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.

1. Spring Break Adventure

Kurono Kurumu covered her yawn as the succubus sat up on her bed. Her legs remained beneath the warm confines of her dark blue blanket with the pink string hem. Lowering her hand, she blinked slowly as her bleary eyes adjusted to the darkness of her room.

Taking in a deep breath, she stretched her arms overhead. The straps of her powder blue chemise went lax as the silken fabric clung to the curves of her ample bosom. She could smell the scent of sex from her bedding despite having washed it Thursday night when she had done her laundry. Stifling another yawn, she mused over getting new bedding if she had money left over from her trip.

Dragging her sheet aside, Kurumu swung her legs over the side of her bed. Her feet touched gingerly upon the cool floor before she scooted off. Turning about, she quickly made her bed.

No longer needing the magic portal between this suite and her former one, Kurumu had moved her old three drawer dresser with the mirror to stand against the wall between her bed and desk. She pranced over to the dresser which was as old as her bed frame, tugging open the top drawer.

Ignoring the boring panties and socks, Kurumu fished out her new one piece swimsuit. She set it beside the jewelry box placed in front of the mirror. That Christmas gift contained several precious mementos but her friends had discouraged her from bringing too much with her to Aranami, an underwater village. Knowing the swimsuit would be all she needed for the trip, she closed the drawer.

Grabbing the lower hem of her chemise which barely covered her rump, she tugged the silken fabric up over her head. Standing nude, she pitched the garment into her baby blue hamper resting against the wall beside the dresser.

Kurumu snatched up her swimsuit, backing away from the dresser. She stepped into the garment, pulling the thick and stretchy, dark blue fabric up her smooth legs. She wiggled her derriere, yanking the black hem up over the curves of her torso. Slipping her arms and head through the correct holes, she made a few final adjustments about her bosom before heading for her closet over by the refrigerator.

On the way, she glanced at the kitchen counter. Several yunomi were spread out, most decorated with the flag of a prefecture she had visited. She currently had fifteen, having received one for the Nagano prefecture just yesterday. That had been a pleasant surprise.

Kurumu tugged open the closet's door, promptly turning on the light. Paying no attention to her entire wardrobe selection, she took down one of her white school blouses. Freeing it from its hanger which she put back on the rod, Kurumu whipped the shirt behind her and slipped her arms into the long sleeves.

As she started to button up the shirt from the bottom, Kurumu mulled over whether she should bring the school's green jacket or the beige vest. If she brought the vest, she would have to bring her purse. Doubting she could carry everything in the pockets of her jacket, she decided her purse was better.

Fastening the last button, Kurumu leaned down to snatch up a folded beige vest from the pile of clothes placed upon the bench beneath the rod. Kurumu kept most of her nice lingerie here though she was not bringing any of that along.

Quickly donning the sweater vest, Kurumu seized one of the pleated, tartan skirts. She shook the fabric out before stepping into it. Straightening up, Kurumu brought the hem over the lower ends of the school blouse. Once the school skirt was secured about her hips, she turned the light off and exited the closet, shutting the door behind her.

Letting out a sigh, Kurumu approached the old desk placed in another corner of the room. On top of the desk was a varnished black wood butsudan. To one side of the closed shrine was a black urn with a white lily design which contained the ashes of Kurumu's mother. Beside that was a framed photograph of her mother which had been taken at the Tottori sand dunes back in the summer of 98.

"Well this is it. Wish me luck."

Kurumu stopped at the desk, picking up her black flip phone which rested beneath a white desk lamp. She freed the phone from its charger, checking the time. She still had a few minutes before the alarm at six. Holding down the power button, she turned the device off. While she was taking this along, she had no plans to use it until the last day of her trip.

Breathing in deep, Kurumu turned about and headed towards the small entryway preceding her suite's exterior door which was in the last corner of the room. A half wall separated this space from the stove with the kitchen counter running along the exterior wall between the stove and refrigerator. Her suite had no windows but there was a light switch by the exterior door.

Not seeing a reason to turn that on, Kurumu hunkered down in the entry where she had left her shoes and schoolbag. She opened up her schoolbag, fishing her lavender purse out. Unzipping the purse, Kurumu confirmed that the hundred thousand yen she had been given for this trip was still there. Smiling softly, she dropped her phone inside the purse before closing it up.

Grabbing her school loafers, Kurumu lifted back up on her bare feet. She paused as she hung her purse by its strap upon her shoulder, contemplating if she should grab a pair of socks. Guessing that would not be too much of a hassle, Kurumu padded back over to her dresser to fetch a pair from the top drawer.

With socks and shoes in hand, Kurumu returned to the base of her bed. Freeing up a hand, she felt along the wall for a hidden device. Upon touching it, the air about her hummed with energy as the wall before her started to pull apart. On the other side was a dark, small and empty compartment. This vacant closet belonged to the young witch whom had created the device.

Kurumu stepped through the arcane opening, shivering as the energy tickled her senses. She ducked under the rod, turning about to feel for the device on this side of the wall. She quickly found it, closing the gap between the apartments. In complete darkness, she felt about for the door knob.

"… someone is awake."

The familiar voice greeted her when her stumbling efforts succeeded. She twisted the knob, pushing the door out into the room beyond.

The lights were on, revealing this suite was quite familiar to hers. To her right was the refrigerator with a span of counter before the kitchen sink. The dishwasher was beneath the counter between the sink and the stove. On the other side of the half wall flanking the stove was a small entryway.

Sendou Yukari stood on a stool in front of the stove. The young, dark haired witch was tending a skillet. As she was not leaving campus today, Yukari was garbed in a white shirt with a graphic of a yellow circle marked up with white lines. White stockings stretched up her legs, disappearing beneath the hem of a ruffled yellow skirt. Despite having turned twelve only a few weeks ago, this young girl was the number one student of Kurumu's grade level at Yokai Academy.

"Morning Yukari."

Yukari grunted an acknowledgment as Kurumu shut the closet door.

"Morning, Ms. Kurono."

Kurumu smirked, turning her attention upon the young woman whom had first announced her arrival. Kneeling at a low table in the center of the room was Uchiyama Hokori. The graduated senior from the track team had short black hair which was naturally feathered. The tengu was sporting a long white shirt which she had pulled over her knees.

"Morning. Are you wearing anything beneath that?"

Uchiyama snickered as Kurumu sauntered over to the table.

"Do I need to be?"

Kurumu shrugged as the sound of a toilet flushing caught her attention. She glanced at a door in the corner of the room as she knelt at the table. Before she set her shoes and socks aside, the door swung open as a young, dark haired woman strolled out.

Toujou Rubi smiled as she fussed with a white ribbon holding up a swath of hair on the left side of her head. Another swath on the right side was already secured as the older witch approached them. The black fabric of a pencil skirt hugged her hips, stretching down to her calves. The short sleeves of her silk, pink blouse were crimped.

"Morning, Ms. Kurono."

Kurumu frowned at the greeting as Rubi settled down at the table beside Uchiyama. This silly woman gave her that jewelry box.

"It's just Kurumu, Rubi. You don't have to be so formal."

Rubi laughed softly, nodding.

"Sorry. But I am faculty so I don't want to set a bad example."

Kurumu sighed, adjusting the strap of her purse. She glanced about the room, noting it was the same as it always was. Rubi's bed was up against the wall with the bottom just out of the swing of the bathroom door. The low bed had a simple, white wood frame and black sheets drawn over the mattress.

On the other side of the bed was an ornate, white dresser. The sculpted wood matched the style of the posts of Yukari's bed which was in the other corner. A cerulean comforter was drawn over this bed and carnation pink pillows were arranged in a specific pattern.

The last piece of furniture in this room was a black cherry desk nestled between the doors for the bathroom and the closet that Kurumu had come out of. Upon this desk were the portraits of Yukari's parents and grandparents. An arched mirror and a black crate which contained numerous cosmetics were also left out on it. Both items were Christmas gifts from Yukari's mother.

"Ready for your honeymoon?"

Kurumu mirrored Uchiyama's smirk.

"We're not married yet."

"Assuming they ever do."

Kurumu pouted at Yukari's remark, glancing over her shoulder. The young witch continued to mind the stove, acting as if she had not spoken up. Kurumu sighed, returning her attention to Uchiyama.

"I am a little nervous. Kind of wish they had kept the original bus time."

"That's not even an hour difference."

It had been announced two days ago that the bus to the Aranami and Tsushimi villages would go before the bus for the other Sado communities. Her boyfriend, Amesuki Nijiro, felt having his bus right after the Umiman bus made more sense. The other Sado communities had no reason to use the jump station in Tsushimi village.

"I wish they had kept their old afternoon bus times. With us leaving at eight forty five, I can't really help Tsukune move into his new suite."

"Not that your boyfriend would approve of such activity."

Kurumu clucked her tongue at Yukari's remark. Nijiro had made no secret about his discomfort with her still being around Aono Tsukune, the young man she had fallen in love with at the onset of her tenure at Yokai Academy. The relationship had been brief with Tsukune breaking up with her to pursue Akashiya Moka, a vampire whom was close friends to them both.

Though their breakup had happened months ago, Tsukune had not officially become Moka's boyfriend until very recently. Tsukune had challenged Moka to a fight and won. While such a challenge was not necessary, it was similar to other vampire customs.

"He would have no complaints if Mizore was with us."

"Assuming she is even awake."

Kurumu huffed at the rebuttal. Shirayuki Mizore was another close friend whom lived with her fiancé, Umizake Aoi, in this building. The snow girl had been struggling to get out of bed for weeks.

"Give her a break. She is almost twenty weeks pregnant."

"She looks a lot further along than that."

Unbeknownst to Uchiyama, the baby in Mizore's womb was not Umizake's. That baby was actually the result of a fling between Kurumu and Tsukune due to the influence of Lilith's Mirror. Mizore had almost lost this baby after being raped in Yukimura. To prevent this tragedy, Yukari had taken Hatsue, the soul embedded within Moka's rosary, and put it inside the baby. As Tsukune had initially been more attached to Hatsue than Moka, he had not been too happy about their decision. Thankfully he had come to terms with this being Hatsue's choice and earnestly pursued Moka.

"You should spend your summer break with me."

Kurumu let out a laugh as Yukari strolled into view with two plates. Upon each plate were chopsticks, a cup of soup and a hearty portion of omelet. The witch held one plate out to Uchiyama whom murmured her thanks as she took it. Kurumu smiled when Yukari presented her the other plate.

