"Do you think they'll be home?"
Kurumu strolled along a street in Mononoke, clutching the strap of her schoolbag. She was wearing her long sleeved, black, buttoned up blouse with the olive pleated skirt that had the suspenders. She had even bothered fixing the crimson, short tie which was nestled in her ample bosom. Gray booties with side zippers adorned her feet while black hose stretched up her legs beneath the skirt.
Yukari huffed, turning her nose up. The witch had on that marigold blouse with the front, center zipper hidden by a jagged black hem secured by black toggles. Her black miniskirt hugged her tiny hips and derriere with cords dangling down her outer thighs. Her slender legs were swathed in yellow stockings while glossy black, platform Mary Janes graced her feet.
"How would I know? It's Sunday so they might have slept in."
The witch also had her schoolbag on her. Like Kurumu, she had brought a change of clothes and pajamas in the event that Tokori was fine with the sleepover. After an early breakfast, the two of them had come straight to Mononoke to check up on Tsukune. Even with leaving before eight it was most likely after nine, considering it was roughly an hour long walk from Yokai Academy to the town outskirts.
Kurumu regarded the three story apartment building that was coming up on their right. That was where Atsumoto Hotori lived. The salamander was a second year math teacher and would be their homeroom teacher soon. She had graduated from Yokai Academy two years ahead of Kurumu's mother. The teacher had agreed to take in Mrs. Aono after Fujisaki had killed Tsukune's father.
"What are you going to do if Rubi has been staying with them?"
Yukari snorted again as they closed in on their destination. To the left were two squat buildings. The first one was Meals to Go and had white paneling. The next one was Dip and Sip which had burgundy siding. Customers could eat at the counter in both establishments but most preferred taking their order home.
"Put her to work. It might be better if we do that trip to Agano tomorrow instead of Thursday. She can relay that request to Grandfather while we spend time with Tsukune."
Kurumu smirked, glancing at the apartment building as they walked by it. The upper floors had narrow balconies with rods that could be used for hanging laundry though nobody was doing that today. The main entrance to the building was near the street corner.
Before they reached the glass door, Kurumu regarded the other buildings of this street intersection. The Fresh Press dry cleaner was located beside the Dip and Sip. Through the window wall facing the street, Kurumu could see a short haired man waiting at the counter for customers. Across the street was the Corner Pockets billiards hall. It was a squat brick structure with a black tiled roof. Kurumu still had no idea what the last building was used for, assuming it was not vacant.
Quickening her step, Kurumu reached the door ahead of Yukari. Grabbing the steel handle, she tugged the glass door open so Yukari could pass through. Once the witch was inside, she entered the white painted lobby, allowing the door to close under its own weight.
Very little was in the foyer. Two cushioned benches were pushed up against opposing walls. Across from the entrance was a door in the far right corner. Beside the door was a glass window behind which sat a grizzled, silver haired man with tusks jutting out of the corners of his mouth. That was Mr. Teppeki, the landlord. He glanced up at their approach with lifeless black eyes.
"We are here to see Ms. Atsumoto."
Mr. Teppeki grunted, picking up the receiver of a phone. He was garbed in a white dress shirt with a black tie about his thick neck. He pushed buttons beneath the marble counter he was seated against.
"What are your names again?"
"Sendou Yukari and Kurono Kurumu."
Kurumu smiled softly at the introduction, slightly disappointed that he had not remembered her name. She breathed in through her nostrils, thinking this meant their teacher was at least home.
"You have two students here to see you. Ms. Sendou and Ms. Kurono."
The landlord nodded his silver haired head before hanging up the receiver.
"She'll be here to let you in."
Yukari sounded an affirmative, stalking away from the counter. Kurumu hesitated, contemplating a chat with the landlord. But seeing how he was already uninterested in their presence, Kurumu simply drifted over to join Yukari by the couch.
It took a minute at most. The heavy door swung out, revealing a woman with rust colored tresses which were presently unbound. She had on a short sleeved, cherry red dress shirt with breast pockets and a pair of black slacks. She grinned, beckoning to them.
"I'm assuming you two are here for Mr. Aono."
Kurumu giggled, following Yukari into the small antechamber.
"Of course. We were a little worried that you might not be home."
Ms. Atsumoto let go of the door once they were inside the small space, allowing it to shut on its own.
"Well with us all getting paid last Friday, we already had our weekend fun. Today we are just relaxing."
A buzz sounded, prompting the teacher to tug open the interior door. Yukari murmured her gratitude before walking out into the adjacent open space. Kurumu sauntered over to join the witch, noting the two doors on her left. One was for that office Mr. Teppeki was in.
"What did you do yesterday?"
