things will work nicer if you have an even number."

"Okay then. Come with us, Kurumu."

Kurumu smiled, parting with Mizore. They remained on the green path, walking by a small shop with a sign reading Squeezers on the right. To the left was a small island with wood statues of different shapes and sizes. Kurumu adjusted her purse strap, thinking she would take some pictures when they stopped.

The buildings to the left of them had thatched roofs. One structure had several tiers of raised roofs on top of each other. A sign in front of the building had something about the Enchanted Tiki room. To the right of them a rustic wood fence enclosed a bunch of trees and rocks.

The green painted pavement transitioned to red before they passed by some wood buildings on the right which had a western feel to them. The yellow building had no entrance on the small porch but the sign declared it had Dry Goods. The green panel building on the left was supposedly the Trading Post.

Moka gestured at a brown wood building with a wood plank porch on their left. Log posts held up a balcony with more log framing holding up a pitched roof. The center two pillars were carved up in the shape of bears holding signs. Another sign mounted to the balcony between these posts declared in western letters that this was the Country Bear Theater.

"This is a fun show we can come back to after we hit every ride."

Following the vampire sisters, they veered left. The white building beside the theater was a seamstress and the next brownish red structure had a sign for western wear. As there was no gap between these buildings, Kurumu suspected these were all one store. She had seen this at Hong Kong Disneyland where the exteriors were styled up as different places but the inside was just one big gift shop.

"I see what Moka meant about it being hard to miss."

Tora pointed ahead of them. There was a rock formation jutting up from behind wood fences. The rock was much too orange to be natural. Wood framing held up the tracks of the ride, sweeping towards a building to the left. In the distance was an even taller rock formation with a wood tower nearby.

People were passing through a break in the fencing, walking along a path leading around the fake rock formation. To the left was another series of false building fronts. One was a brick building with white posts holding a blue roofed bell tower. The letters across the awning was Town Hall. The tan building pressed against this town hall had an arched roof over an open porch.

"The shooting gallery is over there."

Moka pointed to another wood building set further back. The sign above the center of the porch in front of a dormer declared the place was the Westernland Shootin' Gallery. Holding Tsukune's hand, Moka followed her sisters between the posts. A black iron vehicle with metal spoke wheels had a lettered graphic identifying this as the Big Thunder Mountain.

Kurumu skipped ahead of Rubi to be behind Tora as they walked along a paved path flanked by wood railings. As she sauntered around the back of that iron vehicle, she saw the sign of the building by the town hall. The western letters revealed that establishment as the Hungry Bear Restaurant.

They moved at a steady pace up the trail. Turning right, they crossed over a wood bridge with a wood water wheel on the left. The tracks of the ride were visible through the framing of the elevated wood platform behind the water wheel.

Following the trail, they passed through a gap in a fake rock formation. They curved to the left with posts on the right connected by a rope dividing the path. Lanterns lined this ascending tunnel as they curved all the way around. Through the gaps of the rocks on their right, Kurumu saw a small train chugged along the tracks on their right with pairs of guests seated in each car.

Emerging from the tunnel, they crossed that elevated wooden platform. Wooden posts holding lanterns stood at intervals along their path. A wood framed channel spanned over the tracks, dropping under the platform to the wheel below. This channel provided a path for water to get to the wheel.

The wood platform turned towards the structure from which the channel originated. A sign on the roof of that structure proudly declared this was the Big Thunder Mountain. They passed over the tracks and under the roof of the adjacent structure.

This pavilion had rows of railings with ropes that could make the path longer if needed. They walked by the first four roped off rows which were not currently in use which Kurumu was thankful for. They turned left at the wastebasket, walking along a half wall to the right. They reached the end of the initial area, drifting left by a door on the right before strolling down the left perimeter of the pavilion. Reaching the end, they turned about and walked back the way they had come on the other side of the railing.

The wall ahead of them was for a room that earlier door gave access to. Hanging on this wall were two rows of different styled wrenches. A water fountain was next to it but was not yet accessible. Kurumu turned about at the wall, heading back to the end of the pavilion. Once there, they turned around and walked back towards the wall with the wrenches on the other side of the railing.

They reached the spot with the water fountains and turned about. Once more they made the trek to the end of the pavilion where a wastebasket waited for them. Before they reached that wastebasket, they were forced to stop and wait with the other guests at the end of the line.

"So how long is this wait?"

"Maybe only forty minutes. We've seen this line much longer."

Kokoa snorted at Moka's response to Tsukune.

"The line at Splash Mountain can take over an hour."

"That's another one we have to do."

Moka laughed at Yukari's firm declaration.

"Yes. Though Mizore can't ride that one."

"Then it must be fun."

"Stupid ride. I stay with pregnant girl."

Kokoa snickered at Akua's complaint.

"I might pass on it too. One ride yesterday was enough for me."

"These two just don't want to deal with getting wet."

"You don't have to do it if you'd rather not."

Moka smirked at Tsukune's concern as they started moving with the line.

"It seems I have more resistance to water these days thanks to my Shinso blood."

"I'm a little jealous of that. I've taken blood from Nagisa several times and still have issues."

"Maybe you're just not compatible with Ms. Taniguchi."

Kokoa stuck her tongue out at Yukari as they rounded the corner with the wastebasket. They shuffled back towards the wall with the wrenches and the water fountains.

"Sister and I will see about getting lunch while you simpletons get soaked."

"The only simpleton here is you."

Moka laughed at Yukari's retort as they came to a stop near the wall.

"We should do the Haunted Mansion first."

"That could work. It is right there."

"Mhm. Mizore can ride that one too."

Yukari made a sound of disappointment.

"Another boring one."

"It's iconic, Yukari. Just like It's a Small World."

"Is that another ride safe for pregnant women?"

"Yes. But Mizore won't be able to go with us on Space Mountain this time."

The line started moving again, prompting them forward. There was only this last railing on the right as they made their way to the end of the pavilion. Clearing that, they drifted into the last space at this side of the pavilion. The openings in the wall gave a view of the ride they would soon enjoy. Trains pulling carts were coasting along tracks held by wood planks curving about the rock formations and dipping into tunnels. The guests cheered and shouted as they were whipped about the turns and bends.

"So this is like a mining theme."

Tora nodded at Yukari's deduction.

"Apparently so. Looks fun."

"Have you ever been to Disneyland?"

Tora smirked at Kurumu, shaking her head.

"No. My parents were never interested in Disneyland."

"Were you?"

Tora's jade eyes went distant as a train shot around a curve.

"I tried not to ask for too much."

Kurumu hesitated to respond, feeling a moment of uncertainty before she grinned at a thought.

"Sounds like someone is going to get wet with us."

"I have no issue with that. I'm curious what Splash Mountain will be like."

"It's a log ride."

Yukari frowned at Moka's remark.

"You mean like the one at Lina World?"

Tsukune chuckled at Yukari's disappointed tone.

"I don't think we can compare Lina World to Disneyland."

"The concept won't be any different."

Kurumu smirked as they started moving with the line again.

"I should be taking pictures."

"Yes. And you might want to give your purse to someone not getting wet."

Kurumu grinned at Tora's suggestion as she unzipped her purse.

"I can leave it with Mrs. Shirayuki. She probably won't be interested in the ride."

Kurumu tugged out her phone, flipping it open. She noted it was already after ten thirty as they shuffled along the pavilion's perimeter. She scrolled through the display options to ready her camera. She made sure to pick the lowest resolution to avoid eating up all of her memory.

They strolled by that central room, drifting left when the perimeter jutted out. The nearby railings were arranged in the other direction, forcing the line to move back and forth in a short space. They had to stop after the first railing as people settled in for another wait.

"Okay, Tora. Smile."

She leveled her phone at the sphinx, prompting the girl to step in close to Yukari.

"You can smile too, Yukari."

Yukari sighed before offering a wide, cheesy grin which displayed her braces. Kurumu smirked, snapping two pictures of the same pose with Tsukune and the vampire sisters in the background.

"You'll have to send me those pictures."

Kurumu smiled at Tora, lowering her phone.

"You could have brought your own phone."

"I don't like using the camera on my phone."

"Why not?"

Tora favored Tsukune a polite smile.

"Bad memories, I guess."

While this might confuse the others, Kurumu understood. This was about Tora's alter ego. Back when Tora was lonely and needed a friend, her mother had helped Tora pull Tora's reflection out of a mirror. This other Tora was more primal. She had killed three boys in Tora's primary school when they had tried to kill Tora. This reflection had also been partly responsible for the death of Tora's father.

The line started moving again, allowing them to weave their way through the railings for the rest of this projection. They eventually turned right, shuffling along the perimeter once again. They were able to move all the way to the end of the pavilion before they had to stop.

"Hey, Moka. Are you going to take any pictures?"

Moka smiled apologetically while adjusting the strap of her tote on her shoulder with her free hand.

"Kokoa and I already filled up our SD cards with pictures over the break. If Kokoa had remembered to bring her laptop, we could have downloaded them and taken more."

"Why is it my fault?"

"Because you're the one with the ability to see the future."

"I'm not using my powers for something so trivial."

"Looks like you're in charge of photos."

Kurumu smirked at Tsukune, leveling her phone at him.

"Then how about I capture one of the two of you kissing?"

Moka laughed nervously, making a dismissive gesture.

"We don't need to do that."

"Yea. Akua might kill me."

"As if she could."

Akua scowled at Kokoa before turning her eyes upon the flustered couple

"I no mind if I get copy."

"Copy? Of the picture?"

Akua nodded at Tsukune's confusion.

"Yes. Evidence for Father. He decide how handle your indecency."

"Since when is kissing indecent?"

Yukari snorted at Kurumu.

"Every time you are involved."

"Oh, look! The line is moving!"

Kurumu giggled at Tsukune's distraction, prompting their group to resume the steady shuffle about the railings. They walked up to a half wall with a sign hanging on a wall further away. She turned about, realizing the path on the other side of the railing to her right was descending to a platform below. They followed the other guests most of the way back to the pavilion's perimeter.

"So about that kiss …."

Tsukune sighed dramatically, turning to face a flustered Moka.

"I guess if Moka doesn't mind."

Moka bit her lip, glancing about.

"But there are so many people around."

"Yea, but my mother isn't among them. A quick kiss wouldn't hurt."

"You'll have to hold it long enough for me to take a picture."

Moka sighed at Kurumu's amusement, stepping up against Tsukune.

"Then I'll make it count."

