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.

16. Starry Eyed Kouhai

Kurumu walked along the trail between the Kurai dining hall and the school's main entrance. She was dressed in her teal halter top which bared her midriff and the denim pleated skirt which buttoned up like a pair of shorts. Not wanting to squeeze anything into the pockets, she was carrying her lavender purse.

Yukari had startled them awake with a magic boom followed by a prerecorded message promising to tell Moka all about her mind blowing experience last night. Quickly recovering from their shock, they had discovered Yukari's suite was empty and that Tora had already missed the start of church.

The rush to get dressed had been impaired by a drunken and amorous Mizore. Hydrating from the sink was clearly inferior to Umizake's kisses. The other two had to keep the snow girl occupied for Kurumu to have any space. They had left Mizore in Umizake's care before setting out.

Kurumu glanced at her slow moving companions. Rubi had on that black crop top and black ruffled skirt which almost touched the ground. Tora was sporting a peach halter top with a pair of khaki shorts while carrying a sack of her soiled clothes. Both girls had a hand on their stomachs, feeling for a baby they had carried in memories only hours ago.

Kurumu absently touched her own flat abdomen. She could not deny this sense of loss. Despite Mizore constantly suppressing her emotions to control her temperature, the snow girl often felt giddy with joy over Hatsue being inside her. The discomfort of being big these last few weeks had been offset by traces of opiate produced by the baby. It left Mizore feeling mellow and tired more often than not.

"You two have been quiet."

Tora laughed softly as they walked this last stretch of trail before the clearing about the dining hall.

"It's weird. Now that the shock of the morning is gone, I'm feeling… empty."

"I miss my baby."

Kurumu snorted at Rubi whom had her black leather weave purse.

"Don't start that up."

"But you must have felt it too."

"I did but those were Mizore's memories. There is no guarantee that your pregnancy will be like that."

"Do you think Tsukune would mind?"

"Ms. Toujou."

"As a friend! Just a small favor."

"That is not a small favor."

"But I want my own baby."

"Show more respect for his relationship with Moka."

Kurumu chuckled at the disappointment in both of their voices. Their three hour and twenty minute session had included memories from all stages of Mizore's pregnancy. Kurumu had made certain to give them morning sickness and the first sensations of Hatsue's movement. But unlike them, Kurumu had lived through every moment of it, including the sex with Umizake.

"She really wants to give Umizake a child of his own."

The other girls quieted as the woods thinned before them. The domed structure of Kurai dining hall was visible through the trees.

"Your decision to share her love for Mr. Umizake helps distinguish those memories as foreign."

"That startled me the most. I've never seen Mr. Umizake in such an endearing light."

"At least you won't have to deal with him on a regular basis. We are both in the PSC."

"Did you also suddenly find him attractive?"

"I am not answering that question, Ms. Toujou."

Kurumu snickered as they emerged from the woods. While she also felt more attracted to the guy, he was just too damn tall. Even Mizore felt awkward about that whenever they kissed and had sex. Kurumu had spared these two from those explicit memories.

"He's a good guy but I love Nijiro more."

"Yes. My body is only for Tsukune."

"You're practically a teacher, Ms. Toujou. You'll get fired saying stuff like that."

"Will you be okay, Ms. Nazohashi? You don't have someone else to love."

Tora sighed as they closed in on the nearest set of black glass doors giving access to the dining area.

"I will be fine. I'm more worried about Kurumu."

"Why is that?"

Tora smiled softly as Kurumu's hand closed upon the silver bar attached to the door framing.

"Because I remembered halfway through the session that this was something you couldn't have."

Kurumu smirked but she did feel some bitterness as she opened the door. It was unfair.

"You forgot?"

"I know that we've talked about it before but it's easy to forget that you're essentially sterile."

"But she can have-"

"Not like us, Ms. Toujou. I'm sorry, Kurumu. I should have been more thoughtful about my request."

Kurumu motioned for the two to enter.

"It's fine. I wanted to know what it felt like for that very reason. It sucks but I don't regret it."

Kurumu strolled inside the building on the heels of her friends. There were more students in the dining hall compared to the crowd Kurumu had come to expect on a Sunday morning. Most were new students whom had yet to discover the joys of sleeping in over the weekends.

"Kurumu!"

Suzume was standing at a table, waving enthusiastically. The tengu had on that royal blue halter top which was practically an apron as it lacked a back. Her black shorts were so tight they may as well have been painted on. Her black hair was still braided down her back with the gold ring resting on her rump.

Sitting next to Suzume was Kiki. Her russet hair was up in the tails like it had been yesterday. A sleeveless mint blouse graced her torso with a crimped section about her respectable bosom. On Kiki's other side was Michiko whom was wearing a white tank top similar to Kurumu's pastel green one back home. The last girl on that side of the table was Kagami. The harpy had on a black tee decorated with glitter. Pink and red hearts of varying sizes were patterned across the top.

Ontoriki was sitting across from Kagami with three new girls. The buxom harpy was wearing a short sleeved shirt dress that was the same mint hue as Kiki's attire. Black leggings swept up from her white sandals, disappearing beneath the bottom hem of the dress.

The tallest of the new girls had smoky black hair which was shoulder length. The girl had a swath of hair beaded up by each of her ears. A black bra peeked out from the gap of her sleeveless gray shirt. Black denim jeans hugged her hips and legs.

The shortest one had her burgundy locks styled in a wavy bob which covered her left eye. She had on a rich green tube top which confined an ample bosom that rivaled in size with the two new girls on either side of her. Those black bottoms she had on were possibly as scandalous as Suzume's.

The last girl had a rich mane of obsidian tresses cascading down her slim torso to reach the small of her back. A swath of curled hair stood up near the center of her forehead as if attempting to be a question mark. A royal blue sports bra with black hem kept her assets in check while her plump derriere was confined within a pair of black spandex shorts.

As Kurumu closed in on their table with Tora and Rubi, her view of these girls improved. Kiki had on a ruffled skirt which was almost the same hue as her top. Michiko was just wearing black leggings while her half-sister had on that fuchsia pair of denim capris.

"Morning, Ms. Tobuyoku."

Suzume grinned with a sparkle in her golden eyes at Tora's greeting.

"Hey, Nazohashi. Thought you would be at the church."

Tora sighed dramatically as they came to a stop by the table.

"Well someone forgot to turn on her phone so we slept in."

"You're the one whom plugged it in."

"That was days ago, Kurumu. And plugging it in doesn't automatically turn your phone back on."

Kurumu sighed. She had not bothered carrying her phone around since Disneyland. This morning was the first time she had woken up in her room since then.

"You could have brought your phone."

"I thought we were flying so I only brought things that felt safe in my pockets."

"You must have spent the night at Kurumu's place."

Tora sighed at Suzume's amusement.

"Yes and I would like to swing by my room to part with my dirty laundry before we do anything."

Kiki cocked her head with curiosity in her golden eyes which was a common trait among tengu.

"Shouldn't we stop by the church first?"

"I'd rather not. Moka might be upset with me."

"What did you do this time?"

Kurumu pouted at Suzume's smirk.

"Nothing. But Yukari might tell her differently."

"Hopefully her mind blowing news is just about that silly comic."

Kurumu hoped Tora was right about that. She gestured at Michiko.

"Where are the boys?"

Michiko shrugged, glancing over her shoulder. Her eyes had that golden hue while Kagami's were a more standard brown. Ontoriki had bright sapphire eyes, suggesting that her father was not tengu.

"Kuroi thoughts it against the rules."

"It probably is."

Kurumu grimaced at Tora's concession.

"We are flying today. The school year doesn't begin until tomorrow."

"Maybe true but I wouldn't be surprised if yesterday is considered the start of the school session."

"Then why did you dress up for flying."

Tora sighed at Kiki's query.

"I grabbed clothes yesterday without really thinking about it."

"We are not giving up on your flying lessons."

"I already know how to fly, Kurumu. At this point we are just goofing off."

Kurumu frowned at Tora's dismissal of their group activity.

"It's a bonding experience, Tora. I will talk to Yukari's grandfather about letting us keep it."

"We can bond just fine without flying."

"We're not the only group doing true form activities. The undines swim every weekend."

"And that may also have to stop."

Kurumu sighed, wishing Tora would not be so rigid.

"You're flying today. That's not up for debate."

"I'll give you today and that's it."

"I hope you aren't expecting all of us to fly."

Suzume snickered at Kiki's declaration.

"As if you could dressed like that."

"Well someone would have to keep Ms. Akashiya company on the ground."

"That's not the only thing the boys want to stop."

Attention shifted to Kagami whom had a grim expression.

"Both Ritsu and Michiko might lose their boyfriends because of that relationship rule."

Michiko made a dismissive gesture as Ontoriki bit her lip.

"Bah. Things fine with Kuroi. Just needs fill out some paperwork."

"His sister will probably report you even if the two of you do nothing."

"Which why we do nothing now. His parents and mine fine with us."

Kurumu smiled, wishing she could say the same about Nijiro's parents.

"That's good to hear. Did you two already pick up the paperwork?"

"Filled mine out last night. Plan sending message to Pa through the speakers on Monday before sending the mail. Give him warning."

"Which won't get to him until Friday. The earliest you can get that form back is the following Friday."

"It fine, Kaede. Two weeks not big deals."