"Too late to back out now."

"You're being stubborn."

Kurumu took the plate which prompted Yukari to stalk off.

"It will be fine."

"You drown, Kurumu."

Kurumu winced at Yukari's gruff response. She rested the plate on the table, noting Uchiyama's confused look. She managed a smile, picking up her chopsticks.

"It's not every scenario."

"It's most scenarios."

"What are you two talking about?"

Yukari returned with two more plates, presenting one to Rubi. The older witch murmured her thanks, immediately taking the offering. Yukari knelt beside Kurumu with her own meal in hand.

"Moka's sister can see probable futures. She warned Kurumu about going on this trip."

"As long as I am never alone, things will be fine."

"No. She said your survival rate was higher. She doesn't want you going."

Kurumu grimaced, picking at her food. Shuzen Kokoa was Moka's younger sister. At the start of the year, Kokoa had acquired the power to see probable futures by drinking her mother's last drop. The sisters had left yesterday on a bus to the fencing tournament in Arukasa. Their older sister, Kahlua, or Kahlua's succubus friend, Ms. Fukuda, would take the sisters to Iromori after the tournament concluded.

"But they already paid for the hotel."

"It's not about the money, Kurumu."

Kurumu groaned, lifting up a chunk of omelet.

"But you said it yourself that there won't be anything to do at your parent's house."

"You could look at my mother's yearbooks."

Kurumu snorted a laugh as she stuffed her mouth. She chewed the morsel down but was unable to fully appreciate the flavor.

"That's not even a day's worth of activity."

"Then bring your phone."

"Your place had no signal. Your grandfather had to cast a spell for my phone to make normal calls."

Yukari nodded thoughtfully as the witch chewed.

"You could call Tora with that spell I put on your phone."

Nazohashi Tora was a sphinx whom had been a member of the newspaper club and had been involved in several of their misadventures over the school year. Several years ago, Tora had accidentally devoured her father's soul, leaving him an empty husk. Her mother had been keeping him somewhat alive since then but Tora had recently given her mother permission to let her father go. A good portion of Tora's spring break would be taken up with a funeral.

"I don't know if I should. And the rest of your spells connect to friends whom will be inside barriers most of the break."

Yukari nodded, sounding her agreement as she chewed. The spells would only connect to Rubi, Tsukune, Moka, Kokoa and Mizore. Two would still be here, two would be in Iromori and Mizore would be back in Yukimura. Technically Fukai Ishiko, Kokoa's gnome friend, was also part of their network but Kurumu had no idea what she would even talk about with that girl.

A stretch of silence followed in which Kurumu took her time to appreciate her breakfast. Yukari had a methodical way of preparing an omelet. It was always the same but always exquisite. It was a pity that the mood was souring the taste.

"Well I only have a dental appointment on Tuesday. If things get too boring, I might come back early."

Uchiyama chuckled at Yukari's declaration. The older girl set aside her chopsticks on her empty plate before picking up her soup.

"Your parents might have something planned."

"They might. My dad has this next week off from work."

Kurumu smirked, recalling that Yukari's father was a high school teacher.

"Are they coming with us to Disneyland?"

"Absolutely not!"

Kurumu giggled at Yukari's harsh reply. Yukari's father was quite outspoken with his grievances over Moka being friends with his precious daughter. Yukari often aggravated the situation by expressing her love for Moka and boasting about Moka taking her blood.

"I wouldn't mind if they came along."

Yukari scowled at Rubi's input. The young girl wagged her chopsticks at Rubi as the older witch set aside her emptied soup cup.

"I want quality time with my beloved Moka. And don't forget that my mother is pregnant. It would be a complete waste of her time and Father's money."

Kurumu smiled, finishing off the last morsel on her plate. Yukari's mother had announced her pregnancy around Christmas and had confirmed it would be a boy back on Yukari's birthday. She was not expecting to give birth until summer break which would be around the same time as Mizore's wedding.

"I'm sure if you came back early, Rubi would appreciate that."

Rubi laughed nervously, making a dismissive wave.

"There's no need for that. I'll be fine here on my own."

Yukari snorted, picking up her soup.

"She will probably use all of her free time pestering Tsukune."

Rubi pouted, stacking her empty dishes with Uchiyama's.

"That's not true."

Kurumu giggled, adding her empty plate to the pile. She lifted up her cup of soup.

"I don't know if she'd use all her time like that, but I could see her checking in on him each day."

"There is nothing wrong if I do that."

"You are not stealing Tsukune away from my Moka."

"Wouldn't that work out for you if she did?"

Yukari set her empty soup cup aside, huffing at Uchiyama's amused remark.

"My priority is my Moka's happiness. As long as she wants Tsukune, I will support her relationship."

Kurumu smiled softly, realizing she was the only one unfinished at the table. She swallowed down a hearty gulp, swirling the soup about in her cup.

"I wish that I could help you guys move him into his new room."

"What room did Mr. Aono get assigned to?"

"He got put in West dorm, room 111."

Kurumu nodded at Yukari's answer, swallowing down another mouthful.

"Two guys from Aserutani were living there. Fukusei from band and Nishida from the judo team. Nishida already moved into Tashikana's old suite 715 days ago but Fukusei was not his roommate. Fukusei was going to live alone in suite 711 but the guy living there isn't leaving campus until today."

"I wasn't that interested in the details."

Kurumu blushed, supposing that would not matter much to Uchiyama.

"Sorry. It's just Tashikana was my senior so I ended up knowing more about this than I needed to."

"Sure. So which jackass kept his room to the last day?"

Kurumu smirked at Uchiyama, thinking about the gruff tennis player whom lived in 711.

"Hiroshige."

"Figures. Sucks for that Aserutani guy."

Kurumu nodded, setting aside her empty soup cup.

"Yea. I hope that he didn't have too much stuff."

"I'm just glad you girls took me in so I didn't have to spend these past couple days with my brother."

Kurumu chuckled at the graduated girl's comment. This younger brother was Makoto from the film club. The young man currently lived on the top floor of Chikara, the first year boys' dormitory. As the siblings were from Hongu, a community in the Okayama prefecture, they would leave campus with the rest of the out of prefecture students tomorrow.

"Yea. I'm sure the Anagume sisters were glad to move in before they left campus last night."

The Anagume sisters were also from the Aserutani community. The more outspoken older girl, Arukune, was the cheerleader captain. Kosame was terribly shy around most people and would be in second year class one which was Kurumu's homeroom. Yukari, Mizore and Umizake were also in this homeroom.

"I only did it because Kurumu insisted."

Yukari was about to pick up the stack of dishes when Uchiyama stopped her.

"Let me do the dishes. It's the least I can do."

Yukari frowned, withdrawing her hands.

"Are you sure?"

Uchiyama nodded, hefting up the dishes in her arms as she stood up. The bottom hem of her large shirt nearly touched her knees as she walked off.

"You guys have a busy morning ahead."

As Rubi and Yukari got up and left the table, Kurumu grabbed her socks that she had placed by her side. Shifting onto her butt, Kurumu swung her legs out to make it easier to put her socks on.

"I never asked which room your brother got assigned to."

"He'll be with Tatakai in West dorm, room 319. The guy living there isn't leaving until tomorrow."

Tatakai was one of the four guys that had come from Hongu. He would have been completely forgettable if he had not shaved his head bald.

Having finished with her socks, Kurumu stood up. She grabbed her loafers before drifting towards the entryway where Rubi and Yukari were putting on their shoes. Both witches had already picked up their purses. Rubi's was a black leather weave while Yukari's was a yellow tote.

"319? That's Kaiketsu, right?"

Uchiyama sounded an affirmative as she rinsed the dishes in the sink. Kaiketsu Inochi was the president of the music club. The lead guitarist hailed from Nenshouchi, a tiny village in the Fukushima prefecture. Due to abusing the PA system, Kaiketsu had spent most of the last month suspended from campus.

"The seniors living in his future suite haven't left campus yet. Don't know more than that."

Kurumu nodded, stepping into her shoes as the two witches drifted to the door. Yukari fixed the strap of her tote on her shoulder before turning the deadbolt back.

"We won't be back before lunch. Do you want us to leave you key?"

Uchiyama made a dismissive gesture with a wet hand as Yukari opened the door.

"Naw. I can get by on the snacks I brought with me."

Yukari nodded as Kurumu walked out of the suite on Rubi's heels.

"Okay. We'll try to be back before five to make dinner."

Kurumu breathed in deep, enjoying the briskness of the morning air. This landing was connected to a black iron stair which was mounted to the side of this two story building. An identical stair went up to the landing by the back corner of this building for a vacant suite facing the forest.

Not far from them was the side of another apartment building with stairs and landings for the upper corner suites. Uchiyama had lived in that upper back corner unit of that building.

Hearing the door being locked, Kurumu glanced to her right as she absently grabbed the railing about the landing. A squat, single story building stood in the center of the four apartment buildings. That was the commissary where they could pick up groceries, collect mail and do their laundry.

"We're stopping by Shirayuki's place first. Umizake mentioned helping Tsukune move."

Kurumu nodded, following the witches down the stairs. She absently adjusted the strap of her purse, wondering if it was still before six thirty. That breakfast had not felt like it had taken long.

They reached the bottom of the stairs. Turning about, they walked alongside the building to the front corner. This lower corner suite 313 now belonged to the vampire sisters. For months Kurumu had lived with those two under the basis that she was Kokoa's servant, an arrangement Kurumu had made long ago to save Tsukune's life from the vampire blood controlling him.

Walking along the front of this windowless building, Kurumu noted the stair coming down from the landing for her suite. There was a gap between the end of her stair and the back corner of the commissary. Unfortunately the commissary only had a front entrance, making her laundry trips longer.

Beneath her landing was the door to suite 314. That had belonged to Herikuda Yoko, the most popular girl in the school. Kurumu had no idea whom would be living in there next year.

The last door on this building front was for suite 315. That was Mizore's new home. As far as Kurumu knew, the Hitozen twins were still living in the double above Mizore. For that matter, she believed all of the former residents of this building were staying in their suites. Yukari had confirmed that the Hitsuji sisters would remain in 321 and the nekomusume cousins had personally told Kurumu that they would still be in 319. Only Shitchi in 320 was unconfirmed.

Kurumu came to a stop beside Rubi as Yukari knocked on the door. Her heart fluttered at a thought.