Tsukune was not that much taller than Moka but the vampire tilted her head and lifted up on the pads of her tennis shoes when she pressed her lips to his. Her hands encircled his waist, pulling him in closer as she made a soft sound of approval. He quickly responded, squeezing her against him.

Kurumu felt a pang of jealousy as she snapped three pictures of the kiss. She wished Nijiro was here. She wanted to be kissed by him and feel loved. She lowered the phone to her breast.

Rubi tapped her on the shoulder, causing her to glance back. The witch smiled nervously.

"Could I get a framed copy?"

"Break it up, lovebirds. Our line is moving."

Moka whimpered at Kokoa's announcement, pulling her lips away. Tsukune chuckled, relaxing his grip about the vampire and gesturing after the departing sisters. Moka kept one arm about his waist as they resumed the walk to the end of the railing. Turning around, they started down the ramp.

"I'll admit that I'm starting to feel a little left out."

Yukari glanced back at Tora as they shuffled down the ramp behind the couple.

"You suddenly want a boyfriend?"

"Not really. I'm just thinking about how several of my friends have partners."

A dark haired lady with a brown vest and tan slacks waited for them at the bottom of the ramp. She held a hand up when Akua arrived, asking how many. Akua curtly reported eight and the lady looked over her shoulder. Guests had been paired up in aisles on either side of the platform. A train rolled in, flanking the left side of the platform. It came to a stop and the riders were encouraged to get out of the cars.

It only took a few seconds for the train cars to empty. Once every guest had stepped off onto a platform on the far side of the track, the gates opened up for the people waiting in the aisles. The lady turned a smile upon Akua and gestured to the left side.

"Yukari should ride in the back. She prefers faster rides with less visibility."

Kokoa nodded at Moka's suggestion, drifting towards the aisles behind the ramp.

"We can sit in the car ahead of you."

"You should put your phone away."

Heeding Tora's advice, Kurumu stuffed her phone back into her purse as they made their way to the last aisles on the platform. Each train car had three rows for two people. Zipping up her purse, she sauntered over to the gate which closed before her arrival. Rubi stopped beside her as the other guests settled in their seats. Yukari gripped the gate as Tora rested a hand on the witch's shoulder.

"Excited?"

Yukari turned her nose up.

"I will keep my expectations low."

Moka laughed from her place in the aisle ahead of Yukari.

"You'll like it. I rode this and Space Mountain yesterday and I still think this is the best ride in the park."

Kurumu heard the approach of another train when the one flanking them started rolling forward. She breathed in deep, watching the train depart but not seeing the next one. After a moment, she realized that arriving train had gone to the other side of the platform.

The seconds dragged out as her heart fluttered in anticipation. She clutched the strap of her purse when she heard another train coming. The train rolled by, filled with grinning and happy guests. It came to a stop and the attendants called for the evacuation of the ride.

The gates opened the moment the cars were empty. Kurumu pranced over the gap into the seat, moving over to the far side. She sat down, resting her purse against her left hip as Rubi settled in beside her. The witch followed Kurumu's example, placing her own purse against her right hip. Kurumu grabbed the silver bar mounted to the back of the seat Yukari and Tora had claimed.

The train brakes released and they jerked forward with surprising speed. They whipped around a left curve before turning back right. They passed through a cave filled with many red lights. They slowed but hit an incline which made a clacking sound as it dragged the train up. To the right was a view of a bunch of stalactites and stalagmites which Kurumu almost thought was real.

Kurumu had only glimpsed the sky when they suddenly jerked left, yanked by the cars ahead of them. Rock formations flew by as they twisted in a one eighty degree turn, hurtling through a small gap. The train listed to the right as it zipped along the tracks on another one eighty degree turn which they were soon pulled into. The wind whistled as her unbound hair fluttered from the speed.

They righted, passing through another gap and beneath a wood platform holding a track. The car leaned to the left as they made another quick turn, zooming by a tree that an animal hung from by its tail. Once again they righted as they cruised down a passage with the rock formations encroaching the track on both sides. The car leaned right and they dipped into darkness.

Kurumu laughed as they made a blind left turn. It was only a few seconds, not allowing her eyes to adjust before they were back out in the open. They leveled out and slowed as the train chugged forward. They rolled by wood buildings as the clacking of the rail sounded out. The train was being lifted up an incline, passing beneath a wooded tower.

"What do you think so far?"

Rubi grinned at Kurumu, grabbing the bar in front of them with both hands.

"This is so cool!"

The clacking ceased only a moment before she felt the tug of the cars ahead of them. She glimpsed a goat atop the rock formation before they swerved left, making another one eighty degree turn. They righted and dipped down below the incline they had just ascended. Their momentum lifted them up a short rise before they listed to the left again, going on a long spiral down. They ducked into a tunnel for a moment before they were out again but the spiral continued into another tunnel.

They finally righted in the darkness with their momentum carrying them up another rise. They zoomed along the track, leaning into a right hand curve which went a full semicircle before entering a mine shaft. The loud clacking resumed as the train was lifted up another incline.

This time they were really hemmed in. The cave walls barely had enough room for their train and lanterns hung from rock in several places. It seemed to open up at the end but they suddenly dropped down. They coasted out into the open, lifting up a short rise before listing into a left hand curve.

Kurumu glimpsed the pavilion before their car was turned about. She saw something like a series of hot springs before they coasted into a dark tunnel. They whipped into a blind right turn before shooting out of the tunnel over the hot springs. They dipped into another tunnel before exiting with a mild right turn.

Kurumu laughed as they coasted along the track flanking the platform and crossing under the channel that carried the water to the wheel. The train slowed as it eased into another right turn, passing under the pavilion. A few seconds later their train kept to the right, coming alongside the boarding platform before finally coming to a stop.

Snatching up her purse, Kurumu hopped to her feet. She stepped out of the car onto the wood platform on her right, grinning as Yukari and Tora exited the car ahead of her. She motioned for Rubi, taking the witch by the hand as they followed the other guests towards the exit.

"Did you have fun?"

"Yes, Kurumu. That was great."

Kurumu grinned at Rubi's response as they exited the pavilion. They walked along this path flanked by rock formations. Kurumu reached forward to tap Tora on the shoulder.

"And you?"

"That was my first rollercoaster. Of course I had fun."

Yukari huffed as they entered a small tunnel with wooden supports to hold back the fake rock.

"It was good but Space Mountain was better."

Moka laughed up ahead while holding Tsukune's hand.

"It's hard to top your first rollercoaster experience."

"Space Mountain was not my first experience. I was on a rollercoaster in Lina World."

Tsukune snickered, shaking his head.

"I still don't think you can compare Lina World to Disneyland."

They emerged from the tunnel, stepping onto a red paved path. Ahead of them was a bridge for a train which was not the ride they had been on. They followed the vampire sisters to the right, eventually arriving back at the attraction's entrance.

"Do you think they aren't done with their ride?"

"Doubtful. I'll go check the shooting gallery."

Kurumu breathed in deep as Kokoa stalked off. Letting go of Rubi's hand, she took hold of her purse strap. Unzipping the bag, she pulled out her phone.

"I'll take a picture of everyone standing in front of the train engine thing."

The others sounded their understanding, moving over to the black iron contraption. Being the tallest, Tsukune took the center with an arm draped around Moka's waist. Rubi drifted to Tsukune's other side while Akua favored Moka's other side. Tora moved to stand in front of the slight gap between Rubi and Tsukune while Yukari moved to be in front of the couple. Moka placed her hand on Yukari's shoulder.

"That looks perfect. Smile everyone."

Kurumu leveled her phone, quickly moving to the camera function. She took three shots before bringing the phone against her bosom. She smiled, glancing in the direction of the shooting gallery.

"There you guys are."

Kurumu turned about at Tsukune's remark. She grinned as Umizake approached while holding Mizore's hand. The two mothers followed in their wake.

"Kokoa just left to check the shooting gallery."

"We had to make a little hydration stop."

Kurumu smirked at Umizake as they arrived.

"You kissed her real good?"

"We have to keep her system flushed of our little girl's opiate."

Kurumu smiled thinly, guessing everyone understood whom the real parents of this baby were. Hatsue would be born a succubus. As such, her body naturally made the same opiate that Kurumu's did.

"Couldn't the doctors give her something for that?"

"No, Ms. Sendou. They suggested not taking any drugs until after my daughter has her baby. Hopefully her body won't be too attached to that opiate."

Mizore nuzzled her cheek against Umizake's shoulder.

"Aoi's kisses help a lot."

"Well as soon as my sister gets back, we can head over to the Haunted Mansion. You can ride that one."

"Is it scary?"

Moka smirked at Tsukune.

"You'll find out soon enough."

It had probably not even been a minute before Kokoa strolled over to them.

"I kind of suspected you weren't in there when I didn't see Mr. Tower right away."

"Ready to go?"

Kokoa sounded an affirmative, prompting Moka to take the lead with Tsukune in tow. They walked back the way they had come, favoring the left side of the red paved path. Kurumu still had her phone out, but would have to wait to take any pictures. The crowds of humans continued milling about, causing Yukari visible distress as she clung to Tora's side.

As they neared a change in the color of the pavement, Moka gestured at a path made from smooth stone slabs of different shapes and sizes. This path was up an incline, flanking the path of the train.

"That is the way to Splash Mountain."

"Do you want to do that, Mom?"

"I would prefer to remain dry."

Kurumu smirked at Mrs. Aono's answer, glancing to the right. That building front gave the impression of a circus. The vampires were keeping to the left, staying far from that building. They veered even more to the left as they neared a familiar Dumbo ride.

A mansion stood to the left behind foliage hemmed in by black railing. The vampires were clearly making their way to the end of this railing. A winged beast carved out of green iron sat on top of brick pillars. A green metal awning spanned between the pillars with the sign declaring this was the Haunted Mansion. Guests were gathered in a line stretching off to the left of this awning with others going underneath.

"Hold up! I want a group photo before we get in line!"

The vampire sisters paused, retreating the few steps back to where Moka and Tsukune had halted. The others gathered under Kurumu's prompting as she walked around in front of them.

"You too Mizore and mothers."

"Do you want me to take the picture?"

Kurumu frowned at Mrs. Aono's offer as Umizake and Mizore drifted over to join her friends.

"Don't you want to be in a picture?"

"I could ask the same of you."

Kurumu knew Mrs. Aono had a point. Umizake had moved to stand beside Tsukune. While Tsukune had Moka at his side, Umizake preferred Mizore in front of him while Mrs. Shirayuki stood by him. Rubi had an indecisive look as Akua stood between her sisters.