"Maybe you will be fine, but not Ritsu."

Ontoriki wrung her hands with a helpless look.

"It's not like Taka broke up with me."

"He'll never get his parents to sign off on it."

"I know but he could keep me a secret."

"Girl, you just need to get pregnant fast."

Ontoriki whimpered at the advice from the girl with the vibrant, black hair.

"But I want more than that."

"We all do but it isn't reality. Both of my sisters had different fathers."

Kurumu smiled at the comment from the taller girl.

"I'm guessing these girls know Ritsu."

Kagami chuckled, gesturing at the trio.

"Yea. These three are from Hankyouta. You've already met Yoriko's sister."

The tall girl with the smoky black hair turned her hazel eyes upon Kurumu.

"That would be me. Kazashimo Yoriko. Yuuga is one of my big sisters."

The girl with the burgundy locks nodded.

"Yume is the other one. She was lucky to have her baby during her last year of junior high."

"Yume is two years older than Yuuga. These two were helping raise her baby."

Yoriko snorted at Kagami's input.

"Which is a quick way to ruin any desire to have one of my own. Maybe some years of high school will make me forget the nuisance of taking care of a chick."

"Yoriko is just happy to get out of the house before Yume has her second baby."

Yoriko scowled at the burgundy haired girl.

"It's not fun, Tokimi. If you had any siblings, you would understand."

"I can't help that my mom died giving birth to me."

"This is Akihana Tokimi. Her grandmother raised her."

Kurumu nodded at Kagami's explanation. She gestured at the other girl.

"And this girl?"

"Utahime Matsuba. I have two little sisters turning twelve and six this year."

Kurumu smiled at the dark haired girl introduction. She nodded at the girl.

"I'm Kurono Kurumu, second year class one. This is my friend, Nazohashi Tora, second year class eight."

As Tora murmured a greeting, Kurumu gestured at Rubi.

"And this is Toujou Rubi. She's part of the school's administration but isn't that much older than us."

"What is your opinion on us flying today, Ms. Toujou?"

Rubi smiled at Kiki.

"I don't really know. But I will gladly accept any punishment for allowing you to break the rules today."

"That's a weird way to answer."

Tora sighed at Akihana's comment.

"It means she has no idea if we are breaking the rules but she doesn't actually care."

"That's not true! It would be my fault!"

Suzume snickered, stepping over the bench connected to the side of this table.

"Should we get going?"

'Kurumu!'

Kurumu flinched at the loud thought piercing her awareness. She turned and smiled upon seeing Koyomi approaching her. Koyomi had on a chocolate dress the same style as the dark blue one she had worn two days ago. She was carrying her white tote and already had her notebook out to communicate.

Trailing behind the white haired beauty were Yukari's two apprentices. Imai had on blue jeans and a tee shirt marked with black and silver diagonal stripes. Tanaka was sporting a pastel yellow blouse with white lace stitched along the hems of her puffy short sleeves. The wrinkled blouse fabric hung over the start of a three tiered black skirt ending shy of her bared ankles.

"Koyomi! What's up?"

Imai bounded around the beauty to reach them first. The girl flashed a huge grin.

"We were chatting with the other girls on our floor and we were discussing about having a get together tonight. I was wanting to invite my super awesome cousin and then Ms. Hajinai asked about inviting you. Ms. Kusamoto quickly agreed to that so here we are."

Kurumu grinned, looking over the trio for a moment.

"Where is Kusamoto?"

"Sleeping in. I guess she didn't get to do that very often where she used to live."

Kurumu chuckled, recalling the way things had been in the prison.

"Are you wanting to have dinner together or something?"

"This would be after dinner, Ms. Kurono."

"Yea! Like a sleepover! You have to bring Yukari!"

Kurumu frowned at Imai's enthusiasm.

"In Baratoge? Aren't the rooms too small for that?"

"Well we only have like twelve to fifteen girls on our floor. We should all be able to squeeze in that lobby space by the elevators."

"I don't know if Kurumu should be doing that. We all have school tomorrow."

Kurumu pouted at Tora's remark.

"It will be fine. I just need to bring pajamas and a school uniform."

Tora smirked at her, shaking her bag.

"Do you want to carry your dirty clothes in your schoolbag all day long?"

"It's not a big deal. You should join us."

"I'll pass on that. Don't be surprised if Yukari also refuses."

"But I really want to introduce my cousin to the other girls!"

Kurumu smiled apologetically at Imai.

"I'll try talking to her tonight but Tora is right. Yukari doesn't really like this sort of thing."

"She might if you convince Moka to go with you."

Rubi's suggestion did have merit. As Kurumu nodded, Tora gestured at Imai.

"Am I correct in assuming this girl is Yukari's cousin?"

Kurumu laughed, guessing more introductions were required.

---

Kurumu stepped out of the Rice & Spice diner, feeling satisfied. This was the best place in town to get curry. The main entrance to the red brick restaurant was facing the narrow street which ran to the north all the way out of town, passing by the Grease Monkey and Idatsu's auto repair shop.

Kurumu breathed in deep, regarding this black paneled structure between the Pizza Express restaurant and the Tiles building on the street corner to her left. She had no idea what services that place provided but the windows and door were not boarded up like the many vacant structures in town. There was no sign or writing on the coffered door to shed some light to this mystery.

Tiles was a single story structure with dingy white paneling and black shutters for the small windows facing the other street. It was a gaming establishment. The guy running the place would rent out games but he was fine if people brought their own. As he owned the building, his operational costs were small enough that he could get buy on the few people whom did rent from him.

Pizza Express was also a paneled building, freshly painted over the break with a rich red finish and glossy black framing about the windows. The restaurant offered delivery but many customers ate in the dining area which had comfortable cushions for their booths. Compared to Rice & Spice, it was a more enclosed environment with drapes over the windows. The curry place had huge windows facing the streets to allow passersby a clear view of those dining within. It was good marketing.

"Thank you so much for that, Ms. Kurono. I'll pay you back."

Kurumu laughed at Rubi as the witch joined her outside. Michiko was holding the door open for the other girls as they all filtered out.

"Don't worry about it. You've covered so many things for me in the past that this is nothing."

"I don't think that's true."

Kurumu smiled as Koyomi followed Tora out. When she had heard about them flying, the succubus had joined their excursion. Her aerial skills had shocked Suzume and impressed Michiko. Both girls were still damp from being dunked in the ocean by the silent beauty.

"Can't go wrong with curry."

Suzume stretched, causing Kiki to step away with a frown. The tengu let out a sigh of satisfaction as the harpies whom followed her out made sounds of agreement. Koyomi stepped around Tora to latch onto Kurumu's arm, causing the sphinx to smirk.

"What should we do next?"

Kurumu made a contemplative sound as she looked about. The three story, yellow brick building across the street from the diner was the Golden Palace. It had been the town's original hotel and served a complimentary breakfast to customers whom spent the whole night.

The last structure at this nearby intersection was the city hall. Winged statues were perched on the corners of a black tiled roof held up by fluted stone columns. From what Kurumu understood, only the weekly town meetings were held in the main room of the dour structure. The rest of the city services had been relocated to buildings erected around the same time as the old town residences.

"Well I personally want to take a look at the bed and mattress shop. We could also swing by Bows and Strings after that."

Suzume cocked her head with a curious expression.

"Don't you have enough lingerie?"

Kurumu laughed, patting Koyomi's hand.

"Koyomi only has white briefs and sports bras."

"What wrong with that?"

Kurumu smirked at Michiko.

"Girls should have sexy things."

"I don't disagree with that sentiment but would they have anything in her size?"

Tora nodded at Kiki's remark.

"I agree. Ms. Hajinai appears to be as endowed as you and you had to special order your bras."

'She is right. We had to special order my bras through Ms. Ontai.'

Kurumu sighed at the thought from Koyomi.

"Okay, maybe bras are out of the question but we can still do panties and pajamas."

"You don't have pajamas?"

Koyomi let go of Kurumu, fishing her notepad out of her tote.

"She only has one gown which is practically the same as what she has on now."

Koyomi scribbled some words as Kurumu responded to Akihana. The succubus held up her message which declared her preference for sleeping naked. The harpy blushed.

"I guess that's fine. Grandma didn't like me doing that."

"I would sleep nude if my mom let me but she said I had to set a good example for my little sisters."

Yoriko snickered at Utahime.

"Planning to let the girls roam free now that you aren't living at home?"

"I might but I already have the pajamas."

"Do guys like lingerie?"

Kagami chuckled at Akihana's query.

"Ritsu has some colorful lingerie and she got a boyfriend."

"I would think guys would prefer taking it off."

Ontoriki laughed at Utahime.

"That's true. But Taka said that guys can be turned off by bland underwear."

"So wear nothing."

Yoriko backhanded Utahime's shoulder.

"We wear skirts, moron."

"So? I didn't wear panties in junior high."

"Our school isn't going to just be tengu and sylphs. Keep your goods in check."

Utahime nodded thoughtfully.

"I need to buy panties."

Kagami chuckled, nudging Michiko.

"We should get something nice for her while we are at it."

"Nots spend money on that."

"Oh come on. You have a boyfriend. We should at least look around."

Koyomi presented the group a message which declared her willingness to look at the selection. Kurumu grinned, clapping her hands when Koyomi dropped her notebook back inside her tote.