"Please don't mention Kokoa's visions to Mizore."

Lowering her hand, Yukari favored her a look.

"If my protests against you going don't phase you, I doubt hers would."

"That's not the point. I don't want her to worry."

Yukari sighed dramatically, turning her attention back to the door.

"I guess we can keep this a secret between us."

"Does this mean you don't want Tsukune to know?"

Kurumu nodded at Rubi's inquiry as Yukari knocked a second time. She recalled the warnings that Kokoa had given her on the night she had done their laundry.

"Kokoa would have lied to me if she felt the trip was too risky. I just need to avoid being alone and to go back to Umiman if anything does happen."

"I still think this is foolish."

Kurumu smiled thinly as Yukari knocked on the door a third time. A heartbeat later, she heard the door being unlocked. The door pushed out, revealing a tall, young man.

Umizake Aoi was wearing a pastel blue shirt with black cotton shorts. His inky black locks were a tangled mess and would likely remain so as Kurumu had never seen his hair in any other way. Holding the knob in one hand, the young man covered his yawn with the other. Drowsy steel blue eyes regarded them.

"It's not even seven."

"I'm aware. Get dressed and come with us. Kurumu will stay here with Shirayuki until she has to go."

Umizake let go of the door, glancing over his shoulder at the darkness of the room.

"She's still asleep."

"Unsurprising. May we come in?"

Umizake nodded, gesturing for them to follow as he disappeared into the room. Yukari was first to acquiesce with the lights turning on shortly after. Kurumu followed the witch inside.

"Are you going to help Tsukune move into his new apartment?"

"I suppose. We were going to meet up with him in the dining hall for breakfast around eight."

Kurumu gestured for Rubi to enter but the witch shook her head.

"I'll stay out here."

Shrugging, Kurumu slipped out of her loafers while taking a cursory glance about the room. The only furniture this couple had was Umizake's desk placed in a corner. A CD tower stacked with CDs rested on the floor beside the desk. Everything else these two owned was stowed away in their closets.

"You do plan to get some furniture after the break, right?"

Umizake chuckled as he drifted over to the bedding in the center of the room. A dark sheet was drawn over a slumbering figure. The tall youth bent down to pick up the incense bowls placed about the bedding. That incense helped Mizore regulate her temperature during her sleep.

"Of course. We also need things for our kitchen."

Noting that Yukari was content to linger by the empty kitchen counter, Kurumu sashayed over to the bedding. She knelt by what she presumed to be Mizore's head, grabbing the hem of the blanket.

"Is she naked?"

"No. She's wearing her nightgown."

Kurumu nodded, pulling the sheet back to expose Mizore's head which rested upon a pillow. The snow girl made a cute pout, shifting beneath the blanket. Her thick purple hair framed a pale white face. With a grin, Kurumu tugged the sheet further down, baring the girl's shoulder and side.

Mizore groaned, rolling onto her back. The black nightgown drawn over the snow girl's torso was made from a fluffy fabric. Despite there only being a sash about the waist to keep the gown from parting down the center, Mizore's breasts remained hidden in the dark fabric. Kurumu scooted lower, dragging the sheet further down the snow girl's torso.

Before she could expose Mizore's swollen, ivory abdomen, the snow girl seized Kurumu by the wrist. Her icy grip was surprisingly strong. Kurumu giggled, letting go of the sheet as she glanced back at Mizore's face. The snow girl's eyelids fluttered, betraying a weary sapphire iris.

"Don't have panties."

Kurumu smirked, surmising that Mizore had not bothered securing the sash. She placed her free hand on the one holding her wrist. The gesture caused the snow girl to loosen her grip.

"Ready to get up for the day?"

Mizore groaned softly, moving her other hand up to fuss with her hair.

"Kiss?"

"From Umizake?"

"Yours."

Kurumu giggled, freeing her hands as she scooted back up. She reached out, caressing Mizore's icy cheeks. The snow girl turned her head slightly, placing gentle kisses on Kurumu's fingers.

"You know I can't. You probably have too much opiate in your system as is."

Hatsue would be born a succubus. And succubi naturally produced an opiate which made it easy to keep a mate. Unfortunately this drug could be detrimental to the health of mates and birth mothers.

"You have been keeping her hydrated?"

"I believe so."

Kurumu glanced up, noting that his answer to Yukari had come from his closet. The gentle touch of lips against her fingers brought her attention back to Mizore. Her heart wavered with emotions, enjoying the affection but wishing Nijiro would behave more like this.

"Come on, Mizore. I'll help you get dressed."

Mizore whined when Kurumu moved her hands to the snow girl's shoulders. Mizore meekly resisted Kurumu's efforts to sit her up, only delaying the inevitable by a few seconds. Pouting, the snow girl cocked her head from her seated position.

"At least kiss me once."

Kurumu giggled, wrapping her arms about the snow girl.

"I can't because I love you too much."

Mizore whimpered, resting her head against Kurumu's shoulder as she returned the embrace. She allowed herself to be lifted up onto her feet as Kurumu stood up. As she was only a little taller than Kurumu, she could slouch without causing Kurumu too much distress.

"Do you need help?"

"I think I got her."

Before she could move, the snow girl started kissing her neck. Kurumu shivered from the affection as her body yearned for more. She hugged Mizore tighter against her, reconsidering Umizake's offer.

"On second thought, I do."

---

"Kurumu!"

Nijiro's sister, Manami, waved excitedly at Kurumu's arrival at the clearing for the bus stop. Her wavy, faint blond locks brushed her shoulders. The green school jacket was worn over her torso with a red bow tied at the collar of the white dress shirt underneath. Like every other girl in the clearing, the undine had on the pleated, tartan skirt.

Standing beside Manami was Watakoma Tarumi. The slightly shorter undine had shoulder length indigo tresses with her bangs braided. The two childhood friends had joined the gymnastics team.

Hovering by the girls were Nijiro and the trio of undine guys whom had joined his math club before he had become the student council vice president. Due to Kurumu's encouragement, Nijiro had trimmed his blond hair into a masculine crew cut. Her boyfriend regarded her approach with a sexual appreciation that was flavored by experience. It sated her core better than the fantasies of the virgins around him.

The one with the scarlet faux hawk was Akenuma Tsuneo. His uncle owned the hotel in Aranami that Kurumu would be staying at. Takanuma Shigure was the guy with the short, dark hair with a greenish hue. The last of these guys from Kurumu's grade level was Yamashita Fukasa. He had wavy, pea green locks and had been a class representative.

"Hurry up! The bus will be here any minute!"

Kurumu smirked, gripping the strap of her purse before jogging across the remaining distance. Her breasts jiggled with every stride, pleasing Nijiro and the boys with him. Her advance even caught the attention of the other boys waiting for the bus.

Yokokara Ryuga stood with three familiar kappa guys. The young kappa, whom had been Kokoa's class representative before the vampire took the position for herself, had stringy black hair. Like every other guy present, the band club member was wearing his green school jacket with a red tie and tan slacks.

The taller two of his companions were cousins. Machida Ebisu was the tallest and had run for student council president. After conceding his loss, he had taken the role of president of the chess club. He was a class representative and a top twenty student. His cousin, Tomio, was a member of the arcade club. Both had short, dark locks but Ebisu kept his in a rigid crew cut.

The last of their group was Tekikawa whom was the new president of the arcade club. He had been in Morioka Ginei's first homeroom. His black hair was styled in an unattractive bowl cut.

The rest of the students gathered in this clearing were girls, split up into two groups of four. The bigger, curvier girls were kappas from the diving club. Two were seniors from Kurumu's gym period. The other two had been in first year class eight. She mildly wondered if they were related, considering the younger girls looked similar to the older ones.

The tallest girl in the other group was Usabara. She had shoulder length, seaweed green tresses and had shared homeroom with Yokokara. The girl beside Usabara had been a third year in the Sadou club. She had long black hair that nearly reached her ankles. Standing apart from the group was Uta Kuriko whom was a year ahead of Kurumu. She had shoulder length, silvery hair and was on the volleyball team.

The last girl was Yukawa Asahi, former president of the poetry club. Yukawa was one of the few girls on campus shorter than Kurumu. Her teal hair almost reached the small of her back despite having a swath of it braided off to the side. Yukawa had been the object of affection of Kyuushutsu, an incubus. After Yukawa had rejected his advances, Kyuushutsu had decided to start up a utopia filled with naked girls to worship him as a deity. That was the first time Nijiro had seen Kurumu naked.

"You are traveling light."

Kurumu grinned at Nijiro's observation when she finally joined his group. Fixing the strap of her purse on her shoulder, she glanced about. Other than the students, there was not much else to see. A scarecrow was mounted to the bus stop sign and a solitary tree stood on the side of a cliff with a view of the ocean beyond. She noticed that only the kappas had more than their schoolbags.

"Looks like most people here are."

Akenuma chuckled with a nod. He presented his schoolbag.

"Yea. We'll just leave this stuff in Umiman since we can't take it to Aranami."

"Did you all get to move into your new dorm rooms?"

"You know we did."

Kurumu smirked at Manami, well aware of that. Manami and Tarumi were living together in East dorm, room 407 which had belonged to Tashiro of the track team. Tashiro had been assigned to Sakibarai's suite 214 which the choir senior had vacated on Monday night. Kurumu had seen both Sakibarai and Chouda off at the bus stop that night.

"I was asking them."

Akenuma snickered, thumbing his chest.

"Shigure and I are good to go but Fukasa never did."

"Nothing I could do. The guys in my future room couldn't check into their new suite because the seniors living in it aren't leaving campus until after they do."

Kurumu nodded, suspecting that almost a quarter of the graduates had stayed until the end. She looked at Nijiro, favoring him a wry grin.

"Did you enjoy having your room to yourself last night?"

Nijiro mirrored her smirk.

"Mildly surprised that you didn't stop by."

Nijiro was in suite 809 which he shared with Shiname Nureto of the tennis team. Shiname came from Ikinakawa so his bus had left campus yesterday around dinner time. As Nijiro had turned down her offer to help him move, she had yet to visit his place.

"I've decided that anything we do shall be in my room out of respect for Shiname."

Nijiro snickered as the sound of an engine greeted them. Kurumu glanced to her right, witnessing the bus as it careened out of a tunnel carved into the nearby hillside. This road that flanked the bus stop continued on, wrapping around the town of Mononoke and passing by the school before ending in the parking lot of the Kurai dining hall. Other than this road, the only other path out of this clearing was the one she had taken from the dining hall.