"Do you know how to take a picture?"

"I do know how to use a phone, Ms. Kurono. Go stand with the others."

Kurumu smiled apologetically, surrendering her phone to Mrs. Aono.

"Take a couple in case one is bad."

Kurumu bounded over to stand between Tora and Mizore. The sphinx shifted in front of Tsukune, putting Yukari more in front of Moka. Kurumu giggled at Rubi, beckoning the witch over.

"Come stand by Mizore, Rubi."

Rubi smiled, moving as instructed. Mrs. Aono backed up, holding the phone out.

"Big smiles."

Kurumu grinned, fixing her purse at her side as she cocked her head slightly. The mother held the phone aloft for several seconds before lowering it with a nod.

"I think that will do it. Your phone, Ms. Kurono."

Kurumu pranced over to Mrs. Aono, retrieving her phone. She checked the display, confirming that she had at least two pictures. Umizake looked so tall and out of place. For that matter, so did Mrs. Shirayuki wearing that kimono.

"We're going, Kurumu!"

Kurumu sounded her understanding, noting the time was a little after eleven. She followed the others down a green paved path which had rods splitting their side from the side with the guests. Mrs. Shirayuki let her go ahead, allowing her to follow behind Umizake whom kept Mizore in front of him. The others were already turning right at a wastebasket with the path ahead chained off.

Stuffing her phone back into her purse, Kurumu zipped it up before making the turn. She made her way to a cord barring the path forward, following Umizake to the left. They shuffled over to a cobblestone wall, turning right again. They walked alongside this wall which was bricked in some spots and had an archway. The wall recessed behind the archway felt like it was intentionally in disrepair.

They walked all the way to the end of this path which doubled back on the other side of that cord. Up on a hill was a small brick house built against a rocky face. To the side of that house, several gravestones stood on the hill between the house and the corner of the imposing mansion. A covered walkway ran from the mansion all the way back to the gate where they had taken the picture.

Making the turn around the cord, they walked only a short distance before having to stop. They had caught up with the line but it was not terribly long. It was just one straight trek back to the gate.

"Moka. How many riders are together for this ride?"

Moka smiled at Yukari.

"Two."

"Can I be with you this time?"

"I guess if Tsukune doesn't mind."

"Sure. I can ride with someone else."

"I'll do it!"

Kurumu giggled at Rubi's enthusiasm.

"Guess that means you're with me, Tora."

When the line stated moving, Tora remained in place, allowing Rubi, Mizore and Umizake to pass her by before falling in step with Kurumu. Kurumu adjusted the strap of her purse as they strolled forward to the cord, turning left. They had to stop shy of the covered walkway.

"So… any progress with Toramo?"

"Why are you asking that?"

Kurumu shrugged, thinking they needed some way to pass the time.

"It's just that we were so busy saving the world and all that we never really addressed that."

"Nothing to address. She's just a fragment of my soul."

"Do you still let her out to protect you while you sleep?"

Tora sighed, regarding the people moving beneath the covered walkway.

"You know that only started because of Mr. Saizou's attack. I no longer felt safe in the dorms while I slept. It wasn't until recently that I stopped bringing her out during our sleepovers."

"Did you stop bringing her out in Baratoge?"

The line shifted slightly forwards as the people ahead crowded upon each other. This allowed Kurumu's group to reach the next turn in the path. The rest of the walk would be along this space between this path and the covered walkway. It was littered with stone pedestals and carvings.

"No. A part of me felt like no friend would ever try to force their way into my room. I know she is lethal and I was risking the death of an intruder but I felt justified keeping her active."

"But she doesn't have to be lethal. She was your friend."

"That was before I made her into a monster."

Kurumu frowned as they continued on. Eventually they came to a stop where the gap between them and the covered walkway had widened. In the space were several tombstones with puns for names written upon them. Kurumu managed a smile, trying to appreciate the humor despite the conversation.

"She's not a monster."

"She's not real, Kurumu. She can't exist outside of my barrier."

"You didn't always have a barrier up when you talked to her."

"She had no physical body, Kurumu. She was powerless and unable to interact with anybody but me."

"Your mom was able to interact her."

"That might be because she is like me. My phantom always vanished around anyone else. You've only seen her inside my barriers."

"I've seen her in your mind."

"Because she's me, Kurumu. She only seems like a separate entity because I forced that."

"What are you two talking about?"

Tora smiled apologetically to Mizore's tired inquiry.

"Kurumu is not understanding how my phantom works."

"I saw many of your memories about her, Tora. She's not you."

"Her cruel and unforgiving attitude is a part of me that I don't want to attribute with myself. That's all there is to it. She feels like a different person because I shaped her into that. The unwanted parts of me which my parents did not like were all given to her."

Kurumu shook her head, knowing what she had seen last summer break. While there was some truth to what Tora said, it was not as simple as the sphinx made it sound.

"This isn't a split personality, Tora. She never takes over your body."

"Thank goodness for that."

Kurumu sighed, lacking the intelligence to explain things any better than that. She was relieved when the line started moving again, allowing them to finally cross under the archway. They started down a curved path beneath a metal roof. A chain ran between posts, splitting the path in two though the right side was unused. They walked a good distance beneath the roof before coming to another stop.

Kurumu suspected that Tora's understanding of how her phantom worked was lacking. It was not like Kurumu fully understood how her own powers worked. It was often an exertion of will which would be impossible to explain to someone else. And that was not even addressing her latent undine abilities.

The line resumed the march to the mansion. Ladies dressed in conservative, black maid outfits flanked the double doors, motioning for guests to enter.

"How many?"

"Twelve."

The attendants made a gesture to stay put as they closed the doors. Kokoa sighed, regarding her sister.

"Too bad Kahlua couldn't come with us."

Akua huffed, crossing her arms.

"She annoying."

Tsukune chuckled as Moka fussed with Yukari's hair.

"It would have been nice if the four of you could have been together."

"We spent most of Sunday with her but she couldn't come along on the trip. Work keeps her busy."

Among the many changes in Fairy Tale leadership, Kahlua had been delegated as the prefectural officer for Okinawa. The vampire had her work cut out for her considering Rokurou, the last prefectural officer, had tried to defect from Fairy Tale. Ginei and his friends had slaughtered the rebels in their efforts to rescue Otonashi San whom was being targeted by the Kyushu region commander Kamiya Kanade.

It was only a minute or so later when the ladies opened the doors and motioned them through. Kurumu stepped into a room which had a screen in the shape of a painting. A distinguished gentlemen stared out at them as more guests filled the chamber. Kurumu flinched when she felt Tora's hand. Laughing at her reaction, she squeezed the sphinx's hand in her own.

The doors closed behind them and a man started talking over a speaker. As he welcomed them and told a tale of the owners of the mansion, the portrait of the gentlemen started to rapidly age. By the end of the speech, only a skeleton remained in the fancy suit. The man cackled as a panel opened up on their right. Attendants in the space beyond instructed them to enter.

Kurumu shuffled into the adjacent space, keeping hold of Tora's hand. The shape of the room reminded her of some of the rooms in Huang's mansion. Like in the prior room, the walls had wood paneling but it did not go to the deck. There was a stretch of wall covered in black and white wallpaper. Portraits were arranged in every other panel of the room.

The panel behind them was closed and a man started speaking to them again. He was talking about the family founders whom were presumably the people in the portraits. One lady had on a fluffed out white dress and a pink umbrella. Another was a gentleman with silvery hair and a bald top, dressed in a black suit. Another was an elderly woman wearing a reddish brown coat and holding a rose.

Kurumu felt the room descend. The portraits were becoming longer as the room lowered. That elderly woman was sitting on a tombstone with an axe buried in a head beneath her. The gentlemen was not wearing any pants. Below his suit was a red and white striped pair of boxers and his feet were upon a barrel marked TNT. And the lady with the umbrella was actually on a rope above the maw of a crocodile.

There was always another way to escape. The man cackled as the lights went out. A flash above drew Kurumu's attention up. The brown ceiling was gone with the view of rafters bathed in an eerie glow. A body swayed from the end of a rope. A woman screamed over the speakers and the room went black with the sound of a thud. When the lights came back on, the brown ceiling had returned.

"This way."

A panel had opened up and the maids were beckoning them to follow. Yukari clung tightly to Moka while Rubi had latched onto Tsukune's arm. Her eyes sparkled from joy despite his attention being fixed upon Moka. As Mizore was too busy snuggling with Umizake to move at a reasonable pace, Kurumu slipped around the snow girl with Tora's hand still in hers.

The corridor had a mix of hanging lights and wall sconces above wood paneling. They entered a wider space with a line of people waiting to get on seats which were anchored to a moving path. Two guests were being seated in each of these black units as Kurumu's group made their way to the end of this area with a chain between posts dividing them from the people already lined up.

"This reminds me of that Buzz Lightyear ride."

Kurumu nodded at Tsukune's observation as they shuffled back towards the start of the line where the paired guests were being directed onto a moving walkway flanking the units. A wood half wall separated their path from that moving walkway.

"Is that ride here?"

"It's near Space Mountain just like it was in Hong Kong."

Moments after Moka had answered her question, Kokoa and Akua were directed onto the moving path. Moka and Yukari claimed the next unit and then it was Tsukune's turn with Rubi still holding his arm.

"This doesn't look like a fast ride."

Kurumu nodded at Tora's remark as she walked with Tora onto the moving escalator. She stepped into a vacant one, scooting over to the right side before sitting down. She adjusted her purse to her left hip as Tora sat down beside her. They were facing the back of the unit that Rubi and Tsukune had boarded.

Kurumu took in a deep breath as they eased into a dark corridor. They made a slow, steady turn to the right with a stair going up on the left. A gold device with several candles floated on the balcony which they were passing under. The voice and sounds she was hearing seemed to emanate from their unit. She gripped the bar in front of her as the narrator spun a tale with eerie music accompanying his words.

They chugged through a hallway lined with creepy portraits. The eyes of each depicted figure glowed. One portrait on Kurumu's side was the traditional vampire. Another man with a top hat brandished a dagger while a lady holding a black cat stood by a candle placed in a skull. The last portrait over the opening they were passing through was that of a ship captain.

Their seat twisted to the right as they entered the next space. It was a library with some books moving on their own. White busts in the shape of male heads were stored in the gaps of the shelves. The heads seemed to turn as they passed, watching their progress.