"I think everyone is fine with a little window shopping. Follow me."

The others sounded an affirmative in almost perfect unison. Grabbing Koyomi's hand, Kurumu made her way to the intersection and turned right. The others followed, pairing up to not take up the entire width of the street between the buildings.

These next two identical buildings on the left after city hall were boarded up. On the right was an orange café with huge windows framed in yellow boards facing the street. This was Sunrise where Kurumu had first met Nijiro's parents. A burgundy canopy stretched out over the main entrance.

"Thinks we can stops at Hatoko's workplace afterwards?"

Kurumu shrugged, taking note of the black building beside Sunrise. It was the same style as the café and had a sign over the door which read Rock On. She had yet to check out what kind of store it was as the view through the windows only revealed it had shelves holding boxes.

"Don't see why we couldn't."

"Would she be okay with meeting a bunch of harpies?"

Michiko made a dismissive wave at Kagami.

"Longs they nots talk bouts guys, be fine."

Suzume giggled as they passed by the first of six similar structures on this street to the arcade.

"Or making babies."

"That too. Sticks with talk about school and clubs."

These were all brown paneled, two story buildings with black tiled roofs with a central entrance facing this street. This first one on the left had a white canopy protecting the main doors which had white lettering etched into the glass, identifying the place as Hiroki Usagi. In smaller letters was the boast of taking care of the dirty work for over fifty years.

The adjacent building on the left was at the corner of the next intersection. The spot for the central entrance had been walled up but it was not vacant. This was Lunch Palace. The owners had torn out the entire wall facing the adjacent street, replacing it with large windows and a new entrance. The upper level of the restaurant had rooms which could be rented out for special occasions like birthday parties.

The two buildings on the corners across this intersecting street were the same as the Hiroki Usagi store. The one on the right was Tomodachi which was owned by Mrs. Dokimasu whom liked to make custom dolls. The other place was Tako Kokka. As the name implied, the store sold kites made by Mr. Tsuyohane. Neither of these old timers had much business but they had lived for decades above their shops.

The last building at this intersection was a four story building with the main entrance facing the other street. This was Pagoda Suites. The windows facing either street were high up the walls, much like an office or an apartment. Kurumu honestly had no idea which one it was.

"Have you girls decided what clubs you'll join?"

"Yuuga would never let me hear the end of it if I didn't join her karaoke club."

"Yea. I might join with you but we could also join the choir."

Kurumu smiled at Akihana's addition as they crossed the intersection. The brown paneled buildings on either side of the road flanking the corner stores were both boarded up, having been abandoned even before the fire. The next structure on the left was the arcade while the one on the right was Spinning Discs, a shop selling CDs and DVDs.

"I'm assuming you two know Kanari."

Akihana gasped and Yoriko chuckled.

"Of course we know Kanari."

"She's such a sweetheart. We both have choir as our elective so we'll get to see her."

Kurumu grinned at the exchange.

"What class are you in?"

"We're all in Ms. Shiryou's homeroom."

"What do we have here? Ms. Kurono with a bunch of young ladies."

Stepping out of the main entrance of Spinning Discs was Tashikana Ichigo, formerly known as the Voice of Yokai Academy. The recent graduate had wavy, lilac locks. His eyes had a peculiar way of changing colors. He was wearing a yellow tee shirt with the store's logo on his breast. This logo was a blue CD with the store's name written in black characters about the circle.

Accompanying the popular senior was four girls. Orochi Maki had a plastic bag bearing the store's logo. Orochi had been Kurumu's home economics partner for the second term. She had fine black tresses that stretched down to her ankles. A white strapless bra held her modest bosom beneath a baby blue jumper dress which was not as long as her hair. Her sea green eyes met Kurumu's and she smiled.

"Afternoon, Ms. Kurono."

Beside Orochi was her cousin, Tonari Emiko. Tonari had a black, flat cap perched on her braided mess of copper locks. Her black tee shirt and denim jeans matched her tomboyish behavior. The gorgon scowled at them with pistachio eyes, standing about the same height as Moka. She was the tallest of these girls.

"Do we have to chat with her?"

Kurumu frowned as she arrived with the other girls only a few steps behind.

"What's wrong?"

"It's nothing, Ms. Kurono."

"Tell that to Morisato."

Kurumu smiled thinly, recalling these two were in the archery club with Juri and Kisurusu. She glanced at Tashikana, gesturing at him.

"How have you been?"

"No complaints. Just helping these girls start their journeys in the joys of music."

Kurumu grinned, noting one of the unfamiliar girls also had a bag from the store. This girl with her dirty blond hair done up in twin buns was the shortest of the group. She had no bangs to hide her hazel eyes. She was garbed in a pink shirt with short white sleeves and a white unicorn rearing up on its hind legs between the swell of her slight bosom. A denim pleated skirt barely covered her knees.

The last girl was the most buxom of the group. She had her silver hair pulled up in a high ponytail which deprived her of bangs like the other girl. Her sides had been gathered up in side tails over her ears. Her eyes were a soft pink, reminding Kurumu of gyokuto girls. This girl's bosom was restrained by a textured green top which bared her shoulders but covered her midriff. Black denim jeans hugged her hips.

"I've always thought about getting a CD player. Figured it was time to finally do it."

Tonari snorted at her cousin's declaration.

"Waste of money if you ask me."

"That's because you have no soul."

Tonari scowled at the blond.

"Say that again, runt!"

The silver haired girl, draped an arm over the smaller girl's shoulders, dragging her closer to her side.

"We can always go home, Emi."

"I'm a little surprised that you didn't have a CD player."

Suzume giggled at Kurumu's remark.

"You didn't have one yourself until last summer."

"That was different."

Orochi smiled politely, holding her bag against her bosom.

"Bokuseki doesn't have electricity so having music wasn't that practical."

"You could have bought one in junior high like I did."

Orochi turned to the silver haired girl.

"But we went home every weekend."

"It's called batteries."

Kurumu giggled at the silver haired girl's quick response.

"I'm guessing these two went to junior high with you."

Orochi nodded, gesturing at the pair.

"This is Moteki Yumi and her little friend, Tokunaga Hina."

"I'm not that much shorter than you."

Tokunaga was not much taller than Kurumu while Orochi was a little taller than Akihana.

"This is Kurono Kurumu, a second year like me."

Kurumu nodded her head as the two girls gave a standard greeting. She recalled that Mr. Nagamushi usually had gorgons in his homeroom.

"I'm assuming that you both are in Mr. Nagamushi's homeroom."

"That's correct."

Kurumu grinned at Moteki's response, feeling pleased with herself.

"I should do some introductions of my own. My lovely companion here is Hajinai Koyomi, first year class one. She's from Shimane prefecture just like Michiko."

Koyomi let go of Kurumu's hand to fetch her notebook out of her tote. While she was doing this, Kurumu turned and gestured to the girls of her group.

"This is Dangai Michiko whom I just mentioned. These two are Honda Kiki and Tobuyoku Suzume. All three of them are in second year class seven."

"Why is she responding with a notebook?"

Kurumu laughed, turning her attention back to the confused Orochi.

"Koyomi is mute. She'll have to answer with her notebook."

'This guy is giving me delicious attention.'

Kurumu smiled as Koyomi put her notebook away. She had felt his mild interest earlier but it was now a little stronger. She glanced at him and made a shooing gesture.

"Don't you have work?"

Tashikana chuckled, tearing his gaze away.

"Seems you have some other new faces with you."

Kagami perked up, patting the swell of her ample bosom.

"I'm Kagami Kaede and this is my friend, Ontoriki Ritsu. We are both second years in class eleven. These three are from our village. This girl with the beads is Kazashimo Yoriko. She has an older sister whom is a third year. The girl by her is Akihana Tokimi while this lovely lady by Ritsu is Utahime Matsuba."

"She isn't wearing panties."

Utahime clucked her tongue at Akihana.

"That was not crucial information."

Kurumu snickered, gesturing at the trio.

"Those three are in class twelve with Ms. Shiryou."

"I should also introduce myself. I am Nazohashi Tora, second year class eight. This is Toujou Rubi. She's a member of the faculty."

"But not a teacher. I just help out wherever I'm needed."

Orochi smiled politely.

"I've seen you in home economics, Ms. Toujou."

"Yes. I enjoy Ms. Hitori's company."

"Matsu is taking home economics."

Orochi nodded at Akihana's announcement.

"So is Ms. Moteki. Ms. Tokunaga is in band."

"Is she joining the band?"

"I intend to. I've always loved music."

"Have you any preferences in a club?"

Tonari scowled at Kurumu's question directed to Moteki.

"She's not joining your broadcasting club."

"Hey now. What's wrong with my club?"

"You're in her broadcasting club?"

Tashikana grinned at Akihana's query.

"Was. I'm the former president of the broadcasting club."

Kurumu giggled, gesturing at the proud guy.

"This is Tashikana Ichigo. He graduated last month."

"And I was voted as the most popular guy at Yokai Academy."

The young harpies shared a dubious look.

"Did your sister ever mention this guy?"

"Nope. This is news to me."

"Maybe he's lying?"

Kagami chuckled, shaking her head.

"He's telling the truth. Ritsu and I got to participate but we didn't make it to the finals."

"Yes. Ms. Kurono took second place with the girls."

"Because she has huge tits."

Orochi smiled at Tonari's angry declaration.