"You should sit on the driver's side of the bus."

Kurumu grinned at Tarumi's suggestion.

"Better view?"

"Totally. You'll only see trees and houses on the other side."

"Whom do you want to sit with?"

Kurumu smiled as Manami gestured towards the bus which was parking alongside the curb. The group of kappa boys were already heading for the back of the vehicle with their luggage in hand.

"I don't know. It looks like we have an even numbered group so somebody is going to end up alone."

"Sounds like you're doomed, Yamashita."

Nijiro chuckled at Tarumi's forecast.

"I wouldn't say that. Kurumu would have more fun sitting with another girl."

Kurumu bit her lip as Yukawa's group strolled by them.

"Maybe true. I certainly would like to chat with Yukawa."

The door swung open and a wiry man with a dark moustache bounded out. That was the infamous bus driver, Mr. Nurari. He was garbed in a bus driver uniform with a black cap nestled in his dark locks. With his hands swathed in white gloves, the enigmatic fellow pulled out a cigar. After placing it in his thin lips, he produced a lighter from a pocket and brought the flame up to the tip.

"I guess if you want to talk with her you can."

Kurumu laughed at the disappointment in Manami's voice.

"You two can sit near us, I'm sure."

"Better make your request before they get to the bus."

Heading Nijiro's advice, Kurumu hurried to intercept the girls.

"Come on. If she says no, I'll just sit by myself across from you two."

She had only finished her sentence when she caught up with the older girls several paces before the open door to the bus. Mr. Nurari had already moved to open up the back of the bus where the kappa boys were taking the luggage from the kappa girls. Uta noted her arrival, offering a smile.

"Morning, Ms. Kurono."

"Morning, Uta. Hey Yukawa! Can I sit with you?"

Yukawa paused at the open door, glancing over her shoulder. Her eyes were the color of seafoam. She smiled thinly, gesturing at the other graduate.

"I was going to sit with Miyoko."

The long haired senior shook her head, gesturing at Usabara.

"You can sit with Ms. Kurono. I'm sure that Wakumi doesn't want to sit alone."

Kurumu frowned at the revelation as Usabara murmured her thanks.

"She wasn't going to be with Uta."

"It's not a full bus, Ms. Kurono. I was going to sit by myself."

"Is that fine with you?"

Yukawa bit her lip from the other graduate's prompting.

"I guess."

"Make sure she sits on the driver's side."

Kurumu giggled at Tarumi's insistence.

"Yes. She says it has a better view."

Yukawa nodded as Usabara and the other girl boarded the bus ahead of her.

"It's not that long of a drive though. You'll miss the scenery if you spend the whole time chatting."

Kurumu smirked at Uta's warning as the volleyball girl boarded the bus.

"Is that other girl your roommate?"

Yukawa laughed nervously, nodding as she ascended the bus steps slowly.

"Yea. I've known Miyoko forever."

Kurumu grinned, following Yukawa up the stairs. Upon reaching the top step with the driver's seat, she turned left and headed down the center aisle on the heels of the tiny graduate.

"So how did things work out between you and Kyuushutsu?"

"She spent the night with him."

Yukawa gasped, shaking her head vehemently at her friend's accusation.

"It wasn't like that! We just talked so much that we lost track of the time!"

Kurumu snickered as they neared the end of the bus where the kappa boys had already claimed their seats. It seemed they had finished loading up the luggage since the driver was closing the back doors.

"Are the two of you dating?"

"No! My father would never allow that!"

"Funny thing for a half breed to say."

Yukawa sighed at Uta's amused remark. The short girl stopped between two vacant seats, gesturing for Kurumu to take the window. Kurumu smiled, acquiescing to the older girl.

"My father may have broken the rules but he doesn't want me to."

"Yea. My dad's the same way."

Kurumu settled in by the window, letting her purse rest on the seat beside her. She was surprised at Usabara's comment, knowing very little about these girls. She smiled as Yukawa sat beside her while Tarumi and Manami claimed the seat across the aisle from Yukawa. Tarumi had the window.

"I saw that you took the college entrance exams."

Yukawa sighed, slouching her shoulders.

"Yea, but I didn't get accepted anywhere."

Kurumu frowned as the seats in front of her were quickly claimed by Nijiro and his friends. The four kappa girls were already making their way down the aisle.

"What do you plan to do?"

"I guess I'll just hang out at home until my dad finds someone willing to marry me."

Kurumu grimaced, leaning forward to see the two girls in the seat across the aisle behind Manami. The other graduate had taken the aisle.

"What about you? Did you take the entrance exam?"

"No. I'm going back home to help my mother take care of my grandmother."

"Miyoko and her mother moved to Aranami over a decade ago when her grandfather passed away."

"Oh? What about your father?"

The graduate smiled with a glint in her eyes which were as dark and deep as an abyss.

"He works for Fairy Tale in Umiman. He lacks the constitution to live in Aranami."

"Yea. My mother had that problem. That's why she's no longer with us."

Kurumu's heart fluttered at Yukawa's somber tone.

"Oh. I'm sorry for your loss."

"Unlike Wakumi, her mother isn't dead."

Yukawa pouted at her friend.

"She may as well be. We haven't heard anything from her since she remarried."

Kurumu smiled thinly, hearing the driver clamber up the steps. He chuckled before closing the door.

"I hope everybody knows that this bus is headed to Tsushimi village. Last chance to get off."

Nobody spoke up as Mr. Nurari cackled. The engine roared as the bus jerked forward. The driver turned the bus around in a tight arc as the road was wide enough to allow that. Once he had straightened out in the opposing lane, he accelerated down the road.

Kurumu glanced out the window, noting the clearing once again. The solitary tree with the ocean view behind it was only visible a moment before they turned. Darkness swallowed them up as they entered the tunnel. With Mr. Nurari's special powers, they could emerge from any tunnel in Japan.

"I'm a little surprised nobody was there to see you off."

Kurumu smiled at Yukawa's comment.

"I already said my goodbyes in the dining hall."

That had been a lively encounter. Tsukune had already been in the company of Tora and Ginei had shown up before Kurumu had left. Apparently Ginei was helping Tora move her belongings today. Her friends were probably on their way to the school office to collect the keys to their future dorm rooms.

Kurumu had misunderstood Tora's new room situation. While the sphinx was moving into East dorm, room 209, the current occupant, Kagayama, was actually joining Tsubuyama in suite 104. Kurumu had misheard Tsubuyama, thinking she was moving into suite 109 which had belonged to Fumusuna's twin sister and Komida. But that was actually the new room assignment for Hajihachi and Roniushi. Kurumu felt bad that she had not realized her error until today, having not talked with Tora since last weekend.

The darkness diminished and a moment later they were out of the tunnel. Green foliage greeted her before a small parking lot came into view. In seconds they passed the lot and only a metal fence stood between the bus and the expanse of ocean on her left.

"I don't know much about Sado Island."

"Neither do I. My whole world has been Aranami, Umiman and Yokai Academy."

Kurumu smiled, reaching over to place her hand on Yukawa's thigh.

"You should change that."

The small graduate blushed, placing her hand on Kurumu's. The bus sped by a string of houses on the right as the ocean remained on the left.

"I don't have the money to travel."

Kurumu knew that was a fair protest as the row of houses soon ended. A hill covered thickly with trees stood on the right as they passed a red sign on the left with the number fifty. The bus followed the curve of the road, passing under a blue sign with distances to unfamiliar destinations.

"What does your father do for work?"

"Lots of things. Many men of the community gather food, repair houses, and protect the village."

"So he works for the village?"

"Yea. Though it's probably not the way you are thinking. We don't use money."

"What?! How do you pay for tuition?"

Tarumi giggled as they passed by a stone step on the left which went up to a raised dais with the view of the ocean beyond. The girl waved her hands animatedly.

"The community will pay for smart girls like Yukawa. But dummies like me and Wakumi have to fend for ourselves. That's why both our dads work in Umiman."

"Our community provides most food and free housing so there isn't much need for money."

"So you don't have any shops?"

"Mr. Umiyuri has a novelty shop and the Nurasume family run a grocery store."

Kurumu frowned at Yukawa's revelation, recalling Nurasume to be one of the graduated cheerleaders. The other one, Tanigawa, was Tarumi's cousin. During lunch earlier this week, Tarumi had mentioned that the pair had already left campus.

"Grocery store? But you just said food was provided."

"They carry stuff that can't be scavenged from the nearby environment."

"Yea and they'll trade for favors if you don't have money."

Kurumu nodded at Tarumi's input, taking note of their surroundings. A stone barrier flanked the road on the left with the ocean view beyond. Houses continued to line the road on the right side but there was no depth to the community. The forest stood immediately behind this single row of domiciles.

"Is everything in your village submerged?"

Several girls giggled at her question as the boys in front of her chuckled.

"Yes, Kurumu. Only the hotel run by Akenuma's uncle has a permanent air pocket."

Nijiro's answer only left her with more questions.

"I've never thought about this but how did you guys do homework? Can you write on wet paper?"

"You can if it is thick enough. My father works for the place that provides the materials to the schools in Aranami and Umiman."

Kurumu nodded at Tarumi's revelation. She had always known that the junior high in Umiman was submerged. Not that long ago she had thought the whole city of Umiman was underwater but had recently been told about part of it being in an air pocket.

Kurumu looked about, noting that the scenery was pretty much the same as it had been earlier. There was not even any intersecting roads going up into the wilderness. Then again, it was not like she had been paying that close attention to that side of the road. She might have missed seeing one.

"What kind of stuff is sold at that novelty shop?"

Yukawa shrugged with a slight smile.

"Toys. Trinkets. Stuff to help pass the time."

"No kidding. It's dreadfully boring in Aranami."

Manami giggled at Tarumi's declaration.

"That is true. We spend most of our free time hanging out with friends."

Kurumu nodded, regarding what must be a manmade rock formation on her left. She glanced to her right just as they passed by a single lane road cutting between two houses. The narrow road vanished into the forest. Kurumu wondered if that was a private drive or a hiking trail as the bus continued on.

For several moments there was nothing but ocean on the left and trees on the right. Kurumu sighed, thinking about her many trips through Japan over the last year. Much of it had been through pretty countryside but she had also been in the cities of Niigata and Kofu.