In seconds they were out of the library, passing by a piano which was playing itself. They turned and started down a dark corridor. The only thing visible were green spiders in white webs on either side. It was hard to say if those were props or images on a screen. Their journey continued with the man's voice narrating the story of the mansion.

The space brightened up as the seat turned right again. They passed by a suit of armor flanking a long hall which seemed endless. Another multiple candle holding thing was floating in that passageway.

Their seat continued turning to the right as they moved forward. After a brief view of the back of the unit behind them, they were greeted with the sight of a coffin surrounded by flowers. The glass behind the coffin was framed in a way that had Kurumu think of a greenhouse. Skeletal hands pushed up the coffin lid as the occupant groaned from their unit.

Their unit turned back to the left and remained facing the unit behind them as they moved backwards in a hall lined with doors. Guttural sounds and ghostly wails played over the speaker as they progressed into the unknown. One of the doors on Tora's side was shaking with monstrous fingers pushing through the gaps of the door. A clock face with the hands spinning continuously passed by on their left.

Their seat turned more to the left as they entered another room. A woman was calling to the spirits but Kurumu only saw a glowing ball on a table flanked by an empty chair. Floating objects glowing blue were scattered about the room as they rolled in a slow circle about the table.

Tora laughed, gesturing at the glowing ball. Kurumu smirked, realizing the image of a woman's head was within the ball. This woman continued her chant, reminding Kurumu of the Hitozen twins when they had summoned the Angel Lord. Their seat continued to turn to keep their view on the ball as the unit moved in a slow circle about the entire chamber.

They passed through a short, dark corridor before coming out in a huge open space. They were moving along an upper balcony with a view of the room below. The images of several ghosts were gathered at the seats of a dining table. As they continued rolling to the left, the space after the table was open and filled with ghosts dancing in circles. At the end of the room was a ghost in a top hat playing an organ.

They moved into a dark space which seemed like an attic. Boxes and random things were strewn about with blue glowing heads popping out with screams. It was almost comical to Kurumu as the sound of a beating heart intensified. Their seat shifted right as they approached a skeleton garbed in a wedding dress. A red light pulsed inside the skeleton, matching the sound of the heart.

The sound of music greeted them as they turned and started to descend backwards into a huge open space. They passed by a man holding a lantern whom was with an emaciated dog trembling with fear. Their unit turned again as the music intensified, revealing their arrival in a graveyard. Ghosts playing instruments stood behind gravestones as others sang an eerie yet cheerful tune.

"This is so silly."

Kurumu smirked at Tora's remark as they witnessed two ghosts on a seesaw with a headstone as the fulcrum. The seat turned right as they passed by a row of busts. The faces were singing but these were not animatronics. It was more like an image of a face had been cast upon the sculpted white surface.

They passed through more of the graveyard with more ghosts. An elderly ghost had one of those horns for listening and another one was holding its head, standing by a guy holding an axe. They rolled into a dark chamber, leaving the graveyard behind.

A voice warned them about hitchhikers as they turned into a corridor. Kurumu smirked upon seeing a trio of ghosts, holding their thumbs out. One was small with a long beard while the middle one was skeletal and was wearing a suit. The last was a hunchback with a top hat.

Their seat turned left as they moved forward. The unit moved all the way about to face a row of mirrors hanging on a brick wall. Kurumu laughed as the green image of the hunchback appeared to be sitting between their reflections. Kurumu glanced left, confirming the ghost was only in the mirror. But much to her surprise, their ghost stayed with them in the following mirrors.

They rolled to the right, turning slightly as they started up an incline. A glowing figure hovered over the gap the other units were passing through. It was a miniature woman, encouraging them to come back. Passing underneath the phantom, they arrived in a room with a moving platform on the left. The others were getting out of their units onto that walkway.

"That was fun."

Kurumu grinned, nodding as they stood up. She fixed her purse at her side as she followed Tora onto the platform. They walked swiftly down the moving walkway, catching up to Rubi and Tsukune. Stepping off the automated path, they started down a paved stone corridor flanked with wood doors. Lights hung from the ceiling in regular intervals as they made their way to the open door at the end.

Kurumu breathed in deep once she had set foot outside. She drifted over to Rubi's side as Tsukune took Moka's hand once again. Yukari was loosely holding Moka's side.

"Did you like the ride?"

"I have to pee."

Moka laughed at Mizore's response as the snow girl arrived with Umizake and the mothers.

"That wasn't my question."

Kokoa thumbed over her shoulder.

"You guys should head over to Splash Mountain while we secure a lunch and Shirayuki takes a piss."

Kurumu chuckled, slipping the strap of her purse off her shoulder. She held it out.

"Someone will need to hold my purse for me."

"I'll take your purses. Do you guys want curry, hamburgers or pizza?"

"Curry!"

Several others chimed in favor of Yukari's choice. Kokoa nodded, taking Kurumu's purse.

"Okay. Meet up with us at the Hungry Bear Restaurant. We should still be in line when you guys show up. Just look for the giant."

Kurumu chuckled when Kokoa thumbed at Umizake.

"Is the line for lunch really that bad?"

All of the vampire sisters nodded in unison.

"Trust me. You'll be back before we have food."

Kurumu grinned as Moka and Rubi surrendered their purses to Kokoa.

"I guess we'll see you later."

With everything decided, they went their separate ways.

---

Lowering her phone, Kurumu sighed at the couple. Mizore and Umizake were sharing a juicy kiss. While his hands were respectfully still, Mizore was moving hers about his back and sides. The snow girl bobbed her head, making sultry noises.

It was a little after one. Kurumu stuffed her phone back into her purse, waiting by a table beneath a red and white striped umbrella outside the Captain Hook's Galley. They had not eaten here but Mizore had wanted to sit for her kiss. Most of these tables were still in use by other guests, enjoying a late lunch.

"Can we go?"

Moka laughed at Yukari's complaint. Both of their clothes were visibly damp from their plunge at Splash Mountain. Having sat in the front with Tsukune, Yukari had been thoroughly soaked. Kurumu had not fared much better, sharing the seat with Moka behind the little witch. Even Tora and Rubi had not been spared from the deluge that had flooded their boat.

"If you're that eager to do something, we can get in the line for Peter Pan."

Moka gestured at the line which had formed in front of the circus buildings Kurumu had seen earlier. Yukari made a disgusted expression as she fussed with her wrinkled shirt.

"I'm not doing any kiddie rides before Space Mountain."

"Mizore can't ride Space Mountain in her condition."

"But she can do the Buzz shooting gallery ride."

"Don't you want to do that ride?"

"I've done it once. I don't need to do it again."

Kokoa tapped Umizake on the shoulder, causing him to end the kiss. Mizore mewled in disappointment as he glanced at the vampire.

"We need to get moving to the next attraction."

"Which is Space Mountain."

Kokoa huffed at Yukari's declaration.

"Quiet, you little tyrant. Moka has other rides she wanted you to try."

"That's right. You have to do It's a Small World. Then we can head over to Space Mountain."

Umizake stood up, helping Mizore get to her feet as Akua started drifting away. Kokoa hurried to fall in step with her sister, prompting everyone else to follow. Kurumu matched Tora's stride while Yukari remained latched to Moka's side to avoid the crowd. Tsukune held Moka's other hand.

They passed through the space between the Haunted Mansion and the Dumbo ride. A cobblestone wall hemmed in a section on the left which Kokoa had told them earlier was just a walkway through an Alice in Wonderland themed area. To the right was the carousel which was a rounded attraction much like the Dumbo around. Another rounded pavilion was further up ahead.

"So that is Cinderella's Castle."

Tora pointed at the blue spires topping white towers to their right.

"Yea. Moka says it isn't the same as Sleeping Beauty castle in Hong Kong."

Keeping to the left, Kurumu saw a man in a white chef outfit and hat beckoning to people. He stood beneath a heart shaped arch covered in foliage. A heart shaped sign was in front of a spoon and fork with the red letters for Queen of Hearts rounded over it.

"That's a colorful building."

Tora pointed at the next structure on the left which looked like a collection of pastel colored blocks and shapes. Kurumu's eyes drifted right as they neared the last rounded attraction. She saw people spinning about in tea cups beneath the canopy. Smirking, she gestured at the ride.

"Do you think Mizore can ride that?"

"No. That looks way more intense than the rides she's been on thus far."

"Where do you want the picture?"

The vampires had stopped where the green pavement met the polished stone slabs in front of the block building. Many of the blocks were split in different shaded triangles with cones standing on the top. Some stacks were topped with clocks or rounded onion like shapes. A small canopy on blue pillars jutted out with a sign which affirmed It's a small world.

Kurumu shrugged at Moka's question, retrieving her phone from her purse. Flipping it open, she noted less than ten minutes had passed. She had more pictures of their time at lunch than at the rides, having deleted the less desirable duplicates already.

"Makes no difference to me."

"Let me take this one, Ms. Kurono."

Kurumu smiled at Mrs. Shirayuki whom had extended her pale hand. She had already shown the mother how it worked during their curry lunch.

"Thanks. Take at least three."

The mother nodded as Kurumu strolled over to the group which was already getting in position for the photo with the canopy behind them. For the most part they had assumed a similar arrangement though Mrs. Aono was between Tsukune and Umizake while Rubi stood beside the tall guy.

"Are you ready?"

Kurumu took in a deep breath and cocked her head towards Mizore as she smiled. A few seconds passed before Mrs. Shirayuki lowered the phone. She beckoned for Kurumu.

"I believe this is good."

Kurumu hurried over, reclaiming her phone. She scrolled through the files, confirming that the pictures had been taken. Closing up her phone, she stowed it back in her purse.

"Thank you again."

"This is like the pirate ride but no drops. We'll want four to seat."

Tsukune, Moka and Yukari strolled ahead with his mother trailing in their wake.

"You can ride this one with us."

Akua huffed, turning about and stalking off as Kokoa motioned for Kurumu to join her

"No care who with us on silly ride."

Kurumu giggled, walking alongside Kokoa as they stepped under the canopy.

"Is Yukari going to complain about this ride?"

Kokoa shrugged as they turned slightly to the right as the yellow wall ahead of them curved towards the toy building. Purple railing split the path in two but nobody was on the other side. They walked up the incline, heading towards another right turn.

"Disneyland is a theme park aimed at families. She's lucky it has any rollercoasters."

"Are you having fun?"

Kokoa smiled softly as they rounded the curve, walking up a narrow corridor with blue walls. White buildings were painted on these walls.