Ms. Atsumoto made a dismissive note as the other door closed behind her. Yukari started strolling down the corridor on their right, prompting them to follow.
"Watched a movie, did some shopping and went bowling. It was a long day."
The first door on the left was for the stair while the steel panel that came next was the elevator door. They passed by the laundry room which was also on the left with the door to unit 106 across the hall.
"Did you pick up new clothes?"
The salamander laughed as they passed by a set of doors facing each other. 107 was on the left with 108 on the right. Yukari was already at the door to 109 where the teacher lived at the end of this hall.
"I have more than enough clothes and I think Mrs. Aono feels the same way."
Kurumu smiled, knowing that Mrs. Aono had recovered some of her belongings when Ms. Kiyoshi had taken them to Kyoko's graduation.
"You always seem to be wearing the same black slacks."
"I have three pairs. Black goes with everything."
"We're here!"
Yukari made that announcement, having pulled open the door and entered the suite.
"Yukari!"
Rubi's happy cry brought warmth to Kurumu's heart as she entered the apartment ahead of the teacher. The young witch had already parted with her Mary Janes. As Yukari stepped up into the room, Kurumu leaned over to tug down the zippers of her booties.
"You're back early."
Yukari huffed, crossing her arms as she regarded the older witch. Rubi was sporting that black crop top with the short sleeves. Her brown, ruffled skirt almost touched the floor.
"Disappointed?"
"Not at all!"
The relief in the young man's voice was unmistakable. Aono Tsukune was seated at the dining table pushed up against the far wall close to the stove. The square table was held up by a single, fluted pillar and was flanked by three chairs with rounded backs and seats. A wicker weave was fixed to the framing of these chairs. The wood of the entire dining set was painted a rich, dark green.
Tsukune hopped up from his seat to place a hand on Yukari's shoulder. He had on that black shirt with the Dragon Ash logo and a pair of denim jeans. His mother remained seated at the table with her back to the stove. She was wearing a cream blouse with black slacks.
"Now Rubi won't be too lonely to stay at her place."
Kurumu snickered, finally free of her booties. She stepped onto the tatami flooring, taking a cursory glance of the suite. There were two open doors in an alcove on her right which were for the bedrooms. Against the alcove wall in front of her was a black shelf stacked with books, movies and music. Tucked in the corner was a stand with a television. Resting next to it against the exterior wall was a stereo system.
"How long has she been imposing?"
"Since last Monday."
"Sounds like somebody wasted no time to make her move on my Moka's man."
As Rubi sputtered protests, Kurumu drifted further into the room. The kitchen counter lined that wall between the stove and the refrigerator. There was an open door for a bathroom to her left.
"I thought you were coming back on Monday."
Kurumu smiled at Tsukune's confusion.
"Small accident at the hotel in Aranami forced me to shorten my stay."
"That's a polite way of putting things."
Rubi frowned at Yukari's statement.
"What happened?"
"Some guy was mad at us for getting him expelled so he tried to kill her."
"Expelled?! What?!"
Kurumu made placating gestures as she moved towards the group.
"A former PSC member. You probably never saw the guy. I certainly didn't recognize him."
Tsukune grimaced with a shake of his head.
"Some people I'll never understand."
"Did things go well with your boyfriend?"
Kurumu sighed at Rubi's inquiry.
"I really don't know. I unearthed a secret about his family that he didn't like."
"What do you mean by that?"
"She read his mother's mind and told him that his mom was having an affair."
Tsukune staggered back in shock as Mrs. Aono shook her head with disappointment. Kurumu flinched when Ms. Atsumoto clapped a hand on her shoulder.
"You shouldn't be using your powers like that, Ms. Kurono."
Kurumu bit her lip when the teacher withdrew her hand.
"I know. I was lashing out since she called me a whore. Funny thing is Manami and Mr. Amesuki already knew about it. Nijiro was the only one in the dark."
There was a long pause as everyone digested her revelation.
"You might want to give that young man some space, Ms. Kurono. You've forced him to see his whole family in a new light."
Tsukune nodded in agreement with his mother.
"Yea. I can't imagine what that must be like for him."
Ms. Atsumoto tugged open her refrigerator, fetching a silver can.
"What are you girls wanting to do today?"
Kurumu managed a smile, patting her schoolbag.
"We were hoping to take Tsukune out for a bit. Check the maid café to see if Satsuki is working. Ask if we can spend the night at Tokori's place and work on our spring break homework."
Yukari huffed, crossing her arms as a loud pop sounded. Ms. Atsumoto took a sip from her can.
"Because someone wouldn't do it last night."
"I did laundry last night."
"You were done with your laundry before nine."