"How good is she at seeing in the dark?"

Usabara's inquiry caused Kurumu to look away from the raised concrete barrier lining the shore.

"After my eyes adjust, I'm usually okay."

"She'll probably need to pick up some light sticks. It's very dark in Aranami."

"I'm pretty sure that scuba rental place will have them."

Kurumu felt nervous from the banter between Yukawa and Akenuma.

"Is it really that dark?"

"Yes, Ms. Kurono. My dad has a bunch of bioluminescent plants to brighten up the interior of our home but you would never be able to find our house from the outside without a light."

They passed by a small parking lot and for the first time, Kurumu had buildings blocking her view of the ocean. The bus coasted through a small community which even had a road going off to the right to more houses that were not directly flanking this road. This lasted only a minute or so before the view of the ocean was once again unimpeded and the hills covered with trees claimed the right side of the road.

The silence continued in which they passed another solitary warehouse on Kurumu's side. A small stretch with an ocean view followed before more buildings on both sides of the road. At first, everything on the ocean side felt more like businesses than residences. Then it was houses. More businesses. None of these structures looked new. It would not surprise her if this was all decades old.

This was definitely another community but it was all built alongside this road. She could not see the ocean with the homes and businesses blocking her view. Very little space was between the structures. The humans had used as much as possible.

There was a brief stretch of what might have been a farm field before the houses resumed. One of the buildings on her left had a sign identifying it as a beauty and barber shop. An intersecting road cut off to the right, disappearing into the woods. Houses crouched closer to the road.

Occasionally Kurumu would spy red vending machines with the Coca Cola label. She assumed they were placed in front of shops. Flanking the road were poles supporting power lines and telephone cables with cords coming down to the roofs of each of these establishments.

They broke free for a moment and Kurumu saw up ahead what was likely an apartment building. To the right was a torii gate with a post declaring the Yoshizumi Shrine. A smattering of buildings on both sides followed shortly after. These had more open space between them.

"Are you staying the whole spring break?"

Kurumu tore her attention away from the scenery, smiling at Yukawa.

"Just for a week. We scheduled Mr. Nurari to pick me up next Monday."

"Yea. She's staying for my birthday!"

"Which will be underwhelming."

Tarumi pouted at Uta's remark.

"Not necessarily. Maybe we could celebrate it in Umiman."

"That's a lot of swimming for her to do in one day if she's coming back to Mr. Akenuma's hotel."

Manami giggled, nodding at Uta's sentiment.

"Yea. We can figure out something else to do."

Kurumu smiled, noting that they were in another community with houses lining both sides of the street. Once again everything was built so close together.

"If your father isn't around much, maybe you should hang out with us instead of staying home."

"If that is okay with whomever is in charge."

Kurumu frowned at Yukawa's response.

"In charge?"

Manami smiled thinly as they cruised by a gas station on the left which had a yellow shell on its sign.

"If we hang out with other kids, the oldest and strongest calls the shots."

"And they tend to not allow half breeds to hang out."

"That's not out of malice. You girls swim slower than mermaids and have worse vision than kappas. That makes games less fun for everyone when we have to cater around your disabilities."

"Gee, thanks."

The other graduate giggled, making a dismissive gesture.

"Ms. Uta is being fair, Wakumi. They don't want to worry about us getting hurt."

"Exactly. But since they'll be hanging out with Ms. Kurono, they can't be doing anything too crazy. I'm sure that Ms. Yukawa would be allowed to participate."

Tarumi nodded emphatically at Uta's statement.

"Yea. Perhaps a game of nipping tails? That's super safe."

"Nipping tails?"

Manami smiled at Kurumu's confusion.

"It's basically a game of tag."

There was a break in the buildings on Kurumu's side. Beyond a vacant lot was the view of the ocean. She mildly wondered how much further they had to go as the land leveled out on both sides of the road. A huge field of grass stretched away from the road on the right. This lasted only a moment before they were once again flanked by homes and trees.

Kurumu's thoughts wandered over the nature of these girls as they continued passing by the scenery. Her friend, Yamabato Kamitsuku, had a mermaid mother and an undine father. The kappa from the film club had lived next door to Tsukune.

"Uta said something about kappas. Aren't all undine half breeds kappas?"

Yukawa's friend laughed as the tiny girl blushed.

"Not necessarily. It depends on what your true form looks like."

"Are you monstrels?"

Yukawa shook her head vehemently.

"No. The closest thing in folklore to what we are is the naga. It can happen when an undine has a child with a human or a yokai that is very close to being a human."

"My father is a rokurokubi while Asahi's mother was a field mouse. That's why she's so short."

Yukawa gasped as the other girls giggled at the graduate's declaration.

"That's not why! My mother was just short. And she was a futakuchi, not a field mouse!"

Kurumu giggled, spying mountains on the other side of the ocean view on her left.

"Is that the mainland?"

"No. That's more of the island."

Kurumu nodded as trees started to block her view of the ocean. To the right was some homes nestled at the foot of the wooded hillsides. They cruised through an intersection with an actual traffic light. A road veered off to the left, disappearing behind these residences. Only a steep hill that was shored up with stone topped with white railing stood to the right.

"What about Usabara's mother?"

"My father killed her."

"Oh hush. She died in childbirth."

"My father could have taken her to the hospital but he was too scared that I wouldn't be normal."

"Your mother was human?"

"Yea. And since he had no idea how to take care of me on his own, he returned to Umiman to beg his sister to take care of me. Once they confirmed that I could breathe underwater, I was moved to Aranami to live with my grandparents. I only see my dad when he feels like it."

The graduate sighed with a slight shake of her head.

"You must have seen him plenty of times during your junior high years."

"I don't want to talk about this stuff. It's not like Ms. Kurono cares."

Kurumu bit her lip, restraining her urge to defend herself. It was not like Usabara was wrong. This was only small talk to pass the time. To Kurumu, Usabara was just a girl from Kokoa's old homeroom and was going to be roommates with Doronuma Kiriko, the singer of the music club. Doronuma had also been from Kokoa's homeroom and was childhood friends with Taniguchi Nagisa, one of Kokoa's special girls.

The blue sign mounted to a post on the right side of the road revealed an intersection up ahead. The road they were on was 45 and the road marked with 81 would veer off to the right. There was no traffic light but it was obvious when they passed it. An Eneos gas station was on the right corner with a huge, multi-story apartment building behind it.

It soon felt like they were in an actual city as they passed by the Ryotsu general gymnasium which was set back from the main road. They passed through another intersection with lights as more multi story buildings came into view. It was impossible to see anything beyond the structures crowding in.

The bus slowed down, coming to a stop at a red light. Kurumu suspected this building on the left was a restaurant based on the sign. She breathed in deep, wondering if she was making a mistake here. It was not like Kokoa's visions included thoughts or sound. It was the future through her eyes. She was not to be alone ever. Not even in the hotel.

The bus lurched into motion, trundling across the intersection. They passed by several businesses before a huge blue sign warned them of an intersection. If they continued forward, they would be on 350. If they turned right, they would also be on 350. The bus driver slowed down, once again coming to a stop at the light of that intersection.

"Akenuma? Will your uncle mind if I share my hotel room with someone?"

"It's a small town, Ms. Kurono. He'd have to ask Mr. Amesuki's parents first."

Kurumu blushed at Akenuma's smirk, shaking her head.

"I wasn't meaning for Nijiro to be with me. I was hoping that Manami or Tarumi might stay with me."

"I don't see why that would be a problem."

"I'd have to ask my parents first."

Tarumi nodded excitedly at Manami's remark.

"Same. It might be cool spending the night in a hotel."

"Sad when a hotel stay sounds more fun than going home."

Kurumu chuckled softy at Manami's comment as the bus started a slow right hand turn. The driver revved up the engine as he sped down the side street, passing through another intersection with traffic lights. This street was flanked mostly with two story buildings much like the drive along the coast had been. But unlike the coast, not even grass grew in the space between these structures.

Perhaps because this was Saturday morning, the traffic on the road was light. They eased through the next green light without having to slow down, passing by many shops with glass storefronts. It was only seconds before they passed through the next favorable traffic light.

They followed the curve of the road, passing by a convenience store. They rolled by the next green light with buildings on either side. A street running off to the left had a view of the ocean beyond.

"The ocean again."

Yukawa giggled, shaking her head.

"No. That's Lake Kamo. Tsushimi village is hidden beneath it."

It always amused Kurumu how monster villages were hidden within the human world. Continuing down the road, they passed by a Suzuki auto repair shop. Things opened up on the other side of the next green light with a field on both sides. She smirked at the Hotto Motto sign of building coming up on the left, knowing that place provided boxed lunches. It shared a parking lot with the Kodama drugstore.

A short way down the road on the left was a unique building with a curved roof. The sign facing the road declared Mastermind. Not much farther down on the right was another Eneos gas station. They passed by both with the bus picking up speed due to the lack of lights and other vehicles.

They zipped by a pachinko parlor on the left, slowing down near a Save On convenience store. The bus eased into a left hand turn, going down a street that flanked the convenience store. Moments later they were cruising between fields. The road curved right at a residence, continuing with fields on either side.

There was not much to see for the next minute of the drive which was only interrupted by a bridge over a small creek. Eventually they reached the trees they had been approaching, starting up an incline with concrete shoring up the hill on the left side. A building on the right greeted them upon cresting the hill.

The other buildings scattered about on either side of this road were not in the best of shape. It would not have surprised Kurumu if some of them were abandoned. The bus followed the road curving down to the left with trees rising up on both sides. As the descent continued, the woods to the left opened up, revealing a view of water before them.

The road curved to the right and leveled out. Structures built on the water's edge stood off to the left of the road. The bus trundled along the paved path which kept the narrowing body of water to the left. She could see the forest on the other side which also had structures built on the water. She almost asked what they were when she realized that they were boathouses.

The road they were on reached the end of the water. But instead of taking the smaller road that flanked the other side of the water, the driver kept them up the main path which ascended into the woods. They followed the curve to the left, coming to the top of the hill. The bus immediately made a left hand turn, barreling deeper into the woods.

There was not much to see for the next few minutes of the drive. The road narrowed to the point that no other vehicle could have had a hope to pass them. Trees flanked either side as they continued on a road that had become gravel. The anxiety Kurumu felt intensified.

And then they were out of the woods. The bus pulled into a parking lot on the right, coming to a stop. He pulled the lever to open the door before hopping out of his seat.