"I'm a little sad that none of my girls are here."

They turned left, entering a space bathed in purple light. Or it seemed that way. The railing, walls and pitched ceiling all were hues of purple with yellow stars hanging from black cords. They instantly turned left, following the path to the far wall which had clover designs.

Reaching the end, they turned left to walk alongside this wall with murals of cartoon block kids riding a toy train while another boy in a poncho and sombrero was on a blue donkey. A chain forced a right turn and they walked a short distance before another chain forced them left. They weaving about the purple metal railings three times before they finally reached the end of the line.

"I'm sorry I didn't try to ask Nagisa to come back to Mononoke with me."

Kokoa shrugged nonchalantly. They rounded the corner, returning to the far wall. Only one railing was between them and the last row of people.

"She would have refused even if you had. She never came back with you in any future I saw."

Kurumu smiled, thinking of the other girls Kokoa took blood from. Antai Hotaru, a sylph from Hateshinai, was the girl most enamored with Kokoa.

"Hotaru would have come if she could."

"Yea. Hikari would have too. I'm not so certain about Ishiko."

Akegawa Hikari was a salamander from Tochimoeru. Like Hotaru, her absence was due to lacking reliable transportation. Even if they had taken a train, they would have not arrived at Disneyland at a reasonable time. Both girls would have needed a hotel stay.

Fukai Ishiko, a gnome from Chirasu, did have parents with a vehicle. While they could have refused a trip to Disney request, it was just as likely that Ishiko had forgotten about it or decided not to come. She was scatterbrained and often mixed up her words. Her perception of her relationship with Kokoa was more like a scientific experimentation than a genuine friendship.

The line moved again, allowing them to round the final railing. They returned to the center with a clear view over the half wall on their left. Two channels of water entered tunnels below a colorful wall with the shapes of buildings. A little hot air balloon hovered to the side of the closer channel.

That wall did not go up to the ceiling. There were gaps between the tops of the buildings and it looked like more buildings were behind the first ones. It gave the impression that the ceiling was the sky and those channels were going into a city.

Boats with five rows were coasting along in these channels, stopping at a central platform below to allow passengers to get on and off. Purple gates kept guests in check. The far platform for departing passengers went up a ramp to the wall that the channels passed under.

The wall to that far platform had a colorful graphic of a castle with Mickey and Minnie standing in front of it. The sun was rising over a grassy hill to the side of the castle.

Kurumu had to stop shortly after making a right turn. She could see that they would go around a display of a pair of kids sitting on packages before they would come down the staircase to the platform.

"Nagisa should be back on campus tomorrow."

"Yea. Around dinner. I will visit her but I should wait for Friday to have her over and take her blood. You can make us dinner and do my laundry."

Kurumu smirked with a slight shake of her head.

"As you wish, Milady."

"It will only be her. I'll meet up with the other girls after the Welcoming Ceremony."

"Are you wanting my company for that?"

"No. I'll let you have the whole weekend to do whatever you like. On Monday we should discuss what sort of expectations I have in regards to your services."

Tora chuckled as they started moving forward with the line.

"This sounds like a formal conversation."

"It's no secret that Kurumu wants to move back in with us. And while I find that tempting, I still feel like her living in her own room is for the best."

Moka pouted as they rounded the corner about the display with the kids on the packages.

"Are you making fun of my cooking?"

"I said nothing of that nature."

Kurumu snickered as they stopped on the upper steps. The attendants below were directing guests to the aisles on either side of the platform.

"Will you be making lunches for Tsukune in the future?"

"Yes. We do have the same lunch hour."

"And I look forward to that."

Moka and Tsukune would have fourth period lunch between eleven and noon. Kurumu shared the lunch hour between one and two with Kokoa, Mizore, Umizake and Yukari. Tora was the only friend present with the fifth period lunch, being in class eight with Ms. Umakuro, a new history teacher.

"Will Yukari be making lunches for Kokoa?"

"Why would I do that?"

"I agree. I can go through the line with Nagisa."

Kurumu wondered if the lunch line situation would be fixed with the staggering of the lunch hour.

"I might want to go through the line a few times myself."

Yukari clucked her tongue while clinging to Moka's side.

"You do as you like. I'm not subjecting myself to cafeteria food."

Tsukune glanced back at Yukari, standing with his mother on the step below the witch.

"It isn't that bad."

"Don't defend it. Your mother isn't the one making it."

Tsukune chuckled as the line started moving again. Electing not to respond, he descended the steps. In moments he was stopped by dark haired attendants in navy jackets and slacks.

"How many?"

"Twelve."

The woman gestured to the right.

"All twelve to the back gates."

Tsukune nodded, moving towards the five empty aisles beside a boat which had just been boarded. He strolled over to the front aisle with his mother behind him. Moka steered Yukari over to stand next to the mother, claiming the last spot in the aisle.

Akua stalked over to the aisle behind Tsukune. Kurumu followed Kokoa into that same aisle with Tora on her heels. Rubi moved around them, taking the first spot in the next aisle as Mizore, Umizake and Mrs. Shirayuki filled in the rest of the aisle. The guests behind them were directed to the vacant aisles of the boat in front of them. It took less than a minute for every aisle on this side of the platform to fill up with guests as the flanking boats started their journey towards the wall.

"These boats are on a track."

Moka nodded at Yukari's observation.

"Yes. It's a pleasant ride."

Yukari sighed, looking up.

"That's a train."

Sure enough a little train was coming out of an opening in the far wall. The train chugged across the top of the wall before turning and disappearing into another hole.

A boat full of passengers coasted by them, continuing to the other set of gates. The boat came to a stop and the attendants motioned for the guests to depart. The people lifted out of their seats, shuffling over and stepping out of the vessel. In only a few seconds the boat was emptied and the gates opened. New passengers clambered onto the boat as another vessel rolled up alongside their back gates.

Kurumu's heart fluttered as she toyed with the strap of her purse. She watched the other guests gather up their things and leave. Their gates swung open a moment after the last passenger stepped onto the platform. Akua stepped down, moving all the way to the right.

Kurumu followed Kokoa onto the vessel, moving over to give Tora space before sitting down on the bench beside the vampire. She rested her purse against her hip as the others took their seats. The aisles for the front gates were already being filled up with new guests.

"I hope this isn't a long ride."

"It will be fun. You'll remember this ride."

"Of course I will. I have eidetic memory."

Kurumu smirked, knowing that was the correct term for photographic memory. She had seen the world through Yukari's eyes and it was drastically different from normal. It was like Yukari knew the distance between objects and their dimensions at a glance. She could tell the temperature and the speed of the wind by simple observation alone. While Yukari did not literally see numbers, she knew the numbers. That was why Yukari had enjoyed Space Mountain so much. Her perception had been hampered.

The boat lurched forward as they followed the boat in front of them. An attendant waved at them as they rolled by, heading for the gap in the wall ahead. It only took a few seconds for them to pass under the yellow wall into a blue room. The walls were like models or a puppet theater. A sea dragon moved about the shifting waves on the right. To the left were animals sailing ships among the shifting waves.

A tune with English lyrics sung by children increased in volume as they approached the next chamber. Many dolls were moving on platforms. These first few on the right had blond hair and billowy dresses. They were playing blue accordions. More dolls were dancing in pairs on the next platform and there was a bunch of nutcracker dolls playing instruments in front of a building on the right.

Kurumu smiled, understanding the lyrics for the most part. The name of the ride was repeated often as they cruised through this room. They passed under a trio of dolls standing on a yellow moon. More dolls on the right were lined up on a stage and were lifting up their purple dresses with a white lace interior. They kicked up their little legs as their boat made a gradual right turn.

To the left were some windmills and some dolls with Dutch maid hats, clapping their yellow wood clogs together. A puppet with blond hair on a wooden peg horse was raising his spear towards the windmills while a chubby puppet behind him sat on a smaller steed.

They eased around with some toys playing bells on the right. A trio of lady dolls swayed to and fro on the left as they approached the end of the room. Another trio holding choir books stood on the arch they would pass under, giving the impression they were singing the song.

The next room had an orange hue and the dolls on their left were garbed in attire associated with desert people. On the right were dolls dressed up in traditional orient garments. The music playing was slightly different but the singing was the same.

Nearing the end of this smaller room, to the left was a line of dancers up a path to a palace in a style known of India. Dolls on carpets spun over the palace as they closed in on a red arch spanning the exit. Two dolls dressed in kimono bowed as they passed under into the next room.

This space was cluttered with green cutouts in the shape of foliage. Various animals were mixed in with black colored dolls dressed in primitive clothing, suggesting this was a jungle them. Giraffes bobbed their heads to a tune which kept repeating in an endless cycle.

They passed under a space with a stairway up on the right which was likely for maintenance purposes. Their vessel coasted into the next room which was filled with shades of yellow, orange and red. Tanned dolls had sombreros and others had fruit baskets on their heads. On the left was a trio of male dolls with white and black striped shirts playing instruments as the ladies danced in a circle on the platform below.

Already nearing the exit of the Mexican exhibit, Kurumu noted the dolls on the right platform had on colorful ponchos and sombreros as they spun about on a stage. The flames of the sun mounted to the wall behind their stage spun about like a wheel. They turned left passing through an area with silvery curtains to represent rain. Birds chirped from perches behind the false water curtain.

Passing under a curtain that was not even close to reaching their boat, they entered the next chamber. They were immediately greeted by a trio of dolls wearing hula dresses on the left. Other islanders sang about the world being small as their craft navigated the room. Ladies spun in place atop columns of fire while other natives pounded drums. The triangular shaped exit was painted like a face shaped mask.

The next room was mostly blue and white and all of the dolls dressed up for warmth. The broad, white hats on their blond heads reminded Kurumu of Siberia. The dolls on the right had instruments while the ones on the left were standing on swings tied to a tree. The next dolls on the right were seated on a spinning swing while the next ones on the left played tambourines.

As they moved further into the room, Kurumu was wondering if this was like a circus. There were dolls on a Ferris wheel and more on a carousel. There was even a pair walking a tight rope overhead. Another trio were playing brass instruments atop a boat on the left while another trio on the right held the same choir books other trios had held in other rooms. They approached a castle with a gap which was their exit. A lady with a trio of ducks swayed to and fro as they passed her by.

They entered a passage with black walls. Spotlights were aimed at huge postcards from various places. Their boat stopped in this passage by one with a spinning windmill. After a short hesitation, their vessel continued forward, favoring the right side of a wall dividing this passageway.