Tsukune chuckled with warmth in his brown eyes.
"I'm finished with mine but I could help with yours."
Kurumu pouted at him.
"I don't want to do my homework with you. I'll save it for when I'm with the girls."
"Since you are here, you shall be accompanying us."
Rubi brightened up at Yukari's declaration.
"Of course! A sleepover sounds fun!"
"I'm afraid to ask but did you bring a bunch of your clothes over here?"
Rubi bit her lip as Ms. Atsumoto chuckled.
"She brought a whole week's worth. Even did her laundry here Friday night."
Yukari made a theatrical sigh.
"The first thing you must do is take everything home. Before you return, I want you to stop by the school and have a chat with my Grandfather. I need you to find out if we can do that trip to Agano tomorrow."
"Trip to Agano?"
"To visit Ms. Sakamori."
Rubi's eyes lit up and she nodded.
"Okay. Where shall we meet up once I return?"
"We can wait for you at the maid café."
Kurumu chuckled at Yukari's suggestion.
"I don't think that's a good idea. Unless Rubi is flying, she won't be back for hours."
"Which she shouldn't."
"But-"
"Consider it punishment for what you have done."
Rubi shivered though with her masochistic tendencies, it was hard to say if she was unhappy.
"I understand. I'll get my things."
Kurumu smiled as Rubi stalked by them, intent on the bedrooms.
"As I was saying earlier, we should do something else to pass the time."
"Well I have no preference for an activity."
Kurumu grinned at Tsukune's indifference as a thought crossed her mind.
"How does everyone feel about karaoke?"
The Gates of Heaven was not very busy during the lunch hours. Kurumu was sitting at one of the many round tables scattered about the dining area. The table top had been painted white while the metal post and base holding the surface up had been painted gold. The four chairs flanking each table had white cushions and gold painted metal frames.
Having been a former office space, the windows lining the wall behind her and the wall to her right were over a meter off the glossy black floor. The framing of the windows had been painted gold while the walls and the exposed structure above were white. Lights dangled from the rafters on golden cords.
Wanibuchi Bunii stood at the podium flanking the glass door entrance on the right wall. She had wavy, cornsilk tresses falling down to the small of her back. Her petite torso was wrapped up in a pink, short sleeved dress which barely reached her knees. Frilly white lace was stitched in the hems and a white apron was tied about her neck and waist. White leggings covered her skin down to her black loafers.
Her uncle whom owned this maid café was standing behind a counter in front of the wall to her left. Mr. Okada was garbed in a pinstripe dress shirt and black slacks. He had the same blond hair and cyan eyes as his niece. He was presently chatting with a dark haired man sitting at his counter.
Like the tables, the wraparound counter was painted white. An old register butted up against the far wall at the end of the counter. A black door giving access to the bathrooms and kitchen was not far off to the side of that register.
Kurumu absently picked at her taiyaki, having already consumed one. She was not particularly hungry, considering they had eaten a cheap lunch at Bottomless Bowls before coming here. Yukari had not even touched her second one and Tsukune was planning to give his spare one to his mother. She wondered how much longer they would have to wait here for Rubi.
Knowing the walk would take hours, Tsukune had paid for two hours at the Siren's Lullaby. That had been fun. Yukari was still too much of a perfectionist, worrying far too much over the quality of her singing. She had such a cute voice.
As for Tsukune. Kurumu had forgotten how gorgeous his voice could be. It was different form his normal voice. Richer. Stronger. It had been almost a year since she had last heard it, considering that had been her first trip to the karaoke place. Yukari had even been with them.
"You still here?"
Kurumu glanced up and smiled. Unari Satsuki had on an identical maid outfit but hers was baby blue. She had her arms crossed below the modest swell of her bosom as she regarded them with marigold eyes. She had short, sienna tresses which gave her a tomboyish vibe.
"We're waiting for Rubi."
Satsuki huffed at Yukari's response.
"That older girl living with you? Surprised she isn't still glued to Aono's side."
Tsukune sighed heavily.
"Rubi has been quite assertive these last few days. I woke up twice with her in my room."
"Aren't you staying with your mom at Ms. Atsumoto's place?"
Tsukune shuddered with his eyes distant.
"Yes. Neither were very understanding of the situation."
Kurumu giggled, having already heard Tsukune's woes. It was not a simple matter of Rubi feeling lonely. Rubi felt disconnected. After the fight with Alucard, Tsukune had not taken blood from Mizore or Rubi. That had not been an issue for Mizore as she now had Umizake. But Rubi had nobody.