"I was actually hoping to convince Ms. Moteki to join our club."

"Though Emi being her usual self is making me reconsider."

"We don't need someone whom can't shoot a bow."

"From what Maki has told me, neither can you."

Orochi made a very loud sigh.

"We were about to take our friends to the arcade. The tiny community around our junior high lacked such establishments for entertainment."

"Or anything else for that matter. There were only two restaurants. They didn't even have a place to buy groceries. The locals had to go to the human city to buy anything they needed."

Kurumu smiled at Moteki's comments, having not heard much about the boarding school in the Sanjo area that the Bokuseki and Tochimaru villages shared.

"Maybe we could join you?"

Kiki huffed behind her.

"I have no interest in video games."

"It isn't just video games. They got skee ball, crane games and other activities."

Tora cleared her throat.

"We have other commitments, Suzume."

"Yea! We have to get Matsu panties."

Kurumu laughed at Akihana's explanation. She grabbed Koyomi's hand.

"That's true. We do need to stop by Bows and Strings and pick up some nice things for these girls."

Tonari huffed at her, stalking over to the arcade. The front of the structure facing the street was mostly open with a few columns holding up the roof. The characters for Digital Dojo were mounted to the edge of the roof between the two center columns. Rows of cranes, arcade machines and other activities were arranged within that sprawling compound of entertainment.

"Figures Kurono would have such priorities."

Moteki chuckled, steering her companion after the girl.

"Nothing wrong with getting lingerie. Maybe we can stop by that place later."

Orochi smiled politely, bowing to them.

"Perhaps we shall see you there. Good day."

Kurumu echoed that sentiment as Orochi hurried off to join her friends.

"Too bad I can't join in your quest to enhance the wardrobe of this lovely lady."

'He is doing it again.'

Kurumu laughed, squeezing Koyomi's hand.

"Don't you have work?"

He grinned, taking his eyes off Koyomi.

"I was going to ask if you've seen my cousin."

"I did. That silly girl was in the cafeteria after the assembly, wanting to talk to me about a dirty comic that she had in her possession."

"Oh my. I wonder how she got her hands on that."

Kurumu smirked, knowing this jerk must have acquired a copy of that porn comic drawn by Uboku.

"She was supposed to be in Mrs. Sunao's class for orientation. I had to shoo her away."

"Is it wise to treat your kouhai so poorly when you need club members?"

Kurumu sighed at his playful barb. She turned about, gesturing at Utahime.

"What club are you thinking about joining?"

"Haven't really thought about it."

"Well if you can't decide, my club needs a fourth member. It was a little embarrassing when I was dismissed by Mrs. Teisen the moment she heard I didn't have enough members for an official club."

"The cafeteria manager? What was that about?"

Kurumu sighed dramatically at his confusion.

"She was assigning cafeteria tables to clubs. Personally I think it was too early to be doing that since we don't know which clubs the first years are joining or which lunch groups are club members are in."

"Speak for yourself, Kurumu. We had a meeting with Ms. Samurakami during the last week of school to figure out whom all would be in which lunch group."

Kiki nodded at Suzume's statement.

"We had a similar meeting but there was only two of us in each group. Unless we get a bunch of new members, Ms. Yasumono decided that we could just eat with whomever we pleased."

"Sounds like someone was neglecting her club president duties."

Kurumu pouted at Tashikana's grin.

"You left me nothing. My other two members are first years."

"How is Lady Hineri?"

Tashikana smiled at Tora.

"Grumpy. I'm lucky if I get ten minutes of her time before she kicks me out the door."

"Is she mad at you?"

Tashikana made a dismissive wave at Kiki's query.

"She's just overreacting. Claims she might eat me if I hang around her too much."

"Well I understand that she is a jorougumo and they are known to eat their mates."

"Coach Yaisoku has been going to school for months. You don't hear any rumors about her gobbling up virile young men."

"Maybe the school is covering it up."

Suzume snickered at Kiki's quick response.

"I'm pretty sure we weren't missing any guys from our classrooms."

Tashikana sighed dramatically.

"It's not as bad as Keito is making it out to be. She's just embarrassed to be seen by me."

Kurumu thought about her recent experience with Mizore. The girl often felt unattractive to Umizake.

"Well I do have to get back to work. Before I do, I should give you this."

Tashikana pulled a folded sheet of paper out of his slacks, presenting it to Kurumu.

"I was going to give it to Mrs. Senda tonight but since you're here."

Kurumu took the paper, unfolding it. She glanced it over, knowing that this was the list of movies which would be the theater lineup for next weekend.

The other list of names with dates was probably CD releases and their artists. She believed that she had seen Globe in Nagisa's CD collection. Their Maniac album would be coming out. Spitz had two albums which were probably compilations. Tsukune had several of their albums. Tsukune also had an album by this Orange Range whom were releasing a new one called Squeezed.

"Are these the new CD coming out in April?"

"Yes. Some are already on the shelves so hopefully you share this news right away."

Kurumu folded up the sheet, stuffing it into the tight pocket of her denim skirt.

"I don't say the movies this early in the week but I'll mention the CDs."

Tashikana grinned, backing up to open the door to Spinning Discs

"One more thing. Final Fantasy twelve came out for the Play Station two just last month. Any guy with that console will want to know about that if they don't already."

"I'll keep that in mind. Be nice to Lady Hineri."

Tashikana snickered, disappearing into the store.

"Well that was quite the delay."

Kurumu laughed as Tora started walking. Snatching up Koyomi's hand, she quickly caught up to the sphinx as Rubi and the rest of the girls trailed behind them. This black stone building next to the music store was Karma which was rumored to carry a bunch of occult stuff. The small white building by the arcade was Chinchin'naru which Kurumu was afraid to ask about.

"You know what we haven't heard about? New students from Suzume and Kiki's junior high."

She glanced over her shoulder in time to see Kiki's indifferent shrug.

"I saw Ms. Hoshino and Ms. Miken on the bus."

"Yea. I wouldn't call either of those two a friend."

The closer building on the left corner of the next intersection was the Toybox. It was made of red bricks with a black tiled roof. Various toys and stuffed animals could be seen through the windows facing the street. Hands On was this closer building on the right corner. It had gray stone walls up to about waist height before transitioning into black paneling that reached the flat roof. It carried puzzles and models.

Across the street on the right was a white stone building with large windows displaying televisions. This was the electronics store. The sign over the glass double doors blinked from yellow to blue and to red before repeating. It carried a lot of the same things that Spinning Discs had but since both were owned by Mr. Kataoka, it was not truly competition.

The yellow brick hobby shop on the last corner of this intersection was Imagination. They sold stuff like board games and trading cards. The owners would often rent out the adjacent vacant building to hold tournaments for their silly games.

"Any new tengu guys?"

"Ya want a boyfriend?"

Kagami pouted at her sister.

"I'm just asking."

Suzume giggled, nodding as they reached the intersection. They all turned left.

"Mr. Hakaba and Mr. Tsukanoma. I saw Mr. Nakatani too but he's a sylph."

Kiki clucked her tongue with a shake of her head.

"You didn't need to answer her."

"Whatever. It's not like you have your eye on either of those two. May as well give the harpies a chance."

"There are rules against that."

Suzume shrugged at Tora.

"There are rules against flying but we still did that."

They passed by a red and black structure on their left. The aroma of fried food wafted out to them through the black curtain separating the street from the dining area of the Fried Delights restaurant.

Kurumu grinned, gesturing at the small building coming up next on their left. That was Guilty Pleasures. It had three windows on either side of the central glass door. The black tiled roof extended out from the front to make a short canopy which was held up by columns strapped with white gutters.

"Does anyone mind if I stop in Guilty Pleasures for a moment?"

"You want to buy snacks?"

"I just want to see if Myaku is here. Say hello."

Kiki sighed dramatically.

"Well I am in no hurry to shop lingerie so it's all the same to me."

"Don't forget that Kurumu wanted to stop at the bed and mattress shop first."

Kurumu smirked as they all came to a stop in front of the sweet shop. Through the windows she could already see the target of her visit. Sukoyaka Myaku had her orchid bangs pushed back by a hairband the same color as her short sleeved, black blouse. Her hair curled in the back. A white pair of denim jeans clung to her hips and legs.

Standing next to Myaku was Kumatani. The local girl with her chestnut hair braided in pigtails had on a white tee shirt with the graphic of an unfinished tic tac toe board on her chest. Her black cargo shorts were long enough to hide her knees.

The two girls were standing by a table in use by the Onodera siblings. The girl with her offside tail was wearing a dark green top which bared her shoulders and midriff but had sleeves that flared out at her wrists. Black jeans completed her ensemble. Her little brother, Zak, had short locks the same burgundy hue as his sister. Faded blue knit shorts were paired up with bland white tee shirt.

Katashi, Myaku's stocky younger brother, was also at the table. The husky boy with a shaggy mess of dark hair which hid his eyes was wearing a black polo shirt that was too small for his girth.

"This won't take long."

Grabbing the black handle mounted to the door frame, Kurumu tugged the glass barrier open. A bell announced their arrival as Kurumu strolled into the dining area. The sounds of classical music greeted them from speakers mounted to the walls where the lush green paint yielded to black. The white ceiling fans spun in a futile effort to diminish the warmth of the cozy room.

"Welcome to Guilty Pleasures! How can I help you?"