Once they rounded the bend, Kurumu saw the gates of the platform they had been on earlier. The boat rolled to the front gates before coming to a stop. She quickly stood up as the attendants urged them to exit the boat. Clutching her purse strap, she followed Kokoa over and up onto the platform. As Akua was already heading up the ramp, everyone hurried to keep up.

"That was different."

Kurumu chuckled at Tora's remark as she strode purposefully alongside the sphinx. They reached the top and turned right, ignoring the path which crossed over the channels. It was a short walk down a narrow hall before they came out under a canopy similar to the one over the entrance. A few more paces and they stood in the sunlight.

"What did you think?"

Yukari huffed at Moka's question.

"I think we may have been implanted a subliminal message by Disney executives. One trigger word and we will do whatever orders they give us."

"It wasn't that bad."

"It was the same song played in a continuous loop. Either that was a testament to human laziness or there was a hidden malevolent agenda."

Tsukune chuckled, gesturing about while standing beside his mother.

"Where are we heading next?"

"Space Mountain."

Moka laughed at Yukari's prompt answer, allowing the witch to latch to her side.

"It would be a good idea to get it out of the way. After that, the only long line left will be for dinner."

Kokoa gestured for them to follow as she fell in step with Akua.

"May as well give the brat what she wants."

"You're the brat."

Kurumu giggled, heading down the green paved path to the left. The first cottage they passed by on the left had a sign over the door identifying this as Pooh's Hunny Hunt. The exterior was different.

"Is that the Pooh ride?"

"It's not the same one in Hong Kong so we could ride it if you want."

"Absolutely not."

Moka giggled, gesturing at the white stone building on their right with the shingled porch.

"That over there is Pinocchio's ride. That and the Peter Pan ride are pretty fast."

"If you want to wait in the lines."

Kurumu chuckled softly at Kokoa's prompt interjection. They kept on the green path, coming alongside a brown paved path on the left. Many people were coming to and from that area but the vampires were clearly intent on walking by it. The green path gave way to a dull gray. The puttering of many engines to the left grew louder with every step.

"Was there anything back in that direction?"

"That was toon town. It has some rides that Yukari might like."

"It's a children's park, Moka."

"Gadget's Go Coaster and the Roger Rabbit ride are both okay."

"I'd rather see some of the shows that we missed out on yesterday."

Yukari gasped, pointing at a huge open pavilion on the left. The red sign mounted to a white post near the entrance declared it was the Grand Circuit Raceway Bridgestone.

"You have a racetrack."

Moka laughed, coming to a stop which halted most of their group.

"Did you want to do that?"

Yukari nodded enthusiastically.

"It was one of the few enjoyable things at Lina World."

"Akua! Come back!"

Tsukune motioned at the vampire whom had managed to get pretty far from them. A white dome stood up over the green bushes. Akua cocked her head, gesturing up at the white dome.

"Thought she want do Space Mountain now."

"Nobody told me about the park having race cars."

"We can do this but the cars only seat two. Is everybody wanting to drive?"

"I would rather not."

"I'll drive you."

Mrs. Aono smiled softly at her son's offer.

"I suppose that would be fine."

"I'm driving. You can be my passenger."

Moka grinned at Yukari's declaration.

"You should pair up with someone else this time. Does anyone else not want to drive?"

Kurumu shrugged indifferently.

"I don't really care."

"Why anyone want drive. Stupid thing."

Kokoa snorted at her sister.

"You only say that because you suck."

"I no suck! I show you!"

"We don't have the time. You can either be a passenger or sit this out with Shirayuki."

Moka let out a thoughtful sound.

"Would they let Mizore ride as a passenger?"

"I think I would rather pee."

Umizake laughed, glancing about. He gestured at the huge building behind them.

"I see a bathroom sign over there. We will wait for you here."

"Okay. This might take some time."

"We aren't in any hurry."

Mrs. Shirayuki nodded before following her daughter and Umizake. The remaining group shared looks before Yukari let out a dramatic sigh.

"Fine. I'll drive Kurumu since she doesn't care."

"I'd like to try driving."

Moka grinned at Tora's declaration.

"Okay. We already did this yesterday so I'm fine being a passenger. Do you want to do this, Rubi?"

"I would like to try but is it okay to leave your sister here by herself."

"You can ride by yourself if Akua is too scared to be alone."

"I not scared. Go with stupid witch lady."

Kokoa smirked, crossing her arms below her ample bosom.

"If you insist. I'll let you drive, Ms. Toujou. You can't possibly be worse than Akua."

Akua scowled, also crossing her arms though there was nothing to push up.

"Go then. Not care."

"Don't kill anyone that tries hitting on you. Come on."

Kurumu laughed nervously as the vampires moved to the building, prompting their partners to follow.

"She wouldn't actually do that, right?"

"Akua won't make a scene."

"Yea. She'll at least lead them into a dark alley first."

The nonchalant way the vampires discussed their sister's behavior made Kurumu worry. She walked by two dark haired attendants wearing red race suits with a yellow hem. Stepping beneath the pavilion, she strolled down the perimeter which had yellow posts on the left holding up the roof and a steel railing on the right which made the path to the ride. Kurumu sighed, having to stop before the first turnabout.

"Should I take a picture of us in line?"

Tora shrugged, standing ahead of them with Moka. Kokoa and Rubi were up in the front while Tsukune and his mother were behind Kurumu.

"Maybe save that for when we get closer to the vehicles?"

Kurumu nodded, slowly moving forward with the line. Turning around the bend, she started back in the direction of the entrance. She slowed to a stop as people settled into the line behind them.

"What time is it?"

Kurumu grinned at Tora's query. Unzipping her purse, she fished her phone out. Tapping the side button caused the square on the top half to light up and betray the numbers.

"Almost two."

Tora nodded as Kurumu slipped her phone back into her purse.

"Should we do a late dinner? It feels almost like we just ate."

"We could put it off until after six but we shouldn't wait too much later. We will need time to browse for souvenirs and the shopping lines can be just as bad."

Kokoa nodded at her sister's comments as they drifted forward with the line.

"Yea. The park officially closes at ten but most of the shops and rides are closed before that."

"I'm fine with Space Mountain being our last ride."

Moka laughed at Yukari's announcement.

"I guess that would make things easy if everyone else is okay with that."

"Sounds good to me. I doubt Shirayuki will protest that proposition."

They headed to the other side of the pavilion, coming to a stop at the end. The race track sprawled out below them with many different colored cars lined up in four rows. Two covered ramps descended to elevated sidewalks between the rows. Attendants in red race suits directed people into vacant cars.

"We should take that picture after the ride while we are on that bridge."

Kokoa gestured at a walkway going over the racetrack. Ramps came down from the walkway, connecting to the sidewalks that the platforms emptied out on. Kurumu wondered if the bridge was wide enough.

"I'll try."

They walked up the incline behind other guests. Having little else to do, Kurumu zipped up her purse. She adjusted her strap and favored Rubi a smile.

"Looking forward to driving?"

"I hope that I don't disappoint Ms. Shuzen."

Kokoa made a dismissive gesture.

"It's not difficult if you know how to turn a steering wheel. Akua kept hitting the rail beneath the car."

"Rail?"

Seeing Rubi's confusion, Kokoa gestured at the racetrack below.

"There are rails beneath the cars to keep everyone in their own lane. You can't turn the wheel enough to get the tires at an angle to go over the rail but that didn't stop Akua from trying."

"She wanted to run Kokoa off the road."

"It's not bumper cars."

Kurumu laughed, recalling her disappointment when the Lina World track had been like this. Yukari had not minded though, trying to complete the course as fast as her motor would go.

"Knowing Yukari, she's aiming for a track record."

Yukari peered over the railing at the cars below.

"I just hope whomever in front of us isn't slow. You can't pass on these courses."

Eventually they reached the top of the ramp, turning right to walk over the first two lanes of the track. An attendant stood up ahead, directing drivers onto each of the ramps going down to the cars below.

"Do you think we will be done with the ride before Mizore is back from the bathroom?"

"Maybe. Even the bathrooms have lines."

Kurumu giggled, knowing that had been the longest part of her lunch break. The people ahead of them moved and the male attendant directed them to ramps. Kokoa arrived first and she held up two fingers, prompting the man to send her to the far ramp. Moka gave the same gesture and was directed to the same ramp. Kurumu was about to do the same when he made a staying gesture, glancing behind him.

"Okay. This one."

Kurumu smiled, moving forward with Yukari to the closer ramp. They started down a few steps, coming to a stop behind the other guests. Seconds later, Tsukune and his mother joined them.

As they waited in line, Kurumu had a passing thought. Yukari's grandfather would speak to Mrs. Aono tomorrow morning about the possibility of transferring Tsukune to Hisoshi High. Yukari and Rubi had not brought up the topic so she was not about to bring it up now.

They slowly made their way down the ramp where another attendant was directing drivers into the car. It felt like two whole minutes before it was there turn. The man motioned to his left and Yukari hurried over to the nearest vacant car. It was white with black stripes. She stepped over the side, sitting down at the black steering wheel.

Kurumu stepped into the car, shifting her purse to her right hip as she settled down in the passenger seat. Tsukune and his mother must have been sent to the other side of the track as a different pair of guests were heading to the vehicle behind them. The car ahead of them rolled forward and they were beckoned to do the same. The engine puttered as Yukari eased their vehicle towards the attendant.

"Go, go."

Yukari huffed at the attendant as the yellow car with red stripes slowly pulled away.

"I would if they did."

Yukari sped up when the car ahead of them passed under the teal framed walkway spanning the track. They passed under the bridge a few seconds later, moving at a steady pace. The rail ahead of them thinned down to a small wedge as Yukari slightly turned her wheel for the upcoming curve.

"He better not slow down."

Kurumu chuckled as they cruised along the curve. Trees stood on the sides of the track with a white and blue guardrail protecting the right side of the curve. A red framed sign with a blue background had a red line through a yellow circle, discouraging drivers from rear ending the car ahead of them. Yukari's steady pace was unlikely to catch the yellow car without more effort.

"Hey. Will your grandfather be able to fight the town elders if Mrs. Aono and Tsukune stay?"

Yukari's eyes remained fixed on the road as she steered through the gradual left hand curve.

"Yes. Fairy Tale dropped all charges. The town elders can fuck off."

Kurumu laughed as their turn approached a cyan bridge that they would pass under.

"The town elders don't care much for Fairy Tale's opinion."