Apparently the first morning discovery had been quite the dramatic performance. Rubi had cried a lot and her poor word choice had made the older women assume something more than blood was being exchanged. Tsukune had managed to explain the situation to the older women and had reminded Rubi that he no longer needed her blood. To calm things down, he promised to talk to Moka about it.
But then Rubi crawled into his room a second night. To prevent it from happening a third time, Tsukune had yielded to Rubi's desires. Since taking her blood, Rubi had been acting like they were a newlywed couple. The silly woman had even tried making breakfast in only an apron. Thankfully Tsukune had not been the first one to wake up to that insanity.
"If you aren't busy, you could sit with us."
Satsuki glanced about at the few customers the establishment had. Not counting Kurumu's party, it was just under ten. The nekomusume uncrossed her arms and grabbed the back of the chair. She tugged it back and stepped around, sitting down.
"I am curious why you are back a day early."
Kurumu sighed, hoping this would be the last time she was asked this question. She glanced at Yukari whom thankfully was not answering for her.
"There was an accident at the hotel which forced me to leave Aranami on Wednesday. I was staying with Ms. Ranryuu and her father in Umiman but they left town for the weekend. Instead of finding someone else to impose upon, I arranged something with the Fairy Tale office to get me home yesterday."
Satsuki nodded thoughtfully, glancing at Tsukune whom favored her a reassuring smile.
"Was it fun?"
Kurumu groaned dramatically.
"Not in the slightest. Aranami is at the bottom of the ocean."
"Thought you knew that."
"I didn't realize that meant no light and a ridiculous amount of water pressure bearing down on me at all times. I was in a fucking spacesuit a majority of the time."
Yukari snickered with a slight shake of her head.
"I honestly didn't think about those being issues when I told you not to go. For some reason I envisioned an underwater city with lots of different colored lights and Atlantean technology."
"His world was black and empty. And my hotel room was freezing. It was better being in the diving gear than huddled in a corner, shivering with only a cold blanket to keep me warm."
"Sounds miserable."
"She's lucky she didn't die. Since she was born from an undine, that accident which caused her room to flood in an instant did not kill her."
Satsuki frowned, cocking her head.
"You told us that you can't breathe underwater."
"I can't. Yukari means that the pressure didn't kill me outright because I'm part undine. I instinctively softened the water about me to avoid being crushed."
"An undine probably found her quickly and gave her CPR."
Kurumu nodded, knowing that was the only explanation.
"Yea. It took hours for me to wake up since my body temperature plummeted."
Satsuki drummed her fingers on the white tabletop.
"Was it worth going there?"
Kurumu grimaced, wondering if she should bring up Nijiro's family situation. It was not like Satsuki was unfamiliar with complicated family matters. Three years ago, she had been raped by her older brother and her mother had blamed Satsuki for it because the older brother was mentally retarded.
Satsuki's family lived in Kaigan which was where Shoudo Academy, the prefectural school of Akita, was. Satsuki had enrolled at Yokai Academy where her aunt worked to get away from her family. She had not bothered going home for her school breaks, staying with Nerume in the summer and her Grandmother in Aserutani over the winter.
"Umiman was kind of cool. Some of the underwater portion of the city was lit up just like Yukari thought it would be. The junior high was a neat design even if it was submerged."
Kurumu paused with a nod.
"And Ikinakawa was nice. Barring the lack of electricity and indoor plumbing. I ran into a former Yokai Academy teacher there. It was Ms. Utakawa and she was with her two little kids. She was my mother's math teacher that final year."
"Wasn't what I was asking. You went there for your boyfriend."
Kurumu's lip quivered.
"I think I did more harm than good."
"She told her boyfriend that his mother was having an affair."
"Yukari!"
Yukari shrugged at Tsukune's shock.
"I don't want her dramatically drawing this out. Rubi could show up any minute."
Satsuki laughed softly as Kurumu struggled with her emotions. She wanted to cry.
"I can see how that would cause trouble."
"I'm a horrible girlfriend."
"Maybe you should just break up with him."
Kurumu looked at Satsuki in shock.
"No! I can't! How could you say that?"
"I'm not trying to be mean here. I don't think you two are a good fit."
"But undines are resistant to my opiate."
"I know why you picked him but that doesn't mean anything. Lots of girls want to date within their own race. It's not the only criteria."
"Nijiro is smart. He knows exactly what he wants for his future."
"Do you love him?"
"Of course I do!"
Satsuki smiled thinly and shrugged.
"Then leaving him might be the right thing to do. You shouldn't stay with someone you love if you feel like you are only detrimental to them."
"What would you know about that?"
Satsuki sighed, leaning back in her chair.