"Quickly off, ladies and gentlemen. I have another route to get to after this."

Kurumu snorted as she stood up, hefting up the strap of her purse to settle upon her shoulder. Most students thought Mr. Nurari's powers were limited to manipulating space. This mischievous character could also slip back in time. He would not be late for the next group even if this took an hour.

"You can go first."

Yukawa smiled at Manami's offer, stepping out into the aisle. Kurumu followed the short girl as they made their way up the center aisle of the bus behind Yamashita. Nijiro was ahead of the young man, turning at the front to descend the steps on the heels of Takanuma.

In seconds, Kurumu got off the bus. The four kappa girls had already moved to the back of the bus to fetch their luggage as the undine girls exited the vehicle behind Kurumu. Beyond the parking lot were a few trees and a view of the lake. The thick scent of the ocean hung upon the air.

"Follow me."

Akenuma took off the moment Usabara got off the bus. He moved around the front of the vehicle, prompting Kurumu and the others to follow. She noted that the drive that flanked this parking lot continued on to a shrine surrounded by trees, but Akenuma was intent on a small thicket nearby.

"I'm a little surprised that you and your roommate don't have any luggage."

Yukawa laughed softly as they crossed the gravel path.

"We donated most of our things before we moved out of our suite."

"You moved out earlier this week?"

"Tuesday night. We've been staying with Wakumi most of this week."

"I've been with Wakumi. She's been with her boyfriend."

"It was just one night! And he's not my boyfriend."

Kurumu giggled as she followed the boys into the thicket. But it was only a few seconds before Akenuma stepped down through the ground. She frowned slightly as Takanuma and Nijiro followed the young man into an eerie descent.

"An illusion?"

"Yea. It hides the ramp down to Tsushimi village."

Kurumu nodded at Nijiro's answer, resuming her pace. She followed Yukawa through the ground, feeling a surge of energy tickle her calves. The sensation rose up her thighs and torso as she descended deeper through the illusory barrier.

"Couldn't a human fall through this?"

Kurumu fully slipped below the illusion, seeing that she was in a tunnel which was curving downwards. Circular lights were protected by thick glass framed in the concrete floor of the ramp, illuminating their descent. Kurumu noted the dirt and leaves scattered about the path beneath her as Nijiro shook his head further down the ramp.

"No. That illusion has a ward on it that picks up on spirit energy. So if you're a monster that needs to suppress your true form, it will let you through."

Kurumu nodded, following the slow curve deeper down. It reminded her of that time she had gone into a cave back in Okinawa world.

"But that ward lets stuff through, right?"

"It would be hard to bring supplies down here if it didn't. It keeps the wildlife out though."

The path finally leveled off as they entered a large chamber. The dim lighting revealed a line of gates barring their path. Two dark haired, stout men stood at a wide gate off to the side. A lady was stationed at each of the three narrow gates. The short woman was buxom while the other two brunettes were tall and thin. All five were garbed in the black uniforms of Fairy Tale which consisted of long sleeve jackets and slacks. Judging by the lack of tassels on their sleeves, none of them held a rank of significance.

As the four guys lining up at the gates of the two brunettes, Kurumu veered off to the one monitored by the buxom lady. The woman perked up at her approach.

"State your business in Tsushimi village."

"I'm passing through to Aranami."

"From Yokai Academy? Go on through."

The lady motioned for her to go through. Kurumu pushed the turnstile bar blocking her path forward. It rotated down out of her path as she crossed to the other side of the gate. She turned about as Yukawa was similarly asked to state the purpose of her visit. Kurumu grinned as Nijiro drifted over to her side.

"Here I thought they might make us show identification."

"They have been talking about implementing badges for years. But there are several small villages like Aranami with residents that only come to Umiman for the junior high."

"And access to Fairy Tale services."

Nijiro shrugged at Yamashita's addition.

"That's not as often as you might think."

Akenuma chuckled as the last members of their group were being checked out by the guards.

"You would think they would at least require guest passes, considering everyone entering Kuminagawa needs to have one."

"Kuminagawa?"

"Home to Ishou Academy. Umiman also has a station going there."

Usabara and Uta drifted over to them, prompting Akenuma to stalk off.

"Do you think they'll let us use the elevator?"

Takanuma snorted as the group followed the young man to the far side of the chamber.

"Not likely. That's for shipments."

"Won't hurt to ask."

They exited the chamber, walking a short way down a wide hall. Two more men dressed in Fairy Tale uniforms flanked a metal door at the end of this corridor. Both were tall with dark hair. The more buff of the pair had a full beard with strands of silver while the other had sunken eyes and a gaunt face. Both men straightened up as Kurumu's group neared.

"Any chance we can take the elevator?"

The buff guy chuckled in a deep voice while the other man smirked with thin lips. The big man thumbed to the right where the hall turned.

"Take the stairs."

Akenuma let out a dramatic groan as Takanuma laughed. The two guys in the lead turned at the end of the hall. Kurumu was not far behind the boys, making the turn a few seconds later. It was only a few steps before the hall became a stair. Railing was mounted to the walls as they went down a flight onto a square landing. They turned left and started down another flight to another landing.

The flights of steps and landing continued several times, always turning left. Kurumu could tell that they were effectively walking about the elevator shaft. A strip of lights were mounted to the sloped ceiling with a bigger square light centered above each of the landings. She laughed softly upon making the third complete circuit, shaking her head.

"How far down does this go?"

"Too far. Now you know why I asked."

Kurumu smiled softly, holding the strap of her purse as they continued the descent. The sharp sounds of their shoes upon the concrete steps increased Kurumu's sentiments of this being like a cave. She soon lost count of how many flights and landings she had crossed, knowing she had at least doubled or even tripled her progress since she had first spoken up.

Easily three if not five minutes passed before they reached the bottom. They passed by another set of Fairy Tale guards watching over the elevator door. Kurumu shivered slightly as the portly one of the pair appreciated her curves with more attention than these boys or the other guards. She swallowed thickly, keeping up with the group as they continued their journey.

Kurumu gasped when she stepped out into a massive cavern. She could not see the sky. It was just black. Her eyes trailed down, noting many lights coming from squat structures in the distance. A smooth paved path stretched towards that community with lampposts marking the way.

"We're over here."

Nijiro motioned for her while pointing at the other boys making their way off to the right. A single story building stood at the end of the path with a pair of Fairy Tale guards flanking an open archway. Kurumu nodded dumbly, following on Yukawa's heels.

"Is that Tsushimi village."

Yukawa nodded, pointing to the community on their left.

"Yea. Though I can't say that I've ever explored that place."

"Doubt there is much to see. Back in junior high, the students from Tsushimi village often talked about how there was nothing to do back at home."

Kurumu giggled at the other graduate's comment. She glanced back, noting that Usabara was walking with Yukawa's friend behind the undine girls. There was no sign of the kappa students whom had rode the bus with them.

"Is there a lot to do in Umiman?"

"Topside has a theater, restaurants, karaoke and an arcade."

Guessing that was the part of Umiman that was not submerged, Kurumu followed the boys through the open archway into the simple building. Lights were suspended by black cables attached to an unseen roof. A stone concierge stood in the center of the vacant chamber. A frail woman with a ponytail was stationed at the concierge. Like all of the guards, she was garbed in Fairy Tale attire.

A pair of guards hovered at each of the four stone doors lining the wall behind the concierge. Each door was flanked by a white sign with a black number in the center. A cursory glance confirmed that those doors and the open archway were the only apparent means of leaving this main chamber.

The woman glanced up from her station as they closed in on her location. The dim lighting cast shadows across her delicate face. She cocked her head at an inhuman angle when they arrived.

"Yokai Academy students."

Akenuma chuckled heartily, placing his hands on the glossy counter which reflected the overhead lights.

"Yes, Ma'am. Heading to Umiman."

The woman started writing in a register as her dark, glistening eyes swept over the group.

"Eleven of you. Go to room one and await further instruction."

Akenuma took off, prompting the group to follow. Kurumu walked alongside Yukawa as they veered towards the farthest door on the right. The dark haired guards assigned to this door were average build and average height. One had shaggy hair while the other had a well-groomed crew cut. The shaggy haired one bared his fangs in a familiar inugami grin, appreciating Kurumu's curves as the other moved to open the door.

Now that she was closer, Kurumu realized that these doors were secured like the ones she had seen in that Titanic movie long ago. The guard finished spinning the wheel to unlock the heavy door. It was not rounded like the boat doors but it had the huge hinges on this side. The guard grunted as he eased the heavy, rectangular door back.

"Get inside."

The shaggy haired guard thumbed into the dark room. Akenuma was first to comply, stepping over the calf high lip. As he was the tallest of the guys, he had to duck his head as he passed through the portal. Takanuma being the same height of Usabara was the shortest of the guys. He entered next without any issue. Nijiro and Yamashita were about the same height. Neither needed to duck.

Kurumu shuddered at the lechery the guard favored her as she followed Yukawa into the dark chamber. The only light came from the open doorway. She absently grabbed hold of the short senior's upper arm as she drifted deeper into the room. Glancing over her shoulder, she watched the other girls enter.

Kurumu let out a shallow breath as the door was closed, depriving her of the light. In total darkness she heard the door being secured from the other side. Once that noisy process was concluded, she quickly became aware of the beating of her heart and the subtle sounds from her companions.

"So. What happens next?"

"We get transported to Umiman."

Kurumu laughed at Nijiro's answer, supposing that was obvious.

"By magic?"

"I don't really know. This transportation system was built back in the seventies."

Uta snorted at his remarks.

"Fairy Tale practically built the whole damn city. Umiman was a tiny undine community about the same size as Aranami before Fairy Tale decided to have a foothold in the underwater world."

"True. But it was their decision to put an underwater junior high there that influenced Aranami and a lot of other small communities to take education seriously. Before that, most people were homeschooled."

Kurumu perked up at Nijiro's declaration.

"Does that mean the school in Aranami is relatively new?"

"It was built after the junior high."

"Which is kind of sad when you think about it. Tsushimi village at least had an elementary school."

Akenuma chuckled at Uta.

"That is why it got picked to have a jump station. All of the other kappa villages in this area were about as developed as Aranami."

Kurumu staggered with a gasp, suddenly feeling more pressure about her. It was like the air about her had suddenly became thicker. Kurumu steadied her breathing while clutching Yukawa's arm.