The greeting came from a burly man standing behind a counter in front of a recessed space flanking the wall to a corridor to the bathrooms. Shelves laden with sweets were behind the grinning owner whom was garbed in a gray dress shirt and black slacks. A white apron was tied about his thick waist.

"Hey, Mr. Sukoyaka! I'm just visiting Myaku."

Kurumu turned her attention to the group of local kids whom had all noticed her arrival. There were a few others seated at the round tables supported by silver central pillar which made the eating surface higher than the average counter. The white chairs about these tables were taller to match the tables, having spade shaped seats and heart shaped backs.

"Afternoon, Ms. Kurono."

Kurumu grinned at Myaku as she sauntered over with the rest of her group in tow.

"I saw Kumatani and Onodera at the welcoming ceremony yesterday."

Kumatani grinned with amusement in her honey eyes.

"I saw you too."

"You have quite the entourage."

Kurumu laughed at Tifa's comment.

"I should start with some introductions. This is Nazohashi Tora, my friend from second year class eight. And this is Toujou Rubi. She's part of the faculty doing whatever odd jobs they need her to do."

She turned and smiled as Koyomi drifted over to her. Kurumu gestured at the other older girls.

"This is Tobuyoku Suzume, Honda Kiki and Dangai Michiko. They are all second years in class seven."

The tengu girls all nodded their heads, uttering the traditional greeting.

"Those two are Kagami Kaede and Ontoriki Ritsu. They are both in second year class eleven."

As Ontoriki made the usual response, Kagami grinned, turning to present her younger friends.

"Yea and these three are first years in class twelve. She's Kazashimo Yoriko, this one is Akihana Tokimi and last is Utahime Matsuba."

Myaku nodded thoughtfully when the trio gave their polite greeting.

"Kazashimo. I've had a Kazashimo Yuuga in my gym class two years in a row."

"That's my older sister."

Myaku smiled, touching the swell of her bosom.

"I'm Sukoyaka Myaku, third year class one. My father owns this place."

"And I'm Kumatani Kairi. She is Onodera Tifa. We're both first years in class two."

Tifa smiled, pointing at Koyomi.

"I saw that girl in class one yesterday."

Kurumu grinned, grabbing Koyomi by the shoulders and steering the girl to the front.

"This is Hajinai Koyomi. She's a first year from the Shimane prefecture."

"She's mute."

Tifa cocked her head with an intrigued look at Suzume's input.

"You can't speak?"

Koyomi shook her head, fetching her notebook from her tote. Kurumu patted the girl's shoulders.

"She has to use a notebook. Please be patient with her."

Kagami snickered, gesturing at the boys as Koyomi presented the sheet from her notebook which had a standard greeting.

"These two are acting like they've never seen a girl before. How old are they?"

Kumatani giggled and Myaku smiled, gesturing at her brother.

"This is Katashi, my brother. He'll be fourteen in the summer."

"And this is my brother, Zak. He turned eleven not that long ago."

The young boy frowned with a shake of his head. His eyes were the same mint hue as his sister's.

"Back in November. That's almost half a year ago."

"Still way too young for high school girls. Don't think I didn't notice where you were looking."

The boy blushed, sharply looking aside.

"I wasn't looking."

Kagami cackled, tugging on her half-sister's arm.

"I think we should pick up some snacks. I don't want to be eye candy for underage boys."

To Kurumu's amusement, all of the harpies walked off with the sisters. It was more of a surprise that Kiki had elected to stay. Kurumu could feel that Katashi was still reveling in his naughty fantasies. She smiled, absently rubbing her tit which made him more aroused.

"I've already talked with Tokori and Mikomi. I'm guessing none of you have any different news about the local school getting built soon."

Tifa chuckled softly, reaching over to touch her flustered brother's shoulder.

"Nope. Zak will be bored once I'm gone most of the day."

"I'll be fine."

"What do your parents do?"

"Mom works at the hospital while Dad does deliveries."

"Deliveries? Is he one of the truck drivers bringing goods in to Mononoke?"

"Mhm. He has to spend most of his time outside the barrier."

"He's never home."

Tifa laughed softly.

"It often feels that way."

"Many people in town don't like their father because he got Kuyo's blessing to have that job."

Myaku sighed at Kumatani's revelation.

"Many people don't think how necessary that job is. My dad needs materials that he can't get locally."

"Yea. It's not like anybody important actually hates Dad. But since the Outcasts would often vandalize our house, he decided to find an apartment in Murakami."

Kurumu grimaced, glancing at the girls selecting sweets at the counter.

"Some people are just jerks."

"Do either of you girls have a club in mind? Kurumu's looking for recruits."

Both girls giggled at Suzume's pitch.

"I don't think I have what it takes to be on the radio."

"Yea. I was going to play it safe and join Ms. Sawayaka's sadou club."

Kurumu smirked at Kumatani's confession.

"You know that Mikomi is the student council president. She's not part of that club now."

"But Ms. Kagami and Ms. Ontoriki are."

Kumatani giggled at Kiki's remark.

"Really? I never would have pictured those two as dryads."

"Dryads?"

"Ms. Sawayaka mentioned her club was mostly dryads."

Kurumu laughed, guessing that was true. The new club president was from Shizukana and at least two more members were from there. Her mirth was lost as she recalled another older girl whom had been raped at the cultural festival.

"Would you know if Kusachi Inori is still enrolled?"

Myaku smiled softly, nodding.

"Yes. I saw her at the welcoming ceremony with Ms. Utagemori."

"That's good. What electives did the two of you take?"

Kumatani grinned broadly, gesturing at Tifa.

"We both got into home economics. Should be fun."

"It would be nice to do some cooking without a microwave."

Zak frowned at his sister.

"You use the oven."

"Frozen food doesn't count. I wish Mom would let me tag along with the shopping but she always does her grocery trips on the way home from work."

"It's not like I make you stay with me all day."

Tifa grinned, tousling her brother's hair.

"You're going to have to watch after yourself now."

"At least the Outcasts are gone so he should be fine."

Myaku laughed softly, turning her copper eyes upon Kurumu.

"Are you needing club members?"

"I've already got two first years so I need just one more."

'I will join.'

Kurumu sighed at Koyomi's offer. She patted Koyomi's shoulder.

"I'm tempted to let Koyomi be my fourth but it feels wrong when she should do something else."

"Yea. It would be weird for a mute girl to be in the broadcasting club."

Suzume snickered, thumbing at Koyomi.

"You say that but Kurumu told me this girl had the choir elective."

Kurumu sighed, reaching around Koyomi to pull the girl in close.

"That was an accident. She put choir as her third choice instead of band."

"Third choice?"

Kurumu smiled at Myaku's confusion.

"Her first choice was home economics and her second was computer."

"Those are very different courses."

"Koyomi comes from a village without electricity so both things would have been new and interesting."

"She should have picked business as her third. Monstrels like us can't but it's good for most other races."

Tora shook her head at Kumatani.

"Unfortunately Ms. Hajinai is not one of the races Fairy Tale helps out."

"Oh? Harpy?"

"We shouldn't discuss true forms, Ms. Kumatani."

Kurumu laughed at Tora's stiff refusal to answer the question.

"She's like me. Fairy Tale has historically had a bad attitude toward my kind."

Kumatani frowned, cocking her head.

"Didn't you like participate in saving the world from that crazy Fairy Tale vice president?"

"I did and I'm not saying Fairy Tale doesn't have uses for girls like us. But there was a time when girls of my race were killed on sight."

"Because your powers are scary, Kurumu. It's the same reason why Fairy Tale was against vampires."

Kumatani nodded at Tora's comment.

"And with good reason. That vice president was a vampire."

"Not all vampires are bad. Ms. Shuzen's family saved Hokuto's life."

Kurumu grinned at Myaku's reference to the former student council president. He had received blood from Yoshii Kiria to save his life but his body had been deteriorating from only having one donor. Kokoa had saved Kaneshiro by giving her blood to him and finding him another vampire to do the same. The only catch had been him willing to marry that vampire.

"Have you heard from Kaneshiro?"

Myaku laughed, shaking her head.

"I was actually about to ask you the same thing."

Kurumu smiled, thinking she would have to find out. This girl still cared for that guy, even giving her own blood to help stabilize his condition much like Mizore and Rubi had done for Tsukune.

"I can ask Kokoa. She might have some news since he is marrying into her family."

"It's fine. He was putting that off for the summer."

Kurumu nodded, noting that the other girls were finishing up at the counter.

"Have you two met Kusamoto Tsubasa?"

The local girls shared a look.

"I believe that was the name of the tall girl."

"Yea. From the Nagano prefecture, right?"

Kurumu grinned, guessing that classroom introductions had been made during orientation.

"She's a monstrel we met back in January. She only knows Yukari, Rubi and me so I was hoping that she would make some friends with her classmates."

"Strange for a monstrel to attend an out of prefecture school."

Tifa nodded at Kumatani.

"Right. Maybe she lives on the border?"

"Fairy Tale is actually paying for her out of prefecture costs. Lord Kuyo brought her here himself."

Both girls perked up with interest.

"I sense there is a bigger story here."

"How do you know this girl?"

Kurumu giggled as Kagami and the other girls started towards them.

"Looks like my time here is up. You'll have to get that story from Kusamoto."

"Such a tease."