"My parents, Kurono. My mother never really wanted to marry. But my silly father fell in love with her and thought her agreement to marry him was because she loved him back. He should have divorced her a decade ago and let her go back to her miserable and single lifestyle."
Kurumu frowned, wondering if Satsuki thought her mother was responsible for everything.
"Would that have changed anything?"
"Yes. My dad would have been a lot happier."
Kurumu had no response for that. It was not like that opinion had any guarantee of being fact.
"This might not be a fair thing to say but you did that for me."
Kurumu glanced at Tsukune. He smiled, clearly seeing her confusion.
"While I am sometimes oblivious, I know that you still love me."
Kurumu blushed, glancing aside.
"As friends."
His laugh betrayed his doubt.
"Sure. But you knew that I loved Moka more so you gave up on me."
Kurumu clenched her fists, having no desire at all to touch the remnants of her taiyaki.
"This isn't a case of Nijiro loving someone else."
"But it might be a situation where the two of you are better off as friends. Some people just don't fit."
Yukari snorted, making a dismissive gesture at him as she looked away.
"I've seen your body, Tsukune. And knowing what you did with Kurumu, this was not an issue of it not fitting. I'm genuinely concerned that you might break my Moka when you make it fit."
Kurumu's eyes widened over the duration of that rant, feeling her cheeks burn with embarrassment. Tsukune looked similar flush as he stammered out gibberish. Satsuki snickered, shaking her head.
"I don't even want to know."
"It isn't what you think!"
"What other way could that be interpreted?"
Tsukune paused, fumbling over his words.
"I'll go on the record that I also think Kurumu should break up with Mr. Amesuki. She should wait until she finds another compatible mate."
Kurumu whimpered at Yukari's conclusion, still flustered.
"But many succubi we've met have been single for decades."
"You can have a fulfilling life while being single."
"I hate to say it but I agree with Sendou here. I don't really see myself as the wife and kids type."
"Don't say that. I'm sure you'll find someone that loves you."
Satsuki favored her a patronizing stare.
"Kurono. Even if you're right, I'll never talk about my fucked up family. So it won't matter."
"That's not true. You told me."
Satsuki snickered, scooting back her chair.
"Well I'm not interested in being your partner. You're far too much trouble for me to handle."
Kurumu pouted as the nekomusume stood up.
"Don't leave. We still haven't talked about what you've been doing over the break."
"You can chat with her at the sleepover."
"Sleepover?"
"Kurumu and I intend to spend the night at Ms. Sawayaka's place. She needs to do her homework."
Satsuki snorted, pushing the chair back against the table.
"I hope you weren't thinking to ask me for permission. I'm just a guest."
Yukari made a dismissive gesture.
"I was well aware of that. You can go now."
"Brat."
"Is Tokori working today?"
Satsuki faltered back a step with a thoughtful look.
"Yea. She gets off at three. She should be home by four."
"Thanks, Satsuki. Hope to see you tonight."
Satsuki sounded an acknowledgment as she turned on her heel. She hurried over to the counter, calling out to her boss for instructions. The blond cheerfully encouraged her to help his wife in the kitchen, prompting the girl to slip out of sight behind the black door.
"What time is it?"
Kurumu giggled at Yukari's annoyed tone. She leaned over, grabbing her schoolbag. Hefting it up into her lap, she opened it up and fished out her phone. She flipped it open, noting the time before putting it back inside. She dropped her schoolbag on the floor beside her chair.
"One twenty seven."
"Already been here forty minutes. Maybe I should have let her fly."
It could not have been more than five minutes before the glass door was drawn back by Rubi. The witch paused at the podium for only a moment before spying them. She grinned broadly, waving energetically before striding purposefully across the room. Her black leather weave purse dangled at her side.
"Afternoon, everyone! I have great news!"
Yukari gave the cheerful witch a lazy look.
"Have you eaten yet?"
Rubi frowned with a slight shake of her head.
"No. I came as quickly as I could."
Yukari scooted her untouched taiyaki over to the spot in front of the vacant chair.
"You can eat that."
Rubi's eyes lit up. She tugged back the chair and hastily sat down.
"Thank you so very much, Yukari!"
"Did you speak with Grandfather?"
Rubi nodded emphatically as she picked up the treat.
"I did. He actually prefers doing the trip tomorrow. Students will be arriving on campus this Thursday so he would like to be around to help if needed."
Kurumu frowned at the revelation.
"Didn't we pick Thursday because the first bus wasn't arriving before three in the afternoon?"
Rubi took a bite, nodding as she chewed. She swallowed with a gasp.
"We did but the school changed how we transport students from other prefectures. Eighty students are registered this year so we had to make a third bus."
"But some of those students are already on campus, like Unari and Kurumu."