"Feels like we're home."

The cranking of the door answered Yukawa. After a few creaks and grumbles, the door was drawn back. Light spilled into their chamber, revealing the outlines of her companions.

"Step on out."

The girls closest to the opening acquiesced to the man's instructions. Yukawa patted Kurumu's hand before taking a tentative step towards the light. Kurumu followed the tiny girl's lead, watching the girls ahead of them step over the lip into the adjacent chamber. Her eyes had still not fully adjusted to the light source when she stumbled through the opening behind Yukawa.

Kurumu shivered from the sexual appreciation directed upon her body. She glanced at a stout man, noting the Fairy Tale uniform. The dark haired guard hastily averted his gaze as he would have done for any girl noticing his attention.

"Come on, Ms. Kurono."

Yukawa's encouragement made Kurumu smile meekly. It was difficult to breathe this thick, musty air and her body felt sluggish. Thankfully Yukawa had a short stride which was easy to match.

This dimly lit chamber was much like the one in Tsushimi village. Lights were suspended by black cords from the darkness above and there was a concierge in the center of the room. Two ladies were stationed there, chatting with each other. One had dark, wavy locks cascading down the back of her black uniform while the other had frost blue curls almost reaching her narrow shoulders.

Their group had emerged from a hatched door near this chamber's corner. The wall behind them had two other doors while the one they were walking along had on arched opening leading out. Across the chamber were three more doors while the last wall had six, making twelve doors in total. Each of these hatches had a pair of male guards.

It felt like forever before Kurumu passed beneath the arched opening. It was as dark outside as it had been inside the building. A row of lampposts illuminated the concrete beneath her feet and the nearby structures. The street stretching out before her was flanked by sprawling, three story structures.

"There you are!"

A wiry gentlemen with carefully trimmed, inky black locks stepped off the central porch of the building on their right. He was garbed in a Fairy Tale uniform without any tassels and had a pair of glasses with an oval wire frame resting upon his thin nose. He grinned broadly as the other graduate hurried ahead of the boys to embrace the man.

"Morning, Mr. Ranryuu."

The father chuckled, patting the graduate on the back as he looked over the group. He loosened his group which the young woman promptly turned into a side hug.

"Morning, young man. It's Akenuma, right?"

"Right you are."

"Would you care if Wakumi stays with us over the weekend?"

The father shrugged at his daughter's request.

"I don't mind if her grandparents are okay with it."

"I doubt they care if I'm gone two more days."

"They might if they are expecting you."

Yukawa giggled, patting Kurumu's hand which still had hold of her arm.

"I already promised to tell them, Mr. Ranryuu."

The father glanced Kurumu over with mild interest.

"I don't recall seeing this girl before."

"That is Kurono Kurumu. She's dating Mr. Amesuki."

The father nodded at his daughter's answer, glancing at Nijiro.

"Is this girl from Umishiro?"

The boys chuckled as Nijiro offered a sheepish smile.

"She's not an undine, Mr. Ranryuu."

"Oh? Well she is very pretty."

Kurumu blushed at the man's appraisal, taking note of the nearby buildings. Carved in the arch over the double door in the center of that porch was the hiragana characters identifying this as the Umiman Fairy Tale Headquarters. The identical building across the street had the same style of lettering, revealing that was the Umiman hospital.

"It will be fine, Father. From what I understand, Mr. Amesuki doesn't plan to live in Aranami."

"That is correct. I hope to be accepted into a business college in Tokyo."

The father laughed heartily, giving his daughter a slight squeeze.

"Well that changes things. I was wondering if I should warn you about the difficulties of being with an undine whom prefers living underwater."

"Maybe I can help mother convince grandma to move to Umiman."

Mr. Ranryuu smirked with a slight shake of his head.

"It would just go back to how it was before. She's never liked how bright things are up here."

"But you could at least see each other every day."

Kurumu mulled over the exchange for a moment.

"You didn't live with your wife in Umiman?"

"No. Miruna decided to get her own place at the bottom of town within a year of our marriage. It also doesn't help that her parents never supported us being together."

"But you married her anyways. Were you classmates?"

The father favored her with an amused look in his soft brown eyes.

"Not really. I took choir as my free elective for my last year at Yokai Academy and Miruna just happened to be interested in joining the choir."

"Mother barely remembered him when their paths crossed again."

"It had been over four years and it's not like I had spoken to her during that one year we shared."

Kurumu smiled softly.

"How did you two meet up again?"

"I joined Fairy Tale and Umiman was my first post. Miruna's parents brought her in to register her with the matchmaking service Fairy Tale provides."

"And he took advantage of Mom being vulnerable and desperate."

The father gasped at the accusation made by the grinning graduate.

"Slander. We fell in love and you were born soon after."

"It was a rushed wedding that was held in Shizukana where my other grandparents live."

"Well Miruna's parents made it clear that they weren't going to attend so that only made sense."

"Should we head over to the scuba gear place?"

Attention shifted to Akenuma whom was pointing down the street.

"I can't speak for the young lady, but I would be in no hurry to get to Aranami."

The daughter swatted her father in the chest.

"Ms. Kurono wants to meet up with Mr. Amesuki's family."

"Can't she do that here?"

Akenuma chuckled heartily, taking a tentative step away from the group.

"She's already rented a room from my uncle's hotel for the week."

"Oh. Well you should at least have lunch first. She should have one last cooked meal before she descends into the dismal, cold depths."

"I certainly don't object to that."

Akenuma snickered at Yamashita's remark.

"Yokai Academy is making you soft."

"Don't pretend like you miss having raw fish and seaweed for every meal."

Kurumu grimaced at the thought.

"I'm fine with having lunch here."

"We should stop by the scuba rental place first. I doubt any of the restaurants will be open this early."

The father nodded at Nijiro's suggestion.

"You're right about that. I'll walk with you there."

The boys started off with Akenuma and Takanuma in front. The father draped his arm over his daughter's shoulders as they settled in behind Nijiro. Kurumu finally released Yukawa's arm, shuffling alongside the tiny girl as the rest of the group followed on her heels.

Both the hospital and the Fairy Tale office would have taken up an entire block in Mononoke. It would not surprise her if this hospital was bigger than the one in Mononoke, considering how much the elders had resisted the one in Mononoke getting built. She dimly recalled Lord Chiki's memories of the Fairy Tale office in Watasora, surmising this office in Umiman was bigger.

A narrow path intersected this main street, flanking both of the large buildings. She had no idea if that was a service alley or the way to more of the city. She supposed it did not matter, paying more attention to the next buildings on this main thoroughfare.

The first structure on the left was a four story building with white lettering etched on the glass double doors which stated Drop Anchor. The broad structure had a respectable footprint but the neighboring one was even larger. That two story sprawl had movie posters mounted along the wall with a row of glass doors in the middle. The multicolored neon lettering identified the establishment as the Film Deck.

On her right was a row of identical two story buildings. The first had a sign in the shape of a mug with the kanji characters for Nomimono. The next had a simple white sign and black lettering, declaring it was Kairi's Chuubou. The third building had foregone a catchy store name, keeping things simple with a sign that promoted office supplies.

"Is that where your dad works, Tarumi?"

"Mhm. Though they aren't open on weekends."

As they passed by the main entrance to the theater, Kurumu noted that the next building on the right side was a restaurant called Kamumoto. The sign for the last building had graphics of notes and the kanji for Good Vibrations. Another sign indicated that they had karaoke on the upper floor.

"That's your music shop."

"They have a radio station in the basement so the people in the city below can hear their music."

They crossed another narrow path that intersected this main street. The next building on the right was clearly the arcade. It was the same footprint as the two buildings on her left. The one on the corner was a hair salon while the other proclaimed itself as a cafe.

Kurumu frowned upon realizing that this street ended at a building similar to the jump station. A pair of guards flanked an arched opening. Behind this structure was an inky black barrier which was dotted with white flecks. She glanced up, noting that this blackness continued overhead.

"What's that black barrier ahead of us?"

Mr. Ranryuu gestured as they neared the obstacle.

"That is the dome, young lady. It keeps topside safe from the water above."

"Are those lights?"

"No. Just paint to make it look like a night sky. It supposedly helps topsiders cope with claustrophobia."

One final structure remained on the right with a sign indicating it was a family owned grocery store. The two buildings on the left were the same as the first two. The signs of these establishments displayed a family name but the lettering below stated their services. The closer one was a hardware and repair shop while the last was the scuba gear rental place.

Akenuma arrived at the glass door to the scuba gear rental place first, tugging it open. Kurumu hesitated from going inside as the rest of the group gathered near the entrance.

"What's that structure over there?"

The father glanced at the arched opening as a trio of kappas wearing swimsuits exited the structure.

"That is the path down and out, Ms. Kurono. Most of Umiman's residents live beneath this air bubble, preferring the simple lifestyle that many villages like Aranami provide."

"Then why live here?"

Mr. Ranryuu chuckled at her confusion.

"Because Umiman is warm and the water pressure here is cozy. This dome you see overhead is actually a full enclosure nestled in a ravine far below the water at a depth the sunlight cannot penetrate. I believe the humans call this place the Toyama Trough."

Nijiro wagged his finger at the building.

"That's also where we will be leaving our things. They have storage lockers which are free to use."

"Just don't lose your key."

Kurumu nodded at Akenuma's addition, shuffling towards the open door. Her motion prompted Nijiro and Yamashita to enter before her. She stepped over the threshold seconds later.

Kurumu was surprised that the lighting in this store was dimmer than outside. A few displays were put about the room, advertising the goods. A portly man with stringy black hair looked up from behind a counter. He was topless, revealing a muddy green torso riddled with scales. His ochre eyes observed their approach with his black eyelids blinking upwards.

"How may I help you?"

Kurumu shuddered at the gurgled query, feeling the man's approval of her appearance.

"I'm here to rent some scuba gear."

"Down or out?"

Kurumu frowned at the question.

"Does that matter?"

The kappa snorted, crossing his webbed arms below his thick chest. His pudgy fingers were connected with dull green webbing.

"Topsiders can get by with normal scuba gear if they are just visiting Umiman. But if you're going out, you need heavy gear to avoid getting squished. Water outside is very heavy."

The kappa paused, pointing to one of his displays which featured motorized scooters of different sizes.

"You'll also want one of those. Even a kappa like me has trouble swimming out there. You'll never make it to Aranami on my oxygen tanks without one."