Kurumu snickered, having been called worse.

---

Kurumu arrived at the clearing about Baratoge, holding Koyomi's hand and her schoolbag full of things for tomorrow. Each floor of the seven story structure had a row of tiny windows for the individual dorm rooms. The main entrance for the dormitory was an automatic glass door which could only be activated with the lunch cards provided to the girls living here.

Yukari was a step behind them, carrying her own schoolbag. Not wanting to take soiled undergarments to school, the witch had already dressed down for the evening into a white and black sleep shirt with a matching pair of pants. She had on her school loafers but without the socks.

Reaching the door, Kurumu let go of Koyomi's so the girl could fetch her lunch card out of her tote. The mute succubus also had a bag of new acquisitions from Bows and Strings.

"I forgot to ask if you finished that comic Kana gave you."

"If you must know, I did finish that series."

The automatic door opened, prompting Kurumu to follow Koyomi inside.

"Really? What did you think about it?"

Yukari sighed dramatically as she entered the dormitory behind them. Baratoge's genkan was flanked by numbered shoe lockers on both sides. The lockers to the left were for the lower three floors while the ones on the right were for the upper three. Koyomi betrayed no interest in using these compartments, slipping out of her sandals and leaning over to pick them up.

"Kana was correct that this artist loves to do angles that allow him to draw panties."

Kurumu grimaced as she stepped out of her platform sneakers. Ahead of them was the lobby with two elevators and a door to the stairwell. To the right was a hall giving access to the laundry room and six study rooms that the first year girls had used for classrooms while the school was being repaired after the cultural festival fiasco. The mail alcove and housemother's office was down the short hall to the left.

"I was worried about that when I saw the cover art."

Yukari picked up her school loafers, shrugging nonchalantly as she stepped up from the genkan.

"It's perverted but tame in comparison to what actually happened."

Kurumu frowned with her shoes in hand as they meandered over to the elevators. Koyomi pressed the button and the door for the closer one instantly started to open. They drifted inside the elevator.

"What do you mean by that?"

Yukari huffed, pushing the button for the seventh floor. The door slowly slid back shut.

"Nobody has sex. It's just a bunch of girls fawning over Tsukune despite him not doing much beyond being a nice guy. The series is halfway over before he contributes anything meaningful to the fights."

Kurumu nodded thoughtfully, wondering if that was an accurate depiction of events. Kana did say it was a harem piece where the male protagonist was meant to be easily replaceable with the reader.

"But Kana said he turned into a ghoul."

"He did but that arc ended when he got the holy lock from Headmaster Mikogami which made him weak again. What peeved me more was that the story was blatantly a pairing of Tsukune with Hatsue."

Kurumu chuckled softly, thinking that was fair.

"Well Tsukune was dead set on her over the real Moka for the longest time. Even when we were in Hong Kong, he was mad at us over separating the two without telling him."

"And that never happened in that series."

Kurumu frowned as they continued to slowly ascend the elevator shaft.

"Did they explain that the two were different?"

"Not exactly. The silver haired Moka is a complete mystery for the entire series. She barely shows any interest in Tsukune until the very end, making her the final conquest in his harem story."

Kurumu grimaced as a ding announced their arrival. The door steadily pulled open.

"Is the story that bad?"

Yukari shrugged, strolling out of the elevator into the seventh floor lobby.

"It is what it is. Moka's family isn't even mentioned until the cultural festival."

Kurumu wandered out of the elevator after Koyomi, shaking her head in disbelief.

"Kokoa isn't in it?"

Yukari snorted, strolling over to the couch. Normally it would be facing the television on the stand but someone had pushed it up against the wall to make more space in the lobby. The witch sat down on the stiff cushions, slipping the strap of her schoolbag off her shoulder.

"Why would she be? She was never that interested in Tsukune."

Kurumu huffed, gesturing at the witch as Yukari placed her loafers on the floor.

"I could say the same about you."

"To be honest, I suspect that I was only included so the artist could add Rubi to the harem. My character does essentially nothing after that."

"I'm sorry the comic was so disappointing."

Yukari sighed dramatically, leaning back in the cushions.

"Kana warned us that Alucard wasn't in it. I'm honestly surprised that Yoshii Kiria made an appearance."

"He did?"

"Yea but he's just some mysterious figure helping Kaneshiro destroy the school. It's not explained whom he works for or what his agenda was. The cultural festival arc happens next. Once Tsukune has the last girl added to his harem, there is one more chapter in which everybody shows up at his house and causes chaos. Technically the last chapter is the Inui arc but that was obviously a flashback."

Kurumu nodded thoughtfully.

"So the story is bad."

"No. Gravitation was bad. This was okay. It's a story of a guy struggling to live in a world where a bunch of monsters are trying to kill him while a handful of monster girls are trying to get in his pants. I'd enjoy it more if I hadn't been diminished into a gag character."

"Did you show it to Moka?"

"I didn't have the heart to tell her about it."

Kurumu frowned in confusion.

"But you told me you didn't lie about getting Mizore's memories."

"I only claimed that I was going to tell her mind blowing news. Just think about how embarrassing that comic would be to her. I'd rather give it back to Kana without saying anything."

Kurumu chuckled softly.

"I guess this mean you don't want me saying anything about it."

"You should knock on the door to 712. I'd rather you absorb Ms. Imai's imminent excitement over my decision to attend her little gathering."

Kurumu chuckled, supposing that was fair. She turned on her heel, strolling towards the door to 712 which was almost in line with the wall with the elevator doors.

Knocking on Imai's door, Kurumu glanced down this corridor on the left. It passed by the doors to the higher numbered dorm rooms. The next door was for 714 while the following set of doors were across this hall from the opening for this floor's bathroom. Each floor in Baratoge had six showers and six toilet stalls in this space behind the elevators.

The door was tugged back by Imai whom lacked her usual top knot in her messy, short hair. The brown eyed girl grinned wide. She was garbed in an indigo sleep shirt patterned with yellow stars which came with a matching pair of sleep pants.

"Ms. Kurono! Did Yukari come?"

"She's here."

Imai let out a happy cry, darting by Kurumu. Knowing how these doors worked, Kurumu stepped into the open doorway to prevent it from closing which would lock the silly girl out. As Imai started to gush over Yukari, Kurumu reached around the door to turn the deadbolt out. Noting Imai's room was empty, she stepped back into the hall with Imai's door coming to rest on its deadbolt.

"Yes, yes. I'm thrilled to be here. When do we start sleeping?"

Imai giggled, letting go of Yukari's hands. The girl glanced about the lobby.

"We have to get everyone here and do introductions first."

"Then you go do that."

Imai laughed, skipping away from the couch.

"You should leave your stuff in my room. No reason to have it out here."

"I'd rather keep my things where I can see them."

Imai made a flatulent sound with her tongue as she stopped at the door to 710. She knocked firmly.

"Kokono! Yukari is here!"

Tanaka's door opened and Imai giggled.

"Why haven't you changed?"

"It's not that late."

"Get your pajamas on. And bring out your futon."

Tanaka let out a heavy sigh.

"Good evening, Ms. Sendou."

"Good evening, Ms. Tanaka."

"I'm going to get the others. Hurry up."

Tanaka sounded out an affirmative, closing her door. Imai bounded over to the next door at the start of the other hall with the doors to the lower numbered dorm rooms. Imai promptly knocked on 708.

'We should change.'

Nodding at Koyomi's decision, Kurumu turned about and started down the hall. She gestured at the door for 716 which faced the opening to the bathroom.

"Have you met your neighbor?"

'Not yet.'

Kurumu passed by the door, stopping at the next one for 718. Koyomi had already retrieved her keys from her tote. She fished the key into the lock, turning the deadbolt back before withdrawing the key. Putting the key into the slot in the knob, Koyomi twisted the knob and pushed the door open.

Kurumu followed the girl inside, letting the door shut behind her. These rooms were the same as the ones in Chikara. Koyomi made her way over to the closet which was on the other wall shared with her neighbor in 720. It was a bump out in the wall, making a tiny alcove which had a shelf that could be used as a desk. Koyomi's closet was only half of that space, having the part that was closer to the alcove.

'I spent too much.'

Kurumu giggled when Koyomi opened her closet. Kurumu drifted into the middle of the barren room as Koyomi knelt down with her things. Koyomi started removing garments from her bag which included two chemises which were identical to Kurumu's. One was black while the other was pink. The succubus had also acquired four pairs of boyshorts and two lace panties.

"That sometimes happens."

Koyomi stood up, slipping out of her garment. It had been no secret that Koyomi had not been wearing bras with those dresses from her village but Kurumu had thought the succubus at least had panties on. Blushing at her mistake, she turned her back and set her schoolbag and sneakers on the floor by her.

"I should change too."

'Should I get a job?'

Kurumu snickered, tugging her halter top up and off with ease. Her naughty nipples had already decided to be erect. Dropping the fabric on her schoolbag, she grabbed for the buttons of her skirt.

"I don't think you can yet. You have to prove that you have good grades first."

'Are the girls at that café good students?'

Kurumu mulled over the academic prowess of the girls working at the Gates of Heaven as she wiggled out of this skirt. It was so tight that her black boyshorts with the white heart pattern were coming off too though she was going to take these off anyways. She knew that Satuski's grades met PSC standards but had no idea how smart Bunii or Hatoko were.