Rubi paused to swallow down another mouthful, nodding at Tsukune's observation.
"That is true but Lord Sendou felt it best to have three. The school sent notices to those students since the bus times changed to Thursday morning instead of Saturday. Lord Sendou wants new students to be fully settled in before they attend the ceremony."
Kurumu had a passing thought about Genzouyaki Nerume. The tiny kirin was spending the break with her childhood friend, Kakeru Chisa. Chisa lived in a remote village in the Yamagata prefecture. Knowing that place lacked electricity, Kurumu worried about the reliability of their mail.
"Can the school change plans like that on such short notice? What if people miss the bus?"
"Mr. Nurari has already agreed to run the old bus schedule this year but the Thursday arrival will be the new standard next school year for students outside this prefecture."
Yukari snorted, absently toying with her bangs across her eyebrows.
"So my Moka will be the last to leave campus and the first to come back."
Kurumu smirked as Rubi polished off the last of that taiyaki.
"Did you want the rest of mine?"
"If you don't mind."
Kurumu grinned at Rubi, pushing her second taiyaki across the table which was mostly intact.
"Not at all. We ate before coming here."
Rubi graciously took the other taiyaki, lifting it up to her lips. She took a hearty bite.
"Rubi. Did you stuff a change of clothes in your purse?"
Rubi lower the taiyaki, covering her mouth with a hand as she chewed. She smiled at Yukari.
"No. Was I supposed to?"
Yukari laughed abruptly.
"And here I almost felt bad about sending you back to the suite."
"I have to go back?"
Yukari clucked her tongue as Tsukune chuckled.
"You will need a change of clothes for a sleepover. We are also need to pick up groceries since someone left our refrigerator and pantry empty. You can take that back with you when you fetch your clothes."
"I guess I can do that."
"We also need to pick up stuff for Mrs. Aono's birthday. We will make her a cake and take her out on a picnic in the flower field where we fly on weekends."
Rubi nodded, taking a moment to devour another morsel.
"Okay. I should let you know that Ms. Atsumoto has evening plans for Mrs. Aono. Some of the teachers want to share a drink with Mrs. Aono at the Sumeragi."
"I wasn't aware of this."
"It's technically supposed to be a surprise. We need to have your mother back by seven."
Tsukune chuckled with a shake of his head.
"That shouldn't be a problem. My bigger concern is that she intends to come with us to Disney. I don't want her getting too drunk the night before."
"I'm invited to that drinking party myself. I'll look after her."
Kurumu smirked, wondering if they could rely on Rubi as the witch popped the last bite into her mouth. Rubi swallowed it down with a hearty sigh, promptly starting to suck her fingers clean.
"You better bring a pair of pajamas too. No sleeping naked at Ms. Sawayaka's house."
Rubi giggled at Yukari's stern tone, lowering her hand into her lap.
"I know. I was wearing sleep attire every night I spent with Mr. Aono."
"Thank goodness for that."
Kurumu laughed at Tsukune's declaration. She smiled at Rubi.
"Do you want to come with us to Agano tomorrow?"
"Why?"
"Yukari."
"I'm not even sure what I'll be doing there. She'll probably be bored."
"I think she should go."
Rubi frowned at Tsukune.
"I should?"
"Yes. It would be good for you to get out of town for a day."
"By that logic you should come with us."
Tsukune smirked at Yukari.
"I want to spend the day alone with my mother. Okay?"
Yukari shrugged indifferently, scooting off her chair.
"Makes no difference to me. We should go. If we're lucky, when can get this shopping done before Ms. Meirowasa gets off work."
Kurumu scooted her chair back, standing up.
"Are you going to let Rubi fly back to the apartment this time?"
"That's up to her. I don't really care how quickly she gets to the sleepover, assuming we are having one."
Rubi frowned, getting up from her chair a second after Tsukune did.
"Are you sending me back with the groceries all by myself?"
"I see no reason for all of us to go back when you're the only one whom forgot to bring clothes."
Kurumu shot the whimpering Rubi a smile of encouragement.
"Don't worry. If for some reason we can't have the sleepover, we can all walk back together."
"You're still doing your homework tonight even if that is the case."
Kurumu sounded an acknowledgment as she followed her young friend.
"Why am I the only one doing homework?"
Kurumu whined, sitting beside the low table in Mikomi's bedroom. She was already dressed down in her black chemise but had kept on her black boyshorts with the white heart pattern since Tokori did have a nine year old brother whom was sexually curious.
Satsuki snickered, holding a bunch of cards. The nekomusume sat on Kurumu's left with her back to the wall. She was garbed in a gray spaghetti string tank top and crimson cotton shorts.