"The town elders are stupid. The only reason why they still have control of this town is because Lord Kenmei was in charge of the Chubu region and he respected Headmaster Mikogami."

Yukari straightened out the wheel as they coasted under the bridge. She turned the wheel slightly to the right as they started up an inclined curve. Another sign like the last one stood to the left of the track.

"Lord Souken might grant Lord Inazuma the right to put those town elders in their place."

Kurumu knew better than to ask what place that was. A half wall stood to the left of the road and above that wall was the red iron tracks of a roller coaster.

"I wonder if that's one of the toon town rides."

Yukari glanced over and made a slight shrug. She straightened the wheel and turned it a little to the left as the ascending path veered in that direction.

"Most likely. It won't be better than Space Mountain."

Kurumu smirked as they reached the apex of the hill. Yukari steered the wheel back to the right as they followed the rail on a long curve towards the bridge they had crossed under.

"I doubt many rides will be better than that. Big Thunder Mountain was close."

"That was better than the rollercoaster at Lina World."

Kurumu grinned as they eased by a blue and white guardrail on the left side of the track. Once again they were going up a slight hill.

"You liked Splash Mountain better than the log ride at Lina World."

"It definitely soaked us. I had half a mind to use magic to dry us off."

Kurumu smiled with thoughts of the ride. It had been much more than just a log ride. They had gone through a tunnel with animal puppets doing things like they had seen in the pirates and small world attractions. There had been songs and many of the scenes they passed through had probably been from an old animated film. The ride had climaxed with a final lift and drop which had left them drenched.

A man in a yellow suit waved to them from a white booth stationed alongside the track on the right. Yukari steered them over the bridge, passing by another sign discouraging ramming. The yellow car ahead of them was still moving along at the same speed as Yukari so there was no concern of that. She tugged the wheel to the right as they started down a gradual descending curve.

Kurumu sucked in a deep breath, seeing the pavilion to her left on the other side of a row of bushes. Yukari steered through a series of minor curves, passing by their starting position in moments.

"I want a car."

Kurumu laughed at the sudden announcement.

"I'm sure you'll get one eventually."

"Cars are like freedom."

"Yukari. You can fly."

"I can't fly around humans. But they won't mind if I'm driving."

Kurumu supposed the witch had a point. They eased right before Yukari turned into a gradual left hand curve. A sign on the right declared this was the grand circuit raceway before they came about. Another sign held between yellow posts flanking the track proudly declared FINISH. A man in a red racing suit waved a checkered flag as they approached a checkered line painted across the track beneath the sign.

"Guess that's the end of the ride."

Yukari nodded as they crossed the line with the rail beneath them getting wider. She pulled up into a space defined by white lines, parking behind the yellow car.

"That was fun."

Kurumu giggled, unsure how this was any better than the last ride she had been on. Standing up, she stepped out of the car. An attendant motioned for her to come up quickly as Yukari exited the vehicle behind her. They made their way over to the attendant, stepping up on the sidewalk and continuing down to the ramp beyond.

Kurumu was mildly surprised to see that they were the first ones up on the bridge. She unzipped her purse, pulling out her phone. She followed Yukari to the left so that they were centered over the track. She checked the time, confirming it was twelve after two.

"Tsukune!"

Yukari waved excitedly as Tsukune and Mrs. Aono walked along the sidewalk to the ramp. Clutching the phone to her breast, Kurumu smiled as the mother and son made their way up the ramp to join them.

"How was it?"

"I hoped to catch up to you but the guy in front of us never did."

"Where are the others?"

Tsukune shrugged as he arrived with his mother, gesturing at the lanes below them.

"I saw Tora and Moka take off but I thought Rubi and Kokoa were ahead of them."

"Moka!"

Yukari pointed, wagging her finger as Moka and Tora exited a blue car with white stripes. As the pair stepped up onto the sidewalk, Moka shifted the strap of her black tote. Yukari called again, catching the vampire's attention. Moka grinned, returning the wave as she walked alongside the sphinx to the ramp.

"We will know how things are when that girl turns seventeen."

Tsukune sighed at his mother's comment.

"Even if her father does give her a large monetary gift, we are still exiled."

"That only means that you need to put more thought into how you will provide for that girl in the future. Saving the world is not something you can cash out on."

Kurumu laughed at the response as the pair ascended the ramp to this bridge.

"What are you talking about?"

"Mom is just giving me a hard time about not having a career in mind."

"She's a rich girl, Tsukune. She might be happy with you for a year or two but eventually she will become frustrated with a frugal lifestyle."

Tsukune sighed again as the vampire in question joined them.

"Moka isn't like that."

"I'm not like what?"

Kurumu grinned at Moka's confusion.

"Being rich. You did spend several years in an orphanage."

Moka laughed, brushing some silver tresses behind her ear.

"I certainly learned how to stretch my money out, but I'd be wrong if I said I was poor."

"What are your plans after graduation?"

Moka managed a smile for Mrs. Aono.

"Well that depends. If we are married, that would mostly be up to Tsukune."

"I'm not going to tell you what to do."

Moka pouted at his dismissive gesture.

"Well I'm not going to college unless you want me to."

"What kind of career would you get a degree for?"

Mrs. Aono's question gave Moka pause.

"Honestly I haven't put much thought into that. Less than a year ago I thought that I would always be trapped behind the rosary. If I went to college, it would be for something Mother wanted me to do."

Kurumu smiled at Moka's mention of Mrs. Shuzen.

"Yea. Going to college was more of an abstract goal than a real plan for me."

Yukari snorted, glancing aside.

"As if you could pass any entrance exams."

"Hey! My grades are improving!"

"Both of you need to start thinking about your futures."

"I will, Mother. We still have two years."

Moka grinned broadly, clapping a hand on Tora's shoulder.

"Maybe I could go to law school with Tora. She seems to know exactly what she wants."

Tora chuckled, absently placing her hand on Moka's.

"I wouldn't say that. At first I picked that future because I was curious about what my mother did. I've only stuck with that plan because it's the only career that would make my mother proud."

"A simple but effective approach, Ms. Nazohashi. That's a challenging career."

"And profitable if you're not working for Fairy Tale. Not that my mother is poor but I've always been kept on a tight allowance."

Mrs. Aono smiled thinly at Tora's response.

"Mother instead of family. It's been less than two weeks."

"Well with his disease, it hasn't felt like Dad has been around in years."

That was the story Tora's mother had created to explain things to the extended family. Tora's father had been suffering from a brain disease and eventually died. Even the coroner's report corroborated the story with the autopsy revealing extensive brain damage that was years old. While an exact date could not be determined, Kurumu knew it would be the day that Tora's phantom devoured the man's soul.

"There she is."

Moka's declaration brought their attention to the presence of Kokoa and Rubi. The pair were walking along the sidewalk towards the ramp.

"Did they leave after you?"

"No. They left before. We passed them pretty early into our drive."

"They were stopped on the track for some reason."

Kurumu snickered at Tora's input as the last pair made their way up the ramp. She brandished her phone the moment the duo reached the top, turning towards them.

"I've been waiting to take that picture."

Kokoa shook her head, thumbing at a flustered Rubi as they crossed the remaining distance.

"This dummy doesn't know how to drive."

"But it had two pedals. It only made sense to use both of my feet."

"When we weren't stopped, she was over steering. We kept hitting that rail beneath us and then she would stop us in a panic. I didn't think anybody could accidentally drive worse than Akua."

"I really was trying my best."

Kurumu giggled, backing away from the group.

"I'll take that picture now."

Her friends were quick to take the hint. Tsukune drifted to the center of the ramp, prompting his mother and Moka to his sides. Yukari proudly stood in front of him while Kokoa drifted to stand in front of her sister. Tora wandered over to Yukari's other side.

"Over here, Ms. Toujou."

Rubi nodded, moving to Mrs. Aono's other side. Kurumu grinned, leveling her phone so that the display captured the group. The background was not very visible behind the group but that hardly mattered.

"Big smiles!"

Yukari made her silly toothy grin as Kurumu snapped up a trio of pictures. She lowered her phone, scrolling to confirm she had the pictures. It was almost twenty after two.

"Okay. Time to head to Space Mountain."

Closing up her phone, Kurumu stuffed it back into her purse. She zipped it up as she fell in step with Tora, walking behind the rest of the group. Yukari had already adhered to Moka's left side with Tsukune taking Moka's right hand. Kokoa moved a step ahead of them while Rubi and Mrs. Aono were slightly behind.

Umizake was an easy person to find in a crowd. The tall guy stood by a model with different colored spheres connected by silver circles. As they neared, Kurumu deduced that those were supposed to be planets and their orbits. Or maybe atoms. In chemistry, Mr. Hakuru had told them that electrons had orbits about a nucleus. Both answers were probably good for the futuristic theme of Tomorrow Land.

"Took you long time."

Akua scowled as they finally arrived at the model. Mizore was seated on the white barrier encircling the model while her mother lurked in Umizake's shadow.

"I owe you an apology, Sister. There are drivers worse than you."

Akua glared at Kokoa's slight bow.

"We go now."

Kokoa chuckled, motioning them to follow as Akua stalked off. She quickly caught up to her sister as Umizake helped Mizore to her feet.

It was a short walk. The white dome was already to the left of them. A canopy with triangular roofs stretched out from the domed structure. This canopy was framed with open steel joists which were painted white. White posts held up the canopy as they drifted right to arrive at the front of it.

Kokoa stopped, gesturing to the line that was gathered beneath this canopy. Two ladies garbed in blue outfits stood near a gap in the railing, directing guests to the side. An escalator ascended up the middle of this canopy, connecting to the upper level of the domed structure.

"This line could take us an hour."

The vampire turned and pointed at another building. Huge white posts swept up to a high ceiling which ran back to the structure. The wall to the structure was painted in colored bands. From top to bottom it went from white to purple to green to blue. A blue, ovalesque sign jutting out between the white posts was supported by a gray wedge.

"That is the Buzz Lightyear ride which Moka said is similar to the one in Hong Kong. Shirayuki can't ride Space Mountain so some of us can do that instead."

"We could do both."

Akua snorted at Moka.

"That stupid ride."

Kokoa snickered, making Kurumu suspect that Akua had scored poorly in the moving shooting gallery.

"I'll agree on that. As far as I'm concerned, Space Mountain is the last worthwhile ride in the park. I'd rather see some of the shows with the rest of my time."

"Why do you want to watch shows?"

Kokoa offered Yukari a genuine smile.