It had been a surprise to see Taijin there without Asuka but the reason had become obvious. The girl had begged them to keep her new employment a secret, having been there to apply for a job.

"Try asking after summer break."

Stepping out of her skirt and panties, Kurumu removed her socks next. Fully nude, she knelt beside her schoolbag. She opened it up, moving things about to find her chemise. As storing a school jacket would take too much space, she had a sweater vest for tomorrow. The pleated skirt was at the bottom of her bag with her lavender purse on top of it. She also had her spring break homework packets in here.

Kurumu pulled out her cream chemise which had been balled up with her socks and white lace lingerie. She shook out the garment before pulling it on over her head. Fishing her arms through the gaps, she smoothed the silk over her curves while the thin straps rested upon her shoulders.

Satisfied with her apparel, Kurumu folded up her skirt, leaving the boyshorts inside. She stuffed them into her schoolbag before adding her top. Balling up her socks, she tossed those inside before closing up her schoolbag. Finished up, she glanced at her companion whom had donned the slip she had worn at Kurumu's suite three nights ago.

"You could have worn one of the chemises you just bought."

Koyomi smiled softly, holding a futon that she must have fetched from the closet.

'I should wash them first.'

Kurumu sighed, getting to her feet.

"You don't have to follow Tora's advice."

'I like doing laundry. It is different from how things work in Toukai.'

Kurumu smirked, imagining using a washer machine and dryer would be fascinating to a girl that had to do laundry in a washbasin and clothesline. She strolled over to the door, prompting Koyomi to follow. Tugging the door open, she set the deadbolt in place before leaving the room.

"We should check on Kusamoto."

Sauntering over to the door to 720 on the right, Kurumu thought about Koyomi's lack of attire. The girl only had one school jacket and two sleeveless vests with three school blouses and three school skirts. Koyomi had three dresses like the one she had worn today, not counting the gown she had on now. The only other things in her wardrobe were three pairs of socks and bland lingerie. Koyomi would have to do laundry twice a week.

"Have you talked much with her?"

Koyomi smiled as Kurumu knocked on the door.

'I try not to use my telepathy too much.'

Kurumu laughed, noting the girl had left her tote behind.

"I'm sure that Imai will want you to participate in this gathering."

'You can speak for me.'

The deadbolt turned back and the door was pulled open. Kurumu favored the tall Kusamoto a grin. The monstrel had left her ebony tresses unbound and was sporting a simple white shirt and black shorts.

"Ms. Kurono?"

"The girls on your floor are having a get together in the lobby."

The tall girl looked Kurumu over, smiling apologetically.

"Is it okay to wear this? I don't have actual pajamas like you two."

Kurumu giggled, gesturing down the hall. She could hear Imai calling out to other girls.

"That's fine. I often wear a tank top and shorts on laundry nights."

"I'm still getting used to clothes. I was naked in that prison for months."

Kurumu smirked, recalling that this girl had been arrested around this time last year.

"But you wore clothes before."

Kusamoto chuckled, turning her deadbolt out.

"Yea but I must have grown in prison since not much fit when I came back. I was taller and thicker. My parents were broke so I don't have a whole lot. I have to wear old sports bras with a lot of stretch."

"I understand those issues. Get your futon."

Kusamoto sounded an affirmative, letting the door shut under its own weight as she stalked off. Seconds later she was back with her bedding, opening the door.

"Ms. Imai has been very friendly."

Kurumu grinned, starting down the hall.

"She seems to be that kind of person."

"I know that I must be intimidating. I'm taller than most of the boys in our class."

Kurumu giggled, pausing to knock on the door to 716.

"Hope you don't mind if we meet Koyomi's neighbor."

The door opened before Kusamoto could respond. A raven haired girl regarded Kurumu with a slight frown. She had short bangs and short locks about her ears but the back was longer, reaching her shoulder blades. Her yellow blouse was crimped about the slight swell of her bosom with puffy short sleeves. The lower hem of her top rested upon a black ruffled skirt hiding her knees.

"Who are you?"

"We are here for that floor gathering."

"Ah yes. That energetic girl mentioned that. I'll change clothes."

"And bring your futon."

The girl sounded an acknowledgment, closing the door. Kurumu looked at her companions indecisively.

"Maybe we should go to the next room?"

"I'll wait for this girl if you like."

Kurumu nodded, motioning for Koyomi to follow her down the hall. As she stopped to knock on the door to 714 she noticed several familiar girls had already gathered in the lobby.

Kana's kouhai were chatting with Tanaka while Yukari remained on the couch. Watakuma was sporting a yellow camisole with white lace shorts. Kinuhana had her mint tresses unbraided with her hair spilling across her lavender, satin nightgown with a dark purple sash about her waist. Tanaka had also freed her twin braids, letting her dark hair flow against her frilly white pajama set. The top was sleeveless and the shorts were loose.

Poni was strolling towards the lobby with her futon in her arms, giggling over something her taller friend had said. Their twin tailed companion was just exiting her room as Kurumu knocked on the door. Imai was all the way at the end of the hall, alerting the last of the girls.

"Is it time already?"

The door drew back, bringing Kurumu's attention to a hazel eyed girl with a vibrant mane of inky black tresses. She had on a cyan, spaghetti string tank top that barely covered the swell of her slight bosom. Her white cotton shorts were loose with a pair of cyan drawstrings at her waist. The girl's eyes went wide as Kurumu was assaulted by a sweet sensation.

"Oh, shit! You two are gorgeous."

Kurumu giggled at this girl whom was taller than them both.

"I'm Kurono Kurumu. I don't actually live here."

"I've heard of you! You're in the choir with Natsume!"

Kurumu paused, trying to remember a Natsume. Her eyes lit up with understanding.

"Akushita."

"Yes! She's my cousin. I'm Shibutani Shion. It's an honor to meet you."

Kurumu grinned, wondering what Akushita told this bowing girl.

"Are you joining the choir?"

The girl lifted her head, nodding vehemently.

"Of course! Harumi and I both took choir as our elective."

"Harumi?"

"She's my friend whom lives next door."

Kurumu turned to look as the girl in question emerged from her room. The raven haired girl was holding her futon. She had changed into a pink camisole and white satin shorts.

"You should grab your futon. I'm thinking we will start soon."

"I will! Be right back!"

The girl darted back into her room, causing the door to shut under its own weight. Kurumu grinned at the raven haired girl whom was strolling towards them with the tall Kusamoto behind her.

"We're about to begin!"

Imai's announcement drew Kurumu's attention back to the lobby. Poni and her two friends had laid out their futons on the floor. Poni had on a chocolate camisole which almost hid her black satin shorts. The girl with the dark blue highlights was sporting a simple pink tee and white cotton shorts. The twin tailed girl had on a daring white slip. Her dark nipples and hairy crotch could be seen through the sheer fabric.

"You don't have to wait here."

Kurumu laughed, moving into the lobby under the raven haired girl's prompting. Imai was coming out of the hall with three unfamiliar girls all dressed down and carrying futons. Kurumu wondered where they would put that bedding as much of the lobby floor was already covered. The new girl closest to Imai was about the same height as Imai and had slate black hair which was messy and obscured her eyes. She had on a dark purple tee shirt and black cotton shorts.

"Don't start without me!"

Shibutani came prancing into the lobby. She was about the same height as the tallest of these unfamiliar girls. That one had ebony locks styled in a bob with her bangs cut in line with thin eyebrows. This girl had bronze eyes and was garbed in a black, buttoned up pajama shirt with yellow bananas patterned across the fabric. Her black sleep pants had the same design.

The last girl was a brunette with her tresses pulled back in a simple ponytail with a red ribbon. Her white top had red short sleeves while her white cotton shorts were patterned with red dots.

"How do you want to do this?"

Imai grinned at the girl with the bob cut whom asked his once all of the bedding was down.

"We should form a circle and start with introductions."

Several girls agreed with the suggestion, settling down on the bedding. Poni took a seat between her two friends while Kurumu sat between Shibutani and Koyomi. Kusamoto took the spot on Koyomi's other side while the raven haired girl claimed a spot beside her friend.

"Come join us, Yukari!"

Yukari sighed dramatically, getting up from the couch as the other girls continued to make a loose circle. The trio of unfamiliar girls claimed the space between Kusamoto and Poni's tall friend with the dark blue highlights. Watakuma and Kinuhana settled down next to the raven haired girl.

Making another dramatic sigh, Yukari lowered into the spot between Tanaka and Imai. Tanaka was by Watakuma while Imai was by Poni's friend in that revealing slip.

"Were there any girls in the rooms after Kusamoto's room?"

Imai grinned at Kurumu, shaking her head.

"Nope. I asked the housemother yesterday about it and she said 720 is the last occupied room."

"I'm glad that you came, Ms. Kusamoto."

Kusamoto managed a smile, nodding at Tanaka.

"Yes. Thanks for this. I was worried about meeting the other girls."

Imai grinned broadly, shifting into a cross legged position.

"We should start with introductions. Why don't we go in room number order?"

The girl with the bob cut shifted with her legs out, leaning back on her palms.

"That would be me then. I'm Takahashi Nabiki in room 701. I'm in Ms. Shuzen's homeroom with Sayuri and we are from Niigata."

The brunette giggled with a nod.

"She means the city, not the prefecture."