"Because you're the only one not done with it."
Rubi made a thoughtful sound when Satsuki discarded a king on the pile of cards in the center of the table. The older witch had had on a gray corduroy tank top and matching shorts. Her back was against the side of Mikomi's bed. The sculpted wood frame was painted white and a fluffy pink comforter was drawn over the mattress.
"Considering how boring your trip sounded, I'm surprised you didn't do yours already."
Meirowasa Tokori sat on Kurumu's right, holding cards against the swell of her bosom. A pink camisole was stretched over her torso while a pair of white cotton shorts graced her hips. Her shoulder length hair was an even mix of black and white strands, giving the girl a peppered look. Her soft caramel eyes were fixed on the table, waiting for Rubi to play a card.
"It was underwater, Tokori. I didn't even consider bringing a homework packet with me."
Tokori shrugged, playing a three on top of Rubi's ace.
"But you had no issue bringing your phone."
Kurumu sighed, glancing behind her. In one corner was Mikomi's fancy writing desk with the dark cherry hue while in the other was the door to the main living space. Around the foot of the bed was another door, giving access to a closet.
"Which I didn't use until the trip back. I didn't even get to take pictures with it."
"Stop whining and do your homework."
The admonition came from Yukari whom was sitting in the lap of another girl up on the bed. The young witch was garbed in her panda print chemise and matching silk sleep pants. Yukari sighed as a dark blue brush was pulled through her dark locks by Sawayaka Mikomi.
Like Yukari, Mikomi had her black bangs cut across her brow but she also had side strands at her cheeks in the hime style. The rest of her silky black tresses spilled down her slender back. Her body was swathed in a beige camisole with a matching silk short. Her powder blue eyes were fixated on her task.
"We should have brought your makeup kit."
"We are going to Agano tomorrow. It would only cause trouble for Ms. Sawayaka if I left things here."
"Agano? Why are you going there?"
Kurumu smiled at Tokori.
"Going to visit Sakamori."
"Thought Sakamori was from Chirasu."
Satsuki's comment made Kurumu feel melancholy. All of these girls had known that silly redhead.
"Yea. She's in Agano now."
"If memory serves me, Agano isn't that far from Chirasu."
Mikomi's revelation sparked Kurumu's interest.
"You know where these places are?"
"My dad used to talk about the towns his students came from. He once had one from Agano which was an unusual thing since they have a high school there. I was curious where this place was and he said that Agano was somewhat between Ashikantai and Chirasu."
It was moments like this that made Kurumu wish she had a prefectural map on hand.
"I wonder if we'll pass by any communities on the drive there tomorrow."
"It's not a road trip, Kurumu."
Kurumu smiled at Yukari's mild admonition.
"I know that. I take it that your grandfather has a vehicle with a pass to get through the barrier."
"Of course he has one."
Kurumu paused as a thought crossed her mind.
"Most of the residents of Mononoke can't just leave whenever they want, right?"
Tokori snickered, playing a card on top of Rubi's.
"That has always been the case, Kurono."
Kurumu frowned, knowing they probably thought she was stupid.
"Well several people in town own vehicles, right? How do they get gas? I haven't seen any gas stations."
Satsuki perked up, keeping the card she had been about to play.
"Hold on. That is a good question."
"My mom doesn't have a car."
"My dad did which I guess is mine now. He would get it filled up at the Grease Monkey which is across the street from Mr. Idatsu's car repair shop."
Kurumu mulled over Mikomi's answer. Those two establishments shared the same intersection with the hotel and banquet hall on the north side of town. It was the first intersection in town.
"That's a gas station?"
"More like a service center. It's owned by Motegi Naoki whom also owns the Motegi Motors dealership."
Kurumu was even more surprised by that answer.
"But there isn't any cars there."
"You can order from a catalog. Mr. Motegi loves cars and takes pleasure helping people get one."
"Doesn't his store compete with Mr. Idatsu?"
Mikomi shook her head as she carefully brushed Yukari's hair.
"The guys working his place are good for putting gas in your tank and performing routine maintenance like oil changes or tire repair. If your car is broken, you need to take it to Mr. Idatsu's shop. As much as Mr. Motegi loves cars, he doesn't know how they work."
"Speaking of this…"
Tokori let her word trail off as she wagged a card.
"Elder Motegi passed away last week."
"Wasn't he one of the original founders of the town?"
Tokori nodded when Rubi placed down a nine. She immediately discarded a red queen.
"There was a big funeral on Friday. Supposedly there is bickering within the family over whom will take over the old man's spot."
"It should go to Hiroshi. He is the elder's only son."
Tokori huffed at Mikomi's declaration.