"Because we didn't get to do that yesterday."

"Part of why we didn't ride Space Mountain when we were here with Mother was because we watched the Tiki and Country Bear shows."

"If we had done it yesterday, I wouldn't be asking for it now."

"But you wanted to check out toon town. We didn't have the time to do both."

Kokoa sighed heavily, gesturing at the Buzz Lightyear building.

"You guys will be done with that ride before we are off this one. There is a souvenir shop over here if you want to kill some time. We'll stop in there if we don't see beanstalk boy out here."

"Do you want to go on Space Mountain?"

Mrs. Aono smiled at her son, shaking her head.

"No rollercoasters for me. I'll stay with Mrs. Shirayuki and her daughter."

"We should go. This line won't be getting any shorter."

Kokoa took off, prompting her sisters to follow. Kurumu walked alongside Tora and Rubi as they passed through the entrance, turning left to walk along the perimeter. Turning right, they progressed to the domed structure. They reached the end and came around a chain held between posts. They started back towards the entrance, coming to a stop between the guests waiting in line.

Kokoa had not been joking about the line. This would weave back and forth before finally going under the escalator to the other side of the canopy. Kurumu suspected they would do more weaving around before getting back by the entrance where people were boarding the escalator.

"Can you read my thoughts?"

Kurumu frowned when Tora touched her arm.

"I could. Why?"

Tora closed her eyes, making Kurumu curious. She pushed her awareness out, feeling Tora's mind.

'Can you make me pregnant?'

"You want to be pregnant?!"

Tora blushed as their friends and other bystanders looked in their direction.

"I was only curious what it is like."

"I would like to be pregnant."

Tsukune laughed at Rubi's innocuous declaration. He glanced aside when she looked at him.

"I hope you find someone to have a family with."

Rubi pouted as Tora let out a frustrated sigh.

"I don't want to be pregnant but I wouldn't mind experiencing it. You can do that, Kurumu. You've given people memories before."

Kurumu gasped, suddenly understanding Tora's request.

"You want Mizore's memories."

"Yes. If she doesn't mind."

"I also find this proposal intriguing."

Moka laughed, tousling Yukari's hair.

"You don't need that."

"It would be educational. We could both be pregnant together."

That comment coming from a twelve year old garnered much attention from bystanders. A flustered Moka was rougher when she tousled Yukari's hair this time.

"Neither of us needs to be pregnant!"

"This really isn't a conversation to have in a crowded area."

Tora sighed dramatically at Kokoa's remark.

"Which was why I asked Kurumu to keep this a private conversation."

Kurumu winced, knowing this was her fault for speaking out loud.

"Sorry, Tora. That caught me by surprise."

With stares from intrigued strangers, the walk to the ride took forever.

---

"Say hello to Father for us."

Akua sighed, stepping back from Moka's embrace. Tsukune and his mother walked back up the steps of the bus as Mr. Nurari waited by the open door. He would take them to town before transporting Akua back to the Shuzen Estate.

"Yes. Call him bad for ignoring you both all break."

Moka sighed, withdrawing her hands from Akua's sides.

"We know he was busy with family matters."

"So he say."

"Hurry up, little lady. I don't have all night."

Akua scowled at Mr. Nurari's grin. The slim vampire stalked over to the bus driver, clambering up the steps with a huff. Mr. Nurari chuckled, offering them a slight bow.

"And a good evening to you all."

Kurumu breathed in deep, enjoying the crisp night air. The bus had been waiting underneath the canopy of the resort when they had arrived a little after ten. It had been a long day.

The door to the bus closed a moment before the driver fired up the engine. He eased off the curb before speeding down the road in the direction of town.

"May as well get going."

The vampire sisters hefted up their suitcases and started the walk to the lone trail leading out of the bus stop clearing. Kurumu fell in step with Tora, remaining behind Rubi and Yukari. Mizore and her family were content to follow them all at a slow pace.

Yukari still regarded Space Mountain as the best ride in existence. The one in Tokyo Disneyland had been exactly like the one in Hong Kong. A dark, blind ride full of unexpected turns and drops. Kurumu had to admit that she agreed with Yukari. It was the best ride they had been on.

They had watched the Country Bear Theater and Enchanted Tiki show to appease Kokoa's wishes. It had been lots of singing from animatronics. Both shows had been under twenty minutes but had fixed times, forcing them to wait. They had lost almost two hours to dinner at the Queen of Hearts banquet hall.

The vampire sisters reached the start of the trail, pulling their suitcases behind them. Those two also had bags filled with Disneyland souvenirs as they had not done their shopping yesterday. Moka had bought a paired theme park necklace with the other half going to Tsukune. She had also picked up matching tee shirts for them and a ball cap for Tsukune.

Hearing about Kurumu's lack of money, Moka had offered to buy her something but Kokoa had been the purchaser of the tee shirt in Kurumu's bag. It was a gray, short sleeved shirt with a blue graphic of a castle. Below the castle was script in magenta colors which read Tokyo Disneyland. Tinkerbell was near the top parapet of the castle with yellow stars above.

Kokoa had bought the exact same shirt for herself and had the same problem that Kurumu did though not as exaggerated. Their tits pushed the fabric out so much that the shirt did not reach their waists. In Kurumu's case, it was practically a crop top. She was glad that they had tried the shirts on in the fitting rooms as the small size would have not worked at all.

Other acquisitions Kokoa had made included a pair of black denim jeans with Tinkerbell graphics on the back pockets, a set of Tinkerbell earrings and a keychain. Kokoa had offered to buy more things for Kurumu, but she had passed, feeling the shirt was more than enough. She was also getting a yunomi from them so it had felt wrong to want more things she had no real interest in.

Tora had only picked up two items herself. She had a white tee shirt with a Daffy Duck graphic and the same keychain Kokoa had acquired. Inside the plastic rectangle was a graphic of Mickey and Minnie waving with Tokyo Disneyland written behind them across a white and blue background.

Yukari had donned her black hairband with the Mickey Mouse ears. In her small bag was a pair of earrings shaped like Minnie Mouse. Her hands were swathed in white mittens which resembled the hands of the infamous Disney characters.

Rubi's souvenir bag was chock full of merchandise, including a watch, three pairs of earrings, two mugs, a keychain, a stuffed Mickey and Minnie doll, a gray tee shirt with a graphic of Mickey, and even a set of white pajamas with little Pluto graphics patterned about. Rubi would be broke until her next paycheck.

Mrs. Shirayuki had eclipsed Rubi's zeal for spending. The snow woman had three bags full of souvenirs. Umizake's hands were too occupied to coddle his fiancée like he normally did. The only thing Kurumu knew about was the sweatshirts the couple had acquired. Both had the same Mickey and Minnie graphic but Mizore's was a soft pink while his was a baby blue.

Kurumu realized that they had already passed by the trail which went to Baratoge. She bit her lip, thinking she should bring up that matter they had talked about earlier. She had tried to at dinner but Tora had shushed her, encouraging her to wait until after they had left the park.

"Mizore. Tora has a request for you."

Tora sighed as they walked along this trail strangled by the shadows of the nearby trees.

"I suppose now is a good time."

"What does she want?"

"She wants to be pregnant."

Tora clucked her tongue at Rubi's response, wagging her finger at the witch.

"What it feels like. I'm not eager to have a baby like you are."

"I don't understand."

Yukari sighed dramatically.

"Kurumu can give memories to other people. Tora would like to experience your pregnancy. I'm also interested with the idea."

"You are not doing that, Yukari. You're only twelve."

Yukari huffed at Moka's reaction.

"I have my period. This body could make a baby."

"I said no, Yukari."

"You're not my mother."

"As if you care about your mother's opinion."

Moka laughed at Kokoa's quick retort.

"I'm sure that she does. But I don't want her doing this. And you better not allow it, Kurumu."

Kurumu smiled, thinking she had already done far too much with Yukari. That fabricated ménage a trois she had given Yukari to restore the witch's damaged outlook on sex after her brutal rape had already pushed the limits of socially accepted interactions with a minor. While it was all fake, it was worse than showing a sleazy video to a child.

"I won't. This is just for Tora."

"And me!"

Kurumu laughed, supposing giving these memories to Rubi was fine.

"It's up to Mizore. She might not want you to have her memories."

"Do I get something out of this?"

"You are not getting a kiss from her."

Mizore whimpered at his stern statement.

"But that would feel so good."

Yukari made another theatrical sigh.

"I was going to suggest that you offer her English lessons. But since I'm not going to benefit from this exchange, I could care less what you do."

Kurumu smirked, knowing Yukari would harass her despite Moka's stance.

"I could do that. Are you okay with being better at English, Mizore?"

"I guess. Are we doing this tonight?"

Kurumu laughed at Mizore's weary response.

"No way. It took us hours to learn English from Ms. Kiyomizu's memories. I doubt any of us want to be up past midnight."

Tora nodded emphatically.

"Agreed. Tomorrow night would be better."

"We have plans tomorrow. I can't guarantee that we will be back before dinner."

Kurumu frowned at Mrs. Shirayuki's declaration.

"What will you be doing?"

"Shopping, Ms. Kurono. We need furniture and things for the baby."

"Another long day on my feet."

Umizake chuckled at Mizore's weary complaint.

"It will be fine."

Kurumu mulled over the revelation.

"Well I can't do Friday night because of Kokoa. Does Saturday work for everyone? If we have an early dinner, we can turn in at a reasonable time."

Tora shrugged indifferently.

"That is fine with me."

"Does this offer extend to me?"

Mrs. Shirayuki clucked her tongue at Umizake's amused inquiry.

"Don't joke about that. Men have no business knowing such things."

"I have had some of Ms. Kurono's memories before."

"I don't want you to have mine."

Umizake frowned at Mizore.

"Why not?"

"It would be embarrassing."

Umizake smirked, walking slowly with his future wife.

"Do you think about me often?"

"I do. And I often think about how I'm not good enough for you. How I shamelessly threw myself at Aono despite our engagement. How I got your father killed."

"That was not your fault."

"But I think it was. And if you have my memories, maybe you'll think I'm right."

Umizake sighed, shifting the souvenir bags to free up one of his hands. He reached over to caress the snow girl's cheek.

"I was only joking. I don't need your memories when I already have you."

Mizore let out a soft sound, leaning against him to hinder his walk.

"Can I have another kiss?"

Kurumu snickered as the rest of the group pulled further ahead of the couple and mother. She had a feeling that she would get home several minutes before them.