"Right. We came to Yokai Academy because of the new headmaster."

"You're here for my grandfather?"

The brunette grinned, nodding enthusiastically.

"Yes. He's very famous in the witch community."

"That's why my parents decided to send me here instead of a normal high school."

That declaration had come from the girl with the hidden eyes and messy shoulder length hair.

"Guess I'm next. I'm Yamashita Sayuri in 702. I don't have much else to add except that Nabiki and I went to the same junior high as Mayu and Murakami."

"You're next, Mayu."

The girl with the hidden eyes forced a smile.

"I'm Ono Mayu in room 703. I'm in Mr. Umatobi's homeroom."

"Which she shares with Murakami."

"Right. I like to paint so I'm in the art program."

"Whom is this Murakami you've mentioned?"

The brunette grinned at Kurumu's interest.

"Murakami Katsuya. He was very enthusiastic about meeting Headmaster Sendou."

"He's also super smart. He got accepted into all of the best high schools in Niigata."

Yukari huffed at Ono's praise, turning up her nose.

"We shall see how he fares on his assessments."

"I believe your next, Sachiko."

The twin tailed girl in the naughty attire grinned at Poni's prompting.

"I'm Hidzume Sachiko in room 704. Toga and I are both in Mr. Nagamushi's homeroom so we will be in the same lunch group as the first three."

"We just met two girls from your homeroom earlier today. Ms. Moteki and Ms. Tokunaga."

The tall girl with the highlights chuckled.

"You get around, Ms. Kurono."

"I'd expect nothing less of a popular girl."

Hidzume grinned at the exchange between her friends.

"The three of us are from a small kirin village in the Yamagata prefecture."

Imai made a sound of understanding.

"I see. I've heard that kirin can be pretty tall."

"Yea. It was in Lord Sendou's books about them."

The brunette nodded at Takahashi's comment.

"I read about that too. Your pajamas are very transparent, Ms. Hidzume."

"I normally sleep naked so my only pajamas are stuff I picked up on whims of being with a man."

"Though you've never had a boyfriend."

Hidzume huffed at Poni.

"Most of us don't like dating the boys from town."

"I never dated a boy from our class. It was always older guys."

The girl with the highlights snickered.

"Whatever Poni. I believe that I'm next. Name is Binshou Toga. I'm in 705 and have never had an interest in dating a guy unlike these two harlots."

"She says this but she is taking home economics with us."

"Those are useful life skills that even a guy could benefit from."

"Sure, sure. I'm Goto Poni in room 706. I was assigned to Mr. Ashibue's homeroom so that these two would not cramp my style."

Binshou snickered at Poni's attitude.

"You were disappointed. Don't give us that crap."

"I'm sure that these two will air my dirty laundry so I'll come out and admit that I've had two boyfriends back in junior high. I'm still a pure maiden despite what they might say."

"You may be a virgin but you broke their hearts."

"Those boys should have known better. Junior high is too young for serious relationships."

Binshou wagged a finger at Poni.

"Most girls don't date if they don't want a serious relationship."

"Don't fret, Toga. I promise that the next man I'm with will be the one."

"Sure. I'll believe that when I see it."

"I give it a month before she has a boyfriend."

Poni giggled, cupping her cheeks.

"I don't know if I can find someone that quickly. At least give me the whole year."

"The longest you were without a guy in junior high was three months."

Poni pouted at Hidzume.

"That's still longer than a month."

Several girls giggled before Watakuma hopped to her feet. The tanuki patted the slight swell of her bust.

"I'm Watakuma Aya in room 707. Cho and I are both from the Fukui prefecture and were assigned to Mr. Hino's homeroom. We have sixth period lunch which I know that Ms. Kurono is in."

"I have sixth period lunch."

Tanaka giggled at Imai's declaration.

"Yes, we do. Wait your turn."

"Right. Sorry. You were saying?"

Watakuma grinned, sitting back down with her legs out.

"Not much else. We're both in the computer course."

Kinuhana laughed pleasantly.

"Leave something for me to share."

"I'm done. You can go."

Kinuhana sighed, reaching up to toy with her mint tresses.

"I'm Kinuhana Cho in room 708. Aya has pretty much covered all of the basics."

"You could mention your club."

Kinuhana smiled at her friend's suggestion.

"I've always wanted to be a reporter so I'm thinking about joining the newspaper club."

Yukari cackled with amusement.

"We're not exactly that kind of club."

"She's been warned."

Kinuhana frowned at Kurumu as Tanaka cleared her throat in a rather cute manner.

"I'm Tanaka Kokono in room 710. I'm in Ms. Komeshita's homeroom with Rin. We are both from the Saitama prefecture but she convinced me to come to Yokai Academy."

Imai grinned broadly, placing a hand on Yukari's shoulder.

"I'm her cousin."

"Second cousin. Her mother is my dad's cousin."

Imai chuckled at Yukari's swift correction.

"I'm Imai Rin. I'm in room 712 and will join the newspaper club to be with my genius cousin."

"You will do no such thing."

Imai pouted at Yukari's refusal.

"But neither of us have any ideas of which clubs we should join."

Kurumu grinned, touching the swell of her ample bosom.

"You could always give my broadcasting club a shot. We need members."

"We can look into that."

"I should introduce my cousin. This is Sendou Yukari, granddaughter of Lord Sendou."

"Is she a student here?"

Yukari huffed at Poni's query.

"I am a second year and top ranked."

"She might only be twelve but she's a genius!"

The other girls let out a sound of awe in response to Imai's declaration. The silence persisted for several seconds before Shibutani laughed.

"Well I'm Shibutani Shion in room 714. I'm in Ms. Shiryou's class with my best friend, Harumi. We both went to the junior high in Chirasu."

"Does that mean you know Sakamori Hinoko?"

Shibutani grinned broadly at Kurumu, nodding emphatically.

"Yes. She was a silly redhead whom graduated a year ahead of us. Is she at Yokai Academy?"

The raven haired girl snorted.

"I doubt she would know her if she didn't. Has Sakamori got herself knocked up yet?"

Kurumu flinched at the question directed at her.

"Why would you think that?"

"Because she was a goofball and her mother can't protect her here. Sakamori probably partied a lot and any guy can take advantage of a passed out drunk."

Kurumu grimaced, understanding the logic.

"Well that didn't happen but she did have to leave the school."

"Her mother has her in Agano right now. They are sobering her up in the prison."

Both girls turned wide eyes upon Yukari.

"She's in prison!?"

"Can her kind be sobered up?"

"That quack of a doctor watching over her thinks so. Apparently he is also a shojo."

"But why is she in prison?"

"It's to keep her safe, Ms. Shibutani. The hospital in Agano can't give the same level of security."

Shibutani nodded at Yukari's explanation.

"That's horrible."

"Yea, but maybe if she sobers up, things will get better for her."

Kurumu smiled at the raven haired girl.

"Hinoko definitely felt like a different person when we visited her over the break."

"Prison changes people."

Kurumu laughed softly at Kusamoto's sentiment. She gestured at the raven haired girl.

"It's your turn."

"Yea. I'm Nakashima Harumi in 716. Shion already mentioned most of what I could say. We both have the choir elective and she really wants to join choir. I'm still undecided."

"You are joining the choir. Your voice is better than mine."

Nakashima smirked at her friend.

"Which one?"

Shibutani blushed at the reference to her true form. As she was Akushita's cousin, there was a good chance that she was a futakuchi with a second mouth hidden beneath her hair.

"Just join with me. It'll be fun."

Imai chuckled, gesturing at Kurumu.

"I don't see a notebook with Ms. Hajinai. You'll have to do her introduction, Ms. Kurono."

Kurumu grinned, reaching over to take Koyomi's hand.

"This is Hajinai Koyomi in room 718. She is in Mr. Hirojima's homeroom. She's also mute but accidentally listed choir instead of band in her options for electives. She should fix that soon."

'But I want to be with you.'

Kurumu stuck her tongue out at Koyomi.

"She's from a tiny village in the Shimane prefecture so she isn't used to men, electricity or indoor plumbing. Please be patient with her."

"Does anyone need to Ms. Kurono to introduce herself?"

Kurumu laughed at Poni's question.

"Some probably do. I'm Kurono Kurumu, second year class one. I'm a succubus just like Koyomi."

Several girls gasped in understanding.

"So that's why they are so sexy."

"No kidding. I felt like a failure as a woman compared to them."

Takahashi snorted at the brunette.

"Don't go there. Looks can be deceiving."

"I don't know. Ms. Kurono seems like a nice person."

"I didn't mean it that way. Look at Ms. Hidzume. She's definitely sexier now than she was this morning."

Hidzume blushed as Poni giggled.

"And that is the nature of fashion, girls. A little makeup and the right outfit can make any girl irresistible."

Imai giggled, gesturing at the tallest girl in the lobby.

"And you are last, Ms. Kusamoto."

Kusamoto smiled nervously as she absently caressed her ample bosom.

"Okay. I'm Kusamoto Tsubasa in room 720. I'm in the same homeroom as Ms. Imai and Ms. Tanaka. I'm from a mixed community in the Nagano prefecture but had some issues with Fairy Tale that landed me in a prison cell for almost a whole year."

Nearly every girl gasped at the revelation. Kurumu knew this would be a good bonding experience as a flurry of questions were directed at the flustered Kusamoto.