"Maybe not. His sister's husband lives at the estate and is not that much younger than Hiroshi."
"Do you even know what his sister or her husband do for this town?"
"Not really."
"Exactly. Naoki would have a stronger claim and he's not going to take that from his father."
"But Hiroshi has always been supportive of Yokai Academy."
"All of the Elders have been."
"Yea but more than others. Motegi Hiroshi also sold those warehouses on the outskirts of town so the hospital could be built. The other surviving elders look at him like they do Mr. Tensai. An opportunist whom would sell out to Fairy Tale for the right price."
Mikomi made a dismissive sound as she continued to brush Yukari's hair.
"It's not up to the other Elders. Hiroshi owned a lot of property in town even before his father passed away. I'm sure he has inherited more. If his family or the elders put up too much of a fuss, he could do just what you say they think he will do."
Kurumu paused as a disturbing thought crossed her mind.
"Does Motegi Naoki control all of the gasoline coming into town?"
Tokori shrugged, paying more attention to the card game.
"Probably. I can't think of anyone else selling gas."
Kurumu hoped this would not sound stupid.
"Could he have had something to do with the town fire?"
Tokori glanced up, bringing her cards to her breast.
"I don't know, Kurono. That stuff happened before I was born."
Mikomi sounded an agreement from the bed.
"Father said lots of accusations were cast about but nothing ever came of it. The Elders were convinced it was the work of purebloods or agents of Fairy Tale. Most of the town residents were okay with those conclusions since neither group had ever shown much respect for the locals."
"Because Mononoke is a town of mongrels and outcasts. Even the pureblood families that do reside here hated their original hometowns."
Tokori huffed at her own words, casting a card into the pile.
"But this town is dead. Nobody wants to stay here. Only people left are ones with nowhere else to go."
Kurumu forced a smile, noting the girls were almost out of cards.
"That isn't entirely true. Once the repairs at Yokai Academy are finished, Mr. Tensai will try to start up that local school project again."
"My brother might be in high school before that ever gets built."
"It's only a matter of convincing the town elders to hire teachers or let Fairy Tale handle things."
"I honestly didn't know that was part of the hold up. I just assumed Mr. Tensai was too broke."
"It's because Ms. Kurono pesters people for answers. I admit that I didn't care too much for town politics or progress. I've always felt like my father wanted me to leave Mononoke when I could."
"I don't know what my mom wants for me but I certainly don't want to stay here."
Kurumu chuckled, not questioning their decision to leave.
"I get the feeling that most people don't want to stay in the towns they grew up in. None of the kids in Aranami wanted to stay there."
"That sounds about right. My father was not from Mononoke."
Tokori nodded at Mikomi's response.
"Yea. Both of my parents weren't from here. My mom was trapped here when she had me."
"Do you feel bad about that?"
"Sometimes. But I don't really know what else my mom would do. I used to think the hospital meant a lot to her but she had no issues taking the teaching job. She's just weird."
Kurumu smirked at Tokori's response. She absently scribbled in the margins of her homework packet.
"Your mother is a nice person."
"I don't even know who fathered my little brother, Kurono. A part of me thinks mom doesn't even know. It's not like she has ever had any guys around."
"Tokori. You would have been six years old when your brother was conceived. I wasn't paying attention to what my father was doing when I was that young."
"It's not that young, Mikomi. I remember Dad leaving and that happened when I was only four. There was never any boyfriend. I remember when she told me about being pregnant because I was confused why her belly was all swollen. She's always worked the nights and I was here when she slept."
Kurumu had heard this before but it had been a long time ago. At the time Kurumu had not pressed the issue of the anonymity of the little brother's father.
"Maybe she doesn't want you to know."
"That much has been obvious for years, Kurono. And that bothers me. Was it a work relationship that she didn't want me to know about? Or maybe she was raped and felt I was too little to understand."
"I think you are old enough now."
Tokori huffed at Satsuki, gesturing a pass which meant she had nothing that could play on Rubi's card.
"She's probably too ashamed to tell me if that's the case. And a part of me doesn't even care anymore. That little turd is annoying."
Kurumu laughed, glancing at the door. The young boy in question was most likely in his room. Now that his mother was home regularly, sneaking out of his room to do as he pleased had been stifled. Before their house had burned down, he often would play video games after Tokori went to sleep.
"Maybe it doesn't matter."
"That's what I just said."
Kurumu smiled, thinking some truths were best left undiscovered. She had toppled Nijiro's perspective of his family. And for what? Just so that she could have permission to marry him? She had no idea if that was even in his best interest or hers.
"Are you going to do your homework?"
Kurumu snickered, supposing she should.