"Can't we swim her there?"

The kappa regarded Yamashita with apathy.

"I can't vouch for the speed of your swimming. You need the heavy duty scooter to guarantee arrival before my oxygen tanks run out. I'm assuming that you are staying at Aoto's hotel."

"Yea. That's my uncle."

The kappa snorted at the young man's comment from the door. He still had it open with most of the girls still waiting outside. Only Yukawa and Ranryuu had entered with her father glued to her side.

"You can refill at his hotel to make the return trip. Tanks are only good for four hours."

Yamashita and Nijiro shared a glance.

"We can get there in three."

"True. But it's up to Kurumu if she wants to save her the cost of renting a scooter."

"How long are you staying in Aranami?"

Kurumu smiled thinly at the kappa.

"My check out is on April third."

The stout man clucked his tongue which was loud enough to startle her. He shook his head, pulling out some papers from beneath his desk.

"That's over a week. I don't have a ten day rate so the best I can do is charge a weekly rate with three extra days at the daily rate."

Kurumu grimaced at his flat tone.

"How much is that?"

"The heavy gear suit and tank run about twelve thousand a day and sixty thousand a week."

"Sixty thousand!"

"Does she need the suit?"

The kappa regarded Yamashita with concern.

"Didn't you hear me? She'll get squished without it."

"Yea, but she's part undine just like Ms. Yukawa."

"You are?"

Kurumu laughed softly at Yukawa's surprise from Yamashita's revelation.

"Sort of. My birth mother was an undine."

"Birth mother?"

Kurumu managed a smile at the confusion shared by the girls and Mr. Ranryuu.

"I'm a succubus. We don't have our own babies so I was put in an undine's womb."

"If I were in your shoes, young lady, I would not risk death to save a little money."

Kurumu grimaced, knowing this guy had a point. She reached for her purse, letting the strap fall down to her elbow as she opened it up.

"I know. But I was only given a hundred thousand yen for this. It sounds like I barely have enough just to cover the heavy gear suit and tank rental. I couldn't rent your scooter even if I wanted to."

"Or light sticks. She's practically going to be blind out there."

The kappa sighed heavily at Yukawa's addition.

"Tell you what. You give me the hundred thousand and I'll let you use the scooter for free. It has a built in light so you won't have to worry about picking up a light stick."

Kurumu whimpered as she fished the hundred thousand yen out of her purse.

"So much for getting new bedding."

---

This had been such a terrible idea.

Kurumu could not stop trembling as she navigated the abyss. The light on this motorized scooter barely penetrated this darkness, only revealing things that were real close. For most of the harrowing journey, this light had been completely useless. The touch of Manami, Tarumi or even Yukawa had been more comforting. But now that they were presumably inside Mr. Akenuma's hotel, the light was showing boundaries to the endless void.

"Almost there, Kurumu."

Kurumu tried to keep her breathing under control. Every instinct of her body was to flee. She did not belong here. This was dangerous. If she had been alone, she would have panicked and exhausted the oxygen in her tanks long ago.

'I know. Please stay with me.'

Her first panic attack had happened within seconds of being jettisoned into the void outside Umiman's dome. That was when she had realized that she could still communicate with her friends despite being stuffed in this suit. A simple touch was all she needed to focus and project her frantic thoughts. If she was not so terrified, she could have done this without touch.

Manami's face turned into the light. If Kurumu had never seen Manami's true form before, she would have freaked out. Huge periwinkle eyes took up most of Manami's face with only a narrow ridge parting the orbs. Thin lips framed a mouth with rows of jagged teeth. The undine gestured ahead with fingers connected by webbing and tipped with black talons. The other hand caressed Kurumu's side.

"I got you. Turn off the scooter and let it go. Tarumi can hold it for you."

Feeling as reassured as possible, given the circumstances, Kurumu turned off the motorized scooter which she had already adjusted down to the slowest pace. She sensed Tarumi moving on her other side, aware that the rest of their group had either left or remained in the lobby. She could not stop shaking despite knowing that she would be safe when she finally settled into her hotel room.

Kurumu let go of the handles, taking hold of Manami's arms. Manami guided her through a hatched opening into a small chamber with Akenuma Aoto whom was also in his true form. The hotel owner motioned for Tarumi to join them. The back of his arm was lined with a fin just like both of the girls. This ridges of fins were also present down the spine of an undine and the back of their legs.

Once Tarumi had entered, Mr. Akenuma grabbed hold of the wheel and tugged the hatch closed. He turned the wheel several times before it came to a stop. He tugged on the portal twice before letting it go. He drifted over to the side of the small chamber, tugging open a panel and pressing a red button. An engine roared to life as the overwhelming pressure within the room suddenly dropped.

Kurumu's heart pounded in her head as the water level within the chamber steadily diminished. It took at least a minute if not two for the water to be pumped out of the room. Once the water level was below their calves, Mr. Akenuma scooted over to the wheel of another hatch.

"Oh, my head."

The hotel owner chuckled at Tarumi's complaint.

"Don't I know it. Decompression sucks as much as compression. But I'm used to it."

Mr. Akenuma had the same scarlet locks as his nephew though the hair was split by the fin running up the back of his neck and around the crest of his head. The undine finished loosening the hatch, pushing it out into the adjacent space.

"I'll need to charge up that scooter and refill your tanks. Come inside."

Mr. Akenuma was first to step over the lip followed by Tarumi. Manami still held Kurumu's gloves as she backed over the lip.

"Are you feeling better?"

'No! You are not leaving me!'

Manami giggled at Kurumu's fierce thought as the succubus entered the hotel room. It was a barren space with stone white walls that matched the floor and ceiling. It had the same charm as the cells of the prison Kurumu had once had the fortune to stay in. Kurumu continued to tremble as she drifted further away from the open hatch door.

A sharp clang caused her to jerk. Mr. Akenuma opened up a side door and motioned for Tarumi to hand over the scooter. The girl complied and the hotel owner ducked out of view with the device.

"Help her out of that gear, girls."

Kurumu could not stop shaking as the girls started feeling up her torso for the straps and latches. When that kappa said heavy gear, he had meant it. This thing had a freaking helmet that weighed almost as much as the damn oxygen tank. She felt more like an astronaut than a deep sea diver. There had been no way for her to put this cursed thing on by herself.

She felt the shoulder straps loosen, inspiring her to shift her arms. Seconds later, the oxygen tank was off her back which made her feel so much lighter. She heard a hiss when the tank was disconnected from the suit. She turned her head as Tarumi waddled off with the oxygen tank. Seeing the small girl struggle, Mr. Akenuma bounded away from the small door of the adjacent chamber to help.

"Let me take that. Get that helmet off before she suffocates in there."

Kurumu knew he was joking but her mind was not in the mood for that. She reached up at the base of the helmet which annoyed Manami. The girl batted away her hands, working on the latches.

"Let me do it. Almost there."

The latch made a pop which was followed by another hiss. Manami then twisted the helmet a quarter turn. Knowing how this worked, Kurumu hunkered down as Manami lifted up on her toes. The helmet came off and Kurumu had her first gasp of crisp, icy air.

"Oh thank goodness."

Manami giggled, bending over to place the helmet on the floor. Despite the fins on their backs, both girls had managed to tie their bikinis about their slim torsos to cover up their important parts. Manami's suit was made from black fabric while Tarumi's dark blue fabric was almost the same hue as her hair. Unlike Yukawa and mermaids, undines had two separate legs.

"Do you want the rest of that suit off?"

Kurumu nodded emphatically, prompting Manami to step back in. Tarumi pressed in against her back as both girls felt around for the seams. The hum of an engine started up as the girls finally started making progress with the suit.

"That should do it. That will shut itself off when your oxygen tank is full."

Kurumu sighed in relief when the girls peeled her out of the heavy suit certain that was steam wafting off her body. She wiggled out, feeling sticky and hot. The fabric of her one piece swimsuit was plastered to her curves. She barely registered the admiration Mr. Akenuma had for her as he noisily locked up the small compartment with her equipment.

"Just so you know, you can't leave this room without my help. If you hadn't noticed, you can't open this hatch from this room."

Kurumu shivered, glancing at the door as the man made his way over to it. As he had said, there was no wheel on this side of the hatch.

"How do I leave?"

"You can push this button by the door which will let me know you want out. There is also a bathroom."

Kurumu frowned, looking to where he pointed. She shivered, rubbing her arms. It was ridiculously cold in here. It took her a moment to see three small indents to open up panels in that wall.

"Okay. Anything else I should know?"

"One closet has bedding to keep you warm while the other has snacks. I do offer complimentary meals but most guests requiring this sort of room aren't able to eat underwater."

"But you could provide an air bubble."

Mr. Akenuma smirked at Tarumi.

"I don't do that. Too much liability."

Kurumu swallowed thickly, taking note of the man's attire. While she had been reassured that the people of Aranami would not be naked, she had not expected the men to wear speedos. His daring garment was not hiding the bulge caused by his approval of her appearance. The boys had claimed it was easier to swim with tight fighting fabric.

"Thank you, Mr. Akenuma. I won't be leaving this room today."

"Very well. Come along you two."

Kurumu instantly seized Manami's arm, shaking her head.

"Manami is staying with me!"

Mr. Akenuma chuckled, stepping over the lip into the adjacent chamber.

"I don't have an issue with that. Are both of you girls staying with her?"

Tarumi sighed dramatically, stalking over to him.

"Unfortunately I should go home to my parents. I might come back later if they let me. Her brother can tell her parents where she is."

"Yea. Nijiro will understand. He knows how freaked out Kurumu has been for most of the trip."

Kurumu hugged Manami tightly. Her skin felt rough like leather but was warmer than the stale air.

"Thank you, Manami."

"Okay. Get in here."

Kurumu closed her eyes, hearing the hatch shut. The wheel spun loudly before coming to an abrupt halt. The whir of an engine sounded, most likely filling the adjacent chamber with water. Kurumu breathed in deep, trying to calm her nerves as she continued to tremble in Manami's loose embrace.

"You're going to be okay, Kurumu."

Despite the reassurance, Kurumu kept remembering Kokoa's warnings. She had to keep one of these girls at her side at all times.

"Can we sleep? I feel so exhausted."

Manami laughed, squeezing Kurumu gently.

"I guess. Not sure what else we can do in an empty room."

Kurumu wished she could laugh.